There have big some big post-season moves this off-season.
The Giants this last year proved what people have been saying for years - pitching wins championships.
Let's start with the Cliff Lee move
Mulligan/Repentance
Give the Phillies credit. They made a mistake in trading Cliff Lee last year. And they were men enough to admit- we made a mistake.
Some may say, hey not a big deal. They get Lee back- and get some prospects.
But not so
Why this was a mistake
1. The players they got weren't that great, and now they have to give up a 1st rd pick... likely better than anyone they got in the trade
2. Since they didn't have Lee, they had to trade for Oswalt, giving up a good young pitcher in Happ and a good player in Gose. Plus they have to put more money into Oswalt.
They could have instead of traded for a middle reliever or a big bench bat, or kept those guys for the future...
3. If they would have signed Lee last year, they probably could have got him for 5 years 100 million... That's 20 mil they could have used on... maybe Rafeal Soriano....
4. Let's face it, as good as Oswalt is, Cliff Lee is better... and they would have had a better chance to win last year.
But, at least the Phillies corrected their mistake and got Lee back.
i guess that is what life is all about. This is what God expects of us. Admit your sin, repent. You will make mistakes, just don't stay there
Now, do the Phillies have the best rotation ever?
4 Aces
1. Halladay 2. Lee 3. Oswalt 4. Cole Hamels
Jayson Stark writes a pretty good article.
i'd have to say the 80 Mets were pretty good... i mean, if Doc Gooden doesn't get hurt, he may have gone as one of the best ever. David Cone - amazing, Frank Viola a Cy Young... and Sid Fernandez, Ojeda, Darling decent. Phil certainly better
but the Braves of the 90's?
How do you top Maddux, Glavine & Smoltz? 3 for sure Hall of Famers. And Steve Avery was pretty good too, sometimes looked better.
Of course i liked the White Sox rotation of Jack McDowell, Alex Fernandez, Wilson Alvarez and Jason Bere.
The Yankees had some good rotations: including one that had Clemmens, Cone and Mussina
Or how about the A's big 3 of Hudson, Mulder & Zito
The Phillies has to be right up there with the Braves...
Of course, some teams may think they have a better rotation this year!
And the Giants have a case - look, they won last year with just their pitching.
We forget Tim Lincecum is called Freak, because of how dominating his was his first two years.... Matt Cain was even more dominant than Lee last post-season. Sanchez has thrown a no-no... Bumgarner looks amazing and Zito is the highest paid...
The Cardinals can boast Wainright- who i think is the best pitcher in baseball, Carpenter, still top ten... and guys like Garcis, Westbrook under the tutolidge of Dave Duncan...
Both the BoSox and ChiSox have deep rotations... Tampa Bay & Florida... and now Milwaukee
Brewers
Last year, it looked like Greinke was the best pitcher in the game bar none.
Meanwhile both Gollardo and Marcum were considered Aces last year.
The Brew Crew still have Braun, Fielder & Hart up the middle of their lineup.
The sacrificed their future (Lawrie & Escobar + pithcers), but they have a pretty good rotation, and they should be excited in Milwaukee.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Mook vs playoffs
Mark Cuban is apparently trying to fix the college football playoff system.
There is a lot of talk of expanding teams in both the nfl and mlb.
The playoffs is a hot topic of sorts
College Football
This is not new. There have been debate and outcry concerning playoff for years upon years.
The last two years, it has been pretty clear. (Though, i suppose Boise St or TCU could have made a case last year or this).
But, there was the year Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech all finished with one loss, exchanging losses with each other... with OU getting in, despite losing to UT...
Or how about Utah's undefeated season a few years back?
Certainly a playoff is needed if we want a true champion
Bowls
Let's not get rid of bowl games. Bowl games are great! They're tradition. They set up some fun stuff and give teams something to shoot for. And when a team finally makes a bowl game or returns to a bowl game it gives fans, alumni, students something to cheer for... and something to do.
But let's get back to the old system instead of all the set conference match-ups... and let's eliminate some of the bowls, there are too many, making bowl-eligibility irrelevant or unimportant.
small-schools vs cash cows
This isn't just about under dogs, though it is. The big name schools will always get more clout and recognition from the media. And often the biggest hindrance a team has is their pre-season ranking.
No, this is about money. Notre Dame will go to a big bowl if they were even half-way decent. Ohio St gets to go always.
This only lets those schools become even more popular, more famous and perpetuates them as good teams. Give others a chance.
And especially let the small schools play. They deserve a chance... and the fan want to see it.
Ohio St
Of all schools to claim another team doesn't deserve to play for a championship game, Ohio St is the one who can't say anything. Or did they forget the 2006 & 2007 seasons?
Also, how is their schedule any better? Big Ten was not that tough. In fact, it wasn't as difficult as Boise St... for the record i think they would have lost to Va Tech (And certainly to Boise St)
None of these teams from major conferences play great non-conference games.
The SEC has been great over the years, but just because they're SEC teams mean they are that amazing.
I would have loved to see Ohio St play TCU in one of the Bowl games.
And i was really sad to see Boise St lose - i thought they deserved a shot at the championship. They're loss to Nevada - should have proved how difficult it is to go undefeated - but it probably didn't
Solution
i say put in the 6 best conference champions + 2 at-large teams. The Big East may or may not be one of the best conferences... ACC for that matter too.
If you can't win your conference, then you didn't earn the right to play for a championship.
All conferences should have a conf championship game - most do already anyway.
8-team playoff
Means 2 more games for the 2 championship teams. i don't think it will take away too much from the school work
1. They practice the whole time anyway
2. Games 2 & 3 can be during their Christmas break
3. Put a limit on in-season games. A lot of teams get 13 or even 14 already before the bowl game. Make the maximum 12 or even 11
This year it could have been
1. Aub vs Stanford 1. Oregon vs Ark
2. Oklahoma vs TCU 2. Wisc vs Boise St
Of course, the issue is money... but i think the fans would go to the game and certainly would watch.
Baseball
There is a lot of talk of expanding the baseball playoffs... if they do we'll be watching baseball in December!
Seriously? Do they not see how awful the NHL is with their long season.
Instead of making the playoffs & the season longer- they need to make it shorter!
Basball should be done by mid-October
Changes
1. Reduce time between games.
Games 1&2 on Tuesday & Wednesday 3-5 on the weekend. Then T&W again. We only need one day for travel. Seriously. Next one can be Sa&Su, T-R, Sa &Su
And if the games are set, let's not wait a week, let's get it over with
2. Shorten the season.
It's too long as it is. Players get hurt. Teams fade. People lose interest. Take 11 games off the schedule, end 2 weeks earlier.
What about more teams?
Why? The season is long. They all play each other throughout the season. If they can't win their division, then do they really deserve to go? Maybe better than a team in another division- which is why there is the wildcard. One wildcard is perfect.
If you add more teams into the playoffs, then what meaning does the regular season have? There has to be a limit or the regular season is just bullshit. Quit crying and win games when it counts -which is all season long!
NFL
The NFL could have more reason to add teams. They don't all play each other. The season is short. We all like football.
Still, why mess with a good thing?
The Super Bowl is already in February.
i don't mind adding games onto the season- b/c i like watching football. And if they wanted to add two more wild cards in each conference, i probably wouldn't mind.
Still, i think it's fine as it is... even if a 7-9 team makes the playoffs this year.
There is a lot of talk of expanding teams in both the nfl and mlb.
The playoffs is a hot topic of sorts
College Football
This is not new. There have been debate and outcry concerning playoff for years upon years.
The last two years, it has been pretty clear. (Though, i suppose Boise St or TCU could have made a case last year or this).
But, there was the year Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech all finished with one loss, exchanging losses with each other... with OU getting in, despite losing to UT...
Or how about Utah's undefeated season a few years back?
Certainly a playoff is needed if we want a true champion
Bowls
Let's not get rid of bowl games. Bowl games are great! They're tradition. They set up some fun stuff and give teams something to shoot for. And when a team finally makes a bowl game or returns to a bowl game it gives fans, alumni, students something to cheer for... and something to do.
But let's get back to the old system instead of all the set conference match-ups... and let's eliminate some of the bowls, there are too many, making bowl-eligibility irrelevant or unimportant.
small-schools vs cash cows
This isn't just about under dogs, though it is. The big name schools will always get more clout and recognition from the media. And often the biggest hindrance a team has is their pre-season ranking.
No, this is about money. Notre Dame will go to a big bowl if they were even half-way decent. Ohio St gets to go always.
This only lets those schools become even more popular, more famous and perpetuates them as good teams. Give others a chance.
And especially let the small schools play. They deserve a chance... and the fan want to see it.
Ohio St
Of all schools to claim another team doesn't deserve to play for a championship game, Ohio St is the one who can't say anything. Or did they forget the 2006 & 2007 seasons?
Also, how is their schedule any better? Big Ten was not that tough. In fact, it wasn't as difficult as Boise St... for the record i think they would have lost to Va Tech (And certainly to Boise St)
None of these teams from major conferences play great non-conference games.
The SEC has been great over the years, but just because they're SEC teams mean they are that amazing.
I would have loved to see Ohio St play TCU in one of the Bowl games.
And i was really sad to see Boise St lose - i thought they deserved a shot at the championship. They're loss to Nevada - should have proved how difficult it is to go undefeated - but it probably didn't
Solution
i say put in the 6 best conference champions + 2 at-large teams. The Big East may or may not be one of the best conferences... ACC for that matter too.
If you can't win your conference, then you didn't earn the right to play for a championship.
All conferences should have a conf championship game - most do already anyway.
