I put food on their table.
Disgusting, & inexcusable.
But, his privacy was violated and his livelihood was tainted and how many of us would get slashed if we had someone recording our conversations with friends or significant others?
This whole situation is a mess whether we want to accept what the message delivers or not and no matter the outcome, it seems to create a nasty spell that will only take some time to recover which ever way it goes.
A breach/recording of a private conversation between an 80 year old man and his girlfriend where the man is a multimillionaire along with already being married and may have a downgraded taste of minorities.
I can name three disgusting things right there in that previous statement and the worst of all of them is that the man could be considered a bigot among minorities.
O.K. I understand that the man doesn't respect the outlook of the average minority or that his opinion of them may be the equivalency of dirt, but honestly we would have never known that if someone wouldn't have ever recorded that conversation and set it up in the first place.
Why was the conversation recorded at all? Oh, because the girlfriend said she would find a way to get him back for an embezzlement case in which she felt she was owed money. Which is where I find myself wondering if the conversation is really authentic in the first place, or were there parts of the recording that were snipped in to make him sound worse than he really was to try to get him to fess up on his relationship with minorities in his business world?
Listen to the recording and don't tell me you don't find it odd how he interacts with the girlfriend or how she keeps mentioning black people and how he actually tries to avoid her set up. He bit a couple of times and that is all the media is really repeating which granted, they should because it's inexcusable but he didn't really lash out at minorities as much as one may think when listening to the extended version of the interview and if you really pay attention, the girlfriend makes a big effort to set him sound like he's saying worse things.
At the end of the day this was a set up and granted his words were terrible and awful but also this guy is 80 years old and also in the recording sounded drunk and off his own rocker which should be a giant hint to people who are his age or older, MAYBE HE SHOULDN'T BE RUNNING AN NBA ORGANIZATION IN THE FIRST PLACE.
Just a thought. He's 80. He was 20 in the 1950's and more than likely grew up in a pretty wealthy household meaning his views on minorities would make sense and considering where the mind wanders when an individual is 80 and when a women (who he was already with on a strange disgusting level outside of his wife) set's him up like this, what else is he to do? Yes, this is a terrible thing and I'm not disagreeing but can we cut through the butter and see that maybe he's just too off his rocker to own an NBA Franchise? I think a lot of what was said in the recordings was purely meant to frustrate Donald Sterling and to frazzle him and make him think and say the thoughts that were clearly over the line. Unfortunately, they happened and those snippets show that maybe his words were skewed to grab a large media outlet like ESPN to get more ratings on a topic that quite frankly seems to be a set up.
I think Donald Sterling quite frankly is just too old and too over the hill to be owning a franchise and considering how the recording sounds I don't think he's a bigot, I just think his age is getting to him, and unfortunately this lady really pushed him over the hill to cause him to cave. It's sad... so sad that he fell for this the way he did, now the rest of the country wants to watch him burn because some broad wanted his stuff. Well, looks like she has the public on her side, because now Sterling will face the consequences the more the clock ticks.
Do you think he really cares though? I think he does, I don't think he wants to be viewed this way, at the same time, he's probably thinking, "really people? You are believing this women?" I also think considering his age and where he stands at this point in his life, I think he could quite frankly care less about the public for his life is about to be over shortly anyways.
Note to self: don't own an NBA franchise past a certain age if you want to hang around other women outside of your wife, you might get caught in a culture shock aimed directly at your wallet.
Karma is a beach.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
April Recap
Well after watching Vince Carter tear my heart out, I guess I should really jump back on the blog!
I have been gone for a while. I have also been watching quite a bit of sports, working, and getting ready to promote a new radio show that I will begin on July 1st. It will be called Daily Craze and it will be Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and more information will be available in the next couple months.
I have also been outside, running, working out, and playing lots of basketball so I'm sorry but I've been busy doing real life things. I will help you with my recap of this month though, because there has been a lot going on.
Bradley/Pacquiao II was quite the fight except for the part where Bradley stopped strategically fighting and wanted to actually get one good punch in past the 3rd round. When watching this fight, I could not fathom how Bradley won the first time. He didn't even attempt to really battle as Pacquiao seemed to have a complete leg up the entire fight past the half way point. If Bradley beat Pacquiao the first time, granted controversial, why didn't he just come out with a similar game plan and fight him step for step with maybe an extra ounce of fireworks but no, he came out firing to kill. You can't plan to kill Pacquiao, sometimes it just happens.
Bubba Watson won the Masters again and he did it in a very impressive fashion of staying consistent all day on Sunday. I was originally going to write about his performance the night of, but I needed it to sink in for a while for me to understand how great he was. I only watched the final round, but he looked so focused that if a 5.8 earthquake occurred, he still could knock in a 13 foot birdie putt. He wasn't Tiger like, but he was just so calm and collected and never really made any major faltering mistakes which is always a tough thing to do on Sundays at the Masters. Bubba deserved it, and he earned every bit of what he got winning the green jacket with ease.
The NFL Schedule's finally decided to come out near the end of the month and honestly, I don't know what to think about it. I mean, I could see my Vikings starting the Season 0-5 with their brutal schedule and I could also see the Seahawks starting 0-3 before the bye week in week 3. How can you simply predict something before the actual draft occurs and before all the over weight players come back from the buffets across America this offseason? I simply will look at the schedule more in-depth (outside of my own team) come August when the rosters are more concrete.
And finally, the NBA Playoffs are here and they might as well mimic March Madness because nobody is safe outside of the Miami Heat right now. I'm currently watching the Thunder/Grizzlies and Memphis looks good, the Spurs are a bit shaky, Indiana looks awful, and the Wizards look like they will win it all playing Chicago. I think this will be one of the longest playoffs in a long time because outside of the Miami Heat, we really don't have a definitive team to pinpoint championship contention on, and Miami is the defending one from a year ago. It'll all get more straightened out in round 2, right now all the jitters are slowly getting released, just wait till all the game fours are done, then the picture will start to become more clearly overtime.
There is also some huge news coming up about the owner of the Clippers and I might write something about it, when more information is released during the weekend.
I will get back into the regular routine of writing blogs every Monday night, and they should be up by Tuesday. Their should be one up this Tuesday morning and the routine will be back. I will also have more information up on Facebook about my new show, Daily Craze, starting July 1st.
See you Tuesday morning!
I have been gone for a while. I have also been watching quite a bit of sports, working, and getting ready to promote a new radio show that I will begin on July 1st. It will be called Daily Craze and it will be Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and more information will be available in the next couple months.
I have also been outside, running, working out, and playing lots of basketball so I'm sorry but I've been busy doing real life things. I will help you with my recap of this month though, because there has been a lot going on.
Bradley/Pacquiao II was quite the fight except for the part where Bradley stopped strategically fighting and wanted to actually get one good punch in past the 3rd round. When watching this fight, I could not fathom how Bradley won the first time. He didn't even attempt to really battle as Pacquiao seemed to have a complete leg up the entire fight past the half way point. If Bradley beat Pacquiao the first time, granted controversial, why didn't he just come out with a similar game plan and fight him step for step with maybe an extra ounce of fireworks but no, he came out firing to kill. You can't plan to kill Pacquiao, sometimes it just happens.
Bubba Watson won the Masters again and he did it in a very impressive fashion of staying consistent all day on Sunday. I was originally going to write about his performance the night of, but I needed it to sink in for a while for me to understand how great he was. I only watched the final round, but he looked so focused that if a 5.8 earthquake occurred, he still could knock in a 13 foot birdie putt. He wasn't Tiger like, but he was just so calm and collected and never really made any major faltering mistakes which is always a tough thing to do on Sundays at the Masters. Bubba deserved it, and he earned every bit of what he got winning the green jacket with ease.
The NFL Schedule's finally decided to come out near the end of the month and honestly, I don't know what to think about it. I mean, I could see my Vikings starting the Season 0-5 with their brutal schedule and I could also see the Seahawks starting 0-3 before the bye week in week 3. How can you simply predict something before the actual draft occurs and before all the over weight players come back from the buffets across America this offseason? I simply will look at the schedule more in-depth (outside of my own team) come August when the rosters are more concrete.
And finally, the NBA Playoffs are here and they might as well mimic March Madness because nobody is safe outside of the Miami Heat right now. I'm currently watching the Thunder/Grizzlies and Memphis looks good, the Spurs are a bit shaky, Indiana looks awful, and the Wizards look like they will win it all playing Chicago. I think this will be one of the longest playoffs in a long time because outside of the Miami Heat, we really don't have a definitive team to pinpoint championship contention on, and Miami is the defending one from a year ago. It'll all get more straightened out in round 2, right now all the jitters are slowly getting released, just wait till all the game fours are done, then the picture will start to become more clearly overtime.
There is also some huge news coming up about the owner of the Clippers and I might write something about it, when more information is released during the weekend.
I will get back into the regular routine of writing blogs every Monday night, and they should be up by Tuesday. Their should be one up this Tuesday morning and the routine will be back. I will also have more information up on Facebook about my new show, Daily Craze, starting July 1st.
See you Tuesday morning!
Friday, April 18, 2014
2014 NBA Playoff Predictions
Now that the NBA's first season is over, we enter the real season where legends are made and where every true sports fan finds the true meaning of freakish athletic ability on a nightly basis. This year features two conferences that really don't equate to one another as the East is really a two, maybe three team race while in the west 5 or 6 teams can make a legit run at the championship. We don't need to get into the summary of the regular season as we all know the best team heading into the postseason is my beloved Spurs who are clearly the best franchise in all of sports over this entire century. That's not being biased, it's just a fact. Let's get to the predictions.
Eastern Conference 1st round
#1 Indiana vs #8 Atlanta
The only reason Atlanta is in the 8 seed is because the eastern conference is a joke and their unfortunately has to be a team to play the #1 Pacers. Although the Pacers have been struggling the past month, they should gain some confidence as they should dominate the Hawks. The Pacers have every matchup won when it comes to their starting rotation except for maybe at the Key Matchup I'll mention in a moment. The bench of Indiana will probably see a lot of 4th quarter action in this series and will still win the +/- battle when they are on the floor against the starters of the Hawks.
Key Matchup: Paul Millsap (ATL) vs David West (IND)
Because this is the only area I could see Atlanta winning, they really need to feed the post to have a chance against the Pacers because of all the other matchups they lack in this series. Other than that, Indiana has them outmatched 4 to 1.
