The Sports Banter

The Sports Banter Has Moved

2010-02-21T08:53:00.004-05:00

Please make sure to update your homepages / RSS feeds / Google Reader applications / favorites / etc.

We can now be found here:

http://TheSportsBanter.blogspot.com

MLBTR Link and Lannan

2010-02-19T08:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks to MLBTR for the link this morning.

Here is another link about a former high school teammate of mine who made it to the big leagues a little faster than I did.

Separated at Birth?

2010-02-19T06:46:00.000-05:00

Former MLB All Star Raul Mondesi and Juan, the security guard at my office

Hot Stove Link

2010-02-18T11:48:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Hot Stove for the link this morning.

Where Should These FAs Land?

2010-02-18T06:33:00.007-05:00

The perfect destinations for the Top 10 remaining free agents:

1) Johnny Damon: We have discussed this at length, but he would be a perfect fit on the South Side of Chicago.

Best Fit: White Sox

2) Chan Ho Park: Park started the season in the Phillies’ rotation. Following seven unsuccessful starts, he was sent to the bullpen (on May 21) where he thrived. After that time, opponents slugged only .284 against him. He struck out 52 batters while only yielding 16 walks in his final 49 innings of work. By the end of the season, Park was also throwing harder than I can remember him ever throwing, often hitting 93+ (the gun on Fox had him higher but I’m a little skeptical).

He seems like a perfect candidate for a high-leverage setup role (8th inning guy) and if injuries struck in the rotation, he could also make spot starts.

Best Fit: Cubs - Park would also provide some insurance in Carlos Marmol was injured or struggles.

3) Felipe Lopez: One of the few players that developed patience at the plate as his career has progressed, Lopez can play a multitude of positions - although he probably projects best at second base. He won't hit for a ton of pop, but posts very respectable OBP numbers and can handle the bat. He rarely grounds into double plays another reason to trust him at the top of the order. He also switch hits, adding to his versatility.

Best Fit: Cubs - An upgrade over Jeff Baker who would thrive hitting in front of Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Alfonso Soriano.

4) Russell Branyan: Branyan posted career-best power numbers last year at the ripe age of 33. It was the first time he accumulated over 500 at bats, and he made the most of the opportunity. His health is the biggest concern as he has missed time due to a number of different injuries including back (the most serious concern), oblique, hand, ankle and knee. If he can avoid the injury bug, he can be a middle-of-the-order bat.

Best Fit: Marlins - He would hold down the fort until the prospects (Gaby Sanchez, Logan Morrison) are ready.

5) Hank Blalock: Blalock, a player who seems to have been around forever, will only be 29 on Opening Day. Injuries are a concern, but I am shocked no one has scooped him up. Lefty power does not grow on trees.

Best Fit: Rays - He would be a big lefty bat off the bench or a platoon-mate for Pat Burrell at DH.

6) Kiko Calero: Calero had a borderline-dominant season last year surrendering only one home run, 26 unintentional walks, and 36 hits while striking out 69 batters in 60 innings. The Marlins paid him $500k last season after he missed most of 2008 with injury. I can only venture a guess as to what he would be looking for this offseason, but at the right price, he might be worth the risk.

Best Fit: Diamondbacks

7) Rocco Baldelli: In a a recent article on FanGraphs, Jack Moore asked if newly-signed Endy Chavez was the perfect "5th Outfielder." Moore makes some interesting points about depth and defense while conceding Endy's bat leaves a bit to be desired.

Enter Baldelli.

A mitochondrial disorder prevents him from playing every day, but when given the opportunity, Baldelli displays a decent amount of pop and speed. He also rates as an above average defender.

Best Fit: Orioles - He would be a nice upgrade over Felix Pie and could DH against tough lefties in place of Luke Scott.

Best of the Rest: Jarrod Washburn (a team in desperate need of back end of the rotation starters - Mariners); Rod Barajas (owner of one of the ugliest DiamondView graphs of all-time - Mets); Jermaine Dye (brutal fielder but should be good for 25 homers - Angels)

Can T-Mac Solve the Hornets' Problems?

2010-02-17T06:13:00.005-05:00

As a Hornets' fan, this deal tortures me. As a realist, this deal makes a ton of sense.

New Orleans trades David West, James Posey, and Morris Peterson to Houston for Tracy McGrady.

Hornets

Pro: Ridding themselves of the nearly $30m due to Posey and Peterson over the next three years will go a long way towards shaping the franchise's future.

Con: Like a quote from my favorite scene in Old School, if you are reading this, you already know - trading David West is a last resort. Let's not dwell on this.

Rockets

Pro: West and all the goodness he brings. Plus, Posey could be the shutdown defender that team's need come playoff time (against Kobe or 'Melo, perhaps?)

The deal nets the Rockets much more than the deal being discussed with the Knicks.

Con: All the salaries associated with the players being acquired.

Trades That Make Sense: Kings-Bucks

2010-02-16T06:19:00.000-05:00

In the last effort to propose a trade before the NBA deadline on Thursday, here is a deal that would really help both teams:

The Sacramento Kings trade SG Kevin Martin to the Milwaukee Bucks for Luke Ridnour, Joe Alexander, Ersan Ilyasova, and their 2010 first round pick.

Kings

Pro: If it hasn't already become obvious, The Future (Tyreke Evans) and Kevin Martin cannot coexist harmoniously.

The contracts of Ridnour and Alexander expire at season's end. Couple that with the ridding of the remaining $27m+ of Martin's deal and Kings can be players in this offseason's market.

Alexander, the eight overall pick of the 2008 Draft, has fallen out of favor in Milwaukee but could use the remainder of the year as a tryout to impress the higher ups in Sacto.

The real prize of the deal might be Ilyasova who has proved to be a solid contributor for a solid Bucks squad in playoff contention.

The first round pick could turn out to be a lottery selection if the Bucks crumble down the stretch.

Con: Martin, despite all his faults, has undeniable talent. He can score an efficient 20 a night. As recently as October, Martin was considered the team's franchise player.

Bucks

Pro: The Bucks find themselves a game out of the playoffs, a land they have not reached since the 2005-6 season. Martin would fit in perfectly with Brandon Jennings, a pure point guard, and franchise center Andrew Bogut. This would be a solid foundation upon which to build.

Con: Martin's contract limits the team's flexibility. (What superstar would really sign in Milwaukee, though?)

Kenny Williams Reads The Banter

2010-02-14T05:20:00.000-05:00

Chicago White Sox GM Kenny Williams confirms he is a fan of the Banter. Sweet.

The MLB Draft and Other Baseball Thoughts

2010-02-11T06:55:00.000-05:00

The MLB Draft is starting to gain ever so slightly in popularity among fans. In general, we love the "next big thing" so it was only a matter of time before interest picked up.

As this is happening, the Draft is also becoming a focal point in the next round of the CBA. Lower-revenue teams want the ability to draft the best talent and not have to worry about the prohibitive costs associated with doing so. Thus, a "hard-slotting" system, which would resemble the NBA's system, is being discussed.

For what it's worth, I like one of the ideas proposed by Gord Ash, former GM of the Toronto Blue Jays, in this article which would resemble an NHL rule:

Retaining signing rights for high schoolers into the future - "Baseball needs to adopt the NHL rule where if you're drafting underage players (high schoolers) you retain the rights," Ash said. "If you're forced into signing them and overpaying because you're trying to buy out colleges you could say, `Look, go to college. We'll keep our eye on you and we'll sign you later.'"

It makes a ton of sense to use principles from the other major sports as guidelines for baseball.

_______________________________

*Casey Blake: class act.

*Are the Mariners really going to be that good? I know they play great defense and improved the offense a little, but they only have two starting pitchers - Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee (granted these are Cy Young-caliber arms). Where are the rest of the innings going to come from?

*Shameless plug: check back next week for a ranking of every team's offseason.

Was That Really Worth It?

2010-02-10T05:28:00.000-05:00

In 1998, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Joe Smith to a two-year deal below the going rate at the time for a productive power forward. After that contract expired, Smith and the T-Wolves agreed on a new seven-year, $86m contract. However, it was determined that in an effort to circumvent the league's salary cap, Smith only agreed to the initial two-year deal with the promise of the later seven-year deal.

Signing below market value would allow the team to add additional players in the short term.

The NBA was not happy, and much like The Incredible Hulk, you "won't like him when he is angry." The him in this case is league commish David Stern.

Stern voided the new seven-year deal, fined the team $3.5m, and forced them to surrender their next FIVE first round picks (after some negotiation, the team was "only" forced to surrender three of those five in 2001, 2002, and 2004).

My question: what would have happened to the Wolves if this "secret" deal had never been made or discovered by Stern?

Aside from the fact that Joe Smith would be about $50m richer (he went on to earn about $36m during the time he would have been under contract for $86m), the Wolves might have avoided the doldrums they find themselves in today.

In 2001, the players available when the team should have picked in the first round (18th overall) included Zach Randolph, Brendan Haywood, Gerald Wallace, Samuel Delambert, Jamaal Tinsley, Tony Parker, and Gilbert Arenas.

In 2002, the players available when the team should have picked in the first round (24th overall) included Nenad Krstic, John Salmons, Roger Mason, and Carlos Boozer.

In 2004, the players available when the team should have picked in the first round (29th overall) included Anderson Varejeao, Chris Duhon, and Trevor Ariza.

Now, it is impossible to think that the Wolves would have hit on all of these picks (especially considering the fact that they selected Ndudi Ebi in the first round of the 2003 draft when they did not have to surrender a pick), but it is fun to play the game.

Let's assume the Wolves hit in two of the three years with Tony Parker and Trevor Ariza. Pair these two and Smith with Kevin Garnett and the Wolves would have been a threat to win the NBA Finals. After all, without Parker, Ariza and Smith the Wolves made it to the 2004 Western Conference Finals (lost in 6 to the Lakers).

In 2006, Smith was shipped from the Nuggets along with Andre Miller to the 76ers for Allen Iverson. Less than two years later, Iverson was shipped from Denver to Detroit for Chauncey Billups in a deal that built the foundation for the Nuggets' recent successes. Without the Joe Smith saga, neither of these deals occurs.

In the summer of 2007, a disgruntled Kevin Garnett forced a trade to the Boston Celtics, who went on to win the 2008 NBA Finals. With Parker, Ariza, and Smith, this deal doesn't happen and the Celtics never win it all (no way they make the Ray Allen deal without KG).

Ironically, using part of the package acquired for Garnett, the Wolves selected Johnny Flynn, their new PG of the future. A small, small consolation prize, I know.

Amazing how much changed because of Joe Smith, a player that had a bigger impact off-the-court than he did on it.

Separated at Birth?

2010-02-09T06:28:00.002-05:00

Not really sports-related, although I'm sure I could find some connection:

Singer Katy Perry and actress Zooey Deschanel

Trades That Make Sense: Knicks-Blazers

2010-02-08T06:15:00.011-05:00

With the NBA's trading deadline 12 days away, teams will have to start making some difficult choices while determining if they are contenders or pretenders. For some teams, however, the decisions should be relatively simple. The Knicks and Blazers fall into the latter category.

These two teams could not be much more different. Among the ways:

*New York sits 4.5 games out of eighth in the East while Portland finds itself 5 games behind Denver for the second seed in the West.

*New York overspent wildly and finds themselves in a nightmarish cap situation. Portland transformed themselves from the JailBlazers in five short years with a series of shrewd moves which changed the culture and outlook of the franchise.

*New York's best (and some would argue only good) player, David Lee, will be a free agent at season's end. Portland has a bevy of young talent surrounding franchise player Brandon Roy.

*The Knicks have a glut of centers while Portland has none.

To me, this deal would make perfect sense:

The Knicks trade Jared Jeffries and Jordan Hill to the Blazers for Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw.

Knicks

Pro: If the Knicks are serious about being big spenders in the offseason, they need the cap room to get deals done. Both Blake ($4m) and Outlaw ($3.4m) come off the books this summer while Jeffries would cost another $6.5m next year and Hill another $2.4m.

The deal probably makes the team better in the short term as Jeffries can be replaced and Hill does not play much.

Outlaw, 25, also has a bit of long-term potential. This would be an extended tryout for him.

Con: Hill was the team's first round pick this year. Trading him would be admitting mistake as they could have gotten a better return for Hill (or the 8th pick the team used to select him) on Draft Night if they planned on trading him at all.

Blazers

Pro: Despite being decimated by injuries at the center position, Portland would be the 7th seed in the playoffs if the season ended today. However, the team would have no chance of competing in the West against the likes of Pau Gasol and Amare Stoudemire. At 6-11, Jeffries would provide a defensive presence that the team does not currently have. The 6-9, 15-year vet Juwan Howard has played adequately, but he alone will not do the trick.

They add another high first round pick to the mix in Hill. (Hill and Jeffries would be the ninth and tenth members of the Blazers drafted in the top 11 picks of their respective drafts. Pretty amazing.)

The Blazers would probably struggle to afford re-signing Outlaw anyway. With the depth they have at small forward (Martell Webster, Nicolas Batum), money could be better spent elsewhere.

