Friday, July 11, 2008

Brett Favre...Once Again

As of this afternoon, Brett Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, Jr., sent a letter to the Green Bay Packers organization to request his full release from the team. Apparently, Favre had a conference call with GM Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy on Tuesday about a comeback, the Packers tried to convince Brett to remain retired, and he wasn't having it.

This is a climatic moment in this situation. After my rather lengthy report on the situation, most of it now seems to be a moot point, but maybe I'm jumping to conclusions and the saga will come to an end with Brett still honoring his retirement announcement. It just doesn't seem likely.

I'm just going to say that it would seem to me that the Baltimore Ravens have to be the leading suitor for Favre right now. If he doesn't end up with them, I'd be shocked because it's a good fit, and it would be the team that would probably least alienate him from the Packer faithful. If he winds up in Minnesota or Chicago, it's not going to be pretty.

Time to watch the story unfold and find out what is going to happen in the near future.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Brett Favre...You Didn't Think I Could Let This Pass Did You??

On March 4, 2008, the world thought it would never again be faced will the will he or won't he question when dealing with Brett Favre. Favre retired from the Packers after 17 NFL seasons, saying, "I know I can still play. I'm just not sure I want to." Most people chose to believe the NFL's all-time leader in nearly every passing category, while some remained skeptical. Then he had his tearjerking press conference to officially announce his intentions, convincing most of the others. Every major sports magazine devoted about a third of their next issue on Favre and his career, and Sports Illustrated even had an 84-page hard-cover tribute published. (I own it, by the way.) Everyone thought it was the end of an era.

But wait just a second...

Last week, ESPN's Chris Mortensen cited an anonymous Packers source, saying that Favre reported to the team that he has the "itch", and might be interested in a comeback.
Then, Packers CB Al Harris came on the show, confirming that Favre had confided that same information to him.
Comeback rumors began swirling, and ESPN was once again dominated by Favre's mug on their shows. Experts of all kinds came on to talk about whether a comeback will happen, what will happen to Favre, the Packers and the rest of the NFL if it does and all of the other related topics. With just the word "itch", Brett Favre again became a top story.
Favre told his local newspaper in Hattiesburg, MS that it was all just a rumor, and that he had no plans, and his agent, James "Bus" Cook, Jr. said as far as he knew, Brett was still retired and planned to stay that way.
All week, though, reports have been coming across ESPN's website claiming Favre has been texting Packers GM Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy. Thompson reportedly texted Favre back that he is on vacation and will talk to him another time. McCarthy, meanwhile, has been mum on the issue, even telling children in the Green Bay Boys and Girls Club that he can't talk about things like that when they riddled him with questions about a Favre return.
Then, there was the front-page article on Sports Illustrated's website July 7th from Peter King. This article holds a lot of merit for me because there is no hiding that Peter King is probably Favre's best friend in the media. They talk and text frequently, and King has even stayed in Favre's house while in Mississippi for Favre's annual charity golf tournament. That's why I took it so seriously when King said to expect Favre's agent, Cook, to contact the Packers in the next 10 days about a comeback.

That's the news as of right now, so let's slow it down a little bit and talk about different points of this situation.

First and foremost, is Favre going to return??
In my opinion, unless the Packers front office and McCarthy can convince him not to, Brett will be back in the NFL for the 2008 season. He feels great, is coming off one of the top three statistical seasons of his career, and he has a lot left in the tank physically. Should he return, though? That's the question. Favre called it quits not because he was physically tired, but because he was emotionally and mentally exhausted. He has had time to rest up that part of his body too, but when does that mental distress start to take its toll on a 38-year-old quarterback expecting to play at the highest level week in and week out? This is something Favre needs to think long and hard about.

Second, do the Packers want him back??
All signs are pointing to "no" so far on this one. The Packers have changed their offense in the last four months to fit Aaron Rodgers' strengths, and they do not want to have to change it back. Also, the reins and the torch have been passed on to Rodgers, and the team isn't sure it would be the right move to just tear those away because Brett has the "itch". Favre and McCarthy have an excellent relationship. McCarthy was his quarterbacks coach a few years ago, and he isn't afraid to stand up to the veteran and tell him he's not getting the job done. Thompson, on the other hand, has had an icy relationship with Favre...at best. Favre has never taken too kindly to Thompson for his passive approach to free agency and his draft choices, specifically his failure to acquire Randy Moss last season and this season. And Thompson has all but said he is ready to move on and make this his team and not Brett's team. So...it would appear, the Packers are ready to tell Brett to hit the road.

