USA Soccer made news this week but suddenly cutting ties with coach Jurgen Klinsmann and bringing back previous USA coach Bruce Arena. I applaud both moves: the first was long overdue, the second is the right move right now
I understand the initial interest in Klinsmann but I never understood the continued interest. He's been showing for a long time that he's not the right coach for this program. Honestly the fact that he came in 3rd with Germany in 2006 was kinda suspect to me. He looked like a guy that could motivational speeches but wasn't gonna be much of a tactician. And that's what he was at USA: in all the time he's been here, he's never had a coherent game plan and he's never shown any acumen at adjusting at halftime, and he's kind of a petulant punk-ass at the post-game presser. He just yells at players and throws them under the bus, I thought that act was tired a long time ago.
I understood the commitment it took to bring him in--and he was a good get for USA Soccer at the time--but that was sunk cost. I would've canned him after the 2014 World Cup. I was not moved by USA's performance and specifically I blamed Klinsmann for not making the most of the talent he had. He just looks at these players and thinks, 'They're not German, they can't be any good.' He doesn't know how to coach them (probably because he's just not a very good coach) and he should've been gone before the 2015 Gold Cup or the 2016 Copa America, neither of which were grand successes, I would've canned him after each of those tourneys too.
Is Bruce Arena the right guy? Short term: yes; long term: probably not. What USA needs right now is a sturdy hand that's gonna tell everybody what to do and then mold a game plan that utilizes each player's strengths, which is something Klinsmann never showed any aptitude for. Things aren't good but it isn't yet dire, we just need to straighten up and play right and we'll be fine. I think Arena can do that and I can't think of anyone else who could. Far from thinking of Arena as a hack or a retread I'd say he's the #1 contender. He's as worthy of the job as anyone in the world. He needs to get this team into the Cup and get them to play with some gusto while they're there. Klinsmann wasn't gonna get that but I think there are coaches that could get that of this USA team. All a matter of economy of scale: Klinsmann doesn't see enough talent, plenty of coaches see more talent than they've ever had before.
Arena is the man for now, is he the guy for the future? Probably not. I'm ready to go back to Europe. Klinsmann was a dud but there are plenty of Europeans that could elevate this squad, don't let Klinsmann spoil that. And don't let the Klinsmann episode make you think that are a ton of Americans ready for this job, Arena is one of the few. (I could be talked into Jason Kries but I haven't been yet)
My vote for next coach is Didier Deschamps. After 2018 he and France will likely be ready to part ways: the World Cup cycle is so long and over so suddenly, that hardly anyone lasts for two Cups. Either a coach does great and gets a better job or he does terrible and gets fired. So don't be surprised if Deschamps is job hunting in a coupla years. Would he want the USA gig? I have no idea. Are there better candidates? Surely they are, I just don't know them. Deschamps may be a ridiculous suggestion but Team USA could use some ridiculous. If Gulati wins re-election (I believe he's still unopposed), he'd probably have the mandate for one last crazy move. Maybe it's a do-able thing. Sounds good to me anyway.
Incidentally, I think Arena will accomplish the task of settling USA down and getting some W's. I am confident that actually we have more talent than we've ever had and Arena will recognize that and guide them wisely. He'll also be a prickly pear that rubs the media the wrong way and wins him no friends outside of the locker room....and will eventually cost him in the locker room too. I don't think he lasts longer than 2018 but I think til then he'll put on a good show, he'll get 'em playing like they ought to and we'll be primed for a nice Cup. And good riddance to Klinsmann; honestly I wouldn't be surprised if he never coach again, the England job was open twice this summer and he couldn't move the needle there. So where does he go? I'm guessing either he gets paid by Sky Sports or maybe BBC (his English is excellent) or else he just moves off to play golf for the rest of his life or something.
USA is moving in the right direction again. Time to make USA great again!
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Thursday, November 10, 2016
AFC (Week Nine)
Pats -- The offense is still the best in the business. Defense is okay but not too many teams are gonna outscore 'em.
