Every year, around August, some of the most critical thinking occurs by sports fans. The idea is to create the best possible fantasy football roster one can possibly imagine, hey, that’s why it’s called, “FANTASY!” Ask anyone around, having the likes of Adrian Peterson, a healthy Tom Brady and Brandon Marshall on the same squad is only possible in the financially flowing world that is fantasy football. The ultimate goal is to assemble a winning fantasy football team, thus being justly rewarded.
Many leagues nowadays, require necessary dues that need to be paid just to enter. With the percentage varying in some money leagues, a portion or all of the money is given to the eventual winner. With respect to the money being thrown around in many leagues throughout the United States, many owners view their fantasy football as a religion.
It’s become a cult-like following in recent years, and remains ever-growing. Not just money is on the line here, but pride and bragging rights as well. Sometimes, rivalries have connections in fantasy football. You could be facing your cousin one week and then your brother the following week.
These leagues do indeed go way beyond the monetary nature of the working people; money isn’t what the people are in fantasy for. I mean let’s face it, how much is the dollar really even worth anymore?
The rules for vary with each league, but the object remains very true to itself: WIN! As we’ve seen in real sports time and time again, the best team isn’t necessarily the one that’s led their conference wire-to-wire. It can also be, and often is, the one who gets hot down the stretch.
Draft order seems very critical on draft day, yet usually is deceiving. Ultimately, and historically, whichever owner consistently wins and makes the necessary moves in “crunch time” walks away the winner, not the one who had first pick. Having the first pick and picking LaDainian Tomlinson always looks good. Then again, who’s to say LT doesn’t get hurt on the first play of the season, or possibly preseason for that matter. It’s an enormous level of risk and luck involved with each and every single selection.
One very important fact of fantasy football is a very unbelievable one. Leagues are not won drafting in the first 5-6 rounds; they’re rather won in the clutch. Knowing and correctly choosing the guys in the “middle of the pack” so to speak is where the brunt work is done. Bench players in fantasy can often play very similar roles and put up similar points as starters. The true winner emerges in the mid-rounds and drafts not the best on the board, but the one who gives their team the best chance to win. Much luck does go into this concept as well. Who would’ve ever thought that an un-drafted Matt Cassel would emerge out of nowhere in the place of an injured Brady and be the reason why one is still competing in their respective league. It’s just the way of the fantasy world.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Watch Out For Those Whistles
Referees – the sports police in the midst of all the action. Whether they are called judge, official, linesman or umpire, they all are the same. They are there in every sport to make sure the rules are enforced and order is held. All of these refs are well paid and necessary to the game, but the problem is when things go overboard and the refs get a little too involved in sports. Yes, they are placed there to maintain order, but their job also entails that they do so in a fair way.
While sports fans of any kind, share a dislike of refs, Philadelphia fans elevate it to an art. Considering the fact that a city with four major sports teams has not won a title in a quarter century, it’s easy to feel as though the “zebras” have it in for you. There have been many times when Philadelphia teams have been slighted, and though a few mistakes are excusable there have been too many critical moments in which the wrong call was made.
Refs also compromise their impartiality when they allow crowd reaction to make the call: the crowd boos and wants a foul or penalty, the ref grants their wishes. You wantExamples? There are many, but I’ll state an obvious one since it is hockey playoff season. Sidney Crosby #87 of the rival Pittsburgh Penguins, the arrogant youngster if a phenomenal player, yet is constantly helped out by the refs. This very often occurs against the Flyers, giving us more reason to dislike him. The other night, he whacked a Flyer in the face with his stick and after a scrum behind the net, Crosby and Pittsburgh had a two man advantage and eventually took the lead for good. Other than arguing with refs, there isn’t anything players or coaches can do in most cases to get bad calls overturned. Once a call is made it’s final, and can’t be overturned.
While sports fans of any kind, share a dislike of refs, Philadelphia fans elevate it to an art. Considering the fact that a city with four major sports teams has not won a title in a quarter century, it’s easy to feel as though the “zebras” have it in for you. There have been many times when Philadelphia teams have been slighted, and though a few mistakes are excusable there have been too many critical moments in which the wrong call was made.