Prediction: Indiana in a sweep (4-0)
#4 Chicago vs #5 Washington
This series is a whole other story when it comes to matchups because I can see this series going either way. Unfortunately, Derek Rose won't be here, so I could see Washington feeding John Wall the ball for 30+ points per game. I think when it comes to post presence, Chicago has them beat, but when it comes to guard play, Chicago can't compete as Wall and Beal have really stepped up as a legit duel threat in the weak eastern conference. The last time the Wizards played the Bulls they got beat 96-78 and they will keep that in their minds for Game 1 and should make this a 7 game series from the start.
Key Matchup: Bradley Beal (WAS) vs Jimmy Butler (CHI)
If Bradley Beal can outmatch Jimmy Butler in this series, Chicago will be in a lot of trouble with the already explosive and ready John Wall at the point position. If Butler can keep Beal off the 3-point line and can shut him down from the start, Chicago will have the advantage especially down low with a top 5 center in Noah.
Prediction: Washington in 7 (4-3)
#3 Toronto vs #6 Brooklyn
I think Toronto lacks the experience Brooklyn brings to the playoffs. Toronto is a nice story, and they have been consistent all season, but Brooklyn is one of those teams that has been hot all second half of the season and they have experience that can't be matched in the postseason with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett leading the way. The only real question will be the health factor that Brooklyn presents with their age, outside of that, I don't see how Toronto gets past Brooklyn.
Key Matchup: DeMar DeRozan (TOR) vs Shaun Livingston (BKN)
I think DeRozen will have Livingstons number, but the question will be can he sustain it? If Livingston can match him in a couple games in this series and if Livingston can prevent DeRozen from going off for more than he usually generates, than the Nets will have more of a chance than I am already giving them. Outside of this matchup, the Nets have a lot of mismatches over the Raptors.
Prediction: Brooklyn in 6 (4-2)
#2 Miami vs #7 Charlotte
The last time these two teams met, LeBron James went off for 61 points. That won't happen again in this series, or can it? Who is really going to get on LeBron and stop him in this series? I could see Kidd-Gilchrist getting one game on LeBron defensively but that's being nice. I love me some Kemba Walker, but he will only help even out the matchup between him and Mario Chalmers. The real question for Miami will be who will help out the starting lineup and who will step up around LeBron for this postseason? This series should let us know if the Heat have what it takes to win the title for the third straight game. If the supporting cast doesn't perform like it has in the past, expect the Heat to struggle against the Bobcats.
Key Matchup: Chris Bosh (MIA) vs Al Jefferson (CHA)
Chris Bosh is not who he was 2-3 years ago even though he still plays at an all-star level. The real question will be can he hold his own against a top 5 center in Al Jefferson. Al Jefferson should become a legend after this series against the East's biggest named team. If Al Jefferson can get off in this series, it may be a longer series than the Heat anticipated.
Prediction: Miami in 5 (4-1)
Eastern Conference 2nd Round
#1 Indiana vs #5 Washington
This will be the John Wall home coming party to the NBA. He will shine in this series, but he may be the only thing that shines for the Wizards as everybody else stands little chance against the vaunted rotation of the Pacers. Paul George may actually go off for 30+ each game in this series with the matchups they Wizards will present him. The only thing Indiana needs to worry about is themselves and make sure they allow themselves to get great shot selections as often as they can down the floor which shouldn't be a problem playing Washington. Although, if the Wizards can get a little boost from the bench, they may have a better shot than most people would give them if they make it to the second round.
Key Matchup: John Wall (WAS) vs George Hill (IND)
John Wall may actually cause George Hill to reconstruct his ankles this offseason after this series, but if Hill can contain Wall to under 30 points per game or can at least match half of what he gets per night, the Pacers will probably end this series faster than it already will be. If John Wall runs by everybody, the Wizards could push this to 7.
Prediction: Indiana in 6 (4-2)
#2 Miami vs #6 Brooklyn
The Heat couldn't beat the Nets this season. The Heat don't have the supporting cast of the Nets and it's quite obvious if these two teams meet in the postseason. The only real question will be if the legs of the older Nets will be able to hang with the slightly younger legs of the Heat. I think another factor will be the coaching as Jason Kidd will be going up against the 2-time champions and his tactics will be all out on the line for this game as he will truthfully have to put together masterpiece like games to get his team past the likes of LeBron James, Wade, and Bosh. I think the Nets can get it done, but at the same time, this is the Miami Heat we are talking about, and they will literally bring a kitchen sink to the floor and maybe some blood and bruises too. Expect a lack of headband from LeBron James in this series in a couple instances because this will a classic.
Key Matchup: LeBron James vs Himself
The Heat are 0-4 vs the Nets this season and LeBron will need to get over his own game and play like the Cleveland version of LeBron instead of this "Magic Johnson" version he's been playing like since coming to South Beach in 2010. If he doesn't come out with the fire we all know he can play with when his back is up against the wall, the Nets win this series. He needs to "Strive for Greatness" if he wants to get to the Eastern Conference Finals again.
Prediction: Miami in 7 (4-3)
Eastern Conference Finals
#1 Indiana vs #2 Miami
This will be a great series but I think there will be one large void especially if Miami is just getting out of a dog fight against the Nets. The supporting cast of the Miami Heat will be tested to it's pinnacle in this series if these two teams were to rematch again. Also, this season, the Pacers have home court and the Heat will have to play a game 7 in Indiana which won't go over well if LeBron is the one carrying his squad up to this point in the postseason. Unless LeBron James has super powers, he'll need big time performances from his sidekicks for the Heat to get back to the promise land because if the Pacers make it to this point in the postseason, they will be clicking, and there's no way if they play their A game that Miami beats them with just one or two players playing out of this world.
Key Matchup: D'Wayne Wade (MIA) vs Lance Stephenson (IND)
Stephenson has improved himself immensely this year and if he can go off this series, the Heat may have no chance of winning a game. If Wade comes in a plays like the Wade of 8 years ago, then Indiana has no chance of winning a game. These two men will truly decide the outcome of this series because they both have very good players to their left (Paul George for the Pacers, LeBron James for the Heat) and if they can get theirs along with defending, it could put a serious staple in this series.
Prediction: Indiana in 7 (4-3)
Western Conference 1st Round
#1 San Antonio vs #8 Dallas
Apparently San Antonio hasn't lost to Dallas in 9 straight meetings against one another which should tell you already where I'm going with my prediction on top of my love for the Spurs. I honestly don't think those 9 straight wins will impact what happens in this series because it's a series not one game so adjustments will be made. Either way, if the Spurs show they are healthy and ready to do damage with their core unit at full strength, nobody is beating this team. Their bench is the best in the NBA and the Mavericks are still in a state of transition with now Dirk's career winding down to the end which shouldn't help Monta Ellis any considering he may have to carry the load all by himself. It won't be enough though.
Key Matchup: Tony Parker (SAS) vs Jose Calderon (DAL) honestly if Tony Parker can go off and show that he is healthy in this series, the Spurs will dominate especially with the supporting cast he has around him. If Jose Calderon can get into open space and make everybody around him a little better, the Mavericks may make this a series worth talking about.
Prediction: San Antonio in 5 (4-1)
#4 Houston vs #5 Portland
The only real bump in the road Portland faces is weather they have enough knowledge of what to expect in a series of this magnitude. They have not been this relevant in the NBA in quite a while and I think facing a team like the Rockets will really test them especially since the Rockets have a couple guys who know what the NBA Finals looks like. There are also a ton of potential X-factors that could step up and make this series into any type of series. Guys like Patrick Beverley could make Damion Lillard sweat like they never have before, Omer Asik could become a giant presence that not many people may expect, and even a guy like Mo Williams could bust out 8 threes off the bench in 4 minutes. I could see both these teams winning this series but I think we all know who I'm going with based upon experience.
Key Matchup: Dwight Howard (HOU) vs LaMarcus Aldridge (POR)
Honestly, if Dwight is healthy and can play at a 18 point/12 rebound clip, the Rockets will be fine, but if he comes out sluggish, expect a result similar to the 2013 Los Angeles Laker Dwight Howard who was dejected and disinterested too often than not. If LaMarcus can come out and have a huge impact on the glass and make the paint his own territory, Portland will ride into Texas confident.
Prediction: Houston in 6 (4-2)
#3 L.A. Clippers vs #6 Golden State
This is the most exciting series I think I can remember heading into in a long time. The fire power, stardom, and awe factor is off the charts compared to any other series in a long time. Long range jumpers and alley-oops will be occurring more than in any other series especially considering the level both these teams can play defense. I think the defensive intensity will be there in the first and fourth quarter, but in the middle portions of the game where things lighten up a bit, it might feel like an all-star game for a little bit. The only real question will be to see which style will prevail. Knowing Mark Jackson and Doc Rivers and how they play on the defensive side of the ball, they won't allow either teams strength to appear as often as they usually occur in an everyday game, but I think this game may define where the NBA game is heading. Will it still be a flash and pass league or will the shooters prevail? I think it will be a debate settled in this series and it should be a must watch if you are just an average sports fan.
Key Matchup: Andre Iguodala (GSW) vs Matt Barnes (LAC)
I think Iguodala will get his share of points but it will be those times where he gets shut down by Matt Barnes that will cause the Clippers to get a full head of steam on their side of the court. If Barnes can get anything to go offensively, write down the Clippers to get to the next round with ease, but that's not his forte in this scheme so expect it to be a Barnes on Iggy type of matchup.
Prediction: L.A. Clippers in 7 (4-3)
#2 Oklahoma City vs #7 Memphis
O.K. do you really want a write up on how badly Kevin Durant is going to mack on this Grizzlies squad? He's going to sign his stamp of approval to win the MVP outright in this series and nobody will question him after this series is over. If Westbrook comes out and plays to the level he's known to play at he will also allow the Thunder to get the next round rather quickly. Granted, the Grizzlies were a very good team lasty season and for some reason they dropped to where they are this season, but this year they have to deal with a little more than just KD this time, even though KD is way better than last year on top of a better supporting cast from a year ago.
Key Matchup: Tayshaun Prince (MEM) vs Kevin Durant (OKC)
It's a joke of a matchup but is it really considering Tayshaun has more rings than Durant and that his length may actually be the only problem KD has to face in this series. If Prince can even come close to handling KD and keeping him in just a little bit of check, it'll be up to the supporting cast of OKC which should still be able to get it done. It will just be a little more difficult for the Thunder.
