What's up Sports Fans! Are you ready for another big weekend in football? I am! Saturday we've got conference championships and BCS title berths on the line. Sunday and Monday feature first place battles and teams trying to stay in the playoff hunt! So, without further ado, here's what's good!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
What's Good! Purely Pigskin. Thanksgiving Weekend
What's up, sports fans? Happy Thanksgiving! This year, my inner sports fan is thankful for five straight days of football. Not all games are noteworthy, but I'll probably still watch. Turkey is good! Mashed potatoes are good! Pie is good! Football is good!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
What's Good! Purely Pigskin 11/16-11/22
Alright, folks, I took a couple weeks off for personal reasons but I'm back! I have decided not to include any NBA or College Hoops in the weekly blog. I am currently working on a separate blog for basketball since there are so many games played throughout the week. Anyway, enough chit-chat, here's what's good!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What's Good! 10/26-11/1
It's the most exciting time of year for a lot of sports fans right now. The World Series is about to start, pro and college football are in full swing and the NBA season is starting today! As a die-hard Giants fan, I will not write about the World Series, other than to say I hope they can get it done! (A sweep would be nice, since we are going to the Kings home opener on Monday.) With the parity in the NFL and the BCS in its second week of screwing up this NCAA season, football is about to get more interesting. If that's possible. I'm also excited to see what the NBA season will bring. With all that said, here's what's good!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
What's Good! 10/14-10/20
NFL Week 6
Miami (2-2) @ Green Bay (3-2)
Jermichael Finley is likely out for the year. If that's not bad enough, Aaron Rodgers may not play this week due to a concussion he sustained last week. If he can't go, Matt Flynn gets the start. Flynn's career #s: 9/17, 64 yards, 1 INT and a QB Rating of 37.4. Either way, I'm taking the 'Phins.
Baltimore (4-1) @ New England (3-1)
Randy Moss is back in Minnesota. Deion Branch is back in New England. The Pats are the highest scoring team in the league (32.8 ppg) but are facing a stingy Baltimore D that only allows 14.4 ppg. As they say, defense wins games.
Baltimore (4-1) @ New England (3-1)
Randy Moss is back in Minnesota. Deion Branch is back in New England. The Pats are the highest scoring team in the league (32.8 ppg) but are facing a stingy Baltimore D that only allows 14.4 ppg. As they say, defense wins games.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What's Good! 10/7-10/13
NFL Week 5
Kansas City (3-0) @ Indianapolis (2-2)
The surprisingly 3-0 Chiefs travel to Indy to face the surprisingly 2-2 Colts. I'm not convinced that the Chiefs are as good as their record states and Manning and the Colts should give the '72 Dolphins something to cheer about.
Green Bay (3-1) @ Washington (2-2)
Donovan McNabb and the Redskins are coming off a big win against Philadelphia but Kevin Kolb isn't running the Packers' offense. The Packers will move to 4-1.
New York Giants (2-2) @ Houston (3-1)
The Texans are finally playing up to their potential and the Giants have been outscored 67-24 in their two games against the AFC South this season. Look for that trend to continue as the Texans keep rolling.
Tennessee (2-2) @ Dallas (1-2)
Dallas hasn't lost for two straight weeks. Okay, last week was their bye week, but they will likely make it three straight weeks without a loss.
Philadelphia (2-2) @ San Francisco (0-4)
Normally I wouldn't consider a game between a 2-2 team and an 0-4 team as a must see, but this should actually be a good game. Vick is likely out for the Eagles and Kevin Kolb has shown no promise this year at all. The Niners have played well against good teams this year and should get their first win Sunday night.
Minnesota (1-2) @ New York Jets (3-1)
The sports world is all abuzz with Randy Moss returning to the Vikings from New England. I know Moss is a good receiver but how good can you be when your quarterback can never remember what team he's supposed to throw to? Rex Ryan's Jets are going to snack on the Vikings Monday night.
The surprisingly 3-0 Chiefs travel to Indy to face the surprisingly 2-2 Colts. I'm not convinced that the Chiefs are as good as their record states and Manning and the Colts should give the '72 Dolphins something to cheer about.
Green Bay (3-1) @ Washington (2-2)
Donovan McNabb and the Redskins are coming off a big win against Philadelphia but Kevin Kolb isn't running the Packers' offense. The Packers will move to 4-1.
New York Giants (2-2) @ Houston (3-1)
The Texans are finally playing up to their potential and the Giants have been outscored 67-24 in their two games against the AFC South this season. Look for that trend to continue as the Texans keep rolling.
Tennessee (2-2) @ Dallas (1-2)
Dallas hasn't lost for two straight weeks. Okay, last week was their bye week, but they will likely make it three straight weeks without a loss.
Philadelphia (2-2) @ San Francisco (0-4)
Normally I wouldn't consider a game between a 2-2 team and an 0-4 team as a must see, but this should actually be a good game. Vick is likely out for the Eagles and Kevin Kolb has shown no promise this year at all. The Niners have played well against good teams this year and should get their first win Sunday night.
Minnesota (1-2) @ New York Jets (3-1)
The sports world is all abuzz with Randy Moss returning to the Vikings from New England. I know Moss is a good receiver but how good can you be when your quarterback can never remember what team he's supposed to throw to? Rex Ryan's Jets are going to snack on the Vikings Monday night.
College Football Week 6
#7 Nebraska (4-0) @ Kansas State (4-0)
Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez will get back on track against the worst run defense in the Big 12. No upset here.
#1 Alabama (5-0) @ #19 South Carolina (3-1)
The Gamecocks can't stop Mark Ingram. The Tide will roll to their 20th straight victory.
#17 Michigan State (5-0) @ #18 Michigan (5-0)
This is the first time since 1999 that these teams meet while both being ranked. Denard Robinson had 277 passing yards and 217 rushing yards last week against Indiana. On a bum knee! How high will Michigan be ranked after they go 6-0?
#3 Oregon (5-0) @ Washington State (1-4)
No, I don't think Washington State will pull off an upset. Not even close. The Ducks are on fire! I'm just interested to see how many points the highest scoring team in the nation (56.6 ppg) will put up this week.
#12 LSU (5-0) @ #14 Florida (4-1)
The Gators got bounced by Alabama last week, 31-6, and look to come back with a strong showing against LSU. The Tigers barely got past Tennessee and will likely get their first loss this week.
#23 Florida State (4-1) @ #13 Miami (3-1)
This should be a closely contended, defensive game. And Miami should come out on top.
USC (4-1) @ #16 Stanford (4-1)
USC is coming off a shocking loss to Washington while Stanford tries to rebound from a disappointing loss to Oregon. Stanford led 21-3 after 1 quarter, but was outscored 49-10 the rest of the game. Andrew Luck and the Cardinal should be able to keep USC out of the Top 25.
Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez will get back on track against the worst run defense in the Big 12. No upset here.
#1 Alabama (5-0) @ #19 South Carolina (3-1)
The Gamecocks can't stop Mark Ingram. The Tide will roll to their 20th straight victory.
#17 Michigan State (5-0) @ #18 Michigan (5-0)
This is the first time since 1999 that these teams meet while both being ranked. Denard Robinson had 277 passing yards and 217 rushing yards last week against Indiana. On a bum knee! How high will Michigan be ranked after they go 6-0?
#3 Oregon (5-0) @ Washington State (1-4)
No, I don't think Washington State will pull off an upset. Not even close. The Ducks are on fire! I'm just interested to see how many points the highest scoring team in the nation (56.6 ppg) will put up this week.
#12 LSU (5-0) @ #14 Florida (4-1)
The Gators got bounced by Alabama last week, 31-6, and look to come back with a strong showing against LSU. The Tigers barely got past Tennessee and will likely get their first loss this week.
#23 Florida State (4-1) @ #13 Miami (3-1)
This should be a closely contended, defensive game. And Miami should come out on top.
USC (4-1) @ #16 Stanford (4-1)
USC is coming off a shocking loss to Washington while Stanford tries to rebound from a disappointing loss to Oregon. Stanford led 21-3 after 1 quarter, but was outscored 49-10 the rest of the game. Andrew Luck and the Cardinal should be able to keep USC out of the Top 25.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Division Series Preview
American League
Texas Rangers (90-72) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (96-66)
The Rangers need Josh Hamilton to be healthy for this series. They also need Cliff Lee to be the post season pitcher he has been in the past. Texas has the better starting rotation in this series, and they have to keep the Rays off (or at least close to) the bases. Tampa Bay led the league in steals this year with 172.
