Magazine for Today’S Sports Fan

“KINGS OF THE FUTURE” By Sonny Sachdeva THE MAGAZINE FOR TODAY’S SPORTS FAN

OCTOBER 2016 NO. 14

WIZARDS’ FORTUNES ON THE RISE HOW, DID WE END UP HERE? THE DEFLATE-GATE SAGA HAS FOREVER 78 TARNISHED TOM BRADY THE HUNT FOR A MEANINGFUL PLAYOFF RUN THE BOOK OF ELI MANNING SADDLE ACES WILD HOW THE CARDINALS’ UP! STARTING ROTATION HAS REVOLUTIONIZED BASEBALL THE ROYAL WAY QB CONUNDRUM: DID BILL O’BRIEN MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION TAB- 60 BING BRIAN HOYER AS STARTER? THE RISE OF J.J. WATT

TSJ MAGAZINE · PRICE SPORTS JOURNAL. / 3 Featured: Sections Index 16 06 Digital Edition The Rise of J.J. Watt 08 Photo Gallery The Upcoming NFL Season Could Be one of the Most Exci- 32 Reports ting Ones in Years. 38 Soundoff 20 42 Gridiron New York City FC’s Bid 54 The Dugout European superstars beginning to click as season enters final 66 Hardwood Nation phase 82 Letter from the 26 Editor Blue October The Hunt for a meaningful playoff run from the Los Angeles Dodgers

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6 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 7 Unleashing DeAndre Hopkins

With Andre Johnson gone and All-Pro running back Arian Foster continuously battling ailments, the Hous- ton Texans’ most deadliest weapon on offense is now DeAndre Hopkins. Draf- ted in the first round (27th overall) back in 2013, Hop- kins has displayed immen- se promise through two seasons with the Texans; especially in ’14, where he finished 12th in receiving yards (1,210 yards), ahead of names like A.J. Green, Calvin Johnson, and Rob Gronkowski. However, because there’s uncertainty at the quarterback position, it will have a direct effect towards Hopkins’ production this season. There’s no doubt Hopkins has big play potential, but if the man throwing it to him — Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett — can’t get him the ball, where’s the value? Nevertheless, expect Hopkins to trump his stats from last season, due to his consistent trend upwards. Houston, you got a winner.

Photograph by Braden Shirley The Sports Journal Melting Ice

Want to know why Cal- gary has turned up the heat? Look no further than this man: Sean Monahan. Se- lected 6th overall in 2013, Monahan, at the young age of 18, has been a mainstay in the Flames’ lineup since day one. Now 20, Monahan, who’s entering his third season in Calgary, is looking to build off his team-leading 31 goals in 2014-15 and further establish himself as an elite player in the NHL. Helping guide Calgary to the playoffs after going five straight seasons without partaking in the show, Monahan has the ability to let the Fla- mes take the next step and march closer to hoisting the cup. While the vast majority of viewers will zero-in on the Sidney Crosby’s and Alexander Ovechkin’s of the hockey world, Monahan will undoubtedly sneak under the radar and make some noise this season. Monahan is a star in the making. Fla- me on.

Photograph by Tegan Barr The Sports Journal Shooting Stars

Regardless of their result, what an unbelievable turnaround for the Hous- ton Astros. Locked in as cellar-dwellers for what seems like a decade, the Astros, with their shining young prospects and their undying camaraderie, have managed to make themselves relevant again. Owning the American League West, after high-spenders like the Seattle Mariners or the highly-touted Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were favored to dominate, Hous- ton, from out of nowhere, shook off all odds and found themselves in playoff contention. There will be doub- ters as to if Houston has the stones to push for a World Series title this fall, but with cornerstone players such as José Altuve, Carlos Correa, Dallas Keuchel and Geor- ge Springer, it’ll be hard to bet against them. One thing’s certain, those players, and every other one aged in their early 20’s, will be terrorizing the league for years. Start counting down, because we have lift off.

Photograph by Dominick Walker The Sports Journal NYCFC’s Trinity Finally Produces

The MLS’s newest team made big splashes this season by signing Frank Lam- pard, David Villa, and An- drea Pirlo, but there have been issues when it comes to building chemistry between the three of them. Frank Lampard has missed numerous games due to injuries, which has hindered New York City FC’s ability to develop a strong founda- tion for the future.

However, New York City FC’s 3-2 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on September 19, 2015 might be an indicator of exactly what this team’s future en- tails. The trifecta of Villa, Lampard, and Pirlo were at their best against San Jose. David Villa scored, while Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo created opportunities for their teammates throughout the match.

Photograph by Justin Diaz The Sports Journal 2015 NFL ANALYSIS THE RISE OF J.J. WATT g BY / MATT WYATT PHOTOGRAPHY BY / BRADEN SHIRLEY/THE SPORTS JOURNAL here isn’t much social media. And honestly, Houstonian men don’t even position, making the trio a potential Pandora’s box more that can despise him for it. A Watt dating app has been created, for opposing teams if the Texans were to somehow be said about J.J. and if prospective women answer all 20 questions cor- scoop all three. Watt. rectly, then the app will tweet Watt about the potential suitor. His Twitter feed probably sees more action than The Texans could be just two convocation ceremo- His accolades Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras. The heartthrob nies away from having a player dynasty in their speak for them- effect has gone full-swing in Houston. Steve McQueen midst. selves, and count- has returned from the grave to play football. less articles and There was once a void for a sports idol to feature stories “People [I know] emerge in Houston. Watt has climbed the moun- have been written think that I’ve never tain and is now perched on top as the leading highlighting dated before, or what- sports icon, not only in Houston, but his abilities what is poten- ever,” Watt said in an and persona have swept the nation. tially the greatest NFL.com interview. sports phenom- James Harden and Dwight Howard epitomize enon the city of “But I’m trying. I’m a basketball team that has finally fought its way Houston will trying. I’m just unsuc- back into contention. Carli Lloyd, twice an Olym- ever see.. The only question is: How much higher cessful. My schedule’s pic gold medalist, has become the face of the can this wave of popularity and cultish following so crazy and life’s so Houston Dash, a National Women’s Soccer League possibly go? team. The Astros have even pulled themselves out T busy, it just hasn’t worked,” he said. of a slump of mediocrity that seemingly protract- THE TEXANS COULD BE JUST The Sugar Land Skeeters, an independent base- JJ Watt ed from their last World Series appearance. Craig ball team in the Houston area, have hosted Watt Leaps to His presence on television is almost as constant as TWO CONVOCATION Biggio recently became the first Hall of Famer in for charity baseball practice at a 7,500-capacity block a pass his ubiquity on the field. franchise history, but it is another Astros player Constellation Field for the past three years. Without from Jameis CEREMONIES AWAY that has the potential to contend with Watt for fail, Watt’s assured-presence at the venue crashes Winston of Football is the consummate “team sport.” However, the position of “Mr. Houston.” the Skeeters’ website within hours each time tickets the Tampa as each week passes, it becomes clear that Watt has FROM HAVING A PLAYER go on sale. And this is not an organization unaccus- Bay Bucca- put an entire franchise on his shoulders. In grieving a DYNASTY IN THEIR MIDST tomed to gaudy promotional techniques. Two-time neers during recent loss, sportscasters and fans alike will find solace Through 97 games Carlos Correa has accrued NBA scoring champion Tracy McGrady, seven-time game 3 of in a helmetless, nose-bleeding sack or a swatted pass seriously and I’m very proud, I’m very proud to 22 home runs, more than any other shortstop in a season in Astros Cy Young winner Roger Clemens and 500-homer the 2015 that will completely make up for a stale offensive per- go out there and represent, not only my team but franchise history. His barrage of homers has also surpassed the mark and 3,000-hit club member Rafael Palmeiro have Texans formance. When Watt makes a big play, it’s almost, no, the NFL in general.” set by Lance Berkman for any rookie on the team, making him all played in Sugar Land; the computer systems football it is bigger than the Texans winning. Opposing squads already the greatest rookie slugger the Astros have ever seen. have remained intact. season. triple-team him in an attempt to nullify his presence. And if that wasn’t enough, the 2014 AP Defen- Watt even finds a way to provide an offensive spark sive Player of the Year’s pedigree will potentially His .282 batting average through his first 97 games is better than His commercial endorsements are on a continu- when it seems that the Texans’ offense has gone sterile. continue to permeate throughout the league. Alex Rodriguez (.273), Derek Jeter (.273), and Nomar Garciaparra (.281) ous loop, you cannot turn on any local channels in His brothers, Derek and T.J., are following their in their respective first 97 games. He doesn’t just outperform that elite Houston without seeing a smiling, 6-5 athletic beast In a notorious streak of wideout ineptitude, the brother’s footsteps through the University of Wis- company with his batting average; his 67 RBIs and home run total eating yogurt, curling or neck-deep in a choreo- Kansas City Chiefs went over a year without a wide consin. Middle brother Derek will be eligible for exceed those shortstops by a mile. His all-around skillset has made graphed swimming routine; usually within the receiver catching a touchdown pass. Jeremy Maclin the draft after this season after playing fullback him just as much a threat on the base paths as in the batter’s box; he same program break. has since broken that run of bad luck, but during that for the Badgers. Out of high school, however, he has 12 steals. His fanbase continues to grow, and it will be interesting streak Watt caught three touchdown passes. Soon, we was ranked the No. 74 outside linebacker in the to see him vie for the position as No. 1 sports icon in Houston, despite This writer has personally witnessed his girl- will probably see him taking snaps under center as country by ESPN scouts and labeled a three-star the security that Watt presently has in that role. friend and mother both swoon to the sound or well. recruit. J.J. was also labeled a three-star recruit, mention of “their J.J.” Every bachelor in Houston and we can all see how that panned out. J.J. Watt’s stock continues to soar, but has he caused Houston’s has to compete with a man that chooses to spend Watt did not ask for this heightened popularity, but sports’ stock to rise also, or are other iconic athletes following in he has embraced it and taken it with grace. more time on the football field than in the public Braden Shirley/The Sports Journal T.J., the third son of Pewaukee, Wisc., was also his footsteps to reach similar statuses? The Rockets are poised to limelight. labeled a three-star recruit and is currently a remain in contention as long as Harden and Howard are in the mix, “I am comfortable in that position (face of the NFL) sophomore for the Badgers. He stands at the same both men and women’s soccer teams in the area are growing and the Recently, Watt announced that he is looking for because I understand the responsibility that comes height as J.J., and was ranked the No. 28 tight end Houston Astros have a Puerto Rican prodigee the likes of which have a girlfriend, causing a region-wide frenzy akin to with it,” Watt said to CBS Houston. by ESPN scouts out of high school. After being not been seen since the days of Roberto Clemente. the situation that boy bands tend to create with recruited as a tight end, T.J. switched to outside young females. Women, young and old, have solic- “I understand the amount of eyeballs that are on linebacker this season. It is apparent that the J.J. Watt has caused a stir in Houston, but who will be the one to ited themselves as Watt’s potential mate through somebody that has that kind of title. And I take it very three brothers all have innate versatility at any continue to rise to the occasion? 18 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 19 2015 NYCFC BID g BY / MARCUS OADES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY/ JUSTIN DIAZ/ THE SPORTS JOURNAL ew York City Football Club did not exist until it was announced as Major League Soccer’s twentieth franchise only two years ago.

Now though, with the likes of Frank Lam- pard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa in their ranks, they boast some of Europe’s star names and have generated huge excitement and interest across America.

Yet, their first season in the MLS has been a tough assignment. They sit ninth in the Eastern Conference, and only have seven wins from their 28 matches this season.

Their recent form is hardly anything to shout about either. They have won just two of their last eight games, and lost five of their last seven, including a 5-1 battering at the Nhands of Western Conference leading Los Angeles Galaxy on Aug. 23. This all sounds doom and gloom, and laying just a place above the bottom spot will not fill the 30,000 fans that cram into the Yankee Stadium every week with a great deal of satisfaction.

However, Jason Kreis’ side are just four points shy of the final playoff place, currently occupied by Montreal Impact. Just two victories from the end of season playoffs, which would no doubt represent a success in their inaugural season in America’s top soccer league.

They’ve still got six games to force their way into the top-six.

They have winnable games coming up as well. DC United have lost three of their last four matches, and Orlando City have won just one of their last seven games.

Manager Kreis scathingly criticized his side’s effort and desire following their 2-1 home defeat to Columbus Crew on Aug. 29, stating that it was the second time in succession that his team “quit” after going behind.

Desire was definitely not an issue in defeat at FC Dallas on Sept. 12, though. It was quite simply a lack of quality defensively, as well as a flaw in the system, which did for New York that day in Texas.

The MLS is becoming an increasingly competitive division. The quality of opponent and player is evolving year after year. It is attracting some top players from around the globe.

New York City may have experienced international stars, such as Pirlo, Lampard and Villa, probably the best trio of Designated Players in the division, but it doesn’t mean they are immediately a cut above the rest.

These players, certainly the first two, need time to adapt to the division.

Lampard and Pirlo don’t seem to have had the impact many expected they would. Two players who triumphed repeatedly in Europe.

36-year-old Pirlo, who won 16 major honours at AC Milan and Juventus, as well as a World Cup winner’s medal with Italy in 2006, is seen as one of

SPORTS JOURNAL. / 23 the greatest midfielders in the game. week-in-and-week-out.

The man can control a whole game with his two feet. Age Poku’s exactly the type of player who can does not seem to be much of a limit, but his ability to get make the runs, and latch onto the quality up and down the pitch, specifically tracking back, has been through-balls Lampard and Pirlo repeatedly questioned. produce. He clearly possesses that invaluable attacking flair. But this is not what Pirlo does best. The system played against FC Dallas, leaving Pirlo having to navigate a huge Poku has a big future at both club and in- space between attack and defense, something which he is ternational level. But he’s not one just for the not as adept at doing at his age. future, he’s also for the present.

