Now that one game is completed in each of the series, I have a better idea of how each team is doing. The Flyers are absolutely awful. The Caps lost their edge. The Canucks rebounded from game seven nicely to take game one, 1-0. Finally, the Sharks showed resiliency in their overtime win against the Red Wings. As with the conference quarters, my good friend Bryan Miller wrote the Western Conference, while I write the Eastern Conference.
Eastern Conference
#2 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #3 Boston Bruins
Everyone should remember last season in the same eastern conference semifinals last year, when the Flyers became only the third team in NHL history to erase a 3-0 deficit to win the series. That propelled the Flyers past the Canadiens into the Stanley Cup Final. Boston needs to erase that from their memories and try to focus all their energy on this year. Boston certainly proved that after their decisive game one victory of 7-3. Philadelphia will need to find a capable goalie to continue towards their quest for the stanley cup, or else this will be a quick series. The found a way against a hot Buffalo team, but I don't think they can do it against a motivated Bruins team.
Prediction: Boston in 6
#1 Washington Capitals vs. #5 Tampa Bay Lightning
Washington cruised against New York, winning 4-1 with their defense first mentality. Tampa meanwhile struggled against a depleted Pittsburgh Penguins team. But, as this is a divisional matchup, you can throw everything out from the first round and the regular season. These teams are rivals, and this should go to seven games, as both team are very evenly matched in all categories. So, I will do a toss up and give it to the Caps.
Prediction: Washington in 7.
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver Canucks Vs. #5 Nashville Predators
With Vancouver barely getting by and being another disatster on the record books expect them to start out a little slow this series since they gave it their all in game 7 Tuesday night. Nashville is coming off their first series win in franchise history is looking to not be a one hit wonder. Ryan Kessler was the best player out there for the Vancouver Canucks in the series against Chigago shutting down Jonathan Toews and his line. Kessler did not put up a lot of points, but made his contribution defensively which is what you would expect out of a great center. I see him doing the same thing against the top line for Nashville as well keeping them to minimal points. Nashville's goalie Pekke Rinne will have to be big if Nashville hopes to have a good chance.
Predicton: Vancouver Canucks in 6
#2 San Jose Sharks vs. #3 Detriot Red Wings
San Jose has to hope goaltending keeps up in this matchup. They didn't play that well against the Los Angeles Kings last series , but got the win in the series. Detroit was moving on all cylinders in the series against the Coyotes. I expect Henrik Zetterberg to lead the charge for the Wings and keep the stuggles of the Sharks in the playoffs to continue.
Prediction: Detroit Red Wings in 5
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
NBA 1st Round Playoff preview/prediction
Just saw when I signed in, I have written 100 posts, for those of you who read the column, thank you so much and thanks for giving me any feedback you may have, I truly appreciate it.
Those of you who know me, know that I don't necessarily care for basketball all that much, but since that is ESPN's foray and I watch ESPN incessantly, I have a bit of a clue of what I'm writing about. But, I don't have that much of one, so I will give incredibly short previews and then a pick. Hope you enjoy!
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are the perfect reason why the NBA should not have eight teams in the playoffs, they finished with a record of 37-45, four games UNDER .500. Plus, Chicago finished with a record of 21 games OVER .500, that is a disparity of 25 games. Chicago also has the probable league MVP leading the way in Derrick Rose.
Pick: Chicago sweep.
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers
This is another huge mismatch, as the Heat have the big three, with Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. Those three by themselves could probably beat the Sixers over a seven game series. My thinking is that Miami will run all over the Sixers. But, since Sixers are the hometown team, I'll give them a game.
Pick: Heat 4-1
No. 3 Boston Celtics vs. No. 6 New York Knicks
This is a shock that this series is not beginning on ABC with two of the biggest television markets and two of the biggest names in all of the NBA squaring off. But, I digress. Boston has been taking it slow the past few weeks as they knew they would be a top three seed in the playoffs. But, they can turn it on in the playoffs and certainly will. New York is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. New York brought in big names Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire and they have lit the city with energy. This series will be tougher for the Celtics than most think, but they will get by fairly easily.
Pick: Boston 4-2.
No. 4 Orlando Magic vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta can get by playing an everybody for themselves mentality during the regular season, but it fails big time in the playoffs. Orlando plays a team first style and it will get them through to the second round easy.
Pick: Orlando 4-1
Western Conference
No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is probably just happy to be in the playoffs. San Antonio is unquestionably the best overall team in the playoffs.
Pick: San Antonio 4-0.
No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 7 New Orleans Hornets
This matchup is a good first round test for the Lakers, as New Orleans has one of the top five point guards in the league with Chris Paul. The only thing is that Paul doesn't have a whole lot around him, so Lakers win easy.
Pick: Lakers 4-1.
No. 3 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 6 Portland Trailblazers
I don't know anything about Portland except that they made the playoffs, and higher seeds in the NBA nearly always win, so go with Dallas.
Pick: Dallas 4-2.
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 5 Denver Nuggets
Denver has played very well together cohesively since they traded Carmelo to the Knicks. Oklahoma City has played very well since they got inside presence Kendrick Perkins from the Celtics. This is probably the only matchup that will go seven games, since the rest are all such big mismatches. i'll go with Kevin Durant and the Thunder.
Pick: Oklahoma City 4-3.
Those of you who know me, know that I don't necessarily care for basketball all that much, but since that is ESPN's foray and I watch ESPN incessantly, I have a bit of a clue of what I'm writing about. But, I don't have that much of one, so I will give incredibly short previews and then a pick. Hope you enjoy!
