Maryland @ #2 Duke

The Maryland Terrapins travel to Cameron Indoor to face the #2 Duke Blue Devils today at 12 ET.

Duke is on a roll right now with Gerald Henderson playing as good as anyone in the country right now. Kyle Singler is no slouch either. Henderson is probably the most athletic player in the nation, especially considering his 6'4" frame.

Today is a good opportunity for Maryland to shock the world and go to Durham and upset a good team on the road. This could be just like they did last year around this time, going to Chapel Hill and taking down the #1 team in all the land, UNC.

They're going to need Greivis Vasquez to step up and be the great leader that he is. If Vasquez struggles it could be a long day. He has a tendency to shoot too much when he's not having a good day. This usually isn't a good formula for Maryland.

Now prediction time. I think that Maryland has good chance to win today, as Gary Williams will have the kids ready to go for this one. It is so hard to go against Duke though, but they should be on alert today. Dukies win 69-60.

Bucks Get 32 From Charlie V

The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Dallas Mavericks at the Bradley Center Wednesday night. Actually they destroyed the Mavs 133-99. The Bucks held the Mavericks to only 36% shooting.

Charlie Villanueva had 32 points and 10 boards as a starter for the suprising yet, inconsistent Bucks. Michael Redd got his typical 27 points, while Richard "RJ" Jefferson had 15. Each RJ and Redd had 7 rebounds.

The Bucks were playing in there fifth consecutive game without 7' foot Center Andrew Bogut.

The Bucks have been playing better defense this year and that has led to their 21-24 start. That's better than I thought they would be at this point in the year. However, they have been highly inconsistent this season. How can you go to San Antonio and win one and then lose to the Bobcats and Clippers?

There are numerous rumors of the Bucks trading someone. I just hope that it isn't Michael Redd. He is a decent leader and a great basketball player. I'd hate to see the Bucks trade the face of the franchise.

The Sharks Get a Big One

Amidst all the non-sense about the Sharks having a potential collapse, the Detroit Red Wings came to town Saturday night.

This was a great opportunity for the Sharks to show the League that they are still the best team in the NHL.

They did just that. The Sharks beat the Red Wings 6-5 on Saturday. They got four assists from winger Ryan Clowe. A game-winning goal and two assists from Milan Michalek. Even Wisconsin native Joe Pavelski got into the act with one goal on seven shots.

This was a big victory for San Jose, as they went three points up on Detroit for 1st place in the Western Conference, and bolstering the confidence of the team.

I am looking forward to the February 1oth matchup between San Jose v. Boston, who are #1 in the East currently. That one will be on Versus Network at 6 p.m.


-Mitch
Boom's Business

Tony Dungy to Step Down as Coach

It was made official Monday morning. Amongst all the speculation, Tony Dungy will indeed be stepping down as head man of the Indianapolis Colts.

This is a little bit of a sad day for the NFL, as one of the true class acts of my lifetime will no longer be a coach in the NFL, for the time being. He has come out and stated that he wants to do community work with young men in the Indianapolis area. That's great Mr. Dungy, good for you. He has wanted to do this for the last two seasons, since winning the Super Bowl of the 2006 season. I guess, now is the time for it. I wouldn't be suprised if he came back in a few years, but now he feels it's the right thing to do.

Associate HC Jim Caldwell will take over the team. This is common knowledge because he was confirmed to be the "head coach in waiting" before last season.


Mitch Pratt
Boom's Business

Trouble in Beantown?

The Boston Celtics dropped another game again last night.

They have lost now seven of nine since starting out with a league best 27-2 record. At least they lost to, probably, the best team in the East. LeBron and the Cavaliers.

LeBron had 38 points and played stifling defense on Paul Pierce. As I look at this game, there was very little bench production. Daniel Gibson had 10 off the bench for Cleveland, Eddie House had 8 off the bench for the C's.

I was hearing the players of the Celtics talk about how they"need to get their defensive swagger back." I think that statement is false. They need to get their offensive swagger back. Since their Christmas Day loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Celtics haven't scored more than 90 points in any of their losses in regulation.

That has to change in order for Boston to regain its dominance. Until then, I'll be laughing about them losing so much.

-Mitch

Brewers Ink Veteran Closer Trevor Hoffman

Hallelujah! Doug Melvin is alive!

