Well it's finally almost here. After months of hype and speculation the NFL Draft is less than 24 hours away and I can't wait. With that being said I can see how others despise all the hoopla over the draft. A lot of it is unnecessary but there wouldn't be that much coverage if there wasn't that much demand. So with that in mind here goes my version of the draft sans any potential trades. I know the actual draft will look nothing like this but if I can get 12 picks right than I'm just as good as all of the experts and from hence forth I will call myself a draft expert. So for your sake I hope I don't do well on this thing.
1) Raiders: JaMarcus Russell (I want to be on record saying he'll be a bust)
2) Lions: Calvin Johnson (I want to be on record saying he won't be a bust)
3) Browns: Brady Quinn
4) Bucs: Joe Thomas
5) Cardinals: Gaines Adams (I bet he sucks in Arizona then gets traded or cut and ends up being a star on another team)
6) Redskins: Amobi Akoye (He's younger than I am, so depressing)
7) Vikings: Adrian Peterson
8) Falcons: LaRon Landry
9) Dolphins: Levi Brown
10) Texans: Leon Hall
11) Niners: Jamaal Anderson
12) Bills: Patrick Willis
13) Rams: Adam Carricker
14) Panthers: Greg Olsen (Bet he wishes he wouldn't have transferred from Notre Dame)
15) Steelers: Darelle Revis
16) Packers: Marshawn Lynch
17) Jaguars: Reggie Nelson (Gators What?)
18) Bengals: Alan Branch
19) Titans: Ted Ginn (Desmond Howard number#2)
20) Giants: Lawrence Timmons
21) Broncos: Anothony Spencer
22) Cowboys: Dwayne Bowe
23) Kansas City: Joe Staley
24) Patriots: Jarvis Moss (I hate it when Gators go to the Pats)
25) Jets: Aaron Ross
26) Eagles: Michael Griffin
27) Saints: Chris Houston
28) Patriots: Brandon Meriweather
29) Ravens: Ben Grubbs
30) Chargers: Robert Meachem
31) Bears: Dwayne Jarrett
32) Colts: Jon Beason
Friday, April 27, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Top Defensive Prospects
Alright before I get into the top defensive prospects from the past seven drafts I've got to mention something about the Raptors game first. The fans at the game in know way represent me or most Raptor fans. I like most decent people would not wear the color of the opposing teams jersey. I am publicly embarrassed and humiliated. First of all everybody wearing the same color shirt is so played, if you wanted to do something original you should have had everyone paint there face or something. Actually scratch that. If Seinfeld taught me anything it's that face painting isn't cool. So I can't think of anything but the marketing department should have been able to come up with something better than this. We haven't been in the playoffs in like five years and this is the best promotion you could come up with? We looked retarded out there and that's before the fact that we were wearing the Nets color. I hope someone got fired for this.
Anyway now to the column. Again same rules as the offensive side of the ball. You have to be the first pick in your draft year and their professional career has no bearing.
DE
1) Julius Peppers (2002): Had everything scouts looked for size, speed, strength and production. Definitely lived up to the hype.
2) Mario Williams (2006): Other than speed was the complete package just like Peppers. It's still early but doesn't look like he'll live up to the hype. Is more Courtney Brown than Julius Peppers.
3) Gaines Adams (2007): Is getting a surprisingly large amount of hype for someone who is an undersized end. He does possess lots of speed and a plethora of pass rush moves.
DT
Gerard Warren (2001): Had the size and the motor to be dominant but had a questionable work ethic. It's too bad, I always like to see the Gator players do well.
Dwayne Robertson (2003): Was a good college player but then had an off the charts workout which sent teams into a frenzy. Never lived up to the hype.
Tommie Harris (2004): Had a great college career and despite being undersized was a dominant pass rusher.
ILB
Dan Morgan (2001): Had the production, size and speed. Is a good pro when healthy.
Patrick Willis (2007): Good production in college and an unreal workout should be a top 15 pick.
Jon Vilma (2004): Other than being undersized he had it all. Is a great pro.
OLB
A.J. Hawk (2006): Elite size and speed. Had an uneventful rookie year but should be good in the league.
D.J. Williams (2004): Had all the measureables. Weird how Miami has most of the top linebacker prospects even this year they have Beason who will probably go first round.
Lawrence Timmons (2007): I'll assume he's the top outside backer chosen this year. He made plays all over the field last year.
S
Sean Taylor (2004): Was like out of a video game where you max out all the guys skills. Was big (220lbs) fast (4.40) and made plays. He delivered big hits and I think he had something like 9 picks his senior year returning a couple for touchdowns. I don't know how he doesn't absolutely dominate in the NFL.
Roy Williams (2002): Was a classic in the box safety who was an absolute stud in college. A good pro who's a little overrated in my opinion.
LaRon Landry (2007): Is the complete package of size and speed. I personally don't see him being dominant but everyone has him a top 8 player.
CB
Quentin Jammer (2002): Was the dominant man to man corner in college had the size and toughness to jam receivers at the line and just enough speed to cover them downfield. Is solid in the NFL but not as good as advertised.
Terence Newman (2003): Was a great cover corner and electrifying return man. Is decent in the pros but not what was expected.
