Flameout: LeBron James Playoff Failures Continue

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-Digger's Daily-

Add LeBron James to the long list of super playoff failures. LeBron's past playoff ineptness as Cleveland's star earned plenty of criticism especially after appearing to give up during last seasons Conference Finals vs Boston. James performance in this years NBA Finals has been nothing short of a disastrous choke. After five games, James has totaled 11 fourth quarter points. Hardly "King"-like.

James name is now grouped with other playoff underachievers. Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Chris Webber, Peyton Manning & Jim Kelly all shined during regular season action only to flameout in the spotlight of playoff games. James took plenty of heat from Cleveland fans and sportscasters after quitting during close games vs Boston. Harsh criticism? Not at all.

I wonder if Scotty Pippen still believes King LeBron "is the greatest all round player of all time." Pippen's jealousy of Jordan continues. Did Scotty ever win a NBA Championship without MJ? No. How many times did MJ carry the Bulls to title glory? 6. Not only couldn't Pippen deliver without Jordan... he also quit on the Bulls vs Knicks when his number wasn't called to attempt the games final game winning shot. Scotty pouted. Pippen was a great player. But, he never won without Jordan. Hearing Pippen call James the greatest ever is more of a shot at Jordan than praise for James whose playoff 4th quarter disappearing acts are well documented.

No doubt James is one of the best during regular season action. He's played great playoff basketball in early rounds. The greatest of the great all have one thing in common. Winners always want the ball when games are on the line. Not LeBron. One might think furious criticism of James post-season play would become inspiration. He's a laughingstock in Dallas. Maverick's fans are loving new "knock-knock" jokes.

Knock Knock
"Who's there?"
LeBron
"LeBron who?"
EXACTLY

Miami Heat trails Dallas 3 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Series shifts back to Miami. James has a chance to quiet detractors if he puts together at least an effort in 4th quarter action. What will it be? Can James get over 4th quarter fears? Or, will he go down as one of the most overpaid chokers in sports history?

NBA & NHL Championship Predictions

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-Digger-

2010-11 basketball and hockey displayed jaw dropping highlights all year long. From pre-season NBA signing antics of LeBron James to Dirk's unbelievable Western Conference Championship performance leading the Mavs into the Finals. Miami's big 3 vs Dallas balanced attack promises to thrill viewers from minute to minute.

NHL ice action kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout playoff action. The Stanley Cup Finals displays two of the games gutsiest teams. Vancouver vs Boston will showcase hockey at its' very best.
So who will be crowned 2010-11 Champs?

NBA
Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks. Fans from both cities firmly believe their team is best. Miami has James, Wade and Bosh. Dallas has the deepest squad in the game led by Nowitzki and veteran PG Jason Kidd.
Miami's defense must be Johnny on the spot if the Heat expect to win it all. Dallas brings an excellent ball movement offense and aren't too shabby in the fast break category either.
For Dallas, eliminating unnecessary turnovers is a must or Miami will turn them all into fast break opportunities.
Defensive match-ups for both teams are challenging.
Dallas in 6!

NHL
Vancouver Canucks vs Boston Bruins
This will either be a very close series minute by minute or a Vancouver route. Boston defense and goal tending is tops. Vancouver's high flying offense will put them to the test. Bruins power play has been non-existent but they've overcome offensive deficiencies by playing stellar defense.
Two teams couldn't be more opposites than Boston and Vancouver. Here they are, going for it all.
I've been a big Bruins fan since the days of Esposito, Orr, Cheevers. Followed them intensely during the brutal 70's with O'Reilly, Milbury & Co. Then came the Ray Bourque era. Those days are long gone. Now's the time for the new look Bruins to plant a flag on their place in NHL history.
Bruins get it done in 7!

In Case You Missed It...

