Sox: Time to Re-Invest?

I'm one of the biggest believers that anything can happen in the month of October. That's even more so now that the wild card is now extended with yet another team joining with a one game playoff. But it's pretty hard to ignore the energy of the Red Sox and how much they are buying into Bobby Valentine in their first year with the Italian Stallion. It's also a question with how much confidence they actually have with the absense of starters throughout the year. It's difficult to establish a good chemistry and confidence in who you are when players are in and out the lineup.

The main question a Red Sox fan has to ask themselves is "Do you see Boston winning a ring this year?". I understand we're used to living in the city of champions, the best of the best, the creme of the crop, the home of Tom Brady's flowing hair in the warm Superbowl February winds. But I cannot honestly say that the Red Sox have the pieces of the puzzle to get the job done this year. Our biggest hole is no doubt our pitching, that goes for the starters as well as the bullpen. I know I'm stating the obvious but this staff doesn't have what it takes to make a run in the playoffs. And with a thick playoff field, it is extremely possible for the boys in the bean to miss the playoffs entirely.

So why not start making deals to make us REAL contenders in the future? I understand that it's tough for Red Sox fans to grasp this concept, and it's even tougher for Cherrington to make moves like that in a city like Boston. But there are so many reasons why we can turn into sellers before the deadline.

As my new roommate and fresh southern boy Jeff Miller pointed out yesterday, Jacoby Ellsbury is nearing the end of his contract. Looking at his near MVP season last year, as well as Scott Boras as his agent, what kind of money is he going to be looking for? Are we willing to pay him that cash? And is it actually that good for the money? My answer to that situation is to deal him immediately. There are plenty of teams that are in the market for a good leadoff hitter that can steal bases with a decent bat. How bout some longterm bullpen help and a prospect in return, instead of letting him walk at the end of the season?

Another point I can bring out is Lars Anderson playing down in the minors still. Its easy to say his value isn't tip top shape, but he's known around the league to be one of the best farm system players in the bigs. With Adrian Gonzalez here long term, there is nowhere else we can put him (unless they're waiting on Papi to retire). But the kid is too talented to be DH-ing. He holds a great amount of value, and I could see us making a move for prospect pitching that will round the boys out much better.

Its a bitter pill to swallow, but it's safe to say this ain't the year. Who know's, maybe Jacoby will be holding up the big trophy at the end of the year, but it won't be in a Red Sox uniform.

PSU Penalties: Exactly what the Doctor Ordered

I've been wanting to touch down on this Penn State issue for a long long time now. I think since the first story about Sandusky broke out months back I listened to at least thirty hours of radio and hundreds of opinions on the matter and I really think I could write a book on what I think should have been done/who was responsible. First off, its agreed that Sanduskys a monster and the people who covered up for him deserve punishment. I did not know enough information for the longest time, but it is now confirmed that Joe Pa did enough covering up that he would as well face criminal prosecution if he were still alive. The statue had to be removed, and I will stand by that, but thats another issue that I could touch on for hours. I know the Penn Staters who are so engaged in the school and believe the good that Joe Pa did outweighed this situation but thats a dead wrong statement. He was one of the smartest men to ever coach football and you can believe he knew the wrong in it and that he didn't do nearly enough. He was a man of integrity and doing the right thing, and its safe to say that he knew he didn't do enough.
The main point I wanted to touch on was the penalties and how they touched hundreds of thousands of innocent people. As I feel for them and what the punishment really meant to them, I wholeheartedly agree with the penalties given. This is a situation that is speaking as a precedent directly to the perception that the power of football is bigger than criminal acts. The internal operations of college football are very far from ethically clean as they have been more exposed in the recent past. What has happened on the Penn State Campus has to be one of the most traumatic, inhumane, irresponsible crimes that can occur. And it was covered up. What people need to ask themselves is why exactly was this covered up? It ties directly to the game that was played between the lines. The damage reporting Sandusky to officials would have challenged the public perception, integrity, and just the intelligence at Penn State. Even the act of doing the right thing and confessing that there was a criminal on the grounds would have caused a media uproar. Instead, the mass of power holders in the front offices, including Joe Paterno, decided to cover up the awful actions of Sandusky to ensure some of the best recruits in the country for continued success in the football program, ensure their legacy, maximize profits, and have the centerpiece that pulls in students as well.
So what did the NCAA do by fining, taking away wins, and removing the ability to compete in Bowl Games? The easiest way to answer this question is temporarily take the side of Penn Staters who believe that football should continue. We'll give them all their wins back and allow them to compete in bowl games because the criminals that were involved are being handled by the Federal Government and that is all that will be needed. Now look down the road and think internally at schools that are in similiar situations. Allowing the wins to stand as well and keeping the Lions bowl eligible sends a hard message to those other big schools in the future. I can just hear the board meeting of the head honchos at a powerhouse school discussing a negative situation: "Look, I understand were trying to do the right thing here but the public image of this university is what drives us, and makes us who we are. If were going to march towards a National Championship and continue to maximize our revenue we need to keep up that image. Coming forward with a small crime like this that happens on a daily basis in the United States really isn't going to help us as a whole. I mean look at Penn State, worst case scenario is we get caught and the place gets a slap on the wrist, we'll never lose any wins and well continue to roll on just as we would if we came forward in the first place. I think its worth the small chance of not letting this out to keep on rolling as a University."
There needed to be certain amount of fear put into people who control football programs. If you don't have a punishment that fit one of the worst crimes that ever happened in sports, what's the point of even pretending you have integrity?

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.