Team Bisq

It wasn't until this past Sunday that I had watched the 1994 American classic Forrest Gump in it's entirety.  Throughout the film I was kicking myself for not having seen it earlier in my life. The more I watched the film, the more I grew to admire Gump, Forrest Gump. He was fast, he was loyal, he was genuine, he was smart in his own way, and he was an overall good human being.

After watching the film I immediately knew I was going to post something about the film and intertwine it with the sports theme of the blog. So, after some thought I decided that I was going to build a sports movie character organization.

Below, I have ranked the TOP 10 sports film characters of all time through a "draft" beginning with my coaching staff.



Without any further delay here is the draft breakdown of Team Bisq...




Head Coach: Herman Boone - Remember the Titans
Boone's leadership and ability to unify a team do not compare to any other coach. I am completely confident in Boone as our team's general in battle. Boone is rough around the edges but deep down he loves his team like family. I expect Team Bisq to resemble Boone, giving their heart and soul to one another in order to become a perfect team and eventual champions.

The General

Associate Head Coach/Defense: Herb Brooks - Miracle

Brooks' impact extends further than drawing plays

"Great moments come from great opportunity." Brooks has the opportunity to be an integral part in leading Team Bisq. His business-first mentality will keep the team strong and focused throughout the season. He will instill a physical and mental toughness that will be vital to our success as a unit. I expect our team to be a well-conditioned and physical group that understands the importance of coming together to achieve the ultimate goal.





Offensive Coach: Jimmy McGinty - The Replacements

McGinty was on the cover of GQ - Coach's Edition

McGinty is a fearless, unconventional coach that will have a great impact on our team's offense. McGinty is a players coach that we feel will be able to have a good relationship with all those involved on the offensive unit. I expect McGinty to be aggressive in play-calling while understanding our player personnel to put our team in successful opportunities especially in late-game situations.





Special Teams Coach: Gordon Bombay - The Mighty Ducks

Bombay has been known to have a few tricks up his sleeve during his days with the Ducks. The Flying V  was one of Bombay's signature plays and we feel Team Bisq will be able to use some of that creativity in our system. I like Bombay's ability to maximize players' strengths and will look for more of the same as he will be an important coach to our team.



Bench Coach: Phil Brickma - Rookie of the Year
Every team needs someone to keep them relaxed. Brickma's knowledge of the game isn't necessarily up to par, but we feel he can contribute in other ways. His comic relief and personality will connect well with our team especially on long road trips and when things get tough. I don't see Brickma getting involved in any play-calling but his services to the team are not to go without recognition.  

 

Film Coordinator: Bagger Vance - The Legend of Bagger Vance
Bagger's ability to get the most out of his players has been well documented, most notably with struggling star-golfer Rannulph Junuh from Savannah, Georgia. Bagger will be a great addition to Team Bisq as he will guide our players through the mental aspect of their game by analyzing film. Our team will benefit greatly from hearing Bagger's advice on a consistent basis so they can maximize their physical performance on the field.

 Team Bisq PLAYER DRAFT

                                                                                                                                                                      

1. Shane Falco - The Replacements

The face of the franchise

A lot of people gave up on Falco after his performance in the Sugar Bowl when he was at Ohio State but like legendary head coach James McGinty and offensive coordinator for Team Bisq, I know a competitor when I see one. Aside from having a rocket left-arm, Falco has all the intangibles you look for as the leader and quarterback of your unit. The guy wants the ball when the game's on the line and I feel very confident in selecting him No. 1 overall. Also, it doesn't hurt to have Annabelle at every game cheering your team on.

Scout's Grade: 99
Scout's Comparison: Unlike anything we've ever seen but similar to Keanu Reeves


2. Billy Chapel - For Love of the Game

Ace of the staff

Rarely does an arm and man like Billy Chapel grace the baseball scene. Chapel is a competitor, plain and simple. He is known for throwing a perfect game against the Yankees in Yankee stadium deemed as the loneliest place on earth. When a guy can do something like that making him a top pick in the draft is a no-brainer. Weclome to the squad Chap, it's unfortunate your battery mate Gus couldn't come as a package deal a la Berg & Bisq but hey, we're happy you'll be taking the ball for us.

Scout's Grade: 98
Scout's Comparison: Kevin Costner

Heart of a champion

3. Rocky Balboa - Rocky
Rocky isn't the most talented athlete but he might be the toughest. He will be a key voice in the locker room especially to the young kids. We are confident that his veteran leadership will impact our young talent and mold them into champions like himself . We also expect Rocky's work ethic and determination to rub off on our team especially since he will monitor the team's fitness duties, making sure our team stays healthy and strong for the stretch run.

