USA Today's preseason CFB poll vs. HABS

Russell Wilson will be donning the red & white again...at Wisconsin. In doing so, he makes the Badgers a top-5 team in the country.

USA Today came out with their preseason college football poll yesterday and there were a few head-scratchers (I’m looking at you, Texas). All-in-all, though, there weren’t too many complaints. Still yet, I thought I would take a shot at ranking the preseason top-25 the way I see it:

My top 25 (USA Today in italics):

1.) Oklahoma (UST: 1)

2.) Alabama (UST: 2)

3.) Oregon (UST: 3)

4.) Stanford (UST: 6)

5.) Wisconsin (UST: 10)

6.) LSU (UST: 4)

7.) Boise St. (UST: 7)

8.) South Carolina (UST: 12)

9.) Oklahoma St. (UST: 8)

10.) Florida St. (UST: 5)

11.) Texas A&M (UST: 9)

12.) Nebraska (UST: 11)

13.) Virginia Tech (UST: 13)

14.) Michigan St. (UST: 17)

15.) Arkansas (UST: 14)

16.) TCU (UST: 15)

17.) Mississippi St. (UST: 20)

18.) Florida (UST: 23)

19.) Ohio St. (UST: 16)

20.) Missouri (UST: 21)

21.) Notre Dame (UST: 18)

22.) Arizona St. (UST: NR)

23.) West Virginia (UST: NR)

24.) Georgia (UST: 22)

25.) Miami (FL) (UST: NR)

5 that just missed:

Utah (UST: NR)

Iowa (UST: NR)

Penn St. (UST: 25)

Auburn (UST: 19)

Texas Tech (UST: NR)

• To be honest, it’s kinda funny not having the defending National Champs in my preseason poll, yet looking at what they lost and their upcoming schedule, it shouldn’t be incredibly hard to see why I placed them just outside of the top 25. Replacing Cam Newton and Nick Fairley is going to be nearly impossible, and a schedule that consists of away games against Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU & Georgia is downright ridiculous. Good luck, Tigers.
• Not sure why USA Today decided to have Wisconsin at 10, but they are a top-5 team this year with the addition of Russell Wilson (they are my darkhorse to win the National Championship). With him manning down the QB spot and the tandem of James White and Montee Ball toting the rock, the offense appears to be ready to roll. The defense ain’t too shabby, either, even with the loss of first-rounder J.J. Watt.
• Anybody have a logical explanation as to why Florida St. was ranked 5 in the USA Today poll? Me either. Look, I understand they’ve got talent on this team (this past recruiting year, they actually reeled in the #1 class headlined by James Wilder Jr.), however, I’m not sold at all on E.J. Manuel leading this team and being able to consistently throw the ball downfield. He’s got a great arm, but I think his instincts are so-so at best (last year’s numbers don’t really do it for me: 861 passing yds, 4 TDs, 4 INTs). Also, a back-to-back slate with Oklahoma and Clemson early on in the season doesn’t look real fun, either. To be honest, putting them at 10 in my poll might be a bit of a stretch…
• I really didn’t know where to stick Ohio St., so 19 seemed about right. They still have the talent to compete in the Big 10, but as we all know, this team lost A LOT with the departures of Terrelle Pryor and, more importantly, head coach Jim Tressel. Will Braxton Miller be called upon as a true freshman to pick up the slack? We shall find out soon enough.
• Arizona St. checking in at 22 might be a surprise to many, but if you know anything about this team, you know that there is talent abound, led by All-World linebacker Vontaze Burfict. I love the fact that they return 18 starters this season and I feel that, although they went 6-6 last year, this year should see a marked improvement. I also think that Brock Osweiler, 2 career starts and all, is much better than people think (UCLA & Arizona know what I’m talking about) and should thrive this season in Tempe. In what appears to be Dennis Erickson’s “make-or-break” year, this season has the potential to be a good one for the Sun Devils.

USA Today’s preseason CFB poll vs. HABS

Russell Wilson will be donning the red & white again...at Wisconsin. In doing so, he makes the Badgers a top-5 team in the country.

