Last week I went 6-8 for my worst week of the year thus far and I stand at 43-33 for the year. So, without further ado, the picks in week 6 in the league...where they play.........for pay...
Miami Dolphins (2-2) @ Green Bay Packers (3-2) - Neither team is playing well coming into this one, and Green Bay has been beset by the injury bug, including their most important players on offense and defense. Pick: MIAMI
San Diego Chargers (2-3) @ St. Louis Rams (2-3) - The Chargers are 0-3 on the road and they turn the ball over regularly; however, they still move the ball effectively on offense. The Rams are coming off a blow out loss in Detroit and two of their leading receivers are out. Pick: SAN DIEGO
Baltimore Ravens (4-1) @ New England Patriots (3-1) - Since we last saw the Patriots they traded WR Randy Moss to the Vikings and reacquired WR Deion Branch from Seattle. Ray Rice and the Ravens ran all over the Patriots in last year's playoffs so you'd have to figure the Pats would be motivated. The Patriots may be motivated, but Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense will be too. Pick: BALTIMORE
Cleveland Browns (1-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) - The Steelers will have QB Ben Roethlisberger back under center and the Browns will look to rookie QB Colt McCoy, who will be making his first career start. McCoy will be going against one of the best defenses in the NFL, which does not bode well for the rookie. Pick: PITTSBURGH
Kansas City Chiefs (3-1) @ Houston Texans (3-2) - After hot starts by both teams, they were both cut down by the Mannings last week. The Chiefs defense held Peyton Manning and the Colts to 19 points, but they could only manage 3 field goals; meanwhile, the Texans let Eli Manning and the Giants score at will and lost 34-10. The Chiefs will look to play a close to the vest, low scoring game and the Texans will not be afraid to get into a shootout. Pick: HOUSTON
Detroit Lions (1-4) @ New York Giants (3-2) - The Lions finally got a victory last week, blowing out the Rams at home. The Giants seem to have corrected their mistakes of the first few weeks and the defense seems to be flying under defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, but, more importantly, the ridiculous calls for Tom Coughlin's job can stop. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS
Atlanta Falcons (4-1) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) - The big issue in this one is whether the Eagles will have Michael Vick or Kevin Kolb at quarterback. The Eagles have confidence in both, but have looked better with Vick. There's no controversy in Atlanta, Matt Ryan has established himself as a quality NFL quarterback. The Atlanta defense forces turnovers and has only allowed 6 fourth quarter points. Pick: ATLANTA
Seattle Seahawks (2-2) @ Chicago Bears (4-1) - Jay Cutler returns to quarterback the Bears after suffering a concussion 2 weeks ago in New York against the Giants. The Seahawks acquired RB Marshawn Lynch from Buffalo, but that won't matter much against one of the NFL's better defenses. Pick: CHICAGO
New Orleans Saints (3-2) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) - The Saints have yet to hit their stride this season and last week were tripped up in Arizona by the Cardinals; meanwhile, the Bucs have surprised many, already matching their win total from last year. This game seems similar to last week's Chiefs-Colts game and is an opportunity for the Bucs to make a statement that they are for real. Pick: NEW ORLEANS
New York Jets (4-1) @ Denver Broncos (2-3) - The Jets travel to the mile high city to face the Broncos and one of the best aerial attacks in the NFL. However, the Jets might not have the services of CB Darrelle Revis, one of last year's best shutdown corners, who has not been nearly as good this year. Pick: NEW YORK JETS
Oakland Raiders (2-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (0-5) - This is not one of those games that you get NFL Sunday Ticket for. The Raiders used their special teams to upset the Chargers last week and the 49ers failed in an attempt at a comeback victory over Philadelphia. Pick: OAKLAND
Dallas Cowboys (1-3) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-3) - Both of these teams were expected by many to be Super Bowl contenders and this week's game was to be a prelude to a possible NFC Championship game. Instead, this game turns into what amounts to a playoff game for both teams. The loser goes to 1-4 and would most likely be out of the playoff picture, while the winner would still hold on to playoff hopes at 2-3. The addition of Randy Moss should be the difference in this one as the Cowboys will have nobody who can cover him. Pick: MINNESOTA
Indianapolis Colts (3-2) @ Washington Redskins (3-2) - Like the Saints, Super Bowl XLIV's other combatant, the Colts have struggled through the season's first 5 weeks. The Colts still have one of the best offenses and the Redskins have one of the league's worst defenses. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS
Monday Night Football
Tennessee Titans (3-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2) - Tennessee has one of the best defenses in the league and they have RB Chris Johnson. Pick: Tennessee and 45 points
Friday, October 15, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday Morning Quarterback - Week 5
It was a disappointing week for my picks. At 5-2 with two of the 1 o'clock games remaining, Tampa Bay-Cincinnati and Washington-Green Bay, it looked like 7-2 was a real possibility; Green Bay was up 3 and Cincinnati was up 7 with just a few minutes remaining. However, Green Bay allowed Washington to tie the game and then lost in overtime, and Carson Palmer threw 2 interceptions in the final 3:17 that resulted in 10 Buccaneer points and a Bengal loss. So, instead of 7-2, I went 5-4 after the 1 o'clock games, and the 4 o'clock games and the night game were all losses, so week 5 stands at a disastrous 5-8 with a pick of the Jets over the Vikings tonight.
So, besides my picks blowing up in my face, what else happened in week 5?
After being embarrassed in weeks 2 and 3 by the Colts and Titans, the Giants have looked very formidable in beating the Bears and Texans in the last 2 weeks. The Giants pass rush has looked especially strong as they racked up 3 more sacks of Texans QB Matt Schaub following their 10 sack performance against the Bears in week 4.
The Chiefs, led by their gurus from New England, managed to frustrate Peyton Manning and the Colts all day, keeping the Colts out of the endzone until RB Michael Hart scored on an 11 yard TD run with 4:02 to go. Unfortunately, for the Chiefs, they were stymied by the Colts defense, especially after holding the Chiefs to a field goal after Manning threw an interception deep in Indianapolis territory.
The 49ers loss to the Eagles last night puts them at 0-5 and highly unlikely to make the playoffs. The only saving grace for the 49ers is that they have 5 division games remaining, but at 0-5 that is probably not enough. The 49ers are not the only team I have serious doubts about, however. San Diego is 2-3, 0-3 on the road, and they go on the road to St. Louis next week. Cincinnati, another 2-3 team, has a defense that should keep them in games, but Carson Palmer is struggling to move the offense and put up points. Dallas, 1-3, wasted a great comeback effort in falling to Tennessee, and now faces a must win next week in Minnesota. If Minnesota loses to the Jets tonight and falls to 1-3, then next week's Dallas-Minnesota game is pretty much an elimination game.
So, besides my picks blowing up in my face, what else happened in week 5?
After being embarrassed in weeks 2 and 3 by the Colts and Titans, the Giants have looked very formidable in beating the Bears and Texans in the last 2 weeks. The Giants pass rush has looked especially strong as they racked up 3 more sacks of Texans QB Matt Schaub following their 10 sack performance against the Bears in week 4.
The Chiefs, led by their gurus from New England, managed to frustrate Peyton Manning and the Colts all day, keeping the Colts out of the endzone until RB Michael Hart scored on an 11 yard TD run with 4:02 to go. Unfortunately, for the Chiefs, they were stymied by the Colts defense, especially after holding the Chiefs to a field goal after Manning threw an interception deep in Indianapolis territory.
The 49ers loss to the Eagles last night puts them at 0-5 and highly unlikely to make the playoffs. The only saving grace for the 49ers is that they have 5 division games remaining, but at 0-5 that is probably not enough. The 49ers are not the only team I have serious doubts about, however. San Diego is 2-3, 0-3 on the road, and they go on the road to St. Louis next week. Cincinnati, another 2-3 team, has a defense that should keep them in games, but Carson Palmer is struggling to move the offense and put up points. Dallas, 1-3, wasted a great comeback effort in falling to Tennessee, and now faces a must win next week in Minnesota. If Minnesota loses to the Jets tonight and falls to 1-3, then next week's Dallas-Minnesota game is pretty much an elimination game.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Division Series Championship Celebrations
The New York Yankees swept the Minnesota Twins in the American League Division Series (ALDS) last night to move onto the American League Championship Series (ALCS) where they will meet either the Texas Rangers or the Tampa Bay Rays. Rather than an understated celebration, the Yankees had a full blown celebration with all the trimmings (spraying champagne, protective covering over lockers, etc.) that would make you think they had won their league championship or the World Series. At this point, teams winning a division series have not won a championship, all they have won is the right to play for the pennant and the right to go to the World Series, which hardly deserves the celebration these teams have. In comparison, in hockey, football, and basketball, you won't see a team celebrating because they win a first or second round series/game. Teams in these other sports act more humbly and realize that they have more work to do. Baseball teams should do the same. Besides, they don't hand out t-shirts and hats for winning a division series.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Halladay v. Lincecum
Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum both pitched their teams to victory in their respective game 1s. Lincecum threw a complete game, 2-hit shutout at the Atlanta Braves and Halladay no-hit the Cincinnati Reds and became only the second pitcher in history to throw a post-season no-hitter. Both pitchers were dominant in their outings, but some have argued that Lincecum's performance was better than Halladay's. These include Bill James, the noted author and baseball historian who is largely responsible for the widespread use of sabermetrics, a statistical based approach to evaluating the performance of teams and players, and Dan Rosenheck, a James disciple.
