Sunday, September 18, 2016

Some sports comments (mostly Dallas)


If people want to know why Americans drink, then they are unaware of College allegiants and then watching games like the California-Texas game.  Sheesh 68 points in the first half then none in the third quarter.  Those two turnovers are killing Texas.  Still watching this game so may have an update before I finish this post.

Well, all the Dallas teams are about to be playing at the same time.

First of all I am a fan of soccer so it surprises me that I do not follow FC Dallas more. I know they do well, yet I just do not keep track. I watch the World Cup (men’s and women’s); Premier league games on occasion; and the Mexican league, but just do not tune into the Dallas team. And I am such a homer for home teams it really amazes me I have no idea exactly how they are doing. I do know they tied tonight only because their score came across the bottom banner on ESPN while watching Texas. Shame on me.

Also same for Stars. I have a rudimentary understanding of hockey, but only keep track of them if they make the playoffs. And my understanding is they have a good chance of doing well this year.

So let’s get to what I have some understanding about and first of all that will be the Texas Rangers. I am a bit worried even though their record is so strong. I saw an article in the local press that mentioned and showed the stats how well they have done against the Houston Astros and this actually makes a difference. If the overall record had been a bit more equal Texas would not be in contention for the best record in the AL.  Overall this could affect how well they do in the playoffs. If they aren’t the best team in the AL then they are more susceptible in the playoffs which may mean an early exit that some people will not understand. I think they can still make the World Series but they need to play their best every game to have a chance. The last couple of games does not bode well. As you head into the playoffs you need to be hitting on all cylinders and first Cole Hamels struggled two nights ago and they just go blown out this past evening. I am hoping this is just one of those situations where they slipped a bit since the other team is out of the race.

Well the Cowboys should have beat the Giants. I went to Mass so missed much of the game, however, based on sports coverage and what I saw they should have won. I am still optimistic even with a rookie quarterback. And some how the defense held up some of their own against Eli so they really should have won. Dak is impressive, yet he has much to learn so any close games must be won. 

Tony Romo is probably done. I know they want to bring him back and I think he can still play and throw, but after all these injuries he is just too fragile. We have to have Dak come through on a regular basis because he is not the future, he is looking like the present and the future. He looks good so let us hope he grows up fast and becomes what we need. Zeke is the perfect compliment to him as a young runner so we can be optimistic. The offensive line is still a beast so can the defensive line become comparable. It is still a young season, but this game against Washington is important and almost a must win.

Everyone talks about the Mavericks needing to rebuild. I think they have snuck rebuilding in this year under the radar. For the last five years they have relied on bringing in seasoned veterans hoping to find a strong mix with Dirk and it has just been a tease. They say they want to stay competitive for Dirk and overall they have had some success. The Rajon trade could have been something, but turned out to be a disaster against Houston in the playoffs. Last year was just another one of those years where we needed more especially health and it fell apart at the end of the year. This year though there are some changes that could make a huge difference now and in the future. And it has only a little to do with Barnes signing and everything to do with Barnes signing.

Okay just for a moment think about a starting line up for the Mavs where there is no one anywhere near 30 years old.   Yes no where near 30.  Seriously you say. This would mean a true rebuilding year.  And right now we are almost there even with Dwill, Bogut, and Dirk in the starting line up.  

I am not saying they are about to win a championship with youth, but think about this situation. They have a second round draft pick at center the Mavs say should have been a first round pick. Justin Anderson is in his second year and had improved well in his first year. The other Curry has played three years technically, yet…. Dwight Powell may not be a starter, but how much potential is there. Barnes is 24. Wes Matthews is under 30. All of a sudden Dallas is one or two young superstars away from making the post Dirk transition and building a whole new team and with the current pieces a damn good transition. Barnes may become a superstar, Matthews is a proven talent so if he is 100%, Anderson and Curry could become serious up and coming players and finally that second round center AJ Hammons if he develops all of a sudden we have a very young team that has super potential. By themselves maybe not enough, but add a strong piece or two and this team has a very strong future.

And for this year, heck if this youth develops now, Dirk may have his best team in years. Bogut is definitely a strong center (health is the issue); if DWill stays consistent and healthy:  and if Dirk has a reasonably good year this team could surprise many.  If Carlisle manages minutes well for the older three starters and keeps them healthy, I am very optimistic.

Texas just loss and it sucked bad since there were many mistakes made by Texas, Cal had a great receiver who blew us up, and the last non touchdown should have been Texas ball.

This is somewhat old news, but I have to comment. There are now more sports players starting to chime in by sitting down or kneeling for the national anthem and Kaepernick is the poster boy for dissonance.  I know many people who have served our country are upset with him. What I want to say is that Kaepernick has a right to sit down or kneel or whatever. If he honestly thinks we can do better he has a right to find a way to make a statement. I prefer other ways and if you read me regularly you know I try to find ideas to make us better. This does not say he can’t kneel. What I want to say is to all who have served, it is your right to be upset at him, yet I want you to stand taller because he does kneel. Why you may ask? I say because what makes us great is our ability to say we want to be better. Whether you feel he is right or wrong is important, but what is more important is you have served for the Constitutional right for people to speak their mind. No where else on this planet does this happen. So for all who have served whether you agree with him or not, please stand a bit taller today because you have done more for our country and our planet to allow him to disagree or protest. You have done more to protect our Constitution when he can protest and yes be proud. Disagree if you want, but stand proud and tall because you have done your job which allows all of us to have an opinion. Making our country better takes much work and most of the time there will be disagreement, but that disagreement is one of the primary reasons our country is great.


No comments:

Post a Comment