HIO: State of the (Student) Union

The Sport Management Student Union (SMTSU) at Drexel University has been in existence for 73 days, or almost 11 weeks, or almost one complete academic term.

Over the course of a term, the organization has successfully established a stable foundation for future growth. Specifically, this term we held bi-weekly meetings, staged a large event, and launched a blog.

The goal of meetings is to hit at least one element of our four-pronged approach (sports industry education, networking, and professional and personal development).

Our large event of the term brought my love for working in sports full-circle.  Having spend three seasons with Sky Blue Women's Soccer, holding an evening involving Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) was an excellent venture. Mike Milich, Senior Director of Sales at Sky Blue FC, educated attendees on the pros of working in a smaller organization and offered his advice for working in the industry. 

This blog has also been an excellent initiative for us. Run by our Communications Department, consisting of a Director of Communicaions and a Manager of Communications, we have surpassed 2,000+ hits in the month-and-a-half "The Sports Complex" has been in existence. Thanks to you, the readers, for making this happen. We have bolder ambitions for the blog in the future, so please continue to read and suggest it to your friends!   

As an organization, we can only go up from here. As membership grows and word spreads, we will attempt to perfect and introduce new initiatives. For next term, expect bigger and better meetings, events, and ventures.

Organizational leadership will also grow next term with the introduction of the Director of Marketing officer position. This will task an officer with managing, implementing, and controling our organizational message and brand. 

During the Spring we also anticipate launching the Sports Industry Ambassadors Program, where we will go into local Philadelphia high schools to educate students about working in sports as a possible career choice. This will hopefully provide benefit to all students, especially those not on-track to graduate. We hope the benefits and "sexiness" of working in sports serves as a motivational tool for students to perform well in their classes. We have been in contact with a few schools in the area and expect to launch this new program shortly, with the goal of increasing it in size and scope come the Fall. 

With a base established from this past term, expect bigger and better from us moving forward.

Thank you again for your continued support!

Yours in Sport,
Kevin F. Giordano

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Kevin Giordano is a sophomore Sport Management major, with experience working in women’s and men’s professional soccer and collegiate athletics. To contact or connect with Kevin, follow him on Twitter (@KevinGiordano).

Marathon Man

For some, the incredible story of Stefaan Engels might make you feel unaccomplished. However, watch this video of the "Marathon Man" running a marathon every day for a year and use it as inspiration for yourself. Think of the unbelievable things that a single person is capable of accomplishing and the heights that you yourself are capable of reaching. I hope this helps give you a little extra push, especially for those Drexel students headed into finals week.

The Aftermath in Japan

The world woke up this morning to devastating news from Japan: the country is reeling after facing an earthquake and a tsunami.  The initial earthquake, though offshore, was the largest in Japan’s history registering a magnitude of 8.9 on the Richter scale.  Many cities along the Japanese coastline, including Tokyo, felt the earthquake.  The earthquake triggered many aftershocks, with some registering a magnitude of more than 6.0 on the Richter scale.  The aftershocks were the least of their worries, considering the earthquake triggered a tsunami.  The tsunami was reportedly a 23 foot wave of water when it made its way ashore. 

In addition to having worldwide impact, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan directly impacts the world of sports as well.  Ryo Ishikawa, a native of Japan, is one stroke behind leader Hunter Mahan at this week’s WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral in Florida.  Ishikawa, only 19 years old, was thankfully able to contact his parents through e-mail but does admit the catastrophe will be a big distraction. 

There are currently a dozen Japanese born players in Major League Baseball.  Takashi Saito of the Milwaukee Brewers announced that he will take time away from his preparation for the upcoming season to be with family in Japan.  There are also reports that Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda is worried about his family and may take some time off, similar to Saito.  It will be interesting to see what other Japanese born players, most notably Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui, do in wake of this national disaster.

Remember that the tragedy in Japan affects the world as a whole along with the world of sports.  Everybody should keep not only the athletes but all of the people of Japan in their prayers in the near future.

-Written by Kevin Rossi

Blog Spotlight: Beerleaguer

If you're a die-hard Phillies fan like many of our Drexel readers are, one blog that is an absolute necessity is Beerleaguer.com. Run by the eloquent Jason Weitzel, Beerleaguer is the gold standard for how a blog should be run- a simple and attractive layout, consistent and well-written posting, in-depth analysis, and reader interaction. Aside from the succinct daily nuggets delivered by Weitzel, Beerleaguer is home to one of the most established and knowledgeable fan communities on the web. Many posts have comments numbering in the hundreds, with readers debating over the most complex sabermetric stats and every little decision that crosses Charlie Manuel's mind. For Phillies fans or general fans of baseball, Beerleaguer.com is a must.

Drexel Intramural Championships

Tonight, Drexel Intramurals will be hosting its Men's and Co-Rec IM Basketball Championships! This year, over 100 teams signed up and it's now down to the last few. Head down to the DAC for games at 7:30 and 8:30 to see some of the best basketball our student body has to offer. 