Third, if Brett does come back and the Packers are uninterested, what happens??
This is a tough situation. If Brett asked to be taken off of the inactive/retired list, the Packers will have very little time to trade him to another team. On top of that, two factors will hinder their trading ability. The first is that most teams will not give a top player for Favre because he will probably play only one or two more years. Second, and most importantly, teams likely won't be willing to trade because they can sign Brett without losing anything if they wait it out. What I mean by this is that, if the Packers can't get a trade done, Favre will have to be released. Then, any team will be able to make him an offer. If a team can get him this way, why would they trade for him?

Assuming the Packers are forced to release Favre, who would he end up with??
There are a few teams that would work out for both parties if Favre decides to go a different direction. Those are Baltimore, Chicago, Minnesota, and possibly Houston or Carolina.

Minnesota is clearly the best fit. They have a young quarterback in Tarvaris Jackson that still needs time, and they have all of the other pieces in place for a Super Bowl run. Their offensive and defensive lines are stellar, their running game is one of the best in football, and the rest of their defense is more than adequate. With Favre, this team would easily be the Super Bowl favorite out of the NFC. The question is, would Favre be willing to alienate all of the fans he has made his entire career for another shot at a ring? Regardless, it would definitely be intriguing to see him run out of the Lambeau Field tunnel on the first Monday Night game of the year and on the night his Packer jersey is to be retired...in purple and gold.

Baltimore is next, and the most likely fit. As of right now, they have Kyle Boller, Troy Smith and Joe Flacco on their QB depth chart. Boller has been a major bust to this point, and the other two are very raw. If Favre comes in here, he inherits a good running game and an exceptional defense, and he can compete for a title immediately in the AFC North. Also, this is the safest place for him to go to not alienate the Packer faithful.

Chicago is next. They have a good receiving corps but one of the most pungent quarterback situations in all of football. Also, their running game is non-existent, but judging from the Pack's first 8 games last year, Favre can obviously handle that. Also, when healthy, the Bears have a strong defense led by Brian Urlacher. Favre would definitely be alright with having the return game offered by Devin Hester as well. This situation seems unlikely too, though, just because of who it is. It just doesn't seem likely that Brett would stay in the division.

The last possibility is the Carolina Panthers. Jake Delhomme was out most of last year, and appears to be healthy now, but it wouldn't be completely surprising to see this happen. Favre would love to stay in the south, and he could follow in Reggie White's footsteps as a Packer who retired and then came back for a swan song in Panther blue. This team may not have all the pieces for Favre, though. They were expected to compete for a title last year and flopped dramatically. The defense wasn't great, and some of it is obviously attributed to Delhomme's injuries. There are plusses, though. You can't say Brett Favre wouldn't love to be throwing passes to All-World wideout Steve Smith, and the running game, although it lost injury-prone bruiser DeShaun Foster, got stronger in April with the drafting of Jonathan Stewart of Oregon to team with DeAngelo Williams.

Next...what should the Packers really do??
If you're the Packers you have to really think about what you want to do here. The decision isn't as easy as just telling Brett you've moved on. ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski wrote an article the other day that I thought was very smart. If you're an NFL team, you need to do whatever has to be done, within reason, to make your team the best it can be. That being said, the Packers should take Brett back if he wants to come back. I'm not saying this as a Favre supporter, I'm saying it in terms of smart business. First, it's not going to alienate the lockerroom because Favre was always liked as a player and team leader. Second, it won't alienate most of the fans because they want their team to do well, and if Favre does well, the Packers do well. Bottom line...the Packers with Brett are better than the Packers without Brett. Aaron Rodgers could be a star quarterback in the making, but there's no telling if that will truly be the case. It also doesn't give a lot of hope when you look at his college coach's record of sending star quarterbacks to the NFL. Jeff Tedford coached Rodgers in college, along with Trent Dilfer, Akili Smith, Joey Harrington, Kyle Boller, AJ Feeley, and Billy Volek. Dilfer, Smith, Harrington, Boller and Rodgers all went in the top-25 of their respective drafts and none have had memorable careers, forgetting the fact that the Ravens' defense led Dilfer to a Super Bowl title. So...why deny Brett because of Rodgers? He hasn't even tried to be a fan-friendly quarterback, telling Packer fans recently to "get on or shut their mouths." It becomes even easier to accept Favre back when you look at what's waiting. If Favre comes back, Rodgers will almost certainly leave the Packers when his contract expires in two years, but that leaves Brian Brohm to take the team. Brohm, who was projected as the number one pick in the draft in 2007, stayed at Louisville for one more year. The Cardinals were terrible, but Brohm was not, posting the best numbers of his career. He still fell to 57th in the draft, though, to Green Bay, and in my opinion, he shows as much or more promise than Rodgers. So...if you're Green Bay, you don't turn away a legend.