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are the perfect reason why the NBA should not have eight teams in the playoffs, they finished with a record of 37-45, four games UNDER .500. Plus, Chicago finished with a record of 21 games OVER .500, that is a disparity of 25 games. Chicago also has the probable league MVP leading the way in Derrick Rose.
Pick: Chicago sweep.
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers
This is another huge mismatch, as the Heat have the big three, with Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. Those three by themselves could probably beat the Sixers over a seven game series. My thinking is that Miami will run all over the Sixers. But, since Sixers are the hometown team, I'll give them a game.
Pick: Heat 4-1
No. 3 Boston Celtics vs. No. 6 New York Knicks
This is a shock that this series is not beginning on ABC with two of the biggest television markets and two of the biggest names in all of the NBA squaring off. But, I digress. Boston has been taking it slow the past few weeks as they knew they would be a top three seed in the playoffs. But, they can turn it on in the playoffs and certainly will. New York is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. New York brought in big names Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire and they have lit the city with energy. This series will be tougher for the Celtics than most think, but they will get by fairly easily.
Pick: Boston 4-2.
No. 4 Orlando Magic vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta can get by playing an everybody for themselves mentality during the regular season, but it fails big time in the playoffs. Orlando plays a team first style and it will get them through to the second round easy.
Pick: Orlando 4-1
Western Conference
No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is probably just happy to be in the playoffs. San Antonio is unquestionably the best overall team in the playoffs.
Pick: San Antonio 4-0.
No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 7 New Orleans Hornets
This matchup is a good first round test for the Lakers, as New Orleans has one of the top five point guards in the league with Chris Paul. The only thing is that Paul doesn't have a whole lot around him, so Lakers win easy.
Pick: Lakers 4-1.
No. 3 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 6 Portland Trailblazers
I don't know anything about Portland except that they made the playoffs, and higher seeds in the NBA nearly always win, so go with Dallas.
Pick: Dallas 4-2.
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 5 Denver Nuggets
Denver has played very well together cohesively since they traded Carmelo to the Knicks. Oklahoma City has played very well since they got inside presence Kendrick Perkins from the Celtics. This is probably the only matchup that will go seven games, since the rest are all such big mismatches. i'll go with Kevin Durant and the Thunder.
Pick: Oklahoma City 4-3.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
NHL First Round Playoff Preview and Prediction
After the grueling regular season of 82 games, and with the last month seemingly dragging along, we have reached the Stanley Cup playoffs. This is what all hockey players long to hoist above their heads in June, the nearly 3 foot long trophy and nearly 35 pound trophy which is coveted by all players to hold at least once in their lives. There are again 16 teams vying for the chance to be the champions of the NHL, including the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks. There is also their opponent from the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, the Philadelphia Flyers. There are really no shocking teams in this year's playoff field except for perhaps the Tampa Bay Lightning, who failed to make the playoffs last season. But, the Lightning are a very dangerous team in the playoffs. Finally, there will be two people previewing the playoffs, myself and Bryan Miller, my friend from all the way back in middle school who absolutely adores the sport. I will be previewing and breaking down the Eastern Conference matchups while Bryan will be previewing the Western Conference. Allow the excitement and tension to begin!
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Washington Capitals vs. No. 8 New York Rangers
This is a rematch of the 2009 first round where the Rangers let a 3-1 lead slip away and the Caps won their only series with Alex Ovechkin thus far. Ovechkin, Mike Knuble, Alexander Semin and the rest of the Caps offense will have a tough task trying to score on Henrik Lunqvist, who is one of the top five goalies in the league right now. Washington also does not want to be known as the San Jose Sharks of the Eastern Conference. A team where they are consistently good in the regular season, but continually bomb out in the playoffs. Washington also is trusting a very young, but talented goalie in Michal Neuvirth. Neuvirth is in the rookie of the year discussion, as he posted 27 wins, tied for third among all rookies. Washington is also very hot, capturing 33 out of a possible 40 since a 6-0 drubbing from the same Rangers in February. New York is coming in rocky, and is looking for Lundqvist to keep up a pace which just seems unreasonable. Lundqvist has had to start the Rangers last 26 games, as backup Marty Biron has a broken collarbone. While this will be a tough back and forth series, I think Lundqvist and the Rangers will start to see fatigue settle in, with the Caps winning.
Pick: Caps in 6.
No. 2 Philadelphia Flyers vs. No. 7 Buffalo Sabres
Philly has really been scuffling, as they lost the number one seed to the Capitals, and have not been able to hold a lead in any game they have played recently. Philadelphia has not won back to back games since March 8 and 10, and those weren't even against playoff teams. Their last win over a playoff team came March 29 against the Penguins, in which they almost had to win to control their own destiny in the Atlantic Division. Buffalo meanwhile has been on fire since the calendar turned to 2011, going 28-11-6 since January 1.
These two teams certainly have a history with one another in the playoffs, as they have met eight times previously, with Philly holding a 5-3 overall lead in the playoffs. These two teams are rivals, and it will be a hard fought series, but it will not even come close to a seventh game, as Buffalo will control the game and have Ryan Miller in net. Miller is the guy who put the United States on his back in the 2010 Olympics and lead them to a Silver medal, a team which most considered longshots to even medal. Miller will definitely slow down the Flyers to less than two goals a game in the series. Philadelphia fans, suffice to say, will have to wait until next year...again.
Pick: Sabres in 5.
