Sports and Surplus

Oh That Crazy NCAA

2011-06-08T12:18:00.000-04:00

I'm sure everyone now knows that Terrelle Pyror has left Ohio Sate, but one has to wonder, what happened to Ohio State? First, your coach leaves amongst scandals far sweeping past what anyone imagined would come up after the first stories surfaced towards the conclusion of last season. Several players suspended five games but allowed to play in the Rose Bowl with the assurance they would return the following season and serve that suspension before leaving school.

The biggest one of the group didn't serve one game, rather he took advantage of a lame governing body that is hypocritically trying to protect something that doesn't exist anymore: amateurism. The NCAA clearly showed they care more about money than enforcing their own rules. That is the only justification they can have to let Pryor play in a marquee, nationally televised game and delay his suspension to the following year.

Now, I think its important to think why the NCAA let Pryor be excused from his "improper benefits" for one game before I start diving into what I think the NCAA should change for their football penalties for breach of NCAA rules. The NCAA is a business like any other, they need revenue to keep building this machine that works hand in hand with the BCS with whom they are partnered. So it makes business sense to make sure they both get paid.

This is where the conflict of interest kicks into play. The NCAA is a for profit company who governs the amateurism of athletes, meaning no monetary gain is tolerated by any means. How can a company who is worried about making money try and make sure another person doesn't get money? It doesn't work out because all the guidelines and rules they create to protect this status would conflict with them making money on marquee nationally televised games. Now the NCAA has to try and juggle how do we make money and enforce the rules we've established at the same time.

The answer they came up with was create a million different violations and codes that gives the NCAA an almost unpredictable lead way on how to punish athletes for business they never should have partaken to begin with. The shades of grey allows them to suspend players but at the schools digression, which means they will never be banned for the big game. So the poor cannon fodder D-II team that's on the schedule is when the player sits out. Is that really a suspension if he wasn't going to play more than a quarter to begin with?

This is a personal opinion of what I'd want to see the NCAA do to start penalizing schools and players (we all know its not just the players that have a part in this). I am just a fan keep in mind and by no mean an expert on the topic.

First, it has two categories and sub categories for each:

Player improper benefits

High Level (Major)
Low Level (minor)

Schools Improper Recruiting (to include booster club benefits and other recruiting violations the school can make to set undone influence on an athlete to join their program)

High Level
Low Level

This way there is no gray area for a player to find a loop hole and avoid a suspension for a major game, rather there is only 4 types of penalties that can be handed out. I know a lot of people are going to say that's too simplistic there is no way that can cover every incident that is reported. I understand that but let me explain how I see the punishments being laid out and you can help fill in the rest.

For a player that receives a high level improper benefits they would be suspended for a minimum of the next five in-conference games that would be played, regardless of being a playoff or a regular season game. A player that receives a low level improper benefits would be suspended 1-4 games but the school has the right to choose which games they are to be suspended. As a note, any player that is under investigation, at any time during the year, would be considered ineligible until he is proven innocent.

For a school that is found of a major recruiting violation or booster clubs giving improper benefits they would not be allowed to participate in any conference championship for that sport for 3 years, allowed 20 less scholarships during those three years, and be fined $25 million that must be paid before the third year expires. If the school has not paid by that time the scholarship level is reinstated to normal levels but the restriction on being able to play in a conference championship is not lifted until it has been paid. A lower level (or minor) infraction would be a reduction of 10 scholarships for 2 years and a $1 million fine.

Any major violation that is investigated during the course of a season but the verdict is not issued till after the season is complete, the NCAA would have the right to go back and strip any team of the bowls and conference championships in which they participated. Also, the schools would have to pay any benefits received for playing in those games to the NCAA (I believe both schools in the national championship take almost $30 million for playing).

Obviously, the simplicity of the system is going to make people say this wont work but if a major program like Ohio State was hit with this last year they'd be paying almost $50 million (guessing around $20 million is paid out to Rose bowl participants) to the NCAA and be losing almost $20 annually on big games at the end of the season until their ban ran out so that's a possible $110 million they are forfeiting and not to mention the 60 possible top tier players they usually would recruit as well. Thats a huge hurdle to overcome, and it would take the school almost 5 years after that verdict to recover.

Fulham Update

2011-06-03T10:19:00.002-04:00

Apparently Mark Hughes has resigned his post as Manager of FFC. Not exactly sure why, but speculation is leaning towards he is going to Villa. Rumors are starting to buzz he is going to take Dempsey with him. Would be interesting to see that happen because you could potentially have a very good EPL team with three, yes you read that right, 3 Americans on its starting roster.

Now wouldn't that be something?

Besides this FFC has also finished in the top 10 in the table for the second season in a row and qualifies them for fair play entry into the Europa League. We all remember how amazing last years campaign was. Lets hope for the best.

Closing The Door

2011-05-31T12:51:00.002-04:00

I am not just a blogger about Hockey, but for some strange reason the sport seems to draw you in and captivate you. I'm a basketball and soccer athlete and played both on a highly competative level for some time, but as a fan its different watching a team you love be pulled away. As a competitor you can fight as hard as you can and say I did everything I could but we still lost and be able to sleep that night.

Being a fan is much more difficult. Especially if your team is the Atlanta Thrashers. We had to sit through years of an incompetant GM, owners suing themselves, and and underbudget team flounder for 11 years with one glimmer of hope. Being a coach its frustrating to watch and a quote comes to mind that makes me wonder how the gentlemen, scratch that, IDIOTS that call themselves the ASG were able to make enough money to run this team.

It simply reads this: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result."

Its not super profound, its not awe-inspiring, its a simpe fact of life. The only things that never changed before we saw this team start to turn some corners this year were Don Waddell and the ASG running this team into the ground.

Now as Gearon got on the radio and said the reason for a low payroll was "going youg like they did in Pittsburg creates a lower payroll". Thats a lie, you let players walk because you couldn't look them in the face and ensure that all your efforts would go to building a winner. THE PLAYERS KNEW YOU CARED MORE ABOUT BASKETBALL THAN HOCKEY. All of Atlanta knew that when you let Waddell fire Heartly when in reality it was waddells turn to be shown the door since he was incapable of finding the right players for his coaches.

We hire Rick Dudley and the biggest names on our team sign a 5 year deal and the players that are traded here are excited about being here. Take Waddell out and look at the change. Why we didn't get Brian Burke to start off with is beyond me (Yes I get Waddell is a product of the Big Red Borg but he never really had any personal responisiblity there).

Now, I could go on and rant about different things ownership could have done to make this better and how we should have fired waddell before we let Heartly go but it comes back to the owners here. Not once did they stick up for the players and really show they cared, rather they mocked the fans and showed how little they knew about relations.

I am not here to chide or start a war, rather its a simple fan showing some frustration and wanting to know why a city won't stand up and force these owners to be responsible and build a franchise here like they promised to do.

Maybe third time is the charm... If we ever get one.

What In The...

2011-05-18T11:51:00.002-04:00

The letters about sums this cluster**** (insert dirty 4 letter words here): WTF (or whisky-Tango Foxtrot as Mr. Rawhide likes to say.

So I think we are at 4 sale options here for the entities in Atlanta:

TNSE- just wants the Thrashers

"The Balkin" (decoded to JR Smith of Detroit) wants All 3

Some mystery local ownership group that wants all 3

Former Houston Astros owner who just wants Phillips and the Hawks

Confused yet? The worst part about it is ASG refuses to talk to anyone about where any of the groups proposals are. So we are blind in the dark with a 25% chance of getting this right... I feel like im in the middle of Arrandas "Still in the Dark".

Anyone with more expertise that wants to chime in and try and clarify this mess please do because that bottle of jack that is sitting in my condo looks really friendly for the rest of this week.

Its been a while...

2011-05-16T08:57:00.002-04:00

First off, sorry for the long absence, but work is work and sometimes it decides it wants to take over your life. A lot has happened in this year and One story is particularly important to me: the ASGs charade of trying to sell the Thrashers.

Now before I go into this lets look at the Thrashers history. Perennial finishes in 10-15 place in the East, one division championship and a swift sweep in the playoffs that year. So obviously their track record is not on their side, but then agin is it really all the team's fault?

