Uwe Blog

Circle the wagons

2009-11-20T15:11:00.002-06:00

Umm

I'm surprised. Dallas Cowboys nation held up pretty well this week. I thought after that embarrassing defeat in Green Bay last week.

Maybe Cowboys fans are grabbing a hold of their emotions and realizing that 6-3 in the NFL is pretty good. And that Washington and Oakland await.

NFL is popular for a billion different reasons.

One of the reasons, I think, is because everything is so compartmentalized during the season. It's also why fantasy football is so popular.

You have a full week to get pumped up about a game. You've got the football weekend. Then the day or day and a half of getting over losing your fantasy game or your favorite team winning/losing. It happens 17 times a year. It takes up four months, but it doesn't take up a ton of time. There isn't a ton to keep up with, but, yet, it's deep.

The NFL is popular.

Five things:

Beware the Redskins Defense
They're good. They're ninth in points allowed, fifth in yards, 24 in rushing, first in passing. They've got 24 sacks and 11 forced fumbles. They're young, athletic and scary. Especially against a banged up offensive line, an anemic running game and a quarterback that'll turn it over every once in a while.

Beware Pace of Game
We see this in the NBA more than any other sport: One team is controlling the tempo and pace of the game. It's not like every NBA team couldn't run or stop down for a half-court possession. But some teams are better at it or used to it. Sometimes it's all about imposing your will on the opposing team. The fact is, the Cowboys could not play at the pace that the Packers were and that the penalties, timeouts and reviews were causing. It was an ugly game even outside of the poor play by the teams. The Cowboys need everything going fast and smooth. If it gets ugly, the Redskins get a big leg up.

Beware Ladell Betts
A back-up that probably most NFL fans have considered a really solid guy. Betts had his way last week against a Denver Bronco defense that is just two yards below Dallas in rush defense. The last thing the Cowboys want are the Redskins hanging onto the ball for 30+ minutes for the game.

Beware a Pissy Offensive Coordinator
The Cowboys and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett seems like a guy who gets pissy at fans and media questioning his genius ... or playcalling. Last week, the Cowboys simply gave up on the run. There are no other arguments about it. Will Garrett come out with a chip on his shoulder and run it 40 times to the detriment of his team. Or will he play the game that's in front of him? Remember last season: Terrell Owens cried about not getting the ball and against the Redskins they forced it his direction all game and lost.

Beware Injuries
Ken Hamlin and Marc Columbo are out. Alan Ball and Doug Free are in. Marion Barber and Felix Jones ain't looked right almost all season. David Beuhler's got a hurt pinkie toe. There are various aches and pains. If UT great Brian Orakpo is in Tony Romo's jock all day, it could prove disastrous for the Cowboys.

Prediction
Cowboys 20, Redskins 16
Too close for comfort. Redskins dumb it down, ugly it up, but to no avail.

Big XII updates its list of coaching issues

2009-11-19T22:01:00.003-06:00

McCoy, hopefully Mark Mangino won't eat him

In Colorado, they hate Dan Hawkins, who was brought in to turn the program around, showed signs of progress, but nothing concrete, got a contract extension and has sucked it up this season. Apparently, the school would love to buy him out, but the price tag is $3.4 million. Donors had to pony up $3 million to get rid of Gary Barnett. And the donors don't have the cash to get Hawkins out.

In Oklahoma, they're already dealing with Bob Stoops leaving Norman rumors. With Charlie Weis on the outs at Notre Dame, Stoops is rumored to go there. It'd be stupid to, but if coaches were smart they'd be curing cancer or splitting atoms. Frankly, Stoops looks bored at OU. If he's not motivated, how does he motivate a bunch of kids.

Finally, in Kansas, it came out that head coach Mark Mangino is not only fat, but he's a fat bastard. Former players (courageous!) came forward claiming Mangino was verbally abusive and had physical contact with players. Ho-hum. I doubt Mangino is exactly putting the fear of God into his players. He's 800 pounds. If someone who was as fat as Mangino manhandled me, I might be oddly irritated or amused.

I don't consider Mangino's actions, from what I've read, all that bad. I've heard worse from coaches and I never actually played football. Just judging from press box incidents and sideline skirmishes. It happens.

Considering this incident and what happened in Michigan where players were ratting out Rich Rodriguez, I think it's entirely possible that other hands are at play to besmirch these coaches' images in an effort to get ride of them.

To the games:

Oklahoma State 31, Colorado 28
Sans Zac Robinson, the Cowboys got down 21-10 in the third quarter. They quickly erased that deficiet. Back-up Alex Cate went 0-11 before getting yanked. Thankfully, Brandon Weeden was much better. Good new for Longhorn fans who want OSU and other UT victims to win and win some more.

Oklahoma (6-4, 4-2) vs. Texas Tech (6-4, 3-3)
Game that sunk the Red Raiders last season. In most brutal fashion. Guaranteed the Raiders smell blood. In Lubbock, their defense flying around. A banged up OU.

Kansas (5-5, 1-5) vs. Texas (10-0, 6-0)
Seven weeks ago, this was a terrifying game for the Longhorns. Even if it was in Austin, the Jayhwaks have been a tough out the last three years and then ... ZAP! Jayhawks should lose by seven touchdowns.

TCU (10-0, 6-0) vs. Wyoming (5-5, 3-3)
In a three-game stretch against Air Force, BYU and Utah, Wyoming was beat 84-10, including two shut outs. They've been shut out three times and scored 10 points twice. They are 3-2 at home.

SMU (6-4, 5-1) vs. Marshall (5-5, 3-3)
The Mustangs must focus. The division is within their reach. Just stay the course. Marshall is dangerous and SMU is kinda new to this winning thing.

