week seventeen, NFL picks

We've made it to the end of another NFL season.  Most of the playoff teams and seeds are set, their will still be some jostling around for playoff seeds.  As for the remaining playoff teams, the NFC East winner will be determined Sunday night between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, either the Denver Broncos or the Oakland Raiders will win the AFC West, and the final AFC Wild Card team will be decided.  This will be a fun time with the NFL going into week 17 and then heading for the playoffs and the Super Bowl.  If you want this weekend you can just sit down on your couch and watch football, there is either a pro or college game on every day between now and Wednesday.
Week 17 NFL picks:
1) Washington is in Philadelphia this week, the Redskins have rebounded nicely by getting to five wins but the Eagles will be pumped up to win the final game of disappointing season at home.  I'll pick the Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5) at home over the Washington Redskins.  Philadelphia Eagles -8.5 
2) In New England the Patriots have already clinched the AFC East, home field, and a first round bye.  The Patriots don't loose at home and after staring off strong the Bills have faded.  I'll pick the New England  Patriots (-10.5) at home over the Buffalo Bills.       New England Patriots -10.5
3)  San Diego has folded late in the season once again and Oakland will be pulling out all the stops this week as their playoff positioning is still up in the air.  I'll pick the Oakland Raiders (-3) at home over the San Diego Chargers.  Oakland Raiders -3
4)  The New York Jets are hanging on and need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Miami Dolphins have become a decent team.  I'll pick the NY Jets (+3) on the road in Miami over the Dolphins, to win and hope they get help to make the playoffs.  NY Jets +3
5) coming off a big win last week against the Jets, in which the Jets got down panicked, stared to get away from their game plan, throwing the ball more then necessary, the New York Giant defense was able to come up big.  The NY Giants needed last week for this week.   some more injured Giants will comeback and the Giants with Manning and the defense (Jason Pierre-Paul and company) will figure out the Dallas Cowboys again.  I also trust Eli more then Romo down the stretch.  I'll pick the NY Giants (-3) at home on Sunday Night Football to beat the Dallas Cowboys, and win the NFC East and clinch a 4 seed and a home Wild Card playoff game.  NY Giants -3              

College bowls

It used to be more centered around New Year's but now it's the holidays, it's the college bowl season.  Most of these post-season College Football games don't mean anything, except to the companies which sponsor the games.  These games have nothing to do with the NCAA, its all about money.  These games are important for coaching staffs to get their Student Athletes (players) and personnel a jump start on next season or for a new head coach to get to know his guys, or a swan song for some.  The college post-season can be a recruiting advantage as it enables programs to travel to different parts of the country and we get some non-triditional match-ups.  Some bowl match-ups are better than others, we get to see our favorite teams face-off against teams that the don't normally play.    I already talked about the one game that is meaningful, the National Championship Game which is a re-match of the LSU at Alabama game from a couple months ago.  This game should not be, LSU already beat Alabama on the road and now the have to do it twice in order to win a National Championship.            

week sixteen, NFL picks

We have reached week 16 in the NFL.  The men are being separated from the boys, in this week to week and what have you done for me lately league.  In the NFL you're only as good as your last game, for example the New York Giants came off that win in Dallas and people were high on them then they failed to show up against Washington and people have lost confidence in them.  It can be concluded that their are only a handful of great teams (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Green Bay, New England, and New Orleans) in the league as of now.  That dominant team can change at a moments notice, all you need is for one team to get hot.    
Week 16 picks:
1) The Jacksonville Jaguars are in Tennessee to face the Titans, the Jags aren't a very good football team and the Titans have a proven quarterback and a nice young one.  I'll take the Tennessee Titans (-7) over the Jacksonville Jaguars at home.     Tennessee Titans -7
2) The Cleveland Browns won't play Colt McCoy and the Baltimore Ravens are back.  I'll take the Baltimore Ravens (-12) over the Cleveland Browns in Baltimore.  Baltimore Ravens -12    
3)  The Washington Redskins have been impressive, the Vikings have a young quarterback who still needs some seasoning.  I'll pick the Washington Redskins (-6.5) at home over the Minnesota vikings.     Washington Redskins -6.5 
4)  The NY Giants play the NY Jets this week, neither team has been very impressive as they both come off losses last week. (Giants to Washington (Eli Manning and Jason Pierre-paul were the only guys who played well) and the Jets to Philly)  Both teams need this game to get into the playoffs.  Although neither team is great, I trust Eli Manning and the Giants to make more plays then Sanchez and the Jets.  I'll pick the New York Giants (+3) over the New York Jets in what is technically a Jet home game.  NY Giants +3     

NBA preview

The NBA season, finally tips off Sunday (Christmas Day) and there has been a lot of superstar movement to start.  After a trade between the Lakers, Rockets, and Hornets was shut down by Davis Stern, (league owned Hornets) a deal was put together that sent superstar Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets to the   (other team in LA) Los Angles Clippers.  In some other big movement Tyson Chandler was signed by the New York Knicks, giving the Knicks their own big three. (Anthony, Stoudmire, and Chandler)  The Los Angles Lakers are not what they used to be after Lamar Odom was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, and coach Phil Jackson retired.  Ever since we heard the season was going to start on Christmas most of the NBA talk has centered around trades and who is going where, to form the next super team.  Super teams, with two or more stars are what the NBA is becoming.  The LA Lakers are not what they used to be, the LA Clippers are now a playoff team with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, the Oklahoma City Thunder are still young and fast, the Miami Heat and their big three are running out of time, the San Antonio Spurs are trying to hang onto some youth, the Dallas Mavericks will be interesting, I am excited to see the Knicks and their new big three.  Even though Donnie Walsh is no longer at the helm of the Knicks he did good, and managed to clean out a lot of bad contracts.  The Knicks were able to add Tyson Chandler to put with Stoudmire, and Anthony combined with guys like Mike Bibby, Baron Davis and company the Knicks should be in for a good season.  I look forward to seeing this Knick team on the court, should be on their way to the playoffs (this year) and a championship. ( within 3 years)  All NBA teams are going to be asked to play at least one back-to-back-to-back and multiple other back-to-backs.  Their won't be much rest in this shortened NBA season (66 games in 128 or so days) and deep teams will benefit the most, in the regular season, the playoff schedule has not changed much.          

NBA power rankings:
1) Miami Heat
2) Dallas Mavericks
3) Chicago Bulls
4) Oklahoma City Thunder
5) Orlando Magic
6) San Antonio Spurs
7) LA Lakers
8) LA Clippers
9) New York Knicks
10) Denver Nuggets
 

week fifteen, NFL picks

Well, there are only three weeks left in the NFL season.  In the NFC the Packers, Saints, and 49ers have clinched playoff spots, already.  The New York Giants got a big win last week in Dallas thanks to a Jason Pierre-paul blocked field goal which would have tied the game.  The Giants are now set up to win the NFC east with another win against Dallas.  Over in the AFC the Houston Texans are the only team to claim a playoff spot, in a conference which will probably come down to the end.    
Week 15 Picks:
1) Arizona has been up and down all year but this week they welcome in a Cleveland Brown team who's banged up and doesn't have their starting quarterback, Colt McCoy.  I'll pick the Arizona Cardinals (-6.5) over the Cleveland Browns in Phoenix.  Arizona Cardinals -6.5 
2) Green Bay is not loosing to Kanas City this week by Sunday night they'll be 14-0.  I'll take the Green Bay Packers (-13.5) over the Kansas City Chiefs in KC.  Green Bay Packers -13.5 
3) I am going to pick an up-set here, New England's defense isn't very good so I believe the Denver Broncos can score some points, this game comes down to can the Denver defense hold the Patriots and Tom Brady long enough for Tim Tebow and the offense to put up some points.  After last week and another 4th quarter comeback how can you not believe in Tim Tebow.  I'll take the Denver Broncos (+7.5) at home in the Mile High air to knock off the New England Patriots.  Denver Broncos +7.5 
4) The NY Jets got a much needed win against the Chiefs last week and this week take the show on the road to visit Michael Vick in Philadelphia.  The New York Jets need every win right now and this would be a big one, i'll take the NY Jets (+3) in Philly over the Eagles.    NY Jets +3
5) In a big game last week in Dallas where the secondary did not play very well, but they did find a running game with Brandon Jacobs behind the re-built offensive line.  Thanks to an Eli Manning 4th quarter comeback and Jason Pierre-Paul, the NY Giants got a big win.  Now the Giants control their own destiny and will be able to break a tie with another win against Dallas in week 17.  The Giants have to win at least one of their next two first, and that starts this week against Washington.  The Giants know what their up against and I see them playing better against a team they were embarrassed against week 1.   I'll take the New York Giants (-6.5) at home against the Washington Redskins.  NY Giants -6.5       

