Tiger Woods is bad for golf

Shocking new development today in golf, Tiger err Eldrick Woods won yet another tournament and even more shocking, it was the Buick Open! The back nine went down just like every other tournament. The leaders choked throwing up bogeys and double bogeys like they were going out of style while Eldrick either hit for par or birdied. As yet another melt down was occurring, CBS and Buick continuely ran annoying Buick commercials with their big spokesmen Eldrick.

While I was watching yet another uneventful lame boring golf outing with the same predictable ending, two things became clear 1. there is a good chance this tournament is fixed and 2. Tiger Woods is bad for golf.

Does anyone think that Buick isn't offering these no names hacks has-beens and chokers extra incentive to throw the tourny so Eld could rack up another win in 'his tournament'? Well then again maybe Andrew Buckle Brandt Snedeker and Jeff Quinney aren't no namers err actually they are rookies that no one outside of the CBS studio with the rosters in their hands heard of. Each of these three guys in the final round bogeyed more in one hole than Woods has in the past 5 tournaments.

Alright, I don't really think the tournament was fixed but it probably was. Well he is the best golfer ever and needs to have every record doesn't he? Buick needs to look by sponsering the winner of its' tournament don't they?

Number two, Eldrick is bad for golf. There is zero debate that Woods has brought the sport of golf to a generation and even a race that barely knew golf existed. He has single handedly made golf as popular as it is today. However, isn't his same song and dance a bit old? How many golfers can the common every day Joe name three, four? His continuance dominance and apparently sheer presence makes the rest of the players on tour shake in their loose fitting pants and Lacoste polos.

To use a tired phrase, Woods makes the rest of his competition fold like origami. He could be the cause of destroying careers shredding confidence like old bank documents, breaking up families, perpetuating world famine and maybe even Global Warming. Well you get what I'm saying.

His shadow is so big, we can't even see the people caught in the dark. There is no competition no enemy, no good guy bad guy just a bunch of chokers and the same winner. If this dominance persists as it appears it may for the next 5 years + won't the casual fan lose interest and move on to something else (maybe hockey??[haha]). The sport of golf needs another strong talent to balance things out. We all thought we had it in Mickelson but after his meltdown last year its likely his career will never peak. And after watching today, and the complete dismantling of the competition, most of which were rookies, who will ever have the chance to develop enough confidence to eventually challenge Woods, go to toe to toe on a Sunday at Augusta? Because isn't that what we all really want?

Willis McGahee

I found this ad in the current issue of Art Voice. The local 'anti-establishment' news paper in town. Local bars offering cash for old Mcgahee jerseys to turn them into rags. This is over the top, humorous and a bit ridiculous too.

Mcgahee said some stupid things in a recent issue of Penthouse magazine. Some of it was allegedly taken out of context and some of it(the positive comments) were dutifully omitted by certain radio stations and news papers.

Willis is a polarizing player. Most people either love him or hate him, think he is a top 5 back or couldn't carry a top five backs' jock. Willis has produced some what. He was drafted in the first round earlier than some projected as he was coming off major knee surgery. He sat out his entire rookie season and now he wants a new contract. On top of that he is making news for impregnating a third woman and being taken to court for money for the child. All in the same month.

Creating yet another hole on this team would be ridiculous. Giving away a $120 jersey for a bar tab is also ridiculous. Giving him a big contract extension and a signing bonus is also ridiculous. If a first round pick is being waved in my face for Willis, I'd take it in a heart beat. However, that seems very unlikely and thus probably not an option. Mcgahee doesn't seem like the type to hold out, then again the NFL is a business and anyone has the potential to be that player. Sure it is probably time to start talking numbers with him and Drew but I am still unconvinced he is a game changing player (Jets games not included).

Bottom line, Mcgahee is replaceable however not completely useless either. If he can be kept at a reasonable price, well reasonable signing bonus since NFL contracts aren't gauranteed, then lets give him a bit of money. If Mcgahee really doesn't want to play here, will cause a disruption, or is asking an ass load of money then lets move him and end this whole thing. Besides it's not like he is one of the best players on the team however is the only player featured on an NFL network commercial, that has to count for something.