Kansas State (6-5, 4-3) vs. Nebraska (7-3, 4-2)
Actually, the biggest game of the weekend in the Big XII. K-State needs it to possibly advance to the Big XII Championship game against Texas

Baylor (4-6, 1-5) vs. Texas A&M (5-5, 2-4)
The Aggies might reach 600 yards and win by five touchdowns. Might.

Iowa State (6-5, 3-4) vs. Missouri (6-4, 2-4)
I would say Iowa State doesn't stand a chance allowing 400 yards a game, but, then again, it's Mizzou. Who knows which teams shows up. I guess, at home, we think the good one.

Army (4-6) vs. UNT (2-8, 1-6)
No doubt Army's the worst 4-6 team in college football. They've allowed nine more touchdowns than they've scored. And they've beaten nobody. We'll see how bad UNT is this weekend.

SFA (8-2, 5-1) vs. Northwestern State (0-10, 0-6)
I mistakenly noted that last week was the date to determine Chief Caddo's home for the year. I mixed up my directional schools. My bad. A bad alumnus.

Go Get: Javier Vasquez

2009-11-19T21:07:00.005-06:00

My friend Skidmark Steve and I had a debate this baseball season per the definition of an ace.

Skidmark said an ace is defined by his stats. An ace has great, top-of-the-league stats. Not unlike Adam Wainwright or Tim Lincecum this season.

I do feel ace's have good stats, but I also have a less definable quality of an ace: An ace goes out every fifth day at least seven innings and 200+ innings a year. He has an "out" pitch. Meaning, with two strikes on a better, he can make that better go away without the ball every hitting the bat. He might have a 3.50 ERA and 14 wins, but he's still an ace.

Our discussion hinged on the credentials of the Atlanta Braves Javier Vasquez, who is apparently on the trading block as the Braves try to shore up their line-up with a big bat.

For the record, if I'm the Rangers, I start my offer with Nelson Cruz for Vasquez.

I like Vasquez. Why is he an ace? He's pitched 200+ innings in nine of 12 professional seasons, including five straight.

He's also got amazing control striking out 238 and walking just 44 last season and notched a career-low 2.87 ERA, although his career ERA is 4.19.

Vasquez has had quite the career. He's had double-digit wins since 2000 and typically makes his 32 starts and wins 11-15 games a year.

The truth is, Vasquez is a bit older (33), but pitches like he's 28 whereas 34-year-old Kevin Millwood pitches like he's 88. He's also a tad expensive. He's due $11 million in 2010, but becomes a free agent after that.

I think Vasquez fits perfectly in Texas. He shoots to the top of the rotation and he's not any more expensive than what Vicente Padilla would've been or was. He makes the Rangers formidable.

Byrd about to take flight, 40-man roster moves

2009-11-19T19:25:00.003-06:00

It is reported that the chances of the Texas Rangers re-signing outfielder Marlon Byrd are looking slimmer and slimmer.

As it's noted in the story, they'll miss his right-handed bat more than his prowess in the outfield.

Fact is, he's an aging player who just had his career year right before going after the biggest (and last) contract of his career. No ill will. A fine player, but the Rangers can probably find a pretty cheap and reliable replacement.

****
In other news, today was the deadline to place guys on the 40-man roster in order to protect them during the Rule 5 draft coming up.

They added Frisco Roughrider pitchers Zach Phillips and Michael Kirkman.

Those minor leaguers apparently left off and thus subject to the draft are hard-hittin' Chad Tracy, Fabio Castillo, Beau Jones (throw-in in the Mark Teixeira trade), David Paisano (Brandon McCarthy trade) and walk machine John Whittleman.

Dirk

2009-11-19T11:19:00.003-06:00

The man

The Dallas Mavericks begin and end with Dirk Nowitzki.

It's not a secret. I'm not telling you what you don't already know. However, after every season in which they don't win a NBA Championship, the naysayers and critics crop up begging management to trade Nowitzki.

Chances are, Nowitzki will never lead the Mavs to a title. Chances are, we will never see a greater basketball player in this city.

If the Cleveland Cavaliers would like to do a straight-up swap of Lebron James, I'm game. Otherwise, the German is ours. It'd be silly not to appreciate him.

Nowitzki further solidified a legit MVP season with 41 points -- netting 11 of the Mavs' 15 overtime points -- in a 99-94 win over the hated San Antonio Spurs.

Furthermore, it was a game the Mavs didn't necessarily deserved to win. They were outshot, they went 3-17 from three-point range, they were outrebounded, outassisted and out everything elsed.

One factor: The Mavs had five turnovers. The Spurs, 18. Story of the game. Plus some pretty clutch shooting from Nowitzki all without their second- and third-best players (Josh Howard, Shawn Marion), their starting center out with a mystery illness (Erick Dampier) and getting starts from Drew Gooden, Roddy Beaubois and Quinton Ross and 30 minutes from J.J. Barea.

Nowitzki had all of that on his back and he carried through. Brilliant.

Notes:
1. The first good game from Barea last night.

2. It won't last, but the contributions from Gooden are remarkable and timely. With injuries, the Mavs could've slid the last week. They haven't thanks to that double-double machine.

3. Jason Kidd is still special. Doesn't get enough credit for everything he does.

4. Still just two free-throw attempts for Kidd this season. At this point, it's fascinating that he doesn't luck into any more.

5. Roger Mason hates playing the Mavs. The dude went 2-8 last night.

6. Tim Duncan will retire sooner than later. That, friends, will be a sad day for the NBA. He's one of the top 10 basketball players I've ever seen.

7. Spurs at 4-5. Trouble in paradise?

Backing it up

2009-11-18T23:02:00.004-06:00

Same Auld song and dance

Once upon a time, there once was a hockey team that never, ever started its back-up goalie against their (everyone's) arch-rival, the Detroit Red Wings.

That team is (was) the Dallas Stars. Up until tonight. Believe it or not, the Stars won 3-1 against Detroit's back-up goalie. Either way, the two points are theirs.

