10 Awesome Things That Happened This Weekend (4/11-4/13)

10. Phil Mickelson Misses Masters Cut
            The TV ratings were already in the toilet with Tiger Woods involved. With golf’s second biggest draw done for the weekend, this could go down as the lowest watched Masters tournament in decades.

9. Grady Sizemore Rocks C.C. Sabathia, Leads Red Sox Victory

            Granted it’s a small sample size, but Sizemore’s improbable comeback this season has been one of the underreported stories in MLB. He took full advantage of C.C. Sabathia’s diminishing fastball velocity Friday night.

8. New York Knicks Eliminated From Playoff Contention

            The best part of New York’s comically disappointing 2013-14 campaign is that their first round pick is being shipped to Denver. Even with Phil Jackson in charge, there should be legitimate concerns that Carmelo Anthony is going to bolt for another team.

7. Milwaukee Brewers Win Ninth Straight
            Hacking at the first pitch at a rate higher than any other club in baseball, the Brewers should be the official MLB team of the A.D.D. generation.

6. Chase Elliott Wins Second Straight Nationwide Race

            Instead of attending his Senior Prom, Elliott instead decided to win at the hardest track on the NASCAR circuit in his first trip there. There isn’t a more talented prodigy in any sport than the son of Bill Elliott.

5. Bruins Clinch Presidents Cup
            That’s not necessarily a good thing, as the recent Stanley Cup Playoff success of the league’s overall top regular season team isn’t that great. Boston begins their Stanley Cup march on Friday against Detroit.

4. Kevin Harvick Dominates Darlington

            Harvick is the poster child of NASCAR’s new win or go home scoring system. He’s not even in the top-20 in most points scored, but his two wins would have him seeded first if The Chase started today.
         
3. Paul Pierce Joins 25,000 Point Club
            The future Hall of Famer joins seventeen others in NBA history to reach this milestone. Big props to the former captain of the Celtics.
         
2. Pacers Regain Control of Eastern Conference
            I had a whole paragraph written mourning the inevitability of Miami making it to a fourth straight NBA Finals after stomping all over Indiana Friday night, but then an improbable series unfolded the next two days. A physically spent Heat club (even Lebron looked sort of human Saturday) lost to the Hawks, and then Indiana pulled off their biggest win of the year so far against Oklahoma City.

1. Bubba Watson Claims Second Masters Title

            Bubba’s ridiculous 366-yard drive on 13 felt like the moment where any chance another golfer had was gone. On a weekend with no Tiger and no Phil, this is the best result the PGA could’ve hoped for.

10 Awesome Things That Happened This Past Weekend (10/7-10/9)

10. Clint Bowyer Agrees to Join Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012
            I’ll let the following video explain the irony of this situation.

9. Tebow Gets in the Game, Almost Leads Comeback Against Chargers

            If Tebow doesn’t start in two weeks after the Broncos have their bye week, I’m not sure there’s enough marijuana in Denver to subdue angry Denver fans.

8. Jimmie Johnson Dominates Kansas, Within Four Points of Championship Lead

            Probably should save time and just start calling Jimmie “Six-Time”.

7. Ben Roethlisberger Tosses Five Touchdowns in Steelers Rout of Tennessee

            My worst of three fantasy teams is very thankful that Ben Roethlisberger finally decided to show up this season.

6. Milwaukee Brewers Win Game 1 of NLCS

            The folks in charge of the Brewers bandwagon were nice enough to let me on it despite the fact that my cholesterol level is significantly lower than their average fan.

5. Tiger Wood Has Hot Dog Thrown At Him While Lining up Putt

            As strange a headline as that is, the most bizarre part is that the person who tossed the dog wasn’t a female.

4. The Philadelphia Eagles Stink

            Philadelphia is further proof that signing a bunch of big names doesn’t create instant chemistry. We saw it in the NBA last year during the Miami Heat’s first 15 games. Unfortunately, the Eagles don’t have an 82-game season to figure things out.

