Sideline Chatter With Coach Z

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Yankees = Hate

I was raised to hate the dreaded Yankees, I'm sure my Father put these thoughts in my head early in my childhood. I had been taught that George Steinbrenner was the right-hand of the devil. I am definitely not alone. When I Googled Yankee Haters for this entry, the amount of graphics just kept coming. It seems the distaste for the Pin Stripers is wide-spread.

But, I have to admit there are some Yankees that I actually wish well. Not the traitor A-Rod, gee, sorry to see him benched. How about Raul Ibanez, I like him as a Mariner and a Phillie, now he's a pinch hit, home run machine. Curtis Granderson was great as a Tiger, but Motown needed to reduce payroll and let him go. And, finally, Ichiro. The heart and soul of that AAA team known as the Seattle Mariners. I am happy he is with a team where can finally play in post season, just not too long in the post season.

Now if you were not genetically predisposed to hate the Yanks,

the next graphic should seal the deal...

'Nuff Said.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Cabrera, Simply The Best

Miguel Cabrera did what no one has accomplished in baseball since Yaz in 1967 - The Triple Crown! Non-baseballers can not appreciate the enormity of this feat, to lead in all three hitting categories takes incredible skill and a bit of luck. His final stats - .330 batting average, 44 home runs and 139 RBI's. He just etched his name along side greats such as Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Lou Gehrig, and Rogers Hornsby. He has to be a shoe-in for MVP, leading his Tigers to the divisional championship.

As Tina Turner sings,

"You're simply the best,

Better than all the rest,

Better than anyone...."

Now go out and get me the braggin' rights to the World Series Championship!

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Prestigious Award Garnered

While in a meeting of highly influencial sports experts, I was awarded

an AA Award as deemed by the A.P.

OK, it was a group of guys talking sports in a hallway and the award was that I was an "Above Average Sports Fan" and the guy who said it was Andy P. But, hey, I'll take 'em any way I can get 'em! Is there going to be a reception with cake?

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Back To The Litter Box For The Cats

Welcome to Autzen, Rich Rod. Now go home and figure out where

it's harder to win,

here or in the Big 10 (or is it 11?).

And, no the officials are not going to help you out...

Now for the announcement you have all been waiting for - this week's Winged Zed.

The WZ took some time off due to lack-luster performances in the previous two non-conference games. Ho-hummers that had me channel surfing during the game.

But, here we are in league play and the candidates are as follows:

Kiko Alonso &

the Duck Front 7

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

Waldo

Colt Lyerla & Marcus Mariota (only eligible for one wing each)

And the winner is........

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

The sophomore out of Chino Hills was a beast versus AZ with one Pick 6, one red zone INT, and 3 pass break ups. The Ducks needed a new secondary hero to replace John Boyett and this may be the guy.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

You Never Know

I got up this morning to check the latest news on-line when my wife informed me that our daughter was headed to that tie-dyed fair known as Saturday Market and her friend's Mother was picking her up in about 45 minutes.

I started flying around the house - got dressed, got the mower out, and started tidying up the front yard. About a month ago I gave up the war with my yard, the Battle for the Bluegrass was won by the sun. It mostly resembles a very short wheat field ready for harvest, but, it looks a bit better when the combine has made a few passes.

While I was mowing, a couple of groups of bicycle riders went past. One rider stopped in front of my house and was checking his rear wheel - flat as singer out of pitch.

His buddies rode back to him and they huddled to figure out a solution. Seeing their dilemma, I went into the house and got our tire pump and walked over to the group. The guy said he had just put air in and he must have a puncture. After they thanked me a couple of times, I went back to mowing the lawn.

Now, you are asking why is he telling us this snoozer of a story?

One of the bike riders was none other than Tony Dungy, Super Bowl Champion coach and current NFL TV analyst.

I took some heat from my daughter, "Why didn't you get an autograph?" I just figured he didn't need to be hassled and he should get to enjoy his bike ride.

It just goes to show you, keep your eyes open, you never know who you'll run into. Wait, did I just see Elvis at Voodoo Donuts......

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Aloha!

Football season has officially begun and its time to bring back a highly honored tradition, The Winged Zed. Seriously, who else could it go to but

Marcus Mariota.

I don't recall seeing an absolute rookie look so comfortable and poised. Sure, it wasn't the likes of LSU he was facing, but none-the-less, he looked astounding in his debut. So, here's to hoping he garners more of these awards in the future.

In the great minds think alike, I had planned to make my own graphic regarding the pronunciation of his last name, but others beat me to it. The repeated correction of his name could only lead us to Hermione Granger.....

Finally, did you notice the nouveau-retro colors. Yep, I seem to recall those colors on the teams of the 70's, just not with so much panache. Borrowing from singer/song writer Peter Allen, "...everything old is new again..."