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Week 7 record: 8-6
Season record: 63-41
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
2010 World Series Prediction
And the 2010 World Series Champion will be...
Here's why:
This should truly be a tossup series. The Rangers shocked both the Rays and Yankees in the AL, beating them with outstanding pitching and timely hitting. Cliff Lee has been automatic for the Rangers at top of rotation, while CJ Wilson and Colby Lewis have followed with similar good performances of their own. The Rangers' lineup is superior to the Giants, with likely MVP Josh Hamilton, Vlad Guerrero, and Nelson Cruz providing firepower. Meanwhile, the Giants come off an NLCS where they stunned the Phillies with pitching, pitching, pitching. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and Madison Bumgarner are all elite, and closer Brian Wilson and his beard has been awesome at the end of all of the one-run games San Fran has played. While without the firepower of the Rangers, the Giants lineup, led by Aubrey Huff and Buster Posey, has gotten timely hitting from NLCS MVP Cody Ross and Juan Uribe. It will come down to pitching, and timely hitting, and the way these Giants have played in so many of these one run games, it should give them an edge. Also watch for home field of AT&T Park to play role, as balls take crazy bounces off right-field wall (see 07 All-Star game), and without DH, Texas may have to play Vlad Guerrero there.
Giants in 7.
Here's why:
This should truly be a tossup series. The Rangers shocked both the Rays and Yankees in the AL, beating them with outstanding pitching and timely hitting. Cliff Lee has been automatic for the Rangers at top of rotation, while CJ Wilson and Colby Lewis have followed with similar good performances of their own. The Rangers' lineup is superior to the Giants, with likely MVP Josh Hamilton, Vlad Guerrero, and Nelson Cruz providing firepower. Meanwhile, the Giants come off an NLCS where they stunned the Phillies with pitching, pitching, pitching. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and Madison Bumgarner are all elite, and closer Brian Wilson and his beard has been awesome at the end of all of the one-run games San Fran has played. While without the firepower of the Rangers, the Giants lineup, led by Aubrey Huff and Buster Posey, has gotten timely hitting from NLCS MVP Cody Ross and Juan Uribe. It will come down to pitching, and timely hitting, and the way these Giants have played in so many of these one run games, it should give them an edge. Also watch for home field of AT&T Park to play role, as balls take crazy bounces off right-field wall (see 07 All-Star game), and without DH, Texas may have to play Vlad Guerrero there.
Giants in 7.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
2010-11 NBA Preview
NBA Season is here. Tonight is TNT Doubleheader with Heat @ Celtics followed by Rockets @ Lakers. Here are my projections for the upcoming season.
Western Conference
1. Los Angeles Lakers- Back to back defending champs add feisty Matt Barnes and guard Steve Blake. They also hope to get a full, healthy season from Andrew Bynum.
2. Dallas Mavericks- Early playoff exit last year will motivate Dirk, Kidd, and Terry to make run in West again. Full season of Caron Butler and adding Tyson Chandler to Haywood at center makes Dallas deep.
3. Portland Trailblazers- Oden and Pryzbilla return from injuries, and join Marcus Camby and Aldridge in front court, while backcourt of Roy and Miller is solid. Health is key #1.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder- Rising team, took LA to 6 in round one last year. Durant is leading MVP candidate to start season, Westbrook looks to become all-star, while Jeff Green, James Harden will try to take next step to help OKC become West contenders.
5. Houston Rockets- Yao is back and depth of team is tremendous, with Courtney Lee, Patrick Patterson, and Brad Miller added to an already winning team, with Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola emerging stars.
6. Utah Jazz- Losing Boozer and adding Al Jefferson is actually a gain for Jazz, which will expand role of Paul Millsap. Still need depth in backcourt to pair with Deron Williams.
7. San Antonio Spurs- Aging team found life in playoffs, reaching the second round before being run off the floor by Phoenix. DeJuan Blair, George Hill, and import Tiago Splitter add youth to core of Ginobili, Parker, Duncan.
8. Denver Nuggets- To trade Carmelo? Or not to trade Carmelo? That is the question. As far as on the court, Denver adds swingman Al Harrington to help weak front line.
