Thursday, July 31, 2008

Manny Ramirez and Brett Favre Trade Talks

I'm really super tired after a day at the lake and so I simply offer up some breaking news and links for you readers tonight and you can most likely expect some posting on these topics in the very near future!






While I'd love to chime in with my thoughts on each of these matters I think we're all sick of hearing about them so I'll leave my opinions on hold for now. I'm going to bed. Be back tomorrow.

Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks

1. Tom Brady
Who would have said otherwise? Brady was amazing last season throwing for 4806 yards and 50 TDs. I highly doubt he will repeat those numbers or anything remotely close to them but Brady should still be the number one QB. He should put up some freakish numbers again though.

2. Peyton Manning
If you need a QB you can trust it's Manning. He is no risk for injury at all and you know what you're going to get from him. He's going to continue to rack up the yards and TDs as long as he can walk and throw a football.

3. Drew Brees
I really like Brees. He should continue to put up some great numbers with the offense that he's in. I think he'll have an even better season than last year. Now that Jeremy Shockey is in a Saints uniform expect defenses to focus less on Marques Colston and cover more of the middle of the field.

4. Tony Romo
Romo will put up similar numbers again since he has Terrell Owens to throw to. But the Cowboys have such a balanced offense that helps out quite a bit.

5. Carson Palmer
Bearing no injury Palmer should have a somewhat similar season to last year, possibly even better. I think the Bengals will be a tad bit improved, even with all of the off-field problems. With all of the targets there's no reason not for Palmer to improve his stats.

6. Ben Roethlisberger
The Steelers struggled during the early part of 2007 but as the season wore on they looked better and better. Look for the Steelers to continue that momentum in this season. I think Big Ben can start off hot right away, which is also why I am a big fan of WR Santonio Holmes as well.

7. Derek Anderson
Anderson must show that last season was no fluke. I think he will continue his tremendous play. The Browns have a good chance to make the playoffs this season. And with the addition of Dontae Stallworth to go with Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, I don't see why not.

8. Donovan McNabb
If McNabb can stay healthy you know he will put up some good numbers. You know he's capable of putting up some godly stats but he can be too inconsistent as times as well. The Eagles still don't have a big-time WR but they do have quite a few capable ones.

9. Matt Hasselback
Hasselback has always put up some consistent and fairly good numbers. He has a decent WR crew and he always racks up the points at home.

10. Jay Cutler
Cutler should be improved with another year under his belt. He has some good targets to throw to in Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, and TE Tony Scheffler. Expect the Broncos to pass a little more this season.

11. David Garrard
I am a big fan of Garrard. He throws the ball with such consistency and he can run as well. He will get you some rushing TDs of his own here and there and you know he will convert when it counts in the red zone.

12. Marc Bulger
If there's one QB who's high risk/high reward it's Bulger. He could break out and have an amazing season at any time or he could be a bust and get injured like last season. Anyways, I still like Bulger, he's has some deep threats and you know Steven Jackson will take some pressure off him.

13. Eli Manning
I don't know what to expect from Eli after he won the Super Bowl. Who know's how he'll perform. But I think he's a safe bet if you desperately need a QB in the mid to late rounds of your draft. I think the offense will be improved a bit, Plaxico Burress should be solid again and Sinorice Moss will be much improved.

14. Matt Schaub
Schaub has one heck of an arm. He has a great number one target in Andre Johnson. If the Texans can find any sort of run game, the sky's the limit for Schaub and Johnson.

15. Philip Rivers
Rivers should be good again, but not great. All of his numbers were down last season. But he is just putting a lot of pressure on himself and his team with his arrogant ego. But he still has some quality targets in Chris Chambers, Antonio Gates, and Vincent Jackson.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Teixeira Makes Angels World Series Contenders


Wow. The Angels made a rare deal tuesday to show that they are serious about this whole playoffs, world series thing. Monday the Angels traded Casey Kotchman and a minor league pitcher to the Braves for the switch-hitting slugger Teixeira.


The Angels already had the best record in baseball and a top-flight rotation and now they have a top-flight lineup to go with it. Since their 2002 World Series championship, the Angels have won three division titles but just a single playoff series. Twice they were swept in the division series, including last October by the Red Sox. The problem has been with the offense, and in finding a hitter dangerous enough to bat effectively behind Guerrero. The Angels give up a bit of tomorrow for some runs today and the problem is more than solved!


Teixeira gives the team great power and run-production. He is also going to help out Vlad Guerrero a lot. Oh and did I mention he plays great defense? I know a lot of people in Haloland loved Casey Kotchman and the way he played but they both play great defense and Teixeira is going to produce quite a bit more at the plate (from both sides at that!). Plus, if they can win a world series this year maybe they can resign Teixeira too!


I'm liking this trade a lot for the Angels. I think the entire AL better watch out. My prediction is that if everyone can stay healthy this team is going to roll over everyone on their way to an AL West crown (already leading the division by 11.5 games) and all the way to the World Series.


This team was dangerous before but this solidifies it in my mind. The Angels are built to win a championship this year. I believe that the Angels are going to the World Series (notice how in saying Angels I did not say Yankees or Red Sox!). With Mark Teixeira behind Vladimir Guerrero in their lineup and ahead of Torii Hunter and Juan Riviera the Angels are World Series-bound in my opinion.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

10 Games in 10 Days: Ohio St. at Wisconsin

TSF's "10 Games in 10 Days" is back after a weekend break.

Day 1: Kansas at South Florida
Day 2: Ohio St. at USC
Day 3: Georgia at Arizona St.

Ohio St. at Wisconsin

Preview:
A Big Ten title could be up for grabs here, just early in the season. Both teams are looking to win the Big Ten and appear in a BCS Bowl game. OSU is hungry for a national title after falling the previous two years in the NC game. Wisconsin is looking for more after a disappointing set back last season after higher expectations.

OSU probably returns the most out of all the top teams with 18 starters back in all. The offense should be solid again with QB Todd Boeckman back. Beanie (Chris) Wells should be one the top RBs in the nation. The WR crew is pretty much all back with Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline returning. 4 of 5 OL are returning so expect the Buckeye offense to put up a good deal of points. The defense should be one of the best in the nation, they are loaded all over the place. The top LB in the nation in James Laurinaitis is back. The defensive line will be stellar with 4 solid experienced veterans in-tact. The secondary will be lights out as Malcolm Jenkins decided to stay and 3 other starters are back

Wisconsin returns quite a bit as well. Experience is plenty at most units for the Badgers. The offense should be solid with many weapons all over the field. They do need to break-in a new QB for the second consecutive season. Kansas St. transfer Allan Evridge looks to be the starter there. The ground game should be solid, PJ Hill should continue to be one of the best backs in the country as long as he stays healthy; He's rushed for 2,805 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first two seasons. The receiving corps is lead by TE Travis Beckum as he looks to be the top in the nation. Kyle Jefferson was a capable WR last season as a frosh. The offensive line should only make things better with 3 starters and plenty of size back there. The defense returns 8 starters lead by DE Matt Shaughnessy and LBs Luis Casillas and DeAndre Levy. The secondary will need to find some depth and athletes after losing CB Jack Ikegwuonu to the draft.

Offensive Player to Watch:
P.J. Hill, RB- Wisconsin

Defensive Player to Watch:
James Laurinaitis, LB- OSU

Outlook:
This game could go either way. Anything could literally happen here; I would not be surprised if it was close, Ohio St. stomped all over Wisconsin or vice-versa. With the game being in Camp Randall anything could happen. Wisconsin could come out of the floodgates and walk all over the Buckeyes or they could come out flat, nothing is impossible. This should be an interesting game.

