Wring Out The Old

December 22

Barring a calamity of epic proportions, or Tiger hitting another fire hydrant, this will be our last blog of the year. Even bloggers give their nubby little fingers a rest. It’s the holidays, dammit, and I need to soak my hands in hot water.

And oh, what a year it was. Can you believe it’s almost 2010? Where’s my flying car?

Here are my Top Ten sports stories of the year, worldwide.

1) Tiger Woods hits a fire hydrant and tree, and all hell breaks loose.

I was hosting a show the day after Thanksgiving when the news broke. Little did we know at the time how many layers this story would have. Topping off a decade in which our major sports icons were deconstructed, this was one of the biggest of them all. The top story of 2010 might be how Tiger rebounds from all of this.

2) Tom Watson nearly wins The Open Championship at age 59.

Who would have thought golf would take the top two spots? This story would have been #1 except for Tiger’s loose zipper, and the ensuing hilarity. Watson just missed a par putt to win on 18, and had he done so, would have gone down as one of the biggest stories of all time. Instead, he lost to Stuart Cink, young enough to be his son.

3 ) Usain Bolt’s insane 100 and 200 meter times.

His performance at the World Track Championship in Berlin was one of the greatest ever. World record 19.19 in the 200 meters, world record 9.58 in the 100 meters. And he’s just hitting his peak. On top of that he’s a true showman. But if this decade has taught us anything, it has taught us to wait for the other shoe to drop. God, I hope not.

4) ARod’s steroid mea culpa.

Yeah, we suspected it, but it was still a huge story when it happened. This was Bud Selig’s fair-haired boy who was supposed to break that evil Barry Bonds’ tainted records in a few years. A perfect cherry-topper to the steroid era. However, if Tiger wonders how long it will take for him to go through the news cycle, he should look at ARod. How many even remember that spring circus? How many in New York care, now that he’s had a good postseason and has a ring.

( By the way, does anyone remember Manny was suspended 50 games this year ? )

5) The Yankees buy a World Series.

I don’t blame the Yankees for taking advantage of the rules. Baseball’s revenues have gone up five-fold since Selig became commissioner. Do you think Bud or the owners want to change the way things are done? Brace yourself for another decade of the Yankees, Red Sox and six or seven other teams battling each year for a title, with the occasional intruder who will make like TCU and become a BCS-buster, creating the illusion of parity in baseball. It’s time to either create a salary cap along with a salary ceiling, or simply relegate half the teams to a lower division, a la British soccer. P.S. the Yankees were handed a luxury tax bill of 25.6 million dollars. It is to laugh.

6) The Steelers beat the upset-minded Cardinals.

The Steelers became the first NFL team to win six Super Bowls, beating the upstart Cardinals 27-23 in a game marked by great defensive plays ( James Harrison’s record 99 yard interception return for a touchdown. Just for giggles, check out the British radio call of that play ), and a great fourth quarter. Arizona, down 20-7, takes the lead with 16 unanswered points including a bomb from Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald, and then Ben Roethlisberger’s perfect strike to Santonio Holmes to win it with 35 seconds to go. It was the “Austere Bowl” because of the recession, but a game rich in drama.

7) Federer wins 15th Grand Slam

You could argue that he’s been helped by Rafael Nadal’s knee injury, but you could also argue that regardless, Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player of all time. He claimed a record 15th Grand Slam title this year. He beat Andy Roddick in a Wimbledon final that almost matched the unbelievable final vs. Nadal the year before. The most complete player over a sustained period of time I’ve ever seen.

8. Thierry Henry’s hand ball.

Our readers of Irish heritage are loving this placement, while the French are probably dismissively poo-pooh’ing my judgement. It was one of the biggest rip-offs in sports history, up there with the Tuck Rule and the USSR’s bogus basketball win over the US in the 1972 Olympics. Henry touched the ball not once, but twice, before passing it to French teammate William Gallas for the overtime goal that put France into the 2010 World Cup and ousted Ireland. No call from the referees. Even Henry agreed a replay would have been the fairest solution. FIFA did not. Now watch France win the Cup, thanks to “Le Hand of God.”

9) Mark Ingram wins the Heisman by a hair over Stanford’s Toby Gerhart.

There were five worthy finalists for one of the most prestigious awards in sports, and the final vote was the closest ever. Ingram became, remarkably, the first Alabama player to ever win the honor. His emotions on stage were real, as he fought back tears. He might have been thinking about the gravity of the achievement, or about his dad, former NFL receiver Mark Ingram, Sr. The elder Ingram is about to begin a seven year sentence for bank fraud and money laundering.

10) Michael Phelps and the bong seen round the world.

Dude, seriously, can’t a guy take a hit in privacy anymore? It was ridiculous that South Carolina cops even considered bringing charges. Note to self: never to bring my hookah to Charleston. Again, if Tiger — or on a smaller scale, Tim Lincecum — is wondering how long it will take to go through the news cycle and emerge fairly clean, just look at Phelps. He lost the Kellogg’s endorsement, that’s about it, and the whole incident is well down the road and barely a dot in our rear-view mirror. Phelps has been on the down-low most of the year but is gearing up for 2012 in London.

The top Bay Area sports stories of 2009.