Prediction: Oklahoma City in a sweep (4-0)
Western Conference 2nd Round
#1 San Antonio vs #4 Houston
If there is any sort of revenge in Dwight Howards body, he should still be feeling the embarrassment from 2013 when his team the L.A. Lakers were devastated by the Spurs. For "the best center" in the game to be humiliated like that, you would think he would come back for a second helping and get his scoring guard in James Harden the ball in open situations so that they can combat this dynamic dynamo in San Antonio. The only question will be, will the Better Stars outweigh the Ultimate Team? The Rockets have some depth, but lets be honest, they don't have the Spurs depth. They do have a better more talented starting 5 than the Spurs, but when it comes to depth, they may be tested too much when it comes to playing San Antonio.
Key Matchup: Chandler Parsons (HOU) vs Kawhi Leonard (SAS)
Both these players still have a lot of career left in front of them, but this series may help start directing where their careers take them. Let's be honest, the Spurs trio is getting old and in the near future Chandler Parsons will be getting a big time deal in the near future with the way he has been playing recently over the past couple seasons. Things will drastically change for both these players in the near future, but their parts play key in this series if they meet up because Parsons and Leonard are ultimately the major X-Factors when it comes to where this series heads ultimately.
Prediction: San Antonio in 6 (4-2)
#2 Oklahoma City vs #3 L.A. Clippers
I think the Clippers are fed up with a couple things when heading into this series against the Thunder before I make this prediction. They are tired of being called the one dimensional "Lob City" and that they are the laughable Clipper franchise they are frequently listed as in the archives of NBA history. It will piss them off beyond all the other talk that will head their way prior to this series, and I think it will give them a slight edge. The Coaching should be phenomenal as Scottie Brooks and Doc Rivers will get their teams playing in tip top shape to attack one another's weaknesses making this possibly one of the more interesting 2nd round matchups when it comes to postseason play. I think the Clippers have a ton to prove and I think it's going to eat at them all series making the chip on their shoulder a little bigger than OKC's.
Key Matchup: Russell Westbrook (OKC) vs Chris Paul (LAC)
Let's be honest, who ever comes out and can attune to their teams style the best and be the most effective out of these two players will help their team get to the western conference finals. I think Chris Paul is clearly the better team player, but considering the attacking style of Westbrook, his penetration in the lane and his ability to explode to the hoop is really going to get the Thunder going when they need that extra spark. Chris Paul is the engine of that Clipper train and if he can keep it chugging, they can find themselves in the next round.
Prediction: L.A. Clippers in 7 (4-3)
Western Conference Finals
#1 San Antonio vs #3 L.A. Clippers
I think this series will be a lot more of series than people will give it credit for just because OKC may not be in it. Both teams will use philosophies that could potentially drive the other coach crazy. Both Benches are pretty solid with both having great 6th men in Crawford for the Clippers and Ginobili for the Spurs, the multiple looks both teams can show when it comes to their rotations and also how each team can really play any style of basketball. Both Coaches may keep the games in the low 80's and bring the NBA back a decade of when defensive basketball was the strategy because that is how the matchups will lay themselves out. I think whoevers bench comes out and gets the job done the most efficiently will go to the Finals.
Key Matchup: Jamal Crawford (LAC) vs Manu Ginobili (SAS)
This series really is all about who will show up when it comes to that spark off the bench. To ignite the benches to get it going when the starters come out, this matchup could really drive home who can keep each others team in check especially considering both these players are major igniters when it comes to their presence on the court.
Prediction: San Antonio in 7 (4-3)
_____________________________________________________
I know, I picked Chalk to make it to the NBA Finals. I did pick the Nets to make it to the NBA Finals before the season and I could seriously see them making it to the NBA Finals if they can get past Miami especially with how hot they have been in the second half of the season. I could also see OKC getting to the NBA Finals on multiple scenarios I laid out before writing this blog, but I honestly see them matching up against the Clippers not very favorably and I see KD needing to go off for 40 every game to give them a chance. I just don't see Miami winning it this year because of the lack of support LeBron will have this postseason, but that will just add to his greatness if he proves me wrong.
Here's my NBA Finals prediction!
2014 NBA FINALS
San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers
The Spurs and Pacers are definitely two of the most well rounded teams in basketball and to have them both at this point would truly not be shocking and it's not just because of their seeding's in their respective conferences. They both have fantastic benches and they have very solid starting lineups. With how they play their style of basketball, I could see this being one of those series that could be picked at till the end of time and could also be on game films from years to come. The brand of basketball is truly looking for a matchup like this, that's how great these two teams are and how good they have been this season. Both coaches are outstanding and it has taken a lot of time for these teams to get to the level they could be at when it comes to this point in the postseason if they both make it. I really hope they both make it, and I think it would be a classic. I do think at the end of the day, home court will dictate who wins it all, especially if it goes 7 which I see it possibly happening.
Key Matchup: Tim Duncan (SAS) vs Roy Hibbert (IND)
Oh, the mentor vs the mentee, back in the day Roy Hibbert went to a camp set up by Duncan and Roy became a fan from day one. It would be crazy to see them play for the title against one another and could potentially be the ultimate Key Matchup in the NBA Finals. They both will hold the key in the half court offense when it comes to ball distribution and at the end of the day will make the decisions to get the ball to the open man. I could see Roy really making it hard on Tim Duncan (because of the age difference) but also the chiseled veteran in Tim Duncan can still find ways to kill you when it comes to making the right decision which he does way more than not.
Prediction: Spurs in 7 (4-3)
And the Spurs ride off into the sunset...
Like I said, I could see several scenarios occurring but I'm playing it safe this year as I think the regular season is going to hold true to form with how the playoffs work, but it will be a tightrope walk for some of these series as I could see many matchups going one way or another. I just see the best team getting it done this season, and that's the San Antonio Spurs.
Enjoy the Playoffs everybody!
Eastern Conference 1st round
#1 Indiana vs #8 Atlanta
The only reason Atlanta is in the 8 seed is because the eastern conference is a joke and their unfortunately has to be a team to play the #1 Pacers. Although the Pacers have been struggling the past month, they should gain some confidence as they should dominate the Hawks. The Pacers have every matchup won when it comes to their starting rotation except for maybe at the Key Matchup I'll mention in a moment. The bench of Indiana will probably see a lot of 4th quarter action in this series and will still win the +/- battle when they are on the floor against the starters of the Hawks.
Key Matchup: Paul Millsap (ATL) vs David West (IND)
Because this is the only area I could see Atlanta winning, they really need to feed the post to have a chance against the Pacers because of all the other matchups they lack in this series. Other than that, Indiana has them outmatched 4 to 1.
Prediction: Indiana in a sweep (4-0)
#4 Chicago vs #5 Washington
This series is a whole other story when it comes to matchups because I can see this series going either way. Unfortunately, Derek Rose won't be here, so I could see Washington feeding John Wall the ball for 30+ points per game. I think when it comes to post presence, Chicago has them beat, but when it comes to guard play, Chicago can't compete as Wall and Beal have really stepped up as a legit duel threat in the weak eastern conference. The last time the Wizards played the Bulls they got beat 96-78 and they will keep that in their minds for Game 1 and should make this a 7 game series from the start.
Key Matchup: Bradley Beal (WAS) vs Jimmy Butler (CHI)
If Bradley Beal can outmatch Jimmy Butler in this series, Chicago will be in a lot of trouble with the already explosive and ready John Wall at the point position. If Butler can keep Beal off the 3-point line and can shut him down from the start, Chicago will have the advantage especially down low with a top 5 center in Noah.
Prediction: Washington in 7 (4-3)
#3 Toronto vs #6 Brooklyn
I think Toronto lacks the experience Brooklyn brings to the playoffs. Toronto is a nice story, and they have been consistent all season, but Brooklyn is one of those teams that has been hot all second half of the season and they have experience that can't be matched in the postseason with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett leading the way. The only real question will be the health factor that Brooklyn presents with their age, outside of that, I don't see how Toronto gets past Brooklyn.
Key Matchup: DeMar DeRozan (TOR) vs Shaun Livingston (BKN)
I think DeRozen will have Livingstons number, but the question will be can he sustain it? If Livingston can match him in a couple games in this series and if Livingston can prevent DeRozen from going off for more than he usually generates, than the Nets will have more of a chance than I am already giving them. Outside of this matchup, the Nets have a lot of mismatches over the Raptors.
Prediction: Brooklyn in 6 (4-2)
#2 Miami vs #7 Charlotte
The last time these two teams met, LeBron James went off for 61 points. That won't happen again in this series, or can it? Who is really going to get on LeBron and stop him in this series? I could see Kidd-Gilchrist getting one game on LeBron defensively but that's being nice. I love me some Kemba Walker, but he will only help even out the matchup between him and Mario Chalmers. The real question for Miami will be who will help out the starting lineup and who will step up around LeBron for this postseason? This series should let us know if the Heat have what it takes to win the title for the third straight game. If the supporting cast doesn't perform like it has in the past, expect the Heat to struggle against the Bobcats.
Key Matchup: Chris Bosh (MIA) vs Al Jefferson (CHA)
Chris Bosh is not who he was 2-3 years ago even though he still plays at an all-star level. The real question will be can he hold his own against a top 5 center in Al Jefferson. Al Jefferson should become a legend after this series against the East's biggest named team. If Al Jefferson can get off in this series, it may be a longer series than the Heat anticipated.
Prediction: Miami in 5 (4-1)
Eastern Conference 2nd Round
#1 Indiana vs #5 Washington
This will be the John Wall home coming party to the NBA. He will shine in this series, but he may be the only thing that shines for the Wizards as everybody else stands little chance against the vaunted rotation of the Pacers. Paul George may actually go off for 30+ each game in this series with the matchups they Wizards will present him. The only thing Indiana needs to worry about is themselves and make sure they allow themselves to get great shot selections as often as they can down the floor which shouldn't be a problem playing Washington. Although, if the Wizards can get a little boost from the bench, they may have a better shot than most people would give them if they make it to the second round.
Key Matchup: John Wall (WAS) vs George Hill (IND)
John Wall may actually cause George Hill to reconstruct his ankles this offseason after this series, but if Hill can contain Wall to under 30 points per game or can at least match half of what he gets per night, the Pacers will probably end this series faster than it already will be. If John Wall runs by everybody, the Wizards could push this to 7.
Prediction: Indiana in 6 (4-2)
#2 Miami vs #6 Brooklyn
The Heat couldn't beat the Nets this season. The Heat don't have the supporting cast of the Nets and it's quite obvious if these two teams meet in the postseason. The only real question will be if the legs of the older Nets will be able to hang with the slightly younger legs of the Heat. I think another factor will be the coaching as Jason Kidd will be going up against the 2-time champions and his tactics will be all out on the line for this game as he will truthfully have to put together masterpiece like games to get his team past the likes of LeBron James, Wade, and Bosh. I think the Nets can get it done, but at the same time, this is the Miami Heat we are talking about, and they will literally bring a kitchen sink to the floor and maybe some blood and bruises too. Expect a lack of headband from LeBron James in this series in a couple instances because this will a classic.
