NBA Eastern Conference Preview 08

It is Eastern Conference time. The season of 82 games has begun. Time for basketball ball. The east had a good draft in 2008. The incoming class of young players is really going to help some of these teams and maybe even give a couple teams the edge that have not been in playoff talks for a while...

Atlantic

Boston Celtics #1 seed
Toronto Rapters #5 seed
Philadelphia 76'ers #7 seed
New Jersey Nets
New York Knicks

I think that this one was an obvious pick for the winner. Boston has all around balance on the court. The trio of Garnett, Pierce and Allen can really be turned into the quartet. Rajon Rondo had an all star season in 2007-2008 and he is going to be huge for the Celtics down the road. He will need to distribute the ball to all guys and really use all the tools available. Toronto is up and coming, this year a solid palyoff run. You have to love their chances with Chirs Bosh along with the addition of Jermaine O'Neal. Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon will most likely shoot the Rapters into the postseason. Philly is improving. Elton Brand is only making things better. Sam Dalembert and Andre Iguoldala will be the leaders of this team the key is that they need to win their division games. I don't see another championship in the city of brotherly love this year. The only good thing about the Nets is that all their games are on YES so they are usually on when they play. The Knicks, getting rid of Isiah=good, the team is just not going anywhere.

Central

Chicago Bulls #3 seed
Cleveland Cavaliers #4 seed
Detroit Pistons
Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers

This is my surprise pick. I really like the way the Bulls looked in preseason and it is time for them to be back in the postseason. Derrick Rose is my pick for rookie of the year. The 1st round draft pick looked good and I believe will transition well to the NBA. Luol Deng needs to stay healthy and also, this team needs to utilize its depth with Hinrick and Gordon coming off the bench. Cavs are looking good as well. This is the only team that can give a scare to the Bulls. The addition of Mo Williams is key to their success and I bleieve they will land at the 4th playoff seed. The Pistons are falling apart and this is the year I beleive we will see them miss the playoffs. The Bucks are improving while the Pacers, will just fall off the face of the Earth.

Southeast

Atlanta Hawks #2 seed
Miami Heat #6 seed
Orlando Magic #8 seed
Charlotte Bobcats
Washington Wizards

This is the year for the Hawks. Their entire roster is a threat to make the All-Star team midway through. Josh Smth and Marvin Williams in the front court with Al Horford in the center. The addition of Joe Johnson last year and Mike Bibby controlling the point, this team is all business. The Heat will win more than 16 games this year. Their young guns will be the factor in that as well. Their improvement will land them in a low seed in the playoffs. The Magic are not going to be as effective this season as last. The Bobcats and Wizards are both going to struggle. Without Arenas, the Wizards will have trouble getting off to a good start and that will put them into a hole right out of the gate.

NBA Western Conference Preview 08

The NBA 200-2009 season is now officially underway and with that i only see appropriate to give you my predictions as to what will be the outcome of this season.

Northwest

Utah Jazz #3 seed
Denver Nuggets #7 seed
Portland Trail Blazers
Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder

This division seems to always be pretty close. The Jazz have the tools to walk away with this division again. The Nuggets have the talent and Portland has the young guys stepping in and will take a few years until they are great. As we have seen in the past, the northwest division in the west has not been very strong. The Nuggets will give the Jazz a run but at the end of the season, I beleive you will see a division filled with 3 teams fighting for a playoff spot. I do not see a lot out of Minnesota. Kevin Love will help but he can't work miracles. The Thunder will get more fans in Oklahoma City, but will it matter?

Pacific

L.A. Lakers #2 seed
Phoenix Suns #4 seed
L.A. Clippers #8 seed
Golden State Warriors
Sacramento Kings

All the way west out on the Pacific coast is where this conference usually ends up. There is so much talent in this division of 5 teams. Kobe and the Lakers will pick up right where they left off. They made it all the way to the Championship last year and will be looking to do the same in 2008-2009 and this time, come out on top. The Suns will struggle based on the fact that they are going to be dealing with injuries all year. Shaq will be on and off with injuries. Steve Nash is getting up there in age and he might spend some time on the sidelines. Injuries will haunt the Suns although they will make it to the playoffs, it will not be a smooth ride. I have always liked the Clippers. With the addition of Baron Davis, this team s now built for a run into the playoffs. Golden State is just the 4th team in the state of California in this division. They really should just call it the California division. And Sacramento, yeah....

