11-5 once again last week and am now 42-22 for the season. Not bad, and now we have bye weeks so there is less margin for error. Didn't get this out before games started, but these are my legit picks, I promise.
Philadelphia @ Buffalo: Buffalo needs to rebound after a bad loss to Cincinnati last week, and they'll pull it off against the Iggles. I'll take Buffalo.
Kansas City @ Indianapolis: Both teams haven't been very good, but Indy should wake up at some point. Today is that point against a bad Chiefs team. Indy.
Arizona @ Minnesota: Arizona is dropping the ball in this one, but they were my pick, so I'll own it. I picked Arizona.
Seattle @ NY Giants: G-men should beat up on the Hawks. Giants.
Tennessee @ Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh still trying to show that they aren't too old, even though they are. I'll still take the Steelers.
New Orleans @ Carolina: Saints should take this one big time.
Cincinnati @ Jacksonville: Cincinnati has shown some good things despite their record. Against a bad Jacksonville team I think they'll keep going and pull out a win.
Oakland @ Houston: Houston is hoping to continue to prove they're the real deal. They'll have a tough win against the Raiders, but a win all the same.
Tampa Bay @ San Francisco: Both teams are better than they seem, but I think Tampa has the better squad overall.
San Diego @ Denver: San Diego, in a laugher. People will probably get their Tebow wish after this one, and he will show exactly how much he isn't the answer right now.
New York Jets @ New England: The home team seems to do better in this series lately, so I'll give the Pats the edge. Wouldn't be surprised if the Jets did win because they seem to know how to get to the Patriots.
Green Bay @ Atlanta: I'll take the Packers.
Chicago @ Detroit: Detroit needs to play better during the first half of the game, because they can't always come from behind as far as they have each game this season. I'll still take Detroit.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
NFL Week 4 Picks
10-6 last week for a total now 31-17. Hopefully I can do better this week.
Carolina @ Chicago: Carolina could put up a good fight in this one, but Chicago's defense is too good and Carolina's is not nearly good enough. Bears.
Buffalo @ Cincinnati: Buffalo is the real deal, they'll dominate Cincinnati, Bills.
Tennessee @ Cleveland: Not totally sure how Cleveland is favored in this game, I'll take the Titans.
Detroit @ Dallas: Detroit has a tough game here, and they have proven that they can come from behind. I think that Dallas manages to squeak one out at home. This should be a really good game.
Minnesota @ Kansas City: Minnesota really needs to get a win, as does KC. Minnesota has the better offense and should take this one.
Washington @ St. Louis: Washington wins this one in a much closer game than it should be.
San Francisco @ Philadelphia: Not much of a dream team thus far, the Eagles need to play a full game from start to finish. Not sure what happens with Mike Vick in this game, but the eagles really should win anyways. Iggles.
New Orleans @ Jacksonville: Jacksonville stinks, I'll go with the Saints, big time.
Pittsburgh @ Houston: Should be a good game, and this is one that the Texans need to be able to win to get over the hump and into the playoffs. I think Pittsburgh mamages to take this one in a close game.
New York Giants @ Arizona: G-men, easy.
Atlanta @ Seattle: Atlanta gets a gift in Seattle this week and starts to get back on track.
Denver @ Green Bay: Packers are going to kill the Broncos.
New England @ Oakland: Since New England's defense sucks so much, the Raiders could keep this close, but their defense isn't really good enough to keep them ahead. Pats.
Miami @ San Diego: Dolphins too inconsistent, and the Chargers may actually have found a way to start the season well. Miraculously, the Chargers start off 3-1 instead of 1-3.
New York Jets @ Baltimore: Jets have a tough road to run here, and it definitely doesn't get any easier in Baltimore. I'm gonna take the Ravens in this one.
Indianapolis @ Tampa Bay: So hard to gauge how Indy will play. Tampa is much better than they have been in the past, so I think the Bucs will take this one.
Carolina @ Chicago: Carolina could put up a good fight in this one, but Chicago's defense is too good and Carolina's is not nearly good enough. Bears.
Buffalo @ Cincinnati: Buffalo is the real deal, they'll dominate Cincinnati, Bills.
Tennessee @ Cleveland: Not totally sure how Cleveland is favored in this game, I'll take the Titans.
Detroit @ Dallas: Detroit has a tough game here, and they have proven that they can come from behind. I think that Dallas manages to squeak one out at home. This should be a really good game.
Minnesota @ Kansas City: Minnesota really needs to get a win, as does KC. Minnesota has the better offense and should take this one.
Washington @ St. Louis: Washington wins this one in a much closer game than it should be.
San Francisco @ Philadelphia: Not much of a dream team thus far, the Eagles need to play a full game from start to finish. Not sure what happens with Mike Vick in this game, but the eagles really should win anyways. Iggles.
New Orleans @ Jacksonville: Jacksonville stinks, I'll go with the Saints, big time.
Pittsburgh @ Houston: Should be a good game, and this is one that the Texans need to be able to win to get over the hump and into the playoffs. I think Pittsburgh mamages to take this one in a close game.
New York Giants @ Arizona: G-men, easy.
Atlanta @ Seattle: Atlanta gets a gift in Seattle this week and starts to get back on track.
Denver @ Green Bay: Packers are going to kill the Broncos.
New England @ Oakland: Since New England's defense sucks so much, the Raiders could keep this close, but their defense isn't really good enough to keep them ahead. Pats.
Miami @ San Diego: Dolphins too inconsistent, and the Chargers may actually have found a way to start the season well. Miraculously, the Chargers start off 3-1 instead of 1-3.
New York Jets @ Baltimore: Jets have a tough road to run here, and it definitely doesn't get any easier in Baltimore. I'm gonna take the Ravens in this one.
Indianapolis @ Tampa Bay: So hard to gauge how Indy will play. Tampa is much better than they have been in the past, so I think the Bucs will take this one.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tebow-Maniacs Making it Hard to be a Fan of the Broncos
Football season is back in full swing and normally that would have me in a fantastic mood, but there is a problem.
No, it doesn't really revolve around the fact that my Denver Broncos are 1-2 and don't seem very likely to pick up any more wins before their bye week. No, it doesn't have anything to do with the team's lack of a running game. No, it doesn't have anything to with the defense being inconsistent as all get out; and no, it has absolutely nothing to do with Kyle Orton.
It doesn't really have anything directly to do with Tim Tebow either, just the flock of nincompoops claiming that they know better than the entirety of the Denver Bronco organization and demand that Tebow be given a chance to start.
I have no issues with Tim Tebow himself. He's a hard working guy that is a great role model and is one heck of an athlete.
The issue I have is that other Denver Bronco fans are making it insanely difficult for many others of us to be Broncos fans. It's embarrassing!
It would be one thing if Tebow had clearly separated himself from the pack as the best quarterback and was still not being given a chance to perform, but that hasn't been the case.
So rather than let the coaches make the decisions we're made to listen to a non-stop parade of drivel that suggests Elway and Fox are playing political games and intentionally holding Tim Tebow down, to the detriment of the team.
One of my favorites involves the Broncos targeting Tebow as a scapegoat for the terrible decisions that Josh McDaniels made during his time as Denver head coach, and they are torturing Tim Tebow by relegating him to a back-up role he doesn't deserve all to punish him for being a draft pick of the boy king.
There are still several more saying that the Broncos are playing anti-Christian games because Tebow is so open about his religion.
I usually try to remain above name-calling and other things of that sort as I wish to keep my pieces professional, but when did Denver fans become so stupid?
Why are people so desperate to decide whether or not anybody knows something based on whether or not they support Tim Tebow?
Yes, Josh McDaniels was a terrible hire by the team and his very brief but all too long tenure as head coach made a lot of fans very skeptical about who was put in the head coaching position, but John Fox has been coaching in the NFL in one capacity or another since Josh McDaniels was still a young school boy.
There is not a single person in the Denver Broncos organization that wants Tim Tebow to fail because there is a lot of money invested in him. Moreover, he's a member of the team, and for anybody to insinuate that members of the front office would want any of the players that put their physical well-being on the line in order to make them money to fail is absolutely ludicrous.
Every single Denver Bronco fan out there wants Tim Tebow to succeed and be great, but that doesn't mean we have to throw him in there right away.
Let the coaches do their jobs, please. Let Tebow develop and learn how to be a pocket quarterback as our system calls for.
And please, stop spreading this divisive garbage that labels anybody critical of Tebow as a "Tebow-Hater" or person who doesn't want the Broncos to do well.
You are the incredibly loud and annoying minority that is making it very hard to be a fan of the Denver Broncos right now.
No, it doesn't really revolve around the fact that my Denver Broncos are 1-2 and don't seem very likely to pick up any more wins before their bye week. No, it doesn't have anything to do with the team's lack of a running game. No, it doesn't have anything to with the defense being inconsistent as all get out; and no, it has absolutely nothing to do with Kyle Orton.
It doesn't really have anything directly to do with Tim Tebow either, just the flock of nincompoops claiming that they know better than the entirety of the Denver Bronco organization and demand that Tebow be given a chance to start.
I have no issues with Tim Tebow himself. He's a hard working guy that is a great role model and is one heck of an athlete.
The issue I have is that other Denver Bronco fans are making it insanely difficult for many others of us to be Broncos fans. It's embarrassing!
It would be one thing if Tebow had clearly separated himself from the pack as the best quarterback and was still not being given a chance to perform, but that hasn't been the case.
So rather than let the coaches make the decisions we're made to listen to a non-stop parade of drivel that suggests Elway and Fox are playing political games and intentionally holding Tim Tebow down, to the detriment of the team.
One of my favorites involves the Broncos targeting Tebow as a scapegoat for the terrible decisions that Josh McDaniels made during his time as Denver head coach, and they are torturing Tim Tebow by relegating him to a back-up role he doesn't deserve all to punish him for being a draft pick of the boy king.
There are still several more saying that the Broncos are playing anti-Christian games because Tebow is so open about his religion.
I usually try to remain above name-calling and other things of that sort as I wish to keep my pieces professional, but when did Denver fans become so stupid?
Why are people so desperate to decide whether or not anybody knows something based on whether or not they support Tim Tebow?
Yes, Josh McDaniels was a terrible hire by the team and his very brief but all too long tenure as head coach made a lot of fans very skeptical about who was put in the head coaching position, but John Fox has been coaching in the NFL in one capacity or another since Josh McDaniels was still a young school boy.
There is not a single person in the Denver Broncos organization that wants Tim Tebow to fail because there is a lot of money invested in him. Moreover, he's a member of the team, and for anybody to insinuate that members of the front office would want any of the players that put their physical well-being on the line in order to make them money to fail is absolutely ludicrous.
Every single Denver Bronco fan out there wants Tim Tebow to succeed and be great, but that doesn't mean we have to throw him in there right away.
Let the coaches do their jobs, please. Let Tebow develop and learn how to be a pocket quarterback as our system calls for.
And please, stop spreading this divisive garbage that labels anybody critical of Tebow as a "Tebow-Hater" or person who doesn't want the Broncos to do well.
You are the incredibly loud and annoying minority that is making it very hard to be a fan of the Denver Broncos right now.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
NFL Week 3 Picks
10-6 in week 1, 11-5 in week 2. 21-11 overall. Let's keep the good times rolling for week 3 of the NFL season!
New England @ Buffalo: Buffalo has played well to start the season, but they may have issues stopping New England's high powered offense. This will be a better game than people expect, but I'll take the Pats.
San Francisco @ Cincinnati: Cincinnati stinks and San Francisco has a much better team than people think. This may be in Cinci, but I can't really see the Bungles taking this one. Niners.
Miami @ Cleveland: Cleveland is such a hard team to figure. They can play really well or will completely stink. Miami has a lot of weapons and just needs to figure out how to get them all on the same page. They'll beat Cleveland, but not by as much as they should.
Denver @ Tennessee: Tennessee will dominate the Broncs, and the Denver faithful will continue to not shut up about Tim Tebow, though the rest of us who actually understand the game is more than just being a likeable person will wish they would shut up.
Detroit @ Minnesota: Detroit is taking a lot of teams by surprise, and the Vikes can't get it going. Lions continue a march to the playoffs and go 3-0.
Houston @ New Orleans: Should be a good game between some high powered offenses. The Saints D will be more opportunistic and take advantage of the injured Arian Foster who continues to screw my fantasy team.
New York Giants @ Philadelphia: G-men may be able to drive Vick from the game if they are able to hit him hard. Vick should focus more on finishing a full game rather than reminding fans of the score. He may have paid his debt to society, but he's still an arrogant prick, pardon me. Still, Eagles should win this one.
Jacksonville @ Carolina: Newton is playing very well despite the two losses. Jacksonville really is hard to tell what they will do, but they aren't a winning team. Jack Del Rio will be looking for a new job before the end of the year, I think and the Panthers will help that along by beating Jacksonville.
New York Jets @ Oakland: Jets are going to handle the Raiders pretty easily here, in my opinion.
Baltimore @ St. Louis: Baltimore really dropped the ball in week 2 and should be mad coming into week 3. The Rams are going to feel the wrath here.
Kansas City @ San Diego: The Chiefs shocked the Chargers in San Diego last year, but I don't really see that happening this year. Of course, this is the Chargers so stinking in the first half of the season is what they do best. You never know, but I'll take the Chargers in this one.
Green Bay @ Chicago: Packers will be in Cutler's face all day long. Packers will remind everybody why they are the champs once again.
Arizona @ Seattle: Seattle stinks, Arizona should take this one.
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay: Tampa has a good team, but they just can't seem to put it all together yet. I'll take the Falcons in a very competitive game.
Pittsburgh @ Indianapolis: This one is going to be very ugly. No Manning, Steelers will dominate. I'm glad I have their defense as my fantasy defense.
Washington @ Dallas: Dallas pulled off a big comeback win last week, hopefully they don't have the same issues this week. I think they'll have a tough time with the pesky Skins, but will find a way to win.
New England @ Buffalo: Buffalo has played well to start the season, but they may have issues stopping New England's high powered offense. This will be a better game than people expect, but I'll take the Pats.
San Francisco @ Cincinnati: Cincinnati stinks and San Francisco has a much better team than people think. This may be in Cinci, but I can't really see the Bungles taking this one. Niners.
Miami @ Cleveland: Cleveland is such a hard team to figure. They can play really well or will completely stink. Miami has a lot of weapons and just needs to figure out how to get them all on the same page. They'll beat Cleveland, but not by as much as they should.
Denver @ Tennessee: Tennessee will dominate the Broncs, and the Denver faithful will continue to not shut up about Tim Tebow, though the rest of us who actually understand the game is more than just being a likeable person will wish they would shut up.
Detroit @ Minnesota: Detroit is taking a lot of teams by surprise, and the Vikes can't get it going. Lions continue a march to the playoffs and go 3-0.
Houston @ New Orleans: Should be a good game between some high powered offenses. The Saints D will be more opportunistic and take advantage of the injured Arian Foster who continues to screw my fantasy team.
New York Giants @ Philadelphia: G-men may be able to drive Vick from the game if they are able to hit him hard. Vick should focus more on finishing a full game rather than reminding fans of the score. He may have paid his debt to society, but he's still an arrogant prick, pardon me. Still, Eagles should win this one.
Jacksonville @ Carolina: Newton is playing very well despite the two losses. Jacksonville really is hard to tell what they will do, but they aren't a winning team. Jack Del Rio will be looking for a new job before the end of the year, I think and the Panthers will help that along by beating Jacksonville.
New York Jets @ Oakland: Jets are going to handle the Raiders pretty easily here, in my opinion.
Baltimore @ St. Louis: Baltimore really dropped the ball in week 2 and should be mad coming into week 3. The Rams are going to feel the wrath here.
Kansas City @ San Diego: The Chiefs shocked the Chargers in San Diego last year, but I don't really see that happening this year. Of course, this is the Chargers so stinking in the first half of the season is what they do best. You never know, but I'll take the Chargers in this one.
Green Bay @ Chicago: Packers will be in Cutler's face all day long. Packers will remind everybody why they are the champs once again.
Arizona @ Seattle: Seattle stinks, Arizona should take this one.
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay: Tampa has a good team, but they just can't seem to put it all together yet. I'll take the Falcons in a very competitive game.
Pittsburgh @ Indianapolis: This one is going to be very ugly. No Manning, Steelers will dominate. I'm glad I have their defense as my fantasy defense.
Washington @ Dallas: Dallas pulled off a big comeback win last week, hopefully they don't have the same issues this week. I think they'll have a tough time with the pesky Skins, but will find a way to win.
Friday, September 16, 2011
NFL Week 2 Picks
10-6 after week 1. Here's hoping for a strong week 2! I think we've got a great line up of games for the week. Check it out and tell me who you got!
Oakland @ Buffalo: Buffalo may be a surprise in the AFC this year. Oakland managed to hold on against the Broncos in week 1, and will need a lot of help from their running game in order to stay unbeaten. The Bills at a team that are going to be overlooked by almost every team in the league and that will be to their advantage. I'll take Buffalo.
Kansas City @ Detroit: Detroit is a strong team this year, there is no denying that. Kansas City stumbled out of the blocks and will be looking to right their ship quickly, but the Lions are ready to prove that they are able to play with anybody. They'll continue to show they are a playoff caliber team with a win over the Chiefs.
Baltimore @ Tennessee: Tennessee will be creamed in this one. Baltimore destroyed the Steelers and will continue to hammer the Titans. This one will be ugly.
Cleveland @ Indianapolis: Cleveland blew it against a Bengals team that is not very good. The Colts had a horrible showing in week 1, but I think that they are still better than the Browns, so long as Kerry Collins can remember the color of his own team's jersey. Colts.
Tampa Bay @ Minnesota: Minnesota had a horrible game plan against the Chargers. Blame McNabb if you want, but when they refused to go away from run, run, third and long they did them. McNabb made a lot of good plays for the Vikes in week one and then the play calling just stunk in the second half. I think the coaches learned their lesson in game 2.
