Results:
Brian: 7-7
Dave: 9-5
Elliot: 9-5
Nate: 10-4
Overall:
Elliot & Nate: 41-29 (59%)
Brian: 39-31 (56%)
Dave: 32-38 (without 13 games, 56%)
Brian's Picks:
Tampa Bay over Dallas
Washington over Detroit
Buffalo over Miami
New England over St. Louis
San Diego over New Orleans
NY Jets over Kansas City
Philadelphia over Atlanta
Baltimore over Oakland
Arizona over Carolina
Jacksonville over Cleveland
Houston over Cincinnati
Pittsburgh over NY Giants
San Francisco over Seattle
Tennessee over Indianapolis
Dave's Picks:
Tampa Bay over Dallas
Washington over Detroit
Buffalo over Miami
NE over St. Louis
San Diego over New Orleans
NYJ over KC
Philly over Atlanta
Carolina over Zona
Baltimore over Oakland
Jacksonville over Cleveland
Houston over Cincy
NYG over Pitt
San Fran over Seattle
Tennessee over Indi
Elliot's Picks:
Bucs over Cowboys
Redskins over Lions
Bills over Dolphins
Patriots over Rams
Saints over Chargers
Jets over Chiefs
Eagles over Falcons
Ravens over Raiders
Panthers over Cardinals
Jags over Browns
Texans over Bengals
Steelers over Giants
49ers over Seahawks
Titans over Colts
Nate's Picks:
Tampa Bay over Dallas
Washington over Detroit
Buffalo over Miami
New England over St. Louis
New Orleans over San Diego
NY Jets over Kansas City
Philadelphia over Atlanta
Baltimore over Oakland
Carolina over Arizona
Jacksonville over Cleveland
Houston over Cincinnati
NY Giants over Pittsburgh
San Francisco over Seattle
Tennessee over Indianapolis
NFL PIcks Week 8
Amir Johnson as Starter
The Pistons did not "shake up" the team as everyone thought. The pretty mental pictures of Carmelo wearing blue and red did not happen. Instead we signed Kwame Brown and got a new coach.
But the starting lineup will not be the same as last year. 'Dyess got demoted to the bench and the starting role was handed to Jason Max-, no, Amir Johnson.
In a this way the Pistons did shake up the team.
While it isn't being said this year, I believe most of the "big" trades the Pistons could have made would have somehow involved the inclusion of Amir Johnson. They specifically said that is why they didn't make a trade in the 2007 offseason. Apparently Joe thinks he found gold in the draft (something he has never done).
But, the fact is, Joe isn't alone in this belief. Apparently many GM's think this kid has a real chance to be dynamic big man. It is the only explanation as to why all the GMs request his inclusion in any trade deal. In addition, I have heard many reports from other GMs and scouts that Amir is a player who lots of teams wish they could have on their team. He is athletic, long, and possesses a load of talent.
But he has never really shown the whole package. Sure his 1.3 blocks in 12.3 minutes is impressive, but some people question whether he has the size to throw down inside and score.
Well the answer is he can. Amir is not intended to be an intimidating post scorer like a Yao or a Shaq (in his younger days). Instead he is going to be a guy who will get you offensive rebounds because of his length and put back points. He might be more like a Ben Wallace, but with more offensive talent. The plays will still be called for Rip and Sheed primarily, with Amir being the 5th option. This certainly shakes up the team in a some way. He may not be new blood, but it will be a different offense
As much as other people would like to give Joe credit for this move, I won't. Instead I will praise Michael Curry for realizing that 'Dyess and Maxiell are better off the bench. He also realized that having a tall, long, athletic player will get more rebounds, something the Pistons seriously lacked in the playoffs (see: game 3).
Lastly, Curry realized he has to see exactly what he's got in Johnson. What better way to get the kid acclimated to the pros than giving him the majority of the minutes? Seems to be the best move to make. In fact, those who know me, know that I have been suggesting starting Amir for some time. I have also previously mentioned it in this very blog.
Best case, you get a solid rebounder who puts in 10-15 points a game, becomes a force on the inside blocking shots and forcing defenders to take uncomfortable mid-range shots. Worst case, you have to start Maxiell, a very servicable player (but a player we all know is too short to play well in the post) or McDyess who is getting a bit older.
Personally, I love the move. I think he is going to be a crowd favorite by throwing down some sweet dunks with his long arms and amazing jumping ability. I also think that his defense will be very well respected, even if it doesn't show up in stats like steals and blocks; but it will show up in the opposing team shooting percentage.