Week fourteen, NFL picks

As we head into the four games of the NFL season, teams are making their playoff pushes.  We are finally getting some colder, football weather as we hit the end of the regular season.  Maybe we'll get a game or two thats affected by the snow, wind, or rain down the stretch.
Week 14 picks:
1) Although the Oakland Raiders might be a playoff team, we saw against the Giants last week just how good Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are down the stretch of games.  The Packers just don't loose at home, i'll take the Packers (-11.5) at home against the Raiders.  Green Bay Packers -11.5
2) The Washington Redskins can be hot and cold and this week the New England Patriots come to town.  I'll take the Patriots (-8) on the road in Washington.     New England Patroits -8 
3) In a game of two teams that stared with greater expectations, and have since fallen off.  The Buffalo Bills travel to San Diego to play the Chargers.  I'll take the Charges (-7) to wright the ship against the Bills.   San Diego Chargers -7
4)  The NY Jets have to win in order to make the playoffs and in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs where I don't see either team putting up many points, the New York Jets will score a few more.  I'll take the NY Jets (-10.5) at home.   NY Jets -10.5 
5) The New York Giants have to win to make the playoffs, after loosing late to the packers but playing well over all I expect them to carry momentum into Dallas on Sunday Night to play the Cowboys.  I'll take the NY Giants (+3) in (Jerry Jones's place) Dallas.     NY Giants +3  

Winter Meetings

The Winter Meetings have come to an end, with two teams making major moves.  First the Miami Marlins spent around $200 million on three players (RHP Mark Buehrle, SS Jose Reyes, and P Heath Bell) to remake their image.  Combine the new guys with the Marlins young guys and they become a power in the National League East.  Out west the Angels followed through on a major player, after years when they seem to be in that market but don't get the guy.  The Angels added 1B Albert Pujols (came in at the last minute and took him away from ST. Louis) and also C.J Wilson.  Albert definitely helps their offense and Wilson slides nicely into that rotation, which already had a couple of aces in Weaver, and Santana.  With those moves the Los Angles Angles Angels of Anaheim became major contenders in the A.L West While the Marlins and Angels were the big spenders, many other teams made, smaller moves.  The New York Mets let Jose Ryes go without much of a fight and they may trade 3B David Wright soon.  The Mets under new General Manager Sandy Alderson are entering full blown rebuilding mode.  The New York Yankees are in wait and see mode, they might try to add a bat if one becomes available, there only real need is a starting pitcher or two (no one great is really out their right now/ Buehrle and Wilson are now off the market).  The Yankees don't need much, just some tinkering here and there.              

NBA

A deal has been reached and we will have basketball on Christmas Day.  In the next couple weeks before play begins, there is going to be some player movement. The New York Knicks may try to further build around Carmelo Anthony and Admire Stoudmire, by going after Chris Paul.  The Knicks do not really have any resources left to trade, after trading a bunch of players and draft picks to Denver for Carmelo Anthony and others.  There are ways the Knicks can technically make this work, but they have to put a team on the court and guys around Carmelo and Admire.  They can always get Chris Paul as a free agent this summer, I think that is a better idea.  Let the Players they have, gel during the shorter season before they start bringing in more players.  I am excited to see what the current Knick team can do.
The Los Angles Lakers have not won a championship recently.  Kobe Bryant needs a supporting cast around him and he hasn't had one recently.  The Lakers want to bring in Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, which will diffidently make them the team to beat and the class of the NBA.  If the Lakers bring all of these stars in and they can all play together, they may become a dynasty.  I don't think the Lakers have the resources necessary to make this happen.
          

Winter Meetings, Jose Reyes

The MLB winter meetings are underway (12/5-9) in Dallas, TX.  These meetings are a yearly excuse for teams to get together and talk with players or their agents.  Their were a couple of signings before the meetings got started with Papplebon going to Philadelphia and Heath Bell going to the Miami Marlins.  The first major signing was announced last night with Jose Reyes going to the Marlins (6yrs/$106 mil).  Mets fans may be disappointed, I haven't talked to one person who thought he was coming back the Marlins were willing to give him more money and the mets had his injury his in the back of their minds.  Maybe with the warm florida air Jose will feel more refreshed and not break down as much.  The Marlins already had pretty good shortstop in Hanley Ramirez but when their are stars on the market, teams will make concessions.  Two is better then one, Ramirez will now shift to third base with Reyes at shortstop and with two all-stars under the age of 30, the Marlins will have the left side of their infield set for years to come.  I think Hanley will be just fine at third, once he realizes the position move is best for the team and he's not the first player to change his position to accommodate someone else.  We should be happy the former Florida now Miami Marlins are spending money.  The Marlins are remaking their image under owner Jeffrey Loria, with a new name, new uniforms, new ballpark, and now money.  The Marlins now have Jose Reyes they just signed Heath Bell, they have an offer out to Pujols (I think will wind up back in St Louis) and will probably be in the market for a pitcher.                       

Week thirteen, NFL picks

We have made it all the way to week 13, in the NFL.  Playoff positions are starting to be solidified and as far as the locals are concerned, the NY Jets are fighting for their lives in what is basically a playoff for that last Wild Card in the AFC, the NY Giants are on a three game loosing streak and hanging on because they have two games remaining with the division leading Dallas Cowboys.
Week 13 picks:
1) The Kanas City Chiefs might be breaking in a new quarterback,  the Chicago Bears are playing with a back up that has been with the system for a while and they have a better defense.  I'll take the Chicago Bears (-7) over the Kanas City Chiefs in Kansas City.  Chicago Bears -7 
2) The Cleveland Browns have gotten some lucky wins this season, but this week they run into the Baltimore Ravens with their feared defense.  I'll take the Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) over the Cleveland Browns on the road.     Baltimore Ravens -6.5
3)  If you saw the New Orleans Saints whip the Giants on Monday night, the Detroit Lions aren't going to beat the Saints at home.  I'll Take the New Orleans Saints (-9) at home versus the Detroit Lions.  New Orleans Saints -9 
4) The New York Jets got a lucky win against Buffalo at home last week and didn't show me a lot, Washington won at Seattle and has some momentum coming in.  Give me the Washington Redskins (+3) over the NY Jets at home.  Washington Redskins +3 
5) I was going to pick the NY Giants to stop the Green Bay Packers undefeated streak, after the Giants not showing up, not being able to get a pass rush on Drew Brees and not being able to run the ball with Brandon Jacobs on Monday night.  That being said i'll take the Green Bay Packers (-7) on the road versus the New York Giants.  Green Bay Packers -7                

BCS National Championship

I don't think anybody wants to see a (LSU vs. Alabama) rematch in the BCS National Championship Game.  We already saw LSU beat Alabama once in Tuscaloosa, AL and now they might get to play on a neutral field (New Orleans), where is the fairness in that LSU has to beat the same team twice and on the road both times.  If Alabama wins, both teams will have one loss, to be fair they should have to play in Baton Rouge, LA otherwise LSU is the National Champion win, lose, or draw.  LSU is playing in the SEC Championship, if they loose they'll have a loss but they'll probably win since the SEC West is so much better than the East.  Even if LSU loses the SEC Championship their probably in the National Championship Game (based on BCS standings).  Alabama is not in the SEC championship, how do you have a team not play for its Conference Championship and then play for the National Title.  How do you have two teams from the same division of the same conference, play for a National Championship.   LSU is most likely going to be in that game no matter what happens.  I don't want to see a rematch and I don't know too many people who do.  Instead of a one loss Alabama lets see a one loss Oklahoma. ST or Stanford or maybe Virginia Tech, Boise. St and Houston are on the out side looking in as far as the National Title is concerned.  The BCS is a screwed up system (we're letting computers pick our Champions) that needs to be replaced (playoff maybe).                

College basketball

The college basketball season started with some great games, in places as far away as Maui, Hi and before that on the deck of the U.S.S Carl Vision.  The ACC (North Carolina, Duke) and the Big East (Syracuse, Connecticut) are in my opinion the two best conferences in college basketball.  These teams just reload year after year.  In the ACC, North Carolina is always good under coach Roy Williams, Duke has Mike Krzyewski (winiest coach in  division 1, college basketball) and an athletic team who will give you their best effort night after night.  Their are a lot of good teams in the big East (5 ranked teams).  Uconn has some gelling to do as a team, but they can be a dangerous as we saw them (as a bunch of freshman) grow up before our eyes in winning the NCAA tournament last year.  I like what I have seen out of Syracuse so far with Fab Melo and the athleticism on that team, they can shut opponents down with their zone.  I am a Big East person and, I do like syracuse to make a run in the tournament.  Syracuse's tournament run is contingent upon coach Jim Boeheim and the team not getting wrapped up in the child sex abuse case against former assistant Bernie Fine.  Conference play doesn't start for another month or so and that is when things get sorted out, as far as every team playing equal competition, night in and night out.                 

week Tweleve, NFL picks (Thanksgiving edition)

