The first round is over and for the most part things went as expected. The top two seeds, the Lakers and the Cavaliers, cleared early hurdles. The Lakers were tested by the young Oklahoma City Thunder and they should be a serious threat in the coming years as they get better. The Bulls; mostly Joakim Noah, did more talking then winning. The Magic made the Bobcats look like the farthest thing from a playoff team while the Celtics surprised many doubters easily disposing of the Heat. The Hawks were tested by the Bucks before overcoming a 3-2 deficit to win in 7. The Jazz wore down an unfocused and tired Nuggets team while the Suns were tested early by the Trailblazers before they blew them away. In probably the biggest shocker thus far, the #7 seed Spurs knocked off the #2 Mavericks. The two have had a detailed history and once again the Spurs got the better of the Mavericks. With the first round behind us, it is time to see which four teams will move on to battle for the conference titles. Overall, I went 7-1 to start the playoffs.
Eastern Conference Semis
1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs 4) Boston Celtics: The King vs the Core 4. Last year, Kevin Garnett was not healthy and it hindered the Celtics in the playoffs. Both teams had little trouble with their last opponents. The Celtics defense played against one of the best players in Dwayne Wade last series and Lebron James will create similar problems. As is the case in most playoff series for the Cavaliers, they will need a team effort to win 4 games. Lebron is capable of taking over a game and could do that in a couple. If the Celtics' defense is at its best, this series could be long and interest. A month ago this looked like a cakewalk for the Cavaliers, but the Celtics look dangerous again. This will be physical and the wildcard might be Rajon Rondo as he has improved each year and could give the Cavaliers' defense problems. They split the season series and could be an indication of how the series might go. PREDICTION: CAVALIERS IN 6
2) Orlando Magic vs 3) Atlanta Hawks: The Magic looked like the best team after the first round as they had little trouble sweeping the Bobcats while the Hawks were the only to have to go seven games. The combination of the two might be good for the Magic and bad for the Hawks. Dwight Howard looks close to unstoppable and the rhythm of the offense is gelling at the right time. The Hawks are better than last year, but still lack the killer instinct and the ability to close games. If they fall down by a lot early in any game, it will probably be end of story for them. Jamal Crawford's play might be the wildcard and help the Hawks make a run. The Magic won the season series 3-1. PREDICTION: MAGIC IN 4
Western Conference Semis
1) Los Angeles Lakers vs 5) Utah Jazz: The Lakers got a scare from the Thunder, but that might help them in this series as to what they need to do against a tough Jazz team. The Jazz, however, were the better of the two injured teams in their last series. They are down a couple important players including Andrei Kirilenko. The outside shooting of Deron Williams can keep them in games, but Kobe Bryant is on a mission. As long as he gets a couple good games from Lamar Odom and Ron Artest and if Andrew Bynum is healthy enough; it should be enough. The Lakers won the season series 3-1. If the Jazz can take one of the first two, then it has the potential to go longer, but I don't see it happening. PREDICTION: LAKERS IN 5
3) Phoenix Suns vs 7) San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs knocked the Suns out of the postseason twice a few years back. That will be in the back of the minds of all the players. The Suns' offense is clicking and after the whole trade fiasco business Amari Stoudemire has been a beast. Both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginoboli has been banged up and aren't at their best. If Richard Jefferson can contribute and they some play from an also banged up and injured Tony Parker, they might have enough to keep the drive alive. The Suns won the season series 2-1. The Spurs are usually a tough out and that will be the case here. Steve Nash's play should dictate a lot of this series. PREDICTION: SUNS IN 6
After a few mismatches in the first round, we have generally some better matchups, but we might still get a sweep or two in this round. Cavaliers, Magic, Lakers, and Suns seem like the best four, but both the Celtics and Spurs have those veterans and they can do some crazy things come playoff time. Either way, I am looking forward to some more good basketball.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
NHL Playoffs...Great Eight
As I sort of expected, there were a few series that gave us a little more than we expected. Most notably was the best team in the East and possibly the whole NHL, the Washington Capitals, were dropped by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round. The East playoffs in general were very much the parody as 3 lower seeds advanced to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals while most of the top seeds out West advanced. Overall, my predictions stranded me at 6-2. Not too bad considering some of the surprising results as all series went at least six games.
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
4 Pittsburgh Penguins v 8 Montreal Canadiens: Jaroslav Halek shut down one of the best players and possibly the best team in the league this year. They stole the first game before falling into a 3-1 hole, but Halek carried them as they scored enough and shut down the Caps offense to force a Game 7, which they won. The Penguins jumped out to a 3-1 lead and the Senators pushed them to the edge and it took overtime in Game 6 for them to put away Ottawa. With all in mind, the Canadiens are capable of doing the same thing they did to Ovechekin to Crosby. The Penguins are playoff tested and won the Cup last year and was runner up two years ago. That might be enough for them to outlast a stubborn Montreal team. PICK: PENGUINS (in 6)
6 Boston Bruins v 7 Philadelphia Flyers: As I expected, the Bruins and Sabres played a close series despite the fact that the Bruins jumped out to a 3-1 series lead before finishing off the Sabres in six. The Flyers not only beat a healthier and arguably better team in the Devils, but they blanked them in the close out game and beat them in five. Philadelphia had question at goalie especially going against Brodeur for the Devils. They also were never fully manned throughout the series, but used power plays and grit to win and move on. Both teams display similar tenacity and if Philadelphia can manage their banged up players enough and continue to get good goal play, they might have a shot. I just think that Boston will have too much as the Flyers were lucky to get this far. PICK: BRUINS (in 5 or 6)
Western Conference Semi-Finals
1 San Jose Sharks v 5 Detroit Red Wings: The Sharks were tested the Avalanche as they fell down 2-1 before taking three in a row including two impressive wins to close the series. That early test will certainly get them ready for a team that will definitely test in the Red Wings. The Sharks have had trouble getting to the Conference Finals and Detroit will not be an easy hurdle to get over. The Red Wings might not have been the better team in their first series, but they had enough experience and closed out the series after letting go seven with a dominant performance. I expect both teams to push each other to the brink and we can see the Red Wings push a better Sharks team. But this year the Sharks finally get to the Conference Finals. PICK: SHARKS (in 6 or 7)
2 Chicago Blackhawks v 3 Vancouver Canucks: These two met last year with the Blackhawks besting the Canucks. The Predators made the Blackhawks work as they had to fight to stay even in the series and needed overtime in Game 5 before using Game 6 to show their dominance and put away a lesser team. The Canucks also come into this series having had a battle with the Kings as they forced Vancouver's all. The Canucks destroyed the Kings in Game 5 before a clutch last period in Game 6 sealed the deal. This one has the makings of possibly a long series between a gritty Canucks team, but Chicago has a special group that is similar to Detroit teams during the championship runs. PICK: BLACKHAWKS (in 6)
The first round provided overtime thrillers and underdogs winning and pushing other teams to their brink. I expect these games to be even better as I don't see any sweeps and a couple that could go 7. Let the Conference Semis begin!
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
4 Pittsburgh Penguins v 8 Montreal Canadiens: Jaroslav Halek shut down one of the best players and possibly the best team in the league this year. They stole the first game before falling into a 3-1 hole, but Halek carried them as they scored enough and shut down the Caps offense to force a Game 7, which they won. The Penguins jumped out to a 3-1 lead and the Senators pushed them to the edge and it took overtime in Game 6 for them to put away Ottawa. With all in mind, the Canadiens are capable of doing the same thing they did to Ovechekin to Crosby. The Penguins are playoff tested and won the Cup last year and was runner up two years ago. That might be enough for them to outlast a stubborn Montreal team. PICK: PENGUINS (in 6)
6 Boston Bruins v 7 Philadelphia Flyers: As I expected, the Bruins and Sabres played a close series despite the fact that the Bruins jumped out to a 3-1 series lead before finishing off the Sabres in six. The Flyers not only beat a healthier and arguably better team in the Devils, but they blanked them in the close out game and beat them in five. Philadelphia had question at goalie especially going against Brodeur for the Devils. They also were never fully manned throughout the series, but used power plays and grit to win and move on. Both teams display similar tenacity and if Philadelphia can manage their banged up players enough and continue to get good goal play, they might have a shot. I just think that Boston will have too much as the Flyers were lucky to get this far. PICK: BRUINS (in 5 or 6)
Western Conference Semi-Finals
1 San Jose Sharks v 5 Detroit Red Wings: The Sharks were tested the Avalanche as they fell down 2-1 before taking three in a row including two impressive wins to close the series. That early test will certainly get them ready for a team that will definitely test in the Red Wings. The Sharks have had trouble getting to the Conference Finals and Detroit will not be an easy hurdle to get over. The Red Wings might not have been the better team in their first series, but they had enough experience and closed out the series after letting go seven with a dominant performance. I expect both teams to push each other to the brink and we can see the Red Wings push a better Sharks team. But this year the Sharks finally get to the Conference Finals. PICK: SHARKS (in 6 or 7)
2 Chicago Blackhawks v 3 Vancouver Canucks: These two met last year with the Blackhawks besting the Canucks. The Predators made the Blackhawks work as they had to fight to stay even in the series and needed overtime in Game 5 before using Game 6 to show their dominance and put away a lesser team. The Canucks also come into this series having had a battle with the Kings as they forced Vancouver's all. The Canucks destroyed the Kings in Game 5 before a clutch last period in Game 6 sealed the deal. This one has the makings of possibly a long series between a gritty Canucks team, but Chicago has a special group that is similar to Detroit teams during the championship runs. PICK: BLACKHAWKS (in 6)
The first round provided overtime thrillers and underdogs winning and pushing other teams to their brink. I expect these games to be even better as I don't see any sweeps and a couple that could go 7. Let the Conference Semis begin!
Monday, April 26, 2010
NFL Draft Breakdown
The draft has come and gone and now it is time to see which teams made smart moves and which teams might have taken gambles that may or may not pay off. The anticipation was high again this year especially with the draft debuting in primetime. The top quarterback and a pair defensive tackles led off the draft as expected and it ended with the Detroit Lions selecting a wide receiver as the last pick. Obviously some teams had good drafts and other had okay to poor drafts. Time to break down each team and how they fared this past weekend.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals: They took DT Dan Williams with their first pick and he will slide in perfectly in the middle of their defensive line and give them a big body to slow down runners like Steven Jackson and Frank Gore in their division. They also picked up a linebacker and wide receiver with their next two picks and fill a couple holes there. Taking QB John Skelton was also a nice pickup with the departure of QB Kurt Warner. GRADE: B+
San Francisco 49ers: They had two first round picks and used them perfectly. They needed to fix their offensive line to give QB Alex Smith more protection and HB Frank Gore more room to gash up and down the field. They took OT Anthony Davis with one pick and OG Mike Iupati with the other pick. Both can plug in now and be difference makers. Speaking of which, they took S Taylor Mays, who fell due to some on and off the field issues. If you plays up to his capability, he is a hard hitting safety who is can also at times be a pass defender. They made a couple other filler picks to give depth to various areas. For a team on the rise, they had a great few days. GRADE: A
Seattle Seahawks: They have a new coach and a new regime is starting to take shape. And they were armed with two first round picks that hit home runs with. They took OT Russell Okung to replace retiring OT Walter Jones. Okung can be a similar player for them for a dozen years. They then took S Earl Thomas who upgrades their secondary greatly. And added WR Golden Tate to fix their receiving corps problem. In his first draft back in the NFL, Pete Carroll made big moves to put his team in position to be competitive again. He made a couple trades as well. GRADE: A+
St. Louis Rams
After speculation of what they would do with the top pick, they went with QB Sam Bradford in hopes that he will become their franchise quarterback. He looks like he is healthy or on the road to being as good as he ever was. They then took OT Roger Saffold to be a key blocker for Bradford and solve some of their offensive line woes and took WR Mardy Gilyard to solve their lack of a receiving corps. They didn't address their defense enough, but they did upgrade their offensive and that should do enough to improve the team next year. GRADE: B
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears: The Jay Cutler trade forced the Bears to have to wait until the 3rd Round to make their first pick. With that pick, they took S Major Wright. Wright is a nice pick in terms of their need at that position. They took hometown boy QB Dan LeFevour later in the draft and he could compete to back up Cutler. They were certainly limited with picks and thus didn't have a fantastic draft. GRADE: C
Detroit Lions: They got their franchise quarterback last year with Matthew Staffold and were in one of the best spots this year as they were guaranteed one of the excellent defensive tackles. They hit the jackpot as both were available at #2 and they took Ndamukong Suh, who will be a versatile big body for them for many years and fixes their defense to some degree. They traded to get back in the first round for HB Jahvid Best, who can be a dual threat in their offense. They can take another step towards competing next year based on these picks. GRADE: B+
Green Bay Packers: They made a few nice picks beginning with their first choice, OT Bryan Bulaga. He can give them depth at the position and be a successor to one of the two tackles. They got a couple bodies for their defense, but no one that has starter potential. They missed filling a couple holes. GRADE: C+
Minnesota Vikings: They traded out of the first round, but that didn't prevent them from making a few big picks. They got CB Chris Cook and HB Toby Gerhart in the 2nd Round. Cook can be a key player in the defensive back field and Gerhart will replace Chester Taylor as a run/pass threat and someone to give Adrian Peterson some reps off. A bit of a draft steal was DE Everson Griffen in the 4th Round as he could have gone anywhere from late 1st to 2nd Round. He gives them another passing rushing threat on their line. GRADE: B+
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys: Not wanting to let another big play receiver slip away from them, they traded up to grab WR Dez Bryant who fell to the latter part of the first round. His ability was top 10 in this draft, but question marks around him led to his drop. He has number 1 receiver capability and will certainly give Tony Romo another big play receiver to team with Miles Austin and pick up Roy Williams' slack. They took LB Sean Lee and he will boost their linebacker corps. He can do a lot of things and make their defense that was deadly last December even better. That added a couple good backups as well. GRADE: B+
New York Giants: Not surprisingly they took a few defensive players to start off their draft this year with DE Jason Pierre-Paul as their first pick. He is a speedy and strong defensive end that can give them continual depth there. They also got DT Linval Joseph to add to that defensive line, which was their strength when they had a top defense. GRADE: B
Philadelphia Eagles: Once again this year, Andy Reid piled up a lot of draft picks in order to give his team a lot of options and potential for depth. They took LB Brandon Graham with their first pick and he can be a DeMarcus Ware/Terrell Suggs type of player in that blitzing defense. They took QB Mike Kafka, which allows them to have an additional quarterback option with the departure of Donovan McNabb and WR Riley Cooper can be another receiving option who was a key player for QB Tim Tebow at Florida. GRADE: B
Washington Redskins: They did not make too great picks outside of their top pick, OT Trent Williams. But they usually don't enter the draft with too many picks and the same was the case this year. Williams gives them a stable force on that offensive line for Donovan McNabb. GRADE: C+
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons: They took LB Sean Weatherspoon with their first pick and gives them a good player in the linebacker corps who at times had weaknesses last year. They didn't really address too many other need areas and had an okay draft. GRADE: C
Carolina Panthers: They didn't have a pick to midway through the 2nd Round, but QB Jimmy Clausen fell into their lap. He had 1st Round talent and gives the Panthers a franchise quality quarterback. They took another quarterback, Tony Pike, later in the draft to give them solid depth at the position. They also picked up defensive players and a couple good receivers including Brandon LaFell. Not bad considering. GRADE: B
New Orleans Saints: Drafting after a Super Bowl victory usually means you might not give the best players. They did well to add depth at CB and OT with a couple picks, but didn't really address some holes they might have had during a "super" year. GRADE: C+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They needed to upgrade their defensive line and did so with their first two picks. They got DTs Gerald McCoy and Brian Price with their first two picks. Both will start right away and McCoy has a Warren Sapp like capability for this team. They also addressed the wide receiving position with two solid pick ups. They picked up a few more players for their defense and look to be a more competitive team. GRADE: B+
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos: They needed to replace WR Brandon Marshall and did so with their first pick with drafting WR Demaryius Thomas. They passed on Dez Bryant in favor of a more team first guy despite Bryant being the better player. Then they drafted QB Tim Tebow a few picks later, which surprised many as a couple other quarterbacks were available. A couple other decent picks. Time will tell if Tebow works out better than some might think. GRADE: B
Kansas City Chiefs: They got S Eric Berry with their first pick. He was possibly the best available player this year and puts another good piece on their young defense. They added HB Dexter McCluster who can be a running back or a returner for the Chiefs. A couple other good pickups for needed areas including CB Javier Arenas who can help their secondary. GRADE: B+
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders had a pretty good draft this year as they took LB Rolando McClain with their top pick and he will be an instant playmaker for their defense. They also picked up DT Lamarr Houston to give them another piece to an improving defense. OT Bruce Campbell fell to the 4th Round where the Raiders took him. He could have gone higher, but there are a lot of questions around his talent and he fits the mold of the Raiders' draft strategy in recent years. GRADE: B
San Diego Chargers: They moved up to grab HB Ryan Mathews to fill the hole left by LaDanian Tomlinson. He can be a similar player for them. They got a few other guys to add depth and improve need areas. GRADE: B
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens: They traded out of the 1st Round, but got two guys in the 2nd that have 1st Round talent. LB Sergio Kindle and DT Terrence Cody are immediate impact players for them. Kindle can learn from Ray Lewis and Cody gives them another big body in the middle of their defensive line. They got a couple tight ends to give them more depth and extra options for QB Joe Flacco. GRADE: B+
Cincinnati Bengals: They took a few guys with their first few picks who have big upside if they play up to their ability and make minor improvements. Between TE Jermaine Gresham, DE Carlos Dunlap, and WR Jordan Shipley. They gain two weapons for their offense and a potential playmaker for their improved defense if he stays out of trouble. They had a couple other good picks to improve certain areas. GRADE: B+
Cleveland Browns: They upgraded their secondary with CB Joe Haden and S T.J. Ward. Both very good players. They lucked out with QB Colt McCoy slipping into the 3rd Round and they grabbed him up and will be their starter of the future. They also got HB Montario Hardestry, who has some good upside and could be plugged into their backfield and make an impact. GRADE: B+
Pittsburgh Steelers: They didn't make any rash decisions despite problems at QB and WR going into the draft. They picked up their type of guys throughout the draft including C Maurkice Pouncey with their first pick and will be versatile and crucial to their offensive line that was starting to looked banged up last year. GRADE: C+
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills: They got themselves a big time playmaker in HB C.J. Spiller, who can be a rusher and returner for them. Outside of that, they didn't get too many quality guys, but added some depth. GRADE: C+
Miami Dolphins: They addressed their defense with getting DT Jared Odrick and DE Koa Misi. Both can be important role players in their defense. They added a few more guys for depth, but no one special. GRADE: B
New England Patriots: They enjoy the draft and acquired the most picks and used them fairly wisely. They got CB Devin McCourty with their first pick and he will be an impact player in their defensive backfield. They got a couple of good tight ends and also picked up LB Brandon Spikes who can do some damage for them. GRADE: B+
New York Jets: They didn't have many picks, but used them very wisely. They got CB Kyle Wilson, who could have went earlier than the late 1st Round. OT Vlad Ducasse can be a big player on their offensive line that was one of the best last year. They got a couple of running backs to round out of their draft. GRADE: B
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans: The Texans addressed holes at CB and HB with their first two picks getting CB Kareem Jackson and HB Ben Tate. Both will help improve both areas. WR Trindon Holliday was a good late pickup to be a special teams ace. GRADE: B
Indianapolis Colts: Grabbing DE Jerry Hughes at the end of the 1st Round was an ideal pickup as he fits their undersized defense that can go full speed ahead with a high motor. They picked and chose a few other good players. GRADE: B
Jacksonville Jaguars: They upgraded their defensive line. They reached a bit with getting DT Tyson Alualu in the top ten of the draft. He is a very good player, but not that as good as he was picked. They had an okay draft overall. GRADE: C+
Tennessee Titans: Getting DE Derrick Morgan will improve their defensive line that took a step back without DT Albert Haynesworth. They picked WR Damian Williams next and will be a nice receiver for QB Vince Young. They drafted S Myron Rolle late in the draft and he adds character and good enough play for their backfield and team. GRADE: B
The draft had its moves and big picks. Some surprises and a lot of drama at times. The Seahawks and 49ers had the two best drafts with a few teams also have very solid drafts. There are a few early candidates for rookies of the year and time will tell how some gambles might pay off. And we also will see a few franchise players starting their all pro careers this fall.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals: They took DT Dan Williams with their first pick and he will slide in perfectly in the middle of their defensive line and give them a big body to slow down runners like Steven Jackson and Frank Gore in their division. They also picked up a linebacker and wide receiver with their next two picks and fill a couple holes there. Taking QB John Skelton was also a nice pickup with the departure of QB Kurt Warner. GRADE: B+
San Francisco 49ers: They had two first round picks and used them perfectly. They needed to fix their offensive line to give QB Alex Smith more protection and HB Frank Gore more room to gash up and down the field. They took OT Anthony Davis with one pick and OG Mike Iupati with the other pick. Both can plug in now and be difference makers. Speaking of which, they took S Taylor Mays, who fell due to some on and off the field issues. If you plays up to his capability, he is a hard hitting safety who is can also at times be a pass defender. They made a couple other filler picks to give depth to various areas. For a team on the rise, they had a great few days. GRADE: A
