Monday Musings

Yes, I realize it’s Tuesday but Monday Musings took the day off yesterday to celebrate President’s Day. Therefore, I give you a Tuesday edition of Monday Musings

• Non-sports related intro – Sunday night was an epic night of television as NBC televised SNL40, a reunion celebrating 40 years of Saturday Night Live broadcasts. Cast members from all 40 years returned to take part in this show. I loved it. Yes, it made me feel old as I watched some of my favorite cast members’ return, but all-in-all it was fantastic. Instead of listing numerous highlights, I thought I would list the very few things I didn’t care for in the broadcast:
• The sports montage did not show the episode with Walter Payton and Joe Montana. How on earth can you leave out those two icons? I was very disappointed I didn’t see Walter and Joe dancing with the Church Lady.
• The Californians skit was WAY too long. I understand the concept of getting as many cameos as possible, but did we really need to drag it out long enough for Taylor Swift to show up? Just give us Betty White and be done with it.
• The Eddie Murphy return….anticlimactic. When Chris Rock spends five times as much time introducing Eddie as Eddie does in speaking – that’s a problem. Do something Eddie. You’re the greatest stand-up comedian of all time – tell us a joke. Don’t just say ‘thank you’ then go to commercial. Very disappointing.
• Speaking of SNL40, it totally kicked the NBA All-Star Game’s tail in the ratings. Honestly though, what All-Star Game is worth watching anymore? The Pro Bowl stinks. The NHL game is much like the NBA game where no one plays any defense. The MLB All-Star Game would be the best if it weren’t the stupid stipulation of home field advantage in the World Series. A couple more thoughts on the game itself (what little I watched of it):
• The uniforms were awful. Why would the league EVER consider uniforms without a name on the front? Horrible. I didn’t mind having both names on the back, but it made the uniforms look like they belonged in a cheap pickup league. Terrible.
• Adam Silver needs to seriously consider moving the 3-point line back further. This year’s game set a record for most 3-point shot attempts and makes. A combined total of 133 3-point shots were attempted. C’mon. The numbers have steadily increased the last few years. Why? Because IT”S TOO CLOSE. Make it more difficult. I beg of you Commissioner.
• Carmelo Anthony. I don’t even know where to begin on this. The AS Game was “hosted” by NY/NJ. Carmelo, playing with the Knicks, was a de facto host. Therefore, he felt it necessary to play in the game. He played 30 minutes. What’s the big deal, you ask? He’s now shutting himself down for the rest of the year “due to injury”. What?!?! You’re going to play 30 minutes in a meaningless game but then not play for your actual team the rest of the year? Sadly, this is a sign of today’s athlete. And I’m not sure I like it. 

• Another NBA note, and this might not be popular in my hometown, but the Pacers need to be serious sellers this week. The NBA trade deadline is Thursday and there are some contracts the Pacers can shed themselves of this week. David West? Buh-bye. Roy Hibbert? Buh-bye. George Hill? Sadly, but buh-bye to you too. Clear some cap space, acquire some young talent and/or draft picks, DO NOT LET PAUL GEORGE PLAY THIS YEAR, get in the lottery and build around PG. It’s not worth the time to continue to be mediocre. Making the playoffs as an 8 seed, getting bounced in the first round and picking 16th or 17th does you NO good. You’ve got the one major asset in PG, build the team around him.
• In case you missed it, and it’s probable that you did, the Blackhawks hosted the Penguins in the Sunday NHL showcase on NBC. It was a fantastic game that came down to a shootout. If you don’t understand the rules, let me explain. The teams play three 20 minute periods. If they are tied at the end of regulation, they play overtime (both teams receive at least one point in the standings, but that’s for a different column). Overtime consists of 4-on-4 play for five minutes. In regulation, it’s 5-on-5. This opens up the ice and allows for more scoring opportunities. If the teams are still tied at the end of OT they proceed to a shootout. This consists of “penalty shots” (one-on-one, player vs. goalie) with at least three taking place until one team wins. This particular game went to a shootout and Patrick Kane’s shootout goal was ridiculous. In the famous words of “Uptown Funk”, Don’t believe me? Just watch.

• Speaking of the NHL – Saturday night was the NHL’s alone. No NBA, NFL or any other games going on that night. Yes, the NBA All-Start Festivities were taking place, but real competition only took place in the NHL. And ESPN showed ZERO NHL highlights that night. Are you kidding me? Just another reason that ESPN is losing its luster…
• Brandon Bostick was released by the Packers this weekend. Poor kid. He botches an onside kick and loses his job. Just goes to show you the win now, cutthroat mentality of the NFL.
• And finally, PITCHERS AND CATCHER REPORT THIS WEEK!!!! Baseball is back baby!!