Southwest

New Orleans Hornets #1 seed
Dallas Mavericks #5 seed
Houston Rockets #6 seed
San Antonio Spurs
Memphis Grizzlies

Another division filled with talent. In the southwest, there are usually 4 teams that have hopes of the postseason and this year, same story. The Spurs are going to struggle. Ginobili out for the start of the season is going to play a huge role and the Spurs will fall into a huge hole that they will realize they cannot get out of. They will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1997. The Hornets are becoming the powerhouse in the west and really the team to beat. This division will be a runaway although the records of the Mavs and the Rockets will have good records and will make the playoffs. But compared to the Hornets, it won't even be close. The Mavs with Dirk and Jason Terry are always a playoff threat. Not that they do anything when they get there. Ron Artest, T-Mac and Yao will team up for a 3rd place finish. They will need to play without Artest I'm sure for a few weeks because everyone knows he cannot stay out of trouble. The Grizzlies are going to struggle again. Hakim Warrick is their star. Hey, SU alum, but he cannot lead a team to anything more than a 5th place finish hoping to not be the floor mat of the league.

World Series 2008 Preview

A season has come. And a season is a mere 7 games away from completion. This year of baseball has been one of surprises as well as upsets. This Fall Classic couldn't demonstrate both any better. It is out of this world that the Tampa Bay Rays have turned their franchise around and made it to the final dance in October and can possibly be crowned the finest team in baseball. The Phillies are the same story. They made the playoffs last year but did not show a lot of promise. This year is a different story. With one of the most prominent bullpens in the game, the Phillies are looking to take out the young guys from the sunshine state. But who will prevail?

The Breakdown:

Game 1
Hamels vs. Kazmir

Out of all the games that are most important if there is such a thing in the World Series, it is game 1. The last 5 years, the team that has taken game 1 has moved on to win the Fall Classic. This lefty-lefty match up is probably going to be the one and only pitchers dual we will see in this possible 7-game series. Hamels is 3-0 in the postseason with a 1.53 ERA with his counter part Scott Kazmir standing in at 1-0 with a not so impressive ERA being over 4. Cole Hamels has one luxury against Kazmir that he does not have. A bullpen. The bullpen of the Phillies is going to lead them to victory in this game. It will be a pitchers dual through 7 but look for B.J. Upton or Evan Longoria to get the Rays the lead early. The lineup for the Rays is primarily right-handed while the Phillies are predominantly lefty. I see the Rays taking game 1 of the World Series by a slim margin but get out on top early and carry that lead all the way to the end.

Rays over Phillies 4-2

Game 2
Myers vs. Shields

This is the chance for the Rays to really take it to the Phillies. "Big Game James" Shields is listed as the Rays ace and has been the teams top starter throughout the regular season. Myers has not impressed me as of late. He did pitch well in the NLCS but in the last leg of the regular season, he slid back down to under average performances. The thing that the Rays need to do is keep the bullpen fresh. With David Price and J.P. Howell as your lefty specialists and Wheeler and Balfour as the righthanders in the pen, this team needs to keep these go to guys fresh and not over use them in these first couple games. This game 2 is another that is weighted in the favor of the Rays due to their explosive lineup and dominate starting pitching. Sorry Philly, your amazing bullpen won't need to get the save for the second game either.

Rays over Phillies 7-3

Game 3
Moyer vs. Garza

This is the turning point of the series. Game 3 I also believe will go to the Tampa Rays. I must be sounding like a broken record but I cannot look past the dominant starting pitching. Garza, the ALCS MVP, is on the hill for the Rays but the one thing against the Rays in this game is that it is moved back to Philly. Games 1 and 2 were in Tampa and in front of the home crowd it is easy to perform but on the road, things get interesting. This could possibly be a shootout. I am not convinced and sold on either starter in this game. Garza is solid and Jamie Moyer's numbers prove to be, but the thing is, he is old. Age is one thing but with age must come experience and I do not believe that Moyer is the old-wise experienced pitcher that will lead a team out of a 2 games to none deficit.