Seattle Seahawks: They have a new coach and a new regime is starting to take shape. And they were armed with two first round picks that hit home runs with. They took OT Russell Okung to replace retiring OT Walter Jones. Okung can be a similar player for them for a dozen years. They then took S Earl Thomas who upgrades their secondary greatly. And added WR Golden Tate to fix their receiving corps problem. In his first draft back in the NFL, Pete Carroll made big moves to put his team in position to be competitive again. He made a couple trades as well. GRADE: A+
St. Louis Rams
After speculation of what they would do with the top pick, they went with QB Sam Bradford in hopes that he will become their franchise quarterback. He looks like he is healthy or on the road to being as good as he ever was. They then took OT Roger Saffold to be a key blocker for Bradford and solve some of their offensive line woes and took WR Mardy Gilyard to solve their lack of a receiving corps. They didn't address their defense enough, but they did upgrade their offensive and that should do enough to improve the team next year. GRADE: B
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears: The Jay Cutler trade forced the Bears to have to wait until the 3rd Round to make their first pick. With that pick, they took S Major Wright. Wright is a nice pick in terms of their need at that position. They took hometown boy QB Dan LeFevour later in the draft and he could compete to back up Cutler. They were certainly limited with picks and thus didn't have a fantastic draft. GRADE: C
Detroit Lions: They got their franchise quarterback last year with Matthew Staffold and were in one of the best spots this year as they were guaranteed one of the excellent defensive tackles. They hit the jackpot as both were available at #2 and they took Ndamukong Suh, who will be a versatile big body for them for many years and fixes their defense to some degree. They traded to get back in the first round for HB Jahvid Best, who can be a dual threat in their offense. They can take another step towards competing next year based on these picks. GRADE: B+
Green Bay Packers: They made a few nice picks beginning with their first choice, OT Bryan Bulaga. He can give them depth at the position and be a successor to one of the two tackles. They got a couple bodies for their defense, but no one that has starter potential. They missed filling a couple holes. GRADE: C+
Minnesota Vikings: They traded out of the first round, but that didn't prevent them from making a few big picks. They got CB Chris Cook and HB Toby Gerhart in the 2nd Round. Cook can be a key player in the defensive back field and Gerhart will replace Chester Taylor as a run/pass threat and someone to give Adrian Peterson some reps off. A bit of a draft steal was DE Everson Griffen in the 4th Round as he could have gone anywhere from late 1st to 2nd Round. He gives them another passing rushing threat on their line. GRADE: B+
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys: Not wanting to let another big play receiver slip away from them, they traded up to grab WR Dez Bryant who fell to the latter part of the first round. His ability was top 10 in this draft, but question marks around him led to his drop. He has number 1 receiver capability and will certainly give Tony Romo another big play receiver to team with Miles Austin and pick up Roy Williams' slack. They took LB Sean Lee and he will boost their linebacker corps. He can do a lot of things and make their defense that was deadly last December even better. That added a couple good backups as well. GRADE: B+
New York Giants: Not surprisingly they took a few defensive players to start off their draft this year with DE Jason Pierre-Paul as their first pick. He is a speedy and strong defensive end that can give them continual depth there. They also got DT Linval Joseph to add to that defensive line, which was their strength when they had a top defense. GRADE: B
Philadelphia Eagles: Once again this year, Andy Reid piled up a lot of draft picks in order to give his team a lot of options and potential for depth. They took LB Brandon Graham with their first pick and he can be a DeMarcus Ware/Terrell Suggs type of player in that blitzing defense. They took QB Mike Kafka, which allows them to have an additional quarterback option with the departure of Donovan McNabb and WR Riley Cooper can be another receiving option who was a key player for QB Tim Tebow at Florida. GRADE: B
Washington Redskins: They did not make too great picks outside of their top pick, OT Trent Williams. But they usually don't enter the draft with too many picks and the same was the case this year. Williams gives them a stable force on that offensive line for Donovan McNabb. GRADE: C+
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons: They took LB Sean Weatherspoon with their first pick and gives them a good player in the linebacker corps who at times had weaknesses last year. They didn't really address too many other need areas and had an okay draft. GRADE: C
Carolina Panthers: They didn't have a pick to midway through the 2nd Round, but QB Jimmy Clausen fell into their lap. He had 1st Round talent and gives the Panthers a franchise quality quarterback. They took another quarterback, Tony Pike, later in the draft to give them solid depth at the position. They also picked up defensive players and a couple good receivers including Brandon LaFell. Not bad considering. GRADE: B
New Orleans Saints: Drafting after a Super Bowl victory usually means you might not give the best players. They did well to add depth at CB and OT with a couple picks, but didn't really address some holes they might have had during a "super" year. GRADE: C+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They needed to upgrade their defensive line and did so with their first two picks. They got DTs Gerald McCoy and Brian Price with their first two picks. Both will start right away and McCoy has a Warren Sapp like capability for this team. They also addressed the wide receiving position with two solid pick ups. They picked up a few more players for their defense and look to be a more competitive team. GRADE: B+
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos: They needed to replace WR Brandon Marshall and did so with their first pick with drafting WR Demaryius Thomas. They passed on Dez Bryant in favor of a more team first guy despite Bryant being the better player. Then they drafted QB Tim Tebow a few picks later, which surprised many as a couple other quarterbacks were available. A couple other decent picks. Time will tell if Tebow works out better than some might think. GRADE: B
Kansas City Chiefs: They got S Eric Berry with their first pick. He was possibly the best available player this year and puts another good piece on their young defense. They added HB Dexter McCluster who can be a running back or a returner for the Chiefs. A couple other good pickups for needed areas including CB Javier Arenas who can help their secondary. GRADE: B+
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders had a pretty good draft this year as they took LB Rolando McClain with their top pick and he will be an instant playmaker for their defense. They also picked up DT Lamarr Houston to give them another piece to an improving defense. OT Bruce Campbell fell to the 4th Round where the Raiders took him. He could have gone higher, but there are a lot of questions around his talent and he fits the mold of the Raiders' draft strategy in recent years. GRADE: B
San Diego Chargers: They moved up to grab HB Ryan Mathews to fill the hole left by LaDanian Tomlinson. He can be a similar player for them. They got a few other guys to add depth and improve need areas. GRADE: B
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens: They traded out of the 1st Round, but got two guys in the 2nd that have 1st Round talent. LB Sergio Kindle and DT Terrence Cody are immediate impact players for them. Kindle can learn from Ray Lewis and Cody gives them another big body in the middle of their defensive line. They got a couple tight ends to give them more depth and extra options for QB Joe Flacco. GRADE: B+
Cincinnati Bengals: They took a few guys with their first few picks who have big upside if they play up to their ability and make minor improvements. Between TE Jermaine Gresham, DE Carlos Dunlap, and WR Jordan Shipley. They gain two weapons for their offense and a potential playmaker for their improved defense if he stays out of trouble. They had a couple other good picks to improve certain areas. GRADE: B+
Cleveland Browns: They upgraded their secondary with CB Joe Haden and S T.J. Ward. Both very good players. They lucked out with QB Colt McCoy slipping into the 3rd Round and they grabbed him up and will be their starter of the future. They also got HB Montario Hardestry, who has some good upside and could be plugged into their backfield and make an impact. GRADE: B+
Pittsburgh Steelers: They didn't make any rash decisions despite problems at QB and WR going into the draft. They picked up their type of guys throughout the draft including C Maurkice Pouncey with their first pick and will be versatile and crucial to their offensive line that was starting to looked banged up last year. GRADE: C+
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills: They got themselves a big time playmaker in HB C.J. Spiller, who can be a rusher and returner for them. Outside of that, they didn't get too many quality guys, but added some depth. GRADE: C+
Miami Dolphins: They addressed their defense with getting DT Jared Odrick and DE Koa Misi. Both can be important role players in their defense. They added a few more guys for depth, but no one special. GRADE: B
New England Patriots: They enjoy the draft and acquired the most picks and used them fairly wisely. They got CB Devin McCourty with their first pick and he will be an impact player in their defensive backfield. They got a couple of good tight ends and also picked up LB Brandon Spikes who can do some damage for them. GRADE: B+
New York Jets: They didn't have many picks, but used them very wisely. They got CB Kyle Wilson, who could have went earlier than the late 1st Round. OT Vlad Ducasse can be a big player on their offensive line that was one of the best last year. They got a couple of running backs to round out of their draft. GRADE: B
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans: The Texans addressed holes at CB and HB with their first two picks getting CB Kareem Jackson and HB Ben Tate. Both will help improve both areas. WR Trindon Holliday was a good late pickup to be a special teams ace. GRADE: B
Indianapolis Colts: Grabbing DE Jerry Hughes at the end of the 1st Round was an ideal pickup as he fits their undersized defense that can go full speed ahead with a high motor. They picked and chose a few other good players. GRADE: B
Jacksonville Jaguars: They upgraded their defensive line. They reached a bit with getting DT Tyson Alualu in the top ten of the draft. He is a very good player, but not that as good as he was picked. They had an okay draft overall. GRADE: C+
Tennessee Titans: Getting DE Derrick Morgan will improve their defensive line that took a step back without DT Albert Haynesworth. They picked WR Damian Williams next and will be a nice receiver for QB Vince Young. They drafted S Myron Rolle late in the draft and he adds character and good enough play for their backfield and team. GRADE: B
The draft had its moves and big picks. Some surprises and a lot of drama at times. The Seahawks and 49ers had the two best drafts with a few teams also have very solid drafts. There are a few early candidates for rookies of the year and time will tell how some gambles might pay off. And we also will see a few franchise players starting their all pro careers this fall.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A Lack of Reading and History
There are two things that I enjoy very much: reading and history. I came across an article in the Washington Post by Kathleen Parker. In her piece, she brings up the recent headline regarding George Washington's unreturned library books from 1789. She goes on to mention the current project to give our first U.S. President a presidential library. I have had the personal pleasure to visit every presidential library from Herbert Hoover to George H.W. Bush. Each is special in its own way and acts as a vault for those presidents' administrations and lives to some degree. The idea of the presidential library was only spawned in the wake of a growing technical and advanced nation. Tapes, recordings, and papers were thought to be saved and each new library seems to put even more information from a president's administration in their archives. For the 200th anniversary of his birth in 2009, Springfield, Illinois opened up a library dedicated to Abraham Lincoln. Now, it seems that another one of our most distinguished former leaders will have a library in his honor stocked with books and other important documents and artifacts.
However, that was not the main purpose of the piece for Parker. She would go on to lay out the lack of learning history and depth of reading among generations today compared to individuals during Washington's time. My opinion might be slightly bias considering my passion and interest for history as well as reading; mostly history. She highlights a problem that I observe with television shows and people I come across. Reading is not very popular my those who fit in my generation and slightly younger. Moreover, a similar crowd lacks an cursory interest in history. Unless you go onto to study history in college, you get bits of pieces here and there in grammar and high school. I consistently see polls and surveys that show that large numbers struggle with answering questions about history. Most are usually fairly easy and basis; even for a non-history nerd.
More people are concerned about voting for the next American Idol then the next President of the United States. People chose trashy magazines over a book or newspaper. Instead of watching the news or a political/news show on cable; they chose to watch a reality show or something that would fall under "mindless entertainment". This problem with lack of knowledge crosses generations from young adults to grown adults.
I, too, enjoy that "mindless entertainment" and could name a lot of random facts and figures, but can also turn around and tell you about a significant event in history or a major political event right now. That is not meant to be tooting my own horn or anything, but more of an example that you can learn and know about a variety of things. Parker's article is a nice reminder that there are those in the journalism profession who still care about books and history. Washington's negligence with his books reminded her and could remind us all that Washington was at least reading something. That is unfortunately not the trend these days with video games and the Internet.
I leave you with the link to her article as well as a copy of it below. If you read, this is for you. If you appreciate and cherish history, this is for you. But, also this is for those who have continued to shun books and history. They both will only give you something more than what you currently have. They both contain treasures waiting to be discovered.
Here you go: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/20/AR2010042003527.html?wpisrc=nl_opinions
It was fitting that the buzz around George Washington's homestead recently was about the first president's overdue library books, just as the estate's guardians were plotting a new presidential library in the Founding Father's name.
It seems that the man who could not tell a lie failed to return a couple of volumes that were due on Nov. 2, 1789. That comes to more than 220 years late, or about $300,000 in fines.
Borrowed from the New York Society Library, the books were Emmerich de Vattel's "Law of Nations," dealing with international relations, and a collection of debates from Britain's House of Commons. Some light reading for a man preoccupied with the business of creating a nation and learning how to be its president.
Although librarian Mark Bartlett says the library isn't pursuing the fines, he would be happy to get the books back. Perchance to donate them to a new library bearing the last borrower's name? Just a thought.
Washington's lapse in returning his books provided a handy metaphor for the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association's biannual meeting, which I attended as an unpaid member of the advisory board. The main topic was the proposed library, which will be a repository of Washington's books and papers as well as a center for educational outreach and scholarly research. With the addition of a residence for scholars, serious students can immerse themselves for several weeks in all things George.
Officially named the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, the 41,000-square-foot building is expected to be completed in 2012. Assuming, that is, the ladies' association, now in its 151st year of running the estate exclusively with private funds, can raise $20 million this year.
An initial $38 million already has been pledged by Smith, chairman of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, but spade will not touch earth until the balance is secured.
It's an ambitious and noble project that will fill an astonishing void. At a time when presidential libraries are monuments to legacy and ego, it is surprising that the first president of the United States doesn't have one.
Those errant books, meanwhile, are a reminder of so much else that is missing regarding George Washington. Too little is known about him and the founding era because too little is taught. And though America's growing historical illiteracy is well-known to educators and policymakers, a glance at the statistics would probably surprise most Americans.
In 2006, for instance, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute tested the civic literacy of 14,000 freshmen and seniors at 50 colleges and universities. The average senior failed with a score of 54 percent.
Also in 2006, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often referred to as the Nation's Report Card, found that only about one-sixth of students in grades four, eight and 12 are proficient in American history.
Students are brilliant, apparently, when it comes to popular culture, something we've long known. In a 1999 survey commissioned by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), 98 percent of students from 55 top colleges and universities could identify the rap singer Snoop Doggy Dogg, and 99 percent knew who Beavis and Butt-Head were.
It is one thing to debate the merits of American exceptionalism, though at the rate our national ignorance is growing, there soon won't be anyone with whom to argue. It is another thing not to know the essential facts of our founding.
Students can't be blamed for not knowing what they haven't been taught. An ACTA study in 2002 found that most top universities and colleges no longer require any history courses. In the lower grades, those who do study history will bump into the name George Washington far less often than did previous generations. Washington coverage in many textbooks is 10 percent of what it was 50 years ago, according to Mount Vernon executive director Jim Rees.
Even so, adults don't know much either. A national survey of adults commissioned by the American Revolution Center found that 83 percent failed a basic test on the American Revolution.
We may not know much, but we seem to understand, as the Founders did, that a free society can function only insofar as its citizens are well educated. The same survey found that 90 percent of Americans think that knowledge of the American Revolution is very important.
Washington may have forgotten to return his library books, but at least there's comfort in the certainty that he read them.
However, that was not the main purpose of the piece for Parker. She would go on to lay out the lack of learning history and depth of reading among generations today compared to individuals during Washington's time. My opinion might be slightly bias considering my passion and interest for history as well as reading; mostly history. She highlights a problem that I observe with television shows and people I come across. Reading is not very popular my those who fit in my generation and slightly younger. Moreover, a similar crowd lacks an cursory interest in history. Unless you go onto to study history in college, you get bits of pieces here and there in grammar and high school. I consistently see polls and surveys that show that large numbers struggle with answering questions about history. Most are usually fairly easy and basis; even for a non-history nerd.
More people are concerned about voting for the next American Idol then the next President of the United States. People chose trashy magazines over a book or newspaper. Instead of watching the news or a political/news show on cable; they chose to watch a reality show or something that would fall under "mindless entertainment". This problem with lack of knowledge crosses generations from young adults to grown adults.
I, too, enjoy that "mindless entertainment" and could name a lot of random facts and figures, but can also turn around and tell you about a significant event in history or a major political event right now. That is not meant to be tooting my own horn or anything, but more of an example that you can learn and know about a variety of things. Parker's article is a nice reminder that there are those in the journalism profession who still care about books and history. Washington's negligence with his books reminded her and could remind us all that Washington was at least reading something. That is unfortunately not the trend these days with video games and the Internet.
I leave you with the link to her article as well as a copy of it below. If you read, this is for you. If you appreciate and cherish history, this is for you. But, also this is for those who have continued to shun books and history. They both will only give you something more than what you currently have. They both contain treasures waiting to be discovered.
Here you go: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/20/AR2010042003527.html?wpisrc=nl_opinions
It was fitting that the buzz around George Washington's homestead recently was about the first president's overdue library books, just as the estate's guardians were plotting a new presidential library in the Founding Father's name.
It seems that the man who could not tell a lie failed to return a couple of volumes that were due on Nov. 2, 1789. That comes to more than 220 years late, or about $300,000 in fines.
Borrowed from the New York Society Library, the books were Emmerich de Vattel's "Law of Nations," dealing with international relations, and a collection of debates from Britain's House of Commons. Some light reading for a man preoccupied with the business of creating a nation and learning how to be its president.
Although librarian Mark Bartlett says the library isn't pursuing the fines, he would be happy to get the books back. Perchance to donate them to a new library bearing the last borrower's name? Just a thought.
Washington's lapse in returning his books provided a handy metaphor for the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association's biannual meeting, which I attended as an unpaid member of the advisory board. The main topic was the proposed library, which will be a repository of Washington's books and papers as well as a center for educational outreach and scholarly research. With the addition of a residence for scholars, serious students can immerse themselves for several weeks in all things George.
Officially named the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, the 41,000-square-foot building is expected to be completed in 2012. Assuming, that is, the ladies' association, now in its 151st year of running the estate exclusively with private funds, can raise $20 million this year.
An initial $38 million already has been pledged by Smith, chairman of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, but spade will not touch earth until the balance is secured.
It's an ambitious and noble project that will fill an astonishing void. At a time when presidential libraries are monuments to legacy and ego, it is surprising that the first president of the United States doesn't have one.
Those errant books, meanwhile, are a reminder of so much else that is missing regarding George Washington. Too little is known about him and the founding era because too little is taught. And though America's growing historical illiteracy is well-known to educators and policymakers, a glance at the statistics would probably surprise most Americans.
In 2006, for instance, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute tested the civic literacy of 14,000 freshmen and seniors at 50 colleges and universities. The average senior failed with a score of 54 percent.
Also in 2006, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often referred to as the Nation's Report Card, found that only about one-sixth of students in grades four, eight and 12 are proficient in American history.
Students are brilliant, apparently, when it comes to popular culture, something we've long known. In a 1999 survey commissioned by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), 98 percent of students from 55 top colleges and universities could identify the rap singer Snoop Doggy Dogg, and 99 percent knew who Beavis and Butt-Head were.
It is one thing to debate the merits of American exceptionalism, though at the rate our national ignorance is growing, there soon won't be anyone with whom to argue. It is another thing not to know the essential facts of our founding.
