AL East- Boston Red Sox
AL Central- Chicago White Sox
AL West- Texas Rangers
AL Wild Card- New York Yankees
NL East- Philadephia Phillies
NL Central- Cincinnati Reds
NL West- San Francisco Giants
NL Wild Card- Atlanta Braves
World Series- Philadelphia Phillies over Boston Red Sox
AL Cy Young- Justin Verlander
NL Cy Young- Roy Halladay
AL MVP- Mark Teixeira
NL MVP- Joey Votto
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Kentucky Wildcats!!!
This blog has been dead for a while, and probably will continue to be dead but my beloved Kentucky Wildcats are playing in the Final Four and I had to share some of my thoughts.
* I heard a lot of analysts talk about how poorly Ohio State and North Carolina shot the ball. I don't think this was a coincidence. Kentucky is VERY long and play pretty tough defense, especially on guards. I am very interested in the matchup of Liggins on Kemba Walker.
* Josh Harrellson has gotten all of the pub from the week and he has been praised for his play. I love Jorts, but I don't completely understand why he is getting so much praise. He left his mark on the Ohio State game with a fastball to Sullingers chest and some good offensive production. But Sullinger still scored over 20 points and grabbed 16 boards. To me it was the guards defense.
* I love Deandre Liggins, he just hits shots in the clutch and plays nasty defense.
* Brandon Knight has been streaky but that shot against Princeton and Ohio State were clutch. He is not as much of a physical freak as John Wall, but he might be a better college player.
* Terrence Jones has been M.I.A offensively but I do think he has been involving the team more. Jones need to remember to get into the post and not force anything. I expect him to have a big game against UConn.
* I heard a lot of analysts talk about how poorly Ohio State and North Carolina shot the ball. I don't think this was a coincidence. Kentucky is VERY long and play pretty tough defense, especially on guards. I am very interested in the matchup of Liggins on Kemba Walker.
* Josh Harrellson has gotten all of the pub from the week and he has been praised for his play. I love Jorts, but I don't completely understand why he is getting so much praise. He left his mark on the Ohio State game with a fastball to Sullingers chest and some good offensive production. But Sullinger still scored over 20 points and grabbed 16 boards. To me it was the guards defense.
* I love Deandre Liggins, he just hits shots in the clutch and plays nasty defense.
* Brandon Knight has been streaky but that shot against Princeton and Ohio State were clutch. He is not as much of a physical freak as John Wall, but he might be a better college player.
* Terrence Jones has been M.I.A offensively but I do think he has been involving the team more. Jones need to remember to get into the post and not force anything. I expect him to have a big game against UConn.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Enes Kanter Situation
The saga surrounding prized Turkish recruit Enes Kanter and his eligibility has finally ended. The NCAA ruled on Friday that that Enes Kanter will not be eligible to play in the NCAA.
First lets get you caught up to speed if you are not familiar with the situation. Enes Kanter is from Turkey. There are no high school basketball teams in Turkey so your only opportunity to play is to play in the national program or play for professional teams. During the 08-09 season Kanter was a reserve player for the Fenerbahce Ulker Turkish professional basketball team. He made appearances off of the bench in 9 contests. According to FIBA rules you are not allowed to be a professional player until you are 18, during his time on these teams Kanter was not considered a professional but played along side professionals and recieved money from the club for necessary expenses. After the season Kanter was offered a multi year multi-million dollar professional contract from both Fenerbahce and Olyimpiacos B.C. a team from Greece. Kanter declined both offers to maintain his amateur status. Kanter's father is a doctor and wanted Enes to be educated in the United States.
After that season Kanter moved to the United States to pursue his desire of playing basketball in the United States. He enrolled at the Stoneridge Preparatory School in Simi Valley, California. It was during this time that he made a name for himself in the recruiting world and really exploded after a monster performance at the Nike Hoops Summit.
Now, according to facts Kanter received $33,033 more than his expenses for the 2008-09 season. NCAA rule allows recruits to play for teams with professionals while maintaining their amateur status before college. But the bylaw states that any such benefits cannot exceed actual and necessary expenses, which include meals, transportation and lodging directly tied to practice or competition, coaching and medical insurance. The addititional funds have been reported to be related to educational expenses.
No one is disputing the fact that Enes Kanter played on a professional team, which many stars from Europe have. And the Kanter's recognize that money was paid however have made it clear that they are willing to pay it all back and were unaware that this would make him ineligible to play in the NCAA. The Kanter's have also indicated that they would be willing to sit the entire year and forego the NBA Draft to give Enes the opportunity to play next season at Kentucky. All of these points indicate a strong desire to have their son play College Basketball.
I have tried very hard to look at this without bias, which is tough to do since I am a Kentucky Basketball fan. There is without a doubt that Kanter is ineligble in the letter of the law, but what about the spirit of the law? If you look at it in the spirit of the law the Kanter's tried to do everything they could to keep him eligbile to play the NCAA. They were cooperative and willing to do whatever they could to give him the opportuinty to play. If you compare that to other situations and rulings around the NCAA I do not think these violations are egregious enough to rule that he cannot play in the NCAA. I would rather see them rule to pay the money back, take a number of games suspension and allow him to play college Basketball.