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-Digger-

NBA Playoffs
Dallas Mavericks regular season play qualifies as one of the NBA's best this century. Playoff basketball has been another story. Early round upsets haunted this franchise in recent years. They're flying high now resting up for the Conference Finals after domination reigning back to back champion Los Angeles Lakers. Mavs players are back in Dallas attempting to remain focused awaiting their next opponent. Will it be vs cinderella Memphis or tough Oklahoma City? Dallas is firing on all cylindars. 2010-11 Mavs squad could possibly represent their deepest in team history. Is this their year? YES!

NHL Playoffs
Boston avenged their playoff disaster from one year ago by sweeping Philadelphia. Next up, Tampa Bay and I'd be very surprised if B's get bounced. They're ready for another Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
A great series is happening in the West. Detroit has rallied from 0-3 down to tie their series vs San Jose. Every game has been sensational. All hotly contested games including rebounding from a one goal deficit in Game 6. They're on a roll and will take the deciding game. However, Red Wings players might be physically and emotionally spent for the Conference Finals against a well rested Vancouver Canucks squad.

MLB
No Hitters - Minnesota's Francisco Liriano (May 3 vs Chicago) and Detroit's Justin Verlander (May 7 vs Toronto) added their names to the no-hitter record books. Verlander dominated Blue Jays hitters allowing only one walk while handcuffing one of baseball's most powerful lineups. Liriano's no-no was the result of effective wildness (6 walks).

Chaulk another stupid (pronounced stuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuupid) award. Minor leaguer Kevin Frandsen tested positive for performance enhansing drugs. Frandsen was playing for Phillies AAA affiliate hoping for a return to major league action. Forget it. How about a 50 game suspension instead? Anyone caught nowadays should be banned for no less than one full season.

Here's a story which I'm having trouble descerning truths from lies and distortions. One time beloved Mets clubhouse manager Charlie Samuels was indicted in Queens Supreme Court on charges that he criminally possessed nearly $2.3 million worth of game-used memorabilia, embezzled $24,955 from the Mets by submitting inflated expense claims and failing to report or pay taxes on $203,789 in tips and dues that he received from Mets players and others in 2008 and 2009. Found in Samuel's possession are various baseball artifacts from signed jerseys, bats, balls, autographs etc. Precisely what nearly every clubhouse attendant in MLB is sure to own or possess. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds. How does one determine theft in a case such as this one? Also, there seems to be some sort of backstory involving a fued between embattled Mets owners and Samuels dating back years. Plenty of New York media attention sure to follow. Stay tuned for updates.

Mavs Sweep Classless, Goonish Lakers

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-Digger-

Dallas Mavericks completely embarrassed, humiliated, out-played and out classed the Los Angeles Lakers. The wheels really fell off during Dallas' clinching 122-86 romp. Lakers players started taking cheap shots (hard fouls) against Mavs players. Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom lost their cool, if they ever had any, due to goon-like street basketball actions.

Odom's hard body slam blind-sided Dirk Nowitzki with just over 9 minutes remaining earning Lamar an ejection. Bynum soon followed after he lunged elbow first into the ribs of an airborne J.J Barea 40 seconds later. Bynum was quickly tossed. Hard to believe two players on a Phil Jackson coached team lost their cool in the same game, right? True until this series.

Dallas kept the Lakers off balance nearly the entire series. LA's defense was slow & looking a bit punch drunk. Slow off the dribble. Not hustling for rebounds. Not shutting down driving lanes. Very uncharacteristic to say the least. Gasol was reprimanded by Jackson so many times that I thought Phil was about to make him take a lap before play resumed.

Dallas drew first blood and went for the kill in Game 4. Mavs blew LA out in the 2nd quarter before things started turning ugly. Hats off to Dallas players for maintaining composure. LA provided Dallas every opportunity for retaliation. Smart Mavs players took the high road, kept their eyes on the bigger picture... winning an NBA Championship.

