Fans across America, and only America, were outraged of the brutal and cruel treatment by Atlanta Falcans star QB Michael Vick in conjunction with his Bad News Kennels towards defenseless dogs. In recent events the QB was sentenced to a little over two years in prison for his role in organizing, rackateering, torturing, and killing these animals. In the event preeceding his trial we saw a huge outcry by animal rights groups particularly, rallying to make sure the "murderer" be put to justice. He made "national" headlines on a daily basis, and talk shows such as Ellen and Opera killed him on a daily basis as they took advantage to spew their Vick hate to those television viewers who were female and over fourty, sitting, outraged that a black man had done such a sinful act to dogs, not humans, but dogs.
I would like to regress at this point and say that Allen Iverson (Vick's homeboy from Newport News, VA) said it best in one of his most famous quotes. "PRACTICE? what we talking about, PRACTICE? Cause we're not talking about the game, we're talking about PRACTICE!?! mannn"
If Mr. Iverson knew he would'nt be scrutized to retirement im sure he would have a similar sentiment of the Vick situation, lets just switch dogs with PRACTICE, and humans with the game. Now I know everyone will kill me for being insensitive, and have heard this part of the argument millions of times, but thats not where I'm going with this so just hold it. This problem is deeper than using Vick as an example for hoping to stop dog fighting nation-wide. Yet thats where it stops, NATION-WIDE. America was built on a constitution for and adopted by anglo-saxon males from the late 18th century. We live in an America today where although these individuals still hold the majority the national identity is ever changing with new culture and attitudes immigrating from abroad. To make my point simple, NO WHERE BUT IN AMERICA WOULD A MAN BE IN DANGER TO GO TO JAIL FOR KILLING A DOG, and I for sure know that Mike Vick did NOT think he was breaking some law when he ran his bad news kettle. Shit.. you are not even allowed to beat your own kids in America anymore... this is WRONG, not becuase I think you should be able to abuse anyone, yet it other cultures it is only appropriate to beat your children. I think everyone heard the story of the Domincan man who was threatened by the police in New York for beating his child, promptly caught a flight to the DR and started flogging his child. When approached by a DR cop the officer kindly asked, "Want me to hold him for you." Thats just the way it is people, and America needs to be accepting of everyone else's culture and needs to ammend its values and cultures accordingly.
I had a dog for a few weeks and beat it mercilessly, because it was undisiplined and the only thing animals listen to are your foot in their mouths. White America needs to stop being so ignorant and sensitive about LIFE, thats why their children are ending up nowhere, while the minorities of the country are getting ahead.
Bottom line is that America needs to accept that different cultures raise their kids and dogs differently. If a dog attacked a human and mamed him, im sure PETA would throw its best attys infront of council to make sure the animal was not killed. As an atty in future practice, you know what I would say... "Shoot the dog in the mouth, and see if it lives or dies." Wow that was harsh, but I need to get a point across people. Becuase we talking about DOGS, not humans, DOGS.
My only hope is that this country starts to progress and understand where diverse people from differing backgrounds come from. Calling myself a proud American , I was ashamed of this nation and its sensitivities to an animal that man had taken in and domesticated because of the animals sheer stupidity to grovel for food and attention. Doesnt seem like progression of our race to me. If an alien were to fly and take a look at our country and see us picking up a dogs shit they would fly away because they would think we are crazy and too easy to please. But only if they flew past America, everywhere else they would see a foot in a dogs mouth..human domination baby.. survival of the fittest. Thats just the way it is, god bless you Mike Vick, you are a martyr to the truth that one day will be in this counties mouth.
December 29, 2007
December 25, 2007
F.S.WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO?
Florida State will be without over 30 of its players for its upcoming bowl game, the Dec. 31st Music City Bowl against Kentucky.
Not only is it pathetic that FSU is even playing in the Music City Bowl, but to lost THIRTY-PLUS players, INCLUDING possible starting QB Xavier Lee? RIDICULOUS.
The NCAA should immediately pursue harsh sanctions against the players and the school for making an utter mockery of the college system. Isn't it supposed to be Student-Athlete, not Athlete-Student?
This FSU debacle is only the tip of the iceberg. I believe that the NCAA needs to do a complete rehaul of the way that student athletes are treated, ESPECIALLY basketball and football players. Too many times you hear of the athlete who SOMEHOW gets to take a makeup oral final (even though they walked out of the written final), or SOMEHOW is acing all their classes without showing up...its just plain old pathetic. The NCAA and all the colleges are simply using these athletes for money, not caring about them or their future. The problem is, damn near all of these athletes won't have a future past college. Such a small percentage of college athletes go pro in their sport (less than 1%), and even those that do face a VERY short career (the average NFL career? a little over two years, and there is no way that takes into account EVERY player that starts on a team in the preseason). What happens to these athletes? Does anyone care? the answer is a resounding NO. Not the college that pushed them through, not the pro team that cut them, no one.
in the end, the NCAA and the college system needs to flat out change, and I hope that one day it does.
Not only is it pathetic that FSU is even playing in the Music City Bowl, but to lost THIRTY-PLUS players, INCLUDING possible starting QB Xavier Lee? RIDICULOUS.
The NCAA should immediately pursue harsh sanctions against the players and the school for making an utter mockery of the college system. Isn't it supposed to be Student-Athlete, not Athlete-Student?
This FSU debacle is only the tip of the iceberg. I believe that the NCAA needs to do a complete rehaul of the way that student athletes are treated, ESPECIALLY basketball and football players. Too many times you hear of the athlete who SOMEHOW gets to take a makeup oral final (even though they walked out of the written final), or SOMEHOW is acing all their classes without showing up...its just plain old pathetic. The NCAA and all the colleges are simply using these athletes for money, not caring about them or their future. The problem is, damn near all of these athletes won't have a future past college. Such a small percentage of college athletes go pro in their sport (less than 1%), and even those that do face a VERY short career (the average NFL career? a little over two years, and there is no way that takes into account EVERY player that starts on a team in the preseason). What happens to these athletes? Does anyone care? the answer is a resounding NO. Not the college that pushed them through, not the pro team that cut them, no one.
in the end, the NCAA and the college system needs to flat out change, and I hope that one day it does.
December 19, 2007
December 18, 2007
December 17, 2007
Terrell Pryor
Scouts Inc. Recruiting Briefing Room
Read "Dec. 9"
Read "Dec. 9"
Pryor becomes first 4,000 / 4,000 man in semifinal win
Terrelle Pryor completed nine of 13 pass attempts for 142 yards and one touchdown, carried 16 times for 158 yards and another score, returned two kickoffs for 65 yards, returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, and registered a sack in Jeannette's 41-21 win over Wilmington, Pa. and ESPN 150 Pitt running back pledge Chris Burns, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
He said after the victory, "Hey, four and four. That's an honor to get that. I guess it's really not that big of a deal but it goes down in history as the first, so..."
