I am listening to Mike and Mike on ESPN radio and they are discussing former Ravens head coach Brian Billick has made a statement regarding Rex Ryan and his language on Hard Knocks. Billick said:
"Whether the camera is on you or not, you ought not to be using certain language."
Seriously Brian Billick? Isn't this the pot calling the kettle black? For a group of NKYSportsWorlders we know the history of Brian Billick and his mouth, and one trip through YouTube will give you plenty of inappropriate Billick comments when the camera was rolling. So I ask you Mr. Billick, "Can I get a measurement, can I get a fu*%#@g measurement?"
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
How About those Reds!
The Cincinnati Reds are 76-55 and are currently leading the division by 6 games......someone please pinch me!
Throughout this entire season it has not always been pretty, it has not always been dominating, but they just find a way to win. National pundits like Cowherd want to say this team can't beat a good opponent. And to Cowherd's credit if you look at the statistics they do have a losing record against the upper echelon of the National League. But who would have expected the Reds to be this good? No one! (Other than me of course)
They just keep doing it by the skin of the teeth but in the end that doesn't matter because they do it. To most baseball fans they probably don't know most of this Reds team. They know Arroyo, Rolen, and now probably Votto. But what they don't know are the guys like Gomes, Cairo, Nix, Stubbs, Yanish, Valaika, Hannigan, Bruce, and Phillips all of the guys who have had those moments throughout the season when we needed them.
I love this team and most importantly I love this pitching staff. Think of all of the options that we have. They are calling up Aroldis Chapman today add that to Volquez, Cueto, Harang, Wood, Leake, Arroyo, Rhodes, Massett, Ondrusek, and Cordero it is not a team of All-Stars but a servicable staff with a whole lot of options.
Throughout this entire season it has not always been pretty, it has not always been dominating, but they just find a way to win. National pundits like Cowherd want to say this team can't beat a good opponent. And to Cowherd's credit if you look at the statistics they do have a losing record against the upper echelon of the National League. But who would have expected the Reds to be this good? No one! (Other than me of course)
They just keep doing it by the skin of the teeth but in the end that doesn't matter because they do it. To most baseball fans they probably don't know most of this Reds team. They know Arroyo, Rolen, and now probably Votto. But what they don't know are the guys like Gomes, Cairo, Nix, Stubbs, Yanish, Valaika, Hannigan, Bruce, and Phillips all of the guys who have had those moments throughout the season when we needed them.
I love this team and most importantly I love this pitching staff. Think of all of the options that we have. They are calling up Aroldis Chapman today add that to Volquez, Cueto, Harang, Wood, Leake, Arroyo, Rhodes, Massett, Ondrusek, and Cordero it is not a team of All-Stars but a servicable staff with a whole lot of options.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Bengals to release Antonio Bryant?
Twitter is buzzing with multiple people indicating the Bengals are set to release recent Free Agent Antonio Bryant. Bryant was signed in the offseason after clearing a physical from team doctors. If they do release Bryant this will be another negative mark on the Bengals front office. There are few complaints the past few years about the personnel decisions that have been made, however you still have a few questionable choices, like drafting Andre Smith (which I supported at the time.) There have been no sources yet confirming his release but all signs seems to be pointing in that direction.
Reds Schedule down the Stretch
The Cincinnati Reds are currently enjoying a 3.5 game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals. They have not experienced this much success in over a decade. But if they really want to make a push and lock up a spot in the post season they are going to have to continue taking advantage of weak opponents. Check out the upcoming series for both Cincinnati and St. Louis (home games in bold):
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago (3 games)
Milwaukee (3 games)
St. Louis (3 games)
Colorado (4 games)
Pittsburgh (3 games)
Arizona (4 games)
Houston (3 games)
Milwaukee (3 games)
San Diego (3 games)
Houston (3 games)
Milwaukee (3 games)
St. Louis Cardinals
Washington (4 games)
Houston (3 games)
Cincinnati (3 games)
Milwaukee (3 games)
Atlanta (4 games)
Chicago (3 games)
San Diego (4 games)
Pittsburgh (3 games)
Chicago (3 games)
Pittsburgh (3 games)
Colorado (4 games)
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago (3 games)
Milwaukee (3 games)
St. Louis (3 games)
Colorado (4 games)
Pittsburgh (3 games)
Arizona (4 games)
Houston (3 games)
Milwaukee (3 games)
San Diego (3 games)
Houston (3 games)
Milwaukee (3 games)
St. Louis Cardinals
Washington (4 games)
Houston (3 games)
Cincinnati (3 games)
Milwaukee (3 games)
Atlanta (4 games)
Chicago (3 games)
San Diego (4 games)
Pittsburgh (3 games)
Chicago (3 games)
Pittsburgh (3 games)
Colorado (4 games)
UK Releases 2010-2011 Basketball Schedule.