DeAngelo Hall (2004): Has blazing speed and good size. Has lived up to the hype in the NFL
Top 3 defensive prospects
1) Julius Peppers (2002): Once in a generation package for a defensive end.
2) Sean Taylor (2004): Has better measurables than the prototypical safety.
3) Quentin Jammer (2002): Was supposed to be shutdown which is hard to find.
Anyway now to the column. Again same rules as the offensive side of the ball. You have to be the first pick in your draft year and their professional career has no bearing.
DE
1) Julius Peppers (2002): Had everything scouts looked for size, speed, strength and production. Definitely lived up to the hype.
2) Mario Williams (2006): Other than speed was the complete package just like Peppers. It's still early but doesn't look like he'll live up to the hype. Is more Courtney Brown than Julius Peppers.
3) Gaines Adams (2007): Is getting a surprisingly large amount of hype for someone who is an undersized end. He does possess lots of speed and a plethora of pass rush moves.
DT
Gerard Warren (2001): Had the size and the motor to be dominant but had a questionable work ethic. It's too bad, I always like to see the Gator players do well.
Dwayne Robertson (2003): Was a good college player but then had an off the charts workout which sent teams into a frenzy. Never lived up to the hype.
Tommie Harris (2004): Had a great college career and despite being undersized was a dominant pass rusher.
ILB
Dan Morgan (2001): Had the production, size and speed. Is a good pro when healthy.
Patrick Willis (2007): Good production in college and an unreal workout should be a top 15 pick.
Jon Vilma (2004): Other than being undersized he had it all. Is a great pro.
OLB
A.J. Hawk (2006): Elite size and speed. Had an uneventful rookie year but should be good in the league.
D.J. Williams (2004): Had all the measureables. Weird how Miami has most of the top linebacker prospects even this year they have Beason who will probably go first round.
Lawrence Timmons (2007): I'll assume he's the top outside backer chosen this year. He made plays all over the field last year.
S
Sean Taylor (2004): Was like out of a video game where you max out all the guys skills. Was big (220lbs) fast (4.40) and made plays. He delivered big hits and I think he had something like 9 picks his senior year returning a couple for touchdowns. I don't know how he doesn't absolutely dominate in the NFL.
Roy Williams (2002): Was a classic in the box safety who was an absolute stud in college. A good pro who's a little overrated in my opinion.
LaRon Landry (2007): Is the complete package of size and speed. I personally don't see him being dominant but everyone has him a top 8 player.
CB
Quentin Jammer (2002): Was the dominant man to man corner in college had the size and toughness to jam receivers at the line and just enough speed to cover them downfield. Is solid in the NFL but not as good as advertised.
Terence Newman (2003): Was a great cover corner and electrifying return man. Is decent in the pros but not what was expected.
DeAngelo Hall (2004): Has blazing speed and good size. Has lived up to the hype in the NFL
Top 3 defensive prospects
1) Julius Peppers (2002): Once in a generation package for a defensive end.
2) Sean Taylor (2004): Has better measurables than the prototypical safety.
3) Quentin Jammer (2002): Was supposed to be shutdown which is hard to find.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Hoops
After promising you the top defensive prospects of the past seven years in today's column I realized that the NBA playoffs were going to start on Saturday. It totally snuck up on me. I haven't been following the NBA as much as I should or would have liked to this winter which is a shame because even though this was one of the worst regular season in recent history the Raptors were actually good which happens once or twice in a decade. I more or less missed the rise from good player to franchise player for Chris Bosh, the emergence of Andrea Bargnani, and the great coaching of Sam Mitchell. Oh wait I forgot he didn't do a great job coaching and that along with the Raptors playoff inexperience will most likely be there downfall in the post season. Huh nevertheless I'm ecstatic about their opening round match up against the Nets and the overall first round of match ups in general.
So I've decided to pull a Peyton Manning and put the NFL column on the back burner (Tuesday or Wednesday) and make some playoff picks because as we all know there's nothing more insightful than when a guy who didn't watch many games the entire season decide he knows what he's talking about and tells faithful NBA viewers who's going to win.
On to the picks
Eastern Conference
Pistons VS Magic
Winner: Pistons
Other than Dwight Howard the Magic are worse at every position. It also turns out that Grant Hill is still starting? We're sure he's not injured? I swear he broke his ankle slipping on a bar of soap in the shower.
Cavs VS Wizards
Winner: Cavs
Wow with Arenas out how bad are these two teams. I'm pretty sure LeBron could win all by himself which is pretty much what is going to have to happen.
Raptors VS Nets
Winner: Raptors
Screw it. Even though they're in over their heads and will probably lose I'll go with the home town team. I'm interested to see how bad a reaction Carter gets. Even though he betrayed us there were some good times. I think he deserves a little more respect than he gets (I'll get to it in another column) just a little though. He did tank on us.
Heat VS Bulls
Winner: Heat
Tough one to call but I still think Shaq has something left in the tank. Oh and this just in, Ben Wallace sucks.
Western Conference
Mavs VS Warriors
Winner: Mavs
It will be exciting but come on no way Dirk loses.
Suns VS Lakers
Winner: Suns
How many times does Kobe think to himself "Maybe I shouldn't have run Shaq out of town." I say 17000.