***Could see extra innings***

Rays over Phillies 11-9

Game 4
Blanton vs. Sonnanstine

This is for all the marbles. After a long time contemplating and deciding what i really think is going to happen in this possible elimination game for the Phillies, I am thinking we have seen the end. David Price is going to close out the series just like he did in the ALCS. For Rays fans, get your party hats because the Fall Classic is home in Tampa. The Phillies will have to wait yet another year to get a ring. Enjoy it Tampa!!

World Series MVP: B.J. Upton

Rays Win! Rays Win! Rays Win!

Tip your hats to the Rays from Tampa Bay, Florida because they are now the American League Champions of 2008 beating the Red Sox in a heated 7 game ALCS. What a series to watch as both team gave reason as to why they deserve the crown atop the American League. The Rays have surprised everyone. At no time in the off season after the 2007 playoffs would anyone even thought of saying that the Tampa Bay Dev, oops, Rays would even win 50 % of their games this year. A team that has been in the dumps since their creation was certainly not in my 2008 playoff talks as were they in any of yours to say the least. But yet again another surprise just as we saw last year with the Colorado Rockies making it to the WS against the Red Sox. It is great for baseball to see teams of this stature to finally improve incredibly and advance to a World Series and have the chance to be named the best team in baseball.

They certainly were the best in the AL in the regular season but no one believe that they could hold on. This team won 99 games in the regular season, their best before that, 77. You do the math with a 162 game season, that is not going to get you to the playoffs. Also, playing in one of the most difficult divisions in baseball on top of that. These guys just beat up on the Yankees and the Red Sox in the regular season. Two teams that are usually always in the October talks when it comes to playoff baseball. It looks to be that there is now a 3-team front coming out of the east and with that more competition and a tougher route into the playoffs for these three talented squads.

**One thing that I was not pleased with when I was watching game 7 of this series last night was when the ALCS MVP award was given out and it did not go to B.J. Upton. For crying out loud, the man hit 4 home runs alone in the ALCS. He racked up 11 huge RBI's and also hit .321 collecting 9 hits in only 28 at-bats. It just seemed that when this team needed a boost they got it from Upton and to not give him the MVP award is completely inappropriate. Matt Garza pitched two incredible ball games. I am not taking that away from him at all. The fact is that Upton played everyday. He played in the field, he hit 2nd in the lineup, his attributions were utilized on an everyday basis unlike Garza who pitched only 2 games. I disagree with giving the MVP award for the regular season to a pitcher as well. Position players do too much game in and game out to not recognize them when they lift their team to victory especially in a huge situation like B.J. Upton did.

World Series 2008: Phillies vs. Rays should be a great series as both teams look to leave their mark in history. As for the Red Sox, the "Nation" is now the "Bay State" is now the "lets go golfing state." See ya in April.

They are Singing in Philly Tonight!

Coming into a big game 5 carrying a 3-1 lead in the NLCS, the Philadelphia Phillies move ahead and become National League Champions moving by the Dodgers by the score of 5-1. You could see this outcome brewing right from game one. Cole Hamels is unstoppable. He was named NLCS MVP as he was the winning pitcher in games 1 and 5 posting a 1.93 ERA through the opener and the closing game of the league series. The only game for the Phillies to drop was game 3 when the action shifted from Philadelphia to LA and the Dodgers had their chance to bounce back down 2 games to none and did come away with a win but that was it. Winning in five games is huge for this Phillies squad because now they get a weeks rest until the 22ND when Game 1 of the 2008 World Series is slated to go down.

Overall the Dodgers seemed to be the favorites coming into the series. Sweeping the Cubs in 3 games, 2 of which were in Chicago, put them in a league of their own. Toppling the best team in baseball by that margin put high expectations on a young but talented staff of Dodger Blue. But in the end it is all blues in LA but Joe Torre did get this team to the NLCS in his first year with the team. Coincidence? I think not. Thanks New York! The pitching staff of the Dodgers seemed to step it up against the Cubs but when it came down to stamina and lasting through a long series, they could not execute. I do not really think that the Dodgers beat the Cubs per say. More or less it was the Cubs beating the Cubs and the Dodgers just took that lack of momentum and rallied to win an easy 3 out of 5 game series in the division series. That is another story that I need to address at a later date.