First lets get you caught up to speed if you are not familiar with the situation. Enes Kanter is from Turkey. There are no high school basketball teams in Turkey so your only opportunity to play is to play in the national program or play for professional teams. During the 08-09 season Kanter was a reserve player for the Fenerbahce Ulker Turkish professional basketball team. He made appearances off of the bench in 9 contests. According to FIBA rules you are not allowed to be a professional player until you are 18, during his time on these teams Kanter was not considered a professional but played along side professionals and recieved money from the club for necessary expenses. After the season Kanter was offered a multi year multi-million dollar professional contract from both Fenerbahce and Olyimpiacos B.C. a team from Greece. Kanter declined both offers to maintain his amateur status. Kanter's father is a doctor and wanted Enes to be educated in the United States.
After that season Kanter moved to the United States to pursue his desire of playing basketball in the United States. He enrolled at the Stoneridge Preparatory School in Simi Valley, California. It was during this time that he made a name for himself in the recruiting world and really exploded after a monster performance at the Nike Hoops Summit.
Now, according to facts Kanter received $33,033 more than his expenses for the 2008-09 season. NCAA rule allows recruits to play for teams with professionals while maintaining their amateur status before college. But the bylaw states that any such benefits cannot exceed actual and necessary expenses, which include meals, transportation and lodging directly tied to practice or competition, coaching and medical insurance. The addititional funds have been reported to be related to educational expenses.
No one is disputing the fact that Enes Kanter played on a professional team, which many stars from Europe have. And the Kanter's recognize that money was paid however have made it clear that they are willing to pay it all back and were unaware that this would make him ineligible to play in the NCAA. The Kanter's have also indicated that they would be willing to sit the entire year and forego the NBA Draft to give Enes the opportunity to play next season at Kentucky. All of these points indicate a strong desire to have their son play College Basketball.
I have tried very hard to look at this without bias, which is tough to do since I am a Kentucky Basketball fan. There is without a doubt that Kanter is ineligble in the letter of the law, but what about the spirit of the law? If you look at it in the spirit of the law the Kanter's tried to do everything they could to keep him eligbile to play the NCAA. They were cooperative and willing to do whatever they could to give him the opportuinty to play. If you compare that to other situations and rulings around the NCAA I do not think these violations are egregious enough to rule that he cannot play in the NCAA. I would rather see them rule to pay the money back, take a number of games suspension and allow him to play college Basketball.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Lets take a look back, shall we
Here was NKY Sports World's NFL predictions on September 8th, 2010.
Just a reminder...we strongly advise you to completely ignore our predictions when making your bets. Of course my Super Bowl is still a possibility...
http://nkysportsworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/superbowl-predictions.html
Just a reminder...we strongly advise you to completely ignore our predictions when making your bets. Of course my Super Bowl is still a possibility...
http://nkysportsworld.blogspot.com/2010/09/superbowl-predictions.html
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Marvin: The Day After
As I read through Facebook posts and Tweets yesterday during and after the Mike Brown/Marvin Lewis press conference I had to scratch my head. I really don't know what people were expecting out of this press conference? Did you really think that Mike and Marvin would get up there and be candid, giving you all of the details of their conversation, talking about coaching moves and player moves? Giving you soundbites that get excited about? No, they never have and they never will.
Anyone who has followed this team for some time knows that Mike never EVER says anything that would remotely be controversial (at least not on purpose) he is just not a guy who is going to stir the pot. And most NFL coaches, Marvin included, will do the same thing (with the noted exception of Rex Ryan.) A lot of people who follow the NFL call Bill Belichek a genius. Have you ever watched one of his pressers? They are terrible!
What we know today is Marvin Lewis is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. Mike Brown does not have him by the throat, Marvin could have easily walked into another situation. I really think that Marvin feels he has the tools in place to win. Mike Brown is never going to give up total control of this football team. So if you are hoping that will happen you might as well move on. And who honestly believes that Mike Brown does not care about winning. Even if money is his number one motivator plain and simple he makes more money when they are winning.
Football games are won with players on the field, and we need to improve in a lot of areas to become a true contender. I feel with these moves we will be dumping some locker room cancer's, and I hate to say it my man Ocho will probably be one of them. But those types of moves just might help this team. I have tried to stand up for him his whole career saying he is not a distraction. But we won't know if it is true until he leaves.
Anyone who has followed this team for some time knows that Mike never EVER says anything that would remotely be controversial (at least not on purpose) he is just not a guy who is going to stir the pot. And most NFL coaches, Marvin included, will do the same thing (with the noted exception of Rex Ryan.) A lot of people who follow the NFL call Bill Belichek a genius. Have you ever watched one of his pressers? They are terrible!
What we know today is Marvin Lewis is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. Mike Brown does not have him by the throat, Marvin could have easily walked into another situation. I really think that Marvin feels he has the tools in place to win. Mike Brown is never going to give up total control of this football team. So if you are hoping that will happen you might as well move on. And who honestly believes that Mike Brown does not care about winning. Even if money is his number one motivator plain and simple he makes more money when they are winning.
Football games are won with players on the field, and we need to improve in a lot of areas to become a true contender. I feel with these moves we will be dumping some locker room cancer's, and I hate to say it my man Ocho will probably be one of them. But those types of moves just might help this team. I have tried to stand up for him his whole career saying he is not a distraction. But we won't know if it is true until he leaves.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Marvin Lewis could be staying in Cincinnati
ESPN is reporting that Marvin Lewis is expected to stay in Cincinnati has the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. As I said yesterday if we didn't hear that Lewis was leaving yesterday it would lead me to believe that a deal was going to be worked out to stay. First, let me say that I am happy to continue to have Marvin Lewis. Consider those who came before Lewis.
