Are we going to have a Triple Crown Threat?

Well, are we going to have a Triple Crown threat or aren’t we?

That’s the big question in horse racing these days. I’m not a gigantic nut when it comes to the

“sport of kings,” but I am more than just a curious bystander when it comes to the Triple Crown.

Especially so when there is a horse that has already won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness…

and is more than ready to take a shot at winning the Belmont Stakes. That describes California

Chrome. He’s ready… if the racing stewards of New York state are also ready. According to a

report in the New York Daily News the three stewards of the state racing commission hold the key.

 

You know how some people can’t sleep unless they put small nasal strips on their nose before

going to bed? This supposedly helps them sleep as it opens up their air passages through the nose.

It also is supposed to aid their sleeping companions as the nasal strips are touted as one way to stop

snoring. I don’t know if they work… as I usually never snore and I sleep fairly well once I manage

to get to sleep.  However, California Chrome, needs those nasal strips (only king­size ones) to help

him breathe when is racing. The Chrome used them in winning the Kentucky Derby and the

Preakness Stakes. Other race horse also use hem as they are permitted in EVERY STATE… except

New York. USE Today stated that the New York stewards have the final say­so by citing Rule

403.38 – which maintains the following “Only equipment specifically approved by the stewards

shall be worn or carried by a jockey or a horse race.” These nasal strips fall in that category. USA

Today listed these three people as making the final decision – Stephen Lewandowski of the state

(NY) gaming commission, veterinarian Ted Hill of the Jockey Club and Braulio Baeza Jr. of the

New York Racing Association. These are the three racing stewards of New York. There are two

owners of California Chrome – Steve Coburn and Perry Martin. Martin was the person who

suggested the strips be used… and the horse has responded well by winning six straight races –

including the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. But, why wouldn’t the stewards approve them…

especially if they are approved in EVER OTHER state? Why should New York dictate to the other

49 states?

Art Sherman, the 77­-year-­old trainer of California Chrome, when talking about the strips, was

quoted, “it opens up his air passage. It gives him that little extra oomph – especially going a mile

and a half.” That’s the distance of the Belmont, a mile and a half – longer than the Derby and the

Preakness. There is a rumor going around that Chrome won’t run if he isn’t allowed those nasal

strips. I hope his owners stick to that. I’m all in favor of a possible triple crown winner – regardless

of what he uses as long as it isn’t a drug of some sort. Let’s hope those New York stewards feel the

same way. By the way, the Belmont Stakes is slated for June 7 … a little less than three weeks

away.

 

 

ONE OF THE READERS of this space – a fellow named Jerry Daniels – had a comment

concerning the “Game of Arms” info… Daniels stated, “Travis (Bagent) is very entertaining and a

brute. These guys are some of the strongest I’ve ever seen. I used to do a lot of arm wrestling,

however, now I’m too old at 63. But, I just love the way Travis carries on. He is sort of the

Muhammad Ali of arm wrestling, don’t you think? I had a good friend that passed away not too

long ago. When we were young we would hit the beer joints and arm wrestle. My friend, who was

about 6­3 and 225 pounds, was never beaten.” Jerry, no one is ever too old to do something he (or

she) likes to do. Find some other 63 year-­olds and challenge them. Just as long as they aren’t 6­3. I

agree that Travis Bagent is tremendous. I don’t know if he won the title of that Game of Arms

series – as I couldn’t find any of the Erie team to talk to once the series was completed. I would

imagine they all did well.

I SEE BY THE STANDINGS this morning (May 19 American League East. I wondered “why” and “how” until I checked out the team batting averages

and discovered that the Yankees were second n the entire AL with a .274 mark. And this figure

includes only 38 home runs – only sixth best… meaning there are five teams with more over­the­

fence blasts than the once­called bombers. Actually, the Yankees would have had a better first­

place standing if their pitching would have been better than the

10th place they find themselves –this with a 4.18 ERA> Heck, even the Indians are better (4.08) than that. Of course, the Tribe is

hitting only .244… 13th in the American League.

I DID SOMETHING very ‘non­sports’ this past weekend. I took a bus ride into Ohio for the Amish

Brown Bag Tour – meaning  I left Meadville at 5 a.m. (you can imagine what time I had to get up)

and never got back home until almost midnight. A long, long day. So much so that I never found

out who had won the Preakness until I saw a re­run on a sports channel just before I fell into bed.

Heck, I almost missed church (over­slept) Sunday… but I did make it.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS ARE DUE to the Erie Explosion for knocking off the Marion 38­26 to

grab the CIFL championship Sunday. No, no one reported what the fan attendance was in Marion

(Ohio) for the title game.

YEARS AGO I used to get excited over the running of the Indianapolis 500 auto race. I just loved

seeing those big race vehicles. Then – I think it was about 30 years ago (I’ve been telling you how

long I’ve been around) I went to Indianapolis with a press card. I must admit, I was somewhat

disappointed. You couldn’t actually see the race as the track is simply too long. They kept the press

informed as to who was doing what with a big board. I decided to go into the infield to talk to the

fans. Another mistake as most of them were a bit tipsy. I’ve  been only to two auto racing tracks

since that day… one in southern Ohio (I forgot the name) and once to the Erie track. Anyway, I am

not exited about the Indy this year.

DOES ANYONE ACTUALLY believe that the Indiana Pacers will topple the Miami Heat in the

NBA playoffs? Sure, I know the Pacers knocked off the Heat 107­96 in Sunday’s opener. I also

know that the Pacers are slight favorites to win the best­of­seven series. I simply don’t believe it.

AND A FINAL NOTE… This is one of the few times there has been no mention of the Cleveland

Browns new quarterback Johnny Manziel. Hmmm…….

 

-Jack Polancy

I’ve always been a big fan of the underdog

I’ve always been a big fan of the underdog. I usually

root for the team or athlete that is supposed (or even just expected) to lose whatever is being

played.  I said “usually,” as there are times when I do root for the favorite – mainly when they are

local, or close to being local. That’s why I was pulling for the Pittsburgh Penguins in their playoff

battle with the New York Rangers. Not only are the Pens “local,” (hey… they are just as “local” as

are the browns and Indians or the Pirates or even the Buffalo Bills), on top of that Pittsburgh was a

very big favorite to cream the Rangers. And, after the Pens had zipped to a 3­1 lead in the best­of­

seven clash, it appeared to be a walk. Well, as you all know, it wasn’t. It was more of a stumble…

than a fall. Not only did the Rangers come back to win three straight contests, the Penguins didn’t

even look interested. Pittsburgh scored only one goal in each of those three losses… time after time

failing to net the puck when it appeared that it had excellent opportunities.  I don’t usually stay up

to watch hockey games at night… not even the NHL playoffs. However, I stayed up Tuesday night

to watch the seventh affair between the Penguins and Rangers. And, it looked to me – more often

than not – that the Penguins were just going through the motions… as If they expected the team

from New York to just fold it all up – with a claim of “we did our best.”  The Rangers never

folded. Instead, they slapped a tremendous defensive effort of Pittsburgh’s all­everything Sidney

Crosby, and won it going away. Crosby, the NHL’s scoring leader is considered a strong MVP

candidate, ended up with just one goal in the seven games. Plus, Crosby’s supporting cast­­ many

of them all­star caliber – didn’t do much to change the trend of those last three games. And, just in

case you’ve forgotten, they were the New York wins of 5­1, 3­1 and 2­1. Now, I’m not at all that

disconsolated over the Penguins demise – just a bit disappointed.

