The Cycle

Giants-Niners Preview

2012-01-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

Finally, we have the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. In the AFC blog post yesterday, I made mention how only a select few make it to the AFC Championship game and win the game in the last 11 years. Well, the NFC has been the opposite, with 10 different Super Bowl representatives for the last 10 years. Today, the Niners can make it 11, or the Giants can be the NFC team with the most since 2000 with 3. Also, when seeing these two teams play in the playoffs, there's history. There's the 1990 NFC Championship Game, the hardest hitting game of all time (watch any Giants-49ers game from the late 80s, early 90s and you'll stop believing SF was a "finesse" team). There's Mark Bavaro dragging the 49ers defense, Montana to Rice in Giants Stadium and of course, the 2002 Wild Card game. What history will be made today? That's not one of them, but here are the five questions for this matchup.

1. Which team can establish the run better?

In the first game, which the Niners won 27-20, the Giants didn't have Ahmad Bradshaw, while the 49ers lost Frank Gore early. In the end, San Fran had Kendall Hunter make a big play on the ground, while the Giants didn't get that from Brandon Jacobs. The difference between these teams is that the 49ers have been outstanding on run defense, while the Giants in the regular season were far from it. During the playoff run, they showed they can shut a big-time runner down when Michael Turner was bottled up during the Wild Card game. Giants need more of the same today, as well as Bradshaw making things happen when the Giants are running.

2. How much will special teams matter?

Now I know that's a dumb question, because they always matter. However, if special teams becomes the deciding factor in this game, it's a MAJOR advantage to the Niners. Andy Lee can blast punts, and Ted Ginn Jr. can run them back. I'd say that David Akers is the weak link today because of his mixed history when kicking against the Giants, but he's home and it mitigate that a little. The Giants, on the other hand, have return men who I worry about catching the football then actually making a play, and a kicker in Lawrence Tynes, who Giants fans don't trust, even after kicking the team to the Super Bowl. I'm not saying the Giants can't make a special teams play, but if special teams makes a difference (think Texans-Ravens as an example), it helps the home team.

3. How does Eli Manning handle the San Fran pass rush?

They will make plays on defense. That's who the 49ers are under Jim Harbaugh. They got to Drew Brees (particularly Justin Smith) and frustrated him most of the day. Still, Brees found ways to get the ball to his big play guys to put the Saints in a position to win. Now, we have Eli, same type quarterback, who'll stay in the pocket. He now has to find his big WR's Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, not to mention secondary options like Mario Manningham and Bradshaw. And for the Giants, they need the Jake Ballard from earlier this year who made Giants fans forget about Kevin Boss. And if the Niners have one weakness on defense, it's Donte Whitmer's predisposition to go for highlight plays and failing (think Charlie Peprah last week on Nicks' first TD).

4. How do the Niners mitigate the Giants pass rush?

Last week, Alex Smith faced the Saints blitz late and took full advantage in the winning TD drive. The Giants, unfortunately for them, won't do a lot of blitzing. They can get to the QB with that front four, allowing seven defenders flood passing lanes, forcing QB's to be perfect on their throws. Aaron Rodgers couldn't do that last week, will Alex Smith have more luck. Elsewhere when the Niners have the ball, look for the Giants to double Vernon Davis. No way they let him beat them. Which will likely leave Michael Crabtree going against Corey Webster. Crabtree would need to win this matchup if the Niners are to win (or hope Aaron Ross plays him a few times and Smith realizes to throw to him at that point).

5. Who wins?

The Giants won't be frustrated if they can't get to Alex Smith early, if they can't run early, if they fall behind early. This is a team that will grind you down for four quarters and once they reach that 4th quarter, the Giants usually take control. Helps when your QB has the most 4th quarter TD's in a single season in NFL history. 49ers are a great team, but even though they're home, I don't think they are ready for the Super Bowl quite yet. Giants win 30-20.

Ravens-Patriots Preview

2012-01-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

The AFC will continue to demonstrate that there's a clear hierarchy as old stalwarts New England and Baltimore will do battle in the AFC Championship game tomorrow. Since 2000, only the Pats (4), Steelers (3), Colts (2), Raiders (1) and Ravens (1) have been the AFC's Super Bowl representative. Of the championship game representatives; its 19 of 24 counting tomorrow's game (Pats 6th, Ravens 3rd). That's a remarkable level of consistency (yes, I know the Raiders shouldn't thrown in a consistency argument unless it has to do with losing and firing coaches) in a supposedly parity-driven league. Enough with the history lesson, here's the five questions for tomorrow's contest.

1. Which Ravens defense shows up?

Will it be the only that completely shut down the 49ers on Thanksgiving night, or the one who looked slow against the Texans, needing gift turnovers to win last week. If the Ravens think they can giveaway chances for takeaways against Tom Brady, they will be sorely mistaken; and he won't make the throws T.J. Yates made all day last week. Even if the Ravens look quicker against New England, that's not going to be enough; leading to my next question...

2. How do the Ravens cover Gronk, Hernandez and Welker?

It's the question every team playing the Patriots face. Obviously, the Broncos didn't have an answer. Everyone who believes the Ravens have a chance point out to their playoff win in New England back in 2009. Little known fact: Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez were still in school when that game took place, while Wes Welker was injured the week prior to the playoff meeting. A little easier to beat the Pats when they best three offensive weapons weren't involved. If I'm Baltimore, I'm not allowing Gronkowski and Hernandez beat me deep, and if that means Welker ends with 15 catches in front of me, then so be it. Ravens need to pick their poison and that is hoping for less possessions, allowing the offense to stay close.

3. How do the Patriots stop Ray Rice, who had his way two years ago?

Unfortunately for New England, they don't have the defense that Houston has; who did a great job with Ray Rice, fixing what they did wrong in the earlier meeting and winning battles at the line. One thing the Pats must do is to not allow an 80-yard touchdown run on the first play of the game like they did in that last meeting. Everything fell apart after that. Makes this a huge game for guys like Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes who must not allow Rice to reach second level on his runs. Also means that you'll see eight men in the box, daring Joe Flacco to throw. You know where this is headed...

4. Can Joe Flacco make the Pats pay if they sell hard on the run?

Flacco has been much maligned that no one seems to have faith in his ability to win, at least that's the perception I see. Well, tomorrow is a perfect chance for Flacco to prove doubters wrong, especially if New England won't allow anything from Ray Rice in the running game. Flacco can always use Rice as a pass-catcher, and should benefit from Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith against the Patriots secondary. Even Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta will be valuable options for Flacco and a good Flacco would only open up the defense more so that Ray Rice can run in the second half.

5. So who wins?

If the Ravens play mistake-free football, limit the possessions in this game and get some pressure on Tom Brady with Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs (avoiding too much blitzing), the Ravens can win. Seems like too much needs to go right for Baltimore for this to happen. And you can never stop Rob Gronkowski. Add that Joe Flacco is facing the defense that has the most takeaways in the AFC and the task for the Ravens is too great. Patriots are back in the Super Bowl, winning 31-14.

Thanks For Nothing Dolan

2012-01-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

I went to last night's Rangers game against the Penguins. It seems like every time I show up for a Rangers game, they lose. Pittsburgh showed up for 60 minutes and the Rangers didn't and with the way the Penguins play north-south, that's not a good ingredient for winning.

The reason I'm writing about last night's game though is it was the first one since Rangers and Knicks owner James Dolan decided to actually take part in a Rangers press conference and essentially proclaim that the Rangers are Stanley Cup contenders. It was a quote that John Tortorella threw some water on when he said "I have my owner up here talking about a Stanley Cup. That's a bunch of bull----" once Dolan left the room.

Nice try, Torts. Dolan has given your team some interest and when he gets involved, bad things happen. He involved himself in the Carmelo Anthony trade, and now the Knicks seem stuck in neutral (Frank Isola had it right when he tweeted this). My favorite example of this was back in 2007 when the Knicks weren't embarrassing New Yorkers every night and had a team that was winning games in exciting fashion (watch this, this and this for examples of this). So what happens; Dolan proclaims that Isiah Thomas had a successful year and signs him to an undisclosed contract extension. At the time of the extension, the Knicks were 29-34 and in 8th in the East. Afterwards, the Knicks only won 4 more games.

So last night's results, unfortunately was foretold in my eyes once Jim Dolan opened his big mouth, especially after watching how sure of himself he was in that presser. Hopefully (at least for me as a Rangers fan), this won't be a trend that continues, but history isn't on their side.

Sunday Divisional Round Preview

2012-01-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

Time for the Sunday games, after the predictable Pats blowout of Tebow and the Broncos and the epic finish in San Francisco. That game was amazing yesterday; one which I wanted to last forever. The best football games are the ones which teams trade scores at some point. And for all the Niners fans, now you know that Alex Smith is capable to win a big game. Can he win the Super Bowl? Well, let's see how the playoffs play out if he needs to go to Lambeau and/or have to face the Patriots or the Ravens/Texans. Perfect segue to my picks today.

Houston at Baltimore

Of all the weekend's games, this is the one which lacks juice. It's easy to see once you realize the starting QB's are T.J. Yates and Joe Flacco. Of all the other games, the only QB that gives you a meh feeling is Alex Smith, but it was great offense vs great defense and Smith rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Shame is, this game is the one with the two best running backs left with Arian Foster and Ray Rice; yet the defenses here are so good, the quarterbacks will decide this one. Too bad for Houston, they have the rookie QB on the road unlike last week when Andy Dalton was the rookie on the road. Plus, they lost to the Ravens pretty handily back in October when Matt Schaub was healthy. The only argument I can see for the Texans is that their defense shuts down Baltimore, Flacco plays horrible and Andre Johnson (who didn't play the earlier game) makes a couple plays. I just don't see it. Ravens win 20-3.

N.Y. Giants at Green Bay

Walking out of MetLife Stadium after last week's dominating win over the Falcons, the fans seemed to believe that this is 2007 all over again; quick start, bad losses to bad teams, admirable performance losing at home to unbeaten power 38-35, pass rush starts to dominate line as Eli Manning throws the Giants to wins. Now, the Giants have their chance to win the rematch against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Difference to this game than the Super Bowl; Green Bay's no longer unbeaten and they are home for the game. Giants, in my eyes though, are better considering the WR's are better, Jason Pierre-Paul more than makes up for Michael Strahan and we go into this knowing Eli Manning can win big games, not just hoping he would. Avoiding turnovers are extremely necessary in order to win this game, since you can't Rodgers a short field while losing chances to score (which the Giants need to do). Someone's going to screw up this weekend among the heavily favored home teams. It wasn't the Pats, I don't think it's the Ravens, so it must be the Packers. Giants with the upset 34-30.

Saturday Divisional Round Preview

2012-01-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

Last week, there was no preview of the Saturday Wild Card games (and a rushed version for Sunday). This week is different; the match ups are better and more interesting then most Divisional Rounds (most due to Tim Tebow). However in terms of best games, clearly the NFC has the better of the two conferences and just shows what's to me and Ashley Fox is true; the NFC is once again the better conference. And we'll begin the Divisional Round with the biggest toss-up of the four.

New Orleans at San Francisco

If this game was in New Orleans, the Saints win easy, probably like 35-16. The dome, the turf and the crowd would scare a team like the Niners (particularly Alex Smith) and their inability to score touchdowns would hurt greatly there. Lucky for San Francisco, they are at Candlestick, on that grass than can be longer and perhaps a bit muddy as most big Niners games were. Bill Barnwell showed us the stat that the Saints score about 2 touchdowns less a game on the road than at home. I was leaning Saints all week long, but then I started thinking, how many times does the road favorite win? It didn't happen last week in Denver. Saints lost in Seattle last year in the same fashion, though the Packers did win in Chicago for the NFC Title and the Ravens won in Kansas City as a favorite last year as well. That's a small sample size, so who do I go with. It's wrong to call the 2 seed beating a 3 seed an upset, but the Niners will win 19-17 and we finally give Jim Harbaugh and his defense some legitimate praise for shutting down a dominant offense.

Denver at New England

Will it be Tebow Time again? We know that Tebow will have to score like he did in Pittsburgh if there's any chance for his Broncos. Denver lucked out that Pittsburgh was a MASH unit by the end and Ben Roethlisberger couldn't move around the pocket creating plays like normal. Tom Brady won't need that. I don't see who defends the Pats TE's Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. And while the Pats defense isn't good, they can ballhawk. Did you know that the Patriots led the AFC in takeaways, third in the league? So while they might lose coverage of players, they can make up for it by causing a turnover. I fully believe the Pats continue to play defense to stop the run, without selling out the deep ball like the Steelers did. New England wins in a walk, 45-17.

Come back tomorrow for the Sunday picks.

Sunday Wild Card Preview

2012-01-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

Work this week didn't allow me to write up a Saturday preview (except for my Twitter thoughts), but here are my thoughts on the Saturday in football.

-If the Texans can play in Baltimore the way they played yesterday, they can beat the Ravens. Meaning they run well with Arian Foster and Ben Tate and if Andre Johnson can make a difference like he did on the TD pass. I know their defense will show up, but I expect a tougher time for young T.J. Yates on the road.

-I'd have a whole lot more confidence in the Bengals future if Mike Brown wasn't the man to decide on how to improve it. It's a lot to ask Andy Dalton to win his first road playoff game.

-Detroit is also on the right path, just need a running game and a better secondary. Now, any secondary can look bad against the Saints in New Orleans, but a running game would have kept the ball in the Lions' hands for more of the game.

-As for the Saints, what else is there to say about their offense. I really can't wait until they play San Francisco; great offense against great defense. Also curious how the Niners play in their first playoff game since Steve Mariucci's last game as coach.

Now onto today's games, one of which I will be attending. That's right, I'll be at MetLife Stadium for Giants-Falcons. Though I can be biased when the Giants are involved, I do think they win today 27-20 because the outdoors will hurt Atlanta, plus the Giants have their pass rush back, and not just Jason Pierre-Paul.

As for the late game, my first thought was no way can the Broncos beat the Steelers after the game they played against Kansas City and after losing their last 3 games. Over the past week, I've seen some people go the other way, with the worry being the Steelers who are hurt and those who are banged up. Also, too much is being made about the fact that 8-8 or worse teams playing home playoff games have done well recently. I expect some turnovers by Tebow and the Broncos and a couple play made by Ben Roethlisberger will be the difference. Steelers will win 20-3.

Week 17 Picks

2012-01-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! And the gift for us on New Year's Day is the final week of the NFL regular season, as we settle the rest of the NFL playoff picture. Let's get started.

GREEN BAY (+6) over Detroit

For some reason, I'm not sold that the Packers won't beat the Lions. I know Detroit has huge stakes in terms of who they get to play (win and you play the flawed NFC East winner, lose and you will lose in New Orleans), but I think Green Bay decides to play (perhaps from the Lions pissing off the Packers at some point) and if they play, they win. Wait, no Aaron Rodgers today? Oh, then...

Detroit (-6) over GREEN BAY

San Francisco (-11) over ST. LOUIS

Niners have everything to play for with a bye and playing Saints at home instead of in the Superdome. Rams will lose by winning (even though a loss guarantees nothing in terms of 1st pick in the draft).

Jets (+3) over MIAMI

If Reggie Bush was playing, I'm taking the Dolphins. He's not, so I have the Jets avoid eliminating themselves.

Tennessee (-1) over HOUSTON

Too bad for the Jets that the Titans will win in Houston and eliminate them. No confidence in the Texans to win this game, and an easy team to pick against in the wild card round.

Chicago (+2) over MINNESOTA

Who cares?

NEW ENGLAND (-10.5) over Buffalo

Tom Brady will play and the Patriots always seem to crush AFC East teams in the second meeting after a loss in the first one. Plus, it locks up home-field for the Pats in the playoffs, so there is a reason to show up.

Carolina (+8) over NEW ORLEANS

Only because I think the Niners win and I fear a back-door cover by Cam Newton and company to risk laying eight points. Otherwise, this is an easy Saints pick.

PHILADELPHIA (-9) over Washington

Watching the preview of the Winter Classic, Deb Placey mentions this game as part of the big weekend in Philly. No, this game means nothing. Which means the Eagles will romp. And Philly's attention will move to Citizens Bank Park for Monday.

Indianapolis (+3.5) over JACKSONVILLE

Something tells me that the Colts are going to blow the 1st pick in the draft. Besides, the Jaguars have been almost the worst team in football in the last month (ahead of the Bucs, who they crushed).

ATLANTA (-10.5) over Tampa Bay

Even if this means nothing the Falcons, the Bucs have been so bad in the last two months that the Falcons reserves will have no trouble. End of the Raheem Morris era tomorrow. Falcons-Saints for a third time next week, who has the best chance to win in New Orleans among anyone in the NFC.

CINCINNATI (+3) over Baltimore

Baltimore is capable of being the best team in the AFC, except they don't travel well. And with a chance to clinch a bye, the Bengals come up big to clinch the 6th seed and matchup with Houston. Leading to...

Pittsburgh (-7) over CLEVELAND

The Steelers trouncing the Browns and getting the AFC North and the first-round bye.

Kansas City (+3.5) over DENVER

Kyle Orton's revenge!!!! To be fair, it'll be the Chiefs defense who will stop the Broncos and Tebow, and lose three in a row to end the year.

OAKLAND (-3) over San Diego

Raiders take care of business to win the AFC West, and will host the Ravens next weekend in a rematch of the 2000 AFC Championship game.

ARIZONA (-3) over Seattle

What could have been if either team won last week?

GIANTS (-3) over Dallas

Can't pick against the Giants in the biggest game in MetLife Stadium history, as well as the biggest Giants game since the 2008 Eagles-Giants playoff game.

Last week: 9-7
Season record: 120-109-10

Merry Christmas and Week 16 Picks

2011-12-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve and before I give my picks for Week 16, I wanted to point out some things that are making this a Merry Christmas.

-24/7 Rangers/Flyers. Nuff said.

-The first-place New York Rangers after beating the Flyers last night. Still a long way to go

-Seton Hall basketball at 11-1 as they enter Big East play. A legit NCAA chance if they take care of business in-conference

-Watching marathons of A Christmas Story and Home Alone. And if Scrooged and Christmas Vacation are also on, then the only NBA I'll end up watching is the Knicks tomorrow.

-Knicks basketball, who look prime to do some damage (and by damage, I mean win a playoff series perhaps at the very least) this year. NBA and I is a mixed bag, but I do come home to the Knicks.

-Having Christmas Eve off despite working in a retail store. Of course, I still have to shop today, so that's not a overwhelming positive.

-Giants vs Jets today, which means oh so much for both for the first time, probably since the first ever Giants/Jets game.

And on that note, here are my quick picks for Week 16. Happy holidays to everyone and enjoy Christmas Eve football. (Home team in CAPS)

Oakland (+2.5) over KANSAS CITY
Denver (-2.5) over BUFFALO
TENNESSEE (-7.5) over Jacksonville
CINCINNATI (-4.5) over Arizona
NEW ENGLAND (-9) over Miami
Cleveland (+12.5) over BALTIMORE
Giants (+3) over JETS
Minnesota (+7) over WASHINGTON
CAROLINA (-7.5) over Tampa Bay
PITTSBURGH (-12.5) over St. Louis
San Diego (+2) over DETROIT
SEATTLE (+1.5) over San Francisco
DALLAS (-1) over Philadelphia
Chicago (+11.5) over GREEN BAY
NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Atlanta

This week: 1-0
Last week: 7-8-1
Season Record: 112-102-10

24/7 Episode Two Review

2011-12-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

Part Two of 24/7 Road to the Winter Classic aired last night it's becoming clear to me that the Rangers are more interesting than the Flyers (with the obvious exception to Ilya Bryzgalov, who's more interesting than anyone). Last year, no one on the Caps and Pens talk about themselves on the show and the Rangers didn't either. Why are the Flyers? Seems like the Flyers are forcing Bryzgalov to be Bryzgalov, instead of it being natural. I fully agree with Steve Lepore from Puck The Media's point about the Flyers, that they are almost too aware of being on camera when not on the ice.

The best part on-ice part of last night's episode was anything that dealt with the officials. We see Peter Laviolette say "typical Montreal" on his perceived bias in some calls against the Flyers. Something my father has said on more than one occasion. Then you have the refs locker room during last week's Rangers-Coyotes game, which was like last year when the refs discussed a goal disallowed in a Rangers-Penguins game. And the interaction with the players, like when Tim Peel tells Raffi Torres it was a clean hit that Mike Rupp made and when Max Talbot gets warned he's going to get a penalty, then after getting called for one, is told it was a bad call.

More random thoughts:

-Tortorella looked very good on the show, very much like Bruce Boudreau as we see him absolutely pissed during the first intermission when he laid into the Rangers for a lackluster first period. Then we see him and Liam who has cerebral palsy and we see he has a heart of gold. Now all he has to do is look for a Haagen-Daaz and it would be good. Also, Liam is in my dream bedroom (though mine would include some Giants stuff as well).

-Favorite part of Torts' rant;"If you're not going to be stiff, you're not going to play". I expect a line like that to show up on Cinemax at midnight. Also, I'd like to thank HBO for not letting us know if Brian Boyle was stiff before the game in his hotel room scene with Brandon Prust.

-Bryzgalov was great again as he compares the husky to a hot blonde in his typical (Montreal) style. Then you see his thoughts about goaltending and defensemen, which I won't quote, but instead will leave the video here. Tell me if your mind that exploded last week didn't just burst again.

-It's nice to see Danny Briere take in young players to live with him, but having new teammate with his old, divorced teammate and his kids together is very sitcomish (even though Sean Couturier.

-Landon Girardi is adorable. Better scene than Hank playing guitar with John McEnroe, though my mother will love both equally (huge McEnore fan back in the day and probably the one person in the world who watched his show on CNBC).

-Tough to take as a Rangers fan, but all those shots with Mike Rupp getting cut (great editing to have the thud when the blood dripped on his face) as well as Ruslan Fedotenko and the injured shoulder to Steve Eminger are just more evidence to why 24/7 is the best reality series on TV.

-Liked the soundtrack HBO played tonight. I'm not entirely sure why.

-What I want to see next time; all three Rangers games (particularly the Devils win), Peter Laviolette to show that he's more than a hockey coach, some more natural interaction off the ice by the Flyers.

Rushed for time because of work (can't wait for holiday to be over), so I'm sure I left out other great and not-so-great footage in need of discussion. Meanwhile, the Colts will cover tonight against Houston.

Week 15 Picks

2011-12-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

There hasn't been a lot of picks in recent weeks as I've been stuck working during Sunday afternoons. Fortunately, there's a good chance I won't be working for any more NFL Sundays (and Christmas Eve football this Saturday) through the Super Bowl.

We saw a couple of beatdowns to start the week with Atlanta and Dallas taking care of business (Falcons are closer to clinching a playoff spot, Cowboys are now guaranteed to be alive for their Week 17 game with the Giants). Let's see who joins them and who doesn't in this make or break week (as every week at this point is).

GIANTS (-6.5) over Washington
Green Bay (-11) over KANSAS CITY
New Orleans (-7) over MINNESOTA
Seattle (+3) over CHICAGO
BUFFALO (PK) over Miami
HOUSTON (-5) over Carolina
Tennessee (-6.5) over INDIANAPOLIS
Cincinnati (-7) over ST. LOUIS
OAKLAND (+3) over Detroit
DENVER (+7) over New England
PHILADELPHIA (-3) over Jets
ARIZONA (-6.5) over Cleveland
SAN DIEGO (+2.5) over Baltimore
SAN FRANCISCO (-3) over Pittsburgh

This week: 2-0 (Yes, I'm counting both as wins)
Last week: 9-7
Season Record: 107-94-9

24/7 Review

2011-12-14T23:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the return of 24/7 Road to the Winter Classic. This year, my favorite team is involved as we get to follow a month in the season of the New York Rangers, as well as one of my most hated teams, the Philadelphia Flyers. I'm not here to tell if this is good or not, because everyone who watches it knows this is the best hockey will ever look. Instead, I'll just give you my random thoughts on what we saw from HBO's access.

-No documentary can ever match 24/7 unless they are allowed to leave expletives unedited.

-Speaking of, while expecting the F-bombs to fly from John Tortorella, Peter Laviolette stormed out of the gate with 5 F-bombs during the intro. Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy tweeted that he found 43 F-bombs tonight, a good start.

-That intro, is as epic as anything that HBO has done. I'm dead serious, very well done.

-It was clear to me that we got to know more Rangers than Flyers in the first episode. The specific players profiled was about even (maybe an edge to the Flyers), but we get to see the Rangers as a group interact amongst themselves. This wasn't true with the Flyers.

-Not enough words can be said for Ilya Bryzgalov. The man who was the star of this interview, stole the show with his first interview. One of the two reasons he's my favorite Flyer (the other being as last playoffs showed, can turn into a sieve at the worst time). He also warned me to never come in contact with a tiger ever. Either the tiger will kill me, or the government will after I kill it to save my own life.

-The Rangers locker room scenes were definitely more compelling, but that's because the Rangers lost some games, while the Flyers are on a winning streak. Flyers didn't find their compelling scene until the Claude Giroux concussion. Probably the reason their comeback win in Buffalo was bumped.

-Fun to see Matt Cooke call Scott Hartnell a "piece of shit", while Hartnell calls Cooke the "dirtiest player in the league". Also smart, since both are right.

-I enjoyed everything that resulted from Artem Anisimov's goal celebration. From the brawl, to the reaction to the penalties that were called, to Sean Avery and Marian Gaborik's reaction upon seeing Anisimov in the locker room. All I saw last week was how everyone tried to tell Arty that it's wrong; turns out it was able to be mocked and brought out the humor of Anisimov. I now expect Russians to be funny if their in the NHL.

-Tortorella is as fiery as I thought he is behind the scenes, while Laviolette seems very serious. While the Flyers seem to have the personality of their coach (seem very boring outside of Bryzgalov), Rangers don't, but are very tight-knit, which help them succeed. Once thing is for sure, his calling out of players makes me think of Bill Parcells (best case Rangers fans, Torts wins a 2nd one like Tuna; worst case, he doesn't win in his remaining coaching stops, including here). Plus, he taught me not to "shit my pants" in regards to Phil Kessel.

-Torts: "...if you start changing some things around because there's some struggles, everyone second-guessing. It's a matter of not losing your patience." I hope he thinks of this quote the next time he decides to switch up the lines again.

-Who knew that we would find a worse victory song then the Washington Capitals "Beat Dat Beat" from last year, but the Flyers found it with Mac Miller.

-I'm pretty sure we won't see Brad Richards again unless something happens to him (the anti-Bryzgalov). I do want more Brandon Prust instead of the quick punchlines he said tonight.

-Finally, I had to end with Ryan Callahan with his family, particularly his 95-year old grandma. You can make a case that she stole the show tonight; her and Bryzgalov. If I was Cally, when I'm arguing with the refs, I'd bring her down to help out. By the way, if you don't feel any type of emotion when Cally embraces her, then you don't have a soul.

So ends the first episode of 24/7 Road to the Winter Classic. I'll be back for each of the 3 episodes with my thoughts. Until then, as Artem Anisimov would say, go reload your weapon.

The Beginning of the End for David Stern

2011-12-08T23:28:00.001-08:00

I think David Stern tonight did more damage to his career and legacy than the entire lockout did. It was the fairest trade the Hornets were going to get for Chris Paul. Yes, the Lakers can pair Chris Paul with Kobe, but the price was both Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Bringing the Rockets in the deal and New Orleans gets a team that's like last year's Nuggets, in that they are deep enough to compete for a playoff spot and who knows if they can flip an asset for a better player. Hornets GM Dell Demps should be commended tonight for a great haul for a player everybody knew was out the door.

Instead, after a few owners were upset that Chris Paul was Laker-bound, David Stern takes it upon himself to kill the deal. Now to be fair, the NBA is the owner of the Hornets and in any normal case, an owner can overrule the GM if he/she doesn't want to make a trade. However, it's not normal when a league owns a team and they can't use the same rules that any other owner would. The conflict of interest is too obvious (since the 29 owners own the Hornets, we saw 2 of them approve this trade). And yet, Stern puts the kibosh on the agreement.

