World Series Game 3

Two games in the books, two dominating wins for the Giants. So far the Giants hitters are teeing off on whoevers on the mound for Texas. The Giants defense is making all the plays. The Giants pitchers, mainly Matt Cain, are dominating the Texas hitter, especially Josh Hamilton. I really don't have much to add to that, just that a bunch of announcers are back tracking, but instead of giving the Giants credit their making excuses for Texas, or just saying San Fran is catching all the breaks, oh yeah pretty sure Renteria put a great swing on that high fastball from Wilson last night and he put that ball in the seats and that's all the runs we needed, the other 8 were for show. Now everyone is saying game 3 is must win for Texas, I agree, but what their not saying is game 3 is a must win for San Francisco as well. What was that? How is it must win for the Giants when it's 2-0. Here's why.

If the Rangers take game 3 against Sanchez, our game 4 guy is rookie Madison Baumgarder. Then they get Cliff Lee game 5, I know we rocked him once but I'll say that's an anomoly and won't happen again. Another reason, if the Giants can take game 3, then the Rangers panic and pitch Lee game 4, then we can try to beat him on short rest or we can put it away game 5 against a nobody with Timmy pitching. I know it doesn't make a lot of sense but this is what I'm thinking as a nervous fan. Let's keep this offense going and if it does it don't matter who's pitching for Texas. ORANGE OCTOBER continues, for a few days yet.

World Series

It goes off tonight, world series, in San Fran, Giants vs Rangers. To be 100% honest I'm not totally in love with the Giants chances, but of course I didn't love us against the Phils either. I hear all the experts saying, the Rangers have too much offense, too much pitching against our terrible offense. You know what have to say to that, the Phillies had all that too. Doc, Oswalt, and Hamels were all tough but our offense some how found a way to hit them. The Rangers have a ton of offense, Hamilton, Vlad, Cruz, Kinsler, and Elvis, almost as scary as Howard, Utley, Victorino, Werth, and Rollins, too bad we shut them all down. I know the Rangers beat the Yanks, blah blah, but the Phills were in the World Series two years in a row, and we have home field. I know we're not flashy and don't have the offense to overtake teams, but hey for not having an offense we made it pretty far. I won't be shocked if the Rangers take the Giants down, and if they do hopefully Sabean does some work this offseason and gets some more offense. We're young enough to do this year after year, just need a huge bat to take us over the hump. I like our chances don't sell the Giants stock yet, I think we beat a better team to get here and damn it they can do it. ORANGE OCTOBER baby, don't stop believin.'

Big Ben

Today Ben Roethlisberger's suspension ended allowing him to reunite with his team, which is 3-1 after a narrow loss yesterday to the Ravens. The Steelers showed they didn't need Ben to win games, and also showed that Troy Palamalu is more important to their success than Ben. Last year Troy was hurt and the team didn't play well in his absence, without Ben 3-1 and almost 4-0. Well I'm not writing this about his return, him coming back reminded me of a story I heard a few weeks back. A study by someone did a list of the 10 most disliked athletes in America according to Q Rating which is what they base endorsements. Ben came in 7th. Not to bad of a showing I think until I saw the 6 guys ahead of him, and I realized America has some real problems.

The top 6 in no particular order, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Chad Ochcinco or Johnson, Terrell Owens, Micheal Vick, and LeBron James. What the hell is that? Now, I'm only a fan of two of these guys, LBJ and Tiger. But Big Ben isn't disliked more than these guys? I understand Vick and Woods, but what has T.O. Chad 85, LBJ, or Kobe ever done to be ahead of a guy accused of 2 rapes? Vick killed dogs I get it, Woods cheated on his wife, A LOT, and Kobe he cheated on his wife and was accused of rape as well, but it was proven to be consensual with a girl who was a bit slutty. What have the other 3 ever done besides being cocky? Is that how we are America being cocky is worse than being accused of rape? I don't even understand how LBJ made this list he went to Miami to win, which everyone says your supposed to win and athletes are selfish when they go for the money on loser teams, this guy took less money went to a winner and now he gets killed for it, America is ridiculous.

Now, I get race has to do with this and I'm not gonna beat my anti-racism drum, but if we're to blind as a society to see a guy who may have raped to people in a brighter light than 3 guys who are just cocky, we have some real problems. That is all, Go Giants, get Atlanta first take 'em down.

Thoughts 9-28-2010

Football is 3 weeks old and no posts yet, what the crap your wondering, I KNOW. Instead of breaking down week 3 I'm going to give some thoughts on everything from football to the chase. Lets go to the tape.

Biggest story of the NFL so far, the Chiefs are 3-0. They've got the makings of a good year, easy division, easy schedule, they also have tons of talent. The team is full of speed just need to keep this up.

The other two undefeated teams Pittsburgh and Chicago are both ok, schedule has favored both, but both teams are good and could make runs. Pitts D is really really good.

The 49ers suck.

The Redskins have problems, should be 0-3, but hey I said we'd struggle, big hopes were not mine for sure.

Micheal Vick needs to play someone before I think he's legit. The Pack weren't ready for him, and the Lions and Jax may two of the worst teams in the league.

So, Dallas lost the first two, now they'll rattle off 8 or 9 in a row, then December will come along and they'll suck again. Don't overeact either way.

Alabama is the best team in the country, their tough on both sides of the ball and the young defense will only get better.

Boise St. is good but please if two teams from the best 3 conferences go undefeated they'll get no shot, and frankly this year they wouldn't be able to play with Alabama or Ohio St.

The Chase is heating up, Denny is in the lead by 35 and got through two of his worst tracks. Things are looking good if he can keep his head on, and the car doesn't let him down.

Wish I would've done this last week b/c I would've said don't count out Jimmie Johnson, they guy has 4 in a row he all the sudden didn't forget how to win.

Baseball is way past heating up, The American League is about wrapped up, but the National League West and Wild Card are both great races.

The Giants have the lead in the west, with 3 this week against Arizona they can pull away from San Diego before their weekend series starts on Friday.

Enough about the Phillies having the best staff in the National League, the Giants gave up less than 3 runs in 19 straight games, if that's not the best staff not sure what else you need to do.

I'll take Timmy, Zito, and Cain over Halladay, Hamels, and Oswalt any day, just b/c Philly is on the east coast everyone loves them. Matt Cain took a no hitter into the 8th on Sunday, in Colorado in the pennant race that's clutch, also Timmy took a perfect game into the 6th on Friday night.

That's all for now, maybe I'll start posting more.

It's Chase time

Have to interrupt football for a second, NASCAR's playoffs are starting and I need to get my champion pick in. The playoffs are called "The Chase," frankly and odd name but whatever. The Chase just so happens to be at the worst time of year, right when the NFL starts up, so unless your driver is in the top 12 you've checked out, as Chris will since his driver sucks. I'm gonna break this down into the have's, have not's, and sleepers. 12 guys make the chase but only about 4 to 5 have a legit shot at winning it, the guys who've ran up front all year, not just got finished every race and seemed to get top 20's all the time, Matt Kenseth, in the chase you only get 10 races and top 20's won't do it.

First up the have not's

Matt Kenseth, he drives a ford for one, which in the first 26 races as a company has one win. He also doesn't seem to have that touch anymore. Since Matt lost his crew chief that he won his championship he hasn't been as good and he seems to get a new chief every year. I just don't like his chances.

Jeff Burton, the second most respected driver in the garage, Burton is old school and drives with class every week. I like Jeff but he doesn't have the killer instinct it's gonna take to win this, you have to win races to win the chase and Burton doesn't win races.

Carl Edwards, once again a Ford they don't have as much speed at the Yoda's and Chevy's. Personally I hate Carl and hate that damn backflip, I don't like his chances, he has the aggression but not the smarts or speed.

Greg Biffle, Ford need I say more, the Rousch guys are good drivers but one win between 3 "elite" drivers I don't like their chances. Rousch has as many wins as Micheal Waltrip racing, not good.

How about a few sleepers,

Kurt Busch, he was very tough in the beginning of the year but the summer has been tough on him. He's more mature than he was, but he still has that mean streak, I wouldn't be surprised of he won this, but I also wouldn't be surprised if he got 12th.

Clint Bowyer, raced his way into the chase, has the same equipment as Harvick. He also finished second 2 years ago, but RCR moved him to a new team last year and he took a step back. I've liked Bowyer for a while and think he could sneak up on the other drivers.

Now the 6 guys who are gonna race for this deal, all are tough, a few are champions, and a couple are crazy.

Jeff Gordon, he hasn't won all year, gonna need to change that. He's a 4-time champ in a different time. He gets the "contender" label just b/c he dominated the 90's, Hendrick has the power but I think the other car in his stable is better behind the wheel and on the box.

Tony Stewart, former multiple time champion, only driver to win championship in both formats. He has his own team, gets his motors from Hendrick. He has the power, but his crew makes mistakes and sometimes he does as well. I like Smoke, and want him to be successful on his own, I just don't like the chances this year.

Kyle Busch, he's the new Kyle, whatever that means. He is a better performer this year, keeps his cars in control for the most part, he's also gotten better at driving his cars when their "junk." He has a chance b/c he can rattle wins off, but when he screws up he blames everyone and then screws up on the track and ends his day. I think Kyle can put it together just not this year.

Kevin "Happy" Harvick. Happy had the points lead all year, and has been the best driver of the regular season. He's not a sleeper since he's been up front all year, and the guy gets top 10's almost weekly. He's won a few times this year so that won't be the problem. Once again I like him but more than these last 2.

Jimmie Johnson, can struggle all he wants he's still the favorite heading into the chase. You don't win 4 in a row and not get that respect. He has the power, the crew, the ability, and the best crew chief in the series. He makes all the right calls, but this year he's had more than one incident where his crew screwed up, or he did. Those mistakes weren't made until this year. If he wins this good for him I won't be shocked but I'll be annoyed that the next guy didn't.

This years champion is Denny Hamlin, comes in leading the chase with 6 regular season wins. Last year had 2 wins in the chase and 5 top 5's. The guy is focused, his team is focused. As long as his cars don't have mechanical failures that spelled him twice last year in the chase, he more mature so he won't wreck himself like he did last year. Denny has been a man on a mission all year and that mission to replace Jimmie as champion of this series, I think he'll do it, and maybe just maybe get some fans along the way. Denny's a good driver people take notice and stop cheering for crappy 88.

