So its been over a month since I've written anything. Apologies. I was so overcome with emotion at my bracket being busted that I had to take a break... Ok, that's not true. I didn't even watch the NCAA Finals cause I just wasn't very interested in the teams. The good news is that a whole bunch of stuff has happened in the past month, and its a great time to be a sports fan! Here are just a few of my musings on whats been going on.
- It has been a while since I saw someone dominate a golf course as much as Jordan Spieth did at the Masters. It was pretty incredible. And to do it while many other golfers were having amazing tournaments as well is very impressive. My only question- How does he pronounce his last name. I swear I have heard both Speeth and Spayth. Someone help me out here.
- The playoffs have begun! The NBA and NHL playoffs take almost two months to finish, but they are a ton of fun. It is weird having both my Wizards and Capitals in at the same time. I'm just not that used to both teams being decent. I hope they do well. However, it looks like the Cavaliers/Warriors may already be locks for the NBA Finals with how they are playing. On the ice, it is hard to pick against the Blackhawks, though it is easy to root against them.
- The NFL Draft is a week away! I am 4 rounds deep into writing my mock, so I will have that posted before the Buccaneers make their selection. I don't see any scenario in which they don't take Jameis Winston unless his character concerns (which I know would give me pause) are bad enough that a team desperate for solid QB play wouldn't take him.
- The rumored Chargers/Titans/Eagles trade would be amazing. I don't think it will happen, mainly because it makes a lot of sense for everyone. Tennessee needs a QB right now, and Rivers sounds like he is unhappy in San Diego. The Chargers have probably decided its time for them to move on, and getting an extra first round pick out of the deal wouldn't be a terrible trade for a 33-year old QB. The Eagles would get the QB that has run Chip Kelly's offense better than anyone else. But there is the problem- Chip Kelly. The man is crazy, even if he turns out to be a crazy genius. He thinks that a QB rotation of Sam "Ouch my knee!" Bradford, Mark "Butt-fumble" Sanchez, and Tim "Tim Tebow" Tebow would actually make guide a team to a Super Bowl? He either has the world's biggest ego, or he is delusional... Or both.
- The fact that Tim Tebow gets yet another chance in the NFL and Michael Sam hasn't played in a single game annoys me to no end. I do not want to rant about the fairly obvious reasons, but I'll just say the anyone who thinks the reason is because Sam runs a 4.9 40-yard dash is extremely gullible. Every team in football needs help on the pass rush. 5 pass rushers could go in the top 15 of this year's draft (Gregory, Ray, Beasley, Fowler, Dupree), and yet no one could have use Michael Sam at the end of last year? Come on.
- Baseball is back, which makes me happy. It is apparently too early to read into a lot of things (he says after being pulled off a ledge due to the Nats sub-par start), but it is great to have the season underway. Many of my nights will be spent at the ballpark over the next 6 months.
- The Mets have gotten out to a great start. Could this be the year where they are relevant again? They have a bunch of players on the DL, lost Wheeler for the year, yet have won 10 in a row. Conversely, the Brewers look extremely bad, and Johnathan Lucroy is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured big toe. Ouch.
- The Kentucky Derby is next Saturday as well (it is a loaded sports day). I may do a bigger preview next week if I have time, but my pick has to be American Pharoah. And yes, the name is intentionally spelled wrong. Just watching him in the Arkansas Derby was enough to show me this could be a special horse. The problem, of course, is that the Derby is a packed field and a bad ride could dismantle a horse's chance at history. But just watching this race, and how easily he pulls away from a very good field, without being whipped at all, is stunning.
Alrighty folks. Nice to talk to you all again. Keep an eye out for the 2015 Mock Draft coming within the next week. I may try to go all 7 rounds this year. Til then, enjoy this great time for sports.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
NCAA 2015 Predictions
Well, it all starts in a mere number of hours. March Madness will be upon us. Since I don't have a horse in the race this year, filling out the bracket was different for me. I only filled out one, and I actually did it based on who I might think will win, not on how Syracuse magically wins it all again. I'm going to stick to that one bracket, good or bad, since I don't have any money riding on it. So, here are a few of my picks, why I chose them, and who I have winning it all.
