The Steroid Era

I still have not completely resolved how to treat this whole steroid era thing, or the Mitchell report, but I have decided that this report in conjunction with the media's treatment of Eric Mangini of the Jets are both testament to our continued anti-whistleblower attitude in society. Or should I say the "stop snitching" attitude. I know that there are a vast array of issues and forces weighing on any individual regarding loyalty, duty and personal self preservation in these decisions... but it seems to me that the same media that gets frustrated by the lack of willingness to report crime are the same ones that go after anyone that breaks "unwritten codes." I'm not sure how to thoroughly weigh the competing forces, but I do know that it is annoying to have these conflicting values being promoted in the media.

Oh well...

Blame the media, right?

Poker for the kiddies...

An interesting piece in the NYT yesterday highlighted a new group being founded at Harvard Law, which focuses on promoting poker as an educational tool.

A Harvard Law School professor and a group of his students formed an organization this fall — the Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society — dedicated to demonstrating that poker has educational benefits. They argue that the game, which is probability-based and requires risk assessment, situational analysis and a gift for reading people, can be an effective teaching tool, whether for middle school math or in business and law classes.

I'm not totally convinced that promoting poker for middle school math learning is a positive expected value for the game as a whole, but I do appreciate a group working to show that this is not exclusively a game for degenerate gamblers. The variety of situations faced in a game are virtually endless and the number of decision points involved allow for a relatively fast learning environment. The value of poker for grad level students is not in doubt to me and it may be that younger kids can take a lesson from the game as well -- but it probably shouldn't be in the same form they see on TV. In addition, if poker is to be used as an educational tool -- it must include more than just NL Texas Hold'em. An exploration into Limit Hold'em may be the best spot to gain interest and keep math as the center focus... NL tends to involve much more reading of people and understanding implied odds and other factors.

Also, if any grad students want to learn how to play... I'd be glad to teach you. (Bring $50).

Young to Twins, Cordero to close for Cincy

Delmon Young was moved by the Devil (sic) Rays for Garza from the Twins. This likely will not be the biggest move of the offseason for the Twins as they seek to move Nathan and Santanna prior to the start of 2008 as well. If I were a Twins fan, I would have to be pretty frustrated. The Twinkies have turned into the 2000's version of the '90's expos... only actually making the playoffs. Producing talent in the organization that a fan gets to fall in love with, only to watch it sold off for more young talent is frustrating. I'm not sure what the best method is to address these profit seeking firesales... but they are not good for the game.

In other news, my beloved Commies (i.e. Reds) in the NL Central have went and got themselves a real deal closer through free agent Francisco Cordero. If my math is correct they are paying $11.5 million per year for Cordero, which equates to between $287-$500K per save (if he gets 23-40). I know that is just going rate, but it seems a bit high for me... Especially given the fact that the Reds can't anticipate being in that many important close games next year, can they?

In shameful news, La Russa was found guilty of a DWI/OWI/DUI offense stemming from an incident last spring. This isn't a proud badge to wear for such an articulate and kind man.


Fantasy Football Update:
I pulled off a 123-122.5 victory this past weekend. This was mostly do to Kolby Smith blowing up for 150 yards this past weekend, and thus has earned a starting spot on the Badger Hunds for this weekend's matchup versus the California Kats. Both teams come in with an 8-4 record and are tied for the divisional lead with two games remaining. The trouble for me will likely come from the Brady factor, but hopefully my newly acquired P. Manning will produce to a competitive level with Tommy boy. My defense matches up well, but the Kats also feature Ray Lewis who has been blowing up the tackles the past few weeks. With only two games left, this is the divisional championship -- Unless I win - splitting the season series, and then lose the last week when the Kats win. In that case the tiebreaker would go to the team with the most points scored, which at the moment the Badger Hunds are -60 behind the Kats. Have a good fantasy weekend.

Can a fourth stringer pull off a hundred yard day?

In possibly my biggest risk of the season, I'm starting Kolby Smith of the KC Chiefs this week in fantasy football. This was necessary after I lost Jacobs of the Giants last week. Manning, who I traded for two weeks ago, has now successfully put up a goose egg followed by an 18 point performance. Not what I needed. I am also gambling with starting Hackett from Seattle.

I am currently second in my division and only one game behind the division leader (who is stuck 60 points going into this afternoon - but who has Brady)so today is a huge game. I am playing the third place team in my division who is only 1.5 games back of me. I lead 28.5 to 20 going into this afternoon.



Hope you have a wonderful fantasy Sunday.

The Axe is ours...

The 'Sconsin Badgers took home Paul Bunyon's axe for the third straight year by beating the Golden Golphers this afternoon. Zach Brown looked marvelous.. but of course I could probably pick up a hundred yards against that D. It looks like we should be headed to the Outback bowl, but with Michigan in the mix - we may get shoved down to the Alamo Bowl or Champs Sports Bowl. The Champ Sports Bowl? this is just silly.

I have to applaud Ron Zook and his Fighting Illini for being the coach and team of the Big Ten this year.

Now it's on to the basketball season, were I will once again struggle with rooting against my native and alma mater Hoosiers... Should be fun to watch.

Big Ten Football

Well, it looks like my streak of predicting a loss for the home team continues to assure victory. (the 38-22 TOP was huge for the Badgers). go bucky! In other news, the Illini keep showing that the spread offense is a great equalizer as they got the Buckeyes. The Hoosiers loss devasted me, since I was predicting an 8-4 season.

Did anyone see the Navy game? That must have been one of the most ridiculous games in history to watch.

Badgers vs. Wolverines...

It appears that the honeymoon period for Mr. Bielema is coming to a close as the Badgers head into a home game against Michigan this weekend. The likelihood of victory is significantly lowered with stud running back P.J. Hill out with a leg injury. The good news for the Badgers is that, being a home game, Lance Smith, the back-up running back who can’t travel, will be available. The youngster Zach Brown will also get a chance to show himself. The Badgers will need to be successful moving the football on offense to keep the time of possession as close to in their favor as possible. This will mean that the Tyler Donovan led offense cannot afford the turnovers and three and outs of recent weeks. If Michigan keeps the ball in their hands for more than 36-40 minutes, the Badger defense will eventually breakdown and give up some big plays. The problem here for the Badgers is that Michigan is very capable of holding onto the football for long stretches via pounding it down the field with Mike Hart. Wisconsin’s hopes are with the offense taking care of the ball and making a big play or three and the defense holding the line and creating a turnover or two. This does not look good for the Badgers in Madison on Senior Day. Michigan 28 – Wisconsin 17.