Thursday, December 3, 2020

NFL Playoff Bubble





 NFL Playoff Bubble something you can handle this year?

If the COVID 19 tests keep happening, they may have too. During the season you can move games and dates around. Not because of no fans, even though that helps, its because not many events happening where a NFL teams has to share the stadium. Most Soccer and College teams have their own stadiums. Concerts in the domed stadiums are not happening during this pandemic. 

If they can find 4 cities to help be bubble cities, it can happen. Tampa and the NFL have said they can move the Super Bowl up to 4 weeks out. This gives time to have a week off between playoff rounds if need be. 

Bubble the Wild Card round and next round. Move the Championship rounds to Tampa and the Super Bowl two weeks later. The bubble cities could be Dallas, Arizona, Minnesota, LA or Atlanta to name a few. 

This could hopefully keep teams healthy. NBA and NHL had good success bubbling to finish their seasons and playoffs. Not that I want this every year. Lots of things this year I don't to see every year. 

I do like the idea of two games on Monday nights. One can be a west coast or Denver home game. GIve an option if the "early" game is a bust, one to switch to. ESPN and ABC and be the networks. They can keep the Thursday game. Enough teams to make this part happen. Iplay Thursday, the week before is your bye week. This goes for the Thanksgiving games as well. 

It's a thought. Please let me know your thoughts and ideas on this 


-Andy 



Monday, October 5, 2020

Local Minnesota Athletes At The Next Level

Lots of talent in the state of Minnesota....here are some notable athletes that have taken their skills to the next level, here are four notables

Athlete Name - High School Attended - College Attended

Tre Jones - Apple Valley - Duke









The basketball standout at Apple Valley and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in the State.  Led Apple Valley to two 4A State Titles.  Attended Duke University for two seasons, and was named the ACC's Player of the Year in 2019-20 season.  He declared eligible for the NBA Draft next month.  He is expected to be a First Round selection.


Maddy Dean - Jordan - Drake














A two-time MRC Conference Player of the Year in basketball for Jordan High School.  Third leading scorer in Jordan history.  Finished 2nd on the all-time list at Drake for career three-pointers and scored 1,559 career points and was a three-time All-Conference selection.  Currently plays Professional Basketball in Europe for the Cyprus Women's team.  She was named to the First All-Import Team in 2019-20 season.

Logan Shore - Coon Rapids - Florida













Was named Minnesota's pitcher of the year following his Senior year in baseball at Coon Rapids High School.  Was drafted to go pro, but elected to attend college.  He was a starter for three years for the Florida Gators and a two-time All Conference selection.  Declined his senior year to go pro.  Was drafted in the 2nd Round by the Oakland A's.  Spent two years in the minors with them, and then got traded to the Detroit Tigers organization.  Will be expected to start 2021 season with their AAA team.

Paige Bueckers - Hopkins - UConn














The reigning Gatorade Female Athlete of Year in the entire United States for high school athletes.  Graduated from Hopkins High School as one of the best Basketball players in our State's history.  She was a five-star recruit and will be playing for the University of Connecticut Huskies this coming winter.  UConn had the 2nd best recruiting class in the Nation.   Beuckers was the #1 recruit in the Country.  She wore jersey #1 in high school, but will be wearing #5 for the Huskies.   She was on the cover of Sports Illustrated last month.

In future blogs we will cover the following:  

  • Tyus Jones
  • Caleb Thielbar
  • Maxx Williams
  • Adam Thielen
  • Larry Fitzgerald Jr.

Thursday, September 17, 2020

baseball

 







MLB 2020 season has been better then I thought. I had no idea what to expect, but have been happy with the games. 

I was afraid we would have seen more quarantine then we have. I also feared they would let fans in too soon and that could have caused issues. (Spread of the virus and more quarantine) 

Yes we have some issues early in the season with the Marlins. With these game looking like they will not be made up, we will see if it is going to matter. It is something all teams were aware of. 

TV ratings are up about about 16% for the under 55 group. Those over 55 have dropped. I am happy with this. The younger ages are starting to watch again. 