Students can't be blamed for not knowing what they haven't been taught. An ACTA study in 2002 found that most top universities and colleges no longer require any history courses. In the lower grades, those who do study history will bump into the name George Washington far less often than did previous generations. Washington coverage in many textbooks is 10 percent of what it was 50 years ago, according to Mount Vernon executive director Jim Rees.
Even so, adults don't know much either. A national survey of adults commissioned by the American Revolution Center found that 83 percent failed a basic test on the American Revolution.
We may not know much, but we seem to understand, as the Founders did, that a free society can function only insofar as its citizens are well educated. The same survey found that 90 percent of Americans think that knowledge of the American Revolution is very important.
Washington may have forgotten to return his library books, but at least there's comfort in the certainty that he read them.
NFL Mock Draft
After months of speculation the time for reality to finally occur is near. Many draft experts and fans have looked at the order and ogled over the list of potential draftees. This will be my attempt at gauging where each player will go and how each team will draft in the 1st Round. I can almost guarantee at least one trade during the first round and thus it will obviously offset my draft predictions and everyone else who doesn't guess at trades. So, he goes.
Draft Order and Prediction
1)St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford. They need a quarterback and he is certainly one that you could build a team around. Personally, I'd would prefer Ndamukong Suh and get another quarterback a little later. But you can't argue with Bradford's upside and would he could mean for the Rams.
2)Detroit Lions: DT Ndamukong Suh. They got a quarterback of the future in Matthew Stafford last year and it looks like Suh will fall in their lap this year. They can certainly build a defense around him and make it tough to run on them.
3)Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Gerald McCoy. They really want a defensive tackle badly and will hit gold with McCoy who can a similar player for them like Warren Sapp was.
4)Washington Redskins: OT Russell Okung. They would have probably been looking hard at quarterback if they didn't trade for Donovan McNabb. They then need an offensive tackle and Okung can be that for many years.
5)Kansas City Chiefs: S Eric Berry. They could fill a few wholes here. Offensive tackle would make a lot of sense with a few options, but Berry is a special player and could be a big upgrade for their defense.
Seattle Seahawks: OT Trent Williams. With Walter Jones on his way out, they need to replace him on their line and can grab a cornerstone player in Williams. Quarterback would also make sense here as well.
7)Cleveland Browns: CB Joe Haden. They can upgrade a few spots here, but Haden or possibly CB Kyle Wilson could upgrade a secondary where the rest of the division has pretty good to great defenses.
8)Oakland Raiders: OT Anthony Davis. They could use a player of Davis' ability however it is often tough to figure out how they might draft. They could draft almost anyone who is deemed first or second round worthy.
9)Buffalo Bills: HB C.J. Spiller. They can go offensive tackle or quarterback among a few other positions, but Spiller will be a multi-facet player for them.
10)Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Derrick Morgan. They went from contender to pretender over the course of two years and much of that was due to a deteriorating defense.
11)Denver Broncos: OLB Rolando McClain. Their defense improved greatly between 2008 and 2009 and adding a player like McClain will only increase that productivity and make them tough to throw and run on.
12)Miami Dolphins: WR Dez Bryant. Bryant has some questions around his off the field behavior and his work ethic, but he can certainly play better than most players in his position. Bill Parcells who controls operations has dealt with Keyshawn Johnson and Terrell Owens and knows how to reign in problem players and Bryant can upgrade a passing game needing a deep threat to team with Brandon Marshall.
13)San Francisco 49ers: G Mike Iupati. They want to run the ball more and Iupati will give them a very good run blocker.
14)Seattle Seahawks: QB Jimmy Clausen. I can see them doing a few other things here, but they would be foolish to not consider a quarterback for the future. I am a little unsure of Clausen, but he can be developed into a system.
15)New York Giants: DE Brandon Graham. This guy can be used as linebacker or a defensive end and would be a valuable addition to a Giants' defense that fell apart in the second half last year.
16)Tennessee Titans: DE Jason Pierre-Paul. Without DT Albert Haynesworth last year, the Titans had to use multiple players to make up for his absence and suffered at times. Pierre-Paul has many tools to be a great pass rusher.
17)San Francisco 49ers: DT Brian Price. The defense has taken big steps in the last couple years and Price can be put in the mix and be a good player as the 49ers look to take another step this year.
18)Pittsburgh Steelers: C Maurkice Pouncey. The Steelers don't look to be rash and go to quarterback or wide receiver. They need defensive skill guys or linemen. Pouncey fixes their offensive line woes.
19)Atlanta Falcons: LB Sean Weatherspoon. The Falcons could use a big play defender at linebacker and Weatherspoon could be their next Keith Brooking.
20)Houston Texans: CB Kyle Wilson. They continue to build their defense and Wilson would a nice fit with some young guys on defense.
21)Cincinnati Bengals: TE Jermaine Gresham. The Bengals surprised many last year and adding a big play tight end to their offense could give them an extra dimension.
22)New England Patriots: WR Demaryius Thomas. They could use another big play wide receiver especially with much uncertainty around WR Wes Welker coming off a torn ACL.
23)Green Bay Packers: OT Brian Bulaga. They get a special player here who can be a foundation for their offensive line for a while.
24)Philadelphia Eagles: S Earl Thomas. They definitely missed S Brian Dawkins last year and Thomas can be the next Dawkins.
25)Baltimore Ravens: LB Sergio Kindle. Their defense at times last year had a few bad moments after years of solid play. Kindle can learn under the Ray Lewis.
26)Arizona Cardinals: DT Dan Williams. Their defense is what has held back the offense the last couple years and a big guy like Williams can be a game changer.
27)Dallas Cowboys: S Taylor Mays. This guy reminds me a bit of former safety for the Cowboys, Roy Williams. He can be physical and has the ability to change a game if he is on.
28)San Diego Chargers: HB Ryan Mathews. They need to replace LaDanian Tomlinson and this guy can be that type of player to balance out Darren Spoles.
29)New York Jets: CB Devin McCourty. He played his college football at nearby Rutgers and can be a valuable piece to a Jets secondary that is starting to look tough to pass on.
30)Minnesota Vikings: HB Jahvid Best. He would fit perfectly alongside Adrian Peterson to form a balanced two headed monster.
31)Indianapolis Colts: LB Jerry Hughes. He is a Dwight Freeney like guy and would be perfect for that defense.
32)New Orleans Saints: CB Kareem Jackson. They would get a solid defensive back with the last pick in the first round.
Well, that is how I see on the eve of the NFL Draft. If I can get 2/3rds of these right, I would call it a success. It will be a special evening in primetime as the next step is taken in moving closer to opening night of the 2010 season.
Draft Order and Prediction
1)St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford. They need a quarterback and he is certainly one that you could build a team around. Personally, I'd would prefer Ndamukong Suh and get another quarterback a little later. But you can't argue with Bradford's upside and would he could mean for the Rams.
2)Detroit Lions: DT Ndamukong Suh. They got a quarterback of the future in Matthew Stafford last year and it looks like Suh will fall in their lap this year. They can certainly build a defense around him and make it tough to run on them.
3)Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Gerald McCoy. They really want a defensive tackle badly and will hit gold with McCoy who can a similar player for them like Warren Sapp was.
4)Washington Redskins: OT Russell Okung. They would have probably been looking hard at quarterback if they didn't trade for Donovan McNabb. They then need an offensive tackle and Okung can be that for many years.
5)Kansas City Chiefs: S Eric Berry. They could fill a few wholes here. Offensive tackle would make a lot of sense with a few options, but Berry is a special player and could be a big upgrade for their defense.
Seattle Seahawks: OT Trent Williams. With Walter Jones on his way out, they need to replace him on their line and can grab a cornerstone player in Williams. Quarterback would also make sense here as well.
7)Cleveland Browns: CB Joe Haden. They can upgrade a few spots here, but Haden or possibly CB Kyle Wilson could upgrade a secondary where the rest of the division has pretty good to great defenses.
8)Oakland Raiders: OT Anthony Davis. They could use a player of Davis' ability however it is often tough to figure out how they might draft. They could draft almost anyone who is deemed first or second round worthy.
9)Buffalo Bills: HB C.J. Spiller. They can go offensive tackle or quarterback among a few other positions, but Spiller will be a multi-facet player for them.
10)Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Derrick Morgan. They went from contender to pretender over the course of two years and much of that was due to a deteriorating defense.
11)Denver Broncos: OLB Rolando McClain. Their defense improved greatly between 2008 and 2009 and adding a player like McClain will only increase that productivity and make them tough to throw and run on.
12)Miami Dolphins: WR Dez Bryant. Bryant has some questions around his off the field behavior and his work ethic, but he can certainly play better than most players in his position. Bill Parcells who controls operations has dealt with Keyshawn Johnson and Terrell Owens and knows how to reign in problem players and Bryant can upgrade a passing game needing a deep threat to team with Brandon Marshall.
13)San Francisco 49ers: G Mike Iupati. They want to run the ball more and Iupati will give them a very good run blocker.
14)Seattle Seahawks: QB Jimmy Clausen. I can see them doing a few other things here, but they would be foolish to not consider a quarterback for the future. I am a little unsure of Clausen, but he can be developed into a system.
15)New York Giants: DE Brandon Graham. This guy can be used as linebacker or a defensive end and would be a valuable addition to a Giants' defense that fell apart in the second half last year.
16)Tennessee Titans: DE Jason Pierre-Paul. Without DT Albert Haynesworth last year, the Titans had to use multiple players to make up for his absence and suffered at times. Pierre-Paul has many tools to be a great pass rusher.
17)San Francisco 49ers: DT Brian Price. The defense has taken big steps in the last couple years and Price can be put in the mix and be a good player as the 49ers look to take another step this year.
18)Pittsburgh Steelers: C Maurkice Pouncey. The Steelers don't look to be rash and go to quarterback or wide receiver. They need defensive skill guys or linemen. Pouncey fixes their offensive line woes.
19)Atlanta Falcons: LB Sean Weatherspoon. The Falcons could use a big play defender at linebacker and Weatherspoon could be their next Keith Brooking.
20)Houston Texans: CB Kyle Wilson. They continue to build their defense and Wilson would a nice fit with some young guys on defense.
21)Cincinnati Bengals: TE Jermaine Gresham. The Bengals surprised many last year and adding a big play tight end to their offense could give them an extra dimension.
22)New England Patriots: WR Demaryius Thomas. They could use another big play wide receiver especially with much uncertainty around WR Wes Welker coming off a torn ACL.
23)Green Bay Packers: OT Brian Bulaga. They get a special player here who can be a foundation for their offensive line for a while.
24)Philadelphia Eagles: S Earl Thomas. They definitely missed S Brian Dawkins last year and Thomas can be the next Dawkins.
25)Baltimore Ravens: LB Sergio Kindle. Their defense at times last year had a few bad moments after years of solid play. Kindle can learn under the Ray Lewis.
26)Arizona Cardinals: DT Dan Williams. Their defense is what has held back the offense the last couple years and a big guy like Williams can be a game changer.
27)Dallas Cowboys: S Taylor Mays. This guy reminds me a bit of former safety for the Cowboys, Roy Williams. He can be physical and has the ability to change a game if he is on.
28)San Diego Chargers: HB Ryan Mathews. They need to replace LaDanian Tomlinson and this guy can be that type of player to balance out Darren Spoles.
29)New York Jets: CB Devin McCourty. He played his college football at nearby Rutgers and can be a valuable piece to a Jets secondary that is starting to look tough to pass on.
30)Minnesota Vikings: HB Jahvid Best. He would fit perfectly alongside Adrian Peterson to form a balanced two headed monster.
31)Indianapolis Colts: LB Jerry Hughes. He is a Dwight Freeney like guy and would be perfect for that defense.
32)New Orleans Saints: CB Kareem Jackson. They would get a solid defensive back with the last pick in the first round.
Well, that is how I see on the eve of the NFL Draft. If I can get 2/3rds of these right, I would call it a success. It will be a special evening in primetime as the next step is taken in moving closer to opening night of the 2010 season.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
NFL Schedule..What to Look Forward To
It's been a little more than two months since the Super Bowl and the time has come to start thinking about the 2010 season. The Saints will enter as the reigning champions and have a very good chance to repeat with most their team intact. However, as of right now, I am going to take the season week by week and highlight games that might be worth watching or could define some teams seasons.
Week 1:
Vikings at Saints: It's the opening game of the season featuring the defending champions. Making it extra special is it is a rematch of 2009 NFC Championship Game. If Brett Favre returns it could be a rematch of two top quarterbacks. The Vikings were on the brink of winning that championship game and both teams will want to win this one.
Cowboys at Redskins: These two rivals don't like each other and the addition of Donovan McNabb in Washington adds an extra wrinkle to the mix. The two have had several close games over the last few years and will be a great way to start the Sunday Night games this year.
Ravens at Jets: It's the Rex Ryan Bowl. The coach of the Jets vs his former team that he helped engineer one of the best defenses of the 2000s. Both teams made big upgrades this offseason and are poised to make another Super Bowl run. This will be a fierce battle that could be physical.
Week 2:
Ravens at Bengals: The Bengals ran through the AFC North last year and this one could be a good indication of who might win the division as the Browns continue to rebuild and the Steelers might struggle.
Patriots at Jets: These two had two great games last year. The Patriots still won the division and the Jets want the claim the crown as AFC East champions. It will be a measuring stick for the rematch and possibly the postseason.
Giants at Colts: It's the Manning Bowl, Part 2. Peyton got the better of younger brother Eli 4 years ago in New York. They head to Peyton's place to see who is better this time around. It was a pretty damn good one last time and depending on the play of either defense; it could be the same again.
Week 4:
Redskins at Eagles: These two are division rivals and hence these games are intense. This year though, it's Donovan McNabb in a Washington uniform coming back to Philadelphia. It could be interesting to see how he plays and how he will be welcomed.
Week 5:
Vikings at Jets: For one year, Brett Favre quarterbacked the Jets in between the Packers and the Vikings. If he is on the field, it is a pseudo Favre Bowl. Obviously it's not as big as Favre against Green Bay, but to some Jets fans it might be a little personal to knock off Favre who left them.
Week 6:
Ravens at Patriots: The Patriots got ran over figuratively and literally by the Ravens at home in the postseason last year. Will the Pats get revenge or will the Ravens provide a sequel?
Cowboys at Vikings: The Vikings flat out embarrassed the Cowboys in the Divisional Round last year. Many members of the Cowboys' defense will certainly be out for revenge and could be a preview of a possible NFC Championship Game.
Week 7:
Vikings at Packers: If Favre is back, then this one is big game worthy. The two might be battling it out for NFC North bragging rights again as well.
Giants at Cowboys: These two have given us some down to wire thrillers in recent years. New York spoiled the opening of Jerry's World last year, but the Cowboys won the division and got the last laugh. This one could get interesting.
Week 8:
Vikings at Patriots: This one has quarterback classic written all over it. Favre v Brady. They both could be leading their divisions and this one has the potential to be a shootout.
Steelers at Saints: Depending if Ben Roethisberger is starting and if the Steelers are contending, this one could be a heck of matchup.
Texans at Colts: The Colts have certainly owned this rivalry, but last year the Texans closed the gap greatly. This one will be a test for the road team and could prove to decide the fate of the division moving into the second half of the year.
Week 10:
Bengals at Colts: This one features two of the best quarterbacks and two of the best receivers. Both could be leading their respective divisions and provide us with a shootout thriller.
Eagles at Redskins: Donovan McNabb vs the Eagles Part 2. This time he hosts his former team and should be as interesting for both teams.
Week 11:
Colts at Patriots: It's the annual matchup of Manning v Brady. This time the they meet in Foxboro and don't be surprised if both enter this one in similar positions as last year and it comes down to the wire again as a lot of these matchups do.
Broncos at Chargers: The last two years the AFC West has come down to these two teams. There has been questionable officiating and big letdowns. This one could decide the fate of the division again and expect emotions to be high.
Week 12:
Saints at Cowboys: This one should be a great one on Thanksgiving. It was the Cowboys who ended the Saints' undefeated season last year and both could be jockeying for playoff positioning in this one.
Bengals at Jets: This one is the third game on Thanksgiving and features two former USC quarterbacks. The two met in Week 17 and the Wildcard Round with the Jets winning both games.
Chargers at Colts: There have been few teams that have been able to slow the Colts down in recent years. One such team is the Chargers. They are the Colts' playoff antidote in recent years and this one could determine home field or a bye.
49ers at Cardinals: With the Cardinals' off season changes, the division becomes a little more open. The 49ers are on the rise and this one might have big NFC West division implications.
Week 13:
Cowboys at Colts: This one looks like an interesting one on paper. A very good defense against a prolific passer. They neutralized Drew Brees last year, but Peyton Manning might be a different challenge.
Jets at Patriots: The Jets have stolen a few at home during the last ten years against the Patriots. Winning in Foxboro will be tough and could decide the division if Miami is out of the picture.
Week 14:
Dolphins at Jets: This one might be a big matchup for the AFC East and will be crucial for both down the stretch.
Eagles at Cowboys: Without Donovan McNabb quarterbacking the Eagles, this will be a little different, but the Eagles will be looking to avenge 3 losses last year to the Cowboys and winning on the road would be huge.
Week 16:
Chargers at Bengals: The two met last year in San Diego and it came down to the wire. This one has the look of another classic.
Saints at Falcons: Depending what their records are this one might go up or down in importance. Right now, I see this as a potential NFC South division deciding matchup.
Week 17:
Bengals at Ravens: This one has the potential to decide the AFC North depending on how well the Steelers do this year and the two teams in this one. Could be physical and interesting.
Cowboys at Eagles: This could be for the NFC East again or at worst bragging rights between two hated rivals.
Chargers at Broncos: Might be for AFC West, revenge for the previous game, or pride for the team out of the playoff picture/divisional race.
Cardinals at 49ers: Depending where both are at this point, this one might be for the NFC West.
Looking at the schedule from Week 1 to Week 17, there will certainly be a lot of great action. Some games might be bigger than they look right now and others might be for nothing between two losing teams. Looks like another exciting season is ahead and the road to Super Bowl XLV will soon begin.
Week 1:
Vikings at Saints: It's the opening game of the season featuring the defending champions. Making it extra special is it is a rematch of 2009 NFC Championship Game. If Brett Favre returns it could be a rematch of two top quarterbacks. The Vikings were on the brink of winning that championship game and both teams will want to win this one.
Cowboys at Redskins: These two rivals don't like each other and the addition of Donovan McNabb in Washington adds an extra wrinkle to the mix. The two have had several close games over the last few years and will be a great way to start the Sunday Night games this year.
Ravens at Jets: It's the Rex Ryan Bowl. The coach of the Jets vs his former team that he helped engineer one of the best defenses of the 2000s. Both teams made big upgrades this offseason and are poised to make another Super Bowl run. This will be a fierce battle that could be physical.
Week 2:
Ravens at Bengals: The Bengals ran through the AFC North last year and this one could be a good indication of who might win the division as the Browns continue to rebuild and the Steelers might struggle.
Patriots at Jets: These two had two great games last year. The Patriots still won the division and the Jets want the claim the crown as AFC East champions. It will be a measuring stick for the rematch and possibly the postseason.
Giants at Colts: It's the Manning Bowl, Part 2. Peyton got the better of younger brother Eli 4 years ago in New York. They head to Peyton's place to see who is better this time around. It was a pretty damn good one last time and depending on the play of either defense; it could be the same again.
Week 4:
Redskins at Eagles: These two are division rivals and hence these games are intense. This year though, it's Donovan McNabb in a Washington uniform coming back to Philadelphia. It could be interesting to see how he plays and how he will be welcomed.
Week 5:
Vikings at Jets: For one year, Brett Favre quarterbacked the Jets in between the Packers and the Vikings. If he is on the field, it is a pseudo Favre Bowl. Obviously it's not as big as Favre against Green Bay, but to some Jets fans it might be a little personal to knock off Favre who left them.
Week 6:
Ravens at Patriots: The Patriots got ran over figuratively and literally by the Ravens at home in the postseason last year. Will the Pats get revenge or will the Ravens provide a sequel?
Cowboys at Vikings: The Vikings flat out embarrassed the Cowboys in the Divisional Round last year. Many members of the Cowboys' defense will certainly be out for revenge and could be a preview of a possible NFC Championship Game.
Week 7:
Vikings at Packers: If Favre is back, then this one is big game worthy. The two might be battling it out for NFC North bragging rights again as well.