No. 3 Boston Bruins vs. No. 6 Montreal Canadiens
This is the best rivalry in the NHL. These are two original six franchises who just plain despise one another. This is the third time in the last four seasons in which these two teams have met in the first round of the playoffs. The teams split the first two series, and this seems to be the rubber match. This series also has the extra incentive because of the memorable hit earlier this season Zdeno Chara put on Max Pacioretty. Chara intentionally put Pacioretty into a pole, breaking Pacioretty's neck and giving him a severe concussion. So, needless to say, this is going to be a very hard hitting, violent series. The team which eventually comes out of this will certainly be feeling some after effects heading into the second round.
Although Boston is very physical and can hit with the best of them, and Montreal is very much one to avoid hits, they'd rather play the game with speed and finesse, it will be which one of these wins out in the end. Montreal will also try and keep Tim Thomas, who is probably the lead candidate for the Vezina trophy (top goalie) off balance at least a little bit. In the end though, gotta go with the more physical and better goaltending team and go with the Bruins.
Pick: Bruins in 7.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Tampa Bay Lightning
This is probably the most difficult series to predict, especially when nobody outside the Penguin organization knows anything about the status of the best player in the league, Sidney Crosby. Crosby has been out for the better part of the year, as he has suffered a concussion, and the Penguins do not want to risk losing the best player in the league forever, so it is right to be taking baby steps with Crosby. But, the Pens have been playing remarkably well without him, only losing to the Flyers because the Pens lost the season series. Pittsburgh has been playing offense, mainly with puck possession, holding the puck in their own offensive zone for as long as they possibly can. Meanwhile, Tampa has a ton of offensive firepower, with two of the top five scorers in all of the NHL this season with Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis.
These two teams offer two very different goalies as well. Tampa has rugged journeyman veteran Dwayne Roloson, who led the Edmonton Oilers to an improbable Stanley Cup Final run in 2006. Roloson was acquired from the Isles in January, and it sure has paid off, as Roloson has gone 18-13-1 since he came down south. Pittsburgh has Marc-Andre Fleury, who is again, a top of the line goalie, who is only 26. It'll be interesting to see how Roloson compares to Fleury between the pipes. Pittsburgh has played exceedingly well, and I think they'll be able to sneak by the inexperienced Lightning.
Pick: Pittsburgh in 7.
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver Canucks Vs. #8 Chicago Blackhawks
Daniel Sendin was crowned the Art Ross Trophy and Roberto Luongo and Cory Schnieder won the William S. Jennings Trophy. So on paper it looks like the Canucks have the upper hand. I believe this will be a hard fought battle back and forth. In the long run though Patrick Kane, Jonathon Toews and the Chicago Blackhawks will win this series. They seems to know the way to beat the Canucks year in and year out. I feel the defending Stanley Cup Champs will once again be a thorn in the sides of the Canucks.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks in 7
#2 San Jose Sharks Vs. #7 Los Angles Kings
With the addition of Ante Niemi and the surge of Logan Couture the San Jose Sharks look to be going strong and are getting contributions from all over. Los Angeles is looking for Drew Doughty and the return of Anze Kopitar to help them jump into the 2nd round of the playoffs for conseutive years. I feel that LA will pull it in the end and San Jose will stuggle with the bad playoff preformances.
Pick: Los Angles Kings in 7
#3 Detroit Red Wings Vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Rematch of last year's first round battle that took 7 games for Detroit to be Detroit again. Phoenix has had another year full of surprises. Great young talent in Keith Yandel and lead by veteran Shane Doan. Detroit always led by crafty veteran Nickolas Lindstrom and talents like Henrik Zetterberg. Proves to be a great battle once again. I still feel Detroit has the upper hand.
Pick: Detroit Red Wings in 6
#4 Anaheim Ducks Vs. #5 Nashville Predators
This one is a very interesting matchup since both teams were battling for the 7th and 8th spots not even 2 weeks ago. Anaheim surprised a lot of people with great play without star goaltender Jonas Hiller. Without Hiller, everyone counted them out. The outstanding play of Corey Perry reaching the 50 goal mark and winning the Richard scoring trophy put the critics to rest. Nashville just went under the rader all year long ,but seems to just take it one game at a time led by star defenseman Shae Weber. Anaheim has the upper hand by far in my books.
Pick: Anaheim Ducks in 5
Note from Bryan: Thank you all for reading and hope you enjoy my little input On Pete's Blog and thank you Pete for letting me write this.
Coming up on Thursday, I will write incredibly short previews and give predictions in the NBA playoffs.
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Washington Capitals vs. No. 8 New York Rangers
This is a rematch of the 2009 first round where the Rangers let a 3-1 lead slip away and the Caps won their only series with Alex Ovechkin thus far. Ovechkin, Mike Knuble, Alexander Semin and the rest of the Caps offense will have a tough task trying to score on Henrik Lunqvist, who is one of the top five goalies in the league right now. Washington also does not want to be known as the San Jose Sharks of the Eastern Conference. A team where they are consistently good in the regular season, but continually bomb out in the playoffs. Washington also is trusting a very young, but talented goalie in Michal Neuvirth. Neuvirth is in the rookie of the year discussion, as he posted 27 wins, tied for third among all rookies. Washington is also very hot, capturing 33 out of a possible 40 since a 6-0 drubbing from the same Rangers in February. New York is coming in rocky, and is looking for Lundqvist to keep up a pace which just seems unreasonable. Lundqvist has had to start the Rangers last 26 games, as backup Marty Biron has a broken collarbone. While this will be a tough back and forth series, I think Lundqvist and the Rangers will start to see fatigue settle in, with the Caps winning.
Pick: Caps in 6.
