Friday, October 31, 2008
Hales Halloween Drunk Fest
I received this from The Other Hales this morning.
Hey, we’re havin’ a Halloween Party (read: drunk fest) Saturday Night at the house. It should be a pretty good time, not too mention there will be sorority girls there, so ya know, that’s should be entertaining at the least. Anywho, I would post something on the blog for those other degenerates to see, but I lack “posting privledges” as they say, so if you wanna put somethin’ up on there you will have my full endorsement shortly after doing so. The shindig should get goin’ around 9:30 or 10 I would say, mostly depending on how the game goes I would assume. So, feel free to stop and bring whoever you’d like and booze your face off.
Hey, we’re havin’ a Halloween Party (read: drunk fest) Saturday Night at the house. It should be a pretty good time, not too mention there will be sorority girls there, so ya know, that’s should be entertaining at the least. Anywho, I would post something on the blog for those other degenerates to see, but I lack “posting privledges” as they say, so if you wanna put somethin’ up on there you will have my full endorsement shortly after doing so. The shindig should get goin’ around 9:30 or 10 I would say, mostly depending on how the game goes I would assume. So, feel free to stop and bring whoever you’d like and booze your face off.
You Gotta Want It!
I honestly don't know if there's a Tunnel Walk coming, but come on: there's no way we can't post something about the Oklahoma game.
So what do you guys think? I think it is going to be awfully tough to escape Norman with an upset...but not impossible. Oklahoma's kick return coverage is atrocious--ranked somewhere in the 100's. Niles Paul, I'm looking at you. And if our brilliant clock-eating continues, that would be great, too.
I don't know, it's ridiculous, but I'm going to go ahead and say:
"Closer than the experts think."
Predictions in the comments...I think we've got a shot at this, boys!
Labels: I'd Rather Be Dead Than Wear Sooner Red, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Oklahoma Sooners
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The NBA: Where Kicking Ass Happens
It's that time of year, kids: Opening Tip of the 2008-09 NBA Season!
I could not be more excited about this. So many good story lines this year, and so many damn good teams...and more Charles Barkley. In fact, I may be as excited about "Inside The NBA" being back on TV as I am about the actual games being played.
ANYWAY, lots of good story lines to follow:
--Rookies. Because Greg Oden is technically a rookie this year, the 2008-09 rookie class is stacked. And not only is it stacked, it is stacked on teams that could make some serious moves this year. Guys like Oden, Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo, Marc Gasol all have the opportunity to really transform their prospective teams. Speaking of which...
--Teams on the rise. There could be a lot of movement on the NBA front this season. While you're going to see the same teams do very well (Celtics, Lakers, Spurs, Jazz, Pistons), you could see some teams that take a good leap this year--and even a couple that could take a New Orleans Hornets-type leap. My team to watch (and also mine and Pete's Western Conference team for the season) are the Portland Trailblazers. This is a team that had that ridiculous run at the beginning of last season...and that was without Greg Oden. Include their 1st-rounder draft pick from this season in Rudy Fernandez--who has shown could be a very strong 1st guy off the bench energy guy in the mode of Ginobli during the preseason--and you could be looking at a team that could be very good in this league for a very long time. They seem to be taking the same approach as the Spurs: draft a bunch of good guys that are team guys and work their asses off and build around a dominant big man. (Readers Note: the Blazers play the late game on TNT against the Lakers tonight at 9:30 central.)
Speaking of the Blazers opponent tonight, you wouldn't think a team that made it out of the Western Conference to the NBA Finals could qualify for this conversation, but the Lakers should be a much better team with a healthy Andrew Bynum all season. In fact, that could make them downright scary.
Another team that could take a serious leap is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mo Williams coming on board could make a serious difference in how this team plays. While he may not be a true-and-through point guard, he's enough of one to allow LeBron James to move into that hybrid "3-4" position that he played in the Olympics. And in doing so, James--the ultimate matchup nightmare in the NBA--just became an even bigger matchup nightmare. In fact, LeBron could well have his breakout season this season. That's hard to even imagine.
Other teams that should show some serious improvement this season: 76ers, Bulls, Heat, Bucks, Rockets. In other words, the Eastern Conference--for the first time in seemingly forever--looks to take a big step forward this season.
-Repeat? The Celtics should be in great shape for a repeat. With younger players like my man Rajon Rondo having another year of experience under their belt, they might even be a bit improved--even with James Posey leaving for the Hornets this season. And apparently the title didn't bring down Kevin Garnett's own special brand of crazy: Somehow, Celtics captain Paul Pierce claims, Garnett is even intense than last year. "I didn't think he could go up to another level," Pierce said.
The Cavs should give them a hell of a run for the money, but I think the Celtics are my picks to make it to the Finals again.
-What About The West? Now the West is tough. You'll have the Lakers there all season, especially with Bynum back in the mix. New Orleans--my second-favorite West team this year--should be there, too (particularly after adding Posey). And of course, if you pay attention to the Spurs, this year falls in line with their every-other-year Championship schedule.
