The NEW Bias Free Poll

In retrospect...lets take a look back at what I screwed up on looking back...

What in the world was I thinking having South Carolina at #5?! And Florida at #7 probably wasn't the smartest thing in the world.

But worst of all, probably picking Virginia Tech to go to the National Title game was the worst.

Now what I got right...

I refused to put Florida State in my top 10. Three weeks later, they aren't even in the AP top 25 (thanks to three straight losses including to Wake last week!)

The Oregon Ducks were not in the top ten at the time of me adding them in.

And my forecast of Oklahoma State looks to be dead on as they continue to impress.

Now to the poll...

1. Alabama
-I have decided to drop LSU not because they aren't damn good, but because I think Bama is just a cut above. The eye test rates Bama above the tigers in my mind. Bama will get LSU at home which should be a titanic matchup with the winner taking home not just the SEC West but most likely a national championship game appearance.

2. LSU
- The tigers have beaten the most ranked teams of anyone else in the entire nation. However, I'm not ready to say they are better than the Tide. These two defenses are hands down the best in the country, and LSU even found some offensive consistency against a good Gators defense. I just don't see them better than Bama, in a year when three teams seem to be standing out.

3. Oklahoma
- Ho hum, just a 38 point whooping of Texas at the Cotton Bowl for the Sooners. They didn't look like it was much of a challenge either. Landry Jones looked unstoppable and the defense gave Texas' young QBs hell all day. The Sooners better be careful not to look too far ahead because they have a tough Big 12 schedule with Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Kansas State, and Baylor all on the horizon.

4. Oklahoma State
-Another saturday, another offensive explosion for the Cowboys. Their defense is actually playing quite solid as of late as well--which is scary. They still have to navigate the tough big 12, but it looks very likely that the Cowboys are going to make the first BCS appearance in their program's history. Some tough games are coming up, and it will be interesting to see how they play with the target on their back.

5. Wisconsin
-Hands down the best team in the Big Ten (or 12) is the Badgers. Russell Wilson has given them a dimension that has put them a cut above in the conference. The only game that looks challenging for them is a visit to East Lansing to battle the Spartans. Overall, you can argue they have been the best team in the country the last year and a half--all that is remaining is a BCS bowl win and possibly a national championship appearance if things work out in their favor.

6. Boise State
- I consistently hate on Boise State. I do it because they don't play the same kind of schedule as the big boys do. But after all these years, maybe it's time they get a chance. Kellen Moore is a surgeon throwing the ball, and while he may not look like he's going to be a star at the NFL level, he's about to pass Colt McCoy for most wins ever by an FBS Quarterback. If Oklahoma falls by the wayside, a part of me really hopes that just for fairness sakes, Boise gets a shot at one of the SEC schools.

7. Oregon
- Flying under the radar, Oregon is doing what they always do. LaMichael James is having an even better season than last year (but shhh no one knows). They will have a showdown down the line with Andrew Luck in the Cardinal in Palo Alto that will most likely decide the Pac 12. Oregon is likely looking at the Rose Bowl.

8. Stanford
- The Cardinal just keep pounding people. After their 48-7 pounding of Colorado they moved to 5-0. Keep an eye on their next contest against Washington State, the Cougars are having a solid start to their season and have an offense that can keep up with anyone. Plus, who wants to travel to Pullman, Washington to play a football game? I bet you the Cardinals don't.

9. Arkansas
-After the Hogs went down early to A&M two weeks ago their defense seems to have woken up and is at least playing consistently average now. If they get that the rest of the year they will sneak into a very nice bowl game around new years.  Tyler Wilson continues to impress week after week and improving his stock to NFL scouts. Look out for Arkansas to give LSU all they can handle at the end of the season.

10. Clemson
- Clemson has won a couple very nice games this season, none more impressive than their domination of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. But I have a hard time trusting a Dabo Swinney coached team. I think this team is due for a let down, and a let down very soon. Tahj Boyd and Sammy Watkins have been an electric tandem for the Tigers and it appears that finally those great recruiting classes are starting to pay off and make them the ACC favorite as of right now.

Just Missed the Cut: Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Florida, Nebraska

Strike the Pose:
1. Kellen Moore QB Boise State
2. Andrew Luck QB Stanford
3. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma
4. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State
5. Robert Griffin III QB Baylor

Bias Free Poll (After Week 3)

Here is the bias-free college football top ten--free of preseason poll non sense and based on the play (and how I think) teams will play the rest of the season. Will try to do one every two weeks!

1. LSU
-The most impressive win of the season was their dismantling of Oregon in the opener. The defense is flat out nasty, and Jarrett Lee is doing just enough managing the game. They do have some tough games coming up with Auburn, Alabama, and Florida on the horizon.

2. Alabama
-Speaking of nasty defense...they rival LSU in that regard. The offense is more explosive as well, however we haven't seen them do it against a solid opponent as of yet. Their is still no consensus at QB, and Trent Richardson hasn't dominated the way many thought he would--which keeps them off of #1.

3. Oklahoma
- A really nice win on the road at Florida State. However, their offense hardly looked like the juggernaut it usually is. This seems to be a trend for their offense in big road games--it will be interesting to see if this continues. The defense looked very good against FSU, linebacker Tom Wort is a playmaker who brings the wood.

4. Oklahoma State
- Cowboys waited til almost dawn (weather delay) to handle tulsa rather easily. What isn't easy is stopping this offense. Justin Blackmon is been completely unstoppable and when you back off too far, Running Back Joseph Randle can break a big one. The defense is still a bit of a question mark but the offense may be enough to push this team past Oklahoma this year.

5. South Carolina
- This is not going to be popular, especially how surprisingly inconsistent their defense has been, but I'm a believer. The D should improve, and the O is better than any Spurrier has ever had at Carolina. Lattimore looks like the best and most complete back in the country, and Alshon Jeffrey looks like a top 15 pick at receiver. If Stephen Garcia stays consistent they should be in Atlanta again for the SEC Title game.

6. Wisconsin
- I am actually a little iffy on this. The defense is a concern--they seem to have lost a lot of energy without spark plug J.J. Watt. The offense is improved, even from last season, with more of a passing threat via the right arm of Russell Wilson. The O-line is still mauling people but as of now they do not look as explosive as last season. In a watered down Big Ten it might still be enough to get back to the Rose Bowl.

7. Florida
- New coach, new offense, no problem--so far. Brantley has hardly looked like a world beater at QB, but Weis' offense has him checking it down effectively to two of the fastest backs in the country (Demps and Rainey) and they are doing all the work. On defense they are frightening. The corner position is somewhat of a concern, but their front seven is rock solid and will keep them in almost every game.

8. Boise State
- I realize they are rated #4 in most human polls. However I look at all the teams ranked above them in this poll and ask myself...do I really think Boise State can beat them on a neutral field? Their win over Georgia was impressive...but they don't have the same kind of weapons offensively. The defense keeps chugging along, but I don't see Moore having the same amount of fire power he had last season. It may be enough for a perfect season and a BCS appearance though.

9. Oregon
- This is the only team on the list that has a loss. The Ducks faltered against LSU in week one, and since has scored at least 60 points in both games since. Until the Ducks do it consistently against a good defense, they will probably have to deal with the stigma forever. The offense just does not have the strength or size up front to compete with the top athletic defenses that you see in the SEC and at Oklahoma.

