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It is the office of Triune Financial LLC, which is owned and operated by financial and investment advisor Richard "Rick" Jordan, CFP (Certified Financial Planner).
Jordan has been a resident of Karnes County for 33 years, and makes his home at a family ranch near Helena. Jordan spent a good portion of the 1990s establishing money management firms in cities such as San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas; all the while maintaining his home roots in Karnes County. In 1994, Jordan received his CFP certification, with his goal being to move from insurance and investment money management, to specific financial planning for individuals and families.
Jordan recently came fully out of semi-retirement to re-establish his office in Karnes City in March of this year in order to keep on with what he sees as his calling in life.
Jordan states that his goal with Triune Financial is to cultivate successful relationships with his clients and to offer services with honesty and integrity in the financial planning areas of things such as investments, wills, trusts, retirement plans, savings plans, investment portfolios, among others. Also, Jordan wants to help his clients to understand the complexities of taxation and IRS tax codes, and also vast and constant changes of the financial climate of the modern world and how that pertains to one's financial assets.
"The economic environment is changing so fast," Jordan explains. "We used to have small, local economies; but over time they just kept expanding and expanding. Now it's the world economy. Everything we do in financial business today is tied to the world economy. Information is instantaneous now and it is constantly changing."
Jordan says he believes in cultivating trustworthiness and transparency in a business that can often be tainted by those who scam and cheat their clients. Jordan warns of the importance between knowing the difference between true financial planners, and those he calls "salesmen."
"Over the last 20 years, working in these big cities in particular, I have seen every scam that has come down the road," he says. "People that were ripped off by Bernie Madoff (convicted in 2009 of running an international multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme) were very intelligent, well-educated people of sizable means; but I don't think they asked the right questions. If they had, they would've seen the red flags immediately."
Navigating through the complexities and avoiding potential pitfalls of people's personal finances, as well as helping people become responsible and wise with their money, are among the things that Jordan says give him great satisfaction.
"One of the greatest joys is to have a family come in here overwhelmed because things are happening so fast and they are feeling totally unorganized financially…and within a few months they are totally organized in their finances."
According to Jordan, it is the old-fashioned honesty of the residents of Karnes County that has always stood out the most. It is that honesty that inspires him to continue his work in the Texas heartland, and to stay where his roots will always be. Jordan's wife of 39 years, Rita, is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who was born and raised in Karnes City. Together they raised their two now grown children, Amy and Emily, in Karnes County.
With the Eagle Ford Shale drastically changing the economic landscape of Karnes County and the financial position of many of its residences, Jordan believes that his services and abilities can help now more than ever in these times of economic change.
"I think all of us have certain God-given gifts," Jordan reflects. "All my life, even before I was a CFP, I was real good at managing our family's financial resources. Those things kind of come natural to me. I like to help people and I think we're given these gifts to help people. Part of it is that I feel I have a moral responsibility to at least offer my God-given talents…I will always do the very best I can."


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Placido Polanco's first year back in red pinstripes was definitely an interesting one. And after taking this assignment to recap Poly's first year back, I left myself wondering how to sum it up.
While his average didn't drop much from the beginning of the season, Polanco lost any and all power he had before getting plunked on the elbow. Over the course of the season, Polanco missed 30 games, causing us to see a little too much of the now departed Juan Castro, and the new fan favorite Wilson Valdez.
Polanco peaked in mid August, sporting numbers like .325/.357/.430, however over the final six weeks of the season those numbers dropped to .298/.339/.386 as Polanco nabbed just nine extra-base hits after July 31st.
The one aspect of Polanco's game that didn't fade over the course of the season was his glove. Coming into the season, many, including myself, were very worried about the transition from second base to third base. Poly was the fourth best defensive third baseman in the NL, sporting a UZR/150 of 11.3. Not bad for a guy just turned 35 years old.
But how would you describe Polanco's year to somebody who didn't see him play one game. What is the first word that comes to mind? To me, I'd sum him up as: there. He was just kind of "there" this season. Unfortunately, the first comparison that comes to my mind is Raul Ibanez's 2009 season. Polanco started off very hot before fading big time down the stretch after an injury.
Hopefully next season, Polanco can find the form he had earlier in his 2010 campaign, because if not, the Phillies will have a two full years of a slow third baseman who has absolutely zero power and struggles to draw a walk. Polanco will be the definition of a replacement player.
PAUL'S GRADE: 7.0/10 – His defense was good, not great, and he made more outs than we'd like to see (just a .339 OBP with his .298 AVG), but I give the guy credit for playing a huge chunk of the season with an elbow rearranged by Tim Hudson. Hopefully he regains form for the last two years of his deal.
Tomorrow: Jimmy Rollins
90 Comments
How was just kind of "there" ??
What the hell does that mean??
The guy played a stellar defense, played through a lot of pain, was among the league leaders in batting average for a lot of the season…..and still ended up hitting .298. he also had many clutch hits…or started rallies with hits.
Yeah, I guess that's just "there"
^HE was just…..
I agree with Chuck… how can you give the guy a 6.2??? Who are we comparing him to, Ryan Zimmerman? David Wright? We wanted a guy to play good defense, hit .300 and not strike-out too much….
What did we think we were getting? A lot of people thought he was old, and unable to make a transition to third-base. And a lot of people have been proven wrong. He did play great defense and did everything we asked him to while also playing through pain. What can you complain about? That he should've had a couple more homers and 5 more doubles?? Please. Polanco gave us everything and more we could have hoped for.
He definately was worth more than a 6.2.
He was our leading hitter. He was our best hit-and-run player. Up until he missed those games with an injury, I would say that he was our BEST player. His defense was stellar. He played consistently smart baseball. Give me a break on this. Polanco deserves at least an "8".
Get real !!!!
Does that mean he gets like a 9 if he went on the DL when he got hit on the arm and only played like 60 games instead of playing most of the year in what must have been excruciating pain?
"struggles to draw a walk" – He doesn't walk because he's a guy that goes for a lot of contact. Walking is not part of the game he brings.
I think that's pretty much a fair assesment, if not slightly harsh. Polanco played an excellent 3B, there's no doubting that. However third base is a power position, an infield corner, and 35 XBH's doesn't cut it. Yes he hit .298, but that is a VERY empty average. And just 32 walks in a season is very pedestrian. If Polanco could run like Rollins or Victorino it would be ok to hit an empty .300, but he just doesn't. Good, solid player, but maybe a tad overrated by some of the fanbase. Pretty affordable the next 2 years at 5/6 million, and hopefully he'll play better when injury free. However, he is 35 so a comeback is not a certainty.
sorry to belittle Nick but "…if not, the Phillies will have a two full years of a slow third baseman who has absolutely zero power and struggles to draw a walk"…
Yes because the Phils really need another power/speed guy who gets into pitchers counts and strikes out a lot… As oppose to a gritty contact hitter who puts balls in play with a great glove and top-notch baseball smarts… Polanco was everything expected and more (despite the injury) adding another dimension to an all or nothing offense.
"empty average" ??
Ok, so just what the hell does THAT mean??
Am I missing something here?? "
"Just there" "Empty average"
What??….the dude was just an apparition out there at 3rd base.?? I seriously don't know what some of you people are looking for in a player..
.726 OPS from a 3B is not really ideal. I'll give him some leeway because he was clearly hampered by an elbow injury but ya'll are going nuts with the "best hitter on the team!" stuff. I think Nick's grade is fair.
Did Polanco always choke up on his bat prior to getting hit in the elbow? I know that he choked up in 2-strike counts, but he was choking up regardless of the count later in the season. That may be why he lost power in the latter half of the season.
I also would like to see him walk more, but I doubt that he'll learn better plate discipline skills at this stage of his career (they're hard to learn at any stage). He puts the ball in play and doesn't strike out too much, and that makes him a pretty good balancing force in the lineup.
An "empty average" is a high batting average wherein you still make a lot of outs (i.e. have a low OBP) and/or produce very few extra base hits. Both are the case for Polanco, who had a .339 OBP (not very good) and a .386 SLG (very bad).
This is why just looking at batting average is silly, because in a vacuum it does not tell you very much about the value of the hitter's production.
You absolutely cannot just players on OPS as an absolute expecting every guy to have a stellar OBP. OBP from certain positions don't mean anything anymore because teams players skill-sets have changed from the past so the Phils have had power in non-power positions negating the need for a power hitting high OPS 3rd basemen.
The Phils added Polanco because they needed a guy who would make contact and have a high AVG but not a great OBP. The line-up needed a guy who could spark the team with hits and make productive outs to move runners not another OPS guy who stats were inflated by extra base hits that probably didn't contribute to runs.
Polly is a contributor not a creator and the expectation every hitter can produce OBP/OPS and every pitching can have a low WHIP, high K/9 is how you put together a team that doesn't win because how many OPS teams are consistently winning in this league?
Couldn't have put it better myself Phylan.
Harsh. Polanco was an anchor in this line-up and on the field when he wasn't on the DL. His defense was a lot neater than Chase Utley's and he was fighting through an injury almost the whole season.
Too harsh.
^BTW before someone jumps on my point I'm not discrediting guys who produce high OPS's but a team needs to supplement those guys with the gritty glue that moulds the team, your Polly's and Ruiz's who's style of play loosens it up for the big money guys.
