Yurkdog Radio

Pete Carroll: Goodbye Southern California, Hello Seattle

2010-01-08T20:55:00.002-08:00

[Originally published on BleacherReport.com]

If Pete Carroll plans to return to the NFL via the Seattle Seahawks’ coaching vacancy, it will not be because Pete wants to prove he is better than the 33-31 record he accumulated during his first time in the league.

Or because the Seahawks will grant him full-fledge power over player personnel, on-field decisions and the like.

Or even because his contract with the Seahawks will be much more lucrative than his current salary at USC.

Instead, Pete Carroll will leave the paradise that is Southern California and Trojan football because, quite frankly, the university’s football program is more problematic than paradisiacal.

USC is no longer a shoe-in to win the Pac-10, play for a BCS bowl game and finish in the AP Poll’s top five, like it did for seven straight seasons before the Trojans’ most recent campaign.

From top to bottom, the Pac-10 has become exponentially more competitive over the last handful of years. After all, USC’s last nine regular-season losses have all come at the hands of conference foes.

Outside of the Pac-10, there is a multitude of up-and-coming programs—both from BCS and non-BCS conferences—which has created even more of a struggle to qualify for a BCS bowl game, especially in the wake of non-BCS teams being eligible for BCS postseason play (see: Boise State and TCU). A few years ago a BCS conference school was deemed superior to that of a non-BCS conference even if the latter had a better record at season’s end. Today, it is essentially a leveled playing field whether or not you belong to a BCS conference.

And then there is the Trojan team itself, which has more question marks than a text message from a valley girl—“Hey, like, what’s, like, up?????????????????”

How will USC handle next season’s reality that it will not be favored to win the Pac-10, or even end the season in the conference’s top three after last year’s fifth-place finish? Will the offense be able to bounce back after a season in which it lacked creativity and explosiveness? Will quarterback Matt Barkley be as effective now that two of the Trojans’ best offensive playmakers—running back Joe McKnight and wide receiver Damian Williams—are off to the NFL? And how will USC deal with the loss of preseason All-American safety Taylor Mays, who was the heart and soul of its defense?

Carroll is no stranger to these questions. He is well aware that USC’s supremacy out West is slowly but surely on the decline, and he also knows cross-town rival UCLA is inching closer to serious contention in the Los Angeles college football arena.

The real question is: Will Pete Carroll be as successful during his second stint in the NFL as he was throughout his nine-year tenure at USC?

Because we all know he is headed back there.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Baron Davis: Captain of the Clipper

2010-01-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

[Originally published on BleacherReport.com]

Sometimes a team hands its adversary the game on a silver platter, all but begging its foe to take it. Other times the opponent just snatches the W from mid-air, like an experienced rattlesnake feasting on its naïve prey.

Wednesday night’s Los Angeles showdown between the Lakers and Clippers was of the latter variety, with the Clippers being the beneficiary at the building both teams call home.

In doing so, the Other Team In LA snapped a nine-game skid to its cross-town nemesis, thanks in large part to an exceptional performance by Baron Davis, who poured in 25 points and 10 dimes, his ninth double-dip of the season.

Davis was assertive early and often, picking apart Derek Fisher like his life depended on it. He played under control and took what the defense gave him; he made plays both for himself and his teammates; and best of all, he performed like the superstar for which Clippers fans have desperately longed.

If nothing else, this game was about the dominance of Davis, and not his apparent deterioration, which typically has been the case throughout his tenure in LA.

That, or he received the memo that 2 points on 1-10 shooting—his totals in the season-opener against the Lakers—is not going to cut it, whether the defending champs or a D-League squad is in the house.

The doubt with Davis has never been based on his ability—at least skill-wise. Instead, the predominant problem resides with his mentality, a mentality that has generally lacked a willingness to win at all costs, to assume the leadership role time and again, and to be the guy rather than just a guy.

He has shown glimpses of being great (see: his game-winning buzzer beater against the Celtics less than two weeks ago), but as of now the only thing consistently great about Baron is his beard.

This week it was announced that No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin is nearing his NBA debut, which could very well create a two-headed basketball monster in LA.

But as long as Baron Davis dons blue and red, the Clippers will rise and fall at his expense.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Los Angeles Lakers Must Solve Their Depth Dilemma

2009-12-28T06:46:00.000-08:00

[Originally published on BleacherReport.com]

With a combined 10 titles, 15 all-star selections and numerous all-NBA nominations, the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting five is without question the most lethal lineup in the NBA.

But when the second unit is called upon to supplant the starters, you might as well have your stress ball in-hand.

On Friday’s Christmas Day collapse, L.A.’s bench was the subject of scrutiny yet again— and for good reason. The Cavalier reserves outscored those of the Lakers, 31-17, including 19-2 in the first half. Truth be told, L.A.’s bench has been outscored 184-96 in five losses this season.

The Lakers’ bench, however, is not their problem. Instead, L.A.’s problem is the inability to find a viable medium between a near-flawless starting five and a subpar supporting cast.

For one, it is simply unrealistic to expect the bench mob to produce the same results as the current starters, especially when you replace two superstars (Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol), a lockdown defender (Ron Artest), a potential all-star (Andrew Bynum) and a gritty veteran (Derek Fisher) with a bunch of unproven players who, aside from Lamar Odom, are no less expendable than the truth is to a politician.

Naturally, there is going to be a considerable decline in production.