I am exciting for the new playoffs, also. Maybe shorten the season and keep the expanded playoffs. We will have to see how it goes. 



Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Bubble Sports

 



After watching some pro sports go into a bubble to finish there seasons and playoffs, it reminds me a bit of the Olympics we are missing this year. 

Games in the afternoon. 3 games in a day at a arena by all different teams. 

The difference. No crowd. 

If they were to start a low budget minor league Basketball, Hockey or even Baseball under this format (only with a crowd) I think it could work. 

8 team league. Based in one city. Companies can sponsor the teams. League takes about a month. About 6 weeks before training camp for these leagues. That way no drafted players. Players wanting another chance. Players rehabbing an injury, Even back up or third string players wanting more playing time to improve their spot on the teams depth chart.

Sounds like it may, or may not, work. But it would be fun to watch. players trying to make it to the big leagues. Not big league players trying to make SportsCenter. 



Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Take note NFL

In Minnesota, High School football and some fall sports have been postponed until spring. 
In the NCAA the Mountain West, Pac 12 and Big 10 have postponed football and other fall sports, hoping for a spring return. 
Is the NFL noting this. Are they seeing how, in the MLB, the Cardinals and Marlins have done with Pro Athletes staying safe and following policy during this pandemic. 
Not saying the NFL should cancel or postpone the season, but. 
Do they go to a bubble in a few cities? Limit games this season to prevent travel, like MLB? Change some rules, ie not kickoffs or punting? No extra points? Look at the XFL and it worked. 
Let's just hope the NFL takes the chip off their shoulder and be smart this season. 

-Andy 

Friday, August 7, 2020

College Football

As we are learning more day by day, college football 2020 season is going to be different. 

Conference scheduling is different. Playing only conference games this year and limiting travel. Some teams even have players opting out for a his year. No problem with that, it is just a sign of the times. 

Some schools are thinking of opting out for this year. Again, no issue with that. 

No idea what the NCAA playoffs or Bowl Games, if any, will be like this year. 

Let's see how all this plays out. NCAA Basketball will be watching and taking notes, as will all other college sports. 

So don't hate on the NCAA, the schools or the players. This is a odd time we are living in and we all have to adjust and live with it. So sit back and enjoy whatever football we get. 

-Andy 

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Call the season over already







This is for the NBA, NHL, MLB and the NFL. Also college sports. 

It is not worth it to finish or try to have any season this year. Not only a health issue, but look at the dollars. Teams and schools are going to lose money hand over fist. Between travel, lodging and paying other staff (trainers, video, referees, security) to name a few.  

All I have heard is complaining out of the NBA Bubble. Players, or primadonnas, not happy with the accommodations or the food. This is a surprise. The NBA likes to let LeBron, I mean the players call all the shots. 

Lots of players are out to start with because they have tested positive for The Coronavirus. Not a shock. Lots of players returning to the US from other countries. Not saying they were not being safe or that they are bad countries, but there is a reason why a lot of countries are banning travel form other countries. This was all put together way to fast just to make a buck. My plan would have been to have all the sports leagues get together and have the foreign players arrive in a hub city, say Myrtal Beach. They could have quarantined for 21 days. Yes 14 is recommended but this is high price talent we are dealing with. Once that time is over, they are free to travel with the league they belong to and start preparing for the season. 

Again, not my dollar so easy for me to say. But look at the expense in that alone. Now have games with no fans. That equals no ticket sales. No parking revenue. No food or drink sales. No merchandise sales. I can go on but you get the point. 

Leagues will still get some TV money. But not sure how advertising will go. 

Me personally, would love to see sports back. But I am not selfish, either. I want no DH, but I still watch AL games. It's called adjusting. And is just what we have to do. Adjust. Sports can some back when they can do so safely and efficiently. Pro and college. Until then, enjoy what sports we had and the sports we will have again. Think of the money you have saved this year not going to games. Or betting on them with people and losing. I saved a ton with no NCAA March Madness. So take the savings and spend it on family time. Sports will return. 

