All World All Sports Blog

Broadway's Newest Star: The Linderella Man

2012-02-11T12:29:00.000-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

New York's newest star is an unlikely hero. Jeremy Lin - a.k.a. "Linsanity", "Linderella", "The Linderella Man" - is lighting up opponents and energizing Madison Square Garden fans. Lin’s 89 points in his first three starts is the most by an NBA player since the merger in 1976-77.

Last night's performance vs LA Lakers - 38 points, 7 assists - brought everyone to their feat. The Knicks played without star starters Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire giving LA a distinct advantage heading into the contest. Or so they thought. Lin's performance set off a series of high five's and chest bumps throughout the contest. One great spin layup after another left Lakers players stunned on the court. By the time it was all over the Knicks cruised to a 92-85 home victory.

Kobe knows Lin - at least he does now after being clueless two night's ago. When interviewed before heading to New York, Kobe was asked about Lin's two previous breakout performances. He had now clue. After last night's game - players and fans from coast to coast know Jeremy Lin.

NFL had "Tebowing". NBA now has "Linning".

Lin was quoted after his latest thrilling game. "The journey was very different, tough at times, my family has been through a lot," he said, referring to getting cut by two teams and his several D-League stints. “It’s been an unbelievable journey. The whole last year and a half, the downs we had to go through. We’re just trying to enjoy everything and handle everything the right way." (NY Post).

How long can the ride last? All systems go for now. But, the word is out on this kid and opposing defenses will soon devise strategies to stifle Lin's recent surge. Not bad for an undrafted player from Harvard who bounced around from team tryout to team tryout before signing with Golden State in 2010. New York took a chance on Lin via waivers and it's been storybook ever since.

Welcome to the NBA Jeremy Lin. Broadway's lights are shining bright.

Giants Super Victory Unhinges Pats, Fans

2012-02-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

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The New York Giants are Super Bowl Champions after snuffing out New England 21-17. As the Giants started post-game celebrations inside Lucas Oil Stadium a dejected and stunned Patriots team stumbled to their locker room. For the second time in five Super Bowls, New York's defense shut down New England's high powered offense and pulled off a last minute game winning drive.

Giants fans nationwide began celebrating as soon as Tom Brady's last play desperation heave fell harmlessly to the ground in the end zone. The man screams could be hear nearly everywhere in the tri-State area. It was a different story for the Patriots, their fans and one supermodel wife.

The Giants and Eli Manning once again staged an exciting fourth quarter comeback turning a Patriots victory into bitter defeat. Massachusetts lunatic college and university students used the opportunity to showcase occupy style mini-riots on campuses proving they really need educations on morality and dealing with life's twists & turns. Tom Brady's wife, Giselle, famously told off Giants fans heckling her "... my husband can't throw and catch" - a blatant reference to late game drops by wide receivers. Head Coach Belichick wasn't available for NBC's post-game interview. Tom Brady sat stunned once again in his locker. And, yes, Eli Manning went to Disney World.

Patriots and many game prognosticators wonder how the Giants won - or should I say - how the Patriots lost? The answer so obvious it's a wonder how any self respecting sports journalist has a problem figuring it all out. New York was simply the better team. They were better in nearly every phase of Super Bowl XLVI. Giants players rose to the occasion. Patriots players made mistakes.

New York took an early 2-0 lead because of a Tom Brady intentional grounding penalty from his own end zone on New England's first play thanks to the Giants unsung hero - punter Steve Weatherford. While most were talking of Brady vs Eli, Coughlin vs Belichick, over looked was special teams players. Every good coach will tell you special teams can make or break a team. Early in the game, Weatherford's outstanding punts kept New England deep within their own territory. Brady being called for intentional grounding was a very stupid play by a future Hall of Famer. There was no reason for the blatant play. Kudos to the referee's for having the guts to make an obvious call. After receiving the free kick, New York marched right down the field and quickly made the score 9-0.

New England made plenty of undisciplined and uncharacteristic mistakes. Take your pick, they were all costly. My short list:
1 - Brady end zone intentional grounding safety. Result: Pats first play gives NY 2 points! Giants 2 - Pats 0.
2 - On the Giants ensuing drive Pats called for too many men on the field negating a Giants Victor Cruz fumble in the redzone within Pats 10 yard line. Pats recovered the fumble but the penalty wiped out the 3rd down play. It was another turning point type play giving NY the ball on 1st and goal setting up an Eli to Cruz 2 yard touchdown. Giants 9 - Pats 0 thanks to Patriots uncharacteristic mistakes.
3 - Patriots defenders inability to recover 2 Giants second half fumbles in key situations.
4 - Brady was 16 for 16 during one stretch of the game - a Super Bowl record. He seemed to get injured on a Justin Tuck drive ending sack. Brady never looked the same.
5 - Leading by two, 17-15, Brady brilliantly scrambled away from Giants pass rush only to throw a terrible interception after he just lobbed the ball up towards Gronkowski. Poor decision as Welker and Branch were wide open underneath.
6 - After Brady's int, Pats forced a Bradshaw fumble but couldn't recover - again. Then, on 3rd and 2, Manning misfires but another costly penalty keeps the Giants drive alive. Instead of punting from their end zone, Giants maintain possession after an off-sides penalty.
7 - With 8:00 to go Pats begin a long drive only to have it end when Brady misfires to a wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide open Welker with 4:00 to go. Giants had burned 2 timeouts early in the 3rd quarter. Had this pass been completed then the game clock continues ticking with Pats inside Giants 20. Way too much flack thrown at Welker when it was Brady who misfired to a wide open man & NFL's leading catcher with 122 receptions.
8 - Final drive of the game, Giants leading 21-17, under 1 minute remaining. Drops by Welker, Branch & Fernandez set up a failed hail mary attempt.

Quite frankly, it's my belief the Patriots were flat out lucky not to have been blown out of this game. Giants built early 9-0 lead & were outplaying New England. Two huge penalties were drive killers. First was a 3rd and 1 holding penalty taking a 1st down away from NY inside Pats 20. NY settled for 3. NY again settled for 3 two drives later after another holding penalty wiped out a big play.

What about Giselle? Media now ripping her for post-game comments. Everything from don't dis your teammates to whatever else they can think up for eye grabbing headlines. She spoke up, so what? Was she wrong that Patriots players dropped passes? No. Did she single any one player out? No. Was she being harassed? Yes.

Win as a team, lose as a team. Giants won Super Bowl XLVI as a team. Punter, kicker, offense, defense, special teams, linemen, reserves, coaches & assistant coaches all contributed to victory. On New England's side - offense, defense, special teams, coaches, reserves, etc all contributed to defeat. That's football ladies and gentlemen.

Super Bowl Sunday XLVI - Giants vs Patriots Preview

2012-02-05T10:21:00.000-05:00

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The time has come for a new NFL champion to be crowned on the grandest of stages - Super Bowl XLVI. Today's stakes are high. It's a rematch of SB XLII when the New York Giants upset an undefeated New England Patriots team. Giants QB Eli Manning is gunning for his second championship. Patriots QB Tom Brady takes dead aim at becoming only the NFL's third 4 time Super Bowl winning signal caller joining Pittsburgh's Terry Bradshaw and San Francisco's Joe Montana.

You've heard all the hype, predictions, sports shows and past game highlights. Now it's time for All World All Sports to chime in on game day.

Super Bowl XLVI preview - New York Giants vs New England Patriots

New England Patriots - AFC Champion - AFC East 13-3.
How they got to SB XLVI: Offense, offense, offense. Pats 513 points scored was tops in AFC action. Brady was one of two QB's surpassing Dan Marino's single season passing yardage record finishing with 5.235 yards. TE Rob Gronkowski caught an NFL record (for Tight Ends) 17 TD passes. Wes Welker led the league with 122 receptions. New England is a passing first offense team. Good thing they can score because so can their opponents. Patriots defense gives up many big plays. To New England's credit, defense played soft protecting insurmountable leads. These guys are much better than statistics suggest. Or, are they? Yes, they are but not nearly strong enough to derail a Giants attack clicking on all cylinder's. This game is also a rematch from earlier in the season (Giants won 24-20). Strength: Passing attack, Coach Belichick. Weakness: Running game, defense gives up big plays.

New York Giants - NFC Champion - NFC East (9-7)
How they got to SB XLVI: Giants began 6-2 and all were singing praises. Dropped to 6-6 and New Yorkers were calling for Coach Coughlin to be fired. Finished 9-7, won NFC East on final Sunday and knocked off NFC's top two teams in playoffs. Giants are hot. Confidence level never higher. Offense is clicking. Defense getting stronger play by play. This isn't your typical Giants team - not even close. Eli Manning leads a passing first attack. Can you believe it? Giants a passing first offense. Why? Because offensive line has been banged up all season and can't create running lanes for Bradshaw and Jacobs. Ball control is always key against Pats. Giants dominated time of possession in past Super Bowl's with a pounding running game. Don't expect to see it today unless line finally comes to life. Eli Manning will be searching for 3 targets - Cruz, Manningham and Nicks.

Keys to the game: We've heard all about Brady vs Manning for two weeks. Now, take a gander at some intangibles -
Crowd: Expect a home field advantage type ruckus coming from a New York Giants friendly crowd. Eli Manning is brother of Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning. Indy faithful will great him with open arms while cheering hard for Giants to dump Patriots. Loud indoor crowd might create signal calling problems near end zones.
Defense: This game is all about whether or not defensive pass rushers can disrupt QB timing. Giants pass rush set the stage for their SB XLII win in 2007. Getting after Brady today is key. Can Pats D line get enough pressure on Eli to force bad throws? Time will tell.
Offense: Playing indoors creates a fast track for speedy wide receivers. Offensive lines the key. Can they protect QB's and open running lanes?
Special teams: Often over looked in this match up. Both kickers can nail long field goals on turf. Kick coverage units for Giants has holes.
Coaches: We'll be watching NFL's two best game planners. New England's Belichick is a game day guru designing plays for maximum efficiency. Giants Coughlin is no slouch either.

Prediction: Everyone is expecting a high scoring game. This game has all makings of whoever has the ball last wins. Both QB's experts at late game winning drives. Despite all of the hype, I'm feeling a blowout in the making. Giants pass rush will create turnovers and scoring opportunities. Giants passing attack will be relentless before power football running attack kicks into high gear. Giants win huge. Final score: Giants 41, Patriots 24.

Super Bowl History - Ranking Games of 2000's

2012-01-30T17:37:00.000-05:00

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Super Bowl XLVI will crown the first new champion of the decade. We've had 10 Super Bowl contests of the new millennium. A few great games and a couple of blowouts.

2007 SB XLIII Giants 17 - Patriots 14 Story line: Patriots entered riding an undefeated season (16-0 = 2 playoff victories) trying to match the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only undefeated NFL teams. They entered SB XLII having scored 589 regular season points behind 50 TD passes by QB Tom Brady. New York's defense rose to the occasion by pressuring Brady all game long disrupting the rhythm of Patriots high scoring attack. Then, Giants QB Eli Manning engineered a late game winning scoring drive by dodging NE defenders and completing unbelievable passes. Giants 17-14 win constitutes one of the greatest Super Bowl upsets in league history.

2003 SB XXXVIII Patriots 32 - Panthers 29 New England and Carolina went toe to toe right up until the gun sounded on Adam Vinatieri's 41 yard Super Bowl winning field goal. All of the games points were scored in 2 quarters (2nd & 4th). The teams traded scores at will during a 4th quarter frenzy letting everyone know the team with the ball last would win... and the Patriots did just that.

2008 SB XLIII Steelers 27 - Cardinals 23 Steelers snatched victory in final seconds on one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history by Santonio Holmes

2004 SB XXXIX Patriots 24 - Eagles 21 Tight game most of the way. Eagles poor clock management & a tiring McNabb couldn't pull off any late game miracles.

2010 SB XLV Packers 31 - Steelers 25 Pittsburgh's comeback falls short. Packers exposed NFL's top defense to score their first championship in 14 years.

2001 SB XXXVI Patriots 20 - Rams 17 After opening the season 0-2, Tom Brady became their starting QB. Brady's career has been well documented after leading New England to their first ever Super Bowl championship. Adam Vinatieri's 48 yard field goal was the game winner.

2002 SB XXXVII Buccaneers 48 - Raiders 21 Somewhat of a fun game to watch unless you're a Raiders fan. This was a no contest all the way. Tampa Bay dominated every aspect of SB XXXVII. Bucs seemed to know every audible called by Raiders. Of course they did - Tampa's head coach was Raiders former head coach. Guess someone should have changed the playbook. Raiders haven't been the same since.

2006 SB XLI Colts 29 - Bears 17 Peyton Manning led the Colts to their first Super Bowl victory as residents of Indianapolis. Mistake filled anti-climatic game.

2005 SB XL Steelers 21 - Seahawks 10 Game filled with big plays, bad plays and teams struggling to score. Defenses played bend don't break. Not one of the more memorable games of the decade.

2000 SB XXXV Ravens 34 - Giants 7 The New York Giants have played some of the most exciting Super Bowl's in league history. This was not one of them. Ravens first championship featured NFL's smartest, quickest and heaviest hitting defense which beat up on Giants players from the opening kickoff to the final gun. Ravens entered the game as NFL's top defense giving up only 165 points during regular season and 13 combined in first two playoff games. Giants only score was on special teams - Ron Dixon 97 yard kickoff return.

A new decade of Super Bowl games begins Sunday...

(Super Bowl history/recaps)

Crash Landing - Jets Locker Room Turmoil Continues

2012-01-27T15:33:00.000-05:00

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New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan promised a Super Bowl championship would return to the Big Apple. Little did he know a late season Jets loss opened the door for another New York team to make a run at Super Bowl history. The Jets were trounced 29-14 by Eli Manning & company ending any shot at Ryan's team advancing to post-season play while simultaneously sparking the Giants hot streak which has taken them into next weekend's game against New England.

By season's end, the Giants were celebrating winning the NFC East and the Jets immediately starting finger pointing at each other after a dismal 2011 performance. The focus of their post-season tirades have been on many levels all centering around a lack of camaraderie with players. Locker room disruptions, lack of leadership, failure of coaching staff to address inner circle problems and too many captains are just a few examples of what's spilled into local papers in recent weeks. Guess what? Maybe there's a bit of camaraderie surfacing? Most players finally agree on something - the 2011 New York Jets problems were based on being their own worst enemy.

Great teams overcome difficulties from injuries to infighting. It begins with leadership. The buck stops here line falls at the feet of Coach Ryan. Heading into 2011 the Jets assembled a team of bad attitude players. Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress and a few defenders were thrust into a situation of big heads, big ego's and terrible work ethic. Game day sideline shouting matches between players vs coaches and players vs players eventually took its' toll with on field performances. New York was 8-5 before being embarrassed in their final three contests.

I remember reading New York sports pages warning of locker room misfits and if Ryan would be able to tame fragile ego's. Obviously, he couldn't. Ryan's claims of not knowing problems were brewing carries a stench of non-involvement or turning the other cheek mentality. This is your ship Rex. You decide what is and isn't acceptable. Players don't have to like each other to succeed. Not at all. One thing must prevail - the mission - and how 50 players working as a single unit helps everyone. Jets players with wide ranging playoff experiences of success and near misses should clearly have known better. What they displayed, and continue to gripe about, was an utter disgrace to New York football. Even legendary Joe Namath got in on the action publicly.

Jets fans can only hope this moment transforms into the biggest learning experience in New York football's recent history. There's plenty of blame to be evenly divided between players and front office. Question - will the Jets learn a positive lesson or will they continue griping throughout the spring and into training camp? 2012 off season test number one is getting rid of all disruptive players. Ryan has a chance to get a grip on his team here and now before all is lost before a new season begins.

Tigers Roar... Sign Fielder to 9 Year $214M Deal

2012-01-24T18:35:00.000-05:00

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Did the Detroit Tigers panic after losing DH/C/1B Victor Martinez for the 2012 season? What else could lead to Detroit's front office offering a contract to another DH? Martinez signed a 4 year $50M deal before the 2011 season. 1B Miguel Cabrera has 4 years & $84M remaining n his deal. Detroit's third and newest DH/1B becomes their richest contract - 9 years, $214M. Welcome Prince Fielder!

This deal will be dissected for years to come. Here's my take.
Pro's: Fielder's career stats are superb (.282/.390/.540, 230 HR, 656 RBI in 7 seasons). Hit 50 HR's in 2nd full MLB season. Led NL with 141 RBI in 2009. Finished in top 5 MVP voting 3 times. He's relatively young and will now play for the franchise where his dad once starred (Cecil Fielder 1990-96). Fielder plus Cabrera creates one of AL's most potent 1-2 punches. Health has always been good (never misses extended time due to injury).
Con's: Nine years is an awfully long contract. Roster moves will have to be made down the road. Initial reports suggest Cabrera will play some games at 3B (where he once played earlier in his career). This risks defense on both infield corner positions, risks potential injuries for 3B. How will splitting time with Cabrera at 1B/DH work out? Fielder's production could take a hit playing AL Central baseball in big parks. Fielder moves from hitters friendly Milwaukee, Houston, Cincinnati and Chicago into pitchers friendly division featuring Detroit, Minnesota, Kansas City & Chicago. Homers or doubles off the wall could become long outs. Expect career number totals to drop off a bit. How about weight issues? How much money does Detroit have left over to find top of the order type players sorely needed for this lineup?

All in all it's rarely a bad thing when signing a premier ball player of Fielder's caliber. Time will tell. However, I believe Detroit could have found better ways to solidify their roster instead of investing so heavily in one player. $214M could have secured at least 2, 3 or 4 impact players. Tiger's rationale is to win now at any and all costs. Their owner desperately wants to win a World Series. Perhaps his wish will come true in 2012?

Random Rumblings - Rough Week of Sports News

2012-01-23T17:26:00.000-05:00

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It's been a rough week in the world of sports. Family, friends and fans lost two icons. NFL Championship Games won, or lost, by miscue's sending fans into delusional fits of rage. And, a sports hero refusing to meet with President Obama.

Loss
Joe Paterno
"JoePa" passed away this weekend after losing his bout against aggressive lung cancer. Paterno was a college football legend. He coached Penn State University for over 46 years resulting on 409 victories, 37 Bowl appearances (24 wins), two national championships. His 409 victories is the most ever recorded by a Division I head coach. Over 250 of his former players entered the NFL.

Paterno was seen as a father figure within the Nittany Lions community. His image was hurt by the sexual abuse scandal which rocked PSU late in 2011 involving JoePa's former assistant coach Sandusky.
Paterno will be dearly missed by all those who knew and respected this man among men.

Sarah Burke
Sarah Burke lost her battle to survive fatal injuries suffered during practice earlier this year. She was a Canadian freestyle skier who was a pioneer of the superpipe event. Burke was a four-time Winter X Games gold medalist, and won the world championship in the halfpipe in 2005. She intensively & successfully lobbied the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to have the event added to the Olympic program for the 2014 Winter Olympics. She was instantly considered the medal favorite.

A quote from her website says it all: "Sarah is a pioneer of her generation. Her life and legacy embody the true spirit of action sports; a movement of individuals driven to innovate, master and explore the frontier of physical possibility. Sarah’s love of skiing took her life to amazing places.
Her accomplishments on skis continue to inspire girls everywhere to believe in themselves and follow their hearts. Her passing is not a cause to pack up our skis, but rather a reason to step-in and ski for Sarah and the dreams that inspired her star to shine."

Political Statement
Tim Thomas
Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Champion goaltender Tim Thomas refused to join his teammates at the White House to meet President Obama due to political differences. Thomas plans to discuss skipping the event later this evening on his Facebook page.

In the Bruins' 2011-12 media guide, Thomas, cited conservative TV pundit Glenn Beck as the person he'd most like to have dinner with.

Playoff Failures
Exciting AFC & NFC Championship Games were both decided on bad special teams plays. Baltimore Ravens lost to New England Patriots when place kicker Billy Cundiff game typing chip shot field goal attempt sailed wide left. Only a few plays earlier, wide receiver Lee Evans failed to hang onto a go-ahead touchdown reception setting up the ill-fated kick. Baltimore players were stunned at what happened ... and their dreams of playing in Super Bowl XLVI came to a crashing halt as New England players jumped with joy.
The Billy Cundiff watch has officially begun. How long will it take the Raves to sever ties with Cundiff? No quickly enough for Ravens fans.

The Giants prevailed in San Francisco after the 49ers second special teams miscue setting up a Super Bowl rematch against Belichick's Patriots. Rookie backup punt returner Kyle Williams messed up twice. The first time he failed to get out of the way of a punt which grazed his knee and the Giants recovered. The second, and most crucial, was a fumble directly leading to New York's NFC Championship Game winning overtime field goal.

Credit 49ers players for coming to the side of their beleaguered teammate. Too bad crass San Francisco fans can't find their humanity to do the same. Instead, Williams is being victimized by a slew of death threats from irate fans. Not much love found in ultra liberal San Francisco.

Just because both games were ultimately decided by bad plays doesn't warrant fans threatening players. Get a grip folks. At days end - it's only a game!!! They're going to have a very difficult time living with their goat plays. It happens to the best of players and sometimes some who just play the game. Remember Jackie Smith's dropped TD pass from Roger Staubach (Dal vs Pit SB XIII)? Scott Norwood's last second miss (NYG vs Buf XXV)? Donavan McNabb running out of gas (PHI vs NE SB XXXIX)? Or the countless other times in sports history when a bad play turned the tides. Just ask any Chicago Cubs or Boston Red Sox fan. At the end of the day we're all human and it's only a game. Give these guys a break.

NFL Championship Game Weekend

2012-01-20T17:50:00.000-05:00

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The NFL will have two new conference champions Sunday night. Defending AFC Champion Pittsburgh and NFC Champion Green Bay are yesterday's news. Football's version of the final four kicks off at 3:00 pm Sunday from Foxboro when Baltimore battles New England. The nightcap certain to set viewing records when New York plays San Francisco on a muddy Candlestick Park turf.

AFC Championship Game
Baltimore Ravens (12-4) @ New England Patriots (13-3)
These two teams couldn't be more opposite if they tried.

Baltimore: As everyone knows, it's all about defense. If they expect to win this game Harbaugh's defense will need to play the game of their lives. Creating pressure and disguising coverages is their only chance. Or, is it? If the Ravens ground game gets rolling on long ball control drives (remember Giants vs Bills? Giants vs Patriots?), then they'll be able to keep Patriots offense on the sidelines. A must for Ravens is to finish drives with touchdowns instead of field goals. Ray Rice will get plenty of touches rushing as receiving out of their backfield. Keeping the chains moving is key. Don't be surprised if Baltimore gives New England an old fashioned whipping!

New England: Success relies squarely on Tom Brady's right arm. New England's defense gives up yards and points in bunches. It's a good thing their offense scored the most points in the AFC. Brady's targets are plentiful. Speedster Wes Welker reeled in 122 and 9 TD's. Tight End Rob Gronkowski caught 90 & 17 TD's. Next up, another TE, Aaron Hernandez with 79 & 7. There's reliable vet Deion Branch chipping in with 51 & 5. This is a gifted group nearly impossible to cover. Baltimore's defense represents New England's greatest challenge of the year and visa-verse. Offensive line must play huge. Coach Belichick is NFL's best game planner.

Prediction: Patriots roll, 33-24.

NFC Championship Game
New York Giants (9-7) @ San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
Field conditions could become most dominating factor.

New York: Timing is everything and Giants timing is perfect lately. This team is in a grove on offense, defense, special teams and coaching. A dangerous 9-7 team. QB Eli Manning is on fire. Only sore spot is poor run blocking failing to open lanes for Ahmad Bradshaw & Brandon Jacobs. Pass protection is key and line better come up big in bad field conditions if the Giants expect to win this game. Manning needs to stay calm, cool & collected against an oft-blitzing 49ers aggressive defense. No turnovers another big key. Giants defense has been on the money lately and came up huge vs Green Bay's celebrated offense in last weekend's divisional match-up. 49ers ground game is strong. Defense will prevail if they're able to keep San Francisco in 3rd & long situations.