Tampa Bay won the season series 4-2, including a sweep at home.
Prediction: Rangers in 4. The starting rotation will get it done for Texas.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Tampa Bay- Cliff Lee (12-9 3.18) vs. David Price (19-6 2.72)
Game 2- 10/7 @ Tampa Bay- C.J. Wilson (15-8 3.35) vs. James Shields (13-15 5.18)
Game 3- 10/9 @ Texas- Matt Garza (15-10 3.91) vs. Colby Lewis (12-13 3.72)
Game 4*- 10/10 @ Texas- Wade Davis (12-10 4.07) vs. Tommy Hunter (13-4 3.73)
Game 5*- 10/12 @ Tampa Bay- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Tim Welke (crew chief), Jim Wolf, Jerry Meals, Bill Miller, Jeff Kellogg, Mike DiMuro
New York Yankees (95-67) vs. Minnesota Twins (94-68)
The Twins are without slugger Justin Morneau for the entire post-season, as he still hasn't recovered from a July 7 concussion. Minnesota needs to get back on track. Although they were the first team to clinch their division, they have gone just 3-8 since. Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte have been struggling for the Yankees lately and need to improve if the Bronx Bombers want to get past the Twins. The 2009 playoff version of A-Rod needs to show up. If the 2008 version comes to play, the Yanks are in trouble.
New York won the season series 4-2.
Prediction: Twins in 5. CC will be the only Yankees pitcher to stop the Twins.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Minnesota- CC Sabathia (21-7 3.18) vs. Francisco Liriano (14-10 3.62)
Game 2- 10/7 @ Minnesota- Andy Pettitte (11-3 3.28) vs. Carl Pavano (17-11 3.75)
Game 3- 10/9 @ New York- Brian Duensing (10-3 2.62) vs. Phil Hughes (18-8 4.19)
Game 4*- 10/10 @ New York- Nick Blackburn (10-12 5.42) vs. To Be Determined
Game 5*- 10/12 @ Minnesota- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Jerry Crawford (crew chief), Hunter Wendelstedt, Greg Gibson, Brian O'Nora, Gary Darling, Chris Guccione
The Rangers need Josh Hamilton to be healthy for this series. They also need Cliff Lee to be the post season pitcher he has been in the past. Texas has the better starting rotation in this series, and they have to keep the Rays off (or at least close to) the bases. Tampa Bay led the league in steals this year with 172.
Tampa Bay won the season series 4-2, including a sweep at home.
Prediction: Rangers in 4. The starting rotation will get it done for Texas.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Tampa Bay- Cliff Lee (12-9 3.18) vs. David Price (19-6 2.72)
Game 2- 10/7 @ Tampa Bay- C.J. Wilson (15-8 3.35) vs. James Shields (13-15 5.18)
Game 3- 10/9 @ Texas- Matt Garza (15-10 3.91) vs. Colby Lewis (12-13 3.72)
Game 4*- 10/10 @ Texas- Wade Davis (12-10 4.07) vs. Tommy Hunter (13-4 3.73)
Game 5*- 10/12 @ Tampa Bay- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Tim Welke (crew chief), Jim Wolf, Jerry Meals, Bill Miller, Jeff Kellogg, Mike DiMuro
New York Yankees (95-67) vs. Minnesota Twins (94-68)
The Twins are without slugger Justin Morneau for the entire post-season, as he still hasn't recovered from a July 7 concussion. Minnesota needs to get back on track. Although they were the first team to clinch their division, they have gone just 3-8 since. Phil Hughes and Andy Pettitte have been struggling for the Yankees lately and need to improve if the Bronx Bombers want to get past the Twins. The 2009 playoff version of A-Rod needs to show up. If the 2008 version comes to play, the Yanks are in trouble.
New York won the season series 4-2.
Prediction: Twins in 5. CC will be the only Yankees pitcher to stop the Twins.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Minnesota- CC Sabathia (21-7 3.18) vs. Francisco Liriano (14-10 3.62)
Game 2- 10/7 @ Minnesota- Andy Pettitte (11-3 3.28) vs. Carl Pavano (17-11 3.75)
Game 3- 10/9 @ New York- Brian Duensing (10-3 2.62) vs. Phil Hughes (18-8 4.19)
Game 4*- 10/10 @ New York- Nick Blackburn (10-12 5.42) vs. To Be Determined
Game 5*- 10/12 @ Minnesota- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Jerry Crawford (crew chief), Hunter Wendelstedt, Greg Gibson, Brian O'Nora, Gary Darling, Chris Guccione
National League
Cincinnati Reds (91-71) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (97-65)
The Reds and Phillies are the two highest scoring teams in baseball this year, but they are also two of the best defensive teams. The Phillies have a great starting rotation and they are mostly healthy, which has been a rare occurance this season. Jay Bruce is hot for the Reds and everybody wants to see what Aroldis Chapman can do in the playoffs.
Philadelphia won the season series 5-2.
Prediction: Phillies in 3. Philadelphia's pitching is just too good.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Philadelphia- Edison Volquez (4-3 4.31) vs. Roy Halladay (21-10 2.44)
Game 2- 10/8 @ Philadelphia- Bronson Arroyo (17-10 3.88) vs. Roy Oswalt (13-13 2.76)
Game 3- 10/10 @ Cincinnati- Cole Hamels (12-11 3.06) vs. Johnny Cueto (12-7 3.64)
Game 4*- 10/11 @ Cincinnati- Pitching match-up to be determined
Game 5*- 10/13 @ Philadelphia- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- John Hirschbeck (crew chief), Bruce Dreckman, Sam Holbrook, Ed Rapuano, Gary Cederstrom, Rob Drake
Atlanta Braves (91-71) vs. San Francisco Giants (92-70)
The Braves have a patient approach to hitting but you can't be too patient against the Giants' staff. Jason Heyward needs to continue his great rookie campaign, especially with Martin Prado and Chipper Jones. Buster Posey struggled down the stretch and Pablo Sandoval struggled all season. Both of them need to break out of their respective slumps. The Giants bats have to be alive or they could be in trouble.
Atlanta won the season series 4-3 and took 3 of 4 in Atlanta.
Prediction: Giants in 4 San Francisco's staff and power threat will be too much for the Braves.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/7 @ San Francisco- Derek Lowe (16-12 4.00) vs. Tim Lincecum (16-10 3.43)
Game 2- 10/8 @ San Francisco- Tommy Hanson (10-11 3.33) vs. Matt Cain (13-11 3.14)
Game 3- 10/10 @ Atlanta- Jonathan Sanchez (13-9 3.07) vs. Tim Hudson (17-9 2.83)
Game 4*- 10/11 @ Atlanta- Pitching match-up to be determined
Game 5*- 10/13 @ San Francisco- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Dana DeMuth (crew chief), Paul Nauert, Paul Emmel, Mike Winters, Jerry Lane, Ed Hickox
The Reds and Phillies are the two highest scoring teams in baseball this year, but they are also two of the best defensive teams. The Phillies have a great starting rotation and they are mostly healthy, which has been a rare occurance this season. Jay Bruce is hot for the Reds and everybody wants to see what Aroldis Chapman can do in the playoffs.
Philadelphia won the season series 5-2.
Prediction: Phillies in 3. Philadelphia's pitching is just too good.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/6 @ Philadelphia- Edison Volquez (4-3 4.31) vs. Roy Halladay (21-10 2.44)
Game 2- 10/8 @ Philadelphia- Bronson Arroyo (17-10 3.88) vs. Roy Oswalt (13-13 2.76)
Game 3- 10/10 @ Cincinnati- Cole Hamels (12-11 3.06) vs. Johnny Cueto (12-7 3.64)
Game 4*- 10/11 @ Cincinnati- Pitching match-up to be determined
Game 5*- 10/13 @ Philadelphia- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- John Hirschbeck (crew chief), Bruce Dreckman, Sam Holbrook, Ed Rapuano, Gary Cederstrom, Rob Drake
Atlanta Braves (91-71) vs. San Francisco Giants (92-70)
The Braves have a patient approach to hitting but you can't be too patient against the Giants' staff. Jason Heyward needs to continue his great rookie campaign, especially with Martin Prado and Chipper Jones. Buster Posey struggled down the stretch and Pablo Sandoval struggled all season. Both of them need to break out of their respective slumps. The Giants bats have to be alive or they could be in trouble.
