Archive for the 'Column' Category

College Football Playoff

Published by Doug & Wolf on October 29, 2008 in Column and Doug Franz. 3 Comments

It’s time to look at the end of the college football season as we move into November.  In case you didn’t notice yet, Saturday’s games are in November so the season is going to be over soon.

If you’ve listened to me for the last two years, you know how bad I hate the fact there’s no college football playoff.  What really gets to me are the excuses.  Every bowl suit is full of it when they try to explain how a playoff isn’t feasible.

There’s only one reason you can give me that I can’t blow out of the water.  If you say, “I like the bowl system because it’s unique to college football and since all those kids are basically paying for almost every other sport at their university, they should get some kind of benefit at the end of the year.”

If that’s your reason, I disagree with you but at least you’re bringing knowledge and opinion that’s not intertwined with flawed logic.  If you think you can come up with a logical reason that makes a CFB playoff impossible, feel free to give it a shot at doug@ktar.com.

Now, if you’re going to have a playoff, the question becomes how would it work.  I know the school presidents would never accept my proposal but I think mine is the best because it gives plenty of opportunity for the powers to stay on top but it can re-create the magic of March Madness.  It takes me about three days to put the playoff together because I use the BCS formula.  The formula isn’t designed to rank 120 teams however, so I have to tweak it.  I have no problem with the BCS formula itself, I just think it’s wrong in the application—using it to cut 120 teams down to two.

The first thing you have to do is rank all 120 teams using the BCS—from Texas to North Texas.  Every team is important because I take the average rank of your conference to determine if your conference gets one of the 8 automatic bids for your conference champion.  Then I take the top 8 teams who aren’t conference champions.  I love this system because if your conference wants to play a joke schedule or you don’t win some big games outside your conference, your whole conference struggles.

A great example of this is Ball St.  Right now Ball State is not in the play-off.  The MAC is the 9th best conference so their champion doesn’t get an invite and Ball State is not one of the top 8 teams who aren’t already in as conference champions (conference champions are undefeated teams in their conference with a higher BCS ranking for the purposes of an October look at the playoff).  More interesting is the dropped punt by Ohio that cost them their upset bid of Ohio State.  If the Bobcats don’t fumble that punt, they beat Ohio State and the MAC would pass the WAC as the 8th best conference.

After I come up with the 16 teams, I rank them according to their BCS rank.  Therefore, even though Oklahoma is not a “conference champion” they’re still ranked 4th.  The higher seed hosts the first two rounds of the playoff.  I say screw the Rose Bowl.  Since they don’t want to play ball, ignore them.  The Sugar, Orange, and Fiesta host the semi’s and finals.  I’ll be a homer and say the semi’s are at the Sugar and Orange and the Fiesta hosts the national championship.
Right now we have a couple regular season re-matches in the 4/13 game and the 5/12 game.  There’s lots of history in the 2/15 game with Bobby Bowden’s dream job against his current one.

Here’s the first round pairings:

(16) West Virginia @ (1) Texas
(15) Florida State @ (2) Alabama
(14) Mizzou @ (3) Penn State
(13) TCU @ (4) Oklahoma
(12) Ohio State @ (5) USC
(11) Boise State @ (6) Georgia
(10) Utah @ (7) Texas Tech
(9) Oklahoma State @ (8) Florida

If the seeds hold—which you know they won’t—check out how incredible week 2 would be for a college football playoff!

(8) Florida @ (1) Texas
(7) Texas Tech @ (2) Alabama
(6) Georgia @ (3) Penn State
(5) USC @ (4) Oklahoma

Now compare the Sugar and Orange Bowl last year to what I’m bringing to the table.  Texas and Oklahoma meet in the Sugar Bowl and Alabama and Penn State go to the Orange Bowl.

This is so much better than what we have now.  Give me two weeks and we’ll see how things have changed.

My Weekend

Published by doug on September 27, 2008 in Column and Doug Franz. 0 Comments

I have to admit how thrilled I am with a weekend off.  In football season, a sports talk show host never really gets a weekend off, but I don’t have to go anywhere.  ASU has a bye this week and the Cards are on the road so I get to watch football on my butt all weekend. Taking the family to the D-backs game tonight.  As much as this team has driven us all up the wall this year, I’m going to miss baseball as it’s put up in storage for a few months.  I’m ready for spring training.

