It’s about that time. THE WORLD CUP IS HERE. So let’s all get drunk in the morning and watch soccer. Of course, I’m not an expert in this field, I’m just really knowledgable. Some of the picks I have are different, unorthodox, not what the real “experts” say, or a little biased. So what? It’s my blog, I’ll write whatever I want.
Group A
France
Mexico
South Africa
Uruguay
Despite the fanfare around some of these teams (France getting in on a basketball assist by Thierry Henry, South Africa being the host, Mexico being supported by myself), this group is probably one of the weaker on paper. There really isn’t a standout team, just a few slightly above-average squads. Despite having elite talent at practically every position, France’s lack of chemistry had been a huge issue during qualifying, as they shit the bed and barely got to the Cup. It’ll be interesting to see how the 2006 runners-up do in the group. All bias aside, Mexico needs its attack to thrive (led by youngsters Giovani Dos Santos, Carlos Vela, Andres Guardado, and 37-year old migrant worker Cuauhtemoc Blanco) in order to compensate with a merely average defense. As the hosts, South Africa (or Bafana Bafana, the best team name in the tournament) will try to avoid being the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stage. However, Everton standout Steven Pienaar won’t nearly be enough. Uruguay plays exciting attacking football (3-man defence = fun) and is banking on its nasty striking duo of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez to put the ball in the net.
Advancing: Mexico, France
Group B
Argentina
Greece
South Korea
Nigeria
It’s Diego Maradona’s time to shine. As coach, at least. The Argentine playing legend has a roster full of talent but will be pushed to make them work cohesively together. Any team with Lionel Messi will advance out of the group stage, so that’s set in stone. Greece hasn’t really been good since their upset in the 2004 European Championships and will probably get one or two points from draws (ties, for you Americans). With the exception of South Korea eight years ago (coached by mastermind Guus Hiddink), Asian teams are awful in the World Cup; don’t expect much from this year’s edition. Nigeria has awesome talents distributed across the field (Joseph Yobo and Taye Taiwo on defense, Yakubu up top) and will definitely make a good push for second place.
Advancing: Argentina, Nigeria
Group C
Algeria
England
Slovenia
United States
This is where the American “fans” will pay attention. Let’s just say England and the U.S. will make it out of the group. I really can’t support Algeria or Slovenia; their team depths are lacking and inferior in nature. The winner of the USA-England game will win the group, hands down. However, I do think that England is too good for the Stars and Stripes. Sorry, guys.
Advancing: England, United States
Group D
Australia
Germany
Ghana
Serbia
Many people have been saying that the group with Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast is the “Group of Death.” I disagree; all four teams here have the ability to not just advance, but actually win the group. Australia, led by Tim Cahill, play a rigid defensive game and could definitely capitalize on teams’ mistakes here. Germany has a high powered attack led by Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, and Bastian Schweinsteiger (a name that sounds 100 times cooler in a German accent) and will probably win this group. Ghana is arguably the African team with the best stability and chemistry. Despite losing Michael Essien to injury, the Black Stars might just come in second here in Group D. However, Serbia is looking like a prime upset special. Led by Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic in defense, the Serbs have a nasty style of play and have the personnel to win games in the same fashion as Inter Milan in this year’s Champions League final (play tough defense and rely on counter-attacks). I like them a lot (no homo.)
Advancing: Germany, Serbia
Group E
Cameroon
Denmark
Japan
Netherlands
Not a pretty group at first sight, but these four teams could end up playing some of the best football in the tournament. Cameroon and Denmark have great attacking options (Samuel Eto’o comes to mind for Cameroon, Nicklas Bendtner for the Danes) and play free-flowing football. Japan could be somewhat of a surprise, as they barely lost to England in last week’s friendly; they will definitely keep these games close. Finally, the Netherlands are just plain nasty. Van Persie, Van der Vaart, Sneijder, and Kuyt in attack; let the goals commence. The Dutch defense is just a little suspect though…
Advancing: Netherlands, Cameroon
Group F
Italy
New Zealand
Paraguay
Slovakia
Really just an ugly group, period. The defending champions, Italy has a team with an average age of 58. Okay, it seems like it, but there’s really not a lot of youth on this squad. It would be a damn shame if the Italians didn’t advance through. New Zealand is absolutely the worst team in the tournament and is “just happy to be here.” Paraguay plays nice football, with an impressive duo of Roque Santa Cruz and Oscar Cardozo (who gets a Miguelon Stamp of Approval) for strikers. Slovakia doesn’t have a lot of household names, but Marek Hamsik of Napoli will help commandeer these guys to a second-place finish.
Advancing: Italy, Slovakia
Group G
Brazil
Ivory Coast
North Korea
Portugal
The original “Group of Death.” And then you realize that A) Didier Drogba will barely be at half strength in time for the World Cup, B) North Korea is shite, and C) Portugal doesn’t have enough consistency at forward to be a contender for the championship. Liedson just doesn’t cut it. Of course, Brazil is one of the two favorites to win the whole thing, so you can’t really discount that. As head coach, all Dunga does is win. He’s not T-Pain though… I forecast the Ivory Coast-Portugal winner to be in second place at the end of the group stage.
Advancing: Brazil, Portugal
Group H
Chile
Honduras
Spain
Switzerland
Other than the second favorite to win it all (the Red Fury of Spain), this group is relatively nondescript. Chile and Honduras play crazy minimal-defense football and will rack up goals, and Switzerland will play your typical European style; wide crossing, occasional counter attacks, tough defense). I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Chile will have the cojones to advance out of here.
Advancing: Spain, Chile
Round of 16
Mexico over Nigeria
Serbia over England (you’re damn right this will happen)
Netherlands over Slovakia
Brazil over Chile
Argentina over France
Germany over United States (at least the Americans had a good run)
Italy over Cameroon
Spain over Portugal (this may just be one of the best games in years)
Quarterfinals
Mexico over Serbia (wishful thinking)
Brazil over Netherlands (number of goals in this match: at least 5)
Germany over Argentina
Spain over Italy
Semifinals
Brazil over Mexico (if this matchup actually happens and Mexico wins, I would NUT)
Germany over Spain (I need another upset… Germany barely lost to Spain in the EURO ’08 final)
Final
Brazil over Germany
Awards
Golden Ball (best player): Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany (a player from a non-Cup winning team has won this the last two tournaments)
Golden Shoe (top goal scorer): Luis Fabiano, Brazil
Yashin Award (best goalkeeper): Julio Cesar, Brazil
Bets Young Player (21 years old or younger): Giovani Dos Santos, Mexico
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
In Retrospect: Ken Griffey Jr.
I really can’t believe it’s over now. Although he’s 40 years old, Ken Griffey Jr. just retired and I feel so upset and melancholy, as if he was 25 and called it quits for no reason.
He really had it all. He was the #1 overall draft pick in the 1987. The son of a Cincinnati Reds legend. One of the most infectious smiles a professional athlete could ever have. He really was “The Kid.” Constantly wearing his hat backwards, Junior chased after fly balls with the energy of a 5-year old playing catch with his dad in the backyard. He truly loved the game.
He was arguably the best player of the 1990’s. He hit 56 homers in two consecutive seasons in Seattle’s Kingdome, an EXTREMELY spacious pitcher’s park (almost on CitiField’s level). He was a five-tool player, although he never really stole as many bases as he could have (career high of 24). He won 10 straight Gold Gloves. He scored the iconic winning run in the 1995 playoffs against the Yankees, racing home from first base on a hit from Edgar Martinez that traveled 200 feet at the most and sliding safely into a collective orgasm from the Seattle fans. He had 13 All-Star appearances, continually placing his name among the best in baseball (and among the best in history).
It’s truly a shame that Junior’s body broke down so horrifically. One injury after another… it was almost as if he was jinxed after leaving Seattle to take the hundred-plus million dollar contract to play for the “hometown” Reds. At that point, Seattle WAS his hometown. He had the hearts of every single person in that city and simply wanted to “test the waters.” The fact that he signed with the Reds in 2000 and just retired in the last 24 hours is also a testament to his mental strength, as he literally shook off injuries for more than nine seasons. Not just nicks and scrapes, but tendon tears, torn hamstrings, Achilles problems, and other assorted lower body injuries.
Anyone with a Super Nintendo or Nintendo 64 during the 90’s will tell you that Ken Griffey Jr.’s baseball games were the SHIT. Even though he played in Seattle, basically a sports graveyard, he was really a larger-than-life figure all across the nation. Some of my friends from suburban Long Island to this day still use Ken Griffey replica baseball gloves. I had one of my own as well. He had and will always have the sweetest swing in the history of baseball.
Compared to the juicing assholes like McGwire, Sosa, Palmiero, and Bonds, there was just a distinct aura around Griffey. His passion for the game was/is unparalleled. Unlike many of today’s players, he wasn’t just in it for the money or fame. He practically grew up with the Cincinnati Reds dynasty in the 1970’s, living in their clubhouse while his father played. He knew famous people from a young age; he drove a BMW in high school. He knew what these tangible things were. He just wanted to do what he loved: play baseball. Fortunately, he was absolutely incredible at the sport as well.
I understand Albert Pujols is the best player in baseball right now, by a LOT. But 30, 40, even 50 years from now, find me in a bar, and I will defend on my LIFE that if Ken Griffey Jr. never got injured, he would’ve been the greatest player of all time. There was nothing stopping him. I really don’t know a single baseball fan who has the slightest hint of disdain for Ken Griffey Jr. The man is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Without injuries, he just might have been the home run king. I never got to see him play, and it’s seriously looking like one of the bigger regrets in my life as a sports fan.
He really had it all. He was the #1 overall draft pick in the 1987. The son of a Cincinnati Reds legend. One of the most infectious smiles a professional athlete could ever have. He really was “The Kid.” Constantly wearing his hat backwards, Junior chased after fly balls with the energy of a 5-year old playing catch with his dad in the backyard. He truly loved the game.
He was arguably the best player of the 1990’s. He hit 56 homers in two consecutive seasons in Seattle’s Kingdome, an EXTREMELY spacious pitcher’s park (almost on CitiField’s level). He was a five-tool player, although he never really stole as many bases as he could have (career high of 24). He won 10 straight Gold Gloves. He scored the iconic winning run in the 1995 playoffs against the Yankees, racing home from first base on a hit from Edgar Martinez that traveled 200 feet at the most and sliding safely into a collective orgasm from the Seattle fans. He had 13 All-Star appearances, continually placing his name among the best in baseball (and among the best in history).
It’s truly a shame that Junior’s body broke down so horrifically. One injury after another… it was almost as if he was jinxed after leaving Seattle to take the hundred-plus million dollar contract to play for the “hometown” Reds. At that point, Seattle WAS his hometown. He had the hearts of every single person in that city and simply wanted to “test the waters.” The fact that he signed with the Reds in 2000 and just retired in the last 24 hours is also a testament to his mental strength, as he literally shook off injuries for more than nine seasons. Not just nicks and scrapes, but tendon tears, torn hamstrings, Achilles problems, and other assorted lower body injuries.
Anyone with a Super Nintendo or Nintendo 64 during the 90’s will tell you that Ken Griffey Jr.’s baseball games were the SHIT. Even though he played in Seattle, basically a sports graveyard, he was really a larger-than-life figure all across the nation. Some of my friends from suburban Long Island to this day still use Ken Griffey replica baseball gloves. I had one of my own as well. He had and will always have the sweetest swing in the history of baseball.
Compared to the juicing assholes like McGwire, Sosa, Palmiero, and Bonds, there was just a distinct aura around Griffey. His passion for the game was/is unparalleled. Unlike many of today’s players, he wasn’t just in it for the money or fame. He practically grew up with the Cincinnati Reds dynasty in the 1970’s, living in their clubhouse while his father played. He knew famous people from a young age; he drove a BMW in high school. He knew what these tangible things were. He just wanted to do what he loved: play baseball. Fortunately, he was absolutely incredible at the sport as well.
I understand Albert Pujols is the best player in baseball right now, by a LOT. But 30, 40, even 50 years from now, find me in a bar, and I will defend on my LIFE that if Ken Griffey Jr. never got injured, he would’ve been the greatest player of all time. There was nothing stopping him. I really don’t know a single baseball fan who has the slightest hint of disdain for Ken Griffey Jr. The man is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Without injuries, he just might have been the home run king. I never got to see him play, and it’s seriously looking like one of the bigger regrets in my life as a sports fan.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
In Retrospect: Jose Lima
I was shocked to find out yesterday morning that Jose Lima had died of a heart attack at age 37. Considering I started following baseball in 1998 and he was just reaching his statistical peak right around that time, he was one of the first pitchers I vividly remember through ESPN clips and what-not.
Lima went 27-18 in his first two years of being a starting pitcher (he was predominantly a bullpen guy at first). In 1999, he won 21 games. Unfortunately, he fell out of the form for the rest of his career, with a 21-8 combined record in 2003 and 2004 being somewhat of an aberration.
His MLB Showdown 2000 card was awesome and absurdly good, if you ever played the game as a kid. If there was an award for “Athlete Who Looks Most Like a Colombian Druglord”, he would have won it unanimously. (Currently, the ballot for the award is a tie between Dani Alves of Barcelona and Albert Pujols.) He was an arrogant man, and when he was on, he dropped diddicks on all hitters. I'll never forget him throwing a complete game shutout against the Cardinals in the 2004 playoffs. We thought he would continue his strong form again. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be.
Rest in peace, Jose. Heaven just went into Lima Time.
Lima went 27-18 in his first two years of being a starting pitcher (he was predominantly a bullpen guy at first). In 1999, he won 21 games. Unfortunately, he fell out of the form for the rest of his career, with a 21-8 combined record in 2003 and 2004 being somewhat of an aberration.
His MLB Showdown 2000 card was awesome and absurdly good, if you ever played the game as a kid. If there was an award for “Athlete Who Looks Most Like a Colombian Druglord”, he would have won it unanimously. (Currently, the ballot for the award is a tie between Dani Alves of Barcelona and Albert Pujols.) He was an arrogant man, and when he was on, he dropped diddicks on all hitters. I'll never forget him throwing a complete game shutout against the Cardinals in the 2004 playoffs. We thought he would continue his strong form again. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be.
Rest in peace, Jose. Heaven just went into Lima Time.
Why Xavi Hernandez May Just Be the Most Valuable Footballer in the World
Are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi better? Well, probably. But Barcelona, arguably the best team in the world (Inter, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea are all in that conversation), may not have the same level of success they’ve had the last few years without Xavier Hernandez Creus (he goes by Xavi Hernandez, or just Xavi) running the show. In a one-sentence summary, he has the best vision and passing in the world along with controlling the pace and style of every game he plays for his world-caliber club. But you don’t want to read one sentence… Besides, I have a point to prove. Ronaldo and Messi may be more sensational players with their fancy dribbling and penchants for goals, but do they really have that much value towards their star-laden clubs? There are tons of guys who can just score goals, but a true footballer understands the importance of the assist and the ability to control the game. Simply put, this is the essence of Xavi.
The way Barcelona plays football when they have possession is essentially engineered by Xavi Hernandez. Think of an NBA team that was led by an amazing point guard. Those teams have generally been successful. The Utah Jazz had John Stockton, Jason Kidd has been everywhere, and Magic Johnson was simply the best until his johnson wasn’t so magic anymore. (Too soon?) Xavi runs the Barcelona attack like those men, commandeering the middle of the field with the ball at his feet, waiting to unleash the perfect through ball to a forward. In Barca’s most recent triumph over Real Madrid, a 2-0 domination (the Catalans had the ball over 55% of the time), Xavi had incredible assists on both goals to Messi and Pedro Rodriguez. The guy can score too, with an incredible free kick against at the beginning of this month against Villarreal one of his many offensive highlights.