1) Tim Lincecum wins Cy Young, again.

Lincecum is making a bid to be the greatest San Francisco Giants pitcher ever. He needs a few more good years to match Marichal, but he’s already passed him in one category — two Cy’s. He might want to kick down a little cake to the two baseball writers who left Chris Carpenter off their ballots. Now comes the balloon payment for the Giants. Arbitration will be more like an abattoir, unless the Giants lock him up long-term.

2) Jonathan Sanchez’ no-hitter.

Sanchez throws the first Giants no-hitter in more than three decades. Sanchez was dominant, but as with any no-hitter, needed some breaks. He enjoyed a fairly generous strike zone, and Aaron Rowand made a terrific catch at the center field wall. After the final punchout, some real emotion from the usually stoic Sanchez. He was hugged in the dugout by his father, who could be heard to say “Dios es grande, Papi.” Sanchez continues to show flashes of greatness. Will he put it all together in 2010?

3) Toby Gerhart finishes second in the Heisman, the closest vote ever.

The kid is right out of a Chip Hilton book. Great student, carrying 21 units and carrying Stanford’s hopes on his back. An incredible four-game stretch against USC, Oregon, Cal, and Notre Dame that nearly got him the school’s second Heisman. On top of all that, a terrific baseball player. That, by the way, is one of the reasons he chose Stanford — they let him play on the diamond as well as the gridiron.

4) Giants win a surprising 88 games.

Absent of success from just about every other major sports team, this will have to do. I figured the G’s would win 80 at best, and if they cart out the same lineup next year, they probably won’t break 80. It was all about great pitching and thrilling baseball into September in 2009. At least better than the previous five years. Now, will they build on that ? Early Hot Stove returns aren’t encouraging, but there have been several Brian Sabean press conferences right around New Year’s, so stay tuned..

5) Tim LIncecum’s pot bust.

Not our little Timmy! Awwww, he’s all grown up. They’re so cute at this age. Geez, a skater dude-looking 25-year-old with long hair and a wool cap. I never figured him to be the tokin’ type. True, it was not a great moment for parents whose young kids look up to Lincecum. He came correct at the Cy Young news conference, although there was still a touch of rebelliion. Lincecum showed up resembling Yoko Ono — hair longer than ever. Let that “Freak” flag fly !

6) Randy Johnson’s 300th win.

Smart Giants pitchers who were young enough to be his son were hanging around Johnson in the dugout like he was the Oracle of Delphi this season. The Giants’ $8 million investment ultimately didn’t pay off because Johnson wasn’t available down the stretch — one reason they fell behind the Rockies — but remember that rainy night in May when he won #300 in Washington D.C. We may never see that again.

7) The Sharks win the President’s Trophy, then flame out in first round.

The Sharks might as well systematically pull out the finger-nails of their fans. This was the ultimate torture, perhaps the worst flame-out since the 2001 Seattle Mariners won 116 games then lost the ALCS. Fans wanted to use the President’s Trophy as an ash tray. You have to respect the Sharks, though, they continue to make the Stanley Cup their goal. To that end, they acquired Dany Heatley in the offseason. Nice move, but wake me when they make the Stanley Cup finals.

8. Stanford beats Oregon and USC on the way to the Sun Bowl.

Coach Jim Harbaugh is a bit loony, but he has delivered. The Cardinal finished 8-4 and will take on Oklahoma in the Sun Bowl. Along the way Harbaugh managed to tweak USC coach Pete Carroll, again. The Cardinal not only whipped the Trojans on their own field, they went for two after scoring a touchdown that put them up 48-21. In most cases really bad sportsmanship, but this came against SC, so it was OK by me. ( Is my Bruin slip showing ? ) Oh yeah, the two-point try failed.

9) Tom Cable’s alleged assault.

It turned into the cop-drama thriller of the summer. Did Randy Hanson break his jaw with a Chevy Chase-like fall into the file cabinet, or was he propelled by Cable? The Napa County District Attorney, after a long investigation, said no charges would be filed. Incredulity was stretched to its limit. Cable remains coach, the Raiders continue to lose more than win, and Hanson is BACK WITH THE TEAM. That’s a gigantic hatchet to bury.

10) The President’s Cup

A spiffed-up, reconfigured Harding Park was shown off to the world in an event that doesn’t carry the weight of the Ryder Cup but was entertaining nonetheless. The US led by Tiger and Phil smoked the International team. Tiger probably wasn’t philandering in San Francisco; Elin was by his side. They stood right in front of me next to the 15th green on Day Two. I didn’t say “down in front.” I did get a very good look at what Tiger was leaving behind. Tsk, tsk.

Dishonorable mention: the continuing Warriors drama, Monta and Curry, Monta and Nelly, Randolph and Nelly, pneumonia and Nelly, Stack Jack traded. Oracle was where it’s at in 2007, but is now basketball Siberia.

And now, on to 2010. What are we going to call the next decade?

Alex Smith Bandwagon Update

December 21

The Alex Smith bandwagon ran off a highway in Philadelphia. Already teetering after a mixed Monday night performance, the wheels spun out and veered into a bank of yellow snow Sunday. Ewww. Five picks in two games, and playoff elimination.