Chicago @ New Orleans: This should be a pretty good game, but the Saints will get to the Bears' QB often. When Cutler is pressured even a little bit he gets very wreckless. Saints take this.
Jacksonville @ New York Jets: Jacksonville is in trouble. It's going to be a long season for them, I think. Jets take this one.
Seattle @ Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh gets the perfect make-up opponent after getting destroyed by Baltimore. Seattle stinks and the Steelers will blow the Seahawks out.
Arizona @ Washington: Washington is favored, but Rex Grossman is probably the most inconsistent quarterback in the league. He played alright last week, but he'll remember who he is this week. The Cards will take this one.
Green Bay @ Carolina: Carolina stinks, the Packers are very good. Another lopsided victory for the Pack.
Dallas @ San Francisco: Dallas is very skilled and San Francisco struggles for consistency. San Francisco has the potential to win this game, but I don't think they will. Boys get the win.
Cincinnati @ Denver: Denver is not very good and have a lot of injuries after just one week, but Cincinnati is still pretty awful. Denver will have to be better against the run, and if they are they will take this one. I see a Broncos win and a big day for Kyle Orton.
Houston @ Miami: Chad Henne played great against the Pats, and will have to repeat that in order to beat the Texans. I don't see that happening. Texans win this one.
San Diego @ New England: Game of the week, right here. Two great offenses and darn good teams. Chargers never win in big games, that just is their MO, and it will continue. Pats win in a good game.
Philadelphia @ Atlanta: Atlanta really HAS to come out and win this one but they go up against a very loaded Eagles team. Philly wins a close one.
St. Louis @ New York Giants: G-men need to rebound and get the right team to rebound against. G-men win running away.
Oakland @ Buffalo: Buffalo may be a surprise in the AFC this year. Oakland managed to hold on against the Broncos in week 1, and will need a lot of help from their running game in order to stay unbeaten. The Bills at a team that are going to be overlooked by almost every team in the league and that will be to their advantage. I'll take Buffalo.
Kansas City @ Detroit: Detroit is a strong team this year, there is no denying that. Kansas City stumbled out of the blocks and will be looking to right their ship quickly, but the Lions are ready to prove that they are able to play with anybody. They'll continue to show they are a playoff caliber team with a win over the Chiefs.
Baltimore @ Tennessee: Tennessee will be creamed in this one. Baltimore destroyed the Steelers and will continue to hammer the Titans. This one will be ugly.
Cleveland @ Indianapolis: Cleveland blew it against a Bengals team that is not very good. The Colts had a horrible showing in week 1, but I think that they are still better than the Browns, so long as Kerry Collins can remember the color of his own team's jersey. Colts.
Tampa Bay @ Minnesota: Minnesota had a horrible game plan against the Chargers. Blame McNabb if you want, but when they refused to go away from run, run, third and long they did them. McNabb made a lot of good plays for the Vikes in week one and then the play calling just stunk in the second half. I think the coaches learned their lesson in game 2.
Chicago @ New Orleans: This should be a pretty good game, but the Saints will get to the Bears' QB often. When Cutler is pressured even a little bit he gets very wreckless. Saints take this.
Jacksonville @ New York Jets: Jacksonville is in trouble. It's going to be a long season for them, I think. Jets take this one.
Seattle @ Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh gets the perfect make-up opponent after getting destroyed by Baltimore. Seattle stinks and the Steelers will blow the Seahawks out.
Arizona @ Washington: Washington is favored, but Rex Grossman is probably the most inconsistent quarterback in the league. He played alright last week, but he'll remember who he is this week. The Cards will take this one.
Green Bay @ Carolina: Carolina stinks, the Packers are very good. Another lopsided victory for the Pack.
Dallas @ San Francisco: Dallas is very skilled and San Francisco struggles for consistency. San Francisco has the potential to win this game, but I don't think they will. Boys get the win.
Cincinnati @ Denver: Denver is not very good and have a lot of injuries after just one week, but Cincinnati is still pretty awful. Denver will have to be better against the run, and if they are they will take this one. I see a Broncos win and a big day for Kyle Orton.
Houston @ Miami: Chad Henne played great against the Pats, and will have to repeat that in order to beat the Texans. I don't see that happening. Texans win this one.
San Diego @ New England: Game of the week, right here. Two great offenses and darn good teams. Chargers never win in big games, that just is their MO, and it will continue. Pats win in a good game.
Philadelphia @ Atlanta: Atlanta really HAS to come out and win this one but they go up against a very loaded Eagles team. Philly wins a close one.
St. Louis @ New York Giants: G-men need to rebound and get the right team to rebound against. G-men win running away.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Welcome Back NFL! Week 1 Picks
After a bit of a long delay on this site, the NFL season is now back upon us which means it's time to get my weekly picks going yet again. So let the fun begin!
New Orleans @ Green Bay: Green Bay will open up the season on a positive note and win their first game as defending Super Bowl Champs.
Atlanta @ Chicago: Chicago still doesn't have an offensive line, and the Falcons are still very good. I think Atlanta gets their season started off the right way, and Jay Cutler gets re-introduced to the turf.
Cincinnati @ Cleveland: Cinci went from being a respectable team to pretty much nothing. No offense, no quarterback, and a weak defense. Cleveland and Peyton Hillis will run over the Bungles.
Buffalo @ Kansas City: KC won the AFC West last year and are a very good team. They will make short work of the Bills.
Philadelphia @ St. Louis: St. Louis got better this year, but Philly went NUTS. Philly is definitely the better team and will prove it early and often in this game.
Detroit @ Tampa Bay: Two teams that could surprise a lot of people this year. I think Detroit's young defense with Fairly and Suh leading the way will make a lot of trouble for Tampa, and Stafford will get megatron a few TDs in a win.
Tennessee @ Jacksonville: Tennessee has to rely on the ever injured Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback. Jacksonville is more complete of a team, and I think they'll take this first one.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: One of the best rivalries going today, the home team definitely has an advantage in these defensive battle. I'll take the Ravens.
Indianapolis @ Houston: No Peyton Manning always means trouble for the Colts. He's too important to the success of his team. Even if he does play, he won't be at 100%. Houston always gives the Colts fits, they will start off strong and beat Indy at home.
Carolina @ Arizona: Even with Cam Newton, Carolina stinks. He may be able to get them a few more points they wouldn't get otherwise, but Arizona is still better. Cards.
Minnesota @ San Diego: San Diego is favored big time in this game, but I think this is a prime time upset game. San Diego always starts slow and Norv Turner can do nothing about it it seems. Minnesota will take advantage of this and win game 1 of the Donovan McNabb era.
Seattle @ San Francisco: Seattle is just awful. Tavares Jackson won't solve anything. San Fran isn't much better, but they are better. Niners.
New York Giants @ Washington: Rex Grossman apparently likes where the Skins are, but he's the only one. The G-men take this one.
Dallas @ New York Jets: The Jets never get enough respect, all they've done is get to 2 AFC title games in a row and come up just short. They'll take the Cowboys down this time.
New England @ Miami: New England is too much.
Oakland @ Denver: The Broncos have some really impressive home opener win streak going that I don't think will stop now. They're out to prove that they are a better team, and John Fox will have them ready to go. Tebow WON'T play in a week one victory. Watch VonDoom reek havoc on the Raiders offense.
New Orleans @ Green Bay: Green Bay will open up the season on a positive note and win their first game as defending Super Bowl Champs.
Atlanta @ Chicago: Chicago still doesn't have an offensive line, and the Falcons are still very good. I think Atlanta gets their season started off the right way, and Jay Cutler gets re-introduced to the turf.
Cincinnati @ Cleveland: Cinci went from being a respectable team to pretty much nothing. No offense, no quarterback, and a weak defense. Cleveland and Peyton Hillis will run over the Bungles.
Buffalo @ Kansas City: KC won the AFC West last year and are a very good team. They will make short work of the Bills.
Philadelphia @ St. Louis: St. Louis got better this year, but Philly went NUTS. Philly is definitely the better team and will prove it early and often in this game.
Detroit @ Tampa Bay: Two teams that could surprise a lot of people this year. I think Detroit's young defense with Fairly and Suh leading the way will make a lot of trouble for Tampa, and Stafford will get megatron a few TDs in a win.
Tennessee @ Jacksonville: Tennessee has to rely on the ever injured Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback. Jacksonville is more complete of a team, and I think they'll take this first one.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: One of the best rivalries going today, the home team definitely has an advantage in these defensive battle. I'll take the Ravens.
Indianapolis @ Houston: No Peyton Manning always means trouble for the Colts. He's too important to the success of his team. Even if he does play, he won't be at 100%. Houston always gives the Colts fits, they will start off strong and beat Indy at home.
Carolina @ Arizona: Even with Cam Newton, Carolina stinks. He may be able to get them a few more points they wouldn't get otherwise, but Arizona is still better. Cards.
Minnesota @ San Diego: San Diego is favored big time in this game, but I think this is a prime time upset game. San Diego always starts slow and Norv Turner can do nothing about it it seems. Minnesota will take advantage of this and win game 1 of the Donovan McNabb era.
Seattle @ San Francisco: Seattle is just awful. Tavares Jackson won't solve anything. San Fran isn't much better, but they are better. Niners.
New York Giants @ Washington: Rex Grossman apparently likes where the Skins are, but he's the only one. The G-men take this one.
Dallas @ New York Jets: The Jets never get enough respect, all they've done is get to 2 AFC title games in a row and come up just short. They'll take the Cowboys down this time.
New England @ Miami: New England is too much.
Oakland @ Denver: The Broncos have some really impressive home opener win streak going that I don't think will stop now. They're out to prove that they are a better team, and John Fox will have them ready to go. Tebow WON'T play in a week one victory. Watch VonDoom reek havoc on the Raiders offense.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Colorado Avalanche Fans: Join Burgundy Brigade
Over the past season for the Avalanche, it became awfully tough to watch the games, especially in the second half of the season when the team only won about 4 games in the last 30.
At one point, later in the season, I had the good fortune of attending an Avalanche game with the Bulldog Support Group that supports the Denver MLS team, the Colorado Rapids. I wrote an earlier piece on them here
Two things happened at this game for me. First, I was absolutely disgusted by some of the fans. There was a kid sitting about five rows down from me who had an iPad that he played for the entire game. Never looked up once, except maybe to eat his food or drink his soda. Never looked at the game at all.
There were also a couple of ladies sitting in front of us who seemed put off by the fact that our whole group wanted to cheer through the game. Apparently the real fans were messing up their chance to have a nice quiet talk. Sorry sister, if you're at a hockey game, you should be there to make some noise.
Second, the BSG is loud, cheers, sings, chants, the whole game, and I had so much fun that they inspired me to get rolling with my own group for the Avalanche.
After tossing an idea or two around the Twitterverse, about 4 of us came up with what we want to call it and what we can to try and do with it. The group is called The Burgundy Brigade.
Our mission is to bring excitement, passion, and a real enjoyable environment back to the Pepsi Center and cheer for the team no matter what.
We've made a lot of progress since the start. We have our own web page, we have a facebook page, we have a Twitter, @BurgundyBrigade, and we're attempting to get some networking going with the Avs.
So this is my call to all Avalanche fans who are tired of being outcheered by the opponents fans. Fans who want to turn the Pepsi Center back into a place feared by opponents.
Let's do this!
At one point, later in the season, I had the good fortune of attending an Avalanche game with the Bulldog Support Group that supports the Denver MLS team, the Colorado Rapids. I wrote an earlier piece on them here
Two things happened at this game for me. First, I was absolutely disgusted by some of the fans. There was a kid sitting about five rows down from me who had an iPad that he played for the entire game. Never looked up once, except maybe to eat his food or drink his soda. Never looked at the game at all.
There were also a couple of ladies sitting in front of us who seemed put off by the fact that our whole group wanted to cheer through the game. Apparently the real fans were messing up their chance to have a nice quiet talk. Sorry sister, if you're at a hockey game, you should be there to make some noise.
Second, the BSG is loud, cheers, sings, chants, the whole game, and I had so much fun that they inspired me to get rolling with my own group for the Avalanche.
After tossing an idea or two around the Twitterverse, about 4 of us came up with what we want to call it and what we can to try and do with it. The group is called The Burgundy Brigade.
Our mission is to bring excitement, passion, and a real enjoyable environment back to the Pepsi Center and cheer for the team no matter what.
We've made a lot of progress since the start. We have our own web page, we have a facebook page, we have a Twitter, @BurgundyBrigade, and we're attempting to get some networking going with the Avs.
So this is my call to all Avalanche fans who are tired of being outcheered by the opponents fans. Fans who want to turn the Pepsi Center back into a place feared by opponents.
Let's do this!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Golf Journal: South Suburban
This was kind of a fun round for me because this was the course that I played on when I was a kid.
I had a bit of a delay in posting about this one, I played the day before Father's Day, due to house-sitting and getting ready to move and doing a lot of writing for Bleacher Report, etc...
It was a perfect day for golfing, no wind or anything, and I felt good.
The day started off really well, I hit greens in regulation on the first three holes right in a row, but couldn't sink a putt to save my life.
There was a bit of a road block when we hit a par 3 at hole number four. Some guys about three groups ahead of us were taking way too long to play, and the group right in front of us was slow for the entire front nine, always waiting until the group in front of them was either on the green or walking off of the green in order to hit (even on the long par 5's.
Hole 4 was bad because we waited about 25 minutes before we could hit our tee shots, and hole 5 I spent trying to get my rhythm back.
By hole 6, I seemed to be more or less back in the swing of things, if you'll pardon the word play.
I ended up finishing the front nine with a 46, not too bad.
The back nine was far better for everybody. It seems the people who were really holding things up got off of the course, and my group didn't have to sit and wait for anything.
Hole 11 was kind of my crowning achievement of the day. It is a shorter par 5, about 490 from the white tees that is pretty tough because the whole left side is bordered by trees and a little ravine. About 250 in, there is a gulch where the ball is playable, but you would play it out of the rough.
I hit my drive just short of the gulch, and a bit on the right side, so I had a straight, clear look at the green and was only about 220 out, according to my little caddie app.
So pulled out my 3 wood and bombed it. The ball clipped the leaves of one of the trees, but if anything that helped me. The ball scooted onto the middle of the green and stopped about 15 feet from the cup, on in 2. Gave it a good putt, and it broke just a bit more before the hole, leaving me a little tap in for birdie. Totally legit!
Next hole stunk, but I kept a pretty consistent game the rest of the back nine, including another birdie on a pretty tough par 4 that has a beast of a green.
I finished up the back nine with 42, and carded an 88 for the day. I was quite happy, all-in-all.
Walked the whole time as well since my wife had just gotten me a nice push cart for my clubs that day. Now I can walk 18 but not have to carry the whole thing on my back, which stinks.
Can't wait to get out again, because I'm really feeling it this summer.
I had a bit of a delay in posting about this one, I played the day before Father's Day, due to house-sitting and getting ready to move and doing a lot of writing for Bleacher Report, etc...
It was a perfect day for golfing, no wind or anything, and I felt good.
The day started off really well, I hit greens in regulation on the first three holes right in a row, but couldn't sink a putt to save my life.
There was a bit of a road block when we hit a par 3 at hole number four. Some guys about three groups ahead of us were taking way too long to play, and the group right in front of us was slow for the entire front nine, always waiting until the group in front of them was either on the green or walking off of the green in order to hit (even on the long par 5's.
Hole 4 was bad because we waited about 25 minutes before we could hit our tee shots, and hole 5 I spent trying to get my rhythm back.
By hole 6, I seemed to be more or less back in the swing of things, if you'll pardon the word play.
I ended up finishing the front nine with a 46, not too bad.
The back nine was far better for everybody. It seems the people who were really holding things up got off of the course, and my group didn't have to sit and wait for anything.
Hole 11 was kind of my crowning achievement of the day. It is a shorter par 5, about 490 from the white tees that is pretty tough because the whole left side is bordered by trees and a little ravine. About 250 in, there is a gulch where the ball is playable, but you would play it out of the rough.
I hit my drive just short of the gulch, and a bit on the right side, so I had a straight, clear look at the green and was only about 220 out, according to my little caddie app.
So pulled out my 3 wood and bombed it. The ball clipped the leaves of one of the trees, but if anything that helped me. The ball scooted onto the middle of the green and stopped about 15 feet from the cup, on in 2. Gave it a good putt, and it broke just a bit more before the hole, leaving me a little tap in for birdie. Totally legit!
Next hole stunk, but I kept a pretty consistent game the rest of the back nine, including another birdie on a pretty tough par 4 that has a beast of a green.
I finished up the back nine with 42, and carded an 88 for the day. I was quite happy, all-in-all.
Walked the whole time as well since my wife had just gotten me a nice push cart for my clubs that day. Now I can walk 18 but not have to carry the whole thing on my back, which stinks.
Can't wait to get out again, because I'm really feeling it this summer.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sin Bin On the Bleacher Report!
Hey guys,
I know that I've been very sparse posting on the home blog site here. I have been doing a lot of work for Bleacher Report, and haven't had a lot of stories that translate to both places here.
I just posted several stories that I ran on B/R as well, but haven't had a lot of Avalanche/Bronco specific things to do.
I don't believe there will be an NFL season this coming year, but with the NHL draft and the start of a new NHL season, I will be back with much more consistent work.
Plus, I had been hoping that I would see more from A-Mac with the NBA and with MLB as well.
I'll have to get on her about that.
At any rate, if you've been following along, I really appreciate it, and I'll try and do better for you as we go along.
There have been a few projects I've been working on.
First, obviously, is the Bleacher Report. Here is a link to my profile page, please feel free to check out the many other things that I've been writing. I also try to post each of those B/R pieces to my Facebook page.
Apparently FB is redoing their group pages, so I may have to re-invite everybody to this at some point, not quite sure when.
Hope all your summers are off to an amazing start, and will continue that way. We'll see more of you soon!
KG
I know that I've been very sparse posting on the home blog site here. I have been doing a lot of work for Bleacher Report, and haven't had a lot of stories that translate to both places here.