San Francisco Are these guys really as good as their 13-3 record? We'll find out Sunday night. San Francisco had a weak schedule aided by playing in NFL's weakest division (NFC West). They only played 4 teams with winning records and scored 20 or below 6 times. Divisional opponents ranked 12, 13 & 16 in points scored contributing a long way towards posting a NFL low 229 points against. Defense sets the tone. Field position is everything. This offense isn't geared for long yardage drives. They're an efficient run oriented attack even though QB Alex Smith came up huge vs New Orleans last weekend. Ball control and defense remains the key. Without one or the other it'll be a long day vs a hot Giants squad.

Prediction: Straight up I'd pick Giants to win huge, 34-10. However, weather may become a big contributing factor. Candlestick resides below sea level. It's raining now and expected to last through Sunday night. If this game turns into a slop bowl then this becomes an anything can happen game.

Texas Rangers Say Yu's Da Man!

2012-01-19T18:40:00.000-05:00

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If one trusts Nolan Ryan's opinion of future star pitchers - then be sure to watch every game Yu Darvish pitches in the majors.

Yu Darvish (Japan career stats) comes to Major League Baseball with outstanding credentials. Japan's best pitcher hands down has 7 knockout pitches. Good luck hitters. Darvish's domination in Japanese Baseball is mind boggling. His five year career totals: 76-28, 1.72! I don't care what league your hurling in... 1.72 ERA! Want more? How about 1,083 strike outs in 1,024.1 innings! Okay, these aren't stacked major league lineups (as many would argue). But, the difference is he pitched against mainly contact hitters - very good ones - and only gave up 691 hits! Control? To the tune of 1.9 bb/game.

Only one or two things might stand in the way of major league domination. Will this guy get homesick? Can he handle a 162 game season (139 in Japan, never started more than 28 games in any season)? Arlington Texas is a long way from Japan. Talk about signing an impact player - Nolan Ryan and Texas know exactly what they've got. A dominating pitcher nearly impossible to scout. Too many great weapons will keep hitters off balance all season long.

Texas wanted Darvish above all others. The Rangers submitted a blind bid of $51.7M to win rights of negotiating with Darvish. Yu signed a 6 year, $60M ($56M guaranteed) contract just as time was running out on negotiations before Wednesday's deadline. The winning bid will now be released to his former Nippan Ham Fighters team.

If Yu Darvish can stay free of arm problems in the coming years then we're soon to witness history. I'm hoping he can successfully adjust to life in America. Ranger fans will hang on his every pitch. Nolan Ryan made a shrewd deal.

Red Hot Giants Sack Pack

2012-01-16T16:27:00.000-05:00

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Jets head coach Rex Ryan promised New Yorkers a Super Bowl Championship. His predicted promise may soon come true. The New York Giants eliminated Super Bowl defending champions Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field yesterday 37-20. The Giants, not Jets Rex, moved to within one game of Super Bowl glory.

Four consecutive mid-season losses dropped the 6-2 first place Giants into disarray at 6-6. No rhythm on offense or defense coupled with shoddy special teams performances. Suddenly, the Giants got hot - red hot - with dominating play ruling the day during their current four game win streak.

New York Giants scenario couldn't have played out any better. I've often claimed the hottest team heading into playoff action has the best shot at winning it all. The San Francisco 49ers helped the Giants Super Bowl chances this weekend after stunning the Saints 36-32 in a fantastic game featuring 4 lead changes in the final 4 minutes. There's no way New York would have beaten the Saints in New Orleans so the 49ers victory sets up a more favorable match-up.

Next weekends NFC Championship Game promises to be another great contest. San Francisco represents the opponent New Yorker's wanted. The 49ers enjoyed a fine season winning the NFC West with a 13-3 record. 49ers ground and pound style is better suited for the Giants defense which has all sorts of trouble defending New Orleans quick strike attack.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin is hands down NFC's best game planner. Rest assured another great game design will be in place for next Sunday's game. It'll be up to players to execute and win. Giants recent play, especially on offense, is making him look like a genius. It was only a couple of months ago New York sports papers were calling for his firing. Now, he's a hero once again. So is the smart playing of quarterback Eli Manning. Manning's 2011 decision making has been great. Protecting the ball and precision passing helped engineer 29, 31, 24 & 37 points during the Giants current streak. Suddenly resurgent defense is chipping in big time. Sacks against Aaron Rodgers turned sure touchdowns into big losses and turnovers at key moments throughout yesterday's Divisional Playoff victory.

Giants fans shouldn't get over confident after yesterday's Blue Cheese style Sack of the Pack. Winners of four in a row 49ers are no slouches either. San Fran's defense ranked #1 in NFC with only 229 points against. Their efficient offense brings back memories of 1980's Giants teams. First year coach James Joseph Harbaugh's made believers out of this group of gritty players. Get ready for a great Championship Game.

NFL Playoffs - Divisional Round Breakdown

2012-01-13T03:45:00.000-05:00

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Denver's first overtime play from scrimmage shocked a football nation and sent Pittsburgh packing. The Giants swatted Atlanta 24-2. Texans survived the battle of rookie quarterbacks and New Orleans out gunned Detroit. Home teams prevailed in all Wild Card games and now take on new foes in Divisional action.

AFC
Denver Broncos (9-8) @ New England Patriots (13-3)
(Saturday, January 14 - 8:00 pm, CBS)
Keys for Denver: Tebow proved he's an NFL QB. Even non-believers must give this guy his due after last weekend's performance. He took on a tough Steelers defense and prevailed. Denver's newest test will be facing the NFL's most prepared game day coach (Belichick). Broncos defense holds all the cards. New England's offense can be explosive on the flick of a switch. However, they've stuttered when strong defensive fronts consistency pressure Brady. Don't over pursue on blitzes or Brady will strike open receivers for big gains. On offense, Denver must control the line of scrimmage or this will be a very long day. Zero turnovers means Denver will stay in the contest for as long as their defense holds up.
Keys for Patriots: Brady and company - were you really expecting a different answer? Brady needs to stay calm and cool. If given time he can pick apart any defense in the league. Pats defense is highly underrated. They'll have lapses at times - not many in playoff football. Most often these guys play with huge leads so don't read too far into stats. They'll be ready to play.
Prediction: Patriots 31 Broncos 14

Houston Texans (11-6) @ Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
(Sunday, January 15 - 1:00 pm, CBS)
Keys for Texans: Offensive line is the key, plain and simple. Creating gaps for Adrian Foster to excel is the entire plan. Texans cannot win if Ravens blitz successfully or force 3rd and long all afternoon. Rookie QB Yates has been efficient in ball control safe schemes. Misdirection plays, not dropping passes, ball security and keeping yellow flags in refs pockets determines if Houston has a chance in this game. Good news, Baltimore's offense can be held in check. Defense, it's up to you!
Keys for Ravens: Execution on offense. Baltimore's a team built for winning reminiscent of 80's Giants football. Except the Giants always found a way to score more than opponents. Ravens offense should be scoring 30+ every week - especially when defense sets them up with great field position all game long. If Ravens win turnover battle then they should be victorious.
Prediction: Ravens 24 Texans 10

NFC
New Orleans Saints (14-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
(Saturday, January 14 - 4:30 pm, FOX)
Keys for Saints: This might be the perfect example of why it's important to strive for home field advantage. New Orleans was 5-3 in road games during 2011 and their wins were struggles. They've never won a playoff road contest in their history (0-4). 49ers defense is stingy at home allowing only 10.9 points per game. Not a good recipe unless you happen to be a Giants player not wanting to play the Saints again (if NY advances). First things first. Brees hasn't faced this new and improved 49ers tenacious defense. Offensive line must play big. Sproles & special team performance could be the key players deciding this game. The scat-back is hard to cover. Defense needs to play in top form to disrupt 49ers plans.
Keys for 49ers: Everything. NFL low 229 points against. It's imperative defense finds a way to keep Saints off the field. Defensive line has to disrupt Brees timing. Linebackers take down runners and find a way to effective remove TE Graham from Saints pass offense. Defensive backs must play physical. Not too much to ask for, huh? Offensive line must dominate time of possession and wear down Saints defenders. Back's Gore and Hunter need to find running lanes and protect the pigskin at all costs. Crabtree (WR) & Davis (TE) combined for 139 pass receptions. However (RED ALERT), no other player recorded more than 20 catches. Someone other than these two needs to find open lanes as you can bet your bottom dollar Saints defense is focused on shutting down these two. A few takeaways will certainly go a long way to helping Frisco advance. A solid team effort is all these guys can hope to produce. Can they do it?
Prediction: 49ers 24 Saints 23

New York Giants (10-7) @ Green Bay Packers (12-4)
(Sunday, January 15 - 4:30 PM, FOX)
Keys for Giants: The Giants will be further pumped up if San Francisco knocks off New Orleans on Saturday. Giants can't match the Saints in New Orleans and would welcome a shot at playing the 49ers. New York has really found their rhythm for the first time all season reeling off 3 consecutive convincing victories including dominating Atlanta 24-2 in Wild Card action. Smart decisions by Manning and WR's key here. They all need to be on the same page. This could quickly become a shootout on the frozen tundra. Wind may or may not play a factor (currently snowing in Green Bay - cold clear skies predicted for Sunday). Can the Giants finally find their running game? Packers give up a whopping 4.7 yards per carry. If Giants offensive line dominates then it can translate into keeping Aaron Rodgers and Packers high powered offense on the sidelines. Giants pass rush another key to success. They've been creating havoc for opposing QB's and need more of the same Sunday.
Keys for Packers: First and foremost is surviving devastating news so bad it might have shaken the entire team. Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin's son - 21-year-old Michael T. Philbin - tragically drowned in thinly frozen Fox Lake Sunday night. No one knows for certain how this will effect the Green Bay Packers on the field until the game is played. This sad news has shaken a strongly bonded team. Priorities are with the Philbin's during their time of grieving. Packers success will come from team solidarity. We all know the talent is there. It's been a tough week. Have they been able to fully prepare? There's no way to formula an honest preview here.
Prediction: Giants 35 Packers 31

No Suitors for Prince Fielder?

2012-01-09T20:57:00.002-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Take a quick look at Prince Fielder's Major League Baseball career resume (here). One of baseball's premier clutch hitting sluggers. Prince's 162 game average after 7 big league season's is tough to beat: .929 OPS, .282 BA, 37 HR, 106 RBI. Why haven't more teams stepped up and offered Prince a contract?

Rumor mills claim Fielder received offers from Seattle and Washington. Forget about it Seattle (unless no other offers come up). Washington would be a nice fit for Prince. Time is running out. The Nationals don't really need his services. Where are the other teams? A great fit for Texas? LA needs a new gate attraction - their well publicized financial woes probably prohibit the move.

It appears Fielder wants top dollar and a long term deal. If he's smart - considering a deferred payment plan will ultimately land a large sum deal. Why not? His future would be set?

No reports seem to hit it out of the park as to why Milwaukee's slugging first baseman remains without a contract. It's getting late. The later it gets, the harder to find a long term deal. Something needs to give. San Francisco Giants make the perfect home in my book. They long for a big gamer. Cubs new GM Theo Epstein's bosses and fans want to win NOW - and Fielder is a perfect fit. Florida made a big splash chasing after Albert Pujols who decided sign with LA Angels. Why hasn't Florida chased after Prince?

It's odd when a relatively young talent isn't signed. No collusion seen as in year's past. An unsigned Prince Fielder remains the great question of the day.

Power Rankings Top 10's

2012-01-09T20:30:00.000-05:00

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Week of January 9, 2012

NFL
1 - Green Bay Packers
2 - New Orleans Saints
3 - San Francisco 49ers
4 - New England Patriots
5 - Baltimore Ravens
6 - New York Giants
7 - Houston Texans
8 - Pittsburgh Steelers
9 - Detroit Lions
10 - Cincinnati Bengals

NBA
1 - Miami Heat
2 - Oklahoma City Thunder
3 - Chicago Bulls
4 - San Antonio Spurs
5 - Portland Trailblazers
6 - Indiana Pacers
7 - Philadelphia 76ers
8 - Atlanta Hawks
9 - Los Angeles Lakers
10- Los Angeles Clippers

NHL
1 - Boston Bruins
2 - New York Rangers
3 - Vancouver Canucks
4 - Detroit Red Wings
5 - Chicago Blackhawks
6 - St Louis Blues
7 - Philadelphia Flyers
8 - San Jose Sharks
9 - Pittsburgh Penguins
10- Minnesota Wild

NCAA Men's BB
1 - Syracuse
2 - Kentucky
3 - Baylor
4 - North Carolina
5 - Indiana
6 - Ohio State
7 - Missouri
8 - Duke
9 - Michigan State
10- Georgetown

NCAA Women's BB
1 - Baylor
2 - Notre Dame
3 - Connecticut
4 - Stanford
5 - Maryland
6 - Texas Tech
7 - Rutgers
8 - Duke
9 - Tennessee
10- Kentucky

Random Rumblings - Tebow, Larkin, Juan's Gone

2012-01-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

NFL
Tim Tebow's heroic performance in Sunday's spectacular AFC Wild Card Playoff Game overtime victory against defending AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers showed the world how dreams come true. Tebow's overtime record setting 80 yard laser strike to teammate WR Demaryius Thomas electrified Denver Broncos fans everywhere.

Let there be no doubt - Tim Tebow is an NFL quarterback, period!

Pittsburgh's defense main objective was containing Denver's cagy QB. Tebow and his Broncos entered the game losers of their final 3 regular season games. Tebow made mistake after mistake during this forgettable stretch from costly fumbles to amateurish interceptions. Tebow shook off any cobwebs and all detractors by shredding Pittsburgh's defense on the ground and through the air. In the end, after Tebowing, Tebow took a victory lap in front of screaming Broncos fans. Tebow's rise to fame proves, once again, dreams do come true.

MLB
Baseball's Hall of Fame will soon welcome a new member. Former Cincinnati Reds short-stop Barry Larkin was named on 86.4% of ballots cast. Larkin will join Ron Santo. My past blog re: Santo (12/05/11) - Santo's injustice of being named after he died is a disgrace to his legacy. "Ron Santo is finally heading into the Hall. I will never understand how Santo wasn't voted in during the 15 year eligibility votes. Then comes the HOF Veterans Committee which basically has the power to elect players who never received enough votes. Here's the real injustice. Veterans Committee had 12 years - 12 - to right a wrong. Is it their inner guilt taking over? Ron Santo died one year ago. Now, he gets in? Why not when he was alive allowing him the feeling of being a Hall of Fame inductee? Bittersweet. "

Larkin enters on his third try. His career spanned 19 years, all with Cincinnati. Larkin won 1995 NL MVP. He was a gamer but never really put up great numbers. I often wonder how some guys like Larkin receive enough votes and how others, such as Alan Trammell, do not? Hall of Fame voting is one of baseball's great mysteries.

Another fine moment is to be taken from voting results. Steroid junkie Juan Gonzalez didn't receive enough votes to considered for future voting. Gonzo needed 5% of votes cast to remain. I'll cheerfully use a slogan often used on days Gonzo blasted one of 434 career home runs. Juan Gone! Justice is done - so are his chances of ever being considered again. Perhaps Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro will soon join him in nowhere land. One can always hope.

NFL Playoff Predictions - Wild Card Weekend

2012-01-07T11:49:00.002-05:00

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The time has come. The road to the Super Bowl kicks off this weekend. Some have said it often doesn't matter how a team qualifies for post-season play. This line holds true for a few teams preparing for a run at Super Bowl glory. Giants, Bengals & Broncos earned their right to play on the final weekend of the regular season. Funny thing is only the New York Giants won to secure the NFC East while Cincinnati and Denver backed in on tie-breakers after losing their final games.

Now, the slate is clean. Let the best team from here on in win. Here's what to expect...

Saturday - January 7
Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) @ Houston Texans (10-6) These two met on Week 14. Houston scored with :03 remaining to stun Cincy 20-19.
Texans were rolling along early in the season before devastating injuries hit key players. QB Matt Schaub had his club looking like Super contenders after a dominating 7-3 beginning to 2011 before an injury ended his season. His replacement, Matt Leinart, got hurt in his only start replacing Schaub opening the door for rookie T.J. Yates. Texans defense has been tremendous and represent reason #1 this team finished on top of AFC South. It's been a team effort in the second half of the season - this needs to continue. Offense is on the shoulders of RB Foster (averaging 94.2 yds/game).
Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis and his team cleaned house in the off season dumping many locker room distraction players from recent seasons. The Bengals are lead on offense by rookie QB Andy Daulton. This rook has been a superb team leader. Bengals rejuvenated defense allowed 30+ points only two times all season long.
It's a match-up of rookie quarterbacks and hard hitting defenses. Turnovers & special teams might rule the day.
Prediction: Cincinnati 20 Houston 17

Detroit Lions (10-6) @ New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Saints dominated their only match-up of the year winning 31-17. Expect more of the same on Saturday night. Saints high powered offense will be too much for Lions to handle unless an over confident New Orleans club doesn't take their opening round opponent seriously. NFL single season record breaker Drew Brees will shred Lions.
Lions deserve credit for their first winning season since 2000. Obscene penalties & lack of on field discipline could turn this game ugly unless these guys finally learn to win and lose like professionals.
Prediction: New Orleans 38 Detroit 10

Sunday - January 8
Atlanta Falcons (10-6) @ New York Giants (9-7) (first meeting of the season).
Giants won NFC East on final game of the year by beating up rival Dallas 31-17 on Sunday Night Football. Giants outclassed and over matched a banged up Cowboys squad. Atlanta brings a new challenge - and low down dirty football tactics - into the Meadowlands. The Giants are ready. Not many teams play better playoff football than New York. Eli Manning has been tremendous between the 20's this year. Hold your breath when he's inside the 10 if he starts forcing throws. Giants offensive line has done fairly well pass protecting, but, they've been less than stellar opening running lanes for Bradshaw & Jacobs.
Falcons looked great against weaker NFL teams and not so hot against playoff bound teams. Expect a not so hot performance as Giants defensive line causes havoc rushing Matt Ryan. Key for Falcons is RB Turner. Can Atlanta shut down Giants pass rush with effective running? Stopping the run hasn't been one of New York's strong suits in 2011.
Prediction: New York 31 Atlanta 23

Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) @ Denver Broncos (8-8) (first meeting of the season).
Talk about a complete mismatch. Pittsburgh is no stranger to making a Super run as a wild card entry. QB Roethlisberger should be well enough physically (ankle) to perform usual playoff-like magic of years past. Pittsburgh's defense should have no trouble whatsoever containing QB Tebow. I'm feeling a shutout coming in this game. Steelers too strong on offense, defense, special teams & coaching staffs. Only turnovers can doom Pittsburgh.
Prediction: Steelers 31 Broncos 0

Random Rumblings - NFL 2011

2012-01-03T18:04:00.001-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011 NFL regular season concluded Sunday night in MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants (9-7) won the NFC East by romping over arch division rival Dallas Cowboys (8-8) 31-14. The Giants performed as if this game was their Super Bowl. They were simply quicker, stronger and better than Dallas in every positive aspect of this contest completing a season sweep and wrapping up the league's final playoff berth. It was over by halftime as New York built a commanding 21-0 lead. Another December collapse by Dallas ruined the Cowboys new year.

What is it with Dallas and end of season swoons? Their record stood at 7-4 after a November 24 one point victory against Miami, 20-19. Cowboys then lost 4 of 5 to fall from division leaders to end of season choke artists. Getting swept by New York and Philadelphia in the same season will not sit well with Jerry Jones. They barely beat Washington twice (18-16 & 27-24). Offensive line exposed. Defense exposed. Special teams late game chokes. Ineffective play calling. Lack of leadership. It's the same old song in Dallas. 1996 - the last season Dallas posted a winning record within the final month of regular season action. Cowboys fans are sick to their stomachs.

Dallas needs one major change - in their front office. It's not likely team owner Jerry Jones will fire team GM Jerry Jones anytime soon. When will owner JJ realize GM JJ isn't any good at piecing together a championship caliber squad? Stubbornness comes in many destructive forms.

---

A handful of football vets were handed walking papers immediately following the conclusion of regular season games.
-Indianapolis stunned the football world - or perhaps just franchise star Peyton Manning - by cutting loose team vice chairman Bill Polian and his GM son, Chris.
-Chicago Bears sent GM Jerry Angelos and offensive coordinator Mike Martz packing after another disappointing season.
-The Bucs fired coach Raheem Morris on Monday after 10 consecutive losses to close out the season.
-St. Louis Rams cut ties with Steve Spagnuolo after three lackluster seasons.
-Miami Dolphins aren't wasting any time in their search for a new head coach after Tony Sporano was fired after going 4-9. Dolphins certainly have fallen a long way into the depths of mediocrity after Coach Shula.
-Jacksonville Jaguars new ownership group wants a new direction and new coaching staff in place a.s.a.p.
2012 off-season will feature plenty of shake-ups, coaching announcements and free agent frenzy leading up to draft day.

---

Drew Brees re-wrote a few major passing records in 2011. He shattered Dan Marino's single season passing yards mark. Brees finished the season with 5,476. Brees also bested Peyton Manning's single season completion record with 468. Brees then beat his own regular season completion percentage record, finishing 2011 with an incredible 71.2%.

Who will be named NFL MVP? Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers. Let's not take anything away from Brees sensational record breaking season. However, the league MVP has been Rodgers.

---

My NFL week by week game by game regular season prediction record concluded with 164 correct picks (64.1%). 70% correct was my goal in 2011 and would have come to fruition had it not been for two bad weeks (lately due to upsets).

---

Time to get ready for NFL Playoffs. Stay tuned for game by game breakdowns and what to look for in coming days.

Power Rankings Top 10's

2011-12-29T03:00:00.000-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

All World All Sports Power Rankings has changed gears by trimming our Power Rankings to Top 10 lists. Polls fluently change as does our unique rankings so we're shifting to short and sweet. We invite readers to tout their own rankings in our comments arenas.

Top 10's
NFL
1 - Green Bay Packers
2 - New Orleans Saints
3 - San Francisco 49ers
4 - New England Patriots
5 - Baltimore Ravens
6 - Pittsburgh Steelers
7 - Detroit Lions
8 - Cincinnati Bengals
9 - Houston Texans
10- Atlanta Falcons

NBA
1 - Oklahoma City Thunder
2 - Miami Heat
3 - Chicago Bulls
4 - San Antonio Spurs
5 - Los Angeles Clippers
6 - Dallas Mavericks
7 - Boston Celtics
8 - Los Angeles Lakers
9 - New York Knicks
10- Atlanta Hawks

NHL
1 - Boston Bruins
2 - New York Rangers
3 - Chicago Blackhawks
4 - Detroit Red Wings
5 - Vancouver Canucks
6 - Pittsburgh Penguins
7 - St Louis Blues
8 - Philadelphia Flyers
9 - San Jose Sharks
10- Minnesota Wild

NCAA Men's BB
1 - Syracuse
2 - Ohio State
3 - Kentucky
4 - Louisville
5 - Baylor
6 - Missouri
7 - Duke
8 - Connecticut
9 - Indiana
10- North Carolina

NCAA Women's BB
1 - Baylor
2 - Connecticut
3 - Notre Dame
4 - Stanford
5 - Maryland
6 - Kentucky
7 - Ohio State
8 - Texas Tech
9 - Duke
10- Texas A&M

NFL 2011 Predictions - Week 17

2011-12-28T21:16:00.000-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

This is it. The final games of our NFL 2011 season will be played New Year's Day. All eye's focused on teams battling for the final two playoff slots (one each in AFC/NFC). New York Giants will host the Dallas Cowboys in a winner take all for NFC East division honors after Big Blue knocked off stadium sharing rival Gang Green (NY Jets). The Jets loss all but ended their disappointing season - making a liar out of a Super Bowl Championship prediction by their head coach. Dallas is down after losing to Philadelphia. QB Tony Romo's status is uncertain after receiving a right hand contusion. In the AFC, Tebow gets one more chance to secure the AFC West. If Denver wins, they're in. Division winners are playing for first round bye's. Saints and 49ers tied at 12-3 (SF holds tie-break advantage). Pittsburgh (11-4) and Baltimore (11-4) trying to secure the AFC North and pass over New England (12-3) will become top seed.