They really don't need Steve Blake with Andre Miller in town and Jerryd Bayless waiting in the wings.

They actually improve in the short-term and the long-term.

Con: This probably takes the team out of the free agent market next summer. Is Jeffries a big enough upgrade that Kevin Pritchard can justify this? [Even when they had cap space, they botched it (see Miller, Andre).]

Signing Day Highlights and Other Thoughts and Observations

2010-02-04T06:50:00.002-05:00

My Favorite Signing Day Stories:

1) From Andy Stales of SI.com:

Lane Kiffin's first assignment after he finishes signing this class is to teach receiver signee Markeith Ambles how to spell Trojans.

Tuesday, Ambles tweeted this: "@mARKEITHAMBLES: who will i be tomorrow a vol, trogan, or tar heel!!!!!!"

I chalked that one up to tiny mobile phone keys or touchscreen issues. After all, the G and the J are separated only by the H on a standard QWERTY keyboard. But when Ambles tweeted Wednesday about his decision, I began having doubts. At 12:13 p.m. Wednesday, he tweeted this: "@mARKEITHAMBLES: Go Trogans!!!!!!"

Wow, Kiffin works fast. At 12:24 p.m., Ambles tweeted this: @Markeithambles: "Trojans"

2) William Gholston, a signee of Michigan State, said after signing that he looks forward to the next "three years." I like the cockiness.

3) FSU signeee, Bjoern Werner, cited "proximity to home" as a major reason for selecting the school. Why is that weird? His home is Germany!

I love Signing Day.

***********************
Other Thoughts and Observations

*In a recent article for ESPN's NBA Draft Blog, Fran Fraschilla said this about Michigan State PG Kalin Lucas:

"The Big Ten Player of the Year as a sophomore is not blessed with great physical tools."

He must be joking. The guy won the Big Ten PoY Award as a sophomore for crying out loud.

In general, I really enjoy Fran's work, but this could not go by without criticism.

*I learned today that a recruit in the Class of 2011 is actually named God's Power Offer.

Catching Up with Gerald Riggs, Jr.

2010-02-03T21:45:00.001-05:00

Eight years ago today, National Signing Day 2002, Gerald Riggs, Jr. sat atop the recruiting world. Voted Mr. Tennessee Football during his junior year at Red Bank High School, Riggs also led his team to the 2000 state title. Numerous publications and experts tabbed Riggs as the premier player in his graduating class.

The bloodlines were in place as well, as his father, Gerald Riggs, Sr. was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Atlanta Falcons during a ten year NFL career.

After an injury-plagued career at the University of Tennessee, Riggs, Jr. went undrafted. Still looking to break camp with an NFL team, Riggs, Jr has been working out intensely in Atlanta.

Today, however, it was his younger brother's turn to go through the process. Cody Riggs signed his letter of intent with the University of Florida, who not so coincidentally had the number one ranked class in the country according to at least three major publications.

Riggs, Jr. took some time out of his day to talk with The Banter about Signing Day, a UT-filled Super Bowl and many other things. He was clearly excited for his brother and from our brief encounter seems like a great guy who was extremely personable.

Here is a brief transcript of our conversation:

TheSportsBanter: What have you been up to since graduation (UT Class of 2006)?
Gerald Riggs, Jr: I played a couple years [Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Rhein Fire] and have been doing radio and television the last two and a half years waiting to get another opportunity.

TSB: Have you gotten any interest?
GRJ: A little here and there but they never make any moves. It's frustrating because I know I can play. I just have to make people remember somehow.

TSB: Back in 2002, you were rated by many people as the #1 recruit in the country, what was the recruiting process like for you?
GRJ: It was fun going on my visits and talking to coaches, meeting potential teammates, but towards the end, you just want it to be over so you can move on.

TSB: What, if anything, do you remember about signing day?
GRJ: Mine was pretty boring actually because it was a done deal about a week before.

TSB: Do you follow the happenings on Signing Day each year?
GRJ: No, not really. I only did this year because my bro was coming out this year, but normally, no.

TSB: Your brother was ranked as one of ESPNU's Top 150. Where is he heading to college?
GRJ: He's going to be a Gator.

TSB: Did you have any advice for him on the whole process?
GRJ: I just told him do go where he feels at home and where he has a real opportunity to play the kind of football he is used to, which is a very high level (St. Thomas Aquinas in Miami, FL who finished the year ranked #27 in the nation).

TSB: Were you able to make it to any of his games this season?
GRJ: Yes, I flew down to see them play Byrnes (SC) who finished #36 in the nation.

TSB: Reports have your brother weighing in at 154 lbs. Did he lose the weight room key?
GRJ: (Laughs) He's 175 lbs. now, but he'll gain weight. That won't be a problem because he's still growing.

TSB: I'm sure he would still run me over at 154 lbs.
GRJ: (Laughs) Nah, he's a corner, speed demon. He would just run by you.

TSB: Your dad was a Pro Bowler, you played in the NFL, and now your little brother is a top recruit. I can only imagine what your backyard football games are like.
GRJ: (Laughs) Well, he was too young when dad was still able to run around like that, but they still get pretty serious.

TSB: What do you think of the coaching situation at UT?
GRJ: I think we have a great coach in place, a quality character guy that will instill loyalty and discipline in the program as well as put a great product on the field.

TSB: Do you stay in touch with Coach Fulmer?
GRJ: No, not at all.

TSB: Was it a messy situation while you were there?
GRJ: I wouldn't say messy, but we didn't see eye to eye on some things, and that caused some things to happen which I didn't take kindly to. So, there was no connection once I left school.

TSB: Do you keep in touch with any of your former teammates?
GRJ: Oh yeah definitely...as many as I can. We all care about what's going on, and we developed a special bond.

TSB: You have three former teammates playing in the Super Bowl (Robert Meachem, Jabari Greer, and Marvin Mitchell) plus Peyton Manning is a fellow UT alumnus. So , what is your pick?
GRJ: Don't get me wrong, I love those guys. In fact, I want them to win, but I just don't see it... I'm gonna say the Colts. Peyton is simply the best at diagnosing the defense and beating the blitz. Their defense is fast, and they create turnovers, and I just think the experience of being there before will be too much.

TSB: Personally, I think if the Saints can keep it close, Drew Brees can find a way to lead them to a win. That would be huge for the city of New Orleans.
GRJ: Yeah, it would. I really want to see them take it home, but the football mind in me just can't say they will. For them to win they'd have to get out in front, and I mean like 14 or 17 by the middle of the 2nd, but I don't see that.

TSB: Interesting. We will have to see. Where are you training during the offseason?
GRJ: I have been working really hard in Chattanooga and Atlanta.

TSB: Well, thanks again for your time and best of luck to you and your brother.
GRJ: Thanks to you too.

The Sports Banter Schedule

2010-02-03T07:10:00.001-05:00

The Banter has been around for slightly over a year now. Over this time, posts have been pretty unpredictable.

Regular readers have asked numerous times for a more predictable schedule. I think it is time to comply...or at least try really hard to comply.

Beginning on February 7th, the tentative schedule for postings will look like this:

Mondays: Weekend Recap or Trades That Make Sense (various sports)
Tuesdays: Separated at Birth
Wednesdays: Op-Ed / Interviews / Mock Drafts / "What If" segments
Thursdays: Fantasy Baseball Postings for SportsGrumblings (in season only)
Friday: Weekend Picks

Let me know your thoughts.

As always, thanks for your continued support.

UPDATED: Wednesday deliverables (thanks Lance)

Big Week at The Banter

2010-02-02T06:46:00.001-05:00

First, a link from MLBTR.com (half-way down the article).

Next, the first (of many) posts at SportsGrumblings gets published.

And finally, Henry Abbott of ESPN.com links to a Banter article in his Monday Bullets blog (top story). A quick recap: Banter gets the lead, Wayne Winston hits cleanup, John Hollinger bats tenth, and Mark Cuban finds himself in the 15-hole.

Exciting times.

Previewing The Fantasy Third Basemen

2010-02-01T07:46:00.000-05:00

Note this article also be found on my new site, here.

The top-tier talent still exists, but the third base position lacks the depth we have become accustomed to in the past. By my count, only two players eligible at the position can be considered true five-category threats, Alex Rodriguez and David Wright. In fact, last season only seven third basemen stole more than nine bases and one of those guys, Emilio Bonifacio, probably should not be drafted as he only contributes in that one category.

As you will see, two themes resonate throughout the article: health and opportunity. One without the other does little.

Here’s the breakdown:

The First Rounders

1) Alex Rodriguez, NYY: A-Rod has delivered his fantasy owners at least 30 homers and 100 RBI every season since 1997. He no longer runs like he used to but can still be counted on for 15-20 stolen bases all while contributing a solid batting average. The only worry here revolves around the health of his hip which caused him to miss the first month of the 2009 season. All reports seem to indicate the hip can sustain a year of wear and tear meaning he should be the first 3B off the board in your draft.

2) David Wright, NYM: Like A-Rod, Wright missed time last season with an injury which helped to contribute to the career low numbers he produced in homers, runs, and RBI. A move to a new pitcher-friendly park did not help matters. However, Wright’s ’09 season seems to be the anomaly. At 27, he figures to see his power return to their 2005-8 levels with any luck. Despite the time missed, Wright stole 27 bases, second most among third basemen.

The Second Rounders

3) Evan Longoria, TB: Longoria, aka (by me) “A-Rod Lite”, should be good for 300-100-100-10 which more than justifies an early round pick. Like Mark Reynolds (details below), if Longoria can cut down on the strikeouts, he can bump up his average too.

4) Mark Reynolds, Ari: Reynolds had an incredible 2009 season finishing fourth in the Majors with 44 homers. He also added 24 stolen bases despite never having topped 11 in any professional year prior. So why isn’t the former Virginia Cavalier a shoo-in first rounder? Batting average. Reynolds racked up an incredible 223 strikeouts, 37 more than the next closest player, on his way to a .260 average. If Reynolds can put the ball in play even a bit more than he has in the past, his average could climb into a level of respectability making him a steal in the second round.

The Third-Fifth Rounders

5) Aramis Ramirez, CHC: When healthy, Ramirez has been a four category stud. He has garnered MVP votes in four of the past six seasons. Unfortunately, he missed half of last season with injury. Can he bounce back? My guess would be yes. After returning from the separated shoulder he suffered, Ramirez picked up right where he left off (a good sign for this year), and he will only be 31 on Opening Day.

6) Pablo Sandoval, SF: The Panda had a huge 2009 season and reportedly lost some weight meaning he might steal some bases this year too. Sign me up.

7) Kevin Youkilis, Bos: Youk’s power and RBI numbers took a dip last season but still produced at a more than adequate level to warrant a top-5 round pick. He will hit in the middle of a solid lineup. No red flags here.

8) Ryan Zimmerman, Was: The pride of DC won’t let the Nats lose 100 games but will he put up 30-100-100 for his fantasy owners? Probably not as he has only reached 30 homers, 100 runs once, and 100 RBI twice but the potential is there. I could not fault any owner who bumps Zimm up a few slots on this list.

9) Chone Figgins, Sea: He stole 50% more bases than the next closest third baseman. Plus, he will certainly help you with runs scored. For whatever reason, he cannot seem to sustain the high batting average. Look at his last five seasons: .290, .267, .330, .276, .298. Expect at least a small drop-off.

10) Chipper Jones, Atl: Despite playing in 143 games, Jones’ numbers were completely underwhelming. He will be 38 in April and seems like he is slipping down a slippery slope. Does he have one more year left in him?

The Mid-Rounders

11) Michael Young, Tex: Last season, Young set a career high in Slugging Percentage, a great sign. He’s always reliable for a high batting average and figures to get a ton of RBI opportunities in this potent lineup.

12) Gordon Beckham, CWS: Beckham more than held his own during his rookie year, and big things are expected this season. A position switch might be in store (second base), but for now we will enjoy his production at third. Positional flexibility never hurt anyone.

13) Adrian Beltre, Bos: Acquired because of his defensive prowess, Beltre finds himself in a great hitting situation. A rejuvenated Beltre figures to thrive now that he won’t have to play half his games in spacious Safeco.

14) Mark DeRosa, SF: DeRosa’s best asset might be his versatility both for the Giants and your fantasy team. He should qualify at 2B, 3B, and OF, but 20 homers and 80 RBI will play anywhere in your lineup. Plus, he boosts your team’s GPA.

15) Jorge Cantu, Fla: Despite being the subject of numerous trade rumors throughout the offseason, Cantu will again find himself serving as protection for Hanley Ramirez. That means he will have plenty of RBI opportunities. He will help in batting average too.

The Late Rounders

16) Casey McGehee, Mil: We have a very small sample size to work with here but, aside from a slightly below average contact rate, raises no red flags. Do not expect 30 homers but in the late rounds, you already knew that.

17) Miguel Tejada, Bal: Tejada will most likely not be eligible at third base when the season starts meaning he will need a caddy for the first few weeks, and he will be turning 36 in May. However, at this point, he offers the best value.