I just posted several stories that I ran on B/R as well, but haven't had a lot of Avalanche/Bronco specific things to do.
I don't believe there will be an NFL season this coming year, but with the NHL draft and the start of a new NHL season, I will be back with much more consistent work.
Plus, I had been hoping that I would see more from A-Mac with the NBA and with MLB as well.
I'll have to get on her about that.
At any rate, if you've been following along, I really appreciate it, and I'll try and do better for you as we go along.
There have been a few projects I've been working on.
First, obviously, is the Bleacher Report. Here is a link to my profile page, please feel free to check out the many other things that I've been writing. I also try to post each of those B/R pieces to my Facebook page.
Apparently FB is redoing their group pages, so I may have to re-invite everybody to this at some point, not quite sure when.
Hope all your summers are off to an amazing start, and will continue that way. We'll see more of you soon!
KG
Chris Drury Being Bought out By NY Rangers? Could This Spark a Return to Colorado?
According to a report released by NHL.com today, the New York Rangers are considering buying out the last year team captain Chris Drury's contract.
The 34-year-old Drury, who will be 35 before the start of next season, was limited in action this year due to injury.
He played in only 24 games, scored only one goal (which happened to be in the last game of the season to the Rangers clinch a playoff spot) and had four assists. A very disappointing season all-in-all.
If the Rangers were to buy Drury out of his contract, Drury would become an unrestricted free agent, capable of signing with whomever he pleases.
So, if Chris Drury does become available, would it make sense for the Colorado Avalanche to try and snap him up?
The first question to answer regarding a return to the Avalanche would have to be: What kind of contract he would get?
Drury, as I mentioned, is going to be turning 35 this offseason and is coming off of the least productive season of his career.
He is scheduled to make $5 million in the last year of his contract but will very likely not command the same sort of money that he did when he initially signed with the Rangers.
This is due to three things. First, he's coming off the least productive season of his career.
Second, he was injured most of this season.
Third, he's much older and his chances of scoring up to 30 goals are not very good.
That being said, the Avalanche really won't have to worry too much about what kind of contract he is going to want, as they will have close to $30 million in cap space to deal with when free agency begins.
Next question to consider is whether or not this is even a good idea.
Drury's 35, and he doesn't really fit the mold of the Avalanche mantra of "building from within." Plus, the Avalanche are already pretty heavy at the center position.
Sure, he's a former Avalanche player, but he's older and seems to be in the twilight of his career.
On the other hand, he would be accepted by Avalanche fans immediately as many of us were devastated when he was traded away.
He has captained two different NHL teams (Rangers and Sabres), so you know his leadership abilities are completely unquestioned. It might not even be outlandish to suggest that Drury could become the next captain of the Avalanche.
It would help to have another veteran player on the roster for the younger guys to look up to and learn from.
Plus, Drury's career has been a picture of consistency, and not just from a productivity standpoint.
This season was the only season in Drury's entire career that has seen him play fewer than 70 games, and his career low in games played before this was 71.
On a team that was absolutely devastated by injury last year, it's nice to know that there is that kind of consistency.
So in the end, even though he's much older, bringing Chris Drury back to the Avalanche seems to have more positives than negatives.
So let's jump into the future and say that the Avalanche do sign Chris Drury—what would be his role with the team?
Obviously, Drury would not come in and be that first line center that is going to rack up points all over the place.
I would most likely compare his role to be similar to that of Manny Malhotra, for the Vancouver Canucks.
Drury would be a third or fourth line center who sees time on the penalty kill and on defensive zone face-offs.
Drury has always been very proficient at taking face-offs, and it would be good to be able to switch between Drury and Stastny depending on the side of the ice.
This type of role might also give us a bit of an idea about the kind of contract he would get as well, since he definitely isn't the 39 goal scorer he was in Buffalo.
All things considered, Chris Drury could have a positive impact on the Avalanche if he were to be re-signed.
He's a great leader, is already loved by the Avalanche community, has won championships with the Avalanche before, could help improve the horrendous Avalanche penalty kill, and is an all around good guy.
It's possible that the Avalanche might give him a chance to come back to the place where he was not only rookie of the year, but a Stanley Cup Champion, but it might be a bit of a stretch.
Either way, I'll always be a fan of Chris Drury.
The 34-year-old Drury, who will be 35 before the start of next season, was limited in action this year due to injury.
He played in only 24 games, scored only one goal (which happened to be in the last game of the season to the Rangers clinch a playoff spot) and had four assists. A very disappointing season all-in-all.
If the Rangers were to buy Drury out of his contract, Drury would become an unrestricted free agent, capable of signing with whomever he pleases.
So, if Chris Drury does become available, would it make sense for the Colorado Avalanche to try and snap him up?
The first question to answer regarding a return to the Avalanche would have to be: What kind of contract he would get?
Drury, as I mentioned, is going to be turning 35 this offseason and is coming off of the least productive season of his career.
He is scheduled to make $5 million in the last year of his contract but will very likely not command the same sort of money that he did when he initially signed with the Rangers.
This is due to three things. First, he's coming off the least productive season of his career.
Second, he was injured most of this season.
Third, he's much older and his chances of scoring up to 30 goals are not very good.
That being said, the Avalanche really won't have to worry too much about what kind of contract he is going to want, as they will have close to $30 million in cap space to deal with when free agency begins.
Next question to consider is whether or not this is even a good idea.
Drury's 35, and he doesn't really fit the mold of the Avalanche mantra of "building from within." Plus, the Avalanche are already pretty heavy at the center position.
Sure, he's a former Avalanche player, but he's older and seems to be in the twilight of his career.
On the other hand, he would be accepted by Avalanche fans immediately as many of us were devastated when he was traded away.
He has captained two different NHL teams (Rangers and Sabres), so you know his leadership abilities are completely unquestioned. It might not even be outlandish to suggest that Drury could become the next captain of the Avalanche.
It would help to have another veteran player on the roster for the younger guys to look up to and learn from.
Plus, Drury's career has been a picture of consistency, and not just from a productivity standpoint.
This season was the only season in Drury's entire career that has seen him play fewer than 70 games, and his career low in games played before this was 71.
On a team that was absolutely devastated by injury last year, it's nice to know that there is that kind of consistency.
So in the end, even though he's much older, bringing Chris Drury back to the Avalanche seems to have more positives than negatives.
So let's jump into the future and say that the Avalanche do sign Chris Drury—what would be his role with the team?
Obviously, Drury would not come in and be that first line center that is going to rack up points all over the place.
I would most likely compare his role to be similar to that of Manny Malhotra, for the Vancouver Canucks.
Drury would be a third or fourth line center who sees time on the penalty kill and on defensive zone face-offs.
Drury has always been very proficient at taking face-offs, and it would be good to be able to switch between Drury and Stastny depending on the side of the ice.
This type of role might also give us a bit of an idea about the kind of contract he would get as well, since he definitely isn't the 39 goal scorer he was in Buffalo.
All things considered, Chris Drury could have a positive impact on the Avalanche if he were to be re-signed.
He's a great leader, is already loved by the Avalanche community, has won championships with the Avalanche before, could help improve the horrendous Avalanche penalty kill, and is an all around good guy.
It's possible that the Avalanche might give him a chance to come back to the place where he was not only rookie of the year, but a Stanley Cup Champion, but it might be a bit of a stretch.
Either way, I'll always be a fan of Chris Drury.
Avs and Leafs, Possible Trade Partners? Doubtful.
We are very close to the month of June, which means a few things are just around the corner.
Free agency, the NHL entry draft and teams being able to wheel and deal again.
Over the past couple of weeks, there have been a couple of stories written that predict that the Avalanche would be ideally suited to trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Both articles outline, and correctly so, that the Maple Leafs could address two of their needs with a couple of the current Avalanche players.
Toronto definitely needs a first line center, and the fact that trade rumors circulated around Stastny around the trade deadline this year makes Stastny look like a possibility for the Leafs.
Toronto also needs to replace Tomas Kaberle on the blue line with another solid offensive-minded defenseman, and the fact that John-Michael Liles ends up in trade rumors every single year no matter how well he is playing also could make the Leaf's organization perk their ears up.
The big question that has been raised in both of these articles is who the Leafs would give up in order to get both of these guys.
As far as Stastny goes, I have two issues with the idea of Stastny being shipped off to the Leafs.
First, the trade rumors only really began to fly around Stastny because his dad, Peter Stastny made critical comments of the Avalanche after they traded young stars Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk to St. Louis in exchange for Erik Johnson and Jay McClement.
Why does the fact that his dad popped off at the mouth mean that Stastny should be traded?
Just because his dad happens to be a former member of that franchise, the old Quebec Nordiques, somehow means that Paul shares the same thoughts as his dad?
Personally, I don't follow that line of reasoning.
Anybody who watches the Avalanche knows that Stastny is a leader on this team, and really has been ever since he came into the league.
He could also very easily be the next captain of the Colorado Avalanche.
Second, you would have to think that Stastny has got to be their second choice for a first line center, considering that Brad Richards is the headliner of this year's free agent class.
That being said, the Leafs may have to do some trading to being with in order to make room for the inevitable large contract that Richards will demand.
Assuming that Toronto keeps all of their other potential free agents, they only have a bit over $3 million of cap space.
This could make signing Richards quite difficult.
That being said, the same sort of challenge comes with Stastny. Times aren't the same as before the lockout, and Stastny's $6.6 million cap hit is a huge consideration that needs to be taken into account when considering who will be going where.
With John-Michael Liles, it seems that trade buzz follows him around every year, yet he is still wearing an Avalanche sweater.
Liles' appeal is obvious as he came very close to hitting 50 points this past season, and might have if he hadn't been injured for the last week of the season.
He quarterbacks the power-play very well, is very fast, is still solid in his own zone despite the fact that he is much smaller than your average defenseman, and is only 30 years old.
He plays very well with solid, stay at home style defensemen with good shots from the point, so he might make a great partner for Toronto captain Dion Phaneuf.
Still, with his successful productivity and experience in the league, he is a very valuable commodity to the Avalanche who boasted the league's youngest team for the last two years running.
Looking at the players the Avalanche would have to give up, personally, I don't see a trade for both of these players ever coming to pass.
That being said, it doesn't mean that it couldn't happen. So, what might be a possible trade to bring all of this to fruition?
Let's look at each team's needs.
Avalanche Needs
Goaltending. If there was anything that the Avalanche absolutely and positively needs, it's a proven number one goalie that they can count on to play 60-70 games a season and not buckle under the work load.
Size. Just a general need that needs to be addressed in several locations.
Both offensively and defensively, the Avalanche are small.
The Avalanche are getting Kyle Quincey back for the start of next season, so he will bring some size back to the lineup, but that far from solves things.
Defense. The Avalanche defense was not only small, they were incredibly inconsistent and quite frequently looked as if they were unable to play without a sense of panic always in them.
Toronto Needs
According to these articles that I am referencing, the Leafs are most in need of a solid first line center, and a play making defenseman.
Here was the most interesting trade referenced out of the two articles.
Colorado trades Paul Stastny John-Michael Liles, 11th overall pick, 153rd overall pick to Toronto.
Toronto trades Nazem Kadri, Jonas Gustavsson, Mike Komisarek, Tyler Bozak, Carl Gunnarsson, Jiraj Mikus, 25th overall pick, 39th overall pick and 86th overall pick.
The draft picks seem to work out here, but let me tell you why this trade is a bad one for the Colorado Avalanche.
The Avalanche are giving up their top line center and number one assist man, Paul Stastny, and one of their most valuable offensive producers from the blue line and get neither of those style of players in return.
Kadri is a prospect that has promise, but only might end up being a first line style player. It isn't even clear if Kadri would end up on a second line behind Matt Duchene.
Gustavsson was drafted with a lot of hype, which he has not lived up to. He played in 23 games for the Leafs this year and ended up with only six wins, and a goals against average of 3.29.
The Avalanche already have two glorified back up goalies, we do not need another one.
Komisarek could add some size to the blue line which is good, and it is possible that Tyson Barrie or Stefan Elliot (Avalanche prospects who both dominated the WHL last year and signed entry level contracts with the Avs towards the end of the year) could make up for Liles' production.
Gunnarsson and Bozak combined for 50 points between the two of them last year, which Stastny surpassed by himself even though he had an low productivity season.
Then Mikus seems to be another defensive center prospect that might be a third line center, second at best.
The Avalanche already have three of those types of centers on their team right now.
Yes, that is a lot of players for the Leafs to give up, but nothing that gives the Avalanche the same type of value that they are sending away.
If the Avalanche are to trade Liles and Stastny to the Maple Leafs, then the Leafs should be prepared to see a name like Grabovski, Kessel, maybe even Phaneuf heading the other way.
Just because the Avalanche were god awful this last season does not mean that they will trade away some of their best players for a slew of third liners.
Personally, I don't see any type of trade like that happening, but it is possible.
If I were to tweak things around a little bit, here is what I might do.
Colorado Trades: Stastny, Liles, 11th overall pick to Toronto (there is an insane amount of trade value there that not a lot of people realize because the Avalanche had such a bad year)
Toronto Trades: Phaneuf, Grabovski, Komisarek 25th overall draft pick, (39th overall draft pick).
Even this trade I don't see as being particularly realistic for either team because of all the leadership that is going from both teams.
Not to mention that it doesn't really address all of the needs that the Avalanche have.
The Avalanche aren't too interested in acquiring depth at the moment, especially if it is in exchange for two of the pillars of their organization.
In conclusion, it is highly possible that the Avalanche and the Maple Leafs could end up doing some kind of a deal over the summer, but the ones listed in the two articles significantly undervalue what the Avalanche are giving up and would need back in order for them to happen.
It seems to me that the best course of action for the Avalanche is to try and augment the team a bit more through free agency and the draft rather than blow up the roster by getting rid of two big time leaders on the team.
Free agency, the NHL entry draft and teams being able to wheel and deal again.
Over the past couple of weeks, there have been a couple of stories written that predict that the Avalanche would be ideally suited to trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Both articles outline, and correctly so, that the Maple Leafs could address two of their needs with a couple of the current Avalanche players.
Toronto definitely needs a first line center, and the fact that trade rumors circulated around Stastny around the trade deadline this year makes Stastny look like a possibility for the Leafs.
Toronto also needs to replace Tomas Kaberle on the blue line with another solid offensive-minded defenseman, and the fact that John-Michael Liles ends up in trade rumors every single year no matter how well he is playing also could make the Leaf's organization perk their ears up.
The big question that has been raised in both of these articles is who the Leafs would give up in order to get both of these guys.
As far as Stastny goes, I have two issues with the idea of Stastny being shipped off to the Leafs.
First, the trade rumors only really began to fly around Stastny because his dad, Peter Stastny made critical comments of the Avalanche after they traded young stars Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk to St. Louis in exchange for Erik Johnson and Jay McClement.
Why does the fact that his dad popped off at the mouth mean that Stastny should be traded?
Just because his dad happens to be a former member of that franchise, the old Quebec Nordiques, somehow means that Paul shares the same thoughts as his dad?
Personally, I don't follow that line of reasoning.
Anybody who watches the Avalanche knows that Stastny is a leader on this team, and really has been ever since he came into the league.
He could also very easily be the next captain of the Colorado Avalanche.
Second, you would have to think that Stastny has got to be their second choice for a first line center, considering that Brad Richards is the headliner of this year's free agent class.
That being said, the Leafs may have to do some trading to being with in order to make room for the inevitable large contract that Richards will demand.
Assuming that Toronto keeps all of their other potential free agents, they only have a bit over $3 million of cap space.
This could make signing Richards quite difficult.
That being said, the same sort of challenge comes with Stastny. Times aren't the same as before the lockout, and Stastny's $6.6 million cap hit is a huge consideration that needs to be taken into account when considering who will be going where.
With John-Michael Liles, it seems that trade buzz follows him around every year, yet he is still wearing an Avalanche sweater.
Liles' appeal is obvious as he came very close to hitting 50 points this past season, and might have if he hadn't been injured for the last week of the season.
He quarterbacks the power-play very well, is very fast, is still solid in his own zone despite the fact that he is much smaller than your average defenseman, and is only 30 years old.
He plays very well with solid, stay at home style defensemen with good shots from the point, so he might make a great partner for Toronto captain Dion Phaneuf.
Still, with his successful productivity and experience in the league, he is a very valuable commodity to the Avalanche who boasted the league's youngest team for the last two years running.
Looking at the players the Avalanche would have to give up, personally, I don't see a trade for both of these players ever coming to pass.
That being said, it doesn't mean that it couldn't happen. So, what might be a possible trade to bring all of this to fruition?
Let's look at each team's needs.
Avalanche Needs
Goaltending. If there was anything that the Avalanche absolutely and positively needs, it's a proven number one goalie that they can count on to play 60-70 games a season and not buckle under the work load.
Size. Just a general need that needs to be addressed in several locations.
Both offensively and defensively, the Avalanche are small.
The Avalanche are getting Kyle Quincey back for the start of next season, so he will bring some size back to the lineup, but that far from solves things.
Defense. The Avalanche defense was not only small, they were incredibly inconsistent and quite frequently looked as if they were unable to play without a sense of panic always in them.
Toronto Needs
According to these articles that I am referencing, the Leafs are most in need of a solid first line center, and a play making defenseman.
Here was the most interesting trade referenced out of the two articles.
Colorado trades Paul Stastny John-Michael Liles, 11th overall pick, 153rd overall pick to Toronto.
Toronto trades Nazem Kadri, Jonas Gustavsson, Mike Komisarek, Tyler Bozak, Carl Gunnarsson, Jiraj Mikus, 25th overall pick, 39th overall pick and 86th overall pick.
The draft picks seem to work out here, but let me tell you why this trade is a bad one for the Colorado Avalanche.
The Avalanche are giving up their top line center and number one assist man, Paul Stastny, and one of their most valuable offensive producers from the blue line and get neither of those style of players in return.