Atlanta won the season series 4-3 and took 3 of 4 in Atlanta.
Prediction: Giants in 4 San Francisco's staff and power threat will be too much for the Braves.
Schedule
Game 1- 10/7 @ San Francisco- Derek Lowe (16-12 4.00) vs. Tim Lincecum (16-10 3.43)
Game 2- 10/8 @ San Francisco- Tommy Hanson (10-11 3.33) vs. Matt Cain (13-11 3.14)
Game 3- 10/10 @ Atlanta- Jonathan Sanchez (13-9 3.07) vs. Tim Hudson (17-9 2.83)
Game 4*- 10/11 @ Atlanta- Pitching match-up to be determined
Game 5*- 10/13 @ San Francisco- Pitching match-up to be determined
Umpires- Dana DeMuth (crew chief), Paul Nauert, Paul Emmel, Mike Winters, Jerry Lane, Ed Hickox
Thursday, September 30, 2010
What's Good! 9/30-10/6
MLB Playoff Race
NL West
San Francisco holds a 2 game lead over San Diego with each team having 4 games left. Today the Giants finish their 3 game series with Arizona and the Padres play the 4th and final game of their series with Cubs. Tomorrow, the Padres head to San Francisco for a 3 game set to finish the season and decide the division. San Francisco's magic number is currently 3. They could wrap up the NL West title Friday at the earliest.
NL Wild Card
The Braves are leading the Wild Card race by 1.5 games over San Diego. Atlanta is off today, but hosts Philadelphia this weekend to finish the regular season.
This is the last appearance for MLB in the What's Good blog this season. Starting Monday the Playoffs will get their own post.
The Tampa Bay Rays hold a 1/2 game lead over the Yankees and will end the season with a 4 game series with the Royals in Kansas City, starting today. The Yankees have the day off and will travel to Boston to take on the Red Sox. Both the Yankees and the Rays have already clinched playoff spots, so it's now official that the 2nd place finisher in the division will be the AL Wild Card.Four of the six divisions are locked up already as we head into the final weekend of the season. In the American League the Twins won the Central and the Rangers took the West. Texas will be the #3 seed in the playoffs, while Minnesota is still fighting for the top spot. The National League East champs are the Phillies, who have also secured the best record and will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Reds won the Central and are battling for the #2 seed.
AL East
AL East
NL West
San Francisco holds a 2 game lead over San Diego with each team having 4 games left. Today the Giants finish their 3 game series with Arizona and the Padres play the 4th and final game of their series with Cubs. Tomorrow, the Padres head to San Francisco for a 3 game set to finish the season and decide the division. San Francisco's magic number is currently 3. They could wrap up the NL West title Friday at the earliest.
NL Wild Card
The Braves are leading the Wild Card race by 1.5 games over San Diego. Atlanta is off today, but hosts Philadelphia this weekend to finish the regular season.
NFL Week 4
San Francisco (0-3) @ Atlanta (2-1)- The Niners have a new offensive coordinator, but some people think Singletary and Smith are bigger problems than Raye was. The Falcons look to win their 3rd straight game.
Baltimore (2-1) @ Pittsburgh (3-0)- The surprisingly 3-0 Steelers play their last game without Ben Roethlisberger. Not that they've missed him.
Washington (1-2) @ Philadelphia (2-1)- Donovan McNabb returns to Philly for the first time since his trade. Mike Vick looks to keep the Eagles rolling.
Chicago (3-0) @ New York Giants (1-2)- The Bears are hot and proving they are for real, while the Giants have stumbled out of the blocks.
New England (2-1) @ Miami (2-1)- Big game as both teams are tied with the Jets atop the AFC East.
Baltimore (2-1) @ Pittsburgh (3-0)- The surprisingly 3-0 Steelers play their last game without Ben Roethlisberger. Not that they've missed him.
Washington (1-2) @ Philadelphia (2-1)- Donovan McNabb returns to Philly for the first time since his trade. Mike Vick looks to keep the Eagles rolling.
Chicago (3-0) @ New York Giants (1-2)- The Bears are hot and proving they are for real, while the Giants have stumbled out of the blocks.
New England (2-1) @ Miami (2-1)- Big game as both teams are tied with the Jets atop the AFC East.
College Football Week 5
Texas A & M (3-0) @ Oklahoma St. (3-0)- Big 12 opener for these two teams looking to crack the Top 25.
#21 Texas (3-1) @ #8 Oklahoma (4-0)- Texas tries to rebound from a 34-12 loss to UCLA in the 105th meeting of these two powerhouses.
#11 Wisconsin (4-0) @ #24 Michigan St. (4-0)- Both teams look to stay undefeated in their Big 10 opener.
#19 Michigan (4-0) @ Indiana (3-0)- Denard Robinson is back after injuring his knee last week. Can Indiana stop him?
Washington St. (1-3) @ UCLA (2-2)- The Bruins look to continue rolling after beating ranked teams in consecutive weeks.
#7 Florida (4-0) @ #1 Alabama (4-0)- This should be the game of the week. A possible SEC Championship preview.
#9 Stanford (4-0) @ #4 Oregon (4-0)- A huge game for both teams. Pac 10 and Top 10 rankings up for grabs.
#22 Penn St. (3-1) @ #17 Iowa (4-0)- Loser may leave the Top 25.
#21 Texas (3-1) @ #8 Oklahoma (4-0)- Texas tries to rebound from a 34-12 loss to UCLA in the 105th meeting of these two powerhouses.
#11 Wisconsin (4-0) @ #24 Michigan St. (4-0)- Both teams look to stay undefeated in their Big 10 opener.
#19 Michigan (4-0) @ Indiana (3-0)- Denard Robinson is back after injuring his knee last week. Can Indiana stop him?
Washington St. (1-3) @ UCLA (2-2)- The Bruins look to continue rolling after beating ranked teams in consecutive weeks.
#7 Florida (4-0) @ #1 Alabama (4-0)- This should be the game of the week. A possible SEC Championship preview.
#9 Stanford (4-0) @ #4 Oregon (4-0)- A huge game for both teams. Pac 10 and Top 10 rankings up for grabs.
#22 Penn St. (3-1) @ #17 Iowa (4-0)- Loser may leave the Top 25.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
What's Good! 9/23-9/29
MLB Playoff Race
First, I want to say Congratulations to the Minnesota Twins for becoming the first team to clinch their division this season. I think it's great that no division was decided until the Twins won the AL Central with 2 weeks left in the season. The next week and a half will be full of exciting baseball. Other divisions that are pretty much wrapped up are the AL West, where the Rangers' Magic Number is 4 and the NL Central where Cincinnati's Magic Number is 3. The Phillies also have a great shot at wrapping up the NL East soon with a Magic Number of 4 and a 10-game winning streak. Now, on to the close races.
AL East
The Yankees have a 1.5 game lead on the Tampa Bay Rays going into today's final game of their 4 game series. Tomorrow, New York starts a weekend series against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium and the Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Monday, the Yanks go north of the border to face the Blue Jays and the Rays stay home to take on Baltimore. The only team facing NY and TB in the next week that hasn't been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs is the Red Sox. Their elimination numbers are 3 in the division and 5 in the Wild Card so they could be out before they leave the Bronx.
AL Wild Card
The Rays lead the Red Sox by 6.5 games and the White Sox by 10.5 games. Chicago is all but gone with an elimination number of 1 and, as I stated earlier, Boston's elimination number is 5. There are going to be several homes that find some extra Sox laying around on October 4th. The Yankees and Rays will likely both make the playoffs but we are just waiting to see who wins the division. Loser gets the Wild Card spot.
