The Blockbuster Trade That Will Happen At the NBA Deadline

Take note of this right now. Even though you were directed to this page by the title either from Google, Twitter, or some other random site no one gives a shit about, what I'm saying in the title is not completely true. I'm no fortune teller. I can't solve your problems. What I can tell you is what's most likely to happen, and what you're gonna hear you'll never believe.


Boston Celtics Receive                      Los Angeles Lakers Receive          Houston Rockets Receive

Sam Dalembert                                              Rajon Rondo                                         Pau Gasol

Steve Blake                                                 Hakeem Thabeet                                    Mickael Pietrus

                                                                     Terrence Williams      

Why this trade works:

It's pretty simple. Boston wants Rondo to go. I have no idea why, because he's the only reason why their still alive in the playoff hunt right now. Anyways, Rondo would fit nice in Los Angeles. Could you believe how Kobe and Rajon would mesh with each other? Pretty well if you ask me.

Now you're asking, why trade Pau to Houston? The situation is almost exact with Pau as it is with Rajon, and Boston can't have two ball-hogging big men that play the same position; especially cause one of them is a future HOF'er. Pau could redefine himself and be the face of the franchise in Houston, or it could be a Lamar Odom situation where he's buffering around the D-League. If you ask me, I think Pau will make huge playoff implications in The H-Town.

Sam Dalembert will fit about as well as Kendrick Perkins did for the early part of his career. I think he's one of the more underrated parts of this trade, and will be a force in Boston come playoff time. Blake, Williams, Pietrus, and Thabeet are all just additional parts to the trade, just to make it look a little more fancy I guess.

How this trade works:

Boston trades away contracts worth about 10.85 million

Los Angeles trades away contracts worth about 22.7 million

Houston trades away contracts worth about 14.5 million

Boston receives contracts worth about 11 million

Los Angeles receives contracts worth about 17.5 million

Houston receives contracts worth about 19.6 million

Winner of the trade: Lakers

No doubt. They receive one of the best point guards in the NBA in terms of ball distribution, and all-around player. Kobe would take him under his wing, and I believe, strongly, that they would win the 2012 NBA championship if they make this trade. If I'm right about this, I will dropout of high school and become a fortune teller. 

Just kidding.

Best Player By Position Now: 1st Basemen

As the countdown of the best players at each position continues, it's time to look at the best first baseman in MLB right now. So without further delay lets count them down.

4.  Adrian Gonzelez
With his first season in Boston, Adrian hit .338, had 27 home runs and drove in 117 runs. Being 28 years old and the short porch in right field, which benefits left handers in Boston the sky is the limit for Gonzelez. Sandwiched in the middle of the Red Sox line up, and if Boston can stay healthy around him, there is no doubt this could be a huge season for Ardrian.


3.  Prince Fielder
Arguably the most sought after free agent this winter was Prince Fielder. There could be a period of adjustment for Fielder now that he is switching leagues, and coming to more of a pitchers park in Detroit. Last season with the Brewers Fielder played in all 162 games and hit .299 38 home runs, and had 120 rbi.  I would expect in the bigger ball park Fielder's numbers to be a little down this season, but still should be amongst the league leaders in both hr and rbis.

2.  Joey Votto
Now that Fielder and Pujols are gone from the National League the best first baseman in the NL is without a doubt Joey Votto. Last season he hit .309 drove in 103 runs, while hitting 29 home runs and a league leading 40 doubles.  He is also very durable in playing in 161 games.  He may be the best pure hitter in the game today.


1. Albert Pujols
Albert quite possibly is the best player of my generation.  In a generation tainted by steroid use, you never hear his name in the discussion.  Last season in leading the Cardinals to the World Series Championship he hit .299 drove in 99 runs and hit 37 home runs despite a stint on the DL with a wrist injury.  He is also switching leagues which may bring his numbers down a little, but until he retires he will always top the list of best 1st baseman and maybe best position players in MLB.

Honorable mentions Mark Texiera, Ryan Howard, Justin Morneau

Daytona 500 Recap

By SHAWN KRAUSE
The Daytona 500 is called the Super Bowl of NASCAR. That night it lived up to the name. It was however a long weekend. The 54th running of the "Great American Race" was postponed for the first time ever after the rains came on Sunday.

Then after more rain Monday morning the drivers finally got the command to start their engines. It didn't take long for them to start pushing the limits to hard. On lap 2 a wreck sucked up 5 time series champion Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Bush, and fan favorite Danica Patrick. Patrick and Bush would come back later but Johnson's night was over before it even started.


Things settled down till 40 laps to go when Juan Pablo Montoya's steering broke and he slammed into the jet dryer. The dryers were blowing debris off the track which is normal. Montoya slammed into the trailer that the jet engine was on causing 200 gallons of jet fuel to spill on the track and burst into flames. A 2 hour red flag stopped the race while they put the fire out and did repairs to the track.


Once the race resumed Matt Kenseth held off a charging Dale Earnhart Jr. for the checkered flag. This is the second win for Kenseth in the 500. Although it only took 3 and a half hours of actually race time the race took over 5 hours to complete after the red flag. Everyone was excited that pack racing was back. No more 2 car tandems anymore. Last year the best driver and the best car didn't win the race.  It was about who could push who.  This season with the smaller grill opening and for the first time fuel injectors in the cars, you couldn't push to long.  Matt Kenseth lead the second most amount of laps and had the best car on the track and it showed last night with his win.  One side footnote to the race, there was a race to halfway where the winner would get a 200,000 dollar bonus. Martin Truex Jr. was the winner of that and won the bonus.