USA Today came out with their preseason college football poll yesterday and there were a few head-scratchers (I’m looking at you, Texas). All-in-all, though, there weren’t too many complaints. Still yet, I thought I would take a shot at ranking the preseason top-25 the way I see it:

My top 25 (USA Today in italics):

1.) Oklahoma (UST: 1)

2.) Alabama (UST: 2)

3.) Oregon (UST: 3)

4.) Stanford (UST: 6)

5.) Wisconsin (UST: 10)

6.) LSU (UST: 4)

7.) Boise St. (UST: 7)

8.) South Carolina (UST: 12)

9.) Oklahoma St. (UST: 8)

10.) Florida St. (UST: 5)

11.) Texas A&M (UST: 9)

12.) Nebraska (UST: 11)

13.) Virginia Tech (UST: 13)

14.) Michigan St. (UST: 17)

15.) Arkansas (UST: 14)

16.) TCU (UST: 15)

17.) Mississippi St. (UST: 20)

18.) Florida (UST: 23)

19.) Ohio St. (UST: 16)

20.) Missouri (UST: 21)

21.) Notre Dame (UST: 18)

22.) Arizona St. (UST: NR)

23.) West Virginia (UST: NR)

24.) Georgia (UST: 22)

25.) Miami (FL) (UST: NR)

5 that just missed:

Utah (UST: NR)

Iowa (UST: NR)

Penn St. (UST: 25)

Auburn (UST: 19)

Texas Tech (UST: NR)

• To be honest, it’s kinda funny not having the defending National Champs in my preseason poll, yet looking at what they lost and their upcoming schedule, it shouldn’t be incredibly hard to see why I placed them just outside of the top 25. Replacing Cam Newton and Nick Fairley is going to be nearly impossible, and a schedule that consists of away games against Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU & Georgia is downright ridiculous. Good luck, Tigers.
• Not sure why USA Today decided to have Wisconsin at 10, but they are a top-5 team this year with the addition of Russell Wilson (they are my darkhorse to win the National Championship). With him manning down the QB spot and the tandem of James White and Montee Ball toting the rock, the offense appears to be ready to roll. The defense ain’t too shabby, either, even with the loss of first-rounder J.J. Watt.
• Anybody have a logical explanation as to why Florida St. was ranked 5 in the USA Today poll? Me either. Look, I understand they’ve got talent on this team (this past recruiting year, they actually reeled in the #1 class headlined by James Wilder Jr.), however, I’m not sold at all on E.J. Manuel leading this team and being able to consistently throw the ball downfield. He’s got a great arm, but I think his instincts are so-so at best (last year’s numbers don’t really do it for me: 861 passing yds, 4 TDs, 4 INTs). Also, a back-to-back slate with Oklahoma and Clemson early on in the season doesn’t look real fun, either. To be honest, putting them at 10 in my poll might be a bit of a stretch…
• I really didn’t know where to stick Ohio St., so 19 seemed about right. They still have the talent to compete in the Big 10, but as we all know, this team lost A LOT with the departures of Terrelle Pryor and, more importantly, head coach Jim Tressel. Will Braxton Miller be called upon as a true freshman to pick up the slack? We shall find out soon enough.
• Arizona St. checking in at 22 might be a surprise to many, but if you know anything about this team, you know that there is talent abound, led by All-World linebacker Vontaze Burfict. I love the fact that they return 18 starters this season and I feel that, although they went 6-6 last year, this year should see a marked improvement. I also think that Brock Osweiler, 2 career starts and all, is much better than people think (UCLA & Arizona know what I’m talking about) and should thrive this season in Tempe. In what appears to be Dennis Erickson’s “make-or-break” year, this season has the potential to be a good one for the Sun Devils.

Fantasy Rankings: Top 30 quarterbacks

Kevin Kolb checks in at #12...could he end up even higher at season's end?

