The worst teams in sports right now are the Rams, Nationals, Nets, & Oilers. The bottom of the barrel in each of their respective professional leagues. They're all in last, but does that mean they are the worst organizations, or in the worst shape? The answer is no. Fans of these teams have something to look forward to in the NEAR future. I would much rather be a fan of any of these teams, with the exceptions of the Nets, then a fan of the Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins, Phoenix Coyotees, Florida Panthers and the list goes on and on. Now you may be saying, "What are you talking about, we are in last place...it can't get any worse." BUT yes it can. These teams are all in position for an easy quick fix.
RAMS - Yes, the Rams have been the worst or second to worst team the last 3 years, but at least they have building blocks for the future, unlike the Bears and Raiders. The Bears traded the front of their draft the last 2 years for a QB who has nobody to throw to and nobody to block for him upfront. They are a one man team on offense and will stay that way, since they have no draft picks. The Raiders may be the fastest team in the NFL, but what does that mean when you have a coach who beats the crap out of his assistants, a QB who overthrows everyone and a horrendous offensive line.
The Rams can make easy work of this offseason, the have a good 2nd year coach (Spagnuolo) and GM (Devaney). They have a new owner (Kahn) who is willing to spend a ton of money. What more could you ask for? "A quarterback who isn't afraid to make a play." Let's have fun...If I were Billy Devaney this is what I would do.
Sign DE Julius Peppers to a 4 year deal, paying him more money then the country of Haiti is worth...to soon?
Sign WR Vincent Jackson to a 5 year deal.
Trade next years 3rd round pick for QB Vick, if the Eagles take his option.
Re-tender the contracts of Barron, Setterstorm and Atogwe.
DRAFT
1. DT Suh
2. RB McCluster
3. QB Lefevour
The rest of the picks draft OLBs, CBs and OL.
If the team did this, it would be a playoff team either next year, or the year after.
NATIONALS - The Nationals are in incredibly good shape...no, I'm not joking. They are building a nice little organization with all their first round draft picks. They have a solid, line-up...not good, but solid. SP Strasburg is playing this year, they had a nice cheap signing in SP Wang and they have a good young closer RP Capps.
With free-agency over I can't really offer any advice, but all they need to do is keep on track and draft/sign Bryce Harper first overall this year. If they stay on this path, give em 3 or 4 years and they could be a playoff contender, so DC area fans do have something to be excited about.
NETS - You have Devin Harris, Brook Lopez and a giant mess. Hey, look at the bright side, you're moving to Brooklyn and you have a rich Ruskie and Jay-Z trying to bring Lebron in. The Nets will have a lot of monetary space this offseason in what will be the biggest free agent spending frenzie of all time! The Nets can right the ship by signing Lebron, Bosh or Wade...or they can spend their money on a few of the good supporting players out their and be a consistent 6 to 8 seed every year, but this is a superstar league...any team can turn themselves around with one big signing this offseason.
OILERS - Heads up! You're a hockey fan in Canada! Yeah, yeah the U.S. beat your national team too, but hey the gold medal is still up for grabs! The Oilers have a nice collection of players, but badly need a goaltender for the future. Maybe they'll be able to do something about that with that 1st overall pick. Hey! At least you'll get to see Hillary Duff at all the home games, thanks to Mike Comrie! At least the Oilers won't have to deal with threats to relocate like the Playoff bound Coyotees, the Panthers and the Lightning.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Mock Draft 2.0
2/19/10
Now that we actually know the draft order...
* denotes underclassman
1. St. Louis Rams: DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
This is the easiest pick since Michael Vick in 2001. If the Rams reach for a QB here Billy Devaney should be thrown into Dr. Evil's pool of "sharks with friggin' lasers on their heads."
2. Detroit Lions: DT Gerald McCoy*, Oklahoma
The Lions had the worst pass defense in the league last season and the best way to shut down the pass is to build up front. McCoy is almost as highly touted as Ndamukong Suh. Berry would also be an attractive option.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Eric Berry*, Tennessee
The Bucs have a pretty decent pass defense, especially compared to their horrendous rush defense, but they can’t pass on the next Ed Reed.