Giants at Cowboys: These two have given us some down to wire thrillers in recent years. New York spoiled the opening of Jerry's World last year, but the Cowboys won the division and got the last laugh. This one could get interesting.
Week 8:
Vikings at Patriots: This one has quarterback classic written all over it. Favre v Brady. They both could be leading their divisions and this one has the potential to be a shootout.
Steelers at Saints: Depending if Ben Roethisberger is starting and if the Steelers are contending, this one could be a heck of matchup.
Texans at Colts: The Colts have certainly owned this rivalry, but last year the Texans closed the gap greatly. This one will be a test for the road team and could prove to decide the fate of the division moving into the second half of the year.
Week 10:
Bengals at Colts: This one features two of the best quarterbacks and two of the best receivers. Both could be leading their respective divisions and provide us with a shootout thriller.
Eagles at Redskins: Donovan McNabb vs the Eagles Part 2. This time he hosts his former team and should be as interesting for both teams.
Week 11:
Colts at Patriots: It's the annual matchup of Manning v Brady. This time the they meet in Foxboro and don't be surprised if both enter this one in similar positions as last year and it comes down to the wire again as a lot of these matchups do.
Broncos at Chargers: The last two years the AFC West has come down to these two teams. There has been questionable officiating and big letdowns. This one could decide the fate of the division again and expect emotions to be high.
Week 12:
Saints at Cowboys: This one should be a great one on Thanksgiving. It was the Cowboys who ended the Saints' undefeated season last year and both could be jockeying for playoff positioning in this one.
Bengals at Jets: This one is the third game on Thanksgiving and features two former USC quarterbacks. The two met in Week 17 and the Wildcard Round with the Jets winning both games.
Chargers at Colts: There have been few teams that have been able to slow the Colts down in recent years. One such team is the Chargers. They are the Colts' playoff antidote in recent years and this one could determine home field or a bye.
49ers at Cardinals: With the Cardinals' off season changes, the division becomes a little more open. The 49ers are on the rise and this one might have big NFC West division implications.
Week 13:
Cowboys at Colts: This one looks like an interesting one on paper. A very good defense against a prolific passer. They neutralized Drew Brees last year, but Peyton Manning might be a different challenge.
Jets at Patriots: The Jets have stolen a few at home during the last ten years against the Patriots. Winning in Foxboro will be tough and could decide the division if Miami is out of the picture.
Week 14:
Dolphins at Jets: This one might be a big matchup for the AFC East and will be crucial for both down the stretch.
Eagles at Cowboys: Without Donovan McNabb quarterbacking the Eagles, this will be a little different, but the Eagles will be looking to avenge 3 losses last year to the Cowboys and winning on the road would be huge.
Week 16:
Chargers at Bengals: The two met last year in San Diego and it came down to the wire. This one has the look of another classic.
Saints at Falcons: Depending what their records are this one might go up or down in importance. Right now, I see this as a potential NFC South division deciding matchup.
Week 17:
Bengals at Ravens: This one has the potential to decide the AFC North depending on how well the Steelers do this year and the two teams in this one. Could be physical and interesting.
Cowboys at Eagles: This could be for the NFC East again or at worst bragging rights between two hated rivals.
Chargers at Broncos: Might be for AFC West, revenge for the previous game, or pride for the team out of the playoff picture/divisional race.
Cardinals at 49ers: Depending where both are at this point, this one might be for the NFC West.
Looking at the schedule from Week 1 to Week 17, there will certainly be a lot of great action. Some games might be bigger than they look right now and others might be for nothing between two losing teams. Looks like another exciting season is ahead and the road to Super Bowl XLV will soon begin.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Patriots' Day
Unless you reside in Boston or the surrounding area, the third Monday in April does not jump out and probably mean much. But the day is significant to just not Bostonians, but the whole country. Since 1969, Patriots' Day has been celebrated each April. Schools in the area are off and we see the Boston Marathon in the morning and a Red Sox game in the afternoon. However, why celebrate the day? For the non-history majors, geeks, nerds, or whatever; April 19th is the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, also known as the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. There are reenactments and other celebrations throughout the weekend and that Monday. Still, it seems that most Americans hardly recognize the day. They might watch the Marathon or the baseball game and think not much of it.
Allow me to take you back over 200 years ago. In 1775, tensions were high between the colonists and their oppressors across the Atlantic in Great Britain. On April 19th, tensions reached their boiling points as shots were fired near Boston. British forces under Francis Smith were given the charge to target the militia in Concord. Initially, the British's attack was supposed to be a surprise, but the militias were prepared just in case. Despite their best efforts, the Patriot fighters were overwhelmed by the size of the British army. However, despite losing several men; they were able retreat enough while taking some of the King's troops. As the militiamen were able to sustain the British attacks, the fighting started to shift towards Boston; where the militia was able to escape further damage. Smith and his forces positioned themselves back towards Lexington to gain momentum with assistance from close to 2,000 more British troops under Hugh Percy. The combined forces would move march towards Boston before turning towards Charlestown nearby to retreat. This would set the stage for events to occur in Boston including the Siege of Boston and later Bunker Hill.
It is almost poignant to bring up this historical set of events commemorated each April. The Tea Party movement is supposed to be similar to these early American patriots uprising against the over taxed and overbearing Great Britain. Not just those people, but many in this country would be hard pressed to know much about the first shots at Lexington and Concord. So, instead of jumping to conclusions; how about read a little history and appreciate where we have come from. I always preach looking at things in context. Patriots' Day is a lot more important than people acknowledge it for. You might not have the day off or enjoy history, but you should still take a moment and reflect about why the day exists. No matter what your political beliefs might be; at one point we were all patriots fighting for a cause. Maybe returning to those types of attitudes would not hurt our current climate.
Allow me to take you back over 200 years ago. In 1775, tensions were high between the colonists and their oppressors across the Atlantic in Great Britain. On April 19th, tensions reached their boiling points as shots were fired near Boston. British forces under Francis Smith were given the charge to target the militia in Concord. Initially, the British's attack was supposed to be a surprise, but the militias were prepared just in case. Despite their best efforts, the Patriot fighters were overwhelmed by the size of the British army. However, despite losing several men; they were able retreat enough while taking some of the King's troops. As the militiamen were able to sustain the British attacks, the fighting started to shift towards Boston; where the militia was able to escape further damage. Smith and his forces positioned themselves back towards Lexington to gain momentum with assistance from close to 2,000 more British troops under Hugh Percy. The combined forces would move march towards Boston before turning towards Charlestown nearby to retreat. This would set the stage for events to occur in Boston including the Siege of Boston and later Bunker Hill.
It is almost poignant to bring up this historical set of events commemorated each April. The Tea Party movement is supposed to be similar to these early American patriots uprising against the over taxed and overbearing Great Britain. Not just those people, but many in this country would be hard pressed to know much about the first shots at Lexington and Concord. So, instead of jumping to conclusions; how about read a little history and appreciate where we have come from. I always preach looking at things in context. Patriots' Day is a lot more important than people acknowledge it for. You might not have the day off or enjoy history, but you should still take a moment and reflect about why the day exists. No matter what your political beliefs might be; at one point we were all patriots fighting for a cause. Maybe returning to those types of attitudes would not hurt our current climate.
Oklahoma City..15 years later
I still remember it like it was yesterday. I was eight years old and sitting in my living room during my spring/Easter break from school. My grandfather was on his way and we were going to take a trip down to Washington, DC. The day was April 19, 1995. As I was waiting, the television was on and saw a breaking news story about a bombing in Oklahoma City. At the time, it was hard to tell what exactly was going on, but throughout that day; it was somewhat on my mind.
Fifteen years ago, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma exploded from a bomb in what was a terrorist attack on American soil from someone born here. The bomb killed 168 people and gave America a jolt and a glimpse at terrorism at home. Among the victims were 19 children in the building's daycare center.
Each year since the eyes of the nation have turned towards the city and ceremonies and memorials are held. Outside the area where the building once stood are reminders of all the lives lost that day. In a similar fashion to honors on 9/11, the names of all 168 victims are read and remembered. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was in Oklahoma City for the day of remembrance and gave some perspective on then and now. We have had terrorist threats; both domestic and foreign. And the times we live in are certainly different than they were fifteen years ago. Homeland Security has been working hard to ensure that tragedies like the Oklahoma City bombing do not occur again.
The main culprit of this atrocity, Timothy McVeigh, was convicted on federal murder charges and was executed in 2001. McVeigh chose the day because of its connection to the U.S. government's raid of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas on April 19, 1993.
Those who did survive the attack have had health issues among other problems since that day. But despite the difficulties; those who survived feel a sense of meaning. They were given a chance that many weren't. The attack has help form a strong bond amongst the citizens of Oklahoma City; especially those affected that day.
The actions by Timothy McVeigh shook a city, a state, and a nation. But as we have shown time and time again; our cities and its people are strong and will prosper from whatever ashes they must climb out of. It is hard to believe that it has been fifteen years since that day. We must remember those 168 lives that were not given the chance to see the next day. I know the people in Oklahoma City will continue to return to that site and remember. That is all we can do when these type of anniversaries come around.
Fifteen years ago, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma exploded from a bomb in what was a terrorist attack on American soil from someone born here. The bomb killed 168 people and gave America a jolt and a glimpse at terrorism at home. Among the victims were 19 children in the building's daycare center.
Each year since the eyes of the nation have turned towards the city and ceremonies and memorials are held. Outside the area where the building once stood are reminders of all the lives lost that day. In a similar fashion to honors on 9/11, the names of all 168 victims are read and remembered. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was in Oklahoma City for the day of remembrance and gave some perspective on then and now. We have had terrorist threats; both domestic and foreign. And the times we live in are certainly different than they were fifteen years ago. Homeland Security has been working hard to ensure that tragedies like the Oklahoma City bombing do not occur again.
The main culprit of this atrocity, Timothy McVeigh, was convicted on federal murder charges and was executed in 2001. McVeigh chose the day because of its connection to the U.S. government's raid of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas on April 19, 1993.
Those who did survive the attack have had health issues among other problems since that day. But despite the difficulties; those who survived feel a sense of meaning. They were given a chance that many weren't. The attack has help form a strong bond amongst the citizens of Oklahoma City; especially those affected that day.
The actions by Timothy McVeigh shook a city, a state, and a nation. But as we have shown time and time again; our cities and its people are strong and will prosper from whatever ashes they must climb out of. It is hard to believe that it has been fifteen years since that day. We must remember those 168 lives that were not given the chance to see the next day. I know the people in Oklahoma City will continue to return to that site and remember. That is all we can do when these type of anniversaries come around.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
NBA Playoffs...First Round
After a wild end to the season, the NBA playoffs are upon us. The Eastern Conference has heavyweights and lightweights while the Western Conference is deep from the top seed to the 8 seed as only 7 games separate the field. The Los Angeles Lakers enter as defending champions and the talk of Kobe Bryant v Lebron James NBA Finals has started again. The Orlando Magic look to get back to the Finals and you can't dismiss veteran teams like the Boston Celtics or San Antonio Spurs as well as several hot teams entering the postseason. Now to tip the ball up and see which teams continue their quest for a title.
Eastern Conference First Round
1) Cleveland Cavaliers v 8) Chicago Bulls: The Bulls edged out the Toronto Raptors for the last playoff spot. It is almost fitting these two teams are playing as the Cavs have had multiple playoff heartbreaks at the hands of the Bulls. This year it looks like the Bulls will be the team that is mismatched. Lebron James has one of his best supporting casts around him and they were a much better team than the Bulls this year; they were the best in the whole league at that. The Bulls have a few young players like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. They split their season series. PICK: CAVALIERS (in 4 or 5)
2) Orlando Magic v 7) Charlotte Bobcats: This one seems to lead one to favor the Magic based on some matchup problems. It will be tough for them to bang the boards with Dwight Howard and could be tough to slow down PG Jameer Nelson. The Bobcats have made strides this season and earned their first playoff birth. The Magic won the season series 3-1, but the Bobcats did win the last one and might be a bit of confidence boost for them. Playing at home in two games will possibly set up the opportunity to steal one. However, the Magic will tough to slow down as they are certainly focused on getting back to the Finals. PICK: MAGIC (in 5)
3) Atlanta Hawks v 6) Milwaukee Bucks: The Hawks has increased win totals the last few years and have themselves in position to possibly go deep in the playoffs. The Bucks were playing especially well until C Andrew Bogut went down for the season. But you still can't write off this team. The Hawks won the season series 2-1, but something tells me this one isn't exactly an automatic advance for the Hawks. They are still a young team and might let their foot off the gas if they get a chance to put games and the series away. PICK: HAWKS (in 6)
4) Boston Celtics v 5) Miami Heat: To me this isn't a typical 4 v 5 matchup. It has the potential to be the best series in the East 1st Round. The Celtics got banged up as the season went on and basically limped towards the postseason. Dwayne Wade is still very much the 1st and 2nd scoring options. The Celtics swept the season series. It looks like Boston is about back to 100% and that could be bad for the Heat and the rest of the East as they are starting to look a little more like the contender they were at the start of the year. PICK: CELTICS (in 6)
Western Conference First Round
1) Los Angeles Lakers v 8) Oklahoma City Thunder: The Lakers open their title defense against a young up and coming team that could challenge them. Los Angeles has showed a few signs of slowing down and Kobe Bryant is not at 100% entering the postseason. I still think that Kevin Durant and the rest of his cast are not quite ready to win a series like this. The Lakers won the season series 3-1 with the Thunder winning the last matchup. They have a chance to steal one at home and avoid a sweep. Pick: LAKERS (in 5)
2) Dallas Mavericks v 7) San Antonio Spurs: These two have a rivalry the size of the state of Texas. The Mavericks won the season series 3-1 and made some nice moves acquiring Caron Butler. Jason Kidd is also playing about as well as he has in the last 3 or 4 years. The Spurs still have their core players, but age is starting to slow Tim Duncan slightly and Tony Parker has been banged up. Manu Ginobli will have to be at his best to facilitate the rest of the team's success. This series should involve a lot of close ones and thus the series could be a long one. PICK: MAVERICKS (in 6 or 7)
3) Phoenix Suns v 6) Portland Trailblazers: The Suns might be the hottest team in the second half and the Trailblazers have made a nice run at the end of the season despite injuries. Portland can certainly play enough defense to slow down the high power Suns' offense. Portland won the season series 2-1, but the Phoenix won the last matchup. Brandon Roy and Andre Miller will be hard pressed to win 4 games in this series. PICK: SUNS (in 5 or 6)
4) Denver Nuggets v 5) Utah Jazz: The Nuggets and Jazz enter with similar records and are pretty even. Denver won the season series 3-1 with Utah winning the last matchup. George Karl is home battling cancer and it is hard to tell how much of a distraction that might be for the Nuggets. The Jazz have a nice mix of talent that could trump Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. PICK: JAZZ (in 6)
It looks like we will have a few really good opening round series while we might see a couple quicker series finishes. Time to see who moves closer to reigning supreme.
Eastern Conference First Round
1) Cleveland Cavaliers v 8) Chicago Bulls: The Bulls edged out the Toronto Raptors for the last playoff spot. It is almost fitting these two teams are playing as the Cavs have had multiple playoff heartbreaks at the hands of the Bulls. This year it looks like the Bulls will be the team that is mismatched. Lebron James has one of his best supporting casts around him and they were a much better team than the Bulls this year; they were the best in the whole league at that. The Bulls have a few young players like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. They split their season series. PICK: CAVALIERS (in 4 or 5)
2) Orlando Magic v 7) Charlotte Bobcats: This one seems to lead one to favor the Magic based on some matchup problems. It will be tough for them to bang the boards with Dwight Howard and could be tough to slow down PG Jameer Nelson. The Bobcats have made strides this season and earned their first playoff birth. The Magic won the season series 3-1, but the Bobcats did win the last one and might be a bit of confidence boost for them. Playing at home in two games will possibly set up the opportunity to steal one. However, the Magic will tough to slow down as they are certainly focused on getting back to the Finals. PICK: MAGIC (in 5)
3) Atlanta Hawks v 6) Milwaukee Bucks: The Hawks has increased win totals the last few years and have themselves in position to possibly go deep in the playoffs. The Bucks were playing especially well until C Andrew Bogut went down for the season. But you still can't write off this team. The Hawks won the season series 2-1, but something tells me this one isn't exactly an automatic advance for the Hawks. They are still a young team and might let their foot off the gas if they get a chance to put games and the series away. PICK: HAWKS (in 6)
4) Boston Celtics v 5) Miami Heat: To me this isn't a typical 4 v 5 matchup. It has the potential to be the best series in the East 1st Round. The Celtics got banged up as the season went on and basically limped towards the postseason. Dwayne Wade is still very much the 1st and 2nd scoring options. The Celtics swept the season series. It looks like Boston is about back to 100% and that could be bad for the Heat and the rest of the East as they are starting to look a little more like the contender they were at the start of the year. PICK: CELTICS (in 6)
Western Conference First Round
1) Los Angeles Lakers v 8) Oklahoma City Thunder: The Lakers open their title defense against a young up and coming team that could challenge them. Los Angeles has showed a few signs of slowing down and Kobe Bryant is not at 100% entering the postseason. I still think that Kevin Durant and the rest of his cast are not quite ready to win a series like this. The Lakers won the season series 3-1 with the Thunder winning the last matchup. They have a chance to steal one at home and avoid a sweep. Pick: LAKERS (in 5)
2) Dallas Mavericks v 7) San Antonio Spurs: These two have a rivalry the size of the state of Texas. The Mavericks won the season series 3-1 and made some nice moves acquiring Caron Butler. Jason Kidd is also playing about as well as he has in the last 3 or 4 years. The Spurs still have their core players, but age is starting to slow Tim Duncan slightly and Tony Parker has been banged up. Manu Ginobli will have to be at his best to facilitate the rest of the team's success. This series should involve a lot of close ones and thus the series could be a long one. PICK: MAVERICKS (in 6 or 7)
3) Phoenix Suns v 6) Portland Trailblazers: The Suns might be the hottest team in the second half and the Trailblazers have made a nice run at the end of the season despite injuries. Portland can certainly play enough defense to slow down the high power Suns' offense. Portland won the season series 2-1, but the Phoenix won the last matchup. Brandon Roy and Andre Miller will be hard pressed to win 4 games in this series. PICK: SUNS (in 5 or 6)
4) Denver Nuggets v 5) Utah Jazz: The Nuggets and Jazz enter with similar records and are pretty even. Denver won the season series 3-1 with Utah winning the last matchup. George Karl is home battling cancer and it is hard to tell how much of a distraction that might be for the Nuggets. The Jazz have a nice mix of talent that could trump Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. PICK: JAZZ (in 6)
It looks like we will have a few really good opening round series while we might see a couple quicker series finishes. Time to see who moves closer to reigning supreme.
The Taxman Cometh...Followed by Tea Partiers
Each April 15th, there is one thing on the minds of many Americans: "I have to get my taxes in". This year, similar to last year on a smaller scale; protests are occurring throughout the United States. The protests are by non other than the Tea Party protesters, who among other things are tired of being overtaxed. How fitting it is then that they would stage protests to coincide with this day on the calendar. Many vocal members compare themselves to the early patriots that founded this country and rebelled up against Great Britain.
In the crowds, you could see signs that read "no taxation without deliberation" or "stop bankrupting America". People complained about being taxed too much and that the government was out of control with spending and it was handicap future generations. Not too surprisingly, conservative organizations and members of the Republican Party base have been promoting these protests up to today and during the day. Many in these groups reflect conservative values and they are uprising, good or bad, against the way the government is going. However, there are Democrats and Independents in these crowds voicing concerns and discontent with all the spending in the last year.
Worth noting is the fact that the grunt of the anger is targeted at President Obama. Granted much of the bailout and stimulus funds have been spent and put aside during his 15 months. But these protesters did not appear to after Obama was in office despite the fact the initial spending was started by President Bush pertaining to the first stimulus. I just find that point a little ironic. However, many people in this country have a tendency to not notice things initially and probably did not put too much into the spending early on as they did not know much better. However, the recent bills that might be unpopular are what has sparked continuous uproar. The fact that the economy is not at its best or close to it. The fact that our deficit is in the trillions. The fact that unemployment is the highest it has been in 30 years. These all have contributed to the Tea Party protest unrest.