As we welcome Dougy Melvin back from his mausoleum, he picked up a new closer. On the outside, this is eerily similar to the Gag me signing last year.

But it's really not.

Trevor Hoffman can still pitch. He started off shaky last year, but finished strong. Sort of like CC Sabathia, but to a lesser extent. I am really excited to see how he will perform in a Brewers uniform. I think he's still got for at least another year.

If Hoffman can stay healthy the Brewers actually have a legit closer for the year. Possibly, giving them what they need to anchor the bullpen and mentor some of the younger guys in the pen.

-Mitch

Cubs Pick Up Milton Bradley

In theory, this is a decent pick up for the Fubs.

You look at the exterior traits that Milty brings to the table: switch hitter, can hit for power and average, and he can run a little yet.

But unfortunately for the Northsiders, it's not going to be the exterior traits that will have the most impact. It will be his undeniable ability to continue to be a headcase. If he's not blowing out his knee running the bases, he's spraying baseballs all over the field as part of his fit he has to throw after he messes up himself.

I am actually kind of happy that that team in Chicago brought him in. He's baseball's version of Ron Artest. I think it is only a matter of time before he goes, into the stands, after one of those obnoxious and licked up Chicago Cubs fans who are chirping the whole game.

-Mitch

2008 BCS National Championship

It's set folks. Everyone is ready to go for tomorrow night as the #1 Oklahoma Sooners are set to take on the #2 Florida Gators in the BCS National Championship game.

What a game this should be.

We've got the best QB in the nation going up against a very stout defense. We've the MLB for a QB in Timmy Tebow going up against a defense that has something to prove, that they can be a good defense. What better stage than this? I think that Oklahoma will win this game. I absolutely love Sam Bradford, the kid is awesome. Timmy Tebow, not so much. I can't really deny that he is good in college, but he isn't a true QB. You hardly see him in a highlight making a good throw for a TD, it's always a run or the one I love most, the jump pass.

This is going to be a great showdown. One for the ages folks. I like Oklahoma to pull it out. 35-30.

Brewers Off-Season Update

So far this off-season, it's been a struggle for us Milwaukee Brewer fans.

CC left us for the big bank, Big Ben probably won't be coming back, and the Crew hasn't really done anything major to compensate that.

Now it would be easy to say the Brewers are going to be a weak team this coming season, so I'm not going to say that directly but that might be what I mean.

The Brewers starting rotation, as of now, might look like this:

Yovani Gallardo- I have to believe he'll be the Opening Day starter.

Manny Parra- Let us down at the end of the year, but still should be a solid starter.

Dave Bush- I thought he looked good in his playoff start.

Jeff Suppan- He is what he is.

???- A lot of possibilities: Chris Capuano? Carlos Villanueva? Seth McClung? Free Agent?

The Brewers Lineup could look like this:

1. 2B Rickie Weeks- I think Rickie could breakout this year. Not a .300 batting ave. though.

2. SS J.J. Hardy- Would be a great no. 2 hitter in front of the boppers

3. LF Ryan Braun- Best player on the freakin' team

4. 1B Prince Fielder- Didn't seem like it, but Prince still had a decent year.

5. RF Corey Hart- Really let down in Sept. when we needed him.

6. 3B Mike Lamb/Billy Hall- Mike Lamb was a great as a pinch hitter. Bill Hall needs to step up.

7. CF Mike Cameron- I think they should trade for Melky Cabrera.

8. C Jason Kendall- He should let Mike Rivera play more than 15 games.

Here's the Bullpen:

Mitch Stetter

Tim Dillard

Todd Coffey

David Riske

Jorge Julio- Closer? Why not? I say give him a shot at it.

Carlos Villanueva/Seth McClung- If one of them isn't a starter.

R.J. Swindle- New acquisition, never heard of him before.

The Bench:

Trot Nixon RF/LF?

Alcides Escobar SS/2B?

Scott Thorman 1B

Tony Gwynn Jr. OF

Hopefully, Doug Melvin can bring in another decent starter to round out the rotation so we can keep Villy and Big Red in the already shabby bullpen. Mota and Gagne can pack their bags and get the hell out. Salomon Torres is already gone, and he was a savior.

I would like to see him bring in another bat as well, to go with Ryan and Prince.

