Bleachers' Brew #186 The 4th Annual Brewskies

The 4th Annual Brewskies

by rick olivares

At the end of every year, we at the Bleachers hand out the Brewskie Awards to people, athletes, and teams that have made the world of sports even more interesting if not controversial.

The Grady Little Award – Charlie Manuel, Manager, Philadelphia Phillies. If you don’t have the stuff then you don’t have the stuff. In Game 6 of the 2009 World Series, the Phillies were down to the New York Yankees 2-1 in the third inning with Pedro Martinez on the mound. New York was slowly peppering Martinez and Manuel left him one batter too long with Hideki Matsui at the plate. The Yankee DH laced a single to center for two runs and a 4-1 Yankees lead they would not surrender as they won Game 6 for their 27^th World Series trophy.

That recalled an incident six years earlier in a similar situation with Martinez on the mound once more against New York. Martinez, then with the Boston Red Sox, had his team ahead 5-2 in the eighth inning when the Yankees had three consecutive hits off the Dominican pitcher. Bosox Manager Grady Little left him on and Jorge Posada hit a two-run double that allowed NY to tie the game and win the ALCS in the 11^th inning of Game 7.

Question Mark of the Year – Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers. There’s no “I” in team but there is certainly one in “Iverson.” For one of the greatest scoring machines the NBA has ever seen, he hasn’t provided concrete answers. Only questions and more orders for Excedrin and Tylenol.

Speaker of the Year Award – Rafa Benitez, Liverpool FC. You know the saying that “you’re only as good as your last win?” It has been four long years since the Spaniard has won any silverware (and he did largely with a team that he didn’t put together) and although he has come close on two more occasions, he’s made the headlines more for his fights in the media with other English Premier League managers and his bosses at Liverpool. He can talk the talk, but unfortunately, he can’t walk the walk.

Fan’s Choice Award – Wynne Arboleda, Red Bull Barako. Enuff said.

The John McEnroe Award (given to those who go on their you-are-the-pits-of-the-world rant) – deuce for Roger Federer and Serena Williams. This is a year where we found out that some of the world’s greatest athletes no longer have Teflon on them. Serena Williams went on a tirade against a lineswoman and Roger Federer got fed up and used the F-word against a decision of a chair umpire. ATP = Angry Tennis Player? You betcha!

Best Drama Series of the Year – PBA. From the Draft brouhaha to another player picking a fight with a fan right to the Smart Gilas controversy. And it’s only the first conference. The country’s most popular league made headlines more for the wrong things than their brand of basketball. And worse, several clubs are in the red.

Writer’s Choice Award – goes to the Araneta Coliseum for disallowing sportswriters on the court during games and their using pens to scribble notes for fear they might be used to inadvertently stab players. Duh! While we’re at it, maybe we can remove those courtside chairs. Surely they must have seen WWE wrestlers use them at one time or another on their foes.

False Prophet of the Year – Floyd Mayweather Sr. This guy has no credibility. I refuse to talk about this motormouth.

Runner-up Jimmy Rollins, shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies. Prior to the World Series versus the New York Yankees, Rollins said: “Of course we’re going to win. If we’re nice, we’ll let it go six. But I’m thinking five. Close it out at home". However, the Phillies lost the series 4–2, including successive defeats at home. His failure as infield captain to have someone cover third base led to Yankee Johnny Damon’s two-base steal that changed the complexion of the series. Even after the series loss, Rollins insisted that Philadelphia was the better team.

Kermit Washington Award –Elizabeth Lambert. The New Mexico women's soccer player whose excessively rough play on Brigham Young University players in a Mountain West Conference tournament game earned her an indefinite suspension and national notoriety. Said Lambert afterwards. “I can’t believe I did that. I will always regret it.” I feel bad, Elizabeth because you’re forever on youtube.

Byron Scott Award of the Year – Byron Scott. It’s a cycle I tell you. Leads team to a great season. Wins Coach of the Year Award. Loses his team the following year then is ultimately fired. Saw that with New Jersey and now with New Orleans. Tip here coach, Scott. Never coach a team with “New” in its name. So New York is not for you. Mike D’Antoni, your job is safe. For now.

Rivalry of the Year – POC vs. PSC. Never-ending. No matter who sits there.

Two awards here! The PETA Award for (an animal’s best friend) and the Mr. Miyagi Award (ever see Karate Kid?) to Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs. During a match between the Spurs and the Sacramento Kings, a bat began flying around the court disrupting play. Ginobili showed uncanny reflexes as he batted the bat down in one motion. Director Christopher Nolan is reportedly interested in signing the Argentine to play Batman in the next film about the Caped Crusader.

Tee off of the Year – Erin Woods who was far more impressive than any male golfer in beating Tiger Woods with a golf club. The Women’s Tour quakes in fear.

