2011-2012 NBA Predictions

Basketball is finally back and ready to go!! 66 game season will prove to show some interesting outcomes and yea lets just get to the predictions....

EAST
1)Miami
2)Chicago
3)Boston
4)Atlanta
5)New York
6)Philadelphia
7)Washington
8)New Jersey
9)Indiana
10)Orlando
11)Milwaukee
12)Cleveland
13)Charlotte
14)Detroit
15)Toronto

WEST
1)Los Angeles (L)
2)Oklahoma City
3)Dallas
4)Los Angeles (C)
5)Denver
6)San Antonio
7)Memphis
8)Golden State
9)Portland
10)Houston
11)Phoenix
12)Minnesota
13)Sacramento
14)Utah
15)New Orleans

Regular Season Awards
MVP: Kevin Durant
Def: Dwight Howard
Sixth Man: James Harden
Most Improved: John Wall
Rookie: Derrick Williams
Coach: George Karl

Playoffs:
1st Round
MIA def. NJ in 4
NY def. ATL in 6
BOS def. PHI in 5
CHI def. WAS in 5

LAL def. GS in 4
DEN def. LAC in 6
DAL def. SA in 6
OKC def. MEM in 6

2nd Round
MIA def. NY in 6
CHI def. BOS in 7

LAL def. DEN in 5
OKC def. DAL in 6

Conference Finals
MIA def. CHI in 6

OKC def. LAL in 7

NBA Finals
Miami def. Oklahoma City in 6

Season Overview:
Miami is just too talented and tough. If you guys are wondering why I have the Lakers at #1 seed, it is because I do think that Dwight Howard will eventually become a Laker catapulting them to being the best team in the regular season. Orlando gets some early wins with Dwight to stay at 10 while the other team that loses its star; New Orleans falls through with one of the top lottery pick although Toronto will have the worst record. Washington gets in with the resurgent John Wall leading them in along with Golden State as an upstart team with Monta Ellis and Steph Curry. Not much real upsets in this year's playoffs except all 5 seeds beating the 4 seeds and Oklahoma City with the young core of the future MVP Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook defeat Los Angeles in the Western Finals however Miami will eventually win in 6 and finally Lebron James can hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy as the Big 3 get what they originally came together for.

A Fantasy-astic Finish

Yeah I know it's been a while since I've had a post and to come back with such an unimportant topic seems a bit suspect. However I just could not ignore what a fantastic finish my fantasy football league's season is set up to have. I know all of you are saying "Oh God, why must you be that guy to talk about your fantasy football league to others? WE DONT CARE!!!" Yes I do understand it has nothing to do with your lives in any sort of way but I just want to point out that probably for the first time in my history of fantasy sports, have i ever seen something like this.

With two weeks to go in the fantasy football regular season, there are 5 out of the 10 teams in the league that are tied with the same record of 6-6 with two of the final four playoff spots up for grabs. The current teams tied from the 3rd spot to the 7th spot are Big Ass TDs, There's No Crying in Football, Alchys Anonymous, Bama Tornadoes, and NFL 2011. Here's how each team got to this position to set up for what's to be one of the greatest finishes in fantasy football history!

Let's start off with hottest team of the group Big Ass TDs. Having begun the year very inconsistent wit ha 3-6 record particularly to the lack luster of his draft pick; Desean Jackson, and the inability to have consistent good weeks by running backs the most important of positions in fantasy football, it almost seems impeccable that this team is very well in the hunt. Seemingly coming out of nowhere wit help from huge surprises of late of Laurent Robinson and Reggie Bush, to go along with arguably the best layer in the league Aaron Rodgers, this team has reeled off 3 straight wins to this point to pull himself to the Mendoza Line. This team is going to be in the thick of things with the upcoming weeks very well controlling his own destiny by if pulling off two wins will most likely be in the playoffs. The upcoming schedule for that of Big Ass TDs is a date with a possible trap game next week with PackRepeat who is the worst team in the league although has a fighting owner who surprisingly continues to update and fix his roster. Then followed by a week 14 final game of the season meeting with Bama Tornadoes who as mentioned before is also one of the 6-6 teams in a possible "win or go home" game.

Then there is There's No Crying in Football who has been pretty much the opposite of Big Ass TDs. Having lost 4 out of his last 5 games, TNCIF seems to be getting a lack of output on his total team points per week. A very hot start helped him get into this tied highlighted by the win against the 1st place team, Ching Chong Maka Haya (my team), giving him his only lost of the season. It always seems that he his having trouble dealing with his running backs on Carolina; Deangelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart. It seems when he starts one the other does good that week and vice-versa. The team highlighted with Tom Brady and Greg Jennings has a very intriguing matchup next week with Bama Tornadoes, followed by a possible trap game with undisputed underdogs who just upset Alchys Anonymous.

Speaking of Alchys Anonymous, his team clearly is having a streaky season. Having started the season 0-4, his team reminds me of the owners favorite team the Indianapolis Colts of a few years ago. After the torrid start, Alchys pulled off 5 straight wins thanks to the return of Arian Foster along with good play from his other star running back Frank Gore and help from Ben Roethlisberger. The cold start from his team was main in part to a very much injured roster. As stated before, Arian Foster's injury to go along with Gore's, Antonio Gates and his draft pick Kenny Britt now on IR. The remaining schedule isn't very promising as he plays Ching Chong Maka Haya next week in which he knows he will need to step up big time or pray for a lack luster weak by my team. Then followed by a matchup with Astoria Thugs who is also taking care of his team despite being out of contention.