All in all even though there was rain delay, and the race didn't start till after 7 in the east and finish till after 1 am in the east, it was still a fantastic race. The green white checker overtime rule that NASCAR put in a few years ago was brilliant. Instead of ending with a caution the drivers are allowed to race for the finish. At a track like Daytona, and an event like the Daytona 500 you don't want it any other way.

Best Player By Position Now: Catchers

New type of series of articles coming out, featuring who we think are the top four players at their respective position are, to date. The first feature is about catchers, so lets count 'em down!


4) Miguel Montero, Diamondbacks

This was a tough decision, no doubt about it. I was deciding McCann or Montero, and both had similar, above average statistics. McCann has been the better career player, but the question is who is the best player NOW, which is Montero. Montero sported a .820 OPS in 2011, .13 points shy of his career high set back in 2009. Montero did set a career high in walks and RBI last season, shattering his previous records by a serious margin. Montero is a big part of the nucleus that has been laid out in 'Zona, and he's definitely a big part of it.

3) Alex Avila, Tigers

Now means now, which means Victor Martinez is not on this list because of the torn ACL he suffered this off season. And now Avila will step into more of a spotlight, where he was shadowed last year by Martinez's brilliant performance. I'll be honest with you, I never knew Avila was alive until the Rangers played the Tigers in the ALCS. You have to give the man credit however, he was second among catchers last year with a .895 OPS, a .506 slugging percentage, and was second in walks.There's no doubt Avila will do great in the absence of V-Mart.

2) Mike Napoli, Rangers

Napoli made a name for himself in 2011, and not only benefited himself but the Rangers franchise in general. Besides Yu, Napoli has been the hottest selling jersey on the market for Rangers fans, and NAP-O-LI chants can frequently be heard at and around Rangers Ballpark. Those fans have a great reason to cheer. Napoli led all catchers with 30 homeruns in 2011, a 1.046 OPS (ridiculous), and .631 slugging percentage. That's some pretty astounding statistics, and he was also a goon behind the plate gunning down baserunners in key playoff situations and had a remarkable pitchers ERA when he was catching. Napoli deserves the long term contract he desires.

1) Joe Mauer, Twins

Even not playing for some of 2011, Mauer is still the best in the business. He has all the endorsements. He has all the awards. He has all the stats. What he needs is a supporting cast around him that will better Minnesota's playoff chances and not take a major step backwards like what they did in 2011 after being division champs in 2010. Mauer will have a rebound year in 2012, and so will the Twins if they can get their shit together.


HONORABLE MENTION: Brian McCann, Carlos Santana, Matt Wieters 

The Rundown: February 18th

AJ Burnett Deal to Pirates

Lets flashback a couple of years ago. AJ Burnett signed with the Yankees, along with CC Sabathia, to what could have been one of the greatest rotations in baseball in the last decade. The first year was a successful one, as the Yankees won their 27th World Series title. But the last two years have been disastrous. One of the problems with Burnett is his fastball, which opponent batters teed off of last year, hitting .300 off of the fastball alone. Burnett struggled getting ahead early, which made him rely on the fastball, but to hitters it looked like a 70 mph beach ball instead of a 95 mph fastball. Hitters struggled more on his off-speed, batting a combined .167 off his curveball, changeup, and slider. Another thing Burnett struggled with was trusting his offspeed when he got behind, like I said previously, where he threw his fastball 85% of the time when he was behind in the count.

Why would the Pirates want him then? There's still something left in that tank of Burnett. His mind was lost in The Big Apple, and it can be found again in the Steel City, where he can be a major contributor to get them back into October.


NCAA Title Frontrunner?

Answering the question, there is none. Look at the top two teams currently on the AP Poll. Number one is Kentucky, yes they've had one hell of a run through the SEC. Let me remind you that football has no effect on the basketball part of this conference. The only team worth a damn besides UK in the coveted football conference is Florida, who have not impressed me by any standard in the conference. UK is mainly led by Freshmen and Sophomores, how are you supposed to trust them in front of possibly 100,000 people in the Final Four? Or even the Sweet 16?

Number two: Syracuse. Right now, they're the team I'm putting my money on. I didn't say they didn't have flaws, however. Fab Melo being absent really hurt the Orangemen at first, but bonded them together more after they found out how to win without him.What if Melo is going to be ineligible again right before the tourney? Cuse will be in trouble.

I love March Madness.The greatness in it is the unexpected will always occur, even though we know it might not occur. My two favorite times of year are March and October. The fun always resides in those two months. 

NL Power Rankings: Top 10

BY SHAWN KRAUSE

As pitchers and catchers are preparing to descend on Florida and Arizona for spring training, I thought it would be fun to look at the 10 ten teams in the National League; the NL has won the World Series 4 of the last 6 years.

10  Los Angeles Dodgers:  Hopefully the Dodgers ownership will be in place by mid season. If they can tread water till June maybe a move or 2 will put them in the race in NL West. With Kershaw in place as their ace, at least every 5th day they will be in the game.  With Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Juan Rivera in the middle of the lineup they should score runs.

9. Washington Nationals:  The Nationals are still maybe a year or 2 away from making it to the post season, but with Gio Gonzalez and (hopefully) Stephen Stausburg for the entire season, makes a very strong front of the rotation. If Jason Werth can live up to the contract and not hit .232 this season Washington will make some progress. Their lineup still lacks a little pop, but with an owner willing to spend money the future is bright in Washington.

8. Chicago Cubs:  The Cubs are the lovable losers and that doesn't change this season either. After losing Aramis Ramirez, and Carlos Pena, the Cubs are gonna be hard pressed score runs this season. New President of Baseball Ops Theo Epstien will turn the Cubs around and they WILL win soon, just not this season.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks: Arizona was the surprise of the NL last season winning the west. Pretty much the same team comes back as last season, only Trevor Cahill was the biggest edition to the team. The problem with putting them high right now is they had players that had career years last year, and that's tough to duplicate. They had the best lineup statistically last season, but I look for them to come back to earth a little this season, finishing 2nd in the NL West.