Kadri is a prospect that has promise, but only might end up being a first line style player. It isn't even clear if Kadri would end up on a second line behind Matt Duchene.
Gustavsson was drafted with a lot of hype, which he has not lived up to. He played in 23 games for the Leafs this year and ended up with only six wins, and a goals against average of 3.29.
The Avalanche already have two glorified back up goalies, we do not need another one.
Komisarek could add some size to the blue line which is good, and it is possible that Tyson Barrie or Stefan Elliot (Avalanche prospects who both dominated the WHL last year and signed entry level contracts with the Avs towards the end of the year) could make up for Liles' production.
Gunnarsson and Bozak combined for 50 points between the two of them last year, which Stastny surpassed by himself even though he had an low productivity season.
Then Mikus seems to be another defensive center prospect that might be a third line center, second at best.
The Avalanche already have three of those types of centers on their team right now.
Yes, that is a lot of players for the Leafs to give up, but nothing that gives the Avalanche the same type of value that they are sending away.
If the Avalanche are to trade Liles and Stastny to the Maple Leafs, then the Leafs should be prepared to see a name like Grabovski, Kessel, maybe even Phaneuf heading the other way.
Just because the Avalanche were god awful this last season does not mean that they will trade away some of their best players for a slew of third liners.
Personally, I don't see any type of trade like that happening, but it is possible.
If I were to tweak things around a little bit, here is what I might do.
Colorado Trades: Stastny, Liles, 11th overall pick to Toronto (there is an insane amount of trade value there that not a lot of people realize because the Avalanche had such a bad year)
Toronto Trades: Phaneuf, Grabovski, Komisarek 25th overall draft pick, (39th overall draft pick).
Even this trade I don't see as being particularly realistic for either team because of all the leadership that is going from both teams.
Not to mention that it doesn't really address all of the needs that the Avalanche have.
The Avalanche aren't too interested in acquiring depth at the moment, especially if it is in exchange for two of the pillars of their organization.
In conclusion, it is highly possible that the Avalanche and the Maple Leafs could end up doing some kind of a deal over the summer, but the ones listed in the two articles significantly undervalue what the Avalanche are giving up and would need back in order for them to happen.
It seems to me that the best course of action for the Avalanche is to try and augment the team a bit more through free agency and the draft rather than blow up the roster by getting rid of two big time leaders on the team.
Why The Avs Should Pass On Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the NHL Draft
Only one team in the NHL has a higher draft pick than the Colorado Avalanche this year, who hold the No. 2 overall draft pick.
There is a lot of debate amongst the Avalanche faithful as to who the Avalanche should draft with the second overall pick.
A lot, of course, depends on who Edmonton takes with the first overall pick.
At the moment, the general consensus seems to be that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will go to the Oilers first overall.
Some on Bleacher Report see this as a very bad idea for the Oilers to do this.
Supposing that the Oilers follow this particular advice and pass up on Nugent-Hopkins, I firmly believe that the Avalanche should follow suit, and allow him to slide by.
First of all, allow me to say that I have absolutely nothing against RNH, it's clear that he's going to be a star in the NHL and has an incredibly bright future in front of him, it just shouldn't be with the Avalanche.
Why? There are two simple reasons.
First off, the Avalanche are already incredibly center heavy on their team.
By the end of the year, the Avalanche had five centers on the active roster. Paul Stastny, Matt Duchene, Jay McClement, Phillippe Dupuis and Ryan O'Reilly who will all make strong pushes to stay on the roster.
There are some who think that the Avalanche will trade Paul Stastny away this summer, but I just can't see that happening, as he is a marquee player on the Avalanche and has a huge contract that not too many teams would want to take on.
Add in the fact that the Avalanche signed top draft pick of a year ago, Joey Hishon, to an entry level contract towards the end of the season, and will expect that he will make a serious push to make the roster for next season.
The last thing that the Avalanche are in need of is another center.
Second, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would just add to another one of the greatest weaknesses on the Avalanche from this past season.
Nugent-Hopkins is about 6'0" tall, 165 pounds. This is how he compares to the Avalanche centers that I mentioned earlier.
Paul Stastny: 6 feet, 205 pounds.
Matt Duchene: 5 feet 11 inches, 200 pounds.
Jay McClement: 6 feet 1 inch, 201 pounds.
Phillippe Dupuis: 6 feet, 196 pounds.
Ryan O'Reilly: 6 feet, 200 pounds.
Joey Hishon: 5 feet 10 inches, 170 pounds.
The Avalanche have their fair share of smaller, finesse style players. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would just give them more of what they already have.
What the Avalanche need is a power forward who is big, strong, will get into the dirty areas and bang home the ugly goals.
Since the Avalanche traded Chris Stewart, they have been lacking in that area and Ryan Stoa definitely did not fill this role.
There is another player that has been on Avalanche fan's radar for quite a while because he fills the power forward role perfectly, and has been described as the most NHL ready player in this draft.
Gabriel Landeskog.
If the Avalanche are given a choice between the two, and there is a definite possibility that they could be, I believe that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is not the guy for the Colorado Avalanche.
There is a lot of debate amongst the Avalanche faithful as to who the Avalanche should draft with the second overall pick.
A lot, of course, depends on who Edmonton takes with the first overall pick.
At the moment, the general consensus seems to be that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will go to the Oilers first overall.
Some on Bleacher Report see this as a very bad idea for the Oilers to do this.
Supposing that the Oilers follow this particular advice and pass up on Nugent-Hopkins, I firmly believe that the Avalanche should follow suit, and allow him to slide by.
First of all, allow me to say that I have absolutely nothing against RNH, it's clear that he's going to be a star in the NHL and has an incredibly bright future in front of him, it just shouldn't be with the Avalanche.
Why? There are two simple reasons.
First off, the Avalanche are already incredibly center heavy on their team.
By the end of the year, the Avalanche had five centers on the active roster. Paul Stastny, Matt Duchene, Jay McClement, Phillippe Dupuis and Ryan O'Reilly who will all make strong pushes to stay on the roster.
There are some who think that the Avalanche will trade Paul Stastny away this summer, but I just can't see that happening, as he is a marquee player on the Avalanche and has a huge contract that not too many teams would want to take on.
Add in the fact that the Avalanche signed top draft pick of a year ago, Joey Hishon, to an entry level contract towards the end of the season, and will expect that he will make a serious push to make the roster for next season.
The last thing that the Avalanche are in need of is another center.
Second, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would just add to another one of the greatest weaknesses on the Avalanche from this past season.
Nugent-Hopkins is about 6'0" tall, 165 pounds. This is how he compares to the Avalanche centers that I mentioned earlier.
Paul Stastny: 6 feet, 205 pounds.
Matt Duchene: 5 feet 11 inches, 200 pounds.
Jay McClement: 6 feet 1 inch, 201 pounds.
Phillippe Dupuis: 6 feet, 196 pounds.
Ryan O'Reilly: 6 feet, 200 pounds.
Joey Hishon: 5 feet 10 inches, 170 pounds.
The Avalanche have their fair share of smaller, finesse style players. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would just give them more of what they already have.
What the Avalanche need is a power forward who is big, strong, will get into the dirty areas and bang home the ugly goals.
Since the Avalanche traded Chris Stewart, they have been lacking in that area and Ryan Stoa definitely did not fill this role.
There is another player that has been on Avalanche fan's radar for quite a while because he fills the power forward role perfectly, and has been described as the most NHL ready player in this draft.
Gabriel Landeskog.
If the Avalanche are given a choice between the two, and there is a definite possibility that they could be, I believe that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is not the guy for the Colorado Avalanche.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Golf Journal: Kennedy Golf Course
Kennedy Golf Course in Denver is quite a nice course. For those of you who haven't played it, they have three regulation sets of 9 holes that they mix and match throughout the week so that the various players that come to play regularly get as unique of an experience as possible every time they are there.
This time around, I played on the East Course (called Bett Lind I think) and the Cherry Creek Course.
All in all, things were quite good, again. I still love my Burner Irons and driver. The only real trouble that I had came with my 3 wood. It is a new burner 3 wood that I am still trying to get used to. It has a very light shaft which I am trying to find control of. I hit a couple decent shots with it, but also lost a lot to the right.
My irons are still making good contact, but I'm just slightly off with them as far as my aim goes. That is just something I have work on as much as I can over time, it'll come.
I shot 45 on both the front and the back 9, for an even 90 on a par 71. About average for me right now.
I felt like I probably could have shot in the 80s, but my chipping and pitching were far below average. That is a little weird for me, actually, as chipping and pitching is usually one of my strong points. I just kept catching things heavy coming through, which made the ball go nowhere near as far as I wanted.
I putted quite well, with only two 3-putts all day long, which is very nice.
I only lost one ball all day. Part of that is that Kennedy really doesn't play towards a lot of water hazards, and those that do are in the direction that I do not lose my shots, so I was pretty good to go on that.
The only one I did lose was on the last hole. One of the guys I was playing with convinced me to try and shoot over the small water hazard that ran really close to my driving distance. We both agreed that I should be able to get over it, and I hit a great drive but didn't see it come down and couldn't find it on the other side.
I hope to hit Kennedy again this summer and possibly do better, find my handle on that 3 wood, and bring my average down into the 80s.
So far, I've been out 3 times this year. I've shot an 82, a 93, and a 90. Not too bad, and I am feeling good about playing more golf this summer.
This time around, I played on the East Course (called Bett Lind I think) and the Cherry Creek Course.
All in all, things were quite good, again. I still love my Burner Irons and driver. The only real trouble that I had came with my 3 wood. It is a new burner 3 wood that I am still trying to get used to. It has a very light shaft which I am trying to find control of. I hit a couple decent shots with it, but also lost a lot to the right.
My irons are still making good contact, but I'm just slightly off with them as far as my aim goes. That is just something I have work on as much as I can over time, it'll come.
I shot 45 on both the front and the back 9, for an even 90 on a par 71. About average for me right now.
I felt like I probably could have shot in the 80s, but my chipping and pitching were far below average. That is a little weird for me, actually, as chipping and pitching is usually one of my strong points. I just kept catching things heavy coming through, which made the ball go nowhere near as far as I wanted.
I putted quite well, with only two 3-putts all day long, which is very nice.
I only lost one ball all day. Part of that is that Kennedy really doesn't play towards a lot of water hazards, and those that do are in the direction that I do not lose my shots, so I was pretty good to go on that.
The only one I did lose was on the last hole. One of the guys I was playing with convinced me to try and shoot over the small water hazard that ran really close to my driving distance. We both agreed that I should be able to get over it, and I hit a great drive but didn't see it come down and couldn't find it on the other side.
I hope to hit Kennedy again this summer and possibly do better, find my handle on that 3 wood, and bring my average down into the 80s.
So far, I've been out 3 times this year. I've shot an 82, a 93, and a 90. Not too bad, and I am feeling good about playing more golf this summer.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Return to Roller Hockey
I had an interesting start to my week. First, I found out that my position was being cut for the next school year, so I won't have a job after May. Good times.
Then, later that evening, I went to play in my first roller hockey game in about 5 years. It was quite the experience.
Let me say this, I was expecting to be very tired by the end of the game because I am nowhere near as physically fit as I used to be. But almost nothing could have prepared me for how tired I would end up being.
My team only had 4 people show up to the game, and roller hockey leagues play 4 on 4. So all of us had to play the whole game, without any substitutes. If you've ever played any type of hockey, you know how exhausting just a few minutes can be, let alone the entire damn game.
I tried to take things easy, but after about 10 minutes had passed, I was completely and totally gassed and just kind of glided around until the clock had the good decency to run out of time. We lost in a shootout, so at least we gained a point.
On the plus side, I was happy to discover that I still am capable of skating pretty darn well, and that my positioning and hockey instincts are all pretty much intact. I just have to get back to the point where I can play for a while without feeling like I'm going to die.
What's even better, I actually seem to have a better wrist and slap shot than I did the last time I played, so I can call that a bonus!
Hopefully we'll have a couple more guys show up next week so that we can have some subs. If not, I may not be able to finish the game. I was barely able to stand at the end as it was. Ahh to be 16 and in great physical shape again. **sigh**
I'll keep you up to date on how things go! And if you live in or around Colorado Springs and want to join a roller hockey league, check out the Tour Arena website and sign up. Join the North Stars and give me a break from skating that much darnit!!
Then, later that evening, I went to play in my first roller hockey game in about 5 years. It was quite the experience.
Let me say this, I was expecting to be very tired by the end of the game because I am nowhere near as physically fit as I used to be. But almost nothing could have prepared me for how tired I would end up being.
My team only had 4 people show up to the game, and roller hockey leagues play 4 on 4. So all of us had to play the whole game, without any substitutes. If you've ever played any type of hockey, you know how exhausting just a few minutes can be, let alone the entire damn game.
I tried to take things easy, but after about 10 minutes had passed, I was completely and totally gassed and just kind of glided around until the clock had the good decency to run out of time. We lost in a shootout, so at least we gained a point.
On the plus side, I was happy to discover that I still am capable of skating pretty darn well, and that my positioning and hockey instincts are all pretty much intact. I just have to get back to the point where I can play for a while without feeling like I'm going to die.
What's even better, I actually seem to have a better wrist and slap shot than I did the last time I played, so I can call that a bonus!
Hopefully we'll have a couple more guys show up next week so that we can have some subs. If not, I may not be able to finish the game. I was barely able to stand at the end as it was. Ahh to be 16 and in great physical shape again. **sigh**
I'll keep you up to date on how things go! And if you live in or around Colorado Springs and want to join a roller hockey league, check out the Tour Arena website and sign up. Join the North Stars and give me a break from skating that much darnit!!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
More Sin Bin on the Bleacher Report
The Sin Bin has been quite busy on the Bleacher Report. Come check out some of the stories that have been published by The Sin Bin!
Why the NHL Should Drop the Shootout
2 Big Lessons the Avalanche Must Learn to Make Next Season Better
6 Teams That Would Have Been a Threat in the Playoffs
Ranking the Playoff Team's Power Plays
Ranking the Playoff Team's Penalty Kills
How Will the First Round of the Playoffs Play Out
Who Could Solve the Avalanche's Goalie Problems
15 Major Unrestricted NHL Free Agents
What the Top 10 NHL Draft Picks Should Look Like
Why the NHL Should Drop the Shootout
2 Big Lessons the Avalanche Must Learn to Make Next Season Better
6 Teams That Would Have Been a Threat in the Playoffs
Ranking the Playoff Team's Power Plays
Ranking the Playoff Team's Penalty Kills
How Will the First Round of the Playoffs Play Out
Who Could Solve the Avalanche's Goalie Problems
15 Major Unrestricted NHL Free Agents
What the Top 10 NHL Draft Picks Should Look Like
Monday, April 4, 2011
Golf Journal: Cheyenne Shadows
I'm pretty amazed that I have already managed to get out on the golf course twice in the spring. This one I have to thank my neighbor, Bobby, for inviting me to. He is stationed at Fort Carson and some of his buddies were getting together for a round, and they needed a fourth, he kindly asked me to come along.
First off, again, this course was much like Valley-Hi, in that it was suffering from a cold, but very dry winter. A lot of dead grass, and even just dirt in the fairways. Nonetheless, quite a course to behold. It's very picturesque, and also a very challenging course. Not one that you want to walk 18 holes on, as there are a lot of hills.
All in all, a good round. Not quite as solid as my previous 82, but I had some decent moments. I scored par on 2 of my first 3 holes. I drove the ball well, chipped okay, putted pretty decently with only a could of 3 putts. I had trouble with my irons today.
As I had mentioned before, I have a new set of burner irons that I love. I wasn't as consistent with them this time out, for the majority of the round, but found a decent hold of them before the end.
The shot of the day came on the fifth hole. It is a 153 yard par 3 that plays about 40 feet straight down hill. So it's more like a 120 yard hole. Plus, we had a strong wind at our backs. I pulled out my 9 iron and got under one pretty well. Wind took it, but it was drifting a wee bit to the right. It looked as if it was going to land straight in the bunker, but then the most amazing thing happened. The ball landed right outside the bunker, was about to jump to the right, then hit the rake dead on and ricocheted right back. It rolled to about 10 ft of the cup. All four of us could not believe what we had just seen. Sadly I don't have a video of the event to prove it, but I do have 3 good eye witnesses. One of them even called home to tell somebody what they just saw. Sadly, I missed my birdie putt. Had a good roll on it, just sorta rolled over the edge of the cup and off. Nailed a par though.
Again, not as awesome as my 82, but it was still a solid 93. A pretty challenging course that I'd never played before, I'll take it. I still have to enter these rounds into my "handicap tracker" to see what it does for me, but I think that I'll be much lower than I was last year, which is a good thing.
Hoping to get out again here in the next couple of weeks, especially once my play is done. Here's hoping for more good golf!
First off, again, this course was much like Valley-Hi, in that it was suffering from a cold, but very dry winter. A lot of dead grass, and even just dirt in the fairways. Nonetheless, quite a course to behold. It's very picturesque, and also a very challenging course. Not one that you want to walk 18 holes on, as there are a lot of hills.
All in all, a good round. Not quite as solid as my previous 82, but I had some decent moments. I scored par on 2 of my first 3 holes. I drove the ball well, chipped okay, putted pretty decently with only a could of 3 putts. I had trouble with my irons today.
As I had mentioned before, I have a new set of burner irons that I love. I wasn't as consistent with them this time out, for the majority of the round, but found a decent hold of them before the end.
The shot of the day came on the fifth hole. It is a 153 yard par 3 that plays about 40 feet straight down hill. So it's more like a 120 yard hole. Plus, we had a strong wind at our backs. I pulled out my 9 iron and got under one pretty well. Wind took it, but it was drifting a wee bit to the right. It looked as if it was going to land straight in the bunker, but then the most amazing thing happened. The ball landed right outside the bunker, was about to jump to the right, then hit the rake dead on and ricocheted right back. It rolled to about 10 ft of the cup. All four of us could not believe what we had just seen. Sadly I don't have a video of the event to prove it, but I do have 3 good eye witnesses. One of them even called home to tell somebody what they just saw. Sadly, I missed my birdie putt. Had a good roll on it, just sorta rolled over the edge of the cup and off. Nailed a par though.
