The little known chapter in Pete Carroll's "Win Forever" (aka my Bible) is the one wherein Pete tells us that the rules of Winning Forever and Always Competing are waived if you have a wedding to attend and you need to spend valuable prep minutes checking to see if CVS sells belts because a certain co-host spent his own wedding prep time making his Week 3 Picks...Either way, I'm throwing myself an 8-8 for last week and there's absolutely nothing any of you can do about it.
WEEK 4 PICKS:
Jets (-5.5) over BILLS
TITANS (-6.5) over Broncos
Bengals (-3) over BROWNS
PACKERS (-14.5) over Lions
SAINTS (-13.5) over Panthers
STEELERS (-1.5) over Ravens
FALCONS (-7) over 49ers
Seahawks (-1) over RAMS
Colts (-7) over JAGUARS
Texans (-3) over RAIDERS
CHARGERS (-8) over Cardinals
Redskins (+6) over EAGLES
GIANTS (-4) over Bears
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (Join us live at Miracle Bar in Toms River or I'll knock up your closest female relative)
DOLPHINS (+1) over Patriots
RECORD SO FAR:
24-20-4
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Week 2 Picks: Always Compete
After going a sexy 8-5-3 last week, I can already see that my perchant for pushes will pervade in 2010. I suppose over .500 is over .500, so let's enjoy it while it lasts, shall we. Just like I'm going to enjoy Pete Carroll's 1.000 CAREER WIN PERCENTAGE AS HEAD COACH OF THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS! WIN FOREVER! ALWAYS COMPETE!
WEEK 2 PICKS:
Chiefs (+3) over BROWNS
PACKERS (-13) over Bills
BENGALS (+3) over Ravens
TITANS (-5.5) over Steelers
Eagles (-6.5) over LIONS
COWBOYS (-7) over Bears
PANTHERS (-3) over Buccaneers
FALCONS (-6.5) over Cardinals
Dolphins (+5.5) over VIKINGS
RAIDERS (-3.5) over Rams
Seahawks (+3.5) over BRONCOS
REDSKINS (+3) over Texans
CHARGERS (-7) over Jaguars
JETS (+3) over Patriots
COLTS (-5) over Giants
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (Join us at Tiffany's on Rt. 37 in Toms River or I'll beat the hell out of you)
49ERS(+6) over Saints
RECORD SO FAR: 8-5-3
WEEK 2 PICKS:
Chiefs (+3) over BROWNS
PACKERS (-13) over Bills
BENGALS (+3) over Ravens
TITANS (-5.5) over Steelers
Eagles (-6.5) over LIONS
COWBOYS (-7) over Bears
PANTHERS (-3) over Buccaneers
FALCONS (-6.5) over Cardinals
Dolphins (+5.5) over VIKINGS
RAIDERS (-3.5) over Rams
Seahawks (+3.5) over BRONCOS
REDSKINS (+3) over Texans
CHARGERS (-7) over Jaguars
JETS (+3) over Patriots
COLTS (-5) over Giants
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (Join us at Tiffany's on Rt. 37 in Toms River or I'll beat the hell out of you)
49ERS(+6) over Saints
RECORD SO FAR: 8-5-3
Friday, September 10, 2010
Week 1 Picks: Win Forever.
Football Friday is here once again and I could not be more excited. Everyone (save for the Vikings) is undefeated and everyone (save for the Bills) believes they can hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 2011. And just like those poor delusional teams, I believe that this year I can have a sterling pickings record, making myself and those who trust me a good deal of money and earning the long deserved respect of the sports world.
What WILL happen however, just like what will happen with a few NFL teams is that by Week 9, I'll have absolutely no chance to break even, my record will be unpleasant to look at, and my blog will begin to implode as the posts become shorter, terser, and much more vulgar til the full fledged meltdown finally arrives....
As for now though? Its Week 1. And I'm ready to WIN FOREVER!
WEEK 1 PICKS:
GIANTS (-6.5) over Panthers
Dolphins (-3) over BILLS
Falcons (-1.5) over STEELERS
BEARS (-6.5) over Lions
PATRIOTS (-4.5) over Bengals
BUCCANEERS (-3) over Browns *Mike Krenek's CAN'T MISS GAME OF THE WEEK!!!
JAGUARS (-3) over Broncos
Colts (-2) over TEXANS
TITANS (-6.5) over Raiders
Packers (-3) over EAGLES
49ers (-3) over SEAHAWKS :(
Cardinals (-4) over RAMS
REDSKINS (+3.5) over Cowboys
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (Come out to Court Jester's in Freehold and watch these games. We'll be there. The Coors Lite girls will be there. And your chance to win Super Bowl tickets will be there. If you value this blog, you'll show up.)
JETS (-2.5) over Ravens
CHIEFS (+4.5) over Chargers
What WILL happen however, just like what will happen with a few NFL teams is that by Week 9, I'll have absolutely no chance to break even, my record will be unpleasant to look at, and my blog will begin to implode as the posts become shorter, terser, and much more vulgar til the full fledged meltdown finally arrives....
As for now though? Its Week 1. And I'm ready to WIN FOREVER!
WEEK 1 PICKS:
GIANTS (-6.5) over Panthers
Dolphins (-3) over BILLS
Falcons (-1.5) over STEELERS
BEARS (-6.5) over Lions
PATRIOTS (-4.5) over Bengals
BUCCANEERS (-3) over Browns *Mike Krenek's CAN'T MISS GAME OF THE WEEK!!!
JAGUARS (-3) over Broncos
Colts (-2) over TEXANS
TITANS (-6.5) over Raiders
Packers (-3) over EAGLES
49ers (-3) over SEAHAWKS :(
Cardinals (-4) over RAMS
REDSKINS (+3.5) over Cowboys
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (Come out to Court Jester's in Freehold and watch these games. We'll be there. The Coors Lite girls will be there. And your chance to win Super Bowl tickets will be there. If you value this blog, you'll show up.)
JETS (-2.5) over Ravens
CHIEFS (+4.5) over Chargers
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
NFL PREVIEW 2010!!! HOLY $#!@!
Ah yes folks, its that time of year again. Time for all of the experts and pundits to come out from their hibernation and write up elaborate blogs which amount to really nothing more than intelligently worded guess work. Before we begin our peek into my sure to be 100% accurate predictions, let's traverse through last year's various previews from around the sports media world and laugh at some of the more egregiously incorrect "expert opinions".
"the defense is far from complete."
-One expert's take on the New York Jets, who proceeded to ride the best defense in the NFL to the AFC Title game and scads of 2010 Super Bowl hype.
"The defensive line is a consistent disappointment and the secondary isn't much better...Their offense will be pretty good, but their defense will struggle."
-One expert opining on the Bengals, a team who's record he predicted to be 6-10. The Bengals won the AFC North on the strength of a great defense, highlighted by wonderful secondary play.
"Bust warning on the running game (Potential sophomore slump for Johnson)"
-One moron's thoughts on 2,000 yard rusher/Offensive Player of the Year Chris Johnson.
"Broncos: 3-13. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. What can be said about this team?"