1.) Aaron Rodgers

2.) Michael Vick

3.) Drew Brees

4.) Tom Brady

5.) Peyton Manning

6.) Philip Rivers

7.) Matt Schaub

8.) Matt Ryan

9.) Tony Romo

10.) Ben Roethlisberger

11.) Josh Freeman

12.) Kevin Kolb

13.) Matthew Stafford

14.) Joe Flacco

15.) Jay Cutler

16.) Eli Manning

17.) Sam Bradford

18.) Matt Cassel

19.) Ryan Fitzpatrick

20.) Kyle Orton

21.) Donovan McNabb

22.) Mark Sanchez

23.) David Garrard

24.) Matt Hasselbeck

25.) Colt McCoy

26.) Tim Tebow

27.) Cam Newton

28.) Jason Campbell

29.) Chad Henne

30.) Tarvaris Jackson

NOTES: I was tempted to move Mike Vick to the top spot, however, I just couldn’t do it knowing that A) Aaron Rodgers has the best receiving corps in football, and B) I haven’t seen Vick play a full season since he was donning a Falcon jersey. Add to the fact that Rodgers runs very well also (356 rush yds, 4 TDs last year) and it wasn’t too tough of a choice to make…Peyton Manning not in the top 3 for the first time, like, ever? I’m worried about the guy’s health and think his group of receivers mixed with a so-so run game makes him a risk as a top 3 QB…Kevin Kolb checks in at 12 and has the potential to be even higher when the season ends. Any time a guy with Kolb’s talent has someone like Larry Fitzgerald to throw to, he should have no problems putting up even decent numbers…Matt Stafford at 13 based on me believing he’s finally ready to turn in a full season’s worth of play…Kyle Orton at 20? Wuh? So far, he’s been head-and-shoulders above Tim Tebow in the quarterback competition in Broncos camp. I’m buying into him this year and placing him where he deserves…I bet you wondered where I was going to put Cam Newton, huh? Well 27 sounded about right knowing he’s probably not going to start right away and being a rookie quarterback doesn’t come without it’s bumps and bruises…Perhaps this is absolutely foolish of me, but I put Tar Jax at 30 and believe he has the potential to move up quite a few spots as well. I don’t know what it is about the kid, but surrounding him with a bunch of weapons in Seattle (Sidney Rice, Zach Miller, Mike Williams to name 3) makes me believe he might actually do something this year now that he’s entrenched as the starter…

5 breakout offensive rookies for the NFL season

Jacquizz Rodgers appears headed for quite a bit of playing time as a first-year Falcon

5.) Jacquizz Rodgers – The dimunitve, yet stout, Rodgers is a playmaker the Falcons took in the fifth round out of Oregon St. He will come into a situation where he will receive quite a bit of playing time, working as a third-down back and the first guy to spell Michael Turner now that Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood appear to be headed elsewhere. And with Turner, 29, looking like he is slowing down quicker than predicted, Rodgers role could become even bigger as the season plays out. I suspect he comes in and his role does infact expand throughout the year for this team as he picks up tough yards, catches passes out of the backfield and potentially does some work on special teams as well.

Prediction: 120 carries, 591 yards, 6 TDs; 22 receptions, 251 yards, 4 TDs

4.) Ryan Williams – I’m not completely sold on Beanie Wells being “the guy” in Arizona. That couldn’t have become more obvious after the Cards decided to take Ryan Williams early in the 2nd round, thus opening up the door for him to lockdown a spot in the top 2 of the RB pecking order. Although Williams was a stud as a freshman at Virginia Tech (1,655 yds rushing), he struggled mightily last year, thanks in large part to injury. Because of this, he wasn’t taken in the first round of the draft which allowed Arizona to swoop in and “steal” him in the 2nd. Now, he will be counted on to shoulder part of the load in The Desert and should do very well teaming up with Wells.

Prediction: 147 carries, 733 yds, 6 TDs; 26 receptions, 281 yds, 3 TDs

3.) A.J. Green – Yes, he may not have Carson Palmer throwing him the ball this year, but this kid has “it”, not to mention he appears to be the only reliable receiver the Bengals have. Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com is quoted as saying, “He catches everything…No one’s covered him, and when he is, he jumps up and takes it away.” Yikes. This kid is bound to blossom as a rookie and should do wonders for the anemic Cincinnati offense even though the likes of Bruce Gradkowski or Andy Dalton will be quarterbacking.

Prediction: 61 receptions, 917 yards, 6 TDs

2.) Julio Jones – The Falcons traded up to grab the uber-talented Jones, a product of Alabama, and he should thrive with Matt Ryan throwing him the ball. With top-10 wideout Roddy White on the other side, Jones should easily see his fair share of balls thrown his way allowing for some rather large numbers to be posted throughout the season. Already being described as “the most impressive player” at Falcon camp, Jones has the potential to be number 1 on the list; he comes in at number 2 based on the fact that he isn’t the top-dog at receiver in Atlanta. However, that shouldn’t bother Julio in the least.

Prediction: 68 receptions, 1,008 yards, 7 TDs

1.) Daniel Thomas – As soon as the Dolphins selected Thomas in the 2nd round of the draft, I knew he had an opportunity to step right in and contribute immediately. And with the immenent and just about probable departures of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, Thomas now looks like a sure bet for 200+ carries. Yes they added Reggie Bush, but as we’ve all come to find out, Bush is not an every-down kind of back and works better in the third-down role. I expect Thomas to get his ‘run on’ all season long and be a force for opposing defenses to try and defend.

Prediction: 247 carries, 1,180 yards, 9 TDs

Deron Williams is headin' overseas

D-Will will reportedly play for Turkish team Besiktas this fall...sick...

