I am currently at a work conference in Ohio. My job is in Higher Education (for the present time), and I work with folks from around the country. One of my colleagues came up to me yesterday and began to talk about baseball. Obviously, this is a topic near and dear to my heart. I will talk baseball with anyone who wants or has the time. He remarked how some of his buddies in the Boston area are already cashing the season in and looking ahead to next season. To the average baseball fan who knows the season is only 2 weeks deep, this is ludicrous. Still, it got me thinking about what is the worst start for a team in MLB history? Furthermore, what's the worst start to a baseball season for a team to make the playoffs?
I remembered a Tigers team who recently had a 100+ loss season. According to http://www.baseball-almanac.com/, the Tigers finished 43 - 119 in 2003. This was after going 55 - 106 in 2002. In 2002, the Tigers started 0 -11. In 2003, the team started 0 - 9, and finished April with a 3 - 23 record. Talk about a tough couple years to be a Tiger fan.
If you google "Worst start to a baseball season", you will find multiple links to the Baltimore Orioles. The 1988 Baltimore baseball club started the season 0-21...yikes. Still, they finished that season only one game worse than the 2002 Tigers. In other words, they played better baseball after game 21 than the Tigers. Got to find a glass half full moment somewhere in this blog.
So there you have it. The worst start to a Major League Baseball season. On to the team that made the playoffs!
Almost all the sports info sites were telling me I need to give credit to the Kansas City Royals in a strike shortened season. This is bogus to me. I'm not having it. I demand real answers!
This will be kind of a let down, if you're anything like me. There hasn't been a single team who started 0 - 6, to make the playoffs. I guess I was hoping for some kind of cinderella storied baseball team. But alas, it's kind of the black mark, so to speak, starting 0 - 6. All I can say for Boston is I'm cheering for you guys to break the mold. Go on a 15 game winning streak and shut up the critics! It's probably not going to happen, but us baseball fans can hope...
Um...Go Indians?!?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Greatest Baseball Lineup Since 1990...According to Me
It's been a while since I've been here. Loads of important things have happened as well. The Green Bay FudgePackers won the Super Bowl, the Uconn Huskies won the NCAA Championship (in a very sloppy game) against Butler, the 2011 Major League Baseball season is under way, and most importantly I got married!
I want to go back to the 2011 MLB season if I could. I was walking around in my apartment last night after I finished watching Monday Night Raw and it hit me; "If I could make the best lineup for a team using any player from 1990 until now, who who I choose?". There are so many players that have played from 90 until now that have been linked to steroids (Bonds, Clemens, Palmeiro), and there are so many players now that appear to be heading to greater numbers than some in the past (Pujols or BigMac?). Who to pick?!?
I'm going to go at this two ways. The first is who I would pick off the top of my head, and the second is picking guys based on actual numbers. I want to see how much emotion I use in picking mine compared to who's actually the best option. The batting order can be switched around, I'm just picking a person per position. Here goes:
1B - Albert Pujols
2B - Ryne Sandberg
3B - George Brett
SS - Cal Ripken, Jr
LF - Rickey Henderson
CF - Ken Griffey, Jr
RF - Andre Dawson
C - Mike Piazza
SP - Nolan Ryan
Here are what the career stats say I should have picked:
1B - Frank Thomas .301/521/1704 (Pujols will pass these numbers. No one else who's played since 90 has)
2B - Ryne Sandberg .285/282/1061 (2386 hits & 344 SB)
3B - George Brett .305/317/1595 (Schmidt retired in 1989 or he'd be here)
SS - Cal Ripken Jr. .276/431/1695 (Ozzie Smith gets a very close 2nd here*)
LF - Rickey Henderson .271/297/1406 SB/2295 Runs Scored/.401 OBP/73 Lead off HR
CF - Ken Griffey Jr. .288/611/1772/.373 OBP/1612 Runs Scored/2680 Hits/184 SB/13x All Star
RF - Tony Gwynn .338/135/1138/3141 hits/319 SB/15x AllStar (Dawson had more HR/RBI & was ROY & MVP, Gwynn was not)
C - Ivan Rodriguez - .302/295/1,217 RBI/1,253 Runs Scored/2,605 Hits/124 SB/14x All Star
P - This was TOO CLOSE to call, so I've made an executive decision and am going to put both guys on this list:
Roger Clemens Greg Maddux
354 W/184 L 355W/227 L
3.12 ERA 3.16 ERA
4672 K's 3371 K's
11x All Star 8x All Star
7x Cy Young 4 Consecutive Cy's (only player to do this...EVER)
MVP 18x Gold Glove Winner
*The Ozzie versus Ripken debate continues. Here is why I put Ripken over Smith on the stats list:
-Higher Batting Average: Ripken .276/Ozzie .262
-More Hits: Ripken 3184/Ozzie 2460
-More HR: Ripken 431/Ozzie 28
-More RBI: Ripken 1695/Ozzie 793
-More All-Star Appearances: Ripken 19/Ozzie 15
-Ripken won the 1982 Rookie of the Year.