 

***

 

THIS HAS ABSOLUTELY nothing the do with the Wonderful World of Sports, but I feel

it has to be said. The killing of proposed multimillion dollar rail terminal in Harborcreek is

symptomatic as to why Erie area has not grown in the past 50 years. There seems to always be

someone or some group that is against any growth whatsoever… and that’s why, after attaining a

population of over 130,000 some time ago, Erie has never reached its potential – despite being a

lake port . Too bad…

 

***

USA TODAY, the No. 1 newsprint and digital publication in the nation used a ton of

space recently telling us why major league swingers of a baseball bat are having trouble hitting the

ball safely these days. The reason is not only the pitching – which has been outstanding thus far

this season – but also the shifts defenses are employing. The pitching (it seems that at least half of

practically every staff can fire the ball plate­ward over 95 miles­per­hour) has developed new

styles and adapted old ones (such as the cutter) so that major league hitters are averaging (as a

group) only .251 these days. And, if that percentage will last throughout the campaign it will be the

lowest since 1972… that’s 42 years!!! Not only that, but the current home run of .9 per game would

be the lowest in this category in 21 years.  It isn’t because the hitters aren’t trying. The main

trouble is they are swinging AND missing. Some people say it’s because with the tough testing of

the players these days, those who have used chemicals for aid before are no longer doing so.

Others are claiming it’s the tough pitching.

Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun, who was among the 13 players suspended a year ago because

of some kind of drug use, was quoted with, “Everybody [meaning all hurlers] are throwing two

seamers, cutters, splits. It seems like everybody, all these young guys, are throwing 95 mph. That

velocity gives youroom for errors, and that’s why you’re seeing so many strikeouts.” Back in 2002,

when data was started in this category, the major league fastball average was “under 90 mph.

Last season it was 91.7. On player stated, “if you’re not throwing 93 and up, then you’re not in a

big league bullpen.” Ten years ago, maybe one percent of the pitches were cutters, not it’s up to

close to six percent. Then there are the defensive shifts. The Houston Astros have employed a shift

412 times in the first six weeks of the season, the Yankees 270 times and the Toronto Blue Jays

211 times. The story in USA Today claims “shifts have cost batters 295 likely hits” thus far. There

was a lot more to the articles… to much to mention here. But, it was all extremely interesting – and

something to keep track of as the season progresses.

***

 

ASK ANY BASEBALL fan about box scores and they’ll tell you, quite emphatically that

they are the life blood of the game. Therefore, a big “thank you” to USA Today – as that

publication prints the box scores of every game.. including all the late games from the previous

night. The Erie Times­ News does not do this… giving the reader only meaningless line scores.

Tch, tch…

***

 

THERE WAS A STORY recently in a local publication that headlines “Manziel no sure

thing as a starter.” The article went on to quote Cleveland Browns’ owner Jimmy Haslam with,

“He’s not the starter”… meaning Manziel. Haslam supposedly aiming his talk towards the 22

of the NFL draft, continued, “We want you to come in here, work hard as anybody one the team.

Brian Hoyer is our starting quarterback, Johnny is the back up.” Yeah, yeah… Hoyer may

(remember, I said “may”) start the season as the No. 1 signal­caller – but he’s no sure­shot winner.

Oh, he had some success before he went down with an injury early last season, but who knows if

that success will continue. I wouldn’t mind laying a bet that Manziel will start at QB in a

heartbeat… Just as soon as Hoyer falters even a little bit. And, Hoyer WILL falter. You count on it.

Especially so if wide receiver Josh Gordon is slapped with that one­year suspension that is being

bandied about for failing yet another drug test.

***

 

STAYING WITH THE NFL draft just a bit more, Sports Weekly rated the Browns’ pick

as an A with Buffalo Bills an A minus and the Pittsburgh Steelers a B minus.

 

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST major league “power ratings,” the Pittsburgh Pirates are ranked

No. 24 (out of 30 teams) with the Cleveland Indians No. 25. The Detroit Tigers (quite naturally)

are rated No. 1.

THIS SATURDAY (May 17) the 139

early odds have Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome the favorite. Chrome is, of course,

gunning for the triple crown – something only 11 horses ave ever done… and non in the last 36

years. I’ll be pulling for Chrome in this one – then the Belmont on June 7

 

th

Preakness Stakes will run at Pimlico in Baltimore. The

AND A FINAL NOTE… did you know that Godzilla is now 60 years old? Of all the monsters in

the movies, Godzilla has always been my favorite. The original Frankenstein is my No. 2 with the

great shark Jaws No. 3. How about you???

AND A SECOND FINAL NOTE…. The Pirates will be at Yankee Stadium this weekend for a

three­game set. The Yankees have been stumbling as of late – so this could be a chance for the

Bucs to start their drive toward respectability.

-Jack Polancy

People are still talking about it

Here it is, five days after the NFL draft and people are still talking about it.

Mainly about the 22nd pick of the first round — the pick that the Cleveland Browns made…the one tapping Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel.

I listened to a number of sports talk stations on the radio Sunday and practically all of it was about that choice.

I hardly ever watch the NFL Draft on TV, but I was watching last Thursday (May 8) when the Browns traded up (from 26th to 22nd) just to get Manziel.

When the announcement came from Commissioner Roger Goodell that the Browns had named Manziel as their choice — the place exploded. You would have thought someone had stated that a war had ended…the noise was like that.

As for those talking heads on the radio Sunday…the choice was about all they talked about.

USA Today, in its Monday (May 12) edition, rated the draft. A writer named Nate Davis stated, “Doling out grades in the immediate aftermath of the NFL draft is an exercise in futility.”

That it is.

Usually the results of the draft aren’t actually known for a couple of years. After the players have either proved themselves to be worthy of their selections…or else have bombed out of the league.

That said, however, here is how the draft was graded.

The Browns were rated No.1…mainly because of Manziel. But, also because of the other selections…or else have bombed out of the league.

That said, however, here is how the draft was graded.

The Browns were rated No. 1…mainly because of Manziel. But, also because of the other selections — Oklahoma State defensive back Justin Gilbert (almost a can’t miss project), Nevada guard Joel Bitonio, Iowa linebacker Christian Kirksey, Towson (yes, it has a football team) running back Terrance West and Lindenwood (where’s that) defensive back Pierre Desir.

Manziel, of course, is the key.

But, in order to utilize whatever talents the money-minded quarterback owns, the Cleveland Browns’ brain trust must modify their offense.

Modify — that means “to change somewhat…to alter partially…to amend.”