-The Broncos went 8-8 and looked like a playoff team for a while. Good call.
"They may not have the best record, but this is the best team in the NFL."
-One pundit describing the New York Giants. He was half right.
"The looming presence of Mike Vick"
-Seriously?
"Jay Cutler's got a big mouth, but a bigger arm...he's going to help this offense immensely."
-This is incorrect.
"I don't buy (the Saints) defense as a Super Bowl contender."
-The Saints won the Super Bowl.
SUPER BOWL: "Giants OVER Patriots"
-The Patriots were embarrassed in the first round by the Ravens and the Giants didn't qualify for the playoffs.
WOW! Those experts are morons! What's that? Those are all from ONE expert?!? SHEESH! I'd like to meet this guy and slap in the teeth for thinking his opinions merit any kind of public consumption. Here's a link to his blog, let's rally together and leave hateful comments:
Dumbass.
Ahem. Without any further adieu, I roll out...MIKE KRENEK'S 2010 NFL PREVIEW!!!! aka Where to Turn When You've Read ESPN, SI, Fox Sports, and The Shore Sports Scoop and Decided They Just Weren't Inaccurate Enough"
AFC East:
1. New York Jets
2. New England Patriots
3. Miami Dolphins
4. Buffalo Bills
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: The Jets have a Rex-sized amount of hype on them, and a lot of it is justifiable. With Darelle "Rico" Revis back in the fold, this team has the most complete defense in the NFL. If Mark Sanchez can take the leap, they are capable of 12 wins. New England's offense will be even better than it was last year. Everyone is sleeping on Tom Brady, but lest we forget the man threw for 4,000 yards last season IN HIS FIRST SEASON OFF OF MAJOR KNEE SURGERY. Add Welker back into the mix along with Moss and a new young group of TEs, and you've got a nasty passing attack. Unfortunately, a lot of the NFL has nasty passing attacks and their weak D will keep them from a return to glory. The Phins are an interesting group. I love the additions they made (Marshall and Dansby, specifically) and if Henne puts it all together, they are a dark horse Super Bowl contender. I just don't like Henne enough to have them anywhere but (once again) the cusp of the playoffs. As for Buffalo? Oh man do they suck. Like, best case scenario 3 wins suck. They disgust me.
AFC North:
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Cleveland Browns
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: We have officially entered bizarro world in Baltimore. The Ravens have long been heralded for their stingy defense and Dilfery offense. In one feld swoop, they have become a rack 'em up gunning offensive team. This baffles me, but in a pleasant way. I think Flacco is legit (he needs to play better in the postseason before we anoint him as "special", however)...Ozzie Newsome did a good-ass job (Can I get a confirmation on that drop date, BY THE WAY?) getting his quarterback a ton of offensive weapons to play around with. Add that to Ray Rice (who could very well be this year's Chris Johnson) and you have a spectacular offense. Their defensive secondary however leaves A LOT to be desired, especially in this pass happy NFL. Pittsburgh is a total enigma...Their offensive line is shaky (again) and for the first four weeks of the season, Dennis Dixon will be under center. That said, I think Big Ben (who Joe and I have decided is the type of guy who watches pornography every evening on his HDTV.) will return will a vengeance and rescue this team from a 1-3 start en route to being the sexy pick come playoff time. But not TOO sexy...Big Ben might think they're asking for it. For absolutely no good reason, I don't think the Bengals will get the bounces they did last year and fall just short of the playoffs, but they are certainly dangerous with TOcho and the White Boy at WR. The Browns are in a state of flux. Let's talk about them next year when Mike Holmgren is the coach and Colt McCoy is the QB. This Mangini/Delhomme regime will be tough.
AFC South:
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Houston Texans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: Picking against the Colts is like sleeping with your best friend's ex. Sure the Texans are hot, sure the Titans seem like the type of gal who knows what she's doing, but RESIST THE URGE. As long as Peyton Manning is upright and breathing, pencil them in for 11-12 wins every single year. The Titans are a team that I could see making some noise this year. If Vince Young (who I NEED to finally put it all together because I LOVE the phrase "Victory begins and ends with VY) gives them a full season and CJ doesn't suffer from the post 2,000 hangover, they can hang. And as for Houston? Houston needs to beat the Colts before anyone should take them seriously. Matt Schaub has a very good arm and Andre Johnson is one of the top 2 receivers in all of the land, but a suspect run game (Color me skeptical about Arian Foster), a (once again) suspect line, and a suspect defense, I suspect this team will fall just short once again. As for the Jags, I figure I should probably just keep picking them to crash and burn because it HAS to happen eventually. They should be picking in the top portion of the 2011 Draft and Jack Del Rio should be printing copies of resume for faxing.
AFC West:
1. San Diego Chargers
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Denver Broncos
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: Look, I want to pick someone other than the Chargers just as much as the next guy. No Marcus McNeill, no Vincent Jackson, and still Norv Turner. But the fact of the matter is that the division just does not have a singular challenger to them. I have a total football crush on the direction of the Chiefs, but they lack a lot of necessary pieces (i.e. defensive players) to present a real threat to San Diego. Oakland is certainly not a team who should be viewed as a laughing stock anymore but they too lack certain aspects (i.e. a competent head coach.) The Broncos? Well its a process. Josh McDaniels certainly seems to have ideas. Are they good ideas? Time will tell, I suppose. Unless he strings together two bad seasons and is given the axe, leaving a very confused new coach wondering "What the f***k was this guy thinking?"
NFC East:
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New York Giants
3. Washington Redskins
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: No division the NFL is more consistently entertaining than the NFC East. This year should be no different. The theme here (besides generally obnoxious fan bases, with few exceptions) is offensive line play. All four teams have dodgy lines. All four teams have an intense pass rush. This, like so many of my weekends in college, will not end well. The team that gels the fastest in the trenches will be the division champions. I do believe Dallas has the most talent, and if Doug Free can be the bookend they picture, they should take the crown. Solid defense, balanced run game, and plenty of offensive toys for Romo to play with make them a definite contender to win the whole kit n' caboodle. The Giants are always an interesting team to follow. They are the polar opposites of the team they share their yet to be named stadium with...Silent, stoic, and (last year at least) swiss cheesy on the defensive side of the ball. Can Perry Fewell's new energy bleed through to the players? Will their tenured but creaky offensive line stay healthy all season? Can Eli Manning have another (yes I said ANOTHER) 4,000 yard season and finally cement himself as the elite QB I believe him to be? Short Version: Yes. No. Yes. Their OL depth is surprisingly solid (Will Beatty and the Big Kid are fine reserves), so that "no" is season ending. The defense will be good enough, Eli will be a serious MVP candidate, and the G-Men will be in the postseason. The other two teams' fates are intertwined like Romeo and Juliet. Wilma McNabb's baby boy will be suiting up for an NFC team OTHER than the Birds this season...still haven't wrapped my mind around that. If (and that's a Haynesworth sized if), everything goes well for Washington (McNabb's health, Haynesworth's presence, the line coming together, and a WR emerging) they are a viable playoff contender. Zorn to Shanny is probably the most drastic coaching change in the history of coaching changes and no one can argue that Washington is better for it. Philly seems to be in a retooling phase ("rebuilding" should be added to George Carlin's famed list) and I think we're a year or two of from seeing it all come together. Philadelphia fans are known for their patience and understanding, so I see no way that the upcoming season of sub-.500 football will be received anything but positively.