-Andy 


Tuesday, June 23, 2020

60 Game Season




So MLB wants a 60 game schedule.
In 2019 the Nationals were 27-33. They went on to win the Series.
Other team records after 60 games last year..
Tampa Bay Rays 37-23
San Diego Padres 31-29
Milw Brewers 34-26
Colorado Rockies 31-29
Minnesota Twins 40-20
NY Mets 28-32
NY Yankees 38-22


I would be ok with these teams in and the match ups. ESPN and FOX no so much. Why? I am a baseball fan not a casual fan. Casual fan only follows big market team and highlight superstars.

This hurts the fan base and TV ratings in may ways. If ESPN and FOX keep showing only Yankees v Red Sox or just these 2 teams against anyone, it hurts the growth of the game. People will be fans of you they see the most. You become familiar with them. Like in the 80s when most people had WGN and watched a lot of Cub games. You, in a way, became a fan. If on the game of the week or playoffs you would watch, because you knew the players. Brewers v Detroit - not so much.
Yes I know TV games have to do with market size and viewership witch equals ratings/ad revenue.

This is why the MLB TV package is a good deal. You have to pay, but you can watch your team all season. They also have a FREE game daily. NOT always the Yankees or Red Sox. Not very often at all as the like to show every team as much as they can. Exposure is key. If you see all the teams, you have a little interest in all the teams.

Point is, true fans want games. I wish it was done sooner for more games, but I will take what I can get. So here is a chance to see more teams and enjoy

-Andy

Monday, June 8, 2020

Sports and Songs Update

Welcome to another update

We are growing and changing weekly here at Sports and Songs. The format is the same with a few twists. 
We record our show on BeLive and Facebook Live. It is then modified a bit for YouTube and Anchor / podcast form. 
We do add a few IGTV or Facebook Live comments between episodes. The audio of those can be heard on the latest Anchor / podcast format. Or you can always go back to Facebook or Instagram to see these videos.
We do have a Twitter account as well. Not all the same posts are on all 3, so check them out.
We also try and do a weekly blog, which you have found here. These are topics that may or may not come up on the podcasts. Odds are they will not be a topic but may be noted for you to check out. 
The blog can be anything from upcoming wrestling predictions, like what Jason Ink and I did for the last blog. Or just comments on other topics. 
All of these formats you can subscribe to and follow. That is what we recommend. You will be notified of new content. Better then checking every couple of days. 
Don't feel you need to catch the show live or see the updates live. Go ahead and watch them when you can, 
And as always, please leave any comments you may have for us. 



- Andy 

Saturday, May 23, 2020

AEW Double or Nothing Preview

This blog will be a little different. Most things involving Jason Ink are.
Today Jason and Andy sit down in the Tattoo Parlor and preview AEW Double or Nothing Pay Per View Wrestling Event. 

Remember this, some PPVs have been known to change at the last second. We are doing this the afternoon of the event, so hopefully no changes are made to the card.


Saturday May 23, 2020

The Buy in / pre show match
Private Party (Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen) vs Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent) for the #1 contendership
Jason - Best Friends
Andy - Best Friends

Main Show
Dustin Rhodes vs Shawn Spears
Jason - Shawn Spears
Andy - Shawn Spears

Penelope Ford w/ Kip Sabian vs Kris Statlander 
Jason - Kris Statlander 
Andy - Kris Statlander 

AEW Women's Championship -- Nyla Rose (c) vs. Hikaru Shida (No disqualification)
Jason - Hikaru Shida
Andy - Nyla Rose 