I hope Brandon Webb gets the win tomorrow.  No pitcher in MLB history has ever won 23 games and not won the Cy Young unless there was a pitcher who had more wins.  Since Webb will have the highest win total, I hope he gets the award.  There are a ton of voters who believe that wins are an over-rated stat because it depends on your offense and your bullpen.  Those are two things you could argue Webb doesn’t have, yet he still won 23 games.  Combine that with winning 23 games on a below .500 team, it should be a no-brainer.  With the idiots that are voting on the award, I wouldn’t be so sure.

Saturday, I coach Vienna’s soccer team.  I love doing it in the Spring.  I still enjoy it in the Fall but it’s a huge sacrifice because I have to record all the CFB games and watch them later.  I think that Alabama/Georgia game will be incredible.  If you watch it, focus on what Nick Saban does to stop Moreno as opposed to what the Sun Devils did.

I don’t know what I’m doing Sunday.  When you’re Catholic, you’ve got your choice of Mass times.  I can’t win because my bible beating friends say I just fit Jesus into my day at my leisure and my non-church friends think I’m a zealot because I only miss weekly Mass about once a decade.  My problem is when to go.  I don’t want to go Saturday night because I don’t want to miss Bama/UGa.  I don’t want to go Sunday night because I’ll miss the end of Skins/Cowboys.  I’ll probably go @ 9a and tape the beginning of Cards/Jets and listen to Wolf on 92.3 FM on my way home.

I’m intrigued by the Cards game because of the same reasons I was with Cards/Redskins.  AZ has better players and better coaches than NY, but that was true last week and it didn’t help.  Will they finally end the turnover/penalty problem?  There’s no way you’ll get me to pick this game.  Even Vegas set the line at 1 1/2 so they don’t know either.  We all know the Cards should win, I’m just not a believer in the Cards on the road yet.

If you saw my picks last week, you’ve basically been waiting for me to get to them this week.  I’m now 13-7 on the season after my impressive 5-0 showing.  Here’s a prediction for you:  I won’t go 5-0 this week.  Last week I was having a hard time narrowing it down to five games because I was so confident I was going to be right on so many of the games.  This week I didn’t find any game that jumped off the page to me.

Before I give you the picks answer this question:  which do you find more shocking 1) Vandy ranked or 2) that Duke is favored in a conference game?  DUKE is a 7 point favorite against Virginia.  WOW!  I’m going with Duke.

Cincy -3 1/2 v Cle

This is the only meaningless game in the NFL and it’s the only game I like so I’m going college with the other four picks.

Penn St -14 1/2 v Illinois

Dramatic step up in competition but the Lions are still at home and averaging over 35 points in the first half.  I can easily see Illinois holding them to a 17-7 first half and then I only need a few more points in the second half.

Louisville -3 1/2 v UConn

UConn’s a good team but I don’t think they’re ready for this.  If this was in Hartford, I wouldn’t touch it.

Nebraska -7 v Va Tech

I must be missing something here.  This game seems easy and it’s the easy ones you normally screw up.

Florida -22 1/2 v Ole Miss

Tough choice here.  I might regret this pick with Wake needing to cover 16 v an average Navy team.  I just don’t trust Wake to play well after the big win over FSU.  I’d take Wake to win but I don’t like spotting 16.  I like the Gators to cover because I think I’ll get some defensive or special teams TD’s to help out.  Look for Florida to get a pick 6.

Have a good weekend.

Doug’s letter to All-Stars

Published by Doug & Wolf on September 25, 2008 in Column and Doug Franz. 0 Comments

Here’s a letter I wrote to all the Sports 620 KTAR All-Star’s about our recent Two-Minute Drill winners.  I wanted those of you that aren’t All-Star’s to have the opportunity to read it because I think you’re really missing out on something great.  Sign up today and give yourself a chance at winning.

Get fired up All-Stars!

We’ve had four winners in the Two Minute Drill contest and their stories are incredible.  Adam won the Two Minute Drill-2nd Chance Raffle last Friday.  He took his best friend Jess to Philadelphia.  Jess is a girl.  In his thank you letter he wrote:  Yes, Gambo, you can have a friend that’s a girl!

Here’s more from his letter:

First and foremost, I gotta say that the accommodations were Phenomenal!  We stayed at the Marriott in downtown Philly right in the middle of everything, we were walking distance from the Liberty Bell, Independence hall etc. We went and checked out the Liberty Bell and then went down to Pat’s King of Steak’s for the best Freakin’ Cheesesteak I have EVER had.

