Peter King, a shill for the CNNSI.com site once again

Ok, look I know that Peter King is a good NFL writer and I enjoy reading a lot of his work; with his Monday Morning Quarterback column as a must read each week if you are a fan of the NFL. I also know his editors at CNNSI.com probably put him up to his recent "top 500″ player evaluation list, knowing it would enrage fan's and radio talk guys all over the US and generate a ton of web hits for their site. I get all this, but still, I am taking the bait and have to comment on his list and how he has once again utterly disregarded not just the Cardinals key players, but many of the top players in the NFL using some inane evaluation process that determines potential over actual results. This guy just continues to lose credibility as an objective reporter on the NFL with so many of these evaluations being off the mark. Just a few of the highlights of the more glaring ranking mistakes:

1. Anquan Boldin ranked 135. How anyone that purports to be an observer of the NFL can not have Boldin ranked in the top 25 players on any type of list has zero credibility with me and most fans. I don't care what team you root for, but Boldin has the stats in his career that are Hall of Fame quality, let alone top 25 for the NFL. Just a sample, here is a guy that made the Pro-Bowl as a rookie and again last year, is the fastest receiver in NFL history to 300 catches and is the best receiver after the catch in the league. But that just touches on the leadership skills, the toughness, the competitive fire and over all quality of this man. To have him ranked at this level is borderline offensive and I hope fuels Anquan to play with even more fire then usual. If I were picking a team, right now, I'd take Manning as my QB, Walter Jones at my LT and my very next pick would be Boldin, thats how impressive this guy is. Once King ranked him at this level I knew the rest of the list was going to be a total joke.

2. Adrian Wilson at 27th and Larry Fitzgerald at 58th. I think this is about right for Wilson as he is essentially to the Cardinal's defense what Boldin is to the offense. The fierce leader who wants to win so badly that he plays at an almost maniacal level is finally getting some national recognition that was long over due. Larry Fitzgerald is clearly one of the top young receivers in the NFL who continues to improve his game and is still only 24 years old. Fitzgerald clearly should have been ranked ahead of Andre Johnson at 33 and several of the other players listed in the 30's given his combination of actual production and still blooming potential.

3. Edgerrin James at 225. One of the top running backs in the NFL for the last 8 years and still only 29. I mean really, he still ran for almost 1200 yards last year behind a horrible offensive line and in a pathetic offensive scheme. If anything it showed his toughness and skill to get it done under those circumstances and with that coaching staff. King had Cadillac Williams, Thomas Jones, LaDell Betts, Brandon Jacobs, Laurence Maroney, Travis Henry, Clinton Portis, Rudi Johnson, Marshawn Lynch, Michael Turner, Willie Parker, Jamal Lewis, Ronnie Brown, Joseph Addai, Brian Westbrook, Shawn Alexander, Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson, Larry Johnson, and LT all ahead of Edge. I mean really, LaDell Betts? Travis Henry? Marshawn Lynch who has never taken a snap? How can anyone even start to take this list seriously. On this list you can name maybe 5 players who are better then Edge but the rest are clearly trailing him as an over all player.

Once I saw were Edge and Boldin were ranked I just scanned the rest to see Leinart at 99, Dansby at 216, Warner at 262, Deuce at 285, Dockett at 335, Rolle at 379, Berry at 414, Rackers at 432 and O'Keafor at 486. How can you even consider this a rational or thought out list? Rackers is one year removed from a historic pro-bowl season and usually has every kick off as a touchback, but there are several other kickers much further up the list then he is.

I could go on, but I just need to chalk it up as another example of the price Cardinal players pay when it comes to national recognition and respect from the media. The only way they, and the organization, can change these things is to finally start winning and stop talking about what they should be able to do. It's time for results from the Cardinals and opening up on Monday night football against this years darlings of the media, the SF 49ers will give them a chance to shut up the critics and prove they belong in discussions about quality NFL teams.

Original post by Eli Wahlstrom

AZ Super Bowl Blog Mentioned in ESPN the Magazine

About a month ago, Andy Kamenetzky got in touch with me through my pal RaisingZona, about an article he was writing for ESPN the Magazine. The story was his search for a new NFL team to love, since he was left heart broken as a child when the Cardinals moved from St. Louis to Phoenix.