MJF vs. Jungle Boy
Jason - Jungle Boy
Andy - MJF

Casino Ladder Match -- Darby Allin vs. Colt Cabana vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Joey Janela vs. Scorpio Sky vs. Kip Sabian vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Luchasaurus vs. mystery competitor
The winner of this match will earn a future shot at the AEW world title, and there's an interesting mix of personalities lined up. The match begins with two men in the ring and a new competitor will enter every 90 seconds
**possible mystery competitor** 
1) Jeff Cobb - Former ROH TV Champ now part of the inner circle
2) Drew Gulak - Former WWE Superstar who's contract just ended with WWE
Drew has worked with current AEW members Chuck Taylor and Orange Cassidy
3) Brian Cage - Former Impact Wrestling Champion also was part of All In PPV. The PPV event that led to All Elite Wrestling
4) PAC - Have not seen him on TV lately but he has had some odd vignettes lately 
5) Ricky Starks - On Monday’s episode of Busted Open Radio Ricky Starks confirmed rumors of his departure from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). The former NWA World Television Champion mentioned that he was no longer part of the NWA and was now one of the “hottest free agents” in wrestling. Starks stated that his contract had come up and both sides mutually agreed to part ways, but Starks insisted the parting was not bitter
6) Sting 

Jason - Darby Allin
Andy - PAC

Stadium Stampede -- Matt Hardy & The Elite vs. The Inner Circle
"Stadium Stampede," which should be interesting to watch unfold inside the confines TIAA Bank Field. 
Jason - Inner Circle - Member of Elite turn heal (Hangman Page) or EC3 joins Inner Circle
Andy - Inner Circle - The Revolt interfere and cost the Elite the match 

AEW TNT Championship -- Cody vs. Lance Archer w/ Jake Roberts
Jason - Lance Archer - Arn Anderson turns on Cody
Andy - Cody 

AEW World Championship -- Jon Moxley (c) vs. Brodie Lee
Jason - Brodie Lee - surprise interference
Andy - Jon Moxley by DQ - ref sees surprise interference  

Recap. Andy thinks The Revolt will show up in some way. Jason thinks Matt Cardona aka Zack Ryder from WWE will appear. 

Listen next week to the Sports and Songs Podcast to hear Andy brag or make excuses  



Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Sorry Bryce, I think you are wrong.

This week Bryce Harper tweeted out his plan to save baseball this year. Here we brake it down on why I think it will not work, even though a lot think it will.

Two divisions. An East and West, like in the NBA
MLB has 30 teams. As it is on a normal season, there is always an inter-league game. With an East and West we have to rely on the map. Using the Rocky Mountains that is 8 West and 22 East. Using the Mississippi River, 13 West and 17 East. The 3 division system MLB is looking at is the best.

135 games in 138 days vs the 80 game format MLB is looking at.
Bryce has the season going from July 1 - Nov 15. Every other Monday off and the Sunday before that a double header. The Double Header games will be 7 innings.
Also expanding the roster to 30.
You are asking for injury here. The pitching rotation, as he prepossess, would be 6 or 7.
Egos will not let this happen.

 Playoffs to be like the College World Series. Double Elimination 10 team, round robin format.
 No. Baseball needs fans. Don't confuse them with a new format. Also, enough new rules coming in next full season, lets not confuse things for the fans. Baseball fans are like a good Lutheran, they do not like change.
Before the World Series have an All Star Game and HR contest. No players will want to take part in this. Season is over. Need to rest up and heal up.

Finally start the next couple of seasons late because of this one going long. May first and then April one the year after. This is why no one will take part in the All Star Game or HR Derby.

Sorry Bryce, this will not work. You didn't even touch player salaries. Good luck on them playing without a full seasons pay.

I do hope some agreement is reached and we get some kind of season.

-Andy

Monday, May 4, 2020

WNBA

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the WNBA is postponing the start of the regular season originally scheduled for May 15. The WNBA continues to scenario plan regarding new dates and will provide updates accordingly.

The league was founded on April 22, 1996, as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association (NBA), and league play started in 1997. The regular season is played from May to September, with the All Star game being played midway through the season in July (except in Olympic years) and the WNBA Finals at the end of September until the beginning of October

This years draft was the highest rated in 16 years. Not sure if that is showing growth in the league or just the thirst for sports by the viewing audience. 

With the exception of 2015, the rating for the WNBA playoffs have been on the rise. 

