We reach the last day of our previews as most teams are starting their first games this season. Tomorrow I will do a series of predictions, Cy Young picks, MVPs, playoffs, etc. But today is the last division preview, and it comes with a surprising pick.
Philadelphia Phillies
Key Additions: Pedro Feliz, Geoff Jenkins, So Taguchi, Brad Lidge
Key Departures: Aaron Rowand, Jon Leiber, Michael Bourne, Kyle Lohse
Player to Watch: Brad Lidge. This guy has already gone through an entire career in the matter of 4 years. He was one of the top pitchers in college, leading Notre Dame to a Big East Championship and a trip to the College World Series. He then was a shut down closer for Houston. Until one fateful playoff game, where Albert Pujoles hit a game winning homerun so far, Lidge still hasn't recovered. He was emotionally fragile for the next year, and then injured last year, as he continually managed to lose his closing role. After returning from injury for the second half of last year, he managed to pitch real well in the set-up role. We will see if a change in scenery can help Lidge return to redemption. Assuming he never has to face Pujoles again.
What Can Go Wrong: Pitching staff. Their pitching rotation is subject to some ups and downs this year. Cole Hamels is a stud. The rest of the rotation is a list of guys where every one makes you say to yourself "well, that guy could be real good". Brett Meyers, Adam Eaton, Kyle Kendrick and Jaime Moyer will all see time on the mound this year.
Prediction: They win the division again this year. Most people forget, since all the buzz is around Johan Santana and the Mets, but the Phillies line up is loaded. If they continue to play how they played the last 3 months of last year, they should capture the division.
New York Mets
Key Additions: Sigh, Johan Santana, Ryan Church
Key Subtractions: Tom Glavine, Paul Lo Duca (St. John's girls cheer), Lastings Milledge
Player to Watch: This one is easy. Johan. Where is brief slip in numbers last year a sign of things to come or just a bit of an off year? Will his switch to the NL produce numbers the likes of which have never been seen before? The real pitcher to watch is Pedro. If he comes back healthy and throws, not even dominantly, but consistently good, they Mets improve a ton.
What Can Go Wrong: Hitting. David Wright and Jose Reyes are 2 of the best players in baseball. Carols Beltran should rebound amazingly well this year. So having 3 of the top hitters should be good, right? Well, they are followed by something not so good. Delgado somehow lost all of his talent, most of the outfield is injured, and Moises Alou is only good if he gets a solid nap before the Evening News.
Prediction: I think that Santana, Pedro, and Maine all have amazing years. Assuming the big 3 hitters can produce enough offense, the rest of that line up needs to be just good enough to get by. And they should.
Atlanta Braves
Key Additions: Mark Texeria (sort of), Tom Glavine, Javy Lopez, Jair Jurrjens
Key Subtractions: Andruw Jones (not so key after last year), Ovtavio Dotel, Edgar Renteria
Player to Watch: Jeff Francouer. He is also my pick for the player to more or less come out of nowhere and become a star. He came to spring training weighing 17 pounds heavier. The good kind too. He spent the off season working out in a camp designed to get players ready for the NFL combine. Those extra pounds should account for 10 to 15 more homeruns this year.
What Could Go Wrong: A lot of people talk about how good their pitching is. From the last time I checked, this pitching staff would have been insane 4 years ago. Now? I think the MVP of this team could be the medical staff. Glavine and Smoltz will get fans pumped with memories of Braves dominance. Until they see that these guys are old now. Smotlz still has it, Glavine is a shell of what he once was. Just ask any Met fan. Hudson just seems like a prime candidate to start off the season hot and the spend a month on the DL and never be the same. Only because he does that ever year, I guess.
Prediction: If the rotation holds up, this team will compete for the Wild Card. Assuming Chipper Jones stays healthy (he had his first healthy season in the past 6 years last year. So he is either due for a super injury this year, or he learned how to stay healthy).
Washington Nationals
Key Additions: Elijah Dukes, Paul Lo Duca, Lastings Milledge, Aaron Boone, Tyler Clippard
Key Subtractions: Ryan Church, Brian Schnieder, RFK Stadium
Player to Watch: I will admit, I am 100% influenced by last night's game. From President Bush throwing the first pitch, to the new statadium, to the dramatic ending. For this reason, player to watch has to be Ryan Zimmerman. He has always been one of those guys writers love as a break out candidate, but then he gets hurt and spends the year failing to live up to potential. Still, everything I have read this year says he is gonna have a break out year...
Prediction: They turn a small corner among many. They weren't as bad as people thought last year, and will continue to grow. They have a terrible pitching staff, but with the new stadium, at least there will be excitement at all the games.
Florida Marlins
Key Additions: Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller, Mark Hendrickson
Key Subtractions: Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis
Player to Watch: Hanley Ramirez. He has become a fantasy player's wet dream over the past 2 years. Now he will start to open the eyes of the casual fan as well. Without Cabrera, this is his team to lead. Sadly, Ramirez is one of the most talented players in the league this year on one of the worst teams. Last year he was the only player in major league history to bat .330, hit 20 HRs and steal 50 bases. He could be the most complete player in the majors if he develops a curve.
What Could Go Wrong: The management deals all of their good players away for prospects? Oh, wait.
Predictions: Who knows. This happens every 5 years with this team. Trade everyone, suck for 2 or 3 years, come out of no where, win a World Series, trade everyone and start over. It seems to me that they are further back from the trophy than they ever have been, but who knows.
Monday, March 31, 2008
2008 MLB Preview: NL East
The Sports Watercooler
We spend months looking forward to the tournament. Looking forward to the anything can happen mentality, the rooting interest in each game, the chance for a small school and unknown players to become household names.
Which is why I think this year is the Worst NCAA Tournament ever. There has been only a handful of upsets (Western Kentucky, Siena, Villanova, San Diego, and the obvious Davidson), there has only been a couple of games that went down to the wire, and to top it off, the Final Four has all number one seeds. Not even the fact that this has never happened in history can help breath life into this tournament.
And although it may be a testament to the selection committee that their 4 number 1 seeds have thus proven to be the four best teams, its is boring from a fan's perspective.
There are still some plot lines for an average fan to attach themselves too. UCLA's super impressive third straight visit to the Final Four, Kansas finally killing the monkey on it and Bill Self's back, Memphis proving that they do belong in the upper echelon of college basketball, and North Carolina dominating every team they have seen thus far.
But compared to tournaments in the past, there hasn't been very much. I feel like most games were decided by 10+ points. And to top it all off, a bracket that had zero upsets in it would be in the 96th percentile of all people picking on ESPN.com. Davidson, we hardly knew thee.