8-team playoff
Means 2 more games for the 2 championship teams. i don't think it will take away too much from the school work
1. They practice the whole time anyway
2. Games 2 & 3 can be during their Christmas break
3. Put a limit on in-season games. A lot of teams get 13 or even 14 already before the bowl game. Make the maximum 12 or even 11
This year it could have been
1. Aub vs Stanford 1. Oregon vs Ark
2. Oklahoma vs TCU 2. Wisc vs Boise St
Of course, the issue is money... but i think the fans would go to the game and certainly would watch.
Baseball
There is a lot of talk of expanding the baseball playoffs... if they do we'll be watching baseball in December!
Seriously? Do they not see how awful the NHL is with their long season.
Instead of making the playoffs & the season longer- they need to make it shorter!
Basball should be done by mid-October
Changes
1. Reduce time between games.
Games 1&2 on Tuesday & Wednesday 3-5 on the weekend. Then T&W again. We only need one day for travel. Seriously. Next one can be Sa&Su, T-R, Sa &Su
And if the games are set, let's not wait a week, let's get it over with
2. Shorten the season.
It's too long as it is. Players get hurt. Teams fade. People lose interest. Take 11 games off the schedule, end 2 weeks earlier.
What about more teams?
Why? The season is long. They all play each other throughout the season. If they can't win their division, then do they really deserve to go? Maybe better than a team in another division- which is why there is the wildcard. One wildcard is perfect.
If you add more teams into the playoffs, then what meaning does the regular season have? There has to be a limit or the regular season is just bullshit. Quit crying and win games when it counts -which is all season long!
NFL
The NFL could have more reason to add teams. They don't all play each other. The season is short. We all like football.
Still, why mess with a good thing?
The Super Bowl is already in February.
i don't mind adding games onto the season- b/c i like watching football. And if they wanted to add two more wild cards in each conference, i probably wouldn't mind.
Still, i think it's fine as it is... even if a 7-9 team makes the playoffs this year.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Mook vs Jayson Werth & Carl Crawford
Jayson Werth 7 years 126 million dollars
Carl Crawford 7 years 142 million dollars
Seriously?
Hey those are good players - i guess, but that much?
For anyone saying baseball is in trouble, just look at those numbers.
The next time an owner threatens moving... the next time they complain about payroll, the next time they want to raise ticket prices... it is not the fans' fault. Owners & GMs are being stupid & irresponsible.
Obviously America is entertainment starved and entertainment driven - which is why these athletes and actors and musicians get paid so much. We could be giving money to help the poor, we could use our money to help those in need. Imagine all those on the streets, imagine the poverty around the world.. or what if we gave money to teachers to help our youth or doctors to help the sick.... but don't get me started! (Yeah, i was just starting). (Hey i love sports & entertainment- i have a sports blog, but don't we go too far?)
And going too far is exactly what Washington and Boston did.
Washington overpaid because they knew they had to. Who comes to Washington? And Boston overpaid to beat out their competitors.
But was it necessary?
Jayson Werth reminds me of Jason Bay last year. Did they not learn?
i don't understand why the Mets paid more than the 4 year 60 mil when no one else was offering more- but that's another story.
Bay is betterthan how he performed last year, but he's not going to be worth it, and by the end of his contract he is going to be cancer to their ability to compete because of his salary.
Werth will be on the bench by the end of his contract- heck he was on the bench most of his career.
This isn't as bad as the Gary Matthews contract, who turned one slightly above average year (one compared to 5 mediocre years) into a 5 year 50 mil contract - the worst FA move EVER in my book.
But this was bad.
i would have given werth 4 years at 60 mil. Werth is worth that. maybe 5 years for 70 mil. But 7 for 126?
The Nationals have to make a few more moves to be competitive, but do they have a money left?
Then Boston- why? They already have 2, maybe even 3 guys who are capable lead-off hitters. True Crawford kills Boston, and he will likely be a star in Fenway, but did they need him?
What are the worst signings ever?
Some, of course, come because of injury (Beltran, K Rod), some can be seen in hindsight (Mo Vaughn, Jason Giambi) but some were bad from the start
1. Gary Matthews
2. Barry Zito
3. A.J. Burnett
4. John Lackey
5. Manny (no one was even bidding)
6. Jayson Werth
7. Ryan Howard
8. Alfonso Soriano (good player at the time, but too many years & too much money)
9. Adrian Beltre (though now, after one good year he expects- and likely will get a similar, aybe bigger contract)
10. CC (i don't think pitchers should be paid this much i guess)
11. Alexi Rios/V Wells
12. Mike Gonzales (why pay an unproven closer on a mediocre team?)
13. Hiroki Kudora (really?)
14. A Rod (killed the Rangers)
15. Darren Dreifort (could have been a great deal, they speculated too much)
could be others, what do you think?
Carl Crawford 7 years 142 million dollars
Seriously?
Hey those are good players - i guess, but that much?
For anyone saying baseball is in trouble, just look at those numbers.
The next time an owner threatens moving... the next time they complain about payroll, the next time they want to raise ticket prices... it is not the fans' fault. Owners & GMs are being stupid & irresponsible.
Obviously America is entertainment starved and entertainment driven - which is why these athletes and actors and musicians get paid so much. We could be giving money to help the poor, we could use our money to help those in need. Imagine all those on the streets, imagine the poverty around the world.. or what if we gave money to teachers to help our youth or doctors to help the sick.... but don't get me started! (Yeah, i was just starting). (Hey i love sports & entertainment- i have a sports blog, but don't we go too far?)
And going too far is exactly what Washington and Boston did.
Washington overpaid because they knew they had to. Who comes to Washington? And Boston overpaid to beat out their competitors.
But was it necessary?
Jayson Werth reminds me of Jason Bay last year. Did they not learn?
i don't understand why the Mets paid more than the 4 year 60 mil when no one else was offering more- but that's another story.
Bay is betterthan how he performed last year, but he's not going to be worth it, and by the end of his contract he is going to be cancer to their ability to compete because of his salary.
Werth will be on the bench by the end of his contract- heck he was on the bench most of his career.
This isn't as bad as the Gary Matthews contract, who turned one slightly above average year (one compared to 5 mediocre years) into a 5 year 50 mil contract - the worst FA move EVER in my book.
But this was bad.
i would have given werth 4 years at 60 mil. Werth is worth that. maybe 5 years for 70 mil. But 7 for 126?
The Nationals have to make a few more moves to be competitive, but do they have a money left?
Then Boston- why? They already have 2, maybe even 3 guys who are capable lead-off hitters. True Crawford kills Boston, and he will likely be a star in Fenway, but did they need him?
What are the worst signings ever?
Some, of course, come because of injury (Beltran, K Rod), some can be seen in hindsight (Mo Vaughn, Jason Giambi) but some were bad from the start
1. Gary Matthews
2. Barry Zito
3. A.J. Burnett
4. John Lackey
5. Manny (no one was even bidding)
6. Jayson Werth
7. Ryan Howard
8. Alfonso Soriano (good player at the time, but too many years & too much money)
9. Adrian Beltre (though now, after one good year he expects- and likely will get a similar, aybe bigger contract)
10. CC (i don't think pitchers should be paid this much i guess)
11. Alexi Rios/V Wells
12. Mike Gonzales (why pay an unproven closer on a mediocre team?)
13. Hiroki Kudora (really?)
14. A Rod (killed the Rangers)
15. Darren Dreifort (could have been a great deal, they speculated too much)
could be others, what do you think?
Mook vs Adrian Gonzales
Last week the Padres traded Adrian Gonzales to the Red Sox for Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo another minor leaguer who could turn out some day and a PTBNL.
There have been rumors since last year that A Gone was gone to Boston. The Padres kept him last year and wound up in a pennant race.
They should have kept him this year too.
i'm not a Padres fan, but this trade made me angry.
Maybe in a few years i'll be proven wrong, but it makes no sense to me.
And here's why
It's all about the money, right? OR it's all about winning... or at least the fans?
Any way, the Pads should have kept A Gone
1. the Padres make more money by keeping Gonzales, he makes them more money than he costs
He only makes 6 million, which is nothing in todays game. The fans love Gonzales. He is a bopper, the only true good position player they got, an MVP candidate. They will come out to see him. He's a local boy, a guy who has been there, the fans will come see him.
2. Keeping him gives them the best chance to win
Which serves two purposes- fans are more likely to buy season tickets if they think the team is trying to win. They will come out in droves if they are in contention. Everyone likes a winner
Plus, you are playing to win the games. Isn't that the goal? To win. To win it all. They need a guy like Gonzales. They won 90 games last year, they lost out to the team that won it all and their make-up isn't much different. They could win.
Teaming number 2 with number 1- it seems even paying him 20 mil/season he'd be worth it, he'd make them money.
3. They will need to replace him with another 1b and/or another power bat - and that will likely cost just as much.
Sure Derek Lee and Adam LaRoche are available, but they'll cost more- maybe not in the long-run but certainly this year
4. If they just kept him for his year and let him go, they would get 2 #1 picks later... and how is what they got much better?
i would have started by asking Boston for Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury & Jose Iglesis... i would have also included Heath Bell and made them give Daniel Bard... if i'm going to trade Adrian Gonzales, then i'm surely trading Bell.
They probably would have done it too.
Why not? They just signed Carl crawford & also have Pedroia & Scuatro so they don't need a lead-off guy. Buchholz may be hard to give up, but they could bring Wakefield back a year unto Kelly was ready....
i really don't know how the Padres didn't get Iglesis or at least Jed Lowrie, and a better outfielder like Josh Reddick or Ryan Kalish.
