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NHL 2010-11 Season Preview: Stanley Cup Playoffs

2010-10-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

Now that my predictions are done for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference it's time to look towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Last season's playoffs saw incredible drama including the bottom two seeds in the Eastern Conference making the Eastern Conference Finals. So who will take home sports most prestigious trophy this season? Here are my predictions for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Eastern Conference

1. Washington
2. New Jersey
3. Buffalo
4. Pittsburgh
5. Boston
6. Tampa Bay
7. Philadelphia
8. Atlanta

Western Conference

1. Vancouver
2. San Jose
3. Detroit
4. Los Angeles
5. Nashville
6. Chicago
7. Anaheim
8. St. Louis

Conference Quarterfinals

Eastern Conference

1 Washington def 8 Atlanta
2 New Jersey def 7 Philadelphia
6 Tampa Bay def 3 Buffalo
4 Pittsburgh def 5 Boston

Western Conference

1 Vancouver def 8 St. Louis
2 San Jose def 7 Anaheim
3 Detroit def 6 Chicago
4 Los Angeles def 5 Nashville

Conference Semifinals

Eastern Conference

6 Tampa Bay def 1 Washington
4 Pittsburgh def 2 New Jersey

Western Conference

1 Vancouver def 4 Los Angeles
3 Detroit def 2 San Jose

Conference Finals

Eastern Conference

6 Tampa Bay def 4 Pittsburgh

Western Conference

3 Detroit def 1 Vancouver

Stanley Cup Finals

3 Detroit def 6 Tampa Bay

NHL 2010-11 Season Preview: Western Conference

2010-10-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

The Blackhawks ended their Stanley Cup drought last season in thrilling fashion taking out the Flyers in six games. The price was steep though as Chicago dealt with serious salary cap issues in the offseason that resulted in many members of their Stanley Cup team being moved. Will the Blackhawks be able to repeat as champions after all of their offseason losses? Here are my predictions with each teams' playoff seeding in parentheses.

Central Division

1. Detroit Red Wings (3): Even with all of their injuries last year the Red Wings put together a fine season. Young goaltender Jimmy Howard came into his own and established himself as one of the game's best. Now that the team is healthy again, the Red Wings will be back on top of the Central Division.

2. Nashville Predators (5): The team that always seems to fly under the radar in the Western Conference won't do so this year. Nashville locked up winger Patric Hornqvist and added underrated C Matthew Lombardi to boost their offense in the offseason. Pekka Rinne will be a strong candidate for the Vezina Trophy this season.

3. Chicago Blackhawks (6): They still have their superstars, but the Blackhawks lost too much to be considered an elite team in the NHL. Many of their glue guys from last season were moved putting added pressure on Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Marian Hossa to light the lamp. Replacing playoff hero Antti Niemi with veteran Marty Turco isn't an improvement either.

4. St. Louis Blues (8): Christmas came early for the Blues when the Canadiens traded them G Jaroslav Halak during the offseason. He may just be the missing piece to get St. Louis back in the playoffs. If their young nucleus of forwards continues to get better, the playoffs are exactly where they will end up.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets had many problems last season with their main one being goaltender Steve Mason. After winning the Calder Trophy in his rookie season, Mason had a dismal sophomore campaign with a GAA of 3.05. He needs to be better for Columbus to have any hope in this deep division.

Northwest Division

1. Vancouver Canucks (1): Vancouver addressed their need for a lockdown defensemen and then some by bringing in Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard. This team now has everything they need to take home Lord Stanley's Cup. Roberto Luongo now has his best chance to silence his critics and excel in the playoffs.

2. Edmonton Oilers: With all of their young talent, the Oilers are going to be one fun team to watch. #1 overall pick Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and Magnus Paajarvi represent the strong youth movement and bright future for Edmonton. The playoffs may not happen this season, but they are not far off.

3. Calgary Flames: The Flames were a major disappointment last season and really struggled to score goals. Calgary didn't do much to improve its offense either and surprised many people by bringing back Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay. If the Flames struggle out of the gates, don't be surprised if the Jarome Iginla trade rumors start swirling.

4. Minnesota Wild: Defense and goaltending have always been the backbone for the Wild and both underachieved last season. Much like the Blue Jackets, the Wild's success this season is greatly based on the performance of their goaltender. Niklas Backstrom must be better in 2010-11 for the Wild to contend.

5. Colorado Avalanche: Colorado defied the experts last season by making the playoffs with such a young and inexperienced team. While they definitely have the talent to do it again, the Avs fit the perfect mold of a team having a letdown season. They lack veterans, have injury-prone forwards (see Paul Stastny and Peter Mueller), and have a below average blue line.

Pacific Division

1. San Jose Sharks (2): Is Antti Niemi the missing piece of the puzzle for San Jose? Only time will tell. Until the playoffs come around, expect the same old story and another Pacific Division title for the Sharks.

2. Los Angeles Kings (4): Even with all of their cap room, the Kings were unable to lure Ilya Kovalchuk to LA. Their backup signings weren't too shabby though. Alexei Ponakarovsky is an upgrade over Alexander Frolov and defenseman Willie Mitchell brings another veteran presence to the blue line. This may be the last season the Kings look up at the Sharks in the divisional standings.

3. Anaheim Ducks (7): The Ducks are the forgotten team in this division with so much publicity going to San Jose, Los Angeles, and even Phoenix. The truth is that the Ducks have star power on offense with Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan and a solid netminder in Jonas Hiller. Anaheim will be back in the playoffs this season.

4. Phoenix Coyotes: If the Avalanche weren't the biggest surprise in the NHL last year it was the Coyotes. G Ilya Bryzgalov came into his own last season as did many of the Coyotes. But just like the Avs, Phoenix looks like a team destined for a setback. The secret is out on the Coyotes and they won't be able to sneak up on teams this season.

5. Dallas Stars: It's a new era in Dallas now that Mike Modano is no longer wearing a Stars uniform. Unfortunately for Stars fans, the era won't begin successfully. They don't have the talent to compete with the other teams in the Pacific Division and if they get off to a poor start, there's a good chance that Mike Ribeiro and/or Brad Richards could be dealt.

NHL 2010-11 Season Preview: Eastern Conference

2010-10-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

The NHL season is just days away and it is time for some prognosticating for the 2010-11 season. The Flyers made a miraculous run to the Stanley Cup Finals as the 7th seed last season and are poised to do so again this year. Will the road to the Stanley Cup go through Philadelphia again? Here are my predictions for all three divisions in the Eastern Conference with each teams playoff seeding in parentheses

Northeast Division

1. Buffalo Sabres (3): With Ryan Miller in net, the Sabres will be the most consistent team in the division. However, Thomas Vanek and Tim Connolly will need to stay healthy for Buffalo to win the Northeast. Look for rookie Tyler Ennis to become a household name by season's end.

2. Boston Bruins (5): Thanks to the acquisitions of Nathan Horton and Tyler Seguin in the offseason, Boston will be much improved offensively even if C Marc Savard misses significant time The key for the Bruins will be how their blue line performs in front of goalie Tuukka Rask. Besides Zdeno Chara, the Bruins have many question marks on defense.

3. Toronto Maple Leafs: The Maple Leafs will be deeper, healthier, and more potent offensively this season. If they find a consistent goalie, this could be the first time post-lockout that Toronto makes the playoffs.

4. Ottawa Senators: Sergei Gonchar was a big signing for the Senators but they should have used their money to resign Anton Volchenkov. With trade rumors floating around about Jason Spezza, expect the Senators to take a step back this season.

5. Montreal Canadiens: In one of the most puzzling offseason moves in recent memory, the Canadiens traded playoff hero Jaroslav Halak away in favor of the enigmatic Carey Price. The change between the pipes is enough to keep the Canadiens out of the playoffs and at the bottom of the Northeast Division.

Atlantic Division

1. New Jersey Devils (2): As much publicity as the resigning of RW Ilya Kovalchuk received, the bigger signing may have been D Anton Volchenkov. The Devils now have the lock down defenseman they need in a division with Crosby, Malkin, Richards, Carter, and Gaborik.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (4): Like the Devils, the Penguins bolstered up on defense with the signings of Zbynek Michalek and Paul Martin. If they could find a consistent winger to play with Sidney Crosby and/or Evgeni Malkin, this team could be as scary as the Stanley Cup winning team two seasons ago.

3. Philadelphia Flyers (7): Philadelphia sports arguably the deepest offense and defense in the NHL, but they failed to obtain a legitimate #1 goalie in the offseason. Unless the Flyers makes a deal for top flight netminder, they will have trouble keeping up with New Jersey and Pittsburgh.

4. New York Rangers: Outside of star winger Marian Gaborik, the Rangers offense leaves a lot to be desired. Expect goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to lose a lot of tough 2-1 and 1-0 games.

5. New York Islanders: With all of their young talent, the Islanders aren't far off from becoming a legitimate contender. But with long-term injuries already suffered by Kyle Okposo and Mark Streit, the Isles will struggle out of the gate.

Southeast Division

1. Washington Capitals (1): After last season's collapse in the first round of the playoffs to Montreal, Alex Ovechkin and Co. better have the goods this time around. Alexander Semin is in the final year of his contract and Semyon Varlamov has yet to establish himself has an elite goaltender so if Washington falls short again, serious changes might be made.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (6): GM Steve Yzerman has this team going in the right direction. With the offseason signings of G Dan Ellis and LW Simon Gagne, and D Pavel Kubina, the Lightning have what it takes to get back into the postseason.

3. Atlanta Thrashers (8): Atlanta went for a change of pace this offseason by acquiring talent instead of trading it away. In the process they became "Blackhawks East" bringing in Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager and Andrew Ladd. But their best signing during the summer was G Chris Mason. His veteran presence in net combined with the young talent up front will be enough to push Atlanta into the playoffs.

4. Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes got off to a wretched start last season but finished strong the last two months. This team may still be a year or two away, but with a healthy Cam Ward for the 2010-11, Carolina will be in the mix for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.

5. Florida Panthers: They traded away star winger Nathon Horton in the offseason and Tomas Vokoun, David Booth, and Stephen Weiss might not be far behind. We may be looking at another complete overhaul for the Panthers.

NFL 2010-2011 Predictions

2010-09-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of year again. It feels like only yesterday that "Who Dat" won their first ever Super Bowl in Miami. The NFL season begins tonight with a rematch of last seasons' NFC Championship Game between the Vikings and Saints. So it's time for some predictions about what will happen this upcoming season. Will the Saints become the first team to repeat as Super Bowl Champions since the New England Patriots of 2003-04? Here are my predictions for the 2010-11 season with the playoff seedings in parentheses.

AFC East:
1. New England Patriots (3)
2. Miami Dolphins (5)
3. New York Jets
4. Buffalo Bills

AFC North:
1. Baltimore Ravens (2)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Cleveland Browns

AFC South:
1. Indianapolis Colts (1)
2. Houston Texans (6)
3. Tennessee Titans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars

AFC West:
1. San Diego Chargers (4)
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Denver Broncos

NFC East:
1. Dallas Cowboys (3)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (6)
3. Washington Redskins
4. New York Giants

NFC North:
1. Green Bay Packers (2)
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Chicago Bears
4. Detroit Lions

NFC South:
1. Atlanta Falcons (1)
2. Carolina Panthers (5)
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West:
1. Arizona Cardinals (4)
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Seattle Seahawks
4. St. Louis Rams

AFC Wild Card Round
New England def Houston
Miami def San Diego

NFC Wild Card Round
Dallas def Philadelphia
Carolina def Arizona

AFC Divisional Round
Indianapolis def Miami
Baltimore def New England

NFC Divisional Round
Atlanta def Carolina
Green Bay def Dallas

AFC Championship
Baltimore def Indianapolis

NFC Championship
Green Bay def Atlanta

Super Bowl XLV
Baltimore def Green Bay

Euro 2012 Qualifying Predictions

2010-09-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

With South Africa officially in the rear-view mirror, it's time to look towards Euro 2012 in Poland/Ukraine. All of Europe will look to qualify for just fourteen spots available (two spots for the host nations). Although the international powers from North America and South America are not involved in this tournament, Euro 2012 shows the depth and dominance that the continent has in the sport. There are eight qualifying groups for Euro 2012 with the winner of each group advancing forward. In addition, the second place team with the most points automatically qualifies. Lastly, the remaining group runner-ups advance to the playoffs to determine the final positions in the tournament. Qualifying begins for most teams today so let's not waste anymore time and delve into my predictions for each group and who will make up the field for Euro 2012.

Group A: Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Germany, Kazakhstan, Turkey

Coming off an impressive campaign in South Africa, Germany are the clear favorites to win Group A. Die Mannschaft should face some tough matchups on the road, but not enough to be challenged at the top of the group. One of the most interesting storylines in this group will deal with German star Mesut Ozil. Ozil was born in Germany, but is half Turkish and had the choice to play for Turkey internationally. Don't expect him to get a warm welcome when he visits Istanbul in October 2011. Behind Germany, the Turks look like the team to beat in this group. They have an experienced team that had great success in Euro '08 getting all the way to the semifinals and have veteran coach Guus Hiddink patrolling the bench.

1. Germany
2. Turkey
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Kazakhstan
6. Azerbaijan

Group B: Andorra, Armenia, Macedonia, Republic of Ireland, Russia, Slovakia

The most shocking team not to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup from Europe may have been Russia. After a great showing in Euro '08, Russia gave Germany a run for their money in their World Cup qualifying group only to fall just short and eventually lose a playoff to Slovenia. Russia will look to bounce back but may have trouble doing so in this top heavy group. Slovakia is a team on the rise after advancing to the knockout stages in South Africa and no team in the world is hungrier for an international tournament than the Republic of Ireland. Defending home soil could be the difference between winning this group and coming up empty. With the momentum that Slovakia has coming out of the World Cup, they will continue to surprise and top a rather difficult Group B.

1. Slovakia
2. Russia
3. Republic of Ireland
4. Macedonia
5. Armenia
6. Andorra

Group C: Estonia, Faroe Islands, Italy, Northern Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia

Like Group B, Group C is incredibly top heavy with Italy, Serbia, and Slovenia. All three teams made the World Cup and all three had their tournament end in heartbreaking fashion. The Azzurri are in the midst of a much needed youth movement as Cannavaro, Gattuso and Co. are now an image of the past. Serbia is a strong defensive team but lacks the scoring punch up front to be considered elite. Slovenia is as good if not better than Serbia defensively, but they don't have much creativity in their midfield besides Robert Koren. In the end, Italy will have just enough to win this group with Serbia finishing a couple points behind. More heartbreak for Slovenia.

1. Italy
2. Serbia
3. Slovenia
4. Northern Ireland
5. Estonia
6. Faroe Islands

Group D: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Luxembourg, Romania

In one of the weaker qualifying groups for Euro 2012, France will look to bounce back from the utter embarrassment at the World Cup. New coach Laurent Blanc will have his hands full building team chemistry and finding someone to captain the squad. Even though Group D lacks quality, France isn't a lock to run away with first place. In fact, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a rising team led by striker Edin Dzeko and don't be surprised if they top the group. France will struggle to build chemistry and team unity in their first few matches and it will cost them the top spot in Group D.

1. Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. France
3. Albania
4. Romania
5. Belarus
6. Luxembourg

Group E: Finland, Hungary, Moldova, Netherlands, San Marino, Sweden

The Netherlands went unblemished during their qualification for World Cup 2010. This time around shouldn't be as easy. Not to say that the Dutch won't top Group E, but Sweden, Finland, and Hungary will all prove to be tough road tests for the World Cup runner-ups. The battle for second place will be interesting as Sweden, Hungary, and Finland all have a legitimate chance. Sweden has the most talent of the three and will squeak by the other two to make it to the playoff round.

1. Netherlands
2. Sweden
3. Hungary
4. Finland
5. Moldova
6. San Marino

Group F: Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Malta

There's always one group in qualifying that seems weaker than the rest and Group F is it. Croatia should be the team to beat and will be hungry after missing the World Cup. After them, Greece is the best team on paper. But that doesn't tell the whole story. Since winning Euro 2004, Greece has struggled mightily in international tournaments. In such a wide open group, it's common for an upstart team to surprise and finish second. Latvia will be that team and take the next step on the international level.

1. Croatia
2. Latvia
3. Greece
4. Israel
5. Georgia
6. Malta

Group G: Bulgaria, England, Montenegro, Switzerland, Wales

The Three Lions will not only look to win Group G but will look to win back the hearts of their fans after a disappointing showing in South Africa. Euro 2012 may also prove to be the last international tournament for Steven Gerrard, John Terry, and Frank Lampard so the window for England may be closing. England is definitely the most talented team in this group, but coach Fabio Capello needs to find a starting XI that gels. With their defensive prowess, Switzerland is the type of team that can give England fits so Capello needs to find an offensive spark and someone to pair with Wayne Rooney. England will win this group but it won't be pretty. Expect lackluster scorelines especially on the road.

1. England
2. Switzerland
3. Bulgaria
4. Wales
5. Montenegro

Group H: Cyprus, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Portugal

For the second straight international tournament, Denmark and Portugal are in the same group. In World Cup qualifying, Denmark had a comeback win at Portugal and played to a draw at home en route to topping that group. Expect these two teams to battle for the top spot in this group as well. However this time around, look for Portugal to finish in first place. Despite losing their coach Carlos Queiroz for their first four matches, Portugal's defense will prevail in this group as they just edge out Denmark.

1. Portugal
2. Denmark
3. Norway
4. Iceland
5. Cyprus

Group I: Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Scotland, Spain

The World Cup champions and defending European champions have an absolute cakewalk in Group I. They should not and will not drop a match in this group. It is difficult to establish who actually is the second best team in this group. Czech Republic is the team with the most international success in the past, but they do not have near the talent they used to. Much like Group F, look for an unknown team to surprise in Group I and finish a distant second place. Lithuania will be that team.

1. Spain
2. Lithuania
3. Czech Republic
4. Scotland
5. Liechtenstein

So Germany, Slovakia, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Netherlands, Croatia, England, Portugal and Spain automatically qualify for winning their respective groups. As for the second place team with the most points, look for Russia to lock up that spot. Lastly, the remaining eight second-place teams will face off with the top four ranked teams according to FIFA's rankings being seeded. For the sake of this blog, we'll use the current rankings to make these hypothetical matchups. Turkey v. Sweden, France v. Latvia, Serbia v. Denmark, and Switzerland v. Lithuania. Look for Sweden, France, Denmark, and Switzerland to survive their respected two-legged playoffs.

So now that my predictions are done, here is my projected field for Euro 2012.

Poland (co-host)
Ukraine (co-host)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia
Denmark
England
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Portugal
Russia
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

FIFA Power Rankings

2010-08-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

For those of you who aren't football (soccer) fans out there, it's time to address an issue that has become quite nagging: the FIFA World Rankings. To put it in perspective for the non-football (soccer) fans, the FIFA World Rankings are as embarrassing as the BCS. For example, Mexico, who advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup, fell seven spots. Meanwhile, Greece, who only beat Nigeria in the World Cup and failed to advance out of their group, somehow rose one position. So with that in mind, it's time to release my own power rankings to bring some sense to the football (soccer) world. So without further ado, here are my rankings of the top 30 teams in the world with their current FIFA ranking in parentheses.

1. Spain (1): It is near impossible to get Spain out of their style and tempo. Switzerland showed that the only way to do so is by scoring first.

2. Germany (4): With their youth and explosiveness, Germany is only going to get better. Expect them to be the favorite in Poland/Ukraine two summers from now.

3. Netherlands (2): The Dutch finally broke through on the world stage in South Africa. Don't expect them to leave the limelight anytime soon.

