It has never been a secret that my favorite sport is baseball. I love to watch it, I love to play it. I just love the game. More importantly, I love the Texas Rangers.
Over the last couple of years, I have watched Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones build new stadiums, and spend dollar after dollar on talent. On the other end of the spectrum, sits Tom Hicks. Not only are the Stars and Rangers the only local teams not making the playoffs, but they are not players in free agency either. ( for the big name guys. I would have loved to have seen John Lackey here)
Now, I will give Hicks a little credit for the Rangers, because he has put baseball people in charge of the day to day operations. I give Jon Daniels a ton of credit, because he has assembled a good team with limited resources.
I apologize for digressing. Let me get to my point.
Tom Hicks is in no position to improve the Texas Rangers from a financial point of view. This team was a player or two away from making a serious run at the division. They needed money, and Hicks doesn't have any.
Step in Chuck Greenberg.
Green berg is leading the group that is purchasing the Texas Rangers.
Why do I like this? 2 reasons.
First, look at the Pittsburgh Penguins. Greenberg helped Mario Lemieux buy the team that was about to fold because of money, and now they are the defending champs, and have a bright future ahead.
Second, he is buddies with Nolan Ryan. Ryan is slowly becoming the face of the franchise. Who better in Texas to be the face...No one.
Also, Greenberg is letting Hicks be a small owner, but is not letting him on the board of governors. That is a great move. Hicks lets his ego get in the way of smart baseball decisions.
The Rangers have a young team with a solid nucleus. Players such as Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton and Elvis Andrus are going to be on this team for a long time, and now when the guys hit free agency, it is not guaranteed that they are going somewhere else.
Greenberg is gonna bring stability to an organization that has been lacking some for a while now. Nolan will still run the day to day operations, and Daniels will still be the general manager. Ron Washington, now has the freedom to ask for a player, and he may actually get it.
It is too late for Greenberg to help this off season, and there is not really anyone of note worth going after, but the trade deadline in July is going to be really exciting this year. If the Rangers are in the race, and I assume they will be, Greenberg has already said that there will be money to go after players.
The Rangers have not been able to make a significant move at the deadline since they got Carlos Lee and Nelson Cruz from Milwaukee.
Things around here are about to change. Chuck Greenberg sounds like he is a lot closer to being Mark Cuban or Jerry Jones, rather than Tom Hicks.
We are about 3 weeks away from spring training, and I haven't been this excited since, well last year, but I am a little different. I really love the direction this team is going both on and off the field. I hope it continues because this is going to be a great ride.
With Greenberg added to the mix, we have Jerry, Mark and Chuck. That just leaves one more thing...Anyone want to buy the Stars?
John Conner
jpconner9@yahoo.com
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Who is too blame this time?
I have never hid the fact that I am a life-long Dallas Cowboy fan, but the way they are ending the season the last couple of years is down right ridiculous.
So like most Cowboy fans, I need to overreact and blame someone. It certainly wasn't my fault. So, exactly whose fault was it?
My first bit of blame goes to good old Wade Phillips. Your team is moving the ball great, and you decide to go for a 44 yard field goal on 4th and inches. ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS? You entire offense stayed on the field expecting to go for it, and your sorry butt tries a field goal, which has been this team's Achilles heal. IDIOT. Plain and simple. Wade...You are an IDIOT.
You could see the body language of the team after Suisham missed. They wanted to go for it, but no, Wade made a crappy call. That changed the entire game. I can "what if" all I want, but even if you don't make it, Minnesota is starting at the 30, instead of the 40.
Blame #2. I love you Tony Romo, but for the love of God, hold on to the f'ing football. This is the third game we have lost with meaning, and all three times, Romo could not hang onto the ball. I commend you for the last 4 weeks, but this one hurt. 2 fumbles lost and a pick, WTF?
I understand Romo was under more pressure than usual, but that is no excuse. Hold onto the ball Tony.
Speaking of protection, Doug Free is a great right tackle. But he sucks ass on the left side. That was embarrassing. I know they lined up Jared Allen over there to scare you, but Ray Edwards became All-Pro in this game. Who, you ask? Exactly. I had never heard of Ray Edwards until this game, but I sure as hell know who he is now.
And finally, my biggest blame of them all...The defense. That was awful. I realize Sidney Rice had a coming out season this year, but wow, he looking better than the second coming of Jerry Rice. All the talk went to the secondary's head. They looked like they had fun chasing him all day. I am not gonna single any one guy out, because Jenkins, Newman and Sensabaugh all got burned equally.
And most importantly, I blame Jerry. I don't know why, but I always blame him.
For the most part, a 12-6 season, NFC East Champions, 2 playoff games, is pretty good. But this is now 2 years in a row that they have just been blasted in the last game of the year. This is unacceptable. I am sure Jerry won't take this lightly, but we will see.