Afc North

Here's what I think about the north. This is going to be a great division to watch on Sundays. Three hard nosed teams and one cupcake to beat the crap out of twice.
1. Baltimore. I'm on their band wagon. Flacco is looking good. Entering his third year he has weapons on weapons. Ray Rice is a complete running back. The defense is a little older and depleted at corner and safety. The offense has enough talent to make up for the loses.
2. Pittsburgh. Well Big Ben put them in a hole for the first four games of the year. But the NFL loves the Steelers and gave them an easier schedule for the first four. They where supposed to play opening night before Ben let his dick out. Dennis Dixion will start those first four. Its like 1995 in Pittsburgh. Slash 2.0. Mike Wallace will be streaking down the sidelines. Hes a flyer. But of course its the Steelers so its all about the d. Good news Troys not on Madden this year. The course is gone. Lamar Woodley is a beast.
3. Cinncy. Well I wanna say they'll take second but i just can't do it. This will turn into a circus. The ring leader will be Chad Johnson.(refuse to call him anything else) I believe T.O. will put up better numbers than Chad. Owens had three shitty to put it nicely q.bs to deal with last year. And in my mind Chads not that great. Always pisses me off a bit to see Ced Benson running well. Carson have fun! You better step it up a bit. Defense is a great group that gets tons of turnovers.
4. Cleveland. Who cares! I don't. I only care when my fantasy players play them.

NFL Predictions

The season is hours away, I'm gonna give all my division winners, wild cards, championship game winners and of course a Super Champ. First though a few musings/predictions for the upcoming season.

Washington is gonna wish we had a young RB.

Minnesota is gonna wish it would've worked on the O-Line this off season.

Dallas is not the most talented team in the league, stop it.

San Diego is gonna miss that go to wide receiver at the beginning of the year.

New York Jets will be disappointed this year

Seattle I'm not sure what your doing up there, but I don't think it's gonna work, are you trying to get the Seahawks to move to Oklahoma too?

Green Bay stop listening to ESPN, your offense is good, but unless your secondary is healthy your in trouble, Chaz Woodson can't cover everyone.

Is Revis in shape?

Albert Haynesworth will be a distraction all year, unless he gets moved or cut, even when he starts he'll be a baby.

Enough with that onto who's gonna win.

AFC first
East-New England
North-Baltimore
South-Indianapolis
West-San Diego
Wild Cards-New York and Houston

AFC Championship Colts over Baltimore, I watched ESPN today and everyone loves Baltimore, all they did was add a few wide receivers and their the best team in the conference? Also, every guy says this a QB league and 7 months ago you were crowning Peyton Manning the best ever, all the sudden now a 3-year vet in Joe Flacco is gonna take over, I doubt it. I like the Colts, their healthy and have all kinds of weapons.

NFC
East-New York
North-Green Bay
South-New Orleans
West-San Francisco
Wild Cards-Atlanta and Minnesota

NFC Championship this is so lame, but New Orleans over Green Bay. New Orleans has all 11 back on offense, a small tribe at wide receiver, a gaggle at running back. Aggressive defense with an explosive offense. I like Green Bay but fear the defense will struggle unless the secondary is 100% healthy. Once again, you expect me to take Rogers over Brees in a huge game, I like Rogers but not yet, he'll get there but not this year.

Super Bowl in Dallas, Colts take down the Saints, if Gonzalez is healthy the Colts will have as many weapons as the Saints, and this year everyone won't be kissing the Saints asses when they get there. The Colts will be the dogs and use it to their advantage.

NFL preview NFC East

The time has come, time to review everyone's favorite division, the NFC East home of the Redskins, VaGiants, Iggles and Cowgirls. I know I'm a bit biased in this division so I'm gonna shock you and not put a lot of stock in the Redskins this season. We have by far the most questions, let's take a look.

Dallas is first alphabetically but last in your hearts, I know. They made some questionable moves with their offensive line, defense and coaching staff. What those moves are I don't know, their the sexy pick to win the Super Bowl b/c their hosting it, big deal. They have a loser head coach, loser QB, three RB's who need the rock, and a stupid WR in Roy Williams. They did however get the steal of the draft in Dez Bryant. I'm not a fan of this team and I'm not sure what the hype is about, where did they improve?

New York, well once again I didn't do my homework on these guys. They still have Eli, who is a loser. They have a decent O-Line, new stadium, not sure about their D. I've heard their gonna throw more this year, but frankly I don't care. I can't stand Eli, Tom Coughlin, Osi, or pretty much any of their guys. I will say when it comes to fantasy in a pinch I'll pick a Giant, as opposed to an Eagle, and I'll never take a Cowgirl.

Philly, they made maybe the boldest move ever in the NFL, sending their franchises best ever QB to a division rival (see Green Bay it's not that hard to do). They have put their trust in a young QB, who has no back-up, the Vick thing was cute no longer. They also have moved on in the backfield letting go of Brian Westbrook. So, let me get this right, young QB, young RB, their best WR is only a 3 year guy, their 2nd WR is a 2nd year guy, apparently Andy Reid doesn't like his job.

Washington, where do I begin. New coach, new QB, new defensive scheme, same stupid owner. We made some moves, none of them helped the team but we made some moves. We had Willie Parker in camp and eventually released him, when instead we could've had Brian Westbrook. We made the move for McNabb, I like the move but once again we've surrounded him with nobody's. Got Trent Williams in the draft, I like him he's kind of mean. Larry Johnson is old. We're switching to the 3-4, not sure I like it for our personnel but in a few years we'll have it. Albert Haynesworth needs to go. Our WR's are Santana Moss and Joey Galloway, really? I have zero good feeling about this year.

Onto the predictions the division champ is the New York Giants going 8-8, yeah that's right traditionally the best division the champ is gonna go 8-8. I just don't like any of the teams and don't feel anyone is a legit contender.

Washington 8-8, miss the playoffs, we just have an easier schedule than the rest, I like the direction we're going just need to get a youth movement and Shannahan's players in the system.

Dallas 7-9, who cares, of course their gonna go 10-6 and get everyone's hopes up till Romo chokes in the playoffs.

Philly 6-10, you don't get rid of all your weapons and get better. Andy Reid is a fat Walrus with a headset and won't last two more years before he's fired or has a heart attack.

Final note, watch baseball the divisions are heating up and the Wild Card is hot as well, GO GIANTS, only one out.

Afc West

This division is about as easy as the Nfc west.
1. Chargers. I mean was it really in question. SHOCKER!!!! One of the most talented teams in the league. But they won't make the Super Bowl again. They lose L.T. But gain Ryan Mathews. At this point upgrade. Vincent Jackson holding out. I don't know why he thinks he deserves to be paid like a top five wide out. Antonio Gates obviously helps him out. Ron Rivera really helps the defense out. They don't have to be great just good.
2. Chiefs. Really was a toss up between them and Oakland. Jamal Charles is the real deal. Thomas Jones can't unseat him. Matt Cassel is serviceable. I guess I could get paid to if I had to throw to Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Pumped to watch Eric Berry on Monday night football week one.
3. Oakland. Well they got way better when they added Jason Campbell. I'm guessing Run Dmc busts out for them. D-line is good. Are they going to challenge the Chargers? No.
4. Denver. Josh McDaniels is in trouble. He's ran out all the real talent this team had. Cutler Marshall gone. Orten and Royal in. Ouch. Moreno is talented but seems like he cant handle being a full time number one back. D is old and hurt

Nfc West

Well well well I'm here and its football time! Feel that chill in the air? Its time to enjoy another year of football cause to be honest we don't really know if we'll see it next year. So I'm going to start and tell you (Derek) what I think about the Nfc West.
1. 49ers. They really win this division by default. Alex Smith really isn't a starter. They live and die with Frank Gore. D is alright but it looks wwwwaaaaayyyy better playing Seattle and St. Louis twice a year. I don't think anybody will challenge them.
2. Cardnials. So this team had a hell of a turn over. They lost way to much to really contend. Losing Kurt Werner and gaining Derek Anderson is well comparing Megan Fox to Rosie O' Donnell. Woof. Beanie Wells has bust tattooed on is forehead. Hes a hell of a back but it seems like a five year old could kick his ass. Defense is suspect. Lost some good players but this weak division will help em out.
3. Seahawks. I can't take Pete Carroll serious. I don't think he really wants to do this. I mean at USC it was easy to get talent. I mean show em great weather some basket weaving classes and a Playboy of the girls hell any guy would commit. Just hope he doesn't pull a Steve Spurrier and start pick up old players left and right. Well Matt Hasselbeck is about injury prone as Beanie Wells. They have about four backs and no wide receivers. So I don;t know who they will throw to. The d well at least linebackers and corners are alright. Been looking for pass rush for while now. Plus their shit green uni's no thanks.
4. Rams. In a shocker huh? Well at least they have a qb for the future. I'm not sold but a lot of people are drinking the kool aid on him. No o line in like ten yrs. No defense ever. I hope Steven Jackson demands a trade. He's way to good to be doing this year after year.

Big Division

Gotta take a break from the NFL preview extravaganza to talk about yesterday's announcement of the new Big Ten. The Big Ten took a huge leap and instead of splitting the divisions geographically they instead looked for competitive balance when making them. On the Big Ten Network they call the divisions X and O, names are coming in the next 90 days or so, but for today we'll use them. Division X consists of Illinois, Indiana, Penn St., Purdue, and Ohio St., while division Y has Iowa, Michigan, Michigan St., Minnesota, Nebraska, and Northwestern. The glaring thing is OSU and Michigan are in separate divisions, how does that work, well the Big Ten is gonna have a cross over rival for each team from the other division and that breaks down like this, OSU-Mich, Mich St.-Indiana, Wis-Minn, Iowa-Pur, and PSU-Neb. So, each year you have 6 guaranteed games, and you'll also play the remaining 5 schools 4 times every 10 years. I almost forgot the divisions are ONLY FOR FOOTBALL, this has nothing to do with basketball, or the olympic sports. Big Ten Commish Jim Delaney said the AD's will look at how to break them other sports down, if they need to be.

Now, I love how they did this, instead of going geographic they looked at competitive balance first and foremost. They looked at records for every team dating back to 1993, when Penn St. joined the conference. This is how I see it, they ranked the teams and went down the line and split them accordingly, here is how I think the rankings shook down. 1 OSU-Michigan, 2 Penn St-Nebraska, 3 Iowa-Wisconsin, 4 Michigan St.-Purdue 5.Northwestern-Illinois, 6 Minnesota-Indiana. Historically those are how it breaks down most of the time, each school has off years but Michigan's has only been for two years and once Rich Rod is fired they'll be back. Another thing to look at is, these are only set for the next 2 years, if they feel the divisions need a tweak they can do it, these aren't set in stone and the Big Ten has been by far the most pro-active conference in the nation when it comes to change. They scared everyone into expansion this year, they were also the first conference to have league wide replay. So, in two years they feel it's not working they'll shake things up. The new divisions also work out for when Pittsburgh and Rutgers join the league, they'll just move Wisconsin over to division O, b/c their gonna have to guarantee them games against Penn St. every year.