4. Brazil (3): Talent wise, Brazil is as good as any team in the world. But they didn't show that in the World Cup.

5. Argentina (5): (see directly above)

6. Uruguay (6): The drop off after Argentina is significant. Uruguay gets the nod with an impressive World Cup campaign.

7. Russia (17): I know what you're saying. "They didn't even qualify for the World Cup." Don't forget that Russia almost topped Germany to win their group in World Cup qualifying. They will be a force in Euro 2012.

8. Portugal (8): Portugal has one of the best defenses in the world, but their offense is absolutely abysmal. Their only goals in South Africa came against lowly North Korea.

9. Chile (10): They didn't show off how explosive they are on offense during the World Cup, but they still advanced to the knockout stages and gave Spain a run for their money in Group H.

10. Mexico (24): This team is only going to get better. Javier (Chicharito) Hernandez and Giovanni Dos Santos represent the very bright future for Mexico.

11. Ghana (23): Yes, they are a young team that made it all the way to the quarterfinals, but the Ghanaians scored most of their goals from the penalty spot.

12. Croatia (15): They failed to qualify for South Africa, but Croatia will be back on the world stage in two summers. Their qualifying group for Euro 2012 is more than manageable.

13. USA (13): The key for the United States in the upcoming years will be turnover. Odds are Donovan, Dempsey, and Howard won't be around in 2014.

14. Egypt (9): Despite their failure to qualify for the World Cup, Egypt is arguably the best team on the continent.

15. England (7): The Three Lions have no leadership, no chemistry, and no consistent goal scorer. Fabio Capello made many poor choices leading up to and during the World Cup. He won't be allowed to make many more before he loses his job.

16. Australia (20): Take a closer look at their matches in South Africa. After losing to Germany, they had the lead against Ghana and drew because of a red card, and beat a decent Serbia team 2-1. The Socceroos are better than people give them credit.

17. Paraguay (16): Paraguay benefited from an easy draw and got all the way to the quarterfinals in South Africa. If they were in any other group, they would have had trouble advancing to the knockout stages.

18. Slovakia (27): They have enough talent to match their success in South Africa two years from now. Marek Hamsik is one of the brightest young players in the world today.

19. Japan (32): Surprised many by making it out of Group E. The Japanese play an enjoyable style of football (soccer) and will rival Australia as the best team in Asia.

20. Switzerland (18): Switzerland can only play one style and that is put ten players in front of the ball and hope for a draw or a lucky 1-0 victory. Until they learn another to win, they won't progress deep into an international tournament.

21. Denmark (29): Couldn't follow up an impressive World Cup qualifying campaign in South Africa. With Bendtner, Kjaer, and Agger, the Danes still have the talent to qualify for Euro 2012.

22. Ivory Coast (26): Probably could have advanced to the knockout stages if they weren't in a group with Brazil and Portugal.

23. Italy (11): A despicable performance by the Azzurri in their World Cup title defense. They looked old and slow in every match. With a lack of young talent on the horizon, it could be awhile before Italy becomes a legitimate threat again.

24. Korea Republic (44): Just like Japan, Korea Republic surprised many by making it to the knockout stages. They are far better than their FIFA ranking suggests.

25. Serbia (13): One of the biggest underachievers in South Africa. Many people had high hopes for Serbia in the World Cup and even though they knocked off Germany, they failed to score goals at even strength.

26. Turkey (28): The Turks had a reasonable qualifying group for the World Cup but still failed to qualify. However, teams shouldn't take them for granted though going forward.

27. Slovenia (19): Although they are not as good as their FIFA ranking, Slovenia has proved that they are not to be taken lightly on the international stage. Remember, they were a Landon Donovan goal in the 91st minute away from advancing to the knockout stages.

28. France (21): Talent wise, France is worthy of a ranking in the top 15. But their chemistry issues are worse than any teams in the world. New coach Laurent Blanc has a lot of work to do.

29. Republic of Ireland (36): The most controversial team not to make the World Cup should be motivated to show they are worthy for a spot in Euro 2012.

30. Sweden (35): Usually a lock to make the World Cup, the Swedes fell short in 2010. Because they have a veteran squad, Euro 2012 could be their last chance to make an international tournament for awhile.

2010 FIFA World Cup Recap

2010-07-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

The 2010 FIFA World Cup has come to a close, but not before providing the world with a plethora of incredible memories. From Siphiwe Tshabalala's opening goal for South Africa on June 11th to Andres Iniesta's World Cup-winning goal for Spain on July 11th, this tournament had everything. Vuvuzelas, goal-line controversies, handballs, country pride, continent pride, team turmoil, a first-time champion, and a psychic octopus named Paul all made the experience in South Africa one we won't soon forget. So now that the 2010 FIFA World Cup has ended, it's time to hand out some superlatives for the best and worst from the last month in South Africa.

Best Player: Diego Forlan, Uruguay:
The straw that stirred the drink for La Celeste all tournament. When Uruguay struggled offensively in their opening match against France, he moved from the striker position to center forward and showed off his versatility. Forlan scored five goals in the World Cup and scored them all in different fashions. Whether it was a free kick, a penalty kick, or a blast from outside of the box, Forlan made his presence known in every match. What separated Forlan from the other top players in the tournament is the fact that his play was more important to his team's success.
Notables: Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands), David Villa (Spain), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

Worst Player: Fernando Torres, Spain:
Yes, he came into this tournament coming off of an injury, but Fernando Torres was a liability on the pitch for the Spaniards. He was given opportunities in the group stages to snap out of his funk and missed numerous chances to put the ball in the back of the net. By the time the group stages rolled around, Torres was being subbed out earlier in matches than before and was eventually taken out of the starting lineup in the semifinals. La Furia Roja was a better team when Torres was out of the lineup in this tournament. Torres' tournament success can be summed up by his performance in the World Cup final where he came on in extra time and pulled a hamstring while making a run. But hey, he got to hoist the World Cup trophy so it wasn't all bad.
Notables: Wayne Rooney (England), John Terry (England), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), France (France)

Best Goal: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Netherlands v. Uruguay:
ESPN broadcaster Ian Darke put it perfectly when he said that Giovanni Van Bronckhorst's 35-yard blast was "an absolute fire cracker". Not only was it the best goal of the tournament, it happened in the World Cup semifinals.
Notables: Diego Forlan (Uruguay) v. Germany, David Villa (Spain) v. Honduras, Carlos Tevez (Argentina) v. Mexico

Flubbed Goal: Yakubu Ayegbeni, Nigeria v. Korea Republic:
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was full of "what ifs" for Nigeria. The biggest one was Yakubu Ayegbeni's miss from just a few yards out with nobody in front of him in the 66th minute against Korea Republic. If he had made the shot, Nigeria would have advanced to the knockout stages and become tournament darlings along with Ghana.
Notables: Arjen Robben (Netherlands) v. Spain

Best Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas, Spain
Full Back: Maicon, Brazil
Centre Back: Carlos Puyol, Spain
Centre Back: Diego Lugano, Uruguay
Full Back: Phillip Lahm, Germany
Left Wing: Andres Iniesta, Spain
Centre Midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany
Centre Midfield: Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands
Right Wing: Thomas Muller, Germany
Striker: Diego Forlan, Uruguay
Striker: David Villa, Spain

Notables: Manuel Neuer (Germany), Lucio (Brazil), John Mensah (Ghana), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Miroslav Klose (Germany), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)

Worst Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Robert Green, England
Full Back: Patrice Evra, France
Centre Back: Wayne Gallas, France
Centre Back: John Terry, England
Full Back: Eric Abidal, France
Left Wing: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Centre Midfield: Ricardo Clark, United States
Centre Midfield: Felipe Melo, Brazil
Right Wing: Franck Ribery, France
Striker: Wayne Rooney, England
Striker: Fernando Torres, Spain

Notables: Federico Marchetti (Italy), Jonas Gutierrez (Argentina), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy), Alberto Gilardino (Italy), Jozy Altidore (United States)

Biggest Surprise: Ghana
After Michael Essien's injury, not many people believed that Ghana could repeat their success from 2006. But the Black Stars became Africa's Cinderella nation in the knockout stages. Youngsters Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, and Kevin-Prince Boateng played inspired football and captivated the continent of Africa.
Notables: Uruguay, Paraguay, Slovakia

Biggest Disappointment: France
Everyone knew that France was in a state of turmoil before the World Cup started, but nobody thought it was this bad. Coach Raymond Domenech was a pathetic excuse for a coach and made matters worse after sending home striker Nicolas Anelka. They refused to practice, performed miserably on the pitch, and disgraced their home country.
Notables: Italy, England, Portugal, Brazil

Most Unforgettable Moment: Uruguay v. Ghana
Africa was so close to reaching a state of total euphoria. Striker Luis Suarez had just been sent off for a blatant hand ball that prevented Dominic Adiyiah from scoring the game-winning goal. They had one shot to assure themselves a place in the semifinals and carry the hopes of a continent on their backs. But an entire stadium of screaming fans in Johannesburg went dead silent as Asamoah Gyan's PK attempt rattled off the crossbar at the end of extra time sending Ghana's quarterfinal match against Uruguay into penalty kicks. Cinderella's slipper officially shattered a few minutes later as Uruguay prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shootout leaving an entire continent in undeniable anguish. There hasn't been such a crushing defeat in the World Cup to this point than the one the Ghanaians suffered on July 2nd.
Notables: Andres Iniesta goal v. Netherlands, Frank Lampard missed goal v. Germany, Landon Donovan goal v. Algeria, Siphiwe Tshbalala goal v. Mexico

Most Entertaining: Germany
With precision passing, excellent chemistry, and the best counter-attack in the world, Germany was a force to be reckoned with this summer. The youth and flair brought on by Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, and Sami Khedira revamped this squad into an attacking dynamo that will be heard for years to come. Although they fell short in the semifinals to Spain, their landslide victories over Argentina and England will not soon be forgotten.
Notables: Ghana, Argentina

The FIFA World Cup is nonstop drama and excitement and the 2010 version was no different. There isn't an event like it in the world and South Africa brought new aspects to it that made it even more special. So after this wild, roller coaster of a month, let me speak for the millions and billions who were captivated this summer and simply say, thank you South Africa. Brazil 2014!

World Cup 2010 Predictions: World Cup Final

2010-06-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

Only two remain. An all-South American final will decide the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Not only are these two teams from the same continent, they are bitter rivals. Everlasting memories and haunting nightmares will be created in just 90 minutes (or possibly 120 plus PK's!) for Brazil and Argentina. So who wins the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Here is my analysis and prediction for the World Cup Final.

Goalkeeping: Both goalies are starting in their first ever World Cup, but Brazil's Julio Cesar (Inter Milan) is already very experienced in important games. He saw plenty of them this year alone as he helped lead Inter Milan to the UEFA Champions League trophy. Sergio Romero is a bright young goalie for Argentina, and may end up being the better keeper in the long run, but Julio Cesar is the better in 2010. Edge:

Defense: Brazil has an excellent back four led by their sturdy duo in the middle of Lucio (Inter Milan) and Juan (Roma). Maicon (Inter Milan) is an excellent defender at left back who poses an offensive threat when Brazil is on a rush. The Argentine side is no slouch either as Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich) and Walter Samuel (Inter Milan) anchor the middle for them. Also, Gabriel Heinze (Marseille) is a veteran prescence at right back for Argentina and is very reliable. Defense doesn't stop with Brazil and Argentina after the back four. Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos) at defensive midfield is one of Coach Dunga's most important players on the pitch. The same can be said about the Albicelestes and Javier Mascherano (Liverpool). Both teams have very sound defenses, but the middle pairing for Brazil is more seasoned and have been in more

meaningful games. They get the slight edge. Edge:

Midfield: Now it all depends on the lineups of Dunga and Maradona, but for now Kaka (Real Madrid) and Lionel Messi (Barcelona) will count as midfielders. Both will look to create for themselves and others and are the major focal points of their offenses. A Seleção doesn't have the big names in the midfield that most people are used to, but they are very talented and fit Dunga's technical style of football. Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool) returns for Argentina in the midfield and is still a dangerous threat out on the wing. Argentina's deadly weapon besides Messi in the midfield may come off the bench as Angel Di Maria (Benfica) seems poised for a breakout summer. Both midfields are so impressive that there is hardly anything to separate the two. Edge:

Forwards: Against most countries in the world, Luis Fabiano (Sevilla) and Robinho (Manchester City), would have the advantage against the opposing team's strikers. That is not the case against Argentina. No team has more depth up front than the Albicelestes. Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) and Diego Milito (Inter Milan) tore it up this year for their respective club teams and are in arguably their best form to date. If they weren't enough, Sergio "Kun" Aguero (Atletico Madrid) and Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) are also available. Aguero and Tevez would be one of the most deadly duos in the world if they were on another team and they will most likely be featured off of Maradona's bench. The depth of Argentina's attack makes their strikers the better bunch. Edge:

Prediction: This should be one amazing World Cup Final between these arch rivals. These teams played to a scoreless draw the first time they faced each other in qualifying and then Brazil thrashed Argentina the second time 4-1. Brazil has had the Argentines number over the last few years including a win in the final of Copa America 2007 3-0 and in the 2005 Confederations Cup Final by the score of 4-1. Argentina has watched Brazil stomp all over them for the better part of five years. That ends this summer. This World Cup will be one about offense and speed. Argentina has both in spades. Lionel Messi will make the jump from international star to international legend in the soccer world. Argentina will be the team raising up the trophy on July 11th. Winner:

World Cup 2010 Predictions: 1/2 Finals

2010-06-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

Three South American teams join Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup semifinals. All four of these teams are extremely aggressive so the possibility of high-scoring affairs is very likely. One can only hope that this year's World Cup has as much drama as four years ago when both matchups were decided by one goal (one ending in extra time). Which teams will move one match away from eternal football glory? Here are my predictions for the 1/2 final matchups with each team's group result in parentheses.

Uruguay (Group A winner) v. Brazil (Group G winner): Familiarity is the major theme for this semifinal between the country who won the first ever World Cup and the country with the most World Cup titles. Uruguay and Brazil met twice in South American qualifying with Brazil taking both matches by scores of 2-1 and 4-0. No matter which way you slice it, Brazil seems to have the decisive edge in this match. The midfield will be totally dominated by A Seleção, which will lead to few chances up front for Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid) and Luis Suarez (Ajax). Dunga's finesse style will completely stymie Uruguay offensively and on the other end, expect Luis Fabiano (Sevilla) to have scoring chances early and often. Brazil moves on to their fourth World Cup final in the last five tournaments. Prediction: Brazil

Argentina (Group B winner) v. Spain (Group H winner): The best player in the world faces off against arguably the best team in the world in this semifinal match. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) and the Argentines have the daunting task of taking down the mighty Spaniards. The Albicelestes are on a short list of teams that have the talent take down Spain and will have to play a strong match to do so. Javier Mascherano (Liverpool) will be a key for Argentina at defensive midfielder. If he can neutralize Xavi (Barcelona) in the middle of the field then Spain's offense will not run as smoothly. Much like Messi is for Argentina, Xavi is the straw that stirs the drink for Spain. Argentina has a greater chance of slowing down Xavi than La Furia Roja does of shutting down Messi. In what should be a highly entertaining matchup, Argentina will have just enough to get past Spain. Prediction: Argentina.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: 1/4 Finals

2010-06-09T00:12:00.000-07:00

It's down to eight. The pressure is really on the remaining teams now to become heroes for their country and advance on to the semifinals. The 1/4 finals in the last World Cup were heart-pounding as two matches were decided in penalty kicks. Will this year's final eight matchups be as exciting? Only time will tell. Here are my predictions for the 1/4 finals with each team's group result in parentheses.

Uruguay (Group A winner) v. England (Group C winner): England finds themselves in a familiar position in the 1/4 finals of a World Cup. They were there in 2002 and 2006 with both matches ended in gut-wrenching defeats. Coach Fabio Capello hopes 2010 will be a different story but his squad will have their hands full with Uruguay. England can really take advantage of Uruguay if they can get contributions out of their midfield from Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Frank Lampard (Chelsea). Uruguay's defense is solid but not spectacular and their midfield does lack a true playmaker. That being said, England's back four is a total patch job with the losses of Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) and Wayne Bridge. If Uruguay can control the tempo in the midfield, Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid) and Luis Suarez (Ajax) should see some good chances up front. England has been tortured with heartbreaking losses in penalty kicks time-and-time again. This one will be slighty easier as they get upset in extra time. Prediction: Uruguay

Netherlands (Group E winner) v. Brazil (Group G winner): Not many matches in the 2010 World Cup will field more individual talent than Netherlands v. Brazil. The midfield battles between Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), and Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) of the Oranje and Kaka (Real Madrid), Robinho (Manchester City), and Felipe Melo (Juventus) of Brazil will be worth the price of admission alone. While the focus of this match will be the offensive firepower, the match will be decided by the play of each team's defense. That is where A Seleção will have an advantage. Lucio (Inter Milan) and Juan (Roma) form a strong nucleus in the middle while Maicon (Inter Milan) is arguably the best left back in the world. The Dutch just don't have the defense that can hold down Brazil for 90 minutes. Gio van Bronckhurst (Feyenoord) is well past his prime and Joris Mathijsen (HSV) is a real liability at center back. Defense will be the Achilles heel for the Netherlands yet again. Prediction: Brazil

Argentina (Group B winner) v. Germany (Group D winner): In a rematch of one of the best matches from the 2006 World Cup, perennial powers Argentina and Germany square off. Four years ago, in front of their home crowd, Germany tied their contest with Argentina in the 81st minute and eventually won in penalty kicks. This year's match will have similar faces from the one in 2006 and possibly an equal performance from both teams. As fast as Germany is, Argentina will be the aggressor in this matchup so the Germany back line will need to be on their toes. Expect young midfielder Sami Khedira (Stuttgart) to have the responsibility of following Lionel Messi (Barcelona) the entire match. Argentina and Germany are evenly matched for the most part so don't be surprised if this match takes extra time or penalty kicks once again. Unfortunately for Germany, they don't have a veteran goalie and a home country behind them this time around. Maradona's bunch will get revenge and move on to the semifinals in a thriller. Prediction: Argentina

Italy (Group F winner) v. Spain (Group H winner): Italy and Spain will meet in the quarterfinals for the second straight international tournament. Spain took the match in Euro 2008 in penalty kicks in a hard-fought defensive battle that saw Italy play for overtime. As good as Italy is defensively, that strategy won't work this time around. Spain is even better on offense now plus they have seen this strategy before so it won't be as effective for the Azzurri. Also, Italy's defense is not as firm as it was two years ago as age has started to catch up with Fabio Cannavaro (Italy) and Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan). It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Spain may have a 60-40 advantage in time of possession in this match. Xavi (Barcelona) and Iniesta (Barcelona) will wreak havoc in the midfield, which will lead to open opportunities for David Villa (Barcelona) and Fernando Torres (Spain). La Furia Roja won't be tested this time around. The defending champs quest for a repeat title dies in the 1/4 finals. Prediction: Spain

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Round of 16

2010-06-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

My field of 32 has been cut in half as the 2010 World Cup now advances into the knockout stages. Teams will have to be sharper at this stage of the tournament because one mistake could be the difference between a team advancing and going home. Who will have what it takes to make it to the quarterfinals? Here are my predictions for my round of 16 matchups with each teams group finish in parentheses.