Again, not as awesome as my 82, but it was still a solid 93. A pretty challenging course that I'd never played before, I'll take it. I still have to enter these rounds into my "handicap tracker" to see what it does for me, but I think that I'll be much lower than I was last year, which is a good thing.
Hoping to get out again here in the next couple of weeks, especially once my play is done. Here's hoping for more good golf!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sin Bin Gaining Some Recognition!
For those of you who don't know, I've also been doing some writing for the Bleacher Report. Things have been going very well! Recently, one of my articles got posted on the home page of NHL.com, so here are a few examples of the things we've been writing about over on the Bleacher Report!
Also, The Sin Bin is part of a grassroots fan movement for the Colorado Avalanche! Check us out on twitter @BurgundyBrigade, and check out our page on facebook!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/640774-nhl-power-rankings-the-20-most-clutch-players-among-playoff-hopeful-teams This Article was featured on NHL.com
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/642924-colorado-avalanche-celebrate-milan-hejduks-900th-game-with-a-win
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/641893-martin-st-louis-and-the-best-waterbug-on-each-nhl-team
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/644436-colorado-avalanche-assuming-adam-foote-retires-who-will-be-the-next-captain
Hope you enjoy!!
Also, The Sin Bin is part of a grassroots fan movement for the Colorado Avalanche! Check us out on twitter @BurgundyBrigade, and check out our page on facebook!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/640774-nhl-power-rankings-the-20-most-clutch-players-among-playoff-hopeful-teams This Article was featured on NHL.com
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/642924-colorado-avalanche-celebrate-milan-hejduks-900th-game-with-a-win
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/641893-martin-st-louis-and-the-best-waterbug-on-each-nhl-team
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/644436-colorado-avalanche-assuming-adam-foote-retires-who-will-be-the-next-captain
Hope you enjoy!!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Golf Journal: Valley-Hi
Now that we are back into Spring, almost, I'm looking to get my golf journal going again! I went out today, for the first time this year, thanks to the fact that I'm currently on spring break.
I was very uncertain about how things would go, first time playing since about August, but was also kind of excited. I was getting to try out my brand new set of golf clubs that my wife allowed me to buy myself for Christmas. I got a set of Taylor Made Burner irons, and added a 3 wood burner to my collection, so I'm completely burnered up!
At first, I wasn't too happy with things because of the driving range. This particular course has mats set out to hit off of right now, and I HATE hitting on mats. They don't give you really accurate feedback on how you're hitting the ball, unless you absolutely catch it clean. My swing still felt a bit rusty, but after the about 30 minutes of hitting off of the mat, I felt okay about things. Still unsure, because it was a mat, but good enough to give a round a go.
I had been kicked out of the apartment by my wife while she cleaned so I had all the time I wanted to burn, essentially. So I went and signed up for 18 holes and got out. I was joined by a couple other gentleman, and I'm glad I was. They were very fun, laid back, and I really enjoyed the front 9 we all played.
Front 9 started off a bit rough, topped my first tee shot, which happens when it's your first time out for the season, but managed to have an okay next couple of shots. Ended the first hole, a par 5, with a 7. Meh, but I'll take it for now.
As the front 9 kept going, I got into a pretty good rhythm, and I was LOVING the way my new irons were striking the ball. I hit about 3 regulation greens in a row, which NEVER happens, and ended up with a couple good pars on the front 9. Ended with a 44 going out.
Then started the back 9. Something crazy happened to me on the back 9, I was playing really well. First 2 holes were both four pars and I scored a 5 on both of them. On the 12th hole, the shortest hole on the course, I absolutely destroyed my drive and put it to about 65 yards from the green. I've seen this book before, great tee shot, now I have a really short approach which I will no doubt duff off to the right and start swearing for a bit. Nope, caught it clean, with my new approach wedge (Taylor Made, did I mention that?) and landed it about five feet from the cup. Naturally, now I would do my usual 3 putt from 5 feet, right? No. Center of the cup, and a birdie. I'm usually good for a couple birdies every few rounds or so, but on my first time out? Pumped my fist, pulled the ball out, and quickly wrote down my 3 on my score card.
Moving forward, I expected to fold like a cheap suit, because that's what I do. NOPE. Holes 13 - 17 I parred all the way. Making a few pretty solid up and downs along the way. 17 was a short of short par 5 with a water hazard right in front of the green. I was feeling very peckish after a really good drive, and pulled out my 5 wood. I wasn't terribly concerned with hitting the green, just wanted to try and muscle it over the water, which I did! The stars were aligning, or something, because everything was going right.
18 had just an evil green. I was on in 2, and had a downhill putt from about 15 feet. I gave it a pretty gentle stroke and it went by the hole about 25 feet. 2 putted back for a 5 to close out my round. A back 9 38. That's right, 38 on 9 holes of golf. That is something that I have NEVER done. Gave me a grand total of 82 for the round. I was stunned! 82 is my all-time low round. Allow me to say it again, I LOVE my new golf clubs.
There were a couple negatives on the day. First, the driving range mats. Second, I couldn't find my sunhat before I went, so my neck is now totally red (curse you Irish skin!). Third, I lost a few balls along the way, only one into a hazard, but the others because this course was so poorly maintained that the majority of the course was dead grass. As many of you are aware, sometimes when you hit the ball into large areas of dead grass, and don't see EXACTLY where it landed, it is like searching for a needle in a hay stack trying to find your ball. I don't count myself for penalties on that, just drop another one by where I figure it went out, and go from there. Last, first time out, and I walked 18 the whole way. My legs are still yelling for this. Oh, well, I'm joining a roller hockey league that starts in like two weeks, they'll just have to get used to the abuse.
If any of you are avid golfers, and you're in the market for a new set of clubs, get yourself some burners. Those things are amazing. I've never hit so many clean shots before. I'm totally sold on the Taylor Made brand. If they let me do commercials, I would. I have never driven a ball farther or straighter, I've never hit so many greens in regulation. I've never played golf this well, until I got some Taylor Made Burners. Everything I get, from now on, will be Taylor Made, and I will continue to sing their praises.
Thanks for reading. Tell me some of your low golf scores so we can all compare!
I was very uncertain about how things would go, first time playing since about August, but was also kind of excited. I was getting to try out my brand new set of golf clubs that my wife allowed me to buy myself for Christmas. I got a set of Taylor Made Burner irons, and added a 3 wood burner to my collection, so I'm completely burnered up!
At first, I wasn't too happy with things because of the driving range. This particular course has mats set out to hit off of right now, and I HATE hitting on mats. They don't give you really accurate feedback on how you're hitting the ball, unless you absolutely catch it clean. My swing still felt a bit rusty, but after the about 30 minutes of hitting off of the mat, I felt okay about things. Still unsure, because it was a mat, but good enough to give a round a go.
I had been kicked out of the apartment by my wife while she cleaned so I had all the time I wanted to burn, essentially. So I went and signed up for 18 holes and got out. I was joined by a couple other gentleman, and I'm glad I was. They were very fun, laid back, and I really enjoyed the front 9 we all played.
Front 9 started off a bit rough, topped my first tee shot, which happens when it's your first time out for the season, but managed to have an okay next couple of shots. Ended the first hole, a par 5, with a 7. Meh, but I'll take it for now.
As the front 9 kept going, I got into a pretty good rhythm, and I was LOVING the way my new irons were striking the ball. I hit about 3 regulation greens in a row, which NEVER happens, and ended up with a couple good pars on the front 9. Ended with a 44 going out.
Then started the back 9. Something crazy happened to me on the back 9, I was playing really well. First 2 holes were both four pars and I scored a 5 on both of them. On the 12th hole, the shortest hole on the course, I absolutely destroyed my drive and put it to about 65 yards from the green. I've seen this book before, great tee shot, now I have a really short approach which I will no doubt duff off to the right and start swearing for a bit. Nope, caught it clean, with my new approach wedge (Taylor Made, did I mention that?) and landed it about five feet from the cup. Naturally, now I would do my usual 3 putt from 5 feet, right? No. Center of the cup, and a birdie. I'm usually good for a couple birdies every few rounds or so, but on my first time out? Pumped my fist, pulled the ball out, and quickly wrote down my 3 on my score card.
Moving forward, I expected to fold like a cheap suit, because that's what I do. NOPE. Holes 13 - 17 I parred all the way. Making a few pretty solid up and downs along the way. 17 was a short of short par 5 with a water hazard right in front of the green. I was feeling very peckish after a really good drive, and pulled out my 5 wood. I wasn't terribly concerned with hitting the green, just wanted to try and muscle it over the water, which I did! The stars were aligning, or something, because everything was going right.
18 had just an evil green. I was on in 2, and had a downhill putt from about 15 feet. I gave it a pretty gentle stroke and it went by the hole about 25 feet. 2 putted back for a 5 to close out my round. A back 9 38. That's right, 38 on 9 holes of golf. That is something that I have NEVER done. Gave me a grand total of 82 for the round. I was stunned! 82 is my all-time low round. Allow me to say it again, I LOVE my new golf clubs.
There were a couple negatives on the day. First, the driving range mats. Second, I couldn't find my sunhat before I went, so my neck is now totally red (curse you Irish skin!). Third, I lost a few balls along the way, only one into a hazard, but the others because this course was so poorly maintained that the majority of the course was dead grass. As many of you are aware, sometimes when you hit the ball into large areas of dead grass, and don't see EXACTLY where it landed, it is like searching for a needle in a hay stack trying to find your ball. I don't count myself for penalties on that, just drop another one by where I figure it went out, and go from there. Last, first time out, and I walked 18 the whole way. My legs are still yelling for this. Oh, well, I'm joining a roller hockey league that starts in like two weeks, they'll just have to get used to the abuse.
If any of you are avid golfers, and you're in the market for a new set of clubs, get yourself some burners. Those things are amazing. I've never hit so many clean shots before. I'm totally sold on the Taylor Made brand. If they let me do commercials, I would. I have never driven a ball farther or straighter, I've never hit so many greens in regulation. I've never played golf this well, until I got some Taylor Made Burners. Everything I get, from now on, will be Taylor Made, and I will continue to sing their praises.
Thanks for reading. Tell me some of your low golf scores so we can all compare!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
MLS Season Begins - Rapids Show Colorado Sports How to do it!
I had a brand new experience, tonight. Those of you who know me know that I am pretty much a follower of two sports, hockey and football, usually in that order. Recently, however, I have discovered the world's game. Soccer.
It all started when one of my friends in Colorado Springs told me that their Rapids support group, most specifically the Bulldog Support Group, check out their facebook page on that link, was going to go an Avalanche game.
Those of you who follow me on twitter, @TheSinBin, remember how much fun that was. The group was loud, on their feet the whole game, making noise, even when the Avs were down 5-1 and the rest of the building was busy knitting or something. After that event, I decided I had to check them out in their element.
Tonight I went to my first ever Colorado Rapids game as a member of the BSG, and let me tell you something. The rest of Colorado sports fans can learn a thing or two about how to support your team from the Rapids fans. Opening night, PACKED HOUSE. It was also banner night, as the Rapids celebrated their 2010 MLS Cup Victory at the start of the game. Then the game began, and what action it was!
Soccer, coming from a guy who has never really cared for the sport, is exciting as all hell to watch in person. Especially when you are in a group that is standing the whole game, chanting and singing to support the team or dog the visitors, telling the referees what they can do with their whistle, and jumping up and down during every chant and after every goal. There is a lot that goes on! Even the visiting team brought their own supporters who had their own chants. It was an amazing atmosphere.
One thing that people have been complaining about a lot in Colorado Sports this past year is the lack of fan support. Broncos complaining about having more Steelers fans than Broncos fans in the stands, Avalanche fans not filling the Pepsi Center (or playing video games on a tablet throughout the whole game. That's right kid in front of the BSG in 374, we saw you), Rockies never really filling the house, etc... Rapids fans were out in full scale tonight. Dick's Sporting Goods Stadium was filled. Rapids flags waved all game long. Support groups drove the Portland supporters into silence for most of the game. And the Rapids came out with a 3-1 victory.
Seriously, Denver sports fans need to remember what it is like to be rowdy and noisy and to make the team want to put hide under their benches because we're so loud. If you want a reminder of what that feels like, as I was given tonight, you need to go and check out the Colorado Rapids. It is MORE than worth the price of admission. Once Denver fans get the spirit back like the Rapids fans have, people will remember what a great sports town Denver really is.
GO RAPIDS!
It all started when one of my friends in Colorado Springs told me that their Rapids support group, most specifically the Bulldog Support Group, check out their facebook page on that link, was going to go an Avalanche game.
Those of you who follow me on twitter, @TheSinBin, remember how much fun that was. The group was loud, on their feet the whole game, making noise, even when the Avs were down 5-1 and the rest of the building was busy knitting or something. After that event, I decided I had to check them out in their element.
Tonight I went to my first ever Colorado Rapids game as a member of the BSG, and let me tell you something. The rest of Colorado sports fans can learn a thing or two about how to support your team from the Rapids fans. Opening night, PACKED HOUSE. It was also banner night, as the Rapids celebrated their 2010 MLS Cup Victory at the start of the game. Then the game began, and what action it was!
Soccer, coming from a guy who has never really cared for the sport, is exciting as all hell to watch in person. Especially when you are in a group that is standing the whole game, chanting and singing to support the team or dog the visitors, telling the referees what they can do with their whistle, and jumping up and down during every chant and after every goal. There is a lot that goes on! Even the visiting team brought their own supporters who had their own chants. It was an amazing atmosphere.
One thing that people have been complaining about a lot in Colorado Sports this past year is the lack of fan support. Broncos complaining about having more Steelers fans than Broncos fans in the stands, Avalanche fans not filling the Pepsi Center (or playing video games on a tablet throughout the whole game. That's right kid in front of the BSG in 374, we saw you), Rockies never really filling the house, etc... Rapids fans were out in full scale tonight. Dick's Sporting Goods Stadium was filled. Rapids flags waved all game long. Support groups drove the Portland supporters into silence for most of the game. And the Rapids came out with a 3-1 victory.
Seriously, Denver sports fans need to remember what it is like to be rowdy and noisy and to make the team want to put hide under their benches because we're so loud. If you want a reminder of what that feels like, as I was given tonight, you need to go and check out the Colorado Rapids. It is MORE than worth the price of admission. Once Denver fans get the spirit back like the Rapids fans have, people will remember what a great sports town Denver really is.
GO RAPIDS!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
NFL Owners and Players Can't Reach A Deal - Legal Battle to Ensue
Time has come, time has gone. Extension was given, extension has gone. Mediation requested, yet nothing seems to have been accomplished, and Friday the owners made it official by moving forward with locking out the players until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement can be reached.
Now, in case you're not familiar with what it is, or if you live in Wisconsin where there seem to be a lot of people who have forgotten what collective bargaining is, collective bargaining is when the group of workers in a specific field are allowed to have a say in the environment of their workplace. They are also allowed to negotiate things like health benefits, pay rates, etc... This is the whole purpose for having a union.
As with pretty much everything else in professional sports, the main issue revolving around the current work stoppage is money. The owners, claiming that they are losing money, are asking for a larger chunk of the $9 billion worth of revenue generated by the NFL. The players assert that the owners refuse to prove this, though there are many teams who have come forward ready to open their books for all to see. Many teams, however, have not offered to help prove the owner's point.
The players, however, while attempting to play the role of the victim, are doing something that isn't exactly on the up and up either. Knowing that a lockout was possible, the union threatened to decertify so that they can sue the league with an anti-trust lawsuit; claiming the owners are discriminating against a specific group of people. It's a crafty move that, frankly, made it so that they didn't have to make too much of an effort either. If you ask me, if you want to have the rights to collectively bargain, then you need to also accept the possibility of a lock out, not try to pull a little stunt like this so that you can get your way.
Bottom line here, the NFL as a whole is going to suffer from this. $9 billion of revenue, and they can't agree on a way to divide it. I have an idea. Why doesn't the NFL take that $9 billion that they are so indecisive about, and give it to public education. The state of Colorado alone is proposing to cut $300 million from the education budget, I bet that they could find a way to use it. So could the teachers in Wisconsin who now have lost their rights to collectively bargain.
All people involved in this lockout come off looking like greedy millionaires and billionaires crying about needing more money. Not good, especially in the current economy. Once again, until both of these parties can bring their big boy pants to work, both the league and the players will lose money and the fans.
Now, in case you're not familiar with what it is, or if you live in Wisconsin where there seem to be a lot of people who have forgotten what collective bargaining is, collective bargaining is when the group of workers in a specific field are allowed to have a say in the environment of their workplace. They are also allowed to negotiate things like health benefits, pay rates, etc... This is the whole purpose for having a union.
As with pretty much everything else in professional sports, the main issue revolving around the current work stoppage is money. The owners, claiming that they are losing money, are asking for a larger chunk of the $9 billion worth of revenue generated by the NFL. The players assert that the owners refuse to prove this, though there are many teams who have come forward ready to open their books for all to see. Many teams, however, have not offered to help prove the owner's point.
The players, however, while attempting to play the role of the victim, are doing something that isn't exactly on the up and up either. Knowing that a lockout was possible, the union threatened to decertify so that they can sue the league with an anti-trust lawsuit; claiming the owners are discriminating against a specific group of people. It's a crafty move that, frankly, made it so that they didn't have to make too much of an effort either. If you ask me, if you want to have the rights to collectively bargain, then you need to also accept the possibility of a lock out, not try to pull a little stunt like this so that you can get your way.
Bottom line here, the NFL as a whole is going to suffer from this. $9 billion of revenue, and they can't agree on a way to divide it. I have an idea. Why doesn't the NFL take that $9 billion that they are so indecisive about, and give it to public education. The state of Colorado alone is proposing to cut $300 million from the education budget, I bet that they could find a way to use it. So could the teachers in Wisconsin who now have lost their rights to collectively bargain.
