I wanted to go baseball today.

I really did.

Honestly, I wanted to go anywhere that was 70 degrees and sunny, but I digress.

The Peyton Manning debate from earlier this week, made me stick with the NFL a little longer.

While watching the Super Bowl, dome buddies and I had a quick debate about where Manning fits into the pantheon of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks.

Is he Top 10? Top 5? Top 3?

We started to discuss it but then something diverted our attention (maybe a Go Daddy.com ad) and we didn’t get back to it.

I’m curious as to whom the majority in here believe are the NFL’s three greatest QBs. I don’t necessarily want an order – just Top 3.

It’s so hard to pick, especially across generations. And I am sure our answers will vary. They should, honestly.

Although, you must be something special if you can stroll in here and not name Johnny Unitas in your Top Three. For the record, my father’s Top Three: Johnny Unitas, Johnny U. and John Unitas. I kid you not.

I’ll be a little more diverse. Cue the criticism.

I’m going with Johnny U., Joe Montana and Peyton Manning.

That means I am leaving out Dan Marino and Troy Aikman and Bart Starr and Terry Bradshaw and Sammy Baugh and John Elway and Brett Favre and a host of others.

I can only pick three. And, honestly, in Montana’s prime, I’d rather have him than any of his contemporaries. And, right now, I say the same about Manning, even against, say Brady or Favre. And I probably say Johnny U. over everyone.

For me, it’s about being the ultimate leader, and leading your team to victory. Yes, you can poke holes in that theory (since Manning has just one ring, etc.) And these are three pretty amazing leaders.

So those are my picks. Name yours.

Daily Think Special: Who are your Top 3 quarterbacks of all time? Why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Greivis Vasquez is playing the best ball of his career -- there's no doubt about that.

Maryland's mercurial senior guard was just named ACC Player of the Week for the second time this year (and sixth of his career) after a 23-point, 7-rebound, 7-assist performance in the Terps 71-67 win over Florida State and 26 points and 11 assists in Sunday's 92-71 victory over North Carolina.

 The guy has never looked more confident setting up for a 3-pointer or driving the lane and kicking the ball out to a teammate for an open look. And the big reason for this? The Terps are running again and Vasquez is getting the ball in the open court, where he excels, as opposed to running a set offense, where he sometimes tries to force things.

 Vasquez and the Terps have also been helped in the transition game with the stellar play of freshman Jordan Williams, the 6-10, 260-pound freshman from Torrington, Conn.

Williams runs the floor really well for a big man -- better than the Terps imagined he could -- and has become a favorite target for Vasquez on the fast-break.

And when Vasquez gets a little out-of-control, as he's prone to do now and then, Williams either yanks the guy out of the game for a few minutes or has Vasquez's fellow seniors Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne talk to him and calm him down.

All of it has combined to make Vasquez a dynamic player this season, one of the very best in the ACC.

The guy was always fun to watch. These past two games, he's been a joy.

Posted by Kevin Cowherd at 8:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Terps
        

The football season is officially over.

I know, for many of you, it ended in mid-January.

Here’s a toast for all of you that couldn’t stand the idea of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, the New York Yankees and the Indianapolis Colts all celebrating championships in a 12-month period.

At least something turned up OK for Baltimore-area fans.

Seven of you had the New Orleans Saints winning the Super Bowl over that blue and white team from Indianapolis. Free drink chips to Dwayne, Justin, Jeff O and Jeff F, E Low and Steve 119. Kevin in Iraq gets two drink chips for his backdoor jinx that stung the Colts.

And the free tab for the week goes to … wait for it … good old Rich, who had a 38-19 Saints win (just edging E Low’s 38-20 call). Congrats to Rich for a win in our last Prediction Friday of the NFL season. I’ll let you light up a cigar, Rich, if you promise it’s just a cigar.

Anyway, it was a good game and a fine evening. The post-game shot of Drew Brees lifting his son up with the confetti floating down was classic, though it wasn’t my favorite moment of Sunday involving a toddler.