Uruguay (Group A winner) v. Nigeria (Group B runner-up): Two teams that missed the World Cup in 2006 face off in this 1/8 round battle. This should be a very exciting match as both teams love to get up and down the pitch. Uruguay and Nigeria could each start three strikers so if you like goals, be sure to tune in. In such a fast-paced battle, the back four for each team will play gigantic roles. Uruguay's Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce) has the experience and leadership necessary for a battle such as this. If Nigeria had John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) healthy for this matchup the result may turn out different, but Uruguay will have the offense from Suarez (Ajax) and Forlan (Atletico Madrid) and just enough defense to move on to the last eight. Prediction: Uruguay

England (Group C winner) v. Australia (Group D runner-up): England was in this position four years ago and needed a free-kick goal from David Beckham (LA Galaxy) to escape against an upbeat Ecuador squad. Will it be an easier go this year? Australia isn't a team that finds itself way ahead or way behind in many matches. The Socceroos will try to slow down the pace and play for overtime much like they did against Italy in 2006. It would not be a shock to see this match go into the halftime locker room at a scoreless tie. England will need some time to feel out the Aussie defense and effective changes will be made by Fabio Capello for the second half. Australia won't be able to lock down Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) for the entire match. The Three Lions will convert on chances in the last 45 minutes against Australia and advance with a little more ease than four years ago. Prediction: England

Netherlands (Group E winner) v. Slovakia (Group F runner-up): Now I know what most of you are thinking when you see this matchup. There is no way the Netherlands can lose to little Slovakia. Well, everyone was saying similar statements two summers ago when the Oranje faced off against Russia in the Euro quarterfinals. This match will serve as a trap for the Dutch and they can't get caught looking ahead at a potential matchup with Brazil or Chile. Even though the Netherlands have been prone to lose to teams they shouldn't, history won't repeat itself this time. The offensive prowess of the Dutch is too strong for the Slovaks to handle. Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) and Rafael Van der Vaart (Real Madrid) will be all over the field and the Netherlands will cruise to a comfortable victory. Prediction: Netherlands

Brazil (Group G winner) v. Chile (Group H runner-up): In this all-South American elimination match, defense may turn out to be optional. Brazil and Chile should prove to be an all-out, offensive frenzy as these teams were the two highest scoring countries in South American qualifying. Even though both teams can score at will, it is definitely more important for the Chileans to get out to an early lead. Brazil has the experience and depth that Chile lacks so if they did fall behind early, it won't be as big a deal as vice versa. Chile will get their scoring opportunities, but Brazil is the type of team that will eat them alive because of their overly-aggresive style. Expect a fair share of breakouts for Kaka (Real Madrid), Robinho (Manchester City), and Luis Fabiano (Sevilla) and a high scoring victory for A Seleção.

Argentina (Group B winner) v. France (Group A runner-up): Argentina and France are eerily similar for the fact that they both have tons of individual talent but lack certain leadership and team chemistry. The difference is that the Albicelestes have game-changers. Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich) is a very gifted player for France, but has shown the tendency at the club and international level to rely on other players to take over. The Argentines don't have that problem. Even if Lionel Messi (Barcelona) is kept in check, France won't be able to contain Tevez (Manchester City), Higuain (Real Madrid), and Co. This matchup would have had a lot more appeal four years ago in Germany. Argentina should have no problem moving forward. Prediction: Argentina

Germany (Group D winner) v. Slovenia (Group C runner-up): Germany's offense will be put to the test against defensive-minded Slovenia. Much like Australia will attempt to do against England, Slovenia will play low-risk football and focus most of their attention on stopping the German attack. As good as Slovenia's defense is, they haven't seen an attack like Die Mannschaft. England will be their closest comparison but even they don't have the quickness that Germany does. Germany has too much speed on the wing with Lukas Podolski (Cologne) and Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen) that it will be hard for Slovenia to keep up. With the style that Slovenia will be employing, there is a good chance Germany will only need one goal to win the match. They will get two and make their eighth straight trip to the quarterfinals. Prediction: Germany

Italy (Group F winner) v. Denmark (Group E runner-up): This match will be the polar opposite of Brazil v. Chile. The winner will most likely have two goals maximum with a good possibility of only one. Tempo will be critical for Denmark in this match because if they fall victim to Italy's smothering defense, it will be a long 90 minutes. The Azzurri wont run away with this match by any means, but they have a knack of making a 1-0 deficit look more like 3-0. Italy will be able to inflict their style and force on Denmark and completely shut down Christian Poulsen (Juventus). Even though Italy doesn't have the talent it had four years ago, it still takes a very gifted offensive team to take them down. Olsen's Eleven won't be good enough. Prediction: Italy

Spain (Group H winner) v. Portugal (Group G runner-up): Without a doubt the most hyped matchup of the round of 16 will be between border-rivals Spain and Portugal. Both teams are ranked top five internationally and the individual talent that will be on the pitch is astonishing. Spain definitely is the more talented of the two teams, but Portugal has shown countless times over the years that they have what it takes to take down the world's best. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) won't be able to do all himself against La Furia Roja, which means the likes of Raul Meireles (Porto) and Simao (Atletico Madrid) will have to share the load. This will be a close battle down to the referee's last whistle. In the end, Spain will have too much talent and will win in extra time on a Xavi (Barcelona) free-kick goal. Prediction: Spain

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group H

2010-06-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

Now on to the last but definitely not the least group in the tournament. Group H is similar to Group B for the fact that three teams love to push the tempo and light up the scoreboard while one chooses to fall back and rely on their defense. Spain is the favorite in Group H and one of the favorites to go all the way this summer. In order to finish first, they will have to pass three tough tests against Switzerland, Honduras, and Chile. Will someone challenge Spain at the top of Group H? Here are my predictions for Group H with each team's record and point total in parentheses.

1. Spain (3-0-0, 9 points): Spain is hoping that the tournament monkey is now off their back after winning the European Championships in 2008. Currently ranked number two in the world, La Furia Roja is chock-full of talent at every position. It all starts for them in the midfield where Xavi (Barcelona) is the table setter. He along with Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona) in the midfield look to set up the best striking duo in the world in David Villa (Barcelona) and Fernando Torres (Liverpool). Villa led the Euro Championships in goals in 2008 and is arguably in the best form of his career. Defensivly, Gerard Piqué (Barcelona) and Carlos Puyol (Barcelona) form a strong nucleus in front of all-world goalkeeper Iker Casillas (Real Madrid). Spain should have their way with this group, but it won't be an easy path going forward as they will have to play the second place finisher from Group G(roup of death) in the round of 16. If they stay focused like they did two summers ago, they could be the team to beat this summer.

2. Chile (2-1-0, 6 points): Maybe the most exciting team in the field of 32, Chile is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. La Roja finished in a tie for second in qualification behind Brazil and won a continent-best five matches away from home. Chile lines up in the extremely agressive 3-4-3 formation which leads to many chances on offense, but also can leave them hung out to dry on defense. Midfielder Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon) is Chile's best playmaker and has the responsibility of setting up strikers Humberto Suazo (Zaragoza) and Alexis Sanchez (Udinese). Chile will give up its share of goals in this tournament (especially to Spain), but they will score more more than they will allow. There is a good chance that the best goal of the tournament will come from the cleats of a Chilean.

3. Switzerland (0-2-1, 1 point): Compared to the other three teams in this group, Switzerland will look like they are moving in slow motion out on the pitch. Their slow down style did work well during qualifying as the Swiss won their group with ease. Since then though they have struggled losing back-to-back friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica. For Switzerland to be successful in this tournament, goalkeeper Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg) will have to be sensational. They will see a lot of pressure on their defense and anything short of Benaglio's best won't be enough. On offense, winger Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen) is very creative in the midfield. The problem is that Barnetta will be the focal point for The Swiss' opposition and without much other talent in the midfield, he could be neutralized. In the end, Switzerland doesn't have enough firepower to be a threat to Spain and Chile.

4. Honduras (0-2-1, 1 point): Tiny Honduras makes its first appearance in the World Cup since 1982 and only the second in their history. After a solid qualification finishing third in the CONACAF standings, Los Catrachos has struggled to score in friendlies. They have been shut out in four of their last five matches including matches against lowly Azerbaijan and Venezuela. Their offense will need to perform to have any chance to advance from this group. That responsibility will fall on 36-year-old Carlos Pavon (Real Espana). He has proven over time to be a formidable striker in international play in the past and will need to keep that up for Honduras this summer. Honduras won't be a pushover for their Group H opponents, but they won't have the depth or speed to hang in every match for 90 minutes.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group G

2010-06-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

Now to the group that the world has been waiting for since the World Cup draw was announced on December 4th. Group G. The "group of death". Group G contains the number one team in the world (Brazil), the number three team in the world (Portugal), and possibly the best team ever from the continent of Africa (Ivory Coast). The safest assumption to make from this high-powered group is that North Korea is in for a long couple of weeks. So which top-tier team will be the odd man out in this "group of death"? Here are my predictions for Group G with each team's record and point totals in parentheses.

1. Brazil (3-0-0, 9 points): After a disappointing finish for their standards in 2006, Brazil is looking to get back on top of the soccer world. They took a step in that direction last summer in South Africa when they won the Confederations Cup. Coach Dunga's team has a new style and approach different from Brazil teams in the past as balance and precision now outweigh flare and excitement. Dunga also made some notable omissions for this summer as Ronaldinho (AC Milan) and Pato (AC Milan) were left off the final roster. Not to say that Brazil isn't capable of jaw-dropping plays with Kaka (Real Madrid), Robinho (Manchester City), and Co., but this seems to be a Brazil team more team-oriented and focused than ones in past Cups. The Seleção won't simply walk through Group G, but their skill level is far beyond the other teams in the group. If this team stays with Dunga's balanced philosophy, they will be right there in the end.

2. Portugal (2-1-0, 6 points): For a team coming off a fourth place finish in the 2006 World Cup and currently ranked third in the world, you would imagine that Portugal had an easy time qualifying for this summer. That couldn't be further from the truth. Portugal made the World Cup by the skin of their teeth after a late run in their qualifying group claimed them second place. After that, they fought off a pesky Bosnia-Herzegovina team in a playoff to secure a birth in the final 32. Portugal has undeniable talent but their inconsistency holds them back from being one of the worlds elite teams. This last week was a perfect example as Portugal played lowly Cape Verde to a scoreless tie, then came back to beat Cameroon 3-1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) has proven himself time-and-time again at the club level, but hasn't lived up to expectations for his home nation. He will have to be better than he was in qualification for Portugal to advance in Group G.

3. Ivory Coast (1-2-0, 3 points): Africa's best hope for a run in the World Cup was unfortunately placed in the toughest group. The Elephants would finish second or maybe even first in many other groups in this tournament, but Group G will prove to be too tough. It will be even tougher for Ivory Coast after star-striker Didier Drogba (Chelsea) fractured his elbow yesterday in a friendly against Japan. His availability for the World Cup is still up in the air, but even if he is able to play, he definitely won't be 100%. The Ivory Coast still has talent on their roster with Kolo Toure, (Manchester City) Yaya Toure (Barcelona), and Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), but without a healthy Drogba they seemed destined for third place.

4. North Korea (0-3-0, 0 points): Okay, we'll start with the good news. North Korea is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1966. The bad news: they would do best to not even unpack. The only betting that gamblers will place on North Korea will be whether their goal differential is over or under -10. The Choilima have played some of their best football recently as they tied both South Africa and Greece in the last two months. Despite their stronger play as of late, a realistic goal for North Korea will be to actually score a goal. The best advice I can give North Korea fans is to enjoy the World Cup while you can.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group F

2010-06-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

Group F is the home of the defending World Cup champions, Italy. Luckily for them, Group F isn't the home of many dangerous threats. Italy is joined by Paraguay, Slovakia, and New Zealand in a very tame Group F. But just because the quality of teams may not be there doesn't mean that Group F won't be a tough and intriguing fight for the top two spots. Is Italy a lock for the top position in Group F? Here are my predictions with each team's records and point totals in parentheses.

1. Italy (2-0-1, 7 points): The defending World Cup champs head to South Africa with a much different look than four years ago. Just nine players are left from the squad in 2006 as Nesta (AC Milan), Totti (Roma), Grosso (Juventus), Toni (Roma), Materazzi (Inter Milan), and Del Piero (Juventus) were ommitted. No matter the players though, the style stays the same for the Azzurri. Italy gets it done with their defense and their all-world goalkeeper Gigi Buffon (Juventus). They will never light up the scoreboard with their style as they would rather win a grueling battle 1-0 or 2-1. A major story for Italy will be the health of midfielder Andrea Pirlo. The midfield maestro has a nagging groin injury that may keep him off the field for a game or two. Italy may take a couple games to get going, but their strength and experience will get them to the top of the group.

2. Slovakia (1-0-2): Making their first trip to the World Cup as an independent nation, Slovakia is looking to prove that they are one of the world's best. They won their qualifying group against local rivals Slovenia and Czech Republic. Much like Italy, the Slovaks get it done on the defensive end. Martin Škrtel (Liverpool) anchors a strong back line in front of up-and-coming goalkeeper Jan Mucha (Everton). On the offensive side, Slovakia has one of the most promising midfielders in the world today in Marek Hamsik (Napoli). Hamsik will create for the likes of striker Stanislav Sestak (Bochum) and Slovakia will score enough to make a historical trip to the round of 16.

3. Paraguay (0-1-2, 2 points): Paraguay makes their fourth straight trip to the World Cup this summer. The Guaraníes finished a tie for second place in qualifying with Chile trailing only Brazil. Tragedy hit the team though in January when their best striker, Salvador Cabañas (Club America), was shot in the head outside of a bar in Mexico. Cabañas was the team's best striker and that role now falls to Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City). He struggled this season in the EPL and comes into this tournament in poor form. Paraguay has had a curse recently of not being able to get past the round of 16 in the World Cup. They will fall well short of that in South Africa.

4. New Zealand (0-2-1, 1 point): One of the best stories of this World Cup is New Zealand. The All Whites are in the field for the first time since 1982. Up until the last week, everyone believed New Zealand to be a walkover and a simple victory for the other teams in Group F. But after they knocked off Serbia 1-0 last Saturday, the rest of the tournament found out that they won't be a pushover. New Zealand has performed well in recent friendlies dropping close matches to Australia 2-1 and Italy 4-3. Ryan Nelson (Blackburn) is their most well-known player and a solid force in the back four. New Zealand isn't a threat to make the knockout stages, but they will play spoiler for some team in Group F.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group E

2010-06-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

Group E has arguably received the least amount of attention before the tournament. Not because of a lack of talent, but because there isn't a team that is really headline material. The team that will draw the most attention is the Netherlands. They seem to be the clear favorites in Group E and are poised for a first ever World Cup title. After the Dutch is where the real chaos ensues. Denmark, Cameroon, and Japan all have strong cases to advance to the knockout stages so every game will be critical. Will the Netherlands be tested by anybody in the group stages? Here are my predictions for Group E with teach teams' record and point total in parentheses.

1. Netherlands (3-0-0, 9 points): "The best team to never win a World Cup." That is the title that the Netherlands are looking to shun this summer. The Oranje have an attacking core that is as good if not better than any team in the world. Coach Bert Van Marwijk has the tough, but nice problem of picking the team's starting eleven. Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) will most likely anchor the midfield for the Netherlands and he will be flanked on the wings by the red-hot Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) and the multi-talented Robin Van Persie (Arsenal). With the likes of Rafael Van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Eljero Elia (Hamburg), and Ibrahim Affelay (PSV) coming off their bench, the Dutch's offense is absolutely loaded. But the offense is something that has always been there for the Netherlands. It has been a lack of consistency and poor defense that have done them in in the past. The Dutch can win this group based on their sheer talent, but they will need something more than that if they want to go far this summer.

2. Denmark (1-1-1, 6 points): The Danes are back in the World Cup after missing the tournament four years ago. Manager Morten Olsen is poised to bring Denmark back to the knockout stages and they have the team that can do it. Denmark had an excellent qualification for the 2010 World Cup winning their group that included Portugal, Sweden, and Hungary. Olsen's Elleve (Olsen's Eleven) has an excellent balance of youth and experience. Their biggest playmker is Christian Poulsen (Juventus). He will look to create in front of rising star Niklas Bendtner (Arsenal) and the ageless Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord). Injuries will be an issue though for the Danes. Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen (Stoke City) and central defender Simon Kjaer are both coming into the tournament at less than 100%. They will need to perform at a high level for Denmark to move on.

3. Cameroon (1-2-0, 3 points): Much of the publicity lately has been bad for Cameroon as their star striker Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan) threatened to quit after receiving criticism from one of the country's greatest legends, Roger Milla. Chemistry will undoubtedly be an issue for the Indomitable Lions as the controversy with Eto'o will grab a lot of attention. The pressure for him to perform for his home country will be larger than ever and could affect his play. Eto'o will need the support of Alexander Song (Arsenal) and Jean Makoun (Lyon) if Cameroon is to advance. The talent is undeniable for Cameroon, but the cloud over Eto'o and this team will affect the team and hold them back.

4. Japan (0-3-0, 0 points): Japan enters the field of 32 for the fourth straight World Cup and are looking to improve off their winless summer in 2006. Samurai Blue had a very easy time qualifying for the tournament finishing second in the Asian zone behind Australia. They have not kept up that momentum since qualifying though as they have suffered three straight losses in international friendlies to Serbia, South Korea, and England. Japan has no momentum whatsoever coming into this tournament and need to win their first game against Cameroon to have any chance of advancing. Midfielder Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka) is a promising young talent, but he doesn't have enough around him to make Japan a legitimate threat.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group D

2010-06-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

Group D is being called the "Group of Death" by many experts. It doesn't have the "sexy" teams that other groups have, but every team in Group D can not only advance to the knockout stages, but can finish in first. Germany is the only "big name" in this group and are looking for an equal or better performance from their third place finish in 2006. Australia and Ghana are also looking for repeat performances as they both advanced to the round of 16 four years ago. Add in a dangerous Serbia squad and Group D is destined to be very intriguing. So who advances out of this "Group of Death"? Here are my predictions for Group D with each teams record and total points in parentheses.

1. Germany (3-0-0, 9 points): There is a good chance that as this is being read, someone on Germany's team has just come down with an injury. The injury bug started in early May when it was determined that probable starting keeper Rene Adler (Bayer Leverkusen) and midfielder Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen) would miss the World Cup. Then two weeks later a giant blow was dealt to Die Mannschaft when captain Michael Ballack (Chelsea) was the victim of a dirty play by Kevin Prince-Boateng (Portsmouth) that ended his chances of playing this summer. Since then, backup midfielder Christian Traesch (Stuttgart) and starting center back Heiko Westermann (Schalke 04) have also been shelved. But as much talent as Germany has lost, the talent that remains on the roster cannot be ignored. Germany is heading towards a youth movement as seven players on their roster were on the Under-21 Championship team from last year. The young stars from four years ago are now wiry veterans as Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), and Lukas Podolski (Cologne) will be expected to lead this team. As unfortunate as the injuries to Ballack and Co. were, it has taken Germany out of the spotlight and removed some of the pressure. Expect Germany to have something to prove in the group stages and move through an impressive Group D unscathed. Look for rising star Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen) to dazzle early and often.

2. Australia (2-1-0, 6 points): Even though Australia doesn't have many recognizable names, they are a team that nobody wants to see in their draw. That is because the Socceroos get the most out of their talent every four years and play fundamental football. They did that in 2006 advancing to the knockout stages and were a questionable call away from going to overtime against eventual champion Italy. The Aussies are very creative in the midfield with Brett Emerton (Blackburn) and Tim Cahill (Everton), but this team makes it happen with their defense. Lucas Neill (Galatasaray) leads a solid back four in front of experieinced and big-game goalie Mark Schwarzer (Fulham). Australia will navigate their way through Group D thanks to their defense and experience.

