March 4th, 2010

I hope I am not in the minority when I say I am so excited that Baseball’s Spring Training is underway. I know it is hard to talk baseball in this market, but I think there are plenty of baseball fans. I have been a fan for as long as I can remember. I had the advantage of growing up in a baseball city, so it was accessible to me. I have great memories of going to Royals and Cardinals games as a kid.
I went to my first Spring Training game about 3 years ago when we went to Arizona to see the Royals. It was a great atmosphere and such an enjoyable time. I bought XM Satellite radio just so I could get the baseball games.
My point is…every March, baseball begins anew. Pitchers and catchers report first. Then the position players show up. Before long the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues are in full swing and in no time it’s Opening Day.
It’s debatable if baseball is still America’s pastime. Even if it’s not…it’s still a great way to pass the time!
Shep
Tags: MLB
Posted in Kansas City Royals, MLB, St. Louis Cardinals | No Comments »
February 26th, 2010

Don’t get me wrong, I love America. It’s the greatest country in the world…and there isn’t a close second. But I am so ready for the Olympics to be over. With the exception of watching a few minutes of Men’s Hockey while I’m at work, I haven’t paid a bit of attention to the games.
The only Olympic event I really care about is Basketball during the Summer Games. Outside of that, I could care less. I don’t know these athletes and I won’t hear from those athletes again for years…if ever. It’s great for those people that are participating, but as a sports fan, it doesn’t even register with me.
In my opinion, the Olympics are nothing more than 2 weeks I can’t watch my TV shows…and man do I love my TV!
Shep
Tags: Olympics
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
February 18th, 2010

While I have to admit I was hoping for something big, I think the Jazz should be commended for what they did today at the NBA Trade Deadline. The found a way to stay competitive, not give up a core player and still shed some luxury tax money.
The Jazz sent Ronnie Brewer to Memphis for a protected 2011 1st round Draft Pick. Brewer was not the same player as last year, plus the Jazz have about 27 players at that position. On top of all of that, the Jazz cut their Luxury Tax check in half.
Kyle Korver, CJ Miles and Wesley Matthews will all get a boost in minutes which is a good thing for Korver and Matthews…not so much for Miles. Sorry, not a fan. This move does not hurt the Jazz product on the court and it saves them money. I’d say it is a pretty successful trade.
As for the Boozer to Miami story, the Jazz were smart to say no if what was reportedly coming back to Utah was correct. Don’t be surprised to see these two teams linked again in the offseason.
Jazz fans can now sit back and enjoy this team as they attempt to make a long playoff run!
Shep
Tags: Carlos Boozer, Ronnie Brewer
Posted in Jazz, NBA | No Comments »
January 19th, 2010
So this past weekend I spent my time doing home improvements. When I woke up Saturday morning I had no idea that later that night I would be painting our family room, rearranging all the furniture, installing a new HDTV on the wall and basically spending way too much money.
I have to say though, our house looks great and it is nice to just have some change (take notice Utah Jazz). It’s amazing what a little paint can do. Our family room looks totally different…and I mean that in a good way.
I know this isn’t the typical sports topic, but my blog is supposed to be about what is on my mind. This is what is on my mind!
Shep
Tags: change, HDTV, home improvements, painting
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 3rd, 2010

The Utah Jazz really need to take this whole New Year’s Resolutions thing seriously. The Jazz should make a resolution to try to put a better team on the court. The one that currently resides at Energy Solutions Arena just isn’t working.
This isn’t just because the Jazz have lost some very winnable games recently…this is because we have seen what this team can do and it’s not good enough. Even when this team is supposedly playing their best, they still aren’t good enough to win it all. With bargaining chips like Boozer’s contract this season and Kirilenko’s next season, it’s time to do something almost unheard of here in Utah…make a bold trade.
Take a risk. Bring in someone that can really help this team move forward. Management has already said they would spend the money if it meant a winning team. Bring in someone that is worthy of the big money because he will help the team win.
As far as I’m concerned, the only person that is untouchable is Deron Williams. Outside of him, the market should be wide open. It’s time to go against the grain and shake things up a bit.
What’s the worst thing that could happen…not make the playoffs? Oh wait…they aren’t in the playoffs anyway!
Shep
Posted in Jazz, NBA | No Comments »
October 29th, 2009

1. Chris Bosh
2. Dirk Nowitzki
3. Pau Gasol
4. Lamar Odom
5. LaMarcus Aldridge
6. Amare Stoudemire
7. Carlos Boozer
8. David West
9. Paul Millsap
10. Luis Scola
Agree or disagree?
Shep
Tags: Power Forward
Posted in Jazz, NBA | 1 Comment »
October 9th, 2009

Paul Millsap has to get big minutes this season for the Utah Jazz. This has absolutely nothing to do with his new contract. It has to do with the fact that he looks like he is in mid-season form and he is on fire. I don’t care that it has happened during the preseason, he is still showing all the skills that made it easy for the Jazz to match Portland’s offer of 4 years and 32 million dollars.
Millsap doesn’t have to start…he just has to get the minutes. I like a lineup with Boozer and Millsap on the floor at the same time. As long as Millsap get 30 to 35 minutes a game, the Utah Jazz are going to be just fine.
Shep
Tags: Paul Millsap
Posted in Jazz, NBA | No Comments »
September 28th, 2009

I love the NBA. It is my favorite sport and has been for a very long time. I always get excited when training camp rolls around. As a huge Jazz fan, I am looking forward to the season. I have reasonable expectations, but at the same time I am quietly optimistic.
If this team can stay healthy, I like their chances of making the playoffs and seeing what happens. Whether or not Boozer is on the roster for the entire season or not, this team still has weapons. As long as Deron Williams stays healthy, this team will be fine. He is arguably the best point guard in the league and is only 25.
I’m not saying I think the Jazz will win the NBA Championship. All I’m saying is that this team intrigues me enough that I will be glued to my TV from October until June. Hopefully the Jazz are still playing by then. Even if they’re not, I’ll still be watching. That’s what an NBA junkie like myself does.
Shep
Posted in Jazz, NBA | No Comments »