What up kiddies, I'm back. Sorry for the hiatus there, I was busy trying to not fail out of school and the whatnot w/ finals. I'm now done with my 2L year, kicking it in the ATX and doing some lawyering this summer. I know I missed a round, but I blame it on equal parts being holed up in the SMU library and sad sad depression after watching my Spurs just get rolled. So let's recap and do some new picks. I guess I'll start with my new picks.
Eastern Conference Finals:
#3 Orlando Magic vs #1 Cleveland Cavaliers
Pick: CLE in 5.
I wont lie, I kind of want to pick a sweep here but I think Dwight is good for at least one 28 and 26 game while either Hedo or Rafer or Lewis feels like dropping 25 to 30 mainly from way back. The problem is A) you cant stop LeBron right now. 23 is playing some of the most impressive ball I've seen in awhile. Not only that, but his supporting cast has stepped up big time so far. That and the Cavs have been an absolute juggernaut, 8-0 so far. I just dont see Orlando putting up enough of a fight here.
#2 Denver Nuggets vs #1 LA Lakers
Pick: LAL in 6
Yes, I was way way way wayyyyyy off with the Nuggets in round one. After a quick beat down of the Mavs people seem convinced that they are going to crush the Lakers. Sure the Lakers struggled with the Rockets, but it was a strange series. The 1st game without Yao hurt the Lakers as much as the Rockets because the Lakers had to switch to the much faster pace the Rockets were forced to play, and frankly were not ready for it. I think the game 7 performance is what should be focused on. Maybe I just want to try and redeem myself, maybe it's because I want to deny Bilas and Stephen A and all the ESPN folk at the draft who predicted that Melo v James would be the next Bird v Magic, which is just wrong. I think Kobe will play his team into the finals and that the Nuggets run finally comes to an end. This should be a fun one tho, and I expect very physical. I can't wait until the first time the Machine goes against Birdman (*bird hand sign* BRRRRRRRRR) as they will likely cause techs on the opposing side throughout the contest. Expect LA to establish their dominance in game 1 with a convincing victory
As always feel free to leave your predictions or thoughts down in the comments. Now, how did my 1st round predictions go?...umm..not great
Lakers v Jazz:
My pick: LAL in 4
Actual: LAL in 5
Not too shabby, this really wasnt a series like most people figured. A good start.
Nuggets v Hornets:
My pick: NO in 7
Actual: DEN in 5
And it begins to fall apart for me...yikes was I wrong about this Denver team. Right now they are probably playing the 2nd best ball behind the Cavs of the remaining team. They didn't just beat the Hornets, they absolutely stomped them. Who knew...not me.
Spurs v Mavs:
My pick: SAS in 6
Actual: Dallas in 5
I'm still not ready to talk about it. Maybe once the season is done, maybe after I see the draft, but not yet. In short: The Spurs are dead, long live the Spurs. It's been a hell of a decade...
Blazers v Rockets:
My pick: Blazers in 5
Actual: HOU in 6
Umm...yah, about that. Houston came out ready to play. I guess the Blazers really are still just the team of the future, the young bucks will have to wait.
Total games off in the West: 12. I'm terrible, I know. How about the East:
Cavs v Pistons:
My pick: Cavs in 4
Actual: Cavs in 4
YAYYYYYY I DID IT YAYYYYYYYY. Finally got a series on the button, if you can even call this a series. Talk about a team who got the proverbial nail in the coffin, the Pistons are going the way of their town. It's starting to look like Robocop's prediction of future Detroit may not have been too far off.
Celtics v Bulls:
My pick: Celts in 6
Actual: Celts in 7
There is nothing that I can say about this series that hasn't already been said. These games were some of the most fun I've had watching basketball in a long time. I'm not ready to proclaim it GREATEST SERIES EVAHHHH like some people, but it was definitely a barnburner. The lasting things I took away from this: 1) Ben Gordon is still infuriatingly inconsistent, 2) Joakim Noah is evil and should be destroyed before he and his undead brethren try to end us all, 3) Derrick Rose is a freak and will be a joy to watch in the next decade or so, 4) Ray Allen IS Jesus Shuttlesworth, 5) Nobody anywhere would be surprised if it ends up KG has killed a guy.
Magic v 76ers
My pick: Magic in 5
Actual: Magic in 6
Hawks v Heat
My pick: Hawks in 7
Actual: Hawks in 7
Another money pick by your boy. Both of these series had some fun moments but my inconsistent posting has left me with nothing to really say at this point.
Total games off in the East: 2
Now that is some delicious prognosticating right there kids. The WCF kicks off tomorrow with the ECF on Wednesday. Thoughts, cheers, boos, and predictions all welcome below. Enjoy the ball kids, I know I will.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
NBA Playoffs 1st Round Predictions
So after a long grueling season we've finally come to the playoffs. Thanks to league pass I've watched more basketball this year than I ever have and to tell you the truth, could not be more excited about this years playoffs. There are going to be some great battles on the road to the O'Brien trophy and I think fans everywhere are in for some treats.
Back at the beginning of the year I made some predictions here. My predicted order for the Western Conference was 1: LA 2:NO 3:HOU 4:SA 5:UTAH 6:PHX 7: POR 8: DEN. I said in that post that I thought either PHX or DAL would miss out on the playoffs this year, both were on the decline and I gave the nod to the Suns based on the Nash Amare combo. Well, Amare went down and the Suns are enjoying their vacations already. Ends up I was pretty far off, the real order being: 1: LA, 2: Den, 3: SA, 4:POR, 5: HOU, 6: Dallas, 7: NO, 8: Utah. But if you've read this blog for any amount of time you know that by now I'm VERY used to my predictions falling through, so let's get to the 1st round matchups shall we?
Western Conference round 1:
#1 Los Angeles Lakers (65-17) vs #8 Utah Jazz (48-34)
Prediction: Lakers in 4
This series will not be close. I mean it will be an absolute curb stomp. Even Jerry Sloan doesn't give his team a chance to win. With all of the great ball on, this is one series you can feel ok with just catching in the highlights just to see what Kobe does to take over.
#2 Denver Nuggets (54-28) vs #7 New Orleans Hornets (49-33)
Prediction: Hornets in 7
This series is worth watching just for the battle between Chris Paul and Deron Williams. You have the undisputed best PG in the league in Paul going against a fantastic player in Deron who I'd say is the 3rd best PG in the league (many argue 2, they are wrong, Tony has the rings, the experience, and the stats to back it, in a few years we'll talk). The Hornets had some problems coming down the stretch with Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic banged up. Chandler came back at the end and needs to be at full strength to bang w/ K Mart down low for the Hornets to have a chance. Yes the Nuggets have Melo and a walking dagger in Chauncey Billups, but I think in one of the best series in the first round, the Hornets will pull off the upset.
