I Have a Friend Who Is a Bit Weird

Opps, that’s a bit strong. Perhaps it would be better to say she is a bit strange. A bit strange perhaps only to me. This is because of one reason. This friend is looking forward to the first snowfall. Then, not only that, but she is actually looking forward to the time when she has to shovel her driveway.

Now think about it.

Most of us in the normal world would prefer a winter completely without snow. Of course, that would mean moving to Florida, certain places in California… or to Hawaii. This brings me to a question for my readers: just what are you looking forward to??? What’s that??? Me?????

Well, I’m looking forward to many different things over the next few months. Most of them I’m not telling anyone. They will remain my secret. However, I will tell you one thing I AM NOT looking forward to. This Saturday’s Big Ten clash between Penn State and Ohio State. And I’ll even tell you why. Penn State — of which I am a solid rooter — has become an enormous disappointment to me. The Nittany Lions, after staring 4-0 are not 4-2. In their last two games the wearers of the Blue and White have stumbled twice… and both very badly. First, they were never in the game against Northwestern and secondly they failed to do anything with a fairly weak Michigan team while losing 18-13.

Now the boys from State College take on a real toughie… greeting power-packed Ohio State in an 8 p.m. affair in Beaver Stadium. The early odds have the Buckeyes a fat 13 & 1/2 point choice over Penn State. I think it should be closer to 20 points.

Ohio State, once ranked among the top ten college gridiron clubs, has slipped a bit and the 5-1 club is now listed at No.12 on the Amway poll, No.13 on the AP poll and No. 13 on the Sagarin football ratings. Penn State, once as high as No.26, have been placed at No.48 on the Saragin (the only poll in which the Lions are listed). First year head coach James Franklin insists (this mainly for media consumption) the Nittany Lions are ready to tangle with the Buckeyes.

Baloney.

Penn State doesn’t have the personnel to compete evenly with Ohio State. The Buckeyes come to Beaver Stadium after scoring 50 points or more in each of their last four games (a school record). I expect Ohio State will make that five games of 50 points or better. If I’m wrong I’ll gladly eat a crow. However, I expect to be dining on something else Sunday afternoon.

PITT, SUDDENLY VIABLE again after flattening a decent Virginia Tech team last weekend, takes on another better-than-average club when it hosts Georgia Tech at Heinz Field at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The Rambling Wreck is 5-2 while the Panthers bring in a 4-3 card. The odds-makers say Pitt is four-points better than Georgia Tech while the Saragin ratings have them equal. Locally, we all will be watching to see if Pitt running back — McDowell’s James Conner can total up more than 41 yards to reach 1,000 for the year. Conner is currently rated No.8 in the nation with 959 total yards. I don’t know exactly what to say about Pitt. I didn’t think the Panthers would top Virginia Tech. However, now I am about to register as a Pitt fan. Who knows what will happen on Saturday???

HAVE YOU EVER wondered why some major companies have setbacks??? I have… and I don’t know if there are any answers. But, as a for instance, according to USA Today, Coca-Cola earnings and revenue have both fallen recently while earnings at McDonald’s dropped a “worse-than-expected” 30 percent during the third quarter. Hmmm… I must admit I don’t drink any Coke products (I prefer diet 7-Up) and I rarely eat at McDonald’s. Say, do you suppose that I’m the reason for the setbacks?? Hmmmm?

I WASN’T AT ALL surprised to read (Erie Times-News edition of October 23) that the poor and middle class in Erie donate “a large percentage of their income to charity than (do) the county’s wealthiest residents”… and I didn’t need a new national study to tell me this. It’s been that way since time began. The local residents with an income of $25,000 (or less) gave an average of 7.2 percent to charity while those with $200,000 or more gave 2.1 percent. Without the poor or middle class, most charities would fold. This fact has always bothered me somewhat. Just thought you might want to know.

SO HOW IS YOUR World Series pick doing??? Remember, I’m rooting for Kansas City… and the Royals did right well after losing the opening game by a 7-1 count. KC more than made up for that with a 7-2 victory Wednesday night to know the affair at 1-1. Oh, there’s not doubt that the San Francisco Giants are still favored… especially with the next three games to be played in Frisco. But, KC has been resilient all season and I expect the Royals to stay that way until they are the first to win four games. The Series nowadays do seem to get less publicity than does the college and pro grid games. It wasn’t always that way… believe me. But, it certainly is now.

SPEAKING OF FOOTBALL… what do you believe the Pittsburgh Steelers will do when they face the Indianapolis Colts at PNC Park this Sunday? Well, you know what the odds-makers are saying, don’t you? In case you didn’t know, they are listing the Colts as a three-point favorite. One reason for this is Pittsburgh’s pattern of alternating wins and losses each weekend. Last Monday they posted an uninspired 30-23 verdict over Houston — meaning the Black and Gold are scheduled to lose this weekend. A better reason for the projected loss would be the Steelers’ 17th ranked scoring defense — giving up an average of 23.1 points-per-game. However (there is always a “however” you will note), should the threesome of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Leveon Bell (5.1 yards per carry) get it together, Pittsburgh could (note — I said “could) outscore the Colts. The USA Today Sports Weekly says the Colts will win 27-24.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns, who, apparently, cannot stand prosperity — face another win-less team with Oakland. Remember what happened last week when they faced win-less Jacksonville. That’s right — it was a Cleveland loss. The Browns are being tabbed as a seven-point  choice. But, nowhere did I see them given more than a three-point victory… the last one a 20-17 triumph. I really have little faith in the coaching staff in Cleveland. So, I’ll be holding my breath until this weekend is complete — hoping that the Browns can top the 0-6 Raiders.

Then there are the Buffalo Bills. The 4-3 Bills are going up against the 1-6 New York Jets… with the Jets favored by three points. Hey. Really now. The Bills SHOULD win thise one. Oh, it won’t be any kind of an easy romp… more like a 17-14 squeezer. Still, I do think Buffalo will do it.

ACCORDING TO AN NFL reporter, the 5-1 Denver Broncos are rated No.1 on the latest Power Ratings with the 6-1 Dallas Cowboys No.2 and the Indianapolis Colts (5-2) at No.3… Among “Erie’s teams” — Buffalo is ranked No.15, the Steelers are at No.17 and the Browns are listed 21st. Oakland is placed at the bottom in the No.32 spot.

AND A FINAL NOTE… I see where us Social Security recipients are going to get a 1.7 percentage cost-of-living raise this coming January. That means I’ll be given a whopping $34 a month increase. Wonder how much of that will go towards the usual Medicare increase? Bet I won’t be able to increase my rent or buy much of anything with the balance!!!

– Jack

Are You Getting Tired of Football, yet?????

No, I guess not.

In fact, even though the colleges are about half-way through their season and the professionals are about a quarter-way through theirs…I have yet to find even one person who is a bit sick of the almost constant gridiron sport. Therefore, this corner will continue in the same line. With just more comments concerning the pass, run and punt game.

There is always at least one BIG GAME in the college ranks each weekend. This coming weekend is no different as it will pit undefeated and now ranked No.2 nationally Florida State entertaining also unbeaten and ranked No.5 Notre Dame. Both the Seminoles and the Fighting Irish are 6-0 for the campaign. And, how do the people who really count — meaning the odds- makers — feel this one will turn out? Well, the boys in Vegas apparently don’t think much of the boys who sometimes wear Green as well as their standard Blue and Gold… ranking Florida State a whopping 12 points better than the young men from South Bend, Indiana. That’s among the bigger spreads featuring the college contests this coming weekend.