10. Stanford
- The Cardinal keep chugging along without Coach Harbaugh. Thanks to Coach/Player Andrew Luck. They have done a nice job pounding the ball with Stephfon Taylor at running back to keep defenses honest, and Chris Owusu is a receiver that will be playing on Sundays. Looking forward--this team could be in some trouble. Star linebacker Shayne Skov is out for the remainder of the season, he's the Andrew Luck of the defense. That will be hard to overcome once they get into the meat of the Pac 12 schedule.


Just Missed the cut: Texas A&M, Florida State, Arkansas, Virginia Tech

Strike the Pose
1. Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina
2. Kellen Moore QB Boise State
3. Andrew Luck QB Stanford
4. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma
5. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

College Football 2011

In this I will post my predictions for the winners of each BCS conference as well as who will be playing in the BCS games.

After about 2 weeks I will also release my top ten (free of bias or preseason poll bs).

ACC- Virginia Tech
-I've seen this movie before--everyone on Florida State's bandwagon. What's different this time is a head coach. I think FSU will be solid--maybe even top 10. However VT has a fluff schedule. They have an amazing chance to go undefeated even with losing QB Tyrod Taylor and RBs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. Their new QB, Logan Thomas (a physical specimen btw) has his toughest road test is at Georgia Tech. Yeah, nothing too challenging. They could contend for a BCS title berth because of them running the table.

Big East- South Florida
-I got the Bulls as the only team from Florida heading to the BCS. Not because they are the best team (in fact I still think they are the 4th best in Florida) but because the Big East is such hot garbage. They get the top preseason contender, West Virginia, in Tampa to end the year. And their toughest road trips are to Rutgers and Pitt in conference. Also, keep an eye on them to give Notre Dame a run for their money in the opener.

Big Ten (twelve)- Ohio State
-The Badgers look like the most complete team in the conference--especially with the addition of Russell Wilson but they get fellow division (I'm not saying legends or leaders division because I honestly don't know) opponents Michigan State and Ohio State away from home. Ohio State gets pretty much every tough game at home. Overall I think they could struggle to start the season--but they get talent back after the suspensions in the form of Mike Adams, DeVier Posey, Brandon Saine, and others. I think the Buckeyes handle the Spartans in the Big Ten Title game.

Big 12 (ten)- Oklahoma
-Nothing earth shattering here as they are the preseason number one by most publications. The Big 12 actually got tougher in my opinion. While they would play everyone in the South division regardless, they will now also have to play teams like Missouri and Kansas State every year as well. And no longer is Baylor a walkover. However, this team has just wayyy too much talent and I don't think Texas has come back enough yet to make a serious challenge to the Sooners crown. Landry Jones is an intriguing heisman candidate.

Pac 12- Oregon
-I don't think Oregon will go undefeated...in fact I see them losing to both LSU and Stanford. However I see the Cardinal faltering in other games outside of their home tilt with the Ducks, pushing Oregon into the Pac 12 Title Game. Darron Thomas and LaMichael James should be a dynamic combo again, and look out for freshman DeAnthony Thomas (electric speed) to have an impact on the offense as well.

SEC- Alabama
-Hands down, Bama is the best team in the nation. Their defense which was down by Saban's standards returns 10 of their 11 starters and they may actually be better at QB with both A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims competing for the gig. Also, they have this guy named Trent Richardson--maybe you have heard of him--who had he been eligible would have been the first back taken in the last NFL draft. Add up getting LSU and Arkansas at home this season and the Tide are my favorite not just to win the SEC but also the crystal ball in New Orleans at the end of the year.

BCS Bowl Projections
National Title: Alabama vs. Virginia Tech
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Nebraska
Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Texas A&M
Orange Bowl: South Florida vs. Boise State

2011 NFL Season Projections

Yep. I am back. And it's that time. You may recall I successfully predicted the Green Bay Packers to win the Super Bowl prior to last season. Here's the evidence.

Here are my predictions for the 2011 NFL Season

AFC
East: Patriots
North: Steelers
South: Texans
West: Chargers
Wild Cards: Jets and Ravens

NFC
East: Eagles
North: Packers
South: Falcons
West: Rams
Wild Cards: Saints and Lions (yep!)

AFC Title: New England Patriots over San Diego Chargers
NFC Title: New Orleans Saints over Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl: New England Patriots over New Orleans Saints

NFL MVP: Phillip Rivers QB San Diego

Off. Player of the Yr: Calvin Johnson WR Lions

Def Player of the Yr: Ed Reed S Ravens

Coach of the Yr: Jim Schwartz Lions

Off Rookie of Yr: Julio Jones WR Falcons

Def Rookie of Yr: Corey Liuget DL Chargers

Comeback Player: Plaxico Burress WR Jets

First Coach Fired: Tony Sparano Dolphins

Breakout Off Player: Mike Wallace WR Steelers

Breakout Def Player: B.J. Raji DT Packers

Biggest Surprise: Detroit Lions

Biggest Disappointment: Chicago Bears

Winner of the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes: Seattle Seahawks

My Advice

Yo Lance Armstrong--just admit you did it. This is now the 80790th person to come out and say that Armstrong cheated. Just give it up, name one person accused who has actually been innocent...(crickets)...yeah. It's sad that so many of this generations heroes are becoming tarnished.

Hey David Stern--why is game 3 of the Bulls-Heat series not til Sunday? Game 2 was Wednesday. Maybe if we are taking a chariot from Chicago to Miami the amount of travel time allotted could be proper. Yet then they play again on Tuesday night for Game 4...what? The NBA is weird.

Attention NHL--keep doing what you're doing. The overall NHL playoffs have kicked the ever-loving crap out of the NBA playoffs this year. You can pretty much just watch the fourth quarter of any NBA game to get the result. An NBA game is two teams going on runs, allowed by the refs, and is only a blowout if one team quits.

Oh New York Yankees, I don't know what you did to inspire Bartolo Colon to pitch the way he has. Maybe a box of Krispy Kremes for every quality start he throws but damn. Either way, applause to the evil empire for this move.

Oklahoma City Thunder I have some advice for you...trade Russell Westbrook this offseason. Why? As these playoffs have told he is not capable of being a complimentary player, in fact the thunder determined they had a better chance of winning with him on the bench last night and Eric Maynor running point (and it worked). Tell the Magic you want Dwight Howard and tell them to take any three to four players off your roster aside from Durant. Westbrook, Harden, Ibaka, and a 1st round pick for Howard (who will not be returning to Orlando long term)? Might work out well for both teams.

Mother Nature--stop raining.

CBS--kill yourself for letting Gus Johnson leave to Fox Sports. 

That's all the advice for this week.

You Know What Really Grinds My Gears?

You know what really grinds my gears?

-LeBron James finally toppled the Celtics. Only he needed to team up with 2 other "stars" to do so. While that grinds my gears, what really grinds my gears is him on one knee after the game, emotional as if he just won the NBA title--heck as if he had just saved the world. Yet the Heat still need to win 8 games to win a title. LeBron, the world still hates you..."sidekiccckkkk, sidekicccckkkk".

