Tim Kanak: All You Need To Know

Mock Draft 1.0

2011-01-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

If you want to check out my new website and my player position rankings you can find it at http://thefootballgod.wordpress.com/

NFL Mock Draft 1.0

This order of this mock draft is contingent on how picks 21 through 32 fair in the playoffs. Picks 1 through 20 are now set in stone. As far as players are concerned they have to declare for the draft by January 15^th, so at that date we’ll have a better idea as to the order and what players are going out for the NFL. Player rankings will also adjust based on performances in the Senior Bowl and the NFL combine and team needs will change based on free agency in the coming months, so let’s get it started off right and set the pace for who ought to choose who at this point in the season! For this mock’s sake let’s assume everyone eligible for the draft will go out.

Carolina Panthers – QB Andrew Luck (Soph., Stanford): I feel if Andrew Luck enters the NFL draft he will be chosen number one, regardless if the Panthers choose him or trade down and somebody else takes him. If he doesn’t enter the draft look for the Panthers to take DE Da-Quan Bowers or DT Nick Fairley.

Denver Broncos – CB Patrick Peterson (Jr., LSU): Whoever the new Broncos coach is likes what he has on offense, but Champ Bailey is leaving through free agency. Dumervil returning from injury and Peterson island shutting down half of the field will revamp this defense.

Buffalo Bills – DE Da-Quan Bowers (Jr., Clemson): The Bills had the worst rush defense in the league last year and plan to give QB Ryan Fitzpatrick the 2011 season to see if he is the real deal. I think Fitzpatrick is a solid starter, but will never be a Pro Bowl caliber QB, which there seem to be a few in this draft.

Cincinnati Bengals – WR A.J. Green (Jr., Georgia): There has been a lot of grumbling about Carson Palmer in Cincinnati, but the Bengals figure to give him another shot and replace T.O. with Green. The Bengals also have a need at DE and could give a hard look at North Carolina DE Robert Quinn, who missed the 2010 season due to suspension.

Arizona Cardinals – QB Ryan Mallet (Jr., Arkansas): Gabbert is likely to impress scouts at the combine, but Mallet is right there with him and with pro-style experience is ready to start immediately. The Cards will most likely look to trade up for Luck, but if it doesn’t happen I see Mallet as a great option.

Cleveland Browns – WR Julio Jones (Jr., Alabama): The Browns are in desperate need of a playmaker and are praying A.J. Green falls to them at this position, but are SOL after Green puts up great specs at the combine. Jones is the next best option and will be a terrific playmaker in the NFL. The Browns are another team desperate for a DE and could give Quinn a look, but this is a deep class for Defensive Lineman and a talent like Jones doesn’t come around every day.

San Francisco 49ers – QB Cameron Newton (Jr., Alabama): The Niners top priority needs to be finding a new QB. They gave both Alex and Troy Smith each a fair shot at the starting job and both failed to succeed. They could also take Blaine Gabbert at number seven, it really depends on who the new coach is. I think Newton has was it takes to win at the NFL level and if you pair him with Crabtree, Davis, Morgan and Walker good things are going to happen. CB Prince Amukamara is also a possibility for the Niners.

Tennessee Titans – DT Nick Fairley (Jr., Auburn): The Titans are pleasantly surprised that Fairley is still available at pick eight and take him to replace the gaping wound left by Albert Haynesworth.

Dallas Cowboys – OT Nate Solder (Sr., Colorado): The Boys had problems up front all year and need to replace the worst lineman in the NFL (Alex Barron). The Cowboys had one of the worst pass defenses in the league last year and Jerry Jones is known for drafting skill players, so don’t be surprised if Amukamara goes here.

Washington Redskins – QB Blaine Gabbert (Jr., Missouri): The skins need a QB and Dan Snyder loves shelling out money. Gabbert AKA The White Jamarcus Russell is sure to put up insane numbers at the combine, but does he have the composure and football IQ for a successful transition in the NFL? Gabbert played in a spread offense and I believe he would benefit by a year on the bench learning the ropes.

Houston Texans – CB Prince Amukamara (Sr., Nebraska): The Texans have problems in their secondary all around. The pick of Amukamara should help secure half of the field and help stop teams from lighting up the score board against the high scoring Texans.

Minnesota Vikings – QB Jake Locker (Sr., Washington): Was seen as the number one pick in the draft last year, but fell off after a few inconsistent games. He showed everyone he has the skills, but does he have the decision making necessary to bring the Vikings back to the playoffs.

Detroit Lions – CB Janoris Jenkins (Jr., Florida): The Lions were praying Amukamara would fall to them, fat chance. This move should be a drastic improvement on an awful secondary.

St. Louis Rams – WR Justin Blackmon (Soph., Oklahoma State): I bet Spags would be tempted to draft one of the two great lineman (Quinn and Dareus) or LB Akeem Ayers at this position, but unless the Rams sign Vincent Jackson in the off season this WR group needs drastic improvement. The drops in the final Seattle/St. Louis game will haunt Rams fans all season.

Miami Dolphins – RB Mark Ingram (Jr., Alabama): Looks like LeBron will get some company down in Miami. Ricky Williams is expected to retire and Ronnie Brown is a free agent. The only way Ingram doesn’t go here is if one of the top tier QBs that Miami really likes drops down to this spot.

Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Robert Quinn (Jr., North Carolina): The Jaguars are ecstatic that Quinn is still available at their pick. Best player on the board and maybe the number two player on Jacksonville’s board throughout the entire draft.

New England Patriots (Via Oakland) – OLB Akeem Ayers (Jr., UCLA): The best team in the NFL somehow finds itself two draft picks… AGAIN. Ayers is the first linebacker picked in the draft, New England has been looking for a solid pass rushing OLB for a few years now and got the best one in the draft.

San Diego Chargers – OLB/DE Von Miller (Sr., Texas A&M): With Merriman gone the Chargers need to find another way to get pressure on opposing QBs. Though if Vincent Jackson and/or Malcom Floyd leave through free agency, this pick could end up being WR Jonathan Baldwin from Pitt.

New York Giants – DT Marcell Dareus (Jr., Alabama): The Giants wisely select the best player on the board and re-energize that famous front four that won them a Super Bowl.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DE Adrian Clayborn (Sr., Iowa): Didn’t have his best year in 2010 at Iowa, but Clayborn still was dominant against the run. Tampa’s pass rush was non-existent this year. In the past Clayborn has been a great pass rusher and will get the chance to regain that from in Tampa.

Seattle Seahawks – DT Stephen Paea (Sr., Oregon State): The big run stopper will clog up the line and take blocks to allow Chris Clemmons to attack the QB even more.

Kansas City Chiefs – LB Travis Lewis (Jr., Oklahoma): Tamba Hali and Mike Vrabel are free agents this year and Vrabel is on the edge of retirement. With a need at all linebacker positions, the versatile Lewis will be right at home.

Indianapolis Colts – OT Anthony Castonzo (Sr., Boston College): The Colts offensive line is getting old an ineffective leading to Peyton Manning getting put on the ground. They can’t allow Manning’s career to be cut short by inefficiencies up on the line.

Philadelphia Eagles – OG Mike Pouncey (Sr., Florida): The Iggles need some work done on the interior of their offensive line. Mike’s older brother Maurkice has gotten done for the Steelers and Mike is just as good. Would this be the first pair of brothers drafted in back to back rounds in NFL draft history? Google doesn’t help.

Green Bay Packers – RB LaMichael James (Soph, Oregon): After the success his backup at Oregon (LeGarrette Blount) has had this season with the Bucs how can this guy not be a first round pick if he goes out? Green Bay needs a solid back up for Ryan Grant, who’s 2011 season is questionable.

New Orleans Saints – RB Mikel LeShoure (Jr., Illinois): Pierre Thomas is a free agent. While Chris Ivory has proved useful the Saints sure could use a big running back with a knack for the endzone. If not a RB, look for the Saints to pick Ryan Kerrigan or Aldon Smith up on the Defensive Line.

Chicago Bears – OT Derek Sherrod (Sr., Mississippi State): If anyone needs a lineman it’s the Bears. Their line is like the equivalent of Clint Eastwood starring on Jersey Shore. Cutler was sacked 56 times this year! Though the Bears would probably be praised for picking Pitt WR Jonathan Baldwin here too.

New York Jets – WR Jonathan Baldwin (Jr., Pittsburgh): Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith are all free agents this year. What are the odds the Jets can keep all three? Baldwin is a big, fast receiver who will probably blow scouts away at the combine.

Baltimore Ravens – CB Brandon Harris (Jr., Miami): Foxworth, who missed this year due to injury, may also be out next year. Fabian Washington is a free agent. They need to get some youth in the secondary and Brandon Harris is a baller.

Pittsburgh Steelers – To Catch A Predator Host Chris Hanson… just kidding. WR Ryan Broyles (Jr., Oklahoma): Hines Ward is getting old and will need to be replaced soon. With the duel threat speed of Mike Wallace and Ryan Broyles opposing defenses better watch out.

Atlanta Falcons – TE Kyle Rudolph (Jr., Notre Dame): If the Falcons go the distance it’s likely future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez will retire. If not the Falcons may just select the best player on the board, DE Ryan Kerrigan.

New England Patriots – DE Ryan Kerrigan (Sr., Purdue): With no glaring needs the Patriots select the best player on the board and create a more effective pass rush.

Mock Draft Results

2010-04-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

The way the mock draft point system works is you get 1 point for correctly guessing that a player is picked in the first round and 2 points if you correctly guessed what team chose the player. Therefore the most possible points per pick is 3 and the most possible points for a draft is 96...but if someone scores 40 or above, you should be on ESPN. Usually only about 5 sports writers a year will score 42 or over and two are always Kiper and McShay.

Here's how I did...

1. Rams: MY PICK: Bradford REAL PICK: Bradford 3 pts.

2. Lions: MY PICK: Suh REAL PICK: Suh 3 pts.

3. Bucs: MY PICK: McCoy REAL PICK: McCoy 3 pts.

4. Skins: MY PICK: Okung REAL PICK: Williams 1 pt.

5. Chiefs: MY PICK: Bulaga REAL PICK: Berry 1 pt.

6. USC...I mean Seahawks: MY PICK: Berry REAL PICK: Okung 1 pt.

7. Browns: MY PICK: Haden REAL PICK: Haden 3 pts.

8. Al Davis: MY PICK: Davis REAL PICK: McClain 1 pt.

9. Toronto Bills: MY PICK: Williams REAL PIC: Spiller 1 pt.

10. Jags: MY PICK: Pierre-Paul REAL PICK: Alualu 0 pts.

11. 49ers: MY PICK: McClain (Broncos) REAL PICK: Davis 1 pt.