The Atlanta Spirit Group have claimed that they lost over $130 million on the Thrashers over the years, but the funny thing is when Ted Turner owned the team they made small profits every year. Now granted small profits are nothing to write home about but what I want to point out is even though the team was in the bottom 5 of the league there were adament fans and supporters of a better future. The real drop in money is when the Spirit group took over in 2003 thats when things starting going south. We're talking noticible cut backs in staffing at the arena, an ability to neglect a GM that needed to be fired or promoted (which eventually happened), and a lack of caring toward the fan base in general.

Over all the years of increased ticket sales and raising costs for consessions, the team kept the payroll as close to the bottom of the price floor as possible. As fans became annoyed and starting retaliating back at the owners they simply said, "show up and well put a better product on the ice". But being a fan, why do I want to watch a team that I know is going to get killed because you won't pony up the money to get the players we need and are constantly fighting with yourselves on who is the next best free agent in basketball... THEN if its worth it to sue a guy over it. Oh wait, thats how we got to this position in the first place. The ASG really just know basketball and bought the hockey team to offset its gains.

Now, the ASG are back in court again to sue the firm that helped them get the Thrashers and made the team "unsellable" by the way the contract was written. Now, not to be rude or take personal shots at anyone, but how are you stupid enough to think that you can sell someone else's assets without them concenting? Belkin personally was a majority investor which mean they needed his good graces to relieve themselves of this burden (as they would say). By taking him to court and freezing his input of course you can't sell because he has leverage to hold against you in court. This is obviously something no one can really say is competely true, becuse lets face it, no one is in the ownership group and is in the court room hearing the arguments.

Now, people say that there are problems everywhere in this organization but I don't think thats entirely true. The ASG knew Waddell couldn't handle everything alone and leaving him out there to dry and take the heat from the fans was the ASGs way of staying out of the spotlight and letting themselves battle among themselves for who has the better idea of what a good purchase is (Kind of of ironic they ened up this way now isn't it?). Now, I am not saying Waddell is all to blame here because most of the players that leave Atlanta say its a beautiful city and this team is just not run well. Thats interesting, the players know the ownership is a problem, they say the MANAGEMENT is the issue and not the coaching (OK, Kovalchuk and Kozlov voiced it was a problem but thats about the only whispers you heard of that).

Ok, so now we have two parties mad at the ownership: players and ticket holders.

Now, as all this comes out that they they don't have the money to take the losses anymore. Let me get this straight... you sign a tier II star in the NBA to a 6 year $120 million contract and you cant fund a hockey team where you have successfully ruined any fan base by keeping the payroll at $40 million. You just payed one individual half that amount and he isn't worth that at all. How can you justify that? I mean, that's just like saying to a friend I don't have any extra cash and then buying something at the next store with cash with them there. The hockey team is losing you money because you built it that way.

Now that they have successfully run this team into the ground we get the daily rumor mill grinding that Atlanta is going to Winnipeg, done deal, etc. Funny thing is the ASG get more out of the sale if the team stays here in Atlanta. Out of the deal that is proposed by Canadian Media Outlets, the sale is $170 million, of that $170 million, 60 goes to the NHL for relocation. Now, if a local buyer takes it at $110 million, then ASG still gets rent checks for the 41 dates and will keep getting that till they sell the rights to the bonds on the arena. So as messed up as this scenario is, the ASG actually shouldn't sell to the True North Sports because that is the worse deal they could sign.

That is just my take, so do as you may with it.

Trade Deadline Day

2010-03-03T11:06:00.005-05:00

UPDATE II: Thrashers' trade coming soon... not sure who is involved but the front office said to pay attention. My guess is Kozlov or Army is gone.

UPDATE: Kubina's agent confirms he is close to extension in Atlanta. Take him off the trade list.

Ok, so we have a little under four (thats right 4) hours till the deadline passes.

The burning question that stands before us: Who will get shipped out and what new blood arrives here in Atlanta?

Next intreguing question: Are we buyers or sellers today?

With the win yesterday you have to figure the Thrashers are going to do whatever is in the relm of possibilities to get this team past the first round of the playoffs. Then again, don't tinker with something that isn't broken.

Ok, so that leads us to what parts can be let go. We have two big pieces that could be packaged nicely in a trade to bring back atleast one quality scoring player being Colby Armstrong and Slava Kozlov. As everyone knows Kozzy (Kozlov for non-Thrasher fans) has asked to be traded so he can play out his final days on the ice not in a press box and Armstrong has essentially stopped contract talks with Atlanta.

Also on the bubble are players like Kubina and Afinagenov that are UFAs at season's end. So now it becomes a question of who garnishes the best return, and is that return greater than what is given up to get it.

With all this considered that leaves us with three candidates from the thrashers to be moved that are UFAs: Armstrong, Kozlov, and Afinagenov.

Why do you leave out Kubina in this list you ask? Two things: First, he has a no trade claus that prevents the team from throwing him to the wolves. Second, he has done way to much securing this blue line to let him go.

My prediction after all this information: The Thrashers part ways with Army and Kozlov in a packaged deal that brings in a scorer and a late pick in a draft. I was hoping for Ponikarovski from the Leafs but since he is gone, it would be nice to see Raffi Torres to fill Kovy's shoes as the scorer.

Any other guesses that you guys have, lets hear 'em. Also, throw in there if you think the Thrashers are sellers or buyers at this juncture... I'm curious to see others opinions here.

Its a Dark Day In Blueland

2010-02-03T08:50:00.002-05:00

Our Captain will be gone by the end of the week probably, and all sources are saying the same thing... Kovy's saying he wanted to win in Atlanta was a song and dance routine when he never really considered this a viable place to stay.

Frustrating? Yes. Disrepectfult? Even More.

The man wants to hold this franchise hostage with 20% of the salary cap tied under his belt, and expect us to build a winner... with fourth and third line money left over? You can't be serious, right? Apparently, $10 million a year for 10 years isn't enough to satisfy the man.

I originally thought Kovalchuk was a smart individual who understood what it took to win as a team. After all, the has won every accolade a player can achieve at this point except a Stanley Cup, so one would think he would allow some consessions to get to this dream.

We were all wrong here. Its all about Kovy all the time.

The craziest part about this whole article is that everyone thought he truely cared about this team since he specifically asked the Thrashers to seek out certain players (Afinagenov and Antropov) and we went and got them for him. What does he do in return? If you said he thanked the organization you are wrong, rather he decides to force the team to trade him so he can test the waters as a UFA.

Just lovely.

Anyways, I just hope Waddell can get at least one top 6 player that is really young, a slew of draft picks and previous first round draft pick from a team that has a reputation of knowing where good talent is.

Any predicitons on the trade and where he will go? Lets hear them,

Kovy And All The Other UFAs

2010-01-25T09:57:00.002-05:00

So I'm going to say hesitantly that our Kaptain might be out of Atlanta before seasons end. A trade seems to be every one's favorite thing to talk about lately. But is signing Kovy to the league maximum really worth all the hype its getting?

I beg to differ. The Thrashers are about to find themselves in a situation that no GM ever wants to be in, and I'm not talking about the Kovalchuk contract. I'm talking about the other 8 UFAs that can walk come July this year. Yea, 8 other players on this roster are free to test the waters of the NHL and see what their services will garnish them if they don another uniform.

So here is the question that I propose: Exactly what transactions helps this team the most in regards to Kovalchuk and the other UFAs?

We can reasonably expect that Kovy will get a 10+ year deal with a cap hit of $9 Million anywhere he goes, so that is our bench mark. That would put the team at $32 Million committed with only 9 players signed (5 of those being defenders). The hard part is most of the guys that are signed are second and third line players leaving $20 million to spread around the top six, which anyone can tell you just isn't enough money.

Now to complicate things worse, Brian Little is a RFA this year and Zach Bogosian is a RFA next year. Those two alone will probably eat up 6$ million easy (lets say $3 million each for rounding), so now the team is at $35 million before free agency to start next year.

So this is the list of UFAs the Thrashers have in the organization:

Ilya Kovalchuk
Slava Kozlov
Colby Armstrong
Jim Slater
Maxim Afinagenov
Eric Boulton
Pavel Kubina
Mark Popovic
Johan Hedberg

Out of this list there are several players I would like to see resigned, but several others could bring great package deals if in trades. I'd like to sign Pavel Kubina, Mark Popovic and Colby Armstrong for another few years. Hopefully, all those could get signed and done for under $10 million (Our running total would be at $45 if Kovy signs to the lowest deal above and $47 if he requires league max). I think Kozlov and Hedberg are in the fading years of their careers and both should be asked to take positions in the front office in order to create some true player presence in the board.