Raiders -- The funnest team around, so even though they don't have the backbone of a solid winner, I'm still rooting for them. The offense is really good and the defense is getting there.
Steelers -- Yeah, they're stumbling but Big Ben over the top will beat most everyone they play. Really kinda mediocre but they got street smarts and plenty of offensive weapons.
Broncos, Chiefs -- Not sure which is better (or maybe it's worse). Chiefs are a solid grinding team that will outwork most teams on the field. The Broncos have a knockout pass rush and pretty good offense. Neither seems like a world beater but both will be a tough out down the line.
Bengals -- Like the Cards, I think the Bengals peaked last year and instead of hitting the ground running, they're making up lost ground. I think the Cards are still good enough to squeak into the playoffs but I don't see either side of the ball being good often enough to go deep.
Dolphins -- Perhaps it's premature to put them up this high but I'm starting to believe that pass rush and that running game could really do damage. They've got the good they just need the consistency (ugh, am I really betting on Tannehill?).
Chargers -- Like the Saints, they can sling it around and run up the score and the D even has moments, too. On good days they'll sting people but they also look plenty capable of botching easy ones.
Ravens -- D is still really good but, man, I think the offense is kinda terrible. They keep games close but after all these years I'm still not into Flacco: he's not a closer and a team with this kind of defense desperately needs a closer. They could be good enough to win games but I'm just not feeling it.
Bills -- They're feisty, they've got decent talent on both sides of the ball but they're just too sloppy and inconsistent be anything more than a spoiler.
Texans -- I guess they'll win the division but they are so uninspiring.
Colts -- They've got Andrew Luck and not much else. But the competition is pretty soft and the Colts might still pull it out but can you see them beating anyone in the playoffs? I don't.
Titans, Jags -- Sometimes they're okay, sometimes they're terrible. I'm never really sure what makes them what each week.
Jets -- Doesn't the coach look like he's experimenting out there? He's not trying to lose but he doesn't seem all that eager to win, he's just casually trying stuff out there to see what works, he's game planning for next year after they find themselves a new QB.
Browns -- They're plucky, they try hard, they'll win one of these days.
Raiders -- The funnest team around, so even though they don't have the backbone of a solid winner, I'm still rooting for them. The offense is really good and the defense is getting there.
Steelers -- Yeah, they're stumbling but Big Ben over the top will beat most everyone they play. Really kinda mediocre but they got street smarts and plenty of offensive weapons.
Broncos, Chiefs -- Not sure which is better (or maybe it's worse). Chiefs are a solid grinding team that will outwork most teams on the field. The Broncos have a knockout pass rush and pretty good offense. Neither seems like a world beater but both will be a tough out down the line.
Bengals -- Like the Cards, I think the Bengals peaked last year and instead of hitting the ground running, they're making up lost ground. I think the Cards are still good enough to squeak into the playoffs but I don't see either side of the ball being good often enough to go deep.
Dolphins -- Perhaps it's premature to put them up this high but I'm starting to believe that pass rush and that running game could really do damage. They've got the good they just need the consistency (ugh, am I really betting on Tannehill?).
Chargers -- Like the Saints, they can sling it around and run up the score and the D even has moments, too. On good days they'll sting people but they also look plenty capable of botching easy ones.
Ravens -- D is still really good but, man, I think the offense is kinda terrible. They keep games close but after all these years I'm still not into Flacco: he's not a closer and a team with this kind of defense desperately needs a closer. They could be good enough to win games but I'm just not feeling it.
Bills -- They're feisty, they've got decent talent on both sides of the ball but they're just too sloppy and inconsistent be anything more than a spoiler.
Texans -- I guess they'll win the division but they are so uninspiring.
Colts -- They've got Andrew Luck and not much else. But the competition is pretty soft and the Colts might still pull it out but can you see them beating anyone in the playoffs? I don't.
Titans, Jags -- Sometimes they're okay, sometimes they're terrible. I'm never really sure what makes them what each week.