Spurs VS Nuggets
Winner: Spurs
They've been really hot lately and I can't pick against Duncan. Another interesting point is that when I was looking up this series the latest injury for the Spurs was Brent Barry out with a tummy ache. I wish I made this up.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2007/series?series=densas (Scroll 3/4 down right hand side)
Rockets VS Jazz
Winner: Jazz
Not because of T-Mac. He's money in the playoffs just look at his playoff stats. Rafer Alston at the point really worries me though. This isn't Rucker Park.
So I've decided to pull a Peyton Manning and put the NFL column on the back burner (Tuesday or Wednesday) and make some playoff picks because as we all know there's nothing more insightful than when a guy who didn't watch many games the entire season decide he knows what he's talking about and tells faithful NBA viewers who's going to win.
On to the picks
Eastern Conference
Pistons VS Magic
Winner: Pistons
Other than Dwight Howard the Magic are worse at every position. It also turns out that Grant Hill is still starting? We're sure he's not injured? I swear he broke his ankle slipping on a bar of soap in the shower.
Cavs VS Wizards
Winner: Cavs
Wow with Arenas out how bad are these two teams. I'm pretty sure LeBron could win all by himself which is pretty much what is going to have to happen.
Raptors VS Nets
Winner: Raptors
Screw it. Even though they're in over their heads and will probably lose I'll go with the home town team. I'm interested to see how bad a reaction Carter gets. Even though he betrayed us there were some good times. I think he deserves a little more respect than he gets (I'll get to it in another column) just a little though. He did tank on us.
Heat VS Bulls
Winner: Heat
Tough one to call but I still think Shaq has something left in the tank. Oh and this just in, Ben Wallace sucks.
Western Conference
Mavs VS Warriors
Winner: Mavs
It will be exciting but come on no way Dirk loses.
Suns VS Lakers
Winner: Suns
How many times does Kobe think to himself "Maybe I shouldn't have run Shaq out of town." I say 17000.
Spurs VS Nuggets
Winner: Spurs
They've been really hot lately and I can't pick against Duncan. Another interesting point is that when I was looking up this series the latest injury for the Spurs was Brent Barry out with a tummy ache. I wish I made this up.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2007/series?series=densas (Scroll 3/4 down right hand side)
Rockets VS Jazz
Winner: Jazz
Not because of T-Mac. He's money in the playoffs just look at his playoff stats. Rafer Alston at the point really worries me though. This isn't Rucker Park.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Top Prospects
The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away and this year there seems to be less buzz than most. From what I've read from people in the know this is because there is so much uncertainty about teams moving picks and where players are slotted.
I must admit that I'm a draft junkie. It started around 1998 when I first go intrigued by the Peyton Manning, Ryan Leaf debate. I was a Leaf supporter. (What? I was 11 years old cut me some slack) That started my fascination with the draft which culminated in me getting the Sporting News draft preview book in 2001 when everyone including myself was enamoured with Mike Vick. Needless to say every year since I've gotten the magazine and have followed attentively.
Overall my record for picking out players to be successes has been disastrous. After Ryan Leaf I thought for sure that Charles Rogers would be the dominant receiver in the NFL. He was the same age as Roy Williams who got drafted a year later to the same team and only he put up better numbers and was considered a better player. I thought Robert Gallery would be a stud left tackle. Methinks he spends too much time in the tattoo parlour and not enough time in the weight room. So you see I am a complete idiot and am in no way qualified to be GM. (I know tough to believe) but I wasn't alone. So here's the list of the top three prospects at each position heading into the draft from 2001-2007. This has nothing to do with performance in the NFL just how good the scouts thought they would be at draft time. Also to simplify things you had to be the first player drafted at your position to be considered. So even though I consider Bryant Mckinnie to be one of the three best left tackle prospects of the last seven years he doesn't get in because the Bills were stupid enough to draft Mike Williams ahead of him.
Two things before I get started
1) You'll see that 2004 was an unusually strong draft year (Eli Manning, Stephen Jackson, Larry Fitzgerald, Kellen Winslow, Tommie Harris, Jon Vilma, DJ Williams, DeAngelo Hall, Sean Taylor) While 2005 other than Merriman (who wasn't even the first outside linebacker taken) was very sub par (Alex Smith, Ronnie Brown, Jammal Brown, Erasmus James, Travis Johnson, Pacman Jones, Thomas Davis)
2) I'll start today with the offensive side of the ball and on Friday I'll do the defence.
QB
1) Mike Vick (2001) Unprecedented hype, he dominated college (20-1 as a starter) was one of the fastest players in the draft and had a rocket left arm. Only concerns was his height (6'0) and his lack of production as a passer.
2) Carson Palmer (2003): Had the prototype build, arm strength, intangibles, came a from a big time program and was the Heisman trophy winner. Turned out to be a great pick
3) Eli Manning (2004): Had the size and the pedigree. There were some detractors but most people thought and still think the kid is the real deal irregardless of what the statistics tell you.
RB
1) Reggie Bush (2006): The most elusive college back since Barry Sanders. Won the Heisman and 2 national championships. Only worry was whether he could carry the load. Which is still a concern today.
2) Ronnie Brown (2005): Didn't matter that Cadillac was the starting tailback in college and was more productive. Everyone fell in love with his size and speed. They're still waiting on it in the pros.
