Florida State League: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

By Bowen Hobbs

44th & Goal is back with the eighth part of its 14-part series, The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly. This week, we will look at the Florida State League. Like every other league within the world of Minor League Baseball, certain teams understand the power of branding, while others need a push in the right direction. Let's take a look:

The Good

Charlotte Stone Crabs: The Stone Crabs are a relatively new team, replacing the Vero Beach Devil Rays before the 2009 season. The Stone Crabs, like their predecessor, worked closely with the branding of the parent club Tampa Bay Rays. Their primary logo consists of a blue crab standing on a Stone Crabs wordmark. They also use two cap logos with Rays-inspired typography and a standalone crab logo. Anytime you can take one of the worst graphic identities in Major League Baseball and carve a great Minor League identity out of it, you know you've done your job.

Clearwater Threshers: The Threshers' identity is the work of Plan B Branding and they couldn't have done a better job. Within the primary logo, you have a shark closing in on a ball below a custom wordmark with a shield holding shape. The primary and alternate cap logos feature a shark in a C shape, while the batting practice cap logo adds a bat. The jerseys use an arched version of the wordmark from the primary logo. Overall, one of the better identity sets in Minor League Baseball.

Fort Myers Miracle: The Miracle had used this logo since 1992, but will be entering the 2011 season with significant changes including a much more scenic logo and new typography. In addition, they have revamped their cap logo and uniforms. The island feel of the new typeface adds some character to the set. It's a good update to a solid identity package.

Lakeland Flying Tigers: I realize there are reasons for using the parent club's moniker. There can be a lot of equity in relationships with the Yankees, Braves, or Cubs. The Paw Sox advertise the Sawx of tomorrow. But how does one go about presenting the team's relationship with the parent club while maintaining an identity of its own? The Flying Tigers are one example. While using the Detroit squad's color scheme and general theme as a starting point, the A-ball club added its own twist to make the team name even more relevant to its fan base. The alternate logo pays homage to the city's World War II history, as does the team's alternate cap (the standard one is the same but without the brim decoration) and jersey number typography. While I don't like brand borrowing, this is well thought out brand incorporation.

The Bad

Brevard County Manatees: Admittedly, a manatee is a tough animal to work with. Their general ability to fill in for the Blob on short notice is a challenge to anyone tasked with trying to develop an identity based around them. But unfortunately, this is not the complete answer. While I like the intention of covering up most of the manatee's body, wouldn't it make more sense to eliminate it and focus on the creature's head, where most of its definition is? Maybe add an accent reminiscent of the tail within the typography… The team's cap logo is also problematic as the typeface of the BC is too thin to handle the mass that people associate with manatees when they see the animal. And really, navy and red? With the Threshers, Cubs, Miracle, Cardinals and Yankees also in the Florida State League, why not try something different?

Dunedin Blue Jays: Brand borrowing. Plain and simple. Just take the bird from Toronto's logo and shove it next to a D. I do like the Dunedin adaptation of the script though. Also, the choice to follow the parent club and use black as the team's primary color despite being named the Blue Jays is a mistake.

Palm Beach Cardinals: The High A affiliate of St. Louis uses the parent club's colors and logos. They have their own PB mark though. It's not the worst brand borrowing design in the Florida State League.

The Ugly

Daytona Cubs: At this point, are they just keeping their logo to be ironic? Is this a baseball logo or an an for Budweiser from 1987? There are better ways to work this the 1980s and the Cubs. Or they could try something really classic. Maybe they should craft an identity from their BP cap logo…

Jupiter Hammerheads: This is what happens when you cram 15 pounds of design into a 5-pound bag. While the Jupiter and Hammerhead wordmarks are duking it out for attention, the the lighthouse and the hammerhead are competing in the middle of the "composition". They couldn't even get the cap logo down to two elements. It wouldn't be as bad if any of the elements matched each other. And what's the point of the red lighthouse? Neither the red nor the lighthouse help the design in any way. Then we have the type. While the Jupiter wordmark could be decent if it wasn't overstylized, the Hammerheads wordmark looks sloppy and doesn't work with the script of the Jupiter wordmark. It's as if someone took something they liked from four different identities and smooshed them into one mess of color and form.

St. Lucie Mets: As if rehashing the New York Mets graphic design wasn't bad enough, St. Lucie went a step further and slapped together a clip art palm tree and a streaking sun-ball with a Mets wordmark. It's a six color logo. It really only needs to have three colors: blue, orange, and green. The hat logo is even worse. I didn't know Nickelodeon had a minor league team. Seriously though, the tL combination doesn't fit against the S. And the streaking ball behind it doesn't help. There has to be a better way.