Are you guys serious? This guy was steady freddy all year and played, not a good third base, a GREAT third base. I don't know who you guys were watching but Placido was a Gold Glove candidate this year and don't be surprised if he wins it. Good lord. OPS this.
The Dipsy
And when Polanco swung at the first pitch grounding into a double play, would you call that a productive out ? To give some perspective on the 'empty average' issue, Jayson Werth (who is regularly slammed on this site) hit 2 points lower in terms of batting average, yet had 75 XBH's compared to Pollys 35, and walked 82 times in comparison to 32 times by Polanco. So Werth got on base more, and was more of a threat to clear the bases when at bat. So to call Polanco the teams best hitter is just ridiculous. I know you all hate VORP, but Polanco actually ranked 7th out of the hitters on the team, only beating Rollins who was a regular.
If you get to use vague hand wavy terms like "gritty" and "glue" and a player's "style of play" I get to ask you what the heck that means, and how it changes my assessment.
If you're saying that the Phillies didn't need a big bat at 3B because they have them elsewhere, I'm not going to argue. But I thought we were just trying to evaluate the kind of season he had here.
Polly is a contributor not a creator and the expectation every hitter can produce OBP/OPS and every pitching can have a low WHIP, high K/9 is how you put together a team that doesn't win because how many OPS teams are consistently winning in this league?
That's actually exactly how you put together a team that wins. Or at least 3 good things to look at. I'm not a fan of WHIP really.
The point is you can't have it all everywhere. This team fell below expectations because they made unproductive outs waiting on extra base hits that didn't come because when it came down to it the San Francisco pitching didn't give them pitches to hit.
You need guys who can produce without creating runs through extra-base hits because your not always going to get them and the Phils have too many guys who are hit or miss.
Polly plays the game right so other players (like Werth) can play it great. You need a team of players that compliment each others skillsets on the field and in the clubhouse… As in Polly
Guys that postpone surgery til the end of the year and play through pain and guys that tough it out for 6 innings with a groin strain….
….I'll take those players on my team EVERY SINGLE DAY..
That's the "gritty glue that moulds your team"
Everything isn't always numbers and averages. There are those INTANGIBLES that certain players possess that can sometimes far outweigh some stat.
Of course, people like Phylan will poo poo what I'm saying in favor of looking at just the numbers…that's why he thinks this is a fair grade.
Interesting argument put forward Phylan- Do you define the success of a season on stats or whether the player has succeeded in his role? It goes through to the differing schools of thought on do you want a guy who creates lots of opportunities for runs or one who produces more consistently but doesn't create as much opportunity for others.
Polly's probably the most interesting guy on this team to evaluate because your looking at apples and oranges, you take Howard or Werth and its oranges or oranges.
Playing hurt is admirable, but when it hurts the team due to a lack of production is it really a great intangible ? Polancos numbers were downright poor after July, wheras Halladay still performed to a high level hurt. I'm not getting on Polanco in anyway, but often playing hurt actually has a negative impact on the team. Polancos skill set does compliment some of the teams power hitters, but his skill set as a whole is pretty average. A nice player to have hitting 7 or 8 perhaps, but probably not at second in the order.
NJ, I guess if you asked me "Did Polly have a great season?" I would say no, based on his offensive production (with the caveat that the elbow injury hampered that significantly). But if you asked me "Did Polly make a good contribution?" I would say yes, based on his defense and what we needed from him in an already potent lineup.
I guess like the others, I expected a higher grade too. Somebody help me understand the grading process, please. Are the grades based strictly on numbers, or are intangibles involved?
Funny you said that Dipsy b/c all season long I used that phrase talking about Polanco, I called him the Phillies' Steady Freddy. He was so consistent until the DL. He could always be counted on to PUT THE BALL IN PLAY. He almost never struck out & always seemed to make the smart defensive play.
Re fred's discussion: I'm not deliberately trying to sound like a fence-sitter. But I understand what he's talking about (though 2 pts lower isn't exactly a MASSIVE diff). I would never have called Polanco the team's best hitter. And prior to today, I had no idea where he ranked among the hitters. A guy who hits the way he does will never set the world on fire. He isn't power. But he puts the ball in play, he generally gets a hit. But isn't he performing a function, isn't that his job?
Phan in the outfield, I agree that Polanco did his job pretty well, especially on the defensive side, but I also believe that it is every hitters job to try and get on base, and to hit their fair share of XBH's. Not necceserily home runs, but the odd double, or perhaps the odd stolen base. Personally I think Polanco is a good hitter, above average for a major league third baseman, but not by much. Hence a 6.2 isn't a bad grade as far as i'm concerned.
Pedro Feliz last season for the Phillies:
fielding pct — .966
Placido Polanco this year with the Phillies:
fielding pct — .986
Does this not reflect a decent upgrade at the position for the Phillies?
And…if you answered "yes"…then what's the issue?
Chuck nobodys comparing Polanco to Feliz, that's not the point. And i'm sure most would agree that whatever fielding percentage says, Feliz was a damn good third baseman.
"Better than Pedro Feliz" isn't really a standard for evaluation, nor should it be since Feliz is godawful.
Also not to be too blunt but fielding percentage is a worthless metric.
Fielding percentage is worthless??
Ok, next time a player either makes an incredible play or committs a costly error, I'll just ignore it…because it's worthless.
And, my point with the Feliz comparison is to point out that the Phillies wanted to upgrade at the position…which they did. The numbers don't lie. Are they fantastic numbers?? No, of course not. I don't think any one of us thought they would be going into this season.
But…again…it's a clear upgrade…stats-wise..and also Polanco brings that other element to the equation…the "grit" , the "glue"…you know…that word…(shhh)…i n t a g i b l e.
a) it's "intangible" and b) Yes, you always say that, and the problem always is that you can never define these terms you use, nor tell me how much of an impact they have on a player's contribution, or how much bad offense they offset. And I can never contest them for that reason. Do you not see how tremendously convenient for you that is?
And yes, fielding percentage is worthless because errors are at the complete discretion of the scorer, and it penalizes players with good range and rewards those with poor range. Remember Pat Burrell's errorless streak?
fred: No, I get it. Polanco essentially does 2 things 1) put the ball in play; and 2) field (darn well) at 3rd.
Versus the Werth comparison–a legit "threat": HRs, doubles, walks, works the count (wears down pitchers), SBs, speed, fields (good arm), plays diff positions; arguably a 5-tool guy. (And he wasn't on the DL this season, btw, we should sign him …)
Sorry Nick, but this article was a joke. He was just "there"? Are you kidding yourself? He was one of the most consistent players on the team, even after the injury. The man gets the cajones of the year award for dogging it out with bone chips in his elbow. Freaking fragments of freaking bone, in his arm, as he's still hitting the ball. Dude deserves an 8.5 at least.
Don't you see why sportswriters ramble on and on about intangibles all the time? Because you can literally invoke them for any player, and nobody can really argue with you because you're not making any definitive statement. It's the last easy out card to protect a player you have an emotional attachment to from criticism; in the case of sportswriters, usually the one who gives the best quotes. Jeff Francoeur is absolutely awful at baseball, and sportswriters fall all over themselves to say things about his intangibles, and it doesn't even matter if he has whatever those are or not — he gives the best interviews.
You've either been consumed by this media parlor trick or you've adopted it for your own purposes here. Time for some self-reflection perhaps.
That last one was directed at Chuck in case that wasn't obvious
Look up the definition of intangible…and then try to argue with me some more about the word. I use it because it applies.
Baseball is more than just the stats. It's what we see with our own eyes, what we FEEL. It's that certain something that a player brings to his team that a stat can't be placed upon. It can win games.
Stats are great. I look at them. I understand them. I appreciate the fact that they can be tremendous tools for evaluating players. But I don't consider them the gospel truth. To do so would degrade the game of baseball and take away it's human element, something that makes the game so special and intoxicating more than any other sport.
Phylan: I used the word "intangible". Were you speaking to me or Chuck?
I could waste a minute and define what I meant when I used that word. Unfortunately it's my feeling that any amount of defining would be a loss as you honestly don't reflect any discernable care with regard to other's ideas. It seems we're all wrong in the absolute, straight 'out of the gate' because we just aren't you.
And stop it with the media sh*t. You tried that with me during the Wilson Valdez argument some weeks ago, trying to insinuate that I was somehow duped by the media into thinking that he was better than he really is….or than you think he is.
No, Phylan, I don't use the media to make my conclusions. I've been around too long and seen too much to fall into that trap. I can see with my own eyes and feel with my on heart what's going on.
This exercise is ridiculous. These ratings are a waste, and many of you haven't a clue what you are talking about. This is all subjective BS.
Opinions are cheap, we all have em, we also all have a-holes.
"3b is a power position" Really Fred???
The ML average for third baseman was 8 HR's and 37RBI.