Key Matchup: LeBron James vs Himself
The Heat are 0-4 vs the Nets this season and LeBron will need to get over his own game and play like the Cleveland version of LeBron instead of this "Magic Johnson" version he's been playing like since coming to South Beach in 2010. If he doesn't come out with the fire we all know he can play with when his back is up against the wall, the Nets win this series. He needs to "Strive for Greatness" if he wants to get to the Eastern Conference Finals again.
Prediction: Miami in 7 (4-3)
Eastern Conference Finals
#1 Indiana vs #2 Miami
This will be a great series but I think there will be one large void especially if Miami is just getting out of a dog fight against the Nets. The supporting cast of the Miami Heat will be tested to it's pinnacle in this series if these two teams were to rematch again. Also, this season, the Pacers have home court and the Heat will have to play a game 7 in Indiana which won't go over well if LeBron is the one carrying his squad up to this point in the postseason. Unless LeBron James has super powers, he'll need big time performances from his sidekicks for the Heat to get back to the promise land because if the Pacers make it to this point in the postseason, they will be clicking, and there's no way if they play their A game that Miami beats them with just one or two players playing out of this world.
Key Matchup: D'Wayne Wade (MIA) vs Lance Stephenson (IND)
Stephenson has improved himself immensely this year and if he can go off this series, the Heat may have no chance of winning a game. If Wade comes in a plays like the Wade of 8 years ago, then Indiana has no chance of winning a game. These two men will truly decide the outcome of this series because they both have very good players to their left (Paul George for the Pacers, LeBron James for the Heat) and if they can get theirs along with defending, it could put a serious staple in this series.
Prediction: Indiana in 7 (4-3)
Western Conference 1st Round
#1 San Antonio vs #8 Dallas
Apparently San Antonio hasn't lost to Dallas in 9 straight meetings against one another which should tell you already where I'm going with my prediction on top of my love for the Spurs. I honestly don't think those 9 straight wins will impact what happens in this series because it's a series not one game so adjustments will be made. Either way, if the Spurs show they are healthy and ready to do damage with their core unit at full strength, nobody is beating this team. Their bench is the best in the NBA and the Mavericks are still in a state of transition with now Dirk's career winding down to the end which shouldn't help Monta Ellis any considering he may have to carry the load all by himself. It won't be enough though.
Key Matchup: Tony Parker (SAS) vs Jose Calderon (DAL) honestly if Tony Parker can go off and show that he is healthy in this series, the Spurs will dominate especially with the supporting cast he has around him. If Jose Calderon can get into open space and make everybody around him a little better, the Mavericks may make this a series worth talking about.
Prediction: San Antonio in 5 (4-1)
#4 Houston vs #5 Portland
The only real bump in the road Portland faces is weather they have enough knowledge of what to expect in a series of this magnitude. They have not been this relevant in the NBA in quite a while and I think facing a team like the Rockets will really test them especially since the Rockets have a couple guys who know what the NBA Finals looks like. There are also a ton of potential X-factors that could step up and make this series into any type of series. Guys like Patrick Beverley could make Damion Lillard sweat like they never have before, Omer Asik could become a giant presence that not many people may expect, and even a guy like Mo Williams could bust out 8 threes off the bench in 4 minutes. I could see both these teams winning this series but I think we all know who I'm going with based upon experience.
Key Matchup: Dwight Howard (HOU) vs LaMarcus Aldridge (POR)
Honestly, if Dwight is healthy and can play at a 18 point/12 rebound clip, the Rockets will be fine, but if he comes out sluggish, expect a result similar to the 2013 Los Angeles Laker Dwight Howard who was dejected and disinterested too often than not. If LaMarcus can come out and have a huge impact on the glass and make the paint his own territory, Portland will ride into Texas confident.
Prediction: Houston in 6 (4-2)
#3 L.A. Clippers vs #6 Golden State
This is the most exciting series I think I can remember heading into in a long time. The fire power, stardom, and awe factor is off the charts compared to any other series in a long time. Long range jumpers and alley-oops will be occurring more than in any other series especially considering the level both these teams can play defense. I think the defensive intensity will be there in the first and fourth quarter, but in the middle portions of the game where things lighten up a bit, it might feel like an all-star game for a little bit. The only real question will be to see which style will prevail. Knowing Mark Jackson and Doc Rivers and how they play on the defensive side of the ball, they won't allow either teams strength to appear as often as they usually occur in an everyday game, but I think this game may define where the NBA game is heading. Will it still be a flash and pass league or will the shooters prevail? I think it will be a debate settled in this series and it should be a must watch if you are just an average sports fan.
Key Matchup: Andre Iguodala (GSW) vs Matt Barnes (LAC)
I think Iguodala will get his share of points but it will be those times where he gets shut down by Matt Barnes that will cause the Clippers to get a full head of steam on their side of the court. If Barnes can get anything to go offensively, write down the Clippers to get to the next round with ease, but that's not his forte in this scheme so expect it to be a Barnes on Iggy type of matchup.
Prediction: L.A. Clippers in 7 (4-3)
#2 Oklahoma City vs #7 Memphis
O.K. do you really want a write up on how badly Kevin Durant is going to mack on this Grizzlies squad? He's going to sign his stamp of approval to win the MVP outright in this series and nobody will question him after this series is over. If Westbrook comes out and plays to the level he's known to play at he will also allow the Thunder to get the next round rather quickly. Granted, the Grizzlies were a very good team lasty season and for some reason they dropped to where they are this season, but this year they have to deal with a little more than just KD this time, even though KD is way better than last year on top of a better supporting cast from a year ago.
Key Matchup: Tayshaun Prince (MEM) vs Kevin Durant (OKC)
It's a joke of a matchup but is it really considering Tayshaun has more rings than Durant and that his length may actually be the only problem KD has to face in this series. If Prince can even come close to handling KD and keeping him in just a little bit of check, it'll be up to the supporting cast of OKC which should still be able to get it done. It will just be a little more difficult for the Thunder.
Prediction: Oklahoma City in a sweep (4-0)
Western Conference 2nd Round
#1 San Antonio vs #4 Houston
If there is any sort of revenge in Dwight Howards body, he should still be feeling the embarrassment from 2013 when his team the L.A. Lakers were devastated by the Spurs. For "the best center" in the game to be humiliated like that, you would think he would come back for a second helping and get his scoring guard in James Harden the ball in open situations so that they can combat this dynamic dynamo in San Antonio. The only question will be, will the Better Stars outweigh the Ultimate Team? The Rockets have some depth, but lets be honest, they don't have the Spurs depth. They do have a better more talented starting 5 than the Spurs, but when it comes to depth, they may be tested too much when it comes to playing San Antonio.
Key Matchup: Chandler Parsons (HOU) vs Kawhi Leonard (SAS)
Both these players still have a lot of career left in front of them, but this series may help start directing where their careers take them. Let's be honest, the Spurs trio is getting old and in the near future Chandler Parsons will be getting a big time deal in the near future with the way he has been playing recently over the past couple seasons. Things will drastically change for both these players in the near future, but their parts play key in this series if they meet up because Parsons and Leonard are ultimately the major X-Factors when it comes to where this series heads ultimately.
Prediction: San Antonio in 6 (4-2)
#2 Oklahoma City vs #3 L.A. Clippers
I think the Clippers are fed up with a couple things when heading into this series against the Thunder before I make this prediction. They are tired of being called the one dimensional "Lob City" and that they are the laughable Clipper franchise they are frequently listed as in the archives of NBA history. It will piss them off beyond all the other talk that will head their way prior to this series, and I think it will give them a slight edge. The Coaching should be phenomenal as Scottie Brooks and Doc Rivers will get their teams playing in tip top shape to attack one another's weaknesses making this possibly one of the more interesting 2nd round matchups when it comes to postseason play. I think the Clippers have a ton to prove and I think it's going to eat at them all series making the chip on their shoulder a little bigger than OKC's.
Key Matchup: Russell Westbrook (OKC) vs Chris Paul (LAC)
Let's be honest, who ever comes out and can attune to their teams style the best and be the most effective out of these two players will help their team get to the western conference finals. I think Chris Paul is clearly the better team player, but considering the attacking style of Westbrook, his penetration in the lane and his ability to explode to the hoop is really going to get the Thunder going when they need that extra spark. Chris Paul is the engine of that Clipper train and if he can keep it chugging, they can find themselves in the next round.
Prediction: L.A. Clippers in 7 (4-3)
Western Conference Finals
#1 San Antonio vs #3 L.A. Clippers
I think this series will be a lot more of series than people will give it credit for just because OKC may not be in it. Both teams will use philosophies that could potentially drive the other coach crazy. Both Benches are pretty solid with both having great 6th men in Crawford for the Clippers and Ginobili for the Spurs, the multiple looks both teams can show when it comes to their rotations and also how each team can really play any style of basketball. Both Coaches may keep the games in the low 80's and bring the NBA back a decade of when defensive basketball was the strategy because that is how the matchups will lay themselves out. I think whoevers bench comes out and gets the job done the most efficiently will go to the Finals.
Key Matchup: Jamal Crawford (LAC) vs Manu Ginobili (SAS)
This series really is all about who will show up when it comes to that spark off the bench. To ignite the benches to get it going when the starters come out, this matchup could really drive home who can keep each others team in check especially considering both these players are major igniters when it comes to their presence on the court.
Prediction: San Antonio in 7 (4-3)
_____________________________________________________
I know, I picked Chalk to make it to the NBA Finals. I did pick the Nets to make it to the NBA Finals before the season and I could seriously see them making it to the NBA Finals if they can get past Miami especially with how hot they have been in the second half of the season. I could also see OKC getting to the NBA Finals on multiple scenarios I laid out before writing this blog, but I honestly see them matching up against the Clippers not very favorably and I see KD needing to go off for 40 every game to give them a chance. I just don't see Miami winning it this year because of the lack of support LeBron will have this postseason, but that will just add to his greatness if he proves me wrong.
Here's my NBA Finals prediction!
2014 NBA FINALS
San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers
The Spurs and Pacers are definitely two of the most well rounded teams in basketball and to have them both at this point would truly not be shocking and it's not just because of their seeding's in their respective conferences. They both have fantastic benches and they have very solid starting lineups. With how they play their style of basketball, I could see this being one of those series that could be picked at till the end of time and could also be on game films from years to come. The brand of basketball is truly looking for a matchup like this, that's how great these two teams are and how good they have been this season. Both coaches are outstanding and it has taken a lot of time for these teams to get to the level they could be at when it comes to this point in the postseason if they both make it. I really hope they both make it, and I think it would be a classic. I do think at the end of the day, home court will dictate who wins it all, especially if it goes 7 which I see it possibly happening.