Ozzie did have more Gold Gloves (13) than Ripken (2), and he had more stolen bases (580) than Ripken (36) as well. Still, I think the numbers speak for themselves.
There you have it folks. My List versus the Stat List. I feel I did ok considering. Just based on my thoughts and feelings of who was the best at their position in players who have played since 1990, I got 5 out of 9. I'll take that.
Feel free to argue, agree or just comment on this. I like to hear what other people think. Obviously you can't really argue the Career Stat list since it's based on factual data, but if you would've put a different guy on your Personal List, I'd like to hear about it.
Until next time...
I want to go back to the 2011 MLB season if I could. I was walking around in my apartment last night after I finished watching Monday Night Raw and it hit me; "If I could make the best lineup for a team using any player from 1990 until now, who who I choose?". There are so many players that have played from 90 until now that have been linked to steroids (Bonds, Clemens, Palmeiro), and there are so many players now that appear to be heading to greater numbers than some in the past (Pujols or BigMac?). Who to pick?!?
I'm going to go at this two ways. The first is who I would pick off the top of my head, and the second is picking guys based on actual numbers. I want to see how much emotion I use in picking mine compared to who's actually the best option. The batting order can be switched around, I'm just picking a person per position. Here goes:
1B - Albert Pujols
2B - Ryne Sandberg
3B - George Brett
SS - Cal Ripken, Jr
LF - Rickey Henderson
CF - Ken Griffey, Jr
RF - Andre Dawson
C - Mike Piazza
SP - Nolan Ryan
Here are what the career stats say I should have picked:
1B - Frank Thomas .301/521/1704 (Pujols will pass these numbers. No one else who's played since 90 has)
2B - Ryne Sandberg .285/282/1061 (2386 hits & 344 SB)
3B - George Brett .305/317/1595 (Schmidt retired in 1989 or he'd be here)
SS - Cal Ripken Jr. .276/431/1695 (Ozzie Smith gets a very close 2nd here*)
LF - Rickey Henderson .271/297/1406 SB/2295 Runs Scored/.401 OBP/73 Lead off HR
CF - Ken Griffey Jr. .288/611/1772/.373 OBP/1612 Runs Scored/2680 Hits/184 SB/13x All Star
RF - Tony Gwynn .338/135/1138/3141 hits/319 SB/15x AllStar (Dawson had more HR/RBI & was ROY & MVP, Gwynn was not)
C - Ivan Rodriguez - .302/295/1,217 RBI/1,253 Runs Scored/2,605 Hits/124 SB/14x All Star
P - This was TOO CLOSE to call, so I've made an executive decision and am going to put both guys on this list:
Roger Clemens Greg Maddux
354 W/184 L 355W/227 L
3.12 ERA 3.16 ERA
4672 K's 3371 K's
11x All Star 8x All Star
7x Cy Young 4 Consecutive Cy's (only player to do this...EVER)
MVP 18x Gold Glove Winner
*The Ozzie versus Ripken debate continues. Here is why I put Ripken over Smith on the stats list:
-Higher Batting Average: Ripken .276/Ozzie .262
-More Hits: Ripken 3184/Ozzie 2460
-More HR: Ripken 431/Ozzie 28
-More RBI: Ripken 1695/Ozzie 793
-More All-Star Appearances: Ripken 19/Ozzie 15
-Ripken won the 1982 Rookie of the Year.
