I'm moving my blog to http://lifeonstandby.tumblr.com/
I will be primarily posting on that for a while, see how it goes.
So be sure to check that out now kids.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Madden Hangs 'Em Up
Long-time broadcaster John Madden has decided to call it quits after 30 years in the booth. Most of those years with his long-time partner Pat Summerall.
Madden was with CBS until 1994 when they lost the right to broadcast games. He then went to FOX until 2002. Then he left FOX to become the lead analyst for ABC's Monday Night Football with Al Michaels until 2006 when ESPN took over Monday Night Football. His latest job was with NBC on their "Sunday Night Football" with Al Michaels also.
Replacing Madden will be Cris Collinsworth. This is a shame. With the retirement of John Madden and the insertion of Collinsworthless, there has been a dark cloud placed over the game for a while.
I will miss John Madden on the mic. His insight was a little different but he was a familiar voice for me.
Madden was with CBS until 1994 when they lost the right to broadcast games. He then went to FOX until 2002. Then he left FOX to become the lead analyst for ABC's Monday Night Football with Al Michaels until 2006 when ESPN took over Monday Night Football. His latest job was with NBC on their "Sunday Night Football" with Al Michaels also.
Replacing Madden will be Cris Collinsworth. This is a shame. With the retirement of John Madden and the insertion of Collinsworthless, there has been a dark cloud placed over the game for a while.
I will miss John Madden on the mic. His insight was a little different but he was a familiar voice for me.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Let's Kick-Off The NHL Playoffs
The NHL playoffs are starting tonight. This is a pretty exciting time of year, it's the only time that anyone gives hockey any attention. Let's break it down:
Eastern Conference:
Boston (1) vs. Montreal (8) - I can't see Boston losing in the first round. They have more talent than the Habs. Milan Lucic is a stud. The Bruins can just out-physical Montreal all day. I'll take Boston 4-1.
Washington (2) vs. NY Rangers (7) - Alexander Ovechkin is a great player and he has a nice supporting cast around him as well in Semin, Backstrom, and Mike Green. The Rangers will have to be as aggressive as they have been since the new coach took over to have any success, their goaltending is better too. I think the Caps will win the series in seven games.
New Jersey (3) vs. Carolina (6) - The Devils are going to win this series. Marty Brodeur is the best netminder of all-time, and New Jersey is loaded with great players. Carolina has been playing better of late, since the trade deadline. I think New Jersey will slow them down. They'll win it 4-2.
Pittsburgh (4) vs. Philadelphia (5) - The easy choice here would be to take America's team in the Pittsburgh Pens, but I'm going the other way. Pittsburgh is overrated in my opinion. That doesn't mean it wont be close...Flyers in seven.
Second Round:
Boston vs. Philadelphia - Boston can't be stopped, to much intimidation. BOS 4-1.
Washington vs. New Jersey - New Jersey has a gigantic defensive advantage and wins the series in six.
Conference Finals:
Boston vs. New Jersey - This will be a good series, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that New Jersey has enough to go to the Cup.
Western Conference:
San Jose (1) vs. Anaheim (8) - The Sharks are too good to choke this time around. Devin Setoguchi has had a great year. The Sharks have more experience in the mold than do the Ducks. Joe Thornton is a god. I like San Jose in six games.
Detroit (2) vs. Columbus (7) - Detroit is way too good in every aspect to fall to the feel-good Blue Jackets. Columbus got in this year, but the Red Wings will teach them how to win it. Detroit 4-1.
Vancouver (3) vs. St. Louis (6) - If you would have told me that St. Louis would have made the post-season this year, I would have fallen over. But, they are in there, and they have to play the Canucks who have one of the best goalies in Roberto Luongo, and some of the game's best scorers. I like Vancouver in five games.
Chicago (4) vs. Calgary (5) - Calgary is probably the most talented team in the league in my opinion, but they formed the definition of backing into the playoffs this year. Chicago owned them in the season series, it should continue. CHI 4-2.
Second Round:
San Jose vs. Chicago - San Jose has more depth than Chicago. Advantage San Jose. SJ 4-2.