Stupidity reigns? Check out this ridiculous Bynum quote:

"We were getting embarrassed, they were breaking us down. So I just fouled somebody," Bynum said after the game. "I was just kind of salty about being embarrassed ... For me, it was embarrassing to have the smallest guy on the court keep running down the lane and making shots."

Simple question for the frustrated Laker. Why didn't anyone play defense against the "...smallest guy on the court running down the lane and making shots?" Perhaps, if Bynum stepped into the lane then running layups would be nullified? NBA Commissioner Stern should be handing out fines, suspensions soon. Not soon enough.

Dallas still has a long way to go. Their dismantling of LA in Phil Jackson's final series is no way for a legendary coach to end a fabulous career. Don't blame Phil. He's every bit as good as advertised. Dallas is simply a much better team.


(www.allworldallsports.com)

NBA Playoff Predictions - Conference Semifinals

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-Digger's Daily-

Ready. Set. Go. Great Semifinal games on deck. The first round of NBA Playoffs produced one huge upset. Memphis knocked off #1 seed San Antonio for their first ever playoff series victory. How far can they go?
Time for round two. Great match-ups will produce thrilling games. Prediction time...

EAST
Boston vs Miami - Much anticipated series will not disappoint... unless you live in South Florida. Miami's big 3 up against one of the best defenses. Boston has more than 3 big time players including one of the leagues deepest benches. Celtics in 5.

Chicago vs Atlanta - #1 seed Chicago dominated Atlanta in regular season action. Chicago is destined for East Conference Finals. Atlanta is a great team but no match for Bulls defense. Chicago sweep.

WEST
Los Angeles vs Dallas - By far the best semi's match-up. How far can the Lakers go? Can Dallas finally shake their playoff failures? Mavs are one of NBA's best teams. Deep & talented but always seem to find new ways to blow playoff series. Lakers are one of the best taking advantage of opponents weaknesses. Lakers bend but don't break D snarls opponents in late game situations. This one will go the distance. Lakers big game pressure wins vs Mavs big game pressure chokes. Lakers in 7.

Oklahoma City vs Memphis - OKC had no problem sending Denver packing in 5. Memphis stunned top seeded San Antonio. Memphis beat OKC in 3 of 4 regular season games. Each game of this series will come down to the final possession. Grizzlies hungry, determined, win in 6.

(www.allworldallsports.com)

2011 NBA Playoff Predictions

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-Digger's Daily-

NBA Playoff basketball is about to begin. Grab a seat and catch all the action. Some great opening round series set to thrill. Don't get overly excited expecting upsets. Then again, over confident teams beware.

EAST
Chicago (62-20) vs Indiana (37-45). The new era of Chicago Bulls basketball has arrived. Bulls own NBA's best record. No let up here. Indiana outclassed. Bulls in 4
Orlando (52-30) vs Atlanta (44-38). Atlanta won the season series 3-1. Expect more of the same as Orlando's playoff misfortunes soon to be highlighted once again. Atlanta in 6.
Miami (58-24) vs Philadelphia (41-41). Is Miami deep enough to win playoff games? Much publicity surrounding this group. Wade, LeBron & Bosh answered the challenge once. Can they do it again. 76ers lucky to be here. Miami rolls in 4.
Boston (556-26) vs New York (42-40). It's been a long time coming. Boston vs New York playoff basketball resumes as the Knicks earned their first post-season trip since '03-04. This was also NY's first winning season in 10 years. Boston is struggling. Can NY pull off a big 1st round upset? Time will tell. Boston in 7.

WEST
San Antonio (61-21) vs Memphis (46-36). Spurs too good to think Memphis has any chance. Spurs sweep.
Los Angeles (57-25) vs New Orleans (46-36). Lakers team is aged, tired and banged up. NO is hungry. The stage is set for an early round upset. Don't bet on it. Lakers own Hornets. LA in 5.
Dallas (57-25) vs Portland (48-34). No team wanted to open up against a hot Portland club. Dallas/Portland split their season series 2 apiece. They match up evenly. Dallas' playoff failures well documented. Get ready to add another chapter. Portland in 7.
Oklahoma City (56-27) vs Denver (50-32). Pick'em. This series matches up evenly on paper. One of the most over looked series outside of respective home cities. Don't miss the action. These teams will thrill. OKC in 7.

