For Packers fans, it could be worse

Justin Thrift

The other day a buddy of mine asked me a question that ensued in a lengthy debate which has now fueled my need to write this. The question was simple: After signing with the Vikings, do Packers fans hate Brett Favre more than Boston fans hate Roger Clemens?

Now, to be clear, my response was delivered instantaneously in a stumbling of words that caught him off-guard: absolutely and unquestionably, no. At first he was hesitant to admit that Clemens is hated more by Boston fans than Favre currently is by Packer fans, but like most sports fans outside of New England, he had forgotten the numerous factors that have produced this unrivaled hatred between the Boston Red Sox and their fans, and Roger Clemens – a heated detestation that Favre and Green Bay will hopefully never experience. Keep Reading.

In 1985, Roger Clemens made his first appearance in the MLB with the Red Sox and immediately became the pride of Boston. Remember, this was a time when the “Curse of the Bambino” was still relevant; Sox fans were as starved for glory as any fans anywhere, and apart from the Celtics, no Boston team had experienced a championship since the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 72’. Before 2004, Sox fans took solace in dominant team players such as Rice, Yaz, Pedro, Nomar, and for 10 years in the 80’s and 90’s, Roger Clemens. He pitched his first 20 strikeout game that first season (A MLB record at the time) and earned a solid 14 wins. He was the latest Boston savior, a player that might just be able to carry the team out of this catastrophic championship drought. Boston quickly adopted him as their own and his legendary career began to gain height.

In 86’ Sox fans finally experienced their team playing in the World Series, only to be ultimately embarrassed at Shea Stadium and let down yet again. Tensions were developing, and in time, fans began to grow increasingly restless. Over the next few years, Clemens pitched well, but nothing seemed to accumulate for the team. His consistent pitching earned him 3 AL CY Young awards, some All-Star nods, and other MVP achievements. Still, no World Series title came to fruition.

As the early 90’s rolled in, a nasty tension began to develop between Clemens and the Red Sox head office. Failure to reach contract agreements and endless disputes over his salary's worth led to Clemens falling out of shape, adding a second chin, and functioning with a lethargic apathy that Boston fans did not take kindly to. Clemens' ERA began to sky-rocket and his number of losses began to increase. He was blowing games and looking careless. It became painfully obvious to Sox fans that this relationship didn’t have the legs to continue much further. Everyone knew that the Red Sox and Clemens were heading in separate directions, and we braced ourselves for goodbye.

This is where the story heats up. At a time when Sox fans were ready to move on peacefully and part ways with one of the greatest pitchers to put on the uniform, Clemens adopted an attitude towards Boston fans that turned our sadness, into hatred. After snubbing the Yankees’ $25 million contract offer, Clemens signed with Toronto for an extra $3 million (and this was after saying he was out to join a Championship team – ha!). In his first press conference in a Blue Jay Uniform, Clemens spent his time sensually massaging his new Jays cap and repeatedly praising the Toronto organization for “saving him” and finally treating him with respect. As reporters continually probed him with questions designed to extract thoughts on his time with the Red Sox and their fans, Clemens shot them all down, refusing to talk about his 10 seasons in Boston. Worst of all, he refused to thank the fans for supporting him and embracing him throughout the start of his career. In his blatant refusal to acknowledge his Boston fans and clear the air, Clemens initiated a hostile resentment. Clemens directly insulted the fans and pinned them up on his dart board alongside Boston’s head office.

Clemens immediately returned to his famous form in Toronto, pitching two seasons with 20 plus wins, averaging a 2.32 ERA, and pitching more innings while striking out more players than his previous 3 seasons in Boston. He hadn’t become a better pitcher, he had just returned to his usual form. Boston reporters repeatedly penned columns soaked with questions like “Why wouldn’t you train like this in Boston?” and “Hey Roger, how come you didn’t want to win this badly back in Boston?” Fair questions for a player who demonstrated he did in fact operate with an “on and off” switch.

We watched Clemens dominate batters again, and when he played the Sox, dominate their hitters while casting death stares in the direction of the Boston dugout. Fans wrote him death threats and chanted obscene rhymes. It was ugly, a baseball drama like no other.