NFC NORTH:
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Chicago Bears
4. Detroit Lions
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: The Pack is back, baby. This team is getting a heaping helping of hype this preseason and this time, they've earned it. Dom Capers (an underrated fellow) has fully integrated his 3-4 scheme, Aaron Rodgers is another year wiser, and the offensive line looked like a different unit during the last 8 games of the regular season. Their games are going to be entertaining shoot-outs reminiscent of those great Old Westerns, complete with the handsome leading man in Rodgers, the type of guy who you can't help but root for, the type of guy you would love to get a beer with, the type of guy you feel like you could really trust, you know? Like really, really trust. *Sigh*. He's grand. However, those who say I have a "man-crush" on him don't know what they're talking about. I see plenty of publications picking Minnesota to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl but I just do not see it. The schedule is BRUTAL. Favre is already creakin' and crackin', Sidney Rice is out for a good chunk of the season, Percy Harvin could migraine up at any point, and there was serious talk of Javon Walker making the team. Needless to say, the offense will be neutered. I'd say they have the best RB in football to help soothe the sting a bit, but that would require them having a coach who knew how to use the guy. LORD KNOWS they don't have that. As for the Bears? They have the look, feel, and stench of a 7-9 team. Nothing about them is tragic. Nothing about them is good. Nothing about them is compelling. BEARS FEVER: CATCH IT! The Lions are most certainly on the upswing, but the upswing for them is 4 wins, which makes it tough to get REAL EXCITED in the Motor City (a common thread in Detroit.)
NFC South:
1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: I am HIGH on the Falcons this year. Like Meth and Red high. I love their offseason additions (namely Sean Weatherspoon and Dunta Robinson) and adding those two (plus a returning Peria Jerry) to their defense will improve it by leaps and bounds. I've always viewed Matty Ice as Matt Hasselbeck 2.0 with a few upgrades (like hair) and I think he's perfect for this offense. If Ryan and Turner can stay healthy and 3rd receiving option can emerge behind White and Gonzalez, this team is going DEEP (How deep? FIND OUT IN A FEW MINUTES!) The Saints are an interesting brood. They proved all the naysayers (myself included) wrong last year with the first championship in team history. The offense will be just as, if not MORE potent this season, but its the defense that concerns me. Darren Sharper, of the 9 INTs and 3 Defensive TDS, will not be around for the start of the season and who knows what shape he'll be in when he gets back. Will the defense be as opportunistic as they were last season? Can't be too sure. I AM sure of the fact that Drew Brees is just too good for this team to be outside of the postseason. The Panthers? Wake me up in Week 13 when Jimmy Claussen is starting. The have a dynamite running game in D-Will and J-Stewz, but that's liking saying I have an AWESOME VCR in my home. Running is Draconian at this point. I don't buy Matt Moore, I don't buy their defense...In short, I don't buy the Panthers. The Bucs are building a winner in Tampa. Don't laugh. They are. Seriously. Josh Freeman is growing on me (like a fungus), they have a group of receivers itching to bust out (Pick Mike Williams up off the waiver wire RIGHT NOW), and they seem to play hard for the adorably overwhelmed Raheem Morris. Sure they'll only win 4 games this year, but dammit, I'm rooting for them.
NFC West:
1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. Seattle Seahawks
4. St. Louis Rams
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: Do I really have to do this? Seriously? Ugh. As much as it pains me to admit, this is the 49ers division to lose for the first time in a long, long time. I happen to like most everything about this club, save for two: Their QB and the fact that they're the 49ers. Other than that, we're solid. They have a damn good defense, captained by the best defensive player in football, they've got a nasty young offensive line (loved the choices of Iupati and Davis in the 1st round), an exciting corps of playmakers and the most underrated player in all of football, Frank Gore. But then there's Alex! Smith (remember the Smith/Rodgers debate? Hmmm) is the sole reason I'm not picking this team to win the Super Bowl. That said, he put up relatively impressive numbers after his return to the lineup in Week 7 and if he can play just a passable version of the QB role, they have a serious shot. This is another division with a theme...Questionable QBs! Which brings me to the Arizona Cardinals. The Whisenhunt Cards have made a living off of proving doubters wrong, but they've got quite the tall order this season. With the Leinart drama over, it appears Derek Anderson is just warming the seat for the rookie out of BYU Max Hall. Cards brass say they "see Kurt Warner" in Hall, but is that real? Or is it a mirage due to the dehydration that comes from watching AWFUL quarterbacks practice all day? The defense still features stalwarts Darnell Dockett (my favorite person to follow on Twitter) and Adrian Wilson, but needs production out of potential has-beens like Joey Porter and potential never-wases like Greg Toler. "Win Forever." "Always Compete." These words have been heard ringing throughout the Emerald City all offseason long. As a diehard Seahawk fan, I have to amend them a little..."Win 6 or 7" "Compete in 12". If that's the case, the Carroll regime is off to a good start. The Seahawks are more or less an expansion team at this point, with so much roster movement in the past few weeks, so the most important thing to assess is how do professional players relate to the "wiser than before" Petey? We should have a good feel for how the Carroll era will play out at the end of the season. As for now...well I'm not expecting too much. "The Greatest Show on Turf" seems about as long ago as Joe Namath's days with the Rams and things don't appear to be getting much better. Sam Bradford certainly appears to have the accuracy to be a big time QB, but the beating he is going to take combined with the lack of a WR worth a damn on the roster will lead to many, many bruises, many, many losses, and many, many soft tears shed by Steven Jackson as his prime is wasted on a kingdom of failure.
AFC PLAYOFFS
Byes
1. Colts
2. Jets
Wildcard Round
3. Ravens over 6. Steelers
5. Patriots over 5. Chargers
Divisional Round
1. Colts over 5. Patriots
3. Ravens over 2. Jets
AFC Championship Game
1. Colts over 3. Ravens
AFC CHAMPIONS: COLTS
NFC PLAYOFFS
Byes
1. Packers
2. Falcons
Wildcard Round
6. Giants over 3. 49ers
5. Saints over 4. Cowboys
Divisional Round
6. Giants over 1. Packers
2. Falcons over 5. Saints
NFC Title Game
2. Falcons over 6. Giants
NFC CHAMPIONS: FALCONS
SUPER BOWL XLV:
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS OVER ATLANTA FALCONS
Awards:
MVP: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
OPotY: Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
DPotY: Patrick Willis, LB, 49ers
ORotY: Mike Williams, WR, Bucs
DRotY: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Falcons
Coach of the Year: Mike Singletary, 49ers
95% of what I said is probably wrong, but what the hell...I had fun writing, you hopefully had fun reading and one thing's for damn sure...we'll all have fun watching.
"the defense is far from complete."
-One expert's take on the New York Jets, who proceeded to ride the best defense in the NFL to the AFC Title game and scads of 2010 Super Bowl hype.