The WNBA is not able to support itself. During the mid-2000s, the NBA spent more than $10 million per year to keep the WNBA financially solvent. In 2007, teams were estimated to be losing $1.5 million to $2 million a year.
The league has begun to do better financially in recent years. In December 2010, Donna Orender said that the league had its first-ever "cash flow positive" team (Connecticut Sun) for the 2010 season.In 2011, three teams were profitable, and in 2013, six of the league's 12 teams reported a profit.The league has also signed extended television contracts with ESPN and sponsorship agreements with Boost Mobile.
On June 1, 2009, the Phoenix Mercury was the first team in WNBA history to announce a marquee sponsorship. The team secured a partnership with LifeLock to brand their jerseys and warm-ups. It was the first branded jersey in WNBA history. Following the expiration of the LifeLock deal, the Mercury secured a new uniform sponsorship deal with Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort on February 3, 2014. 
All teams now have sponsorship on the uniforms. 
I personally enjoy the WNBA. I hope it returns and that this pandemic does not cause the league to fold. The players play for love of the game, not to make the highlights on Sports Center. Yes, some of these athletes play in other country's in the off season, where they make a lot more money then here in the US. The sport is more popular overseas and therefore the higher pay.   

-Andy 

Monday, April 27, 2020

NFL Draft Review

NFL Draft – Comparisons             
Each team in the NFL gets seven draft picks in the annual draft each April.   Most team will take their 
seven picks and fill the team’s needs by position to get their roster ready for the new season.   Some 
team will use the draft as an opportunity to wheel-and-deal to get many more draft picks or trade away 
multiple draft picks to get a high-end player.

The New Orleans Saints traded away multiple draft picks and landed just three top players in the draft. 
In the seventh round they selected a Quarterback and ended up with only four picks in the entire draft.
In quite the opposite fashion, the Minnesota Vikings ended up with 15 draft picks in the draft.  By 
trading away some top picks, they are able to add multiple lower level picks including multiple picks in 
the First Round (2), the Fourth Round (3), the Fifth Round (2), the Sixth Round (2), and an amazing 
FOUR picks in the Seventh Round alone!  By getting eight picks in the final three rounds, this is a great 
way to pick up talent and a relatively cheap way.   

Salaries for the team’s draft picks are for the most part pre-determined by round. The bottom three 
rounds are very cheap, and you can pick up great talent down there.  The Vikings General Manager 
Rick Spielman likes to keep things interesting on Draft Day and is known for this wheeling-and-dealing 
to load up on talent.  

The Vikings also got some exceptional players in the early rounds. By trading Stephon Diggs to the 
Buffalo Bills in the offseason, the Vikings received the Bill’s #1 draft pick.The Vikings selected Justin 
Jefferson, a receiver from LSU, which will be a much cheaper version of an explosive play-maker 
and should be an immediate starter for the Vikings.

The Vikings also loaded up with five defensive backs, which is more than the entire Saints Draft 
Class of four.

Dan


Friday, April 17, 2020

WWE Annual Release Party

April 17, 2020

Every year, the week after WrestleMania, WWE releases a good amount of the talent. This goes for the SuperStars (Wrestlers), Producers, Referees and other staff. 
Some say this year was a little heavy because of the COVID 19 and shows being cancelled. Might be. But business is business. AEW is coming on strong as competition. NWA is off to a good start/reboot. And ROH, TNA and other indie organizations are doing well. Don't forget about New Japan and IWPG. 

Here is a list of some of the talent released this week. The Revival Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder Rusev, The O.C. (Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson), Drake Maverick, Curt Hawkins, Zack Ryder, Heath Slater, No Way Jose, Sarah Logan, Mike Kanellis, Maria Kanellis, Aiden English, EC3, Lio Rush, Eric Young, Primo Colon, Epico Colon, Erick Rowan, Deonna Purrazzo (NXT), Aleksandar Jaksic (NXT), MJ Jenkins (NXT), Josiah Williams (NXT), Mike Chioda (Referee)
WWE also released produces Kurt Angle, Lance Storm, Mike Rotunda (IRS), Sarah Stock, Dave Finlay (Fit Finlay), Shane Helms (Hurricane), Pat Buck, Shawn Daivari, Scott Armstrong

You will see most of these names later this year show up on other shows. Most have a 90 no compete clause in the release. With no one working and no shows scheduled for the spring, the clock is still ticking. 