Ozzie did have more Gold Gloves (13) than Ripken (2), and he had more stolen bases (580) than Ripken (36) as well. Still, I think the numbers speak for themselves.
There you have it folks. My List versus the Stat List. I feel I did ok considering. Just based on my thoughts and feelings of who was the best at their position in players who have played since 1990, I got 5 out of 9. I'll take that.
Feel free to argue, agree or just comment on this. I like to hear what other people think. Obviously you can't really argue the Career Stat list since it's based on factual data, but if you would've put a different guy on your Personal List, I'd like to hear about it.
Until next time...
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thoughts On A Few NFL topics
There are so many stories that have surfaced this week in the sports world. The top story (by top I mean most talked about, not necessarily most important or interesting), is the Jay Cutler story. For anyone living under a rock, Jay Cutler left the NFC Championship game against Green Bay after one series in the 3rd Quarter and did not return. In his absence, the archaic Todd Collins took snaps for two series. Collins promptly threw about four passes, and almost got picked off twice, before hurting his shoulder and leaving the game for good as well. Caleb Hanie, 3rd string Quarterback, came in and lead the Bears on two scoring drives and nearly tied the game. It would have been tied if Hanie hadn't thrown an interception to 700 pound lineman, BJ Raji, who ran it back a whole 10 yards for a touchdown. Raji promptly broke into a nice fat man touchdown dance. I'm not blaming Hanie for the loss, lord knows he was the only QB the Bears had that Sunday who could move the ball at all.
Read more about Hanie at: http://www.buzzbaba.com/caleb-hanie-buzz-baba-20110123/
Back to Cutler. He has long been looked at as a "weaker" football player, if you must. Not girly, or a puss, but kind of a diva or cry baby. I don't know the dude personally, so I can't say for sure, but from what he shows in games and what he does on the sidelines, I think the opinion of him could be close to accurate. There were talks of him having a sore knee and that's why he left the game. NFL players, current and retired, chimed in across the nation all afternoon and well into the next 3 days on how he quit on his team and how they, if given the opportunity to play in an NFC Championship game, would have played hurt.
Let's think about this from someone who isn't at home upset that my team didn't make the NFC Championship game, and therefore, isn't jealous. Money. Yep, I said it, M-O-N-E-Y. And a hell of a lot of it if you're a good QB in the NFL. At that particular moment, I have no idea that my knee has a Grade 2 sprain/tear in it (which it does). All I know is that I can't plant it to make a strong throw and it feels kind of unstable, like my knee is slipping when I plant it or run. I also know that my contract isn't guaranteed, just like almost all NFL players. So if I go back out there, completely tear my knee ligaments and can't walk without a limp for the rest of my life, I've forfeit millions (and millions) of dollars coming to me. That alone keeps any reasonable person on the sideline. In this instance, however, it was Lovie Smith and team doctors that kept him out:
“He was hurt, and he couldn’t go,” Smith said. “Trainers, doctors and all, they are the ones who really made that decision. As far as Jay he is like everyone else; he was disappointed he couldn’t go out and play to help his team win.” http://www.inflexwetrust.com/2011/01/24/nfl-bears-coach-lovie-smith-said-that-jay-cutler-suffered-a-sprainted-mcl-in-nfc-title-game/
Bottom line for me is, move on people. The guy hurt his knee, and for whatever reason, was not able to play in the most meaningful game of his career. I'm sure he was disappointed to not play, just like every other player who didn't get to play in a championship game with his/her team.