Tampa Yankees: Sometimes you come across an identity that really says something. That's what I thought when I came across the Tampa Yankees identity. But what did it say? Afterthought. From the tacked-on block letters of the Tampa script to the fact that the T and Y in the cap logo aren't integrated into one mark says that there wasn't very much effort out into this. With all the money the Yanks have to throw at players, maybe a fraction of that could go to creating a timeless identity for years to come. Just sayin'.

In Other News… The Air Force Academy looked very patriotic in the Independence Bowl… Tulsa had the island mentality during the Hawaii Bowl… The Pacers have been wearing a mistake all year… The Knicks and Bulls got into the holiday spirit… The Cardinals were a sea of red against Dallas… The Rams went all-navy, as did the Broncos… With the free fall the Dolphins are in, maybe they should try something other than wearing all-white at home… Why can't the Bengals wear this full time?

Designer's Corner
As I mentioned (or ranted) earlier, the Jupiter Hammerheads have an amalgamation of mismatched parts the they've visually duct taped into an identity. The first thing I did was streamline the identity. No mroe splashes of red, no more lighthouse. The primary logo is actually fairly stark, using a Hammerheads wordmark in combination with a revised fish hook J. The Jupiter wordmark was re-rendered into a subordinate typeface so it no longer competes with the Hammerheads wordmark. The alternate marks include a standalone J and a circular logo featuring a hammerhead shark with a basbeall cap. The typography combines a traditional script with the added touch of barbs in the letterforms that resemble the end of a fishing hook. Many of the cap options utilize the hook J, but the bases come in a variety of colors and patterns. Some of the caps use the hammerhead logo as well. But my personal favorite cap is the wraparound shark head cap, complete with toothed brim. The home and away uniforms use simple black type with teal piping that is wavy on the sleeves. The home alternate features a teal jerseys with the hook J in black, while the road alternate uniform is all-black. Alternate 3 relies on subtle silver pinstripes and Alternate 4 features a two-tones shark-inspired jersey with gills on the shoulders.


Feel free to leave a comment about the graphic identities of the Florida State League, the Hammerheads concept above, or anything sports branding related.

Game Thread, Week 16: Carolina Panthers

The last time these two teams met, Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 86 yards, and Manny Sanders had 66 yards receiving. Tonight, I'd just settle for a win and no injuries.

Isn't the Point of a Uniform to Be Umm…… Uniform?

By Bowen Hobbs

With the unveilings of the Indians' and Nationals' new uniforms in November, I started to think about the concept of matching. I've always been of the opinion that a team's brand should be as consistent as possible. And yet, three of the four major sports have examples of inconsistency. I do also enjoy alternates that differ from the norm, but I believe a team only needs one of those, if any, depending on the sport.

When I say matching, I'm referring to a team's primary home and away uniforms matching in their general templates. For example, the Cleveland Indians use a placket piping scheme on their "primary" home uniforms, but use sleeve trim and a line of neck trim on the road jerseys. Furthermore, the homes use a script with multiple outlines, while the roads use simple, single-outlined block letters. The Tribe's home alternate cream uniforms would work far better as the primary home option, despite the lack of matching v-neck and sleeve trim.

The Nationals went through great lengths to make their home uniform and two alternate jerseys consistent with two-color placket piping and sleeve trim, but the road uniforms use a three-stripe v-neck trim. I understand using the full Washington script, but if you are going to re-do the trim style of the other three jerseys, why not finish the job? Although other teams use two-color trim, only the Nationals use two-color placket piping.

But home and away uniforms not matching is nothing new in MLB. Just ask any pinstriped team not named the Rockies. (White Sox, Twins, Yankees, Cubs, Marlins, Astros, and Phillies) The Twins used to have pinstriped road greys, but traded them in for relative anonymity. And the Yankees are even nicknamed the "Pinstripes"! Wouldn't a pinstriped road uniform make sense? Maybe some of these teams should think about demoting their pinstriped uniforms to home alternate status.

The NHL has a few teams with inconsistency between the home and road sweaters. The Thrashers (home/away), Blackhawks (home/away), Oilers (home/away), Wild (home/away), Canadiens (home/away), and Rangers (home/away) all show significant differences between white and dark jerseys. The Thrashers are a menagerie of mismatched design elements, while the Wild and Oilers can't decide whether they want a modern or an old school look. The Blackhawks, Canadiens, and Rangers all ahve striping inconsistencies.

The NFL only has three teams with different templates. The Bears and Giants have different striping patterns while the Cowboys are a total mess. Some teams add a splash of color (Cardinals, Bengals, Bills), but the overall template of the uniform is the same. The NBA is amazingly consistent in this regard, as every team's home and away uniforms use the same template. However, the Cavs routinely wore various jerseys that were alternates, throwbacks, and fauxbacks when LeBron James played there.