Nov. 1 (Mon) PIKEVILLE [EXH.] TBA
Nov. 5 (Fri) DILLARD [EXH.] TBA
Nov. 12 (Fri) EAST TENNESSEE STATE TBA
Nov. 19 (Fri) 1 vs. Portland 10:30 p.m.
Nov. 22 (Mon) 2 vs. Oklahoma 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 (Tues) 2 vs. Virginia/Washington / 4:30/9:30 p.m.
Nov. 24 (Wed) 2 vs. EA Sports Maui Invitational / / TBA
Nov. 30 (Tues) BOSTON TBA
Dec. 4 (Sat) at North Carolina 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 8 (Wed) 3 vs. Notre Dame 9:30 p.m.
Dec. 11 (Sat) INDIANA 5:15 p.m.
Dec. 18 (Sat) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE TBA
Dec. 22 (Wed) WINTHROP TBA
Dec. 28 (Tues) COPPIN STATE TBA
Dec. 31 (Fri) at Louisville Noon
Jan. 3 (Mon) PENN 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 8 (Sat) • at Georgia 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 11 (Tues) • AUBURN 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 15 (Sat) • LSU 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 18 (Tues) • at Alabama 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 22 (Sat) • at South Carolina 6:00 p.m.
Jan. 29 (Sat) • GEORGIA 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 1 (Tues) • at Ole Miss 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 5 (Sat) • at Florida [ESPN College GameDay] 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 8 (Tues) • TENNESSEE 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 12 (Sat) • at Vanderbilt 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 15 (Tues) • MISSISSIPPI STATE 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 19 (Sat) • SOUTH CAROLINA 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 23 (Wed) • at Arkansas 8:00 p.m.
Feb. 26 (Sat) • FLORIDA 4:00 p.m.
Mar. 1 (Tues) • VANDERBILT 9:00 p.m.
Mar. 6 (Sun) • at Tennessee Noon
Mar. 10-13 (Th-Su) 4 SEC Tournament [Atlanta] / TBA
Check local listings • All times Eastern
• SEC
For a rundown of each opponent check out this link.
Nov. 5 (Fri) DILLARD [EXH.] TBA
Nov. 12 (Fri) EAST TENNESSEE STATE TBA
Nov. 19 (Fri) 1 vs. Portland 10:30 p.m.
Nov. 22 (Mon) 2 vs. Oklahoma 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 (Tues) 2 vs. Virginia/Washington / 4:30/9:30 p.m.
Nov. 24 (Wed) 2 vs. EA Sports Maui Invitational / / TBA
Nov. 30 (Tues) BOSTON TBA
Dec. 4 (Sat) at North Carolina 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 8 (Wed) 3 vs. Notre Dame 9:30 p.m.
Dec. 11 (Sat) INDIANA 5:15 p.m.
Dec. 18 (Sat) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE TBA
Dec. 22 (Wed) WINTHROP TBA
Dec. 28 (Tues) COPPIN STATE TBA
Dec. 31 (Fri) at Louisville Noon
Jan. 3 (Mon) PENN 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 8 (Sat) • at Georgia 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 11 (Tues) • AUBURN 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 15 (Sat) • LSU 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 18 (Tues) • at Alabama 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 22 (Sat) • at South Carolina 6:00 p.m.
Jan. 29 (Sat) • GEORGIA 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 1 (Tues) • at Ole Miss 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 5 (Sat) • at Florida [ESPN College GameDay] 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 8 (Tues) • TENNESSEE 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 12 (Sat) • at Vanderbilt 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 15 (Tues) • MISSISSIPPI STATE 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 19 (Sat) • SOUTH CAROLINA 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 23 (Wed) • at Arkansas 8:00 p.m.
Feb. 26 (Sat) • FLORIDA 4:00 p.m.
Mar. 1 (Tues) • VANDERBILT 9:00 p.m.
Mar. 6 (Sun) • at Tennessee Noon
Mar. 10-13 (Th-Su) 4 SEC Tournament [Atlanta] / TBA
Check local listings • All times Eastern
• SEC
For a rundown of each opponent check out this link.
Truffle Shuffle Season 3 Draft Analysis
Last night was the third annual Truffle Shuffle Fantasy Football Draft. Some were winners, most were losers. Check out the full rundown below. If you are not in the league you probably don't care. I understand that, but its my blog and I can do what I want!
O'Sullivan!