1 Paul Brown 1968–1975 55-56-1 .495
2 Bill Johnson 1976–1978 18-15-0 .545
3 Homer Rice 1978–1979 8-19-0 .296
4 Forrest Gregg 1980–1983 32-25-0 .561
5 Sam Wyche 1984–1991 61-66-0 .480
6 Dave Shula 1992–1996 19-52-0 .268
7 Bruce Coslet 1996–2000 21-39-0 .350
8 Dick LeBeau 2000–2002 12-33-0 .267
9 Marvin Lewis 2003–Present 60-67-1 .472
So consider the three coaches that we have had before Marvin Lewis and they have a combined record of 52-124. I think NFL teams need consistency and Marvin has proven to be a capable NFL coach who is highly regarded throughout the league.
But it is still not concrete. Reports indicate the two sides are trying to hammer out some significant changes to the organization which would include more control for Marvin on personnel issues. If Mr. Brown does this, we could finally begin to see real and significant change within this organization.
If Marvin does in fact stay someone will have to fall on the sword so to speak for this 4-12 season. Hopefully that man would be Bob Bratkowski. Brat was a head coaching candidate about 5 years ago but the offense has sputtered in the past few years. Bratkowski pre-dates Marvin in this organization and is known to be one of Mike Brown's guys.
So we are still in a waiting pattern but I would say it is looking more likely that Marvin will continue to be the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.
1 Paul Brown 1968–1975 55-56-1 .495
2 Bill Johnson 1976–1978 18-15-0 .545
3 Homer Rice 1978–1979 8-19-0 .296
4 Forrest Gregg 1980–1983 32-25-0 .561
5 Sam Wyche 1984–1991 61-66-0 .480
6 Dave Shula 1992–1996 19-52-0 .268
7 Bruce Coslet 1996–2000 21-39-0 .350
8 Dick LeBeau 2000–2002 12-33-0 .267
9 Marvin Lewis 2003–Present 60-67-1 .472
So consider the three coaches that we have had before Marvin Lewis and they have a combined record of 52-124. I think NFL teams need consistency and Marvin has proven to be a capable NFL coach who is highly regarded throughout the league.
But it is still not concrete. Reports indicate the two sides are trying to hammer out some significant changes to the organization which would include more control for Marvin on personnel issues. If Mr. Brown does this, we could finally begin to see real and significant change within this organization.
If Marvin does in fact stay someone will have to fall on the sword so to speak for this 4-12 season. Hopefully that man would be Bob Bratkowski. Brat was a head coaching candidate about 5 years ago but the offense has sputtered in the past few years. Bratkowski pre-dates Marvin in this organization and is known to be one of Mike Brown's guys.
So we are still in a waiting pattern but I would say it is looking more likely that Marvin will continue to be the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Monday, January 3, 2011
NKY College Basketball Rundown
#11 Kentucky Wildcats 11-2
Kentucky is coming off of a huge win against in state rival Louisville Cardinals. Kentucky took over the second half of that game and ran away from them in the end. I really like this team this season. They are a MUCH better shooting team than last year but it really hard to compare the two squads. With Cousins, Patterson, and Orton that was a very strong post presence last year and a lot of emphasis on the post. This year, the guards and more suited for Calipari's dribble drive with spot up shooters on the wings with Knight and Lamb. I think this year's Kentucky team is a better built college team. Not as talented as last year but just better suited to adjust to different situations. Kentucky has a game tonight against Penn and then open up SEC play on Saturday at Georgia.
Cincinnati Bearcats 14-0
Cincinnati has gotten off to their best start since 1998-1999 as one of the only remaining undefeated teams in the country. However, their 14 wins have come against some pretty weak competition in the early going with key wins coming at a down Oklahoma and over Big East opponent Seton Hall. The Bearcats will surely be tested in their Big East schedule and their strength of schedule will improve dramatically as their work their way through the league. But the cupcake may work in the long run for Mick, if he can sneak out 22+ wins he just might find himself in the NCAA tournament. The test starts this week with the Crosstown Shootout and then a road matchup against Villanova.
Xavier Musketeers 8-4
Xavier has had a tough schedule and a tough go of it so far this season. They have had some nice home wins against Wake Forest and Gonzaga but have struggled on the road taking some bad losses to Miami (OH) Old Dominion, and Gonzaga. The Muskies are hurting from injuries of Brad Redford and now freshman Jay Canty. They just had their 30 game home winning streak snapped by the Florida Gators, Florida controlled much of the game until a late Xavier surge fell just short. X has the shootout this week at the Shoe which is always a very emotional game where records do not matter. They will then open up A-10 play against Rhode Island.
Kentucky is coming off of a huge win against in state rival Louisville Cardinals. Kentucky took over the second half of that game and ran away from them in the end. I really like this team this season. They are a MUCH better shooting team than last year but it really hard to compare the two squads. With Cousins, Patterson, and Orton that was a very strong post presence last year and a lot of emphasis on the post. This year, the guards and more suited for Calipari's dribble drive with spot up shooters on the wings with Knight and Lamb. I think this year's Kentucky team is a better built college team. Not as talented as last year but just better suited to adjust to different situations. Kentucky has a game tonight against Penn and then open up SEC play on Saturday at Georgia.