NL West
The Padres and Giants are playing leap frog atop the West as they have both held half game leads in the last week. The Rockies are trying to hang around but have lost 3 straight games and are 3 games back. All 3 teams are in action today, as the Giants are at Wrigley for the rubber match of their series with the Cubs; the Rockies try to avoid the sweep in Arizona; and the Padres try to finish a sweep of the Dodgers in Los Angeles. There are two huge series' this weekend. The Giants go to Colorado with hopes of tapping the Rockies and the Padres go home to host the NL Central leading Cincinnati Reds. Monday, the Cubs head to San Diego to take on the Padres in a 4 game series and the Dodgers head to the Rocky Mountains to play 3 with Colorado. Tuesday, the Giants return to AT & T Park for a 3 game set with the Diamondbacks. This race is going to be great!
NL Wild Card
The NL West runner-up will have a great shot at taking the Wild Card. Right now, the Braves are up by half a game on the Giants and the Rockies are 3 back. The Braves have the day off after being swept by the red-hot Phillies and will head to the nation's capital this weekend to play the Nationals. They will then head home to play 3 against the Marlins starting Monday. The Cardinals and Marlins are still technically in this race but their elimination numbers are 3 and 2, respectively.
AL East
The Yankees have a 1.5 game lead on the Tampa Bay Rays going into today's final game of their 4 game series. Tomorrow, New York starts a weekend series against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium and the Rays host the Seattle Mariners. Monday, the Yanks go north of the border to face the Blue Jays and the Rays stay home to take on Baltimore. The only team facing NY and TB in the next week that hasn't been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs is the Red Sox. Their elimination numbers are 3 in the division and 5 in the Wild Card so they could be out before they leave the Bronx.
AL Wild Card
The Rays lead the Red Sox by 6.5 games and the White Sox by 10.5 games. Chicago is all but gone with an elimination number of 1 and, as I stated earlier, Boston's elimination number is 5. There are going to be several homes that find some extra Sox laying around on October 4th. The Yankees and Rays will likely both make the playoffs but we are just waiting to see who wins the division. Loser gets the Wild Card spot.
NL West
The Padres and Giants are playing leap frog atop the West as they have both held half game leads in the last week. The Rockies are trying to hang around but have lost 3 straight games and are 3 games back. All 3 teams are in action today, as the Giants are at Wrigley for the rubber match of their series with the Cubs; the Rockies try to avoid the sweep in Arizona; and the Padres try to finish a sweep of the Dodgers in Los Angeles. There are two huge series' this weekend. The Giants go to Colorado with hopes of tapping the Rockies and the Padres go home to host the NL Central leading Cincinnati Reds. Monday, the Cubs head to San Diego to take on the Padres in a 4 game series and the Dodgers head to the Rocky Mountains to play 3 with Colorado. Tuesday, the Giants return to AT & T Park for a 3 game set with the Diamondbacks. This race is going to be great!
NL Wild Card
The NL West runner-up will have a great shot at taking the Wild Card. Right now, the Braves are up by half a game on the Giants and the Rockies are 3 back. The Braves have the day off after being swept by the red-hot Phillies and will head to the nation's capital this weekend to play the Nationals. They will then head home to play 3 against the Marlins starting Monday. The Cardinals and Marlins are still technically in this race but their elimination numbers are 3 and 2, respectively.
NFL Week 3
Dallas (0-2) @ Houston (2-0)- I don't see the Cowboys going o-3...or the Texans going 3-0 for that matter.
Detroit (0-2) @ Minnesota (0-2)- Going out on a limb here and saying the old and unimproved Brett Favre will be 0-3.
Atlanta (1-1) @ New Orleans (2-0)- The 49ers took it to the Saints on Monday night and the Falcons are a better team than the 49ers. Plus, the Saints are without Reggie Bush, who broke his leg against San Francisco. Look for the Dirtybirds to leave the Who Dat? Nation saying "Huh, what?"
Pittsburgh (2-0) @ Tampa Bay (2-0)- The Bucs are 2-0? The Roethlisberger-less Steelers are 2-0? Tampa Bay's run ends this week.
Philadelphia (1-1) @ Jacksonville (1-1)- Andy Reid named Mike Vick his starter for the rest of the year. Some people don't think an injury should cost someone their starting job, as it seems has happened to Kevin Kolb, but I'm a firm believer in starting the players who give you the best chance to win. I think Vick does this for the Eagles and will give the Jaguars defense fits on Sunday.
San Francisco (0-2) @ Kansas City (2-0)- Another game where both teams will lose the zeroes in their records.
New York Jets (1-1) @ Miami (2-0)- Jets fans are still waiting for Mark Sanchez to do something as their QB. I think the '72 Dolphins will be able to celebrate the first loss of the '10 Dolphins this week.
Green Bay (2-0) @ Chicago (2-0)- Should be a great Monday Night match-up as these two undefeated teams look to take over sole possession of first place in the NFC North. I still think the Packers are the better team.
Detroit (0-2) @ Minnesota (0-2)- Going out on a limb here and saying the old and unimproved Brett Favre will be 0-3.
Atlanta (1-1) @ New Orleans (2-0)- The 49ers took it to the Saints on Monday night and the Falcons are a better team than the 49ers. Plus, the Saints are without Reggie Bush, who broke his leg against San Francisco. Look for the Dirtybirds to leave the Who Dat? Nation saying "Huh, what?"
Pittsburgh (2-0) @ Tampa Bay (2-0)- The Bucs are 2-0? The Roethlisberger-less Steelers are 2-0? Tampa Bay's run ends this week.
Philadelphia (1-1) @ Jacksonville (1-1)- Andy Reid named Mike Vick his starter for the rest of the year. Some people don't think an injury should cost someone their starting job, as it seems has happened to Kevin Kolb, but I'm a firm believer in starting the players who give you the best chance to win. I think Vick does this for the Eagles and will give the Jaguars defense fits on Sunday.
San Francisco (0-2) @ Kansas City (2-0)- Another game where both teams will lose the zeroes in their records.
New York Jets (1-1) @ Miami (2-0)- Jets fans are still waiting for Mark Sanchez to do something as their QB. I think the '72 Dolphins will be able to celebrate the first loss of the '10 Dolphins this week.
Green Bay (2-0) @ Chicago (2-0)- Should be a great Monday Night match-up as these two undefeated teams look to take over sole possession of first place in the NFC North. I still think the Packers are the better team.
College Football Week 4
North Carolina St. (3-0) @ Georgia Tech (2-1)- The winner of this game should move into the Top 25.
#1 Alabama (3-0) @ #10 Arkansas (3-0)- Excellent early SEC match-up with possible National Championship implications. Ingram is healthy for Alabama, which is good because their next 3 games are against ranked opponents.
Temple (3-0) @ #23 Penn St. (2-1)- I smell an upset in the making!!!
Kentucky (3-0) @ #9 Florida (3-0)- Florida has won 23 straight games against Kentucky and should make it 24.
#12 South Carolina (3-0) @ #17 Auburn (3-0)- Auburn should squeak by South Carolina and move up in the polls.
#24 Oregon St. (1-1) @ #3 Boise St. (2-0)- The Broncos should buck the Beavers right out of the Top 25.
#22 West Virginia (3-0) @ #15 LSU (3-0)- LSU's 28-game non-conference home winning streak is in jeopardy this week.
California (2-1) @ #14 Arizona (3-0)- Cal will try to bounce back from the beat down they took from Nevada while Arizona is riding high after beating Iowa.
#5 Oregon (3-0) @ Arizona St. (2-1)- Oregon gets its first real test after destroying their first 3 opponents by a total score of 189-13. Still, look for them to be 4-0 at the end of this one.
#1 Alabama (3-0) @ #10 Arkansas (3-0)- Excellent early SEC match-up with possible National Championship implications. Ingram is healthy for Alabama, which is good because their next 3 games are against ranked opponents.
Temple (3-0) @ #23 Penn St. (2-1)- I smell an upset in the making!!!
Kentucky (3-0) @ #9 Florida (3-0)- Florida has won 23 straight games against Kentucky and should make it 24.
#12 South Carolina (3-0) @ #17 Auburn (3-0)- Auburn should squeak by South Carolina and move up in the polls.
#24 Oregon St. (1-1) @ #3 Boise St. (2-0)- The Broncos should buck the Beavers right out of the Top 25.
#22 West Virginia (3-0) @ #15 LSU (3-0)- LSU's 28-game non-conference home winning streak is in jeopardy this week.