6. St Louis Cardinals: Even though the Cardinals are the defending Champions, they lost some major pieces this offseason. The obvious being Albert Pujols, and their manager Tony LaRusa, who I think did his finest job of managing last season in winning the title. More unrest is the leave of absence that pitching coach Dave Duncan also took. With Adam Wainwright returning from injury gives St. Louis a formidable staff.  However Carlos Beltran will not replace the Alber Pujols hole in the middle of the lineup. They should be in contention but fall short for both the wild card and division.

5. Cincinnati Reds:  The Reds have the best pure hitter in all of baseball in Joey Votto, and maybe the best 2nd baseman in Brandon Philips. The arrival of Matt Latos, and Aroldis Chapman with solidify the rotation. Plus with Prince Fielder, and Albert Pujols leaving the division and league for the matter, and Ryan Braun facing a 50 game suspension for failing a drug test the Reds should be the best team in the central division.

4. Atlanta Braves:  The Braves always seem to be right in the mix every single year. Last season they was in it all the way to the final day of the season, but don't let the collapse last year fool you. With speed at the top of the lineup in Micheal Bourn and Dan Uggla, Freddie Freeman, and Brian McCann in the middle of the lineup should give opposing pitchers fits. Atlanta is in a tough division though, the NL East may be the best division top to bottom in all of baseball.

3. Miami Marlins:  New name, new stadium, new manager, the Miami Marlins are now saying we are for real. They made a strong push for Alber Pujols and just about every other free agent this summer.  With the editions of Mark Buehrle, and a head on straight Carlos Zambrano they should be in every game. I think though the biggest edition wasn't a player it was the man in the dugout. Ozzie Guielln, whether you like his loud mouth or not he gets the best out of his players. In a tough NL East they should challenge the Phillies, but will most likely end up the in the Wild Card spot.

2. San Francisco Giants:  The Giants may have the second best rotation in the National League. If they wasn't in the same league as the Phillies they would be the odds on favorite to win the NL. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Madison Bumgarner are a stout 1,2,3. Buster Posey returning from his ankle injury will give the offense a much needed lift. In a weak NL West baring a major injury, and the Dodgers ownership in flux the Giants should run away with this division.

1. Philadelphia Phillies:  They have the best rotation in baseball period! Holliday, Lee, Hamels are as good as it gets. Their offense let down in the postseason last season. Look for Ryan Howard to have a bounce back year and be Ryan Howard again. A healthy Chase Utley will give him the protection he will need. Plus after getting bounced in the first round last season look for them to have a chip on their shoulder and live up to the hype this season.

AL Power Rankings: Top 5

Alright, the Super Bowl is over. That is in the past, and football is nice every Fall, but it's almost Spring, which means baseball is on the horizon. Most free agents have signed, so here are my AL Power Rankings:


5) New York Yankees

The Yankees will always be the talk of baseball, no matter the players or managers on their team, the Yankees are in the spotlight. With CC Sabathia and recently acquired Michael Pineda  leading the rotation, this Yankees team can become an emergence for the World Series title once again.


4) Boston Red Sox

2011 was a major wake up call for most in Bean-town, especially the $162 million acquisition Carl Crawford. CC was out of sync a majority of the year, and didn't look one bit like the All-Star he was in Tampa. This rotation will need to step up as well, but a playoff appearance should be no surprise to anyone.


3) Los Angeles Angels

The Angels definitely won the offseason this year. Signing a top of the rotation pitcher who shall remain nameless and arguably the greatest right handed hitter the game has ever seen. With that top of the rotation pitcher fitting in as the number three in the rotation, the Angels will be a powerhouse in the AL West.


2) Detroit Tigers

I want to state this for the record: the Tigers would be number one IF they had Victor Martinez, but he's gone for the year. Anyways, this Tigers team should make a great run for the pennant. With the AL MVP Justin Verlander, and prized first baseman Prince Fielder signing a nine year deal, the good times are finally a boomin' in Detroit again.


1) Texas Rangers

Even with the loss of the top of the rotation pitcher, the Rangers are still at the top of the American League. Prized Japanese import Yu Darvish will be a force added into a deep rotation, and the Rangers undoubtedly have the best lineup in baseball. Young, Kinsler, Cruz, Hamilton, Beltre, Andrus, and more players in the farm system (Profar, Martin) the Rangers might finally get the coveted World Series trophy in 2012. I might cry if that happens (in a good way).

Opinion: Time To Let Go Josh

BY SHAWN KRAUSE


I would like to state for the record I am a fan of the Texas Rangers. In the 25 years of watching baseball, these last 2 seasons have been the best of my life.  With all that being said, I am afraid some of you won't like what I am about to say, but I'm afraid that it is time to make a trade at the trade deadline or let Josh Hamilton leave as a free agent.  No I am not crazy, but let me state my case.


First let me say that I do not know what it is like to be an addict. I can't imagine what it would be like knowing that any day I could fall off the "wagon" and have my life spiral out of control.  Part of me saying that I would be ok with Texas trading him does have to do with the escapades of the other night. In case you don't know he was drinking at Sherlocks bar in North Dallas. He also allegedly had sexual relations with a girl in the bathroom.  That part isn't confirmed by Josh, but according to deadspin.com(take that for what its worth) there is eye witness accounts that he did take a girl in the bathroom and had relations with her.