"The defensive line is a consistent disappointment and the secondary isn't much better...Their offense will be pretty good, but their defense will struggle."
-One expert opining on the Bengals, a team who's record he predicted to be 6-10. The Bengals won the AFC North on the strength of a great defense, highlighted by wonderful secondary play.
"Bust warning on the running game (Potential sophomore slump for Johnson)"
-One moron's thoughts on 2,000 yard rusher/Offensive Player of the Year Chris Johnson.
"Broncos: 3-13. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. What can be said about this team?"
-The Broncos went 8-8 and looked like a playoff team for a while. Good call.
"They may not have the best record, but this is the best team in the NFL."
-One pundit describing the New York Giants. He was half right.
"The looming presence of Mike Vick"
-Seriously?
"Jay Cutler's got a big mouth, but a bigger arm...he's going to help this offense immensely."
-This is incorrect.
"I don't buy (the Saints) defense as a Super Bowl contender."
-The Saints won the Super Bowl.
SUPER BOWL: "Giants OVER Patriots"
-The Patriots were embarrassed in the first round by the Ravens and the Giants didn't qualify for the playoffs.
WOW! Those experts are morons! What's that? Those are all from ONE expert?!? SHEESH! I'd like to meet this guy and slap in the teeth for thinking his opinions merit any kind of public consumption. Here's a link to his blog, let's rally together and leave hateful comments:
Dumbass.
Ahem. Without any further adieu, I roll out...MIKE KRENEK'S 2010 NFL PREVIEW!!!! aka Where to Turn When You've Read ESPN, SI, Fox Sports, and The Shore Sports Scoop and Decided They Just Weren't Inaccurate Enough"
AFC East:
1. New York Jets
2. New England Patriots
3. Miami Dolphins
4. Buffalo Bills
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: The Jets have a Rex-sized amount of hype on them, and a lot of it is justifiable. With Darelle "Rico" Revis back in the fold, this team has the most complete defense in the NFL. If Mark Sanchez can take the leap, they are capable of 12 wins. New England's offense will be even better than it was last year. Everyone is sleeping on Tom Brady, but lest we forget the man threw for 4,000 yards last season IN HIS FIRST SEASON OFF OF MAJOR KNEE SURGERY. Add Welker back into the mix along with Moss and a new young group of TEs, and you've got a nasty passing attack. Unfortunately, a lot of the NFL has nasty passing attacks and their weak D will keep them from a return to glory. The Phins are an interesting group. I love the additions they made (Marshall and Dansby, specifically) and if Henne puts it all together, they are a dark horse Super Bowl contender. I just don't like Henne enough to have them anywhere but (once again) the cusp of the playoffs. As for Buffalo? Oh man do they suck. Like, best case scenario 3 wins suck. They disgust me.
AFC North:
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Cleveland Browns
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: We have officially entered bizarro world in Baltimore. The Ravens have long been heralded for their stingy defense and Dilfery offense. In one feld swoop, they have become a rack 'em up gunning offensive team. This baffles me, but in a pleasant way. I think Flacco is legit (he needs to play better in the postseason before we anoint him as "special", however)...Ozzie Newsome did a good-ass job (Can I get a confirmation on that drop date, BY THE WAY?) getting his quarterback a ton of offensive weapons to play around with. Add that to Ray Rice (who could very well be this year's Chris Johnson) and you have a spectacular offense. Their defensive secondary however leaves A LOT to be desired, especially in this pass happy NFL. Pittsburgh is a total enigma...Their offensive line is shaky (again) and for the first four weeks of the season, Dennis Dixon will be under center. That said, I think Big Ben (who Joe and I have decided is the type of guy who watches pornography every evening on his HDTV.) will return will a vengeance and rescue this team from a 1-3 start en route to being the sexy pick come playoff time. But not TOO sexy...Big Ben might think they're asking for it. For absolutely no good reason, I don't think the Bengals will get the bounces they did last year and fall just short of the playoffs, but they are certainly dangerous with TOcho and the White Boy at WR. The Browns are in a state of flux. Let's talk about them next year when Mike Holmgren is the coach and Colt McCoy is the QB. This Mangini/Delhomme regime will be tough.
AFC South:
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Houston Texans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: Picking against the Colts is like sleeping with your best friend's ex. Sure the Texans are hot, sure the Titans seem like the type of gal who knows what she's doing, but RESIST THE URGE. As long as Peyton Manning is upright and breathing, pencil them in for 11-12 wins every single year. The Titans are a team that I could see making some noise this year. If Vince Young (who I NEED to finally put it all together because I LOVE the phrase "Victory begins and ends with VY) gives them a full season and CJ doesn't suffer from the post 2,000 hangover, they can hang. And as for Houston? Houston needs to beat the Colts before anyone should take them seriously. Matt Schaub has a very good arm and Andre Johnson is one of the top 2 receivers in all of the land, but a suspect run game (Color me skeptical about Arian Foster), a (once again) suspect line, and a suspect defense, I suspect this team will fall just short once again. As for the Jags, I figure I should probably just keep picking them to crash and burn because it HAS to happen eventually. They should be picking in the top portion of the 2011 Draft and Jack Del Rio should be printing copies of resume for faxing.
AFC West:
1. San Diego Chargers
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Denver Broncos
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: Look, I want to pick someone other than the Chargers just as much as the next guy. No Marcus McNeill, no Vincent Jackson, and still Norv Turner. But the fact of the matter is that the division just does not have a singular challenger to them. I have a total football crush on the direction of the Chiefs, but they lack a lot of necessary pieces (i.e. defensive players) to present a real threat to San Diego. Oakland is certainly not a team who should be viewed as a laughing stock anymore but they too lack certain aspects (i.e. a competent head coach.) The Broncos? Well its a process. Josh McDaniels certainly seems to have ideas. Are they good ideas? Time will tell, I suppose. Unless he strings together two bad seasons and is given the axe, leaving a very confused new coach wondering "What the f***k was this guy thinking?"
NFC East:
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New York Giants
3. Washington Redskins
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: No division the NFL is more consistently entertaining than the NFC East. This year should be no different. The theme here (besides generally obnoxious fan bases, with few exceptions) is offensive line play. All four teams have dodgy lines. All four teams have an intense pass rush. This, like so many of my weekends in college, will not end well. The team that gels the fastest in the trenches will be the division champions. I do believe Dallas has the most talent, and if Doug Free can be the bookend they picture, they should take the crown. Solid defense, balanced run game, and plenty of offensive toys for Romo to play with make them a definite contender to win the whole kit n' caboodle. The Giants are always an interesting team to follow. They are the polar opposites of the team they share their yet to be named stadium with...Silent, stoic, and (last year at least) swiss cheesy on the defensive side of the ball. Can Perry Fewell's new energy bleed through to the players? Will their tenured but creaky offensive line stay healthy all season? Can Eli Manning have another (yes I said ANOTHER) 4,000 yard season and finally cement himself as the elite QB I believe him to be? Short Version: Yes. No. Yes. Their OL depth is surprisingly solid (Will Beatty and the Big Kid are fine reserves), so that "no" is season ending. The defense will be good enough, Eli will be a serious MVP candidate, and the G-Men will be in the postseason. The other two teams' fates are intertwined like Romeo and Juliet. Wilma McNabb's baby boy will be suiting up for an NFC team OTHER than the Birds this season...still haven't wrapped my mind around that. If (and that's a Haynesworth sized if), everything goes well for Washington (McNabb's health, Haynesworth's presence, the line coming together, and a WR emerging) they are a viable playoff contender. Zorn to Shanny is probably the most drastic coaching change in the history of coaching changes and no one can argue that Washington is better for it. Philly seems to be in a retooling phase ("rebuilding" should be added to George Carlin's famed list) and I think we're a year or two of from seeing it all come together. Philadelphia fans are known for their patience and understanding, so I see no way that the upcoming season of sub-.500 football will be received anything but positively.
