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      Correcting Bill Simmons, Part 4: Bill’s not-so-unique idea and more three-point talk

      March 31, 2009 /

      In Bill Simmons’ latest mailbag, he responds to a number of different reader questions. Most of his answers are fine, but a few are puzzling…

      There should be a section on eBay that allows the auctioning of enticing future bets. For instance, a few weeks before the NBA season, I placed $300 on 15-to-1 odds that Cleveland would win the 2009 NBA title. Those odds have dropped to 2-to-1. Not that I would (after all, Cleveland is going to win the 2009 NBA title), but shouldn’t I have the option to sell that $300 ticket on eBay? What if someone bid $1,200 on it (which would be a smart move because, again, Cleveland is going to win the NBA title) and I was guaranteed a $900 return on my investment? Should I take the money? This would be a fun Web site, you have to admit. And if eBay can’t do it, then why couldn’t the casinos themselves build a Web site that allows people to sell future tickets and get a second cut on the action? It all makes too much sense.

      Yeah…okay…this already exists — it’s called a “long-term market” and my favorite online sportsbook WSEX.com, has had them for at least five years now. Go to the site, hit “Pro Basketball” on the left, hit “Pro Championship” under “Long-Term Markets” on the main screen — there’s a long-term market where gamblers can buy and sell wagers on who will win the NBA championship. They have 1-pays (where only a share in the winner is worth something) and 4-pays (where shares in the winner, runner-up, and third and fourth place teams are worth something). You can buy and sell these shares throughout the year.

      How does a guy that calls himself “The Sports Guy” not know about this? Didn’t he hit up any of his colleagues/friends at ESPN in all the time that he has pondered this eBay idea of his?

      As of right…..now…..I’m not going to refer to Bill Simmons as “The Sports Guy” any longer. As far as I’m concerned, he has lost the right to have that nickname.

      And then there’s this doozy…

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      Humor, NBA

      NFL Draft analysis: “The 3-4 Tweener”

      March 31, 2009 /

      Below is an interesting article by Hunter Ashley of DraftZoo.com on NFL draft prospects who are defensive ends, but are viewed as 3-4 outside linebackers at the next level because of their size.

      There comes a time in many players’ careers when the coach calls them in, sits them down, and “asks” them to switch positions for the good of the team, and often for the good of the player. Sometimes a change in spots is a savvy career move. I recently interviewed UNLV running back Frank Summers who was asked to play fullback in the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game. He was receptive to the change. In fact, he was so receptive that he hauled in four passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. Brian Toal of Boston College took that a step further and worked out as a fullback and a safety at his pro day after realizing that he lacked the size to remain at linebacker in the pros. Voila, Toal is now a draftable player.

      Of course, it is a gamble, and it doesn’t always work out so well. Just take a gander at Vernon Gholston. Perceived as an athletic freak and a near lock to transition smoothly from collegiate defensive end to professional rush linebacker, Gholston took the F train to Bust City in his first year as a pro.

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      NFL, NFL Draft

      2009 MLB Preview: #3 New York Mets

      March 31, 2009 /

      Click Here to see Previews of all 30 MLB Teams

      Offseason Movement: In a major effort to try and bolster their bullet riddled bullpen, the Mets signed top free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez, who saved a record 62-games last season for the Angels. The Mets also acquired reliever J.J. Putz, outfielder Jeremy Reed and RHP Sean Green in a three team swap with the Mariners and Indians. The club signed free agent starter Freddy Garcia, but after he gave up 15 runs in just seven innings this spring, they reassigned him to minor league camp. Livan Hernandez – yet another free agent signing – fared much better and will be the Mets’ fifth starter when the season opens. Casey Fossum, Alex Cora, Darren O’Day, Rocky Cherry, Connor Robertson and Cory Sullivan round out the rest of New York’s offseason additions.

      Top Prospect: Wilmer Flores, SS
      Outfield prospect Fernando Martinez also deserves mention here, but Flores is already showing potential at just 17 years old. Flores is light years away from the big leagues, but he’s already drawing comparisons to Miguel Cabrera in terms of his potential at such a young age. The Mets will likely move Flores along slowly and let him develop his skills. There’s absolutely no need to rush him, but he’ll get his opportunity to shine in the next couple of years.

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      MLB

      Couch Potato Alert (3/31)

      March 31, 2009 /

      NBA
      Tues, 7 PM: Pistons @ Cavs (NBATV)
      Tues, 10 PM: Jazz @ Trail Blazers
      Wed, 8:30 PM: Heat @ Mavs
      Wed, 10 PM: Rockets @ Suns
      Thurs, 10:30 PM: Jazz @ Nuggets (TNT)

      NHL
      Tues, 7:30 PM: Blackhawsk @ Canadiens (Versus)
      Wed, 7:30 PM: Flyers @ Maple Leafs (TSN)
      Thurs, 7 PM: Rangers @ Hurricanes

      College Hoops (NIT)
      Tues, 7 PM: Baylor vs. San Diego State (ESPN2)
      Tues, 9 PM: Notre Dame vs. Penn State (ESPN2)

      College Basketball, Couch Potato Alert, NBA, NHL, Television

      Falcons, Vick reach a settlement on contract grievance

      March 31, 2009 /

      The Falcons and suspended quarterback Michael Vick have reached a settlement regarding a grievance that the team filed against him for a breach of contract.

      Under the settlement, Vick has agreed to pay the Falcons $7.5 million if the team wins an appeal in the Eighth Circuit Court and $6.5 million if the court upholds U.S. District Judge David Doty’s decision that Vick is only liable for $3.75 million.

      The settlement should pave the way for Vick’s imminent release from the team. He has remained under contract with the team while serving a 21-month prison term for his 2007 conviction for bankrolling a dogfighting operation.

      In the settlement reached last week, sources say that Vick agreed to let the appeals court make a ruling but would only pay a maximum of $7.5 million and a minimum of $6.5 million. The appeals court is expected to rule no later than June.

      While it’ll be nice for the Falcons to get some money back from Vick, from a fan’s perspective the question becomes, does the team get any cap relief in this settlement? Atlanta catches a break in terms of the salary cap with Vick being suspended and he’ll never see the money owed to him in 2010 through 2012 because the Falcons will eventually release him, but what about 2009? If commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t suspend him again once he’s out of prison, then Vick is owed $9 million in 2009, plus another $6.43 million in roster bonuses. Can the Falcons apply the $7.5 million they will/could get in the contract settlement towards that lofty cap number in 2009? Or do they still have to eat his salary because they’re releasing him? Is there life on other planets? What’s the meaning of life? Did a comet really kill all the dinosaurs or was it all just a part of evolution?

      I need a drink.

      NFL

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