Early Prediction:
Ohio St.
24 Wisconsin 18
I would love to pick th Badgers but with the way they were so inconsistent last season it's tough to pick them. It's easy to pick them when their playing at Camp Randall, but the Buckeyes are hungry. They return 18 total starters for a reason. OSU's Defense should be able to put a hold on Wisconsin's new QB. I think OSU win's a close and good defensive-minded game.

2008 Summer Olympics News, Videos, and Photos!

Exclusive Summer Olympics news & widgets at NBC Olympics.com!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Take Your Pick: Bears' QB Controversy


Well it's training camp time and i'm in Minnesota of all places on vacation! I don't really have time to whip up any kind of conference preview because I have to get up early to golf Longbow Golf Club in Walker, MN at like 5:30 AM so you better enjoy this.


So is it gunna be Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton? Well there's an old saying and it goes like this, "If you think you have 2 starters, you probably don't have one". Really does it matter if they go with oft-injured and the easily-rattled Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton's boring neck beard? It must not because Lovie Smith is flipping coins to see who practices with the 1st team and who practices with the 2nd team.


Personally if I had to pick I would go with Rex. There was that time in 2006 that Rex "took" the Bears to the Super Bowl. I would go with Rex if I absolutely had to pick between the two. I think the main reason why I would go with Rex is because I look at the Bears and I see extreme lack of talent at the talent positions. They have a bad corps of RB, WR, and QB (probably bottom 3 in the league in all 3 catagories!). I think the team could be seriously bad. With inexperience at RB and WR they need to take what little experience they can get and hope that Rex comes out on fire like he did the first 7 weeks of 2006.


I'm saying go with Rex here and you can always fall back on Kyle once Rex either gets hurt or cries after an interception.


Who would you pick in the Bears' QB Controversy?

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Forget it Vikings Fans

Please just stop Vikes fans. Brett Favre is not coming to your team. The Packers won't let him and even if he did, you guys wouldn't win the Super Bowl anyways.

He's not going to any NFC North team, period. The Packers will not do that to themselves. And there is no way he will grant a release from a team to get traded. Why would any team acquire him to release him? Come on people, let's use our heads.

Please Vikings fans, stop with the wishful thinking. Brett Favre is not going to be a Viking, so you can stop obsessing with it now. I am getting sick of it. Since I live in the heart of Viking nation it really gets annoying and old.

It's the same old rhetoric: "This is the Vikings year!" That's what you say every year. "The Vikings are winning the Super Bowl this year." When the Pope becomes Lutheran they will. "Brett Favre will be a Viking and we will win the Super Bowl." It just gets tiring.

It is most likely he will end up a Packer if he plays, mainly because of salary cap issues and the roster turnover that would be required by most teams to fit him under the cap.

If he end ups up anywhere else, three teams make the most sense right now: Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and Carolina. You could argue the Jets, but I think they will stick with either Chad Pennington or Kellen Clemens.

Favre would be a great fit for the Bucs. They won the NFC South last season. They're loaded with talent and a good defense. They're already contenders. Favre knows Gruden well and he would just about put the Bucs over the top and make them a legit Super Bowl contender.

Kyle Boller just hasn't gotten it done for the Ravens lately and recent draftee Joe Flacco will need a few years to be a backup before he becomes a legit starter. Nothing better than getting Flacco ready and prepared behind one of the greats. Plus, the Ravens still have a good defense with Ray Lewis and one of the best secondaries in the league.

The Panthers need to win now. Jake Delhomme has suffered through many problems of his own and injuries. After underachieving over the years, the Panthers are desperate to win now. Plus, Favre would have targets Steve Smith, DJ Hackett, and Muhsin Muhammad to throw to.

So in the end, Favre will not end up on a NFL North squad, especially the Vikings. The Minnesota fans need to get over their own egos and realize "the answer" has still yet to come.

Team USA impressive vs. Canada

Friday I was very tuned and interested in watching basketball almost as much as March Madness.

When it comes to USA Basketball, I am a big fan. I am a fan of almost any national team. Whether it's basketball, soccer, or the whole Olympics in general. Maybe it's because I have a great sense of pride for my country, maybe not I don't know. But there's something about watching our countries teams.

The first quarter I was kinda not impressed with Team USA at all. They struggled a little bit with some stupid and mental turnovers and mistakes. They missed some rather easy and uncontested shots and gave up some offensive boards.

But maybe I was expecting too much too soon.

After watching the USA's dominance of the world in the sport of basketball when I was a little kid, I guess I just want to see that happen again.

With the way this team played last year in the Tournament of Americas, there's no doubt in my mind they will win the Olympics.

But the way they played in the first quarter it just seemed like another typical American basketball team.

It wasn't until after that first quarter, I was reassured we're going to win the Olympics. The way they played defense Friday in their 120-65 victory over Canada. This team since 2000 hasn't played any defense at all, which is why they've faltered in the past Olympics and World Championships.

They were impressive on both ends of the floor. They were defending the pick-and-roll for once, they were playing physical and making Canada earn their shots. This is what they need to do every game. Their defense stood out last night. They made the Canadians fights for their points and nothing came easy. The defensive was aggressive and feisty. Which was a site for sore eyes.


And because of this great defensive effort, the offense came a little easier. If they can play defense like this at the Olympics, they will have no problem putting up point after point.

Also, they finally looked like a team instead of a bunch of individual players put together. They shared the ball, they ran an offense, they took care of the ball, and they had tremendous shot selection. They had the chemistry and they actually looked like a real team.

This is America's time. Time for us to be back on top of the basketball world.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Minor League Brawl Takes it Too Far

I'm sure most of you have seen the video on ESPN by now but in case you've been working too much or are a hermit or something, here it is. It happened yesterday between the Peoria Chiefs and the Dayton Dragons. This was a brawl that saw 15 players ejected, both managers ejected, and one player ARRESTED!




At one point Peoria pitcher Julio Castillo fires a baseball toward the dugout, hitting a fan in the stands instead and hospitalizing him with one of the worst acts we've ever seen on a baseball field. Castillo, a 20-year-old from the Dominican Republic, is scheduled to be arraigned on charges of felonious assault today. This is truly unforgivable. I don't care what you think or were thinking. You do not do anything like that that could potentially injure a fan, let alone hospitalize them seriously. Even if you don't hit the fan, why the hell would you chose to throw a baseball as hard as you can into the opposing team's dugout!? That's cowardice and retarded. You are a goon and an idiot and you'll probably never get to play again. I think at this point the players and managers went too far. As much as I love a good throwdown, I hate to see something like this.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

10 Games in 10 Days: Georgia at Arizona St.

It is now Day 3 of TSF's '10 Games in 10 Days', previewing the Bulldogs vs. the Sun Devils.

Day 1: Kansas at South Florida
Day 2: Ohio St. at USC

Georgia at Arizona St.

Preview:
It's a showdown of two top 15 teams. Both teams return plenty of experience. Georgia is one of the favorites to win the SEC, while Arizona St. is expected to give USC a run for their money in the Pac 10.

The visiting Bulldogs return plenty of talent and experience. They will be young in some areas, but loaded. QB Matt Stafford is back as he shows he can be not only one of the best in the SEC, but the country. Sophomore RB Knowshon Moreno was electrifying last season as a true freshman and the WRs will be deep and experienced but none of them have stood out. The defense will be solid, the defensive line is arguably the best in the SEC, which includes Gino Atkins. The LB corps lacks experience but has plenty of youthful talent. The secondary needs some work but they still have the depth there to step up.