The main reason that the home and away uniforms should be consistent is that it builds a brand. However, many of the teams I mentioned have a long tradition wearing the two different looks (Canadiens, Giants, Rangers), but why not adapt the team's more established looks to unify their sets.
In Other News… The Bucks wore the red fauxbacks in LA last night… The Ravens wore all black on Sunday, while the Cardinals opted for red pants on the road… The Vikings added to the throwback atmosphere of playing outdoors by wearing throwbacks… The Chargers wore their powder blue alternates last Thursday… The Dolphins wore white at home again, this time against the Bills… The Bengals went 1.5-o-chrome against the Browns… Virginia Tech is going with an orange helmet for the Orange Bowl… Turns out ugly sweaters aren't just for grandmas anymore. They're starting to become a holiday tradition in minor league hockey…


Designer's Corner
This week, I decided to work on a uniform concept for the University of Arizona Wildcats. Arizona has a very strong mark in its A. The existing wildcat logo needs a touch-up, and that is exactly what I did to it. I made the lines crisper and outlined the mark in red to unify it with the rest of the set. The Wildcats also have a wordmark based logo which was upgraded from this to this. While it is a good logo on its own, I felt it needed to be re-styled to match the rest of the identity package. With that in mind, I developed a new desert logo with typography consistent to the rest of the package, including the A logo. The numbers play on the Old West theme, a nod to Old Tuscon. For the uniforms, I wanted to keep a version of the Wildcats' signature helmet striping. The jerseys and pants feature striping that reinforces the helmet striping, as too many teams in college football have helmets that stylistically do not match the rest of the uniform. While the jerseys come in navy, white and red, the helmets and pants only have navy and white options. I could have added red, but I did not feel it added much value to the brand.


Feel free to comment on the uniformity (or lack thereof) of sports uniforms, the Wildcats design above, or anything sports branding related.

Game Thread, Week 15: New York Jets

Yeah, this is a really, really big game. And Ryan Mundy (!) will be reprising the role of Troy Polamalu.

Learning To Like A New Sport

I've been a fan of Arsenal and the English Premier League for five months now. The quick backstory: after being unimpressed by anything I saw in the World Cup, soccer fans encouraged me to follow the EPL. They promised a much more exciting and higher quality brand of soccer than that of the WC--so I promised to pick a team to follow for an entire year and really try to get into the sport.

I chose Arsenal because they were good, but not the best. They would be on TV every weekend. There was a great book written about their history--Fever Pitch--which I read and which really helped me learn about what it meant to follow not just Arsenal, but any EPL side. I also chose the Gunners because they had a reputation for playing a style of soccer that was pleasing to the eye--lots of nifty passing by highly skilled international athletes. And, they just seemed cool--a cool name, cool uniforms, cool history. So far, my choice has been a great one.

I'M A GOONER

I'm keeping my promise. I've seen every league game this season, plus a couple of the other trophy contests. Just last week, Arsenal sat atop the standings (or table, as it's called). Even though I've only been a fan for five months, it still made me swell with pride to see them in first place this deep into the season. But, they lost 1-0 to hated Manchester United, which again brought up the subject that haunts Arsenal: they can't win the big one. In their last 12 against Chelsea or Man U, they are 0-11-1. So, that is the mountain they must climb.

To my eye, Arsenal needs three things (other than health). They need a bit more offensive firepower (I don't understand why Walcott doesn't play more--they say he's he fastest player in the EPL and a good goal scorer). They need a bit more toughness on defense. And, they need a really good goal keeper. They seem to be very close to having all of that, but it's just not quite happening for them.

I've really enjoyed the personalities on the team, from the smooth Cesc who is a passing savant, to the cocky Nasri, who can be a brilliant goal scorer. Their coach, the Frenchman Arsene Wenger, spiced things up this season by having an affair with a French female rap star 35 years his junior. Good stuff!

It's only been five months, but I can't imagine rooting for another team. I chose wisely. My next objective is to see a game at the Emirates Stadium. One day.

LIKES AND DISLIKES

Above all, I'm really enjoying the color and pageantry of the league. The history, the stadiums, the uniforms, the international flavor, and of course the raucous crowds. I'm also digging the athleticism of the players--I've always known they had tremendous stamina, but they are also gifted athletes who have to be much tougher than you might think.

The television coverage of the EPL, and soccer in general, is tremendous. I never realized just how much soccer you can watch if you want to--if you have the right channels. Between certain Fox and ESPN channels, you can watch practically every EPL game each weekend. Amazing. And the coverage is top-notch. The graphics, camera angles, replays and announcers are all terrific. Ian Darke is the best play by play man I've heard, although the guy who sounds like Michael Palin is great, too.