Aside from the obvious aspect of fun that intramurals offers, it's also a great way to get involved in a side of the sports business that is often overlooked. Working in recreation still involves having good communication, leadership, and management skills. Plus, it's a great way to build your resume and show future employers that you know how to run an event.

For more information on how to become involved in intramurals as an employee and/or participant, contact Drexel's Intramural Coordinator Bryan Ford at intramurals@drexel.edu.

Was It Worth It?

As Spring Training continues and the 2011 MLB season approaches, each team is starting to recognize the level of success they will have this season. Some teams made big trades or acquisitions this off-season, and some felt content with the talent they already had. Highlighting just a few of the more significant players and teams involved in off-season changes, I have weighed the pros and cons to inevitably determine if they made the right decision.

Rafael Soriano was signed by the New York Yankees to a three-year; $35 million contract this off-season. Due to Soriano’s Type A free agency status, the Yankees have to give up their first round pick for the 2011 First Year Player Draft.

Pros: Soriano is one of the game’s top relievers, and the one-two punch that he and Mariano Rivera present will shorten the length of games in the 7^th or 8^th inning. With proven success as a closer, Soriano may someday become the successor of Rivera’s reign.

Cons: New York has had a difficult off-season with the failure to sign Cliff Lee to a monster contract, and the drawn out discussions with longtime Yankees Rivera and Derek Jeter. They have many questions regarding their starting rotation, and chose to revamp their relief squad instead. Will their decision to use the first round pick to acquire another talented reliever be worth it, or will the starting pitchers struggle too much to keep them in games?

Pat Burrell makes his return to the World Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants, for the upcoming season. All it comes down to for Burrell is winning. He wants rings. That is undeniably why he is willing to sacrifice money for the chance to be on a championship-caliber team.

Pros: The Giants are getting a decent left fielder and middle-of-the-lineup power hitter for only a one-year, $1 million contract. Burrell is a team player that is sure to buy into the Giants system and contribute in some way to their success.

Cons: He is getting up in age and may be plagued with injuries, whether minor or major, this season. He has yet to prove that he can be an asset in the playoffs and in clutch situations.

Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford were both acquired by the Boston Red Sox during the Winter Meetings this off-season. Crawford, a five-tooled outfielder, was signed out of free agency for 7 years, $142 million. Gonzalez, whose move to Boston had been years in the making, finally arrived in exchange for three Red Sox prospects. He is expected to finalize a contract extension in the upcoming weeks that will keep him in Boston for the long term.

Pros: The addition of Adrian Gonzalez will complete the Sox already competent infield with a stable, gold glove first baseman. They’ve had issue over the years with consistency at the corner infield positions, and this gives them the opportunity to move the defensive abilities of Kevin Youkilis to third base. Carl Crawford has solidified the Tampa Bay Rays outfield with his speed and arm strength, and will continue to do so with Boston. On the base paths he will be another weapon for Terry Francona, and fortunately now steal bases on other teams rather than his MLB record 6-stolen base game against the Red Sox back in ’09.

Cons: In order to complete the deal for Gonzalez, the Red Sox were forced to break ties with three of their most promising prospects. Starting pitcher Casey Kelly, power hitting first baseman Anthony Rizzo, and speedy outfielder Reymond Fuentes were all traded to the Padres. The Sox were also forced to let Victor Martinez go in order to clear up cap space for Crawford and Gonzalez.

Cliff Lee signed a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies back in December for 5 years, $120 million. Lee passed up offers of more money from the two previous AL Champions (Yankees and Rangers) to return to the Phillies for his second stint.

Pros: He joins a phenomenal rotation, possibly the best ever, consisting of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. For most baseball fans, this may bring back memories of the dominant Atlanta Braves rotation of the 1990’s. Or even the Koufax, Drysdale, Sutton, and Osteen pitching staff that controlled the Dodgers in the 1960’s. Do they compare? Imagining the possibilities with this caliber of a rotation makes me question if anyone can win a series against the Phillies come October. If the four of them stay healthy, the potential to go deep into games will be a dagger in the heart of even the best offensive teams.

Cons: With the addition of Cliff Lee, the Phillies lack the financial ability to sign a good replacement for their departing right fielder. Without Jayson Werth’s protection in the lineup, are the Phillies bats fresh and talented enough to put some runs on the board? This will be the big question when the season begins next month. If the offense can’t win games, their defense won’t have the opportunity to win championships. 


written by: Hayley Zedeck

2011 MLB Preview and Predictions: Awards Edition

National League MVP

The Front Runners:

Albert Pujols – Pujols routinely puts up MVP type numbers with 10 straight seasons with 30+ homers and 100+ RBI all while batting over .300.  Now imagine the numbers that Albert Pujols will put up in a contract year…  Scary thought, I know.                                     