Cincinnati Bearcats 14-0
Cincinnati has gotten off to their best start since 1998-1999 as one of the only remaining undefeated teams in the country. However, their 14 wins have come against some pretty weak competition in the early going with key wins coming at a down Oklahoma and over Big East opponent Seton Hall. The Bearcats will surely be tested in their Big East schedule and their strength of schedule will improve dramatically as their work their way through the league. But the cupcake may work in the long run for Mick, if he can sneak out 22+ wins he just might find himself in the NCAA tournament. The test starts this week with the Crosstown Shootout and then a road matchup against Villanova.
Xavier Musketeers 8-4
Xavier has had a tough schedule and a tough go of it so far this season. They have had some nice home wins against Wake Forest and Gonzaga but have struggled on the road taking some bad losses to Miami (OH) Old Dominion, and Gonzaga. The Muskies are hurting from injuries of Brad Redford and now freshman Jay Canty. They just had their 30 game home winning streak snapped by the Florida Gators, Florida controlled much of the game until a late Xavier surge fell just short. X has the shootout this week at the Shoe which is always a very emotional game where records do not matter. They will then open up A-10 play against Rhode Island.
Is Marvin Lewis out in Cincinnati?
We should know something today as Marvin is scheduled to meet with Mike Brown today. I would imagine if Marvin is gone we would know shortly after the meeting. If there is no news I would consider that as a sign they may try to work out a deal. Watching Coach Lewis throughout this season he looks unhappy and ready for a change. But I don't know him, don't know Mr. Brown, and really don't know what will happen. We will have to wait and see.
Adam Schefter tweeted this morning that the San Francisco 49ers are showing possible interest in Marvin, and in my opinion that might not be a bad option for him. There is some young talent out there but more importantly you are in an awful division. The opportunity for the playoffs are right at your fingertips seemingly every year. A far stretch from the AFC North.
As I type this Colin Cowherd has come on the radio stating that Eric Mangini is out in Cleveland. And there are more NFL coaches who are on the chopping block. John Fox is already out in Carolina, Tom Cable is on the hot seat, Tony Sparano could be gone in Miami, and there is talk of Jeff Fisher leaving Tennessee.
IF Marvin is no re-signed as the head coach who would you most like to see on the sidelines for the Bengals? There are way too many names to list a group of possible candidates. The two hottest names right now are Gruden and Cowher. I don't think either of them would EVER come to Cincinnati. Why would they? These guys want somewhere they can control and you will never have full control of the Cincinnati Bengals. Mr. Brown gave Marvin more control than any coach he has had before but he still maintained the ultimate decision making as we saw play out with Chris Henry.
My #1 choice by far would be Jeff Fisher, but, he is currently unavailable and again would probably have options and there are more attractive situations out there that he could take. A lot of people will be talking about Mike Zimmer, Zim has certainly had some strong defensive squads and has earned the oppotunity but he is unproven which can be both good and bad.
Either way I think we are in store for some crazy offseason moves from the Bengals. The team that runs out of the tunnel next season will more than likely be very different from the this years team, and hopefully we will have different results!
WHO DEY!
Adam Schefter tweeted this morning that the San Francisco 49ers are showing possible interest in Marvin, and in my opinion that might not be a bad option for him. There is some young talent out there but more importantly you are in an awful division. The opportunity for the playoffs are right at your fingertips seemingly every year. A far stretch from the AFC North.
As I type this Colin Cowherd has come on the radio stating that Eric Mangini is out in Cleveland. And there are more NFL coaches who are on the chopping block. John Fox is already out in Carolina, Tom Cable is on the hot seat, Tony Sparano could be gone in Miami, and there is talk of Jeff Fisher leaving Tennessee.
IF Marvin is no re-signed as the head coach who would you most like to see on the sidelines for the Bengals? There are way too many names to list a group of possible candidates. The two hottest names right now are Gruden and Cowher. I don't think either of them would EVER come to Cincinnati. Why would they? These guys want somewhere they can control and you will never have full control of the Cincinnati Bengals. Mr. Brown gave Marvin more control than any coach he has had before but he still maintained the ultimate decision making as we saw play out with Chris Henry.
My #1 choice by far would be Jeff Fisher, but, he is currently unavailable and again would probably have options and there are more attractive situations out there that he could take. A lot of people will be talking about Mike Zimmer, Zim has certainly had some strong defensive squads and has earned the oppotunity but he is unproven which can be both good and bad.
Either way I think we are in store for some crazy offseason moves from the Bengals. The team that runs out of the tunnel next season will more than likely be very different from the this years team, and hopefully we will have different results!