According to James' metric Lincecum scored a 96 game score and Halladay scored a 94. To derive a pitcher's game score, the following formula is used:
First, let's start with the lineup that each team faced. Halladay faced the best lineup in the National League, a lineup that led the league in average (.272) and home runs (188). Lincecum faced an Atlanta lineup that is 6th in the league in hitting (.258) and 11th in home runs (139). To be fair, Atlanta's lineup did lead the league in on base percentage (.339), but Cincinnati was 2nd at a lowly .338. Due to the disparity in strikeouts between Lincecum and Halladay, the Reds were 6th in strikeouts with 1,218 and the Braves struck out only 1,140 times, 11th most in the league. However, since the object of the game is to score runs, the Reds again trump the Atlanta lineup with an NL best 790 to Atlanta's 5th best 738. In game 1 the Reds put out their varsity lineup, the one largely responsible for Cincinnati's being the best in the National League; meanwhile, the JV lineup Lincecum faced lacked 2B Martin Prado (.307, 15 HR, 66 RBI) and instead featured the weak bats of Alex Gonzalez, Brooks Conrad, and Rick Ankiel--in fairness, Ankiel did win game 2 with a HR, but he still hit .210, 2 HR, and 9 RBI in 47 games for Atlanta. Second, Halladay threw his no-hitter in Citizens Bank Park, a notoriously hitter friendly park and Lincecum pitched his gem in the pitcher friendly AT&T park.
Third, Rosenheck argues that 14 Ks in a game is more impressive than a no-hitter. Last I checked, the only guys with no-hitters in the post-season are Larsen and Halladay. 12 pitchers, including Lincecum, have struck out 14 or more in a post-season game; Bob Gibson, the leader in strikeouts in a post-season game, struck out 17 Tigers in game 1 of the 1968 World Series.
Fourth, it's a NO-HITTER. I could concede to Lincecum if Halladay had thrown a no-hitter and walked 8 or something like that, but Halladay allowed 1 all game long.
Fifth, the idea that Halladay didn't need to throw a shutout and Lincecum did, therefore there was more pressure on Lincecum. How can there not be more pressure on Halladay as this historic gem continued to progress. Anyone who thinks that there is no pressure on a guy throwing a no-hitter must not be watching. When a pitcher is throwing a no-hitter his teammates avoid him like he has the plague; announcers and fans alike will not even mention that he has a "you know what" going; and many become so superstitious because of that "you know what" that they will stay in the same spot or continue to do the same thing--I heard on the radio that Phillies reliever Ryan Madson would not let himself go to the bathroom for about the last 3 innings of the game for fear of jinxing Halladay. The point is that once a pitcher starts taking a no-hitter to the 5th inning and beyond the pressure definitely mounts on him even if he does have the safety net of a large lead because what he's doing is historic and that can be even more important than winning a game, even a game in the post-season. Keep in mind, only one guy before Halladay had thrown a post-season no-hitter; imagine the pressure a pitcher would feel if he could take a no-hitter or a perfect game into the late innings of a World Series game. Again, Lincecum did have considerable pressure on him to maintain that 1-0 lead, but my point here is that Halladay had just as much pressure, if not more because of the situation, on him.
Also, did I mention Halladay threw a no-hitter?!
Lastly, as great as Halladay and Lincecum were in their game 1 starts, Larsen still tops them both with his perfect game against the Dodgers in 1956. Why? Because it's a perfect game.
According to James' metric Lincecum scored a 96 game score and Halladay scored a 94. To derive a pitcher's game score, the following formula is used:
- Start with 50 points
- Add a point for each out, and 2 more for each inning completed after the 4th
- Add one point for each strikeout
- Take away 2 points for each hit, 4 points for each earned run, and 2 points for each unearned run.
- Lincecum: 9 IP, 0 R, 14 Ks, 2 H, 0 BB
- Halladay: 9 IP, 0 R, 8 Ks, 0 H, 1 BB
First, let's start with the lineup that each team faced. Halladay faced the best lineup in the National League, a lineup that led the league in average (.272) and home runs (188). Lincecum faced an Atlanta lineup that is 6th in the league in hitting (.258) and 11th in home runs (139). To be fair, Atlanta's lineup did lead the league in on base percentage (.339), but Cincinnati was 2nd at a lowly .338. Due to the disparity in strikeouts between Lincecum and Halladay, the Reds were 6th in strikeouts with 1,218 and the Braves struck out only 1,140 times, 11th most in the league. However, since the object of the game is to score runs, the Reds again trump the Atlanta lineup with an NL best 790 to Atlanta's 5th best 738. In game 1 the Reds put out their varsity lineup, the one largely responsible for Cincinnati's being the best in the National League; meanwhile, the JV lineup Lincecum faced lacked 2B Martin Prado (.307, 15 HR, 66 RBI) and instead featured the weak bats of Alex Gonzalez, Brooks Conrad, and Rick Ankiel--in fairness, Ankiel did win game 2 with a HR, but he still hit .210, 2 HR, and 9 RBI in 47 games for Atlanta. Second, Halladay threw his no-hitter in Citizens Bank Park, a notoriously hitter friendly park and Lincecum pitched his gem in the pitcher friendly AT&T park.
Third, Rosenheck argues that 14 Ks in a game is more impressive than a no-hitter. Last I checked, the only guys with no-hitters in the post-season are Larsen and Halladay. 12 pitchers, including Lincecum, have struck out 14 or more in a post-season game; Bob Gibson, the leader in strikeouts in a post-season game, struck out 17 Tigers in game 1 of the 1968 World Series.
Fourth, it's a NO-HITTER. I could concede to Lincecum if Halladay had thrown a no-hitter and walked 8 or something like that, but Halladay allowed 1 all game long.
Fifth, the idea that Halladay didn't need to throw a shutout and Lincecum did, therefore there was more pressure on Lincecum. How can there not be more pressure on Halladay as this historic gem continued to progress. Anyone who thinks that there is no pressure on a guy throwing a no-hitter must not be watching. When a pitcher is throwing a no-hitter his teammates avoid him like he has the plague; announcers and fans alike will not even mention that he has a "you know what" going; and many become so superstitious because of that "you know what" that they will stay in the same spot or continue to do the same thing--I heard on the radio that Phillies reliever Ryan Madson would not let himself go to the bathroom for about the last 3 innings of the game for fear of jinxing Halladay. The point is that once a pitcher starts taking a no-hitter to the 5th inning and beyond the pressure definitely mounts on him even if he does have the safety net of a large lead because what he's doing is historic and that can be even more important than winning a game, even a game in the post-season. Keep in mind, only one guy before Halladay had thrown a post-season no-hitter; imagine the pressure a pitcher would feel if he could take a no-hitter or a perfect game into the late innings of a World Series game. Again, Lincecum did have considerable pressure on him to maintain that 1-0 lead, but my point here is that Halladay had just as much pressure, if not more because of the situation, on him.
Also, did I mention Halladay threw a no-hitter?!
Lastly, as great as Halladay and Lincecum were in their game 1 starts, Larsen still tops them both with his perfect game against the Dodgers in 1956. Why? Because it's a perfect game.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Week 5 Picks
With one-quarter of the regular season complete, we head toward the backstretch in the NFL season, and so far my record is a rather disappointing 37-25. Now, it's a decent record and I would be good enough for 4th place in comparison with ESPN's panel of experts, but I'm not satisfied. So, after three straight weeks of being 2 above .500, it's time to turn in a big number. So, with that being said, the picks in week 5 in the league where they play.........for pay...
