Blog In WI

THANK YOU ROCKY (updated with Stanley Cup Tower pic & Kane goal)

Rob in WI — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:23:31 +0000

THANK YOU ROCKY! CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP

49 long, long, long years. But it’s worth it for this picture.

Champions.

And one more, from @NHLBlackhawks

This is a SWEET picture, courtesy of Sarah Spain

wow

Update 2: Patrick Kane Cup Winning Goal.

I love hockey.

Rob in WI — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 03:46:46 +0000

(H/T to WrapAroundCurl)

The Flyers wanted to make a statement in round 2. They put Dan Carcillo into the lineup to make some hits. Unfortunately, Carcillo forgot that Jeff Carter is on his team.

A Chicago Blackhawks Post

Rob in WI — Sat, 29 May 2010 22:19:38 +0000

I want to talk about the Chicago Blackhawks. But really, before you do any Blackhawks article, you need a proper start. Take it away, Wayne.

Blackhawk fandom is a precarious place. Actually, that goes for most fandoms in the city of Chicago itself, and even extending way up along the lake. I grew up a Cubs and Packers fan, then the Blackhawks and then the NBA. No real rooting interest either way in the Bucks or Bulls. With the NBA, you got away with rooting for players, and we always rooted for Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. It made the biases easy. But growing up in the 80s and 90s, and being a young adult through the 00s, there wasn’t a ton to be thrilled with in the professional sports world. While the “What Ifs” could be played out forever, I’ve found that I’d rather just take the time to find other ways to achieve the necessary sports thrills that failed to provide in my youth.

The 2009-2010 Chicago Blackhawks team may be the most fun team that my “teams” have had in a long time. I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to think up the last really enjoyable Blackhawks team that I rooted for, and the best I could come up with were the tail end of the Stanley Cup Finals team that lost to Mario Lemieux’s Pittsburgh Penguins teams in the early 90s. These Hawks teams were captained by Dirk Graham, a gritty two-way forward, early on, then by all-everything defenseman Chris Chelios later. I’ve written more words than I ever care to at this point about Chris Chelios, and have always found Graham to be… uninteresting. The Hawks were headlined, though, by center Jeremy Roenick and winger Steve Larmer.

Roenick and Larmer often played together on the top line, top penalty killing line, and top power play line. Roenick was the playmaker, while Larmer was a sniper and defensive wizard. Larmer’s gritty play, and willingness to get his hands dirty (metaphorically. I mean, they wear gloves and all) appealed to the Chicago fans and me in particular. Roenick was, simply, the best player on the ice for the Blackhawks (ok, debatable with Chelios, but at least on the frontline), Chicago’s answer to Steve Yzerman, Pat LaFontaine, Mark Messier, Brett Hull, Mike Modano, etc, even if he never was as good as any of those players. He was ours though, he was a Blackhawk. He was the guy who replaced Denis Savard, the guy who was the next great thing. Perhaps our expectations were too high for him. Perhaps our memories are belied by his actual production (being the best player on the last good team will do that), perhaps the line of people to replace him the same way he replaced Savard just don’t hold up (Eric “Fucking” Daze for example). Still he, was our Roenick. We didn’t mind seeing him try to win a Cup somewhere else, as opposed to Chelios and his betraying all of us by staying with the Detroit Dead Wings.

And that was it. There were a few bright spots after that team, Tony Amonte and Gary Suter come to mind, but plenty more disappointments mixed in: Daze, Bob Probert, Tuomo Ruutu, Tyler Arnason, Peter Bondra, the zombie corpses of Wendel Clark and Paul Coffey, JP Dumont, Theo Fleury, Doug Gilmour, Bernie Nicholls, Steve Sullivan… good god, that list of names really gave me migraine. JP Dumont might have been rock bottom for the Blackhawks: He was a promising player who developed into a very good 2^nd line winger at his peak. The Blackhawks had to include him in a trade of Doug Gilmour so they could unload Gilmour’s contract. And that, for the most part, sums up the Chicago Blackhawks, until the death of noted cheap skate owner Bill Wirtz.

Rocky Wirtz is, essentially, the exact opposite of his old man. Willing to spend a dollar to make a dollar, willing to develop players, sign free agents, show the Blackhawks on local tv (even home games) while also getting them off cable and onto over the air WGN for some games (unheard of for most of the last half of the elder Wirtz era). It may seem silly that something as simple as putting your home games on TV was a big deal to Blackhawks fans, but it was. And in a way, I’m still sad that Wirtz the younger made that decision.