49ers coach Mike Singletary has made no bones about it — he still thinks Smith is his quarterback. That varies a bit from General Manager Scot McCloughan’s statement last week that the 49ers weren’t sure if Smith would be the starter next year. It may be that the 49ers know Smith probably isn’t, but as Chris Rock said and Tiger Woods demonstrated, it’s all about options.

Singletary isn’t going to trash Smith in public. He’s going to try to prop up his struggling quarterback’s fragile ego, because he sees the bigger picture. Unfortunately, the more he speaks in support of Smith, the more foolish he sounds.

Smith certainly earned another look based on his November performance, but has regressed a bit in December. The playbook was opened up a bit and Smith is still young enough to make you think that he can grow. The 49ers have gone to the spread, and then back to more of a base offense, trying to work Smith into a comfortable groove. It hasn’t really worked.

Smith has shown a stronger arm and has shown the ability to make good decisions, but his accuracy and consistency are still major issues. Plus, there are still those moan-inducing interceptions. Although Singletary says the first pick Sunday in Philadelphia was more Vernon Davis’ fault, Smith also threw a couple of bad interceptions.

Smith was not protected well Sunday, but as Darryl Johnston pointed out on the TV broadcast, he still leaves the pocket too early. The old happy feet. And then, there are times when he stays in the pocket and uncorks throws that would make Nuke LaLoosh proud. Snowball-tossing fans in Philly showed better accuracy at times.

It can drive you crazy, because there are times when Smith looks like a bona fide NFL quarterback, when he looks like a keeper. There are times when he makes the tough throws in tight windows. There are times when you think Smith to Davis or Smith to Crabtree could be a recurring theme for years to come, if they just have a little more time to work together.

Then, he posts a vomit-inducing 11.8 passer rating in the first half.

Yes, the offensive line could be better. Yes, there was more snow than Tony Montana had in “Scarface” over the weekend in Philly, and it was colder than Bill Belichick’s stare. Yes, not all of the turnovers were Smith’s fault.

Yes, Smith came back after a two-year layoff. Yes the coaches could help him by getting plays in more quickly, to avoid delay of game penalties. Then, they could go hurry-up, shotgun, and no huddle more often — and that would seem to benefit Smith.

Eventually, however, all of the excuses sound tired. A winning team needs a quarterback who doesn’t just keep them in the game, or manage a game, but wins the game. The 49ers haven’t seen that from Smith yet. They might know already that he isn’t that type of player, but also know they can’t do much better right now.

Here are the top quarterbacks who will be free agents in 2010: Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton, and the corpse of Chad Pennington. The rest of the slag heap includes Kyle Boller, David Carr, Rex Grossman, and Chris Redman. The only one who intrigues is current Panthers starter Matt Moore, still young at 26 but a restricted free agent.

Who is better than Smith? Unless the 49ers can obtain a Donovan McNabb or Tom Brady, there is little point to going the free agent route. Many of the quarterbacks on the free agent list have some of the same problems that have plagued Smith. The college route? Are you willing to wait a few more years to develop a quarterback? I don’t Singletary and the 49ers are so willing.

So Smith will start the final two games as the 49ers once again close out the season in the land of the meaningless. They’ll continue to evaluate him, against two weak opponents in the Lions and Rams. That’s all the 49ers have to hang their hats on until next summer.

The best they can hope for is that Smith becomes good enough to get them to the playoffs with the acquistion of a better line, better pass rush, and more speed at receiver and in the secondary. That’s a lot of work.

I’ve got one foot off of the Alex Smith bandwagon. My heart tells me to bail, but my head tells me to wait until I can find a soft landing spot. The 49ers don’t have such a luxury with Smith. They’re between a rock and a hard place.

No Rest For Tiger, Or For Warriors Fans

December 16

Nike chairman Phil Knight said last week that we would someday look at Tiger’s mistress-go-round as a “blip.” Many scoffed, but Knight might be right. Not in a good way, though.

If there is anything that could wipe the stories of Tiger’s philandering off the front page, it would be an allegation involving perofrmance-enhancing drugs. This, however, is where we must tread carefully. The “New York Times” printed a potentially explosive story Monday night, one that bears watching.

The “Times” reported that a Canadian doctor who treated Tiger Woods early this year as he recovered from knee surgery is under investigation by the FBI and suspected of providing athletes with performance-enhancing drugs. Dr. Anthony Galea has treated Woods and Olympic swimmer Dara Torres, among others. Torres competed at the advanced age of 42 in the Beijing Olympics.

Dr. Galea has admitted using Human Growth Hormone, but says he never treated professional athletes with HGH. He did say that as the team doctor for the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, he used Actovegin to treat some players. Actovegin, derived from calf’s blood, is illegal in the United States and not approved for sale in Canada.

The “Times” reported that Woods’ agents were concerned about the slow pace of his recovery from knee surgery in June 2008, and that Woods was referred to Dr. Galea. Woods’ agent at IMG Mark Steinberg flatly denies any such worry, says Tiger is not implicated in any illegal activity and says the “Times” story is reckless. Steinberg says the plasma therapy Woods received from Dr. Galea is “widely accepted.” The PGA Tour says it sees nothing that would indicate a violation of its anti-doping policy.

