Health Escapes Unfaithful

First it was Tiger Woods, now Kobe Bryant.
Woods was an unstoppable force until the media and his wife caught wind of his extra-marital affairs.
Soon after the top blew off on his secrets, injuries and inconsistency beset him.
Now it's Bryant's turn.
In the days following his wife Vanessa's move toward divorce because of unfaithfulness, Bryant plays in Los Angeles' final preseason game and tears ligaments in his wrist.
What's next? Is it to be two years before Bryant shows any sign of recovering?

War Horse: All Quiet on the Western Front Parody

Take the brutality, loss of innocence and violence that took place in the trenches of World War I. Now throw a horse in the middle of it all that runs around and winks at the camera every chance it can and you get War Horse. Watch a show on Hulu to see the 25 second trailer. It's better than the official trailers when it comes to seemingly making a mockery of one of the deadliest wars.
The trailer honestly looks like a parody sketch you'd see on SNL or Family Guy. I mean, come on, it's a horse.
Let me know if I'm wrong.

Stern Rule

Leviathan rule
Small in stature, big with fists
Negates Chris Paul trade

(A Haggy Haiku)

Angels Need Not Apply, Albert Pujols Signs

If today was 1994, young Roger Bomman would not need the service of angels to propel Anaheim's baseball team into pennant contention. Albert Pujols is all the help the currently dubbed Los Angeles Angels require to suddenly be one of the most feared teams in the American League.

Speed and solid defense surround the three-time MVP's bat, who defected from the St. Louis Cardinals and National League for a bigger market and more dollars (10 years and reportedly $254 million). 

Devastating starting pitching talent to boot, cemented by the acquisition of free agent C.J. Wilson, and the Angels should be considered an elite team from the get-go. They were only games away from winning the AL Wild Card.
"Angels in the Outfield" is a feel-good story about a foster boy finding a team and a family to believe in. 

The signing of Pujols is anything but; he abandoned his baseball family of 12 years (since being selected by St. Louis in the 13th round of the 1999 draft) in favor of more green. 

No matter, Pujols remains a model of class on-and-off the field and will give those angels from up above a chance to do what they do best: watch from afar.   

Get to a Better State, Aaron Rodgers Has

Aaron Rodgers is in a better state...
Coming off a stellar 2010 campaign and championship, Rodgers has improved to practically invincible status this go-round, in leading the Packers to a 12-0 start.
Packers included, Wisconsin's sports teams are better than Minnesota's
And Rodgers is a spokesman for State Farm Insurance.
The commercial is pretty great, (unfortunately) just like Rodgers.

Revenge is Bittersweet

The last time Pete Carroll faced Vince Young, the Longhorn burned him for 200 yards and the game-winning score on a fourth down with 19 seconds left in the national championship game.

The heartbreaking 41-38 loss ended a 34 game winning streak for Carroll and would be only the second of his quarterback Matt Leinart's college career. 

It also happened to be the first Rose Bowl loss for the Trojans since 1989. 

Nearly six years removed from that shocking and aggravating defeat, both Young and Carroll were in very different places. 

Young fell out of favor in Tennessee, the team that drafted him following the Rose Bowl triumph, and accepted a backup role in Philadelphia this season. 

Carroll fled USC to coach the Seattle Seahawks last year, amid a recruiting scandal involving Reggie Bush and others.  

Thursday night, their paths crossed and Carroll had another shot to outfox Young, who was starting for the Philadelphia Eagles in place of an injured Michael Vick. 

Carroll's Seahawks forced four Young interceptions and won convincingly, 31-14. 

No doubt winning at the NFL level feels good, especially against a player who single-handedly ended a magical season, but the stakes were much lower and less memorable. 

Young still has the upper-hand in this one.

New Orleans Saints: Big Easy Schedule

On paper, the New Orleans had the 13th-toughest schedule in the league entering the 2011 season.

Quite the contrast from the past two campaigns, including their Super Bowl run, when the schedulers pitted Drew Brees' team against some of the softest teams in the league. 

A closer look shows New Orleans was again blessed by got off easy by the schedule makers once more. 

Outside of divisional games the Saints play 10 times, evenly divided between home and away.

Their road games include Green Bay, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Tennessee and Minnesota. 

Meanwhile at home the Saints got Houston, Indianapolis, Detroit, Chicago and New York (Giants). 

Opponents faced on the road this year combined to go 37-43 last year, while the home ones went 43-37. 

Take away the Peyton Manning-less Colts from the home schedule and the undefeated Packers from the road, and the talent disparity is absurd; 14-33 versus 29-18.
I guess that's why they call New Orleans the Big Easy. 