Fair warning: Unlike fantasy football, I almost never do well in NCAA tournament pools. Its usually based on my biases towards different teams and coaches, so maybe this year will be different.
First of all, I think Kentucky will win the tournament. There, I said it. I am unoriginal. I am buying into the hype. I have probably doomed them completely. But they are very good, extremely good, and there are only a few teams I can see actually beating them, none of whom are in their region. One that is, however, is Arizona, who I have winning the West and facing Kentucky in the Final Four. I think the winner of that game wins it all, regardless.
On the other side of the bracket, my picks are both from the same state. Clearly, I have been hanging out with too many people from Iowa, because I like the Iowa State Cyclones and the Northern Iowa Panthers. My bracket just breaks in such a way where this seems possible. Iowa State is a very impressive team, and can beat everyone in their pod, plus can take on Gonzaga and Duke if they happen to get that far. As for UNI, I think they can get some help from other teams in their bracket. I, perhaps foolishly, have Louisville losing in the first round to my new tournament darlings, the UC-Irvine Anteaters and their 7'6 center Mamadou N'Diaye. It is their first trip to the tournament, so I think they should make a splash. Plus, Louisville has dismissed starting guard Chris Jones, who was the ACC leader in assists.
So, there is my Final Four- Kentucky, Arizona, UNI and Iowa State. I have Kentucky beating Iowa State 75-65.
Some other upset picks? Eastern Washington over Georgetown, Providence and Michigan State meeting in the Sweet 16, Wichita State beating Kansas, and Woffard over Arkansas.
Enjoy the Madness tomorrow. May your bracket not get busted.
Fair warning: Unlike fantasy football, I almost never do well in NCAA tournament pools. Its usually based on my biases towards different teams and coaches, so maybe this year will be different.
First of all, I think Kentucky will win the tournament. There, I said it. I am unoriginal. I am buying into the hype. I have probably doomed them completely. But they are very good, extremely good, and there are only a few teams I can see actually beating them, none of whom are in their region. One that is, however, is Arizona, who I have winning the West and facing Kentucky in the Final Four. I think the winner of that game wins it all, regardless.
On the other side of the bracket, my picks are both from the same state. Clearly, I have been hanging out with too many people from Iowa, because I like the Iowa State Cyclones and the Northern Iowa Panthers. My bracket just breaks in such a way where this seems possible. Iowa State is a very impressive team, and can beat everyone in their pod, plus can take on Gonzaga and Duke if they happen to get that far. As for UNI, I think they can get some help from other teams in their bracket. I, perhaps foolishly, have Louisville losing in the first round to my new tournament darlings, the UC-Irvine Anteaters and their 7'6 center Mamadou N'Diaye. It is their first trip to the tournament, so I think they should make a splash. Plus, Louisville has dismissed starting guard Chris Jones, who was the ACC leader in assists.
So, there is my Final Four- Kentucky, Arizona, UNI and Iowa State. I have Kentucky beating Iowa State 75-65.
Some other upset picks? Eastern Washington over Georgetown, Providence and Michigan State meeting in the Sweet 16, Wichita State beating Kansas, and Woffard over Arkansas.
Enjoy the Madness tomorrow. May your bracket not get busted.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Championship Week Woes- Or Why I Miss The Big East
So by now everyone knows that my alma mater, Syracuse, is in a wee bit of trouble with the NCAA. As it is, they are banned from both the ACC and NCAA (or more realistically the NIT) tournaments this year. The postseason ban has put quite a damper on my mood to watch college basketball, knowing that no matter what I won't be able to see my boys try to fight their way into March Madness. Instead, I am watching a lot of spring training and following NFL free agency more than I am Championship Week. The biggest effect is that it makes me pine for the days of the single best NCAA conference tournament ever, the old Big East tournament in Madison Square Garden.
We all remember that I was against the move to the ACC, and how I still wish the old Big East existed. I have a feeling a majority of sports fans feel the same way. Just watch ESPN's 30 for 30 "Requiem for the Big East", and tell me you don't miss seeing Boeheim, Calhoun, Big and Little John, and Pitino pacing up and down the sidelines in front of a raucous NYC crowd. It was, in many ways, more enjoyable for me than the NCAA tournament (mainly cause Syracuse won the Big East more). Just getting to see Hall of Fame coaches and intense school rivalries play out on the grandest stage of them all was an honor. It got daytime and prime time play on ESPN, with their #1 broadcast teams. There are so many memorable moments, my favorites of course being Gerry McNamara carrying Cuse to a tournament title, and beating UConn in the greatest basketball game ever played- the 6OT marathon.