Wow, did not see this one coming. In a potential trend-setting move, Deron Williams has agreed in principle to play overseas for Besiktas, the same Turkish team that Allen Iverson played for last year. Though I’m sure the financial terms are nothing to write home about (no pun intended), it’s amazing to see arguably the best point guard in the NBA heading to Europe (wait, Asia? Eurasia? Yeah, we’ll go with that) to hoop until the lockout is over.

To be completely honest, I think this is a really cool thing to do. Besiktas has agreed to let D-Will ride out the lockout by playing with their squad, and once it’s over, he can go back to the NBA freely, no strings attached. I hope that other big-name NBA players (Kobe, perhaps?) follow precedent and do the same thing. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a raucous Spanish League crowd chanting Kobe’s name or Lebron’s name after one of em’ slams home a mean dunk? I think it would be one of the coolest spectacles to see and would allow Europeans a first-hand look at what the best basketballers in the world have to offer. I’m all for the move, Deron.

Deron Williams is headin’ overseas

D-Will will reportedly play for Turkish team Besiktas this fall...sick...

Wow, did not see this one coming. In a potential trend-setting move, Deron Williams has agreed in principle to play overseas for Besiktas, the same Turkish team that Allen Iverson played for last year. Though I’m sure the financial terms are nothing to write home about (no pun intended), it’s amazing to see arguably the best point guard in the NBA heading to Europe (wait, Asia? Eurasia? Yeah, we’ll go with that) to hoop until the lockout is over.

To be completely honest, I think this is a really cool thing to do. Besiktas has agreed to let D-Will ride out the lockout by playing with their squad, and once it’s over, he can go back to the NBA freely, no strings attached. I hope that other big-name NBA players (Kobe, perhaps?) follow precedent and do the same thing. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a raucous Spanish League crowd chanting Kobe’s name or Lebron’s name after one of em’ slams home a mean dunk? I think it would be one of the coolest spectacles to see and would allow Europeans a first-hand look at what the best basketballers in the world have to offer. I’m all for the move, Deron.

Pujols out 4-6 weeks with fractured forearm…now what?

Can the Cardinals stay afloat now that All-World first baseman Albert Pujols looks to be out for at least a month?

If you’re a Cardinals fan, this is the devastating news you did not want to hear. Albert Pujols has been diagnosed with a small fracture in his left forearm and is scheduled to miss 4-6 weeks because of it. The injury happened yesterday after an errant throw from 2nd baseman Pete Kozma forced Pujols to come off the bag. Wilson Betemit, who had hit the chopper up the middle, ran into Pujols resulting in the aforementioned injury.

The Redbirds, who sit at 40-33 and are tied for 1st place in the NL Central with the Brewers, have got to be wondering how they are going to ride the ship for the next month or so without their best player. My take is that since David Freese is scheduled to come off of the DL next Tuesday against Baltimore, they can now shift Lance Berkman from right field to first base and have Jon Jay as an everyday-er until Albert gets back.

The Cardinals ended up winning the game yesterday against the Royals after Pujols left (up to that point, Pujols had gone 3-3 with his 17th HR of the year), 5-4, and have now won 2 in a row after dropping 7 straight for the first time since 2008.  But are they going to be able to keep up in the Central now that the best hitter in their lineup, or anybody’s lineup for that matter, is no longer present? Luckily for them, unless the Cards go all Florida Marlins over the next 30 days, I do not foresee them having enough time to give up a lot of ground to the Brewers (or even the Reds) in the division. I still expect St. Louis to be sitting pretty for the second half of the season.

After 19 seasons, The DieselShaqFuSuperManBigShaqtusBigLeprechaun hangs 'em up

Shaq was a 4-time NBA champion and a 3-time Finals MVP

Shaquille O’Neal announced today (via social media, of course) that he will be retiring after playing for 6 NBA franchises spanning 19 seasons. Considered one of the top-5 greatest centers of all-time by just about everybody, O’Neal walks away from the game with career averages of 23.7 pts, 10.9 rebs and 2.3 blks. Perhaps he will most be remembered for the superb season he had in 1999-2000, when he won his first NBA Finals ring, with the L.A. Lakers, as well as an All-star berth (1 of 15 he would appear in during his career), a regular season MVP and a Finals MVP.

