Bob Haynie: What If...
What If...
In sports, as in real life, things happen for a reason. Good or bad. Happy or sad. But often times, choices and decisions are made that have a profound impact on our favorite teams.
In recent years, there have been many scenarios that have happened--or almost happened--that have affected the state of sports here in Baltimore and abroad.
Let's take a look at some of these almost scenarios.
What if Jason Garrett would have accepted the job as Ravens head coach? I'm thinking Garrett declining the job worked out pretty well for Baltimore. John Harbaugh is the only coach in NFL history to make the postseason and win a least one playoff game in his first four years as coach. If Garrett accepts the gig, I doubt he duplicates that feat.
What if Troy Smith doesn't get sick during the pre-season of 2008? If Smith doesn't get sick, he probably starts and the Ravens miss the playoffs. As unfortunate as the illness was to Smith, it was a blessing for Baltimore as Joe Flacco got to start from Day One.
What if Bobby Valentine became manager of the Orioles? Baltimore wasn't good enough for Valentine in 2010. Good for us. Buck Showalter took the job and in 2012 the Orioles are having their best season in 15 years. Valentine, on the other hand, has already (allegedly) alienated most of the players in the Boston Red Sox clubhouse.
What if Maryland AD Kevin Anderson was able to convince Arizona's Sean Miller to replace Gary Williams as hoops coach? This one is TBD. Mark Turgeon came over from Texas A&M and is a fine coach. His 2012 recruiting class is the best Maryland has had in years. That being said, Miller is an elite recruiter and he wanted to be at Maryland. This scenario is one that can't be judged for a couple more years.
BH