Detroit vs. Vancouver - Detroit shouldn't have a problem with the inconsistent Canucks. DET 4-1.
Conference Finals:
San Jose vs. Detroit - I hate to do this to myself, but I think Detroit is too much for San Jose. This is becoming a mini-rivalry. DET 4-2.
Lord Stanley's Cup:
New Jersey v. Detroit - Detroit is going to show the world that they are the best team from the this year's bunch. Datsyuk and the boys will be good against Brodeur. Hockeytown is going to be champs. DET 4-1.
Bucks Have Their Final Game
The Milwaukee Bucks have their final tilt of the '08-'09 season this evening in Indianopolis against the Pacers.
Thank Goodness.
I'm not going to sit here and give you a breakdown on each player, but I'll try to paint a picture.
The Bucks have some talent, better yet, a lot of talent.
Michael Redd is obviously a good player, but his season was cut short because he blew his knee out. He sometimes hogs the ball a bit, but he's good enough to do that.
Richard Jefferson didn't miss a game all year, and played pretty well. Same with Charlie Villanueva, Charlie had a great year in Redd's and Bogut's absence.
Ramon Sessions is a pretty PG in the making. He's got the ability to pass the ball well and score the ball well. A lot of people think they won't be able to keep both Sessions and Villanueva, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
I would have liked to see the first round pick Joe Alexander play more, but that's the way Scott Skiles does it. He did play "The Prince" Luc Mbah a Moute a ton, and he proved to be a great defender but not a scorer.
The Bucks improved from last year, but there's is still a lot of room for improvement in that organization.
Thank Goodness.
I'm not going to sit here and give you a breakdown on each player, but I'll try to paint a picture.
The Bucks have some talent, better yet, a lot of talent.
Michael Redd is obviously a good player, but his season was cut short because he blew his knee out. He sometimes hogs the ball a bit, but he's good enough to do that.
Richard Jefferson didn't miss a game all year, and played pretty well. Same with Charlie Villanueva, Charlie had a great year in Redd's and Bogut's absence.
Ramon Sessions is a pretty PG in the making. He's got the ability to pass the ball well and score the ball well. A lot of people think they won't be able to keep both Sessions and Villanueva, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
I would have liked to see the first round pick Joe Alexander play more, but that's the way Scott Skiles does it. He did play "The Prince" Luc Mbah a Moute a ton, and he proved to be a great defender but not a scorer.
The Bucks improved from last year, but there's is still a lot of room for improvement in that organization.
Isaiah's Triumphant Return
Isaiah Thomas is getting back into to the head coaching ranks. He signed on to be the man in Miami at Florida International University, a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
He wanted to be back in coaching so bad that he is going to coach for free this year. The money from his salary will be donated back to the school's athletic department.
Isaiah accepted this position with this school because he likes a challenge. He'll have his work cut out for him, FIU was 13-20 last year and 8-12 in Sun Belt play.
He wanted to be back in coaching so bad that he is going to coach for free this year. The money from his salary will be donated back to the school's athletic department.
Isaiah accepted this position with this school because he likes a challenge. He'll have his work cut out for him, FIU was 13-20 last year and 8-12 in Sun Belt play.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Duke Basketball Player Works Out for Pack
Former Duke Men's Basketball player Greg Paulus was a football player as well back in high school in upstate New York.
He hasn't played football since graduating in 2004. He's been focused on basketball since coming to Duke.
He worked out for the Green Bay Packers on the campus of Duke last week.
I wouldn't read a whole lot into it, as far as a Packers draft consideration, but it is pretty interesting to see a college basketball player try to make it as an NFL player.
He hasn't played football since graduating in 2004. He's been focused on basketball since coming to Duke.
He worked out for the Green Bay Packers on the campus of Duke last week.
I wouldn't read a whole lot into it, as far as a Packers draft consideration, but it is pretty interesting to see a college basketball player try to make it as an NFL player.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Brewers v. Cubs/Week 1 Wrap
I called for the Brewers to win 2 out of 3 games in this series, and it was right there.