California (2-1) @ #14 Arizona (3-0)- Cal will try to bounce back from the beat down they took from Nevada while Arizona is riding high after beating Iowa.
#5 Oregon (3-0) @ Arizona St. (2-1)- Oregon gets its first real test after destroying their first 3 opponents by a total score of 189-13. Still, look for them to be 4-0 at the end of this one.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
What's Good! 9/16-9/22
MLB Playoff Race
I've decided to cover the close races in baseball instead of just covering the games between two teams in contention. For the teams still in the race, every series is important.AL East
Tampa Bay leads the Yankees by 1/2 game after taking 2 of 3 in their series. This weekend, the Rays stay at the Trop to play 3 with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim while the Yankees travel to Baltimore to take on the Orioles. On Monday, both the Yanks and Rays will be at Yankee Stadium to begin a huge 4 game series.
AL Wild Card
It looks like the team that finishes 2nd in the East will take the Wild Card. Boston is 6.5 games back and Chicago is 8.
NL East
Philadelphia has a 3 game lead on Atlanta and they will play each other in a 3 game series starting on Monday. First, though, the Phillies will host the Nationals and the Braves will take on the Mets at Citi Field.
NL West
The West is the only division with a serious 3 team race. The Padres have a half game lead on the Giants with the Rockies right behind them, 2.5 out. The Dodgers, although nowhere near playoff contention, can have a huge role in the way the division and wild card races go. Thursday, they finish a 3 game series with the Giants and then host the Rockies over the weekend. Then the Padres head to L.A. on Tuesday for 3. San Diego will spend the weekend in the mid-west taking on the Cardinals. San Francisco will stay in the Bay to play the Brewers before traveling to Chicago for a 3 game set beginning Tuesday. Colorado will be at Arizona for their mid-week series. It's going to be a wild ride in the West and I can't wait to see what happens.
NL Wild Card
As of right now, the Braves lead the Giants by half a game and the Rockies by 2.5. St. Louis is still in the mix but would need a lot of help. They are down by 8 games.
NFL Week 2
Arizona (1-0) @ Atlanta (0-1)- Can the Falcons bounce back after their shocking overtime loss to the Steelers in Week 1?
Baltimore (1-0) @ Cincinnati (0-1)- AFC North battle between the two best teams in the division. I know it's only Week 2 but Cincinnati needs to win this game.
New England (1-0) @ New York Jets (0-1)- The J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets need to pull this one off. I don't think they can though.
New York Giants (1-0) @ Indianapolis (0-1)- Manning vs. Manning. Big Bro is hungry for his first win of the year and he should get it.
Baltimore (1-0) @ Cincinnati (0-1)- AFC North battle between the two best teams in the division. I know it's only Week 2 but Cincinnati needs to win this game.
New England (1-0) @ New York Jets (0-1)- The J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets need to pull this one off. I don't think they can though.
New York Giants (1-0) @ Indianapolis (0-1)- Manning vs. Manning. Big Bro is hungry for his first win of the year and he should get it.
College Football Week 3
Cal (2-0) @ Nevada (2-0)- This should be a great game. I think Nevada is going to take it.
#12 Arkansas (2-0) @ Georgia (1-1)- Georgia has won 6 straight games against Arkansas, who will be without RB/KR Dennis Johnson.
Air Force (2-0) @ #7 Oklahoma (2-0)- Oklahoma stepped it up last week against Florida St. and now their D has to step it up another notch to stop the top ranked offense in the country.
Clemson (2-0) @ #16 Auburn (2-0)- This is the first installment of the Tigers vs. Tigers battle since 1971. Clemson has lost the last 13 with their last win against Clemson coming in 1951. I think both teams have some new players now. It will be cool to see these teams go at it again after so long.
#6 Texas (2-0) @ Texas Tech (2-0)- These two Big 12 teams have split the last 6 meetings.
#9 Iowa (2-0) @ #24 Arizona (2-0)- This is the only game between two ranked teams this week.
Wake Forest (2-0) @ #19 Stanford (2-0)- Andrew Luck will try to lead the Cardinal to their first 3-0 start in 10 years.
#12 Arkansas (2-0) @ Georgia (1-1)- Georgia has won 6 straight games against Arkansas, who will be without RB/KR Dennis Johnson.
Air Force (2-0) @ #7 Oklahoma (2-0)- Oklahoma stepped it up last week against Florida St. and now their D has to step it up another notch to stop the top ranked offense in the country.
Clemson (2-0) @ #16 Auburn (2-0)- This is the first installment of the Tigers vs. Tigers battle since 1971. Clemson has lost the last 13 with their last win against Clemson coming in 1951. I think both teams have some new players now. It will be cool to see these teams go at it again after so long.
#6 Texas (2-0) @ Texas Tech (2-0)- These two Big 12 teams have split the last 6 meetings.
#9 Iowa (2-0) @ #24 Arizona (2-0)- This is the only game between two ranked teams this week.
Wake Forest (2-0) @ #19 Stanford (2-0)- Andrew Luck will try to lead the Cardinal to their first 3-0 start in 10 years.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
What's Good!
This is a new weekly blog I will be writing about what's good to watch in the world of sports. Each blog will preview events from Thursday through Wednesday.
WEEK OF 9/9-9/15
St. Louis @ Atlanta (9/9-9/12)- Atlanta is in the lead in the Wild Card race but St. Louis is only 6.5 games behind them. However, San Francisco (2 GB) and Colorado (4 GB) are in between the Braves and Cards.
San Diego @ Colorado (9/13-9/15)- San Diego currently has a 2 game lead on the Giants and a 4 game lead on the Rockies in the West. Major playoff implications in this series, depending on how these teams do in their respective weekend series.
New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay (9/13-9/15)- New York leads Tampa Bay in the AL East by 2.5 right now. No matter what these teams do over the weekend, this will be a big series.
Minnesota @ Chicago White Sox (9/14-9/16)- We are still five days away from this series and Minnesota has a 6 game lead. We will have to see if the Sox are still close by then.
WEEK OF 9/9-9/15
Major League Baseball
San Francisco @ San Diego (9/9-9/12)- The Giants and Padres get together for a 4-game series at Petco Park. The Padres lead the NL West by 2 games over the Giants, so this series will have a huge impact on the playoff race.St. Louis @ Atlanta (9/9-9/12)- Atlanta is in the lead in the Wild Card race but St. Louis is only 6.5 games behind them. However, San Francisco (2 GB) and Colorado (4 GB) are in between the Braves and Cards.
San Diego @ Colorado (9/13-9/15)- San Diego currently has a 2 game lead on the Giants and a 4 game lead on the Rockies in the West. Major playoff implications in this series, depending on how these teams do in their respective weekend series.
New York Yankees @ Tampa Bay (9/13-9/15)- New York leads Tampa Bay in the AL East by 2.5 right now. No matter what these teams do over the weekend, this will be a big series.
Minnesota @ Chicago White Sox (9/14-9/16)- We are still five days away from this series and Minnesota has a 6 game lead. We will have to see if the Sox are still close by then.
National Football League Week 1
Minnesota @ New Orleans (Thu)- It's a rematch of last year's NFC Championship game. Favre is back (Surprise!) for the Vikings, but will his ankle hold up? Also, he is without Sidney Rice for a while. There is no reason for me to think the outcome won't be same as it was last time.
Cincinnati @ New England- T.O. and Ochocinco take the field as teammates for the first time in the regular season. Should be fun. Who can yell "Give me the damn ball!" louder? Oh yeah, New England has a man named Brady with receivers of his own. He's pretty good.
San Francisco @ Seattle- The NFC West is weak this year and I expect the 49ers to win it easily. Looking forward to seeing if Alex Smith is any better this year. Wouldn't take much for him to have a career year.
Green Bay @ Philadelphia- Green Bay the best team in the NFC, IMO. I don't think Kolb will be as good as everyone thinks. It will be interesting to find out.
Dallas @ Washington- Donovan McNabb faces his long time division rival...in a new uniform. The 'Skins are better with him but still not as good as the Cowboys.
Baltimore @ New York Jets (Mon)- Big test for Mark Sanchez. A lot of people don't think he's very good. He hasn't done a lot to disprove that theory.
San Diego @ Kansas City (Mon)- I know, I know. Why is there a Chiefs game on the list? Two words: Ryan Matthews. He will be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Remember who said it!