3. “The Firm” Goes Bonkers, Leads Patriots Over Jets
            I was at Gillette Stadium back in October of 2008 when Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis made his first appearance in a regular season game for the Patriots. New England was hammering Denver on a Monday night (which was a pisser for me because I had three Broncos going on my fantasy team that week. I was down by 25 points or so going into the game, and those four Broncos combined for 12). Due to alcohol consumption, it sounded like the stadium announcer was saying seven names after Green-Ellis’ first carry. It was easily the most entertaining moment of the night (other than the crowd booing Matt Cassel, who got sacked eight times. I wish I could’ve talked to Chiefs fans before he signed with them). I don’t think any of us there that night expected Green-Ellis to become so relevant that he would earn a nickname, or that he would someday run for 136 yards and two touchdowns against the Jets.

2. Chris Carpenter Out-Duels Roy Halladay, Knocks Out Phillies

            How excited must the executives of FOX be now that the World Series will be without the Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies?

1. Oakland Raiders Honor Al Davis, Steal a Win in Houston

            I’m too young to remember Al Davis being more than just a punching bag for sports columnists. People questioned if Davis was actually a sea monster. Some even wondered if he had actually died ten years ago. My most memorable Davis moment was when he awkwardly bashed former Raiders Head Coach Lane Kiffin during a press conference a few years back. Instead of writing a long, Wikipedia-esque paragraph about what Al Davis met to the game of football, I’ll let current Raiders Head Coach Hue Jackson explain what Davis meant to the Raiders.

10 Awesome Things That Happened This Past Weekend (9/30-10/2)

10. Terry Francona and Red Sox Part Ways
            Every epic collapse has to have a scapegoat. In this case, it was Francona, who will forever be known as the manager of the team that broke The Curse of the Bambino. He probably lasted about a year or two longer than he should, but Tito should be remembered fondly in Boston. I wish him well.

9. Rangers and Rays Split Games in Arlington

            A rematch of last years ALCS, look for Tampa Bay’s pitching depth to overwhelm Texas by the end of the series.

8. Tigers Steal Game in New York, Even Series

            About the only thing Red Sox fans have left to as far as baseball is concerned is cheer against the Yankees. Hopefully Justin Verlander can take of business in Game 3 after Miguel Cabrera gave them a lift in Game 2.

7. Kurt Busch Conquers Monster Mile

            Even more noteworthy than Busch winning is Jimmie Johnson creeping back into championship contention. He’s only 13 points and a missed crash at Talladega away from taking his sixth straight title.

6. Wisconsin Destroys Nebraska in Cornhuskers Big 10 Debut

            I hope this happens to every school that leaves a conference for more dollars in their first game.

5. Brewers Take Two at Home

            If I still liked baseball, I’d jump onto the Brewers bandwagon. For starters, their team name has a whole lot to do with beer, which is awesome. Secondly, when the average shirt size of the fan base is 4XL, you know there is a hearty bunch of folks supporting this team. I’m as all-in as a non-baseball fan can be on the Milwaukee Brewers after they smoked Arizona in Game 2.

4. Cowboys Blow 27-3 Lead, Lose to Lions

            I say that whenever a quarterback has a game that they throw for over 300 hundred yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, that it is referred to as “A Romo”.

3. Eagles Suffer Embarrassing Collapse at Home Against 49ers

            Did Philadelphia sign Lebron James as a third-string tight end and not tell anyone? Or did they not assemble enough quality linemen on both sides of the ball? The second question is the reason for Philadelphia’s struggles, but it would be fun to blame their 1-3 record on Lebron.

2. Arian Foster Goes Bonkers, Carries Texans Over Steelers

            Evidently during the lockout, the Steelers forgot how to tackle. Impressive win by Houston, who cruised even without star receiver Andre Johnson.

