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-Digger's Weekly-
They're back! After one of the ugliest weekends in NFL history replacement refs are out and NFL first line officials are coming back. NFL action was way too fast for low level replacements. Unfortunately, many games have been determined by bad officiating culminated by Monday Night's final play when one ref signaled interception & another (standing 6 inches away) declared game winning touchdown. What a joke. I can't begin imagining what was going on in Las Vegas sportsbooks. Disaster.
My picks have been consistant. 8-8 for the 3rd week in a row. Season total is 24-24. Things would be much different if not for NFL putting out substandard scenario.
Here we go... Week 4 kicks off later tonight (home team in CAPS).
THURSDAY
RAVENS 27 Browns 3
SUNDAY
FALCONS 31 Panthers 20
Patriots 27 BILLS 23
LIONS 27 Vikings 20
Chargers 34 CHIEFS 24
Seahawks 24 RAMS 10
49ers 33 JETS 7
TEXANS 28 Titans 17
Bengals 27 JAGUARS 21
CARDINALS 20 Dolphins 17
BRONCOS 27 Raiders 24
PACKERS 38 Saints 31
Redskins 26 BUCS 14
Giants 35 EAGLES 21
MONDAY
Bears 24 COWBOYS 23
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Take it Easy on NFL Replacement Referees!
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-Digger's Weekly-
Fans, players and coaches need to quickly realize the current crop of replacement referees are doing the best they can under extremely difficult and unfortunate circumstances. Everyone needs to understand these replacements are low on the totem pole. Quick meaning: the top refs are in NCAA division I representing hundreds of games. Don't forget about refs covering Division II. Division III. Figure into the equation the remaining top refs operating top high school divisions. Who was left? Imagine drafting a first year NFL team and not being allowed a single draft pick until round 7? In reality, none of them are rated within the top 300 (perhaps 500). It's not a knock - just a cold hard reality.
This is what we have folks. Personally, even with all of the confusion and missed calls, these fine men deserve a pat on the back and a beer! Professional NFL officiating crews have worked together for years. Replacement refs have been thrown together at the last minute. Their resumes consist of officiating much slower paced games well below NFL levels. So, everyone suck it up and play ball. Give these guys a break.
Now for the bigger issue...
Let's get one thing straight. The National Football League's failure successfully negotiate terms and adequately compensate professional referees is a travesty. Cutting right through all the nonsense I offer this question: How does the NFL Commissioner and owners justify failing to uphold the integrity of professional football by locking out the best of the best? Impossible.
How do owners justify paying players millions and not preserving the integrity of games?
While no one knows the exact details of current negotiations one thing seems certain. The league is satisfied with the status quo. If you're telling me the league can't pony up from various cash cows then we really have a problem. The owners are savvy businessmen so finding a common ground shouldn't be as difficult as things currently seem.
Speaking of problems - integrity of games. Look at how many stoppages we've witnessed in the first two weeks. Continuity and cohesiveness of gameplay is suffering due to multiple huddles, missed calls, invisible calls and extending time spent determining what to do. The pace of a few games has been agonizing. The game is just too fast for the replacements. They've been thrown into the toughest of situations with the entire football world analyzing every single move made. They're just in over their collective heads. I don't blame them at all for events happening on the field. Not one bit. It's a league problem and Commissioner Goodall needs to rectify this mess in a hurry.
Is there a larger unspoken problem on the horizon? What if one or two or three replacement refs aren't on the up and up. Stating the obvious... there's a gambling element out there looking to capitalize on current events. Temptation dangled in front of refs with nothing to lose, especially after being chastised week after week, makes them easy prey. It wouldn't be the first time refs were approached to fix games. Hopefully, the league is policing these guys. But, one can't be everywhere all the time so we'll probably never know until it's too late (or not at all).
-Digger's Weekly-
Fans, players and coaches need to quickly realize the current crop of replacement referees are doing the best they can under extremely difficult and unfortunate circumstances. Everyone needs to understand these replacements are low on the totem pole. Quick meaning: the top refs are in NCAA division I representing hundreds of games. Don't forget about refs covering Division II. Division III. Figure into the equation the remaining top refs operating top high school divisions. Who was left? Imagine drafting a first year NFL team and not being allowed a single draft pick until round 7? In reality, none of them are rated within the top 300 (perhaps 500). It's not a knock - just a cold hard reality.
This is what we have folks. Personally, even with all of the confusion and missed calls, these fine men deserve a pat on the back and a beer! Professional NFL officiating crews have worked together for years. Replacement refs have been thrown together at the last minute. Their resumes consist of officiating much slower paced games well below NFL levels. So, everyone suck it up and play ball. Give these guys a break.
Now for the bigger issue...
Let's get one thing straight. The National Football League's failure successfully negotiate terms and adequately compensate professional referees is a travesty. Cutting right through all the nonsense I offer this question: How does the NFL Commissioner and owners justify failing to uphold the integrity of professional football by locking out the best of the best? Impossible.
How do owners justify paying players millions and not preserving the integrity of games?
While no one knows the exact details of current negotiations one thing seems certain. The league is satisfied with the status quo. If you're telling me the league can't pony up from various cash cows then we really have a problem. The owners are savvy businessmen so finding a common ground shouldn't be as difficult as things currently seem.
Speaking of problems - integrity of games. Look at how many stoppages we've witnessed in the first two weeks. Continuity and cohesiveness of gameplay is suffering due to multiple huddles, missed calls, invisible calls and extending time spent determining what to do. The pace of a few games has been agonizing. The game is just too fast for the replacements. They've been thrown into the toughest of situations with the entire football world analyzing every single move made. They're just in over their collective heads. I don't blame them at all for events happening on the field. Not one bit. It's a league problem and Commissioner Goodall needs to rectify this mess in a hurry.
Is there a larger unspoken problem on the horizon? What if one or two or three replacement refs aren't on the up and up. Stating the obvious... there's a gambling element out there looking to capitalize on current events. Temptation dangled in front of refs with nothing to lose, especially after being chastised week after week, makes them easy prey. It wouldn't be the first time refs were approached to fix games. Hopefully, the league is policing these guys. But, one can't be everywhere all the time so we'll probably never know until it's too late (or not at all).
2012 NFL Predictions: Week 3
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-Digger's Weekly-
Week 2 was full of surprises. New England was stunned by Arizona. New Orleans rocked by Carolina. Seattle thoroughly bullied Dallas. Once hopeful Raiders (0-2) fans watched their team get whooped again. On the bright side - perrenial slow starting San Diego begins 2012 on fire (2-0). Chargers played below potential in recent years with very talented squads. Maybe their time has finally arrived? Same question for this week's opponent Atlanta.
After two weeks in the books only 6 teams sport 2-0 records (Philadelphia, Atlanta, Arizona, San Francisco, Houston and San Diego). 5 of 6 winless teams reside in the AFC (Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, KC and Oakland). New Orleans is the lone NFC 0'fer adding pain to locals after a brutal off-season.
When Week 2 was all said and done another mediocre 8-8 record was posted bringing my season total to 16-16. Week 3 represents pivotal early season games involving teams searching for consistency. It's getting late in a hurry for discombobulated squads.
Here's how Week 3 plays out (home team in CAPS).
Thursday
Giants 35 PANTHERS 14
Sunday
BEARS 31 Rams 27
Bills 30 BROWNS 14
COWBOYS 20 Buccaneers 17
DOLPHINS 27 Jets 7
49ers 31 VIKINGS 3
SAINTS 34 Chiefs 27
REDSKINS 24 Bengals 23
Lions 28 TITANS 21
Jaguars 24 COLTS 20
Eagles 33 CARDINALS 17
Falcons 30 CHARGERS 28
Texans 34 BRONCOS 33
Steelers 20 RAIDERS 10
RAVENS 27 Patriots 17
Monday
Packers 42 SEAHAWKS 20
Thursday, September 13, 2012
2012 NFL Predictions: Week 2
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-Digger's Weekly-
The NFL kicked off 2012 regular season action last week. Dallas opened up the new season by dumping defending champion Giants. Peyton Manning's comeback went smoothly in Denver's romp over Pittsburgh. San Francisco proved 2011 wasn't a fluke. Week 1 stunner was Washington's 40-32 upset in New Orleans.
Week 2 features another week of great games. My crystal ball was a bit quirky last week. 8-8 to begin the season isn't quite what I had in mind. Time to right the ship....
Week 2 Predictions:
THURSDAY
PACKERS 33 Bears 21
SUNDAY
BILLS 23 Chiefs 17
BENGALS 24 Browns 17
Vikings 21 COLTS 14
Saints 33 PANTHERS 31
Texans 27 JAGUARS 13
Raiders 28 DOLPHINS 14
PATRIOTS 48 Cardinals 10
GIANTS 30 Bucs 14
Ravens 24 EAGLES 17
Redskins 30 RAMS 20
Cowboys 27 SEAHAWKS 21
STEELERS 20 Jets 17
CHARGERS 35 Titans 10
49ERS 28 Lions 20
MONDAY
Broncos 31 FALCONS 28
-Digger's Weekly-
The NFL kicked off 2012 regular season action last week. Dallas opened up the new season by dumping defending champion Giants. Peyton Manning's comeback went smoothly in Denver's romp over Pittsburgh. San Francisco proved 2011 wasn't a fluke. Week 1 stunner was Washington's 40-32 upset in New Orleans.
Week 2 features another week of great games. My crystal ball was a bit quirky last week. 8-8 to begin the season isn't quite what I had in mind. Time to right the ship....
Week 2 Predictions:
THURSDAY
PACKERS 33 Bears 21
SUNDAY
BILLS 23 Chiefs 17
BENGALS 24 Browns 17
Vikings 21 COLTS 14
Saints 33 PANTHERS 31
Texans 27 JAGUARS 13
Raiders 28 DOLPHINS 14
PATRIOTS 48 Cardinals 10
GIANTS 30 Bucs 14
Ravens 24 EAGLES 17
Redskins 30 RAMS 20
Cowboys 27 SEAHAWKS 21
STEELERS 20 Jets 17
CHARGERS 35 Titans 10
49ERS 28 Lions 20
MONDAY
Broncos 31 FALCONS 28
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
2012 NFL Predictions: Week 1
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-Digger's Weekly-
Defending Super Bowl XLVI champion New York Giants kick off the new 2012 season at home against division rival Dallas Cowboys. Does New York have what it takes to repeat? Can Cowboys QB Tony Romo finally figure out what it means to be a team "leader"?
Digger's 2011 regular season prediction record finished 163-92 (64.1%). Time to polish off the crystal ball for our 2012 version.
Week 1 (Home team in CAPS)
WEDNESDAY
NEW YORK GIANTS 37 Dallas Cowboys 20
SUNDAY
CHICAGO BEARS 26 Indianapolis Colts 3
Philadelphia Eagles 23 CLEVELAND BROWNS 14
New England Patriots 38 TENNESSEE TITANS 17
Atlanta Falcons 28 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 27
Jacksonville Jaguars 21 MINNESOTA VIKINGS 17
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 44 Washington Redskins 10
Buffalo Bills 27 NEW YORK JETS 9
DETROIT LIONS 30 St. Louis Rams 20
HOUSTON TEXANS 31 Miami Dolphins 23
GREEN BAY PACKERS 28 San Francisco 49ers 16
Seattle Seahawks 24 Arizona Cardinals 17
Carolina Panthers 35 TAMPA BAY BUCS 14
DENVER BRONCOS 20 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
MONDAY
BALTIMORE RAVENS 26 Cincinnati Bengals 13
OAKLAND RAIDERS 37 San Diego Chargers 31
-Digger's Weekly-
Defending Super Bowl XLVI champion New York Giants kick off the new 2012 season at home against division rival Dallas Cowboys. Does New York have what it takes to repeat? Can Cowboys QB Tony Romo finally figure out what it means to be a team "leader"?
Digger's 2011 regular season prediction record finished 163-92 (64.1%). Time to polish off the crystal ball for our 2012 version.
Week 1 (Home team in CAPS)
WEDNESDAY
NEW YORK GIANTS 37 Dallas Cowboys 20
SUNDAY
CHICAGO BEARS 26 Indianapolis Colts 3
Philadelphia Eagles 23 CLEVELAND BROWNS 14
New England Patriots 38 TENNESSEE TITANS 17
Atlanta Falcons 28 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 27
Jacksonville Jaguars 21 MINNESOTA VIKINGS 17
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 44 Washington Redskins 10
Buffalo Bills 27 NEW YORK JETS 9
DETROIT LIONS 30 St. Louis Rams 20
HOUSTON TEXANS 31 Miami Dolphins 23
GREEN BAY PACKERS 28 San Francisco 49ers 16
Seattle Seahawks 24 Arizona Cardinals 17
Carolina Panthers 35 TAMPA BAY BUCS 14
DENVER BRONCOS 20 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
MONDAY
BALTIMORE RAVENS 26 Cincinnati Bengals 13
OAKLAND RAIDERS 37 San Diego Chargers 31
Thursday, August 23, 2012
2012 NFL Preview: Will New England Patriots Recover from Super Loss?
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-Digger's Weekly-
Deja vu? The New England Patriots (13-3) did it again in Super Bowl XLVI. Another brilliant late fourth quarter touchdown drive by the New York Giants stunned the Patriots and turned a victory into a bitter 21-17 defeat. In 2007, New York stunned the Pats by way of a miracle finish to end their perfect season attempt, 17-14. Has New England healed? Can they repeat as AFC Champs?