Arizona St. will once again have a lot of pressure on them to perform from the loyal fan base and program. This year could be their year as they return a solid offense. QB Rudy Carpenter is a great player but he needs his line to protect him, as they gave up 55 sacks last season; but they've been working hard with their OL all of spring and summer. The RB core is nice with some beefy runners and the WRs will be stellar with Mike Jones (Who?) and Chris McGaha back. The defense looks to be improved with many starters in-tact on this side of the ball as well. The defensive ends look as good as anyone but the defensive tackles need to stop the run. The LBs will need to step up here as the d-line couldn't stop the run and the secondary couldn't stop the pass last season. They have talent returning at LB but they have a big load on their shoulders.

Offensive Player to Watch: Knowshon Moreno, RB- Georgia

Defensive Player to Watch: Dexter Davis, DE- ASU

Outlook:
This will be a huge non conference game for both teams. A win here could help propel both teams into the national title hunt and only help their chances at landing a BSC Bowl berth (that's if they were at-large selections). This could be a high-scoring affair as both teams are loaded on the offensive side, both of the defenses' have some question marks. It will come down to who will stop whom last.

Early Prediction:
Georgia 31 Arizona St. 21

I have to go with the Dawgs. Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno will put on a clinic against the Sun Devils. I think the Devils' offense can match Georgia point for point but I like Georgia's defense over ASU's. Both defense's have some question marks, but Georgia is just too talented, too experienced, and just simply a better and faster team than Arizona St.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

10 Games in 10 Days: Ohio St. at USC

It's Day 2 of our '10 Games in 10 Days' promo. So let's roll...

Day 1: Kansas at South Florida

Ohio St. at USC

Preview:
Both teams return plenty of talent and experience. OSU probably returns the most out of all the top teams with 18 starters back in all. The offense should be solid again with QB Todd Boeckman back. Beanie (Chris) Wells should be one the top RBs in the nation. The WR crew is pretty much all back with Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline returning. 4 of 5 OL are returning so expect the Buckeye offense to put up a good deal of points. The defense should be one of the best in the nation, they are loaded all over the place. The top LB in the nation in James Laurinaitis is back. The defensive line will be stellar with 4 solid experienced veterans in-tact. The secondary will be lights out as Malcolm Jenkins decided to stay and 3 other starters are back.

USC will be somewhat young in some spots but very, very talented. They need a QB to step up which looks like Mark Sanchez at this point. Only 4 starters are back on offense but they still have loads of talent. The Wideouts should be solid with Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner and the RB department will be the deepest in the nation led by Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, C.J. Gable, and Allen Bradford. Look for the defense to be one of the best in the nation. The LB corps is loaded with Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing. The defensive line will be excellent with Everson Griffen leading the way. The secondary returns all 4 starters and it will be hard to pass on this bunch.

Offensive Player to Watch:
Joe McKnight, RB- USC

Defensive Player to Watch:
James Laurinaitis, LB- OSU

Outlook:
This could be the game of the season. The winner will have an inside track at a BCS National Title berth and a lock for the number one ranking (that's if none of them falter before then). Both teams are loaded with experience and talent, I expect this to be a defensive game as both teams return solid players on D, but don't expect a struggle to put up points. With the solid defensive and offensive play of both teams, it could all come down to special teams.

Early Prediction:
Ohio St.
26 USC 24
To tell you the truth, I have no idea who's going to win this game. It's a toss-up. Even though USC is playing at home, I think the lack of experience from Mark Sanchez will bring them down a notch below OSU. Todd Boeckman is a proven veteran and Mark Sanchez has limited starting experience under center for the Trojans. The lack of offensive experience still has me weary going up against a talented OSU defense. But expect this to be a close, close game with some unremarkable plays. Both teams are stellar on both sides of the ball, but could it be the other unit that gets it done?

Carson Palmer Should Grow A Pair


I hate the USC Trojans. I hated Carson Palmer in college and I'm not crazy about him as a slightly above-average QB in the pros. I don't like Ohio State either. I do however love College Football. I absolutely love the camaraderie and the rivalries that go along with college football.


So, when Carson came out and trash-talked the homestate Ohio St. Buckeyes I was absolutely loving it! I was very surprised, but impressed. I loved the thought that rivalries and college allegiances never die. I mean, Pro sports are all about the money. You can say what you want but it boils down to the green stuff. College football, on the other hand, is about heart and allegiance. You wear your team/allegiance on your heart and sleeve, not on your wallet.


Here's what Carson originally said:


"I cannot stand the Buckeyes. It's amazing to hear what those guys think about that university and what they think about that football program and Tressel and all the crap I gotta put up with being back there. I just can't wait for two years from now when SC comes to the 'Shoe and hopefully we'll have a home game that weekend and I can go up there and watch us pound on them in their own turf. I'm really getting sick of it and I just can't wait for this game to get here so they can come out to the Coliseum and experience LA and get an old-fashioned Pac-10 butt-whoopin' and go back to the Big Ten."


Even if you're a Buckeye fan you have to respect that! I don't really see what's not to like about that. Carson has a lot of school and Pac-10 pride, both of which I appreciate. So I thought it was pretty cool when Carson Palmer ripped on Ohio State. This isn't anything new for Carson either. This is the same Carson who ripped Nebraska on The Jim Rome Show before USC ran through them last year. Like I said, always appreciate a guy with a lot of school and Pac-10 pride. Unfortunately just as Carson was racking up all the cool points, he had to go out and issue a statement.


“I’m a Trojan all the way, and I was talking to a Trojan audience in California. I guess I got a little fired up, as all good fans will do. But I really do respect the Buckeyes, and I know their fans are passionate, too. I hope they all understand I’m just looking forward to a big game for my school against a very tough opponent, and that it’s all in the good fun of a rivalry. You don’t have a real rivalry unless both sides are great teams.”


PUSSY! Seriously dude, if you're gunna go out and say something like that you better stand by it. I'm glad that he just clarified the statement really, and didn't completely take it back. But don't get me so impressed with you and all jacked up for the college football season and then try to smooth things over. I just think it was a little weak of him. This just whole thing just got me even more pumped for the College Football season!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

WNBA Brawl at The Palace

Well, it isn't exactly what I had in mind for TSF's 400th post, nor is it even close to the best brawl that we've seen go down in The Palace, but it cannot go unnoticed.

The skirmish started moments after Parker and Detroit’s Cheryl Ford had to be separated after Ford fouled Parker.

On the next possession, Parker got tangled up with Detroit’s Plenette Pierson and fell to the ground. As she was getting up, Pierson intentionally ran into her, setting off the melee.
Parker threw a punch at Pierson before being tackled by Detroit’s Deanna Nolan. Players and coaches from both teams joined in, and Mahorn knocked Lisa Leslie to the court at one point.

Interestingly enough Rick Mahorn was also involved in the 2004 Pistons-Pacers brawl while working as a Detroit broadcaster, going into the crowd to try to pull Ron Artest away from fans. Sources all seem to say that Mahorn was trying to play peacemaker and protect players from both sides. DeLisha Milton-Jones shoved and punched Mahorn after the incident with Leslie, and was ejected, along with Mahorn, Parker and Pierson. Nolan and Shannon Bobbitt received technicals. Ford sprained her right knee while trying to restrain Pierson, and left the floor in a wheelchair. Her status is unknown.



Do these names mean anything to me or probably any of you? NO. But I figured that The Sports Flow is gunna need a WNBA post sooner or later and when is there going to be a better time? So happy 400th post to TSF and please enjoy the pathetic "brawl" that actually landed one player in a wheelchair. Fairly amusing for a tuesday night I'd say.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Jeremy Shockey Makes the Saints Dangerous


It has been a story that wouldn't go away. The Saints have been trying to land Giants TE Jeremy Shockey since before the NFL draft and now they have. According to multiple media outlets (first reported by Fox's Jay Glazer), the Saints have landed Shockey for 2nd and 5th round picks in next year's draft. The deal is pending league approval and a physical.