Take nothing for granted this weekend. Green Bay is one of the few teams able to take advantage of resting starting players in preparation for the post-season.

Week 16 was kind as I nailed 12 of 16 upping the season total to 153-87 (63.8%).

Final regular season games of 2011.

Week 17 (home in CAPS)
Sunday
NEW ORLEANS 38 Carolina 17
NEW ENGLAND 31 Buffalo 20
MINNESOTA 24 Chicago 20
MIAMI 34 Jets 23
San Francisco 24 ST LOUIS 14
GREEN BAY 28 Detroit 24
PHILADELPHIA 37 Washington 10
JACKSONVILLE 20 Indianapolis 17
HOUSTON 21 Tennessee 20
Seattle 24 ARIZONA 23
DENVER 28 Kansas City 21
ATLANTA 28 Tampa Bay 16
CINCINNATI 23 Baltimore 17
Pittsburgh 20 CLEVELAND 10
San Diego 35 OAKLAND 21
GIANTS 31 Dallas 20

End of regular season

Brees Sets Passing Record vs Whiny Falcons

2011-12-28T02:17:00.000-05:00

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New Orleans Saints (12-3) star QB Drew Brees bested Dan Marino's NFL record for passing yards in a single season on Monday Night Football. Brees hit halfback Darren Sproles with a 9 yard strike to set the record with 2:51 remaining in a 45-16 romp over Atlanta.

New Orleans fans showered Brees with a long standing ovation as their quarterback celebrated and received congratulations from Saints teammates. Marino passed for 5,084 yards during a magical 1984 season. Brees needed just 15 games, finishing with 5,087. He'll raise the bar further in the final week of regular season action becoming the only player to surpass 5,100 yards.

Not everyone was celebrating. A beaten down Atlanta Falcons team wasn't happy New Orleans continued throwing late in the game. Get over it Falcons!!! What did you expect? A record within reach - during a home game - on Monday Night Football - why shouldn't New Orleans head coach give the green light. This is the NFL - Not For Lightweights. Stop whining and give Brees the respect he deserves - especially after picking apart Atlanta's defense. This wasn't about running up the score against a beaten team. It was all about letting their team leader achieve record status. If Atlanta didn't want him to break the record then their defense should have stepped up. They didn't. Drew Brees did.

Congratulations Drew! The Saints finish up the regular season against a very porous Carolina defense on New Year's Day. Let's predict a final season ending total of 5,415.

NFL 2011 Predictions - Week 16

2011-12-22T00:22:00.001-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Happy Chanukah & Merry Christmas!

A few upsets in Week 15 doomed pick selections. Kansas City pulled off the upset of the season handing Green Bay their first loss. Washington bumped off a lethargic Giants club for the 2nd time this year. Indianapolis stunned Tennessee for their first win of the year. San Diego took advantage of a banged up group of Ravens. Before it was over - Digger only nailed 7 of 16 correctly. Season total 141-83 (62.9%).

It's do or die this weekend for teams fighting for playoff positions.

Week 16 (home team in CAPS)
Thursday
Houston 24 INDIANAPOLIS 13

Saturday
Oakland 30 KANSAS CITY 23
TENNESSEE 28 Jacksonville 17
NEW ENGLAND 52 Miami 10
CINCINNATI 23 Arizona 21
Denver 25 BUFFALO 17
PITTSBURGH 21 St Louis 3
Giants 34 JETS 24
WASHINGTON 24 Minnesota 20
CAROLINA 28 Tampa Bay 24
BALTIMORE 27 Cleveland 10
San Diego 33 DETROIT 31
Philadelphia 38 DALLAS 21
San Francisco 19 SEATTLE 13

Sunday
GREEN BAY 44 Chicago 14

Monday
NEW ORLEANS 30 Atlanta 24

The Battle for NFL Playoffs

2011-12-21T18:10:00.000-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

2011 NFL enters the final two weeks of regular season action. Plenty of great stories. Green Bay's run at perfection ended last weekend. Drew Brees on pace to shatter Dan Marino's single season passing record. Tim Tebow in Denver. Coach of the Year candidate Jim Harbaugh returned San Francisco 49er football to winning ways (and a division title). Houston Texans surviving multiple injuries to post their franchise 2nd winning season and first division title. MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards still up for grabs. Also up for grabs, coveted final playoff slots. Who's going to win and get in?

AFC:
New England's superior offense camouflages their porous defense. Patriots defense is tough to handicap since opponents play catch-up football - usually large deficits. Tom Brady is masterfully putting together a MVP-type season. No NFL coach is better at game planning and execution than Bill Belichick.

Baltimore Ravens are a Super Bowl caliber team. They're a bit banged up on defense but this team has it all when in synch. Defense is their best offense. Translation - superior defense gives Baltimore offense great field position for short drives.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger's gimpy ankle needs to heal - quickly. Pittsburgh's playoff survival weakens considerably without a healthy and roaming Big Ben. Defense pounds but susceptible to big plays. Clock management has been surprisingly abysmal most of the year. Never count these guys out.

It's been the much publicized Tebow leading Denver. Defense and late game heroics have become the norm as Tebow's antics place him squarely in bulls-eye's of friends and foes alike. Denver's ground game is the key to success on offense. Red Zone attack needs to step it up a notch, especially when playoff football begins.

Playoff picture:
4 of 6 teams in. New England (11-3), Baltimore (10-4), Houston (10-4) & Pittsburgh (10-4) secured playoff slots.
Denver (8-6) wins the west with a victories at Buffalo and home closer vs Kansas City. Tebow's inspiring play and Broncos tenacious defense hope to rebound after New England showed why their AFC's #1 seed. Two wins (or combination of win/loss by Oak/SD) and the West belongs to Denver.
Oakland (7-7) remains in the hunt but needs help to catch Denver. Winning remaining games is their only option.
Remember when San Diego (7-7) began the season 4-1? Then lost 6 straight? Riding a 3 win streak, Chargers must win their final 2 games and hope for both Denver & Oakland to collapse. Good luck.
New York Jets (8-6) control their Wild Card destiny. Win two and they're in. They also own tie-breaker over Cincinnati. Big game vs stadium sharing playoff seeking New York Giants (7-7).
All sorts of implications/possibilities could trigger tie-breakers kicking in to determine eventual playoff teams. Playoff seeding also at stake. Patriots currently #1 followed by Baltimore. AFC North is still up for grabs (Baltimore owns tie-breaker).

Predictions:
Division winners: (1) Patriots, (2) Ravens, (3) Texans, (4) Broncos. Wild Card: (5) Steelers, (6) Jets.

NFC:
Can you believe it? For much of the season Green Bay's 13 game winning streak took a backseat to Tebow fever. Packers offense plays nearly flawless football. Aaron Rodgers is one of football's greatest players. He's amassed 4,360 yards - 40 TD's and only 6 interceptions. It doesn't get much better than this folks. 13 wins in 14 games isn't too shabby either. Defending Champs fine tuning to defend their crown.

Has anyone been paying attention to San Francisco football outside of the NFC West? Better take notice. 49ers defense is making a name for themselves. They're getting stronger as confidence grows. This current 49ers teams reminds me of 80's style Giants football. Opportunistic team gains advantage while most focus on NFC's Packers & Saints.

Drew Brees might give himself a Christmas present this weekend - and - possibly giving Hall of Famer Dan Marino a lump of coal. Brees is on the verge of breaking Marino's single season passing record - a remarkable accomplishment. He needs just 305 yards to set a new record.

What is up with the New York Giants (7-7). Stunning losses to weaker teams leaves this group - and head coach - battling for their short and long term futures. Two losses to Washington, one to a Vick-less Eagles squad and Seattle cost them from clinching the NFC East. These were all ugly losses. Coughlin will be gone if Giants get eliminated. Big New York vs New York match-up this weekend. Loser's season in jeopardy.

Playoff picture:
Top seed Green Bay's (13-1, North) run at perfection ended last weekend. San Francisco (11-3, West) & New Orleans (10-4, South) won their division.
Dallas (8-6) currently leads the East over New York (7-7). East is there's if they beat Philly coupled with a Giants loss this weekend. Expect a final game showdown at MetLife to decide who wins. I'm betting Eagles and Giants win this weekend forcing a winner take all final game.
Atlanta (9-5) and Detroit (9-5) appear to have a lock on Wild Card status but it's not said and done until the final gun sounds.

Predictions:
Division winners: (1) Packers, (2) 49ers, (3) Saints, (4) Giants. Wild Card: (5) Lions, (6) Falcons.

All World All Sports NBA 2011-12 Preview

2011-12-20T13:05:00.001-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Short season on the way. Players still changing teams, negotiating new contracts and shaking off the rust from an extended work stoppage. Many were plenty put off once Commissioner Stern began cancelling games weeks at a time. How will fans react once the new season begins? Will they return in droves - or - driven away? Time will tell.

Crystal ball time. All World All Sports 2011-12 NBA forecast...

Eastern Conference
Atlantic
Boston Celtics
New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
New Jersey Nets
Toronto Raptors
Central
Chicago Bulls
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks
Cleveland Cavs
Southeast
Miami Heat
Orlando Magic
Atlanta Hawks
Charlotte Bobcats
Washington Wizards

Western Conference
Northwest
Oklahoma City Thunder
Denver Nuggets
Portland Trailblazers
Utah Jazz
Minnesota Timberwolves
Pacific
LA Lakers
LA Clippers
Phoenix Suns
Golden State Warriors
Sacramento Kings
Southwest
Dallas Mavericks
San Antonio Spurs
Memphis Grizzlies
Houston Rockets
New Orleans Hornets

Champions: Boston Celtics

NFL 2011 Predictions - Week 15

2011-12-15T02:46:00.001-05:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Tick tock. Tick tock. Three regular season NFL weeks remain in the 2011 season. Division winners Green Bay (13-0), San Francisco (10-3) & Houston (10-3) will be fine tuning their games and battling for playoff seeding while somehow trying to remain healthy. Houston's season has been nothing short of remarkable. So many key players banged up - and - they're on quarterback number 3. Green Bay is heading towards history. Who will beat them?

New York Jets and Giants fans roller coaster emotions put to the test all season long. Giants (8-5) breathing new life after edging division rival Dallas. Sanchez finally looking good for Jets - perhaps pre-game boo's from home crowd snapped him to life?

Baltimore (10-3) owns tie-breakers vs AFC North division rival Pittsburgh (10-3) based on sweeping their season series. Roethlisberger banged up for a big game vs San Francisco this weekend.

Tim Tebow magic leading Denver (8-5) to the top of AFC West. Oakland (7-6) was blown out in back to back games needs a big victory this weekend to stay alive.

Digger correctly nails 13 of 16 in Week 14! Season total advances to 134-74 (64.4%).

Week 15 (home in CAPS)
Thursday
ATLANTA 27 Jacksonville 10

Saturday
DALLAS 38 Tampa Bay 14

Sunday
HOUSTON 27 Carolina 23
GIANTS 34 Washington 20
BUFFALO 28 Miami 17
CHICAGO 12 Seattle 10
New Orleans 45 MINNESOTA 21
Cincinnati 28 ST LOUIS 3
Tennessee 30 INDIANAPOLIS 7
GREEN BAY 35 Kansas City 3
OAKLAND 24 Detroit 23
New England 33 DENVER 17
PHILADELPHIA 27 Jets 21
ARIZONA 24 Cleveland 13
Baltimore 24 SAN DIEGO 20

Monday
Pittsburgh 16 SAN FRANCISCO 13

Keep the Faith! Tebow Strikes Again!

2011-12-12T17:35:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Believe in your faith. Tim Tebow's religious beliefs guide his life on and off of football fields. He's been criticized heavily for public displays of deep devotion. Tebow's detractors openly and often criticize his throwing ability as much as Tebowing. Guess what? Denver Broncos starting quarterback Tim Tebow is now 7-1. The 7th victory was another thrilling late game come from behind victory - 4th in a row.

Yesterday's game caught most by surprise - again. Denver's offense wasn't clicking at all before the final three minutes in regulation during Sunday's overtime 13-10 victory against Chicago. The Bears defense shadowed Tebow all game long. Denver receivers dropped passes at key moments throughout. Eight consecutive Broncos drives ended in 5 plays or less until the hurry up offense went into effect.

Trailing 10-0, with just over 4 minutes remaining, Tebow went to work guiding Denver 7 plays for 63 yards culminated by a 10 yard strike to Demaryius Thomas with 2:08 to go. Denver nearly recovered a perfect onside kick almost (2 players collided, Chicago recovered). All the Bears had to do was run the ball and keep the clock moving to secure victory. This would have left approximately 13-15 seconds in regulation. Denver used up all of their timeouts leaving no way to stop the game clock. Trailing 10-7, Denver's 5 game win streak was coming to an end.

"If you believe," Tebow said, "then unbelievable things can sometimes be possible."

On Chicago's first play (2nd down) after the 2:00 minute warning Bears running back Marion Barber bounced a left tackle run to the outside - way outside - and was inexplicably knocked out of bounds stopping the clock at 1:55. All Barber had to do was fall down in bounds. Forty precious seconds would have ticked off the clock. Instead the clock froze at 1:55 with 3rd down on the way.

Television viewers, Broncos fans and anyone within ear shot knew this game was about to change. Change it did. After Chicago punted Tebow had 53 seconds left from his own 20 yard line in regulation to perform another football miracle. One quick strike after another set up a long shot field goal attempt for the tie. Broncos kicker Matt Prater blasted a Denver record 59 yard field goal in front of 76,487 delirious home town fans. Most of America was stunned at the sudden turn of events. 10-10 and headed to overtime.

Chicago won the coin toss and quickly drove down the field. A new sense of determination coming from Chicago coaches who were overly cautious during the 4th quarter. Chicago neared field goal position. On 3rd and 7 from the Denver 38 Barber ran towards a gaping hole. At first quick glance it seemed as though if Barber exploded through the hole he was going for a massive gain - or perhaps and touchdown. Barber hit the hole hard as did Broncos LB Wesley Woodyard. Barber was gone if he was able to avoid the ball jarring hit - FUMBLE! Broncos recover... Tebow time!

Watching events in this game at the end of regulation and overtime was surreal (in football sense). Tebow got the ball back. Seconds earlier most thought Chicago was about to line up for a game winning overtime field goal attempt. This is minutes after most thought Chicago was going to win in regulation. I'd like to read a stat of how many fans switched channels with the score 10-7 at the 2:00 minute warning. Bears fans had to return in stunned disbelief... while Denver fans returned to stunned exuberance.

Now here we are in overtime. Regulation goat Marion Barber became game goat Marion Barber after a devastating overtime fumble. Tebow and the Broncos went to work from his own 34. 8 plays later Denver was set up for a 51 yard field goal attempt... there was never any doubt. Prater nailed a 51 yard game winning kick at the 8:34 mark.

Tebow's antics, game play, come from behind victories, and now division leader (Denver 8-5) has probably been the most discussed in 2011 NFL action. Fans love him for many reasons. Reason #1 is winning. What I'll never understand is players & media attacking his faith. Why? Tebow is a devout faith believer. Good for him. It's his choice and should be respected. Tebow lives his life by a code - faith in his religion. Tebow is of strong moral character. A 5 tool competitor who plays football with belief in his ability, determination, guts, strength and heart. Results: 7-1 propelling Denver (8-5) into first place. Yet, relentless attacks by players and media for courage to show and discuss faith.

Question: how many times does a baseball player make the cross sign before stepping into the batters box? Kiss a cross after a crossing home plate with a winning run? On a home run? How about football players celebrating after touchdowns? Wins? How about when faith and thanks to faith are the first spoken words? Not a peep of discontent - and there shouldn't be - so why Tebow?

I will never understand the clear and present danger of accelerating disrespect displayed towards religion in the United States of America. From educators in schools to elected government officials to influential media outlets. Somehow the Ten Commandments have been eradicated from select public buildings. The Pledge of Allegiance banned. In God We Trust under attack. Public displays of Christmas or Channukah ornaments being outlawed. And now, sports figures public displays of faith scrutinized. Does this mean our national anthem will soon be outlawed? Or, 7th inning stretch God Bless America? Let's hope not.

Standing ovation for Tim Tebow's 7-1 record. He's done it all with people mocking his every move. Keep the faith!

NFL 2011 Predictions - Week 14

2011-12-12T17:31:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

**Apologies to All World All Sports Blog readers - this was originally posted on our main web site but never copied onto eBlogger**

Week 13 treated us to thrilling games. Giants vs Green Bay was one of the years best. Tebow's prayers were answered again in another Denver come from behind victory. Five consecutive late game heroics has Denver tied for first place. Arizona scored a TKO of Dallas in OT after another Cowboys coaching error.

11 of 16 last weekend brings my season total to 121-71 (63%). All remaining games are must wins for teams seeking a shot at post-season play - especially teams on the outside looking in. Not too many must see type games on this weekends schedule. One standout game is Sunday night when the Giants travel to Dallas.

Week 14
Thursday
PITTSBURGH 31 Cleveland 3

Sunday
JETS 28 Kansas City 6
Tampa Bay 24 JACKSONVILLE 20
New England 48 WASHINGTON 14
Atlanta 30 CAROLINA 28
BALTIMORE 23 Indianapolis 3
Philadelphia 27 MIAMI 17
DETROIT 27 Minnesota 20
New Orleans 27 TENNESSEE 23
CINCINNATI 23 Houston 21
DENVER 24 Chicago 13
San Francisco 26 ARIZONA 20
SAN DIEGO 33 Buffalo 23
GREEN BAY 42 Oakland 21
Giants 38 DALLAS 27

Monday
SEATTLE 23 St Louis 16

Baseball's Winter Heating Up

2011-12-05T23:14:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Miami Marlins making early waves went out on a limb by signing Jose Reyes. Marlins have a new name - Miami. Soon to be new stadium - Sun Life Stadium. New uniforms. New attitude. New spending spree - a first in recent memory for Marlins teams.
A new generation of baseball is coming to Miami. Their organization is waving long term deals at key franchise-type players in a effort to solidify a solid, competitive Miami future. A generous deal by the City of Miami (now under investigation) affords Miami a long overdue opportunity to keep their star players and attract new ones. Just signed - NL batting champion Jose Reyes for 6 years, $106,000,000.00. Reyes is a great player with one major downside. Reyes has been sidelined extensively throughout his career in New York. If he stays healthy then count Miami as a serious NL East contender for years to come. Hanley Ramirez will shift from SS to 3B giving Miami an outstanding left side of the infield offensively and defensively.
Free agent closer Heath Bell was Miami's second major signing in two days (3 years, $27,000,000.00) and they're hot on Albert Pujols trail. Another name mentioned often is Mark Buerhle. Nobody should expect the Marlins to toss around Red Sox or Yankees kind of money. This is a team grooming very good talent and now adding a few select top veterans. Shrewd long range plans in the works. Marlins baseball will be a must watch when 2012 season begins.

Hall of Fame
It's about time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ron Santo (wikipedia.com) is finally heading into the Hall. I will never understand how Santo wasn't voted in during the 15 year eligibility votes. Then comes the HOF Veterans Committee which basically has the power to elect players who never received enough votes. Here's the real injustice. Veterans Committee had 12 years - 12 - to right a wrong. Is it their inner guilt taking over? Ron Santo died one year ago. Now, he gets in? Why not when he was alive allowing him the feeling of being a Hall of Fame inductee? How utterly miserable. Bittersweet.

Free Agents
Albert Pujols is the big fish on the market. He can pick whichever team he wants. Plenty of speculation as to where he'll end up. Plenty of teams will make offers - unless Pujols seeks ARod money. Then again, one never knows what kind of crazy contract might come from fickle owners in bidding wars? Miami is a great place to live. Will be a great place to play in a brand new hitters friendly stadium. Star studded lineup. Solid pitchers? Theo Epstein's chasing hard after Pujols. Esptein helped remove one curse. Can he work magic for the Cubs? Time will tell. Giants need to step up after losing out on Reyes. Perhaps Albert's just testing the market for leverage in St. Louis?
Big question marks surrounding many teams. The usual characters - Red Sox, Yankees, Phillies and perhaps Braves - will keep throwing big bucks around. What has me wondering is strategy of low budget teams or teams in financial distress? LA Dodgers and NY Mets with cash flow problems. LA secured a new SS signing utility man Jerry Hairston Jr. Mets might be willing to sell off everything possible. David Wright should beg to get out of NY. Angels, Cardinals, Red Sox & White Sox would be great fits if Mets follow a path of quietly severing ties with big salaries to gain useful prospects.
Kansas City & Washington have me curious too. Their once young talent is maturing. They need pitching and veteran leadership. How will front office's respond? It isn't easy attracting star pitchers to KC or Washington just yet?
Believe it or not, I've been reading how the most coveted free agents might be utility type (multi-position) players. Adam Kennedy and Hairston off the board quickly with more to follow soon. Prince Fielder sweepstakes has been rather quiet.

Plenty of rumors and headlines soon to follow. Can't wait to see how the dust settles.

Bobby Valentine to Red Sox

2011-11-30T15:11:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Bobby Valentine has enjoyed celebrity status. ESPN's former baseball commentator's name was often mentioned whenever a managerial vacancy existed. His popularity rose to championship quality praise. Not bad for a fellow never to manage an American team to a division title. High praise to a former manager out of MLB since 2002.

Enter the Boston Red Sox. One of baseball's top organizations committed to winning. A team coming off a rough 2011 season filled with in-fighting, clubhouse drinking during games and a manager who suddenly quit. Terry Francona was at the helm for Boston's two World Series championships. He was the man who beat the Yankees and broke Boston's curse. Somewhere during the '11 season, Francona lost control of the Red Sox. Various injuries and terrible front office decisions (especially with starting pitching) could be largely to blame. Francona's sudden departure stunned many. He took Boston's bad season to heart. Perhaps, he realized Red Sox players didn't play with any? Perhaps he just wanted out at any cost. End of chapter.

A new page in Boston history is about to be written. GM Theo Epstein is gone - off to Chicago Cubs for millions of dollars. Francona out. New GM Ben Cherington is betting Bobby Valentine is the right man for the job. Question is - what kind of job will it become? A championship opportunity or caretaker for a rebuilding club?

Boston isn't necessarily rebuilding. Or, will they be forced to rebuild? Mostly due to over-inflated salaries of underachieving players. Carl Crawford's first stint in Boston was a complete failure ($20M+/year thru 2017). Lackey pitched like a drunk lackey without any consistency ($15.25M/year thru 2014). Daisuke Matsuzaka ($10M in '12) bombed. As of this moment, Boston has only 12 players signed costing $126,000,000.00! What will Boston due? Rebuilding in the mighty AL East will not be easy or cheap.

Bobby V steps right into the thick of things. Is he just a colorful caretaker until Boston finds a way to reclaim glory days of the 2000's? Or, is this team getting set for some serious wheeling and dealing? This team is carrying expensive dead weight which could curtail aggressive free agent maneuvers. Boston fans will soon find out the direction their team will take once baseball's winter meetings conclude.

Free agency is off to a very slow beginning. Maybe due to economic uncertainties? Maybe owners are finally realizing their players are way over paid? (doubt it). The silence of active free agent signings is slowly becoming deafening. Jose Reyes name was tossed about early on. Pujols to Chicago could be in the works. However, to this observer, a game of chicken seems in play. No teams making big offers to the coveted free agent pitchers. Not much discussion beyond scuttlebutt when it comes to position players. Something will give. I'm guess Epstein's Cubs will be the first to make headlines.

Bobby Valentine in Boston to help discipline a clubhouse drinking team is a bit funny. After all, when managing the Mets Valentines players were caught playing poker in the clubhouse during playoff series vs rival Braves. Bobby V was never known - or respected - as a tough taskmaster. Boston is rolling the dice with Valentine's happy go lucky attitude. I don't see it paying off. Valentine proved many times he's no match for bloated ego's of overpriced ballplayers. Red Sox fans will keep their collective fingers crossed hoping and praying a new face at the helm is all that's needed to restore winning ways.

