BucFan is Burning : CBSSports.com Blogs

This Just Happened - Rays Historic Comeback

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:44:22 EDT

This just happened. Less than 24 hours ago, the two biggest September collapses in baseball history came to their dramatic conclusions. Three of the four games played Wednesday night were decided in the final inning. The exception; the Cardinals detonation of the Houston Astros. The Phillies eliminated the Braves in the 13th, the Orioles rallied against the Red Sox in the 9th, and the Rays walked off into the Wild Card in the bottom of the 12th.

All kudos go to the Cards for reeling in the Bravos, but I'm here to talk about the other series; the one that was 1/2 a game more epic in the stat book, but infinitely more epic when examined.

The Sox and the Rays absolutely hate each other. No, this isn't the Yanks and the Sox, but let me be very clear, THESE TEAMS HATE EACH OTHER. Got it? Good. We can go back to 2006 where the two brawled in Spring Training after Julian Tavares threw the ball at then-Ray, Joey Gathright (interestingly enough, Gatright was on the Sox roster for their epic collapse). Fast-forward to 2008 and things just get even meatier.

What I want from Orlando's off-season.

Thu, 26 May 2011 21:35:33 EDT

Well, last season sucked. Rashard Lewis for Gilbert Arenas still doesn't matter because Lewis got hurt anyway and it's not like he was playing that great anyway. The other trade was so idiotic it wasn't even funny. Carter for Richardson is a wash although Carter fit us better than JRICH did. Turkoglu and Clark for Pietrus and Gortat and a first rounder was beyond stupid. Turkoglu wasn't even worth Chris Duhon.

So here are some moves that I would like to see this off-season assuming there is one. Some of these moves are based on the old CBA, some are rumored to be in the possible new one.

Use the amnesty clause on Hedo Turkoglu - Hedo is absolutely done. He's not going to get better. He's a waste of cap space.

Try and sign either Greg Oden or David West to the MLE. Both of these guys are coming off of season ending injuries, and Oden is an injury magnet. I think both of these guys would really help us inside. Oden can be a new Gortat, but better when he's healthy, and we can show a look sometimes of him and HOward together and basically make the basket impossible to get to. West can be the post compliment that Dwight needs. We can run dual pick and rolls with Dwight and West, along with pop with West. I really think both of these guys can help us.

NBA Player I'm Cheering Hardest For in 2010-2011

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:11:53 EDT

So NBA training camps are starting up again and we have the usual (recently) favorites in Orlando, Boston, LA. We have a team from the 90s making a resurgence in Chicago. And we have the interior defenseless, Miami Heat and their trio of egos, I mean stars. But out there, somewhere in Cleveland, is a little 6'2-6'3 guard with a chip on his shoulder. He's gone from 6th man to Robin to playoff dud and now he's in the role of "star" for depleted Cleveland Cavaliers. His name, is "Maurice" Mo Williams.

That's right, the player I'm rooting for most to have a breakout season and to really shine this year and do some damage is my main man, Mo. I know that I've spent the better part of two years calling him out, making fun of him at any chance, calling him the worst player in the league, the spawn of satan, and basically every other negative word or combination of words possible. Well, my attitude towards Mo has changed. And let me break it down for you.

Why everyone is sick of Lebron James

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:32:19 EDT

Well, for starters, I'd like to point out that going to the Heat is not a cowardly move, it's not a bad move for him, and actually, it took some balls. He HAD to have known there'd be backlash and he HAD to have known that his individual legacy will never be up on a high level w/ Jordan, or even Kobe for that matter because he just planted himself in the Scottie Pippen role. Miami is, was, and always will be Dwyane Wade's team, and because Wade is one of maybe 2-3 other players that can challenge Lebron as the best player in the game, Lebron just went from a 1 to a 2. So, I admire his move and caring more about winning a ring than individual glory, so kudos to that. If this Heat team does establish a dynasty (which I highly doubt they do, mostly because of Mr. 6's ego), then he will be part of one of the greatest team/dynasties of all time rather than one of the greatest players of all time. At least, that's how I see it, and unless he's a moron, that's how he had to see it. And Magic Johnson calling him out? For christ sake, he played with Kareem and James Worthy. Kareem > Wade, and Worthy > Bosh. So, please, just because you didn't have to leave to find a great situation, don't make it look like you brought that team from ground zero.