The upside here is that all 3 remaining games have to be close and good, right? We are finally down to 4 number 1 seeds, who are pretty equal across the board. Let's hope so. Because we need some close games going down to the wire to inject some energy into this thing. As it stands, its been so boring, I actually scheduled a 6:30 dinner reservation for Saturday without even realizing it was the Final Four. Prove me wrong Number 1 seeds.
Friday, March 28, 2008
2008 MLB Preview: AL Central
This is the division nearest and dearest to my (and a few of our other writers') heart. And its loaded. The top teams are some of the best in either league, and the bottom teams aren't even really bad, just cursed with being in a tough division. I don't know if its statistically possible, but I would venture that no team here will finish below .500. As for my predicted finish:
Cleveland Indians
Key Additions: Masahide Kobayashi
Key Subtractions: Kenny Loften
Player to Watch: Travis Hafner. The Indians advanced to within 1 game of the World Series last year (didn't pan out so well for them). And they did it in a year where one of their best pure hitters, Hafner, had an off year. This is a dangerous team once they start getting some hitting from Pronk.
What Could Go Wrong: Close games. Browoski, the closer, made sure that Cleveland fans couldn't go to sleep unless they were up a lot. He lead the AL with 45 saves last year, but also amassed a 5.07 ERA. They got some help this year with hot dog eater badass reliever Kobayashi, and Betancourt is already probably a better closing option that Browoski, but as long as he is in that role, teams will have a full nine innings to beat them.
Prediction: The pitching staff may have peaked last year (is Fausto Carmona really that good?), but this team is loaded everywhere. Another visit to the precipice of the World Series is not out of the question.
Detroit Tigers
Key Additions: Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis, Edgar Rentaria, Jacque Jones
Key Subtractions: Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin
Player to Watch: The whole lineup. These guys can seriously hit. Their projected line up has 5 2007 All Stars. Another 2 of them hit .302 and .332. Their only weakness is Jacque Jones in the nine hole. They 3 and 4 guys are both MVP candidates. What this lineup can do is sick.
What Can Go Wrong: Bullpen. They have a shaky closer not unlike the aforementioned Indians. But they differ from the Indians in that they don't have much in the role of set-up as well. Joel Zumaya wowed everyone in the playoffs two years ago with his 100+ MPH pitches. He then suffered a Guitar Hero injury (no joke) and recently got hurt moving boxes from a house that was about to be burned down in the San Diego fires last year. America eagerly awaits his next hilarious injury. Their other set-up man Fernando Rodney is starting the season the DL, not a good sign.
Predictions: This division will be neck and neck the whole summer. With the Tigers scoring 12 runs a game, giving up a few to the bullpen won't matter too much. Another run to the World Series is a very real possibility. Leyland should start practicing defense with his pitchers now.
Minnesota Twins
Key Additions: Delmon Young, Carlos Gomez, Livan Hernandez, Branden Harris
Key Subtractions: sigh
Player to Watch: Francisco Liriano. Remember his rookie year? The dude statistics were INSANE. In 16 starts he was 12-3 with 144 strike outs. He then threw out his arm and had to have Tommy John surgery, causing me numerous nights of crying myself to sleep. He returns this year, and who knows what could happen. To ease my concerns, I give you a list of successful pitchers who overcame Tommy John Surgery: John Smotlz, Kenny Rogers, Dustin McGowan, Eric Gagne, AJ Burnett, Erik Bedard, Rod Beck, amongst others. The Twins season and/or future rests on Liriano's surgically repaired arm.
What Could Go Wrong: Youth. This team is real young. The have an outfield that will be considered stacked in a few years. The pitching staff has about 3 years of professional experience (not counting Livan Hernandez who is just on the team for the health insurance) combined. They will be good, but probably not this year.
Predictions: More tears from me. This team will show flashes of potential, but most of the season will be growing pains.
Chicago White Sox
Key Additions: Nick Swisher, Orlando Cabrera, Octavio Dotel, Carlos Quentin
Key Subtractions: Scott Podsednik, Jon Garland
Player To Watch: Nick Swisher. He was finally just sort of reaching the potential of being really good when Oakland traded him. Now the White Sox have the advantage of getting a good hitter with the extra incentive to give Billy Beane 2 middle fingers for trading him for a poo poo platter of prospects. Swisher is breaking out big time this year.
What Could Go Wrong: Pitching. In 2005 when the White Sox won the World Series, it was due to the pitching. Everything was going right on that staff. Everyone they threw out there was having a career year. Now that seems like the distant past. I mean, they have Gavin Floyd in their starting rotation. Yeah.
Prediction: If everything clicks again, this team could be very good. But it would really take a miracle for them to compete with the Tigers and Indians this year.
Kansas City Royals
Key Additions: Jose Guillan and a dude named Yasuhiko Yabuta
Key Subtractions: David Riske
Player to Watch: Billy Butler and Alex Gordon. Someday Butler will be easily hitting .320 each year. Sadly, it will be for the Yankees or Red Sox, but still. In his first year in the bigs, he has already had a fantastic summer and will continue mashing when the season starts. Gordon was supposed to do everything I just said about Butler last year. He had some growing pains but ended the season really well. Now that he knows how to handle being in The Show (and being the team's main attraction). Break out season for both.
Predictions: The good thing about playing for the Royals, is the low expectations. Fans just want to see something to cheer about. With a young core of Butler and Gordan, some young pitching (Bannister came out of no where last year), and a general manager who seems borderline competent, the season will still look like a failure in the W-L column, but fans will be pleased with what they see.
The Sports Watercooler
Doesn't it feel good to have the tournament back after taking those few days off? And although none of last night's games were extremely revetting except for the West Virginia/Xavier overtime one, it was all just good basketball.
And, since my picks in yesterday's Watercooler were 75% right, I have no choice but to let that go straight to my head and offer more today. It also may be because my brackets are tanking and its a lot easier to pick after I have seen the teams play in the first two rounds.
Today's matchups feature:
Davidson versus Wisconsin. This game is the hardest for me to pick. On one hand, I have Wisconsin in my final four, and would like to see them win. On the other hand, who doesn't love watching a mid-major make a deep run in the tournament?! This one will be closer than everyone thinks. Wisconsin loves to slow the game down, yet a slower paced game means the starters won't get tired as quickly. And the more time Curry and Richards spend on the court for Davidson, the more they have a chance to win this thing. With a gun to my head, I am picking Wisconsin. Should be a great game.
Stanford versus Texas. Stanford has the inside presence, with the Lopez twins (twin Robin is dating Michelle Wie! No joke!), while Texas has the guards (most notably Augustine, I do not know who he is dating). I think Stanford should take this one fairly easy, but you never know. If Texas gets some hot hands shooting the rock (cliches!), the will score a ton. Official pick: Stanford.
Villanova versus Kansas. Most people are already writing Villanova off. Well, don't. Remember, even though Kansas has arguably the most talented team in the tournament, its still coached by Bill Self, and its still, well, Kansas, both of which are known to flame out in the tournament, and never meet expectations. I am still picking Kansas to win this, but it will be closer than you think.