What a phenomenal career the big fella had; he was the most terrorizing figure in the game for at least a decade and will no doubt be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Shaq will sorely be missed throughout the game of basketball as 2 decades worth of him dominating the paint seemingly don’t seem to be enough…

After 19 seasons, The DieselShaqFuSuperManBigShaqtusBigLeprechaun hangs ’em up

Shaq was a 4-time NBA champion and a 3-time Finals MVP

Shaquille O’Neal announced today (via social media, of course) that he will be retiring after playing for 6 NBA franchises spanning 19 seasons. Considered one of the top-5 greatest centers of all-time by just about everybody, O’Neal walks away from the game with career averages of 23.7 pts, 10.9 rebs and 2.3 blks. Perhaps he will most be remembered for the superb season he had in 1999-2000, when he won his first NBA Finals ring, with the L.A. Lakers, as well as an All-star berth (1 of 15 he would appear in during his career), a regular season MVP and a Finals MVP.

What a phenomenal career the big fella had; he was the most terrorizing figure in the game for at least a decade and will no doubt be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Shaq will sorely be missed throughout the game of basketball as 2 decades worth of him dominating the paint seemingly don’t seem to be enough…

My thoughts on Kevin McHale as the newest head coach of the Houston Rockets

Kevin McHale could be just what the doctor ordered for the Houston Rockets...or the ultimate flop

His name has been linked to the job now for over a week and today the Rockets finally pulled the trigger, agreeing with McHale on a 3-year deal. He was chosen over Dwane Casey, assistant coach of the Dallas Mavericks, and Lawrence Frank, assistant coach of the Boston Celtics and ex-head coach of the New Jersey Nets.

On the surface, it is obviously a “sexy” name; a guy that has been around the game for a long time and has 3 NBA titles as a player, all with the Boston Celtics during the 80’s. From what I’ve read from various bloggers and comments from readers, this hire has had mixed reviews. Some say that his name speaks for himself, he is a former champion and a guy that really knows how to “get after it”, especially with big guys; others say that in 2 seasons, he compiled a 39-55 record while in Minnesota and that ought to tell you all you need to know about the guy.

I, for one, believe this is a high risk-high reward hire. You take a chance on this guy because, quite frankly, nothing else has worked for you in recent memory (i.e. Jeff Van Gundy, Rick Adelman). As much as I want to say this is a dumb move, I don’t think it could be any worse than hiring a guy like Lawrence Frank or Dwane Casey. So, in that regard, why not make a hire like this? Hell, he knows the game remarkably well and could really do a number on guys like Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill and the ultimate project player, Hasheem Thabeet. If he does get in that Rockets locker room and things start to “connect”, then this might be the home run hire that Les Alexander and Daryl Morey were looking for. And for those of you that say, ‘what happens if in 3 seasons, the Rockets make the playoffs, say once (and get eliminated in the first round), and fail to make the playoffs the other 2 seasons’? ‘What then’? I say that we are right back to where we are now, that’s what. I would then ask the critics what happens if in 3 years, Kevin McHale actually advances the Rockets past the 2nd round of the playoffs? Perhaps even making it to the Western Conference Finals, or, gasp, bringing a title back to Houston? And because of that question, I am firmly behind this move because I feel the Rockets need to take a gamble; a move that potentially jump-starts this organization again and gets the Rockets thinking about actually doing things in the playoffs and not just thinking about getting there. That’s why I feel that this move could be a clunker…or just what the Houston Rockets needed to get headed back in the right direction; regardless, it’s the right move.

Lightning force Game 7; Do they have what it takes to win it?

Can Martin St. Louis deliver for the Lighting in Game 7 against the Bruins at The Garden? We'll find out tommorrow night...

After not scoring a power play goal in over 200 minutes, the Tampa Bay Lightning finally decided it was time to do so. However, they didn’t just stop at one P.P. goal. No, the Lightning took it to the extreme, netting 3 goals with a man advantage, including a one-timer from Steven Stamkos in the 3rd period to put the Lightning up 4-2. Tampa Bay would go on to win 5-4.

I watched the entirety of this game and must say I’m not exactly sure how Tampa Bay pulled this one out. For about a period and a half, the Bruins looked like the superior team, chasing down loose pucks, making crisp passes and showing the Lightning that Game 6 was to be the last hoorah of the season for them. Yet, Boston didn’t come away with a win in this vital Game 6. Why? Because Tampa decided to turn it on when the power play came around. Martin St. Louis, Teddy Purcell, and finally, Steven Stamkos all put in goals during the power play which extended this series to a Game 7 in Boston. The B’s are trying to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1990, but  a game like last night can suck the life out of any team; a game in which you are seemingly in control, blink, and then find yourself in the locker room hanging your head knowing you came away with the loss.

Boston must find a way to regroup. Their penalty kill must be much better than what it was last night. They must get out of the gate early, ready to go and displaying a killer mentality, a swagger, that shows the Lightning that an extra game is nothing more than just a formality. Tim Thomas must play like, well, Tim Thomas and the defense needs to hold Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis in check. If they do so, then Game 7 will be an afterthought. If not, then the Lightning will reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since ’03-04 (they defeated the Calgary Flames in 7 games that year) and the Boston Bruins will be left searching for answers.