Bama Tornadoes the one team who actually does control most of his destiny. Having the next two final weeks to play two teams in contention will pretty much pave the way for who is going to be in the playoffs. Very much a nuisance throughout the season while smack talking to Alchys Anonymous, his words sure came around to bite him from behind teasing A.A of his 0-4 start now having equal records. Hit with the Michael Vick injury along with Peyton Hillis' Madden Curse, his team is wildly inconsistent but is in contention due to his great start from his backup Quarterback Matthew Stafford and stud wideout Calvin Johnson. (Go Lions baby!) Now on a 3 game losing streak, karma is surely getting back at Mr. Ron. What goes around comes around man. Don't talk smack if you cant back it up!

And last but no least is NFL 2011. Possibly the funniest story of this fantasy football league, NFL 2011 hasn't touched his/her team (name is Nikki so don't know the sex) the whole year. I did earlier in the year however call that this person's teams if staying relatively healthy, is very dangerous. Lesean Mccoy's and Wes Welker's terrific years helped this team stay in contention. Probably the fact that the owner didn't look at their team during the year is the reason why this team doesn't have a better record because it is a very good team. It would kind of be pathetic that a team who hasnt been updated their team the whole season make the playoffs but that goes to show you how good of a team this person has. Having a most likely victory against Undisputed Underdogs and a week 14 date with Ching Chong Maka Haya, NFL 2011 sure will probably need to win out and need help from the other games. Probably hoping Bama sweeps through and he/her doing so themselves would assure a playoff spot.

Prediction - I think the two teams that will make the playoffs with will one team that consists of the third best team in the league that will probably sweep their remaining schedule and the biggest threat throughout the season and points wise will put themselves in third place with a first round matchup with The Bad News Bearcats, I think There's No Crying in Football will probably get through. I'm a bit surprised of the late bad streak but i think Michael Turner and the rest of his team will probably turn things around because I think they are the most talented team of the bunch. The other team will make it due to their remaining schedule and being hot lately in the probable win and in game, Big Ass TDs will pull through over Bama TOrnadoes. The teams outside of TNCIF will either split or lose both games remaining. I'm not a real believer in Reggie Bush and Roy Helu but Bama's team looks depleted. Then probably having a first round matchup with Ching Chong Maka Haya.

View the League homepage yourself @- http://fantasy.nfl.com/league/371609/team/7/gamecenter?week=12

Postseason Predictions

Alright here are my official 2011 MLB Postseason Predictions

DIVISIONAL SERIES

DET-NYY Let's get this out of the way. Of course I will root for my Yanks, but in all honesty as I said in my other blog entry, detroit is the real deal. They just have it. they have the chemistry and I think they will, what I guess will be considered an upset, defeat the Yankees. Verlander gets in the Yankees head like Cliff Lee, and the tigers have better pitching than the Yankees do. As much as I liked it, I think the loss on Wednesday will tell the baseball gods, the Yankees are not deserving compared to the 2005 Chcago White Sox. DETROIT IN 4

TB-TEX Tampa is a feel good story and it seems liek people think they are going to go far since they were given the chance when they shouldnt be here. However I think the long fight will end here. Once Texas clinched they were forgotten and all the focus is now on the Rays. I think Tampa will cool off on offense, and Texas will cruise into the ALCS despite the probable better pitching staff of Tampa. Also the child of the Texas Ranger fan who lost his life earlier this year in Texas will throw out the first pitch in Game 1 giving the Rangers the emotional edge they need in Game 1 which should give them a win. TEXAS IN 4

STL-PHI I still cant see how St. Louis got here. Where did htey come from? they aren't even that good and Philly will shut htis team down and quickly get them out of the playoffs. If St.Louis wins I will be highly surprised. Philly is just ckearly better. PHILADELPHIA IN 3

ARI-MIL I think what can be a great series really wont be. Milwaukee has too much talent and Arizona is way too inexperienced. ARizona's offense will get sht down a great run and hopefully for them a good experience. Winning one game here would be a positive for them. Dont think it's going to happen though. MILWAUKEE IN 3

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

DET-TEX I stand by my earlier prediciton, and I think Detroit will pull through in a great series. A very evenly matched series except for the pitching. Detroit has a better staff and a way more certain bullpen. Adams is not the same in Texas as he was in San Diego, two different types of ballparks. Leyland out manages Washington in a trip to the World Series. MVP- Verlander DETROIT IN 6

MIL-PHI I think a very competitive series will go down to the wire. I think this is the NL matchup we all want. Milwaukee has that chemistry that you can see them winning it all. TONY PLUSH!!!!! But Philadelphia is too much and too strong. I will say later on why they have a certain stright and comparison. MVP- Chase Utley PHILADELPHIA IN 7

