The MLB season is getting down to crunch time, and it's shaping up to be an exciting September to set up an even more exciting October. Let's go through the NL division by division:
NL East: The Atlanta Braves are the "home" team of Nashville, so I get to see all of their games. They look just strong enough to hold on to the division lead for the remainder of the season, but the loss of Prado (for now) and Chipper Jones (season) will really make it hard. The Phillies now have Chase Utley back, and they know how to make a big run at the end of the season, and in the playoffs. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I think the Phillies will come just short of making the postseason this year. The Mets Francisco Rodriguez isn't used to blowing games, let alone blowing seasons by blowing his cool. His season ended after he injured his hand punching his girlfriend's dad. But, if he didn't go on the DL for that, his severely damaged common sense function would have landed him there. The Marlins are the Marlins> Miami doesn't know they exist, and the rest of the world could care less about an average team. A guy from my high school has been signed to a minor league contract with the Nationals, so he deserves a shout-out. Congratulations, Robbie Ray.
NL Central: Another two horse race. Cincinnati has the lineup to win the division, but the young pitchers have to show themselves down the stretch. Leake and Wood are two up-and-coming sensations, and I think they can provide this young and talented team led by Joey Votto to a postseason berth. The Cardinals will have to play consistently stellar baseball to win this division, but aces Carpenter and Wainwright might spark them to have a late season run at the division title. The rest of the teams aren't even worth mentioning.
NL West: The Padres will win the NL West, guaranteed. They are a bunch of no-name, consistent players who have everything that it takes to make it to the World Series, and there is too much competition for one team to catch them. The Giants are a solid team with a little less hitting than they would like. They have made their lineup work, and that is why they lead the wild card race. They shouldn't be going anywhere. Unfortunately, the competition in the division will more than likely keep the Giants from making a run at the West-dominant Padres. The Rockies, despite having the best pitcher in baseball, can't keep the winning going enough to gain significant ground. The Dodgers just seem helpless despite their major additions to make a push. Whenever they seem to gain a game, they fall back again after a couple of games after that.
The Cincinnati Reds will win the NL Pennant this year behind their youthful hitting and pitching. Dusty Baker has been there before and can lead them to the World Series in a much weaker division than the AL. I can't see any team jumping out as the "best in the west," however, so in reality any of these teams has a shot to win the pennant. As you could imagine, I have to predict the AL team to win the World Series. If you recall, I picked the Rays to win the AL Pennant, so my World Series winner has to be those Tampa Bay Rays.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Touch 'Em All: AL
The MLB season is getting down to crunch time, and it's shaping up to be an exciting September to set up an even more exciting October. Let's go through the AL division by division:
AL East: The powerhouse. The Rays continue their streaky play, now winning 5 in a row after going on a losing skid after a winning streak. Streaky, right? Two crucial pitchers are on the DL (Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann) but new sensation Jeremy Hellickson is dazzling so far. I can't see a collapse in the near future. The Yankees, meanwhile, keep on trucking. They are expected to win every night, but when the Rays are on a losing skid, they can't seem to pull away in the division. The Red Sox might as well surrender, there is no way of catching either team. The Orioles are an interesting case. Since Showalter took over the managerial duties, they have played with a new ferocity and passion that was lacking during their trip to the MLB cellar. This team could act as the spoiler to either the Rays or Yankees and cost one team the division.
AL Central: Minnesota has good hitting, but streaky pitching. Mauer and Morneau are bound to produce every night, and if the pitching is good, they will easily win the division. Also, their incredible fan base at Target Field has got to fuel them. Chicago seems to have lost their "thing" that they had during their hot streak. Great pitching will be the only thing that can save them. Detroit can forget about their chances.
AL West: Simply, Texas. In October, the question will be whether they can beat an AL East team. Their regular season record against the AL East says no way, but I have confidence they will rise to the occasion, or at least come close.
The AL pennant will go to the Tampa Bay Rays. They have the most depth, especially at pitcher, although Texas could battle close. The Yankees can, of course, always win a pennant, but the Rays seem destined to make a trip back to the World Series this year.
AL East: The powerhouse. The Rays continue their streaky play, now winning 5 in a row after going on a losing skid after a winning streak. Streaky, right? Two crucial pitchers are on the DL (Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann) but new sensation Jeremy Hellickson is dazzling so far. I can't see a collapse in the near future. The Yankees, meanwhile, keep on trucking. They are expected to win every night, but when the Rays are on a losing skid, they can't seem to pull away in the division. The Red Sox might as well surrender, there is no way of catching either team. The Orioles are an interesting case. Since Showalter took over the managerial duties, they have played with a new ferocity and passion that was lacking during their trip to the MLB cellar. This team could act as the spoiler to either the Rays or Yankees and cost one team the division.