So how can Phil Jackson employ a more balanced attack rather than the “all in” approach he has used thus far?

It starts with benching Andrew Bynum, who has taken a major backseat to Pau Gasol since the Spaniard returned from a hamstring injury that sidelined him at the start of the season.

For whatever reason . Intimidation? Lack of touches? Not enough room to operate? Bynum has proven to be much less comfortable with Gasol on the floor.

While his numbers are indicative of this—the 22-year-old’s averages have dropped almost five points and four rebounds in wake of Gasol’s return—Bynum’s passive play and overall lack of involvement on both sides of the ball are more mind-boggling than his drop-off in stats.

By delegating him to the bench, Bynum becomes the second unit’s primary low-post option, a role in which he flourished while Gasol was out for the first 11 games, when he posted 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots per game. Furthermore, Bynum's presence will open up the floor for Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown and even Sasha Vujacic if and when Bynum commands a double-team.

So with whom do you replace Bynum?

I’m glad you asked. Lamar Odom.

In theory, L.O. is your prototypical sixth man. He can play power forward or point forward, which creates matchup problems for most opponents, and he makes plays for both himself and for his teammates equally well.

But in reality, Odom has struggled as the Lakers’ sixth man. Since being designated back to the bench now that Gasol has resumed his starting role, Odom’s minutes have expectantly decreased, causing a shift in his MO.

Instead of allowing the game to come to him and playing within the offense like he was accustomed to doing as a starter—when he nearly averaged a double-double—Odom has been caught between trying to do too much on some nights and not doing enough on others since coming off the bench.

By reinserting him into the starting lineup, Odom provides the Lakers with more spacing in the triangle offense, a three-point threat (at least compared to Bynum) that will make opposing defenses second-guess sending a double-team to Bryant and Gasol, a player who can go coast-to-coast on any given possession and a defender who is effective both on the perimeter and in the paint.

Sure, the Lakers have won 16 of their last 18 games on their way to a Western Conference-best 23-5 record, but they are just 3-4 against the West’s top eight teams. And unless they can discover an equilibrium from beginning to end, starters to subs, the Lakers may win some battles, but they certainly won’t win the war.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Tiger Woods: Booking It

2009-12-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

[Originally published on BleacherReport.com]

Tiger Woods wrote a book, did you hear?

It is called, “How to Completely Mismanage Your Life after You’ve Been Caught Committing Adultery—For the World’s Richest Dummies.”

And he wrote it to supplement the money he is losing from his suspicious sponsors, some of which have flushed him down the toilet like he is the byproduct of a stomach-wrenching meal. That is how knowledgeable Woods has become on this subject.

You would assume that, with the amount of dinero he has pocketed since turning pro in 1996—Woods has been the PGA Tour money leader nine times, not to mention his numerous endorsers which derive from almost every sector of the economy—he could find the right people to give him the right advice, like verbally acknowledging his mistakes and vowing to become a changed man.

Aside from that quivering voicemail Woods left one of his now-countless mistresses, we have yet to hear from him. Instead, all he has done is publish written statements with perfect English and perfect wording—like “transgressions” and “infidelity,” two words half of America probably had to look up in the dictionary—that embody the seemingly perfect person he was once perceived to be.

Guess what Tiger, you are not perfect. No one is. Wake up and smell this realization. In fact, don’t just smell it. Cut it up and snort it so you can feel it in your icy veins. And once you have done that, come out from behind your website and fess up.

But no, Woods is too much of a wimp to face the public and admit his imperfections. He can pump his fist in victory and throw his clubs in frustration like Mr. Testosterone, but when it comes to confessing his faults, Woods is hiding in the thickest of rough, nowhere to be seen.

Some say he should appear on Oprah. I say: spare us. Unless he wants to be called Panda Woods for the rest of his life.

Others suggest he should start with “60 Minutes”. I suggest he files a restraining order against anyone who has any relation to CBS. “60 Minutes” is more cliché than the saying, “Money can’t buy you love.” (Well, on second thought, it probably can’t—just ask Elin.)

Tiger, if you are reading this, do yourself a favor and call your own press conference. Invite every media outlet who plastered your fist-pumping, red-shirt flaunting self on their newspaper, website, TV airwaves or magazine when you won one of your 71 PGA Tour events. Invite every sponsor, past and present, that placed their financial future in your hands. And most importantly, invite Elin.

Invite Elin because, even if she declines your invitation, at least you can tell us that you wanted to issue her the apology she deserves, that you wanted to promise her you will pour all of the time and energy into being the husband of husbands and the father of fathers that you used to pour into being the golfer of golfers.

And then answer the questions, the who, what, where, when, and why’s—because those questions will never go away, even if you decide to keep quiet for the next five years.

After all, you are Tiger Woods, the first billion-dollar athlete, which is essentially code for: The greatest athlete of all time. You transcended golf from a white man’s game into a multiracial sport. You are known by people who have never even picked up a golf club, simply because at one time your endorsements ranged from American Express to Accenture, two companies that have absolutely nothing to do with golf—or any other sport for that matter.

And to sum it up: You had extramarital sex with perhaps as many women as you have emerged victorious in Majors (14). People do not forget things like that. We may forgive you for them—and probably will—but only after you come forth with the truth. And nothing but the truth.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get going.

