It's been a while, but one thing my new early riser shift affords me is the chance to get out to all of our local teams pracitices on a more a regular basis, so braving rain, sleet and snow I ventured up to Jeld-Wen field this morning to catch up with Captain Jack Jewsbury and discuss how all he is adjusting to all of the new faces on the team this year, and how it will translate to a playoff appearance.
Head coach John Spencer also stopped by afterward with an update on the status of Kris Boyd and Franck Songo'o and how the late winter weather may affect who plays tomorrow night against Chivas USA. Really appreciate Spencer's approach to preseason games saying all he wants to accomplish is a win. He wants his team to prepare like they will play come March 12th when the season opens against Philadelphia Union.
Spencer hopes Steve Purdy will back for Sunday's match against Swedish club team AIK. The bit of training we did see today was spent working with his forwards on finishing plays at the top of the box. Boyd has a cannon of a right foot, and if Nagbe and Perlazza can hold balls long enough to tee him up, Timbers fans should see more offensive production from the effort fans have come to expect.
The Greg Oden saga took yet another sad but not shocking turn on Monday when a minor knee surgery turned into micro fracture number three for the big fella. His odds of coming back to do anything in the NBA went from long shot to no shot with this one. I feel bad for Greg, this wasn't his fault. His body just wasn't meant to play NBA ball. As somebody thats in the multiple knee surgery group (that's 7 for me) I sympathize with his plight, but his career was over years ago, just nobody wanted to admit it. We all have this belief that after surgery you get 100 better, not true. Any time you get cut, or tear or break something it takes a little bit off your game. It saps your athleticism a little bit at a time and for the most part once you get the label of injury prone it tends not to go away because your injuries tend to not go away. There's a reason you get the label. I said that about Greg 3 years ago and anybody who took a objective look at him said the same thing. Here's a good article from 2008 where David Thorpe says the same thing, that GO isn't ever going to turn into a impact player and that the Blazers should have cut ties years ago. I feel bad for him, but he's young, rich, and has his whole life in front of him. Here's hoping Greg can see that through the disappointment of his NBA experience.
Whitney Houston passed away over the weekend and while no official cause has been given, the general public all knows that her addictions to drugs and alcohol over the years will end up being the culprit. If fact those demons over the last decade have over shadowed what was an amazing talent. While I was never huge fan in that I never bought an album or saw her in concert, I will never forget the day in 1991 when Whitey Houston gave what is in my opinion, the greatest rendition of the greatest anthem this world has ever heard. The moment was perfect with the Gulf War fresh in all our minds and the super bowl as her backdrop she went out gave the country the collective chills. I dare you to watch the video and not get goose bumps. Performers would do well to watch this before they go out and butcher the anthem the next time they are asked to step up to the mike. It was simple and beautiful. And I won’t ever forget it.
I get as many personal questions as I do sports related ones when I run into listeners on the street. I actually tend to enjoy those conversations more than the sports related ones. Kind of a nice chance of pace if you will. Well along those lines, I'm a big music guy and here is a someone I recently stumbled across and can't get enough of. The White Buffalo, http://thewhitebuffalo.com/ He's been on constant rotation in my car lately and thought I'd give you a taste of what I'm listening to.
Adam Corolla joined the show today, he's one of my favorite comedians and his pod cast is a must listen to. Plus it's free. www.adamcorolla.com This is a rant he went on awhile back that sums up my feelings toward the occupy movements mentality. It should be required viewing for every person in America. Warning, it's not suitable for hippies or people who are offended by the F word.
Lots of overreaction as usual from the game. Brady is still one of the best of all time and Eli is a very very good QB but not one of the best to ever play. He’s not in the top 5 in the league right now.( well he might be 5 now) That not a bash on him just the reality of it. If Welker catches that pass what do we say about the two QB’s today? The result of the game shouldn’t completely determine one’s worth or legacy.
Those teams can play every year. A good match up and very completive. Not necessarily great game but solid with a great finish.
Games that close often come down to just a break one way or another. 3 giants fumbles and they get them all, that doesn’t usually happen. That was big.
The 12 men on the field penalty was even bigger, no excuse for it and it cost them the game.
The Pats should have let the G men score with two mins to play and 2 TO remaining. Would have made a huge difference on the last drive.
The Gisele mess after the game is a joke; she was being heckled and was frustrated for her husband. She said it to a friend, not for public consumption. Let it go people. This won’t be the downfall of the Pats.
Nice halftime show NFL. Don’t even get me started on this one. The middle finger was the least offensive part of that hunk of crap.
Eli’s throw and Manningham’s grab, WOW! Just big boy football right there. Its plays like that one that put rings on your fingers
Fair or not, I think not this will end the Brady/Montana debate.
I would comment on the commercials but I didn’t get to see many. Was a gong show at my place. Lots of people, lots of klds, lost of noise. I was lucky to hear the game. I did like seeing Clint Eastwood though.
What the hell are we going to do now that football is over? Saddest day of the year is the Monday after the SB.
(AP) The San Antonio Spurs opened the Western Conference finals resembling the past champions who've been there so many times before. More.
Chad Johnson arrested on probation break
(AP) Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson has been arrested on charges that he violated probation stemming from an altercation with his now ex-wife, TV reality star Evelyn Lozada. More.
Seahawks DE Bruce Irvin suspended 4 games
(AP) Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin was suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season on Friday after the league announced he violated the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. More.
Timbers score late for draw with Whitecaps
(AP) Second-half substitute Jose Valencia scored in the 83rd minute to give the Portland Timbers a 2-2 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night. Will Johnson also scored for Portland and assisted on the equalizer to help the Timbers (4-1-7) . . . more.
Pacers finish Knicks
(AP) Indiana spent the entire season perfecting its defense. On Saturday, it produced the biggest payoff for the Pacers in nearly a decade. More.
Free agent DB Woodson to visit Raiders
(AP) Charles Woodson has another team interested in signing him. Woodson's agent, Carl Poston, tells The Associated Press that the 36-year-old defensive back will visit with The Oakland Raiders on Tuesday. More.
Blazers have a new assistant
(AP) Nate Tibbetts has joined the Portland Trail Blazers as an assistant coach. More.
Eagles sign Felix Jones
(AP) The Philadelphia Eagles have signed former Cowboys running back Felix Jones to a one-year contract. A former first-round selection by Dallas in 2008, Jones has rushed for 2,728 yards . . . more.
Kiffin, USC strive for drama-free 2013
(AP) Lane Kiffin has an idea. He's not serious about it. Not really. There is, however, just a hint in his voice that suggests he's not totally joking, either. "I did think the other day what it would be like to be a high school head coach . . . more.