December 15, 2007
Nooooooooo!!!
Rodriguez meets with Michigan
If he goes to Michigan, it could possibly be lights out for the Big Ten. I see him bringing a new style of play to the Michigan organization which I've always said is exactly what Michigan needed. Their program was old and needed a fresh start. I had RR as one of the Top 5 coaches that Michigan would approach, but I counted him out later because I thought he had signed a monster contract with WVU at the beginning of the season. However, as we have learned, coaching promises don't mean anything. Especially when an opportunity for a school like Michigan has come up. I still believe that Michigan football is the best coaching job in the country, maybe second only to USC.
But I wonder if RR's success is from having great players, or as I like to call it, the "Phil Jackson Scenario." WVU was up and coming, but until Pat White and Steve Slaton started to develop, they were still not contenders for the BCS. However, without a great coach, its hard to make great players. In the end, this is great for Michigan, sad for West Virginia, and terrible for Ohio State.
If he goes to Michigan, it could possibly be lights out for the Big Ten. I see him bringing a new style of play to the Michigan organization which I've always said is exactly what Michigan needed. Their program was old and needed a fresh start. I had RR as one of the Top 5 coaches that Michigan would approach, but I counted him out later because I thought he had signed a monster contract with WVU at the beginning of the season. However, as we have learned, coaching promises don't mean anything. Especially when an opportunity for a school like Michigan has come up. I still believe that Michigan football is the best coaching job in the country, maybe second only to USC.
But I wonder if RR's success is from having great players, or as I like to call it, the "Phil Jackson Scenario." WVU was up and coming, but until Pat White and Steve Slaton started to develop, they were still not contenders for the BCS. However, without a great coach, its hard to make great players. In the end, this is great for Michigan, sad for West Virginia, and terrible for Ohio State.
And with the 2nd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Darren McFadden goes to...
the New England Patriots!
seriously though, they have the 49ers pick...and it will probably happen.
seriously though, they have the 49ers pick...and it will probably happen.
December 14, 2007
Response to "next year buckeyes"
Well, they haven't committed to the draft. They are just wanting to see how they would fare in the draft. I don't think too many of them will be leaving. Tressel actually encouraged them to look into submitting the papers. I think its a good move in that they players will not have to be distracted with the limbo of the situation. OSU has the personnel to be a truly amazing team next year if the right players stay. The 'big-difference' players I see leaving are Vernon Gholston (DE), Todd Boeckman (QB), Malcolm Jenkins (CB), and maybe Brian Robiskie (WR). Gholston, Jenkins and Robiskie would be the biggest losses as Gholston is devastating off the line and Robiskie is a great receiver. I feel that Gholston and Jenkins would go the highest in the draft. Robiskie has a big name father and even though I feel he needs more developed, I think that will push him into the draft. I don't think Laurinaitis will leave unless the report shows that he will be a top 10 pick. I can't say for sure that he will one. I still feel he needs to develop more. I don't see the A.J. Hawk skills in him. A.J. Hawk could shut down the field. It will be terrible for OSU to lose all these players. If they came back, OSU would legitimately have the best talent in the nation. Very few players are 'supposed' to be leaving. I kind of hope Todd Boeckman leaves, but only if we pick up Terrell Pryor. We need to get him out on the field ASAP. If we run the spread offense in the Big Ten, damn......
13 OSU juniors fill out draft paperwork
13 OSU juniors fill out draft paperwork
Mark McGwire...Diego Maradona...The Black Sox...Roger Clemens
what do the above men all have in common?
CHEATERS!!!
CHEATERS!!!
next year buckeyes = terrible???
13 juniors to enter the NFL draft...my goodness. combined with the seniors, you're looking at almost half the team being gone, leaving huge holes especially in the linebacker position (James Laurinitis is a BEAST).
It's often overlooked how much early entrants to the draft can damage a college's future. Not just next year, but for the year (ie: USC) following the Buckeyes can struggle (ie: the U). When you have to bring players along too soon, not only do they have problems but they also can lose a key component needed for success : confidence.
It's often overlooked how much early entrants to the draft can damage a college's future. Not just next year, but for the year (ie: USC) following the Buckeyes can struggle (ie: the U). When you have to bring players along too soon, not only do they have problems but they also can lose a key component needed for success : confidence.
This is it.... Mitchell report
Probably some of the biggest news in the modern era of sports. Who knows what will actually come of this and what will change in the future, but lets hope that baseball fixes its image. I always felt that this was the worst form of cheating and that there shouldn't be any tolerance for this no matter how good they player may be. In my opinion, I feel that if there is major evidence, this is worse than what Pete Rose did. I would hope to expect the same penalties here. Its too bad for some players, but this is the worst. This is the real cheating in sports. Not betting, not spying; this is terrible.
Mitchell report
I'm glad to see how he placed so much blame on the organization of Major League Baseball itself. The players are to blame, thats true, but the fact that MLB did not seriously look into this issue for so many years is ridiculous. I understand its a competitive league with billions of dollars to receive in revenue, but I guess that is enough to throw honor out the window and the whole history of the game. Because of this, baseball is no longer the sport that I used to revere as a kid. Now its just a shell of its former self, all about the bottom line. Let's see if Bud Selig actually does anything or just sits on it like he probably very easily could and 'hopes' everything will stop.
Mitchell report
I'm glad to see how he placed so much blame on the organization of Major League Baseball itself. The players are to blame, thats true, but the fact that MLB did not seriously look into this issue for so many years is ridiculous. I understand its a competitive league with billions of dollars to receive in revenue, but I guess that is enough to throw honor out the window and the whole history of the game. Because of this, baseball is no longer the sport that I used to revere as a kid. Now its just a shell of its former self, all about the bottom line. Let's see if Bud Selig actually does anything or just sits on it like he probably very easily could and 'hopes' everything will stop.
December 12, 2007
Are the Falcons REALLY that bad???
just a quick post to think about...
the Falcons lost their superstar QB just weeks before the season. This QB not only was one of the best in the NFL today, but one of the best EVER (in terms of production). In fact, Vick was not only their top passer but also their top RUNNER; he set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season by a quarterback.
Now let's think about that...if the Packers lose Brett Favre, are they one of the top teams in the NFL? What about say, New England? Could Matt Cassell bring the Patriots to the elite level?