12. Chargers: MY PICK: Morgan (Dolphins) REAL PICK: Mathews (I picked this at 28) 3 pts.

13. Eagles: MY PICK: Thomas (49ers) REAL PICK: Graham 1 pt.

14. Seahawks: MY PICK: Spiller REAL PICK: Thomas 1 pt.

15. Giants: MY PICK: Graham REAL PICK: Pierre-Paul 1 pt.

16. Titans: MY PICK: Price REAL PICK: Morgan 1 pt.

17. 49ers: MY PICK: Clausen REAL PICK: Iupati 1 pt.

18. Steelers: MY PICK: Iupati REAL PICK: Pouncey 1 pt.

19. Falcons: MY PICK: Griffen REAL PICK: Weatherspoon 0 pts.

20. Texans: MY PICK: Mays REAL PICK: Jackson 1 pt.

21. Bengals: MY PICK: Gresham REAL PICK: Gresham 3 pts.

22. Broncos: MY PICK: Bryant (Pats) REAL PICK: Thomas 0 pts.

23. Packers: MY PICK: Campbell REAL PICK: Bulaga 1 pt.

24. Cowboys: MY PICK: Jackson (Eagles) REAL PICK: Bryant 1 pt.

25. Broncos: MY PICK: Wilson (Ravens) REAL PICK: Tebow 0 pts.

26. Cardinals: MY PICK: Kindle REAL PICK: Williams 1 pt.

27. Pats: MY PICK: Pouncey (Cowboys) REAL PICK: McCourty 0 pts.

28. Dolphins: MY PICK: Mathews (Chargers) REAL PICK: Odrick 0 pts.

29. Jets: MY PICK: Dunlap REAL PICK: Wilson 1 pt.

30. Lions: MY PICK: Colt McCoy (Vikings) REAL PICK: Best 0 pts.

31. Colts: MY PICK: Williams REAL PICK: Hughes 1 pt.

32. Saints: MY PICK: Hughes REAL PICK: Robinson 0 pts.

SO... I finished with 36 pts. That's okay. In this draft nobody did well, because of all the trades. These 36 points are in comparison to Kiper: 43 McShay: 36. So obviously I did pretty well. McShay and Kiper donate their entire lives to their mock drafts...they get paid a lot of money to construct these mock drafts and obviously I am right there with them, without the inside information they have. I bet if I had the access they have I would be right there with Kiper, maybe even better. Where is my contract ESPN?

Mock Draft 4.0

2010-04-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

4/14/10

With the NFL Draft only a week away I had to get my final version of the draft up. Drum roll please…

Your 2010 NFL Draft!!!

Trades aren’t included in this draft, but I bet there will be a lot of ‘em.

* denotes underclassman

1. St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford*, Oklahoma

The Rams should trade down in the draft if they can, as I say in Dear Rams Fans. But, with organization issues over ownership the team just needs to take the safe pick that will bring in fans.

2. Detroit Lions: DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

The Lions made some nice moves on the D-line by trading for Corey Williams, a 3-technique DT and signing Kyle Vanden Bosch. This means they have one more spot on the D-line and Suh fills that perfectly. WOW, the Lions are making good moves, who would’a thunk it?

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Gerald McCoy*, Oklahoma

The Bucs rush defense makes Tiger Woods look like a good husband…or at least an awful “playa.”

4. Washington Redskins: OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma St.

After trading for McNabb the Redskins need to protect their investment and give him time to bomb it to “Carlos” Santana Moss and the other over-paid Redskins receivers.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Bryan Bulaga*, Iowa

The Chiefs have solid WR’s now and can wait until the second round to draft defense and a RB.

6. Seattle Seahawks: S Eric Berry*, Tennessee

The Seahawks could draft Trent Williams in hope to find the next Walter Jones, but I think Carroll will want to take the best players available.

7. Cleveland Browns: CB Joe Haden*, Florida

I don’t think the Browns like Clausen enough to draft him here, especially after the train-wreck their last Notre Dame QB became.

8. Oakland Raiders: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers

He had the fastest 40 yard dash of the lineman...yep...fits all of Al Davis' criteria for a first round pick. But what else would you expect after this team drafted Heyward-Bey over Crabtree and Maclin.

9. Buffalo Bills: OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma

The Bills have an okay defense and have already gone out in public saying they would rather pass on Clausen and draft Tebow in the second round, but who knows…it could be a smoke-screen.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Jason Pierre-Paul , South Florida

Jason Pierre-Paul may have the best upside in the draft, he only played D-I football for one year. Just listen to Jerry Jones and his drunken rants for advice, AKA don’t take Tebow!!! Will look for a WR in the second if they are smart.

11. Denver Broncos (via Chicago): ILB Rolando McClain*, Alabama

Yeah, yeah Dez Bryant is here, but there are a lot of good WRs this year and McClain is definitely the best ILB in the draft.

12. Miami Dolphins: DE Derrick Morgan*, Georgia Tech

Nice move to get Marshall means the Dolphins have to capitalize in the first round and find a replacement for Joey Porter.

13. San Francisco 49ers (via Panthers): S Earl Thomas*, Texas

The Niners choose the best player on the board and beef up the defense that Singletary likes so much.

14. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver): RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson

The Seahawks have known all along Spiller was there guy...he is Pete Carroll's NFL Reggie Bush.

15. New York Giants: OLB/DE Brandon Graham, Michigan

The Giants LB’s need a governmental bailout more than General Motors. Brandon Graham will bring a sure tackler and pass rusher to the G-mens D.

16. Tennessee Titans: DT Brian Price*, UCLA

This only makes too much sense, still gotta replace Haynesworth and Price is a perfect fit at DT in a 3-4 defense. I could see them pick Bryant though.

17. San Francisco: QB Jimmy Clausen*, Notre Dame

In a surprise move the niners give some extra motivation to starter Alex Smith and get themselves ready for the future.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: OL MIke Iupati, Idaho

The Steelers have had O-line troubles the last two seasons, even through their Super Bowl win last year, time to clear this up. Could draft WR Dez Bryant, but they traded Holmes because of his trouble off the field. Why get another troubled WR? Iupati can play anywhere on the line.

19. Atlanta Falcons: DE Everson Griffen*, USC

The Falcons missed out on Peppers and need to make up for it. Griffen is an athletic beast and has worked his way up the charts with his off-season workouts.

20. Houston Texans: S Taylor Mays, USC

Mays would have been picked higher if he went out last year. The Texans lost Robinson and need a boost in the secondary.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Jermaine Gresham*, Oklahoma

The Bengals add to their receiving corps in an attempt to get Carson Palmer back to the level he played at in 2005 and 2006.

22. New England Patriots: WR Dez Bryant*, Oklahoma St.

He says he’s the next Randy Moss, now he gets to play with Randy Moss. Welker’s injury and Moss’ age makes this pick necessary.

23. Green Bay Packers: OT Bruce Campbell*, Maryland

Year in and year out the first round of the draft is dominated by the grinders over the skill positions and the loss of Clifton at OT calls for over hall on the OL. If the Packers want to win, they need to protect Rodgers.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Kareem Jackson*, Alabama

The Eagles secondary looked like a bunch of chickens running around with their heads cut off last year. They dropped Sheldon Brown and need a new starter opposite Samuel.

25. Baltimore Ravens: CB Kyle Wilson, Boise St.

The Ravens trade for Boldin alleviates the need for a WR. They need youth at the CB position though. Pass defense used to be a strength for the Ravens.

26. Arizona Cardinals: DE/OLB Sergeo Kindle, Texas

Kindle fits two roles the Cardinals are looking for. A LB to replace Dansby and an outside pass rusher. Yeah they have Joey Porter, but how reliable is he?

27. Dallas Cowboys: C Maurkice Pouncey*, Florida

Pouncey is one of the most hyped players in this years draft and you know what a sucker Jerry Jones is for hype…unless you’re hyping Tebow or Parcells…he can come in and start anywhere on the interior line.

28. San Diego Chargers: RB Ryan Mathews*, Fresno St.

Sproles can't handle the load on his own, Mathews has been climbing up the draft boards for weeks...especially after the poor performance in the combine by Dwyer.

29. New York Jets: DE Carlos Dunlap*, Florida

The Jets are old at the DE position, so they’ll bring in Dunlap for depth this year.

30. Minnesota Vikings: QB Colt McCoy, Texas

The Vikings bring in a QB to replace Favre after he returns this year. Plus they’re both southerners and Favre can bring him up well, Tavaris looks like just another Childress mistake.

31. Indianapolis Colts: DT Dan Williams, Tennessee

The Colts need interior D-line help, Williams has been the top player on the draft board for the last nine picks and finally hears his name called.

32. New Orleans Saints: DE/OLB Jerry Hughes*, TCU

The Saints add to their pass rushing attack to disrupt that pesky Brett Favre and those young QBs in the NFC South.

Here's a link to other great NFL mock drafts: NFL Mock Draft Database

And here, you can see all of my past stories Tim Kanak, and blogs Tim Kanak blog

Dear Rams Fans

2010-04-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Rams fans,

I know hope seems lost. You're team looks like it's passing on possibly the best player to come out for the draft in the last 10 years (Suh.) Your management is in limbo with a power struggle between 40% owner Stan Kroenke and attempted buyer Sahid Kahn. Kroenke, who has to battle the NFL for full ownership of the Rams due to the cross-ownership rule, has not specified if he will keep the team in St. Louis. He has St. Louis ties and is from Columbia, but he lives in L.A. right now and in the past he has spoken to John Elway about brining a team to L.A. CODE RED, CODE RED!!! GET TO YOUR BATTLE STATIONS! The Rams ship has gone from sinking by ice berg to being a giant oil spill that will destroy the entire Great Barrier Reef.

I have a solution. The city of St. Louis needs to get together and buy the Rams. It worked for Green Bay, why not St. Louis? Buy the team and hand over reigns of GM to me...sorry Devaney, I think you're doing a pretty good job, but this team is a lost cause...unless you're Tim Kanak. Here's the plan...

Continue the "we're going to draft Sam Bradford" charade, but at the last moment trade the pick to the Browns. Let 'em have Bradford, the Rams have to many needs to worry about this. The Rams will get the seventh overall pick and the Browns 2nd round pick, 39 overall.