However, my sleeper pick to make it to the Finals is the Houston Rockets. Now, I realize how incredibly risky this pick is: anytime Ron Artest is the big reason for stating a team is going to be markedly improved, you probably should have your head examined. That said...what if it goes well? What if he assimilates himself with the team? The guy is absolutely bat-shit crazy, but he is smart enough to know that he's running out of time for a shot at a title. The Rockets were a very good team last year. Adding a talent like Artest could just put them over the edge--particularly if he has a Dennis Rodman-like attitude adjustment where he just defers to the leaders of the team, Tracy McGrady and Chuck Hayes (er, Yao Ming).
So despite a lot of teams that will be significantly improved, we're picking the Celtics to repeat. I think they'll be just too strong for the Rockets to overcome in the Finals.
Enjoy the season, and if anyone wants to watch some games tonight, let me know.
Labels: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Greg Oden, Houston Rockets, Marc Gasol, Michael Beasley, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, OJ Mayo, Portland Trailblazers, Rajon Rondo, Ron Artest, Rudy Fernandez
Monday, October 27, 2008
Afghanistan Blows
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Nebraska's 2nd Congressional
Here's some interesting news from the world of politics. My mom actually pointed this out to me. Who knew The Mangler was such a newshound?
Labels: Marcia The Mangler, Nebraska, Politics
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Hey you got an STD!
So I was looking for an article related to health care ethics on CNN.com and came across an article about InSpot.org. So InSpot is this site that allows you to send e-cards to past sexual partners telling them that you have an STD. Here's an example: "You're too hot to be out of action. I got diagnosed with an STD since we played. You might want to get checked too." Who the fuck is going to send some bullshit like that? "Hey Cindy, I know I haven't talked to you in the two years since we last fucked and randomly still have your email address, but just wanted you to know that I have the hiv and you might want to get checked out before you die. Have a good one."
What kind of fucked up asshole is going to send that message in an e-card? An E-CARD!?! "I'm such a piece of shit that I can't even call you on the phone to tell you that I might have given you the clap. Instead, I'm going to tell you in the least sensitive way possible, through a hipster medium that old people and teens have caught on to like wildfire, but no self-respecting person would actually use to contact another person, let alone tell them they have an STD."
Am I the only person that thinks this is the worst idea ever?
What kind of fucked up asshole is going to send that message in an e-card? An E-CARD!?! "I'm such a piece of shit that I can't even call you on the phone to tell you that I might have given you the clap. Instead, I'm going to tell you in the least sensitive way possible, through a hipster medium that old people and teens have caught on to like wildfire, but no self-respecting person would actually use to contact another person, let alone tell them they have an STD."
Am I the only person that thinks this is the worst idea ever?
Labels: e-cards, STDs, the clap, the hiv
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Feel Good Story
So I have two guys coming in this November for a strategic meeting. Being the great host I was able to score the banks suite tickets for the Creighton vs. Arkansas Pine Bluffs game (should be a barn burner.) When I informed these gentlemen of our Thursday night plans, one of them asked me if ‘Creighton, I think I have heard of them. . .are they a D2 school?’
After picking myself up from the floor I did confirm that yes Creighton is a D2 school.
Welcome back College Basketball, and Suck It Creighton
Labels: D2 Basketball, Suck it Creighton
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Enough Time has Passed
These are just of few of the pics I have been forwarded since the Cubs collapse. I'm not trying to rub it in, I just thought these were both fitting and funny. My favorite is the "LMAO" quote at the bottom of Epic Failures.
Labels: 100 years, Chicago Cubs, Collapse
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Great Game.
Bo Pelini is right--there are no "moral victories" at Nebraska.
That said...that was one hell of a moral victory. Nebraska's game plan on both sides of the ball was phenominal. Hats off.
That said...that was one hell of a moral victory. Nebraska's game plan on both sides of the ball was phenominal. Hats off.
Labels: Bo Pelini, Nebraska Football
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Tunnel Walk: Vol. II, Issue VI, Texas Tech
The Tunnel Walk has a sinking feeling following the past two setbacks. Texas Tech, the hyenas of the Big XII, can smell the blood and are ready to eat. Hyenas, like most scavengers, aren't the most despicable of animals. They just go about their business and when they see an injured animal, they do what any respectable scavenger does and tears that sucker apart. They have a family to feed, a program to build. While Tejas and Oklahoma fight it out for the drivers' seat in the Big XII South, Tech has a juicy opportunity to claim shotgun. Much like the national debt clock, the scoreboard may need to add more slots.