Jets -- Doesn't the coach look like he's experimenting out there? He's not trying to lose but he doesn't seem all that eager to win, he's just casually trying stuff out there to see what works, he's game planning for next year after they find themselves a new QB.
Browns -- They're plucky, they try hard, they'll win one of these days.
NFC (Week Nine)
Cowboys -- The 'Boys are still the class of the NFC, the running game is mighty, the rookie QB is still getting the job done and that defense is surprisingly effective. They are the most complete team in the NFC and if they can avoid QB squabbles (don't be surprised if Romo has a hero moment at some point), they can go to the Super Bowl.
Falcons -- The offense is still on fire and the defense is good enough. The Panthers and Saints are playing better but I think the Falcons still have a good grasp on the division. The defense is getting better and I think they can outscore conference opponents in the playoffs.
Seahawks -- Clearly a step slower then previous years but the D is still good, Russell Wilson is still quite capable and I think veteran smarts will play a role. They've been sloppy on the sidelines but I can't imagine that will keep the Seahawks from getting deep in the playoffs.
Packers -- I dunno, they still have Aaron Rodgers and the expectation of success. I think the D is kinda terrible and Rodgers' supporting cast has all fallen off the last few years. But I'm not seeing any real juggernauts in the NFC, so I reckon they'll have their shot in the post-season.
Vikings -- The D has taken a step back from its early season dominance and the offense has too. In September they looked solid from top to bottom, now they seem kinda rickety. I'm betting that there's still enough there to resurrect by season's end.
Saints -- I never would've thought I'd say this but the Saints look dangerous enough to win games. They remind me of the Steve Nash Suns: non-stop offense that leaves gaps in the defense that makes for entertaining games. Come playoff time, the Saints will be the 2nd best team on the field regardless of their opponent but, man, Brees can still sling it and hang numbers. Still dangerous.
Cards -- Like the Bengals, I think the Cards peaked last year and instead of hitting the ground running, they're making up lost ground. I think the Cards are still good enough to squeak into the playoffs but I don't see either side of the ball being good enough often enough to go deep.
Redskins -- I dunno, they're occasionally good. They have some talent but not enough, they're not good but they're not bad either. On a good day they could pull an upset and on a bad day they could get stomped badly.
Eagles -- I look the rookie QB, I like the attitude but I don't like their chances to win a lot of games. I feel like they've overachieved already and while the kid is good, I still feel like this year's success will only screw up next year's path to improvement.
Panthers -- They should've been better but after a horrible start it feels like they're starting to get it together. They crushed people last year, I knew they wouldn't be that good but I thought they'd matter in the NFC. There's still enough time that I guess to play spoiler but I don't see them making the playoffs.
Rams, Giants, Lions -- The mediocre pile. Every once in a while they look good (or like they might be good). But just as often they look terrible.
Bucs -- Yeah, even though they're not all that good, it still feels like they should be better. Maybe next year.
Bears -- They're feisty but they're not any good.
Niners -- The Niners, man, shit...it was just yesterday that they looked like they were gonna dominate for years to come. Now they suck so bad....uh, yeah...they just suck. Not sure what else to say.
Falcons -- The offense is still on fire and the defense is good enough. The Panthers and Saints are playing better but I think the Falcons still have a good grasp on the division. The defense is getting better and I think they can outscore conference opponents in the playoffs.
Seahawks -- Clearly a step slower then previous years but the D is still good, Russell Wilson is still quite capable and I think veteran smarts will play a role. They've been sloppy on the sidelines but I can't imagine that will keep the Seahawks from getting deep in the playoffs.
Packers -- I dunno, they still have Aaron Rodgers and the expectation of success. I think the D is kinda terrible and Rodgers' supporting cast has all fallen off the last few years. But I'm not seeing any real juggernauts in the NFC, so I reckon they'll have their shot in the post-season.
Vikings -- The D has taken a step back from its early season dominance and the offense has too. In September they looked solid from top to bottom, now they seem kinda rickety. I'm betting that there's still enough there to resurrect by season's end.