Tuesday morning, Jeff from Maricopa won the Two Minute Drill.  He’s leaving Saturday (9/27) for Dallas with his seven year-old son.  We booked him at the team hotel where his friend, who works for the Cowboys, will be doing a radio show.  His son will get to hang out with him and his friend during the show, meet Cowboy players and get some autographs.  His friend also gave them field passes so they can take in the view at field level.

Our winner today (9/24) was Steven from Phoenix.  He spoke directly to Cards defensive lineman Antonio Smith.  Steven told Antonio to put Favre on his butt and Steven’s going to be there to see it.  He’s going to Manhattan on Saturday and he’ll see the Cards on Sunday against the Jets.

These stories are pretty cool.  I hope you get an opportunity to add your story, but you’ve got to listen to win.  Make sure you listen every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the specific time we’ll be playing Two Minute Drill.

Now, here’s your chance to increase your chances of going on the trip — notice I didn’t say win because you have the same chance of winning as every other All-Star.  Refer a friend to the Sports 620 KTAR All-Star Rewards program and you’ll receive points on your account.  If that friend wins, demand that they take you since you’re the one that got them to sign up.

I also want to tell you how pumped I am to be a client and spokesperson for Southwestern Eye Center, especially now that Southwestern Eye Center has purchased the naming rights for our studios.  I was thrilled with the way they treated me and with my after care following my Lasik surgery.  It’s a great feeling to support their product as much as I do and to have them turn around and support the product that we are trying to provide you.  If you’re interested in scheduling an exam to see if you’re a candidate for lasik, click here for more info.  Mention “Doug & Wolf” and the exam is free.

Thanks again for listening and being a Sports 620 KTAR All-Star.

Sincerely,
Doug Franz

Wolf: Cardinals had their Opportunities

Published by Doug & Wolf on September 22, 2008 in Column and Ron Wolfley. 1 Comment

The Washington Redskins played well. They didn’t turn the ball over, they created two turnovers, they converted third-downs, they were perfect in the red zone and they ran the ball well when they needed it most.

This wasn’t a game where you shook your head and said, “We should have won that game.” The Redskins made fewer mistakes and capitalized off the Cards mistakes. In fact, this game was decided by the 10-points Washington scored off of Cardinals turnovers.

Edge fumbled the ball on Arizona’s 34-yardline. The Skins ran 3-plays, gained 4-yards and kicked a 48-yard field goal.

Kurt Warner didn’t get enough on the ball when Steve Breaston had a step on the defender, running a post-route, the ball was deflected into the air and Carlos Rogers made a great play – picking the deflection. He promptly returned the interception to the Cards 15-yardline. Santana Moss eventually scored on a wide receiver screen.

Ten points off two turnovers.

The Cards had not turned the ball over yet this season until Sunday. This was the difference in the game and credit belongs to Jim Zorn and the players for winning the turnover battle.

Big Red’s defense seemed to tire in the fourth-quarter. Even with their enhanced rotation, Washington ran the ball effectively in the fourth-quarter when they hadn’t whizzed-a-drop all game long.

Much will be made of Ken Whisenhunt’s decision to punt the football with 2:46 to go in the game and would-be coaches will have a field-day with his decision.

Punt the football:

The Cards had 2-timeouts and the 2-minute warning left. They could punt the ball, pin the Redskins deep in their end and get the ball back with great field-position. They wouldn’t have any timeouts left but they would have just under 2-minutes to score on a short field.

Go for it:

Give Kurt Warner the opportunity to decide the outcome of the game. The defense struggled to stop the run on the Redskins last possession and they appeared to be tired. Even though there is no guarantee the Cards convert AND score a touchdown after the conversion, why not have Warner decide it right there and then?

There are arguments that can be made for either decision and I understand them both. But I was surprised to see coach Whiz punt the ball. He is a gambler. We’ve seen him go for it on a lot of fourth-downs and make it. He showed great faith in his defense to come up with a stop and they let him down.

Questioning his decision is fine with me, believing he shouldn’t have punted the ball is fine with me, just don’t make it seem like it was a “no-brainer;” it wasn’t and anybody that says otherwise is a buffoon.

Punting the ball in that situation or not punting it didn’t lose the game for the Cards…turnovers did.

Wolf Words on MNF

Published by Doug & Wolf on September 16, 2008 in Column and Ron Wolfley. 0 Comments

Philadelphia @ Dallas:

Bad Omen: Dallas kicks the ball out of bounds and the eagles take the ball down the field and put three-points on the board. This is not the way to start a game.