Michigan State versus Memphis. This is the last of what should be 4 stellar games tonight. I have no idea what to expect from Michigan State. I had them losing in the first round. And now they have toppled my Final Four pick of Pitt. Nietzel is in his, what, 8th year of college? Memphis always gets a rap for only being good because they play in a weak conference. Well, I will give them some props. They have a solid team and a scumbag coach. Thats good for at least the Elite 8. My pick: Memphis.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
2008 MLB Preview: NL West
To me, this is the best division in baseball. I can easily see 4 teams from here making the World Series. Sure you can argue that the National League is easier and that a team like the Blue Jays could win this division, but as it stands, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Diamondbacks, the Rockies, or the Dodgers in the World Series this year. On with the preview.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Key Additions: Dan Haren, Chad Qualls
Key Subtractions: Jose Valverde, Livan Hernandez, Carlos Quentin
Player to Watch: Conor Jackson and Justin Upton. The Diamondbacks won a playoff series last year by dominating the cubs with their stellar pitching and young hitting. So what happens? They get better pitching and have even more prospects coming up, ready to prosper. These two are primed to take off this year.
What Could Go Wrong: Last year Valverde lead the NL in saves. The Diamondbacks traded him to Houston and didn't really find an option at the closer position. You could see Pena or Qualls closing for this team, neither one evokes a lot of enthusiasm.
Prediction: This is a very good baseball team. They have 2 pitchers starting their rotation that both could win the Cy Young. If the young hitters all come around, this team could win the NL.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Key Additions: Andruw Jones, Joe Torre
Key Subtractions: Mark Hendrickson, Luis Gonzalez (finally retired)
Player to Watch: Matt Kemp. If you haven't heard of him yet, he will hit homeruns, doubles, and steal bases, while making it all look easy. If the Dodgers are going to make noise in the post season, it will be on his shoulders.
What Could Go Wrong: Hitting. They have a lot of young stars in the making, but they don't quite have the power to really make anything happen yet. Jeff Kent lead the team in homeruns last year. With 20. So yeah, there is some room to improve. Russell Martin lead the team in RBI's with 87.
Prediction: The Dodgers are my sleeper team in the NL. For some reason, I have been liking them for the past year or so. Their pitching isn't steller, but solid through all 5 spots. They may not have the aforementioned power, but everyone on the team has the potential to be a good hitter. If they can stop losing third basement to injury (3 thus far in the preseason), as this team starts to approach their hitting potential, while the pitching stays solid, I think a post season run isn't out of the cards.
Colorado Rockies
Key Additions: Luis Viscaino, Josh Towers
Key Subtractions: Kaz Matsui
Player to Watch: Matt Holliday. So this really isn't an under the radar pick, nor is this something that you probably couldn't have just thought of yourself. But, admit it, before the Rockies went on their run and before Holliday won the MVP, you had no idea who this guy was. Watch him this year. As he goes, so do the Rockies. Surely he can't hit .340 again, can he? With 36 HRs and 137 RBIs? Even if he regresses back a bit, how much?
What Could Go Wrong: Disappointment. They Rockies made it to the World Series last year based on that amazing run at the end of the year where they lost like 1 game in 2 months (minor hyperbole). And they used that momentum to carry them through the playoffs. Now, what happens when they don't have that momentum? Is this a team that is a playoff caliber team? Or a .500 team perpetually on the verge of another long streak?
Prediction: Both Holliday and the Rockies regress a bit. Both are above average, and both should put up superstar numbers, but neither will match the greatness experienced last year.
San Diego Padres
Key Additions: Randy Wolf, Mark Prior, Tad Iguchi
Key Subtractions: Mike Cameron, Geoff Blum, Milton Bradley, One of the Giles brothers
Player to Watch: Chris Young. A bad back curtailed what was a break out year last year. Now healthy, Young will go back to being a future Cy Young candidate (weird phrase, I know).
What Could Go Wrong: The lineup. Not a lot of hitters. Gonzalez made himself known last year. Kahlil Greene will always be a threat. Beyond that, not a lot going on.
Prediction: Anything can happen when you have one of the best 1-2 pitching combos in the majors. I worry about a weak roster, but if they only need to get a run or 2, they could make it happen.
San Francisco Giants
Key Additions: Aaron Rowand
Key Subtractions: Barry Bonds, Barry Bonds's Head, Pedro Feliz
Player to Watch: Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain. These are two really good pitchers. Playing for one really bad team. Last year, they had dominant numbers: 9 K/inning and 7 respectively, sub 4 ERAs, and 1.2 WHIPs. These guys should be awesome right? Well, with no offensive support, they got 14 combined wins last year. They should be getting at least 14 each on a better team.
What Can Go Wrong: Really, its already bad. I guess Lincecum and/or Cain has their arms fall off?
Prediction: Read everything I read about the first 4 teams in this division. Then take the opposite of it.
The Apprentice Finale: Who Ya Got?
So I may or may not be the only person who still watches The Apprentice. I don't like The Donald, nor did I really like this "celebrity" edition, but still, thoroughly enjoyable. I like the creativity involved in the challenges, The Donald's blatant old school misogyny, homophobia, and retardation, and the manufactured drama of the boardrooms.
Anyways, tonight is the finale of The Apprentice Celebrity Edition, where we find out, live, who's charity gets the check ($250,000). I have missed the last 2 episodes due to basketball, but, who ya got? Lets go to the tape.
Piers Morgan
Birthday: March 30, 1965
From: England
Celebrity because: Tabloid Newspaper Editor, the "Simon" judge of America's Got Talent, judge with Simon on Britain's Got Talent (only at lose revolutions! USA! USA!)
Characteristic: Brutally honest, sort of slimy (he got in trouble on the Motherland when it was found out he had a ton of money in a certain computer stock, and then his paper wrote that it was a "good buy" the next week)
How he got to the Finals: His blackberry. The dude had all of England's number. Whenever a task's challenge was who could raise the most money doing "x", he would call and get Richard Branson to buy a $10,000 hot dog, or another rich Brits to donate their money (they money was all going to charity).
Charity: Fallen Heros Fund. It raises money for the families of soldiers who have died in Iraq. Very notable cause, and one that he has successfully already raised a lot of money for on the show.
Odds: 2:1. I can only assume the final challenge is to raise more money than the other in some sort of ridiculous gala or event. With his connections, its a huge advantage. Plus, he has shown the same personality that Trump adores, sort of a mini-Trump. He fought with Omorosa, belittled a Baldwin (Steven, but still), and instead of whined or complained, just argued and was mean back, especially over petty stuff. Trump needs that sort of Apprentice at his side if Rosie decides to pick another fight.