The Recruit Files:
Already Committed: Thaddeus Randle, DT. 6-1, 265. Galena Park (TX) 
North Shore. Rivals: 73rd DT/3*. Scout: 52nd DT/3*. Another undersized DT prospect? You betcha. Bo Pelini may just have a plan developing here. Along with Cole Pensick, Randle appears to represent a paradigm shift in the DT. It's true that shorter, more agile athletes on the defensive line have a lower pad level against the taller, pass-blocking offensive lineman in the pass happy Big XII (Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis are only 6-1). In his most recent game against 5* DT JaMarkus McFarland, Randle had 2.5 sacks and 8 tackles. Obviously, the two did not face each other, but most observers contend that Randle had the better game at the DT position. Positive news. Due to Hurricane Ike, Thaddeus and his teammates have only played a couple of games this season. Like many Gulf Coast high school football teams, Randle's team is likely to play two games per week. That could help with repetitions and conditioning, but also poses a threat of injury. Randle may be one of those players that has "game size and speed" opposed to great numbers on paper. Or maybe the sky really is falling and we're just trying to sign any DT who will commit.
North Shore. Rivals: 73rd DT/3*. Scout: 52nd DT/3*. Another undersized DT prospect? You betcha. Bo Pelini may just have a plan developing here. Along with Cole Pensick, Randle appears to represent a paradigm shift in the DT. It's true that shorter, more agile athletes on the defensive line have a lower pad level against the taller, pass-blocking offensive lineman in the pass happy Big XII (Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis are only 6-1). In his most recent game against 5* DT JaMarkus McFarland, Randle had 2.5 sacks and 8 tackles. Obviously, the two did not face each other, but most observers contend that Randle had the better game at the DT position. Positive news. Due to Hurricane Ike, Thaddeus and his teammates have only played a couple of games this season. Like many Gulf Coast high school football teams, Randle's team is likely to play two games per week. That could help with repetitions and conditioning, but also poses a threat of injury. Randle may be one of those players that has "game size and speed" opposed to great numbers on paper. Or maybe the sky really is falling and we're just trying to sign any DT who will commit. Wishlister: Latu Heimuli, DT. 6-4, 305. Salt Lake City (UT) Highlan
d. Rivals: 29th DT/4*. Scout: 11th DT/4*. Now that's more like it. In the mold of fellow SLC Highland alum (and one-time Husker commit--The Tunnel Walk never forgets) Haloti Ngata. A big, strong defensive tackle poised to make the job of some defensive coordinator much easier. A member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Heimuli may take part in his two-year mission during his college years. Nebraska coaches have told him to do what he needs to do. Heimuli was on the sidelines as an official visitor last weekend and despite the bloodbath, appears to be leaning towards NU. It may help that his AAU basketball teammate Rayes Gallegos is a Nebrasketball commit.
d. Rivals: 29th DT/4*. Scout: 11th DT/4*. Now that's more like it. In the mold of fellow SLC Highland alum (and one-time Husker commit--The Tunnel Walk never forgets) Haloti Ngata. A big, strong defensive tackle poised to make the job of some defensive coordinator much easier. A member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Heimuli may take part in his two-year mission during his college years. Nebraska coaches have told him to do what he needs to do. Heimuli was on the sidelines as an official visitor last weekend and despite the bloodbath, appears to be leaning towards NU. It may help that his AAU basketball teammate Rayes Gallegos is a Nebrasketball commit. This week in Doro
thy Lynch.
thy Lynch.Dorothy Lynch is a homestyle dressing made in Columbus, Nebraska. Meatloaf is a dish that for some is the epitome of homestyle cooking. And nobody makes it better than The Tunnel Walk's mom. But even Mama Tunnel Walk can use the help that orange yummy provides. Some glaze their loaves of meat with ketchup. Others barbeque sauce. Why not slather a little DL on top (The Tunnel Walk recommends adding prior to cooking. This will keep your loaf moist and allows the flavor to infiltrate your meat.) to add a little twist. If this recipe doesn't find you at your bravest, fear not. Go ahead and add a little Dorothy Lynch on the side of the dish and allow your dinner guests to dip at their own risk. Here's another tip from Mama Tunnel Walk: mix one cup of oatmeal into your meatloaf and be sure to slow cook the loaf at 325 degrees.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Music is good for you.
There is a lot of good new music out there for you to enjoy. Here's some that I've been hopped up on.
TV on the Radio, Dear Science.
Yes, The Tunnel Walk offered a brief review of this Brooklyn band's latest release, but it deserves a second look. This album is what I like to call a grower. It has the wonderful quality to be able to be played straight through like a delicious three course meal. Sure, the meal may be prepared by some wack-job chef that's too cool for Top Chef, but it's still something you've got to try. Critics have called it art-rock and I guess I'm not completely sure of what that means. Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone's vocals are a little spooky, but smart--like Vincent Price or Alfred Hitchcock. This album is like a great mix tape or playlist, weaving between rocking your face off and rocking you to sleep.