Key Matchup: Tim Duncan (SAS) vs Roy Hibbert (IND)
Oh, the mentor vs the mentee, back in the day Roy Hibbert went to a camp set up by Duncan and Roy became a fan from day one. It would be crazy to see them play for the title against one another and could potentially be the ultimate Key Matchup in the NBA Finals. They both will hold the key in the half court offense when it comes to ball distribution and at the end of the day will make the decisions to get the ball to the open man. I could see Roy really making it hard on Tim Duncan (because of the age difference) but also the chiseled veteran in Tim Duncan can still find ways to kill you when it comes to making the right decision which he does way more than not.
Prediction: Spurs in 7 (4-3)
And the Spurs ride off into the sunset...
Like I said, I could see several scenarios occurring but I'm playing it safe this year as I think the regular season is going to hold true to form with how the playoffs work, but it will be a tightrope walk for some of these series as I could see many matchups going one way or another. I just see the best team getting it done this season, and that's the San Antonio Spurs.
Enjoy the Playoffs everybody!
Monday, April 7, 2014
Madness turns into a Lull
Well now that the Connecticut Huskies have won the National Championship, it's time to take a quick break before the beginning of the real basketball season; the NBA Playoffs.
This was one of the craziest March's in the history of the tournament as the first #7 seed won it all. There was no way anybody was winning the Billion Dollars that Warren Buffet said he would give to anybody who went through unscathed. That went away before day three of the tournament. I was telling people before this tournament even started the ability to predict this years tournament will be impossible. With upsets like Dayton over Syracuse, Stanford over Kansas, and Baylor destroying Creighton, how could you even come close?
When the field of 68 gets stretched out with more and more talent throughout more and more teams and conferences become more and more watered down with this spread of talent, the likelihood of predicting such an event which is already unpredictable, you may as well quit trying to fill out a bracket. I'm not saying there is no hope of winning a Billion Dollars from Warren Buffet because even he said he would like to see someone win the Billion Dollars with maybe a slight change in the format of the way it is won going into 2015. But let's be honest, that will be practically impossible with people claiming they will have brackets outside of the online variety along with the still unpredictability of the Tournament.
I think the NCAA Tournament is clearly the best thing in sports because it is the ultimate way to decide a champion in the best format where there is over 200 teams trying to stake their claim into the National spotlight. The committee does a fantastic job every year and when I make this statement, I won't be knocking them, I'll more be knocking the state of the situation in college basketball.
At some point, a 16 seed is going to beat a 1 seed and I honestly could see it happening within the next 5 years and when it happens it won't be that big of a deal. Look at the way the talent throughout the land is being scattered and the stake that big time programs have on recruits these days. Big time recruits will still go to big programs, but it's the 3 and 4 star talent that will start scattering across the land. Why you say? Well because players are starting to get so much better at the high school level athletically, programs can simply stack up on 3 and 4 star recruits and eventually every program will be even. This won't be a swift change but in those next 5 years, don't be surprised if there are some more conferences sponsored by ESPN and CBS.
With college basketball now over till the weather turns cold again, we switch over to the warmer weather sports along with the beginning of the NBA postseason next week. Expect a break from me (unless there is a big sports story this week), and I'll be writing my prediction blog for that event leading up until the middle of the month. It's my spring break for writing but I may be back earlier... maybe.
This was one of the craziest March's in the history of the tournament as the first #7 seed won it all. There was no way anybody was winning the Billion Dollars that Warren Buffet said he would give to anybody who went through unscathed. That went away before day three of the tournament. I was telling people before this tournament even started the ability to predict this years tournament will be impossible. With upsets like Dayton over Syracuse, Stanford over Kansas, and Baylor destroying Creighton, how could you even come close?
When the field of 68 gets stretched out with more and more talent throughout more and more teams and conferences become more and more watered down with this spread of talent, the likelihood of predicting such an event which is already unpredictable, you may as well quit trying to fill out a bracket. I'm not saying there is no hope of winning a Billion Dollars from Warren Buffet because even he said he would like to see someone win the Billion Dollars with maybe a slight change in the format of the way it is won going into 2015. But let's be honest, that will be practically impossible with people claiming they will have brackets outside of the online variety along with the still unpredictability of the Tournament.
I think the NCAA Tournament is clearly the best thing in sports because it is the ultimate way to decide a champion in the best format where there is over 200 teams trying to stake their claim into the National spotlight. The committee does a fantastic job every year and when I make this statement, I won't be knocking them, I'll more be knocking the state of the situation in college basketball.
At some point, a 16 seed is going to beat a 1 seed and I honestly could see it happening within the next 5 years and when it happens it won't be that big of a deal. Look at the way the talent throughout the land is being scattered and the stake that big time programs have on recruits these days. Big time recruits will still go to big programs, but it's the 3 and 4 star talent that will start scattering across the land. Why you say? Well because players are starting to get so much better at the high school level athletically, programs can simply stack up on 3 and 4 star recruits and eventually every program will be even. This won't be a swift change but in those next 5 years, don't be surprised if there are some more conferences sponsored by ESPN and CBS.
With college basketball now over till the weather turns cold again, we switch over to the warmer weather sports along with the beginning of the NBA postseason next week. Expect a break from me (unless there is a big sports story this week), and I'll be writing my prediction blog for that event leading up until the middle of the month. It's my spring break for writing but I may be back earlier... maybe.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
2014 MLB Preseason Predictions
Well, 2013 was one of those years where you just couldn't predict the outcome with the Red Sox winning the World Series after the previous 2 seasons they found ways to enter the laughing stock of the sports world by choking away the division in 2011 and in 2012 joining the circus of teams at the bottom. In 2013, nothing was impossible as they put everything together, Big Papi became superman once again and their pitching staff decided to stop eating wings and drinking beer in the clubhouse (at least that's what we know) along with the Boston Strong motivation from the marathon bombing. So how are we going to predict 2014? Let's look at all the big moves in each division in each league before we get down to each divisional prediction.
A.L. East
In a division with so much turnover in the past year with the Boston Red Sox winning the title, this is still one of the roughest divisions in baseball top to bottom. The signing of Nelson Cruz should bolster an already loaded hitting club in Baltimore along with the signing of Ubaldo Jimenez who a couple years ago was one of the best pitchers in the game. The Yankees also signed a ton of older talent to get them over the top this season (Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian Roberts, Carlos Beltran, and Masahiro Tanaka) the only problem, they literally have no bullpen and that's not just because of the departure of Mariano Rivera a year ago. The Blue Jays look like another couple years away from contending, but Joey Bats should keep them entertaining all season, along with another masher like Edwin Encarnacion. When you have a guy like R.A. Dickey (who is the definition of inconsistent throughout his career) leading your pitching staff, you really have everything to fear when it comes to being in contention. The Rays will be very good this season as they have a very balanced lineup with all their pieces seeming to be intact. The one piece that will need to fulfill his role this season is the young stud in Will Myers who lit it up his rookie season but he needs to avoid a sophomore slump to give the Rays any hope of making it into the postseason. They still have David Price, but if their lineup can't get the job done, then the Rays might as well pack it in early because if they don't score runs, that pitching staff looks a little iffy outside of the top two starters. Finally the Red Sox. They have the pitching staff to compete with anybody and if they perform anywhere similar to a year ago, they have the defense to push for a playoff spot, but they did lose quite a bit when Jacoby Ellsbury went to the Yankees. They still have Big Papi, but hopefully he doesn't fall off they map like he did in years previous to 2013.
Prediction:
2-Tampa Bay 94-68
*Boston 91- 71
N.Y. Yankees 88-74
Baltimore 84-78
Toronto 78-84
I really like the Rays because of their balanced lineup, and noticing that they have 2 solid starters and a bullpen that can hang in there throughout the season, they look like they have to most well rounded team throughout the division. Boston can prove me wrong with their pitching staff, they just don't have the fire power this season to win the division. The Yankees can get in too, but they just have no bullpen and that will kill them after the All-star break if they don't find replacements or something in their farm system. Baltimore can definitely do better than 84 wins, but unless Ubaldo can come back to form (which I don't really see happening) then you might as well write them off compared to teams like Boston. Toronto can win 80 games, but everybody else is better than them in the East, so it's a push to give them that many.
A.L. Central
This division is still the Tigers versus everybody else, but it's getting tighter now as Miguel Cabrera will really need his teammates to step up after he lost his safe guard in Prince Fielder this off-season to the Texas Rangers. The Tigers have the best 1-2 punch in the game with Scherzer and Verlander and their bullpen is now bolstered with Joe Nathan to shut down the 9th. Ian Kinsler will need to be the big mamma-jamma as his addition to the Tigers is way bigger then what he may be ready for. He'll have to replace what Prince did for them by helping Cabrera keep from getting walked 3+ times a game. If Kinsler can do that, then the Tigers will be fine. There is so much youth on the Chicago White Sox that predicting this team correctly would be a curse on my health. Their starting rotation is actually pretty solid but their lineup smells of growth and a lack of experience outside of Adam Dunn and Alexei Ramirez. Paul Konerko is getting up there in age too, hence why the rebuilding process is happening in Chicago. Joe Mauer still runs the show in Minnesota and with Ron Gardenhire, anything is possible. They have an average pitching staff from top to bottom with still an unknown bullpen which should be terrifying if you are a Twins fan, and other than that, rebuilding is the name of the game as they wait for Byron Buxton in September. The Indians could make a splash this season and really challenge the Tigers within this division. They have a solid infield crew with an outfield loaded with experience. Their pitching staff could also be one of the best in baseball this season if they put everything together especially if they can get it to the 9th with Axford anchoring games. The other team that could challenge the Tigers is the Royals and if they get their 1-2-3 hitting punch in order, they have a big chance at winning the division. They have a great infield, and their starting rotation looks as though it's ready to shine this year. I could see this division actually being competitive for the first time in a while this season, but I still think the Tigers have a slight edge with Cabrera if he stays healthy.
Prediction:
3-Detroit 93-69
Kansas City 90-72
Cleveland 89-73
Minnesota 64-98
CHI White Sox 60-102
I can see the Royals winning 90 this year with their lineup but they can't keep up with the best 1-2 pitching punch in the game in Detroit yet. Cleveland can hang in there too, but again, not quite yet. Minnesota and Chicago, they just don't have the juice to stay relevant this season.