Soon, Clemens began to realize that the Jays had no conceivable chance of winning it all (even with the help of his incredible pitching) and he opened talks once again with the Yankees. The YANKEES. To Boston fans, this is the ultimate act of betrayal. Now, Roger Clemens, the pitcher with the most wins in Red Sox history, the Rocket himself, was going to sign with New York. This was the nail in the coffin. This was Wade Boggs all over again. Even if there were still some die hard Clemens fans hidden around the crevices of New England, they all turned on Roger the moment he signed with the Yankees. With his history, it was a direct slap in the face.

Unfortunately, the hatred deepened. In 1999, the same season Clemens signed with New York, Fenway Park opened its doors for a legendary All-Star game in July. As a part of the pre-game ceremonies, Clemens participated in an introduction of the greatest living ballplayers from the 20^th century, a ceremony that was highlighted by Ted Williams’ presence. The low point came, however, when Clemens was introduced to vehemently raucous boos while wearing a Yankees cap. Here, players were told to wear the cap of the team that has meant the most to their career, the team that had seen them achieve their greatest feats; Clemens opted to represent the Yankees – a team he had played on for no more than 3 months. The crowd’s jeers, boos, and threats were deafening. His final chance to relinquish a positive relationship with the fans of Boston had been blown. The moment spoke for itself.

After the game, Clemens’ wife displayed her deep stupidity by crying to a reporter while asking, “Why do they hate him so much?”

Classic.

Ask any Red Sox fan who they hate more, Roger Clemens or any player currently playing for the Yankees roster (Including A-Rod, Jeter, and Damon), and I guarantee you that at least 80% will tell you Clemens. Ask any Toronto, New York, or Houston fan about his overt arrogance and jerk-like persona: they’re sure to attest.

But perhaps the greatest difference between Packer fans’ anger and Sox fans’ hatred is this: Green Bay will probably never have to see their guy succeed and play better than he ever did in Wisconsin. Favre most likely won’t have multiple All-Star seasons in Minnesota or win a Super Bowl ring.

While Brett Favre’s latest career move has fully desolated his Green Bay fans and tarnished his relationship with the city that made his career, it’s not a malicious attack against Packer fans. Clemens has successfully slapped Boston fans in the face for the past 12 years, and enjoyed every minute of it. Brett Favre has expressed his gratitude towards Packer fans, even if they aren’t willing to listen right now. He’s repeatedly tried to explain his predicament and offer insight on his career move, a move that is ultimately solely founded upon the idea of continuing to play the sport he loves. His media presence has been aggravating to watch, and his persistence to keep a dying flame alive has come at the expense of his biggest fans, but he’s not reached the level of Roger Clemens’ pompous antics.

And so Packer fans, I honestly feel for you. I’ve been there, a few times. I can only hope that you get to see Brett fall on his face again this season as he did last year in New York, you deserve it. But rest assured, no matter how cheated you feel, how angry you become, it could be frightfully worse.

With October On The Line, Who Steps Up?

Charlie Klein

With roughly a month and a half left to play in the 2009 MLB season, there is an awful lot at stake. Here is a division-by-division breakdown of the winners and then a discussion on the Wild Card in each league.

AMERICAN LEAGUE.

EAST Winner: New York Yankees

As much as it pains me to say it, the Yankees of the late 1990s are back ladies and gentlemen. The Bronx Bombers are 25-8 since the All-Star break and while their division rivals Tampa and Boston stuttered out of the gate the Yanks have taken advantage. With a seven game lead on the Red Sox (which could change this weekend), this series against the Red Sox will define the AL East race. I honestly do not see the Yankees losing their lead based on the run of play for both teams.

CENTRAL: Detroit Tigers

Yes, the White Sox are playing improved baseball since their acquisitions at the deadline and Jose Contreras struck out eight last night, but I do not see them overtaking the Tigers for two reasons. First, the Tiggers' rotation is simply better. Verlander is having a Cy Young calibre season and the addition of Jarrod Washburn from Seattle has lightened the load on the other pitchers in that rotation particularly Rick Porcello and Edwin Jackson. Second, I love the Tigers lineup. Miguel Cabrera is clutch and Curtis Granderson is having a fantastic season in centre field.