Well we've made it to week 12 in the NFL, Thanksgiving weekend.  This is where things start to get interesting, with almost every team battling for playoff positioning over the next six weeks.  The AFC is wide open, with no one dominant team as we have the Jets, Titans, Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Raiders and Broncos all battling for divisions or Wild Cards.  The NFC doesn't have quite as many teams in the race but it will be a harder fight as you will need at least 10 wins.  It all gets started tomorrow with three good, better then in recent memory, football games.
week 12: picks
1)  I am going to pick two Thanksgiving games so lets start with the Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys, tomorrow afternoon at 4 P.M.  Its hard to tell what Cowboy team will show up and Miami is starting to look like a good team, now that they have a few wins under their belt.  I'll take the Miami Dolphins (+7) on the road in Dallas.  Miami Dolphins +7     
2) Also on Thanksgiving evening at 8 P.M the San Francisco 49ers travel east to take on the Baltimore Ravens, in a battle of the Harbaugh brothers.  The Ravens are one of AFC's inconsistent teams but I don't like San Francisco traveling east on the short week, plus their due to loose.  That being said i'll take the Baltimore Ravens (-3) at home.  Baltimore Ravens -3        
3) On Sunday now, the Chicago Bears visit the Oakland Raiders.  The Bears just lost their quarterback and I don't know about Caleb Hanie who will get the start.  Give me the Oakland Raiders (-4.5) at homes against the Bears.   Oakland Raiders -4.5
4) The NY Jets should be able to get back on track this week as they host the Buffalo Bills.  Rex Ryan has sort of become the coach who cries wolf, when it comes to how good his team is but this week their playing a Buffalo Bill team that after starting off strong has just about given up on the season.  I'll take the New York Jets (-9) at home against the Bills.    NY Jets -9
5) After a disappointing game against the Eagles on Sunday Night, in which the Giants dropped a couple passes, failed to change their offensive game plan to see if they could run the ball, played undisciplined, and took some bad penalties.  The NY Giants travel to New Orleans to play the Saints on Monday Night Football, hopefully the Giants have a better game plan this week because 29 yards rushing will not work against a Saints team coming off the bye week.  The Giants have to figure out a way to get to 10 wins and that will not be easy when your schedule includes games against the Saints, Packers, Redskins, Cowboys (2) and Jets.  I think a win this week in New Orleans will be to much to ask, I'll take the Saints (-7) at home against the Giants.  New Orleans Saints -7
   

MLB awards

Postseason awards in baseball are stats, they go on your record and on your baseball card for us all to memorize.  Winning a postseason award (such as an MVP, Cy Young, Manager of the Year, or Rookie of the Year) is an accomplishment, You were the the best in a respective category through 162 games.  This year the most dominant player, also happened to be the best pitcher which allowed Justin Verlander to win both the Cy Young and MVP awards.  I am of the belief that you should only be allowed to win one award.  Since both the Cy Young and the MVP are for the best player, pitchers who are eligible for the Cy Young shouldn't be able to win both.  It's not a pitchers fault he's best utilized on the mound and it's not a position players fault he's not a pitcher.  I feel that since these are very similar awards that the MVP should be the award for position players, and the Cy Young should be for pitchers.  Justin Verlander was the best pitcher this year (24-5: 2.40 ERA) and he should have won the Cy Young, the MVP should have been between Granderson and Ellisbury.            

week eleven, NFL picks

We have made it to week eleven, football fans.  After holding steady in week ten, we move on into a stream where a 9-win team could make things interesting in a mediocre AFC.  In the NFC we have some teams like the Packers and 49ers that have been dominating things, over all they are bore bunched up and getting to 10 or 11 wins is going to be key.  I didn't do to well with my picks last week, I have to get back on the horse and finish strong.
Week 11 picks:
1) Let's start with last nights game which I found odd.  Neither team played vey well, however the NY Jets let the Denver Broncos hang around and ultimately drive down the field for the winning score.  the Jet offensive line was manhandled last night, they were letting guys get free runs on Sanchez, their special teams need work, and their defense is very up and down.  I don't think Tim Tebow and the option offense can last very long in the NFL, its pretty much all trick plays, it worked last night.  Tebow took his team down field for the winning score after being awful for the first 58 minutes.  Denver Broncos 17- New York  Jets 13
2)  The Cleveland Browns are an up and coming team, while the Jacksonville Jaguars are still trying to find themselves.  I'll take Cleveland (-1) at home over Jacksonville.   Cleveland Browns -1 
3)  Arizona is not very good, San Francisco can for all intensive purposes win the division this week, with an offense that Alex Smith runs to perfection.  I'll take San Francisco (-9.5) at home over the Arizona Cardinals.  San Francisco 49ers -9.5           
4)  The Detroit Lions will continue to play well at home and go into their Thanksgiving tilt on a good note by beating a Carolina team that is in transition.  I'll take the Detroit Lions (-7) at home against the Carolina Panthers.  Detroit Lions -7
5)  After plying a very good game last week in San Francisco which came down to basically came down to about two drives in the 4th quarter where after Alex Smith had put the 49ers up 7, Eli Manning throws an interception and after a missed assignment by the Giant defense the 49ers go up 14.  Eli was up to the task of bringing the Giants back, he got them back 7 points before the clock ran out on the final drive and they lost by 7.  Big Blue has to get back on the winning track this week as a battered Philadelphia Eagle ( Michael Vick is questionable) team comes in,  the G-men have to put the Eagles to sleep this week. The Eagles are bad and they've got Dallas hot on their heels in the division with games against Green Bay as well as New Orleans, not to mention Dallas still to come.  I think the Giants will come out fired up this week,  give me the New York Giants (-4.5) at home against the Philadelphia Eagles.  NY Giants -4.5       

NFL midseason report

We have made all the way to week 11 in the NFL season, back in June we were in the middle of labor talks and now we are a little more than half way through the 2011 NFL season and heading right towards Super Bowl XLVI.  Let's start in the AFC where things are pretty open.  This conference is open for the taking with only a few teams who will have 10 or more wins.  In the east we have the New England patriots who will most likely win the division, after beating the Jets twice.  The New York Jets who are not as good as advertised with a porous offensive line and a defense which doesn't always show up and Rex Ryan's comments are becoming a little much, will battle it out with the Buffalo Bills for a Wild Card.  In the north the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals will battle it out for the division and the other Wild Card.  Only one team from the south the Houston Texans who just lost its quarterback will make the playoffs and it will be the same story in the west where either the Oakland Raiders or the San Diego Chargers (this team is cursed, every year people think they'll be good and they disappoint) will make a playoff run.  in that conference the Indianapolis Colts are winless and may end up drafting the successor to Peyton Manning.
The NFC is fun, the New York Giants have lead in the east and will have to fend off a Dallas Cowboy team, which they have not seen yet.  Both Wild Cards could come out of the north where behind the 9-0 Green Bay packers, the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions are in a tie at 6-3 and both Wild Cards may come from their.  The New Orleans Saints 7-3 will battle with the Atlanta Falcons 5-4 for the South, both teams are hard to read.  The San Francisco 49ers are for real, and have run away with the western division which they have pretty much already won at 8-1.  Aaron Rodgers has become a star on an undefeated Super Bowl winning team, the Packers still look good for a playoff run but I wouldn't be surprised with a regular season loss or two.                
Power Rankings:
1) Green Bay Packers
2) San Francisco 49ers
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
4) New England Patriots
5)  Houston Texans
6) New York Giants
7) Chicago Bears
8) New Orleans Saints
9) Baltimore Ravens
10) Atlanta Falcons  

week ten, NFL picks

Here it is week 10, we're starting the stretch run and the second half of this 2011 football schedule.  Both locals got big wins last week, the Jets up in Buffalo and another late fourth quarter comeback for Eli and the Giants.  Joe Flacco also drove his Baltimore Ravens team downfield for the win, late.  The Miami Dolphins got their first win in blowout fashion in Kansas City over the chiefs,  as the only remaining one loss team can the Indianapolis Colts say hello to the number 1 pick and Andrew Luck.    
Week 10: Picks
1)  The Dallas Cowboys want to be an elite team and if Tony Romo doesn't make the crucial mistake, I'll take Dallas (-5.5) to beat the Buffalo Bills at home.  Dallas Cowboys -5.5
2)  The Tennessee Titams have been an up and down team all season, I like 1 pick Cam Newton at home.  I'll take the Carolina Panthers (-3.5) over the Tennessee Titans at home.   Carolina Panthers -3.5 
3) The Detroit Lions have become that team in which no one likes,  as the year goes on Chicago gains a bigger home field advantage.  I'll take the Chicago Bears (-3) to beat the Detroit Lions at home.  Chicago Bears -3 
4)  The NY Jets are coming off a big win last week in Buffalo and they are now in a three way tie for the division, the New England Patriots have had their holes exposed two weeks in a row and I don't see them stopping the bleeding Sunday Night in Metlife Stadium.  I like the New York Jets (-1) to knock off the New England Patriots at home.  NY Jets -1 
5)  The NY Giants had a great win last week in New England and now travel out to San Francisco.  Eli Manning is becoming an elite quarterback, (top 5 this season) TE Jake Ballard has emerged as a good pass catching Tight End.  The San Francisco offense isn't very complicated but they do have a good defense and are helped by Frank Gore running the ball.  I like the New York Giants (+3.5) to make it two in a row on the road in San Francisco against the 49ers.  NY Giants +3.5                 