Nonetheless, Galea is scheduled appear in a Canadian courtroom Friday as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigate allegations of smuggling, advertising and selling unapproved drugs as well as criminal conspiracy — this according to the “Times.” His attorney says he’ll be vindicated.

I don’t need to tell anyone what a powderkeg this story could be. That’s why it’s important to be careful. We’ll wait to see what pans out in the Canadian court, and from the FBI investigation. Unlike Tiger’s wandering eye, this story IS our business. I’m hoping against hope that all the dots aren’t connected, but I’m also fearing where this story will go.

At least Ron Artest has his back.

***

So the Warriors reportedly want to trade Anthony Randolph. This has caused caterwauling among Warrior fans that would puncture the eardrum. After all, who would want to break up a 7-17 team?

Seriously, it sounds like a lousy idea to deal away a 20-year-old 7-footer who has tremendous potential and is still growing physically and emotionally. You could easily see this guy turning into a monster somewhere else. The only way this works is if the Warriors try to get a star to play with Monta Ellis.

Make no mistake, this is a star’s league. The Warriors don’t have anyone of that caliber. Getting a player such as Chris Bosh to team with Monta would be a badly-needed jolt of electricity for this franchise.

A couple of problems with that scenario: Bosh has an expiring contract and probably wouldn’t stay, and Randolph’s trade value is debatable. Some around the league love his potential, others are troubled by his inconsistent play. Randolph is still only 20, so the right team and coach could turn him around.

Personally, I’d keep Randolph, Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, Stephen Curry and Anthony Morrow. I think that’s a a core you can build around. I would give Randolph all the time he needs to develop. The rest could be had, some at not even close to the right price ( Corey Maggette ).

However, if one player or a combination of players can bring a star in return, I’m all for it. This is truly a franchise with nothing to lose.

Too Little Too Late

December 15

The 49ers made sure of one thing Monday night; the Cardinals weren’t going to celebrate at Candlestick Park. It probably delayed the inevitable. Arizona’s next two games will be against Detroit and St. Louis.

The good news; the 49ers forced seven turnovers in a 24-9 win where they were ready at the start, and they finished. The bad news; they only scored 24 points off of those turnovers. The good news; the 49ers swept the Cardinals. The bad news; it likely won’t be enough.

While it was a great showing on national television on a Monday night, the 49ers continue to drive their fans stark raving loony. Fans see an effort like that, then see the Niners go back on the road and stub their toes against the likes of the Seahawks when it really matters. That loss in Seattle plus the last-second defeat in Minnesota, really hurt now.

So 2009 is much like 2008. A nice back-door cover. A good December showing that might ease the pain of earlier crucial losses. Is this year different in any way?

Yes, slightly. The 49ers had to make some adjustments this year, but seem to have a plan. Alex Smith wasn’t great Monday but he’s their quarterback of the future, and the defense has a chance to be very, very good. Also, while Smith and the offense weren’t as spready as before, they had more Frank Gore.

Yeah, I could be a rapper.

The combination of an improved Smith, Gore in his prime, a rapidly rising Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis, and a strong defense will lead to more optimism in the off-season, and this time it might actually be well-founded. That’s the best 49ers can expect right now.

Winning the NFC West was probably a bit too much to ask for this year, but I don’t blame Singletary and company for setting that goal. Team President Jed York on KNBR called the feeling in the locker room after the game “bittersweet,” because they pounded the defending divisional and NFC champs, but know they probably let a chance at a divisional title slip away.

Fans are getting tired of “teachable moments,” they’re going to expect more, too, in 2010. York knows that. Singletary knows it. The players know it.

Rock Or Rice?

December 14

The Best Man at my wedding ( I call him Ol’ BM ) provided some welcome relief from my football overdose Sunday evening, although the Giants-Eagles game was absolutely terrific.

Ol’ BM sent an email with an intriguing question. It came from a friend of his who is just beginning to gain a deeper appreciation of baseball, and I’m guessing he’s playing in a computer-simulated tournament. The question: would it be better to have Jim Rice or Tim Raines?

Well, I’m never one to back away from a trip down the rabbit-hole of baseball minutae when I should be doing something constructive. I took the bait. As David Spade said in “Tommy Boy,” ” I’ll just retire to the Nerdery now with my fellow Nerds.”

To start with, Jim Ed or Rock were both pretty damn good ballplayers. They bring two wholly different skill-sets to the table, part of the reason the question is so intriguing. They played in completely different ballparks and in different leagues, before there was interleague play ( except the last few years of Raines’ career ).

Rice was obviously a better power hitter while Raines had more speed, but right away I found a pretty interesting statistic: although Rice’s combined on-base and slugging percentage (OPS) was .854 and Raines’ was .810, Rice’s career OPS was .128 better than league average when you account for the ballpark, while Raines’ was .123. That’s hardly any difference at all.

While Rice played in cozy Fenway Park, Raines played most of his career in a much tougher hitters’ park; that monument to cost overruns, Olympic Stadium. In fact, Olympic was a much tougher park, period.

Cavernous Olympic had a playing surface that I’m pretty sure could withstand bullets fired at close range, not to mention chunks of concrete that might fall from the ceiling. Olympic managed to do the impossible: make people pine for Jarry Park, famous for its swimming pool behind the right field fence. Thank goodness nobody revived that stupid idea.