AL Central: Minnesota has good hitting, but streaky pitching. Mauer and Morneau are bound to produce every night, and if the pitching is good, they will easily win the division. Also, their incredible fan base at Target Field has got to fuel them. Chicago seems to have lost their "thing" that they had during their hot streak. Great pitching will be the only thing that can save them. Detroit can forget about their chances.
AL West: Simply, Texas. In October, the question will be whether they can beat an AL East team. Their regular season record against the AL East says no way, but I have confidence they will rise to the occasion, or at least come close.
The AL pennant will go to the Tampa Bay Rays. They have the most depth, especially at pitcher, although Texas could battle close. The Yankees can, of course, always win a pennant, but the Rays seem destined to make a trip back to the World Series this year.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Must Be Football Season
Brett Favre isn't sure about retiring or not, and the Titans are playing heart-attack football: must be football season.
And, indeed it is football season! The first week of preseason is more than halfway over, and already so many things have happened! Brett Favre has already retired and unretired once, but it isn't Favre making the noise at quarterback for the Vikings. WIth the uncertainty of the ancient quarterback, the Vikings are looking for their starter for this season to replace Favre. Tavaris Jackson started the game against the Rams last night, and proved that he is still just as inept as he was before the Favre era. Meanwhile, Sage Rosenfels lit up the scoreboard for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Still, though, Jackson is the main guy. Now we see why Brett Favre kept Brad Childress' job last year: he has no common sense. Rosenfels has proven himself as a backup for Matt Schaub in Houston, and I know him well. The Titans always seem to knock Schaub out, and Rosenfels time after time seems to light our defense up for all too many yards and touchdowns. If you look at the tape of this guy, he knows what he is doing way more than most backup quarterbacks, and deserves to have a chance to start for the Vikings this year. That is, if the big "if" of Favre not returning actually happens, of course.
Meanwhile, our good ole' Tennessee Titans have picked up right where they ended last season: playing heart-attack football. Even though the preseason is won or lost by the backups, the 20-18 loss was nail-biting. Here is my impression of the Titans team this year:
Vince Young looks sharp. He completed his passes in an impressive fashion, and showed he has matured through the offseason. Chris Johnson seems unchanged. He seems like the same back he was last year, and we will see more from him as the preseason progresses. Our wide receivers look more confident catching the ball. Good passes and good catches by Gage and Washington led to our first scoring drive. Defensively, we rested a lot of veterans, including both corners, starting 2nd year players Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton. McCourty looked very impressive, as he had good coverage on his receiver the few times he was actually picked on. Mouton got burned several times, but did get a gift interception.
As for the backups, I was most impressed with 4th string QB Rusty Smith and WR Marc Mariani. Mariani was the go-to receiver the whole second half and Smith's passes were on target. I was most disappointed with QB Chris Simms. Recently pulled over for driving after smoking pot, he seemed high again on the field. His vision downfield was terrible and he just seemed incapable of completing a pass or doing anything worthwhile.
Stay tuned, as the Brett Favre saga might turn into the next CBS drama, while the Titans might be featured in the next edge-of-your-seat movie!
And, indeed it is football season! The first week of preseason is more than halfway over, and already so many things have happened! Brett Favre has already retired and unretired once, but it isn't Favre making the noise at quarterback for the Vikings. WIth the uncertainty of the ancient quarterback, the Vikings are looking for their starter for this season to replace Favre. Tavaris Jackson started the game against the Rams last night, and proved that he is still just as inept as he was before the Favre era. Meanwhile, Sage Rosenfels lit up the scoreboard for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Still, though, Jackson is the main guy. Now we see why Brett Favre kept Brad Childress' job last year: he has no common sense. Rosenfels has proven himself as a backup for Matt Schaub in Houston, and I know him well. The Titans always seem to knock Schaub out, and Rosenfels time after time seems to light our defense up for all too many yards and touchdowns. If you look at the tape of this guy, he knows what he is doing way more than most backup quarterbacks, and deserves to have a chance to start for the Vikings this year. That is, if the big "if" of Favre not returning actually happens, of course.