Want a resume of the man’s accomplishments? Finalist for World Player of the Year last season. 4 La Liga trophies. Two Champions League titles. This season, he has completed in excess of 400 passes more than any other player in La Liga. In EURO 2008, Xavi had 100 passes against Russia in the semifinal (literally more than one per minute) and scored the first goal in a 3-0 win. In the final against Germany, he supplied the assist for the only goal of the game (by eight year-old lookalike Fernando Torres). In Barca’s Champions League final match last season against Manchester United, Hernandez was named the UEFA Man of the Match. Clearly, the man elevates his game in important matches. In the second leg of this year’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, he had a mind-boggling 105 passes, 41 passes than the next guy in the entire game (Rafael Marquez aka Captain Mexico).
You know what else distinguishes Hernandez, other than his incredible machine-like passing and class-act demeanor? His success on the international level has also contributed to his reputation as arguably the best midfielder in the world. Named the Player of the Tournament for EURO 2008, Xavi led Spain as they dominated in the European Championship. La Furia Roja played the most beautiful and efficient football in the tourney, and Hernandez was truly an integral part. He and Barca teammate/midfield dynamo Andres Iniesta collectively defecated on defenses and picked apart the rest of Europe with their passing. A younger Xavi also helped Spain win the silver medal in the 2000 Olympics as well with two goals, including one in the championship game against Cameroon.
So how exactly does this make him valuable? I think of the economic principle supply and demand as they relate to price (or value/worth). In layman’s terms, there are very few midfielders who can hold the ball and pass as efficiently as Xavi. Some people may title the position as a “deep-lying midfielder”, such as old-school Andrea Pirlo, or just a basic central midfielder. (Steven Gerrard and his approximate 638 dives per game can also be included here.) Meanwhile, other positions such a striker or winger are bountiful. If Antonio Di Natale and Nicolas Anelka can score boatloads of goals and not necessarily be considered elite, world-class players… then how much value can you really give to a middle-of-the-table forward? In contrast, only a few players possess the skills Hernandez does; I like to equate the passing midfielder with a franchise quarterback, catcher, or obviously, point guard.
Xavi may not be the flashiest player, and he definitely won’t grab the most headlines. But what he brings to the table for Barcelona is something equaled by absolutely no one; his talents are once-in-a-generation. Watch him during the World Cup this summer and tell me there’s another player like him. You can’t. Metro Ronaldo and Messi may be better players, but remove them from their respective Spanish club teams, and their teams are still 100% world-caliber. But a Barca squad without #6 in the middle? Very similar to a day without sunshine.
The way Barcelona plays football when they have possession is essentially engineered by Xavi Hernandez. Think of an NBA team that was led by an amazing point guard. Those teams have generally been successful. The Utah Jazz had John Stockton, Jason Kidd has been everywhere, and Magic Johnson was simply the best until his johnson wasn’t so magic anymore. (Too soon?) Xavi runs the Barcelona attack like those men, commandeering the middle of the field with the ball at his feet, waiting to unleash the perfect through ball to a forward. In Barca’s most recent triumph over Real Madrid, a 2-0 domination (the Catalans had the ball over 55% of the time), Xavi had incredible assists on both goals to Messi and Pedro Rodriguez. The guy can score too, with an incredible free kick against at the beginning of this month against Villarreal one of his many offensive highlights.
Want a resume of the man’s accomplishments? Finalist for World Player of the Year last season. 4 La Liga trophies. Two Champions League titles. This season, he has completed in excess of 400 passes more than any other player in La Liga. In EURO 2008, Xavi had 100 passes against Russia in the semifinal (literally more than one per minute) and scored the first goal in a 3-0 win. In the final against Germany, he supplied the assist for the only goal of the game (by eight year-old lookalike Fernando Torres). In Barca’s Champions League final match last season against Manchester United, Hernandez was named the UEFA Man of the Match. Clearly, the man elevates his game in important matches. In the second leg of this year’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, he had a mind-boggling 105 passes, 41 passes than the next guy in the entire game (Rafael Marquez aka Captain Mexico).
You know what else distinguishes Hernandez, other than his incredible machine-like passing and class-act demeanor? His success on the international level has also contributed to his reputation as arguably the best midfielder in the world. Named the Player of the Tournament for EURO 2008, Xavi led Spain as they dominated in the European Championship. La Furia Roja played the most beautiful and efficient football in the tourney, and Hernandez was truly an integral part. He and Barca teammate/midfield dynamo Andres Iniesta collectively defecated on defenses and picked apart the rest of Europe with their passing. A younger Xavi also helped Spain win the silver medal in the 2000 Olympics as well with two goals, including one in the championship game against Cameroon.
So how exactly does this make him valuable? I think of the economic principle supply and demand as they relate to price (or value/worth). In layman’s terms, there are very few midfielders who can hold the ball and pass as efficiently as Xavi. Some people may title the position as a “deep-lying midfielder”, such as old-school Andrea Pirlo, or just a basic central midfielder. (Steven Gerrard and his approximate 638 dives per game can also be included here.) Meanwhile, other positions such a striker or winger are bountiful. If Antonio Di Natale and Nicolas Anelka can score boatloads of goals and not necessarily be considered elite, world-class players… then how much value can you really give to a middle-of-the-table forward? In contrast, only a few players possess the skills Hernandez does; I like to equate the passing midfielder with a franchise quarterback, catcher, or obviously, point guard.
Xavi may not be the flashiest player, and he definitely won’t grab the most headlines. But what he brings to the table for Barcelona is something equaled by absolutely no one; his talents are once-in-a-generation. Watch him during the World Cup this summer and tell me there’s another player like him. You can’t. Metro Ronaldo and Messi may be better players, but remove them from their respective Spanish club teams, and their teams are still 100% world-caliber. But a Barca squad without #6 in the middle? Very similar to a day without sunshine.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
5 Stacked World Cup Rosters (on paper)
Yes, on paper. I’m not necessarily saying these are going to be the best five teams on the pitch this summer, but wow, their rosters are STACKED. Of course, this isn’t in order of quality; rather, I’ll just put it alphabetically.
Argentina:
Goalies: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon)
Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell’s Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di María (Benfica), Jonas Gutiérrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo)
Forwards: Sergio Agüero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli)
Argentina is coached by Argentine legend Diego Maradona, who enjoys a line of cocaine every morning. There’s no doubting the talent on this team, with Messi (the best player in the world), Aguero, Milito, and Tevez spearing the attack. Christ, that’s scary. A saving grace for opponents is that Maradona is an awful coach who barely got this elite team into the World Cup, coaching them to infamous defeats such as a 6-0 cockslapping at the hands of Bolivia. Yes, Bolivia.
Brazil:
Goalies: Julio Cesar, Gomes, Doni
Defense: Maicon, Dani Alves, Lucio, Juan, Luisao, Thiago Silva, Michel Bastos, Gilberto
Midfield: Kaka, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Elano, Ramires, Kleberson, Julio Baptista, Josue
Forward: Luis Fabiano, Robinho, Nilmar, Grafite
Reserves: Diego Tardelli, Ganso, Carlos Eduardo, Marcelo, Alex, Ronaldinho, Sandro.
Ah, the Samba Boys and their beautiful football. Although coach Dunga has been heavily criticized for not having a fluid, “Joga Bonito” style of attack, his track record is not to be messed with. The captain of the 1994 World Cup champions, he knows nothing but success, winning the Confederations Cup last year. This team is retardedly stacked, having world-class players at every position, especially right-back, with Maicon (favorite player on this team) and Dani Alves fighting for minutes. And yeah, you see the names up there. How can Brazil not make it to the semifinals?
England:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips
Forwards: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney
Fabio Capello’s boys try to win a World Cup for the first time in 4 decades. Joe Hart is quietly emerging into one of the best keepers in the world. Rio “Big Bird” Ferdinand and ultimate ladies’ man John Terry anchor the defense, with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard controlling the middle of the field. Wayne Rooney, arguably the best striker in the world, will most likely splash a jimbo this summer racking up goals for the Three Lions. Keep an eye on Jermain Defoe, Rooney’s most likely striking partner; he’s having a career year and will be a great second option.
Ivory Coast*:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Angban (ASEC Abidjan, Ivory Coast), Boubacar Barry (Lokeren, Belgium), Aristides Zogbo (Maccabi Netanya, Israel), Daniel Yeboah (SEC Abidjan, Ivory Coast).
Defenders: Souleymane Bamba (Hibernian, Scotland), Arthur Boka (VB Stuttgart, Germany), Benjamin Brou Angoua (Valenciennes, France), Guy Demel (Hamburg SV, Germany), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal, England), Abdoulaye Meite (West Bromwich Albion, England), Steve Gohouri (Wigan Athletic, England), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes, France), Kolo Toure (Manchester City, England).
Midfielders: Emerse Fae (Nantes, France), Jean-Jacques Gosso Gosso(Monaco, France), Abdelkader Keita (Galatasaray, Turkey), Emmanuel Kone(International Curtea Arges, Romania), Gervais Yao Kouassi (Lille, France), Christian Koffi Ndri (Sevilla, Spain), Cheik Ismael Tiote (Twente Enschede, Holland), Yaya Toure (Barcelona, Spain), Gilles Yapi Yapo (Young Boys Berne, Switzerland), Didier Zokora (Sevilla, Spain).
Forwards: Kanga Akale (Racing Lens, France), Aruna Dindane (Racing Lens, France), Seydou Doumbia (Young Boys Berne, Switzerland), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, England), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea, England), Bakary Kone (Olympique Marseille, France).
Yeah, you probably weren’t expecting an African team. But the World Cup is in Africa for the first time, and the Ivory Coast has the best African team (on paper, of course). They will have the weight of their continent on their shoulders as they try to make a deep run into the tournament. But seriously, all they need is Didier Drogba. He’s unstoppable when he wants to be; size, strength, speed, and an incredible ability to put the ball in the net make this guy absolutely filthy. However, the rest of the team has great players plying their trade in Europe (most notably the Toure brothers, Eboue, and Kalou). This team is arguably will be one of the most interesting to watch.
Portugal*:
Goalkeepers: Beto (Porto), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis), Eduardo (Braga)
Defenders: Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Ze Castro (Deportivo La Coruna), Bruno Alves (Porto), Rolando (Porto), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Duda (Malaga), Pepe (Real Madrid), Miguel (Valencia)
Midfielders: Tiago (Atletico Madrid), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (Porto), Nani (Manchester United), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Pedro Mendes (Sporting Lisbon)
Forwards: Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Liedson (Sporting Lisbon), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg).
Okay, I starred both the Ivory Coast and Portugal as part of a tie; they don’t match up with the other four but are still quite nasty. But Portugal has one metro-ass superstar (Ronaldo, of course) and a lot of depth in midfield. The only question mark here is at goalkeeper, where none of these guys have a lot of elite international competition under their belts. As a side note, Simao Sabrosa has the best name in this article, without a doubt. I’m debating whether it sounds more like a name of a porn star or a villain from a James Bond movie. Moving on.
Spain:
Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Pepe Reina (Liverpool FC)
Diego López (Villarreal FC)
Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona)
David De Gea (Atlético de Madrid)
Defenders:
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid)
Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid)
Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona)
Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona)
Carlos Marchena (Valencia CF)
Joan Capdevila (Villarreal CF)
César Azpilicueta (Osasuna)
Midfielders:
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Sergi Busquets (FC Barcelona)
Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona)
Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona)
David Silva (Valencia CF)
Juan Mata (Valencia CF)
Marcos Senna (Villarreal CF)
Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal)
Javi Martínez (Athletic de Bilbao)
Jesús Navas (Sevilla FC)
Santi Cazorla (Villarreal CF)
Strikers:
David Villa (Valencia CF)
Álvaro Negredo (Sevilla FC)
Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
Dani Güiza (Fenerbahce)
Fernando Llorente (Athletic de Bilbao)
Pedro Rodríguez (FC Barcelona)
I could write an entire article on why this team will win it all, but that may come later. Notice that only 3 players on this team play outside of Spain (Fabregas, Torres, Guiza); that says a lot about country loyalty. Stacked from top to bottom, Espana is also the defending European champions, winning Euro 2008 in an absolutely dominating performance. Casillas in goal, Puyol and Ramos leading defense, Xavi and Iniesta dropping diddicks in midfield, and Torres and Villa scoring goals… I would place Spain as the favorites to win it all this summer.
Argentina:
Goalies: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon)
Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell’s Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di María (Benfica), Jonas Gutiérrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo)
Forwards: Sergio Agüero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli)
Argentina is coached by Argentine legend Diego Maradona, who enjoys a line of cocaine every morning. There’s no doubting the talent on this team, with Messi (the best player in the world), Aguero, Milito, and Tevez spearing the attack. Christ, that’s scary. A saving grace for opponents is that Maradona is an awful coach who barely got this elite team into the World Cup, coaching them to infamous defeats such as a 6-0 cockslapping at the hands of Bolivia. Yes, Bolivia.
Brazil:
Goalies: Julio Cesar, Gomes, Doni
Defense: Maicon, Dani Alves, Lucio, Juan, Luisao, Thiago Silva, Michel Bastos, Gilberto
Midfield: Kaka, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Elano, Ramires, Kleberson, Julio Baptista, Josue
Forward: Luis Fabiano, Robinho, Nilmar, Grafite
Reserves: Diego Tardelli, Ganso, Carlos Eduardo, Marcelo, Alex, Ronaldinho, Sandro.
Ah, the Samba Boys and their beautiful football. Although coach Dunga has been heavily criticized for not having a fluid, “Joga Bonito” style of attack, his track record is not to be messed with. The captain of the 1994 World Cup champions, he knows nothing but success, winning the Confederations Cup last year. This team is retardedly stacked, having world-class players at every position, especially right-back, with Maicon (favorite player on this team) and Dani Alves fighting for minutes. And yeah, you see the names up there. How can Brazil not make it to the semifinals?
England:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips
Forwards: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney
Fabio Capello’s boys try to win a World Cup for the first time in 4 decades. Joe Hart is quietly emerging into one of the best keepers in the world. Rio “Big Bird” Ferdinand and ultimate ladies’ man John Terry anchor the defense, with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard controlling the middle of the field. Wayne Rooney, arguably the best striker in the world, will most likely splash a jimbo this summer racking up goals for the Three Lions. Keep an eye on Jermain Defoe, Rooney’s most likely striking partner; he’s having a career year and will be a great second option.
Ivory Coast*:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Angban (ASEC Abidjan, Ivory Coast), Boubacar Barry (Lokeren, Belgium), Aristides Zogbo (Maccabi Netanya, Israel), Daniel Yeboah (SEC Abidjan, Ivory Coast).
Defenders: Souleymane Bamba (Hibernian, Scotland), Arthur Boka (VB Stuttgart, Germany), Benjamin Brou Angoua (Valenciennes, France), Guy Demel (Hamburg SV, Germany), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal, England), Abdoulaye Meite (West Bromwich Albion, England), Steve Gohouri (Wigan Athletic, England), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes, France), Kolo Toure (Manchester City, England).
Midfielders: Emerse Fae (Nantes, France), Jean-Jacques Gosso Gosso(Monaco, France), Abdelkader Keita (Galatasaray, Turkey), Emmanuel Kone(International Curtea Arges, Romania), Gervais Yao Kouassi (Lille, France), Christian Koffi Ndri (Sevilla, Spain), Cheik Ismael Tiote (Twente Enschede, Holland), Yaya Toure (Barcelona, Spain), Gilles Yapi Yapo (Young Boys Berne, Switzerland), Didier Zokora (Sevilla, Spain).