Sunday, October 10
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) @ Buffalo Bills (0-4) - Last week the Jets came into Buffalo and whacked the Bills around 38-14; meanwhile, the Jaguars had an inspiring 31-28 win over the Indianapolis Colts. This game does set up as a trap game for Jacksonville as they have another division game next week against Tennessee, so it's not crazy to think that they would be overlooking the Bills, who are looking to get to the bye week next week for a chance to possibly regroup. It's impossible to have any faith in either defense, both have given up at least 28 in the last 3 weeks, Buffalo is even worse, giving up at least 34 in that stretch. However, Buffalo struggles mightily against the run--they allowed two-100 yard rushers last week--and the Jaguars have one of the best in Maurice Jones-Drew. Pick: JACKSONVILLE
Denver Broncos (2-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-1) - The Ravens come in to this one following their huge come from behind victory over division rival Pittsburgh, while Denver beat the Titans in Tennessee last week in a come from behind effort of their own. Denver has no running game to speak of, and against a defense as good as Baltimore's that only allows 117 yards per game, that does not bode well. As good as Baltimore's run defense is, Denver's is even better, allowing just 101 yards per game, so Ray Rice, who says he's healthy and ready to go, could be in for a long day. If this game was in Denver, I think I might take the Broncos in an upset because the thin air in the mile high city might be able to slow down Ray Lewis; however, the game is not in Denver, it's in Baltimore. Pick: BALTIMORE
Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) @ Indianapolis Colts (2-2) - The league's only remaining unbeaten team comes off its bye week and goes into Indianapolis to play Peyton Manning and the Colts, who lost last week in Jacksonville on a last second field goal. For years Manning and the Colts were tormented by Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis while they were the defensive and offensive coordinators with the New England Patriots, and now they both hold the same positions with the Chiefs, so there will be familiarity, especially in the chess match between Crennel and Manning. Colts WR Autin Collie has not been practicing for much of the week and is questionable for the game, and his absence would be HUGE. The Chiefs feature a well balanced offensive attack that averages 160 yards on the ground and through the air, but look for them to to rely on the running game against an Indianapolis defense that allows 150 rushing yards per game and to keep Manning off the field. The Chiefs have looked impressive, but they really do take a step up in class this week, despite Indianapolis only being 2-2. So, the question here is whether or not you believe in the Chiefs. Maybe you do, but I don't. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS
Green Bay Packers (3-1) @ Washington Redskins (2-2) - The Packers nearly gave one away last week against Detroit, but hung on for a 28-26 win after leading 28-14. The Redskins beat the Eagles 17-12 in Donovan McNabb's return to Philadelphia; in fact, both teams have gone into Philadelphia and won. I think Aaron Rodgers is going to have to win this one through the air for Green Bay, and my guess is that he will and the Green Bay defense will come up with a big effort. Pick: GREEN BAY
St. Louis Rams (2-2) @ Detroit Lions (0-4) - The Lions are not going to go away quietly, and they've shown that in two of the last 3 weeks, rallying against both Philadelphia and Green Bay. the Rams knocked off Seattle last week to move into a three way tie for 1st place in the NFC West. This would be a great matchup of young QBs, and the last two #1 picks in the draft, if Matthew Stafford were playing, but he's not and instead it will be Shaun Hill vs Sam Bradford. I don't have a real strong feeling on this game, and neither do the odds makers, who have Detroit as a 3 point favorite, and teams usually get 3 points for being at home. Pick: ST. LOUIS
Chicago Bears (3-1) @ Carolina Panthers (0-4) - Everyone saw the beatdown that Jay Cutler took as he was sacked 9 times in the first half of the Bears 17-3 loss to the Giants. Cutler sustained a concussion on the last of those sacks and did not return, nor will he play in this one against the Panthers. At least the Bears will not have to worry about blocking Julius Peppers, who they signed from Carolina this past off-season; however, they will have to worry about Todd Collins starting under center for the first time since 2007. It would be tempting to pick the Panthers, but they will not have WR Steve Smith, which will really hamper their rookie QB Jimmy Clausen in the passing game. I think this is going to be a low scoring game, especially with Cutler out and Collins in, and the first to 20 should come away with the win. Pick: CHICAGO
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) - The Bucs come back from the bye week after they allowed Charlie Batch and the Steelers to throw the ball all over the field on them and the Bengals are on the rebound after an embarrassing loss to the Browns in Cleveland. While they certainly have the big names that we're all used to hearing about, the Bengals have struggled to put up points, and you have to wonder if Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are not Batman and Robin, but rather Dumb and Dumber. I still have my doubts about the Bucs, and I'll take the Bengals, but that's out of respect for Cincinnati's defense. Pick: CINCINNATI
Atlanta Falcons (3-1) @ Cleveland Browns (1-3) - The Falcons took all the 49ers could give them last week, but squeaked by with a 16-14 win, and the Browns got a close win of their own at home against the Bengals. Peyton Hillis has run wild the last two weeks for the Browns, who have played close games all year. I would expect this one to be close as well, but the Falcons are a step up in class, and the last time Cleveland played a team as good as Atlanta, they lost to the Ravens. Pick: ATLANTA
New York Giants (2-2) @ Houston Texans (3-1) - The Giants made quite a statement last Sunday night against the Bears in getting 9 sacks in the first half, 10 overall, and knocking Jay Cutler out of the game with a concussion while winning 17-3. The Texans beat the Raiders in Oakland. I'll admit that my first thought in this one was that the Texans would win easy, but I'm not so sure anymore. Neither team has looked good in interconference play, the Giants have been embarrassed by their 2 AFC South opponents, and the Texans are 1-1 thanks to a heroic rally from 17 points down in Washington. The two defenses play right to the strengths of their opposing offenses, the Texans allow big yards through the air, although they've been better in the past two weeks; and the Giants are vulnerable against the run, but the Bears would tell you otherwise. The Giant offense worries me, and I don't think the Texans will struggle to put up points. Pick: HOUSTON
New Orleans Saints (3-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (2-2) - The Saints are 3-1 and they have yet to fire on all cylinders, while the Cardinals are incredibly fortunate not to be 0-4. Arizona takes a big step up in class this week, and the last time they played a team this good they got blown out by the Falcons in week 2. Pick: NEW ORLEANS
Tennessee Titans (2-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-2) - The Titans blew a 4th quarter lead last week against Denver in losing 26-20, and the Cowboys are coming back from their bye week after beating in-state rival Houston in week 3. The Titans feature one of the best rushing attacks in the league, something the Cowboys have done a good job of stopping so far. Pick: DALLAS
San Diego Chargers (2-2) @ Oakland Raiders (1-3) - The Chargers are 0-2 on the road this year, but I still have no faith in the Raiders. Pick: SAN DIEGO
Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) @ San Francisco 49ers (0-4) - The Eagles lost to Donovan McNabb and the Redskins last week in McNabb's homecoming, while the 49ers lost a hard fought game to the Falcons. More importantly, the Eagles lost QB Michael Vick, who had been playing extremely well, and will go into this one with Kevin Kolb, the original successor to McNabb, under center. The Eagles have not looked good with Kolb, but the 49ers do not boast an elite QB of their own in Alex Smith. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO
Monday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings (1-2) @ New York Jets (3-1) - The Vikings had a much needed bye last week and the Jets steamrolled the Bills in Buffalo. Both teams will get upgrades at wide receiver this week, Santonio Holmes returns from his suspension and the Vikings acquired Randy Moss from the Patriots in a trade this week. Jets CB Darrelle Revis says he's healthy and ready to go against Moss, which is encouraging news for Gang Green. Pick: NEW YORK and 42 points
Sunday, October 10
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) @ Buffalo Bills (0-4) - Last week the Jets came into Buffalo and whacked the Bills around 38-14; meanwhile, the Jaguars had an inspiring 31-28 win over the Indianapolis Colts. This game does set up as a trap game for Jacksonville as they have another division game next week against Tennessee, so it's not crazy to think that they would be overlooking the Bills, who are looking to get to the bye week next week for a chance to possibly regroup. It's impossible to have any faith in either defense, both have given up at least 28 in the last 3 weeks, Buffalo is even worse, giving up at least 34 in that stretch. However, Buffalo struggles mightily against the run--they allowed two-100 yard rushers last week--and the Jaguars have one of the best in Maurice Jones-Drew. Pick: JACKSONVILLE
Denver Broncos (2-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-1) - The Ravens come in to this one following their huge come from behind victory over division rival Pittsburgh, while Denver beat the Titans in Tennessee last week in a come from behind effort of their own. Denver has no running game to speak of, and against a defense as good as Baltimore's that only allows 117 yards per game, that does not bode well. As good as Baltimore's run defense is, Denver's is even better, allowing just 101 yards per game, so Ray Rice, who says he's healthy and ready to go, could be in for a long day. If this game was in Denver, I think I might take the Broncos in an upset because the thin air in the mile high city might be able to slow down Ray Lewis; however, the game is not in Denver, it's in Baltimore. Pick: BALTIMORE
Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) @ Indianapolis Colts (2-2) - The league's only remaining unbeaten team comes off its bye week and goes into Indianapolis to play Peyton Manning and the Colts, who lost last week in Jacksonville on a last second field goal. For years Manning and the Colts were tormented by Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis while they were the defensive and offensive coordinators with the New England Patriots, and now they both hold the same positions with the Chiefs, so there will be familiarity, especially in the chess match between Crennel and Manning. Colts WR Autin Collie has not been practicing for much of the week and is questionable for the game, and his absence would be HUGE. The Chiefs feature a well balanced offensive attack that averages 160 yards on the ground and through the air, but look for them to to rely on the running game against an Indianapolis defense that allows 150 rushing yards per game and to keep Manning off the field. The Chiefs have looked impressive, but they really do take a step up in class this week, despite Indianapolis only being 2-2. So, the question here is whether or not you believe in the Chiefs. Maybe you do, but I don't. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS
Green Bay Packers (3-1) @ Washington Redskins (2-2) - The Packers nearly gave one away last week against Detroit, but hung on for a 28-26 win after leading 28-14. The Redskins beat the Eagles 17-12 in Donovan McNabb's return to Philadelphia; in fact, both teams have gone into Philadelphia and won. I think Aaron Rodgers is going to have to win this one through the air for Green Bay, and my guess is that he will and the Green Bay defense will come up with a big effort. Pick: GREEN BAY
St. Louis Rams (2-2) @ Detroit Lions (0-4) - The Lions are not going to go away quietly, and they've shown that in two of the last 3 weeks, rallying against both Philadelphia and Green Bay. the Rams knocked off Seattle last week to move into a three way tie for 1st place in the NFC West. This would be a great matchup of young QBs, and the last two #1 picks in the draft, if Matthew Stafford were playing, but he's not and instead it will be Shaun Hill vs Sam Bradford. I don't have a real strong feeling on this game, and neither do the odds makers, who have Detroit as a 3 point favorite, and teams usually get 3 points for being at home. Pick: ST. LOUIS
Chicago Bears (3-1) @ Carolina Panthers (0-4) - Everyone saw the beatdown that Jay Cutler took as he was sacked 9 times in the first half of the Bears 17-3 loss to the Giants. Cutler sustained a concussion on the last of those sacks and did not return, nor will he play in this one against the Panthers. At least the Bears will not have to worry about blocking Julius Peppers, who they signed from Carolina this past off-season; however, they will have to worry about Todd Collins starting under center for the first time since 2007. It would be tempting to pick the Panthers, but they will not have WR Steve Smith, which will really hamper their rookie QB Jimmy Clausen in the passing game. I think this is going to be a low scoring game, especially with Cutler out and Collins in, and the first to 20 should come away with the win. Pick: CHICAGO
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) - The Bucs come back from the bye week after they allowed Charlie Batch and the Steelers to throw the ball all over the field on them and the Bengals are on the rebound after an embarrassing loss to the Browns in Cleveland. While they certainly have the big names that we're all used to hearing about, the Bengals have struggled to put up points, and you have to wonder if Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are not Batman and Robin, but rather Dumb and Dumber. I still have my doubts about the Bucs, and I'll take the Bengals, but that's out of respect for Cincinnati's defense. Pick: CINCINNATI
Atlanta Falcons (3-1) @ Cleveland Browns (1-3) - The Falcons took all the 49ers could give them last week, but squeaked by with a 16-14 win, and the Browns got a close win of their own at home against the Bengals. Peyton Hillis has run wild the last two weeks for the Browns, who have played close games all year. I would expect this one to be close as well, but the Falcons are a step up in class, and the last time Cleveland played a team as good as Atlanta, they lost to the Ravens. Pick: ATLANTA
New York Giants (2-2) @ Houston Texans (3-1) - The Giants made quite a statement last Sunday night against the Bears in getting 9 sacks in the first half, 10 overall, and knocking Jay Cutler out of the game with a concussion while winning 17-3. The Texans beat the Raiders in Oakland. I'll admit that my first thought in this one was that the Texans would win easy, but I'm not so sure anymore. Neither team has looked good in interconference play, the Giants have been embarrassed by their 2 AFC South opponents, and the Texans are 1-1 thanks to a heroic rally from 17 points down in Washington. The two defenses play right to the strengths of their opposing offenses, the Texans allow big yards through the air, although they've been better in the past two weeks; and the Giants are vulnerable against the run, but the Bears would tell you otherwise. The Giant offense worries me, and I don't think the Texans will struggle to put up points. Pick: HOUSTON
New Orleans Saints (3-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (2-2) - The Saints are 3-1 and they have yet to fire on all cylinders, while the Cardinals are incredibly fortunate not to be 0-4. Arizona takes a big step up in class this week, and the last time they played a team this good they got blown out by the Falcons in week 2. Pick: NEW ORLEANS
Tennessee Titans (2-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-2) - The Titans blew a 4th quarter lead last week against Denver in losing 26-20, and the Cowboys are coming back from their bye week after beating in-state rival Houston in week 3. The Titans feature one of the best rushing attacks in the league, something the Cowboys have done a good job of stopping so far. Pick: DALLAS
San Diego Chargers (2-2) @ Oakland Raiders (1-3) - The Chargers are 0-2 on the road this year, but I still have no faith in the Raiders. Pick: SAN DIEGO
Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) @ San Francisco 49ers (0-4) - The Eagles lost to Donovan McNabb and the Redskins last week in McNabb's homecoming, while the 49ers lost a hard fought game to the Falcons. More importantly, the Eagles lost QB Michael Vick, who had been playing extremely well, and will go into this one with Kevin Kolb, the original successor to McNabb, under center. The Eagles have not looked good with Kolb, but the 49ers do not boast an elite QB of their own in Alex Smith. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO
Monday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings (1-2) @ New York Jets (3-1) - The Vikings had a much needed bye last week and the Jets steamrolled the Bills in Buffalo. Both teams will get upgrades at wide receiver this week, Santonio Holmes returns from his suspension and the Vikings acquired Randy Moss from the Patriots in a trade this week. Jets CB Darrelle Revis says he's healthy and ready to go against Moss, which is encouraging news for Gang Green. Pick: NEW YORK and 42 points
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Division Series - Day 1
The first day of the American League playoffs showed exactly why I did not want the Tampa Bay Rays to win the AL East. The Yankees went to Minnesota and beat a Twins team that they absolutely own, and Cliff Lee stymied the Rays as he gave up 1 run over 7 innings. I know it's only 1 game, so I could be overreacting, but honestly, I don't think I am. The Twins have never shown any ability to beat the Yankees when it matters most, and they are not going to this year either. Meanwhile, Cliff Lee is very capable of leading the Rangers to the upset over the Rays, who are the only team, besides Philadelphia, with a shot at actually beating the Yankees. And let's be honest, Philadelphia winning the World Series is no better than the Yankees doing so. So, with Halladay no-hitting the Reds, the Phillies appear ready to waltz right through the National League playoffs, and, honestly, it doesn't even matter who wins the Braves-Giants series. The Giants, with their aces, Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, will probably beat the Braves, and might take the Phillies to 6 games, but they won't beat Philadelphia because they can't hit. On the other side, the Yankees will do the same through the American League. Thankfully football season is underway and the hockey season will soon be starting so Met fans can have something else to watch besides the their crosstown rival vs another NL East rival. Honestly, why do I even bother to watch? I am ready to have a Mad Dog-like meltdown. Well, with that all said, here's a recap of the first day of the Division Series.
Game 1: Cincinnati Reds @ Philadelphia Phillies (Phillies lead series 1-0)
The big news from Day 1 of the Major League Baseball playoffs comes from Philadelphia where Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay threw the 2nd no-hitter in post-season history; Yankees hurler Don Larsen threw a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in game 5 of the 1956 World Series. Halladay's only blemish was a 2 out walk to Jay Bruce in the 5th inning. In addition to pitching phenomenally well, Halladay also had an RBI single in Philadelphia's 3-run 2nd inning; Halladay would also score in the inning on a Shane Victorino single to center. Halladay is the 5th pitcher in history to throw multiple no-hitters in the same season, and the first since Nolan Ryan in 1973; Halladay had thrown a perfect game earlier this season on May 29 against Florida. Edinson Volquez was not up to the task in game 1 as he allowed 4 runs, all of them earned, in 1.2 innings.
It does not get any easier for the Reds in game 2 as they will get Philadelphia's other Roy, Roy Oswalt, who is 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA since coming to the Phils at the trade deadline. The Reds will counter with the playoff tested Bronson Arroyo. While Arroyo is battle tested, he and the Reds just don't match up well against the Phillies. I'd expect Oswalt to keep the Phils rolling toward another appearance in the NLCS. Game 2 is Friday at 6 EST.