Manziel is not the usual prototype type NFL quarterback.

He’s not 6-4…not even six foot. He isn’t big and broad like the Steelers Big Ben — instead he’s a bit wiry with a lot of speed. He can make would-be-tacklers miss.

He can also throw the ball.

Ah, there’s where there might be some trouble.

The Browns’ best receiver is Josh Gordon — a big (6-4) guy who led the NFL in yards receiving this past season with 87 catches for 1,646 yards — might not be around to catch Johnny Football’s aerials.

That’s because the wide receiver apparently can’t stay from certain drugs — illegal drugs.

According to various reports Gordon failed a drug test and now faces an indefinite suspension — maybe for the entire 2014 season.

Gordon has had trouble with this situation for some time. According to what I read the pass catcher was dropped from Baylor University’s team for twice failing drug tests and he also failed a test at Utah (where he transferred to).

Then the 23-year-old was suspended without pay for the first two games of last season because of problems with the NFL’s “substance abuse policy.”

I know, I know…I’m an old man. I’ve never had a drug abuse problem.

Thus, I cannot understand others who do — especially if the problem is messing up their lives and career.

Can’t they just quit?

I remember when I was a smoker. I was placed in a hospital with “congestive heart failure.”

My doctor, Joseph DeFranco, came to my bed and asked, “Do you smoke?”

I told him “yes” and all he replied was “Well, you used to.”

Because I didn’t want to die, I quit on the spot.

Maybe Josh Gordon needs an epiphany like that.

Whatever, the loss of Gordon would be immeasurable. Whenever I watched him in action on TV he was quite possibly the best offensive performer on the field that day.

And, I don’t think Cleveland has anyone available to replace him.

Well, in a little over two months the “Johnny Manziel era” will begin in Cleveland.

It’ll be interesting just to see if he can even come close to duplicating his college performances.

OKAY, BACK TO the ratings…or gradings…or what have you.

The Buffalo Bills were ranked No.7 in the draft.

That’s mainly because they grabbed Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins with a fourth (which they got in a trade with Cleveland) pick. Watkins is supposed to be the guy quarterback E.J. Manuel needed to make his passing game work.

That’s putting a lot of pressure on the pass catcher. But, he’s expected to be able to do that.

After all, Buffalo’s top receiver last season was a tight end (not a wide receiver) — Scott Chandler with only 655 yards.

Offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio of Alabama is also expected to be of some help this year.

Plus the Bills made a ton of trades…which, when you haven’t been in the playoffs in 14 years, is what you’re supposed to do.

THEN THERE ARE the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers, picking in the middle of the draft, came up with nine players — five defensive performers (where they needed the most help) and four on offense.

The choices earned Pittsburgh a No.18 rating.

The first goy is Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier, who is reported to be quicker than most of the current roster.

Stephen Tuitt, a defensive end from Notre Dame, was the Steelers second choice. He is reported to have some physical problems.

The Black and Gold opted for running back Dri Archer of Kent State as its third pick…Archer is claimed to be the “fastest player in the draft.”

Well, let’s see if he has all that speed when being chased down by NFL defenders.

Pittsburgh needed help in most categories…I don’t know if it got enough of what it needed.

THERE WERE THREE surprises (for me, anyway) in the NFL draft — all involving quarterbacks.

I was surprised that Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville lasted until the 32nd pick in the first round. I thought for sure that he would have gone among the first 12 players selected.

The Minnesota Vikings got him.

I was even more surprised that LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger wasn’t grabbed until the sixth round…then with the 178th choice.

The Tennessee Titans ended up with him. He always looked good on TV.

Finally, what did the Houston Texans see in Pitt quarterback Tom Savage that I didn’t.  They took him in the fourth round at No.135.

He NEVER looked good in games I viewed on the tube.

-Jack Polancy

College Draft

This is the time that most die-hard NFL fans breathlessly (well, I know of at least two in this category) wait for.  That’s the college draft.  For some odd reason these rooters seem to think the answer to next season’s standings will be resolved in the players that each team selects in the draft.  This occurs very rarely.

 

Anyway, the draft which is a bit later this year than it normally is, will start Thursday evening (May 8) at 8pm.  It will run three days.  The second and thirds rounds will be staged Friday with the final fourth-thru-seventh rounds on Saturday.  Although Erie is supposed to be a big follower of the Pittsburgh Steelers, in this draft I’m certain a lot of the old-time Cleveland Browns’ fans will be rearing their collective heads.

 

One reason is that the Browns have 10 picks in this draft — two first round selections, one second round choice, two more in the usually productive third round… and five more on Saturday.  The Browns have needed a quarterback for some time now — make that for the last 15 years.  They have Brian Hoyer returning from injury — he missed most of last season after a decent start — plus a couple of retreads they have recently inked.

 

But will Cleveland use its first pick (the Browns are selecting fourth at this time, a trade could change that) to take a quarterback?  Keep this in mind… the Ohioans have not had much luck in picking quarterbacks in past drafts.  People who work in my arena like to predict various things.  One is a mock draft.

 

Three months ago one sports publication had the Browns taking Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with their first pick and running back Carlos Hyde of Ohio State as their 26th selection.  After a ton of speculation the latest mock draft has Cleveland going with quarterback Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M (Mr. Football to some) and Cornerback Bradley Roby of Ohio State with its other first-round choice.  Personally, I don’t care for either quarterback.  Bridgewater has a host of positive stats — but he got them from playing second-class teams.

 

Manziel did wonders with A&M — but running quarterbacks (and that’s what Manziel is) very seldom last in the NFL.  Some big linebacker usually crushes them with a body blast (ask Washington’s Robert Griffin III about that).  As one writer stated “you don’t draft a quarterback if you don’t love him.”  Manziel could cause one of those “love-hate” situations with his style of play.  The Browns have a drastic need for an outstanding quarterback, but Manziel isn’t the answer.  Neither is Hoyer.

 

I think Cleveland should go for a QB with its first pick — and my choice is Blake Bortles.  I remember when he led Central Florida to win over a favored Penn State team two seasons ago.  He has the size and a 66 percent completion rate in college.  As for their second first-round selection, the 26th spot, the Browns should aim for an outstanding defensive performer… someone like linebacker Khali Mack of Buffalo or cornerback Justin Gilbert of Oklahoma State or cornerback Kyle Fuller of Virginia Tech or even defensive end Dee Ford of Auburn.  Just so they don’t waste the pick on someone who won’t be able to help.  The Browns have an excellent opportunity to sort of get well with this draft.

 

Okay, okay… I’m aware that there are two other NFL teams area fans feel to be among their own — the Steelers and the Bills.  The Steelers have nine picks in the draft — but only two in the first 96 selections, one in the first round and one in the second.  No much towards aiding them in the immediate future.  The mock drafts have the Steelers tabbing a wide receiver — either Odell Beckham of LSU or Marqise Lee of Southern Cal.  The “experts” say Pittsburgh needs someone to complement Antonio Brown in the pass-catching department.

