Another Case of the Random Thoughts

It's not everyday that you get to attend a Q&A session with Bob Costas, but such things happen when you are attending the university that I am attending. I found out about it about 2 hours before it started and after a brief discussion with one of my fellow teaching assistants about the ethics of blowing off your assigned duties to see a major effing star, we decided to go.

I got there just in time to grab a "standing room only" spot at the back of the auditorium. I have to say I was really impressed both by Costas' views on everything from China to Barry Bonds, and also his enthusiasm for being there. I didn't ask a question; for one thing, I wasn't required to do so for class credit and also I think I was so impressed by Costas that I couldn't think of a question befitting of his lofty status. So I just listened, and again I thought he was brilliant. That oughta show the assembled students the holy grail, where you want to end up, who you want to be when you make it someday out in the world of media. That is one fantastic role model for the future reporters and sportscasters of America.

Moving on to other stuff on my mind...

The baseball playoffs have completely lacked drama. The Cubs disappeared and completely embarrassed themselves, this in the year that they were supposed to finally end the 100-year hex on this sorry franchise. Unfortunately, the franchise got even sorrier, if that was at all possible. Meanwhile, the Angels also have been discovered to have a playoff mental block; it's called the Boston Red Sox. Angels fans have got to be beside themselves right now, thinking that no matter how well they do in the regular season, they're gonna wind up playing the Red Sox in the playoffs and they won't win a game. At least the Cubs are equal opportunity... Marlins, D-Backs, Dodgers... Tampa is making short work of the ChiSox and until last night, most assumed the Phillies would do the same of the Brewers. At least we won't have four sweeps now, but for the love of god, give me something compelling!

I want to believe things will be better for the Buffalo Sabres this season. They return pretty much everyone from last year (everyone who mattered anyway... sorry, Steve Bernier) and they can only get better. I looked over their roster last night; this is still a young team on offense. They only have one front line player over the age of 30. They have a pretty veteran defense but one that needs improvement from last season. I'm a little dismayed at the fact that we were told Marc-Andre Gragnani and Nathan Gerbe would play roles as rookies this season, but neither made the Opening Day roster. It all gets started Friday and it's a long season so only time will tell...

Looking at my two favorite sports teams, I see a lot of disturbing parallels. Let's look back, shall we?

2005-06 Sabres: Came out of nowhere to become a top-flight team in the NHL, blew Game 7 of the semifinal round, probably would have won it all if they win that game.
2006 Mets: Came out of nowhere to become a top-flight team in baseball, blew Game 7 of the semifinal round, probably would have won it all if they win that game.

2006-07 Sabres: Favored by many experts and expected by their fans to win it all. They live up to the expectations until the last 5 games before going splat.
2007 Mets: Favored by many experts and expected by their fans to win it all. They live up to the expectations until the last 17 games before going splat (and they don't even make the playoffs... at least the Sabres got back to the Conference Finals).

2007-08 Sabres: Let two top players go, defense breaks down late in games, top defender traded for virtually nothing (sorry again, Steve Bernier), team fails to make the playoffs.
2008 Mets: Let manager go, bullpen breaks down late in games, closer gets hurt leaving virtually nothing to replace him, team fails to make the playoffs.

So basically this year's Sabres should know that not only do they carry the weighty hopes and expectations of their fans into the new season, but also how they do may well dictate how my Mets will do next season. No pressure...

And finally... a little State of the Tube 2008 preview for ya: I think "Fringe" is the best new show on television, hands down. J.J. Abrams has done it again, and even though I couldn't follow "Lost" after the first few episodes and gave up, I find it easier to figure this show up, plus the things that are happening are believable to a point. Also, there's the right amount of comic relief, even in the simple nuances of the show. Great example: if you just jumped into the show last week and you saw the cow in the background during the lab scenes, you probably laughed at how random that was. If you've seen the show since the beginning, you probably laughed at the fact that the cow is still there (hint for newcomers: the cow figured in the plot of the first episode). That's how good this show is...