Game 1: Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays (Rangers lead series 1-0)
David Price was not sharp in game 1 for the Rays, who lost 5-1 to Cliff Lee and the Rangers. Price gave up 2 runs in the 2nd inning and then single runs in the 3rd through 5th innings. The good news for Tampa Bay is that Price gave them 6.2 innings, which should be able to keep the bullpen fresh for the Rays as the series goes on. Lee was dominant for the Rangers giving up 5 hits and striking out 10 while he gave up 1 run in 7 innings. Lee's only blemish was a leadoff home run to Ben Zobrist in the 7th inning. In game 2 tomorrow CJ Wilson will go for the Rangers and James Shields will pitch for Tampa.
Game 1: New York Yankees @ Minnesota Twins (Yankees lead series 1-0)
The news was encouraging early on for the Yankee Haters when the Twins raced out to a 3-0 lead through 5 innings, and Twins starter Francisco Liriano looked to be outdueling Yankees ace CC Sabathia. However, that optimism was quelled in the 6th inning when the Yankees struck for 4 runs and they took their first lead on a Curtis Granderson 2-run triple. Hope was restored for a little while when CC Sabathia walked in the tying run with two outs in the bottom of the 6th. With one on in the 7th Mark Teixera homered down the line in right to put the Yankees up 6-4.
The Twins did threaten in the late innings, twice putting two runners on. In the 7th inning, putting runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs for slugger Jim Thome; however, David Robertson was able to get Thome swinging on a breaking ball in the dirt to end the inning. Against Kerry Wood in the 8th, they had runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, but after a groundout to 2nd the Twins were left with 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs. Yankees manager Joe Girardi then brought in closer Mariano Rivera to face Denard Span, and Rivera got Span to ground out to shortstop Derek Jeter for the third out. Rivera then took care of the Twins in the 9th to preserve the 6-4 game 1 victory.
Andy Pettitte will pitch game 2 for the Yankees against the Twins and Carl Pavano. The Yankees got the road win they had to have in game 1, and can put the Twins in a huge hole with a victory in game 2. Pettitte is 10-5 all-time on the road in the post-season, but he has looked shaky since coming back from the disabled list in late September so which Pettitte shows up in game 2 will be pivotal.
Game 1: Cincinnati Reds @ Philadelphia Phillies (Phillies lead series 1-0)
The big news from Day 1 of the Major League Baseball playoffs comes from Philadelphia where Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay threw the 2nd no-hitter in post-season history; Yankees hurler Don Larsen threw a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in game 5 of the 1956 World Series. Halladay's only blemish was a 2 out walk to Jay Bruce in the 5th inning. In addition to pitching phenomenally well, Halladay also had an RBI single in Philadelphia's 3-run 2nd inning; Halladay would also score in the inning on a Shane Victorino single to center. Halladay is the 5th pitcher in history to throw multiple no-hitters in the same season, and the first since Nolan Ryan in 1973; Halladay had thrown a perfect game earlier this season on May 29 against Florida. Edinson Volquez was not up to the task in game 1 as he allowed 4 runs, all of them earned, in 1.2 innings.
It does not get any easier for the Reds in game 2 as they will get Philadelphia's other Roy, Roy Oswalt, who is 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA since coming to the Phils at the trade deadline. The Reds will counter with the playoff tested Bronson Arroyo. While Arroyo is battle tested, he and the Reds just don't match up well against the Phillies. I'd expect Oswalt to keep the Phils rolling toward another appearance in the NLCS. Game 2 is Friday at 6 EST.
Game 1: Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays (Rangers lead series 1-0)
David Price was not sharp in game 1 for the Rays, who lost 5-1 to Cliff Lee and the Rangers. Price gave up 2 runs in the 2nd inning and then single runs in the 3rd through 5th innings. The good news for Tampa Bay is that Price gave them 6.2 innings, which should be able to keep the bullpen fresh for the Rays as the series goes on. Lee was dominant for the Rangers giving up 5 hits and striking out 10 while he gave up 1 run in 7 innings. Lee's only blemish was a leadoff home run to Ben Zobrist in the 7th inning. In game 2 tomorrow CJ Wilson will go for the Rangers and James Shields will pitch for Tampa.
Game 1: New York Yankees @ Minnesota Twins (Yankees lead series 1-0)
The news was encouraging early on for the Yankee Haters when the Twins raced out to a 3-0 lead through 5 innings, and Twins starter Francisco Liriano looked to be outdueling Yankees ace CC Sabathia. However, that optimism was quelled in the 6th inning when the Yankees struck for 4 runs and they took their first lead on a Curtis Granderson 2-run triple. Hope was restored for a little while when CC Sabathia walked in the tying run with two outs in the bottom of the 6th. With one on in the 7th Mark Teixera homered down the line in right to put the Yankees up 6-4.
The Twins did threaten in the late innings, twice putting two runners on. In the 7th inning, putting runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs for slugger Jim Thome; however, David Robertson was able to get Thome swinging on a breaking ball in the dirt to end the inning. Against Kerry Wood in the 8th, they had runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, but after a groundout to 2nd the Twins were left with 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs. Yankees manager Joe Girardi then brought in closer Mariano Rivera to face Denard Span, and Rivera got Span to ground out to shortstop Derek Jeter for the third out. Rivera then took care of the Twins in the 9th to preserve the 6-4 game 1 victory.
Andy Pettitte will pitch game 2 for the Yankees against the Twins and Carl Pavano. The Yankees got the road win they had to have in game 1, and can put the Twins in a huge hole with a victory in game 2. Pettitte is 10-5 all-time on the road in the post-season, but he has looked shaky since coming back from the disabled list in late September so which Pettitte shows up in game 2 will be pivotal.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
It's Official: Mets Sack Omar and Jerry
Today the Met ownership made official what most have suspected for weeks as they chose not to pick up the option on manager Jerry Manuel's contract and would be removing Omar Minaya from his role as General Manager (GM).
While I understand the decision to let both men go, I would have liked to have seen Jerry Manuel have a shot with a healthy team because he was able to get the team back in the race when he took over in 2008. When Manuel took over for Willie Randolph, who was fired in a most despicable fashion, the Mets were 7 games out in June 2008 and Manuel had them 3.5 games ahead with 17 to play when they again choked and lost on the last day of the season. In 2009 they suffered catastrophic injuries and all of the team's core players missed extensive time. This year they were within 2.5 games of first place at the all-star break all while Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes missed significant time again, but a 2-9 trip on the west coast to start the second half did them in. On that fateful trip out west, the team lost Jason Bay for the year due to a concussion, and even though he had underperformed all year the team still missed his presence in the lineup. Manuel also had to deal with operating shorthanded much of the year because of Minaya's two biggest mistakes as GM: Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo. Perez pitched 7.2 innings in 7 appearances from July 21 until the end of the season and gave up 8 earned runs on 11 hits and 9 walks. Castillo has hit .245, .302, and .235 in each of the last 3 years and no longer possesses the speed and defensive range that made him a thorn in the Mets' side when he was a member of the Florida Marlins. While Minaya did change the Mets around immediately and he had them within 1 game of the World Series in 2006, he will ultimately be remembered for the epic collapse of 2007, the mini-collapse of 2008, two dreadful years in 2009 and 2010, and the awful signings of Perez and Castillo.
Jeff Wilpon, the team's COO, said that the organization would do an extensive search for a new GM and he hopes to have the new GM in place within 3 or 4 weeks. Wilpon further said that the GM will not come from within the organization, although current assistant GM John Ricco would have a role in the search, and that the new GM will be charged with the task of changing the culture of the team. Neither Jeff Wilpon, nor his father Fred, the team's CEO, seemed committed to a particular style of GM, a new school, statistically driven type or an old school type, but only to a GM who is going to put a winner on the field.
When the team negotiated with Minaya in September 2004 to bring him in as GM, one of the issues was that Minaya wanted complete autonomy in baseball operations and was not interested in sharing the GM duties with then-GM Jim Duquette, or anyone else. 6 years later the idea that the GM of the team does not have complete autonomy over the baseball operations is still an issue with the team, at least in the eyes of the fans and the media. During their press conference, both Wilpons said that this perception was not true, and, while the team has does have a budget, in the 30 years they have owned the team, they have always gone over budget. In addition, they stated that not once had Minaya come to ownership with a proposal that ownership rejected. Regarding this idea Jeff Wilpon was asked by Mike Francesa if Minaya had approached him about jettisoning the much maligned Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo, and Wilpon said that this idea had not been broached by Minaya. Finally, in regard to selecting a new manager for the team Jeff Wilpon averred that the new GM will have the autonomy to select the new manager; however, ownership would reserve the right to ask the new GM to rethink his decision if ownership felt the manager was not a good fit.