Forwards: Kanga Akale (Racing Lens, France), Aruna Dindane (Racing Lens, France), Seydou Doumbia (Young Boys Berne, Switzerland), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, England), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea, England), Bakary Kone (Olympique Marseille, France).
Yeah, you probably weren’t expecting an African team. But the World Cup is in Africa for the first time, and the Ivory Coast has the best African team (on paper, of course). They will have the weight of their continent on their shoulders as they try to make a deep run into the tournament. But seriously, all they need is Didier Drogba. He’s unstoppable when he wants to be; size, strength, speed, and an incredible ability to put the ball in the net make this guy absolutely filthy. However, the rest of the team has great players plying their trade in Europe (most notably the Toure brothers, Eboue, and Kalou). This team is arguably will be one of the most interesting to watch.
Portugal*:
Goalkeepers: Beto (Porto), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis), Eduardo (Braga)
Defenders: Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Ze Castro (Deportivo La Coruna), Bruno Alves (Porto), Rolando (Porto), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Duda (Malaga), Pepe (Real Madrid), Miguel (Valencia)
Midfielders: Tiago (Atletico Madrid), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (Porto), Nani (Manchester United), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Pedro Mendes (Sporting Lisbon)
Forwards: Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Liedson (Sporting Lisbon), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg).
Okay, I starred both the Ivory Coast and Portugal as part of a tie; they don’t match up with the other four but are still quite nasty. But Portugal has one metro-ass superstar (Ronaldo, of course) and a lot of depth in midfield. The only question mark here is at goalkeeper, where none of these guys have a lot of elite international competition under their belts. As a side note, Simao Sabrosa has the best name in this article, without a doubt. I’m debating whether it sounds more like a name of a porn star or a villain from a James Bond movie. Moving on.
Spain:
Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Pepe Reina (Liverpool FC)
Diego López (Villarreal FC)
Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona)
David De Gea (Atlético de Madrid)
Defenders:
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid)
Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid)
Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona)
Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona)
Carlos Marchena (Valencia CF)
Joan Capdevila (Villarreal CF)
César Azpilicueta (Osasuna)
Midfielders:
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Sergi Busquets (FC Barcelona)
Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona)
Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona)
David Silva (Valencia CF)
Juan Mata (Valencia CF)
Marcos Senna (Villarreal CF)
Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal)
Javi Martínez (Athletic de Bilbao)
Jesús Navas (Sevilla FC)
Santi Cazorla (Villarreal CF)
Strikers:
David Villa (Valencia CF)
Álvaro Negredo (Sevilla FC)
Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
Dani Güiza (Fenerbahce)
Fernando Llorente (Athletic de Bilbao)
Pedro Rodríguez (FC Barcelona)
I could write an entire article on why this team will win it all, but that may come later. Notice that only 3 players on this team play outside of Spain (Fabregas, Torres, Guiza); that says a lot about country loyalty. Stacked from top to bottom, Espana is also the defending European champions, winning Euro 2008 in an absolutely dominating performance. Casillas in goal, Puyol and Ramos leading defense, Xavi and Iniesta dropping diddicks in midfield, and Torres and Villa scoring goals… I would place Spain as the favorites to win it all this summer.
Why Tim Welsh’s Resignation is Yet Another Blow for College Coaches
Some of you reading this may not even know who Tim Welsh really is. Personally, I really didn’t hear about him until about a month ago when he accepted the coaching position for Hofstra’s basketball program. Evidently, he had been the coach at Providence (one of the Big East’s whipping bitches in conjunction with DePaul, Rutgers, and occasionally St. John’s) for about a decade until getting fired two years ago. Since then, he had worked as a college basketball analyst for SNY and ESPN before getting his big job at Hofstra on March 31.
On the night of Friday, April 30, Welsh was found in his parked Lexus… at a green light in the middle of an intersection in Levittown, Nassau County. He was promptly slapped with a DWI charge and indefinitely suspended by Hofstra once the administration board found out about the arrest. Three days later, Welsh resigned in shame. Hofstra released a brief statement saying, “The university accepted the resignation in the best interests of the university and of the men's basketball program.”
This is truly the latest example of a very disturbing trend in collegiate sports: misbehavior of the coaches. Not just the players, the 20-year guys from the ghettos across America with full scholarships, God-given athletic abilities, and propensities to go out and bone groupies; but the coaches, the grown men paid to straighten out these young men and win games. In the past year, several coaches from the college football and basketball words have all been fired or had no choice but to resign due to conduct an urban youth would describe as “OD”. In layman’s terms, a lot of coaches have done stupid shit.
Mark Mangino resigned from his spot as head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks football team for several reports of him abusing players physically and verbally. Bobby Gonzalez of Seton Hall’s basketball program was fired for not only being an asshole of a coach, but recruiting several players who couldn’t obey the law. Texas Tech football Mike Leach was fired for his mistreatment of wide receiver Adam James, who was forced to stand in a dark shed with concussion symptoms (a much more messed-up story when you learn about the whole situation.) Most disturbingly, Jim Leavitt of South Florida was fired as football coach after choking out a player, and secretly threatening his other players to change their accounts of the attack and deny it ever happened.
I can’t explain it. How can these adults do such reckless things when they represent not just their school, but a leadership figure for the athletes they coach? It boggles my mind how these guys, some of whom are among the highest-paid people at their universities, choose to dick around and set an awful example for everyone involved. I think of these situations and compare the debacle going on in the NFL; players are continually running afoul of the law and so much stress is placed on establishing a personal conduct policy. These coaches need some sort of straightening out as well.
Welsh should be ashamed. He didn’t even coach a single game. His most impressive statistic is .019, his blood-alcohol level the night he got arrested. He must have balled out like crazy at the bar…
On the night of Friday, April 30, Welsh was found in his parked Lexus… at a green light in the middle of an intersection in Levittown, Nassau County. He was promptly slapped with a DWI charge and indefinitely suspended by Hofstra once the administration board found out about the arrest. Three days later, Welsh resigned in shame. Hofstra released a brief statement saying, “The university accepted the resignation in the best interests of the university and of the men's basketball program.”
This is truly the latest example of a very disturbing trend in collegiate sports: misbehavior of the coaches. Not just the players, the 20-year guys from the ghettos across America with full scholarships, God-given athletic abilities, and propensities to go out and bone groupies; but the coaches, the grown men paid to straighten out these young men and win games. In the past year, several coaches from the college football and basketball words have all been fired or had no choice but to resign due to conduct an urban youth would describe as “OD”. In layman’s terms, a lot of coaches have done stupid shit.
Mark Mangino resigned from his spot as head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks football team for several reports of him abusing players physically and verbally. Bobby Gonzalez of Seton Hall’s basketball program was fired for not only being an asshole of a coach, but recruiting several players who couldn’t obey the law. Texas Tech football Mike Leach was fired for his mistreatment of wide receiver Adam James, who was forced to stand in a dark shed with concussion symptoms (a much more messed-up story when you learn about the whole situation.) Most disturbingly, Jim Leavitt of South Florida was fired as football coach after choking out a player, and secretly threatening his other players to change their accounts of the attack and deny it ever happened.
I can’t explain it. How can these adults do such reckless things when they represent not just their school, but a leadership figure for the athletes they coach? It boggles my mind how these guys, some of whom are among the highest-paid people at their universities, choose to dick around and set an awful example for everyone involved. I think of these situations and compare the debacle going on in the NFL; players are continually running afoul of the law and so much stress is placed on establishing a personal conduct policy. These coaches need some sort of straightening out as well.
Welsh should be ashamed. He didn’t even coach a single game. His most impressive statistic is .019, his blood-alcohol level the night he got arrested. He must have balled out like crazy at the bar…
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Why the Dez Bryant Fiasco is Overblown
Every main sports website I read (ESPN, SI, Fanhouse, etc.) has a ton of writers voicing their opinions on what happened inside that NFL Combine interview room between Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland and Dez Bryant, the most talented wide receiver prospect in the 2010 draft. Before I actually go into any personal analysis, let’s look at actual FACTS about this “case study":
1. Bryant’s mother was very young when she gave birth to him. Reports have her conceiving Bryant when she was about 14 years old. There have been no reports of her being raped, so she willingly became pregnant at age 14.
2. Bryant’s mother served jail time (18 months in the slammer) for selling crack cocaine. So her character has two questionable marks already.
3. Dez Bryant has character issues of his own; Oklahoma State coaches chastised him for his excessive lateness and anger problems. (I list this because given the first two facts, how could NFL teams not try to correlate this?)
Which leads us to the exchange between Bryant and Ireland. Ireland had asked Bryant what his father did for a living; Bryant responded by saying his father was a pimp and did not play a big role in his life. Enter the alleged dialogue:
Bryant: “My father was a pimp.”
Ireland: “What did your mom do [for a living]?”
Bryant: “She worked for my dad.”
WOW. Let’s put two and two together. Apply the aforementioned circumstances with Mrs. Bryant and combine that with the fact she worked for (not with, FOR) Dez’s pimp father. I wonder what was going through Ireland’s mind when he heard that. So needless to say, it concludes with this interaction:
Ireland: “Your mom was a prostitute?”
Bryant: “No, she wasn’t a prostitute.”
Major props to Bryant for not putting his fist through Ireland’s mouth. But really, is that really an irrational question to ask? NFL executives are dying to know every detail of their future players. Florida State safety and Rhodes scholar Myron Rolle was asked how it felt to “desert” his football team for an education at Oxford. One can conclude that sometimes, the questions can be a bit unusual, but that’s only front office figureheads trying to throw the prospects off a bit and adjust to the questions.
Ireland didn’t insult Bryant’s mother. He didn’t call her a whore, a ho, a trick, a tramp, or any derogatory word for a female you may hear in a rap song. He literally asked Bryant, straight up, if his mother was a prostitute. It doesn’t matter what the answer is. Dez Bryant was the best receiver in college football regardless if his mother slept with people for compensation. It's not like the general manager "ran out" of questions to ask him and randomly asked that question.
Now granted, it may be considered a bit inappropriate or off-color, but the media ruckus that has ensued is nowhere near what the situation really deserved. Of course, when I ran this issue past my parents, they seemed to have differing opinions. My mother felt that Ireland’s question was perfectly acceptable; after all, the NFL is a multimillion dollar industry where its performers are constantly under media scrutiny, and the players reflect their organizations and may have a negative influence if they have troubled backgrounds. My father tended to disagree with this notion, saying it’s nowhere near appropriate to ask such a question on a job interview. He’s right; but this is a professional sports league, where everyone gets away with their freedom of speech. Millions of fans make judgments on players every day based on off-field criteria, which is a bit unfair although expected in this media-heavy sports society.
Just let it go. That's my take on it.
1. Bryant’s mother was very young when she gave birth to him. Reports have her conceiving Bryant when she was about 14 years old. There have been no reports of her being raped, so she willingly became pregnant at age 14.
2. Bryant’s mother served jail time (18 months in the slammer) for selling crack cocaine. So her character has two questionable marks already.
3. Dez Bryant has character issues of his own; Oklahoma State coaches chastised him for his excessive lateness and anger problems. (I list this because given the first two facts, how could NFL teams not try to correlate this?)
Which leads us to the exchange between Bryant and Ireland. Ireland had asked Bryant what his father did for a living; Bryant responded by saying his father was a pimp and did not play a big role in his life. Enter the alleged dialogue:
Bryant: “My father was a pimp.”
Ireland: “What did your mom do [for a living]?”
Bryant: “She worked for my dad.”
WOW. Let’s put two and two together. Apply the aforementioned circumstances with Mrs. Bryant and combine that with the fact she worked for (not with, FOR) Dez’s pimp father. I wonder what was going through Ireland’s mind when he heard that. So needless to say, it concludes with this interaction:
Ireland: “Your mom was a prostitute?”
Bryant: “No, she wasn’t a prostitute.”
Major props to Bryant for not putting his fist through Ireland’s mouth. But really, is that really an irrational question to ask? NFL executives are dying to know every detail of their future players. Florida State safety and Rhodes scholar Myron Rolle was asked how it felt to “desert” his football team for an education at Oxford. One can conclude that sometimes, the questions can be a bit unusual, but that’s only front office figureheads trying to throw the prospects off a bit and adjust to the questions.
Ireland didn’t insult Bryant’s mother. He didn’t call her a whore, a ho, a trick, a tramp, or any derogatory word for a female you may hear in a rap song. He literally asked Bryant, straight up, if his mother was a prostitute. It doesn’t matter what the answer is. Dez Bryant was the best receiver in college football regardless if his mother slept with people for compensation. It's not like the general manager "ran out" of questions to ask him and randomly asked that question.
Now granted, it may be considered a bit inappropriate or off-color, but the media ruckus that has ensued is nowhere near what the situation really deserved. Of course, when I ran this issue past my parents, they seemed to have differing opinions. My mother felt that Ireland’s question was perfectly acceptable; after all, the NFL is a multimillion dollar industry where its performers are constantly under media scrutiny, and the players reflect their organizations and may have a negative influence if they have troubled backgrounds. My father tended to disagree with this notion, saying it’s nowhere near appropriate to ask such a question on a job interview. He’s right; but this is a professional sports league, where everyone gets away with their freedom of speech. Millions of fans make judgments on players every day based on off-field criteria, which is a bit unfair although expected in this media-heavy sports society.
Just let it go. That's my take on it.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Open Letter: Writing to Javier Vazquez
Open Letters are going to comprise of me "penning" a letter to some sports figure for one reason or another. It may be a petition to do something; it may be pure unadultered rage. You never know how I'm feeling. Today, I write to a particular underachieving Yankees pitcher...
Dear Mr. Vazquez,
I’ve always wanted to complain about a guy who makes 10 million dollars a year. You’re awful. You’re overrated. Why the hell did the Yankees trade for you, giving up my favorite player (Melky Cabrera) in the process?
You had a 2.87 ERA last year in Atlanta. EVERYONE knows the AL shits on the NL. That 2.87 ERA is like a 4.50 ERA in the American League (a bit of an exaggeration, but there’s a BIG difference). It’s funny because your ERA right now is 9.00. My goodness, that’s DOUBLE 4.50! Your best start this year (you know, the one start that got you a win) had you throwing 107 pitches to get 16 guys out. Yep, 5 and 1/3 innings pitched while giving up 3 runs. Thank God you have the best lineup in baseball.
It seems to be a common theme to me; in your only other year here (2004) you had your worst statistical season in your career up to that point, notching an ERA of 4.91, 11 hit batsmen, 12 wild pitches, your second highest WHIP in your career (1.288), and second lowest strikeout ratio in your career (6.8 K/9 IP). How you managed to 14 games that year defies all logic in nature.
Do you remember something else about that year, Javy? Specifically, coming in to Game 7 of the ALCS against the Red Sox who were still cursed at that time? Do you recall giving up a grand slam to Johnny Damon, the FIRST batter you faced? Great times. Just when you couldn’t be any lower in Yankees fans’ hearts, you gave up yet ANOTHER home run to Damon 2 innings later.
And after thriving in an inferior league, you somehow persuaded the Yankees to bring you back. Look how far it’s gotten you! All you’ve received is your paycheck and one undeserved win. Holy shit, you have no idea how angry you make me. Pull your head out of your ass. You’re 34 years old. You know how to pitch well. DO IT, you asshole. You’re such a waste of money. Justify your price tag or something of that nature. You know, other guys come to New York and succeed, if not, elevate their games and do better. Why can’t you?