So while Josh Smith is still in Atlanta, and T-mac is still in Houston, the Pistons do have a "new" face in the starting lineup, that could provide a boost of energy and a new look that could really change the team and provide that shake up this complacent team so badly needs.
NFL Picks: Week 7
Week 7 Results:
Dave, Elliot, Brian: 8-6
Nate: 7-7
Overall
T-1. Elliot, Brian: 32-24 (57%)
2. Nate: 31-25 (55%)
3. Dave 23-33 (w/0 13 games missed, 23-20 - 53%)
Dave's Picks:
Buffalo over San Diego
Chicago over Minnesota
Pittsburgh over Cincy
Tennessee over Kansas City
Dallas over St. Louis
Baltimore over Miami
NYG over San Fran
New Orleans over Carolina
Houston over Detroit
Indi over GB
NYJ over Oakland
Cleveland over Washington
TB over Seattle
Denver over NE
Elliot's Picks:
Bills over Chargers
Brian's Picks:
Nate's Picks:
Michigan Football and Fandom
Welcome readers, today’s post is brought to you by that guy who takes a poop in the men’s room while you are in there and leaves without washing his hands. It’s because of people like you that normal self- respecting people might be self conscious about shaking your hand.
Onto what may be the most disappointing Michigan game since that opener last year. So much for being undefeated against current MAC teams and so much for our diminishing bowl hopes huh? Aside from pages and pages of expletives that I would like to use to describe my real feelings about the game, I would like to respond to a few other opinions I have heard about the game. Many people have voiced their displeasure with RR not simply lining up and running off tackle with Grady or Minor, simply saying that because we are Michigan we should just be able to out tough Toledo and get out with a win. This is a load of crap for a few reasons. First, our offensive line is absolutely terrible, they can’t block for a zone read stretch play any better than they can for the spread zone read. Second, Grady and Minor both love to fumble the football and have yet to prove that either are a reliable ball carrier. I am certain that if either of them displayed better ball security that RR would go to this far more often than he does.
I also have heard things such as losing to Toledo is “unacceptable” or “not tolerated at Michigan.” My response to those people is…What is acceptable? Lloyd lost to a 1-AA team for cryin’ out loud! I am in no means trying to justify this joke of a game Michigan played, but this team is young and inexperienced and they are all trying to learn an offensive system that maybe 20% of them have ever played before. In addition to that, many of them flat out are just not that talented. This may sound ridiculous but it is evident by just how many different people have played different positions; WR, RB, QB, OL and kick returner have all seen countless different players just to find out who is least likely to screw up. Its sad to say but it is mildly obvious that Lloyd’s recruiting had gone downhill in his last years. This is most evident with the lack of depth in the DE, OL and LB positions. I really dare you to look at the depth chart of those positions and not want to vomit.
Rich has been dealt a more difficult hand than he or any one of us could ever imagine, but he is doing the right thing. He is recruiting well and filling needs all over the field. He also is trying to install his offense and get as many kids as possible as familiar with it as they can. This is very important for next years team. Rebuilding like this is going to take a while and unfortunately we probably can’t expect the world out of this team until probably 2010, just in time for the expansion to be finished!!!
This leads me into a huge annoyance I have with many Michigan fans. As much as I hate to say it, there are a ton of terrible Michigan fans. Many people sit in the bleachers and curse the name of Rich Rod because M isn’t undefeated this year or they boo a team whose average age is probably 19. Seriously guys give them a break. I am one of the biggest Michigan fans around and I can honestly say that when I heard boo’s at the Illinois game I personally was disgusted. This team is young and our coach is new and they both need our support. I am not saying to cheer wildly every time someone fumbles or misses a tackle or Stevie Brown blows countless amounts of downfield coverage’s, but just to be respectful. Save your boos and your poor opinions of whats currently happening for 2010 when this team has had a chance to mature and develop. I never thought this year would be this bad, but I know for a fact that I don’t need to make it any worse. I guess after 40 years of winning seasons we all can be in for a little dose of humility. I strongly suggest for everyone to take theirs like a winner and put faith in our team, our coach and our progam.
As always, GO BLUE!
Tigers Offseason - Position Players
Its amazing to think that just 6 months ago the Tigers were the World Series favorite and yet they ended the year under .500, and in last place in the American League Central. So, was last year a fluke, or do the Tigers have serious offseason needs that have to be addressed in order for them to reach the playoffs yet again?