3. Serbia (1-2-0, 3 points): Serbia is back in the World Cup again and is expecting grand things after a superb qualification. The White Eagles won their group in impressive fashion beating out the likes of France, Austria, and Romania. Their hot streak has run cold as of late though as Serbia lost a stunner 1-0 to New Zealand and played to a scoreless tie against Poland all within the last week. This could just be a blip in the radar, but concerning nonetheless. If Serbia is going to advance they will need Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan) and Nikola Zigic (Birmingham) to be forces offensively. They are sound defensively but against the likes of Germany and Ghana, they will need to put the ball in the back of the net. Serbia's fate will come down to their final group game against Australia. They will come up empty handed.

4. Ghana (0-3-0, 0 points): As big as the Michael Ballack injury was for Germany, they at least have players who can come in and fill the void. The same cannot be said for Michael Essien and Ghana. Essien is arguably one of the ten best players in the world when healthy and his loss will be too big to overcome. The Black Stars will look to Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese) to pick up the slack in the midfield for Essien and it won't be enough. The darlings of the last World Cup will have a lot of pressure to reciprocate their success from four years ago and will fall well short. Even if they have a chance to advance going into their final group game, Germany will be out for revenge for Kevin Prince-Boateng's tackle on Michael Ballack. There will be no magical run this time around for Ghana.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group C

2010-06-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

Despite what ESPN may think or promote, there are more teams in Group C than England and the United States. Understandably the major hype in this group surrounds the England v. United States matchup on June 12th, but Group C will be a tough battle for all four teams. Like most World Cup years, England believes they finally have the squad to win their first title since 1966. Will this finally be the year that England breaks through and end their title drought? Here are my predictions for Group C with each teams records and point totals in parentheses.

1. England (2-0-1, 7 points): England Algeria Slovenia Yanks. That was the front cover of The Sun the day after the World Cup draw was announced. The Three Lions realize that they have been handed a golden opportunity with the road that has been placed in front of them. But England can't just sit back and think that their road to the World Cup title is all but gift-wrapped. That has been one of their many problems in recent Cups. New manager Fabio Capello is trying to change the attitude of this team and keep them focused on the ultimate goal. If England is to win this group and advance far in this tournament, it will most likely be on the back of Wayne Rooney (Manchester United). Rooney had a phenomenal season at Old Trafford scoring 26 goals in 32 Premiership games. England has had injury and off-the-field issues that has cost them players such as Wayne Bridge (Manchester City) and possibly Gareth Barry (Manchester City), but the main core of Rooney, Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Terry (Chelsea) and Ferdinand (Manchester United) remains. If England can get consistency from their back four and keeper, then maybe 2010 really will be "the year".

2. Slovenia (2-0-1, 7 points): The 2010 FIFA World Cup is the first major tournament for Slovenia since 2002. It is a well-deserved trip as well as they finished second in their qualifying group over the likes of Czech Republic and Poland. If that wasn't enough, they stunned highly-touted Russia in a playoff to clinch a spot in the tournament. Many people are sleeping on Slovenia and that is unwise for any team in this field. Robert Koren (West Bromwich Albion) is the biggest playmaker in the Slovenian midfield and Zlatko Dedic (Bochum) and Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne) are formidable strikers. But Slovenia doesn't rely on their offense to win games. They do it on defense. They haven't given up more than two goals in a game since November of 2008, which includes a narrow defeat against England 2-1. Slovenia will be one of the surprise teams in this tournament and will move on to the knockout stages.

3. United States (0-2-1), 1 point): At least to people in this country, the United States was one of the most disappointing teams in Germany in 2006. Four years later, expectations are even higher after last summer's surprising second place finish in the Confederations Cup. As nice as that was for United States soccer, it only makes the pressure this summer that much larger. Are they a better team that four years ago? Yes. Are they a team that can make a serious run? No. The Yanks have had nagging injuries for a long time now that have cost Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Jay DeMerit (Watford), and Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan) serious time. Also, don't underestimate the loss of Charlie Davies (Sochaux). The U.S. didn't start clicking last summer until Davies was inserted next to Jozy Altidore (Villarreal). Altidore won't be able to do it alone up front and it will be a short tournament once again for the United States.

4. Algeria (0-2-1, 1 point): Algeria clinched their bid to South Africa in dramatic fashion last November when they knocked off their arch-rival Egypt. It marks the Desert Foxes first trip to the World Cup since 1986. Since clinching a berth however, things have not gone as well as coach Rabah Saadane would have liked. They have lost their last two friendlies in convincing fashion to Ireland and Serbia and lost to Malawi in their first match of the Africa Cup of Nations. If that isn't enough, Algeria has dealt with some injury woes as Madjid Bougherra (Rangers), the teams best defensive player, is coming into the tournament banged up. Algeria's return to the World Cup will be short lived.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group B

2010-05-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

Although it is considered by many people to be one of the easiest groups in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Group B should be quite entertaining. With the exception of Greece, every team in this group is up tempo and fast-paced. Argentina appears to be the odds on favorite in the group but the battle for second place is wide open. Dictating the style of play will be crucial for Nigeria, South Korea, and Greece. Will anyone be able to challenge Maradona's bunch at the top of the group? Here are my predictions for Group B with each teams record and point totals in parentheses.

1. Argentina (3-0-0, 9 points): Some teams are inconsistent around the world. And then there is Argentina. The Albicelestes have the talent to beat anyone in the world but have the tendency to play to the ability of their opponent. The last 18 months are a perfect example of that as Argentina has beaten France, Germany, and Russia but have also lost to Bolivia 6-1 en route to a surprising fourth place finish in World Cup qualification. When Argentina is clicking, they are lighting it up offensively behind the lethal attack of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain, and Sergio Aguero. Coach Diego Maradona made a statement about the importance of team chemistry when he did not include veterans Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan) and Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan) on the squad. If this team can keep their heads on straight, there aren't many teams that can stand in their way.

2. Nigeria (2-1-0, 6 points): After missing out in 2006, Nigeria returns to the World Cup with a good opportunity to make some noise. The Super Eagles went undefeated in qualification and finished an impressive third in the 2010 African Cup of Nations. They may not have the big names that other African teams have in this tournament, but Nigeria plays a very technical style of soccer that wins them matches. Jon Obi Mikel (Chelsea) is the most talented player on the team but he won't be the one responsible for the goal scoring. Forwards Yakubu and Obafemi Martins will have that duty. In most groups, Nigeria would be the third or fourth best team. But in Group B, they will have enough to move on and give the continent of Africa at least one team in the knockout stages.

3. South Korea (1-2-0, 3 points): Like Nigeria, South Korea went undefeated in their qualification for the World Cup. For most teams from Asia, it isn't custom to have a household name on a roster. South Korea has one in Ji-Sung Park (Manchester United). Although he isn't a regular on the roster, he has played against the top competition in the world year in and year out. The Taegeuk do have some quality wins in international friendlies against Ivory Coast and Ecuador, but the difference between them and Nigeria will be the crowd. Nigeria will have the fans behind them in Africa and will stop South Korea from moving forward.

4. Greece (0-3-0, 0 points): Since their magical run in the 2004 Euro Championships, Greece has been an average team at best. They failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany and lost all three matches they played in Euro 2008. To their credit, they did play fairly well in qualifying, but it was in a very weak group that included Latvia, Luxembourg, and Moldova. Many of the stars from their Cinderella run in '04 return this summer including striker Theofanis Gekas, but age has caught up with many of them. Greece likes to slow the pace down and that will not work in this group of high-octane teams. Expect Greece's recent lack of success to continue in South Africa.

World Cup 2010 Predictions: Group A

2010-05-31T00:37:00.000-07:00

The greatest event in the world is just around the corner. That's right people, not just the best sporting event in the world, but the best event in the world. The FIFA World Cup begins June 11 and Italy is looking to defend their 2006 title while 31 other teams will be looking to dethrone them. For the first time ever, the tournament will be played in Africa as South Africa will be the host for the month-long event.

(one of the best sports themes ever...forgive the part of the video that is cut off)

So get excited ladies and gents. I will reveal my predictions for the tournament over the next twelve days starting today with Group A. The host nation South Africa will be joined by France, Mexico, and Uruguay with matches starting June 11th. Will the Bafana Bafana be the first host nation not to advance to the knockout stages? Here are my predictions for Group A along with each team's record in point totals in parentheses.

1. Uruguay (2-0-1, 7 points): The team that won the first ever World Cup in 1930 makes its return for the first time since 2002. The Charrúas haven't made a name for themselves on the world stage in a long time as they have failed to qualify for three of the last five World Cups. That will change this summer as Uruguay is entering the tournament in excellent form. Since surviving a qualification playoff against Costa Rica to get into the tournament, Uruguay has won two impressive friendlies over the last two months against Switzerland and Israel. Uruguay has a potent offense led by the excellent striker duo of Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid) and Luis Suarez (Ajax). A win or tie is crucial in their tournament opener against France to keep their momentum going. If they do so, they will be on the right track towards a promising summer.

2. France (1-0-2, 5 points): No team has faced more scrutiny in the last eight months than France. From Thierry Henry's controversial hand ball that propelled them into the World Cup to the underage prostitution scandal that included star midfielder Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Les Bleus is receiving a lot of criticism. France is without a doubt one of the toughest teams to read coming into the World Cup. Their results in the last week are a definite cause for concern as they only managed a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica and a 1-1 draw against Tunisia. That being said, France has a knack for surprising people and sneaking up on the competition. They did that in 2006 as they navigated through group play and eventually got to the final against Italy. It won't be pretty by any means, but the French will advance to the knockout stage thanks to their defense and goalkeeping.

3. Mexico (1-2-0, 3 points): Mexico has been quite successful in recent World Cups advancing to the knockout stage in the last three. They finished second in CONACAF qualifying just one point behind the United States and were almost unbeatable at home. The problem is their form away from home. El Tri has tried to prepare themselves for that problem by playing top squads such as England, the Netherlands, and Italy. Mexico has the firepower on offense led by young starlets Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) and Carlos Vela (Arsenal), but how it transfers from the Azteca to South Africa is the question. Mexico will get a win in their opener against South Africa, but the road gets a lot steeper after that. They will struggle against France and Uruguay and miss out on the knockout stage.

4. South Africa (0-3-0, 0 points): One of the most talked about subjects heading into the World Cup is how well will the host nation compete. The answer will be disappointing in terms of results, but the Bafana Bafana will provide a lot of entertainment for their home country. Steven Peinaar (Everton) is a world-class talent that should get some much-deserved attention this tournament. South Africa has done well in recent friendlies including a tie with Paraguay and wins against Colombia. With what will be a raucous crowd behind them, every match is winnable. Unfortunately for the host nation, their excitement and charisma won't lead to positive results.

MLB 2010: Playoff Predictions

2010-04-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

So now that I've made my predictions for the AL and NL, it's time to reveal individual awards for both leagues and who will hoist the World Series trophy. After a so-so year of predicting last season, it's time to bounce back and look like I know what I'm talking about. So without further ado, here are my predictions for individual awards and the playoffs for the 2010 MLB season.

American League

MVP: Justin Morneau
Cy Young: Felix Hernandez
Rookie of the Year: Scott Sizemore

National League

MVP: Chase Utley
Cy Young: Dan Haren
Rookie of the Year: Alcides Escobar

MLB Playoffs

AL:
1. New York
2. Minnesota
3. Oakland
WC. Boston

NL:
1. St. Louis
2. Philadelphia
3. San Francisco
WC. Atlanta

Divisional Round:

New York def Oakland
Minnesota def Boston

St. Louis def Atlanta
San Francisco def Philadelphia

League Championship Series

Minnesota def New York

St. Louis def San Francisco

World Series

St. Louis def Minnesota

MLB 2010: NL Predictions

2010-04-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Phillies came up short last fall but still made a second consecutive World Series appearance. Although it is considered the weaker league by most people, the National League still has some very good teams who are capable of winning it all. Some of the big storylines from the NL going into this season are the Phillies chase for a third straight pennant, their addition of Roy Halladay, and Bobby Cox's last season managing the Braves. Will the Phillies make it a third straight appearance in the World Series, or will someone have what it takes to knock them off? Here are my predictions for the National League with the playoff seedings in parentheses.

NL East

1. Philadelphia Phillies (2): Roy Halladay joins a Phillies team that is already loaded with talent. They have the best offense in the division and arguably the best in baseball. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard form a scary 3-4 tandem in the middle of the order and if Jimmy Rollins can rebound off a rough 2009 season, their offense will be even better. One glaring issue for the Phillies is their bullpen. Brad Lidge had a nightmare 2009 season in the closer role and will start this season on the DL. That takes Ryan Madson out of middle relief and into the 9th inning weakening the strength of their bullpen. Even with the NL East drastically improving, the Phillies are still the class of the division.

2. Atlanta Braves (WC): This season will serve as Bobby Cox's swan song as he is retiring after this year. Atlanta had a busy offseason shipping Javier Vasquez to the Yankees but they still have the best rotation in the division. As good as their rotation was last season, it may be better this year with a full season of Tim Hudson and rising star Tommy Hanson. The Braves did a good job repairing their bullpen adding Takashi Saito and Billy Wagner. Look for rookie Jason Heyward to make a name for himself early as he will start the season in right field. Atlanta has the pitching and enough hitting to get back into the playoffs.

3. Florida Marlins: For the first time in recent memory, the Marlins did not trade their best players during the offseason. Because of that, there are expectations in south Florida for the Fish to make a push towards the playoffs. The Marlins have a very deep rotation but their young guns need to stay healthy. Anibal Sanchez, Ricky Nolasco, and Josh Johnson have all been plagued with injuries over the last few seasons. Florida's lineup is very talented with the likes of Hanley Ramirez but needs to be more patient at the plate and see more pitches. If the Marlins were in any other division they would have a strong chance to make the playoffs. Problem is that the NL East is too deep.

4. New York Mets: The Mets made a big splash in the offseason signing All-Star Jason Bay. The problem is that New York did nothing to improve a pitching staff that is average at best. Johan Santana is one of the best in the game but he is coming off surgery on his elbow. The injury bug has already hit the Mets before the season as Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes are already on the DL. New York has the star names on their roster but they lack the depth in their lineup and rotation to compete with the top three teams in the division. Expect another disappointing season for the Mets.

5. Washington Nationals: Okay so the Nats are looking at another last place finish in the NL East. This team will make strong strides this season though as they are developing a strong rotation. Jason Marquis was signed in the offseason and John Lannan is one of the best pitchers in the division. Also, last year's #1 pick Stephen Strasburg will most likely be called up sometime in May or June and should be a force. Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn are a good tandem in the middle of Washington's lineup, but the drop off after them is substantial. Although the Nats should finish last in the NL East, they will be a lot better than they were last year.

NL Central

1. St. Louis Cardinals (1): Resigning Matt Holliday in the offseason was huge for the Cardinals. He provides excellent protection behind Albert Pujols and gives St. Louis the best lineup in the division. The Cardinals also have two Cy Young candidates in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright that make them a scary team come playoff time. St. Louis doesn't have any glaring weaknesses on their roster and have a knack for getting the most out of their talent. With the Cubs and Brewers taking steps back, this is the Cardinals division to lose.

2. Chicago Cubs: The Cubs had high expectations going into last season and disappointed by missing the playoffs. They don't have those expectations going into this year and that could benefit them. Alfonso Soriano needs to have a bounce back season if the Cubs want to make a playoff push and the same can be said for Carlos Zambrano. Chicago still has an above average lineup and rotation, but their bullpen will make Cubs fans chew their fingernails. Carlos Marmol is not the answer at closer and Chicago's middle relief is shaky at best. The Cubs won't be as bad as they were last year, but this team doesn't have what it takes to make the playoffs.

3. Milwaukee Brewers: If the Brewers are going to stay competitive in the NL Central, they are going to need a strong effort from the back of their rotation. Milwaukee has a good lineup with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder but outside of Yovani Gallardo, there isn't much to work with on this pitching staff. The Brewers overpaid for Randy Wolf in the offseason much like they did for Jeff Suppan a few years ago and could see those same disastrous numbers. Milwaukee just doesn't have what it takes pitching wise to stay competitive for an entire season.

4. Cincinnati Reds: Cincinnati is similar to the Brewers in that they have a good lineup and a rotation lacking depth. The Reds have a very balanced lineup top to bottom and a good combination of power and speed. Their rotation is lacking though as they don't have a true ace and are relying heavily on youngsters at the back end of their rotation. The Reds are viewed as a sleeper by many people but this blogger isn't buying that stock. They will be out of it by the trading deadline and deal some of their veterans to get even younger.

5. Houston Astros: With Lance Berkman already on the DL, things don't look good for the Astros. This team has a very questionable staff behind Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez and one of the worst bullpens in the league. They lost Jose Valverde to free agency in the offseason and replaced him with Matt Lindstrom. The Astros are a strong pick to lead the league in blown saves between Lindstrom and the rest of the bullpen. It doesn't look good in Houston this year.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates: While the other "bottom dwellers" around the league seem to be improving, the same can't be said for the Pirates. They haven't developed their young talent as well as they should and don't have any star power besides Andrew McCutchen. Paul Maholm and Zach Duke are two good, young lefties, but the Pirates will struggle to put runs on the board. The Pirates could end up being the worst team in the National League this season.

NL West

1. San Francisco Giants (3): It's the same old question for the Giants every year. Do they have enough offense to support their pitching staff? This will finally be the year that the answer is "yes". Now this isn't to say that the Giants offense will be incredible this year, but it is the best in recent memory. Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff were solid additions to the lineup and expect prospect Buster Posey to make some noise once he is called up. Two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum leads an excellent pitching staff that is second to none in this division. San Francisco will return to the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers: Not many teams took as big a step back as the Dodgers did this past offseason. They failed to acquire Roy Halladay and lost Randy Wolf to free agency leaving a hole in their rotation. LA still has a very good lineup but their pitching staff has too many question marks to make another playoff appearance. Hiroki Kuroda is injury prone and Chad Billingsley was a different pitcher the second half of last season. Unless the Dodgers make a trade for a good starting pitcher, this team isn't heading back to the playoffs.

3. Colorado Rockies: The Rockies surprised everyone last year winning the Wild Card and making the playoffs for the second time in three years. Even though most of that team is back, it was a team that overachieved at many positions. The loss of Jason Marquis is big and the Rockies are relying on Jason Hammel and Jorge De La Rosa to do as well as they did last season. Can the Rockies be as good as they were last year? Potentially. I'm just not buying in.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks: Justin Upton will become a household name this season if he isn't already. The former #1 overall pick is one of the most talented players in baseball and will become one of baseball's elite this year. The problem is that there isn't too much else to work with in Arizona. Dan Haren leads a pitching staff that does have potential if Brandon Webb can come back healthy, but the Diamondbacks bullpen and lineup will hold them back. While the top three in this division should contend for the crown, the Diamondbacks will be closer to last than first.

5. San Diego Padres: If the Pirates don't finish last in the National League than the Padres are a strong candidate to do so. San Diego does not have much going for them this season and their better players, Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell, could both be dealt by the trading deadline. This team is in total rebuilding mode won't be competitive for a few years. It's okay Padre fans, football season is only five months away.

MLB 2010: AL Predictions

2010-04-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

It seems like just last week that the Yankees were celebrating their first World Series since 2000. But the 2010 season starts up Sunday and it is sure to be another great one. There are a lot of storylines going into this season including the Yankees trying to repeat, the new-look Red Sox, and the Twins life without Joe Nathan. Will the road to the 2010 World Series run through Yankee Stadium again, or will someone knock them off their throne? Here my predictions for the American League with the playoff seedings in parentheses.