NFC NORTH:
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Chicago Bears
4. Detroit Lions
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: The Pack is back, baby. This team is getting a heaping helping of hype this preseason and this time, they've earned it. Dom Capers (an underrated fellow) has fully integrated his 3-4 scheme, Aaron Rodgers is another year wiser, and the offensive line looked like a different unit during the last 8 games of the regular season. Their games are going to be entertaining shoot-outs reminiscent of those great Old Westerns, complete with the handsome leading man in Rodgers, the type of guy who you can't help but root for, the type of guy you would love to get a beer with, the type of guy you feel like you could really trust, you know? Like really, really trust. *Sigh*. He's grand. However, those who say I have a "man-crush" on him don't know what they're talking about. I see plenty of publications picking Minnesota to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl but I just do not see it. The schedule is BRUTAL. Favre is already creakin' and crackin', Sidney Rice is out for a good chunk of the season, Percy Harvin could migraine up at any point, and there was serious talk of Javon Walker making the team. Needless to say, the offense will be neutered. I'd say they have the best RB in football to help soothe the sting a bit, but that would require them having a coach who knew how to use the guy. LORD KNOWS they don't have that. As for the Bears? They have the look, feel, and stench of a 7-9 team. Nothing about them is tragic. Nothing about them is good. Nothing about them is compelling. BEARS FEVER: CATCH IT! The Lions are most certainly on the upswing, but the upswing for them is 4 wins, which makes it tough to get REAL EXCITED in the Motor City (a common thread in Detroit.)
NFC South:
1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: I am HIGH on the Falcons this year. Like Meth and Red high. I love their offseason additions (namely Sean Weatherspoon and Dunta Robinson) and adding those two (plus a returning Peria Jerry) to their defense will improve it by leaps and bounds. I've always viewed Matty Ice as Matt Hasselbeck 2.0 with a few upgrades (like hair) and I think he's perfect for this offense. If Ryan and Turner can stay healthy and 3rd receiving option can emerge behind White and Gonzalez, this team is going DEEP (How deep? FIND OUT IN A FEW MINUTES!) The Saints are an interesting brood. They proved all the naysayers (myself included) wrong last year with the first championship in team history. The offense will be just as, if not MORE potent this season, but its the defense that concerns me. Darren Sharper, of the 9 INTs and 3 Defensive TDS, will not be around for the start of the season and who knows what shape he'll be in when he gets back. Will the defense be as opportunistic as they were last season? Can't be too sure. I AM sure of the fact that Drew Brees is just too good for this team to be outside of the postseason. The Panthers? Wake me up in Week 13 when Jimmy Claussen is starting. The have a dynamite running game in D-Will and J-Stewz, but that's liking saying I have an AWESOME VCR in my home. Running is Draconian at this point. I don't buy Matt Moore, I don't buy their defense...In short, I don't buy the Panthers. The Bucs are building a winner in Tampa. Don't laugh. They are. Seriously. Josh Freeman is growing on me (like a fungus), they have a group of receivers itching to bust out (Pick Mike Williams up off the waiver wire RIGHT NOW), and they seem to play hard for the adorably overwhelmed Raheem Morris. Sure they'll only win 4 games this year, but dammit, I'm rooting for them.
NFC West:
1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. Seattle Seahawks
4. St. Louis Rams
Quick N' Dirty Analysis: Do I really have to do this? Seriously? Ugh. As much as it pains me to admit, this is the 49ers division to lose for the first time in a long, long time. I happen to like most everything about this club, save for two: Their QB and the fact that they're the 49ers. Other than that, we're solid. They have a damn good defense, captained by the best defensive player in football, they've got a nasty young offensive line (loved the choices of Iupati and Davis in the 1st round), an exciting corps of playmakers and the most underrated player in all of football, Frank Gore. But then there's Alex! Smith (remember the Smith/Rodgers debate? Hmmm) is the sole reason I'm not picking this team to win the Super Bowl. That said, he put up relatively impressive numbers after his return to the lineup in Week 7 and if he can play just a passable version of the QB role, they have a serious shot. This is another division with a theme...Questionable QBs! Which brings me to the Arizona Cardinals. The Whisenhunt Cards have made a living off of proving doubters wrong, but they've got quite the tall order this season. With the Leinart drama over, it appears Derek Anderson is just warming the seat for the rookie out of BYU Max Hall. Cards brass say they "see Kurt Warner" in Hall, but is that real? Or is it a mirage due to the dehydration that comes from watching AWFUL quarterbacks practice all day? The defense still features stalwarts Darnell Dockett (my favorite person to follow on Twitter) and Adrian Wilson, but needs production out of potential has-beens like Joey Porter and potential never-wases like Greg Toler. "Win Forever." "Always Compete." These words have been heard ringing throughout the Emerald City all offseason long. As a diehard Seahawk fan, I have to amend them a little..."Win 6 or 7" "Compete in 12". If that's the case, the Carroll regime is off to a good start. The Seahawks are more or less an expansion team at this point, with so much roster movement in the past few weeks, so the most important thing to assess is how do professional players relate to the "wiser than before" Petey? We should have a good feel for how the Carroll era will play out at the end of the season. As for now...well I'm not expecting too much. "The Greatest Show on Turf" seems about as long ago as Joe Namath's days with the Rams and things don't appear to be getting much better. Sam Bradford certainly appears to have the accuracy to be a big time QB, but the beating he is going to take combined with the lack of a WR worth a damn on the roster will lead to many, many bruises, many, many losses, and many, many soft tears shed by Steven Jackson as his prime is wasted on a kingdom of failure.
AFC PLAYOFFS
Byes
1. Colts
2. Jets
Wildcard Round
3. Ravens over 6. Steelers
5. Patriots over 5. Chargers
Divisional Round
1. Colts over 5. Patriots
3. Ravens over 2. Jets
AFC Championship Game
1. Colts over 3. Ravens
AFC CHAMPIONS: COLTS
NFC PLAYOFFS
Byes
1. Packers
2. Falcons
Wildcard Round
6. Giants over 3. 49ers
5. Saints over 4. Cowboys
Divisional Round
6. Giants over 1. Packers
2. Falcons over 5. Saints
NFC Title Game
2. Falcons over 6. Giants
NFC CHAMPIONS: FALCONS
SUPER BOWL XLV:
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS OVER ATLANTA FALCONS
Awards:
MVP: Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
OPotY: Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
DPotY: Patrick Willis, LB, 49ers
ORotY: Mike Williams, WR, Bucs
DRotY: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Falcons
Coach of the Year: Mike Singletary, 49ers
95% of what I said is probably wrong, but what the hell...I had fun writing, you hopefully had fun reading and one thing's for damn sure...we'll all have fun watching.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Who's The Expert Week One: RESULTS
Last week, I asked you, the loyal readers (all 9 of you), to choose from four "dream" MLB lineups and pick the one you thought was the best. From pillar to post, one lineup ruled the competition. So congratulations to our winner...LINEUP B!!!!!