Sincerely,
Michael Moschetto
Dear Mr. Vazquez,
I’ve always wanted to complain about a guy who makes 10 million dollars a year. You’re awful. You’re overrated. Why the hell did the Yankees trade for you, giving up my favorite player (Melky Cabrera) in the process?
You had a 2.87 ERA last year in Atlanta. EVERYONE knows the AL shits on the NL. That 2.87 ERA is like a 4.50 ERA in the American League (a bit of an exaggeration, but there’s a BIG difference). It’s funny because your ERA right now is 9.00. My goodness, that’s DOUBLE 4.50! Your best start this year (you know, the one start that got you a win) had you throwing 107 pitches to get 16 guys out. Yep, 5 and 1/3 innings pitched while giving up 3 runs. Thank God you have the best lineup in baseball.
It seems to be a common theme to me; in your only other year here (2004) you had your worst statistical season in your career up to that point, notching an ERA of 4.91, 11 hit batsmen, 12 wild pitches, your second highest WHIP in your career (1.288), and second lowest strikeout ratio in your career (6.8 K/9 IP). How you managed to 14 games that year defies all logic in nature.
Do you remember something else about that year, Javy? Specifically, coming in to Game 7 of the ALCS against the Red Sox who were still cursed at that time? Do you recall giving up a grand slam to Johnny Damon, the FIRST batter you faced? Great times. Just when you couldn’t be any lower in Yankees fans’ hearts, you gave up yet ANOTHER home run to Damon 2 innings later.
And after thriving in an inferior league, you somehow persuaded the Yankees to bring you back. Look how far it’s gotten you! All you’ve received is your paycheck and one undeserved win. Holy shit, you have no idea how angry you make me. Pull your head out of your ass. You’re 34 years old. You know how to pitch well. DO IT, you asshole. You’re such a waste of money. Justify your price tag or something of that nature. You know, other guys come to New York and succeed, if not, elevate their games and do better. Why can’t you?
Sincerely,
Michael Moschetto
Monday, April 26, 2010
Dream Team: Allies vs Axis
So whenever I get bored, I like to conjure up “dream teams”: imaginary teams of sports players.
I wanted to recreate the historic battle between the Allies and Axis powers of World War II through a soccer/football match. The Allies will be represented by players from the United States, France, and England, and the Axis powers will be comprised of German, Italian, and Russian players.
Allies (playing a 4-4-1-1 formation)
GK: Tim Howard (United States, Everton)
LB: Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea)
CB: Rio Ferdinand (England, Manchester United)
CB: John Terry (England, Chelsea)
RB: Glen Johnson (England, Liverpool)
LM: Franck Ribery (France, Bayern Munich)
CM: Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea)
CM: Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool)
RM: Aaron Lennon (England, Tottenham)
CF: Landon Donovan (United States, Everton/LA Galaxy)
ST: Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United)
Bench:
G- Hugo Lloris (France, Lyon)
D-Patrice Evra (England, Manchester United), Oguchi Onyewu (United States, AC Milan)
M- Yoann Gourcuff (France, Bordeaux)
F- Jozy Altidore (United States, Hull City), Karim Benzema (France, Real Madrid), Thierry Henry (France, Barcelona)
Axis (playing a 4-3-1-2 formation)
GK: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus)
LB: Yuri Zhirkov (Russia, Chelsea)
CB: Fabio Cannavaro (Italy, Juventus)
CB: Giorgi Chiellini (Italy, Juventus)
RB: Philipp Lahm (Germany, Bayern Munich)
CM: Daniele De Rossi (Italy, Roma)
CM: Andrea Pirlo (Italy, AC Milan)
CM: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, Bayern Munich)
CF: Alessandro Del Piero (Italy, Juventus)
ST: Lukas Podolski (Germany, FC Koln)
ST: Alberto Gilardino (Italy, Fiorentina)
Bench:
G- Igor Akinfeev (Russia, CSKA Moscow)
D-Per Mertesacker (Germany, Werder Bremen), Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy, AC Milan)
M- Michael Ballack (Germany, Chelsea), Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Russia, Everton)
F- Francesco Totti (Italy, Roma), Giuseppe Rossi (Italy, Villarreal)
So who would you take, the Allies or the Axis?
I wanted to recreate the historic battle between the Allies and Axis powers of World War II through a soccer/football match. The Allies will be represented by players from the United States, France, and England, and the Axis powers will be comprised of German, Italian, and Russian players.
Allies (playing a 4-4-1-1 formation)
GK: Tim Howard (United States, Everton)
LB: Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea)
CB: Rio Ferdinand (England, Manchester United)
CB: John Terry (England, Chelsea)
RB: Glen Johnson (England, Liverpool)
LM: Franck Ribery (France, Bayern Munich)
CM: Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea)
CM: Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool)
RM: Aaron Lennon (England, Tottenham)
CF: Landon Donovan (United States, Everton/LA Galaxy)
ST: Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United)
Bench:
G- Hugo Lloris (France, Lyon)
D-Patrice Evra (England, Manchester United), Oguchi Onyewu (United States, AC Milan)
M- Yoann Gourcuff (France, Bordeaux)
F- Jozy Altidore (United States, Hull City), Karim Benzema (France, Real Madrid), Thierry Henry (France, Barcelona)
Axis (playing a 4-3-1-2 formation)
GK: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus)
LB: Yuri Zhirkov (Russia, Chelsea)
CB: Fabio Cannavaro (Italy, Juventus)
CB: Giorgi Chiellini (Italy, Juventus)
RB: Philipp Lahm (Germany, Bayern Munich)
CM: Daniele De Rossi (Italy, Roma)
CM: Andrea Pirlo (Italy, AC Milan)
CM: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, Bayern Munich)
CF: Alessandro Del Piero (Italy, Juventus)
ST: Lukas Podolski (Germany, FC Koln)
ST: Alberto Gilardino (Italy, Fiorentina)
Bench:
G- Igor Akinfeev (Russia, CSKA Moscow)
D-Per Mertesacker (Germany, Werder Bremen), Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy, AC Milan)
M- Michael Ballack (Germany, Chelsea), Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Russia, Everton)
F- Francesco Totti (Italy, Roma), Giuseppe Rossi (Italy, Villarreal)
So who would you take, the Allies or the Axis?
Why the Mets Organization Is the Most Futile in MLB
Yes, I’m about to go there. Any Mets fan is reading this and smacking their forehead loudly. It’s almost inevitable. Last year, Sportscenter had a Not Top 10 of purely Mets-related plays and events… in August. The season wasn’t even over yet. But allow me to eloquently explain the Mets’ suckitude. Keep in mind I’m explaining why the organization is merely futile; the Mets aren’t the worst team in the league. They’ve been to the playoffs during our generation. They’ve had good players, and they currently have good players. It’s merely HOW the team is RUN. It transcends their performance (or lack thereof) on the field; the front office is equally as inept.
So we’ll start with the management involved. Simply put, the Mets need a new owner. The Wilpons are doing everything they can to run the team into the ground since 2006, the Mets’ closest chance to significant success since, well, 20 years beforehand in the magical, cocaine-filled season of 1986. (Actually, the entire decade of the 1980’s was cocaine-filled in sports and society, but that be a topic for later.) Handing out big contracts to guys like Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo really doesn’t help. The fact that management has stubborn decided to keep these players every year does no good for the team.
Jerry Manuel is arguably the least efficient manager in the league. My God, he’s not even the best manager in the NL East with the last name of Manuel. Granted, Charlie Manuel is doing an incredible job in Philly, but that’s not the point. I haven’t seen a coach or manager criticized this often by the media since Isiah Thomas got ran out of town from the Knicks; he could have saved a baby out of a burning building and Knicks fans would still have booed him mercilessly.
Anyway, Manuel’s partner/butt buddy Omar Minaya at GM has assembled a team of Hispanics and David Wright that went 70-92 last year, fourth place in the NL East. An NL East with the rebuilding Braves, the Marlins with a payroll of literally, 30 million dollars, and the Nationals. Meanwhile, the Mets have been in the top 5 in team payroll practically every year this decade and have exactly ONE playoff berth (the pseudo-miracle run of 2006) to show for it. *cough* Yadier Molina *cough*
How about that new stadium? I mean, it’s aesthetically pleasing, but for actual Mets fans, have you actually SEEN the stadium? There’s more shit about Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers in there than anything! After talking to several Mets fans, it’s obvious to me that this hasn’t really struck a fine chord with the majority of supporters. Keep in mind the Dodgers haven’t played in Brooklyn since, uh, 1958. That’s 52 years. The Mets don’t even play in Brooklyn. Moving on.
I don’t get the Mets. Their organization really seems to have no desire to build a championship team. How can a team in the sports world’s biggest market have all that payroll and perennially underachieve? I don’t even root for them and it bothers me a LOT. Jason Bay was a nice addition, but the guy already peaked statistically; AND now he’s in the uber-pitcher’s park known as CitiField (or ShittiField, if you’re not a fan). Johan Santana may not even be the best pitcher from Venezuela at this point in his career (Felix Hernandez may have him beat) and gets minimal run support. I’m actually really happy that Ike Davis has been beasting so far and Jose Reyes is healthy again (he’s one of my favorite players to watch, period), but anything above third place this year will be a surprise to me. You can only hope that David Wright will make more Vitamin Water advertisements. Just saying.
So we’ll start with the management involved. Simply put, the Mets need a new owner. The Wilpons are doing everything they can to run the team into the ground since 2006, the Mets’ closest chance to significant success since, well, 20 years beforehand in the magical, cocaine-filled season of 1986. (Actually, the entire decade of the 1980’s was cocaine-filled in sports and society, but that be a topic for later.) Handing out big contracts to guys like Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo really doesn’t help. The fact that management has stubborn decided to keep these players every year does no good for the team.
Jerry Manuel is arguably the least efficient manager in the league. My God, he’s not even the best manager in the NL East with the last name of Manuel. Granted, Charlie Manuel is doing an incredible job in Philly, but that’s not the point. I haven’t seen a coach or manager criticized this often by the media since Isiah Thomas got ran out of town from the Knicks; he could have saved a baby out of a burning building and Knicks fans would still have booed him mercilessly.
Anyway, Manuel’s partner/butt buddy Omar Minaya at GM has assembled a team of Hispanics and David Wright that went 70-92 last year, fourth place in the NL East. An NL East with the rebuilding Braves, the Marlins with a payroll of literally, 30 million dollars, and the Nationals. Meanwhile, the Mets have been in the top 5 in team payroll practically every year this decade and have exactly ONE playoff berth (the pseudo-miracle run of 2006) to show for it. *cough* Yadier Molina *cough*
How about that new stadium? I mean, it’s aesthetically pleasing, but for actual Mets fans, have you actually SEEN the stadium? There’s more shit about Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers in there than anything! After talking to several Mets fans, it’s obvious to me that this hasn’t really struck a fine chord with the majority of supporters. Keep in mind the Dodgers haven’t played in Brooklyn since, uh, 1958. That’s 52 years. The Mets don’t even play in Brooklyn. Moving on.
I don’t get the Mets. Their organization really seems to have no desire to build a championship team. How can a team in the sports world’s biggest market have all that payroll and perennially underachieve? I don’t even root for them and it bothers me a LOT. Jason Bay was a nice addition, but the guy already peaked statistically; AND now he’s in the uber-pitcher’s park known as CitiField (or ShittiField, if you’re not a fan). Johan Santana may not even be the best pitcher from Venezuela at this point in his career (Felix Hernandez may have him beat) and gets minimal run support. I’m actually really happy that Ike Davis has been beasting so far and Jose Reyes is healthy again (he’s one of my favorite players to watch, period), but anything above third place this year will be a surprise to me. You can only hope that David Wright will make more Vitamin Water advertisements. Just saying.
European Football Leagues Heating Up
International soccer (or football, depending on where you’re from) is really heating up this time of year, especially with that whole World Cup event-thing taking place in June. Most specifically, the top 4 European domestic leagues all have extremely close title races, something that doesn’t usually happen often, with the big money-making teams all staking their claim for first place from the first game of the season and never letting go. This year is obviously a bit different. Let’s go first to the English Premier League, where the race for first place is down to two teams:
Chelsea: 36 games played, 25-5-6 record, +61 goal difference, 80 points
Manchester United: 36 games played, 25-4-7 record, +53 goal difference, 79 points
Clearly, Chelsea has a monster advantage in goal difference and a slim margin of one point right now. Their last two games are on the road at Liverpool, and a home match against Wigan, who infamously thumped Chelsea 3-1 earlier this season. The Blues really can’t afford to drop either of these games, especially Liverpool, who despite an uncharacteristic 10-loss season is still a tough team to beat. To make things a bit more concerning for Chelsea, Man U’s last two games are at Sunderland and against Stoke City at Old Trafford in Manchester. Two easier opponents for the Red Devils will make this an incredible finish to the Premier League season. Onto the Spanish Primera Liga, where again, it’s a two horse race:
Barcelona: 34 games played, 27-6-1 record, +63 goal difference, 87 points
Real Madrid: 34 games played, 28-2-4 record, +59 goal difference, 86 points
Another one-point difference between the two clubs, but I’ll definitely bet on Barca to win La Liga. With one loss the entire season, Barca is looking for the double of domestic and European championships, even though they were shell shocked by Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions’ League semifinals. With the world’s best player (Lionel Messi) and best passer (Xavi Hernandez, my man-crush), the Catalans provide a stiff challenge to Real Madrid, who despite metrosexual fiend Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka’s efforts have managed to drop 4 games this year, including two against (you guessed it) Barcelona. Now moving to Italy for Serie A action:
Inter Milan: 35 games played, 21-10-4 record, +37 goal difference, 73 points
AS Roma: 35 games played, 21-8-6 record, +23 goal difference, 71 points
Relatively close race, until you realize that Inter is playing the best football in the world right now and appear to be the new favorites for Champions League glory this year. With a couple of ugly draws this season, Jose Mourinho’s guys will hit the last 3 games of the season with a killer instinct. Even though their goal difference isn’t as high as the other league leaders in this article, Inter plays significantly better and more efficiently than Roma, who just dropped a crucial match to Sampdoria. Can stars Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi carry Roma to the title? We’ll have to see. Finally, our last league for today is the Bundesliga of Germany:
Bayern Munich: 32 games played, 18-10-4 record, +37 goal difference, 64 points
Schalke 04: 32 games played, 19-7-6 record, +24 goal difference, 64 points
A dead heat with the exception of Bayern completely defecating on defenses this year (hence better goal difference). However, with 6 games left for each club, anything can happen; with Munich kicking ass in the Champions League right now (behind Arjen Robben’s incredible left foot), they may not be at 100% full focus for the domestic league games. In addition, Schalke has quietly had a great season behind their striking duo of Kevin Kuranyi and Jefferson Farfan (who’s incredible in FIFA 10, if you’ve ever played.) I’d like to see Schalke pull off the upset and win the title; Bayern can have the European championship, which they may just win.