It just isn't the same for me without that excitement. I know that the ACC has some amazing teams. Hell, just look at the standings. But I don't dislike those teams the way I did UConn, Georgetown or St. Johns. I have no great history with them. I am sure that UNC, UVA and Clemson fans feel the same way about us yankee carpetbaggers coming into their conference. Duke, of course, has already become a rival, but everybody dislikes them. Plus, it always seems like the ACC tournament is a foregone conclusion. Yes, I know that neither Duke nor UNC has won the past three years. But they have won 14 of the previous 20. Teams from outside of North Carolina have only won the ACC tournament 11 times, and its been going on since 1954! It is a relief that UVA and Louisville are good, even if I dislike Pitino and UVA's brand of basketball is borderline unwatchable. The All-Carolina Conference doesn't have the same flavor that the old Big East had.
The smaller conference tournaments can be fun, for sure. But I have no emotional investment in most of them. I'm glad Coastal Carolina made the tournament again, but I bet most people don't even know what a Chanticleer is. I'll watch a few of the title games and be happy for the kids that get to go dancing, but my interest in them is quickly gone.
The point is, watching a game on the "ACC Network" live from Greensboro just isn't the same, and never will be. It makes me sad. I've got the Championship Week blues.
The smaller conference tournaments can be fun, for sure. But I have no emotional investment in most of them. I'm glad Coastal Carolina made the tournament again, but I bet most people don't even know what a Chanticleer is. I'll watch a few of the title games and be happy for the kids that get to go dancing, but my interest in them is quickly gone.
The point is, watching a game on the "ACC Network" live from Greensboro just isn't the same, and never will be. It makes me sad. I've got the Championship Week blues.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
NFL Free Agency Has Begun... 3 Days Early!
So, apparently the rules about tampering no longer apply in the NFL. We had heard that certain free agents had been talking to teams for weeks, even though they technically weren't allowed to, but I digress. There has been a ton of action already, and the FA period doesn't officially start until the 10th. Here are some of the more interesting tidbits in my opinion-
- Suh to South Beach- The Dolphins defense suddenly got even better, albeit for a ton of money. Ndamukong Suh is going to anchor their D-line for $114 million, $60 mil guaranteed. I love the signing for two reasons. First, he was the #1 free agent on the market, and will instantly help a team whose main goal is to make sure Tom Brady doesn't win games. Second? I love that the Redskins didn't sign him. I know, it has nothing to do with the Dolphins or Suh, but in years past this would be the big splash the Skins would make. This would be Albert Haynesworth. Instead, the Redskins signed Ricky Jean-Francois, a very good 3-4 DE/DT coming off his best year for a total of $9 million. They need all the help they can get, and signing one player for the price of five or six wasn't the answer.
- The Eagles are going crazy- First, there was the rather shocking trade of LeSean McCoy to Buffalo for Kiko Alonso. The Eagles traded their best player for an injured linebacker. I know that Alonso is very talented, and an Oregon guy, but I still haven't figured this one out. Next, the Eagles have agreed to sign Byron Maxwell, CB from Seattle, for $63 million which instantly helps their secondary. Philly then agreed to a deal with 49ers all-time leading rusher Frank Gore. Personally, I would have liked to see Gore end his career in San Fran, but when a team is offering you a 3 year deal with two of those years guaranteed for a 31 year old running back is far too good to turn down. And finally (for now) the Eagles brought back Mark Sanchez on a two-year $16 million contract, which is money more for a transitional player than a backup. The question now is what becomes of Nick Foles, and do the Eagles try to trade up for Marcus Mariota?
- The two obvious destinations for Foles are the teams that hold the #5 and 6 picks in the NFL Draft, the Redskins and the Jets. Everybody except the owner of the Skins knows that RG3's time in DC should be over. Both he and the franchise are ready for a new start. I think that a trade which involves the Eagles swapping #1's this year with the Skins, throwing in a 2nd, Foles and next year's #1 to move ahead of the Jets would be a fair asking price. Foles' value isn't exactly high now that the Eagles brought back Sanchez. I think Jay Gruden could do great things with Nick Foles, who is more talented than I thought he would be coming out of Arizona. The other option, of course....
