After a two year hiatus, It's Always Sporty makes a return with a new look, feel, name, and focus. Previously, Not The Game provided irreverent humor on topics surrounding the game on a national level. It's Always Sporty takes that spirit and passion and applies it to Philly sports. In the same way the cast of characters from the FX show might approach every day, IAS will approach sports in this town... with emotion, irreverance, and humor. The same way the fans do.
According to a very reliable source, Charlie Manuel attended dinner with Tommy Lasorda in New York the night before Game 1 of the WORLD SERIES. According to source, who was in attendance, Charlie remained out late (1:30am, really Charlie?) and got very drunk. When my source said, "Charlie, don't you have a game in like 16 hours?", Charlie replied "Fuck it. I have Lee pitching". Fantastic.
My friend and I decided to get together to watch the Grizzlies-Spurs game and see Kyle Lowry from our alma-mater kick some ass.
Memphis Grizzlies basketball! Their pregame show is just downright frightening. Lights out, drummers with glow in the dark sticks, and guys jumping on trampolines and bounce sticks, straight out of Cirque de Soile.
They have pulled out all the stops, Michael Buffer doing the introductions. His career has come to this, doing introductions for Memphis Grizzlies basketball.
And the coach of the Grizzlies? Ichabod Crane! Jk, its Mark Iavoroni, funny because last year they had Tony Baroni and this year they have Marck Iavorni, thats a lot of roni.
Our announcing team for today? The Beverly Hillbillies.
Darko sporting a new haircut, hits the little baby hook, maybe he will make himself know this year.
"This is what basketballis supposed to look like" Matt said, "instead of the Sixers."
Just in case you're keeping score at home, it is the 7 minute mark of the first quarter and I have already watch more Grizzlies basketball than I have Sixers basketball this season.
Darko with a sick slam, wow! He looks like he bulked up, or maybe he just doesn't look gay anymore, I don't know.
Casey JAsconson enters the game, "They have some bad whites on the team", Matt says.
Maybe its the wide screen, but Darko is huge. That's what she said. "He's a big big guy, but more importantly hes long also", the announcer said, that is also what she said.
Two fouls on Gay, hes living up to the name I used to give him on UCONN, Rudy Disappear. Stromile Swift comes in, they are really bringing in the heavy artillery.
This announcer sounds like Ned Flanders!
Here comes Kyle Lowry!
Swift off the top f the backboard, nice.
Turnover by Stromile Swift, nice.
Lowry running down the floor, hes so fast, I miss him. Ned said, "There's fast, then there's scary fast". Apparently Lowry is scary fast.
For the record, they bring in Lowry and get the lead. Keep in mind, this will be a pattern.
We discuss tha tthis happend at Villanova. He brings a different energy level to a team. If you have never seen him play, you need to see this guy play.
$5 a game for Grizzlies tickets, I want to go to Memphis.
And your Sixers are down 79-60, this is why I am watching two innocuous teams.
Back to the game, looks like Lowry is still in, maybe Iavoroni realizes hes the guy who will help this team win.
Lowry with a slick move, to the line.
Makes them both.
Lowry with the tough basket streaking and with strength.
Once upon a time NBA 2k redefined basketball games as we know it. It was ranked 7th on our Top 10 Sports Videogames of All-Time List. Since then, the NBA 2k series has remained number one, save for a couple of years of stiff competition from NBA Live in 2004 and 2005, when Live reached its pinnacle. On the new systems however, the 2K series has reigned supreme. This year looks like it will be more of the same. Live's demo has shown the same gameplay flaws as its predecessor and NBA 2K8 rocks, with some practice.
