The Amazing Game 7

Let me start my first blog post of 2013 with a rant.

Manu “Mr. Rogain” Ginobli’s comments after Game 6 last night made me sick to my stomach. As a former athlete, and someone who still works in athletics, I was appalled by his remarks stating, “I have no clue how we're gonna be re-engergized. I'm devasted. There's no Game 8. We're gonna have to play our best game." Are you kidding me? I went from being in the, ‘Manu annoys me, but I don’t mind rooting for his male-pattern baldness hanging around,’ camp to the, ‘Holy crap, did he just say that? I can’t stand this guy,’ camp. If you can’t get energized by the Game 7 for the NBA Championship, get out of professional sports. I realize that last night’s game had to be emotionally draining for him; single-handedly giving the game to Miami in overtime will do that. But let’s be serious here.

With tomorrow’s Game Seven looming as one of the biggest NBA Finals games of the 2000’s, I got curious about the Magnificent Game Seven. Everything is riding on the outcome of this one game. The legacy of LeBron James and the Miami Big 3 rests on tomorrow’s outcome. Of course, the conspiracy theorists out there will say that this Game Seven was inevitable from David Stern and the NBA, and this made me curious. If Game Seven is the ultimate money-maker for the league, there should be a lot of them, right? There are three major sports that use a series format to decide their ultimate championship (NBA, NHL, and MLB). As a result of ignorant bar-talk conspiracy theorists, I'll explore the "money-making" Game Sevens of each league.

NBA Playoffs
I'll start with the NBA Playoffs, since it is most relevant to the times. In order to keep this in true games of significance, I will be looking only at the Conference Finals and the NBA Championship. In the last ten years (2004-13), there has been seven Game Sevens. Five of those seven have been Eastern Conference Finals matchups (2005 Detroit over Miami, 2006 Detroit over Cleveland, 2008 Boston over Cleveland, 2012 Miami over Boston, and 2013 Miami over Indiana). The only NBA Finals to go seven games is this seasons (Miami and San Antonio) and 2010's Finals (LA over Boston). Wouldn't there be more Game Sevens of the NBA Finals if a it was such a money maker? Why has there only been seven in the last ten years?

I'd like to hear/see responses to this one. Leave comments below or in the Facebook comments section. What's your opinion on Game Sevens? What do you think of Manu Ginobili's comments? Who will win Thursday night's NBA Finals Game Seven? 

One of my Most Memorable Broadcasts to date

Heading to the park on Wednesday night seemed like just another trip. I couldn't take the highway because my wife's car can't handle it. I was drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper for dinner. And it was extremely overcast and looking like rain. That's when things started to go my way.

As I got to the park I hooked up my recording device for the first time and it worked, making this post (and its subsequent audio) possible.

While I was filling out the lineups, I noticed a #40 Giancarlo Stanton batting third for the home Jupiter Hammerheads.

To top it all off, a decent crowd showed up, which always makes broadcasting a little more enjoyable.

And because I know there were a large number of people (or four) anxiously awaiting their mentions on the broadcast, here is my subtle mentions of some of my buddies from back home in my 6th inning trivia contest.
Here's the second walkoff home run call of my career:

RIP Uncle Guy

Everyone has a certain person who has a lasting impact on his or her life. They may be people God simply gave to us (family) or people we choose (friends), but they are ALL in our lives for a reason. We learn things about life, loss, fear, and hope from these people, and its what takes people from the “acquaintance” level to being “loved ones.” Guy Parrot was one of those people. Early Saturday morning, he lost his battle with cancer, a family lost a loved one, the world lost a great man, and Heaven gained the best homemade ice cream ever.

My Grandpa Ludlow passed away in 1979. That’s nine years before I was born. Even with only one biological grandfather to help teach me lessons the way only grandpas can, I never felt like it was an issue. Why? Because of my Uncle Guy. Uncle Guy traveled to my baseball games, cheering loudly for me and my teammates, though he never actually knew of them. He’d stop over for a birthday party, come watch my sister’s basketball games, and he always loved an opportunity to make some homemade sweets. Uncle Guy loved my sister and I like we were his own grandchildren, and that’s something that I’ll never, ever forget.

Growing up, he always had this uncanny ability to make me laugh when he called our house. Sometimes he’d call to talk to my dad, but end up having a conversation with my sister or me and then completely forget what he was calling for in the first place! He always cared so much for how we were doing, and we were just his great-nephew and niece.

When Kenleigh and I were in high school, Uncle Guy, Aunt Lil and Grandma Ludlow came over on a school night to make all sorts of sweets with us. Uncle Guy had been wanting to come over for years to do it, and we finally got the chance. I never would have imagined that I could have had so much fun! We made hard tack candy, peanut brittle, and of course, the most amazing candy buckeyes that I’ve ever tasted. That night was filled with so much love and even more laughter that I will no doubt remember it for as long as I live.