It all begins and ends with QB Tom Brady. Brady had a spectacular regular season finishing with 5,235 yards & 39 TD. 17 TD passes went to All Pro TE & fantasy stud Rod Gronkowski. WR Wes Welker snagged 122 receptions & 1,569 yards. Make no mistake, Patriots are pass first offense. All teams know it. Very few can defend. Now, add WR Brandon Lloyd into the mix for 2012. One of these days New England will spend a few bucks to sign a featured runningback. This team would be unstoppable with a bruising back. Just think, the Pats success has been accomplished without a bonified featured back. Rise or fall on Tom Brady's right arm.
Defense is a deceiving. New England displayed a bend but don't break style of play in recent years. It's hard for teams to keep up with a talented offense which almost seems to score at will during regular season action. Defenses always look better with an early 14-0 cushion. Guess what? Patriots made some key additions via draft. Coach Bill Belichik is a drafting guru. He picked up Syracuse DE Chandler Jones and Alabama LB Dont'e Hightower in the first round. If they mature quickly - then this defense just got a whole lot better in a hurry.
Projection: Very few coaches, if any, design better game plans week to week than Belichik. AFC East will be decided early. Patriots cruise to 12 wins if Brady remains healthy.
-Digger's Weekly-
Deja vu? The New England Patriots (13-3) did it again in Super Bowl XLVI. Another brilliant late fourth quarter touchdown drive by the New York Giants stunned the Patriots and turned a victory into a bitter 21-17 defeat. In 2007, New York stunned the Pats by way of a miracle finish to end their perfect season attempt, 17-14. Has New England healed? Can they repeat as AFC Champs?
It all begins and ends with QB Tom Brady. Brady had a spectacular regular season finishing with 5,235 yards & 39 TD. 17 TD passes went to All Pro TE & fantasy stud Rod Gronkowski. WR Wes Welker snagged 122 receptions & 1,569 yards. Make no mistake, Patriots are pass first offense. All teams know it. Very few can defend. Now, add WR Brandon Lloyd into the mix for 2012. One of these days New England will spend a few bucks to sign a featured runningback. This team would be unstoppable with a bruising back. Just think, the Pats success has been accomplished without a bonified featured back. Rise or fall on Tom Brady's right arm.
Defense is a deceiving. New England displayed a bend but don't break style of play in recent years. It's hard for teams to keep up with a talented offense which almost seems to score at will during regular season action. Defenses always look better with an early 14-0 cushion. Guess what? Patriots made some key additions via draft. Coach Bill Belichik is a drafting guru. He picked up Syracuse DE Chandler Jones and Alabama LB Dont'e Hightower in the first round. If they mature quickly - then this defense just got a whole lot better in a hurry.
Projection: Very few coaches, if any, design better game plans week to week than Belichik. AFC East will be decided early. Patriots cruise to 12 wins if Brady remains healthy.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
2012 NFL Preview: Doomsday in Dallas
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-Digger's Weekly-
Doomsday's will be every Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the Dallas Cowboys in 2012 action. Dallas fans can always hope for the best - smart one's already preparing for the worst.
Dallas was 7-4 last season before losing 4 of their final 5 games including two to divisional rival and eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. I hope New York players sent thank you notes to Dallas - maybe even kick in some championship gear/merchandise in apppreciation. 2012 says all signs point to Dallas continuing where they left off - losing.
The Cowboys offensive line is dreadful. It will be very hard for these guys to create running lanes for DeMarco Murray and protection for QB Tony Romo. Believe it or not, Romo still hasn't developed into Dallas' team leader after 6 years as starting quarterback! They have key weapons with Romo, Murray and speedsters Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. Big loss during pre-season action is TE Jason Witten. Witten is supposed to be ready to go by their regular season opener - just not at 100%. Losing Witten for any extended time or playing less than 100% will hurt. Romo's offense lacks rythm & consistency. It's hard to do with defenders racing thru one of the leagues worst offensive lines. Stat-wise, Romo's great for fantasy football coaches. As a player, it might be time for a blockbuster trade. Fans patience has worn thin and he probably won't be missed after another lackluster season.
Defense has strengths and weaknesses. Top draft pick in Big D is LSU's cornerback Morris Claiborne. This unit is the key if the 'Boys are to have any success this season. It won't be pretty. A maturing group will get better - it's just not their time yet. 3-4 scheme isn't doing this team any favors either. I'm not a fan of 3-4 defenses as running games can roam wild and passers get all day to pick apart secondaries. Not a good mixture. Defense must set up offense with short field opportunities. If pre-season offensive struggles carry over into regular season action then defense will be gassed early and often.
Projection: A tough season to be a Cowboys fan. Perhaps Texas Rangers playoff success can mask over the coming football season. Doom & gloom. Crystal ball says 6 wins if they're lucky.
-Digger's Weekly-
Doomsday's will be every Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the Dallas Cowboys in 2012 action. Dallas fans can always hope for the best - smart one's already preparing for the worst.
Dallas was 7-4 last season before losing 4 of their final 5 games including two to divisional rival and eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. I hope New York players sent thank you notes to Dallas - maybe even kick in some championship gear/merchandise in apppreciation. 2012 says all signs point to Dallas continuing where they left off - losing.
The Cowboys offensive line is dreadful. It will be very hard for these guys to create running lanes for DeMarco Murray and protection for QB Tony Romo. Believe it or not, Romo still hasn't developed into Dallas' team leader after 6 years as starting quarterback! They have key weapons with Romo, Murray and speedsters Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. Big loss during pre-season action is TE Jason Witten. Witten is supposed to be ready to go by their regular season opener - just not at 100%. Losing Witten for any extended time or playing less than 100% will hurt. Romo's offense lacks rythm & consistency. It's hard to do with defenders racing thru one of the leagues worst offensive lines. Stat-wise, Romo's great for fantasy football coaches. As a player, it might be time for a blockbuster trade. Fans patience has worn thin and he probably won't be missed after another lackluster season.
Defense has strengths and weaknesses. Top draft pick in Big D is LSU's cornerback Morris Claiborne. This unit is the key if the 'Boys are to have any success this season. It won't be pretty. A maturing group will get better - it's just not their time yet. 3-4 scheme isn't doing this team any favors either. I'm not a fan of 3-4 defenses as running games can roam wild and passers get all day to pick apart secondaries. Not a good mixture. Defense must set up offense with short field opportunities. If pre-season offensive struggles carry over into regular season action then defense will be gassed early and often.
Projection: A tough season to be a Cowboys fan. Perhaps Texas Rangers playoff success can mask over the coming football season. Doom & gloom. Crystal ball says 6 wins if they're lucky.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
2012 NFL Preview: NY Giants - Repeat or Retreat?
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-Digger's Daily-
Super Bowl XLVI Champion New York Giants will attempt to do something never done before in New York football history - repeat as Super Bowl champions.
2011 was a wild ride for the Giants and their fans. New York began the year winning 6 of 8 before a sudden four game slide had many wondering if they would - or could - win again. Win they did. Talk about getting hot at the right time. The Giants lost only one more game the rest of the way by playing opportune football to win the NFC East with a modest 9-7 record.
When playoff time rolled around all eyes were focused on 15-1 Green Bay, 13-3 New Orleans & 13-3 San Francisco. The Giants clicked. Their defense was on fire. Eli Manning near flawless and a cast of wide receivers making one crutial catch after another. New York crushed Atlanta 24-2 in Wild Card action. They thumped a beleaguered Packers squad 37-20 in Divisionals. Went toe to toe with hard hitting 49ers, winning on an overtime FG (20-17). Not many gave them a shot against any playoff opponent - especially against 13-3 New England in SB XLVI. Did the Giants worry? Not a chance, at least not publicly, especially after knocking off a previously undefeated Patriots team for Super Bowl glory back in 2007. Guess what? The Giants did it again with late game heroics on their way to a 21-17 victory.
So what's in store for 2012? Repeat or retreat? I'm betting this years Giants squad wins at least 8 of 10 before their week 11 bye. This is a healthy squad heading into the new season unless pre-season knocks out key performers. Eli Manning is back and loaded with weapons on offense. Undrafted WR Victor Cruz quickly established himself as a premier receiver and fan favorite. LSU WR Ruben Randall is expected to line up opposite Hakeem Nicks affording Cruz the chance to remain slot receiver. Offensive line is back to full strength. Tight End has always been a key position for Giants football. Giants TE's are key to their attack from run blocking to making key possession plays over the middle. Martellus Bennett (via Dallas) is the new kid on the block... and block he'd better to remain a starter.
Defense is a solid as they come. Their bend but don't break style stymies opponents in the red zone. Giants tenacious pass rush gives opposing QB's the jitters. The 2012 Giants will be greatly improved over the '11 squad if they're hungry for another title run and remain committed to head coach Tom Coughlin's game plan.
Projection: Super Bowl Champs remain contenders for another title. Every team is gunning for the champs so no game will be easy. The usual suspects - Green Bay, San Francisco, Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans all hoping to dethrone New York's finest. Biggest question mark is health of offensive line. Running game suffered inconsistencies due to front line injuries and lack of depth. Ball control is crucial for success this season. NFC East champs, 13-3 or 12-4.
-Digger's Daily-
Super Bowl XLVI Champion New York Giants will attempt to do something never done before in New York football history - repeat as Super Bowl champions.
2011 was a wild ride for the Giants and their fans. New York began the year winning 6 of 8 before a sudden four game slide had many wondering if they would - or could - win again. Win they did. Talk about getting hot at the right time. The Giants lost only one more game the rest of the way by playing opportune football to win the NFC East with a modest 9-7 record.
When playoff time rolled around all eyes were focused on 15-1 Green Bay, 13-3 New Orleans & 13-3 San Francisco. The Giants clicked. Their defense was on fire. Eli Manning near flawless and a cast of wide receivers making one crutial catch after another. New York crushed Atlanta 24-2 in Wild Card action. They thumped a beleaguered Packers squad 37-20 in Divisionals. Went toe to toe with hard hitting 49ers, winning on an overtime FG (20-17). Not many gave them a shot against any playoff opponent - especially against 13-3 New England in SB XLVI. Did the Giants worry? Not a chance, at least not publicly, especially after knocking off a previously undefeated Patriots team for Super Bowl glory back in 2007. Guess what? The Giants did it again with late game heroics on their way to a 21-17 victory.
So what's in store for 2012? Repeat or retreat? I'm betting this years Giants squad wins at least 8 of 10 before their week 11 bye. This is a healthy squad heading into the new season unless pre-season knocks out key performers. Eli Manning is back and loaded with weapons on offense. Undrafted WR Victor Cruz quickly established himself as a premier receiver and fan favorite. LSU WR Ruben Randall is expected to line up opposite Hakeem Nicks affording Cruz the chance to remain slot receiver. Offensive line is back to full strength. Tight End has always been a key position for Giants football. Giants TE's are key to their attack from run blocking to making key possession plays over the middle. Martellus Bennett (via Dallas) is the new kid on the block... and block he'd better to remain a starter.
Defense is a solid as they come. Their bend but don't break style stymies opponents in the red zone. Giants tenacious pass rush gives opposing QB's the jitters. The 2012 Giants will be greatly improved over the '11 squad if they're hungry for another title run and remain committed to head coach Tom Coughlin's game plan.
Projection: Super Bowl Champs remain contenders for another title. Every team is gunning for the champs so no game will be easy. The usual suspects - Green Bay, San Francisco, Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans all hoping to dethrone New York's finest. Biggest question mark is health of offensive line. Running game suffered inconsistencies due to front line injuries and lack of depth. Ball control is crucial for success this season. NFC East champs, 13-3 or 12-4.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Random Rumblings - Baseball Trades & Rumors
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-Digger's Daily-
Baseball's new trade deadline rules may or may not alter typical pennant fever transactions. Plenty of teams are looking for help. The new rules may alter previous season "rent-a-player" type moves.
The New York Yankees found a replacement player for injured LF Brett Gardner. Yankees are in Seattle to start a 3 game series. These two teams made headlines in the off season when New York traded top prospect C Montero to Seattle for young fireballing starting pitcher Pineda. This deal promptly blew up in GM Cashman's face when Pineda was lost for the season due to injury. Montero isn't knocking the cover off the ball yet for the M's but they won out here. Headlines were made again today as Seattle traded their most popular player to New York... Ichiro Suzuki. Ichiro has struggled throughout this season. I'm willing to bet he's going to have a tremendous second half with his new team. Playing in Yankee Stadium is the perfect location for Ichiro. Ichiro's defense is stellar. He's rumored to be Yanks new LF - something different than what he's accustomed to after spending the bulk of his career in RF & CF. Yanks gave up two pitching prospects and even convinced Seattle to pick up most of their new LF's contract. Home run for Yankees. Mariners clearly in mortgage mode.