Chelsea: 36 games played, 25-5-6 record, +61 goal difference, 80 points
Manchester United: 36 games played, 25-4-7 record, +53 goal difference, 79 points
Clearly, Chelsea has a monster advantage in goal difference and a slim margin of one point right now. Their last two games are on the road at Liverpool, and a home match against Wigan, who infamously thumped Chelsea 3-1 earlier this season. The Blues really can’t afford to drop either of these games, especially Liverpool, who despite an uncharacteristic 10-loss season is still a tough team to beat. To make things a bit more concerning for Chelsea, Man U’s last two games are at Sunderland and against Stoke City at Old Trafford in Manchester. Two easier opponents for the Red Devils will make this an incredible finish to the Premier League season. Onto the Spanish Primera Liga, where again, it’s a two horse race:
Barcelona: 34 games played, 27-6-1 record, +63 goal difference, 87 points
Real Madrid: 34 games played, 28-2-4 record, +59 goal difference, 86 points
Another one-point difference between the two clubs, but I’ll definitely bet on Barca to win La Liga. With one loss the entire season, Barca is looking for the double of domestic and European championships, even though they were shell shocked by Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions’ League semifinals. With the world’s best player (Lionel Messi) and best passer (Xavi Hernandez, my man-crush), the Catalans provide a stiff challenge to Real Madrid, who despite metrosexual fiend Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka’s efforts have managed to drop 4 games this year, including two against (you guessed it) Barcelona. Now moving to Italy for Serie A action:
Inter Milan: 35 games played, 21-10-4 record, +37 goal difference, 73 points
AS Roma: 35 games played, 21-8-6 record, +23 goal difference, 71 points
Relatively close race, until you realize that Inter is playing the best football in the world right now and appear to be the new favorites for Champions League glory this year. With a couple of ugly draws this season, Jose Mourinho’s guys will hit the last 3 games of the season with a killer instinct. Even though their goal difference isn’t as high as the other league leaders in this article, Inter plays significantly better and more efficiently than Roma, who just dropped a crucial match to Sampdoria. Can stars Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi carry Roma to the title? We’ll have to see. Finally, our last league for today is the Bundesliga of Germany:
Bayern Munich: 32 games played, 18-10-4 record, +37 goal difference, 64 points
Schalke 04: 32 games played, 19-7-6 record, +24 goal difference, 64 points
A dead heat with the exception of Bayern completely defecating on defenses this year (hence better goal difference). However, with 6 games left for each club, anything can happen; with Munich kicking ass in the Champions League right now (behind Arjen Robben’s incredible left foot), they may not be at 100% full focus for the domestic league games. In addition, Schalke has quietly had a great season behind their striking duo of Kevin Kuranyi and Jefferson Farfan (who’s incredible in FIFA 10, if you’ve ever played.) I’d like to see Schalke pull off the upset and win the title; Bayern can have the European championship, which they may just win.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Top 10 Players in the NHL
I’m not going to lie, I haven’t followed hockey in about 2 years. However, with the great NHL playoffs we’ve been experiencing so far, I really have no choice but to write about the sport.
I’m relatively unfamiliar with a lot of the new faces in the league, but I’m going to try to slap together a respectable list so that casual, non-casual, and non-fans alike can all appreciate the superstars of the league. Agree to disagree, of course. Additionally, a preview of the conference semifinals will probably follow this, for all the hockey fans out there.
10. Steve Stamkos, Lightning- He has two years under his belt, but I need to put this guy on the list. The first overall pick in the 2008 draft, Stamkos immediately burst onto the scene. He tied for the league lead with 51 goals this year. You’re wondering how old he is? Twenty. He was born on February 7, 1990; he’s three days younger than I am. I feel significantly less accomplished in my life. He has an incredible future ahead of him.
9. Zdeno Chara, Senators- The 6’9’’ giant has been a cornerstone at defenseman for the Sens. Picked up the Norris Trophy last year for being the league’s best defender. He also had a slap shot clocked at 105.4 miles per hour at last year’s All-Star Skills Competition. Why the hell did the Islanders trade this guy? Oh right, because we wanted Alexei Yashin. And transactions like that are why the Islanders aren’t going to be on Long Island for too much longer. Good times.
8. Mike Green, Capitals- This guy seems pretty badass. The 24-year old is extremely prolific as a defenseman (76 points this season, 73 the year before) and reportedly ruptured one of Philadelphia Flyer Patrick Thoresen’s testicles due to a nasty slap shot. Moreover, he also hold the record for most consecutive games with a goal by a defenseman with eight. Also rocks a mean faux hawk.
7. Martin Brodeur, Devils- The guy’s track record is unmatched. He’s the all-time leader in wins and shutouts, in addition to being the only goaltender with eight 40-win seasons. He has 602 wins, to be exact. A hero in New Jersey (not like they have many of them there), he’s the most accomplished goalie in history and still tearing it up at the age of 37. Yeah, he’s pretty good.
6. Patrick Kane, Blackhawks- The 21-year old American is ferocious on the wing in Chicago. With 88 points in 82 games, Kane is capable of taking over a game and carrying the Blackhawks. The first overall pick in the 200 draft, Kane hasn’t disappointed anyone in his short career in the league. Earns bonus points for punching out a cab driver. So maybe his parents aren’t too happy with him, but it’s all good.
5. Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings- One of the most versatile forwards in the league, the Swedish Zetterberg can do it all. A two-time Stanley Cup winner, he may not have mind-boggling numbers but is a proven commodity the league and improves his teammates’ play just by being on the ice. Like a Steve Nash of some sort.
4. Joe Thornton, Sharks- Arguably one of the most dynamic centers in the league. Thornton is the only guy to ever win league MVP and lead the league in points while switching teams in one season. A great asset for San Jose, the 6’4’’, 235-pound monster does nothing but score points; you also may have seen him make an appearance for the evil Canadians in this year’s Olympics.
3. Ryan Miller, Sabres- Easily the best goalie in the league right now. Came up monsterously in the Olympics and in the NHL season this year as well (41 wins, 2.22 GAA, .929 SV%). America’s goalie for years to come, Miller is a huge reason for Buffalo’s success the last few years; like a quarterback, this goalie is the cornerstone of the team and will keep stopping shots in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
2. Sidney Crosby, Penguins- If you’re from Canada or a Penguins fan, you love him. If you’re a female, you think he’s the cutest player in the league. If you’re none of the above, you hate Sidney Crosby. You may describe him as a “frail, pretty-boy, smug little bitch.” You may hate him because of his gold medal-winning goal in this year’s Olympics against the United States. Personally, I’m not a fan of his, but you have to recall the lockout for the 2004-2005 season. Crosby was the first pick of the draft following the stoppage, and had a HUGE responsibility of helping make the NHL relevant again. It’s still a bit of a journey, but with 506 career points in 370 games, Crosby is on his way to being one of the best ever. But he’s still not the best player in the league…
1. Alexander Ovechkin, Captials- This guy dominates the league like LeBron dominates the NBA. I’m hard-pressed to find a single thing Ovie can’t do. He’s big, fast, strong, and an extremely good stick-handler. There’s also that thing he does when he puts the puck in the net. It’s not just that he scores a lot of goals, it’s HOW he scores them; I’m too lazy to find a Youtube video on here and post it. So you may have to look yourself. In summary, Ovechkin is the best, most exciting, and most electrifying player in the world right now.
I’m relatively unfamiliar with a lot of the new faces in the league, but I’m going to try to slap together a respectable list so that casual, non-casual, and non-fans alike can all appreciate the superstars of the league. Agree to disagree, of course. Additionally, a preview of the conference semifinals will probably follow this, for all the hockey fans out there.
10. Steve Stamkos, Lightning- He has two years under his belt, but I need to put this guy on the list. The first overall pick in the 2008 draft, Stamkos immediately burst onto the scene. He tied for the league lead with 51 goals this year. You’re wondering how old he is? Twenty. He was born on February 7, 1990; he’s three days younger than I am. I feel significantly less accomplished in my life. He has an incredible future ahead of him.
9. Zdeno Chara, Senators- The 6’9’’ giant has been a cornerstone at defenseman for the Sens. Picked up the Norris Trophy last year for being the league’s best defender. He also had a slap shot clocked at 105.4 miles per hour at last year’s All-Star Skills Competition. Why the hell did the Islanders trade this guy? Oh right, because we wanted Alexei Yashin. And transactions like that are why the Islanders aren’t going to be on Long Island for too much longer. Good times.
8. Mike Green, Capitals- This guy seems pretty badass. The 24-year old is extremely prolific as a defenseman (76 points this season, 73 the year before) and reportedly ruptured one of Philadelphia Flyer Patrick Thoresen’s testicles due to a nasty slap shot. Moreover, he also hold the record for most consecutive games with a goal by a defenseman with eight. Also rocks a mean faux hawk.
7. Martin Brodeur, Devils- The guy’s track record is unmatched. He’s the all-time leader in wins and shutouts, in addition to being the only goaltender with eight 40-win seasons. He has 602 wins, to be exact. A hero in New Jersey (not like they have many of them there), he’s the most accomplished goalie in history and still tearing it up at the age of 37. Yeah, he’s pretty good.
6. Patrick Kane, Blackhawks- The 21-year old American is ferocious on the wing in Chicago. With 88 points in 82 games, Kane is capable of taking over a game and carrying the Blackhawks. The first overall pick in the 200 draft, Kane hasn’t disappointed anyone in his short career in the league. Earns bonus points for punching out a cab driver. So maybe his parents aren’t too happy with him, but it’s all good.
5. Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings- One of the most versatile forwards in the league, the Swedish Zetterberg can do it all. A two-time Stanley Cup winner, he may not have mind-boggling numbers but is a proven commodity the league and improves his teammates’ play just by being on the ice. Like a Steve Nash of some sort.
4. Joe Thornton, Sharks- Arguably one of the most dynamic centers in the league. Thornton is the only guy to ever win league MVP and lead the league in points while switching teams in one season. A great asset for San Jose, the 6’4’’, 235-pound monster does nothing but score points; you also may have seen him make an appearance for the evil Canadians in this year’s Olympics.
3. Ryan Miller, Sabres- Easily the best goalie in the league right now. Came up monsterously in the Olympics and in the NHL season this year as well (41 wins, 2.22 GAA, .929 SV%). America’s goalie for years to come, Miller is a huge reason for Buffalo’s success the last few years; like a quarterback, this goalie is the cornerstone of the team and will keep stopping shots in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
2. Sidney Crosby, Penguins- If you’re from Canada or a Penguins fan, you love him. If you’re a female, you think he’s the cutest player in the league. If you’re none of the above, you hate Sidney Crosby. You may describe him as a “frail, pretty-boy, smug little bitch.” You may hate him because of his gold medal-winning goal in this year’s Olympics against the United States. Personally, I’m not a fan of his, but you have to recall the lockout for the 2004-2005 season. Crosby was the first pick of the draft following the stoppage, and had a HUGE responsibility of helping make the NHL relevant again. It’s still a bit of a journey, but with 506 career points in 370 games, Crosby is on his way to being one of the best ever. But he’s still not the best player in the league…
1. Alexander Ovechkin, Captials- This guy dominates the league like LeBron dominates the NBA. I’m hard-pressed to find a single thing Ovie can’t do. He’s big, fast, strong, and an extremely good stick-handler. There’s also that thing he does when he puts the puck in the net. It’s not just that he scores a lot of goals, it’s HOW he scores them; I’m too lazy to find a Youtube video on here and post it. So you may have to look yourself. In summary, Ovechkin is the best, most exciting, and most electrifying player in the world right now.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Winners and Losers of the NFL Draft
So now the draft is over; there probably won't be another football post for a while. Unless a two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback gets accused of rape for a second time or something of that nature. You mean that happened already? Good, let's move on.
Winners
Rams: You would expect the holders of the first overall pick to have a successful draft. But the Rams got four potential cornerstones of the franchise in Sam Bradford, stud tackle Rodger Saffold, cornerback Jerome Murphy, and wideout Mardy Gilyard. This draft definitely will push St. Louis to a 4 or 5 win season, a great improvement from last season’s debacle.
Patriots: To be honest, when do they NOT win in the draft? The Pats addressed practically all of their needs this weekend, picking up a first round CB in Devin McCourty, two tough linebackers from Florida (Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes), two tight ends (Ron Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, my favorite TE this year), and the draft’s best punter. (Zoltan Mesko of Michigan!) Just the Pats doing work in April as usual.
Panthers: With John Fox perhaps in his last year as head coach, Carolina did work this weekend. They may have committed the robbery of the draft getting Jimmy Clausen at pick number 48, which supplies a stable replacement at QB as well. Also drafted by the Panthers were wide receivers Brandon LaFell (who excelled playing in the tough SEC) and Appalachian State hero Armanti Edwards. I’m still upset over that whole Michigan debacle… Anyway, Carolina also drafted Eric Norwood (OLB) and Greg Hardy (DE) in the sixth round; BOTH of these guys have been ranked in the top 60 of many people’s drafts boards but slipped for whatever reason. So it was a good draft for my team.
Texans: CB Kareem Jackson will immediately help out in replacing Dunta Robinson. Running back Ben Tate and tight ends Tony Moeaki and Dorin Dickinson (a seventh-round steal) are new faces on offense to supplement the immortal Andre Johnson. Earl Mitchell is a great choice for defensive tackle, and Trindon Holliday was a rather beastly return man for LSU standing at 5’6’’. Solid draft for Houston.
Cowboys: No one really likes the Cowboys, but you have to admit they had a hell of a draft this year. Dez Bryant was arguably the best wideout in this year’s class and will definitely make a splash in place of the ever-awful Roy Williams. LB Sean Lee of Penn State will fill in holes in the middle for Dallas, which desparately needed punch after being dominated by the Vikings last year in the playoffs. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is an amazing pick, coming from Division II college Indiana of Pennsylvania; at 6 feet tall and 210 pounds, he is an impressive DB prospect who will make an immediate impact in the secondary. Sixth-round pick Sam Young had a stellar college career at Notre Dame and will provide depth along the offensive line.
Losers
Jets: The law of averages came into play here; despite their particularly successful offseason, the Jets fell short this weekend. They only had 4 picks this draft and used their first-round pick to take defensive back Kyle Wilson of Boise State. Why? Linebackers like Sergio Kindle and Jerry Hughes were still available, and the Jets desperately need to replace mega-bust Vernon Gholston. Although second-rounder Vladimir Ducasse was a good fit, I was a bit surprised with Joe McKnight, an extreme underachiever at USC, being picked up in the 4th round. The Jets’ fourth pick was a fullback named John Conner, though. The name may compensate for his skill, but not really.
Browns: Granted, the Browns have nowhere to go but up, but I expected more out of their draft. Drafting Joe Haden (the “best” of a weak crop of cornerbacks) was a bit of a reach at pick #7; I don’t know why they passed up on Jimmy Clausen, but they really could’ve had a chance at a better impact player that high in the draft. Other than Colt McCoy, the players Cleveland picked were slightly above average at the collegiate level; to expect them to succeed in the NFL will take a lot of praying… and player development.
Jaguars: Probably the worst draft in the league this year. I don’t get it. Jacksonville needs a new franchise face; Maurice Jones Drew can’t carry the team on his tiny-but-extremely-jacked shoulders. So naturally, the Jags draft Tyson Alualu, a DT with a SECOND-ROUND grade, at the 10th overall pick. Following that? Another DT named D’Anthony, and guys from Central Arkansas, Murray State, Southern Illinois, and James Madison. When the Jacksonville Jaguars get relocated within 3 years, you’ll know who called it. Disgusting draft. EW.
Giants: Maybe I just don’t like either of the New York teams. But after Jason Pierre-Paul, the G-Men passed up on guys like Taylor Mays and Terrance Cody to draft Chad Jones and Linval Joseph. Additionally, barely anything was done to address the lack of depth on the aging offensive line (a fifth rounder is simply not enough).
Vikings: Granted, they didn’t have a first-round pick, but Minnesota didn’t do much to improve their team. Their first pick, CB Chris Cook, is the typical victim of a weak position class; he may have 7 interceptions next year and make me look bad, but the Vikings still need more depth in the secondary. Other than Toby Gerhart (who I do like, but won’t get more than 100 touches this year), there isn’t much to speak of here. In addition, Minnesota failed to pick up a quarterback despite the ambiguous future of Brett Favre.
