While SU was clearly hoping to see Michigan sneak into the top 4 of the college football playoffs, the wins by Washington and Clemson made that impossible. Washington was impressive in its win over Colorado and while Clemson’s defense was exposed by Virginia Tech, they managed to hang on. Penn State clearly made a case with its Big Ten championship but they only had that one win over Ohio State in an otherwise weak schedule this year and they were not deserving. SU still says that if the goal was to have the 4 best teams in the playoffs, then Michigan should be in there but you really can’t make that case based on the weekend’s results. Onward and upward.
SU must make a comment about Cam Newton. This guy is not always giving it his all. I have watched him a fair amount this year given that the SU Fantasy Team has Greg Olsen on its roster who really is an All-Pro quality player at tight end. Newton strikes me as a guy who is not studying the film of what works and doesn’t work but rather heaves the ball downfield and puts it up for grabs time and time again. Aside from ignoring Olsen, at times it appears that he is disinterested out there. Clearly, he has a lot of talent but to me, he is high maintenance and high risk. In a word: over-rated and not deserving of all the attention.
The Yankees signing of Matt Holliday is interesting. SU likes the 1-year contract in terms of not being obligated longer term for an older player (37). He is a good clubhouse guy and tries hard. But he is also a big-time swing and miss type of hitter who likes to pull the ball. He did well with St. Louis but is coming off an injury plagued season. Last time I checked, the short wall at Yankee Stadium is in right field. Shouldn’t the DH be a left-handed hitter? Are there not better choices out there? Holliday is the type of hitter who surprises me when he gets a hit a la Brian McCann. I will be happy to be proven wrong but unless they are going to get another lefty hitter with power, I am not sure about this move.
Finally, I caught a little of last night’s Knick game and DeMarcus Cousins. Mike Breen said he had a “monster game” but tell me if this is “monster game” worthy: 9 for 30 from the field, 14 – 16 from the foul line, 12 rebounds, 36 points. You have to figure that’s 30 shot attempts plus another 7 or 8 where he was fouled. These are Kobe Bryant shot volume type numbers. He took 10 3-pointers. Bottom line: this guy is a ball hog and is always unhappy on the court. A great talent but not someone who makes his teammates better. Sound familiar?
Sports Update Intergalactic 
Yes, watching that Knicks game actually made me feel a little better about Anthony…at least he’s not Cousins. Somehow, Anthony and his teammates never seem fed up with with each other. At least there’s that.
I don’t fully understand the Holliday signing but if it’s either this or another 3 yr deal with Beltran, I’ll take this. It’s not really rational but I’m a little wary of picking up players from teams who really know what they’re doing. The Cardinals are one of those teams. I just feel that if he has good years left, the Cardinals would know it. I’m going to call this the Patriots Rule: If there’s a team that has consistent, prolonged success, and they are willing to let a player leave for what you are willing to spend, you are spending too much.
Seth, I agree about the Cardinals. Now, Holliday had an option that was worth around $16 million for 2017 so I see why they passed. And $13 million for the Yankees is chump change and they can afford to take a flyer here and there. But I am also a little leery here.
Best teams in the league are those who are not selfish, leave their egos behind and understand that the sum is greater than the parts. Please see final 2 last year. Please see San Antonio’s longevity. Please see Magic Johnson and Larry Bird era. The only one you can make the argument against this is Michael Jordan… but not as bad as Melo or Cousins because he was a great defender as well.
Need to locate two solid starters and bring back our 100mph+ closer to Yankeeland.
Should have gone for Beltran at one year for $16M- switch hitter who can play in NY and whose longevity will be prolonged by playing him exclusively at DH- statement that Holliday was preferable because of his ability to play the field occasionally is illusory- has always been a weak fielder plus the RH fourth OF at bats are supposed to go to Hicks. Wouldn’t have cost a draft choice as well. Bad move.
There is a chance that the Yankees best hitter will be a catcher (Sanchez). When that is the case, teams can’t have a full-time DH because that catcher is going to need to DH on a semi-regular basis.