Of course I have to mention the homemade ice cream in a little more detail. I can’t even specifically recall all the times we had it when we were visiting with him, but boy, do I remember how much better it is than any ice cream ever. No Faulkner family reunion was complete without it. No matter what place we go to as a family (and the Ludlows go to a LOT of ice cream places), no place ever compares to Uncle Guy’s homemade ice cream.

The last time I saw Uncle Guy was at my wedding in June, and I would trade anything to have been able to say a proper goodbye. I consider myself blessed beyond words that God put such an amazing man in my life. My hope is that he knew that too. My other hope is that he has some of his ice cream waiting for me when I get to Heaven one day.

We’ll all miss his stories, jokes, candy, ice cream, and uncanny ability to make us smile. But most of all, we’ll miss him. Rest in peace Uncle Guy. We love you.

Notre Dame's Move to the ACC is about More than Dollars and Cents

Long title, I know. I have to preface this entire article with this: I am not a Notre Dame fan. I grew up in the heart of Buckeye country, and always cheered for the University of Dayton. Then my best friend decided to become a member of the Fighting Irish nation, and I became a casual fan. In the past few weeks, there has been a lot in the media about Notre Dame, some bad (like Rick Reilly's article) and some good. I do really enjoy the business side of sport. Whether it is professionally or collegiately, there is always a financial reason behind every major decision. This move for Notre Dame is just a tad different though.

Everyone has always said that Notre Dame should join the Big Ten. I want people (especially some of the tweeters from Notre Dame) to know, this isn't because we think of the Big Ten as the supreme conference in the Midwest. If you want to make the argument that other conferences are stronger, you have every right to do so. The reason Notre Dame would join the Big Ten isn't because of sports though. The Irish joining the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana, Purdue, etc. would be because financially it is MUCH more affordable. How? Think of the travel between these cities. I know that a big program like Notre Dame doesn't think about that too much, but the difference between sending an entire team to Syracuse, NY isn't going to be nearly as expensive as it is to send them to Bloomington, IN, or any of the other schools in the conference. A team like Notre Dame doesn't really need to worry too much about this, but this is my main reason why the Big Ten and Notre Dame would be a great fit. "Minor" sports (like baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, etc.) can't fly everywhere like the basketball and football teams. A move to the Big Ten would make absolute sense for those programs who, even though part of a great athletic tradition, have to worry about a budget.

Staying in the Big East is no longer a viable option, and I completely understand the move to a new conference. With teams like Boise State, UCF, Houston and SMU joining the conference, the travel aspect of things are out the window, and suddenly the Big East has become the Big Joke. Those teams being in the conference for football is fine, but Notre Dame is still independent in football, so this means nothing to them. Pitt and Syracuse are already leaving, so two of the best basketball programs in the conference have made the switch. If trying to make the most money, amass the most wins, and keep the football program happy, then staying in the Big East makes sense. Notre Dame is about more than making money though (which it clearly does: sell outs for every home game and that NBC TV deal are huge), and that brings me to why the ACC actually makes sense with the University of Notre Dame's philosophy.

The current Big East, has one university in conference that is in the Top 40 of US News Top College rankings (Georgetown). The Big Ten has two (Northwestern, Michigan) and the Big Twelve has zero. The ACC, with Notre Dame included, now has six institutions in the Top 40 (Duke, ND, North Carolina, Virginia, Wake Forest, and Boston College). When the Notre Dame officials say that they want to move to the ACC because they will be with like-minded universities, THIS is what they mean.

I used to think that Kentucky basketball and Notre Dame football were very similar: they won a bunch of championships before schools really cared about athletics. Now I realize there is so much more to the University of Notre Dame. Here's another great article about Notre Dame from Pat Forde that I have to include in this post. I am proud of what Notre Dame is doing as both an institution and an athletic organization, and my only tie to the school is my best friend. This is an institution whose students, faculty, staff, alumni, and die-hard fans around the country deserve to be proud of.

Day 9: Designated Hitter

I apologize for not posting anything the last few days. Palm Beach Atlantic hosted a seven-team volleyball tournament that ran my life from Friday morning until about 7 PM on Saturday. After a mini-coma Saturday night and two naps Sunday, I'm feeling better and ready to get back at it today!

Here's another option for the Indians that seems to be a no-brainer. The designated hitter has been a spot that hasn't given us much production since Pronk was awarded his fat contract. I have to say, I love Travis Hafner as a clubhouse guy, but have to admit I think he was on the juice. He doesn't have that pop he used to, and I know we could blame the constant injuries for that, but let's just be honest with ourselves here.