Another double awardee here! Philippine Goalkeeper of the Year Award goes to the Asian Football Confederation’s Mohammad Bin Hammam for a great save for the embattled Philippine Football Federation President Mari Martinez. Mr. Hammam also receives The Most Generous Award for his PhP 10million donation.

Gamer of the Year – Andy Murray. Word has it also that British tennis player will be offered an endorsement deal by Playstation. Murray it seems, prefers to play with his video games for at least seven hours a day rather than play with his uber hot girlfriend Kim Sears who finally had enough and dumped him. Don’t worry, Andy. There’s always Aki Ross, that hot animated character from the Final Fantasy movie. You’ll be in good company like that Japanese guy who married (for real) Nene Anegasaki, a character in the Nintendo DS game, Love Plus.

The Mighty Bond Award (given to those who espouse my word is my bond crap) to Manny Pacquiao who suffered his lone set back this year to Solar Sports and GMA7 when he tried to bolt from his contract with the two networks. When he got hammered left and right for not using his head, he beat a hasty retreat. His political career for reneging of commitments – you saw it right here first! And he had to dodge a haymaker from his wife Jinkee afterwards.

Past Brewskies Awards:

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2008/12/bleachers-brew-137-3rd-annual-brewskies.html

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2007/12/bleachers-brew-85-2nd-annual-brewskies.html

http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2006/12/brewskies.html

It's the Halladay season

After a meeting at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Florida, Hal Steinbrenner gave New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman his budget for the following season. And there was a list of things to do. Among that sign up Andy Pettitte to a new contract and get the Toronto Blue Jays' Roy Halladay. There aren't many big time pitchers who do well in the Bronx. If they do acquire Doc, then here's hoping he performs well under the microscope. But that also leaves some questions: what about Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui?

Does it look like Doc is going to be in pinstripes come Spring Training? Not yet. I'd say that the Bosox, California Angels, or even the Philadelphia Phillies are a possibility. 

As for the Yankees, Chien Ming Wang, after being the ace for two years, has been in and out of the rotation because of injuries. New York cannot go with only CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Andy Pettitte. They do have to get a little younger because how long those arms hold up on those cagey vets is anyone's guess. With Joba Chamberlain not quite the starter and Phil Hughes lacking in consistency, what this team needs is a couple more solid pitchers and Halladay certainly fits the bill. So I guess you can say,  Give the Big Apple its day and keep Doc Halladay in play.

That lost winning feeling

I guess this is a good reason to celebrate. Christmas came early for the lowly New Jersey Nets who defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 97-91.

Next up... the Knicks.

Will they go to 2-18? Or 1-19? Problem is, the Nets will be visiting Madison Square Garden.

Saturday Short Stuff

The City of Brotherly Love will reach out to Allen Iverson again. It's up to him to make things all right. 

The pressure is on the South Africa team in the World Cup. Who knows how well they could do?

David Stern told Sports Illustrated writer Ian Thomsen that it is possible to have women in the NBA. Sorry Commish. But isn't that why there is a WNBA? Still, it does sound intriguing and highly possible of course.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather in March. The NBA Finals and the World Cup in June. What a first half for sports in 2010. 

Manny Pacquiao signed a contract extension with Solar Sports & GMA7 to broadcast his fights until 2013. So I guess that means he'll be fighting 'til then. So if you hear any crap that he's with another network that never seems to tire of fermenting dissent then that is absolute BS. In fact, he's going to have a new sitcom on the Kapuso network with Bayani Agbayani and Mommy Dionisia who now goes by the showbiz name of Mommy D. 

Group Work

The Group Stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup have been drawn. And as always, he first thing people look for is "the Group of Death" where nothing must be left to chance as a team is bracketed with some of the best of the world. Before the teams from outside Europe had a hard time playing in the old continent because of the difference in weather. It was vice versa for the European teams when they'd go out to Asia or to the Americas. On the African continent for the first time... it's hard to say how well teams will be perform. I don't think the recent Confederations Cup that was won by Brazil is enough to say who will perform or not because there will be changes in line-ups before June 2010. Before June then I could make my predictions.

Group A: 

South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, and France

South Africa and Mexico can possibly advance to the knockout stages here because France starts slowly and for a team with great talent, Raymond Domenech cannot draw out that talent. The Afrikaans will have home field advantage while Mexico could be the dark horse here.

Group B:

Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, and Greece

They say that Diego Maradona breathed a sigh of relief that his side drew these other countries. I say that Nigeria and Greece will be dangerous. Any one loss here could be disastrous as all sides are equally capable of pulling surprises. The favorites though are Argentina and Greece. 

Group C:

England, United States of America, Algeria, and Slovenia

Perhaps the most favorable of all draws. England and the US could advance here but they shouldn't be taking anyone lightly. It is even possible that the Americans could top the Three Lions as they're on first gear out of the gates. But you think Fabio Capello will have that? This match is big -- Landon Donovan vs. David Beckham. 