9. Phoenix Suns- Losing Amare leaves Suns without low post threat, but Turkoglu should add perimeter play-making in addition to Steve Nash.
10. New Orleans Hornets- CP3's team cut payroll in offseason, and also made
11. Los Angeles Clippers- Griffin is back and seemingly healthy, and pieces are there for playoff team, but it's the Clippers. They'll screw up some way. They always do.
12. Memphis Grizzlies- Real nice season last year for Memphis, but point guard situation has yet to be resolved, as well as bench depth.
13. Sacramento Kings- Potential sleeper team in West, lot of young, growing players.
14. Golden State Warriors- Lee, Curry combo should be great in years to come, but for now, more growing pains with new coach.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves- Giving Darko that kind of money was ridiculous and Beasley is an over-paid ballhog.
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics- Defending East champs sign two old, injury-prone O'Neals to replace injured Perkins.
2. Miami Heat- LeBron, D-Wade, CB4. Let's see how it comes together.
3. Orlando Magic- Let's see if Dwight has learned anything from working out with Dream in offseason.
4. Atlanta Hawks- Overpaid Joe Johnson and have new coach, but still have talent to make it in the weak East.
5. Chicago Bulls- After recovering from injury, Boozer should be great front-court addition for Rose and co.
6. Milwaukee Bucks- Biggest surprise last season and adding veteran Maggette to Jennings/Bogut gives Bucks chance at central division title.
7. Charlotte Bobcats- Brown's team got offensive boost from Stephen Jackson mid-season. Still no depth at center or point guard.
8. New Jersey Nets- My ultimate sleeper makes jump from worst to playoff spot. Murphy helps Lopez on front line as they bring along Favors, while Harris looks to have bounce-back year.
9. New York Knicks- Amare is no LeBron, but gives Knicks first low-post presence for first time in years. Felton is also nice addition at PG
10. Philadelphia 76ers- Pieces are there for new coach Doug Collins, but too many questions in the front court.
11. Indiana Pacers- Really loved the Darren Collison pickup, gives Pacers a great complement to Granger. Front court improvement of Hansborough and Hibbert will show how far Indiana can go.
12. Detroit Pistons- Gordon/Villanueva failed to live up to contracts, and adding T-Mac to 27-win team won't help much.
13. Washington Wizards- John Wall will have growing pains, especially with little forward talent.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers- No LeBron drops Mo Williams' team to doormat in central.
15. Toronto Raptors- Complete rebuilding mode for Toronto without Bosh. Maybe worst front court in league.
Western Conference
1. Los Angeles Lakers- Back to back defending champs add feisty Matt Barnes and guard Steve Blake. They also hope to get a full, healthy season from Andrew Bynum.
2. Dallas Mavericks- Early playoff exit last year will motivate Dirk, Kidd, and Terry to make run in West again. Full season of Caron Butler and adding Tyson Chandler to Haywood at center makes Dallas deep.
3. Portland Trailblazers- Oden and Pryzbilla return from injuries, and join Marcus Camby and Aldridge in front court, while backcourt of Roy and Miller is solid. Health is key #1.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder- Rising team, took LA to 6 in round one last year. Durant is leading MVP candidate to start season, Westbrook looks to become all-star, while Jeff Green, James Harden will try to take next step to help OKC become West contenders.
5. Houston Rockets- Yao is back and depth of team is tremendous, with Courtney Lee, Patrick Patterson, and Brad Miller added to an already winning team, with Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola emerging stars.
6. Utah Jazz- Losing Boozer and adding Al Jefferson is actually a gain for Jazz, which will expand role of Paul Millsap. Still need depth in backcourt to pair with Deron Williams.
7. San Antonio Spurs- Aging team found life in playoffs, reaching the second round before being run off the floor by Phoenix. DeJuan Blair, George Hill, and import Tiago Splitter add youth to core of Ginobili, Parker, Duncan.
8. Denver Nuggets- To trade Carmelo? Or not to trade Carmelo? That is the question. As far as on the court, Denver adds swingman Al Harrington to help weak front line.