3) Adrian Peterson (2007): I'll assume he's the top back taken this year. Has all the skills, speed, and size. Only concern is durability.
TE
1) Kellen Winslow (2004): Partly because of his skills, partly because of his dad and partly because of his mouth. Winslow was to be the next great tight end. Too bad he's been injured because on the field he's a beast.
2) Vernon Davis (2006): Not that productive in college but an absolute specimen. His NFL combine workout is legendary.
3) Jeremy Shockey (2002): Great production and wild behaviour. He's the perfect fit for New York.
C
1) Nick Mangold (2006): Centers don't get much hype but Mangold was an athlete and a technician.
2) Jeff Faine (2003): Not the greatest athlete but is smart and scrappy.
3) Chris Spencer (2005): No real hype around him but he was a first round pick
G
1) Eric Steinbach (2003): A converted tight end had adequate size but elite speed and quickness.
2) Steve Hutchinson (2001): Four years of great production and plus size.
3) Vernon Carey (2004): Coming out of high school had huge expectations that he never really lived up to in college. Nevertheless those expectations carried over into the pros.
Now on to the toughest two positions to grade. There have been many highly regarded tackles and wide outs over the years and it's debatable who was the best prospect. Nevertheless here's the correct answer as to how to grade them.
OT
1) Robert Gallery (2004): He was huge, (6'7 320lbs) fast, and dominant in college. Everyone seemed to think he was the safest pick in the draft, a ten year starter with multiple pro bowls. I don't know really what went wrong.
2) Leonard Davis (2001): I know he ended up playing guard but he was a tackle coming out of college. Scary big (370lbs) and strong with quick feet. Is a decent pro but not the blue chipper everyone thought.
3) D'Brickashaw Ferguson (2006): Tall and athletic. He had a great college career and is poised for a good professional one.
WR
1) Larry Fitzgerald (2004): Was big and deceptively fast. Had great hands. Ran great routes. Was mature and productive in college. Sounds a lot like the next guy.
2) Calvin Johnson (2007): Everyone seems to think he has no real weaknesses. I can't wait to see him in the pros.
3) Charles Rogers (2003): Had all the tools. Blazing speed, good size, great hands, smooth routes. I guess it was the mental part that did him in. I still can't believe he's not a star.
Top 3 overall offensive prospects
1) Mike Vick (2001): Nothing matched his hype coming out of college. He was supposed to transform the game.
2) Reggie Bush (2006): A once in a decade athlete. Seems well on his way in the pros.
3) Carson Palmer (2003): When you draw up a QB prototype you draw up him.
I must admit that I'm a draft junkie. It started around 1998 when I first go intrigued by the Peyton Manning, Ryan Leaf debate. I was a Leaf supporter. (What? I was 11 years old cut me some slack) That started my fascination with the draft which culminated in me getting the Sporting News draft preview book in 2001 when everyone including myself was enamoured with Mike Vick. Needless to say every year since I've gotten the magazine and have followed attentively.
Overall my record for picking out players to be successes has been disastrous. After Ryan Leaf I thought for sure that Charles Rogers would be the dominant receiver in the NFL. He was the same age as Roy Williams who got drafted a year later to the same team and only he put up better numbers and was considered a better player. I thought Robert Gallery would be a stud left tackle. Methinks he spends too much time in the tattoo parlour and not enough time in the weight room. So you see I am a complete idiot and am in no way qualified to be GM. (I know tough to believe) but I wasn't alone. So here's the list of the top three prospects at each position heading into the draft from 2001-2007. This has nothing to do with performance in the NFL just how good the scouts thought they would be at draft time. Also to simplify things you had to be the first player drafted at your position to be considered. So even though I consider Bryant Mckinnie to be one of the three best left tackle prospects of the last seven years he doesn't get in because the Bills were stupid enough to draft Mike Williams ahead of him.
Two things before I get started
1) You'll see that 2004 was an unusually strong draft year (Eli Manning, Stephen Jackson, Larry Fitzgerald, Kellen Winslow, Tommie Harris, Jon Vilma, DJ Williams, DeAngelo Hall, Sean Taylor) While 2005 other than Merriman (who wasn't even the first outside linebacker taken) was very sub par (Alex Smith, Ronnie Brown, Jammal Brown, Erasmus James, Travis Johnson, Pacman Jones, Thomas Davis)
2) I'll start today with the offensive side of the ball and on Friday I'll do the defence.
QB
1) Mike Vick (2001) Unprecedented hype, he dominated college (20-1 as a starter) was one of the fastest players in the draft and had a rocket left arm. Only concerns was his height (6'0) and his lack of production as a passer.
2) Carson Palmer (2003): Had the prototype build, arm strength, intangibles, came a from a big time program and was the Heisman trophy winner. Turned out to be a great pick
3) Eli Manning (2004): Had the size and the pedigree. There were some detractors but most people thought and still think the kid is the real deal irregardless of what the statistics tell you.
RB
1) Reggie Bush (2006): The most elusive college back since Barry Sanders. Won the Heisman and 2 national championships. Only worry was whether he could carry the load. Which is still a concern today.