18) Casey Blake, LAD: Blake is a steady, unsexy, option at third base. Pencil him in for .280-20-75. Boring but dependable.

19) David Freese, StL: One of two rookies (Brandon Wood) that figures to play regularly beginning on Opening Day, Freese must overcome some off-the-fields issues in order to gain the trust of the Cardinals’ brass. For the sake of fantasy owners, we hope his 25-homer power erases those memories in a hurry. Hitting in a lineup with the likes of Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday often makes players overachieve. Works for me.

20) Mark Teahen, CWS: Teahan has been penciled into the 3-hole of the White Sox making him an attractive late round option. Do not expect power but he can be useful.

21) Brandon Inge, Det: Only draft Inge if you are either a) dumping batting average or b) planning to draft Joe Mauer. He has power but it comes with a steep price.

Guys Getting Fresh Starts

22) Kevin Kouzmanoff, Oak: Kouz is making a lateral ballpark move (Petco to Oakland Coliseum). His new digs should see him him surrounded by better hitters which could bump him runs and RBI.

23) Pedro Feliz, Hou: Feliz has had an OPS between .694 and .717 each of the last five seasons. Another guy making a lateral ballpark move (from hitter friendly Citizen’s Bank Park to hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park), Feliz should deliver more of the same.

24) Garrett Atkins, Bal: Atkins leaves the hitter heaven of Coors where he struggled mightily last season. He will be given a starting job, something he could not keep last year, and will probably hit in the heart of the O’s lineup. Worth a shot.

25) Edwin Encarnacion, Tor: Miscast as a third baseman (terrible defensively), Encarnacion was acquired in midseason from Cincinnati. He has tape measure power but cannot make consistent enough contact to be a dependable fantasy threat.

Next Best

Each of these players has at least one giant red flag associated with him.

Scott Rolen (Cin), Troy Glaus (Atl), and Mike Lowell (Bos): (Injury): Rolen missed 34 games last year, Glaus missed all but 14 games last season, and Lowell had offseason wrist surgery (adios power). They all need to be drafted (in this order) and should go off the board any time after Round 15.

Adam Kennedy (No team): Kennedy remains unemployed but proved to be a useful player last season when given the opportunity.

Three Former Prospects That Should Not Be Forgotten

Less than three years ago, these three were the beacons of hope for the perennially-struggling teams in San Diego, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh. Now, they are almost afterthoughts. It shouldn’t be this way. I expect these guys to be fantasy starters in deeper leagues by year end.

Chase Headley, SD: Two years ago, the plan was to build around Adrian Gonzalez, Jake Peavey and Headley. Obviously, things have changed a bit.

Alex Gordon, KC: The best hitting prospect in the game three years ago, Gordon needs to make the most of the starting opportunity he was handed. He also needs to stay healthy.

Andy LaRoche, Pit: LaRoche was a prospect in the Dodgers system until they traded him in the Manny Ramirez-Jason bay deal. If he’s not careful, he will be watching Pedro Alvarez take his job. Can competition bring out the best from LaRoche?

The One-Category Guys

If it gets late in the draft and you see you are missing one category and a third baseman, these are four you might want to consider.

Ian Stewart, Col (Homers): He will kill your batting average but he has 30 homer power.

Placido Polanco, Phi (Runs): Like Tejada, he will not be 3B-elgible for the first few weeks, but he moved into a great situation in a great park. He might be able to help in batting average too although his average took a dip last season.

Martin Prado, Atl (Batting Average): Figures to hit .300 near the top of the Atlanta lineup.
Jhonny Peralta, Cle (RBI): Hitting in the 6-hole offers Peralta consistent opportunities to knock runs in.

Emilio Bonifacio, Fla (Stolen Bases): As mentioned above, he is probably free agent fodder but desperate times call for desperate measures and Bonifacio can be useful.

The Prospects

Brandon Wood, LAA: Looks like Wood will finally get his chance this year in Anaheim err, LA. ETA: Opening Day

Brett Wallace, Tor: A terrible body but a terrific hitter. ETA: June

Todd Frazier, Cin: Frazier probably fits best in the outfield as he struggles on defense but if presented with the chance to play, he could be useful. ETA: June

Looking Back at the Gasol-Gasol Deal

2010-02-01T07:16:00.008-05:00

Two years ago today, the Lakers traded Marc Gasol, Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, and their 2008 and 2010 first rounders to the Grizzlies for Pau Gasol and their 2010 second round pick. The Gasol-Gasol deal helped to shape these two franchises (possibly three if you read further) into what they are today.

At the time, Laker GM Mitch Kupchak was hailed as the second coming of Albert Spaggiari. Memphis GM Chris Wallace, who had already ruined the lives of many Celtics' fans while serving as its team's GM, now infuriated another fan base.

Gregg Popovich, coach of the rival San Antonio Spurs said about the trade, "What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension. There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense. I just wish I had been on a trade committee that oversees NBA trades. I would have voted no to the LA trade."

Not exactly a glowing peer review.

However, now that we have been offered some perspective, how bad was this deal for the Grizz, and how great was it for Lakers?

From Memphis GM Chris Wallace's standpoint, it allowed his team to clear the approximately $60 million remaining on Gasol's contract off their books. Why pay all that money to the best player on a team constructed to win 15 games per season? In essence, they were hitting the reset button and starting fresh.

As fate would have it, Marc Gasol has turned into an above average center. In fact, it has been debated that he is more worthy of the 2010 NBA All Star selection than his brother, Pau.

McKie was immediately released and Brown was let go at season's end. The only value they provided was the clearing of cap space.

Crittendon, before being suspended for the now infamous Gilbert Arenas gun incident, was traded to Washington for a conditional draft (a pick that Memphis had previously sent to the Wizards for Juan Carlos Navarro). As an aside, is it possible to think that without the Gasol-Gasol deal the gun incident never happens? Seems plausible to me and now Wizards' fans have a reason to hate Chris Wallace too.

The Grizz used the Lakers' 2008 first rounder to select Donte Greene only to trade him to New Orleans for Darrell Arthur. After running into some off-the-court trouble (marijuana-related), he proved to be a serviceable big man for Memphis in 2009. A torn pectoral has shelved him for the entirety of this season. He figures to be an 8th or 9th man for a decent NBA team.

The swap of the Lakers' 2010 first rounder for the Grizz's 2010 second rounder provides another small upgrade (about 15 picks).

From the Lakers' perspective, this deal was and still is a slam dunk (possibly the worst pun of my writing career). Pau helped the Lakers reach the 2008 NBA Finals where they lost to the Celtics. In 2009, the Lakers won the NBA Finals. In 2010, the Lakers again have the makings of a Championship-caliber team as they currently own the League's second best record (37-11; half a game behind the Cavaliers).

Overall, the deal was pretty solid for both teams. It's easy to pick on Chris Wallace, but I think we (including Coach Pop) owe him a bit of an apology.

The cap space created from the deal allowed Memphis to take on Zach Randolph. Te team is much better positioned now to make a run in the West than it had been when the trade was made. (Critics can argue that keeping Gasol and drafting OJ Mayo would have resulted in a similar outcome, but I am not so sure.)

UPDATE: I missed the best part: these teams play each other tonight!

Damon's Dilemma

2010-01-28T07:01:00.001-05:00

All dressed up with nowhere to go...

As of 1/29/2010, 10% of eligible Americans are unemployed. Johnny - which to my surprise is actually his given name - Damon stands squarely among them. (I know, not many in that group have earned $97m over the last 14 years but bear with me during my attempt at dramatic introduction). It is clear that Damon wants to play, but does anyone want him to play for them?

It does not help that his agent, Scott Boras, has held out for a two-year deal, but in my professional opinion, I would jump at the next (first?) offer of $5m* or more per year for two reasons.

1) Damon is worth this much. Sure, he played in Coors East which inflated his power numbers, but, still, the man can hit. He tied a career high in home runs (24) and posted a career best OPS+ (126). He was also 12-12 in stolen base attempts proving that although he is not the speedster he was, he can still get the job done.

As a model of constistency, he has played in at least 141 games in every year since 1996 but has never been K'd more than 98 times in a season (2009).

2) Not many more teams, if any, have a need for his services.

In my mind, the only three teams that could possibly entertain the thought of Damon starting in the outfield would be Detroit, San Diego, and Washington.

The only two teams willing to offer the starting DH role would probably be Tampa Bay and Chicago. Toronto (Randy Ruiz), Oakland (Jack Cust), and Seattle (Griffey) all seem committed elsewhere.

Kansas City and Cleveland might be interested in him as well but would probably have to dump bad contracts first (Jose Guillen and Travis Hafner, respectively).

So where does he end up?

My top three choices:

1) Chicago White Sox - Right now, Andruw Jones would be the team's starting DH.

2) Detroit - He might actually be an upgrade defensively over Carlos Guillen in LF.

3) San Diego - I thought they were going cheap this offseason until they signed John Garland.

*This offseason Vlad signed for $5m, Matsui signed for $6.5m, Mike Cameron signed for $7.7m. To me these players are extremely similar. Boras can save face if he gets a deal at least equal to that of Vlad.

NFL Mock Draft - 1st Round

2010-01-26T07:36:00.004-05:00

Now that we know most of the first round draft order, here's my first attempt at how it will all shape up:

1. Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska - The best defensive player available in the draft since Steve Emtman. I fully expect this to turn out better than it did for the Colts in 1990 (not saying much) as Suh is a beast who does it all along the defensive line.

2. Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma - Detroit finished 25th in rush defense, 29th in sacks registered, and dead last in pass defense (265 yds/game). Needless to say, defense will be a focus early and often. Joe Haden also makes sense here.

3. Bucs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee - A protege of Monte Kiffin, who coincidentally figures to put in a good word with the Tampa Bay brass, Berry is a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball.

4. Redskins: Russell Okung, OL, Oklahoma State - The offensive line was a disaster as evidence by the 46 sacks allowed and 27th ranked rushing offense this season.

5. Chiefs: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech - Despite addressing the defensive line in the first round of the last two drafts, the Chiefs finished 31st in the league in rushing defense. Third time has to be the charm, right?

6. Seahawks: Joe Haden, CB, Florida - A match made in rainy heaven. Seattle finished 30th in pass defense, and Haden is a remarkable athlete capable of shutting down an opponent's top receiver.

7. Browns: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State - The Browns were putrid throwing the ball this season (worst in the league with 140 yards/game through the air). Bryant provides them with a much needed weapon. As an added bonus, we would get to see T. Boone Pickens do backflips after two Cowboys get picked in the top 7.

8. Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers - If he plays up to his potential, Davis will be a perennial Pro Bowler, but he has some off-the-field issues, something Oakland is used to. Rumor has it, much to the delight of Al Davis, he's also the fastest offensive tackle in this year's class (that was a joke).

9. Bills: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma - Buffalo needs a franchise quarterback, and Bradford can be just that.

10. Jaguars*: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama - Jacksonville registered the fewest sacks in the league this season and lacked defensive leadership. McClain consistently pressured the passer while at Alabama, and his intangibles cannot be questioned.

11. Broncos*#: Earl Thomas, S, Texas - Denver's defense is in desperate need of some youthful energy and skill.

12. Dolphins: Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State - Miami's linebacking corps was painfully slow. Navorro, another in a long line of Nittany Lion LBs, flies around the field and makes plays from sideline to sideline.

13. 49ers: Jimmy Claussen, QB, Notre Dame - Alex Smith is clearly not the answer, and San Francisco has had some success with quarterbacks from Notre Dame.

14. Seahawaks^: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson - Spiller is a Reggie Bush-type (not necessarily a positive comparison anymore) gamebreaker that can do a little of everything.

15. Giants: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida - New York's defense crumbled like feta cheese against the NFL's elite teams. Surprisingly, the biggest problem was along the defensive front. Dunlap, off-field issues aside, has Top 5 talent.

16. 49ers&: Sergio Kindle, LB/DE, Texas - Everyone seems to love these hybrid LB / DEs, and Kindle was awesome during the BCS title game. His stock is sky-high.

17. Titans: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State - A slight reach here but Tennessee was 31st in passing defense this season.

18. Steelers: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland - Only the Packers surrendered more sacks than Pittsburgh.

19. Texans*: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida - Like the Chiefs, Houston has unsuccessfully tried to address their defensive line recently in the draft. Still, they really struggled getting pressure on the quarterback.

20. Falcons*: Taylor Mays, S, USC - Atlanta finished 28th in pass defense. Mays has had trouble in coverage and misses too many tackles, but he's a physical freak.

21. Bengals: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame - Aside from Ochocinco, Cincy lacks dependable receivers.

22. Patriots: Jon Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech - My preseason Heisman pick failed to live up to expectations, but he's a nice upgrade over the Maroney-Morris-Faulk-Taylor quartet.

23. Packers: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma - Objective #1 for Green Bay = Keep Rodgers upright.

24. Eagles: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee - Philly's D was shredded and Williams could be the run-stuffer they lacked.

25. Ravens: Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida - The versatile tight end will become a dependable pass catcher for Joe Flacco.