All people involved in this lockout come off looking like greedy millionaires and billionaires crying about needing more money. Not good, especially in the current economy. Once again, until both of these parties can bring their big boy pants to work, both the league and the players will lose money and the fans.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Avalanche Have Hit an All-time Low
Sorry it has been a while since I've written anything on this site, folks, I've been doing a lot of writing on the Bleacher Report, and have neglected you. Thank goodness A-Mac has been here to help pick up some of my slack.
That being said, if you want a much more hopeful view of what I'm about to write, take a look at the story on Bleacher Report.
Well, the Avalanche have done it again. Now losers of seven straight games, and 17 out of their last 18 games, the Colorado Avalanche are setting a new standard for amateurism in their games. Never before have I seen members of this once proud franchise quit so often, and so fast game in and game out.
I have said to several people that this team may be the worst team in the history of the franchise, and that is worse than the one that earned us the number three overall draft pick three years ago.
This may become a bit of a rant, and I apologize for that, so I'll cut to the chase. Joe Sacco needs to be fired. This guy seems to have one way of coaching. He does not adjust, and he does not attempt to fix anything, he just keeps plugging away with the same things and the team does not improve.
Case and point, he constantly talks about needing to skate in order to play their game. You just watch teams clog up the neutral zone against the Avs and they can't do anything. They are lost, their passing is bad, they make bad plays and boom, the puck is going the other way.
Or, the way he handles his personnel. If Sacco isn't happy with how you're playing, he benches you for a period, or makes you a healthy scratch for the game as his way of "sending a message". It worked for a while last season, and even a bit at the start of this season. Now players seem to be playing scared out of fear of being a healthy scratch! That's not coaching! Part of coaching is showing faith in your players, and Sacco does not do that.
About the only person he has done that with is Matt Hunwick, who is possibly the worst trade the Avalanche have ever made. Hunwick is constantly out for goals against, avoids physical contact at all costs, makes horrible decisions in his own zone, and is frequently found just watching the play yet he is out almost every single short handed situation. It just baffles me.
Sacco did a great job in his first year, but it seems his message has been tuned out by his players. Plus, he comes out for every press conference saying the exact same things about making mental errors and not starting the game on time. All of those things, when they are problems for more than two months of a season, are the fault of a coaching staff. One or two games, those are your players and you make adjustments. No adjustments made, same mistakes night in and night out, coaches. Joe Sacco is a good AHL coach, and he has done all he can do right now. It is time to fire Joe Sacco.
That being said, if you want a much more hopeful view of what I'm about to write, take a look at the story on Bleacher Report.
Well, the Avalanche have done it again. Now losers of seven straight games, and 17 out of their last 18 games, the Colorado Avalanche are setting a new standard for amateurism in their games. Never before have I seen members of this once proud franchise quit so often, and so fast game in and game out.
I have said to several people that this team may be the worst team in the history of the franchise, and that is worse than the one that earned us the number three overall draft pick three years ago.
This may become a bit of a rant, and I apologize for that, so I'll cut to the chase. Joe Sacco needs to be fired. This guy seems to have one way of coaching. He does not adjust, and he does not attempt to fix anything, he just keeps plugging away with the same things and the team does not improve.
Case and point, he constantly talks about needing to skate in order to play their game. You just watch teams clog up the neutral zone against the Avs and they can't do anything. They are lost, their passing is bad, they make bad plays and boom, the puck is going the other way.
Or, the way he handles his personnel. If Sacco isn't happy with how you're playing, he benches you for a period, or makes you a healthy scratch for the game as his way of "sending a message". It worked for a while last season, and even a bit at the start of this season. Now players seem to be playing scared out of fear of being a healthy scratch! That's not coaching! Part of coaching is showing faith in your players, and Sacco does not do that.
About the only person he has done that with is Matt Hunwick, who is possibly the worst trade the Avalanche have ever made. Hunwick is constantly out for goals against, avoids physical contact at all costs, makes horrible decisions in his own zone, and is frequently found just watching the play yet he is out almost every single short handed situation. It just baffles me.
Sacco did a great job in his first year, but it seems his message has been tuned out by his players. Plus, he comes out for every press conference saying the exact same things about making mental errors and not starting the game on time. All of those things, when they are problems for more than two months of a season, are the fault of a coaching staff. One or two games, those are your players and you make adjustments. No adjustments made, same mistakes night in and night out, coaches. Joe Sacco is a good AHL coach, and he has done all he can do right now. It is time to fire Joe Sacco.
Monday, February 28, 2011
A-Mac Presents The National League Preview
In a day full of hockey drama, I will write about baseball.. The first real games of spring training have been played and its time to preview the Senior Circuit, The National League.
NL East-
1. Philadelphia Phillies- All they did was shock the world and sign Cliff Lee after trading him away for a season. They now have the best rotation in baseball. They will need to score some runs but we will see how a full season of Cliff and Roy Oswalt do in Philly(Good I am sure).
2. Atlanta Braves- The toughest thing they had this offseason was replacing Bobby Cox. They picked a good character guy to do that in Freddi Gonzalez. If Chipper Jones can have one more good year, the Braves will be the Wild Card team.
3. Florida Marlins- Sneeky good but still not great. Young team like always though Hanley is still the MVP of this team.
4. Washington Nationals- They paid a guy a 100 million dollars because he can grow a good beard. In all seriousness, Jayson was not Werth it. They have upside but without either of their last two Number 1 picks playing in the majors this season, they will once again not be in the playoffs.
5. New York Mets- Money issues, manager issues, every type of issues. They need to prove to everyone they can be good. I mean Wright might as well get traded as his talents are being abused being on that team.
NL Central- This division is tough to predict especially given key injuries to some teams.
1. Milwaukee Brewers- I called it first-Me and a lot of people! Adding Greinke and Marcum, they are built for the short term. If they fade by the trade deadline, they will trade Fielder but I forsee them doing well and winning this division, especially after the debacle in St. Louis.
2. St. Louis Cardinals- They should win this division but losing Adam Wainwright will hurt them. Pujols is pissed and is about to take his talents to the Bronx next year unless they can keep him happy. They will have to rely on Cris Carpenters twice rebuilt arm if they are to be any good.
3. Chicago Cubs- Added some key free agents but are still a few arms away from being awesome. This team is trending upward.
4. Cincinnati Reds- Trending downwards. They are young but the arms are iffy. Dusty worked some magic last season but won't have that this season even with Cuban Fireballer Aroldis Chapman.
5. Houston Astros- Finally in rebuilding mode, but still old in a lot of places. This is a team without an Identity with Berkman and Oswalt gone.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates- This team supports my theory for relegation! Can you even name another Pirate other than Doumitt or McCutcheon. I feel for Pirate fans but not for Pittsburgh fans in general since their other teams are kicking ass.
NL West-
1. San Francisco Giants- Hard to pick against the Defending World Series Champions. They have a great rotation and Kung Fu Panda has come into camp with lots of weight off so hopefully he can regain his form.
2. Colorado Rockies- Kept their core intact. A Full year of Tulo again. This team can be good but need to have a full rotation.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers- Ownership issues muddle the water for this team. They could be good but we will see how first time manager Don Mattignly can handle them.
4. San Diego Padres- Traded their best player but got some great prospects in return. This is a team in rebuilding but they are trying to do it right. Stick with them Padres fans and 3 years from now you will be rewarded. They should trade Health Bell this season and get a few good returns.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks- This is a team who could be good, but lack real cohesion as a unit. Upton will be gone at the trade deadline.
NL East-
1. Philadelphia Phillies- All they did was shock the world and sign Cliff Lee after trading him away for a season. They now have the best rotation in baseball. They will need to score some runs but we will see how a full season of Cliff and Roy Oswalt do in Philly(Good I am sure).
2. Atlanta Braves- The toughest thing they had this offseason was replacing Bobby Cox. They picked a good character guy to do that in Freddi Gonzalez. If Chipper Jones can have one more good year, the Braves will be the Wild Card team.
3. Florida Marlins- Sneeky good but still not great. Young team like always though Hanley is still the MVP of this team.
4. Washington Nationals- They paid a guy a 100 million dollars because he can grow a good beard. In all seriousness, Jayson was not Werth it. They have upside but without either of their last two Number 1 picks playing in the majors this season, they will once again not be in the playoffs.
5. New York Mets- Money issues, manager issues, every type of issues. They need to prove to everyone they can be good. I mean Wright might as well get traded as his talents are being abused being on that team.
NL Central- This division is tough to predict especially given key injuries to some teams.
1. Milwaukee Brewers- I called it first-Me and a lot of people! Adding Greinke and Marcum, they are built for the short term. If they fade by the trade deadline, they will trade Fielder but I forsee them doing well and winning this division, especially after the debacle in St. Louis.
2. St. Louis Cardinals- They should win this division but losing Adam Wainwright will hurt them. Pujols is pissed and is about to take his talents to the Bronx next year unless they can keep him happy. They will have to rely on Cris Carpenters twice rebuilt arm if they are to be any good.
3. Chicago Cubs- Added some key free agents but are still a few arms away from being awesome. This team is trending upward.
4. Cincinnati Reds- Trending downwards. They are young but the arms are iffy. Dusty worked some magic last season but won't have that this season even with Cuban Fireballer Aroldis Chapman.
5. Houston Astros- Finally in rebuilding mode, but still old in a lot of places. This is a team without an Identity with Berkman and Oswalt gone.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates- This team supports my theory for relegation! Can you even name another Pirate other than Doumitt or McCutcheon. I feel for Pirate fans but not for Pittsburgh fans in general since their other teams are kicking ass.
NL West-
1. San Francisco Giants- Hard to pick against the Defending World Series Champions. They have a great rotation and Kung Fu Panda has come into camp with lots of weight off so hopefully he can regain his form.
2. Colorado Rockies- Kept their core intact. A Full year of Tulo again. This team can be good but need to have a full rotation.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers- Ownership issues muddle the water for this team. They could be good but we will see how first time manager Don Mattignly can handle them.
4. San Diego Padres- Traded their best player but got some great prospects in return. This is a team in rebuilding but they are trying to do it right. Stick with them Padres fans and 3 years from now you will be rewarded. They should trade Health Bell this season and get a few good returns.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks- This is a team who could be good, but lack real cohesion as a unit. Upton will be gone at the trade deadline.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Broncos To Go With Orton...For Now
After day one of the NFL Scouting Combine, Denver Broncos head coach John Fox was asked about the quarterback situation that is currently brewing in the Mile High City. Fox said, "Right now Kyle is our starter." Echoing statements made by Chief Football Executive John Elway during Super Bowl week.
This has to be something that Kyle Orton likes to hear, as it is no real secret that he didn't want to come back as Tim Tebow's backup. So it has to be nice to know that he will come back into training camp on the top of the depth chart.
However, Fox also said this. "I don’t think we’ll really figure it out until we start competing. It’s a group of three that are very capable...We have a young guy, high draft pick, in Tim Tebow who got his feet wet last year toward the end of the season. And then shoot, Brady Quinn I’m looking forward to seeing.”
Wait a minute, didn't you just say that Orton was the starter? Well yeah, he did. But that is of course saying that if the season started right now, Orton would be the guy. Also, you have to think that with the unknown labor situation, having a seasoned veteran available should the players be out of practices for several weeks as a result of a lockout would be more beneficial than a second year player with only three games of experience.
Slow down, Tebow nation, I can hear you coming a mile away! Really, you should all like what Fox has said here too. Yes, Orton has been declared the starter, for now. But Fox is clearly far from dead set on this. As he said, we all won't know who the clear number one guy is until they start competing for it. One thing that Tim Tebow has never minded doing is competing, that is for certain.
This is something that should make all Bronco fans excited. Provided that there is no labor stoppage to delay off-season OTAs and mini-camps, this quarterback competition should make both quarterbacks better. Tebow is going to be better than he was, no doubts. So that means that Orton will have to work just as hard to stay ahead of Tebow. If he's able to do that, and show that he's still clearly the number one guy, then that has to be a good thing. If Tebow does overtake Orton as the team's number one, then the Broncos will be able to move forward with a guy who proved that he was ready for the position. For Bronco fans, this is a win-win.
This will also help the coaches figure out who has the better attitude and who is the better leader as a result. A true leader will see this as a challenge and rise to the occasion. If one of them sulks about it, it will undoubtedly affect his play. Tim Tebow has never been one to back down from any type of challenge to his ability, so it's pretty safe to say that the sulking won't come from him. Orton may not want to have to go through any type of a quarterback competition, but if he wants to remain the starter in Denver, then that's just too bad.
If Orton does go the sulky route and complain instead of letting his play do the talking, then I'll be the first one saying that we should start Tim Tebow. As of this moment, however, Elway and coach Fox have it right. Let's let these two guys battle it out, and see who gives the team the better chance to win come week one of the regular season.
This has to be something that Kyle Orton likes to hear, as it is no real secret that he didn't want to come back as Tim Tebow's backup. So it has to be nice to know that he will come back into training camp on the top of the depth chart.
However, Fox also said this. "I don’t think we’ll really figure it out until we start competing. It’s a group of three that are very capable...We have a young guy, high draft pick, in Tim Tebow who got his feet wet last year toward the end of the season. And then shoot, Brady Quinn I’m looking forward to seeing.”
Wait a minute, didn't you just say that Orton was the starter? Well yeah, he did. But that is of course saying that if the season started right now, Orton would be the guy. Also, you have to think that with the unknown labor situation, having a seasoned veteran available should the players be out of practices for several weeks as a result of a lockout would be more beneficial than a second year player with only three games of experience.
Slow down, Tebow nation, I can hear you coming a mile away! Really, you should all like what Fox has said here too. Yes, Orton has been declared the starter, for now. But Fox is clearly far from dead set on this. As he said, we all won't know who the clear number one guy is until they start competing for it. One thing that Tim Tebow has never minded doing is competing, that is for certain.
This is something that should make all Bronco fans excited. Provided that there is no labor stoppage to delay off-season OTAs and mini-camps, this quarterback competition should make both quarterbacks better. Tebow is going to be better than he was, no doubts. So that means that Orton will have to work just as hard to stay ahead of Tebow. If he's able to do that, and show that he's still clearly the number one guy, then that has to be a good thing. If Tebow does overtake Orton as the team's number one, then the Broncos will be able to move forward with a guy who proved that he was ready for the position. For Bronco fans, this is a win-win.
This will also help the coaches figure out who has the better attitude and who is the better leader as a result. A true leader will see this as a challenge and rise to the occasion. If one of them sulks about it, it will undoubtedly affect his play. Tim Tebow has never been one to back down from any type of challenge to his ability, so it's pretty safe to say that the sulking won't come from him. Orton may not want to have to go through any type of a quarterback competition, but if he wants to remain the starter in Denver, then that's just too bad.
If Orton does go the sulky route and complain instead of letting his play do the talking, then I'll be the first one saying that we should start Tim Tebow. As of this moment, however, Elway and coach Fox have it right. Let's let these two guys battle it out, and see who gives the team the better chance to win come week one of the regular season.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
A-Mac Presents The American League Preview
It is no secret that I am a baseball fan. I had the luxury of living in a town that had a great minor league baseball team growing up. When I was a child, the Rookie League team was affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This allowed me to be able to see a future Hall of Famer pitcher in Pedro Martinez not to mention a few solid MLB players like Erik Karros and Jose Offerman. It stoked my interest in baseball. I grew up a Red Sox and Braves fan. The Red Sox because its family required and the Braves because I adored Dale Murphy. At the time I followed the Braves more because the Red Sox were mired in the last days of the Rocket as a Red Sock. My interest in baseball waned for a few years til I got involved in fantasy sports. Fantasy Baseball is crack to me. The stats in baseball are much more geeky than football and that appeals to me. Football you just need to outscore your opponent with yardage and tds. Baseball you need to have pitchers with great WHIPs, K's, and OAVs and hitters with great OPS, Zone Defensive Ratings, and WARs. Though most still play in the traditional 5x5 leagues, Sabremetrics measure better stats. Wins are pretty much useless as a stat to tell who is a good pitcher. I mean Gil Meche once won 15 games in a season. Quality Starts on the other hand help you figure out who really is a good pitcher. So what does this have to do with my column? Absolutely nothing other than to say, I think I know baseball well enough to make my predictions!
Al East- Some claim this is the hardest division to play in but I think the AL Central is because they eat each other for breakfast. I will say this. Two of the best franchises ever do play in this division and the AL Pennant winner has come from this division most on the last 10 years.
1. Boston Red Sox- added Adrian Gonzalez going from a pitcher's heaven to a hitter's heaven. AGone will be a monster in Fenway. Added Carl Crawford and upgraded their overall defense which was a stated goal last season. The Rotation is solid and Beckett and Lackey are poised for bouncebacks. If Dice-K is the 5th starter, something good is going on.
2. New York Yankees(Yankpires)- They added a great 8th inning guy in Rafael Soriano and kept their Captain. They are due to fall maybe but I still think Captain Crunch(Found out he used to eat full boxes of the cereal every morning) Sabbathia is the 2nd best pitcher in baseball.
3. Tampa Bay Don't Call us Devil Rays- Added two Idiots in the twilights of their career but Manny is cheap for them and all he has to do is hit. Johnny Damon is still a serviceable hitter and should do well in the Trop. They might have lost their bullpen but they have David Price and some solid pitchers up and coming. They win 75 games for sure.
4. Toronto Blue Jays- They might leap frog both the 3rd and 2nd teams on this list and sneak into 2nd if their players turn out well. Who would have thought they could have traded their best pitcher and be headed in the right direction? They win 70 games or better. Jose Bautista Must prove he is real though for that to happen. They are poised to compete in the next few years like the Rays in 2008.
5. Baltimore Orioles- Will actually be close to .500 this year! They signed some good hitters in Vlad Daddy and Derek Lee and have some good young players. The Greek and Adam Not PacMan Jones need to pick it up after last season.