The squad who pays homage to lifetime backup J.T. O'Sullivan stayed pretty conservative in the draft until the later rounds. With a solid base in place with Turner, Mendenhall, and Jennings this squad started to shoot all over the board in the later rounds. He took a chance on a few guys like Bernard Barrian, Mohamed Massaquoi, and Lee Evans. The draft grade was set to be much higher until the final round when he selected Shayne Graham.
Key Player: Michael Turner
Reach Player: Mohamed Massaquoi
Sleeper: Javih Best
Final Grade: B
Smushing Ain't Easy
This team started pretty strong with a Ray Rice, Andre Johnson, LeSean McCoy foundation. It seemed as if Smushing was going to be easy early on. But while the rest of the league spent time grabbing QB's, Smush was loading up on WR's and TE's. Finally in round 9 he grabbed Kevin Kolb, and after ridicule from the peanut gallery he began to panic and drafted Cutler and Eli Manning using the often controversial 3 Qb set. What he failed to realize in his barrage of QB picks is that all three have the same bye week. I did the math and the probability of this happening is only 1/2,209,390,637,378. The panic continued and he selected two defenses.
Key Player: Andre Johnson
Reach Player: Laurence Maroney
Sleeper: Knowshon Moreno
Final Grade: F-
HE-MAN
He-Man tied with Wanna Get High? for longest average time per pick at just under 35 minutes to make his selection. With the bottom of the snake draft he took Drew Brees at pick 9 which I thought was solid. Ryan Matthews in round two was the sexy pick but questionable to me with guys like Williams, Mendenhall, and McCoy on the board. HE-MAN will be hoping to strike gold with his RB's with Mathews, Charles, and Spiller. Apparently HE-MAN really enjoyed watching the Super Bowl last year he drafted a record 4 New Orleans Saints.
Key Player: Drew Brees
Reach Player: Victor Cruz
Sleeper: C.J. Spiller
Final Grade: C-
Lord Voldemort
The dark lord hasn't always been known as a trendsetter, but set a trend in this draft by taking the first QB and grabbing Aaron Rodgers in round 1. That caused mass panic in Truffle Shuffle land which resulted in a run on QB's in late round 1 early round 2. The rest of the league thanks you for this trend because it gave some of us some later round steals. Voldemort grabbed a few good WR's in Miles Austin, Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Eddie Royal. But is somewhat weak on RB's with Shonn Greene, Pierre Thomas, and Ahmad Bradshaw.
Key Player: Aaron Rodgers
Reach Player: Pierre Thomas
Sleeper: Hakeem Nicks
Final Grade: B-
The Rick Rollers
This team is never gonna give you up, and certainly never gonna make you cry. The Rick Roller stringed together quite possibly one of the greatest drafts in the history of fantasy drafts. He didn't quite shock the world with a Chris Johnson first pick. But on the back end of the snake grabbed Reggie Wayne and Calvin Johnson in a somewhat WR heavy league. It seems as if Rick lost a little focus near the end with some shaky picks like Justin Forsett, Malcolm Floyd, and Mike Wallace. But killed it in the end with a solid Devin Aromashodu 14th round selection.
Key Player: Chris Johnson
Reach Player: Dez Bryant
Sleeper: Justin Forsett
Final Grade: Epic
CHAMPIONSHIP
Team Champ didn't quite live up to their name in this draft and had the highest "had to search for that guy" rating of the night. He started off solid with Jones-Drew, Brady and Roddy White. Then the LandShark Lager kicked in and he picked Matt Forte and Steve Slaton. Then in later rounds he selected T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Vince Young, and Michael Bush. That's when I realized that he had a fantasy magazine from 2009. Tough luck Championship. There is always next year.
Key Player: Maurice Jones-Drew
Reach Player: Steve Slaton
Sleeper: Jeremy Maclin
Final Grade: C+
Wanna Get High?
As mentioned previously, Wanna Get High was tied with HE-MAN for longest average time per pick, and what made that worse he had back to back picks. Wanna Get High? has a history of dominating the regular season and promptly getting knocked from the playoffs in his first post-season game. He decided this year that was not going to happen to him anymore, so he drafted Marion Barber, Beanie Wells, Zach Miller and Brandon Jacobs. He surely won't win the regular season with that crew. He stayed true to his Bengaldom by picking Benson with the first pick round #2, Terrell Owens round 8, and Jermaine Gresham round 10. I thought he got a steal in round #5 for NYG Steve Smith.