-The NFL is unable to split 9 billion dollars of revenue. Here's my solution, players you get 3.5, owners you get 4. The rest of the 1.5 billion is split evenly between a fund for former players and to pay back the god damn ticket licenses that some season ticket holders must buy just to have a CHANCE to buy tickets.

-The NBA referees. They suck. You often hear during a game, well he would have gotten that call if they were at home. What? Why the hell should it matter if the game is played in Boston, Miami, or in the damn Atlantic Ocean?! A foul is a foul. I don't care if it's Game 7 of the Finals or a freakin' preseason game between the Warriors and Raptors. The refs single-handedly cost the Nuggets two games against the Thunder--and the other night in a game between the Bulls and Hawks whistled a foul on the Hawks...yet decided, "shit we want this series to go as long as possible, nevermind inadvertent whistle no foul and we are gunna have a jump ball". What a joke.

-The public now realizing that at about 90% of big-time NCAA football schools rule breaking and improper benefits occur. Yeah--it's been happening since teams started getting 2+ million dollars for making a BCS bowl game. It's called being worth it! Look USC got slapped by the NCAA. Supposedly "vacating" wins to those seasons--but unless the NCAA has a mind-erasing technique from the Men in Black anyone who watched the damn games doesn't forget. And shocker, Auburn paid players. Shocker, Ohio State players got cars. Oh. My. God. Wake up and smell the coffee--just give the players a damn stipend and be done with it.

-Gregg Zaun. Aside from watching the Red Sox look like utter "histalort" (a swear in a different language that I learned from someone from Denmark) I had to listen to Gregg freakin Zaun announce along side Don Orsillo in the booth. Now, I've always found Remy's pronunciation of Pedroia as "Pedroiar" as annoying. However Zaun was the worst I have ever heard. And I announced in the NECBL this summer where this girl was the actual version of Monty from Major League..."Flyball...caught".

-Student loans. Count to three. Yep, the government just spent about 10x what yours and mine student loans cost. Why should I pay back? The government isn't going too.

-The upcoming NBA Draft. It sucks. I'm supposed to be excited about a potential top 3 picks of Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, and Jonas Valancuinas? Oh, but maybe they will fall and Jan Vesely and Brandon Knight can go in the top 5. Christ.

And that's what really grinds my gears.

AFC West Draft Grades

Denver Broncos Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 2 Rahim Moore S UCLA

I am in the vast minority that doesn't like the Von Miller pick. He is a project as a 4-3 OLB and that's way too much money to invest in a number two pick. Also, Orlando Franklin was maybe the 4th best lineman for the Miami Hurricanes this past season...I don't think that equates to a 2nd round pick. On the other hand, Rahim Moore is a ball hawk in the secondary and should be a great addition. Also, got to love Nate Irving, a tough hard-nose inside linebacker. Quinton Carter should also help at safety, and Jeremy Beal was thought by some to be a 1st-2nd round pick at the start of the year. He fell all the way to the 7th round--so good value.

Kansas City Chiefs Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 2 Rodney Hudson OG Florida State

Jonathan Baldwin was a terrible reach by the Chiefs. Athletically, he's impressive, but when you watch him play...yuck. He is consistently seen giving up on plays. Hudson should be a really nice addition, he was a 3-time All-ACC lineman. Justin Houston could be a nice pick and provide some pressure opposite Tamba Hali. Allen Bailey is an athletic freak who with proper coaching could become a beast at this level. Ricky Stanzi is a solid QB--I think when you look at him, think Gus Frerotte is the best comparison.

Oakland Raiders Grade: D
Best Pick: Round 2 Stefan Wisniewski OL Penn State

It's no stretch to say that Wisniewski was the Raiders best pick. He's a tough lineman who will be a Raider (much like his uncle was) for a long time. However after that...there's not much. They reached for former Miami CB DeMarcus Van Dyke who has great speed, but that speed never translated to the field and making plays. The only other pick that was notable was Joseph Barksdale who has the measureables to be a very good tackle in the league...whether it happens is yet to be seen.

San Diego Chargers Grade: B
Best Pick: Corey Liuget DL Illinois

Liuget was a legit pick by the Chargers. In a year that is full of lineman, this guy may be the best suited to be a 3-4 end. Him and Luis Castillo could be a scary combination for years to come. Besides that I look at Vincent Brown, who was an extremely productive at San Diego St. and who would know better than the home town team? Also, their pick of Jordan Todman could go overlooked, but even though he's a very small back...he compliments what they already have very well. Mathews, Sproles, Hester, Tolbert, and now Todman give them a plethora of options in the backfield.

AFC South Draft Grades

Houston Texans Grade: B+
Best Pick: Round 1 J.J. Watt DL Wisconsin

The Texans knew what their weakness was...their defense. They addressed it with their first three picks. Watt will an end in their new 3-4 and Brooks Reed they hope will bring some pressure off the edge. Also, being one of the worst pass defenses it couldn't hurt to add a corner. Brandon Harris is a guy who plays bigger than his size and he could end up being a steal for the Texans where they got him. How the heck was QB T.J. Yikes (I mean Yates) selected?!

Indianapolis Colts Grade: A-
Best Pick: Round 3 Drake Nevis DT LSU

The only reason this isn't a complete A is because of the lack of picks they had. Their first round pick Anthony Castonzo finally gives Manning a dependable tackle to work with after the Charlie Johnson/Tony Uguo experiment went a muck. Also, Ben Ijalana is a small school prospect who should end up really helping at guard. My favorite pick was Drake Nevis. He stood out when you watched LSU, but did not test well at the combine. He is the Colts kind of DT, smaller, quicker and can get some cheap sacks with the attention Freeney and Mathis receive.

Jacksonville Jaguars Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 3 Will Rackley OG Lehigh

Let me just say that I may be wrong (I have been before) but Blaine Gabbert is not a franchise QB. I think, with time he can play in this league, but he really struggled in late game situations and didn't even stand out in a spread passing offense at Missouri. Will Rackley is a guy I've seen a lot of, and I think he will be a starter in this league. Cecil Shorts, a WR from Mount Union was extremely productive and has drawn comparison to former Mount Union receiver Pierre Garcon. Just not a really good draft for the Jags.

Tennessee Titans Grade: B-
Best Pick: Round 2 Akeem Ayers LB UCLA

Jake Locker is another questionable pick. This was NOT the draft to find a franchise QB. Akeem Ayers on the other hand was a great choice by the Titans. He's a guy I see as a future pro-bowler and someone we will look back on this draft with as a, 'how the heck did he fall that far? Jurell Casey can play DT, he was highly touted out of high school but really underachieved at USC. And then they did the opposite and drafted all effort defensive lineman Karl Klug from Iowa. Not a bad draft if you take away Locker.

AFC North Draft Grades

Baltimore Ravens Grade: B
Best Pick: Torrey Smith WR Maryland

A good draft for the Ravens, not great. They added some new blood at receiver that could really pay dividends. Smith the speedster, and Tandon Doss more of a possession guy. Jimmy Smith will be a help at corner, although I'm not as high on him as others. Also, their pick of Jah Reid was intriguing. He is a mountain of a man who could eventually pair with Oher to be the Ravens bookends.