Idiots.
There have been rumors since last year that A Gone was gone to Boston. The Padres kept him last year and wound up in a pennant race.
They should have kept him this year too.
i'm not a Padres fan, but this trade made me angry.
Maybe in a few years i'll be proven wrong, but it makes no sense to me.
And here's why
It's all about the money, right? OR it's all about winning... or at least the fans?
Any way, the Pads should have kept A Gone
1. the Padres make more money by keeping Gonzales, he makes them more money than he costs
He only makes 6 million, which is nothing in todays game. The fans love Gonzales. He is a bopper, the only true good position player they got, an MVP candidate. They will come out to see him. He's a local boy, a guy who has been there, the fans will come see him.
2. Keeping him gives them the best chance to win
Which serves two purposes- fans are more likely to buy season tickets if they think the team is trying to win. They will come out in droves if they are in contention. Everyone likes a winner
Plus, you are playing to win the games. Isn't that the goal? To win. To win it all. They need a guy like Gonzales. They won 90 games last year, they lost out to the team that won it all and their make-up isn't much different. They could win.
Teaming number 2 with number 1- it seems even paying him 20 mil/season he'd be worth it, he'd make them money.
3. They will need to replace him with another 1b and/or another power bat - and that will likely cost just as much.
Sure Derek Lee and Adam LaRoche are available, but they'll cost more- maybe not in the long-run but certainly this year
4. If they just kept him for his year and let him go, they would get 2 #1 picks later... and how is what they got much better?
i would have started by asking Boston for Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury & Jose Iglesis... i would have also included Heath Bell and made them give Daniel Bard... if i'm going to trade Adrian Gonzales, then i'm surely trading Bell.
They probably would have done it too.
Why not? They just signed Carl crawford & also have Pedroia & Scuatro so they don't need a lead-off guy. Buchholz may be hard to give up, but they could bring Wakefield back a year unto Kelly was ready....
i really don't know how the Padres didn't get Iglesis or at least Jed Lowrie, and a better outfielder like Josh Reddick or Ryan Kalish.
Idiots.
Mook vs Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter has become the face of the Yankees.
When you think Yankees, you think Ruth, Gerhig, Mantle, Dimaggio & Jeter.
There may have been some better players... and some would say better players on this current team.
But Derek Jeter is the most important.
He won't be paid that way, and probably shouldn't.
CC is overpaid.
A Rod, i don't understand.
But the Yankees need those guys.
Teixeira produces more runs and Robinson Cano was the MVP candidate last year.
So, why is Jeter important?
He is the face of the team. Who would be the face of the team without him? If he finishes his career with someone else, it would be a disgrace, especially if it was over money. They've never had a player get 3,000 hits - he'll do it.
He's also an ambassador. People like Jeter. Maybe not RedSux fans, but others do. He's not A Rod. He's not the power guy, but he is the every day guy. He represents the team well.
If i owned another team i would have pursued him. And if he aged, i would still use him as a spokesperson for the team.
He is a winner.
He seems to produce in October & November. He makes big plays. He makes the plays not seen in the stat sheet. People complain about his defense, but he makes plays. He leads the team, he helps them win.
If i owned another team i would ahve pursued him. He brings a winning attitude to the club. He changes the atmosphere. And i think people want to come out and see a professional. He isn't the awe-inspiring type, but a guy you root for.
i think he got a fair price. He could drive it up because of his name, more than his play perhaps, but he is still one of the elite SS in the game.
i think the Yanks should have gave him a 4 year 60 mil deal
It all worked out in the end, we all knew there was no way Jeter or Mariano Rivera were going to leave the Yanks
When you think Yankees, you think Ruth, Gerhig, Mantle, Dimaggio & Jeter.
There may have been some better players... and some would say better players on this current team.
But Derek Jeter is the most important.
He won't be paid that way, and probably shouldn't.
CC is overpaid.
A Rod, i don't understand.
But the Yankees need those guys.
Teixeira produces more runs and Robinson Cano was the MVP candidate last year.
So, why is Jeter important?
He is the face of the team. Who would be the face of the team without him? If he finishes his career with someone else, it would be a disgrace, especially if it was over money. They've never had a player get 3,000 hits - he'll do it.
He's also an ambassador. People like Jeter. Maybe not RedSux fans, but others do. He's not A Rod. He's not the power guy, but he is the every day guy. He represents the team well.
If i owned another team i would have pursued him. And if he aged, i would still use him as a spokesperson for the team.
He is a winner.
He seems to produce in October & November. He makes big plays. He makes the plays not seen in the stat sheet. People complain about his defense, but he makes plays. He leads the team, he helps them win.
If i owned another team i would ahve pursued him. He brings a winning attitude to the club. He changes the atmosphere. And i think people want to come out and see a professional. He isn't the awe-inspiring type, but a guy you root for.
i think he got a fair price. He could drive it up because of his name, more than his play perhaps, but he is still one of the elite SS in the game.
i think the Yanks should have gave him a 4 year 60 mil deal
It all worked out in the end, we all knew there was no way Jeter or Mariano Rivera were going to leave the Yanks
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Mook vs misfits, cast-offs, over-achievers & underdogs.
The World Series is starting tonight.
No one cares, because there are no east-coast teams, but you're gonna miss out. Not only b/c of the awesome pitching & thus quick games(plus since the Yanks aren't playing it will be at least an hour less)
This is a World Series we should all be thrilled about… the only problem is which underdog to root for.
The story-lines are crazy.
Much was made of the Giants during the NLCS.
Cody Ross was cut by the Marlins… and really only picked up by the Giants b/c they didn’t want SD to get him. He wins the NLCS MVP
Aubrey Huff led the Giants in most hitting numbers – got a modest 3 mil last season, after no one really wanted him- not even the Giants really, they were trying to get Adam LaRoche…
Most of their starters, weren’t starters at the beginning of the season.
Pat Burrel was released by Tampa Bay. Who knows where Juan Uribe came from. Mike Fontenot? He couldn’t even start for the Cubs. Andres Torres was a carreer minor-leaguer.
Even Tim Lincecum- the 2-time Cy Young winner? Well, when he struggled this season, it made so many scouts and baseball people happy- because with his frame and pitching motion, he wasn’t supposed to be any good.
But as much as we talk about the Giants this way- as a bunch of losers… the Rangers may have even more fire-power
1. Josh Hamilton: was a former #1 overall pick. Btu drugs & alcohol messed him up. Tb dropped him, and the Reds gave him a chance. He was supposed to eb done with baseball, but look at him now
2. Colby Lewis was another top prospect that went nowhere… he was so bad he had to go play in Japan. The Rangers took a shot on him, and he has proved them right
3. Ron Washington was passed up for a bunch of managerial jobs, and when he came out and admitted cocaine use, some thought he should go then… but they kept him and he has become one of the best coaches
4. Vlad Gurrerro was a former MVP. He was the face of the Angels…. And they decided to release the guy. No one wanted him. There was no battle over the guy. Hamilton may win the MVP, but Vlad was the one who carried them early in the seaon
5. Nelson Cruz bounced around the minors for years, among many teams until the Ranger gave him a chance- and look what he has done
6. Bengie Molina- well, he couldn’t even stay on the team of misfits above
7. Back to pitching, how about CJ Wilson? In the off-season he was reportedly offered to Arizona for Chris Snyder- a back-up catcher.
8. And Cliff Lee – well, everyone wanted him… but he’s a guy who has been traded 3 times in the last 15 months. I bet the Phillies wish they had him now.
But really we have to call the Rangers this team because- they didn’t even have an owner most of the season. They went up for auction.
This world series truly is a band of misfits, outcasts, over-achievers & underdogs.
Whoever wins, they are worth cheering!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Mook vs Mike Wilbon & the media pundits
I like Mike Wilbon… but he is an idiot.
He makes bold, brash claims… then when he’s wrong he says nothing.
And he’s a so-called expert, but what does he know?
No one gave SF or Texas a chance to make the World Series. Even when they were up 3-1… no one believed they would actually win.
The Phillies had a great rotation… but how come people couldn’t see the Giants rotation was better?
And the Rangers were supposed to lsoe b/c they never won in the post-season before? But not the people on the field.
Cliff Lee has won. Vlad Gurerro has won.
What are you guys talking about?
I’m sure East Coast bias played into this.
I think more-so, headlines did.
If a player was traded, it made headlines – and so, Halladay, Oswalt, Cliff Lee were big deals. If they make a lot of money, they’re also headlines.
The Giant’s rotation was killer all season, and especially in September… but somehow it was the Phillies rotation that was deemed unbeatable.
Granted the Phillies had much more offensive weapons… but let’s face it Ryan Howard is the most over-rated player in baseball (that actually has nothing to do with this, I just wanted to get that off my chest again, as I’ve been saying it for years).
The media loves the Yankees. They love the Red Sox. And now that these teams aren’t in it, they won’t cover it. And it’s not because baseball fans don’t like it- it’s because the media doesn’t like it.
It’s the same reason Boise St and TCU get screwed in college football. It’s the same reason we won’t ever stop hearing about the Miami Heat. And the same reason we think Brett Favre was a great QB.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Mook vs the BCS standings
Is anyone surprised by Oklahoma being ranked #1 by the BCS? The BCS loves Oklahoma!
They actually may deserve it this year, they killed FSU, who has been good and beat up on Texas... they have a pretty tough schedule the rest of the way too...
... though not as hard as Oregon or Auburn will have to face...
i like Oregon, LeMicheal James is my heisman favorite. They don't have much defense though and the Pac-10 is tough... Auburn will lose... Michigan State may go unscathed, i'm not sure what to think of the big10, but i don't think they're great- good... but not great.