I actually could understand the move a little more (still not like it, but understand it) if this was about getting an owner to pay more money to buy New Orleans. Yet, the league's position is that this trade was blocked for "basketball reasons" (leading to a fun night I had on Twitter with the hashtag #basketballreasons). Read the story Adrian Wojnarowski wrote about the trade (my first link in this post) and it's apparent that Stern is trying to control where players going so that the players don't have the control in this instance. Then you find that Dan Gilbert (Cavs owner; of comic-sans fame) continues to write humorous letters to people. Oh, wait, he's serious and is nearly reaching Ted Septien-levels of head-shaking ownership. So much for labor peace; the players just signed the new collective bargaining agreement this afternoon.

So what happens now? Does Chris Paul even get traded? How about Dwight Howard? If they are force to stay with their respective teams, what happens next year when both men are free agents and want to leave and won't make the same money that they can if they sign with their own team. Seems to me that a collusion suit can and will be filed. As for David Stern, this is the last straw. I only remember two other commissioner pulling a move like this; Stern's former protege Gary Bettman putting the Devils signing of Ilya Kovalchuk on hold for circumventing the salary cap (despite many instances of other teams doing the same thing) and Bowie Kuhn blocking the A's from selling Vida Blue, Rollie Fingers and Joe Rudi in 1976 for cash. Seems to me that Stern is using the blocking in a much more irrational way. It's only a matter of time before Stern will no longer be able to be irrational in his way of dealing with the NBA.

UPDATE: I forgot the last point; this is horrible news if your a fan of the Lakers, Heat (well, they got their guys), Knicks, Bulls, Clippers, even Mavs (eventually). Now, you can't use your money to grab franchise players if you already have one. So don't be celebrating the Lakers losing a player, because you could be in the same shoes the next time.

Pujols to the Angels

2011-12-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

And the hammer in the baseball Winter Meetings has just occurred; Albert Pujols signs with the Angels, who came out of nowhere to sign him, beating the Cardinals and the Marlins to the punch. The deal; 10 years in some amount between $250-260 million. Now the Angels have signed C.J. Wilson to 5 years/$75 million and have clearly stated that they are all in. Remember, last year's Angels couldn't hit well, but had a strong rotation in Dan Haren, Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana. Well, now the Angels add Wilson to that rotation, while making the lineup infinitely better with Pujols in the middle of the lineup.

Are they better than the Rangers? I say slightly because of the pitching advantage and that the Rangers haven't finished in their dealings for the offseason. I'm certain the Rangers will add a starter, and if they do, they still have the better lineup and a slightly better bullpen (even with Neftali Feliz and Jose Ogando starting).

How about the Cardinals? Where do they go from here? Well they get financial flexibility in the future and now can start Allen Craig in the outfield while moving Lance Berkman to 1B. Also, now they have plenty of cash so they could look to upgrade CF (Carlos Beltran, perhaps), SS or 2B. I don't think Prince Fielder just moves in there because it makes sense to have Berkman at first. One thing is clear, it was an end to an era when Tony La Russa retired; now Pujols joins him in an exit from St. Louis. I guess for that reason, I'm glad they won the series over the Rangers. Of course, in the race for the 2012 World Series, the Angels have now taken two very important pieces from the participants.

Today's a day for the Angels. We'll worry about if the Angels overpaid for these guys in the future. They probably did; of course, it's still not as bad as taking on Vernon Wells contract. I still figure the first 3 years as to determine whether the Angels win on these deals. And the lack of New York-style pressure will allow Pujols/Wilson to avoid early slumping, in my opinion. Next move: where does Prince Fielder go and is there a trade left to be made to swing the balance of power.

Meanwhile, there's NFL tonight. My pick: PITTSBURGH (-14.5) over Cleveland.

Week 13 Picks

2011-12-04T07:24:00.000-08:00

No Tiffany today, and because my regular job, today's picks will be quick ones. Let's hope this is the last NFL Sunday I'll have to work this season (I'm not counting Christmas Eve, a day I'll surely need to come in). Before the picks, I do have some random football thoughts:

-If you notice, Denver at Minnesota is a Fox game today. The NFL TV contract states that Fox only shows AFC home games against an NFC team, not road. Seems like they got the game after New Orleans-Detroit was flexed to Sunday night, but I'm curious, how many times has the wrong network (CBS-Fox since '98, Fox-NBC '94-'97, CBS-NBC '70-'93) aired a particular game? A question I'm sure Ken Fang of Fang's Bites can answer.

-Now that Fox is done with college football, can Fox now use Gus Johnson as it's second NFL team? I love Kenny Albert, but we need Gus for at least one playoff game (I'm not wasting time wanting Gus to replace Joe Buck; it won't happen).

-LSU would beat Oklahoma St if they played in the BCS championship, but at least it would be a fun matchup. I enjoyed LSU-Alabama, but I don't want a second one. Too bad that's what's going to happen. And you wonder why I'm not a big college football guy.

Enough talk, time for the picks (home team in CAPS).

Tennessee (+1) over BUFFALO

CHICAGO (-7) over Kansas City

MIAMI (-3) over Oakland

PITTSBURGH (-7) over Cincinnati

Jets (-3) over WASHINGTON

Atlanta (-1.5) over HOUSTON

Carolina (+1) over TAMPA BAY

Denver (-1.5) over MINNESOTA

NEW ENGLAND (-21 ) over Indianapolis

CLEVELAND (+7) over Baltimore

SAN FRANCISCO (-14) over St. Louis

ARIZONA (+5) over Dallas

Green Bay (-7) over GIANTS

NEW ORLEANS (-9) over Detroit

JACKSONVILLE (+3) over San Diego.

This week: 1-0

Last week: 10-5-1

Season Record: 87-81-9

Thursday Night Pick

2011-12-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

A change in my schedule at my regular job now allows me to have a preview of the Thursday Night Game. It begins this week as the Team Formerly Known As Dream Team Philadelphia Eagles make the trek to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seahawks. Too bad this game means absolutely nothing, since both teams are 4-7, losing games that would have put them on the fringe on the playoff race in the NFC.

Eagles are still without Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin. Meanwhile, the specter of Andy Reid being fired at the end of the year and what happens with DeSean Jackson as he goes into free agency will be the only things interesting about this Eagles team (except from their games with the Jets and Cowboys as a chance to play spoiler). Seattle was supposed to be awful, instead are just bad. Tavaris Jackson still isn't good, but the Seahawks play good defense, and that keeps them in games, and allows them to win games they shouldn't (Baltimore); that and that home crowd.

So what happens tonight? I think a better than normal Qwest Field crowd since it's a night game, and an Eagles team that usually needs a reason to get up for a game will lead to another Philly loss. Seahawks will win 17-13 in a turnover-filled game.

More Week 12 Picks and Tiffany's Song

2011-11-27T06:11:00.000-08:00

Here's the Week 11 song by Tiffany, though with some of the games from Thursday, the theme's are somewhat obsolete. Anyway, here it is:

Now for the rest of the picks for a Week 12 which is separating the contenders and pretenders. (Home team in CAPS)

Arizona (+3) over ST LOUIS
JETS (-9.5) over Buffalo
Cleveland (+7) over CINCINNATI
JACKSONVILLE (+7) over Houston
Carolina (-4) over INDIANAPOLIS
TENNESSEE (-3) over Tampa Bay
ATLANTA (-9.5) over Minnesota
OAKLAND (-3) over Chicago
SEATTLE (-3) over Washington
New England (-3.5) over PHILADELPHIA
Denver (+6) over SAN DIEGO
Pittsburgh (-11) over KANSAS CITY
NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Giants

This week: 1-2
Season Record: 77-78-8

The NBA is Back

2011-11-26T08:05:00.001-08:00

Yes, last night, the NBA owners and players finally ended their work stoppage. Looks like I was wrong when predicting the season would be lost. Checking my Twitter, there's a mix of people who are thrilled for the NBA's return and those who either could care less and/or are disappointed. I happen to fall in the middle and probably more or less resent both the owners and players for dragging this negotiation along through Thanksgiving and now they want us to just accept them back like nothing happened, starting on Christmas to punctuate this.

The fact though is the NBA will now have no games played between Halloween and Christmas and I have not missed one game. And I'm pretty sure there are a bunch of people who feel the same way. Why is this? Because the NFL plays 3 days a week, college football has 3 days as well, college basketball is back with some great games already (particularly Duke and Kansas the other night) and the NHL has been very good and the face of the league Sidney Crosby just returned and became the biggest sports story on Monday, even on ESPN. NBA probably realized that despite the great playoffs last year, they aren't that important and can be easily replace by other sports. Thus, they got themselves back on the court.

Most NBA fans are happy that the league will play again. I'll be happy for those who work in arenas who lost 8 nights of work, but no more. I'll be happy for bar and restaurant owners who make more money because it's a game night. As for the players and owners, it will take me longer to be happy for you. Remember, I have a whole lot of choices for my sports viewing that your absence made me realize (okay, I would watch those sports all the same with or without the NBA, but that's not the point).

More Thanksgiving Picks

2011-11-24T09:55:00.000-08:00

Miami at Dallas

The one game that doesn't involve two playoff contenders, though the Dolphins have started to play like one in the last three games. And now, a game the Cowboys thought was easy is now one they must show up for. The good news for Dallas, Tony Romo is unbeaten in Thanksgiving games. Maybe Jerry Jones should petition that the season end on Thanksgiving. Everyone thinks the Dolphins will keep it close with the Cowboys, I think that if Dallas wins, it's big. And they do, beating Miami 31-10.

San Francisco at Baltimore

The Harbaugh Bowl. Jim vs John. Toughest game the Niners are playing this season, traveling East to face a Ravens team that doesn't lose to good teams or at home. And yet, they seem like a trendy pick as well. Reason I'm picking Baltimore: I trust Joe Flacco more than I do Alex Smith on the road. Otherwise, these teams are mirror images of one another. Ravens will win 23-16.

Last week: 4-8-2
Week 10: 10-6
Season record: 76-76-8

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

I hope you can read this before enjoying turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and more, but I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. It's also a day for football (though to be fair, the Arrested Development marathon on IFC can make me flip) and with three games, let's make some Thanksgiving picks on this great day of football ahead.

Green Bay at Detroit

Game is starting shortly and is the biggest Lions Thanksgiving game in forever. Meanwhile, the Packers keep going for an unbeaten season and look for revenge from last season's meeting, which saw the Lions win after Aaron Rodgers suffered a concussion. I believe they get revenge, and beat the Lions 34-30, which also means the Lions cover the 6 they're getting. Now, here's a great Lions moment on Thanksgiving (extremely hard to find and can't put on the website).

I'll have the last two games later.

Week 10 Picks

2011-11-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

Just picks today, as Tiffany doesn't have a Week 9 song. However, there won't be quick picks this week, since I haven't wrote much lately. Before the picks, let's look back at Oakland-San Diego and once again, this game says more about the Chargers than it does about the Raiders. Once again, the Chargers can move the ball until they absolutely have to. The fact that the AFC West isn't led by the Chargers is a failure on Norv Turner and it doesn't help that Philip Rivers has been too erratic. Even if San Diego plays great in December and wins the West, that just means they get to lose in the 1st round. Should be the end for Norv if they don't turn this around big time, especially how quick the Chargers pulled the trigger on Marty Schottenheimer's firing.

Now onto the picks, as I attempt to finally end this middling of my picks. Until Thursday's game, I've been at .500, which is unacceptable. Let's see if there's carryover from Thursday's Raiders win. (Home team in CAPS)

Pittsburgh (-3) over CINCINNATI

Tough to pick against the Steelers after a loss. Especially when facing a rookie quarterback, even though Andy Dalton hasn't played like a rookie. Will be very telling of both teams if the Bengals win this one.

Denver (+3.5) over KANSAS CITY

I have a new rule for the AFC West, take the points. Home or away, this division is so bad that if two teams play one another, you're better off taking the underdog. Just remember, a Broncos win means they will be a game out of first with Tim Tebow as the QB.

Jacksonville (-3) over INDIANAPOLIS

Never saw an NFL team look to get the number one draft pick the way the Colts look. They really could go 0-16 to get Andrew Luck. This is a rare winnable game, but the Jags play good enough defense that should see another single-digit Colts offensive effort.

Buffalo (+5.5) over DALLAS

Just when it's time to buy on the Cowboys, this is when a curve is usually thrown and the Cowboys show us why we shouldn't believe in them. Also, expect a much better effort from the Bills, who last week could do anything against the Jets.

Houston (-3.5) over TAMPA BAY

Yes, I'm taking another road team. The Texans are playing very well lately and if they are going to come down to earth, I don't see the Bucs being the team to do so, even though you could say the season for the Bucs is on the line.

CAROLINA (-3.5) over Tennessee

The Titans are just good enough to play close games, then lose them late. As for the Panthers, I think the bye week helps them and Cam Newton is due to win some ballgames, isn't he?

MIAMI (-4) over Washington

Just read that Rex Grossman will start today, not John Beck. The Redskins have no chance to win a game that John Beck starts. At least with Grossman, he's either competent or godawful. Looks like I'm betting on awful. Of course, if the Dolphins want to stay in Suck For Luck, they lose this one.

ATLANTA (+1) over New Orleans

Because I don't trust the Saints on the road anymore. All three losses are road ones (Green Bay, Tampa Bay and St. Louis). Now they are playing a Falcons team that is finally looking like the one who won the NFC South and held the top seed in the playoffs last year. We'll have a new team in first tomorrow.

St. Louis (+3) over CLEVELAND

Two bad teams, but the Rams have the better QB in Sam Bradford. Remember when a matchup between Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy was the biggest game of the weekend? Now it's probably the worst game.

Arizona (+14) over PHILADELPHIA

I probably would of taken the Eagles until we found out DeSean Jackson isn't playing (nice job DeSean during a contract year). Now, I'm taking the points because no one seems to cover double-digit spreads this year. Besides, why should a 3-5 team give 14 points (even with John Skeleton involved)?

Baltimore (-7) over SEATTLE

I fear this game because of the Ravens propensity of losing to bad teams on the road (especially after a Steelers win). Just know that the Ravens can't afford to blow games like this if they want to finally have home playoff games this year. Besides, will Tavaris Jackson/Charlie Whitehurst really beat Lewis, Ngata, Suggs, Reed and the Ravens defense?

CHICAGO (-3) over Detroit

All of a sudden, the Bears look good. Earl Bennett has made Jay Cutler more comfortable, they still play high level defense with Urlacher, Briggs and Peppers. Meanwhile, the Lions haven't played as well as they did to start the year and the Bears could have won the meeting in Detroit if they didn't make a couple mistakes.

Giants (+3.5) over SAN FRANCISCO

Now this is football, when the Giants and 49ers are both top teams in the league. Honestly, this is a tossup, and I'm mostly taking the Giants because of that half point. In the meantime, here's some great video (for both fan bases).

New England (+1) over JETS

Funny feeling about this one. The Pats just don't lose 3 in a row (2002 was the last time). Everyone seems to be on the Jets here, and with reason as the Jets have won three in a row and the Pats have lost two in a row and looked bad offensively in their last 3. I just don't think the Jets take advantage of the Pats problem areas on defense and won't cover the tight ends when Brady is throwing it.

Minnesota (+14) over GREEN BAY

Thinking a close Monday night game here. Now that the Packers are 8-0, they will get every team's best shot. That means Adrian Peterson controls the line of scrimmage and Christian Ponder continues to protect the ball.

This week: 1-0
Last week: 7-7
Season record: 63-62-6

Tiffany's Week 8 Recap and Week 9 Picks.

2011-11-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

Tiffany is back with a new video, first in a few weeks. She explains the absence in the video, and it also has a new tweak.

Yes, I'm also aware I haven't written much in the last couple weeks. That's what happens when you get a nasty cough (I haven't seen a doctor, though I wouldn't be surprised if I had bronchitis). Once again, my picks will be quick ones, so here they are (Home team in CAPS)

Atlanta (-7) over INDIANAPOLIS
NEW ORLEANS (-9) over Tampa Bay
Cleveland (+11) over HOUSTON
BUFFALO (-3) over Jets
Miami (+6) over KANSAS CITY
WASHINGTON (+5.5) over San Francisco
DALLAS (-11.5) over Seattle
Denver (+7.5) over OAKLAND
Cincinnati (+3) over TENNESSEE
St. Louis (+2) over ARIZONA
Giants (+9.5) over NEW ENGLAND
SAN DIEGO (+6) over Green Bay
Baltimore (+3.5) over PITTSBURGH
PHILADELPHIA (-8) over Chicago

Last Week: 4-8-1
Season Record: 55-55-6

Quick Week 8 Picks

2011-10-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

No time for explanations or songs; here are my picks for Week 8 (Home team in CAPS)

Indianapolis (+8) over TENNESSEE
Jacksonville (+10) over HOUSTON
CAROLINA (-3.5) over Minnesota
New Orleans (-14.5) over ST. LOUIS
BALTIMORE (-11.5) over Arizona
Miami (+10) over GIANTS
BUFFALO (-5) over Washington-game played in Toronto
Detroit (-3) over DENVER
New England (-3) over PITTSBURGH
SAN FRANCISCO (-9) over Cleveland
SEATTLE (+1.5) over Cincinnati
Dallas (+3) over PHILADELPHIA
KANSAS CITY (+3.5) over San Diego

Last week: 6-6-1
Season record: 51-47-5

Arena Issues

2011-10-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

Two teams, two sports, two small markets, two arena issues.

That is what we have in Edmonton and Sacramento as the Oilers and Kings continue to fight for new buildings for their teams. Though, in the case of the Kings, they are just waiting on the city of Sacramento to pass an arena bill or they are gone.

The Kings are helped by the fact that the Mayor of Sacramento is former NBA player Kevin Johnson, and he seems desperate to keep the Kings in Sac-Town. And the current lockout isn't deterring him in the slightest. Now, the issue in Sacramento seems to be a personal political battle between Johnson and councilwoman Sandy Sheedys, as this column by Marcos Breton of the Sacramento Bee suggests. However, this issue still has about four months left to figure out in order to keep the team in town.

Up in Edmonton, their issue still seems more like a partnership between team and city and Daryl Katz wants his team out of Rexall Place and in a new barn in downtown Edmonton. And also, today is a big day in the fight for the new building as the Edmonton City Council will vote on it. If you care at all about the Oilers (whether as a fan, rival or someone who appreciates all that franchise has done for hockey), then you should be following the Edmonton Journal's David Staples Twitter page or his live blog of the city council vote. He laid out of history of the Oilers and the arena issues they've had yesterday and thinks it's a good deal for Edmontonians if they passed the current offer now.

What happens if Edmonton doesn't pass a deal? Then I think the Oilers are gone, and 5-10 years later, Edmonton will build a new arena anyway and bring in another team, just like Winnipeg. The difference; cities like Winnipeg and Quebec City lost their teams when the Canadian dollar was failing and the economy was down and a new building just wasn't feasible then. This isn't the case in Edmonton. They have more favorable conditions and there continues to be a sense that the downtown area needs to be revitalized. Why wait until the Oilers are gone and make a deal, do so today. Let's hope a deal is passed and the Oilers stay in Edmonton.

Time to End the Big East

2011-10-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Today it looks like the final blow to the Big East Conference has been absorbed. Unless something screwy happens, West Virginia is leaving for the Big 12. Now you can blame John Marinatto (who is to blame for his horrid leadership), you can blame Mike Tranghese for defending the BCS years back, killing the Big East and making the Big 12 completely dependent on Texas. So it's about time to end the whole thing.

In this instance, I'm not writing about Rutgers, UConn and the football schools. I can careless what they do (though I do love it when Rutgers thinks they belong in the Big Ten; they have as much a chance as DePaul does). I've mentioned this before, but I'm a Seton Hall alum and have become increasingly concerned on what happens to them in this whole school shuffle. But it's not just Seton Hall, it's St. John's, it's Georgetown, it's Villanova; these great basketball programs that will be left behind because they don't play FBS football. What happens to them?

That's why it's time for the basketball schools to be proactive and former their own league. Now who goes into this league? Well, St. John's, Georgetown, Villanova will start the league, and you bring in Seton Hall and Providence because they spent all the years they did in the Big East. Throw in Marquette and DePaul since they are current Big East members. After them, look for all the great basketball schools without major football. Xavier and Butler are obvious ones to pluck. Temple is the interesting case because they're getting better in football. They might not just go into an non-football conference. I also figure Notre Dame doesn't participate in this league, and perhaps join somewhere else for its Olympic sports, but they would be welcome if football independence trumps their plans.

So that leaves us with nine members in a new Big East. Add in UMass, Dayton and Richmond and you have twelve. Twelve is a good number, enough to get multiple NCAA appearances. There won't have a round-robin, but with 16 or 18 games, there can be some semblance of rivalry. You can also split into two divisions (say SJU, SHU, GTown, Nova, UMass and Providence in one; Dayton, Xavier, Butler, DePaul, Marquette and Richmond in the other).

We know that the Big East as we know it is done. Louisville and Cincinnati probably follow West Virginia to the Big 12, Rutgers and UConn likely head to ACC and South Florida is the one who probably is forced back into Conference USA. Instead of waiting for this to happen, the basketball (Catholic) schools need to band together like they did once before. Form your own league, play basketball well and more importantly, keep the MSG for your conference tournament, which could be done with St. John's being involved. St. John's is the only college that truly matters in NYC, at least when they're good. If they are back, MSG will host this conference's tournament. It seems ideal for everyone involved.

Not to mention, it makes too much sense.

Truly A Fall Classic

2011-10-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

It's been nine years since the last time the World Series went to a seventh game. That was the largely forgettable Giants-Angels World Series with the exception of J.T. Snow saving Dusty Baker's son's life and the epic choke job the Giants pulled in Game 6, allowing the Angels to rally and win. Since then, only twice has the Fall Classic even reached six games (both involving the Yankees). The series the AL team won usually had been sweeps, the NL winning ones were finished in 5 games.

This year, however, it's been trememdous. The Rangers and Cardinals have been thrilling for baseball fans. It's had a little bit of everything; great pitching, clutch hitting, historic performances, and the overmanaging display by both Tony La Russa and Ron Washington which you can expect to show up in Joe Girardi's binder for next season. Especially after the bizarre performance by La Russa last night. It's been 18 hours since the last out, and my head still hurts on all of Tony La Russa's moves in this game. And the shame is that it overshadows the exploits of Ron Washington, who's completely afraid to allow Albert Pujols to ever swing a bat. However, his strategy is working, so he can keep shimmying on now to a win away from the World Series (insert George W. Bush "Mission Accomplished" joke here).

Even with the 3-2 lead for Texas, I'm still uncertain who's winning this series as the Cardinals have the last two games at home. This is outstanding thing for baseball who should finally get the pay off with bigger ratings on Wednesday and hopefully Thursday with a Game 7. But even if it doesn't, it still won't ruin how entertaining a series we are experiencing. As a baseball fan who's become tired of one-sided World Series (not to mention early round playoff series as well in recent years), the possibly that a Game 7 could happen has me very excited.

Some other random World Series thoughts:

-Matt Napoli is your leader for Series MVP. It's clear after the crushed HR in Game 4, then the go-ahead double last night. The Cards don't have a clear leader; despite Pujols' 3 HR game on Game 3, he has no hits in any other game. I'm sure an MVP will present himself if the Cards do rally in the two home games.

-Derek Holland probably won't get to pitch again this series, meaning he won't win the Series MVP despite his great Game 4 performance. Doesn't matter; he wins the MVP in life after his performance in Game 5 as part of the Fox broadcast.

-Matt Holliday isn't going to win Series MVP. Looks like I got that one wrong from my preview post.

-Despite all the craziness that happened with La Russa and the controversy involving who was suppposed to pitch in the 8th, this is all avoided if David Murphy's grounder doesn't hit off Mike Rzepczynski. That's at least an out (maybe even a double play) and allows the Cards to pitch around Napoli and have Rzepczynski face Moreland in the lefty-lefty matchup.

-Home runs are usually mundane, but it seems like every homer hit in this series are either completely crushed or, in the case of Adrian Beltre, absurd looking. Part of that is a World Series blast is more important, but these are some larger than life shots.

-I hope I'm not the only NY Rangers fan to notice that both Rangers teams results seem to be tied together, at least since Game 6 of the ALCS when Texas won, but the Rangers lost to the Islanders. So far in the World Series, both Rangers won on Thursday and last night and both lost on Saturday. I'd root for a Game 7 Texas victory, however, that game won't end before New York's home opener, so Texas fans should root against the Leafs should a Game 7 be needed.

-When this is all over, I'm going to miss the Ron Washington Dance.

Week 7 Picks

2011-10-23T05:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend is Tiffany's birthday (let's all wish here a happy birthday), and she was unable to write a song for us to enjoy this week. I wanted to finally do a power poll this week, as well as a couple other posts, but this week has been crazy at work. Next week will be a bigger week here at The Cycle since I'll be on vacation. Until then, here's my weekly picks. (Home team in CAPS)

Chicago (-1.5) over Tampa Bay: No home game for either team as they play in London. I give up figuring out the Bucs, Bears might not be bad, just not on the level of the Packers, Saints and Lions.

Washington (+3) over CAROLINA: Thinking that John Beck can't be worse than Rex Grossman and can pick apart the Panthers defense.

JETS (-1) over San Diego: Despite all the talking this week, it's a game that the Jets need more than the Chargers. Add the 1pm start and the fact the Chargers don't step up against good teams, and the Jets should win. And if not, then the Jets aren't good.

Seattle (+3) over CLEVELAND: Things are so bad in Cleveland right now that taking the Seahawks on the road is more viable.

Houston (+3) over TENNESSEE: Gut pick on my part. I'm not that impressed with the Titans and even hurt, I think the Texans can win.

Denver (-1) over MIAMI: The Tim Tebow Era starts with a bang as the Dolphins continue their "Suck For Luck" season. Last Monday was spectacular in that sense by Miami. One thing Tiffany did do was write a preview for this game.

DETROIT (-4) over Atlanta: Bounce back week for the Lions, facing a Falcons team who took advantage of a bad Carolina defense. Don't see the same result happen today.

Pittsburgh (-4) over ARIZONA: Don't know why this line is low. I know the Steelers struggled last week, but the Cardinals in my eyes are the perfect elixir for offensive troubles.

OAKLAND (-4) over Kansas City: I know this is illogical, but the fact that the Chiefs can reach .500 after the season they had to start is also illogical. Darren McFadden should be enough to win this for the Raiders.

St. Louis (+14) over DALLAS: The Cowboys shouldn't give 14 points against anyone. I know the Rams aren't good, but they can keep it close, right? These two probably won't outscore the Cards and the Rangers in Game 3, unless Albert Pujols puts on shoulder pads.

Green Bay (-10.5) over MINNESOTA: Christian Ponder makes his first NFL start against the world champs. Bad news for the rookie.

NEW ORLEANS (-14) over Indianapolis: Let's hope this game isn't close at all so we can just watch Game 4 of the World Series tonight.

Baltimore (-9) over JACKSONVILLE: See the last section, just change Game 4 to Game 5.

Last week: 6-5-2
Season record: 45-41-4

World Series Preview

2011-10-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Well, talk about unexpected World Series matchup, but we have the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals. The second year in a row that a World Series between two teams who have nicknames that are used in other sports (NY Rangers, Arizona Cardinals). For the Rangers, they've made it here on the back on the balance in their lineup and their bullpen, which has been particularly dominant, especially when you remove any appearance by Koji Uehara. The Cards, on the other hand, haven't really had a formula, as Tony La Russa seems to be able to make every move work. They also have had a great postseason by Albert Pujols, and the bullpen has done the job when called upon, which has been early and often for La Russa. Here's the top storylines of the series.

1. Will anybody watch this Series? No matter how much you like baseball, it's something that needs to be asked after another year of low LCS ratings. If baseball marketed their stars well, Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, Josh Hamilton, Michael Young and Neftali Feliz would be enough to get casual eyeballs to this series. Now, the only way you'll see casual fans is if the series goes 6 or 7 games (preferably 7). Since 2004, the only series to go 6 games is the Yanks and Phillies in 2009. So, let's hope for a long series.