This pick would be the 15th draft.  The Steelers have the 46th selection next — then no more picks until the 97th.

 

The Buffalo Bills have only six picks the entire three days.  They have the ninth choice in the first round — the people who should know say the Bills will give that nod to either outside linebacker Anthony Barr of UCLA or tackle Taylor Lewan of Michigan.  I don’t know much about either.  Buffalo will be picking next in the 41st choice in the second round.  After that it will be the 73rd pick, the 109th choice, the 149th and the 224th.  According to what I’ve read (plus what I know) the Bills are about three players short of a division title drive.

 

The NFL season gets underway with a single game on September 4 — with the rest of the league joining in September 7.  Heck, that’s still four months away.  By then, we all should know just how much these draft choices will help… or perhaps hurt.

 

Were you as surprised as I was that Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder won the MVP award in the NBA this year?  I thought that LeBron James had a lock on that trophy.  But, he finished  second in the voting this year after winning two successive MVP titles and four of the last five.  If you missed Durant’s acceptance speech… you missed a dandy.  He did an outstanding job — especially in his praise of his mother.

 

Didja know that auto sales in the U.S. in April posted an 8.1 percent increase over April of 2013?  Toyota had the third-biggest increase, a 13.3 percent figure.  Nissan was No. 1 with and 18.3 percent increase — but still sold 95,726 vehicles less than Toyota.

 

One of the headlines on the TV sports channels May 8th morning was about Derek Jeter.  The Yankee shortstop, in his 20th and last season, hit his first home run of the campaign.  Jeter, usually a singles and doubles hitter, isn’t a home run slugger.  But, the guy who will turn 40 next and who has almost 3,400 hits now owns 257 lifetime homers.  Not bad…

 

Wow!  NBC TV certainly has deep pockets

 

The International Olympic Committee says that NBA will fork over $7.75 billion for broadcast rights to the next six Olympic Games.  That means NBC will be showing the Olympics through 2032.  The network has been showing the Olympics it seems like forever.  The IOC said “we’re thinking in long terms…”  That’s for sure.

 

The Buffalo Bills are not only looking for a new owner, they are also seeking a new stadium.  I spend many a Sunday afternoon at Old Rich Stadium, whih seated over 80,000 fans.  NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently stated the Bills will require a new stadium to remain in western New York.  Even the politicians have gotten into the act as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has had the state hire an architectural firm to “identify sites that could serve as the team’s new home.”  This according to a major publication.

 

And a final note… if you’re one of those NFL draft lunatics — remember, the whole thing is listed with an 8 pm start on ESPN. According to USA Today, the top performer is defensive end Jadeveon Clowney of South Carolina.  Auburn tackle Greg Robinson is listed at No. 2 while Texas A&M tackle Jake Matthews is third.    The first quarterback listed is Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater.  He’s at No. 14.  Wide receiver Allen Robinson is the only Penn State product on the list of the top 50… and he’s ranked No. 49.  There… that should give you a start for tonight…

 

-Jack Polancy 

I’m a blabbermouth

Here’s something that you probably didn’t know. Then again, maybe you did know it…or is that “do know” it?

Anyway, here is that “something.”

Most newspaper people are blabbermouths.

Now, I know these writings are being read via a computer…however, I still think of myself as a newspaper person.

That’s because I did that in real life for almost 44 years.

What I’m getting at (or trying to get at) is this.

I’m the same as other newspaper people…I’m a blabbermouth.

That’s right — someone who on occasion just rambles on and on…this is even when they really don’t have much to say. And, even sometimes when they have nothing to say at all.

That’s why this column will be something of a mishmash.

According to my Random House Webster’s College Dictionary a mishmash is…”a confused mess.”

Well, I’ll do my best to keep it at least a half-step above that.

And, at the same time, bring out a smidgen of interest.

Okay???

OHIO STATE DIDN’T do all that well in the recent NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament (better known as March Madness).

The Buckeyes stumbled badly in the first game viewed on TV…falling to unheralded Dayton 60-59.

So, what does a team do about something like this?

Well, OSU decided to go after a couple of big men.

Earlier last month Anthony Lee, a 6-9 performer, said he would first graduate from Temple…then transfer to Ohio State to play his final year in 2014-15 as a Buckeye.

Then, a couple of days ago, Trevor Thompson — a 6-11 sophomore — said he was transferring to Ohio State. Meaning, after a sitting out a year, he would still have three years of eligibility with the Buckeyes.

If all this is actual — then Ohio State will have taken some big steps in the college cage game.

ONE HAS TO WONDER what the Cleveland Browns expect to get from Chris Pressley, a free agent they signed a couple of days ago.

Pressley is listed as a fullback…but the 27-year-old hasn’t played a down in the NFL in the past 16 months.

Pressley, listed at 5-10 and 249 pounds, suffered a knee injury way back in December of 2012.

It’s tough to overcome any knee injury, let alone one that sidelines you as long as it did Pressley. I doubt very much that he will stay healthy for any length of time.

I didn’t read anywhere what the Browns are paying Pressley. Probably not too much considering…

I ALMOST SHIVERED with the “few hundred” fans (there certainly were not any “18,462” that the box score listed) that witnessed the games with the Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Tuesday evening.

The temperature was listed at 39 degrees (it had to be colder than that!!!).

There were two good things about the games. One (1) the Buccos managed 21 hits (something that has been lacking lately) and they also earned a split.

But, as I’ve been wailing about…they desperately need some additional bats.

ALL MAJOR LEAGUE baseball fans know why the powers-that-be adopted an expanded replay system this season.

In case you are among those who don’t…it was to “get it right.”

Well, now that the season is in its third week, there seems to be some misgivings on the part of some people — mainly managers.

Three managers — Boston’s John Farrell, Washington’s Matt Williams and Seattle’s Lloyd McClendon — have all complained about the system after a call went against them.

Well, according to publications, the first two weeks of the campaign saw 185 games played, 84 calls reviewed (managers are allowed one challenge through the first six innings, then more if certain situations are in order) and 28 of those calls were changed. That’s a whopping 33 percent calls overturned — meaning the once-thought infallible umpires were wrong!!!

There is a lot of talk going on concerning the figures, but I doubt that anyone will insist the system be junked. After all, anything new needs more than just two weeks of what basically is “experimenting.”

One of the brains behind the program insisted that it would take “a minimum of three years to perfect the system.”

Personally, except for the length of time it has taken to decide some of these challenges (much too long), I like it.

TO THE GENTLEMAN who called…No, I will not hazard a guess as to who will win the NHL playoffs.

I do follow the Erie Otters…but, except for a rooting interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins, I am at a loss in examining the various NHL squads.

By the way…the same thing goes for the NBA (which will be starting it’s seeming never-ending playoffs soon).

WITH THE DEATH of Ralph Wilson Jr. the Buffalo Bills are being considered as “on the market.”

USA Today have stated that both Jon Bon Jovi, a rock star, and Donald Trump are interested.

I used to live across from Jon Bon Jovi’s grandmother. As for Trump, I never did care for him and his “search” for President Obama’s birth certificate.