I am going to go through the three main departments of the Tigers team (starters, bullpen, and position players) and analyze the options and likely moves by the Tigers this off-season. In addition I will state what I think the Tigers need in order to make a serious run at the playoffs next year.
Here is the current status of our positional players:
1B - Miguel Cabrera
2B - Placido Polonco
3B - Brandon Inge
SS - Ramon Santiago
CF - Curtis Granderson
RF - Magglio Ordonez
LF - Carlos Guillen
C - Dusty Ryan
DH - Gary Sheffield
Reserves:
Ryan Raburn or Matt Hollimon
Matt Joyce
Marcus Thames
Vance Wilson or FA????
Well, on its face, the Tigers lineup certainly does not lack power. This is certainly a lineup that can still score runs. What it lacks is speed and a reliable catcher.
First of all, for some ridiculous reason, this organization believes in Gary Sheffield. He has played well for 3 weeks as a Tiger in 2007, and about 4 games in 2008. I have to believe his career as a feared hitter is over. However, he is here to stay and cannot be moved.
A player who could be moved, however, is Magglio. A fan favorite and has been nothing but consistent. I think the Tigers would really miss his production if they were to trade him. I know he makes a lot of money, but he is one of the few Tigers with large contracts that are actually justifying the amount of zeros on their checks.
Bottom Line: I am only trading Ordonez for a LEFT HANDED, bat with some speed. That basically narrows it down to Nick Markakis, Michael Bourn, Adam Ethier, and Josh Anderson. None of these guys are really that likely to be traded for Magglio. Maybe Ethier could be added if the Dodgers are desperate to replace Manny with another RBI guy. This trade is not likely, and really Ethier doesn't have that great of speed. But again, I am only willing to trade Magglio for a talented, left handed outfielder with some speed who is MLB ready. Those guys are not in great supply, so their asking price will be high. But, if the deal is right, I would be okay with trading Magglio.
As for the catching position, Gregg Zaun is an option through free agency. However, I personally think Zaun is awful. I would only sign him if it was for a very minimal price. 38 year old catchers scare me. Miguel Olivo is another option if the Marlins don't pick up his option. But, I dont really think either of these guys is better than Dusty Ryan (and thats saying something). The Tigers are not a young pitching staff anymore, and a veteran catcher is probably overrated at this point. I would rather see Brandon continue to catch on an occasional basis, allowing the Tigers more flexibility.
As for the Shortstop position, we can throw out names like Furcal, but that simply wont happen. Santiago deserves that spot after his solid 2008. Plus he provides far better defense in the 6 hole than either Guillen or Rentaria did. Defense is important and something the 2008 Tigers seriously lacked. Our Infield will be very solid defensively with Inge, Santiago, Polanco and Cabrera. Cabrera should be a lot better after having a year under his belt at first.
Personally, I wouldnt change this at all. I mean I would love to add Carl Crawford for speed, but then where do you put Guillen? In addition, Crawford will cost a lot of money, something the Tigers are trying to avoid.
My Lineup:
Granderson
Polanco
Cabrera
Ordonez
Guillen
Sheffield
Santiago
Inge
Ryan
The only real shocker in that lineup is moving Cabrera to 3. Seems like a logical move though because his bat is something I want up as many times as possible.
If I were GM, I wouldn't change a thing. Make Inge my backup catcher, make Guillen my backup 3rd baseman, and make Joyce my backup outfielder. If Inge simply will not comply with catching any longer, then go out and sign a CHEAP free agent catcher. That's it.
The Tigers will score runs again. Miguel Cabrera is a superstar and can carry this team offensively, but some contributions from Sheffield would really be nice. I really wish I could add some speed and plug that hypothetical, fast player 9th in the lineup. But, really the only way that happens is if you trade Ordonez.
So you might as well stand pat and hope for better 2 out hitting than last year. Combat you lack of speed with hit and runs and sacrifice flies.
Despite a terrible year by Sheffield and Rentaria, the Tigers were 5th in the Major Leagues in runs scored and 6th in average. The offense isn't what needs fixing, so the money and offseason time should not be spent fixing the offense. The focus is pitching and bullpen. So I say stand pat unless you get a great offer that fits my criteria for Magglio.
Tigers Offseason
Its amazing to think that just 6 months ago the Tigers were the World Series favorite and yet they ended the year under .500, and in last place in the American League Central. So, was last year a fluke, or do the Tigers have serious offseason needs that have to be addressed in order for them to reach the playoffs yet again?
I am going to go through the three main departments of the Tigers team (starters, bullpen, and position players) and analyze the options and likely moves by the Tigers this off-season. In addition I will state what I think the Tigers need in order to make a serious run at the playoffs next year.