Interesting decision by Jimmy Johnson: The Eagles only rush 4 on the first 3rd and obvious, but they’re run blitzing early in this game.

Eagles defense is playing physical. They’re laying the wood, early.

Again, the Eagles rush 4 in 3rd and obvious and Romo hits TO for a TD. I wonder if Coach Johnson changes his strategy.

Dallas 7, Philly 3:

There was a biological explosion on the ensuing kickoff. This is an intense, physical game…I love it! This is how the game should be played: with malice!

I’m surprised how open the Eagles receivers are getting against the Cowboys secondary, play-action and straight-drop-back. The Eagles are moving the ball well…this is a very good offense. no wonder why the Rams got torched!

Dallas 7, Philly 6:

The most important kickoff you’ll ever cover is the one after you score. Felix Jones…to the house! That was pure electricity! Wow!!!!

Dallas 14, Philly 6:

The Eagles are controlling the ball, dominating the T.O.P and they’re down by 8. Big plays for Dallas, sustained drives for Philly. If Philly can weather-the-storm, they should be encouraged. Dallas can’t keep scoring on big-plays, right?

The Cowboys are trying to establish Barber but the Eagles are controlling the L.O.S. if they stick to it, the Cowboys will wear them down with that massive offensive-line!

Bad throw by Romo…He still has a bit of wild hair in him, doesn’t he? Asante Samuel in zone coverage is lethal…he aint bad in man, either.

What a game! This is everything it was billed to be. I know it sounds crazy, but this game is trending well for the Eagles. They look like they are better prepared but Dallas is making all the big plays!

After the pass interference, the Eagles must get this ball in! doh, false start! How do you overcome a false start? Get the ball to Westbrook! The Eagles are hanging tough so far. Again, if they can survive this initial tsunami, they may win this game.

Dallas 14, Philly 13: Smart not to go for 2. There’s plenty of time and you don’t need to be chasing that point for the rest of the game.

Romo fumbles the ball in the end-zone!!!! The Cowboys look dazed, confused and not ready to play. trending, trending…

Philly 20, Dallas 14:

I can’t help but think of the week in Dallas and in Philly. To talked and Dallas was supremely confident, Philly stayed fairly silent and their intensity level is through the roof.

Philly continues to control the L.O.S.

The Eagles come with the heat on 3rd and obvious and Romo makes them pay. Good protection. The Cowboys have moved the chains…they need to sustain.

Great drive by the Cowboys…This is exactly what they needed.

Jim Johnson loves to come after a QB near or in the red-zone. Look for some serious junk down here.

Finally, Marion Barber breaks through! I love this kid! He’ll just brutalize you.

T.O. is a good player…what an impressive drive by the ‘boys! They needed this, badly. This might be one for the ages…

Dallas 21, Philly 20:

Sack…The eagles may have stoked the beast in dallas.

DeSean Jackson is not a smart man! I’d chew his can into next week. Why can’t some players learn to expect their own success? Why act surprised when you succeed? Control your emotions, son. Just ridiculous.

Philly 27, Dallas 21:

I might have to sit back and enjoy this one, my friends. Unbelievable.

I cannot believe how easily McNabb is throwing the ball against the Cowboys. Dallas is going to see the pass for the next four-weeks until they prove they can stop it.

McNabb wants to win this game so badly…He’s playing with great desperation. Eagles fans can thank T.O. for McNabb’s intensity!

Philly 30, Dallas 21:

This may have been the most entertaining half of football I’ve ever seen…seriously.

Dallas answers with :37 left!! Not possible! That was huge for dallas.

Philly 30, Dallas 24:

I am not a DeSean Jackson fan. The NFL really needs to let DB’s knock the crap out of receivers again. You want humble? You’ll get humility back in the game.

The frenetic pace of this game has slowed a little, settling into a black and blue rhythm.

Marion Barber is starting to get it going. This will win the game for the Cowboys, balance them out.

Great throw Tony Romo! Marion Barber on the wheel-route. This was exactly what the doctor ordered for Dallas: a long, time-consuming drive.

Dallas 31, Philly 30:

My apologies. The beautiful miss Stephanie made something different for dinner. It didn’t go well for me.

Philly scored again?

Philly 37, Dallas 34:

These are the two best teams in the NFC.