#3 San Antonio Spurs (54-28) vs #6 Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
Prediction: Spurs in 6
Obviously I can't be objective here. The Spurs and Mavs split the season series this year and know each other as well as 2 teams can in the NBA. These teams have given us some fantastic series in the last few years, the last time being 06 when Manu Ginobili broke my heart as I watched him absurdly foul Dirk at the AT&T Center for the and 1 that ended the Spurs season. Many people were ready to write the Spurs off once Manu went down. I think this was a poor decision, Manu only played in about half the games this year and really never contributed a ton. The most important matchup here wont be Tim vs Dirk, the turning point is going to be Tony Parker vs Jason Kidd. Kidd is a terrible defender and Tony has accepted the greater responsibility this year on the scoring end and will torch Kidd. As long as Pop is on the bench the Spurs will have the coaching advantage and have known for weeks that Manu will not be around. Write them off at your own peril, San Antonio isn't letting this run end without a fight.
#4 Portland Trail Blazers (54-28) vs #5 Houston Rockets (53-29)
Prediction: Blazers in 5
I could not have been happier to avoid the Blazers in the first round. Everyone looks at this team and talks about how in a few years they will be title contenders. What I want to know is why aren't more people scared of them now. Brandon Roy is an absolute beast, LaMarcus Aldridge might be my pick for the most underrated player in the game, and Greg Oden has grown during the year into a formidable inside presence. The Rockets on the other hand are without T-Mac(which in the playoffs may not be a bad thing) and Yao has had several injury problems throughout the year. I dont like this matchup for the Rockets and see the Blazers getting by fairly easily.
Eastern Conference:
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (66-16) vs #8 Detroit Pistons (39-43)
Prediction: Cavs in 4
Again, this will not be pretty. The Pistons are on the down swing and I'd put the over under on Sheed techs at 4 in this series. The only reason it is this low is I don't see this going past 4 games. The Pistons run is doneski kids.
#2 Boston Celtics (62-20) vs #7 Chicago Bulls (41-41)
Prediction: Celts in 6
With the revelation that KG may miss the playoffs, part of me wanted to pick the Bulls in 7 and for my analysis just say ANYTHING IS POSSSIBLEEEEEEEEEEEE. HOWEVAH, even w/o KG, the talent disparity between these 2 teams is still pretty large. The Bulls top weapon in rookie PG Derrick Rose is still a rookie. Not only that but Rondo has shon great improvement this year and will make Rose work on both ends. The Bulls cant answer Pierce but will steal a few in Chi-Town.
#3 Orlando Magic (59-23) vs #6 Philadelphia 76ers (41-41)
Prediction: Magic in 5
I've read many looking at this as a possible upset. I just don't see it. Yes the Magic haven't closed incredibly strong, but I just dont like this matchup for Phili. Orlando can hit from deep or pound away w/ Dwight Howard. This one won't be close.
#4 Atlanta Hawks (47-35) vs #5 Miami Heat (43-39)
Prediction: Hawks in 7
Here is the beauty of home court. The Hawks are absolute beasts in the ATL and Joe Johnson is about to show why more people should know his name. The Heat are going to give them a battle tho, you just cant count out Dwayne Wade who has returned with a vengeance this year. This is going to be an incredible series I think.
So there it is. Make your picks, applaud my style, or call me an idiot in the comments. Enjoy the playoffs kids, it's gonna be a blast.
Back at the beginning of the year I made some predictions here. My predicted order for the Western Conference was 1: LA 2:NO 3:HOU 4:SA 5:UTAH 6:PHX 7: POR 8: DEN. I said in that post that I thought either PHX or DAL would miss out on the playoffs this year, both were on the decline and I gave the nod to the Suns based on the Nash Amare combo. Well, Amare went down and the Suns are enjoying their vacations already. Ends up I was pretty far off, the real order being: 1: LA, 2: Den, 3: SA, 4:POR, 5: HOU, 6: Dallas, 7: NO, 8: Utah. But if you've read this blog for any amount of time you know that by now I'm VERY used to my predictions falling through, so let's get to the 1st round matchups shall we?
Western Conference round 1:
#1 Los Angeles Lakers (65-17) vs #8 Utah Jazz (48-34)
Prediction: Lakers in 4
This series will not be close. I mean it will be an absolute curb stomp. Even Jerry Sloan doesn't give his team a chance to win. With all of the great ball on, this is one series you can feel ok with just catching in the highlights just to see what Kobe does to take over.
#2 Denver Nuggets (54-28) vs #7 New Orleans Hornets (49-33)
Prediction: Hornets in 7
This series is worth watching just for the battle between Chris Paul and Deron Williams. You have the undisputed best PG in the league in Paul going against a fantastic player in Deron who I'd say is the 3rd best PG in the league (many argue 2, they are wrong, Tony has the rings, the experience, and the stats to back it, in a few years we'll talk). The Hornets had some problems coming down the stretch with Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic banged up. Chandler came back at the end and needs to be at full strength to bang w/ K Mart down low for the Hornets to have a chance. Yes the Nuggets have Melo and a walking dagger in Chauncey Billups, but I think in one of the best series in the first round, the Hornets will pull off the upset.
#3 San Antonio Spurs (54-28) vs #6 Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
Prediction: Spurs in 6
Obviously I can't be objective here. The Spurs and Mavs split the season series this year and know each other as well as 2 teams can in the NBA. These teams have given us some fantastic series in the last few years, the last time being 06 when Manu Ginobili broke my heart as I watched him absurdly foul Dirk at the AT&T Center for the and 1 that ended the Spurs season. Many people were ready to write the Spurs off once Manu went down. I think this was a poor decision, Manu only played in about half the games this year and really never contributed a ton. The most important matchup here wont be Tim vs Dirk, the turning point is going to be Tony Parker vs Jason Kidd. Kidd is a terrible defender and Tony has accepted the greater responsibility this year on the scoring end and will torch Kidd. As long as Pop is on the bench the Spurs will have the coaching advantage and have known for weeks that Manu will not be around. Write them off at your own peril, San Antonio isn't letting this run end without a fight.
#4 Portland Trail Blazers (54-28) vs #5 Houston Rockets (53-29)
Prediction: Blazers in 5
I could not have been happier to avoid the Blazers in the first round. Everyone looks at this team and talks about how in a few years they will be title contenders. What I want to know is why aren't more people scared of them now. Brandon Roy is an absolute beast, LaMarcus Aldridge might be my pick for the most underrated player in the game, and Greg Oden has grown during the year into a formidable inside presence. The Rockets on the other hand are without T-Mac(which in the playoffs may not be a bad thing) and Yao has had several injury problems throughout the year. I dont like this matchup for the Rockets and see the Blazers getting by fairly easily.
Eastern Conference:
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (66-16) vs #8 Detroit Pistons (39-43)
Prediction: Cavs in 4
Again, this will not be pretty. The Pistons are on the down swing and I'd put the over under on Sheed techs at 4 in this series. The only reason it is this low is I don't see this going past 4 games. The Pistons run is doneski kids.
#2 Boston Celtics (62-20) vs #7 Chicago Bulls (41-41)
Prediction: Celts in 6
With the revelation that KG may miss the playoffs, part of me wanted to pick the Bulls in 7 and for my analysis just say ANYTHING IS POSSSIBLEEEEEEEEEEEE. HOWEVAH, even w/o KG, the talent disparity between these 2 teams is still pretty large. The Bulls top weapon in rookie PG Derrick Rose is still a rookie. Not only that but Rondo has shon great improvement this year and will make Rose work on both ends. The Bulls cant answer Pierce but will steal a few in Chi-Town.