Still, this isn't the same ol' Red Wings. Injuries and a slow start got them down a little.

Any win is good. Any win against Detroit is good. Any win in Detroit is like fucking Haley's comet. We'll take it, back-ups or no.

Notes:
1. Stars stopped all four of Detroit's power plays.

2. They also scored on two of five power plays.

3. Brad Richards' has 22 points in 18 games.

4. Ditto for James Neal.

5. Points in three straight for Mike Modano.

6. Stars are a salty 7-3 on the road.

7. What a difference a decent back-up goalie makes: Alex Auld has played seven games and is 3-2-2.

Insult to injury

2009-11-18T15:55:00.003-06:00

Rick Carlisle: Foiling media queries for decades

If you want the tensest 10 minutes in Dallas-Fort Worth radio, look no further than Norm Hitzges weekly interview with Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle on Wednesday mornings.

Carlisle ain't the most personable guy in the world. And Hitzges stammers and meanders through interviews like a virgin awkwardly pawing during foreplay. It's a bad mix.

Today, Hitzges started straightaway with questions about the team's injuries to Josh Howard, Erick Dampier, Tim Thomas and Shawn Marion.

The were simple enough: When are each of them coming back?

In response to Howard -- who's out again with an apparent chronic (Carlisle specifically said it wasn't chronic) bad ankle -- Carlisle said, "Next question."

Don't get me wrong. I realize they don't even want to think about Howard coming back until he's 110 percent and putting any timetable would violate that idea. However, why "next question" when you could just say at Christmas or in January?

Most interesting is the Dampier situation. Five days ago Damp went to the hospital before Sunday's Detroit game with an undisclosed illness.

My first thought: Swine flu.

However, no comment has been made. Hitzges asked anyway (assuming he'd get the stiff arm) and Carlisle admitted that they didn't want to comment but that Damp was going in for more "tests" and that he's in good spirits.

So, what the fuck does Erick Dampier have? Consumption? The clap? Rickets? Scurvy? Montezuma's Revenge?

Just saying. If it's nothing, what does it matter. Say it's "nothing." However, all the secrecy leads me to believe it's somewhat serious if Damp's being rushed to hospital and nobody really knows what's wrong with the guy.

Funnily, Carlisle said that Damp is "symptom free." Symptom free of what? And it's been ruled out he doesn't have swing flu nor did he have a stroke (!!!).

What a weird, weird story.

RIP, Reunion Arena

2009-11-18T15:46:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, every memory of the Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Sidekicks, monster truck rallies and motocrosses went up in dust within sight of the Dallas skyline.

Reunion is no more.

Texas Stadium, your time is coming.

June Jones and the redemption of SMU football

2009-11-18T14:12:00.006-06:00

The reason for the season

At the age of seven, I didn't know what the death penalty was on any level. Whether it pertained to criminal justice or the NCAA, it was a dark term, but I never fully realized what it meant to the SMU Mustangs football program.

The NCAA gave SMU the death penalty in 1987. Apparently, they were paying their players. What's worse, everyone seemed to know about it and didn't do anything to stop it.

Thusly, the hammer was laid down. No 1987 season. The next season was to be seven road games. However, the program just nixed the entire season. Assistant coaches and scholarships were stripped.

It's been 20 years since SMU football started back up in 1989. I'm sure -- and every other college football program -- has learned a lesson. Play fair or don't get caught.

Since, the Mustangs have won a total of 59 games (about 2.9 per season). They've reached no bowl games and have had just one winning season (1997) and one .500 season (2006).

The Mustangs have had six seasons of one win and one season of no wins.

SMU hasn't been just bad. They've been one of the worst programs in the nation, a laughingstock and a forgotten entity of premium college football in the state of Texas.

At times in the recent past, people have said that SMU football will never be back.

****
The most underreported story in Dallas sports right now is the revival of the SMU football program.

With a win over UTEP last Saturday, SMU notched its sixth win (4-1 in conference) and become eligible for a bowl bid. All with two games to play. Two winnable games.

There is stability with the Mustangs now. They've found themselves a good-looking quarterback (Kyle Padron), a stable of wide receivers and a team philosophy that doesn't quit or hang their head.

Most importantly, there's June Jones. The saying about quarterbacks and head coaches in football is that they get too much glory when they win and too much criticism when they lose.

Jones was hired by SMU -- thanks to a group of boosters ponying up (zing!) the money to lure him away from a preemo job at Hawaii -- in January 2008. On the surface, a lot changed about the attitude of SMU football. The school started marketing Jones and the team, the "Pony Up" tagline and generally started to be more visible.

OK, forget the 1-11 season in his inaugural year. He had inherited a 1-11 team from Phil Bennett. It's Jones' MO. He takes a bad team (say, Hawaii) and within two years has them winning and within five years going to bowls and, maybe, within seven or nine years playing in a BCS bowl.

While the Mustangs were rolling through a who's who list of coaches like Tom Rossley, Forrest Gregg, Mike Cavan and Bennett, Jones was at the peak of football coaching. He'd served in some coaching capacity with the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Oilers, Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers (22-46 as NFL head coach).

By all accounts, he was a good offensive mind, but not a guy who could lead a team. He jumped out of the NFL in 1999 and went to Hawaii where he made a name as a guy who'll build a program through offense.

****
SMU is a good football team. They're 6-4, but sit atop their Conference USA West division with a 5-1 conference record, their lone loss coming against ranked Houston, a team they're narrowly ahead of.

It matters little, but SMU lost by a hair to Washington State and then in overtime to Navy. Those two games go the other way and they've got two really nice wins to put in their scrapbook. With games at Marshall and Tulane upcoming (two very bad teams), eight wins and a piece of the Conference USA pie is very much in the books.

What about next year? What are expectations?