Group D:

Germany, Australia, Serbia, and Ghana

We're likely to see some big time upsets in this group. Nothing should be taken for granted. Germany will not have an easy time. 

Group E:

Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, and Cameroon

Do you go with the traditional favorite in the Netherlands? Euro 2008 is no indication. But see here, I feel we could have a surprise like Japan advance.

Group F:

Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, and Slovakia

The defending champs must be pleased. Look for them and Slovakia to advance.

Group G:

Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, and Portugal

Looking for that group of death? This could be it. North Korea? I wouldn't take these guys lightly. They showed that they belong. Who would have thought that they played the beautiful game behind the Iron Curtain? They are actually good. At this stage it depends on who's healthy and who brought their big guns to play. 

Group H:

Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, and Chile

Spain will sleepwalk here. And Honduras just might make it. 

The calm before the storm

Get ready Capetown. Get ready South Africa. The FIFA World Cup Finals are coming at ya. The World Cup Draw inna bit.

Ice Skating and other sports

I remember staying up late and watching any Olympic events on television. Even the sports that I didn't follow I watched. Back then, my parents moderated what I watched. Aside from Saturday morning cartoons, I could only watch sports. Ice hockey was something I loved early on and that Paul Newman movie Slapshot had plenty to do with that. Form ice hockey, I enjoyed watching ice skating something I tried to do recreationally. There's a certain exhilaration that comes from being on the ice and going 'round as you pick up speed. That's why hockey has this rush that's different. If Slapshot is to my ice hockey then The Cutting Edge is to ice skating. Of course, I no longer watch as many sports as I can what with a crazy sked. But on occasion, I still watch the old favorites. As for ice skating, there's Japan's Miki Ando who has already won two Grand Prix trophies this year. She is a joy to watch. 

As a rejoinder on my watching and appreciating many non-mainstream sports, one reason is when I was a consultant for adidas. Going through their roster of athletes. That was real fun and it opened me to so many other fields. I was just going through my old closet at my parents' place and I found a bag of magazines where I contributed articles on Ultimate Disc, flag football, motocross, running, and others. And yes, they were all fun to follow and write about.

Ateneo & San Sebastian Volleybelles @ BEG

December 3, 2009 is the 60th Anniversary of the Blue Eagle Gym (formerly Ateneo Gym and Loyola Center). Way back in 1949, Ateneo split its opening matches; a pair of exhibition matches against Mapua and Ateneo de Cagayan. And history did repeat itself as the Ateneo Women's Volleyball Team beat the Lady Stags in four sets while the Ateneo Men's Team fell in three straight. As I said through my hoarse voice, some things are just consistent in the universe as history does repeat itself. 

Ride Planet Earth

Ride Planet Earth (Manila)

"Reduce CO₂ Emissions:

Start Cycle Change, Stop Climate Change"

On 6th December '09 cyclists around the globe will take to the streets, demonstrating the capacity and willingness of ordinary people to take action against climate change. The next day in Copenhagen, 7th December '09 the COP15 negotiations begin. Ride Planet Earth aims to help convince the governments meeting there to take immediate action.

Participants can record video messages to send to the COP15, stating not only why action is necessary, but also what they will be doing about it personally, to show that if governments don't take the lead, ordinary people will.  

The event began as a solo bicycle journey by Kim Nguyen from Brisbane, Australia to Copenhagen, to collect messages from people already effected by climate change.

Over the course of the journey a movement developed such that there are now rides occurring on every continent bar Antarctica.   

RIDE PLANET EARTH MANILA December 6, 2009 (Sunday)

Meet up: 3:30pm Araneta Center Parking Lot between Shopwise and Rustan's

Ride out: 4:00pm

Route:

From Araneta Center, ride out to P. Tuason (Crossing EDSA)

Left at N. Domingo

Right at Doña Hemady or Gilmore(Crossing Aurora Boulevard)

Left at E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave.

Straight until Welcome Rotonda 

U-turn from Quezon Avenue to España

Right at A. Maceda or Blumentritt Street

Left at Dimasalang

Left at Gov. Forbes

Straight until Nagtahan Flyover

Left at Ramon Magsaysay

Straight until Aurora Boulevard

Cross EDSA Back to Cubao, Araneta Center

Please do not forget your night ride gear and your demands or reminders for the Philippine government for the climate negotiations! We'll put it on record and fly it all the way to Copenhagen!

All the details about where rides are taking place can be found at the Ride Planet Earth website or the Ride Planet Earth facebook page.

Coordinators: Densio Matias and John Voltaire Lim (Firefly Brigade)

Phone: +63917-4280966 and /or +63917-3903734

Project Manager: Kim Paul Nguyen kim@rideplanetearth.org

Facebook: The Ride Planet Earth Challenge

Skype: kim.paul.nguyen1

www.rideplanetearth.org

Global warming is the biggest threat the human race has ever faced.

It will affect every one of us and our future children.

On Monday the 7th of December 2009, the world's governments - including that of the Philippines - will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark, to decide what to do about it.