Indy didn't even lose their QB and they have struggled at times. Imagine this scenario : a few weeks prior to the start of preseason, Peyton Manning is practicing handoffs with Joseph Addai. Manning trips, rolls into Addai's knees and in the process not only does Addai tear ligaments (causing him to be out of football for a little over 2 years, maybe 85% of that if he is good), but Manning severely injures his shoulder (causing him to be out of football for a little over 2 years, maybe 85% of that if he is good). Hmm...I think that there would be some issues there as well.
My point is, the loss of Vick is STAGGERING, but its not the Falcons fault. They were a team expected to be contenders in their division this year. It's not Rich McKay's fault (though his receiver choices are definitely odd), it's not Warrick Dunn's fault, it's not the defense's fault and it DEFINITELY was not Bobby Petrino's fault.
Shoot, if I was a first year NFL head coach and all this happened not only would the Arkansas job start to look good, but I might be delirious enough to sign Byron Leftwich only to enter him into a QB controversy with Joey Harrington...then choose to start Chris Redmon.
the Falcons lost their superstar QB just weeks before the season. This QB not only was one of the best in the NFL today, but one of the best EVER (in terms of production). In fact, Vick was not only their top passer but also their top RUNNER; he set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season by a quarterback.
Now let's think about that...if the Packers lose Brett Favre, are they one of the top teams in the NFL? What about say, New England? Could Matt Cassell bring the Patriots to the elite level?
Indy didn't even lose their QB and they have struggled at times. Imagine this scenario : a few weeks prior to the start of preseason, Peyton Manning is practicing handoffs with Joseph Addai. Manning trips, rolls into Addai's knees and in the process not only does Addai tear ligaments (causing him to be out of football for a little over 2 years, maybe 85% of that if he is good), but Manning severely injures his shoulder (causing him to be out of football for a little over 2 years, maybe 85% of that if he is good). Hmm...I think that there would be some issues there as well.
My point is, the loss of Vick is STAGGERING, but its not the Falcons fault. They were a team expected to be contenders in their division this year. It's not Rich McKay's fault (though his receiver choices are definitely odd), it's not Warrick Dunn's fault, it's not the defense's fault and it DEFINITELY was not Bobby Petrino's fault.
Shoot, if I was a first year NFL head coach and all this happened not only would the Arkansas job start to look good, but I might be delirious enough to sign Byron Leftwich only to enter him into a QB controversy with Joey Harrington...then choose to start Chris Redmon.
Those of you that want a playoff....
Here is a little glimpse of what that would be:
Click here
I used the BCS rankings most of the time. It usually always ended up with USC winning it all. Ridiculous. The next teams that kept winning were Missouri and Oklahoma. Could you imagine them playing each other again for the third time in a single season? Damn.
Click here
I used the BCS rankings most of the time. It usually always ended up with USC winning it all. Ridiculous. The next teams that kept winning were Missouri and Oklahoma. Could you imagine them playing each other again for the third time in a single season? Damn.
December 10, 2007
Ahh the lower bowl games
As i happened to look at the bowl schedule, I could not help but to be underwhelmed at the post season games being played this year.
"Powerhouses" such as Mississippi State, Ball State, Texas A&M and Tulsa have received bowl bids...to games that no one will care about but current students, the players, and possibly alumni. Many of these teams don't even have current head coaches, but rather are using "interim" coaches for the game.
From the Poinsettia to the Emerald to the Texas Bowl (not even shown on a regular channel, but the mysterious NFL network), bowl games are being given out like candy! Even terrible, terrible teams like UCLA and hell, anyone in the Big Ten thats not OSU, are playing in post season games.
This is flat out RIDICULOUS. Bowl games used to mean something. It used to be an honor to have an extra game after your regular season was completed. It used to mean, hey, you did a darn good job and the nation should recognize that.
The plethora of bowl games simply are used to stuff the pockets of these universities and programs, not to mention the revenue from the event location. Who pays in the end? Us, Joe Q. Bumblef*ck, as we waste the precious little time we have off for the holidays to watch the "slugfest" that is The International Bowl, which takes place in the great American city of...
Toronto.
"Powerhouses" such as Mississippi State, Ball State, Texas A&M and Tulsa have received bowl bids...to games that no one will care about but current students, the players, and possibly alumni. Many of these teams don't even have current head coaches, but rather are using "interim" coaches for the game.
From the Poinsettia to the Emerald to the Texas Bowl (not even shown on a regular channel, but the mysterious NFL network), bowl games are being given out like candy! Even terrible, terrible teams like UCLA and hell, anyone in the Big Ten thats not OSU, are playing in post season games.
This is flat out RIDICULOUS. Bowl games used to mean something. It used to be an honor to have an extra game after your regular season was completed. It used to mean, hey, you did a darn good job and the nation should recognize that.
The plethora of bowl games simply are used to stuff the pockets of these universities and programs, not to mention the revenue from the event location. Who pays in the end? Us, Joe Q. Bumblef*ck, as we waste the precious little time we have off for the holidays to watch the "slugfest" that is The International Bowl, which takes place in the great American city of...
Toronto.
Fraud in Baseball - No, Not Steroids
It’s common that many major league prospects that come from
But how about this, Lying about your age to get an advantage in Little League?! Well, unfortunately that was the case in 2000, when Danny Almonte said he was 2 years younger than he really was in order to play in the Little League World Series. Too no ones knowledge he was allowed to compete, and he completely dominated the competition, even throwing a perfect game. His fastball was clocked at 75 mph (equivalent to almost 95mph major league), the 12 year olds he faced did not stand a chance, as his team (Baby Bombers from the
Personally, like many others I feel this is the lowest of all scams. Think for a second about who’s losing out. Innocent children who one day dream of being professional players are being cheated, why? Because two selfish adults decided that they wanted personal glory. At that age it should not be about winning and losing, but teaching the game's fundamentals and sportsmanship. Anyway, today I decided to a follow up on Almonte's career. Many excepted him to get picked in the 2006 MLB draft but wasn't. He currently plays for Southern Illinois Miners in an Independent minor league, as of June his record is 0-1 5.29 era. Too bad huh? he’s stuck in the minors with no real shot of making the big leagues. Note to future prospects: sometimes it’s not worth lying; the same could happen to you.
Vick sentencing
Vick gets 23-month sentence
Just under 2 years, making his release around October 2009. I don't know if he'll be able to come back to the NFL. I think if he's still fast enough, he might be able to play as a team's low-priced chance. But it will attract really bad press for that club and the owner. The Falcons may be the only team that will be able to look at him without receiving too much heat. Of course, only if he is worth the 'price'. He'll definitely miss two seasons, but he will still only be 29. If he takes care of himself, he can be a great player and a have a great career. He is such a natural athlete.