It is time to move on from Hafner (which as a sidenote, does anyone have an idea of when he last hit a ball into "Pronkville"? I feel like its been at least 2+ seasons) and start using the DH as the majority of minor league teams do. What do I mean by that? Well, I personally don't see the advantage with a team with limited talent (like the Indians) to handicap themselves with a full-time DH. Its a perfect spot to rotate guys like Santana, Kipnis, Choo and Cabrera during the week to give them time off without completely taking their bats out of the lineup. I would much rather have a revolving door there that includes our best hitters as opposed to trying to work matchups out (like this years' team tried with Jose Lopez, Shelley Duncan, and Johnny Damon). On the days that all of those guys are playing, it'd be great to see Russ Canzler there. The Indians don't have a lot of sluggers in the minor league system, so unless there's a trade made to accommodate that weakness, which I highly doubt, this is probably the best option.

Now, would I give Hafner a very small, incentive-based contract like the one I'd give Sizemore? No. Sorry Pronk, but you can't play any position BUT designated hitter, you aren't worth one of the twenty-five spots anymore. Love the guy, but the final verdict is let him walk.

Day 8: Left Field

Today's post will be a short one. Why? Because the Indians options in left field are HORRIBLE. It was a need last offseason and it was simply ignored. I'm fine with Ezekial Carrera (or however the heck you spell his name) for the remainder of the season. In fact, I'd like to see Russ Canzler get a shot out there as well. He was mentioned in the first base post because that is one of his positions, but I see him as a more valuable piece here. If he can play an adequate left field, bop 25-30 homers, and not look awful against offspeed pitches (like LaPorta), he'd be awesome! I know you could literally say that about anyone, but Canzler has that potential in him. I'm anxious to see his September because he will undoubtedly be getting his "cup of tea."

Why is this post short? Because thats all there is to talk about! The Tribe has NO options in the minor leagues, and absolutely no chance at signing a free agent to play there. What was their biggest mistake from last offseason? Letting Josh Willingham go to the Twins over one additional year to his contract. 3 years is a fine length for a guy with as much upside as Willingham had, the Tribe balked at it, and what do you know, he has a fine season with the Twinkies on maybe the only roster in the big leagues worse than ours.

I should mention that Shelley Duncan was designated for assignment just yesterday. Thankfully that experiment is over. Although Shelley seemed like a good guy and someone who gave his best effort all the time, he simply wasn't good enough. My hope is that the Indians will use Cabrera/Choo/Perez to bring in an upper-level outfielder (Jared Hoying perhaps??) who can step in and play.

Final verdict: GET HELP FAST!

Day 7: Center Field

If you would have told me five years ago that we would even be talking about centerfield at this point I would have called you crazy. The Indians at one point had the BEST young centerfielder in the game with Grady Sizemore and life was good. That's not the case anymore, as the most talented and most injured player of my era is gone for good after this year. If it would be possible to get a one-year contract for around $1 million with a lot of incentive-based deals, I'd take him back. Maybe he could play right field instead?

The reason that the Indians would have Sizemore in right is because Michael Brantley patrols centerfield, and does it quite well. On a team that is better put together than the Tribe, he's a great hitter for the two spot who can bunt, hit and run, hit for average, and steal bases. The Indians have to bat him as the fourth or fifth batter in the order instead of where he's a natural fit. I absolutely LOVE the way this guy plays because he always has such a calm demeanor about him. In a big situation, I know exactly who I want up. Not Cabrera, not Santana, and not even Choo (though he's probably my second choice). Brantley is the only redeeming factor of the CC Sabathia trade, and even though its not the astronomical performance Tribe fans were hoping/expecting from LaPorta, Brantley (aka Dr. Smooth) has turned into one of, if not THE, most productive players the Indians have.

The only way I would want Brantley NOT to be in CF next season is if the Indians made a trade of Choo or Cabrera (or any number of guys really) and brought in a guy who is stronger in center. This would be if the trade was done with Arizona probably (they have the best, major-league-ready prospects in the outfield in my opinion). The luxury we have with Brantley is that he can play left field as well.

Unlike the rest of the organization, centerfield actually does have ONE bright spot in the minor leagues. LeVon Washington has a lot of skills that have yet to be harnessed. He was on a TEAR to start the year in Lake County (where he spent all of 2011 and was quite overmatched) before being injured. He's just now getting back to action and has actually skipped up to Advanced-A Carolina. The only reason that I don't see this as yet another mistake by the front office in their draft is because Washington was actually a former first round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays. He didn't sign, went to JUCO, then was drafted by the Indians in the first round again. He's, dare I say it, Kenny Lofton-like with the way he plays the game. Lets just hope he one day plays CF for the Tribe like Kenny.

In conclusion, the verdict on the present centerfielder is STAY PUT! And for the first time since starting these articles, I don't have a dire feeling after I finish them! The future doesn't appear to be awful either with Washington working his way up. Ahhhh, finally, a breath of fresh air.