Of course that 8 HR average was spun way upwards by a guy on roids that hit 54. (yes Bautista played 48 games at 3rd therefore counts in that position's averages)
Here are the Major League third baseman's averages- vs. Polly's-
BA .261- Polly .298
HR 8 (skewed higher by Roids man) -Polly 6
RBI 37 (skewed higher by A-Rod's 125- former roids man) – Polly 52
SB 3 -Polly 5
Despite the almost season long INJURED ELBOW, Polly beat nearly every average. It is also extremely important that Polly is a contact hitter and that stat is not figured into OBP, you have to look past the numbers and understand that a contact hitter keeps an inning going in his way and a patient hitter that gets more walks does it his way.
Oh and RISP? Look closer- His RISP average was brought down only when he had bases loaded. With runners on he hit .311, with two out and RISP- .308!
Don't believe me?
Baseball is more than just the stats. It's what we see with our own eyes, what we FEEL. It's that certain something that a player brings to his team that a stat can't be placed upon. It can win games.
Hey more words wherein you don't actually say anything concrete.
Yes, there is more to baseball than stats. Specifically, scouting. To build a good team it's imperative to combine statistical analysis with the informed opinions of experienced scouts. And guess what, not only are those scouts seeing much more than you do, they're looking for bat speed, athleticism, range, arm strength, plate discipline, and a host of other things that make up a good player. They're not looking for a "certain something" that they can "feel" in their gut or whatever.
Look, I like a player with a good work ethic too. It's fun to watch guys that run stairs and throw bullpen sessions after a dominant start. It's great to have guys that show up weeks early for spring training, guys that aren't afraid to play through pain, guys that have a certain swagger. But these are bonus traits to players that are already great, not something that can be used to wave away sub-par performance, or that make up for it. Especially when you're not saying anything nearly as specific as I am — you're just saying that Polanco has "something" that you cannot even begin to describe for me, and that this makes him a 9 instead of a 6 or whatever. That means nothing.
OBP includes singles so I don't see how you could possibly argue that being a contact hitter doesn't "factor in." I'm just going to ignore all the dumb ROIDS stuff.
And I didn't even mention defense! There is no Perfect Game without Polly. All of the incredible pitching performances this season were aided by our defense, and Polly (diving constantly on the INJURED ELBOW that needs surgery most of the year) was a HUGE part of that.
Dumb Roids stuff? It's all anyone has talked about all year with that guy.
Ignore me all you want, I think I was addressing someone named Fred anyway, why do you butt in?
I never said he should be a 9. That was YOUR assumption.
And….Polanco didn't have a "sub-par performance" this year. Reference Lefty's post at 2:38.
Phylan, I don't know how old you are and it really doesn't matter. But you remind me of a snot-nosed know-it-all kid that loves to talk down to people in a condescending manner because it makes him feel more important than he really is.
You may THINK you can come on here and push around the rest of us with that attitude of yours, but, I can assure you, you will make few friends and gain little respect doing so.
It's all total idiots have been talking about, anyway.
It being the Roids thing, I mean.
And Chuck, you really didn't respond to anything I said, other than to call me a snot-nosed know-it-all-kid.
lefty, where did you get those MLB 3rd basemen averages? There's no way they are correct. (Also, Polanco did not play the night of the perfect game. Also part 2, steroid are irrelevant in general. Also part 3, no one has seriously accused Bautista of using steroids–in fact there's been a lot of work done into his changed approach.)
Here is the list of 3rd basemen who actually played the most this year:
You'll see that every single player has at least 10 hr, except for Polanco, so I don't see how the average can be 8.
I like Polanco though. I think his defense was great and his final numbers were heavily damaged by his late season slump.
Its kind of interesting isn't it – our hosts are gracious enough to drop this stink bomb and not comment anymore on it – like defend their positions, debate the opposing viewpoints.
Regardless, I believe most of us are on the same page. Poly was one of the most valuable players on the Phils this past year. Steady-Freddy, and when he came to bat with men on base, we anticipated something happening and were usually pleased with the results.
The fact that Poly got hurt, he did not complain, he still maintained a very decent glove and average – he is a vast improvement over what the Phils have had at third base in a long, long time.
And, if we can squeeze 1 or 2 more years of the same out of him (130 games or more, .300 ba.) that is all we ask for.
Poly gets at least good "B" in my book.
**And I didn't even mention defense! There is no Perfect Game without Polly. All of the incredible pitching performances this season were aided by our defense, and Polly (diving constantly on the INJURED ELBOW that needs surgery most of the year) was a HUGE part of that.**
Actually, Juan Castro played 3B in the perfect game.
Wilson Valdez played 3B in the no hitter.
Polanco wasn't there when the team needed him most.
4.7/10 (on the Aberworth Clutch-Grit Alignment)
Quote Lefty: "There is no Perfect Game without Polly…"
Actually, there is. And a no-hitter. Polanco didn't play in either of Halladay's No-No's. At 3B on May 29 was Juan Castro. Utley was at 2B.
On Halladay's Postseason No-hitter, Valdez got the start at third because Polly had back problems.
I didn't respond to anything you said, Phylan?? That's all I've been doing. Just becasue I choose to make comments that you don't agree with…you now think that I didn't respond to you.
And…you ARE a snot-nosed, know-it-all kid…until you can prove me otherwise.
I come back to this…
What's his role? To be a good situational hitter – adept at making contact (moving runners along) and not killing rallies, able to drive in a runner standing on third base, plays defense and scores runs. He's not a run producer – even in his best year when he hit .341, he only drove in 67 runs with 9 HR. He's a singles hitter that can drop one onto the warning track if guys play him too shallow. He doesn't strike out and he puts the ball in play – and that makes him a great hit and run guy (putting the guy in front of him in position to score). He played awesome defense and scored enough runs to make me happy (would have scored 85 runs if he had made it an entire season). I'm not sure what you really expected Polly to do… he's the setter on a volleyballl team. He's the fullback on a football team. You need guys like Polly that do the little things.
Chuck, I mean you didn't rebut anything in my 2:40 PM post. But I don't actually care anymore because if you're just going to insult me it's not really worth partaking in this "discussion."
Hey, I like it when we get passionate about a player. I really like Polanco and am real happy he is a Philly. It is healthy to argue about a player on a blog, especially when the parties know baseball. Goes to show you that two people can scrutinize the same thing and have totally different perspectives. After all, I hate to be right ALL THE TIME !!! This was, in my humble opinion, a harsh evaluation of Polanco. He deserved an "8".
The average STARTING thirdbaseman is well above the 8 HR, 37 RBI cited by Yahoo. I think Yahoo must have factored in anybody that even played a handful of games there – which really makes their numbers irrelevant.
I'm Ted Bell.
He got lower than Howard and Utley?
thats priceless
utley and howard AKA 1 and 0 rbi (respectively) both 4s
Polly is a 7
Polanco was grinding all season long.
I was annoyed by the YiRs on Howard and Utley.
This one angers me. It relegates Polanco to a place he doesn't deserve.
Honestly, I would skip Jimmy Rollins, guys. The guy played, what, seventy games all year? Assessing his year would serve no purpose, other than simply letting out the frustration.
If you're going to take your frustration out on Howard and Polanco, take it out on everyone or take it out on no one.
Polanco was MUCH better than he was portrayed. Like Howard, he deserves better.
@Andrew: That's what's wrong with doing a year in review when all people are still thinking about is the pitch Howard stared at and the two errors Chase made that cost us Game 6. You can't possibly be fair to these guys before the World Series is even over.
I'm insulting you??
Just the tone of your posts directed at me…and the rest of us…is insulting.
You act like you know it all. Maybe you do. Good for you.
@ kate
its a blog for discussing the team the good and the bad.
so thats what they do. ill go away when some of the stuff doesnt interest me. I dont really care abotu the minor leagues. I am glad some are and that they will fill me in. But Ill make my decisions when they are here. Not by reading others opinions.
But thats what its for. To get people talking about the team good or bad.
They probably shuold take a few weeks before anything too serious. We are all still is a crappy mood.
I would agree with the grade of 6/7. He was okay, a bit more consistent than some but I am not overly in love but he was injured most of the season…..Hold off until next year after full season post surgery
I think Polly is gonna win the Gold Glove… call me crazy, but is there any other good candidate?
You'd think I would have said Polanco was awful. Polanco is servicable. If Ryan Zimmerman is a 10 and Pedro Feliz is a 2, then wouldn't you say Polanco falls in the middle?
Jesus people. If you look outside the box and look at things other than batting average, maybe you could open your eyes to some perspective.
Who this season had a really good year offensively? Carlos Ruiz and Jayson Werth…THATS IT! The offense was the worst it had been in 4 years!
Do you know why Ryan Howard didn't drive in the runs he normally did? BECAUSE THE GUYS WHO HIT LEADOFF AND SECOND HAD ON BASE PERCENTAGES AROUND .350!
Polanco is an excellent #2 hitter. He is a good defensive third baseman and provided the Phils with what they were seeking. He played hurt and he still batted close to .300. He can hit-and-run, make contact and
put leadoff hitters into scoring position. Overall, we do not have to think outside the box to realize that Polanco was a real contributor last year. We lacked this last year.
Hey, the Twins let Nick Punto , and ex- Phillie, go into free agency. He plays outfield and all infield positions, is a swich-hitter and has hit 13 homers in ten years with a .240 batting average. God bless him in his search for a team. He also made over $7 million in the last decade. Not bad.
