Houston Astros apology attempt and proposed mlb playoff changes

The other day, four Houston Astros personnel came out to a press conference at spring training in order to apologize for their sign stealing scandal (in 2017), it was half hearted.  Owner Jim Crane, manager Dusty Baker (who wasn't even there), as well as players Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve showed up to offer an apology.  Crane opened by reading a prepared statement and then threw it to the plays who didn't even look like they wanted to be there, they stood up there for about 20 seconds each and read there prepared statements, Bregman actually sounded sincere and after these three read their statements it was Dusty Baker's turn for the bulk of the press conference the only problem was he wasn't around at the time.  This was just a waste of time if for the majority of the time your going to have your new manager trying to talk about the team's preparations for the season, when people are there to hear the people who were there apologize for sign stealing.  At the end they did take questions but still did not offer a specifics as to why this was not stopped, it was even said that this did not have an effect on baseball in the 2017 season.  If they don't think it had an effect just ask the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, the Astros last two opponents that year.  Why did they bother if all they were just going to do was read prepared statements and let your new manager carry the bulk of the press conference, when he's wasn't even here during the scandal.  If Thursday's attempt at an apology is the best the Astros and their PR departement could come up with, fire the PR department and don't offer anymore apologies until you hire a new one.  After the sorry excuse of a press conference was over the clubhouse opened and the players could talk to the media in a more comfortable environment, we still didn't get much but it was better than reading prepared statements from four people, one of which wasn't even there. 
Baseball announced this week that they want to expand their postseason.  Of the four major sports, outside of maybe football, the baseball regular season means something because the majority of teams do not get into the playoffs.  Baseball plays 162 regular season games and five teams get in, if you let more teams into the playoffs you're diluting the regular season.  Basketball and hockey play 81 games and let something like 16 teams in their playoffs, meaning their regular season is not as important.  Baseball is a great game and you don't want to dilute the postseason.                         

RIP Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant and his young daughter died in a helicopter accident last sunday.  Kobe was a hero to many in the basketball community and elsewhere.  He played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers and although he had many iconic moments on the court, it was his inspiration to people in everyday life that had the biggest effect.  The Lakers played their first game since this tragedy last night and had a great ceremony in Kobe's memory.  This is not the end of honoring Kobe, his death has affected the all star game format and the Lakers can use this and inspiration to win a Championship. 

Super Bowl LIV

Sunday (tomorrow) in Miami the San Francisco 49ers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.  The Kansas City Chiefs brought the Lamar Hunt (their owner and founder) trophy home to where it belongs two weeks ago for the first time in 50 years and are now ready to move on to the next trophy.  The Chiefs are fast and although the 49er defense might be better than what they have faced, KC will be slowed somewhat, I don't think they can fall behind 24-0 but whether they start fast or slow they'll be tough to slow down.  They love to pass whether it be on an RPO or out of 11 personnel with 3 or 4 wide receivers and Travis Kelce. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes can take any play and reset it with his legs, he has to be contained.  KC does need the ball to produce any sort of magic and getting enough offensive possessions is always the key especially when playing a run heavy team like the Niners.  San Francisco will do a better job of disguising the run out of different formations then the other teams the Chiefs have seen.  San Francisco is the more balanced team, in all phases of the game.  Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is out of the Patriot organization and is now paving his own path, I don't know if I trust him yet to bring his team back late in the fourth quarter.   This should be a very good game, a very close game and potentially high scoring.  I've liked the Chiefs all year and so I am going to take them in this one (-1) over the 49ers.  I'll say maybe 35-28 for a final and hopefully Andy Reid gets his Super Bowl and Chief kingdom gets one to.