Key Player: Cedric Benson
Reach Player: Jermaine Gresham
Sleeper: Zach Miller
Final Grade: C
The Skidmarks
The good news for the Skidmarks, Frank Gore was available for his first pick and he didn't have to be embarrassed by taking Alex Smith first if Gore were gone. The whole room knew who was going #3 once Skidmarks went on the clock and true to 49er form he took Gore #3. I loved DeAngelo Williams late 2nd round. Joseph Addai is questionable in round #4 with some other RB's on the board at that point. He got a couple of steals with Arian Foster in round #9 and the pick of the night Thomas Jones in round #14!
Key Player: Frank Gore
Reach Player: Joseph Addai
Sleeper: Arian Foster
Final Grade: B
Galactic Empire
The Empire strikes back in this league and struck hard with a few solid early picks in Adrian Peterson, Randy Moss, and Ryan Grant. The Empire lives by the creed "If you ain't first your last" and we all knew something was coming when he asked, "what round is it?" then promptly took the first TE Dallas Clark in round #4. The Empire also started the run early by taking a defense in round #9. He got a nice pick in round #12 with Darren Sproles and completely screwed me in round #10 and took Reggie Bush.
Key Player: Adrian Peterson
Reach Player: Braylon Edwards
Sleeper: Pierre Garcon
Final Grade: B-
Team Andy
Team Andy, proudly beaming in his team name originality, was our Fantasy Draft virgin. And you wouldn't know he was a Fantasy Draft first timer. I thought he went a little too early on Steven Jackson in the first round with some studs still on the board but backed that up with Schaub, Marshall, Ochocinco, and Sims-Walker. I thought for being a first time player Team Andy really had a solid showing. He did get a little Atlanta happy in the end with his two final picks of Michael Jenkins and Jerious Norwood.
Key Player: Matta Schaub
Reach Player: Fred Jackson
Sleeper: Michael Crabtree
Final Grade: C+
O'Sullivan!
The squad who pays homage to lifetime backup J.T. O'Sullivan stayed pretty conservative in the draft until the later rounds. With a solid base in place with Turner, Mendenhall, and Jennings this squad started to shoot all over the board in the later rounds. He took a chance on a few guys like Bernard Barrian, Mohamed Massaquoi, and Lee Evans. The draft grade was set to be much higher until the final round when he selected Shayne Graham.
Key Player: Michael Turner
Reach Player: Mohamed Massaquoi
Sleeper: Javih Best
Final Grade: B
Smushing Ain't Easy
This team started pretty strong with a Ray Rice, Andre Johnson, LeSean McCoy foundation. It seemed as if Smushing was going to be easy early on. But while the rest of the league spent time grabbing QB's, Smush was loading up on WR's and TE's. Finally in round 9 he grabbed Kevin Kolb, and after ridicule from the peanut gallery he began to panic and drafted Cutler and Eli Manning using the often controversial 3 Qb set. What he failed to realize in his barrage of QB picks is that all three have the same bye week. I did the math and the probability of this happening is only 1/2,209,390,637,378. The panic continued and he selected two defenses.
Key Player: Andre Johnson
Reach Player: Laurence Maroney
Sleeper: Knowshon Moreno
Final Grade: F-
HE-MAN
He-Man tied with Wanna Get High? for longest average time per pick at just under 35 minutes to make his selection. With the bottom of the snake draft he took Drew Brees at pick 9 which I thought was solid. Ryan Matthews in round two was the sexy pick but questionable to me with guys like Williams, Mendenhall, and McCoy on the board. HE-MAN will be hoping to strike gold with his RB's with Mathews, Charles, and Spiller. Apparently HE-MAN really enjoyed watching the Super Bowl last year he drafted a record 4 New Orleans Saints.
Key Player: Drew Brees
Reach Player: Victor Cruz
Sleeper: C.J. Spiller
Final Grade: C-
Lord Voldemort
The dark lord hasn't always been known as a trendsetter, but set a trend in this draft by taking the first QB and grabbing Aaron Rodgers in round 1. That caused mass panic in Truffle Shuffle land which resulted in a run on QB's in late round 1 early round 2. The rest of the league thanks you for this trend because it gave some of us some later round steals. Voldemort grabbed a few good WR's in Miles Austin, Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Eddie Royal. But is somewhat weak on RB's with Shonn Greene, Pierre Thomas, and Ahmad Bradshaw.
Key Player: Aaron Rodgers
Reach Player: Pierre Thomas
Sleeper: Hakeem Nicks
Final Grade: B-
The Rick Rollers
This team is never gonna give you up, and certainly never gonna make you cry. The Rick Roller stringed together quite possibly one of the greatest drafts in the history of fantasy drafts. He didn't quite shock the world with a Chris Johnson first pick. But on the back end of the snake grabbed Reggie Wayne and Calvin Johnson in a somewhat WR heavy league. It seems as if Rick lost a little focus near the end with some shaky picks like Justin Forsett, Malcolm Floyd, and Mike Wallace. But killed it in the end with a solid Devin Aromashodu 14th round selection.