Also, what is not out of the ordinary among many in the crowds is their disdain for big government. Part of the conservative handbook states: big government = bad. The fact that the majority of the individuals relate with the Republicans or conservatives; this view is bound to be a key part of the protesters' mission. Reigning in big government will lead to tax cuts. At least that is why the protesters want government to be smaller: more freedoms and less taxes.
I am all for protests and free speech because that is what our country was founded and established upon. However, every time I see rallies held by the Tea Party there are fringe individuals that create an atmosphere that I find ridiculous. Stay at home and yell at your television and live your life because you are probably not doing much to better society. Taxes suck, but they are part of life. April 15th is the day that we must present the government with how much we made that last year. Guess what? You are almost guaranteed to receive money back. There are initiatives that this president has enacted that will allow certain people to even get a little more back. Also, if you work more; you get more back. If you work more, you get taxed more. That is part of the system. It has been around for 80 years. It is not perfect, but it has been working pretty good.
Regardless of the situation a year from now; we will most likely see these protesters out again voicing their concerns because there are people that flat out disagree with the President. Or worse: flat our dislike or hate him. The stimulus packages and bailouts were not ideal, but necessary. If they were not passed and things got worse I would guess these same people would still be complaining..if not more. The taxman has come again and the last two years he has brought with him backlash and protests across the country.
And one more thing: the federal government today is nothing like Great Britain in 1775.
In the crowds, you could see signs that read "no taxation without deliberation" or "stop bankrupting America". People complained about being taxed too much and that the government was out of control with spending and it was handicap future generations. Not too surprisingly, conservative organizations and members of the Republican Party base have been promoting these protests up to today and during the day. Many in these groups reflect conservative values and they are uprising, good or bad, against the way the government is going. However, there are Democrats and Independents in these crowds voicing concerns and discontent with all the spending in the last year.
Worth noting is the fact that the grunt of the anger is targeted at President Obama. Granted much of the bailout and stimulus funds have been spent and put aside during his 15 months. But these protesters did not appear to after Obama was in office despite the fact the initial spending was started by President Bush pertaining to the first stimulus. I just find that point a little ironic. However, many people in this country have a tendency to not notice things initially and probably did not put too much into the spending early on as they did not know much better. However, the recent bills that might be unpopular are what has sparked continuous uproar. The fact that the economy is not at its best or close to it. The fact that our deficit is in the trillions. The fact that unemployment is the highest it has been in 30 years. These all have contributed to the Tea Party protest unrest.
Also, what is not out of the ordinary among many in the crowds is their disdain for big government. Part of the conservative handbook states: big government = bad. The fact that the majority of the individuals relate with the Republicans or conservatives; this view is bound to be a key part of the protesters' mission. Reigning in big government will lead to tax cuts. At least that is why the protesters want government to be smaller: more freedoms and less taxes.
I am all for protests and free speech because that is what our country was founded and established upon. However, every time I see rallies held by the Tea Party there are fringe individuals that create an atmosphere that I find ridiculous. Stay at home and yell at your television and live your life because you are probably not doing much to better society. Taxes suck, but they are part of life. April 15th is the day that we must present the government with how much we made that last year. Guess what? You are almost guaranteed to receive money back. There are initiatives that this president has enacted that will allow certain people to even get a little more back. Also, if you work more; you get more back. If you work more, you get taxed more. That is part of the system. It has been around for 80 years. It is not perfect, but it has been working pretty good.
Regardless of the situation a year from now; we will most likely see these protesters out again voicing their concerns because there are people that flat out disagree with the President. Or worse: flat our dislike or hate him. The stimulus packages and bailouts were not ideal, but necessary. If they were not passed and things got worse I would guess these same people would still be complaining..if not more. The taxman has come again and the last two years he has brought with him backlash and protests across the country.
And one more thing: the federal government today is nothing like Great Britain in 1775.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Stanley Cup Playoffs...First Round
After 82 games and a season of anticipation, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are here. The Washington Capitals look to be the best team out East and both the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks look strong out West. But unlike other major sports, it is hard to predict what might happen in the postseason. We have seen 8 seeds knock off 1 seeds and not the best team win the Stanley Cup, but the hottest team. Goalie play is equivalent to pitcher, quarterback, and guard play in the other sports. The New Jersey Devils have the best ever, but there are many quality goalies in these playoffs. Time to drop the puck and see who moves a step closer to lifting Lord Stanley's Cup.
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
1 Washington Capitals v 8 Montreal Canadiens: Alex Ovechkin is definitely one of the best players in the whole NHL and has a balanced team around him. They have a top goaltender and a tough defense. They outscored their opponents by 85 goals and enter the playoffs playing as good as ever. The Canadiens edged in as a result of the Rangers losing, but could put up a fight in a couple games. However, Ovechkin and the Caps look too powerful. PICK: CAPITALS (in 4 or 5)
2 New Jersey Devils v 7 Philadelphia Flyers: Nothing like a divisional battle in the first round. These two teams and their fans don't like each other much and that makes it that much a better a series. Martin Brodeur showed a few signs of age this season and at the Olympics, but he stills get it done. The Devils have a few young guys like Zach Parise, who can take the game to some of the Flyers' tough defenders. The Flyers did enough at the end of the season and won a shootout over the Rangers to get in. I just wonder how much they have left against a very good team like New Jersey. If they steal one of the first two, this one could change in their favor. PICK: DEVILS (in 5)
3 Buffalo Sabres v 6 Boston Bruins: The Sabres' feature the American star of the Olympics, Ryan Miller, in goal against a Bruins team that is starting to hit their stride. The two are very close at this moment and thus should provide for a back and forth series. I like the shooting ability of the Bruins and they look to be one of those teams entering the playoffs playing pretty hot. PICK: BRUINS (in 6)
4 Pittsburgh Penguins v 5 Ottawa Senators: The defending champions Penguins have a great chance to repeat. Sidney Crosby is one of the stars of the NHL, but things won't be easy against the Senators. They come in pretty hot, but I'm not sure if they will have to outlast the Penguins 4 times. The Senators will push the Penguins, but Crosby and his supporting cast do enough. PICK: PENGUINS (in 5 or 6)
Western Conference Quarterfinals
1 San Jose Sharks v 8 Colorado Avalanche: The Sharks finished as the top seed out West for the second straight year and look slightly better than last year. They come in playing very well and have multiple scoring threats. The Avalanche seemed to be mismatched in almost every way, but can steal one or two. PICK: SHARKS (in 5)
2 Chicago Blackhawks v 7 Nashville Predators: The Blackhawks showed much improvement last year and enter these playoffs as a serious favorite to win it all. The Predators have played about as well as the Blackhawks coming into the playoffs and enough weapons to make this a challenge for Chicago. The young nucleus will tough to beat in the end for the Predators. PICK: BLACKHAWKS (in 5 or 6)
3 Vancouver Canucks v 6 Los Angeles Kings: These two have a few weapons who can score, but I give the goalie edge to the Canucks and that should be the difference. Vancouver has enough to shut down most of what the Kings will send. PICK: CANUCKS (in 6)
4 Phoenix Coyotes v 5 Detroit Red Wings: This is probably the closest matchup of all the quarterfinal games in both conferences. The Red Wings are starting to hit their playoff groove and have a core of the teams that went to the last two Stanley Cups and won one. The Coyotes had probably their best season and will man a team capable of knocking off a veteran squad like the Red Wings. The Red Wings have an excellent combination of offense and defense and despite some signs of slowing down a bit; they are still very good. PICK: RED WINGS (in 6 or 7)
I like all my predictions, but I know not expect the expected in the NHL playoffs as surprises could occur in one or more series. I do expect a lot of good games. Some will be shootouts with 5-4 scores and others will probably be nail biters with 2-1. Also in a couple we might see teams like the Sharks or Capitals show their dominance. Let the puck drop and see where it takes us.
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
1 Washington Capitals v 8 Montreal Canadiens: Alex Ovechkin is definitely one of the best players in the whole NHL and has a balanced team around him. They have a top goaltender and a tough defense. They outscored their opponents by 85 goals and enter the playoffs playing as good as ever. The Canadiens edged in as a result of the Rangers losing, but could put up a fight in a couple games. However, Ovechkin and the Caps look too powerful. PICK: CAPITALS (in 4 or 5)
2 New Jersey Devils v 7 Philadelphia Flyers: Nothing like a divisional battle in the first round. These two teams and their fans don't like each other much and that makes it that much a better a series. Martin Brodeur showed a few signs of age this season and at the Olympics, but he stills get it done. The Devils have a few young guys like Zach Parise, who can take the game to some of the Flyers' tough defenders. The Flyers did enough at the end of the season and won a shootout over the Rangers to get in. I just wonder how much they have left against a very good team like New Jersey. If they steal one of the first two, this one could change in their favor. PICK: DEVILS (in 5)
3 Buffalo Sabres v 6 Boston Bruins: The Sabres' feature the American star of the Olympics, Ryan Miller, in goal against a Bruins team that is starting to hit their stride. The two are very close at this moment and thus should provide for a back and forth series. I like the shooting ability of the Bruins and they look to be one of those teams entering the playoffs playing pretty hot. PICK: BRUINS (in 6)
4 Pittsburgh Penguins v 5 Ottawa Senators: The defending champions Penguins have a great chance to repeat. Sidney Crosby is one of the stars of the NHL, but things won't be easy against the Senators. They come in pretty hot, but I'm not sure if they will have to outlast the Penguins 4 times. The Senators will push the Penguins, but Crosby and his supporting cast do enough. PICK: PENGUINS (in 5 or 6)
Western Conference Quarterfinals
1 San Jose Sharks v 8 Colorado Avalanche: The Sharks finished as the top seed out West for the second straight year and look slightly better than last year. They come in playing very well and have multiple scoring threats. The Avalanche seemed to be mismatched in almost every way, but can steal one or two. PICK: SHARKS (in 5)
2 Chicago Blackhawks v 7 Nashville Predators: The Blackhawks showed much improvement last year and enter these playoffs as a serious favorite to win it all. The Predators have played about as well as the Blackhawks coming into the playoffs and enough weapons to make this a challenge for Chicago. The young nucleus will tough to beat in the end for the Predators. PICK: BLACKHAWKS (in 5 or 6)
3 Vancouver Canucks v 6 Los Angeles Kings: These two have a few weapons who can score, but I give the goalie edge to the Canucks and that should be the difference. Vancouver has enough to shut down most of what the Kings will send. PICK: CANUCKS (in 6)
4 Phoenix Coyotes v 5 Detroit Red Wings: This is probably the closest matchup of all the quarterfinal games in both conferences. The Red Wings are starting to hit their playoff groove and have a core of the teams that went to the last two Stanley Cups and won one. The Coyotes had probably their best season and will man a team capable of knocking off a veteran squad like the Red Wings. The Red Wings have an excellent combination of offense and defense and despite some signs of slowing down a bit; they are still very good. PICK: RED WINGS (in 6 or 7)
I like all my predictions, but I know not expect the expected in the NHL playoffs as surprises could occur in one or more series. I do expect a lot of good games. Some will be shootouts with 5-4 scores and others will probably be nail biters with 2-1. Also in a couple we might see teams like the Sharks or Capitals show their dominance. Let the puck drop and see where it takes us.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
State Governors: The Latest Targets of Threats
Late last week I came across the latest in a string recently of deadly threats. A domestic extremist group sent letters to over 30 U.S. governors not just asking, but demanding that they step down. The recipients were given a small window and the Department of Homeland Security was fast to begin assessing the situation. The group behind the letters are looking to "restore America". They want to not only have these governors step down but rework the court system to their liking.
States that have received such letters are: Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Illinois is another possible state targeted while Idaho and Maryland are not among the target states.
As reports begin to come in, staff in these office are reporting that the writers of the letters are essentially looking to disband the federal government.
It is hard this early what to make of these letters, but they are yet another example of anger in this country going to a place it does not need to go. Politicians and media heads have almost asked for a revolution with their insidious comments at times and now both parties' chief executives in more than half of the states have begun targets for a radical group.
We have seen independent and party-oriented groups spring up across the nation over the last year. Many are far to one extreme or another. This group here represents the purest evil in politics and might go as far to say life. You might dislike someone's opinion. You might dislike someone's policies. You might dislike the character and who an individual is. But when you cross the line and want someone dead is when you go from citizen to criminal. I hope that the proper authorities make a quick examination of these letters and find the culprits. Threats are almost as bad as killing someone and these letters need to viewed with the utmost importance as I believe they are.
Hopefully, this can be yet another example of why we need to calm down a notch in this country. You can be angry that you don't have a job. You can be angry that there are elected officials in the federal government, whom you disagree with. When November comes around, make sure you vote; if you truly care and are as angry as you say you are. But most importantly, let's eliminate the far right and far left propaganda and talking points rants that occur on a daily basis. Both sides are guilty, yet most of the blame belongs with the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck.
In the last year plus too many Americans are misconstruing what it means to be politically active. They are misusing their rights and just doing what the hell they feel like. That is not healthy and only counterproductive. I can do is shake my head and hope that tomorrow things will change. Hope is all I can do with the political environment increasingly getting worse with each passing day.
States that have received such letters are: Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Illinois is another possible state targeted while Idaho and Maryland are not among the target states.
As reports begin to come in, staff in these office are reporting that the writers of the letters are essentially looking to disband the federal government.
It is hard this early what to make of these letters, but they are yet another example of anger in this country going to a place it does not need to go. Politicians and media heads have almost asked for a revolution with their insidious comments at times and now both parties' chief executives in more than half of the states have begun targets for a radical group.
We have seen independent and party-oriented groups spring up across the nation over the last year. Many are far to one extreme or another. This group here represents the purest evil in politics and might go as far to say life. You might dislike someone's opinion. You might dislike someone's policies. You might dislike the character and who an individual is. But when you cross the line and want someone dead is when you go from citizen to criminal. I hope that the proper authorities make a quick examination of these letters and find the culprits. Threats are almost as bad as killing someone and these letters need to viewed with the utmost importance as I believe they are.
Hopefully, this can be yet another example of why we need to calm down a notch in this country. You can be angry that you don't have a job. You can be angry that there are elected officials in the federal government, whom you disagree with. When November comes around, make sure you vote; if you truly care and are as angry as you say you are. But most importantly, let's eliminate the far right and far left propaganda and talking points rants that occur on a daily basis. Both sides are guilty, yet most of the blame belongs with the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck.
In the last year plus too many Americans are misconstruing what it means to be politically active. They are misusing their rights and just doing what the hell they feel like. That is not healthy and only counterproductive. I can do is shake my head and hope that tomorrow things will change. Hope is all I can do with the political environment increasingly getting worse with each passing day.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Hello Philly, Goodbye Philly...
After a couple months of speculation of whether they will or won't; the Philadelphia Eagles finally traded one of their quarterbacks. Not just any quarterback, but their franchise quarterback who led them to 5 NFC Championship games and 1 Super Bowl. Donovan McNabb has had an interesting relationship with the city of Philadelphia ever since Day 1 when he was drafted 2nd overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He has battled his critics and injuries and been one of the best quarterbacks of the 2000s. Outside of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, no other quarterback was more reliable and solid during that 10 year span and his whole career at that. However, the move seemed not unlikely; the destination was a bit of shock to many. McNabb wasn't traded to Oakland or Buffalo or St. Louis, but Washington; a division rival in need of an upgrade at the position.
McNabb was sent to Washington in exchange for a pair of draft picks including the 37th overall or 2nd round pick. The Eagles didn't regard McNabb's value as worthy of a top pick or first round pick, but only a top 42 pick. As anyone would say, McNabb gracefully thanked Philadelphia for all memories and welcomed the new challenge of playing in the nation's capital. However, you cannot expect McNabb to not have revenge on his mind going into next year. As someone who has disliked the Philly fans for giving "the finger" so to speak to McNabb for his whole career, I see this as almost a perfect opportunity for them to experience life with McNabb. It would have been one thing to get rid of him thinking he was finished, but they think he is at the end of his best days so they sent him to a divisional rival. That will certainly be on McNabb's mind throughout the spring and summer and twice next year he will certainly look to prove the Eagles wrong.
Almost every year that McNabb was quarterback of the team, they won the NFC East. He never truly had enough weapons expect the year they got WR Terrell Owens and they got to the Super Bowl. Last year and possibly the next few years, there will be weapons capable of getting the Eagles finally over the hump, but now they lose the only stable thing they have had during their run of the last decade. The move also almost guarantees that QB Jason Campbell is on the outside moving forward and could be moved.
What did McNabb mean to the Eagles during his time? He is the Eagles' franchise leader in passing yards (32,873), completions (2,801), attempts (4,746), completion percentage (59.0), and touchdown passes (216). In addition for much of his career, McNabb was a dual threat and rushed for 3,249 yards and 28 scores. In games that McNabb started, the Eagles were 92-49-1 in the regular season and 9-7 in the postseason. However, despite all that, the drafting of Kevin Kolb a couple years back made McNabb a little more expendable as he got older. He has almost struggled with injuries during a few seasons and missed a season and a half due to them where the team was four games over .500.
Despite all the criticism, this man showed up whether he was 100% or not and gave the Eagles a great shot at winning a game that day. I expect the Eagles to take a step back and the Redskins to improve. Will either make the postseason after this move? It is hard to tell, but they are a lot closer now then they were before the move. Kevin Kolb can be a good quarterback, but when the game was on the line or you need a big play; more often than not McNabb rose up. Yes, he failed at bringing the city a Super Bowl, but so did Ron Jaworski and Randall Cunningham and neither was treated as badly as McNabb. Andy Reid is an excellent coach, but he would not have had as much success without McNabb. Well, Philadelphia has wanted this guy out for 11 years and they finally get their wish. We will see if it was the right choice, but expect McNabb to still be a top player for the next couple years. He showed no signs of slowing down unlike some other players this team has dumped over the years. McNabb said hello to the city in April 1999 and now in April 2010 he finally gets to say good riddance to the city until he returns wearing Redskin maroon and gold.
McNabb was sent to Washington in exchange for a pair of draft picks including the 37th overall or 2nd round pick. The Eagles didn't regard McNabb's value as worthy of a top pick or first round pick, but only a top 42 pick. As anyone would say, McNabb gracefully thanked Philadelphia for all memories and welcomed the new challenge of playing in the nation's capital. However, you cannot expect McNabb to not have revenge on his mind going into next year. As someone who has disliked the Philly fans for giving "the finger" so to speak to McNabb for his whole career, I see this as almost a perfect opportunity for them to experience life with McNabb. It would have been one thing to get rid of him thinking he was finished, but they think he is at the end of his best days so they sent him to a divisional rival. That will certainly be on McNabb's mind throughout the spring and summer and twice next year he will certainly look to prove the Eagles wrong.
Almost every year that McNabb was quarterback of the team, they won the NFC East. He never truly had enough weapons expect the year they got WR Terrell Owens and they got to the Super Bowl. Last year and possibly the next few years, there will be weapons capable of getting the Eagles finally over the hump, but now they lose the only stable thing they have had during their run of the last decade. The move also almost guarantees that QB Jason Campbell is on the outside moving forward and could be moved.
What did McNabb mean to the Eagles during his time? He is the Eagles' franchise leader in passing yards (32,873), completions (2,801), attempts (4,746), completion percentage (59.0), and touchdown passes (216). In addition for much of his career, McNabb was a dual threat and rushed for 3,249 yards and 28 scores. In games that McNabb started, the Eagles were 92-49-1 in the regular season and 9-7 in the postseason. However, despite all that, the drafting of Kevin Kolb a couple years back made McNabb a little more expendable as he got older. He has almost struggled with injuries during a few seasons and missed a season and a half due to them where the team was four games over .500.
Despite all the criticism, this man showed up whether he was 100% or not and gave the Eagles a great shot at winning a game that day. I expect the Eagles to take a step back and the Redskins to improve. Will either make the postseason after this move? It is hard to tell, but they are a lot closer now then they were before the move. Kevin Kolb can be a good quarterback, but when the game was on the line or you need a big play; more often than not McNabb rose up. Yes, he failed at bringing the city a Super Bowl, but so did Ron Jaworski and Randall Cunningham and neither was treated as badly as McNabb. Andy Reid is an excellent coach, but he would not have had as much success without McNabb. Well, Philadelphia has wanted this guy out for 11 years and they finally get their wish. We will see if it was the right choice, but expect McNabb to still be a top player for the next couple years. He showed no signs of slowing down unlike some other players this team has dumped over the years. McNabb said hello to the city in April 1999 and now in April 2010 he finally gets to say good riddance to the city until he returns wearing Redskin maroon and gold.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Jobs That Don't Pay
As someone who graduated less than a year ago, I fall into that field of young recent graduates who have scrambled for work in a tough economy. It was rough in the early months before a found something. Granted that job was not in my field of study. You hear some positive news here and there regarding job creation yet many in my age bracket lack that big thing called experience. How else do you get experience unless you get a job, right? Well there is something else. What is lower than entry level? That would be that internship. They come in two forms: the paid variety and the unpaid variety.