If it weren't for an absolute hanger from Carlos Villanueva, the Brewers would have won Saturday night's game.
If it weren't for Reed Johnson robbing Prince Fielder of a Grand Slam in last night's game, the Brewers may have won that game as well. That Granny would have tied the game and had Miller Park rockin'.
Instead, the Brewers drop both of the games and fall to 2-4 on the young season. After watching every pitch of the series I can tell you this, the offense is struggling right now and the pitching is what we thought it would be...not very good.
Ryan Braun is now hitting .208 with 0 homers and 2 RBI. We need a lot better production from him.
Corey Hart still has the tendency to swing at the low and away sliders and curves. It's almost sickening. He's hitting .273 with two solo HRs.
Rickie Weeks has been a pleasant suprise so far this year. His defense has improved slightly. He's hitting .280 and leading the team in that department, but that's like being the smartest kid with Down's Syndrome at this point.
Everybody is striking out too much, but that's how the Brewers' hitters are. They are over-agressive at times. Prince Fielder is the king of over-agression when he comes up in a big spot like last night in the 9th.
Ken Macha's Grade: I'd prolly give Macha a C. He's still getting the hang of his players and the National League. But, selecting Suppan as the opening day starter was wrong.
I imagine that Macha and the boys can get us back on track with the Cincinnati Reds coming to town tonight.
If it weren't for an absolute hanger from Carlos Villanueva, the Brewers would have won Saturday night's game.
If it weren't for Reed Johnson robbing Prince Fielder of a Grand Slam in last night's game, the Brewers may have won that game as well. That Granny would have tied the game and had Miller Park rockin'.
Instead, the Brewers drop both of the games and fall to 2-4 on the young season. After watching every pitch of the series I can tell you this, the offense is struggling right now and the pitching is what we thought it would be...not very good.
Ryan Braun is now hitting .208 with 0 homers and 2 RBI. We need a lot better production from him.
Corey Hart still has the tendency to swing at the low and away sliders and curves. It's almost sickening. He's hitting .273 with two solo HRs.
Rickie Weeks has been a pleasant suprise so far this year. His defense has improved slightly. He's hitting .280 and leading the team in that department, but that's like being the smartest kid with Down's Syndrome at this point.
Everybody is striking out too much, but that's how the Brewers' hitters are. They are over-agressive at times. Prince Fielder is the king of over-agression when he comes up in a big spot like last night in the 9th.
Ken Macha's Grade: I'd prolly give Macha a C. He's still getting the hang of his players and the National League. But, selecting Suppan as the opening day starter was wrong.
I imagine that Macha and the boys can get us back on track with the Cincinnati Reds coming to town tonight.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Showdown is Set
Possibly the game's most underrated rivalry is ready for it's first installment of the 2009 season. The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs set to tangle this weekend.
Today's game kicks off a 3 game set and it's at 3:05 in Milwaukee with Rich Harden going for the Cubs, and Braden Looper making his Brewers debut for the home opener.
It's always a blast to watch these games. But, I have to keep my emotions in check as I watch them. If you held a gun to my head and made me make a prediction, I think the Brewers will 2 of the 3.
Today's game kicks off a 3 game set and it's at 3:05 in Milwaukee with Rich Harden going for the Cubs, and Braden Looper making his Brewers debut for the home opener.
It's always a blast to watch these games. But, I have to keep my emotions in check as I watch them. If you held a gun to my head and made me make a prediction, I think the Brewers will 2 of the 3.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
It Could Be A Long Year...
Now, don't get me wrong here, I'm not ready to jump off the bandwagon yet, and I know Charlie isn't ready to either, but wow. Come on, ten runs? To that offense? Let's get serious.
I couldn't sit or sleep on this one. I have to say something. Naturally, I have a lovely job that occupies the majority of my time during the weekdays. This includes, but is not limited to, the hours ranging from about 2 pm until roughly 9, depending on the day. Having said that, I don't get to physically watch the games, but I do get to listen to the radio. Speaking of the radio, you can't forget to mention Bob Uecker. Ueck is back for his 39th year in the booth as the voice of the Brewers. He is now joined by newcomer Cory Provus, who did a real nice job filling in for the departed Jim Powell, who sold out and went for greener pastures down in Atlanta. Cory sounds a lot like Jim, but Jim will never be forgotten.