Meanwhile, our good ole' Tennessee Titans have picked up right where they ended last season: playing heart-attack football. Even though the preseason is won or lost by the backups, the 20-18 loss was nail-biting. Here is my impression of the Titans team this year:
Vince Young looks sharp. He completed his passes in an impressive fashion, and showed he has matured through the offseason. Chris Johnson seems unchanged. He seems like the same back he was last year, and we will see more from him as the preseason progresses. Our wide receivers look more confident catching the ball. Good passes and good catches by Gage and Washington led to our first scoring drive. Defensively, we rested a lot of veterans, including both corners, starting 2nd year players Jason McCourty and Ryan Mouton. McCourty looked very impressive, as he had good coverage on his receiver the few times he was actually picked on. Mouton got burned several times, but did get a gift interception.
As for the backups, I was most impressed with 4th string QB Rusty Smith and WR Marc Mariani. Mariani was the go-to receiver the whole second half and Smith's passes were on target. I was most disappointed with QB Chris Simms. Recently pulled over for driving after smoking pot, he seemed high again on the field. His vision downfield was terrible and he just seemed incapable of completing a pass or doing anything worthwhile.
Stay tuned, as the Brett Favre saga might turn into the next CBS drama, while the Titans might be featured in the next edge-of-your-seat movie!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
News Drought
I hate when no new sporting news is out. When I watch SportsCenter in the mornings where this is the case, I watch pointless interviews about rumors and speculation. To me, it's quite boring. I watched the show SportsNation the other day on ESPN, and partially due to the complete lack of interesting news, it was the most boring show ever. I watched as they debated over a new rookie in the NFL would make a bigger splash than a new soap opera show. You can surely tell it was utterly fascinating.
Here's a piece of news you probably won't hear about: Carl Pettersson won the RBC Canadian Open today, thanks to a 60 (-10) in the third round. Pettersson is a burly man, and it is good to see someone not as fit winning a championship like this. I tried out for the golf team, and in 100 degree heat index, it is not easy AT ALL to walk 18 holes. Congratulations, Carl.
Pettersson is building momentum for himself by playing most all tournaments, and with his win today earns himself a spot in the PGA Championship this year, along with the Masters next year. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are doing the opposite. By sitting out most tournaments, they are leaving their struggles for the big tournaments. Tiger Woods should be playing every tournament possible to fix his kinky swing. If he thinks he can use the range for preparation for the most difficult tournaments of the year, he is mistaken. It's the same thing with Phil. His struggles might not be so mighty in the majors if he would play more routine tournaments.
So, at the PGA Championship, I'm cheering for a regular on the European or PGA Tour. Forget the pros that forget the small tournaments.
Here's a piece of news you probably won't hear about: Carl Pettersson won the RBC Canadian Open today, thanks to a 60 (-10) in the third round. Pettersson is a burly man, and it is good to see someone not as fit winning a championship like this. I tried out for the golf team, and in 100 degree heat index, it is not easy AT ALL to walk 18 holes. Congratulations, Carl.
Pettersson is building momentum for himself by playing most all tournaments, and with his win today earns himself a spot in the PGA Championship this year, along with the Masters next year. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are doing the opposite. By sitting out most tournaments, they are leaving their struggles for the big tournaments. Tiger Woods should be playing every tournament possible to fix his kinky swing. If he thinks he can use the range for preparation for the most difficult tournaments of the year, he is mistaken. It's the same thing with Phil. His struggles might not be so mighty in the majors if he would play more routine tournaments.
So, at the PGA Championship, I'm cheering for a regular on the European or PGA Tour. Forget the pros that forget the small tournaments.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
British Open Season
Louis Oosthuizen is now in possession of the Clarett Jug, the most famed and sought-after trophy in golf. He finished at -16, seven shots ahead of addicted-to-second-place Lee Westwood. Possibly the game's toughest test, St. Andrews proved to be a brute again this week. Oosthuizen was the only golfer to finish in double digits, as the rest of the field got blown away, literally. The wind, like most times in Open Championship golf, was the "great equalizer" again. However, Oosthuizen handled it like an old pro, which he is ironically not. Here's some insight on Louis.