Winners
Rams: You would expect the holders of the first overall pick to have a successful draft. But the Rams got four potential cornerstones of the franchise in Sam Bradford, stud tackle Rodger Saffold, cornerback Jerome Murphy, and wideout Mardy Gilyard. This draft definitely will push St. Louis to a 4 or 5 win season, a great improvement from last season’s debacle.
Patriots: To be honest, when do they NOT win in the draft? The Pats addressed practically all of their needs this weekend, picking up a first round CB in Devin McCourty, two tough linebackers from Florida (Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes), two tight ends (Ron Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, my favorite TE this year), and the draft’s best punter. (Zoltan Mesko of Michigan!) Just the Pats doing work in April as usual.
Panthers: With John Fox perhaps in his last year as head coach, Carolina did work this weekend. They may have committed the robbery of the draft getting Jimmy Clausen at pick number 48, which supplies a stable replacement at QB as well. Also drafted by the Panthers were wide receivers Brandon LaFell (who excelled playing in the tough SEC) and Appalachian State hero Armanti Edwards. I’m still upset over that whole Michigan debacle… Anyway, Carolina also drafted Eric Norwood (OLB) and Greg Hardy (DE) in the sixth round; BOTH of these guys have been ranked in the top 60 of many people’s drafts boards but slipped for whatever reason. So it was a good draft for my team.
Texans: CB Kareem Jackson will immediately help out in replacing Dunta Robinson. Running back Ben Tate and tight ends Tony Moeaki and Dorin Dickinson (a seventh-round steal) are new faces on offense to supplement the immortal Andre Johnson. Earl Mitchell is a great choice for defensive tackle, and Trindon Holliday was a rather beastly return man for LSU standing at 5’6’’. Solid draft for Houston.
Cowboys: No one really likes the Cowboys, but you have to admit they had a hell of a draft this year. Dez Bryant was arguably the best wideout in this year’s class and will definitely make a splash in place of the ever-awful Roy Williams. LB Sean Lee of Penn State will fill in holes in the middle for Dallas, which desparately needed punch after being dominated by the Vikings last year in the playoffs. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is an amazing pick, coming from Division II college Indiana of Pennsylvania; at 6 feet tall and 210 pounds, he is an impressive DB prospect who will make an immediate impact in the secondary. Sixth-round pick Sam Young had a stellar college career at Notre Dame and will provide depth along the offensive line.
Losers
Jets: The law of averages came into play here; despite their particularly successful offseason, the Jets fell short this weekend. They only had 4 picks this draft and used their first-round pick to take defensive back Kyle Wilson of Boise State. Why? Linebackers like Sergio Kindle and Jerry Hughes were still available, and the Jets desperately need to replace mega-bust Vernon Gholston. Although second-rounder Vladimir Ducasse was a good fit, I was a bit surprised with Joe McKnight, an extreme underachiever at USC, being picked up in the 4th round. The Jets’ fourth pick was a fullback named John Conner, though. The name may compensate for his skill, but not really.
Browns: Granted, the Browns have nowhere to go but up, but I expected more out of their draft. Drafting Joe Haden (the “best” of a weak crop of cornerbacks) was a bit of a reach at pick #7; I don’t know why they passed up on Jimmy Clausen, but they really could’ve had a chance at a better impact player that high in the draft. Other than Colt McCoy, the players Cleveland picked were slightly above average at the collegiate level; to expect them to succeed in the NFL will take a lot of praying… and player development.
Jaguars: Probably the worst draft in the league this year. I don’t get it. Jacksonville needs a new franchise face; Maurice Jones Drew can’t carry the team on his tiny-but-extremely-jacked shoulders. So naturally, the Jags draft Tyson Alualu, a DT with a SECOND-ROUND grade, at the 10th overall pick. Following that? Another DT named D’Anthony, and guys from Central Arkansas, Murray State, Southern Illinois, and James Madison. When the Jacksonville Jaguars get relocated within 3 years, you’ll know who called it. Disgusting draft. EW.
Giants: Maybe I just don’t like either of the New York teams. But after Jason Pierre-Paul, the G-Men passed up on guys like Taylor Mays and Terrance Cody to draft Chad Jones and Linval Joseph. Additionally, barely anything was done to address the lack of depth on the aging offensive line (a fifth rounder is simply not enough).
Vikings: Granted, they didn’t have a first-round pick, but Minnesota didn’t do much to improve their team. Their first pick, CB Chris Cook, is the typical victim of a weak position class; he may have 7 interceptions next year and make me look bad, but the Vikings still need more depth in the secondary. Other than Toby Gerhart (who I do like, but won’t get more than 100 touches this year), there isn’t much to speak of here. In addition, Minnesota failed to pick up a quarterback despite the ambiguous future of Brett Favre.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Apples to Oranges: Tim Lincecum vs. Roy Halladay
So as you may know, Tim Lincecum has won the last two National League Cy Young Awards. He’s pretty good. In fact, you may call him the best pitcher in the National League. That makes sense. However…
This pitcher named Roy Halladay got traded to the Phillies, who are conveniently located in the National League as well. Halladay is pretty filthy himself with a Cy Young of his own; this poses a threat to Lincecum’s title. So who would YOU take? Let’s break it down.
Name:
Lincecum- Timothy Leroy Lincecum (25 years old)
Halladay- Harry Leroy Halladay III (32 years old)
Nickname:
Lincecum- The Freak or The Franchise
Halladay- Doc
Size:
Lincecum- 5’11’’, 175 pounds
Halladay- 6’6’’, 230 pounds
Draft Status:
Lincecum- 1st round, 10th pick
Halladay- 1st round, 17th pick
Pitches:
Lincecum-fastball clocked at 98 MPH, absurdly disgusting curve, cutter, changeup
Halladay- everything except an eephus (2 and 4 seam FB, curve, cutter, changeup in particular)
Key Career Stats:
Lincecum- 2.84 career ERA, .717 winning %, 1.140 WHIP, 10.2 K/9 ratio, 3.18 K/BB ratio
Halladay- 3.39 career ERA, .667 winning %, 1.193 WHIP, 6.6 K/9 ratio, 3.33 K/BB ratio
Decorations:
Lincecum- 2 All-Star games, 2 Cy Youngs (2008, 2009)
Halladay- 6 All-Star games, 1 Cy Young (2003)
Statistic that best defines his skill:
Lincecum- Strikeouts (led league last 2 years)
Halladay- Complete games/Shutouts (51 CGs and 16 SHOs in career most among all active players)
One sentence description:
Lincecum- An undersized but overwhelming power pitcher that looks like he’s 15 years old.
Halladay- A master of control and going the distance, both of which are dying traits these days.
Bonus points for:
Lincecum- Being so nasty despite being really small and having an extremely unusual windup.
Halladay- Having a moderately attractive wife. And for being really old-school.
So there you have it. Despite the fact that neither of these guys have ever pitched in the playoffs, who would you rather have start for Game 7?
This pitcher named Roy Halladay got traded to the Phillies, who are conveniently located in the National League as well. Halladay is pretty filthy himself with a Cy Young of his own; this poses a threat to Lincecum’s title. So who would YOU take? Let’s break it down.
Name:
Lincecum- Timothy Leroy Lincecum (25 years old)
Halladay- Harry Leroy Halladay III (32 years old)
Nickname:
Lincecum- The Freak or The Franchise
Halladay- Doc
Size:
Lincecum- 5’11’’, 175 pounds
Halladay- 6’6’’, 230 pounds
Draft Status:
Lincecum- 1st round, 10th pick
Halladay- 1st round, 17th pick
Pitches:
Lincecum-fastball clocked at 98 MPH, absurdly disgusting curve, cutter, changeup
Halladay- everything except an eephus (2 and 4 seam FB, curve, cutter, changeup in particular)
Key Career Stats:
Lincecum- 2.84 career ERA, .717 winning %, 1.140 WHIP, 10.2 K/9 ratio, 3.18 K/BB ratio
Halladay- 3.39 career ERA, .667 winning %, 1.193 WHIP, 6.6 K/9 ratio, 3.33 K/BB ratio
Decorations:
Lincecum- 2 All-Star games, 2 Cy Youngs (2008, 2009)
Halladay- 6 All-Star games, 1 Cy Young (2003)
Statistic that best defines his skill:
Lincecum- Strikeouts (led league last 2 years)
Halladay- Complete games/Shutouts (51 CGs and 16 SHOs in career most among all active players)
One sentence description:
Lincecum- An undersized but overwhelming power pitcher that looks like he’s 15 years old.
Halladay- A master of control and going the distance, both of which are dying traits these days.
Bonus points for:
Lincecum- Being so nasty despite being really small and having an extremely unusual windup.
Halladay- Having a moderately attractive wife. And for being really old-school.
So there you have it. Despite the fact that neither of these guys have ever pitched in the playoffs, who would you rather have start for Game 7?
10 Young Pitchers You Need to Know
I consider myself to be an old-school baseball fan. I actually consider myself to be an old-school fan of almost all sports, but really, none moreso than the national pastime. I love great pitchers, cerebral catchers, and great run manufacturing. If a baseball game featuring a great pitcher is on TV, I will always watch the man do work. As guys like Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Roger Clemens have all hung up their cleats, we need a new generation of great pitchers to fill the void. I decided to pick 10 guys who will certainly make an impact in the league (and my TV watching) for years to come. I’m going to leave off Tim Lincecum because he has 2 Cy Youngs already; let's put some guys looking for some hardware on the list.
Stephen Strasburg, Nationals- If you don’t know who this guy is, you may need to emerge from your rock. Strasberg is surely the most hyped pitcher coming out of college since Mark Prior, with a fastball occasionally clocked at 102 miles per hour. To be honest, I don’t know what 102 miles per hour looks like in a batter’s box; I’m a bit scared. The 21-year old complements that absurd heat with a big build (6’4’’, 220 pounds) and a good curveball clocked around 80 mph. Everyone in the baseball world wants this guy playing in the majors as soon as possible; it’s easy to see why.
Felix Hernandez, Mariners- King Felix is quite the specimen. Coming onto the scene as a 19-year old teenage in 2005, Hernandez had an ERA of 2.67. Now 24, Felix had his most impressive season yet in 2009, going 19-5 with an ERA of 2.49 and coming second in Cy Young voting. Trying to take the crown of best Venezuelan pitcher from Johan Santana, the King hit a grand slam off Santana in 2008; he’s on his way to doing so.
Yovani Gallardo, Brewers- Already the best Mexican pitcher in the league (I dig it, even though there’s not a lot of Mexicans pitching nowadays), Gallardo is a beast on the pound and at the plate, with a .227 average and 4 career homers already at the age of 24. Yovani (the name seems unisex) has already established himself as an efficient power pitcher, striking out 204 batters in 185 innings in 2009. He recently signed a $30 million extension over the next 5 years; good for the financially strapped Brew Crew for locking him up.
Jair Jurrjens, Braves- The 24-year old Jurrjens has the coolest name on this list, along with three solid pitches: a fastball in the low 90s, a great changeup, and a slider to boot. Jurrjens led the league with 34 games started and also had an ERA of 2.60. He and Tommy Hanson will make a great 1-2 punch in Atlanta for the next decade, perhaps for longer.
Rick Porcello, Tigers- Fredrick Alfred Porcello III was drafted right out of high school by Detroit, receiving a total contract worth $11.1 million. He went 14-9 with an ERA of 3.96 in 2009, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. The only drawback about Porcello is that he’s from New Jersey. (Just kidding.) But the 21-year old who stands 6’5’’ will be an intimidating force in the American League for a long time.
Neftali Feliz, Rangers- Feliz is filthy. At 21 years old, he has a fastball that hovers near 100 miles an hour along with a delicious curveball. Because of his lack of a third pitch, he may be forced to “stay” as a reliever for his career. But I’m sure the Rangers wouldn’t mind having a closer who posted 39 strikeouts in 31 innings last year with a WHIP of .677 and ERA of 1.74.
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers- The 6’3’’ lefty is the great-nephew of Clyde Tombaugh, the astronomer credited with discovering Pluto; it’s no surprise Dodgers fans have other-worldly expectations of this guy. The 22-year old Kershaw has a great mid 90s fastball, a looping curve, and a developing circle changeup. He led the major leagues last season with a .200 opposing batting average. Good luck hitting this guy.
Brad Bergesen, Orioles- A guy who hasn’t received as much hype as the other guys on this list, Bergesen is a great finesse pitcher built in a Maddux-type mold. The 24-year old utilizes a good sinker and slider despite his fastball maxing out around 89 to 90 mph. Beresen had a 50.1% ground ball rate last season in 2009 to complement a 3.43 ERA; you can expect him to improve exponentially in Baltimore.
Tommy Hanson, Braves- The Braves continue to churn out lofty pitching prospects, keeping their tradition along. Hanson, 23, had an excellent rookie campaign in 2009, going 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA. Standing 6’6’’ tall, Hanson possess a mid 90s fastball, a solid slider, and a curveball evaluated as “narsty.” Yes, narsty. (Actually, that’s my word. But you’ve gotta see it).
David Price, Rays- The 24-year old lefty from Vanderbilt has great potential, to say the least. One of a couple good young arms down in Tampa, Price stands 6’6’’ and has a low 90s fastball and changeup. However, his best pitch is his slider, which is known to break very late and sharp. Straight dirty. The first overall draft pick in 2007, Price went 10-7 last season and will grow considerably as he continues to pitch against the stiff competition in the AL East.
Stephen Strasburg, Nationals- If you don’t know who this guy is, you may need to emerge from your rock. Strasberg is surely the most hyped pitcher coming out of college since Mark Prior, with a fastball occasionally clocked at 102 miles per hour. To be honest, I don’t know what 102 miles per hour looks like in a batter’s box; I’m a bit scared. The 21-year old complements that absurd heat with a big build (6’4’’, 220 pounds) and a good curveball clocked around 80 mph. Everyone in the baseball world wants this guy playing in the majors as soon as possible; it’s easy to see why.
Felix Hernandez, Mariners- King Felix is quite the specimen. Coming onto the scene as a 19-year old teenage in 2005, Hernandez had an ERA of 2.67. Now 24, Felix had his most impressive season yet in 2009, going 19-5 with an ERA of 2.49 and coming second in Cy Young voting. Trying to take the crown of best Venezuelan pitcher from Johan Santana, the King hit a grand slam off Santana in 2008; he’s on his way to doing so.
Yovani Gallardo, Brewers- Already the best Mexican pitcher in the league (I dig it, even though there’s not a lot of Mexicans pitching nowadays), Gallardo is a beast on the pound and at the plate, with a .227 average and 4 career homers already at the age of 24. Yovani (the name seems unisex) has already established himself as an efficient power pitcher, striking out 204 batters in 185 innings in 2009. He recently signed a $30 million extension over the next 5 years; good for the financially strapped Brew Crew for locking him up.
Jair Jurrjens, Braves- The 24-year old Jurrjens has the coolest name on this list, along with three solid pitches: a fastball in the low 90s, a great changeup, and a slider to boot. Jurrjens led the league with 34 games started and also had an ERA of 2.60. He and Tommy Hanson will make a great 1-2 punch in Atlanta for the next decade, perhaps for longer.
Rick Porcello, Tigers- Fredrick Alfred Porcello III was drafted right out of high school by Detroit, receiving a total contract worth $11.1 million. He went 14-9 with an ERA of 3.96 in 2009, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. The only drawback about Porcello is that he’s from New Jersey. (Just kidding.) But the 21-year old who stands 6’5’’ will be an intimidating force in the American League for a long time.