Joey Votto – Votto is the defending National League MVP and should again be in the running this year.  Coming off a career year hitting over .320 with 37 homers and 113 RBIs, Votto also posted an impressive 1.024 OPS.  With the Reds looking to stay competitive again this year, there is strong reason to believe Joey Votto will put up similar numbers.

The Field:

Chase Utley, Ryan Braun, Carlos Gonzalez, Ryan Howard, Troy Tulowitzki, Prince Fielder, Ryan Zimmerman, Hanley Ramirez, Matt Holliday, and Jason Heyward.

My Prediction:

My pick for NL MVP in 2011 is Albert Pujols.  The thought of the already most feared hitter playing in a contract year is a scary one for opposing pitchers.  Expect Pujols to put up astronomical numbers and win MVP.  Everybody watch out, this could be a historic year for Albert Pujols.

National League Cy Young

            The Front Runners:

Roy Halladay – The defending Cy Young winner has to be the favorite going in to this season.  Halladay finished the season with two no-hitters, atop the majors in wins (21 – tied with CC Sabathia) and innings pitched (250.2 IP), and  near the top of the National League with a 2.44 ERA.

Tim Lincecum – After back-to-back Cy Young Awards in 2008 and 2009, Lincecum had a down season according to his standards in 2010.  Expect Tim Lincecum to bounce back strong in 2011 and be among the leaders in strikeouts and wins putting him back in the NL Cy Young discussion.

            The Field:

Cliff Lee, Ubaldo Jimenez, Zach Greinke, Matt Cain, Josh Johnson, Shawn Marcum, Roy Oswalt, Clayton Kershaw, and Mat Latos.

My Prediction:

To me, the NL Cy Young is anyone’s to win.  If Ubaldo Jimenez can go all of 2011 putting up his 2010 first half numbers look for him to win.  I think Halladay has too much competition from his own teammates to pull off the repeat.  My winner for NL Cy Young is a bit unexpected, but look for Zach Greinke to lead the Brewers into the playoffs and himself to the 2011 NL Cy Young.

American League MVP

            The Front Runners:

Miguel Cabrera – Miguel Cabrera is one of the elite hitters in all of Major League Baseball.  A rare combination of high batting average and exceptional power keeps Cabrera in MVP discussions year in and year out.  Miguel Cabrera’s toughest competition this season will be himself following his DUI arrest. 

Josh Hamilton – Josh Hamilton is coming off a career year in which he led all of Major League Baseball in batting average, hitting .359.  Hamilton also led the majors in OPS at an impressive 1.044.  The question is not whether Hamilton can put up the numbers again; it is whether he can stay healthy the whole season, having played only 133 games last year.  If the 2010 AL MVP winner can stay healthy in 2011, look for his name to be near the top once again.

            The Field:

Robinson Cano, Adrian Gonzalez, Joe Mauer, Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, Jose Bautista, Shin-Soo Choo, and Mark Teixiera

My Prediction:

If Miguel Cabrera lets his personal matters get in the way of his baseball this year, then I think somebody like Robinson Cano or Adrian Gonzalez will swoop in and steal the award in 2011.  However, I believe Cabrera will bounce back strong from his personal issues and duplicate or better his 2010 campaign when he hit .328 with 38 homers, 126 RBI and an OPS of 1.042 to win the 2011 AL MVP.

American League CY Young

The Front Runners:

CC Sabathia – CC Sabathia is in the running for AL Cy Young year in and year out.  He is an innings eater that always comes up big in the big games.  The mammoth left hander came into spring training this season having lost between 15 and 30 pounds.  An even more in shape Sabathia is a scary thought for hitters in 2011 having come off a 21 win 3.18 ERA 2010 campaign.  Look for CC Sabathia to have a strong 2011 season and be in running for the AL Cy Young award.

Felix Hernandez – Felix Hernandez was flat out dominant in 2010.  Although he only had a 13-12 record, King Felix had a Major League best 2.27 ERA and was second in strikeouts (232) and innings pitched (249.2).  If Felix Hernandez hadn’t had so many leads blown by the Mariners’ bullpen or more offensive fire power behind him (the M’s had the league’s worst batting average), then he very well could have been a 20 game winner.  Look for this dominant young star to have another stellar year and end with numbers close to those of his 2010 AL Cy Young season.

            The Field:

Justin Verlander, Jon Lester, Neftali Feliz, Jared Weaver, David Price, Francisco Liriano, Clay Buchholz, and Dan Haren.

My Prediction:

Barring any injury, my winner for the 2011 AL Cy Young Award is CC Sabathia.  He consistently puts up Cy Young worthy numbers, so don’t expect anything different this season.  Sabathia will see some stiff competition from Felix Hernandez, David Price, and Justin Verlander, but CC Sabathia will come out on top in 2011.

-Written by Kevin Rossi