2. Will Nelson Cruz continue his feast of famine approach to hitting? Do we see the Cruz who was 1 for 15 against the Tampa Bay Rays, or do we see the man who dominated the Tigers series with 6 HR's, 13 RBI's and a .364 average. If the latter, the Cards are in plenty of trouble. If it's the former, then the top of the Rangers lineup will have more pressure to hit, especially in St. Louis.

3. How much will DH/no DH make a difference for either team? It's a question that comes up in every World Series. Judging from Ron Washington's Game 1 lineup, expect plenty of Michael Young at first and Mitch Moreland doing pitch hitting. For the Cards, the answer for who plays in Texas is easy, as Allen Craig will play the outfield and I'll assume it's Lance Berkman who's in at DH. With Craig, the Cards have a guy who's a pitcher must be careful.

4. Can the Cardinals bullpen match the Rangers? Biggest question mark for the Cards. The Rangers, aside from Koji Uehara, are outstanding in the bullpen. The Cards have pitched above and beyond, but now it gets serious. The Rangers, though slightly, are a better hitting team than the Brewers and the masterful job Tony La Russa has done with his bullpen will say a lot if it continues.

5. How does the likes of Hamilton, Kinsler, Andrus, etc. handle their second straight World Series appearance? Last year, the Rangers made the World Series on the back of Cliff Lee, then he lost in the World Series, and no one really picked up the slack in the five game loss to the Giants. Now, Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus are all a year old and wiser. Adrian Beltre and Matt Napoli have added some pop in the Rangers lineup, an obvious need. C.J. Wilson has a payday to play for and his start could mean the difference from 15 million a year and 18 million (probably won't make a difference, but go with me). They were favored last year, how do they handle being favored this year?

6. Will Chris Carpenter pitch 3 games? Simple question, answer isn't as much. One reason, because we would need a Game 7 to happen. The main reason is because Carpenter is fighting some injury issues. Right now, it's Carpenter, Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse and Edwin Jackson scheduled to pitch. So it probably doesn't allow Carpenter to start 3 games. But in a Game 7, win or go home, you're telling me Tony La Russa won't call upon a former Cy Young winner in a big spot? I don't think so.

7. Is this the last we see of Albert Pujols as a Cardinal? Pujols has been great this postseason, best one from him in quite a few years (I'd say 2005 for him). We all know he's getting paid by someone, but will it be the Cardinals? I really don't think the choice is difficult. Jon Paul Morosi wrote this on the pending free agency of Pujols:

When the season began, there was a credible exit strategy for Pujols: If the Cardinals finished out of the money, and if manager Tony La Russa left for the White Sox or elsewhere, then Pujols could take stock of the situation and say, “Well, maybe it’s time.”

He can’t do that now. The Cardinals are in the World Series for the third time in his illustrious career. La Russa isn’t going to the White Sox, and he’s probably not going anywhere at all. Pujols is hitting in the best lineup in the National League, one that is deeper now with the emergence of NLCS MVP David Freese. As Laird said, this team should be as good — and maybe even better — next year.

I really don't see Pujols burning his bridge in St. Louis, win or lose. The Cards will pay and Pujols will stay.

8. Will Nolan Ryan be proven right about his "Rangers in 6" prediction? No, I have the Cardinals winning a thrilling 7 games, with Matt Holliday as your MVP, since I hardly mentioned him until now. For those watching, enjoy a great series. For those not, enjoy watching the Colts and the Jaguars on primetime football games this week.

Tiffany's Week 5 Recap and Week 6 Picks

2011-10-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

We begin this weekend slate with some news. The lovely Tiffany will be making her second appearance on Boomer and Carton on Friday, October 28th. You can listen on WFAN, or if you're in NYC, but get MSG, you can watch it there. Even though I can't stand the show, I'll be sure to watch for her song and I hope you all do as well. In the mean time, here's her song for Week 5.

Now we move on to Week 6 after another chaotic week of football. Especially if you're a fan of the Eagles or the Jets. And the theme I would say for the week is how many unexpectedly great matchups are on tap for this weekend. Here's the picks (home team is in CAPS).

GREEN BAY (-15) over St. Louis: We know this team from St. Louis will lose in Wisconsin on Sunday, the question is will the other one do so. If not, the Cards are in the World Series.

PITTSBURGH (-13) over Jacksonville: A team that's tailor made for the Steelers defense. Overplay on the run and force Blaine Gabbert to beat you.

Philadelphia (-3) over WASHINGTON: I can't believe the Eagles are still getting points. Still, enough is enough, right? (I really hope the answer is no)

San Francisco (+4.5) over DETROIT: Who'd thought that this is the game of the day? Short week for the Lions, and the Niners I think are overlooked.

Carolina (+4) over ATLANTA: I will never pick against Cam Newton. I will never pick against Cam Newton. I will never pick against Cam Newton. I will never pick against Cam Newton

Indianapolis (+7) over CINCINNATI: Despite the 3-2 record, no one in Cincy believes in the Bengals. Could be a game for the Colts to sneak in here, or at least cover.

Buffalo (+3) over GIANTS: I can't depend on that Giants defense to stop either Fred Jackson or Ryan Fitzpatrick. Plus, the Bills convert on fluky turnovers, something the Giants are experts at committing.

BALTIMORE (-8) over Houston: No Andre Johnson. No Mario Williams. And now the Texans are on the road against the best team in the AFC. Yeah, you read that right.

OAKLAND (-7) over Cleveland: Wrong week for the Browns to show up in the Black Hole. I expect (not to mention need) Darren McFadden to bounce back big time this week.

Dallas (+7) over NEW ENGLAND: I don't know if the Cowboys will win, but I think they keep it close in a high-scoring game in Foxboro.

New Orleans (-5) over TAMPA BAY: I might as well go ahead and rip up my "Bucs to win NFC" wager. This is what happens when you bet in March.

Minnesota (+3) over CHICAGO: This could be the week Jay Cutler gets killed (something I think every single NFL column/blog has said this week). Can't we flex this game out for SF/Det? At least this means we can focus on baseball.

JETS (-7) over Miami: Matt Moore is the Dolphins QB. Brandon Marshall said he's going to get thrown out. No reason for the Jets to be close, let alone lose. If they do, the stories this week about the Jets in trouble will be a picnic for the one you'll see next week.

Last week: 6-7
Season Record: 39-36-2

Season Saving Wins

2011-10-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

There was a chance both LCS' would have been short. Both the Tigers and the Brewers needed a win. The circumstances were different; Detroit was down to it's last game, while the Brewers needed to avoid getting into a 3-1 series hole. And the other different circumstance was that the Brewers were going with Randy Wolf to get them back in the series, their number 4 starter, while the Tigers had Justin Verlander, the soon-to-be Cy Young winner and possible MVP.

What happens? Both men save the season.

Verlander had the tougher task. Not only for the obvious of not allowing the Rangers eliminate the Tigers last night, but he needed to give Joakim Benoit and Jose Valverde a day off after both men pitched three straight days. So one thing you were guaranteed to see was that Verlander was going to throw until his arm couldn't throw anymore.

Just like it's been all playoffs, Verlander hasn't been dominant. He's been hit, but the damage always seems to be mitigated. Just one run in the 1st inning. Holds the Rangers to one run in the 5th (though a inch or two to the right and Adrian Beltre knocks the ball out). Then loads the bases in the 6th, and faces Ian Kinsler, who was hitting him hard all game long. First pitch and a double play, ending the inning. It was at that point which Verlander was rewarded for his escapability, as the Tigers put up 4 in the bottom half, helped by the 3rd base bag.

Verlander finished the game after a Nelson Cruz HR, but with a lead. Enough outs for Phil Coke to close the door and to set up a return trip to Arlington.

Meanwhile, Randy Wolf was outstanding, better than Verlander. He goes 7 innings strong, only giving up a couple solo HR's. That was enough when you pitch for the Brewers, who predictably got to Kyle Lohse. It was more redemption for Wolf, after he was hit hard in Game 4 of the last round against Arizona.

Now, the Brewers-Cards series is up for grabs, which benefits Milwaukee who are great at home, plus they have Zack Greinke pitching the road start. It would seem to me that St. Louis needs to win tonight so they don't have to win two games at Miller Park. Of course, if the Cardinals are "zombie-like", as Jeff Passan suggests, then maybe they would prefer to have to win two in Milwaukee. The best of three begins tonight.

As for the ALCS, tomorrow is Game 6, with Game 2 starters Derek Holland and Max Scherzer doing battle. It will be interesting to see who gets this game to the bullpens with a lead. Especially with Benoit and Valverde each getting two days off. It should be a fun weekend of baseball and Justin Verlander and Randy Wolf are big reasons for that.

Realignment Talk, Part II

2011-10-13T05:15:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I gave a more rational idea for realignment of the NHL teams starting next season. Now, I'm going to get creative. I get that it's almost certain that you won't see a true transformation of the divisions, but I wanted to get this out there since I couldn't find any hockey writer/blogger that I know suggest this. Let me start with the division that I find most unique to this plan. Oh, and by the way, I'm doing away with geographical names with updated NHL legends named as divisions.

Howe Division: Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Rangers, Islanders, Devils

That's right, a division with Original Six teams. I hate to include the Islanders and Devils, but what's the point of a division of just Original Six teams if they can't play more often. Since the Islanders and Devils basically are aligned with the Rangers, they are included so we see more divisional play. Besides if/when the Islanders move, they are out of here.

Gretzky Division: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Minnesota, Buffalo

Now here is where the rest of the Canadian teams will join together. And the addition of Minnesota and Buffalo make sense because those are arguably your two most hockey-crazed American cities with the exception of Pittsburgh (obviously no Original Six teams count here) Also, since the division has seven teams, there's room for Quebec City whenever a team comes in.

Lemieux Division: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, Columbus, Carolina, Florida, Tampa Bay, Nashville

Now this division is more or less based on geography. It more or less pairs all the rest of the teams in the Eastern time zone, as well as Nashville, who while in the Central share a lot more in common with Florida and Tampa, than Dallas and St. Louis.

Orr Division: Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Jose, Phoenix, Colorado, Dallas, St. Louis

Here's the division that might have the most gripes because it doesn't solve the problem of travel for the Stars and now gives the Blues the same problems. It's made to pair up all the U.S. based teams west of the Mississippi. It has an open slot for a team to move to Seattle, though if the team that moves is someone like the Islanders, then you can move the Blues to the Howe Division to reignite their Red Wings and Blackhawks rivalries.

More than likely, the same split of games will occur as in yesterday's post (8-team divisions would play 5x in the division, everyone else home and away and 3 games against a team in the other 8 division team; 7-team divisions play 6x in the division, and everyone else home and away). We'll add a divisional first round, then reseed for the rest of the playoffs. How's that for creative?

Realignment Talk, Part I

2011-10-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

The day is coming when the NHL will realign again as the Winnipeg Jets would have to leave a division that includes Washington, Carolina, Tampa Bay and Florida. However, last night, Bob McKenzie started tweeting that the only realignment that might occur is a swap of the Jets to the Central Division and the Red Wings into the Southeast. I know the Red Wings are desperate to leave the Western Conference, but it seems wrong that they are abandoning their rivals in Chicago and St. Louis (at least without re-energizing their rivalries with the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs). How about the Dallas Stars, still stuck in the Pacific Division, even though they are geographically closer to each team in the Central. Shouldn't the NHL scrap the six-division format in it's entirety? Yes, it needs to be at least 4 divisions (or conferences where Greg Wyshynski called at in this Puck Daddy post). And I have two ways for the NHL to align them. Here's the first one, which does the job, but it seems ordinary:

Western: LA, Anaheim, SJ, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Phoenix, Colorado.

Yes, I'm not leaving the Jets in this division. Travel benefits all these teams and each game can be played no earlier than 9 PM EST.

Central: Dallas, Winnipeg, Minnesota, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Nashville.

Sorry Detroit, you still play in a more Western division, but my plan will have an equal amount of games between non-divisional opponents, so there will be less travel; which is your compromise for staying sorta West.

Northeast: Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo, Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia

Splitting the East teams was the hardest chore, as it's either the Rangers in the Northeast with the Islanders and Devils, or the Penguins with the Flyers. This is one where I can go either way with.

Atlantic: Rangers, Islanders, New Jersey, Washington, Columbus, Carolina, Florida, Tampa Bay.

Columbus gets to move to the East because of this format. They are another team which I can see in the Northeast instead, in order to start a rivalry with the Penguins, but you can always have Pittsburgh and Philly in this division in order to do so.

Figure that each team is guaranteed to play their division foes 5 times, and a home and away against everyone else. Since that leaves an uneven amount of games (8-division teams are at 79, 7 -div at 76), I figure will use what the NHL does now and add some random games. The 7 division teams will have 6 games against one another. The 8-division teams will fill the last 3 games with games against the opposite 8-team division. As for the playoffs, you do either a 1 vs 16 format, or you start with divisional playoff round, like in the 80s, then reseed at that point. That is probably a sensible way to realign the NHL for the 2011-12 season. However, there are more way to arrange the league and I will have another realignment option that fortunately, I'm not really seeing as of yet and think can work out. This will be done for tomorrow, so comeback for Part II.

Tiffany's Week 4 Recap and Week 5 Picks

2011-10-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

A later NFL picks post due to Yom Kippur this week, and Tiffany is back with her musical goodness on a crazy Week 4.

I was planning on doing a quarter power poll after each team played 4 games, but work and other blog posts this week have conflicted. It just means that we'll have the power poll ready for next weekend. On to the picks (Home team in CAPS)

INDIANAPOLIS (-3) over Kansas City- In this week's edition of the Suck 4 Luck Invitational, you have the Chiefs who screwed up royally (though not Royal-like) by beating the Vikings. Meanwhile, you have the Colts (who my friend Alison called the Fauxlts last Monday) are getting closer to winning, but still find ways to lose, keeping the pole position. Roles will reverse this Sunday._

MINNESOTA (-3) over Arizona- This is getting ridiculous for the Vikings. Another game which they blow a lead. Meanwhile, the Cards continue to be a most confounding team, which makes sense since they're in the NFC West. Vikings last chance in picking terms.

BUFFALO (+3) over Philadelphia- Because I'm not sold yet on the Eagles turning things around. And because I think losing to the Bengals will be the best thing for the Bills thus far.

Oakland (+5) over HOUSTON- For the record, I was on the Raiders because of no Andre Johnson and the expectation of a bounce back game from Darren McFadden. Even more convinced that the Raiders won't lose on the first game after Al Davis' death. RIP.

New Orleans (-7) over CAROLINA- It's tempting to keep riding Cam Newton and the Panthers for another late cover, but I think they are stepping up in weight class here. Saints will put up points today.

Cincinnati (-1) over JACKSONVILLE- Why is no one talking about how bad the Jaguars are? I know they aren't the same team who played the Jets, but they just aren't good. Maybe when Blaine Gabbert gets settled, they will perform.

Tennessee (+3.5) over PITTSBURGH- Conversely why aren't the Titans being talked about as being sneaky good? The Steelers are still struggling and Big Ben is banged up.

GIANTS (-10) over Seattle- Seahawks are away from home, so don't pick them. Giants are still playing October games and Eli Manning is playing some of his best football right now. Should be an easy one.

Tampa Bay (+3) over SAN FRANCISCO- I'm a full believer in Jim Harbaugh and this Niners team will win the NFC West (maybe even with 10+ wins). But too much is invested in the Bucs by me to pick against them. They just keep grinding out victories like Knish in Rounders.

Jets (+8) over NEW ENGLAND- Upset of the week; Jets will win 27-24 as they finally step up in the last game of this 3 game road trip. Mark Sanchez will not play as bad as last week and expect a few turnovers created by the defense against Tom Brady.

San Diego (-4) over DENVER- Is this the week Tim Tebow finally gets to play some QB? If the Chargers actually decide to beat a team down, they will. The Broncos, another horrible team in a league full of them.

Green Bay (-6) over ATLANTA- And we have the Falcons, who quietly are much worse than last year. It's their mo to fall back to earth the year after a playoff season. If there is any chance of salvation for the Falcons, they win Sunday night.

DETROIT (-6) over Chicago- Everything's going Detroit way of late, isn't it? Tigers are in the ALCS (forget the loss tonight). Red Wings started the season and are already punishing teams. And the soon to be lockout will keep the unwatchable Pistons away. And this Monday night game comes on the ALCS off day, even more wonderful news.

Last week: 8-8
Season Record: 33-29-2

ALCS Preview

2011-10-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

Time for a quick preview of the ALCS with the Detroit Tigers set to face the Detroit Tigers momentarily. We begin the series with the two aces of each team's staff pitching as Justin Verlander gets to pitch on normal rest here in Game 1, facing C.J. Wilson, who hasn't pitched since Game 1 of the Tampa series, which he was hit hard by the Rays lineup at the tune of 8 runs, 6 earned in 5 IP. Verlander is off a gritty 8 IP, 4 ER performance which he at times was toying with the Yankee hitters with his fastball and curve, but had a couple inning make Game 3 much closer than it should have been.

Just like in the Yankees series, the Tigers will have the perceived weakness in their lineup and their bullpen. And again, it's not accurate when Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez are batting. The thing that hurts Detroit is the loss of Delmon Young to an oblique injury, but this means that Don Kelly will get more playing time after the great series he played. The Rangers lineup seems to have new heroes every game; the last one being Adrian Beltre hitting 3 HR's in the deciding game. In my eyes the bullpens favor Texas as while Valverde=Feliz and Benoit=Adams, the Rangers are deeper with Ogando and Mike Gonzalez. As for the rest of the rotation, it's a slight edge to the Tigers, with Doug Fister ready for a Game 7 and the terrific pitching of Max Scherzer. And that's why I have the Tigers winning the series in 7, back in the World Series for the first time since 2006.

NHL Preview

2011-10-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the start of the NHL season, with the puck dropping in Toronto, Vancouver and Boston (who will see the banner raise). I wanted to write a quick list of 10 things to expect to see in the 2011-12 season.

1. I basically agree with everything Steve Lepore from Puck The Media wrote the other day. The NHL will take advantage of the NBA not being around this year. Especially come playoff time, since college basketball will get its share of attention most of the year. Expect the biggest ratings ever for Versus/NBCSN as well as the games on NBC.

2. This is something we are already seeing, as now there is more accountability in terms of headshots. Brendan Shanahan is already upping the suspensions for players targeting the head. Plus, his video explanations on why someone is suspended is must-see TV.

3. I've seen a bunch of experts saying that Henrik Lundqvist will win the Vezina this season. I have no choice but to agree with them.

4. I think Jeff Skinner sees a little sophomore slump, while Logan Couture will be just as good as last year. However, Tyler Seguin will be the breakout star this year. Expect him to play more consistent this season for the defending champs.

5. Shea Weber will be your Norris winner. He's the best defensemen in the league and getting some national spotlight (at least in Canada) during the playoffs will give him a chance at winning, not just being a finalist. I also have Barry Trotz as my Adams winner, another one long overdue for his award.

6. I see too many people picking Adam Larsson for the Calder. Can't get myself to pick the Devil, so Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is my guy.

7. No repeat for Corey Perry in terms of being the Hart winner. I think Jonathan Toews has his best regular season, and adds a Hart trophy to his already extensive trophy case.

8. Sidney Crosby returns in January, but doesn't help the Pens win the Atlantic. Instead, it's Hank and the Rangers winning the division. My East standings: 1. Caps 2. Bruins 3. Rangers 4. Bolts 5. Pens 6. Sabres 7. Flyers 8. Canes 9. Leafs 10. Habs 11. Isles 12. Devils 13. Panthers 14. Jets 15. Sens.

9. You would think the Canucks would drop off, but I still say they are the best team in the regular season, since they still have plenty of depth. 1. Canucks 2. Sharks 3. Hawks 4. Kings 5. Wings 6. Preds 7. Jackets 8. Blues 9. Oilers 10. Ducks 11. Flames 12. Wild 13. Yotes 14. Avs 15. Stars.

10. The Caps reach their first Stanley Cup Final with Alex Ovechkin, but it's not enough as the Blackhawks win their second Cup in three years. Enjoy the hockey everyone!

Why Is A-Rod The Scapegoat?

2011-10-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

I was at yesterday's Game 2 of Yankees-Tigers and it was a pretty ho-hum contest. The reason I'm writing is because in the 8th inning as everyone knows, Alex Rodriguez was booed after his popfly. If you are going to boo someone, it should have been Jeter, for his 0-5, the strikeout while the Yankees tried to rally in the ninth and the error in the sixth which helped the Tigers get two more runs in the inning. Otherwise, the entire Yankee team decided to allow Max Scherzer to pitch a no-hitter into the sixth inning and could have been booed as a unit, if possible.

I think it's absurd that I even have to write another post pointing out how unfair it is to boo A-Rod. We all know that he's playing hurt. He hasn't played much in the second half and is clearly not in rhythm. Plus, he's not making excuses, as evident by his postgame comments yesterday. So give him a break, that's what A.J. Burnett is for.

Some other thoughts from yesterday:

-My friend Justin who went to the game with me is calling Miguel Cabrera "The Monster". A fair and accurate statement.

-Girardi didn't help things by pinch-hitting Brett Gardner for Eric Chavez with two on in the 6th. Also, Luis Ayala is this year's Sergio Mitre, meaning when he comes in, the white flag is being waved.

-There were three Tigers near me in my row who I didn't know even where who they were until Detroit added that run in the 9th and they were brave enough to cheer aloud. Really wanted to say something to them if Jose Valverde blew the lead.

-Glad not to see Valverde get to do his celebration. Small victories.

-This was only my third ever Yankee playoff game I saw in person. The other two were 2000 ALCS Game 2 (the only time I sat in the Bleachers with the Creatures) which the Yankees put up seven runs in the eighth to salvage a split with the Mariners, turning around the series and 2001 ALDS Game 5 which was the first Jeter catch in the stands (and incidentally, the forgotten one after the one against Boston). Same we had the opposite type of game from Jeter yesterday.

-This Sabathia vs. Verlander matchup will decide the series. Don't want the season to hang on the arm of AJ Burnett. Enjoy the game everyone.

Tiffany's Week 3 Recap and Week 4 Picks

2011-10-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Good news, Tiffany is back! After being out with a camera, she has her Week 3 song up on YouTube, but never fear, we have the video up here on this post and hopefully every week from now on.

Now after that musical awesomeness, it's time for my picks, which are slowly but surely improving. Can you guys believe that we've reached the quarter pole already. Seems like football season moves so fast. Anyway, here's my Week 4 picks. (Home team listed with CAPS)

Detroit (+1) over DALLAS: If the Dallas from Monday night shows up to this game, the Lions probably win by 3 touchdowns. Even if the Cowboys play better, the Lions are better and should be at 4-0 after today.

New Orleans (-7.5) over JACKSONVILLE: Can't you just see the Saints putting up 35+ points and if you think the Jaguars can score 28+ to cover this spread, by all means. It won't happen, but it's your money.

PHILADELPHIA (-9.5) over San Francisco: Not just because the Niners are playing on the East at 1 pm (last week proved that's no be all end all), but because I do expect the Eagles to give the Niners a whooping after the loss to the Giants last week.

Washington (-3) over ST. LOUIS: Rams continue their death march to 0-7. Next stop; a good Redskins team, though if the Rams keep it close late, I'll trust Sam Bradford more than Rex Grossman.

CLEVELAND (+1) over Tennessee: Why in the world are the Browns giving the point to the Titans when their best WR just suffered a season-ending injury. Plus, Chris Johnson will only carry more of the load, likely to see 8 men in the box.

Buffalo (-3) over CINCINNATI: Tough call considering there maybe some week after in terms of the Bills. However, Ryan Fitzpatrick will face his former team and I expect he'll play well, and that's enough to be the Bengals.

Minnesota (-3) over KANSAS CITY: The Vikings won't blow 4 halftime leads this year, will they? Not against the Chiefs, setting up Chiefs-Colts: Battle for Luck.

Carolina (+7) over CHICAGO: The only way the Bears win easy is if they either injure Cam Newton or a monsoon shows up at Soldier Field. The Chicago forecast says sunny weather.

Pittsburgh (+4) over HOUSTON: How many times do the Steelers get points when they face someone not named Patriots or Ravens in Baltimore. Despite the close game in Indy, I still think it's early to proclaim Pittsburgh in trouble.

Atlanta (-6) over SEATTLE: My policy is that if the Seahawks play any NFC West teams at home, I'll pick them. As far as I know, the Falcons no longer play in the NFC West, despite NFC West like play against the Bucs last week.

Giants (-1.5) over ARIZONA: Great memories for the Giants as they return to the scene of the greatest Super Bowl ever (at least in my eyes). The game Eli Manning had a week ago, expect more of the same. Wish I can watch though, but Game 2 of Yankees-Tigers calls.

Miami (+7) over SAN DIEGO: I'm so disgusted with the Chargers. And they probably will win by a touchdown just to frustrate me some more. I hate this game, because now I must back the Dolphins; hoping for a bunch of field goals.

GREEN BAY (-13) over Denver: I tried to make a case for the Broncos, but they are playing above their weight class. Not going to happen at the home of the champs. Besides, it's time for a statement game by the Packers.

New England (-6.5) over OAKLAND: I wish the Pats didn't lose last week. I would have grabbed the points for certain, plus it would have been more. But you have a big win for the Raiders and a bad loss for the Pats. This won't repeat.

BALTIMORE (-4) over Jets: The Jets are staring at the barrel of a 2-3 start (with the Pats next week on the road), unless they win tonight. Problem is, the Ravens are just a better version of the Jets.

TAMPA BAY (-10.5) over Indianapolis: With Curtis Painter starting, should be an easy win for the Bucs. Which is fine because no ones going to watch either on TV and the stadium might be a bit empty with the Rays playing a playoff game (different than the regular season Rays crowd).

Last week: 10-6
Season Record: 25-21-2

NLDS Preview

2011-09-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the ALDS was tackled. Yet, already the Yankees-Tigers series has taken a complete turn because of the rainout in Game 1, forcing CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander to lose their impact, going from in essence two starts to one. Buster Olney this morning had been tweeting like crazy about the potential of Sabathia convincing Joe Girardi to let him go in Game 2. I believe the chances of him pitching Game 2 hinge on how the rest of Game 1 plays out. If the Yanks lose, then I can see CC pitch, or be saved until Monday if the Yankees lead 1-0. Enough about this series, today the National League begins their round of playoffs.

Let's start with the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals, who like the Rays, surged their way into the playoffs, beating out the Red Sox brethren in the art of the collapse, the Atlanta Braves. It wasn't a good year for the Cardinals up until late August, then Albert Pujols turned around his year, and Tony La Russa started taking a firmer role with the pitching staff and bullpen once Dave Duncan left the team to be with his wife. It's been tough for the Redbirds without Adam Wainwright all year, and they have patched together a staff led by Chris Carpenter, and a bullpen that only recently started to gel. Carpenter, Kyle Lohse and Jaime Garcia have been decent, but will have to be extraordinary to match the Phillies arms. The Cardinals bats don't have as much to match; they still have Pujols, plus Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman. They arguably have the better lineup when compared to their opponents.

Meanwhile, the Phillies lineup continues to get older and less productive (aside from Shane Victorino). Jimmy Rollins is the NL-version of 2010 Derek Jeter, Ryan Howard is more and more becoming a feast of famine hitter and Chase Utley just can't stay healthy for a full year. You'd be more worried if not for the fact that the Phillies can trot out the best pitching rotation since the 90s era Braves. Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt are as formidable a quartet of arms as any in history. I mean Hamels carried the Phillies to the title in 2008 and he's now the number 3 starter. Doc shows up in postseason play last year, and all he does is throw a no-hitter. Lee has swung the pennant for the last two years with his pitching, particularly last year. And everyone forgets Oswalt because his last postseason play before last year was in Houston back in 2004-05 as well as the fact he's struggled with injury this year. One last thing about the Phillies, the bullpen is not weak. Ryan Madson has filled the role of closer superbly and it appears the Brad Lidge is back as a setup man, which for some reason, I think can work out. If the Phillies go down, it won't be against the Cards. This should be like their series with the Reds last year and I see a sweep.