Key Player: Chris Johnson
Reach Player: Dez Bryant
Sleeper: Justin Forsett
Final Grade: Epic
CHAMPIONSHIP
Team Champ didn't quite live up to their name in this draft and had the highest "had to search for that guy" rating of the night. He started off solid with Jones-Drew, Brady and Roddy White. Then the LandShark Lager kicked in and he picked Matt Forte and Steve Slaton. Then in later rounds he selected T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Vince Young, and Michael Bush. That's when I realized that he had a fantasy magazine from 2009. Tough luck Championship. There is always next year.
Key Player: Maurice Jones-Drew
Reach Player: Steve Slaton
Sleeper: Jeremy Maclin
Final Grade: C+
Wanna Get High?
As mentioned previously, Wanna Get High was tied with HE-MAN for longest average time per pick, and what made that worse he had back to back picks. Wanna Get High? has a history of dominating the regular season and promptly getting knocked from the playoffs in his first post-season game. He decided this year that was not going to happen to him anymore, so he drafted Marion Barber, Beanie Wells, Zach Miller and Brandon Jacobs. He surely won't win the regular season with that crew. He stayed true to his Bengaldom by picking Benson with the first pick round #2, Terrell Owens round 8, and Jermaine Gresham round 10. I thought he got a steal in round #5 for NYG Steve Smith.
Key Player: Cedric Benson
Reach Player: Jermaine Gresham
Sleeper: Zach Miller
Final Grade: C
The Skidmarks
The good news for the Skidmarks, Frank Gore was available for his first pick and he didn't have to be embarrassed by taking Alex Smith first if Gore were gone. The whole room knew who was going #3 once Skidmarks went on the clock and true to 49er form he took Gore #3. I loved DeAngelo Williams late 2nd round. Joseph Addai is questionable in round #4 with some other RB's on the board at that point. He got a couple of steals with Arian Foster in round #9 and the pick of the night Thomas Jones in round #14!
Key Player: Frank Gore
Reach Player: Joseph Addai
Sleeper: Arian Foster
Final Grade: B
Galactic Empire
The Empire strikes back in this league and struck hard with a few solid early picks in Adrian Peterson, Randy Moss, and Ryan Grant. The Empire lives by the creed "If you ain't first your last" and we all knew something was coming when he asked, "what round is it?" then promptly took the first TE Dallas Clark in round #4. The Empire also started the run early by taking a defense in round #9. He got a nice pick in round #12 with Darren Sproles and completely screwed me in round #10 and took Reggie Bush.
Key Player: Adrian Peterson
Reach Player: Braylon Edwards
Sleeper: Pierre Garcon
Final Grade: B-
Team Andy
Team Andy, proudly beaming in his team name originality, was our Fantasy Draft virgin. And you wouldn't know he was a Fantasy Draft first timer. I thought he went a little too early on Steven Jackson in the first round with some studs still on the board but backed that up with Schaub, Marshall, Ochocinco, and Sims-Walker. I thought for being a first time player Team Andy really had a solid showing. He did get a little Atlanta happy in the end with his two final picks of Michael Jenkins and Jerious Norwood.
Key Player: Matta Schaub
Reach Player: Fred Jackson
Sleeper: Michael Crabtree
Final Grade: C+
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
NFL Fantasy Draft Guide
I have been an avid Fantasy Sports player for many years. And tonight is yet another live draft. I think my favorite part of Fantasy sports, other than total domination of my friends, is the draft. Fantasy drafts are really one of societies accepted total nerd activities. Think about it. There are 10-12 guys in a room, most probably wearing some football shirt or jersey. The guys have books, magazines, lists, and spreadsheets and are mulling over picking their "fantasy" players who are going to gel together. It's a total nerd event but I love it!
With that being said I have always wanted to do a full fledged fantasy analysis on my blog, but since all of the guys that are in my league are in my fantasy leagues it makes it difficult to post my strategies. But this year I am opening up for the masses (and most importantly my competition) and giving you this NFL Fantasy Football Draft Guide.
So here are some simple rules to follow if you are a first timer (or a player in my league)
Don't listen to those "experts" on TV and in magazines. They will tell you that you shouldn't take a kicker with your first few picks. Well guess what, they tell you that because they want you to lose so they can win! I am on to this conspiracy. Take a kicker early and be sure to have a backup kicker on your bench.
Another tip, Running Backs are overrated. Do you get excited about four yards per carry? Most receptions are around 10 yards. That's six extra yards that you are leaving on the table. Don't let them fool you.