Mississippi State, now the top dog in the two main football polls, is idle while Mississippi — ranked third by the polls — is a 16 & 1/2 point choice to cream Tennessee, a 3-3 club. Oh, and by the way, Mississippi State is No.1 in both the AP football poll and in the Amway football poll… but noe in the Saragin football rankings. That one has Auburn, at 5-1, as the best team in the country with the Bulldogs ranked No. 3.

Saragin has Florida State no better than No.11 with Notre Dame at No.13. This same poll has the Seminoles only one-point better than ND. Penn State who slipped badly at Michigan last week, won’t be playing this weekend… which is good as it will give the Nittany Lions a lot of time to stew about their next opponent — that being power-packed Ohio State on October 25th. Pitt, however, will take its three-game losng streak into a Thursday night contest when the Panthers host potent Virginia Tech. Pitt coaching brains will use Mcdowell’s James Conner at defensive end. He’s much too valuable running the ball than he would be tackling other would-be runners.

Okay, now that we’ve looked at Penn State and Pitt…who else is of interest in the college game this weekend?

Alabama, who had a heckuva time in nipping Arkansas 14-13 last week — drawing the ire of head coach Lou Saban when some local writers and fans complained about how close the game was — meets a tough Texas A&M team. The odds-makers don’t think much of the 5-2 Red Raiders chances, Bama favored by 11 & 1/2. I still think the Crimson Tide will be one of the four teams invited to the new post-season playoffs set for the colleges this year. Bama is currently 5-1.

I will be personally interested in how the Nebraska (5-1) at Northwestern (3-3) meeting turns out. The Cornhuskers are a 6 & 1/2 point pick, but a Wildcat verdict wouldn’t shock me in the least.  Nebraska is rated at No.19 on the polls. Most other top college names are close to being heavily-favored in whomever they are facing this weekend.

Could end up being a dull afternoon… for the most part.

THE QUESTION IN the NFL is “will the Cleveland Browns continue their winning ways?” Keep in mind that the Cleveland team has won two in-a-row in a 3-2 season. And, this Sunday is their biggest challenge. Honestly… that’s because they will be playing of of the two win-less clubs in the loop — when they travel to Jacksonville, Florida to face the 0-6 Jaguars. The odds-makers say Cleveland is a 5 & 1/2 point pick… but, that’s when a team usually has troubles — when it is facing a team is should clobber. Can Cleveland clobber Jacksonville? Well, if everything goes the way it is supposed to — then “yes!!!” the Browns should breeze by. Let’s hope they do.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers — in trying to salvage not only their pride, but also their future — will be hosting a 3-3 Houston team… but on Monday night. The Texans are very capable of stunning Pittsburgh, this despite the Steelrs being an early four-point choice. In order to fulfill the odds-makers premise, Pittsburgh is going to have to come up with a defense that can really defend — especially when it must. This is something the Steelers have not shown in any kid of steady fashion over the first six games. The Texans, a preseason pick to finish no lower than second in the American Conference South Division, showed they can put points on the board in a 33-28 lossd to Indianapolis last week. Not only is the Steelers’ defense questionable… steady scoring has also been a sore point this year. Much will depend on how Ben Roethlisberger can accurately throw the ball Monday night.

BIG QUESTION IN Major League Baseball… how is Kansas City doing it? The Royals, a wildcard team (meaning one that should have lost a long time ago) in the post-season playoffs, are now scheduled to open the World Series this coming Tuesday. KC, a team with scant power, but one also blessed with a ton of speed, has whipped through eight consecutive victories. Well, not actually “whipped”, but it still has won. There is no way the Royals should be in the position they are in — but they are there. And no one, (including the writer) knows how they are doing it. I just hope they can keep it up a smidgen longer… as I have suddenly become a Kansas City fan.

DIDJA NOTICE The attendance figure at the latest Florida Panthers game? Well, it was 7,311… a new low for this NHL franchise. The Panthers (0-2-1 through Tuesday) in front of that small crowd. Apparently ice hockey — especially losing ice hockey — doesn’t go over well in Florida… or elsewhere as well.

HERE’S A BIT OF non-sports trivia… Texas was the leader in those moving in and out of the state in 2012-2013. The Lone Star unit gaining 324,425 people in that time. Florida was second with 279,584 while California (naturally) was third with 195,246 coming in. Conversely, Alaska lost the most people during that time with 58,490 moving out. Illinois was second with 12,074 souls leaving with New Jersey third at 7,447. This info came from USA Today, who got it from the Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

HOW ABOUT THIS… First place at the annual pumpkin-weighing contest in northern California went to a 56-year-old  name John Hawkley, his entry weighing in at 2,058 pounds… at tournament record. Hey! That’s more than a ton!! Apparently the California drought didn’t bother this guy.

THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL SEASON IS just about three weeks away from its tip-off. That means the preseason polls will be all over the place… and soon. The first two I’ve seen have different leaders — one has Kentucky, the other Arizona (the WIldcats with a ton of returnees). However, if you’re looking for someone to place yours bets on, think Wisconsin. The Badgers have a powerful lineup of lettermen who went 30-8 last season.  Of course, I will AGAIN be rooting for Duke, the Blue Devils, a 26-9 club a year ago.

AND A FINAL NOTE… accoring to published reports, a gathering of 30 million souls tuned in to view the Dallas Cowboys’ 30-23 upset of the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. Making the game the most-watched TV product since the Oscars last March. That’s a “wow”!!

-Jack Polancy

Conversation Openers

Well, I suppose I have to have something to say about the Cleveland Browns’ fairly easy win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Actually, I was trying to weasel my way out of saying anything.

That’s because I did not see most of the game.

Instead, Sunday afternoon — at the urging of my significant other — I decided to take a ride downstate to look at the trees. You know…during this time of year the trees (and there are many of them downstate) are usually full of red, yellow and other colors. In fact, the foliage can sometimes be overwhelming.

That was my first disappointment.  The trees in Erie county have more color than any we saw downstate.

My second disappointment is where we ate. I traveled down Route 89 to Titusville and the place where I had eaten many times before (always with a great meal) must have changed cooks. The ham was dry (too long under some lights), the stuffed shells were also not very palatable, and so forth. I won’t mention the establishment’s name, except to say I’ll probably not eat there again.

Anyway, the 104-mile trip was mostly a disappointment. When I finally got in front of my TV set and turned on the game – – I was almost shocked when I saw the score (Cleveland 31, Pittsburgh 3) with about 12 minutes left to play. Then I watched as the Steelers managed to score their only TD of the afternoon in the final moments. But, it didn’t matter. The Browns had this one sewed up much earlier. There was no come-from-behind in this one as the winners have done before this season.

The Browns scored 21 points in the second quarter to grab a 21-3 halftime bulge and then just went about nailing it down with ten more unanswered points in the second half. Then I read some of the comments by other writers. The ones that said (in essence) “…don’t worry, the Steelers aren’t that disappointed…” “…the Steelers won’t go into a panic mode…” “…The Steelers will bounce back…” and so on. Folks, I have a good friend who is a dyed-in-wool Pittsburgh Steelers fan (that because he was born in Pittsburgh) who NEVER has anything discouraging to say about the Pittsburgh club… until now. Here is one of his comments:

“I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. The NFL defense have past up Dick LeBeau. The guy is 70 years old and he can’t fathom NFL offenses any more.”

It’s beginning to look as if this guy us absolutely correct. The Pittsburgh defense couldn’t stymie some big passing plays by Cleveland quarterback Brian Hoyer — a middle of the line performer at best. One preseason professional publication stated “The real smoke is on venerable (meaning old) coordinator Dick LeBeau to find a way to get a bunch of new, young players to remake the Steelers defense that slipped in 2013. Their big plays — sacks, forced turnovers, etc — fell off sharply the past two seasons and and last year they dropped from No. 1 to No. 13 in yards allowed.” Hmmmmm. Make that three seasons.