#3 Orlando Magic (59-23) vs #6 Philadelphia 76ers (41-41)
Prediction: Magic in 5
I've read many looking at this as a possible upset. I just don't see it. Yes the Magic haven't closed incredibly strong, but I just dont like this matchup for Phili. Orlando can hit from deep or pound away w/ Dwight Howard. This one won't be close.
#4 Atlanta Hawks (47-35) vs #5 Miami Heat (43-39)
Prediction: Hawks in 7
Here is the beauty of home court. The Hawks are absolute beasts in the ATL and Joe Johnson is about to show why more people should know his name. The Heat are going to give them a battle tho, you just cant count out Dwayne Wade who has returned with a vengeance this year. This is going to be an incredible series I think.
So there it is. Make your picks, applaud my style, or call me an idiot in the comments. Enjoy the playoffs kids, it's gonna be a blast.
Monday, April 6, 2009
MLB Opening Day
Baseball is back ladies and gentlemen. While my love of the game may have fallen below that of football and basketball at times in the last few years, baseball is still the game of my youth. Most of you that know me know that I grew up with the game, playing from age 5 through high school (switch hitting 3rd baseman with a penchant for being due up with 2 on and 2 out). I spent my summers growing up traveling around the country with my mom and eventually one of my younger sisters trying to hit every MLB ballpark. We still have about a quarter left to hit thanks to recent openings and out of the way destinations. As will become easily apparent throughout the season I'm a huge Atlanta Braves fan. I've caught a lot of flack for it since I grew up in Austin, most say I should have gone with the Stros or Rangers. But hey, I got more Braves games on tv thanks to the old TBS deal than Astros and Rangers combined, and they were my t-ball team, I thought we were the same team. Either way, theres no doubt that one of my favorite all time sports memories was Sid Bream rounding 3rd to beat the Pirates and forcing Barry Bonds down the dark path of steroid abuse since his arm was too weak to gun him down. Now that all of that is out of the way, let's get to some random predictions, shall we?
AL West:
This one is a no doubter in my mind, and has been for the last few years. Since Oakland has perfected their fire sale mentality, the Angels have had this sucker on lockdown. The Rangers will score tons of runs but give up almost double, and the Mariners, well theyve got Ichiro and King Felix, that's about it tho. Angels should take this running away.
AL Central:
This one should provide a good battle with most of the teams having a shot at the crown. I'm going with Cleveland this year. I think Grady Sizemore is going to really blow up this year and with Lee and Carmona they've got a solid rotation going. Minnesota doesn't have the firepower and the White Sox are too unpredictable and inconsistent, especially with Guillen at the helm.
AL East:
This one is always a battle, but now after last years surprise people are considering it a 3 team race. The Rays made a surprise run and have a fun young team that deserve better than the 45 people on average that will show up for regular season games. HOWEVAH, I don't see them making a similar run this year. I think ESPN will get their wish with Boston and NY fighting down to the wire for the crown w/ both still making it. I'm going to give the Yankees the nod for the division this year after adding Teixiera and Sabathia to an already absurd team but Boston wont be far behind, taking the Wild Card.
PLAYOFFS:
That being said, I think Boston is setup the best in the playoffs. With a stacked lineup, arguably the best closer in the game, and a starting rotation for the playoffs that will include Becket, DiceK, my man Smoltz, and throw in Wakefield's Knuckler...you've got a tough tough team. I'm thinking Boston over Cleveland in the ALCS
AWARDS:
MVP: Grady Sizemore, Cleveland
Like I said, I think this is the year that Grady really breaks through and reaches the upper eschelon's of the game. This kid can do it all and I expect to see him put it together this year.
Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle
There are a lot of possibilities for this award, Sabthia, Lee, Liriano in a comeback, but for some reason I'm thinking we will get a diamond in the rough situation with King Felix in Seattle. He's gonna be hungry this year and expect a 20 win year performance out of him. While he will do his part, it will come down whether or not he gets the help he needs around him.
ROTY: Elvis Andrus, Texas
This award is always a crapshoot since we are dealing with relative unknowns. Andrus is legit however as the Rangers see enough in the kid to force Michael Young, a 5 time all star and all star MVP mind you, to move positions.
Now we go back to the more civilized world of the NL where the game isn't tainted by the abhorrent designated hitter.
NL West:
I think we are going to get another 2 team race here this year between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. While Arizona has some great arms I think the Dodgers have too much power to be caught and see them winning the division fairly handily.
NL Central:
This division should be a fun one to watch this year. Most of the action will be between the Cubs and Cardinals again, but the Astros and Brewers could both put up a fight. This one is going to go down to the wire I think. While Pujols is always a threat, I think the Cubs have better pitching w/ Zambrano and Dempster and will sneak by in one of the closer division races.
NL East:
Finally we get to what I think will be the best battle of the year. This should be another 3 team race with 2 making the postseason. Between the World F****** Champs (© Chase Utley), the recently Choke happy Mets, and of course the Braves, this will go down to the wire. You've got several Cy and MVP candidates here in the East in what will make for several entertaining matchups. While I am pumped about the Braves and expect big things, I dont think they will get the division crown this year. HOWEVAH, I expect them to sneak in as the wild card team, right behind the Mets. Before you accuse me of being a homer (not unfairly) I think the Braves are going to have a fantastic starting rotation this year. If you didn't see last night's performance, Derek Lowe absolutely tore through the Phillies lineup, giving up only 2 hits and 0 runs in 8 innings. Javier Vazquez is a work horse and Jair Jurrjens is an ace in the making. Add in Kawakami, a Japanese import with fantastic control, Tim Hudson when he gets healthy, and Tommy Hanson soon enough, one of the best pitching prospects in the game, and you've got one of the best starting rotations in the league. While there isn't a sure fire power guy, the lineup is full of guys that can hit homeruns and should do enough to get wins. I think this year finally end the Mets choking habits as the Phils see a little bit of a slip from last year. Their pitching was lights out and you obviously count out a team w/ both Utley and J-Roll, but I think this will be a case of resting on their laurels. Meanwhile you've got names like Santana, Reyes, Beltran, and Wright that will carry the Mets all year.
PLAYOFFS:
While the Braves will make it back to the playoffs this year, I think it will come down to matchups. If they get LAD I think they lose, if they get the Cubs I think they win. I think it will come down to the Dodgers and Mets in the NLCS and go 7 games. Right now, I'm giving the Mets the nod because I think the K-Rod signing will end up being the most important of this years offseason.
AWARDS:
MVP: Albert Pujols
Again there are tons of guys that can put up big #s, Howard, Han Ram, and Beltran will all be up there, but I'm expecting a big year out of Big Al.
Cy Young: Roy Oswalt
Again, plenty of great pitchers in the league, so why give it to Roy-O? 2 words kids: contract year. Oswalt is ready to get paid and get out from under a team that has refused to give him run support for years. Expect Oswalt to rebound from a less than stellar WBC and add to the 0's at the end of his next deal.