2) Ronnie Brown (2005): Didn't matter that Cadillac was the starting tailback in college and was more productive. Everyone fell in love with his size and speed. They're still waiting on it in the pros.
3) Adrian Peterson (2007): I'll assume he's the top back taken this year. Has all the skills, speed, and size. Only concern is durability.
TE
1) Kellen Winslow (2004): Partly because of his skills, partly because of his dad and partly because of his mouth. Winslow was to be the next great tight end. Too bad he's been injured because on the field he's a beast.
2) Vernon Davis (2006): Not that productive in college but an absolute specimen. His NFL combine workout is legendary.
3) Jeremy Shockey (2002): Great production and wild behaviour. He's the perfect fit for New York.
C
1) Nick Mangold (2006): Centers don't get much hype but Mangold was an athlete and a technician.
2) Jeff Faine (2003): Not the greatest athlete but is smart and scrappy.
3) Chris Spencer (2005): No real hype around him but he was a first round pick
G
1) Eric Steinbach (2003): A converted tight end had adequate size but elite speed and quickness.
2) Steve Hutchinson (2001): Four years of great production and plus size.
3) Vernon Carey (2004): Coming out of high school had huge expectations that he never really lived up to in college. Nevertheless those expectations carried over into the pros.
Now on to the toughest two positions to grade. There have been many highly regarded tackles and wide outs over the years and it's debatable who was the best prospect. Nevertheless here's the correct answer as to how to grade them.
OT
1) Robert Gallery (2004): He was huge, (6'7 320lbs) fast, and dominant in college. Everyone seemed to think he was the safest pick in the draft, a ten year starter with multiple pro bowls. I don't know really what went wrong.
2) Leonard Davis (2001): I know he ended up playing guard but he was a tackle coming out of college. Scary big (370lbs) and strong with quick feet. Is a decent pro but not the blue chipper everyone thought.
3) D'Brickashaw Ferguson (2006): Tall and athletic. He had a great college career and is poised for a good professional one.
WR
1) Larry Fitzgerald (2004): Was big and deceptively fast. Had great hands. Ran great routes. Was mature and productive in college. Sounds a lot like the next guy.
2) Calvin Johnson (2007): Everyone seems to think he has no real weaknesses. I can't wait to see him in the pros.
3) Charles Rogers (2003): Had all the tools. Blazing speed, good size, great hands, smooth routes. I guess it was the mental part that did him in. I still can't believe he's not a star.
Top 3 overall offensive prospects
1) Mike Vick (2001): Nothing matched his hype coming out of college. He was supposed to transform the game.
2) Reggie Bush (2006): A once in a decade athlete. Seems well on his way in the pros.
3) Carson Palmer (2003): When you draw up a QB prototype you draw up him.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Baseball Bouillabaisse
Once again I'll have to apologize for the lack of columns recently but I'm currently in the two week process of writing exams and I have 5 of them, doesn't leave me with that much free time. I know I said in earlier columns that I had to get my priorities straight and that studying for midterms and the like shouldn't take precedent over this but Momma and Poppa are paying for school and the my marks will be released in a couple of weeks. With all that information I decided to call an audible and put the column on the back burner.
There's a couple of interesting developments in the sporting world but the one that has caught my attention the most is the start of the baseball season. Here's a list of the things I'm most looking forward to this season.
1) Fantasy Baseball: I know I've mentioned this in at least two other columns but I can't really explain the amount of inordinate joy that I get from this. It's right up there with my college football video game dynasties and easily outdistances fantasy football.
2) Following the Jays: Even though they need everyone to stay healthy, Burnett to be consistent and Chacin to transform himself into Sandy Koufax to contend, every time they get on a hot streak I can't help but jump on the bandwagon. In fact if I do well on the next final I just might have to stop by their Tuesday game with the Red Sox. It's a value game and second level outfield seats go for $2.
3) Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's record: I'm pretty sure I'm the only person on the planet who's last name isn't Bonds that wants to see this happen. My feeling is everyone needs to get off their high horse and give him his due. He's breaking the most prolific record in North American sports and he's never been caught cheating (even though he probably has and when I say probably I mean 90% sure) Also don't' forgot there's tonnes of other guys who cheat, Ruth never faced African American players and Aaron's era wasn't clean either.
4) Roger Clemens coming out of retirement: Just like death and taxes you can always count on Roger to come back. How many more years do you think he does this? I'm saying two more after this one.
5) The time when a guy has a breakout season and then everyone suspects he's on steroids or human growth hormone. My pick this year is Ty Wiggington who will take the award from last years winner Gary Matthews Jr. who took the award from Brian Roberts. Although Jimmy Rollins could also snatch the award.
6) A-Rod/NY saga: A-rod's going to put up about 50 HR's 130 RBI and hit 300 while Jeter will hit 15 HR 80 RBI and also hit 300 and everyone in New York will tell you to a man that Jeter's better.
7) Manny Ramirez: You can never have too much Manny in your life. (That came off a little more homosexual than I implied but I'll keep it anyway)
8) The fact that everyone gets worked up over games in April when they have about 150 left to go.
9) Sportscenter in the summer when there is wall to wall baseball highlights. This is way more appealing in Canada because if you're not a hockey fan just like I'm not then you loathe how Sportscenter has about 45 min of hockey highlights per show, 5 min of the announcers trying to be funny and another 10 for every other sport out there. Drives me up a wall.