The Steelers defensively no longer scare the opposition. This was very evident this past Sunday in Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Field. It could be more evident the next three weeks when Pittsburgh goes against Houston (3-3) ,Indianapolis and Baltimore — all scheduled for PNC Park. The home fans could be just a more than a bit upset at these three contests. One thing is for sure…it’ll be very interesting.

BOY TALK ABOUT barn-burners…the colleges went nuts this past weekend. And I blame it on a local game. That’s when Warren nipped Meadville 79-78 — with both teams combining for more than 1,5000 offensive yards. The colleges didn’t quite equal the scholastic kids… but they tried. For instance, the new No. 1 in the polls, Mississippi State clipped Auburn 38-23. Then there was Baylor trimming TCU 61-58. Add in Notre Dame’s 50-43 triumph over North Carolina, Mississippi’s 35-20 decision over Texas A&M , Michigan State whipping Purdue 45-31, Oklahoma clipping Texas 31-26, Oregon running past UCLA 42-30 and Duke upsetting Georgia Tech 31-25. For some reason — strange or not — the colleges put on a scoring spree that hasn’t been seen for some time.

Then there was the mundane — like favored Alabama (by nine points) just edging Arkansas 14-13 or Penn State, losing to Michigan 18-13. Looking at that Penn State loss — I saw only the first half, in which the Nittany Lions built a slim 13-10 lead. I had to move away from my TV set in the second half… and that’s when Michigan made its move. Oh, not so much of a move as it was Penn State’s failure to form more offense. Michigan’s defenses have not been all that great this year, the Wolverines coming in with a three-game losing streak. However, the combination of a lack of PSU offense and whatever defense Michigan showed was enough to spell defeat for the Nittany Lions…a game they could have won. First year head coach James Franklin refused to blame anyone in particular (although the offensive line did not protect quarterback Christian Hackenberg the way it is supposed to). Coach Franklin was quoted saying: “It’s hard to call the game when you can’t run blocks and can’t consistently protect the quarterback. I’m not saying it’s the O-line. It’s everyone.”

Not really.   It’s the offensive line that let the team down Saturday. And with Ohio State up next week…it’ll probably be more of the same.

OH, WE ALMOST FORGOT when mentioning high-scoring college games that Edinboro’s ending of its five-game losing streak by slamming Clarion 56-28 and Mercyhurst’s 45-38 upset over Gannon.

HEY! HOW ABOUT them Royals?

Kansas City, which beat the power-laden Los Angeles Angels in the American League Division series by winning two of its three games in 11 innings, now own a 2-0 lead over Baltimore in the Championship series…again by scoring three runs in the 10th inning in the first game and two tallies in the ninth frame of the second game. The Royals are one of the youngest teams in the playoffs and they are performing like battle-scared veterans. The next three games are slated for KC’s Kauffman Stadium — a spacious ball park where the homer-laden Baltimore Orioles might find runs bard to come by.

I know I’m one guy rooting for the Royals. They need only two wins in the next five games to make it into the World Series. As for the National League… I don’t care who wins that one. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals are tied at 1-1 right now, with the next three games set for Frisco’s new stadium.

I DON’T THINK anyone figured Mississippi State would be No. 1 in the college football polls this late in the season or that Mississippi State would be No. 3. The top-rated Bulldogs travel to Alabama November 15th and then to Ole Miss on November 29th. Meanwhile, Ole Miss must face Auburn on November 1st. These games will certainly scramble the polls — and the post-season lineup — a lot more. I wouldn’t even hazard a guess as to which four teams will be taking part in the new playoff system. I might take a shot at it three weeks from now.

ON A FINAL NOTE,… what can anyone say???? The Erie Otters are certainly starting the new OHL season off in fine style with a six-game winning streak. That has to be a “wow”!!!!

-Jack Polancy                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

It Seems To Me That…

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT the St. Louis Cardinals are always in the National League Championship Series. After all, they did make it to that playoff spot the fourth time in-a-row this year when they creamed the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s sort of like how the New York Yankees used to be. Remember… I said “used to be.” The Yankees are nothing more than a memory these days. Anyway, the Cardinals not only topped the Dodgers by a three games to one count in the playoffs – they managed to beat southpaw Clayton Kershaw twice. Kershaw, as most of you know, is the NL Cy Young Award winner from last year and also in 1911. On top of all that the Dodgers had the highest payroll in the major leagues this year with a check-signing that reached $41,128,402 – even higher than the Yankees. As usual, money doesn’t mean anything when it comes to winning championship in baseball. I was told (you’d never know it by reading the Erie Times-News) that the San Francisco Giants captured the other spot in the NL Championship Series by clipping the Washington Nationals – despite the Nats’ so-called “best pitching staff in the National League.” That means the Cards and Giants will square off for the NL position in the upcoming World Series. And, if you remember, I had hoped that the Nationals and Dodgers would ones in that position. Oh well, I’m used to disappointments in my choices… to win anything. That Giants’ payroll (if you like to make comparisons) is listed as $148,239,158 and the Cards are at $108,020,360. As long as we are comparing the NL contenders – here are the same for the American League clubs. The Baltimore Orioles pay out the $105,084,121 for 2014 while the Kansas City Royals are the lowest with the only $90,481,500. All the above figures are pre-season totals. Regardless, I imagine the totals listed are still quite close to the final amounts.

I DON’T AGREE with USA Swimming for its six months suspension of swimmer Michael Phelps because of his second DUI arrest in ten years. If Phelps because of his second DUI arrest in ten years. If Phelps – who is the most decorated Olympian – had been arrested twice in let’s say one year… then the suspension would have been warranted. But, not over a ten-year span. Besides the suspension USA Swimming said. Phelps will not be eligible for next summer’s world championships – slated for Karzan in Russia. Phelps has 22 Olympic medals (18 of them gold). If I were Phelps I would tell USA Swimming it could forget about me competing in the 2016 Olympic Games. I wonder what the swimmer will do?????

I ALSO DON’T AGREE with the Houston Texan’s running back Arian Foster, who was quoted in USA TODAY with the following. “I don’t know one player that likes it. I really don’t know a fan that likes it, either. I think it’s just the league’s way of trying to generate more revenue… Thursday night football is putting every player on the field in danger.” What???? Does he mean it’s tougher to play in the NFL on Thursday night than it is on Sunday afternoon or night? Baloney! These guys are professionals They are expected to (and equally supposed to) play the game whenever and where ever. Yes, Thursday night games are staged to generate more revenue. That’s what professional athletes do… play games to make money. Not squawk about when they play. As for the fans… you can bet they like Thursday night football. I’m a fan. And I like it.

I FEEL A BIT SORRY for Adrian Peterson – the Minnesota Vikings running back who has been charged with child abuse for disciplining his four-year-old son with a switch from a tree. When I was a young lad (hey – I was… at one time!!!) my mother would take a belt (or whatever else was handy) and teach me and my two-half brothers a bit about obeying a parent. So, I can understand Peterson… sort of. From what I’ve read his disciplining action was hard enough that it left marks on his four-year old. That’s sort of young to be disciplining that hard. Anyway, I hope the court will take into consideration the complete situation… meaning how Peterson was raised and what was thought to be “normal” at one time is now changed. Peterson has been charged with “reckless and negligent injury to a child.” It’s a difficult situation.

HEY… DID YOU READ that the National Christmas Tree lighting in Washington D.C. Is scheduled for December 4^th? Does that mean Christmas is THAT CLOSE??? Wow, December 4^th is only 55 days away!!!!! Man o man… I’d better get going on my Christmas shopping. Well, I do like to get a jump on things. I’ve already got my list prepared.