WORLD SERIES

DET-PHI This series will be very good for baseball fans but not for ones who dont care as much. Philadelphia's pithcing staff is too much to go along with a now very good offense. What puts Philadelphia over the top tht i mentioned before is the fact that they remind me of those 2005 White Sox. When things didn't matter for them and everything for Atlanta, they end up winnning that game similar to Chicago's beating of Cleveland when Cleveland was up for a Wild Card spot with Boston. I thiml they may just be that good. They may be too much for Detroit and home field will give them the edge. As much as I'd hate to say it, they'll win in 6. MVP- Roy Halladay

2011 CHAMPIONS - Philadelphia Phillies

The Boston Flee Party

Oh how I loved how this baseball year has turned out. What we saw Wednesday night was possibly the greatest night in baseball history not only in my eyes but in most of the public's as well, and my Yankees didn't even win! You cant script what had occurred that momentous night. This is exactly why sports is the ultimate reality TV. MTV or Bravo cant come close to the entertainment that ESPN provided for us.

For once in my life I enjoyed the Yankees losing. As much as I wanted them to win and have Tampa Bay just beat Boston in the one game playoff, I think what actually happened was better. I think it was better seeing the last place Baltimore Orioles absolutely stun the Red Sox in the bottom of the 9th down a run with 2 outs and no men on base. I was so close to just write Boston in with the lead and Tampa gone who was down 7 runs late in that game, but something told me and perhaps all of us something was going to happen. I actually fell asleep right around the rain delay that occur ed in Baltimore to wake up and see that both games were somehow still going on. There was that disturbing feeling even though seeing 2 strikes and 2 outs in each game that told me this just couldn't end right now and both games would prolong.

Tampa's comeback was so epic, it almost seemed unreal. When it was 7-6 with the 2-2 count and 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth, Dan Johnson up to bat and Cory Wade pitching, I had something say in my mind, are the Yankees really going to win this game? I couldn't have a reason in my mind that they shouldve yet would've. It's like I almost knew that Johnson would hit a home run because I knew it was too good to end. If we would've won that game, it would've made us "good guys" to those in Boston which can never happen. It's not the Yankees montra to be seen as "good guys" in other cities not named New York. And there it was the season saving home run and Yankee fans all smiled for the weirdest of reasons. Then Baltimore coming back in the 9th in Boston was almost so quick it didn't feel like it actually didn't happen. They played the exact same role as the Buffalo Bills this past week. A team who has the worst of track records against the highly favored team in New England, seemingly for some unexplained reason came through. Then again Yankee fans smiled. And sure enough minutes after the Boston collapse, Longoria hits the walk off and Yankee fans again rejoiced. i think for the first time in our lives, were able to see baseball through the eyes of the "little guys" and I think for about 20 minutes were truly exposed to the real wonders of baseball. Coincidence that the movie Moneyball just came out huh? ( By the way which was a great movie)

Wednesday was the most prime example of why a true sports fan knows why baseball is the greatest sport. Nothing builds up excitement and anticipation more than this sport when it's in its highlight moments. The amount of concentration of baseball contains in limitless. It's both slow and fast in ways that the human mind cant seem to control in suspense. This is why in my eyes, Wednesday night was the single greatest day in baseball history! Oh how I loved all the biased Red Sox fan news anchors the next day on Sportscenter just quiver when going over the highlights. You can just see the shame on their faces. Boy do I wish I can just rub it in Buchigross' face.

And here we are now with Boston. The team who was, along with the Philadelphia Phillies, in most of the headlines in the off season with its free agent pickups of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez and were heavy favorites by almost all the experts to make it to the World Series. Both were absolute failures for them when it mattered the most. they couldn't handle the big stage even though Crawford was seemingly transparent throughout the whole year. The failure of this team now arises questionability of whether changes need to be made. it was said today that Terry Francona, the manger of the team is on his way out due to lack of ability to control a clubhouse filled with the superstar egos and players they have. Theo Epstein the general manager of the team is also in question of whether he would stay and not take the job in Chicago trying to rebuild his second historically cursed franchise. The now free agents in the most lovable Red Sox, David "Big Papi" Ortiz who is a wonder of how much left he has in the tank and the pompous arrogant closer Johnathan Papelbon, more like Papelbum! Something must be really bad there since they are really wanting change for a team that was given one year and missed the playoffs by a game. There must be a huge lack of chemistry, something they have been long known to have. Keep in mind they didn't have their second best pitcher for most of the year in Buccholz. The fact that two although hated, very smart individuals in Francona and Epstein seemingly might want to leave in this situation could possibly mean the end of the longtime powerful run of the Boston Red Sox. Sufferers of the biggest collapse in baseball history may finally put my Yankees greatest foes down the drain once and for all. They known something all of us don't with what still is a very good baseball team within that clubhouse that has bad signs. Oh how this off season could be another sign of Yankee fans smiling. By the way I give big props to the mlb facebook page for this picture which I find as a fantastic way of describing this scenario.

Can You Hear the Quiet Roar?

Yeah it's been a while since I made my last post. The start of school got in the way along with some laziness and lack of stories to really blog about. Well I'm back to talk about a very interesting team heading into the MLB Postseason: The Detroit Tigers.

