My Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot

This Saturday, members of the media who have never played football before will get together in a room and determine who they think is most worthy of enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I have a love/hate relationship with the HoF. First, the fans and the players have no vote, and that is insane. When this happens, you get morons like SI's Paul Zimmerman aka Dr. Z who actively campaign for years against worthy candidates (in his case, it was Syracuse legend and Redskins Hall of Famer Art Monk. Now Monk is in the Hall, and Dr. Z had a few strokes, and is unable to talk or write. Karma? You decide). Well, if they are qualified to put players in just because they watch football, then I am too, right? First off, let's meet the 15 Modern Era semifinalists that are eligible:

Jerome Bettis, RB
Tim Brown, WR
Crist Carter, WR
Dermontti Dawson, C
Edward DeBartolo Jr, Owner
Chris Doleman, DE/LB
Kevin Greene, DE/LB
Charles Haley, DE/LB
Cortez Kennedy, DT
Curtis Martin, RB
Bill Parcells, Coach
Andre Reed, WR
Willie Roaf, OT
Will Shields, OG
Aeneas Williams, CB/S

Along with these men are the two Veteran Committee nominees, Jack Butler, CB; and Dick Stanton, OG.

As with the actual ballot, only 5 modern era candidates can be inducted, along with the two Vet nominees, making the maximum class 7. This limits who I would put in this year, but nonetheless, here are my picks for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012:

1. Jerome Bettis, RB, LA/St Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers.
One of the most physical and dominant RBs I have ever watched. He ran people over. He was also unselfish, willing to move into a niche goalline role when called upon late in his career. He finished ranked #6 on the all-time rushing list and #10 in rushing touchdowns.


2. Jack Butler, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers.
Veteran Committee members are subject to a simple yes or no vote. They always say yes.

3. Curtis Martin, RB, New England Patriots, New York Jets
No other running back I have ever seen was the model of consistency that Curtis Martin was. He just went out there and did his job at the highest level. He finished as the #4 rusher of all time, and 12th in touchdowns.

4. Andre Reed, WR, Buffalo Bills. Washington Redskins
The WR position is packed, and all are worthy. What makes me choose Andre Reed over Tim Brown and Cris Carter? Well, it could be that he was on one of the most dominant teams of all time, the turn of the 90s Buffalo Bills, and was the premier receiver on that team. It could be that Brown and Carter played in one combined Super Bowl while Reed played in 4. Or it could be because two of my best friends are Bills fans that will get angry if I don't pick him. Really, all 3 should get in at some point. I could see Curtis Martin waiting another year and two WRs getting in this vote. I'd say Tim Brown would be the other. Sorry Cris.

5. Willie Roaf, OT, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs
A dominant tackle that was named to the all decade team of both the 1990s and the 2000s. The real shame was that he didn't get in last year.


6. Will Shields, OG, Kansas City Chiefs
Arguably the best guard of all time. It isn't a glamor position, but it is one of the most important in football. He helped anchor an offensive line that turned Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson into dominant rushers. He blocked for 5 1000-yard rushing seasons and 4 4000-yard passing seasons.

7. Dick Stanfel, OG, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins
The other Vet nominee. In he goes.


Why won't this be the Class of 2012? Well, only one defensive player, no owner or coach, heavy on the O-line, and two RBs at the same time. We will see Saturday. But in my opinion, these are the 7 men that should hear their name called this weekend.

Princeless: What Now For the Nats?

Prince Fielder did what any smart, fat baseball player would do. He went to the AL. He went there for a lot of money. He may have even chosen Detroit not only for the cash, but for the opportunity to destroy his estranged father's club records. Whatever his reason, he went to Detroit. Not to the Nationals. So what now? What is the Nats' next move?

Nothing. There isn't one. Don't do anything.

I know. That isn't a popular decision. But it is the right move.