My editorial published in the buffalo news

Hey I guess I am worthy of being printed in a real format

http://buffalonews.com/editorial/20070123/6045940.asp

booooo yahhhhh

new england patriots collpase colts comeback

Alright I'm going to admit, I turned the TV off after Samuel took that INT to the house. But, since I did have money on the game, I decided to come back. (How about that classic Manning face after the pick six though??) To my suprise, some how the most hated team on my list chokes/collapses and the Colts beat the Patriots AND I won some money.

The Patriots were up 18 points, seemingly every drive started at the 40 or closer, and Brady didn't need to look deep until 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Larry Maroney fumbled the ball inside their 5 yard line while about to enter the end zone. The ball bounces around for what seemed like an eternity, a heads up and extremely lucky play by a patriots play punches the ball towards the endzone where it lands basically in the hands of their center for a score. This play was so strange I said instantly the game was over in though there were 5 minutes gone in the 1st quarter and the score 7-0. This was the one time I am glad I was wrong.

Manning didn't quit, made some plays and kept going point for point with Brady. The Pats took the lead with less than four minutes left with a field goal. For some strange reason after the Pats defense forces a punt, Brady drops back to pass on the next three plays and a punt is sent into the endzone. The Colts miraculously succeed in moving the ball down the field. Then a mysterious "shot to the helmet" 15 yard penalty is called. I did not see this penalty on any replay they showed and for the first time a penalty when against the Pats. rare.

After some debate as to whether the Patriots actually let the Colts walk into the endzone untouched with a minute left or not, the Colts scored easily on a 3rd down play from the 2.

more quick thoughts

• Reche Caldwell has the worst hands and biggest eyes I have ever seen. He dropped an easy touchdown and dropped another one that could have been walked in for another.
• Manning outplayed Brady today
• Larry Maroney was a no show BIG TIME.
• The Colts special teams nearly cost them this game, awful kick coverage.
• The over in big games seems to always be a lock.
• I think Reggie Wayne had money on this game, nearly fumbling then luckly catching the fumble in mid air, and tripping all over the place.
• The Patriots seem to get every original call on the field by the officials until the hit to the helmet.
• Tom Brady doesn't take sacks.
• The last 2 game winning or tying drives in the 4th quarter with the game on the line Brady has thrown an interception.
• I start school again tomorrow this sucks

Lets go Bears I don't like Dungy

Thoughts from the Buffalo Sabres game last night

Boston Bruins @ Sabres game Wednesday Jan 17

I bought a pair of tickets from a scalper for $50 section 307 row 6 right on the blue line on the side the Sabres shot twice. Pretty solid deal although I could have gotten a single seat for $15 or less but had to bring a friend.

Thoughts..

• Damn there are a lot of hot chicks(good looking women) that go to games these days, I thought I was on Chippewa or a college campus in spring time.
• Dimitri Kalinen played like shit. Four early give aways at least one led directly to a goal.
• Ryan Miller missed played the puck go gave the impression he was going to play then puck and then changed his mind resulting in a goal and some close chances which seemed a bit unusual.
  
• This Phil Kessel kid for the Bruins (who survived cancer by the way) is a straight baller. I'll be watching him in the young guns game this coming Tuesday.
• Jason Pominville's favorite athlete is Lance Armstrong and I immediately decided he isn't my favorite player any more.
• Chris Drury looked like a struggling Briere(2 goals in past 19 games) when he missed an open net and hit the goal post.
• Luckily my NEW FAVORITE PLAYER Daniel Paille was there to clean up his mess and score his second goal of the game. His play was very impressive playing with Drury and Kotalik and Lindy Ruff said after the game that Paille was the best player on the ice.
• The Briere and Vanek line has the potential to become very interesting and productive once the two develop a chemistry on the ice.
• Finally Jiri Novotny got a chance to play with some talent getting bumped up to the Roy and Max line. He assisted on Afinogenov's neck breaking goal as he zoomed by the defense.
• The ice surface from the 300 section appeared to be bad once again perhaps the main reason for all the turnovers and causing players to slip and fall routinely.