(www.allworldallsports.com)

In Case You Missed It...

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-Digger's Daily-

April's been an action packed month of sports news. Highlights and low-lights splashing sports pages throughout our country. Here's a few eye catchers.

GUILTY!
Barry Bonds found guilty of obstruction of justice on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the same jury was unable to reach a verdict on three other counts that the juiced up home run king lied to a grand jury when he denied knowingly using steroids and human growth hormone. Bonds was aided by non-testimony of his sullied friend & trainer Greg Anderson who was in jail for the trial after refusing to testify effectively blocking potentially damaging evidence against Bonds. The judge "... would not let prosecutors present evidence of three alleged positive drug tests by Bonds because his personal trainer and childhood friend, Greg Anderson, refused to testify and there was no one to confirm the samples came from Bonds." (ESPN.com) Barry will forever be tainted and it's about time Major League Baseball recognizes Hank Aaron as the games true home run king.

The Masters
Any viewer lucky enough to watch Sunday's Masters finale witnessed a spectacular finish. Rory McIlroy was in command at -11 heading into final round action. One missed swing after another quickly shattered visions of glory. Before it was over McIlroy limped into the clubhouse after shooting an 80. Eventual champion Charl Schwartzel proceeded to steal the show with 4 consecutive birdies on the final 4 holes to earn his first Green Jacket! Tiger Woods thrilled fans with a super five under front nine. Schwartzel was hottest and walked off the 18th hole with a much deserved victory.

MLB
It didn't take long for injury bugs to swirl around the league. 2010 MVP Josh Hamilton was involved in the dumbest play of 2011. Hamilton was standing on third with one out. Adrian Beltre batting and a red hot Nelson Cruz on deck. Beltre skied one in foul territory near the third base dugout. For some strange reason, Texas 3B coach Dave Anderson instructed Hamilton to tag up and attempt scoring. When all was said and done Hamilton was out by a mile and broke his upper right arm. The AL's reigning MVP is now out for at least 8 weeks and probably longer. What major league coach tells a runner to tag up on a 30 foot foul pop to kill an inning? And... now Texas is without their top threat. Absolutely unbelievable. Hamilton did err on the play too. He dove head first into home plate. Big mistakes all around. Anderson should be demoted on sheer stupidity!

NFL
NFL and NFLPA are no closer to reaching a new collective bargaining agreement. Good news though. Even though a 2011 season seems doomed not to exist... the NFL released a pre-season schedule. Hmm, perhaps it's time owners started thinking of replacement players.

NHL - NBA Playoffs
Will new champions be crowned in the 2010-11 playoff season? If you're a hockey or hoops fan then buckle up for great first round match-ups. NHL Eastern Conference games don't get any better than this: Boston vs Montreal, Rangers vs Washington and Buffalo vs Philadelphia bring back memories of 70's era classic games. The faces may have changed but bet your bottom dollar the intensity hasn't.
NBA regular season ends this evening. Only playoff seeds remain to be determined.

Kobe Bryant Slur
NBA fines Kobe $100,000 for a gay slur. Are you kidding me? Just how overly sensitive has the USA become? Kobe did not rant. He did not storm the court flailing away screaming obscenities. Here's an athlete who muttered one word during the heat of battle. BIG DEAL. Evidently, the NBA though it was a big enough deal to levy a six digit fine. In a world where freedoms are being taken away day by day this one smarts. I do not condone what Kobe said. Not one bit. However, does it warrant a six digit fine? (Or any fine for that matter?). Not a chance. Kobe's apologized and is currently attempting damage control. Had Kobe made an issue or refused an apology or deeper inflamed a situation then "maybe" league intervention could be tolerated. Not like this. No how. No way. "Hey Commissioner Stern... you're....!"