If you have ever followed sports you know the old adage "Offense wins games, but defense wins championships." Do you just want to win some games, no! You want to win it all, and to do so you have to have a solid defense. So while the rest of the world is following their numerous publications and going RB, RB, QB. You can be racking up a crazy strong defense. Think about it!
Peyton Manning has been one of the most successful QB's in the league, and he has done so by using a Tight End. Don't get caught in the trap of undervaluing a tight end on your team. Again, while everyone else is stockpiling RBs, QBs, and WRs you could be grabbing top notch TE's.
Just some things to think about as we enter this fantasy draft season. Again, I hope that all of the my friends and associates who play fantasy football with me will read my guide and finally take heed to my suggestions. If you all follow my strategy it will surely bring home a championship!
With that being said I have always wanted to do a full fledged fantasy analysis on my blog, but since all of the guys that are in my league are in my fantasy leagues it makes it difficult to post my strategies. But this year I am opening up for the masses (and most importantly my competition) and giving you this NFL Fantasy Football Draft Guide.
So here are some simple rules to follow if you are a first timer (or a player in my league)
Don't listen to those "experts" on TV and in magazines. They will tell you that you shouldn't take a kicker with your first few picks. Well guess what, they tell you that because they want you to lose so they can win! I am on to this conspiracy. Take a kicker early and be sure to have a backup kicker on your bench.
Another tip, Running Backs are overrated. Do you get excited about four yards per carry? Most receptions are around 10 yards. That's six extra yards that you are leaving on the table. Don't let them fool you.
If you have ever followed sports you know the old adage "Offense wins games, but defense wins championships." Do you just want to win some games, no! You want to win it all, and to do so you have to have a solid defense. So while the rest of the world is following their numerous publications and going RB, RB, QB. You can be racking up a crazy strong defense. Think about it!
Peyton Manning has been one of the most successful QB's in the league, and he has done so by using a Tight End. Don't get caught in the trap of undervaluing a tight end on your team. Again, while everyone else is stockpiling RBs, QBs, and WRs you could be grabbing top notch TE's.
Just some things to think about as we enter this fantasy draft season. Again, I hope that all of the my friends and associates who play fantasy football with me will read my guide and finally take heed to my suggestions. If you all follow my strategy it will surely bring home a championship!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Reds call up Two
The Reds have called up two players to the big leagues right-handed pitcher Sam LeCure and infielder Chris Valaika.
LeCure was up earlier in the season and went 1-4 with a 4.86 ERA. He was 8-3 with a 3.67 ERA. LeCure will work in the bullpen this time after being a starter in his last call up.
Chris Valaika will make is debut with the Reds tonight. In Louisville he hit .304 with 4 HR and 53 RBI. Valaika is likely to replace Jim Edmonds who was injured last night.
LeCure was up earlier in the season and went 1-4 with a 4.86 ERA. He was 8-3 with a 3.67 ERA. LeCure will work in the bullpen this time after being a starter in his last call up.
Chris Valaika will make is debut with the Reds tonight. In Louisville he hit .304 with 4 HR and 53 RBI. Valaika is likely to replace Jim Edmonds who was injured last night.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Give it a rest St. Louis!!
Check out this article
If you don't feel like wasting your day reading St. Louis news the headline is "LaRue's out, Cueto's in: Is that fair?"
The article indicates that Jason LaRue has been placed on the 60 day DL as a result of his concussion. And the writer is whining and complaining about Johnny Cueto only getting a 7 game suspension. They say that Cueto has "ended LaRue's season." He also mentions that St. Louis had to find a way to get Pedro Feliz on their roster. I don't want to speculate that LaRue did not get injured, but I seriously doubt that his injuries would require a 60 day DL placement. Perhaps this is an easy excuse to bitch and moan about being called a team that bitches and moans, make room for a new player by putting a guy who has made 29 appearances this season on the DL. Let it go St. Louis. If you didn't want to get hurt don't get in the middle of a fight. What a bunch of little bitches!
If you don't feel like wasting your day reading St. Louis news the headline is "LaRue's out, Cueto's in: Is that fair?"
The article indicates that Jason LaRue has been placed on the 60 day DL as a result of his concussion. And the writer is whining and complaining about Johnny Cueto only getting a 7 game suspension. They say that Cueto has "ended LaRue's season." He also mentions that St. Louis had to find a way to get Pedro Feliz on their roster. I don't want to speculate that LaRue did not get injured, but I seriously doubt that his injuries would require a 60 day DL placement. Perhaps this is an easy excuse to bitch and moan about being called a team that bitches and moans, make room for a new player by putting a guy who has made 29 appearances this season on the DL. Let it go St. Louis. If you didn't want to get hurt don't get in the middle of a fight. What a bunch of little bitches!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Reds offer Baker an extension
Reports indicate the Reds have offered manager Dusty Baker a contract extension. It is not clear how many years they have offered but its a clear sign they have faith in Dusty and hope for stability.