In other news Willis Mcaghee errrr his agent errr his agent's secretary released a statement regarding the infamous Penthouse interview. Issuing an apology and saying his words were taken out of context shows he at least cares a little bit about Buffalo and his reputation in our beloved city. Or maybe it is just image control for a trade. Either way it is appreciated and some what unexpected although anyone could tell Willis himself did not write this well scripted PR production.

Buffalo Sabres losing

Take away the first 10 games of the regular season and the Buffalo Sabres are 21-11-4. Impressive, doesn't make sense to discount the first ten games, the Sabres are good. What ever you are thinking after see that see with it what you will. In their last 15 the Sabres are 7-6-2. World beaters? No the Sabres are in a free fall. The penalty kill is mediocre, the power play embarrassing. Why though, what are some quick fixes or excuses?

The Five million dollar man. $5 million $5,000,000. Daniel Briere. A starting foward in the NHL All Star game. Well, he has scored 2 goals in the last 18 games. However, the 5'10 center does have 36 assists on the season. On pace for just under 90 points and 30 goals. Well not if he continues to score once every nine games. This guy is the highest paid player on the team, the leader, the 'clutch' scorer, it starts with him. He didn't deserve that ridiculous award in arbitration last summer and right now isn't impressing anyone.

Henrick 'Hank' Tallinder has played all of 16 games this season. Not a full sixteen actually, since he has left at least 3 games with injuries. Without a doubt he is the Sabres most important defensemen, Cambell you're over rated the hit was big but it was 7 months ago. Last season Tallinder played in all 82 games but broke his wrist in the playoffs which simultaneous sparked an increase in goals aloud. He is a baller on penalty kill and is missed big time. He's on pace to play 29 games this season, but maybe he should just rest until the playoffs with him in line to miss one in every three games or so. I may personally send this guy some orange juice and calcium tablets.

Ryan Miller. This guy makes the tazzaling save from time to time but can't you pencil him in for giving up a goal in the third period of just about every game he plays in? Maybe that is partially do to the overall poor play of the 'bres in the 3rd but c'mon. He has one shutout and seems like he could have had 5+. The save yesterday against Savard and the Bruins was top 3 this season easily. But does he deserve to be starting in the All Star game? He's 5th in wins 8th in save percentage 13th in goals against average and 2nd in best flow under your bucket by a goalie.

I dont really understand the roll of Hecht on this team. People continuesly tell me he is one of the best players on the team. If anything, get him off the power play.

Quick takes

• This team is too injured all the time
• Hecht Hurt
• Goose hurt
• Tallinder well we know Hank's story
• Afinagenov should be in the All Star game, he is exciting and a player people wanna watch
• The Sabres need to trade for a veteran for the playoff run
• Kotalik should be traded.
• Novotny has been getting a raw deal this season, he has the talent but doesn't get the playing time. Can he be put on a line with some talent to put the puck in the net?
• Andrew Peter's brother looks exactly like him
• Vanek needs more playing time

I will be trying to attend the game Wednesday vs. the Bruins. If you wanna save me some time dealing with scalpers and donate your ticket email me buffalosportsguy@gmail.com

Buffalo Casino

this was sent to the buffalo news editorial page

Hooray to the activists and do-gooders have prevented yet another development in the City of Buffalo. Congratulations on stopping another multi multi million dollar private investment in our beloved city. Not only have the anti-casino extremists with their small minority voice destroyed the creation of 1,000 permanent jobs and 1,000 construction jobs, but they have also forced the 70%+(lottery, poker, slot machines,sports books,) people that do gamble to continue to drive across the border to Canada or to the Hamburg fair grounds or Niagara Falls. So Congrats and continue your fight of keeping as many brown fields and empty pastures open for protecting for years to come. Maybe some day the developers and businessmen will quit even proposing new development and move on to some where else.

UNBELIEVABLE.. KEEEEEP PROTESTING EVERYTHING

Over seas NFL game

As a die hard Bills fan and avid NFL watcher, I strongly disagree with the NFL's new idea to play games outside of the United States. The idea is so ridiculous so preposterous I can't fathom understanding their reasoning. The whole aura of the NFL is that any team can win. The balance in competition and level playing field. Does this not completely obliterate that entire concept? Two teams per season losing a coveted home game, 1 out of 8 or 12.5% of your home field advantage keeps things fair?