Even in the good financial years, WWE makes these cuts. So not really a surprise. The names are about 80% if what you would guess. Always a few surprises. 

-Andy 

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Album Review "Break Like The Wind" by Spinal Tap

Album Review "Break Like The Wind" by Spinal Tap 1982

Spinal Tap is made up of


  • "David St. Hubbins" (Michael McKean) - you may also know him as 
  • Lenny Kosnowski in Laverne & Shirley or Chuck McGill on Better Call Saul


  • "Nigel Tufnel" (Christopher Guest) - you may remember him as 
  • Harlan Pepper in Best of Show"Derek Smalls" (Harry Shearer) - In 1989, he joined the cast of the animated sitcom The Simpsons; he provides voices for characters including Mr. BurnsWaylon SmithersPrincipal SkinnerNed FlandersReverend LovejoyKent BrockmanDr. Hibbert and more. 
    This the the follow up to the 1984 Spinal Tap album. The songs include a range of genres, from the glam metal anthem "Bitch School" down to the skiffle satire of "All the Way Home". The title, and the album's title track, is a double entendre that combines and confuses the idiom "make like the wind" (also possibly a reference to the Christopher Cross song "Ride Like the Wind", famously covered by British heavy metal band Saxon) with "break wind", a euphemism for flatulence or farting. 
    Originally, the CD was packaged in an 18-inch "extra-long box", as a satire against the controversial packaging policy of longboxes which was increasingly criticized as unnecessary and wasteful.
    Other artists to appear on the album are  
    Jeff Beck – guitar on "Break Like the Wind"
    Cher – co-lead vocals on "Just Begin Again"
    Joe Satriani – guitar on "Break Like the Wind"
    Slash – guitar on "Break Like the Wind"
    Timothy B. Schmit – background vocals on "Christmas with the Devil" and "Cash On Delivery"
    Dweezil Zappa – guitar solo on "Diva Fever"

    The album does not list a track 13, but there is one. 
    Is is a rock album or comedy album? Yes. Serious music and very good guitar by the 3 members. Not really a "Weird Al" of rock, no parody songs. 

    You need to listen for yourself. Enjoy the music and have a good time 

    -Andy 

    Friday, March 20, 2020

    Letters for High School Seniors

    March 20, 2020

    With the Carnivorous, Minnesota State High School League has cancelled all spring sports.

    This is the last thing a high school senior wants to end their career. No last game at home. No final game against your rival. No chance at the state tournament.

    Not to mention the other person goals. For example in baseball. A chance for the school record in Home Runs or Strike Outs for a pitcher. A chance to win over a scout to go to college. Or to finally letter in the sport.

    That brings me to my point. I think that school and the Minnesota State High School League should letter all seniors this season. It is the least that can be done. The student has lost the season and a little compensation would be nice. The letter is a goal all student athletes strive for.

    Is it doing any harm to award them the letter. No.

    I have heard some colleges are thinking of giving students another year of eligibility. Nice for the college athlete. Can't think of one student that wants to go back to high school for another year.

    Small price to pay to make up for a lost season.

    -Andy

    Thursday, March 5, 2020

    Too old for the NBA

    March 5, 2020

    I enjoy watching basketball. High School and College. But the NBA has turned me off.

    The game is fine, but the player attitudes are the part I don't like. That and the marketing. That is where I think I might be too old for the NBA. Which is fine. Aim for your demographics. I am just not in that group anymore. I can live with that.

    I still will follow and watch the game. I just flip channels a lot more during the commercials now then I use to. I don't always get back to the games as fast because, well, I don't have a good reason. Maybe a little bit of they are not looking for me to come back. I am in the 35-54 White Male category. Not one that is high on the list. This group is not buying the shirts, shoes or other items that are advertised during programming. Not a lot of those people are switching over to MASH reruns like I am.

    Advertising is a big part in sports. I understand that. I remember watching all the ads and wanting most of it. Maybe with age, you feel less connected with today's players and the ads don't interest you.

    I remember watching sports with my parents and having to explain ads to them.