What can you do? There is no reason to make the move that everyone expects to be made: a trade for BJ Upton. Why? Why give up more prospects for a guy that will be a free agent after the season? Plus, while his defense would be nice, the desire for a leadoff bat would be better fit with Ian Desmond. BJ Upton hit .243 last year, with an OBP of .331 in all of his at bats. But he only had 7 leadoff at bats, and only 1 hit in that number, compared to 3 Ks. Those aren't exactly sterling leadoff-man numbers.

Meanwhile, Ian Desmond batted .253 with an OBP of .298. However, in the 221 appearances he made in the leadoff spot, he batted .281. He is our answer right now for that #1 spot. Does he strike out too much? Yes. If he can fix that, he will be a great leadoff hitter for the club.

So, no BJ Upton, for now. But we should consider him as a free agent. Put his bat in the middle of the order, because he has speed and pop. He is a Virginia boy. DC is a lot closer to home than St. Petersburg, Florida. Mike Rizzo wants him and makes no secret about that. He loved the Uptons. He was the head of scouting when the Diamondbacks drafted Justin Upton. But giving up a player like Ian Desmond or Danny Espinosa and a pitcher like John Lannan or Ross Detweiler for a guy whose contract is ending is foolish. Wait.

What do you do next? Repair relations with Adam LaRoche. He is the starting first basemen, like it or not NatsTown. With Chris Marrero on the mend and Michael Morse in left field, LaRoche brings his excellent glove back to first. But what about his bat? Before missing most of the season, he was batting below .200. Instead of that, an average career season for him in the middle of the Nats lineup would be perfect. His 2010 Diamondback stats, .261/25/100, and a strong lefty presence in the order between Zimmerman and Morse would work wonders for the lineup.

Third thing to do? Sign Ryan Zimmerman. Does he get hurt sometimes? Yes. Is he the best defensive third baseman in baseball? Probably. When healthy, he is a consistent offensive threat. Two-time Silver Slugger winner. A Gold Glove winner. Leader of the clubhouse. Face of the franchise. The Captain. Extend him. Either giving him an extra 4 years to his current 2 year deal, or going a full 6 after 2013, signing him is the right move. It puts the fans' minds at ease. It wraps up the most popular player. It also provides a guaranteed future at either third or first base, if we decide in 2 years that Anthony Rendon at 3rd and Zim at first is the best option. He has told the organization what it will take to keep him, and I expect a deal to get done soon.

So, don't trade prospects for Upton. Coddle LaRoche. Re-sign Zim. Make sure Wilson Ramos doesn't get kidnapped again... Here are your (Opening Day) 2012 Washington Nationals:

1. Ian Desmond, SS
2. Jayson Werth, RF
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Michael Morse, LF
5. Adam LaRoche, 1B
6. Wilson Ramos, C
7. Danny Espinosa, 2B
8. Roger Bernadina, CF

Starting Pitchers:

1. Stephen Strasburg, RHP
2. Jordan Zimmermann, RHP
3. Gio Gonzalez, LHP
4. Chien Ming Wang, RHP
5. John Lannan, LHP
6. Ross Detweiler, LHP

Not too shabby. And just think about what happens in June, when Bryce Harper comes up to the big leagues.

So, assuming you sign Upton (or Michael Bourne, Denard Span, etc) as a free agent, where do you put him in 2013? Centerfield, of course. The corner spots will be manned by Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper. 1B? Michael Morse, where he flourished last year. LaRoche's contract is up. Everyone else stays the same. I like that team. I like that lineup. I like that Wang might be phased out of the rotation by then. That is a team that will compete for the NL East. Maybe even more.

No Prince? Not perfect, but no real problem.

Championship Weekend Predictions

Here they are, my picks for the AFC and NFC Championship games. I went 1-4 in Week 1, and 2-2 last week. These seem to be toss up games, so I will break down what each team has to do to win. Here we go:

AFC Championship- Ravens at Patriots

- The Patriots will win if Tom Brady is Tom Brady. As much as I love the Ravens, they simply do not have the fire power to keep up with the Golden Boy's arm. If Brady is able to find his weapons and carve up the secondary, he will be able to beat Baltimore easily. Gronk and Hernandez have proven to be more useful and versatile than all of their receivers not named Welker, and will cause matchup problems all day for the likes of Ed Reed and Jameel McClain.