Jim Ed upheld a tradition of great LF’ers in Boston and for a decade was one of the most feared hitters in the American League, but he was not quite as fearsome away from Fenway. In fact, his batting average dropped from .320 to .277 on the road, his on-base percentage fell 44 points, and his slugging percentage plummeted 87 points.

He was merely an OK player without the Green Monster, something along the lines of a Hank Blalock. Despite his supposed fearsomeness, Rice never walked more than 62 times a season. He struck out more than twice as many times as he walked in his career.

Tim Raines was the “poor man’s Rickey,” a player of somewhat comparable skills to the great Rickey Henderson. Raines didn’t walk as often, didn’t hit as many home runs, and didn’t steal as many bases as Rickey, but he was the next best thing. Raines had the misfortune of playing in the same era.

Raines was a far better runner and a better fielder than Rice. He led the National League in outfield assists with 21 in 1983 and could play left or center field. Raines averaged 75 stolen bases in one six-season stretch and one year stole 90.

Rice was a big-time power hitter who hit .300 or better six times, although his abilities dropped precipitously after age 33. He was also a double-play machine. In one four-year stretch, he grounded into a ghastly 131 double plays. Raines grounded into 142 DP’s for his CAREER. Rice had more runners on base when he stepped to the plate, but that is still a staggering disparity.

Both players carry a legend with them, for better or worse.

Rice supposedly broke his bat on a check swing. That’s a testament to his incredibly strong hands. Some apologists say his strength is one reason he grounded into 315 double plays, sixth all-time, because he hit the ball so sharply. It’s also true he was no speed-burner.

As for Raines, you’ve gotta love a guy who can steal a base with a vial of blow in his hip pocket. I don’t think that counted as a performance-enhancer. ( By the way, the nickname “Rock” didn’t come from his cocaine use, he got the moniker in the minors because he was so solidly built. ) Raines fortunately shook that habit and played clean for most of his career but that stigma might have kept him out of the Hall of Fame so far.

Jim Rice is in the Hall, and although he was a premier power hitter for a decade you can still debate whether is worthy of enshrinement. Raines hopefully will be in someday. Guys who have 2600 hits, 1500 runs, a .294 career average and 800 stolen bases should be hard to keep out.

It’s a tough decision between two very good players, which is why it’s such a great debate, but I gotta go with the Rock. A slightly better all-around player whose game translated to all ballparks, not far below one of the all-time greats in Rickey Henderson, who was elected to the Hall on 98 percent of ballots.

Hope that helps, Ol’ BM’s friend.

Random Thoughts From A Random Weekend

December 13

The Monday night game between the 49ers and Cardinals is billed as a last stand for the Niners, but their playoff chances are virtually nil at this hour. They are not only three games behind the Cardinals in the NFC with four games left, they are three games out of a Wild Card spot. The 49ers should play this game as if it is a playoff, but this is more about next year, and developing Alex Smith.

***

Woodson Watch: the Packers’ Charles Woodson may be NFC Defensive Player of the Year. The ex-Raider had another big pick in Sunday’s 21-14 Packer win in Chicago, his eighth of the season and the 44th of his career. He has also forced four fumbles. He can get physical with the bigger receivers, on top of having 12 years of NFL smarts between his ears. He’s also versatile as a corner or safety depending on the coverage.

***

I was asked on KNBR last week about the MVP in the NFL. I said it was either Peyton Manning, Drew Brees or Brett Favre. I’d have to give the edge to Manning right now.

Actually I might revise my answer to match the logic I used during the past NBA season. I said Kevin Garnett might have been the MVP because of the Celtic dropoff in his absence. The same might be true of Brian Urlacher with the Bears. Now, after missing the playoffs three straight years, Lovie Smith could be on the Cold Seat.

***

Tom Cable might want to deck special teams assistant John Fassel, who incurred an unsportsmanlike penalty protesting a fair-catch interference penalty levied against the Raiders’ Hiram Eugene. Add 30 penalty yards and put the Redskins on their own 40 with less than two minutes to go in the first half. The ’skins drove for the momentum-changing touchdown that gave them a 17-10 lead at the half, on the way to a 34-13 win.

Worse yet for the Raiders, Bruce Gradkowski went down with a knee injury. Raider fans, perhaps unaware that Gradkowski was hurt, booed the return of Jamarcus Russell in the second half. Russell led the Raiders to three points. Ugh.

The Raiders returned to their self-destructive norm. They committed 14 penalties including Fassel’s, and their QB’s were sacked eight times, Russell six. Just when you thought they were turning a corner, they hit a wall. At 4-9 they stand a good chance of losing 11 games or more for a seventh consecutive season.

***

Tony Rom-o-for-December “just couldn’t get it done,” again. There are quarterbacks who grow in clutch situations and those who simply don’t produce, and he looks like one of the latter. If the Cowboys drop out of the playoffs due to another December freeze, say goodbye to coach Wade Phillips.

***

Tiger Woods will soon be a resident of Faglaro, near Stockholm, Sweden. Ironcially, Faglaro means “bird island.” I thought Elin didn’t want Tiger hanging around any more birds.