Jeff Wilpon stated that team has not been rendered broke in the wake of the Madoff scandal and the team would have the ability to go out and sign free agents if the new GM wanted to pursue a player. Fred Wilpon stated that he was especially hurt by the Madoff scandal and it is a betrayal that he would take to his grave. It is not known, however, how much the Madoff scandal has cost the team, although there are reports suggesting that the team may have actually profited from the scandal. An account called Mets LP was on Madoff's books and that account deposited $520 million and withdrew $570 million.
NOT ME! - When Jerry Manuel brought in Oliver Perez in the 14th inning of Sunday's season finale against Washington it was not at all surprising that Perez hit a batter and walked 3 batters to force in the winning run. Nor was it surprising that Perez was booed loudly (well, as loudly as the few that were left at Citi Field could boo) when Manuel removed him for Pat Misch. However, as SNY went to a commercial break Gary Cohen, SNY's play-by-play man, said that he felt bad for Perez and that Perez was in an impossible spot. Normally Cohen is right on in his assessment of the team, but I could not disagree with him more here. Perez deserved nothing but the boos he received and it's only a shame that Citi Field was not full so he could have received more boos. Perez has done nothing but, essentially, steal $24 million over the past two years, and he still has one more year and $12 million left on his contract; he's 3-9 with a 6.80 ERA over the last two years. Instead of accepting the team's assignment to AAA Buffalo, he selfishly declined and decided he could work out his problems pitching from the bullpen, thereby costing a roster spot that could have been used by someone far more deserving. Perez [and Castillo] cannot be back next year if the Mets want to be taken seriously. Even if Perez goes on to become the next Sandy Koufax, the Mets have got to get rid of him because he is just not a fit on this team and he never will be.
IRONY? - One final thing, it did seem a bit ironic that Adam Rubin was at the press conference today. Rubin, a beat reporter, and Minaya, if you remember, had a heated discussion after assistant GM Tony Bernazard was fired after a report by Rubin and Minaya accused Rubin of angling for a position with the Mets. So, is Rubin going to be applying for Omar's old job?
While I understand the decision to let both men go, I would have liked to have seen Jerry Manuel have a shot with a healthy team because he was able to get the team back in the race when he took over in 2008. When Manuel took over for Willie Randolph, who was fired in a most despicable fashion, the Mets were 7 games out in June 2008 and Manuel had them 3.5 games ahead with 17 to play when they again choked and lost on the last day of the season. In 2009 they suffered catastrophic injuries and all of the team's core players missed extensive time. This year they were within 2.5 games of first place at the all-star break all while Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes missed significant time again, but a 2-9 trip on the west coast to start the second half did them in. On that fateful trip out west, the team lost Jason Bay for the year due to a concussion, and even though he had underperformed all year the team still missed his presence in the lineup. Manuel also had to deal with operating shorthanded much of the year because of Minaya's two biggest mistakes as GM: Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo. Perez pitched 7.2 innings in 7 appearances from July 21 until the end of the season and gave up 8 earned runs on 11 hits and 9 walks. Castillo has hit .245, .302, and .235 in each of the last 3 years and no longer possesses the speed and defensive range that made him a thorn in the Mets' side when he was a member of the Florida Marlins. While Minaya did change the Mets around immediately and he had them within 1 game of the World Series in 2006, he will ultimately be remembered for the epic collapse of 2007, the mini-collapse of 2008, two dreadful years in 2009 and 2010, and the awful signings of Perez and Castillo.
Jeff Wilpon, the team's COO, said that the organization would do an extensive search for a new GM and he hopes to have the new GM in place within 3 or 4 weeks. Wilpon further said that the GM will not come from within the organization, although current assistant GM John Ricco would have a role in the search, and that the new GM will be charged with the task of changing the culture of the team. Neither Jeff Wilpon, nor his father Fred, the team's CEO, seemed committed to a particular style of GM, a new school, statistically driven type or an old school type, but only to a GM who is going to put a winner on the field.
When the team negotiated with Minaya in September 2004 to bring him in as GM, one of the issues was that Minaya wanted complete autonomy in baseball operations and was not interested in sharing the GM duties with then-GM Jim Duquette, or anyone else. 6 years later the idea that the GM of the team does not have complete autonomy over the baseball operations is still an issue with the team, at least in the eyes of the fans and the media. During their press conference, both Wilpons said that this perception was not true, and, while the team has does have a budget, in the 30 years they have owned the team, they have always gone over budget. In addition, they stated that not once had Minaya come to ownership with a proposal that ownership rejected. Regarding this idea Jeff Wilpon was asked by Mike Francesa if Minaya had approached him about jettisoning the much maligned Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo, and Wilpon said that this idea had not been broached by Minaya. Finally, in regard to selecting a new manager for the team Jeff Wilpon averred that the new GM will have the autonomy to select the new manager; however, ownership would reserve the right to ask the new GM to rethink his decision if ownership felt the manager was not a good fit.
Jeff Wilpon stated that team has not been rendered broke in the wake of the Madoff scandal and the team would have the ability to go out and sign free agents if the new GM wanted to pursue a player. Fred Wilpon stated that he was especially hurt by the Madoff scandal and it is a betrayal that he would take to his grave. It is not known, however, how much the Madoff scandal has cost the team, although there are reports suggesting that the team may have actually profited from the scandal. An account called Mets LP was on Madoff's books and that account deposited $520 million and withdrew $570 million.
NOT ME! - When Jerry Manuel brought in Oliver Perez in the 14th inning of Sunday's season finale against Washington it was not at all surprising that Perez hit a batter and walked 3 batters to force in the winning run. Nor was it surprising that Perez was booed loudly (well, as loudly as the few that were left at Citi Field could boo) when Manuel removed him for Pat Misch. However, as SNY went to a commercial break Gary Cohen, SNY's play-by-play man, said that he felt bad for Perez and that Perez was in an impossible spot. Normally Cohen is right on in his assessment of the team, but I could not disagree with him more here. Perez deserved nothing but the boos he received and it's only a shame that Citi Field was not full so he could have received more boos. Perez has done nothing but, essentially, steal $24 million over the past two years, and he still has one more year and $12 million left on his contract; he's 3-9 with a 6.80 ERA over the last two years. Instead of accepting the team's assignment to AAA Buffalo, he selfishly declined and decided he could work out his problems pitching from the bullpen, thereby costing a roster spot that could have been used by someone far more deserving. Perez [and Castillo] cannot be back next year if the Mets want to be taken seriously. Even if Perez goes on to become the next Sandy Koufax, the Mets have got to get rid of him because he is just not a fit on this team and he never will be.
IRONY? - One final thing, it did seem a bit ironic that Adam Rubin was at the press conference today. Rubin, a beat reporter, and Minaya, if you remember, had a heated discussion after assistant GM Tony Bernazard was fired after a report by Rubin and Minaya accused Rubin of angling for a position with the Mets. So, is Rubin going to be applying for Omar's old job?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Week 4 Review
Well, with only two games remaining for the weekend, tonight's Bears-Giants game and tomorrow's Patriots-Dolphins matchup, I'm 7-5. I lost with the Bengals, Seahawks, Eagles, Colts, and Titans. New Orleans and Atlanta both struggled, but both escaped with victories to go to 3-1 atop the NFC South. The Baltimore-Pittsburgh game was a low scoring struggle, but the Ravens got a last minute touchdown on Joe Flacco's pass to TJ Houshmandzadeh.
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills - This game was not competitive at all as the Jets cruised to a 38-14 victory in Orchard Park. LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries and Shonn Green had 117 yards on 22 carries of his own as the Jets manhandled the Bills defensive line all day. It's usually not a good thing when your quarterback is your leading rusher, unless it's someone like Michael Vick, and for the Bills today it was not a good thing. Ryan Fitzpatrick had 74 yards on 7 rushes as he ran for his life from the relentless Jets defense all day; Fitzpatrick was also sacked 3 times.
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles - Alright, I lost with this pick as I had the Eagles over the Redskins, but is it really a loss when Philadelphia loses? I don't think so either, so I wasn't too broken up to lose this one...especially once I knew I was mathematically eliminated from winning my pool. Tough not to feel good for Donovan McNabb as the Redskins came away with the victory in McNabb's return to Philadelphia after 11 seasons as an Eagle. Michael Vick suffered a rib injury as he raced toward the end zone in the first half and was relieved by Kevin Kolb. While Kolb was under center for the Eagles I noticed a couple things: 1, the Eagles offensive line is not very good, which I have heard before; and 2, I don't get the hype surrounding Kevin Kolb. I don't understand why the Eagles were so quick to get rid of McNabb in favor of Kolb. If I were an Eagles fan, and thankfully I am not, I would be hoping that Michael Vick is able to start next week in San Francisco because Vick has looked good thus far.