    The game is fine. The interest in fading. Seems like the players today are more money orientated and not team orientated. And that is, again, a generation thing.  I remember guys staying with teams and not not asking for a trade every year. Sure you want to win and get a championship, but why not build one where you are? Get skilled players and work with them.

    Again, just an old man ranting

    -Andy 

    Thursday, February 27, 2020

    Getting paid

    Pay now for what has been done.

    Feb 27, 2020

    Seems like players in sports are signing deals for the years they have had, hoping to repeat them . Some have a good career and get bog money based on that and are paid for the name on the jersey in hopes for putting people in the seats. Or bringing their leadership to a team. Kind of like being paid, very well by the way, to help coach or manager.

    Sometimes teams pay a player for the years they have had as a thank you. Or back pay. Others pay one based on what they have done, hope they can repeat or do better then that on a contestant basis. This blows up in the teams faces more often then not. A player may come off the bench for the last few games, do great an then get paid as if that was going to be the way they always preform. This too almost never works out.

    It is because of this that pro sports teams overpay for kids out of college. Hoping they can bring that success to the pro team.

    In Japanese Baseball, your team can win the championship, but if the parent company that owns the team lost money that year, you might get a cut in pay.  I'd love to see the faces of some modern day superstars when they find out they had to take a pay cut. You may do a great job where you work, but if the company does poor, you get little if no raise. Why not in sports? If a team does poorly, no raises. Champions, raises across the board. Not that simple either.

    TV deals help give these teams the money to pay the athletes. Are they worth it? If you ask me, no.  No one is worth that kind of money.

    It's just a game and they get paid this much. That is crazy. Just remember. Movie, TV and those in music are just playing a part or singing a song and they get paid just as much, if not more.

    Enjoy the entertainment they are providing. Worrying about the money takes a lot of the fun out of it.

    -Andy

    Monday, February 24, 2020

    Are the Astros Forgiven?


    Feb 24, 2020

    Are the Astros Forgiven?

    As Christians we are taught Forgive and Forget. If someone wrongs you, you are to forgive them. Sounds easy enough.

    But in sports, some people take things differently. The sin the Astros committed against MLB and its fans, can that be forgiven?

    In time yes. Sports fans tend to hold a grudge towards teams and athletes a little longer then we do towards friends and family. Pete Rose, Steroids, Spy gate and Deflate gate. It took Red Sox fans 22 years to forgive Bill Buckner. On the other hand, it has been 44 years and Viking fans still don't forgive Drew Pearson. Move on Viking fans, move on.

    What the Astros did was, to some purists, unforgivable. Haven't we all come across something that we did or had done to use that was, at that time, unforgivable?

    We all will forgive them in time, I hope. Holding a grudge only causes hard feelings and an ulcer. I once heard a quote "I don't hate anyone. Hate takes too much effort." With that said, the Astros will be forgiven by baseball fans. In time. I only hope it does not effect the game. Meaning I hope that games involving the Astros are played with integrity. Again, the Red Sox moved on. If they can, we should be able too as well.

    It's OK to not be an Astros fan anymore. But don't hold the game responsible. Lets enjoy this season and learn from the past.

    - Andy



    Wednesday, February 19, 2020

    Welcome to the official blog for The Sports and Songs Podcast

    Here we go. Another format for us to discuss our points of view on topics we cover on the show. We may go more in depth here. We may also cover items we did not have time to cover or came up midweek and couldn't wait until Saturday to cover.

    We will stay on the Sports and Songs topics. No entertainment, politics or movie reviews. Unless of course they relate to our topic. We will cover other sports and music topics here. Examples. More album reviews. Concert information. Local sports. High School, town ball, local college.

    We will try and get at least 2 or 3 blogs a week. No set day and time, so check in every now and then. We hope you enjoy this as much as the podcast.

    So, sit back and enjoy. We look forward to comments. Please keep them PG. We have fun here. Yes our opinion is true, but don't take it to heart. So relax and enjoy sports. Enjoy music. Life will be a lot easier if you do.

    - The Sports and Songs Staff