I also like that you have no commercial breaks during each half--it's a tidy, less than two hour investment to make for every match.

The game itself I rate as good to very good. It's not football or basketball in terms of how it sucks me in. However, the EPL was a good tip--it's light years more entertaining than the World Cup. There are plenty of scoring chances in each game. There are usually enough goals. There are organized possessions and constant attacking, which is great. The passing and dribbling can be mesmerizing. I would rather watch Adrian Peterson rip off an 80 yarder, or Kobe make some crazy under-the-backboard-spin-around dunk--but I have to admit that the two goals that Nasri scored against Fulham this month had me jumping off the sofa.

To be honest, I've come around on most of the things I used to dislike about the sport. I don't really like draws--I would prefer a shootout--but I understand they have a place. I used to hate the flopping, but I'm used to it now. I also used to not understand, at all, offside--but I think I get it now. Soccer is like any sport--the rules are the rules, but the interpretation can vary from official to official.

THE SOCCER BONUS

I love my job. I love that I have to watch the Cowboys and Rangers for work. But, I'm also finding that I love watching Arsenal because I don't have to talk about their games on the radio. It's a bit of a release for me, in the same way that pro cycling is. They are escape sports--they are contested in lands far, far away, and I like that. I like that the average guy walking down the street has no idea that Arsenal finished second in their Champions League group, or that Philippe Gilbert won the Tour of Lombardy this fall. It's one of the reasons that, when I was a kid, I was so drawn to the Spurs--because they played in the ABA, and nobody at school new that league existed.

Five months. Not a long time, but I'm happy to report that I'm hooked. In five more months, five more years--even twenty five more years--I think I'll still be hooked. I just hope by then the Gunners have given me at least one trophy to cheer.

Game Thread, Week 14: Cincinnati Bengals

Despite the Bengals' abysmal record, this is a pretty big game for the Steelers. Just in case that wasn't obvious.

Crisis Inter Cannavaro Not Surprising

Although no longer feel the atmosphere of Serie A, Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro still follow the development of football in his homeland. Former Juventus player was even predicted that AC Milan will win the Scudetto this season.

"I think Milan will win the Scudetto and Inter Milan are the current crisis does not make me surprised," said Cannavaro who currently strengthening Dubai club Al-Expert as quoted by the Italian Football.

The reason, this season all clubs in Serie forces nearly balanced. So, there is no more clubs that dominate like last season.

Game Thread, Week 13: Baltimore Ravens

This is for the division. And Ben will be playing on one leg.

Proud Pique Witnessed 400 Million Viewers

El Clasico match on Tuesday into a fight that will never be forgotten Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. In addition to 5-0 victory over Real Madrid, Pique also claimed never to feel the action as grand as that.

Yes, joy Pique also shown in the action held up five fingers round the Nou Camp after the game. Five perennial rivals scored the goal, of course a fantastic record.

"I enjoy the game like when I was a kid," Pique said as reported by Tribal.

"400 million people have watched a best match in the history of Barcelona. We are proud to be part of this team and receive love from many people, it was amazing," beber this Spanish national team defender.

Advice For LeBron--And The Heat

I have turned on LeBron. One year ago, I worshiped the guy. Now, following his dissing of his hometown, his one hour TV special to announce the dissing of his hometown, his giving himself the nickname "King James", and his stupid new Nike commercial, I've grown to dislike him very, very much. I used to think of him as perhaps the greatest physical talent I had ever seen on the court--a down-to-earth guy who would win many titles. Now, I think of him as an egomanical coach killer.

So, it is with great hesitation that I offer this advice to LBJ. Nothing would please me more than to have the Cavs finish with a better record this season than the Heat--but that's not going to happen. What also isn't going to happen is Miami winning the title. Unless they follow my plan.

There are a few guys in the league who I've always thought were out of position. Two guys in particular who play the 2 & 3 spots that I've always thought should be point guards. One is Brandon Roy--he was a point guard for half of his four years in college at Washington, and when you watch Portland games he does more ball handling and playmaking (especially in the 4th quarter) than anyone on the team, including the always overrated Andre Miller. Roy's rookie year I thought he was Portland's point guard, because that's what it looked like on the court and because Jarrett Jack sucked. For his career Roy averages 5 assists per game, an has a great feel for the art of passing. The Blazers have nothing to lose, having not won a playoff series since '00--although I understand that Roy's knees are bad, and playing point might be too much. However, playing the off guard position requires you to chase guys like Kobe and Wade and Manu night after night, which isn't exactly a vacation for your knees.