Screw "concrete." Concrete is a totally lifeless and rigid substance. I'm tired of someone demanding a definition of "intangible." The very word itself means something that can't be quantified, but the fact the word exists means that there ARE things which are more than the sum of their parts.
Also, the argument put forth by fred that "Playing hurt is admirable, but when it hurts the team due to a lack of production is it really a great intangible ? Polancos numbers were downright poor after July, wheras Halladay still performed to a high level hurt." The potential replacements for Polanco were Greg Dobbs and (at those times he wasn't playing SS) Wilson Valdez. Valdez was maybe okay, but he still wasn't close to an injured Placido, and Dobbs was downright useless.
I did look at more than batting average. Look at my post at 1:50 PM. I mentioned 4 different offensive stats, comparing Polanco to Feliz. You know, the Pedro Feliz that helped us win 2 pennants and one World Series….
… And Polanco is an upgrade over him.
And I even included fielding stats…which your buddy Phylan labeled as "useless"
The thing that really set me off about your article, Beerman, is the statement, "He was just kind of "there" this season."
That is just about the most ridiculous thing I have read in awhile on this site. It implies that it's referring to someone who hit about .250 and had other slash stats lower than what Polly actually had…and who played a just ok defense instead of being a player that should be considered for a GG at his position. All while having bone chips causing him a lot of pain.
That's your definition of someone who's "serviceable" or "just kind of there" ??? Really???
^^^Sorry, the word "worthless" was what was used to describe the value of fielding percentage. Not useless. Just clarifying.
Basically the same thing.
Errors are over rated
Because if you have good range you get more chances so thus you commit more errors.
Most people dont get that. Total chances or chances per game way out shines total errors.
Batting average is the most over rated stats in professionsal sports.
Lets say you got 500 AB in a season. The difference between a .250 and .300 hitter is 25 hits. Or less than a hit a week during the regular season.
Its value is overall comparative stat. But you can be a better hitter at .250 than at .300.
Fielding percentage is overrated. If you go to fangraphs.com and study the fielding stats you will see fielding percentage only shows the balls you got to.That being said, I said Polly's glove was great, but if you really want to discuss this I'm more than happy to.
You compared Polanco to one of the worst offensive third base options in baseball. Pedro Feliz…
Placido Polanco this year with the Phillies:
Those numbers are pretty damn close. The difference was the .32 point batting average. Which equated probably to all singles. I'm not saying Polanco sucks, but fans in Philadelphia overrate him big time. When you are only marginally better than Pedro Feliz, perhaps you aren't that great?
Ninety-seven wins is a fantastic season for any ball club.
Getting past the first round of the playoffs isn't something they all do. Most teams don't even SEE the playoffs.
Getting to Game 6 of the Championship series in a best of seven is more than most of the major league did.
I think we need some perspective here and these reviews are coming far too early.
I put the link to my stats at the bottom of my posting, from Yahoo.
Your stats certainly look to be accurate. I don't know why the Yahoo stats are wrong, but apparently they are. I was mislead in making comparisons to other 3b's.
Thanks for the fangraphs link, I'll use it frequently.
When you get content on just getting there you are only cheating yourself. Anything less than NL pennants is a disappointment for the group of players this team had this season. Between the talent, the payroll and the risk the future to get here now attitude the Phillies have taken, you can't be satisfied to just get to the postseason anymore. This isn't 2007, where the Phillies hadn't been to the playoffs in 14 years. We aren't the Cincinnatti Reds, this is a team that is getting older with each passing day. Whether you want to admit it or not, this season was a letdown.
Excellent post.
Nick – Uhhhh, Polanco is better than him in three categories and is tied in one. Polanco kills him in batting average. Why did we get him in the first place? To put the ball in play, to hit to the other side, to not strike out. To bat 2nd. Thats what he does. The man does not try to hit homers with a man on. He tries to move him. Ask him to bat third and you get 20/90/.300.
The Dipsy
The Phils blow.
The Dipsy
Nick, I agree that Polanco's offensive numbers aren't light years better than Feliz's. I only said that between the offense and his defense…which was excellent…that Polanco represents a nice upgrade over Pedro Feliz. And, given his injury, I think that upgrade is even more clarified.
I'm not one to "overrate" many players. If fact, I think ratings are pretty silly….it's really hard to put a number on something like this. What one person says is a 6…another might say 7.5. And both might be right with their different arguments as to why they rated them the way they did.
As for your statement about this season being a "letdown"…I have to agree…to a point. I think we all thought at the beginning of the year that we were the team to beat. On paper, we had it all. We were poised to dominate. And we did for the first…what? …8 games??
Then the injuries came and Charlie had to mix and match all season with guys coming and going from the DL.
At the 48-46 mark I think a lot of us thought we were done ….
……(even though I constantly came on here and said that once Utley and Howard and Rollins were healthy…we would probably be a playoff team…at least make a charge).
We made that charge….dominated all of baseball for like the last 70 games…and ended up with the best record.
For some…that represented what we were supposed to do all year anyway. Dominate….and be on the cusp of greatness. Winning it all would just be a formality.
For others….it was an achievement all in itself….coming from 7 games back to win the division by 6 games…in the space of a month or so.
So, yeah…it was a letdown in that we didn't get to where we set out to be at at the start of the season…..WFCs…
….but the fact that we made the playoffs at all after where were were on July 21st….that's pretty amazing.
I'm not content by any stretch.
I disapppointed. I'm angry. I'm sad. STILL. After almost a full week. I can barely watch the Series. I'm only doing it a little bit because I love the game of baseball and realize that that's pretty much it until March.
Most teams didnt have Doc and Oswalt and Hamels.
Most teams didnt have 2 former MVPS and supposed future one in their infield. All 3 still in thier "primes".
It was a tremendously disappointing season.
Last year losing to the yankees wasnt. Because Colse sucked and Pedro was average at best.
Its all about expectations. This should have been the best phillies team ever.
On the bright side? I feel with the right moves next years team could be very special and the bitter disappointment of this year is only feul to that fire.
How can a 97 win season, a 4th straight NL East title and 3rd straight appearance in the NL Championship be a disappointing season?
All the moments from the comebacks to Doc's gems, all the sellouts.
Yes the ending was heartbreaking, but you just can not win every year. The Billion Dollar Yankees dont win every year, the Red Sox needed 2 years from their 04 title to win their 2nd of the era in 2007.
The only disappointment was the ending of the season, not the season itself.
Amaro will make the necessary moves to put this team back in position for a 4th straight legitmate run at a World Series.
We need to remember to enjoy this era because we are gonna be hardpressed to see sustained success like this in the future.
I'm proud of these guys, despite falling short and despite the big team disappointments at the plate. They never quit, they just fell short.
Spring Training comes soon.
On defense, Polanco owned Feliz this year. It may have been some statistical noise for Feliz, as his UZR/150 went from +9 runs last year to -5 runs this year, but Polanco's UZR/150 this year was +11 runs. Most of Polanco's good UZR came from simply not making errors. 2009 Feliz had above-average range, while 2010 Polanco had slightly below-average range (2010 Feliz fell of a cliff).
Also, as I was thumbing through some stats, I noticed that Jimmy walked more than he struck out this year. If he can fix his swing next year and get his BABIP up, our leadoff man may be back.
No you cant win it every year.
But you can win every year you have Halladay Oswalt and Hamels on their A+ game and in thier prime.
If hamels sucked in 2010 like he did in 2009 it would be more understandable.
Who is to say that in 2011 all 3 arent on the DL by July?
Then you are proud to win the NLDS.
I get it. We had fun. Its a great team to follow.
I cant wait for first pitch 2011 opening day.
On the disappointment scale 2010 was a 10 and 09 was only a 5.
And in 5 years we could just miss the playoffs by 1 game and it could be the most satisfying season ever.
For me 2010 is more disappointing than 93 or 09 or 07 or any one of the last place years.
I was here after the 09 loss and was very positive about it.
Its perception.
This was the best phillies team ever assembled.
2011 could be very special. Historicly.
I was at work yesterday, able to glance infrequently at these posts and in the middle of the monotony, my friend sends me a text – "and what were you doing Oct 29th, 2008?"
Almost made me cry – I certainly stopped for a bit and reflected. I want that feeling again, and again and again. I think this Phillies team can do it – 2 former MVP's, probable CYA winner this year, an all-star studded offense – and like Andrew said, these guys are in their "primes".
You have to give this guy at least a 7.5 rating for the season that he did have putting up with a painful elbow thanks to getting hit by a pitch from Tim Hudson. Is truly a "gamer".
@Andrew: But six of the best Phillies team ever missed significant playing time this season and Charlie had rely on his back-ups and utility players to grind it out until the injuries ended.
You can't just look at this team on paper and then look at the result and call this a disappointing season. You're missing the human element, the injuries and the slumps and things like "The Ballad of Wilson Valdez: SS, 3B, and 2B" and "Left Fielder Roy Oswalt" and the Game of Halladay's Groin.
These guys did everything they could, gave it all they possibly could. Yes, it all fell apart in Game 6 of the NLCS, which in my opinion was the only TRUE and complete disappointment of this season, but to say the entire season was a disappointment is selling this team far too short.
Remember when everyone was saying that our season was going to come down to that last series against Atlanta in Atlanta? Well, it did. Their season, not ours.