Accenture is dumping Tiger. Gillette is doing a Tiger by calling a time out, and watchmaker Tag Heuer is banning Tiger-related adverts Down Under. Tag Heuer’s GM artfully said their ad campaign would no longer have a “golf focus.”

You can still see Tiger on a Tag Heuer billboard along I-80 east of Sacramento. Tiger strikes a pensive pose leaning against a golf club with an ad that asks “what are you made of? ” The ironies just never end.

I’ve held to my stance that Tiger’s marriage drama is none of my business. His first stance that it was none of my business was the correct one, although it was bad p.r. He’s more apologetic now, but I think his first statement was the honest one. Anyway, it must be nice to be able to take off work for a few months and flit off to a Swedish island to deal with your marital problems.

***

After yet another coaching vacancy rumor involving Jim Harbaugh, Stanford Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby told the Associated Press Harbaugh had signed a three-year contract extension a “while ago.” Really? Define, “a while.” Three hours?

Bowlsby didn’t mention this Monday when Harbaugh was linked to Notre Dame, and neither did Harbaugh. When the Kansas rumors came up Friday, neither mentioned anything until the next day. They were finally definitive about it, and hopefully didn’t divert attention from Stanford’s very worthy Heisman candidate, Toby Gerhart.

Harbaugh probably didn’t mind the rumors. Getting mentioned for other jobs only increases a coach’s value, and if anyone thinks a contract extension will keep Harbaugh in Palo Alto forever, I’ve got a Benjamin I’d like to wager with you. Harbaugh might have second thoughts next year when he goes without Gerhart, has to visit Oregon and then has to find out what Pete Carroll’s “deal” is.

***

My favorite movie line of the year comes from “The Rocker,” about a middle-aged drummer trying to make a comeback with his nephew’s band ( yes, I know the movie came out last year but I just saw it ) . It comes in the description of a snotty replacement drummer with a stupidly trendy haircut : “it’s like Abercrombie’s is making people now.” Second place comes from the same movie, in the description of a yellow Hummer limousine: “a school bus for assholes.”

***

NFL Network is promoting the Saints vs. the Cowboys “a special edition of Thursday night football on Saturday night.” In that spirit, I have declared that it will be a very special New Year’s Eve, as I usher in 2011.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy Kwanzaa.

Singletary, And All That Implies

December 11

49ers President Jed York with Gary Radnich on KNBR Thursday pronounced that Mike Singletary is their coach, and will be their coach “for a long time.” Given York’s relative youth a long time could be a year. This pronouncement came a few days after another painful road loss and a spate of second-guessing among fans.

The great thing about the second-guessing is that fans still care. Home games aren’t being blacked out yet. The 49ers are at least relevant. They’re also playing better than the have the last few years, although the 5-7 record doesn’t reflect that.

The 49ers are still in transition and still don’t have the talent to be a playoff team, and that is driving fans crazy. Singletary entered the season with some big talk about making the postseason, but what do you expect him to say? The problem is, when you don’t deliver, you’re diminished in the eyes of fans.

Singletary has some obvious flaws in game management, partly owing to the fact that he hasn’t been a head coach anywhere until he took over the 49ers a year ago. Calling a time out before the first play Sunday in Seattle, and three time outs in the first quarter, is a sign of confusion. There have been numerous delay of game penalties on offense this season, another sign of confusion.

The hiring of Jimmy Raye as offensive coordinator was uninspired, but was made for a couple of reasons: 1) He didn’t want an ego battle as he had with Mike Martz and 2) He wanted a guy who was going to stick around. The problem with guys who stick around is that they’re also not in demand, and there’s a reason for that.

There have been obvious improvements. The 49ers are a far better road team, although they haven’t learned yet to “finish,” Singletary’s pet word. This team continues to play hard for him. Singletary has done well to make adjustments this season, including changing starting quarterbacks and offensive schemes, and incorporating Michael Crabtree four games in.

The offensive line has been held together with bailing wire, forcing a change that Singletary might not have otherwise considered. As a result the 49ers have stumbled upon a possible quarterback of the future, who happened to be their quarterback of the past. The emergence of Alex Smith and the spread-ier offense is probably the biggest story of the season.

Singletary lapses into Nolan-speak at times when he talks about “execution,” but he has also stepped up to take the blame for certain moves, including the reverse punt return fiasco against the Seahawks last Sunday. He has proven he’s willing to take the heat, and I don’t think anyone can knock his personal integrity. The players respond to a Hall of Famer, but also to a person who is accountable himself.

After a bizarre beginning a year ago, Singletary has shown the ability to adapt, adopt and improve. He will need to continue to do so, and prove that he’s a good judge of talent, for the 49ers to reach the next level. Singletary may or may not be the guy to take them there.

Bottom line, it’s too early to tell.

In a business of snap judgements, I’m ditching the handbook and refraining from doing so. People like to make those fast-food decisions so they can say they were first if Singletary meets his demise as coach. I think you have to give him at least another year and more importantly, the Yorks think so too. If the Niners aren’t a playoff team a year from now, then I might join the wolf pack.

Same As It Ever Was

December 8

The reports are in on the Giants’ activity, or lack thereof, at the winter meetings.

This is not good, folks ( sorry, Kuip ).