This optimal scenario leaves the thrashers with $9 million to fill out the remaining 5 roster spots, one of which is a top 6 forward. I guess its time to tap the farm, right? Maybe not.. consider trading Kovy and Colby Armstrong to unload some salary and get some immediate and future returns. Calgary is definitely interested in a deal like this that would bring back Dion Phaneuf, a guaranteed first round pick, and a plethora of other options for Don Waddell to choose. This saves about $3 Million in salary and brings back needed depth at defense. Other great suitors are the Kings and Blackhawks. Both teams are willing to give promising packages of draft picks, extremely talented young players on both the offenseive and defensive side of the puck.

So one final thought that makes this matter even more interesting: Todd White. If the Thrahsers can unload his $2.6 million hit next year then the team really has some barganing room to sign players. Yes, we are in Atlanta and we have to over pay players to come here, but that might be the exact cusion they need.

So that brings us back full circle to all the UFAs that are on this roster this year... what the heck do you do with all of them? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe this isn't just Kovy asking for too much money, but the Thrashers not planning well enough to see all these UFAs staying in Blueland past this year,

The Adventure of TGD and The Russian

2009-12-09T14:03:00.001-05:00

Ladies and gentleman, we have the next oscar winning movie right here. If not, its atleast a good read to make you laugh at the dipiction of Thrashers' players in Hollywood.

Ah, the helarity.

Quarter Way Mark

2009-11-19T12:38:00.003-05:00

Ok, lets be honest now... The ending of last season wasn't a fluke and this team is amazingly fast and talented.

The scary part- We still have a line that led the team in scoring last year that has 8 goals combined on it. Imagine what is going to happen when those goals start coming... yea, its scary, I know.

Lets look at what the Thrashers have accomplished in the first quarter of the season:

An impressive 10-6-1 record that has them slotted in 9th in the easy with several games in hand. Thats a points percentage of .617. Which means if we keep this pace up the entire season, the boys in blue finish with an stounding 101 points.
The PK is finally shutting down opposing Power Plays. Never once in my life did I ever think this organization could boast a PK unit in the top 10 in the league... never! We have and its actually sitting at number four right now
Goals against is down under 3. That helps when you are scoring at an average of 3.65 goals per game.
Amist all the goalie confusion and whether Kari Lehtonen is actually healthy, the duo of Pavalec and Hedberg has come on strong and given this team a huge boost.

Some other things that made this possible are the minds upstairs. Not sure whose idea it was to find Mr. Rick Dudley and hire him as the man that fills the holes in the organization, but who ever did deserves a serious pat on the back for that one. Some very shrewd decisions to bring in serious competition at all positions during training camp worked wonders and made all these guys realize that no ones job is safe (OK, Kovy's might be, but you get the idea).

The offseason might be one of the biggest reasons this team is doing so well. The Thrashers took chances on a few players that other teams had considered either not useful, or just not good enough. Turns out they are becoming the cornerstone of a winning franchise. The Trade to bring Kubina into Atlanta makes Waddell look like a genius (wow, I just said that, haha), and Brian Burke a rookie GM. The Big A (Nik Antropov) might not be scoring goals but he has let Afinagenov and Kovy run rampant on the wings and score at will.

The one glaring hole that we seem to never be able to shake is the shots against category. Now I understand that 30+ shots a game is a lot to ask a goalie to stop, but when I started looking into things a bit more I started to realize that most those shots aren't from "prime scoring areas". What I mean is, long shots from the points or on the boards that the goalie can see easily and handle easily. I can deal with that if the shot are coming from the outside, not like last year when Kari had developed a rap sheet for how many goals he stole from opposing forwards.

Thats just some thoughts on what has gone right as a team thus far. I could go on for days and days about individuals and what they have done, but another good man has already beaten me to it. Have a read.

Could Kovalchuk's Missed Time Turn Out Better For The Thrashers?

2009-11-13T11:18:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I know one game is not an adequite sample size to judge a trend, statistic, or any measurable entity, but last night I saw a Thrasher's team that exuded confidence like none before.

Hear me out.

The Thrashers grabbed the lead 19 seconds into the first period and never looked back. They attacked the net without fear and scored goals we Thrasher fans are so accustomed to watching being scored on us. Examples: Kane converting the steal by Peverley to get us up by two, Kovy literally walking around on the weak side of the powerplay and shelfing the puck, and Peverley banking a shot off a defender for a power play goal.

I'm not used to seeing this as a Thrasher's fan, but man I can get used to games like this. The Thrashers have a sense of confidence about them that came about only when Kovalchuck committed himself to this team when he was injured.

"They told me I couldn't hurt it anymore, so I decided to go." Kovalchuck said that sporting a walking boot after the game.

Having the Captain back made this team come alive and I honestly can't remember the last time I saw D men leading the rush infront of the forwards (Mr. Schubert seems to like playing LW). It also brought back the physical side of the Thrashers that has been absent lately. Bogosian's hit on Callahan that spurred the fight was great, and even better was the 19 yr olds quick disposal of him in the fight.

We Thrashers fans have a lot of fun to look forward too in the near future, now only if we could get the Kahlua line up and going again, then we will be a force.

Hudson's Back

2009-11-12T15:07:00.002-05:00

Mr. Hudson decided to take a new 3 yr deal with our local Bravos, wooooooo! This is great news, and the Braves starting rotation is starting to resemble the 5 Aces era.

The Braves will make the playoffs next year and make some noise.

Mark my words, I said it now.

Kovy Back

2009-11-10T11:49:00.001-05:00

Kovy is back skating, but we lost Evander Kane.

Damn you injury bug! Go bite someone else.

All credit due to Chris Vivlamore at the AJC.

Legace Picked Up By Canes

2009-11-09T10:44:00.003-05:00

Manny Legace was signed by Carolina to a one year, two-way deal for $500,000 in the big league and $105,000 when he is religated to their AHL affiliate.

This is obviously a signing to deal with the laserated thigh that Cam Ward suffered and he should get some good playing time in there before Ward is able to return (time table for the injury is just over a month according to ESPN).

Should be interesting since I figured the Thrashers had a plan to use Legace in the big club... I guess I was wrong there.

Now if only the Thrashers would get smart and sign Chelios to deal before another team does this to us and steals him from under our nose.

Fulham, Can We Get Some Consistancy Please

2009-11-09T10:35:00.003-05:00

Ok, so anyone out there who follows Fulham knows that this team is capable of playing with the best and getting points in the process. For those who seem to think otherwise, the cottagers are actually winning their fair share since joining the European Cup.

It seems crazy that just over a year ago we were wishing that there was some way to not get relegated to the Championship, and by miracle Mr. Hodgenson delivered. We went on to finish 7th in the table last year, but seem to be stalling around 10th this year.

How do you beat Liverpool soundly 3-1, then tie Wingan 1-1 at home? Its just frustrating. This team has the calibur to edge into the top 5 since we hae won against those teams, but why do we just sleepwalk through gimme games?

I guess we need Mr. Johnson's speed up front or something... I'm at a loss right now, what do they need to do.

Pavalec vs. Lehtonen, Which Would You want

2009-11-05T09:15:00.003-05:00

Atlanta seems to be torn on what to think these days about the man between the pipes. A pretty good arument seems to rolling along down on the AJC website on which goalie the Thrashers should keep, and then what to do with the other.

I figure we should settle this once and for all and look at how the two are performing.

Kari:

Obviously hasn't played a game in a long time and it does appear that after resting and extensive research, the doctors have found the root of his pain They found portions of bones that were pressing on the roots of nerves. For anyone who isn't accustomed to back injuries or nerve injuries think of it this way, when you are walking imagine a four inch knife stabbing you every step you take.
When Kari is playing he is an incredibly gifted athlete that has skill unmatched by almost any goalie in the league. He has played in 204 games and won 94 of those which means you have a 50/50 shot of winning just when he is on the ice
His save percentage is .912 which is very acceptable by NHL standards, and he does that while facing an average of 31 shots per game (anything over 30 is considered high by NHL standards)
He has been in the league for 5 years now and only played more than 50 games once, so he is apt to injuries. But last season he showed some resilancy to injuries until he got his back tweaked

Ondrej:

He has stepped in and taken the reigns of this team and proving he can be a number one goalie in the NHL.
Has played in 29 games, winning 11.
Save percentage is .902 and his GAA is 3.18 on an average of 28 shots per game.
Understandably his sample size is much smaller so its hard to guess what he will do.