I have a book signing to attend.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Fishing for a Sidekick

2009-12-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

[Originally published on SportsTalkBuzz.com]

Batman has Robin, Mario has Luigi and Kobe Bryant has Derek Fisher, his under-the-radar sidekick who has been through the trenches and title runs with him from day one of his NBA career – literally.

Bryant and Fisher were both drafted in 1996, Kobe by the Charlotte Hornets and Derek taken 24th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.

After Bryant was traded to Los Angeles, they instantly developed a friendship and would eventually become great teammates and even better friends, despite Fisher’s brief stints with the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz from 2004 to 2007.

Off the court, Fisher served as Bryant’s crutch during his 2003 sexual assault case. Bryant mostly kept to himself during those tough times, but when he needed a confidant, Fisher provided that support system.

Fisher’s support, however, has largely been levied on the court.

In 2007, Fisher returned to Los Angeles after the Jazz admirably granted his request to be released from his contract in order to relocate to a team and city that would have the “right combination” of specialists to help fight his daughter’s rare eye cancer. That summer, the Lakers signed Fisher in hopes of calming down the then-furious Bryant, who asked to be traded after the Lakers were bounced from the first round of the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

Even though they would go on to lose in the Finals the following year, the Lakers emerged as the favorite to win the West in the 2008-09 season with a full year of Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza, as well as a healthy Andrew Bynum. And that is exactly what they did, en route to their 15th Larry O’Brien Trophy and Bryant and Fisher’s fourth ring together.

While Bryant won his first Finals MVP award that season, it was Fisher who knocked down two clutch threes – one to send the game into overtime and another with 30 seconds left in the extra session to break a tie – sealing Game 4 and paving the way for the series-clinching blowout in Game 5.

Two weeks ago, with the Lakers down four at home against the Heat, Fisher nailed a trey that cut Miami’s lead to one with just over four seconds remaining in regulation, setting up Bryant’s game-winning, three-point circus act that extended the Lakers’ winning streak to eight games.

And then on Wednesday night in Milwaukee, a double-teamed Bryant deferred to his wide open partner-in-crime, who calmly knocked down a jump shot to give the Lakers a 95-93 lead with half a minute to go in a game the Lakers would ultimately win on Bryant’s overtime buzzer-beater.

Amid his aforementioned assault case, his feuds with Shaquille O’Neal and his transition from a teenage NBA player to a world champion, MVP and Olympic gold medalist, Bryant has come a long way in hopping over the “All-Time Greatest Players” fence.

Without Fisher there to give him a boost, Bryant may still be struggling to get over it.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Golf's Major Disappointment

2009-12-13T22:12:00.000-08:00

By now you’ve probably heard about his single-car accident during the wee hours of the night following Thanksgiving, his extramarital affairs that keep surfacing like grass after it’s been fertilized and the latest of all, his indefinite hiatus from the PGA Tour.

Yeah, that’s right, Tiger Woods is taking an indefinite hiatus from professional golf, the sport that paved the way for him to become the overwhelmingly-lucrative athlete he is today.

Prior to his decision to take a leave of absence, I really could care less about this story. Heck, people get in single-car accidents and have affairs all the time – big deal. But then Woods announced his sabbatical from golf, and suddenly I care more about this story than I do about getting a much-needed haircut.

I’ve never been one to judge public figures as people because, just like you and I, they’re not perfect. Do I agree with some of their decisions? Of course not, but I understand their imperfections, just like I understand my mother’s questionable and at times nerve-racking driving. After all, she’s a Goff Girl (translation: my mother and her sister, both of whom bear the maiden name Goff, are notorious for being subpar drivers). Instead, I judge public figures on why they’re in the limelight. In this case, Woods is a public figure because he’s the greatest golfer – and arguably athlete – on Earth. Thus, I judge him on what he does with a golf club, not what he does with his you-know-what.

Now Woods won’t be playing on the PGA Tour anytime soon, and that’s what bothers me.

It bothers me that Woods, amid his “transgressions” and “infidelity,” seemingly never took the time to realize how he became the world’s first billion-dollar athlete, how he had his own type of Gatorade – you know, the most recognized drink in all of sports – and how he worked his way into the “Greatest Athlete of All-Time” conversation. But most importantly, Woods seemingly never took the time to realize the crater-like impact he has on the game of golf.

Other great players in other professional sports have come and gone, and the transition away from those players has been rather seamless. For instance, the NBA continues to thrive even after Michael Jordan’s two retirements. But without Woods, professional golf merely returns to the group of irrelevant sports, which includes Canadian football, bog snorkeling and toe wrestling. (Yes, bog snorkeling and toe wrestling are actual sports.)

Woods was once the picture-perfect athlete: the ultimate competitor, a philanthropist (see: the Tiger Woods Foundation) and a family man whose relationships with his parents, especially the one he had with his father, are well-documented. He dominated golf so much that, when he didn’t play on the PGA Tour, TV ratings fell 50 percent.

During his hiatus professional golf will surely suffer, but at least the drop-off is mutual, because Tiger Woods is half the man he used to be.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

NFL Week 14 Picks - Jennifer vs. The Yurkdog

2009-12-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

Jennifer's Picks:
New Orleans over Atlanta
Denver over Indianapolis
Minnesota over Cincinnati
Dallas over San Diego
NY Giants over Philadelphia
San Francisco over Arizona

The Yurkdog's Picks:
New Orleans over Atlanta
Indianapolis over Denver
Minnesota over Cincinnati
San Diego over Dallas
NY Giants over Philadelphia
Arizona over San Francisco

'A' for Effort

2009-11-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

[Originally published on SportsTalkBuzz.com]

If the beginning of the 2009-10 season for the Los Angeles Lakers was a school exam, it would be a take-home quiz comprised of multiple choice and true-false questions.