Cincinnati Bengals Grade: B+
Best Pick: A.J. Green WR Georgia

You can't knock the Bengals for taking one of the top talents in the draft, A.J. Green. He's going to be a vertical threat from day one...but I must say I see more Charles Rogers than Calvin Johnson. Dalton is a solid option at QB, although I don't think he's ever going to be a Super Bowl QB. Also keep on eye on Dontay Moch who reportedly ran in the high 4.3's in Nevada's testing in the fall. For a linebacker that's ridiculous. It will be interesting to see what they do with Robert Sands. At 6'4 he's a little big for safety, but if he bulks up could be a nice project at LB.

Cleveland Browns Grade: C+
Best Pick: Owen Marecic FB/LB Stanford

Nothing really jumps out to you about their draft. I'll be interested to see where they will play the Stanford two-way star Marecic. Phil Taylor is a monster, and will be a big help in the trenches, most likely playing the nose if they decide to go with a 3-4. Greg Little, the WR from UNC is an athletic specimen who's production never matched the athleticism. He will be given ample time to play in Cleveland to see if he can realize his potential.

Pittsburgh Steelers Grade: B
Best Pick: Cameron Heyward DL Ohio State

Love the pick of Heyward. When you watch him he just looks like a Steeler. He will be a huge boost to an aging defensive line. The Steelers have had success with Gator lineman before (Starks, Pouncey) so they went back to the well for Marcus Gilbert. He can play practically every spot on the line but isn't stellar at any one. The best later round pick was CB Curtis Brown from Texas. He was overshadowed by Aaron Williams in Austin, but he has the potential to be a solid starting corner in this league.

AFC East Draft Grades

Buffalo Bills Grade: B
Best Pick: Marcell Dareus DL Alabama

Really liked their first three picks. Dareus, Williams, and Sheppard will all contribute for them right away. Sheppard is an inside backer, out of the SEC who can go sideline to sideline and will be a great help against the run. Combine that with the addition of Dareus and you have an improved run defense. Good job by the Bills.

Miami Dolphins Grade: C
Best Pick: Daniel Thomas RB Kansas State

Just not a whole lot to write about the Dolphins. I think Daniel Thomas will immediately step in and be a factor in the backfield. Also, the pickup of Mike Pouncey was a good one. He can play multiple spots on the line, but there's a reason his brother went pro early and he didn't, they aren't the same player. That pick was a slight reach.

New England Patriots Grade B+
Best Pick: Tie-Marcus Cannon OL TCU and Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas

I give this grade more for their later round picks than earlier picks. I am really not high at all on Ras-I Dowling, but maybe he'll prove me wrong. Mallett was my best QB in this draft, so whether he ends up being the heir to Brady or an eventual trade piece--it was a very good pick. Also, don't sleep on Marcus Cannon. He's HUGE. And he could end up being a special offensive lineman.

New York Jets Grade: A-
Best Pick: Muhammed Wilkerson DL Temple

A superb draft by the Jets. Wilkerson is a perfect fit for that defense and what the Jets really need. He can play the nose in situations and slide out to play end. Kenrick Ellis is an elite talent, but has serious character concerns. He is 330+ pounds, making him the ideal nose tackle, and we could look back on this draft with envy for that pick. Also, Bilal Powell is a tough runner who should contribute, and Jeremy Kerley will immediately help in the return game and eventually become a good slot receiver.

NFC West Draft Grades

Arizona Cardinals Grade: A-
Best Pick: Patrick Peterson CB LSU

The Cardinals did not address the QB position, but if there's nothing there...not much you can do. I love the addition of Peterson, my best overall player in the draft. I also really like Ryan Williams, although I worry about combining him with Beanie Wells (two injury prone backs). Also, they landed Quan Sturdivant later in the draft who should turn into a solid player for them.

San Francisco 49ers Grade: B
Best Pick: Kendall Hunter RB Oklahoma State

The 9ers had a good, not great draft. Jim Harbaugh is a very good judge of Quarterbacks, being one himself, and Kaepernick is a very intriguing prospect to bring in--just don't expect it from him this year. Aldon Smith is another guy that could develop into a pro bowl type, but also could bust. You have to really like the Kendall Hunter pick--he's a guy who could fill in very well in an every down situation if Gore were to go down, and is otherwise a darn good backup.

Seattle Seahawks Grade: D
Best Pick: John Moffit OG Wisconsin

This draft left a lot to be desired. James Carpenter in the first round is an absolute joke. John Moffit if their best pick, but even he's pretty one-dimensional as a run blocker. They did little to help their god awful pass rush--and they had a chance to add a really good running back to their very average stable and they didn't do it. Very disappointing draft for the Seahawks.

St. Louis Rams Grade: B
Best Pick: Greg Salas WR Hawaii

Robert Quinn is a solid pick with a ton of upside, however he wasn't anywhere near the production of a Da'Quan Bowers and he had some questions about his health as well. The Austin Pettis pick is one I don't like, but adding Greg Salas and Lance Kendricks as receiving options for Bradford were good moves. The poor guy had Danny Amendola as his #1 target for most of last season...yuck. Also, don't overlook Spagnuolo's ability to scout players defensively that will make an impact down the road--particularly Jermale Hines and Jonathan Nelson.

NFC South Draft Grades

Atlanta Falcons Grade: B+
Best Pick: Julio Jones WR Alabama

You have to like the dirty birds being aggressive and flying up to get Jones. It was a move that shows how serious they are about winning, I respect that. I believe Jones will be better than A.J. Green. I also really liked the addition of 'Quizz Rodgers who will give them a receiving option out of the backfield--he also could help in the return game. The sheer amount they gave up to get Jones prevented this from being an A.

      Carolina Panthers Grade: B-
      Best Pick: Cameron Newton QB Auburn

People can argue about it all they would like, but Newton was the right pick. His ceiling is as high as any player that has been in the draft in years. And before you say, it wasn't the safe pick...look back to when the Dolphins took Jake Long (the safe pick) instead of Matt Ryan (the potential franchise QB). Don't they wish they had that back. Aside from Newton, the best pick they made was Sione Fua, a high effort DT who will be a starter in the league.

New Orleans Saints Grade: A
Best Pick: Tie-Cameron Jordan DL California and Martez Wilson LB Illinois

Really awesome draft by the Saints. They got great value from the Ingram and Jordan picks. Not to mention Wilson who I think will turn into a stud. Also, another guy to keep an eye on is Greg Romeus. He was an elite pass rusher in the big east and some saw him as a late 1st-early 2nd round pick before not playing all season due to suspension/injury. Jordan is going to be someone who on passing downs can play inside, running downs he can be stable against the run. Ingram gives them the most complete back they have had. This draft may have put the Saints over the top.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Grade: A
Best Pick: Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson

Speaking of taking the next step how about Tampa Bay. You have to love ESPN experts saying, "well if you draft Bowers you may only get him for 5-6 years". From the guys in the draft that bust every season, you would think you would accept 5-6 years of Bowers considering what he did at Clemson with an injured knee. If your medical team does it's job they can keep him on the field even longer...amazing pick by the Bucs. Clayborn and Bowers is going to be scary in a year or so. Two other picks...Mason Foster at inside backer is very stout and is always around the football, and Ahmad Black of Florida has been told how small he is for years now. All he does? Make plays. I expect the same at the pro level.