The Phillies move on to the World Series for the first time since 1993 when they took down the Atlanta Braves to move on and eventually lose to the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series. Party time in the city of Brotherly Love! Hopefully some brotherly love can be shown between Kuroda and Victorino. Nah, I doubt it.

Who will it be...

Phillies vs. Rays or Phillies vs. Red Sox. The Sox are down 3-1 and need a 3 game run to get past their division rival. Game 5 of that series is scheduled for Thursday night at 8:07 pm on TBS.

** Quick note: My prayers and wishes go out to Charlie Manuel as his mother passed away earlier this week. Going through a time of such happiness and sorrow at the same time must be incredibly difficult. But it gives him a reason to win and motivation to succeed in his job and his love of the game off baseball. Good luck to Charlie and the Phillies in the World Series!

Tony who? Romo sidelined up to 4 weeks...

Another disappointing loss for the Lone star state as they see their NFC East Champion Dallas Cowboys drop yet another game early in this 2008-2009 regular season. This time falling in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals who are making a run at winning the NFC West division as they stand in with a 4-2 record. But the main story of the day was the man under center for the 'boys, Tony Romo. The Pro Bowl quarterback is going to be out for up to 4 weeks due to a fractured finger in his throwing hand. The injury occurred on the Cowboys first and only drive in OT before the Cardinals blocked their 3 and out punt for the winning score. First time in NFL history that a game has been won in OT by a blocked punt for a touchdown. Not the type of ending that the Cowboys were hoping for but news turned from bad to worse as they soon found out they would be without their star QB for a month.

Replacing the injured Romo is Brad Johnson who is a veteran QB and will have the weight of the Lone star on his shoulders for the next 4 weeks. He hasn't seen too much action as of late but highlighting his career is a Super Bowl XXXVII victory with the Tampa Bay Buccs over the Oakland Raiders in 2003. He is definitely not a Tony Romo passer but he does have the resume to take over temporarily for a playoff hopeful team and at least win 2 out of the 4 games he could possibly start.

In the next 4 weeks for the Cowboys comes 4 opponents including: Rams (1-4), Buccs (4-2), Giants (4-0) and the Redskins (4-2). The first two games should be won and it all depends on how effective the Dallas running game is and if it establishes itself early in those two ball games. Playing two division games without your guy under center is going to hurt them. They already fell to the Skins at home and now have to play them on the road in Washington. The Giants always play them tough and being undefeated and reining Super Bowl Champs, they really are the team to beat.

Should be an interesting month of October and beginning of November if you are a Cowboys fan. Keep faith because the two wild card teams will most likely come out of the East as it does almost every year. Don't get scared, you will most likely get to see your precious Cowboys choke in the postseason once again...or who knows, maybe the curse will be broken...have to wait and see.

SU Football falls 17-6 to UWV

This is no new story that has never been heard before. But today's loss to previously top 10 ranked West Virginia is not as big of a disappointment. Robinson was not under center for the Orange as taking his place was Cameron Dantley who did not have a bad day. Not great completion numbers as he was 24-40 but throwing for 204 yards with no TD's and a interception. Brinkley had a good day in the back field getting 28 touches for 144 yards averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The top target for the 'Cuse was Donte Davis as he pulled down 7 catches for 62 yards. The Orange did not play poorly. Syracuse led the Mountaineers in almost every team category as they had 346 total yards to UWV's 269 yards. The Orange also held on to the ball for 35:12 of the game as their opponents only had possession for 24:48. The main concern that I think all Orange fans have is the fact that they do not have anybody to finish and get the ball in the endzone. They have the guys who can get the ball down the field and also they are not turning the ball over numerous times either as they have in the past. They have young player to build a team around but no stand outs.