I have to go…I’m sure you understand.

The Great Playoff Myth

Published by doug on September 16, 2008 in Column and Doug Franz. 0 Comments

There was another glaring example of the myth perpetuated by the people that are anti-playoff crowd.  The BCS is a fraud and Jim Tressel used it to his advantage.

Ohio State was winning 3-0 and got blitzed from that point forward.  I would have picked USC to win with Beanie Wells in the game but I would have struggled to know if USC would cover.  We all knew how bad it would be without Wells.  The problem is so did Tressel.

The BCS honks tell you that the BCS turns the regular season into a playoff because each loss can knock you out of the running for a national championship.  I say BS.  How did OSU play in the BCS final after they lost to Illinois last year?  They did because the regular season isn’t a playoff.  When you lose in the playoffs, you’re out of the tournament.

The brilliance of Jim Tressel is playing the BCS as fools.  Why play Beanie in Saturday’s game?  If you win, you’re assured of nothing.  You still have to play Penn State at home and Wisconsin on the road.  If you lose, you’ve got the built in Beanie excuse.  Now, you get him healthy for the Big 10.  I don’t think the Big 10’s any good either but someone’s got to go to the Rose Bowl.

OSU can still play in the Rose, or worse, play for a national championship despite losing to USC.  Don’t believe me?  What if OU and Mizzou trip up during the regular season but then win the Big 12 championship against each other?  There’s no way someone’s getting through the SEC without a blemish.  That leaves the Bucs.

You can’t put in Oklahoma or Mizzou after they lose a championship game.  You can’t put in the winner of the game if they’ve lost to an Iowa State or Texas A & M.  What do you do with OSU if their only loss is to the number one team in the country?

Why would Coach Tressel risk the riches of the BCS for this game when he can still make the BCS?  If this truly was a playoff.  Beanie plays Saturday.  Ohio State doesn’t deserve the chance to come out of the Big 10 and play for the national championship.  The Big 12, the SEC, and USC are the only conferences/team that should be represented in Miami.  The Big 10, ACC, and Big East aren’t worthy.

The regular season is not a playoff and the BCS just got worked.

My Weekend

Published by doug on September 13, 2008 in Column and Doug Franz. 0 Comments

This weekend is as full as it gets.  D-backs, ASU, Cards, OSU/USC and all the great NFL games…that means don’t call me this weekend because I’m busy.

I’m going to the D-backs game tonight.  I want to see Brandon Webb for myself.  I haven’t seen him pitch (I mean on-site) since he took the line drive to the chest.  I think he’s hurt.  A pitcher as good as Webb doesn’t go into the tank and pitch as poorly as he has for three starts in a row.  I say that as a compliment.  He’s a great pitcher and great pitchers do not fall apart in September.  I think he’s hurt.

I love the D-backs.  When I get to the game, I’ll be rooting against my hometown team–the Cincinnati Reds.  I want the D-backs to win and I’ll be rooting for them to come back on the Dodgers.  Every time I watch the D-backs, I’m just a fan who refuses to give up hope.  When I get to work, I’m an analyst.  With full knowledge of the Rockies accomplishment and the Mets free-fall from ‘07.  The Dodgers aren’t losing the necessary games and the D-Backs aren’t going to fix enough ills in the next 17 games to repeat last year.

On Saturday it’s a set the VCR day (yes, I don’t have TIVO).  I won’t be able to see OSU/USC or Wisc/Fresno St. because I’ll be at ASU/UNLV.  My pre-game show starts at 5:30.  If you’re coming to the game, stop by and introduce yourself.  I do the show near the end of the line for the students to enter the game between the stadium and arena.  I think ASU looks past UNLV and plays sluggish but gets it going in one of those games labled “closer than the score indicates” type games.

USC is beating OSU.  It’s not just because of the last two years, nor is my prediction based on last week’s Ohio game.  When USC is healthy, they’re the best team.  I don’t see any way I’m changing my opinion that it’s USC and Oklahoma in the championship.  The SEC is just too tough and they’ll kill each other leaving the title game open.

Sunday I’ll be at the Cards game but I’m going early.  They’ve got the Sunday Ticket in the press box so I like to go early and watch all the games.  Cards are winning and going 3-0 when they beat the Skins next week.

Time for the weekly picks.  I’m 7-3 so far this year.