Next they looked at rivalries, people are clamoring b/c some rivals won't play every year, hate to break it to you but all rivalries haven't played in a few years. In the old Big Ten you were only given two teams every year, now you have 6. Last year of the 12 trophy games played in the Big Ten 10 were played, next year 9 will be. The only rivalry that's not renewed from what I can see is Iowa-Wisconsin. Wisconsin instead gets to keep Minnesota and renew an every year rivalry with Illinois. In the old Big Ten you weren't guaranteed that game now you are. Iowa gets to start a new rivalry with Nebraska, and at least for the next two years end the season playing each other, I love this and can't wait. Iowa was the natural decision to get the first crack for a rivalry with Nebraska, as states we border each other, and we have about the same economy, CORN. I'm guessing a Corn Cup is in the works, just sayin.

I'm excited about the new Big Ten, and I think the conference left the door open for more expansion. The new rivalries are gonna be great and I can't wait for that first championship game to be played in Indianapolis, which is crap by the way, you have how many great cities in the midwest and you keep giving Indy all the championships, they host the basketball tourney as well. I for one wanted Lambeau to get it, and maybe even set up a rotation within the conference, you know Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Green Bay, Indy, Chicago, and Minneapolis. But screw everywhere else Indiana needs it, I guess.

NFL preview NFC South

The predictions keep coming, today's focus the home of the reigning super bowl champs, the NFC South. To the naked eye the Saints look like the clear cut favorites to win this again, but Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Carolina might have other idea, let's look at the questions facing the division.

Atlanta has a few questions. Is Matt Ryan ready to make the jump after a not so stellar sophomore season? What is up with Micheal Turner, big things were expected he delivered first year last year not so much. Is this a defense ready to make the leap? I mean those are the things I can think of, they could be set to rise again, like two years ago.

Carolina is a lot sketchier, did they make the right decision at QB, Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen, I'm not so sure. They have the two headed beast at RB, but in this new NFL wearing passing is king will those two studs be able to carry them to victories. What happened to Steve Smith, usually RB's fall off quickly but WR's tend to be able to play late into their careers, maybe it's his size he's a little small. They lost Peppers is the D ready to move on without him at pass rusher. I will mention Jon Beason, is he ready to become a force at MLB for this team, and make the jump to great player not just good.

New Orleans has only one question, are they happy to be Super Champs? They keep talking a big game, but we'll see. If their still hungover from the 6 month binge they've been on then their in trouble, if not and their willing to play with target on the back then they'll be fine.

Tampa, well I know nothing about Tampa. Josh Freeman they love. They got who some believe was the best player in the draft in McCoy, but can a DT make a difference? Honestly, I wish I knew more about them but I just don't and I'm not ready to think they've made the jump from bad to decent.

Onto the predictions here it go......

New Orleans wins the division going 14-2, I expect them to start 10-0, and could lose to Dallas week 12, and their other loss is when their resting starters at the end of the year against Atlanta. I like the Saints good D, Reggie Bush is turning into the player he should be, and the offense has too many weapons. Drew Brees is one the top 3 QB's in the league, and Sean Payton is a crazy mofo, their set up for success.

Atlanta just looking at the schedule, I came up with 12 wins, but I'll take one away and give them 11-5 which could mean playoffs, the West stinks, the East isn't all that good, so they could take that wild card spot with 10 wins, and are guranteed it with 12. I like their chances for Ryan to rebound and show the composure of his rookie year.

Tampa 6-10, just a guess, seems every year a team from the south rises up, I'll take Tampa to do that over Carolina.

Carolina this hurts to say but 3-13 or 4-12, I don't like Matt Moore and John Fox is a lame duck coach in my eyes. As I said their backs are studs, but the league is all about the pass now, running games don't win games typically.

That's all for now my NFC East picks will be up next week sometime, can't wait for that, expect a lot of Skins coverage on that I have a few ideas that most Skins fans don't.

NFL preview, AFC East

I'm in Foxboro, Mass. so I decided why not go ahead and do my AFC East preview. Kind of felt like pushing a blog out tonight and didn't really wanna talk about that QB that didn't retire but still needs to announce he's coming back, stop over reacting people. Instead, I'll keep the previews coming and keep this momentum up. The AFC east is a beast of a division, on paper. On paper the top 3 teams are close, and all of them have huge questions. I'll only be talking about Miami, New England, and the New York Jets, Buffalo has no chance and is the early season favorite for Jake Locker QB Washington Huskies. The big 3 of this division all have huge questions, let's take a look.

Miami, made the big move to get Brandon Marshall, Parcells is hoping he's not a T.O. repeat. I'm not in love with the Dolphins, the defense seems to be lacking that huge name to put them over the top. Can Chad Henne lead a team for a whole season, he had huge expectations his senior year at Michigan, the team went 8-4, as opposed for contending for a national title. Who else is there besides Marshall? Ronnie Brown is a dynamic player but he never has a dynamic season just a bunch of good weeks. My final question will they continue to evolve the wildcat, I hate it and if it's gonna be a real offense it needs to keep growing. My thought is Miami has too many questions to win this division or too even get that last wild card spot that many teams in the AFC are looking for. I know you just went the last wild card spot isn't there too, there is but not when New England and the Jets are both contending.

New England, is an enigma, the Defense is young and lacks a pass rush. They lost key veteran Ty Warren for the year, huge blow to the D-Line. Wes Welker is he back or not, what happens the first time he goes across the middle, that's what he does. Is Randy Moss still and elite WR, I know he's more elite if Welker is on the field. Still no RB's to speak of, can they again contend with a running game. How big is Logan Mankins holdout gonna be, I see it this way, everyone wants to talk about Revis, but Mankins is more important to NE than Revis to NY. If Mankins is out of shape and misses a block, guess who's knee is killed when the LB sacks his ass, that's right Tom Brady. Which leads to final NE question is Tom Brady 100% back from the knee injury, I know these things take time to get back from, guys play but QB's often come back before their 100% ready. Hopefully for NE's sake he's ready.

New York, drove by the stadium today that place is impressive, it's HUGE. The big question for the Jets is when does Revis report? The D will be ok without him though, Rex Ryan is a blitzing machine and they'll be fine. Is Mark Sanchez ready to lead, they got him another WR in Santonio Holmes, who'll be there week 5 after suspension, plus they already have Braylon and Cotchery. With those stud WR's will Shonn Greene and LaDainain Tomlinson be enough punch in the backfield? The Jets have a huge O-Line that makes plenty of money so they better be able to block but can Greene and LDT hit the holes? For the record I love Shonn Greene and am expecting huge things from this kid. I really want to like the Jets, but Rex Ryan is such a cock he makes it hard to like them, I think my feelings will waiver on this during the year.

Onto the predictions.

I looked at the schedule and I got New England going 12-4, they have tough games but some winnable games and if their defense can improve, with a healthy offense they can do it.

New York Jets 11-5, if Revis gets his ass into camp they could be better but he's only worth one win in my eyes. This season is more about Sanchez than Revis, it's on Sanchez to lead and score points with better weapons.

Miami hate to say it but 8-8, like I said I don't love these guys, but if they wanna prove me wrong I'll be glad to see it.

Buffalo 2-14, I watched them on Friday against the Skins, not pretty, no line, no QB's, just bad things all around, look forward to Sunday December 12th when they play Cleveland to see who gets to pick number 1.

Final note, a Great Giant passed away Bobby Thomson, who may have hit the most famous HR ever, "The Shot Heard Round the World," when the announcer exclaimed "The Giants win the pennant the Giants win the pennant." I'm not a huge historian but Bobby Thomson was a great player and great guy who was always willing to talk about that day.

NFL preview, AFC South

You smell that, it's August, it's hot, it's humid, must mean September is almost here, and with that comes the NFL regular season, oh baby it's game time. In preparation for the season I'm getting my previews going, doing it early so I don't have to rush like I did last year. Today's topic the AFC South, home of the Colts, Jaguars, Texans, and Titans. I think this is one of the toughest divisions in the league, Indy is always tough, Houston is an enigma that I can't figure out, Tennessee has two of the most electric players in all of football, and Jacksonville still has a team. Well that last one is in jeopardy but who cares. This division is full of star power, Peyton, Wayne, Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub, Chris Johnson, Vince Young, Maurice Jones-Drew. Legit pro bowlers all of them. This division also holds the dumbest liar in all of football, Brian Cushing who has blamed his failed PED test on everything from tumors to overtraining, dude admit your wrong and move on.

Predicting this division is tough, you know the Colts are tough, but after them your not sure. Are the Titans ready to contend, is VY ready to lead? Those are the questions in Tennessee. Is Houston ready to get over the hump, play a whole season, is Owen Daniels ready to become an elite TE in the league, and who totes the rock? That's what Houston is wondering. Jacksonville is still wondering if David Garrard was the right choice, and if Mike Sims-Walker can continue to improve, they also payed some money to Aaron Kampman hoping he'll put his hand back on the ground and be the force he was before Green Bay switched D's. Here's how I break it down

Indy-13-3, they have the usual tough games, San Diego and New England, but I think Peyton is ready to have Gonzalez back remember he wasn't there and they still made the Super Bowl. Bob Sanders is healthy I think, these guys are tough.

Houston 9-7 they'll miss the playoffs I think, they have winable games but without a running game I'm scared, also Schaub is made of glass he needs to stay healthy a whole year.

Tenn. 8-8 or 9-7, can't put my finger on it, but if Vince is the man they could win 11, he's a basket case they only win 6.

Jax 7-9 honestly this division is tough and Jax always plays Indy tough, let's see if Kampman can take down the 3 stud QB's in this division.

There you have it stay tuned for more previews from me and Chris. One more note, GO GIANTS, we need to take at least 2 of 3 from San Diego

Rookie of the Year

I'm hear to endorse a rookie for the award of Rookie of the Year in the National League. The guess should be easy for who it is, that player is Buster Posey, catcher San Francisco Giants. I know he's not a big name like, Stasburg, Heyward or even Ike Davis from the Mets. He is however leading all rookies in average, (over 200 ab's). Had a 20 game hitting streak, and batted .417 with 24 RBI and 7 dingers in July. The kid can flat out rake, and he's also catching a majority of the Giants games since the trade of Bengie Molina. So, he's not only killing the ball but also, helping the best pitching staff in baseball make a push for the playoffs. The reason I want Buster to win this award is for one, he's in a pennant race, Strasburg isn't, Heyward is but he's been hurt. The problem is the kid gets no pub b/c he's in San Fran, not on the east coast pitching in prime time every time he throws. It's not breaking news when he sneezes. I know Strasburg is gonna be great but to tell the truth, people see him every 5 days, it's hard to get a scouting report on him. Buster is playing every day and teams have seen him in every situation yet still can't get him out. He also got a hit off Strasburg when they faced each other, so hey he already beat him. That's all for now, Go Giants, and hey football is officially started when Brett Favre can't decide on boxers or briefs.