There's something about this team that has me thinking that they are special and could cause a real havoc in the playoffs for the other A.L teams. They are in reality destroying the competition in their division when a lot of analysts were thinking this division race was still close. The A.L Central is pretty much wrapped up. Detroit just swept the four game series with the Chi Sox and probably are going to do close to the same in Cleveland the other only slight hopeful team to make a comeback in that division.

Everyone is talking about the Yankees and the Red Sox and Texas is the reigning A.L Champs so they aren't exactly sleepers either and it seems everyone is overlooking a very quietly good Detroit team. The way they are playing, they remind of the White Sox in 2005. The White Sox had that division wrapped up and completely obliterated the competition down the stretch including an Indians team that was vying for the Wild Card Spot. The Tigers are doing that now and it seems like they are doing it with ease.

To me they have the complete package as a team. A very good front three in the rotation, something the other 3 teams in the A.L currently lack, a high powered offense that's third in team average in the majors and fourth in both hits ans runs, and a dominant closer. It looks like they have more heart and consistency on the baseball field than the other 3 teams along with the great amount of talent. They are relatively healthy and most of their players have postseason experience.

It seems like every year one surprise team make the postseason and World Series. Yeah this year we have the Diamondbacks who no one had making the postseason running away with the N.L West, but I don't see them having enough talent to beat Philadelphia, Atlanta or Milwaukee. They will probably be that nice story team that plays the Phillies in the first round then gets smacked and swept by them and we forget all about them. Detroit is that other kind of surprise. Chicago and Minnesota were the favorites in that division going into the year. Detroit in my opinion can beat any of those A.L teams. They still have some of that core team that beat the Yankees in 2006 in the ALDS and i can see it happening again. Boston shows a ton of inconsistency heading down the stretch and are getting hurt left and right and they have won the season series against Texas and the last time they played them in Texas they looked like they had their number out there.

This team is for real and I don't have any doubts that they would upset any of the other 3 teams and win the pennant in late October. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers better watch out, or else they will be getting upset by this team in which I don't think you can consider much of an upset, heading into an off-season with no rings on their fingers. Believe is or not Detroit is the team to beat in the American League. Official Playoff Predictions coming at the end of the regular season. Stay Tuned!

2011-12 NFL Predictions

*OFFICIAL*
I made my predictions game by game, included some upsets and here is how i think the upcoming NFL Season is going to shape up. I cannot and will not take any of these picks back.

AFC

New England 14-2
New York 11-5
Miami 7-9
Buffalo 2-14

Pittsburgh 13-3
Baltimore 11-5
Cleveland 6-10
Cincinnati 3-13

Houston 10-6
Indianapolis 9-7
Tennessee 6-10
Jacksonville 4-12

San Diego 13-3
Kansas City 7-9
Denver 6-10
Oakland 3-13

NFC

Philadelphia 13-3
Dallas 12-4
New York 7-9
Washington 4-12

Green Bay 13-3
Minnesota 9-7
Detroit 8-8
Chicago 7-9

Atlanta 12-4
New Orleans 11-5
Tampa Bay 5-11
Carolina 4-12

St. Louis 8-8
Seattle 7-9
San Francisco 6-10
Arizona 5-11



Reasons for the picks broken down by division and each playoff game

AFC EAST- New England will go undefeated for a while until they lose to the Jets in Week 10 in the Meadowlands. They are just too powerful. The jets are going to have a typical Jets season but they find it hard to beat the really good teams in the league(I predict they lose to New England, Philly, Dallas, Baltimore along with Miami). Miami will have a decent season for what they have and cause playoff seeding trouble for the Jets by beating them in Week 17. I think Buffalo will end up getting the #1 overall pick and take Andrew Luck which will revamp the hype in Western New York in their last chance to keep their team.

AFC North - Pittsburgh still has most of their already good team and Baltimore's number to go along with it. It seems as if Baltimore is their little brother waiting for the big brother to finally hit a road block. Baltimore still being a very good team makes the playoffs. Cleveland lands some random no reason, upsets one against Baltimore and finishes at a typical 6-10 for a rebuilding team, and Cincinnati is just awful and honestly I don't know how they will pick up three wins but it'll come because I don't think Luck looks good in black and orange stripes.

AFC South- Yes, I think it's finally Houston's year. They pick up Johnathan Joseph which helps a miserable secondary and they still have a dynamic offensive trio in Schaub, Foster, and Johnson. Mario Williams will be a nice help too. Indy is on it's way down. I think the defense is depleting and finally, yes finally Peyton Manning will be overwhelmed and just doesn't have enough to take this team to the playoffs but does get them over .500. Tennessee doesn't have a good defense and a brand new coach isn't a positive. I think Hasselbeck is hitting up on age and Chris Johnson is about to sign a new contract, (ha) we all know what happens when overrated good players sign new large contracts * cough Joe Mauer *. Jacksonville has nothing to play for, not even fans. Gabbert isn't going to be a good quarterback in my opinion and Garrard isn't bad but isn't great and their defense is bad.

AFC West- I have San Diego as somewhat of a sleeper team and reclaims the top of the division. Ryan Matthews gets too much praise to be so bad so coming off an injury we couldn't tell how good he really was I say he isn't bad but Phillip Rivers leads this team to the playoffs. I think the Chiefs are a one and done but are not bad team for the future. We kind of just got a little taste of last year what they will be down the road. Denver gets some upsets in there with Dumervil back and Oakland falls in the pits and fails to get Luck as Al Davis continues to rot, literally.