AL East

1. New York Yankees (1): Alex Rodriguez finally got the monkey off his back as the Yankees took the title last season. The Yankees were men among boys in last year's MLB Playoffs and will look to be the first team to repeat since they did it in 1999-2000. They have some new faces this season as Curtis Granderson will take over center field and Javier Vazquez will rejoin the rotation. The losses of Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui will be big, but the Yankees have enough fire power in their lineup to succeed. It's hard not to dub them the favorites going into the season.

2. Boston Red Sox (WC): It isn't difficult to tell what the Red Sox looked to improve on this offseason. Defense and pitching. The re-tooled Red Sox are emphasizing taking care of the baseball with the additions of 3B Adrian Beltre, SS Marco Scutaro, and CF Mike Cameron. John Lackey's addition to an already potent rotation will make the Red Sox a dangerous team if they are able to make the playoffs. The lineup isn't the same as it was a few years ago, but the Red Sox still have enough 1-9 to get them back into the playoffs.

3. Tampa Bay Rays: This could be a make-or-break season for the Rays as both Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena are upcoming free agents. It is essential for Tampa Bay to get off to a good start so they don't feel they need to deal both all-stars for younger talent. The Rays still have a formidable rotation with Matt Garza and James Shields and if David Price can establish himself, Tampa will have a dynamic trio. In the end, the Rays will hang around for awhile in the division, but they won't have what it takes to overtake New York or Boston in the division.

4. Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles have a very good lineup but the rotation and bullpen leave a lot to be desired. Kevin Millwood should help the beleaguered rotation but not enough to make them a playoff team. Baltimore will be a spoiler team down the stretch because of their ability to mash the ball with the likes of Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, and Nick Markakis. The O's should be a fun team to watch with their youth, but they are still a few years away from making a playoff push.

5. Toronto Blue Jays: Life without Roy Halladay begins this season for Toronto and it leaves a gaping whole in their rotation. They do have some promising young hitters in Aaron Hill and Adam Lind, both of whom hit over 35 home runs. Outside of Ricky Romero, there isn't much in this rotation for Blue Jays fans to get excited about. This team has become a worse version of the Orioles.

AL Central

1. Minnesota Twins (2): Even with the loss of closer Joe Nathan, the Twins are still the best team in the AL Central. They have a bright young rotation with Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey and a very strong lineup. Everyone knows about MVP winners Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, but Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer are two of the most underrated hitters in the league. Throw in due-it-all second baseman Orlando Hudson and the Twins will be a force in this division. If the closer position is still an issue by the trading deadline, they will have what it takes to make a deal to patch things up.

2. Chicago White Sox: Chicago has the potential to battle the Twins at the top of the AL Central but they have a lot of question marks. Will Jake Peavy be able to pitch a whole season? Can Bobby Jenks become a dominant closer once again? Will Carlos Quentin become the hitter he was in 2008? If just two of those issues are resolved, the Chi Sox can make a push for October. The White Sox do have the deepest rotation in the division with Peavy, Buehrle, Danks and Gavin Floyd and a very good bullpen. Expect the White Sox to hang around until September and fall a few games short.

3. Detroit Tigers: After coming up a game short of the playoffs last season, the Tigers made some changes in the offseason. Johnny Damon, Jose Valverde, and Austin Jackson join the squad while Curtis Granderson, Fernando Rodney, and Edwin Jackson packed their bags. Detroit is relying on two unstable pitchers in their rotation in Dontrelle Willis and Jeremy Bonderman, which doesn't bode well. Justin Verlander is one of the best pitchers in baseball, but this rotation lacks the depth to make a playoff push.

4. Cleveland Indians: With the trading of Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee last July, it became apparent that the Indians are in a rebuilding mode. Grady Sizemore is still the leader of this team and if he can stay healthy, he will put up excellent numbers. The Indians have a decent lineup, but their rotation is full of youngsters and injury-prone veterans. If Jake Westbrook can stay healthy and Fausto Carmona can pitch the way he did in the spring, than their rotation can be solid. With Kerry Wood's injury, look for Chris Perez to make a name for himself in the closer role.

5. Kansas City Royals: Hey the Royals have the reigning Cy Young winner! That definitely counts for something. The problem is that Zack Greinke can't pitch five times a week. Kansas City got off to a hot start last season but don't expect that to happen this year. Billy Butler is one of the brightest young hitters in the game but the Royals lineup does not provide him much protection. This Royals team has got last place written all over them again.

AL West

1. Oakland Athletics (3): In the most open division in the American League, I think the Athletics will prevail. They don't have a lineup that will make someone turn their head, but they have a very deep rotation that could be similar to Hudson/Mulder/Zito. Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill got excellent experience last season and are poised to become the aces of this staff. Oakland's bullpen is impressive as well led by closer Andrew Bailey. The A's will provide enough offense for this rotation and bullpen and win enough low scoring games to claim them the AL West crown.

2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels have lost a lot over the last two seasons and this is the year it finally burns them. They still have a solid lineup and rotation, but their bullpen is definitely their Achilles heel. LA's bread and butter used to be the later innings where they would turn the game over to Shields and KRod but those days are long gone. Brian Fuentes proved last October that he doesn't have what it takes in the closers role and the middle relief is not what it used to be. The Angels miss the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

3. Texas Rangers: Texas has changed their image in their last few seasons becoming more athletic and pitching oriented. They are full of young talent with Ian Kinsler, Julio Borbon and Co., but they still lack the rotation to make it into October. Scott Feldman is the ace of this rotation, but there are too many question marks for the Rangers top to bottom. Texas will stay in the race for most of the season because of their hitting. In the end, they will end up around .500 and miss the playoffs.

4. Seattle Mariners: Cliff Lee and Chone Figgins were two big offseason splashes for Seattle. The problem is that they don't have any power in their lineup. Ichiro and Figgins will get on base consistently, but who is going to drive them in? Milton Bradley is a blow up away from a total meltdown and he is the Mariners clean-up hitter. Also, Cliff Lee is already having arm problems. It isn't a guarantee that Lee will be 100% for this entire season. Felix Hernandez can't do it alone. The Mariners will disappoint and finish in last place.

Divisional Round Playoff Predictions

2010-01-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

After a stellar 1/4 showing last weekend, it's time to redeem myself with my predictions for this upcoming weekend. The top two teams from each conference will be in action this weekend after bye weeks and we'll see if rust is a factor. The road teams won both AFC matchups during Wild Card Weekend while in the NFC, both home teams held serve. Well here we go, my attempt to predict the playoff games from the Divisional Round.

Saturday

Arizona v. New Orleans: Who would have thunk a defensive play would have ended the epic Packers/Cardinals game on Sunday. Not me for one. Arizona outlasted the offense of the Packers now will face an even better offense this week in New Orleans. Drew Brees and the Saints had the best offense in the NFL during the regular season and are poised for a Super Bowl berth. With all that being said, the Saints have looked mortal since playing against Dallas in Week 15. They did sit some of their key players the last two weeks but they don't have the same swagger they did the rest of the season. Arizona was clicking on all cylinders offensively even without Anquan Boldin. Kurt Warner shines in the playoffs and his youthful arm will take the Cardinals back to the NFC Championship game. Prediction: Arizona 35-24

Baltimore v. Indianapolis: The Ravens almost knocked off the Colts earlier in the season, but a late Joe Flacco interception spoiled that effort. Baltimore got revenge on a regular season loss to New England last weekend and will look to do the same this weekend. Ray Rice was nothing short of sensational against New England and will be a matchup nightmare for the Colts defense. On the flip side, Peyton Manning won another MVP this season and leads a potent offense as well. Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne had fantastic seasons and the emergence of Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon has helped keep the offense one of the game's best. In the end, the Ravens have proved they can get it done on the road in January and the Colts banged up defense will finally cost them. Prediction: Baltimore 27-21

Sunday

Dallas v. Minnesota: Tony Romo and the Cowboys got their first postseason win since 1996 last Saturday in fashion over the Eagles. Dallas may be the hottest team in the league right now and pose many threats for the Vikings. Both quarterbacks have their own postseason demons and maybe Romo was able to get rid of his last weekend. Minnesota will need Adrian Peterson to play well because an offense dependent on just Brett Favre to win this time of the year may cost them. Marion Barber is supposed to play but will not be at 100% meaning Felix Jones and Tashard Choice will get more carries. The Vikings' defense prides themselves on stopping the run and with a banged up Barber, they will be able to do so. Playing at the Metrodome doesn't hurt as well. Prediction: Minnesota 24-13

New York v. San Diego: San Diego won 11 straight games to end the regular season and people are saying that this Chargers team may finally be the one to "get over the hump". In to town come the Jets who knocked off the Bengals for the second straight week. Mark Sanchez played well in his first playoff game but will be up against a much tougher defense in San Diego. The Jets will need to establish a running game to find any success on offense. As for the Chargers, they did not rely on the running game as much this season but with Tomlinson and Sproles in the backfield, they still are dangerous. Philip Rivers had an incredible season and will have success against the Jets secondary. Darrelle Revis is unbelievable, but he can't be everywhere on the field at once. The Chargers spoil New York's dreams of a Super Bowl in a rout. Prediction: San Diego 38-10

Wild Card Weekend Predictions

2010-01-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

After a so-so regular season of predictions (7 of 12 playoff teams), it's time for some redemption starting by predicting the games for this weekend. Three of the four games on Wild Card Weekend are rematches of games during Week 17 so it will be interesting to see how game plans differ this week. Here my predictions.

New York v. Cincinnati: The Jets were extremely impressive on Sunday night dominating the Bengals 37-0. But that was a much different Bengal team than the one that will be in Cincinnati today. Cincy sat some key players on both sides of the ball that will play today including RB Cedric Benson. A key in this game will be the weather. It will be extremely cold in Cincinnati and that should affect both team's passing game. The Jets will be more effective on the ground than the Bengals and their defense will stymie Carson Palmer again. Prediction: Jets 20-13

Philadelphia v. Dallas: Philadelphia did not expect to be playing this weekend but a loss last week to Dallas gave the Cowboys the division title. A lot of people are jumping on the Cowboys bandwagon but I'm not quite ready. The defense has played fantastic recently with back-to-back shutouts, but the Eagles offense will not have a performance like they did last week. McNabb has too many weapons on offense to be shut down and Tony Romo has yet to prove that he can win the big game in the postseason. It should be a close game but in the end, the better quarterback will lead his team to victory. Prediction: Eagles 31-24

Baltimore v. New England: Wes Welker's loss is huge for the Patriots. It may cost them from making a deep run into the playoffs, but I do not think it cost them this week. The Ravens have as much talent as any team in the playoffs, but they have been inconsistent throughout the year and have struggled in big situations. Also, if it comes down to the kicking game, there is no question the Patriots will have the edge. Randy Moss will provide enough production on offense and Julian Edelman will fill in nicely for Welker. Brady stays unbeaten at home in the postseason. Prediction: Patriots 27-17

Green Bay v. Arizona: No team is playing better than the Packers in the NFC. The offense has been extremely impressive and the defense forces turnovers like nobody's business. Arizona is dealing with injury problems to WR Anquan Boldin and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. If either of them is unavailable it will be trouble for the Cardinals and it is possible that both may miss the game. The Packers are peeking at the right time and the Cardinals have too many question marks going into this game. It will be the balanced offense of Green Bay that proves to be too much for Arizona. Prediction: Packers 31-20

World Cup Draw Thoughts

2009-12-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

Now that the World Cup draw has finally been released, soccer fans now have something to really look forward to for the next six months. Some of the teams breathed a sigh of relief while others were left shaking their heads in dismay after the little "lotto" soccer balls produced next summer's groups. Here are my first thoughts about the groups for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

1. England has the easiest road: It will take a large upset for the Three Lions not to make it to the quarterfinals at minimum. Their group features an average USA squad, an overachieving Slovenia team, and an Algeria team that needed a qualification playoff win over Egypt just to get into the event. A date with either Australia/Ghana/Serbia awaits the Brits in the Round of 16 and most likely, a matchup with France in the quarters. Fabio Capello was laid back when he was interviewed on ESPN about his group but inside he must be jumping for joy about his team's chances next summer.

2. Group G is without a doubt the group of death: Go figure that the team that has looked the most in form the past six months and was #1 in the October rankings would get the hardest group. But that is what Brazil drew with Portugal, Ivory Coast, and North Korea. Portugal played terrible in qualification but has the experience to navigate themselves through to the knockout stages while Ivory Coast is the most talented team from the African continent. Brazil should still win this group but the fight for second place will be very fun to watch. At this point I give the edge to Ivory Coast because the tourney is on African soil.

3. No home sweet home: It was no surprise to this man, but some were surprised that France was put into home country South Africa's draw. Once it was announced that France did not receive a top seed in Pot A, it was ever apparent that France would become the de facto top seed of that group. Uruguay and Mexico round out a group that is more up for grabs than any in the entire tournament. Outside of South Africa, any team could win that group. One thing that's for sure, the South Africans will not leave this tournament pointless. They will draw or beat someone and possibly ruin a teams chance to advance to the knockout stage.

4. Italy received the easiest group: Many thought that Italy would receive a very manageable group to advance forward, but I didn't think it would be THIS easy. Drawing Paraguay, Slovakia, and New Zealand all but assures that an overrated Azurri squad will advance to the knockout stages. Paraguay could challenge them for the top spot in the group, but the bottom two teams shouldn't stand a chance at moving forward in the tournament.

5. Plenty of probable second place finishers can make runs deep into the tournament: If one is assuming that all of the top seeds minus South Africa win their groups, plenty of possible second place finishers have chances of making to the quarterfinals and possibly beyond. Leading the way in that category is Denmark. The Danes played exceptionally in qualifying winning their group with Portugal and Sweden and if they finish second, would most likely play Italy in the Round of 16. The way both teams have played over the last year, I'd favor Denmark in that matchup. Ivory Coast is another team who could advance far based on the crowd they will have and their style of play. Even though Spain would be a tall task to achieve, it is not out of the question that Cote d'Ivoire could knock them off.

A Season of Decline

2009-10-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

Last night marked the season finale of Entourage's 6th season and for the first time since watching it, I am actually happy that it's over. I understand that shows will have their strong years and their down years (with most down years coming later on in a series), but Entourage steered away from what the show was originally supposed to be about: the movie business. I think if someone started watching the show this season without any idea of what its background, they would have a tough time telling you what it was about.

Entourage never truly focused on the movie business at all this season and relied on the pure "entertaining" value of the show. Instead of having the season based on Vince and his career, it went down a path filled with pointless subplots and endless two minute cameos to try and make the viewer's jaw drop.

If I had to say, this season was more of a romantic comedy with the major focus being on the love life of both E and Turtle. E's on and off and now on relationship with Sloan was a major focus that took up way too much screen time during a weekly episode. When the focus wasn't on Sloan, it was with E's neurotic side-girl Ashley, who I can confidently say no one really liked. Maybe now that E is engaged to Sloan (which is ridiculous seeing how they weren't even together), the focus of his character will turn back to his managing career in the next season. That subplot was barely used and when it was, the major focus was how Sloan was able to get him the job.

As for Turtle, they expanded on his character a lot but executed it TERRIBLY. The idea of him going back to school so he can earn a business degree was great but they never worked anything into the situation besides his three episode fling with "UCLA girl". With his relationship with Jamie probably over, hopefully the writers will creatively expand on his business career.

Drama is probably the character that was the least ruined during the season in my opinion. He will probably never be as funny as he was in the earlier seasons when he was even more of a loser, but he provided a decent amount of humor and at least his characters major focus was on the Hollywood aspect. The whole feud between he and the Studio Executive ended up being totally pointless however as he basically backed out of his show before anything was really resolved.

Now we get to Vince, who if you just started watching the show this year, would wonder if he is really a major character. After a season premiere where we find out that Gatsby is great and he's doing a Frank Darabont movie about Enzo Ferrari, his character is literally invisible for the rest of the season. When he wasn't having sex with random women, he basically sat around doing nothing while E and Turtle were a major focus. The whole stalker subplot could have at least been half decent if he really did have a stalker instead of having the whole thing be a hoax. Not once did the show focus on his new movie and come to think of it, I can't think of one important scene he had with Ari in the entire season. His character basically sat this season out.

Speaking of Ari, I think the thing that this show missed the most this year was the dynamic of Ari and E fighting. Watching them argue about what's best for Vince's movie career was always entertaining and that was replaced with interactions with Andrew Klein and Lloyd. The whole subplot with Andrew in my opinion was never interesting and because he was never a huge character in the past, I felt no attachment to him. As for Ari's relationship with Lloyd, I thought they had a great opportunity once Ari was going to make Lloyd go through hell to earn a job as an agent. Instead, they never really touched on it outside of Lloyd trying to lose weight when the original idea had such potential. I give Lloyd credit for at least leaving Ari even if it was only for a few episodes.

Overall, I think it is fair to say that the show probably will never get back to when it was best (my opinion seasons 1-3), but it should still stick to its original roots with the movie industry. Seasons 4 and 5 were nothing to write home about, but at least they stuck focused the show around Vince's career and not the love life of side characters. If you are entertained by nice cars, rice amenities, and countless guest stars (most of them being for 20 seconds) than you probably enjoyed this season. For me, it's getting to the point that the well may be running dry and the show is getting old.

NHL 2009-10 Predictions: Stanley Cup Playoffs

2009-10-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

30 teams have been cut to 16 in my predictions for the 2009-10 NHL season. Last season, the playoffs had everything from overtime thrillers to Game 7 comebacks and from first round upsets to an epic Stanley Cup Finals. Will this year's playoffs provide as much excitement as last year? One can only hope. Here is a quick recap of my top 8 seeds in both conferences and my picks for each round of the playoffs.

Western Conference:

1. San Jose
2. Detroit
3. Vancouver
4. Anaheim
5. Chicago
6. Minnesota
7. St. Louis
8. Edmonton

Eastern Conference:

1. Washington
2. Boston
3. Pittsburgh
4. New Jersey
5. Philadelphia
6. Ottawa
7. Buffalo
8. Carolina

Conference Quarterfinals:

Western Conference:

1. San Jose def 8. Edmonton
2. Detroit def 7. St Louis
3. Vancouver def 6. Minnesota
4. Anaheim def 5. Chicago

Eastern Conference:

1. Washington def 8. Carolina
2. Boston def 7. Buffalo
3. Pittsburgh def 6. Ottawa
4. New Jersey def 5. Philadelphia

Conference Semifinals:

Western Conference:

4. Anaheim def 1. San Jose
3. Vancouver def 2. Detroit

Eastern Conference:

4. New Jersey def 1. Washington
3. Pittsburgh def 2. Boston

Conference Finals:

Western Conference:

3. Vancouver def 4. Anaheim

Eastern Conference:

4. New Jersey def 3. Pittsburgh

Stanley Cup Finals

3. Vancouver def 4. New Jersey

NHL 2009-10 Predictions: Eastern Conference

2009-09-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

The Eastern Conference was loaded last season from top to bottom. The Penguins ended up winning the Stanley Cup as the 4 seed while teams like Boston, Washington, and Carolina all had excellent years. A lot of teams have taken steps forward for the upcoming season to make their case for this year's Stanley Cup. Can the Penguins make it to their third straight Stanley Cup Finals or will someone overthrow them as Eastern Conference Champion? Here my predictions for the Eastern Conference and their playoff seedings in parentheses.

Atlantic Division

1. Pittsburgh Penguins (3): After being almost unbeatable at home in the playoffs last season, the Penguins won their first Stanley Cup since the 1992 season. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are without a doubt the best duo of forwards in the NHL and were absolute monsters in the playoffs last season. The Penguins were able to win last postseason without anyone not named Malkin or Crosby producing consistently. That won't be able to slide if they want to win the Atlantic Division this year. Bill Guerin was a great find for the Pens at the trade deadline last year and the same could be said for Chris Kunitz. A full year along side Crosby should do wonders for both players. Pittsburgh does have to replace the likes of D Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill along with LW Petr Sykora, who scored 25 goals last season. The biggest signing for the Penguins was probably D Jay McKee from the Blues. He will have to help fill the holes left by Gill and Scuderi. The Penguins were inconsistent for large parts of last season and won't be able to win the division if they repeat those habits.