In the news

The news is busy lately don't wanna stick to one topic so I'll hit the high points.

Got a text from Chris the other day, he says he's coming back to the blog so I don't have to carry this sham by myself, but let's be honest nobody reads it anyway.

LeBron went to Miami, joining D-Wade and Bosh. For the record I like the move, LBJ was a dick for not telling Cleveland he was leaving. But, who can call out a guy who joins other superstars for less to money and whose only objective is to win. You can't blame someone for that.

Halfway through the year, the Giants are 4 out. Someone tell Brian Sabean to pull the trigger and get us some offense.

Buster Posey owns Milwaukee, that is all. This kid is amazing.

What happened to Alber Haynesworth, did he get traded, no? Shannahan wants to get this guy and camp and change his attitude.

Mike Vick is a retard with a capital TARD. STUPID.

The World Cup is over, the best team won, who cares?

Denny is cold, but he got a top ten last week, he kept saying new stuff comes out in Indy, well Indy is a week away hope he's got this new stuff figured out.

Wait till next year.

Where does Prince end up? I'm liking the Giants, come on Sabean.

Cliff Lee made the all-star game as a Mariner, but got traded to the Rangers, then wore the Rangers uni at the game, how weird is that?

Training camp is weeks away, OH BOY, let's get this rolling.

Expect the posts to be coming faster by the day, when football hits, this is gonna be a busy place again.

Free Agency

I know I know, I hate the NBA, so why do I care about the pending free agency period. I compare my feelings of the NBA to how I feel about fantasy baseball, I love the draft and finding out where players go, but when the season starts I could give a crap unless somehow one of my teams makes the playoffs then I sort of follow it, and if we make the championship I'm still only half committed. I have 5 fantasy baseball teams, I check them every 2 weeks or so and quite frankly don't care, but that week I drafted those teams I was clinging to my computer wondering if I was gonna get Timmy in the first, or where I'd have to take Jason Heyward at. In that sense this is how I feel about the NBA, I'm fascinated by where LeBron, D-Wade, Dirk, and Amare end up, regular season wake me when it's done, playoffs I have better things to do, and I'm tired of Kobe. Last week I watched the draft for the first 25 picks or so, and now this week I'm jacked to hear where everyone decides to go. Let's get a look at the few options for the main guy LeBron.

Cleveland, they can pay him the most money, but they suck without him. I don't think LeBron is gonna re-sign unless he can work a sign and trade to get Bosh or Dirk in Cleveland with him. Everyone Cleveland tries to get as Bron's #2 fails, whether it's Mo Williams, Shag, Antwan Jamison, or whoever none of those guys are legit Scottie Pippen's.

Miami, sounds like D-Wade is staying Miami as long as he can get at least one of these huge guys to come. I for sure think at least Bosh or Dirk are coming to Miami. Rumors are LeBron, Wade, and Bosh had a meeting and talked about playing together in Miami. I like the idea but who else they gonna get, Miami has 2 guys on the roster now, and if everyone gets max money they have to move Micheal Beasley to free up room, so they'll have 4 players and no money, sweet. My only question is how is Bosh with worth max money, he's not amazing just a solid player. I like this for Miami b/c Bron and Wade can both be Jordan and if either has an off night the other can take over. Lebron was the man in Cleveland and if he didn't show up the Cavs lost, in Miami he can take nights off and Wade can win games, or let Bosh win games for them.

Chicago, the upside for Chicago they have Rose at point and a rebounder in Noah, if LeBron can get Bosh or even better Dirk to come to Chicago with him, oh boy. This next idea isn't mine, it's Bill Simmons of ESPN's, if the Bulls do a sign and trade for Joe Johnson, moving Luol Deng, then holy crap are they loaded. The lineup Rose, Joe Johnson, LBJ, Joakim Noah, and Bosh/Dirk. That team would be amazing, almost better the 90's Bulls, based on talent. As long as 2 of those 5 are on the court they can compete with 90% of lineups in the NBA. The only team that will give them problems is the Lakers if Bynum is healthy with Gasol and Kobe on the floor. Other that that they'll be fine. I love this for Chicago and might cheer for them when I care about basketball.

I have to admit, I'm a LeBron guy, I think he's amazing. I don't care he's never won, he had to carry those teams in Cleveland and frankly that was unfair, that organization didn't try to help him at all and worried more about keeping him happy and having guys who could be buddies with LBJ instead of being aggressive players. Their are a few more teams LBJ could go to.

New York, not happening

New Jersey, could happen b/c of Lopez and Devin Harris being there, but not happening. If I had a choice of Rose and Noah or Lopes and Harris, I'd take Rose and Noah all day.

Anywhere else, not happening, he won't go west, David Stern won't let it happen, we need Kobe vs. LeBron in the Finals, and after Kobe hangs em up, Durant vs. LeBron. LBJ is the main draw in the NBA and he has to be in the East nough said.

Thoughts of June

How do you like the new look? I don't really have anything to report on just gonna give a few thoughts of the last few weeks happenings.

• Chris please blog why I should care about the World Cup b/c I don't.

• I'm so pumped the NBA season is over, people bitch about baseball, NBA and NHL are way longer, thank god it's over.

• Denny Hamlin is HOT, don't touch him, 2 straight wins, 5 wins in 10 races, up to 3rd in points, if the chase started today he's in first place. AMAZING run, keep it up 11 team.

• Speaking of hot, the Giants have won 5 of 6, and I would like to thank the MLB for giving us Toronto and Baltimore, not the Yanks and Rays for interleague play.

• Also on a Giants note they finally brought Buster Posey up to the show and suddenly we're winning games, I think I asked for this a while ago.

• This years rookies are more intense than camping, Heyward, Strasburg, that pitcher from Cinncy (not Chapman), that kid the Cubs got, Mike Stanton, and Buster. All legit guys, and if Buster were on the east coast more people would be hearing about him, but Strasburg is just stealing all the headlines, I wanna see him pitch against a real lineup before I crown him the greatest ever.

• Listening to the new Slash album, I know I'm behind a little, this is really good.

• Bad weekend for NASCAR, you got father's day, the US Open-which nobody is talking about, and the World Cup. So, they send both top series to road courses, stock cars and road courses don't go together, I like Sonoma and all but your not gonna outdraw all that other stuff.

• So I've been a real dick to Chris lately, last Saturday marked the 2 year anniversary of Dale Jr's last win. I know everyone loves him but please people don't tell me he's the best, and stop texting his crew in for fastest pit crew every weekend. I don't hate Jr, but for god's sake people give it up, it's almost like your Cubs fans.
  

• Well the expansion happened, sort of, Big Ten gets Nebraska, Pac-10 becomes 11, and the Big 12 decides to stay together, good for them. I don't think the Big Ten is done, we got Notre Dame on our radar and we're gonna get them somehow, whether it's by killing the Big East or what, we're gonna get 'em.
  

• Boise moved to early, Utah is leaving the Mountain West I think, so now Boise is only gonna have TCU to compete against, and really TCU isn't as consistent as Utah.

• MLB Network is my life saver, with ESPN only being about soccer and basketball, I have to watch it to get my baseball, also got to watch the Giants last Saturday on it, and if I would've been home I could've watched them again this week.

• Albert Haynesworth is making some big news, demanding trades and what not. I'm not gonna waste my breath with this. The Redskins facebook group is going nuts about this guy, I could care less. They're making a big deal about the 21 mil, Dan Snyder gave him that contract, good job dummy, now lay in the bed you made. Albert won't make or break our season, if our offense improves and the D picks up the scheme one overpaid D-lineman won't make any difference whether he's there or not. I just hope powers that be fix this soon b/c we need positivity not this crap hanging over our heads. All this does is prove once again Dan Snyder knows nothing about football and he should've butted out years ago.
  

Big Expansion

A lot to talk about this week, earlier this week the Big Ten supposedly asked 4 schools to join the conference, the Big Ten denies these rumors. It won't stop me from talking about who they asked to join, allegedly, and how it's gonna affect the conference power. First things first, why only 4, are they only expecting 3 to accept. Currently the Big Ten has 11 schools and the goal is to add 3 or 5, to make it 14 or 16. So, I guess in asking 4 when one school says no, they'll have 14, at least I think that's where their going, a 15 school conference doesn't make sense. Uneven divisions don't make sense. Onto who was "asked" to join.

Notre Dame, current conference, football: none, all other sports: Big East. Notre Dame is the biggest fish in this conference choosing pond, if the Big Ten whose been courting ND for 60 years can convince them to join all schools will stand to make a chunk of money, just from revenue of playing ND at home every other year, and in the case of the west division schools, more on that in a minute, every 4 years. As of now, ND plays Purdue, Michigan, and Michigan State almost yearly, but imagine the first ND vs Ohio State game in Columbus, that would be huge. If, ND joins they can still play USC in football, problem is they'll prolly lose Army and Navy. This is why ND doesn't like a conference they have rivalries with a bunch of schools so turning their backs on them sort of bothers them. To me this is a no-brainer, your in the middle of the Big Ten, you have a historic rivalry with Michigan, and you'd have an easier path to BCS if you join. Staying independent you get to keep your pathetic rivalries with lower level schools, and get to keep your deal with NBC, who I got a feeling would get into showing the Big Ten if ND joined. I like asking ND to join and hope they accept.

Rutgers, current conference all sports: Big East. I hate asking Rutgers, the Big Ten is mostly the midwest and asking an east coast school to me is ridiculous. I've heard the argument is to get New York involved with the Big Ten, Rutgers is in New Jersey, and most people from New York cheer for Notre Dame before Rutgers, so screw that. I don't like the move for other reasons, until recently Rutgers was horrible at football and the basketball team is not good either, basically your bringing them in to get whooped by real competition and hope maybe they can get a rivalry with ND. I've also heard that Penn State would like someone closer to them in the conference, well then go ask Pittsburgh to join then. I like Pitt, good tradition, good in all sports. They fit the conference mold, smash mouth and physical. Only problem is they have that rivalry with West Virginia, but as I said with ND, if they want they can still play it at a regular non-conference game. Enough about Pitt, I'm supposed to be talking about Rutgers. Rutgers also, bugs me because it's in the New York City outlying area, so for someone from Wisconsin to go to a basketball game on a Tuesday they would have to deal a place their not ready to deal with. I don't want Rutgers even though I've heard their very interested, I don't want 'em.