A.L. West
Best division in baseball (outside of the Houston Astros) period. The top 4 teams in this division can either finish 4th or finish 1st, it really all depends on who gets off to the hot start and who can hold it down during the dog days in August. As we all know the Mariners made the biggest signing within the division this past winter, but as we have seen with past signings within the division, it doesn't guarantee even a winning season (example: Angels). But, that doesn't mean they won't improve and that they can't be relevant this upcoming season. The Mariners have the tools to be a playoff contending team this season which doesn't mean they will make the playoffs, but they can be within the hunt before the Seahawks open the season. Their lineup when healthy looks as potent as what the Angels and A's and Rangers will throw out there, it all really comes down to King Felix and the rest of that starting rotation to pick up the slack. The Oakland A's are stacked everywhere and the only real question they have is within their bullpen. If they can get through the 7th and 8th inning unscathed, then this is a playoff team at worst. If everybody comes to play in the Angels organization the way they are supposed to be playing this season, then they will find themselves fighting for a top spot as well. The most irritating thing if you are a baseball purest is you are absolutely thwarted by how bad the Angels have been the past two seasons with the rosters they have put together. I think they will finally break through this season and become relevant again as everybody will get back on track. They have Raul Ibanez who somehow makes teams around him better even though he is at the ripe old age of 41 years old. The Rangers are still the Rangers, but they will look slightly different with Prince Fielder now running first base. They have the best infield in all of baseball when it comes to hitting and they have a young outfield ready to shine. The only real issue with the Rangers, who's going to show up outside of Yu Darvish? If they get anything from their pitching rotation this season, they make a playoff push, but they are basically the A.L. West's version of the New York Yankees. We are not talking about Houston. If they win 70 it's a miracle.
Prediction:
1-Oakland 96-66
*L.A. Angels 93-69
Texas 89-73
Seattle 83-79
Houston 59-103
This is the best division in baseball and I can see the Mariners winning 90 games if everything goes right for them. Every team in this division (except Houston) can win 90+ games this season. I just see the Oakland A's getting it done and the Angels finally breaking through the barrier of 90 wins. It wouldn't shock me if the Mariners or Rangers did the same.
A.L. Playoffs
Wildcard game: LAA over BOS
Divisional Series: TB over DET (3-1) & LAA over OAK (3-2)
League Championship: TB over LAA (4-2)
I think the Rays this year are probably the most balanced team in the American League. I really like their lineup and where they could go if all the pieces fit together. They have a fantastic starting rotation and David Price will show he is worth the long term deal this season and will get Tampa Bay to the World Series for the first time since 2008.
A.L. M.V.P.: Mike Trout LAA
A.L. Cy Young: David Price TB
(I don't predict rookie of the year, sorry)
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N.L. East
Again the only real question that holds up the debate in this division, will the pitching hold up in Atlanta? If Atlanta can get to the 8th inning and have a lead, they win, plain and simple. Their lineup didn't change much other than Brian McCann leaving to the Yankees, but Evan Gattis is more than ready to step in as an immediate contributor. It really comes down to the starting rotation for Atlanta. If they can put together something in the first half of ballgames, then Atlanta could win 100 games this season. The other question, will the lineup of the Washington Nationals put together enough runs to support the outstanding pitching staff of the Washington Nationals? The Nationals have the best starting rotation in all of baseball. When you have Doug Fister as your 4th pitcher, you know big things are going to happen when it comes to your ability to hold ball games going into the 7th inning. The real question now is can Bryce Harper really mold into the player we all think he can be this season and get the youth moment out of his system so he can carry his team to the postseason. I think so and I hope so. The Phillies still have an outside shot with the rotation they have even though their lineup looks old and crusty. If they can string together a healthy 2014, they can definitely fight for a playoff spot. The Mets might also have room to gripe as they now have Curtis Granderson on the other side of the water in New York along with a starting rotation ready to shine this season. I think if Granderson stays healthy, the Mets could stay in it till the All Star break and who knows after that. The Miami Marlins still have a ways to go, but who doesn't love watching Giancarlo Stanton hit 500 foot home runs in south beach? Their bullpen has also improved by picking up Marmol and they do have the rookie of the year in Jose Fernandez, but that's about it.
Prediction:
1-Washington 95-67
Atlanta 87-75
Philadelphia 78-84
N.Y. Mets 77-85
Miami 67-95
The Nationals clearly have too much pitching and their lineup will get it done this season. Atlanta might as well be the N.L. version of the Yankees as they have all hitting and no pitching outside of Kimbrel. Philly and the Mets can make it interesting till about August at best but they will need some form of help at the trade deadline if they want to make a push because they cannot compete with Atlanta or Washington right now. Miami is only one or two years away if they add a couple more pieces.
N.L. Central
Last years race in this division was nothing but a classic. The Pirates, Reds, and Cardinals all made it the most entertaining division to watch in all of baseball last season as it truly did come down to the wire as to who was going to get into October. I think it may be a little different this year as there may be some switching when it comes to the top. The Reds still have two of the best players on the right side of the diamond in Votto and Phillips and they still have a solid pitching rotation. All they need to do is stay healthy, and they could see themselves riding the top of the division this season. The Cardinals only have one question this season and that is regarding the game past the 7th inning. Their bullpen causes me to wonder and I don't know if it will be good enough to help get this team into the postseason this year. They do still have a great starting rotation especially now that we know what Michael Wacha can do and if they hold true to their 2013 form, the Cardinals will always have a shot. Even though their bullpen has questions, just look at who's behind the plate in Yadier Molina, and I think everything will be just fine. The Pirates were the MLB's Cinderella last season as they made their first playoff appearance in 20 years. With the rotation they have heading into this season and the batting order they still present with the reigning N.L. M.V.P. they can still stay relevant in 2014. The Brewers took a dip last season mainly due to the Braun scandal along with injuries to guys like Aramis Ramirez and down years from their starting rotation. The Brewers can stay within the hunt in this division this season if they can stay healthy and if they all jump back into their 2011 selves. Then... there is the Cubs. Who unfortunately do not deserve enough air time to talk about even though they do have a decent starting rotation. Just not the year for them again.
Prediction:
2-Cincinnati 93-69
*St. Louis 91-71
Pittsburgh 88-74
Milwaukee 82-80
CHI Cubs 64-98
The Reds will take it this season. They have a great bullpen and that is what will get them over the top this season along with great production from their lineup. The Cardinals will hang in there, but they don't have the bullpen strong enough for the division crown. Pittsburgh definitely has a chance, but I see them falling a little short this season unfortunately. Milwaukee makes a dent in the division, and they can go to the playoffs if everything falls into place, but 82 wins should be the bench mark this season. The Cubs are the Cubs, end of story.
N.L. West
Everybody thinks that just because the Dodgers pay the most money means they will win the division easily this season. Well let's try to remember one thing, they had to go on a historic rampage from June till September just to have a shot at postseason success in 2013. It also doesn't hurt that the rest of the division decided to crumble, but that is a mute point heading into 2014. Arizona is good enough to compete for a playoff spot this year and maybe even spoil the Dodgers. There's one thing the Baseball gods have done over the past 5 years that is completely unpredictable and that is try to figure out the confusion of the N.L. West. This division is crazy year in and year out. The Giants win it, Dodgers, and D'Backs all in a row and the consistency is terrifyingly awful the past 3 years. So good luck to anybody who thinks the Dodgers are a lock to win the division. I actually think this could be the year that the Rockies decide to put their stamp on the division, remember they keep getting hurt and ever since 2007 when they went to the World Series they haven't found ways to put it all together. I think they can do it this year and finally make a name for themselves in the National League kind of like the Pirates last year. Don't ever count out the Giants either, they tend to win championships out of no where too. If they can get on a hot streak and their starting rotation holds up, they may find themselves in the postseason too. And how about the San Diego Padres.... possibly but not yet. They need to prove it still.
Prediction:
3-Arizona 92-70
*Colorado 89-73
L.A. Dodgers 88-74
San Francisco 81-81
San Diego 63-99
This will be another year that the N.L. West is unpredictable as the last 3 seasons have proven with the inconsistency of the division. The D'Backs don't have the pressure on them like the Dodgers do and neither do the Rockies. The Giants can make it, but I think their lineup may need one more big bat to stay relevant this season. The Padres have a slim chance to compete within this division this season, but I could be wrong in the N.L. West and I don't plan on being correct anyways considering its history this decade.
N.L. Playoffs
Wildcard Game: COL over STL
Divisional Series: WAS over COL (3-1) & CIN over ARZ (3-1)
League Championship: CIN over WAS (4-3)
The Reds have the best Bullpen in baseball when healthy. The Nationals have the best starting rotation in baseball when healthy. But, the better lineup is in Cincinnati. I think the Nationals are good enough to get to the World Series, but they do not have any experience and Cincinnati does. In the postseason, experience is key as the young guys in Washington could also be gassed by the time Game 7 happens as it will be the longest guys like Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg have ever played in their lives. They have the talent, but can they follow through against a team like the Reds, it will be close.
N.L. M.V.P.: Bryce Harper WAS
N.L. Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg WAS
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This baseball season is going to be great no matter what happens but I think my World Series Prediction might be a little more difficult to predict than what other major media outlets will be picking this season. The Nationals will need to have great performances across the board to make it to the postseason and make a deep run but they are not quite there yet when it comes to their maturity. The Reds and Rays have teams that have been ready for this moment for a while and both should be relatively good matchups against each other. I think the Reds have a better pitching staff overall but the Rays are way to balanced to be messed with and what the Rays can do by changing up the game to small or long ball, that will be the difference.
2014 World Series Prediction: TB over CIN (4-2)
M.V.P.: Evan Longoria
It should be an awesome season everybody! Enjoy
A.L. East
In a division with so much turnover in the past year with the Boston Red Sox winning the title, this is still one of the roughest divisions in baseball top to bottom. The signing of Nelson Cruz should bolster an already loaded hitting club in Baltimore along with the signing of Ubaldo Jimenez who a couple years ago was one of the best pitchers in the game. The Yankees also signed a ton of older talent to get them over the top this season (Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian Roberts, Carlos Beltran, and Masahiro Tanaka) the only problem, they literally have no bullpen and that's not just because of the departure of Mariano Rivera a year ago. The Blue Jays look like another couple years away from contending, but Joey Bats should keep them entertaining all season, along with another masher like Edwin Encarnacion. When you have a guy like R.A. Dickey (who is the definition of inconsistent throughout his career) leading your pitching staff, you really have everything to fear when it comes to being in contention. The Rays will be very good this season as they have a very balanced lineup with all their pieces seeming to be intact. The one piece that will need to fulfill his role this season is the young stud in Will Myers who lit it up his rookie season but he needs to avoid a sophomore slump to give the Rays any hope of making it into the postseason. They still have David Price, but if their lineup can't get the job done, then the Rays might as well pack it in early because if they don't score runs, that pitching staff looks a little iffy outside of the top two starters. Finally the Red Sox. They have the pitching staff to compete with anybody and if they perform anywhere similar to a year ago, they have the defense to push for a playoff spot, but they did lose quite a bit when Jacoby Ellsbury went to the Yankees. They still have Big Papi, but hopefully he doesn't fall off they map like he did in years previous to 2013.