Anyway, I got real hot to trot right off the bat in the bottom of the 1st when Suppan gave up a three-run triple to the Jap-American Travis Ishikawa. Then, when the Crew took the lead in the top half of the 4th, I was riding high. Low and behold, what does Sup do, when he gets the lead? He squanders it. Two-run job by Aaron Rowand. Instantly, but temporarily furious after I came to my senses and remembered it was only the 4th inning.
Then we bring in "Big Red" Seth McClung, who, suprisingly, looked lost out there. He allegedly had a great spring and I expect much better out of him. That was a Guillermo Mota performance except, maybe worse. Jorge Julio, another second-rate arm brought in by The 'Stache to help "shore up" the bullpen, gives up a dinger on the first damn pitch he throws of the '09 season to Randy Winn of all the players in the league. That especially got me fired up because I just dropped Randy Winn off my fantasy team this morning, and I'm getting destroyed at this very moment.
When she was all said and done the Brewers laid an egg and got blasted 10-6.
I just vented a bit in this one, but I would like to end it on a positive note as I always do... If we can't win it's okay, as long as the Chubs lose. They did so in the bottom of the 10th, on a Jeff Keppinger broken-bat single. Hey Chicago, what do ya say?
Go Brew Crew!
I couldn't sit or sleep on this one. I have to say something. Naturally, I have a lovely job that occupies the majority of my time during the weekdays. This includes, but is not limited to, the hours ranging from about 2 pm until roughly 9, depending on the day. Having said that, I don't get to physically watch the games, but I do get to listen to the radio. Speaking of the radio, you can't forget to mention Bob Uecker. Ueck is back for his 39th year in the booth as the voice of the Brewers. He is now joined by newcomer Cory Provus, who did a real nice job filling in for the departed Jim Powell, who sold out and went for greener pastures down in Atlanta. Cory sounds a lot like Jim, but Jim will never be forgotten.
Anyway, I got real hot to trot right off the bat in the bottom of the 1st when Suppan gave up a three-run triple to the Jap-American Travis Ishikawa. Then, when the Crew took the lead in the top half of the 4th, I was riding high. Low and behold, what does Sup do, when he gets the lead? He squanders it. Two-run job by Aaron Rowand. Instantly, but temporarily furious after I came to my senses and remembered it was only the 4th inning.
Then we bring in "Big Red" Seth McClung, who, suprisingly, looked lost out there. He allegedly had a great spring and I expect much better out of him. That was a Guillermo Mota performance except, maybe worse. Jorge Julio, another second-rate arm brought in by The 'Stache to help "shore up" the bullpen, gives up a dinger on the first damn pitch he throws of the '09 season to Randy Winn of all the players in the league. That especially got me fired up because I just dropped Randy Winn off my fantasy team this morning, and I'm getting destroyed at this very moment.
When she was all said and done the Brewers laid an egg and got blasted 10-6.
I just vented a bit in this one, but I would like to end it on a positive note as I always do... If we can't win it's okay, as long as the Chubs lose. They did so in the bottom of the 10th, on a Jeff Keppinger broken-bat single. Hey Chicago, what do ya say?
Go Brew Crew!
NCAA Tourney/2009 Season Wrap
Congratulations to the University of North Carolina Men's Basketball team on a fine season, as they brought home the title last night in convincing fashion.
The more I think about it I should have picked UNC to win it all, but I wanted to stick with my prediction of UConn before the year got underway. I went with UConn because they had, arguably, the best big man in Hasheem Thabeet to go along with two really good forward in Jeff Adrien and Stanley Robinson. Their guards weren't too shabby either. A.J. Price and Jerome Dyson were great. When Dyson went down for the year against Syracuse, that really hurt them in the depth department.