Not to mention the added revenue from parking boxes concessions etc. the team loses, they lose the home crowd which in many circumstances sways a game for the home team. Fans plan their entire autumn around attending the sports mecca of their respected city, their football stadium. Season ticket holders look forward to going to see their team play 8 times a year and losing even one game is disheartening to say the least.

The imbalance of competition is obvious. This is even more prevalent when the game is played in Europe Asia or South America. The traveling 1,000+ miles on a 6-10 hour flight in the middle of the practice week possibly forfeiting days off and the loss of sleep is ridiculous. Players have a tough time adjusting to trips from New York to San Diego, what then would the reaction be to a flight from San Diego to Germany or Buffalo to Japan? Grueling travel like that will not only negatively effect the performance in the game scheduled over seas but also for the following week or two.

What exactly are the pros to playing a game outside the United States? To increase the population of the game throughout the world? The Super Bowl is already one of the highest rated television events globally. If you haven't heard of the NFL or don't already follow the NFL then why would one game being played in a city in your country with players you probably never heard of draw your attention?

Maybe I'm wrong and NFL sees huge dividends in the form of television contracts with the BBC and other international television companies. Maybe every one in Europe and Asia will be buying NFL jerseys and you wont be able to attend a Futball match with out seeing a McGahee Manning or Brady jersey. All I know is that for one season I will be getting screwed out of a home game at Ralph Wilson Stadium probably in a premier divisional match up possibly negatively altering an entire season just to show the Japanese or Chinese how to celebrate a touchdown in person.

*****************
In related news there is a leaked reporting coming from multiple sources that the NFL has chosen the Miami Dolphins to host a regular season game in England in the new Wembley stadium. The likely opponent is rumored to be the New York Giants however the Buffalo Bills are another likely candidate as the road team.

Hey, if the Bills play over seas next year as the road team doesn't that then mean the Bills won't be playing over seas again for at least 6-8 season? This would allow all other 31 teams to play outside the US and then the Bills turn will come. I don't know, anyone wanna donate $1,200+ to send me there in person? contact me at buffalosportsguy@gmail.com

NFL playoffs +superbowl pick

Already I am hearing the term clutch kick. God damn it if I had a dollar for every time someone in the sports media hyperbole bowl used the word clutch I would not be writing this free column. What constitutes a clutch kick? a 38 yarder when the game is tied on your own field after you just called a time out to calm down as in the Eagles game today? That is clutch these days?

My idea of 'clutch', although I never or rarely ever use the term, must include all or most of:

• Your team is losing by 1 2 or 3 points
  
• There is 5 or less seconds left.
• The weather conditions are rare and unexpected ie wind snow rain ultra violet radiation
• It is overtime and you are on the road and the other team just iced you with 2 time outs consequtively although this is illegal.

I hate all the teams left in the playoffs. The Eagles barely beat the freakin Giants. The Seahawks lost to the Cowboys except Romo can't put down a hold because he was too busy groping Underwood during TV timeouts. The Aints are the aints with or without Katrina. The Bears have Rex Grossman as their quarterback. The Colts can't stop the run, can't run, and have Manning as their QB(Although Ty Law is, thankfully for him, out of the playoffs.) The Patriots are the Patriots and I hate them more than any other professional sports team, plus they have holes. The Chargers have Martyball as their coach and a rookie quarterback.

This leaves me to my pick as the 2006(season) Superbowl champions. Yes they have a washed up quarterback that can on rare occasions actually complete passes, but also a coach that has won it, and a team with a similar defense to their first SB win. Then again who isn't expecting Air McNair to come up a yard short once again.

Since I can tell the future, well except for the over/under in the Patriots game ( I had under44), how many catchs Troy Brown was going to have (i had over 3), the number of points in the 2nd half of the cowboys game (I had under 23.5) and the number of points in the Colts game ( I had over 46), I foresee a Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia (I know Lito Shepard has a dislocated elbow.. it hurts it really hurts me to pick them but I have to)Eagles Superbowl.