- The Ravens will win if they are able to get to Tom Brady, win the turnover battle, and FEED THE BEAST. If you hit him in the mouth early, it affects his game. If Suggs or Ngata is able to plant Brady in the first quarter hard, he will be rushing his throws for the rest of the afternoon. Next, they need to make sure they protect the ball and Joe Flacco. A cheap sack/fumble could change the game. If the O-line gives Flacco time in the pocket, he will avoid throwing a bad INT. Finally, the stats don't like. When Ray Rice gets 20+ carries, the Ravens win. Feed the beast. Dominate the ground game. As long as they run away from Wilfork in the middle, Rice should be able to carve up that questionable Patriots defense.

- Who Wins? I picked the Ravens to go to the Super Bowl before the season. It was a homer pick. But I am not going to abandon it now. Would I be surprised if they lose? Of course not. But I think they have the mean streak in them to take down the Pats in Foxboro. Give me the Ravens, 24-21.


NFC Championship- Giants at 49ers

- The Giants will win if they can get to Alex Smith, get big plays from their receivers, and control Vernon Davis. Alex Smith showed everyone a ton of guts last week, instantly creating a San Fran playoff legend. But he could still get rattled if he got sacked. The Giants' d-line is explosive, and would be able to dominate the game if they shut down Smith's passing. Likewise, if Eli Manning is able to find his big play threats Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks for big plays, the 49ers would have to play from behind, something their offense is not built to do. Finally, the Giants need to learn from the Saints' mistake. Cover Vernon Davis with a zone. Eric Mangini did a great job on SportsCenter explaining how the Giants shut him down by playing a 3 Deep zone, using the free safety over top while subbing a saftey for the second nickle linebacker. It makes sense, and makes the D faster and more athletic.

- The 49ers will win if they can dominate the clock and force turnovers. Eli Manning is an elite QB. But he still has moments as his alter ego "Aww Shucks". If he makes mistakes early, the 49ers can jump out to a lead and try to run out the clock with Frank Gore. Another way to dominate the clock? Don't let the Giants establish the run. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw are a great combo, and could take over the game. Stop them, you force Eli to throw. Force Eli to throw, he could make a mistake. Take advantage of that mistake, you win the game.

Who will win? This is a very difficult call for me. Here are two reasons why I am going to take the Giants: First, I don't think the Harbaugh Bowl 2.0 is going to happen, nor do I want it to. I want the game to be about the players, not the coaches. Second, I think the 49ers win last week was so epic and exciting that they are due for a big letdown. While winning on the road is hard, I like the Giants, somewhat comfortably, 21-10.


Enjoy the games!

January Morning Musings

I don't like waking up this early when I am not getting paid, but I figure I would share with you, my faithful dozen or so readers, some of my sports thoughts this fine January morning in the year of our (maybe not yours, its cool. I don't judge) Lord, 2012.

- The Yu Darvish deadline is tonight, and I think there is a real chance that he doesn't sign with the Rangers. But that isn't what frightens me. I would be terrified of Texas if they signed Darvish and then found the money for Prince Fielder. Let's be honest: Prince fits better in Arlington than he does in DC. The Nats would love his big lefty bat, but his sub-par defense and size would hurt us in the 5th or 6th years in his contract. I would love it if he was on South Capitol Street blasting bombs into the Anacostia, but I still don't see it happening. In the end, the Nats could end up better off if Michael Morse grows into a consistant slugging 1b, and they can use the Fielder money to sign Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmermann and a new centerfielder long term. Michael Bourne and BJ Upton, come on down!

