Making the commitment

[George S. Patton]

When reading stories of the Rangers Game 1 victory over Tampa in the ALDS, I saw this quote from pitching coach Mike Maddux about what tangible effect acquiring Cliff Lee meant to the organization.

I don't find it to be a stretch when I compare this scenario to when SMU hired June Jones. From start to finish it's appropriate.

Here it is:

"It was the moment of truth for us," Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux said, his team having taken Game 1 of the American League Division Series from the Rays, 5-1, behind Lee. "Are we in it to win it or make a living? Which side of the fence are you going to be on? Everybody got on the right side of the fence."

I have my fundamental differences with Jones over offensive systems but I also understand what the big picture means. So I can shelve my thoughts and ride it out because the actions -- not to mention what happened yesterday with the admission standards release -- dictate that maybe the alma mater finally gets it.

Have a great day!

[smupony94]

Good day to you sir

[ponyscott]

When reading stories of the Rangers Game 1 victory over Tampa in the ALDS, I saw this quote from pitching coach Mike Maddux about what tangible effect acquiring Cliff Lee meant to the organization.

I don't find it to be a stretch when I compare this scenario to when SMU hired June Jones. From start to finish it's appropriate.

Here it is:

"It was the moment of truth for us," Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux said, his team having taken Game 1 of the American League Division Series from the Rays, 5-1, behind Lee. "Are we in it to win it or make a living? Which side of the fence are you going to be on? Everybody got on the right side of the fence."

I have my fundamental differences with Jones over offensive systems but I also understand what the big picture means. So I can shelve my thoughts and ride it out because the actions -- not to mention what happened yesterday with the admission standards release -- dictate that maybe the alma mater finally gets it.

Have a great day!

Good points.

[cutter]

yep.

[Harry0569]

"It was the moment of truth for us," Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux said, his team having taken Game 1 of the American League Division Series from the Rays, 5-1, behind Lee. "Are we in it to win it or make a living? Which side of the fence are you going to be on? Everybody got on the right side of the fence."
!

Now if you asked Cliff Lee this question, he would respond that it is to make a living. He has openly stated that he is going to the team that pays him the most.

[Stallion]

SMU made the commitment 3 years ago-the proof is overwhelming in FB and BB recruiting and observation of the players admitted-this is minor housekeeping and tinkering that allows everybody to claim they are satisfied.

[Bergermeister]

I have my fundamental differences with Jones over offensive systems

Where is it you coach?

[giacfsp]

All that basebabble to to say that you're tolerant of the June jones hiring?

[George S. Patton]

All that basebabble to to say that you're tolerant of the June jones hiring?

No. I think that's what you're saying.

[ponyboy]

I have my fundamental differences with Jones over offensive systems

And I don't really like the way Rembrandt left brushstrokes so visible in his paintings. Or the way Beethoven would overextend his second movement in his symphonies. Or that darned Milton and his overrated poetry.

[George S. Patton]

I've been on record since June Jones' hiring that I'm not a fan of the Run N Shoot. I like a physical running game with play action pass mixed in...you get the idea.

I also said that in the few times I met him, I didn't come away feeling all warm and fuzzy either. But I'm sure there are others who feel like that's really important for them to feel good about the coach. That's secondary to me.

However, I guess some dunderheads on this site also interpreted those positions as grounds for me being against the hire.

No. That's not where I was going with this.

I think you have also read that this team comes into every game prepared to play. And I've also said that it's coming. So I think I've been pretty even handed on the whole thing.

The deal with football is very simple. Any philosophy will be successful if your coach is committed to it, has the support from above, surrounds himself with the right people and gets the players to fit the system. So Jones' style is going to work. And it's probably going to work even better here than it did in the Pacific Ocean because he has better players to recruit.

So what are we talking about here?

I'm a 10+ year season ticket holder. I donate to the Mustang Club every year. When SMU asks me to donate for the possible construction of the indoor facility, you bet I'll chip in.

I WANT TO WIN! AND I DON'T CARE IF IT TAKES THE FREAKING SINGLE WING FORMATION TO DO IT.

[WSGJ]

"It was the moment of truth for us," Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux said, his team having taken Game 1 of the American League Division Series from the Rays, 5-1, behind Lee. "Are we in it to win it or make a living? Which side of the fence are you going to be on? Everybody got on the right side of the fence."
!

Now if you asked Cliff Lee this question, he would respond that it is to make a living. He has openly stated that he is going to the team that pays him the most.

At least he's being honest. Name all the players that took less money to play somewhere. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it's not that common.

[George S. Patton]

I think it's really hard to read Cliff Lee. He's very laid back. But his postseason numbers tell you he enjoys the competition and he's out there to win.

His career playoff numbers are something 5-0, 1.52 ERA. And there was some first game of a postseason series number that was ridiculous -- 3-0 with a 0.72 ERA. If that's not stepping up when your team needs you, I don't know what is.