Trace Atkins
Birthday: January 13, 1962
From: Louisiana
Celebrity because: Famous Country musician, the creator of the Grammy Nominated song: Honky-Tonk Badonkadonk (can we just give the money to his charity already?)
Characteristic: Southern Charm. He is a tall, intimidating figure, but his deep, southern drawl and soft spoken words have taught the other contestants that you will catch more bees with honey than vinegar (see? I talk about a Southern Gent and then use old school colloquialisms. Parallels!)
How He Got to the Finals: His voice. Any challange that required a video that needed voice over, or a live spot (appearing on QVC), Trace knocked out of the park. His charisma shows no bounds.
Charity: The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, which provides education and advocacy for child food allergies. He chose this because his own 6 year old daughter suffered from this disease. I always like it when celebrities chose a charity close to their hearts.
Odds: 5:1. I think he is the underdog here, but he is tough as balls. From his Wiki page: "He was involved in a number of bar room incidents, and was also shot in the heart and lungs by his second wife". Dear Lord! You think The Donald scares him? Or some wimpy, rich, Brit?
My pick: Trace. USA! FREEDOM! Plus, how could you deny the man who gave us this (it was hard to pick a video, they are all so amazing. The aforementioned Honky Tonk Badonkadonk, One Hot Mama, Rough and Ready, Songs About Me, etc. But I chose his most recent):
The Sports Watercooler
Sorry I had to skip this wonderful feature yesterday. Its a pain when your real job gets in the way of your fake job.
As for the sporting world, there is a lot of excitement this time of year. With 16 teams left in the tournament, we are down to the point where every game should be a good game (read: every game but the UCLA and Western Kentucky game). You want to hear my predictions? Too bad, here they are for tonight's games, keeping in mind that I have no more authority to make predictions than the lady sitting next to you on the subway:
West Virginia against Xavier will be close. I think both of these teams are better than people think. This Xavier team had the most wins in school history this year. But I feel that West Virginia is on too much of a roll right now to be stopped.
Washington State versus North Carolina. Although UNC has been steamrolling people this tournament, Washington State will give them a run for their money. Wazzu has held opponents to 40 and 41 points (single tear). Sure, UNC could probably get that combined, but I expect the Heels to win in a closer than you think battle.
Western Kentucky plays UCLA. Now that UCLA has won games on terrible calls for the third game in their last 5, I don't think they will have to pull that card tonight. Western Kentucky already has that "just glad to be here" feeling, and won't put up much of a fight.
Louisville battles Tennessee. If gambling were legal, one might say that I have placed money on Louisville for this game. I happened to have some extra "points" left in my bodog account after getting the Superbowl right (I bet the under on points, never thought the Giants had a chance), and liked Louisville's odds (and/or team). Plus with reports that Bruce Pearl is entertaining thoughts of taking the Indiana job, you can beat the team will be less than focused.
Of course, I am usually wrong about most of this stuff.
There is more than basketball to be excited about this time of year though. The NBA season is winding down and teams are vying for playoff spots. Dallas is falling! Celtics are rising! Spurs have refound their old form!
Then there is baseball season to get you excited! It starts this weekend (and/or 2 days ago). Everybody not living in San Francisco or Baltimore feels a sense of excitement. This could be the year we win it all! Finally show improvement! Win my fantasy league! Opening weekend in baseball is always a treat. And one of the final signs that summer is right around the corner.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
2008 MLB Preview: AL West
After doing a 6 team division yesterday, I decided to give myself a bit of a break and do the smallest division today. What's nice is how easy this division is to predict. Two very good teams, two very bad teams. Here is how they will finish.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Key Additions: Torii Hunter, Jon Garland
Key Subtractions: Orlando Cabrerra, Bartolo Colon
Player to Watch: Howie Kendrick. Yeah, if you have read this before, you know I am in love with this guy. He has the talent to be the best second baseman in the majors, yet little things keep preventing this from happening. Broken fingers, nagging injuries, and being mistaken for a white dude (seriously, read his name again. Did you think he was black?).
What Could Go Wrong: Not much. Sure they could get bit by the injury bug. John Lackey has already gone down for a month. But their pitching staff is deep. Vlad isn't getting any younger, but they have a loaded outfield and their lineup is deep. What could go wrong is the Mariners play above their heads and overtake the division.
Prediction: This is a scary team. They can hit, play defense and pitch. As long as they can overcome having the stupidest name in the majors, expect to see them in the playoffs.
Seattle Mariners
Key Additions: Eric Bedard, Carols Silva, Brad Wilkerson
Key Subtractions: Adam Jones, Jose Guillen
Player to Watch: Raul Ibanez. Contrary to popular belief, he is not a popular Mexican soap star. In fact, his second have last year was pretty steller. He lead the team in home runs with 15, he had the second most RBIs with 52, and he hit .309. If that is a sign to come, he may be in for an extraordinary year.
What Could Go Wrong: Inconsistency. The lineup could go either way. Beltre, Sexson, Wilkerson, Vidro, Jojima. These guys could either all have great years, or all have terrible years. Or I guess Richie Sexson could either have a terrible year, or a moderately terrible year.
Prediction: The pitching is deep. Love Bedard, and with Carlos Silva has your 5 pitcher (being paid as a 2, but I digress), the pitching will be there. As will one of the best closers in the game, JJ Putz slamming the door. It all relies on the lineup. They will contend for the division or the wild card though, no doubt.
Oakland Athletics
Key Additions: Keith Foulke is back. Mike Sweeney (who is shockingly still in the league)
Key Subtractions: Dan Haren, Nick Swisher, Mark Kotsay
Player to Watch: Kurt Suzuki. This dude is the best catcher you never heard of. He is a dark horse candidate for rookie of the year and has already had good start to the season during the A's two Japanese games. Insert Suzuki being Asian joke here.
What Could Go Wrong: This team is young, has no pitching, and not much offensive power. Did I miss anything?
Predictions: I don't think its a secret, the A's rebuild. And they do it well. This is a young team, who just jettisoned their best pitcher and hitter. They have one of the best farms in the league and this season is all about giving those young prospects time and experience.
Texas Rangers
Key Additions: Josh Hamilton, Milton Bradley (look out!), Kazou Fukumori
Key Subtractions: Brad Wilkerson, Sammy Sosa, Kenny Loften
Player to Watch: Josh Hamilton. Last years most intriguing story of the first half get a second (third?) chance in the Lone Star state. Its obvious he has the power and talent to become a star. What's not so obvious is his capacity to stop getting injured so damn much. Odds are he will find the Ballpark at Arlington matches his hitting style perfectly. Odds are also that he will become very familiar with the Rangers training staff.
What Could Go Wrong: Tricky question. The Rangers are going to be bad. Their "ace" had a 5.16 ERA last year. They don't have much power in their lineup. They are the exact opposite of everything I said about the Angels.