Detroit Tigers also got busy today. They fixed two nagging problems with one trade. Detroit picks up 2B Infante and SP Anibal Sanchez from Miami for little known hurler Jacob Turner and two minor leaguers. It seems Miami is ready to pack it in early this season. Miami made pre-season headlines with a new ballpark, new SS Jose Reyes and new manager Ozzie Guillen. It's safe to say it's been a rocky road for all three in 2012. Detroit's merry-go-round at 2B produced the majors worst offensive totals. Infante will be a welcomed addition. Sanchez goes to another pitchers park - the big difference is a ferocious Tigers lineup ready and eager to provide plenty of run support. Perfect timing for a red hot club ready to run away with AL Central.
Truth or rumor? Ryan Dempster is heading to Atlanta? Rumors on ESPN claimed a deal was in place to swap Dempster for SP Randall Delgado. Dempster's season has been stellar. The right-hander leads the majors with a 2.11 ERA and recently reeled off a streak of 33 consecutive scoreless innings. Why stay in Chicago? If my name was Ryan Dempster I'd go begging my GM to finalize the deal! Braves in search of a replacement for injured SP Beachy.
Boston Red Sox attempting to save face on a disappointing season. Key Sox players injured throughout '12 campaign but Boston has stayed within wild card hunting distance. Rumors claiming Sox are hot on the trail of Marlins SP Josh Johnson.
Other notable stirrings coming out of Los Angeles where the Dodgers seem interested in Phillies CF Victorino. He'd become a nice fit atop LA's lineup. Perhaps most pressing is LA's weak infield. Long gone are the glory days of Garvey, Lopes, Russell & Cey. Dodgers infield has no pop, poor range and they're a drain on offensive prodution. Figure it out LA - time to bust a move.
-Digger's Daily-
Baseball's new trade deadline rules may or may not alter typical pennant fever transactions. Plenty of teams are looking for help. The new rules may alter previous season "rent-a-player" type moves.
The New York Yankees found a replacement player for injured LF Brett Gardner. Yankees are in Seattle to start a 3 game series. These two teams made headlines in the off season when New York traded top prospect C Montero to Seattle for young fireballing starting pitcher Pineda. This deal promptly blew up in GM Cashman's face when Pineda was lost for the season due to injury. Montero isn't knocking the cover off the ball yet for the M's but they won out here. Headlines were made again today as Seattle traded their most popular player to New York... Ichiro Suzuki. Ichiro has struggled throughout this season. I'm willing to bet he's going to have a tremendous second half with his new team. Playing in Yankee Stadium is the perfect location for Ichiro. Ichiro's defense is stellar. He's rumored to be Yanks new LF - something different than what he's accustomed to after spending the bulk of his career in RF & CF. Yanks gave up two pitching prospects and even convinced Seattle to pick up most of their new LF's contract. Home run for Yankees. Mariners clearly in mortgage mode.
Detroit Tigers also got busy today. They fixed two nagging problems with one trade. Detroit picks up 2B Infante and SP Anibal Sanchez from Miami for little known hurler Jacob Turner and two minor leaguers. It seems Miami is ready to pack it in early this season. Miami made pre-season headlines with a new ballpark, new SS Jose Reyes and new manager Ozzie Guillen. It's safe to say it's been a rocky road for all three in 2012. Detroit's merry-go-round at 2B produced the majors worst offensive totals. Infante will be a welcomed addition. Sanchez goes to another pitchers park - the big difference is a ferocious Tigers lineup ready and eager to provide plenty of run support. Perfect timing for a red hot club ready to run away with AL Central.
Truth or rumor? Ryan Dempster is heading to Atlanta? Rumors on ESPN claimed a deal was in place to swap Dempster for SP Randall Delgado. Dempster's season has been stellar. The right-hander leads the majors with a 2.11 ERA and recently reeled off a streak of 33 consecutive scoreless innings. Why stay in Chicago? If my name was Ryan Dempster I'd go begging my GM to finalize the deal! Braves in search of a replacement for injured SP Beachy.
Boston Red Sox attempting to save face on a disappointing season. Key Sox players injured throughout '12 campaign but Boston has stayed within wild card hunting distance. Rumors claiming Sox are hot on the trail of Marlins SP Josh Johnson.
Other notable stirrings coming out of Los Angeles where the Dodgers seem interested in Phillies CF Victorino. He'd become a nice fit atop LA's lineup. Perhaps most pressing is LA's weak infield. Long gone are the glory days of Garvey, Lopes, Russell & Cey. Dodgers infield has no pop, poor range and they're a drain on offensive prodution. Figure it out LA - time to bust a move.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
2012 Major League Baseball: 1st Half Recap
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-Digger's Daily-
The first half of the 2012 MLB season was filled with surprises. The New York Yankees have the AL's top record (52-33). Surprise, suprise in the NL. Washington Nationals baseball has everyone taking notice leading all NL teams with a 49-34 record. Get ready for some major mid-season trades as teams take aim at playoff action - or sell off looking to regroup for 2013.
Here's how the first half finished up and what to expect the rest of the way.
American League
AL East
New York Yankees (52-33) Yanks live and die with long ball style play. Yanks bats finally starting coming thru with RISP in June. Starting rotation took a major hit when Andy Pettitte was injured. Expect Yanks to make a move for Hamels. SP upgrade coming - how much are they willing to spend?
Prediction: 1st
Baltimore Orioles (45-40) O's turned heads in April and even managed to take hold of 1st in AL East. It's been downhill since early June. Orioles need starting pitching to remain in the hunt. They recently added slugger Jim Thome who figures to destroy AL East hitters parks if he gets regular playing time. Orioles fans finally have something to cheer about in July!
Prediction: 5th
Tampa Bay Rays (45-41) It's amazing Tampa is in 3rd. Lack of offensive production is staggering. Ranked 28th of 30 teams with a team .232 batting average (.689 OPS is 25th). Starting pitching has been shouldering the load. Longoria limited to 23 games taking a huge toll. He's not expected back until mid-August. Not expecting to see any moves here except for a cheap hitter.
Prediction: 3rd
Boston Red Sox (43-43) Who hasn't been injured? Bobby Valentine's debut season in Boston is ugly. Fans weren't won over by an "outsider" at the helm. A 1-5 and 4-10 start didn't help matters. Key players injured. A riff with fan favorite Kevin Youkilis eventually led to him getting shipped off to Chicago (he's now red hot at the plate). It's been Boston's most turbulent season in a long time. Somehow they're still in striking distance. Good news is injured players returning soon.
Prediction: 4th
Toronto Blue Jays (43-43) Toronto's front office better be figuring out which pitchers they want to lead the 2nd half charge. Jays 127 home runs are 2nd only to the Yankees (134). However, their starting staff has been extremely inconsistent all season long. Pitching, pitching, pitching. Who's it going to be?
Prediction: 2nd
AL Central
Chicago White Sox (47-38) Rookie manager & former Sox star Robin Ventura has his team energized. ChiSox baseball holds a 3 game lead and eager to pull away from the pack. It's been a team effort so far. Dunn rebounding nicely after an embarrassing 2011. Jake Peavy looking great after injury riddled years. Their only weakness - 3B. Plenty of options. Chicago needs to make a move.
Prediction: 1st
Cleveland Indians (44-41) Surprising to see Cleveland 3 games over .500 when studying their stats. 28th ranked pitching staff & 4.50 is a drag on wins. Don't expect Cleveland to remain in the hunt much longer.
Prediction: 3rd
Detroit Tigers (44-42) Are the Tigers ready to roll? 5 straight wins heading into All Star break. Tigers under achieving in 1st half. Verlander is the only exception to a struggling pitching staff. All Star break is exactly what these guys need.
Prediction: 2nd (wild card #2)
Kansas City Royals (37-47) Royals fans will have to keep on waiting. 2012 was supposed to be the year this young talented team started competing. Not yet. Offense has 5 regulars with sub-.304 OBA's. Only 1 starting pitcher with ERA below 4.50. It's been ugly. Time for talent to produce or Kansas City will be stuck at the bottom for years to come. I really wanted to see this team do well in '12.
Prediction: 4th
Minnesota Twins (36-49) Another franchise with a new home field not tailored to their strengths. Pitching staff is horrendous. Hitters inconsistent although a few surprises turning heads (Plouffe, Willingham, Mastroianni).
Prediction: 5th
AL West
Texas Rangers (52-34) Nolan Ryan really knows how to run a baseball organization. The Rangers are a fun bunch to watch. They may or may not fine tune their roster down the stretch. My guess is two near World Series title misses leads to these guys snagging the best bang for their buck should an opportunity to improve arise. No room for error down the stretch of Texas aims to make their 3rd time a charm.
Prediction: 1st
Los Angeles Angels (48-38) LA is 40-23 after a dismal 8-15 start to 2012. Albert Pujols found his stroke in mid-May. Trumbo's explosive bat has been vital. New rookie sensation Trout is turning heads. Pitchers getting the job done. Look out Texas, LA is moving up. Plenty of cash on hand suggests Angels will be big buyers.
Prediction: 2nd (wild card #1)
Oakland A's (43-43) .500 first half baseball kept Oakland in the hunt. Moneyball isn't working as planned (.301 team OBA - 29th, and last with .225 team BA). They'll need a big 2nd half if they're to have any hopes of making the post-season. Injuries and lack of hitting stymied their chances early in the year. A recent 21-14 run provides optimism. 1B was a sore spot offensively and defensively. Problem solved? 1B platoon of Brandon Moss (10 HR, .644 VLG) and Chris Carter (.941 SLG) jump started the offense. The return of rookie Cepedes from the DL and 20 HR from OF Josh Reddick means this team shouldn't be taken for granted. A's bullpen can use a shot in the arm for the stretch drive. Oakland has a legit shot to make a 2nd half run while the baseball world stays focused on NY, Texas, LA, ChiSox, TB etc. 3rd best MLB ERA 3.38. Don't count them out yet!
Prediction: 3rd
Seattle Mariners (36-51) Dead in the water. Very few of moves Seattle's front office makes works. Outside of SP Hernandez, these guys stink! MLB worst .291 OBA. No infielder batting over .243 - only regular starter over .260 is Ichiro who sports a career low .261 BA. Only question in my book is how quickly will M's get to 100 loss plateau?
Prediction: Dead last
National League
NL East
Washington Nationals (49-34) Davey Johnson once again proving he's one of baseball's best field managers. Nationals playing great team baseball. Pitching, hitting, fielding. It's all come together in the first half. Can they hang on? Southpaw Gio Gonzalez and flame throwing Stephen Strasburg keep opposing hitters off balance. Strasburg is on a "strict" pitch limit in '12. Does this mean he's to be benched in late September if/when Washington is in a playoff battle. Hard to imagine benching their top star with a playoff slot on the line. Nats better bulk up on pitching if they're still considering this crazy move. Either way, Washington figures to be in the thick of things thru game 162!
Prediction: 1st
Atlanta Braves (46-39) Atlanta is very much alive heading into the 2nd half. Starting pitching remains a big problem. Atlanta will do their very best chasing after upgrades. Middle infield is another sore spot. Uggla cold all season. SS a revolving door. Braves need to bust a move.
Prediction: 2nd
New York Mets (46-40) David Wright NL MVP? Not quite yet but he is Mets MVP. Terry Collins has done everything within his power to keep New York afloat. Funny thing... everyone (including me) wrote these guys off before the season began. Guess what? If the Mets bullpen was "decent" then they might have been in 1st place at the break. Bullpen is terrible. Injury riddled lineup bailed out by outstanding contributions by fill in players. Jason Bay remains one of the biggest free agent busts in Mets history. RA Dickey and Santana leading the staff. Mets must find a way to re-shape bullpen - quickly.
Prediction: It was fun while it lasted, 4th.
Miami Marlins (41-44) Talk about a team not living up to potential. Was it really potential - or hype? Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez headlining under achievers. Gaby Sanchez putting up career low numbers. Slugging RF Stanton is lost for an extended period. Closer Heath Bell's pitches are connecting beautifully with opposing hitters bats (6.75 ERA). Bullpen mates not fairing much better. Starting rotation talented but very inconsistent. The only good news here is it isn't over 'til it's over. 2012 might be one season and done for manager Ozzie Guillen.
Prediction; 3rd
Philadelphia Phillies (37-50) One word describes Philadelphia's first half - UGLY! C Carlos Ruiz, RF Hunter Pence and SP Cole Hamels represent the only bright spots for a team many predicted to run away with the East. Their demise goes well beyond Chase Utley & Ryan Howard opening the year on the DL. Phillies predicted to be big 2nd half sellers. Hamels name being floated as trade potential on a daily basis. Phillies better beware not to mortgage the farm too quickly.