- The New York Jets, who suddenly have wide receivers! Why exactly did the Bears trade Brandon Marshall for a 5th round pick? This is a massive pickup for the Jets, but they still need a QB. The same exact trade could come to the Jets if the Skins don't move back and take a Shane Ray or Randy Gregory at #5. Throwing to Marshall and Eric Decker would make a decent QB look really good. I think Foles would enjoy that, especially if the system fits him better than the Chip Kelly system. Anyway, the overall feeling is that Mariota somehow ends up in Philly, and I am not one to disagree.
- Some franchise faces are going to be finding new homes. This is the unfortunate part about sports, when we see that it really is a business. It will be sad that Andre Johnson will no longer be on the Texans. He is easily the best offensive player they have ever had, and before JJ Watt rose to fame, was the only recognizable name on the entire team. Similarly, while Big Ben has been the leader of the Steelers offense, it was Troy Polamalu who was the leader of the entire team. The flowing locks will no longer be in the black and yellow, and its a shame. Then Reggie Wayne, the main holdover from the Super Bowl champion Colts, will be leaving Indy, meaning that Andrew Luck will be in need of another target. While all of these moves make sense for the teams they are leaving, the nostalgic sports fan in me hates to see them go.
- The moves of some other FA receivers have been interesting. The Ravens are letting both Jacoby Jones (who is signing with the Chargers) and Torrey Smith (49ers rumored to be a favorite there) go to free agency. I am not sure who they think will catch passes from their $100 million QB Joe Flacco, but it has become their #1 need, even over secondary. Look for them to draft from this deep class in the 1st round. Next, Randall Cobb passed over a massive payday from a bad team in order to stay with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. The best QB keeps his #1 target. Nelson, Adams and Cobb might be the best WR corp in football. And THIS JUST IN- as I am typing this, ESPN is reporting that Jeremy Maclin will leave the Eagles in order to reunite with Andy Reid in KC. More madness and turnover in Philly.
I am sure I will write another post or two about free agency once it picks up even more. Until then, enjoy the ride.
- Suh to South Beach- The Dolphins defense suddenly got even better, albeit for a ton of money. Ndamukong Suh is going to anchor their D-line for $114 million, $60 mil guaranteed. I love the signing for two reasons. First, he was the #1 free agent on the market, and will instantly help a team whose main goal is to make sure Tom Brady doesn't win games. Second? I love that the Redskins didn't sign him. I know, it has nothing to do with the Dolphins or Suh, but in years past this would be the big splash the Skins would make. This would be Albert Haynesworth. Instead, the Redskins signed Ricky Jean-Francois, a very good 3-4 DE/DT coming off his best year for a total of $9 million. They need all the help they can get, and signing one player for the price of five or six wasn't the answer.
- The Eagles are going crazy- First, there was the rather shocking trade of LeSean McCoy to Buffalo for Kiko Alonso. The Eagles traded their best player for an injured linebacker. I know that Alonso is very talented, and an Oregon guy, but I still haven't figured this one out. Next, the Eagles have agreed to sign Byron Maxwell, CB from Seattle, for $63 million which instantly helps their secondary. Philly then agreed to a deal with 49ers all-time leading rusher Frank Gore. Personally, I would have liked to see Gore end his career in San Fran, but when a team is offering you a 3 year deal with two of those years guaranteed for a 31 year old running back is far too good to turn down. And finally (for now) the Eagles brought back Mark Sanchez on a two-year $16 million contract, which is money more for a transitional player than a backup. The question now is what becomes of Nick Foles, and do the Eagles try to trade up for Marcus Mariota?
- The two obvious destinations for Foles are the teams that hold the #5 and 6 picks in the NFL Draft, the Redskins and the Jets. Everybody except the owner of the Skins knows that RG3's time in DC should be over. Both he and the franchise are ready for a new start. I think that a trade which involves the Eagles swapping #1's this year with the Skins, throwing in a 2nd, Foles and next year's #1 to move ahead of the Jets would be a fair asking price. Foles' value isn't exactly high now that the Eagles brought back Sanchez. I think Jay Gruden could do great things with Nick Foles, who is more talented than I thought he would be coming out of Arizona. The other option, of course....