Next trade O.J. Atogwe to the Redskins for Jason Campbell and attempt to get a pick as well. Apparently Shanahan and Haslett think LaRon Landry is to slow for their defense, while Atogwe thrived under Haslett with the Rams. There is the QB of the future, Jason Campbell. He's 28-years-old, going into the prime of his career. He has gotten better every year, 86.4 QB rating last year. He is one of the ten most accurate QB's in the league and can thrive in a good rushing offense, perfect.

Trade this years 3rd round pick and what ever else it would take to trade for the Chargers Vincent Jackson. He's the #1 WR the Rams have been looking for and with all the good WR's traded this offseason, it shouldn't take too much to get him.

-Why get Campbell and Jackson?

The offense is instantly improved, the Rams would have a solid young receiving corps a good QB who can start for at least the next five years, they already have a great RB (Steven Jackson) and a solid young offensive line. I would actually even re-sign Richie Incognito, just put him on a team probation...if he loses his temper again, he's gone.

...Now back to the draft.

With the first pick take Tennessee's Eric Berry (FS). He would replace Atogwe and he's supposed to be the next Ed Reed. Awesome.

2nd round. Now the Rams have two second round picks. If Weatherspoon (Missouri, LB) is there, take him with the 33 overall. If not take someone else to play weakside LB. With the second pick (39) draft either Gresham (Oklahoma, TE) or Javhid Best (California, RB)...also could look at DL.

No third round pick - Vincent Jackson.

4th round. Draft either a CB (maybe Myron Rolle?) or OL/DL depth.

5th round-7th round. Take the best player available regardless of position.

This team would instantly be upgraded to a division contender, which isn't saying much in the crappy NFC West. The Rams would be getting rid of 1 starter (Atogwe) for 5 starters (Campbell, Jackson, Berry and whoever was picked in the 2nd round). Not too shabby.

Just remember, Vote Tim Kanak for Rams GM.

Fantasy Sports

2010-04-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

I've noticed even in my self that sports aren't as relevant from a fan stand point as the used to be. Everyone is thinking of their fantasy teams. When I watch ESPN all I see is "fantasy update" this and "fantasy rankings" that. What happened to the good old days when fans only rooted for their own team, they hated players on rival teams for no reason. Ten years ago if The Pope was playing for the Cubs I would've have found ways to hate him, I would taunt him from the stands for letting his bishops molest children. I would bring crackers and a camelback full of wine to the ball park, "Hey Pope! I'm eating your savior right now! ...and Boy, is he good!" But nowadays, if The Pope is hitting .300 with an .800 OPS, I don't give a damn if he's on the Cubs, I'll root for him...I'll even root for him against my own team, I'll make up excuses..."I want the Cardinals to win, but I also want Pope to do well. How about he goes 4-4 with 4 solo shots, but the Cards win 11-4. Yeah then I win either way!"

HOLD UP. This means you are rooting against your team. yes I still want the Cardinals to win, but that means I'm rooting FOR Cardinal pitchers to give up runs...there is something wrong with that, there is something wrong with all of this.

During football season I would go to sports bars and watch multiple games to cheer on my fantasy players, and I wasn't the only one doing this. EVERYONE was. Are fantasy sports really that important to our culture? The answer is YES. We as Americans are naturally competitive and if we aren't atheltic enough to go out on the field and play the game ourselves then we have to cheer for a specific team to win and when the win we feel Fan F***ing Tastic! When our teams lose, we are at rock bottem. Maybe not all Americans, but I suspect the majority of people in America, NO, The civilized world have a team they are die hard fans for. Europe has soccer, that's okay...they like a little girl sport, but hey, we're talking about the french here. We have as humans have retained the animalistic characteristic of competition, to be the best, to be at the top of the food chain. This is what we live for. What better way to do this than to give people MORE control.

The average fan has no say on what their favorite team does. Now we have blogs so we as avid sports fans can complain as much as we want, but the owners and the GM don't have to listen to what we would do with the team, what we want to do with the team or what we wouldn't do with the team. In comes fantasy sports. They give us total control, so did the Madden video games, but those aren't as much of a challenge...you literally play against each other so it's based on the skill of the other video game player. While, fantasy sports are based on what the real player does, except YOU, the Average Joe, get to pick who is on your team. What an amazing concept, in fantasy world I can listen to Billy Beane and his "Money Ball" tactics, or I can throw it out the window and get all home run hitting $20 million players. CONTROL. People like to have control, and this "game" allows it.

So, what's wrong with it then? If your picking who's on your team then you don't have to pick players you hate, or players from rival teams. BUT, if you want to win, as is the American spirit, you will pick whoever the best available option is...like me. I'm stuck with two Cubs on my team (Alfonso Soriano and Randy Wells), both good players. I immediately regretted picking them though, and somehow I have more Cubs than Cardinals (Wainwright). This is just wrong, according to fantasy logic, I should root for more Cubs than Cardinals. F*** that. I tried to trade them to some of my unlucky cubby fan buddies. No Go. They know I want to dump them and are trying to take advantage. Randy Wells for Jason Heyward, I'll pass. Heyward was Mr. Irrelevant in my 12 team league, while Randy Wells was an 11th round pick. Wells even pitched 6 perfect innings yesterday. BUT, I still want to get rid of them. AND I'm the rare exception.

In fantasy football this last year I literally rooted for my fantasy team more than my favorite professional team (Rams), though I wanted the Rams to get last place; because they are so unbelievably horrid they needed that first overall pick. I have an excuse, somewhat, but I know Packers fans and Bears fans who rooted for their fantasy teams over their own teams. Bears fans drafted Favre, Cowboys fans drafted Portis, Patriots fans drafted Manning. What the hell?!?

Is there any solution to this madness? The only solution in the near future I see is for a giant EMP bomb to go off like in 24 and destroy the World's internet, then Chloe O'Brien needs to be assassinated so nobody can fix it. If this doesn't happen then in five years, fantasy sports will dominate the real thing; babies born in this era won't have real teams to root for, their fathers will draft them players in keeper leagues. That will be the team of the future. How do you tailgate a fantasy game? Break out the beer, the grills and the tents and lets celebrate in the streets of the suburbs! ...maybe The Pope can help us? Or maybe he'll just draft Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Cromartie.

April Fools

2010-04-04T21:41:00.001-07:00

First off I would like to apologize for my lack of predictions in the sweet 16, elite 8 and final 4, but I would have never picked Butler to win any of the games they did...except against Michigan St. and that's only because Lucas was out. Butler basically has a home game against Duke in the national championship and I'm still going to pick Duke. When Duke is making their shots, they seem to be unbeatable. I do want Butler to win the game, but you can't deny you love Nolan Smith.

Secondly come my MLB power rankings to start the season:

1. New York Yankees - They won the world series and got better. Good move on putting Joba back in the bullpen, let's see if Phil Hughes can live up to his hype. Though if I were them I wouldn't hit Nick Johnson number 2, get Granderson and his speed up there ahead of Tex.

2. Philadelphia Phillies - Is everyone else sick of the Phillies? I am. They have practically fielded the same team for 3 years in a row and they keep getting it done.

3. St. Louis Cardinals - I hope this doesn't sound biased, but c'mon they have two of the best pitchers in the league and Phat Albert.

4. Tampa Bay Rays - Pena and Crawford in contract years. Gotta play for money.

5. Seattle Mariners - When they get Lee and Bedard healthy nobody will score on this team.

6. Boston Red Sox - They are going for the defensive approach this year, but NEWS FLASH their rotation and bull pen are overrated.

7. Atlanta Braves - Time to get that youth rollin' and maybe get Bobby Cox in the playoffs in his final season.

8. Los Angeles Dodgers - Manny is on a contract year and he likes money too much to screw up.

9. Texas Rangers - I think the young Rangers are gonna play this year and look for Rich Harden to return to form in the AL West.

10. Los Angeles Angels - The Angels may not have Lackey anymore, but they still have a hell of a team.

11. Minnesota Twins - The Twins have Mauer locked up, hopefully he won't pull an Adrian Beltre.

12. Arizona Diamondbacks - When Webb comes back they have one of the best rotations in the NL. Expect a ton of homers coming for this team with Upton and Reynolds.

13. Chicago White Sox - The Sox could be great or awful this season, let's see if Quinton, Peavy, Andruw Jones and Juan Pierre can return to form.

14. San Francisco Giants - Timmy and Cain actually have some good hitters in their lineup to give some run support now.

15. Colorado Rockies - Everyone is a mile high on the Rox, but I don't think they have the pitching to be a contender.

16. Chicago Cubs - They could be better than I give them credit for, but I'm a Cardinals fan...what do you expect?

17. Florida Marlins - I like this team, too bad they won't have any of their good young players in about 3 years.

18. Baltimore Orioles - This team would be a contender in the NL or AL central with the combination of young talent and former MVP Tejada.

19. Oakland A's - They have good young pitching, but what the hell is Billy Beane thinking with cutting Cust?

20. Cincinnati Reds - They have a lot of potential, but Dusty Baker is a shitty coach.

21. Milwaukee Brewers - They are the definition of mediocre.

22. New York Mets - If Beltran and Reyes get back in time they should have a nice offense, but they only have one good pitcher. (Santana)

23. Detroit Tigers - This is a weird team, they have a lot of really good players and a lot of really bad players. The bad players will drag them down.

24. Houston Astros - This is a poorly designed team. They have a few solid players (Wandy, Berkman, Lee, Pence), but that's it.

25. Toronto Blue Jays - They have a really good bull pen and a good young rotation, but who's going to hit? Plus they're in the AL East.

26. Cleveland Indians - They have good hitters, but no pitchers. I bet they are really missing CC and Lee right now.

27. Washington Nationals - They should just be starting Strasburg now. They get points for having Zimmerman and Dunn.

28. San Diego Padres - They will trade Gonzales, they have to.

29. Pittsburgh Pirates - They're trying to be good, but it's just so hard when they don't ever sign anybody.

30. Kansas City Royals - You know you're bad when your future super star is hitting .220.

2nd round of the NCAA tournament

2010-03-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

Because of my shitty internet connection I have to result to doing this earlier than I wanted to...at the rec center no less. Here we go...

MIDWEST

1. Kansas

9. Northern Iowa

*Got the UNLV pick wrong...I haven't had a good day so far, but I'm still confident in KU to win it all.

5. Michigan St.

4. Maryland

*Neither of these teams has won their opening day game yet, so I'll stick to my original pick.

6. Tennessee

14. Ohio

*Tennessee is losing against San Diego St. right now, so hopefully they make it this far. BTW I KNEW GEORGETOWN COUDN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!