Up to this point, eight of the Lakers’ first 14 opponents currently have losing records, and two of them are just one game above .500. To put dressing on the salad, they’ve won their last six games by almost 18 points per contest (and by “contest” I mean cake walk).

But like a take-home quiz counts toward the final grade, the Lakers’ 13-3 start counts toward their record at season’s end, a record that could determine home court advantage throughout the playoffs for them (see: last season’s championship run) or for their potential Finals opponent (see: their 2007 title tailspin) should they reach that round for the third straight year.

While some of their true tests don’t begin until a few weeks from now – when the team embarks on a five-game road trip – the Lakers are wisely taking advantage of their favorable schedule, much like most students utilize a take-home quiz to improve their grade.

For one thing, Phil Jackson can straighten out his crooked bench, which has struggled to maintain large leads and keep Mr. Momentum in purple and gold. Furthermore, Jackson has time to establish a consistent rotation now that Pau Gasol is back from injury.

What’s more, Lamar Odom – who is averaging just six points, six rebounds and three assists since retreating to his sixth-man role in wake of Gasol’s return – can use the next handful of games to figure out how he can be more effective as the second unit’s go-to guy.

But perhaps the greatest advantage of playing inferior opponents at the start of the season – not to mention hosting 17 of the first 21 games – is the ability to rest veterans like Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and Ron Artest during most of the fourth quarter (if and when the Lakers are handily defeating teams late in the game), thereby preserving their legs and limiting injuries for the second half of the season, which features an eight-game roadie at the end of January and 11 of 15 games in March away from Staples Center.

Sure it’s hard to accurately assess the Lakers as it pertains to the long-run, just like it’s hard to assess a student’s overall performance based on a take-home quiz, even if that student achieves an A on it.

But as far as I’m concerned, an A is an A – and that’s exactly what the Lakers have earned thus far.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Once the 'Answer', Now a Question

2009-11-26T01:22:00.000-08:00

[Originally published on SportsTalkBuzz.com]

If you look at his accolades alone, Allen Iverson is one of the greatest players of his generation.

For starters, he was named Rookie of the Year after being drafted number one overall by the76ers in 1996. Then, during the 2000-01 season, A.I. averaged 31 points per game en route to his second of four scoring titles, notched the league MVP award and almost singlehandedly took his team to the Finals. What’s more, his resume also includes 10 all-star selections – two of which concluded in MVP honors – and three All-NBA first team tallies.

Pound for pound, Iverson may be the most successful scorer in NBA history (his 24,020 career points are good for 17th all-time), and while it’s impossible to tangibly measure heart and desire, it’s also impossible to question whether or not those of the Answer are up there with the best of them.

But as much admiration and respect as I have for Iverson and his “Leave it all out on the court” mentality, A.I. deserves to be in the “Greatest Players of His Generation” discussion as much as George W. Bush deserves to be in the “Greatest U.S. Presidents in the Last Century” debate.

In basketball you’re primarily judged by the number of rings on your fingers, not the number of individual awards hanging on your wall or in your trophy case. Either Iverson never got that memo, or his legacy means about as much to him as physical abuse prevention means to Rihanna.

You see, Iverson has always had the talent it takes to win a ring – or three – but it’s his me-first, team-last attitude that has been his biggest burden throughout his 14-year career. That, and his unwillingness to adapt to the team’s needs, embrace its philosophy, make personal sacrifices and do everything else that characterizes an NBA champion, let alone a champion in any team-oriented sport.

Everywhere Iverson has played – Philadelphia, Denver, Detroit and most recently in Memphis – he has never bought into the team concept, which the sport of basketball is basically all about. Unlike football and baseball, you have a small number of players who play both offense and defense. And everyone has a defined role: the go-to guy (or girl), the lockdown defender, the beast on the boards, floor general, the shot-blocker, the spot-up shooter, the low-post threat – you get the point.

Championship-caliber teams have players who are both willing and able to adapt to the team’s needs, embrace its philosophy and make personal sacrifices. For instance, on the Lakers, everyone and their neighbor knows that Kobe is the go-to guy – including Ron Artest, who played that role on the Kings and Rockets (at least when Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady were both sidelined). Accordingly, Artest has become Los Angeles’ lockdown defender, allowing Kobe to save more energy for the offensive end – and as a result, the Lakers are an even better team now than they were a year ago. (Scary, I know.)

On the 76ers, there was never a shadow of a doubt that Iverson was the go-to guy. That was what the team’s needs called for and that was what the role in which he excelled. But when Iverson was traded to Denver three years ago, head coach George Karl needed him to be the floor general (AKA a pass-first, shoot-second point guard) since Carmelo Anthony already was the designated go-to guy. Iverson was incapable of meeting Karl’s needs, the Nuggets never reached their full potential and the Answer’s career from there on out was questionable at best.

Yesterday it was reported that Iverson plans to announce his retirement from the NBA – this coming after he signed a one-year deal with the Grizzlies, which resulted in a three-game stint and subsequent mutual termination of his contract. After being left unclaimed on waivers, the Knicks were rumored to have interest in signing Iverson as a free agent, but less than a week later word out of New York was that he isn’t the answer to any of the Knicks’ many problems (pun intended).