- The New York Jets, who suddenly have wide receivers! Why exactly did the Bears trade Brandon Marshall for a 5th round pick? This is a massive pickup for the Jets, but they still need a QB. The same exact trade could come to the Jets if the Skins don't move back and take a Shane Ray or Randy Gregory at #5. Throwing to Marshall and Eric Decker would make a decent QB look really good. I think Foles would enjoy that, especially if the system fits him better than the Chip Kelly system. Anyway, the overall feeling is that Mariota somehow ends up in Philly, and I am not one to disagree.
- Some franchise faces are going to be finding new homes. This is the unfortunate part about sports, when we see that it really is a business. It will be sad that Andre Johnson will no longer be on the Texans. He is easily the best offensive player they have ever had, and before JJ Watt rose to fame, was the only recognizable name on the entire team. Similarly, while Big Ben has been the leader of the Steelers offense, it was Troy Polamalu who was the leader of the entire team. The flowing locks will no longer be in the black and yellow, and its a shame. Then Reggie Wayne, the main holdover from the Super Bowl champion Colts, will be leaving Indy, meaning that Andrew Luck will be in need of another target. While all of these moves make sense for the teams they are leaving, the nostalgic sports fan in me hates to see them go.
- The moves of some other FA receivers have been interesting. The Ravens are letting both Jacoby Jones (who is signing with the Chargers) and Torrey Smith (49ers rumored to be a favorite there) go to free agency. I am not sure who they think will catch passes from their $100 million QB Joe Flacco, but it has become their #1 need, even over secondary. Look for them to draft from this deep class in the 1st round. Next, Randall Cobb passed over a massive payday from a bad team in order to stay with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. The best QB keeps his #1 target. Nelson, Adams and Cobb might be the best WR corp in football. And THIS JUST IN- as I am typing this, ESPN is reporting that Jeremy Maclin will leave the Eagles in order to reunite with Andy Reid in KC. More madness and turnover in Philly.
I am sure I will write another post or two about free agency once it picks up even more. Until then, enjoy the ride.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Super Bowl XLIX Pick
The big day is here. After months of great plays, controversies, and off the field nonsense, the Super Bowl happens today. It is a bittersweet day for us, really. First, it means there is no more football to be played for a while (though pitchers and catchers report in 18 days). Second, it means that we have to go into work tomorrow despite how hungover and stuffed we all are from party food and drink. But I digress.
Thankfully, we get to move past Deflate-Gate and Marshawn Lynch's anti-media stance and finally play some football today. There are some great matchups in the game itself, the main one being Gronk vs Kam Chancellor. The best tight end in football going up against one of the best safeties. The Seahawks could, of course, just double team Gronk with another corner and hope that Edelman or Amendola doesn't burn them, but they may be too confident to do that. If the officials feel like throwing flags today, then Gronk will have the advantage. If not, look for the Legion of Boom to dominate the air.
A more intriguing matchup for me is that of Seahawks OT Russell Okung vs. Patriots DE Chandler Jones. The Pats will be looking to stop the run all day, but it needs to make sure Russell Wilson doesn't get out of the pocket and hurt them. Jones' job will be to rush and pressure Wilson all day, and is talented enough to completely change the game. If Okung can't handle him, the Hawks will have to put an extra blocker over there, which will impact their passing abilities.
Last year, I said that every stat, logistic, and measurable favored the Seahawks... and then I picked the Broncos cause my gut told me too. It is the most wrong I have ever been about anything in my life. I don't really expect a repeat of that. The Patriots are great, truly the most consistent franchise over the past 15 years. But they aren't as physical as the Seahawks. They aren't as fast as the Seahawks. They aren't as mad as the Seahawks. It will take an epic coaching job by Belichick and a stellar game all around for the Pats to win, which still may happen...
