Rare Reads 1-9

I have compiled some interesting articles for you to read when you find some time.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

The first takes an interesting look at the concussion issue and how it manifested itself in the first round of the playoffs.  Gregg Easterbrook is a well known author – but his work in the 7^th and 8^th paragraphs of this piece are really well done. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/tmq140107/the-nfl-playoffs-cold-get-used-it

An interesting look at how writers who keep their ballots secretive after the results of Hall of Fame voting is released adversely affect those players who find their way in. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22531

A quick and fascinating look at how teams in major European soccer are have changed their approach to transfers and the data that they consider in evaluating players. http://worldsport.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/06/big-data-and-footballs-search-for-the-holy-grail/

A simple yet important look at the fledgling world of advanced hockey statistics. http://www.xnsports.com/explanation-advanced-hockey-stats-fantasy-applications/

The conversation around a change in the fixture schedule that players in the major European soccer leagues, particularly the Barclays Premier League, in World Cup years. http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/tacticsandanalysis/id/2445?cc=5901

A young man’s thought process behind the difficult decision to play Canadian Junior hockey or major college hockey, a decision that does not exist to the same extent in other major sports in the U.S. http://blogs.thescore.com/nhl/2012/05/11/my-experience-with-the-choice-between-major-junior-and-college-hockey/

A thought-provoking look at what the MLB trade deadline might look like if players were swapped in a soccer-like transfer method.  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1719118-imagining-an-mlb-trade-deadline-with-soccer-like-transfer-fees

8 to Contemplate – The BCS National Championship Game

So lets get right to it – the first “8 to Contemplate.”  These observations came as a result of watching Florida State’s thrilling victory over Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game.  I would encourage you to read these 8 observations, and then, you know, contemplate them.  Really think about what expanded rosters might do for the NFL game, or how Kelvin Benjamin will translate at the next level.

Don’t forget to interact if, in the course of your contemplation, you have an interesting insight.  If the writer is the only one with the insights, what fun is that?

1. Jimbo Fisher and his coaching staff made all of the correct adjustments at halftime – they not only recruit well, but they can do work on the sidelines.  The second half saw Florida State dominate on offense, defense, and special teams.  They had their players ready to play and prevented Auburn from doing the things that had worked so well in the first half, specifically neutralizing the defensive pressure enough by increasing the tempo and reducing the level of pre-snap shifts.
2. Tre Mason was underrated the entire season and had his team been ranked in the pre-season he would have had a stronger showing in the Heisman race – and may have won it.  Mason carried the ball 34 times for 195 yards against a defense that had not allowed a 100-yard rusher since October and he chewed up yards both between and bouncing outside the tackles.
3. This game – coupled with the SEC Championship Game – showed the importance of special teams, and thus coaching in the college football game.  A coaching staff must prepare their entire team to handle all scenarios (and having an automatic as Roberto Aguayo doesn’t hurt).
4. Kelvin Benjamin will be a very good receiver at the next level.  He uses his frame well to make sure he gets to balls before defensive backs have a chance to knock them away, but he will need to show that he can handle more physical corners at the line at the next level.
5. The offense that Nick Marshall runs allowed him to avoid the “Freshman playing in the National Championship Game” jitters more so than Jameis Winston early, but they both showed them and Winston had a chance to settle down while Marshall’s rust reared its head late.
6. The SEC finally lost – and that is a good thing.  Heading into the new playoff system (good riddance bowl system), any biases aside, a more balanced landscape and thus playoff breakdown will be good for college football as a whole.  Florida State’s victory (as well as Oklahoma’s dominance of Alabama in the Sugar Bowl) allow for voters to recognize the strength at the top of the other power conferences.
7. Timmy Jernigan taking a breather in the 4^th quarter shows the importance of depth in college football and may also signal the need for large rosters in the NFL.  As player safety remains an issue and wanting to ensure that the highest level of football is consistently played, the League should consider larger rosters.
8. The month long layoff between the end of conference championships and the National Championship Game is awful and really sacrifices some of the integrity of the game.

The Return

To my readers,

I am finding my way back to the bullpen.

I will once again be providing information (however insightful or not) related to sports – all sports.  I have decided to primarily provided this information in three methods, each of which will offer a different perspective for the reader:

1.  8 to Contemplate – For events in the sporting world or at key points in different seasons, I will offer 8 observations that will encourage the reader to look at things a little differently or consider how things could be different if changes were made.

2. Rare Reads – This will offer the reader articles, columns, or blogs that I have found particularly interesting.  These will include unique takes on major stories in the major sports, but also information on sports or leagues that you otherwise might not seek.

3.  Individual Insights – Finally (and probably most obviously) since it is a blog, I will offer my own personal insights and takes on all things sports related.  These pieces may include humor, hyperbole, or sarcasm and will focus on statistical or business understandings of those magical things that we call sports (or at least that I do, if you know me, you know there are things I consider sports, and other I do not).

I hope that you enjoy the information provided and interact with me to continually dive deeper.  As always, I welcome suggestions on topics to write about as I am always up for good, new sports conversations.

Happy reading.