The last few graduating college classes as well as a couple soon to be graduated college students see internships as an option to gain that said experience and do something. With less job openings than there were two or three years ago, the amount of unpaid internships has risen. The rise has subsequently led to some suspicion and worry if these internships are being used to abuse free labor. The large amount of unpaid internships leads one to speculate if minimum wage laws are being violating. Officials across the country have begun looking into the legal aspects of employers' hiring practices. Unlike workers who are paid scraps, the individuals who pursue internships are less inclined to complain about being over worked or misused as they are trying to get their feet in the door somewhere or some place else.
The Labor Department has begun to educate interns better and cracked down on firms. Any for-profit agency intern is entitled to be paid under the law. Many employers failed to uphold their legal responsibility whether or not it met the criteria to be eligible be have unpaid interns. Criteria for an internship to be unpaid include: the internship should be similar to the training that would be given in a vocational school or academic institution; the intern should not be replacing or taking the place of a normal paid worker; and the employer doesn't gain an advantage from the intern's activities. These are three of the six criteria.
It is tough to exactly pinpoint how many paid vs unpaid internships there are, but it cannot be overstated that there are more people who will accept an unpaid internship in this tough climate as they see it as the only way to boost their resumes. Some studies do show three times the amount of unpaid internships than two years ago. The National Association of Colleges and Employers found two years ago that since 1992 the amount of graduating students with at least one internship on their resume went up from 17% to 50%. There are hundreds of thousands of students taking internship and there is easily more than 1/3rd that are unpaid. The number is possibly even higher.
Out west in Oregon, they have uncovered several internship abuses. There were cases where unpaid interns were replacing regular staff members and given responsibility without supervision and pay. Some cases have been brought forward where unjustly treated interns were given settlements. Other individuals in some states thought they were going to be doing one thing and then forced to do menial tasks that would not serve their future. Another thing brought up, which I for one saw coming, is the fact that unpaid internships are easy for well-off individuals to take. I did an internship program two years ago where I paid for the program and luckily received a stipend for the summer, but otherwise it was unpaid. Many individuals who need paying jobs will most likely decline internships that are unpaid while those who have enough money can boost their resumes and future career path. So, the more unpaid internships we have, more higher income students will have an extra advantage over middle to lower class students. These higher income students also might have connections that add to their advantage.
Some despite the fact that they aren't financially stable to do so still pursue these unpaid internships. It is tough because many employers look for internships and experience on resumes, but you can't afford taking time off to work at an unpaid internship then you become less qualified to an employer. Some industries are looking to give students a high caliber experience in order to make up for the lack of pay. But on the other end of the spectrum, some places that do pay interns don't necessarily give interns a proper educational experience. Of course, depending on your interest there might be a higher amount of unpaid internships while other industries might have a low amount of unpaid internships.
As someone who is looking to get into the political field or non-profit area of the economic market; unpaid internships have less strict regulations there. A lot of work is done on a volunteer basis and generally serve candidates, charities, or any other person or group. In both sectors, employers are required in states like California to ensure interns can receive college credit to compensate for the absence of pay. However, the college credit "payment" does not give an automatic free pass to make interns do labor for a company unpaid.
That six criteria mentioned earlier is under scrutiny from the Labor Department as it has been over 60 years since those standards were set during a time when apprenticeships and unpaid labor was not too uncommon in the wake of World War II. I know from my family that my grandfather and his brothers all picked up trades through such apprenticeships and such. However, in 2010, things are a lot more expensive and we see hardly anyone who would freely not get paid if it didn't mean a notch on their belts or resumes. One lawyer mentioned that as the standards are set now, the intern is not supposed to be doing work that gives their employer an advantage. But as someone who has done multiple internships, the internships serve the employer and intern mutually and that is something has been brought up in terms of both sides are an advantage because of the internship. Lastly, unpaid interns aren't given any benefits and privileges and are also not protected from any harassment in the office.
One thing is for sure, there are definitely more and more unpaid internships popping up and it is tough for many to decline them as they scramble for limited jobs in this tough market. I have passed up multiple unpaid internships because I would not feel financially stable as I would need to live while working for free. At the same time, I have bills and tuition payments and it is just too tough to not get paid at this time in my life. There are certainly many people in a similar situation. Also, I can say in all my internships I was treated to a full experience and learned a lot. There are too many unpaid internships that are taking advantage of students and recent graduates who just want to get themselves one step closer to their dreams.
I strongly recommend reading the article below where I got the inspiration for this post from. It has many points I mentioned and a lot of examples and other information.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/03/business/03intern.html?hp=&pagewanted=all
The last few graduating college classes as well as a couple soon to be graduated college students see internships as an option to gain that said experience and do something. With less job openings than there were two or three years ago, the amount of unpaid internships has risen. The rise has subsequently led to some suspicion and worry if these internships are being used to abuse free labor. The large amount of unpaid internships leads one to speculate if minimum wage laws are being violating. Officials across the country have begun looking into the legal aspects of employers' hiring practices. Unlike workers who are paid scraps, the individuals who pursue internships are less inclined to complain about being over worked or misused as they are trying to get their feet in the door somewhere or some place else.
The Labor Department has begun to educate interns better and cracked down on firms. Any for-profit agency intern is entitled to be paid under the law. Many employers failed to uphold their legal responsibility whether or not it met the criteria to be eligible be have unpaid interns. Criteria for an internship to be unpaid include: the internship should be similar to the training that would be given in a vocational school or academic institution; the intern should not be replacing or taking the place of a normal paid worker; and the employer doesn't gain an advantage from the intern's activities. These are three of the six criteria.
It is tough to exactly pinpoint how many paid vs unpaid internships there are, but it cannot be overstated that there are more people who will accept an unpaid internship in this tough climate as they see it as the only way to boost their resumes. Some studies do show three times the amount of unpaid internships than two years ago. The National Association of Colleges and Employers found two years ago that since 1992 the amount of graduating students with at least one internship on their resume went up from 17% to 50%. There are hundreds of thousands of students taking internship and there is easily more than 1/3rd that are unpaid. The number is possibly even higher.
Out west in Oregon, they have uncovered several internship abuses. There were cases where unpaid interns were replacing regular staff members and given responsibility without supervision and pay. Some cases have been brought forward where unjustly treated interns were given settlements. Other individuals in some states thought they were going to be doing one thing and then forced to do menial tasks that would not serve their future. Another thing brought up, which I for one saw coming, is the fact that unpaid internships are easy for well-off individuals to take. I did an internship program two years ago where I paid for the program and luckily received a stipend for the summer, but otherwise it was unpaid. Many individuals who need paying jobs will most likely decline internships that are unpaid while those who have enough money can boost their resumes and future career path. So, the more unpaid internships we have, more higher income students will have an extra advantage over middle to lower class students. These higher income students also might have connections that add to their advantage.
Some despite the fact that they aren't financially stable to do so still pursue these unpaid internships. It is tough because many employers look for internships and experience on resumes, but you can't afford taking time off to work at an unpaid internship then you become less qualified to an employer. Some industries are looking to give students a high caliber experience in order to make up for the lack of pay. But on the other end of the spectrum, some places that do pay interns don't necessarily give interns a proper educational experience. Of course, depending on your interest there might be a higher amount of unpaid internships while other industries might have a low amount of unpaid internships.
As someone who is looking to get into the political field or non-profit area of the economic market; unpaid internships have less strict regulations there. A lot of work is done on a volunteer basis and generally serve candidates, charities, or any other person or group. In both sectors, employers are required in states like California to ensure interns can receive college credit to compensate for the absence of pay. However, the college credit "payment" does not give an automatic free pass to make interns do labor for a company unpaid.
That six criteria mentioned earlier is under scrutiny from the Labor Department as it has been over 60 years since those standards were set during a time when apprenticeships and unpaid labor was not too uncommon in the wake of World War II. I know from my family that my grandfather and his brothers all picked up trades through such apprenticeships and such. However, in 2010, things are a lot more expensive and we see hardly anyone who would freely not get paid if it didn't mean a notch on their belts or resumes. One lawyer mentioned that as the standards are set now, the intern is not supposed to be doing work that gives their employer an advantage. But as someone who has done multiple internships, the internships serve the employer and intern mutually and that is something has been brought up in terms of both sides are an advantage because of the internship. Lastly, unpaid interns aren't given any benefits and privileges and are also not protected from any harassment in the office.
One thing is for sure, there are definitely more and more unpaid internships popping up and it is tough for many to decline them as they scramble for limited jobs in this tough market. I have passed up multiple unpaid internships because I would not feel financially stable as I would need to live while working for free. At the same time, I have bills and tuition payments and it is just too tough to not get paid at this time in my life. There are certainly many people in a similar situation. Also, I can say in all my internships I was treated to a full experience and learned a lot. There are too many unpaid internships that are taking advantage of students and recent graduates who just want to get themselves one step closer to their dreams.
I strongly recommend reading the article below where I got the inspiration for this post from. It has many points I mentioned and a lot of examples and other information.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/03/business/03intern.html?hp=&pagewanted=all
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Dr. No
If you showed up at a certain Florida doctor's office recently you would have seen this sign on the door: "If you voted for Obama...seek urologic care elsewhere. Changes to your healthcare begin now, not in four years."
This was on the door of the office of Dr. Jack Cassell. People were not sure at first if this was a joke. One person not joking around is Congressman Alan Grayson, who represents the district this doctor's office is in. Congressman Grayson feels that politics should not influence if a doctor chooses to treat a patient or not. I completely agree with Grayson. Just because you disagree with the President, you overstep your business rights by denying people because they are not conservative enough for you. Doctors take an oath and go to school for one thing: to treat people. Don't stop when it is convenient for you.
This is taking place in a mostly conservative town near Orlando. Congressman Grayson also highlighted one other key fact: the town is made up of a large amount of African Americans who are Democrats. So, whether Dr. Cassell intended his stance to be racist or not; subsequently by denying mostly African Americans who are Democrats becomes a racist issue. Dr. Cassell responded to various claims against him with statements including that he is not personally telling people to go away; it is up to them after they read the sign.
Those who oppose the legislation support Dr. Cassell and additionally say it's his right to do what he wants. Many of these voices hark from the Tea Party movement, a core who have consistently voiced opposition to the legislation and now the bill.
Worth noting is the American Medical Association, which has a code of medical ethics that is used as guidance on various issues of patient care. The code, however, is not enforceable. The first line of the code includes: "but under no circumstances should different political views interfere with the delivery of care." Also included in the code is: "It is laudable for physicians to run for political office; to lobby for political positions, parties or candidates; and in every other way to exercise the full scope of their political rights as citizens." "Physicians will express their views to patients or their families," the code continues. However communications about political matters must be "conducted with the utmost sensitivity to patients' vulnerability and desire for privacy." These conversations are also inappropriate when patients or their families are "emotionally pressured by significant medical circumstances." All included, doctors cannot discriminate against or on the basis of race, color, creed, or sexual orientation. Not mentioned is political preference.
What this doctor is doing seems point to multiple violations of the code of ethics he should be following. Dr. Cassell, however, feels that what he is doing is not illegal.
"I think that the sore losers are out in force," Grayson said. "What they don't understand is that we've decided as a country to make sure that people can see a doctor when they need to. I don't know what they are so upset about. I really don't."
Personally, I think it is a shame that this doctor needs to let his political views get in the way of his job. Other professions have employees, who certainly disagree with the health care legislation. And yes, this is a doctor and they are one of the biggest groups affected. However, Dr. Cassell needs to think this through because this might hurt him or it might not; but his human decency is in question. Freedoms of this country allow Dr. Cassell to do what chooses to do, but I cannot nor will not agree with his move. Maybe the AMA needs to take a look at stricter enforcement of their code of ethics and these things would not be happening. If they were to occur, then these doctors would be punished for not fulfilling their duty. All I know is this guy follows the rest opposed to this legislation; they enjoy the word "No".
This was on the door of the office of Dr. Jack Cassell. People were not sure at first if this was a joke. One person not joking around is Congressman Alan Grayson, who represents the district this doctor's office is in. Congressman Grayson feels that politics should not influence if a doctor chooses to treat a patient or not. I completely agree with Grayson. Just because you disagree with the President, you overstep your business rights by denying people because they are not conservative enough for you. Doctors take an oath and go to school for one thing: to treat people. Don't stop when it is convenient for you.
This is taking place in a mostly conservative town near Orlando. Congressman Grayson also highlighted one other key fact: the town is made up of a large amount of African Americans who are Democrats. So, whether Dr. Cassell intended his stance to be racist or not; subsequently by denying mostly African Americans who are Democrats becomes a racist issue. Dr. Cassell responded to various claims against him with statements including that he is not personally telling people to go away; it is up to them after they read the sign.
Those who oppose the legislation support Dr. Cassell and additionally say it's his right to do what he wants. Many of these voices hark from the Tea Party movement, a core who have consistently voiced opposition to the legislation and now the bill.
Worth noting is the American Medical Association, which has a code of medical ethics that is used as guidance on various issues of patient care. The code, however, is not enforceable. The first line of the code includes: "but under no circumstances should different political views interfere with the delivery of care." Also included in the code is: "It is laudable for physicians to run for political office; to lobby for political positions, parties or candidates; and in every other way to exercise the full scope of their political rights as citizens." "Physicians will express their views to patients or their families," the code continues. However communications about political matters must be "conducted with the utmost sensitivity to patients' vulnerability and desire for privacy." These conversations are also inappropriate when patients or their families are "emotionally pressured by significant medical circumstances." All included, doctors cannot discriminate against or on the basis of race, color, creed, or sexual orientation. Not mentioned is political preference.
What this doctor is doing seems point to multiple violations of the code of ethics he should be following. Dr. Cassell, however, feels that what he is doing is not illegal.
"I think that the sore losers are out in force," Grayson said. "What they don't understand is that we've decided as a country to make sure that people can see a doctor when they need to. I don't know what they are so upset about. I really don't."
Personally, I think it is a shame that this doctor needs to let his political views get in the way of his job. Other professions have employees, who certainly disagree with the health care legislation. And yes, this is a doctor and they are one of the biggest groups affected. However, Dr. Cassell needs to think this through because this might hurt him or it might not; but his human decency is in question. Freedoms of this country allow Dr. Cassell to do what chooses to do, but I cannot nor will not agree with his move. Maybe the AMA needs to take a look at stricter enforcement of their code of ethics and these things would not be happening. If they were to occur, then these doctors would be punished for not fulfilling their duty. All I know is this guy follows the rest opposed to this legislation; they enjoy the word "No".
Thursday, April 1, 2010
2010 MLB Preview
The Major League Baseball season is upon us. The New York Yankees are opening up the defense of their 27th world championship. We saw various moves that could reshuffle the deck of cards that is MLB. Obviously, there are contenders and pretenders and a handful of sleepers. Time to break down what the season might have in store for us in 2010.
AL EAST
BALTIMORE ORIOLES: The Orioles have struggled for much of the last decade. They finished 2009 at 64-98 and the stellar of the ultra tough AL East. The addition of P Kevin Millwood to their rotation should give them a veteran to hopefully stabilize a few more games this year for them. The team overall is still young with talent still progressing. One of those guys is P Brian Matusz who was 5-2 in 8 starts in 2009. He will certainly get his licks, but could develop into an ace for them. There infield will have question marks with Miguel Tejada showing signs of depressing and will move to 3B. C Matt Wieters is another young star, who showed glimpses of being a notch below Joe Mauer and some others. Guys like in the outfield like Nick Markakis and Adam Jones are key parts of that young nucleus and both can be game changers for this team. Playing in the AL East will ultimately hurt this team this year as they are going to fight with the Blue Jays for the right to not be last in the division. They should show some signs of improvements but they will probably finish with 60 to 70 wins.
BOSTON RED SOX: They finished 2009 with a 95-67 record, but fell to the Angels in the ALDS after winning the AL Wild Card. Despite losing a solid bat and fairly good defender in Jason Bay; they added players like P John Lackey and 3B Adrian Beltre to an already strong looking team. Lackey will join potentially the best rotation in baseball. Combined with Lackey will be P Josh Beckett and P Jon Lester, who together combined for over 30 wins in 2009. P Daisuke Matsuzaka could be a true wildcard in their rotation as he had a solid two years before injuries affected him in 2009. Their bullpen still looks to be strong with CP Jonathan Papelbon closing the door. With guys like 1B Kevin Youkilis and 2B Dustin Pedroia near the top of the lineup, they have give the Red Sox offense a lot of kick when they are in their zones. DH David Ortiz will probably garner a lot the spotlight the first month or so of the season as he struggled for a good chunk of 2009 and time will tell if he will play like he did the latter half of 2009 or more like the slumping slugger he was at the beginning. It will a tough road for them to get to the postseason despite their stellar team. New York is still very good and Tampa Bay will be better this year. Boston should finish somewhere between 85-95 wins and in the AL Wildcard race.
NEW YORK YANKEES: Nothing beats winning a championship especially when its your 27th. After nearly a decade without lifting the World Series trophy, the Yankees added the right pieces and returned to the top. It was also the first year in the new Yankee Stadium and they christened the only way they know how. They made a few changes, but most of the team is still intact. The top of the rotation still has the two aces that help put the team over the top last year: P C.C. Sabathia and P A.J. Burnett. P Andy Pettite is still here and continues to produce on the mound and it looks like P Joba Chamberlain will most likely return to the setup role with P Phil Hughes returning to the rotation. And P Mariano Rivera is still one of the best if not the best at what he does; close games. Their infield is one of the best in MLB with 1B Mark Teixeira and 3B Alex Rodriguez slugging the ball and SS Derek Jeter consistently hitting and adding to his legacy. Look for 2B Robinson Cano to continue to improve and show that he is one of the best 2B in MLB. They traded for CF Curtis Granderson and he will give them offense and defense from that position that they did not have last year. Losing LFs Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui will probably not cost them too many games as both were on the downside of their respective careers. They went 103-59 last year on the way to a title and have a great shot to do both again in 2010. They should win somewhere between 90 and 105 games and make a run at the World Series. I like their chances of repeating a lot.
TAMPA BAY RAYS: After having a breakthrough year in 2008, the Rays took a bit of fall in 2009. They finished 84-78 and are sure to build on that record this year. The core of the team is still young and their pitching is on the upswing. Their pitching is still fairly young and one guy to watch in 2010 is P David Price would showed great improvement in his first year in the rotation. CP Rafael Soriano will help their bullpen if he continue produce a year like 2009. 3B Evan Longoria will be a major catalyst again for this team and still is improving as a young player, which is dangerous for his opponents. Combined with 1B Carlos Pena, the Rays have a great back-to-back combo in the lineup that can be brutal for Red Sox and Yankees pitching. Another guy to watch in 2010 will be 2B Ben Zobrist who moved to the infield and is also young and improving, but very good already. They will certainly contend with the Red Sox and Yankees for the AL East, but not sure even with better pitching and great hitting if they can pass those two. I think 85-95 wins seems in the picture this year.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS: They finished 2009 with a 75-87 record and traded away ace pitcher Roy Halladay this offseason and will probably take a step back this year. Without Halladay, the pitching rotation is young, inexperienced, and at best inconsistent, but it can be a good year for that rotation to become stronger. The infield is average at best and is made up of guys who are hard to gauge if they will good or poor players overall this year. CF Vernon Wells will have to return to his glory years if they are to have a power bat near the top of the lineup or else this offensive will struggle to score. Also 2B Aaron Hill and DH Adam Lind will have to reproduce their success last year for this team to be competitive. For 2010, they will definitely fall to the bottom half of the division again. They will struggle, but should outpace the Orioles and get somewhere between 70 and 80 wins.