On Sunday the 6th of December, Manila will join major cities all over the world to let their governments know that the world is watching.

We will take to the streets on bicycles at 3:30pm, starting from Araneta Center Cubao, and we invite you to join us.

The meeting at Copenhagen will probably yield the most important environmental decision that will ever have been made. Let's make sure it's the right one!

 

Smart Gilas: Reload

Smart Gilas Pilipinas: Reload

by rick olivares

He won’t admit it, but Dylan Ababou is happy to have a ripped physique again. He had to put on weight during the past UAAP season so he could bang inside against the taller players at the four-spot. Now at his more natural small forward position, he, as the saying goes, has his groove back.

If the former UST Growling Tiger has put on muscle, Rajko Toroman, has gained a few pounds. “I…” the Serb paused as if he suddenly realized he was implicating himself, “am sleeping better.”

Now that the CJ Giles experiment is over, going to work has brought back an enthusiasm that was missing for a couple of months.

It would be incorrect to entirely blame the bad atmosphere on the American for there were other factors such as the reintegration its collegiate players into the squad and the various controversies that dogged the team. Management had foreseen some but not at that particular degree of difficulty, but the combined problems turned it into a powder keg situation. If at all the matter crops up in conversation, it is usually followed with a shake of the head with a mutter that trails off… “sayang.”

With the storm having passed, the difficulties they now have are “ordinary basketball problems” as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Noli Eala likes to say. And one of which was putting together the team they envisioned for this long journey. The three players on their list included Ateneo de Manila’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the University of Cebu’s Junmar Fajardo, and the University of the East’s Paul Lee. All three names were submitted to the PBA for Smart Gilas’ line-up in the ongoing Philippine Cup.

Al-Hussaini, who played for the team in their exhibition games versus PBA clubs in last year’s pro club campaign, signed soon after the UAAP season.   But that was it. University of Cebu officials who were not enamored with the Gilas program thought that it was in their school’s best interests for Fajardo to stay home. It was the same for UE that still smarting from its UAAP Finals loss and the graduation of many key players. They felt that they needed Lee for their PBL campaign and other post-UAAP tourneys to get back on track. The Nationals’ team management has backed off, respectful of the schools’ decisions.

Hardly stung by the rejection, team management cast their eyes offshore to several Fil-foreigners. With the help of team supporter Nardy Madrasto, the team began looking at Stanley Pringle, the former Penn State Nittany Lions point guard who was now playing in Belgium, Christian Standhardinger, a 6’8” Fil-German who was suiting up in the US NCAA with Nebraska, and Chris Lutz, the current captain of the Marshall Thundering Herd basketball team. Of the three, only Lutz has committed to the program, having played with the squad for two weeks in the middle of 2009.

And of the current pool of locals, it is only Ryan Buenafe, Aldrech Ramos, Ric Cawaling, and Magi Sison who will return to their teams come next year’s college basketball season. Having undergone first hand the problems of reintegration, the coaching staff was more confident of dealing with the next time around.

For the moment though, the players are engrossed constant training that trainer Jim Saret puts them through.

In one of the exercises of trainer Saret, the players are in a semi-squat position with their hands spread out on the side – the perfect defensive formation when fronting one’s man. The coach, with his arms spread, holds up a tennis ball on both his hands and would drop one to test a player’s reflexes and quick reaction as they tried to catch the ball. It’s a modern take on an old child’s game where one placed their palms on top of another’s and they would try to slap the other’s hands. There’s no pain here except for the sheer challenge of it and perhaps some simple bragging rights. Rabeh Al-Hussaini does the best and he receives some congratulations from Team Manager Butch Antonio.

“Sound mind in a sound body.” proclaims Saret who made the successful transfer from being a tennis pro to a specialist in physical training.

Saret’s inclusion in the national team was by accident. While filling in for the regular team trainer, Toroman was so impressed with his methods that he asked him to stay on. That calls to mind the late New York Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig who filled in for Wally Pipp at first base and never came off the bag until his body was ravaged by an illness that would soon bear his name. Saret is clearly pleased by the comparison. And more so since a friend of Toroman’s from Macedonia is in town and was likewise impressed with the Filipino’s regimen. “I will adopt this in Europe,” he says while holding up his mobile camcorder to tape the proceedings.

The team is almost rounding out into the form that the made them deadly earlier in the year. In the current Philippine Cup, the team totes a 3-4 record with three matches to go. The atmosphere is light and there is an air of confidence about the squad.

In Giles’ place is Jamal Sampson, a cousin of former Houston Rockets center Ralph Sampson. When Giles’ presence became such a disturbing factor within the team, Eala called up the American’s agent Chris Emans, and informed him of the decision to drop the former Los Angeles Lakers draftee. “No hard feelings,” said Eala who had seen many American players come and go for a variety of offenses. But SBP Executive Director asked Emans for a list of possible replacements.

