RunClintonRun26

Well FWIW RCR26, Suarez has publicly apologized today (I still don't feel he has anything to apologise for over something that's been blown WAY out of proportion to what it actually was, but we won't rehash my feelings there); in a move that smacks of a desperate PR scrambling exercise after all the new publicity from a club that's been pretty darn rudderless in that respect for way too long now.

Yeah I just saw that he apologized for his actions, which as you rightly point out, is a HUGE and "desperate" PR move. The fact that there has been this much backlash though shows you that he should have just played nice with Evra yesterday from the beginning.

head up! Chelsea and Newcastle lost! This result is as expected, the media reaction is as expected. Evra was stirring up and Fergie jumped right in. Man United would be happy if Suarez left the EPL. Let them have their 2nd place finish with no hardware. Next year the Reds will correct the mistakes of last year (get some help on the wings) and Suarez will be handed the league trophy by Stevie G.

No hardware? If this does in fact happen, then I guess the first time in years is worth celebrating by rivals, eh? And keep hoping that Liverpool win the league next year . . . Should make for an entertaining failure to meet expectations.

GHH - Now that you've vented, I'll say my piece. Regarding Fergie's reaction to the incident, I'll agree with you that it is a bit hypocritical to go after Suarez given United's colorful players - both past and present - who have often thrown their morals out the window. I have no problem admitting that our players have indeed acted poorly in a lot of situations. With that said though, you cannot fault Fergie for defending his players and sticking up for them. And it is a natural reaction to highlight Suarez's behavior after considering the nature of the allegations, the rivalry between the two clubs, the atmosphere in the stadium, etc.

Now on to Luis himself. You have to throw your own fandom and allegiances out here and examine Suarez' snub by itself. I don't care if what Evra said is true, isn't true, or is somewhere in between. For the good of keeping amity and making the focus about THE GAME (which is most important), you absolutely HAVE to shake Pat's hand right there. You swallow your pride and put on the show. No way can a reasonable person honestly justify Luis not shaking hands with Evra. It was extremely childish and marred what should have been a great 90 minutes of football.

To the game itself. I didn't understand Daglish's tactics and formation. He allowed Carrick and Scholesy all the room in the world in the center of the park to pass the ball. There were times when they had no pressure on them, and could literally stand with the ball to survey the field multiple times. I'll gladly take the win and the three points, as it will continue to put pressure on City and any result against Liverpool is a positive, given the rivalry and the difficulty in playing you all. I've said it before and i'll say it again - Andy Carroll is a complete bum. How can he let Rafael out-jump him at least twice for headers? He cannot pass the ball. He does not contribute to any positive build-up. In fact, he limits Liverpool's attack because he lacks any real fundamentals.

Seriously though, had Amare and Carmello been playing the score would've been much worse.

I actually think it would've been much closer. The floor was WIDE open last night. Why do you think that bum Novak had so many uncontested threes (and by uncontested, I mean he literally had no defender even attempting to close out on him or challenge the shot)? Lin was able to play as a true point guard, as he facilitated great ball movement, thus leading to open shots. When Melo is on the floor and he gets the ball, there is absolutely no movement. For all of his talent (and he is an unbelievable offensive player), he is a black hole like Nick. If he was on the floor then there wouldn't have been great spacing.

IF Lin is legit (and that's a big IF, at this point), the combination of Lin and Amare would be devastating. But Melo will never let Amare be the number 1 option, even on pick and rolls.

Thank you man. Very magnanimous.

***** game. FANTASTIC result. Dalglish dodged a bullet today by getting his tactics totally and utterly wrong. Defending so deep and leaving just Carroll up front, at home, just invited Utd onto us. And with the midfield sat virtually on top of the back four, the space afforded Utd in the middle of the park was scandalous; and there was no opportunity to break out and support when we did win it. Thankfully, an equally average Utd team created next to nothing when we should of been taken apart and punished heavily. But hey, we've dominated Utd on many an occasion, failed to score, and ended up paying for our profligacy; so I'll happily take that.

Oh, and de Gea needs loaning out to a Championship side or something to regain his confidence. He was shocking again. Heck only knows why Ferguson brought him back for the biggest game on either club's fixture list every year.

Hail.

Yeah the formation that Liverpool started the game with was puzzling to say the least. Scholes and Carrick literally had 10-15 seconds with the ball practically at a stand still and NOBODY marking them.