Only in Minnesota

Forward progress called
Although Percy Harvin scored
Vikings skunked again

(A Haggy Haiku)

==============================
Let's not get too dramatic. This is no overarching research project of the entire league. But how is it the Vikings get screwed out of so many touchdowns?
The Packers won a game in 2010 largely thanks to an overturned touchdown on a catch by Visanthe Shiancoe. There has been more.
This time, Percy Harvin, on a second effort, broke the plane against the Falcons and yet no touchdown was called when it could have cut Atlanta's lead to three.
For Leslie Frazier to not challenge the play is also absolutely ludicrous.
Oh well.

Why Verlander Wasn't the Right MVP Choice

Tim Tebow Redefining National Football League

If the National Football League was organic, Tim Tebow would be Dolly the sheep.

His throwing mechanics resemble a windshield wiper, predictable and one dimensional on a singular plane. 

And his passing accuracy is as proficient as Ted Williams was with a bat in hand -- .400 at best. 

There's no denying fundamentally and statistically, Tebow is not what you'd envision in a starting quarterback. 

There's also no denying Tebow has an x-factor. (He'd probably help Simon Cowell reach the 20 million viewers and make the critical judge feel better for leaving Idol). 

Two weeks ago Tebow became the first Broncos quarterback to win back-to-back road intradivisional games since 1977, when the former Heisman winner defeated Kansas City 17-10. 

A week later and a win later the Broncos are an even 5-5 and in the AFC West hunt. 

The latest victory was perhaps his most impressive. 

Tebow's last-minute heroics produced the game-winning 20-yard touchdown run with 58 seconds left that capped a 95-yard drive against a vaunted Jets defense. 

The win was his fourth and third comeback in five starts this season. 

Tebow is an openly religious man and humanitarian. Good things are said to happen to good people. 

Surely that doesn't completely explain his success. 

Perhaps since he so strongly believes in a higher power, he avoids complacency. 

Whatever the specifics of his x-factor is, Tebow is certainly a winner. 

His team thinks so, too. The Broncos cut displaced starter Kyle Orton. 

And while Oakland is the only team in the division with a pulse, Tebow has, for the time being, resurrected Denver from another rebuilding year. 

The Broncos now have a pulse of their own, albeit irregular. 

Get Off Wall Street, Go to Work

It started on Wall Street.

Across the country, like a swarm of flies on Lake of the Woods during summer, people have gathered to protest the way big businesses and corporate America have purportedly taken advantage of the common person. These protesters say investment banks and the people working behind huge office desks in their neatly pressed suits are to blame for the current state of the economy.

They say these pecunious, miserly, fat cats take huge bonuses while they, Average Joe and Jane, sit on the unemployment line, living on food stamps and a small government stipend each week.

For a country founded on free markets and democracy, these protesters sound more Marxian than Adam Smith.

The best of times bring out the best in people; the worst of times bring out bitter, grumblers.

When things go wrong the human mind tries to, nay, needs to rationalize the reason for the body's demise. Instead of looking within and adapting to the state of their environment, these protesters have instead used Wall Street as scapegoats.

Let's be real here.

Wall Street is not to wholly to blame for the current economic state of individuals; Wall Street doesn't choose who is employed; Wall Street isn't entirely culpable for those select people inclined to live outside their means who refinance a $500,000 home on a salary of $25,000 per year. 

Individuals control whether they have a job; whether they view the world positively or negatively; whether their life, like Guido Orefice's, is beautiful.

Whatever the sentiments are of how Barack Obama has done in office, there's no denying he was spot on when he said America has gone soft. Maybe his administration hasn't helped; maybe investment banks could have been more upstanding; maybe there, too, is alien life in another galaxy.

Instead of complaining about the don't haves, or wishing for something someone else has, work.

The best solution to all of life's aspirations is work. It funds lifestyle choices. 

Put in the time, the energy -- give it everything -- and there won't be need to protest.

Sure there are a fair share of individuals who haven't had to lay down a finger a day in their life, carrying a silver spoon in hand. But the majority of those successful individuals these protesters are singling out have put in the time and are being justifiably paid for it.

When faced with a problem, focus on finding a solution rather than blaming something or someone else.

Resilience, perseverance and unity is what made America great during the Industrial Revolution through World War II; creativity, positivism, ideas and innovation did the United States proud during the 90s and 2000s.

Let us work to bring back those attitudes today and maybe, just maybe, things will improve.

Hell, it's more productive than barking upon deaf ears.

Sign of the Times: Matt Kemp Cashes In

In an endless competition, a dog-eat-dog world, the "market value" of ballplayers are generally on the rise. 

Matt Kemp signed a $160 million payday Friday to remain with the Dodgers, the team that selected him in the sixth round of the 2003 draft. 

The contract runs through the 2019 season. 

Kemp is a rare breed of speed, power and accuracy offensively and defensively. He is a two-time Gold Glover in center field and has won a pair of silver sluggers. 

Another award might soon be his, too. The NL MVP will be announced Nov. 22. 