You got someone to blame, send it to jpconner9@yahoo.com.
Talk to you later,
John Conner
So like most Cowboy fans, I need to overreact and blame someone. It certainly wasn't my fault. So, exactly whose fault was it?
My first bit of blame goes to good old Wade Phillips. Your team is moving the ball great, and you decide to go for a 44 yard field goal on 4th and inches. ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS? You entire offense stayed on the field expecting to go for it, and your sorry butt tries a field goal, which has been this team's Achilles heal. IDIOT. Plain and simple. Wade...You are an IDIOT.
You could see the body language of the team after Suisham missed. They wanted to go for it, but no, Wade made a crappy call. That changed the entire game. I can "what if" all I want, but even if you don't make it, Minnesota is starting at the 30, instead of the 40.
Blame #2. I love you Tony Romo, but for the love of God, hold on to the f'ing football. This is the third game we have lost with meaning, and all three times, Romo could not hang onto the ball. I commend you for the last 4 weeks, but this one hurt. 2 fumbles lost and a pick, WTF?
I understand Romo was under more pressure than usual, but that is no excuse. Hold onto the ball Tony.
Speaking of protection, Doug Free is a great right tackle. But he sucks ass on the left side. That was embarrassing. I know they lined up Jared Allen over there to scare you, but Ray Edwards became All-Pro in this game. Who, you ask? Exactly. I had never heard of Ray Edwards until this game, but I sure as hell know who he is now.
And finally, my biggest blame of them all...The defense. That was awful. I realize Sidney Rice had a coming out season this year, but wow, he looking better than the second coming of Jerry Rice. All the talk went to the secondary's head. They looked like they had fun chasing him all day. I am not gonna single any one guy out, because Jenkins, Newman and Sensabaugh all got burned equally.
And most importantly, I blame Jerry. I don't know why, but I always blame him.
For the most part, a 12-6 season, NFC East Champions, 2 playoff games, is pretty good. But this is now 2 years in a row that they have just been blasted in the last game of the year. This is unacceptable. I am sure Jerry won't take this lightly, but we will see.
You got someone to blame, send it to jpconner9@yahoo.com.
Talk to you later,
John Conner
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Cowboys chances
I watched both on the NFC match ups this weekend, and came to a grand conclusion.
The way the Dallas Cowboys are playing right now, they may very well be the team to beat in the NFC.
You may be wondering to yourself, " John, it is just one game." I agree. But here is why I believe.
First of all, the offense is hitting on all cylinders at the right time of the year. Tony Romo looks freaking phenomenal. Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, and even little used, overpaid Roy Williams are all making plays in the passing game. Felix Jones has finally lived up to the touchdown playmaker everyone thought he would be when he was drafted. The offensive line is blocking everyone, and opening holes for the rushing attack. This team can score on anybody.
Second, the defense is playing even better. Keith Brooking has become the emotional and physical leader that this team desperately needed. The are getting takeaways, and turning them into points. Mike Jenkins is looking great, as is the entire line. They are stopping the run and the pass. It is awesome to watch.
Third, I know it is only two games, but Shaun Suisham looks a hundred times better than Nick Folk. He, along with David Beuhler and Matt McBriar, are probably the best set of kickers in the NFL.
And lastly, Wade is actually coaching pretty darn good. He is running the defense. He is letting Jason Garrett run the offense, and Joe DeCamillas run the special teams. Each coach is pushing all the right buttons right now.
So, why do I like the Cowboys chances? Because right now, they are the only team winning all 3 phases of the game. Arizona and Green Bay couldn't stop anyone. I see a lot of the same thing happening this week with New Orleans and Arizona. There will not be a lot of defense on display. As for Minnesota, they have a great running back, in Adrian Peterson, and of coarse, they have Brett Favre, but right now, the offense looks sketchy. Minnesota has a solid defense, but the way the Cowboys are going, it looks like they can score when they want.
Some of this may have been said with my heart, but my head said the same thing after watching the games this week.
Let's go Cowboys.
As always, if you agree or disagree, you can always email me at jpconner9@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
John Conner
The way the Dallas Cowboys are playing right now, they may very well be the team to beat in the NFC.
You may be wondering to yourself, " John, it is just one game." I agree. But here is why I believe.
First of all, the offense is hitting on all cylinders at the right time of the year. Tony Romo looks freaking phenomenal. Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, and even little used, overpaid Roy Williams are all making plays in the passing game. Felix Jones has finally lived up to the touchdown playmaker everyone thought he would be when he was drafted. The offensive line is blocking everyone, and opening holes for the rushing attack. This team can score on anybody.
Second, the defense is playing even better. Keith Brooking has become the emotional and physical leader that this team desperately needed. The are getting takeaways, and turning them into points. Mike Jenkins is looking great, as is the entire line. They are stopping the run and the pass. It is awesome to watch.