You want the Italian on the ball, dictating the flow and New York City needs to end the season well pace of the game, spraying balls out to the left and right to if they are to force themselves into the top-six. set up attacks. Obviously, he has to contribute to defensive duties, but expecting History may not be on their side. Not many him to cover the ground he was left against Dallas is a teams have reached the playoffs in their first stretch too far. season in the MLS. The Seattle Sounders did back in Give Pirlo time on the ball, and he will punish any team. 2009, but no other team has managed it. And teams have realized that. They are quick to close him down, as many as two or three players are surrounding him, One defeat and they could be bottom. A couple forcing him to move it quicker than he would like. of wins and they could be sixth. It’s so tight. Every point is absolutely vital. Lampard, winner of 13 major titles at Chelsea and capped over 100 times by England, is everywhere on a football This season, Villa has netted 15 of his team’s goals. The KWANDO POKU IS pitch. next best striker is Patrick Mullins with five. Football is not a one or two man team, but when you’ve EXACTLY THE SORT got the caliber of players such as Lampard, He can pick the ball up deep and travel; he can play forty Villa is a quality forward. He has obviously proved to be Pirlo and Villa, they are an inspiration to the rest of the more than a match for most defenses in the MLS, but oth- or fifty yard passes up the pitch and out wide. But it’s his OF PLAYER WHO group. They’re leaders; they’re role-models; ers must chip in with goals. He’s also on top of the assists darts and ghosting into the penalty area that has seen him their experience is invaluable, and surely beneficial to the score the goals he has throughout his scintillating career. He charts with seven. DEFENDERS HAVE younger players. is Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer -- an incredible feat for a midfielder. It gives sense to the notion that if Villa does not turn up, NIGHTMARES ABOUT or has a slight off-day, then New York City will struggle to However, the focus can be too much on them. Teams But his early MLS career has been blighted by injury. score goals. their hopes of achieving a top-six place this season. will set up to squeeze Pirlo, force him to play quickly at a pace he is unaccustomed to. Teams will man-mark The first half performance was good, they looked threatening At 36, it is also worth remembering that both players However, they seem to be beginning to gel. They are not Lampard, and prevent him making those deadly runs far away from frequently winning games. going forward, especially through Lampard, but two goals in are past their peak. They aren’t as good as they were or into the box. Teams will man-mark Villa, force him wide, three minutes, one of which a result of farcical defending, gave have been, yet they still possess that match-winning quality make sure he’s not in that penalty area where he can do envied all over the world. Everything good that New York City did in their game them too much to do in the second half. against Dallas came through Lampard. Pirlo had a little bit the damage. Both men need time to adapt to the differing demands of more time on the ball, and was able to set up attacks, espe- When things just click, New York City FC will win games. But America’s top league. And they each need time to adapt to cially getting the ball wide to the pacey Angelino. it’s also about looking forward to next season. Yet, there is still time. There is still time for Pirlo and the system Kries implements. Lampard to adapt to the division, and have a major say in They are players who New York City have simply got to If Kreis can stumble across a winning formula at the back the latter stages of the season. embed in the side and play to their strengths. Whether that Arguably, there is too much focus on these individuals, end of this season, not only could it propel his side into the play- means placing another player in midfield with a more de- offs, but it sets them up brilliantly for next season. which may be good for the global reach of the MLS, a divi- The season remains in their hands. They are not far fensive mindset, or only playing one of them is a decision sion still in the early stages of its career, but surely it hinders Kries must make, and make soon. away from clicking. They are not far away from produc- the progress and exposure of the rest of the team. Although the furore surrounds the Designated Players, there are others in that New York side who have got genuine quality ing the goods needed to get into the top-six. They also played well first half against Columbus Crew, and enormous potential. While it is hardly surprising that the excitement levels Justin Diaz/The Sports Journal and looked good going forward, yet the defensive vulnera- Whether they can click in time to go against history soar by the arrival of European superstars, it can be a bility remained. distraction, and immediately puts pressure on them to 22-year-old Kwadwo Poku has had a marvelous season. and achieve a playoff place remains to be seen. perform. The first Columbus goal was a free-header from a corner, This season, he has four goals, including a brace in the 2-2 after Pirlo let his man out of his sight, and the second came Take Villa, for example. The Spaniard, having enjoyed a draw with Columbus Crew on Aug. 19, and seven assists, the after the hosts lost possession in their own half. successful career in homeland Spain with Valencia, Barce- joint-most at the club alongside Villa. lona and Atletico Madrid, became the first player on the The Dallas game was of similar mold. It wasn’t a must- books at New York City back in 2014. A technically-gifted youngster with bundles of energy - ex- win game, but to not pick up anything was a huge dent in actly the sort of player who defenders have nightmares about 24 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 25 The Los Angeles Dodgers And The Rest Of The Field

By Benjamin Ebert Photograph by: Eduardo Serpa/The Sports Journal

26 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 27 Blue October The hunt for a meaningful playoff run from the Los Angeles Dodgers

By Benjamin Ebert

t is the home stretch for the MLB be done on the diamond in October. shortstop was called up in early Sep- regular-season, with September tember and has provided the Dodgers Ispeeding by. If you head out to Here are three reasons why the with exactly what they hoped to get your local baseball stadium, you’ll li- 2015 ‘Boys in Blue’ appear to be a true out of him: clear-cut talent. kely smell the freshly made popcorn, winning combination that could bring grilled hot dogs, or garlic fries. back World Series glory that Los An- Through seven games, Seager has geles hasn’t enjoyed in more than 25 batted .360 with an on-base percenta- But the fans at Dodger Stadium years. ge of .429 and a .520 slugging percen- on Chavez Ravine aren’t just getting tage. He has also provided manager whiffs of delicious snacks; they smell Young Blood Don Mattingly with more options on a playoff run. And you can bet their the left side of the infield, being able to mouths are watering for a World Se- Something the Dodgers have had play at both shortstop and third base. ries appearance and, if possible, a to brag about this year is their young championship trophy. talent. The talk of Los Angeles, as well Yes, Los Angeles appears to have as the entire baseball world, for the something very right going on in its After a very mediocre August first half of the season was the pla- minor-league system, which provides which saw the Los Angeles Dodgers yer taking over for the beloved Matt more reason to be excited for the futu- go 15-12, which also included losing Kemp in center field: Joc Pederson. re of Dodger baseball. sweeps to the Pittsburgh Pirates, The 23-year-old turned out to be a Oakland Athletics and Houston As- phenom at the plate, hitting 20 home tros, it appeared as though it was runs through the first three months No More going to be a tough race for the NL of the season. He was even invited to ‘Hollywood’ Heads West with the rival San Francisco Cincinnati to participate in the Home Giants. Run Derby, where he ended up taking “I think the pieces fit together second place in the competition. Cu- more as a baseball team than a collec- But thanks to a strong start to Sep- rrently, he leads all MLB rookies with tion of talent,” Mattingly said in a Los tember, which saw Los Angeles sweep 24 home runs. Angeles Times report back in January San Francisco, take three-out-of-four of this year. It was a quote that very against the San Diego Padres and But Pederson has had even more truthfully and indirectly summed up two-out-of-three against the Angels, to offer the Dodgers than just his how the Dodger manager felt about the Dodgers have separated them- power bat. He has also shown his skill losing Kemp and Hanley Ramirez. selves in their division with a strong with the leather and proven himself enough lead to spark talks about po- as a well-qualified replacement for And now that we have seen what tential matchups the team would have Kemp, both offensively and defensi- kind of talent the Dodgers have had in the NLDS. vely. to replace Kemp and Ramirez, who would disagree with Mattingly’s sta- While there is still a decent Although Pederson has cooled off tement? Eduardo Serpa/The Sports Journal amount of baseball to be played, it at the plate since early July, he is sure- is safe to say the Dodger payroll has ly who the Dodgers want manning the There is definitely cohesiveness to “paid off” in likely getting the team grass straightaway from home plate. this Dodgers roster that appeared to to the postseason as NL West cham- be lacking in previous years. And it is pions for the third-straight year. But However, Pederson is no longer likely due to the fact that two particu- if the Dodgers really want to be taken the youngest Dodger sensation. That lar ‘Hollywood-headed’ players are no seriously, and not dismissed as the title, as of right now, has been passed longer in L.A. overpaid chokers, it’s going to have to on to 21-year-old Corey Seager. The

28 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 29 Yes Ramirez and Kemp are very is even fair to ask if the Dodger’s ace and rotation the Dodgers go into Oc- talented players, and many teams Kershaw will be able to, as he hasn’t tober with, they will hopefully have would grateful to add just one of them had many flattering performances in a little luck on their side, because in to their rosters. However, althou- the postseason. the game of baseball it certainly takes gh the Dodgers are in Hollywood, it more than just talent to go all the way. seems keeping that ‘celebrity’ attitude The primary questions for the ro- out of the clubhouse has been the ri- tation revolve around Brett Anderson, Sure, teams need to have their best ght move by the front office. Now it’s and Alex Wood. Anderson has shown and most talented players putting in just time to see it take the club to the ups and downs this season, while the work, but they also need to have next level. Wood has given the Dodger faithful that one player get hot at the plate, or hope in his small sample size of games that one overlooked pitcher to start Depth, depth, depth, and the Pitching Rotation

A serious crutch for the Dodgers in the postseason has been depth. Both weak pitching and injuries plagued Los Angeles in their recent playoff runs. But this year is shaping up to be a different kind of team… hopefully.

The Dodgers, when healthy, have a loaded outfield and infield. They have versatile players, such as Kike Hernandez, Alex Guerrero and Sco- tt Van Slyke, that know how play the game both on the dirt and on the grass.

However, while the Dodgers shouldn’t have to worry pitched so far in Dodger blue. looking like a Cy Young contender. about fielders, the most concerning part of the roster is the pitching. Former Dodger Mat Latos’ situa- But for Los Angeles fans, they’ll tion opened the door for Mike Bolsin- be happy enough if their three-time The Dodgers suffered the loss of ger, another Dodger pitcher that has Cy Young award winner can pitch as two of their starting pitchers early this had encouraging performances this such in the postseason. year, with Hyun-jin Ryu and Brandon year. McCarthy forced on the shelf back in Gear up Dodgers fans, because it’s April with season-ending surgeries. The clock is ticking towards the time to see if this year’s team can be Fortunately, it didn’t cause the Do- end of the regular season, which Molly Knight’s “the best money can Stephen Dunn/Getty Images dgers enough trouble to keep them means players that are injured will buy.” from competing. But the true test is need to get healthy and questions yet to come. Will the starting rotation that are unanswered will need to get after Zack Greinke and Clayton Kers- answered, if they can be. haw be able to perform in high-pressure postseason games? Actually, it Regardless of whatever lineup

30 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 31 Reports 20 goals as a rookie. He didn’t slow down in year two. With 31 goals and 62 in his sophomore season, Monahan became only the 11th player in the last two decades to top 30 goals and 30 Carrying the Torch assists before age 21 — joining an elite list that includes such Sean Monahan could finish as Calgary’s greatest goalscorer since Jarome Iginla names as Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Steven Stamkos, By Sonny Sachdeva and Jonathan Toews.

Already an undeniable home-run for the Flames, and only one year removed from his teenage years, Monahan seems poised to only improve as he continues with the Fla- mes. In doing so, he could very well cement his place among Calgary’s all-time greats. players’ season-by-season per- Monahan would reign as the Consider this — Iginla cu- formance to account for these second-highest goalscorer in rrently sits as the top goalsco- fluctuations. Flames history, right behind rer in Flames history with 525 Iginla. goals. He accomplished that Iginla played 15 full seasons sum in 1,219 games for the Fla- in Calgary, plus half a season in Of course, there’s no telling mes, during his 17-year tenure 2012–13 before he was traded how exactly Monahan’s career that stretched from 1996 to to Pittsburgh. After his 20-goal will progress. Perhaps he’ll 2013. rookie campaign, and a disa- continue at his current pace, ppointing sophomore season, though he may in fact raise his Monahan has posted 53 Iginla posted two seasons that goals threshold even higher or goals through 156 games thus saw him flirt with the 30-goal see his stats decline sharply far. Projecting that scoring he Calgary Flames’ re- berth, it was clear the future Entry Draft – which they used mark, as he finished with 28 over the coming years. A ple- pace over the 1,219-game span surgence began in late Hall of Famer needed to move to draft Canadian centreman and 29 goals, respectively. thora of uncontrollable factors that Iginla played in Calgary, March, 2013. on from the Stampede City to Sean Monahan. From that point on, Iginla to- will all play their parts, thou- T we would see Monahan sco- pped 30 goals for 11 straight gh it seems, from Monahan’s fulfill his hopes of winning a ring 414 goals. Of course, that It was then that the Flames championship before the end Now, two years later, Mo- seasons in Calgary — a run that perspective, he has all the tools assumes that the young sniper decided to part ways with ve- of his career. nahan has positioned himself was highlighted by two 50-goal to continue putting pucks in scores at an unchanging pace teran captain Jarome Iginla, as one of the finest young sco- and two 40-goal seasons. the net. for the entirety of his career, ending the legendary scorer’s But Iginla’s departure see- rers in the game, and could which almost certainly won’t 17-year run in Calgary with a med sure to bring about dark in fact end up as the greatest Monahan has already pos- Aside from innate goals- be the case. blockbuster deal that swapped days for the Flames — an era goalscorer in Flames history ted a 22-goal rookie year and coring ability, the young pi- his red and yellow for Pittsbur- of dwelling in the league’s ba- since Iginla. a 31-goal follow-up effort. Let’s vot also has a nose for putting Potential injuries and na- gh’s black and gold. sement while slowly trying to assume he matches Iginla in himself in specific situations tural fluctuations in offensive rebuild their empty crop of That isn’t pure conjecture. terms of the length of his ca- that bring a high likelihood of output (that is, fluctuations ba- Without Iginla leading the prospects. That’s how it was Through two seasons in the big reer in Calgary, and suits up for success. The majority of Mo- sed on such things as age) will club’s offensive charge, the supposed to go, at least – but leagues, Monahan has establi- another 15 full seasons there. nahan’s 2014–15 tallies came

Tegan Barr/The Sports Journal surely cause Monahan’s sco- Flames finished the season as this slow decline never came to shed his undeniable scoring from right in front of the net, ring pace to dip and increase at the second-worst team in their be. prowess, tallying a combined If Monahan can top 30 the result of him planting him- different points, most notably division. It was a bittersweet 53 goals — the most of any pla- goals in 10 of those 13 seasons self in the slot and awaiting an during the final stretch of his moment for the Calgary fai- After finishing as one of the yer from his draft class. — and perhaps even hit 40 opening to pounce. While it career. thful. After years of watching five worst teams in the league goals at least twice — he would may not be flashy, it’s a choice Iginla score with astounding by the end of 2012–13, the In his rookie campaign, finish with around 370 goals that sets the young scorer up That being the case, let’s consistency, only to see his Flames earned the sixth-ove- Monahan became the first Fla- by the time he gets to the end for plenty of quality opportuni- take a closer look at the two team finish short of a playoff rall selection in the 2013 NHL mes forward since Iginla to top of that 15th campaign. At 370, ties each game, as he chooses

32 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 33 to work predominantly in the Iginla amassed 1,095 points up on the same line for the fo- offensive area with the highest during his tenure in Calgary reseeable future. traffic, rather than looking to (1996–2013) – the next hi- shoot from a distance. ghest point total over that span Add in the rest of the Fla- was Craig Conroy’s 308. Si- mes’ promising core – inclu- Add in the fact that Mo- milarly, the highest goals total ding fourth-overall draft pick nahan boasts elite stickhand- during that span, after Iginla’s Sam Bennett and emerging ling skill and deceptive shot 525, was Daymond Langkow’s elite defenders T.J. Brodie and mechanics — he’s been noted 123 tallies. Dougie Hamilton – and it’s as being hard to read due to clear Monahan is anything but the fact that he shoots while The central issue was that the only gem in the Flames’ standing square to the net, as none of Iginla’s talented li- chest. opposed to lining up with the nemates stayed long enough net at his side and twisting as to build a serious contender. Furthermore, Monahan’s he follows through — and it Iginla had reliable goalscorers career has already begun to seems there’s no reason to as- join him for brief periods of shift towards an established culture of winning. While the young pivot’s rookie year saw Calgary finish outside of the playoff picture, his second campaign brought a trip to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Guided by the strong veteran leadership of captain Mark Giordano and head coach Bob Hartley, the Flames have dras- tically altered the league-wide perception of the team in an extremely short amount of time. In doing so, they’ve begun to foster a culture of winning – of expecting only the best and refusing to settle for anything less than contender status.

That certainly bodes well for the Flames organization sume Monahan’s scoring pace time (Mike Cammalleri, Valeri – but for Monahan, it means will slow any time soon. Bure, Kristian Huselius), but something else. It means that for the majority of his career, he’ll have every opportunity There’s one other key fac- Iginla was the Flames’ leading needed to become one of Cal- tor that plays into Monahan’s offensive force, and had little gary’s all-time greats, as his success – and one that Iginla secondary scoring help. top-tier skill has been supple- was deprived of for much of mented by an exceptiona- his reign in Calgary – a talen- Monahan, however, seems lly favourable environment. ted supporting cast. to have the opposite set-up in That being the case, the one Calgary. The young centreman they call “Moneyhands” Mo- Tegan Barr/The Sports Journal While Iginla had talented has not only a talented young nahan looks poised to con- players come in and out of offensive force to develop tinue on his current ascent the lineup, he never had an alongside him – Johnny Gau- through the Flames record elite young core that came up dreau – but he has the added books, and should finish alongside him. The numbers benefit of this offensive part- among the team’s most proli- show this to be painfully true. ner being a winger able to suit fic offensive contributors.

34 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 35 Kings of the Future Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson are the future of the L.A. Kings

By Sonny Sachdeva

hile the Chicago Blackhawks have drawn all the praise Was the NHL’s model franchise – a title certainly deserved after racking up three Stanley Cups in six years – another Western conference powerhouse has been swept under the rug.