The Saints apparently have been consitent with their talk about acquiring Shockey. There have even been reports that the Saints tried to get involved in the Jason Taylor trade talks to help facilitate a 3-team deal, but that fell through when Taylor was dealt to the Redskins yesterday.


The Saints already had a very good No. 1 wide receiver in Marques Colston and the potential for a strong running game with Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. They also have one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league in Drew Brees.


With Shockey, they've tied everything together. New Orleans needed someone to take some of the attention away from Colston and Meachum. Defenses won't be able to roll the Cover Two on him because Shockey will sit down in the middle all day and take coverage away and cause matchup problems for safeties and linebackers.


The Saints, I believe, are definitely the cream of the crop in the NFC South. Their offense is about as well-rounded as they come and if their defense can stand up they could be an elite squad in the entire NFL. Let's just hope that Sean Payton learned a thing or two about dealing with Shockey when he was with the Giants because that's the main reason New York gave him away. They didn't want to deal with the Shockey distractions all season. If good guys like Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister and Scott Fujita can welcome him with open-arms and he becomes a part of this team and not a me-first guy, then this trade will work out great. If he comes in and complains about his contract, playing time or any number of other things, it could be a suckfest for the Saints.
Nevertheless the Saints are completely built to win now. My main concern with this trade comes with the 2009 draft. The Saints are built to win now but are they sacrificing the future with these deals? Next year's draft will be a lean one with 2nd and 5th rounders going to the Giants, a 6th rounder going to Green Bay (trade back in the 2008 draft for Adrian Arrington) and 3rd or 4th rounder is still tied to the Jonathan Vilma deal (depending on how things play out). So the Saints will possibly only have a 1st, 3rd/4th and 7th round picks in '09. That's only three selections, using the Washington Redskins draft strategy. Overall though I'm loving the deal for the Saints!

10 Games in 10 Days: Kansas at South Florida


The 10 best College Football games of the 2008 season according to TSF starts today with day 1 of 10.

Kansas at South Florida

Preview:
The reigning Orange Bowl Champs take on the South Florida Bulls in a clash of preseason top 25 squads. KU is looking to not only win the Big 12 North but the Big 12 as well. The Kansas offense should be loaded again with QB Todd Reesing and a pair of good WRs returning. The offensive line should be solid with a bundle of starters back there. The defense returns nearly everybody except for star Aquib Talib. South Florida started last season on an uproar but finished pretty lousy. This year they're looking to nab the Big East title. The Bulls should be loaded again with QB Matt Grothe, RB Mike Ford, and DE George Selvie back to lead the team. The defense has some holes to fill, especially at DB.

Offensive Player to watch:
Mike Ford, RB- USF

Defensive player to watch:
Joe Mortensen, LB- USF

Outlook:
This should be a great early season game to watch on September 12. Both teams are looking to win their conference and seek a bid to a BCS Bowl. This would be a big SOS booster and win for either team if they want to contend for a BCS Bowl and possibly a national title berth. Both teams return plenty of experience and talent from their 2007 squads. Expect this to be a down to the wire game with both offense's putting up a decent amount of points and the defense's giving up several big plays.

Early Prediction:
South Florida 27 Kansas 24
USF will win on a late field goal to preserve the win. USF has a lot of talent and I really like Matt Grothe over Todd Reesing because he's more proven. The stable of backs for the Bulls will help them rack up some yards and the WRs are talented enough to make plays over the KU DBs. The early departure of CB Aquib Talib will really hurt them in the secondary. USF just plays too good at home. But overall, this will be a close match up with it finishing either way.

Redskins Get Jason Taylor


Their first 7 on 7 drill on the first day of practice, and the Washington Redskins watched their 12 year vet and starting DE Phillip Daniels go down in pain. Daniels tore his ACL, which will shelf him for the season. Not the start to training camp which the new Skins coaching staff wanted to see. But it did not take long for Dan Snyder to respond, making a big move for a big time player, Jason Taylor. They got Taylor in exchange for a 2nd round and 6th round pick and it all happened in a little under 9 hours. Taylor's future with the Dolphins was somewhat bleak due to the strained relationship he had with Bill Parcells so the fit was about perfect.


Jason Taylor is still one of the best defensive players in the game, and it was just the year before last in which he was the defensive player of the year. Taylor gives the Skins a major passing rushing threat and a lot of people forget that he is also a great run stopper, which will be very important to their defensive success...just ask the New York Giants what a good pass rush can do, or better yet, ask the Patriots!


Daniels injury certainly was the final cause in making this deal, but it was not the only reason. Daniels is definitely a solid pass rusher and but not a good run stopper at the end position. Washington had been in discussion with Miami prior to this, knowing that they needed help at DE and that the Dolphins were willing to part ways with their long time defensive star.


The Redskins get a future Hall-of-Famer who will immediately boost their Defensive line and defense as a whole. Taylor claims to only have "one year left", but he is on contract for two more years and the Redskins GM said on ESPN radio tonight that he is confident that the Redskins will get "at least two years out of Taylor".


I love this deal for both sides here really. Obviously I think the Redskins were winners here more so than the Dolphins but it really just seems like Taylor needed out of Miami and this was a great opportunity for both teams. Plus, now Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, former teammates and brothers-in-law, are now forced to hate each other as they are Redskins and Cowboys respectively!
For once I think Daniel Snyder got this one right! I think Taylor was a great veteran pickup! Believe me Taylor will not be a Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders, and Dana Stubblefield. I think Snyder's starting to figure this whole football thing out!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

MLB Second Half Predictions


American League:

East: Boston Red Sox - Experience, pitching, and Big Popi back in the line-up


Central: Chicago Whitesox - they got off to a good start and will be consistent in the second half


West: LA Angels - no competion out West for them


Wild Card: Detroit Tigers - the Tigers got off to a terrible start but I think they will have enough pitching and play much more consistently in the second half to turn it around. I see the Tampa Bay Rays fading down the stretch and I don’t think the Yankees have enough pitching.


National League:

East: New York Mets - the Mets have turned it around. They will get enough pitching to be much more consistent in the second half and play to their potential


Central: Chicago Cubs - Arguably the best team in baseball. If Harden can stay healthy this team could go all the way.


West: Arizona Diamondbacks - if I absolutely have to pick a team in this awful division I pick the Dbacks because I think their pitching helps them get through it.


Wild Card: Milwaukee Brewers - C.C. makes their starting rotation dynamic and I think that they have one more move left in them to shore up the bullpen. Also the fact that they finish with 33 of their last 49 games at home will help a lot.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Please Sign Barry Bonds

Has anyone noticed anything missing this summer? I am sure most of us have. Whether people want to admit it or not, most of us do miss watching Barry Bonds play the game of baseball.

Most people may not want to admit it, but we miss watching the high-flying HRs and the emotion and energy that Bonds gave nearly every fan when he stepped up to the plate.

If everybody hated Bonds as much as they say, then why did they care so much about him? Why was so much attention drawn to him last summer when he chased the career HR record? Why did he sell-out stadiums? Why did everybody still talk about him? And why did everybody stop what they're doing just to watch him when he was at bat?

Fans, admit it. If you watched the highlights and games, barely anybody was buying a hot dog or going to the bathroom when Mr. Bonds was up to bat. When he hit a HR even the most horrified Bonds haters didn't seem to mind standing up and clapping, but only to rephrase back to booing once he crossed the plate.

What is it? What does Bonds have that others don't? How can so many people hate this man so much and still care so much to watch him play the game?