The man behind Lineup B? Glad you asked. Our four "experts" were as follows (in order of finish)
LINEUP B: Steve Kardian, mild-mannered Mets fan and clear MLB expert from New York.
LINEUP C: Yours truly, Michael Francis Krenek, co-host of the Shore Sports Report
LINEUP D: Tyrone A. Johnson, Mr. Weekend Sports Guide
LINEUP A: Joe Giglio, the handsome half of The Shore Sports Report
So there you have it folks...In week one, all three of the "professionals" in this game were put in their place by a MERE FAN! I speak for Joe and Tyrone when I say this is a humbling moment in our lives, wherein we all consider retirement. At the very least we all tip our caps to the lucky winner of Week One...
STEVE KARDIAN: MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL LINEUP BUILDING EXPERT.
Stay tuned for Week 2, which will be coming your way later today.
The man behind Lineup B? Glad you asked. Our four "experts" were as follows (in order of finish)
LINEUP B: Steve Kardian, mild-mannered Mets fan and clear MLB expert from New York.
LINEUP C: Yours truly, Michael Francis Krenek, co-host of the Shore Sports Report
LINEUP D: Tyrone A. Johnson, Mr. Weekend Sports Guide
LINEUP A: Joe Giglio, the handsome half of The Shore Sports Report
So there you have it folks...In week one, all three of the "professionals" in this game were put in their place by a MERE FAN! I speak for Joe and Tyrone when I say this is a humbling moment in our lives, wherein we all consider retirement. At the very least we all tip our caps to the lucky winner of Week One...
STEVE KARDIAN: MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL LINEUP BUILDING EXPERT.
Stay tuned for Week 2, which will be coming your way later today.
Friday, July 23, 2010
WHO'S THE EXPERT WEEK 1
It seems like everyone on God's Green Earth considers themselves an "expert" in something. We've got math experts, history experts, physics experts, fellatio experts...the list goes on and on and on. I hold a deep respect for all of these experts, as their areas of expertise are ones I couldn't possible wrap my little lima bean brain around. But there's one "expert" I have NO love for...the "sports expert." You know why? Because every Tom, Dick, and Harry who watches three innings of a Blueclaws game fancies themselves some kind of "expert." ESPN has "experts", Fox has "experts"...Hell, the Shore Sports Network has "experts." But how qualified are these people? Do they really know what they're talking about or are they just souped up writers with "friends of friends" who inspire legions of wannabe experts to parrot their opinions, forcing a vicious, yet unbroken cycle.
Yet unbroken til right now that is. You see I, Michael Francis Krenek (Expert in Frivolous Writing and Hyperbole) have come up with a sure fire formula that will once and for all answer the question "Who's the Expert!" Please hold your applause until the end of this blog.
The formula is simple...I ask four people the same question...Three of those people can be heard weekly on The Shore Sports Report/The Weekend Sports Guide (I'll give you three guesses as to their identities) and one of them is an "everyday" fan whose knowledge of the question I hold in the highest regard. I take their answer to the question, remove their name, and post it here for public consumption. The task is then on YOU THE READERS to decide which of these Wannabes can truly call themselves The Expert. I'll leave it up for a week to saturate and allow people to vote. The Wannabes will always get a chance to "defend" their lineup at the outset, and will continue to be able to do so anonymously throughout the voting process if anyone questions a choice. The answers themselves, however, are final. Every Friday, I'll reveal the person behind the winning answer, and unveil the next question/answers.
Simple enough, right? Its fun, its painless, and if nothing else, every week someone will get to add "Expert" to their business card. Speaking of business...let's get down to it.
Question One was simple enough...Construct position by position what you consider to be the BEST lineup in baseball at this moment, factoring in defense and placement in the order...The only caveat was that every single player throughout the majors got a clean bill of health (yet shockingly no one chose Erik Bedard as their SP.) So without any further adieu, here are the WANNABE EXPERT'S "Dream Lineups"
WANNABE A:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Josh Hamilton, RF
6. Evan Longoria, 3B
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Andrew McCutchen, CF
9. Roy Halladay, SP
Reasons: Jeter's "off" season is masked in a lineup this deep and his experience and leadership are invaluable on a team of guys under 30. Crawford is everything I envision a #2 being. Mauer is my #3 hitter despite big power outside of '09 because I like pure hitters in that spot. Gwynn, Helton, Mauer. He'll drive in 100+ with doubles. Cabrera is my favorite hitter to watch right now, so I'll bank on him staying sober. Ditto for Hamilton. Longoria has the best glove in the world at 3rd base and can relax and hit his 25-30 homers in the 6th spot. Think Scott Rolen 10 years ago...maybe even better. Cano over Utley because I know Cano isn't at the point yet where he has an ego to bat in the top of the lineup. Not saying Utley does, but I don't know if his hair gel would look good outside the 3 hole. It's kind of like the girl in high school who doesn't realize she's cute yet. So much easier to talk to than the one who knows all the guys are looking. Chase knows, Robbie doesn't. McCutchen is awesome. Brings some flair, defense, and would do jumping jacks to play with other professionals. I think my starting pitcher is pretty self explanatory.
WANNABE B:
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Josh Hamilton, CF
5. Alex Rodriguez, SS
6. David Wright, 3B
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Joe Mauer, C
9. Adam Wainwright SP
REASONS: Ichiro and Crawford at the top of a lineup is dangerous enough, no matter who is hitting behind them. High averages, patience at the plate, fast as hell, and great defense in the corners. Behind them? We aren't just talking power hitters here, these 2 guys can do it all. Pujols and Hamilton hit home runs, drive in the guys in front of them, and while doing that, hit well over .300 and steal the occasional base as well. I moved A-Rod back to his original position of short stop because, well, he is better than Derek Jeter and Hanley Ramirez. I'll take a few more errors for the most dangerous bat in baseball. This allows me to have David Wright at third, a five tool player in his prime and already a five time all star. Robinson Cano puts up first baseman numbers, and plays second base, flawlessly I might add. Joe Mauer is the best all around catcher in the game, so that choice is a no brainer. Not everyone would pick the underrated Adam Wainwright to be the starting pitcher for the best team in baseball, but this guy has the best stuff. There aren't many pitchers who can consistently command a breaking ball on both sides oh home plate, to both right-handed and left-handed batters. And of course, there is the best curveball in all of baseball, which typically runs in the 73-75 mph range. You can usually find a pattern with pitchers, and the typical trend is fastball in, soft stuff away. With Wainwright, there is no pattern, and hitters can't get zoned in.