For me, I think Ondrej Pavalec is still an unproven goalie. He has lower stats in every category in comparison to Kari, and frankly hasn't proved that he can play comfortably at this level (he always seems to be scrambling and not under control). Then again Pavalec has made some saves that make him look like a beast and a man on a mission to own this team.

Obviously, there is a lot of grey here in the picture and not one has truly pulled away. Lets not forget that when Kari had his chance to shine in the one year we made the playoffs he tanked. But then again, it took Pavalec two years of trials before he finally made an impact to stay this year after he went a combined 6-7 the the previous two.

So who is your man in Atlanta? Lehtonen or Pavalec?

Kari Out '09

2009-11-04T13:52:00.002-05:00

Just got a text from ESPN to the cellular device:

"ATL Goalie Kari Lehtonen out 6-8 weeks after undergoing surgery for the second time in less than 4 months"

OK, so maybe this wasn't him being lazy and he really did play through something last year.

I'm sad to hear this had to happen to him.

New Nick Name

2009-11-04T08:31:00.002-05:00

New Orleans is the Big Easy, Atlanta is the A... so can we call Nik Antropov the "Big Assist" because I'm about to say that he is going to get 85 assists and a whopping zero goals this year.

Just a thought.

Sorry For the Absense

2009-11-04T08:17:00.002-05:00

Hello all-

Sorry for the absense the past two weeks but moving and grad school took temporary seige over my life. Ago, I am back and ready for action.

So the Thrashers managed to put themselves behind the eight ball and then decided to turn it up and go 2-0 in Canada... so maybe we should start rumors that the Canadians and Senators are losing their fan bases and shriveling to the bottom of the NHL, whose with me? Thats a whole another topic for another day.

Back to important things, Ondrej Pavalec is a man possesed. He is single handedly saving our Czarless Thrashers (the Czar is Kovalchuk for all you non-Atlantan readers here) and making us wonder why we are paying Lehtonen $3 million this year... It looks rather curious now.

Regardless, the biggest reason that the Thrashers are in every game this season and haven't been completely exploited like a freshamn at the prom is our PK is rocking. I can't believe I'm about to say this but we are in the top 10% of the NHL on the PK. I don't want to jinx anything but our power play is in the top 5% and looked just as good with no Kovy.

The Thrashers now stand a respectable 6-4-1 considering the abhorrant schedule and all the high calibur teams that we have faced (only Tampa Bay and Ottawa didn't make the playoffs). and still have up to 4 games in hand on other teams. That is a good sign because its shows that we can hang with best in the NHL and win our share of games.

This week is the true limitus test for the Thrashers. Starting with Montreal, the Thrashers play four games in six nights. How will they survive dealing with fatigue, traveling, mentally, and can we keep up the physical play that has shown its beatiful face again the last two games.

Atlanta- Yea, Its A Cool Place To Live

2009-10-21T10:22:00.003-04:00

So everyone in Atlanta has a unusually upbeat step about their way recently. I don't blame them. This might be the first time since the state of PA that has a shot of 3 teams being seriously competative in their respective sports in a year.

I am not going to say we are going to win any championships here, but we do have three solid teams that will make runs in the playoffs. Those being the Thrashers, Falcons, and Hawks.

The scary part, number four isn't far behind, the Braves. The Braves seemed to have hit a wall a few years back, but a few shrewd moves by the new GM Mr. Wren have the braves back in the thick of things.

Atlanta used to be considered a "bad sports city" because we never fielded good teams. Wow, that has changed. Just look at the Falcons and Thrashers. Both teams were, well, less than stellar two years ago. Now both are in the top half of their respective leagues and challenging some perenialpowerhouses.

Its a sight to be seen in Atlanta, and amist all this economic downturn, the fans still show. I guess winning is everything after all. There is a new found love for sports again here in Atlanta and I'm excited to see where it takes us.

Changing Of The Guard

2009-10-21T08:22:00.002-04:00

Look out Thrasher fans, we have a new goalie in town. He isn't a number two pick overall, he isn't from Finland, his number isn't 32, but he make some saves he has no business making.

Thats right Kari, your time in Atlanta is over, Pavlec ate something this offseason that made him mentally a number one. He doesn't allow silly goals, has been huge on the PK, and just a rock that this team can trust to stop almost anything whipped his way.

The biggest plus he has for him right now, zero long term injuries. The man played through horrible knee pain last year and still put up good numbers. I like that drive in a player. He sacrificed himself for his team, when was the last time a professional did that?

As the Thrashers skaters sleep walked through Montreal last night, Opie kept on trucking and making save after save. It was an easy night for him in terms of shots on goal (he had the first game of under 30 SOG), but he made some guys just look silly out there. That goal he stole, I mean stole, from Cammallerie was just awesome.

I really have to say John Anderson has turned this team around. These boys never say die and will fight to the last second to win a game. Not once this season has this team been out of a game. The best part is that anyone that played for him has supreme confidence that this system we impose in Atlanta is going to work.

The showdown is tomorrow night in Phillips, where the two most electrifying players are going to sqaure off.

Russian Rullete anyone?

I'll be there to see to see it, will you?

The Ink Is Flowing In Atlanta

2009-10-20T08:50:00.002-04:00

Just read this from about four different sources:

Thrashers are finalizing a contract extension for Rich Peverly. Well done, Waddell. We now have one more piece of the puzzle locked up. I certainly agree with most Thrasher fans that he is one of the reasons we finished so well last year. He has blazing wheels, he finishes in tight spaces, and he has an incredible knack of finding the open player (which is obviously why we don him the "Pevs dispenser").

So now the list is down to Armstrong, Kovy, Kubina, Lehtonin (Little's contract expires next year so he is off the list for now, and Afinagenov still needs to prove himself before he is considered a valuable asset). I do have to wonder with the way Pavlec is playing if the Thrashers are going to move Lehtonin with another player.

But who is that other player? Your guess is as good as mine, but maybe I am thinking too much.

Regardless, the Atlanta Spirit Group is opening their wallets for a lot more than they ever had and I think the players realize their is a commitment to winning now. Its a good sign for things to come and after tonight's game I think we got a solid gage of where the Thrashers stand this year since they have already played 4 teams from last years playoffs.

What Do We Do Now?

2009-10-19T09:47:00.003-04:00

So the US mens national team just got dealt about the worst 48 hours of news that any soccer fan can see. You lose a promising young striker to a car accident that could very well be the end of his career, and your defensive rock at CB goes down with a torn pateller tendon in his knee.

South Africa looks a lot harder than it did one week ago.

This US team went from a darkhorse to get in to the knock out stage with a chance to do some damage, to a team that is hoping to just get out of the group stage now.

Brutal about describes it.

Bradley did such a great job creating a buzz of excitement with the run they created in the Confederations Cup and dramatic qualifiers, but now it all comes crashing down faster than you can say, what just happened?

Past this, the US already lost Clint Dempsey to a shoulder injury. We are talking three major players out of the starting XI that just succumbed to injury. I don't even know where to begin on placing the fillers to hold their starting spots.

This could get really interesting for the World Cup that now looms over head. I don't think anyone is as excited as they were two months ago when the US stood tall with Spain and Brazil.

I just hope we don't lose Donovan now..

Early Season Observations

2009-10-19T09:33:00.002-04:00

As we Thrasher fans look back at the first five games we are starting to get enough data sets to draw some statistics about this team. Now, granted I understand that the season is extremely young, but some very interesting things are starting to show for the boys in blue.

Kovy is a freaking machine. No matter how you slice or dice it, he is unstoppable. He is arguably the best Russian in the NHL right now. Beyond his goal scoring ability is the fact that he is such a great leader. This team is playing so well because he leads by example. I have never seen Kovy really play defense in his stint with the Thrashers, but right now he looks like he was signed to be a two way forward with his play in the Thrashers zone.