As you can see, I am a Barry Bonds fan. I've been a fan of his and the San Francisco Giants nearly all of my life. While I wouldn't want to see him back in a Giants uniform, I would love to see him in just about any other uniform.


I admit it, I want to see him play this summer. I want to see one of the greatest baseball players walk the field one last time. I want to see booming HRs again. I want to see one of the best hitters of all time and someone who knows the zone better than anyone that has played the game.

But the truth is, nearly every fan of the game wants to see Bonds play again. We may not want to admit it and even if he does return, we all know there would be nonstop booing. We all know we would all still drop our hot dogs and beer or turn the channel just to watch him one last time.

Francisco Liriano Needs To Be Called Up

What the HELL are the Twins waiting for? Good Lord! The Twins should consider themselves lucky to be where they are right now. They're starting rotation is not overly talented in the least and Liriano is exactly what they need! While other teams can go out and get a C.C. Sabathia or a Rich Harden for a big boost to their rotation, all the Twinkies have to do is CALL HIM UP!


On July 1, assistant GM Rob Antony said:

“We’re looking more for the seven, eight innings where he doesn’t walk many and he’s a little bit more in control of things. When you string three or four of those together, then you’re on a pretty good roll We told him it’s a two-part thing. He needs to dominate, to pitch better, and then there also has to be a spot, and as long as all these guys are pitching well, we’re not just going to create a spot unfairly to someone else.”

That was very obviously an excuse to keep Liriano at AAA. Since June 20, Liriano hasn’t given up a run, and has struck out 24 and walked 3, in 20 innings. Apparently, that’s just about what the Twins are looking for.

Oh yeah, there’s no room for Francisco Liriano in that rotation, since all our guys are pitching so well! Of course! I mean, it’s not like there’s a guy in the rotation who has the 44th best ERA in the league (out of 46), and has given up the most hits in baseball, and is in fact on pace to give up the most hits in a season since World War 2. If someone were performing that poorly, then perhaps he could be replaced by one of the best young pitchers in the game who happens to be embarassing hitters at AAA!

Maybe it’s just me, but it might be better to at least try to keep the guy happy. He is, after all, “The Franchise.” Call up Liriano. He’s dominating, and he very clearly has “a spot” in the rotation. There is no way that Livan Hernandez should be pitching over him in the rotation. If the Twins want to continue to keep it decently close in the 2nd half Liriano needs to be called up ASAP.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Links Time

Here's some links for enjoyment as TSF trys to mend it's temporary bloggers block for now.

Josh Hamilton is all that is man... (Ed the Sports Fan)

NFL Player and TV Network comparisons... (NE Patriots Draft)

Mike Brey staying put at Notre Dame... (Notre Dame Basketball Blog)

I thought not playing baseball was considered retiring... (So Cal Sports Hub)

2008 Elite Baseball Series Press Release... (The College Baseball Blog)

Hornung's Advice to the NFL... (The Hater Naton)

Hope you enjoyed the links... come back soon!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Tampa Bay Rays 2nd Half Prediction


Here with my 2nd prediction of the week. Going baseball with this one. The Tampa Bay Rays have been a huge surprise thus far this season. They're young, and they're good. But can it last? I'm saying no.


I think the Tampa Bay Rays are in trouble. They're much better than they have been in the past this year (obviously) but I think they need to make a move. I truly do not think that the Rays will win the AL East. The Red Sox will be winning the AL East this season and I foresee the Rays struggling in the 2nd half and being in a tight race with the Yankees and possibly even the Blue Jays (but we'll save them for another prediction).


The Rays have been playing out of their minds great until this last 7-game slide and they are still only 5.5 games ahead of the Yanks. The Rays are 36-14 at home and 19-25 on the road. The Rays have 33 of their last 49 games on the road. This spells trouble for the Rays if you ask me. I think the Rays will not make the playoffs unless if they make a move.


I think if the Rays make a move and get either a power bat (Matt Holliday in a perfect world), or a good RP, specifically a closer (think Brian Fuentes). So at this point I would say to you readers that you should not be surprised if the Rays make a move.


Now, don't get me wrong here the Rays are a great ballclub. They've had a great first half and have a great record. They have a absolute boatload of great young talent. What I am saying is that I forsee a meltdown for the young Rays and I think they will be in serious trouble down the stretch if they do not make a move to fill their needs.

AL Wins Marathon All-Star Game

Wow! What a game that was! For anyone that missed it the MLB all-star game just ended in the bottom of the 15th on a Michael Young sac fly with the bases loaded. The final score was 3-2 as a very young NL team was nearly able to regain the power and home field advantage in the world series but fell just short!


This was a really interesting game. I missed the beginning at work but definitely got my money's worth afterwards. This game was over in just 4 hours and 50 mins and both leagues emptied out their entire bullpens as the AL improved to 6-0 since "this one started to matter".


As the game drug out into the night I couldn't help but to want it to continue. I thought it would have been really fun to see a position player pitch. Had the game gone another inning or two Francona would have been in quite the predicament. Eventually they would have had to have a position player to come and pitch then Kazmir would have to go out and play the field. I guess I just thought it would have been fun to see.


The game was close all the way with some great pitching and some great defense (minus Dan Uggla) and plays at the plate. Also everybody got to play, which is kind of neat, but like I said there was a strong possibility for a very stick situation here. I really do think that they need to do something to make sure that this can be avoided. I believe that they should allow pitchers to re-enter in the all-star game. It would be for the best for everyone. If they allowed pitchers to re-enter the game you wouldn't get Terry Francona in such a situation where he has to throw Kazmir when he wasn't sposed to and the Sox and Rays are in a tight race...and I think you get what I'm saying. If they're going to "make it count" they need to either allow pitchers to re-enter, expand the pitching roster, or make it so that pitchers who throw the Sunday before cannot be on the roster. Because even though "it matters" you really cannot put players, and entire teams and their seasons at risk for the all-star game.


Overall it was a great game. It was a game that really proved that great pitching beats great hitting. It was a game where the NL's young guns were nearly able to swing the power in their favor. I still think it's kind of stupid that the All-Star game decides home-field advantage in the World Series but I already can't wait for next year's midsummer classic!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

So long Billy Packer

CBS and College Basketball announcer/analyst Billy Packer have recently decided to part ways.

Yesterday, CBS announced that Clark Kellogg would replace Packer after 27 years of broadcasting basketball on CBS. Packer announced every Final Four since 1975.


Not too many people are big fans of Mr. Packer, but to say the least, I am. Packer was a phenomenal announcer. His knowledge of the game far exceeded many other announcers and analysts. He knew the In's and Outs of the game, which is why I respected him.

Sure, he may have said some ridiculous things throughout his years, but this happens to just about all of the announcers out there. He knew the game, he had a great voice for TV, and it was always opinionated. He may not have always been fair, but there is no lie he was a great announcer.

I loved it when Billy Packer announced, especially for the Final Four. It just amazed me some of analysis and comments he did about the game of basketball. He gave us a different perspective at times; which makes me glad to say, you will be missed Billy Packer. March Madness just won't the same without you.

Here's a few good videos of Packer:


Josh Hamilton is the Real Home Run King!

Justin Morneau is the 2008 State Farm Home Run Derby Champion, but clearly Josh Hamilton is your Home Run King. I mean honestly, I could hardly believe some of these shots he was launching as I watched. He even flirted with the little gap out in right-center where you can see the subway! I mean you can play the thing to win it, or you can put on a show for the fans. Josh Hamilton didn't win. His performance lacked the strategy to win given the rules of the derby. However, he put on an unimaginable, record-setting show for the fans. I'll take that any day.



Hamilton's comeback story is even better. The guy has come back from rock bottom. I can't even fathom what he's done. It's the kind of stuff that movies are made of. TSF tips it's hat to him. We consider him the real Home Run Derby Champ!