Disagree though with David needing a loan to a Championship side. He absolutely needs experience and a boost to his confidence. But it would be such a negative step in his development to go down to such inferior competition after starting in the Premier League for a top side. De Gea has really made some head-scratchers. I still think though he will be a world class keeper very soon. He just needs to be more assertive in coming out for crosses. Plus, once he gets over the language barrier he will be able to communicate better with his defense. A few clean sheets under his belt will do wonders for him. It hasn't helped that our defense has been in constant disarray this year, as injuries continue to pile up every game. Ultimately though I still have a lot of faith in David. He'll be fine. No United fan expected him to pick up immediately where VDS left off. In the long run though a back four of Jones, Smalling, Vidic and Evra/Rafael/Fabio in front of De Gea will be the best defense and keeper situation in the EPL.

Despite dominating possession (until Scholesy was taken off), United couldn't create a legitimate chance throughout the game.

Well done Liverpool.

Well you look at those keepers and say they struggle, but they were probably really good options on paper. He knows the need for a good goalkeeper is paramount. Barthez was a World Cup winning keeper at that point, he may not have panned out at United but it's difficult to argue that he was a bad guy to bring in.

I wanted to add that I heard Liverpool are using some statistical analysis to determine their signings. I think Andy Carroll was one of the first to be purchased with this mentality.

You can even add a young Tim Howard to that list of underwhelming keepers between The Great Dane and VDS.

Regarding Barthez, he was a signing whose reputation was purely based on name. If you actually looked at his ability between the posts, he was extremely suspect. For example, he was often out of position, tried to play the ball with his feet (without having the ability to do it like a De Gea), etc. If my memory is correct, that World Cup was won by players like Vieira, Desailly, Petit, and, of course, Zizou. Barthez certainly had quick reflexes . . . but it takes much more than that to be a solid keeper.

Based on the Andy Carroll signing alone, Liverpool should throw out any evaluation based on statistics.

I think that the atmosphere will be amazing. I think Evra is going to be taunted and insulted throughout the match. I just hope that it doesn't get racial. I hope it is more singing Suarez's name instead.

Evra will be booed on a level that has typically been reserved for only John Terry right after his personal issues. The atmosphere should be incredible!

---------- Post added January-26th-2012 at 01:57 PM ----------

I'm just a casual fan of it. I try to catch the games Saturday morning. I can honestly say I don't know alot about the EPL other than ManU winning alot, being at the top of the standings and having some of the best players in the league. I picked Tottenham because I thought their name sounded cool, especially with an English accent. :pfft: But anyway, Go Spurs!!!

Spurs are a very solid team. If for some reason management can convince Modric to stay, then Spurs should consistently finish in the top 4 for the next few years. Gareth Bale is an unbelievable combination of strength, pace and skill. Ledley King has been great this year. Kyle Walker should be a regular for the national team for the next decade.

^^^ Nobody can deny the fact that United has played a (bad) role in setting the current market . . . WIth the Glazers though that spending has certainly gone down. Most MUFC fans actually hate the Glazers because of this.

Regarding Saturday, I wouldn't expect any luck being wished from you!

Liverpool, at Anfield no less, is always a tough game for United. Win or lose, all I have to say is 19!

And in the previous three years to the last three you mentioned, Berbatov, Haregreaves and Nani for a combined £68 million. It's true the club didn't reinvest the ridiculous £80 million Madrid stumped up for Ronaldo until this season (only Valencia at£16 million) with De Gea, Jones and Young.

I get your point to an extent on Utd's transfer policy, but it's a fallacy to suggest Ferguson hasn't spent major money over the last decade and more, with some of the biggest collective and individual fees paid. And he's had some big money busts along the way. The near £30 million on Veron springs instantly to mind.

Hail.

I was not trying to suggest that Fergie has been frugal and has avoided diving into the lunacy and absurdity that now characterizes the transfer windows. I was merely saying that United's perceived propensity to spend big is overblown.

^^^ Injuries (particularly to the defense) have indeed doomed any realistic shot of finishing in the top 4.

You are absolutely right regarding both Nasri and Cesc. Nasri played exceptionally well at times last year, but was never consistent. And Cesc is absolutely incredible . . . but you could see he just wasn't into Arsenal anymore. I'll never forget his "performance" in the second leg against Barca in last year's CL. He was practically a 12th player for them.

I agree with you that Arsenal was too consumed with the whole "Barca-style of play." Hell, Wenger would ***** and complain after every loss, saying how beautiful the team played just like Barcelona yet still couldn't get the result. This year seems to be different. Once Gervinho comes back your attack will be even better in terms of being able to attack from wide positions.