The only thing that could really keep Vick out of the NFL is Vick himself. It must be really hard to come back from something like this. And not just regular society, but to be re-enter something like professional sports. So much media, money, influence and power must be difficult to handle. I don't know if he himself would want to come back. However, it is what he did, what he's done his whole life, and he was very good.
He could come back and I wouldn't be surprised to see him do well again. But I still believe the chances are slim.
Message to Vick: Stay smart, serve your sentence, and stay in form so you don't become a Maurice.
Just under 2 years, making his release around October 2009. I don't know if he'll be able to come back to the NFL. I think if he's still fast enough, he might be able to play as a team's low-priced chance. But it will attract really bad press for that club and the owner. The Falcons may be the only team that will be able to look at him without receiving too much heat. Of course, only if he is worth the 'price'. He'll definitely miss two seasons, but he will still only be 29. If he takes care of himself, he can be a great player and a have a great career. He is such a natural athlete.
The only thing that could really keep Vick out of the NFL is Vick himself. It must be really hard to come back from something like this. And not just regular society, but to be re-enter something like professional sports. So much media, money, influence and power must be difficult to handle. I don't know if he himself would want to come back. However, it is what he did, what he's done his whole life, and he was very good.
He could come back and I wouldn't be surprised to see him do well again. But I still believe the chances are slim.
Message to Vick: Stay smart, serve your sentence, and stay in form so you don't become a Maurice.
BREAKING NEWS
Former All pro quarterback Michael Vick was just sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his role in dogfighting. Vick was part of a group called "Bad Newz Kennels" in his backyard in Virginia. He sponsored illegal dog fighting and was personally responsible for killing six to eight dogs. He was sentenced today by Judge Henry Hudson, while his mother, brother ( Marcus, former Virginia Tech quarterback) and Falcons owner Arthur Blank looked on. What a tragedy, Vick who signed over 100 million dollars worth of deals will now have to serve time, likely ending his promising career. What a blow to the Falcons and the NFL, it was truly amazing watching him play on the field.
$51.3M per season ?!?!
F1 star Alonso returns to Renault with mega deal
Damn! Tell me they don't have everything... If I came back in another life and had to choose a career, I'd be a champion F1 driver.
Cora Schumacher (see below). RALF Schumacher's wife. And he's not even a great driver.....
Damn! Tell me they don't have everything... If I came back in another life and had to choose a career, I'd be a champion F1 driver.
Cora Schumacher (see below). RALF Schumacher's wife. And he's not even a great driver.....
December 09, 2007
Since 2007 is ending...
I thought I'd list the craziest things that have happened during this sports year. (Or at least the ones I can remember.)
20. College Football 2007
19. Marion Jones' steroid usage and stripping of titles.
18. Destruction of Rockies in the World Series
17. PACMAN JONES!!!!! (throw in Tank and Chris Henry too)
16. Celtics' wicked trades and crazy early season success.
15. Don Imus and Isaiah Thomas' stupidity.
14. Greg Oden's injury after being the number one pick.
13. Lewis Hamilton's amazing F1 season.
12. Tim Tebow winning the Heisman as a sophomore.
11. Milton Bradley's ridiculous injury (shades of Martin Gramatica?)
10. Stanford defeating USC.
9. Sean Taylor (R.I.P.)
8. Braves' minor league manager's insane rant
7. Kansas and Missouri being the best teams in the Big 12.
6. Notre Dame's terrible season, including the loss to Navy.
5. New York Mets' end-season collapse.
4. "SpyGate" and the Patriot's success since then.
3. Division III Trinity miracle.
2. Appalachian State beating Michigan.
1. Michael Vick...... lets just leave it at that.
That's the most that I could remember. It's been a pretty crazy year. If anyone has any more to add, either create a new post so everyone can see, or if you are not a contributor, leave a comment.
20. College Football 2007
19. Marion Jones' steroid usage and stripping of titles.
18. Destruction of Rockies in the World Series
17. PACMAN JONES!!!!! (throw in Tank and Chris Henry too)
16. Celtics' wicked trades and crazy early season success.
15. Don Imus and Isaiah Thomas' stupidity.
14. Greg Oden's injury after being the number one pick.
13. Lewis Hamilton's amazing F1 season.
12. Tim Tebow winning the Heisman as a sophomore.
11. Milton Bradley's ridiculous injury (shades of Martin Gramatica?)
10. Stanford defeating USC.
9. Sean Taylor (R.I.P.)
8. Braves' minor league manager's insane rant
7. Kansas and Missouri being the best teams in the Big 12.
6. Notre Dame's terrible season, including the loss to Navy.
5. New York Mets' end-season collapse.
4. "SpyGate" and the Patriot's success since then.
3. Division III Trinity miracle.
2. Appalachian State beating Michigan.
1. Michael Vick...... lets just leave it at that.
That's the most that I could remember. It's been a pretty crazy year. If anyone has any more to add, either create a new post so everyone can see, or if you are not a contributor, leave a comment.
December 08, 2007
Fight of the decade -Tonight-
The day has finally arrived two great undefeated boxers square off. The MGM grand must feel like a British pub with over 6,000 Ricky Hatton supporters. Its great to see the enthusiasm of oversea fans, which makes me wonder, why isn't anyone supporting the greatest pound for pound boxer off all time,Floyd Mayweather? Hatton sure is the underdog, with many not giving him a chance, but as history proves( Buster Douglas over Tyson Feb 11, 1990 Tokyo, Japan) miracles can happen. I wouldn't be shocked if Hatton comes out on top tonight, especially with a rowdy crowd behind his corner. I may be the only non Brit one saying this, but my pick for tonight is Hatton by decision.
NFL Draft 2008
I'm excited to hear about the mock drafts coming out now. I think this year will be another unpredictable draft class, filled with several great QBs, priceless running backs, and better D-lineman than last year. This year could be very interesting. Still, we'll make our own guesses and try to see who 'wins.'
December 07, 2007
BCS Venting....
I decided to write this because I’m sick of how everyone is complaining about the BCS this year. I saw a SportsNation poll on ESPN that took opinions on various summaries of this season. One of the questions was about who should be rated the best team in the country. People voted LSU as the best team in the nation (30%). LSU has not proven it in my opinion. They lost two games and throughout the season barely held on the games that they did win. “Undefeated in regulation.” What kind of BS is that? I’ve never heard anything so stupid. LSU gave up way too many points to be called the best defense in the nation and finally ended up beating a Tennessee team that fell ass-first into the SEC championship. USC was next on the poll. If you've actually seen USC play this year, they were terrible. The offense that isn’t there and a defense that LOST TO STANFORD! They should have been ranked 15 after that loss (UM was out of the Top 25 after App State). Their name shouldn't even be mentioned for the NC. They are only being mentioned in the same sentence as other teams for two reasons: 1) it’s illegal for USC to be out of the top 12 teams and 2) the Pac-10 collapsed like Dennis Dixon’s knee.