NFC North Draft Grades

Chicago Bears Grade: B-
Best Pick: Stephen Paea DT Oregon State

The only reason this grade is so low is because of the lack of picks. Both Carimi and Paea are awesome picks by the bears, and if we are going purely on first two rounds they did about as good as anyone. Carimi should help their running game big time and Paea could be a pass-rushing force at DT. Their drafting of QB Nathan Enderle was very questionable...he has pro size but did not stand out in the way you would like to see small school guys stand out.

Detroit Lions Grade: B
Best Pick: Tie-Nick Fairley DT Auburn and Mikel LeShoure RB Illinois

A defensive line that was already becoming one of the better units in the league can now add another monster. They didn't address their secondary needs in the draft which is the only reason this is not an A. LeShoure reminds some of Rashard Mendenhall, I don't believe he has quite the burst, but there's no doubting that LeShoure is the best option that the Lions have as a primary back. I think he will be very productive and should help give Jahvid Best more of a breather.

Green Bay Packers Grade: B+
Best Pick: Randall Cobb WR Kentucky

There is no better GM in all of football than Ted Thompson. He assembles talent and his staff develops them better than any in the game. Sherrod, I don't think is ready to play from Day one, but is an extremely attractive package. With James Jones likely departing, Cobb fills that role--he is an explosive playmaker who when people look back--will wonder why he was taken so late. Alex Green is
an underrated running back who could provide a little explosiveness to James Starks between the tackles. 

Minnesota Vikings Grade: C
Best Pick: Brandon Burton CB Utah

When the best pick you make is your 4th rounder--that's not a good sign. Ponder was picked in the 1st round, the Vikings do need a QB terribly, but wouldn't they be better off waiting to take a guy that's ceiling is being compared to Chad Pennington? Christian Ballard is a nice pick, who I thought would go higher--and they need him with Pat Williams getting older and facing suspension. Also, they took some guy from Slippery Rock...really?!

NFC East Draft Grades

Dallas Cowboys Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 2 Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina

I like the pick of Smith in round one they needed to sure up their O-line. Carter in my opinion, was their best pick, he's a fast LB, more suited to play inside in the 3-4, needs to bulk up a little more but was always around the ball and should be an immediate factor in Dallas. Also, DeMarco Murray should be a very good 3rd down back for the Boys. 

New York Giants Grade: A-
Best Pick: Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska

As usual, the Giants had an excellent draft. Amukamara will improve the secondary from day one and could turn into a huge difference maker. It's a little bit of a gamble taking Austin, but the Giants have had success with guys like him. I love the picks of Greg Jones (LB) and Da'Rel Scott (RB). Jones will be a starter in the NFL, he is tackling machine, and Scott could end up being a factor in the running game.

Philadelphia Eagles Grade: B-
Best Pick: Jaiquawn Jarrett S Temple

The pick of Danny Watkins was somewhat questionable, with guys like Derrick Sherrod and Gabe Carimi still on the board, but he's a versatile guy who will help them. I'm big on Jaiquawn Jarrett, he's a guy who even at small school Temple jumps off the film, is a very smart and instinctive player. Their last pick of Stanley Havili could turn out to be their best in the long run. The Eagles really missed Leonard Weaver last season, and Havili is in the same mold and is a very good receiver out of the backfield.

Washington Redskins Grade: B+
Best Pick: Leonard Hankerson WR Miami (FL)

Ryan Kerrigan was a very nice pick in the first round and should help their abysmal pass rush. My guy here is Leonard Hankerson, yes he's a Hurricane. The guy put up huge numbers while having Jacory Harris throwing to him...and looked like the best offensive player in the whole senior bowl. Evan Royster is a Mike Shanahan type back who could become one of those unheralded picks to become a star. I also like Markus White, he played DE at florida state, but will project as a 3-4 OLB. He's got the athleticism to do it.

Day One Thoughts

                                                                                    Best Pick of Round One:

Patrick Peterson CB LSU--Cardinals #5 Overall
-This in my mind is the best player in this draft. Athletically, no one has his size and speed...when you combine his ball-hawking skills and his ability to be a return-man on top of it...the uses for Peterson are endless. The Cardinals now have Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Patrick Peterson at Corner...Hey NFC Quarterbacks...turn around and hand the ball off.


Worst Pick of Round One:
                                                                                   Jonathan Baldwin WR Pittsburgh--Chiefs #26 Overall
-The Chiefs passed up a bigger need at O-line to take an extremely overrated receiver. He's tall, and fast for his size, but is an awful route runner. He has average hands at best, and from watching film you can see him giving up on numerous plays. I had Baldwin as a 3rd-4th round pick at best and am disappointed the Chiefs decided to reach as high as they did.

Runner-Up
James Carpenter OL Alabama--Seahawks #25 Overall
-I can't count this as worse because honestly my judging of offensive lineman is not near other positions. But I do know that all James Carpenter did during the Senior Bowl was get beat like he stole something. He does have some versatility, he played both tackle and guard, but as an overall package he's very stiff as an athlete and doesn't seem to be anywhere near a 1st round lineman.

How the hell is he still there?
Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson

-Bowers is the best pass rusher to come out of college since Mario Williams. Some had him as the #1 overall pick prior to the combine...but there it appeared his knee injury is hampering him more than previously thought. He tore his meniscus...something that as I learned in my athletic training class can be fixed and healed after a few months. So you're telling me a guy that was the best defensive end in college football (by far), played with a bad meniscus, is now falling because of this injury? If NFL medical teams can't solve this injury (and essentially have an even better player) then maybe your doctors need to go back to med school. He is STILL my 2nd best defensive player in this entire draft and teams will look back in regret.

Hilarious Analysis of Yesterday:
I love Jon Gruden as much as anyone else. But his analysis on Jake Locker is downright hilarious. He called Jake Locker a "winner". Let's review Jake Locker's record at Washington...Senior Year (7-6)--Junior (5-7)--Sophomore (0-12)--Frosh(4-9). That would be ONE bowl appearance. Does that really look like a winner to you? Not to mention Locker couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat with his awful accuracy and robotic mechanics. Although if you get him the right coach he's got the arm and athleticism to be a solid project.

What I'm looking for tonight...

• Where is Ryan Mallett going to go? He's the most NFL-ready QB in this draft.
• Will the Broncos FINALLY address the defensive line?
• What will the Patriots do with their plethora of picks?
• Who's going to snag Da'Quan?
• What team is going to take the next step? Every year, because of the draft a new good team emerges in the NFL.

Stare, Squint, Nod (FINAL)

Note: The selections are based not on need, not on who I think WILL be taken...but who SHOULD be taken. Hence Ryan Mallet so high...he is in my opinion the best QB in this draft.