But give me the Seattle Seahawks to repeat, 27-24
Thankfully, we get to move past Deflate-Gate and Marshawn Lynch's anti-media stance and finally play some football today. There are some great matchups in the game itself, the main one being Gronk vs Kam Chancellor. The best tight end in football going up against one of the best safeties. The Seahawks could, of course, just double team Gronk with another corner and hope that Edelman or Amendola doesn't burn them, but they may be too confident to do that. If the officials feel like throwing flags today, then Gronk will have the advantage. If not, look for the Legion of Boom to dominate the air.
A more intriguing matchup for me is that of Seahawks OT Russell Okung vs. Patriots DE Chandler Jones. The Pats will be looking to stop the run all day, but it needs to make sure Russell Wilson doesn't get out of the pocket and hurt them. Jones' job will be to rush and pressure Wilson all day, and is talented enough to completely change the game. If Okung can't handle him, the Hawks will have to put an extra blocker over there, which will impact their passing abilities.
Last year, I said that every stat, logistic, and measurable favored the Seahawks... and then I picked the Broncos cause my gut told me too. It is the most wrong I have ever been about anything in my life. I don't really expect a repeat of that. The Patriots are great, truly the most consistent franchise over the past 15 years. But they aren't as physical as the Seahawks. They aren't as fast as the Seahawks. They aren't as mad as the Seahawks. It will take an epic coaching job by Belichick and a stellar game all around for the Pats to win, which still may happen...
But give me the Seattle Seahawks to repeat, 27-24
Saturday, January 31, 2015
My 2015 NFL Hall of Fame Ballot
Hello there friends. Welcome back. The 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be revealed tonight at the NFL Awards show. I felt it was a bit necessary for me to share my ballot for the Modern Era players. I say players because I do not like that the coaches are put into the same group. They should have their own spot, or be in with the contributors like GMs and owners. My ballot will feature no coaches, since there are an abundance of deserving players. So, here are the 5 I have chosen:
- Junior Seau, LB, Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots
Seau is the only sure fire slam dunk of the class. He is easily one of the best defensive players of the 1990s, and made a continuous impact all the way until he retired in 2009. Sadly, he took his own life, the result of depression from numerous concussions. I am sure his family will give a wonderful speech on his behalf.
- Orlando Pace, OT, Rams/Bears
It is surprisingly rare that a #1 Overall pick actually pans out, much less becomes a Hall of Famer. Over the past 20 years, there have been more than a few busts, and a few that will never reach Canton. But in 1997 the Rams drafted Orlando Pace, who anchored their line and allowed the Greatest Show on Turf to flourish. The 5-time All Pro shouldn't have to wait a year to get into the Hall.
- Jerome Bettis, RB, Rams/Steelers
I am not entirely sure why Bettis has yet to get into the Hall of Fame. He was a dominant running back, a 6-time Pro Bowler, and is #6 on the all-time rushing list. Plus, he was the leader and inspiration of the Steelers team that won Super Bowl XL. It is time to let The Bus drive to Canton.
- Tim Brown, WR, Raiders/Buccaneers
Tim Brown has to get in this year. He is the current biggest snub, and his time has come. Cris Carter is in, Andre Reed is in. Brown is a member of the 1990s All-Decade team, he is 5th in receiving yards, and was a 9-time Pro Bowler. He did all of that with the likes of Jeff Hostetler, Jeff George and Jay Schroeder throwing to him. This is Tim Brown's year.
- Will Shields, OG, Chiefs
Guards don't get the love they deserve. It isn't easy blocking every play, especially when you have to face tackles, blitzing linebacks, and occasionally pull on running plays. Will Shields is one of the greatest guards of all time. A 12-time Pro Bowler, he spent his entire 14-year career with the Chiefs, starting 223 of a possible 224 games with the franchise. He is a member of the 2000s All-Decade team. I don't know why he has had to wait, because it is very clear he belongs in the Hall of Fame.
These are my 5. I am not saying that there are other players that do not deserve to be enshrined in Canton. There most certainly are. But, for this year, I will take these 5 legendary players over the rest.
Enjoy the Awards show, and I will be back later with my Super Bowl prediction.
- Junior Seau, LB, Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots
Seau is the only sure fire slam dunk of the class. He is easily one of the best defensive players of the 1990s, and made a continuous impact all the way until he retired in 2009. Sadly, he took his own life, the result of depression from numerous concussions. I am sure his family will give a wonderful speech on his behalf.