With a .500 record for the week assured, tonight I have the Giants over the Bears and tomorrow is the Dolphins over the Patriots.
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills - This game was not competitive at all as the Jets cruised to a 38-14 victory in Orchard Park. LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries and Shonn Green had 117 yards on 22 carries of his own as the Jets manhandled the Bills defensive line all day. It's usually not a good thing when your quarterback is your leading rusher, unless it's someone like Michael Vick, and for the Bills today it was not a good thing. Ryan Fitzpatrick had 74 yards on 7 rushes as he ran for his life from the relentless Jets defense all day; Fitzpatrick was also sacked 3 times.
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles - Alright, I lost with this pick as I had the Eagles over the Redskins, but is it really a loss when Philadelphia loses? I don't think so either, so I wasn't too broken up to lose this one...especially once I knew I was mathematically eliminated from winning my pool. Tough not to feel good for Donovan McNabb as the Redskins came away with the victory in McNabb's return to Philadelphia after 11 seasons as an Eagle. Michael Vick suffered a rib injury as he raced toward the end zone in the first half and was relieved by Kevin Kolb. While Kolb was under center for the Eagles I noticed a couple things: 1, the Eagles offensive line is not very good, which I have heard before; and 2, I don't get the hype surrounding Kevin Kolb. I don't understand why the Eagles were so quick to get rid of McNabb in favor of Kolb. If I were an Eagles fan, and thankfully I am not, I would be hoping that Michael Vick is able to start next week in San Francisco because Vick has looked good thus far.
With a .500 record for the week assured, tonight I have the Giants over the Bears and tomorrow is the Dolphins over the Patriots.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Mets Need New GM, Manager
WFAN's and SI.com's Jon Heyman has reported that the Mets will announce soon after the season ends that neither GM Omar Minaya nor manager Jerry Manuel will be retained for 2011 in their current capacities. Manuel has an option for 2011, but the team is expected to decline that option, and Minaya may be reassigned within the organization, most likely in the scouting department, according to Heyman. Both moves have been speculated for weeks now, so it comes as little surprise that neither will be back. Heyman also says the team is not expected to move immediately to name replacements for both.
To fill the GM position the team is expected to go outside the organization, and, with the Diamondbacks signing former Padres GM Kevin Towers to be their GM, there does not appear to be a clear favorite to replace Minaya. When the Mets brought Minaya in following the 2004 season it was with the promise that he would have complete autonomy in making decisions regarding the team, and over the past couple years it has appeared that Minaya's complete autonomy has been wrested from him and Mets COO Jeff Wilpon seems to have taken a more hands on approach. When the Mets were still in contention this year in mid to late July the team made no moves to improve the club in an effort to remain in contention and the team wound up going 2-9 on a west coast trip following the all-star break and was never heard from again. What was the reason that they did not make a move? Did Minaya have a move ready, but ownership would not take on salary for someone like then-Cubs P Ted Lilly? Or, did ownership decide that Minaya was no longer a competent GM after he handed out bad contracts to players like Oliver Perez, 3 years for $36 million, and Luis Castillo, 4 years for $24 million? If it was the latter, then I am all for bringing in a new GM to get this team back on track, like they did with Minaya in 2004; however, if ownership is not going to be willing to spend money on free agents, draft picks, the farm system, and trades, then there is really no point in bringing in a new GM. I'm not sure which side is more to blame in this situation because both scenarios are both believable.
While the GM job is wide open, there do seem to be two leading candidates for the manager's job, although the new GM may have his own guy that he wants to bring in, so a dark horse candidate could emerge. The leaders, according to speculation, at least, seem to be former Met manager Bobby Valentine and 1986 Met and current Brooklyn Cyclones, the club's New York-Penn League affiliate, manager Wally Backman. Backman had been hired to manage the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004, but was fired after a day because of legal problems. Since then he has worked his way back through managing independent teams and this past year in Brooklyn. His fiery demeanor would be a change from the past couple managers the team has had, Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel, and Backman's link to the 1986 team would lend him instant credibility with fans. One of the knocks on Backman is that he does not have any managing experience on the major league level, but he has won virtually everywhere he's managed. Valentine, on the other hand, does have the major league experience that Backman lacks, and he has managed in New York before, bringing the Mets to the World Series in 2000. According to people in the know, the Wilpons do not appear to be high on bringing Valentine back, which is a shame because his intellect for the game is top notch.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/10/01/mets.minaya.manuel/index.html?eref=sihp
To fill the GM position the team is expected to go outside the organization, and, with the Diamondbacks signing former Padres GM Kevin Towers to be their GM, there does not appear to be a clear favorite to replace Minaya. When the Mets brought Minaya in following the 2004 season it was with the promise that he would have complete autonomy in making decisions regarding the team, and over the past couple years it has appeared that Minaya's complete autonomy has been wrested from him and Mets COO Jeff Wilpon seems to have taken a more hands on approach. When the Mets were still in contention this year in mid to late July the team made no moves to improve the club in an effort to remain in contention and the team wound up going 2-9 on a west coast trip following the all-star break and was never heard from again. What was the reason that they did not make a move? Did Minaya have a move ready, but ownership would not take on salary for someone like then-Cubs P Ted Lilly? Or, did ownership decide that Minaya was no longer a competent GM after he handed out bad contracts to players like Oliver Perez, 3 years for $36 million, and Luis Castillo, 4 years for $24 million? If it was the latter, then I am all for bringing in a new GM to get this team back on track, like they did with Minaya in 2004; however, if ownership is not going to be willing to spend money on free agents, draft picks, the farm system, and trades, then there is really no point in bringing in a new GM. I'm not sure which side is more to blame in this situation because both scenarios are both believable.
While the GM job is wide open, there do seem to be two leading candidates for the manager's job, although the new GM may have his own guy that he wants to bring in, so a dark horse candidate could emerge. The leaders, according to speculation, at least, seem to be former Met manager Bobby Valentine and 1986 Met and current Brooklyn Cyclones, the club's New York-Penn League affiliate, manager Wally Backman. Backman had been hired to manage the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004, but was fired after a day because of legal problems. Since then he has worked his way back through managing independent teams and this past year in Brooklyn. His fiery demeanor would be a change from the past couple managers the team has had, Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel, and Backman's link to the 1986 team would lend him instant credibility with fans. One of the knocks on Backman is that he does not have any managing experience on the major league level, but he has won virtually everywhere he's managed. Valentine, on the other hand, does have the major league experience that Backman lacks, and he has managed in New York before, bringing the Mets to the World Series in 2000. According to people in the know, the Wilpons do not appear to be high on bringing Valentine back, which is a shame because his intellect for the game is top notch.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/10/01/mets.minaya.manuel/index.html?eref=sihp
Week 4 Picks
Well, it's two weeks in a row of 9-7, which, admittedly, certainly does hurt my pride. But, why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up. I'll try to pick myself up in week 4 and put up a big number. There are 14 games this week as the teams start to get their bye week; the Cowboys, Vikings, Bucs, and Chiefs will get the week off. And now, week 4 in the league where they play......for pay...