No. 2 Philadelphia Flyers vs. No. 7 Buffalo Sabres
Philly has really been scuffling, as they lost the number one seed to the Capitals, and have not been able to hold a lead in any game they have played recently. Philadelphia has not won back to back games since March 8 and 10, and those weren't even against playoff teams. Their last win over a playoff team came March 29 against the Penguins, in which they almost had to win to control their own destiny in the Atlantic Division. Buffalo meanwhile has been on fire since the calendar turned to 2011, going 28-11-6 since January 1.
These two teams certainly have a history with one another in the playoffs, as they have met eight times previously, with Philly holding a 5-3 overall lead in the playoffs. These two teams are rivals, and it will be a hard fought series, but it will not even come close to a seventh game, as Buffalo will control the game and have Ryan Miller in net. Miller is the guy who put the United States on his back in the 2010 Olympics and lead them to a Silver medal, a team which most considered longshots to even medal. Miller will definitely slow down the Flyers to less than two goals a game in the series. Philadelphia fans, suffice to say, will have to wait until next year...again.
Pick: Sabres in 5.
No. 3 Boston Bruins vs. No. 6 Montreal Canadiens
This is the best rivalry in the NHL. These are two original six franchises who just plain despise one another. This is the third time in the last four seasons in which these two teams have met in the first round of the playoffs. The teams split the first two series, and this seems to be the rubber match. This series also has the extra incentive because of the memorable hit earlier this season Zdeno Chara put on Max Pacioretty. Chara intentionally put Pacioretty into a pole, breaking Pacioretty's neck and giving him a severe concussion. So, needless to say, this is going to be a very hard hitting, violent series. The team which eventually comes out of this will certainly be feeling some after effects heading into the second round.
Although Boston is very physical and can hit with the best of them, and Montreal is very much one to avoid hits, they'd rather play the game with speed and finesse, it will be which one of these wins out in the end. Montreal will also try and keep Tim Thomas, who is probably the lead candidate for the Vezina trophy (top goalie) off balance at least a little bit. In the end though, gotta go with the more physical and better goaltending team and go with the Bruins.
Pick: Bruins in 7.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Tampa Bay Lightning
This is probably the most difficult series to predict, especially when nobody outside the Penguin organization knows anything about the status of the best player in the league, Sidney Crosby. Crosby has been out for the better part of the year, as he has suffered a concussion, and the Penguins do not want to risk losing the best player in the league forever, so it is right to be taking baby steps with Crosby. But, the Pens have been playing remarkably well without him, only losing to the Flyers because the Pens lost the season series. Pittsburgh has been playing offense, mainly with puck possession, holding the puck in their own offensive zone for as long as they possibly can. Meanwhile, Tampa has a ton of offensive firepower, with two of the top five scorers in all of the NHL this season with Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis.
These two teams offer two very different goalies as well. Tampa has rugged journeyman veteran Dwayne Roloson, who led the Edmonton Oilers to an improbable Stanley Cup Final run in 2006. Roloson was acquired from the Isles in January, and it sure has paid off, as Roloson has gone 18-13-1 since he came down south. Pittsburgh has Marc-Andre Fleury, who is again, a top of the line goalie, who is only 26. It'll be interesting to see how Roloson compares to Fleury between the pipes. Pittsburgh has played exceedingly well, and I think they'll be able to sneak by the inexperienced Lightning.
Pick: Pittsburgh in 7.
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver Canucks Vs. #8 Chicago Blackhawks
Daniel Sendin was crowned the Art Ross Trophy and Roberto Luongo and Cory Schnieder won the William S. Jennings Trophy. So on paper it looks like the Canucks have the upper hand. I believe this will be a hard fought battle back and forth. In the long run though Patrick Kane, Jonathon Toews and the Chicago Blackhawks will win this series. They seems to know the way to beat the Canucks year in and year out. I feel the defending Stanley Cup Champs will once again be a thorn in the sides of the Canucks.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks in 7
#2 San Jose Sharks Vs. #7 Los Angles Kings
With the addition of Ante Niemi and the surge of Logan Couture the San Jose Sharks look to be going strong and are getting contributions from all over. Los Angeles is looking for Drew Doughty and the return of Anze Kopitar to help them jump into the 2nd round of the playoffs for conseutive years. I feel that LA will pull it in the end and San Jose will stuggle with the bad playoff preformances.
Pick: Los Angles Kings in 7
#3 Detroit Red Wings Vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Rematch of last year's first round battle that took 7 games for Detroit to be Detroit again. Phoenix has had another year full of surprises. Great young talent in Keith Yandel and lead by veteran Shane Doan. Detroit always led by crafty veteran Nickolas Lindstrom and talents like Henrik Zetterberg. Proves to be a great battle once again. I still feel Detroit has the upper hand.
Pick: Detroit Red Wings in 6
#4 Anaheim Ducks Vs. #5 Nashville Predators
This one is a very interesting matchup since both teams were battling for the 7th and 8th spots not even 2 weeks ago. Anaheim surprised a lot of people with great play without star goaltender Jonas Hiller. Without Hiller, everyone counted them out. The outstanding play of Corey Perry reaching the 50 goal mark and winning the Richard scoring trophy put the critics to rest. Nashville just went under the rader all year long ,but seems to just take it one game at a time led by star defenseman Shae Weber. Anaheim has the upper hand by far in my books.
Pick: Anaheim Ducks in 5
Note from Bryan: Thank you all for reading and hope you enjoy my little input On Pete's Blog and thank you Pete for letting me write this.
Coming up on Thursday, I will write incredibly short previews and give predictions in the NBA playoffs.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
AL West Preview/Prediction
Also, as it is now April 7th, and the baseball season has gotten underway, I'd say it is time for a preview and prediction of the American League West. This division represented the American League champion in the World series for the first time since 2002 when the Angels won it. This division is also pretty competitive, as the only team which really doesn't have a chance of the four are the Seattle Mariners. So, you can guess where I'm picking the Mariners to finish in the division.