(www.allworldallsports.com)

Power Rankings Movers & Shakers

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-Digger's Daily-

Rankings shake up from league to league...

MLB
1 - Philadelphia Phillies
2 - San Francisco Giants
3 - Chicago White Sox
4 - Boston Red Sox
5 - Minnesota Twins
6 - Oakland A's
7 - New York Yankees
8 - Atlanta Braves
9 - Texas Rangers
10- Los Angeles Angels

NHL
1 - Vancouver Canucks
2 - Philadelphia Flyers
3 - Detroit Red Wings
4 - Boston Bruins
5 - San Jose Sharks
6 - Tampa Bay Lightning
7 - Washington Capitals
8 - Pittsburgh Penguins
9 - Chicago Black Hawks
10- Montreal Canadiens

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

2011 NCAA Men's Basketball (as of 2/28/11)
1 - Ohio State
2 - Kansas
3 - Bringham Young
4 - Duke
5 - Pittsburgh
6 - San Diego State
7 - Purdue
8 - Texas
9 - Notre Dame
10- Syracuse

NCAA Women's Basketball (as of 2/28/11)
1 - Connecticut
2 - Tennessee
3 - Baylor
4 - Stanford
5 - Duke
6 - Texas A&M
7 - UCLA
8 - Xavier
9 - Miami
10- Notre Dame

NFL
*Countdown to lockout*


(www.allworldallsports.com)

Power Rankings Movers & Shakers

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-Digger's Daily-

Happy Valentine's Day! Power rankings may not be happy for all as teams keep moving in, out, up and down lists. Let's get right to it...

MLB (pre-season)
1 - Philadelphia Phillies
2 - Boston Red Sox
3 - Oakland A's
4 - Tampa Bay Rays
5 - San Francisco Giants
6 - Minnesota Twins
7 - Chicago White Sox
8 - New York Yankees
9 - Los Angeles Angels
10- Atlanta Braves

NFL
1 - Green Bay Packers
2 - Pittsburgh Steelers
3 - New York Jets
4 - Baltimore Ravens
5 - New England Patriots
6 - Chicago Bears
7 - New Orleans Saints
8 - Philadelphia Eagles
9 - New York Giants
10- Kansas City Chiefs

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

NHL
1 - Vancouver Canucks
2 - Philadelphia Flyers
3 - Detroit Red Wings
4 - Pittsburgh Penguins
5 - Boston Bruins
6 - Dallas Stars
7 - Tampa Bay Lightning
8 - Washington Capitals
9 - Anaheim Ducks
10- Phoenix Coyotes

NCAA Men's Basketball
1 - Kansas
2 - Ohio State
3 - Texas
4 - Pittsburgh
5 - Duke
6 - San Diego State
7 - Brigham Young
8 - Notre Dame
9 - Georgetown
10- Purdue

NCAA Women's Basketball
1 - Connecticut
2 - Duke
3 - Tennessee
4 - Baylor
5 - Texas A&M
6 - Stanford
7 - UCLA
8 - Xavier
9 - Notre Dame
10- Michigan State

(www.allworldallsports.com)

Power Rankings: Week of December 12

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-Digger's Daily-

NBA
San Antonio (20-3) has the early season hot hand in the West. Dallas (19-4) is right on their trail. Its' been the Amare Stoudemire show on Broadway leading the Knicks (16-9) to 8 consecutive victories. Carmelo Anthony is pressing to become a Knick by disclosing intentions not to sign a lucrative $65M extension unless he's traded to New York. NBA has been action filled in 2010. Here's how they rank thru Sunday's games.