NFC East I thought Philadelphia is a really good team before the off season transactions. Now, although I'd hate to say is, are easily Super Bowl contenders. Dallas will be back to being a really good team and give Philly a run for their money (that came out of nowhere). New York is falling and falling quick as rumors to fire Coughlin once again come and go for no reason because he is a good coach that deals with underprivileged players and their weapons seem to be depleting. Washington is just going to be bad, no surprise there.

NFC North- Ahh my division all with teams that are either on the rise or already pretty good and i think this year's best quality division. No I am not biased because my Lions are here but I am a believer that they will be a very good team soon, not this year but soon. Green Bay is going to continue to play great as defending champs and will end up with the NFC'c #1 seed come to playoff time. Minnesota will get whatever McNabb has left which I think still is some gas but nothing better than 9-7 despite a team with A.P. Chicago is the one team i am not a believer is that is on the rise. I think they got extremely fortunate last year and I'm not saying they are going to be a bad team but I think the other 3 are too much for them. I am not a believer in Cutler and Forte running an offense.

NFC South Atlanta is that much of a better team and I think they will remain at the top of the division. New Orleans will still be good but they don't have the same defense they had for the past couple of years. Tampa Bay was a one hit wonder as well, I just don't see them going 10-6 again and Carloina is far away from contending here but they will sneak in some wins here and there.

NFC West- Once again this will be the worst division in football but St. Louis will finish on top with a record not below, but at .500. They are the only balanced team in the division. Seattle pulls out some wins and San Francisco will continue to disappoint do to the loss of Nate Clements and no good Quarterback. Arizona will realize they made a terrible trade with Philly and Kolb is the most overrated player in the league in my opinion and no one realizes how bad their defense now looks.

Wild Card Round

BAL-HOU:Baltimore wins because Houston's inconsistent past comes back to haunts them on offense. Not exactly a clean football game will be played in my opinion by Houston or Baltimore but Houston doesn't have enough on defense and will gain some experience out of the loss. BAL 24 HOU 16

NYJ-PIT: The road ends here for the Jets as they fail to reach the AFC Championship game and more importantly the Super Bowl. They don't have enough on offense to defeat Pittsburgh. The game will be very close and will come down to the final possession with the ball in Sanchez's hands and he fails.(Sorry Sanchie) PIT 17 NYJ 16

DAL-ATL:A real Texas shootout, except for that it's in Atlanta. Somehow, someway, Dallas is kind of flew under with all the hype Philadelphia is getting. They are still a really good team with a good offense and good defense. This defense needs to learn how to defend against the pass in the playoffs, and they didn't do anything to really improve in that. DAL 34 ATL 28

NO-STL: I don't think New Orleans loses to the NFC West division winner again. This is a very young St. Louis team who is on the way up but they only reason they are here is because their division stinks! NO 37 STL 16

Divisional Round

BAL-NE: Baltimore comes close but falls short to a too powerful New England team. Patriots control most of the game while Baltimore makes a late game comeback that falls short. NE 27 BAL 24

PIT-SD: Since I don't have a real upset in the Wild Card Round, I'm going to pick it here. Pittsburgh will probably go into this game as the favorite and I think San Diego gets overlooked as Phillip Rivers has an impressive performance the defeats Pittsburgh giving us a new AFC Champion. SD 20 PIT 16

DAL-GB: Green Bay is too much for Jason Garrett and neither is the Rob Ryan defense. Green Bay is way too good to be one and done. Dallas keeps up for a while but Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay pull away late.GB 35 DAL 20

NO-PHI: Clash of heavy offenses but Philadelphia has a better defense than that of the the Saints who's is significantly depleted. A Pierre Thomas fumble costs New Orleans late in the game. PHI 34 NO 27

Championship Round

SD-NE: New England has too much and San Diego shows it's inconsistency on offense against the Patriots. Brady dominates as Haynesworth blows through a bad San Diego offensive line and bothers Rivers to much and forces a couple of turnovers.NE 27 SD 13

PHI-GB: In a very highly anticipated NFC Championship game, the game will live up to the hype, Philadelphia wins on a game winning field goal and Philadelphia gets revenge on last year's loss to the Pack. PHI 27 GB 24

Super Bowl XLVI
NE-PHI: Yes I am going to pick the preseason favorites. I had Philadelphia before the off season moves and I don't see anyone in the AFC defeating New England. In a very competitive and close game I think Philly's defense does just enough to bother Brady and the Philadelphia Eagles will be claimed as the Super Bowl Champs. PHI 24 NE 20

*A key note that used in my predictions. In the past 7 years, 6 times that a team that has lost in the wild card round has gone on to be in the Superbowl. If that run continues, either Philadelphia, New Orleans, Kansas City, or Indianapolis will be in the Super Bowl. That is mainly why I made Philadelphia my choice.

2011 MLB Individual Awards

Well the main discussions right now in the majors are the individual award races. Yes we have 1/3 of the season left, but here is who I think will end up with each award.