The only good news seems to be Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury & Kevin Youkilis. These players represent the heart and sole of Boston Red Sox baseball. Boston's pitching is in shambles and should be primary focus #1 from rotation to relievers.

Newcomer's Valentine and Cherington have much work to do. 2012 is filled with vital challenges. Decisions made during this off season will have a lasting effect. Hold on Boston fans - turbulence expected.

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-11-28T22:07:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

NCAA
LSU remains #1. Look out for Cinderella team of 2011 - Houston (12-0). Cougars slow and steady rise might get a boost against #24 ranked Southern Mississippi December 3rd. This marks Houston's only top 25 opponent. Houston's offense ranks top dog averaging 52.7 points per contest behind a spectacular passing attack.

This weekend will be teams final shot at making a strong bowl bid, run at number one & Heismann push. Good luck teams.

Top 20
1 - LSU
2 - Alabama
3 - Virginia Tech
4 - Stanford
5 - Houston
6 - Arkansas
7 - Oklahoma State
8 - Boise State
9 - Oregon
10- Oklahoma
11- Georgia
12- Wisconsin
13- South Carolina
14- Michigan State
15- Kansas State
16- Michigan
17- Baylor
18- TCU
19- Nebraska
20- Clemson

NFL 2011 Predictions - Week 12

2011-11-23T14:44:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

I rebounded nicely after a disastrous Week 10. Week 11 produced 11 correct picks out of 14. It would have been 13 if the two New York teams played to their potential. Instead, both the Jets and Giants thoroughly embarrassed themselves. Their season's now in turmoil. To the victor goes the spoils - the losers could become spoiled.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thursday's turkey day games could be very entertaining (finally). Undefeated Green Bay travels to surging Detroit. Red hot Miami visits equally hot Dallas. NFC West leading 49ers squares off against AFC North leading Baltimore.

11-3 last weekend improves my season record to 97-63 (61%). Time for Week 12... (home in CAPS)

Thanksgiving Thursday
Green Bay 38 DETROIT 17
Miami 26 DALLAS 23
San Fran 21 BALTIMORE 17

Sunday
Houston 20 JACKSONVILLE 16
JETS 21 Buffalo 20
CINCINNATI 27 Cleveland 10
ATLANTA 27 Minnesota 14
Arizona 24 ST LOUIS 10
Carolina 42 INDIANAPOLIS 3
Tampa Bay 23 TENNESSEE 20
OAKLAND 27 Chicago 7
Washington 24 SEATTLE 20
Denver 31 SAN DIEGO 24
New England 34 PHILADELPHIA 14
Pittsburgh 30 KANSAS CITY 0

Monday
NEW ORLEANS 31 Giants 28

How did Verlander win AL MVP?

2011-11-23T14:41:00.002-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander was unanimously selected as 2011 American League Cy Young winner. Hands down, the very best "pitching" season helping to lead his Tigers to the AL Central division title.

Verlander caught much of the baseball world by surprise when it was announced earlier this week of another award for his collection. JV also captured the AL Most Valuable Player Award. With all due respect to Verlander - selecting a starting pitcher as MVP is just flat out wrong and an insult to deserving players who played an entire season! Let the debate rage on. There's no way a pitcher appearing in only 34 of 162 games - a mere 21% - gets the nod here. 24-5 record is tremendous. Rightfully selected as Cy Young. Categorically wrong selection as MVP! I'll say it again - the voters messed up picking a man who played in only 21% of his teams games.

Scarier is AL voting wasn't even close. Verlander received 13 first place votes. The next closest was Jose Bautista with 5 (finished 3rd overall). Take your pick, any of these players were hands down more deserving of this esteemed award - Jacoby Ellsbury (finished 2nd), Bautista (3rd), Curtis Granderson (4th), Miguel Cabrera (5th). Look them up, study their statistics, then explain to me how Verlander won?

Nobody claims sportswriters are geniuses. Their lack of fundamental understanding for selecting an MVP is quite stunning. Again, Verlander pitched in only 21% of Detroit's games. 34 games out of 162. Ellsbury was the most dominating leadoff hitter. Bautista won the HR crown. Granderson was clutch all season. And Detroit goes nowhere without Cabrera's big bat.

The sportswriters got it wrong in 2011.

NFL 2011 Predictions - Week 11

2011-11-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Sorry folks. My crystal ball was turned upside down last weekend. Never before in my history of picking winners and losers did I ever experience anything so dreadful. Green Bay, Houston, New England, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville represent 5 correct picks. Utterly embarrassing. Won/loss record took a big hit - now rests at 86-60 (59%).

Big divisional games slated for this coming weekend in NFC East action. Dallas (5-4) travels to Redskins (3-6) territory. Under performing Philadelphia (3-6) battles the surging Giants (6-3). Every game is big from here on in. One slip up can cost a team an entire season.

Question of the day surrounds Houston Texans (7-3). One of football's best teams lost their starting quarterback - Matt Schaub. New QB Matt Leinart needs to take advantage of this bye week to grasp the Texans offense. A few Super Bowl championship teams have won after overcoming key losses at quarterback. Two quickly come to mind - 1972 Miami Dolphins lost Bob Griese and finished 14-0 (plus 3 playoff wins) - in 1990 Jeff Hostetler took over for an injured Phil Simms and guided the New York Giants to a stunning victory over the Buffalo Bills in one of the greatest Super Bowl games ever played.

Week 11
Thursday
Jers 27 BRONCOS 17

Sunday
GREEN BAY 38 Tampa Bay 14
DETROIT 31 Carolina 24
CLEVELAND 14 Jacksonville 13
Oakland 33 MINNESOTA 21
Buffalo 28 MIAMI 21
Dallas 34 WASHINGTON 10
BALTIMORE 20 Cincinnati 17
SAN FRANCISCO 24 Arizona 21
Seattle 27 ST LOUIS 23
ATLANTA 26 Tennessee 24
CHICAGO 27 San Deigo 21
GIANTS 31 Philadelphia 28

Monday
NEW ENGLAND 38 Kansas City 14

2011-12 NCAA Basketball Rankings

2011-11-13T13:37:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Get ready for another spectacular college basketball season. North Carolina opens the 2011-12 season on top of all major polls. Defending National Champion University of Connecticut will do their very best to retain their crown. Time for "All World All Sports" pre-season rankings.

NCAA Basketball Top 20
1 - North Carolina
2 - Ohio State
3 - Kentucky
4 - Connecticut
5 - Syracuse
6 - Duke
7 - Florida
8 - Vanderbilt
9 - Louisville
10- Pittsburgh
11- Memphis
12- Kansas
13- Baylor
14- Wisconsin
15- Xavier
16- Arizona
17- Michigan
18- Alabama
19- UCLA
20- Texas A&M

Prediction: Final ranking National & Tournament Champs - Kentucky

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-11-10T18:25:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

NCAA Football continues to be rocked by a Penn State scandal getting worse by the minute. More to follow in a separate column.

Top 20 (Week 10)
1 - LSU
2 - Oklahoma State
3 - Stanford
4 - Alabama
5 - Boise State
6 - Oklahoma
7 - Arkansas
8 - Oregon
9 - Clemson
10- Virginia Tech
11- Houston
12- Penn State
13- Georgia
14- Wisconsin
15- South Carolina
16- Kansas State
17- Texas
18- Georgia Tech
19- Southern Miss
20- Cincinnati

NFL divisional races heating up. Baltimore knocked off Pittsburgh for the second time this season. Week 10 features Oakland vs San Diego, New England vs New York Jets, New Orleans vs Atlanta, Detroit vs Chicago. Almost playoff-like atmosphere in mid-season. A great weekend for finding your favorite place to watch games.

NFL Top 15 (9 weeks completed)
1 - Green Bay
2 - Baltimore
3 - Giants
4 - Detroit
5 - Pittsburgh
6 - San Francisco
7 - Cincinnati
8 - Houston
9 - New Orleans
10- New England
11- Jets
12- Atlanta
13- Chicago
14- San Diego
15- Tampa Bay

NFL 2011 Predictions - Week 10

2011-11-10T17:20:00.000-05:00

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Coming off my worst week of the season, 7-7 (50%). Miami finally won their first game by scalping Kansas City 31-3. The Jets and Dallas won too effectively blowing out my upset selections.

Week 10 kicks off Thursday Night Football (on NFL Network). You don't get NFL Network? Same here. I really have a problem when prime time games are only afforded to subscribers. This just doesn't sit well with those of us left in the dark. And so it goes....

Looking to turn it up a notch. Even money last weekend was disappointing. 81-49 (62.3%). No bye's this week. Week 10 crystal ball says....

Thursday
CHARGERS 31 Raiders 20

Sunday
EAGLES 30 Cardinals 17
PANTHERS 28 Titans 24
Texans 28 BUCS 21
Redskins 14 DOLPHINS 13
Jaguars 17 COLTS 10
CHIEFS 31 Broncos 27
Bills 34 COWBOYS 24
FALCONS 31 Saints 30
BROWNS 21 Rams 14
Steelers 27 BENGALS 14
Ravens 20 SEAHAWKS 13
Giants 35 49ERS 21
Lions 24 BEARS 23
Patriots 23 JETS 20

Monday
PACKERS 45 Vikings 7

Scandals, Strikes & Fines

2011-11-09T15:15:00.012-05:00

Visit "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

It's been a week filled with ugly news coming from the sporting world. Shocking scandals ending a legendary coaching career, sickening NBA negotiating impasse and disgruntled NFL players reacting to another round of fines by Commissioner Goodall. What's next? Hopefully nothing else to shock our systems.

NCAA
Penn State's football program sent shock waves throughout America. The scoop is Paterno's former defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, was charged over the weekend with 40 counts of molesting eight young boys between 1994 and 2009 through his charitable foundation The Second Mile (for at-risk youths). Also charged - in an apparent cover-up from 2002 - Athletic Director Tim Curley and Vice President Gary Schultz for failing to notify authorities.

It's an ugly scandal. Legendary coach Joe Paterno is taking the news hard. Earlier this afternoon, Paterno announced his retirement effective at the end of this season.

"I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal in mind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who have been entrusted to my care. I have the same goal today," Paterno said in his statement.
"That's why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end of this season. At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can.
"This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more. My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this university."

This is a bitter pill to swallow. Brooklyn born Joe Paterno "JoePa" is one of the most respected men in all of sports. A walking legend and Hall of Fame coach compiling over 400 victories. This is no way for a man of his stature to retire. However, this scandal isn't going away any time soon. Paterno will forever second guess, and be questioned, for not contacting law enforcement when learning of Sandusky's conduct with a 10 year old boy years ago in Penn State football's shower facilities. He did notify Athletic Director Tim Curley the next day. Paterno was cleared of wrong doing. But - On November 7, Pennsylvania state police Commissioner Frank Noonan said that though Paterno and others may have fulfilled their legal obligation to report suspected abuse, "somebody has to question about what I would consider the moral requirements for a human being that knows of sexual things that are taking place with a child," and that, "I think you have the moral responsibility, anyone. Not whether you're a football coach or a university president or the guy sweeping the building. I think you have a moral responsibility to call us" (from CBSSports.com).

Sandusky's story is certain to get uglier before it gets any better. Many will fall from ranks within Penn State. Stay tuned, more to follow.

NBA
What will it take for NBA owners and players to finally settle their differences? Caught in the cross fire are plenty of non-millionaire pay me more money non-players. Street vendors, parking attendants, concession stand employees, ushers, ticket takers, local transportation, restaurants, hotels and right on down the line. Wake up folks! Commissioner Stern has been slammed by pro-union media types. Owners called "Plantation owners" by NBAPA's executive director Billy Hunter (who seems less than honest in media dealings). 133 days of lockouts now threatens the entire NBA season for the first time in league history.

Hey players - when is enough enough? The world is burning. Finances of millions in ruins. The players holding out for more - despicable. Let's face it, next round (season) of tickets from arena to arena will skyrocket. Average families, already snake-bit by rising costs of everything from heat to milk, will now bear the burden of lining pockets of individuals least in need. I, for one, am fed up with sports labor negotiations. Days of owners taking advantage of players are long since over. Nowadays, it's clearly the other way around.

NFL
The Steelers have been fined 13 times for more than $182,000 this season for questionable tackles. Their latest fine has one player mighty miffed. NFL leveled a $40K fine against safety Ryan Clark and he's lashing out at Commissioner Goodall. NFL has levied many fines this season with the goal of curtailing head to head tackles which often lead to concussions. Players all know if they intentionally launch helmet first into another players helmet - a heavy fine is coming. However, during the natural course of a game, head to head hits will happen and aren't always intentional. In most cases, it's not intentional but NFL hands out fines nonetheless.
I suspect it's difficult to determine players intentions beyond clearly obvious launching hits. Defensive players around the league have become a bit miffed at Goodall's fines. How is a player to avoid helmet to helmet contact when players on offense often lower their heads a split second before a tackle is made. The original intent of fining players was for protection from clear helmet leading tackles. Not so anymore.

All Pro LB Ray Lewis:

"You can't stop playing defense the way defense has always been created to play," Lewis said. "When the receiver has the ball, your job is to disengage him from the ball. You never want to hurt nobody. I've been in this business too long. I just think once you start getting into these fines I don't know how they come up with the numbers most of the time."

It's time for the NFL to refine their system. Protecting player safety is always of utmost concern. But, let us not lose sight of the fact football is a dangerous game. There's a certain amount of risk on every single play. NFL needs to find a better way of determining avoidable hits from unavoidable hits - something they've yet to figure out.

NFL 2011 Predictions: Week 9

2011-11-02T20:34:00.001-04:00

Visit "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Week 8 featured a few major upsets. Saints were caught by surprise by first time winners St. Louis 31-21. Philadelphia bludgeoned division rival Dallas 34-7. Kansas City capitalized on sloppy late game play by San Diego to grab their share of the AFC West lead. NFL has a few hot games on the slate for Week 9.

9-4 last week brings my season total 74-42 (63.8%). Now is the time of year when good teams must rise above early season imperfections on the field and start winning. Struggling teams aren't out of the picture yet and need to find a way to shine. Then we have winners with alligators chomping on their heels attempting to knock off division leaders. Mid-season crunch time.

Here we go. Week 9 picks.... (home team in CAPS)

Sunday
CHIEFS 34 Dolphins 7
Falcons 28 COLTS 7
SAINTS 30 Bucs 28
BILLS 35 Jets 24
Seahawks 21 COWBOYS 20
TEXANS 48 Browns 10
49ers 24 REDSKINS 20
TITANS 27 Bengals 24
RAIDERS 23 Broncos 17
Giants 31 PATRIOTS 30
CARDINALS 20 Rams 10
Packers 33 CHARGERS 21
STEELERS 17 Ravens 16

Monday
EAGLES 38 Bears 14

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-11-02T01:48:00.005-04:00

Visit "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

NCAA (9 weeks completed)
1 - LSU
2 - Alabama
3 - Oklahoma State
4 - Stanford
5 - Boise State
6 - Oklahoma
7 - Arkansas
8 - Oregon
9 - South Carolina
10- Nebraska
11- Clemson
12- Virginia Tech
13- Houston
14- Kansas State
15- Michigan
16- Penn State
17- Michigan State
18- Georgia
19- Arizona State
20- Wisconsin

NFL (8 weeks completed)
1 - Green Bay
2 - Pittsburgh
3 - Baltimore
4 - Detroit
5 - San Francisco
6 - New England
7 - New York Giants
8 - Cincinnati
9 - Buffalo
10- New Orleans
11- Houston
12- Kansas City
13- San Diego
14- Atlanta
15- New York Jets

Freese Out! Cardinals Stun Rangers for 11th World Series Title!

2011-10-29T10:19:00.000-04:00

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The 2011 St. Louis Cardinals capped a season to remember with a stunning seven game World Series victory over the Texas Rangers. On August 25th, the Cardinals were 10.5 games behind Atlanta in the NL Wild Card race. In World Series Game 6, twice they were one strike from losing the series. St. Louis overcame long odds - now they're World Series champions!

Texas seemed to have the championship well within their grasp. Leading the Series 3 games to 2. Leading Game 6 7-4 through 7 innings - 7-5 after 8 - 7-5 with 2 outs and 2 strikes in the 9th until hometown hero David Freese delivered a season saving game tying 2 out 2 strike 2 run triple. Texas led again 9-7 in the 10th inning after a 2 run homer by 2010 AL MVP Josh Hamilton. Once again, St. Louis facing elimination with 2 outs and 2 strikes. Then it was Lance Berkman's turn for heroics as his single tied the game at 9. Up stepped David Freese to lead off for the Cardinals in the bottom half of the 11th. He lined a 3-2 meatball over the centerfield wall for a walk off Series tying home run. Cardinal fans went crazy - and analysts slammed Rangers manager Ron Washington for numerous managerial mistakes.

In decisive Game 7, Texas came out hot scoring 2 to begin the game. They would score no more. Cardinals David Freese was the man of the hour once again. His 2 run double knotted the contest. Texas pitchers were terrible the rest of the way. Walks, hit batters and falling behind in counts all game long. When all was said and done - St. Louis won the game 6-2. Local boy David Freese was named World Series MVP in addition to National League Championship Series MVP.

Texas joins the 1986 Boston Red Sox as two teams within 1 strike of a World Series title in Game 6 who then gave it all away. So many memorable moments coming out of the 2011 World Series. Here's a few of my favorites....

Game 1 - Cards David Freese scored game winner on a pinch hit single by Alan Craig. Rangers CJ Wilson became the first pitcher to lose an All Star Game, AL Division Series game, AL Championship Series game and World Series game all in the same season.

Game 2 - Rangers score 2 9th inning runs - win 2-1 - ties Series at 1 each.

Game 3 - The Albert Pujols show. 5 for 6 - 3 monster home runs to tie the record shared by Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson. Cardinals demolish Rangers 16-7.

Game 4 - Derek Holland shut down the Cardinals through 8.1 innings. Rangers win 4-0. Holland would not start again. Many, including myself, still wonder why Washington didn't save Holland for Game 7 after his great Game 4 performance. Certainly to be debated for years to come.

Game 5 - Rubber game. Rangers to be World Series MVP Mike Napoli delivers game winner in bottom of 8th. Rangers win 4-2. One game from franchise first championship (51 years). Alan Craig twice thrown out trying to steal with Albert Pujols batting. LaRussa none too happy. Confusion as LaRussa didn't have closer Motte ready to come in - make shift relievers surrender game. LaRussa criticized and admits communication error between dugout and bullpen. Season on the brink.

Game 6 - Where to begin? Called one of the best games ever despite sloppy defense, poor managerial decisions, bad base running. In a move - or lack thereof - which I believe will haunt manager Washington for years to come - was his indecision in the top 5th. Rangers were leading 4-3, 2 outs, bases loaded. This is where Texas could have blown the Series open. Instead of sending a pinch hitter to bat for starting pitcher Lewis, after much confusion, Washington lets Lewis hit - and strike out. Rally over. Bases loaded stranded. This was a major snafu. Lewis was cooked one inning later.
Holliday getting picked off 3rd by Napoli with bases loaded, score tied at 4, almost sunk the Cards. It was a huge moment of the game. Cards inning ended 1 out later. Holliday might have scored on soon to come wild pitch had he not been picked off. Crucial moment Cards were able to overcome.
One of the Cardinals biggest hits - and most over looked of the entire Series - was Alan Craig's 8th inning solo home run to shave Texas lead to 2 from 7-4. At the time, everyone was ready to hand the trophy to Texas.
Then came the 9th inning. Texas leading 7-5, one out, Albert Pujols steps up to the plate in what could have been (should have been) potentially his final at bat as a St. Louis Cardinal. Pujols started the rally with a line drive double to left center. Berkman followed with a walk vs Rangers flame throwing closer Feliz. Up stepped Freese with 2 outs. Rangers OF playing very deep. It didn't matter. Freese absolutely hammered a fast ball off the right field wall. Texas players who were waiting to celebrate were suddenly stunned. Freese tied the game, 7-7. It looked as though the Cardinals were poised to win right there but Feliz got the final out. Bush Stadium fans going berserk - until - Hamilton's two-run blast put Texas ahead by two 9-7. Rangers dugout jubilant and relieved.
Washington's next mistake was not letting his closer come back out for a second inning of work. Here it is, season on the line, championship glory within reach - and Washington pulls his closer for old man Oliver. Two hitters later, the tying runs were on base after two feeble singles. Rangers blew another 2 run lead - again with 2 outs and 2 strikes.
David Freese homers to win it in the 11th redeeming himself from an earlier error of a dropped pop up to third. Just like that Freese became Series MVP front-runner knocking Napoli off to the side.

Game 7 - Ian Kinsler picked off first. Kinsler's base running was atrocious. He was nearly picked off again by Molina a few innings later. Rangers seemed done for the season after Feldman's bases loaded borderline call walk to Molina made the score 4-2. CJ Wilson then relieved and hit struggling Furcal with his first pitch, 5-2.
Rangers set a record for most walks. They handed out 41 free bases in 62 innings. They hit batters, played poor defense, pitched from behind. One of the worst performances (except for Holland) ever recorded. Sloppy and very "un"-clucth.

Clutch - MVP Freese 21 post-season RBI is a Major League record!
Rangers back to back World Series losers.
Albert Pujols final game as a Cardinal after 11 stellar seasons?
Is LaRussa done in St. Louis?
Arthur Rhodes earns a World Series ring after 20 big league season's (1st World Series).
Tony LaRussa wins 3rd World Series in 33 year managing career. 2nd Cardinals Series title. Funny, only 4 100+ win teams in 33 years.

Much will be written of the 2011 World Series. Most attention will surround Texas twice being within 1 strike of winning. Rangers players all know the Series was lost in Game 6. Nolan Ryan's facial expressions this Series were priceless. Jubilant, angry, stunned disbelief.

Congratulations St. Louis Cardinals!

NFL 2011 Predictions: Week 8

2011-10-29T00:50:00.000-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Green Bay's dominating game is second to none through 7 weeks. They're playing head and shoulders above all others. New England @ Pittsburgh and Dallas @ Philadelphia represent the featured games for Week 8.

8-5 again last week brings my season W/L total to 65-38 (63.1).

Week 8 (home team in CAPS)
Sunday
RAVENS 24 Cardinals 10
PANTHERS 33 Vikings 28
TEXANS 35 Jaguars 17
GIANTS 45 Dolphins 10
Saints 41 RAMS 6
TITANS 24 Colts 10
Lions 27 BRONCOS 24
BILLS 38 Redskins 21
Bengals 17 SEAHAWKS 14
49ERS 21 Browns 17
Patriots 34 STEELERS 30
EAGLES 31 Cowboys 24

Monday
Chargers 28 CHIEFS 21
(Bye: Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, Oakland, NY Jets, Tampa Bay)

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-10-25T03:00:00.003-04:00

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There's a new sheriff in town. LSU is #1 on every poll - at least for now. Only a few regular season games remain. It's do or die time for teams seeking a crack at playing in the BCS Championship.

NCAA Top 20 (8 weeks completed)
1 - LSU
2 - Alabama
3 - Boise State
4 - Stanford
5 - Oklahoma State
6 - Clemson
7 - Kansas State
8 - Oregon
9 - Oklahoma
10- Arkansas
11- Michigan State
12- Nebraska
13- South Carolina
14- Virginia Tech
15- Wisconsin
16- Houston
17- Michigan
18- Penn State
19- USC
20- Cincinnati

Is Green Bay capable of pulling off a perfect 16-0 season? There's only one game vs a Super caliber team. Packers are off this weekend gearing up for their toughest remaining contest at San Diego November 6th. If Green Bay successfully knocks off the Chargers then this team will sit in prime position. Any guess as to which team tops our NFL rankings?