Which is the exact opposite of what my beloved Arsenal does. We buy 'em young like Man Utd BUT sell them for a huge profit once they are at their peak. Makes for a good business model, but always a too-young squad. Very frustrating.

Yeah I don't know how Arsenal fans do it. My sister actually lives less than a mile from the Emirates and is a huge fan. It seems as if Wenger (and his transfer policies) have finally worn thin on Arsenal supporters. On the plus side, I think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be a star . . . and he might actually stay at Arsenal if Wenger is gone before he can sell him.

Arsenal always seem to be in a youth movement, which as you mentioned, can affect the squad's performances. And it just seems that the youngsters either never develop into what they could have been (Arshavin) or are sold. RVP will leave this summer IMO, simply because he deserves Champions League football. Jack Wilshere though looks to be a career Gunner. If he can stay healthy then you all have a fantastic central midfielder.

And BTW, I adopted Totenham Hotspur as my EPL team about 4 years ago to go against the Yankees...er Manchester United.

Surely you must be talking about the noisy neighbors (Manchester City) or Chelsea, because the belief that United just outspends everyone is a common misconception.

In the past three years, for example, United has a net spending LOWER than those of Hull City, Blackpool and Burnley . . .

We get amazing talent when they are young (and relatively cheaper than what the market typically dictates), and then reward them for production. Look at some of the numbers: Wayne Rooney for £25M (a steal at the time considering what he has turned into, while players like Andy Carrol are going for £35M), Chris Smalling for £8M, Phil Jones for £16M, and Nemanja Vidic for just £7M!

I can go on and bore you all with more . . . but the above four players make my point.

I thought the point of the Howard trade was to continue to clear the books. Not get a specific player in return.

Yeah I think you are right on this one. That trade was clearly aimed toward putting the team in a better financial position for the future. As much as I hate EG and think that he has generally done a poor job as GM of the Zards, you can't really fault him for this move. Plus, I actually think it was nice to send Caron to a contender . . . it was like EG was trying to reward tough juice for his dedication, effort and play during his time here.

Possibly a case of Big Sam's revenge if Blackburn goes down which looks likely. So painful to see Rovers in such a state at the moment.

Thank you for Phil Jones.

Exciting, relatively, next two days for Champions League. It's the last two match days and a couple of the big fish are in danger of not qualifying for the knockout stage.

Today (12.6)

In Group E, Chelsea face Valencia tied at 8 points in the group. Valencia are ahead on goal differential (+2). Chelsea need to win by 3 goals to go through.

Tomorrow (12.7)

In Group A, Man City (8 pts) are in third and they play a Bayern Munich team that has already qualified for the next round. Will Bayern play a strong squad? Napoli (9 pts), who defeated Man City last week, is in 2nd place in the group. They play a Villareal team that has yet to win a group game.

In Group C, Manchester United must defeat lowly Basel to advance. Basel are playing at home and already tied MUFC at Old Trafford 3-3 earlier in the group stage. Anything can happen??

I Would love nothing better than to see Chelsea, Man Utd, and Citeh knocked out!

Great two-days indeed for Champions League. I feel bad for AVB (despite being a United supporter), simply because I know he is a damn good manager . . . but unfortunately for him, he has the Russian to answer to, who has his hand on the fire button and is certainly willing to press it.

Although Bayern has already qualified, I still hope they field a relatively strong squad.

United do NOT need to beat FC Basel. They will advance with EITHER a draw or the win. The draw is the most likely scenario, since we have looked pretty unimpressive over the last few weeks. Sure, we've won 4 of the last 5 EPL games (all wins via clean-sheets), but we also have only scored 1 goal in each of those games. Moreover, we have struggled in non EPL games (e.g. the Carling Cup upset and the draw against Benfica in the last Champions League game).

This game scares the hell out of me though when you consider United's injury problems and lack of seemingly creative and effective depth. With Chicharito and Berbatov out up top, and Cleverly and Anderson out in the middle, United have lost most of their ability to create goals form the midfield. I suspect Fergie will go with a formation similar to the one this past weekend vs. Aston Villa, were it is a 4-3-3 with a midfield trio of Jones, Carrick and either Fletcher, Park or Giggs. Then up top, he'll likely have Nani and Young on the wings with Rooney in the middle. Thankfully our defense has been stout of late.