WEST: Los Angeles Angels

Quite simply, the Angels have been on another level for most of the season. Even with the resurgence of the Texas Rangers this season, the Angels have been the class of the west coast, regardless of league. Ervin Santana has finally reclaimed last season's form and Jered Weaver had a very strong outing last night. The emergence of Juan Rivera and Kendry Morales this season in combination with the steady Vladimir Guererro and Chone Figgins making their lineup just as good as if not better than when it had Mark Teixiera.

AL WILD CARD: Boston Red Sox

This is where analysts like Peter Gammons and Buster Olney make their paper, in getting these predictions right. I know that the Red Sox have not been playing the best baseball since the trade deadline but I have a feeling that that is about to change. While I do not think they can catch the Yankees for the division, they are definitely the favourite to win the Wild Card. Clay Bucholz finally showed why the Sox held onto him last night with six innings of one earned ball with four k's, outpitching the player he was to be traded for Roy Halladay. Victor Martinez has worked wonders in that lineup and Bay and Ortiz are both heating up. Ortiz leads the AL in homeruns since June 6 with 18. I guess all that talk about Papi being termino is well, termino.

NATIONAL LEAGUE.

NL EAST: PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

This one has pretty much been decided since the Mets lost their entire major league roster back in June. Both the Braves and Marlins have played better ball in the second half but I do not see them overtaking the Phillies. As I noted in my previous posting, the Phillies rotation with the additions made by Amaro is top notch with six good options to start any game. And the Phillies lineup is the class of the division with even Jayson Werth(less) having 27 homeruns this season. Anything is possible when the Marlins are six seasons removed from winning a World Series, but at least in this division they will not overtake the Phillies come the end of September.

NL CENTRAL: ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

It's all about the Cardinology this year in the NL Central. The Cubs played their usual role as annual division winning paper tigers, but when the going got tough, the Cubs failed with their bullpen. The Cardinals 1-2 is the class of the NL with Wainwright having a Cy Young season and Chris Carpenter having a Comeback Player of the Year calibre campaign. Their bullpen is strong and they have the best player in baseball in Albert Pujols. Expect big things from them this fall.

NL WEST: SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

I honestly just have a gut feeling that a team with a rotation the calibre of the Giants cannot miss out on a spot in the playoffs, and that's my justification for picking them to overtake the Dodgers. When the playoffs start and if the Dodgers are the NL West winners, I will give them all the credit. Until that time, I am allowed to be a detractor as much as I like. While the Giants are not going to win very many 13-2 games, they will win most of the 3-2 games. And those are the kinds of games teams play down the stretch and they are also the type of games teams play in the playoffs. Lincecum, Cain, and whoever else they want to throw in there are as good as it gets in a short series.

NL WILD CARD: FLORIDA MARLINS

In America, every four years citizens have the right to vote for a new President, and every six they have had the opportunity to witness the Marlins win a World Series. Winners in 1997 and 2003 in spite of the fact that they were not picked to win either nor did they have the big money payroll that the other teams had. This season the Marlins payroll is a measley $37 million and they are still competing for the playoffs. In each of their World Series winning seasons the Fish Sticks had a pitcher that carried them throughout the playoffs. In 1997 it was Livan Hernandez. In 2003 it was Josh Beckett. In 2009 it will be Josh Johnson. Johnson is 12-2 this season with a 2.85 ERA and 140 K's in 161.1 innings pitched. The Marlins also have Hanley Ramirez, who if he played in a bigger media market would be getting serious consideration for NL MVP. The Marlins play a huge series with the Colorado Rockies this weekend that will go a long way in deciding this race.

PLAYOFFS

I'll save the playoff predictions until the brackets are set, but these would be the result of my picks.