Cincinnati @ New England- T.O. and Ochocinco take the field as teammates for the first time in the regular season. Should be fun. Who can yell "Give me the damn ball!" louder? Oh yeah, New England has a man named Brady with receivers of his own. He's pretty good.
San Francisco @ Seattle- The NFC West is weak this year and I expect the 49ers to win it easily. Looking forward to seeing if Alex Smith is any better this year. Wouldn't take much for him to have a career year.
Green Bay @ Philadelphia- Green Bay the best team in the NFC, IMO. I don't think Kolb will be as good as everyone thinks. It will be interesting to find out.
Dallas @ Washington- Donovan McNabb faces his long time division rival...in a new uniform. The 'Skins are better with him but still not as good as the Cowboys.
Baltimore @ New York Jets (Mon)- Big test for Mark Sanchez. A lot of people don't think he's very good. He hasn't done a lot to disprove that theory.
San Diego @ Kansas City (Mon)- I know, I know. Why is there a Chiefs game on the list? Two words: Ryan Matthews. He will be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Remember who said it!
College Football Week 2
#18 Penn St. @ #1 Alabama- Alabama's D is a little better than that of Youngstown St. They will give true freshman QB Robert Bolden significantly more trouble. Mark Ingram is unlikely to play for the second straight week, but the Tide should still roll.
#12 Miami (FL) @ #2 Ohio St.- The first game between these two powerhouses since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State won that game amid some controversy. They should win this one without it.
#7 Oregon @ Tennessee- The Vols are better than New Mexico so I don't think Oregon will have another 72-0 win, but I also don't think it will be close.
#17 Florida St. @ #10 Oklahoma- The Sooners will need to step up their game to beat the Seminoles. Should be a great game.
Michigan @ Notre Dame- Neither team is ranked, but this is always an exciting match-up.
#12 Miami (FL) @ #2 Ohio St.- The first game between these two powerhouses since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State won that game amid some controversy. They should win this one without it.
#7 Oregon @ Tennessee- The Vols are better than New Mexico so I don't think Oregon will have another 72-0 win, but I also don't think it will be close.
#17 Florida St. @ #10 Oklahoma- The Sooners will need to step up their game to beat the Seminoles. Should be a great game.
Michigan @ Notre Dame- Neither team is ranked, but this is always an exciting match-up.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Be The High Roller from Peppermill Casino
So, The Peppermill is having a contest called "Be The High Roller." The winner of this contest gets an all expenses paid trip to the Peppermill to live the high life. And when they say all expenses paid, they mean it. They fly you and three friends from your local airport to Reno on a private jet, put you up in a penthouse suite, give you a poolside cabana, services at Spa Toscana, 24/7 VIP Service, a skybox at EDGE Nightclub and much more. The most important part of the prize package is a fully funded credit line for the ultimate gaming experience.
To enter this contest you submit a video, photo and application to www.bethehighroller.com and their judges will be picking finalists. Every entrant has their own profile page and each profile page has options to "Like this Entry" and "Share this Profile." The Peppermill wants all of its entrants to promote their profiles. If you haven't figured it out already, I have one of these profiles. You can find it here. Check it out, like it, share it. Share it with your friends! Share it with your co-workers! Share it with your family! Hell, print out copies of the web address and hand them out to everyone you see! Help me promote my video! Wouldn't you love to tell people that you know THE High Roller? How awesome would that be for you? Thank you!!!
To enter this contest you submit a video, photo and application to www.bethehighroller.com and their judges will be picking finalists. Every entrant has their own profile page and each profile page has options to "Like this Entry" and "Share this Profile." The Peppermill wants all of its entrants to promote their profiles. If you haven't figured it out already, I have one of these profiles. You can find it here. Check it out, like it, share it. Share it with your friends! Share it with your co-workers! Share it with your family! Hell, print out copies of the web address and hand them out to everyone you see! Help me promote my video! Wouldn't you love to tell people that you know THE High Roller? How awesome would that be for you? Thank you!!!
2010 NFL Preview
AFC EAST
x-New York Jets 13-3 - The Jets know they can't enter the season without signing Darrelle Revis. I expect him to be in uniform for Week 1.
y-New England 12-4 - Wes Welker is on schedule to return soon. That's great news for the Pats since Torry Holt is now on Injured Reserve with a knee injury.
Miami 6-10 - The Dolphins picked up WR Brandon Marshall to give them a viable target, but can Chad Henne consistently hit the target?
Buffalo 1-15 - With the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Toronto Bills select...
AFC NORTH
x-Baltimore 13-3 - Joe Flacco will rebound from his injury-laden sophomore campaign. The Ravens went out and added Anquan Boldin to an already solid offense.
y-Cincinnati 10-6 - Coming soon to a tv near you, The T-Ocho Show! Carson Palmer will have plenty of options down field.
Pittsburgh 9-7 - Big Ben's suspension will cost this team their shot at the playoffs.
Cleveland 4-12 - The Browns got Seneca Wallace to step in when Jake Delhomme falters. I think Colt McCoy will see quite a few reps this season.
AFC SOUTH
z-Indianapolis 14-2 - Peyton Manning and the Colts will continue to dominate the AFC.
Houston 8-8 - Ben Tate's season-ending ankle injury leaves the Texans with the same problem they had last year: No strong feature back.
Tennessee 7-9 - Chris Johnson will remain unstoppable. So will opposing offenses for the Titans defense.
Jacksonville 2-14 - With the second pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Jaguars select... (Just sayin')
AFC WEST
x-San Diego 13-3 - Ryan Matthews will be a fine replacement for L.T. The Chargers, once again, should have an easy run to the division title.
Denver 10-6 - Losing the NFL's sacks leader is never a good thing. How long will Dumervil be out recovering from his torn pectoral muscle?
Oakland 4-12 - Jason Campbell is a definite upgrade at QB, but I think this team still needs some serious help.
Kansas City 4-12 - The Chiefs have a long way to go before they start competing in this division.
NFC EAST
x-New York Giants 12-4 - The Other Manning will lead this team to another East title.
y-Dallas 11-5 - Hey Dez! Don't worry, nobody will ask you to carry the Rookie of the Year trophy!
Washington 8-8 - McNabb still has game, but the NFC East is too tough for the Skins.
Philadelphia 5-11 - Kolb won't be as successful as people think. Vick will see increased playing time, which will give defenses fits, trying to deal with all that speed.
NFC NORTH
z-Green Bay 14-2 - Pretty much the same team as last year. Rodgers will continue to shine.
Minnesota 10-6 - With or without Favre, this team will be watching the playoffs from their couches.
Chicago 5-11 - Da Bears added Julius Peppers to a scary-when-healthy defense. Can they stay scary all year?
Detroit 4-12 - Good news, Lions fans! The Lions will double their win total from last year!
NFC SOUTH
x-Atlanta 12-4 - The Falcons made significant additions on defense by signing CB Dunta Robinson and drafting LB Sean Weatherspoon.
y-New Orleans 12-4 - The Saints will be the latest team not to repeat as NFC South champs.
Tampa Bay 4-12 - Gerald McCoy will make an immediate impact on the defensive line but the rest of the team will continue to struggle.
Carolina 3-13 - This young and inexperienced team lost their best defensive player to Chicago. They may lose their coach after this season, too.
NFC WEST
x-San Francisco 11-5 - Alex Smith will finally have a season worthy of an NFL quarterback. If Westbrook can stay healthy, their running attack will be tough to stop.
Arizona 7-9 - Kurt Warner is gone. This is now Matt Leinart's team. Oh yeah, he has one less target with Anquan Boldin going to Baltimore.
St. Louis 5-11 - Steven Jackson is still one of the best backs in the league, but rookie QB Sam Bradford has a lot of work to do to get this team back on top.
Seattle 3-13 - Pete Carroll has arrived, but with Seneca Wallace gone, I wonder if he can step in for the injury-prone Hasselbeck if needed.
z-Home field throughout playoffs x-Division Champion y-Wild Card
AFC Champion: Indianapolis
NFC Champion: Dallas
Super Bowl Champion: Indianapolis
AWARDS
Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning, QB, Indianpolis
Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans
Defensive Player of the Year:DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ryan Matthews, RB, San Diego
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Atlanta
Coach of the Year: Mike Smith, Atlanta
x-New York Jets 13-3 - The Jets know they can't enter the season without signing Darrelle Revis. I expect him to be in uniform for Week 1.
y-New England 12-4 - Wes Welker is on schedule to return soon. That's great news for the Pats since Torry Holt is now on Injured Reserve with a knee injury.