Seattle Mariners
Biggest addition: Jack Cust. Formerly of the A's, Cust and the Mariners hope he returns to his 2009 form, where he hit 25 homers and drove in 70 while playing in nearly 150 games. Cust should provide a boosy of offense to a team with a woeful offense last season.
Biggest loss: Russell Branyan, who provided Seattle with at least some offense last season. But, with the acquisition of Justin Smoak from the Rangers in the Cliff Lee trade, there is no longer a need for Branyan to play first.
Truthfully, unless the offense gets about 100 percent better than last season, where the team scored a pitiful 513 runs in an offensive minded American League, then the Mariners are not going anywhere. Felix Hernandez, the American League Cy Young award winner in 2010 is a treasure to watch pitch. He can control a game like no other, and when he is throwing 95 in the ninth, it is going to be game over. The rest of the pitching staff isn't all that bad either, as the other four men in the rotation all get the ball in play, which is great for Seattle, as they have a terriffic defense behind the pitchers. But, as stated, offense needs to improve...a lot!
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Biggest addition: another one of those additions which occurred last summer, but the effeects of it will not be felt until this season. Dan Haren was acquired at the trade deadline last year from the Diamondbacks, and is a certifiable ace. Haren was a combined 12-12 last season, but pitched in hitter friendly Chase Field and then switched over to the offensive minded American League. Haren also had a better than 4 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio, which is outstanding.
Biggest loss: Hideki Matsui. Matsui didn't perform exactly as the Angels would have hoped last season as their designated hitter and so they left him go after one season.
Los Angeles really could not reel in any big name free agents over the offseason, or make any big splashes when it comes to trades. They could not get the following big names: Carl Crawford, Zack Greinke, Cliff Lee, or Jayson Werth. So, most Angels fans are figuring that their team cannot compete with the big boys of the American League like the Red Sox, Yankees, or even the Rangers now. But, their starting rotation is still very solid, with Haren, Scott Kazmir, Jered Weaver, and Ervin Santana. All these pitchers are very quality pitchers who have the capability of throwing 200 plus innings and having a sub 4.00 ERA, which is outstanding in the AL. But, with first baseman Kendrys Morales still recovering from the broken leg he suffered after hitting a walk-off homer in May last season, the offense is missing a big bat in the middle of it. But, the offense should still produce fine. The Angels already changed their closer after Fernando Rodney could not get the job done. So, with all that said, I still cannot give the Angels better than a third place finish in a rough and tumble AL west.
Texas Rangers
Biggest Addition: Adrian Beltre. After the Rangers failed to sign Cliff Lee, they went after offense with Beltre. Beltre is a great defensive third baseman who will also easily hit 30 homers in a launching pad which is Rangers Ballpark. Beltre signed a six year, nearly 100 million dollar deal with the Rangers.
Biggest Loss: Cliff Lee. Lee was the centerpiece in the rotation which helped defeat the Rays and Yankees in the playoffs on the way to the Rangers first World Series in their history. Lee loved the Dallas Fort Worth area, but loved the Philadelphia area more evidently. Lee went 4-2 in the postseason last year with Texas, the only two losses coming in the World Series to Tim Lincecum.
The Rangers have the best offense in baseball. The Rangers have the reigning AL MVP in Josh Hamilton, and then offensive stars throughout the rest of the diamond and lineup. There is no easy out in the Rangers lineup. It is an offensive nightmare for any starting pitcher to face. The Rangers also have the reigning AL Rookie of the Year with Neftali Feliz returning as closer after briefly flirting with going into the starting rotation. Feliz will anchor a very solid bullpen. So, the question mark regarding the Rangers is the starting pitching. Texas has some good arms at numbers one, two and three, with C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter, but numbers four and five are big question marks. Number one was actually supposed to be Brandon Webb, but he is still recovering with an injury, and then Derek Holland and Matt Harrison do not really have experience, so it is iffy at best at the back part of the rotation. But, the Rangers could just slug homers all day and be fine too.
Oakland Athletics
Biggest addition: Hideki Matsui. Matsui may not have done as well as the Angels would have liked, but he will fit right in with the A's, who would like him to duplicate his numbers from last year. Hit .275, 21 homers and 74 RBI would be great production for the A's out of their DH position.
Biggest loss: Eric Chavez. Although Chavez wasn't too productive over his past few seasons in Oakland, he was still considered by most the face of the franchise in Oakland.
Oakland has not made the playoffs since 2006, so why pick the A's over the Rangers? Simple, the A's have much more pitching and defense than the Rangers. Oakland has four amazing young starters who are able to perform for a while. Oakland has Dallas Braden, who pitched a perfect game last season, Gio Gonzalez, who won 15 games and had a 3.50 ERA, Brett Anderson, who had a sub 3 ERA, and Trevor Cahill, who won 18 games and had a sub 3 ERA. Oakland knows how to win, and that is with starting pitching. It doesn't hurt that their bullpen isn't too shabby either, with Andrew Bailey and Brian Fuentes heading up a very good bullpen. Oakland has a good mix of young up and coming talents along with some savvy veterans to get the job done. That would be why I'm picking the A's to go back to the postseason for the first time in five years.
Finally, as this is somewhat obligatory, I must pick wild card winners for both leagues and give a World Series prediction. First, my wild cards are Cincinnati in the NL and the Yankees in the AL. Now, a World Series matchup and winner. Well, that has to be the trendy pick of Boston versus Philadelphia with Boston coming out on top. I hope everyone has enjoyed my MLB preview.