9. Phoenix Suns- Losing Amare leaves Suns without low post threat, but Turkoglu should add perimeter play-making in addition to Steve Nash.
10. New Orleans Hornets- CP3's team cut payroll in offseason, and also made
11. Los Angeles Clippers- Griffin is back and seemingly healthy, and pieces are there for playoff team, but it's the Clippers. They'll screw up some way. They always do.
12. Memphis Grizzlies- Real nice season last year for Memphis, but point guard situation has yet to be resolved, as well as bench depth.
13. Sacramento Kings- Potential sleeper team in West, lot of young, growing players.
14. Golden State Warriors- Lee, Curry combo should be great in years to come, but for now, more growing pains with new coach.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves- Giving Darko that kind of money was ridiculous and Beasley is an over-paid ballhog.
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics- Defending East champs sign two old, injury-prone O'Neals to replace injured Perkins.
2. Miami Heat- LeBron, D-Wade, CB4. Let's see how it comes together.
3. Orlando Magic- Let's see if Dwight has learned anything from working out with Dream in offseason.
4. Atlanta Hawks- Overpaid Joe Johnson and have new coach, but still have talent to make it in the weak East.
5. Chicago Bulls- After recovering from injury, Boozer should be great front-court addition for Rose and co.
6. Milwaukee Bucks- Biggest surprise last season and adding veteran Maggette to Jennings/Bogut gives Bucks chance at central division title.
7. Charlotte Bobcats- Brown's team got offensive boost from Stephen Jackson mid-season. Still no depth at center or point guard.
8. New Jersey Nets- My ultimate sleeper makes jump from worst to playoff spot. Murphy helps Lopez on front line as they bring along Favors, while Harris looks to have bounce-back year.
9. New York Knicks- Amare is no LeBron, but gives Knicks first low-post presence for first time in years. Felton is also nice addition at PG
10. Philadelphia 76ers- Pieces are there for new coach Doug Collins, but too many questions in the front court.
11. Indiana Pacers- Really loved the Darren Collison pickup, gives Pacers a great complement to Granger. Front court improvement of Hansborough and Hibbert will show how far Indiana can go.
12. Detroit Pistons- Gordon/Villanueva failed to live up to contracts, and adding T-Mac to 27-win team won't help much.
13. Washington Wizards- John Wall will have growing pains, especially with little forward talent.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers- No LeBron drops Mo Williams' team to doormat in central.
15. Toronto Raptors- Complete rebuilding mode for Toronto without Bosh. Maybe worst front court in league.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
2010 LCS Picks
ALCS
This should be an offensive slugfest of a series. Both ballparks are among most hitter-friendly in the league and the two offenses are great. It will come down to each side's pitching. Although the Rangers have the best pitcher in the series in Cliff Lee, the Yankees' trio of CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, and Andy Pettitte is overall stronger than Lee, C.J. Wilson, and Colby Lewis. If it is close in the ninth inning, it'll be interesting to see if rookie Neftali Feliz can be as effective as the Yanks' all-time great closer. I'll be rooting for my in-state Rangers, but I'll lean New York.
in 7
NLCS
Completely opposite to the ALCS, the NLCS should be a pitcher's duel. Tim Lincecum and Roy Halladay are the top two pitchers in the game, and lead their respective staffs. Behind Lincecum, the Giants throw Jonathan Sanchez, Matt Cain, and Madison Bumgarner while the Phillies hurl Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, and Joe Blanton, giving them a slight advantage in the rotations. The Giants lineup is much improved, with LF Pat Burrel and C Buster Posey leading the charge against the Braves. However, the Phillies are playoff tested, and with Ryan Howard and Chase Utley in the middle of a power-hitting lineup, San Francisco's magical run will end.
in 6
This should be an offensive slugfest of a series. Both ballparks are among most hitter-friendly in the league and the two offenses are great. It will come down to each side's pitching. Although the Rangers have the best pitcher in the series in Cliff Lee, the Yankees' trio of CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, and Andy Pettitte is overall stronger than Lee, C.J. Wilson, and Colby Lewis. If it is close in the ninth inning, it'll be interesting to see if rookie Neftali Feliz can be as effective as the Yanks' all-time great closer. I'll be rooting for my in-state Rangers, but I'll lean New York.