In a follow up to her other band Rilo Kiley's underrated album, Under the Blacklight, Lewis continues to establish herself as a musical Babraham Lincoln. She's funny and crass--like a twangy Liz Phair circa Exile in Guyville. While she doesn't have the help of the Watson Twins on this album, she does recruit some suitable replacements in Elvis Costello, Chris Robinson, Zooey Deschanel, and newcomer Benji Hughes. She doesn't veer too far from the recipe that made Rabbit Fur Coat tasty on the ear buds, sticking to a lot of simple guitar arangements. However, on my personal favorite, Jack Killed Mom, Lewis and Co. break out a little revivalist gospel. Good stuff.
Yes, The Tunnel Walk offered a brief review of this Brooklyn band's latest release, but it deserves a second look. This album is what I like to call a grower. It has the wonderful quality to be able to be played straight through like a delicious three course meal. Sure, the meal may be prepared by some wack-job chef that's too cool for Top Chef, but it's still something you've got to try. Critics have called it art-rock and I guess I'm not completely sure of what that means. Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone's vocals are a little spooky, but smart--like Vincent Price or Alfred Hitchcock. This album is like a great mix tape or playlist, weaving between rocking your face off and rocking you to sleep.Jenny Lewis, Acid Tongue.
In a follow up to her other band Rilo Kiley's underrated album, Under the Blacklight, Lewis continues to establish herself as a musical Babraham Lincoln. She's funny and crass--like a twangy Liz Phair circa Exile in Guyville. While she doesn't have the help of the Watson Twins on this album, she does recruit some suitable replacements in Elvis Costello, Chris Robinson, Zooey Deschanel, and newcomer Benji Hughes. She doesn't veer too far from the recipe that made Rabbit Fur Coat tasty on the ear buds, sticking to a lot of simple guitar arangements. However, on my personal favorite, Jack Killed Mom, Lewis and Co. break out a little revivalist gospel. Good stuff.Blitzen Trapper, Furr. 
As liberal as I am, I hate hippies. Mainly the patchouli. But also dirty hippies like Deadheads. The first I listened to from Blitzen Trapper (2007's, Wild Mountain Nation) sounded like something that an Oregon band would produce and Deadheads would really like to listen to while they sell their organic PB&Js in the parking lots before Dave Matthews and Widespread Panic concerts. I was more than a bit cautious when I previewed this one. What I found was more melodic than marijuanic. More tuneful than trippy. And it's not even extremely laid back. There are a few numbers that are single worthy and playlist worthy.
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
I have a confession to make. As musically snarky as I like to think of myself, before listening to this album the most I knew of Nick Cave were two songs: No Pussy Blues by his alter ego Grinderman and I think he did a cover on the I Am Sam soundtrack in the early 2000s. Thanks to the good people responsible for Paste magazine's monthly sampler, I fell for the self-titled single from Nick Cave's newest release. Much like Heavy Soul house band The Hold Steady, Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! rocks some talk-sing classic rock to the peaks of Mt. Awesome.
I have a confession to make. As musically snarky as I like to think of myself, before listening to this album the most I knew of Nick Cave were two songs: No Pussy Blues by his alter ego Grinderman and I think he did a cover on the I Am Sam soundtrack in the early 2000s. Thanks to the good people responsible for Paste magazine's monthly sampler, I fell for the self-titled single from Nick Cave's newest release. Much like Heavy Soul house band The Hold Steady, Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! rocks some talk-sing classic rock to the peaks of Mt. Awesome. Labels: Good Music
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Your next President is...
Saw this on the Colbert Report last night. This guy, Nate Silver, is (if you couldn't guess by the picture) a baseball statistician. A successful one at that. He predicted the Rays going to the playoffs. He moonlights with a side project called fivethirtyeight.com, a site in which he puts his statistician nerdiness to the good of the American people. There is some very interesting nuggets on his site. I don't know what kind of future math this kid uses, but neato.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
I want a new drug...and a new baseball team.
With no Heavy Soul favorite teams any longer in the hunt for the World Series crown, baseball talk will likely be flushed until the spring. But before we plunge this season for good, I need to vent.
I wrote in the preseason that I was really excited about the prospects (both meanings) of the Oakland Athletics this year. My hopes were shattered. Against history and odds, the Fighting Billy Beanes had a very productive first half of the season. But that didn't distract us from the systematic dismantling of the team. Then the regular string of injuries hurt descended like the plague of locusts that they are.
Again, the destructive forces of trades and injuries are nothing new to my psyche. But the stank coming from the dugout and scorecards is something new. Not one regular ended above .300. One fucking pitcher had 10 wins. While across the division, K-Rod was saving 100 games, Huston Street saved 18. Daric Barton, a man-child who I've had intimate thoughts about, had an Alex Gordonesque rookie year. If the A's are gonna be this shitty, I might as well become a Royals fan. At least I could catch a few games in person each year.
I'd like to give you a closer look at what I mean.
CATCHERS
Kurt Suzuki, .279 BA, .346 OBP, 148 G. I'm fine with this guy. I'll cheer for him as long as he's in the league.
Rob Bowen, .176 BA, .219 OBP, 37 G. Thanks, Chicago Cubs. You deserved to win it all simply for unloading this bum on us. The A's used their 2004 1st round pick on All-Everything Landon Powell and in four years, he hasn't sniffed the bigs. He might be a hypochondriac.