26. Cardinals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma - Whether it's Kurt Warner or Matt Leinart under center, Gresham will provide the Cards' signal caller with a security blanket.

27. Cowboys: Brian Price, DE, UCLA - Dallas' pass rush deserted them when they were needed most.

28. Chargers: Everson Griffin, DE, USC - Defense has to be the focus for the Bolts.

29. Jets: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois - Another target for Mark Sanchez.

30. Vikings: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida - Sure, he's not a polished passer but the guy is a punishing runner (who doesn't fumble). Although I admit the fit is not perfect, I highly doubt Tebow falls out of Round 1.

31. Colts: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa - Keeping Peyton healthy has to be the key to any season in Indy.

32. Saints: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama - New Orleans has plenty of offense and should focus their first four picks on the defensive side of the ball.

* Subject to coin flip
# Acquired from Bears
^ Acquired from Broncos
& Acquired from Panthers

Really, Sports Guy?

2010-01-17T08:36:00.005-05:00

*Over the years, Bill Simmons has written a bunch of things which I am sure he regrets. Happens to all writers, of course. But, I doubt he has ever wanted to take back two sentences quicker than these two from his last article. Describing Sammi Sweetheart from "Jersey Shore," he said:

At first glance, super attractive. Upon further review, more trouble then it's worth.

1- Sammi Sweetheart is not attractive at any glance. There's no debating this.
2- Being a seasoned writer, Simmons should know the difference between "then" and "than." (This is a pet peeve of mine.)

MLS Draft?!

2010-01-15T06:17:00.000-05:00

I fancy myself a (mock) draft aficionado, and I had no idea the MLS Draft occurred this week? Very disappointing performance on my part. For that, I apologize.

I actually don't know very much about the MLS, but here is my 30,000 foot (meaningless) take:
-Apparently high schoolers are eligible for selection. No one makes a big deal of this (NBA, take note).

-Two 17-year olds were drafted.

-One 24-year old was drafted.

-Soccer is a top-heavy game. In total, the top five teams in the nation accounted for 69% of this year's first round picks (11 of 16).
-25% of this year's first round picks (4 of 16) played at Wake Forest.
-19% of this year's first round picks (3 of 16) played at UCLA.

-For what it's worth, Wake Forest ended UCLA's season in the national quarterfinals, 2-0.

-Harvard finished in the Top 10 and had two guys drafted. Who knew?

-The Southeastern, Mid-South, Southern, and America East conferences each had the same number of players selected (1).

-No player from the Big 12 Conference was selected.

-All other BCS conferences were represented.

-The Columbus Crew drafted the two guys (both in the first round) with the two coolest names: Bright Dike (that has to win name of the year in the MLS, no?) and Dilly Duka.

They followed those picks with Kwaku Nyamekye, another great name, three rounds later. Nice work out of Ohio.

NFL Mock Draft - 1st Round (Updated 1-24)

2010-01-13T07:50:00.000-05:00

Now that we know most of the first round draft order, here's my first attempt at how it will all shape up:

1. Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska - The best defensive player available in the draft since Steve Emtman. I fully expect this to turn out better than it did for the Colts in 1990 (not saying much) as Suh is a beast who does it all along the defensive line.

2. Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma - Detroit finished 25th in rush defense, 29th in sacks registered, and dead last in pass defense (265 yds/game). Needless to say, defense will be a focus early and often. Joe Haden also makes sense here.

3. Bucs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee - A protege of Monte Kiffin, who coincidentally figures to put in a good word with the Tampa Bay brass, Berry is a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball.

4. Redskins: Russell Okung, OL, Oklahoma State - The offensive line was a disaster as evidence by the 46 sacks allowed and 27th ranked rushing offense this season.

5. Chiefs: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech - Despite addressing the defensive line in the first round of the last two drafts, the Chiefs finished 31st in the league in rushing defense. Third time has to be the charm, right?

6. Seahawks: Joe Haden, CB, Florida - A match made in rainy heaven. Seattle finished 30th in pass defense, and Haden is a remarkable athlete capable of shutting down an opponent's top receiver.

7. Browns: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State - The Browns were putrid throwing the ball this season (worst in the league with 140 yards/game through the air). Bryant provides them with a much needed weapon. As an added bonus, we would get to see T. Boone Pickens do backflips after two Cowboys get picked in the top 7.

8. Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers - If he plays up to his potential, Davis will be a perennial Pro Bowler, but he has some off-the-field issues, something Oakland is used to. Rumor has it, much to the delight of Al Davis, he's also the fastest offensive tackle in this year's class (that was a joke).

9. Bills: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma - Buffalo needs a franchise quarterback, and Bradford can be just that.

10. Jaguars*: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama - Jacksonville registered the fewest sacks in the league this season and lacked defensive leadership. McClain consistently pressured the passer while at Alabama, and his intangibles cannot be questioned.

11. Broncos*#: Earl Thomas, S, Texas - Denver's defense is in desperate need of some youthful energy and skill.

12. Dolphins: Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State - Miami's linebacking corps was painfully slow. Navorro, another in a long line of Nittany Lion LBs, flies around the field and makes plays from sideline to sideline.

13. 49ers: Jimmy Claussen, QB, Notre Dame - Alex Smith is clearly not the answer, and San Francisco has had some success with quarterbacks from Notre Dame.

14. Seahawaks^: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson - Spiller is a Reggie Bush-type (not necessarily a positive comparison anymore) gamebreaker that can do a little of everything.

15. Giants: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida - New York's defense crumbled like feta cheese against the NFL's elite teams. Surprisingly, the biggest problem was along the defensive front. Dunlap, off-field issues aside, has Top 5 talent.

16. Panthers*: Sergio Kindle, LB/DE, Texas - Everyone seems to love these hybrid LB / DEs, and Kindle was awesome during the BCS title game. His stock is sky-high.

17. Titans*: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State - A slight reach here but Tennessee was 31st in passing defense this season.

18. Steelers: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland - Only the Packers surrendered more sacks than Pittsburgh.

19. Texans*: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida - Like the Chiefs, Houston has unsuccessfully tried to address their defensive line recently in the draft. Still, they really struggled getting pressure on the quarterback.

20. Falcons*: Taylor Mays, S, USC - Atlanta finished 28th in pass defense. Mays has had trouble in coverage and misses too many tackles, but he's a physical freak.

21. Bengals: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame - Aside from Ochocinco, Cincy lacks dependable receivers.

22. Patriots: Jon Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech - My preseason Heisman pick failed to live up to expectations, but he's a nice upgrade over the Maroney-Morris-Faulk-Taylor quartet.

23. Packers: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma - Objective #1 for Green Bay = Keep Rodgers upright.

24. Eagles: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee - Philly's D was shredded and Williams could be the run-stuffer they lacked.

* Subject to coin flip
# Acquired from Bears
^ Acquired from Broncos

NFL Mock Draft - 1st Round

2010-01-11T07:16:00.019-05:00

Now that we know most of the first round draft order, here's my first attempt at how it will all shape up:

1. Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska - The best defensive player available in the draft since Steve Emtman. I fully expect this to turn out better than it did for the Colts in 1990 (not saying much) as Suh is a beast who does it all along the defensive line.

2. Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma - Detroit finished 25th in rush defense, 29th in sacks registered, and dead last in pass defense (265 yds/game). Needless to say, defense will be a focus early and often. Joe Haden also makes sense here.

3. Bucs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee - A protege of Monte Kiffin, who coincidentally figures to put in a good word with the Tampa Bay brass, Berry is a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball.

4. Redskins: Russell Okung, OL, Oklahoma State - The offensive line was a disaster as evidence by the 46 sacks allowed and 27th ranked rushing offense this season.

5. Chiefs: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech - Despite addressing the defensive line in the first round of the last two drafts, the Chiefs finished 31st in the league in rushing defense. Third time has to be the charm, right?

6. Seahawks: Joe Haden, CB, Florida - A match made in rainy heaven. Seattle finished 30th in pass defense, and Haden is a remarkable athlete capable of shutting down an opponent's top receiver.

7. Browns: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State - The Browns were putrid throwing the ball this season (worst in the league with 140 yards/game through the air). Bryant provides them with a much needed weapon. As an added bonus, we would get to see T. Boone Pickens do backflips after two Cowboys get picked in the top 7.

8. Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers - If he plays up to his potential, Davis will be a perennial Pro Bowler, but he has some off-the-field issues, something Oakland is used to. Rumor has it, much to the delight of Al Davis, he's also the fastest offensive tackle in this year's class (that was a joke).

9. Bills: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma - Buffalo needs a franchise quarterback, and Bradford can be just that.

10. Jaguars*: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama - Jacksonville registered the fewest sacks in the league this season and lacked defensive leadership. McClain consistently pressured the passer while at Alabama, and his intangibles cannot be questioned.

11. Broncos*#: Earl Thomas, S, Texas - Denver's defense is in desperate need of some youthful energy and skill.

12. Dolphins: Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State - Miami's linebacking corps was painfully slow. Navorro, another in a long line of Nittany Lion LBs, flies around the field and makes plays from sideline to sideline.

13. 49ers: Jimmy Claussen, QB, Notre Dame - Alex Smith is clearly not the answer, and San Francisco has had some success with quarterbacks from Notre Dame.

14. Seahawaks^: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson - Spiller is a Reggie Bush-type (not necessarily a positive comparison anymore) gamebreaker that can do a little of everything.

15. Giants: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida - New York's defense crumbled like feta cheese against the NFL's elite teams. Surprisingly, the biggest problem was along the defensive front. Dunlap, off-field issues aside, has Top 5 talent.

16. Panthers*: Sergio Kindle, LB/DE, Texas - Everyone seems to love these hybrid LB / DEs, and Kindle was awesome during the BCS title game. His stock is sky-high.

17. Titans*: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State - A slight reach here but Tennessee was 31st in passing defense this season.

18. Steelers: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland - Only the Packers surrendered more sacks than Pittsburgh.

19. Texans*: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida - Like the Chiefs, Houston has unsuccessfully tried to address their defensive line recently in the draft. Still, they really struggled getting pressure on the quarterback.

20. Falcons*: Taylor Mays, S, USC - Atlanta finished 28th in pass defense. Mays has had trouble in coverage and misses too many tackles, but he's a physical freak.

* Subject to coin flip
# Acquired from Bears
^ Acquired from Broncos

DiamondView Comments

2010-01-10T06:00:00.004-05:00

Beyond the Boxscore, a favorite site of mine, has been running a series of "DiamondView" articles which graphically plot four pieces of information as compared to the league average (by position) in an easy-to-comprehend format: on base percentage, power, fielding, and baserunning.

Here are some things I learned and noticed:

*AL East

--The Yankees clearly focused on getting on base and hitting home runs.

--The Rays should have been better than they were last season. Interestingly, the Rays excelled where the Yanks struggled and vice verse.

*Yankees

--Jeter was awesome this year.

--Johnny Damon should be a DH.

--Melky Cabrera: epitome of a league-average outfielder.

*Red Sox

--Jacoby Ellsbury might be a fantasy owner's dream, but he was pretty terrible this season.

--Over the last six months, this team has addressed their most pressing needs (VMart behind the dish, Scutaro at short, Cameron in center and Beltre at third) and has become the team to beat. Plus, they added the league's best free agent arm in John Lackey. Wow.

*Tampa Bay:

--Jason Bartlett, a guy who always had a glove-first reputation, dominated offensively while struggling mightily on defense.

--Ben Zobrist: beast

--Dionner Navarro: not so much

*Blue Jays

--Aaron Hill had a good year, but his exploits were a bit overblown.

--How does Rod Barajas keep a job in the Majors?

--For those of you unconvinced the Blue Jays aren't regretting that Vernon Wells deal (there must be someone out there), let me know what you think after reading this.

--87 was the highest score in a category that any member of this team achieved. Thank goodness for Doc Halladay.

*Orioles

--Aubrey Huff might have seen his last regular duty.

--According to The Sporting News, three teams are interested in Melvin Mora's services. If true, the general managers of those three teams will probably be searching for work elsewhere before too long.

--Nick Markakis struggled but the O's may have something with Nolan Reimold.

--Aside from Cesar Izturis' defense, no one rated at 83 or better in any single category.

I love these graphs. Keep them coming BtB.

Playoff Picks

2010-01-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

Jets +3
Eagles +4
Patriots -4
Packers -1

AGonz to the Mets?

2010-01-03T07:58:00.000-05:00

The Mets recently signed Jason Bay. To me, this makes three things very obvious:

1. Spending $16m a year on a hitter despite the glaring need for pitching means the Mets plan to win a lot of high-scoring ballgames this year.

2. The Mets could care less about developing the farm system. Bay costs them their second round pick in the upcoming Rule 4 Draft. (I guess the thinking is that aside from David Wright and Jose Reyes, their track record of developing prospects has been abysmal so why ever bother.)

3. Money is not short despite the Madoff scandal.

With that in mind, why not attempt to trade for Adrian Gonzalez?

