Third and Blog

February 9, 2010

Determining the Greatest

Filed under: Uncategorized — waymatth @ 3:00 pm
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John McEnroe, he of tennis and Mr. Deeds fame, came out today and said that Roger Federer is the best men’s tennis player of all-time. It caused me to think, who’s currently the greatest in each sport?  And who may they endorse as their predecessor in the future?

Football:

The Present: Peyton Manning

Yes, he has multiple less championships than Tom Brady and Joe Montana.  But, we’re talking about individual achievements here, and Peyton’s defense has been bad for years.  Peyton’s production throughout his career is unmatched.  He’s one of the most accurate quarterbacks you’ll ever find, he serves as the Colts de facto offensive coordinator, and he helps his offensive line a ton through his ability to avoid sacks.  Quick release, accurate, master preparation… there’s no one else that touches him.

(more…)

February 8, 2010

Matt Millen: MMA bound?

Filed under: Uncategorized — waymatth @ 12:05 pm
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Detroit Lions fans:

You will soon have retribution.  Matt Millen’s failures as the Lions GM have been stated a million times over.  Now, Millen is thinking about failing at something else: MMA.

I actually enjoy Millen in the booth.  I think he breaks down the game in a way that makes it easy for casual fans to understand well.  But, I can’t say I wouldn’t like to see him get his ass kicked in the middle of an MMA ring.  Here’s to hoping it happens.. and the event takes place at Ford Field.

February 4, 2010

Open Letter to Rich Rodriguez (again)

Filed under: Uncategorized — waymatth @ 1:03 pm
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Coach Rodriguez,

Yesterday, you signed an excellent recruiting class, a class which perfectly fits your current team’s needs.  Once again, despite what the media wishes to believe, you performed your job admirably.

See, I understand that there’s only so much you can do to build this program.  You were left without any legitimate quarterbacks and very little upperclassmen talent.  Your critics will call that an excuse.  I call it the truth.  Unlike most upset Michigan fans, I still have as much faith in you as I have ever had. (more…)

February 3, 2010

A True Role Model

Filed under: Uncategorized — waymatth @ 11:17 am
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On National Signing Day, my favorite recruitment always comes to mind.

Antonio Bass's University of Michigan football career was cut short by a nasty injury.

In 2005, my senior year of high school, someone I had known the majority of my life was making a highly publicized choice.  On that day, Antonio Bass committed to the University of Michigan.  A top 50 recruit with unlimited athletic potential, Bass had an immediate impact in his freshman year at Michigan.  In spring practice, that all changed with one play in practice.  While his career was cut short, his story is one that should never die: http://michigandaily.com/content/antonio-bass-profile?page=0,0

January 30, 2010

2010 MLB Season

Filed under: Uncategorized — waymatth @ 1:48 pm
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Recently, Baseball Prospectus released its 2010 PECOTA Projections.  You can read about them here.

These projections are for team records in the 2010 MLB season.  Now, these aren’t entirely accurate, but they provide some decent discussion.

  • The Nationals are projected to win 81 games.
  • The Braves are projected to tie the Phillies in the NL East.
  • The AL East is projected to have THREE 90+ win teams.
  • The A’s are projected to win the NL West.  The Angels are projected last.
  • The Central divisions are projected to be terrible once again.

January 26, 2010

The Pistons of Old

Filed under: Uncategorized — waymatth @ 12:46 pm
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The Pistons have certainly become depressing the last few months.  For those of us accustomed to Eastern Conference Finals visits, those times are long gone.  So, to reminisce a little, I present to you the good ole days, when Mr. Big Shot got his name.

January 22, 2010

NFL Conference Championship Game Predictions

Filed under: Uncategorized — waymatth @ 12:39 pm
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NFC: Vikings at Saints

Outlook: This is a really interesting matchup.  Strength v. Strength.  The Vikings D-Line should be able to stop the run, but will they be able to get to Drew Brees?  If not, the Vikings pass defense has proven to be vulnerable.  On the other side of the ball, I think it’s fair to assume the Vikings offense will move the ball fairly well, but nothing outstanding.  I expect this to be a very good game.  Should be a 4th quarter finish.

Prediction: Saints 28, Vikings 24

AFC: Jets at Colts

Outlook: Can the Jets mimmick the Giants Super Bowl run of a couple years ago?  They’re doing it similarly, with a strong running game and great defense.  Unfortunately, that defense is going to undergo the ultimate test, facing Peyton Manning this weekend.  Will Darrelle Revis be able to get the best of Peyton?  It’s hard to imagine, but definitely possible.

Prediction: Colts 28, Jets 13

January 21, 2010

Open Letter to Manny Harris

Filed under: Uncategorized — waymatth @ 11:59 am
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Dear Corperryale,

You go to the University of Michigan.  Use that to your advantage.  Currently, you are not a smart basketball player.  If you ever intend to play in the NBA, you need to become one.

Michigan fans constantly worry that you are going to go pro after this year.  Frankly, if you choose to, you’ll be playing in Europe.  You have tons of talent, but you can’t seem to put it together when it matters.  Sure, you can put up 30+ points on the Detroit Mercys of the world.  But, when your team needed you the most last night against Wisconsin, you cost them the game.

You see, you are not, at the present time, the best basketball player on your team.  I’m sure that is something new, and I understand that.  But, you need to use Deshawn Sims to your advantage.  He is basically unguardable in the post.  Get him the ball.  You will have more room to operate and you will get more in-rhythm, open looks on the perimeter.

If you really want to play in the NBA, learn to play within yourself.  Stay in control.  Limit your bad shots.  Drive and get to the free throw line where you’re at your best.  If and when you learn to do that, you will be one of the better players Michigan basketball has ever seen.
Sincerely,

Concerned Fan

January 19, 2010

Explain Yourself, Dave

Filed under: Uncategorized — waymatth @ 12:42 pm
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Was Curtis's trade in vain?

Okay, Mr. Dombrowski.  I gave you credit on the Granderson trade.  You traded awayDetroit’s most popular athlete, but you did so to get younger and cut payroll.  It made a lot of sense.  Until now.

If you’re going to cut payroll by trading away Granderson and Jackson, why in the world would you sign Jose Valverde to a 2 year, $14 million contract?  I understand the Tigers needed a closer, but this isn’t the right way to go about it.

Hopefully, you have a plan that I’m just not seeing.  At this point, I’m a bit skeptical.  Please prove me wrong.

January 18, 2010

Oh say can you see? Hockey is pretty awesome

Filed under: Uncategorized — jmalewitz @ 3:55 pm
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Blame Canada? Maybe for hockey's awesomeness.

CORALLVILLE, IA – Sauntering past the ice rink in the Coral Ridge Mall on Monday, I noticed something peculiar. While Iowa lies nowhere near any Canadian border, mall pedestrians can spot both American and Canadian flags displayed upon the rink’s wall.

This prompts the question: is the Canadian signature on hockey so great that it necessitates  even the most obscure of foreign frozen playing surfaces to pay homage through the display of a red maple leaf?

I say sure – while many Americans tend to mock our pleasant neighbors to the Great White North, why not give credit where credit is due?

Even if you don’t follow hockey – and unfortunately Third and Blog’s coverage of the sport has been quite light – its hard to argue against its awesomeness.

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