Do I see this team really moving forward and winning the majority of their games this season, not a chance. But do I believe that there is possibility for this team to win a few of their upcoming games, yes I really do. Next week against South Florda is not a game that the Orange are going to win. The number 19 ranked Bulls are a team that is all-around solid. But in two weeks when Louisville comes to the dome, that is a game that needs to be won. If coach Robinson wants to keep his job, Louisville needs to go down. Another one win season is not gonig to be acceptable to keep his job. He has the tools to progress this season and get a few more victories but it really depends on what the coaching staff has in their play calling and the execution of plays deep into the game. This team gets out in front of a lot of teams but cannot hold onto the win late into games.

Don't go out and purchase your Orange football tickets to beat the low prices. I'm sure that by the end of the season, season-ticket holders will be paying people totake their tickets off their hands.

BTW: Carmelo Game should be exciting this coming weekend. Friday night, preseason game between the Nuggets and the Suns in the Dome. Melo makes his way home to Syracuse to pay tribute to his National Championship town in upstate New York.

NFL Week 6: NYG on Monday Night, Jets see Ocho Cinco and Buffalo gets the week off

Taking a look into the week 6 match ups comes an interesting week for teams out of the NY state. Starting out in Buffalo. No game to take place Ralph Wilson Stadium this weekend as Buffalo gets their bye week and a week to recoup after the devastating loss to Kurt Warner and the ever so dangerous on any particular day Arizona Cardinals. Anytime your quarter back throws for nearly 500 yards and loses, which is what happened to the Cardinals when they met up with the Jets in week 4, your team is not doing something right. Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Kansas City and Buffalo all get a two week break to prepare for week 7 as 3 out of those 4 teams are looking to win their divisions.

The Jets are coming off their bye week as they get a crack at the 0-5 Bengals and their trash talking wide out Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson. Johnson never got a chance to kiss the star as the Bengals were beat 31-22 by the Cowboys last week getting into the endzone twice through the air but not through the hands of number 85. But the Jets came out of the bye week last year toppling the Steelers in a close three point victory by the total of 19-16. Brett Farve has been everything the Jets were hoping for with his 935 passing yards thus far with 12 TD's and only 4 INT's. Playing at home against the Bengals is a gift and should lead to an easy week coming off the two week break.

Prediction: Jets over Bengals 38-21

Monday night football this week is hopfully going to serve as a high scoring and intense match up between two non-division opponents. The Browns need to get back on track. Last year, Cleveland finished behind the Pittsburgh Steelers with a record of 10-6 in the regular season. Starting out this newly 2008 season with a 1-3 record is not the start any club is hoping for but this game is the one that I believe we will see them bounce out of their funk and get back on track. Playing on the Monday night stage at home is the perfect scene to show the rest of the country and the NFL that the Browns are still a contender. Will they be able to get past regining Super Bowl Champions New York Giants? I do not see it happening but look for a close tight game that will prove to be a good game and an exciting one to watch.

Prediction: Giants over Browns 21-20

NLCS/ALCS Breakdown: Lets Talk History!

NLCS: Torre makes another run? This time in Dodger blue.

Prediction: Dodgers over Phillies 4-1

This series I believe was over when James Loney hit the grand slam back against the Cubs in game 1 of the NLDS. Beating the Cubs is a feat in itself but sweeping the best team record wise in the NL is astounding and really is something that I was caught off guard by. The Dodgers play in a very weak division but we have seen this in the past from the D-backs and as well as from the Rockies in last years playoff run to the series. Record wise, the NL West is abysmal. Only one team finished over .500 this year, that being LA. Both Western Divisions have been very weak competition wise and each year it seems that one team is always running away with it toward the end of the year. In the AL, the Angels not so successful this year. But that's besides the point. This year it is different for the Dodgers. New management is in town and that is really where I think this all stems out from. When fighting a war you go after the general but in this case, Torre has been untouchable. He hands down out-managed Lou Pinella in the NLDS. And that comes with experience. Something this team is really lacking roster wise. This is a young fiery ball club but sometimes with a wise coaching staff and a young talented roster is a recipe for bigger and better things. Manny Ramirez is hitting the ball better than anyone else in baseball at this point. James Loney, Russel Martin and a healthy Rafael Furcal only improves the Dodgers chances to move on. I say we'll see the Dodger blue on the diamond in the Series.