Seattle Mariners
Biggest addition: Jack Cust. Formerly of the A's, Cust and the Mariners hope he returns to his 2009 form, where he hit 25 homers and drove in 70 while playing in nearly 150 games. Cust should provide a boosy of offense to a team with a woeful offense last season.
Biggest loss: Russell Branyan, who provided Seattle with at least some offense last season. But, with the acquisition of Justin Smoak from the Rangers in the Cliff Lee trade, there is no longer a need for Branyan to play first.
Truthfully, unless the offense gets about 100 percent better than last season, where the team scored a pitiful 513 runs in an offensive minded American League, then the Mariners are not going anywhere. Felix Hernandez, the American League Cy Young award winner in 2010 is a treasure to watch pitch. He can control a game like no other, and when he is throwing 95 in the ninth, it is going to be game over. The rest of the pitching staff isn't all that bad either, as the other four men in the rotation all get the ball in play, which is great for Seattle, as they have a terriffic defense behind the pitchers. But, as stated, offense needs to improve...a lot!
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Biggest addition: another one of those additions which occurred last summer, but the effeects of it will not be felt until this season. Dan Haren was acquired at the trade deadline last year from the Diamondbacks, and is a certifiable ace. Haren was a combined 12-12 last season, but pitched in hitter friendly Chase Field and then switched over to the offensive minded American League. Haren also had a better than 4 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio, which is outstanding.
Biggest loss: Hideki Matsui. Matsui didn't perform exactly as the Angels would have hoped last season as their designated hitter and so they left him go after one season.
Los Angeles really could not reel in any big name free agents over the offseason, or make any big splashes when it comes to trades. They could not get the following big names: Carl Crawford, Zack Greinke, Cliff Lee, or Jayson Werth. So, most Angels fans are figuring that their team cannot compete with the big boys of the American League like the Red Sox, Yankees, or even the Rangers now. But, their starting rotation is still very solid, with Haren, Scott Kazmir, Jered Weaver, and Ervin Santana. All these pitchers are very quality pitchers who have the capability of throwing 200 plus innings and having a sub 4.00 ERA, which is outstanding in the AL. But, with first baseman Kendrys Morales still recovering from the broken leg he suffered after hitting a walk-off homer in May last season, the offense is missing a big bat in the middle of it. But, the offense should still produce fine. The Angels already changed their closer after Fernando Rodney could not get the job done. So, with all that said, I still cannot give the Angels better than a third place finish in a rough and tumble AL west.
Texas Rangers
Biggest Addition: Adrian Beltre. After the Rangers failed to sign Cliff Lee, they went after offense with Beltre. Beltre is a great defensive third baseman who will also easily hit 30 homers in a launching pad which is Rangers Ballpark. Beltre signed a six year, nearly 100 million dollar deal with the Rangers.
Biggest Loss: Cliff Lee. Lee was the centerpiece in the rotation which helped defeat the Rays and Yankees in the playoffs on the way to the Rangers first World Series in their history. Lee loved the Dallas Fort Worth area, but loved the Philadelphia area more evidently. Lee went 4-2 in the postseason last year with Texas, the only two losses coming in the World Series to Tim Lincecum.
The Rangers have the best offense in baseball. The Rangers have the reigning AL MVP in Josh Hamilton, and then offensive stars throughout the rest of the diamond and lineup. There is no easy out in the Rangers lineup. It is an offensive nightmare for any starting pitcher to face. The Rangers also have the reigning AL Rookie of the Year with Neftali Feliz returning as closer after briefly flirting with going into the starting rotation. Feliz will anchor a very solid bullpen. So, the question mark regarding the Rangers is the starting pitching. Texas has some good arms at numbers one, two and three, with C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter, but numbers four and five are big question marks. Number one was actually supposed to be Brandon Webb, but he is still recovering with an injury, and then Derek Holland and Matt Harrison do not really have experience, so it is iffy at best at the back part of the rotation. But, the Rangers could just slug homers all day and be fine too.
Oakland Athletics
Biggest addition: Hideki Matsui. Matsui may not have done as well as the Angels would have liked, but he will fit right in with the A's, who would like him to duplicate his numbers from last year. Hit .275, 21 homers and 74 RBI would be great production for the A's out of their DH position.
Biggest loss: Eric Chavez. Although Chavez wasn't too productive over his past few seasons in Oakland, he was still considered by most the face of the franchise in Oakland.
Oakland has not made the playoffs since 2006, so why pick the A's over the Rangers? Simple, the A's have much more pitching and defense than the Rangers. Oakland has four amazing young starters who are able to perform for a while. Oakland has Dallas Braden, who pitched a perfect game last season, Gio Gonzalez, who won 15 games and had a 3.50 ERA, Brett Anderson, who had a sub 3 ERA, and Trevor Cahill, who won 18 games and had a sub 3 ERA. Oakland knows how to win, and that is with starting pitching. It doesn't hurt that their bullpen isn't too shabby either, with Andrew Bailey and Brian Fuentes heading up a very good bullpen. Oakland has a good mix of young up and coming talents along with some savvy veterans to get the job done. That would be why I'm picking the A's to go back to the postseason for the first time in five years.
Finally, as this is somewhat obligatory, I must pick wild card winners for both leagues and give a World Series prediction. First, my wild cards are Cincinnati in the NL and the Yankees in the AL. Now, a World Series matchup and winner. Well, that has to be the trendy pick of Boston versus Philadelphia with Boston coming out on top. I hope everyone has enjoyed my MLB preview.