Miami 6-10 - The Dolphins picked up WR Brandon Marshall to give them a viable target, but can Chad Henne consistently hit the target?
Buffalo 1-15 - With the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Toronto Bills select...
AFC NORTH
x-Baltimore 13-3 - Joe Flacco will rebound from his injury-laden sophomore campaign. The Ravens went out and added Anquan Boldin to an already solid offense.
y-Cincinnati 10-6 - Coming soon to a tv near you, The T-Ocho Show! Carson Palmer will have plenty of options down field.
Pittsburgh 9-7 - Big Ben's suspension will cost this team their shot at the playoffs.
Cleveland 4-12 - The Browns got Seneca Wallace to step in when Jake Delhomme falters. I think Colt McCoy will see quite a few reps this season.
AFC SOUTH
z-Indianapolis 14-2 - Peyton Manning and the Colts will continue to dominate the AFC.
Houston 8-8 - Ben Tate's season-ending ankle injury leaves the Texans with the same problem they had last year: No strong feature back.
Tennessee 7-9 - Chris Johnson will remain unstoppable. So will opposing offenses for the Titans defense.
Jacksonville 2-14 - With the second pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Jaguars select... (Just sayin')
AFC WEST
x-San Diego 13-3 - Ryan Matthews will be a fine replacement for L.T. The Chargers, once again, should have an easy run to the division title.
Denver 10-6 - Losing the NFL's sacks leader is never a good thing. How long will Dumervil be out recovering from his torn pectoral muscle?
Oakland 4-12 - Jason Campbell is a definite upgrade at QB, but I think this team still needs some serious help.
Kansas City 4-12 - The Chiefs have a long way to go before they start competing in this division.
NFC EAST
x-New York Giants 12-4 - The Other Manning will lead this team to another East title.
y-Dallas 11-5 - Hey Dez! Don't worry, nobody will ask you to carry the Rookie of the Year trophy!
Washington 8-8 - McNabb still has game, but the NFC East is too tough for the Skins.
Philadelphia 5-11 - Kolb won't be as successful as people think. Vick will see increased playing time, which will give defenses fits, trying to deal with all that speed.
NFC NORTH
z-Green Bay 14-2 - Pretty much the same team as last year. Rodgers will continue to shine.
Minnesota 10-6 - With or without Favre, this team will be watching the playoffs from their couches.
Chicago 5-11 - Da Bears added Julius Peppers to a scary-when-healthy defense. Can they stay scary all year?
Detroit 4-12 - Good news, Lions fans! The Lions will double their win total from last year!
NFC SOUTH
x-Atlanta 12-4 - The Falcons made significant additions on defense by signing CB Dunta Robinson and drafting LB Sean Weatherspoon.
y-New Orleans 12-4 - The Saints will be the latest team not to repeat as NFC South champs.
Tampa Bay 4-12 - Gerald McCoy will make an immediate impact on the defensive line but the rest of the team will continue to struggle.
Carolina 3-13 - This young and inexperienced team lost their best defensive player to Chicago. They may lose their coach after this season, too.
NFC WEST
x-San Francisco 11-5 - Alex Smith will finally have a season worthy of an NFL quarterback. If Westbrook can stay healthy, their running attack will be tough to stop.
Arizona 7-9 - Kurt Warner is gone. This is now Matt Leinart's team. Oh yeah, he has one less target with Anquan Boldin going to Baltimore.
St. Louis 5-11 - Steven Jackson is still one of the best backs in the league, but rookie QB Sam Bradford has a lot of work to do to get this team back on top.
Seattle 3-13 - Pete Carroll has arrived, but with Seneca Wallace gone, I wonder if he can step in for the injury-prone Hasselbeck if needed.
z-Home field throughout playoffs x-Division Champion y-Wild Card
AFC Champion: Indianapolis
NFC Champion: Dallas
Super Bowl Champion: Indianapolis
AWARDS
Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning, QB, Indianpolis
Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans
Defensive Player of the Year:DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ryan Matthews, RB, San Diego
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Atlanta
Coach of the Year: Mike Smith, Atlanta
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Get off your knees ump! You're blowing the game!
As you may have heard by now, Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers threw a perfect game last night. The only problem is, it wasn't recorded as a perfect game. With two outs in the ninth, veteran umpire Jim Joyce apparently went temporarily blind and called Indians SS Jason Donald safe at first on what can't even be described as a bang-bang play. It was more like bang..................bang. They got him by a full step. I don't understand how he could have seen it any other way.
You can see the video at here.
Galarraga handled it like a true professional. He just smiled and went back to work. Ended the game with a one-hit shutout. I have much respect for him in the way that he handled himself. He didn't blow up at Joyce, he didn't bitch and moan. He just went back to the mound and finished the game.
This morning, I tweeted "Jim Joyce isn't a tool! He's a damn tool shed! Galarraga was robbed of a perfect game but took it like a man. Better than I would have." Yes, I had already seen the play and heard his statement from after the game. That thought was based on the sheer tool-baggery involved in blowing a huge call so horribly. As for Jim Joyce the person, I don't know him but I do respect him. He also handled himself professionally and like a man. He admitted his mistake and was very sincere about it.
Now, on to the commish. Mr. Allan H. (Bud) Selig. The worst commissioner in the history of sports. The man-in-charge who has the league that wins the All-Star game getting home field advantage of the World Series. You know, because an exhibition game is ALWAYS a good way to determine factors for the championship. For more on everybody's favorite bud check out Fanhouse.
Anyway, Selig comes out today and says "there is no dispute that last night's game should have ended differently." However, he will not review the call and award Galarraga the perfect game. I've heard all kinds of arguments today about whether he should or not. "Imagine if this happened forty years ago. Changing the call wouldn't even be an option." "It's played and umpired by humans. Always has been, always will be." "He should set things straight." "By not changing the call, he's showing kids it's ok to ignore the truth." I happen to agree with the latter opinions. Yes, baseball has always been umpired by humans and, hopefully, always will be. As time marches on, though, we have the advantage of technology and we should use it. I'm all for Selig changing the call. It would show that while humans make mistakes, they can be fixed. Kind of like life in general. It would show that Selig wants to usher baseball into the 21st century.
In my opinion, Galarraga threw a perfect game. I know that many people agree with that. I've heard it and read it all day long. Maybe Galarraga even shares the same opinion. He should. But I don't think that's good enough. His name should be there on the list of perfect games. Right there at #21. He may not care. Baseball is a team sport and they got the win. Still, he deserves to be recognized for his feat. Let him take his place in history.
Bud Selig also said that he would be reviewing instant replay and umpiring. Good for you. Go sit in your office and think about changes that can be made. Then do what you do best. Nothing. That's what I'm expecting.
As far as replay goes, DO IT!!! NOW!!! The world is changing and baseball should be part of the world. I'm not saying review every close pitch or close play, but definitely look at things that have a direct and obvious impact on the game. A close pitch on a 1-1 count in the third may not affect the outcome, but a hook slide at the plate with a phantom tag could. I know, I know. The Tigers still won. The call didn't affect the outcome of the game. It affected the historical value of the game. Come on, Commish, grow a set! You're ump changed history, now change it back!!!
I know there's no precedent for a commissioner changing an umpires call but MAN UP, BUD and set one. A scorekeeper can change a hit to an error or vice versa up to 24 hours after a game. Since when do scorekeepers have more power than the commissioner?
Agree or disagree? Leave a comment or hit me on Twitter or Facebook
You can see the video at here.
Galarraga handled it like a true professional. He just smiled and went back to work. Ended the game with a one-hit shutout. I have much respect for him in the way that he handled himself. He didn't blow up at Joyce, he didn't bitch and moan. He just went back to the mound and finished the game.