Purdue by the way is in 1st place & undefeated in the big10... Ohio st is not. Can we beat 'em again? doubtful, but we'll see...
Here's the thing. All the people on tv are idiots. Denard Robinson was a 90% chance of winning the heisman... then Taylor Martiez had ONE big game, and people were ready to give it to him - and last week he was benched... And who has Nebraska beaten that they became such a great team... i wasn't surprised at all that Texas won- they lost 2 games in a row (one to Oklahoma) and all of sudden they were a crappy unranked team to some...
It seems like most of the voting is not based on performance, but expectation, past results, and if they played on national tv...
i wasn't buying Michigan until they beat Wisconsin, but most others started drinking the kool-aid b/c they beat an awful Notre Dame team (which is alo why Michigan got ranked, and Stanford became the darkhorse champion).
Meanwhile, teams like Missouri and Oklahoma St don't even make the top ten as undefeated teams...
i was glad to see South Carolina lose and Florida lose... it's not because the SEC is so tough either, they lost to has-been teams...
i wonder how this will all turn out- but please, let's not have another Boise St vs TCU game.
My rankings
They actually may deserve it this year, they killed FSU, who has been good and beat up on Texas... they have a pretty tough schedule the rest of the way too...
... though not as hard as Oregon or Auburn will have to face...
i like Oregon, LeMicheal James is my heisman favorite. They don't have much defense though and the Pac-10 is tough... Auburn will lose... Michigan State may go unscathed, i'm not sure what to think of the big10, but i don't think they're great- good... but not great.
Purdue by the way is in 1st place & undefeated in the big10... Ohio st is not. Can we beat 'em again? doubtful, but we'll see...
Here's the thing. All the people on tv are idiots. Denard Robinson was a 90% chance of winning the heisman... then Taylor Martiez had ONE big game, and people were ready to give it to him - and last week he was benched... And who has Nebraska beaten that they became such a great team... i wasn't surprised at all that Texas won- they lost 2 games in a row (one to Oklahoma) and all of sudden they were a crappy unranked team to some...
It seems like most of the voting is not based on performance, but expectation, past results, and if they played on national tv...
i wasn't buying Michigan until they beat Wisconsin, but most others started drinking the kool-aid b/c they beat an awful Notre Dame team (which is alo why Michigan got ranked, and Stanford became the darkhorse champion).
Meanwhile, teams like Missouri and Oklahoma St don't even make the top ten as undefeated teams...
i was glad to see South Carolina lose and Florida lose... it's not because the SEC is so tough either, they lost to has-been teams...
i wonder how this will all turn out- but please, let's not have another Boise St vs TCU game.
My rankings
1. Boise St W: VT, Oregon St
2. Oregon W: Stanf
3. OU W: FSU, AF, UT
4. TCU W: Oregon St
5. Auburn W: SC, Ark
6. MSU W: Wisc
7. Bama L: SC
8. Utah
9. LSU W: UF, WV
10. Wisc L: MSU
11. Mizzou
12. Ohio St L: Wisc
13. Stanford L: Oregon
14. Ok St
15. Zona L: Oregon St, W: Iowa
16. UT L: OU, UCLA W: Neb
17. Neb L: UT
18. SC L: Aub, KU W: Bama
19. Iowa L: Zona
20. FSU L: OU, W: Miami
21. Arkansas L: Bama, Aub
22. VT
23. K-St
24. Miss St
25. AF L:OU
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Mook vs Robbie Hummel
The biggest sports story of the day was not #1 Ohio St losing... not the Rangers finally winning a playoff game at home and evening the Yankees... not the pitcher's duel in Philadelphia that turned into a HR derby... the biggest news for me... was Robbie Hummel tearing his ACL again and ending his season.
First practice of the season, and Purdue's #1 player is gone for the season.
As a freshman, Hummel was a player of the year candidate and led the Baby Boilers to the tournament. They were supposed to be exciting with potential & promise, but were leading the big10 deep into the season. The following season they won the conference tournament and made the sweet 16.
Last year the Boilers looked like a lock for big10 champs and a possible #1 overall seed - after not only dominating the big10, but beating Tennessee (The team that beat both Kentucky & Kansas) an annihilating #6 West Virginia by 20+
Then Hummel got hurt... they became a 4 seed. They shocked the world by beating Siena and making the sweet 16. They were tied with Duke late into the game- the eventual champions.
This was going to be the year. 3 Seniors, a lot of talent... Actually last year was supposed to be the year - the Final four was in Indy... now what?
Andy Katz wrote this story.
But i guess this is normal for a Purdue fan.
A few years ago, Purdue football was up to #5. Kyle Orton looked like the heisman winner. Gameday came to West Lafayette and we were cruising against Wisconsin, then everything fell apart. We lost 3 in a row, all in the last 2 minutes of the game, all by less than 3 points. The record at the end of the season was horrible.
The basketball team has been cursed before, with G Rob getting hurt in the tourney his last season... cursed we are.
Still, let's not lose hope.
Though Katz has dropped Purdue from 2 to 23, and the majority of nation (including the state of Indian) think they're not even a top 25 team! a lot of us think this Purdue team can still compete
My friend Ryan wrote this post at boiled sports and this article from the bleacher report.
Purdue is still talented with JJ & Moore. 2 Solid Seniors. They have a great coach. And they're used to being the underdog. It's disappointing. i don't have as much hope as before, but i'm not giving up on them.
First practice of the season, and Purdue's #1 player is gone for the season.
As a freshman, Hummel was a player of the year candidate and led the Baby Boilers to the tournament. They were supposed to be exciting with potential & promise, but were leading the big10 deep into the season. The following season they won the conference tournament and made the sweet 16.
Last year the Boilers looked like a lock for big10 champs and a possible #1 overall seed - after not only dominating the big10, but beating Tennessee (The team that beat both Kentucky & Kansas) an annihilating #6 West Virginia by 20+
Then Hummel got hurt... they became a 4 seed. They shocked the world by beating Siena and making the sweet 16. They were tied with Duke late into the game- the eventual champions.
This was going to be the year. 3 Seniors, a lot of talent... Actually last year was supposed to be the year - the Final four was in Indy... now what?
Andy Katz wrote this story.
But i guess this is normal for a Purdue fan.
A few years ago, Purdue football was up to #5. Kyle Orton looked like the heisman winner. Gameday came to West Lafayette and we were cruising against Wisconsin, then everything fell apart. We lost 3 in a row, all in the last 2 minutes of the game, all by less than 3 points. The record at the end of the season was horrible.
The basketball team has been cursed before, with G Rob getting hurt in the tourney his last season... cursed we are.
Still, let's not lose hope.
Though Katz has dropped Purdue from 2 to 23, and the majority of nation (including the state of Indian) think they're not even a top 25 team! a lot of us think this Purdue team can still compete
My friend Ryan wrote this post at boiled sports and this article from the bleacher report.
Purdue is still talented with JJ & Moore. 2 Solid Seniors. They have a great coach. And they're used to being the underdog. It's disappointing. i don't have as much hope as before, but i'm not giving up on them.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Mook vs Ginger Ale
The Texas Rangers won their first playoff series ever last night. Cliff Lee was phenomenal again (though i think they should took him out for the 9th).
Afterwards, instead of celebrating with champagne as most teams do, the Rangers used Ginger Ale, in support of Josh Hamilton.
Hamilton was orginally drafted by the Rays(the team they beat last night), but struggled mightily with alcohol and was pretty much out of baseball.
His life has been turned over to God, he has kicked the alcohol habit and could be the AL MVP this year.
i think the move by the team to put aside what is normal, what is custom, what is desirable, his teammates chose to honor & respect Hamilton. What a classy move! i wish we as a people were more like that in day to day life.
This goes along with the Giants - who after they won their playoff series against the Braves, delayed their celebration to honor Bobby Cox and give him a standing ovation after he coached his last game after a storied carreer.
Baseball - being a role model. Cheers to them!
Afterwards, instead of celebrating with champagne as most teams do, the Rangers used Ginger Ale, in support of Josh Hamilton.
Hamilton was orginally drafted by the Rays(the team they beat last night), but struggled mightily with alcohol and was pretty much out of baseball.
His life has been turned over to God, he has kicked the alcohol habit and could be the AL MVP this year.
i think the move by the team to put aside what is normal, what is custom, what is desirable, his teammates chose to honor & respect Hamilton. What a classy move! i wish we as a people were more like that in day to day life.
This goes along with the Giants - who after they won their playoff series against the Braves, delayed their celebration to honor Bobby Cox and give him a standing ovation after he coached his last game after a storied carreer.
Baseball - being a role model. Cheers to them!
Mook vs Boise St & Oregon
The world & the BCS are against Boise St.
They are pointing to the weak schedule they have ahead - but what about the games they have already played?
Did Ohio St beat anyone? Did Nebraska? Ok Ohio st beat Miami, but they're probably not better than VaTech, and it wasn't on the road.
Boise St has just flat out won. When was the last time they lost a game?
They've beaten the bog programs too. They beat Oregon last year, so why is Oregon so far ahead of them?
Certainly this isn't last year, but Boise St returns almost everyone from last year, so that should give them some credit to at least get a chance...
Oregon did lose to Ohio St last year too - so maybe i should rank Ohio state above them, but i'm not going to. Oregon has killed everyone they have played. They're game against Stanford was impressive- because they were down - big time. And they came back. They're offense is explosive.