AL

New York Yankees (#1) vs. Detroit Tigers (#3)

Los Angeles Angels (#2) vs. Boston Red Sox (#4)

NL

Philadelphia Phillies (#1) vs. San Francisco Giants (#3)

St. Louis Cardinals (#2) vs. Florida Marlins (#4)

Cliff Lee 4 Cy Young

Charlie Klein

Now that almost a month has come and gone since the MLB Trade Deadline on July 31st, we have a decent sample size from which to evaluate whether the moves made were ones that have made an impact for each team.

The Philadelphia Phillies look to be the big winners of the deadline game as GM Ruben Amaro should be up for NL Rookie of the Year for his performance this season. Allowing to let Pat 'The Bat' Burrell to leave and signing Raul 'The Better Bat' Ibanez has been a masterstroke with Ibanez enjoying a career year at Citizen's Bank. Although anyone can enjoy a +5 HR total for playing in that bandbox, Ibanez has great numbers across the board and deserves the praise.

The best move that Amaro has made in his first season in charge of the Phillies is the trade to bring Cliff Lee into their starting rotation. While Pedro impressed in his three innings of work two days ago (and Jamie Moyer was even better), Lee has been the man in Philly. In his first four starts for the Phightin Phils he has four wins with an ERA under one. Last night Lee threw a complete game with 11 k's. His last seven starts, including three with Cleveland before the deadline, have been stellar.

While Lee's win-loss record is less than impressive (11-9) one can throw that out the window for three reasons. First, Lee spent over half of the season playing for the miserable Cleveland Indians who cannot score runs for any pitcher. Second, Lee's ERA is a microscopic 2.72. Third, it will be something like 17-10 at the end of the year now that he is in a pennant race and that the Phillies will be playing teams like the Nationals and the injury riddled Mets in September. Lee also has a good strikeout total of 141 this season.

There are definitely others that merit consideration for NL Cy Young. Adam Wainwright has finally put it all together for the Cardinals and has 14 wins and a great ERA. Jason Marquis, who is tied for the MLB lead in wins with 14 also enters into the conversation, although with a 3.58 ERA I do not see him winning it. Then there's the Lincecum-Cain combination for the Giants who are steamrolling everyone littering the scorecard with K's. If they could split the Cy Young I would say just give it to Lincecum and Cain. That being said, if Cliff Lee can keep a streak like this going he could be this season's C.C. Sabathia for the Phillies.

Whatever ends up happening in October in Philadelphia, PA, Ruben Amaro has done an excellent job setting the team up for success.

Daily Fail: NFL Selling Vick Dog Jerseys

Charlie Klein

Honestly I wonder why the sports world is full of such ineptitude. The National Football League, which enjoys decent public relations from a media that gives it a free pass on issues like PEDs, has made a PR misstep by allowing people to purchase Philadelpia Eagles No. 7 Vick jerseys for their dogs on nflshop.com.

I am a proud owner of two beautiful dogs, a golden retreiver and a yellow labrador respectively, and while my mother and sisters would never let me put a football jersey on either (and I don't think the dogs would enjoy it either) I find it insulting that the NFL is trying to make a profit off of something that is still quite a sensitive subject.

Michael Vick has made the right decisions so far and has enjoyed the benefits. America has for the most part accepted that he merits a second chance at football. But people do not forget so easily as they might forgive. Is this really that big of a deal? Probably not. Most people do not buy dog jerseys. But I do think its just another act of arrogance on the part of the NFL to assume that this will irk no one.

If the proceeds went directly to the humane society (for buying a Vick No. 7) then I would reconsider this stunt, but unfortunately like Lil Wayne the NFL's hours go to the almighty dollar.

Why Rafa Benitez Is The Dumbest Manager In World Football

Charlie Klein

Honestly I am not reall sure what to say about this guy anymore, aside from the fact that he is a ruh-tard. Rafael Benitez, manager of Liverpool FC, one of the most storied football clubs in the history of the game continues to sully the team's reputation with pointless comments and diatribes at referees and managers.