The Los Angeles Kings certainly had a season to forget in 2014-15, as the club finished outside the playoff picture for the first time in six seasons. And yet, the club is only one year removed from a Stanley Cup championship – a victory that marked their second Cup Elsa/Getty Images in only three seasons. – that isn’t the Kings’ style. Ra- The young pair have been Where exactly do the Kings ther, the pair are simply relia- instrumental to the Kings’ stand moving forward? One ble, disciplined, and more ta- offense as of late – not due to thing remains clear – the club lented than the average viewer their own individual success, But 2015-16 could bring a very the game. Add in veteran pi- is not the one that raised either Ottawa 67’s, before moving on would ever know. but due to the way in which different result, should Toffoli vot Anze Kopitar – one of the of those championship ban- to rack up 74 points over two they’ve been able to balance and Pearson continue to pro- sport’s finest two-way talents – ners. Veterans have started to seasons with the Monarchs. Toffoli has put together the out L.A.’s overall offense. Their gress and take the next step in and seasoned snipers like Car- lose their edge, former contri- better resume of the two thus instant chemistry with vete- becoming legitimately dange- ter and Gaborik, and the Kings butors have moved on to other The numbers suggest both far. The 23-year-old – who was ran winger Jeff Carter allowed rous offensive weapons. are surely still in the cham- clubs, and the team has a new forwards have the talent to be drafted 47th-overall by L.A. in the trio to become one of the pionship mix. crop of young faces ready to consistent contributors at the 2010 – posted 23 goals and 49 NHL’s most productive lines Both players have of the ski- make their mark. But while the NHL level, and with both of points for the Kings last sea- – while earning the nickname ll to do so. Pearson racked up What they lack, however, is club might not seem set for a them coming into the 2015-16 son. “That 70’s line” due to their 91 points (37 goals, 54 assists) potent secondary scoring to ri- return to the Finals as soon as season at 23 years of age, now respective jersey numbers. in only 60 games during his fi- val the other contending clubs this season, they do still pose a is the time to push the limit Pearson – drafted 30th ove- Allowing Carter to contribute nal year of junior hockey with – especially the Western rival formidable threat for the fore- and prove their worth. rall by L.A. in 2012 – contribu- consistent offense from the se- the OHL’s Barrie Colts. He fo- Chicago Blackhawks. seeable future – and it all starts ted only 12 goals and 16 points, cond line (28 goals, 62 points), llowed that up with 36 goals with the team’s newest par of Should they do so, the but did so in a season that saw allowed the Kings to, in turn, and 79 points over the course The Kings already have their young scorers – Tyler Toffoli Kings would surely boast the injuries limit him to only 42 ice a more consistent offensive of two seasons with the AHL’s answer in Toffoli and Pearson, and Tanner Pearson. balance needed to return to the games. Projected over a full attack which was led by Anze Manchester Monarchs before Stanley Cup Finals. Regardless and if the young Kings can up 82-game campaign, Pearson’s Kopitar and Marian Gaborik. cracking the big club. their game as the coming sea- Neither of the two young of their forward corps, L.A. is goalscoring numbers come out son progresses, L.A. could be guns will challenge for the still a perennial contender due right on par with Toffoli’s at Injuries and an inability to Similarly, Toffoli posted 100 basking in championship glory scoring title or light up the hi- to the presence of defenseman around the 23 tallies. master the shootout ultimately points (52 goals, 48 assists) in once again by the time the pla- ghlight reel on a nightly basis Drew Doughty – who remains downed Los Angeles, however. only 65 games for the OHL’s one of the best blue-liners in yoffs have concluded.

36 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 37 Sound Off: Knee-Jerk Reactions By Drew Schackmann

rom “We’re going to win debut. and then we might verbally the Super Bowl,” one mi- berate a commentator for ma- Fnute, to “oh $%&*, we’re Both put out entertaining king an honest mistake. Becau- going to go 0-16” the next, material, with similar themes, se, DADGUMIT CHRIS CO- sports fans seem to flip flop but from different perspecti- LLINSWORTH YOU SHOULD and make knee jerk reactions ves. KNOW THAT J.J. WATT WAS more than any demographic BORN ON MARCH 22, 1989 known to mankind. On the one side you have AND NOT MARCH 23rd. YOU Josh – a diehard Dallas Cow- NEANDERTHAL! I do not know if this is a new boys fan – who falls directly un- development, or if the advan- der the fan category of, “we’re With that being said, give us cements in technology have going to the Super Bowl,” and thirty minutes, a couple hours, made this proverbial weakness then five seconds later, “Jerry maybe a full day, and we can more prevalent. Jones, get ready to make the give an honest and more le- first draft pick.” The other side vel-headed take on what we Technology is a blessing, consists of every NFL writer just spent three-plus hours Gregory Shamus/Getty Images and technology is a curse. It is who is ready to name Mariota rave, like a certified lunatic an NFL quarterback assembly example and I am not saying appreciate history. That if so- a constant paradoxical develo- Rookie of the Year, and strug- over. Sadly, I am not always line. Yet, after fall camp, some I hope or expect that Mariota mething happened longer than pment that pushes the human gles to recall any quarterback entirely sure journalists and preseason games, and just one will be a bust. I am just hesi- five years ago they do not know race to never before seen hi- performances from before last “analysts” have this capability. NFL game “experts” around tant to name a quarterback, about it or remember it. ghs, and lows that go viral fas- Sunday. the league are already head who ran an uptempo, spread ter than you can say internet I know, I know, I am one of over heels in love with this guy. offense in college, as being This error in memory cer- famous. The key difference is once those “analysts.” As a writer, pro-ready after one game. Gri- tainly isn’t secluded to 16, 17, Josh steps away from a Cowbo- though, I like to think that I Did Mariota look good in ffin III is another high profile and 18-year-old kids, but what Like most football fans, I ys game, and allows his heart tend to not rush into making Week 1? Sure. Was he playing college quarterback who was is it about the sports world and eagerly awaited the start of the rate to drop below 215 beats a hasty and declarative state- against last year’s worst team drafted early in the first round our society in general that we NFL regular-season. Howe- minute, he can look at Dallas’ ments. in the league? Yes. Does he sti- and had success as a rookie. make such definitive state- ver, I was once again remin- current state with a clear mind ll have somethings to prove? ments, that also happen to be ded of the calamity that is NFL and give a rational opinion. The most recent such sta- Absolutely. What has Griffin done sin- knee jerk reactions? It is as Twitter. tements that I just can’t figu- ce? He has mostly been inju- if we have to be the first per- See Josh and me – along re out is NFL writers already So why are people so quick red, which is not entirely his son to make an observation or Anyone, on any couch, an- with legions of fans around declaring Mariota the most to say he is already NFL re- fault, but off the field he has crown some athlete the next ywhere can send out their hot the globe – have something in pro-ready rookie quarterback ady? You know who else had caused tension in the Washin- rising star. takes – if they are 140 charac- common. Some might call it and saying he’s more than re- a strong rookie season? Vince gton Redskin’s front office, and ters or less – in a mere matter being obsessive, others might ady to take on the league. Be- Young. Young won Rookie of when he has played he does Perhaps we should just, I of seconds. I, myself, have been view it as being a diehard, but fore I go any further, I should the Year, went to the Pro Bowl, not look like a player worthy of don’t know, maybe, give said known to send out a tweet or I see it simply as being a loyal add that I have nothing against and orchestrated late game being the second overall pick athlete some time to develop two in my day, but I would be fan. Mariota. He seems like a class comebacks against various in the draft. and grow before we say they lying if I said my Twitter an- act, and was a joy to watch in teams. You know where Young are ready to take on their res- tics during a Houston Texans It is one of the many reasons college. is now? Sitting at home wat- Recently Vance Bedford, pective leagues? Even Peyton game came anywhere close to Josh and I get along so well. ching the NFL on TV, because defensive coordinator at the Manning and Tom Brady stru- those of my close friend – Josh Sure in the midst of a game we However, he is coming from he ended up being a bust. University of Texas, stated in ggled early in their careers. – or apparently any NFL wri- overreact to every fifth deci- an offensive system at Ore- a press conference that high ter that saw Marcus Mariota’s sion a coach makes. Every now gon that has not exactly been Granted, this is just one school kids these days do not

38 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 39

rian Hoyer — not starter going into this With Hoyer, O’Brien is Ryan Mallett — game.” unleashing a guy who- Bwill man starting se played in big games quarterback duties for Mallett, 27, still has and has experience to the Houston Texans to a murky outlook be- be a mainstay in the kick off the 2015 NFL cause he’s never really Texans’ offense. season. been handed an opportunity to prove him- Unfortunately for Following what was, self. Sure, last season Hoyer last season, and then wasn’t exact- he was given a chance when things went sour ly, a heavy competition for that brief stint, but and the team began between the two ma- never from start-to-fi- dropping games con- ligned signal-callers, nish. For a team who- sistently, he was most- head coach Bill O’Brien se future looks subs- ly to blame for their “Me being ended all speculation tantially vague at the failure. Which isn’t ri- named the when he announced quarterback position, ght, but in the end the starter today Hoyer to be his guy one would assume Ma- quarterback always fa- come opening day, af- llett, with his 6-foot-6, doesn’t mean ces the music. Yet with ter just the team’s se- 245 pound frame and that anything the right weapons, Ho- cond preseason game. big arm is inclined for is going to be yer can certainly turn the audition, no? given to me,” Houston into a playoff While some may ar- contender once again. David J. Phillip/AP Photo gue O’Brien already It seems as though had his mind made up NFL Analysis tioning the choice, it’s O’Brien is opting for a Part of the reason after the first presea- the timing. Why not veteran presence with Hoyer felt the weight son game — due to the Mallett? Why not let a better understan- dragging him down immediate nod — the In Brian We Trust the preseason play-out ding of his offense, ra- with the Browns was question that remains before reaching a con- ther than a hit-or-miss due to the insufficient is: will fruition blos- QB Conundrum: Did Bill O’Brien Make the Right clusion? selection. And that’s help from his receiving som, or rot? Decision Tabbing Brian Hoyer as Starter? perfectly reasonable, corps and a lack of run- “I talked to you considering how the ning game. Cleveland Hoyer, 29, is fa- By Johnny Feulner guys yesterday about AFC South projects ranked 31st in team re- miliar with his head ’14 campaign, Hoyer muscle that effectively Ryan Mallett #15 of the Hous- the fact that this is to unfold this season. ceiving last season and ton Texans during second half coach from their Pa- was relieved in favor ended his season. Mind action against the Cincinnati the third game of the not one running back triot days, which in lar- of the limelighted Jo- you, those two games Bengals at NRG Stadium on preseason where we broke 700 yards. Un- November 23, 2014 in Hous- ge part could explain hnny Manziel, so he were the only contests ton, Texas. want to try to get into less your name’s Tom the direction O’Brien wasn’t able to, and still he’s ever started in more of a regular-sea- Brady, with contribu- Photo by: envisions. Hoyer also hasn’t, entertained a his NFL career. One Bob Levey. (Getty Images) son routine here, and tors like that, you’re holds more in-game full year as a starting of those games, howe- treat it as such, as a ultimately set to fizzle. experience than his quarterback. ver, resulted in the win regular-season game,” counterpart (Malle- column for Mallett, as O’Brien told reporters Now in Houston, tt), and nearly led the So, all-and-all, the- he beat, who else, but following his announ- Hoyer not only has Cleveland Browns to re’s pros and cons to Hoyer and the Browns cement that Hoyer a head coach whom

a playoff appearance Hoyer. 23-7 in Cleveland. Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images won the job, via CBS he’s had past relations last season. Something Houston. “I felt like with, but he also ob- they’ve been absent Acquired last year This begs the bewil- it was very important tains a more potent from for over a decade. from the Patriots, Ma- derment behind the to give Brian [Ho- offense than he owned llett started two games haste decision by yer] the chance to run in Cleveland. With na- Although, towards for the Texans before O’Brien to go with our offense all week, mes like Arian Foster the better-half of the tearing his pectoral Hoyer. It’s not ques- knowing he was the — who will unfortu-

42 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 43 nately be sidelined to be- has the third easiest sche- Luck and the newly revam- mand Houston has lacked gin the season — DeAndre dule, and they play against ped Colts for the divisional “Ultimately, you win fans over over recent campaigns. A Hopkins, Cecil Shorts III, opponents who have a com- crown, it’s pivotal that mo- change in scenery has a fun- and heck even J.J. Watt, bined record of 106-149-1, ves are made in the time- by winning football games,” ny way of altering a person’s Hoyer’s stock should as- with a .417 winning per- liest of manners. Given the outlook. cend. Alas, Hoyer is still a centage, according to CBS NFL is already a short sea- newcomer, albeit the ties Sports. Out of the 13 diffe- son, alterations in any form role. For somebody who was planation as to why Mallett The Texans as a whole with O’Brien, and it’s a rent squads they’ll go toe-to- could be the deciding factor drafted in the third-round continually gets denied the look like a playoff contender, don’t-believe-it-till-we-see- toe with, only four of them towards the outcome. with promise and had colle- call. It’s obviously also the yet the premise of this piece it vibe. made the last postseason. giate credentials that were reason why O’Brien is going is the big question mark and So, considering the teams In order for Hoyer to sus- suppose to propel him into with Hoyer. the most imperative posi- Just because Hoyer’s at they’ll matchup against, it tain relevance, he must be a leader by now, he certainly tion to how they make out the helm, doesn’t necessa- intensifies the dire need for adept in displaying a sense isn’t getting the recognition. The difference between this season. The depth chart rily mean he’ll stay there, Hoyer to perform exceptio- of urgency. That’s not su- Whether it’s his attitude on- Hoyer and Mallett, from a that surrounds the quarter- though. O’Brien alluded to nally. Needless to say, Ma- ggesting he’s to frantically and-off the field or his inex- sideline point-of-view, is back is going to make plays, that, yet also recognized the llett’s tall figure is lurking in make reads based off of a perience, Mallett is on the very miniscule. It boils down without a doubt. Can Hoyer team itself is in the same the shadows. possible benching or remain brink of nonexistence. Not to leadership and the ability be the answer, though? position. composed at all times. It’s entirely, but he’s definitely to put the team in a posi- Should Hoyer commence implying he is to play every hovering. tion to win. Hoyer did that This is one of those sce- “I think we’re all on a crumbling, how long before game as if it’s his last — as if in just about every game last narios where you could very short leash,” he said, via O’Brien pulls the plug? every game is a playoff tilt. Naturally there’s going season for the Browns and well be in a lose-lose window CBS Houston. “It’s a league And execute that as if you’re to be some flaws with a Mallett has yet to graze the if you’re O’Brien. As a head that’s based on winning. Often times coaches tend built to win. Because with quarterback who hasn’t gridiron. Even with all the coach, you try to the best of possessed the rigorous res- Manziel-mania in ’14, Ho-

You have to win. It’s a re- to gift their quarterbacks Houston’s quarterback si- Braden Shirley/The Sports Journal your knowledge to make the sults oriented league.” with too many chances befo- tuation right now, you never ponsibilities that a starter yer still kept his level of cool right decision, whether it be re it becomes too late to cul- know if it will be your last has, but to not give Mallett and performed, and acted, a depth move or a play call. Hoyer replicated those minate anything with their showcasing. time to justify his worth is as a professional would. Hopefully, Hoyer’s that ri- sentiments. backup. That’s not in every a bit perplexing. Clearly it’s ght call. case, of course; just an ob- As for Mallett, one has something the public eye Perhaps with another “Me being named the servation. For a team who- to wonder when he’ll fina- isn’t zeroing-in on because season under his belt, Hoyer “Ultimately, you win fans starter today doesn’t mean se going up against Andrew lly be hoisted into a starting somewhere there’s an ex- can be that chain of com- over by winning football ga- that anything is going to be mes,” Hoyer said, per Chris given to me,” he said, via Abshire of CBS Houston. ESPN. “I have to go out and “When it comes down to it, I earn it every day. It’s an ho- think that’s what really mat- nor and privilege to be able ters most.” to do that. From here on out I have to go out and prove Both Hoyer and Mallett to my teammates, prove to could very well see time at everyone in this organiza- the starting slot this season. tion that I can be a winning Nevertheless, I’m sure both starting quarterback for this are just feeling exonerated team.” to rid themselves of holding the clipboard for Brady alo- And Hoyer’s going to ne, an are actually wrapped wind up on a very short around a ball of contingency leash should the team fal- rather than sheer impossibi- ter, given the nature of their lity. schedule. Hallelujah. Or something For this season, Houston like that. You get the picture.