Third, I know it is only two games, but Shaun Suisham looks a hundred times better than Nick Folk. He, along with David Beuhler and Matt McBriar, are probably the best set of kickers in the NFL.
And lastly, Wade is actually coaching pretty darn good. He is running the defense. He is letting Jason Garrett run the offense, and Joe DeCamillas run the special teams. Each coach is pushing all the right buttons right now.
So, why do I like the Cowboys chances? Because right now, they are the only team winning all 3 phases of the game. Arizona and Green Bay couldn't stop anyone. I see a lot of the same thing happening this week with New Orleans and Arizona. There will not be a lot of defense on display. As for Minnesota, they have a great running back, in Adrian Peterson, and of coarse, they have Brett Favre, but right now, the offense looks sketchy. Minnesota has a solid defense, but the way the Cowboys are going, it looks like they can score when they want.
Some of this may have been said with my heart, but my head said the same thing after watching the games this week.
Let's go Cowboys.
As always, if you agree or disagree, you can always email me at jpconner9@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
John Conner
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Texas Tech Coaching Search
I have been very proud of the last couple of years to call myself a Texas Tech Red Raider fan. Those days were extremely close to coming to an end.
When it comes to the whole Mike Leach-Adam James saga, I am not gonna take any side. As more and more information comes out, it looks as if both parties are to blame. So I have a few simple parting words for both parties.
First, to Mike Leach: Thank you for putting my football program into the spotlight. When I was a student in Lubbock, it was a foregone conclusion that we were losing to Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M, every year. Since your arrival, the program has blossomed into a force to be reckoned with. I really appreciate that as a fan.
Second, to Adam James: Thank you for your father's money. Not only did you stink it up on the baseball diamond, but also the football field. You have used your last name to get into the spotlight, and for that, I congratulate you. Everytime, I see you on tv, everyone says, " Hey, there is Craig James' son Adam." I went to Texas Tech, and yet when people see me, they say " hey, there is John Conner." Adam, please someday, become your own man.
But on with the coach search. I truly hope the rumors are true, and Art Briles becomes the head coach. I also hope Briles recognizes the greatness of the coach, and more importantly the man, and keeps Ruffin McNeil as the defensive coordinator. He has been a true class act during this time.
For those of us that hope they talk to Gary Patterson...keep dreaming. As much as I like the idea, he is a God in DFW. He is not going anywhere.
Tommy Tuberville...I got nothing. He put Auburn on probation and left. I really don't want him either.
Sonny Dykes...Well, your dad was ok, but I am not sure about your head coaching.
All in all, Tech can continue winning with the right head coach. Having a offensive coach similar to Leach, will help the smoothness of the transition. I am pulling for Briles, because he knows the offense and he can recruit in Texas.
This whole situation has been awful, but there is a way to move on: hire Briles, and keep Ruffin.
The best way to announce it is during the BCS National Championship game.
Just a thought.
Thanks, and talk to you later,
John Conner
When it comes to the whole Mike Leach-Adam James saga, I am not gonna take any side. As more and more information comes out, it looks as if both parties are to blame. So I have a few simple parting words for both parties.
First, to Mike Leach: Thank you for putting my football program into the spotlight. When I was a student in Lubbock, it was a foregone conclusion that we were losing to Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M, every year. Since your arrival, the program has blossomed into a force to be reckoned with. I really appreciate that as a fan.
Second, to Adam James: Thank you for your father's money. Not only did you stink it up on the baseball diamond, but also the football field. You have used your last name to get into the spotlight, and for that, I congratulate you. Everytime, I see you on tv, everyone says, " Hey, there is Craig James' son Adam." I went to Texas Tech, and yet when people see me, they say " hey, there is John Conner." Adam, please someday, become your own man.
But on with the coach search. I truly hope the rumors are true, and Art Briles becomes the head coach. I also hope Briles recognizes the greatness of the coach, and more importantly the man, and keeps Ruffin McNeil as the defensive coordinator. He has been a true class act during this time.
For those of us that hope they talk to Gary Patterson...keep dreaming. As much as I like the idea, he is a God in DFW. He is not going anywhere.
Tommy Tuberville...I got nothing. He put Auburn on probation and left. I really don't want him either.
Sonny Dykes...Well, your dad was ok, but I am not sure about your head coaching.
All in all, Tech can continue winning with the right head coach. Having a offensive coach similar to Leach, will help the smoothness of the transition. I am pulling for Briles, because he knows the offense and he can recruit in Texas.
This whole situation has been awful, but there is a way to move on: hire Briles, and keep Ruffin.
The best way to announce it is during the BCS National Championship game.
Just a thought.
Thanks, and talk to you later,
John Conner
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