Graphics:
The game has always done a good job of capturing the realism of sports with its graphics. This year, NBA 2K8 improves upon that by adding even more details to the environment. It actually feels like your in the arena you are playing in. The Wachovia Center no longer looks like the Staples Center, you actually feel like you are in the real arenas. The player details and uniforms look amazing and they even nailed marginal players, like my alma mater's Allan Ray. The courts, cameras, and crowds all look stunningly real. There is less polish to the visuals though, as some of the items look a bit fuzzy around the edges and there is a bit of a frame rate issue. Now, for the animation...
The movements of the players are amazing. Each player has unique movements and signature styles. Durant shoots like Durant, Lowry dribbles like Lowry, AI moves like AI, you get the point, the movements are sweet. There is no shortage of situation specific maneuvers as well, as you will see players dive for balls, throw up circus shots, and lock down on D. There are, however, some issues with the animation that will lead some to question what the developers were thinking. This year, 2K really focused on realistic movements, which means gone are the days of cutting from left to right on a dime and players sliding around the floor. A good improvement this is, but sometimes it is ubberly frustrating to simply have a player turn around or change direction as he will go through a long drawn out animation that is totally unnecessary. For the most part the animation system works well, as players really get momentum on fast breaks and they take that with them to the hoop. Shots feel rhythmic (thats what she said) and defense for the most part is natural. There occasional issues with responsiveness, like when a player goes to shoot or jump to block a shot, and the lock down button on defense sometimes magnetically pulls the player into the target and it doesn't' feel quite natural. All in all, the animations are great, but the new movements will cause some frustration in the beginning.
Sound:
The announcers do a great job as usual, and they will get excited at the appropriate times. The crowd actually responds quite well and will stand and cheer in close games and really make you feel like you are a part of the game. The soundtrack is also pretty good. The sound pretty much does what it should, it doesn't stand out so much to try to steal the show, and it doesn't sound bad, so basically it provides good background noise that enhances the overall game experience.
Gameplay:
I touched on some of the control issues in the graphics section. After you get used to the new physics, the game is actually really rewarding. You appreciate the more highly skilled players who can cut and move fast. When you pull off a good play you feel like you earned it. The AI in the game is just about the best I have ever seen in a sports game. Try to leave a player open on defense and see what happens. The AI exploits the mismatch and makes you pay. Start to double down low on Shaq and he will kick it out for a three. Start doubling Baron Davis up high and he will feed a wide open player under the net. It really is amazing that the game has the ability to detect mismatches so quickly. Successful zones and coverage, will help you win; constantly doubling and going for steals, will not. I'm not blowing smoke here, a lot of times games will say that you have to play realistically to win, but after a while you realize there are certain things you can do to get away from this. This game forces you to play real basketball to be successful. Go for a steal at the opportune time, and jump to block a shot at the right moment and you will be richly rewarded, but doing this too often will just leave you high and dry. Playing against guys like Davis and Durant is noticeably different than playing against guys like Delonte West or Troy Hudson. You really have to play smart to defend a good player.
On offense you have to run real plays. Sure every once in a while you can get a skilled point guard to drive the lane, or a good shooter to hit a tough jump shot, but for the most part you will have to work to get open. It really does make you appreciate your stars, and use role players effectively. In my Grizzlies season, I can't hit many pull up jumpers with Lowry, but I can sure as hell drive the lane and hit a circus layup. And that is Lowry's game, and it comes across well in NBA 2K8. Again, sometimes the control can be frustrating and cause you to step out of bounds or go back court, but after getting used to it, you will learn to play smarter and it really becomes a great game.
Features/Presentation:
2K always knocks it out of the park with presentation, this year is no different. They cut down on cut scenes and post game highlights (this speeds up the game), but one of the coolest things I have ever seen is the ability to go in after the game and view the Top 3 plays of the game, the player of the game, shooting zones, and for any player view all of his plays for the game. Want to see all of Kobe's shot and rebounds? Just click on Kobe and you have a preset highlight of all of his contributions in the game. Very unique indeed.