If you consider Jones' history with Hawaii and SMU's apparent upswing, to see them ranked (yes, ranked!) next season is not out of the question. Their conference is remarkably bad so getting six wins is not out of the question. Making hay out of conference is the key.

Mark my words: SMU football is back. Back from the dead. And next year they'll do the impossible and force the nation and area to take notice

Going Greinke

2009-11-18T09:37:00.001-06:00

Zack Greinke: Keeping it together

Consider Zack Greinke for a moment.

Three years ago, he was a guy on the brink.

Today, he's at the apex of pitching in professional baseball. He joins the ranks of Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, Roger Clemens, Warren Spahn, Fergie Jenkins and Jim Palmer.

He was awarded the American League Cy Young Award.

The truth is, probably up to 90 percent of the United States has never seen Greinke pitch. I'd probably guess up to 80 percent of baseball hadn't seen Greinke pitch.

The guy pitches for the sad Kansas City Royals. They don't get national games. Most Royals fans don't watch their games.

However, his story is nonetheless amazing. Greinke's pitching isn't. I mean, he's a fantastic pitcher. No, he didn't have the wins, but his dominance was unparalleled. The point is, he's always been a great pitcher. Given his arm, he's a brilliant hurler.

It's what's between the ears -- or lacking between the ears -- that makes Greinke important and his story extraordinary.

Three years ago, Greinke was virtually absent. He walked away from the Royals with the distinct possibility that'd he never play the game again.

Turns out, he has a social disorder. Seems to not dig being around people.

Read Joe Posanski's story from Sports Illustrated linked to above. He's a kind of baseball idiot savant. Part Rain Man. Part Christy Mathewson.

If you think about it, the fact that he's able to go out on a mound with 40,000 watching is remarkable. Or that he travels with 50 other guys and stays in hotels and shares a clubhouse with a bunch of dudes that seem totally different from him.

Greinke's a square peg. But he's better than 99 percent of all the round pegs and every team would give up the farm to have their own square peg.

He's an extraordinary story and we'd be all remiss to let it pass by without comment.

Mavericks Depth Chart: Center

2009-11-18T09:34:00.002-06:00

Damp, not moist

As much as we'd like to pretend that James Singleton, Drew Gooden and Kris Humphries fill theneed, the Dallas Mavericks have one center. He is Erick Dampier.

Even me, a Damp defender, can no longer take up for the guy and pretend like he's living up to some standard of center paying no mind to the fact that true, good centers are incredibly hard to find or that, from night to night, Damp really isn't that bad.

Those statements, however, are true.

Damp isn't nearly as bad as we make him out to be. And considering Damp's competition in the league, he's at the very least in the middle of the league for centers.

However, the fact remains, Damp's still not very good.

Now, I don't blame Damp for this. The Mavericks signed the guy to that ridiculous contract. I don't blame athletes for taking the money. I blame the owners and personnel guys for agreeing to give the guy the money.

I also place blame on the organization for be completely unable to evaluate talent at the center position.

Think about it: The best center in franchise history is James Donaldson. And it's not even really close.

The current regime is responsible for Damp, Shawn Bradley, Pavel Podkolzin, Ryan Hollins, DeSagana Diop, D.J. Mbenga, Kevin Willis, Jamaal Magloire, Calvin Booth, among others.

Say what you will about Dampier, but he's Bill Russell compared to those jokers.

Furthermore, the Mavs have summarily passed on and missed out on Tyson Chandler, Emeka Okafor, Antonio McDyess, Marcus Camby, Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal, Pau Gasol and whoever else.

The problem isn't Dampier. It's a cycle of ineptitude in the front office of this franchise in terms of evaluating talent at the five position.

Power Forward
Small Forward
Shooting Guard
Point Guard

'Sheeeeeeeeett'

2009-11-17T13:57:00.001-06:00

The day Elvis Andrus got hosed

2009-11-17T13:17:00.004-06:00

What's not to love?

Oakland A's reliever Andrew Bailey was named the American League Rookie of the Year yesterday.

Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus finished second (somewhat distant, 88-65). He should've finished first.

Don't get me wrong: I'm a bias motherfucker.

But even the dumbest individual can look at the numbers and the season and realize Andrus should've been given the honor.

Andrus led American League rookies in hits, triples, total bases, stolen bases and runs.

Bailey led just about every rookie American League reliever in every statistic because he's really the only rookie reliever/closer in the American league. He had 26 saves. The next best was two saves. Of course, he led every rookie closer in every stat because he was the only rookie closer.

OK, let's look at the depth of impact.

Andrus helped the Rangers with the bat and the glove. Think about it: Every half of the inning Andrus could've had some impact on the game. And it's not like Andrus is playing first base. He was shortstop. A Gold-Glove-quality shortstop.

Whereas Bailey helped the Athletics only on the mound. For one inning, two max.

Furthermore, Bailey pitched back to back every blue moon and most likely three or four times a week. Andrus played 145 games and logged 480 at-bats. Almost everyday Andrus was on the field. Bailey's on the field as long as the A's offense gave him a two-run lead.

However, I think the difference here is total, non-statistical impact.

The A's went from 75 wins in 2008 to ... 75 wins in 2009. With Bailey, the A's were no better and they wound up in fourth place in the division and were never ever really in the division or wild card race.

The Rangers, however, went from 79 wins in 2008 to ... 87 wins in 2009 and were playing meaningful baseball in September.

There's a lot of reasons why they were better. Andrus' bat and speed was a part of that. But so was the pitching. But who helped make the pitching better? Andrus' insane defense.

I don't know exactly how many runs Andrus saved by spearing a line drive or spinning and making an insane throw, but, needless to say, his impact was real and good. He was a difference maker. Maybe the stats weren't all there. Maybe stolen bases and good defense doesn't sell tickets or look sexy. But without a doubt Andrus was far-more deserving of the Rookie of the Year. Why he almost placed third is clearly the biggest mystery in Major League Baseball in 2009.