I am still laughing about the E-Trade commercial with Lindsey the Milkaholic (milk-a-what?) You know a commercial is genius when it is more entertaining than Betty White and Abe Vigoda being tackled in a Snickers’ ad – which was almost impossible to top.

But E-Trade’s Lindsey the Milkaholic did, in my opinion. Yes, I am a simpleton. I admit it.

Anyway, we’ll take one more swipe at the NFL before we move on to baseball this week. The biggest play of Super Bowl Sunday was the Tracy Porter interception and return that sealed the New Orleans Saints’ victory.

Yes, the onsides kick was huge, but if Porter doesn’t make that play, the Colts are still in position to at least tie the game.

The funny thing is, it’s been debated as to whether Peyton Manning somehow diminished his legacy by throwing that pick.

I say he just proved he was human, showed that he was not invincible. I think he was one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history before that and will remain that way.

Quarterbacks throw interceptions, it happens. That’s my thought, anyway.

But I guess I understand why some would suggest that by doing it on the biggest stage at a crucial moment hurts Manning’s legacy and his status at one of the best ever. I don’t buy it. But maybe you do.

Daily Think Special: Did Peyton Manning’s crucial interception in the fourth quarter Sunday damage his legacy?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

There are lots of things to admire about Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams.

 One is the obvious passion he brings to the job. The guy lives and breathes to coach hoops. Another is his unwavering devotion to his players -- he never, ever throws them under the bus after a bad game and goes after anyone in the media who does.

A third is the emphasis he places on teaching during games -- when the Terps do something wrong on the court and you see Williams yelling at the poor guys on the bench, he's actually explaining (not in a gentle way) what went wrong and how to avoid it.

But for all his strengths as a coach and all the things he's accomplished, you wonder why he so often seems so joyless doing his job.  Even after the Terps emotional 92-71 demolition of North Carolina Sunday at Comcast Center, Williams couldn't -- or wouldn't -- crack a smile.

From his demeanor after a win, you sense Williams is feeling a lot of things: relief, exhaustion, vindication, pride.

But hardly ever joy. Not on the sidelines, not in his post-game courtside interview with Terps broadcaster Johnny Holliday, not in his remarks to the media later.

It can be puzzling to witness. And a little sad, too. After all the years in coaching and all the wins and even a national championship, you'd think he'd loosen up a little -- especially after a great victory like the Terps enjoyed Sunday.

But he hasn't. And maybe he never will.

 Maybe that's just asking too much. 

Posted by Kevin Cowherd at 1:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Terps, Today's Special
        

We’ve talked about Baltimore’s great announcers -- which was one of the best discussions we’ve had in this place in a while.

And we’ve talked about that horseshoed team in the Midwest, and how most of you -- besides Jack and his island barstool -- want them to lose violently on Sunday.

But now it is time to usher in the final Prediction Friday of the NFL season.

If you are just stopping by for a quick cocktail, this is how it works: Predict the score, the winner/loser and the hero of the game (in this instance, the Super Bowl MVP).

Whoever is closest will receive a free fake cyberdrink tab for the week, and let me tell you, those are coveted.

Here’s my call: I agree with most of you. I can’t bring myself to root for the Colts. It’s just in my Baltimoron DNA (yeah, I said Baltimoron again). So go Saints, I suppose.

That said, I think the Colts are going to win. I think it will be a great game, and likely somewhat of a shootout. But I think the Colts’ defense is just that much better than the Saints. So I say 35-31 Colts.

And my MVP?

Reggie Wayne with three touchdown receptions and 100-plus yards.

Now, take your best shot. We’ll leave this up through the big game.

Daily Think Special: Prediction Friday: Colts-Saints

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

The word from the advertising world is that this will be a banner Super Bowl for funny, clever commercials -- if you're into that sort of thing, and I am.

There's already a huge buzz about a steamy new GoDaddy spot featuring race car vixen Danica Patrick. The Budweiser Clydesdales will be back and Doritos will unveil a spot called "Keep Your Hands Off My Momma!" that features a little kid schooling his mom's randy new boyfriend about  dating etiquette and, um, snack chip etiquette, too.