1.     Carolina- Cam Newton QB Auburn
2.      Denver- Patrick Peterson CB LSU
3.      Buffalo- Marcell Dareus DL Alabama
4.      Cincinnati- A.J. Green WR Georgia
5.       Arizona- Von Miller DE/OLB Texas A&M
6.       Cleveland- Da’Quan Bowers DL Clemson
7.       San Francisco- Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
8.       Tennessee- Nick Fairley DT Auburn
9.       Dallas- Tyron Smith OL USC
10.   Washington- Julio Jones WR Alabama
11.   Houston- Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
12.   Minnesota- Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
13.   Detroit- Akeem Ayers LB UCLA
14.   St. Louis- Anthony Castonzo OL Boston College
15.   Miami- Jake Locker QB Washington
16.   Jacksonville- Robert Quinn DL North Carolina
17.   New England- Corey Liuget DL Illinois
18.   San Diego- Ryan Kerrigan DL Purdue
19.   NY Giants- Nate Solder OL Colorado
20.   Tampa Bay- J.J. Watt DL Wisconsin
21.   Kansas City- Aldon Smith DE/OLB Missouri
22.   Indianapolis- Stephen Paea DT Oregon State
23.   Philadelphia- Gabe Carimi OL Wisconsin
24.   New Orleans- Danny Watkins OL Baylor
25.   Seattle- Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
26.   Baltimore- Brandon Harris CB Miami (FL)
27.   Atlanta- Mikel LeShoure RB Illinois
28.   New England- Mark Ingram RB Alabama
29.   Chicago- Mike Pouncey OL Florida
30.   NY Jets- Muhammed Wilkerson DL Temple
31.   Pittsburgh- Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
32.   Green Bay- Drake Nevis DL LSU

Don't Call It A Comeback

The west coast road trip seemed to invigorate the Sox. They won 5 of the 6 games on the left coast including their first four-game sweep on the road over the Angels since 1980 (I was -9 years old). The pitching has been stellar, and at times the offense showed signs of breaking out. The offense isn't there yet but there has been improvement.

The batting average has jumped up to .239 (still not very good). They have climbed the ladder (now in top 15 in runs scored) because of the at-bats they are putting together. The Sox (led by Youk) are tied with the Mariners as the best in baseball at drawing walks. This is giving them plenty of chances to drive in runs.

The pitching...simply amazing. You can't expect this current streak to continue, but their ERA has lowered from 6.77 to 4.50. A SIGNIFICANT improvement. The starters are going deep into games and the bullpen has been very well rested. Also, Jonathan Papelbon is looking a lot more like the guy of old...and not the one from the last 2 seasons (ironic that it happens in a contract year). Buchholz has really been the only guy that still appears to be laboring out there...but don't expect Dice-K to keep this up. Lackey on the other hand seems to have a nastiness on the mound to him as of late...and Beckett went into a hot-tub time machine to 2007.

The Sox will have three in Baltimore against the Birds and three back at the fens against Seattle. Let's take a look at how they stack up...

The Orioles (8-12 5th AL East) are the worst pitching staff that the Sox will have faced so far this season. Although, the Sox will see their 2 best, including young lefty Zach Britton who could give them fits as well as the consistent Jeremy Guthrie. Later on in the game, the O's turn to Koji Uehara and Mike Gonzalez (lefty) to set up for Kevin Gregg. This is a bullpen that can be smacked around. The Sox should really look to work counts and get guys like Britton and Guthrie out ASAP.

Their offense is also nothing to write home about. A .230 team batting average. They are in the top 10 in home runs but are dead last in both walks and stolen bases, which are very good indicators for the Red Sox. Their best hitter, average wise is Brian Roberts (hitting just .279), he also leads them with 15 RBI. And at the plate the power is more diverse than usual. Adam Jones is their leader with 4 big flies, but don't forget about Vlad Guerrero and Mark Reynolds (who either strikes out or hits it out it seems).

The Mariners (8-15 4th in AL West) are the worst offensive team in the American League...it seems they always are. They are not a threat for the long ball, and their main weapon is getting on base via the walk, tied as best in the bigs with the Sox. They do run often, good enough for top 10 in baseball, led by Ichiro (8 steals) and they also have Chone Figgins. Ichiro is also far and away their best hitter (.309) but watch out for 1B Justin Smoak who is swinging the bat a lot better. No one on the team has more than 3 HRs.

The pitching is more formidable. The Sox will see the reigning AL Cy Young Winner Felix Hernandez, who is off to a somewhat slow start but always seems to raise his game against the Red Sox. Fans should be disappointed they don't get the treat of seeing M's stud rookie Michael Pineda who has electric stuff. The M's staff has done a nice job keeping the ball in the yard (although that could be attributed to the park they play in). The bullpen is also an adventure for Seattle. Closer Brandon League (Sox fans may remember from Toronto) is a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances, but other than that who knows. The veteran Jamey Wright, Chris Ray, and lefty Aaron Laffey will be seen near the end.

The Sched:

 at Orioles (3 games)
Tues: RHP Clay Buchholz (1-2 5.31 ERA) vs. LHP Zach Britton (3-1 3.16 ERA)
Wed: RHP Josh Beckett (2-1 1.93 ERA) vs. RHP Jeremy Guthrie (1-3 3.12 ERA)
Thur: LHP Jon Lester (2-1 2.59 ERA) vs. RHP Brad Bergeson (0-3 5.40 ERA)

vs. Mariners (3 games)
Fri: LHP Jason Vargas (0-2 5.53 ERA) vs. RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (2-2 4.09 ERA)
Sat: RHP Doug Fister (1-3 3.19 ERA) vs. RHP John Lackey (2-2 6.35 ERA)
Sun: RHP Felix Hernandez (2-2 3.38 ERA) vs. RHP Clay Buchholz (1-2 5.31 ERA)

Forecast: 4-2 Week.
2 out of 3 vs. O's
2 out of 3 vs. M's

Can't Start a Fire Without a Spark

 In my best Harry Doyle voice, "Good news fans! The Red Sox are showing signs of life for the first time this season." This week, we will see not one, but two John Lackey starts! As the A's and Angels try to hit against him next. And why not? Judging by his 15.58 ERA everyone else in the league does! Okay, Doyle impression over.

The Sox needed a spark, like the Bruce Springsteen song, "you can't start a fire without a spark". And Mr. Jed Lowrie may have done that. After a tough loss on Friday night, the sox ripped off three straight over the turf birds. Even Daisuke imagined he was pitching in the World Baseball Classic for a day!

Back to Lowrie, he is showing that he has much to offer the sox from the right-side of the plate. I am not sure if this is warranting him starting every day at SS, but certainly should be in the lineup everyday against left-handed pitchers--which the Sox will see two VERY good ones in Oakland the next two days. Lowrie still does not offer a steady hand defensively, but he definitely provided that spark they needed. Last year, it was Darnell McDonald, this year maybe Lowrie is that guy.

In addition, the pitching the last three days has been very encouraging. Beckett was very good again, Lester was good not great, and Dice-K was the anti-hiroshima. They have gotten at least 6 innings the last three days from their starters. That has lightened the load on the bullpen, and ever since the Jenks blow up on Friday the bullpen allowed only a garbage time run to the Jays today.

This road trip is going to be a tough one. Oakland is a very solid team with pitching that keep them in every game. They sit at 8-8 for 3rd place in the west. Offensively, they do not have many guys that are going to frighten you with power, which is a welcome relief after facing the powerful Jays. The A's are hitting .236 on the season, bad enough for 23rd in baseball! They are also among the majors worst with just 7 home runs (matching Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies),

However...we get to the pitching. And that ERA of 2.59 is the best in baseball as of the moment. They pound the strike zone and they miss bats. In addition the Sox will see two of their best starters. In the pen, closer Andrew Bailey is injured. Those duties have been turned over to the always shaky Brian Fuentes, and in front of him is the Sox former buddy from the Rays Grant Balfour. Conor Jackson is leading the A's with a .296 average and overall their biggest run producer has been Josh Willingham with his 3 HRs and 10 RBI. But nothing too scary.