Refs also compromise their impartiality when they allow crowd reaction to make the call: the crowd boos and wants a foul or penalty, the ref grants their wishes. You wantExamples? There are many, but I’ll state an obvious one since it is hockey playoff season. Sidney Crosby #87 of the rival Pittsburgh Penguins, the arrogant youngster if a phenomenal player, yet is constantly helped out by the refs. This very often occurs against the Flyers, giving us more reason to dislike him. The other night, he whacked a Flyer in the face with his stick and after a scrum behind the net, Crosby and Pittsburgh had a two man advantage and eventually took the lead for good. Other than arguing with refs, there isn’t anything players or coaches can do in most cases to get bad calls overturned. Once a call is made it’s final, and can’t be overturned.
Suffering
Suffering is a form of pain that can be dispensed in various ways. I personally have experienced suffering in a number of ways in my life. Amidst all of this I’ve come to realize that it’s helped me grow to a man. Much of this suffering though, dates back to this past summer; I lost quite a number of people whom were close to me. Sometimes it feels as though that suffering and I have become synonymous. So I guess you can that suffering has becoming a part of my life – good or bad – who knows?
One experience with suffering hit me hardest of all this past summer. On August 11, I lost my grandfather; this was the most significant loss of them all to me. This hit me deep; I still feel his loss and always will. That’s suffering to me, even though I spent my time with him, it’s not here anymore. That is my entire idea of how one suffers, by having someone/something taken away. Little by little I suffered more and more, but my grandfather’s suffering was far greater. My entire family knew how deeply moved I had been by this and all offered any help possible. With each and every day, the medical staff was trying to make my grandfather more and more comfortable. The end was winding down now so his suffering was coming to an end, but as for mines, it was ever-growing. Eventually the prostate cancer weakened him and fatally took him over. We had so much in common and I continue his namesake now and always, it’s a great honor. We both have brought a lot of honor to the family in many ways; it’s inexplicable if you will.
My asthma often acts up from time to time. In most instances it’s my own fault, it’s just sometimes the pain is great. The pain and suffering of just being in the hospital is enough for me. And as you know, most of the time, with asthma also comes chest pain. Any chest pain can really cause huge problems. Spending any time in the hospital is bad, but right around a holiday even affects one greater. In Christmas 2000, I was in the hospital for a few days leading up to Christmas with pneumonia. This was one of the most painful times of my life, all these different machines, doctors, nurses, etc. I just wanted it all to go away, but I had to change things my self. Just to improve my health more than anything. After countless hours of breathing treatments and other breathing exercises, I was sent home Christmas Eve 2000 on a Sunday. It was my greatest present; I had been home and happy. I was now ready to spend what would be a great Christmas with my family.
Suffering has indeed been a part of my life. It’s been there through these experiences as well as others. It’s a key factor in all of our lives, but those were my personal feelings on it. Pain and suffering end only in death – that is of course if you end up in heaven.
One experience with suffering hit me hardest of all this past summer. On August 11, I lost my grandfather; this was the most significant loss of them all to me. This hit me deep; I still feel his loss and always will. That’s suffering to me, even though I spent my time with him, it’s not here anymore. That is my entire idea of how one suffers, by having someone/something taken away. Little by little I suffered more and more, but my grandfather’s suffering was far greater. My entire family knew how deeply moved I had been by this and all offered any help possible. With each and every day, the medical staff was trying to make my grandfather more and more comfortable. The end was winding down now so his suffering was coming to an end, but as for mines, it was ever-growing. Eventually the prostate cancer weakened him and fatally took him over. We had so much in common and I continue his namesake now and always, it’s a great honor. We both have brought a lot of honor to the family in many ways; it’s inexplicable if you will.