How 'bout them Badgers? They did what no one thought they would do when they beat FSU in the tourney. FSU had all the advantages, except for coaching. I would put Bo Ryan against any of the coaches in the nation. The man is a great coach. The Wisconsin Badgers had an up and down season but somehow fought themselves into the tourney where they got a W.
The Maryland Terrapins had an inconsistent year again. They made it into the Big Dance as a 10 seed and played well against the #7 California team in the first round. In the second round, they were completely overmatched against Memphis.
The Syracuse Orange had a good year going until they hit the brunt of the murderous Big East schedule with which, they struggled. They were able to get hot at the right time and get some key victories when they needed to, including that 6 OT thriller that everyone saw in the Big East tournament against UConn. They went in as a 3 seed, but fell to Blake Griffin and Oklahoma in the Sweet 16. It'll be interesting to see what happens with what Jonny Flynn decides to do with his future.
Overall, it was another great year of College Basketball. To be honest, however, I was a little disappointed in the excitement of this year's Big Dance. There weren't many really major upsets, outside of Cleveland State showing Wake Forest the door, but even there there wasn't that much drama required. If you want to call #12 Arizona beating #5 Utah in the first round an upset, god bless ya.
Let's hope the 2010 tourney brings a whole mess of drama to unfold before us.
Friday, April 3, 2009
2009 American League Outlook
With most teams breaking camp and heading home or, in the Brewers' case, to Los Angeles for two exhibition games and eventually to Frisco to take on the Giants in the opener, I'm going to preview the American League.
AL East:
1. New York Yankees - It's so hard to pick against the Yankees to win the East. They spend a fortune on high-priced free agents in hopes of righting the ship a bit. They should be able with CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, A-Roid, and the boys. I think they should and will win the East even though I don't like them.
2. Boston Red Sox - The Red Sox have a lot there. Jason Bay is a great player. Ortiz is a clutch power hitter. Dustin Pedroia is the reigning AL MVP. Jed Lowrie is a nice looking young Shortstop. I am a big Kevin Youkilis guy, the kid can really hit it and he's solid with the leather. The pitching is good, Jon Lester is a great story and is developing into a good pitcher. Their bullpen looks great on paper. If Josh Beckett can stay healthy they'll be in better shape. I believe that Boston will easily get the Wild Card spot.
3. Tampa Bay Rays - The defending AL pennant winners have the odds against once again as they begin their defense. Evan Longoria is one of the best young player in the game today. Carl Crawford is good. They add Pat Burrell and Gabe Kapler for outfield depth. Carlos Pena won't have nearly the year he did last year, and I think some of the pitching success was a bit of a fluke. Bottom line, they don't have enough to compete the Yanks and Sox.
4. Baltimore Orioles - The O's have one of the game's best leadoff men in Brian Roberts. I think Aubrey Huff is a solid hitter. Melvin Mora can make great contact with a touch of power. The hitting will be fine, it's the pitching that worries me. All no-namers. Brian Bass? Koji Uehara? I only recognize a few names in the Orioles pitching staff. In rookie catcher Matt Wieters there is hope. He won't be in Triple-A for very long.
5. Toronto Blue Jays - I don't think the Jays have enough this year do make any noise in the AL East. Scott Rolen is done. If Vernon Wells can stay healthy for once, they might get to 80 wins, but in the AL East it's gonna take 110 wins. Alex Rios is a good player. Roy Halladay is good but he's not getting any younger. They have decent talent but there just isn't enough.
AL Central:
1. Minnesota Twins - Can't argue with pitching, and the Twins have the best staff of the AL Central. They'll have a healthy Francisco Liriano to open the year, and with the rest of the staff they have they are the clear favorite. The Twins hitting is pretty good as well. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are great hitters. I like what Delmon Young brings too. The Twins should win a competitive AL Central.
2. Cleveland Indians - The addition of Mark DeRosa is a good one, he can play infield and outfield and can swing the bat. Grady Sizemore is one of my favorite players. The guy's a beast. The pitching is a bit more solid than the hitting for this club. Cliff Lee won't go 21-3 again and he had a tough spring, but he' still a good pitcher. They need Fausto Carmona to return to his 2007 form. Kerry Wood should solidify the closer's spot nicely.