NFL Rankings(7 weeks completed)
1 - Green Bay Packers
2 - New England Patriots
3 - Pittsburgh Steelers
4 - New Orleans Saints
5 - Baltimore Ravens
6 - San Francisco 49ers
7 - Detroit Lions
8 - San Diego Chargers
9 - New York Giants
10- Buffalo Bills
11- Cincinnati Bengals
12- Houston Texans
13- New York Jets
14- Atlanta Falcons
15- Chicago Bears

Baseball 2011 - Players of the Year

2011-10-24T13:35:00.000-04:00

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The current Major League Baseball season will soon conclude. Texas and St. Louis are currently battling for the World Series championship (tied 2 games each). Award announcements will be made shortly after the Series concludes. All World All Sports has put together our players of the year position by position - our Gold Glove selections - and our picks for the major awards.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Players of the Year (by position - click player name for individual statistics)
1B - Miguel Cabrera (DET)
2B - Robinson Cano (NYY)
3B - Adrian Beltre (TEX)
SS - Derek Jeter (NYY)
LF - Alex Gordon (KC)
CF - Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)
RF - Jose Bautista (TOR)
C - Alex Avila (DET)
DH - Victor Martinez (DET)
SRHP - Justin Verlander (DET)
SLHP - CC Sabathia (NYY)
MR - David Robertson (NYY)
CL - Jose Valverde (DET)
MGR- Jim Leyland (DET)

AL Awards
AL MVP - Curtis Granderson (NYY)
AL Cy Young - Justin Verlander (DET)
AL Rookie - Jordan Walden (LAA)
AL Comeback - Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)
AL Manager- Jim Leyland (DET)

AL Gold Gloves
1B - Mark Teixeira (NYY)
2B - Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
3B - Evan Longoria(TB)
SS - Jhonny Peralta (DET)
LF - Alex Gordon (KC)
CF - Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)
RF - Nick Markakis (BAL)
C - Matt Wieters (BAL)
P - Dan Haren (LAA)

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Players of the Year (by position - click player name for individual statistics)
1B - Prince Fielder (MIL)
2B - Brandon Phillips (CIN)
3B - Pablo Sandoval (SF)
SS - Jose Reyes (NYM)
LF - Ryan Braun (MIL)
CF - Matt Kemp (LAD)
RF - Lance Berkman (STL)
C - Yadier Molina(STL)
SRHP - Roy Halladay (PHI)
SLHP - Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
MR - Tyler Clippard (WAS)
CL - John Axford (MIL)
MGR- Kirk Gibson (AZ)

NL Awards
NL MVP - Ryan Braun (MIL)
NL Cy Young - Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
NL Rookie - Freddie Freeman (ATL)
NL Comeback - Lance Berkman (STL)
NL Manager - Kirk Gibson (AZ)

NL Gold Gloves
1B - Joey Votto (CIN)
2B - Neil Walker (PIT)
3B - Placido Polanco (PHI)
SS - Troy Tulowitzki (COL)
LF - Ryan Braun (MIL)
CF - Chris Young (AZ)
RF - Andre Ethier (LAD)
C - Yadier Molina(STL)
P - Hiroki Kuroda (LAD)

October Random Ramblings

2011-10-20T20:12:00.000-04:00

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Random thoughts evolving from recent events in the sports world.

NBA
Timing couldn't be worse for millionaire crybabies. Players vs owners remain far apart on negotiations. The blame finger points towards everyone involved. It doesn't matter which side you're rooting for - or against. Bottom line is two weeks of games have been wiped out. As these greedy folks attempt ironing out their differences - or finding common ground - the people losing out most are middle America. How many ticket collectors, food vendors, beer sellers, parking lot attendants, maintenance crews, security personnel, ushers, now find themselves out of work? It effects far more than just stadium/arena folks. How about the pizza shop which loses thousands of dollars without fans? Transportation systems? Parking garages? Local cabs? Bus service? Parking meters? Local corner newsstand? Hotels? Restaurants? Air travel? All are taking a direct hit during economic times when the cost of everything - especially lost wages/revenue - soars. It's become a crippling domino effect.

SOMEONE TELL THESE FOLKS TO STOP BICKERING AND GET BACK TO WORK!!!

NFL
Did everyone catch the post-game clip of what transpired between 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh & Lions coach Jim Schwartz ? Wow. Harbaugh's rough handshake/shove of Schwartz nearly caused a bench clearing brawl. Surging SF had just beaten previously undefeated Detroit and Harbaugh seemed to shove Schwartz aside. Schwartz then verbally went after Harbaugh. They soon had to be separated. Players and coaches from both teams were involved trying to keep them apart without starting a melee between themselves too. Quite the spectacle. Catch the YouTube video here

New feud brewing? Rex Ryan vs Norv Turner? Ryan's big mouth was at it again. Ryan has since apologized for dissing Turner over comments made to reporters earlier this week claiming - "Well, I think I would have had a couple of rings," Ryan said. "I'm telling you, those teams were loaded."
Turner's response: "I hadn't seen his quote and I was a little bit surprised by the call," Turner said. "And then after I saw the quote, I didn't have a chance to ask him this, but I was wondering if he had those rings with the ones he's guaranteed (New York) the last couple of years."
These two teams go toe to toe this weekend at MetLife Stadium. It should be a bruising game - and San Diego victory.

MLB
It's World Series time. One game and one unfortunate distinction/record recorded. Texas Rangers starting pitcher CJ Wilson became the first pitcher in Major League history to lose an All Star Game, American League Divisional Playoff game, American League Championship Series game and World Series game all in the same season! That's got to hurt an ego. Don't forget - the American League All Star Game loss meant the National League representative would have World Series home field advantage. Wilson served up a game winning homer to Milwaukee's Prince Fielder meaning St. Louis hosts 4 of 7 games if needed.

Welcome to the show Arthur Rhodes. Rhodes (StL) appeared in his first ever World Series game last night after 900 regular season games. Manager LaRussa summoned Rhodes from the bullpen to get out Texas slugger Josh Hamilton in the 8th inning. Hamilton's been struggling at the plate nagged by a lingering groin injury. Manager Washington (Tx) plans to shift Josh from CF to LF. Rangers need their slugger who looks out of synch due to the groin issue.

It appears Theo Epstein is soon to officially take over GM duties of the Chicago Cubs. He was a main architect of Boston's jinx breaking 2004 World Series winning squad. Can he reverse another curse? Chicago's gone over 100 years without a World Series title. Cubs will be paying a hefty price tag. It's been reported Epstein is set to earn over $15million! You've got to be kidding me? I guess it's desperation - once again - in the Windy City. Theo's hands will be challenged to systematically transform the Cubs into winners. Good luck. While credited with helping Boston win a World Series - he must also be credited with handicapping Boston's payroll for years to come after several bad contracts (John Lackey, Carl Crawford). Cubs already have contract troubles which questions why they're interested in gambling $15million on a GM?

NCAA
Football
Potheads busted! #1 ranked LSU Tigers suspended three players for testing positive for a synthetic type of marijuana in a university administered test. Not cool fellas. These 3 players - cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon and tailback Spencer Ware - will not be forgiven anytime soon if LSU loses this weekend vs rival Auburn. They've let down a lot of people from fellow players, coaches and student body. Exactly how long these 3 will be out of action has yet to be determined. Simpleton's weren't thinking or didn't care.
Basketball
Get ready for regular season NCAA hoops. The first poll of the year was released and North Carolina is the near unanimous #1 pick in the coaches poll (30 of 31 1st place votes). Pretty high praise indeed as experts expect UNC to roll through the regular season after finishing 29-8 a season ago. Defending champion Connecticut and a host of other noteworthy teams set out to prove the pollsters wrong.

NHL
Toronto's Phil Kessel is on fire scoring at least one goal in 4 straight games. He's tallied a league best 7 goals in 5 games along with 5 assists topping the NHL with 12 points.
Washington Capitals off to another fine beginning in 2011-12. Eastern Conference leaders undefeated and untied after 5 games (5-0-0). Western Conference sports Detroit perfect after 4 contests surrendering a league low 5 goals against.
Columbus starting out in the opposite direction losers in all 5 games.

NASCAR (In memorandum)
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon was tragically killed Sunday in the IndyCar season finale at Las Vegas. One of racing's good guys leaves this world way too soon. Click link to: In Memory of IZOD IndyCar Series Champion Dan Wheldon. Rest in peace.

NFL 2011 Predictions: Week 7

2011-10-20T17:18:00.002-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Week 6 produced a few stunners. New Orleans shocked by Tampa. Detroit fell from the unbeaten ranks to surging San Francisco. News of Carson Palmer coming out of retirement to take over QB duties in Oakland. Freak plays, big injuries and coaches nearly brawling.

What's in store for the season's seventh week? It's anyone's guess. Is there a new coaching duel brewing between San Diego and New York Jets? Rey Ryan's flamboyant mouth sounded off again claiming if he'd been selected Chargers coach instead of Turner then San Diego would already have won multiple Super Bowls. Hey - I seem to remember similar statements from Ryan promising Super Bowl victories in New York the past two years. Adding to the mix of Sundays Chargers @ Jets is former Bolts now playing for the Jets wanting revenge against their former team. Expect tempers to be boiling.

It's a good thing World Series games take place this weekend. NFL schedule lacks thrilling match-ups on paper.

Speaking of guesses - 8 correct last week (out of 13). Not impressive unless money was on the winners. Overall, after 6 weeks of picks - the crystal ball has a cumulative season record of 57-33 (63.3%). Here's this weekends winners and losers including two out-on-a-limb shutout predictions.

Week 7 (home in CAPS)
Sunday
Chargers 31 - JETS 17
BUCS 24 - Bears 20
PANTHERS 30 - Redskins 14
LIONS 28 - Falcons 27
BROWNS 17 - Seahawks 14
Broncos 28 - DOLPHINS 10
TITANS 30 - Texans 27
Chiefs 30 - RAIDERS 21
Steelers 27 - CHIEFS 3
Packers 48 - VIKINGS 6
COWBOYS 24 - Rams 23
SAINTS 44 - Colts 0

Monday
Ravens 27 - JAGUARS 0
(Bye: Buffalo, Cincinnati, New England, NY Giants, Philadelphia, San Francisco)

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-10-20T17:16:00.000-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

College's top 9 remain unchanged from our last rankings segment. The creme of the crop has a strong grip on the top spots - for now. All World All Sports rankings have no weight on official collegiate rankings. NCAA ranking system continues to be a hot topic of water cooler conversation. Our rankings try to cut through the dust of official ranking systems by incorporation our own added little rankings ingredient.

NCAA Top 20 (6 weeks completed)
1 - Oklahoma
2 - LSU
3 - Alabama
4 - Boise State
5 - Wisconsin
6 - Oklahoma State
7 - Stanford
8 - Clemson
9 - Oregon
10- Arkansas
11- Kansas State
12- Nebraska
13- Michigan State
14- South Carolina
15- Virginia Tech
16- West Virginia
17- Houston
18- Michigan
19- Georgia Tech
20- Washington

NFL rankings keep getting more and more interesting. This past weekend: Detroit finally lost. Tampa stunned New Orleans. Jets won ugly over Miami. Quarterback changes coming in Minnesota, Oakland, Denver and Washington. Jets coach Ryan disses Bolts coach Turner claiming he (Ryan) already would have won a few rings in San Diego. Funny -- hasn't Ryan promised/predicted his Jets would be NFL champs the past 2 years? Go figure. The wacky world known as the NFL continues.

NFL Rankings (5 weeks completed)
1 - Green Bay Packers
2 - New England Patriots
3 - Baltimore Ravens
4 - San Diego Chargers
5 - Detroit Lions
6 - San Francisco 49ers
7 - New Orleans Saints
8 - Pittsburgh Steelers
9 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10- New York Giants
11- Buffalo Bills
12- Cincinnati Bengals
13- Oakland Raiders
14- Houston Texans
15- New York Jets

Game On! 2011 World Series Begins Tonight

2011-10-19T19:03:00.000-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

It's time. Baseball's Fall Classic begins tonight. 2011 World Series features two teams sporting explosive batting lineups. Back to back American League Champion Texas Rangers hitters are on fire led by ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz. National League Champion St. Louis Cardinals are led by soon to be free agent star slugger Albert Pujols.

All indicators suggest the 107th World Series will be quite different from past classics. We could be treated to a hitters special. Baseball purists love to boast great pitching beats great hitting. This often rings true. 2011 doesn't feature great starting pitching. It does bring us two teams with red hot lineups.

Rangers slugger Cruz set an all time playoff record with six monstrous home runs and 13 RBI. Not bad for a seventh place hitter. Texas lineup is very deep. It all begins with 2B Ian Kinsler who was a 30/30 man this season (32 HR, 30 SB). Rangers hitters erupted for 39 runs in ALCS vs Detroit. Toss in 17 2B, 7 HR, .286 team BA and one can easily overlook how dreadful their starting rotation performed. Starters left too many fat pitches down the middle as Tigers hitters feasted on mistakes. Cardinals hitters will need to continue scoring early and often because the Rangers bullpen has been lights out shutting down opponents all season long.

This is not your typical NL team. Starting rotation is not considered upper echelon. This is a hitting first team. Future Hall of Fame 1B Albert Pujols leads the Cardinals attack. One of the hottest of all playoff hitters is David Freese who seems to be smack in the middle of all Cardinal rallies. Freese (.545, 3 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R) and Pujols combined to score 12 and drive in 18 during Cards 6 game romp over Milwaukee. As a team, Cards hitters finished the NLCS with a .310 BA, scored 43, 16 doubles and 8 big flies. St. Louis starting rotation has been hit too. Same as Texas, it's been relievers saving the day.

Here's a link to Baseball-Reference.com's Game 1 statistical breakdown

Game 1 Lineups Rangers @ Cardinals
Texas (projected)
1 - 2B Kinsler
2 - SS Andrus
3 - CF Hamilton
4 - 1B Young
5 - 3B Beltre
6 - LF Cruz
7 - C Napoli
8 - LF Murphy
9 - SP Wilson

St Louis (projected)
1 - SS Furcal
2 - CF Jay
3 - 1B Pujols
4 - RF Berkman
5 - LF Holliday
6 - 3B Freese
7 - C Molina
8 - 2B Punto
9 - SP Carpenter

Keys to the Series:
(1) Both teams need big time performances from starting rotations. Neither rotation has shines thus far minus a solid game or two. If Carpenter and Garcia get hot Texas could be in trouble. Wilson leads the Rangers staff. He'll have to find top form to hold down the Cards. Edge: Cardinals
(2) Defense - giving away outs will kill your chances - especially in World Series action.
(3) Bullpen - recent pitching strength of both clubs must stay hot in WS. Giving away walks vs these lineups sets up big innings.
(4) Can Cards hitters keep up with Rangers sluggers when Series shifts to Arlington?

World Series Predictions
Albert Pujols plays his final game as a St. Louis Cardinal.
CJ Wilsom pitches his final game as a Texas Ranger.
Tony LaRussa manages his final game for St. Louis.
Pujols hits over .400
Freese produces 16 runs/rbi
Berkman bats under .200
Hamilton hits over .400
Both teams: 270+ BA, 4.00+ ERA
Home teams win all games.
Carpenter lone starting pitcher tossing 6 or more innings/game.
Freese or Motte MVP
Cardinals win in 7

In Case You Missed It...

2011-10-13T16:21:00.000-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

MLB
Major League Baseball Playoffs have been sensational. Nearly every game beginning in Division Series through current now has been very well played. Spectacular fielding, dramatic walk-off victories, stars living up to their reputations and (drum roll) exceptional umpires! Yes, I said it, exceptional umpires! Umps have made the correct call on all close plays. A ball or strike here and there can be questionable at times - however, rarely have we seen players jawing at umps.

Albert Pujols has put on a hitting clinic for St Louis. Five straight extra base hits earned Prince Albert intentional walks in his final two at-bats during last evening's 4-3 Cardinals victory.

Power - Nelson Cruz is in the zone for Texas. He launched his 4th post-season homer to seal the Rangers 11 inning 7-4 Game 4 victory putting Texas in a 3 games to 1 driver's seat. Cruz is the first player is MLB history to hit 2 extra inning home runs in the same series!

Speaking of intentional walks - how about the gutsy call by Rangers manager Washington intentionally walking Miguel Cabrera with 1 out and no runners on in the 8th inning! It almost blew up had it not been for RF Cruz laser throw from right to nail Miguel at home plate to end the inning.
Theo Epstein - Boston Red Sox Championship General Manager - is out. The Red Sox implosion continues. First, manager Terry Francona quit immediately following the end of the season (after Boston blew a 10 game wild card lead). Now, Epstein is out and headed to the Chicago Cubs. Suddenly, newspapers from ESPN to local Boston writers are wondering if the Red Sox are beginning to resemble the New York Mets? Poor comparison. Quite obviously, people up in Boston are growing concerned. No need. Boston has a great roster. Don't panic. Quite disconcerting is the treatment being dissed at Francona. Boston has a long history of attempting to tarnish their stars from Ted Williams to Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, Carl Yastrzemski, Carlton Fisk etc. Management never seems to rightfully say "thank you for your valuable contributions".

NFL
Detroit Lions football. Is the 2011 team their greatest in franchise history? How's that for a great turnaround? 0-16 in 2008. 5-0 in 2011. Great job by all involved. Front office. Coaches. Players. Fans. Offense clicking. Defense dominating. Key an eye on these guys.

New York football is ugly. New York Jets were the talk of the town before regular season action began. New wide receiver weapons, defensive additions, QB Sanchez maturity, bigger than life coach and terrifying defense. What happened? They're all failing. WR Mason was benched then dumped (traded) after criticizing his offensive coordinator privately (nothing's private in NY) to head coach Ryan. At 2-3, Jets in a precarious situation. Time for concern? You betcha!

When will Eli Manning learn to protect the football? 2010 should have been his reminder. 2011 is no different. Luckily, the Giants are 3-2 but had no business whatsoever losing to Seattle at home last Sunday. It was an embarrassment. Coach Coughlin never gets enough credit. However, his players are soft in 2011. One of two things happens from here on in. Either they wake up or no longer respond to their demanding coach? Mental errors are killing this team. So is offensive line. Very few holes for talented backfield making New York a one dimensional team led by a turnover happy QB. Gasoline on top of fire.

NFL 2011 Predictions: Week 6

2011-10-11T00:42:00.001-04:00

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Roaring Lions undefeated! Detroit, for the first time since 1956, begins the 2011 football season 5-0. Not too long ago Detroit was an 0-16 laughingstock. Now they're one of two remaining unbeaten teams (Green Bay Packers). Yes, Detroit is for real and there's going to be quite a power rankings shake-up announced this week.

9 correct predictions in week 5 ups our season total to 49-28 (63.6%). All World All Sports is getting an early start on next weekend's games. Bye week teams catching their breath - Arizona, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, Seattle, Tennessee.

Week 6 (home in CAPS)
Sunday
LIONS 33 49ers 20
PACKERS 42 Rams 20
FALCONS 28 Panthers 24
BENGALS 20 Colts 13
Bills 45 GIANTS 30
STEELERS 21 Jaguars 10
REDSKINS 23 Eagles 20
RAVENS 24 Texans 21
RAIDERS 33 Browns 13
PATRIOTS 38 Cowboys 7
Saints 27 BUCS 17
Vikings 21 BEARS 20

Monday
JETS 24 Dolphins 7

NFL 2011 Predictions: Week 5

2011-10-07T20:30:00.000-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Week 5 represents the beginning of bye's. Baltimore, Cleveland, Dallas, Miami, St. Louis & Washington get first crack at regrouping, retooling, re-energizing & fine tuning game plans. Miami's bye couldn't have come at a better time considering their starting QB Henne is done for the year.

There weren't too many shockers last weekend. I nailed 11 of 16 games raising season totals to 40-24 (62.5%). Short schedule this weekend offering a few eye-catchers with big implications. Jets travel to New England. Green Bay heads south to Atlanta. Bears roar into the Lions den. Texans hosting Silver & Black. Potential gunslinger shootout in Carolina when New Orleans comes to town.

Week 5 (home in CAPS)
Sunday
STEELERS 24 Titans 23
GIANTS 48 Seahawks 10
Bengals 17 JAGS 16
Saints 33 PANTHERS 21
TEXANS 30 Raiders 24
BILLS 40 Eagles 31
Chiefs 20 COLTS 10
Cardinals 21 VIKINGS 20
Bucs 27 49ERS 23
PATRIOTS 36 Jets 20
Chargers 31 BRONCOS 7
Packers 34 FALCONS 17

Monday
LIONS 26 Bears 20

NHL 2011-12 Predictions

2011-10-05T17:50:00.000-04:00

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Get ready to hit the ice. NHL pre-season is in high gear. Final cuts coming soon. Are the Bruins ready to repeat? Can the Islanders pretend to be worthy of a new home? Which star is your top pick for fantasy teams? Many questions. An entire season awaits to answer all questions.

Here's All World All Sports NHL 2011-12 predictions...

Eastern Conference
Atlantic
*Pittsburgh
*NY Rangers
*Philadelphia
New Jersey
NY Islanders

Northeast
*Boston
*Buffalo
*Toronto
Montreal
Ottawa

Southeast
*Washington
*Tampa Bay
Carolina
Winnipeg
Florida

Western Conference
Central
*Detroit
*Chicago
Nashville
St. Louis
Columbus

Northwest
*Vancouver
Calgary
Minnesota
Colorado
Edmonton

Pacific
*San Jose
*Phoenix
*Los Angeles
*Anaheim
*Dallas

(* = playoff team)

Finals: Boston over Phoenix

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-10-05T17:29:00.000-04:00

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Big shakeup in NCAA to 20.

NCAA Top 20 (5 weeks completed)
1 - Oklahoma
2 - LSU
3 - Alabama
4 - Boise State
5 - Wisconsin
6 - Oklahoma State
7 - Stanford
8 - Clemson
9 - Oregon
10- Texas
11- Michigan
12- Georgia Tech
13- Illinois
14- Arkansas
15- Nebraska
16- Florida
17- Kansas State
18- West Virginia
19- South Carolina
20- Auburn

NFL (4 weeks completed)
1 - Green Bay
2 - Detroit
3 - New Orleans
4 - New England
5 - Baltimore
6 - Houston
7 - San Diego
8 - Buffalo
9 - Tampa Bay
10- Tennessee
11- NY Giants
12- Washington
13- San Francisco
14- NY Jets
15- Atlanta

NFL 2011 Predictions: Week 4

2011-10-01T22:50:00.001-04:00

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Three weeks completed. NFL season is moving right along. Ten correct picks last weekend brings my record to 29-19 (60.4%). Great games were played in just about every NFL city. Buffalo's (3-0) stunner over New England (2-1) proves these northern New Yorkers are for real. Tony Romo worked a little late game magic to bump off hated rival Redskins. Giants disposed of Philadelphia. Naysayers are starting to take serious notice of Oakland Raiders games. They upset the Jets last weekend. Can they pull it off again Sunday vs New England?

Week 4 already represents must win games for teams struggling for consistency - and wins. Crystal ball gazing time. Here's how I see games playing out.

Week 4 (home team in CAPS)

Sunday

Lions 27 COWBOYS 26
BEARS 24 Panthers 16
Bills 33 BENGALS 27
Titans 20 BROWNS 17
CHIEFS 17 Vikings 16
Redskins 23 RAMS 21
Saints 42 JAGUARS 6
Steelers 28 TEXANS 27
EAGLES 27 49ers 10
Falcons 23 SEAHAWKS 14
CHARGERS 31 Dolphins 17
Patriots 33 RAIDERS 31
PACKERS 38 Broncos 3
Jets 20 RAVENS 17

Monday

BUCS 24 Colts 10

In Case You Missed It...

2011-09-29T17:27:00.000-04:00

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MLB
In case you missed it... you missed a crazy day of games 162 in Major League Baseball. Mind numbing chokes by Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves players. It's a safe bet all Sox and Braves players, coaches, owners and fans are still cringing.