Saints -- I never would've thought I'd say this but the Saints look dangerous enough to win games. They remind me of the Steve Nash Suns: non-stop offense that leaves gaps in the defense that makes for entertaining games. Come playoff time, the Saints will be the 2nd best team on the field regardless of their opponent but, man, Brees can still sling it and hang numbers. Still dangerous.
Cards -- Like the Bengals, I think the Cards peaked last year and instead of hitting the ground running, they're making up lost ground. I think the Cards are still good enough to squeak into the playoffs but I don't see either side of the ball being good enough often enough to go deep.
Redskins -- I dunno, they're occasionally good. They have some talent but not enough, they're not good but they're not bad either. On a good day they could pull an upset and on a bad day they could get stomped badly.
Eagles -- I look the rookie QB, I like the attitude but I don't like their chances to win a lot of games. I feel like they've overachieved already and while the kid is good, I still feel like this year's success will only screw up next year's path to improvement.
Panthers -- They should've been better but after a horrible start it feels like they're starting to get it together. They crushed people last year, I knew they wouldn't be that good but I thought they'd matter in the NFC. There's still enough time that I guess to play spoiler but I don't see them making the playoffs.
Rams, Giants, Lions -- The mediocre pile. Every once in a while they look good (or like they might be good). But just as often they look terrible.
Bucs -- Yeah, even though they're not all that good, it still feels like they should be better. Maybe next year.
Bears -- They're feisty but they're not any good.
Niners -- The Niners, man, shit...it was just yesterday that they looked like they were gonna dominate for years to come. Now they suck so bad....uh, yeah...they just suck. Not sure what else to say.
Monday, November 7, 2016
2016 US Elections
I'm a student of American history but not a political person. Indeed, I think politics is wildly overrated and we'd all be better off just ignoring it. But this year I was kinda fascinated by the rise of Bernie Sanders and the lingering odor that is Donald Trump. This year's race had some excitement to it...which faded for me about ten minutes into the first debate, which I found to be even more anti-climatic than the third Dark Knight movie. Just wanted to take a second to make one last prediction.
I think Hillary Clinton wins by a sizable margin. I have no interest in picking out each state and nailing down a specific electoral vote count so I'll stay fairly general. Normally the Achilles' heel of the Democrats is that their most enthusiastic supporters within the culture are not the most vigilant when it comes to actually voting. No love for the party, just the after-party. But this time around I think Trump will inspire the liberal hordes to rise up and vote. I think they'll turn out not for Hillary but against Trump (hey, that counts, too). I suspect the race is called well before the west coast polls close and that there's never really any doubt that Hilary wins. Just for trivial value I'll take Evan McMullin to win Utah.
But I think they'll have minimal effect on the down ballot races. I'll take the Republicans to easily hold the House (which I don't think is a bold prediction) and to narrowly hold the Senate (most popular commentators are saying it'll be 50-50 giving the White House the tiebreaker). I think the buzz is that if Hillary wins, Obama will immediately rescind the nomination of Merrick Garland (kinda of a shame, I think I really like him) meaning we won't have a proper 9-person court until shortly before the end of the term. And since this campaign has featured zilch discussion of actual policy, I have no idea who Clinton would nominate, even though that's gonna be the first thing she does.
All I know is I'm ready for this to be over. I hate elections, I find they bring out all the worst in the American people and absolutely none of the best. So by Wednesday at least there is the hope that as a a people we can be good again (though hopefully not great).
I think Hillary Clinton wins by a sizable margin. I have no interest in picking out each state and nailing down a specific electoral vote count so I'll stay fairly general. Normally the Achilles' heel of the Democrats is that their most enthusiastic supporters within the culture are not the most vigilant when it comes to actually voting. No love for the party, just the after-party. But this time around I think Trump will inspire the liberal hordes to rise up and vote. I think they'll turn out not for Hillary but against Trump (hey, that counts, too). I suspect the race is called well before the west coast polls close and that there's never really any doubt that Hilary wins. Just for trivial value I'll take Evan McMullin to win Utah.