7. Oklahoma St.

2. Ohio St.

*Georgia Tech could easily be the one losing to Ohio St. later this weekend.

WEST

1. Syracuse

8. Gonzaga

*"Orange spit seed"...yes that was an ESPN headline.

5. Butler

13. Murray St.

*poor, poor Vandy...I like Butler to continue their winning streak.

6. Xavier

3. Pittsburgh

*I have the Panthers winning through and through...but I hate it. hopefully X doesn't lose to the land of 10,000 lakes.

7. BYU

2. Kansas St.

*YAY I GOT THIS ONE RIGHT!!! Hopefully I can continue the trend.

EAST

1. Kentucky

8. Texas

*The dominate performance of Kentucky is helping me keep faith.

5. Temple

4. Wisconsin

*Neither team has played yet...I hope Cornell doesn't continue the upset trend against Temple.

11. Washington

3. New Mexico

*Marquette losing really hurt my bracket...damn buzzer beaters/last second shots are killing me. I'll take the Huskies, they're on a roll. (That's what I said about Notre Dame)

10. Missouri

2. West Virginia

*I'm confident both these teams will make it to the second round, I'm almost too confident about this Tiger team though...this made me think for a while.

SOUTH

1. Duke

9. Louisville

*I hope Louisville makes it, the Pac 10 may have been better than I thought...nawwww

5. Texas A&M

4. Purdue

*You can take this to the bank...even if Sienna upsets Purdue, IT COULD HAPPEN!

11. Old Dominion

3. Baylor

*I almost pick OD to win, but Notre Dame was too appealing...Baylor still has it.

10. St. Mary's

2. Villanova

*I want to pick St. Mary's to win this game after they killed Richmond...but gotta stick to the original bracket.

1st Round of the NCAA Tournament

2010-03-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

I'll get my first round picks in today and second round later in the week. My winner is highlighted in Bold.

MIDWEST

1. Kansas

16. Lehigh

***This is the easiest pick of all time. Jay Hawks roll.

8. UNLV

9. Northern Iowa

***Northern Iowa hasn't beaten anyone worth noting this season and don't have many dominating victories. UNLV split vs New Mexico and BYU this season.

5. Michigan St.

12. New Mexico St.

***Michigan St. hasn't had a bad loss all year...unless you count North Carolina at the beginning of the year.

4. Maryland

13. Houston

***Houston barely made the tournament and Maryland was 13 and 4 in the ACC this year.

6. Tennessee

11. San Diego St.

***Tennessee beat both Kansas and Kentucky this year, they are very off and on, but I think they'll pull this one off.

3. Georgetown

14. Ohio

***These games are just easy.

7. Oklahoma St.

10. Georgia Tech

***Georgia Tech had a really good tournament, but it won't save them against the Big 12.

2. Ohio St.

15. UCSB

***Ohio St. will have a strong tournament after their dominating performance in the Big 10.

---Got out of the Midwest with no surprises in the first round.

WEST

1. Syracuse

16. Vermont

***This bracket is gonna be tough...

8. Gonzaga

9. Florida St.

***I feel Gonzaga should have been a higher seed.

5. Butler

12. UTEP

***UTEP has a lot of wins, but none of them are verse anybody good.

4. Vanderbilt

13. Murray St.

***Vandy is in store for a solid tourney.

6. Xavier

11. Minnesota

***Neither team is going anywhere, but Minnesota just hasn't showed enough after a nice Big 10 tournament run.

3. Pittsburgh

14. Oakland

***Pitt is usually overrated, but they can't screw this up.

7. BYU

10. Florida

***In my opinion BYU got screwed with this seed.

2. Kansas St.

15. North Texas

***See you in the elite 8, K-state!

EAST

1. Kentucky

16. E. Tennessee St.

***Kentucky fans need to have fun this year, bc Wall and Cousins are gone in a few weeks.

8. Texas

9. Wake Forest

***Sorry, I'm not picking Wake to go all the way again. I have a feeling Texas could beat Kentucky...

5. Temple

12. Cornell

***Sorry Andy Bernard...

4. Wisconsin

13. Wofford

***This bracket is strange.

6. Marquette

11. Washington

***I refuse to pick a Pac 10 team to win.

3. New Mexico

14. Montana

***I can't believe New Mexico is a 3 seed!!! HOW!?!?

7. Clemson

10. Missouri

***Tigers vs. Tigers...I'm trying not to be biased, but Mizzou got screwed!

2. West Virginia

15. Morgan St.

***West Virginia better watch out for Mizzou in the second round.

SOUTH

1. Duke

16. Arkansas Pine-Bluff/Winthrop

***Give the play-in game to Ark PB.

8. California

9. Louisville

***Like I said no Pac 10 wins.

5. Texas A&M

12. Utah St.

***Texas A&M is a lock for the sweet 16...make your bets!

4. Purdue

13. Siena

***Purdue will barely scrape out of this one.

6. Notre Dame

11. Old Dominion

***This bracket sucks. How does ND get a 6 seed, while Texas gets an 8 and Missouri gets a 10?

3. Baylor

14. Sam Houston St.

***Big 12 all the way...btw did I mention this bracket sucks.

7. Richmond

10. St. Mary's

***This will be a good game, but the Spiders will come out on top...but Richmond a 7? THIS BRACKET SUCKS!

2. Villanova

15. Robert Morris

***Easy call...

---Whatever, call me bland for only picking two upsets...if you can even call a 9 over 8 and 10 over 7 as an upset...but I'm trying to make some money.

Advice to the bottom rung 2/26/10

2010-02-26T08:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Mock Draft 2.0

2010-02-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

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

2/12/09 "C'mon Oscars!"

2010-02-12T16:58:00.000-08:00

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.

2/7/10

2010-02-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

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

Tim's "Oscar" nominations

2010-02-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

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

2010 NFL mock draft 1.0

2010-01-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

Still have playoffs, free agency and combine...but here's something to look at if you're bored.

* 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 executed “American History X” style against a curb.

2. Detroit Lions: S Eric Berry*, Tennessee
Berry is easily the second best player in the draft. Some people would suggest to build a wall on the O-line for Stafford, but the Lions O-line was decent compared to it’s league worst pass defense last season. Berry could be the next Ed Reed.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Gerald McCoy*, Oklahoma
The Bucs allowed a league worst 158 rushing yards per game last season. Luckily they aren’t in the same division as Chris Johnson. Time to build up that porous run defense to match their respectable pass defense.

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.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: LB Rolando McClain*, Alabama
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: CB Joe Haden*, Florida
The Seahawks gave up the third most passing yards per game in the league, while existing in the worst division in the NFL. They could go for C. J. Spiller here seeing that they badly need a playmaker on offense, but their secondary just has too big of a gap.

7. Cleveland Browns: WR Dez Bryant*, Oklahoma St.
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.

8. Oakland Raiders: DE Derrick Morgan*, Georgia Tech
The Raiders are tempted to draft a QB here, but Davis isn’t ready to give up on Russell yet. The Raiders had one of the top pass defenses in the league last year, but gave up a league high 24 rushing TDs.

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 and T.O. This is still a good pick though, since Bradford would have been #1 overall last year.

10. Denver Broncos (via Chicago): S Taylor Mays, USC
This pick could depend on if the Broncos retain WR Brandon Marshall, if they lose him the Broncos could reach for Notre Dame’s Golden Tate. Since this is before free agency I’m going to say the Broncos go S, since the average age of their starting defensive backs is equivalent to the average age of the pre-game FOX commentators.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars: OLB Navorro Bowman*, Penn St.
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: OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas
The Dolphins are old at their 3-4 rushing OLB’s with Taylor and Porter. Kindle had a better last year, rushing from OLB. This is the position he will play for the Dolphins.

13. San Francisco: DE Carlos Dunlap*, Florida
The Niners D-line sucks and was the cause for the Niners below average pass defense. Singletary want defense, Singletary get defense.

14. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver): RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson
Surprisingly the versatile Spiller is still here and the Seahawks draft the playmaker they almost drafted at six overall.

15. New York Giants: LB Brandon Spikes, Florida
The Giants OLB’s are just garbage. The Giants can move either Spikes or Pierce outside next year.

16. Tennessee Titans: OLB Bruce Carter*, North Carolina
Bullock is gone, the Titans need some D.

17. San Francisco 49ers (via Panthers): OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma
The Niners get a steal with the best player on the board the last eight picks or so. Singletary isn’t dumb, the battle in the trenches decides games.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers
The Steelers have had O-line troubles the last two seasons, even through their Super Bowl win last year.

19. Atlanta Falcons: RB Jahvid Best*, California
The Falcons pretty much picked all defense last year and felt the consequences when Ryan and Turner went down with no offensive depth.

20. Houston Texans: S Earl Thomas*, Texas
Houston needs to help out it’s secondary, especially with Dunta Robinson being a free agent this year. If the Falcons didn’t take Best, I assume that would be their pick since they were 30th in rushing offense this past season.

21. 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.

22. Baltimore Ravens: WR Brandon LaFell, LSU
Flacco could use some receiving help. His number one receiver, Derrick Mason, is about to turn 63 years old.

23. Arizona Cardinals: OLB Jerry Hughes*, TCU
Seemingly the year of the linebacker, Hughes, a college DE will make a big impact rushing the QB in the Cardinals 3-4 Defense.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
The Bengals look for one of their big needs, a redzone receiver.

25. New England Patriots: DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
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.

26. Green Bay Packers: OT Bruce Campbell*, Maryland
No, not the B list action star from the Evil Dead Series, unfortunately, but the Packers still walk away very happy with this pick.

27. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Bryan Balaga*, Iowa
The weakest part of a strong Eagles team is the offensive line. They also get the guy at the top of their board.

28. Dallas Cowboys: OT Charles Brown, USC
The Cowboys are old up front. They could go for a WR here though…Benn?

29. Minnesota Vikings: CB Patrick Robinson, Florida St.
If the Vikings can convince Favre to return, CB is their weakest position.

30. San Diego Chargers: RB Jonathan Dwyer*, Georgia Tech
LT is getting old, Sproles can’t handle the load on his own.

31. 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.

32. Indianapolis Colts: DT Terrence Cody, Alabama
The Colts need a big run stopper and Cody is about as big as they come.

2009-2010 NCAA Football Preview

2009-07-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

I at one point had a few sentences written for each team, but my computer decided to go out on my right before I saved, so I did it the lazy way this time and stuck simply with predictions instead of analysis. I start going conference by conference (only with major conferences) then continue to a final pre-bowl season rankings and then give my BCS prediction, I hope you enjoy...