44 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 45 ker took out column inches How Did We End Up Here? to bash and rag on the New The Deflate-gate saga has forever tarnished Tom Brady’s legacy England quarterback. And as the all too famous By Thomas Calautti Brady appeal story goes: ow did we end up But let’s not beat around Everybody remembers the case was heard by the here? That one ques- the bush. that infamous day when Ted man who indirectly levied tion has been the Wells published his report the suspension, hired the H investigator, and persona- driving force behind the see- It’s a well-known fact that and stated that it is “more mingly never-ending enigma Bill Belichick and the New likely than not” that Brady lly looked into the issue be- that is Deflate Gate. As a re- England Patriots have a re- was “generally aware” that hind Deflate Gate. That man, sult of that fateful evening in putation for “bending the the footballs used in the AFC Roger Goodell, posed as the Foxboro, Massachusetts, we rules.” First there was the re- Championship Game were unbiased arbitrator for the as fans have played witness cently recanted 2001 ESPN being tampered with. appeal. And with all of that to without a doubt the grea- story claiming the Pats fil- information in mind, Goode- test media-fueled conflagra- med a St. Louis Rams’ walk- It was on that day that ll still sat on that bench and tion in NFL history. through. Next, in 2007, came NFL players, past and pre- heard Brady’s appeal. the revelation and eventual sent, took it upon themselves Deflate Gate has taken on condemnation of the Patriots to approach the media and In Goodell’s ruling, he transcended all former NFL a life of its own, and in doing for Spygate. Then, John Har- voice their opinions about Brett Carlsen/Getty Images “It’s obvious that Tom Br- or what wasn’t done with the so, become one of the single baugh and the Baltimore the future Hall of Famer. precedents, and made this ady had something to do with ball as every other quarter- case into something bigger. most destructive and divisive Ravens cried wolf over the this,” said Cowboys Hall of back in the National Football incidents in sports history. It downfield ineligible receiver “I look at this simply as, He made this case into an Famer Troy Aikman. “I know League is. I thought in the example. has further trashed and soi- formations that the Patriots ‘No, not (that) the Patriots going back to when I played, press conference he was very led the reputation of NFL used in the AFC Divisional are cheaters, but Tom Brady they’ve loosened up the rules uncomfortable because he Commissioner Roger Goode- Game. is a cheater,’” said former Goodell took the “general in terms of what each team is knows that he knows,” a sta- awareness” of Brady (which ll, continued the ever-trou- NFL player Chris Simms. able to do with the footballs tement from Hall of Famer bling issues surrounding All of these scandals and is still being disputed) and coming into the game…So Frank Tarkenton. twisted it into a willingness collective bargaining agree- eventual convictions or ac- “I don’t play that game. I for the balls to be deflated, ments, and brought to light quittals finally culminating really don’t. I’m very ethical to violate the integrity of the that doesn’t happen unless “I think people someti- game of football. The Comis- just how biased and skewe- into the 4-game suspension … When I say my top three the quarterback wants that mes get a skewed view of red the NFL appeal and in- of Brady. Although Brady (quarterbacks) from now on, sioner abused his power, and to happen, I can assure you Tom Brady -- that he’s just violated basic due process, in vestigation process is. was exonerated in all of the I probably will not put Tom of that.” a clean cut, does everything Patriots’ previous scan- Brady in that list anymore. coming to the conclusion he right, and never says a bad did. But the issue in Deflate dals, Goodell still cited New I don’t know anymore. We “I did not believe what word to anyone, and we Gate that takes a backseat England’s past reputation as know this went on more than Tom had to say,” said former know him to be otherwise,” to all of this, is the unrelen- justification for the severity one game.” To know one’s surpri- QB Mark Brunell in a teary- said Seattle Seahawks cor- se, Brady’s suspension was ting destruction of character of Brady’s punishment. eyed and outlandishly acted nerback Richard Sherman. taken on by Tom Brady. But the destruction of Br- upheld, resulting in the appearance on NFL Live. “I “He was pretty much saying dramatic and ever-scrutini- Now, whenever a player ady’s character didn’t stop just didn’t believe what Tom (after a 2012 game between Since the morning fo- is accused of something of there. zed courtroom proceedings Brady had to say. That was a the two teams) that we were happening throughout the llowing the AFC Champions- this magnitude, there is a re- tough one to swallow.” nobodies and that we should hip Game, the New England asonable amount of flak and No, every NFL pundit, months of August and Sep- come up to him after they get tember. Patriots’ quarterback has media attention that should every former NFL player, “I’m disappointed in you the win. So we should take seen his reputation, his in- be expected. However, what and seemingly, everyone Tom Brady,” a quote from that pretty well, ‘Cool, can I Now, Brady isn’t exactly tegrity, and his overall mo- Brady received was far be- with an opinion needed to Jerome Bettis. get your autograph too?’” rality ripped to a metapho- yond any reasonable media speak up about the reputa- the picture of innocence. His destroying of the cellphone ric shred by ESPN and NFL coverage. tion of Brady. “Tom Brady knows exact- Even the critically acclai- pundits everywhere. was an ill-advised move that ly what was done to the ball med magazine The New Yor- makes even the most loyal

46 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 47 Patriots fan suspicious. His man rules in his favor, the and start seeing things for unwillingness to coopera- NFL public will still view him what they really are. te with the investigation is negatively because of all the a universal sign of guilt in bashing the quarterback has See that NFL pundits are most cases. been subjected to. Take no- paid to make controversial tes people, this is the media statements; see that the NFL Both he and Goodell have influencing public opinion will do anything to fix its di- made missteps. And they by skewing our perception of sastrous reputation and see have led us to this point. an event. that the entire Deflate Gate is a ridiculous story that has no So this is where we are. As fans, we have been sub- business leading our headli- Sitting on the edge of our jected to Chris Mortenson’s nes. seats, waiting on the ruling false report about the PSI of to come down from Judge the 11 New England footballs No one deserves the spite Richard Berman. Another claimed to be under-inflated and malice so kindly provi- infamous NFL vs. NFLPA during the AFC Champions- ded to Brady. Whether the case looming large over the hip Game. We also saw the man is innocent or guilty, opening of this year’s footba- NFL leak the story about Br- Deflate Gate is an equipment ll season. ady’s cell phone destruction violation at best. It’s not Br- Photograph by Christian Petersen/Getty Images to Stephen A. Smith. And ady we should be angry at. But what’s the importance lastly, as I have so adamant- It’s the media. of all of this? ly pointed out, the NFL and media outlets throughout the Open your eyes people. The important thing country have made it a point See the NFL for what it rea- “The NFC West pull quote pull pull about all of this is what has to put Brady at the top of their lly is: A powerful business happened to Brady. Brady dockets. concerned with nothing but quote quote quote quote quote quote was accused of cheating, not profit and its own image. a crime. And yet he received I’m not saying Brady is quote quote quote quote quote.” more negative publicity and guilty or innocent here. I’m hate speech than both Ray just saying it’s time fans stop Rice and Adrian Peterson. drinking the NFL Kool-aid

The sick thing about Br- ady’s case is that even if Ber-

“I look at this simply as, ‘No, not (that) the Pa- triots are cheaters, but Tom Brady is a cheater.”

48 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 49 The Book of Eli Eli Manning just keeps on winning.

By Peter Gallipoli because you’re not going to get that many oppor- li Manning has had the spotlight on him way tunities in your life,” Accorsi said. “It’s not any Week 1 of the ‘06 season featured the first ever before he entered the league back in 2004. big, cryptic mystery why I feel that way. I’ve been “Manning bowl” as the New York Giants faced His father Archie Manning made their fa- around great ones. I know what they mean.” off against the Indianapolis Colts and big brother E Peyton. The Colts edged out the win beating the mily name well known with his quarterback play from the early 70’s to the mid 80’s. Later came his “You can’t give up too much for Elway,” Accorsi Giants 26-21. Eli had played a good game but it older brother Cooper and Peyton. Cooper was a hi- said. “You can’t overpay DiMaggio.” wasn’t enough to match the experience of his older ghly talented prospect whose career was cut short brother due to a life threating injury and Peyton has always In his first season in ‘04, Manning started the cast a shadow over younger brother Eli. season as the number two quarterback behind fu- Manning’s New York Giants regressed that ture hall of famer Kurt Warner. Following a week year, finishing the season with an 8-8 record and Like any younger brother brought up in a family 9 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, one in which head in third place in the NFC east. They make the pla- of high expectations, Eli wanted to add to his fa- coach Tom Coughlin believed they should of won, yoffs in the second wild card spot, but went out in mily legacy. Following in his father’s footsteps, Eli Manning was then named the starter for the rest of the first round, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles attended the University of Mississippi (also known the season. 23-20. as Ole Miss). “It was a heck of a move by me, wasn’t it?” Cou- The magical season of ‘07 started out on a low

In his four years there, three as a starter, Man- Alex Goodlett/Getty Images (Left/Middle); Al Bello/Getty Images (Right) ghlin told reporters back in 2014. “At that point in note with the Giants going 0-2 and being out sco- time, we had Kurt Warner, who was a great pro red 80-48. Manning played well in both contests ning threw for over 10,000 yards, including 84 tou- Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants chdowns. He was also accredited for the multiple and a great human being. An excellent, excellent but the defense just allowed too many points. After looks to pass against the Washington awards, including the 2003 Maxwell Award and quarterback and I just didn’t see what I wanted to Week 2, the Giants organized a players meeting to the 2003 SEC MVP. In 2004, Eli finished third be- * Redskins in the second quarter at Met- see at that point. We were (5-4), and I felt that it talk about their lack of success in hopes to change hind Larry Fitzgerald and the winner Jason White Life Stadium on September 24, 2015. was time for the good of the franchise to take the things around and salvage the season. for the Heisman trophy. He later graduated from franchise quarterback and to put him on the field. Ole Miss with a 3.44 in marketing, labeling himself you’d be excited to get drafted,” Manning told The So we did. It was an experience for Eli for that se- The meeting was a great inspiration because as a scholar-athlete before entering the NFL draft. Post, recalling the moment. “Obviously my cir- cond half of the season. It was a good move in the the Giants went on a six-game winning streak, and cumstances [were] a little different under kind of long run because of obviously what happened the Manning was a major reason for the Giants suc- Going into the 2004 NFL draft, Manning was everything that had happened that week in stating next year and years to come.” cess. Over that six game stretch he had an average coveted as the best player in the draft and the pro- my cause that I didn’t want to go to San Diego. I passer rating of 73.6, which was highest it has been jected No. 1 overall pick. The San Diego Chargers was just kind of hoping something would work out, Manning finished the ‘04 season with a bad tas- since back in his ‘05 season. went 4-12 the season prior and were expected to and sooner than later — either a trade, or — and te in his mouth, only throwing for six touchdowns take Manning with the first overall selection. didn’t really know how the next few days, next few as opposed to nine interceptions. He also finished The Giants finished the regular-season 10-6, hours, next few weeks, months, years were going to the season with a 55.4 passer rating and led his including a tough loss to the undefeated Patriots On draft day, Manning had made it known that work out after that.” team to 1-6 record down the stretch. in Week 17, which was considered a moral victory. he had no interest in playing for the Chargers, and Manning’s season was subpar statisticall, but his if they selected him would opt to sit out the 2004 The New York Giants general manager at the With a bad taste in his mouth from his perfor- Giants were thriving off of its defense and late-ga- season. With this information in mind, the Char- time was Ernie Accorsi and he was open about his mance in the year before, Manning came out in ‘05 me heroics. It was this mantra that carried the New gers selected him anyways and eventually worked conviction to make Eli Manning a Giant following with a vengeance. He led his team to an 11-5 re- York Giants through the ‘07 playoffs. out a trade that would send him to the New York the ‘04 draft. cord, including winning the NFC East and making Giants in exchange for their first round pick Phillip the playoffs for the first time since ‘02. The Caroli- Manning and the Giants had a magical run Rivers and future draft picks. “I just believe that you can get by if you have to, na Panthers beat the New York Giants 23-0 in the through the ‘07 playoffs, edging out close wins over but if you have a chance to pick what you think is a NFC Wild Card game, but Manning definitely ins- Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Green Bay. Manning was “I think, in a lot of cases, you’d be thrilled, and quarterback for the ages, you have to go after him pired hope to the New York fan base. responsible for two game winning drives in Dallas

50 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 51 and Green Bay to send the Giants to the tough NFC Championship Game against Manningham. from the Green Bay Packers, who brought Super Bowl. the San Francisco 49ers. Manning threw with him a west coast offensive scheme. for 316 yards and two touchdowns in their This touchdown drive gave the Giants The ‘07 Super Bowl was played out 20-17 overtime victory. a 21-17 lead over the Pats with just two For Manning this was brand new, as like an epic fairy tale where the New York minutes and 49 seconds remaining. The he had operated under the same offense Giants, labeled as “Road Warriors” were The ‘11 Super Bowl was a rematch of Patriots were unable to answer and the since coming into the league in ‘04. The to face-off against the undefeated New ‘07, where the Giants would once again Giants were crowned Super Bowl cham- Giants were slow out of the gate in ‘14, but England Patriots. The Patriots had put face-off against the New England Pa- pions for the second time in four years. with the emergence of Odell Beckham Jr., together one of the best offensive statisti- triots. This time around, the Patriots were Manning also received his second Super the Giants seemed to really catch fire on cal seasons the NFL had ever seen. Going not an overpowering favorite. The Giants Bowl MVP trophy. offense down the stretch. Although fini- into the matchup, most people didn’t give were still considered an underdog, but shing the season at 6-10, they went 3-1 New York a chance against New England’s in their last four games and finished as a offensive juggernaut. top-10 offensive unit.