Boston's well documented history is filled with disappointments of the highest degree. One out from winning a World Series, selling Babe Ruth, failure after failure against hated rival New York Yankees and the list goes on. Curses? Chokes? Call it what you will. The era of failure was supposed to have ended during the steroid/human growth hormone era when the Red Sox rallied back from a 3 games to 0 - 2 outs in the 9th inning deficit - against New York back in 2004 on their way to a World Series championship. Remember? Well, the steroid era is over... and so too is Boston's short lived magic.

2011 featured a retooled Red Sox roster built to win. A star studded lineup and pitching staff ready to take aim at World Series glory. Boston had a 9 game lead in wild card standings in late August. Then came September. Boston lost 20 or their final 27 games. Last night's Game 162 was most devastating. They entered the day tied with Tampa for the American League's final playoff spot. Halfway through the evening Boston found themselves leading Baltimore 3-2 while Tampa was getting mauled by the Yankees 7-0 after 7 innings. Red Sox season soon to be vindicated by arch rival Yankees beating the Rays. Then the rains came to Baltimore. Before action resumed, Tampa had tied the Yankees in their last at bat. Moments later, Tampa won in 12 on a walk off home run by star 3B Evan Longoria (his 2nd of the game). Seconds later, Boston star closer Jonathan Papelbon gave up 3 hits and the Red Sox lost 4-3. Just like that - poof - Boston's season ended on a familiar note - a tragic defeat.

September 28 was remembered as a big day in Boston Red Sox history. It's the day Ted Williams went 6 for 8 in a double header marking baseball's last .400 hitter. Teddy Ballgame finished with a .406 batting average. He could have taken the day off (see below) but didn't. This crafty war veteran refused to finish with a .400 average by default. He went out there like a man and went for it. Williams was determined to hit .400 by earning it - not by sitting on his keester.

Well - now Teddy Ballgame has to share September 28 with the 2011 choke artist Red Sox!!!
Be careful what you wish for! And, how you shoot off your mouth. Boston players and fans publicly voiced how they'd never root for the Yankees even if it cost their team a shot at post-season play. Should we offer them a little salt for words now eaten? Yankees dropped 3 straight to the Rays as Boston was humiliated by Baltimore!

One of baseball's most coveted free agents after last season was Carl Crawford who eventually signed a 7 year $142million contract with Boston. His defense during the final week of the season was horrendous including failing to catch Baltimore's game winning hit last night. His hitting this season was terrible too. Boston's loss wasn't all Carl's fault. It was a total team collapse - especially by their tired and over worked bullpen.
--
It isn't often a home town batting champion gets booed when leaving the field of play. That's exactly what happened to NL batting champ Jose Reyes. The Mets oft injured free agent to be star bunted for a single to raise his abbreviated season average to .337 before requesting to be taken out of the game to preserve the title. Reyes was showered with disbelieving New York jeers at CitiField. Not quite Ted Williams-esque style of playing. New York's entire organization was ridiculed all season long from front office/ownership woes to their 3rd consecutive losing season and fourth place finish. Reyes, instead of playing out the game like a man, walked off the field like a spoiled child no longer wanting to play. This may be his last season in a Mets uniform. Die-hard fans deserved better from a player spending as much time in a trainers room as he does at shortstop.
--
Atlanta Braves were eliminated from playoff contention losing 8 of 10 including their final five games. The Braves seemed like a lock to win the Wild Card before their season unraveled. Not often does a Braves team fall to pieces. This one did. Another team effort in a losing cause. 18 September losses will be hard to swallow for players and fans. Atlanta was swept away by the Phillies at home by failing to record 3 9th inning outs guarding a 3-2 lead. Perhaps the Braves vs Red Sox choker series is in order?
--
MVP's and Cy Young candidate break down & predictions coming soon. AL Cy Young is a lock for Justin Verlander of Detroit (24-5, 2.40 - 0.92 WHIP). NL Cy Young might be a lock to for Clayton Kershaw of Dodgers (21-5, 2.28 - 0.98 WHIP). Plenty of discussion surrounding AL & NL MVP's. Check back soon for complete synopsis.

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-09-28T03:14:00.000-04:00

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Four weeks of NCAA games in the books. Undefeated teams are working their way up ranking charts setting the stage for fan grumblings when updated rankings go public. 2011 collegiate season is keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Time for another edition of All World All Sports rankings.

NCAA Top 20 (4 weeks completed)
1 - Oklahoma
2 - LSU
3 - Alabama
4 - Boise State
5 - Wisconsin
6 - Oklahoma State
7 - Nebraska
8 - Stanford
9 - Virginia Tech
10- Oregon
11- South Carolina
12- Clemson
13- Florida
14- South Florida
15- Texas
16- Michigan
17- Georgia Tech
18- Baylor
19- Texas A&M
20- Arkansas
(official college rankings)

Hopefully everyone's watching NFL action this season. Wow! Spectacular plays by unsuspecting players and teams. There's quite a power struggle in the league this year. Buffalo is red hot. Detroit no longer laughingstocks. Is Oakland for real after knocking off the Jets? Make sure to get in on this weekend's action.

NFL Power Rankings (3 weeks completed)
1 - Green Bay Packers
2 - Buffalo Bills
3 - New Orleans Saints
4 - Pittsburgh Steelers
5 - New England Patriots
6 - Baltimore Ravens
7 - Houston Texans
8 - Detroit Lions
9 - San Diego Chargers
10- Oakland Raiders
11- New York Jets
12- Tennessee Titans
13- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14- New York Giants
15- Cleveland Browns

Yanks Fake out Red Sox in Crawford Sweepstakes!

2011-09-23T17:42:00.000-04:00

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Chalk one up in New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman's win column. ESPN reports Cashman intentionally attempted driving up the price of coveted free agent Carl Crawford.
When it comes to Yankees vs Red Sox rivalry - the war goes far beyond game results. Remember Babe Ruth being sold by Boston to New York? Curse of the Bambino covered generations of players and fans. Only during the steroid era did the curse end. Not even the immortal Babe Ruth's ghost was strong enough to overpower steroids/HGH. No, I'm not suggesting Boston won because their players used HGH. Only stating coincidences - nearly the entire league was juicing.

If Cashman's story rings true then the ploy worked to perfection. When it comes to signing the top players New York and Boston often start bidding wars. I'm sure Boston takes credit for driving up a few prices too. In the win now generation - Cashman's move is looking sweeter due to Boston's late season failures and a sub-par season from their star free agent.

Crawford was one of the biggest free agent names heading into 2011. Nearly every team wanted his services. One of baseball's top outfielders. A true five tool player. Everyone thought - probably Crawford too - adding his bat to an already monster lineup would provide huge dividends. Crawford's talent is a welcomed addition to any team. It hasn't worked out as expected. Perhaps Carl was trying to prove his worth - $141,000,000 7 year contract? We've witnessed many players struggling to adjust in new surroundings.

Cashman recently let the cat out of the bag...

"I actually had dinner with the agent to pretend that we were actually involved and drive the price up," Cashman said. "The outfield wasn't an area of need, but everybody kept writing Crawford, Crawford, Crawford, Crawford. And I was like, 'I feel like we've got Carl Crawford in Brett Gardner, except he costs more than $100 million less, with less experience.' "

Perfect timing as Boston - one time AL East division leaders - are free falling. Their one time 9 game wild card lead now stands at 2. Crawford's former team Tampa Bay and Los Angeles Angels are coming on strong. Boston plays a 3 game set beginning tonight in rain soaked New York. Yanks have a chance to knock out the Sox. Yankees are 2011 AL East Champions. Boston is clinging onto a slim two game Wild Card lead. Maybe Cashman's words rejuvenate an under performing arch rival setting the stage for another epic post-season battle?

This weekend's series figures to be an all out war between two intense rivals filled with plenty of hatred and bench clearing brawl experiences.

Red Sox Nation Loyal to a Fault?

2011-09-21T17:27:00.001-04:00

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A proud Boston Red Sox Nation is in a state of disbelief. On August 31, Boston beat their most hated rivals (New York Yankees) 9-5 to close out the month leading the AL East. Boston's 83-52 record was best in American League baseball. They held a 1.5 game lead over 2nd place Yankees - and 9 games ahead of Tampa Bay. August success quickly transformed into September misery. Fan cheers slowly became thundering boo's as the Red Sox lost 15 of 20 September games heading into tonight's action vs Baltimore.

Boston had a shot at redeeming their season when they went head to head against Tampa Bay for 7 games in an 9 game stretch. It wasn't to be as Tampa bested Boston in 6 of 7. Red Sox schedule still looked promising when all else was bleak. Baltimore was coming to Fenway for four while Tampa Bay traveled to New York. A couple of Red Sox victories coupled with Rays losses could help widen their slim Wild Card lead.
Could it be Boston fans would be scoreboard watching and cheering Yankees victories over Tampa Bay?

Not a chance!

Red Sox Nation wants nothing to do with rooting for the Yankees even if it helps their beloved Boston team. Not now. Not ever. No chance. No how. It doesn't matter Tampa plays New York 7 times over the season's final 9 days. Sox fans want absolutely nothing to do with rooting for Yankees victories to help out their team. Does this qualify as fan loyalty or fan foolishness? It's loyalty - perhaps to a fault.

Boston needs all the help they can get. It isn't coming from winning. Boston's bullpen no longer gets out hitters in key situations. Fielding is iffy at best. Batters producing runs. Just not enough to offset weakening pitching. Baltimore's won 2 of 3 so far (last game of 4 game series tonight). Yanks just took their 2nd game over Tampa this afternoon. There's still no love for the hated Yankees - even when Yankees victories help Boston maintain a slim Wild Card lead.

It gets worse for Boston fans. Red Sox take their losing ways a few miles south to the Big Apple for a three game set beginning Friday night. Yankees just clinched a playoff birth today. Yanks manager Girardi would love to rest tired starters. Don't bet on it happening against Boston when playoff baseball is on the line for two division rivals. Yanks will throw the kitchen sink at a chance to knock Boston out of post-season action.

This is baseball. End of season pennant fever. It doesn't get any better than this - unless you reside in Boston.

I have to tip my hat to Red Sox fans for not wanting to root for New York under any circumstances. It's all about Boston Red Sox players winning without help. I get it - never root for your arch rivals. Simply put - either Boston wins & they're in - or lose and go home. It really doesn't matter if hated New York wins or loses.

Boston controls their own destiny. Nobody knows this better than Red Sox players. Get ready for a fantastic final week of MLB 2011.

NFL 2011 Predictions: Week 3

2011-09-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

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I hope you didn't miss any of last weekend's NFL action. Another week of exciting games. Dallas stunned San Francisco in overtime. Take notice of undefeated Buffalo! Their explosive offense shocked once confident Oakland 38-35 in the games closing seconds after trailing 21-3! Rookie Panthers QB Cam Newton fired for another 400+ yard game. Michael Vick was beating is former team - Atlanta Falcons - before getting knocked out by his own teammate on a clean sack. His status for this week is currently unknown. Judging by how particularly careful teams are about concussions these days - I'm betting Vick is out vs division rival Giants. Detroit put up 48 points against Kansas City. The list goes on.

Week 3 will not disappoint. Most match-ups - at least on paper - promise greater thrillers. It's a moment of truth for a few teams. New England visits Buffalo. Giants @ Eagles. Texans @ Saints. Green Bay @ Chicago. Washington @ Dallas. All qualify as game of the week battles in my book.
Speaking of my book - week two predictions netted 10 correct picks marking a season record of 19-13 (59.4%). Not great but getting better. A couple of bounces and injuries ruined what would have been 12 correct. Time to load up again...

Week 3 (home team in CAPS)
Sunday
SAINTS 34 Texans 27
Giants 24 EAGLES 21 (without Vick, EAGLES 31-24 with Vick)
PANTHERS 33 Jaguars 17
Patriots 45 BILLS 35
BROWNS 27 Dolphins 16
BENGALS 20 49ers 17
TITANS 30 Broncos 14
Lions 28 VIKINGS 24
Ravens 20 RAMS 13
Jets 26 RAIDERS 24
CHARGERS 34 Chiefs 10
Cardinals 23 SEAHAWKS 7
Falcons 24 BUCS 23
Packers 31 BEARS 20
Steelers 38 COLTS 6

Monday
Redskins 30 COWBOYS 23

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-09-20T22:23:00.000-04:00

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2011 NCAA Power Rankings (Week 3)
1 - Oklahoma
2 - LSU
3 - Alabama
4 - Boise State
5 - Wisconsin
6 - Oklahoma State
7 - Texas A&M
8 - Nebraska
9 - Stanford
10- Virginia Tech
11- Oregon
12- South Carolina
13- West Virginia
14- Arkansas
15- Florida
16- South Florida
17- Texas
18- Clemson
19- Michigan
20- Georgia Tech

NFL Power Rankings (thru 2 weeks)
1 - Green Bay Packers
2 - New England Patriots
3 - New York Jets
4 - Houston Texans
5 - New Orleans Saints
6 - Baltimore Ravens
7 - Atlanta Falcons
8 - Pittsburgh Steelers
9 - Philadelphia Eagles
10- Detroit Lions
11- San Diego Chargers
12- Washington Redskins
13- Buffalo Bills
14- Chicago Bears
15- Tennessee Titans

NFL 2011 Predictions: Week 2

2011-09-16T19:52:00.000-04:00

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What a great opening week in NFL action. Thrilling games - a few duds too. Carolina's rookie QB Cam Newton enjoyed a fine debut passing for more than 400 yards. Patriots star QB Brady eclipsed 500 yards. Ravens beat up and outplayed Pittsburgh 35-7. Dallas found another new way to lose an opener after Romo fumbled away a certain game clinching scoring drive - and later threw an easy interception - as the Jets kept their 9-11 promise to New Yorkers in a come from behind victory.

Week 2 offers another round of great match-ups. I went 9-7 last week. Not a great way to begin the year. Looking to improve this week. Call your bookies. Game of the week - San Diego Chargers @ New England Patriots.

Sunday (home in CAPS)
LIONS 24 Chiefs 23
Raiders 30 BILLS 20
SAINTS 26 Bears 10
VIKINGS 23 Bucs 20
Ravens 27 TITANS 3
Browns 27 COLTS 23
JETS 31 Jaguars 17
STEELERS 23 Seahawks 10
REDSKINS 17 Cardinals 16
Packers 42 PANTHERS 21
49ERS 20 Cowboys 17
PATRIOTS 40 Chargers 34
Texans 33 Dolphins 26
BRONCOS 28 Bengals 24
Eagles 31 FALCONS 20

Monday
Rams 30 GIANTS 27

Tuesday Night Quickie - Selig Denies Mets 9-11 Hat Tribute

2011-09-13T20:39:00.000-04:00

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How many New York Mets and Yankees fans remember our baseball players wearing hats saluting New York Police and Fire Departments after the attacks of September 11, 2001? Mets and Yankees players wore all sorts of NYFD/FDNY logo's on their New York hats paying tribute to lives lost and the American spirit when baseball resumed games following 9-11-01.

Sunday night, September 11, 2011 - New York Mets players had planned wearing similar style hats just as they did 10 years ago as their tribute to our fallen heroes. Major League Baseball's Commissioners Office - Bud Selig - took exception and wrote the Mets telling them to ditch their effort. MLB wanted a uniform tribute from stadium to stadium. No exceptions! MLB went the extra mile of ordering officials to confiscate Mets players hats before the game. Can you believe it?

Bud Selig - the baseball commissioner who stood silently idle when major leaguers took steroids, human growth hormones, drugs finally takes a stand. Against Mets players simply trying to show their support of victims during an emotional weekend. Where are Selig's priorities? Selig, the former Milwaukee Brewers owner turned Commissioner, has caught plenty of grief in my previous entries. His decision Sunday goes beyond being profoundly and morally wrong.

The story gets better (worse). Selig is now angry Mets players spoke out by publicly announcing what MLB (specifically the Commissioner's Office) did to squash Mets efforts.

Selig phoned the Mets Sunday "irate that the club had gone public with the news that his office had prevented players from wearing the caps of Sept. 11 first responders for that night's game at Citi Field" - the New York Post reported.

Selig now feels the Mets threw the league under a bus. Nonsense. It was the commissioner throwing a Mets tribute under the bus in the name of conformity. Selig wanted each and every player, coach, manager, dugout personnel wearing the same exact hat containing a predetermined Commissioner's Office approved remembrance logo. Hogwash Commissioner - with all due respect - you blew it again. Why deny ONE team their special tribute in the home city of where attacks took place, where thousand's of lives were lost- just for conformity? Then, in childish fashion, lash out like a little brat?

Don't worry baseball fans. Selig's tenure will soon end. He's been a complete disaster from start to finish.

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-09-13T03:31:00.001-04:00

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2011 Football Power Rankings (Week 2)
NCAA Football has featured two weeks of sensational contests. University of Michigan stunned Notre Dame in the closing seconds 35-31. Ranked #1 in AP polls - for a record 100 times - Oklahoma Sooners! Quite an accomplishment when considering the long history of college football featuring dynasty type systems over the years.

Speaking of rankings - it's time for All World All Sports - NCAA Top 20 Rankings (thru two weeks).
1 - Oklahoma
2 - LSU
3 - Alabama
4 - Boise State
5 - Florida State
6 - Wisconsin
7 - Oklahoma State
8 - Texas A&M
9 - Nebraska
10- Stanford
11- Virginia Tech
12- Oregon
13- South Carolina
14- Michigan State
15- Ohio State
16- West Virginia
17- Arkansas
18- Florida
19- South Florida
20- Auburn

Opening weekend of NFL action took on many emotions. Sunday's games were played September 11 - a day the USA will never forget. Remembrance ceremonies across the country were on display honoring those who perished 10 years earlier. NFL stadiums hosted various dedications and moments of silence remembering lives lost.

Emotional festivities quickly turned into bone crunching regular season football action. And, action there was throughout the league culminating with two exciting Monday Night Football games. There was no shortage of special teams action either. Kickoff and punt returners electrified crowds. Jets special teams punt block turned touchdown stunned Dallas. Rookie Carolina QB Cam Newton began his career with a 422 yard passing effort during a 27-21 loss to Arizona. Tom Brady connected with Wesley Welker for a 99 yard pass play touchdown as New England romped over Miami.

Buckle up. The 2011 football season is young. Week 1 set highlight reels ablaze.

NFL Power Rankings

1 - Green Bay Packers
2 - New England Patriots
3 - New York Jets
4 - Philadelphia Eagles
5 - New Orleans Saints
6 - Houston Texans
7 - Baltimore Ravens
8 - San Diego Chargers
9 - Chicago Bears
10- Pittsburgh Steelers
11- Atlanta Falcons
12- Oakland Raiders
13- San Francisco 49ers
14- Detroit Lions
15- Carolina Panthers
Stay tuned - tremendous match-ups in both NCAA and NFL action coming up later this week!

NFL 2011 Preview: AFC West

2011-09-09T09:00:00.003-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Kansas City was one of a few surprise teams in 2010. Can they improve on last year's success? When will San Diego learn to win early season games? One of football's most talented teams on paper often begins slowly (began 2-5 in '10). Oakland and Denver trying for returns to respectability.

1 - Kansas City Chiefs

Offense: KC is defending AFC West champion. Chiefs came out of nowhere. Offense is talented. QB Matt Cassel is solid. RB's Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones create a tough backfield tandem each capable of 100 yard performances. Bowe is their star WR. Don't be surprised if KC repeats as West champ.
Defense: Young, smart, fast and maturing at nearly all positions. Young group getting better - quickly.
Prediction: Repeat West champs. 10-11 wins. Well balanced team.

2 - San Diego Chargers

Offense: Talented but often out of synch. Phillip Rivers misses LaDainian Tomlinson. If he doesn't then he should. RB Ryan Matthews was largely ineffective as a rookie before getting injured. Solid receiving corps, one of NFL's best TE, solid line. Sproles will be sorely missed as third down receiving back and special teams player.
Defense: Not a prime time defense gives up too many late drives. No matter these guys finished near the top of all statistical categories - they still lost 5 of their first 7.
Prediction: Every year prognosticators write glowing reviews and saying these guys have Super potential. Problems is Chargers sputter. Maybe they finally get it rolling after under performing years. 9-11 wins.

3 - Oakland Raiders

Offense: QB Jason Campbell came alive for the first time in career late last season after disappointing for years in Washington. Speedy WR's need to stretch the field - and catch the pigskin. RB McFadden is a threat to score every time he catches the ball - as long as his linemen stay out of his way! Campbell must not return to Washington ways or this team is in trouble.
Defense: Getting better but still making stupid penalties in key situations. Expect more improvement again in '10. When's the last time anybody said improvement while talking Raiders football.
Prediction: Raiders could become 2011 Cinderella team. Not many expecting big things. Chargers prone to slow beginnings. Chiefs can be beaten. .500 season as of now. Don't be surprised if these guys walk away with division crown.

4 - Denver Broncos

Offense: Kyle Orton vs Tim Tebow in pre-season. Orton is opening day QB. He's a nice fantasy QB building up yards based on playing form behind. In real life - it's a headache watching missed 3rd down passes. Really not a fan of anyone on this offense. Often injured, receivers give up on routes, RB's can't pound the ball, suspect play calling. These guys are a long way from Shanahan football.
Defense: One of league's worst - not showing any early signs of improvement. Another team changing formations. 3-4 is out in favor of 4-3. Build a wall instead.
Prediction: Repeat 4-12 season might be a stretch.

NFL 2011 Preview: AFC South

2011-09-09T03:00:00.006-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Look out folks. There's a new sheriff in the AFC South. The road has been cleared for Houston Texans football. Indianapolis Colts front office confirmed Thursday - future Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning had another neck operation. Texas on the rise. AFC South is Houston's to win or lose.

1 - Houston Texans

Offense: Explosive. QB Matt Schaub - league leading RB Arian Foster - star WR Andre Johnson - productive TE Owen Daniels. Offensive line improvement will go a long way in '11. This team can turn it on. Consistency has been past problem - not this year.
Defense: Exploded. "Don't mess with Texas" didn't apply to this defense last year. They allowed the most yards in NFL action. 4-3 is out. 3-4 is in to bring about a better pass rush? Good luck. New defensive look including cornerbacks & safety offers hope. Expect an improvement over 2010 - they'll need to be strong before playoff football begins.
Prediction: No less than 11 wins unless defensive unit becomes useless.

2 - Tennessee Titans

Offense: Long time coach Jeff Fisher is out and will be missed. In steps Coach Munchak and his prisoners take all no-nonsense philosophy. Chris Johnson recently stopped holding out and is back ready for live action. New QB is veteran Matt Hasselbeck. Matt's taken plenty of heat in recent years. I believe Tennessee is the perfect fit. Watch out. Titans will surprise all who think they're doomed to cellar dwellers in 2011. No way. This bunch has the ability to become a strong ball control unit.
Defense: Usually a solid squad looked lost in 2010 giving up big play after big play. Munchak will whip these guys into shape.
Prediction: Not as bad as most are predicting. .500 season well within reach. If D comes back to life and Hasselback's efficient?? Perhaps 10 wins or more if teams take Titans for granted. Tennessee is the anything can happen team for 2011.

3 - Indianapolis Colts

Offense: Peyton Manning is out (neck surgery) - probably for the season. Kerry Collins recently dusted off his retired spikes to sign with Indy as Peyton's fill in. Good news for Colts fans, they're already loaded with weapons and KC is a skilled veteran. Many question surround how coaches instruct Collins to run the offense? No huddle formations? Or will they play straight up? Smart play calling keeps Colts winning. Injuries have creamed Colts players in recent seasons. Staying healthy is key.
Defense: Undecided. Many key defenders returning from 2010 injuries. Are they sound enough to endure a full season in 2011? Too many question marks. When healthy, this group is ready to play. Quick and aggressive.
Prediction: I don't see it. Team enters season on a low note learning of Manning's latest surgery. Too many questions. Colts season remains in limbo heading in. No need to panic - just keep a careful watch. 8-8.