A season with a September like September 2010 cannot be called a disappointment.
Games 1, 2, and 6 were a disappointment.
The 2010 Phillies season was spectacular.
*Whoops, that would be Games 1, 3, and 6. My bad.
What did these guys give Utley again?
Polly had a much better season than Chase. Not even comparable.
Polanco was hitting .325 in late August.
We're talking about a possible batting crown if he never takes that Hudson pitch off of his elbow.
Polanco is the very definition of a number 2 hitter. He doesn't K and he can hit the ball to the right side of the field on cue. And that's just what he does.
What biz said, both times.
This is the guy who should have gotten a higher score than Howard, not Utley.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Regarding last weeks article "Enough is Enough", we hope this is true and that the mayor of Bayside will begin following state laws. Mayor Ken Dahl needs to understand that he is using taxpayers money and not his own. He stated that he has been absolved of all illegal actions he was accused of by "five percent" of the citizens but failed to mention the facts. Mayor Dahl had hired council member Janet Christensen's husband as a city employee which violated state nepotism laws. He then back paid him $2,400 for work that Christensen had volunteered to do for free. Dahl was told by the "five percent" that it was illegal but he refused to comply with state laws until the district attorney ordered him to terminate Christensen and to get the $2,400 back from him. Mayor Dahl complained about past council members resigning when he took office. These three council members, two secretaries, two maintenance employees, building inspector and half of the planning and substandard building committee members resigned because of the lies Ken Dahl spread from his store while campaigning for Mayor. Who would want to work with someone after that?
Those people spent many hours for years working on keeping Bayside clean and providing clean water and a new sewer system. Mayor Dahl mentioned that files were deleted in the city office as if something illegal had taken place. Files are deleted on a regular basis in government offices as required by law when they are outdated. Dahl ordered a forensic audit on the city computer costing taxpayers $10,000 without council approval. The audit showed nothing illegal had taken place. Immediately after Dahl took office, the first people working in the city office were volunteers including Duane Christensen and accused marijuana grower Syd Weatherford so no telling what happened to city files.
Mayor Dahl is seen on a regular basis in the city office after hours and this never happened with previous councils. Mayor Dahl also failed to explain that citizens were requesting a copy of the yearly proposed budget but the city secretaries could not provide it because they said it was on Mayor Dahl's personal computer at his home and not available. The town's budget has been prepared for almost 40 years by the city council in workshops and always available to the public without a mayor needing their own personal city computer. Dahl stated that he was now going to allow the council to prepare the budget. This is only due to the "five percent" informing the attorney generals office that Dahl was violating state conflict of interest laws that prohibit the mayor from the budgeting process since the town is purchasing gasoline from his business (.50 cents higher than anywhere else).
The $25,000 Dahl accused the previous council of spending on a street was actually $2,500 paid to Terry Gray to build a limestone road on city property that had been fenced in by a landowner for over 40 years. State laws prevent anyone from squatting public land so the previous council on the advice from Texas Municipal League reclaimed the city property for the city and not because of a "vendetta" as Dahl claimed.
Dahl would know these facts if he and those that believe him would have been attending the workshops, hearings and council meetings before he became mayor. Dahl fired the town's long time city auditor Michael Arnold who only charged the town $2,500 per year and hired another auditor that cost the town $12,000 per year for the same service only to inform Dahl that he was spending too much money. Dahl and council members traveled to Austin to TML workshops spending taxpayers money on travel and lodging yet he claims he didn't know the laws when he violates them.
Previous councils and mayors emailed and phoned TML for legal advice at no cost to the taxpayers and followed their legal advice. The street Dahl claims they sold was a dead end easement (not a street) and the previous council sold it to have a reserve fund in case of emergencies all approved by TML. Dahl spent that reserve money on a backhoe and mosquito sprayer.
All cities only have around five percent or less of its citizens regularly attend council meetings. The only "vendetta" seems to be Ken Dahl's against the "five percent" that hold the mayor accountable to state laws and regulations and ensures that taxpayers money is being spent properly.
So if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Remember, Mr. Editor, that there are two sides to every coin and you too would know these facts if you would have been attending council meetings the last 10 years, as I have.


text:
Comments: First Impressions: WOW!! these are the lightest thing i have ever felt. they feel much sturdier than they look in the picture. They feel very supportive from trying them on. I hope they perform as well as they look!
From: Dylan, Fountain, Colorado, USA
Comments: Haven't raced yet but just tried them on. I am going no socks and this shoe feels like a sock and is weightless, I am extremely excited to use these.
From: Eddie, USA
Comments: Just got these shoes, they hurt the first time i wore them but then I put some cheap insoles in them and they are now my favorite shoe I have ever owned.
From: Brennan, San Antonio, TX
Comments: great middle distance spike. very light but very aggressive. the spike plate makes it very easy to get that kick going but enough cushion to where you can run a mile or even two mile comfortably. flywire in the spike works wonders. i would recommend racing without socks. it makes wearing this shoe even better! no discomfort at all! the durablity of this shoe is also very great. my spike made it through a long season looking and feeling good as new.
From: bnian, santa fe springs, CA, USA
Comments: Amazing spikes. I run the 400 and 800, and they are great for both races. They are insanely light, I can barely even feel them when I run in em. Not sure how these hold up in a 1600 or anything longer than that but for the 400 and 800 they're nasty.
From: Rex, Summit, NJ, USA
Comments: Great shoes for track events only. I had a hard time using them on dirt and grass, but on a track they're pure heaven.
From: Aditya, Pleasanton, CA, USA
Comments: These are the greatest spikes I have ever owned. They are very aggressive and don't hold you back in the slightest. I used them for everything from the 200m up to the 3200m and they held up. While I used them for the 200m and 400m, I wouldn't suggest that. Definitely made for 800m-3200m. I also know a guy who used them for the 8K in college and said they were alright but couldn't handle the grass well. All things considered, these are fantastic shoes and if you are a distance track runner you should look into a pair.
From: Pickle, Nashville, TN, USA
Comments: To be as simple as possible, this wonderfully made spike by Nike is a true mid-distance spike. It has an aggressive forefoot spike plate that enhances traction on a variety of tracks. Basically, slippage is impossible. With the forefoot spike plate, you have the incredible weight. A size 9 is 3.4oz.; practically weightless on your feet. This shoe, however, should be used sparingly if you have support shoes, because you will cause problems with your calves, shins, achilles(!), including the tendons and muscles in your feet. These shoes will be sure to bring you fast times, if used correctly. Should be used for 600-1600, 3k-3200 runners would probably prefer the Nike Matumbos.
From: Will, Weston, CT, USA
Comments: Lightest spikes ever.
From: Alexander, Cupertino, CA
Comments: These are great. I've ran the 400 and the 3200 in these spikes, and they work well for both distances. Also, practicing strides in these greatly help with adding speed.
From: Sam, Plainsboro, NJ, USA
Comments: By far the lightest spikes I've ever worn.
From: Sebastian, Newmarket, OT, CA
Comments: Great spike, but they run very narrow. I suggest ordering true-to-size, but if you've already got spikes that are too small, you can replace them Lydiard-style (also called straight bar lacing) to make a little more room in the spike.
From: Aaron, NJ, USA
Comments: By far the best flat I have ever worn. Before I got them I was worried that they wouldnt be to good for the shorter sprinting events, being that I am a sprint and middle distance runner. I had nothing to worry about because I have used my victories in everything from the 100 meter to the 1000meter, and they kicked ass in all!
From: Pat, Woodbury, NY, USA
Comments: I cant wait to get these shoes ... I currently run a 5:17 mile and I am trying to cut 17 or more seconds off my time so I can get under 5 minutes and I believe these shoes will help me to achieve my goal.
From: Ryan, USA
Comments: These spikes are amazing, I can't wait to use them tomorrow. They are incredibly light but have a very strong feeling to them. Thank you RunningWarehouse for getting them to me overnight!
From: Mike, Coventry, RI, USA
Comments: This spike is very light. the first race i ran them cut 32 seconds off my pr. i ran 14:23.
From: Ron, portland oregon usa
Comments: Best spike I have ever owned. I ran everything from the 200m to the 3200m in these. Did well with all of it. Have a friend on the track team who even used them for XC and they worked well. Let me put it this way: a team in the area sweeped the regional meet. All 6 of their top runners wore these. They won the 4x800 by over 30 seconds. I just can't explain how great these shoes are.
From: Joe, Hendersonville, TN, USA
Comments: Just got to race in this in the 1500 and 800 and they were great! If you're used to the Milers these are a little more aggressive. You can hardly tell you're even wearing anything on your feet!
From: Matt, Rockford, IL, USA


text:
what he should have said is that he fuk'd up, and that no one wants any of his ****ty players, with their bloated contracts...
as i said previously (and i wish i was wrong).. the team we see , is the team we will have for the forseeable future...
Isiah Says Knicks Will Be Inactive Around Trade Deadline
January 2, 2008 - 6:17 am
New York Daily News -
There are said to be several Knicks who wouldn't mind a change of scenery, including Stephon Marbury, David Lee, Malik Rose and Eddy Curry. The Kings are reportedly considering deals for Mike Bibby and Ron Artest, who has said he would like to return home and play with the Knicks.