2. New Jersey Devils (4): The Devils were able to win the Atlantic Division last season with goalie Martin Brodeur missing a large chunk of the season. Zach Parise made the jump to one of the leagues elite last season with 94 points and Patrik Elias was able to stay healthy and averaged over a point a game. New Jersey won't wow you with their lineup, but this team just knows how to win games. Gone is winger Brian Gionta and penalty killing specialist John Madden from last years squad, but the Devils were able to resign D Johnny Oduya and rising star C Travis Zajac. GM Lou Lamoriello went back to old Devil roots and brought back Rob Niedermayer via free agency as well. The Devils were 2nd in the league last year during 5-on-5 hockey and one of the best 3rd period teams as well. Brodeur's health is pivotal to the teams success this year especially now that Scott Clemmensen left for the Panthers.

3. Philadelphia Flyers (5): Philadelphia believes that they may have found the missing piece of the puzzle with the acquisition of Chris Pronger to an already talented blue line. The Flyers have struggled in the past stopping the oppositions stars such as Crosby, Malkin, Parise, and Ovechkin and are hoping Pronger will be the guy who can neutralize that kind of talent. Philly did lose a lot of offense this offseason after dealing Joffrey Lupul to the Ducks and losing Mike Knuble to free agency. Jeff Carter and Mike Richards are consistent scorers on this team but the teams offensive depth will hinge on the health of Danny Briere and the continued progress of RW Claude Giroux. Watch for rookie James VanRiemsdyk to make a splash on the Flyers second or third line at some point this season if not right away. Goalie Ray Emery is no stranger to controversy so he needs to get off to a strong start to avoid ending up in the Flyers fans proverbial doghouse.

4. New York Rangers: Offensive production plagued the Rangers last season as they finished 28th in the league in goals per game at 2.44. Rangers fans are hoping the signing of winger Marian Gaborik will hope change those statistics. No one can argue with the talent of Gaborik, but people question the signing because of his inability to stay healthy. He played only 17 games last season with chronic hip injuries and the Rangers success may go hand-in-hand with his health. New York had an overhaul during the offseason as Scott Gomez, Nik Antropov, Nikolai Zherdev, Derek Morris, Fredrik Sjostrom, and Lauri Korpikoski left town and Gaborik, Christopher Higgins, Ales Kotalik, Vaclav Prospal, and Enver Lisin join the squad. The team will rely on some youngsters as well as Hobey Baker winning D Matt Gilroy and C Artem Anisimov have had strong preseason's.

5. New York Islanders: The Islanders have had a very interesting offseason that has been questioned by many. The drafting of John Tavares with the #1 overall pick gives the team a name going forward in the future and someone to build the team around. They have some promising pieces in wingers Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey and one of the most underrated defensemen in the league in Mark Streit. That being said, the Isles struggled at every aspect last season especially in goal. Rick DiPietro couldn't stay healthy and GM Garth Snow decided to provide insurance to that by not only signing goalie Dwayne Roloson, but add Marty Biron as well. They didn't necessarily need both goaltenders but at least they addressed the goalie situation. What the Islanders failed to do was provide Tavares with a talented, veteran winger to play alongside. New York has plenty of cap room and should have tried to sign a major scorer during free agency to take the pressure off the rook. The Isles are building a strong young core for the future and will be improved from last season, but the playoffs aren't very likely.

Northeast Division

1. Boston Bruins (2): The Bruins surprised many last season as they finished the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference. They won't be able to sneak up on teams this year as Boston is loaded with talent including Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas. Thomas led the league in GAA last season at 2.10. Marc Savard led the Bruins with 88 points but will have a new line mate on the top line after Phil Kessel was traded to Toronto. The Bruins will need people to step up and replace Kessel's 36 goals. Marco Sturm is the best choice after scoring 27 goals in back to back seasons before missing most of last season due to a knee injury. On defense, the Bruins have a solid core led by Zdeno Chara and Dennis Wideman. Derek Morris was signed during the free agency after losing Shane Hnidy and trading Aaron Ward. In a division with a lot of question marks, the Bruins are the only sure thing.

2. Ottawa Senators (6): Ottawa was not only able to get rid of Dany Heatley, they were able to acquire two forwards in Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo from the Sharks. Although Heatley was a dynamite scorer, the headache he would of caused for the team would have been terrible. In addition to acquiring Michalek and Cheechoo, the Sens signed Alexei Kovalev giving them offensive depth beyond the first line. Ottawa traded for Pascual Leclaire at the trading deadline last season with the plans of starting him this season. Leclaire was a top tier goalie in Columbus before he got hurt and Steve Mason came on to the scene. If he can return to that level, Ottawa can be a surprise team in the Eastern Conference.

3. Buffalo Sabres (7): The Sabres were a playoff team last year before Ryan Miller hurt his ankle and missed the last month of the season. Leading goal scorer Thomas Vanek, Tim Connolly, and captain Craig Rivet were also injured for a significant time as well. Buffalo had a quiet offseason losing Jaroslav Spacek to the Canadiens and replacing him with Steve Montador. They also brought back Mike Grier after two years in San Jose and let the often injured Maxim Afinogenov leave for free agency. The Sabres have a strong nucleus on offense with Vanek, Connolly, Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, and Drew Stafford, but are very young on defense. Players like Andrej Sekera and Chris Butler will need to step up and be point-scoring defenseman if the Sabres want to return to the playoffs.

4. Montreal Canadiens: Canadiens fans will have some adjusting to do as their entire roster was flipped upside down during free agency. It's probably easier to run off the new Canadiens and old Canadiens in a list form so here you go. IN THE DOOR: Michael Cammalleri, Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, Travis Moen, Jaroslav Spacek, Hal Gill, and Paul Mara. OUT THE DOOR: Christopher Higgins, Alexei Kovalev, Saku Koivu, Robert Lang, Mike Komisarek and Alex Tanguay. Montreal will be an extremely hard team to gauge because of all of the new acquisitions. Carey Price needs to mature in goal after an embarrassing showing physically and mentally in the playoffs. This team has many of the same characteristics of last year's Tampa Bay Lightning who suffered from terrible chemistry issues. We'll have to wait and see if the Canadiens can gel as a team.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto was extremely busy this offseason as well revamping their defense by adding Mike Komisarek, Francois Beauchemin, and Garnet Exelby. They won the Jonas "Monster" Gustavsson sweepstakes as well giving them depth in net if Vesa Toskala has another down year. Lastly, after many attempts earlier in the summer, the Maple Leafs finally acquired Phil Kessel from division rival Boston giving Toronto a go-to goal scorer. That being said, the Maple Leafs still don't have enough weapons of offense to compete with the rest of the division. Jason Blake and Alexei Ponikarovsky led the team in points with 63 and 61 respectively. Toronto is improved but are still a couple of offensive pieces away from being a contender.

Southeast Division

1. Washington Capitals (1): Led by MVP Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals had the second best record in the Eastern Conference last year. Ovechkin wasn't the only one lighting up the scoreboard for the Capitals either. Alexander Semin had 79 points in 63 games while young center Nicklas Backstrom had 88 points and led the team with 66 assists. They also had the best offensive defenseman in the league in Mike Green, who recorded 73 points in 68 games. In an underrated signing, the Capitals brought in Mike Knuble from Philadelphia to play along Ovechkin and Backstrom. The Achilles heel for the Capitals was in net as rookie Semyon Varlamov took over for Jose Theodore in the playoffs. It's Varlamov's job to lose now in goal and he is without a doubt the key for the Capitals taking it to the next level and get to the Stanley Cup.

2. Carolina Hurricanes (8): The Hurricanes were one of the hottest teams at the end of the regular season and carried that into the playoffs. They got all the way to the Conference Finals before losing to Pittsburgh behind hot goaltending by Cam Ward and goal scoring by Eric Staal. Carolina had a quite offseason with their biggest moves being resigning Chad Larose and Jussi Jokinen. They lost defensemen Dennis Seidenberg but replaced him with Aaron Ward. Ray Whitney led the team last year in scoring with 77 points and Staal led the team in goals with 40. The Hurricanes have enough balance offensively and defensively to compete in the division, especially with a big gap separating them from the other three teams. Another Conference Final berth might be too much to ask though.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay had terrible chemistry issues last year and their talent was not able to gel whatsoever. Vincent Lecavalier had his lowest point total since 2004 and newly acquired Ryan Malone only managed 45 points. The team added Alex Tanguay and Mattias Ohlund in free agency and let go of Vaclav Prospal and Evgeny Artyukhin. After a disappointing first half of the season, #1 overall pick Steven Stamkos improved during the second half and will be expected to take even larger steps going forward this season. Goaltender Mike Smith had a decent year with a 2.62 GAA in his first year as a starter. The Lightning will be improved this season and could contend for a playoff spot if Lecavalier and Stamkos improve off of last year.

4. Atlanta Thrashers: The Thrashers will be an interesting team to follow as the season goes on. If they are way out of the playoff race, they may look to trade star winger Ilya Kovalchuk. They have been discussing an extension for the last couple months and if nothing is agreed upon, expect the Thrashers to deal him for some younger talent. They made a couple notable moves this offseason signing Nik Antropov and more recently Maxim Afinogenov. Both can have rebound years playing with Kovalchuk, so long as he stays in town. Kari Lehtonen is a decent goalie but was hung out to dry at many times during the year. Pavel Kubina provides a veteran leader on the blue line for youngsters like Zach Bogosian, Ron Hainsey and Tobias Enstrom. Young centers Bryan Little and Todd White had strong seasons last year and if Kovalchuk is dealt, they will be the faces of the team.

5. Florida Panthers: The Panthers got oh so close to making the playoffs last year but faded the final two weeks of the season. To add insult to injury, they traded the rights to Jay Bouwmeester before free agency knowing he would not resign with the team. Bouwmeester was a minutes-eating machine and excellent for the power play. That being said, there is still some talent on defense as Jordan Leopold, Dennis Seidenberg, and Bryan McCabe provide a solid top three. Most of the Panthers young talent is locked up in Nathan Horton, Stephen Weiss, David Booth, and Rostislav Olesz. Tomas Vokoun is an above average goaltender and it will be his show for the most part this year now that Chris Anderson has moved on to Colorado. While every team in the division arguably improved this offseason, it's fair to say the Panthers got worse.

NHL 2009-10 Predictions: Western Conference

2009-09-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Last season, the Western Conference saw the Red Wings go back to their second straight Stanley Cup Finals, this time falling short to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In what was a surprise to most people, the Central Division produced four teams in the playoffs with the Blackhawks, Blues, and Blue Jackets making it as well. The Sharks had the best record in the league last year but like usual for Sharks fans, it was a disappointing postseason with a first round loss to the Ducks. Who has what it takes this season to get playoffs in the Western Conference? Here's what I think with the playoff seedings in parentheses.

Central Division:

1. Detroit Red Wings (2): The Red Wings have had a target on their back since we all can remember in the Central Division. And now more than ever, it looks like there is the talent to overthrow the defending Central Division champs from that post. But were talking about the Red Wings. Even with the losses of Marian Hossa, Tomas Kopecky, Mikael Samuelsson and Jiri Hudler, the Wings still have the talent to win the division. Underrated signings such as Todd Bertuzzi and Jason Williams will prove very smart and look for youngsters like Darren Helm and Jonathan Ericsson to become big time players.

2. Chicago Blackhawks (5): No team has had a more talked about offseason than the Chicago Blackhawks. First they sign Marian Hossa to a 12 year deal on the first day of free agency. They also steal Tomas Kopecky from the Wings and sign penalty killing specialist John Madden from New Jersey. Then, the Blackhawks got into problems confusing their restricted free agents (Cam Barker, Kris Versteeg, Dave Bolland) as unrestricted free agents and almost losing them. Because of this, GM Dale Tallon was fired. To top it off, young star Patrick Kane was arrested for beating up a cab driver in Buffalo. Bad PR for a team with such a bright future and many young talents. The key for the team may be GK Cristobal Huet, who takes over for Nikolai Khabibulin in net. Something to look for is once Marian Hossa returns from injury, someone will get traded whether it be Patrick Sharp or Kris Versteeg to keep the Hawks under the salary cap.

3. St. Louis Blues (7): You could argue for the first 4 1/2 months that the St. Louis Blues were the worst team in the Western Conference. You could also argue that there wasn't a better team for the last month in a half. The Blues behind Brad Boyes and a boatload of young talent made a cinderella run to the playoffs and are looking to make sure it wasn't a fluke by backing it up this year. As much young talent that they have with the likes of David Backes, Patrik Berglund, and TJ Oshie, they have enough seasoned veterans that make this team truly dangerous. Chris Mason had a strong year last year in net and will need to do the same this year in a division loaded with talented offenses.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets made their first trip to the postseason last year behind an amazing season by Rookie of the Year winner Steve Mason. The Jackets have also made sure their offense firepower will stay around for years to come by locking up winger Rick Nash and center Antoine Vermette to long term deals. The defense doesn't have many household names but the likes of Mike Commodore and Fedor Tyutin are strong forces on the blue line. One player to really watch this year is second year center Derick Brassard. His strong rookie campaign was cut short last year due to injury. Expect him to pick up where he left off last season.

5. Nashville Predators: The Preds battled down to the final week for a playoff spot but ended up a few points short. Pekka Rinne took over for Dan Ellis between the pipes and had a fine season with a 2.38 GAA. Shea Weber, Dan Hamhuis, and Ryan Suter provide a strong core on the blue line. The major problem for the Predators is their offense. After Alexander Radulov left the team last season to play in Russia, the Preds struggled scoring goals. Jason Arnott led the way with 33 goals but Weber was second on the team with 23. Wingers JP Dumont and Martin Erat need to have better years if Nashville wants to make it back to the playoffs.

Pacific Division

1. San Jose Sharks (1): After another disappointing postseason performance, GM Doug Wilson decided to shake up the roster big time by acquiring disgruntled LW Dany Heatley from the Senators. The trade cost them Milan Michalek and former 50 goal scorer Jonathan Cheechoo in the deal. The Sharks also dealt defensemen Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich to the Canucks to make cap room. With Evgeni Nabokov and Patrick Marleau in the last years of their contracts, this could be the last year for the Sharks to make a push for the Stanley Cup. The Sharks need to get the playoff monkey off their back or even more changes will be made in northern California.

2. Anaheim Ducks (4): The team that upset the President Trophy winning Sharks in the postseason last year were the Ducks. They've had a busy offseason dealing Chris Pronger to the Flyers for winger Joffrey Lupul and young defenseman Luca Sbisa. They also lost D Francois Beauchemin to free agency. Former Canadien captain Saku Koivu signed on for a one year deal giving the Ducks two very strong lines. Ryan Getzlaf is one of the best players in the league and look for young winger Bobby Ryan to take his game to the next level. The Ducks need to decide early on who they're going to keep in net whether it is Jonas Hiller or JS Giguere.

3. Los Angeles Kings: With a lot of flexibility in their payroll, the Kings made two nice additions to their team trading for LW Ryan Smyth and signing defenseman Rob Scuderi. One of the youngest teams in the league is looking to follow the mold of teams like the Blackhawks and build a young nucleus together and turn that into a playoff team. For that to happen, Jon Quick has to solidify himself as a starting goaltender in this league. This will be his first full season in net. Anze Kopitar led the team in points last season with 66 and that total will only go up with the addition of Smyth on his wing. Maybe the biggest signing the Kings made this offseason was locking up D Jack Johnson for the next two seasons. He and second year defenseman Drew Doughty provide a strong tandem on the blue line.

4. Dallas Stars: The injury bug really hurt the Stars last year as they took a big step back in the standings. Brad Richards and Brendan Morrow combined to miss 90 games last season and the Stars offense really struggled. One bright spot was young LW Loui Eriksson, who scored 36 goals last season. Another major problem for the Stars was in net as the usually reliable Marty Turco had one of the worst years in his career with a GAA of 2.81. He needs to return to his usual form for the Stars to make it back to the playoffs. The departure of Sergei Zubov on defense puts more responsibility on Stephane Robidas and Trevor Daley.

5. Phoenix Coyotes: The Coyotes have had a depressing offseason with the possibility of leaving Phoenix taking over most of the headlines. To add insult to injury, coach Wayne Gretzky resigned and his job was filled by Dave Tippett. Shane Doan was their only consistent scorer last season with 73 points and their second leading returning scorer is defenseman Ed Jovanovski with 36 points. Young players like Peter Mueller and Matthew Lombardi have talent but need to mature quickly for the Coyotes to have any chance at making the postseason. Odds are, this team is destined for not only a last place finish in the division, but possibly a last place finish in the conference.

Northwest Division

1. Vancouver Canucks (3): You couldn't really ask for a better offseason if you're a Canucks fan. They locked up the Sedin twins to long term deals, locked up their franchise goaltender Roberto Luongo for life, and they added Mikael Samuelsson, Mathieu Schneider, and Christian Ehrhoff to an already talented team. Vancouver has the deepest blue line in the Western Conference with Bieksa, Ehrhoff, Edler, Mitchell, Salo, and Schneider. Steve Bernier and Alexandre Burrows had strong seasons last year combining for 43 goals giving depth to the Canucks offense. Schneider gives the Canucks leadership on the blue line to go along with a strong prescence on the power play. In a defensive minded division, the Canucks are the cream of the crop.

2. Minnesota Wild (6): The Wild missed the playoffs last season after really struggling on offense. Their leading goal scorer last season was Owen Nolan with 25 goals followed by Andrew Brunette with 22. Looking to improve on those statistics, the Wild signed winger Martin Havlat from the Blackhawks looking to jump start the offense. The Wild already sport a great defense with Brent Burns, Nick Schultz, and Marek Zidlicky and one of the leagues best goaltenders in Niklas Backstrom. Minnesota thrived on special teams last season finishing 2nd in the league in penalty kill and 9th on the power play. For the Wild to make it back to the playoffs, they will need to improve on their 5-on-5 play. 3.

Edmonton Oilers (8): The Oilers failed to acquire Dany Heatley this offseason after Heatley rejected a deal to Edmonton. Despite that, they still have enough talent to make it happen on offense but they need Shawn Horcoff to live up to his contract. He had a down year last year scoring only 53 points which was tied for 2nd on the team. Edmonton signed goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin to be their netminder for the immediate future after a strong bounce back year in Chicago last season. The key for the Oilers if they're going to make it back to the playoffs is the play of Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano. Both had down years last season and will need to increase their goal tallies to take the team to the next level.

4. Calgary Flames: Calgary made a big splash during free agency after trading for the rights of defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. Bouwmeester joins Dion Phaneuf, Robyn Regehr, and Cory Sarich on one of the best defenses in the Western Conference. The offense outside of Jarome Iginla could be pressed to score with the loss of Mike Cammalleri. Daymond Langkow had a down season last year and the Flames will need Curtis Glencross, Rene Bourque, and David Moss to fill the void left by Cammalleri. Goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff had 45 wins last year but boasted a less than stellar 2.84 GAA. If he can't improve on that with the defense he has in front of him, the Flames may struggle this season.

5. Colorado Avalanche: The Avs enter a new era for their franchise now that their legend Joe Sakic announced his retirement. The injury bug really bit Colorado as well as Paul Stastny and Marek Svatos missed significant time. Colorado will hope that Craig Anderson can fill the problems between the pipes that they had last season after platooning Andrew Raycroft and Peter Budaj. He had one of the best save percentages in the league last year but this will be his first year as a full-time starter. The Avalanche have some pieces to build on for the future with Stastny and first round pick Matt Duchene, but this is a team building more towards the future.