Joe Paterno (Penn State)

In a story thats been getting national attention, and rightly so Penn State University was forced to make some necessary changes. In the aftermath of what has become a uneasy situation at PSU,  the board of directors meet last night to discuss the situation.  Joe Paterno who has been the head coach there since 1966, announced earlier in the day that he would step down at seasons end.  As much as I like Joe Pa and what he has done at PSU, stepping down when the season ended in three months (after the final three regular season games and a bowl game) wasn't going to stop the bleeding.  The board of directors did what they had to do, in firing the university's president and football coach Paterno.  Joe just wanted to put what would've been a tourniquet on the situation and the board stepped in and put what is hopefully and end to it.  Now that Joe Pa is gone and will not be coaching Saturday against Nebraska, assistant coach Mike McQueary who was the graduate who told Joe Pa what he observed in the shower can not be allowed to coach either.  This just the beginning, with the firing of the president, the athletic director, Joe Paterno, and (should be firing of) McQueary.  It might not be until after the season but Penn State has to clean house, get rid of all the assistants and other personnel who might have or might not have known anything.  It doesn't really surprise me the board hasn't fired McQueary yet, they have been kind of slow with the repercussions.  This story broke over the weekend and they didn't fire the president and Paterno until yesterday, its only Thursday they have until noon on Saturday to get their heads on straight.  The other side of this story besides the innocent boys who were the victims, is their is still a football season to finish.  The Nittany Lion football team is 7-1 and undefeated in the Big Ten, hopefully they can rally around this situation to win the conference and go to The Rose Bowl.  Saturday will be the first time in 50 + years that someone other then Joe Paterno will be leading the team, they'll be coached on an interim basis by defensive coordinator Tom Bradley.                                   

Joe Paterno (Penn State)

In a story thats been getting national attention, and rightly so Penn State University was forced to make some necessary changes. In the aftermath of what has become a uneasy situation at PSU,  the board of directors meet last night to discuss the situation.  Joe Paterno who has been the head coach there since 1966, announced earlier in the day that he would step down at seasons end.  As much as I like Joe Pa and what he has done at PSU, stepping down when the season ended in three months (after the final three regular season games and a bowl game) wasn't going to stop the bleeding.  The board of directors did what they had to do, in firing the university's president and football coach Paterno.  Joe just wanted to put what would've been a tourniquet on the situation and the board stepped in.  Now that Joe Pa is gone and will not be coaching Saturday against Nebraska, assistant coach Mike McQueary              

Penn State (Football)

On more than one occasion, Penn State University has involved in scandals that may tarnish its reputation.  At least once in 2002 a graduate assistant observed, longtime assistant Jerry Sandusky preforming anal sex on little boys, as young as 10 years old in a PSU locker room shower.  Long time head coach Joe Paterno was apparently told of this scene, and he failed to let the proper authorities know.  Although JoePa let University authorities know of the incident, everyone involved failed to let outside law enforcement know, they were trying to cover for the university.  One one hand you have to feel for these boys who were being sexually abused, on the other JoePa and the University knew about this (happening possibly  more than once) and let Sandusky hang around the football program until very recently (holding camps, attending practices, and having an office in the facility) .  In what is a sleepy little college town, State College Pennsylvania where just about everybody knows about the football program and the football coach who is an institution and knows everyone personally.  Joe Pa who has been the head coach at PSU since 1966 (1950-1966 as an assistant), knows everyone and their families in town.  How could Joe pa not have know about this happening more than once and have not let the proper authorities know.  This incident is going to tarnish the reputation of Penn State University, and most likely Joe Pa as well.  So far Joe Pa has only been a witness and is not being sought after legally, we have yet to hear Joe speak.  Joe Pa who is in the last year of his contract, will likely be forced out.  Joe Pa is a legend in State College, fathers and their sons played for him and most of the campus and alumni will be able to tell you his name before the president of the school.  I think the University will be forced to clean house, getting rid of everyone from the football staff to the University president.  Penn State University will have to start all over again.                              

week nine, NFL picks

In what is a great weekend for T.V, we should just sit down in front of our televisions at about 8 p.m (Alabama vs. LSU) Saturday and not move until about 11 p.m Sunday (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens).  We start with college football and end with the NFL and we can mix in some of the Breeders Cup tomorrow, if thats your cup of tea.  Their is some great television watching this weekend.  As far as the NFL we have some good games on the local slate, with the NY Jets in Buffalo and in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII the NY Giants are up in Foxboro to meet the Patriots.        

Week 9 picks:

1) The Indianapolis Colts Can't do much right this season, Peyton is out and that is exposing some other holes on that team.  Atlanta has been disappointing this season and their is some concern this week because the Falcons are coming off a bye and facing a winless team.  Let me have the Atlanta Falcons (-7) on the road in Indy. Atlanta Falcons -7  

2) The Washington Redskins are having some problems not to mention that they changed quarterbacks,  the San Francisco 49ers aren't great but they are going to win the west and soon.  I'll take San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) in Washington.  San Francisco 49ers -3.5 

3) I am going to go out on a limb here because sooner or later the Green Bay Packers are going to loose and/or the Miami Dolphins are going to win a game.  Miami has looked impressive and almost every week they are right there and if they don't win this one they'll have to wait.  This could be a tricky game for Kansas City who's coming off the short week.  Let me have Miami (+4) in Kansas City.  Miami Dolphins +4  

4)  The NY Jet defense isn't as good as it could be and they might not be able to get a pass rush on Ryan Fitzpatrick who doesn't go through and read the whole defense.  Ill take the Buffalo Bills (-2) who will make enough plays to beat the New York Jets at home.  Buffalo Bills -2

5) In a rematch of Super Bowl XLII the NY Giants travel to Foxboro. The Giants are suffering from injuries most notable to Ahmad Bradshaw (offense) and will now have to give to ball to a disgruntled Brandon Jacobs, and Jason Pierre-Paul (concussion) on defense.  The Patriots are good at home and are near  unbeatable coming off a loss.  Although the Giants (+9) will score the Patriots will win at home, but not cover. New York Giants +9, New England Patriots win                    

week nine, NFL picks

In what is a great weekend for T.V, we should just sit down in front of our televisions at about 8 p.m (Alabama vs. LSU) Saturday and not move until about 11 p.m Sunday (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens).  We start with college football and end with the NFL and we can mix in some of the Breeders Cup tomorrow, if thats your cup of tea.  Their is some great television watching this weekend.  As far as the NFL we have some good games on the local slate, with the NY Jets in Buffalo and in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII the NY Giants are up in Foxboro to meet the Patriots.      
Week 9 picks:
1)  Indianapolis Can't do much right this season, Peyton is out and that is exposing some other holes on that team.  Atlanta has been disapointing this season and their is some concern this week because the Falcons are comming off a bye and facing a winnless team.  Let me have the Atlanta Falcons    

No Opening Night: NBA

This is usually the night, the stars of the NBA come out and Dallas begins its title defense.  This year instead of playing on the hardwood, NBA owners and players occasionally sit around a hardwood table and talk about the most pressing issues, trying to hammer out a labor deal in order to have some sort of a basketball season.  Owners and players are at a stalemate over basketball related income (players don't want to take less than 53%),  length of contracts (players want teams to be able to sign their own (Bird) guys to 5 year deals and others to 4 whereas owners want 4 and 3) , and the salary cap. (hard or soft cap)  this lockout is different then it was in the NFL, there are NBA teams loosing money and they want to fix things.  Last week it appeared they might be able to agree and save a full NBA season, until talks broke off.  Only the die hard NBA fans are going to miss basketball until Christmas, we're in the middle of an exciting NFL season and we got the NHL.  If NBA players and owners can get back to the negotiating table by next week, right now there not even scheduled to meet, and hammer out a deal by Thanksgiving we can have a 60 or so game season, that would start on Christmas.  One source I talked to said if their was a season it would be 50 games at best.  It sounds like the NBA might be willing to take the year off, by canceling the entire season.  If they cancel the entire season they should have a plan to get their fans back, when they do return.  I think they are prepared to take the season off money wise.                    