Better to be lucky than good

2009-11-17T10:43:00.004-06:00

Brandon Jennings, keepin' it realz

The headline of last night's Dallas Mavericks-Milwaukee Bucks 115-112 overtime thrilla in Wisconsin is Dirk Nowitzki's lucky-ass, fall-away shot to win it all.

The real story are the Mavs giving up an 18-point lead in the second half to a inferior Bucks team that pretty much burned the Mavericks on the perimeter hitting 14 three-pointers on the night.

It's not something the Mavs have been guilty of (giving up big leads against bad teams), but it's an excellent way to get in a rut and force your stars to play more than 40 minutes a night when they should be resting after 32.

What's worse is that the Mavs' are getting thin with Josh Howard and Erick Dampier ailing nad Shawn Marion joining their ranks with a bum sprained ankle.

The Mavs escaped the road going 3-1, and that'll be fine for now. But it's something to watch as this team melds and continues through the season.

Notes:

1. I knock Jason Kidd for not getting to the free-throw line (I mean, he's got two attempts in 11 games), but there's little denying the guy still has it at age 78. The guy was a terror last night and has been better than 70 percent of all point guards for most of the season.

2. Fifty-four points and 25 rebounds out of your power forward and center positions had better win you a game.

3. I like Brandon Jennings before. I love his game as a pro.

4. Consider this: J.J. Barea scored 11 points in 26 minutes. His +/- was -15. That's really hard to do.

A weekend cruise

2009-11-16T10:56:00.003-06:00

Visions of Roddy

One thing Dirk Nowitzki's crazy season is doing is hiding Roddy Beaubois' ascension up the Dallas Mavericks' rotation.

Once a doubter, I am now a fan. I love the guy's game. He's part Rajon Rondo (tallish, long, athletic, ballsy ... and one of my fav players right now) and part Tony Parker (French, quick, fast).

But unlike Parker and maybe unlike Rondo, the guy can D it up a little. Now, I don't think he's a natural defender and any progress he makes on that part of his game this season will be due to work and practice. Right now, he's using his quickness and athleticism to merely out-quick and out-athlete opponents. A valuable asset, no doubt, but not one you can depend on every night, every season, every possession.

Beaubois loaded up the box line with 14 points, 6-6 FG, 2-2 3-point, four assists, no turnovers and a steal.

When healthy, I know that Josh Howard is your starting shooting guard, but Beaubois has to get 20 minutes a night. I'd take him over J.J. Barea and Quinton Ross (right now) any night.

By the way, the Mavs sweep a weekend road set against Milwaukee and Detroit, both of which teeter on abysmal to just bad from minute to minute.

Notes:
1. Jason Terry's averaging a recent high of 1.7 steals a game. Feels like he gets three a night.

2. Despite his MVP-like start to the season, Nowitzki is shooting just 43 percent from the field. That's about four points below his career average.

3. Nice fill-in game for Drew Gooden.

4. Story of the season: Piston point guards Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey combined for 55 points on 23-36 shooting. No answer for opposing point guards.

5. The Mavs bench went 6-22 from the field.

6. Mavs are now 4-2 on the road. They need to improve by 20 percent on the road in order to get anywhere.

Lambeau trip

2009-11-15T21:38:00.003-06:00

Aw shucks

One of my favorite listens -- radio-wise -- is Mark Elfenbein's show on The Ticket every Sunday morning. He's wry and funny. He's also extremely knowledgable about a lot of different sports.

This morning, mere hours before the Dallas Cowboys faced the Green Bay Packers, Elf talked about momentum. Mostly, about how easily it can be obtained, but oh-so difficult to maintain.

In his own way, Elf -- who later predicted a Cowboys victory -- was casting a dark premonition for the hometown Cowboys.

The Cowboys lost 17-7. It wasn't that close. It wasn't really close at all. And it was probably the worst football game I've watched the entire season counting all amateur play at the high school and college level.

I really don't know what to make of this team. When they lose, they don't lose well. It'd be different if this was a 21-20 game or if they had been super sharp against the Giants or Broncos.

Particularly, the offense has been hit or miss. A lot of misses. I was one of many to push accolades on this team for the last two weeks and I'm just as quick to pile on the criticism and blame. The Cowboys had a lot to play for. But as much as I loved Elf's idea of the loss of momentum, I suggest that there's an element nobody really talked about: Desperation.

The Packers were more desperate and they played like it. Did the Cowboys suck? Yes. But were the Packers just as bad? Nope. Their defense played like rabid wolves. They went to win and they pulled it out.

Don't look now, but the Cowboys are amidst the gaggle of teams battling for playoff positioning instead of being comfortably in front of everybody.

Grades:

Quarterback -- F
I know that there were a lot of drops and a lot of pressure, but Tony Romo was not good. At times he was really inaccurate and that causes problems. On his lone interception with the Cowboys ready to score, he misplaced a pass to Jason Witten that was taken advantage of to kill the drive. We'll never know exactly, but that was the game.

Running Back -- F
Norm Hitzges on the post-game show on The Ticket argued that the Cowboys simply didn't have the ball long enough to establish the run. However, that argument only plays in two circumstances: If you fumble and lose every kick-off; if you're scoring long touchdowns on the first play of the drive.

Fact is, the Cowboys went back to pass on four of six first-half possessions. The Cowboys had two first-half first downs. The idea that the Cowboys didn't have the ball wasn't so much the insanely good Green Bay offense (who scored just three points in the first half), but due to the fact that the Cowboys were, every time, playing with second- and third-and-long every time forcing them to throw the ball.

The other fact is that offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has zero interest in running the ball. He doesn't like doing it and doesn't want to do it despite this offense's apparent strength at running back and a bruising, big offensive line. It doesn't make sense, but I don't get paid millions to call plays. This team will never run the ball as long as the fate of the game is in question. For better or for worse, we'll need to deal with this fact.