The other part is for baseball reasons. Since being traded to texas in 2007 the most games he has played in was in 2008 when he played in 156 games. 
2009 he only played in 89 games
2010 he played in 133 games
2011 he played in 121 games.
2010 Was the MVP season for Josh, and in only 133 games he hit .359(which is a career high) had 32HR and drove in 100 runs. This season Josh will turn 32 in May and his salary this season is 13.75 Million dollars. I know he is good for 30 HRs and 100+ RBIs, but you also know he is good for missing at least 30 to as many as 50 games due to injury. At almost 14 million dollars you can't afford to pay that much money to your best player to be on the disabled list twice a season.  With Josh comifree at the end of the season, Texas has to take a long hard look at his situation. As a free agent he will likely want a 5 or even 6 years at 19-20 per season. Even if the contract is a 5 year deal he will be 37 in the last year of the contract. 19 or 20 million is way to much money to be spending on a 37 year old, whose body by then may be a 47 year old after the wear and tear of playing baseball, and all of the drugs that he did when he was younger. The Rangers wouldn't match the 10 years that Detroit gave Prince Fielder, because they didn't feel like paying 25 million dollars to a 37 year old was worth the risk. In the same time frame(2007-2011) Prince only missed a total of 5 games, and in 2009 and last season played in every single game.  What would make you think that Josh can even play in 100 games by the time he is 37.


With all that being said yes, I understand the Rangers wouldn't have made it to back to back World Series without him, but last season during the playoffs he was hurt and was unproductive. Even to the point of manager Ron Washington was asked during the World Series if he was considering moving Josh down in the lineup cause he wasn't producing as a number 3 hitter.  With the combination of the off the field issues and his age, I think if the Rangers would be better off in the long term to try and trade him at the deadline, as opposed to letting him walk in free agency and getting nothing in return.

Linning

Madness is ensuing the New York sports world right now. Their beloved Giants went on one of the craziest postseason runs in NFL history, the Nets are about to move to Brooklyn, and now the Knickerbockers have a Ivy League-grad starting at point guard? What the hell is going on up there!

You better believe they have an Ivy League-grad starting at point guard. Jeremy Lin is certainly grabbing eyes across the league, impressing everyone by his spark plug like play. Yes, he is one of the more intriguing storylines in a storyline-full season in the NBA, but he is so much different than the others. It's because of the situation he's been put in.

The Knicks are lacking quality leadership right now. Carmelo and Amare's stats don't necessarily show that, but the actual games show that. The Knicks were picked by some to win the Eastern Conference, but are trying to make the playoffs at this point.

Maybe Lin can change that.

Lin is an all around type of player, a guy that won't boost you in just one of your certain statistical category, but all of them. Lin is the second player in NBA history with 20+ points and 8+ assists in his first two NBA starts, Lebron being the first. Adam Schefter went on to say on Twitter that Lin could be the Knicks' Victor Cruz.

Why not?

Being very similar to Cruz, minus the football and basketball, Lin can be a playmaker for the Knicks down the stretch. Yeah, we've only seen him start two games. So what? Lin has boosted the Knicks during a time when Melo and Amare aren't playing, and D'Antoni still somehow has a job. Mark my words: Lin will be the savior of the Knicks' season.

It'll be interesting when Amare and Melo get back. They'll obviously have to dish off more to the Havard-grad, but how will they all fit together? Will it possibly be a great fit like Victor Cruz? I think so.

Super Bowl Recap/Early 2012 Storylines

BY SHAWN KRAUSE

Now that Super Bowl XLVI has ended in dramatic fashion, you have to put both Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin into a possible Hall of Fame induction process. It wasn't easy for the Giants, but as the season went along nothing came easy for the Giants. They were 7-7 heading into December, then after a come from behind win in Dallas on a Sunday night their season turned around. Just like in that night in Dallas, the Giants had to come from behind in the fourth quarter to win the Super Bowl. It took a phenomenal throw and catch by Hakeem Nicks along the sideline to spur the comeback. Then with 57 seconds left in the game Ahmad Bradshaw scored the game winning touchdown. The Patriots had a chance earlier in the fourth quarter but Wes Welker dropped a pass that he almost always seems to catch. N.E. had to punt and then Manning goes into Super Bowl lore, with the game winning drive. Now Manning has 2 Super Bowl titles, and 2 MVP awards to go with it.

After the confetti is cleaned up from Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts have a major decision to make on the future of the quarterback position. Even though Eli won the Super Bowl, his brother Peyton will dominate the headlines this offseason as the Colts have to make a 28 million dollar decision. I personally think the choice is already made and Peyton's option will not be picked up and he will become a free agent. While the line will form to the left on Peyton pursuers, the potential teams could be Washington, Arizona, Jets, and maybe Miami. He will not go to a place where they can't win right away. If the Colts release Manning I look for them to draft Andrew Luck out of Stanford. Luck has already said he doesn't want to sit behind someone and wants to play right away. If they keep Manning I think they will draft Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin said he wouldn't mind sitting and waiting his turn.

The other intriguing storyline of the offseason is who is gonna be able to dethrone the defending champions. The NFC is loaded with talented teams, Green Bay, New Orleans, San Francisco, Detroit, Chicago(with a healthy Jay Cutler), Philadelphia, and yes I will go on a limb and say Dallas pose a major threat to the Giants. I guess Washington, and Arizona would be listed as an alternate mentions depending on if they get Peyton Mannning or not. Dallas is the major wild card in the challenge for the Giants. If they can get some help through the draft and free agency to fix a defense that melted down late in games. You have to put them right near the top of the NFC class. They were 8-8 last season but blew 3 winnable games late in the 4th quarter and could have easily been 11-5. They have all the pieces in places like the above mentioned teams, with a top level quarterback, and had the Giants on the ropes during the regular season. Lets not forget they also beat San Francisco on the road, who was in the NFC championship game.