When choosing an import to beef up the team, there are several criteria that the team’s braintrust looks at – credentials, skills, attitude, and willingness to relocate for an extended period of time.

Giles had the skills and the willingness when he first joined Gilas. The team thought they could ride out the “emotional quotient” concerns that was somewhat obvious during training camp in Las Vegas early this year but it eventually came back to bite the team big time. It prompted also the team management to consider getting a European rather than an American player.

Sampson, who was in China hoping to play around a month ago, was better in some respects. He was broad, massive, and liked to play inside. While he didn’t have the range and hops of CJ, he was a real force on the inside with a nasty drop step he would use to ditch his man before sending the rock home with a backboard-shaking flush. On the defensive end, he was intimidating with his reach.

Despite his quietness, Sampson enjoyed the warmer weather and the more comfortable ambiance of Manila. “People speak English here,” he explained. “It makes is easier for me to get used to things. And the food is a plus. Soul food.”

The changes weren’t only on the players’ end. Eric Altamirano, coach of the U-16 team could join the staff. There was also the possibility of Letran’s longtime bench master Louie Alas joining in.

And former Coca Cola mentor Binky Favis, was being considered to join the team. SBP officials liked Favis for his defensive schemes and comprehensive scouting reports. Key areas that Smart Gilas could improve upon as the team moved into its second stage in preparation for its Olympic dream.

“The whole point of all of this,” explained Toroman of the fine-tuning, “is to make things smooth. We fix what we need to while there’s time.”

My votes for best football teams of the decade

In a Yahoo Sports these past few days, a poll was conducted on the best football team of the decade. Five teams were named -- Manchester United 2007-08, Barcelona 2008-09, France 2000, Spain 2008, and Brazil 2002. Respondents voted Barca as the top team with 30% of the votes (from 2402 votes).

I think that the poll is flawed because for one there are three countries and two club teams. That's like mixing the apples and the oranges.

Anyways, for a one-year performance for club competition, I'd give the nod to Barcelona. For long-term consistency, I'd give it to Manchester United.

In country competition, I would give the nod to France for its 2000 Euro championship and 2006 World Cup Final placing. Although they bombed out in 2002 failing to even score a goal, they won the 1998 World Cup and used that as a springboard to win the European Championship two years later. By the time the World Cup was in Germany, that team was on its last legs but clearly, it was Zizou who once more breathed life into their campaign as he had done in 1998 and 2000. Now on their way to South Africa, they are unseeded for their poor play and perhaps as punishment for the Thierry Henry handball that got them through. Nevertheless, they get the nod for best country team for the decade.  

Reload Prelude

Two minutes and counting. The staff huddles at center court at the Blue Eagle Gym as the players engage in warm-ups. After a few, the team will gather for the national anthem, a short pre-practice huddle where everything that they will do that day will be announced. 

The team and the staff line up before the start of every practice to sing the national anthem. 

Assistant Coach Allan Gregorio watches as Al Ramos and Magi Sison run through their particular set of drills. 

The Gatorade cups are always ready for the players to reach out. How much do they consume? Wait for my next feature on the team that is titled RELOAD.

Trainer Jim Saret has one thing in common with the late New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig. Saret, the former tennis pro now Program Head of the Ateneo Tennis Team pinched hit for the team's former trainer and Rajko Toroman was so impressed he asked him to stay on. Gehrig subbed for Wally Pipp one day at first and he never gave it up until he was hit by illness. Saret designed the team's training system that so impressed coaches and trainers of other teams that they have adopted it to their respective programs. In Jakarta last May 2009, when former team import CJ Giles went down with an injury, trainers and doctors of other teams gathered around Saret as he patched up Giles for one final push that led the team to victory. They were amazed at the quick fix job that was mighty impressive. Saret is a meticulous person who makes sure that the program is designed for optimum efficiency per player.  

DJ is SI's Sportsman of the Year (I don't agree with it but there it is)

NEW YORK (SI.com) -- In what has already been a banner year for Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees shortstop can add another honor:Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year award. Jeter was chosen as the magazine's 56th honoree (the Dec. 7 issue will hit newsstands on Wednesday) and becomes the first Yankee to be named SI's Sportsman.

Jeter's selection caps another outstanding season for the 35-year-old team captain and future Hall of Famer. In 2009 he batted .334 while leading the Yankees to their fifth World Series title in his 14 full seasons, their first since 2000 and their record 27th in franchise history. On Sept. 11 he passedLou Gehrig's franchise mark for base hits, which now stands at 2,747. In 2009 Jeter led the American League by reaching base 289 times, finished second in the league in hits (212), third in batting average and on-base percentage (.406), fourth in runs (107) and eighth in stolen bases (30). He was named an All-Star for the 10th time, including the sixth time as a starter, while winning his fourth AL Silver Slugger as the best hitting shortstop in the league and his fourth Gold Glove as the league's top defensive shortstop.