Tuesday, Thomas ruled out making a deal between now and the February deadline. Of course, Thomas has made a habit of denying working on moves right up until he makes them.
"I really don't foresee that," he said. "I don't see us being active around the trade deadline. This is the time when you're down and you can make mistakes that can cost you years. And everything that you've worked for the last three, four years that can set you back another three years. We've got a young group, we've got good players, and we've got good talent. We've just got to get them to play together."
I give up.
what he should have said is that he fuk'd up, and that no one wants any of his ****ty players, with their bloated contracts...
as i said previously (and i wish i was wrong).. the team we see , is the team we will have for the forseeable future...
I think that not making any trades is the right thing to do. I think what the Knicks should do is wait till everyone's contract expires and don't re-sign them.We have too many players with high contracts, so anyone with a trade offer will just make an offer to trick the knicks. for ex: Trevor Ariza for steve fancis and channing frye for Zach Randolph.Also, I don't think Isiah Thomas should be fired. Whoever comes in for Isiah will have to adjust to the mess the Knicks has become.
Last edited by abcd; Jan 02, 2008 at 08:38. Reason: mispelling on z-bo's name
Jan 2 Artest (elbow) said he would approve a deal to New York and boasts that he could turn things around for the Knicks, the New York Post reports.
Recommendation: The Knicks pursued Artest in the offseason and could certainly use someone to play some defense. "Anywhere I go, I can turn things around, given the opportunity," Artest said. "I definitely would not be opposed to it if that is my calling. I would not be opposed if something would happen [with the Knicks]. But I just want to win a championship.
i think isiah is playing hard to get with sac
See the Kings actually are shipping them two around... Now! Thats crazy... And Isiah isn't pullin the trigger. Isiah is a stupid person. Thats it. I don't care if Ron is injuried and so is Bibby. Bibby will be back sooner or later. At least he actually has a reason not playin.
I remember when VC was beening shipped around... Knicks were the TOP team. Tim Thomas and a Scrub for VC!!!!!! Isiah said no... Tim is a great starter for the team..... Wow that went far...
isiah.. pull the trigger on a trade... if u fuk-up, its not the 1st time... but maybe it will be the last time...
Im not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, Isiah has a history of givin away too much in trades. Im just scared that hes gonna give away more draft picks. What the F*ck are we the fans supposed to do, root for or against this team?
If we can get him without parting with Lee and Nate do it!, and especialy if we can lose one or two of the many bloated contracts on top of it... come on he's got to do it! Maby it just hasn't happened yet because Sacremento wants to much? Also their demands will lessen the closer to all-star break we get and if they don't become more flexable with their trade demands their going to walk away empty handed this summer when Artest leaves anyway!
I dont know if this is a good thing or bad thing either. We are a horrible team now, and I'm never sold on tanking for a lottery pick.
What pisses me off is quotes like this that Thomas makes that give the impression he knows what he is doing. I wouldn't hire him to run my office's mailroom
Ron Artest was the "MAN" for the "Curry Factor", not Zach Randolph.
Ron Artest is a court LEADER in practice and in a game.
This season "Curry Factor" is all Isiah Thomas fault for not Starting David Lee alongside of Curry at the start of the 2007-8 season, plus not demanding that Curry, Zach, Lee, James, and Malik Rose all participate in Mark Aquire Bigman Camp in July & August.
There was no reason why Zach, Balkman, Collins, and Nate could'nt have been the Fire-Power off the Bench at the start of this season to give this Knick-Team a strong depth chart.
David Lee was supposed to be assigned to helping improve Eddy Curry Team-Play on both sides of the court at the start of this 2007-8 season.
Starting Players because of their High Contract is something all G.M's. would like to do, but a Wise Coach looks for the best co-existing players to START & FINISH the game for success.
I think artest could really turn things around for us. So long as he stays outa trouble off the court!!!
Hes a strong character on the court and could be the floor general we so desperatly need!!!
As a new yorker i think artest would be fully focused on winning and not stabbin people! although isiah needs it!
Will we ever win a championship again? Id like to think so!
i'd have to go with a no for the tru warrior at this point.
The way this season has gone, our roster is about as toxic as Chernobyl. The last thing this team needs is another malcontent.
I suggest all you guys read Bill Simmons article on espn about chemistry and how it works for the NBA like in no other sport.
Zeke, Steph, Q, Zach, Nate.... thats enough ego to fill up the Garden. Frankly, I'm sick of all the drama. These guys all act like overpaid employees that have no relationship to eachother outside the 48 mins they play on tv.
Ron is a good player, but this is one of those situations where there is too much gun powder in a keg for a wild match like him


text:
Update: Sunset agrees to close
WARREN – City officials have given the downtown club where a man was shot to death early New Year's Day five days to remove its business signs.
Warren Law Director Gregory Hicks said the Sunset Lounge said that the the club is officially closed for business effective immediately.
"I know that they were removing equipment and various items last night," Hicks said during a news conference earlier today. "They are out of business."
According to reports, Cory Blackwell, 25, of Francis Street S.E. was shot after a fight on the dance floor early New Year's Day. Police are continuing to put the pieces together. According to reports gunfire erupted on the dance floor at the club around 2 a.m. Blackwell's body was found outside. Although police initially said no one else was injured, officers have since confirmed that at least one more person was shot.
Earlier today city officials confirmed that their agreement with Sunset Lounge allows owner Joseph Sankey to sell the property or keep it without re-starting another business in order to avoid a long court process which city officials believe would have resulted in the bar's closure.
According to the settlement agreement between the city and Sunset, the property is leased to Dream Team Promotions LLC, and the statutory agent for Dream Team is LaShawn Ziegler.
Last year Warren City Council agreed to ask the state to deny renewing the club's liquor license.
Check back throughout the day for updates as they happen.


text:
At the beginning of summer, the band competed in Austin at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest. They came home with six solo medals. Ismael Garza was given an Outstanding Performer award on his marimba solo. Out of the 24,000 musician only 252 received this award.
"This is the first time that I can remember in our band's history that a band student received this honor," says band director Jaime Vela.
The show theme for the 2012 season is entitled The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies). The selection of songs portrays the energy the band students get from their surroundings and from within. They invite the community to stay during football halftime for their performance. The band spends many hours rehearsing, memorizing and marching to get ready for the season of football games, parades and competitions.
"It takes dedication to work in the mental capacity of playing music and the physical one in the South Texas heat," Vela added.
This year, they have added a new band director, Lisa Avalos, from Brownsville. She is a woodwind specialist who majored in clarinet. She will assist and have performing groups at both the high school and middle school.
Because of the high school moving back to eight periods, students are encouraged to enroll in the mariachi and classical guitar program. Many graduates continue to perform in mariachi and their education in classical guitar at the college level for many years.
Summer band for incoming freshman and new band members will start on Monday, Aug. 6, at 8 a.m. at the high school band hall. Returning band students will start on Aug. 8 at 8 a.m. The band booster meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Aug. 14, at 6 a.m. in the band hall. Questions about rehearsal can be directed to Jaime Vela at the high school at 362-6000, ext. 5070.
"I'm excited about starting a new year," Vela says. "We are planning new things for the field and parades. Thank you to our community of family, school and business support. It means so much to the members of our Mighty Trojan Band."


text:
Moderate cleric Hassan Rouhani is the new president of Iran. His win has energized reformists eager for change and angered critics show say the vote was a sham.
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text:
Dear members,
Thank you, NarutoBase Staff
Wait, did Guy just..
Ahh I hope there's flashbacks next week. Kakashi doesn't even act like he killed Rin. Gotta love loose ends. Also Kakshi is probably going to kill this punk probably not now but later on. I think he'll feel like he's to blame for all this and eventually show us his true power (which I believe hasn't been seen yet).
DAMN! Gai is pretty impressive. His tiger was strong enough to push away Susano.
It was good....Next chapter is going to be Awesome!!!
Originally Posted by IKSOKRIPS
WOW, I never expected to see Hirudora! :y :D
Plus, the Wood Dragon absorbers chakra, who knew. . . . . . . . . :shrug:
Also, Kakashi didn't get sucked up by Obito's Kamui.
He did. He just used his MS to transport out.
WE GET , TALKING & FIGHTING thats better
2. thats the naruto i want to see total boss
3. ok killer be should get capture he's only bekoming a burden to naruto who agrees ?
4.gai has some fight left in him that attack was amazing
6. kakashi its getting murder out there
7 . MY only problem is wtf is kishi thinking does he think the fans are stupid ? we know kakashi cant fight at his fullest he needs to heal or something quit the trolling
That last shot on the last page with Kakashi and Naruto standing side by side is just badass :o
Great Chapter, I'm sure many people are satisified the way the battles turned out with Kakashi not being able to beat Obito but Naruto being crafty enough to jump in and help.
I was surprised that Kishi let Guy use 7 gates this chapter, but now Madara may get serious with shadow/wood clone Sussano's. Only flaw in the chapter would be magically Kakashi learning how to escape from the Kaumi dimension, doesn't the Mangekyou Sharingan have different abilities in each eye? Now we have to assume that every Mangekyou Sharingan is different.