Nebraska, current conference all sports: Big 12. I love this idea, Nebraska borders Iowa automatic rival. Good tradition out in Cornhusker Nation, solid school, solid program. I would be genius for Nebraska to join, and get out of the Big 12, who only cares about Texas and Oklahoma. They proved that when they decided the OU-Nebraska game wasn't that important and decided playing it every year wasn't a big deal, instead opting for UT-OU every year as their marquee game. I've commented on this before, OU-Nebraska used to be bigger than Michigan-OSU. So, Nebraska comes to the Big Ten, rule the western division, and actually be cared about, maybe. I know Chris would love this so he wouldn't have to drive 8 hours to see the Huskers play, instead driving an hour and watching them in Madison. I like Nebraska and want them in a conference that respects them and hell Nebraska fits the geography.

Missouri current conference all sports: Big 12. We're raiding the Big 12, taking everyone who feels shorted by them. Rumors are Missouri is very interested in coming east instead of going south. Missouri is no powerhouse, but they compete every year, and sometimes they sneak up and win. It would also help Nebraska's transition if one of their current rivals comes over. Not much else to say about Missouri, accept of course I want them and the new rivalry with Illinois would be awesome.

So how would the new Big Ten look, if it's still called that. Maybe something like the Big 14 which sounds dumb, or maybe the Great Lakes Conference, sounds good to me. Of course the conference would be sliced into divisions, which like all the others would be geographically. Whether it's 8 and 8 or 7 and 7, it'll most likely be east and west divisions. Michigan and Ohio State have to stay together that's why I say it'll be east/west. In the east it'll be Penn St. Ohio St. Michigan, Michigan St. Indiana, Purdue, Notre Dame-they'd only join if they got to play Michigan and Ohio St. yearly, and if Rutgers joins that's where they go. In the west you get, Northwestern, who could go either way, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska if they join. If only Rutgers joins and not ND expect Indiana to join the west. If this all happens of course the east will be stronger, but not so dominant as the south has become in the Big 12, where whoever wins the north is an after thought as probably the 3rd or 4th best team in the conference. Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin can be tough places to play and the west would be just as entertaining as the east, where Ohio State will prolly dominate. I want this for the Big Ten and hope ND, Mizzou, and Nebraska all decide to join, giving us the second best conference in the country, and probably the most watched. Stay tuned this could get interesting.

Roids and Rookies

Gonna get this off my chest quick, a report comes out NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Brian Cushing tested positive for PED's in September. Somehow some way he got his appeal to last all season, played every week, and won the award. I for one blame the NFL for letting this take so damn long and not suspending him right away or at least part way through the year. Instead his suspension won't be until the first four weeks next season, how in the F does that work, couldn't figure it out in the 17 weeks of the season? Well that's beside the point, or least my point.

After the suspension came down and the timing of the failed test came out, the AP decided to revoke the award from Cushing and have a re-vote, Cushing not disqualified. So, their gonna re-vote and if you want you can still vote for Cushing. I have a problem with this two ways. One, if your gonna take away his award make him ineligable to win the damn thing. Two, why are you doing this? To prove a point, your dumb. My stance on roids has already been published and I feel there is nothing wrong with it, nor should people be punished for taking them. Now I've heard some people say no big deal and others have been mad, but I haven't seen one guy be outraged at this positive test, if it was a baseball player who won an award he would be getting filleted on ESPN, Mark Farnuwada or whatever would be at the teams offices asking questions, Bob Ley would be hosting round table discussions every half hour. But, since it's a football player nobody cares, you can't get Wendi Nix off the Tiger Beat and Rachel Nichols is prolly camped out in Mississippi hoping Brett Favre needs attention. Baseball player leads Sportscenter, football player an "update" comes 3 commercials in. As I said I'm not against Cushing, nor his positive test, but all you hypocrites need to cover this story with the same intensetity and vigor as you would a baseball player. I don't read a lot of columns but if you voted for Cushing a second time I better not hear a word about Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens ruing the sanctity of the game.

Spoiler Alert

It's been 6 races since NASCAR Sprint Cup did away with the rear wing, that was helping cars fly, instead opting for a rear spoiler, which gives the cars more downforce. Since the change an alarming thing has happened, a new team is dominating the circuit. Thing is it used to be Hendrick, with Jimmie Johnson ruling the COT with the wing. Now, Joe Gibbs racing is running the big boy series. Before the spoiler this season for Gibbs 5 races 0 wins, for Hendrick 5 races 3 wins, now since the spoiler change, for Gibbs 6 races 4 wins, for Hendrick 6 races 0 wins, unless you count Ryan Newman's win at Phoenix. Something has to give, what happened that all the sudden Denny Hamlin is the hottest driver in the sport going from 18th to 6th in points, including 3 wins, since the spoiler change. Kyle Busch, got a win and is now 3rd in points. Hamlin said after his victory on Saturday night that for the most part this season they've run mostly last years cars, and weren't really planning on winning races until after Indy, mid-summer. I think though JGR has this spoiler figured out, much the way Chad Knaus and the rest of Hendrick had the wing figured out. I'm not saying count Hendrick out, Jeff Gordon has been a long with Denny one of the most consistent racers since the change. Plus, they have plenty of time before the chase to figure out the spoiler. The only question is will Denny and Kyle win so many races between now and then that the lead going into the chase is gonna be unclimable. I had Denny to win this thing after last season, I'm sticking with it and these last 6 races are only helping me prove my point.

Wonderings April Edition

I know I promised lots of posts, but of course been busy, and haven't had much time to reflect. After the draft, baseball, and a couple of races I'll just go to the wonderings and get all the thoughts out in one swoop, here we go again I wonder........

why Mel Kiper Jr. has a job, all he does at ESPN is rate players and project where they will go in the draft. He had Jimmy Clausen 4th, are you kidding me 4th, apparently this guy doesn't know jack, he was off by a round and half. Yet, we're supposed to listen when he writes an article about grades, you have got to be kidding me.

how big a difference it is between Trent Williams and Russell Okung, I missed when we picked at 4, but I'm guessing everyone was going nuts. Why, because in your warped mind Okung was so much better. I don't question Mike Shannahan when it comes to lineman, if he felt Williams is better than so be it.

what the Bronco's were thinking Tim Tebow, really? If you wanted him wait until Clausen was gone then go get him.

if the Browns got the biggest gift in the draft, I love Colt McCoy.

why Todd McShay has a job, he said the Browns were gonna have to trade into the first round to get Colt, instead he makes it to the 3rd, cheese and rice are draft "experts" annoying.

who is the guy San Diego traded up to get, I don't remember his name, or ever heard of him.

if anyone is better than Tim Lincecum, nough said.

if this knee surgery is making Denny Hamlin better, since surgery, he's won at Texas and 4th at Dega. This weekend he's at home at Richmond, he could win again. Before surgery 15th in points, now 9th not to mention the terrible finish at Phoenix. This could be the year and with him not worried about his knee he's racing better.

if Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson feud is for real. If it is I can't wait for episode 3. In case you missed it they had word at Texas and Dega. So far I'm with Jeff, his comments have been classic. On the radio in Texas, "4-Time seems a little upset." That was awesome.

if I'm really going to two games next year, the Skins play at St. Louis and Chicago, I want to go to both.

what channel is VS?

what happened to the Caps, up 3-1 and then lose the series, as Pens fan I love it.

if Dana White is for real, he said if Anderson Silva acts a fool again he's out of the UFC, believe when I see it.

if the Brewers think they can get through this season with this pitching staff? I wanna cheer for the Crew, but why have all these offensive weapons but not have anyone who can shut down the other team.

if the Giants can keep this up, all 5 starters are pitching well, the bullpen is doing ok, the offense has been streaky, the offense needs to be more consistent to make a real run.

when Buster Posey is gonna get the call, it better be soon this kid a legit hitter and is above average defensively as a catcher, the Giants need him get him up.

are the NBA playoffs still on? Why do I hate basketball so much.

why ESPN is in love with Roy Halladay, he pitches well they talk all day about him, where my boy Timmy does the exact same stuff yet still no talk. That's bull who has 2 trophy's? Timmy that's right.

how long Ryan Howard will be the second highest paid player in baseball, Albert Pujols is about to get a new deal and he better be making more than A-Rod and Howard.

if anyone realizes baseball is a long season, give Jason Heyward a break he'll break out of this slump.

Tunes?

Sitting around wondering to write about. Brandon Marshall, no. The NBA, hell no. NHL playoffs, don't watch enough to have an educated opinion, on that note, let's go Pens. I figured it's been a while why not just let everyone know what's getting heavy rotation threw my ears these days. Here's a top ten of sorts.

1. Then entire Breaking Benjamin album Dear Agony. I love this album been listening to it in my car constantly.
2. Liar by Rains, never heard of this band. Pretty awesome song heard it on Octane on satellite radio. Comes in with just the singer, pretty low key song, but still rocks.
3. Dragonfly by Shaman's Harvest, I think everyone is in love with song currently, it's awesome and can't wait to hear more from this band from Missouri.
   
4. Miracle by Nonpoint, I've been with these guys from the beginning have their first album, love all their songs. They've changed their sound as the years have gone on, but they still rock.
5. Fire it Up by Thousand Foot Krutch haven't always been a huge fan but this song just gets me pumped. If only I still played sports between this song and Your going down by Sick Puppies I don't think we'd ever lost at anything. Ok that was a lie but you get how awesome the song is.
6. Spaceship by Puddle of Mudd, can't figure these guys out. I've liked them from the start, but then they disappear for a while then come back. Spaceship is an awesome song, and the video has the Nitro Circus guys in it so it's pretty cool.
7. Why Don't we just Dance by Josh Turner, gotta have at least one country song on the list. I like it, good song, and fun video.
8. Seems like I always have and old song on heavy rotation and this song is way old, Life's Been Good by Joe Walsh. That's right Joe Walsh from the Eagles, this song is so awesome and I still get excited to hear it.
9. Wars by Hurt, I've always liked Hurt, their dark like Staind only a little bit harder. Would like to see them live in a club sometime think up close and personal would be better than at a huge venue.
10. Scream With Me by Mudvayne, awesome song, awesome band nothing else to say.
    
11. F*** The Po-Po by Corey Smith, if you haven't check this guy from Georgia out, you should. He's bluesy and has a really good tunes, F the Po-Po is just my favorite. His live album Outtakes from the Georgia Theatre is really good.

So there you have it my current top 10 or so, if you haven't heard all the tunes give them a listen and let me know what you think. A little feedback never hurt anyone.

Week in review April 5th-11th

A whole bunch of news in one week, I was busy working so I didn't really watch any of it. Instead of writing 4 different things, I'll just give my thoughts on the happening.