Experience has taught me not to grade a team’s offseason performance based on the winter meetings, especially at a time when the economy has cooled down the market and teams like the Giants may wait things out, but …

I have this queasy feeling that Brian Sabean, despite a new contract and a mandate to make the team a contender, is still Brian Sabean. In a winter that calls for bold action, I’m afraid we’ll get something quite different from a G.M. and front office that are pre-disposed to be un-cheeky.

The words tepid, cautious, and peace-meal come to mind. In a way, the worst thing that could have happened to the Giants was 2009 and 88 wins. It was a surprise, and it only validated going cautious, because the Giants got lucky with Juan Uribe and Jeremy Affeldt, the pearls of the last offseason.

So was 88 wins “fool’s gold,” or should it convince a team it is close to the top and that it’s time to move forcefully?

So far, here’s the scorecard.

Jason Bay? No. Dan Uggla? No. Adrian Gonzalez? Crickets. Adam Dunn. Donkey.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports Sabean has at least considered signing Bay, but the phrases “at least considered” and “is in hot pursuit of” live in different area codes. Uggla, capable of hitting 30 home runs as a second baseman or third baseman but not a great fielder, is apparently too expensive at 7 million. Yet, Edgar Renteria is being paid 9 million a year and Aaron Rowand 12 million ?

The only positive we have heard this week is that the Giants might re-open talks with Juan Uribe. Considering the physical frailities of Renteria and Freddy Sanchez, and the fact that Emannuel Burruss is no guarantee next year, re-signing Uribe would be a very good idea. The man might have been the Giants’ MVP in the final two months of last season.

Bengie Molina’s “ship has sailed” according to Sabean, so where does that leave the Giants behind the plate? Molina wants to remain a starter and the G’s want Buster Posey to be the everyday catcher by 2011 at the latest, but what about now? No catcher worth his salt wants a one-year deal, and the ones who would take a cheap one-year affair can be found in the trash cans of back alleys in Indianapolis.

Juan Uribe and maybe a backup catcher. That’s your scorecard so far. I have “at least considered” not going to a game next year if that’s what the Giants have in mind. I’m hoping it isn’t.

Giants brass; allow me to introduce you to a bold move. The New York Yankees swung a three-team deal to plug a bona fide hole in center field and got Curtis Granderson. These are the World Series champs, not resting a month after winning the title, not a scrappy team trying to battle for a playoff spot.

For the scrappy team that SHOULD be trying to battle for a playoff spot, i.e. the Giants, bold is exactly what is called for. You say you’ve already done bold? No, that was stupid. 126-million worth of stupid. Followed by 60-million worth of stupid.

So your argument is, what, we can’t be trusted not to be stupid again? We can’t risk another big contract in this economy? We can’t gamble on being bold?

So, you WANT fewer fans in the ballpark? You WANT season ticket holders to no longer be said same? You WANT to see your franchise decline in relevancy, just as you were becoming a team somebody would care about? That’s risky to me.

The Giants’ plan is to keep the payroll at about 90-million, although it could be expanded if there is a compelling reason to do so. A compelling reason would be Jason Bay at five and 80, for a bona fide cleanup hitter and decent left fielder. What, you can spend 50 million more on a mediocre pitcher and now you can’t do this?

As the record company guy said in “Boogie Nights,” “that’s not an m.p., that’s a y.p.” Not my problem, your problem, and by you I mean the Giants. Fans like to play General Manager, but in the end the budget is not their concern. They’ll pay the ticket prices if there’s a product worth seeing.

Sign Bay and Nick Johnson. Or trade for Adrian Gonzalez, incredibly cheap for his ability the next couple of years. Sign a Miguel Olivo for two years and bat him seventh, working Posey in gradually. Trade Aaron Rowand and eat some of his deal, and trade away Ryan Garko, Travis Ishikawa, and Fred Lewis for whatever you can get.

All this will cost you an extra $25 to 30 million a year, plus the extra $25 million or so you’ll pay Lincecum, Sanchez, and Wilson through arbitration and Uribe in a new deal. Then, subtract the 35 mill already coming off the books, and you’re up to about $110 million. Not an outrageous amount.

It’ll be worth it. The Giants would have a lineup that won’t give fans bat envy everytime they look south. A lineup fans will be excited about, so much so that the extra payroll amount will be nearly covered by increased attendance and increased purchase of jerseys and other memorabilia.

You’ll have a starting rotation of Lincecum/Cain/Zito/J. Sanchez and a veteran pickup at #5. You might not have Bumgarner because he could be dealt along with young talent such as Dan Runzler, Thomas Neal, Kevin Pucetas and/or Roger Kieschnick for Gonazlaez, but I’m not worried. While the pitching staff won’t be as strong as last year, the bullpen is chock full of good arms and the offense will more than make up for that.

Pitching and defense are great, but you’ve gotta score Winthorpe, score, to go deep in the playoffs. Look at the lineups of the teams that did in 2009. Also, look at the Giants lineup in 2000. Home runs CAN be hit at AT & T Park.

Wow, that was a nice dream.