The Pac-10 is the best conference. The Big 10 is weak. Hey, i'm from bigten country. i love the big ten. But they're not that good. Arizona crushed Iowa.
The Pac 10 has done well. UCLA killed Texas also.
Oklahoma should have a gripe too. They have played the toughest schedule so far (of teams winning games - Toledo, Oregon St, and probably some other crappy team in there have played a tougher schedule).
But OU killed Florida St- made them look like fodder- but surprise, they may make it to a BCS game and top ten ranking by the time the season is done. They beat Air Force who is getting ranked as they deserve ane Texas - which was at one point top 5
But i don't think the BCS wants Boise St there. They will win. What are they going to do when Boise St and TCU beats all these teams they are supposed to lose to and goes undefeated?
i don't think ESPN wants Oregon there either - it all goes back to East Coast bias.
i'm glad Bama lost, and i hope Ohio St loses and even Oregon (that conference will be tough to escape w/o a loss). Nebraska & OU will at the very least play each other for the conference championship...
Ah, a playoff would be great - but even then i'm sure they'd find a way to screw the small market team - it's all about the Benjamins isn't it?
My rankings
They are pointing to the weak schedule they have ahead - but what about the games they have already played?
Did Ohio St beat anyone? Did Nebraska? Ok Ohio st beat Miami, but they're probably not better than VaTech, and it wasn't on the road.
Boise St has just flat out won. When was the last time they lost a game?
They've beaten the bog programs too. They beat Oregon last year, so why is Oregon so far ahead of them?
Certainly this isn't last year, but Boise St returns almost everyone from last year, so that should give them some credit to at least get a chance...
Oregon did lose to Ohio St last year too - so maybe i should rank Ohio state above them, but i'm not going to. Oregon has killed everyone they have played. They're game against Stanford was impressive- because they were down - big time. And they came back. They're offense is explosive.
The Pac-10 is the best conference. The Big 10 is weak. Hey, i'm from bigten country. i love the big ten. But they're not that good. Arizona crushed Iowa.
The Pac 10 has done well. UCLA killed Texas also.
Oklahoma should have a gripe too. They have played the toughest schedule so far (of teams winning games - Toledo, Oregon St, and probably some other crappy team in there have played a tougher schedule).
But OU killed Florida St- made them look like fodder- but surprise, they may make it to a BCS game and top ten ranking by the time the season is done. They beat Air Force who is getting ranked as they deserve ane Texas - which was at one point top 5
But i don't think the BCS wants Boise St there. They will win. What are they going to do when Boise St and TCU beats all these teams they are supposed to lose to and goes undefeated?
i don't think ESPN wants Oregon there either - it all goes back to East Coast bias.
i'm glad Bama lost, and i hope Ohio St loses and even Oregon (that conference will be tough to escape w/o a loss). Nebraska & OU will at the very least play each other for the conference championship...
Ah, a playoff would be great - but even then i'm sure they'd find a way to screw the small market team - it's all about the Benjamins isn't it?
My rankings
10-10-10
1. Boise St
2. Oregon
3. OU
4. Ohio St
5. Auburn
6. Neb
7. TCU
8. SC
9. Bama
10. Utah
11. LSU
12. Arkansas
13. Stanford
14. FSU
15. MSU
16. Zona
17. Ok St
18. Mizzou
19. Iowa
20. Wisc
21. AF
22. UF
23. UT
24. UofM
25. Miami
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Mook vs Denard Robinson
The Nard Dog is having an incredible year - ridiculous even!
He is running away with the heisman... quite literally running and playing like a heisman.
The numbers he has put up are uncomparable... 200 yds rushing and passing pretty consistently... touchdowns...
But is he a lock for the heisman?
The guys at PTI say yes. Halfway through the season and Kornheiser says the field has a 40% of winning - and Wilbon says only 10%!
Really? The field is pretty good, and you just need one of those guys to explode.
They also mentioned the way he plays he could get hurt- and they even cited Denis Dixon.
Not only is it possible, it's probable.
And let's not forget the competition he has faced. U Conn could be good. ND is bad. IU is awful. A Mac team - and UMass is worse than all of them... i'm not convinced.
i say in future games he'll be forced to throw more and not run as much and will be exposed. The defenses will find ways to stop him. And he'll miss parts of games with injury.
There has to be a flaw in his game- he wasn't even a starter last year- and it's not because of a veteran- it was another freshman.
The real wonder to me is- what could have Terrell Pryor done in this offense?
That guy is pretty incredible, he even caught a TD pass.
And what about Kellen Moore? Boise St may not get a national title chance, but maybe they'll let Moore throw more and if they want to be considered, they have to outscore their opponents by a lot. Plus, he'll get some career votes.
Those two guys along with LeMichael James (the guy i like) from Oregon are all playing for title contenders. i got to think they have a shot.
All that to say, i've heard from some U of M friends that Robinson really is a nice guy, a humble guy. And it would be fun to see a good guy win it.
He is running away with the heisman... quite literally running and playing like a heisman.
The numbers he has put up are uncomparable... 200 yds rushing and passing pretty consistently... touchdowns...
But is he a lock for the heisman?
The guys at PTI say yes. Halfway through the season and Kornheiser says the field has a 40% of winning - and Wilbon says only 10%!
Really? The field is pretty good, and you just need one of those guys to explode.
They also mentioned the way he plays he could get hurt- and they even cited Denis Dixon.
Not only is it possible, it's probable.
And let's not forget the competition he has faced. U Conn could be good. ND is bad. IU is awful. A Mac team - and UMass is worse than all of them... i'm not convinced.
i say in future games he'll be forced to throw more and not run as much and will be exposed. The defenses will find ways to stop him. And he'll miss parts of games with injury.
There has to be a flaw in his game- he wasn't even a starter last year- and it's not because of a veteran- it was another freshman.
The real wonder to me is- what could have Terrell Pryor done in this offense?
That guy is pretty incredible, he even caught a TD pass.
And what about Kellen Moore? Boise St may not get a national title chance, but maybe they'll let Moore throw more and if they want to be considered, they have to outscore their opponents by a lot. Plus, he'll get some career votes.
Those two guys along with LeMichael James (the guy i like) from Oregon are all playing for title contenders. i got to think they have a shot.
All that to say, i've heard from some U of M friends that Robinson really is a nice guy, a humble guy. And it would be fun to see a good guy win it.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Mook vs Randy Moss
The NFL continues to surprise me.
Most of the time it is the games itself - like all the close games last week.
It's amazing how a team can be horrible one year and a potential play-off team the next (See Missouri teams KC & StL this year and so many in the past).
But more-so it's the trades.
i don't get why teams will trade a 1st rd pick the next year to grab a 2nd rd pick... or multiple early picks to move up one or spots on draft day... then during the season no one gives up anything.
That's why i was surprised the Vikings were willing to give up a 2nd rd pick... for Vincent Jackson... and the Chargers delined! They are idiots.
Instead the Vikes get Randy Moss for ... a 3rd rd pick!
If the Chargers would have taken the trade for JAckson, they could have later traded for Moss.
Some are saying the Pats did well. They traded a 4th rd pick for Moss and now get a 3rd pick in return - after many years of service. But, i gotta think they could have got more... not only that, i think they shouldn't have traded him. Sure, they may be able to get AJ Green with the Raiders pick next year - but what are they going to do this year?
Their division is so loaded. i know they beat the Dolphins last week with Moss not catching a pass, but can they sustain it all year? i think they miss out on the playoffs.
But i don't think they had much of a chance of winning it all anyway... maybe... but not now.
Bellichek... seemed genius a while ago... but lately it seems his ego has got the best of him... we'll see.
i do like Danny Woodhead.
Most of the time it is the games itself - like all the close games last week.
It's amazing how a team can be horrible one year and a potential play-off team the next (See Missouri teams KC & StL this year and so many in the past).
But more-so it's the trades.
i don't get why teams will trade a 1st rd pick the next year to grab a 2nd rd pick... or multiple early picks to move up one or spots on draft day... then during the season no one gives up anything.
That's why i was surprised the Vikings were willing to give up a 2nd rd pick... for Vincent Jackson... and the Chargers delined! They are idiots.
Instead the Vikes get Randy Moss for ... a 3rd rd pick!
If the Chargers would have taken the trade for JAckson, they could have later traded for Moss.
Some are saying the Pats did well. They traded a 4th rd pick for Moss and now get a 3rd pick in return - after many years of service. But, i gotta think they could have got more... not only that, i think they shouldn't have traded him. Sure, they may be able to get AJ Green with the Raiders pick next year - but what are they going to do this year?
Their division is so loaded. i know they beat the Dolphins last week with Moss not catching a pass, but can they sustain it all year? i think they miss out on the playoffs.
But i don't think they had much of a chance of winning it all anyway... maybe... but not now.
Bellichek... seemed genius a while ago... but lately it seems his ego has got the best of him... we'll see.
i do like Danny Woodhead.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Mook vs Fall baseball
Does anybody care about baseball anymore?
i think everyone has moved on to football. We're already thinking about the heisman and national championship games in college. We're already deciding some teams are out of the playoff race and some are the teams to beat.
We forgot about baseball.
It's still around. Fortunately for me, many have forgot about it in my fantasy leagues and i moved into first place in one league and gaining more points in others...
i guess there were some exciting things this year, but now it's fading. When the Rockies were hot that was exciting- the Rockies are always exciting in September, but not many others are. The Wild Card is still up for grabs in the NL, but it's only because the two teams left fighting for it have both given up HUGE leads in their division. That's not exciting at all. They are losing their way to the play-offs, only hoping the other team loses more.