Scout's Grade: 98
Scout's Comparison: Sylvester Stallone


4. Forrest Gump - Forrest Gump

Fast don't lie, neither does Forrest

Gump's speed doesn't come around every day. Team Bisq may be taking a risk here with Gump's noted mental disabilities, but as a coaching staff we feel confident that Gump will understand getting to the endzone. In addition to his great running ability, Gump is a very loyal kid that will not hesitate to protect a fellow team member. Gump not only possesses great speed, but a determination to keep running until he has reached his goal. I like Gump's value at 4 and our coaching staff will be excited to let the kid loose.

Scout's Grade: 97
Scout's Comparison: Tom Hanks


5. Jamal Wallace - Finding Forrester

Can beat you with his physical and mental abilities

A lot of experts and analysts are questioning this pick especially since it's coming fairly early in the draft. Team Bisq doesn't question this move at all. Wallace is an outstanding basketball player with an outstanding mind. He is also very compassionate and humble which will be great for our team chemistry. Our staff feels he will be a strong addition to our team especially since Wallace's mentor and legend William Forrester sent a personal letter of recommendation to our front office onhis behalf.

Scout's Grade: 94
Scout's Comparison: Rob Brown

Hobbs is an All-American ballplayer

6. Roy Hobbs - The Natural
Every team needs a guy with raw talent like Hobbs. With drafting Hobbs we feel that we have a guy that will consistently rise to the occasion. I mean, not many people can hit a ball off a light tower and treat it as if it was only natural to do so. I like Hobbs' born athleticism and feel very confident he will be a major contributor to helping our team win.

Scout's Grade: 96
Scout's Comaprison: Robert Redford


7. Billy Hoyle - White Men Can't Jump

Billy got game and style

Billy "Big Mouth" Hoyle likes to talk but he also likes to ball. Hoyle will provide a little flare to the team but he's not all show, the guy can play some hoop. Hoyle has plus handles and the passing ability of a true point-guard, but he can shoot as well. He will be the spark-plug to our team with his high energy levels. I expect big production out of Hoyle since he will more than likely be our team's biggest trash talker - but that's okay, as long as he can back it up.

Scout's Grade: 95
Scout's Comparison: Woody Harrelson

The Jet was born to play ball

8. Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez - The Sandlot
Well, we look at Rodriguez and we see a born ballplayer with great speed. You can't coach speed and you sure as hell can't stop it. Rodriguez's passion for the game is another thing we love. I look for Rodriguez to be a major factor utilizing his instinctual abilities and raw talent. And, maybe the most impressive thing about Rodriguez: he pickled the beast. We're excited for "The Jet" to represent his fellow lot members as a big league ballplayer on a big league unit.

Scout's Grade: 95
Scout's Comparison: Michael Vitar

Gilmore on his best behavior

9. Happy Gilmore - Happy Gilmore
Gilmore's anger problems are well known on the course but he is also known for his impeccable driving ability. Gilmore has proven to be an unorthodox golfer but when he is on, he is one of the very best in the game. We look at Gilmore as being a wildcard player for our unit, hoping he pans out of course. It is a high-risk pick but we feel with some guidance from Bagger he will turn out to be one of the steals of draft.


Scout's Grade: 94
Scout's Comparison: Adam Sandler


10. Henry Rowengartner - Rookie of the Year

He has tremendous upside being only a kid

Taking Rowengartner is risky in large part due to his age. However, our staff feels that a couple bullpen sessions with Brickma and Chapel looking on could help his maturity level. Aside from questions about his age, Rowengartner has a plus arm with little to no movement on his fastball. Normally, that would be a problem but Gartner was clocked at 101 MPH from the left field bleachers at Wrigley. If Rowengartner can stay healthy he could became the best arm the game's ever seen.

Scout's Grade: 93
Scout's Comparison: Thomas Ian Nicholas

 
Undrafted Free Agents - NO particular order
Rick Vaughn - Major League
Sidney Deane - White Men Can't Jump
Jim Bowers - Little Big League
Crash Davis - Bull Durham 
Jesus Shuttlesworth - He Got Game
Bobby Boucher - The Waterboy
Willie Beaman - Any Given Sunday
Greg Goldberg - The Mighty Ducks
Rudy Ruettiger - Rudy 
Julius Campbell - Remember the Titans

Next year's schedule still has some openings if any general managers want to give me a call. We enjoy playing on the road but don't mind hosting either. Let me know...

I'm taking off, you take it easy.

Bisq