All it takes, as the Giants showed, is a top level quarterback and a defense that gets hot in December and magic can happen. Not since the Patriots won 3 Super Bowls in 4 years has a team went back to back. The last 7 years have given us 7 different Super Bowl winners. The odds are stacked against the Giants, but as we saw this year in the National Football League anything is possible.

Super Bowl XLVI: Preview

In Super Bowl week, Biil Belichick and Tom Coughlin claimed they both "slept normally" and "like a baby." I'm sorry, I have to call BS on that week. Their teams are playing for the most coveted prize among North American sports, according to ESPN.

This game is full of storylines. Gronkowski's ankle, Peyton-Eli debacle, Tom Coughlin HOF candidate? But really, I just want to make it simple, because I know the reader especially doesn't want to hear all this fluff about storylines and shizzz. So let's make this preview like executing a beautiful two yard, hard nosed touchdown run, instead of throwing up a fade pass, trying to make it look pretty when it's really not.

There is something I want to do first however, sort of a tradition of mine. Betting props, which are always fun:

Heads or Tails for Coin Toss: Tails

Longest TD of Game: Under 49 1/2

Total Sacks in Game: Over 4 1/2

Team to Call First Challenge: Giants

Total Penalties: Under 10 1/2

National Anthemn Time: Over 1 minute, 34 seconds

Kelly Clarkson's Belly Showing during National Anthem: No

Eli Manning Total Passing Yards: Over 315

Tom Brady Passing Yards: Over 320

More Receptions in Game: Gronkowski

Total Passes in Game: Over 79 1/2

Total Rushing Yards: Under 205 1/2

Color of Gatorade Bath: Yellow






Giants Key Difference Makers: Ahmad Bradshaw and Corey Webster

The Giants had the worst running game statistically in the NFL this year, averaging a low 89.2 yards a game. This offense has relied on Eli's passing game throughout this playoffs, but today it needs to be different. The Patriots don't have a great run defense, and a re-establishment in the Giants running game to what it was say a couple years ago with the same two backs, and this game could get away from the Patriots easily.

Now what I noticed when the Patriots and Ravens played, is that the Ravens were basically living on the turnovers. That's how the Giants are going to have to play today, and Corey Webster will at least need to make a couple of pass breakups if not an interception. This game will be decided on turnovers.





Patriots Key Difference Makers: Rob Gronkowski and Patriots Offensive Line

The biggest storyline this week has been Gronkster and his banged up ankle, suffering a high ankle sprain in the AFC-clinching victory over the Ravens. Gronk has made a great impact on this team, obviously. Gronk is the key to victory for the Pats in my opinion, and if he has a big game, the New York secondary could have their heads swiveling around the whole game.

Umeinyora. Tuck. Pierre-Paul. Canty. I'm not sure I could name another defensive line in the NFL better than these badasses.Usually when the Giants attain sacks, they come in bunches. A lot like what could happen between Gronk/Giants secondary, the exact same thing could happen to this Pats O line, with them being the victims.



Computer Prediction Analysis: Patriots 24-19

Final Prediction: Giants 27-24


Line: Giants +3.5

Can't Spell Elite Without Eli

BY SHAWN KRAUSE
TWITTER:S_KRAUSE

 It's funny how in sports things just seem to work out. This season Super Bowl XLVI is going to be played in Indianapolis, where Peyton Manning has been playing for the last 13 seasons. His arch rival(at least from a media prospective) Tom Brady will be playing in the game, and will be opposing Peyton's little brother Eli Manning. All the while Peyton hasn't taken a snap all season due to a neck injury, and what appears is going to be a messy divorce from the Colts.

When Eli was drafted and demanded a trade to New York, everyone including me thought what a joke. He will never be as good as his brother, and demanding where he plays is a bush league move. I guess now after winning one Super Bowl and being the MVP, the joke is now on all of us. Eli was never supposed to be as successful as Peyton. Yes he doesn't have the NFL MVP awards, and doesn't always have the stat line as Peyton does, and he  sometimes appears to just throw the ball up for grabs. What he does have though is the same number of Super Bowl appearances now (2) and if he wins Sunday will have more Super Bowl wins than Peyton.

In the preseason Eli said, "Yes I believe I'm an elite quarterback", saying he's in the same category as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees. We all laughed and said sure you do little buddy. After a 6-2 start to the season Eli started to shut some of the doubters up. Then the Giants lose 4 straight including losses in which they lose to a backup QB, Vince Young ,and get blown out by New Orleans by 25.  The calender turns to December and that is where Eli shined. On a Sunday night in Dallas, Eli leads the giants to 2 scores in the final 3:17 of the game in route to the win, and keep their playoff hopes alive. Then on Christmas Eve with their playoff hopes dwindling, Eli throws a 99 yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz to start the comeback win against the Jets. On the final week of the season in a winner take all game for the NFC East title Eli was nearly flawless as he goes 24-33 for 346 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 31-17 win against Dallas.  The postseason has been no different for Eli he has been continuing to play great and has his team one win away from another championship.

Eli is only one of 3 active qbs in the league with multiple super bowl starts Tom Brady(5) Ben Roethlisberger(3) and Peyton Manning(2). He would be 1 of 7 qbs to win his first 2 super bowl starts. That list includes Bradshaw, Montana, Aikman, Starr,Plunket,Brady and Roethlisberger 5 of those quarterbacks are Hall of Famers. One(Brady) is for sure going to be a Hall of Famer.

If Manning wins the Super Bowl next week, I guess not only will he say that he belongs in the elite class, but I guess we would have to say that he belongs right at the top of that class. He may not have all the flashy stats, or sometimes the brightest personality but all he does is win. If how we judge players especially quarterbacks is on wins and losses, and super bowl wins, you have to say Eli right now belongs in the top 5 if not the best in football.