THE BIG GAME in the NFL this Sunday – at least, as far as this corner of the league is concerned – will be the clash between the hard-trying but usually-missing Cleveland Browns and the can’t-score-touchdowns Pittsburgh Steelers. The battle is slated for First Energy Stadium in Cleveland… with the viewing on WSEE at 1 p.m. These two teams met in the season opener back on September 7 and you remember what happened. In case you don’t… the Steelers raced off to a big lead. Then the Browns climbed back in with a second half blast that netted a 27-27 standoff… until Pittsburgh registered a late field goal to win it. This time the Steelers come in at 3-2 and the Browns at 2-2… the Steelers almost frustrated because they score more field goals than they do TDs once they reach the red zone (the opponent’s 20 or closer) – and the Browns almost as upset because of their four games, all have been decided by three points or less. I read that the Cleveland defense is “in shambles” because of injuries to veterans, meaning that rookies will be out there instead. I also read that Pittsburgh is working on improving both its running game and passing efforts once it gets in close. Actually the two ancient foes will probably do what they always have done. Make all kinds of mistakes before the Steelers sneak away with an improbable triumph. The oddsmakers have listed the Browns as a two-point choice to win the affair. Hmmm… I have my doubts about that. Simply because Cleveland usually has more goofs than do the Steelers. In fact, I believe that’s how this one will end… with some kind of a dumb mistake being the biggest contributor to the happenings. My advice? Just enjoy the game. That is… if you can. Most Cleveland and Pittsburgh rooters are the extremely nervous variety… never really enjoying anything except a win.

IN OTHER WORDS… those fans are just the same way I am when Penn State is playing. The 4-1 Nittany Lions will travel to 2-4 Michigan this Saturday – playing in front of approximately 110,000 nuts. The oddsmakers have the Wolverwines a one-point choice over PSU. This could be the case as the Lions’ offense was non-existent in that 29-6 whipping at the hands of Northwestern last week. Michigan has lost three straight. I doubt that it will become four in-a-row this Saturday. Meaning… I’ll be stewing in front of my TV set most of the afternoon.

AND A FINAL NOTE… It now cost 1.6 cents to produce a penny… mainly because the high price of zinc – which makes up 97 percent of the so-called copper coin. I don’t suppose this will increase the worth of my piggy bank one iota.

-Jack Polancy

Where have I been???

HELLO FOLKS. What??? Where have I been???? Vacation????? You’ve got to be kidding. I’ve been in the hospital – that’s where I’ve been. I just spent five nights and six days in the hospital… taking care of another (my second one) blockage (which can lead to death-claiming clots) and a great deal of redness plus some swelling (could be an infection, I’ve been told)… plus the insertion of a stent in one of my arteries (or veins – I’m not sure which) to try and rectify the situation. As you regular readers know I did an earlier hospital stay (three nights and four days) in late August. That was a piece of cake… even though I was tethered in the ICU at the time. This time I was in a regular room. Let me tell you… don’t ever go in the hospital on a Friday night. Why??? Simply because they don’t do anything to aid the situation during the weekend… except use inexperienced people trying to get blood out of you (you should see my arm!!!) When I objected to a fourth attempt I had to argue with the head nurse. On top of everything to a fourth attempt I had to argue with the head nurse. On top of everything else going wrong with my left leg (which, by the way, is as old as I am) I also had a severe dry cough. One that was so insistent that it kept me from sleeping (I could not breathe if I lay down). I mentioned it each day to the various doctors and nurses taking care of me and the only thing they could suggest was the use of a nebulizer (a hookah-type thing that you breathe through) every four hours. This did absolutely nothing to aid in my breathing or to stopping that cough. Anyway, I’m out of the hospital now (don’t get me started on the difficulty of being discharged)… and the only suggestion I have to any of you. If you’re in need of hospitalization… refuse to go. Simply die at home… it’s easier, believe me.

LIKE MOST OF YOU, I watched the Cleveland Browns play the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon. The 23-21 Cleveland loss was all the Browns’ own doing. When you miss two chippy field goals (that would have have cemented the victory). When you’re defense plays as lousy as the Cleveland defense was. When you commit 12 penalties that cost your team 94 yards. When you add it all up… the loss was a slap at your fans and a disgrace no matter how you look at it. The Cleveland defense surrendered 160 rushing yards to the Ravens – who were without their best runner, Ray Rice. It was a complete failure by the Browns’ defense – including the pass interference call that enabled the Ravens to kick a field goal to cut the Cleveland lead to 21-20 with around five minutes left in the game. Speaking of field goals… I don’t know if the Browns plan on getting rid of kicker Billy Cundiff, but they should at least think about it. After all, when you miss twice (okay, so one attempt was blocked) on what should have been automatic three-pointers – you deserve to be fired. Baltimore’s Justin Tucker didn’t miss. The crowd in Cleveland was listed at 67,407. It deserved better. With a better effort in their first three games the Browns could almost easily have been a 3-0 team instead of a 1-2 club. Oh well, there are still 13 league games remaining. After an open date this coming weekend Cleveland will travel to face Tennessee on October 5^th… another 1-2 team. Let’s hope the final results are better than they have been.

I MUST ADMIT, I didn’t see much of Pittsburgh’s 37-19 romp over Carolina. That’s because any game that doesn’t begin until 8:30 at night is one that I might catch the kickoff… but not much more. So, all I know about the Steelers’ somewhat easy win is what I’ve read. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a brilliant day with a 22-of-30 chart for 196 yards and two touchdowns with nary an interception. However, the Pittsburgh running game was superb with LeGarrette Blout, a five-year veteran from Oregon, piling up 118 yards on just 10 carries… and three-year ace Le’Veon Bell rambling for 114 yards on 21 trips with the football. The Steelers rushed for 264 yards Sunday night. It was a good day for Pittsburgh – the Steelers taking on a winless Tampa Bay crew (0-3) this Sunday at PNC Park. Pittsburgh should easily climb to 3-1 after that one.

THE BUFFALO BILLS did not look good in any aspect of the game as their two-game winning streak came to an abrupt end at 22-10 at the hands of somewhat surprising San Diego… also now 2-1. In fact, I did not see anything good at all to comment on for the Bills. They simply appeared to be a mediocre NFL squad just going through the motions. Next week doesn’t look better as the Buffalo squad has to travel to Houston to meet potent Texans (also 2-1). I don’t have too much hope for this year’s Bills team. Still, I could be wrong. We’ll see…

THERE ARE ONLY three unbeaten teams remaining in the NFL… Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Arizona. Well, Cincinnati and Arizona are off this coming week while the Eagles travel to San Francisco. I look for Philadelphia to be 4-0 after that one. But, remember folks, I’m wrong more times than I’m right. So, beware…

HEY, DIDN’T MY PENN STATE eleven look good in whipping Massachusetts 48-7 Saturday afternoon? The only thing is… it took them a full quarter to get it going. The Nittany Lions, a 27-point favorite, had all it could handle during the first period – managing a mere 6-0 lead on two Sam Ficken field goals. Ah, but things changed drastically during those second 12 minutes. Second-year Quarterback Christian Hackenberg – who couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn in the beginning – suddenly became a deadeye hurler and the running game took off as well. That 6-0 score blossomed to a 43-0 bulge at intermission. But the Minutemen are not Big Ten caliber… so you really can’t measure what the Nittany might do the rest of the way. However, enjoy the moment. And, at this moment Penn State is listed 27^th in both the AP Poll and the Amway Poll. Next week comes the Homecoming affair… with Northwestern the visitor. See me after this one… okay???