WANNABE C:
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Albert Pujols, 1B
5. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Torii Hunter, CF
8. Jose Reyes, SS
9. Josh Johnson, SP
REASONS: Ichiro's self explanatory, he's a prototype for the top of a lineup even though he doesn't work walks. Mauer might not have the speed of your typical 2nd place hitter, but I know I can work the hit and run with a guy who is ALWAYS going to make contact when the speedy Ichiro is on base. When I think "Number 3 Hitter", I think Ryan Braun. Perfect combo of average, power, and deceptive speed. I couldn't assemble a lineup without the best hitter in baseball, so Mr. Pujols is penciled in at 1B and has an outside chance at Hack Wilson's 191. 600 HRs and still going strong? Give me Alex Rodriguez in the 5th slot. Robinson Cano would be a dream come true in the six spot. He'll almost always have guys on base to knock in, all the while setting himself up for the guy in the next spot, the consummate professional and team captain...Torii Hunter. I went with Hunter over Hamilton here because I feel like he'd be perfect for this team. Hitting lower in the order makes his already impressive offensive numbers all the more impressive, he can give me the timely hits I need here and makes my outfield defense legitimately impenetrable. Plus a veteran leader goes a long way. Reyes was my toughest choice...Hanley and Jeter are both better players, but if he's getting a clean bill of health, there's no one faster in the game. He'll clear the bases with triples and turn singles into triples with a swiped bag and then a pitcher bunt. Josh Johnson is the best in the game. Nobody spots their fastball better. Pinpoint control and intense heat. Team is super strong offensively, playing to ever managerial style and situation possible and defense should be sharp, especially in the outfield.
WANNABE D:
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Chase Utley, 2B
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Hanley Ramirez, SS
6. Josh Hamilton, LF
7. Joe Mauer, C
8. Carlos Beltran, CF
9. Roy Halladay, SP
REASONS: Halladay's pitching because he doesn't walk people. I like Ramirez ahead of Hamilton to almost reset the lineup after A-Rod. Defense would be a major strength too. Carlos Beltran is the best CF in the game when he's healthy. CF is a weak position.
So there you have it folks...A couple of experts decided to expound on their lineups, others let the numbers speak for themselves. Some paid a lot of mind to defense (Torii Hunter/Carlos Beltran in CF), another felt the way to win is to get the best bats into the lineup (A-Rod at SS) and someone felt youth needed to be served (Andrew McCutchen.)
So now the task is yours. Considering EVERYTHING....offensive talent, lineup positioning, defense, and starting pitcher...who is the one person worthy of calling themselves THE EXPERT when in comes to Major League Lineup building. The choice is yours. You can vote by commenting here, commenting on facebook, or hitting up my email at MKrenek31@gmail.com. Vote for who you think did the best job and maybe you be a part of a life changing experience. Its that important.
Yet unbroken til right now that is. You see I, Michael Francis Krenek (Expert in Frivolous Writing and Hyperbole) have come up with a sure fire formula that will once and for all answer the question "Who's the Expert!" Please hold your applause until the end of this blog.
The formula is simple...I ask four people the same question...Three of those people can be heard weekly on The Shore Sports Report/The Weekend Sports Guide (I'll give you three guesses as to their identities) and one of them is an "everyday" fan whose knowledge of the question I hold in the highest regard. I take their answer to the question, remove their name, and post it here for public consumption. The task is then on YOU THE READERS to decide which of these Wannabes can truly call themselves The Expert. I'll leave it up for a week to saturate and allow people to vote. The Wannabes will always get a chance to "defend" their lineup at the outset, and will continue to be able to do so anonymously throughout the voting process if anyone questions a choice. The answers themselves, however, are final. Every Friday, I'll reveal the person behind the winning answer, and unveil the next question/answers.
Simple enough, right? Its fun, its painless, and if nothing else, every week someone will get to add "Expert" to their business card. Speaking of business...let's get down to it.
Question One was simple enough...Construct position by position what you consider to be the BEST lineup in baseball at this moment, factoring in defense and placement in the order...The only caveat was that every single player throughout the majors got a clean bill of health (yet shockingly no one chose Erik Bedard as their SP.) So without any further adieu, here are the WANNABE EXPERT'S "Dream Lineups"
WANNABE A:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Josh Hamilton, RF
6. Evan Longoria, 3B
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Andrew McCutchen, CF
9. Roy Halladay, SP
Reasons: Jeter's "off" season is masked in a lineup this deep and his experience and leadership are invaluable on a team of guys under 30. Crawford is everything I envision a #2 being. Mauer is my #3 hitter despite big power outside of '09 because I like pure hitters in that spot. Gwynn, Helton, Mauer. He'll drive in 100+ with doubles. Cabrera is my favorite hitter to watch right now, so I'll bank on him staying sober. Ditto for Hamilton. Longoria has the best glove in the world at 3rd base and can relax and hit his 25-30 homers in the 6th spot. Think Scott Rolen 10 years ago...maybe even better. Cano over Utley because I know Cano isn't at the point yet where he has an ego to bat in the top of the lineup. Not saying Utley does, but I don't know if his hair gel would look good outside the 3 hole. It's kind of like the girl in high school who doesn't realize she's cute yet. So much easier to talk to than the one who knows all the guys are looking. Chase knows, Robbie doesn't. McCutchen is awesome. Brings some flair, defense, and would do jumping jacks to play with other professionals. I think my starting pitcher is pretty self explanatory.
WANNABE B:
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Josh Hamilton, CF
5. Alex Rodriguez, SS
6. David Wright, 3B
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Joe Mauer, C
9. Adam Wainwright SP
REASONS: Ichiro and Crawford at the top of a lineup is dangerous enough, no matter who is hitting behind them. High averages, patience at the plate, fast as hell, and great defense in the corners. Behind them? We aren't just talking power hitters here, these 2 guys can do it all. Pujols and Hamilton hit home runs, drive in the guys in front of them, and while doing that, hit well over .300 and steal the occasional base as well. I moved A-Rod back to his original position of short stop because, well, he is better than Derek Jeter and Hanley Ramirez. I'll take a few more errors for the most dangerous bat in baseball. This allows me to have David Wright at third, a five tool player in his prime and already a five time all star. Robinson Cano puts up first baseman numbers, and plays second base, flawlessly I might add. Joe Mauer is the best all around catcher in the game, so that choice is a no brainer. Not everyone would pick the underrated Adam Wainwright to be the starting pitcher for the best team in baseball, but this guy has the best stuff. There aren't many pitchers who can consistently command a breaking ball on both sides oh home plate, to both right-handed and left-handed batters. And of course, there is the best curveball in all of baseball, which typically runs in the 73-75 mph range. You can usually find a pattern with pitchers, and the typical trend is fastball in, soft stuff away. With Wainwright, there is no pattern, and hitters can't get zoned in.