Then our good friends from the OC will host the Sox. As of today, they are tied in first place in the west with a 10-5 record. Although that will change for the better or worse depending on how they do in Texas before the Sox come to town. They have a team average of .265 (not bad), 10th in baseball. Also, they are among the leaders in baseball with the longball--yet surprisingly don't run as much as past Mike Scoscia teams--which I believe bodes well for the Sox.

The Sox go from the team with the best ERA in baseball, to the team with the 2nd best! Although, the Sox do get a break, they will miss Jered Weaver's turn in the rotation. Haren has shut down stuff, so does Santana (who also has blow-up stuff). Matt Palmer, the Game 4 starter is making his first start of the season and should be a battering ram. At the dish, Torii Hunter and Howie Kendrick are off to a good start producing runs, and Maicier Izturis and Erick Aybar are doing a nice job setting the table. The Sox need to keep the speedsters mentioned above and Peter Bourjos off the bases this series.

Looking ahead, I forecast the Sox going 3-3 during this west coast trip. I think they will lose both in Oakland, then take 3 of 4 from the Halos.

Le Schedule...

at Oakland (2 games)
Tue: RHP John Lackey (1-1 15.58 ERA) vs. LHP Brett Anderson (0-1 2.29 ERA) 10:05PM
Wed: RHP Clay Buchholz (0-2 6.60 ERA) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez (2-0 0.47 ERA) 3:35PM

at LA Angels (4 games)
Thur: RHP Josh Beckett (2-1 1.80 ERA) vs. RHP Tyler Chatwood (1-1 3.75 ERA) 10:05PM
Fri: LHP Jon Lester (1-1 3.20 ERA) vs. RHP Dan Haren (4-0 1.16 ERA) 10:05PM
Sat: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-2 6.43 ERA) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (0-1 3.74 ERA) 9:05PM
Sun: RHP John Lackey (1-1 15.58 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Palmer (0-0 7.71 ERA) 3:35PM

Sox Report

I'm going to try and get a weekly/bi-weekly sox report going. Everyone is unhappy with the 2-9 start but really when you look at the numbers it's not surprising. Yes, players are underachieving, but when you watch the Sox play, right now, they look like a 2-9 team!

They are hitting .230 as a team (among the worst in baseball) with Youk (.182), Crawford (.152), Ellsbury (.189), and Scutaro hitting a robust (.172). The only guys you can say have done a solid job are Pedroia (.366 and putting on a laser show) and J.D. Drew, who still looks lost against left-handers with a breaking ball; but has really been consistent so far for Boston.

They have a team ERA of 6.77 (almost a full run worse than ANYONE else in baseball). Leading that charge is good ole John Lackey (15.58--its never a good sign when your ERA is about as much as the millions of dollars you are making this year) and he somehow is leading Dice K (12.86). Overall leading the team is Rhode Island's own Dan Wheeler (loving the 18.90 out of the pen) and one of the biggest disappointments is how bad Daniel Bard has been (9.64 with 2 losses already).

If this continues some changes are going to have to be made, a fire is going to have to be lit under this team. I think that the Sox should seriously look at calling up one or both of OF Ryan Kalish (gave them a big boost last season) and SS Jose Iglesias from Pawtucket. Ellsbury isn't doing ANYTHING and Kalish gives you a little more pop, meanwhile Iglesias' bat is only getting better and his glove is already better than anything the sox have right now.

For pitching, Dice K needs to be designated for assignment or flat-out released, and I would like to see one of Felix Doubrount, Rich Hill, or Michael Bowden get a shot at the fifth spot.

Now a look ahead to the weekend--4 with the Turf Birds...

The Blue Jays are managed by former Redsox pitching coach John Farrell (in his first season). They are 6-6 on the season. Last year they led the majors in home runs (including 54 from Jose Bautista). So far this season, they are 10th in MLB with a .266 BA, are not quite on the same pace of HRs as they were last season but still boast power potential but are a bet for some strikeouts as they do not walk very much. Early on their biggest threat at the plate has been Jose Bautista, but watch out for Edwin Encarnacion (1b/3b) and J.P. Arencibia (C) who could make the monster their personal playground.

The team ERA is 3.07, good enough for 6th in the majors and at the end of the game they turn it over to Right handers Jon Rauch (closer) and Jason Frasor (set-up man). 

Friday-Brett Cecil LHP 0-1 (7.20 ERA) vs. Clay Buchholz RHP 0-2 (7.20 ERA) 7PM
Saturday- Jo-Jo Reyes LHP 0-1 (5.23 ERA) vs. Josh Beckett RHP 1-1 (2.08 ERA) 1PM
Sunday- Jesse Litsch RHP 1-0 (2.38 ERA) vs. Jon Lester LHP 0-1 (3.72 ERA) 1:30PM
Monday- Ricky Romero LHP 1-1 (1.62 ERA) vs. Hiroshima Matsuzaka RHP 0-2 (12.86 ERA) 11AM

I will say the sox split the series.

NBA Playoffs (Western Conference)

Now to the West...

Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs
-The Grizzlies would have matched up a little better with the Lakers, they really screwed themselves by resting players and not pushing for the 7 spot but here they are...in the playoffs! The Spurs are soooo old. Are they pulling a Boston and taking it easy until the playoffs? Well, they are here and they are taking on an extremely athletic team that is going to try and get up and down. Had Rudy Gay been healthy I might have seriously contemplated picking the upset. But it will still be a good series.

Spurs in 7

Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
-I am biased. I like the Nuggets, or as my friend Jordan says, the "Knuggets". There are so many options on this team to score that it's tough to defend...but there isn't that one guy that you know is going to get it done in the clutch (not that I think Melo was that guy either). OKC is everyone's darling right now, some thinking they are good enough to come out of the west...I don't think they are ready for that and will be in a dog fight in this series. But they can match Denver athletically, and have the best player (actually two best) in the series.

Thunder in 7

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks
-There's a reason everyone in the playoffs wanted the Mavericks in the first round. They are very vulnerable. Portland has seen LaMarcus Aldridge emerge as a star and someone that can compliment Brandon Roy very well. On the other side, Dallas has Dirk. Can Dirk carry the Mavs through this series? He's going to have too, but I think Portland will be able to steal one in Dallas and close it out.

Blazers in 6

New Orleans Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
-Don't worry about the Lakers, they simply got bored at the end of the year. The Hornets are without David West and haven't been the same kind of team since he left. The Lakers have an overwhelming advantage inside and some guy named Kobe. I think that the Lakers will try to feature Gasol, Bynum, and Odom and try to conserve Kobe for future rounds when they will need him more. Chris Paul will steal a game though.

Lakers in 5

NBA Playoffs (Eastern Conference)

It's time for those NBA playoff predictions. Everyone's got their predictions, this is mine. Last season I picked the Mavericks to play the Magic for the title, if that's any indication--the Lakers and Celtics are in trouble.

Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls
-The Pacers have the worst record of any team in the playoffs. They have been better since firing Jim O'Brien earlier in the year so they deserve credit for that. But the buck stops here. All everyone is talking about is that this Bulls team has never won a playoff series. It's not much of a big deal when you play a team like Indiana...Bulls will overwhelm.