The final first round series is the one that's starting within an hour as the surprising Arizona Diamondbacks will take on the powerful Milwaukee Brewers. Power is the word for the Brewers in their approach to hitting and pitching. The Brewers three-headed monster of Yovani Gallardo, Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum are as good as any trio not named Halladay, Lee and Hamels. They are also supported with a vastly improved bullpen with Francisco Rodriguez as the setup man and John Axford as the closer, who's been a gem this season. We all know the Brewers lineup with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder as the biggest threats, but once you start rattling names like Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks, then you have the most formidable lineup in the NL and one any team would be wary to face, especially at Miller Park, where the Brewers have a majors leading 57-24 record at home.

That's the challenge for the Diamondbacks, who seemed to win the NL West with ease after back-to-back losing seasons. The story most of the nation knows about Arizona is pitcher Ian Kennedy's breakout season which saw him win 20 and Justin Upton as the dominant bat in the lineup, but that's not fair to Kirk Gibson's team. They have Miguel Montero, who's just as much a run producer as Upton, despite lesser power. You also happen to be dealing with arguably the best fielding team in baseball, and just so happened to score more runs this year than Milwaukee. The pitching staff for the DBacks are solid behind Kennedy, with Daniel Hudson as the best of the rest. The real pitching story is the improved bullpen that they have. This team had the worst bullpen in baseball the last few years, but led by closer JJ Putz, David Hernandez and Brad Ziegler, they are impressive. Just not impressive enough to outlast the Brewers with home-field advantage, as Milwaukee will win a hard-fought 5 game series.

ALDS Preview

2011-09-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today is the beginning of the American League playoffs and I'm absolutely certain the drama will not match that of the last day of the year. It can't, there won't be four must-win games going on at the same exact time in these playoffs. There will be a spacing of these games for television purposes, so it's not built to equal the excitement of the opening weekend of March Madness, which Wednesday night was (and will be next year now that Gus Johnson no longer will call that).

Now, we are down to 4 teams left in the AL and they are very similar to the teams last year as a result of the Tampa Bay Rays incredible comeback win Wednesday, giving the Red Sox the worst collapse in history, an 11 on the Choke-O-Meter. Now, they get their rematch with the Texas Rangers with two major differences. One, Texas has the home-field and last year, home-field meant nothing as the road team won each game. And two; no Cliff Lee, the main reason the Rangers won 2 games in Tampa. Instead, it's C.J. Wilson who heads the staff with Derek Holland pitching Game 2 and some combination of Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis in Tampa. The Rays might be a little stronger in their rotation, despite the struggles of David Price this year as James Shields is much improved and Jeremy Hellickson has been tremendous in his first year. However, the surprise is how Matt Moore will make his second career start later in Game 1. One thing's for sure, if all the managers in baseball dropped their pants, Joe Maddon I guarantee you will end up with the biggest set of balls. Bar none.

The lineups are a contrast, just like last year. The Rangers, led by Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler and Adrian Beltre can mash with anyone. Meanwhile the Rays have Evan Longoria as their biggest threat, with a lot of guys who can do anything and are opportunistic. This results in Matt Joyce and Dan Johnson with season saving home runs in back-to-back games. The Rangers have the clear edge in the bullpen because Neftali Feliz is a MAJOR upgrade at closer than Kyle Farnsworth. The Rays have been up and down with their relievers, only they are pitching very well as of late. Texas now will have Alexi Ogando in the bullpen, joining Mike Adams and Mike Gonzalez as quality arms in the bullpen (I don't care how good Darren Oliver is, I'll never trust him, though he could succeed against Tampa). It comes down to this, Tampa is hot, very hot in the past week, however, they might have better served playing Boston yesterday and keeping the momentum going. The day might kill it, like it did last week in NY and I think Texas wins this series in 4 games.

The other series is the Yankees once again, facing the lone newcomer in the AL, the Detroit Tigers. The script for this series could be the Game 1 matchup of CC Sabathia against Justin Verlander, the man who will win the Cy Young and dare I say, likely MVP winner. You'd think that the Game 1 winner sets everything up for the series, but the Yankees have Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia going in Games 2 and 3 and you won't know who either man will pitch. The Tigers trot Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello and that's not exactly a Phillies rotation full of arms either, though Fister has been very good and if Verlander should fall tonight, Fister is more than capable to winning Game 2 and getting a split.

Both teams lineups are good offensively, even though the number of household names is less on the Tigers. I will say that the most feared hitter on either team is Miguel Cabrera, yes, even more than Robinson Cano, though not by much. However, no team will have an easy time getting through Curtis Granderson, Cano, Alex Rodriguez (if he's healthy) and Mark Teixeira (if he finally can hit in the postseason). Lineup wise, A-Rod is the key, just like every other postseason the Yankees have been involved in since his arrival. It's funny that the one year A-Rod hit like he does in the regular season, the Yanks have won his lone World Series. Detroit has Victor Martinez alongside Cabrera, with Alex Avila and Jhonny Peralta also with terrific years. Looking at the bullpens, the Yankees have the advantage, but not by much since Jose Valverde is perfect in save opportunities. We all know Mo, that's the advantage, plus when you add the ridiculous year David Robertson posted. Tough series and if this goes 5, the Tigers win. I think it goes 4 and the Yankees take it, setting the rematch in the ALCS.

So Long College Football

2011-09-27T20:00:00.001-07:00

I've had it. Conference realignment has ruined college football for me. And it's about to ruin college basketball, which I've always held more dear than football. Part of the reason is because I went to Seton Hall, a non-football playing Big East school. So already I don't belong to any college football team and thus, I never really root for anyone.

The inspiration to this rant: this tweet. This is still a sport that can't and won't decide it's national champion on the field, which makes it useless to follow the sport anyway. I know that conference champions mattered more before the Bowl Coalition/Bowl Alliance/BCS Era, but now with these superconferences, no longer is there anything close to a true round robin. Money and greed has ended the Nebraska-Oklahoma rivalry (which really ended when the Big 12 was formed).

Better reactionary articles can be seen here, here and here. All I'm here to say is because of Dan, Gregg and JP, I'm all but finished following college football with the same passion as the other sports I follow until either these schools stop sacrificing tradition for money or until they create a real playoff, which will naturally solve the first point.

Does this mean I won't watch college football anymore? Probably not. I'm sure I'm going to bet on college and will have to at least know who's good and who's not. However, I'm certainly finished thinking about college football outside of a game itself. To me, it's a better version of high school football. The only regret I have will probably be the way I evaluate potential pros. That's what the Combine and these All-Star games are for.

MLB Awards

2011-09-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is the end of the regular season in baseball and it's once again time to give out some regular season awards. As it's been the case for most years, the vote in various categories should be contentious. And that's just the battle for AL MVP, as tough a vote as I can remember. As a matter of fact, I'd say there's only award that has a no-brainer answer (I'm pretty sure you can guess, but I'll make you sweat a little before revealing). Without further adu...

AL Manager of the Year: Joe Girardi and Jim Leyland both have compelling cases. Tigers are back in the playoffs for the first time in 5 years, while Girardi has the Yankees with the best record despite only one good starter (same issue with Leyland). Before Yanks fans give me hell for writing that, the stats show that a lot of Freddy Garcia's and Ivan Nova's success this year is due to luck (low BABIP, high FIP). You also can make a case for Mike Scioscia for having the Angels alive until last night despite a pedestrian offense. However, if you look at the Tampa Bay Rays, you ask yourself why they are tied for the wildcard. Their pitching is good, but no ones been outstanding. They haven't had anyone in the lineup to carry them, just someone new everyday (they probably are better this year had they brought up Desmond Jennings earlier in the season). Seems to me that the answer is clearly Joe Maddon. And that's before mentioning how the Rays lost Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Matt Garza, Joakim Benoit and Rafael Soriano last year.

NL Manager of the Year: Tony La Russa will get votes for having the Cards alive into these last two days. The Milwaukee Brewers are back in the postseason, and Ron Roenicke will also get attention for that. However, both teams were expected to contend this year. The Arizona Diamondbacks weren't. Maybe I was wrong, I think there are two awards that are easy to figure out and Kirk Gibson for NL MOTY is the other one. Only fringe MVP and Cy contenders (even though I do love Justin Upton) and a marked turnaround seems like the recipe.

AL Rookie of the Year: There's something to nitpick about each candidate. Nova's win totals are inflated. Jeremy Hellickson has been very lucky according to his BABIP. Jordan Walden's been good, but I happen to have a bias against voting closers in postseason awards, unless it's a no-brainer. Mark Trumbo's .290 OBP is horrible for a major award candidate. Eric Hosmer hasn't played well defensively, according to defensive metrics, knocking down his WAR to 1.6 on Fangraphs, 1.5 on Baseball Reference. And then I look at Michael Pineda. He has a 9.11 K/9, leads all rookie starters in FIP and xFIP and is tied for first with Alexi Ogando in Fangraphs WAR with 3.4. I don't see a flaw, so Pineda's my guy (though I wish Jennings and Brett Lawrie were up for a full year, then we'd have a race like the NL last year).

NL Rookie of the Year: Clearly not as strong as a year ago. Freddie Freeman probably would be the winner if he could field. Only Lucas Duda was a worse fielder among rookies. It seems to me that it all goes back to Craig Kimbrel. Yes, I know I just said I have a bias against closers, but I just don't see a better rookie than Kimbrel. His K/9 ratio is 14.86, only beaten by Kenley Jansen of the Dodgers. Even for a closer, his FIP and xFIP is very low. Add the 46 saves on a playoff contender and I forgive the fact that Fredi Gonzalez has overused him (and the rest of the bullpen) down the stretch for the Braves.

AL Cy Young: This should be a closer race. CC Sabathia had in my mind his best season as a Yankee and Fangraphs WAR has him tied for 1st. Jered Weaver has a 2.41 ERA, just one point behind 1st. James Shields should get some credit for completing 11 games, something I thought pitchers don't do unless their last name is Halladay (Comeback Player of the Year for him). But the fact is, Justin Verlander is a nominee for MVP. Pitching wins might finally no longer decide awards after King Felix a year ago, but 24 wins is hard to ignore, not to mention that he's going to win the pitching Triple Crown (provided Weaver doesn't beat him out for ERA on Wednesday). Plus, Verlander doesn't have a flaw (not going to hold his low BABIP against him). He's the Cy Young and there really is no doubt.

NL Cy Young: Here's a better race. Ian Kennedy will get votes for finishing 21-4 and has a nice 2.88 ERA, but he's really not a contender. The race seems to be down to Roy Halladay, Clayton Kershaw and Cliff Lee. Here's where the divide between Fangraphs and Baseball Reference WAR shows up. Halladay has an 8.2 WAR on Fangraphs, up 1.3 on Kershaw. Baseball Reference, however, has Doc at 7.1, up 0.2 over both Kershaw and Lee. The ERA is close between all three, with Kershaw ahead. Roy has the better FIP, while Lee has the better xFIP. Kershaw has the better K/9 innings, though Zack Greinke leads. Really, down the line, all three are so similar except one thing. Halladay and Lee are on the same team, that's the advantage Clayton Kershaw has. So I think Kershaw will win the Cy Young because of the split, and I'll go with that because I have to pick someone. Couldn't we take away Eric Gagne's and Brandon Webb's Cy Youngs and hand them to Halladay and Lee. It's only fair.

AL MVP: If you thought the NL Cy Young was a tight race, may I present you the MVP of the American League. Every baseball fan has been bombarded ad nausem on this race for MVP. It's a race that even after I write this, I might change my mind another 2-3 times. So who wins the award? Let's start by those who won't win. Michael Young is the dark horse because of all he does for the Rangers (despite them taking him for granted every offseason, like the Yankees did at the end of Bernie Williams career). Yesterday, Jacoby Ellsbury was back on the forefront of the MVP race, today no so much. It's not fair, because Ellsbury has been a better version of Curtis Granderson this year, as Granderson is clearly better in HR, runs and RBI, but gets trumped in WAR by Ellsbury on both Fangraphs and BR. Miguel Cabrera gets taken for granted by baseball people for having the same awesome numbers every year. Probably should of been the guy who the Tigers focused on trying to get MVP. Instead we're down to Jose Bautista and Verlander. An interesting case, a pitcher vs a slugger for a non-playoff team. I give the nod to Verlander for two reasons. First, because Bautisa had a worse second half than his first, though he still has a 1.061 OPS. And also because Verlander was carrying the Tigers back when they were struggling with the Indians and White Sox. Let's not penalize him for Tigers running away with the division once September hit.

NL MVP: As good a year Justin Upton has had and as good a close to the year Albert Pujols has given the Cardinals, it's really a three man race between Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and Matt Kemp. The same problem as the Cy race, two of the three are on the same team and they will split votes. The difference; I think it's much clearer that Matt Kemp is the NL MVP. Braun beats Kemp in OPS, but by only 16 points. Kemp looks like he'll finish third in batting, aside from finishing first in HR and RBI. He wins both Fangraphs and BR WAR (BR has him ahead by over 2 wins). Eric Seidman had a great article on Fangraphs about how both Kershaw and Kemp could make history if both win their respective awards. It would be deserved, both men are the reason the Dodgers, despite all the turmoil with ownership, will finish over .500 and can legitimately be contenders next year with the right moves.

Many thanks to Fangraphs and Baseball Reference for providing all the numbers used in this post.

Week 3 Picks

2011-09-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

I hate to disappoint everyone, but there will be no video this week, as Tiffany's camera was broken. Thus, it will just be my Week 3 picks that will be the purpose of today's post. Not a lot of time until the games start, so let's get started.

Home teams listed in CAPS

CINCINNATI (-3) over San Francisco: Home opener today for the Bengals, who actually look halfway decent. Andy Dalton is competent under center and A.J. Green has already made people forget about Chad Ochocinco. As for the Niners, they were so close to 2-0 in both their home games, before giving up the game to Dallas. Now they have to play an early game. Don't like them today.

New England (-7.5) over BUFFALO: My heart says pick the Bills. When that happens, I try to see how much my head will overrule my heart. In this case, I can't allow myself to pick against the Pats. They might make an example out of the Bills today.

Houston (+4) over NEW ORLEANS: I really don't know the flaw for the Texans, except at head coach. But, that's a flaw that wouldn't show up until later in the season, not September. Saints defense will have their hands full with the Texans offense, that's why I'm going against them at home.

PHILADELPHIA (-9) over Giants: Looks like Michael Vick is going to play. If it was Mike Kafka, I can make the case that the Giants pass rush would avoid the Eagles from completely exposing the major weakness in the secondary. Not happening with Vick, unless he's a turnover machine today.

Miami (+3) over CLEVELAND: This is off the board at Bodog, but I'm using this line here. For the Dolphins, we need to see if they can win road games like they did last year. For the Browns, we need to know if they are any good, or that the Colts are that brutal. I'm going with the former.

Denver (+7) over TENNESSEE: I wish I know how in the world the Titans beat the Ravens last week. Meanwhile, the weight of the world on Kyle Orton's shoulders got a little lighter after last week's win and now that he's on the road, I think the Broncos will play looser. As for Tennessee, I see a letdown, unless of course, Chris Johnson actually plays some downs.

Detroit (-3.5) over MINNESOTA: So we're all agreed; any line that's close, go against the Vikings, but if it's over 7, then pick them. If football games ended in the first half, the Vikings will have a chance to go undefeated. Now being serious, the Lions should handle the Vikings pretty easily; they are that much better.

CAROLINA (-3.5) over Jacksonville: Only chance the Jaguars have is if Blaine Gabbert in his rookie debut can throw like Cam Newton did. I mean, if Cam Newton's going to throw over 400 yards against the defending champs, he can do the same today, right? I'm going wrong, because he won't need to throw in the fourth quarter, so by design, his passing will go down. I'll love Monday though if they win and Cam has only 320 yards and the reaction is he failed everyone.

SAN DIEGO (-15) over Kansas City: The Chiefs are horrific. The injuries have ruined their own season and now my fantasy season is in major jeopardy because of Jamaal Charles season ending injury. I hated having to pick up Thomas Jones on the waiver wire. Chargers should win easily.

OAKLAND (+3) over Jets: I know the last time the Jets were in Oakland, they cruised to a 38-0 blowout, which allowed for Mark Sanchez to have a celebratory hot dog. This time, the Raiders are better and the Jets just don't play well in Oakland, going all the way back to the Heidi Game. Expect a lot of running and some payback by the Raiders defense to the Sanchise.

Baltimore (-6) over ST. LOUIS: I don't expect another bad game from the Ravens. The Rams, though, will continue to lose these games because they find ways to shoot themselves in the foot against teams up a class. Still will be alive for the NFC West even when they go 0-7 before their bye. Brutal opening schedule, no NFC West games early.

Atlanta (+1) over TAMPA BAY: Here are two teams we just don't know about yet. Both were handled pretty easily in Week 1 (though the Tampa score didn't indicate it), both needed comebacks in Week 2 to stay level. Now in Week 3, who's for real? Who's fake? Are they both fake? Today, I'm going to ride Matt Ryan, even though I should be riding the Bucs for a whole number of reasons personally. As a matter of fact...

TAMPA BAY (-1) over Atlanta: Because I have Josh Freeman in fantasy, along with Mike Williams and the fact there's a Bucs NFC Championship ticket in my house and I can't have them lose many more. Done.

SEATTLE (+3.5) over Arizona: There will be games I won't take the points in a Seattle home game. It just won't happen when they play the NFC West. None of the 3 teams will be good enough to win at Qwest Field, unless no one shows up.

Green Bay (-4.5) over CHICAGO: Think the Bears are more like the team we saw in Week 2 than in Week 1. The Packers should control this game, maybe the score will be tight at the end, but not 3 or 4 points, at least I hope. Green Bay will eventually have to answer questions about their defense, but Jay Cutler won't be the one asking those questions.

Pittsburgh (-11) over INDIANAPOLIS: Couldn't NBC flex this game out? We don't need until Week 10 to know what games don't belong on primetime. At least two games I see getting flex out late this year (Pittsburgh-Kansas City and Indy-NE as hard to believe that will be) with both Giants games an interesting discussion if they don't play well early on here. As for the game, nothing needs to be said.

Washington (+5) over DALLAS: Tough finding a line for this one, but two reasons I'm picking against Dallas. First, uncertainty with Tony Romo, even if he plays. Second, because Dallas cost me big last week in that OT. James Holley goes 77 yards to the 1 yard line and anyone who had Dallas -3 knows that the field goal meant a push. Hoping the Cowboys would at least try to run it in, instead Jason Garrett sends out the FG unit on 1st down and wins the game. So yes, I'm still mad and will be ready for Rex Grossman to ruin the Cowboys home opener.

Last week: 9-6-1
This Season: 15-15-2

Worst Collapses Ever

2011-09-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

As any baseball fan knows, the Boston Red Sox are in need of someone to give them the Heimlich. They have lost again tonight, leaving them a 2.5 game lead in the AL Wild Card over the LA Angels and the Tampa Bay Rays. They have company in the choking department as the Atlanta Braves now lead the St. Louis Cardinals by only 1.5 games, with the San Francisco Giants only down 3.5 games. As we watch both teams unravel and see if either of them can salvage their seasons' and reach postseason play, let's look back at all the history of collapses, with a twist. I'm going to measure all the times a team has blow a huge lead and determine how much of the loss was because of a comeback by 2nd place or a choke by 1st place. Let's get started.

1964 Philadelphia Phillies: Remains as the holy grail of baseball chokes. Up 6.5 games with 12 games to play, they lose 10 games in a row to cost themselves the pennant. It was that inexplicable, even the World Series programs for the 1964 World Series were set. Choke-O-Meter: 10

1951 Brooklyn Dodgers: I never blame the Dodgers for losing this one. The reason, if the Giants go 32-15 in their last 47 games, Brooklyn still makes the World Series easily. They were an ordinary 27-24 down the stretch, but not bad enough to lose, except the 2nd place Giants finished 39-8 to reach the World Series, including the win in the 3 game playoff. Choke-O-Meter: 4 (for giving up "The Shot Heard Round The World")

1962 Los Angeles Dodgers: Not nearly as famous as '51, but in my eyes, more of a choke by the Dodgers here. Leads to another 3 game playoff which they lose to the Giants. The reason why the 3 game playoff takes place is because the Dodgers finished the year 3-10 after a 7 game winning streak seemingly won the pennant for them. Choke-O-Meter: 7 (points taken off because their lead was only 4 games before the downturn).

1969 Chicago Cubs: The Cubs were up 9 on August 16 over the surprising Mets. Then, the Mets finished with a 36-11 surge, while the Cubs slumped to a 17-26 finish and is a symbol of the 100 years of futility of the franchise. Choke-O-Meter: 7 (yes, the Mets played great, but the Cubs could of at least stayed alive until the final weekend had they not choked).

1978 Boston Red Sox: Falls into the '51 Dodgers category as they were done in by a hard-charging team, rather than their own ineptitude. The thing no one remembers is that the Yankees were in 4th place when they were down by 14 games. Lost 14 of 17 to fall out of 1st place, then won 12 of 14 to force the famous one game playoff. Choke-O-Meter: 5

1987 Toronto Blue Jays: They were riding high after a 7 game winning streak, the last 3 against the 2nd-place Tigers to take a 3.5 game lead in the AL East. Then they lost all 7 of their final games, capped by a 3-game sweep by those very same Tigers. Combined with their loss in the 1985 ALCS after leading 3-1, they earned the label as "chokers" until they finally won in 1992. Choke-O-Meter: 8 (Loses 2 points because they never held a big lead, despite the epic finish).

1993 San Francisco Giants: Very much like the Red Sox in particular, because the Braves caught them and the Giants needed to rally. San Fran finished the year 38-27 after reaching a 10 game lead out West, while the Braves soared to 49-16 after trading for Fred McGriff. While they did play well, the Giants were hurt by an 8-game losing streak which knocked them out of 1st. Choke-O-Meter: 5 (followed the losing streak by winning 14 0f 17 at the end).

1995 California Angels: This team peaked with an 11 game lead on August 9th, then everything went wrong. The Angels slumped badly for a month and a half, finishing 18-31 and couldn't overcome the Mariners 30-19 finish and lost in a one game playoff. It never gets the attention of the Dodgers or Yankees, but this I believe is the worst of the mid-August collapses because bad play opened the door, not super play by 2nd place. Choke-O-Meter: 9 (avoids 10 because they won 5 of 6 to force that playoff).

2007 New York Mets: The Mets were swept in a memorable series to the Phillies that cut their NL East lead to 2 games on August 30th. They won 10 of their next 12 and brought their lead back to 7. Then, they proceed to finish 5-12, while the Phillies won 13 of 17 to win the East and signal a change in fortune in both teams. The Phillies suddenly became the class of the NL, while the Mets became the class clowns of the league. Choke-O-Meter: 9 (and the effects are still felt).

2009 Detroit Tigers: The Tigers were sailing to the playoffs, and led the AL Central by 7 games on Sept 6th. Then, the Twins rode a 18-8 finish into a one-game playoff, as the Tigers finished 11-15. What puts them here is they were up 3 games with 4 games left. They lose the final game of a series with the Twins, then lose the first two to the White Sox, before salvaging a playoff with a win on last day (a game which Justin Verlander needed to pitch because they were tied). Choke-O-Meter: 6

Just so you know, both the Red Sox and Braves easily reach a 7 on the choke scale, and the Red Sox scale might well be 9 if they finish this collapse through to the end. Should be a fun final week of baseball ahead, something I didn't think would happen.

Tiffany's Week 1 Recap and My Week 2 Picks

2011-09-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

Every year in The Cycle's existence, the weekly picks post has undergone changes. It started with the Babe of the Week in 2009, then I scrapped the theme in 2010. We once again have a running theme as in lieu of a recap post, I will post the NFL musical stylings of Tiffany Orbin. Last year, she started doing parodies of popular and famous songs with the happenings each week in the 2010 season. You can visit her YouTube page for more videos, but every week, I'll post her videos here, starting with this one from Week 1.

Before we go to the picks, I need to talk about my fantasy team. Yes, I know no one cares, but I go to bed on Monday night pissed off that Darren McFadden didn't have a chance to run out the clock, seemingly allowing me to lose my fantasy matchup by 1.5 points. Next time I look at my roster, I notice that in fact I won by half a point. The reason for the switch; I'm guessing because we have defensive players and tackles and sack can be applied later. Best bit of news I received all week.

And now, let's go to the Week 2 picks. (Home teams in CAPS)

NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Chicago: Here's the deal, the Saints lost a close one against the Packers in Green Bay, the Bears win a weird game at home against Atlanta. I want to see the Bears show up in the Superdome.

DETROIT (-8.5) over Kansas City: Chiefs were in trouble before losing Eric Berry for the year. I expect the Lions to take better advantage of the Chiefs than they did against the Bucs last week.

Jacksonville (+9) over JETS: Because I don't believe the Jets can blow teams out when they're supposed to. The offense still isn't good enough and I can easily see the Jets allow the Jags to hang around and win late.

BUFFALO (-4) over Oakland: Going against the West Coast team playing at 1 pm eastern here. Plus, even though the Chiefs were awful, Ryan Fitzpatrick is good enough against lesser teams. Confident he will play well at home.

WASHINGTON (-4) over Arizona: Rex Grossman looked great against the Giants, now he gets the worst secondary in football. I also expect Kevin Kolb not to play that well if the Redskins defense is for real.

Baltimore (-6.5) over TENNESSEE: Don't expect Chris Johnson to start running well against the Ravens. Meanwhile, the Ravens made a statement with that win over Pittsburgh. They aren't going to be a "contender, but not really one" this year.

PITTSBURGH (-14.5) over Seattle: Not worried about the Steelers just yet. Get this home opener with an awful Seahawks team and should right themselves.

Green Bay (-10.5) over CAROLINA: Let's see Cam Newton do what he did against the Cards this week when he faces a real NFL secondary.

Tampa Bay (+3) over MINNESOTA: The Vikings only chance of winning games this year will be if Adrian Peterson wins them alone. Donovan McNabb won't do so. Also, let's see if the young Bucs can bounce back.

Cleveland (-2) over INDIANAPOLIS: The problems the Browns had against Cincinnati won't show up against the Peyton-less Colts. Expect better Colt McCoy play in this one.

Dallas (-3) over SAN FRANCISCO: Sorry, Niners. Unless Ten Ginn Jr. is going to score on every possession, I'm afraid the Cowboys are just a little above your weight class. Besides, it's not a big game so Tony Romo probably won't lose the game for them.

Houston (-3) over MIAMI: Tossup game if you still don't buy the Texans. I do, so I have no problem laying 3 points. Dolphins will have just as much trouble defending the Texans as they did the Pats and Brady threw for over 500 yards.

San Diego (+7) over NEW ENGLAND: Let me get this straight, the Pats are a touchdown better than the Chargers because of last week? Sorry, but the Chargers aren't giving up 500 yards of passing and Philip Rivers is far more dangerous than Chad Henne.

Cincinnati (+3.5) over DENVER: It's too the point that Kyle Orton can't start at home anymore because the Broncos fans are so opposed to him. It's a real Ed Whitson situation, only Orton's actually good.

ATLANTA (+3) over Philadelphia: Statement game for the Falcons. Everyone's down on them after the playoff blowout against the Packers and now last week's loss. No one expects them to beat Vick and the Eagles. It's time for Matty Ice and Co to make a stand.

GIANTS (-7) over St. Louis: Same deal for the Giants, plus they really can use a win before their trip to Philly. The Rams are just as banged up as NY, especially on offense, though Bradford will play. Season can spiral out of control if Steve Spagnuolo beats his former team.

Season record: 6-9-1

Randomness In Between Looking At Scarlett Johansson

2011-09-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Seriously, here's Scarlett Johansson! Just remember that's NSFW.

Once again, the U.S. Open had to move the men's final to Monday afternoon. The matchup itself, also was like last year, a rematch between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Both men waged a war on the court, serving rallies rarely seen, with some of the best shot-making I've ever seen. It almost knocked out Djokovic with a back injury, until the greatest massage in sports history leads to an epic happy ending.

Djokovic's win caps off the best year in sport for any athlete and it's not even close. His record this year is 64-2, with one of those losses coming because of an injury. He won 3 of the 4 Grand Slams, first to do so since Mats Wilander in 1988. As for his competition; no one in baseball was particularly dominant, Dirk Nowitzki and Aaron Rodgers carried their teams, but weren't as consistently dominant. Tim Thomas was, but he can't score for his team. I guess Lionel Messi would qualify, but he does have great players around him, which Djokovic obviously isn't afforded.