Apparently, changing your defense can make the difference on how good your goalie is. Not to discount or downplay the roles of Hedberg and Pavlec this season, but wow this new defense is better. I'm not exactly sure what Johnny Anderson did to get them motovated but they are blocking almost 10 shots a game. That in your face D is going to carry this team deep into the playoffs.

Special teams bring special results. I never thought I would ever be able to say this, but the Thrashers PK is in the top 10 of the league. Sitting at a respectable 85% kill rate, the Thrashers have been able to cut down on those extra goals that sunk us in the standings. In addition, a smoking hot PP clicking away at 35% isn't too shabby either. Actually, its first in the NHL, but don't expect it to hit at that high a rate the entire year. I personally think these two stats are why this team is 4-1 right now. Need more proof? Check out the 5 on 3 kill they had against Buffalo, that shows you how much they want it this year.

After all the off season moves and people wondering about commitment to winning, we see the Dudell (waddell and Dudley) tandem got it right this season. Just about every move they made has had some positive effect on the team. The scary part about this: chemistry hasn't kicked in yet and this team is only going to get better. We can roll three scoring lines a very capable top four defense group, and solid play in net (how much that is attributed to the D is up to you... I think it does have some baring).

The one stat for concern is the shots we still allow on goal. I do understand that thus far most the shots are from horrible angles and far away (defense has done a suppurb job of taking away the slot), but its just not pretty to see a 40 spot up on the board. Now, the style we play does allow that, so we need just a bit better than average goaltending to keep this game alive.

Game Day #2

2009-10-08T08:43:00.003-04:00

Ah, the Gateway to the West, the second largest music capital in the US, and the site of the new leaders in the central division, good old St. Louis. This one might be a bit more difficult than the opener since the Blues have already knocked off the West Confrence Champs two times. These pesky little buggers seem to have found a way to build their team around defense (wait, they did what?) and build their offense from that.

Anyways, should definitely be an exciting game tonight, but I think we sqeak this one out 3-2 in the extra session with Pavs having a good showing that makes us realize why we have him and giving us a bit more security till Mr. Lehtonin returns.

On a personal note, its too bad Manny Legace isn't dressed out for this. . . It would be so classic and fulfilling to watch him beat the team that said, "Thanks, but no thanks. Our rookie is better than you."

Go Thrash!

Columnist in need of ideas

2009-10-07T11:15:00.001-04:00

Open night sentiments here. Please read and let met know what else to write about. I just got dubbed a columnist and need material so send suggestions.

Funny how I started this blog jsut because I love sports and now I get to write and get noticed for it... woo.

Something Is A Muck In Blueland

2009-09-29T08:17:00.005-04:00

So the Thrashers released two players who I thought would be very smart to have for the first part of the season, specifically the 5 game road trip, Manny Legace and Mr. Fristche. I think the reason for my concern is that they are both known to be excellent on the PK (which is obviously less than stellar for our boys in blue).

My other reason for concern is not wanting to be in 07-08 again. 0-6 and firing a head coach because we just look that bad. Its very possible that the kind of rookie Pavlec could have one of his trademark meltdowns, thow a hissy fit, and be shipped back to Chicago with Moose and someone else taking the reigns.

Now, one questiosn still looms over my head that I am curious about. Is Kari actually healing faster than we think and the team is trying to hide it so that it surprises everyone? I know it seems odd and maybe even impossible but let me offer you this:

We are back to the three goalie dilemma we had at the end of last season and the summer. Which means one goalie is going to either have to:
a) move to the press box
b) be a cornerstone in a trade or
c) go to Chicago in minors (and 2, Kari and Moose, have one way contracts)

Now with that being said, 2 of those options require Kari and Ondrej both being able to play (a and b). If Kari is not ready to play, logically, we would have Legace in the minors as a backup if Ondrej can't handle the job (If Ondrej fails then turn the reins to Moose and call up Legace ). Now that Legace is gone, one has to think Kari is starting the year in Chicago for 2 games to get his feet wet, then meeting the team on the road for the trip or will be ready for opening night.

I know this might be some rambling, but I am sure every Thrashers fan is trying to figure out what the D-Dub and R-Dud were thinking on this one. Obviously they are priveliged to information we are not, but something seems a bit curious for a cut like this to happen when Pavlec had only one decent showing this preseason. I really do wonder what is going on in that office.

Its A Matter Of Respect

2009-09-25T09:55:00.002-04:00

So, I'm tired of people bashing the Thrashers saying we are going to be bottom feeders, we suck, and that Kovalchuk is leaving at the trade deadline for a "true hockey team" (Which always ends up with the team being located in Canada).

Not a damn thing in that list is going to happen.

Get you heads on straight people, this Thrashers team is going to blow past people. In the new NHL speed kills, and the Thrashers are loaded with it. Three lines will be flying around the NHL and giving defensman hell. Peverly, Kovy, Afinagenov, Little, Armstrong, White, Kozlov, Bogosian, and Enstrom just to get a list going will be hard to cover. Compound this with the newly acquired size (thanks Canada for freebies on those... have fun with the stiff Exelby, we hosed you on that deal) and you got one heck of team.

In presason games (which I know mean nothing), we are seeing the Thrashers actually being able to sustain pressure in the offensive zone and also get out of our zone when the pressure is there. Its almost weird saying this, but if our goalies have an average year this team will make the playoffs, and if they have a good year then we could be two or three rounds in the playoffs (longer than any Canadian team will get).

Canada, stop asking for our team, we are better than some of yours, stop creating crap about Kovy leaving when you obviously spend no time reading what he says, and get off your high horse about "your" sport. America owns this sport now and we have the better teams. When was the last time a freaking Canadian team won the cup anyways? It was 17 years ago for those of you who don't have time to look it up.

Start doing some research people, it looks a few canadian teams will miss out on the post season party this year.

College Football Hall Of Fame

2009-09-23T08:15:00.002-04:00

So I woke up today in Atlanta with some streets still closed from the flood, which arguably could be the biggest in Atlanta history to find some interesting information about a prestegious landmark that could be making its home in Atlanta. As the title states, the College Football Hall of Fame is looking for a new home, since the University of Notre Dame apparently doesn't attract enough people.

Lets be honest here people, Atlanta is about the best city in the world have the Football Hall of Fame. We have football in our blood (even im not a big football fan and I watch it religiously), we have some of the best recruits in the nation come from our back yard, and the amount of traffic that flows through this city is insane. Not to mention we have two major division one sports teams right in the area that just creates traffic for the venue.

Beyond this, Atlanta is the hub for anything that travels in the Southeast. We have the biggest air port in the world that traffics nearly 10 million a people a day through its gates and im sure at least one million of those people would gladly spend a day in the Hall of Fame paying homage to their favorite players.

I am an advocate of this movement since it Atlanta already has several marquee tourist sites, but this just adds another dimension to a city that has great football heratige and would make this place truly unique.

Never Say Die

2009-09-18T09:19:00.002-04:00

The Atlanta Braves seem to have developed a bi-polar sort of playing style these days. First we go on a five game losing streak that takes us all but out of the wild card race to turn it around and go on a seven game win streak that has us right in the thick of the race. Now I know its not expected that a team down by 4.5 games with 16 games left to make the playoffs. Right now, I think the Braves legitamitely have a shot of getting there. Ago, we cannot win our division (we are already 7 our there), the Braves have a schedule that is winnable by their standards. We are playing competition that we have successfully beaten for the good part of the year, and not to mention most the games left are to be played at home. Maybe I'm just a loyal fan cheering for a team that is just a bit to far out, but I think the Braves are playing their best ball of the season and could pull this one out.

This would be So Much Fun

2009-09-16T19:43:00.001-04:00

US National Team kicking field goals... well sort of. its Stuart Holden and David Akers of the Eagles.

Check it out.

Kovalchuk On Track To Resign With Thrashers

2009-09-14T08:19:00.002-04:00

The boys of the Blueland Chronicle wrote this tidbit about our beloved Captain saying he is staying here in Atlanta and is getting close to signing with the Thrashers. This is very encouraging news for any Thrashers fan and I am interested as to why all the players seem so optomistic that we are going to make a run at something here. I can't help but wonder if there is something that this team knows that the public doesn't. Anyways, thought anyone who reads this would want to know that Kovy is getting closer to be a Thrasher for life.