- I didn't hear all of the interview, but I don't have a huge problem with Ed Reed calling out Joe Flacco. The thing is, it wasn't all Joe's fault. Cam Cameron is a horrible offensive coordinator. The play calls weren't great. The offensive line got beat off the ball every down. I really like JJ Watt, but he looked like Reggie White out there. Michael Oher got blindsided (get it?) and was backpedaling every down. So, I just hope that Reed has sat down with his other teammates and called them out too. I think Joe will be fine, and the offense will look good against the Patriots, as long as they FEED THE BEAST! Give Ray his carries, and then it is on the defense to stop Tom Brady.

- Is anyone else already bored by the NBA? It seems to just be a season where the team that avoids getting hurt will win. It doesn't help that my team is the worst in DC history. And that is all sports, not just basketball. It just isn't as entertaining for me as... say...

- The NCAA season. Yes, I am biased. Syracuse is 20-0. It is the best start in my alma mater's history. I love it. However, I am not an optimistic sports fan. Years of rooting for the Caps, Skins, Wizards and Syracuse football have caused me to expect the worst. What do I want from Boeheim and the boys? I would like to see them go deep in the tournament. I would, of course, love to see them win it all, but I never expect it. That being said, Cuse has more depth than it has had in recent memory, including the '03 title team. They have a coach with championship experience and 4th most wins in NCAA history, soon to be 3rd (We are coming for you, Dean). The reason I think it could be the year is that every other team has noticable flaws. Inconsistency, lack of experience, inability to close, it is all there. Perhaps Jimmy B will get his second title and some more glory this year. Who could have predicted that the way the year started. Speaking of...

- I am still waiting for ESPN to apologize to Cuse Nation for the way it has reported the Bernie Fine case, especially since one of the accusers admitted he was lying. ESPN wanted the story to be much bigger than it was because they missed out on breaking the Jerry Sandusky case. I am not defending Fine, because I think he probably did something wrong with the main two accusers. I am also thrilled he was fired, just because it gives Gerry Mcnamara a spot on the bench. But ESPN needs to admit that they reported and assumed too much without any evidence. I don't expect it any time soon, but it should happen.

- The Australian Open is happening right now. Did you know that? I thought not. Anyway, I am not overly compelled by any of the story lines down there, since it is still the early rounds. If something exciting happens, I will try to mention it here.

- Here is a song for a January morning. One of my favorites from last year:



Enjoy, and have a good day.

Thoughts on the NFL Divisional Weekend

So, here are some thoughts on the weekend that was in the NFL Playoffs.

- That Saints/49ers game was fantastic. I didn't like the result because I always root for Drew Brees, but I feel good for Alex Smith. The fans in San Fran hated him, and had a reason to do so because he hasn't played up to his draft pick. But this season he has helped return the 49ers to their former glory. So congrats to him. Meanwhile, for the Saints, they should be happy that Gregg Williams is leaving to become the new defensive coordinator for the Rams, because he dropped the ball yesterday. The 49ers have one true receiving weapon, and that is Vernon Davis. Williams let him get single-covered the entire game, and he beat them every time. If you throw zone coverage with a safety up top, then the Saints would have at least forced OT.

- The long national nightmare came to an end Saturday night- Tim Tebow lost in the playoffs. And he didn't just lose. The Patriots destroyed his team. They embarrassed the Broncos. They went Book of Revelation on the Denver Tebows. I am happy about that. Look, I don't have anything against Tebow as a football player. I do have something against his bigoted political and religious views, but that is another topic. Just sports-wise, I don't like how he got all the credit for the Broncos' turn around. SportsCenter is as much to blame for Tebowmania as anyone else. I hope that he grows and becomes a real QB. I hope that he has a solid career. I hope he softens his conservative views and becomes more accepting of others. But I really hope America gets over him pretty soon, cause he will be watching the Super Bowl at home like the rest of us. Oh, and that Tom Brady? He is pretty damn good.