Association mode is top notch, training is well implemented and can actually make a difference, unlike in Madden. Player signings and stats are all logical and well laid out. The menu is still a bit cumbersome, but its getting better. I haven't had a chance to play the Slam Dunk contest yet, and I will update this review when I do.
In all, presentation it top notch, features are what they should be, and menus are logical and make sense.
Overall:
At first, this game will frustrate you, it is so realistic you will have to take some time to learn how to play it, even for seasoned vets. After the initial shock at the measured pace and slightly touchy controls, you will learn what real basketball is all about. Factor the great, realistic gameplay in with excellent graphics, awesome sound, and a "this is the way it should be" set of features and extras, and you have one outstanding basketball game.
9/10
Everyone, myself included gets hyped about Madden every year. This year it probably delivered with its second best iteration ever, and that is saying something. But believe it or not their are better sports games out there. NHL 2008 is the best sports game since MVP 2005, and that's saying a lot. Look for a review on this tomorrow. While we are at it, here are some screen shots and videos of NBA 2k8. This is the best basketball game year after year, and this year is shaping up to be no different. We will have a review on this next week. Here is a link to a previous article about the game interviewing Rudy Gay.
According to articles published this week, it appears as if Matt Murphy, the fan who caught Barry Bonds’ record breaking 756th home run ball, will sell it via auction. The official AP article states: “The 21-year-old New York man said Tuesday he had no choice but to sell the ball — several people told him he would be taxed on the souvenir just for holding on to it.”
Is Matt just using this as an excuse to sell the ball? Or is he just misinformed? Several people told him he would be taxed? Who are these “several people”? Mikey the butcher? His uncle’s girlfriend’s sister’s best friend?
There is nothing in the tax law governing souvenir baseballs. There has never been any official IRS statement regarding the tax treatment of this home run ball.
We must understand the difference between valuation and realization. The home run ball is valued at $500,000, but no cash has been realized yet. Tax is triggered upon realization and is calculated on the cash or consideration received minus the cost basis of the item sold.
Let’s say a major league baseball costs $5. Before each major league game, a public announcement states “You may keep all balls and bats thrown or hit into the crowd.” So it looks like this is a unilateral transfer, which is a fancy term for a gift. So when you catch a foul ball, major league baseball is giving you a $5 gift. When a gift transaction occurs, the receiver never pays a tax and for tax purposes, the receiver’s cost basis is the cost basis upon transfer. So, if one sells a major league foul ball for $100, they are responsible for paying taxes on $95 ($100-$5).
When the ball left Mike Bacsik’s hand, it cost and was worth $5. When it made its way to the stands, it was worth $500,000, appreciating 100,000 times its value in 2 seconds. What Matt Murphy has is a gift from major league baseball, costing $5 but valued at $500,000. If Matt sells for that amount, he should have to pay taxes on $499,995. But if he keeps it, he shouldn’t have to pay a dime in taxes. Just like you don’t pay capital gains taxes on stock unless you sell it, you shouldn’t have to pay it on a baseball.
Guest Contributor: Jim Taxman Metaxas
It’s that time of year where we can all escape our mundane lives and become football team owners for 16 weeks. Here are some tips to live by and some players you to both avoid and target during your draft and managing season.
5 Fantasy Tips
5) Draft your star running back’s backup. It happens every year. Priest Holmes in 2005. Clinton Portis in 2006. A premier running back goes down. What do you do if your #1 pick is sidelined? If you had Larry Johnson in 2005 and Ladell Betts in 2006, you wouldn’t have missed a beat. It doesn’t matter how many bench spots your league may provide; always store away your star’s backup whether it be via a late draft pick or an immediate waiver wire pickup. Imagine being without a running back and providing your opponent with an automatic starter. So if you’re lucky to land LaDainian Tomlinson, make sure you’re packing Michael Turner.
4) Make use of “spot” defense playing. Most defenses are subject to volatile performance. If you don’t draft a Chicago or Baltimore defense, you can always grab a defense off waivers playing a weak offense. Plan ahead and research what defense is playing what offense two, three, four weeks down the road.