 But the commercial everyone seems to be talking about is CareerBuilder's hysterical "Casual Friday" spot, which you can preview here. It revolves around an office full of full of employees wearing only their underwear -- this is not a pretty sight -- a damning indictment of what could happen when Casual Fridays attire becomes a little too casual.

 Me, I'm a huge fan of the E-trade baby commercials. And a new one will apparently be unveiled Sunday night as well, featuring a different talking baby who's apparently younger -- what, just out of the womb? -- and hipper and even more knowledgable about how you can build up your portfolio.

You might have to wait for the game to run to the kitchen and get another beer.

Posted by Kevin Cowherd at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

At the end of an interview I had earlier this week with Cal Ripken Jr., for a story that will appear on Sunday, I asked the Hall of Famer about his thoughts on the Super Bowl.

Ripken will be in attendance, and as a Baltimore-area native and young professional athlete when the Colts moved away in 1984, I wanted to know who he would be rooting for: After all, Peyton Manning is Ripken’s kind of athlete and he’s been to a Ripken charity event in the past.

But it is the Colts.

Ripken, in perfect Ripken form, laughed and dodged giving a straight answer. Mr. Aberdeen, Mr. Oriole is too smart to bite on that one.

He said he really isn’t sure what he’ll do. He said he had the same thought when he watched the New York Giants and the undefeated New England Patriots play a couple years ago. He was there and was asked all week which team he was rooting for. He said he didn’t know until the Giants got a first down in the fourth quarter and Ripken heard himself say, “Yeah.” That’s when he realized he was rooting for the Giants.

So he figures that moment of realization will come Sunday. Boy, is that guy good.

And I get his point. In a way.

I am a bit torn about Sunday. It’s impossible not to have respect for Peyton Manning; he really is among the best ever. And he’s so gracious when talking about Johnny Unitas, that even the bitterest Baltimore Colts fan has to begrudgingly like the guy. And he had absolutely nothing to do with the Mayflower vans – neither did any of his teammates.

That said, he’s a Colt and we all know that history and that ownership. I realize it has been 25-plus years, but it is tough to completely let go. Listen, I’m no longer 14, I don’t hate Indianapolis anymore. But hatred versus not wanting them to win another Super Bowl are separate things, right?

The good news for the Bitter Baltimorons is that the New Orleans Saints provide a worthy team to cheer for. They have never won it. And that city sure could use the positive vibes. So you can mask your hatred with a soft heart for the Saints.

Several Baltimore-native friends of mine this week have debated what to do on Sunday: Do you root against the best quarterback of a generation simply because of the uniform on his back?

My answer is probably. I can’t wait for yours.

Daily Think Special: Does Peyton Manning’s presence alter your feelings about the Colts?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

I'll tell you, you can't get anything past the NFL honchos these days. Lose your cool as a league employee and flip off the fans these days and you can get in big trouble.

Well, sort of big trouble.

 Depending on, you know, who you are.

I say this because Rex Ryan, that nutty, lovable (well, to some) New York Jets coach was just fined $50,000 for flipping off rowdy Dolphins fans at a mixed martial arts event in Florida last weekend.

According to the New York Daily News, that's roughly the equivalent of one week's pay for Ryan, who signed with the Jets for $11.5 million spread over four years.

But Bud Adams, the nutty, lovable (well, to some) owner of the Tennessee Titans, was fined $250,000 by the league for flipping off Bills fans at a home game last season.

Why the kid-glove treatment for Ryan? Who knows? Because he didn't flip someone off at a game? Because what he was really saying with that raised middle finger was "You're no. 1!" to those Dolphin fans?

Because it was just Rex being Rex again?

The NFL isn't saying. But I'll bet Bud Adams' lawyer is on the horn to the league offices right now asking what gives.

Heck, do the math. That 50 grand fine means Ryan can flip off fans four more times before he has to shell out what Adams shelled out.

That has to be of some comfort to the big guy.

Posted by Kevin Cowherd at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The announcement of Jon Miller as the 2010 Ford C. Frick winner for outstanding contributions to baseball broadcasting got me thinking.