- Sunday saw my other team (besides the awful Redskins) win a sloppy playoff game. The Ravens were able to hold on to an early lead and beat the Texans. Let me say this: The Texans were game, and Arian Foster was great. However, the only reason they were in the game late was that the offensive play calling of the Ravens is awful. Cam Cameron is not a good offensive coordinator. When you know your team always wins when you feature back gets 20 carries, you don't only get to that late in the 4th. Ray Rice is the best offensive player for the Ravens. Feed the Beast! Furthermore, that OL needs to give Rice and Flacco more time. I think they will do that against the meager pass rush of the Patriots. Oh, JJ Watt of the Texans? The next Jared Allen.

- The night game today saw the upset. The Packers looked lost at home, and Eli Manning put the Eli in Elite. The Giants beat down the Pack Attack, and look scary for any other team who might play them. The 49ers need to have another quick start against Eli and that balanced passing/rushing attack. The Giants' defense forced turnovers and the offense capitalized. That is how you win on the road, and that is how you win the Super Bowl.


Looking forward to the Championship games. I will have my predictions up next weekend.

NFL Playoff Picks, Week 2

So... I didn't do so well last week in my picks. 1-3. I blame Satan. The Red 666. You know, Tim Tebow! That's right. He is of the devil! But I digress. Here are my picks for Week 2:

- New Orleans 30 San Francisco 20. This games comes down to which QB I trust to play well in a big situation. I'll take Drew Brees any day and twice on Sunday over Alex Smith. San Fran's defense is #1 against the run, but in the teens against the pass. Darren Sproles, Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas will provide just enough of a rushing attack to balance out Air Brees. The Saints' offense will just be too much, and they will move on.

- New England 45 Denver 9. I'll be honest, this pick is really what I hope happens. I am tired of Tebow. I am tired of his every accomplishment being hailed as some kind of miracle. If Pittsburgh had Ryan Clark last week, that OT play wouldn't have happened. Tom Brady can make this happen. If he is allowed the time to throw all day, he will pick the Bronco's D apart. I hope that Vince Wilfork has a few sacks so his massive frame can crush Tebow a bit and bring him back to reality. It has been a fun ride in Denver, but it's time for the big boys to play.

- Baltimore 21 Houston 17. I bet that the Ravens will jump out to a nice lead in this game, like 14-0, and then let the Texans back in late. Hopefully they hold on to face New England next week. Their defense and Ray Rice should be enough to power them over Houston. Furthermore, it comes down to which QB you trust. I will take Joe Flacco over TJ Yates.

- Green Bay 28 New York 24. This could be my upset special of the week, because I love how the Giants are playing right now. But it is Lambeau. It is the Packers. It is the playoffs. I know I should have learned my lesson about picking against Eli in big games, but I just can't see the Packers losing in their first game after the season they had. Plus, this sets up a rematch of the Week 1 thriller in Lambeau.


Let's hope we do better than 1-3!

NFL Playoff Picks- Week 1

Here are my picks for Week 1 of the NFL Playoffs-

- Cincinnati over Houston 21-10. I don't like the Texans offense in the past few games. I know that Foster and Tate run well, the the Bengals can stuff the run with the best of them. Look for AJ Green to break free for a big play, and that Bengals D to force at least 2 turnovers.

- New Orleans over Detroit, 45-35. Offense is fun. Drew Brees is on fire, and just has too many weapons. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lions keep it close until very late, but I just think Brees is putting something special together (Spoiler Alert for next week).

- Atlanta over New York 20-17. Close game here. I don't like picking against Eli in big games, nor do I like picking Atlanta in big games. But I think that they will do their best to make up for their embarrassment at the hands of the Packers last year. I predict a big game for Tony Gonzalez, and the Falcons steal one in the Met-owlands.

- Pittsburgh over Denver 24-9. I am hoping Tebow Time is over. Really hoping. What better team to put that to rest than the hard hitting Steelers? Big Ben seems to be at his best when wounded. While losing Pouncey, Mendenhall and Clark will hurt, I still think the Steelers will be able to get Wallace or Brown open for big touchdowns.


I of course could be wrong. But hopefully I am not.