I know it's unlikely, but I wish Ray Durham would stay with us. He can help progress Rickie more and provide a solid switch hitter every now and then.

I like the Trot Nixon signing, he'll be a good left-handed bat off the bench, but let's hope he can still play in the field too.

Mat Gamel appears to almost be ready to play in the bigs. I think Alcides Escobar is ready. If worse comes to worst, he take over at short and we can move JJ over the third and trade Billy Hall or trade JJ depending on whatever is most beneficial.

Whatever happens, the Brewers will still be my favorite team.

-Mitch

NFC Playoff Jibber-Jabber

Atlanta @ Arizona- Saturday 3:30 p.m. Central

I can't find any reason why Arizona can win this game. Atlanta is a great story, probably the feel-good story of '08. They can really run the ball and I am big Matt Ryan guy. I think that since Arizona clinched the division in Week 5 they have played like garbage. Of course, it is tough to doubt that aerial attack that Kurt Warner and the boys bring. But, I like Atlanta in a decent game. 27-20.


Philadelphia @ Minnesota- Sunday 3:30 p.m. Central

I think Philly is really gonna get on a roll now after stomping America's team last week to knock them out of the picture. I couldn't get enough of it myself. Adrian Peterson won't quite get his 100 yards in this one. Not against that defense. I like to think that Brian Westbrook is probably a top 3 RB in the NFL, he'll show it against the Vikes D. Not so much in the running game but in the short passing game and screens and such. I have to take the Eagles. 21-17.

This would mean that Philly would go to New York and Atlanta goes to Carolina. These are both divisional matchups. The teams are familiar with each other, they would be great games. I'd probably take Philly against the G-Men if they had more on offense. No deep threats. The Giants will move on to the NFC Championship game against Carolina as they will take care of business with Atlanta. Too much from DeAngelo and J-Stew.

This sets up a rematch between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers. There are two differences this time and they are: it decides who represents the NFC in the Super Bowl, and Carolina will win this time. They will avenge themselves in New York this time.

This will set up the Super Bowl with a Carolina and Pittsburgh matchup. Wow, I can't wait.


-Mitch

AFC Playoff Jibber-Jabber

Happy New Year Errbody!

Here's the fun stuff. Trying to make predictions on who's going to advance in the NFL playoffs. This is going to be a difficult one to predict, especially without an undefeated team in the mix this year.

AFC:

Indianapolis @ San Diego- Saturday, 7 p.m. Central

This is the toughest one of the Wild Card round to decide on, because both teams are coming in hot. The Colts were 3-4 at one point early this season, now their 12-4, winners of nine straight. The Chargers were 4-8 and completely dead to rights a month ago, now they are 8-8 and winners of the atrocious AFC West. San Diego has the home-field, but I think Peyton and the boys are going to be a little too tough for the Super Chargers, the Chargers have been too inconsistent throughout the season. Colts win 23-17.

Baltimore @ Miami- Sunday, Noon Central

It's been a dream season for Parcells, HC Tony Sparano, Chad Pennington and the rest of the Dolphins, as for the Ravens too. I think the ball is over for Miami, Darius Rucker will be crying after this one. Ravens win a tough one, 24-14.

This means that Baltimore is going to Tennessee and Indy is going to Pittsburgh.

Oh boy, I'd hate to be an offensive player in the BAL-TEN game. I like the Ravens to knock off the Titans to go to the AFC Championship game against Pittsburgh who will beat Indianapolis at home.

Meaning that Baltimore heads up to Pittsburgh for another rematch in the AFC Championship.

They'll be lucky if they combine for 20 points in this one, with Pittsburgh coming out on top to go to the Super Bowl against my TBD NFC pick.

Penn State v. USC in the Rose Bowl

The Penn State Nittany Lions have the pleasure of traveling all the way across the country to play a road game against Southern Cal today. Yikes, right?


A lot of people think that this game is gonna be a disaster from the opening gun. I disagree. I think Penn State has done some things this year to show that they have a definite chance to compete in this ball game. Joe Pa will have the troops ready to go. Don't be suprised if Penn State doesn't have the lead in this one for a bit. But, having said that, I don't think they will ultimately win the game, but it will be closer than everyone thinks. It's gonna be within two scores. I'll say USC wins 28-17.