There's a couple of interesting developments in the sporting world but the one that has caught my attention the most is the start of the baseball season. Here's a list of the things I'm most looking forward to this season.
1) Fantasy Baseball: I know I've mentioned this in at least two other columns but I can't really explain the amount of inordinate joy that I get from this. It's right up there with my college football video game dynasties and easily outdistances fantasy football.
2) Following the Jays: Even though they need everyone to stay healthy, Burnett to be consistent and Chacin to transform himself into Sandy Koufax to contend, every time they get on a hot streak I can't help but jump on the bandwagon. In fact if I do well on the next final I just might have to stop by their Tuesday game with the Red Sox. It's a value game and second level outfield seats go for $2.
3) Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's record: I'm pretty sure I'm the only person on the planet who's last name isn't Bonds that wants to see this happen. My feeling is everyone needs to get off their high horse and give him his due. He's breaking the most prolific record in North American sports and he's never been caught cheating (even though he probably has and when I say probably I mean 90% sure) Also don't' forgot there's tonnes of other guys who cheat, Ruth never faced African American players and Aaron's era wasn't clean either.
4) Roger Clemens coming out of retirement: Just like death and taxes you can always count on Roger to come back. How many more years do you think he does this? I'm saying two more after this one.
5) The time when a guy has a breakout season and then everyone suspects he's on steroids or human growth hormone. My pick this year is Ty Wiggington who will take the award from last years winner Gary Matthews Jr. who took the award from Brian Roberts. Although Jimmy Rollins could also snatch the award.
6) A-Rod/NY saga: A-rod's going to put up about 50 HR's 130 RBI and hit 300 while Jeter will hit 15 HR 80 RBI and also hit 300 and everyone in New York will tell you to a man that Jeter's better.
7) Manny Ramirez: You can never have too much Manny in your life. (That came off a little more homosexual than I implied but I'll keep it anyway)
8) The fact that everyone gets worked up over games in April when they have about 150 left to go.
9) Sportscenter in the summer when there is wall to wall baseball highlights. This is way more appealing in Canada because if you're not a hockey fan just like I'm not then you loathe how Sportscenter has about 45 min of hockey highlights per show, 5 min of the announcers trying to be funny and another 10 for every other sport out there. Drives me up a wall.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Three Peat?
It's been a few days since Florida won there second basketball title in a row in addition to there football title and I purposely waited a few days before writing anything. I wanted to let everything sink in and see how things played out before I wrote something. Here's what I've come to realize.
1) I will probably never be this fortunate as a sports fan again. The Gators are my favourite team period and that includes professional teams. I know it may seem weird to have a favorite be a school that you don't even go to, but I've always preferred college to professional sports and with me going to school in Canada I feel like I can justify having a another school as my favorite. It's not like I jumped on the bandwagon either. I've been a fan since I was 10 years old and have been through Doug Johnson led football teams to first round losses in the tournament. The only other win that would be more satisfying would be to win the Vanier Cup because obviously I would be playing in it.
With all that said it is very unlikely that any school will have this kind of success again. It's something to savor and remember.
2) I was little disappointed that Billy Donovan asked Noah, Horford, Brewer, Green if they wanted to stay another year and go for the third championship. Noah probably should have left last year and Horford and Brewer are never going to raise their draft stock any higher. They've accomplished everything there is to accomplish and it's time to move on. As a coach you asked them to buy into your system and place basketball at the top of their priorities and they did so. I think you owed it to them to have their best interest in heart and tell them to turn pro. If they would have stayed the pressure next year would have been unprecedented. It's very conceivable that they would have lost and that would have (unrightly) diminished what they accomplished the past two years.
3) On the flip side it's nice to see that Donovan stayed at Florida. I never understood how some jobs have such prestige and that if they come seeking your services you have to go. Florida has owned Kentucky of late and Donovan is the face of Florida basketball. Other than money I don't know why anyone would leave.
4) Like all things in life it's the end of one era and the start of the another. So it's a little sad that I'll never get to watch Brewer, Noah, Horford, Green, Humphrey, Richard, Leak, Moss, Everett, Nelson and many others ever again in Florida blue and orange but I'm excited to usher in the Hodge, Werner, Speights, Tebow and Harvin era.
1) I will probably never be this fortunate as a sports fan again. The Gators are my favourite team period and that includes professional teams. I know it may seem weird to have a favorite be a school that you don't even go to, but I've always preferred college to professional sports and with me going to school in Canada I feel like I can justify having a another school as my favorite. It's not like I jumped on the bandwagon either. I've been a fan since I was 10 years old and have been through Doug Johnson led football teams to first round losses in the tournament. The only other win that would be more satisfying would be to win the Vanier Cup because obviously I would be playing in it.
With all that said it is very unlikely that any school will have this kind of success again. It's something to savor and remember.
2) I was little disappointed that Billy Donovan asked Noah, Horford, Brewer, Green if they wanted to stay another year and go for the third championship. Noah probably should have left last year and Horford and Brewer are never going to raise their draft stock any higher. They've accomplished everything there is to accomplish and it's time to move on. As a coach you asked them to buy into your system and place basketball at the top of their priorities and they did so. I think you owed it to them to have their best interest in heart and tell them to turn pro. If they would have stayed the pressure next year would have been unprecedented. It's very conceivable that they would have lost and that would have (unrightly) diminished what they accomplished the past two years.