Personally, I feel that the BCS is a fair system. Coming from a Big Ten fan, it would appear that I’m biased to a certain view (probably true). But if you don't use the BCS, then you are just giving teams the ability to lose. I mean, unless a premier team drops more than 3 games, people still want them considered for a spot in the hypothetical "playoff" system (i.e. Florida). I mean, you cannot lose 3 games and still be win the national title. You cannot lose to Stanford and still be considered. You cannot ignore your losses because they are in overtime and in a particular conference. Your conference isn't the best if everyone keeps losing multiple games within. Games that keep the total points under 40 are what real football is about. That’s just a sign of bad defenses and worse clock management (i.e. SEC, Big East, WAC).
The fact is OSU has only dropped 1 game all year (to a team that is still ranked by the way)! However when we lost, we did drop to 7th place. We didn’t backdoor our way into the BCS title game. SIX other teams kept losing! How can you lose and not expect the consequence. You know what is at stake. People say OSU had an easy schedule, and it’s true. But we've been penalized for that lack of schedule strength. But it wasn't a light schedule. It was still 12 separate games. A schedule is only easy if you play like you are supposed to play. “Easy” games are still games. Michigan lost to App State, WVU to Pitt, and USC to Stanford. People thought those were chump match-ups. OSU didn't drop the easy games. One loss in a major conference is still always ONE LOSS in a MAJOR CONFERENCE! The thing I really hate is when people hate on the Big Ten for ending early. What’s the problem? It gives the players time off, lowers pressure, and allows us to watch without getting caught in media squabble. We also don’t have the freedom to deal with injuries. If a key player is out for 2 weeks, sucks for you. He misses those games. Deal with it, play on. Michigan knew this, didn’t complain, and showed up to play. I admit I have to honor that.
However I do agree that a conference winner should not be ranked below a team that did not win the same conference. That is an inexcusable flaw. But again, this is not the fault of the BCS; it is the fault of the VOTERS! The poll voters should be much smarter and more honest when picking. The computers always are. Give your first place vote to the team that you feel deserves it, not the team that is closest to the top. That’s the only that the fairness will balance out. Some teams are given way too many chances. Mainly teams in the SEC. 6 of 12 teams in the SEC belong in the Top 25? Come on. That can't be right. And Texas, they should have been out of the Top 25 when they lost to OU and K-State in week 6/7. But people kept bringing them back. However, the worst thing this season other than Kansas at number one was early in the season, when people ACTUALLY thought that USF was the second best team in the COUNTRY?!?! Yeah, sure it’s an honest poll.
The BCS is the best system, but it can be much better. Just the formula needs to be modified and account for more schedule strength. That is the only thing that would make the arguments fair. I know that’s what the computers do, but maybe there should be another factor or something. The playoff system is fun to think about and dream, but this isn't basketball or the pros with 32 teams. This is college football. A game that consists of 18-22 year old kids who just last year were in high school. A potential 16 game season is too long. It’s too much for the smaller teams to handle. I mean, sometimes even a 4 quarter game against a powerhouse is too much the handle for a non-super recruit school (i.e. Missouri with Oklahoma. OU played hard-nosed ball and Missouri ran out of steam in the late game). Plus, a playoff system would make the Conference championships ‘worthless’ in the endgame, and pretty much the entire regular season. College FB consists of vastly superior teams and inferior teams. There are very few ‘Cinderella’ teams and Wild Cards. College football runs in patterns that consist of the same schools always winning. And good schools keep getting good players and continue to have success. Because of this, you would probably have the same teams every year. At least now, we have only 2 spots that are fought for. Chances are that new teams will make the championship (I know OSU is repeating but everyone kept losing.). In basketball, you can lose by a few missed shots, shutting out one guy, or a couple key fouls (i.e. Florida). Football plays out completely different. If you made it just a 4 team playoff system, then maybe it could work, but the way college football is structured, you still have to choose who would get the spots because having a 64 team bracket is crazy. [If there was a 64-team bracket for CFB, then it would be fair. That would be the best way to determine a national champion. But how about we just forget about conferences and the regular season too?] For a feasible playoff, there would still be a formula of some sorts, and smaller schools would lose the edge. There would be speaking out on this too, because someone is always feeling that the system is wrong. Right now, everyone knows what is at stake. YOU CAN’T LOSE! That is it. If you do, you better hope that everyone else does too (i.e. OSU). This was a pretty good season for deciding who belongs where if you really think about it in the end.
The BCS also gives the smaller schools the attention/exposure that is needed for them to progress. I heard Hawaii's football budget is only like 2 million dollars. And if they go to a BCS game, they'll get like 5 million right there. These teams need these kinds of chances. Now Hawaii can schedule harder non-conference teams and actually make a legit effort from the voters for a better ranking. If your team’s goal is the National Championship, you have to schedule harder games. If the formula worked correctly, this would be seen (i.e. Kansas). Ohio State was getting penalized for that, but everyone else kept losing. OSU knows this and deals with it. In the upcoming seasons, they have a rotation with USC and Miami scheduled. OSU would have accepted the fact that they couldn’t make a valid argument with another 1 loss team. I mean, now Hawaii has a chance to make the National Championship next year. Boise could have done it this year if they had gone undefeated. Everyone likes the little guy when he beats up the big guy. WVU didn't have a chance 3 years ago, not until everyone wanted to see them because they became all flashy. Now they are a perennial favorite and brought up a dying conference.
I’ll admit it is unfair that some conferences do not have the conference championship. In the older days of football, the conference championship is what mattered. That is the only reason that it exits now. In these modern times of designated national championship games, the conference game has become merely a speed bump in the way of the big title. It’s the hardest game of the season, tacked on at the very end. Big schools play for the NC. That’s a fact. They say they like winning the conference, but if you ask Georgia this year, they would not care the slightest. One loss and a team knows it could be out of the running and the year is basically a bust. The conference championship is just a consolation prize. It’s like the honorable mention the slow kids get at Field Day. But this should be amended by making the major conferences have 12 teams each. I mean most already have 11. Make it 12 teams, add a championship game, and send the detractors on their way. I know its more work than just saying it, but its something to look into. This makes the system fairer and improves schedule strength. Or, have the game, and do not factor the loss into the equation as much.