As for the Lightning, they have to continue to ride the giant momentum wave they are on right now. They played a game last night that they probably should not have won, yet came away with an ever-important victory to extend the series. Like Boston, it needs to try and get out of the gate early, especially playing a pivotal final game on the road. If they can do that and temper Boston’s attack, specifically David Krejci and Nathan Horton who both are on fire right now, then they have a great chance of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals to face the Vancouver Canucks. If not, then it will be a long, disappointing flight home to Tampa Bay.

Ultimately, Game 7 will come down to who wants it more. Can Boston put Game 6 in the rear-view mirror and clean the slate for Game 7? Can Tampa Bay reach down deep for one more contest and pull out an impressive victory on the road? We will find out tomorrow night in Boston. I, for one, cannot wait.

MLB Top 10: Early May Edition

After 2 mediocre seasons in '09 and '10, James Shields finally seems to have recaptured some of that magic from '07 and '08, posting a 3-1 record and a 2.01 ERA

10.) Atlanta Braves (20-16)

Can you guess who has had the best starting pitching so far in the NL East? I’ll give you a hint: it isn’t the Phillies. Jair Jurrjens right now is absolutely filthy, sporting a 1.50 ERA and boasting a 4-0 record.

9.) Cincinnati Reds (18-16)

Remaining just 1 game back of the NL Central-leading Cardinals, Cincy has continued to score runs in bunches, ranking 2nd in baseball with 173. Interesting to see Joey Votto’s batting average ‘fall’ over the course of the last couple of weeks, though. Cause for concern? Probably not…

8.) L.A. Angels of Anaheim (20-15)

You can only piggy-back on 2 co-aces (Dan Haren, Jered Weaver) for so long, right? Well, that’s the conventional wisdom anyway. Stats seem to prove otherwise so far in this very young season, as 10 of their 20 wins have come from the arms of Haren & Weaver. Someone else has to step up.

7.) Florida Marlins (20-13)

Gaby Sanchez is producing early MVP numbers while the rest of the Marlins bats have gone eerily quiet. How quiet? After Emilio Bonifacio’s .300 batting average, the third highest batting average from a player with 100+ at-bats is Chris Coghlan’s .267.  And don’t look now, but bringing up the bottom is, gulp, Hanley Ramirez at .205. Yikes.

6.) Colorado Rockies (18-14)

Colorado has fallen, and fast, losing 4 games in a row and 7 of their last 10 (prior to tonight’s game). That’s what happens when you are 26th in the league in batting average (.233) and 18th in runs (139).

5.) New York Yankees (19-13)

If they can continue to score runs the way that they have (3rd in league with 170), then this team should be in good shape as we head into summer. However, when the temperature drops and we get into fall baseball, that’s where pitching has to show up in a big way. Surprisingly, the Yanks haven’t been too bad so far in that category (14th-best ERA in league, 3.70), led by C.C. Sabathia’s 2.89 ERA and 44 strikeouts.

4.) St. Louis Cardinals (20-15)

Even with Albert Pujols sporting a sub-.250 batting average, the Cards continue to find ways to win. And if there was ever any doubt as to whether or not Dave Duncan was the best pitching coach in baseball, look no further than what he has done with #5 starter Kyle McClellan: 5-0, 3.30 ERA, 22 K, 3 HR-A. All I can say is wow.

3.) Tampa Bay Rays (20-14)

Honestly, where the hell did these guys come from? At one point they were 1-8. Since then? Try 19-6. How have they done it? Pitching, pitching, pitching. The most impressive? How about James Shields, who has a 3-1 record and a 2.01 ERA to go along with 44 K’s.

2.) Cleveland Indians (22-11)

Some might have sensed a fluke from this team through about 15 games or so, but after going through almost a 1/5 of the season, I have to say that the Tribe look for real. Thanks to both solid hitting and pitching, this team has continued to roll, none more so than Justin Masterson who is 5-0 with a 2.11 ERA. Oh, and I think we’re seeing the Travis Hafner of old (.347 BA, 4 HR, 14 RBI).

1.) Philadelphia Phillies (22-11)

Amazing that a team can be so good with an offense that has seemed so far pedestrian. Perhaps once Chase Utley returns, the Phillies can actually kick it in to gear. Roy Halladay continues to shine and looks, yet again, like an early front-runner for Cy Young (5-1, 2.19 ERA, 2 CG, 57 K).