ALCS: Tropicana, Here we come!

Prediction: Rays over Red Sox 4-2

A call for the ages but one that will hold true. The Red Sox have struggled against the Rays all season. We have already learned that the regular season means absolutely nothing. I am not picking the Rays because of their success against Boston this year. This team is going to win because they have one of the most all around teams in the game. There is not one big name on their roster that will even be in the MVP talks this year. Evan Longoria is a long shot for Rookie of the Year but due to injury, that may hurt his chances. But that doesn't matter. What matters is that this team plays as a team. They do not rely on the long ball to win them games. Or shutout 1-hitters from their pitching staff. They play as a team. This group of guys is one that you would want a Little League team to watch and observe play the game. The do little things that win ball games and that is why they are so successful. Joe Madden hits and runs, he steals bases, he utilizes his middle relief pitching in a way that does not run them dry after two games. This team has the mentality as well as the talent to beat anyone in baseball. The team salary doesn't matter how good a team is on the baseball diamond. Look for Tampa to drop the first game but not to lose again until game 4, and then win out the rest and take the series dropping only 2 games. Now the Red Sox are obviously the favorites to win. But with Josh Beckett not 100 percent and Mike Lowell questionable, this team will have a tough time being dominant over the red hot Rays.

No dancing for Paps in his underwear this year, sorry Boston. Manny will be doing all the dancing this year, in DODGER BLUE!

World Series 2008: Dodgers vs. Rays (talk about history in the making)

NLCS Locked In: See Ya in Philly

After a busy weekend of action around the MLB, we have the National League Championship Series set and we are headed to the city of Brotherly Love! The Philadelphia Phillies took out the Milwaukee Brewers in 4 games moving them into the NLCS for the first time in 15 years. The Phillies have not won a playoff series since they met up with the Toronto Blue Jays in '93 in the World Series. The Brewers gave it a good run making it to the playoffs for the first time in 25 years. But when it comes down to it, the Phillies have moved on and after winning games 1 and 2. They dropped game 3 in Milwaukee but sealed the deal tonight, beating the Brew Crew 6-2. The Phillies scored all 6 runs by virtue of the long ball. After winning the East and eliminating the Mets, the Phillies are making it worth their while and are ready to play more baseball when the team from the NL West head to town. Wait, the Cubs got swept?

That is a fact. The Chicago Cubs have been swept out of the postseason for the second consecutive year. Even with the best record in the National League in the regular season, it is not enough to hold off none other than Joe Torre and the LA Dodgers. Not only did the Dodgers win their first postseason series since 1988, they did not drop a game to the top seed in the NL. Chicago did not play the type of baseball they have played all season. The main problem was that they dd not hit the ball. No matter how good your pitching staff is, if you do not support your starter, you are not going to win ball games. I have to tip my hat to Joe Torre who picked up his 18th playoffs series win of his career. I have the up most respect for Joe and I am glad to see him still successful at the helm. The Dodgers pitching worried me, but it certainly held its own. The staff as a whole only gave up 6 runs in 3 games to the Cubies. The pitching staff also only had 6 walks while racking up 24 K's. The young hitting duo of Russel Martin and James Loney was all it took to lift the Dodgers to their quick and painless 3-game sweep.

All in all, both the Dodgers and the Phillies deserve to be in this situation. Both squads played solid baseball and did what it took to win. I really liked what I saw from the Dodgers young players. Their fiery youth is what I believe could lift them to the big dance at the end of October. I will give a "revised" prediction to the remainder of the postseason once the American League Divisional Series' finish up. Currently the Rays lead over the White Sox 2-1 with the Red Sox leading over the Angels 2-0. The Sox could clinch a spot tonight as they are tied right now 4-4 in the bottom of the 7th. Game 4 of the Rays/Sox series will be tomorrow at 5 pm and if there is need for the Game 4 of the Angels/Red Sox series, that will follow at 8:30 pm.

Game. Set. Match. Good night from Chicago. Good Morning from Philly. See ya in the NLCS Manny!