His 2011 stat line of .324, 39 home runs, 126 RBI, 115 runs and 40 stolen bases is Howard Roark (The Foutainhead) impressive -- singularly and individually his own, marked by transcendent beauty, in a league now dominated by pitching. 

Kemp is also an everyday employee. Since becoming a a full-time starter prior to the 2008 season, Kemp has played in all but 11 games. 

If anyone has the talent and durability to fulfill an eight year contract worth $20 million per annum, it's Kemp. 

Like with any big deal, what you see or have seen, isn't necessarily what you'll get moving forward. 

There are always untold injuries and outstanding circumstances that can change a promising, reasonable deal into a good stiffing. 

Los Angeles remembers Jason Schmidt. 

That $47 million contract caused endless buyer's remorse. 

Around the league there have been untold tales of injuries sending players home with little to show for a fat wallet. There's Joe Mauer, Johan Santana, Erik Bedard and Justin Morneau recently. Carl Pavano, too. The list goes on. 

Those types of poison arrows cannot always be avoided. 

It's the play for money, not love, types that are most worrisome -- those who play best in contract years and then, like a shadow after dusk, disappear until the next time the sun rises on another big pay day.

Kemp, when it comes to baseball, seems to choose love over money. On a good track record, there is one blemish, though: the 2010 season.  

At the plate, Kemp let strikes pass through the hitting zone without as much as a flinch a little more and remained disciplined at balls off the plate a little less. On the bases Kemp carefully chose his spots to run a little less and was thrown out a lot more. In the field Kemp made spectacular plays a little less and jogged, rather than ran, to balls hit past him a little more. 

In all, Kemp posted a career lows in average (.249), slugging (.450) and fielding (.981) and career highs in strikeouts (170) and caught stealing (15 in 34 attempts) since becoming a starter. 

Maybe it was dating Rihanna, maybe it was the team's ongoing management issues. Maybe it was a down year. 

Whatever the case, it's the one scar on an otherwise smooth start to a career and big time payday for Los Angeles' franchise center fielder. 

Minnesota Twins May Be Improving Without Making Any Moves

Success is relative.
Remember the good old bell curve in college? That 25 on the physics exam may have been statistically more imprecise than the final recited message during a game of telephone. Now if everyone else hit like Nick Punto on the test, you'd be OK.
Take the Minnesota Twins. In 2011, Minnesota was the worst team in the American League, besting traditional sourpusses Kansas City, Seattle and Baltimore. In fact, at 63-99, only the Houston Astros (56-106) required more tutoring than the Twins.
Houston is in the midst of a transitional period, having not reached the postseason since being swept by Chicago in the 2005 World Series. The Astros are also changing ownership. According to an AP source, buyer Jim Crane isn't allowed to finalize the team until he agrees to move Houston to the AL. The report suggests MLB wants a two way mirror and even numbers across the two leagues. Right now the NL has 16 teams, the AL 14.
The move wouldn't happen until 2013 at the earliest, given the 2012 schedule has already been released.
Still, it sounds like an opportunity for Minnesota -- whether it knocks off a letter grade on its own (Minnesota Twins wins) -- to look better very soon.
Gotta like the sound of that.

Badger Herald Columns from Years Ago

Oct. 31, 2008
Super-Man Up, Shane Connelly

May 1, 2008
Swan has work cut out for him in NFL

Mar. 14, 2008
Geoffrion plays different game

Mar. 12, 2008 (Feature)
Michael Davies Matures

Feb. 21, 2008 (Feature)
Injury forces Brendan Smith to watch from afar

Feb. 1, 2008
Gophers, Tubby Smith Right Fit

Dec. 11, 2007
Family Comes First for ex-Badger Receiver

Dec. 5, 2007
Hill of a pickle for UW tailback

Nov. 20, 2007
Gophers act like turkeys in defeat

Nov. 13, 2007
Wideouts share painful season

Nov. 8, 2007 (Feature)
Badgers' very own 'Spidey'

Nov. 6, 2007
Badgers defeated in wake of loss

Oct. 30, 2007
Short Bus holds dreams, booze

Oct. 23, 2007
Freshman Kyle Turris shows he's legit

Oct. 16, 2007
Closer look at college football's uncharacteristic first half

Oct. 9, 2007
Defeat puts season in perspective for UW

Oct. 2, 2007
Wisconsin gets no love in Polls

Sept. 18, 2007
Football walks perilous road

Aug. 6, 2007
Henry Mason's Guidance Sorely Missed by Badgers

Mar. 19, 2007
Bauer power leads to titles

Mar. 5, 2007
Show love to the non-rev sports

Feb. 26, 2007
NBA games latest form of torture

Feb. 19, 2007
Wise ones grow beards

Jan. 29, 2007
Lady Ice Badgers are historic powerhouse

Badger Herald Post I

MLB Award Winners: A Prediction

During the World Series Eric Karros, lisp and all, said Michael Young was the AL MVP.