4. Washington Redskins: OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma St.
The Redskins actually have some pretty good players, now that they have a good coach coming in I wouldn’t be surprised to the Skins in the playoffs next year. A lot of people would like to see a QB taken here, but Shanahan has already said he likes Campbell. Shanahan’s style is to draft lineman, lineman, lineman in the first round. Could be Bradford here though.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Anthony Davis*, Rutgers
The Chiefs had the second worst rush defense in the league last year and many people think they should’ve drafted Aaron Curry in 2009. They could draft about anything here, but why pass on a sure thing?
6. Seattle Seahawks: QB Jimmy Clausen*, Notre Dame
The Seahawks gave up the third most passing yards per game in the league, in the NFC WEST!!! BUT, Hasselbeck is old as poo and Pete will want to build his own team. I think this is a crappy pick, but hey! QBs are overrated in the draft.
7. Cleveland Browns: CB Joe Haden*, Florida
The Browns had the worst passing game in the NFL last year, which could be attributed to the awful play of Quinn and Anderson, but the Browns spent too much money on their QBs and need to replace big play WR Braylon Edwards. I would draft Dez Bryant, but his stock has fallen with questions of his work ethic.
8. Oakland Raiders: OT Bryan Bulaga*, Iowa
The Raiders are tempted to draft a QB here, but Davis isn’t ready to give up on Russell yet. The Raiders need to build an offensive line still, Robert Gallery still haunts them…will the OT Iowa curse continue?
9. Buffalo Bills: QB Sam Bradford*, Oklahoma
I personally would draft an O-lineman here. The Bills had one of the worst O-lines in the league last year, but the front office wants to make a sexy pick to get the ball to big play WRs Evans. This is still a good pick though, since Bradford would have been #1 overall last year.
10. Denver Broncos (via Chicago): ILB Rolando McClain*, Alabama
This pick could depend on if the Broncos retain WR Brandon Marshall, if they lose him the Broncos could go for Dez Bryant. Since this is before free agency I’m going to say the Broncos go with the tackling machine.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Derrick Morgan *, Georgia Tech
Sadly for the Jaguars they need almost everything, but a QB. The fans want Tebow, but the Jags are still an organization trying to win games. They draft based on need.
12. Miami Dolphins: WR Dez Bryant*, Oklahoma St.
The Dolphins have a need. A NEED FOR SPEED!
13. San Francisco 49ers (via Panthers): OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma
The Niners get a potential top 5 pick at 13, not too shabby. Singletary isn’t dumb, the battle in the trenches decides games.
14. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver): RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson
Surprisingly the versatile Spiller is still here and the Seahawks draft the playmaker they need so bad.
15. New York Giants: OLB/DE Sergio Kindle, Texas
The Giants LB’s are just garbage. They could go inside or outside here.
16. Tennessee Titans: DT Dan Williams, Tennessee
This only makes too much sense, still gotta replace Haynesworth.
17. San Francisco: DE Jason Pierre-Paul*, South Florida
The Niners D-line sucks and was the cause for the Niners below average pass defense. Singletary want defense, Singletary get defense. This is a fantastic pick...the niners could have a great draft.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Bruce Campbell*, Maryland
The Steelers have had O-line troubles the last two seasons, even through their Super Bowl win last year.
19. Atlanta Falcons: G Mike Iupati, Idaho
The Falcons pretty much picked all defense last year and felt the consequences when Ryan and Turner went down with no offensive depth. Time to protect your assets.
20. Houston Texans: RB, Jahvid Best*, Cal
Best and Slaton will be a fantastic 1-2 punch. Hopefully Shaub won’t be passing 50 times a game next year.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
The Bengals look for one of their big needs, a redzone receiver.
22. New England Patriots: OLB Navorro Bowman*, Penn St.
The Patriots do what they do best, draft defense. This may be their second most pressing need to a RB, but the Patriots feel they can get just as good a RB in the second round that they can at this point in the draft.
23. Green Bay Packers: OT Charles Brown, USC
Year in and year out the first round of the draft is dominated by the grinders over the skill positions.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: S Earl Thomas*, Texas
The Eagles secondary needs a revamp after an awful performance in the playoffs.
25. Baltimore Ravens: WR Arrelious Benn*, Illinois
Flacco could use some receiving help. His number one receiver, Derrick Mason, is about to turn 63 years old.
26. Arizona Cardinals: DE Carlos Dunlap*, Florida
The Cardinals Defensive line is WAY to old.