Today, Starting Pitching:
Well, amazingly, we actually kind of have a surplus of right handed pitching.
Justin Verlander
Jeremy Bonderman
Armando Galarraga
Zach Miner
Freddy Garcia (possible)
As for left handed pitchers we really only have Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson, neither of which are good options.
The free agent market has lots of great options as well. Some of the better options include A.J. Burnett, Jon Garland, Derek Lowe, Ryan Dempster, Ben Sheets, CC Sabathia. However, all of these free agent pitchers are going to demand big money; something that Mr. Illitch may not be so excited about shelling out after this year's debacle. Also, not to mention, only one of those pitchers is left handed and he will demand around $20 million.
So what do you do? There is no denying Galarraga was great all season long and deserves to be a starter. Bonderman was our most steady pitcher before an early injury. Verlander is a likely candidate for a bounce back season, given his talent and ability to throw 3 above average pitches. Neither Verlander nor Bonderman are great tradable options because both have a very low value after bad season and injuries. I think they both stay and should be solid in 2009.
Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis are the left handed options. I have to believe that both of these players will be on the opening day roster. Both of them have terrible contracts and nobody will take them.
But what do you do with Zach Miner and Freddy Garcia? Garcia is a free agent and probably will not be resigned, and Miner is not a great trading piece. In addition, Miner has been terrible as a reliever so that seems like a bad option.
Here is my suggestion. Sign Andy Petitte.
Think about it, this is a perfect move. The Yankees will be looking to sign big name pitchers like Sabathia, Lowe and Garland. I say, let them have those players. While they try and hammer out 15-20 million dollar contracts, sign Petitte for a reasonable contract in the 7-10 million range. He replaces Kenny Rogers as the lefty and veteran on the team. He will then take Robertson's place in the rotation. Hopefully, Petitte can serve a third function as well: mentor Dontrelle Willis. Because I do not know who the new pitching coach will be, I have to assume he will not fix Willis overnight. Petitte can possibly help Willis in some way and if Willis fails, Nate Robertson becomes the backup plan, serving as long relief or lefty specialist until the Willis situation resolves itself.
Our rotation becomes:
1. Bonderman
2. Petitte
3. Verlander
4. Willis
5. Galarraga
As for Miner, there is no good option. Its hard to suggest this, but you have to test the trade waters with Galarraga. Obviously, you first test the waters with Miner, but I am guessing that trading Miner won't get you anything but mid-range prospects that will be unhelpful for the upcoming year.
But what can Galarraga really get you? Maybe a decent short stop, but probably not. Again, it is likely he will only get you a prospect or two. Therefore, you have to put Miner back in the bullpen and just hope that the new bullpen coach can work out his psychological issues when he isn't the starting pitcher.
So after all that, here is what I think. It is absolutely imperative to improve the existing status of left handed pitching. I think Sabathia is unrealistic, but Petitte isn't. He might cost a little bit more than Kenny Rogers' contract of last year, but I think it is worth it. A 7-10 million dollar contract looks increasingly appealing after a look at how terrible our existing left handed pitching status is.
I also believe that Illitch could be easily talked into an investment like Andy Petitte. He is a proven commodity and someone who could potentially help Willis out, as well as eat innings. Seems like a can't miss move.
After that relatively average signing, the Tigers starting pitching should be a lot better. It should also be remembered that he Tigers will be signing a new Pitching coach. Given how absolutely terrible Chuck Hernandez was, the new pitching coach should mean better results and hopefully bounce-back years for Willis, Verlander and Bonderman. Assuming that, the Tigers could have a very solid starting pitching core.
The Tigers will live and die by this group. Their performance will decide whether the Tigers are contenders or replicas of the pathetic 2008 season.