But I digress, because it's the other guy in the NBA that should be playing point for his team that I really want to discuss: LeBron. He currently leads the Heat in assists at 8 per game. Imagine what kind of assist totals he would rack up if he went Magic Johnson on us? It's soon-to-be Miami head coach Pat Riley's job to talk LeBron into being his team's Magic. In fact, that's what Riley and LeBron both mentioned as a big factor in his choosing Miami--he didn't want to worry about how many points he scored, he just wanted to set up Wade and Bosh. So why not do it? Right now James and Wade are each averaging 22 ppg. Who exactly is setting up whom?

The Heat have no point guard. They are a mess right now, with everyone worried about deferring to everyone else. Nobody on the team wants to be seen as a ball hog, so they all go overboard to please their teammates. Giving LeBron the point guard duties would establish desperately needed order. LeBron is, along with Jason Kidd, the most gifted passer in the game today. His ball handling is good, not great--but Magic wasn't exactly Curly Neal. As long as you know how to take care of the rock, you don't need to be an otherworldly dribbler to play an effective point. And, Magic was 6'9 (soft), LeBron is 6'8 (chiseled)--both a matchup nightmare with the size to see the whole court.

Plus, Wade is the Jordan-esque closer on that team, not LeBron. Things would work a lot better if it was James setting up Wade for the kill. LeBron looked like he might become a Jordan-esque closer, but that was just for one night in Auburn Hills in '07. He never got there again.

I really believe that LeBron would put up Magic-like numbers if he played the point--he would average 18 points and 12-15 assists per game. I think he would love it. And, taking over the most unselfish position on the court would do wonders for his image.

We would also find out if LeBron is a winner or not. Magic was great because, above all else, he had a burning desire to win. We don't know if LeBron has that. We don't know anymore if LeBron is a classic leader, or just a spoiled talent. Moving him to point would answer a lot.

But, since it's my great desire to see the Heat fail, I hope that they don't read this blog.

Game Thread, Week 12: Buffalo Bills

My first reaction after seeing this photo? Nice hit, Key, but in today's NFL, that's a 15-yard penalty and a $50K fine. Hopefully, the Steelers can find a way to win without being penalized 14 times for 163 yards. But that's up to Rog.

Marotta: Chelsea Will not Ever Have Buffon

Juventus sporting director, Giuseppe Marotta spoke about the rumors of a transfer which states the number one Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will move closer to Premier League giants Manchester United.

Marotta clearly states 'Old Lady' Juventus goalkeeper has no intention to sell the flagship. On the same occasion he dismissed the rumor was approaching attacker who had just scored five goals, Dimitar Berbatov.

Drogba: I have lot learn from Shevchenko

Striker Didier Drogba is one of the attackers tersubur in the Premier League. Ivory Coast players confess there is the figure of a player who has made himself into a sharp striker today.

The figure was none other than former teammate at Chelsea, Andriy Shevchenko. Ukraine striker had made it well-respected former Marseille defender.

Reluctant Response Ronaldo Barca attack

Barcelona Management reluctant to reply to 'attack' Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo's comments some time ago was able to create tension duel El Clasico weekend increasingly heated.

This story began when Ronaldo for comment about the success of Almeria Barcelona rolled to a landslide score eight goals without reply. Madrid Athletic Bilbao itself managed to bend with the score 5-1.

Game Thread, Week 11: Oakland Raiders

Don't want to overstate it, but this game could determine the rest of the season.

Maradona sponsor Madrid Champions Winner

In a training session at Real Madrid Valdebes, Friday, November 19, 2010, present an Argentine legend Diego Maradona.

Maradona spoke with head coach Jose Mourinho for 15 minutes when a break. What was said the two big question journalist who was covering the moment it happened.

Finished talking, Maradona went directly to reporters who had waited since the exercise began Madrid. He also told the media the results of his talks with Mourinho.

Hurdles breaking Brazilian Robinho Messi Praised

Lionel Messi late goals in the injurytime which is what determines the victory of Argentina over Brazil in the International test match, won praise from Brazilian striker Robindo.

In sebuan interview, Robinho recognizes excellence and best game Messi Messi is shown in hot action that took place at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Thursday, November 18, 2010, midnight Indonesia.

Gol Messi created occurred in the 90th minute that substitute players continued feedback, Ezequiel Lavezzi, before surging into the penalty box and beat goalkeeper Brazil, Victor. This score ultimately survive until the game was over.

Schweinsteiger Supports Balllack Hijrah to MU

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack to assess his team-mates in the German national team, Bastian Schweinsteiger, in uniform deserve the Manchester United and Real Madid.