Prediction: 5th
NL Central
Pittsburgh Pirates (48-37) Pirates taking dead aim at 1st winning season since losing NLCS in 7 games to Atlanta way back in 1992! My pick for 1st half NL MVP is Andrew McCutchen. Most players are contributing. Rotation slots 3-5 need to step up. James McDonald (9-3, 2.37) and AJ Burnett (10-2, 3.68) baffling hitters. Bullpen getting the job done too. This could be the first time in 20 years Pittsburgh looks for late season additions vs fire sales. Pirates one of the feel good stories of 2012 - so far.
Prediction: 1st
Cincinnati Reds (47-38) It's been a win some, lose some season so far for Dusty Baker's Reds. Starting rotation beginning to gel. Young outfielders aren't and must contribute if Cincy wants to reach playoffs. This team is ready for a big win streak - long losing streak - or more of the same. It's anyone's guess as to when Cincy lives up to potential. The sooner the better.
Prediction: 3rd (wild card #2)
St. Louis Cardinals (46-40) Cards faultering after beginning 14-8. Hitters on fire most of the year. Top NL squad hitting .275, 2nd with .340 OBA and .434 SLG. Beltran leads NL with 65 RBI. Pitching is their problem. Lohse (9-2) & Lynn (11-4) are the two lone bright spots. Every other pitcher needs to step up. Expect Cards to bolster roster for 2nd half push.
Prediction: 2nd (wild card #1)
Milwaukee Brewers (40-45) Banged up Brewers limp into 2nd half will probably become late season sellers again. Brew Crew front office has gotten rid of All Star talent in recent years so first to go might be Zack Greinke. CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets & Fielder are just a few of the big names to be sent packing. Milwaukee's lineup has too many holes. Bullpen blows leads. Brewers organization will prove - once again - they're not committed to winning.
Prediction: 4th
Chicago Cubs (33-52) All a loyal Cubs fan can hope for entering a new season is a competitive team to cheer. That isn't asking too much, right? Wrong. Chicago Cubs brand of baseball is terrible. They're about to trade their best players too. Manager Dale Sveum has to go - quickly. Dempster & Soriano on trading block. Cubs prospects offering false hope for 2013. Double bubble or double trouble in Wrigley-land.
Prediction: 100+ years and still waiting, 5th.
Houston Astros (33-53) Houston's farewell NL season is dismal all the way around. First of all, MLB should have sent Milwaukee packing back to AL action. Guess former owner Selig knew Brewers couldn't compete in AL. Why send NL's worst team into slugging league? Baseball politics screwed Houston but if they were too stupid to resist.... Astros young talent desperately needs a proven winner at the helm. Brad Mills is not the answer. Astros must find a former successful player or manager to take over and gel this team. One bad manager after another only hurts player development. Penny wise, pound foolish.
Prediction: 6th
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers (47-40) Don Mattingly had LA off to a flying start. 32-19 after two months of baseball was just what the doctor ordered after a tumultuous '11 campaign. But then... injuries to key personnel (Kemp, Ethier) slowed down the Dodgers attack. Both player due back from DL stints momentarily. 3B sore spot all season. Rumored to be aggressively chasing Hamels & anyone with 3B skills. Dodgers will fight to the finish.
Prediction: 1st
San Francisco Giants (46-40) Where would the Giants be if former Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was at least decent? He's completely out of sorts sporting a dismal 3-10, 6.42 ERA. Timmy needs to study films because it's really easy for me to figure out his mechanical problems - stop tilting your head kid! Giants poised to be big buyers. Players needed at 1B, SS & RF. One key bat can lift this team into the playoffs.
Prediction: 3rd
Arizona Diamondbacks (42-43) 'Zona hasn't found their stride yet. Missing has been clutch hitting from a year ago. Front office has decisions to make. Don't count these guys out of the wild West just yet.
Prediction: 2nd
San Diego Padres (34-53) Cold hard facts. NL's worst offense (.234 BA). Baseball's lowest scoring team (305 runs). Powerless lineup (53 HR). Y'all think it's time for San Diego to reconfigure ballpark dimensions? Closer Hudson Street is Pads most sought after trade material. San Diego is not a good club and will challenge for 110 losses.
Prediction: 4th
Colorado Rockies (33-52) Rockies 5.26 team ERA says it all. Decision time for Colorado's front office. Pack it in and sell off offensive talent? Or, hold steady and concentrate on revamping pitching staff for 2013? No easy financial decisions here. Many inquiries for CarGo, Cuddyer & Tulo. Time will tell. 2012 is a lost cause.
Prediction: 5th
Stay tuned for 1st half award nominees...
-Digger's Daily-
The first half of the 2012 MLB season was filled with surprises. The New York Yankees have the AL's top record (52-33). Surprise, suprise in the NL. Washington Nationals baseball has everyone taking notice leading all NL teams with a 49-34 record. Get ready for some major mid-season trades as teams take aim at playoff action - or sell off looking to regroup for 2013.
Here's how the first half finished up and what to expect the rest of the way.
American League
AL East
New York Yankees (52-33) Yanks live and die with long ball style play. Yanks bats finally starting coming thru with RISP in June. Starting rotation took a major hit when Andy Pettitte was injured. Expect Yanks to make a move for Hamels. SP upgrade coming - how much are they willing to spend?
Prediction: 1st
Baltimore Orioles (45-40) O's turned heads in April and even managed to take hold of 1st in AL East. It's been downhill since early June. Orioles need starting pitching to remain in the hunt. They recently added slugger Jim Thome who figures to destroy AL East hitters parks if he gets regular playing time. Orioles fans finally have something to cheer about in July!
Prediction: 5th
Tampa Bay Rays (45-41) It's amazing Tampa is in 3rd. Lack of offensive production is staggering. Ranked 28th of 30 teams with a team .232 batting average (.689 OPS is 25th). Starting pitching has been shouldering the load. Longoria limited to 23 games taking a huge toll. He's not expected back until mid-August. Not expecting to see any moves here except for a cheap hitter.
Prediction: 3rd
Boston Red Sox (43-43) Who hasn't been injured? Bobby Valentine's debut season in Boston is ugly. Fans weren't won over by an "outsider" at the helm. A 1-5 and 4-10 start didn't help matters. Key players injured. A riff with fan favorite Kevin Youkilis eventually led to him getting shipped off to Chicago (he's now red hot at the plate). It's been Boston's most turbulent season in a long time. Somehow they're still in striking distance. Good news is injured players returning soon.
Prediction: 4th
Toronto Blue Jays (43-43) Toronto's front office better be figuring out which pitchers they want to lead the 2nd half charge. Jays 127 home runs are 2nd only to the Yankees (134). However, their starting staff has been extremely inconsistent all season long. Pitching, pitching, pitching. Who's it going to be?
Prediction: 2nd
AL Central
Chicago White Sox (47-38) Rookie manager & former Sox star Robin Ventura has his team energized. ChiSox baseball holds a 3 game lead and eager to pull away from the pack. It's been a team effort so far. Dunn rebounding nicely after an embarrassing 2011. Jake Peavy looking great after injury riddled years. Their only weakness - 3B. Plenty of options. Chicago needs to make a move.
Prediction: 1st
Cleveland Indians (44-41) Surprising to see Cleveland 3 games over .500 when studying their stats. 28th ranked pitching staff & 4.50 is a drag on wins. Don't expect Cleveland to remain in the hunt much longer.
Prediction: 3rd
Detroit Tigers (44-42) Are the Tigers ready to roll? 5 straight wins heading into All Star break. Tigers under achieving in 1st half. Verlander is the only exception to a struggling pitching staff. All Star break is exactly what these guys need.
Prediction: 2nd (wild card #2)
Kansas City Royals (37-47) Royals fans will have to keep on waiting. 2012 was supposed to be the year this young talented team started competing. Not yet. Offense has 5 regulars with sub-.304 OBA's. Only 1 starting pitcher with ERA below 4.50. It's been ugly. Time for talent to produce or Kansas City will be stuck at the bottom for years to come. I really wanted to see this team do well in '12.
Prediction: 4th
Minnesota Twins (36-49) Another franchise with a new home field not tailored to their strengths. Pitching staff is horrendous. Hitters inconsistent although a few surprises turning heads (Plouffe, Willingham, Mastroianni).
Prediction: 5th
AL West
Texas Rangers (52-34) Nolan Ryan really knows how to run a baseball organization. The Rangers are a fun bunch to watch. They may or may not fine tune their roster down the stretch. My guess is two near World Series title misses leads to these guys snagging the best bang for their buck should an opportunity to improve arise. No room for error down the stretch of Texas aims to make their 3rd time a charm.
Prediction: 1st
Los Angeles Angels (48-38) LA is 40-23 after a dismal 8-15 start to 2012. Albert Pujols found his stroke in mid-May. Trumbo's explosive bat has been vital. New rookie sensation Trout is turning heads. Pitchers getting the job done. Look out Texas, LA is moving up. Plenty of cash on hand suggests Angels will be big buyers.
Prediction: 2nd (wild card #1)
Oakland A's (43-43) .500 first half baseball kept Oakland in the hunt. Moneyball isn't working as planned (.301 team OBA - 29th, and last with .225 team BA). They'll need a big 2nd half if they're to have any hopes of making the post-season. Injuries and lack of hitting stymied their chances early in the year. A recent 21-14 run provides optimism. 1B was a sore spot offensively and defensively. Problem solved? 1B platoon of Brandon Moss (10 HR, .644 VLG) and Chris Carter (.941 SLG) jump started the offense. The return of rookie Cepedes from the DL and 20 HR from OF Josh Reddick means this team shouldn't be taken for granted. A's bullpen can use a shot in the arm for the stretch drive. Oakland has a legit shot to make a 2nd half run while the baseball world stays focused on NY, Texas, LA, ChiSox, TB etc. 3rd best MLB ERA 3.38. Don't count them out yet!
Prediction: 3rd
Seattle Mariners (36-51) Dead in the water. Very few of moves Seattle's front office makes works. Outside of SP Hernandez, these guys stink! MLB worst .291 OBA. No infielder batting over .243 - only regular starter over .260 is Ichiro who sports a career low .261 BA. Only question in my book is how quickly will M's get to 100 loss plateau?
Prediction: Dead last
National League
NL East
Washington Nationals (49-34) Davey Johnson once again proving he's one of baseball's best field managers. Nationals playing great team baseball. Pitching, hitting, fielding. It's all come together in the first half. Can they hang on? Southpaw Gio Gonzalez and flame throwing Stephen Strasburg keep opposing hitters off balance. Strasburg is on a "strict" pitch limit in '12. Does this mean he's to be benched in late September if/when Washington is in a playoff battle. Hard to imagine benching their top star with a playoff slot on the line. Nats better bulk up on pitching if they're still considering this crazy move. Either way, Washington figures to be in the thick of things thru game 162!
Prediction: 1st
Atlanta Braves (46-39) Atlanta is very much alive heading into the 2nd half. Starting pitching remains a big problem. Atlanta will do their very best chasing after upgrades. Middle infield is another sore spot. Uggla cold all season. SS a revolving door. Braves need to bust a move.
Prediction: 2nd
New York Mets (46-40) David Wright NL MVP? Not quite yet but he is Mets MVP. Terry Collins has done everything within his power to keep New York afloat. Funny thing... everyone (including me) wrote these guys off before the season began. Guess what? If the Mets bullpen was "decent" then they might have been in 1st place at the break. Bullpen is terrible. Injury riddled lineup bailed out by outstanding contributions by fill in players. Jason Bay remains one of the biggest free agent busts in Mets history. RA Dickey and Santana leading the staff. Mets must find a way to re-shape bullpen - quickly.
Prediction: It was fun while it lasted, 4th.
Miami Marlins (41-44) Talk about a team not living up to potential. Was it really potential - or hype? Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez headlining under achievers. Gaby Sanchez putting up career low numbers. Slugging RF Stanton is lost for an extended period. Closer Heath Bell's pitches are connecting beautifully with opposing hitters bats (6.75 ERA). Bullpen mates not fairing much better. Starting rotation talented but very inconsistent. The only good news here is it isn't over 'til it's over. 2012 might be one season and done for manager Ozzie Guillen.
Prediction; 3rd
Philadelphia Phillies (37-50) One word describes Philadelphia's first half - UGLY! C Carlos Ruiz, RF Hunter Pence and SP Cole Hamels represent the only bright spots for a team many predicted to run away with the East. Their demise goes well beyond Chase Utley & Ryan Howard opening the year on the DL. Phillies predicted to be big 2nd half sellers. Hamels name being floated as trade potential on a daily basis. Phillies better beware not to mortgage the farm too quickly.
Prediction: 5th
NL Central
Pittsburgh Pirates (48-37) Pirates taking dead aim at 1st winning season since losing NLCS in 7 games to Atlanta way back in 1992! My pick for 1st half NL MVP is Andrew McCutchen. Most players are contributing. Rotation slots 3-5 need to step up. James McDonald (9-3, 2.37) and AJ Burnett (10-2, 3.68) baffling hitters. Bullpen getting the job done too. This could be the first time in 20 years Pittsburgh looks for late season additions vs fire sales. Pirates one of the feel good stories of 2012 - so far.