WHO DEY!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Interesting Fact of the Day
University of Cincinnati football team was exactly close to stellar in the late 1990's but check out their coaching staff from 1997-1998:
Rick Minter- Head Coach
Jimbo Fisher- Offensive Coordinator (Florida State Head Coach)
Rex Ryan- Defensive Coordinator (NY Jets Head Coach)
John Harbaugh- Special Teams Coach (Baltimore Ravens Head Coach)
Mike Tomlin- Defensive Backs Coach (Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach)
Joker Phillips- Wide Receivers Coach (University of KY Head Coach)
Bob Wylie- Offensive Line Coach (Denver Broncos OL Coach)
Pretty impressive staff for an 8-4 team
Rick Minter- Head Coach
Jimbo Fisher- Offensive Coordinator (Florida State Head Coach)
Rex Ryan- Defensive Coordinator (NY Jets Head Coach)
John Harbaugh- Special Teams Coach (Baltimore Ravens Head Coach)
Mike Tomlin- Defensive Backs Coach (Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach)
Joker Phillips- Wide Receivers Coach (University of KY Head Coach)
Bob Wylie- Offensive Line Coach (Denver Broncos OL Coach)
Pretty impressive staff for an 8-4 team
Thursday, December 16, 2010
D-Bag of the Month
The D-Bag of the month goes to Jets assistant coach Sal Alosi. Not only did he purposely trip Miami Dolphins gunner Nolan Carroll, but then he gets up at a press conference and pushed tears about how sorry he was. It was a total douche move on his part. Not only that it was completely pre-meditated and they have been doing it all season. It's unfortunate that tools like this guy are able to work on NFL sidelines while there are tons of hard working people who respect the game must watch from the stands.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
You Know What Grinds My Gears
Cliff Lee vs. Lebron James
Im not sure if I am way off base here but aren't Cliff Lee and Lebron James one in the same? However, one is portrayed as a wise saint and the other a lowly coward taking the easy route. Over this summer, Lebron James left Cleveland for Miami. He took less money to form an NBA All-Star team in hopes to win an NBA championship. Multiple media personalities and former NBA players including Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan ripped James for his decision calling him a coward and proclaiming they would never do the same. Cliff Lee signed with Philadelphia yesterday taking less money to team with Roy Halliday to form an All-Star team of pitching aces. One where he wont even be the opening day starter. Yet he is proclaimed as driven and unselfish.
Am I missing something here? All I know is Lebron James is the only reason why I watch the NBA and that won't change.
Im not sure if I am way off base here but aren't Cliff Lee and Lebron James one in the same? However, one is portrayed as a wise saint and the other a lowly coward taking the easy route. Over this summer, Lebron James left Cleveland for Miami. He took less money to form an NBA All-Star team in hopes to win an NBA championship. Multiple media personalities and former NBA players including Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan ripped James for his decision calling him a coward and proclaiming they would never do the same. Cliff Lee signed with Philadelphia yesterday taking less money to team with Roy Halliday to form an All-Star team of pitching aces. One where he wont even be the opening day starter. Yet he is proclaimed as driven and unselfish.
Am I missing something here? All I know is Lebron James is the only reason why I watch the NBA and that won't change.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Brian St.Pierre?? Really??
The Carolina Panthers have signed and announced that Brian St. Pierre will be their starting QB for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens over 3rd string QB Tony Pike. St. Pierre, who is 2 of 5 for 12 yards in his NFL career, was a stay at home dad only last week. After much digging, I have found the secret, actual Panthers QB depth chart.
1. Matt Moore
2. Jimmy Clausin
3. Brian St. Pierre
4. Jared Lorenzen
5. Paul Blake (Necessary Roughness)
6. Akili Smith
7. Matt Leinart
8. Junior Floyd (Little Giants)
9. Ryan Leaf
10. Jordan Palmer
11. Dave Klinger
12. Bobby Hoying
13. JaMarcus Russell
14. Craig Krenzel
15. Andy Reid
16. Tony Pike
UPDATE: After seeing this video , the Panthers have just added Andy Reid to the number 15 spot.
1. Matt Moore
2. Jimmy Clausin
3. Brian St. Pierre
4. Jared Lorenzen
5. Paul Blake (Necessary Roughness)
6. Akili Smith
7. Matt Leinart
8. Junior Floyd (Little Giants)
9. Ryan Leaf
10. Jordan Palmer
11. Dave Klinger
12. Bobby Hoying
13. JaMarcus Russell
14. Craig Krenzel
15. Andy Reid
16. Tony Pike
UPDATE: After seeing this video , the Panthers have just added Andy Reid to the number 15 spot.
Friday, October 22, 2010
NBA is almost here
The NBA regular season is right around the corner and I cannot wait! I have said on here a number of times that the NBA is back. There are so many story lines to follow this season and so much pairity in the NBA I think this is going to be a fun year. With no team in Cincinnati I have the luxury of being a casual NBA fan. I can't say that I have any one team that I call my favorite. Here are a few that I will be following this season:
-Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are about as close as a home team that we have in Cincinnati. They have one of the best players in the league that no one knows about in Danny Granger. Granger has that game chaning ability and is just as electic as the top stars in the league. The problem is there is not much around him.
- Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant is my favorite NBA player to watch. Everything he does is incredibly smooth. He is humble, a team player, and very very good. The Thunder have a good cast of charachters that no one has ever heard of Westbrook, Sefolosha, and Krstic are all good role players on the team. I would expect the Thunder to hang around all season and have a better showing in the NBA playoffs.
- Miami Heat
Who isn't excited about watching the Miami Heat! With the much publicized addition of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, the Wade, Bosh, James combo is without a doubt the most talented group in the NBA. We have never seen a team assembled in my lifetime with such dominating players. The problem in Miami anything less than a Championship would be considered a failure. That is a lot of pressure to get through a pretty balanced league.
- Boston Celtics I typically hate all things Boston but for some reason I have always been a little bit of a Celtics fan. Since they added thier big three (Allen, Garnett, and Pierce) I have followed their team very closely. They have made some interesting off-season additions in Jermaine O'Neil and Shaquille O'Neal if they can get some good split time from the two and take some pressure off of Kendrick Perkins this team could really get back to the NBA Finals.