Monday, July 14, 2008

2008 College Football Pre-Season Rankings

The other day I did the College BBall Pre-Season Rankings, so it seems fitting that I do some college football now.

1. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has to be the top team, they have plenty back, they return their QB in Matthew Stafford and one of the up and coming RBs in Knowshon Moreno, who should be one of the top backs in the nation. The offensive line is decent with 3 starters back and one decent WR in Mohamed Massaquoi. The have plenty of talent on the defensive side, they all have tremendous depth on the defensive line which includes Gino Atkins. The LB and secondary corps will need to step up with only a few starters back there. Overall, the Dogs have depth and tremendous talent. They have a tough schedule playing at Arizona St., South Carolina, LSU, Auburn, and Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech at home plus the Florida showdown. So we'll see if they can get through their schedule.


2. Florida Gators
Florida returns plenty of talent and experience. Not only are they talented but they're deep and I mean very deep. Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow is looking for another national title. The offense should be explosive again with 8 starters back. Percy Harvin will lead the WR corps along with one of the best TEs in the country in Cornelius Ingram. USC transfer Emmanuel Moody is looking to boost the RB unit. And 4 starters return on the offensive line. The defense should be better, they will be young but talented. The LB crew will be one of the best in the land lead by junior Brandon Spikes.

3. USC Trojans
The reason I have the Trojans 3rd is because they don't have their starting QB back. But Mark Sanchez is more than capable to lead this team to the promised land. The Trojans only return 4 starters on offense but they are loaded all over the place. The WRs will be exceptional with Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner back. They will have the deepest backfield in the nation with Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, CJ Gable, and Allen Bradford. The defense will be the best in the nation, the defensive front will be stellar and the LB unit will be the best in the nation lead by Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing and the secondary returns starters which includes Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays.

4. Ohio St. Buckeyes
The Buckeyes will be the most experienced of all the top teams next season. They return 17 total starters and this could be the year they finally put it together and win it all. QB Todd Boeckman returns along with WRs Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. RB Chris (Beanie) Wells should be one of the top backs in the nation. The defense should be solid with James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins deciding to return.

5. Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners should be the favorite to win the Big 12 once again. 18 total starters are back in all. QB Sam Bradford returns along with DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown at tailback. Oklahoma should have two of the top front lines in the nation, which will only help their cause for a BCS Title berth.

6. West Virginia Mountaineers
WVA should be one of the fastest teams in the country again. Speedster QB Pat White is back, RB Steve Slaton may be gone but sophomore Noel Devine showed he can replace him. Devine could be a darkhorse for the Heisman this season. The defense should also be solid with several starters back and some experienced LBs.

7. Missouri Tigers
Mizzou returns 15 starters from a team that should have made a BCS Bowl. Heisman candidate Chase Daniel is back along with a slough of talented WRs. There's questions at RB with Tony Temple gone. The defense should be very tough again as 3 linemen return. The LB corps returns all 3 starters along with the secondary as well. Missouri should challenge Oklahoma and Texas for the Big XII Title.

8. Clemson Tigers
Clemson should be the ACC favorite. QB Cullen Harper returns after having a surprising 2007 campaign. They also have the best RB tandem in the nation in James Davis and C.J. Spiller. Both starting WRs return but they'll need to find some people to step up on the offensive line. The defense will good again, the defensive front will be nasty which includes Dorell Scott. The LBs return only one starter but the secondary will be one of the best in the nation with Chris Clemons and Crezdon Butler.

9. Texas Longhorns
QB Colt McCoy returns and is looking for a BCS Title berth. One question is at RB where Jamal Charles left early for the NFL. The WRs should be solid along with the offensive line. OG Cedric Dockery is one of the top linemen in the country. The defense has quite a few wholes to fill as they only return 4 starters and not much experience.

10. Auburn Tigers
Auburn is switching to the spread which seems fitting in the SEC. They do lose QB Brandon Cox but they have some talented back-ups to help fill that void. The WRs will be talented and help out the new QB. The line will be stellar with 4 starters back there. Watch out for the defense as they have plenty of starters and depth back led by LB Tray Blackmon.

Outside Looking In:
Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Arizona St., Illinois, Virginia Tech, Kansas, & BYU

Jose Canseco Amateur Boxing Ass-Kicking

I don't know if anybody has seen this but I think it's definately worth a minute of your time. In case you haven't heard Jose Canseco "celebrity" boxed former Philadelphia Eagles return man Vai Sikahema and got his shit sent in the first round. As someone who doesn't care for Canseco at all I take much pleasure in this. The only wish I could have would be for them to lose the bulky headgear so we could see Jose's steroid-inflated head go rolling when he hits the mat. I can't wait to see what new sport Jose tries and fails at next.... what a tool.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

A Bold Brett Favre Prediction


OK, so when you read this please do not be confused by what I'm about to say and what I said in one of last week's posts. What I said last week IN THIS POST was that I thought Brett should stay retired. I wanted him to save everyone the hastle, and avoid all of this hoopla.

What I'm about to say now is what I think is going to happen.... Brett Favre will start for the Green Bay Packers this year. That is my bold Brett Favre Prediction.

I think before nobody within the Packer's organization wanted Brett back or took him seriously at first. His long dreaded retirement had come and gone and the players, fans, and front office were just getting over it and were just getting ready to move on. But now that he's asked for his release and showed that this is not just a feeling, this comeback urge is for real and it's happening, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy are trying to clean this mess up a bit.

Now, yesterday Packers' GM Ted Thompson came out and said that if the Packers will not release Brett (THANK GOD), and if he files for reinstatement he will become a regular member of the team, meaning that he will be competing in minicamp. Thompson made sure to stress that he'd be coming back and having to compete because Aaron Rodgers is still the starting QB.

Well obviously he's going to say this. THINK ABOUT IT! He can't just screw Aaron Rodgers over the minute that Brett wants back. He has to be politically correct and say this so he doesn't infuriate the future of the franchise. The fact of the matter is, that the minute that teammates, fans, and coaches see Brett out on the field they are gunna blow their load along with the rest of the state of Wisconsin. People love Brett Favre, once they remember that and see Brett making bullet passes and slinging it down the field the job will be his again.

Yes, Aaron Rodgers is probably ready now. And yes, I do think he is going to be a good NFL QB. But you have to think that the Packers would be out of their mind to trade arguably the best QB of all-time coming off arguably his best season for him! You can't really think that he'll start over last year's sportsman of the year? To let Aaron Rodgers start and have Favre sitting on the bench would have to mean that McCarthy and Thompson are dead positive that Rodgers can get the team further than Brett. That Rodgers can get the team to the Superbowl because Brett came about as close as you can come last season.

This whole ordeal is going to take a while to play out but that is my prediction for now. I really think Brett will start week 1, against the Minnesota Vikings. I also know that when that happens, I will be reminded immediately again why he's my favorite player of all-time, why he's one of the all-time greats, and why I love to watch him play!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Great West Conference to Expand Beyond Football!


The Great West Conference, formerly known as The Great West Football Conference is expanding into an all-sport conference. The announcement came today. Joining together to make the conference are the University of North Dakota, the University of South Dakota, Utah Valley State, Texas-Pan American, Houston Baptist, and New Jersey Institute of Technology.


The Great West Football Conference includes the University of North Dakota, the University of South Dakota, Cal Poly, UC Davis and Southern Utah. Football-only members Cal Poly and UC Davis will remain in the Great West for the balance of their athletic teams, while Southern Utah will continue to compete in the Summit League.