Saints over Skins (it’s a pick ‘em)

Auburn -10 at Miss St

NYG -8 1/2 at St. Louis

Buffalo -6 v Temple

Steelers -5 1/2 @ Cleveland

Have a good weekend.

Doug’s Mailbag

Published by Doug & Wolf on September 11, 2008 in Column and Doug Franz. 0 Comments

Doug,

I think the issue is less about the D-backs “caring” than it is about mental toughness. They can prepare but if they are mentally weak it will not translate to real game situations.

There are athletes and teams that you just know are going to respond in those situations because they do time and again and they believe in themselves and their abilities…Sadly, I do not know that this is the case with the D-backs.

Thanks for what you do.  We definitely missed it when we were overseas, that is for sure.

Kurt

Joint Forces Headquarters Arizona National Guard
285th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion Chaplain

No problem

It means so much to me to give anyone in the military any enjoyment on their way to work.  The only reason I can do what I do is because of what you do.

Obviously we could be in semantics but I look at “mental toughness” as more abstract than caring.

I can tell if you care by what you do to break out of slumps.  Slumps don’t last 3 months.

Doug Franz, you’re a no talent, done nothing significant in your life, gritting voiced idiot!!!!!!! The sooner you’re off the air the better for the valley and all sports fan!!

Kenneth

I always love e-mails like this because the only way you can come up with this opinion is to be frighteningly ignorant.

Talent—I went from market 462 to 119 to 29 to 15.  The first man to hire me gave Thom Brennemann his first job out of college so he must know nothing about talent.  The second man to hire me started Sean Hannity’s career as a talk-show host so he must know nothing about talent.  Then I was hired by a man who was the assistant program director from The Score in Chicago and is now the director of XM sports programming so he must know nothing about talent.  The most recent hire was by a man that is proving to be one of the best PD’s in the country and he had the number one consultant in the sports radio industry support the hire.  So part one of your opinion shows you either know nothing about what you’re talking about or you’ve accomplished more in radio than some of the most esteemed people in the industry even though no one in radio knows who you are.

Done nothing significant in your life–I’ve been credited with saving the lives of 100’s of US troops due to running a soccer ball drive.  The troops would hand out the soccer balls to Iraqi kids who would rat out insurgents and the locations of IED’s.  I was part of a team effort to raise over $200K for PCH.  I also volunteer time to the YMCA as a coach and the Boys and Girls Club.  I also think any man in our society, who contributes to society by working hard at their job, never cheats on their wife and is a good father accomplishes something every day.  For that, I know I qualify.

Gritting voiced–I think I have a terrible radio voice so I guess it’s the talent and accomplishments that have gotten me through.

Idiot!!!!!!!–that’s obviously open for opinion but judging by your comments to this point, it looks worse for you than it does for me.  I must admit, you did get to me.  If you would have called me an idiot with 6 exclamation points, I could have handled it.  When you went to seven, my confidence took a hit.

The sooner you’re off the air the better for the valley and all sports fan!!–Wolf and I think it’s pretentious to talk about the ratings so we don’t.  Since I continue to use facts to blow away your opinions, I will reference the ratings here.  The Doug & Wolf Show has been the highest rated sports talk show in Phoenix for the last two ratings books.  How would it be better for the valley if I’m gone?  Obviously, you don’t represent the feelings of the valley, let alone “all sports fan!!” if a high number of people do enjoy our show.

(note—if you disagree with me on something, why can’t you just tell me what it is and why?)

Doug,

Can you and Ron have a segment on your show where you give us your educated football picks for the week throughout the season, I am in several money pools and could use all the advice I can get (good or bad).  Fridays would be a good day.

You can look on my blog every Friday under the “My Weekend” column.  I’m 7-3 so far.
Wolf and I will record “Chick’s Picks” every Wednesday that will be posted on sports.ktar.com.  Gayle Bass will pick games from the abstract mind of a woman (meaning it’s not based in football research but just her feelings).  Although we don’t use the spread, if we pick an upset, you’ll have what you’re looking for.

In regards to D-backs - My coach in high school always said that the will to win is not as important as the will to prepare to win.

V-TEXT

That’s exactly how I feel.  John Wooden wasn’t my coach but he said failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Hey Doug,

I would really like to see you and Wolf talk about the real reason the D-backs are where they are.  My opinion:

Valverde - Plain and Simple.  The stats from this year to last year are not vastly different and in some cases better.  It’s not the hitting…Its Valverde and what he brought to the table.  He has 41 saves and a 5-3 W/L record in 67 appearances.  Houston has 77 wins and would be leading our division if they were in it.