One of Bill Wirtz’s other tokens of cheapness was having the play by play calls on TV and radio done by the same set of announcers. Pat Foley has been the voice of the Hawks since as long as I can remember, and I still remember listening to Foley and Dale Tallon (later the GM who constructed the majority of this Stanley Cup team before being fired) on many nights when the Hawks were at home. Foley is still, for my money, the best play by play man who’s not Vin Scully in all of sports. Foley’s clean calls, quick but accurate descriptions and ability to follow the flow of the game, as well as his rapport with Tallon made many of those Blackhawks games special. On the short list of things I miss when I moved to Madison from SE Wisconsin, Foley calling Blackhawk games is on there, even ahead of getting all the Cubs games.

But now its not an issue. The Blackhawks have played most of their games the last two months on national and major cable. Well, ok, not major cable, but Versus. Still, I get the channel, and I get it in HD. That’s a win right there. The sense of dread as game one of the Stanley Cup Finals closes upon me (and as of this writing, its down to mere hours) is even grander than Game 7 of the NLCS in 2003 (my greatest live sporting event) or the last Packers NFC championship game (Fucking Brett Favre in the cold). The Blackhawks are the favorite. They were among the 2-3 best teams in all of the NHL msot of the season. Coach Joel Quenville has an awesome mustache. In a show of solidarity, I haven’t shaved my mustache in the playoffs. My version of the playoff beard I guess, no matter how ridiculous I look (answer: very). I’m ridiculously confident and scared at the same time. It’s an exhilarating feeling.

I’ll find a way to cheer for Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabs, Buff, Sharp, Steeg, Bolland, Hossa, Sopel the list goes on and on. I’ll cringe for every shot that gets to Antii Niemi (truly the wildcard this series). I’ll hope and pray that John Madden’s Yoda skills work for four more wins. And I’ll be on Twitter, where the greatest group of Blackhawks fans have resided and helped me fall back in love with a team that was so unlikeable before the old man died.

Also, this helps. My new favorite goal song

One Goal. Four More Wins. Let’s do this, Blackhawks fans. Man, this is a fun team to watch.

New Podcast

Rob in WI — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:30:18 +0000

The Hammer Fisted Podcast should be up at this point, or at worst, some time later today. Logic and I had to play a man down, but I thought we did really well, and we’re really coming out of our shells. I think the booze helps.

Seriously, we do get a little-language-not-safe-for-work-ish, so if you’re listening without headphones, keep that in mind. The important thing, I think, is that we’re funny and relatively informative whether you follow MMA or Boxing or not.

One thing I did want to elaborate on, we talk about was the potential for a Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao match in October-November-December. Whomever is in charge of boxing NEEDS to make this happen, as it’s the only fight the boxing community has that will keep them in the mainstream public eye. None of the heavyweights are of any relevance right now, and none of the organizing bodies of boxing have a money-maker lined up. Yuri Foreman and Miguel Cotto will fight at Yankee Stadium in June, but that’s a fight that is being sold more as the first fight in the new stadium rather than a must see fight. Cotto and Foreman can’t touch the star power that Mayweather and Pacquiao bring.

I really believe the fight will happen this time, and might be the first of at least two fights between the fighters, if only because the boxing organizations as a group will realize the same things I do.

Unless I’m the smartest man who has any relation to boxing. Which, I guess, is plausible.

The Phoenix Pub Post

Rob in WI — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:57:46 +0000

I enjoyed the FJM style post I did over there, and here’s the link to the original page.

In the interest of fairness, as well as full disclosure, some things that I left out of the original posting that, in hindsight, should have been included:

“Sports Informer” alleges to receive $10/blog posting.

“Sports Informer” shares DNA with me, and is, in fact, my brother.

“Sports Informer” is still a terrible, terrible writer/blogger/whatever-he-claims-to-be.

I hesitated to put out this information for a number or reasons, but mostly, it’s a bad blog and I would hate to think people visited the site on my “recommendation” in any way, shape or form.

That said, you should certainly read what I wrote over at The Phoenix Pub. Twice.

UPDATE: Wisconsin Badgers in the NFL Draft 2010

Rob in WI — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:15:19 +0000

(Edit: All information has been found here and I should have linked them yesterday as well. The most in-depth listing of undrafted free agents and players going for team tryouts anywhere.)

Later update, so new post.