Wide Receiver -- F
What happens in this game if Roy Williams doesn't fumble that ball? The Packers probably don't get that field goal (the switch of field position here was huge) and the Cowboys might have been bound for at least a field goal. It was the play of the game. Where'd Miles Austin go? I thought he was the second coming of Drew Pearson. Or Alexander Wright.

Tight End -- F
A relative non-factor. So if running backs and tight ends are the strength of this team, who the hell is Garrett looking at?

Offensive Line -- F
Beat. Simply beat. Flat footed most of the game against a Packer defense that willed itself to get into Tony Romo's jock. Marc Columbo is out, FYI. Hello, Doug Free.

Defensive Line -- C
Not dominant, but I heard someone say the Cowboys were beat the line of scrimmage on both sides. As much as they underimpressed, this crew also made plays and helped keep their team in the game.

Linebackers -- A
I thought Anthony Spencer was really great. Arguably his best game as a Cowboy. This crew's been solid all year and fantastic at other times. If Spencer can get going, they can only get better.

Secondary -- D
Really inconsistent. If Roy Williams' fumble was the play of the game, Mike Jenkins' penalty on Orlando Scandrick's fumble recovery was No. 2. Huge mistake that turned the tide of the game not unlike Williams' goof. By the way, where's Ken Hamlin gone to?

Special Teams -- C
Knocked mostly due to Nick Folk screwing the pooch on the field goal. Play of the game No. 3. Huge. At 17-10, the Cowboys have some life. Mat McBriar stuck another two inside the 20.

Coaching -- F
Did that look like a team ready to play? Or put in the position to win? Hardly.

Beginning and ending with TCU

2009-11-15T20:26:00.002-06:00

Biggest weekend in Metroplex college football in 50 years? Maybe.

Otherwise, the Big XII continues to clutter.

Good news for TCU that might help later ios that Clemson won and made it closer to their conference championship game making their loss to TCU look better (for TCU ... and for Clemson). Furthermore, Air Force and BYU keep winning, making their conference sked even stronger.

When's the last time USC and Oklahoma were so far down on the national rankings?

TCU 55, Utah 28
Leaving no doubt. TCU is a class above any competition they might have and, frankly, if they went toe to toe with Alabama, Texas, Florida, Oregon or whoever, they'd hold their own. None of those teams are impressing. TCU is. Arguably the biggest win in the program's history. Fifteen different Frogs touched the ball either via pass or rush. Nobody wants to see TCU right now.

SMU 35, UTEP 31
Friends, your SMU Mustangs are bowl eligible. Take it in. It hasn't happened in a really long time; however, I'd bet it happens a handful of more times in the coming future with June Jones in control. SMU saw only six third downs.

Texas 47, Baylor 14
I know we're supposed to dismiss this because it's Baylor, but UT played a near-perfect game and whipped their ass.

Oklahoma 65, Texas A&M 10
If you wondered just how far the Aggies were from the top of the Big XII South, well, here's your answer. This was a complete ass whipping. Makes you wonder if A&M will ever make it back to the UT-OU echelon.

Oklahoma State 24, Texas Tech 17
Running the ball can get you everywhere. Two hundred and forty five for the Cowboys, while the Red Raiders completely sputtered, although they played a better Cowboys team well on the road.

Nebraska 31, Kansas 17
Todd Reesing's been awful all season. Inaccurate as hell and they can't run the ball so they end up with the stats, but not the wins. Nebraska, meanwhile, is ruing the day it crapped the bed against Texas Tech and Iowa State. Otherwise, they're a top 15 or 10 team in the nation.

Missouri 38, Kansas State 12
K-State thought they'd bring Kool-Aid to the gin party and everything would work out. Wrong. Field goals ain't winning games from week to week in college football. If anyone can figure Mizzou and K-State out, I'd appreciate a little help.

Iowa State 17, Colorado 10
The lil' Cyclones roll into bowldom thanks to the Buffaloes completely self-destruct. They went 2-14 on third downs. Penalties and turnovers galore.

Florida International 35, UNT 28
The better team didn't win. But they don't have trophies for teams that play the best but don't wind up with more points. I don't see Todd Dodge sticking around to teach these kids how to close a game, which I don't even know if he knows how to win these types of games.

Sweet Timberwolf memories

2009-11-13T23:12:00.002-06:00

Kidd driving likes it 1999

When I was a young fan of the Dallas Mavericks during their incredible lean years of the 1990s, I always looked forward to the games against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

At the time, the Mavs didn't win much. But when they did it was typically against the Timberwolves or Los Angeles Clippers. I considered it a coin flip going up against the Timberwolves. It's shocking to think back that Mavs fans had to wait with baited breath to play the Wolves when they actually win two-thirds of their games the last decade.

I think the key to the Mavericks' win tonight against the Timberwolves -- 89-77 -- was Dirk Nowitzki's third quarter and the play off the bench.

Mavs bench players totaled 39 points and 29 rebounds. Truth is, they shot like crap and they weren't knockouts defensively, but two guys particularly -- Kris Humphries and Jason Terry -- had excellent games nonetheless. We'll see how this progresses.

Notes:
1. J.J. Barea is shooting 39 percent on the season.

2. Drew Gooden filled up the box score a little with nine points, five rebounds and three blocks. His best game as a Maverick.

3. I need more Roddy Beaubois.

4. Two straight subpar games for our man Erick Dampier.

5. Very efficient 20 points on 15 shots and 11 rebounds for Dirk Nowitzki.

Trap at Lambeau

2009-11-13T15:55:00.003-06:00

Brett Fav ... um, Bart Starr

We as football fans need to collectively adopt a certain set of standards when it comes to "must win" games.

Because there are "must win" games and then there are "must win" games. The term "must win" is used too much.