27. Dallas Cowboys: S Taylor Mays, USC
This makes the Jerry Jones happy. Mays and Cromartie should give America's team a hell of a secondary.
28. San Diego Chargers: OLB/DE Brandon Graham, Michigan
LT is getting old, Sproles can’t handle the load on his own, but the Chargers are willing to find a RB through trade. Beef up the D. And while on the topic, trading Cromartie is dumb.
29. New York Jets: WR Golden Tate*, Notre Dame
The Jets need to give their franchise QB some help, Tate pulls in everything…should be a nice compliment to Braylon “Stone hands” Edwards.
30. Minnesota Vikings: CB Patrick Robinson, Florida St.
If the Vikings can convince Favre to return, CB is their weakest position.
31. Indianapolis Colts: DT Brian Price, UCLA
The Colts need a big run stopper and at pick 31, the Price is right.
32. New Orleans Saints: LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
The year of the linebacker continues. Spoon would be a good OLB compliment
to Vilma as long as nobody runs the triple option on him. I know, I know...I said that last time, but I couldn't resist.
Here's a link to other great NFL mock drafts: NFL Mock Draft Database
Now that we actually know the draft order...
* denotes underclassman
1. St. Louis Rams: DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
This is the easiest pick since Michael Vick in 2001. If the Rams reach for a QB here Billy Devaney should be thrown into Dr. Evil's pool of "sharks with friggin' lasers on their heads."
2. Detroit Lions: DT Gerald McCoy*, Oklahoma
The Lions had the worst pass defense in the league last season and the best way to shut down the pass is to build up front. McCoy is almost as highly touted as Ndamukong Suh. Berry would also be an attractive option.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Eric Berry*, Tennessee
The Bucs have a pretty decent pass defense, especially compared to their horrendous rush defense, but they can’t pass on the next Ed Reed.
4. Washington Redskins: OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma St.
The Redskins actually have some pretty good players, now that they have a good coach coming in I wouldn’t be surprised to the Skins in the playoffs next year. A lot of people would like to see a QB taken here, but Shanahan has already said he likes Campbell. Shanahan’s style is to draft lineman, lineman, lineman in the first round. Could be Bradford here though.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Anthony Davis*, Rutgers
The Chiefs had the second worst rush defense in the league last year and many people think they should’ve drafted Aaron Curry in 2009. They could draft about anything here, but why pass on a sure thing?
6. Seattle Seahawks: QB Jimmy Clausen*, Notre Dame
The Seahawks gave up the third most passing yards per game in the league, in the NFC WEST!!! BUT, Hasselbeck is old as poo and Pete will want to build his own team. I think this is a crappy pick, but hey! QBs are overrated in the draft.
7. Cleveland Browns: CB Joe Haden*, Florida
The Browns had the worst passing game in the NFL last year, which could be attributed to the awful play of Quinn and Anderson, but the Browns spent too much money on their QBs and need to replace big play WR Braylon Edwards. I would draft Dez Bryant, but his stock has fallen with questions of his work ethic.
8. Oakland Raiders: OT Bryan Bulaga*, Iowa
The Raiders are tempted to draft a QB here, but Davis isn’t ready to give up on Russell yet. The Raiders need to build an offensive line still, Robert Gallery still haunts them…will the OT Iowa curse continue?
9. Buffalo Bills: QB Sam Bradford*, Oklahoma
I personally would draft an O-lineman here. The Bills had one of the worst O-lines in the league last year, but the front office wants to make a sexy pick to get the ball to big play WRs Evans. This is still a good pick though, since Bradford would have been #1 overall last year.
10. Denver Broncos (via Chicago): ILB Rolando McClain*, Alabama
This pick could depend on if the Broncos retain WR Brandon Marshall, if they lose him the Broncos could go for Dez Bryant. Since this is before free agency I’m going to say the Broncos go with the tackling machine.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Derrick Morgan *, Georgia Tech
Sadly for the Jaguars they need almost everything, but a QB. The fans want Tebow, but the Jags are still an organization trying to win games. They draft based on need.
12. Miami Dolphins: WR Dez Bryant*, Oklahoma St.
The Dolphins have a need. A NEED FOR SPEED!
13. San Francisco 49ers (via Panthers): OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma
The Niners get a potential top 5 pick at 13, not too shabby. Singletary isn’t dumb, the battle in the trenches decides games.
14. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver): RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson
Surprisingly the versatile Spiller is still here and the Seahawks draft the playmaker they need so bad.
15. New York Giants: OLB/DE Sergio Kindle, Texas
The Giants LB’s are just garbage. They could go inside or outside here.
16. Tennessee Titans: DT Dan Williams, Tennessee
This only makes too much sense, still gotta replace Haynesworth.
17. San Francisco: DE Jason Pierre-Paul*, South Florida
The Niners D-line sucks and was the cause for the Niners below average pass defense. Singletary want defense, Singletary get defense. This is a fantastic pick...the niners could have a great draft.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Bruce Campbell*, Maryland
The Steelers have had O-line troubles the last two seasons, even through their Super Bowl win last year.
19. Atlanta Falcons: G Mike Iupati, Idaho
The Falcons pretty much picked all defense last year and felt the consequences when Ryan and Turner went down with no offensive depth. Time to protect your assets.
20. Houston Texans: RB, Jahvid Best*, Cal
Best and Slaton will be a fantastic 1-2 punch. Hopefully Shaub won’t be passing 50 times a game next year.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
The Bengals look for one of their big needs, a redzone receiver.
22. New England Patriots: OLB Navorro Bowman*, Penn St.
The Patriots do what they do best, draft defense. This may be their second most pressing need to a RB, but the Patriots feel they can get just as good a RB in the second round that they can at this point in the draft.
23. Green Bay Packers: OT Charles Brown, USC
Year in and year out the first round of the draft is dominated by the grinders over the skill positions.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: S Earl Thomas*, Texas
The Eagles secondary needs a revamp after an awful performance in the playoffs.
25. Baltimore Ravens: WR Arrelious Benn*, Illinois
Flacco could use some receiving help. His number one receiver, Derrick Mason, is about to turn 63 years old.
26. Arizona Cardinals: DE Carlos Dunlap*, Florida
The Cardinals Defensive line is WAY to old.
27. Dallas Cowboys: S Taylor Mays, USC
This makes the Jerry Jones happy. Mays and Cromartie should give America's team a hell of a secondary.
28. San Diego Chargers: OLB/DE Brandon Graham, Michigan
LT is getting old, Sproles can’t handle the load on his own, but the Chargers are willing to find a RB through trade. Beef up the D. And while on the topic, trading Cromartie is dumb.
29. New York Jets: WR Golden Tate*, Notre Dame
The Jets need to give their franchise QB some help, Tate pulls in everything…should be a nice compliment to Braylon “Stone hands” Edwards.
30. Minnesota Vikings: CB Patrick Robinson, Florida St.
If the Vikings can convince Favre to return, CB is their weakest position.
31. Indianapolis Colts: DT Brian Price, UCLA
The Colts need a big run stopper and at pick 31, the Price is right.
32. New Orleans Saints: LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
The year of the linebacker continues. Spoon would be a good OLB compliment
to Vilma as long as nobody runs the triple option on him. I know, I know...I said that last time, but I couldn't resist.
Here's a link to other great NFL mock drafts: NFL Mock Draft Database
Friday, February 12, 2010
2/12/09 "C'mon Oscars!"
I know this should have been addressed in my previous blog, but I just have to get it off my chest. HOW DID MOON NOT GET NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR!!!!???? It seems like every year Indy movies get ripped off when being considered for academy awards. THE BLIND SIDE!!!!???? REALLY?? C'mon Oscars, if your going to have 10 nominations, at least name worthy candidates. Michael Oher, the guy the movie was made about didn't even like it! Just ridiculous...
Yeah, yeah, I can see it now. You're thinking well Slumdog Millionaire was an Indy movie and IT WON the 08 awards! But look at the other nominations in 08 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (overrated...too long, the ending was drawn out, to pretentious), Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader. Yeah they all have academy movie written all over them, big budget acting driven movies. BUT there were so many better films made! In Bruges anyone? Why didn't it get nominated? My guess is because it came out in February. What a joke that a film is automatically declined as Oscar worthy just because of the month that it came out. What about Che? Che was the best film of 2008! If you don't believe me, see it. My guess is it didn't get nominated because it's two parts...four hours long. "Uhhh, yeah it's the best, but which part should we nominate part 1 or part 2?" "Can't we just nominate both at once?" "I don't know man this is too confusing for us big wig execs and who gives a s***? It's an indy movie anyway." "Yeah you're right, let's just nominate the movie with the gay guy...or was he retarded...I can't remember, the movie with the over-the-top Nixon accent and that Brad Pitt movie, even though I fell asleep during it."