There were some hopes for triple crown winners - in both leagues! But Josh HAmilton got hurt, which killed his chances- but also hurt Miguel Cabrerra as Hamiltons' average never came down. IT was even more exicitng before Justin Morneau got hurt.
In the NL, Albert Pujols clearly wasn't himself- perhaps because i owned him on a few fantasy teams this year. He still came close to a triple crown though, but he and the Cards faded down the stretch.
Tulo may have had a chance at it, but like Hamilton injuries knocked him out. We don't think of him that way, because his long stretch on the DL was much earlier. His teammate CarGo was much closer. Still the story is Joey Votto, because he almost didn't make the all-star team (Actually, did Car Go make the team?).
my votes for awards
NL MVP
1. Joey Votto
2. Tulo
3. Pujols
4. Car Go
others...
5. A Gone
6. Halladay
7. Prado
AL MVP
1. Josh Hamilton
2. Miggy
3. Paul Konerko
4. Robinson Cano
others
5. Evan Longoria
6. Adrian Beltre
7. Carl Crawford
8. Jose Bautista
9. Joe Mauer
NL CY
all the attention was on Ubaldo and Halladay, but...
1. Wainright
2. Halladay
3. Ubaldo
4. Tim Hudson
5. Josh Johnson
6. Heath Bell
7. Tim Lincecum
8. Heath Bell
9. Billy Wagner
10. Mat Latos
11. Roy Oswalt
12. Carp
others
13. Johan
14. Bret Myers
15. Brian Wilson
16. Jonothan Sanchez
17. Clayton Kershaw
18. Matt Cain
AL CY
everyone is making a big deal of old stats vs new stats... i think everyone is just getting caught in debate
1. David Price
2. Jon Lester
3. CC
4. Clay Buchholz
5. R Soriano
others
6. Cliff Lee
7. Justin Verlander
8. Felix
9. JEred Weaver
10. Trevor Cahill
Check it out: Wainright's numbers are right there with Halladays and would have been better if he made his last start...
21-10 2.44 era 219 k 1.04 whip Halladay
20-11 2.42 era 213 k 1.05 whip Wainright
And everyone is talking about Felix, but what about Jered Weaver
Felix 13-12 2.27 era 232 k 1.06 whip
Weaver 13-12 3.02 era 229 k 1.08 whip
Manager of the year
1. Bobby Cox
2. Bud Black
3. Bruce Bochy
4. Ron Gardenhire
5. Ron Washington
6. Terry Francona
7. Ozzie Guillen
8. Dusty Baker
9. Jim Tracy
10. Charlie Manuel
as for the actual games...
i think the favorite has to be Philly: they're hot, their pitching is incredible and they're motivated. The Yanks don't seem motivated and their pitching isn't very good. i like the Reds, but they're too young. The Giants pitching could take them somewhere. The Rays are good, but will the lack of support do them in? And the twins don't seem to do much once they make the playoffs recently...
So i say Phils, Giants, Yanks, Rays, Twins, Reds, Rangers, Braves
i will be rooting for anyone other than the Phillies.
i think everyone has moved on to football. We're already thinking about the heisman and national championship games in college. We're already deciding some teams are out of the playoff race and some are the teams to beat.
We forgot about baseball.
It's still around. Fortunately for me, many have forgot about it in my fantasy leagues and i moved into first place in one league and gaining more points in others...
i guess there were some exciting things this year, but now it's fading. When the Rockies were hot that was exciting- the Rockies are always exciting in September, but not many others are. The Wild Card is still up for grabs in the NL, but it's only because the two teams left fighting for it have both given up HUGE leads in their division. That's not exciting at all. They are losing their way to the play-offs, only hoping the other team loses more.
There were some hopes for triple crown winners - in both leagues! But Josh HAmilton got hurt, which killed his chances- but also hurt Miguel Cabrerra as Hamiltons' average never came down. IT was even more exicitng before Justin Morneau got hurt.
In the NL, Albert Pujols clearly wasn't himself- perhaps because i owned him on a few fantasy teams this year. He still came close to a triple crown though, but he and the Cards faded down the stretch.
Tulo may have had a chance at it, but like Hamilton injuries knocked him out. We don't think of him that way, because his long stretch on the DL was much earlier. His teammate CarGo was much closer. Still the story is Joey Votto, because he almost didn't make the all-star team (Actually, did Car Go make the team?).
my votes for awards
NL MVP
1. Joey Votto
2. Tulo
3. Pujols
4. Car Go
others...
5. A Gone
6. Halladay
7. Prado
AL MVP
1. Josh Hamilton
2. Miggy
3. Paul Konerko
4. Robinson Cano
others
5. Evan Longoria
6. Adrian Beltre
7. Carl Crawford
8. Jose Bautista
9. Joe Mauer
NL CY
all the attention was on Ubaldo and Halladay, but...
1. Wainright
2. Halladay
3. Ubaldo
4. Tim Hudson
5. Josh Johnson
6. Heath Bell
7. Tim Lincecum
8. Heath Bell
9. Billy Wagner
10. Mat Latos
11. Roy Oswalt
12. Carp
others
13. Johan
14. Bret Myers
15. Brian Wilson
16. Jonothan Sanchez
17. Clayton Kershaw
18. Matt Cain
AL CY
everyone is making a big deal of old stats vs new stats... i think everyone is just getting caught in debate
1. David Price
2. Jon Lester
3. CC
4. Clay Buchholz
5. R Soriano
others
6. Cliff Lee
7. Justin Verlander
8. Felix
9. JEred Weaver
10. Trevor Cahill
Check it out: Wainright's numbers are right there with Halladays and would have been better if he made his last start...
21-10 2.44 era 219 k 1.04 whip Halladay
20-11 2.42 era 213 k 1.05 whip Wainright
And everyone is talking about Felix, but what about Jered Weaver
Felix 13-12 2.27 era 232 k 1.06 whip
Weaver 13-12 3.02 era 229 k 1.08 whip
Manager of the year
1. Bobby Cox
2. Bud Black
3. Bruce Bochy
4. Ron Gardenhire
5. Ron Washington
6. Terry Francona
7. Ozzie Guillen
8. Dusty Baker
9. Jim Tracy
10. Charlie Manuel
as for the actual games...
i think the favorite has to be Philly: they're hot, their pitching is incredible and they're motivated. The Yanks don't seem motivated and their pitching isn't very good. i like the Reds, but they're too young. The Giants pitching could take them somewhere. The Rays are good, but will the lack of support do them in? And the twins don't seem to do much once they make the playoffs recently...
So i say Phils, Giants, Yanks, Rays, Twins, Reds, Rangers, Braves
i will be rooting for anyone other than the Phillies.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Mook vs Melo
Rumors are abounding that Carmelo Anthony could be traded to the New Jersey Nets- who would give up Derrick Favors (The #3 pick in the last draft) and Devin Haris (starting PG, once traded for Jason Kidd), with the Nuggets getting Favors & ANdre Kirlinko + some future #1 draft picks.
Denver is nuts if they don't make this trade.
1. Melo is not coming back.
He may be sayign he never asked for a trade, but he is not willing to sign an extension. He wants to play in New York. He's from there, so it makes sense, even if that team is not that good. If he's not coming back, then you might as well get something for him and build for the future.
2. If you're gonna build for the future, you might as well start now. Favors could be a good building block & w/o Melo, you're probably getting a lottery pick now and may get another one in the trade. Reality is, the Nuggets probably aren't going to win a championship anyway. They could, there is some talent there, but not enough
3. This trade is pretty good. Even with Anthony, the Nets won't be great. The Nuggets will get a high draft pick and a young player. Kirlienko could play well this season to give Nuggets fans something to cheer for, but comes off the books soon.
4. You can make sure he doesn't play for the Nicks. By making this trade at least Carmelo doesn't get to play for the team he really wants to play for. The Nets will be ok for Anthony, since they're going to be in Brooklyn, but he really wants to be a Nick.
5. You haven't won anything with Carmelo yet, why do you think that is going to change soon?
Carmelo was great in college (one year) and led his team to a title. But he hasn't done anything in the pros. He can score. But can he play defense? Does he rebound? In fact, does he even pass that well? He's not the most fit guy in the world either.
He would help the Bulls a lot more. But, i still don't think i'd trade Noah for Carmelo if i'm them, unless they don't give up much or anything else...
Guys i'd take above Carmelo Anthony?
1. Kobe
2. Bron
3. Dwight Howard
4. Derron Williams
5. Kevin Durant
6. Tim Duncan
7. Paul Pierce
8. Steve Nash
9. Dirk
10. Dwyane Wade
11. Chris Paul
12. A'mare Stoudamire
13. Ron Artest
14. Pau Gasol
15. Josh Smith
16. Joe Johnson
17. Stephen Curry
18. Rajon Rondo
19. Kevin Garnett
20. D Rose
Denver is nuts if they don't make this trade.
1. Melo is not coming back.
He may be sayign he never asked for a trade, but he is not willing to sign an extension. He wants to play in New York. He's from there, so it makes sense, even if that team is not that good. If he's not coming back, then you might as well get something for him and build for the future.
2. If you're gonna build for the future, you might as well start now. Favors could be a good building block & w/o Melo, you're probably getting a lottery pick now and may get another one in the trade. Reality is, the Nuggets probably aren't going to win a championship anyway. They could, there is some talent there, but not enough
3. This trade is pretty good. Even with Anthony, the Nets won't be great. The Nuggets will get a high draft pick and a young player. Kirlienko could play well this season to give Nuggets fans something to cheer for, but comes off the books soon.