He visited us here in Arizona, and I met him up at the Cardinals Training camp, watching as he interviewed fans and players for his story. We met up again that night at the Yard House at Westgate, so he could see the new life emerging around the Cardinals and hang out with more fans (we didn’t bribe him with dinner and drinks, although the thought had crossed our minds).

Then we anxiously awaited the arrival of the September issue of ESPN the Magazine, to see what team Andy had chosen. I won’t spoil it for those of you who haven’t read the article, “On the Prowl”, which is very funny and well written. (Where is our group picture with you wearing the red wig Andy?) Definitely pick up a copy if you haven’t already.

A big shout out to Andy for mentioning AZ Super Bowl Blog!

Welcome to those of you who are visiting us for the first time because you read about us in the article!

(We’ll see you Monday Night Andy…)

Original post by azsuperbowlblogger

Kyle Turris Scores Another Goal, Canada Takes 3-0 Lead

Team Canada won their third game in a row against Team Russia in a convincing rout 6-2.

Kyle Turris scored the second goal on a power play midway through the first period and team Canada scored three goals in ten shots forcing the Russian coach to pull their goaltender. So far, Turris has three goals, two on the power play.

Team Russia forward Alexei Cherepanov, the N.Y. Rangers first round draft pick (17th overall and Pierre McGuire’s press agent from the draft) did not dress for today’s game because of a open ice hit from Brandon Sutter during game two on Wednesday.

Because of the hit, it looks like that Cherepanov will not be able to continue, which is the danger of playing these types of series when there is a risk of injury that could affect short or long term futures of NHL prospects.

Game four wraps up in Omsk, a city in southwest Siberia, and then the series travels to Canada.

Original post by PB

The Love Runneth Over…eth

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. My obsession is beginning to verge on crazy but I just can’t help it. We all need something to be excited about. Spotlight on Kyle Turris… because he’s plain fantastic. As head honcho of my very own Turris Fan Club, I feel it is my duty (nay, pleasure) to inform you that my boy has scored 3 goals in as many games at the Super Series. The true pleasure comes in announcing that the Russians are getting spanked by my lovely Canadians… it’s a good day.

Credit to Chootoi

Original post by Tracy

Cardinals lose preseason finale

Thank God the preseason is over! No more pointless games, no more risk of injury, no more 3rd string players that can’t run, pass, or tackle. Most importantly no more preseason broadcasters! If you were like me you had to stay away from sharp objects while listening to the analyst on channel 15 in Phoenix call those Cardinal games. I’m not saying I would be any better and the guy might be the nicest person in the world for all I know, but he’s simply the worst sports broadcaster I have ever seen/heard. I’m hoping he won’t be back for next years preseason or I might not be.

Sorry I had to get that off my chest. As far as the football game itself, it was a real barn burner. In the 21-3 lose the Cardinal starters all went out after about one series on offense and defense. They did well, even though they played against Denver’s 2nd string, the rest of the game was for the guys fighting for roster spots.

After the game head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that no one stood out to him in this game. But he also said that’s what tapes are for. I agree with coach, no one did anything last night to prove they should be on the roster so it’s going to come down to the game film. No matter who gets cut look for the Cardinals to pick up a few guys off waivers. Especially in the cornerback and O-line positions.

One thing did concern me a lot in last nights game. Neil Rackers was perfect in the preseason for field goals and extra points until he missed a 50 yard field goal at the end of the half. I know 50 yard field goals are not gimmies but in the thin Denver air Rackers shouldn’t have missed, especially not by as much as he did. If kickers get out of their comfort zone it can really mess with their heads. Having new Punter Mike Barr hold field goals instead of Scott Player could end up costing the Cardinals a game or two for all we know. I know im panicking over just one missed field goal but if Neil feels uncomfortable with the new holder we might see the Neil Rackers of 2006 again instead of the 2005 pro bowl Neil. Hopefully with more reps in practice Rackers will gain confidence with Barr as his holder.