1. Ravens Dominate Jets Offense in a Rout

            If Tony Romo had a bad game Sunday, does that mean Mark Sanchez had a putrid one?

NL Central Preview

6. Pittsburgh Pirates

A-Level = CF Andrew McCutchen

B-Level = None

C-Level = 2B Neil Walker, 3B Pedro Alvarez, LF Jose Tabata, CL Joel Hanrahan, RP Evan Meek

Ceiling = 65 Wins

Floor = 50 Wins

How They Reach the Ceiling – Pittsburgh has a solid young group of offensive players that could deliver some wins. Neil Walker and Jose Tabata made valuable contributions to the club after being called up from the minors. Pedro Alvarez has prodigious power potential. He projects to be a 40 home run guy that can eventually anchor the lineup. Andrew McCutchen is the most complete player in their lineup that has the potential to hit 25 home runs and swipe 40 bases.

How They Can Fall to the Floor – Other than James McDonald, Pittsburgh’s pitching staff is devoid of any talent that has upside. Pittsburgh has some arms down in the minors, but it will be another couple of seasons before there young pitching talent meets up with the young bats that are already in the majors.

Floor or Ceiling? – Let’s put it this way…if you own a national league hitter on your fantasy team, and he is playing the Pirates, make sure you get him in your lineup. Pittsburgh’s lack of pitching will doom them to a 52-107 record.

5. Houston Astros

A-Level = None

B-Level = LF Carlos Lee, CF Michael Bourn, RF Hunter Pence, SP Wandy Rodriguez, SP Brett Myers

C-Level = 1B Brett Wallace, SP J.A. Happ, SP Bud Norris, CL Brandon Lyon, RP Wilton Lopez

Ceiling = 85 Wins

Floor = 60 Wins

How They Reach the Ceiling – Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers were quietly one of the best pitching duos during the second half of the 2010 season. If they can get solid production out of either J.A. Happ or Bud Norris, they will have three pitchers that can face off against the top clubs in the NL Central. For Houston’s offense to be productive, they will either need a comeback season from Carlos Lee or a breakout season from Brett Wallace.

How They Can Fall to the Floor – Not to keep this to simple, but if none of the things that can get them to their ceiling, they will be at the floor. There’s really no middle ground with this team.

Floor or Ceiling? – I like some of the pitchers, but like last year, this club will struggle to score runs. 67-95 is where I see Houston finishing.

4. Chicago Cubs

A-Level = CL Carlos Marmol

B-Level = 3B Aramis Ramirez, LF Alfonso Soriano, CF Marlon Byrd, SP Ryan Dempster, SP Matt Garza

C-Level = C Geovany Soto, 1B Carlos Pena, SS Starlin Castro, RF Tyler Colvin, SP Carlos Zambrano, RP Kerry Wood

Ceiling = 85 Wins

Floor = 65 Wins

How They Reach the Ceiling – I don’t think there is another team in baseball that needs as many guys to have bounce-back seasons. Aramis Ramirez needs to have a strong year after an injury plagued 2010. Alfonso Soriano has been mediocre the past couple of seasons. Free agent acquisition Carlos Pena had a batting average under .200 last season. Carlos Zambrano was so bad that he was moved into the bullpen for part of the season. Chicago needs at least three of these guys to have strong seasons to have a chance at getting over .500.

How They Can Fall to the Floor – If the pitching tanks, it could be a very long summer in Wrigleyville. This team gave up an awful lot for Matt Garza. While a decent pitcher, he’s never demonstrated that he can carry a rotation. Amazingly, Chicago gave up just as much (if not more) than Milwaukee gave up for Zack Greinke. Don’t underestimate the anticipation of Albert Pujols impending free agency on this team. If Chicago struggles, it will be all Pujols, all the time in Chicago sports-talk radio conversation. That topic will weigh heavily on the players who have to answer questions about Albert everyday in the clubhouse.