The Top 10 NBA Off-season Story-lines 5-1

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:09:14 EDT

Number 5: Who overpays for Carlos Boozer and David Lee? Listen, not everyone playing the Free Agency game this off-season is going to get the Lebron's, Bosh's, and DWADE's this off-season. It's nearly a guarantee that the losers of those sweepstakes will panic and throw ridiculous money at Lee and Boozer. Very similar players actually, Boozer and Lee are both around 6'8-6'9 and have had to play a decent amount of center the last few years, putting them at a huge disadvantage against the trees of the league. However both are very good rebounders who are maximum effort guys that will try and mask their flaws with hustle and hard play. However, both play in systems which have padded their stats some. Lee plays in Mike D'Antoni's run n gun, no defense, try and score 200 points a game system in New York. Nearly all the way across the country, Boozer plays in Jerry Sloan's system in Utah which has always been about getting his PG and PF involved and their numbers. Boozer's back-up, Paul Milsap is arguably the better of the two anyway and he puts up decent numbers off the bench as well. In my opinion, Boozer is best served going back to Utah while Lee won't really have any choice other than to leave New York. In the end, I'm going to bet that..... nah, I'll wait until the end to put this puzzle together.

The Top 10 NBA Off-season Story-lines 10-6

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 0:50:10 EDT

Well, now that the Los Angeles Lakers have won the title, all eyes turn to the 2010 off-season which has been about as hyped as LeBron James was coming out of highschool simply because, Lebron is on the market again. But where does Bron-bron fall on the countdown? Just wait and see.

Number 10: What's Phil Jackson Going to do? I put this in at number 10 because I think this will be the first move to be made and thus the least "story worthy". I also think it's nearly a given that Phil is coming back so again, nothing really to see here. If Phil doesn't come back, where do the Lakers go with their search? Kareem maybe? Pull a Celtics' like move and make Kobe into the coach-player? Byron Scott worth a call? Who knows? Again though, this is basically irrelevant because he's coming back.

The 2010 Offseason for Orlando will be busy.

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:37:33 EDT

As I'm sitting here watching the worst display of basketball in the biggest game of the year by my Magic, I think to myself how different this team is likely to look next year, no matter what the current cap situation is. As great as Rashard Lewis has made Orlando during the regular season, he's shown in Orlando's last two playoff series losses to be a liability late in the playoffs. Against physical play, Lewis will be outrebounded by his counter-part by about 8 or 9 boards, outscored by 6 or 7, or completely out-hustled and out-toughed. This is me venting and assuming that Otis Smith will make a move. Here are the ones I've thought up that I could realistically see happening. I'll throw in one more at the end which I highly doubt, but it's the pipe dream.

All Eyes On Us official Roster

Thu, 06 May 2010 22:23:00 EDT

PG: Penny Hardaway - 4 time NBA All Star, 2 time first team All-NBA, 1 time third team All-NBA, 1st Team All-NBA-Rookies

SG: Julius Erving - 11 time NBA All Star, 1 time NBA MVP, 2 time NBA All-Star Game MVP

SF: Carmelo Anthony - 3 time NBA All-Star, 1 team Second Team All-NBA, 3 time Third Team All-NBA, 1st Team All-NBA-Rookies

PF: Nate Thurmond - 7 Time NBA All-Star, 2 time First Team All-NBA-Defense, 3 time Third Team All-NBA-Defense, 1st Team All-NBA-Rookies

"All Eyes on Us" ATMD roster.

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:00:32 EDT

Round 1: In the first round, we knew we wanted to get a big man to anchor the middle. With Wilt, Shaq, and Kareem all gone, the next logical choice was the 7'0 freak athlete from the Houston Rockets, Hakeem Olajuwon. The dream was a defensive power house along with accumulating arguably the best offensive arsenal the game has ever seen. The "Dream shake" will be on full display.

Round 2: In a deceptive trade with MM, we were able to swap picks in rounds 2-5. I get the better pick in the earlier, more important rounds. With the first pick in the second round, we took another athlete, LeBron James. We now have two guys to run the offense through. One on the perimeter and one in the post. We think having two guys that can play off of each other and take pressure off of each other is important.

I have a SERIOUS question for CBS employees.

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:52:36 EST

Who writes the "summaries" for the featured blogs?

Buc's 2009 Year in Review On It's Way...

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:34:22 EST

Hopefully before you get smashed on New Year's Eve, you'll be able to check it out. Expect it sometime Wednesday night or Thursday morning... It'll be front page epic. Stay tuned

December Madness: College Football Playoff

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:19:40 EST

Well, CBS' college football boards have really become a complete joke, and yes, they still are today, but CBS itself and its college football "writers" have actually done something kind of cool that has totally changed my opinion on college football.