Predictions: Ugly baseball and lots of blow outs. This team could lose 100 games. But hey, did you hear that the Cowboys might sign Pac-Man Jones?!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
2008 MLB Preview: NL Central
This is a division who knows how to get to the World Series and then crap the bed once they get there (2004 Cardinals and 2005 Houston), or I win the whole damn thing (2006 Cardinals). But now the division has flipped. The previously mentioned teams are pretty bad, but 2 more contenders have taken their place. As previously mentioned, these are listed in the order I think they will finish.
Chicago Cubs
Key Additions: Kosuki Fukudome, Jon Lieber
Key Subtractions: Mark Prior, Craig Monroe, Jason Kendall, Cliff Floyd (Can you call any of them a subtraction?)
Player to Watch: For obvious reasons, Fukudome. First off, hilarious name that I am sure all the college kids in Wrigleyville will make into witty shirts. Second, he can go any direction here. Most people come from Japan hyped like crazy. And then they have a first year like Ichiro, or a first year like Kaz Matsui.
What Can Go Wrong: Pitching. They front end of their rotation is strong. Zambrano is going to have a monster year. Lilly and Hill will be decent enough. But then it gets a bit rough. They have about 4 guys, none of whom should make a 5 man roster fighting for the 4 and 5 spots. The bull pen is serviceable, Marmol will be an amazing set up guy, and Kerry Wood (yes, that Kerry Wood) has been slated to be the closer. Which probably means that he will be having his 14 Tommy John surgery in about 3 weeks.
Predictions: Joking aside, Kerry Wood wins Comeback Player of the Year, the Cubs win the division, and then they flame out in the first round again.
Milwaukee Brewers
Key Additions: Mike Cameron, Eric Gagne, Jason Kendall
Key Subtractions: Francisco Cordero, Johnny Estrada, Geoff Jenkins (seems like that dude was born in a Brewers jersey)
Player to Watch: Ryan Braun. I didn't even have to look at a cheat sheet for this one. He had 34 home runs in 113 games last year (I did have to look for that though). Will he hit a sophomore slump like former rookie of the year winners? Or will he continue his upward trajectory and fill the Favre shaped void in the hearts of Wisconsinites?
What Could Go Wrong: This is a young team. People forget that Fielder, even though he may be their best player, is only in his third year. He is younger than Braun. The rotation will feature at least a few rookies (Gallardo and Parra. Possibly Villanueava). And they gave away their closer role to a guy who imploded as soon as he got to Boston last year.
Prediction: Expectations are high after last year's close taste of the playoffs. The Brewers will be good this year, probably right in the thick of it. If they stay healthy, they will be in it until the end. If the injuries pile up and you have to use a rookie as your ace, prepare for some tears atop many polish sausages.
Cincinnati Reds
Key Additions: Francisco Cordero, Jeremy Affeldt, Dusty Baker
Key Subtractions: Josh Hamilton, Eddie Guardado
Player To Watch: Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. The youth movement is on in Cincinnati. And they have some talent. Although Dusty seems pretty adamant about keeping the much worse veterans in their spots, once either of these two get the chance to play, look out.
What Could Go Wrong: They remember they are they Reds. Beyond what is a stellar young team, this are still the same, pretty terrible Reds. Their starting rotation has Josh Fogg in it. Sure they have the studs to replace their rotation too (Cuento and Bailey), but who knows when Dusty will feel the need to put them in.
Predictions: This team is hard to predict. Depending on how the young players react to the show, they could either be the most surprising team of 2008 or just another column in the sports section next to the most recent Bengals arrest.
Houston Astros
Key Additions: Miguel Tejada, Kaz Matsui, Micheal Bourne, Daren Erstad, Jose Valverde
Key Subtractions: Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls, Craig Biggio, Chris Burke
Player to Watch: Hunter Pence. He had an amazing year last year. Can he keep it up? Will he keep playing at a high level? Or will his glass door injury during spring training begin his downfall.
What Can Go Wrong: Pitching. Its ugly. They have Roy Oswalt, who always performs. Then its bad. Their new closer Velverde lead the NL is saves last year, but he may be hard pressed to even have the opportunity to save games this year, seeing as how 4 out of every 5 games they could be behind by a dozen points by the ninth.
Prediction: With this ugly pitching comes a fantastic lineup. Carols Lee, Berkman, Bourne, Tejada, Pence, even catching prospect Towels. They will be able to score runs, but can they keep them off the board as well?
St. Louis Cardinals
Key Additions: Troy Glaus, Kyle Lohse (so really, no additions)
Key Subtractions: David Eckstien, Scott Rolen, Jim Edmunds, So Taguchi
Player to Watch: Albert Pujoles. Sure, everyone knows who he is now. But he is the barometer of this team. If he is playing through his arm injury and hustling, things are going well. If he choses to sit out, get surgery or just gimp around, it probably means he, and the team, have given up on the season.
What Could Go Wrong: Once again, as is the common theme in this division, the pitching. They have Adam Wainwright and...well not much at all. Mark Mulder, Joel Pinero and Carpenter are perpetually on the DL. So the rest of the staff rests on the shoulders of Reyes and Looper.
Predictions: A lot of fans wearing their 2006 World Series Champion shirts, just to remind themselves that it actually happened.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Key Additions: Eh, not much. I guess Byung-Hung Kim, not for Pirate reasons, just simple the fact that he is still in the league surprised me
Key Subtractions: Was Shawn Chacon key?
Player to Watch: Young pitching Staff. Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelaney showed everyone a bit of what they can do last year. The division is a bit weaker this year, they have some experience, and I think they will be studs.
What Could Go Wrong: Its already happened. They had two good hitters in Bay and Sanchez. Sanchez went for an omnious visit to Dr. Andrews yesterday and he is possibly out for the year. Nate MacLouth could have a big year, but they have no hitting.
Predictions: In their 89334 rebuilding phase, the Pirates actually may take a stop forward this year. No one will really notice though.
The Sports Watercooler
These days between rounds of the tournament are killer. I can't really get into all the other sports being played, my mind is constantly thinking about how Washington State's slow down D is really going to give North Carolina trouble. And how Villanova could easily upset Kansas.
Luckily, another favorite sporting event of mine started last night, fantasy baseball. I just had my final draft (I am in a few other leagues), and its true, the draft is always the most fun. The league I am in and will keep all of you posted on is sponsored by the writers of A List of Things Thrown 5 Minutes Ago. You should click on that link (they can see where their visits come from, so they will know that choosing little old me to be in their league was not a bad idea). And so, last night, my team, the Honey Nut Ichiros, made their debut.