4 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Offense: In a desperate attempt to save his head coaching job, Jack Del Rio axed QB David Garrard in the last week of camp shocking everyone. Luke McCown is opening day starting QB. When Del Rio breaks the class in search of another panic button - rookie Blaine Gabbert will get the nod. 2011 will be ugly for Jags players. RB Maurice Jones-Drew figures to be one of the few bright sports on offense provided his gimpy knee hold up.
Defense: It's tough to rank a defense which didn't play any last year. They stunk it up. Jaguars were last in the NFL in yards per play and yards passing per play. It might not matter how the offense performs because this defense won't stop anyone.
Prediction: 8-8 in 2010. 4-12 coming up.

Next up - AFC West

NFL 2011 Preview : AFC North

2011-09-08T21:16:00.002-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Does Pittsburgh have enough gas left in their aging tanks to make another Super Bowl run. They've played in two of three past Super Bowl games. Baltimore remains hot on the trail. Tennessee and Cleveland ready to make a run at winning seasons.

1 - Pittsburgh Steelers

Offense: Steelers big 3 are ready to rumble. QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall and WR Mike Wallace return to anchor the offense. Big Ben roaming out of pocket protection to deliver strikes is essential in offsetting a vulnerable front line. Pittsburgh's offense rises to the occasion in late game situations.
Defense: Heart and sole of Pittsburgh Steelers football is defense. Rising star LB Lawrence Timmons' name will be called often. James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley put fear into quarterbacks. Troy Polamalu was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. Tough, rugged bunch takes a back seat to no one.
Prediction: Don't turn your back on these guys. 12 - 14 wins.

2 - Baltimore Ravens

Offense: Running game wasn't sharp in 2010. Offensive line didn't open many lanes - when they did, Ray Rice didn't capitalize. Flacco is a big steady QB searching for speed and down-field play calls for WR's. Lee Evans & Andquan Boldin will get their shots. Offensive line is biggest question mark. They fail to dominate in short yard plays and give up drive ending sacks. Yet, this team won 12 games. Defense affords great field position for offense. If line takes hold - Baltimore can beat out Pittsburgh.
Defense: Superb. Ravens, Jets, Steelers represent top 3 AFC defenses. Front seven is as good as they get. Ravens set up offense with great field position time and time again. Expect no different in 2011. Question is, can they stop Pittsburgh from late game winning drives?
Prediction: Tied Steelers with 12 wins last year (lost tie-breakers). They'll fight Pittsburgh to the finish. 12-14 wins.

3 - Cleveland Browns

Offense: All eyes on Madden '12 cover boy & Cleveland fan favorite Peyton Hollis wondering if he can reproduce golden moments from one season ago? QB Colt McCoy will receive great protection in a west coast attack. Weakness is lack of top notch WR's. However, west coast short routes gives these guys plenty of opportunities to make plays. Cleveland's future looks bright. How quickly their future arrives is anyone's guess?
Defense: Finally, a team switching out of 3-4 to 4-3. Cleveland's new formation will do wonders for a defense terrible against the run in '10. Browns sporting two front line rookies - Phil Taylor (DT) and Jabaal Sheard (RE). Rooks usually make plenty of mistakes but Browns coaching staff is confident. Line needs to clog running lanes because linebackers aren't quick enough to chase anyone down.
Prediction: McCoy's performance determines all. Win some, lose some. 6-8 wins.

4 - Cincinnati Bengals

Offense: Playing in Cincinnati is enough to drive any player nuts. After 7 tumultuous seasons, QB Carson Palmer quit. Not long ago, the Bengals were considered a rising franchise. It all came crashing down largely due to conflicting personalities disrupting team chemistry and field performance. Head cases from owners to coaches to players. RB Cedric Benson and talented offensive line only highlights on a team destined to struggle scoring points. It won't be pretty for a team coming off a 4 win season.
Defense: Get used to being on the field because your offense won't give you a chance to catch your breath! Loss of key position players doesn't bode well. Coaching staff needs creative game planning. Bengals lack bite. Teams will score 30+.
Prediction: Four wins is a good over/under total. I'm thinking 2.

Next up - AFC South

NFL 2011 Preview: AFC East

2011-09-08T18:19:00.003-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

AFC is features the highest percentage of NFL top teams. All eyes focused on old rivals New York vs New England. Jets edged hated rival Patriots in Division Playoffs after splitting season series. Get ready for rugged hard-nosed action in 2011.

1 - New York Jets

Offense: Loaded. Is a quickly maturing QB Mark Sanchez ready to become team leader? The time is ripe for New York Jets dynasty. A young talented team in all areas offensively and defensively. Will they translate their talent into victories and championships? Sanchez has big weapons in WR's Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress. RB tandem of Shonn Greene & LaDainian Tomlinson are sure to grind out yards. Offensive line is one of NFL's top units and getting stronger. Jets looking like an offensive juggernaut set to fly. Defense will set up short fields all season long.
Defense: Smart, aggressive, depth & hard hitting. Only injuries can knock these guys off course from dominating nearly every single game.
Prediction: Rex Ryan's team is fired up heading into 2011. They fell short in AFC Championship Game vs Pittsburgh. 14 wins a distinct possibility. We'll play it safe and say 13-3.

2 - New England Patriots

Offense: Bill Belichick & coordinator Bill O'Brien represent the best prepared coaches in the game. Flawless game plans give QB Tom Brady every opportunity for excellence. Running game always seems to be an early season question mark. Yet, this staff seems to find the right back at the right time to execute plays. WR is a bit thin heading into '11. Ochocinco is Brady's new target. Another player with an attitude who cries when QB's throw to others. Brady is an expert and true professional. Jets defense will give him fits. He'll pick apart most others.
Defense: Improved with a happy Albert Haynesworth who gave and received plenty of grief in Washington. Front seven in 4-3 scheme are tough. Secondary will be tested.
Prediction: Never count out a Belichick team. Is it just me? New Englands defense might outclass their offense? 11 or 12 wins for this group.

3 - Miami Dolphins

Offense: Oft-injured and controversial Reggie Bush is starting RB. It's only a matter of time before he succumbs to injury. Chad Henne scars nobody at QB except teammates. WR's are steady good hands type even though they don't flash game breaking speed. It's a mixed bag sure to have mixed results from week to week. It'll be tough for Miami to score touchdowns vs Patriots & Jets.
Defense: This crew will be worn out early in games if offense can't control play clock. They could be playing most of the year with their backs against the wall. Another 3-4 scheme without dominating pass rushers or run stoppers. Things will get ugly quickly as Miami opens vs New England.
Prediction: Once promising Dolphins take a step backwards. 5 wins.

4 - Buffalo Bills

Offense: There's some talent here. Unfortunately, moving the ball remains a problem. Perhaps Buffalo can get things going in 2011. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will look for stand out WR Steve Johnson. RB Fred Jackson is itching for carries but will have a hard time finding holes.
Defense: Surprising stat. Bills defense ranked 9th overall in total yards allowed 2010. 3rd (AFC) in passing yards allowed - dead last in NFL surrendering 169.4 yards/game. More of the same in 2011? It's up to Buffalo's offense to keep these guys off of the field.
Prediction: 5 wins.

Up next - AFC North

NFL 2011 Preview: NFC West

2011-09-08T17:08:00.003-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Plenty of new faces on NFC West teams heading into 2011 action. New coaching staff in San Francisco. New signal callers in Arizona and Seattle. Perhaps only one team remains somewhat intact and improving in football's weakest division - St. Louis Rams.

1 - St. Louis Rams

Offense: QB Sam Bradford leads the charge. Bradford finally has legitimate WR targets - Mike Sims-Walker, Danario Alexander, Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson and rookie Lance Kendricks. Offensive line healthy. Excellent depth behind oft-injured starting RB Steven Jackson (Cadillac Williams, Jurious Norwood). Plenty of weapons. If they're able to get in synch then this group will score in bunches vs weak West defenses.
Defense: Not great but improving nonetheless. Big things expected from pass rushers on the line. Rams drafted North Carolina's Robert Quinn to spice up a sack line featuring James Hall & Chris Long. LB's and DB's remain a concern. Rams need to improve on interceptions (3rd worst) and takeaways. If the defense clicks, then this team will impress. Don't expect too much too soon.
Prediction: Will dominate West. Question remains how well they're able to cope with other divisional opponents? 10 wins.

2 - Arizona Cardinals

Offense: It's only a two man offense for now. Newly acquired QB Kevin Kolb to stud WR Larry Fitzgerald is all they have on paper. Todd Heap at TE will get a few looks as well. RB is a huge question mark with Beanie Wells as full time starter and lack of depth really hurts this squad at all positions. Ball control will be difficult to achieve. Arizona's porous defense will put their offense in catch-up mode more often than not.
Defense: 31st ranked in 2010 changes their point of attack from 4-3 to 3-4. Cards must be nuts. 3-4 is only as good as the men up front and Cards front line is not good. They also lack defensive play-makers. It's going to be a long year for new defensive coordinator Ray Horton.
Prediction: Can any team other than Rams win more than 6 games? Doubtful.

3 - San Francisco 49ers

Offense: New coaches all around. Same old under performing players starting with QB Alex Smith. Can't put all the blame on Smith. Horrific offensive line doesn't give play-makers a chance to run routes or find open lanes. All they've been good for is opening lanes for free shots at oft-injured quarterbacks. Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker and Michael Crabtree present Smith fine targets if he survives daily game day beatings.
Defense: Took a beating in off season losing a few key players. Carlos Rogers and Donte Whitner were signed to help an anemic secondary. SF hopes rookie pass rusher Aldon Smith lives up to his hype. 49ers D was hit or miss in 2010. Expect more of the same in 2011.
Prediction: Lucky to win 6.

4 - Seattle Seahawks

Offense: Tavaris Jackson is their new gunslinger. His signing has been ripped by local prognosticators who love tearing apart their QB's. Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett don't scare anyone rushing out of the backfield - especially behind a terrible offensive line. These guys will have a very difficult time moving the ball.
Defense: A new look younger and faster unit will spend far more time on the field then their counterparts. This was a team giving up points by the bunches in 2010. Not expecting much to change in 2011.
Prediction: NFC West cellar dwellers.

Up next - AFC East

NFL 2011 Predictions: Week 1

2011-09-08T15:57:00.002-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Today's the day! NFL 2011 begins tonight in Green Bay. NFL's first game - Thursday @ 8:30 - featuring 2009 Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints vs 2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. This game will certainly entertain. President Obama couldn't have picked a worse time for a live national address to our nation. I'm betting NFL viewers outnumber Obama viewers at least 4:1.

Sunday is an emotional day for our nation. Most teams will be playing their season openers on September 11. Ten years earlier on this date the biggest terrorist even on our soil took place. Remembrance events are scheduled in various cities and stadiums across our great land. September 11 is a time to reflect of loved ones lost. It also reminds us war has been declared upon America by individuals seeking to destroy our very existence. Every host stadium will hold moments of silence - before giving way to roaring opening day home crowds.

2010 was a mixed bag for picking winners and losers. All World All Sports began the year slowly before turning it up a notch to finish up correctly picking 67.5% winners. We're taking dead aim at 75% in 2011.

Week 1 (home in CAPS)

Thursday
PACKERS 33 Saints 30

Sunday
Falcons 27 - BEARS 23
BROWNS 30 - Bengals 10
CHIEFS 27 - Bills 3
Eagles 23 - RAMS 20
BUCS 24 - Lions 16
Titans 31 - JAGS 20
Steelers 17 - RAVENS 16
TEXANS 43 - Colts 6
Giants 28 - REDSKINS 26
49ERS 20 - Seahawks 17
CHARGERS 24 - Vikings 14
Panthers 17 - CARDINALS 14
JETS 41 - Cowboys 7

Monday
Patriots 35 - Dolphins 10
Raiders 24 - BRONCOS 23

2011 Football Power Rankings

2011-09-08T05:00:00.001-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Ready - Set - Go! The 2011 football season kicked off with NCAA games this past weekend. NFL opens up Thursday night when New Orleans goes to battle versus Green Bay.

All World All Sports tackles football power rankings again in 2011. Our unique formula relies on strength of schedule, on field performance, opponent strength, injuries, depth, coaching staffs and a few other contributing factors.

NCAA
Week 1
1 - Oklahoma
2 - LSU
3 - Alabama
4 - Boise State
5 - Florida State
6 - Wisconsin
7 - Texas A&M
8 - Oklahoma State
9 - Nebraska
10- Stamford
11- Virginia Tech
12- Oregon
13- South Carolina
14- Michigan State
15- Ohio State
16- Missippi State
17- West Virginia
18- Arkansas
18- Florida
20- Missouri

NFL
1 - Green Bay (by default - AWAS always ranks current champs #1 in before first game played)
2 - New York Jets
3 - New England Patriots
4 - New Orleans Saints
5 - Atlanta Falcons
6 - Pittsburgh Steelers
7 - Philadelphia Eagles
8 - San Diego Chargers
9 - Houston Texans
10- Baltimore Ravens
11- Chicago Bears
12- Tennessee Titans
13- Kansas City Chiefs
14- New York Giants
15- Washington Redskins
16- Indianapolis Colts (low due to Manning's uncertain status)
17- Seattle Seahawks
18- San Francisco 49ers
19- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20- Oakland Raiders

Grab a seat. NFL opening kickoff Thursday - NBC - 8:30 pm - Lambeau Field - 2009 Champion New Orleans Saints vs 2010 Champion Green Bay Packers.

NFL 2011 Fantasy Rankings: Wide Receivers

2011-09-07T18:47:00.000-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Picking up where we left off last week. Let's turn our attention back to fantasy football drafts. Tonight's installment - ranking top NFL Wide Receivers.

All World All Sports Top 20

1 - Andre Johnson (HOU) Is Andre ready to crack 2000 yards? Probably not - he'll come close. 1800 yards, 15 TD.
2 - Greg Jennings (GB) Get ready for a tremendous season. Might end up as top fantasy scorer.
3 - Roddy White (ATL) Could become Atlanta's TD machine.
4 - Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) Extremely fun to watch. Big time fantasy scorer in recent seasons. Only 3 100 yd games in '10.
5 - Calvin Johnson (DET) Strong 1st half in '10. Fizzled late.
6 - Vincent Jackson (SD) Troubles in distant rear view mirror. Get ready for a big season.
7 - DeSean Jackson (PHI) Speedster gives opposing defenses fits.
8 - Mike Wallace (PIT) 7 100 yard games in 2010.
9 - Mike Williams (TB) Freeman's go to TD WR.
10- Hakeem Nicks (NYG) Is 2011 Nicks breakout season?
11- Dwayne Bowe (KC) 5 100 yard games, 5 multiple TD games. Grab him if you can.
12- Brandon Lloyd (DEN) Great fantasy 1st half until double teams & QB change slowed him down.
13- Santonio Holmes (NYJ) Will be Sanchez go to guy.
14- Wes Welker (NE) When in doubt, select one of Brady's favorite targets.
15- Jeremy Maclin (PHI) Yep, another Philly speedster. Grab them while you can.
16- Dez Bryant (DAL) Pure speed. Good fantasy #2 WR. Don't waste a 1st round pick on him. Huge potential, too many issues in Dallas.
17- Marques Colston (NO) Talented. Unfortunately for fantasy coaches - Brees spreads the ball to everyone.
18- Steve Johnson (BUF) Buffalo's main (only) threat.
19- Plaxico Burress (NYJ) Look out - Plaxico's back with something to prove.
20- Brandon Marshall (MIA) Miami's STILL searching for Dan Marino's replacement.

NFL 2011 Preview: NFC South

2011-09-07T16:55:00.003-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

2010 - Atlanta dethroned New Orleans. Tampa Bay came out of nowhere to win 10. Carolina was an embarrassment winning only two games. It'll be Atlanta vs New Orleans in 2011 with Tampa not living up to new expectations.

1 - New Orleans Saints
Offense: Big time firepower led by Drew Brees. Running game is always questionable in New Orleans pass first attack. Rookie RB Mark Ingram might change their plan if he's able to run vs NFL defenses. Darren Sproles is a speedy back and kick returner. Plenty of deep threats at WR. 400+ points well within reach.
Defense: Ball hawks get a boost with new NFL kickoff rules. Speedy defense was #4 overall last season but struggled big time vs run oriented attacks. New faces on D line and LB will certainly help correct short comings.
Prediction: 2011 version of Saints could be better than Super Bowl winning squad. 12-14 wins.

2 - Atlanta Falcons

Offense: Efficient and getting better. Threats at all positions creates one of NFL's most balanced attacks. RB Turner has scored 39 TD's in past 3 seasons. Wideouts need to make big possession plays to keep drives moving.
Defense: Young CB's getting better - it's their make or break season. Pass rush is key to helping secondary. If the D line steps up then Atlanta is a Super threat.
Prediction: Fun team to watch. 2011 could be their year. At least 11 wins.

3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Offense: NFL's surprise unit in 2010. Can they duplicate/improve in 2011? Perhaps. 2nd year QB Freeman's 25-6 TD-INT ratio was superb. RB Blount needs to have a big season & Freeman hopes to keep blossoming.
Defense: Very young unit played well enough in 2010. They future is bright. Inexperience will set them back a step in 2011.
Prediction: Hard to imagine a 10 win repeat performance. Expecting a .500 season.

4 - Carolina Panthers

Offense: Cam Newton (Auburn) is the new man in town. Carolina's offense has been terrible in recent seasons. Newton has all the tools to quickly turn this franchise into a powerhouse. Question - can he perform vs NFL defenses? Time will tell - sooner than later. Decent offensive line, good RB's, talented ball catchers will all contribute if Newton is a quick study.
Defense: Don't get too down on this bunch. They've been plagued by recent inept offenses putting them in near impossible defensive positions - short fields and spending more time defending than offense attacking.
Prediction: Anything more than 5 wins is a positive first step.

NFC South will become one of NFL's most exciting divisions in years to come

2011 NFL Preview: NFC North

2011-09-07T16:10:00.004-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Green Bay Packers enter 2011 as reigning champions. Repeating is always a difficult task in the NFL. Green Bay has what it takes. Or do they? Time will tell. Here's how the NFC North shakes out in 2011.

1 - Green Bay Packers

Offense: All systems go. Aaron Rodgers has plenty of targets. Offensive line solid. Play calling excellent. All key ingredients. Only question mark is keeping running backs healthy.
Defense: 2010 was a bounce back season for Green Bay's defense. They're a solid bunch who figure capitalize immensely thanks in large part to new kickoff rules. Good luck attempting 80 yard drives on every possession vs these guys.
Prediction: North winners - 12 wins.

2 - Chicago Bears

Offense: Offensive line hasn't improved much for the Bears who ranked near the bottom in 2010 (30th). Jay Cutler will be on the run again in '11. Chicago managed to win the North last year in spite of many shortcomings. Cutler needs to stop throwing drive ending interceptions. Sometimes tossing the ball out of bounds is a better ball possession formula.
Defense: 2010 bend but don't break style saved the day and directly led to Chicago winning the division. Bears strength is point of attack setting the stage for linebackers & secondary to make big plays. They'll have to do it again or it will be a long season.
Prediction: 9 wins is within reach. If offensive line surprises - then Bears will challenge Green Bay. It's a longshot.

3 - Detroit Lions

Offense: Lions remain inconsistent. Big plays or big busts. Either way, this franchise is moving in the right direction - finally! Key to success is offensive line and decision making by QB Stafford. Lack of cohesiveness has been a theme for many years in Motor City. Will 2011 be the year these guys make it happen?
Defense: Front four is solid. Linebackers good vs run. Secondary - not good. They allowed opposing QB's to complete at a rate of 64$ in 2010. It's hard to stay in games without disrupting passing attacks. Expect improvement in all areas.
Prediction: 6 wins is a no brainer. Anything more is a sign Detroit is truly on the rise.

4 - Minnesota Vikings

Offense: Guess who isn't um-retiring? The Favre experiment has finally ended. One great season, one pathetic season. Adrian Pederson is the offense. Fumbling has always been an issue as highlighted in 2009 NFC Championship Game. He's great when no one touches him - keeps coaching staff wincing when surrounded by tacklers. Speedy receivers and talented TE. Problem for 2011 - QB.
Defense: Once thought one step from becoming elite unit of NFL. They're showing signs of cracking. Still solid, but slowing vs run & pass rush. These guys will be on the field for long stretches if offense fails to chew up clock again. Expect a burnt out unit when 4th quarter rolls around.
Prediction: It could be ugly. 6 wins might be a stretch.

Next up NFC South.

2011 NFL Preview: NFC East

2011-09-06T20:32:00.004-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Here we go. NFL 2011 season is ready to go. Teams are making last minute roster adjustments. Odds makers gearing up for a big opening weekend of betting. Players chomping at the bit to play for real after a long pre-season filled with decimating injuries.

How will the final standings read after all is said and done once the 16 game schedule concludes? One thing is for certain - once again - NFL 2011 will be action packed from opening kickoff to the final whistle.
All World All Sports goes division by division previewing/predicting how the NFL will shake out in 2011. Let's begin with the NFC.

NFC East

1 - Philadelphia Eagles

Offense: Speed. Team speed. How will defenses contain Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek, Steve Smith, Jason Avant and Riley Cooper. Out of their backfield is LeSean McCoy and Ronnie Brown. Vick's decision making may very well determine if the Eagles score the most points during the regular season. Offense is primed to average well over 30 points/game if they're able to protect the pigskin.
Defense: Eagles usually known for their D but suffered a bit by lapses in 2010. Juan Castillo is Philly's new DC. Eagles added plenty of new faces & depth for '11. Question marks surrounding all phases of defense from front line, linebackers and cornerbacks. Andy Reid is one of NFL's best. I'm believing his D will step it up a notch. However, with Philly's quick strike offense - will D be worn out by end of 3rd quarter?
Prediction: 12-4 NFC East division winners

2 - New York Giants

Offense: Eli Manning single handily wrecked the Giants season as the NFL leader in turnovers. Time after time he coughed up the ball in situations dictating throwing the ball out of bounds or taking a sack. Banged up offensive line & wide receivers didn't help matters either. Inconsistency was the Giants theme in '10. What's up for 2011? More of the same or football smarts?
Defense: Training camp took a painful toll on New York's secondary. Opponents will try exploiting this make-shift group early and often until they prove worthy of stopping opposing offenses. Good luck. Giants pass rushers will have to save the day - Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, Mathias Kiwanuka and eventually Osi Umenyiora will rattle a few cages as NFL's top pass rushing unit.
Prediction: Don't get your hopes up this year Giants fans. 9 wins max.

3 - Washington Redskins
Offense: Shanahan recently named Rex Grossman starting QB. Gross often gets grilled by media types because he's not a prototypical QB. All Rex needs to do is play efficient football - something he's quite capable of doing regularly if teammates chip in. Key to offense is Skins running game. Shanahan produced 11 1,000+ yard rushers in 12 Denver seasons. Something tells me a secured offensive line is ready to go. Hightower is their featured back and he's ready for a breakout season.
Defense: Shanahan's sticking with 3-4 system. I'm no fan of the 3-4 as it opens up the D to many potential mistakes vs big opposing offensive lines. Skins D ranked 31st in '10 - will be tested often in '11.
Prediction: 7 win season is definitely attainable. If Rex & Co. can score - if D can sufficiently derail opposing attacks - Washingtom may become the cinderella story of 2011. Don't bet on it - don't be surprised if it happens either.

4 - Dallas Cowboys

Offense: Whoa, 2011 could turn ugly quickly. Only one good bit of news for Dallas heading into regular season opener - Tony Romo is back. Plenty of bad news beginning with a terrible make-shift offensive line featuring two rookies. Romo will be running for his life. Runningbacks soon to be challenged looking for running lanes vs formidale NFC East defensive linemen.
Defense: No NFC team surrendered more points in 2010. Dallas picked up an all star coordinator - Rob Ryan of the famously defensive minded Ryan clan (father - Buddy, brother - Rex). Don't expect miracles in 2011 as personnel is probably division's worst. Ryan will blitz from every direction out of necessity with a weak in all areas D. 2011 could bet ugly early, often and every game. Dallas is a long way off from thinking about playoff football.
Prediction: Jason Garrett is not head coach material. Will Dallas Cowboys head coach revolving door continue? 4-12 season says most definitely!
Up next - NFC North.