ROTY: Jordan Schafer
Ok, this is me being flagrantly homerrific, but this kid is a stud. Yes he had a setback when he got popped for HGH a few years back. That aside, Jordan is a fantastic young player with tons of talent both on offense and defense. Not only that, but he became the 99th player to start his career with a Home Run in his 1st At Bat. Not a bad start for what I expect to be a productive year.
WORLD SERIES:
So I've got it down to the Sox and Mets in the World Series. While it pains me to predict a ring for a town that clearly doesn't need another right now, Buckner isn't at first and Mookie isn't coming to the plate any time soon. Boston is built for the postseason this year I think. Plus, the Mets do love to choke.
So there you go, there's one set of predictions from someone clearly unqualified to give them. Let me know your thoughts down in the comments. Play Ball.
AL West:
This one is a no doubter in my mind, and has been for the last few years. Since Oakland has perfected their fire sale mentality, the Angels have had this sucker on lockdown. The Rangers will score tons of runs but give up almost double, and the Mariners, well theyve got Ichiro and King Felix, that's about it tho. Angels should take this running away.
AL Central:
This one should provide a good battle with most of the teams having a shot at the crown. I'm going with Cleveland this year. I think Grady Sizemore is going to really blow up this year and with Lee and Carmona they've got a solid rotation going. Minnesota doesn't have the firepower and the White Sox are too unpredictable and inconsistent, especially with Guillen at the helm.
AL East:
This one is always a battle, but now after last years surprise people are considering it a 3 team race. The Rays made a surprise run and have a fun young team that deserve better than the 45 people on average that will show up for regular season games. HOWEVAH, I don't see them making a similar run this year. I think ESPN will get their wish with Boston and NY fighting down to the wire for the crown w/ both still making it. I'm going to give the Yankees the nod for the division this year after adding Teixiera and Sabathia to an already absurd team but Boston wont be far behind, taking the Wild Card.
PLAYOFFS:
That being said, I think Boston is setup the best in the playoffs. With a stacked lineup, arguably the best closer in the game, and a starting rotation for the playoffs that will include Becket, DiceK, my man Smoltz, and throw in Wakefield's Knuckler...you've got a tough tough team. I'm thinking Boston over Cleveland in the ALCS
AWARDS:
MVP: Grady Sizemore, Cleveland
Like I said, I think this is the year that Grady really breaks through and reaches the upper eschelon's of the game. This kid can do it all and I expect to see him put it together this year.
Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle
There are a lot of possibilities for this award, Sabthia, Lee, Liriano in a comeback, but for some reason I'm thinking we will get a diamond in the rough situation with King Felix in Seattle. He's gonna be hungry this year and expect a 20 win year performance out of him. While he will do his part, it will come down whether or not he gets the help he needs around him.
ROTY: Elvis Andrus, Texas
This award is always a crapshoot since we are dealing with relative unknowns. Andrus is legit however as the Rangers see enough in the kid to force Michael Young, a 5 time all star and all star MVP mind you, to move positions.
Now we go back to the more civilized world of the NL where the game isn't tainted by the abhorrent designated hitter.
NL West:
I think we are going to get another 2 team race here this year between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. While Arizona has some great arms I think the Dodgers have too much power to be caught and see them winning the division fairly handily.
NL Central:
This division should be a fun one to watch this year. Most of the action will be between the Cubs and Cardinals again, but the Astros and Brewers could both put up a fight. This one is going to go down to the wire I think. While Pujols is always a threat, I think the Cubs have better pitching w/ Zambrano and Dempster and will sneak by in one of the closer division races.
NL East:
Finally we get to what I think will be the best battle of the year. This should be another 3 team race with 2 making the postseason. Between the World F****** Champs (© Chase Utley), the recently Choke happy Mets, and of course the Braves, this will go down to the wire. You've got several Cy and MVP candidates here in the East in what will make for several entertaining matchups. While I am pumped about the Braves and expect big things, I dont think they will get the division crown this year. HOWEVAH, I expect them to sneak in as the wild card team, right behind the Mets. Before you accuse me of being a homer (not unfairly) I think the Braves are going to have a fantastic starting rotation this year. If you didn't see last night's performance, Derek Lowe absolutely tore through the Phillies lineup, giving up only 2 hits and 0 runs in 8 innings. Javier Vazquez is a work horse and Jair Jurrjens is an ace in the making. Add in Kawakami, a Japanese import with fantastic control, Tim Hudson when he gets healthy, and Tommy Hanson soon enough, one of the best pitching prospects in the game, and you've got one of the best starting rotations in the league. While there isn't a sure fire power guy, the lineup is full of guys that can hit homeruns and should do enough to get wins. I think this year finally end the Mets choking habits as the Phils see a little bit of a slip from last year. Their pitching was lights out and you obviously count out a team w/ both Utley and J-Roll, but I think this will be a case of resting on their laurels. Meanwhile you've got names like Santana, Reyes, Beltran, and Wright that will carry the Mets all year.
PLAYOFFS:
While the Braves will make it back to the playoffs this year, I think it will come down to matchups. If they get LAD I think they lose, if they get the Cubs I think they win. I think it will come down to the Dodgers and Mets in the NLCS and go 7 games. Right now, I'm giving the Mets the nod because I think the K-Rod signing will end up being the most important of this years offseason.
AWARDS:
MVP: Albert Pujols
Again there are tons of guys that can put up big #s, Howard, Han Ram, and Beltran will all be up there, but I'm expecting a big year out of Big Al.
Cy Young: Roy Oswalt
Again, plenty of great pitchers in the league, so why give it to Roy-O? 2 words kids: contract year. Oswalt is ready to get paid and get out from under a team that has refused to give him run support for years. Expect Oswalt to rebound from a less than stellar WBC and add to the 0's at the end of his next deal.
ROTY: Jordan Schafer
Ok, this is me being flagrantly homerrific, but this kid is a stud. Yes he had a setback when he got popped for HGH a few years back. That aside, Jordan is a fantastic young player with tons of talent both on offense and defense. Not only that, but he became the 99th player to start his career with a Home Run in his 1st At Bat. Not a bad start for what I expect to be a productive year.
WORLD SERIES:
So I've got it down to the Sox and Mets in the World Series. While it pains me to predict a ring for a town that clearly doesn't need another right now, Buckner isn't at first and Mookie isn't coming to the plate any time soon. Boston is built for the postseason this year I think. Plus, the Mets do love to choke.
So there you go, there's one set of predictions from someone clearly unqualified to give them. Let me know your thoughts down in the comments. Play Ball.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Bulletpoint madness: Random Tourney Thoughts
Well the 1st 2 rounds of the NCAA are in the books kids, the immortal question of "How's your bracket holding up?" is floating around everywhere, bubbles have burst, chalk has well...chalked, and moments are starting to shine. After watching as much ball as I could over the weekend there is really only one way to get it all out there. That's right kids, Bulletpoint me:
- Obligatory bracket recap: I have 11 of the Sweet 16 remaining with all of my elite 8s. I admittedly got cute this year due to my "important for reasons that have nothing to do with money RICO enforcing internet robots" brackets having bonuses for upset picks. These of course led me to picking several upsets I shouldn't have.