World Series: wrap

After a historic game six, the St. Louis Cardinals come all the way back to win their eleventh World Series title.  Game six, was one of the all-time great baseball games with the Cardinals overcoming three errors, only to come back from two run deficits twice and win in walk-off fashion behind the bat of World Series MVP, David Freese. I thought if Texas was going to win the title, they had to close the door in game six, if you're Texas you didn't want to be playing a game seven on the road.  In game seven Cardinal horse, Chris Carpenter who struggled early on pitched the Cardinals to their eleventh title in franchise history.  The Texas Rangers were plagued by injuries to Josh Hamilton, who was never himself at the plate, Nelson Cruz, and Mike Napoli.  Injuries and the Cardinals slowed down the Texas running game and  they couldn't get the crucial hit with runners in scoring position.  David Freese, Lance Beckman, first title, and Albert Pujols, impending free-agent, as well as the rest of the Cardinals won a historic World Series.            

week eight, NFL picks

We made it to week 8 in the NFL.  Some of the surprise teams (Detroit, Buffalo) in the beginning of the season are coming back to the pack, some teams are still surprising us (San Francisco), some are still riding momentum from last season (Green Bay), and some are what we thought they'ed be.  There are also some bad teams, who are in the running for Andrew Luck (Indianapolis, Miami, Minnesota, St. Louis).  Things are staring to define themselves for the stretch run, which I think comes after the bye.  
week 8 picks:
1)  I liked what Christian Ponder showed us last week and although he's going against another rookie quarterback in Cam Newton this week, I like Minnesota (+3) getting the W on the road in Carolina.  Minnesota +3 
2)  St. Louis's will get some wins when they're schedule gets easier, but its not this week, I like the New Orleans Saints (-13.5) at the St. Louis Rams.  New Orleans -13.5 
3)  The Cleveland Browns are a very up and down team, while San Francisco has found something under  coach Jim Harbaugh, I like the San Francisco 49ers (-8.5) at home against the Cleveland Browns.  San Francisco -8.5      
4)  The New York Football Giants are coming of their bye and getting healthy before the hard part of their schedule comes up but first they have the helpless Dolphins coming to town.  I like the Giants (-9.5) to win at home against a winless Miami Dolphin squad.   NY Giants -9.5 
5) NY Jets- bye

week seven, NFL picks

We're in week 7 of the NFL and things are starting to round into form.
Week 7 Picks:
1) Green Bay is good, Aaron Rodgers spreads the ball around in order to make every one happy.  Minnesota is changing quarterbacks and their coach might be on the hot seat. Green Bay might loose this season but it won't be Sunday, give me Green Bay (-8.5) in Minnesota against the Vikings.  Green Bay Packers -8.5 
2) Indianapolis is having a bad year without Peyton Manning and they've been trying a bunch of different things in order to get it right, New Orleans can be up and down but not this week.  I'll pick the New Orleans Saints (-13.5) at home against the Colts.  New Orleans Saints -13.5
3)  Jacksonville just can't get out of it's own way and are starting a rookie quarterback, although its not a Baltimore team of the past.  I'll take Baltimore (-8) in Jacksonville against the Jaguars.   Baltimore Ravens -8 
4) Can Rex Ryan keep his mouth closed, he doesn't have any rings (neither does his father or brother) and his teams not magical.  The Jets didn't look great against Miami last week and now they go up against a San Diego team which will exploit those weaknesses.  In almost a pick 'em game, I'll take the Chargers (-2) coming east and beating the Jets at home.   San Diego Chargers -2
5) Giants- Bye  
  

World Series preview

No its not the Yankees and Phillies.  Wednesday night the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, will kick off the 2011 World Series at Busch Stadium in St' Louis.  Both these teams are in the Fall Classic after a rather unusual playoff run, complete with a lot of runs, strong bullpens, managing, and squirrels.  Texas has done it with pitching and just enough offense, extra inning and one run games in the ALCS (6 games).  St. Louis is a bit of a deeper team with no starter getting out of the fifth inning, in the NLCS they have gotten 24 1/3 innings out of their starters and 28 2/3 out of their bullpen.  Both teams will have star players to get out David Freese, Albert Pujols on St. Louis, and Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamiliton on TEX.  As far as this series goes Texas has played a lot of close games and St. Louis's starting pitching hasn't gone very far.  The Cardinal starters haven't been great but the Ranger guys haven't been much better.  This series just might come down to who can score more runs and have the better bullpens.  we might see a lot of one run games and a battle of the bullpens.          

week six, NFL picks

Well we're in week six of the NFL season already and Detroit is back, the Tigers are playing a game six of the ALCS and the Lions are undefeated.  We are almost at the half way mark of this NFL season and things are starting to define themselves.
NFL picks:
1) St. Louis is still rebuilding and although Green Bay had a couple of injuries last week, they have dealt with that before, I'll take the Packers at home (-14.5) in Lambeau against the Rams.  Green Bay Packers -14.5 
2)  Oakland will be playing with heavy hearts this week in their first game since the passing of owner Al Davis.  The Raiders have found an identity under coach Hue Jackson while the Cleveland Browns are swimming in controversy.  I'll take the Oakland Raiders (-6.5) at home against Cleveland.  Oakland Raiders -6.5
3)  Detroit is home, where they have a slight advantage with crowd noise, San Francisco has only recently woken up.  I'll take the Lions (-4) to win another home game against the San Francisco 49ers.  Detroit Lions -4  
4)  The Jets who are a mess right now run into a Miami team which is going to fire its coach and doesn't have a quarterback they can trust, the Jets better get the plane righted this week or sparks are going to fly.  I think the New York Jets will tun it around, I'll take the Jets (-7) at home against the Miami Dolphins at home on Monday Night.  NY Jets -7 
5)  The Injury depleted New York Giants lost a tough game, that could have been considered a trap game at home against Seattle last week.  I think the Giants will make enough plays to pull out the victory against the Buffalo Bills this week, to go into the bye week on a good note before the schedule gets a lot harder.  I'll take the Giants (-3) at home in Metlife Stadium against the bills.  NY Giants -3                 

League Championship, Yankee wrap

Both of the World Series favorites, N.Y Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies are out of baseballs post season.     Almost every series, except for Tampa Bay and Texas went five games and they were all one run games, I don't know if we could ask for anything more.  We are now left with Detroit vs. Texas in the American League and St. Louis vs. Milwaukee in the National League, with the winners to face off in the World Series.  Their is some bad blood in the National League between two division rivals.  In the American League if last nights game (one run game) was any indication that series may come down to the end.
The New York Yankees fell to the Detroit Tigers in a game five of the American League Division Series.  although this was a one run affair and their patch work pitching staff held together, behind C.C Sabathia they had a rookie and a bunch question marks.  The middle of the Yankee batting order did not come though when it counted.  A-Rod, Teixiera, and Swisher failed to come through in the postseason once again.  I don't know if A-Rod had ever fully recovered from his knee and thumb injuries, and as much as I like Swisher he's not a good postseason player.  In the Bronx the goal is to win Championships not just be in the playoffs.  These teams don't have the same feel as those 1996-2001 teams, which had guys like Scott Brosius, Paul O'Neal, Tino Martinez, and Bernie Williams who would have good regular seasons and raise their games in October.      

week five, NFL picks

After doing very well with my picks last week, we are up to week five in the NFL already.  We have some surprise teams in the league, the Buffalo bills (3-1-0) and the undefeated Detroit Lions and this week the Detroit Lions will be featured on Monday Night Football.
Picks:
1) The New Orleans Saints are back to being a Super Bowl contender, and well except for their quarterback  the Carolina Panthers are still finding their way.  I'll take the Saints (-6.5) in Carolina.  New Orleans Saints -6.5 
2) Pittsburgh has had it's troubles but they can get by and maybe find themselves against a struggling Tennessee Titan team, I'll take the Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at home against Tennessee.  Pittsburgh Steelers -3   
3) Detroit will be hyped up for it's return to Monday Night Football, I'll take the surprising Detroit Lions (-5) at home on monday night.  Detroit Lions -5 
4) The New York Jets played an almost unwatchable game last week as they had 3 turnovers and their offense wasn't very good.  After the game Rex Ryan talks up his defense again, well they weren't on the field much.  This week they have the New England Patriots who don't have a great defense but can score with the best, I'll take the New England Patriots (-7.5) in New England against the New York Jets in New England.  New England Patriots -7.5
5)  The New York Giants have won a few in a row and this week they return home to face a Seattle Seahawks team that doesn't travel well and will probably not win a home game east of the Mississippi this year, I'll take the Giants (-9.5) at Home against Seattle. New York Giants -9.5     

week four, NFL picks

After good weeks by the Giants and Raiders, plus more wins by the Lions and bills (both 3-0-0) we head into week four, also the end of the first quarter in the NFL season.

week 4 picks:
1)  Buffalo has been impressive so far they're are confident bunch and I expect them to keep it going against a 1-2-0 Cincinnati team that has not looked very good in giving up 201 yards to Alex Smith and the 49ers last week.  I'll take the Buffalo Bills (-3) on the road in Cincinnati.  Buffalo Bills -3
2)  San Diego can be a bit of an odd team at times but I'll take them against an pretty bad Miami Dolphin team at home, San Diego Chargers (-7) against Miami.  San Diego Chargers -7
3)  The Packers are still the Super Bowl champs and a dangerous team and this week as Denver Bronco team comes in with maybe some quarterback controversy, I'll take the Green Bay Packers (-12) at home against Denver.  Green Bay Packers -12
4) The Giants got a win against a good Eagle team last week and I expect them to continue to ride the momentum into the desert for a meeting with the Arizona Cardinals this week,  give me the New York Giants (-1) in Arizona.  NY Giants -1              
5) The Jet defense looked bad and overrated last week, Rex Ryan has been good in coming back after a loss but not against a Baltimore Raven defense, I'll Take Baltimore (-3.5) at home against the NewYork Jets.  Baltimore Ravens -3.5 

Jose Reyes

I just have say something about this.  Its not a Met thing, Jose basically took himself out of the game after getting his bunt base hit in the first inning.  Jose Reyes got a bunt base hit in the first inning yesterday and then preceded to take himself out of the game to preserve his batting average.  Play the game the right way don't dog it just to become the first Met in history to win a batting title.  He's a possible free agent on a lousy club and he takes himself out before fans have a chance to eat their hot dogs.  Congratulations Jose but I don't condone what you did.      