The game remained close through the Manning finished ‘14 with his best first three quarters and with two minu- statistical season of his career, throwing tes and 40 seconds left, the Giants were for 4,410 yards with 30 touchdowns and down 14-10. Manning led one of the most 14 interceptions. He also posted a season historic drives in Super Bowl history. He passer rating of 92.1, which was the third led his team from their own 17 yard-line best in his career. on a game-winning drive that ended in the end zone, putting the Giants up 17-14. Going into his 12th season with the This drive included the miraculous play New York Giants, Manning is currently when Manning escaped a sure sack and in negotiations with the organization to launched a 32-yard pass to David Tyree, extend his contract. He is in a contract where he caught it off the top of his hel- year, and if a deal does not get done, he met. Two plays later, Manning connected will become an unrestricted free agent af- with Plaxico Burress in the back of the enter the ‘15 season. Manning is set to make dzone for the game-winning touchdown. $17 million dollars this season, and it is reported that he is looking for a deal that “The guys on this team and the run is comparable to the one Aaron Rodgers we’ve made, it’s hard to believe -- it rea- signed two years ago. Rodgers signed a lly is,” Manning said after his first Super 5-year, $110 million deal with $62.5 mi- Bowl win. “The drive at the end, there llion of it guaranteed. were so many clutch plays by so many guys. It is an unbelievable game and an The Giants will have big decision to unbelievable feeling.” make on whether or not they believe Manning is worth a multi-year deal of Over Manning’s next three seasons he that magnitude. At the moment, it looks matured as a quarterback improving his like both sides are far away from a deal yearly statistics and passer rating in the and it looks like Manning will have to process. The Giants were knocked out of play his way to a big contract.

were given more of a fighting chance. Al Bello/Getty Images “Great toughness, great faith and great the playoffs in the first round after going plays by a number of guys today,” Man- 12-4 in ‘08 and failed to make the playoffs Looking back over Manning’s ca- This game was much like the last Su- ning told reporters after reflecting on his in ‘09 and ‘10. reer, some would say that he deserves per Bowl: remaining close to the very end Super Bowl 46 victory. the money for what he has done for the and keeping everyone on his or her seat In ‘11, Manning had his best statistical franchise. Others believe that he is past till the closing seconds. Going into the Over Manning’s next two seasons, he season as a New York Giant, throwing for his prime and the Giants organization fourth quarter, Manning was given ano- regressed from his breakout performance 4,933 yards with 29 touchdowns and 16 should move on and rebuild with so- ther chance to put together a game win- in ‘11, and the New York Giants failed to interceptions. He led his team to a 9-7 re- meone younger. Only time will tell if ning drive with just under four minutes make the playoffs either year. Last sea- cord and a NFC East division title. this 12-year marriage will come to an to play. He put together a five-play game- son, the Giants made a change to their end, and a new era will begin. winning drive that started with a sensa- offensive coordinator, as Kevin Gilbride The Giants ran threw its first two-pla- tional 38-yard sideline catch by Mario retired. They brought in Bob McAdoo yoff opponents before having to play a

52 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 53 The Dugout runs and Hosmer was touted as the game’s next big didn’t realize was that Moore was building a much power hitter. That was not something Royals fans different style of a baseball team. were used to, but when they finally got to the majors and failed, it looked to be the same old Royals. In Fresh off the power-hitting phenomenon of the past years, that would have been the end of things late 90’s, and moneyball craze of the mid 2000’s, The Royal Way and Kansas City would start over. Again, Moore had Kansas City knew it couldn’t compete with either a bigger plan. of those styles in a small market. So instead, Moo- How Kansas City Ended their Playoff re focused on team chemistry, athleticism, contact, Drought and Became the AL’s Best He stuck with the young talent through abysmal and power out of the pen. It might not have come seasons where they showed no power, awareness of to fruition for many years, but the seeds were sewn By Jared Koller a strike zone, or even confidence. Moore knew help early on. rom 1986 to 2014, baseball in Kansas City con- was on the way, as unlike his predecessors, he deve- sisted of 4,627 total Games, 2,510 losses, 10 ma- loped talent in Latin America. Signing the likes of The genius of it all was that no one else in baseba- nagers, 4 General Managers, and a total of zero Salvador Perez, Yordano Ventura, Kelvin Herrera, ll realized the plan, so Kansas City was able to make F and Raul Mondesi was new territory for the Royals, the trades and signings at not only a cheaper price playoff games. and helped contribute to what would become base- but also a higher return value. The Brewers didn’t That’s 29 years of consistently losing, good for the ball’s best minor league system, according to Base- value athleticism, and the Royals capitalized. Scouts longest active playoff drought in all of North American ball America. didn’t value Herrera, and the Royals capitalized. sports, going into the ‘14 season. A once proud organization, the Royals were considered the laughing stock of The third leg of Moore’s process came via the Phase one came with the bullpen; something that the league. trade. He established an ability to draft, sign, and Moore knew how to accomplish from day one. His develop talent through the minor leagues, but his goal was to have as many closer type arms in the bu- However, now in ‘15, the Royals are one of the most crowning achievement might be through his two big llpen, and develop them in specific roles rather than Ed Zurga/Getty Images respected franchises, with a talented young core that kson, Carlos Beltran, Jermaine Dye, Raul Ibanez, and Jo- trades. Grienke was a success story for the Royals trade them away. Most teams that have multiple clo- plays an exciting style of baseball. What changed? Trans- hnny Damon all roamed the Kauffman Stadium outfield as he was a top prospect, who walked away from the sers would trade one away for a position of need. Ins- formations that dramatic don’t just happen overnight, at the start of their careers, before they were traded away. game with a mental disorder, and came back to win tead, Moore thought that the more shutdown arms a and it took a lot of bad decisions to get to there. But the Blame can be put on both GM Allard Baird and owner a Cy Young. It could have been easy to keep him and team has at the end, the shorter the starters have to Kansas City Royals changed the way winning baseball is David Glass, as Glass didn’t provide enough financial su- settle for mediocrity, but Moore saw his value and go and when done right, the less runs the offense has defined. pport to keep or sign good talent, and the trades Baird capitalized. In a trade with the Brewers, Moore net- to score. Instead of just closing things out, Moore did make brought back little to no return for the talent ted Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, and Jake Odori- views a bullpen as maybe his greatest weapon, as it April 1986-May 2006: What Went Wrong? they gave up. Finally in ‘06, in the midst of their fourth zzi for Grienke. improves everyone else’s game around them. 100-loss season in just five years, Glass brought in for- The Royals reached the pinnacle of baseball in ‘85, mer Braves executive Dayton Moore to start a new era for Years later as the Royals continued to improve, Phase two came with athleticism, something with their first World Series championship. However, no Kansas City baseball. Moore made a franchise altering move to part ways that baseball minds have undervalued since the one could have predicted the fall that would soon come. with future rookie of the year Wil Myers, in exchan- conception of moneyball’s obsession with walks Following Manager Dick Howser and Owner Ewing Kau- June 2006-March 2013: The Process ge for James Shields and Wade Davis. Moore’s abi- and on-base percentage. The Royals were able to ffman’s deaths, the Royals turned into an organization lity to read the market and capitalize in the right develop young speed that added another layer to unwilling to scout, spend money, or keep any of their A new era was promised, but the results were not window, led to a core made up of top draft picks in their game when they can just put the ball in play. talented players. While the league exploded with home there from the start. In his first press conference as GM, Hosmer, Moustakas and closer Greg Holland, home No team in baseball swings at as many bad pitches runs in the late 90’s, the Royals were at an all-time low Moore cited “the process” numerous times. He knew the grown Latin players like Perez and Ventura, young as Kansas City, but the Royals also have the lowest power streak. The icons that had won the city over in ’85 uphill battle that he was tasked with, and understood it trade acquisitions in Cain and Escobar, and center strikeout total as well. They rely on putting the faded quickly, leaving the Royals with little to no talent to would take time to turn the organization into a respecta- pieces in Shields and Davis. ball in play however possible, running like crazy, fill their spots. Executives across the majors found talent ble franchise. It would be many years before the fans saw and making the other team throw you out. An in- all over Latin America, but in the first 37 of their exis- actual progress at the big-league level, as the first few sea- This development proved to Glass that Kansas field single and stolen base equates to the same as tence, Kansas City signed an embarrassing total of eight sons under Moore were much like the one’s before him. City was moving in the right direction, and thus he a double, essentially, and a whole lineup of players Latin players. While the likes of Sammy Sosa and Pedro For the first five years, Kansas City experienced 90 loss spent more money on the team than ever before. like that was something the league was not ready Martinez took over the league, Kansas City didn’t even seasons, failed prospects, and traded away talent. Howe- This doesn’t mean things were perfect in KC, as even for. The Royals didn’t hit home runs, but their in- make a real effort in that part of the world. ver this time, Moore had a plan. with young promising talent, they failed at first. Es- nings-eating starting pitching, power bullpen, and cobar couldn’t hit, Cain couldn’t stay healthy, Hos- timely hitting kept them close late in games. This isn’t to say the Royals didn’t have any good pla- His first three draft picks – Luke Hochaver, Mike mer and Moustakas couldn’t translate their power, yers for 20 years, but they weren’t able to keep the few Moustakas, and Eric Hosmer – all showed promise in and many wondered if Moore’s process would fall The final phase came with chemistry, yet ano- they developed. Kevin Appier and Zack Grienke each the minor leagues. Moustakas led the league in home through. What people outside of the organization ther thing that prominent baseball minds underva- won a Cy Young for Kansas City, and the likes of Bo Jac- lued. Moore knew what a losing clubhouse felt like,

54 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 55 and that’s one of the biggest reason’s why he tra- of Moore’s defining trade, made the start for KC with ded for Shields. Signing and trading for positive, other trade pieces Cain, Escobar, and Davis also pla- competitive, energetic leaders was something that ying big roles. The top draft picks of Gordon, Mous- Moore always viewed important, and it paid off. takas, and Hosmer all started, and the latin signees Drafting a Dynasty When going through the many struggles that the Perez, Ventura, and Herrera also saw crucial action. young Royals faced, there was always a hope and It wasn’t just that they played, but that they played How the San Francisco Giants Built their Homegrown Infield belief that they were good enough to be great. Kan- their unique style of baseball and it worked. Kansas By Christopher Kersevan sas City was one of the only teams to have a strong City stole seven bases, hit 13 singles, and struck out core of Latin players at the big-league level, partly 15 A’s batters. In this case, power bullpen, speed, because each player knew the organization valued and contact over took the A’s. But what Moore cre- them from the minute they signed. Add that with dits most in the Wild Card Game, was the resilien- young players that are motivated to prove them- cy that his club showed. Kansas City was down four selves, as well as a few leaders to show the way. runs to John Lester with just six outs remaining, Shields led vocally by screaming off the mound and and they still came back. The Royals players belie- leading the team celebrations, but the likes of Alex ved in themselves all the way, just as the organiza- Gordon and Greg Holland also led by their silent tion always believed in them. Their competitiveness but fearless play on the field. Gordon served as a shined brightest when Perez’s walkoff hit completed symbol for all Royals’ players, as the former first their final dramatic comeback. round draft pick failed for his first four big-league seasons, before exploding into a gold glove all-star 29 years of 2,510 losses all erased, in the most left fielder. The mix of big and small personalities, unimaginable way possible. The small market Ro- cultures, and individual characteristics formed one yals delivered a playoff win behind speed, contact, of the most dynamic teams in baseball. With a city power pitching, and most of all a belief that it was finally behind them, the fall of ‘14 is when the enti- truly their time. re process came to fruition. October 2014-Present Day: The Epilogue April 2013-September 2014: The Reward Everything following Sept. 30th was more than The pressure going into ‘14 was almost too anyone was promised, or expected. Moore was brou- much. Kansas City was coming off just it’s second ght in to take KC back to the playoffs, and he accom- winning season in 17 years, and many viewed it as plished that. The Shields trade was already viewed Connor Gibson/The Sports Journal a make or break year with both Shields and Billy as a success, and manager Ned Yost was no longer espite the average MLB salary reaching an all-ti- ments in such a short time still exceed even the wildest Butler in their contract years. For most fans, if viewed as a dunce. The fairy tale was over, and the me high in 2015, you still can’t buy a World of expectations. The former MVP was the best bet to find they didn’t make the playoffs in ‘14, that Moore’s pressure was off. Yet Kansas City went on to sweep Series Championship. You can certainly draft success at the major league level among San Francisco’s seven-year process would be a failure, and the 29- the No. 1 seeded Angels in the ALDS, sweep the D one however, so that’s what the San Francisco Giants current homegrown group, and he’s surely done that. year drought would extend to 30. That’s why the Orioles in the ALCS, and then go seven games in the did: build a core of players who have helped bring three American League Wild Card Game on September World Series. Their style never changed the entire World Series Championships to the shores of McCovey Sometimes a successful player falls right into a team’s 30th, was even more unbelievable. It wasn’t just way, as they continued to hit all across the field, run Cove, while also assuring that the future remains bright hands, and that’s what happened with Posey and the the end of the drought, but served as the culmi- like crazy, and finish teams off at the end games like for yet another Series run. Giants. Not every player rises to stardom on the back nation of Moore’s process, in a win or go home it was nothing. of being deemed an elite prospect, however, and that’s game. No one knew how the young Royals would As different as the baseball beginnings of Buster Po- where building a winning team requires some risk, a little perform on such a big stage, with so much hanging Even going into ‘15 without Shields or Butler, sey, Brandon Belt, Joe Panik, Brandon Crawford and creativity and a bit of good luck. in the balance. Symbolically, they faced off against Kansas City still kept the same core belief and values Matt Duffy were, their ultimate arrival on the field of Billy Beane and the A’s. that now have them sitting atop the AL standings. AT&T Park makes them one in the same, forming a ho- With each successive selection of their current infield, No one knows if ‘15, ‘16, or ‘17 will play-out anything megrown infield that San Francisco can truly call their the odds decreased on the Giants receiving a fair return Right from the first pitch, this one game at Kauff- like ‘14 did, but it is certain that the Royals changed own. on their draft capital, at least according to draft analysts man Stadium, served as a representation of Moore’s the way a winning baseball team is viewed. Gone are and experts tasked with evaluating the crop of amateur seven-year process, and whether or not it worked. the days of big home run hitters or weak bullpens in The heart and soul of the Giants team, it only seems players each year. As it turns out, the gambles San Fran- After 12 innings of what was considered the grea- Kansas City, and here to stay is a team that values fitting that Buster Posey was the first of the “core five” cisco made with constructing the rest of the infield rewar- test baseball game in Royals history, the answer was speed and chemistry more than most thought possi- to arrive in San Francisco. Even as a shoe-in top-five se- ded the franchise in ways they may have never expected. yes. The Royals would fall behind three times in the ble. A once proud, then shamed organization, is once lection, Posey’s outstanding production and accomplish- game, and come back every time. Shields, the center again proud – and shows no signs of slowing down.