I think this will be a tough league, as I already got destroyed in the draft. Its a wide arrange of people, from freelance writers (one dude writes for Rivals.com or as it's also known, every college football fan's homepage from November to February) to lawyers. I got stuck with the 2nd pick in a 12 team league, which I hate, since I had to wait so long between picks. The guys I would be targeting would always get snatched up a few picks before I came along. Plus, I have never played an ESPN league before, but you start (start!) 9 pitchers. So I placed too much emphasis on pitching as a result, and now only have 1 reserve outfielder, a DH that can't play anywhere, and a 3B who just got sent to AAA. I will make sure everyone knows how I am prevailing in that league. And for those of you who don't care, sorry I wasted the last few minutes of your life.
I know its advertised as common knowledge that no one wants to hear about your fantasy team, but I find that statement blatantly false. Its like girls talking about that chick from their high school who just had a baby out of wedlock, but the male version. Everyone has a team, and everyone likes talking about common ground. If I am in one of those forced bar conversations with like friends of friends, and this guy mentions his fantasy draft, I know we can talk for the next 30 minutes easily. Who do you have? Who is really killing you this year? Everyone has at least 20 baseball players they can discuss. And everyone faces the same dilemmas. "How far did Lackey fall due to his elbow?" is the "Did you see the Sex and the City trailer?" for guys!
So yeah, here is a brief rundown. With the second pick I picked Hanley Rameriez. I have always loved that guy, had him on my team for what is now the 3rd year. Then I had to wait a million picks so until my next one, so I napped Maglio Ordonez, who I think will have a good year. Maybe not second round caliber, but hey--you can't win your league in the first few rounds of your draft, only lose it. My pitching staff is anchored by CC Sabbathia and Dan Haren. I reached a bit and grabbed John Maine, whom I love this year (and own him in every league I am in). I was patient and waited for my closers, which quasi-backfired as I ended up with Valverde and Todd Jones (sadly, awesome mustaches don't count for more points). As for my sleepers on this team, I took Billy Butler, Dustin MacGowan, Yunel Escobar and Nat MacLouth, all fairly late.
All in all, on a scale of 1 to 10, I feel about a 6 on this team. I see a lot of weaknesses and a lot of places that I could really suffer. I got a couple guys I love (Haren, Han-Ram, Howie Kendrick, and John Maine) and some guys I think could step up this year (Soto, Manny Parra), and I accomplished my personal goal of making sure I own a Twin in every league I am in (Cuddyear).
So if you are a fan of fantasy sports or a fan of me being successful and things, keep checking for updates. If you hate fantasy sports, then you are probably going to be bored with the Sports Watercooler fairly soon.
Monday, March 24, 2008
MLB Preview: AL East
Can you believe it? Baseball is a week away (or a day, depending on if you are counting those games being played in Japan or not).
In order to keep you more properly informed jumping into the season, Bikes In Trees presents the most superficial baseball preview you can find. We will be doing one division per day. If you would like to write a more thorough post on a team you are a fan of, send it in. Let us know why they are going to win this year. Or at least why they should demand our attention.
Today we are going to start with the AL East, in honor of the defending Champions. They will be listed in my predicted final standings, so bookmark this post to make fun of me in October.
Boston Red Sox
Key Additions: None really. Some dude named David Aardsma. And of course professional sumo wrestler pitcher Bartolo Colon.
Key Subtractions: Eric Gagne, Brendan Donnelly
Player to Watch: Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury. These two tore up the bigs after their late season call ups last year. Can they do it for a whole season? Will females in Boston swoon more for Ellsbury than Brady as he becomes a household name? I would bet on yes to both. While their boyfriends swoon over his stolen bases and batting average.
What Can Go Wrong: Injuries. In the lineup, its Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz. Let's face it, these two guys have been on a bit of a decline recently. Injuries and age are catching up. Ortiz is still one of the most feared hitters in the majors, but his knee has been giving him trouble recently. And Manny is a shell of the player he once was. They can both get it done still, but can they get it done all year? Plus there is guys like Youk, Lowell, and Varitek. In the rotation, Schilling's preseason injury is a blessing in disguise. He already let one of the young studs take his place, instead of hitting the DL a month into it when he amassed a 5.36 ERA. Then there is Beckett, who, on top of his history of blisters and back problems, came to camp fresh off his Dunkin Donuts off season training looking like this.
Predictions: Easily wins the Division while still coming off as pretentious, annoying, and not sure how to act as their bandwagon now resembles the Beverly Hillbillies car.
New York Yankees
Key Additions: Morgan Ensberg (who will be a good contributer) and LeTroy Hawkins (who will be a disaster. Just like every other team he has played for, which is about 20 now).
Key Subtractions: None
Player to Watch: Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Are these guys so good that its worth keeping them to pass on the best left hander to play the game?* We will find out. Both have looked fairly good in recent outings. Both are also rookies who will have those random games where they get shelled by Toronto as well.
* May contain minor hyperbole
What Can Go Wrong: They are like 40 years old in every position. They have a rookie manager who ripped through his young pitching staff in Florida so quick that, although they did amazingly well, none were the same again. And in New York he gets to manage 3 extremely young stud pitchers. In fact, the rotation itself is a huge question mark. Except for Wang getting his normal 100 Ks and 17 wins, everyone else is a big question mark. That and the over/under of A-Rod getting booed for hitting .350 yet leaving 3 guys on base is May 14.
Predictions: This team could really go either way. They could catch lightning in a bottle or could just be very ugly. They have a dominant lineup and there is no question they will put runs on the board. But will the weak bullpen and rotation do enough to make sure the Yankees 12 points a game is more than the opponents? Toss up. Come playoff time, the Yankees will have plenty of time to scout players to fill Giambi's ginormous contract for next year.
Tampa Bay Rays
Key Additions: Matt Garza, Jason Bartlett, and Troy Percival (yeah, you read that right)
Key Subtractions: Delmon Young, Elijah Dukes
Player to Watch: BJ Upton. This guy is going to be a stud in the very near future. And this is on a team full of future studs. The Yankees and the Red Sox can't get too complacent, because the Rays will be fierce in a couple of years. And their 20 fans will be thrilled.
What Can Go Wrong: They are young, so there will be those dumb, young mistakes. The pitching staff is full of prospects, which means a year or two of some rough outings as they learn the ropes of the majors.
Predictions: The Rays are really going to surprise people this year with their best record in team history. And although that is still only good for third place in the division, they will finish above .500 and destroy someone's playoff dreams in September.
Toronto Blue Jays
Key Additions: Scott Rolen, David Eckstien
Key Subtractions: Troy Glaus (if you can call that "key" or a "subtraction")
Player to Watch: Alex Rios. I have been in love with this guy for a few years now. I think this is the year he makes the jump from "token All Star on a relatively crappy team" to legitimate MVP candidate. Not like one of the players who will actually win, but one of those dudes who gets a bunch of third place votes and is a feel good story.