Being realistic…whomever buys the Bills — I’ll bet he’ll be a stranger to most of us.

I RECENTLY SOLD my house…this after 38 years of living in it.

Among the “stuff” I amassed over that time was about 2,200 LP albums.

At a yard sale I managed to sell about 400. But, no one wanted the other 1,800. I finally had to give them away (I even had to transport them).

Now, I recently read that “vinyls are selling.” Record Store Day is reported to have had sales of more than 200,000 sold with SoundScan stating 6 million were sold last year.

I wondered why my vinyl didn’t sell…then I found out it was because they were mostly “country,” not “rock.”

Hmmmmm…

NEW YORK YANKEE fans (remember, I’m one of those “closet” Yankee rooters) are doing a bit of cheering these days.

That’s because their pitching has really started to come alive.

For instance…last Wednesday (April 16) Masahiro Tanaka (the high-priced Japanese import) threw an eight-inning two-hitter in the first game of a double-header and in the nightcap Michael Pineda (a trade project of almost three years ago) followed with a six-inning four-hitter.

The results of that kind of hurling netted the Yankees a twin-shutout by scores of 3-0 and 2-0.

Yeah, I know…the Bombers (who don’t bomb all that much these days) beat the weak Chicago Cubs in those two games. But, we’ll take ’em.

THE DENVER BRONCOS are in the process of starting their organized team activities this weekend.

Quarterback Peyton Manning, meeting with reporters for the first time since that 43-8 whipping by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, was quoted with, “You have to move forward. You have to kind of re-establish your identity…”

I would think so. No one wants to be identified as a team or player that got whooped as the Broncos did in the biggest game of the season.

AND A FINAL NOTE…Pedro Alvarez, the Pirates big home run threat with five dingers already, is hitting at an inferior .161 average (as of April 17).

The Bucs need some serious hitting help.

AND A SECOND FINAL NOTE…the new Toyota Camry is being hailed as the best redesign of the 2015 vehicles. It was unveiled the other day at the New York Auto Show.

The Camry has been the top-selling car in the United States for the past 12 years.

-Jack Polancy

The weather is one thing that no one can do anything about…

As everyone is aware–the weather is one thing that no one can do anything about. Thats why– for the most part–I’m like the rest of you…
I just take what comes, keep my mouth shut, and try to survive.  However, this year has really been something else.
And I have just about had it as far as weather is concerned. Heck, spring is officially only a week away (next Thursday).
But, as this is being written (on Thursday, March 13th) my car is still a frozen hunk of metal, my feet are still cold (despite being encased in a good pair of boots) and my entire attitude is one of complete disdain.   According to one publication this is now the sixth snowiest winter in Erie history. Please let it end here.

The “Game of Arms”– the arm-wrestling show on AMC-Cable– has grabbed the attention of a lot of people who prior to viewing didn’t know anything about the sport.  Someone wanted to know when the next program will be held. The show is held Tuesday evenings at 10 p.m. It is scheduled for that the next seven weeks– making it a total of 10 episodes– ending April 29th.   The Erie Wrecking Crew topped the Arm Benders from Sacramento 4-1 in a match shown on AMC last Tuesday. The event was actually held in mid-November in Wesleyville.  I still don’t know what Erie’s overall won-lost mark is, or who they’ll face next. But, ill try to find out.

The Cleveland Browns must be hoping for a big return from the upcoming college football draft– this slated for May 8th. That’s because they bounced  two of their quarterbacks the other day– releasing both Erandon Weeden and Jason Campbell.  Neither one will be missed as neither one did much of anything while wearing a Browns’ Uniform. Weeden, who was No.1 pick two years ago, finished within 5-15 mark as a starter and Campbell was only 1-7.
The Browns, who have two first-round picks in the draft, hope to find a quarterback among those at hand. Let’s hope tha powers-that-be make the correct choice.   Quarterback has been a sore problem for Cleveland, the team starting no less than 20 different singal-callers since 1999. The Browns pick fourth and 26th in the draft.

The Erie Otters have an excellent chance of winning only their second OHL crown when they begin the post-season playoffs. The Otters only OHL crown came after the conclusion of the 2001-2002 regular campaign. There’s nothing like a championship when you’re trying to wipe out years of frustration.

The College Basketball teams are currently in tough playoff battles as they strive for a spot in the NCAA Championship lineup. This means that upsets are more the norm than are expected victories. Like last Wednesday night when Wake Forest upset an over-confident Notre Dame squad in the first round of the Atlantic Coast Conference tourney.
The Demon Deacons came in with only a 16-15 record…but outshot the favored Irish 81-69.  ND is still hoping for an “at large” bid to the big dance.  It won’t get it.

Oh, I almost forgot– this was Wake Forest’s first win the ACC tournament in seven years.

You would think that the NCAA has more serious problems to solve. Baylor, who is expected to make it into the lineup for March Madness, has been told by the NCAA that its new uniforms will not be permitted. The new design had “Sic ‘Em Bears” on the front.  The NCAA said only the school name “or the tradition nicknames” are allowed on the front of game uniforms.   Baylor’s tradition nickname is “Bears.”  The Bears like to shake the table a bit… they came up with neon yellow uniforms for the big 12 tournament a year ago.

I don’t feel that Ervin Santana was worth the $14.1 million one year contract the Atlanta Braves gave him.   Of course, that’s the way it goes for pitchers with even the slightest possibility of making good… especially with free-agent hurlers.
The 31-year-old was just 9-10 with Kansas City a year ago. But, he did show a decent 3.24 ERA with 161 strikeouts.
Atlanta needed mound help as three of its projected tossers have come down with injuries… with starter Kris Medlen (15-12 a year ago) headed for elbow surgery.  Santana was the last fair-to-middling free agent available. He was seeking a four-year deal. He didn’t get it.   And, personally don’t believe he’ll earn his $14.1 million, either. Man, don’t baseball people throw money around indiscriminately???  They certainly do.

Staying with baseball, all of us Yankee fans are wondering how Robinson Cano will do in Seattle’s Safeco Field.  (We sort of hope he flops).  The guy with the new 10-year $240 million contract comes into the season with 204 career home runs… one for every 26- at-bats.  However, Cano has hit only four circuit shots in 152 at-bats at Safeco… which is one in every 38 official trips to the plate.  Still, this will probably change.  That’s cause the Mariners did move the fences in after the 2012 season.  The result was an increase in homers from 56 to 93.  The 31-year-old Cano might not be aware that Seattle has had losing seasons in eight of the last 10… including the past four consecutively.

Of course, the Mariners did add more than Cano to their roster.  Hey, it all starts with two games in Austrailia on March 22… witht he rest of the teams getting underway in a little more than two weeks.  Hmmm… wonder if the snow will be gone by then???