56 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 57 Posey already had a Rookie of the McGehee’s disastrously short reign nance all the more meaningful, as he a smaller allocated budget to their in- Year award and a World Series ring as the team’s Sandoval replacement. was there from draft night to the fi- field ($4.2 million). by the time Crawford debuted in ‘11, That gave Duffy the opportunity he nal out of the World Series and every but the Giants shortstop joined the needed, and the former Long Beach stop in between. That loyalty and The Giants know that with each organization alongside Posey in ‘08, State product has taken his produc- vote of confidence isn’t lost on Panik, year of success from their infield, doing so as a fourth round selection tion beyond even the most outlandish who made sure he took the time to that number is going to grow through who fell that far after struggling in the of expectations, especially after failing congratulate and thank Barr after the arbitration and contract extensions, Cape Cod League the summer prior. to hit a single collegiate home run. Giants World Series Game 7 victory but with their budget, San Francisco Now he’s performing at the highest le- last October. can afford to reward the growth and The Giants saw an opportunity vel, where the 24-year-old is making a production of their young players. with Crawford, and essentially ended legitimate run at the National League “Seeing John Barr was a pretty up with an extra first round pick in Rookie of the Year honor. special moment, because he’s the Having established themselves the process. The Northern California scouting director and he had a lot fai- so early in their respective careers, native arrived in San Francisco with The last of the five to join the th in me,” said Panik. “I was his guy the group of Posey, Belt, Panik, an elite-level defensive pedigree, but Giants organization, it’s fitting that and he took a chance on me. So to see Crawford and Duffy have a chance it wasn’t until this season that Craw- Duffy was also the last to arrive in the smile on his face was pretty cool.” to play alongside each other for the ford found his stride at the plate; a San Francisco, meaning he hasn’t yet foreseeable future, as the earliest any progression that has vaulted him into had the chance to play a key role in While other infields may be more of them hits free agency is ‘18, when the conversation as one of the game’s a World Series run, having made his nationally recognized, the Giants Crawford and Belt are first eligible. top overall shortstops. Not bad for a MLB debut as a reserve player last have put together an infield that is guy who saw 116 players picked ahead August. Even the Giants admit they not only young and productive, but With the success the Giants have of him that year. may have made a mistake in waiting also extremely cost effective, thanks had in holding onto their home- this long to give him a starting role. to the organization’s ability to hit on grown players in recent seasons, ex- Belt may not have some of the ac- a number of draft picks. pect both Brandon’s to be locked up claim that his fellow infielders do, but “If you think about it, we kind of long-term well before their potential the team’s ‘09 fifth round pick out of whiffed, too,” Giants area scout Brad Outside of Posey’s $18.5 million free agency arrives. Texas has quietly turned into one of Cameron said of his initial evaluation average annual salary, the rest of the the most consistent first baseman’s on Duffy. “I mean, based on what he’s Giants’ true infield is under contract In an era of big money free agents in the National League, a position he doing now … I didn’t evaluate him as for a combined $7.7 million this sea- and record-setting contracts, kee- wouldn’t even be playing had he not a plus hitter and average power guy. son. ping a group of young talent together blown out his arm during his colle- We had him as a utility player.” from day one is an increasingly rare giate career. Still, Belt mixes a blend To put that figure in perspective, sight. It shouldn’t be a surprise that of gap-power with some solid defen- The fact the Giants “mistakenly” Pablo Sandoval is making $19 million San Francisco is again breaking the sive chops, which all adds up to a 3.7 got an impact corner infielder instead annually in his deal with the Boston norm in that regard, just as they’ve WAR, placing him as a top-five all- of a useful utility man just highlights Red Sox, a contract the Giants look done in getting to this point. around first baseman. Going on five how effective (and a little bit lucky) even more wise for not offering him, In less than a full year at the major seasons as a starter, Belt has given the the franchise has been with stocking considering Sandoval’s struggles this “It’s definitely cool, and that’s Seeking to prove the experts league level, Panik has already played Giants its most consistent first base- their minor league rosters. year, coupled with the unpredictable kind of how our whole team is,” Craw- wrong from the very minute he beca- a pivotal role in capturing a World Se- man since J.T. Snow. emergence of Duffy. ford said. “The last five years, I don’t me a professional baseball player, Pa- ries title and made an All-Star team, Much of the credit of the Giants think anyone would predict we’d win nik has certainly thrived in that role. leaving those who doubted his talent Then came the east coast kid. The homegrown success must go to Vice With a team payroll of $184 mi- a World Series just like I don’t think without much to say. Giants drafted second baseman Panik President and Assistant General llion this year, the Giants are by no anyone would predict that the four of “I was with my family, so in the in the first round of the ‘11 amateur Manager of scouting, John Barr, means a “moneyball” team, but the us would be starting major leaguers initial happiness, I didn’t even care,” If the Giants found hidden gems draft out of St. John’s University, a who hand-picked all five members money allocated to the outfield and on the same infield. It’s kind of cool Panik said of his first reaction after with the likes of Crawford, Panik and decision that at the time was criticized of the team’s infield in the amateur pitching staff wouldn’t be possible if to prove all the experts wrong.” being drafted by the Giants. “But they Belt, they struck a gold mine with Du- by some scouts and analysts who felt Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images draft, ignoring critics and often going not for the incredibly efficient totals were going down their list and it was, ffy, who lasted until the 18th round of Panik didn’t have the tools necessary against the grain on his way to cons- being given to the infield. Prove them wrong, or block them `Well, he was all the way down here.’ the ‘12 amateur draft. His rise to re- to live up to his first round draft sta- tructing baseball’s best young infield. out entirely. The Giants certainly I just said, `Hey, you know what? Pro- levance may be even more profound tus. In a way, that made Panik exactly Despite the Giants boasting the wouldn’t be flashing three World ve them wrong.’ It gave me a little ex- because he never seemed to fit into the kind of player that San Francisco Barr’s role in giving players like third-highest team payroll in the ma- Series rings if they had listened to tra motivation.” the team’s long-term plans with Pablo has built their dynasty on: the under- Panik the shot they needed to suc- jors, only the Oakland Athletics – the everything the so-called experts said. Sandoval in town, followed by Casey dog. ceed makes the team’s run of domi- team who coined “moneyball” – have

58 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 59 expectations in nearly every imagi- sistent from the past five months. ball low, keep my team in the game for the postseason. While both were nable department. Coming into their and give them a chance to win it.” rested in last week’s projected home latest home series with the Pittsbur- The Contributors starts against the Washington Natio- Aces Wild gh Pirates, St. Louis’s pitching staff The rotation’s other proclaimed nals, both of All-Star representatives had compiled a major League best One of the most interesting veterans, Lance Lynn and Lackey, have delivered the heat with average How The St. Louis Cardinals’ Starting Rotation 2.67 ERA, without three-time All- storylines related to St. Louis’ starters have provided similarly consistent fastball velocities above 93 mph. has Revolutionized Baseball Star Adam Wainwright for a large could be that the rotation’s success results around Garcia’s efficient portion of the season. has been largely dependent on team pitching. The pair of right-handed Wacha has impressed in starts By Joseph Schneider efforts over individual star power. hurlers may share more in common following a team loss, faring 6-1 with “We’d love to have Adam back More simply, each contributor has than their rotation counterparts, as a 3.28 ERA in such situations. The f the past 15 World Series the rotation’s consistency may be di- [and] we’ll take him back with bells provided a nearly equal amount of both have endured experienced-fi- former first-round pick has emerged champions, the only suc- fficult, but more times than not the on,” said Matheny when asked about upside, allowing the rotation mem- lled careers with at least one All-Star into St. Louis’s stopper, otherwise Ocessor to lead Major League Cardinals’ starting pitchers have fou- Wainwright’s recovery from a torn bers to learn from the strengths and appearance and World Series cham- helping the Cardinals avoid long- Baseball in team earned run average ght off challenges to produce in mea- achilles suffered in April. “But until weaknesses of one another when pionship apiece. term losing streaks and contributing was the 2010 San Francisco Giants. ningful moments. he’s there… everybody just needs to healthy. in victories that may not initially Setting recent history aside, power- do their part, compete and not over- Fortunate enough to play on five appear favorable. ful pitching could serve as a omen “[The starting pitchers] have rea- think this stuff.” “Talent-wise, we’ve got some guys straight playoff-caliber teams, Lynn for playoff success in a season favo- lly come out with a nice plan and exe- with some pretty good arms, especia- became the first Cardinal to register Martinez’s success may be the red toward pitching prominence, just cuted well,” said Cardinals’ manager In some ways more than others, lly Carlos and Wacha and the young double-digit victories in four straight most hereditary of anyone’s in the as the St. Louis Cardinals’ rotation Mike Matheny. “It’s always nice to Wainwright’s injury has challenged guys,” said John Lackey, one of four seasons since Wainwright amassed sense that the Cardinals have deve- is hoping down the stretch of an ex- show yourself this is what it should the starting rotation to adopt growing Cardinals with double-digit wins. 64 wins in a span from 2007-10. Li- loped the fifth starters out of spring traordinary season. look like and then they have to de- leadership roles and thrive in un- “Lance is coming into his own prime mited by nagging forearm pains and training since Matheny took over. mand it the rest of the way no matter familiar opportunities. With over a and Jaime’s come in and really hel- ankle sprains, Lynn has added to a While the previous two fifth-starter St. Louis has undoubtedly made what component of the game it is.” dozen games remaining against NL ped us out with some quality starts.” strong track record in home mat- successors were traded away in the its presence known around the pit- Central opponents, the Cardinals’ chups with a 2.53 ERA in 13 Busch likes of Shelby Miller and Joe Kelly, ching rubber and have the major On the cusp of their seventh pla- starting pitchers could overcome Amongst the biggest surprises in Stadium starts this season. Martinez has built such a strong pre- league’s best record since late April yoff appearance in the last decade, heightened September expectations all of baseball, Jaime Garcia has pit- sence on the mound and around the as a result. Finding the exact root of the Cardinals’ pitching has exceeded if the rotation output remains con- ched better than advertised to subsi- Once a former World Series foe, clubhouse that it’s hard to imagine de early worries over Wainwright’s Lackey could join rare company if him in any other uniform for years to long-term injury. Carrying the most the Cardinals reach the World Series come. experience in St. Louis of any active by becoming the most recent pitcher pitcher, Garcia has posted quality to reach the Fall Classic with three “He’s got energy all the time, but starts in all but two of his outings. teams since Roger Clemens. This he needs to use the other pitches to get could be the most rewarding aspect him into a rhythm,” said Matheny on Unlike seasons past, Garcia has of Lackey’s contract year, as the vete- Martinez’s quick approach. “[When been pitching more to contact and ran has pitched around bad luck with Martinez is] using everything, [it] forcing over 63% of his outs on 11 quality starts in no-decisions and makes him very unpredictable and it groundballs. The 29-year-old sou- losses. slows down his whole tempo.” thpaw will not likely reach the 162 inning threshold to place among quali- “You’ve got to pound the strike Outside of St. Louis’ rotation re- fiers, but it’s intriguing that Garcia’s zone early on to establish things later gulars and injured Wainwright, the 1.89 ERA and 0.95 WHIP could place on,” Lackey said following his 11th Cardinals have allowed three diffe- among the NL’s top pitchers had he win. “It’s kind of risk-reward; you try rent pitchers to make spot starts pitched a whole season. to get guys to put balls in place and around the need to limit innings or sometimes [opponents] get hits.” play safe with minor injuries. While “It just feels good to be out here Tyler Lyons, Tim Cooney and Marco Jeff Curry/Getty Images contributing,” said Garcia, who re- Another modern era rarity occurs Gonzales finished without wins in cently picked up his 50th career vic- when young pitchers hold multi-year over half of their fill-in opportunities, tory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. postseason experience, giving Mi- this farm system pitching depth has “I’m doing the things I set out to do chael Wacha and Carlos Martinez an provided the Cardinals with an unde- every time I’m out there; keep the edge over most 24-year-olds aiming rappreciated luxury.

60 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 61 huge inning,” said Lynn about the season birth may not be the Cardi- Pitching With A Purpose rotation’s on-field readiness. “We’ve nals’ challenge as much as executing got guys who know how to do that, in postseason itself, as St. Louis has When observing St. Louis’s five and it makes it fun around here.” developed five teams over the last rotation regulars, one could note that decade that placed within the top- each pitcher feeds off of the momen- Embracing such fundamentals 10 of team ERA. Outside of Wacha’s tum and fresh energy sustained from behind a consistent backstop pro- NLCS MVP honors from ‘13, recent the others. Basically, the Cardinals jects more stability out of St. Louis’ Octobers have not faired generous to have utilized starting pitchers of di- rotation as opposed to what might Cardinals’ starters, as St. Louis has fferent approaches, personalities and be expected in high-market pitching only registered 15 quality starts in 39 skill sets to form one of the most ba- staffs such as New York and Los An- games through their last three post- lanced rotations in recent history. geles. With lower pitching payrolls season appearances. than both the Dodgers and Mets, the Within this balance comes the Cardinals’ rotation makes for an even Such inconsistencies further jus- ability to contribute to victories in larger organizational bargain when tify St. Louis’ rotation as one that mainstreams aside from normal pit- the mental and physical execution has been rekindled by steady regu- ching duties. In fact, the pitchers have sets a comfortable tone for the bull- lar-season contributions rather than been encouraged to hold themselves pen to follow. individual star power. Building a accountable for individual offensive triumphant rotation presence hasn’t and defensive improvements in or- Learning Curve been easy, considering that St. Louis der to build the momentum and con- has not built around a Cy Young re- fidence needed to compete through St. Louis’ pitching extravaganza cipient since Chris Carpenter in ‘05 tough situations. could be viewed as a natural progres- or experienced a no-hitter since Bud sion under Matheny’s fourth year as Smith’s career performance in ‘01. “[The starting pitchers] do so manager. Known as a more offensi- much talking about how athletic ve minded team as recently as ‘13, “There’s a lot of numbers that they are but they were not content pitching adjustments have helped support it would be hard to [reach with what they were able to do on the Cardinals grind through various such feats],” said Matheny. “But I the offensive side,” said Matheny last offensive inconsistencies. don’t want them even glimpsing at season. “Every time they get on base, that. It’s not like we’re pulling num- we’re rolling that lineup over and Looking back on last year’s Na- bers out of the sky and saying, ‘If you we’re bringing up some guys with the tional League Championship Series could only do this.’ They’re doing it.” potential to do something.” with the San Francsisco Giants, mi- nor pitching mistakes proved costly, Avoiding outside distractions The rotation regulars have helped while offensive weaknesses were ex- may not be easy, but St. Louis’ star- out their own cause with nine runs posed. A .233 team batting average ting rotation success provokes plenty batted in, but more importantly have and low run support may not have of questions heading into the sea- induced 20 sacrifice bunts to direct prompted a longer postseason run ei- son’s final month. How much longer offensive tones for larger cushions of ther way, but having no quality starts will this success go on? Who makes run support. aside of Wainwright certainly did not the four-man playoff rotation? Is this improve the Cardinals’ chances. the best Cardinals pitching staff in Defensive preparation has proved franchise history? equally important for the Cardinals’ “I don’t need to pull these guys Right now, these questions lea- rotation pieces, recognized by the aside and give them a big pep talk,” ve a series open-ended answers staff’s four combined pick-offs and said Wainwright about his rotation that can accurately be determined the .583 caught stealing percentage counterparts before 2014’s NLCS eli- by the end of the season. But new of 12-year battery mate, Yadier Mo- mination game. “They are prepared discoveries will characterize the lina. and wanting to win [and] motivating rotation’s fate as the Cardinals’ me by going out and shoving them- evolving aces will look to push St. “You just got to keep grinding out selves.” Louis to their fifth straight post- at-bats, making pitches, and trying season bid. to make sure that they don’t have a Preparing pitchers to earn a post-

62 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 63 64 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 65 major additions. Boston added Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas, Evan Turner, and Tyler Zeller, but lost Rondo, Jeff Green, and Jordan Crawford as well. Crow- der, Thomas, Turner, and Zeller each had very successful seasons in Boston and contributed significantly down the stretch when the Celtics grabbed a playoff spot by winning their last six games. In fact, Crowder, a 2012 second round selection whose role with the Dallas Mavericks was severely diminishing over time, accepted a five-year, $35 million contract this summer to stay in Boston, after a successful half season in green. Meanwhile, Thomas’ electric play has many believing that he may be a centerpiece in Boston’s rebuild.