His reasoning cited Young's flexibility and willingness to play wherever there was need after Texas brought in talented Adrian Beltre to play third, the position the long-time Ranger had held the previous two years.

When all was said and done, Young played first and third and everything in between at least once, and did so while producing a career best .338 average and 106 RBI out of the cleanup spot. 

Karros is right in saying Young is valuable. 

But league MVP? Nah. 

Just because Young willingly played wherever the coaching staff needed him, and had a strong offensive year, batting in the thick of a Titanic lineup, doesn't mean he was the most superior to other ballplayers -- or even his own teammates.

Beltre is a plus defensive player at third base and is unique in his ability to field a tough position and hit for power and a high average. Teammate Ian Kinsler is same way defensively at second, and what he lacks in average, he makes up for in speed (30 stolen bases). Then there's Mike Napoli, Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz -- three more Rangers who deserve recognition, too. 

You see, the problem with Young is he's one of many good and similarly skilled players on a good team. 

That said, Young is a Most Valuable Model Citizen, not MVP. 

The Other Candidates

Much in the same way Young and other Rangers are hurt by the strength of the team's sum, so too are other MVP candidates, such as Curtis Granderson of New York, Miguel Cabrera of Detroit and Adrian Gonzalez and Jacoby Ellsbury of Boston. 

There's a different limiting factor for another serious contender, Tigers' No. 35. 

Justin Verlander pitched ridiculously well (24-5, 2.40 ERA, 250 strikeouts to complete the rare Triple Crown) and merits an unanimous voting for AL Cy Young. 

His name appears on the MVP ballot. Other pitchers have won the award. 

Even so, a great deal at a retail store doesn't mean you have to make a purchase. 

Pitchers already have their own award. The MVP goes to a player. 

More specifically, the MVP goes to Toronto's Jose Bautista. 

Complimented by very little, Bautista led the majors in home runs (43) and OPS (1.056). His splits heavily favor the first half of the season, but production in the first 81 games of the season is just as important as production in the last 81 games. And unlike the rest of the field, Bautista's best protection was a .250 hitting, .439 slugging Adam Lind. 

NL MVP

Matt Kemp

Much in the same vein, in what should be a two person race, Matt Kemp of the Dodgers outranks Ryan Braun of the Brewers as the NL MVP. Even without the assistance of a Sasquatch (Prince Fielder) behind him, Kemp out produced The Hebrew Hammer. 

Other Awards

AL Cy Young

Verlander: Duh. 

NL Cy Young

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles: Bests Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee of Philadelphia for the top pitching honor. 

His numbers don't lie. 

For an inferior Dodgers team, Kershaw accrued more wins (21 vs. 19 and 17) and posted a better strikeout rate (9.57/9 IP vs. 8.47/9 and 9.21/9) and WHIP (.98 vs. 1.04 and 1.03) than  either Philly. 

AL Rookie of the Year

Craig Kimbrel

Tampa Bay Ray Jeremy Hellickson: Posts 13-10 record and sports nifty 2.95 ERA to lead a thin rookie class. 

NL Rookie of the Year

Atlanta Braves Craig Kimbrel: Sets the rookie record for saves (46) and has nasty stuff (14.85 strikeouts per 9 innings), despite blowing numerous chances to reach the postseason down the stretch for the Braves.

AL Manager of the Year

Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay: After losing Carl Crawford to the Boston Red Sox via free agency, Maddon still manages thrifty Rays to postseason.

NL Manager of the Year

Kirk Gibson, Arizona: Crafts his trade at the managerial level, leading a young Diamondbacks team to a playoff berth and NL West title. 

Good Riddance: Bill Smith Fired

Nine figure choices

Pair of nines for his losses

Smith deflated Twins

(A Haggy Haiku)

What Might Have Been Part II: Stars Align for Dallas

To begin the 2010 NFL season Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones proclaimed his team would win the Super Bowl.
Even with the team's loaded roster, the statement was bold, brash and, well, downright foolish.
Tony Romo has never won a playoff game. Last season he managed just one win in six games before going down for the remainder with a broken collar bone.
If the Super Bowl was a target, Dallas missed its mark like the villains shooting at the hero of an action movie.
Where the Cowboys failed, two other local teams picked up the slack.
The Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA Championship. Thursday night, the Rangers finished the season atop the Major's for the first time in their 50 year history.
Even the Dallas Stars, albeit early in the season, boast the Pacific Division's best record, at 7-3.
Mr. Jones wasn't right about his Cowboys, but boy is Dallas the paradise right now of the sporting world.

Home Runs Aren't Wins

Funny how the top three home run hitters in postseason history didn't play for the World Series winner.
Nelson Cruz joined Carlos Beltran and Barry Bonds as the only players with eight postseason round-trippers with a blast in Game 6 of the World Series. He also joined them as side notes during the extra season won by someone else.
 