I DON’T AGREE WITH the pollsters that keep Florida State as the No. 1 college team. The Seminoles had all (and sometimes more) than they could handle with an underdog Clemson outfit Saturday night before they squeezed out a 23-17 overtime triumph. My top choice right now would be either Oregon or Alabama – both squads at 4-0. Probably leaning more towards ‘Bama than Oregon. Also, Oklahoma (4-0) is looking good. It’s going to be a good year to start the new four-team college playoff system.

HOW ABOUT THOSE Pittsburgh Pirates!!!! The Bucs, after staggering around a bit lately, seem to have caught playoff fever and are now (this on Monday, September 22^nd) only three wins away from clinching that spot.

AND A FINAL NOTE… there is a lot of talk about who will be the starting shortstop in place of the retiring Derek Jeter for the Yankees next spring. Hey, how about a guy who has played 1,272 major league games at that position. Someone named Alex Rodriquez…

-Jack Polancy

What a blast these last three weeks have been

WOW!!! WHAT A BLAST these last three weeks have been. First there was the completely unexpected surgery on my left leg for a severe blood clot, then there was a week of trying to recuperate, then came a four-day vacation trip to the smokey mountains long before I was ready to take any kind of trip anywhere. That trip – via Anderson Coach and Travel – is what I’m going to begin this piece with.

I probably should have stayed home. But, since I had signed up for this venture back in January – I decided to take a shot at it. That decision was somewhat a mistake. Any person who just got out of the hospital should not be traveling over 1,300 miles in four days – unable to sit with your leg in the air as you were supposed to. But I did it because it was Anderson’s 77^th anniversary bash (it was called a “Birthday Bash”) – going to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is wall-to-wall tourism. However, there are also a lot of shows. We (this includes my new significant other, Betty) saw six shows… everyone of them outstanding. The Dixie Stampede (which is sponsored by Dolly Parton) was Betty’s favorite, mine was with the Smith Family Show – certainly one that everyone going to Pigeon Forge should witness. I enjoyed the six shows immensely. It was my kind of music and the action was non-stop. I did not care for the system that was used in seating us. However, when you have a total of nine buses (and approximately 500 people), I guess there is no satisfying way to seat them. Anderson Coach and Travel has been around for 77 years. The outfit takes a lot of people to a lot of places each year. In fact, they carry approximately 425,000 passengers (customers) a year. Their tour directors are quite different efficient. Ours – named Marie – got a bit peeved with me because I became somewhat impatient on a couple of occasions. Anderson motorcoaches, by the way, travel a combined 4,280,000 miles each year. So, I imagine the tour directors must get used to “impatient” customers at times. Oh, and if you’re interested in long trips, Anderson’s longest venture is “Alaska by Land” – something that lasts 28 days and is operated every four years. No, I did not sign up for that one. In all fairness, I do enjoy going with the company. I have been doing it now for five years. I imagine I’ll be signing up for a new trip (I’ve been on four already this year) soon… but I’ll make sure I am in proper physical condition this time. Still, it was an excellent vacation… and, the Smokey Mountains are breath-taking.

OKAY, OKAY… enough about my traveling woes. Let’s take a look at the important things – like what happened over the weekend in college football. Whatever happened to Ohio State… to Michigan State… to Penn State????? Penn State is the team I’m most concerned about, let’s look at the Nittany Lions first. PSU scored a 21-3 win over Akron… a victory in which the Lions struggled most of the time. There was no running game to speak of despite the 106 yards rushing listed in final state. And the passing game, which started out very good but staggered in the middle going before regaining some progress in the final minutes, ended up with a decent 319 yards and all three touchdowns. The Lions, on the plus side, did overcome three turnovers that hurt them throughout the going. Penn State was ahead only by a slim 7-3 count with 8:04 remaining in the third quarter when sophomore QB Christian Hackenberg connected with Eugene Lewis for 28 yards and a first down deep in Akron territory. Two plays later Hackenberg, regaining his early throwing abilities, tossed a 13-yard TD aerial to Jesse James for a 14-3 edge. The Penn State defense did what they could do the rest of the way. The win was enough to propel the Nittany Lions to a spot of the AP rankings poll. Michigan wasn’t as fortunate as the Wolverines fell out of the AP rankings altogether after they had been manhandled and blanked by a Notre Dame squad 31-0. I didn’t think Notre Dame was THAT good this year. Or could it be that Michigan is simply that bad. Whatever, the Irish are now ranked No. 11 in the two football poles listed. Notre Dame tangles with Purdue this coming Saturday in a game being played in Indianapolis. The Irish are 12-1 in neutral sites since 2000. I don’t have any idea of what happened to Ohio State. The Buckeyes were ranked as high as third in most polls, but fell in front of unranked Virginia Tech 35-21. The worst part was that a record crowd of 107,517 witnessed the debacle at Ohio Stadium. I guess the pre-season loss of senior quarterback Braxton Miller was more than was expected. OSU faces Kent State this Saturday… and should breeze.
As for Michigan State… who knows what took place Saturday. The Spartans actually left the fast-moving Ducks in the second half… then Oregon is now second in the AP Poll… while the Spartans skidded to 13^th spot. Michigan State takes a week off this Saturday – to repair its wounds I suppose. The game that was the most surprising (at least to me) was Nebraska’s 31-24 win over complete underdog McNeese State. I watched a lot of this contest and the Cowboys shocked everyone when they forced a 24-24 tie with the Cornhuskers. But then Nebraska, ranked No. 19 before the game, managed to shake loose from the underdog visitors when someone named Ameer Abdullah turned a six yard completion into an almost impossible 58 yard touchdown pass with just 20 seconds remaining to pull out the triumph. The Huskers, however, dropped to 21^st in the poll. Finally… the best (most competitive) game I saw Saturday was the Southern Cal versus Standford affair. It was a see-saw battle all the way and wasn’t decided until Andre Heidart kicked a career-long 53-yard field goal to give the Trojans a 13-10 win. The triumph put Southern Cal in No. 9 spot in the AP Poll and No. 10 in the Amway selection. USC will be heard from before this season is complete. Oh, I can’t forget Pitt. Not with McDowell’s James Conner running the way he has been. Conner ran for 214 yards in leading the Panthers to a 30-20 win over a good Boston College squad. Pitt, now 2-0, takes on Florida International this Saturday. The Panthers are in the “Others receiving votes” on both pulls.

THEN THERE is a NFL. And, of course, the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. Oh, I know the Steelers won 3-27 on Shaun Suisham 41-yard field goal as the game ended. But, what happened to the Pittsburgh defense – this is what most local fans want to know. After all, the Steelers had a wide 27-3 half time lead over the Browns… and could hold it. The Browns, behind inexperienced quarterback Brian Hoyer, rallied to force a 27-27 tie with 11:15 remaining to be played. The fact that Cleveland ran out of steam in the final going is mute. The Steelers are simply going to have to improve their defensive structure or other teams – those that are better than the Browns – will have a field day with improbable rallies.

CHEERS FOR THE Buffalo Bills. That 23-20 overtime win over the Chicago Bears could be the start of something quite unexpected. The Bills are at Carolina (1-0) this weekend.

AND A FINAL NOTE… Don’t look for the New York Yankees in the post-season playoffs this year. They’re not going to make it.

-Jack Polancy

Summer is over.