TOP 10
1 - San Antonio
2 - Boston
3 - Dallas
4 - Lakers
5 - Miami
6 - Oklahoma City
7 - Orlando
8 - Utah
9 - Atlanta
10- New York

NHL
NHL's worst team? Is there any doubt? No. New York Islanders (5-17-5) own this unfortunate distinction. New York lost out in a bid for a new arena. Front office is and has been one of the league's worst for years. As bad as things are for Islanders fans, Devils fans are perplexed to find their team only 3 points ahead of NY.

On the bright side. Pittsburgh (21-8-2) is the only 20 game winner so far after beginning the season 6-7-1. Sidney Crosby (Pit) leads all NHL point scorers (51) and goals (26).

TOP 10
1 - Pittsburgh
2 - Detroit
3 - Philadelphia
4 - Washington
5 - Montreal
6 - Boston
7 - Vancouver
8 - Dallas
9 - Phoenix
10- Los Angeles


NFL
It's official. Brett Favre's NFL record 297 consecutive game streak is over! It's been a miserable season in Minnesota. Coach fired, team struggling, players hurt and Vikings losing more than they win. Favre's final NFL is not quite what Minnesota fans wished for after their team came within a couple of plays of advancing to last year's Super Bowl.

Winter weather crippled the northwest over the weekend. Giants plane was diverted away from Minnesota due to a blinding blizzard. Making matters worse, the Metrodome roof caved in from immense weight of snow (video) The game was canceled and rescheduled for play tonight at 7:20 pm in Detroit.

The playoff picture is cloudy. Many teams are in the hunt with only three games to go. Huge divisional battles looming in upcoming games.

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

(www.allworldallsports.com)

Power Ranking the Majors

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-Digger's Daily-

Doesn't every sports season seem to keep getting better from year to year? Intensity has never been higher all sports venues. College and Pro Football teams fighting for every inch. NBA & NHL teams adjusting to early season successes, failures and costly roster injuries. Baseball news making waves as well.
"All World All Sports" Power Rankings (Top 10)

NFL
Add Minnesota to the list of coaching changes. Childress is out. Defensive Coordinator Frazier takes over for under performing 3-7 Vikes. Giants (6-4) handed another game away and lost another offensive weapon (WR Nicks, 3 weeks). Eli Manning has been careless with the football in all New York losses. Philadelphia (7-3) climbs the power ranking charts. Michael Vick is a human highlight reel. Watch out for this team when January rolls around. Eagles suddenly looking Super. Jets (8-2) continue Super trash talk after another tough victory (30-27). Last minute heroics have become the norm and confidence has never been higher in the Meadlowlands. Everything is clicking in Atlanta (8-2). Look out Dan Marino. Another record could fall this season. Chargers (5-5) Rivers is having an MVP style season for injury depleted San Diego. He's taking dead aim at Marino's single season passing yards record of 5,084 (Rivers has 3,177). Kansas City and Tampa Bay are for real. They're taking advantage of early soft schedules. KC has it easier on paper. TB's test of true mettle comes soon enough. Either way, these teams have had a successful rebounding year.

1 - New York Jets
2 - Atlanta Falcons
3 - New England Patriots
4 - Baltimore Ravens
5 - New Orleans Saints
6 - Green Bay Packers
7 - Pittsburgh Steelers
8 - Philadelphia Eagles
9 - Chicago Bears
10- New York Giants


NCAA
Oregon seems to be everyone's #1. So why have I consistently ranked Auburn higher? Strength of schedule. Auburn's remaining games vs #11 Alabama & #18 South Carolina will not be easy. This marks 5 games vs top 20 teams.
Only 4 undefeated college teams remain (Auburn, Oregon, Boise State, TCU). Bowl match-ups far from determined in this anything can happen season. Two weeks remain in the regular season. Intensity increasing by the play.