I have to think an offer of Fernando Martinez, Jennry Mejia, Reese Havens and Josh Thole would be enough to get the job done.

Sure, from the Mets' point of view, the cupboard would be empty. However, as mentioned earlier, that doesn't seem to bother them. On the bright side, Gonzalez has proven he can hit with abundant power in a hitter unfriendly environment, Petco Park. Plus, he will only cost $10m over the next two years. Look at the Met lineup with AG in the mix:

SS Reyes
3B Wright
CF Beltran
1B AG
LF Bay
C Bengie Molina (signing inevitable)
RF Francouer
2B Castillo

The pitching would still be a mess, but this lineup is incredible.

From San Diego's perspective, they get 24 years of control over four players that have varying degrees of potential.

Martinez- Met fans are all too familiar with FMart. He has been on the radar for four years now. Still only 21, he has 30-homer potential and projects to be a .300+ hitter with speed. All Star potential.

Mejia- Dominated in the lower levels but struggled in Double A and in the Arizona Fall League. Still, his fastball can play at any level. Once he develops the secondary pitches, he can be a top of the rotation arm. All Star potential.

Havens- Played shortstop last season but probably projects as a second baseman going forward. A patient hitter should add pop. Slightly above average second baseman.

Thole- A Major League-ready catcher (something the Padres would like in any deal)that figures to hit for a high average despite a lack of power. Average Major League catcher.

San Diego won't be competing for the next two years anyway. This haul would be worthwhile for them.

NCAA Bowl Game Notes

2010-01-02T07:38:00.001-05:00

I love the college football bowl season. Even so, I would love realllllly love a playoff.

I digress, here are some thoughts while watching this week's games:

*I love Toby Gerhart, the college player. In fact, I think he should have won the Heisman Trophy. However, as a caucasian running back, he is fighting 40+ years of NFL history. I am not saying it's impossible for him to succeed at the next level, but when was the last time a white tailback did anything in the League?

*Two Gambling Rules to Always Follow:

1) Never bet against any of the Armed Forces. (Navy, Air Force, Army, the Coast Guard JV team, etc). Just don't do it.

2) Never bet a significant amount of money on a team coached by Les Miles.

You will thank me later.

*Tracy Wolfson > Sam Ryan > Erin Andrews. There's no debating this.

NFL Picks: Week 17

2010-01-01T12:17:00.002-05:00

The Picks

Colts +9
Giants +9
Cowboys -3
Patriots +8
Bengals +10

*****************
Season Record: 43-37

Ugh.

2009-12-29T19:04:00.006-05:00

*How many base cloggers (getting angrier...) can we fit into a lineup? First Bay, now word that the Molina deal is imminent (seething....).

$22m per year can buy you a whole lot of starting pitching...which is what the Mets reallllly need.

Goodness. Send help. And by help I mean a new GM.

*Can the voters just add Blyleven to the Hall so we don't have to be bombarded with propaganda? Everywhere I look, it seems a new Pro-Bert article has just been written. He's a fringe HOF'er which is why it has taken 13 tries. It is certainly not an open-and-shut case. At this point, it seems like a pity vote anyway. I am in no way trying to belittle the HOF, but this is getting crazy. Enough.

*I tuned in for baseball analysis, not ... show ... tunes. Am I missing something?

Maybe, the Mets just have me frustrated... (And, yes, I am trying to break my own ellipsis...or is it ellipses... record for one blog. Success.)

NFL Picks: Week 15

2009-12-17T07:16:00.002-05:00

The Picks

Cowboys +8
Lions +12
Chiefs -1
Seahawks -7
Panthers +9

*****************
Season Record: 40-35

Separated at Birth?

2009-12-15T06:09:00.002-05:00

Karev from Grey's Anatomy and Portland Trailblazers' center Joel Pryzbilla (I will now punch myself in the face for referencing GA)

NCAA Picks Recap

2009-12-14T07:07:00.000-05:00

Regular Season Record: 57-37-2; PoW: 8-5-1

I'll take that.

NFL Picks: Week 14

2009-12-13T08:05:00.002-05:00

The Picks

Falcons +11
Seahawks +7
Colts -7
Bengals +7
Panthers +14
Eagles Pk

*****************
Season Record: 36-33

LeBron, Come to Jersey

2009-12-12T10:01:00.000-05:00

As pathetic as the New Jersey Nets have been this season, there is hope.

Next year's starting lineup could look like this:

PG: John Wall (assuming the Nets win the draft lottery)
SG: Devin Harris
SF: LeBron (assuming he thinks Brooklyn is a possibility)
PF: TBD
C: Brook Lopez

Bench: CDR, Courtney Lee, Yi

That team can compete. In fact, that team would be BETTER than this year's Cavs squad.

NYC Marathon '09

2009-12-06T07:44:00.004-05:00

I am not a runner.

I have never pretended to be a runner. In fact, runners annoy me as much as outspoken wine aficionados (if we want your opinions, we'll ask).

Yet, foolishly, I decided to try to run the NYC Marathon.

My thinking was:
1- it would make for a great story.
2- I have no idea how long I will live in NYC.
3- I am not getting any younger.

So, I applied to the lottery . . . and got rejected on March 31st of this year. A few months later, a friend's (loyal reader RMac) girlfriend notified me that there was an opening in the race that she could claim for me. I agreed.

On July 8th, my spot was sealed.

That gave me 115 days to prepare for the 26.2-mile jaunt. Now, mind you, I had never run more than three miles at once in my life. Ever.

My goal (successful completion) was not anything in the realm of "heroic," but it would be a challenge.

My training regiment consisted of three 5-7 mile runs during the week and a longer run each Saturday followed by rec league football games on Sundays. (Personally, I think the football was a huge help as it satisfied my sprint workout requirements.) I had great training partners (loyal readers CGleas, Bitman, and my fiancee) making the runs a bit less boring. Running around a track is brutal, but running around the greatest city in the world, even if it happens at the asscrack of dawn or before, can be relaxing, even therapeutic.

My longest pre-race run came on October 17th when I went for 19 miles. Once I knew I could handle that distance, I hoped adrenaline and the crowd would carry me the rest of the way.

Fast forward to November 1st, race morning. I'm sitting on Staten Island waiting anxiously for the race to begin. At 9:14, the gun to start the women's race sound, 45 minutes before I'm released. Time passes quickly, and I'm off.

The excitement and energy were palpable.

As we ran, the congregations of at least three predominantly African American churches burst into song and dance which was awesome. Seeing 50 people clapping and belting out song inspires you greatly. It may not sound like much, but just trust me.

My parents met me three times along the course, my fiancee twice. Again, this was hugely important as running for four plus hours is draining mentally as much as it is physically.

The weather was ideal - mid-50s - for November and the crowd was abuzz for all 4 hours and 24 minutes of my run.

People have asked me two questions: "what was the best part" and "will you do it again." To answer the first, I say the last half-mile where the crowd stood about seven-deep as we approached the finish.

Overall, the experience can best be described as the most fun I never wish to have again (that answers the second).

It's been five weeks, my IT bands still haven't recovered. If you don't know what those are (and I did not), go ask a runner.

Live Thoughts During Bama / Florida IV

2009-12-05T19:02:00.002-05:00

*Game, set, match. Thanks for playing, Florida, and for all the great memories, Tebow.

*Bama, we'll see you in the BCS Title game 22 weeks from now. Your opponent, I hope it's TCU. For that to happen, we'll have to root for the Huskers.

*How can anyone still be opposed to a playoff? The Banter has your solution right here.

Live Thoughts During Bama / Florida III

2009-12-05T18:57:00.002-05:00

*I just read Urban Meyer's lips. He just asked one of his assistants if "the Notre Dame job was still available." (Bama leads 32-12)

*Enough with these reviews already.

*Makes no sense to go for two after this score. Sure enough, Bama missed.

*For my money, Mark Ingram takes the lead in the Heisman race. Colt McCoy can answer tonight.

Live Thoughts During Bama / Florida II

2009-12-05T18:49:00.004-05:00

*Florida needs a turnover now or this game is done. (Bama leads 26-13)

*For those wondering, John 16:33 reads, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Ok, then.

*At least it's better than Pitt QB Bill Stull's eyeblack today which read "Mom" under one eye and "Dad" under the other. I love my parents too, but come on.

*Game MVP thus far: Carlos Dunlap.

Live Thoughts During Bama / Florida

2009-12-05T18:39:00.002-05:00

*I'm fairly certain Verne Lunquist is drunk. Either that, or he's watching another game.

*Was that Emmitt Smith giving advice to Tim Tebow? That would drive me crazy if I were Urban Meyer.

*Is the Smith-Tebow contact any different than the Deion Sanders - Dez Bryant contact?

*Both teams hit HARD.

NFL Picks: Week 13

2009-12-04T07:03:00.000-05:00

The Picks

Falcons +5.5
Titans +7
Jaguars -1
Redskins +10
Cardinals +5

*****************
Season Record: 33-31

College Football Picks: Week 14

2009-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Picks

Oregon State +10.5
Rutgers -1
USC -7
New Mexico State +48.5
New Mexico State / Boise State Over 58

PoW: Alabama +5.5
*******************
Season Record: 54-34-2; PoW: 7-5-1

A Few Thoughts and Links

2009-12-02T07:29:00.000-05:00

*We have a new frontrunner for Dumbest Move of the Year.

*Florida DE Carlos Dunlap, village idiot. Five days before the biggest game of the year, this potential Top-5 pick not only decides to get drunk but then he decides to drive? Florida and (pushover) head coach Urban Meyer wisely suspended him from the Alabama game for being an idiot.

*Ken Davidoff echoes my sentiments on the Billy Wagner fiasco and Begie Molina idea.

*You are better than this, Tiger.

Arbitration Offer Predictions

2009-12-01T06:20:00.007-05:00

Tom Dierkes of MLBTR.com predicts whether or not the 70 eligible players will be offered arbitration by their current teams. Here are his picks (along with my disagreements).

Bengie Molina (A) - Yes
Billy Wagner (A) - Yes
Chone Figgins (A) - Yes
Darren Oliver (A) - Yes
Jason Bay (A) - Yes
Jermaine Dye (A) - No
John Lackey (A) - Yes
Johnny Damon (A) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes, the Yankees are already talking about offering a two-year deal. It makes much more sense to take it a year at a time with the Caveman to see if his skills diminish.)
Jose Valverde (A) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes.)
Kevin Gregg (A) - No
LaTroy Hawkins (A) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes.)
Marco Scutaro (A) - Yes
Matt Holliday (A) - Yes
Miguel Tejada (A) - No
Mike Gonzalez (A) - Yes
Octavio Dotel (A) - No
Orlando Cabrera (A) - No
Orlando Hudson (A) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes, despite winning another Gold Glove, Hudson was benched in favor of Ronnie Belliard down the stretch. However, that does not diminish the fact that he was a relative bargain last year.)
Placido Polanco (A) - No
Rafael Betancourt (A) - Yes
Rafael Soriano (A) - Yes
Randy Wolf (A) - Yes
Adam LaRoche (B) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes, LaRoche seems destined to head back to the A-T-L so why not get compensated if he changes his mind?)
Adrian Beltre (B) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes.)
Andy Pettitte (B) - No
Bob Howry (B) - No
Braden Looper (B) - No
Brandon Lyon (B) - Yes
Brian Giles (B) - No
Brian Shouse (B) - No
Carl Pavano (B) - Yes
Carlos Delgado (B) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes.)
Chan Ho Park (B) - Yes
David Weathers (B) - No
Doug Brocail (B) - No
Doug Davis (B) - No
Erik Bedard (B) - No
Felipe Lopez (B) - Yes
Fernando Rodney (B) - Yes
Fernando Tatis (B) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes.)
Garret Anderson (B) - No
Gregg Zaun (B) - No
Guillermo Mota (B) - No
Ivan Rodriguez (B) - No
Jason Kendall (B) - No
Jason Marquis (B) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes.)
Joe Beimel (B) - No
Joel Pineiro (B) - Yes
Jon Garland (B) - No
Justin Duchscherer (B) - No
Kiko Calero (B) - No
Mark DeRosa (B) - Yes
Marlon Byrd (B) - Yes
Melvin Mora (B) - No
Miguel Olivo (B) - No
Mike Cameron (B) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes.)
Nick Johnson (B) - No
Randy Johnson (B) - No
Randy Winn (B) - No
Rich Harden (B) - No (SportsBanter says: Yes.)
Rod Barajas (B) - Yes
Ronnie Belliard (B) - No
Russ Springer (B) - No
Scott Eyre (B) - No
Troy Glaus (B) - No
Vicente Padilla (B) - No
Vladimir Guerrero (B) - No
Will Ohman (B) - No
Xavier Nady (B) - No
Yorvit Torrealba (B) - No

Sabermetric Football?

2009-11-28T09:16:00.003-05:00

Although I admit quantifying and grading football plays sabermetric-style is in its embryonic stages, the group at ProFootballFocus.com seems to have done a pretty good job.

For a few minutes, let's just assume that their numbers are in fact accurate.