***BIG 12***

Big 12 NORTH

Kansas 10-2 (6-2) losses to Oklahoma and Texas
Missouri 9-3 (5-3) losses to Oklahoma State, Texas and Kansas
Colorado 7-5 (4-4) losses to West Virginia, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma State
Nebraska 7-5 (4-4) losses to Virginia Tech, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado
Kansas State 4-8 (1-7) wins against Massachusetts, Louisiana-Lafayette, Tennessee Tech and Iowa State
Iowa State 2-10 (0-8) wins against North Dakota State and Kent State

Big 12 SOUTH

Oklahoma 12-0 (8-0)
Texas 11-1 (7-1) loss to Oklahoma
Oklahoma State 10-2 (6-2) losses to Texas and Oklahoma
Texas Tech 7-5 (3-5) losses to Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma
Texas A&M 7-5 (3-5) losses to Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas
Baylor 4-8 (1-7) wins against Connecticut, Northwestern State, Kent State and Iowa State

Championship Game:

Oklahoma defeats Kansas…

Oklahoma 13-0 (10-0)
Kansas 10-3 (6-3)

***BIG 10***

Penn State 11-1 (7-1) loss to Northwestern
Ohio State 10-2 (7-1) losses to USC and Penn State
Northwestern 10-2 (6-2) losses to Iowa and Illinois
Iowa 9-3 (5-3) losses to Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State
Illinois 8-4 (5-3) losses to Missouri, Ohio State, Penn State and Purdue
Michigan State 7-5 (4-4) losses to Notre Dame, Illinois, Northwestern, Iowa and Penn State
Wisconsin 7-5 (3-5) losses to Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa, Michigan and Northwestern
Michigan 6-6 (3-5) losses to Notre Dame, Michigan State, Iowa, Penn State, Illinois and Ohio State
Purdue 4-8 (2-6) wins against Toledo, Northern Illinois, Illinois and Indiana
Minnesota 3-9 (1-7) wins against Syracuse, Purdue and South Dakota State
Indiana 2-10 (0-8) wins against Eastern Kentucky and Akron

***SEC***

SEC EAST

Florida 12-0 (8-0)
Georgia 8-4 (6-2) losses to Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Florida and Georgia Tech
South Carolina 8-4 (4-4) losses to Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama and Florida
Kentucky 7-5 (3-5) losses to Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee
Tennessee 6-6 (3-5) losses to UCLA, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Ole Miss
Vanderbilt 4-8 (1-7) wins against Western Carolina, Mississippi State, Rice and Army

SEC WEST

Ole Miss 12-0 (8-0)
Alabama 11-1 (7-1) loss to Ole Miss
LSU 8-4 (4-4) losses to Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Ole Miss
Arkanasas 7-5 (3-5) losses to Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, South Carolina and LSU
Auburn 4-8 (1-7) wins against Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Ball State and Furman
Mississippi State 2-10 (0-8) wins against Jackson State and Middle Tennessee

Championship Game

Florida defeats Ole Miss…

Florida 13-0 (10-0)
Ole Miss 12-1 (9-1)

***PAC 10***

Oregon 12-0 (9-0)
USC 11-1 (8-1) loss to Oregon
Oregon State 10-2 (7-2) losses to USC and Oregon
California 9-3 (6-3) losses to Oregon, USC and Oregon State
UCLA 8-4 (5-4) losses to Oregon, California, Oregon State and USC
Arizona State 6-6 (4-5) losses against Georgia, Oregon State, California, USC, Oregon and UCLA
Arizona 5-7 (3-6) wins against Central Michigan, Northern Arizona, Washington Stanford and Washingon State
Stanford 3-9 (2-7) wins against Washington State, San Jose State and Washington
Washington 2-10 (1-8) wins against Idaho and Washington State
Washington State 1-11 (0-9) win against Southern Methodist

***ACC***

ACC ATLANTIC

Florida State 10-2 (7-1) losses to Georgia Tech and Florida
Boston College 8-4 (5-3) losses to Clemson, Florida State, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame
Clemson 7-5 (5-3) losses to Georgia Tech, TCU, Miami, Florida State and South Carolina
Wake Forrest 6-6 (3-5) losses to Boston College, Clemson, Navy, Miami, Georgia Tech and Florida State
Maryland 6-6 (3-5) losses to California, Clemson, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Florida State and Boston College
North Carolina State 3-9 (1-7) wins against Murray State, Gardner-Webb and Duke

ACC COASTAL

Georgia Tech 12-0 (8-0)
Virginia Tech 10-2 (7-1) losses to Alabama and Georgia Tech
North Carolina 8-4 (4-4) losses to Georgia Tech, Florida State, Virginia Tech and Boston College
Miami 7-5 (4-4) losses to Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma and North Carolina
Virginia 4-8 (1-7) wins against William and Mary, Southern Miss, Indiana and Duke
Duke 2-10 (0-8) wins against Richmond and North Carolina Central

Championship Game

Georgia Tech defeats Florida State

Georgia Tech 13-0 (9-0)
Florida State 10-3 (8-2)

***BIG EAST***

West Virginia 12-0 (7-0)
Cincinnati 9-3 (6-1) losses to Oregon State, West Virginia and Illinois
Rutgers 9-3 (5-2) losses to Cincinnati, West Virginia and Maryland
Pittsburgh 7-5 (4-3) losses to Navy, Rutgers, Notre Dame, West Virginia and Cincinnati
Connecticut 5-7 (3-4) wins against Ohio, Rhode Island, Louisville, Syracuse and South Florida
South Florida 5-7 (2-5) wins against Wofford, Western Kentucky, Charleston Southern, Syracuse and Louisville
Louisville 3-9 (1-6) wins against Indiana State, Arkansas State and Syracuse
Syracuse 2-10 (0-7) wins against Maine and Akron

***Others***

*Notre Dame 10-2 losses to USC and Navy

*Navy 11-1 loss to Ohio State

*Ball State 11-1 loss to Auburn

*Buffalo 11-1 loss to Pittsburgh

*Boise State 11-1 loss to Oregon

*Utah 10-2 losses to Oregon and TCU

*TCU 11-1 loss to BYU

*BYU 9-3 losses to Oklahoma, Florida State and Utah

*****Final Rankings*****

1. Florida (13-0)
2. Oklahoma (13-0)
3. Oregon (12-0)
4. Texas (11-1)
5. Ole Miss (12-1)
6. Georgia Tech (13-0)
7. West Virginia (12-0)
8. USC (11-1)
9. Alabama (11-1)
10. Penn State (11-1)
11. Oklahoma State (10-2)
12. Ohio State (10-2)
13. Navy (11-1)
14. Virginia Tech (10-2)
15. Oregon State (10-2)
16. TCU (11-1)
17. Kansas (10-3)
18. Florida State (10-3)
19. Utah (10-2)
20. Northwestern (10-2)
21. California (9-3)
22. Buffalo (11-1)
23. Missouri (9-3)
24. Notre Dame (10-2)
25. Georgia (8-4)

*****BCS Predictions*****

National Championship

Florida 13-0, SEC Champs
Vs.
Oklahoma 13-0, Big 12 Champs

Rose Bowl
Penn State 11-1, Big 10 Champs
Vs.
Oregon 12-0, Pac 10 Champs

Fiesta Bowl
Texas 11-1, Big 12 runer-up
Vs.
USC 11-1, Pac 10 runner-up

Orange Bowl
Georgia Tech 13-0, ACC Champs
Vs.
Navy 11-1, independent

Sugar Bowl
Ole Miss 12-1, SEC runner-up
Vs.
West Virginia 12-0, Big East Champs

5/4/09

2009-05-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

I watched a story on news.bbc.co.uk and it was titled "Mexico to begin lifting flu curbs." I thought the story was very well done, even though all of the video was wallpaper of people in masks. It gets the point across, has good framing and has great flow in the writing. There wasn't much else to say about it, but I did really like the unique intro, the reporter showed a couple getting married with masks on to protect themselves from the swine flu.

Now to the fun part...

For my second reporter shift I began the day with an email from someone that told me the Missouri Military Academy had shut down their Spring Family Weekend, because they didn't want family coming in and possibly carrying "swine flu" to the school. After the long drive to Mexico Missouri I arrived and immediately interviewed the president of the school. Afterwards he proceeded to showing me about the school while I stopped to take shots of the school and it's students. I asked him if I could speak to one of the Mexican students, it should be noted that none of the students had family or friends who had been infected with the flu. I spoke to him and the president gave me a copy of the letter he sent out to family members. I took a few more shots, found out that I had a couple good follow up ideas after this story and got back to the station around 6 or 7. Once I got back when I was going through all my notes I realized that I had dropped the paper with the Mexican students name on it and I knew I had made a major mistake, I didn't ask him his name on camera and had only written it down. GREAT!!! I asked Randy what to do and told me to refer to him as "one Mexican student."

Next, I looked at my INEWS and saw that I was to go on set with a toss into a package. Mike, the producer, told me that I should do a standup using the letter as a prop, I agreed and went to work. I felt the standup had a somewhat odd transition, but Mike liked it so I kept it. I finished the package at about 9 and now I had to sit and wait for the nerves to build for my first live performance. I read the script over and over, but I was so nervous that I couldn't even soak up what I was reading. I went out at 9:45 to the set and talked to the camera people and tried to figure out what to do. They told me just to wait for the signals then read, okay I can do that. Three minutes before show time I get a script for a tease from Mike, I had no idea when to read it. Next Angie and Jim comment on how bad it looks, because I don't have makeup...awesome, even more for me to worry about. All of a sudden it was show time, I saw my name in the teleprompter and nailed the tease. After a few minutes of standing on the stage I realized that I was sweating bullets and it probably looked like I had just jumped into a swimming pool. Michael's package started, I was next. I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest, then I thought to myself how dumb I would look if I screwed up...oh wait I'm supposed to read now. I forgot the lines that I had rehearsed for half an hour and Jim and Angie turn after they ask me a question. I didn't know if I was supposed to be looking at them or looking at the teleprompter and I had forgotten my lines. I quickly glanced at the teleprompter for a clue of what to say then turn to Jim and answer his question, slipping up on a word, I'm an idiot. I forgot, I'm supposed to look down then turn to the other camera. I had turned to camera 5 before looking down, so it looked incredibly awkward, then I look down but it was too late...I finished well as it went into the package. Okay, just one more sentence. I finished up well, but of coarse upon further review my head was so shiny that it could have been used to wave planes in for a night landing on an aircraft carrier. Oh well, I'll get better. You win some you lose some.