2011 regular season baseball: wrap

The regular season has now come to an end, with the playoffs starting tomorrow.  A couple weeks ago the baseball season was all but over, all of the division races have been clinched and Boston and Atlanta had big Wild Card leads.  Well that was before Boston went 7-20 in the month of September to squander a nine game lead to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.  The Boston Red Sox were undone by injuries, to pitching especially, Becket, Lackey and Lester couldn't win a game down the stretch, big-ticket players (Crawford) not preforming and not playing hard nosed baseball.  The Atlanta Braves had an 8.5 game lead at the beginning of September and lost their Wild Card to St. Louis.  I haven't watched the Braves as closely but their pitching looked tired.  With both the Red Sox and Braves blowing huge leads (epic collapses), we are reminded that baseball can be a crazy game and anything can happen.          
We now go into what should be an exciting post season.  In the American League the New York Yankees play the Detroit Tigers, in which the Yankees have some untested pitching behind Sabathia and both teams have explosive line-ups which can hit the ball out of the park.   In the other AL series a hot, young Tampa Bay Rays team goes into a series with Texas with a chance to win.  In the National League the Philadelphia Phillies have all the pitching, going into a series with the Wild Card winning St. Louis Cardinals.  In an interesting series the Milwaukee Brewers face the upstart Arizona Diamondbacks.  All of these Series can go either way.  the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies and the two best teams (the betting choice as well) and the two are expected to meet in the World Series.  The question is can the Yankee pitching hold up behind Sabathia, their going into the ALDS pitching Nova (rookie) and Garcia behind him.            

week three, NFL picks

After a better week with my picks last week it is time to keep the momentum going, as I make my NFL picks for week three.
1) I don't have a firm grasp on the Oakland Raiders, the Jets are a good road team so give me the Jets (-3) at Oakland.  NY Jets -3
2)  The Giant line is not posted but they go into Philly after loosing two more pieces of their offense, Mario Manningham will probably not play with a concussion and Domenik Hixon has been placed on IR with a ACL injury.  On the Eagles side there is a chance Michael Vick won't play (concussion) but all indications are that he will.  If Michael Vick plays, I don't see the Giants winning this one, when they get together later in the season things might be different.  Philadelphia Eagles
3)  Baltimore has had good showings against teams and this week they go up against an injury laden St. Louis Ram team that made a bunch of costly mistakes against the Giants last week.  I like Baltimore in this one, give me the Ravens (-4) over the Rams.  Baltimore Ravens -4  
4)  I like Pittsburgh on the road in Indianapolis, Payton Manning is still out and the Colt quarterback play has been spotty at best while Pittsburgh has a proven quarterback, give me Pittsburgh (-10.5) in Indy.  Pittsburgh Steelers -10.5    
5) This spread is a little high.  I like the Chargers at home against an over matched chief team, I'll take the San Diego Chargers (-14.5) over the Chiefs.  San Diego Chargers -14.5

602 and counting!

If we didn't already know Marino Rivera was the greatest closer, since saves became an official stat in 1969, he passed Trevor Hoffman (601) to become the all-time saves leader (602) yesterday.  Since Marino took over the closers role in 1996 he has been lights out.  When the Yankees have a ninth inning lead you don't worry when Mo comes into a game, you say to yourself Mo's in he'll get the job done, your shocked when he doesn't.  The 602 doesn't count his remarkable 42 postseason saves.  No other active relief pitcher has close to 602 saves.  Mo is the best relief pitcher in history and we we will never see another one like him.        

week two, NFL picks

After a subpar week, in week one, its now time for week two NFL picks.
1)  Green Bay is healthy and charged, while Carolina is young and breaking in a rookie quarterback who had a good week in week one but Cam Newton's brilliance won't last long against the Packers.  I'll take Green Bay (-10) over Carolina.  Green Bay -10
2)  Baltimore who beat up on a good Steeler team last week travels to Tennessee this week, although it won't be as easy as last week, the Ravens can take one from the Titans.  I'll take Baltimore (-5.5) over Tennessee.  Baltimore -5.5    
3) Oakland has to come east and play an up and coming Buffalo team, I'll take Buffalo (-3) over Oakland.  Buffalo -3 
4)  The Jet defense gave up 390 yards to a Cowboy team last week, but the Jets took advantage of some Tony Romo mistakes to come away with the victory.  This week they have Jacksonville at Metlife Stadium and the Jets will one agin come away with the victory, New York Jets (-8.5) over Jacksonville.  NY Jets -8.5    
5)  The banged up Giants face a team in the St. Louis Rams that might be a little more banged up right now.  The Giants are starting to get healthier, and turning around an 0-1 start, starts monday night against the Rams.  I'll take the Giants (-6) over St. Louis.  the giants have to improve their secondary and special teams if they are going to take advantage of this soft early schedule.   NY Giants -6 

week one, NFL picks

The boys of fall are back, another NFL season is upon us.  On sunday we will start to separate the teams and decide who is going to represent their respective conferences in Super Bowl XLVI.

1)  Philadelphia has built a dream team with Michael Vick, Vince Young, and Nnamdi Asomugha, I am not sure if they can stay healthy for an entire season but i'll take the Eagles -4 this week against a young St. Louis Ram team.  Philadelphia -4  
2) the Arizona Cardinals went out and got kevin Kolb to anchor a ball club which is just a few years removed from a Super Bowl appearance, I'll take them -7 against  a rebuilding Carolina team. The Carolina Panthers could be one of the worst teams in the league, as they break in a new coach and quarterback.  Arizona -7 
3) The Cincinnati Bengals might also be a historically bad team, their quarterback just took off.  Cleveland is looking better with a reshaped staff, I'll take the Cleveland Browns -6.5 over the Cincinnati Bengals.  Cleveland -6.5
4)  The Giants have had a lot of injuries this preseason, I'll take the Giants -3 over a Washington Redskin team that might still be coming together.  New York Giants -3
5)  I think the Jets are going to be pumped up to play Sunday night, on the anniversary of 9/11 and will beat the up and down Dallas Cowboys. I'll take the Jets on a weird line of -5.5.  New York Jets -5.5            

   

Football preview: 2011

Its almost time for football, the boys we be back on the gridiron this Sunday.  In the AFC the New York Jets and their coach (Rex Ryan) who does all the talking haven't done much major tinkering during the offseason, they did sign Plaxico Burress and quarterback Mark Sanchez is another year wiser.  Rex is guaranteeing things his team hasn't won yet,  Plaxico is good when healthy but after missing  two seasons of football, I don't know that he can stay healthy through a 16 week NFL regular season.  The Jets are still in the top five AFC teams, but I am not as high on them as other people.  The Problem with the Jets is they're in a division with the Patriots.   In the rest of the conference I like San Diego, I don't know what the Colts are going to be without Peyton Manning and I never bet against New England.    AFC top five 1) San Diego 2) Baltimore 3) New England 4) N.Y Jets 5) Colts/Steelers
In the NFC he New York Giants have done some work to that offensive line, that defense is going to be good, although Osi Umenylora may not be ready to go until week three.  They did mess up at tight end when they let Kevin Boss go to Oakland and they did have a few deflating injuries this preseason.  I believe they'll figure out the receiving core and they still have a under appreciated backfield with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, even with all the injuries they have looked good in the preseason, I think the Giants will be better than some people think.  In the rest of the conference Philadelphia has built a dream team, but I don't know if they or their quarterback can stay healthy,  Green Bay is still good, New Orleans is good, the Detroit Lions might surprise some people.       NFC top five 1) Green Bay 2) New Orleans 3) Atlanta 4) philadelphia 5) N.Y Giants/Dallas  

NFC East                               NFC North                           NFC South                      
1) Eagles                                1) Packers                             1) Falcons                        
2) Giants 9-7                          2) Lions                                2) Saints                            
3) Cowboys                           3) Vikings                             3) Tampa Bay                  
4) Redskins                            4) Bears                                4) Carolina                      