in 7NLCS
Completely opposite to the ALCS, the NLCS should be a pitcher's duel. Tim Lincecum and Roy Halladay are the top two pitchers in the game, and lead their respective staffs. Behind Lincecum, the Giants throw Jonathan Sanchez, Matt Cain, and Madison Bumgarner while the Phillies hurl Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, and Joe Blanton, giving them a slight advantage in the rotations. The Giants lineup is much improved, with LF Pat Burrel and C Buster Posey leading the charge against the Braves. However, the Phillies are playoff tested, and with Ryan Howard and Chase Utley in the middle of a power-hitting lineup, San Francisco's magical run will end.
in 6Sunday, October 10, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
2010 NLDS and ALDS Picks
National League
Reds vs. Phillies
I have loved the Reds all season, but this matchup is brutal. Phillies' rotation is loaded with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, and they also have the playoff experience to take out the inexperienced Reds.
in 4
Braves vs. Giants
Both teams clinched berth on last day of season, but the Giants are the hotter team, having had to catch and surpass the Padres in the NL West. Both teams' starting pitching is exceptional, but the loss of Chipper Jones and Martin Prado gives the edge offensively to Buster Posey and the Giants.
in 5.
American League
Rangers vs. Rays
Both teams cruised into the postseason, having realistically guaranteed playoff berths early, so they haven't been playing at their best for the last month. When it comes down to it, we'll see which team steps up. The Rangers lineup is loaded, but will its lack of playoff experience be able to shine against the Rays' rotation of David Price, Matt Garza, and James Shields? I don't think so.
in 4.
Yankees vs. Twins
This will the most intriguing series, in my opinion and can almost go either way. Target Field will host its first playoff games, although weather should not be an issue. Yankees' rotation isn't as strong as last year's, but still slighty better than Twins' rotation with CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte having edge over Carl Pavano and Francisco Liriano. Offensively, Twins have done well to absorb loss of 1B Justin Morneau. DH Jim Thome has been excellent for Twins, but Bronx Bombers' lineup boosting four players with 25+ homeruns may be too strong.
in 5.
Reds vs. Phillies
I have loved the Reds all season, but this matchup is brutal. Phillies' rotation is loaded with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, and they also have the playoff experience to take out the inexperienced Reds.
in 4Braves vs. Giants
Both teams clinched berth on last day of season, but the Giants are the hotter team, having had to catch and surpass the Padres in the NL West. Both teams' starting pitching is exceptional, but the loss of Chipper Jones and Martin Prado gives the edge offensively to Buster Posey and the Giants.
in 5.American League
Rangers vs. Rays
Both teams cruised into the postseason, having realistically guaranteed playoff berths early, so they haven't been playing at their best for the last month. When it comes down to it, we'll see which team steps up. The Rangers lineup is loaded, but will its lack of playoff experience be able to shine against the Rays' rotation of David Price, Matt Garza, and James Shields? I don't think so.
in 4.Yankees vs. Twins
This will the most intriguing series, in my opinion and can almost go either way. Target Field will host its first playoff games, although weather should not be an issue. Yankees' rotation isn't as strong as last year's, but still slighty better than Twins' rotation with CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte having edge over Carl Pavano and Francisco Liriano. Offensively, Twins have done well to absorb loss of 1B Justin Morneau. DH Jim Thome has been excellent for Twins, but Bronx Bombers' lineup boosting four players with 25+ homeruns may be too strong.
in 5.Sunday, October 3, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
My 2010 MLB Awards
It's the end of another great baseball season (especially for pitchers). 6 out of 8 playoff spots are set, with Giants and Braves trying to hold off Padres in final two games today and tomorrow. Here are my picks for awards.
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (.328, 28 HR, 126 RBI)
The race for this award has been wide open the whole season. You could easily give it to Josh Hamilton of the Rangers or José Bautista or the Blue Jays too. I opted for Cabrera because he does not have as much help around him in the lineup as Hamilton, and has way higher batting average than Bautista. It is also notable that since he has gone down with injury for the season, the Tigers have lost five straight.