Allen Iverson used to be an all but guaranteed future Hall of Famer. Now, the Answer’s once-rightful place in Springfield, Mass. is in serious question.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

In Need of a Pau-Wow

2009-11-18T00:52:00.000-08:00

[Originally published on SportsTalkBuzz.com]

Last week, Pau Gasol’s early-season absence wasn’t exactly an immediate cause for concern.

After all, the Lakers dismantled the upstart Phoenix Suns on Thursday night en route to their 7-1 start and sixth straight win, Andrew Bynum returned from a minor injury to tie his then-season highs in points (26) and blocks (3) during that game, and the bench mob supplemented the starting five with an average of 42 points in each of the previous three contests, including the aforementioned.

Also last week, Phil Jackson joked that Gasol could be out until Christmas.

While it may have been funny then, Lakerland certainly isn’t getting the last laugh now.

On Friday the Lakers were walloped in Denver, only to come home two days later for an upset special courtesy of the Houston Rockets. In those two embarrassments they were outscored by a combined 46 points in the second half alone.

(Let that marinate for a second.)

Then tonight, it appeared as though the Lakers’ championship form had resurfaced. Instead, they let their 28-point stranglehold slip to seven, gave the fans a reason to stay for the remainder of the game and realized that there are still plenty of wrinkles to iron out.

Like Derek Fisher’s age, which is becoming more apparent than Rush Limbaugh’s political party affiliation. On Sunday Rockets’ point guard Aaron Brooks lit up the Lakers for 33 points, his new regular-season career high. (Last season he stung the Lakers for his playoff career high of 34 points.) Simply stated: Brooks made Fisher look like he was about ready to enlist in an old-age home.

The rotation also is a glaring weakness. With the injury bug continuing to prey on Purple and Gold (the latest: Luke Walton’s pinched nerve will sideline him for at least six weeks), Jackson’s second unit has to shoulder more of a load – a load it has struggled to carry time and again.

Now 8-3, the Lakers will welcome the Chicago Bulls to Staples Center on Thursday night, a game that may feature Gasol’s regular-season debut. But we’ve been hearing that from Lakers camp for some time now – that the he may lace them up next game. If he doesn’t, the Lakers will be without the Spaniard for a 19th consecutive game, counting the preseason.

In that case, the Lakers – as they say in Spanish – “a falta de pan, buenas son (las) tortas” (will just have to make due).

Written By Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Look Out: Bynum-ite!

2009-11-15T00:27:00.000-08:00

[Originally published on SportsTalkBuzz.com]

Friday night marked the ninth straight game Pau Gasol missed due to his once-minor, now-mysterious hamstring injury that has sidelined the Spaniard since Oct. 9. At this point, who knows when the two-time all-star will return?

But really, who cares?

The Lakers – winners of six of their last seven – are 7-2 behind the Black Mamba’s league-leading 31 points per game, including three 41-point performances. They’re averaging 110 points in those six wins after falling short of the century mark in their first two contests.

And that’s just scratching the surface. If you dig a little bit deeper, you’ll notice that Andrew Bynum is quickly coming into his own.

Now in his fifth season, the 22-year-old has posted 20-plus points on four occasions and double-digit rebounds in all but one of the seven games he has played. His 21.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game rank second and first, respectively, among all centers. But Bynum’s most impressive stat, perhaps, is his +26.43 efficiency rating, which is fifth-best in the entire league, not to mention tops for centers.

Unfortunately for Bynum, knee injuries have hindered his last two campaigns, resulting in 79 regular-season absences during that span and leading to inconsistencies in his overall performance – or lack thereof. For instance, in those two seasons he combined for only 34 double-doubles in 85 games. To add insult to injury (no pun intended), Bynum was essentially a non-factor throughout last season’s playoff push when he failed to record double-digit rebounds in any one game and totaled less than 10 points in 18 of 23 outings.

So which Andrew Bynum will emerge this season? The promising big man or the injury-plagued tease?

Whether he continues to blossom or otherwise withers, I can promise you one thing: With the resurgence of the Celtics, Lakerland will definitely care.

Written By Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Week 10 NFL Picks - The Yurkdog vs. Maria

2009-11-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

The Yurkdog and Maria are tied, 9-9.

The Yurkdog's Picks:
Kansas City over Oakland
Green Bay over Dallas
New England over Indianapolis
San Diego over Philadelphia
Pittsburgh over Cincinnati

Maria's Picks:
Oakland over Kansas City
Dallas over Green Bay
Indianapolis over New England
Philadelphia over San Diego
Pittsburgh over Cincinnati

Kobe vs. LeBron, Not Kobe and LeBron

2009-11-11T02:13:00.001-08:00

[Originally published on SportsTalkBuzz.com]

I recently read an article that suggested the Cleveland Cavaliers trade LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers for the youthful but promising Andrew Bynum.

This isn't the first time I've heard the orgasmic Kobe-LeBron tandem talk and I'm sure it isn't going to be the last.

But I'm also sure Kobe and LeBron will never don the same uniform aside from that of Team USA.