3) Don’t draft a quarterback too early. There are two quarterbacks worthy of a high draft pick: Peyton Manning and Carson Palmer. After they are gone, don’t panic because you don’t have a quarterback. If you playing in a 10 or 12 team league, there are plenty of solid quarterbacks to go around. If one of your opponents drafts two quarterbacks early, than that is just plain stupid. If you have a choice between a top ranked receiver and Tom Brady, take the receiver and draft a Jon Kitna or J.P. Losman in subsequent rounds.
2) Try to draft a full time running back. The running back platoon is being seen more and more these days. And nothing is more frustrating than having one back get all the yards and one get all the goal line carries and touchdowns. Having two full time running backs on your team is nearly impossible, but you want at least one. Some names include LT, Frank Gore, Rudi Johnson, Larry Johnson, Steven Jackson, and Joseph Addai.
1) Be on top of things. The great thing about football is that over 90% of the games are played in one day. Devote your time to know the latest injuries and the breakout sleepers so you can be the first to the waiver wire. Spend a few minutes a day reading the latest news, so you can be sure you are putting the best team out there every week.
Top 5 Overrated:
- Cedric Benson—Offense is not the Bears’ game. He is the starting running back by default, but really has not proven anything in the past 2 years.
- Lamont Jordan—Did any Raider give you any offensive production whatsoever last year? Not even worthy of a bench spot in my book.
- Vince Young—Yes, he probably has the best running game of all quarterbacks, but he’s still very immature. Don’t mess with the Madden curse.
- Clinton Portis—I can’t stand constantly worrying about the health of a top position player. Choosing him presents a big risk for your team.
- Brandon Jacobs—You can’t replace Tiki Barber, so don’t even try. It’s going to be asking an awful lot to have Jacobs go from a short yardage/goal line carrier to an every down back. A running back with a linebacker’s build is not necessarily a good thing. And he doesn’t exactly have a poised and collected quarterback to work with.
Top 5 Underrated:
- Reggie Wayne—He may not be Peyton’s #1 receiver, but he could be a solid #1 receiver on your team. Set a career high in yards last year (1310), only 56 less than Marvin Harrison, who at 34 years may be showing signs of slowing down. Wayne, at 28 years, is hitting the prime of his career.
- Jon Kitna—He has one of the most talented receivers in the game in Roy Williams and the number #2 overall draft pick wide receiver Calvin Johnson. With the running game of Detroit iffy with the Kevin Jones/Tatum Bell platoon, Kitna could easily throw 25 to 30 TDs this season.
- Reggie Bush—Projected to go in the second round of many drafts, but worthy of a first round pick. If you have the last pick in your draft, snag Reggie Bush and another top running back and you will be set. Many forget his performance in the second half where he racked up 788 all purpose yards and 8 touchdowns in the final 8 games. Never mind that he shares the workload with Deuce McCallister, he can be explosive when he has the ball and will likely be involved in some capacity on every play.
- Antonio Gates—Just like Peyton’s the undisputed #1 quarterback, Gates is the #1 tight end by far. Production out of the tight end position is scarce, but it can give your team a tremendous edge. (Remember that Marques Colston lost his TE eligibility.) Don’t be afraid to draft him in the early third round and then have your wide receivers fall into place.
- Jay Cutler—Be very high on the sophomore class (Bush, Matt Leinart, & Cutler) this year. With a solid QB rating of 88.5 in his rookie year, he can only improve in 2007. I’d take him over Tony Romo or even Matt Hasselbeck any day.
One last thing, I’ve done live drafts and I’ve done electronic drafts and a live draft is so much more fun. Yelling our picks, hearing the frustration of a coveted player getting taken, and getting greasy food on your draft papers is what it’s all about. Many sports bars, such as Hooters, welcome and offer special accommodations for football drafts.