-Los Angeles Clippers I can remember watching the Clippers about 4 or 5 years ago (I didn't look it up) when they made the playoffs for the first time in a long time. They were scrappy, dynamic, and played really hard. I fell in love with the Clippers then. Although most if not all of those players are gone they are still an interesting team. The get Blake Griffin this season who missed all of last year with injury, they have Eric Gordon who is coming into his own and Baron Davis who stil has some gas in the tank. I think the Clippers will make the playoffs this year and I am looking forward to watching.
In addition to following these teams I am looking forward to watching John Wall (Wizards) DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings) and Patrick Patterson (Houston Rockets).
-Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are about as close as a home team that we have in Cincinnati. They have one of the best players in the league that no one knows about in Danny Granger. Granger has that game chaning ability and is just as electic as the top stars in the league. The problem is there is not much around him.
- Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant is my favorite NBA player to watch. Everything he does is incredibly smooth. He is humble, a team player, and very very good. The Thunder have a good cast of charachters that no one has ever heard of Westbrook, Sefolosha, and Krstic are all good role players on the team. I would expect the Thunder to hang around all season and have a better showing in the NBA playoffs.
- Miami Heat
Who isn't excited about watching the Miami Heat! With the much publicized addition of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, the Wade, Bosh, James combo is without a doubt the most talented group in the NBA. We have never seen a team assembled in my lifetime with such dominating players. The problem in Miami anything less than a Championship would be considered a failure. That is a lot of pressure to get through a pretty balanced league.
- Boston Celtics I typically hate all things Boston but for some reason I have always been a little bit of a Celtics fan. Since they added thier big three (Allen, Garnett, and Pierce) I have followed their team very closely. They have made some interesting off-season additions in Jermaine O'Neil and Shaquille O'Neal if they can get some good split time from the two and take some pressure off of Kendrick Perkins this team could really get back to the NBA Finals.
-Los Angeles Clippers I can remember watching the Clippers about 4 or 5 years ago (I didn't look it up) when they made the playoffs for the first time in a long time. They were scrappy, dynamic, and played really hard. I fell in love with the Clippers then. Although most if not all of those players are gone they are still an interesting team. The get Blake Griffin this season who missed all of last year with injury, they have Eric Gordon who is coming into his own and Baron Davis who stil has some gas in the tank. I think the Clippers will make the playoffs this year and I am looking forward to watching.
In addition to following these teams I am looking forward to watching John Wall (Wizards) DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings) and Patrick Patterson (Houston Rockets).
Back at it....
I think I have finally come out of my depression regarding the Reds. The emotional swing of just one week was pretty intense! I have to confess I didn't even watch the game on Sunday night. I was following via cell phone while on a business trip in San Francisco but after games 1 and 2 I knew a series loss was inevitable. As much as we wanted to rip on Colin Cowherd the numbers just didn't lie about this team. They were a good team who made a living beating up on bad teams. The Reds finished with losing records against teams in the upper echelon of the league. But I think the future is bright in Cincinnati. The nucleus of this team should be back next year with the addition of some good young talent.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Northern Kentucky University 2010-11 Men’s Basketball Preview
After a disappointing 17-13 season (8-10 in conference play), the NKU Norse men's basketball team looks to return to the top of the GLVC with a entirely re-shaped roster of D-1 transfers and several key returning players.
Although the Norse will be without David Palmer and Scott Bibbins (graduation), Dustin Maguire (medical setback - quit team) and Dennis Gagai (torn mcl - out majority of the season), the team has much to look forward to with four transfers, three from D-1 programs, including:
Josh Tabb (6-4, Sr.) - Tabb comes from the University of Tennessee. He started 11 games last years for the Volunteers and saw action in 33 games where he primarily served as the sixth man. He averaged just over three points and nearly two assists per contest. Volunteer coach, Bruce Pearl, suspended Tabb last year and gave no reason for Tabb’s suspension, other than saying he “hadn’t taken care of his business like we expect him to.’’ It was reported that Tabb withdrew from Tennessee to be with his ailing mother.
Malcolm Eleby (6-3, Sr.) - Eleby comes to the Norse from the Bonnies of St. Bonaventure, an A-10 powerhouse…Eleby started 57 games in three season for the Bonnies racking up nearly 6 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per contest.
James Cotton (6-8, So.) - Cotton is a transfer from Maryland-Eastern Shore. He played in 19 games last season as a freshman, starting three times. He averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds per game last year.
Bobby Shannon (6-5, Jr.) - Shannon is a JUCO transfer who led the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference in scoring with an average of 23 points per game for Southern Maryland. In high school, Shannon led all Washington, D.C. area players in scoring during his senior year at Potomac High School. He averaged 27 points and led his team to a share of the Prince George's 3A/2A league title and the Maryland 2A South Region postseason championship. He originally signed with Marshall out of high school and was recruited by some big schools, including: Arkansas, Georgetown, Maryland, Villanova, Memphis, UTEP, George Washington and Iowa State.
The Norse also return:
Chris Knight, a 6-7 senior who averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds per game last season.
Corey Sorrell, a 6-5 sophomore who averaged 8 points and 3 rebounds per game.
Ethan Faulkner, a 6-1 sophomore who averaged 4 points and 3 assists last season.