Five things I noticed (offense only):

*Matt Forte is the worst running back in football.

*Of all safeties playing at least 60% of their team's snaps, the recently benched Kerry Rhodes (NYJ) has actually been the fifth best safety in the league. Perhaps, Rex Ryan's anger is misguided.

*Kevin Boss (NYG) is the best tight end in football by a wiiiide margin. In fact, he is almost 50% better than the next closest tight end. Shockey who?

*OT Nick Kaczur (NE) has played in 750 snaps without being called for a single penalty.

*Bears fans shouldn't blame all their team's struggles on Jay Cutler (and/or Matt Forte). Instead, they should look to their offensive tackles, Orlando Pace and Chris Williams, who rank as the league's two worst at the position.

I really can't get enough of this site. i don't think I can glean any sort of fantasy-related information, but I will continue to try.

College Football Picks: Week 13

2009-11-26T06:33:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all and happy birthday to my sister.

The Picks

Texas A&M +22
UConn -14
UAB +3
Florida State +24
Tennessee -3
Kansas +3.5
Oklahoma State +10

PoW: Utah +7.5

*******************
Season Record: 49-31-2; PoW: 6-5-1

NFL Picks: Week 12

2009-11-25T07:33:00.001-05:00

The Picks

Panthers +3
Redskins +10
Chargers -14
Jaguars +3
Bears +11
Ravens PK

*****************
Season Record: 30-28

Weekend Summary

2009-11-24T08:58:00.002-05:00

Another huge weekend. I was actually riding an 11-gmae winning streak dating back to last week. That, of course, was ruined by the Bucs, proving once again why you should never bet against the Saints.

I also had an 8-team parlay over the weekend. Going into Sunday, I was 6-for-6. I had the Falcons +7 and the Titans +6 remaining. If both hit, I would win 2000 units. If one won and one lost (say that five times fast), I would win 100 units. If both lost, I would win nothing.

I wanted to lock in some winnings and not waste a great start so I decided to hedge. At this point, my EV was:

25% * 0 = 0
50% * 100 = 50
25% * 2000 = 500
total $550

If I put 475 on the Giants (Falcons' opponent) on Sunday, then my four outcomes were:

Giants-Titans: 475 + 100 = 575
Giants-Texans: 475 + 0 = 475
Falcons-Texans: -475 + 100 (with another chance to hedge) = -375
Falcons-Titans: -475 + 2000 = 1525

If the Giants lost, I would then hedge the Titans-Texans game. Only one problem... no one would take my Giants bet meaning I had to sweat this game out.

And sweat it out, I did.

The Falcons were down two touchdowns with less than 10 minutes to play. Miraculously, a Tony Gonzalez catch (and suing celebration that could be heard throughout Manhattan) sent the game into OT, guaranteeing the cover.

So, heading into last night's game, there were two outcomes:

Titans cover: +2000 units
Texans cover: +100 units

I'm a risk-taker by nature but not insane.

I put 880 units on the Texans (to win 800).

The Titans ended up winning outright so I hit 8-for-8 meaning the end result was a +1120 unit weekend.

Enough excitement to last a whole year... or at least until next weekend.

College Football: 6-0 (Season Record: 49-31-2; PoW: 6-5-1)

NFL: 4-2 (Season Record: 30-28)

Seperated at Birth

2009-11-23T08:03:00.000-05:00

New York Yankee closer Mariano Rivera and MLB free agent Pedro Feliz

NFL Picks: Week 11

2009-11-21T08:14:00.002-05:00

The Picks

Colts -1
Vikikngs -11
Bucs +12
Falcons +7
Bears +3
Titans +5

***************************************
Season Record: 26-26

Real Life Circular Reference

2009-11-20T13:36:00.003-05:00

Check out this post on MLB Trade Rumors.com which will link you back to a Sports Banter article from earlier this week. And round and round we go.

College Football Picks: Week 12

2009-11-20T07:13:00.005-05:00

The Picks

Texas Tech +7
Connecticut +6
Northwestern +7
California +7
Kansas State +17

PoW: Arizona +6

********************************
Season Record: 43-31-2 (PoW - 5-5-1)

DraftAce Blog

2009-11-19T12:51:00.000-05:00

My second DraftAce blog has been posted here.

MLB Free Agents

2009-11-19T07:26:00.002-05:00

This year's free agent class pales in comparison to that of last offseason. For one thing, of the "premier" players on the market, only one is under 30 years old (Rich Harden), and he hasn't thrown more than 150 innings in a season since 2004.

There are absolutely no sure things as question marks surround each free agent. Let's look:

Top Seven

1. Matt Holliday, OF: Are his numbers a product of Coors and batting behind Albert Pujols?

Best fit: Giants
Will sign with: Mets

2. John Lackey, SP: Are injuries a thing of the past? (The best line I have heard on this subject declared "Past injuries are the best indicator of future injuries.") Not a good thing for the team signing J-Lack.

Best fit: Mariners
Will sign with: Angels

3. Jason Bay, OF: Is he just a glorified DH? Sabermatricians would argue so as his defensive numbers are pitiful.

Best fit: Red Sox
Will sign with: Giants

4. Harden: He drools upside, but can he be counted on?

Best fit: Red Sox
Will sign with: Orioles

5. Adrian Beltre, 3B: After an incredible run in LA, his play has tailed off. Which player are you getting?

Best fit: Phillies
Will sign with: Phillies

6. Mark DeRosa, 2B/3B/OF: At 35, how many productive years does he have left?

Best fit: Mets
Will sign with: Mets

7. Jose Valverde, RP: Is signing a closer worth a top draft pick?

Best fit: Phillies
Will sign with: Yankees

Others to Watch

Ben Sheets: He sat out the entire 2009 season but has as much talent as anyone in this class.

Xavier Nady: Another guy who missed most of 2009. This dude has serious pop.

Mike Cameron: The perennially underrated Cameron is a defensive wizard.

Carlos Delgado: Can he bounce back from another injury?

Others Sure to be Overpaid

Johnny Damon: Being a good "glue" guy only gets you so far. Just ask Kevin Millar. (Admittedly, Damon is in another class from Millar but he is not that good.

Marco Scutaro: Guy has career year before he is eligible for free agency? Wow, haven't heard that before.

Might be Available on the "Cheap"

Hideki Matsui: A great postseason proved he can still hit (especially righties) but where does he fit in the field?

Orlando Hudson: Repeat of 2008?

Fernando Rodney: Sure, he's wild, but he's an effective wild which still works.

Tattoos, monocles, bears and other thoughts and observations

2009-11-18T06:22:00.001-05:00

*Loyal readers know that I am a huge fan of neck ink. If I didn't have to work for a living, I would even consider donning some myself. However, while watching the Nuggets-Lakers game the other night, I encountered a neck first:

JR Smith has overlapping neck ink. The palette, which doubles as his Adam's Apple, has a New York Yankees' logo and what looks like some script writing that begins somewhere under his ear and ends directly in the middle of his throat.

You really have to love tattoos to overlap them. . . or you just have to get drunk enough not to care.

*Wouldn't new Hornets coach Jeff Bower be much cooler if he wore a monocle? If anyone can pull it off, I think it's him.

*I could use some upsets if my Georgia Tech-BCS Champ prediction is going to come to fruition.

*Who came up with this terrible idea?

*Reason #12 that bears don't make good pets: they can eat you anytime they want.

*Is it just me or do this year's top incoming freshman have great names, almost video game-like:

John Wall - Derrick Favors - DeMarcus Cousins - Wally Judge - Dominic Cheek, great names all.

For what it's worth, my favorite name on an actual person that belongs in a video game: David Freese (St. Louis Cardinals 3B prospect)

*Jamal Lewis, in reference to Jim Brown, was recently quoted as saying, "I always wanted to follow in his footsteps."

Memo to Jamal: When discussing Jim Brown, please make sure to qualify all statements in a manner that makes it perfectly clear you are only talking about his play on the field and not his off-the-field exploits. Brown's post-playing career is bordering on OJ-esque as he has been accused of spousal abuse at least four times.

*I really hope U2 finds whatever it is they are "looking for." And, soon.

*Living in the big city, I don't get to do much driving. Last week, however, I was at my parents' house on Long Island and saw a great bumper sticker: "My pooch is smarter then your honor student." My first thought: Maybe, your pooch can teach you the difference between "then" and "than."

New Website

2009-11-17T22:23:00.002-05:00

I recently got a new gig as a blogger on DraftAce.com, a site dedicated to the NFL (specifically the Draft). I will be covering the AFC East.

My first post went up tonight and can be found here. Bookmark it.

MLB - Free Agency Proposal

2009-11-17T06:26:00.001-05:00

The stigma of being a Type A free agent negatively affects numerous players each offseason (Juan Cruz and Orlando Hudson come to mind from '08). In the next CBA, might it make sense for the players to renegotiate the terms of Type A and Type B free agents?

For those unfamiliar, a Type A free agent that sings with a new team "costs" the team that signs this free agent a first round pick (assuming the team doing the signing finished with one of the best 15 records in the league the previous season). Additionally, the team that loses its free agent is given a supplemental first round pick.

In the current economic environment, teams are wary of losing a top pick.

My proposal: Give the team losing the free agent two supplemental first round picks regardless of which team signs this player, and do not take away a first rounder (best 15 records) or second rounder (worst 15 records).

Benefits: Teams can be aggressive in their pursuit of free agents thus making the players happy; teams losing free agents could get better picks under these rules (in the scenario where a team with one of the worst 15 records signs a player, the team losing the free agent would get two supplementals as opposed to a supplemental and a second rounder)

Disadvantages: The best teams could get better without much consequence; teams could get worse picks (in the scenario where a team with one of the best 15 records signs a player, the team losing the free agent would get two supplementals as opposed to a first rounder and a supplemental).

Players sure to be hurt by having Type A status this year (assuming their current teams offer arbitration): Miguel Tejada (no pity here), Octavio Dotel (Juan Cruz, Part Deux), and Orlando Hudson (Orlando Hudson, Part Deux).

What are your thoughts?

MLB - Trades Involving Terrible Contracts That Could Make Sense

2009-11-16T07:38:00.001-05:00

Cubs trade Milton Bradley (2 years, $21m) to the Mets for Oliver Perez (2 years, $24m)

The money is essentially a wash and both guys can desperately use a change of scenery. Additionally, both have shown they are at least capable of putting up big numbers (Bradley: 2008; Perez: 2004). This seems like a no-brainer from both sides.

Royals trade Kyle Farnsworth (1 year, $5m) and Jose Guillen (1 year, 12m) to the Reds for Francisco Cordero (2 years, $25m) and prospect Carlos Fisher

Call me crazy, but how far are the Royals away from competing? Not as far as you may thing despite the fact their GM would fail even the most remedial talent assessment class. Any pitching staff with Zach Greinke at the top will have promise, and Gil Meche, Luke Hochevar, and Robinson Tejada flashed enough potential to make this team interesting. If they can sign a bat or three in free agency (and make this deal), the Royals can compete in 2010 without sacrificing any future talent.

Cubs trade Alfonso Soriano (5 years, $90m) to the Tigers for Jeremy Bonderman (1 year, $12.5m), Magglio Ordonez (1 year, $18m), Carlos Guillen (2 years, $26m), and Dontrelle Willis (1 year, $12.5m)

The Tigers rid themselves of huge short-term liabilities in exchange for taking on about $20m of salary over five years. This could make sense if the Tigers think the economy will rebound in the next three to four years and could buy them time, thus preventing them from having to hold a firesale (read: Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson). The Cubs buy some really expensive lotto tickets in Willis (a former Cub prospect) and Bonderman.

Huge NFL Weekend

2009-11-15T19:42:00.001-05:00

NFL Picks 5-0 (back to .500 for the season)

NCAA Picks 3-3 (PoW: 1-0)

NFL Picks: Week 10

2009-11-15T09:29:00.001-05:00

The Picks

Jaguars +7
Panthers +2
Bengals +7
Cardinals -8
Chargers -1

***************************************
Season Record: 21-26

College Football Picks: Week 11

2009-11-14T09:30:00.002-05:00

The Picks

Duke +13
Baylor +24.5
Iowa +17
Stanford +11
Pittsburgh -6.5

PoW: UAB -1

********************************
Season Record: 40-28-2 (PoW - 4-5-1)

NFL Picks: Week 9

2009-11-07T07:40:00.001-05:00

The Picks

Texans +10
Bengals +3
Eagles -3
Chargers +5
Lions +10

***************************************
Season Record: 18-24

College Football Picks: Week 10

2009-11-06T20:40:00.000-05:00

The Picks

Pitt -21
Northwestern +16
Kansas -2.5
Stanford +7
Ohio State +5
Vanderbilt +35

PoW: Houston -1
********************************
Season Record: 35-27-1 (PoW - 4-5)

NFL Picks: Week 8

2009-10-31T05:39:00.001-04:00

The Picks

Detroit -3.5
Jets -3
Eagles -1
Green Bay -3
Jacksonville +3

***************************************
Season Record: 17-20

College Football Picks: Week 9

2009-10-29T17:39:00.004-04:00

The Picks

Florida State -9
Baylor +13
Florida -15
Wake Forest +7.5
Kansas +7
Northwestern +25

Pick of the Week - Central Michigan +5.5

********************************
Season Record: 31-24-1 (PoW - 4-4)

NFL Picks: Week 7

2009-10-24T07:26:00.000-04:00

The Picks

Kansas City +6: The Chiefs are playing hard these days which is more than you can say about almost every other bottom-feeder in the league.