AL CENTRAL
CHICAGO WHITE SOX: Despite much promise for a good year, they finished 2009 79-83 and behind the Twins and Tigers. Their hitting seemed to be lacking energy and was often inconsistent. One of the positives for them going into 2010 is the midseason addition of P Jake Peavy last year. If Peavy is healthy again, he will man a rotation that includes one of the most consistent and reliable starters in P Mark Buerhle. He doesn't do anything impressive, but usually gives you a chance to win. CP Bobby Jenks has been one of the best closers for the last few years, but at times he can be erratic. Adding SS Omar Vizquel gives them not only depth in their middle infield, but also he provides 20 plus years of experience and leadership to a team that sometimes lacks the latter. Also new to the team is LF Juan Pierre who can provide a steady bat at the top of the lineup. Time will tell this year if the trade for CF Alex Rios was worth it as he struggled a lot in 2009. It is tough to gauge this team's outlook as some of the problems they had last year wasn't in their control, but they will certainly be improved. Not sure if they will reclaim the AL Central crown. They will probably fall short and win between 80 and 90 games.
CLEVELAND INDIANS: They struggled a lot last year and finished the year with a 65-97 record and traded away another ace at the deadline who went on to dominate in the National League. There are question marks all over their pitching staff as there are a couple guys capable of being solid starters but injuries and other issues have hindered their performances. The addition of 1B Russell Branyan will give their lineup some needed power and will aide their offense. With C Victor Martinez now in Boston, there will be a lot of questions and uncertainty behind the plate as two young players will most likely compete for starting catcher. Their success this year could also be predicated on how well CF Grady Sizemore plays. I can't see this team being a whole lot better this year. Their pitching will probably hurt them and I can't see the hitting showing up every day or even most days. They will be pressed the finish outside the basement of the AL Central and will finish with somewhere between 60 and 75 wins.
DETROIT TIGERS: They controlled the AL Central for most of 2009, but faltered down the stretch in September losing a 3 game lead over the last weekend of the season before losing a tiebreaker for the division with the Twins. They finished 86-77 and ended the season as one of the biggest chokes ever with regard to losing a division. They look to be a good team again this year. P Justin Verlander will be the ace in a rotation with some young guys who could take the next step this year. 1B Miguel Cabrera should provide a lot of pop out of the infield and be a catalyst for their offense. The offseason trade of CF Curtis Granderson will set them back a bit, but CF Austin Jackson could be one of the young players this year to watch. They also added LF Johnny Damon, who will give them a veteran presence alongside RF Magglio Ordonez in the outfield alongside Jackson. Expect them to compete all season long for the division. However, similarly to last year; the Twins will probably edge them. They will probably finish around the same place with 85-90 wins.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS: They finished at 65-97 for another bad year. They do have one of the best young pitchers in P Zach Grienke and is the reigning AL Cy Young. He will have to be nearly perfect again this year as this team doesn't seem build to score a lot of runs again. There is a mix of veterans and young guys behind him in the rotation who are very erratic and mostly not very good overall. Their CP Joakim Soria is about as good at the back end, but does not get many chances to shut down teams. Guys like 1B Billy Butler might give them hope that can improve on last year's record, but they do not have a lot of strengths at any position with young, injured, or underperforming guys in the lineup. Grienke will keep them in a share of games, but they are looking at probably between 65-75 wins this year.
MINNESOTA TWINS: They went 86-76 on the year and stole the division in a sense from the Tigers in a playoff before they fell to the Yankees. C Joe Mauer is one of the best players in MLB and will be a major catalyst again in 2010 with 1B Justin Morneau. The pitching rotation has multiple solid starters, but no one who can shut it down as an ace. P Francisco Liriano showed signs of returning to grace last year and this year could be a make or break year for him. The Twins will be without CP Joe Nathan this year and they will most likely struggle to replace his presence at the back end of their bullpen, which is fairly good. 2B Orlando Hudson is a reliable enough hitter and very good defender. Another guy to watch on this team will be LF Delmon Young as he is still young and could be due for a breakout year. The addition of DH Jim Thome will be a nice guy off the bench and near the bottom of lineup despite his career at its near end. It's hard to deny that team is poised to be in contention for the division again despite questions around their closer. They should win between 85 and 90 games that might be enough to clinch the division.
AL WEST
ANAHEIM ANGELS: They finished 97-65 and dominated the AL West again last year. Time will tell how much they will RF Vladimir Guerrero, 3B Chone Figgins, and P John Lackey. Figgins especially was a key guy at the top of the lineup who got innings going. They did add DH Hideki Matsui and the second Yankee is as many years. The rotation takes a step back without Lackey, but P Jered Weaver has great stuff that can make the void seem small. Adding P Joel Piniero gives them a guy with experience who had a career year in St. Louis last year. CP Brian Fuentes was not much of drop off from CP Francisco Rodriguez and should be solid along with a good bullpen. Their offense will stop and go based how well 1B Kendry Morales is playing as he has become a top notch player and can turn a game around with his bat. CF Torii Hunter continues to be a top player with his offense and his defense. And RF Bobby Abreu proved to be a very good pick up and should continue to be a key player in tough at bats. They will definitely be in position to win the division again, but I expect the Texas Rangers to build off of last year's run and I see the Mariners and A's being more competitive. They will still win around the same amount of games with somewhere between 90-95 wins.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS: They finished 2009 with a 75-87 record and have struggled of late. They added veterans like P Ben Sheets and CF Coco Crisp, who can add a kick to this team. If Sheets can be healthy he gives them a solid starter at the top of their rotation. It is hard to tell how the rest of the rotation, which is fairly young; will do. CP Andrew Bailey had a very good year in 2009 and seems poised to develop into a clutch closer for many years. Adding 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff will certainly give them more a solid hitter at that position as 3B Eric Chavez showed signs of slowing down the last couple years. I do not know how much better they will be as injuries and production could tip the scales either way but between 75 and 80 wins looks likely.
SEATTLE MARINERS: They finished 2009 at 85-77 and were vastly improved from 2008 and show promise of continuing that trend in 2010. They added shutdown ace pitcher Cliff Lee, 3B Chone Figgins, and RF Milton Bradley. All can do a lot for this team and Lee will team with P Felix Hernandez to form one of the best 1-2 combos. While Figgins and Bradley will improve their offense. They will man a very good outfield with RF Ichiro, CF Franklin Gutierrez, and RF Bradley. They bring a little something different, which will make their play at the place and in the field vital for this team. One guy to watch is Seattle legend, DH Ken Griffey Jr. This is most likely his last year and we will see how much he has left in the tank. They should play close to last year especially with those additions, but not sure if they take that big step. They will float between 80 and 85 wins.
TEXAS RANGERS: The Rangers had a great year with a 87-75 and fell just short of the playoffs. Adding P Rich Harden to what looked like a growing rotation will certainly give them an extra edge. The pitching along with good hitting could make them a dangerous team again in 2010. P Scott Feldman jumped onto the national stage last year and he will have to duplicate that success to tow the line for the rotation if Harden falters at all. The left side of their infield with 3B Michael Young and SS Elvis Andrus will both be key for their success. Andrus got a chance to play last year and will have to add onto his good start. RF Nelson Cruz blasted onto the scene in 2009 and seems poised to be the big bat in the lineup. It will also be interesting seeing if RF Vladimir Guerrero can bounce back in 2010 and how important his bat might be for the Rangers. They will make a serious run in 2010 I think and finish between 85-95 wins.
NL EAST
ATLANTA BRAVES: They finished 86-76 last year after a nice late run in September and it was their best finish since their division dominance streak. It seems that last year there were signs that the pitching staff in Atlanta was giving us flashbacks to the 1990s. There is no Maddux, Smoltz, or Glavine in this rotation but P Jair Jurrjens and P Tommy Hanson are two very good young pitchers that paired with veterans like P Tim Hudson and P Derek Lowe give this team strong pitching which they have lacked in recent years. If CP Billy Wagner can be solid he will give them enough to close out games with a bit of uncertainty before him. 3B Chipper Jones is still getting it done and if he can play like he did in 2008 it will only add to what is a young lineup with guys mostly still unproven. There is a lot of talk about RF Jason Heyward as he makes his debut this year. He has a lot of potential and I see him being a 25/100 type of guy is the lineup is going strong and he gains his confidence. They will build on last year's close and give the Phillies a scare all year long. I'm not sure if they have enough to win the NL East, but the NL Wildcard if a very good possibility. They will win between 85-95 games.
FLORIDA MARLINS: They closed out 2009 with a 87-75 record, which was higher than many might have predicted for a young team. The young bats came alive and won games late for the Marlins. P Josh Johnson looks like a very strong top starter and will certainly continue his success from 2009 into 2010. If the younger guys around him can raise their game, they can be a tough rotation to hit off of. But there are too many questions there. No doubt SS Hanley Ramirez is one of the best players in the game and along with 2B Dan Uggla they give Florida a lot of pop that will make it tough for opposing teams to slow down their offense. LF Chris Coghlan was the NL Rookie of the Year and if he take the next step he gives them another big bat. This young team will probably make it interesting again this year, but they just don't have enough experience despite the talent and it cost them down the stretch. They will finish around the same with between 80-85 wins.
NEW YORK METS: Nothing quite describes the Mets' 2009 season better than injuries. The faltered to 70-92 with many of their stars on the DL. They are a lot better team than that and will show that this year. Adding LF Jason Bay only help their offense. P Johan Santana is the ace, but after him there are question marks with injured guys and others who are either young and unproven or erratic at times. If the pitching can get a lead and get the ball to CP Francisco Rodriguez, they are almost guaranteed a win. But the thing that worries me about him is his tendency to draw out close situations and that might hurt him and the Mets against good teams. They will need 3B David Wright to return to form and SS Jose Reyes to stay healthy if their offense is going to be effective. Another unhealthy player was CF Carlos Beltran and they will probably be without him again for half of 2010 and that might affect their offense as well as defense in the field. They will probably struggle again this year, but should play better but finish with between 75-85 wins.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: The defending NL champs looked poised to return to the World Series for the third straight year. Oh yea, they got better too with the addition of P Roy Halladay. Behind Halladay are questions around if P Cole Hamels can return to his 2008 form and if other guys can be reliable enough not to give up too many runs. Also uncertain is whether or not CP Brad Lidge will play like he did in 2008 when he was unhittable or like he did in 2009 when he was shaky at best. This lineup is very good from top to bottom. 1B Ryan Howard and 2B Chase Utley give them a lot of production and they added 3B Placido Polanco who will prove his worth at a position they have struggled to fill. LF Raul Ibanez had a breakout year for a veteran player and CF Shane Victorino and RF Jayson Werth are also very good. They are a solid playoff team and will certainly make a run for a World Series. They went 93-71 last year and will build upon that this year. They looked poised to finish somewhere between 90 and 100 wins.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS: After a good start in 2005, it has been all downhill since. Top picks and lack of production on the field. They went 59-103, but there is a lot of hope around the arrival of P Stephen Strasburg, who will join the team sometime during the season. Getting CP Matt Capps will give them a stronger closer. And veteran pitcher Jason Marquis will give their rotation some experienced pitching. If there young pitchers can build on their performances last year they can become a balanced rotation. 3B Ryan Zimmerman has been the franchise and when they got 1B Adam Dunn it gave him someone else with similar production to give the Nationals a pair of powerful bats. Getting C Ivan Rodriguez will also pay off as he helped turn the Marlins and Tigers into contenders and could do the same for the Nationals despite the fact that he aging. Their outfield has talented guys, who are unpolished and struggle a lot. They should improve on last year, but finishing somewhere between 65-75 seems likely.
NL CENTRAL
CHICAGO CUBS: They fell to 83-78 in 2009 after a couple of productive seasons. Their once solid ace P Carlos Zambrano is not exactly solid anymore and that could prove problematic for a rotation that has its ups and downs. P Ted Lilly will have to pick up Zambrano's slack for them to compete. Both 1B Derek Lee and 3B Aramis Ramirez are very good hitters, but have struggled to stay healthy in recent years. With both of them in the lineup most days they are a much better team. C Geovany Soto has a very good 2008, but slipped a bit in 2009. He should play closer to his 2008 self this year. LF Alfonso Soriano has underachieved overall since coming to the Windy City and will need to be productive and healthier as well to give them a multi-faceted bat at the top of the lineup. They will not get over the hump again this year. Expect them win somewhere between 80 and 85 games.
CINCINNATI REDS: They went 78-84 in 2009 and continued to fail to compete in the NL Central. They went and got Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman and we will see how he will pay off when he eventually joins the rotation. Their rotation is a nice mix of veterans and young guys. It will up to the younger arms if they are going to compete in 2010. 1B Joey Votto will have a breakout year on top of his success last year and be a major catalyst in their lineup. Getting SS Orlando Cabrera will pay off down the road this season with his timely hitting and great defense. This team will be better this year, but winning between 80 and 90 games seems most likely. Not sure if that will be enough to make the postseason.
HOUSTON ASTROS- They went 74-88 last year and do not seem like they will any more successful this year. P Roy Oswalt is still a top pitcher, but is in a very lackluster rotation. He might be used for trade bait. 1B Lance Berkman had some ups and down in 2009 and he will need to be healthy and productive if they are to improve. Wining somewhere between 70 and 75 games looks most likely.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS: They finished last year at 80-82 after a great 2008. P Yovani Gallardo is an improving pitcher and his progress will be vital to if this team can build off of last year's disappoints. Getting P Randy Wolf will certainly help their rotation a lot. CP Trevor Hoffman is still producing saves, but age might slow him down in 2010. LF Ryan Braun and 1B Prince Fielder are certainly the bats that need to be productive if this team is make a run this year. If they do more than enough than some of guys around them will not have as much pressure. They still lack that extra something to put them over despite a couple good pitchers and hitting. Winning between 80-85 is pretty realistic.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES: They trade away their best players and continue to finish below .500 as they finished at 62-99 in 2009. They have young guys at the top of their rotation who are the verge of being solid starters. One of their bright spots is CF Andrew McCutcheon who has a lot of speed and can be an effective leadoff man for them. Expect another losing season with them winning between 65-70 games.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: They went 91-71 last year and seemed poised to repeat as division champions. They have possibly the best player in 1B Albert Pujols and they kept LF Matt Holliday, who gives them a big bat and protection for Pujols. They have one of the best rotations with P Adam Wainwright and P Chris Carpenter leading the way. CF Colby Rasmus could be a major contributor this season after a very good 2009. They will play close to last year's production and win between 90 and 95 and that should be enough to win the division.
NL WEST
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: They finished last year at 70-92, which was a major disappointment for this young, promising team. They have been without a healthy P Brandon Webb and his return would be a major boost. Also P Dan Haren will have to develop on his success. Getting P Edwin Jackson should prove interesting because last year was his best year and this year will show if that was a fluke or not. Players like 2B Kelley Johnson, SS Stephen Drew, 3B Mark Reynolds, and RF Justin Upton are part of that young vital core. If they can all become consistent stars then this team will greatly improve. Don't know if all of them will be top notch. Reynolds' power though is especially crucial. They should play a lot better, but the division is fairly deep and tough. They will win somewhere between 75 and 80 games.
COLORADO ROCKIES: They went 92-70 last year after a nice end of season run that got them in the postseason. P Ubaldo Jimenez could be a strong ace for them and will look to build on his 2009. They have a decent mix of starters behind him. CP Huston Street is one of the better closers. 3B Ian Stewart's development will be crucial to their success as is the play of SS Troy Tulowitzki. They will struggle to duplicate last year's success a take a bit of a step back. They should be in the mix for most of the season though and finish with between 80 and 90 wins.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS: They went 95-67 despite slumping in the second half. Losing P Randy Wolf will hurt their rotation, but P Clayton Kershaw and P Chad Billingsley are poised to continue to be strong pitchers, but will still have moments where they falter. Much of the team's power and success will come from its outfield with LF Manny Ramirez, CF Matt Kemp, and RF Andre Ethier. I think they take a bit of step back, but probably still good enough to win the division if Colorado or San Francisco don't stage great second halfs. They will finish with between 85 and 90 wins.
SAN DIEGO PADRES: They went 75-87 despite some problems throughout the year. With the trade of P Jake Peavy last year, they do not have a strong reliable ace, but a battery unit of pitchers who might surprise some. 1B Adrian Gonzalez is one of the bright spots and should continue to provide power. They will still struggle overall and probably finish around the same with a victory total somewhere between 75 and 80 games.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: They went 88-74 last year and fell short of the postseason despite a lack of offense to back up their strong pitching. P Tim Lincecum anchors a fairly strong rotation that includes P Matt Cain and P Jonathan Sanchez. Lincecum is the two time reigning NL Cy Young winner. And P Barry Zito showed signs of returning to his dominant self last year. They will need to get a lot out of 3B Pablo Sandoval in order for their offense to stay consistent. Their pitching will certainly carry them. They will definitely build on last year's run and finish somewhere between 85 and 90 wins, which will put them in contention for the division.
After all that, not too much will change overall in 2010 from 2009. Predictions based off all that was said:
AL EAST WINNER: YANKEES
AL CENTRAL WINNER: TWINS
AL WEST WINNER: RANGERS
AL WILDCARD: AL EAST RUNNER UP (RED SOX/RAYS)
NL EAST WINNER: PHILLIES
NL CENTRAL WINNER: CARDINALS
NL WEST WINNER: GIANTS
NL WILDCARD: BRAVES/DODGERS
AL CHAMPIONSHIP: YANKEES OVER RED SOX/RAYS
NL CHAMPIONSHIP: PHILLIES OVER CARDINALS
WORLD SERIES: YANKEES OVER PHILLIES
A lot of this can change based on a trade or injuries, but I still think most of what I predicted looks pretty strong. But as recent years have shown, there are teams like Tampa Bay or Colorado that go on a run that shocks many. But usually the best team wins the title at the end of the year and the two who battled it out last October look to be about as strong if not stronger. Either way it should be an exciting six months. Let's play ball!
AL EAST
BALTIMORE ORIOLES: The Orioles have struggled for much of the last decade. They finished 2009 at 64-98 and the stellar of the ultra tough AL East. The addition of P Kevin Millwood to their rotation should give them a veteran to hopefully stabilize a few more games this year for them. The team overall is still young with talent still progressing. One of those guys is P Brian Matusz who was 5-2 in 8 starts in 2009. He will certainly get his licks, but could develop into an ace for them. There infield will have question marks with Miguel Tejada showing signs of depressing and will move to 3B. C Matt Wieters is another young star, who showed glimpses of being a notch below Joe Mauer and some others. Guys like in the outfield like Nick Markakis and Adam Jones are key parts of that young nucleus and both can be game changers for this team. Playing in the AL East will ultimately hurt this team this year as they are going to fight with the Blue Jays for the right to not be last in the division. They should show some signs of improvements but they will probably finish with 60 to 70 wins.
BOSTON RED SOX: They finished 2009 with a 95-67 record, but fell to the Angels in the ALDS after winning the AL Wild Card. Despite losing a solid bat and fairly good defender in Jason Bay; they added players like P John Lackey and 3B Adrian Beltre to an already strong looking team. Lackey will join potentially the best rotation in baseball. Combined with Lackey will be P Josh Beckett and P Jon Lester, who together combined for over 30 wins in 2009. P Daisuke Matsuzaka could be a true wildcard in their rotation as he had a solid two years before injuries affected him in 2009. Their bullpen still looks to be strong with CP Jonathan Papelbon closing the door. With guys like 1B Kevin Youkilis and 2B Dustin Pedroia near the top of the lineup, they have give the Red Sox offense a lot of kick when they are in their zones. DH David Ortiz will probably garner a lot the spotlight the first month or so of the season as he struggled for a good chunk of 2009 and time will tell if he will play like he did the latter half of 2009 or more like the slumping slugger he was at the beginning. It will a tough road for them to get to the postseason despite their stellar team. New York is still very good and Tampa Bay will be better this year. Boston should finish somewhere between 85-95 wins and in the AL Wildcard race.