The Denver Broncos, completely embarrassed six weeks ago in the Super Bowl, have gone all out to bolster the defense (it finished 19th in yards allowed, 22nd in points allowed and 27th against the pass).  During the first day of free agency Denver committed $110 million to the likes of DeMarcus Ware, Aquib Talib and safety T.J. Ward.  And they still need help at middle linebacker… plus they wat to imprve their pass catching abilities.  But, it has been reported that the Broncos have even more money to spend.
Hey, practice begins in July…

I don’t know how many NBA fans there are in the Erie area — but I do know that the ones I am familiar with are disappointed in the Los Angeles Lakers.   As of this writing the Lakers, with the aging Kobe Bryant again sidelined with an injury, are no better than 22-43… which puts them close to the basement of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.  Hey, somebody has to be last.

And a final note… the top college basketball team in the Sagarin Ratings is currently Arizona with Louisville second and Florida (the AP leader) third.   My favorites (Duke) is ranked sixth.  Oh, not too many people use the Sagarin Ratings as their top choice.  No, I don’t know why… or why not.

– Jack Polancy

Hey, you know what??

Hey, you know what?? Well, I’m finally starting to get into the Winter Olympics. Maybe it’s because they are all over the TV or it could be simply because there is nothing else going on that holds my interest, but never the less, the Olympics are getting very interesting. And, while I also like to see American athletes win in whatever event they are entered.. I can accept the fact that they are not always the best of the lot. Like, as a for instance, the performance by Shaun White in the men’s snowboarding half pipe affair. White, who had won the event the past two Winter Olympics was the favorite to take a third gold. He didn’t. The American ended in fourth place. What I like about White was his interviews afterward. He never once complained about the course, about the warm weather that made it “too slushy,” or about anything else. One report stated that White answered everybody and everything giving interviews for 45 mins after the conclusion of his big upset loss. The gist of what he said was “these things just happen.” The man who won the gold was Switzerland’s Iouri Podladtchikov ( try to pronouncing THAT!) Second place went to Japan’s Ayumu Hirano ( hey, he’s only 15) with Taku Hiraoka, also of Japan, capturing the bronze medal. Anyway, now that I’ve gotten into the Winter Olympics, I’m sure I’ll stay with ’em the rest of the way.

I’M SURE NBC-TV is more than happy with the Games. Their ratings since the affair started have been consistently on the high side, actually posting the best mark in last Monday’s prime time coverage of all that was on TV. THE PEOPLE WHO like to call the shots before an event is completed ( call ’em prognosticators, odd- makers or what have you) have tabbed the finals of the men’s hockey to be between Russia and Canada. However, as we already know because of the events already finished, the Olympics are usually loaded with upsets. So, a first place battle with Finland as one of the combatants, wouldn’t be too much of a surprise. The American team with a surprising silver at Vancouver, is considered as a solid dark horse. WOMEN’S SKI JUMPING made its Olympic debut last Tuesday. The American who finished first was Jessica Jerome… but in 10^th place. Germany’s Carina Vogt was the winner of the gold. AS OF THIS WRITING Norway is the current medal leader with a total of 11. That’s through 26 events of the 90 scheduled. The odd makers will tell you that Norway is expected to be on top of the medals list when February 23^rd rolls around.. ending this edition of the Winter Olympics. The USA is expected to finish fourth in total medals.. with an outside shot at third spot.

I DON’T EVEN pretend to understand what is going on with the Cleveland Brown’s front office. All I know is the own ship has named a new leader (someone named Ray Farmer) this as far as the team’s football operation is concerned. Plus, he will also be in charge of the upcoming college draft. As we all know the Browns have had a lot of failure in the draft end of things the past few years ( as well as on the field of play). So, let’s hope that this new guy is someone who knows what has to be done… and does it.

JUST IN CASE this might come up in future discussion, it has been reported that Burger King now has a sandwich that is bigger then what McDonald’s is offering. That’s right.. the new BIG KING will weigh 4 ounces while the Big mac is at 3.2 ounces. This, of course, is for the weight of the beef ( uncooked, by the way). Hey… it’s knowledge isn’t it???

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY men’s basketball squad must be one of those “teams of destiny.” I was watching the Syracuse – Pitt contest Wednesday night and like most of the fans in attendance figured that the Panthers had just knocked the No.1 rated Orange from the unbeaten ranks by leading 56-55 with 4.4 seconds remaining. However, Syracuse’s Tyler Ennis flung up a 35 footer as the horn sounded, the ball swishing the net for a 58-56 verdict. That’s the way a “team of destiny” does it.

MAJOR LEAGUE baseball news is now starting to sneak onto the various sports pages across the country. One item that surprised me was when Philadelphia supposedly signed pitcher A.J. Burnett to a one year contract worth $16 million. The Pirates, showing more smarts than the Philles, had refused Burnett’s request for a $15 million pact. Burnett had a 3.30 ERA last year, but was unreliable during the latter part of the season.. ending with 10-11 won-lost record. One thing that didn’t surprise me was Derek Jeter’s statement that this would be his last year. Jeter, who played in only 11 games last season, will be 40 this year. He is basically over the hill. The Yankee shortstop, who owns 3,216 lifetime hits, has been on the super side most of his 18 years in the majors. But, also, it is time to go. The Cleveland Indians are still waiting to see what hurler Ubaldo Jimesnez will be doing. This free agent hasn’t been able to coerce any other team in signing him.. meaning that he still might be part of the Tribe’s plans. However, I doubt that. The guy who ended at 13-9 last season is bound to entice someone to pay him what he wants. Back to the Yankees.. they are still searching for someone to play third base this season. None of those who had a previous shot, Brendan Ryan ( a .197 hitter a year ago), Eduardo Nunez (.260) or Kelly Johnson, seem to be an answer. Meaning .. there could be another trade shortly. The Pirates are starting to think about adding 22 year old rookie pitcher Jameson Taillon to their lineup. Taillon, who stands 6’6” hits the 100 mph regularly with his fast ball. However, he also handed out ball four to 52 batters in 148 minor league innings. Oh, keep this in mind. The 2014 season is only 35 days away ( from Saturday Feb 15^th). The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks will kick things off March 22-23 in Sydney Australia.

HEY… DIDJA NOTICE.. I never did mention the NFL in this writing. That’s a first.. isn’t it? Oh, what’s that I did comment on the Cleveland Browns. Yes, but are they really a part of the NFL??

AND A FINAL NOTE.. on the Olympics I doubt that I’ll ever be a sincere follower of the “sport” of curling. What about you?

 

-Jack Polancy

 

 

 

How did you get along with no football this past weekend??