- Orlando Pace, OT, Rams/Bears
It is surprisingly rare that a #1 Overall pick actually pans out, much less becomes a Hall of Famer. Over the past 20 years, there have been more than a few busts, and a few that will never reach Canton. But in 1997 the Rams drafted Orlando Pace, who anchored their line and allowed the Greatest Show on Turf to flourish. The 5-time All Pro shouldn't have to wait a year to get into the Hall.
- Jerome Bettis, RB, Rams/Steelers
I am not entirely sure why Bettis has yet to get into the Hall of Fame. He was a dominant running back, a 6-time Pro Bowler, and is #6 on the all-time rushing list. Plus, he was the leader and inspiration of the Steelers team that won Super Bowl XL. It is time to let The Bus drive to Canton.
- Tim Brown, WR, Raiders/Buccaneers
Tim Brown has to get in this year. He is the current biggest snub, and his time has come. Cris Carter is in, Andre Reed is in. Brown is a member of the 1990s All-Decade team, he is 5th in receiving yards, and was a 9-time Pro Bowler. He did all of that with the likes of Jeff Hostetler, Jeff George and Jay Schroeder throwing to him. This is Tim Brown's year.
- Will Shields, OG, Chiefs
Guards don't get the love they deserve. It isn't easy blocking every play, especially when you have to face tackles, blitzing linebacks, and occasionally pull on running plays. Will Shields is one of the greatest guards of all time. A 12-time Pro Bowler, he spent his entire 14-year career with the Chiefs, starting 223 of a possible 224 games with the franchise. He is a member of the 2000s All-Decade team. I don't know why he has had to wait, because it is very clear he belongs in the Hall of Fame.
These are my 5. I am not saying that there are other players that do not deserve to be enshrined in Canton. There most certainly are. But, for this year, I will take these 5 legendary players over the rest.
Enjoy the Awards show, and I will be back later with my Super Bowl prediction.
Monday, January 5, 2015
My 2015 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot
Happy New Year everyone. Welcome back. Tomorrow morning, at 11 am EST, the 2015 Baseball Hall of Fame class will be announced... and I am terrified. I am not terrified that the esteemed group of voters (the BBWAA, Baseball Writers Association of America) will once again moronically go a year without inducting anyone. Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez are sure-fire no-doubters their first year on the ballot. No, this time I am afraid they simply won't induct anyone after those two, which is idiocy of the highest degree. There is a great backlog of more than worthy HoF candidates, but the voters never seem willing to put all of them in. This is the same group, of course, that insists that no one can be a unanimous pick just cause Babe Ruth wasn't. Petty, childish, and engaging in conduct unbecoming of professionals in any field, the HoF voters continually get it wrong year after year.
So, this year, I figured I'd help them out. I tweeted like mad at many of them that revealed they had ballots... Ok, that isn't much, but it isn't like they listen anyway. I humbly suggested that they all straighten up, fly right, and elect a big class, or we will riot. Each voter gets 10 spots, and there are over 10 guys worthy, so big class should happen. Here is who I would vote for, in alphabetical order:
1. Jeff Bagwell
2. Craig Biggio
3. Randy Johnson
4. Edgar Martinez
5. Pedro Martinez
6. Mike Mussina
7. Mike Piazza
8. Tim Raines
9. Curt Schilling
10. John Smoltz
Obviously, the first thing you will notice is that I didn't include anyone who has admitted to PED use, or been tied with evidence to PED use. So, no Bonds, Clemens, McGwire or Sosa. It isn't that I don't think they should be in the Hall one day. They should, down the line, once baseball has come to accept that it played a complicit part in the use of PEDs, and once those players accept some kind of mention of said use on their plaque. Until then, they shouldn't be on the ballot, but keep their full remaining years of eligibility. They will get in one day. I am also not one who will go around proselytizing that I know who did steroids and who didn't when there is no evidence. Jeff Bagwell and Mike Piazza are Hall of Famers, and have no tie to PEDs with any kind of proof.