My asthma often acts up from time to time. In most instances it’s my own fault, it’s just sometimes the pain is great. The pain and suffering of just being in the hospital is enough for me. And as you know, most of the time, with asthma also comes chest pain. Any chest pain can really cause huge problems. Spending any time in the hospital is bad, but right around a holiday even affects one greater. In Christmas 2000, I was in the hospital for a few days leading up to Christmas with pneumonia. This was one of the most painful times of my life, all these different machines, doctors, nurses, etc. I just wanted it all to go away, but I had to change things my self. Just to improve my health more than anything. After countless hours of breathing treatments and other breathing exercises, I was sent home Christmas Eve 2000 on a Sunday. It was my greatest present; I had been home and happy. I was now ready to spend what would be a great Christmas with my family.
Suffering has indeed been a part of my life. It’s been there through these experiences as well as others. It’s a key factor in all of our lives, but those were my personal feelings on it. Pain and suffering end only in death – that is of course if you end up in heaven.
Suffering
Suffering is a form of pain that can be dispensed in various ways. I personally have experienced suffering in a number of ways in my life. Amidst all of this I’ve come to realize that it’s helped me grow to a man. Much of this suffering though, dates back to this past summer; I lost quite a number of people whom were close to me. Sometimes it feels as though that suffering and I have become synonymous. So I guess you can that suffering has becoming a part of my life – good or bad – who knows?
One experience with suffering hit me hardest of all this past summer. On August 11, I lost my grandfather; this was the most significant loss of them all to me. This hit me deep; I still feel his loss and always will. That’s suffering to me, even though I spent my time with him, it’s not here anymore. That is my entire idea of how one suffers, by having someone/something taken away. Little by little I suffered more and more, but my grandfather’s suffering was far greater. My entire family knew how deeply moved I had been by this and all offered any help possible. With each and every day, the medical staff was trying to make my grandfather more and more comfortable. The end was winding down now so his suffering was coming to an end, but as for mines, it was ever-growing. Eventually the prostate cancer weakened him and fatally took him over. We had so much in common and I continue his namesake now and always, it’s a great honor. We both have brought a lot of honor to the family in many ways; it’s inexplicable if you will.
My asthma often acts up from time to time. In most instances it’s my own fault, it’s just sometimes the pain is great. The pain and suffering of just being in the hospital is enough for me. And as you know, most of the time, with asthma also comes chest pain. Any chest pain can really cause huge problems. Spending any time in the hospital is bad, but right around a holiday even affects one greater. In Christmas 2000, I was in the hospital for a few days leading up to Christmas with pneumonia. This was one of the most painful times of my life, all these different machines, doctors, nurses, etc. I just wanted it all to go away, but I had to change things my self. Just to improve my health more than anything. After countless hours of breathing treatments and other breathing exercises, I was sent home Christmas Eve 2000 on a Sunday. It was my greatest present; I had been home and happy. I was now ready to spend what would be a great Christmas with my family.
Suffering has indeed been a part of my life. It’s been there through these experiences as well as others. It’s a key factor in all of our lives, but those were my personal feelings on it. Pain and suffering end only in death – that is of course if you end up in heaven.
One experience with suffering hit me hardest of all this past summer. On August 11, I lost my grandfather; this was the most significant loss of them all to me. This hit me deep; I still feel his loss and always will. That’s suffering to me, even though I spent my time with him, it’s not here anymore. That is my entire idea of how one suffers, by having someone/something taken away. Little by little I suffered more and more, but my grandfather’s suffering was far greater. My entire family knew how deeply moved I had been by this and all offered any help possible. With each and every day, the medical staff was trying to make my grandfather more and more comfortable. The end was winding down now so his suffering was coming to an end, but as for mines, it was ever-growing. Eventually the prostate cancer weakened him and fatally took him over. We had so much in common and I continue his namesake now and always, it’s a great honor. We both have brought a lot of honor to the family in many ways; it’s inexplicable if you will.