A.L MVP

Adrian Gonzalez: I'd hate to say it but the man is a beast. It's simply a case of being the best player on the best team. He is the Major league leader in rbis and Average. I don't think you can make a better case for anyone more than him. Plus hes a gold glove candidate.

Runner Up
Jose Bautista: Solid batting Average wand will probably be at least top 3 in home runs. He's just on a bad team.

N.L MVP

Prince Fielder:: There is a great amount of competition. Fielder's teammate Braun is putting up fantastic numbers, Kemp has been great as well not to mention Jose Reyes, Brian McCann and along with the runner up I will mention later are all putting up amazing seasons but I think Prince means more to the Brewers' success than anyone else does while putting up great numbers.

Runner Up
Justin Upton: if the D'backs make the postseason expect his name to be in the talks of winning this award. Hitting around .300 with 23 home runs leading the D'Backs that have seemingly came out of nowhere to challenge the defending champs is pretty astonishing.

A.L Cy Young

Justin Verlander: Simply the most dominant pitcher in the A.L this year. The Tigers are looking very much like they are going to win that division as Cleveland seems to be falling and no other teams looks like they want to win it. Constantly flirts with no hitters and in my opinion stands out from the rest.

Runner Up
CC Sabathia: Will probably have another 20 win no Cy young season, but his era isn't Verlander's and yes he does deserve it but just not as much as Justin. I'm not a believer that Weaver is better than CC or Verlander but he and teammate Dan Haren are honorable mentions.

N.L Cy Young

Roy Halladay: Best pitcher in baseball hands down. Consistent year in and year out, future Hall of Famer. Another great year and filthy stuff on his way to another 20 win season in a hitter ballpark and the best of the good Philly rotation end of story.

Runner Up
Clayton Kershaw: It seems like he is flying under the radar and having a terrific season unknowingly. Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Jair Jurrjens not to mention a few are also all having terrific seasons but say Halladay would get hurt(God I hope so, I think Kershaw would win it. This award is not based on team record like MVP, hence King Felix and Greinke be the two recent winners on poor teams.


A.L Rookie of the Year

Jeremy Hellickson: An extremely close race since there is no clear frontrunner. Pineda fell off the table. Nova has a high era. There aren't any standout hitter besides the runner up and Eric Hosmer but neither has wowed me. Walden is another mention but none really prove to me more than Hellickson who is tied for the lead in wins by rookies with Nova with a lower era 3.05.

Runner Up
Mark Trumbo: Leads all rookies in home runs and hits with a .259 batting average. That's all I can really say.

N.L Rookie of the Year

Craig Kimbrel:There is a lot of really good rookies in the National League, but when you are the best at your position as a rookie, there is no doubt that he deserves this award. best closer in baseball this year, I would know since hes on my fantasy team. he is just a simply amazing closer and the braves are fortunate to have him and Venters for a long time. Plus he leads the majors in saves and only has allowed 12 runs this season with an outstanding 1.87 era.

Runner Up
Freddie Freeman: Best rookie National League hitter and leads in home runs with 17 and hits with 123. Great season for a great player but its not enough to touch what his teammate Kimbrel is doing. Very good field yet somehow not competitive.

A.L Manager of the Year

Manny Acta: Yeah, so what if the team is falling slightly? Not many if any had this team anywhere close to where they are now. the fact that they still can very well win the division is amazing and he's done a fantastic job wit ha young team.

N.L manager of the Year:

Kirk Gibson: Even if this team comes close to making the postseason, Gibson has done a terrific job in his first season. If they win the division no doubt would i think he'd deserve the award. Honorable mentions to Clint Hurdle and Ron Roenicke. Hurdle just because hes done a terrific job in rebuilding Pittsburgh so far, and Roenicke for having the crew in first place.

Nassau Referendum

Over the last couple of days, New York Islanders owner Charles Wang held a vote for the citizens of Nassau County to elect on whether they want there to be a new stadium for Islanders to play in through the 2045 season. Sadly for Wang and the Islanders employees, the public referendum elected "no" to the new stadium rejecting the new stadium proposal and immediately questioning the future of the organization's place on Long Island.

Not because I'm a New York Ranger fan, but as a hockey fan, I'm actually happy they elected to not to have the new stadium. Being that I live in Queens, I've easily been to that dump called the Nassau Coliseum a few times, and it is a horrible venue for sports. It's so cramped and small. You're probably saying to yourself "Then why are you happy that they are not building a new arena?". Well simply because i think it would be better for them to completely leave Long Island. From a business perspective, this would be a fabulous move and opportunity for them. The people of Long Island obviously don't like nor care about the crappy Islanders, and for good reason. They have nothing big since winning from '80-'83. The fans don't show up to the games and why should they? The revenue they gross is insignificant and minuscule. I think there is no other option but relocating. Here are some options on where the Islanders should move to:

Brooklyn:Split the brand new arena with the Nets. Way more populated area and a better opportunity to increase revenue and technically they can still keep the name "Islanders" because technically Brooklyn is on Long Island. They wont lose as much fans and will possibly gain some in return. Plus is may increase hockey's popularity in the urban scene.

