02/01/2012 - 03/01/2012 ~ JZ Sports

Thursday, March 8, 2012

March Madness Infographic

Published on: 4:12 PM by Zack Pumerantz - Leave a Comment

Thanks to Ron Schwartz for the brilliant work as usual.

Created by Silver Oak Casino Games. Read the original blog here.

5 MLB Managers Who Will Be on Hot Seat in 2012

Published on: 4:10 PM by Zack Pumerantz - Leave a Comment

5 MLB Managers Who Will Be on Hot Seat in 2012

The life of a manager in Major League Baseball is never one of complete security.

When teams are wallowing in mediocrity, general managers generally aren’t likely to fire everyone on the 25-man roster, so the manager serves as the sacrificial lamb. Oftentimes, it’s not the manager’s fault, but it’s job on the line anyway when his team isn’t performing to expectations.

In 2012, there are a number of managers who will be looking over their shoulders if their teams get off to a cold start.

1. Brad Mills: Houston Astros

The sale of the Houston Astros to businessman Jim Crane was finally approved by MLB late last year. Crane brought in new general manager Jeff Luhnow, and the two decided to retain current manager Brad Mills, in spite of the Astros’ horrid 2011 season during which they lost a franchise-record 106 games.

Mills will likely be on a short leash as the Astros make their way through the 2012 season with a roster of unproven youngsters looking to make their mark. Mills will be judged on how those youngsters develop and grow together as a unit, and if the development starts off to slowly, Mills could be gone in short notice.

2. Dusty Baker: Cincinnati Reds

Dusty Baker is entering his fifth season as skipper of the Cincinnati Reds, and he leads a team with the highest payroll in franchise history ($81 million). Much is expected from the Reds after GM Walt Jocketty upgraded with pitchers Mat Latos, Ryan Madson and Sean Marshall.

After last year’s disappointing outcome following an NL Central Division title in 2010, Baker will be gone if the Reds stumble out of the gate in 2012.

3. Jim Tracy: Colorado Rockies

Despite the fact that Colorado Rockies manager Jim Tracy was given an “indefinite” contract extension last month, no one should think that his job is safe.

Tracy took over from the fired Clint Hurdle in 2009, guiding the Rockies to a playoff berth after being ten games below .500. However, since that time, the Rockies have gotten progressively worse each year, finishing last season with just 73 wins.

The extension certainly looks nice, but GM Dan O’Dowd had no problem jettisoning Hurdle mid-season in 2009, he’ll have no issue doing the same with Tracy if the Rockies again disappoint.

4. Don Mattingly: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers will likely have a new owner in place by late April/early May. With new ownership comes a new way of doing things, and a completely new regime.

Current manager Don Mattingly could very well be on the outs when new ownership hits the ground running, especially if the Dodgers are under .500 at the time.

5. Eric Wedge: Seattle Mariners

With the exception of the 10-year run for Lou Piniella from 1993-2002, the shelf life for managers in Seattle isn’t long. In fact, seven managers have followed Piniella in nine seasons, including current manager Eric Wedge.

Wedge won just 67 games last season with a team loaded with young, unproven players. Wedge’s time in Seattle may not last long either if that young talent doesn’t develop and gel as a team.

This is a guest post submitted by Mike Wright. Mike played all kinds of sports growing up and adamantly follows everything sports now that he is too old to contribute at a high level. He currently works with The Phoenix Bats Company, a company that creates world-class wood bats, such as their famous maple bats, for amateur and professional ball players around the world and loves writing on different sports topics.

Got TV

Published on: 11:26 AM by Zack Pumerantz - Leave a Comment

Contribution by Prince Raymond

I recently saw some great DIRECT TV DEALS advertised in my area so I decided to go ahead and sign up while I knew The Walking Dead was on hiatus. All my friends kept talking about the show and telling me it was so good and that I had to watch it… How can I pass that up? I've always been really into slasher films ever since Scream came out when I was in high school. I can't believe they can show some of the stuff on TV that they are showing nowadays but I guess it's fine by me since the blood and guts really makes for a pleasurable viewing experience if you ask me. In reality I should have gone into the moviemaking business and maybe even done makeup for crazy people on set like the zombies on Walking Dead. I don't know that I would have made as much money into the hours are probably terrible but I probably would have been a lot more fulfilled in my job!

Kevin Garnett Keeps it Real

Published on: 10:38 AM by Zack Pumerantz - 1 comment

From baby-blue suede to purple polka-dotted velvet, NBA analyst Craig Sager's vast collection of suits never fails to baffle his audience. Yet on this night in 2009, our man KG had to put his foot down. His explanation is classic, an absolute burning to be exact. Enjoy.

Online Dating Profiles for NFL Stars

Published on: 4:06 PM by Unknown - 1 comment

A tongue in cheek look at a few of the NFL's stars, and what their online dating profiles would look like. Enjoy.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1074128-creating-online-dating-profiles-for-nfl-stars

Jordan vs. Kobe Scoring Infographic

Published on: 3:02 PM by Zack Pumerantz - Leave a Comment

Thanks to Ron Schwartz from silveroakcasino.com for the always-stellar work.

Created by Silver Oak Online Casino. Read the original blog here.

Ranking the Biggest Bros in the NFL

Published on: 6:58 AM by Unknown - Leave a Comment

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1059736-ranking-the-nfls-biggest-bros

A Bleacher Report slideshow featuring the most brotastic Bros in the National Football league. From overly muscled cavemen to drunken fools, get ready for a Brostravaganza.

Come at me bro!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1059736-ranking-the-nfls-biggest-bros

NFL Logos w/ Peyton Manning's Face

Published on: 10:40 AM by Zack Pumerantz - Leave a Comment

Here is a hilarious collection of NFL logos formed with Peyton Manning's sad face. We'll give you our eight favorite, but believe us they're all worth seeing. Thanks to Dave's Art Locker for the stellar work.