Bulls in 4

Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
-The Hawks had the opportunity during the offseason to let Joe Johnson go and not may him a max contract. They failed...and wouldn't ya know it he's having his worst season as a Hawk. The Magic are somewhat flying under the radar and are more like the team two years ago than last season. I'll say this is another sweep.

Magic in 4

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
-Haven't we seen this before? The Celtics look like crap at the end of the year, resting players. Oh, no, they are too old. Yet this team is better than last year. I know Perkins is gone, but that didn't seem to stop them at the start of the year. Last year the questions were about Garnett and Pierce's health and the bench was horrendous. This year the question is Shaq. The bench (with Jeff Green, Glen Davis, Delonte West, and Jermaine O'Neal) is much more formidable. The Knicks don't play defense. Melo will shoot like 7-for-25 a night and they will be gone.

Celtics in 5

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat
-I'm not going to lie. I haven't seen a single 76ers game all year. Everyone says they are a poor man's Miami, with great athleticism and little down low to take advantage of the Heat's weakness. I don't think there is enough to stay with Miami for a series, but you know a Doug Collins team is going to be very tough. This will be the first look at the super friends in the playoffs and it will be fun to see how they will share the ball in a close game, because the Miami Heat look too much to me like the Cleveland Cavaliers of years past.

Heat in 5

Top 15 Sports Moments of My Lifetime (5-1)

If this is the first one you are seeing and would like suspense...quick close your eyes and scroll on down to the part 1.

5. 2001 World Series Game 7 Yankees-Diamondbacks
Date: November 7th, 2001

-The World Series, pushed back into November because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks was one of the best ever. It touched those who were most closely affected by the tragedies in New York and gave anyone with a pulse chills. The Yankees and Diamondbacks were tied at 3 games a piece for a Game 7 in the desert. Two legends...Curt Schilling vs. Roger Clemens on the mound...a dynasty (New York) and an upstart (Arizona). After the game was even through seven innings at 2...young Alfonso Soriano launched a shot into the Arizona night and into the left field stands to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead.

The dynasty looked like it would continue. It was going to be their 4th straight World Series. Mariano Rivera was coming in for a two-inning save, "fuggetaboutit". Then in the Bottom of the Ninth something funny happened. Rivera got hit. And he threw the ball away. And he hit a batter. After a Tony Womack single tied the game and Craig Counsell was plunked to load the bases...Luis Gonzalez stepped up to the plate. With the infield in, Gonzalez got jammed by the famed Rivera cutter and lifted it just barely onto the outfield grass plating the winning run and ending the Yankees run.

4. Mark McGwire Breaks Maris' Record
Date: September 8, 1998

-More Baseball. We talked about how Ripken's streak helped bring baseball back...well the summer of '98 and the Sosa-McGwire home run chase did the rest. It was a frantic time of checking Sportscenter every morning to see what McGwire and Sosa did the night before...how close were they getting to the record. On a fox special a tuesday night game between the Cubs and the Cardinals was televised from St. Louis. McGwire was on 61 home runs...tying him with Maris.

As flash bulbs went off for every single pitch he faced...finally in his second at-bat in the 4th inning, McGwire made contact. While most of his HRs were moonshots, this was a low line drive heading into the left field corner. It just cleared the top of the wall. And Joe Buck yelled, "62!". As the Maris family was there to greet him, players on both teams, including Sosa (who would also surpass Maris) congratulated McGwire on the amazing accomplishment. While today, this is no longer the record (Bonds has it) and drug allegations have tarnished what happened, this moment will never change for those who witnessed it. The feeling in that moment was that you witnessed something truly great.

3. Gum on the Helmet- Super Bowl XLII
Date: February 3rd, 2008

-The New England Patriots finished an undefeated regular season. They were playing the New York Giants in the Super Bowl (a team they had beaten about a month earlier) in Glendale, Arizona. They were 12 point favorites and were poised to finish off the best season in NFL history. But the Giants played with tenacity and grit that the Patriots hadn't dealt with all season. They smacked Brady and the record-breaking offense around.

Despite this, the Patriots held the lead late in the fourth quarter as Eli Manning attempted to lead the Giants on a winning drive. With 2:39 left on their own 14, it looked unlikely to happen. On a 3rd and 5 from their 44 yard line, Manning got pressure that he somehow broke free of, he floated the ball in the air for what seemed like minutes. Leaping up about 30 yards down field was little-used WR David Tyree. He reached up and caught the ball with one hand and his helmet while Rodney Harrison committed everything short of rape on the receiver trying to get the ball away. He held on. Three plays later, Manning found Plaxico Burress in the left corner of the endzone for the touchdown to win the game and end the Patriots dream. It most likely does not happen without a catch that could only be described as an act of God.

2. Michael Jordan's (Real) Last Shot
Date: June 14, 1998

-The most legendary athlete of my lifetime is without question Michael Jordan. Basketball was good, but he made it great. He made the big shots, won the big games, and had a competitiveness and will to win that no one has surpassed. A player is not considered great until he does what Jordan did. Make the clutch shots. Jordan did that better than anyone, and there's not one (during my lifetime) that stands out more than his final shot as a Chicago Bull.

Already having five championship rings, the Bulls were looking to win their third straight title and complete their second "three-peat" of the decade. In their way was the gritty Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. With the Bulls up 3-2 in the series the Jazz looked like they had the game wrapped up and were in good position to force a Game 7. With less than thirty seconds left, Karl Malone had the ball down low looking to ice the game away, when Jordan crashed down on the double team and stripped the Mailman of the ball. Michael dribbled up court. Took a look at the clock, ran it down and ran isolation against Byron Russell of Utah. Jordan drove right, crossed back over to his left and stopped on a dime...pulled up and buried the open jumper with five seconds left as he stood and hung his perfect follow-through.

1. "Redsox fans have longed to hear it..."
Date: Late October, 2004

-There was no team more tortured, no fan base more hurt than the Boston Redsox. They were cursed, they could never win another World Series because of the "Curse of the Bambino". Chants of "1918" would consistently ring out at Yankee Stadium...and after the epic collapse of 2003 in the playoffs...it seemed as though there might be some truth to the whole thing. Then 2004 happened. The curse was reversed.

The Redsox rallied from a three games to none deficit (the first team ever to do so) in the 2004 ALCS to conquer their rivals and "daddy" New York Yankees. It was a Game 4 stolen base by Dave Roberts and base hit by Bill Mueller to tie it. Then a David Ortiz home run into the bullpen to force a Game 5. Then it was Ortiz again with a key home run to tie the game and a jam-shot base hit to center field to send the series back to New York. It was the bloody sock in Game 6 by Curt Schilling that will long live as legend in Boston. Then it was the Game 7 shalacking in the House That Ruth Built by a bunch of "idiots" that completed the greatest comeback ever.

The actual World Series? Pretty anti-climatic. A sweep of the Cardinals.

"Back to Foulke...Redsox fans have longed to hear it...the Boston Redsox...are World Champions". Just typing those words give me chills to this day. I witnessed it. Something many of my family members who were Redsox fans never got to see. They did it. And there is almost definitely no moment that can happen in the world of sports that will EVER pass this. And most Redsox fans feel the same.

Cheers.