As for the teams that deserve to play in the National Championship. Without a doubt, Ohio State deserves to play. My reasons are above, and the numbers prove it too. Only teams that have won their divisions should be considered. So that removes Kansas and Georgia. [On a side note, how come when Kansas lost, they weren’t dropped out of the Top 10? This is a clear example of how strength of schedule is not adequately factored in the equation. I heard that until Missouri, they didn’t have one team on their schedule that, at the time, received at least ONE TOP 25 VOTE!!! That is frickin’ ridonkulous. They shouldn’t have even been ranked number 1.] If Georgia gets into the NC game, it’s just entering through the back door. I mean, it’s just not right. The teams that deserve it are Oklahoma, LSU, Virginia Tech, and Hawaii. Oklahoma won the Big 12, beat the number 1 team in nation. That is saying something. Even though OU is ranked lower, but they have just as many losses as LSU. Although, their losses were to Colorado and Texas Tech, both unranked. LSU did win the SEC, and they did beat a ‘highly’ ranked Tennessee team. However, they were not the number one team, am I right? So, Oklahoma should leap frog LSU from sheer averages. Virginia Tech is the only there because they won the ACC (which was broke-ass conference this year, Miami 5 and 7, come on). Nonetheless, they are currently ranked the highest of the three. The losses were to LSU and a #2 Boston College team, meaning that their losses should factor for much less consequence. I just haven't seen them play the best quality of football to earn a top spot. Hawaii gets a vote because they are the only UNDEFEATED school remaining in the nation. But they do not deserve it because, yeah, they play in the WACk. Ooh, Boise State. What an ‘important’ game. Hawaii almost lost to Washington, at home. Talk about not coming to perform when you play a real conference team. The bottom of the barrel of the Pac-10 and you barely competed? Spectacular. Nonetheless, they did win. I do like Hawaii and hope they win their bowl game (unless it’s against WVU, but maybe even then; I like it when things get shaken up). Colt Brennan for Heisman (use 2006 stats).
When the voting takes place, I think people are going to reconsider their initial votes for Georgia and Kansas. OSU should get majority of the first place votes. Voters will choose LSU, but the computers will favor Virginia Tech. Thus making the BCS numbers between the two very close. And Oklahoma will be in the fourth spot. The next spots will be Georgia, Missouri, USC, WVU, Hawaii, Kansas, and Florida. But it is definitely going to be interesting.
The final point of this essay is that the BCS is fair if you look at it objectively. There is no other solution for college football. Another system would cause other complaints and then people would have problems with that system too. Teams would be fighting for the playoff spots the same way they are fighting now. Every single team knows what is at stake in this system. The only people that complain are the people the want an excuse and a scapegoat to make up for whatever mistake they made earlier in the season.
P.S. – Why do people always hate on OSU? However the NC last year definitely did not help (and basketball). Last year sucked.
Just my thoughts; take it or leave it. All I know is, Ohio State is in the National Championship. Pick whoever you want. Bring it on…
EDIT: after final rankings released:
Voters are stupid. Suddenly, LSU is ahead of VTech and Kansas gets a BCS game? Computers are smart. VTech was number 1 in the computers, yet 5/6 in the human rankings? What happened to Oklahoma? Did people just forget they beat the number one team? Illinois gets a bowl and Missouri gets hosed? Goddamn humans….
Personally, I feel that the BCS is a fair system. Coming from a Big Ten fan, it would appear that I’m biased to a certain view (probably true). But if you don't use the BCS, then you are just giving teams the ability to lose. I mean, unless a premier team drops more than 3 games, people still want them considered for a spot in the hypothetical "playoff" system (i.e. Florida). I mean, you cannot lose 3 games and still be win the national title. You cannot lose to Stanford and still be considered. You cannot ignore your losses because they are in overtime and in a particular conference. Your conference isn't the best if everyone keeps losing multiple games within. Games that keep the total points under 40 are what real football is about. That’s just a sign of bad defenses and worse clock management (i.e. SEC, Big East, WAC).
The fact is OSU has only dropped 1 game all year (to a team that is still ranked by the way)! However when we lost, we did drop to 7th place. We didn’t backdoor our way into the BCS title game. SIX other teams kept losing! How can you lose and not expect the consequence. You know what is at stake. People say OSU had an easy schedule, and it’s true. But we've been penalized for that lack of schedule strength. But it wasn't a light schedule. It was still 12 separate games. A schedule is only easy if you play like you are supposed to play. “Easy” games are still games. Michigan lost to App State, WVU to Pitt, and USC to Stanford. People thought those were chump match-ups. OSU didn't drop the easy games. One loss in a major conference is still always ONE LOSS in a MAJOR CONFERENCE! The thing I really hate is when people hate on the Big Ten for ending early. What’s the problem? It gives the players time off, lowers pressure, and allows us to watch without getting caught in media squabble. We also don’t have the freedom to deal with injuries. If a key player is out for 2 weeks, sucks for you. He misses those games. Deal with it, play on. Michigan knew this, didn’t complain, and showed up to play. I admit I have to honor that.
However I do agree that a conference winner should not be ranked below a team that did not win the same conference. That is an inexcusable flaw. But again, this is not the fault of the BCS; it is the fault of the VOTERS! The poll voters should be much smarter and more honest when picking. The computers always are. Give your first place vote to the team that you feel deserves it, not the team that is closest to the top. That’s the only that the fairness will balance out. Some teams are given way too many chances. Mainly teams in the SEC. 6 of 12 teams in the SEC belong in the Top 25? Come on. That can't be right. And Texas, they should have been out of the Top 25 when they lost to OU and K-State in week 6/7. But people kept bringing them back. However, the worst thing this season other than Kansas at number one was early in the season, when people ACTUALLY thought that USF was the second best team in the COUNTRY?!?! Yeah, sure it’s an honest poll.
The BCS is the best system, but it can be much better. Just the formula needs to be modified and account for more schedule strength. That is the only thing that would make the arguments fair. I know that’s what the computers do, but maybe there should be another factor or something. The playoff system is fun to think about and dream, but this isn't basketball or the pros with 32 teams. This is college football. A game that consists of 18-22 year old kids who just last year were in high school. A potential 16 game season is too long. It’s too much for the smaller teams to handle. I mean, sometimes even a 4 quarter game against a powerhouse is too much the handle for a non-super recruit school (i.e. Missouri with Oklahoma. OU played hard-nosed ball and Missouri ran out of steam in the late game). Plus, a playoff system would make the Conference championships ‘worthless’ in the endgame, and pretty much the entire regular season. College FB consists of vastly superior teams and inferior teams. There are very few ‘Cinderella’ teams and Wild Cards. College football runs in patterns that consist of the same schools always winning. And good schools keep getting good players and continue to have success. Because of this, you would probably have the same teams every year. At least now, we have only 2 spots that are fought for. Chances are that new teams will make the championship (I know OSU is repeating but everyone kept losing.). In basketball, you can lose by a few missed shots, shutting out one guy, or a couple key fouls (i.e. Florida). Football plays out completely different. If you made it just a 4 team playoff system, then maybe it could work, but the way college football is structured, you still have to choose who would get the spots because having a 64 team bracket is crazy. [If there was a 64-team bracket for CFB, then it would be fair. That would be the best way to determine a national champion. But how about we just forget about conferences and the regular season too?] For a feasible playoff, there would still be a formula of some sorts, and smaller schools would lose the edge. There would be speaking out on this too, because someone is always feeling that the system is wrong. Right now, everyone knows what is at stake. YOU CAN’T LOSE! That is it. If you do, you better hope that everyone else does too (i.e. OSU). This was a pretty good season for deciding who belongs where if you really think about it in the end.