Who is my favorite Orioles’ announcer of all time?

This is a tough one for me. First, I have to exclude the guys who were TV-only. Many did great jobs, but it just isn’t the same as radio. That’s a special deal, in my opinion.

Ever since I can remember, my father listened to games on the radio. He’d be grilling in the backyard or fixing something in the basement, and the O’s game would always accompany him.

That became ingrained in me. Nowadays, I must admit, I rarely listen to the Orioles’ radio broadcasts. I am at most home games and a chunk on the road. When I am away from the team, I am usually at my house, and the game is on TV.

But that’s not to say I don’t listen to baseball on the radio anymore. I have a 50-minute ride home from the stadium after every game at Camden Yards, so I invariably listen to a West Coast game or two on my satellite radio.

It’s fantastic to hear other teams’ announcers, especially when I get the treat of Vin Scully with the Los Angeles Dodgers and, of course, Miller with the San Francisco Giants.

Because Baltimore has been blessed with such amazing baseball announcers over the years, the fan base might be a bit spoiled. I have heard a contingent of fans complain about Joe Angel and Fred Manfra, from time to time.

As I said above, I don’t get the opportunity to listen that much to Joe and Fred because of my job. And since I consider both men my friends, I am not fully objective. But I listen to a lot of other teams’ guys, and I really think the tandem here in Baltimore is excellent. I challenge you to listen to New York Yankees radio broadcasts, for instance, and not come away with an appreciation for Joe and Fred. Just my opinion.

Anyway, back to my original thought. Who is my favorite? I am stuck right in the middle of a generational argument. (Sort of like: Cal or Brooks?) To me, the voice of Orioles baseball -- and, really, the voice of summer -- is Chuck Thompson. He taught me the game when I was eager to learn it. And so I’ll forever think of Chuck when I think of summer barbecues and transistor radios hidden under pillows. (Bill O’Donnell should be mentioned here, too, but my memory of him is shaky since he died when I was 12.)

Then there’s Jon Miller. He was the perfect baseball companion for the teen and 20-something, especially when the Orioles stunk. He could make a terrible Orioles game fun – and that’s not easy to do. (Joe Angel is a master of doing that now.)

So, really, I am torn by my own question. It’s like choosing between your kindly grandfather and your crazy uncle. Both were tremendous in their own ways.

I guess I will say my favorite was Thompson, because that’s when I was in awe of baseball. And baseball on the radio was something more than just entertainment.

But it’s close.

I want to know where you stand. Don’t tell me who you think was the best Orioles announcer. I want to know your favorite. And, yes, there is a difference.

You can use TV announcers, too. But I won’t.

Daily Think Special: Who is your all-time favorite Orioles announcer?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (133)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

If you follow baseball at all, you've known for years that Jon Miller is a special talent. Me, I'd listen to the guy read the contents of a soup can. Now Miller, the luminous voice of the San Francisco Giants and ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball who spent 14 seasons as the play-by-play announcer for the Orioles, has been honored as the 2010 winner of the Ford C. Frick Award for his major contributions to baseball broadcasting.

I still remember the moment the guy won me over. This was back in the late 80s. It was April and a freak snow shower was pelting Baltimore as I drove up the JFX, listening to Miller call another O's game on the radio.

Then I heard it:

 "Warming up in the bullpen for the Orioles, that's Donner the right-hander and Blitzen the lefty," Miller intoned.

I laughed so hard, I almost drove off the road. It was the perfect line for a surreal scene. And that was Jon Miller behind the microphone: knowledgeable and respectful of the game, but witty and irreverent, too, always eager to have fun when the situation presented itself.

Luckily, it presented itself often during his 14 seasons here. Veteran radio guys speak in awe of Miller's dulcet voice -- one of his old play-by-play partners once said Miller had "the best set of pipes God ever gave an announcer.

Continue reading "Jon Miller: the voice that got away" »

Posted by Kevin Cowherd at 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (39)
Categories: Orioles, Today's Special