NFL 2009: Postseason Predictions

2009-09-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

So I have cut 32 teams down to 12. Now it's time to see who advances on in every round of the AFC/NFC playoffs and the eventual Super Bowl Champion. Here's a quick recap of the top 6 seeds in both conferences and my picks for every round of the playoffs.

AFC:
1. New England
2. Pittsburgh
3. San Diego
4. Indianapolis
5. Baltimore
6. Tennessee

NFC:
1. Atlanta
2. Philadelphia
3. Green Bay
4. Seattle
5. New York
6. New Orleans

Wild Card Round:

AFC:
San Diego def Tennessee
Baltimore def Indianapolis

NFC:
Green Bay def New Orleans
New York def Seattle

Divisional Round:

AFC:
Baltimore def New England
San Diego def Pittsburgh

NFC:
Atlanta def New York
Green Bay def Philadelphia

Championship Round:

AFC:
Baltimore def San Diego

NFC:
Green Bay def Atlanta

Super Bowl XLIV
Baltimore def Green Bay

NFL 2009: AFC Predictions

2009-09-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I gave out my predictions for the NFC for the upcoming NFL season, now it's the AFC's turn. The conference that seems to have to have the superior teams boasts the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers along with many other contenders. So here it is, my predictions for the AFC and the playoff seedings in parentheses.

AFC East:

1. New England Patriots (1): I think it's fair to say that the Patriots may have been the second best team in the AFC last year by the time the regular season ended. Problem for them was they had lost out on every tiebreaker known to man and missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Tom Brady does return though to an offense that was absolutely scary when he won MVP back in 2007. With Randy Moss and Wes Welker, the Patriots have the best receiving duo in the NFL. The Pats made a smart move bringing in Fred Taylor to provide even more depth to the RB position. Who will get the most carries is still uncertain, but regardless the Patriots will be putting a lot of points on the board. The major flaw that could hold them back this year is their secondary. That offense may need to put up amazing numbers to survive the other top contenders in the league.

2. Miami Dolphins: The Dolpins shocked the NFL landscape last year going from 1-15 to to 11-5 and AFC East Champs in a year's time. Tony Sparano did a marvelous job and Chad Pennington found new life as a quarterback in the Dolphins system. The Dolphins were the first team to pull out the "wildcat" formation last year when they used it in New England and it gave them much success. A team with an exciting offense set around star running back Ronnie Brown is poised to show that last year was not a fluke. They made a couple of good offseason signings for the defense adding safety Gibril Wilson and bringing back local favorite DE Jason Taylor. The key for them will be if Pennington and play as well as he did last year and if so, they can be a playoff team.

3. Buffalo Bills: Buffalo made one of the biggest splashes in free agency by signing Terrell Owens to a one year deal. The signing gives the Bills a strong receiving core alongside Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish that will only help Trent Edwards develop as a quarterback. Marshawn Lynch's off the field troubles will hurt the Bills as he got suspended for the first 3 games of the season. The team fell apart last season after starting 5-1 finishing a disappointing 7-9. Trent Edwards will have to mature as a QB and become a true leader to not only stay steer this team towards the playoffs, but keep T.O. from complaining.

4. New York Jets: The Brett Favre era only lasted one year in New York and the Jets moved on by trading up in the draft for their hopeful future star, Mark Sanchez. New coach Rex Ryan has brought his defensive background with him from Baltimore along with two of his former players, Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard. The Jets defense should be better than their middle-of-the-road ranking last year, but their offense could take a hit. Thomas Jones did have a fantastic year last year but that could be because the passing game opened it up for him. With a rookie quarterback, Jones will be the focal point of the offense this year. Gone is Laveranues Coles from the receiving core so Sanchez's top options will be Jericho Cotchery and second year TE Dustin Keller. This is a team heading in the right direction but still a year away from knocking on the playoff door.

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts (4): The Colts finished the regular season winning 9 in a row before losing in the playoffs to the Chargers for the 2nd straight season. Marvin Harrison is gone but the Colts offense is still one of the best in the league led by MVP Peyton Manning. Reggie Wayne had another great season last year with over 1100 yards and 6 TD's and young receiver Anthony Gonzalez had a strong sophomore campaign with 660 yards. For the Colts offense to be balanced, Joseph Addai must improve on his season from last year where he averaged only 3.5 YPC. The defense has a strong secondary with the likes of Bob Sanders and Antoine Bethea and a strong duo upfront with Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. The Colts had to settle for the wild card last year with Tennessee having such a strong season. Expect things to return to status quo in 2009.

2. Tennessee Titans (6): Led by veteran Kerry Collins and a superb defense, the Titans ended up with the best record in the AFC last year. Like many top teams have done in the playoffs though recently, the Titans were upset by the Ravens in the Divisional Round at home. Albert Haynesworth decided to leave Tennessee for a massive contract in Washington but the Titans still have a lot of talent on defense. Chris Johnson and LenDale White had great years last year combining for over 2,000 yards rushing and 24 TD's between them. The Titans Achilles heel on offense is the receiving core and they hope rookie Kenny Britt can help fix that. It's hard to imagine the Titans being as good as they were last year, but a postseason trip is definitely possible.

3. Houston Texans: Still thirsting for their first postseason birth in franchise history, the Texans were able to finish the season at .500 thanks to star receiver Andre Johnson and rookie RB Steve Slaton rushing for 1,282 yards. For the team to take it to the next level, QB Matt Schuab needs to stay healthy and prove he is a upper tier quarterback in this league. He's only played 11 games in each of the last two seasons so his health has definitely been a concern. A defense with many high draft picks in the last few years needs to improve on its bottom 10 ranking if they're going to overpass the likes of Indianapolis and Tennessee.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars aren't one of the worst teams in the NFL, but they have the problem of being in a very good division. David Garrard took a giant step back last year throwing only two more touchdowns than interceptions without a pure #1 receiver. Jacksonville hopes that can improve with the addition of Torry Holt to the receiving core. Maurice Jones-Drew has become an elite back in the game today with his running and pass catching ability and now is the only back with the loss of Fred Taylor. The Jags have to stay afloat the first few weeks of the season if they want any hope of making the playoffs. They begin @ Indianapolis, Arizona, @ Houston, Tennessee.

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (2): Pittsburgh won their second Super Bowl in four years after last years win over the Cardinals. They are led by arguably the best defense in the NFL with the likes of Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, and James Farrior. Ben Roethlisberger has become one of the best quarterbacks in the league and has many weapons on offense with Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, and Willie Parker. A repeat title is definitely not out of the realm as the Steelers return most of the team that won last year. Expect players like Rashard Mendenhall and Lawrence Timmons to have big years filling in new roles for the team.

2. Baltimore Ravens (5): If the Steelers have the best defense in the NFL, the Ravens D is a close second. Ed Reed led the league with 9 interceptions last year, and Terrell Suggs led the team with 8 sacks and 13 tackles for loss as a DE/LB. Joe Flacco had a very strong rookie season as he was thrown into the fire last year and helped the Ravens get to the AFC Championship game. More is expected of Flacco in his sophomore campaign and the return from a brief retirement of Derrick Mason will help him keep progressing. The Ravens don't have a star at running back, but the combination of Willis McGahee, Ray Rice, and Le'Ron McClain is more than serviceable.

3. Cleveland Browns: After a strong campaign in 2007, the Browns stumbled out of the gate last season and finished a disappointing 4-12. The fault can be blamed on the offense and defense as the defense was ranked 26th in the NFL and the offense did not score an offensive touchdown in their last 6 games. New coach Eric Mangini has apparently decided to go with Brady Quinn at quarterback over Derek Anderson for at least Week 1. The running back position could get interesting as Jamal Lewis is coming off a sub par season and rookie James Davis has really impressed during the preseason. The important thing is that the team has to pick a quarterback and stick with it. Maybe they've done that now with Brady Quinn.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have been a joke the last few years whether it be Chad Ochocinco's constant pranks, the numerous Bengal arrests (Chris Henry and others), or the injuries to quarterback Carson Palmer. If the latter can come to a halt this year, the Bengals can at least be somewhat competitive on a game-to-game basis. T.J. Houshmanzadeh has moved on to the Seahawks so Ochocinco will have to get back to the superstar he has been in the past. The running game is led by former Chicago Bear Cedric Benson who looks to reinvent himself in Cincinnati. The Bengals defense, surprising to some, finished 12th in total defense last year. They'll need more of the same if they want to have a better season.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers (3): San Diego has underachieved in the regular season the last couple years but has made up for it in the playoffs. The Chargers arguably have the most individual talent in the NFL both offensively and defensively. Philip Rivers was second in the NFL in passing yards and Darren Sproles filled in nicely for LaDainian Tomlinson when he was hurt. Defensively, a team full of stars returns Shawne Merriman from injury to an already potent lineup. In a very weak division, the Chargers will be expected to finish with a very strong record this season.

2. Oakland Raiders: This may be a default choice for 2nd place, but the Raiders surprisingly seem like the team making the best strides out of the rest of the division. JaMarcus Russell does need to take the next step as a quarterback but he's got a three-headed monster at RB in Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush. Although the pick was controversial, rookie WR Darius Hewyard-Bey will help the Raiders receiving core and Russell as well. Defensively the Raiders took a step back last year finishing 27th in total defense but in a division with the Broncos and Chiefs, that's still good for 2nd.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs took a page from the Patriots playbook, well, actually a few pages as they added Scott Pioli, Matt Cassel, and Mike Vrabel. Cassel has been banged up this preseason but is still expected to be the Chiefs QB of the future. Vrabel has the job of being the leader of a young defense that finished 2nd to last with rising starts like Glenn Dorsey and Patriot killer Bernard Pollard. The Chiefs made a great move bringing in Pioli, but Rome wasn't built in a day so it could take awhile.

4. Denver Broncos: It will take some time to figure out who got the better in the Jay Cutler trade, but for immediate future it has really put the Broncos in a bad spot. Kyle Orton has had a dreadful preseason and first-round pick Knowshon Moreno was injured in the first preseason game. The Brandon Marshall saga continues as well as he has fought off-field troubles and could be on his way out of town. It doesn't help that the defense, which really cost them a playoff spot down the stretch last year was bottom 5 in the NFL last year either. This team could be destined for a top 5 pick in the 2010 NFL draft.

NFL 2009: NFC Predictions

2009-09-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

As the NFL starts up again on Thursday, it's time to make some predictions for each conference and then the playoffs starting today with the NFC. The conference most would agree is the weaker of the two conferences, the NFC proved to be a crap shoot again last year as the Arizona Cardinals got hot at the right time and went all the way to the Super Bowl as the 4 seed. Surprise teams such as the Falcons and Panthers went on to the playoffs when most thought they would not. Will the NFC be as unpredictable as last year? Here are my thoughts along with the playoff seedings in parentheses.

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles (2): After making the playoffs last year with the help of the Oakland Raiders and a thrashing of their division rival Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles made their way to the NFC Championship game before falling to the Cardinals. With other teams in the division losing important players, the Eagles gained some important ones with the likes of OT Jason Peters and the draft picks of Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy. Donovan McNabb hasn't had weapons like this on offense in his entire career. The leadership of Brian Dawkins on defense will be missed, but the Eagles have enough individual talent on defense to get away with it. Sean Jones will end up fitting in nicely in Dawkins old spot.

2. New York Giants (5): The Giants were arguably the best team in football last season until Plaxico Burress shot himself and got suspended for the rest of the year. They were a different team on offense without him and flamed out against the Eagles in the divisional round at home. Now that the Plaxico Burress days are officially over in New York, Eli Manning is going to have to find new targets to throw to and establish a "go to" guy. Not only is Burress missing from last years team, long-time Giant Amani Toomer is gone as well. Guys like Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss, and rookie wide out Hakeem Nicks are going to have to step up for the Giants passing game to be successful.

3. Dallas Cowboys: Just like the Giants, the Cowboys have the task of replacing a star wide receiver as Terrell Owens was cut and is now suiting up for the Buffalo Bills. The Cowboys plummeted down the stretch last season losing three of their last four including a beat down by the Eagles in a playoff play-in game. Tony Romo battled through injuries and inconsistency last season while Marion Barber averaged only 3.7 YPC. Both need to change for the Cowboys to make it back to the playoffs. Roy Williams is now the main WR for Tony Romo now that T.O. is gone and we'll see if a full season wearing the star on his helmet makes him the dynamic player he used to be in Detroit.

4. Washington Redskins: If the Redskins were playing in any other division they could definitely be a playoff contender. But with too much talent in their division, the Redskins are more than likely finishing at the bottom of the NFC East. Jason Campbell has yet to become the player Daniel Snyder had envisioned and this could be a make-or-break year for the young quarterback. Luckily for Campbell, he doesn't have to carry all of the workload as Clinton Portis is in the backfield coming off a monster season last year gaining of 1,700 total yards. A defense that finished 4th in the NFL in yards per game will need a more successful offense to climb out of the NFC East cellar.

NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons (1): With a new quarterback, running back, and coach, the Atlanta Falcons shocked the entire nation last year by finishing in 2nd place in the NFC South and earning a wild card spot in the playoffs. Even more is expected this year now that Matt Ryan will be entering his sophomore campaign and Michael Turner is coming off a season finishing second in the league in rushing. With the addition of Tony Gonzalez, the Falcons now have not only one of the best offenses in the NFC, but the entire NFL. Roddy White had a career season last year and will be looking to do more of the same after signing a long-term contract. The defensive side of the ball is where the Falcons will need to improve as they finished 24th in the league in total yards per game. If they can sure up their defense, they can be a legit Super Bowl contender.

2. New Orleans Saints (6): The Saints have been the same team for the last few seasons since their NFC Championship game berth. A stellar offense, but a defense that breaks like tissue paper. The offense boasts Drew Brees, who is coming off a career season finishing just yards short of the NFL record for passing yards in a regular season and a number of weapons including Marques Colston, Lance Moore, and Reggie Bush (as overrated as he is). Their bugaboo as his been their defense. They have the individual pieces with players like Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, young safety Roman Harper, and the first round selection of CB Malcolm Jenkins, but they haven't been able to put it all together to form a solid core. The Saints success this season will be pinned on if/when their defense comes to play.

3. Carolina Panthers: Carolina had a sour ending to their season last year as they watched Larry Fitzgerald run up and down the field against them in a 33-13 drubbing by the Cardinals. As much of a downer as that game was, the Panthers still had a great season led by their two-headed monster at running back with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Jake Delhomme received a lucrative extension this offseason despite a subpar season. Delhomme has shown some signs of decline the last couple seasons which doesn't bode well for star receiver Steve Smith. The defensive side of the ball has some rising stars in LB Jon Beason, CB Chris Gamble, and S Thomas Davis, but the offseason controversy regarding Julius Peppers and his contract could cause problems for the team. A disappointing year could be ahead for the Panthers.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A win against the Oakland Raiders away from the playoffs a year ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed a lot of their personnel for the 2009-10 season. Byron Leftwich was named the starting quarterback of the team and rookie QB Josh Freeman looks to be the QB of the future. New free agent RB Derrick Ward will carry the running game along with often-injured Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. The Bucs major problem last year was weapons on offense. Antonio Bryant had a great season with 1,248 receiving yards but no other receiver had more than 500. Their leading rusher was Warrick Dunn with 786 yards. Even with a great defense, an offense led by Byron Leftwich and a carousel of average running backs looks destined for a long season.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers (3): The Packers went through a changing in the guard last season as the Aaron Rodgers era took over in Green Bay. As fantastic as his first season was, the youngest team in the NFL showed it too often during the season as the Packers blew countless 4th quarter leads on their way to a 6-10 season. A year later and a new defensive scheme in place, the Packers have the talent to not only win the NFC North, but possibly make the Super Bowl. Greg Jennings and Donald Driver combine for one of the best WR duos in the league and Ryan Grant is coming off a 1,200 yard season. A defense with a +7 turnover ratio last season adds 1st round draft picks B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews to a the new 3-4 scheme. If the defense can adapt to the new formation, the chances at a division title are strong.

2. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings finally think they have solved their quarterback problems with the addition of Brett Favre under center. Which Brett Favre they will be a big story in Minnesota: the one who started off so strong in New York last season, or the one who finished 1-4 down the stretch. Regardless of that, the Vikings have the best RB in the game in Adrian Peterson and a defensive line loaded with talent. The key to this team's success could be rookie WR Percy Harvin. Bernard Berrian has already established himself as a deep threat leading the NFL in yards per catch and Visante Shiancoe had a promising season at tight end. But Favre needs another receiving weapon to blossom make this offense truly impressive.

3. Chicago Bears: After an offseason worth of controversy in Denver, Jay Cutler finally found his way to Chicago and in turn the Bears have finally found their QB of the future. The problem for the Bears is who is Cutler going to throw to. The Bears leading receiver last year was RB Matt Forte with 63 catches followed closely by Greg Olsen with 54. Make shift WR Devin Hester led the team in receiving yards with 665 which is dreadful for a top receiver. By solving a problem at quarterback, it made another problem look that much bigger at the receiver position. Olsen is a bright young talent at tight end but Cutler needs a legitimate receiving threat for this offense to be top tier. Until that happens, Cutler could struggle in his first season in Chicago.

4. Detroit Lions: The Lions finished the season winless last year and were a bigger embarrassment to the city of Detroit than the usual season. They drafted QB Matthew Stafford with the #1 overall pick and have named him the starter to begin the season. The Lions are still light years away from being a playoff contender but they atleast have some pieces heading in the right direction. Calvin Johnson is already one of the best receivers in the game and that will only make Stafford's transition into the NFL easier. If the Lions can get 4-5 wins somehow this year it would be a very successful season.

NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks (4): If you're looking for a bounce back team for the 2009-10 season, the Seattle Seahawks could be it. After a dismal year last season with Matt Hasselbeck missing most of the year due to injury the Seahawks look to bounce back to the team that used to be the NFC West champs year-in and year-out. The addition of T.J. Houshmanzadeh to the receiving core will improve the offense drastically and young tight end John Carlson has a really bright future. Seattle used their first round pick on LB Aaron Curry to go along side Pro Bowler Lofa Tatupu giving the Seahawks a strong linebacking core. The Cardinals were able to win a lackluster NFC West last year at 9-7 and it is definitely possible that Seattle could do that this year.

2. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals went on a magical run in the playoffs last season and made their first ever Super Bowl in franchise history. An offense led by Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best in the league despite a below average running game. 1st round draft pick Beanie Wells looks to sure up that running game along with Tim Hightower. The Cardinals definitely have the overall talent to win this division, but the possibility of a Super Bowl hangover could be on the horizon along with a tougher schedule playing all the first place teams from last years NFC could work against them.

3. San Francisco 49ers: San Francisco finished the end of last season on a high note winning 4 of their last 5 games behind QB Shaun Hill. Hill beat out former #1 pick Alex Smith for the starting job this season and the 49ers are looking to continue the winning ways of the end of last year. Frank Gore is an elite running back in the league today and Patrick Willis is one of the brightest young stars at linebacker today. The problem the 49ers are facing more than anything right now is getting rookie receiver Michael Crabtree under contract. The 10th overall pick is holding out waiting for a more lucrative contract and crippling San Francisco's receiving core. The 49ers offense has a good running game, but without Crabtree they don't have enough weapons overall to make a case for the top spot in the division.