Al Central- They eat each other every year which is why the AL Beast gets the Wild Card.
1. Minnesota Twins- All they did was resign a great lockeroom guy and almost 600 HRs in Jim Thome. They signed a Japanese Import with tremendous upside. They kept Carl Pavano and his weird mustache. If Justin Morneau returns to health, they win 90 games.
2. Chicago White Sox- Added Adam Dunn, kept Mr. White Sock Konerko but lost their closer to the other Sox. Ozzie Guillen knows how to compete though we will see if he keeps his job if him and Kenny Williams keep butting heads.
3. Detroit Tigers- They could switch places with the White Sox if Miguel Cabrera gets his head on straight. But they traded Mr. Almost Perfect for no real reason. They should have kept Gallaraga. They signed Victor Martinez to DH and play 1b when Cabrera needs to rest. We will see if that works out for them.
4. Kansas City Royals- They aren't as crappy as years past even after trading Zack Greinke. They will still suck but Billy Butler will at least make some fantasy owner happy and Joakim Soria will continue to put up ungodly stats when you know he gets in the game.
5. Cleveland Indians- Poor Cleveland, I can't even say much more than that. This is like Major League but you know with no real chance of actually winning something.
Al West
1. Oakland A's- They had one of the best offeasons albeit quiet. Their division rivals all got worse by losing key players or losing out on key free agents. They have a young team and their catcher is sneaky good.
2. California Angels- I refuse to call them by anything other than that because that's what they are to me. I attended an Angels game when Wally Joyner was playing for them. They have a better pitching staff than the Rangers. Still they will suck after not upgrading at any offensive position.
3. Texas Rangers- They Fucked Up. Not only could they not sign their best Free Agent, they upset their Franchise face and signed a guy who is only good in contract years. They have some good young guys but Feliz, Wilson, and Andrus need to prove it to me that they can continue their uptick from last season. They still upgraded their catcher position which was a glaring problem last season, but is Napoli(who might not catch at all), and Torreable really that great of an upgrade. I will say if Brandon Webb is healthy, they might be better. I just forsee a freefall for Colby Lewis especially.
4. Seattle Mariners- They. Still. Cannot. Hit. King Felix will be gone by July and they will be the worst team not named the Cleveland Indians. Another sad summer in Seattle. Ichiro might also demand a trade if they cannot compete.
Al East- Some claim this is the hardest division to play in but I think the AL Central is because they eat each other for breakfast. I will say this. Two of the best franchises ever do play in this division and the AL Pennant winner has come from this division most on the last 10 years.
1. Boston Red Sox- added Adrian Gonzalez going from a pitcher's heaven to a hitter's heaven. AGone will be a monster in Fenway. Added Carl Crawford and upgraded their overall defense which was a stated goal last season. The Rotation is solid and Beckett and Lackey are poised for bouncebacks. If Dice-K is the 5th starter, something good is going on.
2. New York Yankees(Yankpires)- They added a great 8th inning guy in Rafael Soriano and kept their Captain. They are due to fall maybe but I still think Captain Crunch(Found out he used to eat full boxes of the cereal every morning) Sabbathia is the 2nd best pitcher in baseball.
3. Tampa Bay Don't Call us Devil Rays- Added two Idiots in the twilights of their career but Manny is cheap for them and all he has to do is hit. Johnny Damon is still a serviceable hitter and should do well in the Trop. They might have lost their bullpen but they have David Price and some solid pitchers up and coming. They win 75 games for sure.
4. Toronto Blue Jays- They might leap frog both the 3rd and 2nd teams on this list and sneak into 2nd if their players turn out well. Who would have thought they could have traded their best pitcher and be headed in the right direction? They win 70 games or better. Jose Bautista Must prove he is real though for that to happen. They are poised to compete in the next few years like the Rays in 2008.
5. Baltimore Orioles- Will actually be close to .500 this year! They signed some good hitters in Vlad Daddy and Derek Lee and have some good young players. The Greek and Adam Not PacMan Jones need to pick it up after last season.
Al Central- They eat each other every year which is why the AL Beast gets the Wild Card.
1. Minnesota Twins- All they did was resign a great lockeroom guy and almost 600 HRs in Jim Thome. They signed a Japanese Import with tremendous upside. They kept Carl Pavano and his weird mustache. If Justin Morneau returns to health, they win 90 games.
2. Chicago White Sox- Added Adam Dunn, kept Mr. White Sock Konerko but lost their closer to the other Sox. Ozzie Guillen knows how to compete though we will see if he keeps his job if him and Kenny Williams keep butting heads.
3. Detroit Tigers- They could switch places with the White Sox if Miguel Cabrera gets his head on straight. But they traded Mr. Almost Perfect for no real reason. They should have kept Gallaraga. They signed Victor Martinez to DH and play 1b when Cabrera needs to rest. We will see if that works out for them.
4. Kansas City Royals- They aren't as crappy as years past even after trading Zack Greinke. They will still suck but Billy Butler will at least make some fantasy owner happy and Joakim Soria will continue to put up ungodly stats when you know he gets in the game.
5. Cleveland Indians- Poor Cleveland, I can't even say much more than that. This is like Major League but you know with no real chance of actually winning something.
Al West
1. Oakland A's- They had one of the best offeasons albeit quiet. Their division rivals all got worse by losing key players or losing out on key free agents. They have a young team and their catcher is sneaky good.
2. California Angels- I refuse to call them by anything other than that because that's what they are to me. I attended an Angels game when Wally Joyner was playing for them. They have a better pitching staff than the Rangers. Still they will suck after not upgrading at any offensive position.
3. Texas Rangers- They Fucked Up. Not only could they not sign their best Free Agent, they upset their Franchise face and signed a guy who is only good in contract years. They have some good young guys but Feliz, Wilson, and Andrus need to prove it to me that they can continue their uptick from last season. They still upgraded their catcher position which was a glaring problem last season, but is Napoli(who might not catch at all), and Torreable really that great of an upgrade. I will say if Brandon Webb is healthy, they might be better. I just forsee a freefall for Colby Lewis especially.
4. Seattle Mariners- They. Still. Cannot. Hit. King Felix will be gone by July and they will be the worst team not named the Cleveland Indians. Another sad summer in Seattle. Ichiro might also demand a trade if they cannot compete.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
NFL and NFLPA Headed to Counsoling
According to an article from yahoo sports, the NFL and the NFLPA have apparently agreed to resume talks about a new collective bargaining agreement. To make matters even more hopeful, both sides have agreed to mediation. What is this we're seeing? Signs of maturity from both sides? Realizing that making sure they get a deal done and don't alienate the fans is more important than that extra billion dollars that they're fighting over.
Nah, they probably just realize that there won't be that extra billion to bicker about if there isn't a season next year. Nonetheless, this is really the first glimmer of hope that we have seen regarding the progress of the new collective bargaining agreement since the owners opted out of the current one.
Will mediation do any good though? I think so. Mediators are great at laying out the wants of both sides and finding places to give and take. The biggest challenge of this is going to be the people on the two sides. Just like the clip I posted, yeah I know, not very journalistic of me, but funny nonetheless, these are two sides that are willing to fight it out tooth and nail to get what they want. I mean, during the last rounds of talks, things did, allegedly, get a little bit touchy.
It will be good for both of these sides to have somebody saying out loud, "if you want to get something done, then you're going to have to compromise." Something the fans, and some of the players, have been saying for a long time. I'm sure there will be many more updates regarding this over the coming weeks. Let's hope that there is something productive to talk about. As for now, looks like both sides have finally found those "big boy pants" and pulled them out of the dresser. We'll see if they are now willing to walk around in them
Nah, they probably just realize that there won't be that extra billion to bicker about if there isn't a season next year. Nonetheless, this is really the first glimmer of hope that we have seen regarding the progress of the new collective bargaining agreement since the owners opted out of the current one.
Will mediation do any good though? I think so. Mediators are great at laying out the wants of both sides and finding places to give and take. The biggest challenge of this is going to be the people on the two sides. Just like the clip I posted, yeah I know, not very journalistic of me, but funny nonetheless, these are two sides that are willing to fight it out tooth and nail to get what they want. I mean, during the last rounds of talks, things did, allegedly, get a little bit touchy.
It will be good for both of these sides to have somebody saying out loud, "if you want to get something done, then you're going to have to compromise." Something the fans, and some of the players, have been saying for a long time. I'm sure there will be many more updates regarding this over the coming weeks. Let's hope that there is something productive to talk about. As for now, looks like both sides have finally found those "big boy pants" and pulled them out of the dresser. We'll see if they are now willing to walk around in them
Monday, February 14, 2011
Peter Forsberg Officially Retires
In another blow to the Colorado Avalanche, Peter Forsberg announced his retirement from the NHL today. He played only two games with the Colorado Avalanche in his latest attempt at a comeback.
Forsberg played well in the two games he played with the Avalanche. In Nashville, he had 17:32 of ice time and had two shots on goal. He also took two penalties and was minus-two.
In Columbus he had 17:38 of ice time with one shot on goal. He was minus-two in this game as well.
Before signing on with the Avalanche last week, Forsberg was very clear that he didn't know how things would turn out. He said that he didn't know how good he was going to be, but that he wanted to give it a shot. After two games, Forsberg seems to have decided that he is not up to a level of play that would help his team.
Regardless of the fact that Forsberg failed to return to the level of play he wanted, it is important to note the impact that he had on the game.
For a long time, Forsberg was considered the best player in the NHL, and arguably the world. His unbelievable combination of size, finesse and physical play was something that had only really been seen from the likes of Mario Lemieux. Forsberg was often more dangerous as a hitter when he had the puck.
His vision of the game was, and is, unparalleled. Watching Peter Forsberg play, there were always moments in games where you would watch him make a play and just shake your head really fast in that "did that really just happen" manner.
One could easily argue that Forsberg might be the best passer that has ever played in the NHL. I doubt that people like Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk, Claude Lemieux or anybody else who was lucky enough to play on a line with Forsberg would say otherwise.
His career stats show how consistent he always was, even when he was fighting off nagging injuries. In 708 games, he has 885 points—249 goals and 636 assists. That boils down to 1.25 points per game.
Another thing that can't be overlooked is that he is plus-238 for his career. Forsberg never really got credit for his defensive abilities, but that plus-minus ratio helps show his versatility. I find it very interesting that he never won a Selke Trophy.
His postseason numbers were just as impressive. In 151 postseason games, Forsberg had 171 points—64 goals and 107 assists. He just couldn't be stopped.
His awards were many. Two gold medals, two Stanley Cups, the Art Ross Trophy (league's top scorer), the Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP), the Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year) and the Bud Light Plus-Minus award in 2003. In addition to these honors, Forsberg was a seven-time All-Star and a three-time First Team All-Star.
My hope is that the NHL will not hold his injuries against him when looking to induct him into the Hall of Fame. His value and ability as a player are unquestioned. The only question that should be asked about his numbers is, "Can you imagine how scary these numbers would be if he had never been injured?" Yet the injuries that cut short his brilliant career may keep him out. To me, that would be tragic.
Nonetheless, Peter Forsberg is a remarkable man and a fantastic player. His career was tragically short but immensely wonderful in what he managed to accomplish. His love for the game is unquestioned, and he is adored and respected by hockey fans around the world. He knows where he stands now and is saying a final farewell.
So from me and hockey fans everywhere, thanks for the amazing memories, Foppa. You will never be forgotten.
Forsberg played well in the two games he played with the Avalanche. In Nashville, he had 17:32 of ice time and had two shots on goal. He also took two penalties and was minus-two.
In Columbus he had 17:38 of ice time with one shot on goal. He was minus-two in this game as well.
Before signing on with the Avalanche last week, Forsberg was very clear that he didn't know how things would turn out. He said that he didn't know how good he was going to be, but that he wanted to give it a shot. After two games, Forsberg seems to have decided that he is not up to a level of play that would help his team.
Regardless of the fact that Forsberg failed to return to the level of play he wanted, it is important to note the impact that he had on the game.
For a long time, Forsberg was considered the best player in the NHL, and arguably the world. His unbelievable combination of size, finesse and physical play was something that had only really been seen from the likes of Mario Lemieux. Forsberg was often more dangerous as a hitter when he had the puck.
His vision of the game was, and is, unparalleled. Watching Peter Forsberg play, there were always moments in games where you would watch him make a play and just shake your head really fast in that "did that really just happen" manner.
One could easily argue that Forsberg might be the best passer that has ever played in the NHL. I doubt that people like Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk, Claude Lemieux or anybody else who was lucky enough to play on a line with Forsberg would say otherwise.
His career stats show how consistent he always was, even when he was fighting off nagging injuries. In 708 games, he has 885 points—249 goals and 636 assists. That boils down to 1.25 points per game.
Another thing that can't be overlooked is that he is plus-238 for his career. Forsberg never really got credit for his defensive abilities, but that plus-minus ratio helps show his versatility. I find it very interesting that he never won a Selke Trophy.
His postseason numbers were just as impressive. In 151 postseason games, Forsberg had 171 points—64 goals and 107 assists. He just couldn't be stopped.
His awards were many. Two gold medals, two Stanley Cups, the Art Ross Trophy (league's top scorer), the Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP), the Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year) and the Bud Light Plus-Minus award in 2003. In addition to these honors, Forsberg was a seven-time All-Star and a three-time First Team All-Star.
My hope is that the NHL will not hold his injuries against him when looking to induct him into the Hall of Fame. His value and ability as a player are unquestioned. The only question that should be asked about his numbers is, "Can you imagine how scary these numbers would be if he had never been injured?" Yet the injuries that cut short his brilliant career may keep him out. To me, that would be tragic.
Nonetheless, Peter Forsberg is a remarkable man and a fantastic player. His career was tragically short but immensely wonderful in what he managed to accomplish. His love for the game is unquestioned, and he is adored and respected by hockey fans around the world. He knows where he stands now and is saying a final farewell.
So from me and hockey fans everywhere, thanks for the amazing memories, Foppa. You will never be forgotten.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Avs Can't Decide on a Goalie
The Colorado Avalanche lost their fifth straight game, last night, to the Minnesota Wild. The Avs are now 3-7-0 in their last ten games, and have fallen all the way to 14th spot in the western conference. Still 16 points above lowly Edmonton.
Over this past month, pretty much anything that can go wrong for this Avalanche squad has gone wrong. In fact, about the only thing that seems to be moving in the right direction is Peter Forsberg, who may make his return to the ice tomorrow in Columbus.
What seems to be frustrating the Avalanche, especially coach Joe Sacco, the most is the terribly sub-par play coming from Avalanche goaltenders Craig Anderson and Peter Budaj.
Over the past month, going back to January 6th, the two Avalanche goalies have had only two games where they have allowed fewer than three goals. To go even farther back, over the last 30 games, all the way back to December 1st, the Avs have allowed fewer than three goals only seven times. This will not get the job done.
Now, I am far from blaming these two guys entirely for the current down-slide. Watching these games has been horribly painful. The Avalanche are too young, too small, too inconsistent, and too prone to turn overs on defense, and that does not help the goalies at all. In fact, they probably take far too much blame for all that is happening. Still, there is great cause for concern.
The larger issue that seems to have sprouted from the inconsistent play in net is that Joe Sacco now seems to have no faith in either of his two goalies. In the 3-2 loss to Minnesota, Craig Anderson was pulled from the game in the second period. There have been a couple of occasions this season, where Sacco has played Peter Budaj in consecutive games, but pulled him in the second game because he was just too inconsistent. This constant flip flopping of goalies makes it seem, to me at any rate, that Sacco has almost completely lost faith in both his goalies.
A stark contrast from last year, when Joe Sacco was too attached to Craig Anderson, starting him in 71 games and pretty much all of the back to back situations that happened. Has Anderson really been that bad that now he doesn't deserve to start 3 games in a row?
Again, I'm not here saying the goalies have been great. Obviously they're far from it. Andy's full numbers are 13-15-3 with a .899 save %, 3.19 GAA, and zero shutouts.
Budaj's are definitely no better at 12-8-3, .897 Save %, 3.07 goals against, and one shut out. Really, neither goalie has shown that much to be confident in, yet the coach needs to show confidence in somebody. This constant flip flopping of goalies gives the whole team no confidence in these guys. That has to have some type of an effect on them mentally.
Some sort of consistency needs to be established in net. Whether it is by one of these goalies stepping up their game, a lot, and solidifying that position, or coach Sacco just sticking with one of those guys for the sake of consistency. If neither of these happens, then it would almost be better to try to get involved on the trade market and bring somebody in that Sacco feels like he can have some type of consistency with, because the only consistent thing that is going on right now is the losing.
Over this past month, pretty much anything that can go wrong for this Avalanche squad has gone wrong. In fact, about the only thing that seems to be moving in the right direction is Peter Forsberg, who may make his return to the ice tomorrow in Columbus.
What seems to be frustrating the Avalanche, especially coach Joe Sacco, the most is the terribly sub-par play coming from Avalanche goaltenders Craig Anderson and Peter Budaj.
Over the past month, going back to January 6th, the two Avalanche goalies have had only two games where they have allowed fewer than three goals. To go even farther back, over the last 30 games, all the way back to December 1st, the Avs have allowed fewer than three goals only seven times. This will not get the job done.
Now, I am far from blaming these two guys entirely for the current down-slide. Watching these games has been horribly painful. The Avalanche are too young, too small, too inconsistent, and too prone to turn overs on defense, and that does not help the goalies at all. In fact, they probably take far too much blame for all that is happening. Still, there is great cause for concern.
The larger issue that seems to have sprouted from the inconsistent play in net is that Joe Sacco now seems to have no faith in either of his two goalies. In the 3-2 loss to Minnesota, Craig Anderson was pulled from the game in the second period. There have been a couple of occasions this season, where Sacco has played Peter Budaj in consecutive games, but pulled him in the second game because he was just too inconsistent. This constant flip flopping of goalies makes it seem, to me at any rate, that Sacco has almost completely lost faith in both his goalies.
