Sports

Sunday, July 31, 2011

PLAXICO TO JETS

Forget about age and prison time, Plaxico Burress was a better option for the Jets than Braylon Edwards.

Burress, 34, is worth the risk because if all goes well he can be a great play maker who will draw double teams to free up space for other receivers. Besides, it's only a 1 year contract, so if it doesn't pan out they don't have to resign him. If that is what happens, the Jets can replace him next offseason with someone like Pierre Garcon, Marques Colston, or Reggie Wayne.

In 2008, fresh off their Super Bowl victory against the Patriots, the Giants started off the season 11-1, but without Burress, the Giants went 1-3 the rest of the way. This shows how valuable he was to the Giants. If all goes well he will be just as valuable to the Jets.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

PREDICTIONS: MID SEASON EDITION

As we approach the 2011 all star break, I have taken a look back at my preseason predictions. Though some were on target, others don't seem to be working out.

For example, I was dead wrong about the Cubs. As foolish as it seems in hindsight, the Cubs didn't look so bad before the season. I thought they had a good pitching staff and with a few tweaks, they had a good shot at the National League Wild Card. They are now sitting in fourth place in the National League Central with a 35-52 record.

Another prediction that I'm changing is about the Yankees. I said  the Yankees wouldn't win the American League East and thought their best hope was the Wild Card. I'm now predicting that the Yankees will overtake the Red Sox for the division title.

One prediction I still stand by is this -- I was correct when I predicted that Curtis Granderson would be an all star, which now seems like an understatement.

Here are my updated predictions.

NL EAST: Phillies

Though they are ranked 20th in batting average, they are ranked second in ERA. With Hamels, Lee, and Halladay leading the way, the Phillies will win their 5th consecutive NL East title.

NL CENTRAL: Brewers

With Shaun Marcum, Yovani Galliardo, and a recovering Zack Greinke the Brewers have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Also, with Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun in their lineup along with all star second baseman Rickie Weeks, they are the best team in the National League.

NL WEST: Diamondbacks

Led by Ian Kennedy, the Diamondbacks pitching is solid. They also have a formidable lineup which will lead the way.

NL WILD CARD: Braves

With a rotation led by Jair Jurrjens and Tim Hudson, the Braves look like a force to be recond with.

NLCS: Brewers over Phillies

This may seem crazy, but Philadelphia's hitting is not very good. They have players at the heart of their lineup that are very inconsistent or injury prone (Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez). Meanwhile, The Brewers are led by the red hot Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and Rickie Weeks.That being said, the Phillies pitching staff is the best in baseball, but with Yovani Gallairdo, Randy Wolf, Shaun Marcum, and Zack Greinke, who is trying to return to form, the Brewers staff isn't half bad. 

AL EAST: Yankees

You may think I'm crazy, or just a fan, but I believe they have the second best offense in baseball. Also, with Hughes coming back from the DL, the rotation is solid, as is their bullpen. At this point, the Yankees may be the best team in baseball.


AL CENTRAL: Tigers

Led by Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander and star slugger Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers will put some distance between themselves and the Indians.

AL WEST: Rangers

They are the only really good team in their division, so they will run away with it.


AL WILD CARD: Red Sox

They are the second best team in the league, led by Triple Crown candidate Adrian Gonzalez.

ALCS: Yankees over Red Sox

The Yankees may not have as good an offense as Boston, but they do have a better rotation and bullpen. In the end, good pitching beats good hitting.

WORLD SERIES: Yankees over Brewers

The Yankees have the upper hand in every category and will walk all over the Brewers.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

WINNER OF RICHARDS SWEEPSTAKES: MARIAN GABORIK

Multiple reports say that the New York Rangers have signed UFA center Brad Richards. This is a win for the Rangers. It gives them the top line center they desperately needed, but the real winner is Marian Gaborik. After tying his career high in goals two seasons ago, Gaborik had an abysmal 2010-2011, scoring only 22 goals with only 26 assists. Though with Richards on his line, he will have a steady scoring force along side him who can feed him passes or score himself as well.

Now, will the Rangers then put a big guy on the Left who can score and clear up space for Gaborik and their newly acquired star Richards? Dubinsky?