HEY, GUESS WHAT!!! Summer is over. Oh, I know it is only the end of August. And, – according to the calender – Summer has at least three more weeks of running time. However, it is also the first day of football season – scholastic and college. Now… THAT means summer is over. I’ve been looking forward to this day since the first part of the year… when the colleges wrapped things up with those seemingly-never-ending Bowl games. And, of course, there was the Super Bowl. Heck, I don’t even remember when that was played. All I remember about that day is that the Seattle Seahawks battered the Denver Broncos all over the place… without any effort whatsoever. And, now (actually this coming Friday, August 29^th) and Saturday (August 30^th) no less than 25 scholastic games will get things going in the Erie region. Add in a chunk of college contests beginning Thursday (August 28^th) and you have the best of all worlds. Yeah, I know the US Open Tennis contests is going on and that the ever-continuing golf tournaments are also being played… Plus a ton of other so-called sports events are getting into the record books. But – at least, according to this corner – the Wonderful World of Sports is now just that… because it’s football time. Oh, and don’t forget to add in the NFL. Those guys get their portion of the game underway next week – the opening affair featuring Green Bay Packers at Seattle in a Thursday night (September 4^th) battle. ESPN The Magazine says the SeaHawks will win 33-21. The Magazine, by the way, has predicted the score of every regular season NFL game. Who cares that it simply cannot be 100 percent accurate? It’s football season… and most of us sports nuts are happy. Euphoric even!!!!!!

IN THE “OUCH” department… the Erie Otters are in the process of opening their training camp. And, THAT – my excellent group of readers – means WINTER is also near. Brrrrrr…..

THE AAA IS predicting 34.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. I’m one of ’em. Only I won’t be driving. Anderson, the travel bus people, will be taking me and a host of others on a four-day trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and other places in that area… I am looking forward to that venture. But, because of that and the holiday, I won’t be around next week. Can you survive?

DIDJAKNOW that Mary Poppins a movie made in 1964 and one in which my kids couldn’t get enough of, has grossed $102,272,727 during the past 50 years? That’s a WOW!!!

THE MAJOR HIGH SCHOOLS (these are the ones that are more football school than educational school) are already in full swing. Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas is still considered as the top football team in the USA TODAY rankings after it clobbered Phoenix’ Brophy Prep 44-0 a week ago.

I’M CERTAIN ALL OF you college football fans are aware that after this regular season is complete there will be a four-team playoff for the national championship. Well, a number of publications have already gone on record as to naming the four teams that will be involved in the first showing of this new system. The BCS (Bowl Championship Series) is now kaput – replaced by the CFP (College Football Playoff). This, according to the various experts, is what the fans have always wanted. So, this is what they are getting. I like the way USA TODAY handles its sports pages, so I do rely sometimes quite heavily on it. That’s why I will tell you who this publication tabbed as participants in the first CFP. Florida State… Alabama… Oregon… Baylor. Michigan State, now picked as the Big Ten champion (since Ohio State lost its quarterback Braxton Miller due to a pre-season injury), is getting some votes – but not enough. Also, Oklahoma is being considered, but not enough. The same for LSU and South Carolina. We’ll all know just how accurate all this is around December 7^th… Which is about three months or so away.

MY CHOICE FOR the four??? Hmmm…. I’ll go along with Florida State and Alabama. But, I also like Michigan State and perhaps Oklahoma. Okay, okay… I’m probably wrong. But, heck, that’s the history of this space when I try any kind of prediction… isn’t it???

SO, THE POWERS-THAT-BE finally decided on the fate of Cleveland Browns’ wide receiver Josh Gordon. In case you missed… he is out for the year suspended by the NFL. And you know why. He failed his drug test (the NFL calls it “a substance abuse policy”) for something like the fourth time. Of course, this is a hit to whatever slim chances the Browns had of gaining a post-season berth. That’s because Gordon is probably the best receiver in the NFL. I’ve said it before (and I’ll probably say it again)… I simply don’t understand how any professional athlete can jeopardize his future by becoming a druggie. Now, I’ve never taken drugs of any kind (except for prescribed medicinal items) so I really don’t know what kind of pull they have. One thing is for certain. No one knows what Josh Gordon will do to fix this to continue doing stupid things. Heck, I even know a stupid older person – one who is 65. And that person is just stupid as Gordon when it comes to drugs. Bah… enough of this.

HEY, I GUESS I AM hip these days… at least when it comes to summer’s top ten movies. Of the top ten – I’ve seen three. That’s a .300 average which is not bad. The three I’ve seen are Maleficent (ranked No. 3), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (No. 5) and Godzilla (No. 7). How about that!!!!

OKAY, WITH FOOTBALL STARTING this weekend it’s time to declare my allegiance to one team or another. This, whether you’re interested or not. When it comes to the colleges, Penn State (naturally), is my No. 1 pick. I’m not much of a Pitt fan, but I do cater to Ohio State. This because during my almost 44 years at the Times-News, Ohio State used a number of Erie gridders – mainly Jeff Davis. I also have a soft spot for Notre Dame. That means I check out PSU, OSU and ND quite regularly. However, I may be whistling in the dark this season as none of the trio are expected to be in the running for a spot in the CFP. For instance, Penn State is a two-split underdog to Central Florida in its opener Saturday in Ireland. Ohio State, despite the loss of quarterback Braxton Miller, is a heavy 15-point choice over hard-hitting Navy while the Irish are expected to whip undermanned Rice by 21 points. Oh, one other team I pull for at times in Michigan State… plus I have a liking for Northwestern – the Wildcats an 11-point pick to bop California. In the NFL I have always been more of a Cleveland Browns fan than a Pittsburgh Steelers rooter… but I still cheer for both. And, I like to see any team Peyton Manning is connected with do well…

AND A FINAL NOTE… the Cleveland Indians are the worst fielding team in the major leagues – with over 100 errors already. Which is one reason why the Tribe is about to lose out in the race for a playoff spot.

-Jack Polancy

I’M LIKE THE REST OF THE WORLD

I’M LIKE THE REST OF THE WORLD – shocked and saddened by the death of comic Robin Williams. Again, like most everybody else, I distinctly remember the first time I saw Williams on TV in Mork and Mindy. I couldn’t really believe how much he made me laugh. I’ve had a brush or two with depression. I’ve never reached the depths that Robin Williams must have attained on Monday night… when with the crush of depression he committed suicide by hanging. I’ve had some problems, but with the help of the VA and my daughter I seem to have beaten the odds. Robin Williams didn’t. I guess who spend their lives bringing joy to others sometimes have a difficult time bringing it to themselves. But, to hang yourself using a belt and a closet door is almost unthinkable. I liked everything Robin Williams did on the screen. But, my favorite movie was one the critics didn’t care too much for… that would be his version of “Popeye.” To me, he brought the comic-book and movie-short hero to life. Williams actually looked like Popeye is supposed to look and his voice was also the same as I figured it to be. USA Today, which is usually on top of any story such as this, did it again by telling its readers that “twice as many (people) die by suicide as by homicide.” A total of 39,518 persons committed suicide in the USA in 2011 – this according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Vital Statistics Report. In 2010 there were 38,364 suicides while 35,332 died in auto accidents, and 32,050 of prostate cancer. Murders kill about 20,000 people each year.

I READ IT SOMEWHERE… the US Department of Agriculture is predicting that there will be a record corn crop this year – something like 14 billion bushels. I was in Garland, PA on Tuesday, talking to Mr. Leofsky, and he told me he was expecting a bumber crop this year… and that he would give me “a couple of bags full if I’d come back in two weeks.” I just might do that…

MORE INFOR THAT this years PGA was one of the best. The TV ratings for the final round on CBS was 36 percent higher than last year’s final… and the best ratings for the event in the past five years.