In 15 postseason games Jeter lived up to his reputation as a clutch player, batting .344 with a .432 on-base percentage, three home runs and six RBIs. He batted .407 in the World Series to lead the Yankees to a six-game victory over the defending world champion Philadelphia Phillies. During the Series, Jeter was named the American League recipient of the Hank Aaron Award, given to the best hitter in each league, and the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award, given to the player who best displays skill on the field while giving back to the community off it.

It was that combination of on- and off-field achievement that helped make Jeter this year's Sportsman. Said Sports Illustrated Group Editor Terry McDonell, "Derek Jeter has always presented himself with class; he does numerous good works for the community with his Turn 2 Foundation, which is one of the most efficient, effective foundations of its kind; and he's extremely generous with not just his money but with his time, which in many cases is more valuable. He also had another signature year on the field."

Jeter is the first baseball player to win the award solo since Cal Ripken Jr.in 1995.Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa  were co-winners in 1998, as were Randy Johnson and Curt Schillingin 2001. The Boston Red Sox won as a team in 2004.

Thoughts on some NBA teams at this stage

Like a Phoenix from the ashes… the Suns will run and gun playing Gentryball. The experiment with Shaq didn’t go too well. But do I honestly think that these sons will go deep in the playoffs? They keep looking at the D’Antoni model but they never went anywhere. I’d rather that Steve Kerr assemble a team that looks like those 90’s Phoenix teams with Thunder Dan, KJ, the Round Mound of Rebound, Tom Chambers, the Big O, and Danny Ainge. That team was complete. They could run, pound the ball inside, and hit the three-ball like no one’s business. Plus they had size. These current Suns can run but that’s about it. You’d think after playing everyone like this in the past several years they would have gotten over the hump? Nope. They may play well in the regular season but come win-or-go-home time… will Grant Hill and Steve Nash still have the legs for it? Phoenix could get burned once more.

The Los Angeles Lakers seem real good right now. They’ve been flushing foes by more than 15 points per game. But that figures bloated because they’ve been thumping some bad teams. What makes them frightening is their smart play. How many players do they have with a great basketball IQ? For the answer all you have to do is look at Phil Jax who likes to assemble squads that have smart players. There’s Mamba, Gazza, Fish, Lamar, and Luke. Oh, should we count Ron Artest? Yep. His first ring.

The Boston Celtics have the talent and firepower to match up with the Lakers. They’d be more frightening if Rasheed Wallace played like Rasheed Wallace. Instead, he’s become Antoine Walker --- jacking up ICBMs like there’s no tomorrow. When you already have Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Marquis Daniels, and Eddie House, who’ve got excellent range, it’s like shock and awe. But what this team needs is to pound the rock inside to the Kid, Big Baby, and Kendrick Perkins. I thought that this team would have pushed pedal to the metal had they gotten Allen Iverson. If anyone could reign him in – it would be KG and the Captain (but then Philly offered him a one-year contract). But I still believe that Doc Rivers should play his bench coz Daniels might waste away much like Mikki Moore did last year.

Cleveland Cavaliers. Michael Jordan took the Chicago Bulls to the playoffs every year he played. It took him seven years for him to get his first championship ring. LeBron James went to the NBA Finals in is fifth year where the Cavs got dusted off by a superior team. Emphasis on team. I don’t see how this team is any better than the one that went to the Finals two years ago. However, in reality, a team with Bron, Mo, and Shaq Daddy should be ripe for a finals challenge. 

Madrid, cabron, saluda al campeon Barcelona!

The first of meeting in the El Classico between Barcelona and Real Madrid couldn’t have come at a proper time. Both sides had their walking wounded hale and healthy for the match so no side can claim that they were at a disadvantage. In recent weeks, Madrid had claimed the top spot from the defending champions with four wins out of five matches while the latter could only account for two wins in five of their own. Yet only one point set them apart in the Primera Liga standings 28-27.

After coming on from a largely ineffective Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Catalans’ answer to the galactico wave from their blood rivals when he was signed from Italian champs Internazionale in the off-season, proved his million-Euro worth by smashing home a volley from a Dani Alves cross in the 56^th minute. That was preceded by a superb stoppage of a Gonzalo Higuain strike and the Catalans went on a quick counter. But the celebration had to be quickly tempered as Barcelona were reduced to ten men when midfielder Sergio Busquets was sent off six minutes later for a handball and the challengers renewed their pace.

Barca’s Pep Guardiola then brought in Lionel Messi for Henry and the move created some chances. Cristiano Ronaldo, sidelined for nearly two months almost got the equalizer in Camp Nou but he fired straight at Victor Valdes who was brilliant in front of the net. French internationalist Karim Benzema replaced the Portuguese striker with 25 minutes left ad had two chances but misplayed them.

Messi, back from a thigh injury, nearly scored a second goal for Barcelona, but like Ronaldo before him, blasted straight at Iker Casillas.