Although these role players are clearly exceeding expectations with the Celtics and reaching their potential, it is easy to dismiss Stevens who has consistently pushed the right buttons. Last year, Boston was a hodge podge collection of average and decent role players, but somehow they found themselves competing against the best teams and winning close game; Marcus Smart around draft ni- staying pat for years to come. especially toward the end of the ght. Many expected a big splash “We think there’s going to be Stevens entered his first year season. Back on Track from the Celtics after making a lot of activity on draft night,” in Boston, and the NBA as well, the postseason last year and hol- remarked Ainge a few days prior with the losses of franchise vete- For example, on Apr. 4, in a The Boston Celtics’ new head coach has them ding a significant cap advantage to the 2015 NBA Draft where rans Pierce and Kevin Garnett, crucial game against the playo- ready to shed the ‘rebuilding’ title over the rest of the league before Boston held four picks, all of while also inheriting Rajon Ron- ff-bound Toronto Raptors, the Celtics found themselves with By Conor Hawley everybody receives an edge next which were not traded in the do, whose presence and attitude year as the salary cap is bumped end. “So stay tuned. Our draft was always brought into ques- the ball in overtime and only four seconds left trailing by one t’s safe to say Brad Stevens observe the game from different from 61.7 million to approxima- pick may have been traded befo- tion during his time in Boston. point. Out of a timeout, Boston has been a resounding suc- critical lenses, but are all we- tely 85 million. Rumors surfa- re we even make the pick.” In just a year’s work, Stevens in-bounded the ball before Ste- cess in just two seasons with ll-respected and clearly hold the ced of Boston’s front office pus- improved a 25-win cellar-dwe- I hing for a “Big Three” featuring But, maybe that’s not what’s ller by 15 wins and made the vens immediately recognized the Boston Celtics, and that is young Stevens in high-esteem. fan-favorite Paul Pierce, Robin important. Celtics relevant again in a very the look that he wanted for the

not a judgement shared simply Charles Krupa/AP Photo game-winning shot was not the- by fans and pundits. LeBron Ja- Much of the Celtics offsea- Lopez, and Kevin Love excited a weak Eastern Conference. re, and called a timeout with 2.6 mes, Gregg Popovich, and Dan- son has left fans puzzled from fan-base desperate to raise ano- With the way that Stevens seconds remaining. From there, ny Ainge have each been open the drafting of Terry Rozier and ther banner in the rafters of TD has approached his team and Unlike other teams who can he adeptly drew up another play with their praise for Stevens. R.J. Hunter to the rumors that Garden. Heck, Ainge even hin- dealt with various issues, Celtics attribute year-to-year changes that had Thomas sprint from Each of those men play very Boston was shopping around ted at fireworks during the draft fans should be happy that he is in success to player acquisitions, the backcourt and gain momen- different roles in the NBA and the likes of Avery Bradley and and free agency. remaining and showing signs of the Celtics did not obtain any

66 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 67 tum before taking the ball on the seasons with the Detroit Pistons now with Bradley, Smart, Tho- ley and Smart have shown mar- with a great past and an exciting out of bounds pass and driving This year, the Men in green and Toronto Raptors, Johnson mas, and Rozier. The beauty of ked improvement on their jump future as well,” Lee said after be- toward the hoop. Thomas’ speed have much more than what they has played in 22 playoff games this guard lineup is versatility shots and can be counted to nail ing acquired by Boston for Walla- was enough to blow by Louis Wi- started off with last year, but fans and on four postseason squads in with each player possessing spe- three pointers. ce. lliams and forced James Johnson should not be excited as much total. Meanwhile, Lee just came cific strengths that can disrupt to leave Marcus Smart as Tho- about the new talent as what off an NBA title run with Golden opponents on any given night. To put the cherry on top, all of “I’m down for what (Danny mas drove to the paint leading to Ainge is) and I like the new guys,” a last second layup by Smart. Thomas commented about Bos- ton’s summer free agency and “I thought it was crazy when draft. we came to the timeout and he already had another play drawn With this fresh talent and di- up,” commented Evan Turner of verse group of players, Stevens Stevens’s coaching in the last few has many options at his disposal, seconds. “By the time we got to which should scare the rest of the the timeout he had grabbed the NBA considering how much he board and everything was drawn has been able to accomplish with up. He was a step ahead.” so little. Of course, this team does not have a Lebron James, Kevin Most coaches would stick to Durant, or even an aging Dwayne the original play and not properly Wade, but neither did the Atlanta adjust or even identify the issue Hawks of last year or the Indiana on the floor. However, Stevens Pacers in previous seasons. continues to dazzle in his ability to incorporate in-game adjust- Those teams mentioned above ments as well as prepare his team simply had the right pieces which for any possible situation during meshed together to form a domi- a game. Despite possessing a si- nating product. Their coaches, milar level of talent as the Celtics Frank Vogel and Mike Budenhol- had in his first season, Stevens zer, have been nothing spectacu- has instilled in Boston a certain lar with Vogel even sitting on the mental toughness and awareness hot seat during the past year. that allowed the Celtics last season to hang around in games and Each team entered under rarely get blown out. the radar with low expectations and became contenders overni- In just their third game of the ght with very little explanation season, the Celtics found them- by pundits and prognosticators. selves in a 31-point hole against As the beginning of the season the Dallas Mavericks on the road. nears, Boston is receiving simi- However, they clawed their way lar treatment with many people back to cut the deficit to just saying they are a fringe playoff three with seconds remaining team that desperately requires a before being denied on multiple superstar post player. opportunities with the ball to tie

the score. Brian Babineau/Getty Images But, with Brad Stevens at the Stevens can do with this year’s State and had some key minutes Bradley, Rozier, and Smart all these Celtics, new and old, seem helm and better talent arriving Not bad for a “rebuilding” squad. Newcomers Amir John- during the NBA Finals against perform extremely well defen- on board to propel this franchise on Causeway Street, I’m not sure team that featured just two pre- son and David Lee each should the Cavaliers. sively and can wreak havoc on back into championship conten- that’s the case. vious All-Stars: Rondo and Ge- alleviate Boston’s problems in inattentive ball-handlers. Tho- tion and conquer banner No. 18. rald Wallace. Both players ave- the paint while also providing ve- Although Boston’s selection mas has unbelievable quickness raged less than ten points last teran leadership and playoff ex- of Rozier at 16th overall was a with the basketball and can fini- “I’m just really, really pumped year and have skill-sets that are perience, something sorely mis- little early and surprising, their sh through traffic in spite of his about being part of a new team depreciating by the minute. sing from this roster. In his ten depth at guard is unquestioned five-foot-nine frame. Both Brad- and obviously, an organization

68 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 69 Saddle Up A superior summer makes the Spurs favorites to reign supreme this season

By Johnny Fuelner

he stage was set: Staples My, how the tides have changed. Center, Game 7, winner take Tall between the San Antonio Opting to postpone their tee ti- Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers. mes, both Duncan and Ginobili will suit up this season after all. That is Down by two, San Antonio’s fantastic news for the fans and the Boris Diaw lobbed it to teammate organization. Not only are they each Kawhi Leonard off an inbounds play leaders in their respective forms with one second left in the fourth but they both know what it takes to quarter. There waiting for Leonard bring another title back to San An- were two Clippers’ defenders. tonio.

The attempt failed to materialize, Which is exactly what’s going the clock struck zero, and the Spurs to transpire next spring. With how were eliminated from the 2015 NBA well the Spurs made out in the off- Playoffs. Fresh off a championship season, they’re officially the top dog season in ’14, San Antonio lasted all in the NBA before it has even com- but seven games this past spring, menced. which is hardly the result they pro-

bably envisioned. Darren Abate/AP Photo some to be the centerpiece moving four-time All-Star, LaMarcus Aldri- a couple months, San Antonio went gher opponents, if not the toughest Seen after the contest was over, Duncan and Ginobili, although forward with the Spurs, was signed dge! Yep, that LaMarcus Aldridge. from a simple playoff adversary, opponent heading into the season. Clippers’ guard Chris Paul was they’ve diminished skill-wise with to a five-year, max contract exten- to a championship-caliber squad. emotionally hugging Spurs’ forward age, are both luxuries for the Spurs sion. In what could have wound Traveling the country and mee- Composed from top-to-bottom and Heck, even Warriors’ head coach Tim Duncan, as the idea Duncan and would have been sizable los- up being a bigger downer, Leonard ting with NBA teams after he had orchestrated through the tutelage Steve Kerr feels the Spurs are un- would leave the game for good floa- ses had they hung ‘em up. Yes, the returns. A dynamic defensive stan- announced the official departing of of one Gregg Popovich, the Spurs, doubtedly in a position to run the ted around the arena that evening. Spurs are never one to exhibit star dout and a ultimate team player, Portland, Aldridge inked a massi- with their vast philosophy for team table. Kerr even went as far as jo- And for that matter, Manu Ginobili power, and therefore, if the two ve- Leonard is a star already at the age ve four-year, $80 million deal with basketball, are the group to put your kingly jabbing at his former coach as well. terans left, they keep sailing regard- of 24. the Spurs. This gives San Antonio money on this 2015-16 season. Popovich, implying he should re- less. bundles of flexibility, given they lost sign if he can’t hoist the trophy with The thought of no Duncan and/ With the exception of a few pie- Tiago Splitter down low, and Dun- Nothing is going to be handed this current Spurs team. or Ginobili must’ve put a damper However, seeing as the only ces here-and-there, the Spurs now can will surely be well-rested throu- to them - especially in the west. But feeling of a clouded future in Spurs brightness post the Duncan and have all of their mainstays availa- ghout a game. with the stars aligning, San Anto- “You look at what San Antonio fan’s heads for this upcoming cam- Ginobili era is Kawhi Leonard, it’s ble for play this upcoming season, nio, by nearly all accounts, have the did getting Aldridge,” Kerr told paign, given they’ve hung so many difficult to foreshadow San Antonio which only enhances their hardwa- Add in forward David West, too. best odds at winning. the NBA TV booth during this past banners with those two stationed making noise in the wild west wi- re contention. The Spurs also nabbed the former Summer League. “I mean if they on the roster. That and accompa- thout them. All-Star, West, to pose as a threat in That’s taking absolutely zero don’t win the whole thing next year nied with the fact that the Western And they signed forward LaMar- the post and hopefully mesh instan- credibility away from the Golden it’s clearly the coach’s fault. I mean Conference is no walk through the The good news didn’t end there, cus Aldridge. taneously with their system run by State Warriors, who are fresh off of if Pop can’t win the whole thing with park had to resonate something un- though. nothing but savvy veterans. claiming there first title in 40 years. that roster then he has no business settling. Wait … what? LaMarcus Al- Golden State will without question coaching in this league.” Leonard, who’s acclaimed by dridge! The 6-foot-11, 240 pound, Needless to say, in the course of be one of the San Antonio’s tou-

70 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 71 It goes to show that other coa- nation of Duncan and Splitter this What separates the Spurs from ches/teams are recognizing the past playoff try. most other teams is their willingness potential potency of the Spurs, and to learn and accept criticism. Just by that the sky, no space rather, is the Defensively, the Spurs are a mi- watching them on your couch you limit. lestone ahead. Placing Aldridge and can observe and see how there isn’t West - who are both exceptional de- an abundance of ego, which seems On paper, the Spurs are built fenders - with a team that already to be the achilles heel to various from outside the arc to inside. And takes pride in protecting their own squads around the league. yes, titles aren’t captured by whose basket is going to make it that much name is written on the roster; the- more difficult for the opposition to This is why the Spurs inclusions re’s chemistry still to be formed with score on them. Remember, defense of Aldridge and West were so genius the new additions, and we’ve yet to wins championships, not flashiness. because both of these players don’t see a player come in and essentially have histories of selfishness and/or replace Duncan as the go-to man in In general, the Spurs have the emotional aspirations of the having the paint - talking Aldridge here. depth needed to compete. When the ball at all times. Add them to a you have the ability to substitute group of guys whose only goal is to Nevertheless, hearing what any player at any given position and win a championship, man, that’s as Duncan is already saying about how still have the same, or at least near gravy you get. he’ll treat Aldridge is a winning at- an identical impact as your starter, titude at its finest and a selfless one that’s when it’s a team. In a league where superstars re- at that. ceive all the attention, the Spurs are just a team designed to win and care “I’m not worried about him be- Critics who say San Antonio is less about the limelight. Call it cliché nefiting my game; I’m going to wo- too old clearly don’t grasp the aura but that’s how they operate. They’re rry about me benefiting his,” Dun- of the Spurs that brings out the best an unattractive band of champions. can told Bleacher Report’s Jared in these so called “washed up” pla- Zwerling. “I’m going to let him do yers. The summer couldn’t have been his thing and just see where I can hotter in Texas and the Spurs will fit in and help. I’m going to ride Diaw is a perfect example. Here’s look only to turn up the heat come his coattails and I’m going to push a guy who most teams would pass tip-off. Perhaps, Duncan and Gino- him.” up on because of his age and abili- bili can ride off into the sunset as ty to perform. Yet, in the past three champs again. The size and talent level of the years with the Spurs, Diaw has been Spurs’ low post players is what a catalyst for late-game comebacks, Or perhaps you’d be crazy to not stands out the most. and a go-to shot in the postseason. see that happening.

This may come off as a prematu- It’s all because the Spurs truly re comparison, but Aldridge could believe they can beat anybody re- wind up being Duncan’s David Ro- gardless of their roster, and it’s in binson. Or, maybe, Duncan will play large part attributed to Popovich, the role of Robinson, and Aldridge whose arguably been the best coach is the new Duncan? Aldridge, to be in the league over the past decade. frank, brings balance to Duncan It’s their and his desire to be num- and the Spurs’ big men - something ber one. they lacked last season. Most of the time during the pla- The Western Conference is full yoffs you’ll see Duncan and Popo- of paint monsters. DeAndre Jordan, vich screaming at each other on the Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cou- sidelines, and that’s not because sins, Marc Gasol, Dwight Howard, they’re frustrated with one another, Blake Griffin - the list goes on-and- that’s the intensity glorified in their on. With Aldridge, and West, the competitiveness. You can’t teach Spurs’ centers and power forwards that. are much stronger than the combi-

72 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 73 Mediocrity The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an unusual location

By Max Holm

Glamorous purple and gold uniforms took to the floor as a deafening crowd bellowed in the bosom of Sta- ples Center. The home fans’ team had returned home from war in Boston, avoiding elimination and ultimately setting up one final battle for all to see with all to gain.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics did this dance seven times through the 1960’s with the C’s and Bill Russell winning every encounter. Post 1970, they met four more times and split the Finals, meaning this title match, this game seven, was more imperative for the Lakers to bring home a championship than last month’s rent. And take it home they did.

Despite an awful track record from the 60’s, the Lakers are as much of a storied franchise as anyone in sports today. They are fortified by 16 NBA championships, 21 hall-of-famers - 22 when Kobe Bryant calls it a day - and four legendary coaches by the names of John Kandla, Bill Sharman, Pat Riley and of course, Phil Jac- kson, the Zen master himself.

But since Jackson and his troops took home glory in ‘10, it’s all been downhill for the Lake Show. The days of Showtime, and Kobe and Shaq are great to look back on but in each passing day the reality is they’re so far removed and the relevancy of the purple and gold is fading, losing it’s shine.

Following their ‘10 title, the Lakers were sent home by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the ‘11 playoffs. Then they were smacked again in the second round - this time by the youthful Oklahoma City Thun- der, before Kevin Durant won MVP and before James Harden was disregarded in an effort to save money. Things only got worse in ‘13, losing Dwight Howard to the Rockets, Steve Nash to father time and then getting swept in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs. It’s been even more downhill since as the Lakers have now been the second to worst team in the Western Conferen- ce for two years running.