NEW YORK YANKEES: Nothing beats winning a championship especially when its your 27th. After nearly a decade without lifting the World Series trophy, the Yankees added the right pieces and returned to the top. It was also the first year in the new Yankee Stadium and they christened the only way they know how. They made a few changes, but most of the team is still intact. The top of the rotation still has the two aces that help put the team over the top last year: P C.C. Sabathia and P A.J. Burnett. P Andy Pettite is still here and continues to produce on the mound and it looks like P Joba Chamberlain will most likely return to the setup role with P Phil Hughes returning to the rotation. And P Mariano Rivera is still one of the best if not the best at what he does; close games. Their infield is one of the best in MLB with 1B Mark Teixeira and 3B Alex Rodriguez slugging the ball and SS Derek Jeter consistently hitting and adding to his legacy. Look for 2B Robinson Cano to continue to improve and show that he is one of the best 2B in MLB. They traded for CF Curtis Granderson and he will give them offense and defense from that position that they did not have last year. Losing LFs Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui will probably not cost them too many games as both were on the downside of their respective careers. They went 103-59 last year on the way to a title and have a great shot to do both again in 2010. They should win somewhere between 90 and 105 games and make a run at the World Series. I like their chances of repeating a lot.
TAMPA BAY RAYS: After having a breakthrough year in 2008, the Rays took a bit of fall in 2009. They finished 84-78 and are sure to build on that record this year. The core of the team is still young and their pitching is on the upswing. Their pitching is still fairly young and one guy to watch in 2010 is P David Price would showed great improvement in his first year in the rotation. CP Rafael Soriano will help their bullpen if he continue produce a year like 2009. 3B Evan Longoria will be a major catalyst again for this team and still is improving as a young player, which is dangerous for his opponents. Combined with 1B Carlos Pena, the Rays have a great back-to-back combo in the lineup that can be brutal for Red Sox and Yankees pitching. Another guy to watch in 2010 will be 2B Ben Zobrist who moved to the infield and is also young and improving, but very good already. They will certainly contend with the Red Sox and Yankees for the AL East, but not sure even with better pitching and great hitting if they can pass those two. I think 85-95 wins seems in the picture this year.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS: They finished 2009 with a 75-87 record and traded away ace pitcher Roy Halladay this offseason and will probably take a step back this year. Without Halladay, the pitching rotation is young, inexperienced, and at best inconsistent, but it can be a good year for that rotation to become stronger. The infield is average at best and is made up of guys who are hard to gauge if they will good or poor players overall this year. CF Vernon Wells will have to return to his glory years if they are to have a power bat near the top of the lineup or else this offensive will struggle to score. Also 2B Aaron Hill and DH Adam Lind will have to reproduce their success last year for this team to be competitive. For 2010, they will definitely fall to the bottom half of the division again. They will struggle, but should outpace the Orioles and get somewhere between 70 and 80 wins.
AL CENTRAL
CHICAGO WHITE SOX: Despite much promise for a good year, they finished 2009 79-83 and behind the Twins and Tigers. Their hitting seemed to be lacking energy and was often inconsistent. One of the positives for them going into 2010 is the midseason addition of P Jake Peavy last year. If Peavy is healthy again, he will man a rotation that includes one of the most consistent and reliable starters in P Mark Buerhle. He doesn't do anything impressive, but usually gives you a chance to win. CP Bobby Jenks has been one of the best closers for the last few years, but at times he can be erratic. Adding SS Omar Vizquel gives them not only depth in their middle infield, but also he provides 20 plus years of experience and leadership to a team that sometimes lacks the latter. Also new to the team is LF Juan Pierre who can provide a steady bat at the top of the lineup. Time will tell this year if the trade for CF Alex Rios was worth it as he struggled a lot in 2009. It is tough to gauge this team's outlook as some of the problems they had last year wasn't in their control, but they will certainly be improved. Not sure if they will reclaim the AL Central crown. They will probably fall short and win between 80 and 90 games.
CLEVELAND INDIANS: They struggled a lot last year and finished the year with a 65-97 record and traded away another ace at the deadline who went on to dominate in the National League. There are question marks all over their pitching staff as there are a couple guys capable of being solid starters but injuries and other issues have hindered their performances. The addition of 1B Russell Branyan will give their lineup some needed power and will aide their offense. With C Victor Martinez now in Boston, there will be a lot of questions and uncertainty behind the plate as two young players will most likely compete for starting catcher. Their success this year could also be predicated on how well CF Grady Sizemore plays. I can't see this team being a whole lot better this year. Their pitching will probably hurt them and I can't see the hitting showing up every day or even most days. They will be pressed the finish outside the basement of the AL Central and will finish with somewhere between 60 and 75 wins.
DETROIT TIGERS: They controlled the AL Central for most of 2009, but faltered down the stretch in September losing a 3 game lead over the last weekend of the season before losing a tiebreaker for the division with the Twins. They finished 86-77 and ended the season as one of the biggest chokes ever with regard to losing a division. They look to be a good team again this year. P Justin Verlander will be the ace in a rotation with some young guys who could take the next step this year. 1B Miguel Cabrera should provide a lot of pop out of the infield and be a catalyst for their offense. The offseason trade of CF Curtis Granderson will set them back a bit, but CF Austin Jackson could be one of the young players this year to watch. They also added LF Johnny Damon, who will give them a veteran presence alongside RF Magglio Ordonez in the outfield alongside Jackson. Expect them to compete all season long for the division. However, similarly to last year; the Twins will probably edge them. They will probably finish around the same place with 85-90 wins.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS: They finished at 65-97 for another bad year. They do have one of the best young pitchers in P Zach Grienke and is the reigning AL Cy Young. He will have to be nearly perfect again this year as this team doesn't seem build to score a lot of runs again. There is a mix of veterans and young guys behind him in the rotation who are very erratic and mostly not very good overall. Their CP Joakim Soria is about as good at the back end, but does not get many chances to shut down teams. Guys like 1B Billy Butler might give them hope that can improve on last year's record, but they do not have a lot of strengths at any position with young, injured, or underperforming guys in the lineup. Grienke will keep them in a share of games, but they are looking at probably between 65-75 wins this year.
MINNESOTA TWINS: They went 86-76 on the year and stole the division in a sense from the Tigers in a playoff before they fell to the Yankees. C Joe Mauer is one of the best players in MLB and will be a major catalyst again in 2010 with 1B Justin Morneau. The pitching rotation has multiple solid starters, but no one who can shut it down as an ace. P Francisco Liriano showed signs of returning to grace last year and this year could be a make or break year for him. The Twins will be without CP Joe Nathan this year and they will most likely struggle to replace his presence at the back end of their bullpen, which is fairly good. 2B Orlando Hudson is a reliable enough hitter and very good defender. Another guy to watch on this team will be LF Delmon Young as he is still young and could be due for a breakout year. The addition of DH Jim Thome will be a nice guy off the bench and near the bottom of lineup despite his career at its near end. It's hard to deny that team is poised to be in contention for the division again despite questions around their closer. They should win between 85 and 90 games that might be enough to clinch the division.
AL WEST
ANAHEIM ANGELS: They finished 97-65 and dominated the AL West again last year. Time will tell how much they will RF Vladimir Guerrero, 3B Chone Figgins, and P John Lackey. Figgins especially was a key guy at the top of the lineup who got innings going. They did add DH Hideki Matsui and the second Yankee is as many years. The rotation takes a step back without Lackey, but P Jered Weaver has great stuff that can make the void seem small. Adding P Joel Piniero gives them a guy with experience who had a career year in St. Louis last year. CP Brian Fuentes was not much of drop off from CP Francisco Rodriguez and should be solid along with a good bullpen. Their offense will stop and go based how well 1B Kendry Morales is playing as he has become a top notch player and can turn a game around with his bat. CF Torii Hunter continues to be a top player with his offense and his defense. And RF Bobby Abreu proved to be a very good pick up and should continue to be a key player in tough at bats. They will definitely be in position to win the division again, but I expect the Texas Rangers to build off of last year's run and I see the Mariners and A's being more competitive. They will still win around the same amount of games with somewhere between 90-95 wins.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS: They finished 2009 with a 75-87 record and have struggled of late. They added veterans like P Ben Sheets and CF Coco Crisp, who can add a kick to this team. If Sheets can be healthy he gives them a solid starter at the top of their rotation. It is hard to tell how the rest of the rotation, which is fairly young; will do. CP Andrew Bailey had a very good year in 2009 and seems poised to develop into a clutch closer for many years. Adding 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff will certainly give them more a solid hitter at that position as 3B Eric Chavez showed signs of slowing down the last couple years. I do not know how much better they will be as injuries and production could tip the scales either way but between 75 and 80 wins looks likely.
SEATTLE MARINERS: They finished 2009 at 85-77 and were vastly improved from 2008 and show promise of continuing that trend in 2010. They added shutdown ace pitcher Cliff Lee, 3B Chone Figgins, and RF Milton Bradley. All can do a lot for this team and Lee will team with P Felix Hernandez to form one of the best 1-2 combos. While Figgins and Bradley will improve their offense. They will man a very good outfield with RF Ichiro, CF Franklin Gutierrez, and RF Bradley. They bring a little something different, which will make their play at the place and in the field vital for this team. One guy to watch is Seattle legend, DH Ken Griffey Jr. This is most likely his last year and we will see how much he has left in the tank. They should play close to last year especially with those additions, but not sure if they take that big step. They will float between 80 and 85 wins.
TEXAS RANGERS: The Rangers had a great year with a 87-75 and fell just short of the playoffs. Adding P Rich Harden to what looked like a growing rotation will certainly give them an extra edge. The pitching along with good hitting could make them a dangerous team again in 2010. P Scott Feldman jumped onto the national stage last year and he will have to duplicate that success to tow the line for the rotation if Harden falters at all. The left side of their infield with 3B Michael Young and SS Elvis Andrus will both be key for their success. Andrus got a chance to play last year and will have to add onto his good start. RF Nelson Cruz blasted onto the scene in 2009 and seems poised to be the big bat in the lineup. It will also be interesting seeing if RF Vladimir Guerrero can bounce back in 2010 and how important his bat might be for the Rangers. They will make a serious run in 2010 I think and finish between 85-95 wins.
NL EAST
ATLANTA BRAVES: They finished 86-76 last year after a nice late run in September and it was their best finish since their division dominance streak. It seems that last year there were signs that the pitching staff in Atlanta was giving us flashbacks to the 1990s. There is no Maddux, Smoltz, or Glavine in this rotation but P Jair Jurrjens and P Tommy Hanson are two very good young pitchers that paired with veterans like P Tim Hudson and P Derek Lowe give this team strong pitching which they have lacked in recent years. If CP Billy Wagner can be solid he will give them enough to close out games with a bit of uncertainty before him. 3B Chipper Jones is still getting it done and if he can play like he did in 2008 it will only add to what is a young lineup with guys mostly still unproven. There is a lot of talk about RF Jason Heyward as he makes his debut this year. He has a lot of potential and I see him being a 25/100 type of guy is the lineup is going strong and he gains his confidence. They will build on last year's close and give the Phillies a scare all year long. I'm not sure if they have enough to win the NL East, but the NL Wildcard if a very good possibility. They will win between 85-95 games.
FLORIDA MARLINS: They closed out 2009 with a 87-75 record, which was higher than many might have predicted for a young team. The young bats came alive and won games late for the Marlins. P Josh Johnson looks like a very strong top starter and will certainly continue his success from 2009 into 2010. If the younger guys around him can raise their game, they can be a tough rotation to hit off of. But there are too many questions there. No doubt SS Hanley Ramirez is one of the best players in the game and along with 2B Dan Uggla they give Florida a lot of pop that will make it tough for opposing teams to slow down their offense. LF Chris Coghlan was the NL Rookie of the Year and if he take the next step he gives them another big bat. This young team will probably make it interesting again this year, but they just don't have enough experience despite the talent and it cost them down the stretch. They will finish around the same with between 80-85 wins.
NEW YORK METS: Nothing quite describes the Mets' 2009 season better than injuries. The faltered to 70-92 with many of their stars on the DL. They are a lot better team than that and will show that this year. Adding LF Jason Bay only help their offense. P Johan Santana is the ace, but after him there are question marks with injured guys and others who are either young and unproven or erratic at times. If the pitching can get a lead and get the ball to CP Francisco Rodriguez, they are almost guaranteed a win. But the thing that worries me about him is his tendency to draw out close situations and that might hurt him and the Mets against good teams. They will need 3B David Wright to return to form and SS Jose Reyes to stay healthy if their offense is going to be effective. Another unhealthy player was CF Carlos Beltran and they will probably be without him again for half of 2010 and that might affect their offense as well as defense in the field. They will probably struggle again this year, but should play better but finish with between 75-85 wins.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: The defending NL champs looked poised to return to the World Series for the third straight year. Oh yea, they got better too with the addition of P Roy Halladay. Behind Halladay are questions around if P Cole Hamels can return to his 2008 form and if other guys can be reliable enough not to give up too many runs. Also uncertain is whether or not CP Brad Lidge will play like he did in 2008 when he was unhittable or like he did in 2009 when he was shaky at best. This lineup is very good from top to bottom. 1B Ryan Howard and 2B Chase Utley give them a lot of production and they added 3B Placido Polanco who will prove his worth at a position they have struggled to fill. LF Raul Ibanez had a breakout year for a veteran player and CF Shane Victorino and RF Jayson Werth are also very good. They are a solid playoff team and will certainly make a run for a World Series. They went 93-71 last year and will build upon that this year. They looked poised to finish somewhere between 90 and 100 wins.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS: After a good start in 2005, it has been all downhill since. Top picks and lack of production on the field. They went 59-103, but there is a lot of hope around the arrival of P Stephen Strasburg, who will join the team sometime during the season. Getting CP Matt Capps will give them a stronger closer. And veteran pitcher Jason Marquis will give their rotation some experienced pitching. If there young pitchers can build on their performances last year they can become a balanced rotation. 3B Ryan Zimmerman has been the franchise and when they got 1B Adam Dunn it gave him someone else with similar production to give the Nationals a pair of powerful bats. Getting C Ivan Rodriguez will also pay off as he helped turn the Marlins and Tigers into contenders and could do the same for the Nationals despite the fact that he aging. Their outfield has talented guys, who are unpolished and struggle a lot. They should improve on last year, but finishing somewhere between 65-75 seems likely.
NL CENTRAL
CHICAGO CUBS: They fell to 83-78 in 2009 after a couple of productive seasons. Their once solid ace P Carlos Zambrano is not exactly solid anymore and that could prove problematic for a rotation that has its ups and downs. P Ted Lilly will have to pick up Zambrano's slack for them to compete. Both 1B Derek Lee and 3B Aramis Ramirez are very good hitters, but have struggled to stay healthy in recent years. With both of them in the lineup most days they are a much better team. C Geovany Soto has a very good 2008, but slipped a bit in 2009. He should play closer to his 2008 self this year. LF Alfonso Soriano has underachieved overall since coming to the Windy City and will need to be productive and healthier as well to give them a multi-faceted bat at the top of the lineup. They will not get over the hump again this year. Expect them win somewhere between 80 and 85 games.
CINCINNATI REDS: They went 78-84 in 2009 and continued to fail to compete in the NL Central. They went and got Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman and we will see how he will pay off when he eventually joins the rotation. Their rotation is a nice mix of veterans and young guys. It will up to the younger arms if they are going to compete in 2010. 1B Joey Votto will have a breakout year on top of his success last year and be a major catalyst in their lineup. Getting SS Orlando Cabrera will pay off down the road this season with his timely hitting and great defense. This team will be better this year, but winning between 80 and 90 games seems most likely. Not sure if that will be enough to make the postseason.
HOUSTON ASTROS- They went 74-88 last year and do not seem like they will any more successful this year. P Roy Oswalt is still a top pitcher, but is in a very lackluster rotation. He might be used for trade bait. 1B Lance Berkman had some ups and down in 2009 and he will need to be healthy and productive if they are to improve. Wining somewhere between 70 and 75 games looks most likely.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS: They finished last year at 80-82 after a great 2008. P Yovani Gallardo is an improving pitcher and his progress will be vital to if this team can build off of last year's disappoints. Getting P Randy Wolf will certainly help their rotation a lot. CP Trevor Hoffman is still producing saves, but age might slow him down in 2010. LF Ryan Braun and 1B Prince Fielder are certainly the bats that need to be productive if this team is make a run this year. If they do more than enough than some of guys around them will not have as much pressure. They still lack that extra something to put them over despite a couple good pitchers and hitting. Winning between 80-85 is pretty realistic.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES: They trade away their best players and continue to finish below .500 as they finished at 62-99 in 2009. They have young guys at the top of their rotation who are the verge of being solid starters. One of their bright spots is CF Andrew McCutcheon who has a lot of speed and can be an effective leadoff man for them. Expect another losing season with them winning between 65-70 games.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: They went 91-71 last year and seemed poised to repeat as division champions. They have possibly the best player in 1B Albert Pujols and they kept LF Matt Holliday, who gives them a big bat and protection for Pujols. They have one of the best rotations with P Adam Wainwright and P Chris Carpenter leading the way. CF Colby Rasmus could be a major contributor this season after a very good 2009. They will play close to last year's production and win between 90 and 95 and that should be enough to win the division.
NL WEST
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: They finished last year at 70-92, which was a major disappointment for this young, promising team. They have been without a healthy P Brandon Webb and his return would be a major boost. Also P Dan Haren will have to develop on his success. Getting P Edwin Jackson should prove interesting because last year was his best year and this year will show if that was a fluke or not. Players like 2B Kelley Johnson, SS Stephen Drew, 3B Mark Reynolds, and RF Justin Upton are part of that young vital core. If they can all become consistent stars then this team will greatly improve. Don't know if all of them will be top notch. Reynolds' power though is especially crucial. They should play a lot better, but the division is fairly deep and tough. They will win somewhere between 75 and 80 games.
COLORADO ROCKIES: They went 92-70 last year after a nice end of season run that got them in the postseason. P Ubaldo Jimenez could be a strong ace for them and will look to build on his 2009. They have a decent mix of starters behind him. CP Huston Street is one of the better closers. 3B Ian Stewart's development will be crucial to their success as is the play of SS Troy Tulowitzki. They will struggle to duplicate last year's success a take a bit of a step back. They should be in the mix for most of the season though and finish with between 80 and 90 wins.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS: They went 95-67 despite slumping in the second half. Losing P Randy Wolf will hurt their rotation, but P Clayton Kershaw and P Chad Billingsley are poised to continue to be strong pitchers, but will still have moments where they falter. Much of the team's power and success will come from its outfield with LF Manny Ramirez, CF Matt Kemp, and RF Andre Ethier. I think they take a bit of step back, but probably still good enough to win the division if Colorado or San Francisco don't stage great second halfs. They will finish with between 85 and 90 wins.
SAN DIEGO PADRES: They went 75-87 despite some problems throughout the year. With the trade of P Jake Peavy last year, they do not have a strong reliable ace, but a battery unit of pitchers who might surprise some. 1B Adrian Gonzalez is one of the bright spots and should continue to provide power. They will still struggle overall and probably finish around the same with a victory total somewhere between 75 and 80 games.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: They went 88-74 last year and fell short of the postseason despite a lack of offense to back up their strong pitching. P Tim Lincecum anchors a fairly strong rotation that includes P Matt Cain and P Jonathan Sanchez. Lincecum is the two time reigning NL Cy Young winner. And P Barry Zito showed signs of returning to his dominant self last year. They will need to get a lot out of 3B Pablo Sandoval in order for their offense to stay consistent. Their pitching will certainly carry them. They will definitely build on last year's run and finish somewhere between 85 and 90 wins, which will put them in contention for the division.
After all that, not too much will change overall in 2010 from 2009. Predictions based off all that was said:
AL EAST WINNER: YANKEES
AL CENTRAL WINNER: TWINS
AL WEST WINNER: RANGERS
AL WILDCARD: AL EAST RUNNER UP (RED SOX/RAYS)
NL EAST WINNER: PHILLIES
NL CENTRAL WINNER: CARDINALS
NL WEST WINNER: GIANTS
NL WILDCARD: BRAVES/DODGERS
AL CHAMPIONSHIP: YANKEES OVER RED SOX/RAYS
NL CHAMPIONSHIP: PHILLIES OVER CARDINALS
WORLD SERIES: YANKEES OVER PHILLIES
A lot of this can change based on a trade or injuries, but I still think most of what I predicted looks pretty strong. But as recent years have shown, there are teams like Tampa Bay or Colorado that go on a run that shocks many. But usually the best team wins the title at the end of the year and the two who battled it out last October look to be about as strong if not stronger. Either way it should be an exciting six months. Let's play ball!
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