The BCS also gives the smaller schools the attention/exposure that is needed for them to progress. I heard Hawaii's football budget is only like 2 million dollars. And if they go to a BCS game, they'll get like 5 million right there. These teams need these kinds of chances. Now Hawaii can schedule harder non-conference teams and actually make a legit effort from the voters for a better ranking. If your team’s goal is the National Championship, you have to schedule harder games. If the formula worked correctly, this would be seen (i.e. Kansas). Ohio State was getting penalized for that, but everyone else kept losing. OSU knows this and deals with it. In the upcoming seasons, they have a rotation with USC and Miami scheduled. OSU would have accepted the fact that they couldn’t make a valid argument with another 1 loss team. I mean, now Hawaii has a chance to make the National Championship next year. Boise could have done it this year if they had gone undefeated. Everyone likes the little guy when he beats up the big guy. WVU didn't have a chance 3 years ago, not until everyone wanted to see them because they became all flashy. Now they are a perennial favorite and brought up a dying conference.
I’ll admit it is unfair that some conferences do not have the conference championship. In the older days of football, the conference championship is what mattered. That is the only reason that it exits now. In these modern times of designated national championship games, the conference game has become merely a speed bump in the way of the big title. It’s the hardest game of the season, tacked on at the very end. Big schools play for the NC. That’s a fact. They say they like winning the conference, but if you ask Georgia this year, they would not care the slightest. One loss and a team knows it could be out of the running and the year is basically a bust. The conference championship is just a consolation prize. It’s like the honorable mention the slow kids get at Field Day. But this should be amended by making the major conferences have 12 teams each. I mean most already have 11. Make it 12 teams, add a championship game, and send the detractors on their way. I know its more work than just saying it, but its something to look into. This makes the system fairer and improves schedule strength. Or, have the game, and do not factor the loss into the equation as much.
As for the teams that deserve to play in the National Championship. Without a doubt, Ohio State deserves to play. My reasons are above, and the numbers prove it too. Only teams that have won their divisions should be considered. So that removes Kansas and Georgia. [On a side note, how come when Kansas lost, they weren’t dropped out of the Top 10? This is a clear example of how strength of schedule is not adequately factored in the equation. I heard that until Missouri, they didn’t have one team on their schedule that, at the time, received at least ONE TOP 25 VOTE!!! That is frickin’ ridonkulous. They shouldn’t have even been ranked number 1.] If Georgia gets into the NC game, it’s just entering through the back door. I mean, it’s just not right. The teams that deserve it are Oklahoma, LSU, Virginia Tech, and Hawaii. Oklahoma won the Big 12, beat the number 1 team in nation. That is saying something. Even though OU is ranked lower, but they have just as many losses as LSU. Although, their losses were to Colorado and Texas Tech, both unranked. LSU did win the SEC, and they did beat a ‘highly’ ranked Tennessee team. However, they were not the number one team, am I right? So, Oklahoma should leap frog LSU from sheer averages. Virginia Tech is the only there because they won the ACC (which was broke-ass conference this year, Miami 5 and 7, come on). Nonetheless, they are currently ranked the highest of the three. The losses were to LSU and a #2 Boston College team, meaning that their losses should factor for much less consequence. I just haven't seen them play the best quality of football to earn a top spot. Hawaii gets a vote because they are the only UNDEFEATED school remaining in the nation. But they do not deserve it because, yeah, they play in the WACk. Ooh, Boise State. What an ‘important’ game. Hawaii almost lost to Washington, at home. Talk about not coming to perform when you play a real conference team. The bottom of the barrel of the Pac-10 and you barely competed? Spectacular. Nonetheless, they did win. I do like Hawaii and hope they win their bowl game (unless it’s against WVU, but maybe even then; I like it when things get shaken up). Colt Brennan for Heisman (use 2006 stats).
When the voting takes place, I think people are going to reconsider their initial votes for Georgia and Kansas. OSU should get majority of the first place votes. Voters will choose LSU, but the computers will favor Virginia Tech. Thus making the BCS numbers between the two very close. And Oklahoma will be in the fourth spot. The next spots will be Georgia, Missouri, USC, WVU, Hawaii, Kansas, and Florida. But it is definitely going to be interesting.
The final point of this essay is that the BCS is fair if you look at it objectively. There is no other solution for college football. Another system would cause other complaints and then people would have problems with that system too. Teams would be fighting for the playoff spots the same way they are fighting now. Every single team knows what is at stake in this system. The only people that complain are the people the want an excuse and a scapegoat to make up for whatever mistake they made earlier in the season.
P.S. – Why do people always hate on OSU? However the NC last year definitely did not help (and basketball). Last year sucked.
Just my thoughts; take it or leave it. All I know is, Ohio State is in the National Championship. Pick whoever you want. Bring it on…
EDIT: after final rankings released:
Voters are stupid. Suddenly, LSU is ahead of VTech and Kansas gets a BCS game? Computers are smart. VTech was number 1 in the computers, yet 5/6 in the human rankings? What happened to Oklahoma? Did people just forget they beat the number one team? Illinois gets a bowl and Missouri gets hosed? Goddamn humans….
State of the Union - Mets baseball
The winter meetings just ended, and the Mets biggest move was picking up former Rockies prospect Steven Register and acquiring Ryan Church and Brian Schneider. Everyone knows Omar Minaya went in looking for young ace starter but couldn't find a GM willing to take a combination of our best prospects. The Milledge trade shocked me at first but then I thought about it for a few days. Yeah,there was a time we could have gotten Milledge for Manny or Zito. But he just hasn't developed and matured the way we had hoped. I'm really confident Church will put up .270 20hr 80rbi 15 steals and provide us with solid defense. The biggest question mark is why did we trade for another catcher? Obviously one of the three Castro, Estrada, Schneider have to go but am hoping we keep Castro and Schneider. They are both good defenders who know how to call a good game and handle a pitching staff well, especially Schneider. I'm not big on Estrada, he had one All star season. Has anybody looked at his on base percentage for the past 3 years?? .296, .328, .303, while is defense is below average. (Schneider is much better defensively) So, for a win now club getting two solid veteran players isn't that bad (at least neither of them will be giving out high fives to fans after home runs). They will bring some of their grit and leadership skills we desperately lacked in the second half of the season. .