WANNABE C:
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Albert Pujols, 1B
5. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Torii Hunter, CF
8. Jose Reyes, SS
9. Josh Johnson, SP
REASONS: Ichiro's self explanatory, he's a prototype for the top of a lineup even though he doesn't work walks. Mauer might not have the speed of your typical 2nd place hitter, but I know I can work the hit and run with a guy who is ALWAYS going to make contact when the speedy Ichiro is on base. When I think "Number 3 Hitter", I think Ryan Braun. Perfect combo of average, power, and deceptive speed. I couldn't assemble a lineup without the best hitter in baseball, so Mr. Pujols is penciled in at 1B and has an outside chance at Hack Wilson's 191. 600 HRs and still going strong? Give me Alex Rodriguez in the 5th slot. Robinson Cano would be a dream come true in the six spot. He'll almost always have guys on base to knock in, all the while setting himself up for the guy in the next spot, the consummate professional and team captain...Torii Hunter. I went with Hunter over Hamilton here because I feel like he'd be perfect for this team. Hitting lower in the order makes his already impressive offensive numbers all the more impressive, he can give me the timely hits I need here and makes my outfield defense legitimately impenetrable. Plus a veteran leader goes a long way. Reyes was my toughest choice...Hanley and Jeter are both better players, but if he's getting a clean bill of health, there's no one faster in the game. He'll clear the bases with triples and turn singles into triples with a swiped bag and then a pitcher bunt. Josh Johnson is the best in the game. Nobody spots their fastball better. Pinpoint control and intense heat. Team is super strong offensively, playing to ever managerial style and situation possible and defense should be sharp, especially in the outfield.
WANNABE D:
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Chase Utley, 2B
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Hanley Ramirez, SS
6. Josh Hamilton, LF
7. Joe Mauer, C
8. Carlos Beltran, CF
9. Roy Halladay, SP
REASONS: Halladay's pitching because he doesn't walk people. I like Ramirez ahead of Hamilton to almost reset the lineup after A-Rod. Defense would be a major strength too. Carlos Beltran is the best CF in the game when he's healthy. CF is a weak position.
So there you have it folks...A couple of experts decided to expound on their lineups, others let the numbers speak for themselves. Some paid a lot of mind to defense (Torii Hunter/Carlos Beltran in CF), another felt the way to win is to get the best bats into the lineup (A-Rod at SS) and someone felt youth needed to be served (Andrew McCutchen.)
So now the task is yours. Considering EVERYTHING....offensive talent, lineup positioning, defense, and starting pitcher...who is the one person worthy of calling themselves THE EXPERT when in comes to Major League Lineup building. The choice is yours. You can vote by commenting here, commenting on facebook, or hitting up my email at MKrenek31@gmail.com. Vote for who you think did the best job and maybe you be a part of a life changing experience. Its that important.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
2010 NBA Mock(ery) Draft
Well its that time of year again. Time for visions of Bowies and Darkos and Kandi-Men to dance in the heads of GMs. Time for "wingspan", "upside", and "added thickness" to add themselves to our vocabulary for an evening. Yes sir, its time for the NBA Draft! This year is sure to be a great Draft, chock full of future All-Stars and potential Hall of Famers! I'm very confident in my mock draft this year, I think its pretty accurate! I'm lying! Only one of the previous three sentences is the truth!
NBA MOCK DRAFT 2011!!!!
1. Washington Wizards: John Wall, PG, Kentucky
2. Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State
3. New Jersey Nets: Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech
4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse
5. Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins, PF, Kentucky
6. Golden State Warriors: Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown
7. Detroit Pistons: Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina
8. Los Angeles Clippers: Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest
9. Utah Jazz: Luke Babbit, SF/PF, Nevada
10. Indiana Pacers: Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor
11. New Orleans Hornets: Gordon Heyward, SF, Baylor
12. Memphis Grizzlies: Paul George, SF, Fresno State
13. Toronto Raptors: Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky
14. Houston Rockets : Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
15. Milwaukee Bucks: Xavier Henry, SG, Kentucky
16. Minnesota Timberwolves: Eliot Williams, SG, Memphis
17. Chicago Bulls: Avery Bradley, PG/SG, Texas
18. Oklahoma City Thunder: Larry Sanders, PF/C, Virginia Commonwealth
19. Boston Celtics: James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State
20. San Antonio Spurs: Kevin Seraphin, PF, France
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall
22. Portland Trailblazers: Gani Lawal, SF/PF, Georgia Tech
23. Minnesota Timberwolves: Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State
24. Atlanta Hawks: Tiny Gallon, PF/C, Texas
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Eric Bledsoe, PG/SG, Kentucky
26. Oklahoma City Thunder: Damion James, SF, Texas
27. New Jersey Nets: Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier
28. Memphis Grizzlies: Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State
29. Orlando Magic: Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia
30. Washington Wizards: Dominique Jones, SG, South Florida
Honestly, I don't expect to get more than two right. So many teams will be trading, so many teams will be moving around and on top of that...I never really know what I'm talking about. Either way, the NBA Draft is always a good time and tonight it will be EXTRA special, because you can join a live chat with Joe Giglio, Tyrone A. Johnson, and myself on www.shoresportsnetwork.com. Ask us questions, give us your take, mock our statements. Whatever floats your boat. Talk to you then, monkeys.
NBA MOCK DRAFT 2011!!!!
1. Washington Wizards: John Wall, PG, Kentucky
2. Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State
3. New Jersey Nets: Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech
4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse
5. Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins, PF, Kentucky
6. Golden State Warriors: Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown
7. Detroit Pistons: Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina
8. Los Angeles Clippers: Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest
9. Utah Jazz: Luke Babbit, SF/PF, Nevada
10. Indiana Pacers: Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor
11. New Orleans Hornets: Gordon Heyward, SF, Baylor
12. Memphis Grizzlies: Paul George, SF, Fresno State
13. Toronto Raptors: Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky
14. Houston Rockets : Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
15. Milwaukee Bucks: Xavier Henry, SG, Kentucky
16. Minnesota Timberwolves: Eliot Williams, SG, Memphis
17. Chicago Bulls: Avery Bradley, PG/SG, Texas
18. Oklahoma City Thunder: Larry Sanders, PF/C, Virginia Commonwealth
19. Boston Celtics: James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State
20. San Antonio Spurs: Kevin Seraphin, PF, France
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall
22. Portland Trailblazers: Gani Lawal, SF/PF, Georgia Tech
23. Minnesota Timberwolves: Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State
24. Atlanta Hawks: Tiny Gallon, PF/C, Texas
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Eric Bledsoe, PG/SG, Kentucky
26. Oklahoma City Thunder: Damion James, SF, Texas
27. New Jersey Nets: Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier
28. Memphis Grizzlies: Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State
29. Orlando Magic: Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia
30. Washington Wizards: Dominique Jones, SG, South Florida
Honestly, I don't expect to get more than two right. So many teams will be trading, so many teams will be moving around and on top of that...I never really know what I'm talking about. Either way, the NBA Draft is always a good time and tonight it will be EXTRA special, because you can join a live chat with Joe Giglio, Tyrone A. Johnson, and myself on www.shoresportsnetwork.com. Ask us questions, give us your take, mock our statements. Whatever floats your boat. Talk to you then, monkeys.
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