Next, there is the Edgar Martinez issue. I, with no shame, will say I am biased because Edgar Martinez is one of those guys I loved to watch hit when I was younger. The problem, of course, is that he is primarily a DH. Well, the DH is part of baseball, isn't it? Sure, I'd love it if the AL got rid of the DH and played pure baseball like my beloved National League. But, that isn't the case at the moment. Edgar Martinez has Hall-worthy numbers as a batter. Also, if Martinez doesn't get in because he is a DH, then I want the same people to keep David Ortiz out when he is eligible. Oh, and Ortiz failed a PED test in 2003, which everyone forgets about.
Pedro and Unit are, of course, in the Hall. John Smoltz, who in my mind is a no-doubter considering his career as a starter and a shut down closer for Atlanta, looks poised to join them. It seems like Biggio and Piazza will be in also based on known ballots. Tim Raines should be able to make a late push to get in, and he of course deserves it. I hope he then comes to DC, where his Expos are now my Nationals, so we can honor him properly.
Moose was and is one of my favorite pitchers ever. He was a model of consistency in the toughest division in baseball for the time he played, was an ace for the O's and the driving force behind the Yankees. Google his numbers, they are worthy. Schilling I put in begrudgingly, not because his numbers aren't worthy, but because he has turned his media position into a pulpit for idiocy. But I digress...
There is my ballot. I will be watching at 11 tomorrow to see who joins Pedro and Unit in the Class of 2015. Hopefully it is at least Smoltz, Biggio, and Piazza. If I had my way, it would be a whole lot more than that.
So, this year, I figured I'd help them out. I tweeted like mad at many of them that revealed they had ballots... Ok, that isn't much, but it isn't like they listen anyway. I humbly suggested that they all straighten up, fly right, and elect a big class, or we will riot. Each voter gets 10 spots, and there are over 10 guys worthy, so big class should happen. Here is who I would vote for, in alphabetical order:
1. Jeff Bagwell
2. Craig Biggio
3. Randy Johnson
4. Edgar Martinez
5. Pedro Martinez
6. Mike Mussina
7. Mike Piazza
8. Tim Raines
9. Curt Schilling
10. John Smoltz
Obviously, the first thing you will notice is that I didn't include anyone who has admitted to PED use, or been tied with evidence to PED use. So, no Bonds, Clemens, McGwire or Sosa. It isn't that I don't think they should be in the Hall one day. They should, down the line, once baseball has come to accept that it played a complicit part in the use of PEDs, and once those players accept some kind of mention of said use on their plaque. Until then, they shouldn't be on the ballot, but keep their full remaining years of eligibility. They will get in one day. I am also not one who will go around proselytizing that I know who did steroids and who didn't when there is no evidence. Jeff Bagwell and Mike Piazza are Hall of Famers, and have no tie to PEDs with any kind of proof.
Next, there is the Edgar Martinez issue. I, with no shame, will say I am biased because Edgar Martinez is one of those guys I loved to watch hit when I was younger. The problem, of course, is that he is primarily a DH. Well, the DH is part of baseball, isn't it? Sure, I'd love it if the AL got rid of the DH and played pure baseball like my beloved National League. But, that isn't the case at the moment. Edgar Martinez has Hall-worthy numbers as a batter. Also, if Martinez doesn't get in because he is a DH, then I want the same people to keep David Ortiz out when he is eligible. Oh, and Ortiz failed a PED test in 2003, which everyone forgets about.
Pedro and Unit are, of course, in the Hall. John Smoltz, who in my mind is a no-doubter considering his career as a starter and a shut down closer for Atlanta, looks poised to join them. It seems like Biggio and Piazza will be in also based on known ballots. Tim Raines should be able to make a late push to get in, and he of course deserves it. I hope he then comes to DC, where his Expos are now my Nationals, so we can honor him properly.
Moose was and is one of my favorite pitchers ever. He was a model of consistency in the toughest division in baseball for the time he played, was an ace for the O's and the driving force behind the Yankees. Google his numbers, they are worthy. Schilling I put in begrudgingly, not because his numbers aren't worthy, but because he has turned his media position into a pulpit for idiocy. But I digress...
There is my ballot. I will be watching at 11 tomorrow to see who joins Pedro and Unit in the Class of 2015. Hopefully it is at least Smoltz, Biggio, and Piazza. If I had my way, it would be a whole lot more than that.
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