74 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 75 Jae C. Hong/AP Photo hardwood nation

We sit today in ‘15, several mon- This is not a free agent hub. Granted team in Bryant and Nick Young, to power forward and almost exactly created a roster likely too good to season’s end with far more left in the ths removed from a team who lost the landscape now is far more con- go along with their two young guards the same size and weight as Randle. retain their top three protected pick tank. Those three all panning out is 61 games, which not surprisingly ducive for teams to re-sign their own Russell and Clarkson. And then the So the question becomes, what exact- and yet, not quite good enough to more important than securing a ex- concluded the worst season in fran- guys, but still very appealing free team added Lou Williams. ly is management thinking here? make a run for the eighth seed in ceptional free agent - three is greater chise history. Laker Nation, the same agents this summer, last summer the bloodbath that is the NBA’s wild, than one. Which is precisely why the fans so accustomed to entitled trip and the summer before they chose Sure, there’s discussion of Bryant Even with these solid additions, wild West. team should not have even enter- after entitled trip to the NBA Finals, elsewhere. playing the three and Young can play this team is light years behind the li- tained the thought of trading their was rooting for ping-pong balls and there too, but why would they log jam kes of the Thunder, Spurs, Clippers, So, here’s the dilemma: how can young guns for DeMarcus Cousins - a watching March Madness with utter In the meantime, the stars ha- the positions with their most promi- Warriors, Rockets and Grizzlies, and the Lakers return to relevancy in or- rumor that persisted throughout the scrutiny. They salivated over names ven’t come and the team became me- sing players, especially when Bryant still significantly behind teams like der to climb back into championship summer. The Kings have a better ros- like Jahlil Okafor and D’Angelo Rus- diocre. After striking out on so many has one or two years left in his tank the Jazz and Pelicans. The Lakers contention as efficiently as possible? ter than LA and still cannot win 30 sell; they talked themselves into Jor- free agents, though I don’t want and career? front office may have accidentally es- Note, I did not say quickly because games. dan Clarkson having all-star poten- to discredit adding professionals tablished the epitome of a mediocre as mentioned before, trace the steps tial and were engrossed in vines of like Brandon Bass, Lou Williams, But Lakers management didn’t team. of Laker history and these dynasties It’s not an easy call when one Julius Randle knocking down open and Roy Hibbert this summer, it’s stop there in creating a stockpile of were not made overnight and were has to weigh financial implications, jumpers in a small, sticky gym. They puzzling that the Buss family cannot position overlap with their young Just like mediocrity, these mo- not the byproduct of stellar signings. jersey sales, and attendance; espe- may now be under the same spell and see that the answer to mediocrity is studs. While he still may and proba- ves don’t allow for much mobility cially after Bryant retires. But from delusion that one player, who is now right in front of their faces. In fact, bly should start, Randle is now joined up or down. They’re holding back The teams of the 60’s thrived a basketball perspective this seems second overall pick D’Angelo Russe- should they simply retrace the steps by Bass, who mind you is a very solid the youngsters and at the same time from the evolution of two draft picks: like a no-brainer. There’s a massive ll, a point guard out of Ohio State, is of the franchise’s history? It’s right Baylor and West. Showtime benefi- difference among bad teams between all the team needs to bounce back. there, too. In order to win and sus- tted from the growth of Magic and an emphasis on tanking versus deve- That a healthy Kobe can get them to tain success the key comes down to Worthy, and the 2000’s belonged to lopment, which is the quarrel Phila- the playoffs. two principles: draft success and pla- the Black Mamba, another draft pick. delphia finds itself in with its beloved yer development. Obviously, there is a plethora of ad- 76ers. Yet, look at the past, not one, not ditional circumstances surrounding two, but three and four summers While young talent may have been those eras, but at the core remains The 76ers are preaching patien- of courting free agents and no star lacking last season, Byron Scott - the drafting well and sustaining strong ce and have a steadfast of young wants to be a Laker. You can put head coach, though for how much development. talent flowing through, with even that on Kobe, the Buss children, the longer remains to be seen - count- more to come. That team is looking new CBA deal, or whatever you’d lessly played older vets with no future We won’t know whether the team to follow in the footsteps of the li- like, but the reality is not only does place on the team over younger guys. has drafted or developed well for at kes of the Thunder and Warriors of Hollywood and 16 titles not cut it for His team quickly plummeted to the least a few more seasons, but ulti- recent years, teams that instilled a NBA All-Stars anymore - as shown bottom of the standings, but he soon mately whether this train cruises or rich culture and nailed their drafts, inherently clear by the courting of got the memo, allowing rookie guard crashes has mostly to do with what multiple drafts in fact. free agent power forward LaMarcus Clarkson to gain some confidence management decides. Will they be Aldridge this summer - but this isn’t and expand his game. Now with the patient, give the young guys ample Laker fans are likely to see their something new. It’s not like guys su- return of Randle, who missed almost opportunities and scout well, while team lose it’s chance to draft next ddenly gave LA a cold shoulder. all of last season through injury, and maintaining cap flexibility, or will June, with the pick owed to Phi- rookie phenom Russell, Scott is in a they fall into the allure of trying to lly if it falls outside the top 3, but There is a bizarre misconception unique position to let the kids play force being good too soon, overu- there is still plenty to be excited about the Lakers that for years, the- and grow, not only individually, but se cap space and put winning as the about for this upcoming year. So se stars that flooded the team were also as a core trio for the future. number one goal for the next few Laker fans, please, would you ra- brought in effortlessly. The only years over smart, meticulous develo- ther sneak into the playoffs next major free agent signing, in fact, The playing time will be there pment? year or struggle for a few more if the team ever made was Shaquille for Russell, Clarkson and Randle it meant contending for several O’Neal. Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, this upcoming year, but contrary to Even if the Lakers lure a top free years thereafter? There is poten- Magic Johnson, James Worthy, An- that idea, the moves made during agent in the next two years, the suc- tial here to ascend out of both the drew Bynum and Kobe Bryant were this summer can appear a bit coun- cess of this franchise and its chan- bottom dwellers and the mediocre, all drafted or acquired through the ter intuitive to the development of ces at sustained success are down to but a rushed plan - like back in ‘10 draft. Wilt Chamberlain and Dwight young talent. The Lakers already had Russell, Clarkson and Randle. The - could see it all burn down to the Howard were both gotten in a trade. two guards and ball stoppers on the trio will be 20, 23, and 21 by next ground very quickly. Andrew Bernstein/Getty Images

76 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 77 against Wall for most of his career, and not because he won’t find the open man that results from a dou- Wizards’ Fortunes ble team.

The strategy would often work precisely because he found the on the Rise open man, and it happened to be Nene, Gooden or Humphries The Washington Wizards are showing legitimate promise once again ready to catch and shoot 18-feet away from the basket. By Dan Roth There is no disputing that Wall ranks with the best passers in the he last two years were un- than the one that blew past its first loss to the East’s No. 1 seed in the league. His stellar court vision and Noah Graham/Getty Images cannily similar for the round opponent. second round. be tasked with picking up the slack ratio of his career. 6-foot-4 frame allow him to make TWashington Wizards. They that Pierce left behind. Fortunate- passes that other guards wouldn’t compiled a record of 44-38 hea- As the start of the 2015-16 NBA The Wizards were interested in ly for the Wizards, it’s not an unfa- Though Wall went through think about trying. ding into the 2014 NBA playoffs season draws near, the vast ma- retaining Pierce, but the 37-year- miliar position for the 24-year-old stretches where the jumper wasn’t and put together a 46-36 record jority of analysts are projecting a old was seeking a two-year con- to be in. falling for him, his shot has steadi- Granted, the majority of his entering the postseason last year. similar finish for the Wizards, lar- tract. With an eye on the ‘16 free ly improved in each of his five NBA turnovers result from attempting gely because the team hasn’t given agency pool, the Wizards were In his senior season at Word of seasons. He established a new ca- for those passes. But Wall has Washington entered both post- them reason to believe otherwise. unwilling to offer Pierce anything God Christian Academy, Wall led reer-high in shooting percentage had to work harder than most seasons as the fifth seed in the more than a one-year deal. his high school team to the North last season, connecting on roughly other guards, often to the point of Eastern Conference. Both years, The addition of Paul Pierce last Carolina state championship. The 45 percent of his shot attempts. As overextending himself, to get his the Wizards made waves in the offseason was supposed to remedy Reunited with his former head team would go on to lose the game Wall’s jumper has improved, his teammates open shots. first round of the playoffs with do- what most people believed the coach Doc Rivers on a two-year Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images on a buzzer-beater. speed has become even more of a minant series victories despite be- Wizards lacked—a veteran leader contract with the Los Angeles Cli- problem for defenders. Aside from Wall, Beal and Pier- ing widely considered underdogs with an NBA title to his name. ppers, Pierce left somewhat of a In his one-and-done season at ce were the only players on the to the Chicago Bulls and Toronto leadership void behind in Washin- the University of Kentucky, Wall When his perimeter shots are roster last year that created quality Raptors respectively. And he filled that role, beco- gton. But the Wizards should have led the Wildcats to the best re- falling, defenders have two choi- perimeter shots for themselves on ming the vocal leader of the team no problem filling it. cord in Division-I NCAA basket- ces: They can guard him close a semi-regular basis. Still, neither But each year, Washington hit and mentoring its younger pla- ball. Then, at 19-years-old, he was enough to challenge a potential of them are winning any awards a wall in the second round and yers. But at the season’s end, the Coming off the best season of thrust into a leadership role the shot and run the relatively high in that department at this point in transformed into a different team results were the same: a 4-2 series his young career, John Wall will moment the Wizards drafted him risk of getting beat to the basket, their careers. with the top pick of the ‘10 draft. or, they can block Wall’s path to the basket by giving him a few feet Beal’s game off the dribble saw Pierce’s arrival in Washington of space and hope he misses if he a marked improvement last year, may have lessened the weight for takes the shot. but he still has plenty of room for Wall, but he never ceased to be improvement. And it’s safe to say one of the team’s primary leaders But if stopping Wall when he’s that Pierce’s ability to create shots while Pierce was around. He ave- having a good shooting night is for himself has significantly decli- raged 17.6 points and a career high really that difficult, he would be ned in recent years. 10 assists last season. He registe- putting up monster games on a red 40 double doubles—11 more pretty regular basis, which begets With so few players generating than his previous best—tying him the question: why isn’t he? their own shots, the Wizards were with Chris Paul for the most by a heavily dependent on Wall to crea- guard last season. The main reason is that Wall’s te shots for the rest of the team. As supporting cast, though steadi- a true pass-first point guard, Wall The Raleigh, North Carolina ly improving, hasn’t been on par thrives in such an environment. native showed improved maturity with the groups that most of the with his decision-making throu- league’s elite point guards have to But openings in the paint were ghout the season en route to pos- work with. Thus, help defense has especially hard to come by in the ting the best assist-to-turnover been a viable strategy to employ regular season for the Wizards

78 / SPORTS JOURNAL. SPORTS JOURNAL. / 79 because of the space occupied by a project, Oubre’s impressive me- three-pointers for his teammates two traditional big men and their asurements, which should enable throughout his time in Washing- defenders. him to defend both opposing sma- ton. ll and power forwards, combined And with so few teammates with his ability to run the floor The Wizards demolished the able to create off the dribble, Wall make him a strong fit for the Wi- Raptors primarily due to the suc- often had to do it the hard way: zards plans. cess of an undersized lineup of absorbing contact and drawing Wall, Beal, Porter, Pierce and Gor- defenders to the basket in order By head coach Randy Witt- tat. But the odds of Washington to get a teammate open on the pe- man’s admission, and the team’s being able to sustain that lineup rimeter. The team’s plans for the offseason moves to back it up, the over the course of 82 regular sea- coming season ought to lessen Wizards will look to play more son games last season were slim. Wall’s work load in that regard. small-ball this season. Having a Pierce’s 37-year-old body simply stretch-four, a power forward who wouldn’t have been able to wea- With the exception of the Wi- can shoot three-pointers, is a key ther the physical toll it takes to zards’ draft picks, every new Wi- component to the small-ball for- defend a bigger player every game. zard acquired this offseason—Ja- mula. red Dudley, Alan Anderson and Porter didn’t have the size to be Gary Neal—share a couple com- Head coach Steve Kerr and a stretch-four. Nene, Gooden and monalities. First, none fit the tra- the Golden State Warriors didn’t Humphries didn’t have the range. ditional mold of a single position. invent small-ball, but they were However, the Washington Post Second, they all shoot a career largely responsible for its surge in recently reported that Porter and 35 percent or better from three- popularity. those three have been working on point-range. their size. As the Warriors blew past the In the first round of the ‘15 rest of the league en route to their Add Dudley to the mix of draft, the Wizards sent the Atlanta first NBA title, other teams took stretch-four candidates and the Hawks two future protected se- note of the diminutive lineups that Wizards have a five-man commit- cond-round picks to move up and Kerr was using. In an effort to keep tee tasked with filling the role that select small forward Kelly Oubre up, more teams started adopting Pierce played in the playoffs. And Jr out of Kansas University. the idea and crafting small-ball though the Wizards organization lineups of their own. But the Wi- has refrained from acknowled- Both Wizards head coach zards were late to the small-ball ging it, all signs suggest they’ll be Randy Wittman and team pre- revolution. It wasn’t until the post- going all in for another stretch- sident/general manager Ernie season that they used an undersi- four next summer. Grunfeld stressed that the 19-year- zed lineup with any regularity. old small forward’s versatility en- All of Washington’s re-signed ticed them into making the move. The benefits of a smaller lineup players and new members (roo- were evident in the 2015 playo- kies excluded) were signed to Oubre averaged 9.3 points and ffs, particularly in the Wizards contracts that will come off the five rebounds in 21 minutes per first-round sweep of the Toronto books by next summer. Several game in his only college season. In Raptors. Adding another three- other player contracts, most no- a small sample size of 95 attempts, point shooter through the use of tably Nene’s hefty salary, will also he shot 36 percent from behind a stretch-four instead of only gave expire. the college three-point line. Wall more options. The Wizards are prepared to His college statistics aren’t da- Washington became a much make every overture they can zzling, but Wittman and Grunfeld more formidable offensive force. to convince Kevin Durant come liked what they saw of his limited home like LeBron James did in play at Kansas. His 6-foot-7 frame John Wall is an ideal point the summer of ‘14. If they can’t, and 7-2 wingspan also played a big guard to run a small-ball lineup. they’ll still be in prime position role in the team’s decision. His elite speed, pass-first mentali- to land at least one of the top free ty and mastery of the drive-and-di- agents on the market. Though he’s considered a bit of sh have created a plethora of open

80 / SPORTS JOURNAL. EDITOR’S LETTER

reels you in. Immersed into the content, you’ll find that the words will make you This Ain’t Your feel as though you’re right there. The imagery in the Sports Journal Sunday Paper allows the reader to delve into the g BY JOHN FEULNER page and look deeper into what the writer is attempting to portray. Dear Reader, There’s an emphasis on the “journal” portion of the magazine’s title. You know, as society grows and evolves through the years it got me Thoughts and emotions are typical thinking about how long the print world will withstand the robust actions we as humans express daily, technology movement. only here it’s laid out right in front of you. That’s not to say this maga- As a kid, I would walk into the kitchen and find my mother and zine is a neverending poem; not by father — every day —enjoying a nice cup of joe and fixating their a long shot. I’m simply stating these eyes on the morning paper. Which, not long thereafter, I became the compositions will undoubtedly epitome of their early sunrise routine. I basked in the glory of ab- speak and relate to you in one way sorbing words while appreciating the reporters/writers who exerted or another. sheer impetus and devoted diligent integrity towards landing that story they had curated. Collecting information from sources who And if reading isn’t exactly your you would spend countless hours contacting and composing into forte, the photos scattered in the fine content is an art form, to say the least. Sports Journal will wow you instantaneously. Jumping right off In this current time, yes, I still see my parents reading the news- the page and into your living room, paper. Call them suckers for the “old school” stereotype or people the quality and definition of these who don’t know how to operate a computer, but they get the facts images are second to none, and and not utter amphigory you’ll discover on various sites nowadays. are representations of the Sports Where am I going with this? Computers, smart phones, and more Journal’s elegance. From action to specifically the devil I like to call social media, are deteriorating still pictures, I know firsthand that journalism as we know. It’s certainly useful to journalists, however, they not only depict sports from a this day and age, everybody’s a journalist now. Where are newspa- wideangle lens, but they mesh ef- pers, or even magazines going to be in another 10 years? 20? fortlessly with the stories premise. I’ve never been one to just stop and Through the impending turmoil — or whichever way you want to stare at pictures. I’ve always found look at it — I can truly say that the Sports Journal will weather the them to be drearily mundane. Yet, fire. It’s made out of paper, but it’s fireproof paper! Argh! in looking at the Sports Journal’s photography, it’s like a breath of For one, the Sports Journal’s number one priority is their readers. fresh air, and has opened my mind That’s you. Everything that’s associated, written, reported, etc., by on how I view images, now. this magazine is accurately distributed to the audience. Other magazines give you the stories because it’s their job, but at the Sports In short, the Sports Journal is new. Journal it’s a sanctity. I’ve always been that kind of guy who savors What you garner from it is the a great narrative, but I’m guilty when it comes to remembering the ability to view a sports magazine author. Not in this magazine. In the Sports Journal, I always make at another level, though. You’ll have sure to read the byline because without them there is no story. And plenty of time to rot your retinas they’re phenomenal stories. on the computer, but for now, take in a contemporary form of journal- What makes a person want to keep reading? The Sports Journal, of ism like you’ve never experienced course... no, that’s an illadvised pitch right there. It’s the whole grab- before. It’s an honestly exciting ride bing factor that keeps the reader’s eyes moving sidetoside. And that’s that never ends. the “it” factor with the Sports Journal: the want to read. It’s kind of like when you’re sitting at a good restaurant and you can’t decide I am having my coffee and reading what to order. Why? It’s because you’re reading the menu and it as we speak. I’m also keeping everything on it immediately sends your tastebuds into a frenzy. Me, journalism alive and well in the personally, I’d order the menu, but you get the point. You can’t just process. And that’s the way it opt for one piece of the pie, sometimes. It’s the craving for more that should be.

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