Remeber 9-11-01

2009-09-11T09:45:00.001-04:00

Today we all need to step back and give thanks to those who gave up their lives so we could have a better country today.

Thanks to all the brave souls who both perished and survived that dreadful day. We thank you for your bravery.

US Escapes T&T

2009-09-10T08:29:00.003-04:00

World Cup 2010 is less than a year away and still I am nervious about the US Mens nation team. We are only one win away from securing a spot to the prestigious even, our lack of confidence and rhythm is what scares me. We literally escaped 1-0 to a much inferior Trinidad & Tobego team. If not for Tim Howard being brilliant as he usually is, the score of the game is easily 0-2 or 1-3. Watching parts of the game, we looked like deer in headlights trying desperately to keep up, but then would turn around and look like the team that was so surprising in the Confederations Cup.

Now Beyond this I want to say that Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies should be our starting Strikers. That would be a strong pair that would give defenders fits and be able to strech even the best defenders to their max. You have the combination of size and speed that actually reminds me of Ronadihno and Ranaldo days of Brazil.

The main glaring problem the US has is in its central midfield. It has been painfully obvious the past three games that we have played. Michael Bradley is a talented player, but who is there in the middle with him? Stuart Holden has been making a nice push to get there, but I really hope that FIFA gets on that paper work for Jermaine Jones. Talk about a nice pre cup upgrade right there. That would definitely give the US some options and create a lot of internal competition.

We only have one true soft spot in the back and its the left back position. Now, Jay Demerit has shown flashes of brilliance with Onyewu but I wonder if we go back to Bocanegra with Onyewu if Demerit could keep up with the speedy wingers of the world.

If he could the US suddenly becomes a much more stable team for a few reasons: Our controlling central defense pair is back together, Demerit sees long break out passes very well, our midfield is finally balanced, and we have two scoring threats up top.

We don't need bother to talk about goalkeeper, Mr. Howard has that on lock, and is being touted by some Premier League coaches as having the skills and mental ability to be the worlds best goalie.

So a possible lineup I would like to see. Its a kew idea for the US since we usually run a straight 4-4-2 because I see it as more a 4-1-3-2 type set to allow for more attacking and stretching their opponents:

Howard

Cherundolo--Bocanegra--Onyewu--DeMerit

Clark*

Dempsey---Bradley---Donovan

Altidore--Davies

*Right now we will hold this place with Recardo Clark, but when Jermane Jones' paperwork clears this is where I see him fitting in since he is a talented ball winner and possesion player.

Feel free to give me some feedback on this, but keep in mind this is just to fix the problems I have seen the US being exposed to the past few games. Also, before everyone says I forgot Jose Torres, I know he is there but I see him being a big factor next World Cup. I am just not 100% convinced the young man is ready (I can not deny he is a smooth player and has a brilliant upside that US could desperately use).

The Difference Between Kovalchuk and Hossa

2009-09-09T08:49:00.002-04:00

As we slowly creep upon the new season here in Atlanta an ominious cloud reminds out of how our franchise looked two years ago. A major superstar is entering his last year of his contract and looking into becoming a UFA. Now we all know what happened the first time around, but I beg you to see things differently this time. There are some very visual and mental differences between Hossa and Kovalchuk.

First lets look at the Hossa scenario:

Hossa never wanted to be here, he signed a deal in Ottawa to be a Senator to be traded a few days later here. He never once mentioned this place as his home and came here grudingly, if that.
Hossa never bothered to be part of the team. He worked hard to get his stats, drive up his value at the end of his contract and get a big payday (which he really did)
Hossa didn't think Atlanta was a good hockey market and didn't buy into the team beacuse of that
Hossa wouldn't listen to negotiations from the Thrashers, and when his agent did he promptly fired him and replaced him with another agent that has a horrible reputation as being impossible to deal with
Hossa failed to be a leader. Plain and simple he wouldn't place the teams success before his. Beyond this, when he said he wanted the team to get better he didn't say who, just told management change things and make it better.

Now lets look at Kovalchuck's situation

He thinks Atlanta is his home. His family loves it here and he says its the ideal place to have a family
He feels tied to the team since he has always played here and was drafted to be on this team.
When the team needed a leader, he stepped up and deserving now wears the "C" on his left shoulder.
He is actively negotiating to stay with the Thrashers.
When Kovy said he wanted change, he told the owners specifically what he wanted and they got it. Not to mention he helped recruit atleast one player to get him to sign here.
He staight out said in multiple interviews "I am looking for a reason to stay in Atlanta" and "I want to win the Stanley Cup in Atlanta".

Now, call me crazy if you will, but for some odd reason I think that Kovalchuk wants to stay in Atlanta. Even if we don't sign him before July 1, he said that he wants to wait around and see what happens. I wish that he would sign before the start of the season, but that might be asking too much. I just see Kovalchuk as a player that sees how much this team wants him, hell, needs him and he can't bring himself to let them down. Take what you want from this but I think by the time he gets back from the Olympics he will have a longterm contract signed to keep him a Thrasher for life.

A Thrasher's Preview

2009-09-08T09:33:00.001-04:00

Enoy all.

Zerdev On The Way To Becoming A Thrasher?

2009-09-02T13:41:00.002-04:00

Apparently multiple sources are starting to get word that Zerdev is not going to the KHL after all, rather he might be coming to the Atlanta Thrashers. This is interesting since he refused to sign with his former team , the New York Rangers. I wonder if this is going to make sparks fly in the NYR vs. ATL games we see this year. This definitely now makes some interesting line combinations possible for the thrashers.

Kovy-Antropov-Zerdev
Kozlov-White-Little
Peverly-Reasoner-Armstrong
Bouton-Slater-Thorburn

That is actually a rather competant looking team scoring wise and defensively as well. There are two deep scoring lines, one true shutdown line and another line that just hustles every time they are on the ice. Not to mention our defense looks vastly improved from last year we could really see a larg 15-20 point jump for the boys in blue. We have a legit top four defensive group finally and now the only question is who wins the goalie starting job. If everything is going as well as its supposedly is for Mr. Lehtonin, this could be a scary team when he comes back 5 games into the season. Hopefully Zerdev will come to the Thrashers, because for the first time in the history of this team, we might have too many top six forwards to deal with... and a much brighter chance of signing that imprtant man with the C that is #17.

My Absense

2009-08-27T10:06:00.003-04:00

Sorry folks, I know its been a while, but the j-o-b and grad school got in the way for a while. I'll be back soon... after I finish my 25 page marketing plan.

Uneligable Players May Cost Memphis To Vacate Season

2009-08-21T10:03:00.002-04:00

So this news was just handed down from Rivals.com. Take a read and see for yourslef. That would be a horrible mark on Calipari's record and may be why he bolted out of Memphis so fast. I'll let you decide whether he knew or not.

I'm convinced he isn't all human

2009-08-17T12:59:00.002-04:00

OK, Usain bolt is inhumanly fast... I think he has part cheetah in his blood. He just ripped out a 9.58 100 meter dash. For You football fans our there, thats a 3.53, 40 yard dash. The fastest official time the NFL has at their combine is 4.09 seconds.

Don't believe me, here is the math:

100 Meters= 3900 inches (a meter is 3 feet 3 inches)
100 meters= 108.33 yards (divide the total inches by 36)
.0884 seconds= time to cover one yard (9.85/yards)
.0884 x 40= 3.53 40-yd dash

A difference of 0.1 seconds is huge separator in the sprinting world... but this registers a ghastly 0.49 second separation. That is insanely fast and almost unbelievable that he could accomplish that speed. He truly is superhaman.

Fulham, Braves Update

2009-08-17T11:30:00.003-04:00

So Soccer in the EPL blasted off this weekend with some shocking scores and interesting events in the process. Lets start with the 6-1 drubbing of Everton by Arsenal... wow, that was a real show there. Even the amazing Tim Howard (US National Team goalie) looked helpless and confused. My Boys at Fulham pulled through 1-0 over Portsmouth and Dempsey had a zinger of an assist. In some other FFC news, they have progressed to the fourth round of qualifying for EUFA Europa Championship (Not champions league), advancing 6-0 on aggregate goals against FK Vetra. Fulham seem poised to stay in the top 10 in the EPL and might get out of the group stage in the Europa league. I will be surprised to see them back in the EUFA league next year though... its just too many games in too short a time, and the Cottagers just lack the depth they need to survive in both leagues.