Picks Week 6
Sorry this is a little late, but here were our picks from last week:
Elliot's Picks
Bears over Falcons
Panthers over Bucs
Redskins over Rams
Texans over Dolphins
Ravens over Colts
Vikings over Lions
Saints over Raiders
Jets over Bengals
Broncos over Jaguars
Cowboys over Cardinals
Eagles over 49ers
Packers over Seahawks
Chargers over Patriots
Giants over Browns
Brian's Picks
Atlanta over Chicago
Indianapolis over Baltimore
Minnesota over Detroit
New Orleans over Oakland
NY Jets over Cincinnati
Carolina over Tampa Bay
Washington over St. Louis
Miami over Houston
Denver over Jacksonville
Dallas over Arizona
Philadelphia over San Fransisco
Green Bay over Seattle
San Diego over New England
NY Giants over Cleveland
Dave's picks
Chicago over Atlanta
Baltimore over Indi
Carolina over Tampa Bay
Minnesota over Detroit
Washington over St. Louis
New Orleans over Oakland
Miami over Houston
NYJ over Cincinnati
Jacksonville over Denver
Dallas over Arizona
Philly over San Fran
Green Bay over Seattle
San Diego over New England
NYG over Cleveland
Nate's Picks
Chicago over Atlanta
Indianapolis over Baltimore
Minnesota over Detroit
New Orleans over Oakland
NY Jets over Cincinnati
Tampa Bay over Carolina
Washington over St. Louis
Houston over Miami
Jacksonville over Denver
Dallas over Arizona
Philadelphia over San Franisco
Green Bay over Seattle
San Diego over New England
NY Giants over Cleveland
Elliot: 7-6
Brian: 8-5
Dave: 7-6
Nate: 10-3
Overall:
Nate, Elliot, Brian: 24-18 (Pick percentage of 57%)
Dave: 15-27 (15 - 14, if you take away his absent week, pick percentage of 52%)
Frustrated.
This post is going to be mostly therapeutic for me today: a means to vent on a wide scale.
The Lions are terrible. TERRIBLE
I doubt there is few that will disagree with me that the the strength of the Lions team is the wide receivers. However, they are dropping passes at a surprising rate, thereby negating that strength. How do you expect to win when you best players aren't even making routine plays.
When the players are doing the basic stuff, that means they aren't practicing well. Assuming that, the coaches are the one to blame.
I really just want to Lions to clean house. Get rid of everybody. Start completely over. I know that means a rebuilding process that will take years to make a team relevant, but at some point you have to say, "this isn't working, we need to try something else."
I like Coach Rod. I like his bear-wrestling persona and demeanor. I thought he had a good philosophy too. However, he does not appear to be good at coaching players and teaching skills.
Im not suggesting that he should be fired tomorrow or in the middle of the season, but whoever the next GM will be, I think his first move should be to find a new coach.
P.S. Great decision with that Jordan Dizon pick, Matt. I'm really glad we could improve our kick off coverage team with a second round pick. Great work. Uhhh
Sorry for this post
This post is completely worthless to you as a reader but incredibly valuable to me. My new fantasy team name is Project Bad Ass after the hilarious videos Mac makes on Its Always Sunny in Philedelphia. But ESPN is stupid and wont let you upload pictures to be your team logo so you need a web address. So this post is serving as a web location so I can use this pictures as my team logo. Okay, sorry for the worthless post.
-Nate
Week 5 Picks
Last Weeks Results:
Nate: 4-9
Elliot: 7-6
Brian: 8-5
Dave: 0-13
Overall:
1. Elliot: 17-12
2. Brian: 16-13
3. Nate: 14-15
4. Dave: 8-21
Nate's Picks:
Carolina over Kansas City
Chicago over Detroit
Green Bay over Atlanta
San Diego over Miami
NY Giants over Seattle
Philadelphia over Washington
Tennessee over Baltimore
Indianapolis over Houston
Tampa Bay over Denver
Buffalo over Arizona
New England over San Francisco
Dallas over Cincinnati
Pittsburgh over Jacksonville
New Orleans over Minnesota
Dave's Picks
Atlanta over Green Bay
Baltimore over Tennessee
Philly over Washington
Carolina over Kansas City
Chicago over Detroit
San Diego over Miami
Indi over Houston
Giants over Seattle
Denver over Tampa Bay
Arizona over Buffalo
Dallas over Cincy
San Fran over New England
Jacksonville over Pittsburgh
New Orleans over Minnesota
Elliot's Picks:
Lions over Bears
Packers over Falcons
Chargers over Dolphins
Giants over Seahawks
Redskins over Eagles
Panthers over Chiefs
Ravens over Titans
Colts over Texans
Broncos over Bucs
Bills over Cardinals
49ers over Patriots
Cowboys over Bengals
Jags over Steelers
Saints over Vikings
Brian's Picks:
Carolina over Kansas City
Chicago over Detroit
Green Bay over Atlanta
San Diego over Miami
NY Giants over Seattle
Washington over Philadelphia
Tennessee over Baltimore
Houston over Indianapolis
Denver over Tampa Bay
Arizona over Buffalo
San Francisco over New England
Dallas over Cincinnati
Jacksonville over Pittsburgh
New Orleans over Minnesota