FIRST BASE
Daric Barton, .226 BA, .327 OBP, 9 HR, 47 RBIs. I wasn't expecting huge power numbers from him, but Andy Ruiz had a better average in D-League slow pitch...barely. There's a 21-year-old kid in A-ball named Chris Carter who blasted 39 ding dongs this season, but he's at least 3 years away. And by that time, he'll probably be trade bait. Awesome.
SECOND BASE
Mark Ellis, .233 BA, .321 OBP, 117 G, .993 fielding pct. I'm not going to say much bad about Rapid City's finest, but his average did drop about 80 points from last year. Ouchy.
Cliff Pennington, .242 BA, .339 OBP, 36 G. Great name. If we don't resign Ellis, here's my starting 2B. I'm room temperature on that.
Eric Patterson, .174 BA, .269 OBP, 30 G. At least he can play left field. I hope he's as good as his older brother Corey.
SHORTSTOP
Bobby Crosby, .237 BA, .296 OBP, 39 2B, 61 RBIs. In his first healthy year since '05, Crosby looked like a real son of a bitch.
Donnie Murphy, .184 BA, .274 OBP, 46G. This guy barely missed out on the NKOTB reunion tour.
THIRD BASE
Eric Chavez, .247 BA, .295 OBP, 23 G. Yes, he had three surgeries late last season, but he will get paid $11 million next year to most likely DH. Double awesome.
Jack Hannahan, .218 BA, .305 OBP, 47 RBI, 143 G. (See also: Murphy, Donnie)
Jeff Baisley, .256 BA, .319 OBP, 14G. I don't want to know who this is.
OUTFIELD
Ryan Sweeney, .286 BA, .350 OBP, 5 HR, 45 RBI. Led the team in BA. Closer to Mendoza than Williams.
Carlos Gonzalez, .242 BA, .273 OBP, 26 RBIs, 85 G. So much for five-tools. I'd settle for one good one.
Travis Buck, .226 BA, .291 OBP, 25 RBI, 38 G. If he can stay healthy, he could be average.
Rajai Davis, .260 BA, .288 OBP, 25 SB, 101 G (Oakland stats only)
Aaron Cunningham, .250 BA, .310 OBP, 14 RBIs, 22 G
Jack Cust, .231 BA, .375 OBP, 33 HR, 77 RBIs. I thought the steroid era was over.
ROTATION
Justin Duchscherer, 10-8, 2.54 ERA, 22 starts
Greg Smith, 7-16, 4.16 ERA, 32 starts
Dana Eveland, 9-9, 4.34 ERA, 29 starts
Sean Gallagher, 2-3, 5.88 ERA, 11 starts with OAK
Josh Outman, 1-2, 4.56 ERA, six games, four starts
Gio Gonzalez, 1-4, 7.68 ERA, 10 games, seven starts
Dallas Braden, 5-4, 4.14 ERA, 19 games, 10 starts
Dan Meyer, 0-4, 7.48 ERA, 11 games, four starts
BULLPEN
Joey Devine, 6-1, 0.59 ERA, 45 2/3 IP, 49 K
Brad Ziegler, 3-0, 1.06 ERA, 47 G, 11 SV
Huston Street, 7-5, 3.73 ERA, 63 G, 18 SV. This asshole made me not hate Texas for a bit.
Andrew Brown, 1-0, 3.09 ERA, 31 G
Santiago Casilla, 2-1, 3.93 ERA, 51 G
Jerry Blevins, 1-3, 3.11 ERA, 36 G. Real name is Jerry.
Jeff Gray, 0-0, 7.71 ERA, 5 G
Alan Embree, 2-5, 4.96 ERA, 70 G. Graduated with Wade Boggs from high school.
Short story made long, I'm sick of this shit. Trade away our best three pitchers at some point during the year. And the heart of the clubhouse in Swisher. And now the new ballpark has been delayed until 2012 at the absolute earliest. Maybe I'll switch to the Twins. They've got a new ballpark coming and I've seen in person that construction has started.
I wrote in the preseason that I was really excited about the prospects (both meanings) of the Oakland Athletics this year. My hopes were shattered. Against history and odds, the Fighting Billy Beanes had a very productive first half of the season. But that didn't distract us from the systematic dismantling of the team. Then the regular string of injuries hurt descended like the plague of locusts that they are.
Again, the destructive forces of trades and injuries are nothing new to my psyche. But the stank coming from the dugout and scorecards is something new. Not one regular ended above .300. One fucking pitcher had 10 wins. While across the division, K-Rod was saving 100 games, Huston Street saved 18. Daric Barton, a man-child who I've had intimate thoughts about, had an Alex Gordonesque rookie year. If the A's are gonna be this shitty, I might as well become a Royals fan. At least I could catch a few games in person each year.
I'd like to give you a closer look at what I mean.