NFC West
1) Arizona
2) St. Louis
3) Seattle
4) San Francisco
NFC Wild cards: Giants, New Orleans Saints


AFC East                           AFC North                             AFC South                      
1) New England                 1)  Baltimore                         1) Houston                        
2) Jets 10-6                         2) Pittsburgh                          2) Indianapolis                  
3) Buffalo                           3) Cleveland                          3) Jacksonville                  
4) Miami                             4) Cincinnati                          4) Tennessee                    

AFC West
1) San Diego
2)) Kansas City
3) Denver
4) Oakland
 Wild cards:  Jets, Indianapolis

Superbowl: Atlanta Falcons, San Diego Chargers

Yanks win, long three-game set at Fenway

C.C Sabathia and A.J Burnett (Wade got the win) pitched winning games for the Yankees up in Boston.  The Yankees showed a lot of fight, in winning two out of three nail bitting games.  This series had a lot of implications for the Yankees, first they had to go into Fenway and prove that they can take a series from the Red Sox, second they had to stay in a virtual tie (tied in the loss column) for the division lead before not seeing each other until the end of the month.
These are division games and they take forever.  There is a rule on the books, that with nobody on base a pitcher has to throw the ball within 12-15 sec, that rule is never enforced and the umpires don't want to deal with.  I am not a proponent of putting a countdown clock on the scoreboard, I feel that will take away from the game and make baseball something its not.  I like baseball because it is not governed by a clock and it can go at it's own pace.  All that talk about rules aside, these games are going to take a long time.  These are division games between teams that see each other a lot, scout each other a lot, and watch video tape.  In your division their might be more strategy playing out, not that there's not always the game with in the game.  Not all three game series, have an average game length of 3:52.              

Big Series at Fenway

It looks as if both the Yankees and Red Sox will make the postseason, the next three games will go a long way towards determining seeding in baseballs second season.   As it stands right now Boston has a 1.5 (one in the loss column) game lead on the Yankees for the division.  The Yankees are 2-10 against the Red Sox so far this season, if they had a better record against them they'ed be leading the division.  If the Yankees don't win at least 2 out 3 against the Red Sox up in Fenway they can say see ya to the division.  The Yanks better win tonight to get of to a good start behind their ace C.C Sabathia against John Lackey, tomorrow its Phil Hughes against Josh Beckett, and on Thursday is the loose cannon A.J Burnett Vs. Jon Lester.  If the Yankees don't win this series their three game set in the Bronx at the end of September may not mean much as far as the division is concerned. The have a slightly harder schedule the rest of the way because they still have a west coast trip coming up while the Red Sox play division games on the east coast.            

Yankee Pitching

Nobody should be defending A.J Burnett anymore.  Last night was just the latest in a string of terrible losses for A.J.  You can argue mental versus physical all you want, he gets in trouble and then gets afraid so he starts nibbling and gets into more trouble that he can't get out of.  A.J is now 9-11 with a 5.31 ERA and should be on the out side looking in to the Yankee rotation.  Non-roster invites freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon have been better than the one time 18 game winner A.J Burnett.  Right now with all the postponements and having to play doubleheaders, the schedule didecates the need for six staters, but when the first opportunity comes to change the rotation A.J Burnett should be the first one gone.          

Terrelle Pryor

Ohio State, and the NCAA opened an investigation into how certain players on the team sold memorabilia and it was concluded that Ohio State played ineligible players in the Sugar Bowl.  The NCAA wanted the Sugar Bowl to get money, so they decided to suspend those players later.  The investigition at Ohio State got worse and Terrelle Pryor decided to leave school.   Terrelle Pryor is going to be in the NFL supplemental draft on monday.  Some team will pick up Terrelle and see if they can mold him into an NFL quarterback.  Whether or not Terrelle can play quarterback in the NFL is an issue we'll debate later.  When Mr. Pryor is drafted by a team on monday, he will not be able to play right away.  Since the NCAA suspended Pryor for five games and he never served it, the NFL feels it has to enforce that penalty in the pros even though it was handed out in college.  Let the NCAA worry about the NCAA and the NFL worry about the NFL, the NFL shouldn't worry about what their players did in college.  Lots of Colleges have had scandals Miami (FL), USC, Alabama, is the NFL going to suspend every player who went to one of those schools, if they are going to do this its potentially something that can't not be done.          

Islanders

Earlier this week voters in Nassau county, Long island voted against a proposal to overhaul the current Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, home of the NY Islanders since 1972.  Voters in Nassau who already pay some of the higher taxes in the country, voted against the general obligation bonds which would have raised taxed about 4 percent.  Although the people in the county would have to pay a little more, saying yes to this measure would have meant added revenue and an arena that would host not just hockey but concerts and the circus as well.  The vote did not pass and afterwards Mr. Wang (who owns the Islanders) was very disappointed but said the team would honor it's lease on the building which is up in 2015.  When the teams lease is up, the team could be forced to move although Mr. Wang desperately wants to keep the team on Long Island.          

DJ2K a month later

A month ago today, Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees achieved one of the biggest hitting achievements for a major leaguer.  3000 was the number and Jeter became only the second player to achieve that milestone on a home run, and the first Yankee.  This is a significant number in any MLB career and it shows that Derek has come a long way from that baby faced kid who won Rookie of the Year in 1996.  Now that Jeter is the first Yankee with 3000 hits and the 28 overall, we all wait to see how many hits he'll have at the end of his career.    

Post trade deadline (MLB)

We're now a little over 48 hours past the non-waver trade deadline in baseball, and some things have changed.  In the NL west its San Francisco and Arizona, the Giants added Carlos Beltran at the deadline with will add enough offense to their young pitching in order for the San Francisco Giants to win that division.  Arizona will battle it out with Atalanta to see who wins the wild-card.  Philadelphia who already has dominant pitching, added a few role players and will win the east.   Milwaukee and St. Louis, the Cardinals got some nice players getting ss Rafael Furcal, and pitchers Edwin Jackson, Marc Rzepcynsky, Octavio Dotel, will have a great race to decide who wins the central and with the Cardinals moves they may come out on top.  However these NL races turn out I would expect to see Philadelphia and San Francisco in the National League Championship.
In the AL its fun Texas, got the relief pitching they needed, is most likely going to win the west.  One of the  the best races should be the AL Central between Detroit and Cleveland, both of with addressed some needs (pitching)(Cleveland took a chance on Ubaldo Jimenez) at the deadline.  in the east it will be the Yankees and the Red Sox, the Yankees didn't make any moves but their pitching has come together (wrote about that earlier) and the Red Sox have lost some pitching, they got Eric Bedard but he doesn't scare me and I don't think scares anyone, I think that being said New York will win that division in another close race.  iI will be probably five teams for three spots in the post-season, Red Sox/Yankees, (one wins division, one wins the wild-card) Tigers/Indians, Angels.
Once the playoffs start I don't expect a pretty young Indian team to hang on.  If the Red Sox pitching doesn't come together they won't go far.  Texas has the pitching to hang on, I just don't know if they'll be able to harness it.  I'll expect to see New York and either Texas or Boston in the American League Championship.  In all of these races it's pitching thats going to propel teams to wins, pitching wins championships.                

Tiger Woods

For the better part of the last year and a half it has the worst of times for Tiger Woods and he would probably agree.  He gets in a car accident, changes swing coaches, doesn't win a major and fires his long time friend and caddie Steve Williams.  Steve had been on Tigers bag since 1999, winning 72 times and 13 majors.  When the news came Steve said he felt betrayed and left out, not knowing what was happening with Tiger and when he was going to tee it up again.  Tiger and Steve were best friends who now seem to have burned bridges with each other.  Steve has said he will write a tell all book about he life as Tigers caddie and his feelings.  Now that Steve is on Adam Scotts bag, where will Tiger find a caddie when he tees it up at the PGA Championship.          

Non-waver trade deadline

53% of Major league Baseball is within 5 games of their respective division leads.  With so many teams in contention, their aren't going to be many teams who will be sellers at the July 31 non-waver trade deadline.   In the American League, I don't really see to much movement, Baltimore might give up a few pieces and we'll see if Tampa Bay and/or Seattle trade anything.  In the National League, Houston might make Hunter Pence available and the Rockies, Dodgers, and Padres may make a couple pitchers available.  Overall I don't see at lot of movement on the horizon at this point, I am sure some trades will develop by Sunday at 1600 hours, as we all know prices for the guys on the block drop at the last minute.
The Yankees are out their looking for a pitcher.  Their bringing back Eric Chavez which is like a trade for a utility man.   Later in the week they'll activate Rafael Soriano from the DL, getting a proven closer back to pitch the back half of games along with Robertson, wade, and Rivera is like a trade a reliever.  I think getting those two guys back is kind of like making a trade.  Their biggest need is a reliable starting pitcher to put behind Sabathia in the rotation.  their aren't a lot of starters out their right now, maybe Kuroda from the Dodgers.  they have to find a reliable starter to put behind Sabathia in the playoffs, in Yankee land it's not just about getting to the playoffs it's about winning championships. ( right now your rotation is Sabathia, ?, Colon, Burnett)                    

Old-Timers Day

The Yankees held their annual Old-Timers day, the other day.  This was the first time in the last like eight years that Old-Timers felt special.  Bernie Williams, Joe Torre, and Lou Pinniela made their first trip back to the Stadium.   Retired Player from those 1990's championship teams are now making their way back, I guess their old enough to be considered Old-Timers.   the younger generation can identify more with the guys from the 1990's that they've seen play rather then the Yogi's, Whitey's, and Ron Bloombergs's, who they've probably only seen pictures of.        