Okay, question of the week. How did you get along with no football this past weekend?? Oh, don’t go telling me about the Pro All- Star Game in Hawaii. That isn’t a football game. It’s simply an excuse for ball players who don’t get into the Super Bowl to have some fun and visit Hawaii. I know.. I Know.. the score was 27-21 ( or something like that, I don’t really know because not only don’t I watch it, I don’t even listen when someone comments on it.) Back to the question? Well, I got along pretty good. Saturday , instead of my usual diet of college football games, I went to the movies and viewed “ Lone Survivor,” a pretty good flick probably because it was based on fact. Then I ate at Panera Bread, mainly because I had coupons. However, besides that, Panera Bread does have the best soup in town. Sunday, instead of being wrapped up in NFL encounters, I had my haircut and beard trimmed by my significant other.. and, as usual she did an excellent job. When you have little or no hair on your head, then your beard ( if you have one) becomes critical. Believe me, mine is extremely critical. It’s also fairly decent looking right now, all the thanks go to my professional barber. Oh, getting back to the question. I did spend some time in front of my TV set ( the bigger one is now fixed) watching Stanislas Wawrinka knock off heavily favored Rafael Nadal in the men’s championship finals of the Australian Tennis Open.

As I’ve mentioned before, I do watch tennis on TV, but only the four majors. That being the French Open, Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. A lot was made ( by some writers) of Nadal’s bad back and other woes. Maybe so, but I liked Wawrinka’s guts and performance. After all, the 28 year old was wining his first time in 13 meetings. Not only that, but Wawrinka had not even won one set in the 12 previous encounters with Nadal. Thus Wawrinka beat both the top seed ( Nadal) and the No.2 seed ( Roger Federer) this happening for the first time in the past 21 years, on his way to the crown. Tennis doesn’t normally supplant football in TV viewing, but it did this past weekend. OH, AND THIS IS, mainly for local football nuts, the Cleveland Browns FINALLY named a new head football coach. Someone named Mike Pettine signed a five year contract with Cleveland this after a so called “thorough search” that lasted almost four months. From what I’ve read Pettine was a defensive coordinator with the New York Jets for four years and had the same capacity with the Buffalo Bills last season. Now, no one ( well, practically no one) knows much about secondary coaches and Mike Pettine is a secondary coach. So, really , what do the Browns ( of the Brown’s fans for that matter) expect from him??

Well, considering the mess that the Cleveland Browns have created with having seven different heads coaches over the past 14 years, the powers that be nor the fans should expect anything except for the fact that Pettine will be on the sidelines, hopefully making the right decisions when decisions have to be made. Anything else should be considered as a bonus. THE NBA is losing its leader. Some time the week, after 30 years as commission of the National Basketball Association, David Stern will step down. His replacement, Adam Silver, will take over as the top man on February 1. Miami Heat president Pat Riley was quoted in USA Today. “David Stern is No. 1 force, the No.1 reason why this league is where it is today.” The NBA is said to “generate more than $5.5 billion annually and an average player salary of more than $4 million” plus other successes. And, most of this is said to be because of Stern’s leadership/. Quite a tribute. DIDJA EVER ASK yourself just what was the most watched (via TV) NFL game this past season. Well, according to one publication, it was the November 28^th battle between the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys. A total of 31.7 million viewers tuned in to this one. The Cowboys won 31-24.

BEING AN ERIE NATIVE doesn’t do much for one in battling the kind of winter we have been undergoing. Speaking in easy to understand terms, the weather has been lousy. I am completely sick of the whole mess. Now, I have relatives living in Maui ( that’s where the Hawaiian Islands are friend,) and I have a current invitation to visit. I just might do that. As soon as I sell my house. Speaking of the weather forecast says it will “have a chance of a wintry mix during the day with some clearing by evening” ( the game as a scheduled 6:30 om start). Well, I for one, don’t think the powers that be should ever play the game in the Northeast unless it is in a domed stadium.. not in an open air arena such as Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford, N.J. But, that’s the way it is this year. And, since the games is only six days away ( as of this writing) there is no such thing as changing the site simply because of the weather. Despite out “love “ for the snow and cold, I doubt that there will be many Erieites in the Metlife Stadium Sunday evening. Most of us will be exactly like me… watching from a warm seat on the living room sofa. And, that’s where fans ( die hard or luke warm regardless) should be. As for the players, well it is the Super Bowl. Meaning the people who run such events will make sure the players have all the protection from the elements that are available.

AND A FINAL NOTE.. Denver has been a 2 ½ point favorite in the Super Bowl odds that have been posted all week. I am a bit surprised to see that they haven’t changed ( up or down) even a little bit. However, I have made my feelings known.. because of that big mouth on the Seattle team ( Richard Sherman) I am rooting for the Broncos. By the way, Sherman was fined $7,875 for unsportsmanlike and taunting in the final minute of the win over San Francisco.

 

– Jack Polancy 

 

The Steelers almost made it

Well, the Steelers almost made it. But, as we all know ( or should ) that almost doesn’t count in sports (except for horseshoes). Thus, that 0-4 start is what really killed Pittsburgh’s chance for a post season playoff berth this season. Not only is 0-4 tough to overcome, a pair of 0-2 marks in mid season and near the end of the campaign really did more damaged than could be overcome by that very late season 3-0 surge, Plus the Steelers needed a lot of unexpected help from three other teams, Miami, Baltimore, and San Diego. All had to lose while losing to the New York Jets 20-7 and the Ravens falling in from of the Cincinnati Bengals 34-17. Ah, but those Chargers, what a turn around. San Diego was losing to Kansas City, a team that already had clinched a playoff spot and thus rested 20 of its 22 starting players, before staging a fourth period rally with a 10-0 shot, thus gaining a 24-24 jam in regulation. The Chargers then won it with a 36 yard field goal a the 5:30 mark of overtime. Oh, I heard the woes from Pittsburgh rooters, that the Chiefs could have won the game if an infraction had been called on the Chargers when it should have. Maybe so, but that wasn’t the real culprit. That happened to be that 0-4 Pittsburgh start and the following pair 0-2 standards. That’s what really kept the Steelers out of the playoffs for the second straight year. So, enough complaining you Pittsburgh fans. Just accept it for what it is, a lousy season.

SORRY??? NO, I REALLY can’t feel sorry for the firing of Rob Chudzinski as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. If he considered that he was in a “no win” situation when he was first named as the Browns head man, he should have declined the “honor”. That way he could have been available to be the “new” coach this coming season., with all of those choices to be had on the annual draft. Remember, after that somewhat unexpected 3-2 start, the Browns went 1-10 losing the also seven in a row. That alone is cause for firing. Regardless of who the coach is, let alone someone with the record of 4-12. As for being unable to find an adequate “new coach”, one would think with all those outstanding future draft choice on hand, there would be a line of top notch coaches striving for the “honor” of being an NFL head coach. ONE COACH I HOPE isn’t thinking of switching allegiance is Bill O’Brien of Penn State. It seems that since O’Brien interviewed for the very high paying Texas jobs, which is vacant since the Longhorns dropped their long time (16 years) mentor Mack Brown he has become the leading candidate for the post. O’Brien, while not an all winning coach, has posted a credible 15-9 mark with the recruit shortened Nittany Lions the past two years. He seems to have PSU on a winning return in the three years remaining on his current contract.