Unless you've been scuba diving for the past few years, it's no secret that – whether the Cavs win their first-ever Larry O'Brien Trophy, fall short of the playoffs or finish somewhere in between – King James will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

Depending on how the Cavs conclude the season will dictate LeBron's future with or without the franchise. I see it shaping up in three potential ways: (1) The Cavs win the title and LeBron immediately re-signs with Cleveland; (2) the Cavs advance to the Finals but lose for the second time in four seasons – in this case, the chances that he re-signs are a coin flip: 50/50; and (3) the Cavs fail to make the Finals and LeBron vacates the premises faster than a mother and her newborn child would vacate a burning building.

Since the third scenario seems most likely at this point, LeBron's top prospects appear to be the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets. It is well-documented that he loves the bright lights and basketball mecca atmosphere of Madison Square Garden. Plus, he's always wearing that damn Yankees hat. But really, New York's roster isn't anything to write home about, let alone mention during cooler talk. And with next season's salary cap plummeting even more than it did this season, the reality that the Knicks will be able to sign LeBron and another free-agent superstar without significantly going over the cap is quickly becoming a fantasy.

Then there's New Jersey, an organization with few attractions besides the team's relocation to Brooklyn and rapper Jay-Z, minority owner of the Nets and LeBron's good friend.

Regardless, neither franchise puts LeBron in prime position to rack up championship rings.

Which is what continues to stir the "Kobe and LeBron together on the Lakers" pot.

There's no shadow of a doubt that the two would make a dynamic duo, as well as that LeBron's first of probably many titles would be everything but gift-wrapped and guaranteed.

But here's why LeBron will never become a Laker as long as Kobe is still around: Kobe was the best all-around player when LeBron entered the league. Everyone including LeBron knew that. Now it's a toss-up, but Kobe has one distinct advantage: Since they've been in the league together, Kobe has made it to the Promised Land. LeBron hasn't.

And trust me, LeBron doesn't want Kobe's help in getting there.

Written By Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Week 8 NFL Picks - The Yurkdog vs. Maria

2009-10-29T21:42:00.001-07:00

Maria leads the Yurkdog, 6-5.

The Yurkdog's Picks:
Baltimore over Denver
Philadelphia over NY Giants
Detroit over St. Louis
Miami over NY Jets
Minnesota over Green Bay

Maria's Picks:
Denver over Baltimore
NY Giants over Baltimore
St. Louis over Detroit
Miami over NY Jets
Minnesota over Green Bay

2009-10-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from all of us at Yurkdog Radio!

Don't be spooked this year by a full moon.

Week 6 NFL Picks - The Yurkdog vs. Maria

2009-10-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

The Yurkdog's Picks:
NY Giants over New Orleans
Green Bay over Detroit
Philadelphia over Oakland
Seattle over Arizona
Atlanta over Chicago
Denver over San Diego

Maria's Picks:
NY Giants over New Orleans
Detroit over Green Bay
Oakland over Philadelphia
Arizona over Seattle
Chicago over Atlanta
San Diego over Denver

From Contenders to Favorites

2009-10-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

There’s a reason the Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez and the Angels’ Vladimir Guerrero hit cleanup in the batting order: They’re dominant hitters and they come through in the clutch.

But entering Game 3 of their respective divisional series, Manny and Vlad were both blanketed by opposing pitchers – at least by their standards. Through the first three games, Ramirez doubled once in eight plate appearances and Guerrero singled twice in six. Other than that, nothing: no home runs and no RBIs. Still, both their teams held a 2-0 advantage.

Perhaps this isn’t too much of a surprise if you consider their regular-season numbers relative to the successes that the Blue Crew and Halos each achieved. The Dodgers won the NL West and secured the league’s best record despite Manny’s modest .290 batting average, 19 home runs and 63 RBI in 104 games, while the Angels prevailed in the AL West and landed the second-most Major League wins even though Vlad played in just 100 games while batting .295 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI.

Game 3 for the Dominican sluggers, however, was a return to the norm – and a semi-needed sigh of relief for both clubs. Ramirez’s first-inning, two-out double gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead, and his seventh-inning, two-out RBI single was the icing on the cake as Los Angeles swept their second straight NLDS. Meanwhile, Guerrero undoubtedly came up with his biggest hit of the year: a ninth-inning, two-out single that plated two runs, put the Angels ahead, 7-6, and ultimately marked the first time Los Angeles of Anaheim defeated Boston in a playoff series.

Before both teams swept their divisional series, the Dodgers and Angels were simply contenders. Now, they may just be the favorites.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Dodgers-Angels Headed on a World Series Collision Course?

2009-10-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

On 16 occasions a World Series matchup has featured two teams from the same metropolitan area, beginning in 1906 with the Chicago teams and most recently at the start of this decade in New York.

Currently, number 17 is becoming more imminent by the day, as both the Dodgers and Angels have a 2-0 stranglehold in their respective Division Series.

The two squads have faced off 74 times – the Angels lead the all-time series, 41-33 – but never in October. Heck, this is only the third year that they have made the playoffs in the same season.

But while both teams have plenty of work cut out for them before such a series can be realized – the Dodgers may have to face the Cardinals’ Cy Young-caliber duo of Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright again, and the Angels would have to contend with the Yankees’ home-field advantage should each team advance to the ALCS – the thought of a Dodgers-Angels World Series certainly is intriguing.

For starters, the Dodgers and Angels each have experienced remarkable seasons. The Dodgers lost slugger Manny Ramirez to a 50-game suspension for supposed steroid use, yet still finished with the best National League record. Meanwhile, the Angels suffered a fallen teammate in the form of pitcher Nick Adenhart who was part of a fatal car crash, yet they still went on to win 97 regular-season games, second-most among both leagues.