We go from greatest in a calendar year to greatest over a period of years, as we congratulate Mariano Rivera for save number 600. It really doesn't matter how many saves Mo ends with; it's not like he's a greater pitcher because he picked up a save last night and the number at the end happens to be round. Still, a milestone like this gives us a reminder of his career and really shows how spoiled Yankee fans are (yes, I know how foreign a concept a "spoiled Yankee fan" is).

It was nice of the Red Sox and Braves to allow their playoff spot have the guise of a race. I'm still certain both will go, but it does give baseball some juice before October. Not to mention the AL West race.

If he has anything left, I love the signing of Brandon Stokley by the Giants. Give Eli Manning a safety blanket that they really don't have right now in the passing game. Now, if only they can block for him (not to mention a week without injuries).

NFL Picks will be up Saturday morning, with a twist. Until then, back to Scarlett.

Week 1 Picks

2011-09-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

It's not often that the last play of the game is extremely important equally for fans root for either of the two teams and the gamblers. Thursday was one of those times, since the Packers were favored by 4.5 or 5 depending on the sportsbook. Result: Packers stuff Mark Ingram and win 42-34 (by the way, Al Michaels was horrible Thursday, made Joe Buck sound like Gus Johnson), making Pack fans and bettors happy. One thing's for sure, I can't wait for the rematch in the playoffs.

So I've started 1-0 and will look to maintain that +.500 mark all season long. Fact is, I don't care if my preseason picks are right or not (unless they work out for me like last year). However, I always want my weekly picks to be right, shows if I have a feel of the NFL season or not. So here's the rest of the slate for Week 1 (Home team in CAPS).

Pittsburgh (+1) over BALTIMORE- Coin flip whenever these two play. Not more I can say, just that I think the Steelers win this one.

Detroit (+1) over TAMPA BAY- Winner gets a head start on making the breakthrough into contention.

Atlanta (-3) over CHICAGO- Did you know these two teams were to top 2 seeds in the NFC last year. Yes, I didn't remember until yesterday.

Buffalo (+5.5) over KANSAS CITY- Because the Chiefs are screwed if Matt Cassel either doesn't play or gets hurt in the game.

HOUSTON (-9) over Indianapolis- Too soon to back Kerry Collins on the road. Statement week for the Texans.

Philadelphia (-4.5) over ST. LOUIS- Good game to start for both, Eagles might look a little too good after this one.

CLEVELAND (-7) over Cincinnati- My God, look at the Browns starting schedule, their first difficult game is at Houston in Week 9. Gotta rethink as a sleeper.

Tennessee (+1) over JACKSONVILLE- Why are the Jags still favored? Do you really want to give points with Luke McCown, against Chris Johnson no less?

Giants (-3) over WASHINGTON- I'm seeing Redskins buzz for absolutely no reason. Giants can really do anything this year.

Carolina (+7) over ARIZONA- Don't think the Cards blow out the Panthers. They shouldn't be giving 7, not until we see if Kolb can play great.

Seattle (+5.5) over SAN FRANCISCO- Still think Jim Harbaugh is coaching this year to get Andrew Luck. We all know Pete Carroll and the Seahawks are doing the same. Could be a tie.

SAN DIEGO (-9) over Minnesota- First step for the Chargers; own September. Begins with the Vikings and revenge for Adrian Peterson's record day.

Dallas (+5.5) over JETS- Really scares me how much no one really likes the Cowboys. As a Giants fan, I want overrated Dallas, not underrated.

MIAMI (+7) over New England- One of the two games between these two in a year is usually close. I think it's this one.

DENVER (-3) over Oakland- If only the Chargers weren't in the division. Could be an interesting sleeper if Orton plays great.

NFL Preview

2011-09-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

The NFL resumes tonight with the defending champion Packers hosting the Saints. Unfortunately, work is going to keep me from watching the entire game or write a more detailed preview for the upcoming season. So here's my order of finish in each division with a brief synopsis following it.

AFC EAST

1. New England- I'm with everyone else picking the Pats as the AFC East champs. Can't go wrong picking against Brady, plus a motivated Haynesworth is a scary one.
2. NY Jets- The only way they are better this year is if Sanchez improves. Defense didn't improve and the offensive weapons are older. It's on the Sanchise. Playoffs though.
3. Miami- Too much talent at other positions to finish in last. Of course, when Chad Henne's involved, you never know. 8-8 or 7-9 will be the record.
4. Buffalo- Long time without winning, and they're still not close to legitimate. Fitzpatrick will keep them at about 5 wins; really could use 2 wins and Andrew Luck.

AFC NORTH

1. Pittsburgh- Unlike their two Super Bowl wins with Roethlisberger, they lost and will be hungry this year. Steelers defense is still the same. AFC favorites.
2. Baltimore- Was tempted to shock everyone by having them 3rd, but couldn't pull the trigger. I think it's Ray Lewis last chance to win. Like the Jets, they go where Flacco does. Wild card.
3. Cleveland- They're getting better, let's see if the marriage of Colt McCoy and Pat Shurmur will lead to 8 wins for the Browns, maybe more. There's hope in Cleveland.
4. Cincinnati- Lost Johnathan Joseph and Ochocinco. The great QB battle between Bruce Gradkowski and Andy Dalton. Pencil in 3 wins.

AFC SOUTH

1. Houston- No excuses Texans. Peyton Manning's missing time for the Colts. Wade Phillips is the DC, which he can handle. Gary Kubiak has to be fired if they lose again.
2. Tennessee- Because I think Peyton Manning misses a lot of time. Because Matt Hasselbeck will start more games than Jake Locker and put up 8 wins.
3. Indianapolis- Because Kerry Collins was going to retire. Manning's been the reason the Colts have stayed in the playoffs the last 3 years. No Manning=6 wins.
4. Jacksonville- Even if Blaine Gabbert is any good, Luke McCown isn't and could put the Jags into enough of a hole.

AFC WEST

1. San Diego- Better special teams, going along with 1st ranked offense and defense. Full years for Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil. MVP=Philip Rivers.
2. Kansas City- This team gets a tougher schedule and falls back to 8-8. Kind of like the Dolphins after they won the AFC East in '08. Especially with Matt Cassel's injury status.
3. Denver- Broncos will still play good offense and now their defense is beginning to catch up. AFC West is about to be good again.
4. Oakland- The Raiders will slip. They can't help it after losing Asomugha to Philly. More troubles for the once proud franchise.

NFC EAST

1. Dallas- Surprised? A healthy Tony Romo, another year for Dez Bryant and the Rob Ryan led defense. Also, they have no pressure this year, because of the Eagles.
2. NY Giants- I figure Eli Manning won't throw 25 INT's again. Despite the injuries on defense, Justin Tuck is still there. People will be surprised when they make the playoffs.
3. Philadelphia- And they'll be shocked when the Eagles miss them. Vick doesn't play as well as last year and their front seven weakness will show up at a key point. Gut feeling.
4. Washington- Rex Grossman beat out John Beck for the starting QB job. Add that their roster is average and another Andrew Luck sweepstakes team is compiled.

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay- The champs get back Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant and do something they didn't do last year, win the division.
2. Minnesota- My surprise in the NFC because Adrian Peterson will run the ball and run all day like he's supposed to. Plus, McNabb has a better year with AP.
3. Detroit- Because I don't believe Matt Stafford stays healthy all season. If he does, Detroit will be 2nd, with Johnson, Suh and company. Also they make the playoffs with Stafford playing.
4. Chicago- Worst to first? Yes, because they could have easily have finished in last. Lucky team all last year, starting in Week 1. Luck always evens out in this league.

NFC SOUTH

1. New Orleans- The year-after hangover is over. Brees will be his normal great self, the defense will return to '09 mode and with Mark Ingram, the running game improves as well.
2. Atlanta- Good team, not great. Suspect defense put more pressure on Matt Ryan and that offense. They can handle it in the regular season, but not in the playoffs.
3. Tampa Bay- They come back a bit, though I do think Josh Freeman gets better. I have to, he's my fantasy starting QB.
4. Carolina- Growing pains while we watch Cam Newton start from Day 1. Last again, but better, likely 6 wins.

NFC WEST

1. St. Louis- Bradford leads the Rams to the playoffs, though being the NFC West, it doesn't say much. Big year for Steven Jackson will result as well.
2. Arizona- They have a QB in Kevin Kolb; and unlike in Philly, he'll have a chance to play without worried about a backup over his shoulder. Team needs more talent.
3. San Francisco- Enough talent to stay out of last, but too much Alex Smith to make a real run (we all know winning the NFC West doesn't count as a run).
4. Seattle- The team that proves the West means nothing. They won the division, and a playoff game, yet are still in rebuild mode. Qwest Field keeps Andrew Luck away.

AFC Title Game: San Diego over Pittsburgh
NFC Title Game: New Orleans over Green Bay

Super Bowl: New Orleans over San Diego

30 Days Until Football: Carolina Panthers

2011-08-09T21:34:00.001-07:00

Today, The Cycle returns with a new wrinkle for the upcoming football season. Since we are a month away from the opener between the Packers and the Saints, I decided to go with a team-by-team preview, as opposed to the usually conference ones I do the week the season begins. I figure it gives a better look at every team than I normally give. The order of the teams selected will be based on last year's draft order, and we begin with the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina comes into this season with a whole lot of changes. No longer is John Fox the head coach. No longer are the Panthers cutting costs. The Panthers have brought in Ron Rivera to coach, Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey to play TE and took Cam Newton with the 1st pick in the NFL Draft. They also resigned DeAngelo Williams, DE Charles Johnson and LB Jon Beason. From last year's 2-14 team, I'd say they are improved.

How improved? Well it will be determined on how Newton develops. He has a lot of weapons in Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Steve Smith, Olsen and Shockey. Williams and Stewart will take pressure off him, buoyed by a healthy Jeff Otah. The Panthers have during the Fox era been strong on defense, and that won't change under a defensive-minded coach in Rivera. Are the playoffs on the horizon? Might be asking a lot in this division with all three other teams expecting playoffs, but I'm willing to put them down for 6 wins and a whole lot of sleeper buzz in 2012.

What Tirade Was Better?

2011-07-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Friday night, you have Brian Wilson, after blowing a save in the eighth inning and giving up a bases loaded single to Brandon Inge after the Giants regained the lead in the top of the ninth, gave us this reaction. Apparently, Gatorade didn't Fear the Beard and this is what happens when you don't. (video courtesy of mlb.com)

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays were trying to keep their game with the Phillies yesterday at a 1-run deficit as Jon Rauch had a 3-2 pitch called a ball. After the ensuing run scores, Rauch loses it. (tirade begins at 2:10 of the video, hope MLB doesn't pull this video off YouTube before you get to watch it)

So the question, which was better? As much as I love Brian Wilson and all he does, beating up Gatorade coolers have been happening since Paul O'Neill was in the league. When do you see a player the size of Rauch have to be restrained? And watching the buttons on his jersey pop off, priceless. Also, don't forget manager John Farrell was also ejected from the game. I'd have to give Rauch the edge on the better tirade.

The Eve of Free Agency

2011-06-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the start of NHL Free Agency (it should also be the start of NBA Free Agency, but they will begin a lockout that will wipe out the 2011-12 season instead). As we go into the signing period, here's some thoughts I have on the goings on.

-The Brad Richards Sweepstakes is very unique; you have the best FA forward on the market, and it's not even close. You would think that everyone would want the guy. Instead, at least in the case of the Rangers and the Leafs, no one seems to want him aside from the teams themselves. The reason is clear; Rangers and Leafs fans are afraid that either Brian Burke or Glen Sather will spend like a drunken sailor on the guy, and they're right. I guess I must get used to the fact that Richards will be a Ranger on Friday after an 8 year/$56 million contract.

-Everyone can talk about the Islanders putting it all together all they want; the fact is, as long as a guy like Christian Ehrhoff leaves in no uncertain terms that he won't play there, they aren't a threat, just a nuisance (if you're a Rangers fan).

-Meanwhile, the Sabres take the rights to Ehrhoff and get him signed, for 10 years/$40 million contract. Once again, the Terry Pegula era is completely different than before and now Buffalo will spend like everyone else on July 1.

-No new news on where Jaromir Jagr will sign, whether Pittsburgh, Detroit, Montreal. JagrWatch '11 continues.

-If the Flyers sign Brad Richards, they will officially have given up their future. Claude Giroux and James vanRiemsdyk will both be up for raises in a few years and they're ability to sign both guys with Chris Pronger, Ilya Bryzgalov and Richards will handcuff them.

-Adrian Dater is absolutely right, I'd be shocked if Tomas Vokoun isn't wearing an Avs sweater by Monday.

-So Tomas Kopecky signs for $12 million/4 years and Jonathan Ericsson signs for $9.75 million/3 years. This only makes me fear the Ryan Callahan/Brandon Dubinsky negotiations even more, especially if someone swoops in with an offer sheet.

-Dale Tallon's mistakes always seem to repeated. This week we saw it twice, as Nashville apparently forgot to qualify their RFA's (Shea Weber isn't included in this list, otherwise this becomes the biggest story in hockey), while Tallon takes another shot at Brian Campbell. This time, something tells me Florida won't be forced to sell off their roster as a result.

-Who offers Steven Stamkos an offer sheet? Philly? Detroit (not after signing Ericssson, I'd believe)? If I was the Panthers (assuming I have the literal cash to do so), I'd sign him to a 12 year/$132 million offer sheet. Might actually give the NHL a reason to care about a Bolts/Cats game.

-Carolina resigned Chad LaRose and Jussi Jokinen before July 1. Two guys who are only good with the Canes. My question: What is Erik Cole waiting for?

There is plenty more to talk about, but for now, we wait until noon for the Free Agent Frenzy to begin. Unfortunately, there won't be the amount of updates from me like on last July 1, but a review post will be written. Happy Canada Day everyone!

NBA Draft Recap

2011-06-25T04:38:00.000-07:00

(Editor's note: This NBA Draft piece was written by Jason Guerette, a contributor to South Orange Juice and all around, a guy who really knows his hoops. This post clearly shows this and I'd like to thank him for writing this on short notice)

Well, the NBA Draft is done. Another year, another 60 lucky individuals got their names called by either David Stern, who was roundly booed the entire night, or Adam Silver, who was treated like royalty. I was fortunate enough to attend this year live at the Prudential Center (since the Theater at MSG was being renovated), and I got an up-close and personal look at the ESPN guys, some great retro jerseys (Bobby Hurley and Rolando Blackmon, anyone?), and, of course, the obnoxious Knicks fans. They out-numbered me and the contingent of Nets fans about 3-1, but it should be stated for the record that scores of them left after they booed the Knicks pick (more on that in a moment).

To clarify, the teams listed in each pick slot are the teams who ended up owning the rights to the pick, not the teams who had the rights to the pick and moved it. Those teams are in parentheses after the names of the teams who ended up with the listed player. “Obtained from TEAM X via trade” means that the pick was traded on draft night. “From TEAM X” means that it was from a previous trade.

Without further ado, I present my 2011 NBA Draft Recap!

First Round:

1. CLEVELAND (from LA CLIPPERS) – Kyrie Irving (Freshman G, Duke)

No one was really surprised by this pick. Cleveland continues their post-Decision rebuilding process with Irving, the superfrosh point guard out of Duke. Irving was, quite frankly, an obvious choice- he is a terrific point guard who plays extremely well in pick-and-roll situations and can score and pass at the NBA level. With Baron Davis already there, Irving likely won’t start right away unless Cleveland finds a taker for Davis’ huge contract. If he does start, it will be alongside either Davis or Anthony Parker in the Cleveland backcourt. But by the end of the year, he should be leading the Cavs towards better days.

2. MINNESOTA – Derrick Williams (Sophomore F, Arizona)

With Irving off the board, the Wolves went with Williams at #2. An athletic tweener forward without a true position but with some great skills, he doesn’t really fit Minnesota’s roster well, but they could not find a trade partner for this pick, so it was obvious that they would take Williams. Williams wowed audiences with his high-flying dunks as well as his strong perimeter shooting in the NCAA Tournament, particularly against Duke. He needs to work on his defensive focus, but should be a fine player in the Association for years to come.

3. UTAH (from NEW JERSEY) – Enes Kanter (C, Turkey)

Now here’s where things got interesting. Nearly every mock draft I read had Brandon Knight going in this spot, but the Jazz took the bruiser Kanter instead, beginning a little bit of madness at the Draft. Kanter was ruled ineligible to play at UK, so he hasn’t seen game action in a long time, but his attributes are hard to ignore. He has an NBA body that few prospects have, and the Jazz will welcome his legit (with apologies to Paul Millsap) size in the paint. Kanter gives the Jazz a banger that they just haven’t had in years. It’s a solid pick, don’t get me wrong. But it is a little bit of a surprise.

4. CLEVELAND – Tristan Thompson (Freshman F, Texas)

One of the real head-scratcher picks in this draft, the Cavs used their second top-5 pick on Thompson, an athletic big man out of Texas. I knew Thompson would be a first round pick, but I sure as heck didn’t think it would be this high. Thompson can score in the post and in face-up situations, defend, and has a great motor on the floor. He uses that motor to compete and to get to the foul line. Unfortunately, his free throw shooting is hard to watch. Think a cross between Ben Wallace and that overweight guy you always see failing so badly in those shooting contests that teams have during timeouts in some arenas. He has great talent, but he MUST improve the foul shooting dramatically in order to make an impact. His motor will ensure that he gets there often enough to make this an issue. A true shock pick for me.

5. TORONTO – Jonas Valanciunas (C, Lithuania)

With Brandon Knight and Kemba Walker still on the board, the Raptors use their only pick in the draft on… a guy who may not even come for a year or two? Another surprise pick- Valanciunas has legitimate size and is a young big man with a pretty bright future, something the Raptors need, but passing up on a potential franchise point guard in today’s NBA for a player like Valanciunas just might come back to haunt this troubled franchise. He has a buyout issue, but he is only 19, and the Raptors do have a history of international players doing well there. Still, Knight or Walker would have been smarter (since Jose Calderon- ironically, one of those aforementioned international players- is likely not the long-term answer at the 1).

6. WASHINGTON – Jan Vesely (F, Czech Republic)

When you have a franchise point guard, finding finishers for him to pass the ball to is always key. The Wizards draft who they have been rumored to draft for weeks in this spot, Czech forward Jan Vesely. After a quick kiss with his bombshell of a date (and believe me- she was pretty darn good-looking), he went up on stage to get his draft hat and handshake. What Washington gets here is a guy who is definitely NOT your typical Euro big man. Vesely can fly- he’s more athletic than any Euro player has been in a LONG time, and his high-flying ways will blend well with John Wall’s up-tempo style. Wizards fans will love him.

7. CHARLOTTE (from SACRAMENTO via trade) – Bismack Biyombo (F, Congo)

Well, this was another surprising pick. Biyombo came out of nowhere to become a lottery pick, and a draft day trade sends his rights to the Bobcats. Charlotte gets an all-defense shotblocker and protector of the rim with Biyombo, who has freakish (wingspan- 7’7”) length and gives Charlotte something it hasn’t had in, well… ever. With Detroit rumored to take him for a while now, the Bobcats throw a wrench in those plans and nab a raw, but intriguing big man.

8. DETROIT – Brandon Knight (freshman G, Kentucky)

With Biyombo already off the board, the Pistons make a smart, smart pick in selecting the smart, smart Knight here. They have never really been comfortable with Rodney Stuckey at the 1, and this selection moves him to his more natural position of scoring guard. Not only that, but Knight is a good shooter (Stuckey is more of a slasher), and a plus defender with a good hoops IQ (which Detroit has lacked). It’s really a great pick, since Detroit had to get better on D with it, and still did with their prime target off the board. “Smart Joe” Dumars strikes again!

9. CHARLOTTE – Kemba Walker (junior G, Connecticut)

Well, the Bobcats’ other glaring need was scoring, and they excited a lot of people in Newark when they selected Walker, the sensation who led UConn to the national title this past March. In Charlotte, Walker will be looked upon to score, since the same trade that netted the Bobcats Bismack Biyombo also sent away Steven Jackson. Walker has tremendous quickness and toughness, two things that will help him since he isn’t very tall. Walker has been a winner everywhere he has been, and plays with a competitive spirit that Michael Jordan and company will love. When you look at it, since there were no great wings in this draft for scoring, Charlotte’s need for scoring would have to be filled with a smaller player, and Walker fits the bill.

10. SACRAMENTO (from MILWAUKEE via trade) – Jimmer Fredette (senior G, BYU)

The Jimmer was clearly the crowd favorite tonight, and he finds a home in Sacramento, where he should continue to be a crowd favorite. How the Kings will use Fredette, I have no idea, but Jimmer can fill it up and shoot from almost anywhere on the court. He is also a better athlete than he seems. Scoring guards/wings are sorely needed in Sacramento, and the Kings also need to put fans in seats at Power Balance Pavillion (nee ARCO Arena). Enter The Jimmer to try and fix both.

11. GOLDEN STATE – Klay Thompson (junior G, Washington State)

I love this pick by the Warriors. Thompson is an underrated shooter who can defend as well; his shooting fits Golden State’s roster nicely, and his defense will be welcome on this team. He has a smoothness to his game that I think will translate nicely into the NBA. And as someone tweeted me after he was picked, being the son of former NBA player and great defender Mychal Thompson, he’d better defend! (Editor's note: Pretty sure I tweeted this to Jason)

12. UTAH – Alec Burks (sophomore G, Colorado)

The Jazz nailed this one- in addition to their need for a banger, they also need a wing, and Burks is a guy who can do everything you need him to except shoot consistently. He can get to the rim, defend pretty well, and rebound well for his position. If he develops a jumper, watch out for this pick to be a pretty good one down the road for the Jazz. Not only that, but Burks plays with a chip on his shoulder, so he’ll always give effort on both ends. Jerry Sloan would have loved this pick.

13. PHOENIX – Markieff Morris (junior F, Kansas)

Let’s be honest here- you thought Marcus, the better scorer of the two Morris twins, would be drafted before Markieff, the better rebounder/defender of the two. Well, Phoenix chose the elder twin, and it’s a good pick. Markieff is a definite 4, unlike his brother, and can help the Suns on defense, which they need. With Marcin Gortat looking like the center for the time being, a forward to go with him was on the Suns’ needs list, and Morris can certainly fill in the blanks alongside Gortat.

14. HOUSTON – Marcus Morris (junior F, Kansas)

Well, Marcus sure didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called. Houston needs size BADLY, and Marcus Morris isn’t exactly ideal in that department. But he can score at the forward position, which the Rockets will like alongside Luis Scola, who looks like he will continue to be an undersized center. And hey- is there a better guy to learn the finer points of being an undersized post player than Chuck Hayes?

15. SAN ANTONIO (from INDIANA via trade) – Kawhi Leonard (sophomore F, San Diego State)

In another head-scratcher, the Spurs trade George Hill (NOT Tony Parker) and get back Leonard in the deal. Hill was the point guard of the future for the Spurs, or so we thought. Leonard is a versatile defender and a great rebounder, although he doesn’t have a true position, either. He needs to improve his handle and his jumper to be a threat on offense, but Leonard is a great glue guy who always competes hard on both ends of the floor. Those in the Spurs organization will love that about him, as well as that versatility on defense. He should come in and receive playing time right away because he works so hard.

16. PHILADELPHIA – Nikola Vucevic (junior C, USC)

The Sixers hit a home run with this pick. Vucevic is a legitimate center who is also a legit low-post scorer. The Sixers get a center who can score for the first time in ages and fill out their already solid roster of Elton Brand, Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, and company with Vucevic, who could turn out to be the steal of this weak draft class. I think he’s that good, and again- he has legit size for a center and scoring ability in the post, something that you really couldn’t find in any other player in this draft.

17. 17. NEW YORK – Iman Shumpert (junior G, Georgia Tech)

Cue the boos from the Knicks fans. I was surrounded by them, and after David Stern announced this pick, many of them looked like their puppy had just been run over by a truck. It was a pretty amusing scene. But in all seriousness, Shumpert is a good defender (best defender on the team already? It’s very possible…) who has very quick hands and forces a lot of steals. His jumper is erratic, but the defensive ability is there. He played a lot of point guard this past year at GT, and Knicks fans should hope that he can usurp Toney Douglas from the backup point guard role, since that decidedly did NOT work last year. Shumpert shot up the draft boards this past week, and Knicks fans should not despair. There have been worse draft picks by James Dolan and company than this one.

18. WASHINGTON (from ATLANTA) – Chris Singleton (junior F, Florida State)

Ok, so this is the guy many Knicks fans wanted the pick before. Singleton is a better and more versatile defender than Shumpert, an athletic and rangy forward who can guard 4 positions on the floor. He can’t score, but his presence as a wing defender fits the Washington roster nicely. It’s a solid pick by Washington, who really had a good night at the draft.

19. MILWAUKEE (from CHARLOTTE via trade) – Tobias Harris (freshman F, Tennessee)

As part of the trade that sent the 10^th pick to Sacramento and the 7^th pick to Charlotte, the Bucks get the rights to this pick, and get Tobias Harris, and athletic forward with a high basketball IQ. He isn’t overly great at any one thing, but is versatile on offense, can shoot the ball well, and is (hopefully) smart enough to ignore Steven Jackson (who was also sent to Milwaukee in the same trade). A nice complimentary piece for the Bucks to add- his versatility means that he can fill in the blanks.

20. HOUSTON (from MINNESOTA via trade) – Donatas Montiejunas (F, Lithuania)

Ok, now we’re talking. Listed at 7 feet, Montiejunas has legit size and is pretty skilled and athletic for that size. There are questions about his motor, though, and he also may not come over to the NBA right away. Curious seeing as Houston needs help now up front, but you can’t really complain if you’re a Rockets fan for any reason other than that. Montiejunas could turn into a pretty good player down the road.

21. PORTLAND – Nolan Smith (senior G, Duke)

Well, this one was a shocker as well. The Blazers reach for Smith, who was projected by some to fall into the second round, and may end up with a good pick there. With a trade sending Andre Miller to Denver for Raymond Felton, that point guard tandem of Smith and Felton could work nicely. Smith is a great smart player who can nail a catch-and-shoot three and defend his position well. He won’t start over Felton, but the more I think about this pick the more I warm up to it.

22. DENVER – Kenneth Faried (senior F, Morehead State)

The Nuggets select the Newark native and one of the best rebounders in the modern era of college basketball with this pick, which received loud cheers from everyone in attendance. Faried is a high motor guy and as previously stated, a fantastic 5-zone rebounder. He’s also athletic, and I like to compare him to Kenyon Martin a little bit- not because of his hype coming out of tiny Morehead State (Martin was also more athletic than Faried), but because of what his role could be with Denver. Martin currently provides the rebounding, and Faried may end up replacing him if the Nuggets decide not to resign Martin down the road.

23. CHICAGO (from HOUSTON via trade) – Nikola Mirotic (F, Serbia)

Mirotic is one of those draft-and-stash/wait picks, a 6’10” forward who is very well-rounded. He is a good shooter, but can also put the ball on the floor and defend multiple positions. The catch is that he won’t be coming for a few years because of contract issues. The one Bulls fan I talked to at the Draft didn’t like that too much, but he, and all Bulls fans, will have to wait for this great talent to come on over.

24. OKLAHOMA CITY – Reggie Jackson (junior G, Boston College)

Well, someone was going to take a risk on Jackson, who because of injury was unable to work out for anyone. Jackson showed this past season that he can score, which OKC can definitely use off the bench. As a young team with a deep roster, the Thunder took a calculated risk, one that could pay off nicely, but if it doesn’t, they won’t take too much a step back. Good pick by them.

25. NEW JERSEY (from BOSTON via trade) – Marshon Brooks (senior G, Providence)

Boy, oh boy do I love this pick by my NJ Nets. The Nets happen to have a franchise point guard in Deron Williams, but suffered this past year on the wings. Enter Brooks, who was one of the top scorers in the nation this past year. He has great size for the wing position, good range on his jumper, and can also get into the paint and get to the line. On defense, he should adjust to the NBA because of his size and his athleticism. D-Will finally has a scorer (Anthony Morrow is more of a shooter) to pass to, and the Nets get a great deal done with Boston to nab Brooks at 25^th overall.