Ballack was also very confident Bayern Munich midfielder will be very comfortable in the MU. Schweinsteiger would be an appropriate substitute figure for Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford. Moreover, the contract at the Allianz Arena Schweinsteiger was coming to an end.

Cederai Materazzi, Ibrahimovic Apologize

Zlatan Ibrahimovic admitted that he had apologized to Marco Materazzi because mencederainya when AC Milan Inter Milan toppled 1-0, before dawn.

Ibrahimovic is a decisive victory against Inter Milan during the penalty kick past the 5th minute. Awarded a penalty after Materazzi Ibrahim violated from behind in the penalty box.

Throughout the game Ibrahimovic was guarded by Materazzi and Lucio alternately. However, in the middle of the second half of a violation Ibrahim against Materazzi made the Matrix must leave the field.

Satisfied Nesta Beat Inter

Managed to bend the Inter 0-1 in derby in Serie A competition, Monday, November 15, 2010 morning, making the defender Alessandro Nesta was satisfied.

The victory over the penalty spot, said Nesta, Milan showed that the more firmly at the top. Milan six points ahead of rivals who are now down ratings.

Game Thread, Week 10: New England Patriots

Mike Tomlin has been 6-2 in each of his first four seasons in Pittsburgh. Here's to hoping he's 7-2 Monday morning.

Bring Messi scored Barcelona Madrid Slide in standings

Barcelona must thank Lionel Messi after giving two winning goal as host Villarreal in La Liga continued, Saturday, November 13, 2010 (Sunday early morning GMT). Two goals in the round 3-1 victory over Villarreal Barca at the Nou Camp.

Barca's first goal 22 minutes occurred in the first half through David Villa. Meanwhile, Messi contributed two goals again in minute 58 and 82. These results make Barca for Real Madrid while shifting the position of the top of the standings. Collection points, Barca are now 28 of 11 matches.

Ibrahimovic: Inter Fans Mockery So Motivation

Full emotional game will dilakoni attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the derby when Inter Milan host AC Milan at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Monday morning, 15 November 2010.

Before costumed Rossoneri, Ibra indeed never had good memories with the Nerazzurri. Swedish players had ever recorded with La Beneamata for three years.

The period was certainly not a short time for Ibra. In fact, he had offered his Scudetto with Inter.

Torres Goal Not Enough to Beat Wigan

Liverpool was unable to maintain the excellence that they could get when they travel to Wigan today cage Wednesday, November 10, 2010. Both teams eventually drew 1-1.

The Reds had superior first when the game entered the 6th minute. Fernando Torres deceive Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi after getting feedback from Steven Gerrard's breakthrough.

Reasons Remain Lower Messi Guardiola

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola originally wanted to save Lionel Messi when his team met no famous club in the Copa del Rey Ceuta. But for various reasons, Guardiola finally lose 'the wizard'.

Against fourth division club that, Guardiola was initially very optimistic his team will win easily even without bringing down the star players. But he still had to lose Messi though only in the second round. Barca finally crushed Ceuta 5-1 on aggregate 7-1.

Abidal Back Entrance Les Bleus

French National Team coach Laurent Blanc eventually return call wing Barcelona defender Eric Abidal. France will melakoni England friendly match at Wembley counter next week.

Abidal become one of the names crossed out of the French team after the 'riots' in the body of Les Bleus in the World Cup 2010. But Blanc was unable to hold his interest eventually returned wearing Abidal.

Want to Once Again Xavi wins World Cup

Want to ward off public doubt on his physical condition lately, Xavi Hernandez expressed a desire remain in uniform during the Spanish national team 2014 World Cup was held.

Xavi suffered tendon inflammation troubling Barcelona and Spain since the 30-year-old midfielder is a mainstay playmaker.

Manchester derby, Tevez Conditions Doubtful

Extra vigilant when Manchester City host Manchester United in the Manchester derby at the City of Manchester Stadium on Thursday morning GMT, 11 November 2010.

Because the mainstay City striker, Carlos Tevez is doubtful that play against his former club. According Tribalfootball, Tevez having problems with his thigh.

Carlitos injury was obtained when the full show to defend the City against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League continued action (Premier League), last weekend.

Ancelotti Wants Lampard Fit Against Sunderland

Manager Carlo Ancelotti did not want to take risks to immediately play Frank Lampard during Chelsea's meeting with Fulham mid this week, 11 November 2010. England midfielder is currently still in recovery phase post-injury.

However, Ancelotti will probably lose Lampard this weekend when the Blues met with Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

"Frank Lampard is not fit for the game Wednesday, but I hope he will be returned to the show when we deal with Sunderland," Ancelotti said as quoted by Goal.

