http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/19368-the-4th-annual-brewskies.html
The 4th Annual Brewskies
by rick olivares
At the end of every year, we at the Bleachers hand out the Brewskie Awards to people, athletes, and teams that have made the world of sports even more interesting if not controversial.
The Grady Little Award – Charlie Manuel, Manager, Philadelphia Phillies. If you don’t have the stuff then you don’t have the stuff. In Game 6 of the 2009 World Series, the Phillies were down to the New York Yankees 2-1 in the third inning with Pedro Martinez on the mound. New York was slowly peppering Martinez and Manuel left him one batter too long with Hideki Matsui at the plate. The Yankee DH laced a single to center for two runs and a 4-1 Yankees lead they would not surrender as they won Game 6 for their 27th World Series trophy.
That recalled an incident six years earlier in a similar situation with Martinez on the mound once more against New York. Martinez, then with the Boston Red Sox, had his team ahead 5-2 in the eighth inning when the Yankees had three consecutive hits off the Dominican pitcher. Bosox Manager Grady Little left him on and Jorge Posada hit a two-run double that allowed NY to tie the game and win the ALCS in the 11th inning of Game 7.
Question Mark of the Year – Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers. There’s no “I” in team but there is certainly one in “Iverson.” For one of the greatest scoring machines the NBA has ever seen, he hasn’t provided concrete answers. Only questions and more orders for Excedrin and Tylenol.
Speaker of the Year Award – Rafa Benitez, Liverpool FC. You know the saying that “you’re only as good as your last win?” It has been four long years since the Spaniard has won any silverware (and he did largely with a team that he didn’t put together) and although he has come close on two more occasions, he’s made the headlines more for his fights in the media with other English Premier League managers and his bosses at Liverpool. He can talk the talk, but unfortunately, he can’t walk the walk.
Fan’s Choice Award – Wynne Arboleda, Burger King Whoppers. Enuff said.
The John McEnroe Award (given to those who go on their you-are-the-pits-of-the-world rant) – deuce for Roger Federer and Serena Williams. This is a year where we found out that some of the world’s greatest athletes no longer have Teflon on them. Serena Williams went on a tirade against a lineswoman and Roger Federer got fed up and used the S-word against a decision of a chair umpire. ATP = Angry Tennis Player? You betcha!
Best Drama Series of the Year – PBA. From the Draft brouhaha to another player picking a fight with a fan right to the Smart Gilas controversy. And it’s only the first conference. The country’s most popular league made headlines more for the wrong things than their brand of basketball. And worse, several clubs are in the red.
Writer’s Choice Award – goes to the Araneta Coliseum for disallowing sportswriters on the court during games and their using pens to scribble notes for fear they might be used to inadvertently stab players. Duh! While we’re at it, maybe we can remove those courtside chairs. Surely they must have seen WWE wrestlers use them at one time or another on their foes.
False Prophet of the Year – Floyd Mayweather Sr. This guy has no credibility. I refuse to talk about this motormouth.
Runner-up Jimmy Rollins, shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies. Prior to the World Series versus the New York Yankees, Rollins said: “Of course we’re going to win. If we’re nice, we’ll let it go six. But I’m thinking five. Close it out at home". However, the Phillies lost the series 4–2, including successive defeats at home. His failure as infield captain to have someone cover third base led to Yankee Johnny Damon’s two-base steal that changed the complexion of the series. Even after the series loss, Rollins insisted that Philadelphia was the better team.
Kermit Washington Award –Elizabeth Lambert. The New Mexico women's soccer player whose excessively rough play on Brigham Young University players in a Mountain West Conference tournament game earned her an indefinite suspension and national notoriety. Said Lambert afterwards. “I can’t believe I did that. I will always regret it.” I feel bad, Elizabeth because you’re forever on youtube.
Byron Scott Award of the Year – Byron Scott. It’s a cycle I tell you. Leads team to a great season. Wins Coach of the Year Award. Loses his team the following year then is ultimately fired. Saw that with New Jersey and now with New Orleans. Tip here coach, Scott. Never coach a team with “New” in its name. So New York is not for you. Mike D’Antoni, your job is safe. For now.
Rivalry of the Year – POC vs. PSC. Never-ending. No matter who sits there.
Two awards here! The PETA Award for (an animal’s best friend) and the Mr. Miyagi Award (ever see Karate Kid?) to Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs. During a match between the Spurs and the Sacramento Kings, a bat began flying around the court disrupting play. Ginobili showed uncanny reflexes as he batted the bat down in one motion. Director Christopher Nolan is reportedly interested in signing the Argentine to play Batman in the next film about the Caped Crusader.
Tee off of the Year – Erin Woods who was far more impressive than any male golfer in beating Tiger Woods with a golf club. The Women’s Tour quakes in fear.
Another double awardee here! Philippine Goalkeeper of the Year Award goes to the Asian Football Confederation’s Mohammad Bin Hammam for a great save for the embattled Philippine Football Federation President Mari Martinez. Mr. Hammam also receives The Most Generous Award for his PhP 10million donation.
Gamer of the Year – Andy Murray. Word has it also that British tennis player will be offered an endorsement deal by Playstation. Murray it seems, prefers to play with his video games for at least seven hours a day rather than play with his uber hot girlfriend Kim Sears who finally had enough and dumped him. Don’t worry, Andy. There’s always Aki Ross, that hot animated character from the Final Fantasy movie. You’ll be in good company like that Japanese guy who married (for real) Nene Anegasaki, a character in the Nintendo DS game, Love Plus.
The Mighty Bond Award (given to those who espouse my word is my bond crap) to Manny Pacquiao who suffered his lone set back this year to Solar Sports and GMA7 when he tried to bolt from his contract with the two networks. When he got hammered left and right for not using his head, he beat a hasty retreat. His political career for reneging of commitments – you saw it right here first! And he had to dodge a haymaker from his wife Jinkee afterwards.
Past Brewskies Awards:
http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2008/12/bleachers-brew-137-3rd-annual-brewskies.html
http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2007/12/bleachers-brew-85-2nd-annual-brewskies.html
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