A stark contrast from last year, when Joe Sacco was too attached to Craig Anderson, starting him in 71 games and pretty much all of the back to back situations that happened. Has Anderson really been that bad that now he doesn't deserve to start 3 games in a row?
Again, I'm not here saying the goalies have been great. Obviously they're far from it. Andy's full numbers are 13-15-3 with a .899 save %, 3.19 GAA, and zero shutouts.
Budaj's are definitely no better at 12-8-3, .897 Save %, 3.07 goals against, and one shut out. Really, neither goalie has shown that much to be confident in, yet the coach needs to show confidence in somebody. This constant flip flopping of goalies gives the whole team no confidence in these guys. That has to have some type of an effect on them mentally.
Some sort of consistency needs to be established in net. Whether it is by one of these goalies stepping up their game, a lot, and solidifying that position, or coach Sacco just sticking with one of those guys for the sake of consistency. If neither of these happens, then it would almost be better to try to get involved on the trade market and bring somebody in that Sacco feels like he can have some type of consistency with, because the only consistent thing that is going on right now is the losing.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Super Bowl Possibly Last Football For a Year
The fantastic game played by the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers overshadowed an issue that most fans have been preparing themselves for ever since the half way point of last season. That issue, of course, is the looming potential of a lock out of next season's play.
At the start of the season we say all of the players displaying some union solidarity to show that they stand as one in their conflict with NFL owners. The players union says that it plans to decertify in order to prevent a lockout.
What does that mean, decertify? Well, I found a great article that explained this very well. Back in 1987, there was a strike in the NFL. In order to make sure that there was still a season, the owners decided to play out the season with replacement players, you may have seen a movie about this at some point. After the players came back, they attempted to sue the NFL under anti-trust laws, which it won, but later had overturned. They were told they needed to choose to be a union or not. If they decertified the union, the NFLPA would no longer be a union, but a "trade organization." As a trade organization, they could conceivably sue the NFL for locking them out under antitrust laws that it was being subjected to a group boycott, which is illegal.
It's an interesting ace in the sleeve that they have, but at the same time, it seems to be unfair. If the players want to have a say in their CBA, as a union should, then they need to be a union. You can't just take the things that you like about being a union and then drop it the second you don't like it.
The potential work stoppage has also created issues amongst the players. Several are taking the hard line union stance, while some, like Jets corner back Antonio Cromartie, are calling for the union and the owners to make certain that they get a deal done; saying that the union was not doing its job, claiming leadership was "acting like an a-hole." That prompted a response from Seahawk quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, asking if "Cromartie knows what CBA stands for." Hasselbeck later deleted this tweet, but not without notice from Cromartie, who threatened that he would smash Hasselbeck's face in. Hardly projecting a picture of union unity.
In the end, this comes down to something that us fans cannot stand; millionaires arguing with billionaires about money. They owners say they aren't making enough money, and the players say that they can't verify that and don't believe them. Both groups lobby fans for support, but neither actually listens to what the fans want. The fans are the reason that these millionaires are as rich as they are and, once again, we are being thrown under the bus. The message from the fans is very clear, but since neither side seems to be able to understand it, let me simplify it for you.
**clears throat**
Attention owners. Attention players. Quit whining. Both of you make far more money than you rightfully should. Regardless of who "wins", you have both forgotten that neither of you can do without the fans. Without us, there is no attendance and no revenue to argue about. So, once again, SHUT UP! We don't care how you do it, but you all need to wear your big boy pants to work now, make some concessions, and get a deal done. The only alliance that the fans have is to the game itself. So knock it off.
At the start of the season we say all of the players displaying some union solidarity to show that they stand as one in their conflict with NFL owners. The players union says that it plans to decertify in order to prevent a lockout.
What does that mean, decertify? Well, I found a great article that explained this very well. Back in 1987, there was a strike in the NFL. In order to make sure that there was still a season, the owners decided to play out the season with replacement players, you may have seen a movie about this at some point. After the players came back, they attempted to sue the NFL under anti-trust laws, which it won, but later had overturned. They were told they needed to choose to be a union or not. If they decertified the union, the NFLPA would no longer be a union, but a "trade organization." As a trade organization, they could conceivably sue the NFL for locking them out under antitrust laws that it was being subjected to a group boycott, which is illegal.
It's an interesting ace in the sleeve that they have, but at the same time, it seems to be unfair. If the players want to have a say in their CBA, as a union should, then they need to be a union. You can't just take the things that you like about being a union and then drop it the second you don't like it.
The potential work stoppage has also created issues amongst the players. Several are taking the hard line union stance, while some, like Jets corner back Antonio Cromartie, are calling for the union and the owners to make certain that they get a deal done; saying that the union was not doing its job, claiming leadership was "acting like an a-hole." That prompted a response from Seahawk quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, asking if "Cromartie knows what CBA stands for." Hasselbeck later deleted this tweet, but not without notice from Cromartie, who threatened that he would smash Hasselbeck's face in. Hardly projecting a picture of union unity.
In the end, this comes down to something that us fans cannot stand; millionaires arguing with billionaires about money. They owners say they aren't making enough money, and the players say that they can't verify that and don't believe them. Both groups lobby fans for support, but neither actually listens to what the fans want. The fans are the reason that these millionaires are as rich as they are and, once again, we are being thrown under the bus. The message from the fans is very clear, but since neither side seems to be able to understand it, let me simplify it for you.
**clears throat**
Attention owners. Attention players. Quit whining. Both of you make far more money than you rightfully should. Regardless of who "wins", you have both forgotten that neither of you can do without the fans. Without us, there is no attendance and no revenue to argue about. So, once again, SHUT UP! We don't care how you do it, but you all need to wear your big boy pants to work now, make some concessions, and get a deal done. The only alliance that the fans have is to the game itself. So knock it off.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Peter Forsberg Signs on with the Colorado Avalanche!
Here we go again!! Yes, Peter Forsberg has announced that he will come back for another attempt at the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche.
This is the most recent attempt for Peter Forsberg to return to the Avalanche since his run in 2007-2008, when he rejoined the team towards the end of the season after an injury plagued year. He played nine games for the Avs that season and had a goal and 13 assists.
Throughout Forsberg's career, he has been a player that has had more than a point per game average. His career numbers are incredibly impressive. Forsberg has 249 goals and 636 assists in 706 regular-season games. A grand total of 885 points. His playoff numbers are equally impressive, with 64 goals and 107 assists in 151 career playoff games.
These numbers are so impressive that it really make one wonder what his totals would have been had he maintained his health.
There's no arguing with his numbers in his past career, the big question is going to revolve around whether or not he will be able to make a big enough difference for this Avalanche team in the rest of the season. The Avs are currently fourth place in the Northwest Division, and sit in 12th spot in the Western Conference. The catch being that they are only four points out of the eighth playoff spot, and seven points out of the fourth seed in the west.
Knowing Forsberg, he wasn't going to come back if he didn't feel as if he could play at the high level he is accustomed to playing. Still, will this be enough to push the Avs over the hump and into the playoffs? Quite possible.
If I am Joe Sacco, I immediately put Forsberg on a line opposite Milan Hejduk. These two played together for several seasons, most notably during Forsberg's Hart and Art Ross trophy winning seasons, as league's MVP and leading scorer. These guys have chemistry, and they will not take a long time to find it again. Throw Matt Duchene in the middle of that line, and you have something that could be very potentially scary.
From seeing Forsberg, if he is on his game, he can make everybody around him a better player and a potential scoring threat.
All in all, the addition of Peter Forsberg definitely can't hurt the Avs. We'll have to see how he feels while he's in the game time situations before we can fully decide whether Forsberg will be able to help push the Avs into the playoffs.
This is the most recent attempt for Peter Forsberg to return to the Avalanche since his run in 2007-2008, when he rejoined the team towards the end of the season after an injury plagued year. He played nine games for the Avs that season and had a goal and 13 assists.
Throughout Forsberg's career, he has been a player that has had more than a point per game average. His career numbers are incredibly impressive. Forsberg has 249 goals and 636 assists in 706 regular-season games. A grand total of 885 points. His playoff numbers are equally impressive, with 64 goals and 107 assists in 151 career playoff games.
These numbers are so impressive that it really make one wonder what his totals would have been had he maintained his health.
There's no arguing with his numbers in his past career, the big question is going to revolve around whether or not he will be able to make a big enough difference for this Avalanche team in the rest of the season. The Avs are currently fourth place in the Northwest Division, and sit in 12th spot in the Western Conference. The catch being that they are only four points out of the eighth playoff spot, and seven points out of the fourth seed in the west.
Knowing Forsberg, he wasn't going to come back if he didn't feel as if he could play at the high level he is accustomed to playing. Still, will this be enough to push the Avs over the hump and into the playoffs? Quite possible.
If I am Joe Sacco, I immediately put Forsberg on a line opposite Milan Hejduk. These two played together for several seasons, most notably during Forsberg's Hart and Art Ross trophy winning seasons, as league's MVP and leading scorer. These guys have chemistry, and they will not take a long time to find it again. Throw Matt Duchene in the middle of that line, and you have something that could be very potentially scary.
From seeing Forsberg, if he is on his game, he can make everybody around him a better player and a potential scoring threat.
All in all, the addition of Peter Forsberg definitely can't hurt the Avs. We'll have to see how he feels while he's in the game time situations before we can fully decide whether Forsberg will be able to help push the Avs into the playoffs.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Avs Remind Fans How Far Rebuilding Effort Has to Go
Last year, the Avalanche were one of the feel good stories of the NHL year. Having finished dead last in the Western Conference, people were excited to see the once proud franchise making a playoff run. So, when this season started, it seemed natural that expectations should be a bit higher for this team. After all, from one season to another, especially with a team this young, generally you expect improvement from year to year.
Start of this season comes around and things were a bit slower than last year. But you can't expect the kind of fast start that the Avs had last season every year. 20 games go by, 30 games go by, the Avs are right there in the conversation and are hanging with the Canucks. We start thinking, ha! Vancouver who!? We're going to hit our stride and then go flying by those guys.
Only something different happens. More and more games go by, and instead of that energetic, never-say-die team that we had become so used to seeing, we start seeing a team that can't start a game to save their lives, play horrible defense, and can't climb back into games the way they used to. We start to think, well, everybody is thinking "hey, they're bound to hit a slump at some point. They'll rebound."
Well, we're still waiting for that rebound. The Avs dropped another today, this time to the Anaheim Ducks. Another game marked by taking bad penalties, poor defensive zone play, and a lack of offensive intensity. It's something that has marked their play for the last month, or more, of hockey. Then I remembered something.
This Avs team is still rebuilding. This is a team that is still nowhere near their full potential, and will probably take a couple of more years to get there. Last year we experienced something that probably shouldn't have happened. If it wasn't for the insanely amazing play of Craig Anderson, last year's Avs would have been nowhere near the playoffs. The defense was just as inconsistent, the offense experienced similar ups and downs, the big difference was that Anderson was able to make all those insane saves that he had no business making. It's like that guy you play poker with that everybody hates because he goes all in with stupid hands, but wins each time. Eventually, you know that guy is going to run out of luck, it's just a matter of time. It seems that time has happened this year.
So, to all Avs fans, and this is just as much for me as anybody else, yes, the Avs are not a very good team right now. Yes, we're most likely going to miss the playoffs with this type of poor play. Let's all remember, we haven't seen the best that these guys can offer yet. Stewie hasn't shown us a full season of what he will be, neither has Duchene. Neither have a lot of these guys, but their talent is there and they are still learning. Eventually, our front office will help us get bigger and more skilled on defense. Eventually, our goalies won't have to know from the beginning that they have to win the game for us.
Rebuilding is not a fun process for a team, but if you do it right, that time will pay off. Just ask the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks. They both spent a decent amount of time at the bottom of the NHL, and have both recently won Stanley Cups. The Avs will get there, I'm convinced, but we, as a fan base, need to make the trip with them and not give up on our boys.
Start of this season comes around and things were a bit slower than last year. But you can't expect the kind of fast start that the Avs had last season every year. 20 games go by, 30 games go by, the Avs are right there in the conversation and are hanging with the Canucks. We start thinking, ha! Vancouver who!? We're going to hit our stride and then go flying by those guys.
Only something different happens. More and more games go by, and instead of that energetic, never-say-die team that we had become so used to seeing, we start seeing a team that can't start a game to save their lives, play horrible defense, and can't climb back into games the way they used to. We start to think, well, everybody is thinking "hey, they're bound to hit a slump at some point. They'll rebound."
Well, we're still waiting for that rebound. The Avs dropped another today, this time to the Anaheim Ducks. Another game marked by taking bad penalties, poor defensive zone play, and a lack of offensive intensity. It's something that has marked their play for the last month, or more, of hockey. Then I remembered something.
This Avs team is still rebuilding. This is a team that is still nowhere near their full potential, and will probably take a couple of more years to get there. Last year we experienced something that probably shouldn't have happened. If it wasn't for the insanely amazing play of Craig Anderson, last year's Avs would have been nowhere near the playoffs. The defense was just as inconsistent, the offense experienced similar ups and downs, the big difference was that Anderson was able to make all those insane saves that he had no business making. It's like that guy you play poker with that everybody hates because he goes all in with stupid hands, but wins each time. Eventually, you know that guy is going to run out of luck, it's just a matter of time. It seems that time has happened this year.
So, to all Avs fans, and this is just as much for me as anybody else, yes, the Avs are not a very good team right now. Yes, we're most likely going to miss the playoffs with this type of poor play. Let's all remember, we haven't seen the best that these guys can offer yet. Stewie hasn't shown us a full season of what he will be, neither has Duchene. Neither have a lot of these guys, but their talent is there and they are still learning. Eventually, our front office will help us get bigger and more skilled on defense. Eventually, our goalies won't have to know from the beginning that they have to win the game for us.
Rebuilding is not a fun process for a team, but if you do it right, that time will pay off. Just ask the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks. They both spent a decent amount of time at the bottom of the NHL, and have both recently won Stanley Cups. The Avs will get there, I'm convinced, but we, as a fan base, need to make the trip with them and not give up on our boys.
Super Bowl Sunday!!
Here we are again! The time of the year where everybody looks to the same place for the same 4 hours. Even people who don't care about football are finding the Super Bowl party that they are planning to attend.
What a game we have in store this year. The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lots of potential story lines, but the one that I think is going to decide the game is the Packer Defense. Here are what I think are the keys for the Packer defense to win the game.
Tackle Big Ben!
The Steelers offensive line will give up some pressure, that is nothing new. What makes Ben so good is his ability to elude that pressure for just long enough to get something out of the play. If they can prevent him from getting out of the pocket, and force him to take the sack or just throw it away, that will go a long way towards keeping the Steelers offense off of the field.
Get Turnovers
Big Ben is the type of quarterback who will go for that high risk, high reward style pass. An aggressive defense like the Packer defense will get their chances to make a huge difference in the outcome of a game. The Steelers were quite prone to turnovers in their playoff games. If not for their superb second half against Baltimore, there is a great chance this team isn't even in the Super Bowl because of all the turnovers.
Solid Tackling
I was watching Sports Center earlier today when they were showing how many yards after contact the Steelers got against the Jets. It was quite a huge difference that you don't really notice just watching the game. The Packers really have to make certain that they wrap up any Steeler that has the ball and not allow any extra yards after contact. That's the difference between 4th and 3 and a brand new set of downs.
Make the Steelers One Dimensional
The bread and butter of the Packer defense is in the secondary. Everybody knows that the Steelers like to run the ball, and they will do it whether or not it has been working throughout the game. That being said, if you keep that run game in control, then you force long third downs where you know they have to pass. If the Packers are able to get more third and six to third and tens, I'd have to think that they would take that any day of the week. If that does happen, the advantage definitely goes to the Packers.
I think the Packers are good enough on defense to do all of those things. Plus, my gut goes immediately to Green Bay. Last year, I just couldn't see the Saints losing, and this year, I just can't see the Packers letting it get away. Aaron Rodgers is the hot hand right now, and you just can't go against the team that is on the hot streak. And right now, that team is undoubtedly the Packers.
This will be a great game, but I'll take the Packers, 27-21.
What a game we have in store this year. The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lots of potential story lines, but the one that I think is going to decide the game is the Packer Defense. Here are what I think are the keys for the Packer defense to win the game.
Tackle Big Ben!
The Steelers offensive line will give up some pressure, that is nothing new. What makes Ben so good is his ability to elude that pressure for just long enough to get something out of the play. If they can prevent him from getting out of the pocket, and force him to take the sack or just throw it away, that will go a long way towards keeping the Steelers offense off of the field.
Get Turnovers
Big Ben is the type of quarterback who will go for that high risk, high reward style pass. An aggressive defense like the Packer defense will get their chances to make a huge difference in the outcome of a game. The Steelers were quite prone to turnovers in their playoff games. If not for their superb second half against Baltimore, there is a great chance this team isn't even in the Super Bowl because of all the turnovers.
Solid Tackling
I was watching Sports Center earlier today when they were showing how many yards after contact the Steelers got against the Jets. It was quite a huge difference that you don't really notice just watching the game. The Packers really have to make certain that they wrap up any Steeler that has the ball and not allow any extra yards after contact. That's the difference between 4th and 3 and a brand new set of downs.
Make the Steelers One Dimensional
The bread and butter of the Packer defense is in the secondary. Everybody knows that the Steelers like to run the ball, and they will do it whether or not it has been working throughout the game. That being said, if you keep that run game in control, then you force long third downs where you know they have to pass. If the Packers are able to get more third and six to third and tens, I'd have to think that they would take that any day of the week. If that does happen, the advantage definitely goes to the Packers.
I think the Packers are good enough on defense to do all of those things. Plus, my gut goes immediately to Green Bay. Last year, I just couldn't see the Saints losing, and this year, I just can't see the Packers letting it get away. Aaron Rodgers is the hot hand right now, and you just can't go against the team that is on the hot streak. And right now, that team is undoubtedly the Packers.
This will be a great game, but I'll take the Packers, 27-21.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)