I am not a Liverpool supporter. In fact, I hate LFC more than any other club in the world, regardless of sport. That being said, I still think that the team deserves better management than their team is getting now. Following their opening weekend loss to Tottenham Hotspur, who were value for their win, 2-1, Mr. Benitez had some choice words for the match official Phil Dowd.

The Times Of London described the post match press conference. When asked for his assessment of Dowd's performance, Benitez calmly produced a case from the inside pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a pair of spectacles without uttering another word. Pressed further about the second penalty claim, Benitez said, 'With this referee I knew that it was impossible.'

We had a meeting the other day where we were told that we could not talk about the referee as a person and his decisions but I think everyone could see today. The fourth official is a young referee and maybe he needs to calm down a little bit. I don't know why Sammy (Lee) was sent off. The fourth official was too young. I don't know how old he is, but I think he is too young.

If one watched the match and saw the call that was not made on Benoit Asou-Ekotto, one would definitely understand why Benitez was upset. It is, however, not the call itself but the lack of class by Benitez for calling out an officiating crew when it was his own team's poor play that led to their loss. Most games are not won and lost by the work of an official, Rafa. And that's a fact you can keep in that book of yours.

The worst thing about Rafael Benitez (and why he is such a ruh-tard) is that he is hypocritical to the extreme. Last term the Fat Spanish Waiter held a press conference in an attempt to play mind games with his Manchester United counterpart, Sir Alex Ferguson. He brought out a sheet of facts (probably written with a crayon) in which he slandered a Knight of the United Kingdom citing how Sir Alex is able to get away with criticizing and intimidating officials. He went further to say that such conduct is wrong and ought to be punished. Yet only yesterday Rafa was doing the exact same thing he criticized Mr. Ferguson about last season.

A true gem of a comment by Benitez about how Liverpool's new and already injured signing Alberto Aquilani has a better 'killer' pass than Xabi Alonso who the club sold to Real Madrid. What Rafa is implying is that the player he fought so hard to keep at Liverpool was not that great anyway and that the player he just bought is much better. That, logically, makes zero sense. But in Rafa-Land, where big sandwiches and caloric soda pop are all within his fat-fingered grasp, this makes perfect sense.

Scousers, this man is the reason you will never win the Premier League.

Weekend Fail: Brad 'Motel 6' Lidge

Charlie Klein

Lord only knows that I have been spoiling to write one of these for the entirety of this blog's existence, but it was not until Saturday that I was offered a legitimate reason for doing so. Anyone who knows me at all understands that I have a boundless and irrational hatred for the Phightin Phills of Philadelphia, PA.

Bradley Thomas Lidge, who was a perfect 41/41 in the Phillies 2008 World Series winning season, has since blown seven saves this season. A friend of mine Mark Stangler (I am not going to let myself take credit for the nickname) texted me a few months ago that Lidge had been leaving the light on more than Motel 6 lately.

Lidge's struggles with confidence are nothing new. In the 2005 NLCS he gave up a late homerun to Albert Pujols which sent the series back to St. Louis for Game 6. The worst moment of Lidge's career came in the 2005 World Series when he gave up a walkoff homerun to Scott Podsednik of the Chicago White Sox in Game 2, a World Series that the White Sox would win in four games.

However, the events that gave rise to this article occurred in Saturday's game versus the Atlanta Braves. Lidge (0-5) managed to commit two errors in one play to set up the Braves rally, including a wild throw to first base that ended up in the outfield. One run scored on that play and Matt Diaz went to third. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel brilliantly elects to intentionally walk the next two batters to load the bases. Lidge strikes out Ryan Church (who apparently is still anticlutch from his time in Flushing) but then gives up a bases loaded single to Omar Infante to lose the game.

Oh how the mighty have fallen. "Hi, I'm Brad Lidge, and NL East, I'll leave the light on for ya. Motel 6."

Vick To Earn His Wings With Eagles

Charlie Klein

I honestly thought about jumping right on here right after Chris Mortenson reported the story for ESPN. We could have been the first blog to report the story! But then I thought to myself, what have the Eagles just done? They just signed a backup quarterback.