Prediction: 1st
Cincinnati Reds (47-38) It's been a win some, lose some season so far for Dusty Baker's Reds. Starting rotation beginning to gel. Young outfielders aren't and must contribute if Cincy wants to reach playoffs. This team is ready for a big win streak - long losing streak - or more of the same. It's anyone's guess as to when Cincy lives up to potential. The sooner the better.
Prediction: 3rd (wild card #2)
St. Louis Cardinals (46-40) Cards faultering after beginning 14-8. Hitters on fire most of the year. Top NL squad hitting .275, 2nd with .340 OBA and .434 SLG. Beltran leads NL with 65 RBI. Pitching is their problem. Lohse (9-2) & Lynn (11-4) are the two lone bright spots. Every other pitcher needs to step up. Expect Cards to bolster roster for 2nd half push.
Prediction: 2nd (wild card #1)
Milwaukee Brewers (40-45) Banged up Brewers limp into 2nd half will probably become late season sellers again. Brew Crew front office has gotten rid of All Star talent in recent years so first to go might be Zack Greinke. CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets & Fielder are just a few of the big names to be sent packing. Milwaukee's lineup has too many holes. Bullpen blows leads. Brewers organization will prove - once again - they're not committed to winning.
Prediction: 4th
Chicago Cubs (33-52) All a loyal Cubs fan can hope for entering a new season is a competitive team to cheer. That isn't asking too much, right? Wrong. Chicago Cubs brand of baseball is terrible. They're about to trade their best players too. Manager Dale Sveum has to go - quickly. Dempster & Soriano on trading block. Cubs prospects offering false hope for 2013. Double bubble or double trouble in Wrigley-land.
Prediction: 100+ years and still waiting, 5th.
Houston Astros (33-53) Houston's farewell NL season is dismal all the way around. First of all, MLB should have sent Milwaukee packing back to AL action. Guess former owner Selig knew Brewers couldn't compete in AL. Why send NL's worst team into slugging league? Baseball politics screwed Houston but if they were too stupid to resist.... Astros young talent desperately needs a proven winner at the helm. Brad Mills is not the answer. Astros must find a former successful player or manager to take over and gel this team. One bad manager after another only hurts player development. Penny wise, pound foolish.
Prediction: 6th
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers (47-40) Don Mattingly had LA off to a flying start. 32-19 after two months of baseball was just what the doctor ordered after a tumultuous '11 campaign. But then... injuries to key personnel (Kemp, Ethier) slowed down the Dodgers attack. Both player due back from DL stints momentarily. 3B sore spot all season. Rumored to be aggressively chasing Hamels & anyone with 3B skills. Dodgers will fight to the finish.
Prediction: 1st
San Francisco Giants (46-40) Where would the Giants be if former Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was at least decent? He's completely out of sorts sporting a dismal 3-10, 6.42 ERA. Timmy needs to study films because it's really easy for me to figure out his mechanical problems - stop tilting your head kid! Giants poised to be big buyers. Players needed at 1B, SS & RF. One key bat can lift this team into the playoffs.
Prediction: 3rd
Arizona Diamondbacks (42-43) 'Zona hasn't found their stride yet. Missing has been clutch hitting from a year ago. Front office has decisions to make. Don't count these guys out of the wild West just yet.
Prediction: 2nd
San Diego Padres (34-53) Cold hard facts. NL's worst offense (.234 BA). Baseball's lowest scoring team (305 runs). Powerless lineup (53 HR). Y'all think it's time for San Diego to reconfigure ballpark dimensions? Closer Hudson Street is Pads most sought after trade material. San Diego is not a good club and will challenge for 110 losses.
Prediction: 4th
Colorado Rockies (33-52) Rockies 5.26 team ERA says it all. Decision time for Colorado's front office. Pack it in and sell off offensive talent? Or, hold steady and concentrate on revamping pitching staff for 2013? No easy financial decisions here. Many inquiries for CarGo, Cuddyer & Tulo. Time will tell. 2012 is a lost cause.
Prediction: 5th
Stay tuned for 1st half award nominees...
Monday, July 2, 2012
All Star Game 2012 - Stars Set to Shine (And Whine)
Visit "All World All Sports"
-Digger's Daily-
The date is set. Major League Baseball's 2012 All Star Game - July 10, 2012 - live from Kaufman Stadium (Kansas City, MO).
Baseball's Mid-Summer Classic is the best of professional All Star Game's. Baseball players come out ready to play. ASG has transformed over the years (past history and game results). Full rosters give managers headaches trying to get all players into the game. NL squads won the past two games after losing 12 of 13 (7-7 tie in 2002).
My personal favorites - 1981 return from strike game played in August, MVP Gary Carter hit 2 homers as NL topped AL 5-4. The game featured 70/80's icons - (NL) Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, Carter, Andre Dawson, Davey Lopes, Dave Parker, Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, Tom Seaver, Vida Blue, Nolan Ryan, Bruce Sutter and more... AL showcased Rod Carew, George Brett, Reggie Jackson, Ken Singleton, Carlton Fisk, Dwight Evans, Fred Lynn, Eddie Murray, Jack Morris, Rollie Fingers...
Fantastic memories from days of old create golden moments frozen in All Star history. Cal Ripken Jr.'s final game when Alex Rodriguez honored/forced Cal to play SS one final time. Ripken later homered in his final All Star AB.
Fred Lynn's grand slam in 2001.
Reggie Jackson's roof clearing home run in Detroit (1971).
Dave Parker gunning down 2 runners with rocket throws from RF (1979).
Who will be the top performer this year? I'd bet ASG MVP comes from AL's starting lineup. They're all sluggers. It's a huge advantage in AL's favor on paper. (American League All Stars)
C Napoli, 1B Fielder, 2B Cano, 3B Beltre, SS Jeter, OF Hamilton-Granderson-Bautista, DH Ortiz. Yeowza. NL hurlers aren't slouches but this lineup promises to produce unless Mets knuckler & projected starter Dickey's floaters dance around free swinging bats.
Snubbed players has Reds Manager (and former All Star) Dusty Baker pointing fingers at NL Manager (now retired) and former divisional rival Tony LaRussa. LaRussa left off Brewers starter Grienke (9-2) and Reds 2B Phillips. Both worthy of selection .. as are a select few others. Baker believes LaRussa is still holding a grudge against Cincinnati stemming from a brawl a few years ago. Phillips may still get his shot if another players defers or is out due to injury. Dusty might be right. Baker and LaRussa were not friends on the field. Cincy vs St. Louis is a big rivalry. It would be a shame if LaRussa denies a player based on a past grudge. Nobody can know for certain but it makes great reading and intensifies an already tense rivalry.
Picking AS teams is a tough task. Feelings will be hurt. Some players will get snubbed. It sucks for the one's left off but rarely is a non-deserving player in the game (except for starters selected by fans). Rosters have been expanded over the years and will be in years to come. Someone will always feel left out. I would really like to see MLB add Chipper Jones to the NL roster. It's Chipper's final season, he's playing very well (when healthy), and future Hall of Fame players should always be honored during farewell seasons when putting up solid numbers. LaRussa seems inclined to add Jones should someone beg off. I'm just hoping the few left behind don't go public whining away. It serves an injustice to those selected and most guys end up with egg on their faces. Just take it like a man and move on.
Fan voting selects All Star starting hitters/fielders. When I was a young kid I had a blast poking out chads on AS ballots. Shea wasn't drawing many fans in the late 70's so it was easy to walk off with two bundles of ballots and I was fortunate to see many games. Nowadays, fans can stuff ballots online using multiple e-mail addresses. Josh Hamilton shattered fan balloting records this season recording over 11,000,000 votes!
Kaufman Stadium is a great venue to host the game. It's a great stadium and Kansas City needs a boost. Royals reams haven't lived up to expectations. The good news is they're only 6 games out of first place. They're loaded with talent. Maybe the AS break is just what they need. One big cog slogging along is 1B Eric Hosmer. The time is ripe for KC to shock the baseball world by trading for a top notch starting pitcher for the stretch drive. Relivers are solid but over worked. Kansas City hosting the All Star Game could very well energize their fan base for the second half. KC is well within striking distance. If KC fans return to regular season action with ASG enthusiam, then an electric Kaufman will do wonders for 2nd half action.
Guess what? KC fans failed in ballot box stuffing for hometown players. DH/1B Billy Butler is the lone KC representative. It would be nice if AL Manager Washington gets Butler into the game early and for an extended period. Wouldn't it be great for KC's only rep to slug his way to MVP honors!??
-Digger's Daily-
The date is set. Major League Baseball's 2012 All Star Game - July 10, 2012 - live from Kaufman Stadium (Kansas City, MO).
Baseball's Mid-Summer Classic is the best of professional All Star Game's. Baseball players come out ready to play. ASG has transformed over the years (past history and game results). Full rosters give managers headaches trying to get all players into the game. NL squads won the past two games after losing 12 of 13 (7-7 tie in 2002).
My personal favorites - 1981 return from strike game played in August, MVP Gary Carter hit 2 homers as NL topped AL 5-4. The game featured 70/80's icons - (NL) Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, Carter, Andre Dawson, Davey Lopes, Dave Parker, Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, Tom Seaver, Vida Blue, Nolan Ryan, Bruce Sutter and more... AL showcased Rod Carew, George Brett, Reggie Jackson, Ken Singleton, Carlton Fisk, Dwight Evans, Fred Lynn, Eddie Murray, Jack Morris, Rollie Fingers...
Fantastic memories from days of old create golden moments frozen in All Star history. Cal Ripken Jr.'s final game when Alex Rodriguez honored/forced Cal to play SS one final time. Ripken later homered in his final All Star AB.
Fred Lynn's grand slam in 2001.
Reggie Jackson's roof clearing home run in Detroit (1971).
Dave Parker gunning down 2 runners with rocket throws from RF (1979).
Who will be the top performer this year? I'd bet ASG MVP comes from AL's starting lineup. They're all sluggers. It's a huge advantage in AL's favor on paper. (American League All Stars)
C Napoli, 1B Fielder, 2B Cano, 3B Beltre, SS Jeter, OF Hamilton-Granderson-Bautista, DH Ortiz. Yeowza. NL hurlers aren't slouches but this lineup promises to produce unless Mets knuckler & projected starter Dickey's floaters dance around free swinging bats.
Snubbed players has Reds Manager (and former All Star) Dusty Baker pointing fingers at NL Manager (now retired) and former divisional rival Tony LaRussa. LaRussa left off Brewers starter Grienke (9-2) and Reds 2B Phillips. Both worthy of selection .. as are a select few others. Baker believes LaRussa is still holding a grudge against Cincinnati stemming from a brawl a few years ago. Phillips may still get his shot if another players defers or is out due to injury. Dusty might be right. Baker and LaRussa were not friends on the field. Cincy vs St. Louis is a big rivalry. It would be a shame if LaRussa denies a player based on a past grudge. Nobody can know for certain but it makes great reading and intensifies an already tense rivalry.
Picking AS teams is a tough task. Feelings will be hurt. Some players will get snubbed. It sucks for the one's left off but rarely is a non-deserving player in the game (except for starters selected by fans). Rosters have been expanded over the years and will be in years to come. Someone will always feel left out. I would really like to see MLB add Chipper Jones to the NL roster. It's Chipper's final season, he's playing very well (when healthy), and future Hall of Fame players should always be honored during farewell seasons when putting up solid numbers. LaRussa seems inclined to add Jones should someone beg off. I'm just hoping the few left behind don't go public whining away. It serves an injustice to those selected and most guys end up with egg on their faces. Just take it like a man and move on.
Fan voting selects All Star starting hitters/fielders. When I was a young kid I had a blast poking out chads on AS ballots. Shea wasn't drawing many fans in the late 70's so it was easy to walk off with two bundles of ballots and I was fortunate to see many games. Nowadays, fans can stuff ballots online using multiple e-mail addresses. Josh Hamilton shattered fan balloting records this season recording over 11,000,000 votes!
Kaufman Stadium is a great venue to host the game. It's a great stadium and Kansas City needs a boost. Royals reams haven't lived up to expectations. The good news is they're only 6 games out of first place. They're loaded with talent. Maybe the AS break is just what they need. One big cog slogging along is 1B Eric Hosmer. The time is ripe for KC to shock the baseball world by trading for a top notch starting pitcher for the stretch drive. Relivers are solid but over worked. Kansas City hosting the All Star Game could very well energize their fan base for the second half. KC is well within striking distance. If KC fans return to regular season action with ASG enthusiam, then an electric Kaufman will do wonders for 2nd half action.
Guess what? KC fans failed in ballot box stuffing for hometown players. DH/1B Billy Butler is the lone KC representative. It would be nice if AL Manager Washington gets Butler into the game early and for an extended period. Wouldn't it be great for KC's only rep to slug his way to MVP honors!??
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Random Rumblings - Summer Heat
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-Digger's Daily-
New champions crowned.