- Blake Griffin is really good. You know you are good when people start trying to murder you in the middle of a game.
Good effort Morgan St, sadly he still dropped 28 and 13 on you. This then was followed up with a 33 and 17 game against Michigan. While I understand some people questioning his ability to be a great NBA player, I'd certainly prefer him to say an Andrea Bargniani at the top of the draft board. - Pittsburgh, as my championship pick, is scaring the absolute Bejeezus out of me. While they ended up beating 16 seed E. Tennessee St 72-62, the game was MUCH closer than the score lets on. Their 2nd round 84-76 win over Okie St wasn't much more impressive. Sam Young has been in beast mode, but PG Levance Fields has been sloppy and scared to shoot. Dejuan Blair (co-POTY in the Big East mind you) needs to step it up (only 10pts 12 boards against OSU) if Pitt wants to stay alive.
- Probably the most fun I had watching a game during the 1st round, not saying it was the best mind you, had to be the #2Memphis vs #15 Cal St Northridge game. Again, the final score of 81-70 doesn't do this game justice. This was a four point game with 2:30 left. It also led to one of my favorite "sports as a social aspect" moments possible. I watched the 1st day's games at a sports bar here in Dallas called Frankie's. First off, I have to give them props for having one of, if not the best sports bar set up I've ever seen. But with about 10 minutes left, even with several other games on, everyone in the bar started to take notice of the Memphis CSN game. Because it was the 1st round and we haven't seen a 15 over a 2 since 2001, you could feel a buzz going thru the joint as everyone started to get behind the Matadors. I turned to my buddy when they were down 4 w/ 2:30 left and was concerned because we've all seen this before. The low seed team is still in the game but psyches themselves out and starts chucking ill-advised shots thinking it's their only chance. Sadly that's exactly what happened. While the outcome failed, CSN gave us a hell of a ride. It also brought back the random fun groupthink of everyone in the bar, all with their own allegiances, randomly getting behind a team that most probably didn't know a thing about.
- While Pitt and Memphis got a run from their 1st round no shot seeds, UConn and UNC decided to just blow them out of the water with no remorse. UConn beat the Mighty Mocs of Chattanooga 103-47 in what became a violent dunk show. The thing is, you can't really fault UConn. They had their walk ons in early and found themselves wide open under the basket with no D to be found. They really had no choice but to dunk. These kids barely got a chance to play in the regular season, can't really fault them for wanting to get a lil production out of some rare burn on the biggest stage they'll ever see. UNC, w/o Ty Lawson mind you, handed a 101-58 whooping to Radford. That is how you take care of a 1st round game kids.
- Probably the best 1st round game in my opinion was the UCLA VCU tilt. Eric Maynor, God bless him, is a hell of a player. Sadly his final effort was abraisive. He had 21 pts, 6 boards and 7 dimes, but the shot at the buzzer was ugly. Sadly UCLA had it drawn up perfectly. Here's a short highlight that really doesn't do the end justice.
Great game, sadly VCU couldn't give me one of the upsets I needed. - Speaking of upsets I needed, I'm never trusting the state of Utah for anything ever again. 0 for 3 Utah?? Seriously?? Including to a team that most say shouldn't have gotten in(Arizona) and the one upset I truly wanted more than any (Marquette sans Dominic James). I hate you Utah, you are a terrible useless state with nothing going for you.
- A lot of people complained about not liking the 1st round because there were not enough upsets, etc. While sure, everybody loves upsets, the 2nd round provided some fantastic games. I have a hard time believing this is the OMG WORST TOURNEY EVAHHHH!!!!11!!
- Oh Western Kentucky, my hope for this years random low seed sailing through. You have a lovable red mascot and a penchant for upsets. You had #4 Gonzaga on the ropes in what was one of the best finishes so far. While you broke my heart and hurt my pride, it was a hell of an effort and I give you my respect. Here's the last few ticks if you haven't seen it (If you haven't you should be able to check out at least more indepth highlights on cbssports.com, do it now).
- Also in great finishes was Marquette-Missouri. This game made me much much much happier for many reasons. I hate Marquette. Most of my hatred is due to 2 men, ex-coach Tom Crean (now busy ruining IU basketball) and Dominic James. I've never seen a more classless player in person. When he played against ND he would talk trash, whine for things that even a homer couldn't give him, got into it with fans and tried to hit a player. Well Mr. James has been out since Feb and decided to try and make his triumphant return. His line: 0 pts, 1 reb, 1 assist, 3 fouls...good effort. However, my favorite has to be the way they lost. Let's look shall we:
Even Chris Webber thinks you blew it Lazar. While your name is awesome you should be thanking the fates that this game was a 2nd rounder and not further up in the tourney. Otherwise your decision to turn the ball over in one of the stupidest ways possible would be an "agony of defeat" type clip for all time. - Going forward, since it still exists for now, I've got MSU over UL in the Midwest, UConn over Missou in the West, Pitt over Nova in the East, and OU over UNC in the South. For the Final Four I've got UConn and Pitt moving on with Pitt taking it all. Yes I'm terrified
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tony Parker is a destroyer of worlds
So my last post was admittedly written with fear of what this week and next would hold for the Spurs. Anytime you lose the best PF of all time things are going to be a lil scary, especially when Manu is already on the shelf. Playing back to back games against the Mavericks and Blazers I'd be lying if I said I 100% expected us to win both. Dropping one wouldn't have surprised me, or even worried me. Little did I know that Tony Parker was going to go supernova the last two days, propelling the Spurs to back to back double digit beatdowns. Just for posterity, here are his lines:
Tues vs Dal: 37 minutes, 37 pts, 12 ast, 5 reb
Wed vs Por: 35 minutes, 39 pts, 9 ast, 5 reb, 1 Whoa Boy
Tony was the leading scorer for both games on either team. Both Matt Bonner and Michael Finley stepped up their games, each getting double digits in the two contests. Kurt Thomas came up big against the Mavs with 10 pts and 15 boards.
Tony isn't just putting up sick #s. His efficiency has been one of the most impressive things. Even without the other big 2, the Spurs got double digit wins against playoff teams. The best part is, Tony didn't have to break 40 minutes in either contest. The fact that Pop isn't being forced to lean unduly on his last healthy star is a huge boost. Not only for this year, but for the future as well. We all know that Tim is near the twilight of his career. Like I said, he is arguably the greatest PF of all time, he was instrumental in making the Spurs franchise what it is today, but he cant go forever. Manu meanwhile has been playing year round for a long time and while he technically may only be 31, his odometer reads more like a 36 year olds. Between international competition and the reckless abandon that makes him the player that he is, Manu has taken a beating and will likely see a decline in his play soon.