Now most teams don't sign backups that have been in prison for two years for orchestrating dog fighting rings and most backup quarterbacks were not on the cover of Madden (Vick graced the cover of Madden 04, notorious amongst game players as the year to run with a QB).

First, let's analyze this from the Philadelphi Eagles' stand point. They must view Vick as an evenual successor to Donovan McNabb, especially should McNabb get injured or become fed up with Eagles management enough to finally leave the only team for which he has played in his NFL career. The Eagles didn't bring Vick in on a two year contract worth $1.6 million in the first season and $5.2 million in the second year to hold a clipboard. They expect him to be an important player for them.

From Michael Vick's perspective, he could have barely wished for a better oppportunity. The Eagles match each of the criteria that Vick's agent Joel Segal had for a team to potentially sign his client. The Iggs have a strong organisational set up and a strong-willed head coach in Andy Reid (who could stand to lay off the cheesteaks, but that's neither here nor there is it?). Vick will get the chance to prove himself one more time. This guy went from being bound for the UFL (don't worry Mr. Lohsman, you are still going to be the star) to getting a two year $6.8 million contract. Could you work for me, Mr. Segal?

Now I do not have to hear all of the Vick sympathizers say he deserves another chance. Here it is, let's see what he does with it. I just might buy an Eagles No. 7 Vick jersey (if he gets to wear that number, which I doubt, it would be such a slap in the face to Jaws).

At the end of the day, he is just a backup quarterback who thanks to the innovation of the Miami Dolphins could feature in 3-5 plays a game.

An Open Letter to Gary Bettman

Dear Mr. Gary Bettman,

Why did you have to take my beloved NHL away from ESPN and put it on Versus? Back in the day I could sit down on my couch with a soda and some chips and enjoy a hockey game commentated by Gary Thorne and Bill Clement. Barry Melrose would come on at intermission and tell me why my Colorado Avalanche were killing the Red Wings.

I never had to go far up on my dial, since ESPN was a culturally relevant channel carried by all cable providers. The Stanley Cup Playoffs were actually televised on at least three channels simultaneously thanks to ESPN having three stations available to broadcast live coverage. All of the Stanley Cup Finals games were available for everyone to watch on ABC or ESPN, instead of being available on one obscure channel no one had ever heard of five years ago.

Yes Mr. Bettman, Poker had eclipsed your league in terms of television ratings. This was at a time when the league was at its most un-followable moment, right around a lockout year with few players with any transcendent appeal. You, Gary dearest, took the money that was offered to you by NBC and Versus not realizing that in the process you doomed the sport you love so much to anonymity.

How can anyone who is new to the sport take it seriously when the coverage of it is preceded by men with funny southern accents fishing for bass and is followed by loggers sawing through trees? The average American must think "What is this game called hockey? Must be pretty boring and irrelevant if its on this channel." Bam, one possible fan lost, Monsieur Bettman.

The NHL is at its most appealing point since the league boasted none other than Wayne Gretzky. Take a look at how well the Capitals do in terms of support in Washington, DC. The district, and its suburbs, is one of the more demographically diverse areas in the nation. You do not have to be white in this town to know who Alexander Ovechkin is or why he is so great to watch.

The league is chock full of young marketable stars, surely you are aware of this Mr. Bettman. Wouldn't it make sense to try and get them out there on a network of relevance? The numbers for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Finals last season were some of the best the NHL has seen in years. And yet Gary, if these playoffs had been on ESPN and ABC just imagine how the company owned by Disney could have made those numbers grow to even higher heights?

Gary Bettman, when the time comes to decided where to take the league's television rights again, please, do take whatever ESPN offers. I want to remember what it felt like being a kid watching Peter Forsberg score on Chris Osgood. I want to remember not having to go so high on my dial to find one of my favourite sports. Gary, I am so tired of watching Daniel Negreanu & Co. play Texas Hold 'Em. Put them back where they came from, not on television.

Hell Gary, even the NHL video game last season won best sports game. Let's capitalize on this momentum Gary, I know we can make the NHL relevant again.

Yours,

Charlie Klein