4. You can make sure he doesn't play for the Nicks. By making this trade at least Carmelo doesn't get to play for the team he really wants to play for. The Nets will be ok for Anthony, since they're going to be in Brooklyn, but he really wants to be a Nick.
5. You haven't won anything with Carmelo yet, why do you think that is going to change soon?
Carmelo was great in college (one year) and led his team to a title. But he hasn't done anything in the pros. He can score. But can he play defense? Does he rebound? In fact, does he even pass that well? He's not the most fit guy in the world either.
He would help the Bulls a lot more. But, i still don't think i'd trade Noah for Carmelo if i'm them, unless they don't give up much or anything else...
Guys i'd take above Carmelo Anthony?
1. Kobe
2. Bron
3. Dwight Howard
4. Derron Williams
5. Kevin Durant
6. Tim Duncan
7. Paul Pierce
8. Steve Nash
9. Dirk
10. Dwyane Wade
11. Chris Paul
12. A'mare Stoudamire
13. Ron Artest
14. Pau Gasol
15. Josh Smith
16. Joe Johnson
17. Stephen Curry
18. Rajon Rondo
19. Kevin Garnett
20. D Rose
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Mook vs PTI
i love the show PTI.
My friend Dan introduced it to me, or convinced me i should like it. And i started watching, and it was great! i signed up for ESPN insider so i could watch the episodes i miss (though they don't show the highlights- boo!).
But this blog will be like PTI featuring highlights from the last 2 weeks
Dallas disaster: Wade Phillips should have been fired after that game. They gave it away- twice. i always say why not try one last bomb with 3 seconds left, but a swing pass?
Calvin's Catch: Everyone knows that was a catch. Why not just give them the score. Tough year to be a Detroit fan i guess. First Galaraga loses his perfect game, then the Lions make a great comeback only to have it taken back
Vick/Kolb: Even though Vick has done well, you have to keep Kolb as the starter. He earned the job and fits the system.
Pete Carrol: biggest surprise of week one has to be the Seahwaks win over the 49ers, and not only a win, but a blowout. What can Carrol do with this team?
Jets: Looked horrible in week one, but they looked great this week. They talked a bunch, so it was fun to watch them lose
on to college
Hesiman watch: Terrelle Pryor did excellent running & passing, but Denard from Arch-rival UofM outplayed him. His performances should only continue. He may not be the best player in the game, but he will end with the best numbers. And his play that actually looks like the heisman can only help.
Boise St: The loss by Va Tech has to sting. And Ohio St beating Miami, and a big ten that doesn't look that strong. i think we'll see Ohio St playing Alabama for the championship... Boise St may wind up playing an unbeaten Oregon team in the end... and i predict TCU vs Texas. The playoff debate will continue
baseball is still going on
Tulo or CarGo: If the Rockies make the playoffs, one oe these guys has to be considered. Car Go is pretty close to a triple crown, but Tulo has really been the heart of the team. By the way i called the Rockies winning that division a month ago
Jeter: people fake getting hit by a pitch happens all the time. And replay for something so inconsequential as that?
And that's a rundown.
My friend Dan introduced it to me, or convinced me i should like it. And i started watching, and it was great! i signed up for ESPN insider so i could watch the episodes i miss (though they don't show the highlights- boo!).
But this blog will be like PTI featuring highlights from the last 2 weeks
Dallas disaster: Wade Phillips should have been fired after that game. They gave it away- twice. i always say why not try one last bomb with 3 seconds left, but a swing pass?
Calvin's Catch: Everyone knows that was a catch. Why not just give them the score. Tough year to be a Detroit fan i guess. First Galaraga loses his perfect game, then the Lions make a great comeback only to have it taken back
Vick/Kolb: Even though Vick has done well, you have to keep Kolb as the starter. He earned the job and fits the system.
Pete Carrol: biggest surprise of week one has to be the Seahwaks win over the 49ers, and not only a win, but a blowout. What can Carrol do with this team?
Jets: Looked horrible in week one, but they looked great this week. They talked a bunch, so it was fun to watch them lose
on to college
Hesiman watch: Terrelle Pryor did excellent running & passing, but Denard from Arch-rival UofM outplayed him. His performances should only continue. He may not be the best player in the game, but he will end with the best numbers. And his play that actually looks like the heisman can only help.
Boise St: The loss by Va Tech has to sting. And Ohio St beating Miami, and a big ten that doesn't look that strong. i think we'll see Ohio St playing Alabama for the championship... Boise St may wind up playing an unbeaten Oregon team in the end... and i predict TCU vs Texas. The playoff debate will continue
baseball is still going on
Tulo or CarGo: If the Rockies make the playoffs, one oe these guys has to be considered. Car Go is pretty close to a triple crown, but Tulo has really been the heart of the team. By the way i called the Rockies winning that division a month ago
Jeter: people fake getting hit by a pitch happens all the time. And replay for something so inconsequential as that?
And that's a rundown.
Mook vs NFL predictions
Sitting here watching week 2 of the nfl and noticed i never posted my predictions for the season, only college and fantasy... so here goes
NFL ranks
1. Colts
2. Saints
3. GB
4. Minn
5. Balt
i would like to put the Saints #1, but it's hard for teams to repeat... kind of. Still, not many giving the Saints respect, like last year was a fluke. They thought that all season, even though they started 13-0 and won the Super Bowl. Brees leads a talented offense.
Colts c/should have had an undefeated regular season, they will be motivated and reloaded. SuperBowl rematch? it doesn't seem likely, but let's put it in there
The Packers, not the Vikings are the team to beat in the NFC Central, but both are legitimate contenders. The Pack have Rodgers on O and Hawk on D...hard not to like. The Vikes got Favre back- who they need- but the key are the lines, one of the best on both sides
Meanwhile, i'm really high on Flacco, with a bunch of new receivers. And though they seem old, the Ravens D is still one of the tops in the league
Colts c/should have had an undefeated regular season, they will be motivated and reloaded. SuperBowl rematch? it doesn't seem likely, but let's put it in there
The Packers, not the Vikings are the team to beat in the NFC Central, but both are legitimate contenders. The Pack have Rodgers on O and Hawk on D...hard not to like. The Vikes got Favre back- who they need- but the key are the lines, one of the best on both sides
Meanwhile, i'm really high on Flacco, with a bunch of new receivers. And though they seem old, the Ravens D is still one of the tops in the league
6. NYJ
7. NE
8. Pit
9. SF
10. Mia
The AFC East is loaded. It's not likely all 3 teams will make the playoffs, but i like all of them. An emerging Henne now having Brandon Marshall should lead to a well-balanced offense to go with a solid D. The Pats don't have a running game and are not the same team that won all those superbowls, but they still have to be respected.
OF course the team everyone is talking about is the Jets. Great Defense led by Revis. But have they won enough to do all this talking?
OF course the team everyone is talking about is the Jets. Great Defense led by Revis. But have they won enough to do all this talking?
The 49ers are the NFC version of the Jets. Great defense, Great Coach (though oppositte attitude), not-so-good QB... and not much to show in the playoffs recently. Give them a couple more years...
And the Steelers? Well some are writing them off, but they continually compete and they only need Big Ben at the end to win.
11. SD
12. Zona
13. Dallas
14. Carolina
15. TN
16. NYG
17. Chicago
18. Houston
19. Denver
20. Jacksonville
21. Cincy
A bunch of bounce-back team potential. Titans & Giants just seem very middle-of-the-pack. Good, not great.
22. De-troit
i'm putting them all by themselves. They have a ton of young talent i really like, including the 2 picks - Suh & Best - from this year. They won't do much this year, but there is something to look forward to Lion's fans.
23. Phi
24. Atl
25. Was
26. Sea
The team looks horrible, but Pete Carrol should get a couple wins out of them.
27. KC
28. Oak
29. StL
30. TB
31. Buf
32. Clev
It's just not a good year to be a Cleveland fan.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Mook vs the Notre Dame game
i'm a Purdue grad and Purdue fan.
This year i'm back in the states and hopefully i'll get to watch a bunch of their games. For the best recap and previews and analysis go to my friends site: boiledsports.com
The game was typical Purdue - Not entirely... usually they grab defeat from the jaws of victory, and usually they play well enough to win and somehow lose.
This game was different. i am no basher. Notre Dame outplayed Purdue. They deserved to win. Purdue did not. However, they almost stole a victory. And so in typical Purdue fashion, they disappointed me... and they kept me watching until the end.
The big players showed up. Kerrigan was a beast. Smith seemed to touch the ball every down. And Marve wasn't Marvelous, but i came away pretty impressed and optimistic about his future.
The rest of the team just sucked. They not just missed tackles, they didn't even get close to tackling. The DB's were ok i guess considering everything else. They couldn't run at all- man, we're going to miss Bolden- and the line couldn't offer much protection to Marve either. And if Cortez or Siller could catch a ball that hit them on the hands, Purdue may well have made headlines.
We never win at Notre Dame, so i guess i wasn't too disappointed (not like the time i was in South Bend and Nd kicked a field goal as time ran out to win). And i still think an 8-4 or 9-3 season is possible.
The team looks young, it was Marve's first action in 2 years. Siller is a converted QB.
Still Special teams must improve - A LOT!
And the coaches have to do better too.
Boiler UP!
This year i'm back in the states and hopefully i'll get to watch a bunch of their games. For the best recap and previews and analysis go to my friends site: boiledsports.com
The game was typical Purdue - Not entirely... usually they grab defeat from the jaws of victory, and usually they play well enough to win and somehow lose.