The Braves went from my dark horse to get the national league wild card (yes I am a homie was being very generous they could get there) to being lucky to finish third in our division. After a good west coast swing and a series sweep of the nats (all two games, woo!), they just plummited against the Phillies. Not sure what happened, but the Braves didn't have the gusto, swagger they were carrying the other games before hand. Anywho, I'm sure they will be back and ready to roll and go on another 12-4 tear soon... atleast I hope they do.

That is all for now.

P.S.- Random thought: How does everyone think Michael Vick is going to fare as an Eagle this year?

EPIC FAIL, Mexico downs US 2-1

2009-08-13T08:51:00.007-04:00

So the US Mens National team fell 2-1 to "El Tri" (Mexico) in a game that I sorely believe we were lucky to only have two goals scored on us. I mean that game was abismal for US standards. Don't get me wrong, I am still a humble human being when it comes to US soccer. We are miles, years, and several solid players away from being able to sustain competition with European competition. But seriously dudes, this is Mexico... How do you pound them 2-0 in Columbus under a year ago and then get embarassed in the next game? I have a problem with that.

I have come to realize that our problem in the USSF is our consistancy. We have great players that can stand the European teams, but then there are the others who simply shudder in the shadow of a great nation like Spain or England. If the US can finally place a sold defense that has some speed, and another solid defensive middie that controls the oppositions pace we can survive. The goals aren't the problem. For the first time US history it seems that Mr. Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore can score on almost anyone. We have the speed up front and on the flanks (in Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey) and a good passing middie in Michael Bradley, now that leves 2 spots open to be fulfilled... the left and right back. Now, lets not kid ourselves here, a player like Carles Puyol doesn't grow on a tree, so the US needs to serious think how they are going to fix this.

They have tried movin Bocanegra to the left side- That is a great idea, but it leaves Onyewu stranded by himself in the middle. Yes, DeMerit is a sold player but I'm just not sure its better than Onyewu-Bocanegra staring straight at you. We did survive the Confederations Cup doing this, but again, I'm not sold. Do I have the solution? No, If I did I would either be on the field or on the sideline telling some one what to do.

When it comes down to when our backs our against the wall the US needs to learn something: We are not longer a little fish in the soccer world, we are a medium fish that is on the brink of being a big fish. We just have to learn to be that big fish. Once we change our mindset our game of attacking football that got us so far in the Confederations Cup will show again (everyone clearly said they had nothing to lose and they just went after Spain and Brazil to see what they could do).

There are many bright days ahead for the USSF, but until we step up and realize it, the team will consistantly stay in neutral and never drive forward.

Liverpool Agree to Transfer

2009-08-04T14:34:00.003-04:00

Xavi Alonso is off to Real Madrid. A $30 million transfer fee got the jobe done. La Liga is going to be the futbol league to watch next year, should be fun lads.

Interesting Items In The Hockey World

2009-08-04T10:51:00.002-04:00

Just found and interesting article about the Canadians, Sharks, and Senators being a trade partners. Could be a nifty story for all three if it actually works, read here.

NBC has no respect for my boys in blue... check out what they dug up over at The Blueland Chronicle... just dispicable.

Also, check out whats happening in Vancover.

If you want to read about all the other player movement/rumors that are going around the NHL, check out The Fourth Period. They stay very up to date and have good insight when movement occurs.

Thats all I got for now.

Please Dear God Let Us Go Shopping

2009-07-29T10:32:00.004-04:00

OK Spirit Boyz, its time to poney up some cash and make this team a real killer. The San Jose Sharks admitted today they are shopping for offers for Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo. Two players who I would love to have on the Tharshers... only problem being I am not sure who I would be willing to part with to get them.

I definitely think we should go after Marleau since that really gives Kovy a true number one center that can dish and score like its nobody's business. Cheechoo I see as the second line right winger, if we can muster up some people for a trade.

Now the interesting thing is the sharks are at the limit capwise and have some serious negotiationg to do (via NHLnumbers.com). SO I wonder if the Thrashers could be smart and add their combined $9.8 million in salaries, while giving them some lower paying players, so we end up with a net of about $5 million gained. Yet again, who do we give up? Unless we give up future picks and Todd White, I'm not convinced we can make this happen. Could we target one, by all means, I hope so. I would really say, forget Maholtra for CBJ and focus on a trade for Marleau. I think it would be possible to get him for a 2nd round pick and Todd white

So some number crunching now... That would give SJS a $3 million reduction on their cap and adequitely find a replacement for him in a future draft. The flipside: The Thrashers finally get that true number once center that we needed since we lost Savard and maybe even more reason for Kovy to sign here longterm. My only concern is that Mr. Marleau is a free agent at the end of the year, could be dangerous.

So ASG, Don Waddell, Rick Dudley, time to put on your big boy pants and make some noise. Lets do this thing.

Trade Bait

2009-07-28T09:25:00.002-04:00

Since Colin Stuart jumped into the NHL the kid has done nothing but bust his behind to get somewhere. Well, he got traded to Toronoto to bring Kubina here, and he just got traded again. Now he has made it all the way to Calgary in another trade. Hopefully he will find a home there. We are definitely going to miss the Shorties here in ATL. Best of luck to you out in the west, hopefully you can find a nice niche there to disrupt other teams power plays.

Soccer To The Rescue

2009-07-24T08:58:00.002-04:00

USSF in the finals of the Gold cup with a seriously dowgraded B team playing. We beat Honduras 2-0 for the second win in three games against them in the course of a month.

Oguchi Onyewu aslo made an apperance for AC Milan. Thats huge since we might actually have some americans battling it out for the the Champions League over in Europe next year. Watch out world the Yanks are coming!

Thrashers Sign Valabik

2009-07-21T15:13:00.002-04:00

The title says it all.. and the odd thing is that we are spending money. Check out our cap numbers.

2009-07-21T11:04:00.003-04:00

So I have no idea what happened to make my braves good again, but I love it! We finally learned how to score again and are on an 8-3 tear the past 11 games. Watch out MLB the boys from the south are back.

Not to be mean, but did anyone realize this happened on the heels of the Francouer trade? I hate to be mean to the hometown kid, since all he wanted to do was play for the Braves his entire life, but its just obvious that we are a better team with him gone.

It's also great to know that the guy we traded him for, Mr. Ryan Church, is feeling the love of the clubhouse and likes it here in Atlanta. I guess he got the better end of the deal. Braves on again tonight at 7:10 in the illustrious Turner Field (Sadowski-SF vs. Low-ATL).

I am starting to sense a rise in sports in Atlant, maybe we can pull a Pennsylvinnia and win a few trophies next year... that would be fun.

I'm Back

2009-07-20T09:41:00.003-04:00

So wow, apparently a lot happened while I was being owned by my job.

US Soccer: Ware in the Gold Cup finals after escaping Panama in OT... Thank you Kenny Cooper. Beyond that Onyewu signed what might be the biggest transfer in the history of US soccer- he is now playing for AC MILAN. . . woo!

Thrashers: We got Kari and Army back. Scary part of the news is it shows Army as being scheduled as an UFA after this season. Don & Dud, get to work and make sure that doesn't happen. Lots of info about prospect camps too on their blog.

Baseball: The Bravos decided to take it to the mets and score a lot of runs after I was wondering if their lumber had been infested by termites (aka- we couldn't put a run on the board if the wall was 30 ft past first base). Apparently we might actually be good again soon. I was starting to worry my boys started accepting medeocrity as a norm. Not to mention this cool idea... who wouldn't want to learn from him?

NBA: Summer league games! Apparently Blake Griffin really is a hoss and knows how to generate some excitement. I hope he plays in ATL this year, I want to see that.

OK, that is just the cliff notes, I'm sure I will post more idepth articles on certain things that pique my interest but so long for now.

The Job

2009-07-15T19:24:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posting lately about life and what not, but my job has currently commandeered my life temporarily. I am freaking booked like no other till monday, but I shall resurface then.

Braves Trade Francoeur

2009-07-11T00:07:00.002-04:00

It was a sad day in Atlanta today... the Braves announced the trade of Jeff Francoeur.