Black Birds 19 Igles 13 in the bird bowl

2006 greatest and worst sports moments

Paying attention to the sports news of the day I discovered something that has already made my 2007 sports year three days in. Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the Maimi dolphins, after conceding defeat to the mighty Alabama razor backed hoagy whatever they are college football team. The great genius and man of only the highest integrity decided to jump ship after only two seasons as the 'phins head coach. That isn't even the funniest part. After delivering the news, Huize was so lost he sincerely asked for suggestions from the media and apparently any fan man woman or child and for us to tell him and the organization what to do! the full presser can be viewed at www.miamidolphins.com or
the best parts heard here
Greatest Moments

Green Tirade
The Bears are who we thought they were and we let 'em off the hook. After blowing what seemed like a perfectly safe lead with Matt Leinart at the helm, the Chicago Bears defeated the Arizona Cardinals without tallying an offensive touchdown. Now former head coach Dennis Green went on a tirade after the game crowing the Chicago bears.

Game 1 Eastern Conference Semifinals
After exchanging leads and giving up a goal in the final 2 minutes of regulation Tim Connolly and the Buffalo Sabres score with seconds left to tie the game and force overtime. Seconds into overtime a costly turnover in the Senators zone ends up in the net as the Sabres steal home ice and momentum cruising to a 4-1 series victory.

Week 2 Buffalo Bills @ Maimi Dolphins
Following a heartbreaking loss at the hands of the New England Patriots one week prior, the Bills defense squash any hope the Dolphins and their fans have for the 2006 season embarrassing Daunte Culpepper and the 'phins in Miami. Sacks fumbles turnovers and touchdowns give Bills fans optimism for the season and the future.

January 15, 2006 Patriots @ Broncos Divisional round
Tom Brady and the New England 'dynasty' ends with a 100 yard interception return by Champ Bailey on a Brady errant pass. After the game, "It was a great play by me," Bailey said. Broncos 27 Pats 13.

New York Mets Clinch the National League East title
After what seemed like two decades of dominance in the NL East, the Mets ran away with the division in 2006 clinching the division sometime in late April. The over paying of players like Martinez, Beltran, and Delgado were nearly overshadowed by rising young home grown superstars David Wright and Jose Reyes.

October 7th 2006 the Yankees are eliminated
The Detroit Tigers semi-shocked the baseball world eliminating the Yankees in 4 games as Alexander Rodriguez and the hapless Yankees can't get enough going as age continues to set in.

January 4th 2006
TOM DONAHOE IS FIRED. The reign of losing ends, well losing under Donahoe's control. Days later Mularkey quits, the Bills are left in turmoil only to see the light rehiring Marv Levy.

September 6th 2006
Anibal Sanchez, rookie, starting in his 14th big league game of his career throws a no hitter over the Diamondbacks. ESPN switched to the game live as I watched some close calls and great defense prevail as history is created upon my very own eyes. He and Rookie of the Year Hanley Ramirez were sent to the Marlins for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell.

Honorable mention:
Seeing Francisco Liriano pitching against the tribe opening baseball weekend
the Bills come from behind last minute drive @ Houston
The Sabres force a game 7 of Eastern Conference Finals
Mularky Quitting
Buffalosportsdude.blogspot.com is created

Worst Moments
The Bills lose to the Patriots week 1 in classic Bills style casting a shadow over the entire season.

The Sabres lose game 7 of the ECF as Miller lays helpless on the ice and that piece of shit Rory Fitzpatrick fails to clear Brind'amore from the crease as he chips in the eventual winner.

Carlos Beltran strikes out to end game 7 of the NLCS on a wicked change up from a rookie.

Vince Young emerges as a true baller as he comes into Ralph Wilson Stadium and ends all playoff hopes for the 52,000+ fans on Christmas eve.

The Sabres unveil a brand new jersey. However, instead of swords or a white buffalo, a half breed buffalo/slug with 1 horn no legs and bright yellow is worn.