Yes the Cardinals did go 0-4 in the preseason and its true it doesn’t matter what your teams record is during the preseason. But it would have been nice for the team and new coaching staff to get a win or two but o well. The Cardinals are 0-0 now and tied for first place in the NFC West. The next game will be on Monday night football against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s the start of a new season. All that matters right now is all fans have hope for their teams to make a run at the playoffs. As I sit here watching The Shawshank Redemption I quote Andy Dufresne, “hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” I’m not sure what Andy’s talking about because year after year my hope dies after about week 6 in the NFL season when the Cardinals fall to 1-5. But for now I hope and pray that the ArizonaCardinals might have what it takes to at least make a run at the playoffs in 2007.

Original post by Eli Wahlstrom

“Pre-game” Time

It is that time of year again! Talk around campus resonates around the ever popular “pre-gaming” that makes ASU the glorious place it is on Saturdays. Many students around campus may not even know that the Devils are playing San Jose State, and even fewer know the background between ASU head coach Dennis Erickson and SJSU coach Dick Tomey. Far less fans even realize that Tomey should be hated even more for his affiliation with the despised Wildcats when he led them to their laughable Fiesta Bowl win over Miami in 1994.

Despite all of this, the important thing is that the Sun Devil fans will be loud, proud, and above all else, well hydrated. The buzz is here, and so is the greatest time in a college student’s career. It’s football season!

Keith Ballard’s Contract Details

"We went through the whole gamut from a short-term deal to a much longer
deal, but this made the most sense to me. It's at a level I think is
fair."

Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney,
quoted in East Valley Tribune

The details of Keith Ballard's contract came out yesterday afternoon and it looks like his two-year deal is worth $4 million and he will again be a restricted free agent when the contract expires.

Both sides took their time to explore options and according to Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney, the negotiations were never contentious.

However, is his deal fair? The other comparable defenseman in Ballard's category based on age and experience is Kevin Bieksa of the Vancouver Canucks. Bieksa's deal was worth three years at $11.25 million.

If that's a bargain, the Coyotes made out pretty well with Ballard.

Last year, Ballard's earned around $900,000, so he doubled his salary. In my opinion, the contract offer to Ballard should have been closer to Bieksa's, but there could be a mind set within the Coyotes that when the other higher priced defensemen shake loose, and if Ballard performs as well or better in the next two years, he will get the higher raise in 2009.

Original post by PB

Steve Nash Soccer Tricks (Video)

We have no clue what the title of this video on Youtube says but we do know that the video shows Steve Nash showing some of his mad soccer skills on the basketball court.

Amare Parties In Vegas With Odd Crowd

Amare Stoudemire’s trip to Vegas hasn’t been all business with the US National team. Amare was seen partying it up last week which in and of itself isn’t odd. What was odd were the people seen at the same party with him.

According to lvj.com Amare was seen at the Palms pool and bungalows for “Mudsummer Night’s Dream” last Saturday with his USA teammate LeBron James (ok not odd at all), UFC fighter Chuck Liddell (ok a fellow athlete), illusionist Criss Angel (please god don’t let him be this years David Blaine for NBA commercials) and wait for it wait for it, adult entertainment superstar Ron Jeremy (We know Amare needs to work on getting down and dirty in the paint this season but that’s not what we had in mind).

Could you picture this party? What a weird group of people. You’ve got Chuck Liddell that looks like the incredible hulk minus the green tint, Criss Angel who looks like he should have been in a band with Boy George in the 80’s and Ron Jeremy who is slowly starting to look like he is Jabba the Hut.

Amare, you are in Vegas please do us a favor and find some better celebs to hang out with. Lets just hope What happens in Vegas truly stays in Vegas because we don’t need this motely crew of celebs making their way to Scottsdale for the superbowl.

Exclusive Interview: Dbacks Insider and Reporter, azDiamondbacks.com

Today, we have a fabulous interview for you. We hooked up with our very own AZ Sports Hub Dbacks Insider, Michael Schwartz, Associate Reporter for AZDIAMONDBACKS.com. We drilled Mike about the Dbacks playoff chances, rotation, stretch run, streakiness and much more. We even discussed how Micah Owings could potentially play in the field. So listen in:

1) How have the D-backs done it? How are they in first place - dominating the NL at this point in the season?
2) What do you make of Justin Upton being called up to the bigs? What do we do with Mark Reynolds?
3) What was the point of picking up BK Kim only to have him pitch two games?
4) Down the stretch run, can the bullpen hold up?
5) Come playoff time, what rotation do you think Bob Melvin will go with?

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