The Weaver brothers – Jeff and Jered – would also add some flavor to substance. Veteran Jeff has been a reliable spot-starter and long-relief pitcher for the Dodgers, while young Jered (the Game 2 ALCS winner) is an up-and-coming starting pitcher with a promising Angels future.

If that isn't enough, five Angel coaches donned Dodger blue during their playing days: manager Mike Scioscia, bench coach Ron Roenicke, hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, first-base coach Alfredo Griffin and third-base coach Dino Ebel.

The off-the-field matchup is noteworthy as well. Owners Frank McCourt and Arte Moreno both resided in other states before buying the Dodgers and Angels, respectively, and both have spent considerable amounts of money to improve their ballclubs and thus generate success.

Sure we are only two games deep into postseason play, but if I were commissioner Bud Selig I just about would be on my hands and knees, begging the baseball gods for the first freeway series in Fall Classic history.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

The Los Angeles Slumpers

2009-10-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

The Dodgers are slumping faster than former President George W. Bush’s ratings during his second term in office.

Despite securing a playoff berth for the third time in four years last Saturday, the Blue Crew concluded their final road trip of the 2009 season with back-to-back losses in San Diego and finished the entire roadie with three wins in nine games – the last four of which they were dismally outscored, 25-7.

Andre Eithier looked like a batboy rather than the team MVP he has been for a large part of the season, as he went 1-29 on the trip. Manny Ramirez’s average dipped below .300, and the supposed slugger has belted just one homerun in his last 15 games. Jon Garland, who many thought would be the savior of a pitching that still is without a true number-one starter, lost both of his starts to teams (Pittsburgh and San Diego) that started looking forward to next season before the all-star break hit.

Earlier this week manager Joe Torre said this squad is the best at “forgetting yesterday” that he has ever managed. But as the Rockies – winners of their last four games and eight of their last 11 – come into Dodger Stadium tonight for a season-finale three-game set that will decide the NL West pennant, the only thing the Dodgers are forgetting is how to win their division.

Written by Josh Hoffman, Yurkdog Radio Producer

Kurt Warner - Hall of What?

2009-09-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt that Kurt Warner is one of the greatest feel-good stories in the history of the NFL...to go from bagging groceries to Super and NFL MVP is truly amazing!

With a story-book career, many think Warner is a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He's a 2-time NFL MVP (1999 & 2001), Super Bowl XXXIV MVP and the conductor of the "Greatest Show on Turf"...not to mention the numerous passing records he possesses.

But (and you knew this was coming)...what separates Warner from the other great QBs? One thing...inconsistency. Unlike the other greats, Elway, Manning, Marino, Brady, etc., when Warner is bad, he is really bad! If you don't believe me, just ask the St. Louis Rams. Take last Sunday's game vs. the Colts for example...Warner vs. Manning. What happened...Peyton Manning controlled his team, made great decisions and showed the poise and composure of an elite QB. Warner, on the other hand, was a complete debacle...missing open receivers (overthrew wide-open Fitzgerald for TD), poor decision-making (the horrible interception prior to the half), the 28-yard sack and the overall inability to keep his team under control. Like me, many of you were wondering when Matt Leinhart was coming into the game.

This is exactly why Kurt Warner should not be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame...because for as incredible as he can be, he is often equally as bad. His untempered play ran him out of the St. Louis and New York and will end his career in Arizona. Don't get me wrong, Warner has had a great career, but it's the inconsistency that leaves him short of greatness. Let's not forget...it's greatness and only the best that belong in the HOF.

The Dynasty Continues

2009-09-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

Once again, the men of Troy prove that their dynasty is timeless. With a true freshman quarterback and the loss of All-American Taylor Mays early in the game, the Trojans escaped a dogfight by capping off a clutch touchdown in the final moments to stun the Buckeyes and their 90K+ fans in the Horseshoe to bring home yet another big win for USC Trojans...18-15 last Saturday night.

It was a hard-fought, physical battle...reminiscent of an NFL game (although USC would be a 7 point favorite over 1/3 of the teams in the NFL). Pete Carroll proved once again that he a big game coach and USC rises to the occassion when it counts.

Look for a letdown this week when the Trojans visit Seattle to play the upstart Huskies with their new coach, former USC assistant coach, Steve Sarkisian. I am not saying that the Trojans will lose, but it will be closer than the experts think. Look for the best offensive player in the Pac 10, Jack Locker, to run wild against the Trojans defense. In the end, USC will pull off the victory 41-27.

Rock the Kazmir!

2009-09-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

Tony Reagins, you are my "Angels Idol". Tremendous accolades goes out to Reagins and the Angels Front Office for pulling off highway robbery by stealing Scott Kazmir from the Rays. Scott Kazmir is perhaps the missing piece that Angels need to sure up their rotation.

In his first start with the Halos (yesterday), Kaz goes 6.1 innings with 3 hits, 1 earned run and 8 strikeouts. Unfortunately, he gets the loss...because the Angels bats were chilled by Felix Hernandez.

Yesterday's start was a great sign of the type of pitcher he can be and is EXACTLY what the Angels needed as they move into the final stretch run.

Kudos Tony Reagins!