4. St. Louis Rams: Marc Bulger had a disastrous season last year throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. And without Torry Holt at WR this year, Bulger's chances at improving may be bleak. The Rams offense finished 27th in the league last year in yards per game and in order for that to improve, Steven Jackson will have to return to the star back he was a few years ago. He hasn't rushed for over 1,100 yards since 2006. With the roster the Rams are putting out there Week 1, they could possibly be the worst team in the entire NFL.

2009-10 College Football Preview

2009-09-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

With college football beginning tomorrow night, it's time to rush some subpar predictions for people to laugh at come the end of the season (and probably every week in between). For the first time in college football history, the top 3 vote-getters in the Heisman race are returning the following season in winner Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and college football's poster boy, Tim Tebow. Not surprisingly, those players are part of the top 3 teams in the AP/Coaches Polls preseason with Florida at 1 followed by Texas and Oklahoma. It should be an interesting year with huge games within the first few weeks of the year. So here are my predictions for conference winners, BCS games, the Heisman, and the National Champion. They can't possibly be worse than last year right?

ACC Coastal: Virginia Tech
ACC Atlantic: Clemson

ACC Champion: Virginia Tech

Big XII North: Kansas
Big XII South: Oklahoma*

Big XII Champion: Oklahoma

* There will be another three-way tie in the Big XII South but this time between Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma State. Oklahoma State will beat Texas, Texas will beat Oklahoma, and Oklahoma will beat Oklahoma State. Because Oklahoma beats Oklahoma State in their last regular season game, and because they will have more impressive road wins, they will have the higher BCS ranking of the 3 teams and go to the Big XII title game. Hooray BCS, you've done it again.

Big East: Rutgers

Big Ten: Penn State

Pac 10: USC

SEC West: Ole Miss
SEC East: Florida

SEC Champion: Florida

Other Regular Season Predictions:

-Ole Miss goes undefeated in the regular season just like Alabama did last year but loses to Florida in the SEC Title Game
-Penn State wins the tiebreak over Ohio State with a win at Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions lone loss is at Illinois
-Notre Dame loses two games but still squeaks into the BCS because they'll want the draw of Notre Dame. Thanks again BCS.

Heisman Trophy:

1. Tim Tebow QB Florida
2. Kendall Hunter RB Oklahoma State
3. Colt McCoy QB Texas
4. Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma

others: Jahvid Best RB Cal, Terrelle Pryor QB Ohio State, Tyrod Taylor QB Virginia Tech

BCS Bowl Games

Rose Bowl: Penn State v. USC

Sugar Bowl: Texas v. Ole Miss

Orange Bowl: Ohio State v. Rutgers

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma v. Notre Dame

National Championship Game: Florida v. Virginia Tech

National Champion: Virginia Tech

I know it's a longshot. But if they beat Alabama week 1 which I think they do, their only tough road game will be at Georgia Tech. The rest of their less than challenging schedule takes place at home (Nebraska and North Carolina). Plus both teams who have tried to win back-to-back BCS National Titles and reached the national championship game have lost in epic games (Miami and USC). So I may have gone over the deep end, but its more fun than picking chalk!

The Price of a Quarterback

2009-08-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

With the contract extensions of Eli Manning and Philip Rivers making news lately, it made me think of some of the contracts given to QB's around the league: good and bad. Long-term contract extensions for QB's are almost as much of a crap shoot as drafting them in the first round. Within the last few years, we've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly passed out by teams in the last few years. And because that movie is one of the best of all time, those are exactly the categories I'm going to use to divvy up NFL's rich men under center; but we'll classify the ugly as "we'll wait and see".

The Good:

Drew Brees: Brees had a great beginning to his career in San Diego, the Chargers decided to pass up on Brees for Philip Rivers before the 2006 season. A move that worked well for both parties. The Saints signed Brees to a six year, 60 million dollar contract and he has done nothing but impress in his first three years. He's averaged 29 TD's since becoming a Saint and came yards short of breaking Dan Marino's single season passing yards record. The Saints couldn't be happier.

Tom Brady: Unlike the Brees situation, there was no change of scenery for the Super Bowl MVP. The Patriots locked up Brady before the 2005 season to the same contract as Brees, 6 year 60 million. It wasn't as if the Patriots were taking a real gamble locking up Brady after three Super Bowl Rings, but his performance since has made that contract seem like a complete bargain. After throwing an NFL record 50 touchdowns in the 2007-2008 season and leading the Patriots back to the Super Bowl, it wouldn't be out of the realm to see that again this season.

Kurt Warner: After his last couple years with the Rams and his one year with the Giants, one would think Kurt Warner would be home with his psychotic wife by now. But Warner has stood the test of time with the Cardinals after signing a 3 year 18 million dollar contract extension with them before the 2006 season. Warner has started the last two years and led the Cardinals to an unexpected Super Bowl birth last season with a 96.9 passer rating. Hey Kurt, thank Mr. Leinart for being a bust with more embarrassing photos on the internet than touchdown passes.

Peyton Manning: Yes it was the biggest contract at the time and it made people turn their heads and drop their jaws, but how do you not reward Peyton Manning if you're the Colts? Fresh off his second MVP season with the Colts, Manning was given a 7 year 99.2 million dollar extension by the team that drafted him. He's responded by getting a personal monkey off his back by winning the Super Bowl in 2006 and winning his 3rd MVP last season. Arguably the greatest quarterback of our recent generation is worth every penny.

The Bad:

Carson Palmer: Carson Palmer was the man who would bring success to a franchise filled with disasters. That hasn't been the case so far. Palmer was given a 7 year 118.5 million dollar contract extension shortly before Kimo von Oelhoffen shredded his ACL in the AFC Wild Card round in 2005. Has he been awful? No. Has he been worth the contract extension? God no. Palmer had two good but not great seasons following his ACL tear and took a large step back last season missing 12 games due to injury. Being on the Bengals with a below average running game isn't going to help get him back to the promise land.

Jake Delhomme: As someone who has always been on the Jake Delhomme bandwagon, this was tough but necessary to criticize. Unlike the other extensions on the list, Delhomme's is starting this upcoming season. But giving a 34-year-old man a 5 year 42 million dollar extension is extremely risky. He had only 15 touchdown's last year to go along with 12 interceptions. The year before, played only 3 games because of injuries. Panther's fans can only hope he can play the way he did in his early 30s.

Marc Bulger: Bulger has been everything but productive since signing a 6 year 65 million dollar extension with the Rams before the 2007 season. Bulger went from a 24 TD 8 INT season in 2006 to an 11 TD 15 INT in 2007. He followed that up with an 11 TD 13 INT performance last season. Yes, his receivers aren't what they used to be when he was the Pro Bowler a few years ago, but if Bulger has another down year he could be hitting the waiver wire.

Daunte Culpepper: This one takes us on a trip through memory lane to the Vikings giant mishap of giving Daunte Culpepper a 10 year 102 million contract extension. To Culpepper's light defense, he had an amazing season in 2004 with 39 touchdowns and a passer rating of 110.9. Since then, Culpepper has only played 23 games with four different teams. Culpepper's best days are for sure behind him but he could still find some consolation by winning the starting job in Detroit this year.

The Ugly (We'll wait and see)

Matt Cassel: Scott Peoli showing again what a football genius he is by uncovering Matt Cassel. When Tom Brady came down with a season ending injury in Week 1, Cassel took over from there and flourished in the starting job. Cassel combined for 23 touchdowns and an 11-5 record for the Pats which made him expendable. He was dealt in the offseason to the Chiefs and they responded by signing him to a 6 year 63 million dollar extension. Cassel had a great year last year but in a new system with a below average team, we'll find out what he is really made out of.

Eli Manning: The Giants could still be in a Super Bowl hangover with this extension for Eli Manning. Six years and 97.5 million dollars is a lot for a QB who had his career year last year with an 86.4 passer rating. This contract could have been put with the bad, but because he has won a Super Bowl and will be adapting to a life without Plaxico Bullets (I mean Burress), he finds himself in this category.

Aaron Rodgers: Packer fans could not have been much happier with Aaron Rodgers first season since taking over for Brett Favre. He combined for 32 touchdowns and a passer rating of 93.8 and was rewarded for it with a 6 year 65 million dollar extension. It's only been one year so it can't be put as a great contract. Rodgers needs to prove that he can lead his team to the playoffs and make Packer fans erase all memories of #4.

Brett Favre: Yes, I couldn't go the entire article without having a section for Brett Favre. He has come out of retirement again and signed a 2 year 25 million dollar deal with the Vikings (this counts as an extension because it's extending a player's career if you want to be technical). Yes Favre was horrendous the last 5 games of the season for the Jets throwing 9 interceptions. But people forget how great he was the first 11 games. Is his shoulder to blame? Is it completely recovered for this season? Is he still one of the games best at the position? We'll wait and see.

Overall, is there a correct recipe for a team to give their star quarterback a lucrative extension? Absolutely not. Mostly of it is hoping and praying that the QB will stay healthy and perform to the abilities the contract deemed. As we've seen by some on this list, it's easier said than done.

Wow, Guess Who's Back Again?

2009-08-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

So just when we thought we were done with the whole "Will Brett Favre finally retire?" issue, we are reeled in again for another go around with the Hall of Fame quarterback. Only this time he will be donning the purple and gold of the Minnesota Vikings, the team that he originally wanted to join over a year ago.

What most people asked last year when Favre decided to unretire and force the Green Bay Packers to trade him to the New York Jets, they're asking again: WHY???

The man who a few weeks ago decided he was finally going to retire from the NFL (for the third time?) after turning down the opportunity to quarterback the Vikings now decides he'll be under center Week 1 in Cleveland. I think the question to ask is not "why?" but "why now?"

Favre has always been a player who has played for the love of the game and as the last couple of offseasons have proved, doesn't care what people think about him. But why come back now and not a few weeks ago? Is Favre so much more willing to play now because former Alabama State great Tarvaris Jackson has a sprained knee? That shouldn't matter to someone who would have started regardless of the circumstances. Does that rotator cuff problem he had for a good part of last season and was surgically repaired this summer now feel good enough to finish a whole season? I guess only he can know that.

No matter what the exact tipping point was for Favre to "unretire" again, he got everything he wanted a year ago which was to play for the Vikings. For an athlete who can be described as nothing but a classy competitor on the field, he can be deemed everything but that off the field. In a way, you can look at the whole situation as if Brett Favre "cheated the system" to get his own way. After handcuffing the Packers last summer, he was dealt to the Jets with the clause that if Favre was ever traded to the Vikings, the Jets would owe the Packers three 1st round draft picks. So what does Favre do? He finishes his season and drags out another offseason before retiring again and having his rights released by the Jets. Ladies and gentleman, your loophole. The clause in place was now null and void and Favre could now choose any team in the league to play for if he wanted to. And guess who came calling, those Minnesota Vikings.

Favre's selfish acts have alienated himself from many of his beloved fans he's had throughout his NFL career including yours truly. One day, when Favre actually retires (who knows when that will actually be now), hopefully he questions whether the last couple years were all worth it. Now that he has finally gotten what he's wanted, hopefully it will be the last stop on his perverbial train ride. Because I'm sure I speak for most of America when it comes to #4 by saying I hope this is his last chapter.

Judge, Jury, and Executioner

2009-08-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

With Michael Vick's return to the NFL being imminent and Donte Stallworth's absence from the NFL beginning, today is a better day than any to bring up the topic of Roger Goodell and the way he has policed the league since taking over as commissioner of the NFL. To say the man has been strict is an insane understatement. From Tank Johnson to Chris Henry and Pacman "makin it rain" Jones to Mike Vick and plenty more, Goodell has handed out fines and suspensions like candy at Halloween.

I'm all for cleaning up the NFL. A league that has definitely been plagued by negligence and ignorance for years. I think the most debated issue is the differences in suspensions for the individual players. As dumb as the question might sound being that Goodell is the commissioner, but why does he get to decide what is the penalty to pay for the crime? Should all the power of deciding a players fate rest on one person?

Michael Vick, as we all know, has spent the better part of the last two years behind bars for gambling on dogfighting and the brutal treatment and killing of dogs. Avoiding the terrible details, what Vick did was extremely cruel and Goodell decides that the appropriate penalty is to suspend Vick until Week 6 of the NFL season at the latest, with a possibility of being reinstated earlier.

Then there is Donte Stallworth. Who like many athletes is caught driving drunk but to his chagrin, hit a man and killed him and was charged with second degree manslaughter. Though the circumstances were terrible, Stallworth seemed rather apologetic. Goodell sentenced him to a years suspension without pay.

Maybe it's just me, but how can you suspend a man for a whole year who admitted guilt and even contacted the police after hitting a man in the middle of the road and suspend someone who brutally tortured animals for only a maximum of 5 games? The penalties to me are mind blowing. The loss of a human life is of course extremely tragic, but the fact is that Stallworth was one of many athletes who went behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. His act was purely accidental while Michael Vick knowingly tortured animals and involved himself in dogfighting.

These are just two examples out of the many you can discuss including Pacman Jones, Tank Johnson, Marshawn Lynch, and even Bill Belichick with the Spygate Scandal. What actions deserve what degrees of penalties? As I was talking with my friends while tailgating at the Marlins game (extremely underrated by the way), the idea of a judiciary committee came up as a possible way to decide the punishments players should face. It feels like Goodell has taken his power a bit too far and the penalty a player gets should not come down to one man's opinion. A group of seven or nine or whatever works should sit down as a group and decide the appropriate suspension or fine a player receives. If Goodell wants, he can reinstate Michael Vick after Week 2 and that would be less of a suspension than what Matt Jones got (3 games) for violating the league's substance abuse policy with cocaine. Fair? You tell me. It's for more than one to decide.

Never As Easy As 1,2,3

2009-07-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

Unlike the first three years of his career, Jonathan Papelbon's 9th innings have been a wild ride for most of the 2009 season. For the most part, he has been able to escape his 9th innings and his own cow pies that he leaves all over the place whether it be a lead off walk or the constant loading of the bases.

But tonight he wasn't able to clean up another one of his own messes. And a Red Sox fan can blame Nick Green all he or she wants for tonight's loss, but they obviously did not watch the game. Green made two errors in the 9th inning but let's look closer at the errors he committed. The first came with the score 7-5 and a two hopper is hit towards the mound. Papelbon lets the ball go right under his glove and forces Green to have to make a do or die play to try to end the game. Should he have thrown the ball? Probably not. But the point is a little dribbler to the mound could have easily been fielded by Papelbon and the Red Sox would be sitting only 1 1/2 back in the AL East. As for the second error, another tough play that Green made in the hole that he tried to throw the runner out at first but did not have time (that runner would not cost the team). Maybe the most critical play of the game happened only a couple pitches before. The tying run was at second base in Mark Ellis and like he has done all year, Papelbon paid no attention and Ellis swiped third without a throw, the second base runner to steal a bag without a throw in the inning. If Papelbon doesn't let that happen, the tying run does not score on the infield single, and the eventual strikeout of Adam Kennedy would have ended the game.

Any Red Sox fan who has watched the team this year can say this was bound to happen and I think it's hard to disagree. Although Papelbon still has a more than respectable 2.09 ERA after tonight's debacle, his save opportunities have not been what Red Sox fans have become accustomed to seeing every time he gets the chance. Papelbon now sports a 1.37 WHIP for the season which would be awful for a starter let alone a closer. The highest WHIP he has finished a full season at was 0.95 in 2008. To put into perspective how bad that WHIP is, that is good for 5th worst for regular closers in baseball behind Philadelphia's Brad Lidge, Cleveland's Kerry Wood, Pittsburgh's Matt Capps and Washington's Mike MacDougal. Yes, that's right people: Matt Capps and Mike MacDougal.

Looking for the source of his problems, I think it stems from Papelbon's own stubbornness. The man literally throws his fastball every pitch when he has an excellent splitter and an above average slider in his arsenal. Besides Mariano Rivera, no elite closer in baseball hinges on one pitch to retire the side in the 9th, and AL hitters are possibly picking up on this. Papelbon needs to start trusting his off speed more and stop trying to throw the ball through Varitek's glove on every pitch. Until this happens, expect the consistent nail-biting 9th inning when he takes the mound.

My Problems with Baseball Tonight

2009-07-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

As someone who grew up as a baseball fan, like most people, watching Baseball Tonight was something to look forward to every night. Especially as a Red Sox fan living on the left coast, BBTN was my source for seeing highlights of Nomar's nightly two hits (when healthy) and the eventual blown lead that was the Red Sox of the early 2000s.

But that's besides the point. The point is that Baseball Tonight used to be something set in stone every night. Whether it be the cast or the time it was actually on. The two MAJOR problems it has at this date in time.

When BBTN was at what I think was its "heyday", it was on at 10 and 12 ET on ESPN or ESPN2 for a FULL HOUR. Thanks to shows that are popular even when their actual sport isn't even in season (NFL Live), and sports that are for some reason drawing interest across the nation (NASCAR Now), one is lucky to catch Baseball Tonight at a set time nowadays. Although most days you can catch BBTN from 10 to 11 ET, you RARELY see it on for more than 30 minutes once the clock turns midnight. And for someone who has been back on the west coast for the past two months, that can be frustrating.

The scheduling of BBTN is definitely a downer for the baseball fan, even if they aren't up during the later hours of the night where most of my complaining is towards. The most glaring problem the show has for me are the actual personalities you find on the screen on a nightly basis. Back when BBTN was at its peak, you would see the A team of Ravvy, Harold Reynolds, John Kruk, and Peter Gammons on a nightly basis providing entertainment and analysis. Obviously Harold Reynolds isn't around anymore thanks to the ESPN intern who couldn't handle sexual dialogue or at worst an ass clench, but the crew of Ravvy, Kruk, and Gammons would still be great to see every night.

For the most part, the BBTN viewer is stuck watching host Steve Berthiaume stumble through terrible Caddyshack impressions and constant references about how the Red Sox are called "The Nation". His overenthusiastic references come off way more as annoying than entertaining. But at least with Berthiaume, you know he is trying to be entertaining and not provide knowledge. That's what many analysts on the show fall far short on. Fernando Vina's incompetence in front of a camera leaves the viewer question if he's hit more home runs in his baseball career (40) or finished coherent sentences without stuttering or stopping. Those steroids didn't do enough I guess 'Nando. Analysts like Orestes Destrade and Eduardo Perez suffer from similar problems that show that they were born to play sports (even if not that successfully) over discuss them intelligently.

If Vina is the worst to pop up on the show, Eric Young definitely wins the award for the most annoying. Besides the voice that makes you think he inhaled a birthday party's worth of balloons before the telecast, his constant references of a home run heading towards "Souvenir City" can feel unbearable. As one of my friends pointed out to me recently, someone needs to tell EY that foul territory can be considered "Souvenir City". The only ex-player besides Kruk that actually knows what he seems to be talking about is Chris Singleton, who it seems made a smart move to quit baseball earlier than most and move onto a life behind camera.

As for the non-athletes you will find on the show, Steve Phillips is the one that is probably seen the most. Although he has his fair share of stupid comments, his presence on the show can be tolerable as long as Kruk is there to make fun of him. Buster Olney is the one guy from the "B/C" team that knows what he's talking about. He's like a young Peter Gammons and will probably be the next Peter Gammons once the legend is not around to grace us with his insight. But for now Olney is consistently stuck sitting at a table full of people not nearly as knowledgeable or entertaining.

For all the critiquing I've made about what Baseball Tonight has become to this date, I can't say it has stopped me from tuning in when I catch it on the tube (whether for 20 minutes or an hour). I guess just watching segments of EY and Eduardo Perez demonstrating to Steve Berthiaume the proper way to "pie" a player after a game makes me think of how much better the show used to be when I was younger. I think I speak for most when i say, "WE MISS YOU HAROLD REYNOLDS!!"