NBA
Miami Heat took down up and coming Oklahoma City Thunder. 2012 NBA Finals MVP LeBron? James led his Heat to the win in 5 games. Box scores won't reveal how this series was OKC's for the taking in years to come. The Thunder blew a couple of big leads and was no match for Miami's late game heroics. Nerves? Lack of post-season experience? Youth? Or, choke? OKC will challenge for years to come as their core players are relatively young and very hungry for their first championship. Miami figures to be busy this off season fine tuning their squad attempting to repeat.
NHL
There's much to be said about getting hot at just the right moment. That moment arrived when the first puck dropped in opening round game 1 vs heavily favored Vancouver. 8th seeded Los Angeles Kings went on to play gritty no nonsense hockey the rest of the way earning their franchise's first ever Stanley Cup. My money was squarely favoring the New Jersey Devils in the Finals. The first two games went into OT when LA stunned the Devils for back to back victories which were too much to overcome. Congratulations Kings. You burnt four great teams to win it all.
NCAA
NCAA Baseball crowned a new champ - Arizona Wildcats dethroned two time defending champion South Carolina to win the College World Series. Arizona used strong pitching performances on consecutive nights to sweep the CWS finals. James Farris and Mathew Troupe combined to limit the Gamecocks to three hits a night after Konner Wade threw his third straight complete game in a 5-1 win.
MLB
Roger Clemens keeps piling up victories. Rocket Rogers was acquitted on all charges that he obstructed and lied to Congress in denying he used performance-enhancing drugs to extend his long career as one of the greatest and most decorated hurlers in baseball history. The Federal Government whiffed AGAIN! They've failed to nail two of baseball's biggest names - Clemens and Barry Bonds. Millions of dollars and hundreds of hours wasted to acquit two stars who will never escape the spotlight of juicing up. Careers tainted by "suspicions"? This will be forever debated.
Sometimes I can't help but wonder if these trials were really intended to convict the accused? Or, were they for public display? How in the world can Federal prosecutors drop the ball with rock solid evidence? Trials be damned, there's no way these two individuals (and dozens of others) are truly innocent.
Mark McGwire? & Sammy Sosa chasing after Roger Maris' home run record remains one of the most disgusting displays by Major League Baseball in history. Picturing McGwire? hugging an emotional Maris family - WHILE KNOWING FULL WELL HE WAS CHEATING - is a travesty. Does everyone remember McGwire? crying about how his bat will now be next to Maris in Baseball's Hall of Fame? I hope this bat is long gone from displays. As well as Bonds breaking two sacred home run records too.
I continue to say Major League Baseball - from the Commissioners Office to league owners to GM's to team doctors - all got off scott free. Once players names were served to the public as red meat a neat diversion was created to shield those needed prosecution the most. The Mitchell Report was a trojan horse diverting attention away from the game's true problem - everyone knew what was going on!!
-Digger's Daily-
New champions crowned.
NBA
Miami Heat took down up and coming Oklahoma City Thunder. 2012 NBA Finals MVP LeBron? James led his Heat to the win in 5 games. Box scores won't reveal how this series was OKC's for the taking in years to come. The Thunder blew a couple of big leads and was no match for Miami's late game heroics. Nerves? Lack of post-season experience? Youth? Or, choke? OKC will challenge for years to come as their core players are relatively young and very hungry for their first championship. Miami figures to be busy this off season fine tuning their squad attempting to repeat.
NHL
There's much to be said about getting hot at just the right moment. That moment arrived when the first puck dropped in opening round game 1 vs heavily favored Vancouver. 8th seeded Los Angeles Kings went on to play gritty no nonsense hockey the rest of the way earning their franchise's first ever Stanley Cup. My money was squarely favoring the New Jersey Devils in the Finals. The first two games went into OT when LA stunned the Devils for back to back victories which were too much to overcome. Congratulations Kings. You burnt four great teams to win it all.
NCAA
NCAA Baseball crowned a new champ - Arizona Wildcats dethroned two time defending champion South Carolina to win the College World Series. Arizona used strong pitching performances on consecutive nights to sweep the CWS finals. James Farris and Mathew Troupe combined to limit the Gamecocks to three hits a night after Konner Wade threw his third straight complete game in a 5-1 win.
"They've just been a joy," said Lopez, flanked by his key players. "I mean, how many times have I told you I love suiting up with you guys? Said it today before the game. And I really do, I like suiting up with young guys that go to class, go to study hall, hustle on the field, clean up the clubhouse on their own. I'm extremely, extremely fortunate to be in this profession and work with young people like this."This was Arizona's 4th title and a special one for Manager Lopez who took over a team in turmoil 11 years ago. Lopez completely revitalized the Wildcats program from top to bottom. Well done Mr. Lopez.
MLB
Roger Clemens keeps piling up victories. Rocket Rogers was acquitted on all charges that he obstructed and lied to Congress in denying he used performance-enhancing drugs to extend his long career as one of the greatest and most decorated hurlers in baseball history. The Federal Government whiffed AGAIN! They've failed to nail two of baseball's biggest names - Clemens and Barry Bonds. Millions of dollars and hundreds of hours wasted to acquit two stars who will never escape the spotlight of juicing up. Careers tainted by "suspicions"? This will be forever debated.
Sometimes I can't help but wonder if these trials were really intended to convict the accused? Or, were they for public display? How in the world can Federal prosecutors drop the ball with rock solid evidence? Trials be damned, there's no way these two individuals (and dozens of others) are truly innocent.
Mark McGwire? & Sammy Sosa chasing after Roger Maris' home run record remains one of the most disgusting displays by Major League Baseball in history. Picturing McGwire? hugging an emotional Maris family - WHILE KNOWING FULL WELL HE WAS CHEATING - is a travesty. Does everyone remember McGwire? crying about how his bat will now be next to Maris in Baseball's Hall of Fame? I hope this bat is long gone from displays. As well as Bonds breaking two sacred home run records too.
I continue to say Major League Baseball - from the Commissioners Office to league owners to GM's to team doctors - all got off scott free. Once players names were served to the public as red meat a neat diversion was created to shield those needed prosecution the most. The Mitchell Report was a trojan horse diverting attention away from the game's true problem - everyone knew what was going on!!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
2012 NFL Predictions (Pre-Season)
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-Digger's Daily-
Get ready for NFL 2012. Super Bowl defending champion New York Giants will set out to defend their title. There hasn't been a repeat champ since the 2003-04 New England Patriots. Eli Manning's Giants might just be the team to pull it off.
Time for picking winners and losers as training get underway.
AFC
East
New England Patriots - still best in East.
New York Jets* - Tebow pressures Sanchez.
Buffalo Bills - Getting better.
Miami Dolphins - Still haven't found a bonified QB since Marino.
North
Baltimore Ravens - Aging team can't get it done in playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers* - Last hurrah before rebuilding?
Cincinnati Bengals - Watch out, these guys might step it up in '12.
Cleveland Browns - Not a good team. Not getting better any time soon.
South
Houston Texans - What could have been if healthy?
Tennessee Titans - Solid core.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Rebuilding. In need of true team leader.
Indianapolis Colts - They have a long, long way to go.
West
Denver Broncos - Peyton Manning fans pray he's healthy.
San Diego Chargers - Norv Turner continues to be the wrong choice. Too much talent to remain mediocre season after season.
Kansas City Chiefs - Building the perfect beast.
Oakland Raiders - Defense gets a new look which could finally pay dividends.
NFC
East
New York Giants - Young, strong, dynasty in the making?
Philadelphia Eagles* - Win some, lose some.
Dallas Cowboys - Most over-rated team of 2000's.
Washington Redskins - Does anyone outside of Washington remember their glory days?
North
Green Bay Packers - Super Bowl material.
Detroit Lions* - Exciting in '11. Talented in '12.
Chicago Bears - Trying to turn the corner.
Minnesota Vikings - Sputtering offense needs a new game plan.
South
Atlanta Falcons - It's now or never time in Atlanta.
New Orleans Saints - Bounty-Gate? Only time will tell how these guys respond short handed.
Carolina Panthers - Don't be surprised if they become NFL Cinderella team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Rebuilding will not take long.
West
San Francisco 49ers - Harbaugh the saviour. Can they repeat?
Arizona Cardinals - Win pretty, lose ugly. .500 club at best.
Seattle Seahawks - Ugliest NFL uniforms can't hide weak offense.
St. Louis Rams - Starting to assemble their future.
In depth coverage to follow. There's been plenty to discuss as we get ready for pre-season action. Stay tuned.
-Digger's Daily-
Get ready for NFL 2012. Super Bowl defending champion New York Giants will set out to defend their title. There hasn't been a repeat champ since the 2003-04 New England Patriots. Eli Manning's Giants might just be the team to pull it off.
Time for picking winners and losers as training get underway.
AFC
East
New England Patriots - still best in East.
New York Jets* - Tebow pressures Sanchez.
Buffalo Bills - Getting better.
Miami Dolphins - Still haven't found a bonified QB since Marino.
North
Baltimore Ravens - Aging team can't get it done in playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers* - Last hurrah before rebuilding?
Cincinnati Bengals - Watch out, these guys might step it up in '12.
Cleveland Browns - Not a good team. Not getting better any time soon.
South
Houston Texans - What could have been if healthy?
Tennessee Titans - Solid core.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Rebuilding. In need of true team leader.
Indianapolis Colts - They have a long, long way to go.
West
Denver Broncos - Peyton Manning fans pray he's healthy.
San Diego Chargers - Norv Turner continues to be the wrong choice. Too much talent to remain mediocre season after season.
Kansas City Chiefs - Building the perfect beast.
Oakland Raiders - Defense gets a new look which could finally pay dividends.
NFC
East
New York Giants - Young, strong, dynasty in the making?
Philadelphia Eagles* - Win some, lose some.
Dallas Cowboys - Most over-rated team of 2000's.
Washington Redskins - Does anyone outside of Washington remember their glory days?
North
Green Bay Packers - Super Bowl material.
Detroit Lions* - Exciting in '11. Talented in '12.
Chicago Bears - Trying to turn the corner.
Minnesota Vikings - Sputtering offense needs a new game plan.
South
Atlanta Falcons - It's now or never time in Atlanta.
New Orleans Saints - Bounty-Gate? Only time will tell how these guys respond short handed.
Carolina Panthers - Don't be surprised if they become NFL Cinderella team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Rebuilding will not take long.
West
San Francisco 49ers - Harbaugh the saviour. Can they repeat?
Arizona Cardinals - Win pretty, lose ugly. .500 club at best.
Seattle Seahawks - Ugliest NFL uniforms can't hide weak offense.
St. Louis Rams - Starting to assemble their future.
In depth coverage to follow. There's been plenty to discuss as we get ready for pre-season action. Stay tuned.
Monday, June 4, 2012
New Low: Terrell Owens Cut by "Indoor" Football Team
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-Digger's Daily-
Indoor Football League's Allen Wranglers flat out dumped Terrell Owens. According to Allen Wranglers team owner - Owens could "no longer be tolerated." T.O. was released by the Allen Wranglers and lost his ownership stake. Gone was one of the leagues most anticipated acquisitions due to - what else - Terrell Owens lousy attitude on and off the field of play.
Wranglers owner Jon Frankel issued the following statement announcing Owens termination:
Terrell never tires of failing teammates. A player who used to call himself misunderstood is anything but what he claims. Owens proved time and time again he's not a team player. Not interested in community service. Not able to keep contractual agreements. Not worthy of praise.
You won't find Terrell's phone ringing for endorsements, future contracts or guest commentary appearances. He's effectively head gamed himself out of professional sports for good. It's hard to imagine anyone wanting to give this guy a 10th chance to bring disgrace to an organization. A sad ending for a physically talented individual with a terribly poor attitude
-Digger's Daily-
Indoor Football League's Allen Wranglers flat out dumped Terrell Owens. According to Allen Wranglers team owner - Owens could "no longer be tolerated." T.O. was released by the Allen Wranglers and lost his ownership stake. Gone was one of the leagues most anticipated acquisitions due to - what else - Terrell Owens lousy attitude on and off the field of play.
Wranglers owner Jon Frankel issued the following statement announcing Owens termination:
"Our fans are amongst the best in the league and it is impossible to maintain a player when even our fans notice and comment on a player's lack of effort both on and off the field. We need to do what is best for this team, our fans and this community."Once again, the NFL's former six time Pro Bowl wide receiver wore out his welcome. He's a community service nightmare evidenced by his no show for a scheduled appearance at a local children's hospital with other players and coaches. He also told the team he wasn't planning on playing in two upcoming games with playoff implications.
Terrell never tires of failing teammates. A player who used to call himself misunderstood is anything but what he claims. Owens proved time and time again he's not a team player. Not interested in community service. Not able to keep contractual agreements. Not worthy of praise.