Tony however is only 26 years old. He will be the building block for the future of the team. With tools like George Hill, and RMJ already on the squad, and the Austin kids like Malik Harriston, Pops Mensah-Bonsu (clearly Pop reads the blog as he was signed mere hours after I floated the idea) and the immortal fountain of hope for Spurs fans Ian Mahinmi, the team does not have to go the way of the Dodo when Tim decides to hang 'em up. Tony has shown his ability to lead and play without his triomates (just roll with it). Maybe his moving out of his rookie house into a huge complex with his wife is a glowing metaphor for his growing into his own star. At 26 he already has 3 NBA titles and an NBA MVP on his wikipedia page. He could retire today with a career many players only dream of. But at 26, Tony is just now hitting his stride and showing that he is ready to lead. Sure everybody says look at the Lakers future with Kobe and Bynum, or the Blazers wealth of potential, and who could blame them. I'm just saying the day Tim steps up to the press conference to announce his retirement, don't everyone pick up the chisel to put that day on the tombstone for the Spurs just yet.
Tues vs Dal: 37 minutes, 37 pts, 12 ast, 5 reb
Wed vs Por: 35 minutes, 39 pts, 9 ast, 5 reb, 1 Whoa Boy
Tony was the leading scorer for both games on either team. Both Matt Bonner and Michael Finley stepped up their games, each getting double digits in the two contests. Kurt Thomas came up big against the Mavs with 10 pts and 15 boards.
Tony isn't just putting up sick #s. His efficiency has been one of the most impressive things. Even without the other big 2, the Spurs got double digit wins against playoff teams. The best part is, Tony didn't have to break 40 minutes in either contest. The fact that Pop isn't being forced to lean unduly on his last healthy star is a huge boost. Not only for this year, but for the future as well. We all know that Tim is near the twilight of his career. Like I said, he is arguably the greatest PF of all time, he was instrumental in making the Spurs franchise what it is today, but he cant go forever. Manu meanwhile has been playing year round for a long time and while he technically may only be 31, his odometer reads more like a 36 year olds. Between international competition and the reckless abandon that makes him the player that he is, Manu has taken a beating and will likely see a decline in his play soon.
Tony however is only 26 years old. He will be the building block for the future of the team. With tools like George Hill, and RMJ already on the squad, and the Austin kids like Malik Harriston, Pops Mensah-Bonsu (clearly Pop reads the blog as he was signed mere hours after I floated the idea) and the immortal fountain of hope for Spurs fans Ian Mahinmi, the team does not have to go the way of the Dodo when Tim decides to hang 'em up. Tony has shown his ability to lead and play without his triomates (just roll with it). Maybe his moving out of his rookie house into a huge complex with his wife is a glowing metaphor for his growing into his own star. At 26 he already has 3 NBA titles and an NBA MVP on his wikipedia page. He could retire today with a career many players only dream of. But at 26, Tony is just now hitting his stride and showing that he is ready to lead. Sure everybody says look at the Lakers future with Kobe and Bynum, or the Blazers wealth of potential, and who could blame them. I'm just saying the day Tim steps up to the press conference to announce his retirement, don't everyone pick up the chisel to put that day on the tombstone for the Spurs just yet.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Gut Check for the Spurs
In a cruel twist of fate the Spurs come off the infamous Rodeo Road Trip into a very violent next two weeks. This includes two brutal back to backs, Finals contenders, and a horribly timed lack of Manu Ginobili. Don't get me wrong, Manu's health come playoff time is paramount, and Pop's insistence on the regular season as being something which must be survived, not conquered, has obviously proved well in the past. Still, looking at these next two weeks you can see why I wish #20 was suiting up.
This week: Tues: vs DAL, Wed: vs POR, Fri, vs CLE.
That's a pretty rowdy set for the week, including a nasty back to back with a resurgent Mavs team and the ever dangerous young Trailblazers (who of course just beat the Spurs in the BDL 2 on 2 Tourney) only to end with King James who would probably like a little revenge for the finals sweep. The Cavs have often had the Spurs # in the regular season as well. All things considered, I'd be hoping to go 2-1 here. I'm thinking Dallas is a very winnable game, and hopefully the Spurs can take one of the others. Granted I'd feel much better about the Blazers game if it wasnt the day after the Mavs game. The Cavs game is a toss up in my mind. Mo Williams and Z are both back and playing well, but can be neutralized. The question is whether or not LeBron goes into "alien cyborg from the future" mode and takes over the game, or if he feels like being "nonchalant, settle for jumper, not really caring" mode. While I'm hoping for the latter, and expect the Spurs D to try and force him into jumpers as they always seem to prefer, when LBJ feels like taking over very little can be done to stop him.
So there's this week. Surely next week will be a little easier right? Nope, it only get's worse:
Next week: Sun: @POR, Mon:@LAL, Wed: @DAL, Fri: vs WAS. Lordy Lordy Lordy, who did Pop and RC piss off to get these two weeks. If I'm going to put on my "objective" prediction cap, it looks like this. I think the Spurs can beat Portland again. At least they have a day off after the Cavs game, likely travelling up to POR on friday night post game leaving Saturday for a calm shootaround but mainly some rest. I dont see the Spurs beating the Lakers the next day with this schedule. This is not to say I don't think the Spurs can beat the Lakers. There is no doubt that the Lakers are having a better year, but the Spurs have already beaten them this year. However, this reeks of a game where the Spurs get down 11 or 12 early in the 4th and Pop packs it up, throws the young kids out for good minutes and takes the L. Nothing is more infuriating as a fan than when Pop does this, but with an older team and loftier goals, it really does make sense. Next, normally I'd say beating the Mavs twice in 2 weeks, now on their floor, would be tough. HOWEVAHHHHH, I will be in attendance in the AAC, meaning clearly the Spurs are winning as they wouldn't want me to have to cry myself to sleep. Finally the Spurs have a very winnable game against the Wizards to end the week. While they should beat them by oh, 25, I would not be surprised for a second if the Spurs dropped this one. What can I say? The Spurs have a habit of dropping games like this one that should be easy to get.
These next two weeks will be very important for the Spurs. While it is easy enough to say "Hey, 2nd place in the West, what's the worst that can happen?" the West is a strange beast this year. Yah, the Spurs sit in 2nd place, a rowdy 8 games back of the Lakers. But right now, just for kicks, the 6,7, and 8th place teams (a murderer's row of the Hornets, Mavs, and Jazz mind you) are all tied....at 12.5 games out, meaning 4.5 games back of San Antonio. Their record you ask, surely it's a game or 2 over .500 right? Try 11 games over .500. Even the Suns who sit in 9th have a record of 31-24. A bad two weeks doesn't just risk you dropping from 2nd to 3rd, ostensibly the Spurs could drop all the way to 8th!! Like I said earlier, Pop has shown he doesn't really care about being the #1 seed, the regular season is an 82 game grind that just needs to be slogged through en route to the month and a half to 2 months of the playoffs.