What Might Have Been ... The Story That Wasn't Written

What if?
That question is everyday language, it's commonality can be likened to the average person wondering what he should eat for lunch.
The consideration seems to be more aligned with sports. Sports writers, given tight deadlines, may produce two separate leads to document the differing possible outcomes.
One play may stand out and encapsulate the essence of the event covered. Another a few moments later may change everything.
I wanted to take the time to recognize a lead -- and game story -- that, for now, will not be read nor heard, thanks to the heroics of the St. Louis Cardinals, namely Lance Berkman and David Freese, who produced game-tying hits, and in the case of the latter, a walk-off home run.

---------------------------------------------------
Grimacing with every swing, limited by a strained left groin, what a time for the reigning AL MVP Josh Hamilton to come through with his first post-season home run of 2011. 

Hamilton lifted a low Jason Motte fastball into the left-center stands of Busch Stadium for a 9-7 win Thursday in Game 6 of the World Series.  

Hamilton's moonshot lifted the Rangers out of historical misery and completed the transformation from his days of substance abuse and misery to become the hero, the idol -- the star the world thought he'd be when selected No. 1 overall back in the 1999 draft. 

The victory secured Texas' first championship in the franchise's 50 year history, breaking what had been the third longest drought in the MLB.
Hamilon's game-winner came after the St. Louis Cardinals rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth.

Down by two, St. Louis native David Freese poked a Neftali Feliz two-strike, outside fastball over the head of Nelson Cruz for a two-run triple with two outs.

Albert Pujols started the rally with a one-out double. Lance Berkman walked. Craig struck out looking, setting the stage for Freese.
But the perseverance of the Cardinals, who rallied from a 10 1/2 game deficit in the NL Wild Card standings as recently as Aug. 25 to reach the postseason and then World Series, was outshined by the flexing flames permanently inked on Hamilton's left forearm. A tattoo, among dozens more, that serve as a constant reminder of Hamilton's troubled past.
Like with his addiction, Hamilton's groin injury was a misstep away from relapse. But he battled, he grinded and ultimately came through at the most opportune time.
His story continues to be a work in progress, but at least for now, he can celebrate with more hardware and some sparkling grape juice.

Proven Winner

Unassuming.

Playing in the Mountain West Conference for the TCU Horned Frogs, Andy Dalton quietly set school records for just about every quarterback stat, including most wins (42), touchdown passes (71) and passing yards (10,314). Dalton led TCU to a perfect finish in his senior year, capped by a victory over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. His accolades also included four bowl games in four years and another BCS appearance, a loss to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl in 2009. 

Even with his resume, NFL teams initially shied away from Dalton. One NFL coach went so far to say Dalton's hair color would limit him at the next level.
Cincinnati took a waiver on Dalton with its last pick of the second round. The Bengals were having trouble finding a middle ground with incumbent Carson Palmer. He couldn't stand losing anymore.
Dalton did in preseason what he's done since taking over as the Horned Frogs' starter in 2007 -- impress.
Coaches gave him the reins to the offense in Week 2 and boy has he looked good.
At 4-2 -- 3-2 under Dalton -- the Bengals have so far exceeded initial expectations like Christy Brown and communicating.
His completion percentage (62.4) is easily the best among rookie signal callers. And his 84.2 QB rating is better than Cam Newton's.
His skill-set doesn't compete with the likes of Newton or young gunslingers in the league like Matt Stafford or Sam Bradford, but his smarts, decision-making and drive have so far proven athleticism and strength don't singularly define success.
More Trent Dilfer than Dan Marino, Dalton may be the answer to the Bengals' long-running woes. 

Sesame Crusted Tuna with Chili Aioli

serves 4

1½ - 2 lbs tuna cut into 4 1inch steaks
2 Tbsp white sesame seeds
2 Tbsp black sesame seeds
1 lime, zested (reserve juice)
1 Tbsp paprika
salt and pepper
2 tsp togarashi-iri (chili infused sesame oil)
¼ cup aioli or mayonnaise
¼ cup canola oil plus more for brushing

In a small bowl combine sesame seeds, lime zest, paprika, salt and pepper. Heat canola oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat.

Brush tuna steaks with oil and coat with sesame seed mixture. Once oil begins to shimmer and steam, CAREFULLY put tuna steaks into hot oil. Sear each steak for about 90 – 120 seconds per side.

Combine togarashi-iri with aioli (if you like it spicy add more togarashi). Squeeze reserved lime juice over tuna. Slice tuna steaks and serve with aioli.