Neftali Feliz, Rangers- Feliz is filthy. At 21 years old, he has a fastball that hovers near 100 miles an hour along with a delicious curveball. Because of his lack of a third pitch, he may be forced to “stay” as a reliever for his career. But I’m sure the Rangers wouldn’t mind having a closer who posted 39 strikeouts in 31 innings last year with a WHIP of .677 and ERA of 1.74.
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers- The 6’3’’ lefty is the great-nephew of Clyde Tombaugh, the astronomer credited with discovering Pluto; it’s no surprise Dodgers fans have other-worldly expectations of this guy. The 22-year old Kershaw has a great mid 90s fastball, a looping curve, and a developing circle changeup. He led the major leagues last season with a .200 opposing batting average. Good luck hitting this guy.
Brad Bergesen, Orioles- A guy who hasn’t received as much hype as the other guys on this list, Bergesen is a great finesse pitcher built in a Maddux-type mold. The 24-year old utilizes a good sinker and slider despite his fastball maxing out around 89 to 90 mph. Beresen had a 50.1% ground ball rate last season in 2009 to complement a 3.43 ERA; you can expect him to improve exponentially in Baltimore.
Tommy Hanson, Braves- The Braves continue to churn out lofty pitching prospects, keeping their tradition along. Hanson, 23, had an excellent rookie campaign in 2009, going 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA. Standing 6’6’’ tall, Hanson possess a mid 90s fastball, a solid slider, and a curveball evaluated as “narsty.” Yes, narsty. (Actually, that’s my word. But you’ve gotta see it).
David Price, Rays- The 24-year old lefty from Vanderbilt has great potential, to say the least. One of a couple good young arms down in Tampa, Price stands 6’6’’ and has a low 90s fastball and changeup. However, his best pitch is his slider, which is known to break very late and sharp. Straight dirty. The first overall draft pick in 2007, Price went 10-7 last season and will grow considerably as he continues to pitch against the stiff competition in the AL East.
Why Tim Tebow Will Be Successful in the NFL
So Tim Tebow is finally on an NFL team: the Denver Broncos. Not the most ideal fit. Not the worst fit, either. It’ll be interesting to see how much playing time he’ll get, but we’ll get to that when the season gets underway.
What I’m going to address, though, is the probable influx of Tebow haters. Not to say the contingency of those who don’t like Timmy T (or the second coming of Christ, depending on your beliefs) isn’t big already. But there are still many people who don’t follow college football as passionately as the NFL. When they hear about this new Christian guy with questionable quarterbacking skills enter the league, “Tebow sucks” is all they can say.
First of all, Tebow has the potential to be one of the most marketable players in the league, regardless of how good he is or how much he plays. You have to understand how big of an impact he had in the state of Florida, a football hotbed greatly divided by allegiances to 6 teams (Jaguars, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Florida, Florida State, Miami). After his SOPHOMORE year of college (with two more years to go), Tebow had a Heisman trophy and the love and adulation of football fans in his home state and country. By the end of his collegiate career, arguably one of the most decorated in the history of the game, he became a national hero for his great faith and Super Bowl commercial, which wasn’t as controversial as people made it out to be.
Secondly, one has to assess the actual value of the pick that Tebow was taken with. He wasn’t the first overall pick. He wasn’t drafted in the Top 10 to replace an immediate need. He was taken in the end of the first round, a reasonable juncture of the draft to choose someone who may need development upon reaching the professional level. He’s not going to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. He’s not going to throw for 30 touchdowns in any season he plays. He’s going to be a contributor to the Broncos.
Which brings me to the team that’s rolling the dice with Tebow: Denver. This isn’t a team in search of a new identity like Buffalo and Jacksonville, two of the teams most closely associated with drafting Tebow Christ. Tebow doesn’t have to assume the role of team captain or spokesman or city hero. Head coach Josh McDaniels was an offensive genius in New England and definitely led the Broncos to surpass expectations for the 2009 season (with the exception of that mini-collapse at the end of the campaign). McDaniels trusts Tebow to come in to the organization and learn the team’s offense willingly; given Tebow’s intelligence and passion for the game, it’s easy to see he can do that. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in several packages like a Wildcat of some sort; who the hell wants a 6’3’’, 225 guy running straight at you?
Tim Tebow will most likely not be the starting quarterback come Opening Day. Unless his mechanics emulate Peyton Manning’s in about 4 months, he won’t be taking the first snap of his team’s season. It will take roughly one or two seasons to groom him into the role of traditional, drop-back quarterback. There’s a reason the Broncos traded for Brady Quinn; they simply needed depth at the QB. It’s funny to see some scouts’ takes on Tebow. “Strengths: Intangibles, Weaknesses: Tangibles”. At least Tebow has the size and strength to become a menacing threat from a couple schemes.
Just because Tim Tebow looks awkward throwing a football doesn’t mean he can’t succeed in the NFL. Former Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell actually moved his back leg forward instead of the front leg when swinging in the batter’s box. Despite the unorthodox battle style, he’s regarded as one of the most prolific first basemen of the 1990’s. And have you ever seen Shawn Marion shoot a jump shot?
In summary, I’m not expecting the guy to make multiple Pro Bowls. The number of college stars who didn’t hit it big in professional football is incredibly huge, and if Tebow joins that list, he obviously won’t be the first. But his intangibles will (hopefully) prevent him joining that list. If a guy like Trent Dilfer can get lucky and win a Super Bowl (with the help of the 2000 Ravens’ defense), Tebow can make it big. He’s going to sell jerseys. Once he signs endorsements with Gatorade and what-not, you’ll have no choice but to look at him on billboards, magazines, and television. Stop hating on him because he’s more famous and makes more money than you’ll ever see in your life. The guy’s a born leader; in a league where people can drive drunk and kill guys and only go to jail for 30 days (looking at you, Donte Stallworth) or beat up strippers and get involved in a triple shooting (you too, Pacman Jones), Tebow is a breath of fresh air, maintaining a level of class similar to Tim Duncan or Derek Jeter.
Okay, so as you can tell, I have a bit of a man-crush on Tim Tebow. But when he starts succeeding in the league and keeps adding to his fan base, you may have a man-crush too.
What I’m going to address, though, is the probable influx of Tebow haters. Not to say the contingency of those who don’t like Timmy T (or the second coming of Christ, depending on your beliefs) isn’t big already. But there are still many people who don’t follow college football as passionately as the NFL. When they hear about this new Christian guy with questionable quarterbacking skills enter the league, “Tebow sucks” is all they can say.
First of all, Tebow has the potential to be one of the most marketable players in the league, regardless of how good he is or how much he plays. You have to understand how big of an impact he had in the state of Florida, a football hotbed greatly divided by allegiances to 6 teams (Jaguars, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Florida, Florida State, Miami). After his SOPHOMORE year of college (with two more years to go), Tebow had a Heisman trophy and the love and adulation of football fans in his home state and country. By the end of his collegiate career, arguably one of the most decorated in the history of the game, he became a national hero for his great faith and Super Bowl commercial, which wasn’t as controversial as people made it out to be.
Secondly, one has to assess the actual value of the pick that Tebow was taken with. He wasn’t the first overall pick. He wasn’t drafted in the Top 10 to replace an immediate need. He was taken in the end of the first round, a reasonable juncture of the draft to choose someone who may need development upon reaching the professional level. He’s not going to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. He’s not going to throw for 30 touchdowns in any season he plays. He’s going to be a contributor to the Broncos.
Which brings me to the team that’s rolling the dice with Tebow: Denver. This isn’t a team in search of a new identity like Buffalo and Jacksonville, two of the teams most closely associated with drafting Tebow Christ. Tebow doesn’t have to assume the role of team captain or spokesman or city hero. Head coach Josh McDaniels was an offensive genius in New England and definitely led the Broncos to surpass expectations for the 2009 season (with the exception of that mini-collapse at the end of the campaign). McDaniels trusts Tebow to come in to the organization and learn the team’s offense willingly; given Tebow’s intelligence and passion for the game, it’s easy to see he can do that. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in several packages like a Wildcat of some sort; who the hell wants a 6’3’’, 225 guy running straight at you?
Tim Tebow will most likely not be the starting quarterback come Opening Day. Unless his mechanics emulate Peyton Manning’s in about 4 months, he won’t be taking the first snap of his team’s season. It will take roughly one or two seasons to groom him into the role of traditional, drop-back quarterback. There’s a reason the Broncos traded for Brady Quinn; they simply needed depth at the QB. It’s funny to see some scouts’ takes on Tebow. “Strengths: Intangibles, Weaknesses: Tangibles”. At least Tebow has the size and strength to become a menacing threat from a couple schemes.
Just because Tim Tebow looks awkward throwing a football doesn’t mean he can’t succeed in the NFL. Former Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell actually moved his back leg forward instead of the front leg when swinging in the batter’s box. Despite the unorthodox battle style, he’s regarded as one of the most prolific first basemen of the 1990’s. And have you ever seen Shawn Marion shoot a jump shot?
In summary, I’m not expecting the guy to make multiple Pro Bowls. The number of college stars who didn’t hit it big in professional football is incredibly huge, and if Tebow joins that list, he obviously won’t be the first. But his intangibles will (hopefully) prevent him joining that list. If a guy like Trent Dilfer can get lucky and win a Super Bowl (with the help of the 2000 Ravens’ defense), Tebow can make it big. He’s going to sell jerseys. Once he signs endorsements with Gatorade and what-not, you’ll have no choice but to look at him on billboards, magazines, and television. Stop hating on him because he’s more famous and makes more money than you’ll ever see in your life. The guy’s a born leader; in a league where people can drive drunk and kill guys and only go to jail for 30 days (looking at you, Donte Stallworth) or beat up strippers and get involved in a triple shooting (you too, Pacman Jones), Tebow is a breath of fresh air, maintaining a level of class similar to Tim Duncan or Derek Jeter.
Okay, so as you can tell, I have a bit of a man-crush on Tim Tebow. But when he starts succeeding in the league and keeps adding to his fan base, you may have a man-crush too.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Mock Draft: Picks 1-32 (and bonus pick)
I have no life, so I made a mock draft of my own.
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma- Bradford is actually an official member of Cherokee Nation. That's right, the #1 overall pick is a Native American whose Cherokee name may actually translate to Wounded Shoulder.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska- This guy is absurdly good. Probably the best overall prospect in the draft, Suh dominated last season at Nebraska, including 4 sacks in the Big 12 championship game. Also has the coolest name in the draft.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma- McCoy may be the second best DT prospect this year but he would probably be #1 in scouts' eyes in many other years. Surely an impact player for years to come.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State- The Skins' offensive line is awful. Okung is a solid upgrade over essentially everyone on the O-Line right now in Washington; Trent Williams is also a solid pick for the zone-blocking scheme the team employs.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Bryan Bulaga, OL, Iowa- Supposedly, Chiefs boss Scott Pioli and Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz are tight. Will this lead to KC drafting Bulaga? Considering the need for a tackle and Bulaga's skill, probably.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Trent Williams, OL, Oklahoma- The third Oklahoma Sooner to come off the board already. Williams is a great addition for Pete Carroll's Seahawks. It warrants mentioning that I think Carroll will struggle as head coach in Seattle. Just saying.
7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee- With Suh, one of the best draft prospects in years. Head and shoulders above the rest of this year's safety crop, he was picked apart by scouts at the Combine this February. Make that "tried to be picked apart"; there's nothing wrong with his game or measurements at all.
8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers- You never really know what Al Davis will do with an Oakland draft pick. Davis makes the most sense, but don't count out drafting Combine star Bruce Campbell or California native Jimmy Clausen. Because JaMarcus Russell needs to not play in the NFL anymore.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- Clausen, the golden boy. Blessed with one of the best arms draft scouts have ever seen, Jimbo is an interesting case. He clearly has Top 10 potential but may slip all the way into the 20's if the guys in Cleveland and Buffalo suffer from retardation and pass up on him. The Bills need a QB, though.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech- The Jaguars desparately need a guy to help out the pass rush; the team had 14 sacks last year. Morgan is one of the more solid, safe picks at DE. He flourished in his team's bowl game and Combine.
11. Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama- Rolando (sweet name) is the best linebacker prospect in this year's draft. He is on the top of many teams' draft lists and would probably start from Day 1 in Denver; he's that good. Also earns bonus points for wearing an unusual number for a linebacker at Bama (25).
12. Miami Dolphins: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida- This man is scary. At 6'6'', 260 pounds with great athleticism, JPP will supply Bill Parcells' Dolphins with relentless pass-rushing skills and energy. Also went to college not far from Miami; the local boy will make good.
13. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson- Arguably the most dynamic offensive player in the draft. Spiller has ridiculous speed, great hands, and also makes for a lofty returner. A good complement to the bruising Frank Gore, who continues to be overrated in every Madden game.
14. Seattle Seahawks: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State- Although Seattle would probably prefer Spiller, they get another playmaker in Bryant. Scouts say that Dez is a better prospect coming out of college than Michael Crabtree, who was rather beastly. It also warrants mentioning that Bryant's mother had him when she was 13 years old. 13 years old. That's 8th grade.
15. New York Giants: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri- Not the glamour pick Giants fans wanted to see, but it makes sense. The linebacking corps is decimated after the release of Antonio Pierce; Weatherspoon is a ferocious tackler.
16. Tennessee Titans: Joe Haden, CB, Florida- Tennessee really, REALLY needs another cornerback to line up opposite Cortland Finnegan. Haden is a Top 10 talent but slipped a bit because of "slow" 40-yard dash times at the Combine. If I ran a 4.5 40 like Haden, I would want to race everyone I met on the street.
17. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho- The Niners may also look for Haden if he's available. Iupati supplies good versatility along the O-Line and patches up some holes SF has. Also, it bothers me that the state of Idaho has two solid college football programs. New York does not have a single one.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey, OL, Florida- The drafting of linemen continues. Pouncey is an interior line guy (guard/center) but definitely warrants the high draft selection. The Steelers will try to look for high character guys because of the Ben Roethlisberger nonsense. The man has as many Super Bowl rings as rape accusations (two).
19. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan- Graham had an impressive Senior Bowl and Combine, catapaulting his way up the draft rankings. Also, as a Michigan fan, he gets my full endorsement. (Even though Michigan football is awful right now.)
20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas, S, Texas- Thomas is from Texas. The Houston Texans are located in Texas. The Texans need a safety. Can it be this easy?
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma- Just like Houston, Cincy can address a very glaring need by drafting Gresham. Injury problems aside, Gresham was the best tight end in college football for two years.
22. New England Patriots: Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas- Some people are saying Tim Tebow and Jermaine Gresham are legitimate picks here. I would agree more about Gresham... until one realizes the Patriots had a subpar pass rush last season. Kindle, who I have seen as a nasty linebacker as early as NCAA Football 2007 (yes, 2007), is a solid pick here.
23. Green Bay Packers: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State- The Packers' pass defense is atrocious with the exception of Charles Woodson. Wilson will supplement the D with his playing style. I don't know what else to write about a small cornerback from Boise State.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Everson Griffen, DE, USC- With a name that sounds like a heavyweight boxer, Griffen is a great fit for Andy Reid's crew. Reid's tendency to draft big men in the first round will definitely come into play with this pick. A lot of different options on both sides of the trenches here...
25. Baltimore Ravens: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers- I didn't know Rutgers still had a football team. But seriously, the Ravens need a CB badly and after Ray Rice's success, will again look to reach into the atomic wasteland of New Jersey to pick McCourty.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Charles Brown, OT, USC- Despite the fact that all of the elite O-Line guy will have been taken by now, Arizona still needs help up front. Brown is a raw prospect who will provide depth on the line.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Mays, S, USC- Either Mays or wide receiver Demaryius Thomas would be a great pick here. Mays wins out because of his absurd size (6'3'', 230) and speed. He was "unofficially" clocked at 4.24 at the Combine, which would have tied Chris Johnson for fastest ever, but it was taken "all the way down" to 4.43. That's still a fast dude.