I would bring back Howard on a one year deal. I like him. He's a feisty SOB. Much needed toughness that we don't get from pansies like Blatche and McGee.

Realistically we are not a playoff team. Is it possible? Of course. But highly unlikely. This team has already started focusing on the future, as evidenced by its emphasis on drafting and playing young players. With this in mind then, I would not support bringing Howard back. He would take away minutes from guys like Jan and Chris, which would affect their growth and ultimately harm the team in the long run.

Just saw your new post regarding Rashard. I fully agree with you. We are already full of options at the SF position, including a guy like Book who absolutely deserves minutes. While Howard is a savy veteran who would potentially bring leadership to the team, it is more important for us to develop the young talent we have by letting them play more.

If the Wiz/David West rumors are true, that should tell you how they view Blatche.

Yup. Mark my words: Regardless of whether we get West or not, Blatche will not be a Wizard by the end of the season. Some team will get desperate and think they can turn this lazy, 6-11 "talent" into a decent player.

This is probably all wishful thinking . . . Knowing the Wizards luck, he'll do just enough for EG and Ted to want to keep him around.

First off the NBA and NFL do not work in the same way.

Second, many teams make the playoffs every year that really have no chance (Lakers being one of them last season and many others).

Third, the Lakers were making the playoffs in the tougher West with that bum.

Fourth, yeah, I don't need another.

I fully agree with you that the NBA and NFL work differently. But for a team like the Wizards, who were in obvious rebuild mode, it makes sense to get rid of what assets you have that would not be in your long-term plan.

The Lakers obviously have a much higher standard of excellence than the Wizards. You can't compare them. For them, the first round win against New Orleans was expected. The second round loss to the Mavs was, at the time, considered a huge disappointment, despite being outplayed. For the Wizards, getting to the playoffs was certainly a noteworthy accomplishment. Labelling it mediocre implies failing to meet expectations.

Caron is a bum now? Kobe thinks differently.

Satisfied with still being mediocre ?

And then traded him to Dallas where he could win a ring from the bench ?

Are you seriously suggesting that the deal was that good ? If Caron was so great why trade him to Dallas.

To suggest that the trade to get Caron here for that MJ pick was anything but incredible shows how little you know about the Wizards . . . or basketball in general, for that matter. Caron became a critical piece in a team that went to the playoffs every year. With Kwame? Wizards did NOTHING. And if going to the playoffs consistently (especially after considering where this franchise has been) is mediocre, then damn . . . talk about some high standards.

We traded Caron because he realized this team was (at the time) a few years away from being "mediocre." It was a very smart move by the team. Have you never heard of getting rid of older guys for a brighter future? So let me guess. Were you a proponent of keeping Andre Carter, which would've stunted the growth of Kerrigan? Or how about McNabb, who would have done just enough to keep this team from landing a legitimate franchise QB?

I hope the next guy isn't a retread. I want a hard nosed younger coach in a Mike Tomlin mold. Somebody to get in the faces of the players.

Football, along with the attitudes and mentalities that go along with it, are a different breed then Basketball. It's hard to find success in the NBA with a hard-nosed, in-your-face-coach, considering the average basketball player cannot take legitimately tough coaching. NBA coaches need to manage egos, maintain chemistry, and employ the occasionally brilliant set-play or defensive line-up. Getting in the faces of NBA players will ikely lead to mutiny.

I remember Blatche trying to set up an offseason practice/workout with the team, but nobody responded or showed up. That tells you just what you need to know about him.

With that said, he's still good value. He doesn't make that much $(relative to some other real scrubs in the league)and can play a little bit. He isn't worth amnestying.

The plan is likely to not amnesty Shard until next offseason where we could make a run at more quality FAs. I think there are some other good ones besides just Howard available next year.

When his attempt to organize team workouts failed so miserably I thought the same exact thing - his own teammates can't stand him.

I disagree though with your contention that he is good value. I've had it with him. He is easily the most frustrating player in the NBA. We can find another 7 footer who would actually be more dependable on defense and rebounding. He is good for that rare glimpse of unreal talent, where he tricks people into thinking he has turned the corner. But it's all a sham. A farce, I tell you. Trust me. And yes, while his money is not that bad, his attitude is horrific. The Wizards are a young team, being build around a bonafide and deserving star. All day Dray will just undermine that natural progress we expect to see over the next 2-3 years. He is too selfish to be the third option. He is too lazy to give a 100% effort in the minutes he plays. Despite his age, he is considered a veteran in the league . . . and the idea of him mentoring our younger guys is scary as hell.