What Can Go Wrong: These guys have been hurt for the last 5 years. Their DL has looked like an All Star roster at times. Sure, if they are all healthy, they will make things interesting, but I don't really see that happening. As evident by the fact that Scott Rolen tripped over David Eckstien on the way into their new locker room, dislocating both of their shoulders. Or not.
Predictions: Disappointment. They have good young players as seen last year. Dustin McGowan, Rios, and Acardo will be real good players soon and/or now. Vernon Wells will have to actually play like the player he was before they gave him a fat contract. Frank Thomas will have to play like he was before 2004, AJ Burnett will have to play like he was still in Florida, and BJ Ryan will have to play like he has a healthy arm.
Baltimore Orioles
Key Additions: Adam Jones
Key Subtractions: Eric Bedard, Miguel Tejada
Player to Watch: Adam Jones. He was the key player they traded Bedard away for. He is the kind of guy who can do it all, a true 5 tool hitter. Too bad he can't also pitch.
What Can Go Wrong: It would be easier to say what could go right. Lets just say this: the coaching staff had to chose between Jeremy Guthrie and Steve Treachsel to pick an opening day starter.
Predictions: Pain. This will be an ugly year in Baltimore. Their only bright spots are Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, and Adam Jones. And they are openly looking to trade Roberts.
Tibet! Holy Shit!
By Johnnie
I'd like you to know that I live in Chongqing, China. Life is getting a little more interesting these days. China is having internal issues with Tibet. This has been going on for almost two weeks now and seems like it's finally starting to settle down a bit. In China it's been really weird. The flow of information here is always an issue, but it's gotten worse in the last two weeks. Youtube has been shut down along with the blocking of major news websites in the country. China is getting the communist party line across on a very consistent basis to it's people. It's kind of scary
here. I know that I'll be fine, because China protects foreigners more than anyone else, but there are some issues here.
One of the big things is that a lot of the Tibetans here hate the Chinese government. One Tibetan student said that he hopes that the fighting continues into the summer so he can go back and fight. He also said that the Chinese army is going into every house looking for pictures of the Dalai Lama. China's also freaking out about the Beijing Olympics and boycotts and the whatnot.
There's a ton about this in the news these days. I've actually been to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and enjoyed myself there. Tibet is a society unlike any other in the world and it needs to be taken care of by everyone involved. So, just think about it a little bit. Tibet is mind blowing, but it won't be if it's blown up.
The Sports Watercooler
The NCAA Tournament--you are a cruel, cruel mistress.
There are various levels of disappointment in the Tournament. The silver lining being, there are various levels of enjoy it as well.
The First Level: your team. As a fan, it doesn't matter what else happens. Your bracket, upsets, Cinderellas, none of that matters more than your team. And after this weekend, only fans of 16 teams are happy.
Obviously, there are varying degrees of happiness/sadness here. Like if your team took a number 2 seed to overtime, only losing at the last second, you can reflect back on a good run, a memorable tournament, and gain some experience for next year. Or if your team was playing a team of equal talent, yet could only score 41 points in the entire game, it may take a bit longer to recover from that one.
The Second Level: your bracket. There is money and/or bragging rights involved. Without your school to cheer for, at least you can cheer for a more personal victory--domination for your peers. Sure I would trade almost anything for a Notre Dame final four appearance, and the feeling isn't anywhere as good, but it is sort of nice to check out the Bike in Trees bracket pool on facebook and see that I am tied for first place. (Tied with a one Andrew Chungchansat). Likewise, its nice to point out to everyone I meet that I picked the Davidson over Georgetown upset, and remind them repeatedly.
The Third Level: F You. This is when you did have both Georgetown and Pitt in your Final Four. When your team has already been at the opposite end of an upset. Think you have nothing left to cheer for? Wrong! Start cheering for everyone to be as miserable as you. Cheer for every underdog. Cheer for the most popular schools to leave. Cheer for mayhem in the bracket world.
The Fourth Level: Ignore the rest of the tournament. Basketball is dead to you until next November. Baseball starts in a week!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Know Your Opponent
We were sufficiently knowledgeable about George Mason, so let's get to know Notre Dame's next opponent, Washington State. To the internets!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Dancing With the Stars Review for 3/18
By Big Grizz and Mufasa
MUFASA:
So here I am, the morning after hooking up with six different girls last night on Dancing with the Stars. How do I feel, Grizz?? Well, to be perfectly honest, I feel like I've just been released from prison, and waiting for me in a pink convertible is Michaelangelo, the Thundercats, and the Dame Judy Dench. I felt liberated; who would have thought the women could re-vitalize such a poor crop of men? If the men were Saved by the Bell – the College Years, the women were definitely the familiar faces of Zach, Kelly, Albert Cliford, Jesse (screaming 'I'm so excited' after taking those pills), Screech, Lisa, and Buddy Bands. Kicking off the night was Shannon Elizabeth in a dress shorter than her career. I actually like her, and I hope she does well. She was a little awkward, but I think she shows some promise. Hopefully she can be more Stacey Keibler and less Willa Ford (in that she can get votes from soccer moms). Monica Seles came next….Grizz I think I'll leave this one up to you. Next up on the docket came some short girl from Hairspray, who, if you ask me, is a dead ringer for Richard Simmons on crystal meth. She really jumped and moved around, but in the whole minute and a half did absolutely no ballroom whatsoever. Next was an Olympic gold medalist figure skater known from here on out as the Guch (pronounced gOOOch). Displaying a calm one can only describe as cold as ice, this cold-hearted competitor was a cut above the rest. (Interesting sidenote: what if the competition came down to the Guch and Monica Seles, and during the final Seles dance the Guch hired old skating friend Tanya Harding to run across the ballroom with a plastic knife…how do you think Seles would react??? Would she panic, would she collapse??? Bottom line, she is just not built for the finals). Next was Priscialla Presley, who got a much higher score than she deserved. I find it ironic she, of "actress" and marrying the King fame, has so little hip movement. She did well last night but will get eaten alive during the Latin rounds. Finally was Marlee Matin; I was initially nervous, since before every commercial break she just kinda moved around not knowing when the music was on/off. But in a stunning display of screw-you Heather Mills I own the title of worlds best Hanidcappable dancer, she did really well. I hope she continues on, she is truly an inspiration to all…Wait a tic, I don't' know how I feel about a women who can't hear any music dancing better than 95% of all white guys across the nation. This sucks; we suck. Damn
How is your secret indicator rolling right now, grizz?
Here are my power 3:
1) Guch
2) Mario
3) American Pie
How do you see it?
Mufasa, I couldn't agree more with the women. And before I get going, here's an observation I had last night.