Tony Rack, a 6-0 junior who averaged 4 points and shot 52% from 3-point range last year.
Although the team may be small, I feel they could put together a good showing in the GLVC this year. Team chemistry could be a problem early on as it may take some time for players to get used to all the new transfers and the changing in the offensive scheme due to the graduation of Palmer (averaged 17 points per game last season as the teams go-to guy in the post).
It's always tough to project a roster with so many new players, however, this is how I think things will pan out:
Starting Lineup
F - Chris Knight
F - Bobby Shannon
G/F - Corey Sorrell
G - Josh Tabb
G - Malcolm Eleby
Key Reserves
F - James Cotton
G - Ethan Faulkner
G - Tony Rack
F - Eric Stenger
Although the Norse will be without David Palmer and Scott Bibbins (graduation), Dustin Maguire (medical setback - quit team) and Dennis Gagai (torn mcl - out majority of the season), the team has much to look forward to with four transfers, three from D-1 programs, including:
Josh Tabb (6-4, Sr.) - Tabb comes from the University of Tennessee. He started 11 games last years for the Volunteers and saw action in 33 games where he primarily served as the sixth man. He averaged just over three points and nearly two assists per contest. Volunteer coach, Bruce Pearl, suspended Tabb last year and gave no reason for Tabb’s suspension, other than saying he “hadn’t taken care of his business like we expect him to.’’ It was reported that Tabb withdrew from Tennessee to be with his ailing mother.
Malcolm Eleby (6-3, Sr.) - Eleby comes to the Norse from the Bonnies of St. Bonaventure, an A-10 powerhouse…Eleby started 57 games in three season for the Bonnies racking up nearly 6 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per contest.
James Cotton (6-8, So.) - Cotton is a transfer from Maryland-Eastern Shore. He played in 19 games last season as a freshman, starting three times. He averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds per game last year.
Bobby Shannon (6-5, Jr.) - Shannon is a JUCO transfer who led the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference in scoring with an average of 23 points per game for Southern Maryland. In high school, Shannon led all Washington, D.C. area players in scoring during his senior year at Potomac High School. He averaged 27 points and led his team to a share of the Prince George's 3A/2A league title and the Maryland 2A South Region postseason championship. He originally signed with Marshall out of high school and was recruited by some big schools, including: Arkansas, Georgetown, Maryland, Villanova, Memphis, UTEP, George Washington and Iowa State.
The Norse also return:
Chris Knight, a 6-7 senior who averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds per game last season.
Corey Sorrell, a 6-5 sophomore who averaged 8 points and 3 rebounds per game.
Ethan Faulkner, a 6-1 sophomore who averaged 4 points and 3 assists last season.
Tony Rack, a 6-0 junior who averaged 4 points and shot 52% from 3-point range last year.
Although the team may be small, I feel they could put together a good showing in the GLVC this year. Team chemistry could be a problem early on as it may take some time for players to get used to all the new transfers and the changing in the offensive scheme due to the graduation of Palmer (averaged 17 points per game last season as the teams go-to guy in the post).
It's always tough to project a roster with so many new players, however, this is how I think things will pan out:
Starting Lineup
F - Chris Knight
F - Bobby Shannon
G/F - Corey Sorrell
G - Josh Tabb
G - Malcolm Eleby
Key Reserves
F - James Cotton
G - Ethan Faulkner
G - Tony Rack
F - Eric Stenger
Thursday, October 7, 2010
It's only one game
So, it turns out that it really doesn't matter who pitched for us in game one last night. No one, not Arroyo, Wood, Cueto or Bob Gibson was going to beat Roy Halladay last night. It was just an amazing playoff performance and something that we may never see again. Halladay threw 29 balls all night long. He got up to three balls in the count just three times. He walked Jay Bruce on a close called ball 4, the only at bat that kept Halladay from perfection. The Reds obviously helped Halladay along the way. I was screaming at Brandon Phillips for swinging at the first pitch in the ball game...but it felt like they never did that again. Mike and Mike were talking about it this morning. Halladay threw first pitch strikes to 25 of the 28 batters he faced, 16 of those strikes were looking. The last three batters in the 9th inning, Hernandez, Cairo and Phillips all looked at first pitch strikes last night. Before the game, Dusty sat with Marty Brennaman and was adamant that the Reds had to be agressive and get after Halladay early. It was important that the Reds not fall behind. Well, that didn't work out last night.
Luckily we do live to play another day. The Reds will face former Reds killer Roy Oswalt on Friday night. We all know the history of Roy Oswalt against the Reds but this year has been a different story. In two starts this year Oswalt is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA giving up 17 hits and 9 runs in 12 innings. Of course, both of those starts were in an Astros uniform. Oswalt has been a different pitcher since the trade to the Phillies. In a Phillies uniform Oswalt is 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA. Dare I say, nearly unhittable, because he's only given up 53 hits in 82 2/3 innings pitched. I'm sure the Philly fans, and maybe the Phillies themselves are expecting no competition from the Reds on Friday night. I can only hope the Reds can prove them wrong!