3. Chicago White Sox - The White Sox look decent on paper but I think they aren't going to make the playoffs this year. Mark Buehrle and Jose Contreras are the best SP's on the staff, with Gavin Floyd as an honorable mention. The bullpen could be a bit shaky. Octavio Dotel and Scott Linebrink are a little inconsistent, but Bobby Jenks is the man. As for the offense, it's in good shape. Paul Konerko and Jim Thome can hit the long ball, and Carlos Quentin is an emerging star.
4. Detroit Tigers - Too many question marks for a team with the payroll that the Tigers have. Three of the best pitchers on the club (Dontrelle Willis, Jeremy Bonderman, and Joel Zumaya) are currently on the shelf. Brandon Lyon is making the transition to an AL closer this year. The offense is as potent as they come. Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez are obviously great, and Placido Polanco is, arguably, the best contact hitter in the league. Curtis Granderson is a heck of a lead-off man. I'd like to think the Tigers will be great, but it's too hard to think that.
5. Kansas City Royals - Crappy team, with an old stadium. It's tough to see the Royals making any progress. The only guy worth mentioning on the pitching staff is closer Joakim Soria. Alex Gordon is ready to breakout though, I believe. He hit 6 homers and batted .338 this spring. Other than that, there isn't much there.
AL West:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Whatever they're called these days, they still have the best team in divsion. The pitching is definitely solid. However, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Kelvim Escobar are all currently on the DL, but when they come back they'll be fine. They're pen doesn't strike me as unhittable especially after the loss of K-Rod, but Jose Arredondo is gonna be good. The offense is really good. Chone Figgins is one of the best lead-off hitters in the game. Torii Hunter and Vlad can bring the lumber. They weren't able to keep Teixeira, that would have helped but they should still have enough to get into the playoffs.
2. Oakland Athletics - The A's have a revamped lineup heading into 2009. Matt Holliday is an obvious stud. Jason Giambi is a "hella good" power hitter (yeah, I'll use some Oakland lingo). They add Nomar Garciaparra who is versatile. Orlando Cabrera is a large upgrade over Bobby Crosby. The pitching is underrated, especially in Chuck's eyes. They have solid pitching, Justin Duchsherer, Dana Eveland, and they have what scouts are calling "the best group of three young pitchers" in lefty Brett Anderson, and righties Vin Mazzaro and Trevor Cahill. Joey Devine is an up and coming closer. I think they'll be good this year, and when they're in contention they won't trade Matt Holliday.
3. Seattle Mariners - The pitching here is phenomenal. King Felix is the man. Erik Bedard should be good. The rotation is very good. The bullpen has a couple more question marks but they'll be solid. The hitting is always going to be good with Ichiro at the top getting on base, unfortunately he's starting the year on the DL with a bleeding ulcer. The return of Griffey makes everything right in the world again. They also added former Brewer Russell Branyan and 1B/DH Mike Sweeney. Adrian Beltre is good. What happened to Richie Sexson?
4. Texas Rangers - They just don't have what it takes to compete in the AL West. Josh Hamilton can only take them so far. Michael Young is none too happy about moving to 3B to make room for Elvis Andrus. They picked up Andruw Jones, but who knows with him? He's lost a step. They don't have a great deal of pitching either, Padilla and Millwood are the best starters and Joaquin Benoit and Eddie Guardado are the only guys I've heard of in the bullpen.
AL East:
1. New York Yankees - It's so hard to pick against the Yankees to win the East. They spend a fortune on high-priced free agents in hopes of righting the ship a bit. They should be able with CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, A-Roid, and the boys. I think they should and will win the East even though I don't like them.
2. Boston Red Sox - The Red Sox have a lot there. Jason Bay is a great player. Ortiz is a clutch power hitter. Dustin Pedroia is the reigning AL MVP. Jed Lowrie is a nice looking young Shortstop. I am a big Kevin Youkilis guy, the kid can really hit it and he's solid with the leather. The pitching is good, Jon Lester is a great story and is developing into a good pitcher. Their bullpen looks great on paper. If Josh Beckett can stay healthy they'll be in better shape. I believe that Boston will easily get the Wild Card spot.