All told, Barcelona looked more impressive as they dominated possession for 62% of the match only to see their fortunes change although not direly when Busquets was booked and sent off. The 1-nil win gives them 2 points ahead of their rivals in the standings and sent a strong message that they own their rivals thus far. And what pains Madrid’s press and their fans is that defiant Catalan cry, “Madrid, cabron, saluda al campeon."

Surfer Girl

Wonder what Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys would sing if they had seen Maya Gabeira riding those big waves? We'll never know but I might have an opportunity to interview her. Got my fingers crossed.

Bleachers' Brew #185 Be like Bike

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/19082-be-like-bike.html

Be Like Bike

by rick olivares

The question might have been somewhat ridiculous but it still packed plenty of wallop.

“What will happen if you stick your nose to your car’s exhaust?”

Kind of a no-brainer, right?

Now think of it this way – the carbon monoxide that cars spew into the atmosphere? Well, they come back right to us. It circulates around us and we inhale it. Even in the supposed safe confines of air-conditioned rooms with filters, where do you think the air comes from? And we wonder how and why pollution is killing people.

Ours is a car culture. Yes, a car is a status symbol here in the Philippines. It says, “I can afford.” Or if it’s a snazzy vehicle you like to show off, it’s “I got it made.” Phasing out cars? Not a chance in a third world country where even 1960’s model cars are for keeps.

However, when Filipinos go abroad they don’t mind commuting: “Oh, I know how to commute – I take the bus when I’m in Chicago.” But once they’re back in Manila… go figure.

Of course one cannot fault car owners because one, it’s their right to chose personal mobility, and two, the urban planning and public transportation system of Metro Manila has degenerated into crap and that is a most damning understatement. For proof, check out that tuna canning plant that runs the length of EDSA and is called the “MRT.”

In a most recent survey of citizens done by the National Center for Transportation Studies, people who do a lot of walking and commuting, if they had a choice and had deeper pockets, they’d rather – another no-brainer here -- buy a car.

However, in this day and age of climate change where it has accelerated at an alarming rate than the most pragmatic of scientific predictions, some folks are taking us back to the pre-industrial revolution. I’m talking about good ole manpower where one walked or biked to get around.

The Firefly Brigade is not for the faint of heart since they are oft on the road to promote for a harmonious road relationship between cars and bicycles (considering that Filipino drivers think they’re on the Talladega Speedway or on some slalom course) while getting more than a noseful of toxic fumes. It’s important don’t you think when at one time or another we want to release or inner Mad Max on stupid drivers. And there’s the usual government ineptitude but let’s not get into that because whenever talk about them comes up I want to do more than a Mad Max on them.

Thankfully I have not decided to descend into bouts of barbarism and an interesting analogy made by the Law of Nature Foundation’s Counselor for Environmental Law Atty. Antonio Oposa Jr. has knocked even more sense into me. He gives lectures on a transportation revolution where he begins by asking whether ants -- yes, these lowly creatures -- are more intelligent than man in a certain way.

As Oposa, a University of the Philippines law professor, humorously relates, ants travel in a single file and never cause miniscule traffic jams. They do not take up needless space and do not pollute the air while going about their daily routine. Perhaps, the most telling difference is when they bump into each other, they do not argue, fight, or kill. Hey, Jason Ivler -- take a lesson from ants, why don’t you?

You have to hand it to the Firefly Brigade who are named after that winged beetle for their use of bioluminescence to attract mates or prey and are seeing less of because of pollution. This volunteer action group promotes the use of bicycles as a means of transportation and works for the full implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act and its Non-Motorized Transport component (RA No. 8749) that calls for the unequivocal reduction of smog and air pollution to make cities more inhabitable.

In Asia, half-a-million people a year die prematurely because of pollution while in Metro Manila, 70% of the urban air pollution is caused by motorized transport. The increase in transport, industry, and biomass burning produces greenhouse gases and the blight air. And incredibly, people choose to watch Hollywood films by the purveyors of extinction events  such as Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin (see The Day After Tomorrow and 2012) rather than pay more attention to An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore. Bollocks to those Friday the 13^th horror-type films when the real frightening stories on climate change are reported in newspapers and magazines yet do not merit the kind of interest that purported dalliances between a boxing champ and a young and beautiful woman fresh out of college receive.

Cycling is an alternative means of transportation that is cheap, efficient, environmentally sensible, and good for one’s health. And note that 16 bicycles can be parked in the space of one car.

Of course, it a tropical country like ours, the heat can be oppressive and leave one perspiring. That is why there must be facilities in work places for cyclists to wash up.

This is not a call for the eradication of motorized transport but rather an urgent demand for more responsible urban planning and more efficient, affordable, and clean public transport. For a country like ours that loves to emulate foreign models (and we do so poorly at that), we fail to look to world-class cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Zurich, or Curitaba, where both rich and the poor regularly use buses and trains. Instead more and more roads are being built that hardly begin to address traffic concerns. When those flyovers were first built it was said that it would reduce traffic. I should ask the idiot who said that if he has been inhaling carbon monoxide or taking illegal substances. Are we turning the metro into a gigantic freeway? There are way more people who commute as opposed to those who ride cars yet they have the lion’s share of the road. Think of the money that should be spent otherwise on improving public transport and for the proper greening of Metro Manila!