(Recipe courtesy of Coastal Seafoods)

NFL Should Rework Prime Time Games

College GameDay does it right.
The "it" is selecting prime time games in the week or weeks leading up to a matchup with intrigue.
In a perfect world Peyton Manning would have been healthy, offering a must-see event for viewers, starting opposite Drew Brees in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV.
As it was, a Curtis Painter-led Colts offense staggered into Sunday night's game winless. Hardly a fair fight against Brees and the prolific Saints. And certainly not the game NBC would be wanting to feature as its game of the week.
New Orleans put on a show, winning by the incredible score of 62-7. But the matchup itself wasn't worth the time slot. 

Going Nowhere

What an ugly first half for the Baltimore Ravens offense Monday night against Jacksonville.
Minus-3 passing yards, zero first downs on nine offensive series -- a franchise record -- and a turnover.
On the team's lone appearance on the plus side of the 50 yard line, penalties and a Joe Flacco completion to himself off a tipped pass set back the Ravens deep into their own territory.
In sum, Baltimore punted on a fourth-and-43 -- something you'd see out of NFL Blitz, not on ESPN.

Ponder's Alright

Poised, quick, risk-taker

Christian Ponder kept Vikes close

Impressive debut

(A Haggy Haiku)

=========================================================

It wasn't the first career start had by Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray, who gained a franchise best 253 yards, or the effort of Cam Newton in his debut last month, but Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder certainly demonstrated the value and potential he has at the game's most important and high-profile position.
Ponder threw the ball down the field in a way his mentor Donovan McNabb didn't.
He ran or threw the ball away when there was nothing available.
He stood poised in the pocket and delivered strong, relatively accurate throws with defenders bearing down on him.
And he ultimately seemed to inspire the best effort put forth by the Minnesota Vikings all season long.
So what if Minnesota lost to bitter rival Green Bay 33-27.
So what if the defeat drops the team to 1-6.
Ponder did his part, throwing for two touchdowns and 219 yards.
The 40.6 percent accuracy and two interceptions need improving, but certainly aren't telling.
Minnesota should be excited for Carolina.

Take That, That and That

Sit down and shut up.
That's essentially what Albert Pujols said to his numerous journalist critics Saturday night in belting three home runs and driving in six during a 16-7 laugher over the Texas Rangers.
Leave it to the great ones to give a new meaning to the term clutch.
Not only did Pujols' five hits help the Cardinals take a 2-1 advantage over the Texas Rangers in the best-of-seven World Series, he showed up the members of the media who berated the Cardinals' slugger for refusing to speak to them following a Game 2 loss, which included a crucial error by the first baseman.
Great players are able to come up big in key in-game situations. And, as Pujols proved, when critics end their silence.
His three home runs in one game during the World Series have been matched by only two others, Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth.
How's that for shutting everyone up?

Badgers BCS Hopes Dealt Huge Blow

Bret Bielema's greed willed the Michigan State Spartans to victory. 

Michigan State contently played to live another offensive series, to play out a tie game in overtime. The Wisconsin Badger head coach had other visions: he wanted the ball back to win in regulation. 

Bieliema called two timeouts on back-to-back downs helping the Spartans preserve clock and set up the game-winning, wild, up-for-grabs "500" touchdown.

Michigan State 37, Wisconsin 31. 

Play for the win on the road; play for overtime at home. 

That old adage cut down the high ground on which the Badgers were standing in the BCS rankings. 

It made their successful head coach look like a spoiled-rotten kid after not getting his way. 

Aggressive and no apologies, Bielema has proven he is an above-average coach, winning 55 of 72 games (76.4 percent).  

His team's recent dominance, outscoring teams 301-58 in going 6-0 prior to Saturday night's game got to his head. 

The first timeout was questionable. 

The Badgers stopped the clock with 42 seconds left after a 10 yard sack of Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins set up a second-and-20. Cousins then completed a 12-yard pass to B.J. Cunningham to set up third-and-8. 

The second was downright moronic. There wasn't enough time for the Badgers to set something up even if they recorded a third-down stop.
Figure five seconds for an incomplete pass, nine seconds for the punt of say 40 yards. Let's pretend returner Jared Abbrederis runs back the hypothetical punt 12 yards. Three more seconds. Now the Badgers have the ball first-and-10 from their own 36 yard line with 12 seconds remaining. A long completion of say 20 yards would take six seconds and move the offense to Michigan State's 46. Timeout. And still out of field goal range with maybe time for one more short throw that would have to go out of bounds.
Small chance.
Saying Bielema was correct in calling the timeouts is a tad short-sided. Given that Michigan State continued to huddle up and walk to the line of scrimmage during the game-winning drive showed the world the Spartans and venerable coach Mike Dantonio were content on playing for the so called "crapshoot" that is overtime. Does that mean they were dumb to not be going for the win until Bielema gave them reason to by freezing the clock?
Don't think so.
After the second timeout Cousins found Keshawn Martin for an 11-yard gain and a first down. Three plays later, off an end zone deflection, former Spartans backup quarterback Keith Nichol wrestled his way across the goal-line for the small chance, game-winning, 44-yard touchdown. 