This game was different. i am no basher. Notre Dame outplayed Purdue. They deserved to win. Purdue did not. However, they almost stole a victory. And so in typical Purdue fashion, they disappointed me... and they kept me watching until the end.
The big players showed up. Kerrigan was a beast. Smith seemed to touch the ball every down. And Marve wasn't Marvelous, but i came away pretty impressed and optimistic about his future.
The rest of the team just sucked. They not just missed tackles, they didn't even get close to tackling. The DB's were ok i guess considering everything else. They couldn't run at all- man, we're going to miss Bolden- and the line couldn't offer much protection to Marve either. And if Cortez or Siller could catch a ball that hit them on the hands, Purdue may well have made headlines.
We never win at Notre Dame, so i guess i wasn't too disappointed (not like the time i was in South Bend and Nd kicked a field goal as time ran out to win). And i still think an 8-4 or 9-3 season is possible.
The team looks young, it was Marve's first action in 2 years. Siller is a converted QB.
Still Special teams must improve - A LOT!
And the coaches have to do better too.
Boiler UP!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Mook vs Fantasy Football
It's almost time for fantasy football... i'm still trying to make the final moves for a few baseball leagues- there is still 2 months left, so a lot of time for me to catch up to 1st... hopefully many will just focus on football now (i'm in 9 leagues 1st in 4, 2nd in one, 3rd in 2, 5th in 2 (of 12 & 15 teams)).
Meanwhile i rocked football last year, after going WR,WR,TE in the first 3 rds... fantasy experts begone! i made a killing by grabbing Ray Rice in about every league... some as a free agent even- though i targetted him in rd 8-10. i also grabbed Rashard Mendenhall in most drafts around then... and got Matt Schaub in rd 8 and Brett Favre in rd 13 while everyone else was grabbing their QB in rds 2-4...
So, i will help you win your fantasy football league.
QB
This year i may try to grab a QB early as Brees & Rodgers seem head & shoulders above the rest... but if i'm going late - and why not if 6 teams go early, you can wait til round 8,9 or 10 to get your starting QB
1. Joe Flacco:
i'm a believer. Bolden will help a lot. Flacco is about to bust out
2. Chad Henne:
didn't really like him that much at Michigan, but he was a 4 year started, added Brandon Marshall
3. Jay Cutler:
they will throw a lot under Martz
4. Kevin Kolb:
not much of a sleeper anymore
RB
if you're not getting a top 5 pick, it's not really fair. i don't know if there are any sleepers this year - everyone is expecting the young guys this year... so maybe you have to go with old vets... some guys to consider late
1. LT: i don't believe in Shon Greene... good line... competitor... and he still scored last year... got him in the 12th rd
2. Reggie Bush: his off-season may push him even lower... he may not be a feature back, but he does enough of everything and scores
3. Felix Jones & Marion Barbor: i'm trying to get both... i think both will put up good numbers. Barbor will score and get some yards, Felix will def get yards... and both are used to the 2-back system and should flourish in it
4. Jahvid Best/Jonothon Stewart: they're not much of sleepers as they are going 3rd/4th rd- but they'll be as good or better as people going 10-20 picks before them
WR's
i don't care who is QB'ng Arizona, Larry Fitzgerald will be good- he just catches everything... still i think Greg Jennings will be great, and i like Brandon Marshall and both these guys could be available in rd 3
1. Wes Welker: the guy is never appreciated
2. Percy Harvin: a big play player, look for him to be like DeSean Jackson
3. Devin Hester: everyone is focused on the other guys, but i think he'll be like Az-Kim in Martz system and return kicks again
4. Bernard Berrian: he looked like a probowler with Grossman in Chi. Still a big target for Favre, and no Rice...
5. Mike Wallace:
TE
i always take TE's early -just as i try to secure 2b, SS & C's in baseball... There are just a few elite players at the TE position. Antonio Gates & Dallas Clark will get you points like a WR, but fill the TE position. Your 2nd tier TE's will not be as good as 3rd tier WR's... i do lke Jermichael Finley a bit too...
Sleepers:
1. Dustin Keller : gotta stick with my Purdue guys, but he'll be available in rd 14 and may be as good as the #7 TE taken
2. Kellen Winslow Jr: the guy is still good and there is no one else to throw to in TB
Overall, i say grab a top RB early this time, and if you don't grab a top 7 QB, wait- but it may be worth the investment to get a QB early... and don't be afraid of going after a TE early. There will be a lot of good RB's in rd 5-10, stock up. Someone will flop, someone will amaze.
Meanwhile i rocked football last year, after going WR,WR,TE in the first 3 rds... fantasy experts begone! i made a killing by grabbing Ray Rice in about every league... some as a free agent even- though i targetted him in rd 8-10. i also grabbed Rashard Mendenhall in most drafts around then... and got Matt Schaub in rd 8 and Brett Favre in rd 13 while everyone else was grabbing their QB in rds 2-4...
So, i will help you win your fantasy football league.
QB
This year i may try to grab a QB early as Brees & Rodgers seem head & shoulders above the rest... but if i'm going late - and why not if 6 teams go early, you can wait til round 8,9 or 10 to get your starting QB
1. Joe Flacco:
i'm a believer. Bolden will help a lot. Flacco is about to bust out
2. Chad Henne:
didn't really like him that much at Michigan, but he was a 4 year started, added Brandon Marshall
3. Jay Cutler:
they will throw a lot under Martz
4. Kevin Kolb:
not much of a sleeper anymore
RB
if you're not getting a top 5 pick, it's not really fair. i don't know if there are any sleepers this year - everyone is expecting the young guys this year... so maybe you have to go with old vets... some guys to consider late
1. LT: i don't believe in Shon Greene... good line... competitor... and he still scored last year... got him in the 12th rd
2. Reggie Bush: his off-season may push him even lower... he may not be a feature back, but he does enough of everything and scores
3. Felix Jones & Marion Barbor: i'm trying to get both... i think both will put up good numbers. Barbor will score and get some yards, Felix will def get yards... and both are used to the 2-back system and should flourish in it
4. Jahvid Best/Jonothon Stewart: they're not much of sleepers as they are going 3rd/4th rd- but they'll be as good or better as people going 10-20 picks before them
WR's
i don't care who is QB'ng Arizona, Larry Fitzgerald will be good- he just catches everything... still i think Greg Jennings will be great, and i like Brandon Marshall and both these guys could be available in rd 3
1. Wes Welker: the guy is never appreciated
2. Percy Harvin: a big play player, look for him to be like DeSean Jackson
3. Devin Hester: everyone is focused on the other guys, but i think he'll be like Az-Kim in Martz system and return kicks again
4. Bernard Berrian: he looked like a probowler with Grossman in Chi. Still a big target for Favre, and no Rice...
5. Mike Wallace:
TE
i always take TE's early -just as i try to secure 2b, SS & C's in baseball... There are just a few elite players at the TE position. Antonio Gates & Dallas Clark will get you points like a WR, but fill the TE position. Your 2nd tier TE's will not be as good as 3rd tier WR's... i do lke Jermichael Finley a bit too...
Sleepers:
1. Dustin Keller : gotta stick with my Purdue guys, but he'll be available in rd 14 and may be as good as the #7 TE taken
2. Kellen Winslow Jr: the guy is still good and there is no one else to throw to in TB
Overall, i say grab a top RB early this time, and if you don't grab a top 7 QB, wait- but it may be worth the investment to get a QB early... and don't be afraid of going after a TE early. There will be a lot of good RB's in rd 5-10, stock up. Someone will flop, someone will amaze.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Mook vs College Football predictions for 2010
My predictions
1. Bama
defending National Champs with almost everyone back, best coach: consensus #1
2. Boise St
Undefeated a season ago, with Kellen Moore and most others back. They deserve this spot and a chance to play for the national championship
Undefeated a season ago, with Kellen Moore and most others back. They deserve this spot and a chance to play for the national championship
3. UT
i love Colt McCoy (this interview is amazing). If he hadn't got hurt they probably would have beat Bama last year, instead it gave Gilbert some experience that should help them compete
i love Colt McCoy (this interview is amazing). If he hadn't got hurt they probably would have beat Bama last year, instead it gave Gilbert some experience that should help them compete
4. Ohio St
i don't like Ohio st, but they always have talent and Pryor may be most talented in the league (Where would Rich Rod & Michigan be if they got him?) Tressel is a great coach. They'll be competing
i don't like Ohio st, but they always have talent and Pryor may be most talented in the league (Where would Rich Rod & Michigan be if they got him?) Tressel is a great coach. They'll be competing
5. OU
No Bradford, but he was gone most of last year anyway
6. Iowa
7. UF
8. Miami
9. Wisc
10. Oregon
11. UNC
12. FSU
13. TCU
14. Stanford
15. Ark
16. Penn St
17. VT
18. Utah
19. USC
20. Pit
The next 15 are your usual suspects… Programs & Coaches…3 Florida school: Miami always produces talent & former Miami coach Butch Davis has a ton of talent at UNC. Bobby Bowden is gone, but Joe Pa is still at Penn St, but Wisc is actually more consistent, but Iowa –overrated a year ago, may be underrated this year… don’t know if TCU & Utah are big name programs yet, but maybe they should be. USC should still be respectable, but Oregon is the class of the Pac-10, and Jim Harbaugh will be one of the top coaches soon, if he isn’t already. Anf you may not like him, but Bobby Petrino can coach…
21. LSU
22. Neb
23. Georgia
24. GT
25. A&M
after that, a bunch of Pac-10 teams and Big Ten Teams... we'll see...
i think Purdue could finish 9-3, but it would have been nice to see Ralph Bolden.
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