Finally, what does Brett Favre mean to sports??
The fact that a rumor of his comeback has garnered this much attention from ESPN, SI and the like, shows what a force he is in the media. The man has been a sports celebrity for 15 years, and just the mention of his name gets amplified more and more. John Madden's in love with him, announcers choose not to notice when he messes up, and blog sites can't wait to spoof his every move. Love him or hate him, Brett Favre is a phenomenon, and it appears that the old "gun slinger" could be on his way back for one last ride.

MLB All-Star Review...National League

Alright. I did American League yesterday. Today is National League. Like last time, I'll write who was voted in to start at each position, and then who I think it should have been. I'll then explain why, and give a runner-up for each spot.

National League

Catcher
Geovany Soto-Cubs
Should have been: Brian McCann-Braves
So, we get the first EVER Rookie Catcher for the NL as an All-Star starter, and really, he's only the third best catcher in the league so far this year. Brian McCann and Russell Martin of the Dodgers are simply having better seasons. Soto, while an excellent defensive catcher, can't fall back on that either. He and McCann both have identical .995 fielding percentages, although Soto has thrown out 25% of base stealers to McCann's 23%. The bottom line, though, is that McCann leads NL catchers in doubles, home runs, and on-base plus slugging, while Soto only leads in RBI. Soto's having a great year, but he's only third best.
Runner-Up: Russell Martin, Los Angeles

First Base
Lance Berkman-Astros
Should have been: Berkman, like there was a question
Lance Berkman is far and away the class of what is never an easy position to stand out in in the NL. This year, it's a two horse race with between Berkman and Albert Pujols of the Cardinals with the Cubs' Derrek Lee, the Dodgers' James Loney, the Padres' Adrian Gonzalez and the Brewers' Prince Fielder watching from afar. Berkman and Pujols are two of the best players in the game, but this is Big Puma's year. He leads Pujols in batting average, runs, hits, RBI, doubles, home runs, walks, slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging. Would things have been different had Pujols not spent time on the Disabled List?? It's tough to tell, but one thing that isn't tough to tell is that Berkman very well could be this year's National League MVP.
Runner-Up: Pujols

Second Base
Chase Utley, Phillies
Should have been: Utley
This is another one that wasn't even close. Utley leads the National League in home runs and leads NL Second Basemen in hits, runs, home runs, RBI, walks, and on base percentage. There really isn't much to say. Utley will be in the race for the MVP at the end of the season, hoping to make it three in a row for three different Philadelphia players.
Runner-Up: Dan Uggla, Florida

Third Base
Chipper Jones, Braves
Should have been: Jones
Either National League fans are a little smarter than American League fans, or there are just many more clear cut winners on the Senior Circuit. I'm going to go with the latter. Chipper has been flirting with a .400 batting average all season, and though he has dropped to a season low .379 while I write this, that still is easily the Major League lead. He doesn't win this spot without any kind of struggle, though. When you really look at the stats, Garrett Atkins of the Rockies, Aramis Ramirez of the Cubs and David Wright of the Mets have all had outstanding first halfs. Chipper wins the spot with the superb batting average and by leading the other third basemen in home runs, on base percentage and on-base plus slugging.
Runner-Up: David Wright, New York

Short Stop
Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
Should have been: Ramirez
Hanley Ramirez is a rising star, and he's proving it this season, leading NL short stops in runs, home runs, RBI, walks, and on-base plus slugging. This isn't your father's short stop. This is a new age of power hitting short stop that can hit in the middle of the line up. Jose Reyes of the Mets should be applauded for the way he has played so far, as should the resurgent Christian Guzman of the Nationals and the reliable Ryan Theriot of the Cubs, but this is Hanley's season thus far. Now if they could just get these guys a glove. Ramirez is worst in the NL in fielding percentage, Reyes is closest to him, Theriot is right after that and Guzman is 3 from Theriot.
Runner-Up: Jose Reyes, New York