NL MVP: Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies (.336, 34 HR, 117 RBI)
Done for the season with injury, CarGo won't win the triple crown. But what a season it will have been for the breakout star in Denver. Playing with relentless abandon, Gonzalez has been complete player, running into outfield walls to make catches many times this year. The critics that say he is a product of Coors Field are inaccurate. His home/road splits in batting average are nearly identical, and Joey Votto plays in a smaller park than Gonzalez. Honorable mention goes to Albert Pujols, but I think it is time for a new NL MVP.
AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners (13-12, 2.27 ERA, 232 K)
The record doesn't look great, but keep in mind, Hernandez pitched for the last-place Mariners, who had one of the worst offenses in the whole league. King Felix, the AL leader in inning pitched, ERA, and strikeouts, also has a .54 ERA against the Yankees and Red Sox.
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies (21-10, 2.44 ERA, 219 K)
Doc has had awesome first season in Philly, leading the league in wins, inning pitched, and strikeouts. Add the perfect game he threw in Miami and Halladay should be the 5th player ever to win Cy Young in both leagues.
AL Rookie of Year: Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers (39/42 SV, .89 WHIP, 71 K)
A huge part of the Rangers' success this year has been the stability at the closer position by the 22-year old Dominican. His 39 saves is third in the league and his .177 batting average is also second in the league among closers.
NL Co-Rookies of Year: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants (.309, 17 HR, 66 RBI)
Posey has been a savior for the Giants down the stretch run, infusing a weak offensive lineup with some power since his callup in late May. In addition to playing the toughest position in baseball in catcher and having to learn all the pitchers and play solid defense, Posey has hit almost matched Braves' outfielder Jason Heyward in homeruns and RBI in about 30 less games. Cardinals' pitcher Jaime Garcia also gets mention for his great year, but it's all about Posey.
AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (.328, 28 HR, 126 RBI)
The race for this award has been wide open the whole season. You could easily give it to Josh Hamilton of the Rangers or José Bautista or the Blue Jays too. I opted for Cabrera because he does not have as much help around him in the lineup as Hamilton, and has way higher batting average than Bautista. It is also notable that since he has gone down with injury for the season, the Tigers have lost five straight.
NL MVP: Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies (.336, 34 HR, 117 RBI)
Done for the season with injury, CarGo won't win the triple crown. But what a season it will have been for the breakout star in Denver. Playing with relentless abandon, Gonzalez has been complete player, running into outfield walls to make catches many times this year. The critics that say he is a product of Coors Field are inaccurate. His home/road splits in batting average are nearly identical, and Joey Votto plays in a smaller park than Gonzalez. Honorable mention goes to Albert Pujols, but I think it is time for a new NL MVP.
AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners (13-12, 2.27 ERA, 232 K)
The record doesn't look great, but keep in mind, Hernandez pitched for the last-place Mariners, who had one of the worst offenses in the whole league. King Felix, the AL leader in inning pitched, ERA, and strikeouts, also has a .54 ERA against the Yankees and Red Sox.
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies (21-10, 2.44 ERA, 219 K)
Doc has had awesome first season in Philly, leading the league in wins, inning pitched, and strikeouts. Add the perfect game he threw in Miami and Halladay should be the 5th player ever to win Cy Young in both leagues.
AL Rookie of Year: Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers (39/42 SV, .89 WHIP, 71 K)
A huge part of the Rangers' success this year has been the stability at the closer position by the 22-year old Dominican. His 39 saves is third in the league and his .177 batting average is also second in the league among closers.
NL Co-Rookies of Year: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants (.309, 17 HR, 66 RBI)
Posey has been a savior for the Giants down the stretch run, infusing a weak offensive lineup with some power since his callup in late May. In addition to playing the toughest position in baseball in catcher and having to learn all the pitchers and play solid defense, Posey has hit almost matched Braves' outfielder Jason Heyward in homeruns and RBI in about 30 less games. Cardinals' pitcher Jaime Garcia also gets mention for his great year, but it's all about Posey.
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