1 - Auburn
2 - Oregon
3 - Boise State
4 - TCU
5 - Wisconsin
6 - LSU
7 - Stanford
8 - Ohio State
9 - Oklahoma State
10- Michigan State


NBA
Injuries are beginning to creep up. Miami is without Haslem. Celtics Rondo's gimpy. Houston lost Ming. Has anyone been watching Spurs games? They're streaking. 11 in a row! It's been a complete team effort. In my view, NBA has 3 categories of teams. Great, strong and give it up. We're barely 15 games into the young season and the standings have split quickly. Upper teams will jockey for positioning all year as fading teams attempt their best floating techniques.

1 - Los Angeles Lakers
2 - San Antonio Spurs
3 - New Orleans Hornets
4 - Oklahoma City Thunder
5 - Boston Celtics
6 - Orlando Magic
7 - Dallas Mavericks
8 - Utah Jazz
9 - Miami Heat
10- Chicago Bulls


NHL
New York Islanders fans suffering again. Teased into believing 2010-11 was to be Cinderella-like after beginning 4-1-2. 13 straight defeats cured illusions, or should I say, delusions? New Jersey & Edmonton have looked terrible. Most other teams seem to be playing competitive hockey. Consistency missing? Or, it is league balance from team to team?

1 - Detroit Red Wings
2 - Washington Capitals
3 - Philadelphia Flyers
4 - Montreal Canadiens
5 - Boston Bruins
6 - Los Angeles Kings
7 - Phoenix Coyotes
8 - Colorado Avalanche
9 - Columbus Blue Jackets
10- Tampa Bay Lightning


MLB
Joey Votto NL MVP. Ron Gardenhire (AL), Bud Black (NL) Managers of the Year. Felix Hernandez (AL) & Roy Halladay (NL) Cy Young Award winners. AL MVP announced later today. I'm in agreement with all but one. Bud Black's team collapsed in September after leading the NL West for most of the year. Dusty Baker held together a young team who stunned everyone outside of Cincinnati to win the Central.
Yanks vs Jeter in contract negotiations has been front page sports fodder. Yanks not winning any PR wars. Across town rival Mets announced new GM Alderson. In a buddy system type of move, Mets hired Terry Collins as new manager. This move needs to work out. Priority number one must now be to sign the perfect player for CitiField. Carl Crawford. Mets will be biggest off season free agent losers if Crawford isn't #1 target. Why is it no team aggressively pursues Adam Dunn? Do teams not want a 40 homer, .400 OBA player? Free agent frenzy news to start picking up steam as 2010 barrels towards December 31st. Power ranking baseball teams is a bit meaningless when so many personnel uncertainties remain questions of the day for most teams.

1 - Philadelphia Phillies
2 - San Francisco Giants
3 - Minnesota Twins
4 - New York Yankees
5 - Texas Rangers
6 - Atlanta Braves
7 - Boston Red Sox
8 - Chicago White Sox
9 - Cincinnati Reds
10- St. Louis Cardinals

(www.allworldallsports.com)

NBA 2010-11 Predictions

"All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Los Angeles Lakers enter the new season as defending NBA Champions. There's a long list of talented teams ready to take dead aim at winning the title. Many players changed teams via free agency and rumors are swirling of another blockbuster deal in the works.

2010-11 might go down as one of the NBA's most competitive ever. All divisions may not be decided until the final game. The league has never been filled with so much talent at the same time. Highlights films will dazzle.

The NBA's future is now. Looming in the not too distant future is a potential lock-out or strike next year. NBA owners and players association have been meeting trying to figure out a new collective bargaining agreement. Both sides are very far apart on serious issues.

So, who's going to win it all? MVP? Rookie? Defensive standout? Scoring champ?