Last edited by Xaviour; 11-07-2012 at 08:05 AM.
Disappointed...not worth wait for me
But guy sending madara and his susanoo flying with hirudora was pretty cool I guess.
Originally Posted by Cho
He did. He just used his MS to transport out.
Yeah, I know he did, just wanted to make it short. . . . . . . . . kind of. . . . . . . . . :shrug:
Wow... 4/5
kller bee has been save by naruto like 3 time in this fight already he's just a burden to naruto , madara needs to capture him now , who agrees ?
there's a link... http://www.narutobase.net/manga/Naruto/608
Last edited by Jean Grey; 11-07-2012 at 09:32 AM.
[GLOW][JUTSU][/JUTSU][/GLOW]I just loved the chapter...Awesome chapter...5/5...next week chapter will be on sasuke orchimaru or on 5 kages....:-)...
I felt the chapter was too short may be because we r getting it after 1 week break...
Yes very true...he has been a burden indeed....
It actually made quite good sense that the wood dragon absorbed Kuramas chakra.
We know that since Kuramas (at least the part of Kurama that was originally stored within Naruto) is Yin chakra, it is the "life giving" part of the chakra. And we've seen before that it makes all mokuton grow and get out of control.
So if Hashirama (and now Madara) exploided this fact, and instead made a controlled absorption, it would be the perfect counter to Kurama.
okay loved the chapter, really good 5/5.
One question, I looked at the justu and was that a new justu that gai was using?
chapter was not bad 3/5, waited two weeks to find out kakashi has infinite chakraWTH, naruto leaving his fight wit madara to fight obito although it's a clone but to be underestimating madara, and it's just getting too old, the same old bull crap, if kakashi doesn't die then its BS.
Originally Posted by cavslavehorse
okay loved the chapter, really good 5/5.
One question, I looked at the justu and was that a new justu that gai was using?
It was the one he used against Kisame
I think it was a fine chapter after waiting for 2 weeks..the fighting part was really good and both the sides are balanced as of now.Gai's Hirudora was amazing and looked like it owned madara's susanoo! that was really badass! :D hope to see some more action! only one thing is still not clear, why did kakashi kill rin...!? hopefully it will be revealed soon
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Mr. Griffith was born Nov. 5, 1950, in Three Rivers to Huey and Carolina Longoria Griffith. He married Lucinda Cruz on Feb. 16, 1973, in Karnes City and was a retired truck driver.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Patrick Deane Griffith; a brother, Donald Jerry Griffith; and step-father, Floyd Quintanilla.
Survivors include his wife, Lucinda Griffith of Live Oak County; three sons, Phillip Duane (Susie) Griffith and Peter Floyd (Stephanie) Griffith, both of Three Rivers, and Paul Donald (Sheila) Griffith of Abernathy; two brothers, Richard (Linda) Quintanilla and Edward Quintanilla, both of Three Rivers; a sister, Dalia "Dolly" Ramirez of Three Rivers; and three grandchildren, Gabriela Hope Griffith, Patricia Denise Griffith and Xavier Jesus Villarreal.
A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Oak Park Memorial Funeral Chapel.
Oak Park Memorial Funeral Chapel


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Note: This recall has been reannounced.
Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 739-4120
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Children's Toy Rake
Units: About 16,000
Importer: Jo-Ann Stores Inc., of Hudson, Ohio
Hazard: Surface paint on the handle of the rake can contain excessive levels of lead paint, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled children's rake has a green handle with a yellow duck head attached to the handle. The rake has seven purple tines, also known as teeth. The rake is about 24 inches long. "Robbie Ducky™ Garden Collection Rake" is printed on a tag attached to the handle.
Sold exclusively at: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores nationwide from January 2007 through September 2007 for about $7.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy rake away from children and return it to any Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Jo-Ann Stores Inc. toll-free at (888) 739-4120, option 7, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email the firm at email@example.com, or visit the firm's Web site at www.joann.com
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of
thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the
nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or
mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household
chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at
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Committee's job is to save taxpayers money
West Virginia Sen. Jack Yost, D-Brooke, is right: Lawmakers in the past have not devoted enough energy to dealing with labor issues. To remedy that, state Senate and House of Delegates leaders agreed with Yost's recommendation that a new interim committee be formed.
The question now is whether the panel, with Yost as its chairman, will tackle the really tough, important labor-related issues.
Members of the committee held their first formal meeting this week, while legislators were in Wheeling as part of state sesquicentennial observances. Yost said the new Labor and Worker Safety Issues Committee will allow members to discuss and investigate important questions outside the regular annual 60-day session of the Legislature.
But the panel's agenda does not yet include issues critical to West Virginians' futures – such as prevailing wage and right-to-work legislation.
About half the states, including some with the fastest growing economies in the nation, have right-to-work laws. West Virginia is among those that lack such protection for workers.
In essence, right-to-work laws prohibit closed shops in which employees can be required to join labor unions. They do not handicap union organizers unfairly. Private sector workers who want to join unions still are perfectly free to do so.
In deciding where to locate new plants and other types of businesses, private sector executives often consider whether a state has right-to-work protection. Those without it are at an economic development disadvantage.
Prevailing wage laws hurt taxpayers even more directly, driving up the cost of construction projects funded with public money.
West Virginia's statute requires that workers on such projects be paid "prevailing wage" as determined by the state Department of Labor. But the agency's method of setting prevailing wage is weighted heavily toward scales paid by companies with union workers.
A 2009 study by West Virginia University found an enormous gap between prevailing wage levels set by the state and amounts actually paid to workers. Statewide, the prevailing wage requirement was nearly 49 percent higher than the average true market wage paid, WVU researchers found. For one occupation, roofers, the gap was a whopping 107.13 percent.
That costs West Virginia taxpayers millions of dollars a year. It makes it tougher to build new schools, highways and other public facilities.
Doing something about issues such as prevailing wage and right-to-work ought to be at the top of the Yost committee's agenda.


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Jefferson County Fair features Little Big Town, Gloriana and Casey James this weekend
It's that time of year when county fairs across the state become a must-stop destination for some of country music's biggest stars.
This weekend, country fans heading a few miles west from Milwaukee will find two big shows at the Jefferson County Fair (503 N Jackson Ave. in Jefferson). Tonight at 7, Gloriana is joined by former "American Idol" contestant Casey James on the grandstand. Saturday night, it's Little Big Town headlining at the fairgrounds with Madison-based Madison County opening. With a mix of first-come, first-serve general admission seating included with fair admission and reserved spots at an additional price point, the shows can be an affordable way to catch these acts in a unique setting. General admission to the Jefferson County Fair is $10, with a few money-saving deals outlined on the event's website. »Read Full Blog Post
Engine Company No. 3 opening in Walker's Point on Sept. 9
The sister restaurant to La Merenda, Engine Company No. 3, will open Tuesday, it was announced on social media Friday.
The breakfast-and-brunch restaurant is opening in a former Milwaukee firehouse at 217 W. National Ave., just a few blocks from La Merenda, 125 E. National Ave. »Read Full Blog Post
MSO presents semi-staged production of 'Don Giovanni'
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will not be onstage for its Uihlein Hall season opener Sept. 13.
The orchestra and music director Edo de Waart will actually be in the orchestra pit, as the MSO presents a semi-staged production of Mozart's "Don Giovanni." »Read Full Article
Local Packer ratings down from last year, but up nationally
Thursday's Green Bay Packers - Seattle Seahawks game earned an average local rating of 44.03 for NBC affiliate WTMJ-TV (Channel 4).
Nationally however, the NFL opener earned a 16.8 overnight rating, up 4% from last year. »Read Full Blog Post
'No Man's Land' brings global voice to stories of World War I
One hundred years ago this week, British and French forces defeated the German army during World War I in the Battle of the Marne. More than 2 million soldiers fought — and, some estimate, about 500,000 were killed or wounded — in the battle, which set the tone for four years of carnage before the war ended in 1918.
Much of the fiction written during and after World War I centered on that carnage and its cost, physically, morally, politically. But for the most part, the voices we've heard have been English, or its American variant, with occasional French and German accents thrown in. »Read Full Article
Survival not enough in riveting 'Station Eleven'
The Ebola epidemic certainly adds resonance to Emily St. John Mandel's introduction of a game-changing plague in "Station Eleven," her haunting and riveting new novel:
"Of all of them there at the bar that night," Mandel writes, "the bartender was the one who survived the longest. He died three weeks later on the road out of the city." »Read Full Article
'A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing' is a worthy work of art
When your fate seems set in stone at the age of 2, in fact perhaps before you were even born, what chance do you have? This is just one of the many questions posed in Eimear McBride's stylistic, gut-wrenching debut novel, "A Girl is a Half-formed Thing."
Set in Ireland, McBride tells the story of a young woman's life and her relationship with her brother, who as a young child contracts a brain tumor. Even though the tumor is treated, it is the beginning of the painful downward spiral of her family. »Read Full Article
'Destiny, Deviltry & Dentistry' sometimes daft, sometimes dumb
My determined decision as to dumbest and dorkiest description of a drama during the decade? Doug Jarecki and Jason Powell's "Destiny, Deviltry & Dentistry," unfolding on a lightly dressed Alchemist Theatre stage, dominated by three D's dwarfing the downstage actors, who are directed by Katie Cummings.