Will Brandon Knight be better than John Wall?
Brandon Knight has only played in three games in a Kentucky uniform. But in those three game he has managed to average 25 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, 8.3 assists an only 5 turnovers. Granted it is a very small sample size against inferior competition, but so far Knight has not disappointed. From the games I watched him play it made me wonder, can this kid be better than John Wall? Knight is quick but not Wall quick. So far Knight appears to be a better shooter but not as strong around the rim as Wall. The big difference I see is Knight protects the basketball and uses his teammates. To really compare Knight and Wall is difficult, but as far as the college game I think Knight will translate better on the college court than Wall. We will just have to wait and see, but the future looks bright in Lexington!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Change in the Reds rotation
Mike Leake will no longer be in the Reds rotation. The Reds want to keep his innings down. The rotation will be: Arroyo, Wood, Cueto, Volquez and Bailey. Leake will now come out of the bullpen.
Rey Maualuga won't be Suspended
The NFL will not suspend Bengals LB Rey Maualuga for his DUI that occurred in Newport in February. Maualuga had voluntarily entered a facility in the offseason and claims he has not had a drink since the incident. Maualuga will be docked two games pay for the incident.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Reds agree to terms with Grandal
The Reds have agreed to terms with their first round pick Yasmani Grandal. To get him signed they had to offer a major league contract and will have to add him to the 40 man roster.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos
I would give you a full recap of the Bengals/Dallas game but I must admit I only watched the first teamers and then retired to the pool to enjoy my vacation! Here are some thoughts from last nights pre-season matchup with the Broncos.
- I love having a Tight End! Jermaine Gresham was impressive with a few good receptions with some good yardage and a few nice blocks. Gresham will be a serious weapon for Palmer. And unlike Chase Coffman from last year, Gresham seems willing and able to block in the NFL.
- Decisions on Special Teams? Cosby, Jones, and Shipley all had great returns last night making me wonder who will win the job. The most impressive to me, Cosby, may be the odd man out with the logjam at receiver. Meanwhile kickers fighting for the spot with Dave Rayner and Mike Nuegent. Rayner missed a field goal in the first quarter and appeared to be upset with the hold from Kevin Huber. He rallied to hit FG's from 36, 27, 31, and 26. Neugent meanwhile hit 2 extra points.
- Carson Palmer looked very crisp last night. Palmer was 12/15 for 105 yards. One of those incompletions was a dropped T.O. pass.
- Jordan Shipley continues to impress after catching 5 passes for 50 yards. Shipley should get a lot of looks in the slot this season with Ochocinco and Owens on the outside.
- Kyle Cook went down with an injury early in the game but should return to practice in a couple of days. The good news, seventh round pick Reggie Stephens stepped into the role at center and did a very good job filling in for Cook.
- I love having a Tight End! Jermaine Gresham was impressive with a few good receptions with some good yardage and a few nice blocks. Gresham will be a serious weapon for Palmer. And unlike Chase Coffman from last year, Gresham seems willing and able to block in the NFL.
- Decisions on Special Teams? Cosby, Jones, and Shipley all had great returns last night making me wonder who will win the job. The most impressive to me, Cosby, may be the odd man out with the logjam at receiver. Meanwhile kickers fighting for the spot with Dave Rayner and Mike Nuegent. Rayner missed a field goal in the first quarter and appeared to be upset with the hold from Kevin Huber. He rallied to hit FG's from 36, 27, 31, and 26. Neugent meanwhile hit 2 extra points.
- Carson Palmer looked very crisp last night. Palmer was 12/15 for 105 yards. One of those incompletions was a dropped T.O. pass.
- Jordan Shipley continues to impress after catching 5 passes for 50 yards. Shipley should get a lot of looks in the slot this season with Ochocinco and Owens on the outside.
- Kyle Cook went down with an injury early in the game but should return to practice in a couple of days. The good news, seventh round pick Reggie Stephens stepped into the role at center and did a very good job filling in for Cook.
Kentucky Point Guard Brandon Knight impressive in first game as a Wildcat
Even though is was just a scrimmage the 2010-2011 Kentucky Wildcats made their debut last night in Canada in a televised scrimmage against the University of Windsor. The Cats were led by an impressive 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists performance by freshman point guard Brandon Knight. Darius Miller seemed to accept his role as this teams leader by playing multiple positions and scoring 18 points. Other Freshman star Terrence Jones suffered a broken rib in his first game and will not play in the other scrimmages in Canada this week.