However, college football coaches seem always have a wandering eye. And, since texas is always around the top when it comes to paying its head coach, it shouldn’t be any surprise if O’Brien bolts. According to one report, the Penn State boss in the “overwhelming favorite” to be the newest Longhorn coach. If that’s true, then it’s goodbye , Bill”. SPEAKING OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL, I spent the last couple of days watching a number of “who cares” bowl games. Too many times teams really do not want to be in the bowl game they are. For instance, there was the Texas Bowl played in Houston last Friday, featuring Syracuse and Minnesota. Just watching the game one could see (and feel) that the Gophers just didn’t want to be there. And it showed as Syracuse finished at 7-6 with a 21-17 over Minnesota, ending with an 8-5 standard. Notre Dame also didn’t show any fire while facing Rutgers in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. The Irish finally came alive late to registers a 29-16 triumph, thus ending at 9-4. Then there was the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando with Louisville taking on Miami. The Hurricanes actually embarrassed themselves with no offense whatsoever and a obvious lack in the pass defense department before losing to the Cardinals 36-9. Louisville is now 12-1 and Miami 9-4.

Then there was the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Tempe, Arizona where Kansas State (8-5) clobbered a usually decent Michigan (7-6) outfit. So many miss matches , and there are still 16 bowl games remaining before it’s all over. HOW PENNSYLVANIA HAS fallen when it comes to college grid prospects. The American Family Insurance All USA Football Team SECOND TEAM was announced the other day, and among the 24 scholastic athletes named there are none from the Keystone State. It didn’t used to be this way. THE LAST TIME I looked, the Erie Bayhawks, our representative in the NBA D League were 1-10. That was before Tuesday night’s contest versus Reno.

HOW DID YOU do in the “waiting for ordered gifts” department?  Me, I received four things I ordered, and one I did not get ( as yet). This was a somewhat important gift and I do know that I’ll NEVER order anything from that place again. I ordered and paid for it way back in October.

AND A FINAL NOTE, A Happy New Year to all my readers. See you next year!!

-Jack Polancy

Steeler Fans, Are You Now in a Satisfied Mood????

Okay, all you Steeler fans, are you now in a satisfied mood???? Is that what that somewhat lackluster 27-11 verdict over the suddenly hopeless Cleveland Browns on Sunday did for you?? True, Pittsburgh dominated the affair right from the get go. But, it wasn’t an all encompassing victory for the Steelers, it was more like the Browns simply for got how to play the game. And, the worst part of the whole thing is that these same two teams will meet gain in just five more weekends. However, that could be the best part of it for Pittsburgh. That’s because the Black and Gold figure ( at that time) to be right in the think of thigns for a post season playoff birth. And, what could be better than the weak Cleveland Browns as a regular season ending opponent, an almost sure thing victory. One that could propel the Steelers into additional action in the NFL this campaign. Sunday’s game was not a thing of beauty. It was one filled with Cleveland error (three lost fumbles) and an almost input offensive scheme. Oh, Pittsburgh rooters will claim that it was the Steelers defense, which suddenly came alive, that made the difference. And, I guess this is partially true. However, if you check the stats you’ll see that Cleveland had the edge in yards gained (367-302) and totoal offensive plays (73-68) so much for that stifling Steeler defense. But, no matter how you look at it this one fact is prevalent, the Steelers now have a three game winning streak in a 5-6 season and are a mere two games behind Division leader Cincinnati. And, depending on this Thanksgiving Day contest at Baltimore, a 8:30 night game, Pittsburgh just might be on its way to a satisfactory campaign. But, the Steelers better bring their “A game” to M7T Bank Stadium. That’s cause the Raven didn’t look bad in their 19-3 romp over the New York Jets Sunday.
The game that I (and a few million their football fans, I imagine) was interested in viewing was Denver at New England affair. The only thing was this, it was the Sunday night game, and you know when these things start, usually past 8:30 (which is slightly after my usual bedtime). But, fortified by a pot of strong coffee and some strong resolving, I settled in for the  Peyton Manning verse Tom Brady quarterback duel. Well, with the temperature at 22 degrees (and a wind chill of 14) at Gillette Stadium in Fox borough, that duel did not materialize during the first 30 minutes. In fact, with three Patriot fumbles lost to the Broncos during the opening eight minutes (wind guest of 30 mph)didn’t help enhance the play of the game). This earned Denver a 17-0 lead. And, by haft time the gap had widened to 24-0 appearing to be the road to an easy Bronco win. Opps not so. With Tom Brady finally discovering who he was the Patriots began to play ball like they are capable of doing. During their first five possessions of the second half New England rammed over four touchdowns and kicked a field goal. All this positive action powered the resurgent home team to a stunning 31-24 lead.
Now, down through the years all the followers of the NFL have learned never to count out a Peyton Manning led team. Sunday night was no different. Manning, who was not having a Peyton Manning type game, drove and actually willed his team downfield until he hit pay dirt with a pass that knotted the contest at 31-31, thus forcing overtime. The overtime session went back and forth (like you would expect it to, considering the caliber of the foes) until there was only a little more than three minutes remaining. And, it was starting to look like this might be the second tie of the day (Minnesota and Green Bay had battled to a 26-26 standoff earlier), but then fate (what else could decide the titanic clash) stepped in. A New England punt doing tricks in the wind bounced up off the turf and hit a Bronco in the leg. The Patriot defender were 3:01 left in the overtime. Three plays later Stephen Gostkowski booted a 31 yard field goal for a 34-3 New England triumph, the winning kick coming at 12:24am. Time for me to finally it the sack. But, it was a game well worth the sleep I missed. Brady completely out performed manning in this big meeting, the Patriots now with a three game lead in the AFC East Division. They could also be on their way to another Super Bowl title.
THE COLLEGE GRID GAME showed four updates and one more than might be considered as the same. I was pulling for two of the stunners, I was pleased that Oklahoma Sate clobbered upstart Baylor 49-17 (the Bears were too highly rated (3rd) anyway and I was more that pleased that ISU belted Texas A&M 34-10 (the Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel needed to be taken down a peg). I didn’t care that Oregon (No. 5) lost to Arizona 42-16 or that Arizona State upended UCLA (No.14) by a 38-33 score. The other possible upset was Notre Dame’s whipping or BYU 23-13. This was a “pick ’em” game by the oddmakers. As for Penn State, the Nittany Lions have forgotten how to win. They bowed to Nebraska 23-20 in the third overtime affair played at beaver Stadium this year. They had more mistakes than a one figured typist. Penn State will end its year at Wisconsin this coming Saturday, meaning the Lions will finish 6-6.
THE MAN WHO RUN the St. Louis Cardinals are among the top brains of the diamond sport. They seldom make a mistake. That said, then why did they give Johnny Peralts a four year $50 million dollar deal? The free agent who played for Detroit last year, that is,  when he wasn’t serving a 50 game suspension for drug use. This has never been rated among the better fielding shortstops. And this is what the Cards needed, a good fielding shortstop. Oh well.
AND A FINAL NOTE, The Duke men’s basketball team is an enigma. Otherwise, how would you explain that 91-90 win over Vermont over the weekend. Vermont is a 1-5 team while Duke is one of the top- ranked squads in the nation. Go figure.
-Jack Polancy