All World All Sports NBA 2010-11 Regular Season Forecast:

EASTERN CONFERENCE
ATLANTIC
1- Boston*
2- New York
3- Toronto
4- Philadelphia
5- New Jersey

CENTRAL
1- Chicago*
2- Milwaukee*
3- Indiana*
4- Cleveland
5- Detroit

SOUTHEAST
1- Orlando*
2- Miami*
3- Atlanta*
4- Charlotte*
5- Washington

WESTERN CONFERENCE
NORTHWEST
1- Oklahoma City*
2- Utah*
3- Portland*
4- Denver*
5- Minnesota

PACIFIC
1- Lakers*
2- Phoenix*
3- Clippers
4- Golden State
5- Sacramento

SOUTHWEST
1- Dallas*
2- San Antonio*
3- Houston
4- Memphis
5- New Orleans

MVP: Dwight Howard (Orlando)
COACH: Scott Brooks (OKC)
FINALS: Lakers over Orlando

Power Rankings Movers & Shakers

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-Digger's Daily-

Who's number one? Yankees or Phillies? How about those Texas Rangers? Ohio State or Oregon? Washington or Detroit? Seasons are changing. Baseball is fading as the Fall Classic is only days away. Football is going full steam. NBA & NHL are on the launch pad.

Top 10

MLB
1- Phillies
2- Yankees
3- Rangers
4- Giants
5-10 season over
(Playoff previews later this week).

NBA
1- Lakers
2- Magic
3- Celtics
4- Heat
5- Mavericks
6- Suns
7- Spurs
8- Thunder
9- Bulls
10-Trail Blazers

NCAA
1- Ohio State
2- Oregon
3- Boise State
4- Oklahoma
5- Auburn
6- TCU
7- Nebraska
8- LSU
9- Michigan State
10-Alabama

A tremendous season in progress.

NFL
1- Jets
2- Ravens
3- Steelers
4- Bears
5- Falcons
6- Patriots
7- Chiefs
8- Giants
9- Redskins
10-Titans
Team will be moving up and down this list all season long.

NHL
1- Capitals
2- Red Wings
3- Sharks
4- Maple Leafs
5- Canucks
6- Flyers
7- Bruins
8- Lightning
9- Blues
10-Kings


(www.allworldallsports.com)

Power Rankings Movers & Shakers

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-Digger's Daily-

Who's number one? Always the question of the day debated around water coolers and typed away on favorite team message boards from coast to coast. Has Tampa Bay or Kansas City cracked the NFL top 10? The Yankees own baseball's best record. Are they tops in the game? Plenty of undefeated teams crowding the college polls.

Power ranking time. Here's how they stack up on my lists.

MLB
1 - Minnesota Twins
2 - Philadelphia Phillies
3 - New York Yankees
4 - Tampa Bay Rays
5 - San Francisco Giants
6 - Texas Rangers
7 - Cincinnati Reds
8 - Colorado Rockies
9 - Atlanta Braves
10- Boston Red Sox

NCAA
1 - Alabama
2 - Ohio State
3 - Texas
4 - TCU
5 - Boise State
6 - Nebraska
7 - Oregon
8 - Oklahoma
9 - Arkansas
10- Wisconsin

NFL
1 - New Orleans Saints
2 - Green Bay Packers
3 - Pittsburgh Steelers
4 - Houston Texans
5 - San Diego Chargers
6 - Indianapolis Colts
7 - Miami Dolphins
8 - Baltimore Ravens
9 - Atlanta Falcons
10- Chicago Bears

NBA
1 - Los Angeles Lakers
2 - Orlando Magic
3 - Boston Celtics
4 - Dallas Mavericks
5 - Miami Heat
6 - Atlanta Hawks
7 - Utah Jazz
8 - Phoenix Suns
9 - San Antonio Spurs
10- Cleveland Cavaliers

NHL
1 - Chicago Blackhawks
2 - Washington Capitals
3 - Pittsburgh Penguins
4 - Detroit Red Wings
5 - San Jose Sharks
6 - New Jersey Devils
7 - Vancouver Canucks
8 - Boston Bruins
9 - Buffalo Sabres
10- Phoenix Coyotes

In depth break downs soon to follow. Big names bringing new enthusiasm to already talented NBA & NHL teams. Heismann Trophy watch is ticking. There's plenty to talk about. Stay tuned....
(www.allworldallsports.com)