3. Tampa Bay Rays - The defending AL pennant winners have the odds against once again as they begin their defense. Evan Longoria is one of the best young player in the game today. Carl Crawford is good. They add Pat Burrell and Gabe Kapler for outfield depth. Carlos Pena won't have nearly the year he did last year, and I think some of the pitching success was a bit of a fluke. Bottom line, they don't have enough to compete the Yanks and Sox.
4. Baltimore Orioles - The O's have one of the game's best leadoff men in Brian Roberts. I think Aubrey Huff is a solid hitter. Melvin Mora can make great contact with a touch of power. The hitting will be fine, it's the pitching that worries me. All no-namers. Brian Bass? Koji Uehara? I only recognize a few names in the Orioles pitching staff. In rookie catcher Matt Wieters there is hope. He won't be in Triple-A for very long.
5. Toronto Blue Jays - I don't think the Jays have enough this year do make any noise in the AL East. Scott Rolen is done. If Vernon Wells can stay healthy for once, they might get to 80 wins, but in the AL East it's gonna take 110 wins. Alex Rios is a good player. Roy Halladay is good but he's not getting any younger. They have decent talent but there just isn't enough.
AL Central:
1. Minnesota Twins - Can't argue with pitching, and the Twins have the best staff of the AL Central. They'll have a healthy Francisco Liriano to open the year, and with the rest of the staff they have they are the clear favorite. The Twins hitting is pretty good as well. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are great hitters. I like what Delmon Young brings too. The Twins should win a competitive AL Central.
2. Cleveland Indians - The addition of Mark DeRosa is a good one, he can play infield and outfield and can swing the bat. Grady Sizemore is one of my favorite players. The guy's a beast. The pitching is a bit more solid than the hitting for this club. Cliff Lee won't go 21-3 again and he had a tough spring, but he' still a good pitcher. They need Fausto Carmona to return to his 2007 form. Kerry Wood should solidify the closer's spot nicely.
3. Chicago White Sox - The White Sox look decent on paper but I think they aren't going to make the playoffs this year. Mark Buehrle and Jose Contreras are the best SP's on the staff, with Gavin Floyd as an honorable mention. The bullpen could be a bit shaky. Octavio Dotel and Scott Linebrink are a little inconsistent, but Bobby Jenks is the man. As for the offense, it's in good shape. Paul Konerko and Jim Thome can hit the long ball, and Carlos Quentin is an emerging star.
4. Detroit Tigers - Too many question marks for a team with the payroll that the Tigers have. Three of the best pitchers on the club (Dontrelle Willis, Jeremy Bonderman, and Joel Zumaya) are currently on the shelf. Brandon Lyon is making the transition to an AL closer this year. The offense is as potent as they come. Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez are obviously great, and Placido Polanco is, arguably, the best contact hitter in the league. Curtis Granderson is a heck of a lead-off man. I'd like to think the Tigers will be great, but it's too hard to think that.
5. Kansas City Royals - Crappy team, with an old stadium. It's tough to see the Royals making any progress. The only guy worth mentioning on the pitching staff is closer Joakim Soria. Alex Gordon is ready to breakout though, I believe. He hit 6 homers and batted .338 this spring. Other than that, there isn't much there.
AL West:
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Whatever they're called these days, they still have the best team in divsion. The pitching is definitely solid. However, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Kelvim Escobar are all currently on the DL, but when they come back they'll be fine. They're pen doesn't strike me as unhittable especially after the loss of K-Rod, but Jose Arredondo is gonna be good. The offense is really good. Chone Figgins is one of the best lead-off hitters in the game. Torii Hunter and Vlad can bring the lumber. They weren't able to keep Teixeira, that would have helped but they should still have enough to get into the playoffs.
