A great week of sports and don't worry about Alvin

What’s this?

Stuff about sports in here?

Big day.

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Hey, they’re playing golf over in Britain already and if there’s anything better than early-morning TV sports, not sure what it is.

Kind of nice to wake up, flip on the tube and see live action going on.

And there’s nothing like the intonation of BBC TV guys and how they do golf to be bring a smile to your face.

Anyway …

Where does the British Open rank with you folks?

To me, it’s one of the great sporting events – and weeks – of the year.

Maybe it’s because I really like to see the PGA Tour guys get their comeuppance in conditions that are real and require imagination and thought rather than 170-yard 9-irons with backspin. There’s something about rain and gloom and wind and mounds and gorse and all kinds of trouble lurking in areas where there really shouldn’t be any trouble that frustrates guys who play on perfectly groom carpets and fire at targets all day that amazes and entertains me.

I guess it’s forever thus, though.

A lot of people kind of relish in watching those with superior athletic skills fumble and bumble along; it makes them human or something like that.

And nothing does it better than the Open Championship.

Seeing guys in toques in mid-July, battling sideways rain one minute and fighting off the rays of the sun the next is hilarious.

Remember back in the day when there wasn’t 72-hole coverage of the Open. You’d have to wait until early afternoon – long after the rounds had been completed – to see it come on the screen, all the time wondering what the conditions were going to be like.

And with no HD TV it was even grainer and fuzzier and that made it even better.

I’ve been lucky enough to play a couple of the courses in the Open rota – the Old Course, Carnoustie on one great trip to Scotland that included a round at Dornoch, which might be as good as either of those two – and it’s crazy fun.

And the fact we can now get up in the pre-dawn hours and watch them hack it around makes this a great week.

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Oh yeah, Alvin.

More than a few people asked in the wake of yesterday’s coaching announcement what it all means for Alvin Williams.

Nothing.

In case you missed it, and it seems a few did, Alvin’s a Henchman now, became one last year when he was elevated to a front office job as director of player development.

He’s not going anywhere.

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More golf?

Couple great lines, hardly original but when I heard them, they floored me.

Played a single at Carnoustie in the gathering dusk one night, me and a caddie traipsing around the course.

Not sure if it was Hogan’s Alley or not but I’m about 180 or from the green, I turn to the bloke and say, “can I get there with a 4-iron.”

He looks at me with a bit of a smirk:

“Eventually.”

I don’t remember exactly but I think I thinned a 3-iron into a bunker and made an 8 or something lke that.

Played Dornoch with a family friend or maybe a distant relative, a lovely woman of a certain age who had a sweet swing and sweeter disposition. I was hacking all over the lot, as I am wont to do, and when it’s all over I’m as tired and bedraggled as I’ve maybe ever been.

Then I notice that we’ve walked and played 18 holes in about 3:30 and I was quite proud of that: “At least we made good time,” I bragged.

“For a North American.”

Ouch.

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Right, the baseball.

Well, sorry to disappoint the tens of you who were going to pay attention but the scheduling snafu that had me going to the ballyard tonight for Yankees-Jays is now a scheduling snafu that will have me at the park for Sunday afternoon’s series finale.

Better for me – afternoon games will never have a deadline issue – and if you’d like, we’ll still try an IGBT for the matinee.

Sound okay?

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Seriously.

Send mail.

Here. Today.

I miss some of you.

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Oh yeah, my apologies to Joe Buck (and I know he’s reading here because everyone in the world does, right?).

And thanks the various Irregulars who pointed out his health issues that almost cost him voice and his career.

Guess it was more than a cold.

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I read at various places (here’s one of them) that the NBA players association (remember that sport?) sent a letter to its members commending them for at least investigating the chance of playing in Europe and lauding Deron Williams for going.

I’m still dubious that many will actually do it – not sure there’s enough money, or jobs since there’s a limit on non-Europeans – and I don’t think it will have any impact whatsoever on negotiations.

It’d be one thing if players decided to go to Europe and stay for the duration of their careers – or even a couple of seasons – but you know and I know and the owners know and the fans know – that they will come flying back to the creature comforts of home and the NBA the second there’s a deal struck.

And there’s no way this group owners will care a lick whether six or seven players of any profile sign deals over there.

To me, it’s a non-issue entirely.

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Speaking of The Open …

There is no way the guy hit it into the crowd and then the burn and then the trap, right?

Couldn’t happen, could it?

Heck, yeah.

Remember this?

Ever seen anyone happier to make a 7 when 6 would have won him a championship?

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Right, the baseball.

Redux.