Prediction:
2-Tampa Bay 94-68
*Boston 91- 71
N.Y. Yankees 88-74
Baltimore 84-78
Toronto 78-84
I really like the Rays because of their balanced lineup, and noticing that they have 2 solid starters and a bullpen that can hang in there throughout the season, they look like they have to most well rounded team throughout the division. Boston can prove me wrong with their pitching staff, they just don't have the fire power this season to win the division. The Yankees can get in too, but they just have no bullpen and that will kill them after the All-star break if they don't find replacements or something in their farm system. Baltimore can definitely do better than 84 wins, but unless Ubaldo can come back to form (which I don't really see happening) then you might as well write them off compared to teams like Boston. Toronto can win 80 games, but everybody else is better than them in the East, so it's a push to give them that many.
A.L. Central
This division is still the Tigers versus everybody else, but it's getting tighter now as Miguel Cabrera will really need his teammates to step up after he lost his safe guard in Prince Fielder this off-season to the Texas Rangers. The Tigers have the best 1-2 punch in the game with Scherzer and Verlander and their bullpen is now bolstered with Joe Nathan to shut down the 9th. Ian Kinsler will need to be the big mamma-jamma as his addition to the Tigers is way bigger then what he may be ready for. He'll have to replace what Prince did for them by helping Cabrera keep from getting walked 3+ times a game. If Kinsler can do that, then the Tigers will be fine. There is so much youth on the Chicago White Sox that predicting this team correctly would be a curse on my health. Their starting rotation is actually pretty solid but their lineup smells of growth and a lack of experience outside of Adam Dunn and Alexei Ramirez. Paul Konerko is getting up there in age too, hence why the rebuilding process is happening in Chicago. Joe Mauer still runs the show in Minnesota and with Ron Gardenhire, anything is possible. They have an average pitching staff from top to bottom with still an unknown bullpen which should be terrifying if you are a Twins fan, and other than that, rebuilding is the name of the game as they wait for Byron Buxton in September. The Indians could make a splash this season and really challenge the Tigers within this division. They have a solid infield crew with an outfield loaded with experience. Their pitching staff could also be one of the best in baseball this season if they put everything together especially if they can get it to the 9th with Axford anchoring games. The other team that could challenge the Tigers is the Royals and if they get their 1-2-3 hitting punch in order, they have a big chance at winning the division. They have a great infield, and their starting rotation looks as though it's ready to shine this year. I could see this division actually being competitive for the first time in a while this season, but I still think the Tigers have a slight edge with Cabrera if he stays healthy.
Prediction:
3-Detroit 93-69
Kansas City 90-72
Cleveland 89-73
Minnesota 64-98
CHI White Sox 60-102
I can see the Royals winning 90 this year with their lineup but they can't keep up with the best 1-2 pitching punch in the game in Detroit yet. Cleveland can hang in there too, but again, not quite yet. Minnesota and Chicago, they just don't have the juice to stay relevant this season.
A.L. West
Best division in baseball (outside of the Houston Astros) period. The top 4 teams in this division can either finish 4th or finish 1st, it really all depends on who gets off to the hot start and who can hold it down during the dog days in August. As we all know the Mariners made the biggest signing within the division this past winter, but as we have seen with past signings within the division, it doesn't guarantee even a winning season (example: Angels). But, that doesn't mean they won't improve and that they can't be relevant this upcoming season. The Mariners have the tools to be a playoff contending team this season which doesn't mean they will make the playoffs, but they can be within the hunt before the Seahawks open the season. Their lineup when healthy looks as potent as what the Angels and A's and Rangers will throw out there, it all really comes down to King Felix and the rest of that starting rotation to pick up the slack. The Oakland A's are stacked everywhere and the only real question they have is within their bullpen. If they can get through the 7th and 8th inning unscathed, then this is a playoff team at worst. If everybody comes to play in the Angels organization the way they are supposed to be playing this season, then they will find themselves fighting for a top spot as well. The most irritating thing if you are a baseball purest is you are absolutely thwarted by how bad the Angels have been the past two seasons with the rosters they have put together. I think they will finally break through this season and become relevant again as everybody will get back on track. They have Raul Ibanez who somehow makes teams around him better even though he is at the ripe old age of 41 years old. The Rangers are still the Rangers, but they will look slightly different with Prince Fielder now running first base. They have the best infield in all of baseball when it comes to hitting and they have a young outfield ready to shine. The only real issue with the Rangers, who's going to show up outside of Yu Darvish? If they get anything from their pitching rotation this season, they make a playoff push, but they are basically the A.L. West's version of the New York Yankees. We are not talking about Houston. If they win 70 it's a miracle.
Prediction:
1-Oakland 96-66
*L.A. Angels 93-69
Texas 89-73
Seattle 83-79
Houston 59-103
This is the best division in baseball and I can see the Mariners winning 90 games if everything goes right for them. Every team in this division (except Houston) can win 90+ games this season. I just see the Oakland A's getting it done and the Angels finally breaking through the barrier of 90 wins. It wouldn't shock me if the Mariners or Rangers did the same.
A.L. Playoffs
Wildcard game: LAA over BOS
Divisional Series: TB over DET (3-1) & LAA over OAK (3-2)
League Championship: TB over LAA (4-2)
I think the Rays this year are probably the most balanced team in the American League. I really like their lineup and where they could go if all the pieces fit together. They have a fantastic starting rotation and David Price will show he is worth the long term deal this season and will get Tampa Bay to the World Series for the first time since 2008.
A.L. M.V.P.: Mike Trout LAA
A.L. Cy Young: David Price TB
(I don't predict rookie of the year, sorry)
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N.L. East
Again the only real question that holds up the debate in this division, will the pitching hold up in Atlanta? If Atlanta can get to the 8th inning and have a lead, they win, plain and simple. Their lineup didn't change much other than Brian McCann leaving to the Yankees, but Evan Gattis is more than ready to step in as an immediate contributor. It really comes down to the starting rotation for Atlanta. If they can put together something in the first half of ballgames, then Atlanta could win 100 games this season. The other question, will the lineup of the Washington Nationals put together enough runs to support the outstanding pitching staff of the Washington Nationals? The Nationals have the best starting rotation in all of baseball. When you have Doug Fister as your 4th pitcher, you know big things are going to happen when it comes to your ability to hold ball games going into the 7th inning. The real question now is can Bryce Harper really mold into the player we all think he can be this season and get the youth moment out of his system so he can carry his team to the postseason. I think so and I hope so. The Phillies still have an outside shot with the rotation they have even though their lineup looks old and crusty. If they can string together a healthy 2014, they can definitely fight for a playoff spot. The Mets might also have room to gripe as they now have Curtis Granderson on the other side of the water in New York along with a starting rotation ready to shine this season. I think if Granderson stays healthy, the Mets could stay in it till the All Star break and who knows after that. The Miami Marlins still have a ways to go, but who doesn't love watching Giancarlo Stanton hit 500 foot home runs in south beach? Their bullpen has also improved by picking up Marmol and they do have the rookie of the year in Jose Fernandez, but that's about it.
Prediction:
1-Washington 95-67
Atlanta 87-75
Philadelphia 78-84
N.Y. Mets 77-85
Miami 67-95
The Nationals clearly have too much pitching and their lineup will get it done this season. Atlanta might as well be the N.L. version of the Yankees as they have all hitting and no pitching outside of Kimbrel. Philly and the Mets can make it interesting till about August at best but they will need some form of help at the trade deadline if they want to make a push because they cannot compete with Atlanta or Washington right now. Miami is only one or two years away if they add a couple more pieces.
N.L. Central
Last years race in this division was nothing but a classic. The Pirates, Reds, and Cardinals all made it the most entertaining division to watch in all of baseball last season as it truly did come down to the wire as to who was going to get into October. I think it may be a little different this year as there may be some switching when it comes to the top. The Reds still have two of the best players on the right side of the diamond in Votto and Phillips and they still have a solid pitching rotation. All they need to do is stay healthy, and they could see themselves riding the top of the division this season. The Cardinals only have one question this season and that is regarding the game past the 7th inning. Their bullpen causes me to wonder and I don't know if it will be good enough to help get this team into the postseason this year. They do still have a great starting rotation especially now that we know what Michael Wacha can do and if they hold true to their 2013 form, the Cardinals will always have a shot. Even though their bullpen has questions, just look at who's behind the plate in Yadier Molina, and I think everything will be just fine. The Pirates were the MLB's Cinderella last season as they made their first playoff appearance in 20 years. With the rotation they have heading into this season and the batting order they still present with the reigning N.L. M.V.P. they can still stay relevant in 2014. The Brewers took a dip last season mainly due to the Braun scandal along with injuries to guys like Aramis Ramirez and down years from their starting rotation. The Brewers can stay within the hunt in this division this season if they can stay healthy and if they all jump back into their 2011 selves. Then... there is the Cubs. Who unfortunately do not deserve enough air time to talk about even though they do have a decent starting rotation. Just not the year for them again.
Prediction:
2-Cincinnati 93-69
*St. Louis 91-71
Pittsburgh 88-74
Milwaukee 82-80
CHI Cubs 64-98
The Reds will take it this season. They have a great bullpen and that is what will get them over the top this season along with great production from their lineup. The Cardinals will hang in there, but they don't have the bullpen strong enough for the division crown. Pittsburgh definitely has a chance, but I see them falling a little short this season unfortunately. Milwaukee makes a dent in the division, and they can go to the playoffs if everything falls into place, but 82 wins should be the bench mark this season. The Cubs are the Cubs, end of story.