You won't find Terrell's phone ringing for endorsements, future contracts or guest commentary appearances. He's effectively head gamed himself out of professional sports for good. It's hard to imagine anyone wanting to give this guy a 10th chance to bring disgrace to an organization. A sad ending for a physically talented individual with a terribly poor attitude
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
2012 NBA Western Finals - Spurs vs Thunder
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-Digger's Daily-
The 2012 NBA Western Conference Finals is a battle between the conference old guard San Antonio Spurs vs up and coming Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Spurs complete team game has been nothing short of total domination during sweeps over the Clippers and Utah. San Antonio's style of play represents exactly how team basketball is to be played. All players are involved. All know their roles. On defense, team quickness, rebounding skills and man to man abilities stifle opposing shooters. The Spurs held LA and Utah to a 90/ppg average. On offense, it's all about ball control setting up shooters with high percentage shots. 102.5/ppg in 8 playoff games nets 12.5 +/- per game advantage. Sinking 49.1% from the floor and 42.3% beyond the arc. Tough to beat - especially during transition play.
Oklahoma City Thunder aren't slouches either. Their popularity is growing. I barely hear the name Oklahoma City as most identify this squad as OKC. Their style is completely different. Speed and jump shots dominate offensive plays. OKC is not the dominant inside team pounding the boards. They rely on quick action and long range shots. Playoff leading shooters/scorers are outsiders - SF Durant (26.7) plus both Guards Westbrook (24.1) and Harden (17.0).
Prediction: San Antonio is better balanced in all areas. Their swarming defense will not give OKC open looks for long range jumpers. Every shot will be contested favoring big differential in transition baskets. Spurs experience and precise game play provides a huge advantage. They haven't lost a game yet. And might not the rest of the way.
San Antonio sweeps 4 very close games.
-Digger's Daily-
The 2012 NBA Western Conference Finals is a battle between the conference old guard San Antonio Spurs vs up and coming Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Spurs complete team game has been nothing short of total domination during sweeps over the Clippers and Utah. San Antonio's style of play represents exactly how team basketball is to be played. All players are involved. All know their roles. On defense, team quickness, rebounding skills and man to man abilities stifle opposing shooters. The Spurs held LA and Utah to a 90/ppg average. On offense, it's all about ball control setting up shooters with high percentage shots. 102.5/ppg in 8 playoff games nets 12.5 +/- per game advantage. Sinking 49.1% from the floor and 42.3% beyond the arc. Tough to beat - especially during transition play.
Oklahoma City Thunder aren't slouches either. Their popularity is growing. I barely hear the name Oklahoma City as most identify this squad as OKC. Their style is completely different. Speed and jump shots dominate offensive plays. OKC is not the dominant inside team pounding the boards. They rely on quick action and long range shots. Playoff leading shooters/scorers are outsiders - SF Durant (26.7) plus both Guards Westbrook (24.1) and Harden (17.0).
Prediction: San Antonio is better balanced in all areas. Their swarming defense will not give OKC open looks for long range jumpers. Every shot will be contested favoring big differential in transition baskets. Spurs experience and precise game play provides a huge advantage. They haven't lost a game yet. And might not the rest of the way.
San Antonio sweeps 4 very close games.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Baseball Power Rankings - May 17, 2012
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-Digger's Daily-
Time flies! The 2012 baseball season is nearly 25% complete. Plenty of surprises (Baltimore, Washington, Cleveland). A few disappointments (Minnesota, Arizona, Milwaukee). Sensational hitters (Josh Hamilton, David Wright, Rafael Furcal, Bryan LaHair). Slumping sluggers (Albert Pujols, Eric Hosmer). Injury bug stinging in full force derailing the likes of Mariano Rivera, Jacoby Ellsbury and a handful of other contributors.
How does it all shake out? Time for another edition of All World All Sports Baseball Power Rankings (thru day games of 5/17/12).
MLB Top 10
1 - Texas Rangers
2 - St. Louis Cardinals
3 - Los Angeles Dodgers
4 - Tampa Bay Rays
5 - Washington Nationals
6 - Baltimore Orioles
7 - Atlanta Braves
8 - Cleveland Indians
9 - New York Yankees
10- New York Mets
-Digger's Daily-
Time flies! The 2012 baseball season is nearly 25% complete. Plenty of surprises (Baltimore, Washington, Cleveland). A few disappointments (Minnesota, Arizona, Milwaukee). Sensational hitters (Josh Hamilton, David Wright, Rafael Furcal, Bryan LaHair). Slumping sluggers (Albert Pujols, Eric Hosmer). Injury bug stinging in full force derailing the likes of Mariano Rivera, Jacoby Ellsbury and a handful of other contributors.
How does it all shake out? Time for another edition of All World All Sports Baseball Power Rankings (thru day games of 5/17/12).
MLB Top 10
1 - Texas Rangers
2 - St. Louis Cardinals
3 - Los Angeles Dodgers
4 - Tampa Bay Rays
5 - Washington Nationals
6 - Baltimore Orioles
7 - Atlanta Braves
8 - Cleveland Indians
9 - New York Yankees
10- New York Mets
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Talkin' Baseball (MLB)
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-Digger's Daily-
Another tremendous baseball season is well underway. Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton's chasing baseball's coveted triple crown (leader in home runs, runs batted in and batting average). Baseball's are jumping off his bat.
Speaking of baseball's jumping off bats - Hamilton's Texas Rangers teammates compose the game's most feared lineup. They lead all of baseball with a .292 team average, 212 runs, 386 hits, 634 total bases, .480 slugging%, .828 OPS, and +75 run differential. Rangers are hungry for their first World Series title after back to back close calls. Texas is a much stronger team than the one which came within a strike of winning it all in 2011. Their loss to St. Louis made this squad more determined than ever to fulfill childhood dreams of glory.
Speaking of St. Louis - the defending Albert Pujol-less champions haven't missed a beat this season leading the NL Central with a 21-15 record. They've over come early season injuries to key players (Wainwright, Carpenter, Beltran, Berkman, Craig, Jay & Schumacker). Replacement players have excelled. Cardinals remain a very determined team. All players are chipping in admirably.
Time to pay tribute to a few successful clubs considered longshots before this season began. Washington Nationals 1/2 game off NL East lead (24-12). Another injury riddled club playing good baseball. Manager Davey Johnson has these guys ready to go every night....
New York Mets (20-16) showing the baseball world they're not dead yet despite plenty of spring training epitaph's. It's been a mixture of young and old getting it done through injuries, slumps and lack of over all team power....
Al East leading Baltimore Orioles (23-14) players and fans finally holding their heads high for the first time in ages. Adam Jones and Matt Wieters are real deal Baltimore fixtures for years to come. It'll be a long haul and big challenge for Oriole hurlers to keep down tough AL lineups. So far so good...
Los Angeles Dodgers (24-12) own baseball's best record. Don Mattingly has won over the trust and respect of Dodger players. LA is a talented team from top to bottom. Time is ripe for them to make a run for the NL crown.
MLB just named the New York Mets (CitiField) as hosts for the 2013 All Star Game. Mets haven't hosted an All Star Game since 1964 (a travesty). It's about time baseball recognized New York's other team. It's been a long time coming for the Mets to host another ASG. I was terribly disappointed only one ASG was played in Shea Stadium.
Stay tuned... more to follow.
-Digger's Daily-
Another tremendous baseball season is well underway. Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton's chasing baseball's coveted triple crown (leader in home runs, runs batted in and batting average). Baseball's are jumping off his bat.
Speaking of baseball's jumping off bats - Hamilton's Texas Rangers teammates compose the game's most feared lineup. They lead all of baseball with a .292 team average, 212 runs, 386 hits, 634 total bases, .480 slugging%, .828 OPS, and +75 run differential. Rangers are hungry for their first World Series title after back to back close calls. Texas is a much stronger team than the one which came within a strike of winning it all in 2011. Their loss to St. Louis made this squad more determined than ever to fulfill childhood dreams of glory.
Speaking of St. Louis - the defending Albert Pujol-less champions haven't missed a beat this season leading the NL Central with a 21-15 record. They've over come early season injuries to key players (Wainwright, Carpenter, Beltran, Berkman, Craig, Jay & Schumacker). Replacement players have excelled. Cardinals remain a very determined team. All players are chipping in admirably.
Time to pay tribute to a few successful clubs considered longshots before this season began. Washington Nationals 1/2 game off NL East lead (24-12). Another injury riddled club playing good baseball. Manager Davey Johnson has these guys ready to go every night....
New York Mets (20-16) showing the baseball world they're not dead yet despite plenty of spring training epitaph's. It's been a mixture of young and old getting it done through injuries, slumps and lack of over all team power....
Al East leading Baltimore Orioles (23-14) players and fans finally holding their heads high for the first time in ages. Adam Jones and Matt Wieters are real deal Baltimore fixtures for years to come. It'll be a long haul and big challenge for Oriole hurlers to keep down tough AL lineups. So far so good...
Los Angeles Dodgers (24-12) own baseball's best record. Don Mattingly has won over the trust and respect of Dodger players. LA is a talented team from top to bottom. Time is ripe for them to make a run for the NL crown.
MLB just named the New York Mets (CitiField) as hosts for the 2013 All Star Game. Mets haven't hosted an All Star Game since 1964 (a travesty). It's about time baseball recognized New York's other team. It's been a long time coming for the Mets to host another ASG. I was terribly disappointed only one ASG was played in Shea Stadium.
Stay tuned... more to follow.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Random Rumblings Strike Again
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-Digger's Daily-
Where to begin when there's so much to discuss?
NBA Playoffs
2011-12 NBA season will crown a new champion after Oklahoma City destroyed an over matched Dallas Mavericks. Mark Cuban's expression towards the end of Game 4 showed signs of knowing his Mavs roster needs attention. Dallas collapsed in 4th quarter during 3 of 4 losses. OKC has the talent and mindset to go all the way.
San Antonio Spurs made a statement in their demolition sweep against Utah. Spurs barely broke a sweat in the first 3 games decided by double digits. Great basketball awaits in the conference finals if SA squares up vs OKC.
NHL Playoffs
The New Jersey Devils are alive and well. 2012 Devils playoff hockey features something past championships lacked - a high powered scoring attack. New Jersey stunned Philadelphia in 5. If the Rangers (leading 3-2) can finish off Washington then don't miss a single second of action in the Conference Finals. New York vs New Jersey will feature some of the best hockey of this season. I'll be rooting for the Devils every step of the way. These two represent the best of the Eastern Conference.
Western Conference Finals feature two teams barely challenged in opening rounds. Los Angeles vs Phoenix will showcase transition hockey. Neither team light up red lights too often during the regular season but they've suddenly awaken. LA Kings playing their best hockey in years. It's all coming together at just the right moment. Phoenix won the Pacific. LA finished only 2 points behind. These teams split their head to head season series with most games decided in final seconds.
MLB
How dumb can a baseball player be? Suspended: Guillermo Mota with a 100-game ban Monday after the San Francisco Giants player tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs - failed test for a second time!!! Obviously Mota didn't learn his lesson after a 50 game suspension.
Speaking of suspensions... Manny Ramirez is due to return to Major League Baseball soon after his latest suspension. Oakland A's will take their chances on Mannyball. Should be interesting. Wondering if he can still hit major league pitching after barely playing live ball in 95 games since 2010.
Way to go Josh Hamilton. By now everyone should have heard Josh slammed 4 home runs and a doubled in one game vs Baltimore. That's right, FOUR home runs... all crushed. Texas slugger is the American League's first true Triple Crown threat in years. Entering Wednesday's games he leads all major leaguers with a .406 batting average, 15 home runs & 36 RBI. Glad he's on my fantasy team! Here's a guy everyone can rally around. His past drug problems have been well documented. He's in full recovery and ressurrected his career and personal life. He's was part of a horrific tragedy attempting to throw a ball to a fan who ended up dying after falling trying to catch Hamilton's soft toss. This is a man who easily could have crumbled from tough breaks. Yet, he's fought through severe emotions and tough life challenges. Let's go Josh Hamilton!!!
Poor Ryan Dempster. The Cubs starting pitcher hasn't received any run support. Dempster leads the majors with a 1.02 ERA. His record? 0-1. How can a pitcher with a 1.02 ERA not have a victory? Simply put... he plays for the Chicago Cubs!
Heeeeeeeeere's Andy. And just in time for the Yankees struggling starting rotation. Andy Pettitte returns Sunday. One of the most loved by Yankees fans in team history... Pettitte makes his comeback attempt official when he takes on the Seattle Mariners in the friendly surroundings of a sold out Yankee Stadium. Welcome back Andy. The Yankees need you.
-Digger's Daily-
Where to begin when there's so much to discuss?
NBA Playoffs
2011-12 NBA season will crown a new champion after Oklahoma City destroyed an over matched Dallas Mavericks. Mark Cuban's expression towards the end of Game 4 showed signs of knowing his Mavs roster needs attention. Dallas collapsed in 4th quarter during 3 of 4 losses. OKC has the talent and mindset to go all the way.
San Antonio Spurs made a statement in their demolition sweep against Utah. Spurs barely broke a sweat in the first 3 games decided by double digits. Great basketball awaits in the conference finals if SA squares up vs OKC.