• Good job Butler, if only you could make a shot you'd be national champs.
• What is up with Coach K? He's a Bobby Knight guy, I would think he'd be more of hothead, but he seems like everyones best friend. That apple rolled about a mile from that tree.
• Opening Day was cool to watch.
• Who is better than Albert Pujols? I watched opening day and listened to the Sunday nighter on the radio. He's amazing, and I wonder who the hell is pitching to this guy?
• Jason Heyward is a man, the guy hit 2 out the opposite way against the Giants this weekend, and the one he hit on opening day still hasn't landed. Rookie of the year, hands down.
• Tim Lincecum vs. Roy Halladay for NL Cy Young is already heating up, I watched Timmy on opening day, he was amazing and his "new" curve ball makes his fastball and changeup even more effective. Then last night 10 K's against the Braves, I got him winning his third, but of course I'm a bit biased.
• I called Tiger getting a top 15, should've said top 5, but still a good showing for not playing any tourney's in 5 months.
• Get off Tiger's ass, if he wants to cuss while playing so be it, you hit a ball in the woods and try not to swear or hit your club on the ground.
• Didn't get to watch much of the Master's but I checked the highlights every night, Phil played really well, obviously he won, but to play like that with his wife being there was pretty cool. You can say what you want, but having your wife and mom both recovering from Cancer the fact he can hit a ball straight is impressive enough, let alone win one of the toughest tourney's of the year.
• All the golfers owe Tiger a big thank you, because of him, they didn't get any attention this weekend, and just got to play golf.
• Sounds like the UFC fight Saturday was a bit of a dud, my pal Dunne was very disappointed, he called to tell me how frustrated he was, and coming into the night we were both more excited for this fight than before christmas.
• Sprint Cup at Phoenix was ok, I'm getting a little sick of seeing late race cautions, I know Denny got helped at Martinsville, but still if your dominating and with 4 laps left some nobody cuts a tire, and strategy wins the race, than why waste the first 370 laps and just run the last 5.
• Hats off to Denny, 11 days after ACL surgery on his left knee, he got in the car and stayed in, even after going 2 laps down with battery problems. I know people are saying he's doing it for attention, I don't think so, why on earth would you punish yourself like that. Not only was the knee in pain, the first half of the race he thought he didn't have enough power, so he turned off his fresh air to his helmet, and it was 115 degrees in Phoenix.
  
• One more hats off to the Wisconsin men's hockey team, getting to the championship game of the frozen four and coming up short against Boston College. 2nd is nothing to be ashamed of.
  
• Final thought, Brewer fans you need to get rid of Trevor Hoffman, he stinks and is 42, time to retire.
  

Tiger Beat

It's the night before the Masters, the night before "A Tradition Unlike Anything Else" the night before Tiger comes back. A lot of questions are coming out about how Tiger will perform. Personally I feel he's gonna do just fine. I'm not predicting a win, but I'll call at least a top 15 finish. He hasn't played any competitive golf in half a year, or so, but he owns Augusta and knows that place like Derek Jeter knows the hole at Yankee Stadium. How are the crowds gonna react? I think they'll be fine, it's the Masters, nobody acts up and if someone does security will happily escort them off the course and ban them for life, and if they scalped the ticket I'm sure the person who sold it to them will be banned for life. It won't be Happy Gilmore out there with a guy yelling "Jackass" during Tiger's backswing. I also expect Steve Williams, Tiger's caddy, to help with the crowd he has a bit of a reputation of taking on people who mess with great one. So, in summary Tiger will be fine, the reception will be great, and the golf world will be back to normal.

One more note, to all you hooches who knowingly slept with a married man, and thought you were special. Tiger doesn't owe you shit, you dirty dirty skanks need to move on and stop talking to the media. We get he did stuff with you his wife wouldn't do, he's a creep, whatever get over yourselves, your not famous, nor will you ever be.

Donovan

Wow a what a present, here I am just watching Opening Night, Yanks-Sox, look down on the ticker, and it reads: BREAKING NEWS Eagles agree to trade QB Donovan McNabb to Redskins. I about jumped out of my seat. We did WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT. I'm going, how in the hell did we convince Philly to give us their QB, I mean division rivals, really? Brett Favre had to waste a year in New York before he went to Minnesota because Green Bay didn't want to see him twice a year. So, the Walrus with a headset, decides seeing DMC twice a year isn't all that bad. Not only that we got him for virtually nothing, a second this year and a 3rd or 4th next year, a whoopity doo. I like the move for a few reasons, number we now have a QB so any talk of Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford is done, we can focus and take Russell Okung at 4. It also means, Jason Campbell is not gonna start, which maybe DMC can teach him a few things. Donovan is a winner, can make all the throws and instantly makes us a better team, which sorry to say that second round pick, most likely to be used on a QB or O-lineman wouldn't have helped as much as him. The cons of the move are this, he's old, owed a lot of money, and a free agent after next year, but Dan Snyder will take care of that.

So, at the start of free agency, everyone applauded the Redskins front office for patience, and not spending like crazy. Since then Larry Johnson, Willie Parker and now DMC. Not much patience being shown anymore. I like the direction the team is going, and hopefully Shannahan can turn this into success on the field.

The Best?

Holy crap I'm getting bad, a whole month between posts. In my defense March sucks, unless your a huge basketball head, which I am not, my basketball interest gets peaked for 3 weeks, the last 2 of March, and the first week of April. Wait did someone say April, the GREATEST Sports Month of the Year? That's right the best month of the year is April. It starts with my birthday and ends with the NFL Draft, could a month be any better, sprinkle in the Final Four, Masters, MLB Opening Day, and the NHL Playoffs all starting in a four week span. Plus, this year you got a huge UFC card Saturday, the 10th, not to mention the Sprint Cup going to Texas in the middle of the month and Talladega at the end of the month.

As someone who wants to write about all this your gonna get a lot of posts this month. Hell, starting tomorrow, Monday the 5th, the week will be enough alone to make the month great, during the day Monday the rest of MLB teams start their seasons, that night the NCAA championship game Duke vs. Butler, and Tiger is gonna have a press conference at the Masters. Then on Thursday, the Masters starts, and Tiger officially makes his comeback. Pretty sure I'm gonna have some coverage of that. Not to mention Saturday night, Matt Hughes is back in the Octagon, BJ Penn is putting up his Lightweight championship and probably the best fighter in the whole sport, Anderson "Spider" Silva puts his Middleweight belt up. That's a hell of a lot for just a week. Plus, the Sprint Cup goes under the lights for the first time of the season at Phoenix on Saturday night as well.

If you can get through the first week, life gets easier, The NFL Draft and Talladega are the same weekend, but this year the NFL is spreading the draft out for us, hopefully I'll be able to watch and do a running diary again. Dega on the other hand can be a bit of a bore, but it can also be the most exciting race of the year, if you can handle watching it just waiting for the "big one" to happen. However, is you click back and forth between the 6th round and Dega, you'll be fine. Well, that's all for now, I expect to be a little busier this month so please come back soon.

Hockey Fix

Been a while, Chris is focused on free agency, and I haven't watched anything sports related since the Daytona 500, so yeah not much to report on. Had to work during the gold medal game of the Olympic hockey tournament last Sunday. Heard it was the most watched Olympic hockey game ever. So, now all the talking heads are wondering how the NHL can turn those viewers into NHL viewers. They all have their points, but I'm gonna give some good ideas on how to fix the NHL.

Contract the league, it has 30 teams right now, contract that to 24. If you don't know this is how hockey works, the "offense" has 4 lines of the 3 players and the "defense" has 3 lines of 2 players, plus each team carries at least 2 goalies. Not to mention guys on the bench or injured. I looked up how many players the NHL has and the number is around 950. If you eliminate 6 teams, the league will lose 190 or so, not as good players. If you can get the cream of the crop on the ice, and teams can be deeper, then the product will be better.

Make the NHL, U.S. vs. Canada, the league should have two divisions, a US division, consisisting of New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Philly Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, and either Phoenix or New Jersey for the 12th team. Try to stay out of the warm cities, kids can't play hockey in warm cities. Canada has 6 current team, Ottawa, Toronto, Monteal, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. A few teams have left Canada in recent years so give those teams back, Qubec Nordiques and the Winnipeg Jets. That's 8 only need 4 more, not sure where they would come from but I have one idea for a team, give Alaska a team and have them play in the Canada division. I'm sure they could carry an NHL team. Anyway if you make two twelve team divisions, have 6 teams from each make the playoffs and do it up NFL, style, top 2 seeds get first round bye, play a best of 5 in the first round, best of 7 the other two rounds. Then for the Stanledy Cup, U.S. vs. Canada, even though the players will be from any country, the fan bases however will be able to root for and against their country.

Market the super stars, this is behind everyone's arguements. Who is Sidney Crosby? Who is Alex Ovechkin? Martin Brodeur or Patrick Kane? Sid the Kid is my favorite current player, plays for my team Pittsburgh, helped win the Stanley Cup last year, and scored the game winner for Canada. I heard lots of talk why wasn't Crosby doing TV after the game, I'll tell you why, because he's Canadian, what ratings would you get if you got the guy who beat America on TV? If we would've won and Kane scored it, you bet that kid would be all over TV. If the US wins that game, it would've been better for the NHL. But, to the point, we need to get these guys on TV, sign them a deal, get 'em commercials. I like Ovi, but I couldn't pick that guy out of a line up and I'm a fan of the game. I don't have the answer on how to make these guys huge, but I can see more of NHL guys face than a football players, but yet guys in the NFL are regonizable.

Get people to games, I will profess for ever and ever. Hockey is the best sport live, I've been to NFL, NBA, and MLB games, hockey games are better than all of those. I'd rather go watch the Junior team from Dubuque, than any NBA game. I'd rather watch live hockey all day, however it doesn't translate to TV. I love hockey have a hard time watching it, when I can find it, Saturday's on NBC, or is it Sunday, not sure, also what channel is VS, on TV. It just doesn't translate to the screen well. Rather it's because you can't see the puck, or what, it just doesn't make it.

Super Bowl Sunday

So I know its Tuesday and the big game is done, but I was busy and I got a few things to say about the game. Well I didn't care who won,but i was rooting for the Colts. Its fine the Saints won and I'm happy that one of professional sports biggest losers had their day in the sun. The thing I don't like is people going on and on about them like they are Saints fans. Its Tuesday get over it. I still can't believe Peyton made that throw. Collie in the slot wide open and Manning forces one. The greatest q.b. of our time but man he chokes. Couldn't believe it happened again. All in all Gregg Williams has to get a job next year. They've really turned it around with him. Who knew the Colts could be held to seventeen without Curtis Painter. Not gonna go to much more into the game theres other things to talk about. OK enough is enough the NFL can't keep throwing out old washed up acts. Its doesn't make much sense to me to have Carrie Underwood sing the National Anthem and The FREAKING Who is the main act. Thank you Janet and Justin. Thanks a lot! I hope it changes next year its getting worse. Well now for the commercials of the night.