Outfield
Ryan Braun, Brewers
Kosuke Fukodome, Cubs
Alfonso Soriano, Cubs
Should have been: Matt Holliday, Rockies
Nate McLouth, Pirates
Carlos Lee, Astros
Leave it to the fans to get everything wrong once they get a competitive position like outfield. Matt Holliday, last year's MVP runner-up, and probably the most important piece in the Rockies run to the World Series last year, is having a stellar season, even if it isn't quite up to par with last year. He leads NL outfielders in batting average, hits, on base percentage and on-base plus slugging. Nate McLouth is a shining star for the Pirates this year. He was my second-rated outfielder and leads NL outfielders in runs and doubles. Finally, El Caballo, Carlos Lee, rounds out my outfielders. Lee is leading the National League in RBI right now, and he's second amongst outfielders in home runs.
Runners-Up:
Xavier Nady, Pittsburgh
Braun
Corey Hart, Milwaukee
(There are a lot of good outfielders in the NL Central)

Starting Pitcher
Edinson Volquez, Reds
Here is my bonus. Volquez is getting the start for my National League team, and not just because I cheer for the Reds. His competition for the start is Tim Lincecum of the Giants and Brandon Webb of the Diamondbacks. Let's look at the stats. I searched 18 categories for pitchers, and the averages worked out as such. Volquez-1.89, Webb-1.89, Lincecum-2.22. So, Volquez and Webb tied with Lincecum a close third. That means it's my discretion as to whose wins, statistically speaking, are bigger. Take a look for yourself. Volquez is best in ERA, hits against, runs against, earned runs against, batting average against, strike outs per 9 innings and home runs against. Webb was on top in wins, innings, walks, complete games, shut outs, strike out to walk ratio, walks per 9 innings, ratio, and wild pitches. Meanwhile, Lincecum led strike outs and hit batsmen. Volquez is the clear winner. It seems absurd not to start a pitcher that leads his main competitors in ERA, runs against, batting average against and hits against, let alone the fact that he's the only one of the three that plays in a hitter's stadium. The edge goes to Edinson.
Runner-Up: Webb

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

MLB All-Stars...My Review of the Teams...AL first

As the title says, I'm going to be writing my review of the All-Star teams. Basically, I'll list the elected starter at each position and the person that I think should be at that position, and then give an explanation. Today is American League day. National League will come tomorrow or the next day.

American League

Catcher
Joe Mauer-Twins
Should have been: Mauer, easily
Joe Mauer is clearly the starter at catcher for the American League. He is the heart and soul of a surging Twins team, and he has the stats to back it up. He is 2nd in the AL in batting average, and on base percentage, and he only strikes out once every 12 at bats. Also, he's fourth amongst his fellow catchers in fielding percentage, with only 2 errors in 443 chances.
Runner-Up: Dioner Navarro, Tampa Bay

First Base
Kevin Youkilis-Red Sox
Should have been: Justin Morneau-Twins
This really could be a toss-up, but Morneau is the pick here. Youk has had a great season thus far, but Morneau leads him in batting average, RBI and hits and has more walks with less strike outs. Youk leads him in on-base percentage, slugging percentage and home runs, but Morneau's wins just seem a little bigger. Finally, their fielding percentages are almost identical with Morneau committing two errors in 730 chances and Youkilis having one in 542 attempts. It's a toss-up but Morneau gets the nod.
Runner-Up: Youkilis

Second Base
Dustin Pedroia-Red Sox
Should have been: Ian Kinsler-Rangers
Are you kidding me?? This isn't even close. Pedroia is a great player, but Ian Kinsler is having a season no other second base is even close to. He leads the entire American League in batting average, hits and runs, is second in doubles and fifth in stolen bases. And all of that comes with Pedroia having the most at-bats in the AL. Another case of a good Red Sox player beating out a great player from somewhere else because of who he plays for.
Runner-Up: Pedroia

Third Base
Alex Rodriguez-Yankees
Should have been: Rodriguez
No one else is even close. After his epic first half last year, A-Rod has cooled down a bit, but he's still head-and-shoulders ahead of the field on the hot corner. He's fourth in the AL in batting average and he leads other third basemen in runs, RBI and home runs. He hasn't had a great season, but neither have the other third basemen. His defense is shaky as ever, but the more solid third basemen in the field just aren't cutting it on offense
Runner-Up: Carlos Guillen, Detroit

Short Stop
Derek Jeter-Yankees
Should have been: Michael Young-Rangers
I understand Jeter starting the last one in "The House that Ruth Built," but Michael Young is a much better candidate. He leads AL short stops in almost every major offensive category. His fielding percentage is eleven points higher than Jeter's as well. Young is just the more deserving candidate.
Runner-Up: Jeter