If it comes to that decision, I think a few factors will play in.

1. Trade value. Wade will bring more in return than Bosh. Bosh is a 2nd tier player, not capable of being the dominant figure of the team so teams will not really trade much for him. Wade can fetch quality in return.)

Wade certainly has more value than Bosh. No arguing there.

2. Like I said earlier, the PR hit would be short term. After the trade there would be a huge overreaction by the Heat fan base. Then the regular season will start and they'll have a 60+ win team that will look much more cohesive, and have much more depth.

I disagree with you though on the PR hit being felt just in the short term. Remember, Miami is a front-runner city, without real basketball fans. Hell, the AAA wasn't even regularly sold out throughout most of the beginning of the season. They NEED the star power. They needed to court Lebron and Bosh, and create the situation where all three douchebags are on the court at the same time. And Wade is THE "star" down there. When people are actually at games, most of them wear those "Miami Wade County" T-Shirts or stuff like that. He is arguably the biggest athlete Miami has had since Dan Marino. If Miami ever traded him, the fan base would be pissed. And losing Wade would weigh more than getting 60+ wins down there.

Under any circumstance, I can't see Wade, LeBron and Bosh being a championship trifecta. The skillsets just don't mesh well together at all. Wade and LeBron are not off ball players and that is extremely tough in critical 4th quarter situations when the pace of the game slows down. IMO the reason teams like San Antonio and Boston have been succesful with big "threes" is because of at least one excellent off ball player (Ginobili and Allen).

Throughout most of the season I agreed with you that they cannot win a championship as presently constructed . . . and then the playoffs came. Despite the team's flaws - which they have an abundance of - the team was in the finals and could have very well won, had it not been Dirk in Game 2. I actually believe that Wade and Lebron CANNOT play with other "stars," as one is too selfish and the other one is just a baby. As you alluded to, they have to dominate the ball, and cannot excel in half-court offenses, especially when the other has the ball.

From a basketball standpoint, the team would win if they traded Wade and got pieces to adequately surround Lebron and Bosh. But there is no way in hell they would ever trade Wade. In all likelihood, if a hard-cap is imposed and the team needs to get under, they will trade Bosh . . . and then Miami will suffer in the win column.

The effect of a hard cap on Miami will be interesting. They will have two options to improve the depth of their team:

1. Spend a lot of resources on developing draft picks.

2. Get rid of one of the big 3. It would come down to Wade or Bosh. Realstically, it would make sense to get rid of Wade. Bosh despite his flaws, is still a top level 2nd tier big man. It would make a more balanced team, Wade is THE face of Miami sports so getting rid of him will have a PR hit. But how much will the fans care when LeBron and Bosh are still leading them to 60+ wins and they have better depth going into the playoffs?

While it makes much more sense to get rid of Wade (if your scenario becomes true), Miami would sooner ship out Bosh just because of Wade's standing in Miami (as you rightly mentioned).

God I hate that "team."

Regarding the idea of big-time FA coming to D.C., I absolutely believe that Leonsis will sign a top-tier guy in the next three years, as the prospect of playing with Wall will surely lure any NBA player who wants to win. As much as GACOLB praises Wall, he STILL is under-selling him. That's how good this kid is. I think that whatever new agreement is reached in the NBA, the salary structures will be changed (for the better). The days of bums (I don't have the time, patience or discipline to control my anger in listing all the players who qualify) will be gone. NBA players will have to shift their priorities from money to winning. Consequently, the Zards will be that much more appealing, as we could offer reasonable contracts AND the chance to play with a legitimate young STAR.

I am so torn with the NBA right now. Not as far as missing it goes, as I am going to severely miss watching games. Plus, I would like to continue to watch my wizards grow and mature around such a dynamic player like Wall. My conflict though comes in my HATRED for Le**** and the gang. I honestly feel that this would be the year the won . . . so I can go to sleep at night with a smile on my face knowing he still doesn't have a ring . . . but is instead STILL travelling at the Verizon Center.

Honestly, would Cleveland be that interested in Dray? His transformation to a soft 2 guard in every 4th quarter is on tape. Moreover, I have to believe that Antawn would discuss his fantastic work effort and mentality with Cleveland's front office and coaching staff.

Burgundy on White is the Washington Redskins . . . Although we went on that wonderful run with the White on White in 2005, the Burgundy ALWAYS looks better. It brings our wonderful history to the present.