NFL 2011 Fantasy Rankings: Running Backs

2011-08-30T23:20:00.001-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Fantasy drafters usually concur - building a winning team all depends on selecting a big time scoring Running Back. Champion fantasy teams always feature at least one high scoring back (most have two very serviceable ground gainers). Most kickoffs will be touchbacks in 2011. Guess what this means? Top RB's will have career years in yards from scrimmage.

Let's get right to it. All World All Sports Top 20 for 2011:

1 - Arian Foster (HOU) Exploded on the scene in '10. He's my top pick for '11 in Houston's high scoring machine. Texans are destined for a fine season. Foster will rumble. 1850 yards, 18 TD.

2 - Chris Johnson (TEN) Never misses a running lane. 1450 yards, 18 TD. CJ might miss the season as a contract holdout. Not a smart move by both Titans and Johnson. Keeper league coaches must be miffed.

3 - Adrian Peterson (MIN) A highlight reel RB. Times are changing in Minnesota. Opposing defenses top priority is stopping AP - who's had fumble issues in past years. 1600 yards, 15 TD.

4 - Michael Turner (ATL) Falcons have many weapons. Running lanes plentiful. 1500 yards, 15 TD.

5 - Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX) He'll be back as a scoring machine in '11 (if his balky knee holds up). A bit of a gamble at #5 unless you believe in my projection - 1300 yards, 18 TD.

6 - Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) Pittsburgh's back is tough to stop when staring at the end zone. He'll have a big year. 1500 yards, 14 TD.

7 - Matt Forte (CHI) Career year coming up. Forte sets career highs - 1400 yards, 15 TD.

8 - Frank Gore (SF) Another new era in 49ers play. New coach. New offense. Results pending. Gore will see more touches as a rusher & ball catching back. 1400 all purpose yards, 10 TD.

9 - Peyton Hillis (CLE) A successful '10 landed his face on Madden '12. Popular RB is a bruising runner. Hype? Or, is this guy for real? We'll soon find out. 1300 yards, 12 TD.

10- Jamaal Charles (KC) Charles put up great numbers splitting time with Thomas Jones. JC is an anything can happen back. A quick beginning earns him more touches. A slow beginning will lead to sharing time again. Don't get suckered into drafting JC in top 5. 1300 yards, 10 TD.

11- Darren McFadden (OAK)
12- LeSean McCoy (PHI)
13- Stephen Jackson (STL)
14- DeAngelo Williams (CAR)
15- Shonn Greene (NYJ)
16- Armani Bradshaw (NYG)
17- Brandon Jacobs (NYG)
18- LeGarrette Blount (TB)
19- Cedric Benson (CIN)
20- Ryan Matthews (SD)

NFL 2011 Fantasy Rankings: Quarterbacks

2011-08-24T17:17:00.001-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

NFL 2011 regular season action kicks off Thursday September 8. NFL did a fine job with a superb opening day match-up featuring Super Bowl Champions of the past two seasons. New Orleans Saints (2009) take their show on the road to the home of current champion Green Bay Packers. If this game lives up to it's billing then we're to witness a fine contest between two of football's best teams.

Opening night also features two of the NFL's top quarterbacks, Drew Brees vs Aaron Rodgers. Thousands of fantasy football coaches have been busy studying draft lists preparing for a new season of play. For the next few days, I'll be posting rankings for key fantasy football point contributing positions. There are various fantasy football games and scoring variations. Do your homework to select the best game for your liking.

Time for segment #1 - Quarterbacks:

1 - Tom Brady (NE) Coming off a superb 36 td, 3900 yard 2010 campaign - only 4 int's. He has more weapons, better defense and perhaps NFL's best coach. Projection: 4200 yards, 35 TD.

2 - Drew Brees (NO) Saints pass first offense sits well with strong armed Brees. Averaged 289 yds/game in '10 with 33 TD/s. Interceptions were high (22) and should be better in '11. Projection: 4500 yards, 30 TD.

3 - Phillip Rivers (SD) River's turned in a gutsy season in the absence of a Chargers running game. Averaged almost 300 yds/game while tossing 30 scores. Projection: 4250 yards, 30 TD.

4 - Aaron Rodgers (GB) Super Bowl Champion QB, enough said. Projection: 4000 yards, 28 TD.

5 - Matt Schaub (HOU) Solid starter for a team on the rise. Has a chance to lead Texans to first division title. 3800 yards, 33 TD.

6 - Michael Vick (PHI) Perhaps the most exciting NFL player. Throws, runs - and gets hurt. Buyer beware. A healthy MV playing a full season could produce best fantasy numbers. He'll have to prove he can go the distance before advancing up my rankings. Projection: 3200 yards, 25 TD (passing) - 600 yards, 7 TD (rushing).

7 - Matt Ryan (ATL) Always the student, Ryan watches tapes of Brady & Peyton Manning with great results in '10. A few more targets and solidified offensive line should post solid results. Projection: 3500 yards, 25 TD.

8 - Mark Sanchez (NYJ) I might be the only 2011 prognosticator placing Sanchez in top 10 status. Why? Explosive 3 WR set with Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress & Derrek Mason - throw in TE Keller - a strong ground game - and better offensive line. Jets sports top 3 defense so all systems say Sanchez will have great field position with plenty of weapons to score. Projection: 3300 yards, 30 TD.

9 - Eli Manning (NYG) Eli tossed and fumbled away 2010. He was terrible in crucial moments - very un-Manning-like. 2011 brings new challenges especially with 3 new linemen. If he protects the ball then Eli moves up the list. Projection: 3800 yards, 25 TD (watch out for turnovers).

10- Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) Look past Big Ben's 2010 stats. Many forget he was suspended first four games. He's back and on a mission for an aging Steelers team. Projection: 3500 yards, 23 TD.

Wild Card Player - Peyton Manning (IND) Incomplete injury information has everyone in Colts country on edge. Will Peyton be ready for the season opener or not? Some speculating Manning is out for an extended period of time recovering from what was once billed as minor neck surgery. Obviously, he's a top performing and fantasy point contributor when healthy. Problem is nobody seems to be saying how healthy he is - or isn't! Colts just nudged Kerry Collins out of retirement which means something's afoul in Indianapolis. Manning should not be your first QB selection this year.

Power Rankings Movers & Shakers

2011-08-18T21:49:00.000-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Baseball's playoff picture is gaining clarity. Or, is it? AL East will be Boston vs New York for the duration. White Sox have come back from the dead and now sit a mere 3.5 games behind Detroit in Central action. Will Detroit show off another late season choke? Texas keeping a firm 7 game grip in the West over LA.

Philadelphia remains NL's top team while Milwaukee and Arizona surged into 1st place in Central & West divisions. Atlanta's inspired brand of baseball leads all NL Wild Card contenders.

Teams are having a tough time remaining in All World All Sports baseball power rankings. Early season wannabe's Pittsburgh and Cleveland continue their swan dives. Late comers making a move. There's still a long way to go. Current rankings thru games of 8/17:

1 - Philadelphia
2 - New York
3 - Boston
4 - Texas
5 - Atlanta
6 - Milwaukee
7 - Arizona
8 - San Francisco
9 - St. Louis
10- Detroit

Don't get too caught up in NFL rankings as teams filled with new faces are just beginning to gel. Plenty of position battles, especially on offensive and defensive lines, rage on.
1 - Green Bay
2 - New England
3 - New Orleans
4 - New York Jets
5 - Atlanta
6 - Pittsburgh
7 - Philadelphia
8 - San Diego
9 - Houston
10- Baltimore

NFL 2011 Predictions

2011-08-13T10:55:00.003-04:00

Check out "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Countdown to regular season is underway. There was a time not long ago many thought owners vs players impasse would severely disrupt the 2011 NFL season. Once both sides inked a new deal teams had much work to do adjusting rosters to meet salary cap constraints. There was a flurry of activity from roster cuts to free agent signings.

The dust has settled and teams are busy playing pre-season games in preparation for another great season. Time for pre-season predictions (subject to change based on final rosters).

NFC
East
*Philadelphia
New York
Washington
Dallas

North
*Green Bay
*Detroit
Chicago
Minnesota

South
*New Orleans
*Atlanta
Tampa Bay
Carolina

West
*Seattle
St. Louis
San Francisco
Arizona

AFC
East
*New York
*New England
Miami
Buffalo

North
*Pittsburgh
*Baltimore
Cleveland
Cincinnati

South
*Houston
Tennessee
Indianapolis
Jacksonville

West
*San Diego
Kansas City
Oakland
Denver

* = playoff team

Sweet Revenge, Woods ex-Caddy Wins Again!

2011-08-09T19:09:00.000-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Adam Scott finished tops on the Bridgestone Invitational scoreboard to win his first World Golf Championship. Congratulations Adam. And congratulations for making a great decision to hire caddy Steve Williams. Williams was the long time caddy of Tiger Woods who was recently fired for unknown reasons.

Williams firing stunned the golfing world. Williams is a winner. A former Wood confidante who stood by Tiger's side during Woods shocking and very public divorce only to be abruptly discarded two weeks ago. Revenge is sweet. Wood struggled mightily while Adam Scott cruised at Bridgestone. Williams was ecstatic:

"I've caddied for 33 years -- 145 wins now -- and that's the best win I've ever had," Williams told CBS Sports on the 18th green. This from a guy whose 12 years working for Woods featured 13 majors and 16 world titles among 72 wins worldwide. That includes the 2001 Masters, when Woods won an unprecedented fourth straight major.

Scott played near flawless golf on his way to 17 under par, winning by four. He openly thanked Williams for expertise in knowing the course so well and offering excellent strategic suggestions when necessary. Scott also displayed a sense of humor:

"I can talk about Steve now and not Tiger," Scott said to laughter, alluding to the countless times he and other players have been asked about Woods. "I'm sure there are a lot of other golfers who wouldn't mind that, either."

A subtle public feud continues simmering between Williams and Woods. Both accounts on how the championship caddy was released differ greatly. Tiger's rants and actions continue to stun those who were once closest allies. Even Charles Barkley chimed in recently. Barkley and Woods were once very close friends. Sir Charles claims he hasn't heard back from Woods in two years is opening questioning what's wrong with Tiger....

"It's been very frustrating to watch everything that has transpired," Barkley said Wednesday on ESPN New York 1050's The Mike Lupica Show, "and getting rid of Steve Williams was probably the last straw for me."

"You think you're friends with a guy. You talk to him once a week for 15 years. You're like, this dude is my friend, we do things, we have fun together," Barkley said. "I haven't talked to him in two years and I'm wondering what the hell is going on."

Tiger's saga will continue for years. Right now, the sun is shining brightly upon Adam Scott and his new championship caddy Steve Williams.

Power Ranking MVP & Cy Young Candidates

2011-08-04T02:09:00.000-04:00

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-Digger's Daily-

Time to try something not done before now. Power ranking current 2011 MLB MVP & Cy Young candidates by league. Baseball's trading deadline is over. Waiver wires filled and a few select players could soon be on the move. Pennant fever is alive and well in cities not used to watching their teams win in late season play. It's been another wild ride in baseball land. MVP chants beginning to pick up steam in parks around the country.

Which diamond players make the short lists to bring home hardware in 2011? Take a glance at All World All Sports rankings...

MVP
NL
1 - Matt Kemp (LAD)
2 - Ryan Braun (MIL)
3 - Lance Berkman (STL)
4 - Jose Reyes (NYM)
5 - Joey Votto (CIN)
6 - Justin Upton (AZ)
7 - Ryan Howard (PHI)
8 - Prince Fielder (MIL)

AL
1 - Adrian Gonzalez (BOS)
2 - Curtis Granderson (NYY)
3 - Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS)
4 - Jose Bautista (TOR)
5 - Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
6 - Michael Young (TEX)
7 - Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE)
8 - Jered Weaver (LAA)

Cy Young
NL
1 - Roy Halladay (PHI)
2 - Clayton Kershaw (LAD)
3 - Ian Kennedy (AZ)
4 - Jair Jurrjens (ATL)
5 - Cole Hamels (PHI)
6 - Joel Hanrahan (PIT)

AL
1 - Jered Weaver (LAA)
2 - Justin Verlander (DET)
3 - CC Sabathia (NYY)
4 - Jon Lester (BOS)
5 - Jose Valverde (DET)

Baseball's Trade Deadline Rumors

2011-07-26T03:41:00.000-04:00

Check out "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Save the date: July 31, MLB trade deadline.

Baseball's trade rumor mill has been swirling. Teams wishing to strengthen their playoff chances could soon be announcing major trades from cash strapped teams. Don't be surprised if soon to become free agents are dealt too. Let's examine a few teams which might become major players during the next six days.

Buyers:
Boston - starting pitching and bats. Injuries have Red Sox rotation in shambles. Lack of pop from OF puts Boston front and center in chasing after Carlos Beltran or another impact bat.

New York - Yankees need pitching of all types. Starters first and foremost. Bombers elder starters have been very effective at times but can't be counted on. Cashman's future is on the line should the Yanks fall from the pennant race. One more bat might be heading to NY too as they're known for late season slugging acquisitions.

Tampa - I don't think they have enough gas in the tank or depth at this point in time. On the outside looking in places the Rays in a precarious position. Spend wisely has always been their motto. However, Rays lineup lacks power and 1B has been a problem for a long time.

Pittsburgh - It's now or never in Steel City. Can they pull the trigger on a deal for a veteran bat without giving up too much future talent? Carlos Beltran to the Pirates as a rent a player would be worth dealing injured Doumit and players to be named... especially if New York picks up a hefty part of CB's lucrative contract. Wigginton is a perfect type of versatile player for a team in need of 3B help.

St. Louis - Cards need everything. Starting pitchers, relievers, closer, hitting, defense. They haven't made any late season impact deals in years. They'll need to do something if seriously considering a playoff run. Don't forget... Albert Pujols is soon to become a free agent!!!

Milwaukee - Are the Brewers planning on bringing back free agent to be Fielder? He can bring in plenty talent in a trade. Milwaukee's front office stumbles often. They acquired KRod to bolster bullpen. What next?

Detroit - A cost effective 5th starter is readily available. Phil Coke is a bust. Wigginton fits well here too at 2B/3B.

Cleveland - A curious team. They had a great first half. Injuries at key positions all season long. Currently fading in AL Central. Tribe doesn't appear ready to spend.

Angels - 31-36 on June 12, now at 55-47 and rising. They could use a boost to 4th & 5th rotation slots. Catching help is also needed (not available).

Giants - SF is nuts if they don't go hardest after Beltran. Strong pitching staff has propelled Giants into NL West lead. However, lack of power up and down their lineup could prove costly in playoff baseball. SF owns plenty of talent to offer up. SS is of concern too. Jose Reyes is another great target.

Phillies - Bullpen, either middle relievers or proven closer or both. Lidge just returned. However, he's always a single pitch away from another injury. Rent a closer situation is perfect here. RF could be in line. Perhaps Werth comes back?

Sellers:
Dodgers - Financially challenged LA needs to ditch payroll wisely. A few popular starts might get chopped but not much discussed yet.

Mets - Plenty of focus surrounding Carlos Beltran. Don't be surprised if David Wright is the first one gone! Owners clearly not convinced Wright is a winner. GM claims they want free agent to be Jose Reyes back in '12. It could be lip service and will be a MAJOR mistake for Mets to let him walk without securing talent now.

Astros - Pick one. This franchise is in reverse. Simple question... does Houston have any players other teams want?

Reds, Padres, Twins, Marlins might jump into the mix too.

Time will tell. The clock is ticking.

Power Rankings Movers & Shakers

2011-07-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

Check out "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

NFL is back in business. Owners and players ratified a new agreement. Training camp doors set to open. General managers ready to wheel and deal.
Baseball's trading deadline is July 31st. Plenty of big names could be on the move. Some dealt by cash strapped teams. Some to be acquired for a late season playoff push.
All World All Sports Power Rankings:

NFL
1 - Green Bay
2 - Atlanta
3 - NY Jets
4 - Pittsburgh
5 - New Orleans
6 - Baltimore
7 - Philadelphia
8 - NY Giants
9 - New England
10- Chicago

MLB
1 - Philadelphia
2 - Boston
3 - Texas
4 - San Francisco
5 - Yankees
6 - Atlanta
7 - Angels
8 - Milwaukee
9 - Arizona
10- Tampa

Second Half Baseball Predictions

2011-07-13T15:13:00.000-04:00

Check out "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Robinson Cano's created the most memorable All Star moment. He selected his own father to pitch. Robby responded by winning the Derby in record style. Father and son baseball. It doesn't get any better. NL All Stars secured home field advantage for NLCS winner by besting their AL counterparts 5-1.

Now it's on to baseball's second half of the 2011 season. MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching (July 31). Who will be wheeling and dealing? Dumping high salaries or going for big guns? Make a run for the pennant or pack it in? New York Mets & Milwaukee Brewers struck a deal announced right after Tuesday's ASG. Francisco Rodriguez is a Met no more. New York dumped their high priced closer off on the Brewers. Milwaukee needs bullpen help. KRod is expected to set up closer Axford. Is Beltran next to leave cash strapped Mets? Rumors state he'll be in Boston soon.

First half surprise teams Arizona, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Washington take dead aim at doing something no prognosticator predicted... advancing to playoff baseball. Plenty of teams in the hunt. Plenty of players riding the disabled list. Time to predict how the 2011 season will finish.

American League
East
Red Sox
Yankees*
Rays
Blue Jays
Orioles

Central
Tigers
Indians
Twins
White Sox
Royals

West
Rangers
Angels
Mariners
A's

ALCS: Yankees over Red Sox

National League
East
Phillies
Braves*
Nationals
Marlins
Mets

Central
Brewers
Pirates
Cardinals
Reds
Cubs
Astros

West
Giants
Rockies
Dodgers
Padres

NLCS: Phillies over Braves

World Series: Phillies over Yankees

2011 All Star Game Home Run Derby Preview & Predictions

2011-07-11T16:28:00.002-04:00

Check out "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

It's muscle flexing time for a select few All Stars. 2011 State Farm Home Run Derby is tonight. David Ortiz (AL) & Prince Fielder (NL) are contest captains who hand picked their squads. Four players per league participating this year. On paper, Ortiz AL teammates looking stronger than their NL counterparts.

Rules:
All participants get 10 outs per round, with the four players with the most homers advancing to a second round. The two players with the highest cumulative number of long balls after the second round advance to the Championship Round, where first- and second-round homers do not carry over.

Players:
AL - Jose Bautista, Robinson Cano, Adrian Gonzalez, David Ortiz.
NL - Prince Fielder, Matt Holliday, Matt Kemp, Richie Weeks.

Be reminded, this is glorified batting practice. Don't be surprised if some or all of these sluggers bring their personal bp pitchers with them to the event. On paper, AL hitters will be too much to handle. Bautista, Gonzo & Ortiz can knock the ball out of any park and the balls will be flying in Phoenix. Cano is the wild card here. His swing is one of the best in baseball. Smooth, line drive smacker. Not necessarily made for a home run derby ... however, one little upper cut adjustment could win it all. NL hitters, beyond Fielder, do not appear to be the same homer class. They're all great hitters but probably not the best picks for a HR contest.

Key to success is not swinging at every pitch. Sluggers will need to be patient to preserve endurance. Taking at least one pitch between swings is key. It's easy to get tired hacking at everything. Josh Hamilton put on a historic opening round ball smashing display to remember a few short years ago in Yankee Stadium. Guess what? He wasn't the victor. Stamina goes a long way to winning. Who will win it all in 2011? Place your bets!

Predictions:
1st Round totals
Bautista 15
Ortiz 13
Gonzalez 13
Fielder 10
Cano 9
Holliday 8
Kemp 5
Weeks 5

2nd Round
Bautista 11 (26)
Ortiz 10 (23)
Fielder 10 (20)
Gonzalez 6 (19)
Champion:
Bautista

All Star Break Power Rankings

2011-07-11T15:52:00.000-04:00

Visit "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

2011 represents another great baseball season in progress. Pennant races continuing to amaze. Pittsburgh, Washington, Cleveland and Arizona have been playing an inspired brand of hardball. These perennial losers are winning and proving, once again, money doesn't necessarily buy success.
MLB 2011 reached the halfway point of the season. All World All Sports power rankings...

1 - Philadelphia Phillies
2 - Boston Red Sox
3 - New York Yankees
4 - Atlanta Braves
5 - San Francisco Giants
6 - Texas Rangers
7 - Tampa Bay Rays
8 - Milwaukee Brewers
9 - Detroit Tigers
10- Arizona Diamondbacks
11- St Louis Cardinals
12- Cleveland Indians
14- Pittsburgh Pirates
15- Washington Nationals
16- New York Mets
17- Cincinnati Reds
18- Toronto Blue Jays
19- Chicago White Sox
20- Colorado Rockies
21- Florida Marlins
22- Minnesota Twins
23- Seattle Mariners
24- Los Angeles Dodgers
25- San Diego Padres
26- Oakland A's
27- Baltimore Orioles
28- Kansas City Royals
29- Chicago Cubs
30- Houston Astros

In Case You Missed It...

2011-07-05T21:06:00.000-04:00

Visit "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Sports news is plentiful. In case you missed it, here's a few notable stories since our last installment.
Wimbledon crowns new champions. Serbian Novak Djokovic defeated former champ Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3. His performance was nothing short of spectacular. Djokovic now sits atop fan lists as a player to watch.
Petra Kvitova won the Women's title with a hard fought straight set victory over Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4. The telling statistic from this match was Sharapova winning only 58% of first serves compared to 72% for Kvitova.

NBA follows NFL into lockout status. Money, money, money. Both sides have negotiated in good faith for 18 months with no conclusive results. Commissioner Stern states the sides are no closer now than when negotiations first began. The sides appear closer than they'll let on publicly. Perhaps to save face with union members. I have no sympathy for either party when it comes to sports related work stoppages. The fans always get the short end of the stick when all is said and done. Ticket prices, already skyrocketing, will surge again. So will game related apparel, trading cards and anything with a professional league logo affixed.
NFL lockout may delete 2011 games. Players will be nuts if they ever agree to an 18 game schedule. Careers will be dramatically cut short. Long term deals will soon evaporate and owners will walk away as fat cat champs. Add a new twist, retired players want in on negotiations. They've brought suit claiming current players and owners are "conspiring to depress the amounts of pension and disability benefits to be paid to former NFL players in order to maximize the salaries and benefits to current NFL players." This labor impasse is a long way off. Neither side has acted in good faith.

MLB All Star Game rosters were announced. Get ready for plenty of commentary when it comes to snubbed players. It's the same old song. Deserving players left off rosters receive plenty of attention from local to national sports talk networks. It's unfortunate some deserving players sit home. It happens and will continue for years to come. Sometimes there just aren't enough roster slots. Other times, fan favorites override statistical achievements. There's only one change I'd personally enjoy seeing rectified. Add at least one rising star (rookie) to each roster if they weren't already selected by fan & player voting (AL - Michael Pineda, Mariners; NL- Danny Espinosa, Nationals).

Derek Jeter is healthy and back at SS for the Yankees. Six knocks to go for career hit number 3,000. Isn't it truly amazing in the glorious history of Yankees baseball they've yet to have any player with 3,000 hits? Not Gehrig (2,721), Ruth (2,518), Mantle (2,415), Bernie Williams (2,336) or DiMaggio (2,214).

Look out, the Pirates are coming. Better yet, they're here! Pittsburgh Pirates inspired brand of baseball has them within 1.5 games of NL Central leading Cardinals. It's about time! Pittsburgh has won more than 70 games only seven times since 1993. Manager Clint Hurdle is proving he's been the right choice for the job. Go Pirates!

Get ready for The British Open. US Open champ Rory McIlroy is ready to go and is the early favorite. Tiger Woods will be sitting this one out. Fan favorite Phil Mickelson needs to work out a few kinks. His swing and short game is perfect for this tournament but he never seems to put it together here. How much of a factor will strong winds play in this years event? Wind during British Opens has been prevalent in recent years which is why this event is one of the best tests for players all around games. There are three golfing events I never miss. The Masters, U.S. Open and British Open.