The D-backs were not a great hitting team last year either and you could argue had a noticeably inferior pitching staff.

Valverde not only provided us with saves, but provided the D-backs with HEART!  Something severely lacking this year!  The bullpen and the whole team had confidence and a sense that one and two run leads would be protected because we had Valverde.

I completely agree with you on a statistical stand point but not in the abstract.  The team had very little confidence in him because his saves were such an adventure.  Everyone kept thinking they were escaping with wins instead of closing them out.

You’re still right though.  With Valverde, they’re on top of the division.

I don’t have a lot of room to stand on though.  I was against the trade only because of what they got back.  I wasn’t against trading him.  Since that’s the jist of your opinion, I’m in the wrong on this one too.

Doug, it is so refreshing to hear a valley sportscaster call it like it is. You calling the D-backs gutless and heartless is great because they are. Your partner will never call any pro athlete out for anything. This thing stinks from the head down. Melvin has got to go! Poor bench decisions, and he hasn’t been able to reach this team yet. I’m also tired of the excuse that they’re a young team, enough already! Reynolds is a joke, Chris Young doesn’t seem to care, and worst of all, there’s really no veteran leadership. This season is over. Let’s just hope there are some changes in the off season. Keep up the great work. Good stuff. Jay

Thanks for listening.

In this business, for everyone that respects me for the same reasons you do, there are people that can’t stand me and think Wolf is the rock of logic.

I’m completely with your anger.  I think Melvin has done a very poor job this year but I’m not on the “firing band wagon.”  I didn’t think he should be signed to a 20 year extension for his good year last year so I don’t think he should be fired for a bad job this year.  However, the leash isn’t long for next year with me.

What is that noise I hear? Oh, I know. It’s the Fat Lady, clearing her throat.
Bob

I’m not denying that

Doug,

I listen every morning to your show and think overall it is a good sports broadcast.  However, the way you addressed the Vince Young situation is completely unacceptable.  This young man obviously needs some help.  You are one of the hosts of this show and the complete disregard to the way you handled your commentary along with the playing of “You Make Me Crazy” is just disgusting.  I mean heaven forbid you ever experience some sort of trauma in your life that could bring you down to such a low state.  I honestly hope that someone from SW Eye Center was listening (they are physicians and are here to help people) and do not ask you to promote them anymore because of your apparent lack of compassion.  I am not a fan of the Titans or Young but I can certainly sympathize with being in a scenario that I felt I had no control over and needed some help.  I am truly done listening to you.

Rick

I always hate to lose a listener, but since I didn’t play “You Make Me Crazy,” I don’t know how I should respond.  I’m not throwing Yoda under the bus but he played the song.  I did laugh because I thought it was funny.

As far as trauma in my life, I think that’s an absurd statement.  You have no idea what trauma I’ve suffered from nor do I know Vince Young’s.  I do know how I’ve handled mine and how he’s handled his.  He’s received over $20 million dollars in guarantees and is stressed out about not absorbing an NFL playbook and being booed by fans.

I’ve been told my daughter is not going to live a quality life and I’m putting my wife at risk of death all because I wanted to give my daughter a chance to fight for her life.  Have you ever held your 1 lb. daughter in a hospital while your wife is downstairs either agonizing in pain or doped up on pain medication?  Heaven forbid anyone goes through what I went through…and more importantly, what my wife and daughter went through.  I would love to be dealing with Vince’s trauma right now.

Check that, I’d rather be in my tax bracket with the knowledge that my daughter can survive against anything and my wife will withstand any pain for her children.  As opposed to be in his tax bracket with such a shallow psyche that my desire to impress fans is higher than my intense preparation and competitive fire.

DOUG,

He is a nutcase and he can’t play the position in the NFL.  The next thing you know, he’s going to start doing interviews with his helmet on.  Wonderlic anybody? ha ha
Kevin

Hey, don’t let Rick hear you say that.

Wait, never mind…he’s not listening.