Outfield
Josh Hamilton-Rangers
Manny Ramirez-Red Sox
Ichiro Suzuki-Mariners
Should have been:
Hamilton
J.D. Drew-Red Sox
Jermaine Dye-White Sox
As always, the outfield is very competitive, so I chose to go mostly statistical here. Creating an average of ranking among outfielders in the categories of batting average, runs, doubles, home runs, RBI, walks, on base percentage and on base plus slugging, the stats show these three. Really, you can't do much better than these guys this year. Hamilton is the ML MVP at this point, putting up otherworldly numbers, Drew, the perennial underachiever is finally earning his money, and Dye is producing at the levels he has for the last few years.
Runners-Up:
Johnny Damon, New York
Ramirez
Grady Sizemore, Cleveland

Starting Pitcher
Cliff Lee-Indians
This hasn't been announced yet, but this is my bonus. Lee has been the premier pitcher in the American League for most of this season, and he hasn't even had a great team to back him up. Justin Duchscherer has overtaken Lee in ERA, and has given up 12 less earned runs, but Lee has a better record, has started three more games, has a complete game under his belt and a 9-inning shut out in an extra inning loss, and has almost twice as many strike outs and less walks. He has the resume for the job, and he deserves it.
Runner-Up: Duchscherer

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

A Top-10, Cedar Point Style

Okay. This is going to be my first official post. I took a half hour the other night writing about the National League's ineptitude in Interleague play, but I lost my signal as I was posting it, so it is gone. I just got over the anger and am going to take a second stab at a post. I just went to Cedar Point over the weekend, so I'm going to post my top 10 rides at the park. If you agree or disagree, let me know.

Without further ado...

10. Mantis
Pros-The biggest pro for the Mantis is that it's long, lasting 2:40. Also, there are three loops and a figure eight finish, which I think are positives.
Cons-Some people may like the idea of a stand-up coaster, but I'm not crazy about it. The bicycle seat you sit on is not comfortable (especially for a guy), and it just never really gets to be a comfortable experience. Also, the line is always at least 45 minutes, which isn't too bad, but over an hour is too long of a wait for me on this ride.
Overall-It's a good ride that I would probably like better if it were a regular sit down coaster. I understand the idea of diversity, though, and if it were a sit-down, it would be too much like the Raptor. It's one that I'll usually try to get one once while I'm there, but never more than that.

9. Power Tower
Pros-The thrill of a freefall is always cool, especially because it seems to always come unexpectedly. Also, it goes up to 60 mph in the drop, which is pretty sweet. It's can be nice to have a choice whether you want to get blasted up or dropped down. For a ride like this, the 45 second ride time is good too, especially since it's rare to wait more than 10 minutes in line.
Cons-The ride time is good for the kind of ride, but it still leaves you wanting more.
Overall-I really enjoy the Power Tower, and I barely have anything bad to say about it, but it just doesn't match up with those farther up. It's something that I turn to when I need a little break so it can't be considered one of the top rides on my list. It's definitely one I'll do more than once, though, because the wait is nothing. I always prefer to be dropped. Being shot up just doesn't do much for me.

8. Wicked Twister
Pros-Nothing else offers a ride like this one. The back-and-forth motion is unique, and that's a definite plus. It's fast, going 72 mph. The track is a U, meaning you are looking either straight up or straight down when you get to the end of the track. The 450-degree twist in the end of the track adds a little extra.
Cons-It goes 5 times down the track, which never feels like enough on this ride. The line usually seems longer than I feel it should be too, especially since it never seems the ride is long enough.
Overall-When I first saw this ride, I didn't think it would be cool at all. I thought it would just go back and forth a couple times and be totally boring. I was definitely wrong. Once you get through the line, you find out that the mixture of speed, suddenness and 90-degree bends in the track make it really enjoyable. The fact that it goes through the station each time it runs the track offers a chance to entertain too, such as acting like you're running through the station or being pulled through. It just never seems long enough.

7. Skyhawk
Pros-It takes you 125 feet in the air at 60 mph in both directions. It gives you the feeling of weightlessness. Being able to look straight in front of you and see the ground 125 feet below. The wait is never very long.
Cons-It doesn't twist, spin or drop, and one minute is just not long enough.
Overall-I love the Skyhawk. It's only been at Cedar Point for 2 years, and it's gaining some popularity. It may not look great since it just swings back and forth, bringing to mind the tameness of the pirate ship, but it does offer a thrill. Being able to look straight ahead at the ground 125 feet below is unlike most feelings you can have.