CATCHERS
Kurt Suzuki, .279 BA, .346 OBP, 148 G. I'm fine with this guy. I'll cheer for him as long as he's in the league.
Rob Bowen, .176 BA, .219 OBP, 37 G. Thanks, Chicago Cubs. You deserved to win it all simply for unloading this bum on us. The A's used their 2004 1st round pick on All-Everything Landon Powell and in four years, he hasn't sniffed the bigs. He might be a hypochondriac.
FIRST BASE
Daric Barton, .226 BA, .327 OBP, 9 HR, 47 RBIs. I wasn't expecting huge power numbers from him, but Andy Ruiz had a better average in D-League slow pitch...barely. There's a 21-year-old kid in A-ball named Chris Carter who blasted 39 ding dongs this season, but he's at least 3 years away. And by that time, he'll probably be trade bait. Awesome.
SECOND BASE
Mark Ellis, .233 BA, .321 OBP, 117 G, .993 fielding pct. I'm not going to say much bad about Rapid City's finest, but his average did drop about 80 points from last year. Ouchy.
Cliff Pennington, .242 BA, .339 OBP, 36 G. Great name. If we don't resign Ellis, here's my starting 2B. I'm room temperature on that.
Eric Patterson, .174 BA, .269 OBP, 30 G. At least he can play left field. I hope he's as good as his older brother Corey.
SHORTSTOP
Bobby Crosby, .237 BA, .296 OBP, 39 2B, 61 RBIs. In his first healthy year since '05, Crosby looked like a real son of a bitch.
Donnie Murphy, .184 BA, .274 OBP, 46G. This guy barely missed out on the NKOTB reunion tour.
THIRD BASE
Eric Chavez, .247 BA, .295 OBP, 23 G. Yes, he had three surgeries late last season, but he will get paid $11 million next year to most likely DH. Double awesome.
Jack Hannahan, .218 BA, .305 OBP, 47 RBI, 143 G. (See also: Murphy, Donnie)
Jeff Baisley, .256 BA, .319 OBP, 14G. I don't want to know who this is.
OUTFIELD
Ryan Sweeney, .286 BA, .350 OBP, 5 HR, 45 RBI. Led the team in BA. Closer to Mendoza than Williams.
Carlos Gonzalez, .242 BA, .273 OBP, 26 RBIs, 85 G. So much for five-tools. I'd settle for one good one.
Travis Buck, .226 BA, .291 OBP, 25 RBI, 38 G. If he can stay healthy, he could be average.
Rajai Davis, .260 BA, .288 OBP, 25 SB, 101 G (Oakland stats only)
Aaron Cunningham, .250 BA, .310 OBP, 14 RBIs, 22 G
Jack Cust, .231 BA, .375 OBP, 33 HR, 77 RBIs. I thought the steroid era was over.
ROTATION
Justin Duchscherer, 10-8, 2.54 ERA, 22 starts
Greg Smith, 7-16, 4.16 ERA, 32 starts
Dana Eveland, 9-9, 4.34 ERA, 29 starts
Sean Gallagher, 2-3, 5.88 ERA, 11 starts with OAK
Josh Outman, 1-2, 4.56 ERA, six games, four starts
Gio Gonzalez, 1-4, 7.68 ERA, 10 games, seven starts
Dallas Braden, 5-4, 4.14 ERA, 19 games, 10 starts
Dan Meyer, 0-4, 7.48 ERA, 11 games, four starts
BULLPEN
Joey Devine, 6-1, 0.59 ERA, 45 2/3 IP, 49 K
Brad Ziegler, 3-0, 1.06 ERA, 47 G, 11 SV
Huston Street, 7-5, 3.73 ERA, 63 G, 18 SV. This asshole made me not hate Texas for a bit.
Andrew Brown, 1-0, 3.09 ERA, 31 G
Santiago Casilla, 2-1, 3.93 ERA, 51 G
Jerry Blevins, 1-3, 3.11 ERA, 36 G. Real name is Jerry.
Jeff Gray, 0-0, 7.71 ERA, 5 G
Alan Embree, 2-5, 4.96 ERA, 70 G. Graduated with Wade Boggs from high school.
Short story made long, I'm sick of this shit. Trade away our best three pitchers at some point during the year. And the heart of the clubhouse in Swisher. And now the new ballpark has been delayed until 2012 at the absolute earliest. Maybe I'll switch to the Twins. They've got a new ballpark coming and I've seen in person that construction has started.
Shatel sticks up for Huskers
It's nice to see that your friend and mine, Tom Shatel, defended those who butter his bread rather than those who signed his college diploma.
Labels: Chase Daniel is a booger eater, Nebraska Football, Tom Shatel
Monday, October 06, 2008
Mayfield
Is
A
Giant
Douche.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
100 Years and Counting
Thursday, October 02, 2008
The Tunnel Walk, Vol. II, Issue IV, Battle for the Missouri-Nebraska Bell
Did anyone know about this rivalry trophy until it was featured on NCAA Football? The Tunnel Walk didn't think so. The Mighty Cornhuskers hold a large advantage of the Tigers in the win column, but the teams have alternated wins since 1996, which bodes well for the Big Red. Here's what Wikipedia.org has to say about it:
"You Know Who You Look Like...?"