The deliciously daft title is deliberate, as Jarecki and Powell make clear when introducing the seven comic sketches to come, describing them as plot-deficient and devoid of developed characters. Accompanied by Powell's guitar, the duo sing a song demanding we "surrender to the idiocy" awaiting us. »Read Full Article
New 'Meet the Press' host Chuck Todd a 'devoted' Packer fan
Chuck Todd, the new "Meet the Press" host, has been described as a "devoted" fan of the Green Bay Packers.
It's unclear how the former political director and White House correspondent for NBC News, developed this passion, since he is a Miami native. »Read Full Blog Post(2)
Traveling Beer Garden welcomes 50,000th customer today
The Traveling Beer Garden, part of Milwaukee County Parks, Recreation and Culture, is expecting its 50,000th customer today.
The special patron will get more than ordered. The Traveling Beer Garden siren will sound and he or she will receive a gift basket of Sprecher and Milwaukee County Parks products and certificates. »Read Full Article
Jimmy Fallon piles on the Packers on 'Tonight Show'
Wednesday's "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon" was taped before the Green Bay Packers' humiliating loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
But the comic bit the host did in honor of the start of the NFL season stings just a little more on the day after the big loss. Fallon showed photos of the players from both teams and applied cutlines to them as if they were in a high school yearbook. »Read Full Blog Post
What to do in Milwaukee this weekend
The Best of Brew City is your mobile guide to going out in Milwaukee. Locate events, live music, bars and restaurants near you and in Milwaukee's most popular neighborhoods. Visit bestofbrewcity.com and download the app for iOS or Android today.
The Traveling Beer Garden makes its final stand this weekend — unless its stay gets extended again (thanks, late-breaking summer!) — at Picnic Area No. 1 in Root River Parkway South, near S. 92nd St. and W. College Ave. in Greendale. The beer garden is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. »Read Full Article
Goodkind forges its own path with changing menu in Bay View
A server sets a sturdy plate at the center of the table. On it rests a thick slab of lamb leg from Goodkind's rotisserie, juicy and browned and just rosy inside, nestled with potatoes, carrots and kale that roasted in the drippings.
The scents of lamb and the lavender it's seasoned with, a perfect pairing, rise from the table. With this plate looking like something from a Provençal family's Sunday dinner, the moment suddenly feels like more of a celebration than just a meal. »Read Full Article
On Tap Today: Lebowski, Indian Summer and a comedy show
Hey, it's Friday.
And what's Friday in Milwaukee without a fish fry? The Point Fish Fry & a Flick delivers the Dude with "The Big Lebowski" tonight at the lakefront. »Read Full Blog Post
Garth Brooks Comeback Tour Kickoff at Allstate Arena in Rosemont
Rosemont, Ill. — There's no more marketing-savvy music star than Garth Brooks, but he wasn't exactly the most positive pitchman for Thursday's Allstate Arena.
"Tonight's show is going to suck," Brooks said at a preshow news conference, half-jokingly. "We're all old and slow." »Read Full Article


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You have a vision for your future, and you're willing to work to achieve it. Strayer's MBA degree complements and enhances your commitment. Learn how to work across business functions, manage people and assets, and apply critical thinking to complex resource and economic challenges.
This is more than just an advanced degree. Earning your MBA from Strayer's business management program teaches you to lead with tenacity, whether that means stepping into an executive position in your current company or industry, or starting your own business.
As an MBA student at Strayer University, you're in control. Create a schedule that allows you to continue working full-time while you attend school. Apply what you learn in class to your current job, and develop professional growth before you've even earned your MBA. Invigorating discussions with other students, online or on campus, will enhance your learning experience. At Strayer University, pursue your personal and professional goals without putting your job or family on hold. It's your future, prepare for it your way.
Tailor your on-campus or online MBA with one of 12 functional concentrations, or design your own MBA with our professional studies option.
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*Compare Strayer MBA program costs at http://www.strayer.edu/academic-program-disclosure/mba with the costs for DeVry's MBA program at http://www.keller.edu/graduate-degree-programs/ge/mba-program-consumer-info.html.
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The professional studies concentration allows you to develop your own MBA program. Working with your advisor, you'll select an appropriate course load to meet your specific learning and career goals. Past participants have explored areas such as executive leadership, operations and logistics.
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ACC 556 - Financial Accounting for Managers
The course is designed with a focus on accounting to meet the needs of managers and stresses the interpretation and uses of accounting information. The information presented in the course is designed for a user of accounting information instead of preparer. Key concepts include financial statements and ratio analysis, uses of accounting information for decision-making and planning
BUS 508-Contemporary Business
Examine the functions and processes within a business enterprise and key factors affecting productivity. Review the dynamics of the business operations environments both internal and external factors affecting competition and considerations for global operations. Receive a conceptual base for assessing and enhancing strategic performance in a business organization through the integration of the core business functions, effective resource management and sound leadership.
BUS 520-Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Analyze the interaction of individual, group and organizational dynamics that influence human behavior in business and determine appropriate management approaches to foster a productive work environment. Examine a variety of theories, models and strategies used to understand motivation and individual behavior, decision making, the dynamics of groups, work teams, communication, leadership, power and politics, conflict resolution, work design, organizational structure and culture, and managing change. Receive a conceptual base for interpreting, assessing, and influencing human behavior in an organization.
BUS 599-Strategic Management
Examine the strategic management process and implementation of successful business strategies in the highly competitive and dynamic global environment. Analyze the impact of technology, government policy, and world economic and political forces on strategy formulation and execution. Exercise analytic, integrative and decision-making skills through the use of case analysis. Make decisions involving the core business functions, leadership challenges and global operations.
ECO 550-Managerial Economics and Globalization
Apply relevant economic theory to develop a framework of analysis and techniques that you can use to decide how to allocate a firm's scarce resources to achieve its objectives. Use economic analysis to support business strategy decisions that promote competitiveness in an environment of changing domestic and international market conditions, government regulations, trade policies and resource availability. Systematically analyze how global economic integration affects the production, input sourcing and pricing decisions of firms operating in different market structures.
FIN 534-Financial Management
Understand financial concepts and review the basic tools and strategies for making financial decisions. Measure and compare risks across investment opportunities. Analyze how organizations choose the set of securities they issue to raise capital from investors as well as how organizations form a capital structure. Examine how the choice of capital structure affects the value of the firm.
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Apply the major elements of the marketing process, including domestic and foreign market assessment, strategic planning and the development of an effective marketing mix (product, price, promotion and distribution) to create customer value. Analyze key marketing concepts, such as consumer/business buying behavior, market research, brand management, product development, pricing strategies and the design of marketing channels (promotion and distribution). Examine the integration of marketing with other functions in a business organization.


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Welcome to the CRG Discussion Forum!Forum registration problems: Make sure you enter your email correctly and you check your spam box first. *Then* email KurtS2@gmail for help.
If it does fit like I think it will, I will weld up the vent holes and see how it looks.
Hey guys,I am considering doing away with the fresh air "slotted" cowl vent on my 69 Camaro since I have installed a vintage air system and do not need these and have capped them off.


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By Eugenia Bone
I didn't even know wine existed in Colorado in 1998, when I moved from New York City to a run-down ranch near Grand Junction. But it took all of about one week to discover that I had relocated to the fringes of an extraordinary wine scene.
I quickly became hooked on the adventure of following funky little signs down dusty roads and finding gems, the realms of winemakers who had a dream to plant green vineyards among the red rocks.
Try one or all of our Colorado wine tours, and you'll be hooked too.
For power tasters and spirit seekers
I was standing in the cup of a cliff formation at Colorado National Monument, looking out over the Grand Valley, when I heard, suddenly and dramatically, the sound of a huge bird ― eagle? pterodactyl? ― swooping over my head. I ducked and looked over the cliff edge to see where the bird had gone. There was no bird, but below me was a verdant vineyard, green and rich with vines.
Later that day, as I sipped a muscular Cabernet Sauvignon at Two Rivers Winery (one of 21 wineries in this most established of Colorado's appellations), I resisted telling the kind pourer that a winged spirit led me there. You just never know how that kind of story is going to come off. But I do feel there is a holy connection between the high drama of the Grand Valley's scenery and the region's many fine wines. Goût du terroir, indeed.
Carlson Vineyards
Carlson is an irreverent outfit, as evidenced by the kooky names of its wines (Prairie Dog Blush?). But that doesn't mean winemaking isn't taken seriously. Carlson regularly wins competitions ― the Riesling category in particular. INFO: Free tastings; 461 35 Rd., Palisade; 970/464-5554.
Grande River Vineyards
Backed up against the stunning Bookcliffs, Grande River, which has been making wine in this valley for 20 years, really shines with its Viognier. Persnickety and prone to disease, the grape thrives in the Grand Valley. INFO: Three free tastings, $3.50 total for more; 787 N. Elberta Ave., Palisade; 800/264-7696.
Two Rivers Winery
The vineyard and tasting room are beautifully located at the base of Colorado National Monument. The Cab is the real winner. INFO: Free tastings; 2087 Broadway, Grand Junction; 970/255-1471.
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