Dastardly (Formerly Mighty) Yankees, a lot.

Mighty Rockies, a lot less.

Yes, heads handed to us a bit last night, now 10-3-1 and ramping up the staff for the post-season.

Ticket info soon.

 

Comments

[sam]

Jean van de Velde had every golfers nightmare - Who among us hasn't had a hole or 10 that they terribly misplayed - or club and shot selection went south? His misfortune was it was on one of the biggest stages in professional golf - and the moment got the better of him.

NBA players signing to play in European leagues? Can't be a good sign things will come together between the Players association and Owners -
Maybe the president of the Professional Basketball Writer's Association can use his influence, perhaps with a case of his friend Stella, use of his new grill and the cozy confines of his deck to iron out the details get these guys moving....

Cheers

[Stavros]

British Open ranks right up there with watching paint dry. As does watching golf (or baseball for that matter) in general. Yawn.

Blogger's note: Yet it compels you to take time out of your busy day to let everyone know.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

'ello, old chap,
"Eventually" is an all-time classic. Bet he got an even bigger tip for spot-on brashness, no?
Back when I actually played a fair amount of golf (and I guess we're talking decades ago already now somehow), I always seemed to play just a tinch better whenever there was a slight chill in the breeze, and better still, a bit of a fine drizzle... because it felt like playing in The Big One, The British Open!
And those rounds that started out, like, 4, 4, 3, 10... way too familiar!
A little humility never hurt any team. Now, a rally will do those Rockies a world of good! Go get 'em! Cheers.

[James]

On a trip to Scotland a few years ago, I couldn't get on St. Andrews, but I heard there was this northerly course that was the favourite links of players like Ben Crenshaw. So I travel to Dornoch and was among only about 10 people out that day who played the course in a light rain (perfect conditions for the setting). The vista of the adjacent bay shrouded in mist was mystical like something out of "Golf in the Kingdom" (speaking of which perhaps a list of great golf books would be in order before the Open concludes...Bernard Darwin wrote some classics). The Open is one of the great sports events of the year (golf in its original setting). Its a great equalizer requiring nerve, strategy and creative shot-making, allowing Championship greats from the past (like 60 something Tom Watson to have a chance at holding the Claret Jug). I for one will be watching this weekend.

[doug]

the British Open is my favorite sporting event of the year, ok maybe the Masters is a close second...but the thing I like about the Open is is it isn't "lawn Dart" golf which tour players play...launch the ball in the air, figure out the distance and let it drop as close to the pin as possible...British Open golf involves all aspects of the game to battle the elements and conditions, plus on Open courses the bunkers actually mean something, not like in North America where golfers aim for them and they are more cosmetic then anything...over there they serve a purpose and what that purpose is you don't want to find out....Jean van de Veldes was unfortunately the ultimate meltdown not only physically but mostly mentally, he lost the capacity to think clearly and rationally for just a bit and it cost him dearly...it seems the Open lately has been the story of heartbreak more then triumph, like Norman's close call a couple years ago to Watsons missed 4 footer....and Daly always does well there, today a +2, he's a mind-boggling guy....anyways it will be a blast and a wild 4 days of golf, with great announcing...

[Stavros]

@ Blogger's note: No need to be snarky. You asked for a ranking. I gave you mine. You don't have to like it nor am I trying to change your mind about yours. If you don't want answers don't ask questions.

[Lorie]

Ahh...those Brits! "But safety first is almost sacrilege to those of Gallic temperment..." Delightful commentary to accompany that unforgettable (hard to watch even now in some ways!) finish. And you know something? Whenever you write: "that's why they play the game" I nod my head and think of Mr. Van de Velde on the 18th in 1999 needing 6 and scoring 7. You really and truly never know. By the way, Doug, what's your second most dramatic finish at The Open? Was it Rocca's unbelievable series of putts to tie Daly in '95? Cheers!

Blogger's note: Off the top of my head, that's it

[Peter]

"No need to be snarky." Tee hee hee. Stavros must be new around these parts. Snark is what you get around here. If you want to share an opinion, you have to deal with the fact that you might get some snark back.

[Jim Rootham]

On the basketball front, do you know what's happening with Alex English? Given his success with Amir I was somewhat surprised to see him not hang around.