But I think they'll have minimal effect on the down ballot races. I'll take the Republicans to easily hold the House (which I don't think is a bold prediction) and to narrowly hold the Senate (most popular commentators are saying it'll be 50-50 giving the White House the tiebreaker). I think the buzz is that if Hillary wins, Obama will immediately rescind the nomination of Merrick Garland (kinda of a shame, I think I really like him) meaning we won't have a proper 9-person court until shortly before the end of the term. And since this campaign has featured zilch discussion of actual policy, I have no idea who Clinton would nominate, even though that's gonna be the first thing she does.
All I know is I'm ready for this to be over. I hate elections, I find they bring out all the worst in the American people and absolutely none of the best. So by Wednesday at least there is the hope that as a a people we can be good again (though hopefully not great).
Thursday, November 3, 2016
World Series
Fuck, what a game! What a series! I love baseball and when it shines out this good, it's such a pleasure to witness. That said, as an Indians fan I wish it had turned out different. Rain delay in the 9th inning....
Look, the Cubs were the best team all year long, no doubt. And after watching the Indians all year long, I loved the team, loved the pitching, loved the coach, loved the vibe, but not until they went up on the Blue Jays did I think they would even make the World Series much less win it. So as a Tribe fan, I'm cool. We had a great year and while the title was palpable, every baseball fan knows that it ain't over til its over. The tricky part as a general baseball fan is knowing all along that the Cubs will be back next year while the Indians will be in the mix in the AL but are by no means a guarantee, so for all the angst of the Cubs fans, they're gonna be dominate the NL for the foreseeable future, they'll have chances to break the curse while us Indians fans needed to hit the mark as soon as possible.
Good year for the Cubs, congrats. After Rajai Davis hit that homer, I really thought all the momentum was going back to Cleveland and the Indians would finish it off. But the baseball gods were rooting for the Cubs. That rain delay...
I think the Cubs should invite Bartman to throw out the first pitch on opening day. He's a legit Cubs fan and to suffer that level of sadness to be associated with the Cubs curse is a unimaginable level of trauma. The curse is over, the championship is won, bringing out Bartman to put the curse to rest is not merely a nice thing to do, it is a necessary thing to do. The Cubs will be good for a while, it is imperative to put the losing past behind them. And to restore a true Cubs fan to his rightful place is the perfect way to do it. It should happen and I think it will. Welcome back to Chicago, Mr. Bartman, the first pitch is yours.
Look, the Cubs were the best team all year long, no doubt. And after watching the Indians all year long, I loved the team, loved the pitching, loved the coach, loved the vibe, but not until they went up on the Blue Jays did I think they would even make the World Series much less win it. So as a Tribe fan, I'm cool. We had a great year and while the title was palpable, every baseball fan knows that it ain't over til its over. The tricky part as a general baseball fan is knowing all along that the Cubs will be back next year while the Indians will be in the mix in the AL but are by no means a guarantee, so for all the angst of the Cubs fans, they're gonna be dominate the NL for the foreseeable future, they'll have chances to break the curse while us Indians fans needed to hit the mark as soon as possible.
Good year for the Cubs, congrats. After Rajai Davis hit that homer, I really thought all the momentum was going back to Cleveland and the Indians would finish it off. But the baseball gods were rooting for the Cubs. That rain delay...
I think the Cubs should invite Bartman to throw out the first pitch on opening day. He's a legit Cubs fan and to suffer that level of sadness to be associated with the Cubs curse is a unimaginable level of trauma. The curse is over, the championship is won, bringing out Bartman to put the curse to rest is not merely a nice thing to do, it is a necessary thing to do. The Cubs will be good for a while, it is imperative to put the losing past behind them. And to restore a true Cubs fan to his rightful place is the perfect way to do it. It should happen and I think it will. Welcome back to Chicago, Mr. Bartman, the first pitch is yours.
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