Buy or Sell: January 17
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by user Justin Yost
It is time to bring back my not so famous occasional article, “Buy of Sell.” For those of you not familiar with this type of article (or didn’t have your morning coffee yet), the concept is simple; I offer up what is essentially a big headline of the week, give a little background and opinion and then let you know whether the idea is good or bad. From there it is up to you as to how to interpret whether to buy or sell. Without further adieu…
Buy or Sell
New England Patriots Reign
As evidenced by numerous articles ranging from local papers, to ESPN and SI to now ArmchairGM, the acceptance of the Pats and their fans is a fence ridden by few. We’ve seen opposing viewpoints from LastRow, Xinoph and LeslieMonteiro. If it hasn’t already become apparent, the Patriots certainly have the swagger of a proven winner, however, as exhibited by Bill Belichick during the post-game against the New York Jets, and by the entire team after defeating the San Diego Chargers, something was amiss. After reviewing much of the banter among the local Boston media, the national media and many of you here are AGM, it is clear that the Patriots certainly are guilty of some loss of class. Now, don’t take that statement too far, because I’m not going to call them classless or delusional and a certain right does come to celebrate and enjoy the win; however responsibility comes to, as they are representing the NFL. Belichick and his gang have been guilty of many things (injury reports come to mind), but “Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone.” As such, perhaps LaDainian Tomlinson does have a case, but I seriously doubt the entire Chargers team does. While my opinion is that the Pats could stand to do things a little bit classier, I think it’s a unfair to blame a squad for celebrating, not everyone can be Barry Sanders.
Conclusion
Buy some class, for the Pats
Brady Bunch: Tom & Peyton
Remember when this storyline was interesting? Actually, surprisingly, stunningly, it still is. This will be only the second time Brady’s Bunch will line up against Peyton’s in the AFC Championship game (for half the marbles!). Last time, Tom Terrific pulled one out and Peyton Manning saw his Super Bowl dreams disappear. But that was at the over-hyped Razor (Gillette Stadium) and this one is at the equally daunting RCA Dome. Peyton has MVPs and many different QB records and accolades, yet no titles, while Brady has just the opposite (excluding SB MVPs). Both teams have been successful in the regular season and both have beaten each other. The Pats are 6-2 versus the Colts since both Manning and Brady have been the quarterback of their respective teams. Interestingly enough, Brady’s gang was 6-0 from 2001-2004 (2-0 Post-season, both at home), while Peyton’s crew has gotten the hang of it, going 2-0 (regular season only) since 2005, with wins both home and away. I still gotta call this one like I see it.
Conclusion
Buy the Pats, for now.
My theory on this will remain, Peyton Manning will play the game of his life, but Adam Vinatieri will doink the game winner, Patriots win by 2.
Deal or No Deal?!
Last week, in a NFL Divisional round in which home (and typically favored) teams are 18-4 since 1990, went a stunning 2-2 and 0-4 against the spread. Worse yet, the previous round featured both the Pats and Colts romping (and covering), while the Eagles and Seahawks squeaked games out and didn’t even sniff some of the smallest spreads. (Alright, you got me, Philly got a 7 pointer, which is big, but Seattle’s was 2.5, and they couldn’t do it). So what’s the lesson learned from all this parody and confusion? Well yes, Gambling is expensive. But moreover, as the Salary Cap has finally taken hold in the NFL (Personally, I believe that putting a salary cap in any sport takes years before anyone really figures it out), any hope to bet on games is a wash, every team is so freakin’ even now, its impossible to expect more than just wins and losses. While you may say, “Hey, the Chargers and the Texans are way off in talent,” I’d beg to differ. In combination with expansion and the cap, the relative talent levels of both of these teams is similar in such a way that the term “Any Given Sunday” has taken on enhanced meaning.
Conclusion
Just burn your cash instead
3OTs is for Me
In what will go down as the most amazing college basketball game this year, the 3 OT thriller between the University of Texas and the Oklahoma State University was clearly one for the ages and not just any ages, all ages! Perhaps what made this game so amazing was that at no point did anyone have more than a 4 point lead and the way it ended, with a stunning 3 pointer, proves why we all love college basketball so much, its unbelievable. Who do we have to thank for all this greatness. Easy. The Neanderthals that left for the easy cash of the NBA have helped shape the current dynamic of college basketball. Now, perhaps I’m using too harsh of a term, but the bangers, dunkers and showoffs that sit in the pro-ranks now are ruining the game and the youth of basketball. Europe starting learning how to shoot a few years ago and the results are clear. Perhaps David Stern has got it right. By teaching young slightly lesser talented players in the NCAA the finer points of the game, the US game as a whole will benefit.
On a slightly funnier note, I’m reminded of a Robert Horry interview with Maxim magazine about a year or two ago. In it Horry was asked who he thought was the best European player in the league. His response: Manu Ginobili.
Manu Ginobili was born in Bahia Blanca, Argentina.
Conclusion
Can’t Wait Till March!