Lance Stephenson is a not a good guy....
Former Cincinnati Bearcat and current Indiana Pacers player Lance Stephenson was arrested early Sunday in New York after pushing his girlfriend, and mother of his child, down a staircase. The incident occurred about 5 a.m. in the morning and Stephenson was arrested on charges of assault, harassment, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon.
Check out the story here.
Check out the story here.
The dreaded West Coast swing
The first place Reds are now going to enter a 9 game west coast trip that could make or break their run for the playoffs. As Reds fans we know the West Coast has not always been nice to us in the past. And despite our recent run of success I think we are all a little nervous. The Reds will open tomorrow with 3 in Arizona, followed by 3 in Los Angeles, and 3 in San Francisco. The reds have yet to have a series with the Diamondbacks, and are 2-2, and 3-3 respectively with the Giants and Dodgers.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Bengals vs. Cowboys: What to watch for
Its hard to really say what to watch for this weekend during the Hall of Fame game. This game is so early into the training camp process I really doubt that you will see the Bengals use their #1's either very long or even at all. If we are lucky we may see a drive with the first teamers and then a game will backups and borderlines. Either way I am still excited to see the men in stripes on the field once again.
I am interested to see if they use Jermaine Gresham at all. He has only had a few practices under his belt and according to Bratkowski still has a lot to learn. But Gresham is a huge body and a big target.
Also, I have heard a lot of positive things about Jerome Simpson and his development. Bengals pundits are saying he has made huge strides, maybe he is starting to figure out the playbook, after two years we should hope so.
Can Adam Jones help in the secondary? Do you guys remember we signed Adam "Pac Man" Jones in the offseason? Well we did, and after some 20 months since playing football he will be back on a live field.
I am interested to see if they use Jermaine Gresham at all. He has only had a few practices under his belt and according to Bratkowski still has a lot to learn. But Gresham is a huge body and a big target.
Also, I have heard a lot of positive things about Jerome Simpson and his development. Bengals pundits are saying he has made huge strides, maybe he is starting to figure out the playbook, after two years we should hope so.
Can Adam Jones help in the secondary? Do you guys remember we signed Adam "Pac Man" Jones in the offseason? Well we did, and after some 20 months since playing football he will be back on a live field.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Local Sports News and Notes
* The Bengals have signed their first round pick Jermaine Gresham. Gresham signed a five year $15.85 million contract on Monday. Unlike Andre Smith last year who spent his holdout eating Cheetos, Gresham has been working out at the University of Oklahoma to prepare for camp. With Gresham coming into camp that means Jim Lippincott will have to pay an early morning visit to a player this morning....we will see who gets the ax.
* Reds starting shortstop Orlando Cabrerra will be placed on the disabled list. Cabrera strained his oblique swinging the bat in the 9th inning against Pittsburgh Monday night. I am assuming that Paul Janish would step up to be the starter. Hopefully Cabrerra will not be out long, Janish gives you similar defense but typically not a great bat.
* Looks like Chris Heisey will be taking over as the starting Center Fielder for now. Stubbs has been awful at the plate the last few weeks and Heisey has been showing a great deal of consistency. I doubt they send Stubbs down to Louisville, hopefully he will be able to get his stroke back.
* John Calipari announced on Facebook Sunday night that Darnell Dodson will not be traveling to Canada with the Kentucky Wildcats next week and all indications point will not be academically eligible to play for Kentucky next season. Rumors of Dodson leaving the team have been around all summer. First, assistant Rick Robic indicated Dodson would be on the team back in July. Now Calipari confirms that he will be out.
* Reds starting shortstop Orlando Cabrerra will be placed on the disabled list. Cabrera strained his oblique swinging the bat in the 9th inning against Pittsburgh Monday night. I am assuming that Paul Janish would step up to be the starter. Hopefully Cabrerra will not be out long, Janish gives you similar defense but typically not a great bat.
* Looks like Chris Heisey will be taking over as the starting Center Fielder for now. Stubbs has been awful at the plate the last few weeks and Heisey has been showing a great deal of consistency. I doubt they send Stubbs down to Louisville, hopefully he will be able to get his stroke back.
* John Calipari announced on Facebook Sunday night that Darnell Dodson will not be traveling to Canada with the Kentucky Wildcats next week and all indications point will not be academically eligible to play for Kentucky next season. Rumors of Dodson leaving the team have been around all summer. First, assistant Rick Robic indicated Dodson would be on the team back in July. Now Calipari confirms that he will be out.
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