Seattle: A good economic city who has been wanting another sports organization there since the Sonics left. There is no hockey team in the Pacific Northwest besides Vancouver. A development of a rivalry with the Canucks is a possibility which will increase the dollar. The city is not the reason the Sonics left it was the management of the organization. Plus there are loyal fans over there who care about their sports.

Quebec: I wouldn't really want this but hey, hockey is the main Canadian sport and the fans will show up to the games and they will be loyal. It's not a bad option it's just that they just got Winnipeg a team again (by the way they have a nice logo) and another Canadian team would add to less interest of the sport in the States. (Don't get me started with that)

Connecticut: There used to be a team there.(Whalers had another kick ass logo) Just like Brooklyn it's not that far so no divisional changes plus they have a nice arena in the XL center. A state with a nice economic value and plus, do we really want another team in a southern state? Hockey does not fit in the south!


Feel free to leave comments!!!!!

MLB Trade Deadline: Top 3 Winners and Losers

Well now it is August 1st and the MLB Trade deadline has come and gone. here is who I think were the winners and losers of this year deadline frenzy:

Winners

Rangers: With the bullpen additions of Mike Adams from San Deigo and Koji Uehara from Baltimore, Texas filled some important needs by assuring a better chance of holding down runs late in games. Since I dont think there were any really good starting pitchers available, bolstering that bullpen was the next best thing. It shortens the game for what I think is a very much overrated starting rotation that is although not bad, I think still no where near what it was last year.

Phillies: Adding a bat into that lineup was very key and Hunter Pence should do well in that small ballpark. I dont think he is as good as a lot of people make him but i think he is just a solid player. Their pitching is fine so adding the best bat available was key.

Giants: Adding Beltran and a winner in Orlando Cabrera were good moves because they desperately needed a bat in that lineup with Buster Posey being out for the year. I dont think he's going to be as good as he was in New York this year but he wont be a bust. He goes from one pitchers ballpark to another so thats not much help for him and his numbers but there is a lot of room out there to get extra base hits. They barely beat out the Braves for this spot only because they needed a bat more than Atlanta did although as I said before the Michael Bourne trade wouldve been the best option for Atlanta.

Losers

Astros: Lets just face it. They gave up on the next five years. Pretty much all hope is gone there and I expect 3 more 100 loss seasons upcoming for Houston. Yes they got some good prospects from Philly, but they got virtually nothing from Atlanta and giving up your 2 best players shows that you know you guys have no hope and no chance (which you dont have) and gives the fans a reason to just not show up to your games. Pray those prospects develop. This was too easy.

Reds: Being 6.5 games out of first at this point, to not do anything considering everyone above you made changes by making their team better seems very skeptical. It seems like they are missing something. My guess is pitching because they are a good offensive team. They are still in this race and basically they look like they are just laid back and riding this season through as is. Outside of Cueto, their starting pitching is mediocre at best and are decent end of the rotation pitchers.

Angels: They needed to do something to catch up to what is a now better Texas Rangers. They could've used another starter and another bat in a okay at best lineup. Do they really think doing nothing will help them propel past Texas? Can you really bank on Texas collapsing? "C'mon Son!?!?" - Ed Lover

Dark Horse Winner- Mets: Lets give them some credit. Got rid of expensive pieces they wont keep and got Wheeler who is a good prospect while still giving those Mets fans a reason to attend games by trying to keep Jose Reyes. Good job!

Dark Horse Loser- Rays: Here is the first part of the slow and steady collapse as your key players will eventually leave because you cant afford them. You asked for too much for BJ Upton and when he leaves you're not going to get anything out of it keep in mind your done this year being 8.5 games back of the wild card.

MLB Trade Deadline: Tomahawk Chopped?

Last night the first place Philadelphia Phillies acquired Outfielder Hunter Pence from Houston for four prospects. Now we all wait for the Atlanta Braves to try and make a counter move in order to stay in contention with the Phillies. They're best player Brain McCann and Center fielder Nate McClouth just hit the DL, and Jason Heyward is not putting put the desired numbers. The Braves are 0-2 in acquiring a desired outfielder failing on Carlos Beltran and Pence. So if you're the Braves, what do you do?

There's still a couple outfield pieces out there for the taking for Atlanta. There's the other "Texas Hot" outfielder in Houston, Michael Bourne, Tampa's troublesome Bossman Junior (B.J) Upton, a couple Oakland Athletics Josh Willingham and Coco Crisp, a "dad" Ryan Ludwick, and a "highly likely to be unavailable" Carlos Quentin from the south side of Chicago.

To me this is a two horse race for the Braves and almost a no brainer. I think it's between Michael Bourne and B.J Upton. Michael Bounre is the league leader in stolen bases, batting .350 so far this week and his past couple weeks batting averages are (.357 and .448). By trading Pence Houston has basically given up on the next 5 seasons and I couldn't see them asking for that much for Bourne. They have nothing to play for and I think they should take advantage of that. Plus Atlanta is 26th in the league in stolen bases. Don't you think they could use a little speed on the bases considering they have Chipper and (when he comes back) Mccann chugging along around the dirt?

Now the only reason I have Upton as an option is because he's proven to be good late in seasons in years past. He caught fire when Tampa was in the playoffs in 2008 hitting 7 home runs. Atlanta basically has to just be ready for the playoffs and it seems BJ wouldn't be bad for that for that. However, he is also known for being a hot head with is teammates and is not exactly a "chemistry builder" along with putting up horrible numbers this.

As for those other people I mentioned earlier, I'll just get them done with quickly. Do you really want an offense player from Oakland? Ryan Ludwick is nowhere what he used to be in St. Louis, and again Chicago is still very much in the race in the A.L Central so Quentin (which actually would be the best offensive player left) is not really available.

So if you're the Braves G.M, Frank Wren, dont you think the remaining options are simply a "Bourne Supremecy"? What do you guys think?

*stats are according to http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/u/uptonbj01.shtml and mlb.com*

MLB Trade Deadline: Hunter Pence

So the main headline for today in the MLB trade deadline news is that the Phillies are to acquire Houston's horse galloping Hunter Pence. Now I'm not really the greatest fan of Pence and I definitely think he is highly overrated however I kind of think this would be a good addition to their team. Besides his hustle he seems like a boring nothing excites me player like everyone on Houston. Pence is currently hitting .309 with 11 home runs and 62 rbis which isnt that bad. The Phillies can desperately use a right handed bat in that lineup. If your houston, things only seem to be getting worse. You are about to lose Bourn the leagues leading stolen base leader and you have the worst record in the majors. Cant get any worse than the worst. (lol) It's the Rangers turn to get all the hype in Texas and it seems like President Bush became a fan of them despite rooting for you guys when you had your run in the mid -00's.(traitor)I just really hope you guys suck the life out of the Phillies farm system for this. Plan for the future and make sure it's good becasue I'm getting tired of seeing the Phillies in the NLCS every year. I do still think Atlanta is better than them and I still stand by my Pre-Season Prediction that they will Win the World Series over the Angels. Why you ask? I really dont know. Most of the analysts have Boston and Philly and I just dont think it's going to happen primarily because analysts are awful at making predictions.(the irony) By the way Houston, dump Wandy while he might still have some talent. Just flush out this team down the toilet and use your prospects. You hardly get fans anyway. You're a boring team to watch might as well bring new people that "could" bring excitement. Feedbacks are welcome!!!

Nnamdi Asomugha signs with Eagles

Most coveted free agent this year Nnamdi Asomugha signs with the Philadelphia Eagles for 5 years/ $60mil deal. Philadelphia seemed to come out of nowhere for the hunt of the skillful cornerback while Dallas and New York were mostly in the headlines. This puts the eagles surely as a major contender

**According to ESPN's Adam Schefter**

Nnamdi Asomugha

Now in the Nnamdi Asomugha sweepstakes it seems as of now there are only 2 teams left in the hunt; Dallas and the New York Jets. Apparently Houston doesn't think he's worth the price.(HA!) I'm disappointed my Lions are not interested in him because that would put them at one of the top defenses in the league already with the "Silver Crush" front four linemen of Suh, Vandenboesch, Fairley, and Redding. It would absolutely help our garbage secondary and put fear into offenses eyes. now as for the Jets getting him which is most likely, I would be happy since I'm going to go see them play week 2 vs Jacksonville and I think it would put them at a huge advantage on the defensive side and I understand how lethal that would be with the two best cornerbacks on 1 team, but the Jets dont need him. They need offensive help around what they think is the "Sanchise". he is not an elite quarterack with a good defense(not elite) and in these days that is basically what you need to win a Super Bowl or a really good quarterback with pieces and an elite defense. Past Superbowl winners are my examples: (Green bay- Aaron Rodgers/good defense, Drew Brees/good defense, Ben Roethisberger/elite defense, Eli Manning/elite defense, Peyton Manning/decent defense, Brady/decent defense) They need to focus on developing Sanchez into a great quarterback just not elite one because he cant become one, just stating facts. If they sign Nnamdi they really lose a lot of offense considering their remaining budget. With Santonio as your #1 receiver, who the hell is their #2? They wont afford Braylon and there pretty much is nothing else left for wide receivers in the market this year. Shonne Green is a bust and LT even though had a good season last year, has his personal time clock ticking and soon wont be much an dthen they would then have to completely refresh on offense around sanchie while maintaining their defense which seems to be losing it piece by piece slowly. My overall point is that they are so close right now to getting there right now why make such a dramatic change that might not even do anything instead of making slight tweaks to your offense that can perform consistently in playoff games because that's all they need. I dont think there isnt a large window for this team despite some young pieces especially in a tough and soon to be tougher AFC. Personally i think the Jets with or without Nnamdi are going ot again be a 6 seed and this time lose in the divisional round to (and I hate saying this but) New England. My overall football predictions will come in the next couple of weeks. Feedback is surely welcomed!

Introductory Blog

First and foremost my name is William Salamay. I am from Queens and I am currently a student at Iona College, Class of 2014. The objective of this blog is for people to hear my opinion about the sports in this country. I am a huge fan of the Yankees, New York Rangers, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia 76ers and I do root for the other hometown teams. Most of my opinions are unbiased but I will include biased ones from time to time. This is for pure entertainment and if I include some adult language i sincerely apologize if I harm or offend anyone. DO NOT TAKE THE INSULTS SERIOUSLY OR PERSONALLY, they are really just to put emphasis on my feelings.