Top 5 College Basketball Student Sections

BY RYAN K
In the college environment, anything goes. Crazy things happen, and what happens at the parties stay at the parties, but they are usually forgotten about the next day. No, I'm not writing off experience, simply because I haven't had the opportunity to attend college yet. There is one place where I can see how crazy these kids are however; all I have to do is turn on my television screen to ESPN on a Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday to watch college basketball. No matter how good the team, how big the school, there's always a student section going bonkers. So without further adieu, let me introduce you to my top five student sections to date. (Note: This is a biased opinion, as always.)

5. Michigan State

Nickname: The Izzone

Capacity: 4000

East Lansing has been a place of great tradition in basketball, but something that's a new tradition is the craziness of the student section, and has it been crazy. Michigan State's student section is funded by alumni, and lower bowl tickets are very difficult to get your hands on. Michigan State is a prime example in what college basketball represents today. 

4. Arizona

Nickname: ZonaZoo

Capacity: Student Section Unknown, 14,500 total

Arizona is known for its great basketball coming out West, and it's home crowd is second to none. Arizona has consistently had the highest capacity in the PAC 10 since 1987, and they have filled the McKale Center over that time as well. Arizona has won 240 of its last 261 home games, including 200 of the last 213, and has an overall record of 352-65 in McKale, for a winning percentage of .846. It's safe to say the Arizona's student section creates havoc for visiting teams. 

3. Utah State

Nickname: Aggie Nation

Capacity: 4000, including floor seats for students

Before you read the rest of this article, look up three things for me on YouTube. I Believe That We Will Win, Winning Team/Losing Team, and Wild Bill. Now after watching those videos, tell me that youre not intimidated to go play a game there. Utah State has posted a 194-13 record at home under their current coach, and many coaches have called it the craziest place to play in college basketball. 

2. Pitt

Nickname: The Oakland Zoo

Capacity:1500

Ahh, the Oakland Zoo. College basketball teams have long feared playing at a place like this. Mark Cuban and Bill Raftery have both promoted this place in being "one of the best in college basketball." It's true, the tradition in the Zoo is great, the fans are passionate, and of course loud. Before every game, the Pitt radio broadcast co-hosts a pregame show with the rowdy student section. There's truly nothing else like Pittsburgh in college basketball. 

1. Duke

Nickname: The Cameron Crazies

Capacity: 1200

While the Oakland Zoo is great, the Cameron Crazies are the best in college basketball. The Cameron Indoor is considered by most to be the best in college basketball. Many different happenings take place inside the Cameron Indoor, including the famous "Let's Go Duke" chant, the "Speedo" Man distracting shooters, and of course the crazy inbound play with all of the students waving their arms towards the opposing team. The infamous "Airball" chant also came courtesy of the Crazies. The Crazies have mystified opposing teams for years, and will continue to do so for a long time. There are few places that I've put on my Sports Bucket list, and visiting the Cameron Indoor is certainly one of them. 

Mavs vs. Wolves: Live Chat

State of the Union

No, I do not like Barack Obama, thanks for asking. I despise of him. This isn't a political blog however, and I just thought that was a cliche name, so we're moving on.

What I wanted to address you on tonight, my fellow Americans (okay I'll stop), is the position of your seventh-place Dallas Mavericks. The season has been an interesting one, as it always is, with mediocrity as the special entree, with favors of Odom and Kidd, rumors as the desserts, with Howard and Williams as the specials,and bench roles for drink, with Beaubois as the restaurant favorite. Oh boy, I can't wait to dig into this dinner...

What should I choose first...oh, alright. How about the mediocrity? Lamar Odom has been an overrated, unwilling player to this point. Comparing his stats to last years, His minutes have decreased by about 10 minutes per game, his field goal percentage has decreased by about 20 percent, and his points per game has decreased by 50 percent. So what's to blame? The lockout? Kardashian distractions? Him wanting to make a movie? His brother passing? I believe it's all of those things combined, and that he never wanted to leave LA. He'd been in LA for 11 out of his 12 seasons prior to this season, so he'd basically made it home. This four game stretch where Dirk is sitting is when he needs to showcase his skills, or else they might as well cancel any Kardashian plans in Dallas for next year.

Second...hmmmm how about J Kidd? My dad pointed out to me before the game last night that Kidd had made only 4 of his last 25 shots. Kids, if your counting at home, thats 16 percent. 16. You think those old-ass legs are starting to catch up to him? Look, he makes this offense go, he pushes the ball, he's a leader, he makes wondrous passes. But honestly, it's time for a bench role from J Kidd. Rick Carlisle, if you're reading this, which I know you aren't, please take heed of my word, and do what's best for J Kidd and the Mavs.

Time for me to get some Roddy B. I think it's about damn time Roddy B's minutes need to increase. He's averaging less minutes played than last year, a year where he was injured for the majority of it. Carlisle owes something to this guy. He's done nothing but generate more points in the offensive end for Dallas, he's a hell of a lot harder to guard than Kidd, which makes his prescience on the court big. Look, I'm not trying to say J Kidd is a terrible player, or he's not as good as Roddy (which is totally true), but for the sake of the future of the Mavs, please play Roddy instead of Kidd. This is the year where Roddy needs to breakout, and it doesn't help if a 38 year old, white, slow point guard is standing in front of him.