Bielema gave credence to Michigan State's offense to try and kill the Badgers before an extra frame.

Not only did MSU do just that, it also essentially killed UW's shot at the BCS title game. 

Wisconsin whined all week leading up to the game that at sixth in the BCS rankings, the team was being disrespected.
Now the Badgers will be lucky to remain in the top 10 after Saturday's loss.
As for the BCS title game?
Small chance.

Only a Matter of Time

When the lockout, training camp and preseason ended, somehow Rex Grossman had earned another full-time starting gig at the NFL level.
The competition, John Beck, was hardly a diamond in the rough -- more like iron piping -- having completed 55.7 percent of his passes for 676 yards and a touchdown against three picks in five years as a backup.
But Grossman?
Seriously?
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan perplexed many with his decision to go with the perennial puff pastry (turnover) over signing or trading for a better quarterback. Perhaps he figured Grossman could rekindle some of the luck most prominently demonstrated during his run with Chicago to Super Bowl XLI.
Shanahan looked like a genius at first.
Grossman threw for two scores and went without a turnover in a 28-14 Week 1 victory of New York. After looking halfway decent in a well fought 22-21 win over Arizona in Week 2 and a close loss to Dallas in Week 3, the real Grossman stood up.
Like an extra henchman in a Jason Statham flick trying to gun down the fleeing hero, Grossman began continuously missing his mark. He barely topped 50 percent in throwing two picks against the winless Rams Oct. 2 and followed it up with a vintage (by his standards) performance Sunday: 9-for-23, 143 yards and a 0:4 touchdown to interception ratio.
Beck came in to relieve the former first-round pick and helped Washington to a respectable, rather than humiliating, loss to the Eagles, 20-13.
Sports are games of averages, and for innately flawed individuals, like Grossman, it's only a matter of time before their perceived promise returns to realized handicaps.

Nuggets continue winning ways in Minnesota, beating Timberwolves 113-100

By Kevin Hagstrom
Special to The Denver Post

POSTED: 02/05/2011 10:13:36 PM MST

UPDATED: 02/06/2011 01:12:16 AM MST

Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin attempts a reverse layup Saturday against the T-wolves. (Jim Mone, The Associated Press )

MINNEAPOLIS — The Nuggets love the Target Center.

Heading into Saturday night's contest, Denver had won seven consecutive meetings in Minnesota.

Make it eight — but not without another near meltdown.

J.R. Smith scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter and the duo ofArron AfflaloandChauncey Billupscoolly hit from the outside throughout as the NBA's most prolific offense avoided squandering a 14-point lead to defeat Minnesota 113-100.

With the win andUtah Jazzloss, Denver (30-21) moves into second place in the Northwest Division in what can be expected to be a back-and- forth race the rest of the way.

"I thought tonight our offense had a rhythm to it all game," Nuggets coach George Karl said.

Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 25. Afflalo and Billups combined for eight 3-pointers and 43 points. The Nuggets' point man also helped set up a steady stream of layups and dunks.

"We did a really good job of opening up the floor, running pick-and-rolls and finding the open man," Billups said, who tied a season-high with 13 assists.

True to form the Nuggets charged the basket and Minnesota offered little resistance.

Also true: While Denver has dominated the head-to-head matchup in the wins column, the games have been close. Case in point: Denver has now won by 13, six and two points this season — the last of which saw the Nuggets leading by as many as 20.

Since the division is so tight — Oklahoma City, Denver and Utah are separated by four games — Karl finds the team's wins this season against the 11-39 Wolves to be gratifying.

"I'm glad we got both of them (wins) because there's a divisional race going on between Utah, Portland and Oklahoma City and us," Karl said. "I would bet one of us is probably going to tie, and the divisional records is going to be the determining factor."

Denver, with the exception of Anthony, couldn't find the range in the first quarter.

Anthony scored 13 points on 4-for-5 shooting. The rest of the team combined for 12 on 4-for-17.

Thereafter, they hit 71.4 percent in the second and 54.4 percent overall.

The Wolves came back in the second half and cut the lead to as close as three, but Smith hit a couple of jumpers and Billups sealed it with a dagger 3 with less than two minutes to play to give Denver the win.

"In the fourth quarter, we buckled down and took care of business," Billups said.

Nuggets Recap

What you might have missed

The Nuggets made 40.7 percent of their 3-pointers, outrebounded the NBA's best team in that department 46-45 and finished with 50 points in the paint.

Final thought

Denver plays down to the Wolves sometimes, but always seems to find a way to win.

Up next

Vs. Houston, Monday, 7 p.m.

Forbes, Boateng Battle for Nuggets' last roster spot

By Kevin Hagstrom

Special to The Denver Post

POSTED: 10/14/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT

Gary Forbes, an undrafted 6-foot-7 forward from Massachusetts, is averaging 9.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in the Nuggets' 1-1 start to the preseason. (Garrett W. Ellwood, NBAE via Getty Images )

MINNEAPOLIS — Sports are like the tide, full of highs and lows. For NBA rookies, throw in a strong undertow.