Doug’s NFL Power Poll - Week 1

Published by Doug & Wolf on September 6, 2008 in Column and Doug Franz. 0 Comments

1. COWBOYS: Interesting week one test @CLE.  If they can start 2-1, look out
2. PATRIOTS: 4-0 here we come (this phrase won’t change till I’m ready to predict who wins PATS@SD
3. CHARGERS: If Merriman can hack it, they’ll be 5-0
4. COLTS: new center and two new guards plus the 2ND hardest September in the top 5
5. JAGUARS: 3 playoff teams, improved HOU and BUF and a trip to Mile High…brutal
6. SAINTS: 4 of first 6 at home and the road games are WSH and DEN…looks good
7. STEELERS: good team but tough schedule with 4 of first 6 and 2 of last 3 on road
8. SEAHAWKS: I think there’s a major drop-off after PITT
9. GIANTS: not good enough to get complacent like they did against WSH
10. PACKERS: not a good schedule for a “young” QB to grow into the job
11. BUCS: sorry to be apolitically correct but if you’re going to play in NO, after a week of disrupted practices for them is a good time
12. VIKINGS: can’t pass or defend the pass
13. EAGLES: same old story, good team with no one to throw to
14. BENGALS: I don’t get this team but I don’t like anyone else in the AFC after Pittsburgh
15. CARDINALS: must start 5-1 and then hold on for dear life
16. TITANS: I said it then and I’ll say it now…Young is not an NFL QB but having Crumpler to dump off to might save him
17. BILLS: easily could be a playoff team
18. BROWNS: I’m not buying what ESPN is selling
19. LIONS: RB choice:  rookie or waived veteran who joined a few days before the season…not a good sign
20. TEXANS: ready to challenge…TENN for 3rd
21. BRONCOS: will be much worse than their record but with KC & OAK twice + MIA and ATL on schedule they’ll get some gifts
22. NYJ: I spend hours going over schedules and depth charts for the power poll…for the Jets I just stuck them somewhere because I have no idea
23. PANTHERS: undefeated @ home and winless on the road…then NO comes marching in
24. RAIDERS: yes OAK nation, it’s doug@ktar.com for the hundreds of e-mails why this year is different
25. BEARS: unlike the Bears, I think QB’s are important
26. RAMS: for the first time since Kurt Warner, they’re the best team in MO
27. 49ERS: when you’re below SF, you’re really bad
28. REDSKINS: just imagine where I’d rank them if I wasn’t such a homer
29. RAVENS: OK, I don’t know your coach or LT, the last time I saw your QB he was in Glendale being eaten by GATORS and the guys I do know (Heap, McGahee, and Reed) were limited in practice
30. CHIEFS: why is week 2,3, & 4 important?…cause if they don’t win any there, they might go winless until the holidays
31. DOLPHINS: did you know the Dolphins signed Ricky Williams to an extension?
32. FALCONS: when breaking in a new QB, it’s great to have a dump-off option at TE like Alge Crumpler…oh wait, never mind

Labor Day Weekend

Published by doug on August 30, 2008 in Column and Doug Franz. 0 Comments

I think you’ll love our “Best of” Show on Monday. Yoda and I put a lot of time into it this week. We’ve had some great interviews since our last “Best of” on the 4th of July.

My favorite moment of this “Best of” is the Dan Hicks interview when Dan was in Beijing. I asked him what he did in China on his first day off when the swimming had come to a close. He talked about a few things and mentioned how cool the Great Wall of China is. Then Wolf asked him, “Did you get a chance to see the great wall of China?”.

My weekend is packed. Cardinals tonight (Friday), then I’m picking up my parents from the airport tomorrow morning. They’ll be going to their first ASU and D-Backs game this weekend–Sun Devils on Saturday night and the D-Backs on Sunday night.

I’m thrilled with my new job on Saturday nights. Some of the people involved with ASU athletics got together and decided I would be a good fit as the host of their pre-game show. It’s always a wonderful feeling when someone approaches you about an opportunity because it means they’ve heard your work and it motivated them to include you. I hope I do a good job to show my appreciation. Lisa Love will join me Saturday to talk about the State of ASU athletics and the effects of last night’s (8/28) storm.

As upset as I am about the D-Backs lack of intensity against the Padres, I think they’re going to do well and take at least two this weekend. I know this is a big series but I don’t think this is as big as next week. The Cardinals are a much better team than the D-Backs and they come to town on Monday. Then it’s off to LA where anything positive that comes out of this weekend could be erased.

I could easily see each team taking two at home so the difference will be what they do in between these weekend clashes. Both teams are at home but the D-Backs play St. Louis while LA gets SD.

Yea, I know what you’re going to say about LA v SD but I’m not buying it. The Padres aren’t sweeping anybody. Of course, neither are the Washington Nationals.

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