March Game of the Month
As it is now April 7th, I think it is time for the March game of the month. Especially now that the tournament is over, and that is where I will get my game of the month from.
You can choose from a multitude of games, any Butler game from the time the tournament began until the Elite Eight, the George Mason/Villanova game in the opening round, the Kentucky/Princeton, Washington/Georgia, Temple/Penn State games in the opening round, or, you can go with the Butler/Old Dominion opening round game. Also, as I couldn't make the choice, since there were so many games, I asked a very Godly man, Corydon Metcalf to make the choice for me.
This game was back and forth the entire way. It had a whopping 21 lead changes, and neither team led by more than six points the entire game. This is exactly the kind of game you suspect from two great mid-major conferences, and two great mid-major teams. Plus, the tension was building due to this being the opening round of the tournament, and with a single tip in or one bad play, or just something not going some team's way, that team would be out. Well, the first of these occurred on the last play of the game, where Matt Howard, Butler's outstanding senior forward who will be sorely missed, tipped the ball in over Old Dominion forward Andrew Smith, who is three inches taller than Howard. The play in which Butler won was not exactly drawn up as planned, but, as they say sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. Well, Butler was both lucky and good that afternoon as they started on their trek back to their second straight national title game.
Some info was taken from here: http://www.ncaa.com/game/basketball-men/d1/2011/03/17/old-dominion-butler
You can choose from a multitude of games, any Butler game from the time the tournament began until the Elite Eight, the George Mason/Villanova game in the opening round, the Kentucky/Princeton, Washington/Georgia, Temple/Penn State games in the opening round, or, you can go with the Butler/Old Dominion opening round game. Also, as I couldn't make the choice, since there were so many games, I asked a very Godly man, Corydon Metcalf to make the choice for me.
This game was back and forth the entire way. It had a whopping 21 lead changes, and neither team led by more than six points the entire game. This is exactly the kind of game you suspect from two great mid-major conferences, and two great mid-major teams. Plus, the tension was building due to this being the opening round of the tournament, and with a single tip in or one bad play, or just something not going some team's way, that team would be out. Well, the first of these occurred on the last play of the game, where Matt Howard, Butler's outstanding senior forward who will be sorely missed, tipped the ball in over Old Dominion forward Andrew Smith, who is three inches taller than Howard. The play in which Butler won was not exactly drawn up as planned, but, as they say sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. Well, Butler was both lucky and good that afternoon as they started on their trek back to their second straight national title game.
Some info was taken from here: http://www.ncaa.com/game/basketball-men/d1/2011/03/17/old-dominion-butler
Sunday, April 3, 2011
National championship preview/prediction
Well, I got half the national title game right, and only off by three points on the final score too with Butler. But, enough bragging, and get down to the nitty gritty and the analysis of this 2011 Championship tilt.
Both of these teams are here somewhat remarkably. Back in November, when most preseason magazines were coming out, everyone wrote Butler off as a "cinderella" team making the championship game last year, and Connecticut wasn't considered an upper echelon Big East team. it was more so a Notre Dame or Pittsburgh more likely to get here than Connecticut. Plus, even back in February, where both teams were scuffling, Butler was a longshot to make the field let along the title game again. then, Connecticut, was scuffling through the meat of the Big East schedule and struggling. But, this is why the tournament is so great, both teams got to play their way through a tournament and prove themselves to belong in the national title game. Note to NCAA Division 1-A football: this is the way its supposed to be done, not through the dumb BCS. Had to get that in.
Both teams have excellent guards. But, tell me a team in the field of 68 which did not have a pretty good guard. This game plays right into Butler's hands, as they are a team which likes to slow the pace and rhythm of the game down, and that is exactly how UConn plays. Connecticut will also have to play a much better game than they did on Saturday versus Kentucky, as they committed 15 turnovers, which is far too many in a Final Four game. Butler will try to have Matt Howard keep himself out of foul trouble, which he is very prone to do. Howard played 31 of 40 minutes on Saturday, but will have to try and minimize his fouls tonight. Butler will also try and have to slow down Kemba Walker with Ronald Nored. Nored has kep other guards in check, like Joey Rodriguez of VCU in the first Final Four game on Saturday. Nored kept Rodriguez very much in check, not allowing him to be able to pass the ball as he'd like or even give him the chance to score too much. Walker I think will still have a good game though. This will be an amazing national title game, and I'm thinking Cinderella will wear the glass slipper this year.
Pick: Butler 63, Connecticut 59
Both of these teams are here somewhat remarkably. Back in November, when most preseason magazines were coming out, everyone wrote Butler off as a "cinderella" team making the championship game last year, and Connecticut wasn't considered an upper echelon Big East team. it was more so a Notre Dame or Pittsburgh more likely to get here than Connecticut. Plus, even back in February, where both teams were scuffling, Butler was a longshot to make the field let along the title game again. then, Connecticut, was scuffling through the meat of the Big East schedule and struggling. But, this is why the tournament is so great, both teams got to play their way through a tournament and prove themselves to belong in the national title game. Note to NCAA Division 1-A football: this is the way its supposed to be done, not through the dumb BCS. Had to get that in.