I first was introduced to Louis Oosthuizen on the European Tour stop at the Qatar Masters early in 2009. He and Alvaro Quiros, the long-hitting Spaniard, were dueling for the lead through the last round, with Quiros prevailing. However, I was impressed with Oosthuizen's game, and I would look for him on the leaderboard from then on. It wasn't hard to find him, as he was in contention of many events when I tuned in to the European Tour. Naturally, when I heard his name in major championships, I would laugh at the commentator's lack of knowledge of who he was. Earlier this year at the Masters, he won the par three competition on Wednesday that I never miss, and I knew that he would break through this year. Turns out I was right, as he won a European tour stop in Spain, and I was not surprised to see him in second after round one of the British Open. In the Open, he took advantage of the first day when the wind did not blow hard, and then followed it up with a great round on a rainy Friday morning. Step one: take advantage of the course when it's possible; check. On Saturday, he played solidly, and increased his margin to four. Also, through the tournament, he was number one in driving accuracy. Step two: put yourself in a spot to win by hitting fairways and greens; check. Finally on Sunday, he played consistently and took advantage of what he could, and otherwise played for par. His consistency and unwavering confidence allowed him to make par when he wanted to. Step three: play like an old pro; check.
These three steps allowed Oosthuizen to win the Open Championship. Interestingly, the first American player was Nick Watney at -6. It makes you think that the European Tour players have the advantage in the British Open because they play constantly in the wind and bad conditions. No matter the case, though, Louis Oosthuizen has many reasons to celebrate his new major championship.
I first was introduced to Louis Oosthuizen on the European Tour stop at the Qatar Masters early in 2009. He and Alvaro Quiros, the long-hitting Spaniard, were dueling for the lead through the last round, with Quiros prevailing. However, I was impressed with Oosthuizen's game, and I would look for him on the leaderboard from then on. It wasn't hard to find him, as he was in contention of many events when I tuned in to the European Tour. Naturally, when I heard his name in major championships, I would laugh at the commentator's lack of knowledge of who he was. Earlier this year at the Masters, he won the par three competition on Wednesday that I never miss, and I knew that he would break through this year. Turns out I was right, as he won a European tour stop in Spain, and I was not surprised to see him in second after round one of the British Open. In the Open, he took advantage of the first day when the wind did not blow hard, and then followed it up with a great round on a rainy Friday morning. Step one: take advantage of the course when it's possible; check. On Saturday, he played solidly, and increased his margin to four. Also, through the tournament, he was number one in driving accuracy. Step two: put yourself in a spot to win by hitting fairways and greens; check. Finally on Sunday, he played consistently and took advantage of what he could, and otherwise played for par. His consistency and unwavering confidence allowed him to make par when he wanted to. Step three: play like an old pro; check.
These three steps allowed Oosthuizen to win the Open Championship. Interestingly, the first American player was Nick Watney at -6. It makes you think that the European Tour players have the advantage in the British Open because they play constantly in the wind and bad conditions. No matter the case, though, Louis Oosthuizen has many reasons to celebrate his new major championship.
Friday, July 9, 2010
An Erie Feeling
Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Browns, and the Cavaliers. Outside of Quicken Loans Arena, home of the Cavaliers, one might have seen a huge Nike poster of Lebron James, the face of the franchise. But that was yesterday. Now you have to travel to South Beach to see anything advertising Lebron, as he is the newest member of the Miami Heat. In a one hour special yesterday, James announced he would join Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade for a superteam in Miami. Later, sources reported that the Heat would be trading Michael Beasley, the former second overall draft pick. As for the new big three, or to celebrate the Spanish flare of Miami, "Los Tres Grandes," they will each sign a smaller contract than anywhere else. This, however, is a small price to pay when a dynasty could be built with these three great players.
Back in Cleveland, though, they have a big poster space to fill. Byron Scott, the newly introduced head coach, insists the team will move on without Lebron, but the owner had some stronger words to say. He openly assaulted Lebron's decision in a letter to Cavaliers fans, saying that he guarantees a championship in Cleveland before Lebron gets his first. He should have looked at his roster first. Their star player now is Shaquille O'Neal, who is way past his best times, and oh by the way, a free agent. So who are they going to win a championship with? Mo Williams? Delonte West? Anderson Varejao? Yeah right.
I think Cleveland fans forgot that the professional sports leagues are a business now, and Lebron's situation was no different. Even if Lebron wanted to stay, he had no incentive. He wanted to win a championship (how can you blame him) and it was proven in his seven year time with Cleveland that it could not and would not be done. Cleveland fans have no right to feel betrayed. I had a conversation with friend and former Ohio native Marie Alford about the situation, and she agrees with me. "[SportsCenter] says Lebron has now become the second most hated man in Cleveland, next to Art Modell of course, but I just don't think that should be said. if Cleveland fans really cared, they would know what's best for him, not make him feel unwelcome in his own city." It is time for Cleveland fans to be mature and move on.