However, these next few weeks are important for several reasons. 1) There is the obvious threat of dropping deep down the Western Conference standings, 2) With Manu out, someone has to step up. Last week Matt Bonner decided to embrace his destiny and become the Gingery ball of 3 point doom that he is. Be it Bonner, RMJ (Dagger), or even one of the young guns, George Hill or Malik Harriston (who has been great in his limited time as a call up from the Toros), somebody needs to help Tim and Tony. 3) Finally find an answer to whether a move needs to be made to add some front court help. Bonner is nice offensively, but isnt exactly a banger down low. Fabricio Oberto has dealt w/ injuries all year and Kurt Thomas has mostly been a no show. My hope was that the Spurs would make a move before the trade deadline. My favorite rumor involved Marcus Camby. The thought of Camby and Duncan in the same lane on the same team is a dream come true. Sadly it never came to pass. Mikki Moore is still a free agent, but reports on a few sites and Twitter folk who have been reliable are saying he's off to Boston. This leaves two main options I can think of. First is that the Spurs sign Robert Horry again. Horry's name has popped up several times this year, altho not much lately for the Spurs. The most recent news I've heard regarding Big Shot is that the Cavs were actually thinking of signing Will Smith's doppleganger after their trade deadline moves failed to materialize. You will be hard pressed to find someone who loves Horry more than me, but I dont think it would be a good signing. The best thing Horry does is forces at least one defender out on him during late game inbounds. Horry is probably the most notable dagger-bringer of the last 20 years, having ripped the hearts out of team after team after team. But, at almost 39 years old, one has to wonder if he has been training since he last played and if he could still really contribute, or if he would just be taking up minutes. Don't think for a second I wouldn't love the signing if it happened, Horry has 7 rings, a wealth of experience, and tell me if you were opposing him if he got the ball w/ under 5 seconds you would even bother watching the shot. But at that age it's questionable, and plus, my favorite basketball streak eventually broke. That streak of course being that the NBA Champs had either Horry or another personal favorite, Steve Kerr, on the roster.
So if Big Shot is not the big answer, who is? Well, Malik Harriston has played well in his stint from the NBDL, so I think looking to the Toros is a good plan. 48 Minutes of Hell, a great only Spurs blog, had a great post about my main goal for the Spurs to sign: Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Their workup gives you all the details you need so I will leave it at this. Pops has been absolutely dominating the D-League. We are talking straight up man amongst boys style. The Spurs NEED to call this kid up. First off, he's a great fit in an area the Spurs need help. More importanly, if we don't somebody else will get him, and the Spurs can't afford to let this kid get away.
The next two weeks will be very interesting for the Spurs. While admittedly nervous, if the Spurs can go 4-3 or better over the next two weeks it will be a great victory. All I can say at this point is Go Spurs Go!
One last note, at the bottom you will see I added a new toy. While I've used it for over a year, I finally decided to sign up for Ballhype. It's a good site for sports blog perusing purposes, and I'm hoping to get a lil more exposure by adding my posts onto it. After several tries and help from a nice lady named Emily I finally got that shiny button aded on at the bottom. If you like what you read, do me a favor, click the button, and then I think click the up arrow on the new page. If not, that's fair...but you've hurt my feelings. As always I love hearing your thoughts so let me hear em. Gooooodnight now
This week: Tues: vs DAL, Wed: vs POR, Fri, vs CLE.
That's a pretty rowdy set for the week, including a nasty back to back with a resurgent Mavs team and the ever dangerous young Trailblazers (who of course just beat the Spurs in the BDL 2 on 2 Tourney) only to end with King James who would probably like a little revenge for the finals sweep. The Cavs have often had the Spurs # in the regular season as well. All things considered, I'd be hoping to go 2-1 here. I'm thinking Dallas is a very winnable game, and hopefully the Spurs can take one of the others. Granted I'd feel much better about the Blazers game if it wasnt the day after the Mavs game. The Cavs game is a toss up in my mind. Mo Williams and Z are both back and playing well, but can be neutralized. The question is whether or not LeBron goes into "alien cyborg from the future" mode and takes over the game, or if he feels like being "nonchalant, settle for jumper, not really caring" mode. While I'm hoping for the latter, and expect the Spurs D to try and force him into jumpers as they always seem to prefer, when LBJ feels like taking over very little can be done to stop him.
So there's this week. Surely next week will be a little easier right? Nope, it only get's worse:
Next week: Sun: @POR, Mon:@LAL, Wed: @DAL, Fri: vs WAS. Lordy Lordy Lordy, who did Pop and RC piss off to get these two weeks. If I'm going to put on my "objective" prediction cap, it looks like this. I think the Spurs can beat Portland again. At least they have a day off after the Cavs game, likely travelling up to POR on friday night post game leaving Saturday for a calm shootaround but mainly some rest. I dont see the Spurs beating the Lakers the next day with this schedule. This is not to say I don't think the Spurs can beat the Lakers. There is no doubt that the Lakers are having a better year, but the Spurs have already beaten them this year. However, this reeks of a game where the Spurs get down 11 or 12 early in the 4th and Pop packs it up, throws the young kids out for good minutes and takes the L. Nothing is more infuriating as a fan than when Pop does this, but with an older team and loftier goals, it really does make sense. Next, normally I'd say beating the Mavs twice in 2 weeks, now on their floor, would be tough. HOWEVAHHHHH, I will be in attendance in the AAC, meaning clearly the Spurs are winning as they wouldn't want me to have to cry myself to sleep. Finally the Spurs have a very winnable game against the Wizards to end the week. While they should beat them by oh, 25, I would not be surprised for a second if the Spurs dropped this one. What can I say? The Spurs have a habit of dropping games like this one that should be easy to get.
These next two weeks will be very important for the Spurs. While it is easy enough to say "Hey, 2nd place in the West, what's the worst that can happen?" the West is a strange beast this year. Yah, the Spurs sit in 2nd place, a rowdy 8 games back of the Lakers. But right now, just for kicks, the 6,7, and 8th place teams (a murderer's row of the Hornets, Mavs, and Jazz mind you) are all tied....at 12.5 games out, meaning 4.5 games back of San Antonio. Their record you ask, surely it's a game or 2 over .500 right? Try 11 games over .500. Even the Suns who sit in 9th have a record of 31-24. A bad two weeks doesn't just risk you dropping from 2nd to 3rd, ostensibly the Spurs could drop all the way to 8th!! Like I said earlier, Pop has shown he doesn't really care about being the #1 seed, the regular season is an 82 game grind that just needs to be slogged through en route to the month and a half to 2 months of the playoffs.
However, these next few weeks are important for several reasons. 1) There is the obvious threat of dropping deep down the Western Conference standings, 2) With Manu out, someone has to step up. Last week Matt Bonner decided to embrace his destiny and become the Gingery ball of 3 point doom that he is. Be it Bonner, RMJ (Dagger), or even one of the young guns, George Hill or Malik Harriston (who has been great in his limited time as a call up from the Toros), somebody needs to help Tim and Tony. 3) Finally find an answer to whether a move needs to be made to add some front court help. Bonner is nice offensively, but isnt exactly a banger down low. Fabricio Oberto has dealt w/ injuries all year and Kurt Thomas has mostly been a no show. My hope was that the Spurs would make a move before the trade deadline. My favorite rumor involved Marcus Camby. The thought of Camby and Duncan in the same lane on the same team is a dream come true. Sadly it never came to pass. Mikki Moore is still a free agent, but reports on a few sites and Twitter folk who have been reliable are saying he's off to Boston. This leaves two main options I can think of. First is that the Spurs sign Robert Horry again. Horry's name has popped up several times this year, altho not much lately for the Spurs. The most recent news I've heard regarding Big Shot is that the Cavs were actually thinking of signing Will Smith's doppleganger after their trade deadline moves failed to materialize. You will be hard pressed to find someone who loves Horry more than me, but I dont think it would be a good signing. The best thing Horry does is forces at least one defender out on him during late game inbounds. Horry is probably the most notable dagger-bringer of the last 20 years, having ripped the hearts out of team after team after team. But, at almost 39 years old, one has to wonder if he has been training since he last played and if he could still really contribute, or if he would just be taking up minutes. Don't think for a second I wouldn't love the signing if it happened, Horry has 7 rings, a wealth of experience, and tell me if you were opposing him if he got the ball w/ under 5 seconds you would even bother watching the shot. But at that age it's questionable, and plus, my favorite basketball streak eventually broke. That streak of course being that the NBA Champs had either Horry or another personal favorite, Steve Kerr, on the roster.