Z-Bo has monster game then signs monster extension

Zach Randolph has been the backbone for the Grizzlies all season, averaging just over 20 points and 12 rebounds a game. Can he keep it up in the long-term now that he has signed a lucrative extension to stay in Memphis?

According to Chris Broussard, this one is all but done: Zach Randolph has agreed on a new contract extension, totaling $71 million over 4 years. Randolph is guaranteed $66 million with the 4th year of the contract being a player option. So, Z-Bo decides to go all Olajuwon on the Spurs today, dropping 25 points, 14 boards, 3 assists and 2 blocks, and then he turns around and signs a major extension in the wake of a ‘W’ over the 1 seed in the Western Conference? Kudos to you, Mr. Randolph.

I must say that the Grizzlies have thrown a lot of money to just a handful of players over the past season or so (Gay, Conley, Z-Bo…is Gasol next?), but I commend them for making a concerted effort to win. If they can surround their core with the right pieces, something they seemed to have done this year, then this team might be able to take that ‘next step’ and win even more games next year…who knows? All-in-all, not a bad day at the office for Zach Randolph and his Memphis Grizzlies.

MLB Top 10: Who looks the best early on?

Pronk has been hot early on, sporting a .354 clip while hitting 4 home runs and knocking in 9 RBIs already in this young season

10.) St. Louis Cardinals (8-8)

Would look like a much better club, record-wise, if Ryan Franklin hadn’t already blown 4 saves. Yikes. And a .239 batting average from All-World first baseman Albert Pujols isn’t going to get it done either…

9.) San Francisco Giants (8-7)

The pitching hasn’t been bad for the most part, but other than Pablo Sandoval and Buster Posey, it’s the offense that needs to get going here early on in the season. Also, why does Pat Burrell continue to start games in this league? I mean I know Cody Ross is out, but still…anybody care to venture a guess?

8.) Kansas City Royals (10-5)

Wait, Kansas City is winning games? That’s right. Would you have guessed after 15 games, the Royals and Indians would be 1-2 in the AL Central? Me either. Tell Alex Gordon to keep up the good work, by the way.

7.) L.A. Angels (10-5)

A team that has ‘quietly’ won 10 games through 15 can always be dangerous. The Angels are no exception, especially if they continue to get top-notch production from co-aces Jared Weaver and Dan Haren.

6.) Cincinnati Reds (9-6)

Offensively, this team can match anybody in baseball (2nd in runs, 3rd in B.A.). Pitching? Now that’s another story, although 18th in the league in ERA (4.08) isn’t terrible…

5.) Cleveland Indians (11-4)

Where the hell did these guys come from? Travis Hafner has been on a tear, launching his 4th HR of the season earlier today against the Orioles. It took him until the 22nd of May to accomplish that feat last year.

4.) Texas Rangers (10-5)

The steady Rangers have hit a bit of a rough patch here, losing 4 out of their last 5 games. Don’t let the numbers fool you either, the pitching has given up 9, 9, 10, 10 & 10 runs in their last 5 games, despite sporting the #2 ERA in baseball (2.71). Needless to say, it hasn’t been very good…

3.) N.Y. Yankees (9-5)

Well, I suppose the downfall of the “Evil Empire” was a bit premature, huh? Through the first couple of weeks of the season, they have been head-and-shoulders above the competition in the AL East. Can that continue? I don’t see why not if they can get their starting pitching in order (24th in baseball right now with only 5 quality starts; also, what has happened to Phil Hughes?).

2.) Colorado Rockies (12-3)

This team is on F-I-R-E. More importantly, Troy Tulowitzki, who signed a long-term extension in the offseason, has not disappointed, launching 7 home runs so far in only 15 games. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say he’s feelin’ pretty good right now.

1.) Philadelphia Phillies (10-4)

This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but the Phillies are pretty good. The offense and pitching both rank within the top-10 in the league in just about every major statistical category, as it should, considering the juggernaut they have rolled out to begin the season. Just wait until All-Star second baseman Chase Utley gets back…

PowerBall: The 5 most dangerous teams heading into the NBA playoffs

These 2 lead very dangerous teams heading into the postseason

The regular season is almost complete with only 1 more week left to play. Some teams look to enter the playoffs on a roll; others are bound to limp across the finish line. What teams seem to control their own destiny? Who looks the most ready to make a serious postseason run?