This week's YKWYLL matches Number 80 in your programs, Number 1 in your hearts: reserve tight end Ryan Hill against everyone's favorite emosexual (The Tunnel Walk is working on a copywright for that term) little brother Todd Cleary from Wedding Crashers (Keir O'Donnell). Keir also showed up in last night's episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia as the lovable European sexcapader, Jan. Note the disheveled hair and the menacing glare, not unlike an injured alley cat backed into a corner. The Tunnel Walk is seeking confirmation on Hill's painting hobbies.
The tradition dates back to 1892, when the bell was taken from a church in Seward, Nebraska by members of Nebraska fraternities Phi Delta Theta and Delta Tau Delta. At the time, the members of
the two fraternities occupied the same house. When the two groups moved into separate houses, there was a dispute over who should keep the bell. Annual scholastic or athletic contests were held, with the bell being used as a trophy. This rivalry abated, yet still the ownership of the bell was left in question.
In 1926, the athletic director at Missouri, Chester D. Brewer, suggested an annual award be established for the annual Missouri-Nebraska football game. The bell was selected to be the prize to end the conflict between the fraternities, and an 'M' and an 'N' were engraved on opposite sides of the bell. The exchange was coordinated by the Innocents Society and Missouri’s prestigious Q.E.B.H. Society. Missouri won the first game in 1927 7-6, and the scores from the games are engraved on the bell stand until 1954. In 2005, the scores were updated to the current date.
the two fraternities occupied the same house. When the two groups moved into separate houses, there was a dispute over who should keep the bell. Annual scholastic or athletic contests were held, with the bell being used as a trophy. This rivalry abated, yet still the ownership of the bell was left in question.In 1926, the athletic director at Missouri, Chester D. Brewer, suggested an annual award be established for the annual Missouri-Nebraska football game. The bell was selected to be the prize to end the conflict between the fraternities, and an 'M' and an 'N' were engraved on opposite sides of the bell. The exchange was coordinated by the Innocents Society and Missouri’s prestigious Q.E.B.H. Society. Missouri won the first game in 1927 7-6, and the scores from the games are engraved on the bell stand until 1954. In 2005, the scores were updated to the current date.
The Recruit Files:
Already Committed: Brent Qvale, OT. 6-7, 300lbs. Williston, ND. Hailing from The Future Mrs. Deuce's 
alma mater, Qvale is in the mold of the offensive lineman of the glory years of the 1990s. Qvale is a 2/3-star O-Lineman that NU was the first to offer a scholarship. Iowa and Wisconsin were quick to follow. He's the type of lightly touted lineman that Boyd Epley used to plant in the weight room and training table for a couple of years and then let Uncle Milt Tenopir harvest a few All-Conference years from. In news of the obvious nature, Qvale also serves as the Coyotes' starting center on the basketball team. The Tunnel Walk has it in good confidence that Qvale is also a fine curler on the ice. It is somewhat possible that Qvale could compete for a place on the U.S.A. Men's Curling team for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. While this does show the big man's agility, it could also cut into Strength Coach James Dobson's off-season workout routine during Qvale's very important second season in the program. Details to come, stay tuned to Heavy Soul.
Wishlister: Corey Serrano, Athlete. 6-1, 200 lbs. North Platte, NE. The latest in a long line of gritty athletes to come from the halls of NPHS in the last decade. Serrano is not rated by
either major service, but neither was Jim Brown or Walter Payton. The Tunnel Walk hears your questions about why Serrano is included under the "Wishlister" section of The Recruit Files and will not dignify your question with a response. Actually, we will. The reason Corey Serrano is included on The Tunnel Walk's wishlist is the same reason that brought Jordan Alegria, Kade Pittman, Jack O'Holleran, and Matt Albertson to Nebraska. It's for Matt Holt and Matt O'Hanlon, Jarvis Redwine and Joel Makovicka. It's for every Cornhusker punter since the punt was invented. It's because boys in Nebraska don't grow up dreaming of playing for Creighton. Short story long, Corey Serrano is the type of homegrown athlete that is the marrow of the Big Red. And he's a Mighty Bulldog. Intangibles aside, Serrano has the size (6-1, 200), speed (4.6 40), athleticism (32-inch vertical jump/250 bench press/315 squat), and most importantly smarts (plays both ways; excelled at RB as junior, moved to QB as a senior to run spread offense) to make an impact for the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Varsity Tackle Football Team.