26. DENVER (from DALLAS via trade) – Jordan Hamilton (sophomore F, Texas)

The Nuggets got the rights to Hamilton from Dallas in a trade, and Hamilton is a talented shooter/scorer, someone who should be explosive. This is a great value pick, as Hamilton has the talent to have already been off the board by now, yet somehow slipped to this position. The question now becomes what you do with Wilson Chandler. If you keep Chandler, Hamilton doesn’t seem to have a true spot on the roster.

27. BOSTON (from NEW JERSEY via trade) – JaJuan Johnson (senior F, Purdue)

Honestly, I would have been happy with this pick had New Jersey just kept it, but I’ll gladly take Brooks. Boston will also gladly take Johnson, who is very similar to Kevin Garnett in terms of their games- both are tall, perimeter-oriented big men. Garnett can mentor Johnson as he improves both his jumper and his defense, and mold him into his potential successor (and current backup) in Boston. Solid trade, by the way, between Boston and the Nets that helps both teams. The Nets also sent a future 2^nd rounder to Boston in the deal.

28. MIAMI (from CHICAGO via trade) – Norris Cole (senior G, Cleveland State)

It was an interesting pick by Chicago initially, but it became Miami’s pick via a trade. Cole can certainly run a team and score, and Miami needed some punch on it’s bench. Cole can be a terrific backup point/combo guard for the Heat, who will likely cut ties with Mike Bibby and move Mario Chalmers into the starting lineup.

29. SAN ANTONIO – Cory Joseph (freshman G, Texas)

Strange pick, as Joseph shouldn’t really have declared in the first place. After all these years, we have learned not to doubt the Spurs when it comes to draft day, but this one is just weird. Joseph can score a little, but is not a great athlete and is an above-average, but not great shooter. He’s a combo guard in the truest (and perhaps unfortunate) sense of the word. Shocked that he went in the first round, and to San Antonio as well. Perhaps they see something we don’t. It wouldn’t be the first time.

30. CHICAGO – Jimmy Butler (senior F, Marquette)

I love this pick for so many reasons- one: the road Butler has taken to the NBA is inspiring, two: Butler is versatile on both offense and defense and can step in and fill in the blanks for a contender like Chicago, and three: he’s a quality person. Glad to see he got drafted by the right organization and the right team. He should contribute right away because of his strong work ethic.

Second Round:

The second round was filled with a ton of weirdness, to say the least.

31. NEW JERSEY (from MIAMI/MINNESOTA via trade) – Bojan Bogdanovic (F, Croatia)

Another guy with contract issues that will keep him out of the league for a while, Bogdanovic is described as a versatile forward who can do just about anything, sort of like the last pick, Jimmy Butler. See ya’ later, Bogdanovic.

32. ORLANDO (from CLEVELAND via trade) – Justin Harper (senior F, Richmond)

Orlando buys the rights to Harper and gets a Ryan Anderson clone to pair with Dwight Howard. I guess they like his defense or something else in his game because, you know, they already have Ryan Anderson to do those things. Harper can shoot the daylights out of the ball, and is a better midrange shooter than Anderson. Perhaps a trade of one or the other is in order, because they duplicate each other so closely.

33. DETROIT (from TORONTO) – Kyle Singler (senior F, Duke)

There’s no easy way to say this- I don’t like this pick one bit. Singler was a very good college player, but I do not think his game translates into the NBA at all. With his build and lack of great athleticism, he has to be a great shooter, but he isn’t at all. Sure, he can work on his game and especially his shooting, but if he doesn’t develop a consistent jumper (and quick) he won’t last long at all.

34. WASHINGTON – Shelvin Mack (junior G, Butler)

Man, is Washington having a great draft or what? Mack is a proven winner with an NBA-ready body and a good jump shot (not great, but good). Mack can also get in the lane to make stuff happen, and coming from Butler, he is a plus defender at his position, and his body helps him out on D. Can he play a good point guard and back up John Wall adequately? That is the $64,000 question with him, but the Wiz got a proven winner who will definitely come in and work hard. Great pick all around.

35. SACRAMENTO – Tyler Honeycutt (sophomore F, UCLA)

The Kings take the local kid in Tyler Honeycutt. What he brings to the table is his defense. Listed at 6’8”, he has the athletic ability to make that defensive ability count. He’s also an unselfish passer and a smart player with a high hoops IQ. He can’t really score, which Sacramento did need coming into this draft, but he can defend the perimeter, which the Kings also needed (what DIDN’T the Kings need, honestly?). Solid pick of a defense-first guy to pair with the Jimmer’s offense-first mentality by the Kings.

36. NEW JERSEY – Jordan Williams (senior F, Maryland)

Halle-freaking-lujah. The Nets get physical with their selection of Williams, a bruising forward with long arms that make up for a lack of explosiveness. Williams is the best rebounder left on the board and rarely strays to the perimeter for anything except a screen, meaning one thing to me- he’d better fight Brook Lopez in practice and re-teach him how to rebound. He also fits as a nice backup to Kris Humphries (provided he’s re-signed) if needed. But his main value will be to go right at Lopez and force him to rediscover his rebounding edge. Solid second-round pick and if Williams can keep his conditioning up, he’ll carve out a nice Humphries-like career at best.

37. LA CLIPPERS (from DETROIT) – Trey Thompkins (junior F, Georgia)

Thompkins is very much like Jordan Williams- both are physical inside presences, although while Thompkins comes armed with a jump shot as well, he isn’t really as developed as Williams. By that I mean that Thompkins has the tools, but hasn’t put them together like Williams did this past year at Maryland, leading that team with his play down low. The Clippers nab a big man here that can be very valuable down the road and off the bench behind Blake Griffin and/or DeAndre Jordan.

38. HOUSTON (from LA CLIPPERS) – Chandler Parsons (senior F, Florida)

Before you write Parsons off as a Chase Budinger clone, take these facts into account- Parsons is 6’10” (bigger than Budinger) and is not as athletic as Budinger, but he is a better passer and has a better hoops IQ. Parsons is the type of player that can come off your bench and give you decent minutes night in and night out. With so much uncertainty in Houston, the Rockets need someone like that. If Parsons gets a consistent stroke from deep, then they may just have something there.

39. GOLDEN STATE (from CHARLOTTE via trade) – Jeremy Tyler (F, USA)

The great unknown pick, Golden State acquires Tyler’s rights and they get a guy who skipped his senior year of high school to go pro overseas. Tyler is a project at this level. One of the best high school players in the country a couple years ago, he isn’t nearly as highly regarded now. He’ll have to work very hard to make it in the Association.

40. MILWAUKEE – Jon Leuer (senior F, Wisconsin)

Another local guy pick, this one actually has a decent chance of working out. Leuer is not athletic at all, but in Bo Ryan’s system at Wisconsin, his skills were undeniable. Leuer can basically do everything- shoot, pass, rebound (although for his size he could be better), defend, and even create off the dribble. He’s listed at 7 feet, although he could be a little shorter than that. But he’s a smart player who Scott Skiles will love in his defense-first system.

41. LA LAKERS (from GOLDEN STATE) – Darius Morris (sophomore G, Michigan)

I was talking with a Michigan State alum at the draft about Morris, and he thinks the same thing I do- great size for his position, good court vision, excellent defender and a good shooter, but isn’t quite going to step in and beat out Derek Fisher for a starting spot. Both of us agreed that Morris can certainly go at Fisher and Steve Blake in practice, and new head coach Mike Brown loves guys who can defend, but I don’t think he’s quite the point guard of the future in LA, even though the Lakers got good value with their first pick in this draft.

42. SAN ANTONIO (from INDIANA via trade)- Davis Bertans (F, Latvia)

Bertans is regarded as a great shooter, and the Spurs get to stash him away for a little bit. Again, do not question San Antonio when it comes to draft moves, although I maintain that trading George Hill was a bit of a mistake on their part.

43. MINNESOTA (from CHICAGO via trade) – Malcolm Lee (junior G, UCLA)

Lee, like his teammate Tyler Honeycutt, is primarily a defender. He has a more consistent jumper than Honeycutt does, and also played a little point guard at UCLA from time to time. What Lee lacks is a great hoops IQ, making some questionable decisions with the ball. He does have great athleticism, though, and depending on who’s hired in Minnesota, that could help his cause.

44. GOLDEN STATE (from CHICAGO) – Charles Jenkins (senior G, Hofstra)

Well, the contingent of Hofstra fans that stayed loyally got to see Jenkins get picked. The two-time defending Haggerty Award-winner as the best player in the NY Metro area, the Warriors get another guard who can flat-out score the ball. Jenkins is like Monta Ellis in that he is undersized, but I think Jenkins can succeed coming off the bench for Mark Jackson in the Bay Area. The large group of Pride fans certainly think so.

45. NEW YORK (from NEW ORLEANS via trade) – Josh Harrellson (senior C, Kentucky)

Umm… what? Josh “Jorts” Harrellson actually gets drafted? This is where the second round really started getting weird. Harrellson had a great year at Kentucky, anchoring the Wildcats down low with his strong rebounding and occasional scoring. But did anyone honestly think he’d get drafted? New York bought his rights, and it’s nice to have some size, and a center, but there’s no way in my mind that he’s the answer to the Knicks’ needs down low.

46. LA LAKERS (from NEW YORK) – Andrew Goudelock (senior G, College of Charleston)

Goudelock can light it up from anywhere on the court. A pure scorer with deep range on his jumper, he projects out to be a backup point guard in the NBA. He complements Darius Morris (the Lakers’ previous draftee) well because his shooting is what Morris lacks. You could definitely do worse this late in the draft.

47. LA CLIPPERS (from HOUSTON) - Travis Leslie (junior G, Georgia)

I would love to see a dunk contest featuring both Leslie and Blake Griffin. It would get ratings. Good ratings. Leslie is an explosive athlete who projects out to be a defensive stopper at the guard positions because of that athleticism. He may not score a lot in the NBA, but when he does, it just might make Sportscenter every time. Keep an eye on him.

48. ATLANTA- Keith Benson (senior C, Oakland)

The Hawks have only one pick in this draft and they get bigger with Benson. Benson is a great talent, but his body needs work. If he gains a good amount of muscle on his 6’11” frame, he’ll have a good career.

49. MEMPHIS – Josh Selby (freshman G, Kansas)

Well, someone finally takes a chance on Selby, the troubled but talented guard out of Kansas. Selby had a down year for the Jayhawks and it hurt his draft status, but Memphis is an enigmatic franchise who has taken chances on Tony Allen and Zack Randolph (and had it pay off in both cases), so they get good value talent-wise with this pick.

50. PHILADELPHIA (from NEW ORLEANS) – Lavoy Allen (senior F, Temple)

Another local guy pick, but I don’t think this one will stick as well as some of the others. Allen was a great player at Temple, but he was also inconsistently so. Since the Sixers already have Elton Brand at the 4 spot, Allen will need to work his butt off for PT.

51. PORTLAND - Jon Diebler (senior G, Ohio State)

Diebler is a shooter, plain and simple. If you’re drafting this late, he’s worth taking a flyer on, especially since Portland finally shipped Rudy Fernandez out of town in that trade that brought them Raymond Felton.

52. DETROIT – Vernon Macklin (senior F, Florida)

Macklin is a big body who can help depth-wise down low. He developed a decent jump hook this past season, but he’s still a very raw prospect.

53. ORLANDO – DeAndre Liggins (junior G, Kentucky)

Liggins is a defender first, last and always. His selection by the Magic could turn out to be a pretty good one. The last good perimeter defender the Magic had was Mickael Pietrus, and that seems like ages ago.

54. CLEVELAND (from OKLAHOMA CITY) – Milan Macvan (F, Serbia)

Two words- waste pick. Enough said. This pick started a string of “Who the heck is that guy?” picks late in this round that made me wonder if the GMs were tired so they just opened a book and picked a random name from there. Seriously, these were bad picks. Don’t believe me? Read on.

55. BOSTON- E’Twaun Moore (senior G, Purdue)

Moore is a pretty good selection here. His shooting will be what carries him into the league and onto someone’s roster because he isn’t a great athlete. He can play a little point, which can also help his cause because he doesn’t have great size, either.

56. DENVER (from LA LAKERS via trade) – Chukwudiebere Maduabum (C, Bakersfield Jam, NBADL)

WHO???? WHAT???? WHY????

57. MINNESOTA (from DALLAS via trade) - Tanguy Ngombo (F, Qatar)

Fran Fraschilla said that this guy was the best player to ever come out of the Qatar pro league. Which would be great. But I bet the USA U-18 squad could beat them. I nearly left at this point because of the past two picks. The most ridiculous things I have ever seen at the Draft, and I’ve been watching for a good 6 years straight.

58. LA LAKERS (from MIAMI) – Ater Majok (F, Sudan)

Ok, scratch that. THIS is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen at the Draft. The Lakers are either having a blind guy pick for them at this point or... you know what that’s what they are doing. Yep. And yes, this is the same guy who bombed in his lone year at UConn and was the rawest big man in the history of the world.

59. SAN ANTONIO – Adam Hanga (G, Hungary)

Fran Fraschilla gave this selection his stamp of approval, and from the highlights, he just may be right. The Spurs tend to do their homework on international guys, so they actually did some and picked Hanga. Manu Ginobili was 57^th overall, so you never know. But again, you have to do your homework, which the Lakers and Mavs clearly didn’t do.

60. SACRAMENTO (from MILWAUKEE) – Isaiah Thomas (junior G, Washington)

SOMEONE WE’VE HEARD OF!!! Thomas is a little guy with good quickness who played a good point guard at Washington this past year. If anything, he can be a change of pace guy off the bench. Because of his size, he’ll also be a fan favorite in Sacramento provided he makes the team.

And there you have it! It was great to see the Draft live for once, and the venue really worked nicely for the event. The talent pool was weak, but it was still a nice experience. Hopefully this isn’t all made null and void by the NBA lockout, or as I like to call it, The Impending Doom. Thanks for reading!

Stanley Cup Final Preview

2011-06-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

The theme of this year's Stanley Cup Final is the exercising of postseason failure. Both the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins have experienced losing, not just in the history of both franchises, but recent memory as well.

For the Bruins, it's a history of losing to the Montreal Canadiens almost every spring, plus the years of 1988-92 which they reached the Cup Final twice and two Wales Conference Finals as well and couldn't win. It also includes the last two springs which include a Game 7 home overtime loss to Carolina and the loss to the Flyers after leading the series 3-0.

Vancouver's past include losing Game 7 to the Rangers in the 1994 Final, coming within a Nathan Lafayette shot off the post from tying the game. It also includes the Markus Naslund-Todd Bertuzzi years which they were the most entertaining team, yet dealt with playoff failures in the early 2000s. Their recent failures are the back-to-back series losses to the Chicago Blackhawks, which saw the worst of Roberto Luongo by the end of each series.

Now these two teams are set to take the ice tonight in Rogers Arena to begin a Stanley Cup Final which the matchup on paper might mean nothing. Then again, this is hockey, the matchup on paper doesn't always mean anything. The best three players in this series are probably both Henrik and Daniel Sedin and Ryan Kesler. Boston can counter with Milan Lucic, David Krejci and Nathan Horton, who might not be as good as the Vancouver three, at the very least are playing as well right now.

Just rewatch both series; the Sedins regained their scoring touch as particularly Henrik dominated the series with his passing. When he gets going, then brother Daniel starts to score, then Alex Burrows and before long, a more confident Canucks team emerges, which is troublesome for the entire league. That doesn't include Kesler, who's a jack of all trades for the Canucks, with his scoring, playmaking, and special teams ability. As for the Bruins, all three men carried the Bruins at times late in the series. Krejci, alone, has been the Bruins catalyst for the last 3 years, only no one really thinks of this as true. When they lost to the Flyers last year, it was due to Krejci's injury and no one else being able to score consistently for them. Along with Horton, who's been the sniper that Boston fans have wanted for years, not so much in huge goal numbers, but just a plain ability to get the puck past the goaltender. Meanwhile, Lucic just seems to be everywhere, skating hard and no one on the ice will take a run at him, for fear of how he'd answer back.

The rest of both teams' rosters are full of depth; players who are willing to step up when needed. It's no different than any other hockey team, only the quality of the depth. Zdeno Chara is the best defensemen in the series and almost certainly will be on Sedin duty this series. Tyler Seguin is the Bruins x-factor, who can carry the Bruins when they aren't scoring with his ability. Mark Recchi, Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley all provide big minutes and timely plays for Boston and Dennis Seidenberg has been key as Chara d-line mate. The Canucks depth includes Kevin Bieksa, a defensemen who while isn't a Chara on the blueline, can do anything that's needed by Vancouver. Chris Higgins has really led the team with his scoring because he's more a grinder than scorer. And then there's Raffi Torres, a man who will be called apon to give big hits to the Bruins, countering what Boston thinks as how they would win this series.

Finally, the goaltenders, where this series story will be told. Roberto Luongo has had all the expectation to reach this stage and after some tough times in the Chicago series, he's really carried the Canucks past the Predators in a low-scoring series and past a more high-octane Sharks squad. Meanwhile, what hasn't already been said about Tim Thomas. The man just competes in goal. He reminds me of Mike Richter to be honest, as both men were battler's in net and while both guys were at times susceptible to a soft goal, also can't be beat if they play at their best. The Tampa series is really what you need to know from Thomas, following up each loss with a near unstoppable performance (yes, I know he gave up 5 goals in Game 2, but followed that game with a shutout). My warning for anyone picking Vancouver; that means you're picking against Tim Thomas.

I've thought this series is a lot like a reverse 1994 with the Canucks in the Rangers role and Boston in Vancouver's role. Vancouver, like the Rangers, probably can do more of what they want to do on the ice, only that goaltender is there to shut them down, and when he does, Boston will counterpunch. This is a series that will go seven, only I see the home team losing and waiting another year.

Predicition: Bruins in 7

NBA Finals Preview

2011-05-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

An interesting NBA Finals begins tonight as we see if the Heat can fulfill it's promise to bring championships to South Beach, while a group of old vets lead Dallas into the Finals with likely their last legitimate run to an NBA title. What makes the Dallas run so compelling is that no one has won before, aside from Rick Carlisle's title with Boston as a player. They also have Dirk Nowitzki, looking to vanquish demons from his last Finals appearance, against the Heat, along with Jason Terry, the other holdover from the 2006 Mavs team. Jason Kidd looks to erase his two title losses with the Nets, Peja Stojakovic looks to right a wrong from the 2002 Western Conference Finals and Shawn Marion will do the same after losses to the Spurs in the mid-2000s.

As for Miami, Dwyane Wade looks for his second title, while LeBron James tries to start making Scottie Pippen right (which he never could) about being a greater player than Michael Jordan. You can't even attempt to argue that until LeBron wins a title. Not when you're dealing with Jordan, who's competitive fire is greater than almost every superstar in history (probably just Russell is in the group, with Kobe a level below). The story for the Heat won't be their other guys, but if Chris Bosh continues to play at the level he showed against the Bulls, if Wade can make up for a weak (for him) series on offense and if LeBron can maintain the ruthlessness he demonstrated since Game 4 against the Celtics.

The matchup itself will be fun, as we'll wonder if Dirk or LeBron will be held by anyone. My guess; no one holds LeBron, while Dallas will survive the games which Dirk is hitting his shots no matter who's guarding him. After those two, it will be seen if the Mavs can hit from the perimeter, negating the Heat's advantage in halfcourt defense.

Prediction: Mavs in 6

No Country For Old Men

2011-05-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kevin Durant just hit a three. He got that three after Nick Collison got another effort offensive rebound which the Oklahoma City Thunder were doing great all night at doing. The Dallas Mavericks called a timeout, but with five minutes left, they were down 15 and we were headed to Dallas tied at 2.

The next possession, James Harden fouled Shawn Marion and that was the game for him. I don't think anyone knew that was also the game for the Thunder.

What took place was perhaps the defining games for the old men carrying the Mavs into this series and those old men (particularly Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and Marion) carried the Mavs back in this game and ultimately into victory. It started with Dirk on offense, who matched and exceeded his remarkable play from Game 1 with killer shot after killer shot and made the two big free throws at the end of regulation.

However, it wouldn't be fair to give Dirk all the credit for this win. Kidd and Marion played defense like they did 5 years ago. Now, let's be fair on one thing, OKC didn't play offense well at all. They had no clue what they were doing. This allowed Kidd and Marion wreck havoc with effort plays. Both men had the key plays in the game; Marion blocks Durant's winning attempt at the end of regulation (Two points; first, that was one of the worst possessions ever in a game winning situation. Secondly, heads up by Kidd to call timeout to set up a last shot for the Mavs, even if it didn't go in) and Kidd's killer three with 40 seconds left in overtime. That whole sequence encapsulated this game from Dallas as Kidd and Marion force a turnover by Durant, ball finds Dirk who makes move after move on Nick Collison and instead of shooting, kicks out to Kidd, who nails the three. I mentioned Terry, while not having a big night, kept doing little things, like making a jumper in the OT as the Mavs offense stagnated, hustling to a loose ball, which Russell Westbrook stupidly played out of bounds and wasted 4 seconds before calmly sinking two free throws to ice the game.

The series moves back to Dallas and the Mavs are a win away from returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2006, which they blew a game just like this and it began to end the series for them. This year's playoff run has essentially been a final run of sorts for a Mavs team that is getting older in a league that's getting younger and younger. The Thunder are the embodiment of the direction the league is heading, yet the Mavs continue to grind out wins. And with Dirk playing basketball with an edge we only saw once (the 2006 playoffs until Game 2 of the Finals), the commitment to defense and the deepest team left in the playoffs, there's a good chance they can grind out the five wins necessary to win a title, final piece in the careers of the vets of the Dallas Mavericks.

Randomness While I'll Gladly Hit 9th

2011-05-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Crazy week in Yankeeland (legitimately so, not the fake kind that New York likes to think of). Jorge Posada asking out of the lineup because he was slotted ninth in the order appears to be the beginning of the end for his career. Interestingly, it grabs the spotlight on the real problem; a Yankees team that all of a sudden looks old and no longer have the consistent offense to help win games. Doesn't help that the Yankees bullpen isn't the shutdown bullpen that was imagined and it's only a matter of time before the starting pitching comes undone. And the problem, unless they start looking very different in the next two months, no trade would be enough to save them. This is starting to feel like 1965 for those Yankee fans who remember that year.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox, who were left for dead, have now just pulled over .500 after that comeback win tonight over the Orioles. They've won 5 of 6 against the Yankees, mainly by playing a little better in each phase of the game in their wins.

Nice to see the Indians and Royals playing well. Too bad I didn't write this last week, or I can include to Pirates.

I'm thinking the Mavs beat the Thunder in 6. Here's the first series which Oklahoma City faces a team with a legitimate crunch-time scorer in Dirk. The Dallas big's in Chandler, Dirk and Haywood are better than Perkins, Ibaka and Nazr Mohammed. Finally, too much depth the Mavs have, as evident by the series against the Lakers. Yes, Durant and Westbrook can turn the series, but this is the last opportunity for the Mavs championship window. They'll get it done.

As for the other series that have started, the Heat need to find a way to make the rebound disadvantage against the Bulls look less so. If only Chris Bosh would play as a guy who just bangs bodies and grabs boards. The two hockey conference finals are too soon to gauge anything as the Sharks lost energy in the 3rd period of Game 1 and the Boston had a very sloppy 1st period they couldn't recover from.

It's very close that the Atlanta Thrashers are on it's way to Winnipeg (read Elliotte Friedman and Bruce Arthur's columns for further on that story, good reads), but I have a question. If the Coyotes can't sell the team to someone who wants to keep it in Glendale and with no Winnpeg available and Quebec City wouldn't be ready until 2015, where would they go? Does Jim Balsillie reenter the picture and moves them to Hamilton? Does another U.S. market pick them up?

Derek Boogaard's death is still shocking to me. Even though he didn't play well with the Rangers, the stories about his work off the ice show how much a gentle giant he was. The real shame is no one cares enough about players who contribute to the community if they don't play well, at least that's true in places like New York. Adam Graves was the most humanitarian Rangers of all, yet no one would have known had he not been one of 3 Rangers to score 50 goals in a season, leading them to a Stanley Cup.

Listening to the ESPN guys talk about Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak inevitably lead to discussion between his record and Ted Williams hitting .406 in the same year. Which led to a conversation between my father and I about probably the greatest Yankees/Red Sox what if: What if Williams and DiMaggio are traded for each other when Tom Yawkey and Dan Topping get drunk that one night? The obvious answer is you give Ted Williams the short porch in right and DiMaggio gets to swing at the Green Monster, both guys get more inflated stats.

But here's the kicker; if Ted Williams, not DiMaggio is a Yankee in 1951, Mickey Mantle doesn't hurt his knee on that drain pipe in the '51 World Series. I guarantee it. You want to know why; because Mantle plays CF in his rookie year, not RF. The story goes, Mantle hard charges a ball and DiMaggio late calls it and Mantle's knee shatters when he steps on that drain. Well, no Joe D, no Mantle in right tearing his knee. Now, Mantle might still end up with the alcohol problems because of the effect of his father dying (we'll never know), but I guarantee you, Mantle doesn't have the injury problems to the extent that he does without his first major injury in 1951. His career as a result, likely one of the five greatest careers of all time.

Quick Stanley Cup Preview

2011-04-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

Due to real life, I don't have time for a lengthy preview of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So here's my quick take on each series.

Rangers-Caps: Basically, we get to see if the Caps are truly committed to their defensive gameplan of the past few months. We also see how much regular season success carries over to the playoffs. I still remember when Tampa played the Islanders in 2004, the Islanders won the season series, but still lost in 5 games. The Rangers have the goalie advantage, the advantage at the blueline (which they didn't have in '09), but without Ryan Callahan, some needs to step up (Marian Gaborik?) to put the puck in the net. No prediction, because I'm a biased Rangers fan, may as well get that out of the way.

Flyers-Sabers: The key to this series is will Chris Pronger play. If he does and plays well, the Flyers will win. If not, the Sabres are more dangerous on offense and Ryan Miller can be the difference maker. I still say the Flyers win, because they have better forwards and just need their goalie(s) not to lose it. Flyers in 7.

Bruins-Canadiens: The best series of the first round. Montreal has the history and they have the season series edge, 4-2. The Bruins have the psychological edge after their 7-0 win in March. Who wins? Boston has clear advantages at forward and the blueline, and goaltending is a wash. Unless the Bruins either don't play their physical style, or play it too much, they should win in 6.

Penguins-Lightning: Once again, the question is about a player coming back. This time, it's Sidney Crosby. I don't think he comes back and Pittsburgh has to make due without him. While the Lightning have terrific players such as Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and Vinny LeCavalier, I don't think they're ready to win yet. Pittsburgh, with Marc-Andre Fleury leading the way, grinds out a series win in 6.

Canucks-Blackhawks: Are the Canucks capable of finally beating the Blackhawks. Everyone was saying that Vancouver should be upset to play the Hawks again. I think they should be thrilled. To become the champ, you must beat the champ and the Canucks must get over this hill if they are to win. I think it's a challenge they accept and the fact that they have the deepest team in the playoffs, best scoring, best in goals against and they should win. Canucks in 5.

Sharks-Kings: The Kings had a chance to do big things this year, until losing Anze Kopitar. Now they are stuck with a San Jose team who's lurking as a sleeper to win, instead of a favorite. Sharks win in 6.

Red Wings-Coyotes: Until this afternoon, I was willing to make the Coyotes are my upset of the round. Then came the news they could be moving back to Winnipeg after the playoffs (sorry for no link, but I have no time to get one). This means the crowds in Phoenix, which weren't bad last year, will be either empty or full of Wings fans. Plus, it's never smart to pick against Detroit. Wings in 6.

Predators-Ducks: Barry Trotz should be commended for the job he does with a Nashville team who can't score, but seem to make the playoffs every year. If they played 10 years ago like this, they'd have a Cup. Unfortunately you need to score and the Ducks can with Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Teemu Selanne. Not enough firepower again for the Preds. Ducks win in 7.