NHL Playoffs
The New Jersey Devils are alive and well. 2012 Devils playoff hockey features something past championships lacked - a high powered scoring attack. New Jersey stunned Philadelphia in 5. If the Rangers (leading 3-2) can finish off Washington then don't miss a single second of action in the Conference Finals. New York vs New Jersey will feature some of the best hockey of this season. I'll be rooting for the Devils every step of the way. These two represent the best of the Eastern Conference.
Western Conference Finals feature two teams barely challenged in opening rounds. Los Angeles vs Phoenix will showcase transition hockey. Neither team light up red lights too often during the regular season but they've suddenly awaken. LA Kings playing their best hockey in years. It's all coming together at just the right moment. Phoenix won the Pacific. LA finished only 2 points behind. These teams split their head to head season series with most games decided in final seconds.
MLB
How dumb can a baseball player be? Suspended: Guillermo Mota with a 100-game ban Monday after the San Francisco Giants player tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs - failed test for a second time!!! Obviously Mota didn't learn his lesson after a 50 game suspension.
Speaking of suspensions... Manny Ramirez is due to return to Major League Baseball soon after his latest suspension. Oakland A's will take their chances on Mannyball. Should be interesting. Wondering if he can still hit major league pitching after barely playing live ball in 95 games since 2010.
Way to go Josh Hamilton. By now everyone should have heard Josh slammed 4 home runs and a doubled in one game vs Baltimore. That's right, FOUR home runs... all crushed. Texas slugger is the American League's first true Triple Crown threat in years. Entering Wednesday's games he leads all major leaguers with a .406 batting average, 15 home runs & 36 RBI. Glad he's on my fantasy team! Here's a guy everyone can rally around. His past drug problems have been well documented. He's in full recovery and ressurrected his career and personal life. He's was part of a horrific tragedy attempting to throw a ball to a fan who ended up dying after falling trying to catch Hamilton's soft toss. This is a man who easily could have crumbled from tough breaks. Yet, he's fought through severe emotions and tough life challenges. Let's go Josh Hamilton!!!
Poor Ryan Dempster. The Cubs starting pitcher hasn't received any run support. Dempster leads the majors with a 1.02 ERA. His record? 0-1. How can a pitcher with a 1.02 ERA not have a victory? Simply put... he plays for the Chicago Cubs!
Heeeeeeeeere's Andy. And just in time for the Yankees struggling starting rotation. Andy Pettitte returns Sunday. One of the most loved by Yankees fans in team history... Pettitte makes his comeback attempt official when he takes on the Seattle Mariners in the friendly surroundings of a sold out Yankee Stadium. Welcome back Andy. The Yankees need you.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Oh Moooooo! Rivera Hurt, Season Over!
Visit - "All World All Sports"
-Digger's Daily-
Say it ain't so Mo! New York Yankees living legend Mariano Rivera slipped during Thurday's pre-game warmups and is done for the season. 2012 was hinted to be Rivera's final season. The greatest closer in the history of Major League Baseball may not return, ever!
Baseball's all time saves leader may have made his last pitch. A torn ACL shelves Rivera. Players, coaches and fans are stunned at the sudden news.
What a shame if this is how Rivera's career ends. It's been 9 seasons since Rivera needed a disabled list stint. Let's all hope Mariano Rivera is able to return to active duty. Depending upon how serious of a tear... he may never pitch again. Don't forget this was rumored to be his unofficial farewell season.
A word to the wise. Enjoy every moment to the fullest extent possible. Life changes on a dime without warning.
-Digger's Daily-
Say it ain't so Mo! New York Yankees living legend Mariano Rivera slipped during Thurday's pre-game warmups and is done for the season. 2012 was hinted to be Rivera's final season. The greatest closer in the history of Major League Baseball may not return, ever!
Baseball's all time saves leader may have made his last pitch. A torn ACL shelves Rivera. Players, coaches and fans are stunned at the sudden news.
“That’s about as bad as it gets,” Girardi said. “You lose a Hall of Famer it changes [the bullpen] a lot. We like the depth of our bullpen and it just got a little bit shorter. We’ll have to find a way to get through it.”Rivera was shagging fly balls in the outfield before Thursday's game. It's something he's done for years as a pre-game ritual. Mo's knee gave out tracking down a fly off recent call-up Jason Nix. Mo went down hard and crashed into the outfield wall. I've read reports of Alex Rodriguez and other Yankees teammates completely in a state of shock watching their fallen friend.
What a shame if this is how Rivera's career ends. It's been 9 seasons since Rivera needed a disabled list stint. Let's all hope Mariano Rivera is able to return to active duty. Depending upon how serious of a tear... he may never pitch again. Don't forget this was rumored to be his unofficial farewell season.
A word to the wise. Enjoy every moment to the fullest extent possible. Life changes on a dime without warning.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Random Rumblings - Strange & Stranger
Visit - "All World All Sports"
-Digger's Daily-
Back by popular demand - another installment of "All World All Sports" Random Rumblings. A few strange but true stories coming from the world of sports.
Ozzie Guillen suspended by Miami Marlins. I guess freedom of speech and expression doesn't exist in Major League Baseball. Guillen was suspended for comments he made about Fidel Castro. His comments didn't sit well with the Cuban-American crowd in South Florida which erupted into a frenzy following Guillen's praise of Castro's ability to remain free of assassination. In case you missed it, he said: "I respect Fidel Castro. You know why? A lot of people have wanted to kill Fidel Castro for the last 60 years, but that son of a bitch is still there."
Obviously, his comments touched a nerve in South Florida. However, Miami suspending their new manager during the first week of baseball season is a bit much. No one can blame folks who get upset over controversial comments. However, this stinks. If Marlins ownership was truly disturbed Guillen would be gone. Marlins brass was clearly trying to avoid losing ticket sales. This isn't a pretty picture no matter how you slice and dice the situation.
Former NFL washout Ryan Leaf charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of criminal possession of a dangerous drug. Leaf could arguably be the #1 draft pick bust in NFL history. Legal troubles continue to mount. A brief description via Wikipedia.com: "In May 2009, Leaf was indicted on burglary and controlled substance charges in Texas. He was undergoing drug rehab in British Columbia at the time of the indictment and was arrested by customs agents as he returned to the United States. On June 17, 2009, he posted $45,000 bond in Washington state for the criminal charges in Texas. In April 2010, Leaf pled guilty in Amarillo, Texas to seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance, all felonies. State District Judge John B. Board sentenced Leaf to 10 years of probation and fined him $20,000. - On March 30, 2012 Leaf was arrested on burglary, theft, and drug charges in his hometown of Great Falls, Montana. Four days later, Leaf was arrested again on burglary, theft, and two counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs."
Leaf's violation of parole and back to back arrests signal doom and gloom for the pain pill addicted idiot. He's been a complete washout since his college football playing days. NFL players/teammates hated his lack of work ethic. He was fired from college coaching career due to pain pills too. I guess leading a life of crime was easier than going to rehab? There's no doubt Leaf will be in jail for a few years. Over/under <1.5 character witnesses testify on Leaf's behalf.
New York Knicks climb into 2nd place in Atlantic Division - trail Boston by 3 games. Coach Mike Woodson helped turn around the Atlanta Hawks. Now he's working miracles on Broadway. The Knicks are 13-4 under his leadership and have climbed into 2nd in the Atlantic and 7th overall in Eastern Conference action. Deja vu from the shot season of 1998-99 season when the went to the NBA Finals as the 8th seed? We'll soon find out. Amazing what a mid-season coaching change can do to wake up a team. Knicks have been playing great basketball lately. Sleeper pick for sure. So was the 98-99 squad. Keep an eye on these guys.
New York Mets begin 4-0. Much has been written of Mets failures in recent years from ownership to players. New York opened their season at home and delighted fans with 4 consecutive victories to begin the new season. They swept arch rival Atlanta Braves in 3 games. Johan Santana is back. Niese pitched a 1-hitter. Duda is the new fan favorite. Wright is off to a quick start. Bullpen didn't blow any games. A solid beginning for a team trying to put turmoil in their rear view mirror. Enjoy it while it lasts.
"Rangers Fans" - Shannon and Cooper Stone statue unveiled in Arlington. Nine months after a Texas Rangers fan & father (Shannon) died trying to catch a baseball thrown by Josh Hamilton, his 7-year-old son (Cooper) helped unveil a statue honoring his father and others who love America’s pastime. Last season, Shannon Stone reached too far to catch a baseball for his son and died from injuries sustained after falling from the upper deck in front of a stunned Texas crowd. How many times have we (fans) lunged for baseball's at games? How many times have we witnessed fellow fans scramble and fight to retrieve baseball's? This time it was tragic as a father fell to his death right before his sons eyes. Texas Rangers management honored the father and son. Shannon and Cooper Stone statue is a tremendous (and heart breaking) dedication. Nolan Ryan & Rangers ownership represent baseball's best. This is a tremendous tribute - not only to the Stone's - but, for fans everywhere.
-Digger's Daily-
Back by popular demand - another installment of "All World All Sports" Random Rumblings. A few strange but true stories coming from the world of sports.
Ozzie Guillen suspended by Miami Marlins. I guess freedom of speech and expression doesn't exist in Major League Baseball. Guillen was suspended for comments he made about Fidel Castro. His comments didn't sit well with the Cuban-American crowd in South Florida which erupted into a frenzy following Guillen's praise of Castro's ability to remain free of assassination. In case you missed it, he said: "I respect Fidel Castro. You know why? A lot of people have wanted to kill Fidel Castro for the last 60 years, but that son of a bitch is still there."
Obviously, his comments touched a nerve in South Florida. However, Miami suspending their new manager during the first week of baseball season is a bit much. No one can blame folks who get upset over controversial comments. However, this stinks. If Marlins ownership was truly disturbed Guillen would be gone. Marlins brass was clearly trying to avoid losing ticket sales. This isn't a pretty picture no matter how you slice and dice the situation.
Former NFL washout Ryan Leaf charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of criminal possession of a dangerous drug. Leaf could arguably be the #1 draft pick bust in NFL history. Legal troubles continue to mount. A brief description via Wikipedia.com: "In May 2009, Leaf was indicted on burglary and controlled substance charges in Texas. He was undergoing drug rehab in British Columbia at the time of the indictment and was arrested by customs agents as he returned to the United States. On June 17, 2009, he posted $45,000 bond in Washington state for the criminal charges in Texas. In April 2010, Leaf pled guilty in Amarillo, Texas to seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance, all felonies. State District Judge John B. Board sentenced Leaf to 10 years of probation and fined him $20,000. - On March 30, 2012 Leaf was arrested on burglary, theft, and drug charges in his hometown of Great Falls, Montana. Four days later, Leaf was arrested again on burglary, theft, and two counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs."
Leaf's violation of parole and back to back arrests signal doom and gloom for the pain pill addicted idiot. He's been a complete washout since his college football playing days. NFL players/teammates hated his lack of work ethic. He was fired from college coaching career due to pain pills too. I guess leading a life of crime was easier than going to rehab? There's no doubt Leaf will be in jail for a few years. Over/under <1.5 character witnesses testify on Leaf's behalf.
New York Knicks climb into 2nd place in Atlantic Division - trail Boston by 3 games. Coach Mike Woodson helped turn around the Atlanta Hawks. Now he's working miracles on Broadway. The Knicks are 13-4 under his leadership and have climbed into 2nd in the Atlantic and 7th overall in Eastern Conference action. Deja vu from the shot season of 1998-99 season when the went to the NBA Finals as the 8th seed? We'll soon find out. Amazing what a mid-season coaching change can do to wake up a team. Knicks have been playing great basketball lately. Sleeper pick for sure. So was the 98-99 squad. Keep an eye on these guys.
New York Mets begin 4-0. Much has been written of Mets failures in recent years from ownership to players. New York opened their season at home and delighted fans with 4 consecutive victories to begin the new season. They swept arch rival Atlanta Braves in 3 games. Johan Santana is back. Niese pitched a 1-hitter. Duda is the new fan favorite. Wright is off to a quick start. Bullpen didn't blow any games. A solid beginning for a team trying to put turmoil in their rear view mirror. Enjoy it while it lasts.
"Rangers Fans" - Shannon and Cooper Stone statue unveiled in Arlington. Nine months after a Texas Rangers fan & father (Shannon) died trying to catch a baseball thrown by Josh Hamilton, his 7-year-old son (Cooper) helped unveil a statue honoring his father and others who love America’s pastime. Last season, Shannon Stone reached too far to catch a baseball for his son and died from injuries sustained after falling from the upper deck in front of a stunned Texas crowd. How many times have we (fans) lunged for baseball's at games? How many times have we witnessed fellow fans scramble and fight to retrieve baseball's? This time it was tragic as a father fell to his death right before his sons eyes. Texas Rangers management honored the father and son. Shannon and Cooper Stone statue is a tremendous (and heart breaking) dedication. Nolan Ryan & Rangers ownership represent baseball's best. This is a tremendous tribute - not only to the Stone's - but, for fans everywhere.
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