Blogger's note: I would expect him to have a job somewhere whenever the season starts

[Radar]

I gotta agree with Stavros. I love the blog and it's a daily must read for me but Doug's responses sometimes are extremely unprofessional and off-putting. I know it's hard sometimes but often the best retort is no response at all. And no, I won't be offended if you don't respond to this :)

[james]

My dentist is a golfer. He's a wonderful dentist; not sure about his golf game, but he IS INTO IT!!! So it was a couple of years ago that I found myself lying on my back, parallel to the floor, watching the British Open on a ceiling-mounted television while he worked on/in my mouth, only occasionally sneaking a peek at another wall-mounted TV, and only once pausing to watch a particularly important putt. In no way am I a golf fan, but I love the British Open. It must be my inner Scot.

[Striker 77]

@ Stavros

I dont think that your the snark is aimed at you opinion.. The snark is in response to how you stated it... it had quite a bit of snark as well.. Read it again, you will see... I mean, everyone is entitled to like or dislike something.. but when you say it like you did, you might ruffle some feathers..

[doug]

I'll try this again..not only was this finish the best British Open finish but one of the top finishes of all time....2 stars in their prime 10 shots clear of the field, tied with 3 to go....one of the best duels ever, and unreal shots were made...Nicklaus-Watson Turnberry 77....

http://www.golf.com/golf/special/article/0,28136,1827160,00.html

[John]

@ Stavros,
I feel for you man, i thought the snark was a bit harsh considering Doug did ask the question... I am thinking he may have overlooked that when posting a reply...
I find golf on TV like Baseball on the radio. Its great in the background to have on and hear the highlights so you know if it is going to a finish worth watching but I couldn't watch 4 hours of it.

[Mr. Cook]

Forgive the basketball business related question, and feel free to move it over to the mail bag if you want to flesh out an answer: The other day in someone's blog or another (and I would love to give credit where it's due, I had thought it was from Mr. Simmons but I am having trouble locating it) s/he mentioned that, privately, agents laugh about carrying out business negotiations with former players or coaches who are now front office. Consider it this way, you wouldn't want a player's agent or coach's agent to play or coach in the NBA so you don't want coaches or ex-players playing in the business big leagues either. (Where's the question, you're asking? Wait for itttt...) You mention that Alvin has been moved up to being a henchman and while I certainly expect that he is in a role that is less business and more personnel oriented--I can't help but think that sometime down the road we will find him moving upward and onward without ever having acquired the skills to get there. He could 'learn the ropes', no doubt, always struck me as a smart guy, but these businessmen and women that make up the contract and structural league negotiations are world-class experts at what they do and quite frankly I always picture those meetings ending up looking like Kobe playing Bow Wow in one on one (younger readers with teh twitter will catch that one). Your thoughts on players / coaches moving up the ranks? Have you come across any agents / GMs who feel the same way?

Blogger's note: That's mailbag stuff for sure; I'll hopefully remember to move it over. Or use it one morning in the regular stuff

[SheikYurbouti]

" "No need to be snarky." Tee hee hee. Stavros must be new around these parts. Snark is what you get around here. If you want to share an opinion, you have to deal with the fact that you might get some snark back."

I'm glad a few others have recognized the outgoing snark being a tad uncalled for this time. I don't know, but there's seems to have been plenty of pride spoken of snark being "what WE do here", but isn't it all outgoing, with precious little patience for even a smidgen of incoming snark? Just saying/asking. I'm not talking of the idiots that get personal and nasty. They're another story that deserve what they get.
Different opinions, using the same kind of language as is common around here, are okay, aren't they?

[doug]

quit being a bunch of whiners...what are your feelings hurt over some "snark". get a grip people, unreal.....it's a independent blog you don't like it then leave, there has been much worse snark on here during the season and i have been on the end of it from others, who cares, people can express themselves, it is what it is...no reason for a whinefest...

[pithy]

I gotta agree with Stavros. I love the blog and it's a daily must read for me but Doug's responses sometimes are extremely unprofessional and off-putting. I know it's hard sometimes but often the best retort is no response at all. And no, I won't be offended if you don't respond to this :)
=================================
It's a blog. You read and like, like. You read and don't like, don't like. You don't read, no one's unhappy.

[Mike kovacs]

Doug Jim Fanning is covering for Alan Ashby this w/e on the radio and he sounded great tonight. If you haven't met him I hope you get a chance on Sunday. He is full of great stories.

[SheikYurbouti]

@doug, the poster
"people can express themselves"
What you refer to as "whining" is exactly that. People expressing their opinions about what's written. Isn't that what the comments feature is for? Who needs to get a grip? In your own words, if "you don't like it then leave". Geeez, the ownership that some people assume of this place. Get a life.

@pithy
Here's the thing: it's not an article that you simply read or not. It's a blog that expressly invites opinions. Sometimes those opinions are going to differ from yours or Mr Smith's. That's a good thing. Really.