3) On the flip side it's nice to see that Donovan stayed at Florida. I never understood how some jobs have such prestige and that if they come seeking your services you have to go. Florida has owned Kentucky of late and Donovan is the face of Florida basketball. Other than money I don't know why anyone would leave.
4) Like all things in life it's the end of one era and the start of the another. So it's a little sad that I'll never get to watch Brewer, Noah, Horford, Green, Humphrey, Richard, Leak, Moss, Everett, Nelson and many others ever again in Florida blue and orange but I'm excited to usher in the Hodge, Werner, Speights, Tebow and Harvin era.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Hope Springs Eternal
Just a couple of points about the basketball games yesterday. I really thought Georgetown would handle Ohio State but I guess Jeff Green was busy Monday and didn't want to play another game. Also how did UCLA make it to the final four? They have streaky shooters and no low post presence. It's not like they went on some hot run either. They were ranked number one for a large potion of the year and were always in the top 5. Kevin Love can't come fat enough.
You know how I called out Lee Humphrey and he responded with his best game of the year. Well on Friday I was all ready to call out either Brewer (who was turning the ball over too much and not making his outside shots) or Chris Richard (who was giving us nothing in the post) Anyways I never got around to writing anything Friday and I don't even care that you don't believe me. The point is Noah I'm calling you out for the finals. With Horford on Oden they have no one who should handle you. It's time to make everyone remember why you could have been the top pick last year.
Alright today is the start of the baseball season and I participated in two fantasy baseball drafts. One of them was a 14 team league where everyone knew what they were doing. The other was an 8 team league that a couple of people took as a joke and I ended up with a ridiculously good team. Anyway here's my team and my preseason rankings that I posted in the message board.
My Team
1B: Ortiz
2B: Phillips
3B: Chipper
SS: Furcal (Cabrera)
OF: Soriano
OF: Crawford
OF: Dunn
UT: Hafner
Bench: Swisher
Bench: Giambi
SP: Oswalt
SP: Webb
RP: Ray
RP: F. Cordero
P: Isringhausen
P: Young
P: Haren
P: Bonderman
P: Capuano
P: Patterson
P: Vazquez
Alright as promised the official preseason rankings but before I get into them just a couple of thoughts about the draft.
1) Small league so everybody's team is loaded some more than others but still everybody has quality players everywhere.
2) With the small league that means that there are and will be very good players on the waiver wire. So teams that aren't sitting pretty right now can jump right back into the thing with some key pickups
3) Nice to see everybody hold off on closers (First one picked was round 8) they just don't throw enough innings to give you anything real substantial besides saves.
4) Just my opinion but it seems that the majority of guys have way too many hitters. This might be because not everyone was there at the draft but you've got to realize that hitters on your bench might get in the starting lineup one game every two weeks whereas you can work in your entire pitching bench every week because unlike everyday players starting pitchers pitch once every fifth game.
5) Only other point is to remember that we don't count average only on base percentage. So guys like Troy Glaus with a poor 252 batting average become much more valuable with a solid 355 on base percentage. People seemed to do a good job with this
Enough of that on to the rankings. Rather than rank them by number I've separated them into three groups based on their probability of winning. Snowball's chance, Puncher's chance, Legit contender.
Snowball's Chance
Team Mr. Pink: Nice to see you take the draft seriously. Even though you could have waited to round three if not later to grab Jeter why fool around. If this were a draft of guys you want to pick up chicks with then Jeter would be the no brainer choice and the draft would probably unfold like this:
1) Jeter
2) Sizemore
3) Beltran
4) Billy Beane
7,851,654) Randy Johnson
The G-Dot Stars: Another guy who did his homework. Maybe the veteran leadership behind the plate will payoff big in the postseason. If this were 1999 though we'd all be in big trouble.
Puncher's Chance
Cornbat Cowboys: Good balance and fire power on offence but just way too many hitters. Only three starting pitchers and two of them are over forty (Smoltz, Johnson) luckily every year there are lots of solid starters on the waiver wire.
Legit Contenders That's right 5 of the 8 teams are legit contenders
Danger The Bat: In your quest to field the same team as last year you seemed to forget that last year you finished second and that last years league had ten teams in it not eight. With that said still some solid players on offence and a deep pitching rotation. (Anyone who's first name is pronounced Dice K is alright in my books)
John Kruk: Solid team top to bottom and some stud pitchers. Only thing that concerns me is the lack of pitching depth but that can be addressed in the waiver wire.
Cox of Seagulls: Absolutely loaded offensive lineup. lots of quality pitchers. Here's a guy that knows what he's doing.
Zinger Tosses K's: Another loaded offensive lineup and some ace pitchers and closers to boot. Plus he's got the secret to my past winning teams which is be fortunate enough to have Pujols on your team. Only downside is a couple too many batters but that is easily correctable.