Floor or Ceiling? – Chicago will be better than last year, but won’t be good enough to kill the Pujols anticipation. Look for 76-86 and long-drawn out speculation about Albert Pujols that will make you long for the days of Carmelo Anthony wanting to get traded to the Knicks.   

3. St. Louis Cardinals

A-Level = 1B Albert Pujols, LF Matt Holliday, SP Chris Carpenter

B-Level = CF Colby Rasmus, SP Jaime Garcia, CL Ryan Franklin

C-Level = SS Ryan Theriot, 3B David Freese, RF Lance Berkman, SP Jake Westbrook, SP Kyle Lohse, RP Jason Motte

Ceiling = 90 Wins

Floor = 75 Wins

How They Reach the Ceiling – Pujols and Holliday are as good a 1-2 punch as there is in baseball. If Colby Rasmus can make a leap, St. Louis could score a ton of runs this season. 3B David Freese is also a wildcard. Someone on this pitching staff needs to step up and replace the absence of Adam Wainwright. Jaime Garcia seems to be the most likely candidate.

How They Fall to the Floor – If there is no one that fills Wainwright’s shoes, pitching will be a major issue. This team has thrived with Carpenter and Wainwright logging at least seven innings a start. With just one ace, this bullpen could get burnt out early in the season. I don’t think Pujols contract situation will impact this veteran group much, but that will be the elephant in the room with this team all year long.

Ceiling or Floor? – Unless Pujols bats .400 and smashes 55 home runs, I don’t think the pitching is good enough. I’ll predict an 82-80 finish.

2. Cincinnati Reds

A-Level = 1B Joey Votto, 2B Brandon Phillips

B-Level = 3B Scott Rolen, CF Drew Stubbs, RF Jay Bruce, SP Edinson Volquez, SP Bronson Arroyo, SP Johnny Cueto, RP Aroldis Chapman

C-Level = LF Johnny Gomes, SP Homer Bailey, CL Francisco Cordero

Ceiling = 95 Wins

Floor = 80 Wins

How They Reach the Ceiling – Cincinnati doesn’t necessarily wow you with a ton of A-level talent, but they have as much depth as any team in baseball. Joey Votto is poised to reach 40+ homers for the first time in his career. Jay Bruce is also due for a major breakout. The starting staff would be greatly enhanced if Homer Bailey finally begins to live up to his potential. The Reds still have plenty of depth in their farm system, and should be able to make a trade to fill a hole before the trade deadline.

How They Fall to the Floor – A pitching staff implosion is the only thing that will keep the Reds mired around .500.

Ceiling or Floor? – Cincinnati’s offense will muscle this team very close to it’s ceiling. This could be high, but I see a 93-69 season for Cincinnati. They will be players for the division and the wildcard all year long.

1. Milwaukee Brewers

A-Level = 1B Prince Fielder, LF Ryan Braun, SP Zack Greinke

B-Level = 2B Rickie Weeks, 3B Casey McGehee, RF Corey Hart, SP Yovani Gallardo, SP Shaun Marcum, CL John Axford

C-Level = SP Randy Wolf, RP Takashi Saito

Ceiling = 100 Wins

Floor = 85 Wins

How They Reach the Ceiling – Trading for Zach Greinke and signing Shaun Marcum was two of the shrewdest moves in the off-season. Milwaukee has built the deepest rotation in the division. If Randy Wolf bounces back from a disappointing 2010, this team can push 100 wins.

How They Fall to the Floor – Similar to San Francisco, pitching is not the concern. Milwaukee’s offense is filled with a lot of guys that can hit the ball out of the park, but not a lot of guys who consistently get on base. Without a spark at the top of the lineup, this is a team that could be prone to prolonged slumps.

Ceiling or Floor? – Call me a fool, but I love the Brewers this year. Prince Fielder playing for a new contract should carry the offense. I’m predicting a 96-66 season, as well as a puncher’s chance at knocking off Philadelphia in the playoffs.