My asthma often acts up from time to time. In most instances it’s my own fault, it’s just sometimes the pain is great. The pain and suffering of just being in the hospital is enough for me. And as you know, most of the time, with asthma also comes chest pain. Any chest pain can really cause huge problems. Spending any time in the hospital is bad, but right around a holiday even affects one greater. In Christmas 2000, I was in the hospital for a few days leading up to Christmas with pneumonia. This was one of the most painful times of my life, all these different machines, doctors, nurses, etc. I just wanted it all to go away, but I had to change things my self. Just to improve my health more than anything. After countless hours of breathing treatments and other breathing exercises, I was sent home Christmas Eve 2000 on a Sunday. It was my greatest present; I had been home and happy. I was now ready to spend what would be a great Christmas with my family.
Suffering has indeed been a part of my life. It’s been there through these experiences as well as others. It’s a key factor in all of our lives, but those were my personal feelings on it. Pain and suffering end only in death – that is of course if you end up in heaven.
Phillies: NL East Heats Up Like Never Before with New Flame-throwing Lefty.
The sudden clamoring from those annoying Queens animals is all ready starting to irritate me. It’s only February, but that noise being heard is the bragging claims that the NL East crown will return back to New York. Aside form the fact that this 2008 season, will be the final in a 45-year history at Shea, the Mets just acquired the top pitcher in the game. After sitting back and playing the cards quietly for the first few months of the off-season, GM Omar Minaya made a gun-slinger move that immediately put his Mets back in the chatter that is the NL East. Minaya went out and made the most impressive move of the winter to date, the acquisition of pitcher Johan Santana. With this aggressive move, it appears that they don’t want the same story-booking ending from ‘07. An ending in which the Metropolitans dropped 12 of their last 17 games, ultimately handing the Phillies the East crown. At one point during last season, Carlos Delgado and company were quoted saying, "We were getting so good it became boring to us." WOW! That basically describes it all right there. Rivalry...ON!
Now a rivalry is heating up, isn’t it? Now, remember that team in Philadelphia that was given zero kudos during the stretch run. Yes indeed – those guys in the red pinstripes had something to do with this collapse as well. The ‘07 Phils didn’t play on media praise or attention like some of their rivals. They rather played on determination, a will to win and they played for a manager that they all embraced and rallied around even in the club’s toughest times. Let’s face it people, like him or hate him, without Charlie Manuel at the helm, the maniacal celebration on South Broad St. does not occur. The Uncle gathered the troops together and made them believe in themselves that they could do this thing. They weren’t the most talented team per say – but the most resilient, not always the most immaculate in the phases of the game – but the grittiest. They made it past all the injuries and nay-sayers all year long.
There are so many things that you could say about this team, so many fingers to point, but look no further than the NL MVP, Jimmy Rollins. Last January, it was Rollins who amidst media laughter proclaimed from his stool in the clubhouse that his Phillies were the "team to beat" in the NL East. And so it begins right then and there. The prediction looked wrong all the way, until game #162, on September 30,2007. It was on that day that the Phillies cunningly took the crown from the Mets. The Mets being dethroned as champs brought the city of Philadelphia in an uproar, not just that it happened, but the way in which it happened. On that day, with then-closer Brett Myers on the hill in the 9th, it was Harry’s famous call of "Curve ball...Struck ‘em out." that won the game and the division. That incident may’ve even put to rest the Phillies collapse of ‘64, as it brought the ghosts of ‘64, ironically enough, the Mets’ first year at Shea back to Queens. The place where Mets fans have had such a long time to think about last season’s "collapse."
But now out to avenge that "collapse" are Santana and a revived Mets club out for revenge on the Phillies. The Phillies have also improved this off-season and in some ways even more than the Mets. Gillick didn’t go out and get people just to hike up the payroll and make the roster look fancy, he filled his team’s needs. They went out and acquired a closer in Brad Lidge, sending Myers back to the rotation, where he should be more effective. Signing Geoff Jenkins and So Taguchi shores up an outfield which lost Aaron Rowand. And regardless of having the top infield in the NL, the Phillies added Pedro Feliz to play third base. With all the components put into place on both sides, there is a lot to look forward to when things begin on Valentine’s Day when pitchers and catchers report. So now it begins once again, the Phillies-Mets heated race is set off early by another event. Even before Spring Training, an early spark will carry into April and through to September where the team that is playing hot down the stretch will win another close division race. Not necessarily the better team but the hottest team at the time.