One minute they are recognized for a good defensive rotation or offensive finish, and the next they are attracting attention for a botched assignment or errant pass.

First-round draft picks are contractually guaranteed at least an entire season to gain a coach's trust and earn playing time, even if it doesn't pan out.

This is not so for two Nuggets in their first season.

Gary Forbes and Eric Boateng joined Denver for training camp as undrafted free agents.

Nothing is certain.

"It's not easy for them," Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups said. "There's a lot of pressure."

Forbes is an athletic, scoring forward from Massachusetts, Boateng a defensive-minded center from Arizona State. Opposites though they are, they are vying for the same thing: a spot on the roster.

Forbes, who came to the Nuggets after stints in Israel and the Philippines, sees the preseason as an audition — in which pressure to succeed is paramount.

"I don't want to be a liability on the court where Coach (George Karl) says I'm not making good decisions," he said.

Boateng is more relaxed. He views camp as a learning experience, not much different than the times spent in lecture halls while attending Arizona State.

"I'm just absorbing what Coach Karl is trying to teach us and going out, playing hard and trying to execute the way he wants us to play," Boateng said.

The gravity of realizing his dream of playing in the NBA affected Forbes in Denver's preseason opener against Portland last week. He made 1-of-6 shots, missed two free throws and committed four turnovers.

"My mind was running a bit crazy," Forbes said of his shaky debut.

Against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, a calmer Forbes scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 20 minutes. But he also committed three turnovers.

"Role players can't make mistakes," Karl said.

Forbes knows it. That's why he is among the last to leave the court after practice, working with assistant coach Melvin Hunt.

"I'm just working hard to get better every day," Forbes said.

Denver's coaching staff would like to see more offensive production from Boateng, who didn't attempt a shot Tuesday and has scored only four points in the Nuggets' 1-1 start to the preseason.

While the 6-foot-10 Boateng attempts to make the team, he will float with the tide and let the worry fall upon his instructors, the coaches.

"I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I'm just playing," Boateng said.

More roadwork ahead.

The Nuggets practiced Wednesday at the Target Center before flying to Los Angeles for a long stay. They committed 25 turnovers in their 122-108 loss to the Timberwolves, but Karl isn't overly concerned about his team's inconsistent play.

"Training camp is about getting better, getting stronger, getting more together," Karl said. "It's not about winning games."

The Nuggets are in Los Angeles for games against the Clippers tonight and the Lakers on Friday, then another game Sunday at the Staples Center.

Denver-Minnesota Exhibition Game

Fantastic Pork Chop Recipe

Coriander & Cumin Rubbed Pork Chops

What you're going to need:

1/2 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. ground cumin

1 Tbsp. ground coriander 3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 2 boneless pork loin chops

ground black pepper to taste

(Optional):

1-2 oz. diced white onion 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Mix the salt, cumin, coriander, garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil to form paste. Season pork chops with salt and cayenne pepper, then rub on the paste. Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the pork chops about five to eight minutes on each side, to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. If your chops are still pink in the middle, you can add a shot of water to try and expedite the cooking process.

(WinCo Foods contributed to this recipe)

Get Off Wall Street, Go to Work

Mr. Freese

Hitting everything

Scoring faith producing runs

Team up 2 to 1

(A Haggy Haiku)

===================================================

David Freese's postseason has produced 11 RBI in nine games and a .375 average, to go with three home runs.

Hit 12 hits are the most in Cardinals history through nine career postseason games.

Difference Maker

He may never be an MVP and doesn't appear to be destined for the Hall of Fame, but Delmon Young is exhibiting the brass so many scouts and teams thought he possessed.

The first overall pick in the 2003 draft has been fairly consistent in six full big league seasons.

His average has ranged from as high as .298 in 2010 to as low as .268 this year.

The knock, aside from substandard range and mental mistakes in the outfield, has been his lack of power.

Say no more.

In eight postseason games and 30 at-bats, Young has found the bleachers five times.

Most of them have come in key situations.

In Thursday's elimination game, Young belted two homers, including the difference-making two-run blast in the sixth inning of a 7-5 win.

Young also contributed the game-winning home run in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Yankees.

For a guy who fell out of favor in Tampa Bay and then Minnesota this season, Young has seemingly found the stroke with Detroit.

Batting with the protection of one of baseball's best in Miguel Cabrera has made a huge difference.

That seems to be the case beyond just this postseason..

He drove in 110 runs and hit a career-best 21 long-balls in 2010 with Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer and Jim Thome around him in the lineup.

While that's not the makings of a franchise player, taking a backseat to one and finding ways to come up big when your team needs you is perfectly OK too.