Both teams have excellent guards. But, tell me a team in the field of 68 which did not have a pretty good guard. This game plays right into Butler's hands, as they are a team which likes to slow the pace and rhythm of the game down, and that is exactly how UConn plays. Connecticut will also have to play a much better game than they did on Saturday versus Kentucky, as they committed 15 turnovers, which is far too many in a Final Four game. Butler will try to have Matt Howard keep himself out of foul trouble, which he is very prone to do. Howard played 31 of 40 minutes on Saturday, but will have to try and minimize his fouls tonight. Butler will also try and have to slow down Kemba Walker with Ronald Nored. Nored has kep other guards in check, like Joey Rodriguez of VCU in the first Final Four game on Saturday. Nored kept Rodriguez very much in check, not allowing him to be able to pass the ball as he'd like or even give him the chance to score too much. Walker I think will still have a good game though. This will be an amazing national title game, and I'm thinking Cinderella will wear the glass slipper this year.
Pick: Butler 63, Connecticut 59
Friday, April 1, 2011
Final Four preview/prediction
This year has a final four which we have never seen before in the history of the NCAA tournament. There is no number one or number two seed in it. Plus, there is a team which had to win five games to get here instead of the normal four in Virginia Commonwealth University due to them being one of the "last four in" to the field of 68. Then, there is also a team in Butler which no "expert" thought would make it to back to back final fours for the first time in their history. It is also the first time since 1991 that a team outside of the "power" six conferences has made back to back final fours. The team that did it then was UNLV. Now, time for the previews!
Virginia Commonwealth vs. Butler
Amazingly, Butler, as a number eight seed will be able to wear their home whites for only the second time in this tournament. The other time was against Old Dominion in the first round. Virginia Commonwealth is in here thanks to the NCAA selection committee and nobody else. Every single basketball "expert" had them in the NIT and were amazed that VCU got a bid over fellow Virginia team, Virginia Tech, Colorado and even Harvard. But, VCU has definitely made the most out of their opportunity, as they have won every game except one by double digits. The only game they failed to win was the game against fellow double digit seed Florida state, where they eked out a one point victory.
Butler took a completely opposite path, as every single game they have played has been decided by single digits. Their biggest margin of victory was by seven points. Coach Brad Stevens and his boyish looks deserve a ton of credit for coaching this team so well after they scuffled out of the gates for the second consecutive year. But, Matt Howard ans Shelvin Mack have done a terrific job. Howard has been an inside presence just like the 2010 tournament and Mack has been explosive from three. This game, I don;t really care who wins, as a mid-major conference is being represented in the national title game for the second consecutive season. But, as I have to pick, I'll give it to the Bulldogs to make it back to back national title appearances.
Pick: Butler 67, VCU 62
Kentucky vs. Connecticut
These two teams met in November at the Maui Invitational, and Kentucky got torched, 84-67. But, this is a completely different Kentucky team from back in November. Brandon Knight had yet to mature into the player he is now, and Josh Harrellsson was an overweight prankster, but has turned into a big force inside down in the post. Kentucky had to be considered a long shot to make the final four, considering their woes in road and neutral site games up until February 26th, as they have won eight straight road and neutral site games since then. Before the 26th, Kentucky was only 6-8 in road/neutral site games prior to that date.
Connecticut is essentially the same team it was back in November, with Kemba Walker leading the way. Both teams are great teams, and it will be a fantastic game, considering how much Kentucky has improved since November. This game also has two traditional powerhouses in Kentucky and UConn, and for one of them it has been some time since they have gotten to the final four. For Kentucky, it has been since 1998, and for Connecticut, it has only been two seasons. in 2009 they got there, but lost to Michigan State in a de facto home game for the Spartans. Should be a well played close game, just like the early game.
Pick: Kentucky 76, UConn 67
Virginia Commonwealth vs. Butler
Amazingly, Butler, as a number eight seed will be able to wear their home whites for only the second time in this tournament. The other time was against Old Dominion in the first round. Virginia Commonwealth is in here thanks to the NCAA selection committee and nobody else. Every single basketball "expert" had them in the NIT and were amazed that VCU got a bid over fellow Virginia team, Virginia Tech, Colorado and even Harvard. But, VCU has definitely made the most out of their opportunity, as they have won every game except one by double digits. The only game they failed to win was the game against fellow double digit seed Florida state, where they eked out a one point victory.
Butler took a completely opposite path, as every single game they have played has been decided by single digits. Their biggest margin of victory was by seven points. Coach Brad Stevens and his boyish looks deserve a ton of credit for coaching this team so well after they scuffled out of the gates for the second consecutive year. But, Matt Howard ans Shelvin Mack have done a terrific job. Howard has been an inside presence just like the 2010 tournament and Mack has been explosive from three. This game, I don;t really care who wins, as a mid-major conference is being represented in the national title game for the second consecutive season. But, as I have to pick, I'll give it to the Bulldogs to make it back to back national title appearances.
Pick: Butler 67, VCU 62
Kentucky vs. Connecticut
These two teams met in November at the Maui Invitational, and Kentucky got torched, 84-67. But, this is a completely different Kentucky team from back in November. Brandon Knight had yet to mature into the player he is now, and Josh Harrellsson was an overweight prankster, but has turned into a big force inside down in the post. Kentucky had to be considered a long shot to make the final four, considering their woes in road and neutral site games up until February 26th, as they have won eight straight road and neutral site games since then. Before the 26th, Kentucky was only 6-8 in road/neutral site games prior to that date.
Connecticut is essentially the same team it was back in November, with Kemba Walker leading the way. Both teams are great teams, and it will be a fantastic game, considering how much Kentucky has improved since November. This game also has two traditional powerhouses in Kentucky and UConn, and for one of them it has been some time since they have gotten to the final four. For Kentucky, it has been since 1998, and for Connecticut, it has only been two seasons. in 2009 they got there, but lost to Michigan State in a de facto home game for the Spartans. Should be a well played close game, just like the early game.
Pick: Kentucky 76, UConn 67
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