Angels big bats cannot deliver

2009-08-26T11:45:00.001-07:00

Tuesday at home vs. the Tigers...bottom of the 9th down 5-3 and with runners at 1st and 3rd and nobody out, the Tigers closer, Fernando Rodney, who has been shakey all year, had his back against the ropes. After giving up a single Figgins (on a 3-2 pitch), followed by a walk to Abreu, here come the "big" Angels' bats in Torii Hunter and Vlad Guerrero. And what do they do...true to form, they start swinging for the fences, after promptly down 0-2 (swing, swing) and failed to drive in a single run. In that situation, what would the Game's other great hitter do? That's right...they would see a few pitches and allow the closer the struggle, but NO, not Torii Hunter or Vlad Guerrero.

It's this kind of anxious approach that has killed the Angels the past 5 years and it all stems from Vlad Guerrero. If the Angels are going to get to the next level, it will have to be without Vlad's bat. Leave his free-swinging spirit to some other would-be contender. I felt bad for the other Angels players last night because this poor effort was a complete unprofessional approach by the supposedly the Angels top two hitters.

With the starting pitching struggling (Lackey two poor starts in a row) and the bats seemingly anxious, it's hard to see this team getting out of the first round of the playoffs. Sorry my fellow Angels fans.

Yurkdog

Knock, knock...who's there?

2009-08-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

It's me, The Colorado Rockies. The Colorado Rockies who? The Colorado Rockies...who are only 2 games behind the Dodgers and gaining fast!

With the best pitching in the history of their franchise, the Rockies, under Jim Tracy, are surging in the NL and holding the lead in the Wild Card and closing in on the NL West...only 2 games behind your, beloved LA Dodgers.

Next to the Cardinals, the Rockies are playing the best baseball in the NL including back-to-back dramatic wins over SF and LA. This team is loaded from top to bottom and I believe, at the very minimum, that they will win the Wild Card and...if things continue, they'll blow past the Dodgers in the NL West.

What do you think?

He's back!

2009-08-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

I can hear Frank Caliendo now in his John Madden voice..."hey now, hey now...my Brett Favre is back!"

Can you believe the circus that is going on in the NFL? It's a crazy league when the two most popular figures are Brett Favre and Michael Vick. Brett Favre is making a circus with his status in the NFL and he's brining the Vikings into the ring as well. I've read everything from he's tarnshing his legacy to the Vikings will win the Super Bowl. What's the real scoop?

The answer is...SO WHAT! People are giving Favre a hard time because he's retired, then he's unretired, retired again and finally unretired. SO WHAT if he's indecisive, so are most of us. How many times have you waivered on something important in your life? Getting married for example...some of you after many years are probably still waivering on this decision. What to eat for lunch...how often do you find yourself perplexed about what you're going to have for lunch? Vacations...often one of the hardest decisions to make.

Ok...you get my point. It's a tough decision for a professional to hang up his spikes and for Favre, SO WHAT is he keeps changing his mind. I think it's great drama to have him back and I am looking forward to Minny @ GB on 11/1/09.

However you feel about Brett Favre, one thing is clear...he sure is entertaining!

Big Series for the Dodgers

2009-08-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

With the Dodgers holding only a 5 game lead over the Rockies and 5.5 games over the Giants, the upcoming series with the Giants is crucial. It could very well decide the NL West. If the Dodgers are able to take 2 of 3 from the Giants, it would give them a cushy 6.5 game lead. It will be tough as the Dodgers will be without Chad Billingsley and they'll have to face the reigning Cy Young Award Winner Tim Lincecum on Wednesday. Lincecum coming off his worst outing in 2 months Friday vs Cincinnati will look to get back on track with his exceptional pitching at SBC Park.

But don't forget the Rockies. Quietly, this team is emerging as one of the best teams in the NL. They are very consistent from top to bottom and it will be a dogfight to hold for the Dodgers to hold off the men from Coors Field.

Dodgers vs. Brewers

2009-08-05T00:28:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that the Dodgers have not played well the past 2 weeks, but tonight the Blue Crew busted out 17 runs on 18 hits including another big night from the most underrated player in MLB, Matt Kemp. Kemp went 4 for 5 with 5 RBI to lead the Dodgers to their biggest offensive output this year.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the game was the "game within the game". It started in the 7th inning with the Dodgers holding a commanding 12-3 lead when Chris Smith hit Manny Ramirez with breaking ball. This was followed in in the top of the 9th with two out on none on when Guillermo Mota drilled Prince Fielder with fast ball. As Fielder walked to first base, he stared down Joe Torre. Mota was ejected immediately by home plate umpire, Lance Barksdale. We'll see if any of this carries over in tomorrow's game.

Inaugural Show

2009-08-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

Yurkdog Radio makes history with its inagural show on Thursday, August 6, 2009 live from the am 830 KLAA studios at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, CA. Listen live on am 830 KLAA or via the web at http://www.am830klaa.com/. The show airs from 8-10pm. Don't miss our on this special event!

Welcome to Yurkdog Radio

2009-08-03T21:02:00.001-07:00

Hello Sport Fans!

Welcome to the all new Yurkdog Radio...bringing fans the truth about sports. This is a new sports radio talk show airing Thursday nights from 8-10pm pst on am 830 KLAA in Southern California hosted by longtime sports fanatic, Kevin Yurkus. This is a unique sports radio show that is dedicated to the fans and promises to bring the community the best in sports and life each and every week.

You can listen live by visiting http://www.am830klaa.com/. Sit back, relax and tune into am 830 KLAA every Thursday night from 8-10pm for Yurkdog Radio.