Oakland +7: The Raiders always play the Jets tough.

Buffalo +7: Can the Bills save Dick Jauron's job again this year?

Atlanta +4: The 'boys may cover, but I cannot figure out this spread at all. The Falcons should be favored here.

New Orleans / Miami Over 47: The Saints may get to this number by themselves.

***************************************
Season Record: 15-17

College Football Picks: Week 8

2009-10-23T06:27:00.002-04:00

The Picks

South Florida +7: The Bulls have had 10 days to prepare for this one. I think they surprise Pitt on the road.

Arkansas / Ole Miss Over 53: Jevan Snead gets hot... finally. Letdown week for the Hogs.

Iowa State +19: I don't like this game at all, but since I'll be there, I should have a rooting interest. Huskers 34, Cyclones 17.

Maryland +7: It's automatic - if Duke is favored, bet against them.

Michigan +5: The Wolverines broke out of their funk last week. Penn State hasn't proven anything this year.

Kansas +7.5: What do the Sooners have to play for at this point?

Mississippi State +23: No team in the country has played a tougher schedule than the Bulldogs. They won't be blown off the field.

Oregon State +21.5: The Beavers always play the Trojans well.

Pick of the Week - Washington +10: In Jake Locker, I trust.

********************************
Season Record: 27-19-1 (PoW - 4-3)

Incredible Stat

2009-10-20T07:20:00.000-04:00

From the unparalleled Michael Lombardi talking about the Denver Broncos:

"They’re for real — and last night proved it to me. I’ve always been concerned about their age and lack of real speed in the secondary, but after playing well the past two weeks against some very good passing teams, I’m a believer. Not allowing the Chargers a third-down conversion in the second half was impressive, as is giving up only three points in the second half all season. This is the fourth consecutive game their defense has held an opponent to zero third-down conversions (0/23) in the second half. The Broncos have allowed only two second-half third-down conversions this season (one each in Week 1 and Week 2). These numbers are a credit to their defensive staff for being able to make the right halftime adjustments. And as we all know, football is a game of adjustments."

Three straight games without allowing a third down conversion explains everything. 6-0 is not an accident.

NFL Picks: Week 6

2009-10-17T07:30:00.001-04:00

The Picks

Jacksonville -9.5: I know they got shellacked last week in Seattle but the Rams are pathetic. They average < 7 points per game.

Detroit / Green Bay - Over 48: My shootout of the week.

New York Giants +3: The Saints can make a believer of me if they cover here.

Tampa Bay +3.5: Josh Johnson's coming out party.

Denver +4: Still, no one believes in the Broncos. Why?

******************************
Season Record: 14-13 (Survivor: Eliminated)

College Football Picks: Week 7

2009-10-16T07:31:00.002-04:00

The Picks

Texas -3: The Longhorns are better than last year. The Sooners are worse. Texas won by 10 last year.

Iowa +3: Wisconsin looks ready for their midseason swoon.

Texas Tech / Nebraska Over 61: Everyone loves a high-scoring affair.

Notre Dame +11: Regular readers know that nothing would make me happier than being wrong here. I am begrudgingly backing the Irish here because I think they can hang tight.

Georgia Tech +3: My preseason pick to win it all would garner some notice by pulling off the upset here. It might even get them back into the Top 10.

Pick of the Week - Army +10: Temple as a 10-point favorite? No thanks. The Black Knights are smelling a bowl game. How can you root against them?

********************************
Season Record: 24-17-2 (PoW - 4-2)

Weekend Recap

2009-10-13T08:16:00.001-04:00

Well, my baseball predictions could not have been worse as my two World Series teams both got swept in the Opening Round.

But, let's not dwell on the negative. It looks like I am hitting my stride in college football.

******************************
NCAA Football

Week 6: 5-1-1 (Pick of the Week - 1-0); Season Record: 24-17-2 (PoW - 4-2)

Recap

Great call - Recognizing the 'Bama defense as tops in the nation.

Good call - Expecting a shootout in the Auburn-Arkansas game.

Awful call - Guessing that Georgia would bounce back from a devastating loss.

******************************
NFL

Week 5: 3-3; Season Record: 14-13 (Survivor: Eliminated)

Recap

Great call - Giving the Bengals the respect they deserve.

Good call - Guessing that the Chiefs would compete at home.

Awful call - Everything about the Jacksonville pick.

******************************
Fantasy Football

Work League: Lost 100-35; 3-2 on the season - This was my worst defeat ever in fantasy football. My team sh!t the bed in a big way.

Friend league: Won 155-135; 3-2 on the season

NFL Picks: Week 4

2009-10-10T06:51:00.000-04:00

The Picks

Cincinnati +9: The Bengals deserve a bunch of respect. They are one freak play away from 4-0.

Detroit +10.5: If Stafford plays, I think they can hang tight.

Kansas City +9: Chiefs, show some pride, would you?

Oakland +16: I'm hoping Eli doesn't play and the Raiders defense keeps the game relatively close.

Jacksonville Pk: One of the league's hottest teams takes on one of the coldest.

New York Jets Pk: the Jets always seems to play well in Miami.

***************************************
Season Record: 11-10 (Survivor: Eliminated)

College Football Picks: Week 6

2009-10-09T07:46:00.002-04:00

The Picks

Auburn / Arkansas Over 66: Everyone loves a shootout.

Georgia +1.5: Out to prove they got jobbed last week.

Alabama / Ole Miss Under 46: Both defenses are underrated.

Baylor +26: Baylor is not half bad.

Washington +3: The Huskies at home seem like a no-brainer, which makes me a bit cautious.

Texas Tech -16: K-State is awful.

Pick of the Week - Houston -2: The Cougars' season could go one of two ways: they could prove last week was a fluke and run the table the rest of the way or they could throw in the towel. I think they'll go the former route.

********************************
Season Record: 19-16-1 (PoW - 3-2)

MLB Playoff Predictions

2009-10-07T07:08:00.000-04:00

AL

Yankees over Twins (3-1)
Red Sox over Angels (3-2)

Red Sox over Yankees (4-2)

NL

Phillies over Rockies (3-0)
Cardinals over Dodgers (3-1)

Cardinals over Phillies (4-2)

World Series

Cardinals over Red Sox (4-3)

Playoff / Wold Series MVP: Mark DeRosa

Weekend Recap

2009-10-06T05:38:00.001-04:00

A great football weekend (thanks in large part to a successful Saturday) made for a very enjoyable two days.

NCAA Football

Week 5: 5-1 (Pick of the Week - 1-0); Season Record: 19-16-1 (PoW - 3-2)

Recap

Great call - Hitting the Maryland pick despite no indication this team has any talent.

Good call - All the rest, really.

Awful call - None as the lone loss came in OT.

NFL

Week 4: 3-3; Season Record: 11-10 (Survivor: Eliminated)

Recap

Great call - Predicting the 49ers' shutout.

Good call - Betting against Seneca Wallace.

Awful call - Thinking the Chargers would hang with the Steelers (the score ended up being much closer than the game)

Tough break - Missing the Giants / Chiefs under by half a point.

Fantasy Football

Work League: Won 120-70; 3-1 on the season

Friend league: Won 151-111; 2-2 on the season

NFL Picks: Week 4

2009-10-02T08:38:00.003-04:00

The Picks

Oakland / Houston Under 42: Until the Raiders can prove they score on someone, I'm going to ride the Under in their games.

NY Giants / Kansas City Under 42.5: This game seems like a carbon copy of last week's Giant game. The Chiefs' slow offense stands little chance.

St. Louis / San Francisco Under 38: I smell a shutout.

Indianapolis -10: Seneca Wallace starting at QB = immediately bet against the Seahawks.

New York Jets +7: In a high-scoring affair, I trust the Jets defense to make a few more stops than the New Orleans D.

Chargers +6.5: The Steelers have struggled without Troy P manning the middle of the secondary, and the Chargers throw the ball about as well as anyone.

--------------------------------------------
Season Record: 8-7 (Survivor: Eliminated)

College Football Picks: Week 5

2009-10-01T07:41:00.001-04:00

The Picks

Michigan +2: How are the Wolverines 'dogs against a 1-3 Spartan team?

Maryland +13: I know it's a down year for the Terps but they always play Clemson tough, especially at home.

South Florida -6.5: The Bulls are riding about as high as possible. The 'Cuse, not so much.

Miami (OH) +30: We must protect this house.. or at least lost by less than four touchdowns.

Washington +13: Notre Dame has barely survived two weeks in a row. Can Jake Locker end that run?

Pick of the Week - Alabama -16: How is this game different than last weeks Florida game for the Wildcats? It's not.

---------------------------------------------
Season Record: 14-15-1 (Pick of Week - 2-2)

Vince Young, Theo Fleury and Some Cool Links

2009-09-29T08:49:00.000-04:00

*Maybe there is hope for Vince Young after all (not on the field of course). Classy move.

*Theo Fleury was thisclose to making it back to the NHL. I would have loved to see that.

*This is incredible. I love the cackling.

*I love it when fans do stupid harmless things. This one might take the cake.

*If you hate punts, head down to Arkansas.

*Want to be a professional athlete? Don't expect to get rich or stay rich. I wish I could say that I used this as the basis for not pursuing a sports career. Unfortunately, it was really my lack of athletic talent that left me no choice.

*Wow.

*The proof is in the pudding. Please fire Omar.

Banter Man Crush Update

2009-09-28T08:54:00.000-04:00

Justin Smoak, World Cup MVP.

Next stop: MLB All-Star Game.

NFL Picks: Week 3

2009-09-26T10:13:00.002-04:00

The Picks

49ers +7.5: Does no one believe in Mike Singletary? I do.

Texans -4: Team coming off huge victory against visiting team coming off tough home loss.

Saints / Bills Over 51.5: The Saints are averaging 46.5 points through two weeks.

Chargers -6: Miami has done nothing this year to make me trust them.

Panthers +8.5: DAW single-handedly keeps this one close.
--------------------------------------------
Season Record: 6-4 (Survivor: Eliminated)

College Football Picks: Week 4

2009-09-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

The Picks

Alabama -15.5: Arkansas lost at home last week against a Georgia team that can't hold a candle to 'Bama.

Florida State -13.5: Four-year starting QB lost for the season? I'll take my chances.

Northwestern Pk: Throw the common opponent (Syracuse) out the window. I'm sticking with Kafka.

TCU +3: BCS-buster weekend.

Oregon State -2.5: Is this a center ants? This spread needs to be "at least three times this size."

Washington State +46: I'll feel good for the first six possessions. After that, I'll sweat a bit.

Pick of the Week - Southern Mississippi +14 : See TCU.

---------------------------------------------
Season Record: 10-12-1 (Pick of Week - 1-2)

Weekend Pick Recap

2009-09-21T07:05:00.000-04:00

NFL

Week 2: 3-2

Season Record: 6-4

NCAA

Week 3: 5-3 (Pick of Week - 0-1)

Season Record: 10-12-1 (Pick of Week - 1-2)

College Football Picks: Week 3

2009-09-18T07:21:00.002-04:00

Picks

Boise State -7: Fresno is coming off a heartbreaking 2OT loss on the road at Wisconsin. Now, they deal with the juggernaut of a squad.

Kansas - 22: Duke is a joke. Kansas will be able to throw it all over the field.

Tennessee +29: I have a lot of confidence in DC Monte Kiffin. They won't win and they may not score more than 10 points, but I think Kiffin can figure out a way to "contain" Tebow.

Tulsa / Oklahoma Over 58: This line seems curiously low.

Northwestern -3: Wildcats QB Mike Kafka will make a name for himself.

Cincinnati PK: Bearcats-Beavers = Game of the Week.

UCLA -12: Kansas State is awful. The Bruins are coming off a huge road victory.

Pick of the Week: Toledo +21.5: I'll have the Buffaloes for my appetizer and Buckeyes for the entree. Mmmm.

Season Record: 5-9-1 (Pick of Week - 1-1)

NFL Picks: Week 2

2009-09-17T21:11:00.002-04:00

Picks

Texans +7: This is a gut-check game for Houston. Are they a team other teams should fear or are they on their way to a(nother) disappointing season.

Packers -9: The Bengals aren't exactly known for having the best character. After last week's devastating loss, does anyone think they'll respond with a great performance? Count me among the non-believers.

49ers -1: San Fran has the most impressive showing in my mind during Week 1. We have no idea how good Seattle is since they only had to play the Rams at home.

Lions +10: AP might run for 350 yards but I think Detroit makes it interesting.