Defensive Tackle Jeff Stehle signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos. I’m sure the opportunity to be close to Tim Tebow was just too good to pass up.

Jeff Stehle, #79 in the picture, #1 in our hearts.

Jaevery McFadden, ILB, will also receive a tryout with the New York Giants. I almost missed this, because they’re inviting in the neighborhood of 300 players for a tryout. (Slight exaggeration).

So long J Mac. You were a very poor tipper.

Wisconsin Badgers in the NFL: 2010 Class (UPDATED)

Rob in WI — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 02:39:06 +0000

Your 2010 Wisconsin Badger Draft Picks!

Tight End, Garrett Graham, Houston Texans. 4th round, 118th overall pick.

Tight End Garrett Graham, off to a new home

There were 3,487 tight ends drafted in the 2010 NFL draft (note: estimate, may not be accurate). Of those, I would wager Graham to have one of the better careers of all of them. Graham is a gifted pass catcher with soft hands, and an average-to-above-average pass/run blocker. Graham is going to a great system, and will play behind former badger Owen Daniels to start. Daniels is having contract issues, and Graham could be groomed to take his place in the next few years. Great situation, great chance to play. This is one of my favorite picks of the day, really.

Outside Linebacker, O’Brien Scholfield, Arizona Cardinals. 4th round pick, 130th overall.

OB when healthy

Scholfield was second round pick who was injured during Senior Bowl practices while transitioning from defensive end to linebacker. Arizona grabbed him in the fourth round, knowing he can sit on injured reserve for a year, then replace Joey Porter, hopefully, in 2011. A good reach for the Cardinals, especially given the talent vs round comparison, and if Scholfield recovers, and with his work ethic, should transition well for them. Scholfield is a high motor guy, and will have to improve his pass coverage skills to make it as an outside linebacker, though he did play some pass defense in the Badgers zone blitz schemes.

Safeties Chris Maragos and Shane Carter, as well as linebacker Jaevery McFadden are expected to get free agent contracts and training camp invites as well.

UPDATE

Maragos signs FA contract with San Francisco, and will be invited to training camp. Maragos projects as a special teams player and backup safety, possibly a safety punt return man.

Better Know Your Draftpicks: The Green Bay Packers 2010 Draft

Rob in WI — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 02:08:47 +0000

I’ve covered Bryan Bulaga here, and an even better detailed report is here. Bulaga is absolutely a win for the Ted Thomspon, and should be a starter on the OL for the next 10-12 years.

The rest of the Packers draft was seemingly a mixed bag. Going out-of-order…

Bad Ass Safety

Morgan Burnett, Safety, Georgia Tech. 3rd round, #71 overall pick. Thomspon traded up to get the GaTech safety, and it was probably a smart move. Safeties Major Wright (Florida) and Chad Jones (LSU, and one of my favorite players in the draft) went shortly after, and Burnett likely wouldn’t have lasted to the Packers orignal 3rd round pick. Burnett’s quick, good in coverage and a good hitter/tackler and played in a good system at Georgia Tech. Burnett will probably play in nickel and dime situations right away, and will be groomed to take over for Atari Bigby in the next two years. This was my favorite non-Bulaga draft pick.

Reach for the pylon!

Andrew Quarless, Tight End, Penn State. 5th round, 154th overall pick. Quarless is a ridiculously talented tight end, who had some trouble under Joe Paterno at Penn State. A DUI arrest in 2007 almost got him kicked off the team, and he had to plead his way back into practices. He’s seemingly been a model student athlete since, but his production has been questionable. Not considered the hardest worker, but he was drafted with the thought that the NFL coaches could light a fire under him. Won’t challenge Jermichael Finley (because, who could?) but would be a nice number two tight end in the Packers offense. I really liked this pick in hindsight more than I did at the time, as the reward is fabulous, but so is the risk.

Another RB? Why not.

James Starks, RB, Buffalo. 6th round, 193rd overall pick. Starks is a slim, shifty, quick back and a very good pass catcher. Would have a chance to make it as a 3rd down, change of pace back. Has had problems staying healthy, mostly with nagging injuries to knee and hip. A puzzling pick by the Packers, because Thompson has always had luck picking up running backs as undrafted free agents. Likely, this was a guy they REALLY liked, and didn’t want to risk another team scooping him up.