10 Awesome Things That Happened This Past Weekend (12/17-12/19)

10. Hyundai Continues to Air Their Christmas Themed Commercials

I’ve decided that #10 will become a gag item that really isn’t that awesome, but is actually something I would like to complain about.

These commercials annoy the living crap out of me. I despise the ads, but strangely, I can’t look away. This duet fascinates me so much, I actually looked them up on Wikipedia (their name is “Pomplamoose”. They are an indie band based out of California. I would’ve guessed that they were from Nova Scotia, but what do I know). The girl is creepy enough that you wouldn’t put it out of the realm of possibility that she sacrificed farm animals for religious ceremonies, and the guy is just an ass. I can point to them as the only reason I want Christmas to come and go, so that way they can stop airing these commercials.  

9. Cowboys Win “Dysfunctional Bowl” Over Redskins

            Dallas even laid down in the second half a little bit to make Rex Grossman look good, hoping that this sort of performance will convince Washington to go into 2011 with Sexy Rex at QB. That Jason Garrett is a real thinker.

8. Peyton Manning and Colts Take Control of AFC South

            Even if you are a Patriots fan, or a fan of another AFC contender, as a fan of football, would you rather see David Garrard or Peyton Manning in the playoffs?

7. Terrell Owens Out For Rest of Season

            I don’t normally cheer or applaud a player getting injured. This is one of those rare occasions.

6. Bengals Blow Opportunity to Take Control of #1 Pick in 2011 Draft

            Carolina won, giving the Bengals an opportunity to pull even in the race for worst record in the league. But alas, it wasn’t meant to be, as they pulled out a two-point victory over the Browns.

            In all seriousness, why are these two teams trying to win games? I would argue that drafting a potential franchise quarterback is much better than winning a meaningless game in December. If I were coaching the Bengals or Panthers, I would’ve pulled my entire defense off the field. I would’ve had the nose tackle play QB (alright, maybe that wouldn’t of been a good idea, since that would’ve probably been an upgrade for both teams under center). Picking a quarterback first overall isn’t a perfect science (see Couch, Tim, and Smith, Alex), but at least it creates some hope for the fans.

5. Tim Tebow Doesn’t Embarrass Himself in 1^st Start

            I’m not a die-hard Tebow fan (like the majority of the Bible Belt is), but I would like to see him do well. If nothing else, he’s a pretty compelling guy.

4. A Fat Patriot Runs a Kickoff 71 Yards

            If DeSean Jackson didn’t have his punt return at the end of regulation against the Giants, 313-pound Dan Connolly and his 71-yard kick return would easily be the play of the day. I was in tears when he cut back to the middle of the field at the 30 yard line and picked up 25 more yards.

  

3. Milwaukee Brewers Trade for Royals Ace Zack Greinke

            I love this trade for a multitude of reasons. For starters, he didn’t go to one of the usual suspects (Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies). Second, he joins a very sneaky Brewers club that could be really good in 2011. They already had added little known Shawn Marcum (formerly of the Blue Jays), who will be a guy that gets drafted in the 13^th round in fantasy leagues but produces like a 3^rd or 4^th rounder. Prince Fielder is entering the last year of his contract, which should mean that he will be pretty motivated. Add in Ryan Braun, Corey Hart, and Rickie Weeks, and you have the makings of a pretty potent offense. With Greinke, they have a legit #1 starter who will contend for the Cy Young trophy. Needless to say, I’m high on the Brewers.

2. Magic, Wizards, and Suns Make a Mega-Deal

            One of the reasons I really enjoy the NBA is when a few teams in the middle of the season decide to get together and blow up 30% of their roster.

1. Giants Pull Off Epic Choke Against Eagles

            I don’t need to write much about this (since it led off every single ESPN studio show today), but I will say that this was the most shocking NFL comeback I’ve ever witnessed. Never underestimate the power of momentum.