Sure… our computers provide us with all types of information. The latest Buzz word on this into of Ai (artificial intelligence).  The vast majority of this info is very helpful. However, there is a point when it steps just a bit too far. Humans are creatures of habit but we aren’t robots. We don’t do exactly the same thing, the same way, at the same time every day. Don’t misunderstand–It IS very , very useful. In addition to that Ai Info…there’s CS thinking. Common Sense….we learn it through our experiences, interactions, reading. We all don’t’ have the same CS due to our backgrounds, social level, interests, curiosity. Sooo…let’s take our CS to look around the sports world.

…..CS tells us that there is a different, changing landscape in NCAA-Football. NIL (name, image, likeness) allows wealthy boosters to provide money, lots of money, to bring in future players for their favorite schools. Some from HS and many from other college teams. CS tells us that this spending has to be made public and have a limit. The gap between the long-time powerhouses will become an unreachable gap for teams without that same level money to throw around. Remember, the schools aren’t paying the players directly. Sooo…there’s no violation.  Boosters give away (pay) their own money to anyone, any amount. Hence, there aren’t any school violations.

…CS tells us that the Coaches just “might” indicate to prominent boosters which players would benefit their program the most. CS says….Sure they DO…who are we kidding!! In basketball, where 1 year players are becoming more prominent, it’s gone way, way overboard. Take a direct look—Kansas U supporters brought in 7ft 1 in center,Hunter Dickinson, for upwards of $900,000. But that’s peanuts…next year Bronny James (LeBron James son) committed to USC for around $5.9m! Hansel Emanual is leaving NW State for Austin Peay. His incentive to “move” was $1.2m. I could go on & on for hundreds more…and I haven’t even cited any SEC QB’s yet!! Almost each one has an incentive of some kind to attend a particular college. CS tells me that anyone who is paid (either to play or change schools) is not an amateur. Have a special NBA “futures” league where the NBA pays those young men. It’ll be tougher in Football since the Colleges ARE the minor leagues.

….My CS tells me that the MLB saw the success of the faster paced, more exciting game in 2023. CS tells me that a “designated runner” could become a part of the game. This runner could be used twice a game and the original player(s) would remain in the game. The owners aren’t dummies…they HAD to see the excitement of the faster game. There already is specialization in the MLB—each infielder plays just 1 position regularly (on good teams); there are all types of pitchers–Starting pitchers, middle relievers, set-up pitchers, closers, mop-up guys (team is way behind so mop-ups are used to eat up innings and save the innings of the actually “good” pitchers.

…There already was a real “uptick” in stolen bases in MLB in 2023. In 2023, there were an average of 1.4 SB/game. In 2022, in was 1.0/game. That’s a 40% increase!!! The Stolen Base Success rate jumped up to 80.2% vs 75.4% in 2022. A designated PR would make that even more exciting part of the game. 

…Btw…Just think of how much money the MLB spends on player development (minor leagues). The NFL doesn’t have any of those professional developmental teams, except NCAA-F  D-1 teams. The NBA has a very limited D-league. The MLS has a variety of amateur leagues across the world to use.

…Outside the world of paying “amateur” athletes, our CS still works…..

….Our CS told us that the City SC team was a valuable addition to the Lou. Their early, hot, start spoiled us & drove up our expectations. But…you’ve got to spend money to win the top titles in ANY league. City SC had the 2^nd lowest payroll in the league. I know it helped the bottom line but…StL gave all it had to City. Again I say, they made the stadium too small. I know the MLS want’s sell outs so they (apparently) dictated identical, cookie-cutting, smaller stadiums across the league. That infers that each city has the identical backgrounds in soccer, interest in soccer…yada-yada-yada. The Lou had a far longer history of  love of soccer than most, if not all, other cities. CS should have told us …build it larger…”they will come”.

…While many of us are drawn to watching the NFL(Nearly Forgotten League) because of Patrick Mahomes (and he is very entertaining), he may NOT the best player in the league. CS tells me that if an offensive  player contributes to the rushing AND passing game, he’s really something. Christian McCaffrey (SF) is the leader in total yards from scrimmage. He has 939 rushing yards & 389 pass receiving yards, he’s contributing to both parts of the offense.

…My CS tells me that the Blues, while better than last year, will struggle to reach the playoffs or advance beyond the 1^st round. IT could be done if other players improve like Neighbors has already done with his scoring. I do think that we underestimate our HC, Craig Berube.  Known as a fighter (par excellence) in his NHL playing days, to some a fighter can’t think. In many NHL situations of long ago, that was true. Many seem to have forgotten hat Berube was HC @ Philly for 2 years prior arriving in the Lou. Berube holds a lifetime 205-128 regular season record and a magical year in 18-19 as the Blues won the Cup. BTW… in that 18-19 playoff run, the Blues were only 16-10  in the playoffs as they won  4  long series – 4-2, 4-3, 4-2 and final round 4-3 over Boston.

…the NBA has initiated an “in season” tournament. Somehow… someway…the NBA is trying to bring more excitement to a long NBA season before the playoffs begin. CS tells me that it’s a gimmick…who cares about an in-season tournament? It’s just a way to add to the money coffers by claiming it’s a “Big Game” instead of a routine regular season game. Further, these rich NBA players will earn additional money with this tournament win (who cares about it?)

…Some fans seem frustrated with Mizzou mens basketball. Most of us were completely surprised last year by the fascinating style of play—3’s galore, fast pace, defense. It was very enjoyable to watch. CS tells me that fans will expect that same high level of performance. Actually, MU is 6-2, the only real stinger is the  loss to Jackson State

..Well…no matter what Ai tells me, CS tells me that it’s time to go. Thanks for YOUR read.  Any thoughts from your CS are invited!