2. Oakland Athletics - The A's have a revamped lineup heading into 2009. Matt Holliday is an obvious stud. Jason Giambi is a "hella good" power hitter (yeah, I'll use some Oakland lingo). They add Nomar Garciaparra who is versatile. Orlando Cabrera is a large upgrade over Bobby Crosby. The pitching is underrated, especially in Chuck's eyes. They have solid pitching, Justin Duchsherer, Dana Eveland, and they have what scouts are calling "the best group of three young pitchers" in lefty Brett Anderson, and righties Vin Mazzaro and Trevor Cahill. Joey Devine is an up and coming closer. I think they'll be good this year, and when they're in contention they won't trade Matt Holliday.
3. Seattle Mariners - The pitching here is phenomenal. King Felix is the man. Erik Bedard should be good. The rotation is very good. The bullpen has a couple more question marks but they'll be solid. The hitting is always going to be good with Ichiro at the top getting on base, unfortunately he's starting the year on the DL with a bleeding ulcer. The return of Griffey makes everything right in the world again. They also added former Brewer Russell Branyan and 1B/DH Mike Sweeney. Adrian Beltre is good. What happened to Richie Sexson?
4. Texas Rangers - They just don't have what it takes to compete in the AL West. Josh Hamilton can only take them so far. Michael Young is none too happy about moving to 3B to make room for Elvis Andrus. They picked up Andruw Jones, but who knows with him? He's lost a step. They don't have a great deal of pitching either, Padilla and Millwood are the best starters and Joaquin Benoit and Eddie Guardado are the only guys I've heard of in the bullpen.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Milwaukee Brewers Update
As we near the start of the 2009 MLB season (which opens up with the defending World Series champ Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves on Sunday night) I'd like to breakdown what's goin' on with the Crew.
-Trot Nixon was released. I wish I could have seen what Trot could go in a pinch hitting role. I bet he could have been good at that, but I'll never find out what he can do as a Brewer.
-Basically all of the prospects got sent to Triple-A. Mat Gamel, Alcides Escobar, Angel Salome. These guys are sure to make an appearance sometime this year. The book is not yet out on Casey McGehee and Brad Nelson.
-3B Mike Lamb decided to opt for free agency than go to Triple-A. Why wouldn't he? To be honest, I'm a little upset. I thought Lamb was a heck of a hitter for us last year. He'll prolly catch on somewhere else.
-Manager Ken Macha has made it almost official that Jeff Suppan will start opening day. I don't really understand why he is so against having Yovani take on the "pressure" of being an opening day starter. He'll be the ace probably after the All-Star break.
-The Crew is getting bit hard by the damn injury bug. Ryan Braun is always tweaking something. New pitchers Braden Looper and Trevor Hoffman probably won't be making appearance on opening day. The Do-it-all Craig Counsell has a bum knee. Let's hope these don't become major issues.
Another note, let's welcome Michael Fant to the blogging world shall we? He's a smart man when it comes to sports, other than the fact that he's a Chubs fan.
-Mitch
-Trot Nixon was released. I wish I could have seen what Trot could go in a pinch hitting role. I bet he could have been good at that, but I'll never find out what he can do as a Brewer.
-Basically all of the prospects got sent to Triple-A. Mat Gamel, Alcides Escobar, Angel Salome. These guys are sure to make an appearance sometime this year. The book is not yet out on Casey McGehee and Brad Nelson.
-3B Mike Lamb decided to opt for free agency than go to Triple-A. Why wouldn't he? To be honest, I'm a little upset. I thought Lamb was a heck of a hitter for us last year. He'll prolly catch on somewhere else.
-Manager Ken Macha has made it almost official that Jeff Suppan will start opening day. I don't really understand why he is so against having Yovani take on the "pressure" of being an opening day starter. He'll be the ace probably after the All-Star break.
-The Crew is getting bit hard by the damn injury bug. Ryan Braun is always tweaking something. New pitchers Braden Looper and Trevor Hoffman probably won't be making appearance on opening day. The Do-it-all Craig Counsell has a bum knee. Let's hope these don't become major issues.
Another note, let's welcome Michael Fant to the blogging world shall we? He's a smart man when it comes to sports, other than the fact that he's a Chubs fan.
-Mitch
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