So now it's time for my favorite part of dinner, the infamous dessert. And it's time to address the rumors surrounding Dwight Howard and Deron Williams, whom have both listed Dallas as top destinations they would like to be traded to/sign with in the offseason. I love Dwight, he arguably is this season's MVP so far, he's a defensive prescience down low, and he scares the absolute shit out of me when Dallas plays Orlando. I could see him thriving here. He would love Dallas, and Dallas would love him. Now on to the more interesting topic, Deron Williams. D-Will could really shake up things in Dallas, which could mean the departure of Marion, Beaubois, Kidd, Jet, Haywood, and Odom. Yeah, that's a lot. Is it worth it? In my opinion, no. I think you need to take advantage of the years that Dirk has left, which is obviously not a lot. D-Will is an awesome player in my opinion, but if Dallas wants to save themselves for the future, signing D-Will is not the way to go. Signing one or the other is great, just not both of them. 

I thank you for listening to my State of the Union, and plan on a great year ahead.


PS: Chris Broussard is a retard. 

NFC Championship Preview

The second part of the Championship weekend bundle, leeeetttttssssssss go!

New York -2.5 @ San Francisco




New York Difference Makers:

Eli Manning and Corey Webster

Yes I know, Eli is the quarterback and should always be seen as a difference maker. However, I think Eli contributes much more to this football team than people realize. He's won games when he's needed to, played big in all of them I should add, and has opened up a running game that has seemed to be absent in previous weeks.

Alex Smith statistically had his best season, leading the NFL in least-interceptions. Giveaway's are the stat I look at the most, especially in the playoffs because usually that tells the difference between winning and losing. Corey Webster will need to shutdown Michael Crabtree's side on Sunday, and possibly create a turnover. Webster will be vital if the Giants plan on winning in San Francisco.


San Francisco Difference Makers:
Frank Gore and Justin Smith

Frank Gore became the 49ers all-time leading rusher recently, and he's going to need to play like a leader. New York's rushing defense was ranked 13th in the NFC this season, only ahead of Carolina, Green Bay, and Tampa Bay. Gore does a really good job of opening up the passing game for Alex Smith.

Smith has broken out in 2011, and rumor has it that he'll win the 2011 NFL Defensive POTY award. One thing is for certain: Eli has only gotten sacked two times in the last two games. That stat isn't showing that Eli is great at evading the pressure, that just shows how well Eli (and every other quarterback) can do while under slim to no pressure.Smith needs to change that stat if he wants a San Fran win Sunday.



Computer Analysis PREDICTION:  San Francisco 24-23

FINAL PREDICTION: Giants 27-23




Betting Line: New York -2.5

AFC Championship Preview

The hot topic in sports right now is obviously the NFL. So let's preview the first game!

Baltimore @ New England -7.5


Baltimore Difference Makers:
Torrey Smith and Ed Reed

We already know how atrocious the Patriots secondary is. We already know how explosive Torrey Smith can be. He will make a huge catch down the stretch in my opinion, simply because he runs the deep route as good as anybody in the NFL.

Tom Brady is capable of dominating this game. Wow, when I said that, it sounded like me saying that humans can breathe. Anyways, someone in this secondary is going to have to step up. Ed has spoken a lot this week, mainly about his own team, and hes going to have to step up if the Ravens want to come out victorious. Remember two years ago in the playoffs, the Ravens picked off Brady 3 times. Reed had 1 INT.

New England Difference Makers:
Vince Wilfork and the Running Back's By Commission

Ray Rice has developed himself into one of the best backs in the league, simply because of his ability to break away and his ability to ground and pound and ice games away. If the Pats want to shutdown the Ravens offense, it starts with Vince Wilfork. Clogging up the middle will be key, and also turnovers would be nice in the Patriots favor.

I can't tell you how frustrated I was with BenJarvus Green-Ellis on my fantasy team this season. Yes, he scored 11 touchdowns, however he could barely reach 50 yards a week. This is mainly because of the other running-backs in New England, Steven Ridley and Danny Woodhead. I think New England needs to establish their run game in order to be successful, because this Baltimore secondary could go nuts Sunday.










Computer Analysis PREDICTION:  Patriots 25-17


FINAL PREDICTION: Patriots 31-24

Betting Line: Ravens +7.5

Tebow-Mania 2011: Review

(This was an article I wrote for my journalism class at school)

“Tebow back to throw, he’s got Thomas over the middle at the 45, 50, Thomas stiff arms to the Steelers 40, he’s breaking loose! Down to the 20, 15, 10, 5, TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS,” Denver Broncos radio announcer Dave Logan could barely catch his breath. Tebow-mania had reached its peak.

            Tim Tebow is regarded as one of the most talked about quarterbacks of all-time, and there certainly is much to talk about. His passion of Christianity, his passion of the quarterback position, and his passion to quiet the haters. Even defeating statistically one of the best defenses in the league, it wasn’t enough to have the hater’s zip-their-lips.

            “I was happy for him,” junior Luke Christner said. “I thought it was less of him, and more of (Demaryius) Thomas.”

           

            Tim was selected as the 24 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, by the Broncos, whom moved up to receive Tim. He was projected to go in the second or third round, mainly because of his struggle to throw the ball. He won a National Championship at Florida two different times, and the always-coveted Heisman Trophy once.

            “I didn’t think he was going to be successful based on the history of running quarterbacks in the NFL,” junior Connor Collins said. “Tim has proved us all wrong.”

 

            Tim has become a topic of discussion among the entire nation, and somewhat around the world (Tim set a new record on Twitter for most tweets about person, per second with about 9,000). Expressing his faith is something he is definitely not shy about, and “Tebowing” became an Internet sensation around the world, where people bow down on one knee and put their head to their fist, usually in a mockery of Tim. There is even a website created about numerous amounts of people Tebowing around the world.

            “I think that any football player that expresses their faith on the football field is awesome,” Collins said. “It brings the NFL and other football organizations together.”