Now let's talk about best supporting actor...Matt Damon! REALLY!!!???? 1. Invictus was a poorly made film, sorry Clint, I still love you. But the film had no direction and an overly dramatic scene in which a plane flies over the soccer stadium...why? 911 relapse. Matt Damon only got nominated, because he's Matt Damon...and yes I realized I didn't put a second point. He did alright with his accent, but his character really only has one defining moment in the locker room he cracks open some beers...even the fat annoying Miller guy can do that!!! Should he be nominated for an Oscar? What's wrong with nominating someone from a comedy? Jeff Bridges should have won in 1998 for playing "The Dude" in The Big Lebowski! Zach Galifinakis in the Hangover vs. Matt Damon in Invictus...hmmm ZACH G WINS EVERY TIME!!! What about Stephen Lang? The guy dominated in Avatar, he was my favorite character! Avatar is the highest grossing movie of all time! COME ON PEOPLE!!!
Okay, Okay enough ranting and raving for now...BUT what are the odds Shutter Island kicks ass then doesn't get nominated, because it comes out in February.
QUESTION TO PONDER: How many Oscars will Meryl Streep be nominated for before she dies? Over/Under 20.
Yeah, yeah, I can see it now. You're thinking well Slumdog Millionaire was an Indy movie and IT WON the 08 awards! But look at the other nominations in 08 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (overrated...too long, the ending was drawn out, to pretentious), Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader. Yeah they all have academy movie written all over them, big budget acting driven movies. BUT there were so many better films made! In Bruges anyone? Why didn't it get nominated? My guess is because it came out in February. What a joke that a film is automatically declined as Oscar worthy just because of the month that it came out. What about Che? Che was the best film of 2008! If you don't believe me, see it. My guess is it didn't get nominated because it's two parts...four hours long. "Uhhh, yeah it's the best, but which part should we nominate part 1 or part 2?" "Can't we just nominate both at once?" "I don't know man this is too confusing for us big wig execs and who gives a s***? It's an indy movie anyway." "Yeah you're right, let's just nominate the movie with the gay guy...or was he retarded...I can't remember, the movie with the over-the-top Nixon accent and that Brad Pitt movie, even though I fell asleep during it."
Now let's talk about best supporting actor...Matt Damon! REALLY!!!???? 1. Invictus was a poorly made film, sorry Clint, I still love you. But the film had no direction and an overly dramatic scene in which a plane flies over the soccer stadium...why? 911 relapse. Matt Damon only got nominated, because he's Matt Damon...and yes I realized I didn't put a second point. He did alright with his accent, but his character really only has one defining moment in the locker room he cracks open some beers...even the fat annoying Miller guy can do that!!! Should he be nominated for an Oscar? What's wrong with nominating someone from a comedy? Jeff Bridges should have won in 1998 for playing "The Dude" in The Big Lebowski! Zach Galifinakis in the Hangover vs. Matt Damon in Invictus...hmmm ZACH G WINS EVERY TIME!!! What about Stephen Lang? The guy dominated in Avatar, he was my favorite character! Avatar is the highest grossing movie of all time! COME ON PEOPLE!!!
Okay, Okay enough ranting and raving for now...BUT what are the odds Shutter Island kicks ass then doesn't get nominated, because it comes out in February.
QUESTION TO PONDER: How many Oscars will Meryl Streep be nominated for before she dies? Over/Under 20.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
2/7/10
Last week I made Oscar nominee predictions and was pretty close on most of them, with the exception of my "Moon" predictions. I believe no matter what the critics say, it was by far one of the top films of 2009.
Since it's Super Bowl Sunday, I'll have to make my prediction. Colts 38, Saints 31. Peyton Manning wins Super Bowl MVP with 4 TDs and no INTs, 375+ yards.
Now for business, I'm going to make my pre-spring training MLB predictions for the year.