We will miss you man. Good luck with the Mets and give the Yankees hell for us!

USA Cruising in Gold Cup

2009-07-09T14:57:00.005-04:00

So I completely forgot to watch the US national B team(Bob Bradley was smart and let the real team USA have this week off to rest since the qualifying schedule is nuts this year) play last night...

We beat a very mean Honduras team 2-0 and are on a roll after blasting Grenada 4-0. That goal difference of +6 ensures that the US will be through to the elimination round.

I must say the US team is vastly improved at depth compared to where we were during the World Cup blunder of 06. I mean we beat the number one team in the world, then turned around and was beating the number two team in the world 2-0 at half, to barely lose the game 3-2 (Those teams are Espana and Brazil respectively). That is not bad at all for a country which most people thought was going to be the cannon fodder of the tournament.

I have my little picture of Dempsey on the homepage because dude is a hoss, and he has some balls. The dude was getting ridiculed in the EPL this year, with people saying that he wasn't good enough and would never survive there. All this before a strech of games that had Chelsea, Man U, and Liverpool (twice), and what does the man do? He scores twice on Chelsea, drew a penalty against Man U (turned out to be the winner in a 2-0 victory), and scored, assited in the Liverpool games.

I love soccer and it makes me very happy so see that so many of guys are starting to tear up international leagues. The EPL, Bundesliga, Seria A, and La Laiga BBVA (Spain's top division) better start respecting the US players since they are all making a splash on the transfer market.

US soccer is on again at 8 PM Saturday on ESPN, root for the Yanks in securing the top spot in the GOLD CUP!

Early Favorites To Win The Cup Are Not Faring Well In Free Agent Land

2009-07-09T14:51:00.003-04:00

Wow, Jiri Hurdler just stiffed the Wings... check this out.

That makes both Montreal and Detroit both losing some key contributors now.

I'm definitely interested to see how these things shake out in terms of standings next year.

Montreal Is Just Falling Apart, Thrashers Finding Their Footing

2009-07-09T11:24:00.007-04:00

So Montreal lost another big name today, Saku Kiovu, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. He decided to take his career to a non-traditional market in the wonderus city of Anahiem. I think its really cool/respectful for him to note that Minnesota was not the right place for him to play because his brother had made it his place to play. How many players these days stop to think about something like that? I'd venture to say not many, if any at all.

In addition, I believe Montreal realized they were just getting old,hence why so many key players for them departed this season. As productive and great leaders these players are, over 82 games time wears you down. Its sad to see Montreal celebrate its centenial season and miss the playoffs with some players that deserve to possibly have their jersey's hung in the rafters have to walk and look for work in another city. I guess that is the way sports go these days.

Now I have been receiving some flac from individuals about the thrashers and how they have finally turned the corner and are becoming a respectable franchise in the eyes of the players. We may have not made a huge splash in the market, but the very encouraging news is that Kovy has already sat down and starting negotiating with the team. . . which means he is impressed (We all know he liked the Antropov signing since he sent Waddell a text with two words, "GOOD JOB"). But as I started talking about how the Thrashers really did upgrade their defense and solidified two scoring lines for the first time since we had Kovy and Hossa, I started receiving comments that it doesn't matter what we do, Kovy will leave and the Thrashers will crumble short after that.

Now lets stop a second and think about the progress since the start of this season:

First, I can't help but think this case against Steve Belkin and ASG must have ended very favorably for ASG. They have spent some serious money this offseason on both the Thrashers and Hawks. They also let Don Waddell hire another man with considerable experience and a phenomenal track record, Rick Dudley, so they together can run the GM office more effectively.

John Anderson is obviously starting to place some imput on which players are coming here (he was the one who told Waddell to get Rich Peverly) and he is making the team be, well, more of a team. He also knows how to draw the leaders out of a group and get them to motivate their team as well (Possibly one of my fondest memories of the season was when the team banded together after they were eliminated and made it their personal vendetta to make sure that any team that was playoff bound had to do everything right to win the game. "If we can't make it, neither can you").

Once Kovy became captain it was evident this team of you guys really were about to turn the corner. Kovy broke out of his slump in record setting fasion and the team rallied around him. The team that seemed so lack-luster and slow suddenly had a jump that literally electrified Phillips and kept you on the edge of your seat the whole game.

Lastly, why we really cant move:

ASG has a 100 year lease on Phillips, which as a contingency built in for Phillips to pay the $10 million in naming rights there HAS to have BOTH a NHL and NBA team in there or they can drop the sponsorship.

On top of that, if someone wanted to move either the Thrashers or Hawks they would have to pay the remainder of the phsical lease the building has on it as well.

Then they have to pay for the actual value of the frachise itself (roughy guessed to be around $80 million).

So lets do the math... If a group/individual decided to buy them and move them the would have to incur a minimum expense of atleast $300 million. I doubt even the infamus Jim Basille could pony up that kind of cash, just so another city in Canada has a team. The high end of the spending spectrum could be up towards $450 if you count all the other sponsors like UPS and Heiniken.

Sorry to be so analytical this morning, I just felt these items needed to be addressed in a proper way. I'm signing off, till next time.

Thrashers lost out on Kovalev

2009-07-08T10:38:00.003-04:00

So edit to my Thrashers rambling post earlier, Kovalev is definitely 39, not whatever late 20's I wrote him last time. But while we are talking about him, lets let it be known he took a contract to play with his bitter rivals, the Senators. Its something like $10 mil for 2 years... good job Donny for not paying that for him.

In other news, The Falconer has a cool interview with the Thrashers' second round draft pick Carl Klingberg. He seems like a cool guy and he wants to be Tomas Holmstrom, version 2.0, check it out.

And lastly, and definitley not least, the magical Joe Sakic decided to retire. He was a class act will always be remembered for when he got in a snow blower accident... no really, he was a great player and a role model for sportsmanship.

Later people.

The Crazy Mark Bradley

2009-07-08T10:24:00.003-04:00

Anyone who knows the AJC and its generally incompetant writers will love this.

Who is seriously stupid enough to write that?

Yes, that is him in all his glory right there.

Now if Jeff Shultz ever wrote that, I might freak out and think the apocalypse is coming.

Thrashers Rumors/speculation/shennanigans

2009-07-07T11:40:00.004-04:00

Hey Look, I wrote something on the Bleacher Report!

Anyways, I been hearing about this dude from Montreal that was ousted (Mr. Kovalev) and he has been thinking about inking a deal with our boys in blue. Now, not to be Johnny Raincloud, but I believe that there are better options availiabe then this dude who basically was politely told "Get you ass out, we found better talent than you." Which by all means is understandable, my question is, if this guy is so good, why hasn't anyone sweeped him up yet? I mean he isn't that old (29), he can freaking score under pressure, and well, he is Russian, so you know he is good.

I think it makes more sense for us to be interested, but I would rather see us trade a goalie for someone like Ryan Clowe or Johan Franzen type player. I mean, we just added two dudes in the minors for depth.

Ah, so now whose on the traiding block? I for one hope the Finn is the one that IS NOT being shopped. He is crazy good and now that he has a solid defense I hope that he has a break out year.

So that leaves us with the Angry Czech, Mr. Pavlec, as the one on the block. Only thing we have to worry about is him throwing another temper tantrum and storming off saying thats not fair, right? Haha, that would so not be funny this time around.

The other fun stuff that is going around is that Lawsuit seems to finally have ended since the Spirit boys seemed to open their wallets some... that or someone new has joined the cluter at the top. And the big news that dropped yesterday, the Kaptain himself has begun negotiations for a longterm deal to keep his royal behind here in ATL for a very long time. I really like that idea a lot.

That is all for now.

The Inagural Post

2009-07-07T11:15:00.002-04:00

Ok, so after reading so many blogs out there and having friends pressure me to actually write about sports since I follow them so closely I bring you... (pause for dramatice effect)

JUST STRAIGHT RANDOM

Now being a loyal Atlantan, I must bring praises to our sports teams the Thrashers, Falcons, Braves, Hawks (I guess we should add the Force when they come back next year) as well as throwing out some satire when someone does something so stupid it has to be made fun of.

So please, enjoy the nonsensical words that are jumbled to make sentences for your reading pleasure and leave comments as you see fit.