A Bad mofo

Marshall Newhouse, Tackle/Guard, TCU. Drafted in 5th round, 169th overall pick. Newhouse played tackle on the TCU BCS team, and projects as a guard in the NFL. One of the quicker linemen in the draft, Newhouse led the combine group of guards in the 40 (5.0) and 3 cone drill (7.4s), but was middle of the pack in most of the strength drills. Could be coached up, as most of his “faults” are of the “not finishing his blocks” variety. Other than Starks (whom I didn’t see at all) this was a pick I knew the least about, having only seen half of one TCU game in the last two years (the god awful BCS game from earlier this year). I like the potential, and if he can play either guard spot, he’d provide good depth behind Jason Spitz and Darren Colledge. May potentially challenge Colledge in the next few years.

Mike Neal, Defensive Tackle/End, Purdue. 2nd round pick, 56th overall pick.

Who 2

CJ Wilson, Defensive End, East Carolina. 7th round pick, 230th overall pick.

I disliked the Neal pick initially. In fact, it’s still not my favorite pick. I would have preferred NT Fatman Cody there, knowing the same result would have been met. That said…

The Packers don’t know what the situation with DE Johnny Jolly is going to be, and if the situation results in missed time (either from being charged with a crime in Texas for marijuana possession or a suspension from Roger Goodell) it’s good to have depth on the defensive line. Neal was a very good player for Purdue, who showed flashes of being potentially dominant. Another player who needs a fire lit under him, he should fit perfectly as a 3-4 end, spelling Jolly, Raji and/or Jenkins. A better pass rusher than other linemen on the roster, he should also see time in a traditional nickle package with Jenkins, Raji and Brad Jones or another LB in the end position. I’m warming more and more to this pick. One of the keys to the Steelers success in the 3-4 has been the very good play by their line against the run (think Aaron Smith or even Kyle Vanden Bosch with Tennessee) and putting a solid rotation out there is important.

CJ Wilson was a traditional end at East Carolina, and at 6’3, 290 lbs has the perfect size to be the 3-4 end in the NFL. Playing for a smaller school against lesser competition, Wilson had a disappointing 2009 compared to a very good 2008 when he was the Conference USA defensive player of the year. Had a very good combine, and it was a surprise that he fell into the 7th round. Should be on the team and a part of the DL rotation towards the middle/end of the season.

Bulaga was clearly my favorite pick, and I like what Burnett and Quarless could bring to the table. Bulaga will be expected to start for the next 10+ years, and if one of Burnett, Quarless, Newhouse, Neal or Wilson hit, this will be considered one of Thompson’s best drafts in his tenure. Overall, I’m happy, and it’s not just a Bulaga hangover.

Bryan Bulaga to the Packers with 23rd pick.

Rob in WI — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 04:48:59 +0000

Admittedly, this gives me a happy.

Bad Mother F*(*&er right there.

At Iowa, Bulaga was a monster, a run blocking LT that played well against Brandon Graham and O’brien Scholfield, and was the leader of a very good Iowa offensive line. He was well coached by Kirk Ferentz (and as much as I dislike all things Iowa, of course, I respect the work Ferentz does with his Hawkeyes). Bulaga will probably play on the right side in the NFL, and could replace Mark Tauscher as early as this season.

I absolutely believe in Packer GM Ted Thompson’s strategy of drafting the best player available. You can almost never go wrong with that theory (Justin Harrell excepted, but that wasn’t a very good draft) and the Packers were in the unique situation of not actually NEEDING anything desperately. Yes they needed offensive linemen to replace Tauscher and Clifton, and some CBs to replace Harris and Woodson, and maybe a WR to help ease Donald Driver out of being a feature player… but if they went into next year with the team that ended the season at Arizona, they’d have been a Wild Card pick, and would have given the Vikings a run for the NFC North.

The Packers will have a 2nd and 3rd round pick on Friday Night, and the draft has really broken well for them. Teams will move up in the 2nd round for Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy, and should allow some of those good second round players fall. Keep an eye on how far Arrelious Benn and Jon Asamoah from Illinois fall. Benn is a very good possession receiver, and Asamoah will be a very good guard at the NFL level. USC OT Charles Brown, IU OT Roger Saffold will be second round picks as well. On the defensive side, OLB Sergio Kindle and USC S Taylor Mays are the headlining players still left, as well as Bama NT Fatman Cody. Regardless, the Pack should see a good player (with potential for playing time) fall to them in the 2nd round.

This couldn't have gone better if I rigged the draft David Stern-style.

TalkShoe Call Series Badge

Rob in WI — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:00:30 +0000