AL EAST
Yankees
Rays
Red Sox
Orioles
Blue Jays
AL CENTRAL
Twins
White Sox
Tigers
Indians
Royals
AL WEST
Mariners
Rangers
Angels
A's
NL EAST
Phillies
Mets
Braves
Marlins
Nationals
NL CENTRAL
Cardinals
Cubs
Reds
Brewers
Astros
Pirates
NL WEST
Dodgers
Diamondbacks
Giants
Rockies
Padres
PLAYOFFS
DIVISIONAL SERIES
Yankees vs. Rangers
-The Yankees have had a good off season, making a few great upgrades. Javier Vazquez will be a great 4th starter and Curtis Granderson is one of the best 5-tool players in the league.
-If the Rangers young rotation comes through they could be one of the best teams in the league. They need Rich Harden to stay healthy. They have a sick lineup, I like the Vlad Guerrero pick up for DH.
***Yankees still win it in 4 games.
Mariners vs. Twins
-The Mariners may have had the best offseason in the league, great pickups of Lee and the resigning of Bedard. They don't have any power in their lineup, but have a bunch of guys who get on base (Figgins, Ichiro, Gutierrez, Bradley ect.). This is a Moneyball team.
-Mauer's contract year, he could hit .400. WIth a solid rotation, bullpen and reliable hitters, the Twins could be the most steady team in baseball.
***Mariners win in 5 games.
Phillies vs. Diamondbacks
-The Phillies have been the best team in the NL the last few years and they will be even better next year with the addition of Roy Halladay.
-Webb returning from injury and the acquisition of Edwin Jackson. They will have one hellova rotation. If Justin Upton and Stephen Drew take the next step in their progression, this team will rake.
***This will be an awesome series to watch. I'll take the Phills in 5.
Dodgers vs. Cardinals
-The Dodgers are bringing back the same team. If Manny plays the Dodgers will win, even with their non-veteran rotation.
-The Cardinals made the biggest move of the offseason by resigning Matt Holliday. If the Cardinals can find stability in their bullpen and on the bench they will have a good shot at the series. Look for them to make a big trade deadline move for a pitcher.
***Cardinals in 4.
CONFERENCE SERIES
Yankees vs. Mariners
-This series will put the Yankees star studded lineup to the test against the Mariners power pitching.
***Yankees in 6 games.
Phillies vs. Cardinals
-This is a pretty even series, but I give the Phillies the nod in the hitting category. The Cards have had serious hitting problems in the playoffs.
***Phillies take it in 5.
WORLD SERIES
Yankees vs. Phillies
-The rematch. And what has changed? Roy Halladay vs. Curtis Granderson. This series will be even better than last year.
***Yankees repeat in 7.
Possible trades:
Look for these big names to get moved before the deadline.
Adam Dunn OF/1B
Magglio Ordonez OF
Lance Berkman 1B
Chris Young SP
Jeremy Bonderman SP
Kerry Wood RP
Since it's Super Bowl Sunday, I'll have to make my prediction. Colts 38, Saints 31. Peyton Manning wins Super Bowl MVP with 4 TDs and no INTs, 375+ yards.
Now for business, I'm going to make my pre-spring training MLB predictions for the year.
AL EAST
Yankees
Rays
Red Sox
Orioles
Blue Jays
AL CENTRAL
Twins
White Sox
Tigers
Indians
Royals
AL WEST
Mariners
Rangers
Angels
A's
NL EAST
Phillies
Mets
Braves
Marlins
Nationals
NL CENTRAL
Cardinals
Cubs
Reds
Brewers
Astros
Pirates
NL WEST
Dodgers
Diamondbacks
Giants
Rockies
Padres
PLAYOFFS
DIVISIONAL SERIES
Yankees vs. Rangers
-The Yankees have had a good off season, making a few great upgrades. Javier Vazquez will be a great 4th starter and Curtis Granderson is one of the best 5-tool players in the league.
-If the Rangers young rotation comes through they could be one of the best teams in the league. They need Rich Harden to stay healthy. They have a sick lineup, I like the Vlad Guerrero pick up for DH.
***Yankees still win it in 4 games.
Mariners vs. Twins
-The Mariners may have had the best offseason in the league, great pickups of Lee and the resigning of Bedard. They don't have any power in their lineup, but have a bunch of guys who get on base (Figgins, Ichiro, Gutierrez, Bradley ect.). This is a Moneyball team.
-Mauer's contract year, he could hit .400. WIth a solid rotation, bullpen and reliable hitters, the Twins could be the most steady team in baseball.
***Mariners win in 5 games.
Phillies vs. Diamondbacks
-The Phillies have been the best team in the NL the last few years and they will be even better next year with the addition of Roy Halladay.