Baseball realignment

At first glance I though this plan had some potential, but now after reading about it, I am dead set against it.  This baseball realignment plan doesn't make sense from a rang of view points.  First of all it brings a team of the National to the American League, which on the surface is not a bad thing, but if you do that you have 15 teams in each league which doesn't work (not an even number).  With 15 teams in each league you have have inter-league play each day, you don't want to have 80 inter-league games each season and 40 games played under the rules of the other league, you could ruin the American League as we know it, because teams are going to have to play 40 games with out the DH.  It was also proposed that we eliminate the divisions and have two fifteen team leagues, that puts teams out of contention in June and eliminates the division races.  If we had two fifteen team divisions and advanced the first five, by June the 10th-15th place teams would be out of contention and we would have none of the great races we're having now.
I am all for adding a second wild card in each league, which makes winning your division mean something. This is our national pastime don't don't take the regular season away from us.

Managing the aging super star

It is no secret that the Yankees have an older team, it is also known that manger Joe Giradi (who played with the now core three Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, and Jorge Posada) might have difficulty managing the guys he played with as their careers are coming to an end.  It is well known that Jeter no longer has great range at shortstop but he still gets to most of the balls, hit to him and he can still make that mid air throw to first, he is going to be the shortstop till at least mid season of next year.  Jeter can still hit, not like he used to but he still gets his in field hits batting .264 about 40 points off his career batting average of .313 but all of that being said with in about three weeks he will become the first Yankee with 3,000 hits (16 away).  Now it has been decided the Jorge Posada will not catch any more, but he's not hitting either.  He doesn't have a hit off a left hander all season and is hitting just .169 for the year.  Jorge will not be with the team next year, and if he doesn't start hitting he could be on the trading block at the trade deadline.  It might benefit both him and the Yankees, if Jorge doesn't start hitting to retire, the Yankees will give him a day and a press conference to announce it.  This was all going through Jorge's head when he pulled himself out of the line up against Boston.  Marino Rivera a.k.a the ageless one, hasn't slowed down yet.            

Big Blue on the clock

Over the last few seasons the Giants have played well through the first half of the season an then gone through a second half melt down.  Tom Coughlin was brought back for another season and he has some work to do, he has to get the offensive line which has been together for a long time through an entire season healthy, find a consistent running back, dependable linebackers, and avoid a second half let down.   Thursday is the NFL draft in NYC and the New York Football Giants have the 17th pick. I believe the Giants biggest draft needs are Offensive line ( the center out of Florida or the offensive lineman out of Boston College), secondary (safety).  I might take a Running Back in the later rounds, but we still have Jacobs and we can find a back-up through free agency.   Whenever the big money owners stop being greedy and we have an NFL season, the Giants can be back to glory.      

Hockey and Basketball are back in the Big Apple

Its nice to have the Knicks who haven't won a championship since 1973, playing meaningful basketball in April.  Those die-hard Knick fans who have been patiently waiting for a return trip to the Playoffs and a Championship.  The Knicks probably will not win a championship this year, they may win a round or maybe just a couple of games this year but the playoffs are the first step. The Knicks are really a consistent point guard and someone with size away from being in that elite group of NBA teams.  One of the next two years, definitely within four, look really good to bring a Championship back to New York with the Knicks.  Along the same lines the Knicks arena mates are in the Playoffs as well, the New York Rangers who haven't won anything since 1994.  It seems like although the Rangers are in the same spot each year, a really good start and then they battle some injuries and have to fight for the final Playoff birth.  If the Rangers can just get some consistent play they have the potential to be really good.  I don't expect much from the Rangers this year, they might be able to win a round against the Washington Capitals who seem inconsistent in the playoffs.  The Rangers are a hard team to read.  the New York Rangers as well as the New York Knicks have a lot in common inconsistent play, yet both teams seem to be on that right track towards a championship when they put all the pieces together.              

Baseball

Well it doesn't feel like spring weather wise, but baseball is back so it must be.  The Yankees look good but  so does the rest of the American League East, teams in the east are going to beat up on each other this year.  Baltimore is much improved under Buck Showalter, Tampa will still find a way even though they have a completely remade bullpen, Toronto is always tough, Boston looks good on paper their line up can hit I just don't know if their pitching will hold up.  The Yankees did their best in the offseason with a bleak free-agent class and the retirement of Andy Pettite.  Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia are now at the back end of the rotation.  Sabathia, Burnett, and Hughes are proven, Nova showed promise when he came up last year and Freddy Garcia has shown he has something left at least until something possibly opens up on the trade market. The bullpen looks great with Chamberlin, Robetson, Rafel Soriano, and Rivera at the end of games.  The Yankees have a catcher in Russel Martain who can run a little bit.  Across town the Mets are already being bitten by the injury bug, they have potential finincial problems to, they'll be about a .500 team this year, maybe.  The Philadelphia Phillies have that great rotation however I don't know if the offense will be able to keep up.

Picks:
AL East                                        AL Central                                  AL West
Yankees (96-66)                            White Sox                                  Athletics                  
Red Sox (94-68)    

AL Wild Card                            NL East                             NL Central                                                   Tigers                                         Braves                                 Cubs      

 NL West                                    NL Wild Card                World Series                                                                                     Rockies                                       Phillies                            Yankees-Cubs

Knicks

The New York Knicks need to wake up and start playing some defense.  I can understand that after a major trade, such as the one the Knicks made when they brought in Carmelo Anthony and Billups, any team is going to take time to come together.  the biggest problem is that the Knicks still don't play defense, it is partly coach D'antoni's fault as his teams even before he came to New York didn't play defense.  I don't know if this team with this coach will win a championship, since as we know defense wins championships.  Also this team for years has had a tendency to play down to the competition, the Knicks will beat the good teams and loose to the bad teams which they should beat.  Although this will be good news once they are in the playoffs, playing down to the competition is not good for seeding, part of that is their inability to play defense, they can't shut the weaker teams down and can be blown out by the big teams.          

NCAA tournament

Once again, it's time for March Madness.  March Madness will once again occupy our minds for the next couple weeks.  I fill out a bracket each year like a lot of people.  Out of this years their are two number one seeds in which I question, I never like picking Kansas in the tournament and they burn me some times but once again I did not pick them.  I also don't like Pittsburgh this time of year, but I sent them through to my Final Four due to them being in a bracket I consider pretty easy to get through so I am counting on this being Pitt's year, if this is not their year to make a run I don't know when it will be.  In the Southwest region I have Richmond winning a round however due to Louisville they will not have a cinderella run.  The number one seed in that region, Kansas I have loosing to Final Four contender Louisville in the Sweet 16.  In the Southeast region which I consider to be a pretty wide open bracket, I have Number one Pittsburgh going through to the Final four.  I can see St. John's winning a couple games in this region, although their year will be next year with a top ten recruiting class coming in.  In the East region I have Ohio State, coming through a tough bracket with Syracuse, Kentucky, and North Carolina.  In the West region I have number one Duke making the Final Four, San Diego State will be the cinderella story this year and will challenge Duke in the Regional Final.  I don't see a lot of cinderella story's in this years tournament, but you never know and I also see the Number one seeds doing well this year.  In the Final Four I have Ohio State over Duke and Pitt over Louisville.  In the National Championship game Ohio State will beat Pitt, the Buckeyes will win the National title and cut the nets down in Houston.                    

Tiki Barber

When the NFL owners stop trying to squeeze every penny out of the NFL.  The NFL players are willing to accept the status Quo from the owners, but the owners want more.  When the NFL owners decide to stop being greedy and let the players play, ex-Giant Tiki Barber has hopes of playing some where.  The Giants all time rushing leader has decided to un-retire and attempt a comeback after a failed post retirement career with NBC.  Whenever next season starts the 35 year old running back will attempt to hook, on with a NFL team.  The New York Football Giants do still control Tiki's playing rights, but they plan to release the RB as soon as a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.  Will Tiki, a RB who takes a beating every time he runs through a line complete this comeback, at age 35 when a RB usually peaks at age 30.  he won't be plying with the Giants I can tell you that, I hear the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be one team that is wiling to take a chance with Tiki Barber trying to have a second NFL career, they already employ his brother as a line backer.