4/27/09

2009-04-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

I watched a story on the O'Reilly Report about how the show "Family Guy" attacked Fox News. O'Reilly stated that the higher ratings that Fox News get attacked from "left wing frustration boiling over." I thought it was incredibly unprofessional to say on air, especially for someone who claims to be a moderate, that a comedic show making fun of Fox News is because of left wing frustration. He even went far enough to call Seth MacFarlane a left wing zealot. Everyone knows that Bill O'Reilly is a conservative, but I don't think that kind of bias should be allowed on air for a station trying to come across as moderate.

I had my first reporter shift last Thursday and did a story on how a bill was passed by the state house of representatives that would ban illegal immigrants from going to public universities and colleges in Missouri. It was incredibly hard trying to find people to talk to, politicians are the worst people to interview. I literally got two phone calls today from politicians returning my calls from Thursday afternoon. They think the world revolves around their schedule. Anyway I finally got Mary Still to give me a few minutes of her time, of coarse she was 45 minutes late to the interview and when she finally got there she avoided my questions and gave me the same prepared quote 5 times. It was all I had and I was forced to use it for both my package and my VO/SOT. I tried to talk to local universities, but they either stated that they were too busy or they never returned my calls. My shots ended up being all wall paper shots of the Mizzou campus and the capital due to my lack of contacts. I had no human spin on the story and am now disgusted by any idea of me doing another political story. Mike Brannen, the producer, tried to give me a 30 second graphics story, but I told him that I had enough information for a short package, I stated my reasons for thinking this and he eventually gave in. I thought that I wrote the story pretty well and ended up writing and editing the story in under two hours. I was incredibly frustrated for most of the day from the lack of help by politicians, but I feel that I did a good job on a story that was hard to manage. Randy told me that it was the best story idea that he had heard all day, but it was just too difficult to pull of with a lack of help from the politicians and the local colleges. Next time I think i'll pitch more reporter friendly story ideas...

4/20/09

2009-04-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

I watched an interview on CNN.com of the second mate on the ship that was attacked by Somali pirates. The interview was conducted in a very unprofessional manner by allowing the crew member to hold his kids in front of the camera. One of the kids was right next to the wireless mic and was making annoying baby noises throughout the beginning of the interview. It was very distracting and I had to watch the beginning three times to actually understand the questions and the answers. They eventually moved the kids, but having them in the interview was pointless in the first place. The questions asked were good and the crew member gave good answers. It was a decent interview, but they also had the wife of the crew member on and didn't ask her any question, so it became irrelevant. I disagree on the method of having family members on camera unless they are going to be asked a question, but I suppose he may have agreed to the interview only if his family were allowed on T.V. with him.

On to more important things, I had my second VO patrol last Wednesday. On the shift I went to a meeting of a democratic party known as OFA, Organizing For America. The meeting was called a "listening tour" and the goal was to see what democrats and other local political activists thought needed to be changed. The meeting started at 7 p.m. and lasted until 9, the leader of the listening tour told me that he couldn't interview me until the end, so I shot some of the meeting then went outside with one of the organizers and asked her a few questions about OFA and the listening tour. I returned all too late, at around 8:30 and finished writing my script by 9. I had to wait until 9:30 to get it script approved, because everyone was too busy. I hurried to get the editing done as fast as possible and finished at 9:50, I ended up doing a VO/SOTVO. It aired with no problems and Jim didn't correct vary much of my script. I'm still not entered into inews, because Stacey hasn't been there. My biggest complaint so far at KOMU is I'm bleeding money through gas, but thats my fault for not signing up for the KOMU cruiser yet...I should probably get that done...also I have no idea on anything regarding makeup and probably need to inquire into that.

2009 NFL Mock Draft

2009-04-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

I tried to predict these picks, without bias, on what I believe each team will do. Of course no draft goes without trades occurring, but they are harder to predict than the date of the apocalypse, so give me a break as far as trades are concerned. Here it goes to having a higher percentage of picks right than Mel Kiper!!!

* = underclassman

1. Lions: QB Matt Stafford* (Georgia) The Lions need just about everything with the exception of a #1 WR. After seeing the success that rookies Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco are having, the Lions can’t afford to screw this up.

2. Rams: LB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest) Before the combine, this pick was
reserved for Andre Smith; but he committed seppuku on his stock and the Rams have hired Steve Spagnuolo the former Defensive Coordinator for the Giants, he will go with defense.

3. Chiefs: OT Jason Smith (Baylor) With the surprise move of the Rams drafting Curry instead of Jason Smith, the Chiefs decide to build a wall for new franchise centerpiece Matt Cassel. Personally I go with Orakpo here, since they only had 9 sacks all of last season, but this pick will solidify the line and put the KC offense one step closer to becoming a powerhouse.

4. Seahawks: OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia) It’s too early for a running back in this draft. The signing of TJ “Who’s your momma” allows the Seahawks to beef up their O line and get the future replacement of Walter Jones.

5. Browns: DE Brian Orakpo (Texas) With Curry gone, the Browns have to choose between the best player (Crabtree), and their two neediest positions DE and RB. I believe the Browns know the RBs in this draft aren’t top 10 picks. If the Browns trade Edwards this pick will be Crabtree.

6. Bengals: OT Andre Smith* (Alabma) The Bengals need just about everything, and the best thing to do in the NFL is start up front. The Bengals will take a chance on Smith and it will probably turn out well, I don’t think that skipping out on the combine means he is the next Pacman Jones. Though the Benglas do not need even more off the field problems.

7. Raiders: WR Jeremy Maclin* (Missouri) A few months ago Al Davis would have gone into cardiac arrest at the excitement of seeing Crabtree on the board still, but now it’s expected for him to drop to this spot, but the Raiders always draft for speed and will take the electrifying Maclin to help in the downfield passing game and on special teams. The Raiders should have a sick offense next year if they actually USE McFadden.

8. Jaguars: WR Michael Crabtree* (Texas Tech) Jags fans go crazy that Crabtree is still available and solidify a horrible WR corps, especially after the release of Matt “crack head” Jones.

9. Packers: DE/OLB Aaron Maybin* (Penn St.) The Packers need offensive line help and they need a pass rushing LB for their new 3-4 scheme, so they take the best player available of the two positions.

10. 49ers: DE/OLB Everette Brown* (Florida St.). The niners wish Andre Smith were still available and believe that they have enough competition at the QB position to add a pass rushing LB that will get to opposing QBs, like former niner Julian Peterson.

11. Bills: DE Robert Ayers (Tennessee) The Bills could go a lot of ways here, but they will draft the best player on the board and give them the pass rush that their defense is looking for.

12. Broncos: DT B.J. Raji (Boston College) The Broncos had a horrid pass defense last season and need a Running Back more than Mark Mangino needs a diet. But, they can’t believe that Raji is still available and get the biggest steal of the draft.

13. Redskins: OT Michael Oher (Ole Miss) The Redskins need a WR and could draft Harvin, but Moss and Randel El are both 5’10, do they really need another short, downfield receiver? Instead they draft Oher to take pressure off of Campbell and allow him time to go downfield to these receivers.

14. Saints: CB Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio St.) The Saints will draft not only the best defensive player available, but a position of great need for them.

15. Texans: RB Chris “Beanie” Wells* (Ohio St.) Harvin would be a fantastic compliment to Andre Johnson, but in a two running back league, the Texans need someone to split carries with Slaton. The Texans need a safety, but figure they can wait until the second round.

16. Chargers: LB Rey Maualuga (USC) The 2nd worst pass defense in the NFL calls for an upgrade at the safety position, but like the Texans they can wait until the second round. They also need a LB to beef up the middle and give assistance to Merriman in the run game.

17. Jets: WR Hakeem Nicks* (Maryland) The Jets have a solid team, their main weakness is at WR (besides having Brodie Croyle start at QB) and they have a good selection of receivers to choose from. Heyward-Bey is the most athletic of the bunch, but Nicks has proven the most.

18. Broncos (from Bears): DE Tyson Jackson (LSU) With-in an hour the Broncos have managed to give themselves the best young D-line in the league.

19. Buccaneers: QB Mark Sanchez* (USC) The Bucs have been looking for a quarterback for the future for a while and have yet to strike gold. Could Sanchez be the one? I would not be surprised to see the Bucs take Peria Jerry at this spot.

20. Lions (from Cowboys): OT Eben Britton (Arizona) The Lions need all the help they can get on the offensive line and will probably spend their second or one of their third round picks on a guard. With Stafford coming in, they will need to give him all the protection they can.

21. Eagles: RB Knowshon Moreno* (Georgia) The Eagles need someone to come in and assist the aging and injury prone Westbrook.

22. Vikings: WR Percy Harvin* (Florida) The Vikings have been here before, drafting speedster Troy Williamson in 06, but Harvin is the real deal.

23. Patriots: LB Clay Mathews (USC) Mathews will be the second linebacker picked with a Patriots top pick (Jerod Mayo) who will come in the next few years to replace the traded Vrabel and the other aging Patriot LBs. He will contribute immediately and is the kind of linebacker the Patriots like on the outside, big.

24. Falcons: DT Peria Jerry (Ole Miss) The Falcons will fill their most pressing need while also taking the best player available.

25. Dolphins: CB Vontae Davis (Illinois) The Dolphins need to fill a few empty slots in the defensive backfield after losing Goodman and Hill to free agency.

26. Ravens: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey* (Maryland) The Ravens need a WR to help the young Joe Flacco better establish himself as a solid starting NFL QB.

27. Colts: DT Evander “Ziggy” Hood (Missouri) The Colts need an inside compliment to Dwight Freeney to give the pressure up front that their defense needs to succeed and to assist in stopping the run.

28. Bills (from Eagles): TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma St.) The Bills traded their starting LT for this pick and will use it add the best all around TE in the draft.

29. Giants: WR Kenny Britt* (Rutgers) The Giants have a question mark at WR with Plaxico Burress shooting himself and getting cut. Amani Toomer is getting old, and David Tyree is a one hit wonder so they get the big receiver who will go up for the jump ball.

30. Titans: LB Brian Cushing (USC) The Titans are lacking a group of strong receivers, but do not want to pick any of the available receivers in the 1st round. With Haynesworth gone the Titans need a DT, but with Ziggy gone there are no more first round caliber DTs. So they take Cushing to beef up their linebacker depth.

31. Cardinals: RB LeSean McCoy* (Pittsburgh) Edge is done and Hightower is better suited as a goal line back like Lendale White. The Cardinals will need some defensive help, but will save that for later rounds.