North Dakota and South Dakota, new football members that will begin play in the fall, as well as Houston Baptist are currently in their second year of transition up to the Division I level. All three schools will become NCAA Division I counters for scheduling purposes in 2009-10. Texas-Pan American has been a member of NCAA Division I for many years, while Utah Valley University and NJIT become active Division I members in 2009-10.


I'm all for independents finding a home, especially since I go to the University of North Dakota. Finding a conference home is the next step in the D-1 transition and this will surely benefit all schools involved, and that's what counts. It will be really interesting to see where this goes but to me it seems as though The Great West will be used mainly as a stepping stone for independents (like they have been in the past for football). There is also a couple speculated/expected acceptees in the futures. Expected to join soon are Seattle University and Chicago State.


This is a really exciting time for a lot of athletes, students, coaches, and fans. I myself am a little excited. I think the Great West really has something to offer to the D-1 transitionee's (notice how I no longer said independents!)

Thursday, July 10, 2008

ND Baseball Prospect: Cole Frenzel

The number 94 top high school baseball prospect of 2009 by Baseball America is Cole Frenzel of Dickinson, ND. I found this video on a blog thanks to Dickinson Sports Writer Dustin Monke.

We all know ND is not much of a baseball state and to be regarded as a top 100 prospect in the nation is a big deal. Frenzel is a great all-around baseball player. I personally played against him in my 3 years of varsity baseball and 1 outta my 2 years of JV ball. He is the real deal as he launched HR after HR after triple against my team. He is currently being looked at by Nebraska, Kansas, Oregon St., and Virginia to name a few schools.

I'm not trying to pimp the kid in anyway, but I just wanted to give North Dakota some recognition it deserves.

NL All Star Starting Line Up

Here's what I think the NL All Star starting line-up should be:

Batting Order:
1. Hanley Ramirez- SS, Florida
2. Chase Utley- 2B, Philadelphia
3. Matt Holliday- DH, Colorado
4. Lance Berkmann- 1B, Houston
5. Chipper Jones- 3B, Atlanta
6. Ryan Braun- LF, Milwaukee
7. Aaron Rowand- CF, San Fran
8. Brian McCann- C, Atlanta
9. Nate McLouth- RF, Pittsburgh
-- Tim Lincecum- P, San Francisco

Some brief thoughts; I agree quite a bit with the fans. Ramirez, Utley, Berkmann, Jones, and Braun deserve to start. There will be a DH since the game is at Yankee Stadium. I think Matt Holliday should be the DH because of his tremendous power and hitting. I really think Aaron Rowand deserves to start and I hope he makes it on as the last player on the roster. Not only can he hit but can also get on base. He is a complete player. He is also one of the best defensive players out there. Brian McCann should be the catcher, he has great power numbers with 17 HR and 50 RBI for a catcher. And Nate McLouth deserves to start too with his surprising start thus far with the lowly Pirates. Tim Lincecum should be the starting pitcher with his solid 10-2 start thus far.

Elton Brand Makes the Sixers a Serious Contender in the East

Today Elton Brand became a Philadelphia 76er. This certainly made one fellow blogger very happy. Brand netted a 5-year $79.795 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.


I personally feel like this is going to make the 76ers serious contenders in the East. While many argue that Elton Brand is not a good low post scorer or even a great number 2 man is ridiculous. This is exactly what Bill Simmons said in his newest podcast dated 7/9. He justifies this argument by saying that in playing 40 mins a game Brand should be averaging 20 and 10. Now, I love Bill Simmons as much as anyone but only 5 players have averaged that in their career in the last 20 years. Therefore I must respectfully disagree. Elton Brand is a stud and can score in the low post and is a viable number 1 scorer. I also foresee him to have even more success now as he competes in a weaker PF pool in the East.


Now, take a look at the 76ers potential starting 5:
PG-Andre Miller
SG-Andre Iguodala
SF-Thad Young
PF-Elton Brand
C-Samuel Dalembert

Miller is a underrated veteran PG, Iggy and Thad are both up-and-coming athletic studs, and Sam Dalembert is a freakish defender. Add a solid bench to that, along with the young guys development and the possible addition of an outside shooter and I see an immediate contender, not just this year, but for years to come. With Brand as a top-of-the-line PF in the East the Sixers are instantly relevant for the next 5 years.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Facial-Hair Showdown



I'm too tired to do a full post so I'll leave that for tomorrow. I will, however, leave you with a tantalizing question. Who has the better facial hair? Baron Davis or Jason Giambi. Please vote in the poll and leave comments to justify reasonings.




I'm just a little partial to the mustache here so I am going to get things started here with a vote for Giambi and his mustache. Please click on the link to vote and leave comments to justify your reasonings.

Monday, July 7, 2008

MLB All Star Selection Thoughts

The MLB All Star rosters came out yesterday so I will give you a few thoughts.

As I look through the All Star rosters I can't complain too much, the fans did okay but there are some causes for concern.

Pardon my French but what the hell is Derek Jeter doing on the roster at all? I don't care if it's being played at Yankee Stadium for the last time. This is one of Jeter's worst seasons ever and he is also THE most overrated player in baseball. His fielding is average at best and his numbers are pitiful: .283 BA, .343 OBP, 48 R, 4 HR, 37 RBI. Michael Young should be the starter.

Where are the Rays players? Only two are on the roster and none are starting. The best team in the AL doesn't have one starter? What gives? Where's Evan Longoria? Carl Crawford? Matt Garza? This is a shame.

David Ortiz should not have been voted the DH, he has put up some good numbers, but he's been injured for quite some time now. Milton Bradley overwhelmingly deserved to be voted in right away. Bradley has put up some staggering numbers: 52 R, 17 HR, 52 BB, .320 BA, .439 OBP, .605 SLG.

Also, Jermaine Dye is probably the biggest snub of the AL. He has been on a tear lately. He's second in the AL in HRs with 19, 52 RBIs, and bats .308. What gives?

Now to the NL...

The NL Roster is a lot better than the AL roster, mainly because the NL fans aren't greedy. All the Yanks and Red Sox fans are pretty much homers and vote for their teams players no matter how they perform.

Lance Berkman, Chase Utley, Chipper Jones, Hanley Ramirez, and Ryan Braun all definitely deserve the starting spots.


But I think SS Jose Reyes got snubbed. Cristian Guzman and Miguel Tejada have had solid years thus far but Reyes has been solid too. He is arguably the best lead-off hitter in the game. Yeah his numbers could be a little better (.297 BA and .357 OBP) but you have to look at the whole picture, he's an excellent fielder and his other hitting numbers are pretty good for a small lead-off hitter: 64 R, 9 HR, 38 RBI.

The starter for the NL should no doubt be Tim Lincecum. He has been the most consistent of any pitcher in the majors and his numbers are fascinating for only his 2nd year in the Bigs (2.49 ERA, 10-1 record, 122 K, 115.2 IP, 1.24 WHIP). Plus, the Giants are only .400 when he's not pitching. So as you can tell Lincecum means everything to San Fran.

But overall, the MLB needs to do away with the fan voting. Let the fans pick the last man on the roster. But other than that I think the managers or players or someone other than the fans pick the rosters. I mean it's only fair. You have so many Yankees and Red Sox fans out there, so obviously they will pick those players.

It's only fair because I know if I had an unbelievable year, I wouldn't want to miss the All Star game because of some dumb fan.

Get Out and Vote

C.C. Sabathia Headed to Beertown!

I am utterly exhausted after a weekend of the lake, a day of travel and moving, and co-ed softball. But when your favorite team draws first blood in the MLB free-agency period it gets you excited!

For anyone who hasn't heard yet C.C. Sabathia is heading to Milwaukee in return for star prospect Matthew LaPorta (20 HR and 66 RBIs in AA) and 3 other prospects. Two of these prospects have been "confirmed" as P Zach Jackson and P Rob Bryson. The third is to be named later.