Now a rivalry is heating up, isn’t it? Now, remember that team in Philadelphia that was given zero kudos during the stretch run. Yes indeed – those guys in the red pinstripes had something to do with this collapse as well. The ‘07 Phils didn’t play on media praise or attention like some of their rivals. They rather played on determination, a will to win and they played for a manager that they all embraced and rallied around even in the club’s toughest times. Let’s face it people, like him or hate him, without Charlie Manuel at the helm, the maniacal celebration on South Broad St. does not occur. The Uncle gathered the troops together and made them believe in themselves that they could do this thing. They weren’t the most talented team per say – but the most resilient, not always the most immaculate in the phases of the game – but the grittiest. They made it past all the injuries and nay-sayers all year long.
There are so many things that you could say about this team, so many fingers to point, but look no further than the NL MVP, Jimmy Rollins. Last January, it was Rollins who amidst media laughter proclaimed from his stool in the clubhouse that his Phillies were the "team to beat" in the NL East. And so it begins right then and there. The prediction looked wrong all the way, until game #162, on September 30,2007. It was on that day that the Phillies cunningly took the crown from the Mets. The Mets being dethroned as champs brought the city of Philadelphia in an uproar, not just that it happened, but the way in which it happened. On that day, with then-closer Brett Myers on the hill in the 9th, it was Harry’s famous call of "Curve ball...Struck ‘em out." that won the game and the division. That incident may’ve even put to rest the Phillies collapse of ‘64, as it brought the ghosts of ‘64, ironically enough, the Mets’ first year at Shea back to Queens. The place where Mets fans have had such a long time to think about last season’s "collapse."
But now out to avenge that "collapse" are Santana and a revived Mets club out for revenge on the Phillies. The Phillies have also improved this off-season and in some ways even more than the Mets. Gillick didn’t go out and get people just to hike up the payroll and make the roster look fancy, he filled his team’s needs. They went out and acquired a closer in Brad Lidge, sending Myers back to the rotation, where he should be more effective. Signing Geoff Jenkins and So Taguchi shores up an outfield which lost Aaron Rowand. And regardless of having the top infield in the NL, the Phillies added Pedro Feliz to play third base. With all the components put into place on both sides, there is a lot to look forward to when things begin on Valentine’s Day when pitchers and catchers report. So now it begins once again, the Phillies-Mets heated race is set off early by another event. Even before Spring Training, an early spark will carry into April and through to September where the team that is playing hot down the stretch will win another close division race. Not necessarily the better team but the hottest team at the time.
My Grandfather
My grandfather, Andrew Joseph Kearney, Sr. was many things to many different people. He was the little, full-of-energy man that would always be concerned for others. Some knew him as the "bad guy" due to his twenty-five years of service in the police force. He posed as the police officer for the statue A Friend at the Roundhouse in Center City. That’s exactly what he was, a friend to everyone. If you knew my grandfather, you were almost welcome as a member of his extended family immediately. My grandfather was one of the most respectful people I ever knew. He spread that to everyone he met. He was the singing mailman for the older ladies of his community and they all loved him for it.
Just as I am, my grandfather was a huge Philadelphia sports fan. He would be ecstatic right now with the Phillies playoff run. We would always talk in the car on the way over to pick up lunch, and, as usual, the Phillies were THE team to discuss. To Pop, it was always that "the team runs hot and cold." And in most instances he was right, but he would be very proud of them right now for what they have endured this season to get to where they are at.
My father and I would always go out to visit him and his wife on certain Saturday afternoons at their Oxford home. Each time we would go there, I would always bring my i-Pod for the particularly long and tedious ride. As soon as we got there, pop would be there to greet us at the front door, usually hunched over more and more each time due to his back troubles. He would talk and then quickly grab the phone to order lunch, and then we would go and pick it up in his car. Even though the ride took about an hour each way, I would give anything to have those rides back just once more.