MLB Preview

2011-03-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier than normal and without the National Championship game as the finale of the day, the 2011 MLB season begins today. This season begins off the heels of an offseason which was crazier than expected. Particularly, the moves by the Red Sox and Cliff Lee and Zack Greinke moving were the biggest stories. However, the hot stove has been turned off and its back to diamond where every team (yes, even the Pirates) are in first place on Opening Day, and despite the bad weather here in NYC, you can feel grass is about to grow and spring is coming. It's also time for another preview post (I know it seems like all I do are preview posts anymore) so let's get to it before the first pitch.

We begin in the reigning toughest division in baseball, and the likely toughest for the rest of time in the AL East. You know a division is tough when the fifth-place team can realistically win another division. Baltimore and Toronto are interesting because they are up-and-coming; both teams can hit well and they have young pitching that if they reach potential, could win about 85-90 games. Even that, however, wouldn't mean the playoffs for both. Tampa lost Carl Crawford, Rafael Soriano and many others, but they still have Evan Longoria and David Price and with good years from Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon and B.J. Upton, they can easily go back to the playoffs. However, I don't believe their bullpen without Soriano and Joaquin Benoit can establish themselves good enough to pass the Yankees and Red Sox. Both teams will make the playoffs, Josh Beckett would be the key if the Red Sox win the division or the Yankees. If Beckett's can bounce back to his best, then the Red Sox advantage in the rotation is pronounced over the Yankees. If not, then the rotations are a wash, with maybe a slight edge for Boston. I think the Red Sox win it, only because the Yankees might struggle early with the rotation and whatever trade they make won't swing the division, but solidify the wild card.

The AL Central once again has Minnesota, Detroit and Chicago as their contenders as Cleveland and Kansas City continue the rebuild. The Royals are really close to being a good team, as their best in baseball farm system continues to grow up. It won't be this year they compete for the playoffs, but in 2012 or 2013, they will. I think they hold off the Indians in the battle for last place, as Cleveland is a little behind the rebuild than the Royals (meaning Orlando Cabrera is traded to a contender by July 31). As for the contenders, I'm not sold on either the Tigers or White Sox to overtake the Twins. Chicago always seems to wear down over the year under Ozzie Guillen's managing, while the Tigers don't seem to have the rotation capable of winning the division. I know the Twins lost some major bullpen guys, but if Joe Nathan comes back to his All-Star form, that negates the loss. It also helps to have Justin Morneau back in the lineup, hopefully he can have a season which he's healthy enough for the playoffs, would be important if it's the Yankees they play again.

Last year was a change for the AL West as the Angels went by the wayside and the Rangers won the division and the league. This year, both team look to stagnate a little, opening the door for a surprise winner. Even though the Mariners seem to do good in odd numbered years, they won't win this year. They could settle for another Cy Young for King Felix (better than training him). I look to Oakland as the best team in the West as they have the best rotation (and had it last year) and with Josh Willingham and Hideki Matsui signing there, they have a better offense (of course, who knows with that ballpark). Anaheim is lacking in both offense and pitching to compete, despite Mike Scioscia's ability to manage. As for Texas, they will compete with Oakland to the end, but I must say, not getting Cliff Lee to resign is the difference for this team.

On to the NL, starting in the East where the Philly Phour reside. Despite the early season injuries, the Phillies really shouldn't miss the playoffs; if they do, it's an embarrassment. Speaking of embarrassment, the Mets should be the worst team in the division. I don't see how they pitch well, even in Citi Field, which will also negate the offense. Washington will be fourth, but they won't be any good until we know how Stephen Strasburg responds to Tommy John surgery, as well as when Bryce Harper moves to the majors. Florida is probably a year away from being a legitimate contender as the pitching behind Josh Johnson continues to develop more consistency and the lineup does as well, probably a good year in the new ballpark for them in 2012. The Braves will win the wild card as they are improved from last year. The pitching is still there (unless Derek Lowe comes back down) and more importantly, they will hit better with Dan Uggla and potential Rookie of the Year Freddie Freeman.

Probably the division that has the most potential contenders is the NL Central with Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Chicago and yes, St. Louis who can realistically win. I always think the Cards can compete because of Tony La Russa, Dave Duncan and Albert Pujols (even with the impending free agency). The Cubs are improved with Matt Garza and hope to have a motivated Carlos Pena who's on a one-year deal. Add Starlin Castro, Aramis Ramirez and Marlon Byrd and the lineup is good. Still think they fall short of the division, trailing both the Brewers and Reds. The Reds still have the balanced offense from last year and a dominant bullpen with Aroldis Chapman and Francisco Cordero at the back end. The Brewers offense is better than Cincy's and with Greinke and Shaun Marcum, they should have enough to win the division (and they better, they put too much into this season). No need to discuss the Astros or the Pirates, both will struggle, though Houston's closer to contention because of pitching.

Last but not least, the division of the defending World Series winners, the Giants. The division won't be as difficult now that the Padres traded Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox, and will suffer a bad year because of it, though it might not be too long a dip. The Diamondbacks are still on the long road of rebuilding since the pitching is still porous and they still don't hit with any consistency, though they do have building blocks. The Dodgers are interesting with a solid rotation and a nice lineup, but they don't have the hitting Colorado has or the pitching San Francisco has as well. The Rockies are the contender in the division, but will need more pitching than Ubaldo Jimenez to overtake the Giants. San Francisco will struggle early, but the injuries they have seem short-term and they should tread water until healthy, then win the end.

World Series Pick: Braves over A's

MVP's: Ryan Braun and Robinson Cano

Cy Young's: Roy Halladay and Jon Lester

Rookies of the Year: Freddie Freeman and Jeremy Hellickson

Managers of the Year: Ron Roenicke and Bob Geren

NCAA Tourney Preview

2011-03-16T10:48:00.001-07:00

Figured I'd put my entire preview in one post, I'll go through each region, giving you which teams are better than thought, which are worse and picks for the Final Four and Championship. One things for sure, this field is probably as hard as I can remember, only one team I felt any confidence in going to Houston. Maybe that means I'll win big, when if I had all the confidence in my Final Four, I'd probably lose it by Friday. Anyway, here's the regions.

East Region

This is with the West as the toughest region, a little more because of the name schools North Carolina, Syracuse and Kentucky are playing like their reputation, making it harder for number 1 overall Ohio St. Doesn't help that Washington, Xavier, West Virginia and George Mason play here too.

-Potential Cinderella: We have two, Marquette and Washington. The Huskies have Isaiah Thomas, who's capable of starting a long tourney run, while Marquette is one of the better coached teams in the Big Dance.

-Potential Pumpkin: North Carolina. I know they won the ACC and have Harrison Barnes, but they scared me in the ACC Tourney by trailing big in every game. Also, this year seems too soon for a Final Four Tar Heel team.

-Picks: OSU, Kentucky, Syracuse and Washington in Sweet 16. Kentucky and Cuse in Elite 8 and the Wildcats to win region. No one is picking Kentucky and I like how they're playing now. Plus, the early struggles I think will help them at this of year.

West Region

This is the other tough region, talent-wise, the top 4 seeds can each make the Final Four. Kyrie Irving will be back for Duke, Duke haters can only hope he doesn't transition seamlessly back into the flow for the Blue Devils, or you're looking at back-to-back titles.

-Potential Cinderella: This bracket is full of Cinderellas, as Oakland, Temple and Missouri all could outperform their seed; at least are the trending upset picks. Missouri gets that moniker because of Mike Anderson's pressure style, Oakland also plays uptempo and has an NBA-caliber big and Temple plays well in the halfcourt. Other possible Cinderella; Bucknell catching a tired UConn squad.

-Potential Pumpkin: UConn only because they are spent from the Big East Tourney (though it would have to be Kemba Walker who's spent), but Texas is a team I never like in the NCAA's. Rick Barnes is someone you should always pick against in the tournament; hell he couldn't even get the Longhorns to the Sweet 16 when Kevin Durant was playing there.

-Picks: Duke, Arizona, UConn and San Diego State reach Sweet 16 (Zona after beating Oakland in the "third round"). Duke and UConn face in the Elite 8 with Kemba taking the Huskies to the Final Four. Now don't sleep tomorrow against Bucknell.

Southwest Region

This bracket seems like it should go to Kansas. It's not too weak like we'll see in the Southwest, as Notre Dame, Purdue and Louisville are legitimately good. The Jayhawks, of course, will try to right the wrongs of last year's first round exit.

-Potential Cinderella: Richmond is good and can advance far, both VCU and Georgetown can outperform their seed. The Hoyas in particular are a potential Final Four team if Chris Wright is healed from his hand injury. Otherwise, they will be one and done.

-Potential Pumpkin: We outlined Georgetown, but Vanderbilt also stands to be an early loser. They probably are the most nondescript five seed that I can remember.

-Picks: Richmond gets the upset over Vandy, loses to Louisville in the second round (calling it third round before was sarcasm, we'll call the rounds correctly from now on). Louisville is joined by Kansas, ND and Purdue; with a Kansas/Purdue Elite 8 and Kansas heads to Houston.

Southeast Region

A horror show of a region that includes the worst 2 seed, the worst 3 and a 4 who lost their last game 36-33. All signs point to Pitt cleaning up this region, but if you know the history with the Pitt Panthers, you know that you can't make that assumption.

-Potential Cinderella: There are Cinderellas everywhere; Utah St, Belmont and Gonzaga as first round potential upset winners, with St. John's, UCLA and Michigan St as potential surprise Sweet 16's at the very least. Even Old Dominion is getting upset talk, the only 8/9 seed who's I think is getting that talk this year.

-Potential Pumpkin: Also littered, as Florida was overseeded at a 2 (unless you tell my Al Horford is coming back). BYU would have been the potential Final Four team, until they threw Brandon Davies off the team, now it's up to Jimmer to carry the Cougars as far as he can. Meanwhile, both Wisconsin and Kansas State are capable of losing early, the shame is the Wildcats probably could go far like last year, but get a tough draw in Utah State.

-Picks: I have Utah State over Belmont to go to the Sweet 16, joining Pitt, BYU and UCLA. Then the Panthers head to the Final Four with a win over the Bruins.

Final Four

UConn over Kentucky
Kansas over Pitt

Championship

Kansas over UConn

If you're interested in my entire bracket, click here.

Even More NBA Trade Frenzy

2011-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I banged out a blog post about the Knicks and Nets moves, with one point I left out. Russell Westbrook would be the PG to compete with Chris Paul out West if Paul stayed there. That's not why I'm writing today, it's because of the moves Westbrook's team, and other made today just as the deadline passed. Let's recap as we take a breath.

The move that set the ball in motion was the Celtics trading Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to the Thunder for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic. Both teams had more moves as Oklahoma picks up Nazr Mohammad from Charlotte for Mo Peterson and D.J. White. These moves just put the Thunder as a legitimate contender, if they weren't so already. Now, they have the size that they were lacking last year when they faced the Lakers. The Celtics weren't done unloading bigs as they traded Semih Erdem and Luke Harangody to Cleveland for a second round pick. To me, it seemed ridiculous for Boston to make all these moves to give up the size (even if they sign Troy Murphy after the buyout by Golden State) that puts them with every chance to win the title this year, until you look at how they have cap room for 2012, which is looking like another big year for free agents. Still, they are too much in the thick of this year's race to think to the future and now are dependent on a return by Shaq in the playoffs.

Houston was the other team that was particularly busy as they traded Aaron Brooks to Phoenix for Goran Dragic and a 1st rounder, after trading Shane Battier to Memphis for Hasheem Thabeet and a 1st rounder. To me, Houston is taking a big risk by taking on Thabeet and hoping he shows any of the value that made him the second pick in the 2009 draft. Otherwise, Dragic and the two 1st rounders are good pieces. Brooks has fallen out of favor, so Dragic is an upgrade for this team. As for the picks, they can use the picks to move higher in the draft this year. If I'm Phoenix, I'd use the fact they picked up Brooks to explore trading Steve Nash, for Nash's sake. Especially with Phoenix trading another 1st rounder. As for Memphis, bringing back Battier puts them in the playoffs, of course, they couldn't finish their business as a rumored O.J. Mayo trade to Indiana fell through. If Mayo can straighten up the trouble he's had this year, it could be the best trade the Grizzlies never made.

Quick rundown of the rest of the trades: The Cavs are the clear winner with their trade with the Clippers, getting Baron Davis and a lottery pick this year for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon. The Wizards trading Kirk Hinrich to Atlanta for Mike Bibby in a five player trade is more or less window dressing, though makes the Hawks backcourt younger. The other move today was the Bobcats trading Gerald Wallace to Portland for Joel Przybilla, Dante Cunningham and 2 1st round picks. Good move for Portland who became buyers and pick up an underrated scorer in Wallace. He can fill Brandon Roy's shoes and with the leap LaMarcus Aldridge made this season, the Trail Blazers can put a scare in one of the top 4 in the West.

NBA Trade Frenzy

2011-02-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

For the first time since 2008, the NBA became frenzied with trades with the two biggest ones being Carmelo Anthony heading to the Knicks and the Nets, shockingly, trading for Deron Williams today. Both teams traded a lot to get their guys, though the Knicks are still a playoff team, while the Nets would be hard pressed to make it. But this year won't matter, the future is what will matter for both. 2012 in particular can tell you who wins between the two teams.

In terms of better player, the Nets have him, no question about it. Williams is a floor leader, who can defend. Anthony is a scorer, who takes off on defense and hasn't shown the ability to make his teammates better. The question must be begged, if Deron Williams was on the block (after that episode leading to Jerry Sloan's resignation), why weren't the Knicks on him? If Walsh was a sleep at the wheel, then he should leave when it's all said and done, since he should know better (especially with Mike D'Antoni coaching) that the PG is more important. If not, then it's pretty typical of Dolan to not have his eye on the prize. I'd take Williams over Anthony in a heartbeat.

However, the Nets still aren't guaranteed nothing with Williams. He would need to sign an extension in order for this trade to be a success, and add another star to join him. If that happens, the Nets are in better shape than the Knicks assuming Dwight Howard joins Williams, even if Chris Paul goes to the Knicks. And if I'm Paul, why would I go to the Eastern Conference when the East now has Williams with Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo and John Wall. He would have an old Steve Nash and Tony Parker as his lone PG competition.

To sum up, the Knicks got the guy everyone assumed they would get. The Nets got the better guy no one thought they'd get.

Super Bowl Sunday

2011-02-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

Today is the big day as the Packers and the Steelers finally do battle. It feels like forever since both teams won their way to the Super Bowl, plus while the hype of the Super Bowl is there because it's Green Bay and Pittsburgh, there hasn't been much created in terms of these two teams, aside from Ben Roethlisberger's redemption. Quick question, what has taken place in the past two weeks that made you remember that the Packers are in the Super Bowl? Couldn't think of anything, did you, besides maybe Troy Polamalu over Clay Matthews for the Defensive Player of the Year.

Despite that, let's make sense of this game, which unlike Fox who will take four hours before the game to make sense of it, I'll just use about 10 minutes of your time. Which is plenty for you to watch Caps/Pens, Celtics/Magic and to go to or set up your own party for tonight. Here are the five things to look for as you watch this game, and none of those five include commercials or the Black Eyed Peas (sorry, no alternative halftime viewing recommendations by me, though I know people love the Puppy Bowl).

1. The Packers defense not only plays like the Steelers defense, they are actually better. The reason; because the Packers have Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields, the best trio of CB's in the NFL. Add Nick Collins and it will be hard for Big Ben to throw against Green Bay. And that's not including Matthews, B.J. Raji and Cullen Jenkins, who can give Roethlisberger as much trouble as James Harrison, James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons can give Aaron Rodgers.

2. However, if Troy Polamalu is healthy and active, that advantage swing right back in the Steelers favor. I've used this space to show my praise for Polamalu, hell, he was my Defensive Player of the Year strictly because his presence makes the Steelers better. He hasn't played well through his injury, but the Steelers have been winning despite this because the Ravens and Jets both have inferior offenses and the games were played in Pittsburgh. Switch to a game with a great offense like the Packers with two weeks to study the Steelers defense on a neutral site and indoors, which the Packers play better, and Polamalu must be more than just on the field. If he is the game changer that you watched against the Ravens in Baltimore or the Cincinnati game, the Steelers will stop Rodgers from having another game like against Atlanta.

3. The kicking game swings the special teams advantage to the Packers. Tim Masthay had a great game against the Bears, and he needed to considering they have Devin Hester returning punts. Mason Crosby is one of the top kickers in football and he gets to play indoors. Shawn Suisham hasn't been bad, and though I'd worry about him outdoors, indoors he should be fine. However, Jeremy Kapinos is an injury replacement and isn't that good. Meaning the Steelers will need to set up punts from around midfield to avoid short Green Bay possessions.

4. Until proven otherwise, the Steelers are the better running team. James Starks has been great for the Packers this postseason, and if he plays well in the Super Bowl, this possibly be a performance like Timmy Smith (hopefully it translates into future seasons). However, the Steelers have a great run defense (despite no Aaron Smith) with the LB's mentioned earlier and LaMarr Woodley, plus Casey Hampton in the middle and Brett Keisel at DE. As for the Steelers, Rashad Mendenhall ran wild against the Jets two weeks ago, but the Packers are better in the front seven than the Jets because of Matthews and Raji. Steelers will also miss Maurkice Pouncey, but they can run right behind Flozell Adams, yes, that Flozell Adams, the Human Penalty Flag. So, yes, the Steelers can run, but if the Packers defense plays well, it won't be a great advantage.

5. The QB matchup is a wash. The reason, Big Ben's experience. Rodgers has the advantage in terms of dealing with the weaker secondary and gets to play indoors. However, if the Steelers get pressure on Rodgers, that advantage is taken away. Meanwhile, while the secondary will be tough for Roethlisberger, he still has Heath Miller to go to as a fallback look. Green Bay, while I think have the better WR's, are about even when you include the TE's (mainly because of no Jermichael Finley). The question is, what do you believe in more, Big Ben's 10-2 playoff record and two titles or this being the year Aaron Rodgers ascends to the top of the list of best QB's in football, like Drew Brees last year.

Prediction: I love Aaron Rodgers indoors, he seems to have control of the offense and their receivers benefit from a fast track. Meanwhile, I think Big Ben will have trouble against the Packers corners, particularly Charles Woodson, who will right things after losing in the Super Bowl as a Raider back in 2003. The Packers will 34-27 and the score is closer because the Steelers get a late TD to make it only 7. Otherwise, enjoy the Super Bowl.

Conference Championship Sunday

2011-01-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Today is one of the five best days of sport in America and we look forward to two conference championship games that should epitomize what we consider as "real" football; defense and cold weather. All four teams play good defense and both games are being played in temperatures below 20 degrees. The interesting thing about today's games is that we expect them to be close. If you see the prior meetings, all the games were down to the wire. So does everything hold to form today?

Let's start with Green Bay and Chicago, who have their rubber match. The case for Chicago winning is this: Cold day and a tough field can slow down the Packers offense and Jay Cutler at his best. Here's the weird thing about today's games, Jay Cutler is the one QB who I'm afraid can either rise or sink his team. If he comes out like last week and throws a touchdown or two, I think it will get the Bears defense to play better. If he comes out flat, the Packers will runaway with this one like they did against the Falcons (though, I figure a runaway today would be 20-3). The other thing interesting, even though the Packers are the better offensive team, I happen to think a higher scoring game favors the Bears, unless the Packers are doing all the scoring. Otherwise, I still say that while the Bears have a good defense, if you block Julius Peppers, you can beat them. The Packers have the better all around defense and Clay Matthews, is tougher to stop. Add that the Packers have found a running back in James Starks who can free up Aaron Rodgers to have a little mystery in the plays and don't see how the Bears win. I have the Packers winning 24-14.

Onto the Jets and Steelers who it seems like a toss up. The Jets won the earlier meeting, but the Steelers didn't have Troy Polamalu. And if Jason Taylor gets blocked late in the 4th quarter, that game is likely tied and would have gone to OT. The two things the Jets must do: score first like the last time and avoid turnovers in their own side of the field. You don't want to give Ben Roethlisberger a short field, its a guaranteed score, just ask Baltimore. For Pittsburgh, their line play, particularly from the tackles will be key. If they give Roethlisberger time, he'll find success, whether the Jets cover the Steelers WR's well or not. So the defensive key for the Jets is to get to Ben quickly, don't count on getting a lot of coverage sacks. Offensively for the Jets, balance is necessary, as well as giving Mark Sanchez some easy passes to gain a rhythm. The interesting thing about the Jets today is that a) they don't have revenge on their minds and haven't said much, unlike last week and b) also unlike last week and the week prior, they aren't facing a particularly proficient offense today, so the gameplan will be more interesting as the Jets probably would go about their game the way they normally would.

So who wins? Here's what I believe: The Steelers always seems to force a turnover, and that turnover proves huge. I also believe the Steelers will run the ball better than the Jets, or at the very least, the threat of the run will open up more passing for Ben. You sense where I'm going, I have Pittsburgh outlasting the Jets 20-17, which for picks purposes means I'm taking the Jets +4. How's that for a hedge?

Divisional Sunday

2011-01-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

We now move onto Sunday's games, but first, let's recap yesterday. I probably was as right as I've ever been as the Falcons didn't look good in the spotlight, Aaron Rodgers was just tremendous and played QB yesterday as good as the position can be played. Meanwhile, the Ravens once again couldn't finish a close game while Ben Roethlisberger made a play late as he always does. So what's on tap for today? Probably with me getting both games wrong since I got both right yesterday, but he's my previews anyway.

Last week, I was so down on the Seahawks and they proved me wrong. So does this mean I should go with the Seahawks this week? Not so fast, unlike the Saints, I don't believe the Bears will take Seattle lightly because they lost to them in Chicago this year. Also, back in the beginning of the season, the Bears offensive line was atrocious. Now, it's still not good, but it's better at home. I also don't think the Seahawks will travel well, and the Bears defense could use a good home performance after a few games that they've been shredded at Soldier Field. The real question, should you lay the 10 in this game? Here's the answer, when the Seahawks lose, they lose big. So if you like the Bears, lay the 10 and don't think twice about it. I have the Bears winning 31-14.

Now to the nightcap and the Jets and Pats. So much has been said all week, but that doesn't matter once kickoff happens. Here's the best case for the Jets: They win the toss and they must receive so they have the chance to establish the offense early. I know they like to defer the opening kickoff, but I won't give New England the ball to start the game. Also, LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene can control the clock, the Jets OL can outplay the Pats front seven. When that happens, Mark Sanchez needs to be accurate with his throws, even if they are short passes. Defensively, they need to attack Tom Brady, because the passive approach won't work with him. Brady would eat up the Jets secondary if he has the time. To be fair, I think Peyton Manning would have if he had Dallas Clark and Austin Collie.

So what will happen? I just don't believe Sanchez, after all the struggles in the last few weeks, plus the possibly still injured shoulder will play consistent enough and while it won't be the 45-3 thrashing that it was in December, Brady will still have success against the Jets. Pats will win 27-10.

Divisional Saturday

2011-01-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

We have entered the best weekend in the NFL season as the divisional round seems to always have at least one great game in the bunch. It's fair to say that today won't be different as Ravens-Steelers will be one of the matchups and those two always play close games. As for Packers-Falcons, this year's NFC Super Bowl representative will come from this game.

We'll start in Pittsburgh, as the Ravens and Steelers face off again, the second time in three years both teams play a third game in the playoffs. Hard hitting and good defense is guaranteed, but the questions are, can the Ravens finish a big game with a win. All four losses for Baltimore are due to them not finishing games, in one way or another. If you think the Steelers will win, then the question is, do you think they will cover the 3. The fact is, I'm more confident in trusting Ben Roethlisberger in a playoff game than Joe Flacco, since Ben is 8-2 in playoff games (of course, one of the two is a loss to David Garrard, so hope for Ravens fans). I also think, check that, I know Troy Polamalu is a more important player to Pittsburgh than Ray Lewis or Ed Reed for Baltimore. Therefore, I have the Steelers winning 17-13.

In the nightcap, the questions concerning the two teams is follows: Are the Falcons capable of winning a big game when the spotlight is on them? The fact for them is they play the majority of their games with little attention, except for their three losses to Pittsburgh, Philly and New Orleans. As for the Packers, we need to know if a) James Starks can run like he did last week and b) if Mike McCarthy will hold back the Packers. My thoughts, I just don't trust the Falcons when the world watches them and I think Aaron Rodgers will trump any coaching errors by McCarthy. Plus, I picked Pittsburgh and Green Bay for the Super Bowl in September, why give up on them now? The Packers will win 27-17.

Wild Card Sunday

2011-01-09T08:01:00.001-08:00

Before getting into Sunday's picks, here's my recap of Saturday's terrible day for me which both my picks lost. The Seahawks are living a charmed life right now, but let's be fair, Stanford would have beat the Saints defense yesterday. They were awful after taking the 10-0 lead. Drew Brees did all he could, but he couldn't play defense and they couldn't stop Seattle when they needed to. It was pretty much punctuated by Marshawn Lynch's epic run which is one of those runs you see on NFL Films when Jim Brown or Earl Campbell make one of their all-time runs. It was physical and overpowering and might be the best playoff run in history. As far as biggest upset, I'll hold off and still go with Jacksonville trotting into Denver and beating Elway and Co. 30-27 in the 1996 Playoffs, in terms of a non-Super Bowl upset (thus Jets, Pats and Giants don't count). We can get into writing off the Seahawks next week and the discussion on whether 7-9 teams should host playoff games can be tabled for the future, but for now, Seattle's on top of the world.

The Seahawks would need to share a spot with Rex Ryan, who finally gets his win over Peyton Manning and his Colts. Of course, he was given this win on a timeout call by Jim Caldwell that was Chris Webber-level bad. The Jets were going to take their chances on a 50 yard field goal. I don't have to remind Jets fans on how Herm Edwards did the exact same thing against the Steelers in the 2004 Playoffs and Doug Brien proceeded to miss the winning field goal. Caldwell gave the Jets a chance to reconsider and Mark Sanchez found Braylon Edwards at the 15, setting up a 32 yard winner for Nick Folk. Sanchez deserves credit for making that throw, because he was awful yesterday. He overthrew receiver after receiver and cost the Jets points at halftime with his interception. The Jets, smartly, ran much of the second half and dominated the line of scrimmage. As for the Colts, Peyton was able to move the ball but couldn't get into the end zone except the long TD to Pierre Garcon. The Jets defense deserves credit for daring Manning to run the ball and Manning obliged for the most part. Still, Manning in a tough game put the Colts in a position to win and maybe they do if the Colts can stop Cromartie's return or if Caldwell lets the Jets take the field goal from 50 yards.

Onto the picks with the first game in Kansas City with the Chiefs hosting the Ravens. I thought the Chiefs had a better than punchers chance to win and the Seahawks winning makes a Chiefs win more possible. The Ravens are capable of beating anyone in the AFC, might be the best team on paper in the AFC. The problem is the Ravens all year when playing a big game seem to come small in a close game.

Ravens will win if: They do exactly what they did to the Dolphins in this playoff game two years ago, and to a lesser extent last year to New England, which is control tempo on the road against an inferior team (I go lesser with the Pats because I didn't find them inferior). The Chiefs running game would have to be stopped and Matt Cassel needs to be blitzed. Flacco just needs to control the offense, not turn the ball over and not panic late.

Chiefs will win if: They can run with Jamaal Charles and the crowd can disrupt the Ravens. Cassel would need to be upright and make a couple of plays. The Chiefs defense would also need to control the line of scrimmage and not allow big days from Flacco or Ray Rice.

My pick: I picked the Chiefs to make the playoffs back in start of the year. I would love to pick them today and I probably would if the game started at 4:30. The Ravens tend to play great on the 1pm Wild Card game. Plus, the only time the Ravens lost in the Wild Card round, the memorable Anthony Wright was the starting QB. So the Ravens (-3.5) will win today 20-10.