Obviously I am completely stoked about this deal! I absolutely love that my favorite "smaller market" wins the battle for C.C. Sabathia. Granted, they're giving up a great young power-hitting outfielder but I think it's a good move. The Brewers have a pretty good group of young outfield talent with Ryan Braun, Corey Hart, and Tony Gwynn Jr so I think this is a risk worth taking. it's also a granted that the Brewers are most likely using C.C as a "rentaplayer" as I really doubt they will be resigning him for the ridiculous money he will want at the end of the season. But fans, players, and management know that. This deal is about this season. The Brewers are in good position right now to make a run at not only the wildcard but also the NL Central.

I think the bottom line here is that the Brewers now have arguably the best 1-2 punch in the NL (possibly all the Majors) with Ben Sheets and C.C. Sabathia. If they can both stay healthy the Brewers will make the playoffs.

I have no doubts about the team's offense and now their starting rotation looks dominant. My only question mark for the team is their bullpen, which still bothers me a bit. However, for now I am saying the Brewers will be going to the playoffs for the first time in 26 years and I couldn't be more excited!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Brett Favre Should Stay Retired

Most readers know that I am about as big of a Favre fan as there is. But upon hearing the news about Favre's apparent "itch" to come back I've started to worry a little.


I feel like that his retirement was something that I and Packers fans alike much feared. The retirement came and went and I think I'm ready to move on. The team is ready to move on, and the NFL is ready to move on. I understand he has the "itch" to play and his family is supporting it, but I think he should stay retired.


I know it must be hard because he is an extreme competitor, and can still play the game at a very high level, but he should stick to his guns and remain retired. I don't believe there is any way that Favre would ever suit up for another team.


I am very interested and nervous to see what will happen with this as training camp approaches. Yes, he's a reckless competitor, but he's also very smart and i think he knows that while he wants to come back, and could come back, he shouldn't come back. I will support him 100% if he does return but I don't want him to. I think it's time to move on to the Aaron Rodgers era. We all know what kind of person and player Favre is. And we all knew that he would eventually get "the itch". It's only natural.


I predict Favre will definitely be in Lambeau Field on September 8 for Green Bay’s first regular season game. However, it will merely be for the retirement of his jersey number.


That's all I've got on this matter for now. Have a great Fourth of July!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

2008-2009 College Basketball Pre-Season Rankings


Here's an early look at our pre-season College Basketball Rankings since the NBA Draft is over with.

1. North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels have to be the clear-cut favorites for next year. Basically everybody returns, Player of the year Tyler Hansbrough is back along with speedy PG Ty Lawson and sharpshooter Wayne Ellington. UNC will be deep and talented. Their guards will be one of the best in the nation. Backup PG Bobby Frasor is back from injury and Danny Green decided to pull out of the draft. Don't forget forward Deon Thompson plus a stellar recruiting class lead by Tyler Zeller and Ed Davis.

2. Connecticut Huskies
UConn is also a title favorite. A talented squad returns which includes Hasheem Thabeet, Jeff Adrien, A.J. Price (should be ready by next season with injury), Stanley Robinson, Jerome Dyson, and Craig Austrie, plus a great recruiting class should help with the bench. The Huskies have tremendous talent and now have the experience to make it to a Final Four and possibly a national championship.

3. UCLA Bruins
UCLA may have lost Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, and Luc Ruchard Mbah a Moute, but they still have one of the best PGs in the nation in Darren Collison and Josh Shipp looked like one of the best players in the early part of last season. Alfred Aboya and James Keefe are both capable post presences and Michael Roll should be healthy. Also, the top recruiting class in the nation should help with the draft losses. Recruit Jrue Holliday should fill in right away at SG.

4. Louisville Cardinals
The Cards should be another Final Four threat this season. They should have some of the best guard depth again lead by Andre McGee, Jerry Smith, and Edgar Sosa. Earl Clark decided to comeback and should be one of the best players in the Big East. David Padgett is gone but in-coming freshmen Samardo Samuels is one of the top center recruits in the nation.

5. Texas Longhorns
Texas should be the Big 12 favorite. They did lose floor general D.J. Augustin but A.J. Abrams is more than capable to take over at PG. Damion James, Connor Atchley, Justin Mason, and Gary Johnson are all back and should help them contend for a national title.

6. Duke Blue Devils
Duke may have struggled in the NCAA Tournament but they still won 28 games last season. They return everyone of significance except for DeMarcus Nelson. Gerald Henderson and Kyle Singler will be a great scoring duo for Duke, plus they have plenty of experience in Greg Paulus, Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas, and David McClure. They still lack a premier inside presence which could hurt them throughout the season.

7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
ND returns everybody and I mean everybody. Big East Player of the Year Luke Harangody returns and should be a candidate for National Player of the Year again. Kyle McAlarney is back as well. Expect the Irish to compete for a Big East Title and even a Final Four berth.

8. Memphis Tigers
Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Joey Dorsey, and Andre Allen are gone, but the Tigers should still win the C-USA. Robert Dozier, Antonio Anderson, Shawn Taggart, Willie Kemp, and Doneal Mack are a very solid core returning. Add one of the top PGs in the country in Tyreke Evans and you have another Final Four contender.

9. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga should be a top 10 team again with 4 starters back and a good bench, plus they have a good recruiting class coming in with Demetri Goodson. Jeremy Pargo decided to return. Matt Bouldin, their leading scorer is back along with Austin Daye, Steven Gray, and Micah Downs. Also, Josh Heytvelt will be one of the top big men in the country.

10. Marquette Golden Eagles
Even with Tom Crean gone, Buzz Williams can lead this team not only to the NCAA Tournament but deep into it. The great guard trio in Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and Wesley Matthews all return for one last hurrah.

Other teams to keep an eye on:
Pittsburgh, Miami, Purdue, Michigan St., Arizona St., Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arizona, Georgetown, Villanova, Wisconsin, Davidson, and Xavier

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Wizards Should Be Wary in Re-Signing Gilbert Arenas

The start of the NBA free-agency period is upon us and the Washington Wizards have started things off by throwing out some serious money. The Wizards have reportedly resigned Antawn Jamison with a 4-year $50 million contract. Jamison averaged 20 ppg and 8 rpg last season as the Wizards leading scorer and team co-captain.


This serves a greater purpose however, because Gilbert Arenas has publicly said that he would not resign without longtime friend Jamison to play with next year. With Jamison now in place it has been released that the Wizards are prepared to offer Gilbert Arenas a 6-year $100 million contract!


When I look at this it blows my mind a bit. The Wizards are starting off the free-agent period by dropping $150 million on two players!? I have no problem with what Jamison is getting really because he is extremely reliable player. But $100 million to a Gilbert Arenas with a bum knee? It seems risky if you ask me.


If you're going to drop that kind of money on 2 players you better know you have what it takes to win or atleast contend for a championship. Look at the Boston Celtics. What do they have? They have star/marquee players. So do a lot of teams. They also play great defense. We all know that Gilbert Arenas is a below-average defender.


All i'm saying is that he's not a good defender, and his knee is a bit of a question mark. What makes the Wizards think that signing Arenas to that kind of money is going to make them any better? They're basically bidding with themselves in this situation because they're one of 3 or 4 teams that have enough money to sign Arenas for what he wants right now and they obviously have the most interest. But what makes them think that this Arenas can help them get past the Cavs in the playoffs!?


All I'm saying, I guess, is that seems to be a lot of money for a PG with a bum knee and a mouth that never closes. I think it will be really interesting to see what the Wizards will think of this contract in 3 years. I mean for real, that's 100 million Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers!