Friday, February 23, 2007
(NBA) Are the Heat done without Dwayne Wade?
Dwayne Wade suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Heat loss to the Rockets.. That game was coach Pat Riley's first game back from hip surgery. The Heat are finished without Dwayne Wade. They mau have Antoine Walker, Gary Payton, Jason Williams, Jason Kapono, and Shaq, but they are no Dwayne Wade. Wade is the reason the Heat are still in the playoffs. They will have to extra hard without him as teams like the Nets and the Knicks are easily breathing down their necks.
(NFL) Jamarcus Russel: A Raider helmet with his name on it?
The Oakland Raiders declined the option on quarterback Aaron Brroks, leading many to believe the Raiders will draft a quarterback in the draft, either LSU's Jamarcus Russel, or Notre Dame's Brady Quinn.
One thing is for sure: If the Raiders do not draft a quarterback, Andrew Walter may have to the Raiders starting Quarterback.
One thing is for sure: If the Raiders do not draft a quarterback, Andrew Walter may have to the Raiders starting Quarterback.
(NFL) Corey Dillon: Do I Stay or do I go?
Corey Dillon has requested to be released from the New England Patriots so he can join his fellow running back Tiki Barber in filling out retirement papers. However, Dillon's agent is saying that Dillon only wants to play for a different team for the start of the following season. The Patriots are ready to make Laurence Maroney their full time running back and several teams will be lined up to try to sign Dillon if he decides to go to the Free Agent Pool.
MLB: Carlos Zambrano: Deal or No Deal?
Carlos Zambrano has said to the Cubs that if they do not get a new deal done by opening day, he will say "no deal" do being the ace of the Cubs after this year. Cubs fans will not have to worry (not now anyway.) Zambrano and the Cubs agreed to a one year, $12.4 million deal. Carlos has said that he would like a Multiyear extension, but he says that "can wait."
The 2007 Cubs unveiled their "new and improved" team(thanks to $ 309.6 million dollars being spent this offseason, anyway) in Mesa, Arizona for Spring Training. Manager Lou Pinella says that if Alfonso Soriano cannot handle being in Center Field, Jacque Jones may be moved to Center Field and Soriano will be shifted to right field. The question is: What's going to happen in Left Field? Can Matt Murton and Cliff Floyd both be balanced in Left Field to the point where they can both be happy? Will Jacque Jones and his rocky relationship with the fans lead to him being traded so the Cubs make room for Dominican outfielder Felix Pie? Will the Alfonso Soriano Experiment be a success? Can Alfonso Soriano cut down on his errors? Will the Cubs be healthy enough to contend with the weakened St. Louis Cardinals for the NL Central title?
As you can see, there are more questions than answers in Arizona, and we may have to wait a while until all of the questions are answered.
The 2007 Cubs unveiled their "new and improved" team(thanks to $ 309.6 million dollars being spent this offseason, anyway) in Mesa, Arizona for Spring Training. Manager Lou Pinella says that if Alfonso Soriano cannot handle being in Center Field, Jacque Jones may be moved to Center Field and Soriano will be shifted to right field. The question is: What's going to happen in Left Field? Can Matt Murton and Cliff Floyd both be balanced in Left Field to the point where they can both be happy? Will Jacque Jones and his rocky relationship with the fans lead to him being traded so the Cubs make room for Dominican outfielder Felix Pie? Will the Alfonso Soriano Experiment be a success? Can Alfonso Soriano cut down on his errors? Will the Cubs be healthy enough to contend with the weakened St. Louis Cardinals for the NL Central title?
As you can see, there are more questions than answers in Arizona, and we may have to wait a while until all of the questions are answered.
(NFL) Lovie not being shown the love in Chicago?
The Chicago Bears have made it to the Superbowl under head coach Lovie Smith. However, Lovie, the lowest paid coach in the league, is not being shown the love or the dough by the Management and ownership of the Bears. It is unbelievable to me that Lovie Smith, makes the lowest ammount in the league, and he just took his team to the superbowl, while rookie head coaches who haven't even coached a game in the NFL are making two to three million dollars more! Lovie Smith thinks he will get a new deal, but he should also get a fair deal. Come on, McKaskey Family! Where's the love for Lovie? He helped get the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl, and he should be making more money because of it.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
(MLB) AL East Preview: Land of the Rising Sun to help the AL East?
The teams in the American League East have looked for help to win from the talented Japanese players to win the division, as the Boston Red Sox signed Daisuke Mastuzaka to a $104 Million deal, in the hope that this will bring the Red Sox their second World Series Championship since 1918. The New York Yankees signed the next best pitcher available, as they signed lefty Kei Igawa to a deal. The Devil Rays acquired the versatile Okinori Iwamura.
If Daisuke Mastuzaka is even half as good as the hype, The Boston Red Sox appear to have found a very good and durable starter for the future. The Red Sox have replaced Trot Nixon with J.D. Drew, and Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz are sure to slam a lot of homeruns out of Fenway Park. Can the Red Sox finally pass the "Evil Empire" for the first time in ten years? They ceratinly could do that this year.
The New York Yankees are getting older, but they are trying to get younger. The trade of Gary Sheffield and Randy Johnson for Minor League pitchers is a sign that the Yankees are trying to get younger. The Yankees also have a future starter in the twenty year old phenom Phillip Hughes. A-Rod is probably going to hit 40+ homeruns, as will Jason Giambi, even though he is headed to full time Designated Hitter duties. The Yankees also signed the second best Japanese pitcher, left hander Kei Igawa, to try and fill the void left by Randy Johnson. Will Andy Pettite remember that he is no longer in the American League? Will Roger Clemens come back? Will A-Rod show up in the postseason? As you can see, there are more questions than answers in the Bronx. If they can answer all of these questions, they should be able to hold off the Red Sox and win the division again?
Baltimore will not be a factor this year. Steve Traschel is not going to be the same as Kris Benson. Daniel Cabrera could become the next great Oriole pitcher. Nick Markakis could become a better outfielder than Jay Payton or Aubrey Huff. Huff appears to be headed for DH duties.
Toronto will try to build the team around Vernon Wells. Tomo Ohka is a slightly worse version of Ted Lilly. Frank Cottalanato is now in Arlington. The Blue Jays now have a powerful dessignated hitter in Frank Thomas.
Tampa Bay will finish in the cellar again, although Delmon Young could make Devil Ray fans forget all about Aubrey Huff. These D-Rays are still going to depend on their young pitchers, particularly Scott Kazmir and ephus-throwing Casey Fossum. The D-Rays have the potential to not lose 100 games this season.
If Daisuke Mastuzaka is even half as good as the hype, The Boston Red Sox appear to have found a very good and durable starter for the future. The Red Sox have replaced Trot Nixon with J.D. Drew, and Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz are sure to slam a lot of homeruns out of Fenway Park. Can the Red Sox finally pass the "Evil Empire" for the first time in ten years? They ceratinly could do that this year.
The New York Yankees are getting older, but they are trying to get younger. The trade of Gary Sheffield and Randy Johnson for Minor League pitchers is a sign that the Yankees are trying to get younger. The Yankees also have a future starter in the twenty year old phenom Phillip Hughes. A-Rod is probably going to hit 40+ homeruns, as will Jason Giambi, even though he is headed to full time Designated Hitter duties. The Yankees also signed the second best Japanese pitcher, left hander Kei Igawa, to try and fill the void left by Randy Johnson. Will Andy Pettite remember that he is no longer in the American League? Will Roger Clemens come back? Will A-Rod show up in the postseason? As you can see, there are more questions than answers in the Bronx. If they can answer all of these questions, they should be able to hold off the Red Sox and win the division again?
Baltimore will not be a factor this year. Steve Traschel is not going to be the same as Kris Benson. Daniel Cabrera could become the next great Oriole pitcher. Nick Markakis could become a better outfielder than Jay Payton or Aubrey Huff. Huff appears to be headed for DH duties.
Toronto will try to build the team around Vernon Wells. Tomo Ohka is a slightly worse version of Ted Lilly. Frank Cottalanato is now in Arlington. The Blue Jays now have a powerful dessignated hitter in Frank Thomas.
Tampa Bay will finish in the cellar again, although Delmon Young could make Devil Ray fans forget all about Aubrey Huff. These D-Rays are still going to depend on their young pitchers, particularly Scott Kazmir and ephus-throwing Casey Fossum. The D-Rays have the potential to not lose 100 games this season.
(NFL) The Era of "Martyball" is over in San Diego
The San Diego Chargers just cannot catch a break. First, the Chargers lost their offensive coordinator Cam Cameron (now head coach of the Miami Dolphins), defensive coordinator Wade Phillips (now head coach of the Dallas Cowboys), and now, they have lost head coach Marty Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer was fired by the San Diego Chargers, as the Chargers General Mangement believed they could not continue with Marty Schottenheimer as he wanted different coordinators than management.
Who will replace Marty? The leftovers from the Dallas Cowboys job are going to be in the running. Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera is in the running, along with San Francisco defensive coordiantor Mike Singletary, and 49ers offensive Coordinator Norv Turner.
Who will replace Marty? The leftovers from the Dallas Cowboys job are going to be in the running. Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera is in the running, along with San Francisco defensive coordiantor Mike Singletary, and 49ers offensive Coordinator Norv Turner.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
(MLB) AL West Preview: Wild Wild West
The American League West may be the craziest division in all of baseball, as there are so many questions for all of these teams.
Let's get started:
Oakland Athletics: The Athletics were swept out of the divisional round by the Detriot Tigers, and the first thing the Athletics did was fire manager Ken Macha and replace him with Bob Geren. The Athletics lost their best starter to the other side of the Bay (Barry Zito) and replaced him with Rich Harden. The Athletics also lost their Designated hitter because the green was more north of the border (Frank Thomas) and the Athletics replaced him with a veteran catcher who may never have the chance to play catcher (Mike Piazza.) The Athletics have had a knack for losing great players and replacing them with other players. The question is: will they still have enough talent to hold off the rest of the division?
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels biggest offseason acquisition was acquiring former Texas Ranger Gary Matthews Jr. The Angels have Vladamir Guererro in left field, Gary Matthews Jr in Center field, and Garret Anderson in right field.
Texas Rangers: Don't look now, but Sammy Sosa, the 40 year old outfielder (former member of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Texas Rangers) will play Designated Hitter for the Rangers in Arlington while the Rangers will put young Nelson Cruz in right field.
Seattle Mariners: This Seattle club is mediocre in a medicore division. Ichiro is a great player, but the Mariners need to build a team around him (which their still not doing.) 19 year old Seattle Ace Felix Hernandez could win some games for this team, as will Jeff Weaver, but Seattle Manager Mike Hargrove will have to look for a new job this offseason.
Let's get started:
Oakland Athletics: The Athletics were swept out of the divisional round by the Detriot Tigers, and the first thing the Athletics did was fire manager Ken Macha and replace him with Bob Geren. The Athletics lost their best starter to the other side of the Bay (Barry Zito) and replaced him with Rich Harden. The Athletics also lost their Designated hitter because the green was more north of the border (Frank Thomas) and the Athletics replaced him with a veteran catcher who may never have the chance to play catcher (Mike Piazza.) The Athletics have had a knack for losing great players and replacing them with other players. The question is: will they still have enough talent to hold off the rest of the division?
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels biggest offseason acquisition was acquiring former Texas Ranger Gary Matthews Jr. The Angels have Vladamir Guererro in left field, Gary Matthews Jr in Center field, and Garret Anderson in right field.
Texas Rangers: Don't look now, but Sammy Sosa, the 40 year old outfielder (former member of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Texas Rangers) will play Designated Hitter for the Rangers in Arlington while the Rangers will put young Nelson Cruz in right field.
Seattle Mariners: This Seattle club is mediocre in a medicore division. Ichiro is a great player, but the Mariners need to build a team around him (which their still not doing.) 19 year old Seattle Ace Felix Hernandez could win some games for this team, as will Jeff Weaver, but Seattle Manager Mike Hargrove will have to look for a new job this offseason.
(NFL) The Son of a Bum is heading down to Dallas
He may be the son of a Bum, but he is going to be the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Wade Phillips, the son of legendary Houston Oilers Coach "Bum"Phillips, formerly defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers, is going to be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. It was announced in a news conference Friday. Jerry Jones has taken the unconventional step of hiring the staff of the head coach before he hires the head coach. Wade is going to have a lot of questions, but perhaps the biggest one will be "What will he do with Terrell Owens" I hope Terrell Owens is gone. He always complains about the coach or the gameplan or the quarterback "not throwing him the ball enough." Terrell should realize the reason why he is not getting the ball is because he always dropped passes at crucial times. There will be a market for Terrell Owens, as teams will be convinced that he will be worth the headache of his mouth. These teams should ask San Francisco and Philladelphia was worth the risk for him and they would say a resounding "no."
Secondary Note: The most meaningless Football game of the year, the Pro Bowl is on today. The AFC takes on the NFC for bragging rights from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu,Hawaii. After the game, the Pro Bowl skills competition will begin.
Secondary Note: The most meaningless Football game of the year, the Pro Bowl is on today. The AFC takes on the NFC for bragging rights from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu,Hawaii. After the game, the Pro Bowl skills competition will begin.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Super Bowl XLI: Colts 29, Bears 17
The Indianapolis Colts came into Miami wanting their first Super Bowl Title since 1970 and their first title since moving to Baltimore in 1985. The Chicago Bears last Super Bowl Appearance was 1985, when the Bears beat down the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. This was the first Super Bowl played in the rain. There was fireworks from the opening kickoff, as sensational Chicago Bears Rookie return man Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, marking the first time a kickoff was returned for a touchdown to start a Super Bowl. The Colts came firing right back, as Peyton Manning found Reggie Wayne for a long touchdown, making the score 7-6. Punter Hunter Smith could not handle the wet ball for the point after attempt, so the score remained 7-6. The Bears get the ball right back and Bears runner Thomas Jones rips off a 46 yard run down to the Indianapolis four yard line. The Bears take advantage in the red zone, as Bears Quarterback Rex Grossman finds Wide Recieiver Mushin Muhhamad (a member of the Carolina Panthers when they lost Super Bowl XXXVIII to the New England Patriots.) making the score 14-6. After that score, Indy's defense clamped down, and the Colts offense had 5 consecutive possesions and scored on the last one, making the score 22-14. Let's skip ahead to the fourth quarter, the Colts lead 22-17, and and the Bears need to score to have a chance to win the Super Bowl. However, Rex Grossman, the most inconsistent starter in the history of the Super Bowl, was intercepted by Kelvin Hayden and Hayden returned the interception 56 yards for a touchdown, sealing the deal as the Colts win 29-17.
Why did the Colts win this game? Peyton Manning. Manning simply wore out the Bears defense. How? By handing the ball off to the two headed monster of running backs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes. Also, Manning threw short screen passes to Rhodes and Addai and the rest of their recieving corps.
How did the Bears lose this game? Rex Grossman. Grossman was 20-28 for 165 yards and a touchdown. However, Grossman threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for "The Clincher", the one that sealed the deal for the Colts. However, one thing that won't be reflected on the stat sheet were the fumbled snaps by Rex Grossman, one he recovered, one he did not. Apparently the "Center-Quarterback Exchange problem" that reared it's ugly head during the New England Game (which they lost) reared it's ugly head again in the most important game of the year.
How mad are Bears fans at Rex Grossman? Some Bears fans are calling for the Bears to sign 36 year old veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia and make him the starting Quarterback for the Bears next year (which won't happen. Rex Grossman is the Quarterback of the Chicago Bears, for better or for worse, whether the Bears fans like it or not.)
The Colts are going to have a lot of question marks coming into next season. Let's begin with the fact that Colts Quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell is in the running for the Dallas Cowboys Head Coaching Job. Add to that the fact that Nick Harper, Rob Morris, Gilbert Gardner, Rob Morris, and Dan Klecko, all defensive playmakers, could be Free Agents after this season.
The Bears have a little bit of an easier road, Lovie Smith and Rex Grossman will be resigned, but the Bears are about to take a big hit as defensive coordinator Ron Rivera is more than likely headed to the Dallas Cowboys, either as the defensive coordinator or the head coach. However, the Bears don't have any major players headed to free agency, so the Bears should be okay for next season.
The Countdown is on. Six Months until the start of the 2007-2008 Football Season. I can't wait. MLB Baseball season and the NBA Playoffs will keep me occupied until then.
Why did the Colts win this game? Peyton Manning. Manning simply wore out the Bears defense. How? By handing the ball off to the two headed monster of running backs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes. Also, Manning threw short screen passes to Rhodes and Addai and the rest of their recieving corps.
How did the Bears lose this game? Rex Grossman. Grossman was 20-28 for 165 yards and a touchdown. However, Grossman threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for "The Clincher", the one that sealed the deal for the Colts. However, one thing that won't be reflected on the stat sheet were the fumbled snaps by Rex Grossman, one he recovered, one he did not. Apparently the "Center-Quarterback Exchange problem" that reared it's ugly head during the New England Game (which they lost) reared it's ugly head again in the most important game of the year.
How mad are Bears fans at Rex Grossman? Some Bears fans are calling for the Bears to sign 36 year old veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia and make him the starting Quarterback for the Bears next year (which won't happen. Rex Grossman is the Quarterback of the Chicago Bears, for better or for worse, whether the Bears fans like it or not.)
The Colts are going to have a lot of question marks coming into next season. Let's begin with the fact that Colts Quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell is in the running for the Dallas Cowboys Head Coaching Job. Add to that the fact that Nick Harper, Rob Morris, Gilbert Gardner, Rob Morris, and Dan Klecko, all defensive playmakers, could be Free Agents after this season.
The Bears have a little bit of an easier road, Lovie Smith and Rex Grossman will be resigned, but the Bears are about to take a big hit as defensive coordinator Ron Rivera is more than likely headed to the Dallas Cowboys, either as the defensive coordinator or the head coach. However, the Bears don't have any major players headed to free agency, so the Bears should be okay for next season.
The Countdown is on. Six Months until the start of the 2007-2008 Football Season. I can't wait. MLB Baseball season and the NBA Playoffs will keep me occupied until then.
Friday, February 2, 2007
MLB: NL Central Preview
The NL Central was the home of the team with the worst winning record of a World Series team ever, the 83-79 St Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals rotation has been decimated, with two former Cardinal Starters moving to other teams in the National League Central. Can $300 Million buy the Chicago Cubs the elusive World Series Pennant? Can the Brewers hope that Jeff Suppan becomes more than a one season wonder? Can Carlos Lee help the Astros recover from the loss of the Rocket?
Here's the NL Central overview:
Chicago Cubs- The first thing the Cubs did to improve the team was hire Lou Pinella as their new manager. The second thing they did was get some major offensive help in Alfonso Soriano. Third, they got pitching help (and they may have finally ended their dependence on Mark Prior to be healthy) in the form of Ted Lilly and former St Louis Cardinal pitcher Jason Marquis. The Cubs capped off their $300 million offseason spending spree by agreeing to a deal with former New York Met outfielder Cliff Floyd.