I used to be opposed to a playoff outside of a Plus-1 system, but after seeing CBS' tournament and bracket and the buzz that it has somewhat created, I've totally changed my mind. A 32 or 64 team playoff would be so great for the sport.

You have a team like Ohio State that lost to USC early and pulled a one in a million against Purdue which knocked them out of the race. You have a TCU which got screwed by the system. And you just know a team like Utah, or Tennessee, or Oregon State, or CMU, or Navy, or some lower seeded school that is BOUND to make a run and become a team for people to jump behind. In the BCS, you get whichever Mid-Majors that go undefeated and yet screwed out of the Championship Game. You jump behind the little guy, but for what? To cry at the voters?

Breaking Down Florida-Alabama: Duel in the ATL

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:41:54 EST

Now that Florida and Alabama have cruised (well, Florida at least) through their "Rivalry Game", the stage is set for the game of the year so far next Saturday in Atlanta. The Number 1 Gators will take on the Number 2 (or 3) Crimson Tide in a rematch of last year's SEC Championship game. Alabama, with a revamped offense still maintains its power run game, and Florida, led by Heisman Candidate, Tim Tebow, are coming off of their two best offensive games against FIU and FSU respectively.

Alabama is a ball control team that relies heavily on their power running game and wearing down the other team. The leader of this assault is their own Heisman candidate, running back, Mark Ingram. The 5'10, 212 pound sophomore is coming off of a less than stellar performance against arch-rival Auburn in the annual "Iron Bowl". Even with the disappointing performance, Ingram is still averaging an astounding six and a half yards per carry. Ingram is a bull-dozer of a back that is a beast to take down, and gets many of his yards after contact. He's got a crazy-good motor that has torched top defenses such as South Carolina and Virginia Tech. Where this game really will hinge though for the Tide's offense is the play of their senior quarterback, Greg McElroy. The heralded "game manager" is quietly having a very nice year. He's throw for 16 touchdowns and ran for another. All while only throwing four interceptions on the year. He's coming off of a solid performance against the Tigers in which he completed 68% of his passes for 220 yards and a pair of scores. Florida's main goal will be to stop the run, so McElroy will need to step up against Florida's top ranked secondary.

Happy Halloween - BURN of the Week 10/31/09

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:25:15 EDT

This will be my weekly "wrap-up" on the week that was. I'll usually try and cover a topic from 4 major sports. That includes college. This week, we have NBA, NFL, College Football, and Major League Baseball on the agenda. Let's get started.

NBA There's been a lot of talk about the emergence of Brooke Lopez to challenge Dwight Howard as the best Center in the East. Maybe not this year, but in the future. People say that Lopez' offensive game is much more polished. So polished in fact, that he scored 11 points on 3-8 shooting. Dwight, however, only managed 20 points on 8-11 shooting. Lopez is supposed to be a great rebounder and defender also. So great, he managed as many personal fouls as rebounds: 5 a piece. Howard, on the other hand, managed 22 rebounds w/ only 3 personal fouls.

ATMD Over: I need "Burning" Ideas!

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 2:53:28 EDT

Ok, so I was wrong about the Buccaneers, but that's in the past. My run in the ATMD came to an end about 2 weeks ago, but haven't really felt like putting in a big entry. That Buc piece which shouldve taken about 20 minutes on a good day was stretched over 3 hours of typing then screwing around.

So please, hit me people. Ideas. One thing I was thinking about doing involved a second community member. A weekly or once every other week entry about a topic given by someone else that we both answer. Opposing sides possibly? A lot like Doyel and Freeman, but w/o sucking at it.

Anyone have an idea? anyone want to do my idea w/ me? Hit me up amigos.

Don't Sleep on the Buccaneers

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:40:42 EDT

There's a lot of people doubting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this year. Maybe for good reason, but I'm here to tell you, that this team can be a sleeper for a playoff spot.

Now, I'm not a fan of every, if not most moves that the Raheem Morris/Mark Dominic regime has made. However, this team is still solid going into this next season. Let's look over why I think this team can make a splash or two.

Offensively, there are very few teams with the weapons that the Buccaneers have. Antonio Bryant established himself as a big-time receiving threat last year. Michael Clayton looking for a rebound year. New system, and in great shape, I'm feeling optomistic about him. Throw in a top 5 tight end in Kellen Winslow Jr. Oh, and it goes on. Jeramy Stevens is a stud. He's been a class citizen since arriving here. That's 4 options right there for Leftwich, our one weak link on offense to hit. I know it's a QB, and that's a bad weakness to have, but those weapons should provide some help to cover his flaws.