 

5.) Denver Nuggets (47-30; 7-3 in last 10 games)

Remember when this team was supposed to trade Carmelo Anthony and then begin the rebuilding process? Well, they did ship Melo off to New York as planned, but instead of losing games, a strange thing happened: they started winning…a lot. Since “the trade”, the Nuggets are an astounding 15-5. How are they winning so many games now that Carmelo Anthony (not to mention starting PG Chauncey Billups) is no longer donning a Nugs jersey? For starters, team chemistry seems to be at an all-time high. No longer are they worrying about what hour of  the day their star player is going to be shipped off. Also, the new pieces they acquired in the Anthony deal (Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton) have all been contributing on a nightly basis. Couple that with the fact that they were already one of the top scoring teams in the league before the Melo trade (they are currently sitting at #1 in the NBA, at 107.2 ppg), and you can see why this team isn’t just thinking about making the playoffs, something they will do comfortably, but are looking to go deep once they get there.

 

4.) Orlando Magic (49-29; 7-3 in last 10 games)

Some people might think that this is a team that has no business being ranked as a top 5 most dangerous team. I would tell those people that they’re crazy. Why? Because they have the most dominant defensive presence in basketball, Dwight Howard, who has had an MVP-type season and has kept the Magic a serious contender. A team that is top-5 in defensive efficiency is most certainly always going to be a good team, but one that is going into the playoffs seemingly on a roll, something the Magic appear to be doing, is even more scary. The real problem with this team, however, is what player is going to step up in the playoffs not named Dwight Howard? Jameer Nelson? Jason Richardson? Hedo Turkoglu? Somebody is going to have to be ‘that guy’, and I’m just not sure who that is. Luckily for them, I don’t see that being much of a problem in the first round (a probable match-up against Atlanta should be Magic in 5 even though Atlanta has beat them 3 out of the last 4 in the regular season). Still yet, you have to wonder who helps shoulder the load with Howard. Regardless, this team is as dangerous as they come with the way they seem to be playing right now, and one that I would be very weary of facing.

 

3.) Miami Heat (54-23; 8-2 in last 10 games)

Well, well, well, look who it is? The “Big 3” have had an up-and-down season together, but right now, things seem to be going along just fine. LeBron James has had a phenomenal year and he and D-Wade have really clicked the second half of the season.  Sitting in the #3 spot in the East and with a date to tangle with Boston on Sunday, Miami hopes to solidify itself in that #2 slot with a win. The way they are rolling right now, I fully expect them to do just that. In fact, with the Heat on a current 3-game winning streak and with 5 games left to play, I think Miami wins out and goes into the playoffs as the hottest team in basketball. That would mean facing the trifecta of James-Wade-Bosh at the wrong time. I still believe that a team of 3 superstars in the playoffs is as tough a match-up as you can have, so if they continue to pile up wins and corral momentum, how much better will they be?

 

2.) Chicago Bulls (57-20; 8-2 in last 10 games)

The Bulls have been brilliant this year, led by probable MVP Derrick Rose. They are a team that is guided by their superb defense (2nd in the NBA in points allowed at 91.5), and have continued to win late in the season because of it. Since the beginning of March, the Chicago Bulls have been an NBA-best 16-3, beating the likes of the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, New Orleans Hornets, Atlanta Hawks (twice) and Memphis Grizzlies. And now that they have Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah seemingly healthy together for what feels like the first time all season, this team has their eyes set on their first NBA Championship since Michael Jordan was in uniform. If Derrick Rose continues to play like, well himself, and the big men down low play strong basketball side-by-side, I don’t see any team beating Chicago in the East, especially against a team that looks to have the #1 seed locked up and who has the best record at home in the Eastern Conference. Yes Miami, Orlando and Boston, I’m talking to you.

1.) Los Angeles Lakers (55-22; 8-2 in last 10 games)

The Lakers had won 9 games in a row before a recent 2-game swoon against the red-hot Denver Nuggets and the “we fell off the face of the earth once we traded our best player” Utah Jazz. Still yet, the Lakers are as hot as any team in basketball, losing only 1 game in March, and winning 17 out of their last 20 games. Kobe is playing his best basketball of the season (was high scorer on the team in 10 of 13 games in the month of March), as is center, Andrew Bynum. The one thing that seems to concern a lot of people is the health of young Bynum; however, if the game against Utah last night was any indication, I don’t believe that should pose too much of a problem (12 pts, 23 rebs, 4 blks). Also, Pau Gasol has been a bit hampered lately by a bone bruise in his knee, yet last night, he posted his usual solid line (19 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assts, 2 blks). With health seemingly the only real worry for this team going into the playoffs, one I don’t see catching up with them throughout the postseason, the Los Angeles Lakers look to be the most dangerous team heading into the 2011 playoffs.