N.L. West
Everybody thinks that just because the Dodgers pay the most money means they will win the division easily this season. Well let's try to remember one thing, they had to go on a historic rampage from June till September just to have a shot at postseason success in 2013. It also doesn't hurt that the rest of the division decided to crumble, but that is a mute point heading into 2014. Arizona is good enough to compete for a playoff spot this year and maybe even spoil the Dodgers. There's one thing the Baseball gods have done over the past 5 years that is completely unpredictable and that is try to figure out the confusion of the N.L. West. This division is crazy year in and year out. The Giants win it, Dodgers, and D'Backs all in a row and the consistency is terrifyingly awful the past 3 years. So good luck to anybody who thinks the Dodgers are a lock to win the division. I actually think this could be the year that the Rockies decide to put their stamp on the division, remember they keep getting hurt and ever since 2007 when they went to the World Series they haven't found ways to put it all together. I think they can do it this year and finally make a name for themselves in the National League kind of like the Pirates last year. Don't ever count out the Giants either, they tend to win championships out of no where too. If they can get on a hot streak and their starting rotation holds up, they may find themselves in the postseason too. And how about the San Diego Padres.... possibly but not yet. They need to prove it still.
Prediction:
3-Arizona 92-70
*Colorado 89-73
L.A. Dodgers 88-74
San Francisco 81-81
San Diego 63-99
This will be another year that the N.L. West is unpredictable as the last 3 seasons have proven with the inconsistency of the division. The D'Backs don't have the pressure on them like the Dodgers do and neither do the Rockies. The Giants can make it, but I think their lineup may need one more big bat to stay relevant this season. The Padres have a slim chance to compete within this division this season, but I could be wrong in the N.L. West and I don't plan on being correct anyways considering its history this decade.
N.L. Playoffs
Wildcard Game: COL over STL
Divisional Series: WAS over COL (3-1) & CIN over ARZ (3-1)
League Championship: CIN over WAS (4-3)
The Reds have the best Bullpen in baseball when healthy. The Nationals have the best starting rotation in baseball when healthy. But, the better lineup is in Cincinnati. I think the Nationals are good enough to get to the World Series, but they do not have any experience and Cincinnati does. In the postseason, experience is key as the young guys in Washington could also be gassed by the time Game 7 happens as it will be the longest guys like Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg have ever played in their lives. They have the talent, but can they follow through against a team like the Reds, it will be close.
N.L. M.V.P.: Bryce Harper WAS
N.L. Cy Young: Stephen Strasburg WAS
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This baseball season is going to be great no matter what happens but I think my World Series Prediction might be a little more difficult to predict than what other major media outlets will be picking this season. The Nationals will need to have great performances across the board to make it to the postseason and make a deep run but they are not quite there yet when it comes to their maturity. The Reds and Rays have teams that have been ready for this moment for a while and both should be relatively good matchups against each other. I think the Reds have a better pitching staff overall but the Rays are way to balanced to be messed with and what the Rays can do by changing up the game to small or long ball, that will be the difference.
2014 World Series Prediction: TB over CIN (4-2)
M.V.P.: Evan Longoria
It should be an awesome season everybody! Enjoy
Sunday, March 23, 2014
The Madness is strong with 2014
Wow. That was a blur. The first 48 games are in the books and you couldn't ask for more upsets, busted brackets, and lack of production from the past 100 hours. Well, we are here to break it down as Spring has finally begun and we couldn't ask for a better topic than the epitome of sport itself. The NCAA Tournament.
The Shockers couldn't come out unscathed as they played in probably one of the best games of the weekend. Kentucky defined the "one and done" overly talented program while the Shockers defined the "developed" underdog program. It was an absolute classic as both teams were on their A game, but unfortunately the real talent won as they nipped Wichita State their lone loss by two points setting up a Blue Grass Showdown in Indianapolis as one of the best rivalries in basketball play just north of the state they both reside in.
Outside of that, their were upsets for days as Mercer, Harvard, North Dakota State, Tennessee, and Stephen F Austin all made splashes in their upset bids, but Stanford and Dayton were the real upset champions of the weekend as they head to the Sweet 16. Dayton beat their Varsity in-state rivalry in Ohio State and then beat Syracuse in a nail bitter till the very end. The team Dayton will be playing is probably the ultimate Cinderella story even though they are not the highest seed in the tournament. The smartest kids outside of Harvard made a major step in their name when it came to the sport of basketball. They beat the school that nationally has always been known for it's basketball strictly and Stanford hung in their all game and eventually pulled through. I can tell you one thing, who ever wins this game of Cinderella ball, will more than likely play the Florida Gators. Who ever plays them will have the ultimate shot of fulfilling the dream of becoming one of the ultimate underdogs in the history of the tournament.
When it comes to the tournament, every single year I tend to rip my bracket within the first 48 games. Not this year as I still have 3 of my final 4 teams left and my national championship game still intact. Hopefully it stays that way, and I hope your bracket is still good too, because this March has been strong with the Madness and I can't remember a year with this much mayhem outside of the early rounds of 2012. The gap of overall talent in this country when it comes to basketball programs is definitely widening and the way the tournament is contorting itself to this point, really sets up for a strong run to the Final Four next after next weekend.
Enjoy the rest of the tournament everybody, my Baseball preview will be next weekend. Enjoy this week!
The Shockers couldn't come out unscathed as they played in probably one of the best games of the weekend. Kentucky defined the "one and done" overly talented program while the Shockers defined the "developed" underdog program. It was an absolute classic as both teams were on their A game, but unfortunately the real talent won as they nipped Wichita State their lone loss by two points setting up a Blue Grass Showdown in Indianapolis as one of the best rivalries in basketball play just north of the state they both reside in.
Outside of that, their were upsets for days as Mercer, Harvard, North Dakota State, Tennessee, and Stephen F Austin all made splashes in their upset bids, but Stanford and Dayton were the real upset champions of the weekend as they head to the Sweet 16. Dayton beat their Varsity in-state rivalry in Ohio State and then beat Syracuse in a nail bitter till the very end. The team Dayton will be playing is probably the ultimate Cinderella story even though they are not the highest seed in the tournament. The smartest kids outside of Harvard made a major step in their name when it came to the sport of basketball. They beat the school that nationally has always been known for it's basketball strictly and Stanford hung in their all game and eventually pulled through. I can tell you one thing, who ever wins this game of Cinderella ball, will more than likely play the Florida Gators. Who ever plays them will have the ultimate shot of fulfilling the dream of becoming one of the ultimate underdogs in the history of the tournament.
When it comes to the tournament, every single year I tend to rip my bracket within the first 48 games. Not this year as I still have 3 of my final 4 teams left and my national championship game still intact. Hopefully it stays that way, and I hope your bracket is still good too, because this March has been strong with the Madness and I can't remember a year with this much mayhem outside of the early rounds of 2012. The gap of overall talent in this country when it comes to basketball programs is definitely widening and the way the tournament is contorting itself to this point, really sets up for a strong run to the Final Four next after next weekend.
Enjoy the rest of the tournament everybody, my Baseball preview will be next weekend. Enjoy this week!
Monday, March 17, 2014
Who I got for March Madness 2014
Is it really considered chalk if I pick the trendy pick to win the National Title? To be fair I had two #4 seeds going into the National Championship as of 7:02 pm Eastern time (2 minutes after ESPN had their brackets released for available picking) because I was making my picks on the fly and already know everything I need to know when it comes to picking a national championship.
I've picked 3 National Champions in my life (2007 Florida, 2011 Connecticut, 2012 Kentucky), and I use the same 5 criteria to make my championship picks every single year. Let's run through that criteria quickly shall we?
1. Talent
2. Consistency throughout the entire Season
3. How have they played recently (Are they Hot coming in?)
4. Conference Rank
5. Their path through the Tournament
Let's be honest, Sparty has all these except for #2 and that's only because they were injured all season. They have possibly the best talent in the land, they destroyed Michigan in the Big Ten title game who were clearly a top 10 team throughout the year, the Big 10 conference is the best conference in basketball, and their path through the tournament is relatively easy considering they are a 4 seed.
My dad's side of the family lives within 15 minutes of the University of Louisville so I'm partial to picking them as my second #4 seed to make it to the National Title game. The crazy thing is this Louisville team is better than last season I think because Russdiculous is the best player at his position in the country and they have only improved down low with Harrell playing the way he has played.
The other final four teams I have are relatively "Chalk" with Arizona making it, their talent and consistency has been ridiculously good this entire season except as of late in the Pac-12 tournament which should put the Pac-12 at an advantage for how difficult they are with 6 teams getting into the tournament. I also have Syracuse making it even though everybody has been brown nosing Florida for their performance the last 2 months. People easily forget how dominant Syracuse was heading into February (along with Arizona) and that they were #1 at one point this year and they have a cast of talent to take them far in the tournament. They also play in the Big East (which sadly isn't the same, but it's still a difficult conference non the less) and their path through the tournament is pretty nice outside of playing Florida.
I picked Michigan State to win it all! They fit the main 5 criteria pretty easily, and I feel like if they don't get it done, then the other three teams left have the best shot to win it all! Enjoy the Madness!
I've picked 3 National Champions in my life (2007 Florida, 2011 Connecticut, 2012 Kentucky), and I use the same 5 criteria to make my championship picks every single year. Let's run through that criteria quickly shall we?
1. Talent
2. Consistency throughout the entire Season
3. How have they played recently (Are they Hot coming in?)
4. Conference Rank
5. Their path through the Tournament
Let's be honest, Sparty has all these except for #2 and that's only because they were injured all season. They have possibly the best talent in the land, they destroyed Michigan in the Big Ten title game who were clearly a top 10 team throughout the year, the Big 10 conference is the best conference in basketball, and their path through the tournament is relatively easy considering they are a 4 seed.
My dad's side of the family lives within 15 minutes of the University of Louisville so I'm partial to picking them as my second #4 seed to make it to the National Title game. The crazy thing is this Louisville team is better than last season I think because Russdiculous is the best player at his position in the country and they have only improved down low with Harrell playing the way he has played.
The other final four teams I have are relatively "Chalk" with Arizona making it, their talent and consistency has been ridiculously good this entire season except as of late in the Pac-12 tournament which should put the Pac-12 at an advantage for how difficult they are with 6 teams getting into the tournament. I also have Syracuse making it even though everybody has been brown nosing Florida for their performance the last 2 months. People easily forget how dominant Syracuse was heading into February (along with Arizona) and that they were #1 at one point this year and they have a cast of talent to take them far in the tournament. They also play in the Big East (which sadly isn't the same, but it's still a difficult conference non the less) and their path through the tournament is pretty nice outside of playing Florida.
I picked Michigan State to win it all! They fit the main 5 criteria pretty easily, and I feel like if they don't get it done, then the other three teams left have the best shot to win it all! Enjoy the Madness!
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