            “The Tebow Rule” was a ruling made by the NCAA in 2010 after Tim had left college, which players could no longer write messages on their eye-black. He often made a reference to the Bible verse John 3:16 when he wrote on his eye-black, something con-Tebow fans are not fussing over.

            “I think both sides have a contributing factor towards the ruling,” Christner said.

            While the Christianity brings the players together on the field, the fans always have something to bicker about his game off the field. Whether it’s the fact he can hardly complete more than 10 passes a game, or his turnovers are a problem, his record always is the deciding factor according to pro-Tebow fans, and they certainly have something to brag about.

            “He led his team against arguably the best defense in the league to a victory in the playoffs,” Collins said. “Shall I say more?”

            Tim was seen Tebowing, John Elway threw his arms up into the air and hugged a coach, and Demaryius Thomas was bombarded by offensive linemen, in a good way, after the Broncos beat the Steelers. Excitement is definitely brewing in Denver, and it is all thanks to the guy who has had his doubters his entire life.

            “Tim has shown me that no matter what people say about you, and how they think that you’re not going to be good in life, you can always prove them wrong,” Collins said.

            

The Rundown: January 16th

(My predictions were a little off yesterday, ya think?!)

The Expected and Unexpected Divisional Weekend


Wow. Simply Wow.

 The San Francisco 49ers shocked everybody in which arguably was one of the top postseason games in NFL history, beating Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Vernon Davis was a huge factor in the game, catching 7 passes for a tight end NFL playoff record 180 yards. Davis was seen crying on cameras after he scored the go-ahead touchdown with :09 seconds left.

"History...it was us against history," Vernon said. "It was a very emotional game, it was like a roller coaster."

The 49ers will be playing on their home turf next week.








Tebowmania Comes to an End

The game was a blowout from the very beginning. Tom Brady took matters into his own hands, and threw for 6 touchdowns, 5 in the first half, and 3 of them to tight end Rob Gronkowski. Tim Tebow had one of his worst games as a Denver Bronco, completing only 9 of 26 passes for 136 yards. The most intriguing quarterback in NFL history will have to wait till next fall.Skip Bayless can finally return to his normal life.

The Patriots will be playing on their home turf next week as well.



Too Much Defense

TJ Yates threw 3 interceptions, and the Baltimore Ravens were able to pull off a 20-13 victory over the Texans. Ed Reed had the biggest interception of the day, and Joe Flacco added on 2 touchdowns to give the Ravens the victory. The difference in the game was definitely the Ravens secondary, which held TJ to under 50% completion percentage for the day.

The Ravens will travel to Foxboro next Sunday.










15-1=Done

Eli Manning can finally be considered one of those elite quarterbacks I guess. Tom Coughlin's job is safe for one more year I guess. Two wins on the road in Lambeau in the playoffs will do it I guess. You can't give them two all of the credit however. The G-Men's defense has become a force to reckon, and it seems to get this team going.

The Giants will travel to San Francisco next Sunday.



March is on the Horizon

I never usually start watching college basketball till around MLK day, and seems to be very effective in me picking the National title winner (picked Duke and UConn last two years). From what I have seen, the Syracuse Orange have been dominant throughout. The Orangemen have been ranked number 1 for the 6th week in a row by the AP Poll this past Monday. That is tough to do alone, albeit in the best conference in college basketball, the Big East. This Orange team has battled through many headlines this season, including losing Bernie Fine do to sexual assault allegations. That hasn't stopped Jim Boeheim, whom after Monday's victory passes Adolph Rupp in most career victories in Division 1 basketball. Syracuse is the favorite right now.


I will get into more details of NCAA basketball when I can.

New post should come out later this week previewing conference championship games.

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of Year (Cont.)

So, both home teams came out with victories yesterday, making home teams 6-0 this postseason. That streak will end today.

Houston @ Baltimore -9

Texans Difference Maker: TJ Yates

Look, when you ask for a difference maker, you're thinking an offensive support guy, a defensive some such. Well, TJ is going to have to step up big time. He's going to have to convert on a couple 3rd and longs, and he needs to execute in the red zone.

Ravens Difference Maker: Ray Lewis
Arian Foster ran all over the Bengals last week, 2 touchdowns and 150+ yards. In order to stop him, it's going to need to start with Ray. Foster will have a lesser ame than last week today, but it's the thing about completely shutting him down, making TJ beat you.


Texans Statistical Difference: Time of Possesion
Texans are 1st in the NFL
Ravens are 10th in the NFL

Ravens Statistical Difference:Returning
Ravens are 14th in the NFL
Texans are 30th in the NFL

Computer Analisys PREDICTION: Ravens 27-17

FINAL PREDICTION: Texans 20-17        

Betting Line Prediction: Texans +9.5










New York @ Green Bay -9




Giants Difference Maker: Hakeem Nicks
Yes, all year long the difference maker has been Victor Cruz, and arguably is the reason why the Giants are where they are. The only thing that makes Victor more effective is the other offensive weapon they have, Hakeem, and his gonna have to come up big today.

Packers Difference Maker: Charles Woodson
The Packers will have a difficult time stopping the Giants offensive motor, but one way they can stop it is with turnovers, and that is a huge pro in this Packers secondary. Not only can they be effective intercepting the ball, but they can be effective on the return as well.

Giants Statistical Difference Maker: Opponent Total YPG
Giants are 23rd in the NFL
Packers are 32nd in the NFL

Packers Statistical Difference Maker: Penalty YPG
Packers are 2nd in the NFL
Giants are 14th in the NFL

Computer Analysis Prediction: Packers 26-17

FINAL PREDICTION: Packers 38-27


Betting Line: Packers -9