Honorable mentions
UB chokes in the final few minutes against 2nd ranked Pitt as I was ready to storm the court
Dante Whitner is taken 8th over all shocking most pundits and puzzling all Bills fans nation wide
Bills lose @ Detroit after I drove 4+ hours escaping the 'October Storm' in Buffalo
Pedro goes down with severe injuries to his shoulder and leg in August.
Bills schedule is released showing no prime time games and the first 3 games against divisional opponents and starting @ Pats and @ Miami

Somethings may have been omitted as I may have blocked them out of my memory

Bills Sabres Buffalo sports

The Buffalo Bills finish the season at 7-9 with a disappointing finale at Baltimore scoring a meager 7 points. The two bright spots in this game were the Bills defense and Lee Evans. Outside of that last interception by Losman, in which Losman after the game possibly took a shot at Evans "
"We probably rushed the call a little bit," Losman said. "The guy jumped inside at the last second. It's up to Lee to get inside that guy, but it's very, very tough [for Evans] when the guy jumps inside. I'm looking off the Mike [middle linebacker] so I didn't see him jump inside. You have to count on certain people doing those things. But the guy made a great play. . . . We coulda ran it. We coulda spiked it and lived with three downs, maybe slowed every one down. Every one's running downfield 60 yards [to get to the line of scrimmage]."

A major concern following this game is the running game. Losman has the ability to prove a solid contribution from the passing game possibly for years but the running game is pathetic. Willis Mcaghee or not this team can not run the ball. Willis finished with 990 yards 3.8 per and 6 touchdowns. This is not nearly enough production from a starting running back. The argument that without Mcgahee the run production would be much worse. I don't understand this argument because how could it be much worse. Teams didn't respect the running game they couldn't respect the running game any less and thus not having #21 couldn't have effected the way defenses played us very much. Yes his stats are only from 13+ games however, take away the two Jets games, the only games he actually broke the century mark and McGahee would have 275 less yards rushing. Whether he is here or not or wants a new contract it doesn't matter his production does not warrant an increase in salary, if he wants to play hardball or sit out, then PEACE OUT.

The major holes and key positions needed to be filled and address will be written about in future blogs for now we'll let the pieces fall where they may. The Bills have the 12th pick in the draft and are in prime position to draft a solid talent. April 28th is not that far away.


Today is the ceremonial first day of hockey in Buffalo. The football season is over, or about as over as it gets in the NFL, for the Bills and the die hard football fans can now turn their attention on to hockey. Although there has been a major shift in attention towards the Sabres and some what away from the Bills, football is still king. The hockey vs. football argument is stupid. Buffalo sports personalities like Schopp and the Dog love to pit one vs the other while WGR550 is completely biased mostly because of business and the fact that they are in bed with the Sabres. Furthermore the shunning of WGR by the Bills prior to this past season and the move to 96.9 FM cemented a divide between the two.

The Sabres are hot and have been for a year and a half while the Bills have not made the playoffs in seven seasons. The jumping on the bandwagon of the Sabres is almost shocking if completely unprecedented. A majority of these bandwagon fans scooping up all the tickets are families specifically women and children. A major collapse, losing, or failing to at least return to the Eastern Conference Finals could put a major damper on the whole yellow slug phenomenon, but some of these Sabres fans will be here to stay. But who knows, the possible failure to resign Drury Briere or god forbid Vanek could also alienate fans albeit a reality that not all three will be returning next season. The financial complications with the salary cap, the demand those three will have on the open market and contracts given out dictate someone will be missing the party next season.

The Sabres currently are solidly planted in the number 1 seed seven points ahead of the Thrashers. There is 3 points that separate 5 teams from the 6th to the 10th seed in the conference and it is nearly impossible to project who the Sabres will be playing in the first round of the playoffs. Home field advantage throughout the playoffs will be a major victory for the Sabres in achieving their goal of winning the Stanley Cup. However we all know what happen last season, the team is very healthy right now and the possible return of dare I say his name (TC) looming large this team could be poised for a solid playoff run. The addition of a veteran similar to what the Hurricanes did last year is what these teams could need in my opinion to get over the hump of a championship. All the talk of chemistry and all that bullshit can be thrown out the window, the playoffs are a completely different animal, depth experience and timely scoring with consistent goaltending will win. The trade deadline(February 27th 3:00pm) could be very interesting. I would not miss a bit a player like Kotalik or a prospect if it brought a veteran or defensive line depth to sustain championship run.

Here's to a successful Buffalo Sports year in 2007