Giants +3: Although not overly impressive in Week 1, the G-Men have a solid defense and a capable offense.

Survivor Pick: Packers

Week 1: 3-2 (Survivor - 1-0)

Season Record: 3-2 (Survivor - 1-0 - Ravens)

Perfect Fit for the Spurs

2009-09-17T07:03:00.000-04:00

Check out this video to see why this Spurs' draftee will be a perfect fit on their team. The guy doesn't celebrate in any manner after hitting a game winning jumper in a big game of international competion**. Another boring player in San Antonio. Rejoice, rejoice Spurs fans.

**To be completely fair, his teammates looked like zombies walking off the bench after the final buzzer. Maybe, there was a carbon moxoide issue in the arena I can't see in the video, but I think not.

Weekend Pick Recap

2009-09-16T07:10:00.000-04:00

NFL

Week 1: 3-2 (Survivor - 1-0)

Season Record: 3-2 (Survivor - 1-0)

NCAA

Week 2: 3-4-1 (Pick of Week - 1-0)

Season Record: 5-9-1 (Pick of Week - 1-1)

Separated at Birth?

2009-09-15T21:58:00.003-04:00

The fat guy from More to Love and the Lions franchise QB Matthew Stafford.

Hopefully for Detroit, a city that has suffered enough, this is not an ominous sign.

College Football Picks - Week 2

2009-09-11T05:45:00.001-04:00

Live Week 2 (Week of the 'dogs) Picks from Vegas:

Iowa State +7
Buffalo +10.5
Marshall +19
Houston +15
UCLA +10
Missouri -18.5
LSU -14

Pick of the Week: South Carolina +8

Season Record: 2-5 (PoW: 0-1)

NFL Picks: Week 1

2009-09-10T07:35:00.001-04:00

Going to Vegas tonight so this will be quick.

Picks

Steelers -5: Defending champs typically play well on Opening night.

Broncos +4.5: It's almost automatic, when the Bengals are favored, I'll take my chances.

Jaguars +7: Jacksonville always gives the Colts fits in Indy.

Ravens - 10: It will be an upset if the Chiefs score more than 10 points.

Panthers Pk: Carolina has some unfinished business after last year's postseason collapse.

Survivor Pick: Ravens

Season Record: 0-0

College Picks - Week 1 Recap

2009-09-08T06:34:00.002-04:00

Some awful, some great calls in Week 1. Not exactly the start I was looking for, but it'll have to do.

Awful Calls

Nevada looked pathetic against the Irish.

Maryland got smoked early and often.

Good Calls, Sort of

USC didn't need to pass when they could run all over the field.

I now believe in Michigan.

Great Calls

The winning score in the Baylor / Wake game was 24, as predicted.

Alabama and V-Tech have some great athletes.

Record

2-5 (Pick of Week: 0-1)

NFL Props and Futures Picks

2009-09-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

Win Totals

Chiefs - Under 6: Have the Chiefs improved at all from last year's disaster? They only won two games last season. This is my pick of the year.

Browns - Under 7: Again, where is the improvement going to come from? This team won four games last year and traded one of their best players (Kellen Winslow).

Broncos - Over 6.5: Denver plays Kansas City and Oakland twice each, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. That should be six wins right there.

Lions - Under 4.5: I feel like a broken record, but where are the five new wins coming from?

Packers - Over 8.5: The offense will be awesome. Hopefully the defense shows up.

Props

1000-Yard Rushers in the NFL - Over 16.5: I have faith in Peterson, Turner, Williams, Portis, Jones, Slaton, Forte, Johnson, Grant, LT, Jacobs, Jackson, Lynch, Gore, Ward, Smith, Westbrook, Brown, Rice, Parker, and Moreno.

Jason Witten Touchdowns - Over 6.5: Without TO in town, Witten becomes Option #1 in the red zone.

Matt Forte Rushing Yards - Over 1150: The presence of Jay Cutler only helps Forte, who rushed for 1238 yards last season.

Kevin Smith Rushing Yards - Over 1050: Smith was not the feature back last season. Now, he is.

Brett Favre Touchdowns - Under 21 coupled with Brett Favre Interceptions - Over 18.5: My hedge prop. I do not have confidence that Old Man Favre can stay healthy for an entire season. Betting on both of these scenarios independently could net me big money.

Percy Harvin Receiving Yards - Over 500: He will be a dangerous threat from Day 1.

Pierre Thomas Rushing Yards - Over 900: He's the feature back despite the presence of Reggie.

Marshawn Lynch Rushing Yards - Over 750: Lynch is out the first three games but this line seems incredibly low to me.

Jason Taylor Sacks - Under 7.5: A big reputation gets you nothing.

Fred Taylor Touchdowns - Over 2.5: This could happen in one game.

Vernon Gholston Sacks - Under 4.5: I hope I'm wrong, but I would take the under even if the line was 2.

Chad Ochocinco Receiving Yards - Under 1150: Without TJ Housh, Chad becomes the focus of the defensive gameplan. Plus, he's bound to be suspended for over-Twittering, isn't he?

Most Receiving Yards in the NFL - Vincent Jackson 20-1: He's the #1 receiver on a pass-happy team. Admittedly, it's a long-shot, but these odds are attractive.

Most Rushing Yards in the NFL - Kevin Smith 25-1: Again, not likely but the odds are attractive.

Odds to Win Super Bowl

Chicago 15-1: I'm not a proponent of betting on the Super Bowl champ this early because there are still solid odds when the playoffs begin. If I were forced to choose, the Bears would be my pick.

Note: Odds are from Bodog.com as of 9/6/09.

Thoughts from the Couch on an Incredible Sports Weekend

2009-09-06T15:00:00.002-04:00

College football, baseball, and US Open tennis make the first weekend in September one of the best sports weekends of the year.

Thoughts From The Couch

*I don't care how many outfield assists Hunter Pence racks up. He throws like a schoolgirl.

*I think football players should be flagged for excessive celebration when it's not warranted (ie anytime a touchdown isn't scored or change of possession does not occur). It's becoming pretty annoying when a running back gets stopped for a three yard gain on first-and-ten and the defense goes crazy. Pick your celebration spots.

*Last year, Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor wore eyeblack with the Buckeyes' emblem. During yesterday's narrow opening day victory, Pryor donned eyeblack that said "Vick." I wish I was making this up.

*I can't find a picture online, but the microphones on the umpire's chair at the US Open can best be described as anti-Bob Barker. They are ginormous. I thought advancements is technology would lead to smaller devices. Apparently, this is not the case for microphones.

*I am convinced Rafael Nadal wears a thong. No other type of undergarment could possibly cause that many wedgies in need of picking.

*Speaking of Nadal, at a charity event last week that was held near my office, Rafael Nadal was challenged with the task of returning 10 shots into the court of play against a ball machine set to a maximum of 50mph. All he had to do was put the ball in play 10 consecutive times to win the charity $10,000. He went 8-for-10. It was embarrassing. Based on this alone, I can't see the guy winning the Open.

*I saw Todd Martin on the street the other day. Somehow, he looks younger than he did during his playing days. I can't explain it. Maybe he's making a case to join Walt Frazier and Keith Hernandez in the next round of Just for Men commercials.

*Which professional tennis players wear adjustable hats backwards? First it was Nicolas Kiefer, then it was Lleyton Hewitt. Pony up the extra five bucks and get a fitted hat so we don't have to see the ridiculous forelock in the front of your head. Either that or don't wear a hat.

I am in no way a fashion expert, but even I can see that you look stupid.

More Weekend Observations / Things I Learned Recently

*JD Drew's real name is David Jonathan. Why doesn't he go by DJ?

*Thing I Hate Most About Fantasy Sports: Everyone is an expert. Quick story to prove my point.

At a recent draft, I was able to convince an opponent who claimed to be knowledgeable about football that Darren McFadden was an Irish immigrant.

*I haven't read Sports Illustrated in quite some time but they used to (and still might) have a little blurb called "The Apocalypse is Upon Us." I think a woman leaving college early to play professional basketball would qualify. On a related note, I wrote about this same Epiphany a few years back when she scored over 100 points in a high school game marking the only other time I have written about women's basketball. Hopefully, this will be the last.

College Football Preview - Teams

2009-09-05T08:27:00.000-04:00

The college football season kicked off inauspiciously last night (see Blount, LaGarrette).

Boise State played a solid first half, but I'm not convinced they are a National Title contender. College football has a way of weaning the pretenders out from the rest of the pack (think Penn State, 2008) and I would be surprised if the Broncos finished the regular season 12-0. My guess is they fall on the road at either Fresno State or Tulsa.

Here's my best guess as to what the final Top 10 rankings will look like:

1) Georgia Tech - At 50-1 to win the National Title, I love the Yellow Jackets. Just trust me here. Take a shot, sit back, and root for Jonathan Dwyer and this unconventional Paul Johnson offense to dominate the ACC.

2) Florida - The Gators' schedule consists of two tough games, a trip to LSU and the World's Largest Cocktail Party Game against Georgia. They will have two weeks to prepare for LSU, a team that has given them fits in Baton Rouge over the years, and Georgia has a brand new backfield this season.

I can't see them being beat during the regular season.

The National Title Game, however, is another story. By January, teams will be stacking the box with eight or nine guys every single play, making Tebow beat them with his arm.

3) USC - Before I started writing, I thought this was the year USC fell from the top of the ranks. Looking closer at the Trojans' sked, I can only see them losing two games, at Ohio State and at Cal. Both teams, however, are perennially overrated. I don't trust freshman quarterbacks. Neither should you.

4, 5, 6) Texas, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma - They'll all beat each other and fall a game short of the BCS Title game. It will be a ton of fun to watch, though.

7) Penn State - It's Cupcake City, baby (channelling Dick Vitale)!!!! This schedule is laughable, the Big Ten stinks, and the Lions return a lot of talent.

8) Ole Miss - Hop on the back of Jevan Snead and enjoy the ride.

9) Southern Miss - Boise who? Here's my BCS-buster. They return a starting WB that threw for 3,000+ yards (Austin Davis), a RB that could break the all-time yardage mark in Division I, err, FBS history, and a WR that will be a top 10 pick in 2011 if he can stay healthy (DeAndre Brown). If the defense can hold up, this is your sleeper.

10) Alabama - The Crimson Tide don't have enough weapons this year, but fans should enjoy watching star linebacker Rolando McClain before he declares for the NFL Draft after the season.

College Football Picks - Week 1

2009-09-04T18:58:00.000-04:00

The Picks

Western Michigan +13: I'll believe Michigan has turned the corner when I see it.

Baylor / Wake Forest Under 53.5: As we saw last night, it takes a while for the offenses to kick into gear. I could see 24 points winning this game.

Alabama / Virginia Tech Over 38: I know these defenses are good, but there are too many athletes in this game for us not to see some points scored.

Maryland +21: Cal is perennially overrated. Maryland is perennially underrated. Seems like a perfect match.

San Jose State +34: Matt Barkley might be a superstar eventually, but San Jose State can defend the pass. I don't like this matchup for him.

Miami / Florida State Under 48: It seems like every year this game is a defensive battle.

Pick of the Week

Nevada +14.5: I think Nevada has a shot to win this game outright. The media (ahem, Lou Holtz) have been all over the Irish pegging them to be a BCS-contender. Not so fast my friend.

Season Record: 0-0 (Pick of the Week: 0-0)

College Football - Season Picks

2009-09-04T17:40:00.001-04:00

BCS National Champion

Georgia Tech: 50-1
Southern Miss: 100-1

Heisman

Jonathan Dwyer: 30-1
Joe McKnight: 30-1

Teams That Will Surprise (Good Way)

Colorado
Nevada

Teams That Will Surprise (Bad Way)

Virginia Tech
Ohio State

Over / Under - Wins

Georgia Tech: Over 8.5
Southern Miss: Over 8.5
Penn State: Over 9.5
California: Under 9
Houston: Over 7

Nightmare for Royals Fans Set to Continue

2009-08-31T20:14:00.002-04:00

Unbelievably, Royals' GM Dayton Moore had his contract extended through 2014.

He inherited one franchise player (Greinke) when he took the post in 2006. Now, the Royals have one franchise player (Greinke). That's right, not much has changed.

Of all the articles I have read, Royals Authority summarizes it best.

HBT also weighs in.

Headline that makes me want to puke...

2009-08-28T08:33:00.000-04:00

... and I'm not even a Royals fan: "Royals Considering Extension for Moore."

When will it end in Kansas City? Probably only when the Banter is running the show. In other words, it could be a while.

Stat of the Week

2009-08-26T23:01:00.002-04:00

The University of Oklahoma has never produced a quarterback who has started an NFL game, this despite having a Heisman Trophy winner and another Heisman Trophy finalist in the last decade alone.

Separated at Birth?

2009-08-23T22:50:00.003-04:00

As suggested by loyal reader and new father, JohnnyStef (aka georgekaplan):

Actor Kevin Pollak and NY Yankee OF Nick Swisher

Separated at Birth?

2009-08-21T15:32:00.003-04:00

Does Robinson Cano have a day job at Cafe 28?