OK, this is my final card in the deck. Maybe the Giants are laying low. Maybe they aren’t showing their hand, something for which Sabean is known. I’d like to think their front office is pretty smart, and can read the tea leaves. Maybe they’re going to wait out the market this year in a slow economy and are waiting for just the right time to strike.

Or maybe not. I’m just saying I’m worried. We’ll check back after the holidays.

A Very Unspecial Sunday

December 6

A running commentary on the Seattle-Slain 49ers …

Alex Smith had a great rhythm going until two things beyond his control happened : 1) a horrendous officiating oversight, when an obvious pass interference call on Delanie Walker was missed in the end zone. Should the 49ers have gone for it one 4th and goal at the 1 so early? A valid question, but I like the call and it should have paid off. 2) a horrendous play call on a 49ers punt return. Brandon Jones on a reverse? That led to a fumble and a Seattle touchdown that changed the momentum of the game.

The 49ers can barely return a punt, much less get fancy. That was one of the worst play calls of the year. And you’re getting fancy with … Brandon Jones?

Allen Rossum was no game-breaker, but he was at least reliable. He has since injured his hamstring and was cut by the Cowboys after returning just one kick, so the 49ers look like Nostradamus for letting him go at the age of 33. However, Rossum would at least know when to fair catch or stay away from a punt.

Now, Arnaz Battle is returning punts. He actually returns one 30 yards. Oops, nix that. Illegal block in the back.

Playoff teams don’t make the kinds of mistakes the 49ers are making today. Playoff teams don’t … oh, damn, a Gore fumble and Josh Wilson return. Nice job by Alex Smith to stop him, and good job by 49ers defense in limiting the Seahawks to a go-ahead field goal. Can’t blame Gore for the effort play.

Back to the officials : not even good enough for the Pac 10. 4th quarter push-off on Brandon Jones? He barely touched his defender, yet they don’t call the PI on Delanie Walker. Finally they call a PI on Truffant against Crabtree, late, but the flag didn’t come the official who should have made the call.

Alex Smith has his first 300-yard passing game. He made a perfect throw to Vernon Davis on what should have been a go-ahead TD, but Davis let the ball go through his hands. That ruined a good game for Davis, and was a season-defining play. Smith did nothing wrong on that drive, and he is looking more and more like a keeper.

Another season defining play : on the final Niner possession Smith inexplicably threw a deep ball on 3 and 3 at their own 18 with :39 left when a first down would have at least ended regulation. Is that on the quarterback for not checking down, or on the play-caller? Very strange.

That opened it up for Seattle to win. The latest in several close road losses. This game is on the coaches for that poor clock management, for using three time outs in the first quarter, and a twilight-zone play call on the first half punt return.

It’s also on a horrible officiating crew. A crew that should not be in the NFL next year, much less the postseason. The 49ers? Goodbye playoffs, Not Ready For Prime Time, but they’re getting closer.

Thoughts On Orange Hair

December 5

I was watching CBS’ pre-game coverage of the SEC Championship game, and the roundtable moderated by Tim Brando. I like Brando as a broadcaster, but it looks like he has gone to the middle-age hair dye. His hair has that orange tint that does not occur in nature.

He’s not the first, and he won’t be the last.

There is a long list of broadcasters who have gone to the dye. Channel 7’s Dan Ashley, Dick Stockton, and Bob Costas come to mind right off the bat. There are many more, I’m sure.

They aren’t fooling anybody. In some cases it borders on comical. You gotta love Stockton, with the hair dye-flatiron-combover trifecta.

Look, I’m not mad at them. They can do what they want with their bodies. Stockton’s hair is not the reason I don’t care for his work, it’s merely a symptom of his general doofus-ness.

Gary Radnich wonders why someone who is on top such as Costas would go to the bottle. I understand why it happens. Guys at the top want to stay at the top, and don’t want to take any chances. So a-tinting they will go.

Even a Costas has to worry about people nipping at his heels. Why? Ageism.

As someone who is straddling that chronological fence, I see both sides of the story. I understand the need to stay current and to try to stay as youthful as possible without looking foolish. In my business, you must try to cater to the younger side of your audience.

I also understand the outrage of veterans who have worked a long time to earn their position and must withstand attacks based on their birth date. That’s one reason I really respect Channel 2’s Mark Ibanez, refusing to go to the hair dye and still vigorous after 30 years in the market. Gray hair has not made him any less capable.

Ageism is rampant in today’s society, for economic and social reasons. It’s a particular problem in the IT and broadcast industries. We have seen corporations kick higher-paid but capable older employees to the curb, an example of ridiculously short-sighted thinking.

Using the age card is weak, as weak as it gets, yet it has become widely accepted. Ageism is the last refuge of those who have no other card to play. It is used by those who have an agenda, those who are scared, or those who are intellectually lazy.

I don’t count age as a factor in judging a person’s performance, on either side of the spectrum. I don’t criticize Al Davis because he is 80, but rather because of his hubris. Theo Epstein proved he was not too young to be Red Sox General Manager at age 28, and with new ideas based partly on Sabermetrics, he helped revolutionize baseball and bring the Sox their first World Series title in 86 years. If you’re capable, you should have the job, regardless of your age.

This is all a roundabout way of saying when the time comes, I will not go to the hair dye. You will just have to accept me as I am. And there WILL be play for Mr. Gray.