Currently this is how the Mets starting lineup shakes out:
SP1 Pedro Martinez.
SP2 Orlando Hernandez
SP3 John Maine
Sp4 Oliver Perez
SP5 Mike Pelfrey
Setup: Aaron Heilman, Pedro Feliciano, Duaner Sanchez (injured 07'), Joe Smith, Scott Schoenewies, Ambiorix Burgos(injured most 07').
Closer: Billy Wagner
Line up: SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
LF Moises Alou
1B Carlos Delgado
RF Ryan Church
C Johnny Estrada/Brian Schneider
Bench: Ramon Castro, Endy Chavez, Carlos Gomez, Marlon Anderson, Ruben Gotay, Damien Easley, Anderson Hernandez.
Top Prospects: Carlos Gomez, Fernando Martinez, Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey, Deolis Guerra.
This roster is only good enough to win 85-90 games, hardly enough to take the NL east. The 2007 champion Phillies upgraded with picking up Brad Lidge who has the potential to be lights out once again (pre Pujols home run). I would have to say the Phillies at this point have to be considered slight favorites. (Jimmy Rollins might not be crazy predicting 100 wins for the upcoming year). With the braves always being in the mix in what will be a 3 horse race, the Mets might be vying for a Wild Card spot. What can be done in the next 4 months to strengthen a team who is just coming off the worst collapse in team history?
1. Starting Pitching. Acquire a true number one pitcher. Lets face it we do not have the super prospects GM Bill Smith is looking for . A package involving a combination of Gomez, Heilman, Pelfrey, Humber, Martinez is not going to do it unless u add Jose Reyes. So you can cross out Johan Santana. Erik Bedard and Dan Haren have the same asking price, forget about them too. I believe the Mets 2 best options are going after Oakland's Joe Blanton or Toronto's A.J Burnett ( even though he has trouble staying healthy). If all else fails free agent pitchers Hideki Kuroda, Livan Hernandez, John Leiber and maybe even Bartolo Colon could add a little depth to the back end of the rotation while eating up some innings. I rather take a gamble with one of those guys than overpaying for Silva or Lohse.
2. Bullpen. I cant believe I'm saying this, but I wish Chad Bradford was with us in 2007. Duaner Sanchez is a real wild card. Who knows how he'll come back after shoulder surgery. As we all know reliable 7th and 8th inning relievers are hard to find. Published reports have mets interested in Octavio Dotel and Ron Mahay, who would both fit in pretty nicely for us. With the addition of one more dependable arm along with Heilman,Sanchez and Feliciano setting up for Wagner the mets will have a solid pen.
3. Lineup. The mets lineup has great speed and depth. We are pretty much set here with the trades for Church and Schneider and the resigning of Luis Castillo, who at 32 gave a 4 year contract.(I would have done 2 max) He has no power and isn't quite as good with the glove anymore, but he still has a very high obp and can steal 20-30 bases next season. If Delgado can bounce back and hit .260 35 100 it'll make this lineup one of the best in the national league once again.
Mets nation must be supremely disappointed at the lack of activity but remember.. still 4 months till opening day 2008.
Currently this is how the Mets starting lineup shakes out:
SP1 Pedro Martinez.
SP2 Orlando Hernandez
SP3 John Maine
Sp4 Oliver Perez
SP5 Mike Pelfrey
Setup: Aaron Heilman, Pedro Feliciano, Duaner Sanchez (injured 07'), Joe Smith, Scott Schoenewies, Ambiorix Burgos(injured most 07').
Closer: Billy Wagner
Line up: SS Jose Reyes
2B Luis Castillo
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
LF Moises Alou
1B Carlos Delgado
RF Ryan Church
C Johnny Estrada/Brian Schneider
Bench: Ramon Castro, Endy Chavez, Carlos Gomez, Marlon Anderson, Ruben Gotay, Damien Easley, Anderson Hernandez.
Top Prospects: Carlos Gomez, Fernando Martinez, Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey, Deolis Guerra.
This roster is only good enough to win 85-90 games, hardly enough to take the NL east. The 2007 champion Phillies upgraded with picking up Brad Lidge who has the potential to be lights out once again (pre Pujols home run). I would have to say the Phillies at this point have to be considered slight favorites. (Jimmy Rollins might not be crazy predicting 100 wins for the upcoming year). With the braves always being in the mix in what will be a 3 horse race, the Mets might be vying for a Wild Card spot. What can be done in the next 4 months to strengthen a team who is just coming off the worst collapse in team history?
1. Starting Pitching. Acquire a true number one pitcher. Lets face it we do not have the super prospects GM Bill Smith is looking for . A package involving a combination of Gomez, Heilman, Pelfrey, Humber, Martinez is not going to do it unless u add Jose Reyes. So you can cross out Johan Santana. Erik Bedard and Dan Haren have the same asking price, forget about them too. I believe the Mets 2 best options are going after Oakland's Joe Blanton or Toronto's A.J Burnett ( even though he has trouble staying healthy). If all else fails free agent pitchers Hideki Kuroda, Livan Hernandez, John Leiber and maybe even Bartolo Colon could add a little depth to the back end of the rotation while eating up some innings. I rather take a gamble with one of those guys than overpaying for Silva or Lohse.
2. Bullpen. I cant believe I'm saying this, but I wish Chad Bradford was with us in 2007. Duaner Sanchez is a real wild card. Who knows how he'll come back after shoulder surgery. As we all know reliable 7th and 8th inning relievers are hard to find. Published reports have mets interested in Octavio Dotel and Ron Mahay, who would both fit in pretty nicely for us. With the addition of one more dependable arm along with Heilman,Sanchez and Feliciano setting up for Wagner the mets will have a solid pen.
3. Lineup. The mets lineup has great speed and depth. We are pretty much set here with the trades for Church and Schneider and the resigning of Luis Castillo, who at 32 gave a 4 year contract.(I would have done 2 max) He has no power and isn't quite as good with the glove anymore, but he still has a very high obp and can steal 20-30 bases next season. If Delgado can bounce back and hit .260 35 100 it'll make this lineup one of the best in the national league once again.
Mets nation must be supremely disappointed at the lack of activity but remember.. still 4 months till opening day 2008.
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