The Vanilla Thrilla: Obviously I like my team also. I kind of wish I would have taken A-rod over Soriano because he's more consistent and has better plate discipline but going back to the Jeter analogy that's like Jeter complaining about not banging Jessica Alba anymore even though he's banging Jessica Biel. Anyway this took a really long time to write, time I should have spent studying but if I fail my midterms tomorrow I can always take them again next semester. You need to remember what's really important in life things like fantasy baseball. Seeing as how this is a really long season and guys tend to drop out at some point during the season I'll try to write something up here at least once every two weeks or so. That way maybe it will entice them to stick around longer and if some guy with no training and no talent writing about a pretend league with no money on the line doesn't get you excited then there's no hope for you.
(Some of it doesn't make sense and I had to edit a couple of points)
You know how I called out Lee Humphrey and he responded with his best game of the year. Well on Friday I was all ready to call out either Brewer (who was turning the ball over too much and not making his outside shots) or Chris Richard (who was giving us nothing in the post) Anyways I never got around to writing anything Friday and I don't even care that you don't believe me. The point is Noah I'm calling you out for the finals. With Horford on Oden they have no one who should handle you. It's time to make everyone remember why you could have been the top pick last year.
Alright today is the start of the baseball season and I participated in two fantasy baseball drafts. One of them was a 14 team league where everyone knew what they were doing. The other was an 8 team league that a couple of people took as a joke and I ended up with a ridiculously good team. Anyway here's my team and my preseason rankings that I posted in the message board.
My Team
1B: Ortiz
2B: Phillips
3B: Chipper
SS: Furcal (Cabrera)
OF: Soriano
OF: Crawford
OF: Dunn
UT: Hafner
Bench: Swisher
Bench: Giambi
SP: Oswalt
SP: Webb
RP: Ray
RP: F. Cordero
P: Isringhausen
P: Young
P: Haren
P: Bonderman
P: Capuano
P: Patterson
P: Vazquez
Alright as promised the official preseason rankings but before I get into them just a couple of thoughts about the draft.
1) Small league so everybody's team is loaded some more than others but still everybody has quality players everywhere.
2) With the small league that means that there are and will be very good players on the waiver wire. So teams that aren't sitting pretty right now can jump right back into the thing with some key pickups
3) Nice to see everybody hold off on closers (First one picked was round 8) they just don't throw enough innings to give you anything real substantial besides saves.
4) Just my opinion but it seems that the majority of guys have way too many hitters. This might be because not everyone was there at the draft but you've got to realize that hitters on your bench might get in the starting lineup one game every two weeks whereas you can work in your entire pitching bench every week because unlike everyday players starting pitchers pitch once every fifth game.
5) Only other point is to remember that we don't count average only on base percentage. So guys like Troy Glaus with a poor 252 batting average become much more valuable with a solid 355 on base percentage. People seemed to do a good job with this
Enough of that on to the rankings. Rather than rank them by number I've separated them into three groups based on their probability of winning. Snowball's chance, Puncher's chance, Legit contender.
Snowball's Chance
Team Mr. Pink: Nice to see you take the draft seriously. Even though you could have waited to round three if not later to grab Jeter why fool around. If this were a draft of guys you want to pick up chicks with then Jeter would be the no brainer choice and the draft would probably unfold like this:
1) Jeter
2) Sizemore
3) Beltran
4) Billy Beane
7,851,654) Randy Johnson
The G-Dot Stars: Another guy who did his homework. Maybe the veteran leadership behind the plate will payoff big in the postseason. If this were 1999 though we'd all be in big trouble.
Puncher's Chance
Cornbat Cowboys: Good balance and fire power on offence but just way too many hitters. Only three starting pitchers and two of them are over forty (Smoltz, Johnson) luckily every year there are lots of solid starters on the waiver wire.
Legit Contenders That's right 5 of the 8 teams are legit contenders
Danger The Bat: In your quest to field the same team as last year you seemed to forget that last year you finished second and that last years league had ten teams in it not eight. With that said still some solid players on offence and a deep pitching rotation. (Anyone who's first name is pronounced Dice K is alright in my books)
John Kruk: Solid team top to bottom and some stud pitchers. Only thing that concerns me is the lack of pitching depth but that can be addressed in the waiver wire.
Cox of Seagulls: Absolutely loaded offensive lineup. lots of quality pitchers. Here's a guy that knows what he's doing.
Zinger Tosses K's: Another loaded offensive lineup and some ace pitchers and closers to boot. Plus he's got the secret to my past winning teams which is be fortunate enough to have Pujols on your team. Only downside is a couple too many batters but that is easily correctable.
The Vanilla Thrilla: Obviously I like my team also. I kind of wish I would have taken A-rod over Soriano because he's more consistent and has better plate discipline but going back to the Jeter analogy that's like Jeter complaining about not banging Jessica Alba anymore even though he's banging Jessica Biel. Anyway this took a really long time to write, time I should have spent studying but if I fail my midterms tomorrow I can always take them again next semester. You need to remember what's really important in life things like fantasy baseball. Seeing as how this is a really long season and guys tend to drop out at some point during the season I'll try to write something up here at least once every two weeks or so. That way maybe it will entice them to stick around longer and if some guy with no training and no talent writing about a pretend league with no money on the line doesn't get you excited then there's no hope for you.
(Some of it doesn't make sense and I had to edit a couple of points)
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