Lampard: Rooney Highly Sensitive

Chelsea star Frank Lampard was trying to defend kompatriotnya Wayne Rooney. Lampard calling Manchester United striker was as a highly sensitive.

Lampard is very familiar with Rooney. Although its main rival on the team level, but Lampard is very close to Wazza time equally costumed England.

"He's a child who is confident but not always confident. He's a very sensitive young man," said Lampard told Radio 5 about the actual figure of Rooney.

Game Thread, Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals

The Steelers are 5-2. I would very much appreciate them being 6-2 after tonight's game. Thanks in advance.

We've Never Seen Anything Like These Cowboys

The 2010 season has, quite simply, been the worst Cowboys season of their 51. Two other poor campaigns come to mind: 1960 and 1989. However, there were no expectations for either of those squads. In 1960, the Cowboys were a first-year expansion team with some former Giants assistant named Landry coaching them--they were expected to go 0-12, and they went 0-11-1. 1989 was Jerry and Jimmy's first year--they were expected to fall on their faces, and they did, going 1-15.

2010 is different. This team was thought by many--locally and nationally--to have the most talented roster in the NFL. This team was picked by many--locally and nationally--to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 45 at the Deathstar. The Cowboys strutted around training camp like the cock of the walk. Wade Phillips was noticeably relaxed and overconfident. Stephen Jones confided in those who would listen that "we really have something special here." So how did it go so wrong? For me, it all started back on the second weekend of this calendar year.

January 9th, 2010: Mission Accomplished

Dallas 34, Philadelphia 14. The Cowboys win a playoff game. Wade raises the "Mission Accomplished" banner. He gets the monkey off of his back. So does Romo. So does the rest of the team. And, because they have a head coach who doesn't know how to drive a team or demand excellence from a team, they think they've arrived.

From that point forward, they put it on auto-pilot. They thought they had figured it out. They thought they would follow a natural progression upward. Never mind the fact that Minnesota beat them one week later 34-3--they saw that as a small speed bump on their road to next year's title. The organization was so impressed with itself for winning a playoff game that they forgot to do what any champion does: work harder in the face of success. This year's training camp was a joke, and everyone noticed except for Wade.

I believe that I can make a solid argument for Wade being the worst coach in Cowboys history. First, we eliminate Landry, Jimmy and Barry, because they all won Super Bowls. Campo? Terrible record, but he had awful rosters to work with. Parcells? Never won a playoff game, but rebuilt a bad team into a good one. Gailey? Got a team in demise, unlike Wade, who got a team on the rise. Plus, Wade was the head coach for Jerry's most disappointing moment as owner (the playoff loss to the Giants in '07), most embarrassing moment as owner (the 44-6 loss to Philly in '08), and the most embarrassing season he's ever presided over as owner (2010). Jerry said all of that, not me. Wade was brought in here to take the franchise to the next level up. Instead, he's dragged it down to it's lowest low in 51 seasons.

An Enema, Please

This franchise is a mess. We all know it starts with Jerry admitting he's Al Davis and stepping aside. But, we also all know that will never happen. Modern medicine and extreme wealth will keep Jerry alive for at least 30 more years, and he's not going to give up his GM title until he croaks.

Getting rid of Wade and getting a taskmaster head coach in place is step one. Letting that coach evaluate talent is step two--along with revamping your scouting department (how silly does it look now that they told us in '09 they were drafting for special teams?). Unless Jimmy or Bill has been in charge, the talent evaluation has sucked. Too often they look at athletic ability only and ignore the fact that the player might have a low football IQ (Felix Jones), might not be very tough (Mike Jenkins), might be more interested in making rap videos than playing hard (Marty B), might be more interested in celebrating mundane plays than focusing on the big picture (Igor Olshansky). It's got to change

As our buddy Mike Lombardi always tells us, the best teams are honest with themselves about their talent. But that won't happen around here as long as Jerry is in charge of the talent.

Jerry has a huge decision to make in the next few months regarding his next coach. Paul Sullivan writes in his new book "Clutch" something that I think directly applies to Jerry. He says "You cannot be clutch when you are making business decisions to advance your personal standing--or get revenge for being slighted." Since the day Jerry fired Jimmy, this is what he's tried to do--prove to people that he can build a champion without Jimmy's help. Prove to people that he's a football man. Prove that he can evaluate talent. Prove that he can juggle everything that people say he can't. Get revenge on the people who have slighted his abilities as a GM. He makes his business decisions based on advancing his personal standing--in other words, his ego.

That ego is responsible for poor talent evaluation now coming back to haunt them. That ego is the reason the most uninspiring and underachieving head coach ever was hired four years ago. That ego is the reason the Cowboys are now the laughing stock of the pro sports world. Have we ever seen a team, in any sport, with such lofty expectations turn into such a joke so quickly? No, we haven't. The Cowboys are making history of the wrong kind. The sad thing is, Jerry has no idea why.

Coming to Manchester Derby - Toure: City Over Self-Confidence

Manchester - victory over West Brom Manchester City into a big capital against Manchester United. Kolo Toure was confident City will face a derby with confidence.

Coming to Manchester Derby - Police Set drank alcohol ban

Manchester - Manchester Derby will not only be 'hot' in the field but also off the field. To avoid unwanted actions among groups of supporters, drinking alcohol will be prohibited within the stadium.

Victory Smile Milan Create Allegri

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri finally satisfied with the performance of foster children after his team beat Bari. Rossoneri win with a score of 3-2.

"After the defeat of Juventus last week, we were able to get up and back. And even earlier in the Champions League almost beat Real Madrid," said Allegri to SkySport.

According to him, his team now find the right rhythm. Therefore, he is optimistic that the road towards Milan Scudetto more wide open.

Bend Atletico Madrid Back to Top

Real Madrid finally a winner in the derby with Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Sunday, November 7, 2010. Real Madrid wins with a score of 2-0.

Since the first minute, Madrid who appeared before his own supporters appear dominant throughout the match. With 58 percent control of the game, Jose Mourinho's troops continued to press into the heart of the defense.

Madrid has been excellent even when the game has been running for the 13th minute. Madrid's first goal scored by Ricardo Carvalho.

Ancelotti: Kaka Will Return Shines

Real Madrid star Ray Ricardo Kaka seemed dim earlier this season after he suffered an injury. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti believes former foster children would be back with his best performance.

Kaka who failed to show his best performance last season early in his debut with Los Blancos was rumored to be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu. However, as the rumor goes by this season has not been proven.

Although at this time Kaka still experiencing injury, Ancelotti rate Brazilian players will return to find his touch while recovering from his injury later.

Park Ji-sung story about Gol Both MU

Manchester United reap valuable victory over Wolverhampton on Saturday, November 6, 2010. This victory was achieved with difficulty.

Park Ji-sung is the hero MU. Players from South Korea recently bought up two goals in a game host at Old Trafford.

After a 1-1 draw, Manchester United scored the winner by Park created in second half injury time. Opponent's defense down the left side, Park is able to escape to the penalty box before the kick off the left foot that could not be met by Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann. Final score 2-1.

2 Gol Raul Bring Schalke Stay away from Zone Degradation

Schalke's victory over St Pauli to deliver Die Königsblauen while away from the relegation zone. Tim besutan Felix Magath won by a score of 3-0 in the Bundesliga continued at the Veltins-Arena, early this morning.

Schalke two goals by striker Raul Gonzalez hired. Meanwhile, another goal scored by Ja-Klaas Huntelaar.

Schalke was superior since the 14th minute. Schalke's first goal came after receiving a cross Raul Atsuto Uchida, perfectly capable Raul scored the ball into the goal Pauli.

Superior stau straight goals to make Schalke appear confident. Entering the second half, the hosts dominated the match again.

Ibrahimovic and Onyewu Fight

Embarrassing incidents color the AC Milan training session on Friday, November 5, 2010. Two players that Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and defender Oguchi Onyewu getting into fights.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the fight was happening on the sidelines of an exercise session. As a result of the incident the fight was stopped Milan squad workout.

The fight began when Ibrahimovic tackling harmful conduct against Onyewu. As a result of hard tackling, the players from the United States (U.S.) was angry.

Onyewu deserved anger. He had just recovered from heel injury, which forced him to break last season.

A fight was inevitable. Both launched a punch and kick each other, and can not be separated from their colleagues who participated in the exercise.

City slumped, the Red Devils Reproduction Distracted

No matter the middle of Manchester City slumped since last losing in three games, Michael Carrick did not want to fall asleep. He reminded the courtier United still heading to Eastlands with full preparation.

Prior to the corral City, United's main task is to play your best when entertaining Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup this weekend. Victory over Old Gold, nicknames Wolverhampton, will add an injection of morale to appear all-out at Eastlands.

"We know the picture besarnya.Ketika something goes according to expectations, we should not be too late. When something does not match expectations, we must not despair. Yes, things could have turned around, "said Carrick reminded, as quoted by The World Games,

Pato's Young Player of the Highest-Income

Alexandre Pato, Brazil and Milan's young star, was named the Most Valueable Young footballer or the most valuable young players, through the study held a number of sports analysts to players under the age of 21 years.

A site, Futebolfinance.com, issue of economic data and business of football, Pato's transfer values estimating the current € 25 million to € 40 million. He was just a little ahead of Mario Balotelli, Manchester City striker.