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State- This is definitely the best possible pick at this juncture of the first round for San Diego. I'm not really sure if Mathews excels in one area, but he does appear to be a workhorse who's physically tough. He would be an effective complement to Pocket Darren Sproles.
29. New York Jets: Jared Odrick, DL, Penn State- The Jets essentially addressed all their needs before Draft Day, which is pretty impressive. The one thing they can look for is depth along the D-Line, as the injury-prone Kris Jenkins and the unimpressive Mike Devito need backups. Odrick is an impressive player. That's really all I can say about him. I'm just amazed at how the Jets got ultimate baby-daddy Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes for extremely low draft picks...
30. Minnesota Vikings: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida- Yeah, I went there. The Vikings need a cornerback but will probably use all of their time on the clock with this pick because of the many options available. I'll keep the Tebow analysis to one sentence (for now): Although he will need an extra year or two to develop as an NFL quarterback, Tebow is a versatile player and a great investment for a team who needs high character, leadership, and marketability.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Bruce Campbell, OL, Maryland- The Colts haven't really drafted marquee playmakers in the last several years in the first round, and this year should be no different. Campbell is an intriguing prospect though; with an excellent Combine, he shot up scouts' rankings and could actually be drafted significantly higher if he's lucky. Never discount the Raiders to draft a guy like Campbell, but for Indy, either he or Jerry Hughes (pass-rusher) would be good fits.
32. New Orleans Saints: Jerry Hughes, DE, T.C.U.- The defending champs don't really have immediate needs. However, Hughes can play as a DE/OLB hybrid and would give New Orleans depth on the defensive end of the ball.
(BONUS PICK) 48. Carolina Panthers: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama- I know, the bonus wasn't that exciting. But they're my favorite team, cut me some slack. The Panthers' first pick doesn't come until #48, so they really need to pick up a big name if there's one still on the board. Cody is a mountain of a man and had several clutch sacks and blocked field goals for the Crimson Tide. Considering Carolina doesn't have much at D-Tackle, they really have no excuse to pick up Cody if he's available.
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma- Bradford is actually an official member of Cherokee Nation. That's right, the #1 overall pick is a Native American whose Cherokee name may actually translate to Wounded Shoulder.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska- This guy is absurdly good. Probably the best overall prospect in the draft, Suh dominated last season at Nebraska, including 4 sacks in the Big 12 championship game. Also has the coolest name in the draft.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma- McCoy may be the second best DT prospect this year but he would probably be #1 in scouts' eyes in many other years. Surely an impact player for years to come.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State- The Skins' offensive line is awful. Okung is a solid upgrade over essentially everyone on the O-Line right now in Washington; Trent Williams is also a solid pick for the zone-blocking scheme the team employs.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Bryan Bulaga, OL, Iowa- Supposedly, Chiefs boss Scott Pioli and Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz are tight. Will this lead to KC drafting Bulaga? Considering the need for a tackle and Bulaga's skill, probably.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Trent Williams, OL, Oklahoma- The third Oklahoma Sooner to come off the board already. Williams is a great addition for Pete Carroll's Seahawks. It warrants mentioning that I think Carroll will struggle as head coach in Seattle. Just saying.
7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee- With Suh, one of the best draft prospects in years. Head and shoulders above the rest of this year's safety crop, he was picked apart by scouts at the Combine this February. Make that "tried to be picked apart"; there's nothing wrong with his game or measurements at all.
8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers- You never really know what Al Davis will do with an Oakland draft pick. Davis makes the most sense, but don't count out drafting Combine star Bruce Campbell or California native Jimmy Clausen. Because JaMarcus Russell needs to not play in the NFL anymore.
9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- Clausen, the golden boy. Blessed with one of the best arms draft scouts have ever seen, Jimbo is an interesting case. He clearly has Top 10 potential but may slip all the way into the 20's if the guys in Cleveland and Buffalo suffer from retardation and pass up on him. The Bills need a QB, though.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech- The Jaguars desparately need a guy to help out the pass rush; the team had 14 sacks last year. Morgan is one of the more solid, safe picks at DE. He flourished in his team's bowl game and Combine.
11. Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama- Rolando (sweet name) is the best linebacker prospect in this year's draft. He is on the top of many teams' draft lists and would probably start from Day 1 in Denver; he's that good. Also earns bonus points for wearing an unusual number for a linebacker at Bama (25).
12. Miami Dolphins: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida- This man is scary. At 6'6'', 260 pounds with great athleticism, JPP will supply Bill Parcells' Dolphins with relentless pass-rushing skills and energy. Also went to college not far from Miami; the local boy will make good.
13. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson- Arguably the most dynamic offensive player in the draft. Spiller has ridiculous speed, great hands, and also makes for a lofty returner. A good complement to the bruising Frank Gore, who continues to be overrated in every Madden game.
14. Seattle Seahawks: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State- Although Seattle would probably prefer Spiller, they get another playmaker in Bryant. Scouts say that Dez is a better prospect coming out of college than Michael Crabtree, who was rather beastly. It also warrants mentioning that Bryant's mother had him when she was 13 years old. 13 years old. That's 8th grade.
15. New York Giants: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri- Not the glamour pick Giants fans wanted to see, but it makes sense. The linebacking corps is decimated after the release of Antonio Pierce; Weatherspoon is a ferocious tackler.
16. Tennessee Titans: Joe Haden, CB, Florida- Tennessee really, REALLY needs another cornerback to line up opposite Cortland Finnegan. Haden is a Top 10 talent but slipped a bit because of "slow" 40-yard dash times at the Combine. If I ran a 4.5 40 like Haden, I would want to race everyone I met on the street.
17. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho- The Niners may also look for Haden if he's available. Iupati supplies good versatility along the O-Line and patches up some holes SF has. Also, it bothers me that the state of Idaho has two solid college football programs. New York does not have a single one.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey, OL, Florida- The drafting of linemen continues. Pouncey is an interior line guy (guard/center) but definitely warrants the high draft selection. The Steelers will try to look for high character guys because of the Ben Roethlisberger nonsense. The man has as many Super Bowl rings as rape accusations (two).
19. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan- Graham had an impressive Senior Bowl and Combine, catapaulting his way up the draft rankings. Also, as a Michigan fan, he gets my full endorsement. (Even though Michigan football is awful right now.)
20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas, S, Texas- Thomas is from Texas. The Houston Texans are located in Texas. The Texans need a safety. Can it be this easy?
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma- Just like Houston, Cincy can address a very glaring need by drafting Gresham. Injury problems aside, Gresham was the best tight end in college football for two years.
22. New England Patriots: Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas- Some people are saying Tim Tebow and Jermaine Gresham are legitimate picks here. I would agree more about Gresham... until one realizes the Patriots had a subpar pass rush last season. Kindle, who I have seen as a nasty linebacker as early as NCAA Football 2007 (yes, 2007), is a solid pick here.
23. Green Bay Packers: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State- The Packers' pass defense is atrocious with the exception of Charles Woodson. Wilson will supplement the D with his playing style. I don't know what else to write about a small cornerback from Boise State.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Everson Griffen, DE, USC- With a name that sounds like a heavyweight boxer, Griffen is a great fit for Andy Reid's crew. Reid's tendency to draft big men in the first round will definitely come into play with this pick. A lot of different options on both sides of the trenches here...
25. Baltimore Ravens: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers- I didn't know Rutgers still had a football team. But seriously, the Ravens need a CB badly and after Ray Rice's success, will again look to reach into the atomic wasteland of New Jersey to pick McCourty.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Charles Brown, OT, USC- Despite the fact that all of the elite O-Line guy will have been taken by now, Arizona still needs help up front. Brown is a raw prospect who will provide depth on the line.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Mays, S, USC- Either Mays or wide receiver Demaryius Thomas would be a great pick here. Mays wins out because of his absurd size (6'3'', 230) and speed. He was "unofficially" clocked at 4.24 at the Combine, which would have tied Chris Johnson for fastest ever, but it was taken "all the way down" to 4.43. That's still a fast dude.
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State- This is definitely the best possible pick at this juncture of the first round for San Diego. I'm not really sure if Mathews excels in one area, but he does appear to be a workhorse who's physically tough. He would be an effective complement to Pocket Darren Sproles.
29. New York Jets: Jared Odrick, DL, Penn State- The Jets essentially addressed all their needs before Draft Day, which is pretty impressive. The one thing they can look for is depth along the D-Line, as the injury-prone Kris Jenkins and the unimpressive Mike Devito need backups. Odrick is an impressive player. That's really all I can say about him. I'm just amazed at how the Jets got ultimate baby-daddy Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes for extremely low draft picks...
30. Minnesota Vikings: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida- Yeah, I went there. The Vikings need a cornerback but will probably use all of their time on the clock with this pick because of the many options available. I'll keep the Tebow analysis to one sentence (for now): Although he will need an extra year or two to develop as an NFL quarterback, Tebow is a versatile player and a great investment for a team who needs high character, leadership, and marketability.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Bruce Campbell, OL, Maryland- The Colts haven't really drafted marquee playmakers in the last several years in the first round, and this year should be no different. Campbell is an intriguing prospect though; with an excellent Combine, he shot up scouts' rankings and could actually be drafted significantly higher if he's lucky. Never discount the Raiders to draft a guy like Campbell, but for Indy, either he or Jerry Hughes (pass-rusher) would be good fits.
32. New Orleans Saints: Jerry Hughes, DE, T.C.U.- The defending champs don't really have immediate needs. However, Hughes can play as a DE/OLB hybrid and would give New Orleans depth on the defensive end of the ball.
(BONUS PICK) 48. Carolina Panthers: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama- I know, the bonus wasn't that exciting. But they're my favorite team, cut me some slack. The Panthers' first pick doesn't come until #48, so they really need to pick up a big name if there's one still on the board. Cody is a mountain of a man and had several clutch sacks and blocked field goals for the Crimson Tide. Considering Carolina doesn't have much at D-Tackle, they really have no excuse to pick up Cody if he's available.
Top 5 Storylines of the NFL Draft
Draft Day is here. And of course, the media outlets (more specifically, ESPN) are creaming in their pants to create "interesting storylines" to give the fans. I don't play that. So I devised 5 intriguing topics that will be big focal points come Thursday night.
1. Tebow-mania: How can this not be a storyline? Tebow is one of the most decorated college football players to ever play the sport. He's an incredibly curious prospect in the eyes of scouts, earning draft projections from the first round to round 3. All it takes is one team to simply say, "We want a high character guy who's extremely marketable. We'll take him." Inviting him to the first round of the draft may not be a great idea; if he isn't taken after pick #32, it would be more awkward than seeing your one-night stand in class the next day.
2. The QB conundrum: It goes like this... Only 3 out of the Top 10 teams (Rams, Browns, Bills) are really looking for a quarterback. The Rams will almost definitely take Sam Bradford at #1. The Browns at pick #7 supposedly "aren't interested" in Jimmy Clausen, which would make Jimbo available at #9 for the Bills. Meanwhile, Colt McCoy (who is being severely undervalued in my opinion) won't be taken until the second round, perhaps by Cleveland; his arm is a good fit in Cleveland's West Coast offense. And there's that Tebow guy as well.
3. Teams in trouble: The Steelers, fresh off the Rape-lisberger debacle (see what I did there?), are reportedly shopping Big Ben for high first-round draft picks. The Seahawks and 49ers, both NFC West teams trying to knock off the Cardinals, both have two first-rounders and will try to make a statement with their picks (C.J. Spiller and Trent Williams are two guys that could be drafted by either team, actually.) And of course, my favorite team, the Panthers, don't have a first round pick for the second straight year; I wish they pull a good draft out of their asses.
4. Trench warfare: As any football mind will tell you, games are controlled and won "in the trenches." Offensive lines and defensive lines are crucial for every team's success, and this year's draft class has many options on both sides of the ball. As many as SIX linemen could be drafted in the Top 10 alone, not including other potential impact players such as Maurkice Pouncey and Dan Williams who may hear their name called in Round 1.
5. New time for draft time: The new format of the draft (Round 1 on Thursday, 2 and 3 on Friday, and 4 through 7 on Saturday) raised some eyebrows among fans. I mean, it's good to see the first round during primetime, but I think I'm gonna miss sitting around and wasting a good spring Saturday watching the elite players get picked. At least making a drinking game (and subsequently drinking) for an event that starts at 7 PM is slightly more socially acceptable than an event starting at noon.
1. Tebow-mania: How can this not be a storyline? Tebow is one of the most decorated college football players to ever play the sport. He's an incredibly curious prospect in the eyes of scouts, earning draft projections from the first round to round 3. All it takes is one team to simply say, "We want a high character guy who's extremely marketable. We'll take him." Inviting him to the first round of the draft may not be a great idea; if he isn't taken after pick #32, it would be more awkward than seeing your one-night stand in class the next day.
2. The QB conundrum: It goes like this... Only 3 out of the Top 10 teams (Rams, Browns, Bills) are really looking for a quarterback. The Rams will almost definitely take Sam Bradford at #1. The Browns at pick #7 supposedly "aren't interested" in Jimmy Clausen, which would make Jimbo available at #9 for the Bills. Meanwhile, Colt McCoy (who is being severely undervalued in my opinion) won't be taken until the second round, perhaps by Cleveland; his arm is a good fit in Cleveland's West Coast offense. And there's that Tebow guy as well.
3. Teams in trouble: The Steelers, fresh off the Rape-lisberger debacle (see what I did there?), are reportedly shopping Big Ben for high first-round draft picks. The Seahawks and 49ers, both NFC West teams trying to knock off the Cardinals, both have two first-rounders and will try to make a statement with their picks (C.J. Spiller and Trent Williams are two guys that could be drafted by either team, actually.) And of course, my favorite team, the Panthers, don't have a first round pick for the second straight year; I wish they pull a good draft out of their asses.
4. Trench warfare: As any football mind will tell you, games are controlled and won "in the trenches." Offensive lines and defensive lines are crucial for every team's success, and this year's draft class has many options on both sides of the ball. As many as SIX linemen could be drafted in the Top 10 alone, not including other potential impact players such as Maurkice Pouncey and Dan Williams who may hear their name called in Round 1.
5. New time for draft time: The new format of the draft (Round 1 on Thursday, 2 and 3 on Friday, and 4 through 7 on Saturday) raised some eyebrows among fans. I mean, it's good to see the first round during primetime, but I think I'm gonna miss sitting around and wasting a good spring Saturday watching the elite players get picked. At least making a drinking game (and subsequently drinking) for an event that starts at 7 PM is slightly more socially acceptable than an event starting at noon.
The Birth of a Blog
I love sports. I love writing creatively. Therefore, I will now write creatively about sports. I really have no idea how many people will read this, or how long I will do this for. But what I DO know...
1. Football, American football, basketball, and baseball will be predominantly covered.
2. Not only will you learn a good deal of information from this blog, but you may laugh while doing it.
3. I just wanna be, I just wanna be, I just wanna be successful.
First material will be a preview for the NFL Draft.
-Miguel
1. Football, American football, basketball, and baseball will be predominantly covered.
2. Not only will you learn a good deal of information from this blog, but you may laugh while doing it.
3. I just wanna be, I just wanna be, I just wanna be successful.
First material will be a preview for the NFL Draft.
-Miguel
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