Chad "Ocho Cinco" Strikes Again

Leave it to the man wearing number 85 for the Cincinnati Bengals to open his huge mouth and make the entire organization look classless. ESPN had an interview with Chad in the locker room after the teams practice on Wednesday afternoon and once again, with a mic in front of his mouth, he cannot hold back. He told reporters that "I am going to score, and I will kiss the star. No disrespect to Dallas." He then continued to talk about how every time he talks to ESPN that they take what he says and turns it into an insult. "If ESPN tries to make me look bad, I will retire and take their jobs." Okay Chad. Keep dreaming. I really do not know how someone who is mentally stable can go on camera and speak in such a manner that will make him look like a completely immature. This is not the first time that out spurts from Chad has happened and I'm sure that it will not be the last. What I really do not understand is how the Bengals organization, that is 0-4, will let one of their players get away with speaking out like this and making the entire club look juvenile. He claims "that this club needs to be shook up, and I am the guy that needs to do it." Yes Chad, something with the Bengals needs to change and the team needs to get back on track but by speaking out in a manner that is inappropriate and does absolutely nothing good for your team is not what the team needs. With Ryan Fitzpatrick as your starter, good luck even getting a chance to kiss the star Chad. A 0-4 team has no place to make remarks like this and it does nothing for the Bengals except make them look totally immature. I have never been a fan of guys who speak out like this and really can you blame anyone for not caring for it? No one likes it when you make the game we call American Football look like a disgrace. Keep the mouths shut and play the game. Plain and simple, but difficult for some. Apparently.

MLB Postseaon Breakdown

This season of Major League Baseball has turned out to be one for the record books. Derek Jeter passes Babe Ruth on the all-time hits list in Yankee’s history; Ken Griffey Jr. reached 600 home runs; Shea and Yankee Stadium are closing their doors for good. We have seen the collapse of both New York squads once again. The Yankees miss the playoffs for the first time in 13 seasons. But this is all beside the point. It is baseball time in October!

This year makes for a very tough decision and prediction as to who we will see facing off in the “Big Show.” It almost seems weird not having to throw around the idea of “Subway Series” or even the Red Sox/ Yankees match up in the ALCS. No drama this year. Or is there?

National League Divisional Series’:

Cubs defeat Dodgers—5 games

This is probably the most difficult series to pick at this point in time. Both of these clubs have a lot of weapons but the thing that is going to ruin it for the Dodgers is their pitching. I mean, Derek Lowe is your ace? The guy went 14-11 this season. Not the numbers you expect out of your ace on the staff. I am not knocking the Dodgers in general. They have a solid ball club. Picking up Manny only made them better talent wise. Ego wise, I am not sure if this was the move they wanted. A lot of young talent in Loney and Kemp but the overall performance of the team will not win a playoff series, especially against a team like Chicago. (I still love you Joe!!)

The Cubies are for real this year. I really like everything about this team. When you have a pitching staff with Rich Harden as your 4th starter going 10-2 with 181 K’s over 148 innings pitched, you are in good shape. Zambrano is on fire. He finally got the no-no, Ted Lilly pitches well anywhere but New York; Dempster went 17-6 with 187 K’s over 206.2 innings pitched after being the team’s closer last season. Kerry Wood having a year and a half in the pen coming off injury. Geovany Soto makes the All-Star Game in his rookie season and is the best hitting catcher in baseball. Soriano, Lee and Ramirez will lead offensively. This team is built for success, top down.

Phillies defeat Brewers —4 games

The Brewers gave it their all. C.C. Sabathia had an incredible second half for Milwaukee and this team has shown that they competitors. Again, postseason play comes down to pitching. I don’t care how many big bats you have in your lineup, if the pitching is off and does not keep your team in the game, there is no shot. CC is not a one man wrecking crew. Ben Sheets is done for the year and Yovani Gallarado is starting game 1. Kid has not even started a regular season game this year and he is starting game 1. What are you thinking Milwaukee? Stick a fork in them, they’re done. Ned Yost gets fired and Dale Sveum leads them to a WS? Don’t think so. Maybe next year Brew Crew.