Why do the crappiest dancers come from the dudes, but why do the dudes always win? For example: we've seen Kenny Mayne, Tucker Carlson, and Master P (the most hilarious of them all because he clearly didn't want to be on, the judges didn't want him on, and he kept coming back, and was only filling in for his son Lil' Romeo.) Yet we've also seen John O'Hurley, Emmitt Smith or Mario (get over it Mufasa), Apolianne, and Helianne. Notice I intentionally left out Drew Lachey who successfully won and made me hate my life for watching the entire season.
About Monica Seles.... Let me just put it this way. For a gal who was known for her grunting while on the tennis court, she left the audience grunting by the end of her routine. As far as what she would do if Tonya Harding ran at her with a knife? I can't tell you what she would do, but I know the audience we give her a standing ovation. She's gone within the first two eliminations.
I told you the secret indicator for the guys. Now for the gals it looks like at the top of the list is Shannon Elizabeth. I only say this after the string of awkward moments last year where Derek would grab Jennie Garth's ass or try and grind all up on her and she clearly looked as though she'd rather visit her 80 year old convicted sex felon OB/GYN for a check up . It looks like Shannon is actually receptive to it so far and I hope she goes far...because she's hot.
And despite my comments last night to you personally Mufs, I've decided that the fat Tony Winner made me want to club myself. Giggles and fist pumps are going to get real old real fast. I think her partner just wants to call it quits on the season because that was the worst choreography I've ever seen.
No one's out this week, so all the pressure is on those who sucked this week. Until next week, Happy Dancin!
MUFASA:
You couldn't be more right Grizz; the Women haven't won in four years. And that drew lachey comment is particularly apt, considering stacey keibler should have won that year. A couple things to note from last nights episode: A very interesting moment in last nights show came after Marlee Matlin's unheard of performance. Samantha Harris, who you might know from her role as Rocky Dennis in Mask, inexplicably puts the microphone up to Marlee's mouth for the post-dance interview. What was she thinking? How insensitive can you be? I was talking to my friend Robbo and he said the same thing. The only worse thing she could have done would be if she put the microphone in front of Marlee's hands instead of her mouth. Either way, hopefully the anti-deaf-amation league 'hears' about this and takes proper action to remove samantha from the show.
And how about harold Wheeler finally getting his due on the shoe? All I have to see is that it is about freakin time. The guy churns out hits faster than my dad after a report card. I can't think of anyone else in the industry that could move so deftly from "Bubbly" to the "Apple Bottom Jeans" song. All within a matter of minutes too. And finally he gets the recognition: a nomination for a tony for his work in Hairspray. This guy is like Roy Hobbs (only minus the debilitating gun shot and penchant for fast women named Kim Basinger), pretty soon this guy is gonna rock so hard all the lights will shatter, so he can run around in a circle, trying to look for the fire escape while tackling down any C-list celebrities foolish enough to get in his way.
One thing I would like to see around season 10 is a re-tooling of the show. I think they should either do a Championship Season, in which they bring bakc the top two dancers from every season (so that Stacey and Mario can finally get their due). Imagine how incredible the level of
competition would be. My prediction: a walkaway win for Mario Lopez. Or how about a themed dancing with the stars, like if they got the entire cast of Mash out there and saw what they could do. Better yet, why not the cast of the OC minus Mischa Barton, so she can do coke and not land
any roles. Or best yet, how about the cast of Lost pairs together: imagine Ben doing a rumba with Rose, or Locke doing the Vianesse waltz with the Black smoke, or Sawyer doing a Tango with Hurley. The possiblities are endless.
Other than that, another great night of one-liners from Bergeron and great judging by all those involved. Next week is a double elimination: the big three are Monica Seles, Penn Gillette, and Adam Carolla. Of those three, I predict the two men to be elminated. Seles has the work ethic to pull through; even though her ground strokes lack flavor.
Happy Dancing
Mufasa
Know Your Enemy
Sun Tzu's The Art of War were lessons on how to defeat your enemy during battle. At the end of Chapter 3, he states:
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will fight without danger in battles.
As Notre Dame heads into battle tonight against George Mason, we must educate ourselves against our enemy. Thus, I present to you a comprehensive look at George Mason.
Everyone remembers George Mason for their insane run to the Final Four in 2006. It was impressive, it busted everyone's bracket, and no one cared. Everyone cheered for them, it was the classic David defeats Goliath. And Goliath's better brother. And his bigger best friend. And his even bigger step father, and his even bigger neighbor. Etc.
Well, 2 of those players still play a key roll for the Patriots. Folarin Campbell (not a made up name) is running the point and Will Thomas, who is their top defender (effectively shutting down Rudy Gay in that series).
Let's not also forget they have the same, very good coach Jim Larranaga. I am impressed that he did not leave for a bigger job after that Final Four run. He should be considered one of the best coaches in the tournament.
This year, this George Mason team has beat: Dayton, Kansas State, Drexel (by 47), South Carolina, and Delaware. Not exactly murder's row, but you can only play your schedule. In common opponents to Notre Dame, both the Irish and the Patriots beat Kansas State, while Notre Dame beat Villanova, where the Patriots could not.
The University of George Mason is located in Virginia (who knew!) "minutes away from DC". They have 3 campuses now, with 2 more opening in 2009, one of which is in the United Arab Emarites.
They were founded in 1957 as a branch of UVA, but then became an independent university in 1972.
They have the second largest student population in the "Commonwealth of Virginia". And are known to have a strong law, economics and public policy programs.
They have the 4th most diverse university in the country per the Princeton Review. That's gotta help the basketball team a bit.
They also list several "notable" alumni. Basically, its Karl Rove, Anna E Cabral (who they list as the Treasurer of the United Stats and who they also say is currently attending GMU Law. So wait, our Treasurer is a law student?!), the president of The Weather Channel, a couple of relief pitchers, and (this is the best) under famous athlete alumni: Greg Nosal, professional Foosball player.
Obviously, the school was named after George Mason. He was one of the father's of the Bill of Rights, and is considered a Founding Father. But what do we really know about him. Lets check out Wikipedia.
Well, almost right away it says that good ol' George was very coy about slavery. On one hand, he owned slaves, on the other, he favored the abolition of the slave trade. When it came time to write the Constitution, he was adamant about not including anything about slavery, either pro or con. Does this sound like a man you want to name the forth most diverse college after?
He also refused to sign the Constitution, instead, left the convention and returned to his home state. Sounds like a commie if you ask me. Due to this, George Washington essentially broke off his friendship with him, and its why we rarely hear of George Mason as a founding father anymore.
But the most damning piece of all on his Wiki page.... his direct descendant is: Paris Hilton. Thats right, Mason's tenth son Thomas Mason was Paris Hilton's seventh great grandfather.
I think we are now adequately knowledgeable in our opponent tonight.
Go Irish! Beat possibly racist, Constitution hating, Paris Hilton fathering, Karl Rove educating, United Arab Emarites building George Mason!