Now to the main event of the weekend, the Packers and the Eagles. The Packers soared in the last two games, while the Eagles slumped. Both teams have great QB play, with Aaron Rodgers appearing conventional but can break a run when necessary and Michael Vick ready to run, but more willing to throw in the pocket than in the past. Both teams have great receivers, Eagles are more likely to go deep, Packers can do both intermediate and deep very well. The Packers defense is better (the best one left in the NFC), while the Eagles run the ball better. Something's gotta give.

Packers will win if: They can blitz Vick for the full game and make him uncomfortable. This is a huge game for Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson and the Packers defense. They have to stop LeSean McCoy and not let Vick find DeSean Jackson or Jeremy Maclin deep. Offensively, Rodgers needs to thrive against an average Eagles defense, but at the very least to avoid killer interceptions.

Eagles will win if: Vick can run wild and Jackson makes two or three big plays. Also, if Rodgers can turn the ball over (likely meaning a big day for Asante Samuel) and can't throw in the wind today, the Eagles should win. McCoy running for over 100 yards would help as well.

My pick: Forget about the collapse, the Giants showed everyone how to contain Michael Vick, with a strong pass rush and avoid leaving contain. The Bears, Cowboys and Vikings all did the same. The Packers have the athletes to do the same, forget the first matchup as the Packers didn't gameplan Vick. Rodgers will make enough plays and I find a lower scoring game than most people think. Packers win 27-20.

Wild Card Saturday

2011-01-08T12:48:00.001-08:00

I didn't plan to make my picks post so late, but the Seton Hall game delayed it and the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords kept me from writing over the last hour. Before I start, allow me to offer condolences to those who were injured or killed and their families. I don't usually have politics on this blog, but in this instance, I will make an exception. Don't comment about it unless you're echoing my sentiment or it will be removed (of course, any comments about the games will be encouraged).

Anyway, let's move on to football where the first game today is the Saints and the Seahawks which the 7-9 team is hosting the game (this needs to change). The Saints were dealt a blow when both Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas were lost for the playoffs, leaving both Julius Jones and Reggie Bush as their only source of running. Which puts more on the shoulders of Drew Brees and the passing game. Seattle has a puncher's chance with Matt Hasselbeck, but he's more of a sitting duck for Gregg Williams pressure defense. I would have had no confidence if Charlie Whitehurst was under center.

Saints win if: They show up. In reality, the Saints need to take the early lead and get the crowd out of it. Best way to do that is to exploit the pourous Seahawks secondary and if Julius Jones has revenge on his mind against the Seahawks, then let him run.

Seahawks win if: They take the early lead and let the 12th man disrupt the Saints offense. Force Drew Brees to throw interceptions (and he threw 22 INT's this year) and shutdown the depleted Saints running game. Also, mistake-free football by the Seahawks offense and a couple plays by Leon Washington on special teams which could lead to points.

My pick: I see more and more people are talking themselves into either taking the 10.5 or picking the Seahawks outright and I'm thinking, why fool around. If you take the Saints and they lose, then you're just wrong and if you're like me, you can live with it. If you take the Seahawks and they get destroyed, then you just wasted your time. I'd rather be wrong than foolish. And I spent way too much time explaining, so Saints win 34-10.

The nightcap pits an AFC Championship Game rematch between the Jets and the Colts. Spread is the Colts favored by 2.5 and this is a split on who thinks who's going to win. The Jets are better this year and the Colts are worse, especially with the injuries to Dallas Clark and Austin Collie. The key of course is that Peyton Manning isn't hurt and carried the Colts to this playoff game. The Jets for the most part slumped to the end and while I said the Jets are better, it's because they can score more than last year. Their defense isn't as good and still can't pass rush without a blitz. That is dangerous when playing Manning, who not only can figure blitzes out, he's done so to Rex Ryan-coached teams for many years.

Jets win if: Their ground and pound lasts longer than 3 plays a series. Mark Sanchez needs to be efficient and they can put some points up. Meanwhile, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie must handle Pierre Garcon and Reggie Wayne and the front seven have to get to Manning and force turnovers.

Colts win if: Peyton solves the Jets defense and puts up points. The Colts running game needs to be good enough for Manning's play action plays will work. Meanwhile, the Colts defense needs to make a couple stops. A bad Sanchez wouldn't hurt if you're Indianapolis.

My pick: I originally was thinking the Colts, but I've kind of waffled because I think more "experts" are taking the Jets. Also, the Jets built their team for this game, adding Santonio Holmes and LaDainian Tomlinson for more offensive punch and Cromartie to strengthen the secondary. However, no Jim Leonhard hurts and I think Blair White and Jacob Tamme will make a play over the middle for Manning. I have the Colts winning 31-21.

Come back tomorrow for the Sunday playoff picks.

Week 17 Picks and NFL Awards

2011-01-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

The regular season comes to a close and it's time for the list of awards. Joel Sherman of the New York Post does a great job with his baseball award column by having his top 5 in each award and an anti-award winner for those who were terrible. So I figured to do the same for this year's NFL season. With all the credit due to Mr. Sherman, he's my awards for this season.

NFL MVP- Tom Brady - Runners up: 2. Mike Vick, 3. Troy Polamalu, 4. Maurice Jones-Drew, 5. Peyton Manning

If Vick played in every game this year, it would be a closer race, but Brady has been nearly flawless this year with 34 TD's and only 4 INT's. Polamalu is the most important defensive player in football, as the Steelers go as he does (in terms of health). MJD was the only reason the Jags are still alive as of Week 17 and ditto for Manning (who can always be in the top 5).

Anti-NFL MVP- Brett Favre - Runners up: 2. Carson Palmer, 3. Chad Henne, 4. The entire Texans secondary, 5. Albert Haynesworth

Favre in so many ways had the worst performance, as his season clearly brought down a Vikings team who should have been to the Super Bowl last year. Palmer and Henne have both helped derail talented teams, but Palmer is more established so he stays ahead of Henne. The Texans secondary was just brutal this year, the Jets game being the best example, while Haynesworth was too fat to be on the field.

Offensive Player of the Year- Arian Foster - Runners up: 2. Phil Rivers, 3. Roddy White, 4. Tom Brady, 5. Maurice Jones-Drew

I don't like to have the same MVP and Offensive Player of the Year and Foster was the best running back this year. Rivers was terrific despite no Vincent Jackson for much of the year and the Chargers not making the playoffs isn't on him. White is the most important weapon on the Falcons offense, yes, even more than Michael Turner. I already got into Brady and MJD's seasons.

Anti-Offensive POTY- Randy Moss- Runners up: 2. Donovan McNabb, 3. Any Dallas RB, 4. Derek Anderson, 5. Marshawn Lynch

Part of this award is that I don't put rookies in this category, thus no Jimmy Clausen. Randy Moss only caught two touchdowns of note this year and his teams were terrible when he played for them. McNabb started to show his age this year and the fact Rex Grossman is starting games says it all. The Cowboys had no running back who was good, while Derek Anderson was so bad, whoever still didn't have Kurt Warner as a Hall of Famer will put him in now. Lynch is officially done as he failed on both Buffalo and Seattle.

Defensive POTY- Troy Polamalu- Runners up: 2. Clay Matthews, 3. Cameron Wake.

Running out of time, so I'm going with the top 3 for the rest of the blog post. As I said earlier, Polamalu is the difference maker on the Steelers and is clearly the best defensive player, look at the Ravens and Bengals games as to why. Matthews is the best player on the Packers defense and Wake has been a revelation for the Dolphins, who also have a good defense.

Anti-Defensive POTY- Albert Haynesworth- Runners up: 2. Jason Taylor, 3. Alphonso Smith

Haynesworth won this award in training camp, just another terrible signing the annual offseason champions Washington Redskins. Taylor has been a failure with the Jets (Vernon Gholston would fit if anyone expected good things from him) and Smith won 3rd place from his Thanksgiving showing.

Coach of the Year- Bill Belichick- Runners up: 2. Todd Haley, 3. Lovie Smith

Belichick had his finest coaching job by getting this Pats team with young defenders and no Randy Moss to the best record in football. Haley led the Chiefs to the playoffs and showed he isn't afraid to be gutsy in the process. Smith gets here by default, since I had little expectation for that team. Not a lot of great coaching to be fair.

Anti-Coach of the Year- Mike Singletary- Runners up: 2. Marvin Lewis, 3. Norv Turner

Singletary was singlehandedly responsible for the 49ers not winning the awful NFC West. Could game manage well, couldn't pick a QB and gave up on games too soon. Lewis is responsible for the Bengals crashing to earth and is likely gone, while a team that's top 2 in offense and defense shouldn't be 8-7, right Norv?

Here's my Week 17 picks:

(Home team in CAPS)

Oakland (+4) over KANSAS CITY
Miami (+6) over NEW ENGLAND
Pittsburgh (-6) over CLEVELAND
BALTIMORE (-10) over Cincinnati
DETROIT (-4) over Minnesota
Buffalo (+3) over JETS
ATLANTA (-14) over Carolina
NEW ORLEANS (-7.5) over Tampa Bay
INDIANAPOLIS (-10) over Tennessee
HOUSTON (-4) over Jacksonville
Giants (-5) over WASHINGTON
Chicago (+10.5) over GREEN BAY- Packers win outright and clinch NFC berth
Dallas (-1) over PHILADELPHIA
Arizona (+6) over SAN FRANCISCO
DENVER (+4) over San Diego
St, Louis (-3) over SEATTLE

Last week: 10-6
Season Record: 123-111-6

Week 16 Picks

2010-12-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

Seasons greetings everyone as we transition from Christmas to football. Though, not necessarily for everyone as the Vikings-Eagles game has been cancelled. This is the third week in a row that the Vikings will have their game switch on them, and if the trend continues into Detroit, it could lead to the first time there are games not played on the schedule, a la baseball. When they play Tuesday night, my pick is the Eagles to blow them out, in case the line changes. Here are the rest of my picks.

Home teams in CAPS

Detroit (+3.5) over MIAMI- The Lions should continue their late season run of good play leading into sleeper status for next year. Plus, I have no confidence in the Dolphins at home anymore.

Washington (+7) over JACKSONVILLE- Without Maurice Jones-Drew means that if the Redskins try to win, they will. They need to run the ball in order to make David Garrard effective, which is why everyone who had Garrard an MVP candidate over MJD confused me.

ST. LOUIS (-3) over San Francisco- Better coach and better QB at home for the Rams and whenever the Niners see opportunity, they blow it. They would be better off losing and firing Mike Singletary anyway.

BUFFALO (+7.5) over New England- The Bills play the good teams tough and at home I see the same today. Of course, they won't win, but come agonizingly close.

CHICAGO (-3) over Jets- If in the Meadowlands, I'd easily take the Jets, but the Bears play better at home. Best example; their win over the Eagles.

Baltimore (-4) over CLEVELAND- It's one thing to see the playoffs and have the Bears in your way, but I don't see the Ravens lose today to the Browns. Though, the Bengals have no chance of beating the Ravens next week.

KANSAS CITY (-4.5) over Tennessee- Chiefs can close in on the AFC West with a win here. Titans probably take it easy here and save some effort for the Colts next week. You also can bet Arrowhead will be loud.

OAKLAND (+3) over Indianapolis- The Raiders ground game will keep Peyton off the field, and I have to think the muddy field will benefit the home team. If things break right, Raiders will play for the division next Sunday.

DENVER (+3) over Houston- It's come to the point that any time you see a team looking ready to quit, just play the Texans and you'll win. Hence, Tim Tebow gets his first win as a starter.

San Diego (-8) over CINCINNATI- The Bengals didn't quit against their rivals last week, probably won't quit against the Ravens. Probably means they take it easy here against the Chargers, who need the game.

TAMPA BAY (-6.5) over Seattle- If the Bucs don't cover this game, they will lose, because the Seahawks only lose big. I think the same happens here in the longest road trip of the season.

Giants (+3) over GREEN BAY- No logic here, let's just move on.

New Orleans (+3) over ATLANTA- Statement win it would be for either team. Falcons will have home-field unless they blow next week's game with Carolina, but the Saints can reassert themselves as a team to beat.

This week: 1-1
Last week: 6-10
Season record: 113-105-6

Week 14 Picks

2010-12-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

No extensive picks post again, this time the reason is a good one. Today is the one Sunday of the year that I must work and I'll just quickly post these picks before my shift starts.

(Home team in CAPS)

JACKSONVILLE (-4) over Oakland

Cincinnati (+8.5) over PITTSBURGH

Cleveland (PK) over BUFFALO

DETROIT (+7) over Green Bay

Atlanta (-7) over CAROLINA

Tampa Bay (-3) over WASHINGTON

St. Louis (+9) over NEW ORLEANS

Seattle (+5) over SAN FRANCISCO

CHICAGO (+3) over New England

Miami (+6) over JETS

Denver (-4) over ARIZONA

SAN DIEGO (-10) over Kansas City

DALLAS (+3.5) over Philadelphia

Baltimore (-3) over HOUSTON

Giants (no spread) over MINNESOTA- No clue now when or where they play.

This week: 0-1 (Stupid Titans backdoor cover)

Last week: 6-9-1 (Tie for not picking last Thursdays Texans-Eagles game)

Season record: 99-88-6

Fight of the Night- Scott vs Janssen

2010-12-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

(video courtesy of hockeyfights.com)

The first of the new running feature comes from last night's Blackhawks/Blues tilt which saw the lone three fights of the night. The one I chose was John Scott and Cam Janssen as the best of the three. Scott is slowly becoming one of the best fighters in the league, using his 6'8" frame as an advantage against smaller combatants. I expect that he will fight around 15 times this year when it's all said and done, dominate for two years, before no one in the league wants to challenge him and he fights around 10 times a year. You'll know when this happens about the same time the Rangers sign him to a 4 year deal worth over $3 million.

A couple fights from the past couple days I wanted to mention since I didn't post Monday or Tuesday; from Monday night, the Sean Avery-Tyler Kennedy tussle, which I was there to see in person. The other, from Sunday, is the Andre Johnson-Cortland Finnegan fight, since you don't see NFL fights like that everyday.

Week 12 Picks and more

2010-11-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, today is a day of football and there will be picks made, but seeing as there hasn't been a blog post about anything more than NFL Picks, I'd figured I would have a mini-randomness post. Thus, when you look back at this post, it won't just be how bad my picks are going to be this week.

Let's start with a giant laugh at the Miami Heat and their 9-8 record (according to Jeff Van Gundy, they will finish 61-4). And this week they play the Cavs in Cleveland. The best example for return games by a player to his former home happens to be Vince Carter. Carter has killed the Raptors whenever he gets the chance. It's easy to see why, Toronto fans loved him and all Vince did was get hurt, not play hard (by his own admission) and force his way out. LeBron needs to channel Vince, and then unchannel him the instance the clock ends at :00.

Derek Jeter must be high if he thinks he's getting six years and $150 million. The Yankees offer is fair (3yr/$45mil), though they've talk a little too tough. Unless someone offers Jeter more than that, it's on Jeter to get signed. By the way, if I was Jeter's agent, I'd talk to Boston and/or the Mets just to see if the Yankees would be spurred to make a deal and if I'm either team, I'm hoping by talking leads the Yanks to throw a 4th or 5th year to Jeter.

Working in retail means Black Friday is a tough day to work (of course, if more people read this blog, maybe I can stop working retail). The worst part about it was missing Auburn/Alabama, which seemed like a great game. My heart goes out to Boise State, who lost a heartbreaker which will keep them out of a BCS bowl, much less the BCS title game. TCU is the lone BCS buster who could be in the BCS title game, though needs a loss from Oregon or Auburn and that alone might not be enough. In other words, GET A PLAYOFF!!! I'm sure Wisconsin, Ohio State and Michigan State this year would agree.

Finally, we go to hockey where last night's action had a couple a memorable highlights. First, Kevin Weekes calm under the intense pressure of nearly getting run over by a zamboni. Also, the best fight last night with John Scott turning Kevin Westgarth's face into a proverbial crimson mask. This has given me the impetus to have a nightly best fight of the night, so look for that every morning.

Now it's time for my picks;

(Home team in CAPS)

Minnesota (-2) over WASHINGTON
Pittsburgh (-7) over BUFFALO
Tennessee (+6) over HOUSTON
Jacksonvillie (+7.5) over GIANTS
Carolina (+10) over CLEVELAND
ATLANTA (-1.5) over Green Bay
OAKLAND (-3) over Miami
SEATTLE (+2) over Kansas City
BALTIMORE (-7.5) over Tampa Bay
Philadelphia (-3.5) over CHICAGO
St. Louis (+3.5) over DENVER
San Diego (+3) over INDIANAPOLIS
ARIZONA (+1) over San Francisco

This week: 0-3
Last week: 7-9
Season record: 87-71-5

Week 10 Picks

2010-11-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Busy sports day here in the local NYC-area with Rangers hockey at 12:30, Knicks basketball tonight and Seton Hall playing it's home opener. Follow South Orange Juice for all updates on that one. Oh, and we have a full slate of NFL games to watch. Here's my Week 10 picks.

(Home team in CAPS)

INDIANAPOLIS (-7) over Cincinnati- Not at Indy do I think the Bengals stay close.
Houstion (+1) over JACKSONVILLE- Both teams frustrate, so the Texans naturally win.
Tennessee (PK) over MIAMI- Titans are better and Chad Pennington won't help.
Minnesota (-1.5) over CHICAGO- Bears aren't that good. Vikings aren't that bad.
BUFFALO (-1.5) over Detroit- Best chance for the Bills to finally get a win.
CLEVELAND (+3) over Jets- Have bought into the Colt McCoy Era.
TAMPA BAY (-7) over Carolina- The Panthers are really bad.
Kansas City (-1.5) over DENVER- Dangerous for the Chiefs if they don't win.
St. Louis (+6) over SAN FRANCISCO- Can't give that much with the Niners, and Rams are good.
ARIZONA (-4) over Seattle- Road game for Seahawks. Another pathetic NFC West game.
Dallas (+14) over GIANTS- Don't think it's a blowout. Cowboys will play hard.
New England (+4.5) over PITTSBURGH- Winner is team to beat in AFC.
WASHINGTON (+3) over Philadelphia- Sneaky feeling that McNabb plays well tomorrow.

This week: 1-0
Last Week: 8-4-1
Season: 75-51-5

Week 9 Picks

2010-11-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

After this weekend's games, I will unleash my half-season Power Poll, so everyone has one more week to prove themselves on a day with a couple real good games, and a bunch of bad ones. Without further adieu, here's my picks.

(Home team in CAPS)

Buffalo (+3) over Chicago- Game in Toronto. Still see Cutler throwing INT's. It's like breathing.
HOUSTON (+3) over San Diego- Close pick, but with no Gates and Johnson playing, go Texans.
New Orleans (-7) over CAROLINA- Probably at my peril, but I hope the Saints play consistent.
MINNESOTA (-8) over Arizona- I know I shouldn't take them, but I don't trust the Cards, go with Peterson to run.
Tampa Bay (+10) over ATLANTA- Falcons might win, but the Bucs will keep it close. Don't give Josh Freeman a chance to win late.
DETROIT (+6) over Jets- Have to go with the Lions when Gus Johnson is announcing.
Miami (+5) over BALTIMORE- Don't trust the Ravens and love the Dolphins on the road.
CLEVELAND (+5.5) over New England- Trap game for the Pats and the Browns have covered a lot this year.
Giants (-7.5) over SEATTLE- The Seahawks have no O-line against the Giants pass rush. Don't make me regret this G-Men.
Kansas City (-1) over OAKLAND- Show me you can show up in a big game Raiders and then I'll take you seriously.
Indianapolis (+3) over PHILADELPHIA- I'm sure Andy Reid's 11-0 record after byes is a great stat, but you lost me when I saw I was getting three with Peyton Manning.
GREEN BAY (-7.5) over Dallas- The final nail in the Dallas coffin, if not here, the Giants will have the chance.
Pittsburgh (-5) over CINCINNATI- I'd be shocked if Carson Palmer plays mediocre. This game will push Palmer to his exit since everyone will watch him stink the joint.

Last week: 9-4
This season: 66-47-4

Week 8 Picks

2010-10-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

Another week of football is about to commence and again, not a lot of time for my picks, but here they are.

(Home team in CAPS)

Denver (+2) over San Francisco- game played at Wembley Stadium, toss up.
DALLAS (-6.5) over Jacksonville- Don't ask me why.
Washington (+3) over DETROIT- Skins just win football games somehow.
Green Bay (+6.5) over JETS- Pack can hold LT, Rodgers can pass against their D.
ST. LOUIS (-3) over Carolina- Love the Rams at home.
Miami (-1) over CINCINNATI- Hate seeing this line move like it did, still have the Fins
KANSAS CITY (-7) over Buffalo- High scoring, Chiefs with a couple late scores.
SAN DIEGO (-5) over Tennessee- Understand why Miami line moved, why is SD giving more?
Tampa Bay (+3) over ARIZONA- Really like Josh Freeman, jury's out on Max Hall.
OAKLAND (-3) over Seattle- More anti-Hawks, still must prove they can win road games.
NEW ENGLAND (-6) over Minnesota- Don't care who's QB, no revenge for Moss.
NEW ORLEANS (-1) over Pittsburgh- If the Saints are still any good, it must show tonight.
INDIANAPOLIS (-5.5) over Houston- Can't expect two Texans wins over Indy.

Last week: 8-6
Season Record: 57-43-4

Week 7 Picks

2010-10-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Just like last week, I'm doing today's picks in a quick format, no explanations for them. Reason being, I took a trip to Princeton for the night and a longer version would kill my battery. Without further adieu, here's my picks.

(Home team in CAPS)

Pittsburgh (-3.5) over MIAMI
ATLANTA (-3) over Cincinnati
KANSAS CITY (-9.5) over Jacksonville*
Philadelphia (+3) over TENNESSEE*
Cleveland (+14) over NEW ORLEANS
BALTIMORE (-14) over Buffalo
San Francisco (-3) over CAROLINA
Washington (+3) over CHICAGO
TAMPA BAY (-3) over St. Louis
SEATTLE (-7) over Arizona
New England (+3) over SAN DIEGO
Oakland (+7.5) over DENVER
Minnesota (+3) over GREEN BAY
Giants (+3.5) over DALLAS

(*means that I switched the picks after seeing who started at QB, evident by this tweet)

Last week: 6-7-1
Season record: 49-37-4

Week 6 Picks

2010-10-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

Quick version of the picks today with there being not enough time for me to post with my paragraphs as usual. Here they are:

(Home team in CAPS)

ST. LOUIS (+8.5) over San Diego
Kansas City (+5) over HOUSTON
Baltimore (+3) over NEW ENGLAND
TAMPA BAY (+6) over New Orleans
Atlanta (+3) over PHILADELPHIA
GIANTS (-10) over Detroit
CHICAGO (-6.5) over Seattle
Miami (+3.5) over GREEN BAY
PITTSBURGH (-14.5) over Cleveland
DENVER (+3.5) over Jets
Oakland (+7) over SAN FRANCISCO
MINNESOTA (-2) over Dallas
Indianapolis (-3.5) over WASHINGTON
Tennessee (+3) over JACKSONVILLE

Last week: 9-5
Season record: 43-30-3

LCS Preview

2010-10-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

For time purposes, I won't have separate ALCS and NLCS previews. As such, the same format of the previous round preview will take place.

Let's start with the Yankees-Rangers, who begin their series tonight. The Yanks have the edge because Cliff Lee won't get to start the series in Texas because of his dominating performance in Game 5 against the Rays. Or so they think. The fact is, Lee would only start two games no matter what and as far as I'm concerned, Game 7 is more important than Game 5. If this series reaches seven games, the Rangers will win. So the key for the Yankees is to not let this series reach seven games, shades of the Mets in 1986 who had to avoid Mike Scott in Game 7 against Houston, including playing in the state of Texas and not having home field.

Looking past the Lee situation, you must consider that the Rangers top 6 in their lineup is nearly as dangerous as the Yankees. Andrus, Young, Hamilton, Guerrero, Cruz and Kinsler is very tricky to manuever, especially for lefties, which the Yankees have in CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte. The best move (one I should have tweeted before to first guess) is Joe Girardi having Phil Hughes pitch Game 2, against Colby Lewis, giving the Yanks the advantage. There is the spector of A.J. Burnett in Game 4, but tonight's Sabathia-C.J. Wilson showdown will determine if he's used. As for my series prediction, I think Sabathia wins tonight and the Yanks win in 6 games, avoiding Lee in Game 7.

The Giants-Phillies series has one theme; pitching, pitching and more pitching. The first game has Roy Halladay against Tim Lincecum, which Fox is promoting as the best Game 1 matchup in history, which I'd argue, but haven't found better. The Giants have the best 4 pitchers left with Jonathan Sanchez, Matt Cain and Madison Baumgartner ready to go. While the Phils have Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels in the next two games, their fourth starter is a question mark. The key for the Giants is the Lincecum start. If he can outpitch Halladay, the Giants have an interesting opportunity. The secret of the series, the Phightin's hitters are hitting about as good as the Giants. Despite that, I think the Phillies do enough in the first 3 games and knock off the Giants in 5 games and will face the Yankees in a rematch of last year, one that eagerly awaited.

Week 5 Picks

2010-10-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

The plan this week was to have a power poll to go along with my picks this week. That isn't going to happen, so instead it will be pushed back a week as we have another week that teams can show who's good and who's not. As for my picks, last week should have been better, since I reached a couple times when I shouldn't. This week, the picks are harder, but I do plan to get at least 10 correct today on 10/10/10.

(Home team in CAPS)

BALTIMORE (-7.5) over Denver

Can't see the Broncos winning two in a row on the road. Not against a Ravens team that will focus on the Orton and his WR's and not without any solid contribution from the ground game.

BUFFALO (-1) over Jacksonville

Perfect week for the Bills to win. Coming off a bad loss to the Jets, and should be more motivated to win. Jags coming off their biggest win of the year and will likely have a letdown. First game which if Buffalo loses, 0-16 can happen.

INDIANAPOLIS (-7.5) over Kansas City

Honestly, I don't know if the Colts are good this year. The Chiefs have yet to play a tough road game yet. Somethings going to give here. I'll take my chances with the Colts at home with Peyton Manning.

St. Louis (+3) over DETROIT

Very impressed with what I've seen from the Rams and while I'm impressed with the Lions, I think they're a little banged up to beat the Rams. Though, Calvin Johnson is an equalizer.

Atlanta (-3) over CLEVELAND

The Browns relapse back into the team they really are and I think the Falcons will learn from the scare against the Niners.

Tampa Bay (+7) over CINCINNATI

Not high on the Bengals at all, while the Bucs were closer in that Steelers game than the scoreboard indicates. Two of Batch's TD passes were up for grabs.

Chicago (+3) over CAROLINA

You're wondering, why take a team with Todd Collins starting on the road. Because I expect Julius Peppers to dominate against his former team. Helps that the other QB is a rookie.

Green Bay (-3) over WASHINGTON

The Packers should be better, plus the Redskins just won a huge game with the Eagles. Aaron Rodgers should be able to throw like Matt Schaub did a couple weeks ago.

Giants (+3) over HOUSTON

Still not too sold on the Texans yet, though it would be tougher with Andre Johnson. Giants have shown they can stop the run, when they don't play 6 DBs. Plus, everyone seems on the Texans.

ARIZONA (+7) over New Orleans

Yes, I know that this is Max Hall's first start, but if he's mediocre, he's better than Derek Anderson. Plus, I officially don't trust the Saints, who haven't covered a spread all year.

OAKLAND (+7) over San Diego

I want to see the Chargers win a game on the road before I lay a touchdown on them. Besides, the Raiders play better in the Black Hole and at the very least, keep games close.

DALLAS (-7) over Tennessee

Interesting sports day in Arlington, with the Rangers looking to close out the Rays. You can pass on the Titans and Romo will find Austin a lot today.

SAN FRANCISCO (-3.5) over Philadelphia

Here's two more cities involving teams playing baseball today. The Niners are very close to winning a game; now that they're home, there's a good chance with Kolb starting.

JETS (-4.5) over Minnesota

Once again, New York will beat Minnesota, this time the football variety. Too soon for Moss to make an impact for the Vikings and Brett Favre will get beat up tomorrow night.

Week 4 record: 8-6
Season Record: 34-25-3