Although I cannot stand Ryan Howard and the fact that he strikes out every at bat but still remains atop the fantasy charts because on the every other at bat, he hits a homer run, I like the Phillies chances. Pitching is solid with Hamels and Brad Lidge to close things out. Comeback Player of the Year most certainly with 41 consecutive saves. I am a little worried about Myers and Moyer in games 2 and 3 but I think one of the two will win and Hamels will pitch game 4 and close it out.

American League Divisional Series’:

Red Sox defeat Angels—4 games

This may look like a difficult pick but for me, not really. The Angels are a very good ball club. They have one of the most talented closers in the game. Their starting pitching is not great but good enough to win a series against anyone else but the Red Sox. The Angels have the best record in baseball for one reason only; they are on the west coast. The majority of their games are played against the Ranger, A’s and Mariners. This is not apparent all the time but the past few years, the Angels have been the only stand out team from the west. Lackey has slowed down and is not going to be of any help in one start, maybe two if he pitches well. Santana will most likely get the one victory for the halos.

Rays defeat White Sox—3 games

We are going to see our only sweep of the divisional series’ when the Rays come into town and throw a beating down. This team has been building since the franchise was created. Even without Carl Crawford this team is a playoff contender. As I’ve stressed, their pitching is solid with Kazmir going in game 2. Longoria will win the Rookie of the Year Award as he has had a miraculous season for the Rays. Madden has been telling this squad from day one that they are good enough, now it is time for them to show us. Boy, they are going to put on a show. Look out Chicago! Wait, what?

The black out is more successful in Chicago. Winning in style over the Twins to take the Al Central ballot in the 1 game playoff. But despite the success in the end by the Sox, this postseason is not big enough for two teams out of Chicago. Bobby Jenks threw a ridiculous 9th and did so throughout the season but honestly, Jim Thome hits the game winner. The Sox looked good but making it by the skin of their teeth, the Rays are going to manhandle this team and show them that yes they made the postseason but this is for the big boys, kiddy time is over. And btw, why a black out Chicago? I thought your team is the WHITE Sox. The team didn’t even wear their black uniforms. Something doesn’t make sense.

NLCS:

Cubs defeat Phillies—6 games

Out of all the teams in the National League, the Cubs are the only team I see that is legitimate. It is all about the long run and who can last and play an extra 23 games if need be. They go deep with the Dodgers all the way to 5 games and will have to go deep against the Phillies as well and going back to pitching, that s where the Cubs have the leg up. Sorry Ryan Howard, but you still strike out too much and I would never draft you in fantasy and your team goes down to Carlos and the Cubies.

ALCS:

Rays over Red Sox—6 games
Once again it comes down to the AL East. All the competition in the American League comes out of the AL East so I’m not really sure why they don’t just say the best team from the Central and West make the playoffs but the top 2 teams from the East. That’s how it ends year in and year out and with the arsenal the Rays and Sox have, it is not changing anytime soon. The Rays won the regular season series with Boston and although Pedroia may win AL MVP, the rookie sensation will prevail. Look for Longoria and the Rays to be celebrating on their way home to await the Cubies.

World Series 2008:

Cubs defeat Rays—7 games

Break out the bottles of champagne and cover the lockers because it is party time for the Cubs. Don’t forget to go and get your ring sized up nicely because this only happens once every 100 years. Kind of reminds me of a lunar eclipse or something like that or seeing a comet pass by that only makes its way around the Earth once a century. So take plenty of pictures so you don’t miss out because your kids won’t even see the next WS won by the Cubs if this trend continues. Congrats Cubs fans. Enjoy!

World Series MVP: Kerry Wood

Welcome to All

Hello everyone and welcome to my newly created blog. I plan on posting on this as much as possible and I hope you will find the articles that I choose to write interesting and intriguing. I love to write about all sports and I plan on covering all of my bases. You can count on all professional sports, favoring the MLB, NFL and the NBA. I am not huge into the NHL but I have been working on it vigorously and hope to be able to write a few stories for all you hockey fans out there. I will also look deep into the NCAA world including the football and basketball realm of college sports. I am a huge Syracuse University sports fan and will be informing everyone about how we are a basketball town, with a football problem. This is true. So sit back, relax and check in with me every now and again to get your fix of the sporting world with the Hibbtown Beatdown Sports Report.