THINGS MOST OF US don’t know… According to the Wall Street Journal, “total annual consumption of all types of potatoes has fallen nearly 25 percent since peaking in 1996 – to (an average of) 52 pounds per person in 2012… the last year for which the US Department of Agriculture has data.” You know, they just might be correct. I know my own consumption of potatoes (mostly mashed) has fallen almost drastically lately. However, I still eat the same amount of spaghetti as usual…

THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS, in an effort to stay even with the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently grabbed one-time Cy Young winner Jake Peavy for their pitching staff. Since then Peavy has started (and lost) three games – making it a 12 game run of futility for the 33 year old right hander in which his ERA is 4.94. See… sometimes trades just don’t work out, do they???

NOW, I REALLY DON’T care how much money would be given to any one charity – or even a ton of charities – I will not join in any kind of fund raiser that requires me to stand under a bucket pouring out ice water. This is one of the more stupid things people have devised in order to collect money. Yes, I know it is now considered as a “red hot social media phenomenon.” It is stupid. Issue your challenges all you want… it won’t happen here – regardless of anything you might offer.

WHAT’S THAT!!! The Erie Otters are less than two weeks away from training camp!!! Hey, that’s ice hockey!!!!! Where did the summer go???

SPEAKING OF WINTER (and I was)… here’s more bad news. The NBA season is slated to open October 28. Why, that’s only 75 days away. Repeating myself… where did summer go???

ALLOW ME TO ASK you a question. Are you part of the many who play in a fantasy football league? Well, I’ve been informed that the number is in the millions. I also read an article that – put together by a Chicago group labeled Challenger, Gray and Christmas – says an estimated sum of $13 billion (in lost productivity) is the cost for outfits that employ people who are involved in fantasy football… because those people spend what should be working hours by reviewing player stats and managing their teams. They used a lot of estimates (like $24.45 and 18.3 million players) in coming up with that $13 billion figure. Now, I imagine it does cost employers something. That’s because there are always some people who don’t spend 100 percent of their time on the job doing their job. Anyway, the fantasy football schedule usually lasts only 15 weeks. So, I guess most employers will simply have to put up with all these shenanigans. Still, $13 billion (actually 13.4 billion) is a lot of money.

THE AUTO EXPERTS tell us that August is typically the best time of the year for a car deal. This year, however, because of the big summer auto sales, some cars are in short supply in August. I am partial (these days) to the Lincoln model. And the one I’m interested in is the newly-devised compact crossover labeled MKC. But, I have had trouble in getting any kind of deal because there is only “an 11-day supply on the lots.” And this machine is “a very new vehicle in a really hot segment,” according to Ford sales analyst Erich Merkle. That means I’ll still be driving next year the same vehicle I am currently driving. Ah well, I’ll simply consider the whole thing a “sporting event.” How about that!!!

MONDAY NIGHT THE Cleveland Browns will make their second pre-season start (remember folks, this IS a practice game) when they take on the Washington Redskins. The 8 p.m. Affair is slated to be shown on ESPN. What the game really does is showcase the talents of the two fighting it out for the starting quarterback position. Now everyone and anyone even slightly interested in the NFL, is aware that rookie Johnny Manziel and so-called veteran Brian Hoyer are the two in question. And Hoyer isn’t really a veteran, having injured his knee in just his third game a year ago. Manziel, who won his Heisman Trophy as a freshman, has started to come on for the Browns after some lack-luster early training sessions. Hoyer is still listed as the “starting quarterback,” but this all could change before September 7^th (opening day). First-year coach Mike Pettine has repeatedly stated the obvious (“Hoyer is the starting quarterback”)… but he’ll be changing his tune in about three weeks… four at the most. Hoyer has been quoted as “This is my team until someone tells me otherwise,” the man with the kneebrace said. Pre-season contests are usually games between newcomers trying to make a team. This one is almost the same… but with just a bit more bite. In fact, I may even take a peek at it Monday night (and I usually almost religiously stay away from such things.)

AND A FINAL NOTE… the odds-makers have Washington a 2 ½ point favorite to beat Cleveland Browns Monday night. Yes, there are idiots who will bet real money on a practice game. Dumb…

-Jack Polancy

AH, MONDAY MORNING – isn’t it great

AH, MONDAY MORNING – isn’t it great!!! Sure it is… no matter what a lot of other pundits (look it up) might say – including this corner. But, that’s all in the past. Right now – it’s a great Monday morning. And maybe some day I just might tell you why. Anyway, a lot of happenings occurred in The Wonderful World of Sports over the past weekend – plus on that took place some time ago but should be rectified as quickly as possible. And that one is local… right down Route 99 to General McLane High School. This concerns the Lancers former head basketball couch – Brian Schultz. Now, I don’t even know how many are on that board. However, a couple of months ago this board voted 6-3 (ah, so there is nine people on the board) not to renew Schultz contract. I don’t remember any reason for the board’s vote. But, I do know that this was the coach’s first year as head man (after a ton of experience as an assistant coach) and that his charges ended 15-8 with a post-season playoff berth. People… that’s all anyone can really hope for… a winning season and a playoff spot. Schultz’ contract should have been renewed in a heartbeat. Now, again from what I read, the board will have an opportunity to review their initial vote and quite possibly set things right. That could happen “as early as this Wednesday” (August 6th). Hey people… this is high school sports – not some bunch of professionals who don’t know what they are doing most of the time. Schultz, reportedly wants to continue as the head boys basketball coach at General McLane. He has certainly earned it… so do the right thing, give it to him, Okay???

OF ALL THE baseball trades that happened before the July 31st deadline, the main one was the one that sent Tampa Bay’s David Price to the Detroit Tigers. This deal completes the Tigers’ bid for David Price to the Detroit Tigers. This deal completes the Tigers’ bid for a fourth straight American League Central Division crown. With Price in the hold – and despite his somewhat misleading 11-8 record – the Bengals should have no trouble in breezing to another title… and quite possibly a World Series crown. Price, who is only 28, is expected to start Tuesday (August 5th) night against the struggling New York Yankees. I was somewhat surprised the Cleveland shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera ended up in Washington instead of in New York. Of course, the Yankees – needing a replacement for the retiring Derek Jeter – did get a shortstop  in a deal with Boston, grabbing Stephen Drew. The trouble with that is Drew is 31 and hitting a paltry .174. I expect the Yankees will find someone else next year to man the position… maybe even some unknown rookie.

GETTING AWAY  FROM sports for just a bit, I noticed in Sunday’s Times-News that Erie Redevelopment Authority is looking for a new developer to get things moving on the Union Square project. Well, I’m not a developer but I am a retired renter… and if the rents are in my affordable range – I’m interested in becoming one of your proposed renters. Just call me…

ONE QUESTION ON most Cleveland Browns’ fans’ minds is the status of wide receiver Josh Gordon. Since the guy who nailed 87 passes for 1,646 yards (this despite missing two games last year) was hit with another suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, no one knew how long he would be on the bench at this time. As of this writing no one still knows. It seems to me that the NFL brass would be a bit quicker in moving on this, simply so the team (and fans) would be informed as to what’s what. The meeting between Gordon and the NFL started last Friday and, after 10 hours still was not resolved. The appeal hearing was scheduled to be resumed this morning (August 4th). I imagine some kind of decision will come down soon.

THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, the next major event which is set to begin Thursday (August 7th) at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, is always interesting. I’ll be shown on TNT the first two days, then switch to WSEE the final two days. Tiger Woods, with another back injury (no one seems to know if it’s serious), may or may not play. However, it has been six years Woods has won a major event.

THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL camps are in full swing right now. I think I mentioned this to you before… but, it’s worth repeating. Penn State will open against UCF in Dublin, Ireland – at 8:30 a.m. Erie UCF is no patsy. The Knights posted a 12-1 record a year ago and return 15 starters (only six on offense). Penn State will have 12 lettermen starters on the field… seven on offense – including highly-rated sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg. The Beaver Stadium (106,572 seating capacity) home opener will be September 6 versus the Akron Zips, a 5-7 team a year ago.

THE KEY TO winning baseball has always been pitching. This has once again proven out by the latest stats. Colorado, for instance, leads the  National League in hitting at .279 but the Rockies are last in NL hurling with a 4.88 ERA… and dead last in the NL’s West Division. It’s a bit different in the American League. Detroit leads in hitting (.277) and is tenth in pitching with a 4.03 ERA… and is breezing to the AL Central crown. They’ll breeze even better now that Price is with them. Another reason for the Tigers’ big lead is that the other teams in the Division haven’t put up much of a fight.

THE PRE-SEASON COLLEGE football ratings came out the other day. I was a bit surprised to see Florida State on top with Alabama second. I figured it to be the other way around. I was even more surprised that Oklahoma was ranked third. I thought both Oregon (rated No. 4) and Auburn (No. 5) were better. Ohio State is a good bet for No. 6 and UCLA might shock everyone by being No. 7. However, LSU is better than No. 13 and North Carolina will stun me if it gets to No. 23 (as it is currently ranked). Tell you something else… because of its fairly weak schedule I expect Iowa to end up somewhere in the top 20. Also, Northwestern has 17 starters back – which should help the Wildcats be given some thought in the regular – season ratings.

I HOPE NOT TOO MANY of you NFL fans stayed up to watch the first pre-season game Sunday night. Remember… all pre-season contests are practice games. They don’t count ANYWHERE. But, in case you missed it… the Giants nipped the Bills 17-13 in the first pre-season affair.

THE PIRATES DIDN’T MAKE any moves in the trade market…. and they should have. However, just because the trading deadline is past doesn’t mean the teams can’t trade. It just a bit more complicated… but it can be done. The Bucs desperately need another steady hitter (Pedro Alvarez strikes out too often, especially in key situations) and another starters (Francisco Liriano is much too inconsistent) I still have hopes that the Pirate braintrust (which does move very slowly at times) can get it together for the final push.

AND A FINAL NOTE… You forget about the Erie SeaWolves making the post-season playoffs in the Eastern League. They are having a ton of trouble just getting to the .500 mark let alone win enough to grab an after-season berth. But, they are still interesting team to watch.

 

-Jack Polancy

HEY, LOOK AT the Erie Seawolves.

Well, hello folks – and how was your weekend? My weekend included a trip to Lily Dale (more about that later…maybe) plus a couple of artist get together affairs… but, overall, nothing much to talk about. However, in the middle of last week we (my significant other and myself) took a bus ride to Lancaster to see the play about Moses. The play was okay (hey, they parted the Red Sea ON STAGE!!!) but the bus ride was a bit of agony. After all, 10 hours on a bus (and in the back end so that you felt each bump on the road) is not my idea of fun. Then on the way home we stopped at the site where Flight 93 crashed during the 9-11 attack on America. That place is way off the beaten path, and from what they told us it will not be completely built until 2020. From what I witnessed even that date seems to be a bit dreamful wishing. The area does have a wall with the names of the heroes that were on the flight… the ones who re-took the plane from terrorists (who were intent on crashing it into the building that houses congress or perhaps the White House.) And there have been some trees planted. We were shown a diagram of what the place will look like once it is completed – but, man… there is a lot of work to do before that is finished. However, as you can tell, I didn’t get involved much with the Wonderful World of Sports in the past few days. So, I guess the first thing to do is to get back on track… right? Of course, right!!!

I SEE WHERE the NBA Finals has finally been attained (these post-season playoffs seem to go on without an end)… featuring the Miami Heat (of course) and the San Antonio Spurs. This will be the second consecutive title series between the two. The Heat won it all last year – taking the full seven games to do it. The Heat is again favored to win the crown… although the majority of NBA fans will be rooting for the Spurs. Personally, I don’t care who wins the thing… just so that they get it over as soon as possible. This is no time to still be playing basketball!!!

HEY, LOOK AT the Erie Seawolves. The Howlers have won four in-a-row and eight of their last nine starts… which at 26-29, puts them very close to being a break-even team. I’d like to see them continue in this vein – but I have serious doubts that it will happen. Tell you what – let’s see if the Seawolves can get to .500 before we start hoping for better things… okay?

IT WAS THREE years ago that I read a sports publication praising the big league possibilities of Lonnie Chisenhall. The article claimed that the third baseman was a star of the future for the Cleveland Indians. Well, after three years of trying to be a starter, Chisenhall was nothing more than trade bait… that is, until the season. Chisenhall, despite limited playing time (he’s definitely not the best-fielding infielder in the game) owns a .361 batting average and is starting to look like his earlier press clippings. I know I’m impressed every time I watch the 25-year-old on t.v.

THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES are starting to look a bit better these days. That’s what taking two of three from the Los Angeles Dodgers will do for you. Now, the Bucs have a three-game series at San Diego – the Padres with a 26-31 record and Pittsburgh at 26-30. The Pirates have had a lot of problems on defense thus far this campaign. This will have to improve if the Bucs are to make any kind of dent in their won-lost mark.

PHIL HUGHES CAME UP with the New York Yankees as a “can’t miss” project. Well, he had one excellent year (an 18-8 figure in 2010) and one average year (16-13 in 2012). But, he was so hit-and-miss that after last season he became a free agent. The Yanks simply didn’t want him anymore… a 56-50 career mark with a 4.53 ERA doing him in. The Minnesota Twins, hungry for anyone who could throw the ball, signed Hughes last December. And, Sunday he more than paid off – throwing a three-hitter at the Yankees while running his record to 6-1 with an ERA of 3.12. With three starters currently on the disabled list, the Yanks could certainly use Hughes now.

I HAVE TO CHUCKLE whenever I read another article on Johnny Manziel, the rookie quarterback from Texas A&M that Cleveland Browns tagged in the recent pro draft. The latest one concerns the attendance at the Browns’ training facility in Berea, Ohio. The Browns’ brain trust is now planning on requesting fans who want to take in some practice sessions to sign up early. “This is so we don’t turn away 2,000 or 3,000 fans who just show up,” team president Alec Schneiner was quoted. Now, I realize that Manziel is a hot project and the Browns, who set an attendance record at raining camp a year ago, want to be prepared for anything. The Cleveland team drew 56,306 fans to 13 open practices a year ago… including a one-day record of 4,466. Manziel certainly has caused a mighty stir in Cleveland… and elsewhere too. And, he still has yet to throw an NFL aerial… hmmmmmm.

SPEAKING OF THE BROWNS, just when is the NFL going to hand down its verdict on wide receiver Josh Gordon? According to ESPN, Gordon failed a drug test (his third??) and faces some kind of suspension. I have not read when the NFL is going to act… and training camps are due to open in five or six weeks.

WERE YOU AS shocked as I was when Roger Federer bowed out from the French Open the other day? Federer, who seemed to be cruising after a 6-4 fourth set win over Ernests Gulbis, fell apart in the fifth set as he was dispatched 6-3. Gulbis, who hails from Lativa and was seeded No. 18, appeared almost as surprised as was Federer. But, Federer is now 32 – which is an “old man” as far as professional tennis is concerned. Oh well, he can always look back at the record 17 Grand Slam titles he owns.

AND A FINAL NOTE… Forget about any comments on Lily Dale.

AND A SECOND FINAL NOTE… California Chrome will be gunning for the Triple Crown this Saturday.

 

-Jack Polancy