Luckily we do live to play another day. The Reds will face former Reds killer Roy Oswalt on Friday night. We all know the history of Roy Oswalt against the Reds but this year has been a different story. In two starts this year Oswalt is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA giving up 17 hits and 9 runs in 12 innings. Of course, both of those starts were in an Astros uniform. Oswalt has been a different pitcher since the trade to the Phillies. In a Phillies uniform Oswalt is 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA. Dare I say, nearly unhittable, because he's only given up 53 hits in 82 2/3 innings pitched. I'm sure the Philly fans, and maybe the Phillies themselves are expecting no competition from the Reds on Friday night. I can only hope the Reds can prove them wrong!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
NLDS Game 1 Lineups
The lineups are out, thanks to Lance McCallister's Twitter page!
Cincinnati Reds
2B-Brandon Phillips
SS-Orlando Cabrera
1B-Joey Votto
3B-Scott Rolen
LF-Jonny Gomes
RF-Jay Bruce
CF-Drew Stubbs
C-Ramon Hernandez
P-Edinson Volquez
Philadelphia Phillies
SS-Jimmy Rollins
CF-Shane Victorino
2B-Chase Utley
1B-Ryan Howard
RF-Jayson Werth
LF-Raul Ibanez
C-Carlos Ruiz
3B-Wilson Valdez
P-Roy Halladay
Cincinnati Reds
2B-Brandon Phillips
SS-Orlando Cabrera
1B-Joey Votto
3B-Scott Rolen
LF-Jonny Gomes
RF-Jay Bruce
CF-Drew Stubbs
C-Ramon Hernandez
P-Edinson Volquez
Philadelphia Phillies
SS-Jimmy Rollins
CF-Shane Victorino
2B-Chase Utley
1B-Ryan Howard
RF-Jayson Werth
LF-Raul Ibanez
C-Carlos Ruiz
3B-Wilson Valdez
P-Roy Halladay
Reds Playoff Roster Set
There are two veteran players who did not make the Reds postseason roster, Aaron Harang and Jim Edmonds. I think everyone knew that Harang would not make the cut, which is really a shame because he has been such a pillar for this Reds rotation the last 5 years. But his stuff is just not there and there are younger arms who have surpassed him. Edmonds was the wild card, he has been dealing with injury all season and his strained oblique made him too risky to add him to the lineup.
Pitchers
RHP- Edinson Volquez
RHP- Bronson Arroyo
RHP- Johnny Cueto
RHP- Francisco Cordero
LHP- Arthur Rhodes
RHP- Nick Masset
LHP- Aroldis Chapman
RHP- Logan Ondrusek
LHP- Bill Bray
RHP- Homer Bailey
LHP- Travis Wood
Position Players
1B- Joey Votto
2B- Brandon Phillips
SS- Orlando Cabrera
3B- Scott Rolen
RF- Jay Bruce
CF- Drew Stubbs
LF- Jonny Gomes
C- Ramon Hernandez
C- Ryan Hanigan
OF- Chris Heisey
OF- Laynce Nix
IF- Miguel Cairo
IF- Paul Janish
IF- Jaun Francisco
Not on the Roster
C- Corky Miller
MI- Chris Valaika
UT- Jim Edmonds
1B- Yonder Alonso
UT- Willie Bloomquist
P- Mike Leake
P- Aaron Harang
P- Micah Owings
P- Sam LeCure
P- Jared Burton
P- Carlos Fisher
P- Matt Maloney
P- Jordan Smith
Pitchers
RHP- Edinson Volquez
RHP- Bronson Arroyo
RHP- Johnny Cueto
RHP- Francisco Cordero
LHP- Arthur Rhodes
RHP- Nick Masset
LHP- Aroldis Chapman
RHP- Logan Ondrusek
LHP- Bill Bray
RHP- Homer Bailey
LHP- Travis Wood
Position Players
1B- Joey Votto
2B- Brandon Phillips
SS- Orlando Cabrera
3B- Scott Rolen
RF- Jay Bruce
CF- Drew Stubbs
LF- Jonny Gomes
C- Ramon Hernandez
C- Ryan Hanigan
OF- Chris Heisey
OF- Laynce Nix
IF- Miguel Cairo
IF- Paul Janish
IF- Jaun Francisco
Not on the Roster
C- Corky Miller
MI- Chris Valaika
UT- Jim Edmonds
1B- Yonder Alonso
UT- Willie Bloomquist
P- Mike Leake
P- Aaron Harang
P- Micah Owings
P- Sam LeCure
P- Jared Burton
P- Carlos Fisher
P- Matt Maloney
P- Jordan Smith
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Checking up on our Predictions
http://nkysportsworld.blogspot.com/2010/03/2010-mlb-predictions.html
Only three NKYSportsWorlders put their MLB Predictions up this season. And the picks weren't that far off. All three had Philly winning the East, not a real shocker. Only one person picked the Reds to win the Central (this guy) and Redleg2420 had them winning the Wild Card. No one picked the Rays to make the playoffs, and surprisingly no one took the Rangers!
Redleg2420- 5 correct picks
SHU- 4 correct picks
Adam- 4 however DQ'd because I picked two Wild Cards! What an idiot!
Only three NKYSportsWorlders put their MLB Predictions up this season. And the picks weren't that far off. All three had Philly winning the East, not a real shocker. Only one person picked the Reds to win the Central (this guy) and Redleg2420 had them winning the Wild Card. No one picked the Rays to make the playoffs, and surprisingly no one took the Rangers!
Redleg2420- 5 correct picks
SHU- 4 correct picks
Adam- 4 however DQ'd because I picked two Wild Cards! What an idiot!
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