So if Big Shot is not the big answer, who is? Well, Malik Harriston has played well in his stint from the NBDL, so I think looking to the Toros is a good plan. 48 Minutes of Hell, a great only Spurs blog, had a great post about my main goal for the Spurs to sign: Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Their workup gives you all the details you need so I will leave it at this. Pops has been absolutely dominating the D-League. We are talking straight up man amongst boys style. The Spurs NEED to call this kid up. First off, he's a great fit in an area the Spurs need help. More importanly, if we don't somebody else will get him, and the Spurs can't afford to let this kid get away.
The next two weeks will be very interesting for the Spurs. While admittedly nervous, if the Spurs can go 4-3 or better over the next two weeks it will be a great victory. All I can say at this point is Go Spurs Go!
One last note, at the bottom you will see I added a new toy. While I've used it for over a year, I finally decided to sign up for Ballhype. It's a good site for sports blog perusing purposes, and I'm hoping to get a lil more exposure by adding my posts onto it. After several tries and help from a nice lady named Emily I finally got that shiny button aded on at the bottom. If you like what you read, do me a favor, click the button, and then I think click the up arrow on the new page. If not, that's fair...but you've hurt my feelings. As always I love hearing your thoughts so let me hear em. Gooooodnight now
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Random Sports thoughts 2/19 version
With as little sports actually in play that I really care about it is amazing the clusterf- the last few weeks have had. I had a few specific posts on 1 thing because I usually try to make posts somewhat organized. Well today kids, were just gonna say f that noise and go for the gusto. Cliche but beloved bullet point form...engage:
- This was one of the most disappointing all star saturday nights in quite awhile. For starters, the Spurs went 0 for 3 in the events they competed in, even if the only one I really cared about of them was Roger Mason in the 3 point contest. Even the defending trio of David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and random WNBA girl I've never heard of couldn't repeat in the lame 3 ball game.
- The 3 point contest itself was downright pathetic. I've never seen so many people miss that many shots from the 1st 2 racks. Were the balls slippy or something? Even Kopono who had absolutely killed it the last 2 years was off. Just a poor showing all around, especially you Rog. 8...really 8? I know you like to wait to hit 3s when there are under 4 seconds left and the game on the line but come on, you let team dime beat you. Congrats Daequan Cook, you were the tallest midget.
- Then there was the slam dunk contest...Why why why so disappointing slam dunk contest. I will say this, the showmanship was fantastic I thought. Dwight had the Superman thing going, including the phone booth which was funny. Bringing in and subsequently dunking on the 12 footer was also awesome...the only problem is he made it look too easy. When he did that dunk, I dont think people realized how ridiculous what he did was, and it looked so easy for him it lost something.
- Nate Rob also gets mad props for his chicanery. Everything about the whole "Krypto-Nate was pretty cool. The St Patty's jersey along w/ the kicks and even the green ball...well played lil buddy. Jumping over Dwight was pretty cool, yah he may have pushed off over his shoulder, but its still a dude my height jumping over a what...6'11 Dwight? Very nice
- After giving him props tho, using your teammate as a stepstool? How is that a cool dunk??? That's how people like me would try to dunk. You definitely dont pull that out in a the NBA dunk contest.
- Probably the 2 most important things that happened were on the sideline. 1st off I present this with no comment:
- 2nd, Probably the biggest news of the night was the announcement by LeBron James that next year he would finally be entering the Dunk Contest. Is it fitting that next year's spectacle will take place in the gargantuan new Dallas football stadium...and right before LBJ hits the free agent market? I'm sure neither of those had anything to do with James' decision to finally give the fans what we wanted.
- Switching gears: The Braves got clowned again. After a week of reports that Atlanta was finally gonna make a deal, and then had a deal in place w/ Ken Griffey Jr, the Kid ended up going back to Seattle. Had it not been the 2nd time this offseason the Braves lost a player they allegedly had locked up (Furcal), it wouldn't be as frustrating. Granted Griffey was at best going to platoon in LF w/ Matt Diaz, but it just shows Frank Wren missing an opportunity one more time.
- The A-Rod fall out has been pretty predictable. His last presser had some interesting info, the fact that he got Primobolan(or Boli, Bole, whatever you wanna call it) at a drug store in the DR which his cousin then injected him with (cue easy predictable A-Rod injection joke here) it was new. This is obviously not your flak seed oil rubbed on the body or something in a dietary supplement from GNC. Sure he may have been a "stupid, naive kid" but odds are you cant really expect anyone to believe he didnt know that if you are getting an injection of something like that, it probably wont be legal.
- The jump from 36.something to 52.something in HRs over the years he was in Seattle to Texas is big, and definitely bad for steroid purposes. BUT, it is also very important to look at the fact that he was going to one of the best hitters ballparks in the game, I'd argue best in the AL. Not really playing devils advocate, just a fact that needs to be noted i feel like.
- The NFL combine is this weekend. While sadly I dont have the NFL Network, it's always amusing to see who shoots up draft boards Vernon Davis style for just being workout freaks of nature (Brian Orakpo will be no lower than 7 after what he does this weekend, book it) and to see who has been just chillin this offseason and shows up out of shape and sloooow ala Lendale, Troy Smith, or of course Mo Clarett.
- Also, tons of players recently got cut to avoid cap trouble. The most notable are the oft-injured, fantasty murdering but sometimes good duo of Deuce McAllister and Fred Taylor. The one I'm most concerned w/ is the Broncos releasing Dre Bly. WHY?!?!??! Champ isn't getting any younger and coming off a year of injuries, why cut a great corner like Bly?
- The NBA trade deadline just passed about an hour ago. There were a few deals, nothing really all that big. With all the bruhaha about Shaq and Amare and Vince and T-Mac, the biggest name to move was either Brad Miller or Larry Hughes. How anti-climactic you are trade deadline.
- The worst, and most bizarre part of all of the NBA deals was the Tyson Chandler to the Thunder deal. The Hornets inexplicably decided to trade away there only inside threat for Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith. I think the only notable thing Joe Smith ever did was get illegally traded and costing the T-Wolves 1st rounds picks for what...5 years? The Thunder then inexplicably fail him on the physical for the toe injury that kept him out of the olympics...even tho he's been playing all year. So sadly Chandler goes right back to NO...so much for that idea.
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