6. MaXair
Pros-You go 140 feet in the air, up to 70 mph, and not only do you swing back and forth, you're spinning. The line is usually less than a half hour, and it lasts 2:30, which is awesome. At the top, you feel weightless whether you're looking up or down.
Cons-None really
Overall-MaXair is a sweet ride. It's like the Skyhawk on steroids, which kind of sucks for Skyhawk since it's a year newer. For some reason, less people are riding MaXair each year, which is alright with me because I can get on it more. It has a short wait, and lasts a long time. My favorite part is when you get to the top and you spin from the side to looking straight down at the ground.

5. Magnum XL-200
Pros-It has a 205-foot first hill, goes 72 mph, and every time you go over a hill, it feels like you're floating out of your car. The tunnels provide a good thrill, and in the middle the back-to-back turns are a chance to lean out of the car and act like you're falling out. Also, now that the Millennium Force has moved ahead of it by being taller and faster, the line is usually amazingly short. It's pretty long too, lasting 2 minutes.
Cons-Compared to some of the others, it can feel a little bit jerky, and the seats are tiny.
Overall-This is an old favorite. It was my favorite ride in the park for a long time, and though it's fallen a bit, it's still awesome. I love that I rarely have to wait to get on it, and the floating feeling you get, especially being the first car over the first hill, is amazing.

4. Raptor
Pros-Just listen to the special features: Six upside-down turns: one vertical loop, two inverted corkscrews, a zero-gravity roll and a "cobra roll" that turns riders upside down twice. Add that to the fact that your legs are dangling, and this ride is awesome. It goes up to 57 mph, which isn't terribly fast, but on this ride it feels faster. 2:15 ride time is solid.
Cons-Usually, the wait is pretty long. Don't go early in the day because a lot of people just coming in go straight to Raptor. Also, they don't have pictures anymore. They tape your entire ride and show you the whole time, which I think is just creepy.
Overall-This has always been one of my favorite rides in the park. The loops and spins are sweet, and for some reason always make me feel like I'm about to black out, a feeling I don't get on any other ride. It's all good though. I love the ride too much to worry about that.

3. Top Thrill Dragster
Pros-420 feet tall, 120 mph in less than 4 seconds, a 270-degree twist while descending 400 feet straight toward the ground.
Cons-The line is usually very long, it lasts a measley 17 seconds, and it shuts down for the slightest of bad weather conditions.
Overall-It looks like I just didn't say much about this ride, but what can you really say?? It's the tallest and fastest coaster in the world, and the thrill it gives you by going from 0-120 mph in less than 4 seconds is unmatched. It just isn't all good things. It feels like it's over before it starts, which makes it not worth it for some people because of how long they have to wait. And it shuts down for any kind of threatening weather, which also sucks. It's just an unbelievable ride, though. Totally worth it to me.

2. Maverick
Pros-There is nothing like it. It has a 95-degree drop, and two corkscrew rolls, which have never been seen before. Also, there are 8 different spots where you get airtime. There are two launch pads, and it's cool that you don't hit top speed until the second half of the ride. 2:30 is amazing considering the wait.
Cons-The wait, the wait, the wait. You have to wait over 2 hours almost every single time. That might go down in the coming years since this is only its second year, but I doubt it. Also, there is no high hill.
Overall-I have never seen a ride like this before, and I'm so glad that I have now. A 95-degree drop and 8 airtime moments?! Are you serious?? That's ridiculous and amazing. The corkscrew rolls are awesome, and this is such a smooth ride for all of the twists. You have to wait forever to get on, but the ride last 2:30, so it makes it worth it. For not having a high hill, this ride overcomes that and then some.

1. Millennium Force
Pros-It takes you 80-degrees up the first hill straight out of the station to the top, 310 feet away. Immediately, you drop 300 of those feet at 93+ mph back to the ground. The ride lasts 2:20, and it has two more hills that are higher than the tallest hill on most coasters.
Cons-Usually the longest wait in the park, easily topping 2 hours most times.
Overall-This ride has everything you want. It has height, speed, twists, turns, tunnels, lights, and airtime. The only thing it doesn't offer are rolls. It's not the tallest or fastest coaster in the park even, but when you are that big and that fast and last 2:20, that's just awesome. I love this ride, and it's well worth it for me to wait to ride it twice in one day. From the first time I rode it, it was my favorite ride in the park, and that hasn't been challenged thus far.