Back in Cleveland, though, they have a big poster space to fill. Byron Scott, the newly introduced head coach, insists the team will move on without Lebron, but the owner had some stronger words to say. He openly assaulted Lebron's decision in a letter to Cavaliers fans, saying that he guarantees a championship in Cleveland before Lebron gets his first. He should have looked at his roster first. Their star player now is Shaquille O'Neal, who is way past his best times, and oh by the way, a free agent. So who are they going to win a championship with? Mo Williams? Delonte West? Anderson Varejao? Yeah right.
I think Cleveland fans forgot that the professional sports leagues are a business now, and Lebron's situation was no different. Even if Lebron wanted to stay, he had no incentive. He wanted to win a championship (how can you blame him) and it was proven in his seven year time with Cleveland that it could not and would not be done. Cleveland fans have no right to feel betrayed. I had a conversation with friend and former Ohio native Marie Alford about the situation, and she agrees with me. "[SportsCenter] says Lebron has now become the second most hated man in Cleveland, next to Art Modell of course, but I just don't think that should be said. if Cleveland fans really cared, they would know what's best for him, not make him feel unwelcome in his own city." It is time for Cleveland fans to be mature and move on.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Courting the King
The Summer of 2010 has turned into the Summer of the Free Agents. Hyped to be possibly the best free agent market in history in the NBA, it has lived up to nothing less. Free agents like Dirk Novitzki, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce, Dwyane Wade, and of course LeBron James draw lines of teams outside each one's door. Here is my take on the topic I most want gone:
LeBron James is good, and I have said all along that he needs a supporting cast. Why didn't anyone else see the possibility of he and Dirk Novitzki playing together? Dirk has been said to be the best "number two" guy, and LeBron is the best number one out there. Sounds like a no-brainer to me! If I can see something like that, it's a wonder why every single person getting payed to see it doesn't. Next, in the "courting" of James, I think everyone but the Cavaliers did a good job. The Cavs did what those Scottrade commercials portray: they joked around and said "Hey! It's us! You've been with us for your whole career. Sure the other teams actually have made moves to help you win championships, but come on, we go back!" If I was LeBron, I would be saying, "What have you done for me? Where are my championships? And what WILL you do for me?" Answer: they have made you lead a crap team, you have no championships, and they have not made a SINGLE move to get any supporting players. If he stays with Cleveland, he will move from best player to biggest free agent idiot. Miami is his best option, joining Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade on a team that will surely win championships. Chicago, with Carlos Boozer and the existing talent that led them to the playoffs this year, would be my second choice, and New York and Amare Stoudemire third.
Meanwhile, outside of LeBron's mighty decision, the free agency has been a bust. Everyone was waiting for LeBron to make their move based off of him, and most decided not to wait any longer. Paul Pierce, Dirk Novitzki and Joe Johnson highlighted the list of star players who just decided to stay put and try try again with their current teams. As for the other new team signees, well, they were overshadowed by the crown of the king.
LeBron James is good, and I have said all along that he needs a supporting cast. Why didn't anyone else see the possibility of he and Dirk Novitzki playing together? Dirk has been said to be the best "number two" guy, and LeBron is the best number one out there. Sounds like a no-brainer to me! If I can see something like that, it's a wonder why every single person getting payed to see it doesn't. Next, in the "courting" of James, I think everyone but the Cavaliers did a good job. The Cavs did what those Scottrade commercials portray: they joked around and said "Hey! It's us! You've been with us for your whole career. Sure the other teams actually have made moves to help you win championships, but come on, we go back!" If I was LeBron, I would be saying, "What have you done for me? Where are my championships? And what WILL you do for me?" Answer: they have made you lead a crap team, you have no championships, and they have not made a SINGLE move to get any supporting players. If he stays with Cleveland, he will move from best player to biggest free agent idiot. Miami is his best option, joining Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade on a team that will surely win championships. Chicago, with Carlos Boozer and the existing talent that led them to the playoffs this year, would be my second choice, and New York and Amare Stoudemire third.
Meanwhile, outside of LeBron's mighty decision, the free agency has been a bust. Everyone was waiting for LeBron to make their move based off of him, and most decided not to wait any longer. Paul Pierce, Dirk Novitzki and Joe Johnson highlighted the list of star players who just decided to stay put and try try again with their current teams. As for the other new team signees, well, they were overshadowed by the crown of the king.
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