He also was one of the most confident people I knew. Despite his battle with prostate cancer, he remained optimistic until his final days. He always was very upbeat, energetic and ready to go. But when cancer hit, it hit hard. To see a man so strong then broken down, ashy, and gray was tough. The cancer was weakening him and life was limited but that did not mean our time together was limited and it still isn’t even now. We went out to see him wherever he was at every opportunity we had. It was great for him. We knew he really loved that. Whenever we would bring him some South Philly pretzels, that would always brighten him up a little bit. Our Father’s Day visit is a day that I will forever cherish. That was about when he was first hospitalized and having him sitting there watching a golf tournament saying how confident he was that he would get through this was a great sign. Though he did not beat cancer, at age seventy-five he gave it everything he had until the very end, the same way that he lived every single day of his life. Whether that being in a serviceable way or in any other way – that was the way he was then and always.
Now only the memories remain, but they last forever. Memories of a man so beloved and respected, memories of his years of dedication and service to his country and community. The day of his funeral this past summer was obviously tough on me, but I was greatly consoled by some of the comments people that knew him had to say. Even the people that did not know him all that well had nothing but terrific things to remember him by. From people that knew him from working in security at Penn State to the local people, everyone had such kind things to say, making the day somewhat easier. But then as the American flag lay across my grandfather’s casket, I viewed that as something to be very proud of. Witnessing the sign of our great country covering my grandfather’s body was something that I will always honor and take pride in. I carry on his good name and will try my best to live my life the way he did. All of this makes me proud of the young man I am and the man he was.
Just as I am, my grandfather was a huge Philadelphia sports fan. He would be ecstatic right now with the Phillies playoff run. We would always talk in the car on the way over to pick up lunch, and, as usual, the Phillies were THE team to discuss. To Pop, it was always that "the team runs hot and cold." And in most instances he was right, but he would be very proud of them right now for what they have endured this season to get to where they are at.
My father and I would always go out to visit him and his wife on certain Saturday afternoons at their Oxford home. Each time we would go there, I would always bring my i-Pod for the particularly long and tedious ride. As soon as we got there, pop would be there to greet us at the front door, usually hunched over more and more each time due to his back troubles. He would talk and then quickly grab the phone to order lunch, and then we would go and pick it up in his car. Even though the ride took about an hour each way, I would give anything to have those rides back just once more.
He also was one of the most confident people I knew. Despite his battle with prostate cancer, he remained optimistic until his final days. He always was very upbeat, energetic and ready to go. But when cancer hit, it hit hard. To see a man so strong then broken down, ashy, and gray was tough. The cancer was weakening him and life was limited but that did not mean our time together was limited and it still isn’t even now. We went out to see him wherever he was at every opportunity we had. It was great for him. We knew he really loved that. Whenever we would bring him some South Philly pretzels, that would always brighten him up a little bit. Our Father’s Day visit is a day that I will forever cherish. That was about when he was first hospitalized and having him sitting there watching a golf tournament saying how confident he was that he would get through this was a great sign. Though he did not beat cancer, at age seventy-five he gave it everything he had until the very end, the same way that he lived every single day of his life. Whether that being in a serviceable way or in any other way – that was the way he was then and always.
Now only the memories remain, but they last forever. Memories of a man so beloved and respected, memories of his years of dedication and service to his country and community. The day of his funeral this past summer was obviously tough on me, but I was greatly consoled by some of the comments people that knew him had to say. Even the people that did not know him all that well had nothing but terrific things to remember him by. From people that knew him from working in security at Penn State to the local people, everyone had such kind things to say, making the day somewhat easier. But then as the American flag lay across my grandfather’s casket, I viewed that as something to be very proud of. Witnessing the sign of our great country covering my grandfather’s body was something that I will always honor and take pride in. I carry on his good name and will try my best to live my life the way he did. All of this makes me proud of the young man I am and the man he was.
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