In theory, every game is a "must win." If the general idea is to win all of them, why would any player or coach go into a game with the idea of losing.

However, that's near impossible, even in the 16-game NFL.

So that leaves two different games. "Must wins" where a team's season is on the brink of either going up or down. Or "must wins" where a good team is playing a very, very beatable and if they lose this game they'll need to make up for it by beating a not-so-beatable team.

Instead, we should have "must wins" (games where a team could miss the playoffs or fall off the face of the planet if they lose) and then there are "should wins" (games where the good team should just take care of business and leave the stadium/arena with a win).

Sunday, for the Dallas Cowboys, is a "should win." The Green Bay Packers are a nice team with the ability to win just about any game, but the Cowboys are simply better. However, despite all the praise we've heaped upon them this week, playing in Lambeau is not ideal. Plus, it's at 3 p.m. and those fans will have had all day to drink. It's a "should win" but not a slam dunk.

Five things:
Swiss Cheese Line
The Packers have a notoriously bad offensive line. Did you see the stat during the Tampa Bay-Green Bay game last week where the Packers have scored a touchdown on three percent of their possessions in which Aaron Rodgers was sacked? Three percent?! Cowboys collect six sacks and, according to the stat, the Cowboys win. If Rodgers remains upright, the Packers have as good of a chance as the Cowboys.

Packer D
The Packers have a pretty good defense. They allow some points, but they allow quite a bit less yards and they're fifth in the league interceptions, but they're near the bottom in sacks (and Aaron Kampman's probably out). Romo's interception streak might come to an end, but his ability to stay upright shouldn't be an issue.

Desperation
Trap game rule: Watch out for the desperate team at home. The Packers are at 4-4, but are still in the wild card hunt as the Giants, Eagles and others aren't running away with anything. The Packers need this far more than the Cowboys do. And they're at home.

Miles Austin
The dude's on pace for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was basically shut out last week. Can he adjust and come back this week? Good receivers do.

Making Hay
The idea of 7-2 seems insane. A win Sunday and that's your Dallas Cowboys with a healthy lead in the division. Yeah, the Packers may need it more, but it puts the Cowboys in a very good place.

Prediction
Cowboys 23, Packers 17
Cowboys linebackers and Jay Ratliff harrass Rodgers all day and keep those wide receivers in check. Damn, 7-2.

Eyes on Fort Worth

2009-11-13T15:54:00.001-06:00

Saturday the 14th

OK, I think we have a common goal here: To cause all kinds of BCS havoc and get TCU into the national championship game.

What'd be sweet is if Florida, Alabama and Texas lost. Ain't happening.

Cincinnati could lose to West Virginia. The Bearcats have one decent win (South Florida) and that's it. West Virginia this week and Pittsburgh next week will be challenges.

Boise State's bumbled lately and have a 7-2 Idaho team this week. I think TCU has an edge on Boise, but I just like to see them lose.

Essentially, we're probably praying for a miracle. TCU does need to take care of business.

Utah (8-1, 5-0) vs. TCU (9-0, 5-0)
What a game. Jeez Louise. Utah is really stinkin' good. Only loss was to a pretty good Oregon team -- at Oregon -- by a touchdown. They haven't allowed more than 20 points to any team but Oregon. The Frogs have allowed 25 points in their last four games and haven't allowed over 20 except once against Texas State in a 56-21 blow-out. The Frog offense is a tad better statistically and their in Fort Worth. Hopefully the Metroplex turns out for the game sporting the purple and white.

SFA (7-2, 4-1) vs. Southeastern Louisiana (6-3, 4-1)
Friends, the fate of Chief Caddo is at stake! The giant wooden Native American has spent the last year miserable in Natchitoches after Southeastern won 48-45 last year. Suddenly there's a cluster at the top of the Southland Conference. This game sorts some things out.

Texas Tech (6-3, 3-2) vs. Oklahoma State (7-2, 4-1)
I love everyone saying how the Cowboys have "underachieved." Ahh, college football. Unless you go undefeated, you suck. What are we saying about Tech if they turn the narrow defeat against Houston into a win and the A&M game doesn't happen? Shoulda, coulda, woulda I guess.

Texas A&M (5-4, 2-3) vs. Oklahoma (5-4, 3-2)
The Aggies average almost 500 yards per game. OU allows just about 266 total yards a game. Something's got to give. Is a five-loss OU team even possible?

Missouri (5-4, 1-4) vs. Kansas State (6-4, 4-2)
Can't believe Mizzou is sitting at 1-4 in conference and K-State is sitting atop the North division. K-State is an enigma. Like the Yeti. Hard to explain their success other than beating up on lesser foes and then taking advantage of a clearly distraught Kansas team last year. Balanced offensively with 190 passing and 164 rushing per game. Wildcats can take a stranglehold on the North with a win.

Nebraska (6-3, 3-2) vs. Kansas (5-4, 1-4)
Despite their so-so season, the Huskers have allowed just eight touchdowns. Kansas has allowed 27 touchdowns. Previous North heavyweights Kansas and Mizzou will be 2-10 in conference after the weekend.

Texas (9-0, 5-0) vs. Baylor (4-5, 1-4)
Focus, focus, focus. Take UT to cover.

Colorado (3-6, 2-3) vs. Iowa State (5-5, 2-4)
Two teams that have won games they shouldn't have and lost games they maybe we thought they'd win. Two of the most schizo teams in the nation.

UTEP (3-6, 2-3) vs. SMU (5-4, 4-1)
Careful. UTEP can score the football. Don't you hate announcers and whatnot that say "score the football"? Me too. I hate me. SMU should win. Losses to UTEP don't come in the June Jones era. We think.

UNT (2-7, 1-5) vs. Florida International (2-7, 2-4)
Somebody's got to win this game.