The Cubs have spent the most money this offseason, they have the pitching, they have the defense, they have the offense (with a healthy Derrek Lee) and they have the defense (Gold Glover Caesar Izturis). The Cubs will battle with the Cardinals for the division. The Race for the NL Central could go down to the wire. Call me crazy (or biased, either will do), but I think these Cubs can take advantage of the wounded Cardinals and win the NL Central.
The St Louis Cardinals won the World Series, but they won't be able to recover from their World Series hangover. They have Albert Pujols and Chris Carpenter (NL Cy Young Award Winner) but not much else. Jim Edmonds,Scott Rolen and Preston Wilson are getting old, the Cardinals don't have much offense after Pujols, and not much defense past David Eckstein. The Cardinals will finish second to the Cubs in the division, and will miss the playoffs.
The Houston Astros signed outfielder Carlos Lee in the hope that he can be the offensive spark that Preston Wilson was supposed to be in Houston last year. Jason Jennings, acquired in the Colorado Rockies trade for Willy Taveras, goes from one hitter's park to another. He just can't catch a break. Veteran Leadership will carry the day for Houston (Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman) however, the Astros will feel the loss of other veteran leadership (Clemens, Pettite) and the Astros will finish third in their division.
The Milwaukee Brewers will finish fourth. The Brewers made a huge gamble in the hope that Jeff Suppan can become more than a one season wonder. The key for the Brewers will be Ben Sheets. If Sheets is healthy, they could leapfrog the Astros. However, if he's not, these Brewers will finish fourth.
The Pittsburgh Pirates don't have a lot past Zach Duke and Jason Bay, although Freddy Sanchez could have a good year this year. The Pirates will continue to build for the future.
Here's the NL Central overview:
Chicago Cubs- The first thing the Cubs did to improve the team was hire Lou Pinella as their new manager. The second thing they did was get some major offensive help in Alfonso Soriano. Third, they got pitching help (and they may have finally ended their dependence on Mark Prior to be healthy) in the form of Ted Lilly and former St Louis Cardinal pitcher Jason Marquis. The Cubs capped off their $300 million offseason spending spree by agreeing to a deal with former New York Met outfielder Cliff Floyd.
The Cubs have spent the most money this offseason, they have the pitching, they have the defense, they have the offense (with a healthy Derrek Lee) and they have the defense (Gold Glover Caesar Izturis). The Cubs will battle with the Cardinals for the division. The Race for the NL Central could go down to the wire. Call me crazy (or biased, either will do), but I think these Cubs can take advantage of the wounded Cardinals and win the NL Central.
The St Louis Cardinals won the World Series, but they won't be able to recover from their World Series hangover. They have Albert Pujols and Chris Carpenter (NL Cy Young Award Winner) but not much else. Jim Edmonds,Scott Rolen and Preston Wilson are getting old, the Cardinals don't have much offense after Pujols, and not much defense past David Eckstein. The Cardinals will finish second to the Cubs in the division, and will miss the playoffs.
The Houston Astros signed outfielder Carlos Lee in the hope that he can be the offensive spark that Preston Wilson was supposed to be in Houston last year. Jason Jennings, acquired in the Colorado Rockies trade for Willy Taveras, goes from one hitter's park to another. He just can't catch a break. Veteran Leadership will carry the day for Houston (Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman) however, the Astros will feel the loss of other veteran leadership (Clemens, Pettite) and the Astros will finish third in their division.
The Milwaukee Brewers will finish fourth. The Brewers made a huge gamble in the hope that Jeff Suppan can become more than a one season wonder. The key for the Brewers will be Ben Sheets. If Sheets is healthy, they could leapfrog the Astros. However, if he's not, these Brewers will finish fourth.
The Pittsburgh Pirates don't have a lot past Zach Duke and Jason Bay, although Freddy Sanchez could have a good year this year. The Pirates will continue to build for the future.
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