While the films such as The Day After Tomorrow and 2012 may be Hollywood creations, the end results of those movies that depict the large scale death due to nature’s revenge – that is the one thing they’ve gotten right.

 

Post-script: I have once more decided to take up biking (after having hanging it up some 15 years ago. Thanks to Rosar Crisostomo and his family (Karen, Aneka, Mihali, and Juancho) for the inspiration. I also recommend that you check out fireflybrigade.org, observatory.ph, klima.ph, and cai-asia.org.

I am also looking for people to help me disseminate copies of Panahon Na! – the Philippine version of An Inconvenient Truth produced by the defunct Presidential Task Force on Climate Change. It’s not bad; just go beyond the telenovela production with Dingdong Dantes and the beautiful Nikki Gil serving as hosts. Typical Pinoy – adding a showbiz element to every endeavor. You’ll understand what I mean after seeing it.

Kudos to Senator Pia Cayetano who filed her candidacy while on a bike and to the LRT-Lines 1 & 2 management for allowing foldable bikes in its coaches.

In case you don't know:

- Metro Manila is sinking 

- the Philippines will be one of the worst hit countries because of Climate Change

- small fishermen are increasingly finding it hard to fish because the water is hotter and it kills the natural habitat of fish. it won't be long before even food resources dwindle.

Team Philippines finishes at 4th

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia—Iran once more demonstrated why it has become a rising power in basketball as their Under-16 team ended the Philippines’ fairy tale campaign 83-73 in overtime, to cop the second runner-up of the Fiba Asia U-16 Men’s Championship Friday night at the Bandaraya Stadium here.

After back-up slotman Jeoffey Javillonar missed a relatively easy undergoal stab  in regulation, the Iranians came back with 13 unanswered points to snatch the third-place trophy.

In the championship match, China walloped Korea, 104-69, to win the title of this inaugural tourney that sends both teams to the Fiba World U-17 Men’s Championship in Hamburg, Germany next year.

It was the second heart-breaking loss to Iran by the team since winning twice in the 2^nd Nokia Invitational Cup in Cebu City recently. Iran clobbered Team Pilipinas in the quarterfinals, 76-70, sending the Filipinos to an impossible mission of beating China in the semifinals.

The Filipinos lost a chance for a better finish after being overmatched by the Chinese in the semifinals, 66-85, and to the Iranians in the battle for third. But fourth place is a huge achievement for the young and talented squad.

With its big men in foul trouble, Iran found itself in a deep six-point hole, 61-67, in the last 3:58 mark of the final period, giving the Filipinos a good shot at winning the bronze medal.

Sajjad Mashayekhi fought back and ignited a 9-4 Iranian rally to square the count at 70 and set the stage for the Filipinos’ final play with only 13.1 seconds left.

Kiefer Ravena had 18 points, four rebounds and four steals while wingmen Von Pessumal, Dan Sara and Angelo Alolino connived for 34 points to offset the Filipinos’ dismal rebounding after Jeron Teng, Paolo Romero and Kevin Ferrer got tangled in early foul trouble.

“It could have been a different story had we controlled the rebounds down the stretch,” Altamirano said, noting the rebounding picture where the Iranians had 52 while the Filipinos had only 34. “It’s still a good game, I’m proud of the boys. They played the way I want it to be.”

Yousefi Soheil led Iran with 18 points while the frontline tandem of Mir Fattahi and Amir Sedighi combined for 29 points and 29 rebounds despite being hobbled with foul trouble.

The scores:

Iran 83 - Soheil 18, Fattahi 17, Faghihparvar 16, Mashayekhi 13, Sedighi 12, Ojaghi 7, Abediaraei 0, Khademnamdari 0, Taherikoladooz 0, Monji 0, Behzadi 0, Zangeneh 0

Philippines 73 - Ravena 18, Pessumal 13, Sara 11, Alolino 10, Teng 8, Javillonar 7, Ferrer 2, Pate 2, Tolomia 2, Bantayan 0, Romero 0

Quarter scoring: 12-15, 37-31, 56-53, 70-70, 83-73 

The Score Episode 11

The Score Episode 11

Was asked to co-host Episode 11 of The Score, the new online sports talk show on flippish.com. Last time out it was Jinno Rufino who was out; this time it was Noel Zarate. But I totally had fun for both. Won't spill the beans just yet but will have something going sometime early next year on radio again. Got my fingers crossed.

Slammed

Joakim Noah slams one on the would-have-been-Bull Carlos Boozer but the Jazz pummeled their hapless visitors 105-86. Bad coaching, Vinny.