Vlad the free agent

2009-11-13T14:32:00.004-06:00

Vlad the inhaler

As the saying goes, "If you can't beat them, join them."

Or sign them in free agency.

The Rangers are looking for a right-handed bat for their line-up and Vladimir Guerrero, the legendary all-time Rangers killer, is looking for a gig.

So, why not?

Vlad is 34 and if you've watched baseball the last three or so years, you know that he's lost a step or two. He doesn't steal bases as much, his range in the outfield ain't what it used to be and his power numbers have dwindled.

However, he's far from being taken behind the shed and shot. He hit .295 last season with 15 homers nad 50 RBI in just 383 at-bats. He is bitchingly consistent not hitting below .300 his entire career (except his first year when he got 27 at-bats).

Most importantly, he carries the innate ability to not strike out (his career high for a season was 11 years ago at 95 Ks) and although he doesn't walk a lot (between 50-70 in 500 at-bats), his OBP flirts with .400 every season.

However, I need a favor: Close your eyes, think about September against the Angels or A's. Runner in scoring position, two outs in a one-run game. Who would you rather see? Milton Bradley, Vlad or Marlon Byrd?

I'd take Vlad, too. A great signing if the Rangers can pull it off.

Somebody needs a hug: John Wetteland

2009-11-13T13:24:00.003-06:00

News hit fast yesterday afternoon as it came out of Argyle that former Rangers closer and current Seattle Mariners bullpen coach John Wetteland was escorted to the hospital after his wife called 911.

Apparently, Wetteland is not happy with life. According to cops and those in authority, Wetteland's issue was suicide. However, reports from friends and whatnot say that it wasn't suicide and that he'd mixed up pills or bad ticker or whatever excuse you want to put on it.

No word yet from Brandon Morrow or David Aardsma.

Unlikely heroes

2009-11-13T11:09:00.004-06:00

Robidas celebration

Got to give the Dallas Stars more credit: They've got gumption.

They rolled into San Jose (facing a team they beat just once all of last year), spotted the Sharks two goals, tie it in the third period and then score the lone shootout goal for the two points.

Salty. And, they got help from some unlikely guys. Mike Modano scored his goal of 2009-10. Then, Marc Crawford pulled a fast one inserting Jamie Benn and Stephane Robidas into the shootout fray for their second and third shots.

Benn missed. Robidas hit twine and the Stars hit a jet to Phoenix.

Right now, it's really hard to dislike the Stars. It's one thing to be likable guys, but they're winning games and holding their own. If two or three of these overtimes (six overtime losses so far) go a different direction and they're right there among the conference leaders.

A really, really nice win for the lil' Stars.

Notes:
1. Loved this note: "The Stars killed off three power plays against the NHL’s best power-play team at home. Dallas has killed off 11 straight power plays."

2. Marty Turco's play should be commended. His GAA is a good 2.18 and he's stopping about 92 percent of the shots made compared to 89 percent last season.

3. With a goal and assist, James Neal has 19 points in 16 games. He has six multi-point games.

4. Hard to see the Stars still winning with these numbers: 11th worst penalty kill and ninth worst power play.

Free agency notes

2009-11-12T11:52:00.005-06:00

Curtis Granderson

According to T.R. Sullivan, he suspects that Rangers free agent outfielder Marlon Byrd will get three years, $18-24 million. About right. But why are we spending $8 milloin a year for a non-power hitting outfielder (when we have many outfielders), but we're scared to take on a big pitching contract (say, Javy Vazquez) in a trade? Ridiculous!

****
Ken Rosenthal reports that Omar Vizquel will not return to the Rangers. He doesn't mind the utility role. He wants to play on a higher profile team. Seriously? What a douche. It's one thing to want to play on a west or east coast team depending on where you live or whatever. But to jump ship to go to a place that gets more ESPN coverage or whatever is just silly. I hope he ends up in Washington.

****
The Detroit Tigers are clearing payroll. Word on the street (lying ... there is no street) is that centerfielder Curtis Granderson is available. Love the guy. He is a puck mover of the highest order and would sit at the top of your line-up every night. Has a little bit more of a sophisticated bat with the ability to go to all fields and hit for a little power. If we're discussing Jermaine Dye, Marlon Byrd or Mike Cameron, why not Granderson. Granted, the Tigers would want something of value in return.

Go Get: Ben Sheets

2009-11-12T11:40:00.002-06:00

Shotgun wedding

At some point, the Texas Rangers and Ben Sheets need to make it legal.

They've been talking, then flirting. Moved on to heavy petting and dry humping.

He lives here, worked out with the Rangers and attended games. The Rangers need arms. Cheap arms. And they've been incredibly lucky with injury projects in the past.

More importantly, to look at it from Sheets' point of view, it's a great step for him. He's always been injury prone and at 31, he needs a new start. He might have only two decent contracts left in his career (if it does indeed continue) and based on the Ranger recent past of Eric Gagne, Milton Bradley, Kenny Lofton, Gary Matthews Jr., Milton Bradley and Ramon Vasquez to come in and resurrect their careers should show him Texas -- maybe due to trainers, expectations -- have flourished here.

For the Rangers, I give him a one-year deal with big-time incentives and maybe a team option for a second year. Maybe renegotiate if things go well this season. However, the lack of investment is the key.

Sheets hasn't pitched more than 200 innings since 2004 and didn't pitch at all last season. However, he's been really consistent totaling wins in the double digits every "full" season keeping his ERA in and around the threes and striking out a lot of opponents.

If healthy, he shoots to the top of the Rangers rotation giving them someone they can probably depend on every fifth day and maybe with a reworked Rangers offense, the wins start rolling in for the guy (he's topped 13 wins in a season once).

Seems simple: Veteran guy with some skip in his step needs a new start. Franchise with historical pitching issues needs top-of-the-line starter and has become a go-to place to put injury pariahs on the map again.

Make it legal.