32. Steelers: C Alex Mack (California) The insanely talented Steelers draft based on their biggest problem last year, offensive line.

4/13/09

2009-04-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

It was a given that I would evaluate a story by ESPN on the death of Phillies commentator Harry Kalas today. The story was by Jayson Stark and had very good opening nat sound and some sad piano music to go along with the package. The package is full of very good nat pops of the greatest calls of Kalas' career. The package lacks sound bites from his friends and families. The story is touching overall and is very well done by being a short representation of Harry Kalas and his great career. The worst part may have been the audio, it sounded like Jayson Stark was reading the package from a script through a telephone, which he may very well have done. I tried to watch other stories on Kalas to compare the package too, but their wasn't really anything more than a couple quick sentences on how great he was except for the live interview that Sports Center did with Mike Schmidt. In the interview all Schmidt did was give his personal experiences with Kalas.

I had my first VO patrol Thursday night. When I arrived the producer gave me a flyer with Dr. Angela Davis on the front. She is a public speaker for gender and racial rights and was to speak at Jesse Hall. I arrived ten minutes before the event was about to start. When I arrived I talked to the MU PR person, she said that I could come in and shoot the speech, but I couldn't interview Dr. Davis. I decided that I would interview someone when leaving and find out how important they thought it was that Dr. Davis was in Columbia. I set up my camera and found out that I had taken a broken tripod. I get angry and myself and tried to adjust to the best of my abilities by holding the camera on the tripod myself. Right before the start of the speech the PR person found me and told me that I couldn't shoot any material from the speech. I asked why and she told me that she had just found out it was a breach of contract with Dr. Davis and that nobody could "film" anything from her event. I called the producer and he confirmed this, so he told me to wait in my car for him to call me with a new story. At 7:30 the producer called me and told me to get wallpaper of dairy products in the HyVee on West Broadway and not to show any prices, I asked him what the story was and he told me he would explain it when I got back. I hurried to the HyVee, ran in and got 8 shots of dairy products, then drove as fast as I could back to KOMU making it back by 8:10. When I arrived the producer gave me a 3 paragraph story from stltoday.com on how dairy farmers will be given extra tax credit. I searched for other stories regarding this issue and could find nothing except for the bill itself. I didn't have much to work with, but I had the script and video approved before 9. Hopefully my VO patrol on Wednesday will be a little more organized.

4/6/09

2009-04-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

I was planning on spending the night moping around after my beloved Cardinals brought their bullpen woes from 2008 into the season opener of 2009, but then I remembered I had a blog due for class tomorrow. I decided to check out KOMU.com to see what happened in the news today/yesterday. I watched the Sarah's story on the Spirit Rider Program. I didn't really like the introduction, I wasn't really sure what the program had to do with James Bond, or why it would be "covert." The nat sound was very good and matched well with the music, but it just didn't make too much sense to me. The framing on Sue Crane was a too close at one point and I didn't like how she used the same play-on-words about being in the horses shoes two times in a row. The story idea was pretty decent, but I just thought it was confusing and too showy to play all the James Bond music and to use all of the corny references, instead of being just about the news. I would have definitely made this story differently by keeping it simple and getting the point of the story across clearly. I know this is a feature story and is supposed to be different, but the James Bond thing just didn't tie in well with a horse farm.

3/30/09

2009-03-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

I'm finally back after a having a great week at Panama City Beach, FL. Obviously I didn't do too well on my later tournament picks with my national champion Wake Forest losing in the first round to Cleveland State, but my bracket is still in the 96th percentile on yahoo. I would first like to take time to congratulate the Missouri Tiger basketball team on a great season and headcoach Mike Anderson for turning the program completely around in a mere 3 years. Next...

Final Four Predictions:

UConn over Mich St.
---I still don't like Big 10 play, the talented UConn team will take down the Spartans...finally

North Carolina over Villanova
---Nova is on fire right now, but nobody seems good enough to stop the Tarheels.

National Championship:

North Carolina over UConn (82-78)
---I really want the Huskies to win this game, but I just can't see anyone stopping the Heels right now.

Now it's time for business...In my daily scour for news I searched CNN.com. One video story really caught my attention, In Milton Massachusetts, a 23 year-old went on a rampage and killed his 17 year-old sister and beheaded his 5 year-old sister in front of a police officer. This story is very depressing and the interview of police Chief Richard Wells does a good job of communicating the somber feelings of the story, but the reporter seems to care less and has no feeling of remorse in her voice and soinds way to distant for my taste. I noticed that the camera was very shakey throughout the story and ever person that was interviewed was on the right side of the camera, she needed to head bump. I was not at all impressed with the story and I hope the reporter tried to interview a family member, family friend or neighbor, because she didn't. The story even ended on a quote, what could have been a story that would make the audience feel the pain of this tragic incident was just another murder in a poor looking town. I would think that CNN would do a better job of hiring reporters, but I suppose not everyone can hit a homerun every time.

NCAA Tournament Part 2

2009-03-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

So far I am 19/20 on my bracket predictions and since I'm about to leave for Panama City, FL I will give my upsets for the 2nd weekend of the tournament.

Midwest:

In the sweet 16...

(4) Wake Forest over (1) Louisville

This will be the best game in the tournament at this point, but I believe Wake Forest has more skill than Louisville and Wake will show that they were deserving of at least a 3 seed.

(3) Kansas over (2) Michigan St.

I will take the best team in the Big 12 over the best team in the Big 10 any day in any sport.

In the elite 8...

(4) Wake Forest over (3) Kansas

This game will be amazing, but Wake Forest has more experience and has the skill to beat any team in the country.

West

In the sweet sixteen...

(3) Missouri over (2) Memphis

I think that Memphis is the most overrated team in the tournament and the relentless Missouri squad will wear them down before the end of the first half.

East

In the elite eight...

(3) Villanova over (2) Duke

This is hard to call after Nova's shaky performance against American last night, but Duke is a hit or miss team and they are going to miss against Nova.

South

In the elite eight...

(2) Oklahoma over (1) North Carolina

Blake Griffin is too dominate inside for North Carolina and Willie Warren will light up the 3's.

1st round NCAA Tournament

2009-03-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

Instead of listing every game and why I think the #1 seeds will beat the #16 seeds, I will just list my upsets of the first and second rounds. The big question, is 9 over 8 an upset?

No, but for technicalities sake, I'll still list it. Here we go!!!

In the Midwest bracket I have no upsets in the first two rounds...real generic huh? Just wait until the regional semis...

As for the West bracket, in the first round:

(9)Texas A&M over (8)BYU, whoopdie doo!!!

A&M has finished their regular season strong and has had at least moderate success against top 25 teams, unlike BYU, who thrives by destroying awful teams in the Mountain West.

(10) Maryland over (7) California, now the fun begins...

Maryland played 9 games against top 10 teams this season, they only won 3, but that is more wins than Cal had games against top 10 teams (0). I don't trust a team that had 7 losses in the Pac 10 and a nonchalant out of conference schedule.

In the second round:

(5) Purdue over (4) Washington

While I don't think either team is exceptionally strong, Purdue at least tried to schedule tough non-conference opponents while Washington glided through the entire season with a weak non-conference and conference schedule.

Time for the East bracket, or not...no upsets in the first 2 rounds.

And the South bracket, only one upset in the first round:

(12) Western Kentucky over (5) Illinois

The simple reason is this; Illinois' best player, Chester Frazier, is out. Everyone needs a 12 over 5, this is the most obvious choice. Not to mention Western Kentucky has proved they can play with anyone by beating Louisville by 14 earlier this season.

I promise that my tournament down the road is more exciting for upset watches, until then, cheers!

3/17/09

2009-03-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

I decided to see what was happening in sports today by watching an online segment of Sports Center Right Now on espn.com. The segment was a cut-in of Robert Flores reading off of a reader script about Carl Landry getting shot in the leg last night. He then changed stories to a VO about Cole Hamels' injury and he did a very good job of pausing and changing his voice between stories. I noticed that he spoke a lot slower during the cut-in than anyone did during our lab. Oddly during the third story about Steelers owner Dan Rooney becoming the U.S. ambassador to Ireland, the studio played background music while Flores was speaking. It was very distracting and took away from what he was saying. The last story was a VO of him talking about how the NCAA tournament starts tonight. Flores had a very good, crisp delivery throughout the entire one minute cut-in, which ended at exactly one minute. He has obviously had tons of practice doing cut-ins and anchoring so he has a very professional approach with no noticeable errors. This might have been the best example of journalism (albeit sports) I have watched online in quite a while.

3/9/09

2009-03-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

I was glancing at CNN today while working out and the big story was about how Oprah gave advice to Rihanna and Chris Brown. She said, "If a man has hit you once, he will hit you again." I decided to watch a video of it on CNN.com once I got home and the video they have on the website was from their radio talk show, "Drive Time Buzz" in Atlanta. The host was Don Lemon and he had a weird set-up where the two guests where sitting very awkwardly on the other side of a large room from him. Martha Zoller, a conservative, says Rihanna should not give Chris Brown another chance. A liberal, Warren Ballentine, says he applauds Oprah Winfrey, because there is an "epidemic" of violence between young couples right now. He also says that Rihanna should step away from him. I don't agree with the wide camera angle they used in the story, it just looked too awkward for television or internet. The lighting is also way off; the studio is too dark behind the guests. I believe they really need a new studio if they are going to be putting clips on the internet. One thing that stuck out to me is when Don Lemon was asking a question while cleaning off his glasses with his shirt at the same time, there is no reason to do that and it looks like he just isn't into the topic. The guests gave good answers though and I'm sure the show was very good over the radio.

3/1/09

2009-03-01T21:49:00.000-08:00

Hello there March, hopefully you will bring warm weather.

Anyway...

I watched a story on CNN.com about President Obama and his speech on getting the soldiers out of Iraq. The story is well done and I have no complaints. It was done in a conversational approach, not a scripted approach. The interesting thing about this story is that Republican Alex Castellanos said, "Listening to Obama give a speech is like sex, the worst there ever is, is excellent." I personally liked the comparison, but I had to wonder to myself if it is okay to say this in the story. It is a little irrelevant and not completely appropriate since little kids could be watching, but most kids don't watch the news, so I don't think it was the worst thing in the world. I imagine Joe Buck was appalled though, since he didn't approve of the Randy Moss fake moon celebration.