alma mater, Qvale is in the mold of the offensive lineman of the glory years of the 1990s. Qvale is a 2/3-star O-Lineman that NU was the first to offer a scholarship. Iowa and Wisconsin were quick to follow. He's the type of lightly touted lineman that Boyd Epley used to plant in the weight room and training table for a couple of years and then let Uncle Milt Tenopir harvest a few All-Conference years from. In news of the obvious nature, Qvale also serves as the Coyotes' starting center on the basketball team. The Tunnel Walk has it in good confidence that Qvale is also a fine curler on the ice. It is somewhat possible that Qvale could compete for a place on the U.S.A. Men's Curling team for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. While this does show the big man's agility, it could also cut into Strength Coach James Dobson's off-season workout routine during Qvale's very important second season in the program. Details to come, stay tuned to Heavy Soul.Wishlister: Corey Serrano, Athlete. 6-1, 200 lbs. North Platte, NE. The latest in a long line of gritty athletes to come from the halls of NPHS in the last decade. Serrano is not rated by
either major service, but neither was Jim Brown or Walter Payton. The Tunnel Walk hears your questions about why Serrano is included under the "Wishlister" section of The Recruit Files and will not dignify your question with a response. Actually, we will. The reason Corey Serrano is included on The Tunnel Walk's wishlist is the same reason that brought Jordan Alegria, Kade Pittman, Jack O'Holleran, and Matt Albertson to Nebraska. It's for Matt Holt and Matt O'Hanlon, Jarvis Redwine and Joel Makovicka. It's for every Cornhusker punter since the punt was invented. It's because boys in Nebraska don't grow up dreaming of playing for Creighton. Short story long, Corey Serrano is the type of homegrown athlete that is the marrow of the Big Red. And he's a Mighty Bulldog. Intangibles aside, Serrano has the size (6-1, 200), speed (4.6 40), athleticism (32-inch vertical jump/250 bench press/315 squat), and most importantly smarts (plays both ways; excelled at RB as junior, moved to QB as a senior to run spread offense) to make an impact for the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Varsity Tackle Football Team.
"You Know Who You Look Like...?"This week's YKWYLL matches Number 80 in your programs, Number 1 in your hearts: reserve tight end Ryan Hill against everyone's favorite emosexual (The Tunnel Walk is working on a copywright for that term) little brother Todd Cleary from Wedding Crashers (Keir O'Donnell). Keir also showed up in last night's episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia as the lovable European sexcapader, Jan. Note the disheveled hair and the menacing glare, not unlike an injured alley cat backed into a corner. The Tunnel Walk is seeking confirmation on Hill's painting hobbies.
This week in Dorothy Lynch.
Being well versed in the world of moving from one cookie cutter apartment complex to another, The Tunnel Walk offers this tip for those facing the move:
When making the move, it is important to pay special attention to your refrigerator. Be sure to consume or throw out any perishables such as fresh fruits and vegetables and leftovers. Put all of your condiments, inlcuding your Dorothy Lynch, into a plastic grocery bag for easy access. You can leave the bag in the old fridge until you're ready to take it to the new Frigidaire. While wrapping up your main source of DL is all well and good, it does leave you without orange yummie.
Picture this scenario: It's moving day and you've just ordered pizza (the number one moving meal of all-time) and realize you don't have the Orange Creamy Dreamsauce to drizzle over that taco pizza. Sounds like a job for the 8 0z. mighty mite! Remember, lift with your legs and not your back.
Top 5 Ways to Entertain Yourself During a Blowout
1. Build a beeramid.
2. Teach a cat to play fetch.
3. Count your blessings that you don't cheer for an Iowa school.
4. While listening to the game on the radio, drive around looking for a pickup football game with some neighborhood kids. Blare the game on your car's bumping sound system and take over the reins as all-time QB. Institute "5 Mississippi Rule." Continue to fuel your delusions of grandeur by implementing your version of the Spread.
5. During the fourth quarter, go to your local Hy-Vee and find an animal that most closely resembles your opponents' mascot and put it on the chopping block and make a nice stew.
Prediction Time:
In a tribute to Paul Newman, The Tunnel Walk is going out on a limb and predicting a strong fight from the underdog Huskers. Much like Cool Hand Luke himself, the Huskers are a scrappy bunch that need to use perserverance to stay in the contest with the #3 Tigers. Picture Bo Pelini as Fast Eddy Felson, first in The Hustler and then in The Color of Money. Like Felson in the former, Pelini is brash and very talented, but young and green. In the latter, Pelini must use Felson's guile and craftiness to keep up with Mizzou.
The odds appear to be stacked against the Big Red. The Huskers have had much difficulty establishing the run, which they must do to keep Mizzou's potent offense, and perhaps more importantly NU's defense, off of the field. Maybe Shawn Watson has kept some big plays in the playbook. Hopefully. Same goes for the defense. Despite having some of the conference's best defensive players in Stryker Sulak and William Moore, Mizzou hasn't been overly dominant. The Tunnel Walk expects a shootout.
Final Score: Mizzou 42, NU 31.
From The Tunnel Walk, hail varsity.
Labels: Dorothy Lynch, Nebraska Football, The Tunnel Walk
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