Top 5
1. Motorola Megan Fox. I'm a guy enough said. Sex sells sex cells and it works for me.
2. Late Show. Getting those three to sit on a couch together. Classic. I know it was only for 30 minutes but great.
3. TruTv. Mini Troy Polamalu could still the crap out of most. O the show I checked it out. Not that great.
4. Dennys Screaming Chickens. Freaking funny. I kinda want Dennys. Well the ads maker did there job.
5. Doritos. As a whole I thought they where all funny.

In closing just want to say I hope Anheuser picks it up a bit. Another disappointing year in my mind.

Super Diary

Gonna keep a running diary of the Super Bowl, Bill Simmons style. Gonna write down my thoughts of the moment no editing, What I write stays.

5:10 The Saints have arrived, why don't teams announce starting line-ups anymore, I miss it. I think it was the Patriots that started this running out as a team stuff, I wish they wouldn't.

5:11 The Colts are here, I think I heard some booing when they announced them.

5:12 CBS we want HOT sideline reporters, not Solomon Wilcots and Steve Tasker. What do they know about Super Bowls neither have won one. Get me Erin Andrews STAT.

5:16 Congrats to London Fletcher finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

5:18 Brian Waters wins award, they show Peyton Manning who just wants to play. Queen Latifah out to sing, thought she was a rapper. Doing the remix I take it, when did this become the pre-game festivities? It goes anthem, coin toss, kick no other crap.

5:21 Carrie Underwood to sing the anthem, think the NFL told her please don't look too hot. Jeremy Shockey resembles and ex of mine, not sure if that looks good on my part, but he does.

5:23 Jim Nantz let's us know "coming up..(dramatic pause)...the COIN TOSS, no freaking way.

5:25 New LeBron vs. Howard commercial, very nice very nice. Loved how Dwight says whoa whoa, no jump shots.

5:27 Hall of Fame guys announced, I'll have more on that this week.

5:28 Have Jerry Rice flip the coin, not Emmitt Smith come on. Saints get the ball first, TD in about 4 minutes.

5:31 we're off

5:33 3 and out, poor selection by Brees on the 3rd down play. Call for a fair catch dummy.

5:34 words of Jess, Peyton runs so funny.

5:35 Can't cover Dallas Clark with a LB.

5:37 Looks like Roman Harper is gonna cover Clark we'll see how this goes.

5:38 The Colts love that WR bubble screen, that's one time they've ran it, I'm gonna guess we'll see it about 4 more times.

5:41 early observasion, the Saints have had a few shots at Peyton and haven't taken 'em yet, I think the refs said something before the game.

5:42 Stover is good, 3-0

5:43 I love Betty White

5:45 dumbest thing in sports, 3 minutes of commercials, 1 play for 3 seconds, 3 minutes of commercials.

5:46 Walter Payton is happy he's dead, terrible Bears. Dorito's very nice

5:50 Catch the ball Coltson

5:51 Freeney is not all there, galant effort but if you can't spin out your wasting your time.

5:52 Sterotype foul on Dorito's single black mom, terrible.

5:56 Gregg Wiliams yelled the defense, they're hitting Peyton now.

5:57 The Saints offense better show up when they get the ball back or this is gonna be over in a hurry, if Addai can keep running like that, the Colts can eat the clock.

5:59 see last post, Addai is tearing it up.

6:01 Manning to Garcon, looked the TD right before halftime of the Jets game. 10-0 Colts.

6:05 30 seconds left in the first quarter, still we go to commercial dumb.

6:06 Auto tune is terrible. Beavers playing fiddles I dig it.

6:08 Phil Simms doesn't know what a double team is, the safety was no where near Garcon. Announcers are dumb and can't admit when their wrong.

6:13 big penalty use it Brees. Jess says, he barely hit him, maybe not a good call. Pierre Thomas is all man, and says I'm the real Pierre in this game. Where is that stat, first time two guys named Pierre can control a game.

6:15 anyone seen Jeremy Shockey, is he playing?

6:16 nice step up by Brees.

6:17 eating my words about Freeney. Hartley is good 10-3 Colts. We need TD's here boys.

6:19 Jay Leno is clutch.

6:22 Brett is my man, hilarious.

6:23 CBS this is your A-Squad, Phil Simms say, that sack may have stopped a touchdown drive for the Saints, well duh he got it on 3rd down you dummy.

6:24 Garcon has 2 drops.

6:32 The Saints WR's go right after you, the Colts guys go down and protect themselves, the Saints try to run you over. Not a time for a reverse, got 'em on the ropes keep throwing it..

6:37 what happened to the 2nd quarter.

6:40 Mini-KISS love it.

6:42 Sean Payton lives like this all the time, if your gonna go for it, throw the damn ball on 3rd down.

6:47 Phil Simms is killing me, I'm a better announcer, why would you use your third timeout with 20 seconds left what a dummy.

6:49 Hartley is good 10-6, Saints needed more points in that quarter. The last two minutes took 12 minutes.

6:51 halftime is starting, time for someone my dad thinks is old to entertain us.

6:55 why do we need highlights of what we just saw?

7:01 half the people watching this just went what is pin-ball?

7:06 irony alert, irony alert, half of America is asking the same question, who are you?

7:12 it's over, terrible, note to the NFL get a band who's made relevant music within the last 20 years to do halftime. Over 10 minutes of sucky-ness.

7:20 Halftime took over a half-hour, I'm bout ready for bed, we need some points, early and often.

7:21 Sean Payton is a crafty mother, he's got balls that's for sure. Can't believe it worked. Mr. Kendra Wilkinson should've had it, can't believe I got to use him in the Super Bowl Diary, thank you Kendra thank you.

7:25 Saints have this thing called momentum, now they need a TD.

7:27 remember what I said about the Saints guys staying up after contact, Pierre Thomas is a beast. Touchdown Saints, 13-10 Saints Sean Payton is f'n crazy.

7:30 Stevie Wonder just took best commercial, amazing.

7:31 Ladies call Barney Stinson

7:32 when we last saw Peyton he was 4 years younger Just saw the WR screen again, that's twice.

7:33 not gonna lie I had this wrong the Colts are running the ball well.

7:35 Peyton is a bona-fide stud, that was through like quadruple coverage to Clark.

7:36 halftime adjustment for the Colts, quickly setting up before plays.

7:38 Joseph Addai scores, CBS shows Eli, because Eli had so much to do with that drive. 17-13 Colts, the offenses are finally showing up.

7:41 one question why doesn't Reggie return kicks, he should.

7:42 Hi I'm Derek and I'm a milkaholic. Jess agrees

7:44 Saints got the ball back, if they want to win only TD's the rest of the game, Peyton has his game face on.

7:46 These defenses are f'd, both guys are locked in.

7:49 Hartley is good, the Saints don't need fg's 17-16 Colts.

7:54 why do we watch any other channell CBS has the best shows on EVER.

7:55 Phil Simms would like to prepare your balls, if you would like him to do it call CBS he'll come to your house right before bar time so you can have your balls prepared for that skank you dragged home.

7:56 get your 4's up, we need some points, about 24 to be exact.

8:01 MVP ballots are open, my early canidates Pierre Thomas and Joseph Addai, who's gonna win it, Peyton or Brees. Jess thinks Hartley b/c she likes the kickers.

8:02 good call on 4th and 2, Peyton is gonna retire and not even be an o cordinator.

8:04 WR screen number 3, Vilma great coverage on Collie

8:05 Stover is no good, Saints got good field position

8:10 Cowher called it at halftime, Freeney stiffened up over the long break.

8:12 David Thomas with the catch, which reminds me, go get some Wendy's. bad joke sorry

8:13 Jeremy Shockey is in the building, going for 2, I told Jess they would before the drive started.

8:14 didn't catch it Saints 22-17

8:17 not sure about the challenge, pretty sure he didn't catch it. He had the ball for a long time, depends how you interprupt the rule. Not gonna be mad either way. Text from Chris, he got it. that was a hell of a grab.

8:18 here's the call, he got it, Saints 24-17

8:23 I smell overtime, said it before Jim Nantz, just ask Jess.

8:24 Jenkins almost got a pick, so far very clean game, the refs are staying out of it, I like it. When Peyton gets it going, he looks for Garcon, not Wayne.

8:26 the Stover miss is rearing it's ugly head.

8:27 Taco Bell, the lead up commercials sucked and the Super commercial sucked. Thank you for sucking.

8:29 best ever MY ASS, I called a TAINT before the game, just had the guy wrong. F'n a COTTON f'n A 31-17 SAINTS, WHERE YOU AT WHO DAT'S

8:31 Phil Simms just admit your wrong.

8:32 I would like to hear you read some words, I'm starting a book club.

8:33 must say I prefer the old E-Trade baby.

8:36 Peyton can sling the rock that's fo sho, two minute warning. Saints don't play prevent, only prevents you from winning.

8:37 going to Denny's on my birthday.

8:39 not a horrible penalty, but still dumb.

8:40 that flag was LATE LATE, booth review it, come on. How was that not reviewed?

8:42 Phil Simms new name is captain obvious, if they score they need to kick it onside, REALLY dumb ass.

8:43 game over, Saints win, didn't get the over like I wanted but what the hell New Orleans won. Reggie Wayne should've caught it.

8:44 class act of the Colts not using the timeouts to prolong the game. Thank you Jim Caldwell.

8:45 Peyton Manning is a baby, go shake hands you puss.

8:46 MVP votes Jess wants Lance Moore for the 2 pt, I want Pierre Thomas, Chris has Drew Brees.

8:52 not gonna lie, I like the hats, very plain, not over the top, and stylish.

8:57 Let Len Dawson through damn it, Undercover Boss is on deck and we need to get through this.

8:59 Surprised CBS didn't cut away when Benson and Payton almost kissed.

9:01 Purdue now has two Super Bowl winning QB's, holy crap next year Neckbeard.

9:02 Brees wins the MVP two TD's, can't argue.

9:03 New Orleans is gonna be crazy ass place for the next two weeks. Congrats to the Saints, and to the Colts you played a hell of a game.

Left Turning 2010

Gentleman start your engines! Oh wait a second. Lady and Gentleman start your engines! Well here we go again with left turns and once in a while a couple rights. I'm just gonna give you my thoughts about the season coming up and things to look forward to. Also I'll give you my twelve for the Chase. Does what I say matter? No, but I'll give it a shot. Well here's what i think.

1. Well of course the biggest news of the off season was the arrival of Danica Patrick. Glad shes here but I don't want people to think I'm an asshole for saying this but if she wasn't drop dead gorgeous we wouldn't care. I mean if Susan Boyle had Nascar talent would she be in a car? O no heck no! Danica's a pretty face which is great but don't think she'll make an impact in Nascar.