My fourth package has been a bit of a challenge so far. Thursday afternoon I scheduled an interview with Joe Bailey, he owns a garage where he buys peoples junk cars and renovates them. Apparently he makes a killing off of this and it is a second job that he started once the economy went down hill. I was scheduled to meet him Friday at noon in front of his garage, I skipped all my classes to go to the interview and he wasn't there. I called him and he told me that he completely forgot about it and he asked if we could meet Saturday. I told him that we could meet at 1:15 after I get a camera and he told me he would be there. Predictably once I got there on Saturday he was a no show (but hind-sight is 20/20), I called him an uncountable number of times and he never answered. There I was sitting in my car, with no story on Saturday and I had to work in two hours. I actually thought I was going to fail B2 at this point until I remembered that the True/False Film Festival was still going on and I decided that I would go there to dig up a story on Sunday.

I had no idea what I was going to find and crammed in some research, but of course all of the executives of the event were to busy to meet with me on short notice. I decided to make do and interview people standing in line. I noticed a trend that many people were not from Mid-Missouri and I thought, "Hey! This is a bigger event than I thought!" I decided to focus the story on how the festival has expanded since it first started through the eyes of the attendees. I have yet to edit my story and I will probably live out of the Broadcast Lab tomorrow on pop-tarts and cough drops, but hopefully my story will be as good as I hope!

2/23/09

2009-02-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

I was watching Fox News and on The O'Reilly Factor, Bill O'Reilly attacked Sean Penn for his comments during the Academy Awards last night. O'Reilly said that Penn contradicted himself for telling everyone that those against gay marriage should be ashamed at themselves while also saying good thing Obama is finally in office, when Obama is against gay marriage. On the show O'Reilly called Penn a "clown" and said that everything Penn says is wrong. This is happening at the same time that many media sources are calling the win for Penn as best actor a win for gay marriage. I think this issue is obviously a conservative vs liberal issue and opinion is going to vary depending on the network being watched, but I find it odd that every journalist is giving their opinion on what happened in the first place. Isn't media supposed to be unbiased?

The most troubling part of my story this week was finding a good story. I didn't find a story that I really like this entire week and I finally settled after finding a decent one on Thursday. What worries me most about my story is the lack of good shots with action happening in them, though I do believe I have solid shots. I was set back a little when I was told that I couldn't use shots were you can make out a students face. I believe that my story was a story that could be best told through graphics instead of good video and my story is more about a topic than a person. I do think that I maximized my story though; I used all of my shots, I have good web extras, I had a lot of good information that I used and I wrote to the full potential of the story. The one part of my story that went wrong was my interview with Dr. Ritter. I set up the interview perfectly and had no head room, but as I moved to the other side of the camera he moved back in his chair and I didn't notice until I returned to capture the tape. I already know that I'm going to get points of for it, but I did the best that I could by covering it up with b-roll.

2/16/09

2009-02-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

On cnn.com I watched a report on the stimulus bill. I liked the first scene when they said, "this is the 787 billion dollar stimulus bill" and they showed a shot of it spread out on a table. Besides that most of the shots were file footage of Obama boarding Airforce One and getting off of his helicopter, heading into the White House. Oddly enough most of the interview set-ups were not properly done. In one interview of Lauren Fix the background is really dark and blends in with her hair, it is very distracting. In the stand-up, Dan Lothian is standing too close to the White House and the viewer can't tell what he is standing in front of. I thought it was a generic story for the times, since every newscast seems to run this same story every night, but I would think they could use some new more unique shots instead of the generic file footage. I wasn't impressed.

Now, as for my second package, it has come along nicely. I started off haggling with the PR person for the Mizzou swim team to get media credentials and when I finally got them on Thursday night, I woke up Friday with an email from the U.S. swim team PR person saying that I couldn't get media credentials. I called her and I convinced her it would be harmless to give me credentials. This took way more time than it should have and probably gave me some grey hairs.

I went to the Missouri Grand Prix at 4:30 and started getting shots. I was told that after Katie Hoff's races I would be able to interview her and once Sullivan was done I could also interview her. It turned out that the Hoff interview was a press conference and I was the only one there with a camera among many newspaper journalists, so I shoved my way to the front. This interview became difficult to set up, because she kept turning to the different reporters when they asked questions so I had to make sure the interview was set up correctly, that I could listen to everyone else's questions so that I would not repeat one and I had to think of good questions on the spot (talk about a run-on sentence). I think I ended up with a decent interview, but it would have been nice to have a camera man.

That was the most trouble that I came across when shooting my package, but once I started doing my web extras I came across more trouble. I tried to add a link to my web story, but it wouldn't allow me to since they are training exercises and to add a link the stories must be approved for KOMU.com. I also wanted to add a video of Hoff answering a question on the Michael Phelps incident, but since I was listening and thinking of a follow up question I failed to frame it properly and it just didn't look good.

In the end after conquering most of the problems that I came across, I feel that this is by far the best story that I have ever made and I am very proud of myself at the moment. Hopefully everyone else feels the same when they see it.

Position Ranking for the '09 MLB season

2009-02-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

I will be listing the top 10 of who I believe will play the best at each position this upcoming season, not only offensively, but defensively. For OF, I will just give the 30 best OFs. For pitchers I will give the top 10 RP and top 30 SP.

Catcher

1. Brian McCann

2. Geovany Soto

3. Joe Mauer

4. Russell Martin

5. Victor Martinez

6. Chris Iannetta

7. Ryan Doumit

8. Yadier Molina

9. Pablo Sandoval

10. Jorge Posada

First Base

1. Albert Pujols

2. Miguel Cabrera

3. Mark Teixeira

4. Ryan Howard

5. Kevin Youkillis

6. Lance Berkman

7. Prince Fielder

8. Justin Morneau

9. Adrian Gonzalez

10. Chris Davis

Second Base

1. Chase Utley

2. Ian Kinsler

3. Dustin Pedroia

4. Brandon Phillips

5. Dan Uggla

6. Brian Roberts

7. Howie Kendrick

8. Jose Lopez

9. Robinson Cano

10. Ian Stewart

Third Base

1. Alex Rodriguez

2. David Wright

3. Evan Longoria

4. Aramis Ramirez

5. Chipper Jones

6. Alex Gordon

7. Ryan Zimmerman

8. Troy Glaus

9. Adrian Beltre

10. Chone Figgins

Short Stop

1. Hanley Ramirez

2. Jose Reyes

3. Troy Tulowitzki

4. Derek Jeter

5. Stephen Drew

6. Jimmy Rollins

7. Rafael Furcal

8. Michael Young

9. Mike Aviles

10. Khalil Greene

Outfield

1. Grady Sizemore

2. Ryan Braun

3. Josh Hamilton

4. B. J. Upton

5. Manny Ramirez

6. Carlos Lee

7. Carlos Beltran

8. Carlos Quentin

9. Nick Markakis

10. Vladimir Guerrero

11. Curtis Granderson

12. Alfonso Soriano

13. Ichiro

14. Matt Kemp

15. Ryan Ludwick

16. Matt Holliday

17. Nate McLouth

18. Jay Bruce

19. Magglio Ordonez

20. Hunter Pence

21. Alex Rios

22. Milton Bradley

23. Torii Hunter

24. Jermain Dye

25. Rick Ankiel

26. Bobby Abreu

27. Denard Span

28. Shane Victorino

29. Colby Rasmus

30. Adam Jones

Starting Pitcher

1. Tim Lincecum

2. Johan Santana

3. C.C. Sabathia

4. Brandon Webb

5. Jake Peavy

6. Cole Hamels

7. Dan Haren

8. Roy Halladay

9. Edison Volquez

10. Scott Kazmir

11. Rich Harden

12. Chad Billingsley

13. Josh Beckett

14. Felix Hernandez

15. Jon Lester

16. Ervin Santana

17. Adam Wainwright

18. Joba Chamberlain

19. James Shields

20. Cliff Lee

21. Carlos Zambrono

22. Matt Cain

23. John Lackey

24. Roy Oswalt

25. Chris Carpenter

26. Scott Baker

27. David Price

28. A. J. Burnett

29. Zack Greinke

30. Yovani Gallardo

Relief Pitchers

1. Jonathan Papelbon

2. Joe Nathan

3. Francisco Rodriguez

4. Brad Lidge

5. Joakim Soria

6. Mariano Rivera

7. Jonathan Broxton

8. Brandon Morrow

9. Carlos Marmol

10. Bobby Jenks

02/09/09

2009-02-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

On espn.com I watched an interview conducted by Peter Gammons of Yankees third baseman, Alex Rodriguez. Gammons asked, "Alex, this weekend Sports Illustrated reported that in 2003 you tested positive for testosterone an anabolic steroid known as premobolan, what's the truth?" Gammons got Rodriguez to answer truthfully and expand on the question by giving a narrow statement, followed by a broad question that would let "A-Rod" give his side of the story, which is that he did use steroids from 2001-2003 and he admitted that he "was young, stupid and nieve" and that he felt pressure to prove that he was one of the best players of all time. I found it interesting that Gammons asked this one question and it allowed Rodriguez to explain what happened and how he feels about what he did now. It was a very good method of questioning, but I don't think that all journalists could get away with getting such a good answer on such a simple question, Gammons has a reputation for being a great journalist among baseball players and has even been inducted in the hall of fame.

As far as my first package is concerned it didn't take a lot of time for me to figure out who I was going to interview and what I planned on doing. The first person I talked to was Tim Williams a manager at Century 21, I asked him if there was a client that has had their house on the market for longer than the average time it takes to sell and who would be willing to talk to me. After a few hours he found Chris McGee and his realtor Kim Schwartz. I talked to Kim and she agreed to give me a tour of the house. She had even talked to Chris for me and gave me the time of his break, so that I could go there after she showed me the house.

To be honest, I had expected a normal house, since I had never been to Rocheport before, so it threw me off guard when I arrived and the house was more of a weekend cabin than an actual house. There was even an old log cabin built in the front yard that has been there for no one knows how long. After shooting the tour and interviewing Kim, I went to Lange Middle School to meet Chris on his break. When I finished interviewing Chris I thought it would be a good idea to get some action shots of him teaching his class, I ended up doing this and interviewing Tim Williams. On Saturday, with help from James Coston, I shot my stand-up.

Unfortunately the camera had been set on "manual" instead of "automatic" when I was shooting on Friday and I couldn't tell by looking in the side panel that the shots were way too dark. After getting my raw footage graded by Greeley and seeing how dark they were, I attempted to re-do as much footage as possible, but with the busy schedules of Kim and Chris, I couldn't re-shoot the tour or re-interview Chris, so I made the best out of what I had and as far as I'm concerned I told a pretty darn good story.