-Webb returning from injury and the acquisition of Edwin Jackson. They will have one hellova rotation. If Justin Upton and Stephen Drew take the next step in their progression, this team will rake.
***This will be an awesome series to watch. I'll take the Phills in 5.
Dodgers vs. Cardinals
-The Dodgers are bringing back the same team. If Manny plays the Dodgers will win, even with their non-veteran rotation.
-The Cardinals made the biggest move of the offseason by resigning Matt Holliday. If the Cardinals can find stability in their bullpen and on the bench they will have a good shot at the series. Look for them to make a big trade deadline move for a pitcher.
***Cardinals in 4.
CONFERENCE SERIES
Yankees vs. Mariners
-This series will put the Yankees star studded lineup to the test against the Mariners power pitching.
***Yankees in 6 games.
Phillies vs. Cardinals
-This is a pretty even series, but I give the Phillies the nod in the hitting category. The Cards have had serious hitting problems in the playoffs.
***Phillies take it in 5.
WORLD SERIES
Yankees vs. Phillies
-The rematch. And what has changed? Roy Halladay vs. Curtis Granderson. This series will be even better than last year.
***Yankees repeat in 7.
Possible trades:
Look for these big names to get moved before the deadline.
Adam Dunn OF/1B
Magglio Ordonez OF
Lance Berkman 1B
Chris Young SP
Jeremy Bonderman SP
Kerry Wood RP
Monday, February 1, 2010
Tim's "Oscar" nominations
The Oscars will release their nominations tomorrow 2/2/10, so I thought I would put up my own nominations and who I think should win. Obviously I haven't seen every movie that came out this year, but I have seen most of the top critically acclaimed films. Here we go!!!
*denotes who I think should win.
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
George Clooney, Up in the Air
*Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker
Sam Rockwell, Moon
Sharlto Copley, District 9
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover
*Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Stephen Lang, Avatar
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Jude Law, Sherlock Holmes
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
*Maryl Streep, Julie & Julia
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
*Melanie Laurent, Inglourious Basterds
Mo'Nique, Precious
Penelope Cruz, Nine
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
*Up
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Fantastic Mr. Fox
ART DIRECTION
*Avatar
Nine
Invictus
The Hurt Locker
Moon
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Invictus
*Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
District 9
DIRECTING
Clint Eastwood, Invictus
James Cameron, Avatar
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
*Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air
FILM EDITING
District 9
Inglourious Basterds
*Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Up in the Air
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
*Avatar
Up
Nine
Moon
Inglourious Basterds
WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
Scott Cooper, Crazy Heart
Nora Ephron, Julie & Julia
*Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner, Up in the Air
Geoffrey Fletcher, Precious
Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Star Trek
WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREEPLAY)
James Cameron, Avatar
*Quinton Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker
Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber, (500) Days of Summer
Duncan Jones, Moon
BEST PICTURE
Avatar
District 9
Nine
*The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Up in the Air
(500) Days of Summer
The Hangover
Moon
Precious
*denotes who I think should win.
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
George Clooney, Up in the Air
*Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker
Sam Rockwell, Moon
Sharlto Copley, District 9
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover
*Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Stephen Lang, Avatar
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Jude Law, Sherlock Holmes
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
*Maryl Streep, Julie & Julia
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
*Melanie Laurent, Inglourious Basterds
Mo'Nique, Precious
Penelope Cruz, Nine
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
*Up
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Fantastic Mr. Fox
ART DIRECTION
*Avatar
Nine
Invictus
The Hurt Locker
Moon
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Invictus
*Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
District 9
DIRECTING
Clint Eastwood, Invictus
James Cameron, Avatar
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
*Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air
FILM EDITING
District 9
Inglourious Basterds
*Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Up in the Air
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
*Avatar
Up
Nine
Moon
Inglourious Basterds
WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
Scott Cooper, Crazy Heart
Nora Ephron, Julie & Julia
*Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner, Up in the Air
Geoffrey Fletcher, Precious
Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Star Trek
WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREEPLAY)
James Cameron, Avatar
*Quinton Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker
Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber, (500) Days of Summer
Duncan Jones, Moon
BEST PICTURE
Avatar
District 9
Nine
*The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Up in the Air
(500) Days of Summer
The Hangover
Moon
Precious
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