New York Jets (2-1) @ Buffalo Bills (0-3) - This is one of those games that looks fairly easy to pick. The Jets have put forth two solid efforts in a row in beating fellow division rivals New England and Miami. The Bills put up 30 on New England last week in Foxboro, but they gave up 38. Buffalo struggles to move the ball and against the Jet defense they will continue to struggle to move the ball even if the Jets are without CB Darrelle Revis. Bills rookie RB CJ Spiller will find the sledding much tougher against the Jet defense, which is 4th against the run. Pick: NEW YORK JETS
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) - This could be the best game of the weekend and if you like a hard-hitting, physical game, then make sure you watch this game. Both defenses are outstanding and the offenses are going to struggle in this one. The Steelers will be starting Charlie Batch at QB in their last game before Ben Roethlisberger comes back from his 4 game suspension. There is a huge discrepancy in the turnover margins for these two teams, the Ravens are -6 and the Steelers +6, so that should help keep this game close as well. Pick: BALTIMORE
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) @ Cleveland Browns (0-3) - The undercard in the AFC North battles will be closer than the records indicate it should be. I don't think it is going to be high scoring and because of that you have to give the Browns at least a chance. I really don't have any strong feelings on this game, but I think the Bengals are the best bet here. Pick: CINCINNATI
Denver Broncos (1-2) @ Tennessee Titans (2-1) - This should be an interesting matchup as both defenses do a good job against what the opposing offense does best; Denver possesses one of the most prolific passing attacks and Chris Johnson gives Tennessee one of the best running games in the league. Tennessee's defense is much better than Denver's and I think they'll keep Kyle Orton and the Broncos grounded while Chris Johnson will move the Titans to the victory. Pick: TENNESSEE
Carolina Panthers (0-3) @ New Orleans Saints (2-1) - There is no way that the anemic Panthers led by a rookie QB will be able to go into the dome and knock off a Saints team coming off a loss. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Pick: NEW ORLEANS
Detroit Lions (0-3) @ Green Bay Packers (2-1) - I almost took the Lions last week over Minnesota and the Lions almost made me look like a bigger idiot than I am. I still think the Lions are improving, but they are not going into Lambeau and beating Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Pick: GREEN BAY
Seattle Seahawks (2-1) @ St. Louis Rams (1-2) - The Rams got their first win of the year and dispatched Washington fairly easily. Speaking of Washington, Leon Washington had 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns for Seattle last week and stole momentum back for Seattle after the Chargers came back from being down big early. Again, another game I don't have a great feel for, so I'll go with the experienced QB in the Seahawks Matt Hasselbeck. Pick: SEATTLE
San Francisco 49ers (0-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (2-1) - Well, if the 49ers are going to have a season, then they're going to have to go into Atlanta and get a W, which makes them a desperate team and therefore a volatile pick. For Atlanta, this could set up to be a let down game after their huge victory over the Saints last week. Even still, the Falcons have the better quarterback and they don't turn the ball over as much as San Francisco. Pick: ATLANTA
Houston Texans (2-1) @ Oakland Raiders (1-2) - The Raiders have a tough defense and a cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha, who is fully capable of shutting down Texans WR Andre Johnson. That may be true, but the Raiders cannot stop the run and the Texans have one of the best so far at this stage of the season in Arian Foster. Pick: HOUSTON
Indianapolis Colts (2-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2) - Peyton Manning plays for the Colts, that should be enough of a reason to take them here...and the Jaguars give up A LOT of yards through the air. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS
Washington Redskins (1-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) - Donovan McNabb makes his return to Philadelphia after 11 seasons with the Eagles. Michael Vick has been outstanding and has already made fans in Philadelphia forget about McNabb's replacement, Kevin Kolb, who played all of 2 quarters. Surely, McNabb will be motivated to have a big game, but Vick and the Eagles are looking too good right now. Pick: PHILADELPHIA
Arizona Cardinals (2-1) @ San Diego Chargers (1-2) - The Cardinals are fortunate to be 2-1 and they can thank Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski for that as Janikowski missed a chip shot field goal as time expired to seal up the victory for Arizona last week. If San Diego can avoid turning the ball over, they should come away level at 2-2 and ready to make another run at the AFC West title. Pick: SAN DIEGO
Chicago Bears (3-0) @ New York Giants (1-2) - Much like the Chargers, if the Giants can protect the football, there is no reason they can't win this game; they'll also have to cut down on the personal fouls. The Giant pass rush is fully capable of wreaking havoc all night for Bears QB Jay Cutler, which could produce turnovers for New York. The Giants and Tom Coughlin are at a crossroads this week, much like they were in week 3 in Washington when they won the Super Bowl in 2007, and they came through that with a victory. I think this team will come out motivated to get past the turmoil of the past couple weeks and get the season back on track. If they don't, then the calls for Coughlin's head will no doubt grow louder, which would be extremely unfair given the success the team has enjoyed under his watch. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS
Monday Night Football
New England Patriots (2-1) @ Miami Dolphins (2-1) - Tom Brady seems to struggle against the Dolphins and the Patriots have struggled in pass defense, which the Dolphins should be able to exploit. Pick: MIAMI and 49 points
New York Jets (2-1) @ Buffalo Bills (0-3) - This is one of those games that looks fairly easy to pick. The Jets have put forth two solid efforts in a row in beating fellow division rivals New England and Miami. The Bills put up 30 on New England last week in Foxboro, but they gave up 38. Buffalo struggles to move the ball and against the Jet defense they will continue to struggle to move the ball even if the Jets are without CB Darrelle Revis. Bills rookie RB CJ Spiller will find the sledding much tougher against the Jet defense, which is 4th against the run. Pick: NEW YORK JETS
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) - This could be the best game of the weekend and if you like a hard-hitting, physical game, then make sure you watch this game. Both defenses are outstanding and the offenses are going to struggle in this one. The Steelers will be starting Charlie Batch at QB in their last game before Ben Roethlisberger comes back from his 4 game suspension. There is a huge discrepancy in the turnover margins for these two teams, the Ravens are -6 and the Steelers +6, so that should help keep this game close as well. Pick: BALTIMORE
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) @ Cleveland Browns (0-3) - The undercard in the AFC North battles will be closer than the records indicate it should be. I don't think it is going to be high scoring and because of that you have to give the Browns at least a chance. I really don't have any strong feelings on this game, but I think the Bengals are the best bet here. Pick: CINCINNATI
Denver Broncos (1-2) @ Tennessee Titans (2-1) - This should be an interesting matchup as both defenses do a good job against what the opposing offense does best; Denver possesses one of the most prolific passing attacks and Chris Johnson gives Tennessee one of the best running games in the league. Tennessee's defense is much better than Denver's and I think they'll keep Kyle Orton and the Broncos grounded while Chris Johnson will move the Titans to the victory. Pick: TENNESSEE
Carolina Panthers (0-3) @ New Orleans Saints (2-1) - There is no way that the anemic Panthers led by a rookie QB will be able to go into the dome and knock off a Saints team coming off a loss. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Pick: NEW ORLEANS
Detroit Lions (0-3) @ Green Bay Packers (2-1) - I almost took the Lions last week over Minnesota and the Lions almost made me look like a bigger idiot than I am. I still think the Lions are improving, but they are not going into Lambeau and beating Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Pick: GREEN BAY
Seattle Seahawks (2-1) @ St. Louis Rams (1-2) - The Rams got their first win of the year and dispatched Washington fairly easily. Speaking of Washington, Leon Washington had 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns for Seattle last week and stole momentum back for Seattle after the Chargers came back from being down big early. Again, another game I don't have a great feel for, so I'll go with the experienced QB in the Seahawks Matt Hasselbeck. Pick: SEATTLE
San Francisco 49ers (0-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (2-1) - Well, if the 49ers are going to have a season, then they're going to have to go into Atlanta and get a W, which makes them a desperate team and therefore a volatile pick. For Atlanta, this could set up to be a let down game after their huge victory over the Saints last week. Even still, the Falcons have the better quarterback and they don't turn the ball over as much as San Francisco. Pick: ATLANTA
Houston Texans (2-1) @ Oakland Raiders (1-2) - The Raiders have a tough defense and a cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha, who is fully capable of shutting down Texans WR Andre Johnson. That may be true, but the Raiders cannot stop the run and the Texans have one of the best so far at this stage of the season in Arian Foster. Pick: HOUSTON
Indianapolis Colts (2-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2) - Peyton Manning plays for the Colts, that should be enough of a reason to take them here...and the Jaguars give up A LOT of yards through the air. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS
Washington Redskins (1-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) - Donovan McNabb makes his return to Philadelphia after 11 seasons with the Eagles. Michael Vick has been outstanding and has already made fans in Philadelphia forget about McNabb's replacement, Kevin Kolb, who played all of 2 quarters. Surely, McNabb will be motivated to have a big game, but Vick and the Eagles are looking too good right now. Pick: PHILADELPHIA
Arizona Cardinals (2-1) @ San Diego Chargers (1-2) - The Cardinals are fortunate to be 2-1 and they can thank Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski for that as Janikowski missed a chip shot field goal as time expired to seal up the victory for Arizona last week. If San Diego can avoid turning the ball over, they should come away level at 2-2 and ready to make another run at the AFC West title. Pick: SAN DIEGO
Chicago Bears (3-0) @ New York Giants (1-2) - Much like the Chargers, if the Giants can protect the football, there is no reason they can't win this game; they'll also have to cut down on the personal fouls. The Giant pass rush is fully capable of wreaking havoc all night for Bears QB Jay Cutler, which could produce turnovers for New York. The Giants and Tom Coughlin are at a crossroads this week, much like they were in week 3 in Washington when they won the Super Bowl in 2007, and they came through that with a victory. I think this team will come out motivated to get past the turmoil of the past couple weeks and get the season back on track. If they don't, then the calls for Coughlin's head will no doubt grow louder, which would be extremely unfair given the success the team has enjoyed under his watch. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS
Monday Night Football
New England Patriots (2-1) @ Miami Dolphins (2-1) - Tom Brady seems to struggle against the Dolphins and the Patriots have struggled in pass defense, which the Dolphins should be able to exploit. Pick: MIAMI and 49 points
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