Fire Gregg Doyel

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:41:47 EDT

Nothing needs to be said. That blogg (clever, d***) picking fun at Michael Beasley's medical condition was absolutely classless.

For anyone who agrees he should lose his job for that BS, shout out and be loud!

Bucs 2009-2010 Fantasy Football Team

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:24:54 EDT

QB: Tom Brady (first round) - New England Patroits

RB: Kevin Smith (third round) - Detroit Lions

RB: Lendale White (fifth round) - Tennessee Titans

WR: Randy Moss (second round) - New England Patriots

Buc's NBA Power Rankings (1-5)

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:45:43 EDT

First, I'd like to start out by saying, this list is going to assume that each team stays healthy. Capice? Ok, let's get down to business.

Los Angeles Lakers - LA is the number 1 spot for a couple reasons. ONE being they're the defending champs and until they either A)start losing or B)another team takes off, they are still the best in the land. Reason two being Ron Artest. Now, Artest is not Artest of a few years back. Why? He wasn't even the best defender on his own team last year. Now, then again, it could have to do with being on the same team as the best defender in the NBA, but we'll get to that later. What Artest adds that Ariza didn't is an intensity factor. Ariza has been somewhat known as a brat. Artest also has shown that he can create his own shot, although, once again against LA in the playoffs, he seemed to forget. Either way, he's still better than Ariza......oh yea, you ever hear of Kobe Bryant? Word is he's pretty good.

Can Someone Explain the Vince Young Hype?????

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 0:37:55 EDT

First let me state that I like Vince Young. I wish him the best with the Titans. The kid's a pretty good talent and a tremendous athlete. I was cheering for them against USC b/c I was sick of the USC hype, specifically Reggie Bush. That lateral, which is the ONLY reason Vince Young is remembered was my second favorite Bush play, behind his lateral attempt against my Buccaneers, which again, happened while his team was running out the clock and again cost his team the game.

However, I don't get why this guy is even in the running for QB of the decade. I mean, I realize it's not all about numbers. If it was, Timmy Chang, Colt Brennan, or Sam Bradford would have won it. However, when you have numbers like this, why do people consider you so freaking great? These are his two years as a starter.

Top 10 Sporting Events I've Attended

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:34:47 EDT

Ok, so last night I was at the Rays/Red Sox 13 inning circus that included 4 solo home runs. An MVP grounding into a double play with a man on 3rd. One team leaving the bases loaded with no body out TWICE, fan interference, and last but not least a walk-off home run. It was a great game, and maybe even the best baseball game I've ever been to. So, it got me thinking. What are the top 10 sporting events I've seen live? Here's my list.

#10: March 17, 2006 (not actual video. Just highlights)

I was on Spring Break when my dad and my friends and their dads decided to take a trip up to Orlando for an Amp'd Mobile Supercross event in the Citrus Bowl. It was and still remains the only supercross/motocross event I've been to in my life and it was a great experience. Going in and really still to this day, the only rider I'd ever heard of was Ricky Carmichael. Unfortunately, Ricky didn't win this race sending me home less happy. A rising star at the time, James Stewart was the winner. We had left the stadium a little bit early to avoid traffic on the hour or so drive back down to St. Pete, but I remember listening to the final call announcing Stewart's victory. I'm not a supercross/motocross fan by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a unique experience in itself and definitely deserving of the top 10.

Miami Heat Roster - DWADE's side-kick

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 0:16:11 EDT

Devin Harris - 8.4 Million

Dwyane Wade - 15.7 million

James Jones - 4.3 million

Tracy McGrady - 22.8 million

Who Sucks More? Florida/Oklahoma/Duke/Kentucky?

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 9:15:36 EDT

I was on Youtube today searching around and I found 4 videos. 3 are essentially copies of each other. The 4th is a tad different. What they are are videos with lyrics to songs changed to show why said school (Duke/UF/OU/KTY) suck. So, this is a little game to see which "you suck" video is better. Vote on video, not school, please.

Florida vs

Oklahoma and

Duke vs

How do you cheer for non-hometown teams?????

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 9:37:14 EDT

This is a serious question. Not calling anyone a bandwagoner or something like that, but I mean seriously, how?

I admitedly tried bandwagoning with the Capitals hockey team. Sorta lost interest b/c I don't get their coverage all the time. All I get is Lightning.

The Hawks are my second favorite basketball team behind Orlando (closest to home). I do consider myself a fan, but it's hard to take them over the Magic just b/c the resources I have for information are all about Orlando so I'm not getting Atlanta news. So, how do y'all do it?