This morning, I tweeted "Jim Joyce isn't a tool! He's a damn tool shed! Galarraga was robbed of a perfect game but took it like a man. Better than I would have." Yes, I had already seen the play and heard his statement from after the game. That thought was based on the sheer tool-baggery involved in blowing a huge call so horribly. As for Jim Joyce the person, I don't know him but I do respect him. He also handled himself professionally and like a man. He admitted his mistake and was very sincere about it.
Now, on to the commish. Mr. Allan H. (Bud) Selig. The worst commissioner in the history of sports. The man-in-charge who has the league that wins the All-Star game getting home field advantage of the World Series. You know, because an exhibition game is ALWAYS a good way to determine factors for the championship. For more on everybody's favorite bud check out Fanhouse.
Anyway, Selig comes out today and says "there is no dispute that last night's game should have ended differently." However, he will not review the call and award Galarraga the perfect game. I've heard all kinds of arguments today about whether he should or not. "Imagine if this happened forty years ago. Changing the call wouldn't even be an option." "It's played and umpired by humans. Always has been, always will be." "He should set things straight." "By not changing the call, he's showing kids it's ok to ignore the truth." I happen to agree with the latter opinions. Yes, baseball has always been umpired by humans and, hopefully, always will be. As time marches on, though, we have the advantage of technology and we should use it. I'm all for Selig changing the call. It would show that while humans make mistakes, they can be fixed. Kind of like life in general. It would show that Selig wants to usher baseball into the 21st century.
In my opinion, Galarraga threw a perfect game. I know that many people agree with that. I've heard it and read it all day long. Maybe Galarraga even shares the same opinion. He should. But I don't think that's good enough. His name should be there on the list of perfect games. Right there at #21. He may not care. Baseball is a team sport and they got the win. Still, he deserves to be recognized for his feat. Let him take his place in history.
Bud Selig also said that he would be reviewing instant replay and umpiring. Good for you. Go sit in your office and think about changes that can be made. Then do what you do best. Nothing. That's what I'm expecting.
As far as replay goes, DO IT!!! NOW!!! The world is changing and baseball should be part of the world. I'm not saying review every close pitch or close play, but definitely look at things that have a direct and obvious impact on the game. A close pitch on a 1-1 count in the third may not affect the outcome, but a hook slide at the plate with a phantom tag could. I know, I know. The Tigers still won. The call didn't affect the outcome of the game. It affected the historical value of the game. Come on, Commish, grow a set! You're ump changed history, now change it back!!!
I know there's no precedent for a commissioner changing an umpires call but MAN UP, BUD and set one. A scorekeeper can change a hit to an error or vice versa up to 24 hours after a game. Since when do scorekeepers have more power than the commissioner?
Agree or disagree? Leave a comment or hit me on Twitter or Facebook
Friday, May 21, 2010
Follow Friday!!!
@asharp4- My wife, Ashley. Awesome woman!
@RGLittleJoe- Producer of The Rise Guys on @Sports1140. Awesome guy! Huge sports fan and a fellow poker player.
@jamthedirtybird- Jamal Anderson. Former Atlanta Falcons running back. My favorite NFLer of all time. Check out his blog Jam's World.
@TheMontyShow- Tim Montemayor. Host of The Monty Show on Sporting News Radio. Great sports mind and great show. Check him out!
@whiteygleason- Whitey Gleason. Host of The Rise Guys. Another great guy and great sports mind. He is also a funny man. Check out the other Rise Guys @markkreidler and @RGPhantom and their engineer @deuce_mason.
@blumusic- Brent, the drummer for Better Left Unsaid, a metal band from Modesto, CA. Great guy, great drummer. Also, follow the band's official twitter @BLUMETAL2K10 and their label @itsastaticage.
@DrJaredThomas- Chiropractor in Roseville, CA. He works wonders on my back. If you are in pain, check out Thomas Chiropractic.
@cavsgirl4life- Knowledgeable sports fan and great to chat with.
@PinnacleCollege- Pinnacle is the audio engineering school I graduated from in October. A great school for anybody interested in making music, doing live sound or sound for movies. Check them out at www.pinnaclecollege.edu
My favorite sports teams @Atlanta_Falcons, @SF_Giants, @SacramentoKings, @SanJoseSharks
This blog would be way too long if I mentioned all of my tweeps this way so here are some more awesome tweeps that I talk to pretty regularly. @Jestin22, @Natoni10, @steviebreech, @cadadj, @What_Not916, @Nixb19, @carlymontoya, @A_Nicholson, @spamcuritiba, @sacfan4life, @shoejunkiez, @hotbitch69
@RGLittleJoe- Producer of The Rise Guys on @Sports1140. Awesome guy! Huge sports fan and a fellow poker player.
@jamthedirtybird- Jamal Anderson. Former Atlanta Falcons running back. My favorite NFLer of all time. Check out his blog Jam's World.
@TheMontyShow- Tim Montemayor. Host of The Monty Show on Sporting News Radio. Great sports mind and great show. Check him out!
@whiteygleason- Whitey Gleason. Host of The Rise Guys. Another great guy and great sports mind. He is also a funny man. Check out the other Rise Guys @markkreidler and @RGPhantom and their engineer @deuce_mason.
@blumusic- Brent, the drummer for Better Left Unsaid, a metal band from Modesto, CA. Great guy, great drummer. Also, follow the band's official twitter @BLUMETAL2K10 and their label @itsastaticage.
@DrJaredThomas- Chiropractor in Roseville, CA. He works wonders on my back. If you are in pain, check out Thomas Chiropractic.
@cavsgirl4life- Knowledgeable sports fan and great to chat with.
@PinnacleCollege- Pinnacle is the audio engineering school I graduated from in October. A great school for anybody interested in making music, doing live sound or sound for movies. Check them out at www.pinnaclecollege.edu
My favorite sports teams @Atlanta_Falcons, @SF_Giants, @SacramentoKings, @SanJoseSharks
This blog would be way too long if I mentioned all of my tweeps this way so here are some more awesome tweeps that I talk to pretty regularly. @Jestin22, @Natoni10, @steviebreech, @cadadj, @What_Not916, @Nixb19, @carlymontoya, @A_Nicholson, @spamcuritiba, @sacfan4life, @shoejunkiez, @hotbitch69
Saturday, January 2, 2010
NFL Week 17 Picks
Sunday 1/3
Indianapolis over Buffalo Buffalo 30 Indianapolis 7
Cleveland over Jacksonville Cleveland 23 Jacksonville 17
Chicago over Detroit Chicago 37 Detroit 23
San Francisco over St. Louis San Francisco 28 St. Louis 6
Pittsburgh over Miami Pittsburgh 30 Miami 24
Minnesota over New York Giants Minnesota 44 New York Giants 7
Atlanta over Tampa Bay Atlanta 20 Tampa Bay 10
New Orleans over Carolina Carolina 23 New Orleans 10
New England over Houston Houston 34 New England 27
Philadelphia over Dallas Dallas 24 Philadelphia 0
Denver over Kansas City Kansas City 44 Denver 24
Baltimore over Oakland Baltimore 21 Oakland 13
Green Bay over Arizona Green Bay 33 Arizona 7
San Diego over Washington San Diego 23 Washington 20
Tennessee over Seattle Tennessee 17 Seattle 13
Cincinnati over New York Jets New York Jets 37 Cincinnati 0
Indianapolis over Buffalo Buffalo 30 Indianapolis 7
Cleveland over Jacksonville Cleveland 23 Jacksonville 17
Chicago over Detroit Chicago 37 Detroit 23
San Francisco over St. Louis San Francisco 28 St. Louis 6
Pittsburgh over Miami Pittsburgh 30 Miami 24
Minnesota over New York Giants Minnesota 44 New York Giants 7
Atlanta over Tampa Bay Atlanta 20 Tampa Bay 10
New Orleans over Carolina Carolina 23 New Orleans 10
New England over Houston Houston 34 New England 27
Philadelphia over Dallas Dallas 24 Philadelphia 0
Denver over Kansas City Kansas City 44 Denver 24
Baltimore over Oakland Baltimore 21 Oakland 13
Green Bay over Arizona Green Bay 33 Arizona 7
San Diego over Washington San Diego 23 Washington 20
Tennessee over Seattle Tennessee 17 Seattle 13
Cincinnati over New York Jets New York Jets 37 Cincinnati 0
Week 17 Record: 10-6
Final Regular Season Record: 168-88
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