2. Then of course Dale Jr. Gotta get a win. Has to make the chase. Period.

3. Nascar opening the rules up for the plate races. Great idea, but you should be racing the old car and not the c.o.t for it. The old car is aero sensitive and you can't beat and bang. The new car is built like a tank and can take a beating. I think the rules will change again before Talladega.

4. Denny Hamlin has to stop playing basketball. That knee is fine now but I want to see how it goes after his first big wreck.

5. Nascar regulating start times!!!! Thank you!!! If you can't tell I'm excited for that. There is no reason that every single race need to be a late afternoon into a night race.

6. Does Jimmie Johnson's show have "we need people to like him if he is winning all the time" written all over it. Sure its interesting. If Jrs not winning and ratings are dropping they gotta try something.

7. Kasey Kahne a free agent at the end of the year. Wheres he going? Hendrick. They have a full stable you say. Think about it.

8. Nascar is always saying they need to save money. After Daytona why don't they go to Cali race Fontana then go do that damn Infineon and Vegas.

9. In the chase there needs to be a road race. Would having three races a Daytona be a bad thing? Think if they raced the road course in the chase would be cool.

My awards for 2010.

Rookie of the year. Well none so far.

The Chase Drivers.

1. Jimmie Johnson. You see any flaws? Me either.

2. Mark Martin. How old is he again?

3. Tony Stewart.

4. Denny Hamlin. If the knee holds.

5. Juan Montoya. Easily the most talented driver in Nascar. How many wins would he have if he was with Gibbs or Hendrick?

6. Jeff Gordon. Wont do much. They need a shake up.

7. Carl Edwards. What happened to him last year?

8. Kyle Busch. The focus is on to win the cup this year. Will he? Nope just to young and dumb.

9. Kevin Harvick. He'll make it. Seems to race harder when he is due a contract. This is the year. Stewart -Hass 2011.

10. Matt Kenseth. Second full year with Drew Blickensderfer will help.

11. Ryan Newman.

Drum roll please.

12. Dale Jr. Way to good of equipment. Good driver. Has to do it. If not RCR is in his future.

The Champ. I hate saying it. I hope somebody can do something with them. Nascar needs something different but don't think it will happen. The 48 will take if for the fifth year.

All i can say hope its a good year. Hope the boring summer months of the season go by fast and lets go racing!

Super Breakdown

Time to break this Super Bowl down position by position and hopefully find a winner.

QB-Advantage Colts, you can't say anything about Brees that discounts Peyton, the only thing Brees has on Peyton is his "This is Sportscenter" commercial is hilarious and Oreo commercials suck. Check it out here, http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3495314&categoryid=4637542

RB-Advantage Saints, they have 3 good RB's in Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, and Mike Bell, while the Colts have Addai and Donald Brown. Bush is a triple threat, if he decides to play. The Saints also like to run the ball where as Peyton likes to throw it. I say Peyton b/c Tom Moore was calling run plays in the AFC Championship game and Peyton kept switching to passes.

WR-Advantage Push, the Colts have Wayne, Austin Collie, and Pierre Garcon, they also have Mr. Kendra Wilkinson, but if they go 4 wide they use Dallas Clark, where as the Saints have Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Devry Henderson, and Lance Moore. They also use Bush in the slot, or line him up wide. Wayne and Colston are both the #1's but they often draw coverage away from the other guys and let take games over. For the Colts it was Garcon and lately the Saints have been using Henderson. With all these weapons both secondaries are gonna have long days.

TE-Advantage Colts, Dallas Clark is healthy and probably the best receiving TE in the game not named Gonzalez, he's also and Iowa guy. Jeremy Shockey for the Saints is not healthy, David Thomas is decent enough but not better than Dallas Clark.

Offensive Line-Advantage Saints, simply b/c the Colts only need to pass protect the Saints line, run blocks, pass blocks gets on the edges for screens. They are really active. The credit I will give to the Colts guys is every play they have to be in their stance for 30 seconds while Peyton stands back there and plays with himself. If I were them I'd be like dude just snap the damn ball so I'm don't get stuck in this position, I'm a fat ass and this is really uncomfortable.

Kicker-Advantage Colts, Matt Stover over Garrett Hartley, enough about kickers.

Punter-Advantage Push, who the hell is gonna punt with these two offenses?

Returner-Advantage Saints, Bush can change field position in a heart beat, Garcon and Chad Simpson aren't as big of threats to break one.

Safeties-Advantage Saints, simply for the fact that Darren Sharper is a ball hawk. If the Colts had Bob Sanders I'd give them the advantage but he's hurt. Antoine Bethea for the Colts might be a game breaker for them, if you haven't heard of him he made a lot of big stops against the Jets.

Corners-Advantage Push, I've never heard of any of these guys, maybe Randall Gay for the Saints, but only because he was in New England, he doesn't even start. These guys are gonna get killed all day, if somehow one for either team creates a turnover it will for sure change the game.

Linebackers-Advantage Colts, Gary Brackett and Clint Sessions are both great players and sure tacklers. I like Jonathan Vilma for the Saints, but Scott Fajitta I'm not a fan of. If either team decides to blitz, the Saints are more likely, whatever one of the LB's can hit the QB, it could make a huge difference.

Deffensive Line-Advantage Colts, even if Freeney doesn't play, Robert Mathis is a bona-fide stud pass rusher. The Saints will have an easier task knowing that 80% of the time their pass rushing, where the Colts will have to read run or pass. Not sure any of these guys are gonna make a difference in the game, maybe Mathis if he can get to Brees. The Saints are gonna have to dissrupt Peyton, but after the league said the Farve hit on the first pick was a flag expect the Refs to protect Peyton the way bears protect their cubs.

So the score is Colts 5 Saints 4. However, I can't help but pull the NFC and go against everyone who's annoited Peyton the greatest ever, as of now he has as many rings Mark Rypien, so yeah not the greatest ever. Here's the prediction 49-45 Saints expect fireworks early and often. MVP Darren Sharper, he's gonna pick Peyton off twice and take one for a TAINT.

Overtime

I know it's been 5 days already and you've probably already forgotten, but on Sunday the dumbest rule in the NFL showed it's ugly head again. That rule, the overtime rule. The NFL overtime is ridiculous, I'm not saying this just b/c I wanted Minny to win, how on earth do you play sudden death in the playoffs. Don't give me this crap that both teams had their chances in regulation. Yeah but so do teams in baseball basketball yet both teams get a chance to score. I'm behind the discussion on this a little bit, but I think my idea is the best.

The NFL should play 10 minutes of overtime, same rules that they currently have, 3 time outs per half, only booth reviews on replay. However, no sudden death, just play 10 minutes and whoever's winning after that wins the game. If nobody scores, regular season tie, playoffs play another 10 minutes. After two 10 minute sessions flip another coin and restart the game again. This is basically the NBA and college basketball rule for overtime, and their games seem to end just fine. Play a shortened period, but not so short one team can hog the ball. If you get the ball with only 2 minutes left well I guess that's all you get. I'm not a huge fan of the college football OT rules, simply for the fact of such a short field it doesn't allow the offense to have all it's arsenal of plays. So, if the NFL would just play more football everyone would be happy.

Championship Breakdown

In the words of Nonpoint, "What a day, what a day, what what a cool day." Jets-Colts was a good game, amazing how less cocky Rex Ryan is when their losing. Vikings-Saints was a great game, I have some big opinions on that game. On to the highlights.......

Peyton Manning looks so focused during games, I don't watch the Colts much, but yesterday after every series he was on the bench with his OC, and ofted he wasn't even watching his defense play.

Joseph Addai still has some sweet moves.

It doesn't matter how big Revis Island is, if you don't cover the other guys why on earth would you throw at Revis. Peyton did go that way a few times, not for huge plays but Wayne did beat him once.

Mark Sanchez played better than expected, the play action to a wide open Braylon was a great play. Of course last year everyone thought Matt Ryan was so great and the Falcons missed the playoffs.

The Jets have hope for next year, Simms said it during the game, the only help they need, is Kris Jenkins and Leon Washington back. Maybe, another corner but hell if you can shut down half the field the only team that's gonna give you problems is the Colts b/c they have 900 WR's.

The Colts must be a system thing, if Garcon and Collie put up numbers like that.

Dustin Keller is a bit of a cock.

Brad Smith could start for the Redskins.

Jim Caldwell is a great head coach, down 17-6, he told the offense to get down the field and score, they did, he helped make the adjustments at halftime, and the second half the Jets were worthless.

Enough about the game nobody watched

This game started like it was gonna be 70-69 by the end, both teams scored on 2 of their first 3 possesions.

Adrian Peterson is a stud, but needs to hold onto the ball.

Whatever happened between Favre and Peterson on the fumbled exchange at the end of the half cost the Vikings the game more than the pick Brett threw at the end of the game.

New Orleans doesn't deserve crap, Minny turned it over 5 times and you only win by 3, you should be ashamed of that performance if your offense is so damned good.

Minnesota's D is awesome, 5 turnovers by their offense and they stopped them for the most part. I think Leslie Frazier should get a head coaching job today. Maybe in Minnesota.

Reggie Bush is Devin Hester and Dante Hall with a little bit more talent, that's it. The only reason he's on this team is he went to USC. That fumbled punt was dumb, fair catch it and go to half.

Brett's first pick was a classic Favre, threw right into triple coverage.

Minnesota's offensive line needs a lot of help, all these guys are touted to be so damn good, Brett was on his ass all night.

Onto the key moment of the game. I'm gonna give a different side to this, not blaming Favre. Brad Childress is an idiot, Darrell Bevell is a dumb ass. You run a play on 2nd down, I understand, trying to get a little closer, but after the play they call timeout with 19 seconds left. WHY, WHY, WHY the hell are doing that. Are you gonna throw the ball on 3rd down? NO, your gonna run it, why not just let the clock run down, call time out run Longwell on the field and kick the game winner as time runs out. The Saints were out of time outs, you have one of the best kickers ever, let him win the damn game. Well after the timeout, again the coaches show their genius and don't get the personel right and Vikings have 12 guys in the huddle. That's coaching, not the QB, all coaching. So now it's a 57 yarder, not unmakeable but still far fetched. Now they decide to throw the ball, why? Run a draw to Taylor if he gets yards fine, if he doesn't than the clock goes down to 4 seconds you call timeout, time runs out miss or make. You throw it incomplete the clock only gets to 15 seconds, if you miss the Saints get at least a shot to move the ball into FG range. You may not understand this b/c your too busy doing your Favre screwed up happy dance, but if you watched the game this is what should've happened, Childress screwed the pooch and he's not catching any of the blame, it's all going on Favre. That's BS and I hope eventually everyone sees it.