Ideas to get my blog featured on community home??

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:07:04 EDT

I've had 50+ replies on one. No dice. 7 straight with double digits (5 of which were 20+, 1 was 50+) and again, no recognition. A blog calling out CBS writers cant get it done. A fantasy football one w/ double digit replies doesn't.

Help people!!! I need a new idea to get on there b/c I crave attention!...another hottest woman alive? It's been a year almost....or something new????

Freeman and Doyel, CBS' Dumber and Dumberer

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:35:52 EDT

Ok, we all know that CBS's "double trouble" duo has each shared their take on the situation at hand with one Erin Andrews. Yes, I've watched it. Yes, I regret it. Yes, it was a terrible thing for that to happen to her. Anyone who denies that or thinks she was in on it is just a class A MORON. Again, MORON.

All that aside, I would like to take a look at the "real men's" work in this whole situation. Starting with Freeman

Erin AndrewsThe title of Freeman's "blog" post Posted on: July 19, 2009 11:09 pmThat there is the date at which Freeman first posts his "thoughts" of this whole thing. When this was a new story.Whomever taped her through a peephole is a disgusting pervert.

If you watched the illegally obtained video, you are a disgusting pervert.

How to win your fantasy football league

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:40:26 EST

Ok, listen, ESPN, Athlon Sports, CBS, Fox, ABC, w/e. All of them say the SAME thing! Draft running backs. Well, ok, I guess if you have a top 3 pick, they're the most sure things. But, what if you're a later pick? say 8-12? Chances are, the first 6 picks were RB and the next two were Peyton Manning and Andre Johnson. What are you to do? Well, I'm about to explain, but first take a look at my fantasy teams from the past two years. After the first draft.

2007: Creme De La Creme (league champion)

QB: Tom Brady: 50 TDs, 8 INTs, 4,806 YDs RB: Cadillac Williams: 208 YDs, 3 TDs RB: Ahman Green: 260 YDs, 2 TDs WR:Chad OchoCinco: 1440 YDs, 8 TDs WR:Randy Moss: 1493 YDs, 23 TDs WR: Wes Welker: 1175 YDs, 8 TDs TE:Heath Miller: 566 YDs, 7 TDs D/ST: Buccaneers: YPG: 2nd, Sacks: 5th, PPG: 3rd K:Stephen Gostkowski: 21 FGs, 74 EXPs

All-time Greats vs Today's best

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:58:53 EDT

After some arguing with the great one, sir Nugs, I came to wonder. Are the best players ever playing today? If you took a team of today's best players with a few "specialists" thrown in, how do they stack up against an all-time great team with the stars mixed with all-time specialists.

Today's greats: Phil Jackson

Guard: Dwyane Wade

Guard: Kobe Bryant

Dwight Howard over Lebron is GOOD for the NBA

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 2:13:02 EDT

We all keep hearing the fuss over Lebron vs Kobe, Kobe vs Lebron. The media talks about it daily. There are the commercials. Vitamin Water ones where each side explains their points one after another with a montage of video footage and pictures showing the essence of each player, not exaclty their highlights. Then there are the puppets. Kobe and Lebron living together in some hotel. Kobe showing off his 3 chocolate chip cookies (or championship rings). Lebron spraying his baby powder all over the pad. Them playing one on one, and the latest and final installment, Lebron and Kobe babysitting some kid.

Well, guess what? It's all over!

Last night, Superman, Dwight Howard made his mark on the NBA and left Lebron running off with his tail between his legs (literally), setting up a meeting between Orlando and Los Angeles (Battle of the Disneys). Scoring 40, raking down 14 boards, and dishing out 4 dimes, Dwight Howard proved he belonged among the NBA's top players and may have possibly put himself with Kobe, Lebron, and Dwyane Wade.

Dwight Howard over Lebron is GOOD for the NBA

Sun, 31 May 2009 14:02:29 EDT

Dwight Howard is still around." style="float: left;" />We all keep hearing the fuss over Lebron vs Kobe, Kobe vs Lebron. The media talks about it daily. There are the commercials. Vitamin Water ones where each side explains their points one after another with a montage of video footage and pictures showing the essence of each player, not exaclty their highlights. Then there are the puppets. Kobe and Lebron living together in some hotel. Kobe showing off his 3 chocolate chip cookies (or championship rings). Lebron spraying his baby powder all over the pad. Them playing one on one, and the latest and final installment, Lebron and Kobe babysitting some kid.

Well, guess what? It's all over!