Moral of this story: If YOU'RE A MILLIONAIRE, STAY A MILLIONAIRE
In a related topic, Nick Barnett was told that he would not be in the Packers team photo. The photo is to be taken next Tuesday during Super Bowl week, and all players on Injured Reserve are being flown down Thursday of that same week. I agree that it sucks to not be able to stand in a group of 300 pound men where your face will most likely never be able to be made out. I hate it for the guy, and the rest of the injured Packers.
Moral of this story: DON'T GET INJURED
Another topic being floated about on sports radio; is Ben Roethlisberger one of the top QB's in the NFL, and where would you rank him. Let's think about this for 30 seconds. The guy has 2 Super Bowl rings, 4 AFC Championships, he torched the Packers for 503 yards in ONE GAME. Is he one of the top QB's in the game today: HELL YES. To address the question of where would I rank him, I would say in the top 3 for sure, possible the number 2 QB in the NFL today. If, and when, the Steelers beat the Packers in Super Bowl 45, Big Ben will have as many rings as Tom Brady. Brady has been argued as the greatest QB to ever play the game. I think he's the lucky recipient of a brilliant head coach and system, and a timely injury to an aging QB. Still, I don't think that Josh Freeman or Kyle Orton could've been thrown into that system and had the success Brady has had. I'll never understand why he doesn't get more recognition of his on field superiority.
Moral of this story: when it comes to young women who need attention and money, JUST SAY NO
Thanks for your time today. I hope you gained something from today's blog. Let me thank you ahead of time for any comments left.
Read more about Hanie at: http://www.buzzbaba.com/caleb-hanie-buzz-baba-20110123/
Back to Cutler. He has long been looked at as a "weaker" football player, if you must. Not girly, or a puss, but kind of a diva or cry baby. I don't know the dude personally, so I can't say for sure, but from what he shows in games and what he does on the sidelines, I think the opinion of him could be close to accurate. There were talks of him having a sore knee and that's why he left the game. NFL players, current and retired, chimed in across the nation all afternoon and well into the next 3 days on how he quit on his team and how they, if given the opportunity to play in an NFC Championship game, would have played hurt.
Let's think about this from someone who isn't at home upset that my team didn't make the NFC Championship game, and therefore, isn't jealous. Money. Yep, I said it, M-O-N-E-Y. And a hell of a lot of it if you're a good QB in the NFL. At that particular moment, I have no idea that my knee has a Grade 2 sprain/tear in it (which it does). All I know is that I can't plant it to make a strong throw and it feels kind of unstable, like my knee is slipping when I plant it or run. I also know that my contract isn't guaranteed, just like almost all NFL players. So if I go back out there, completely tear my knee ligaments and can't walk without a limp for the rest of my life, I've forfeit millions (and millions) of dollars coming to me. That alone keeps any reasonable person on the sideline. In this instance, however, it was Lovie Smith and team doctors that kept him out:
“He was hurt, and he couldn’t go,” Smith said. “Trainers, doctors and all, they are the ones who really made that decision. As far as Jay he is like everyone else; he was disappointed he couldn’t go out and play to help his team win.” http://www.inflexwetrust.com/2011/01/24/nfl-bears-coach-lovie-smith-said-that-jay-cutler-suffered-a-sprainted-mcl-in-nfc-title-game/
Bottom line for me is, move on people. The guy hurt his knee, and for whatever reason, was not able to play in the most meaningful game of his career. I'm sure he was disappointed to not play, just like every other player who didn't get to play in a championship game with his/her team.
Moral of this story: If YOU'RE A MILLIONAIRE, STAY A MILLIONAIRE
In a related topic, Nick Barnett was told that he would not be in the Packers team photo. The photo is to be taken next Tuesday during Super Bowl week, and all players on Injured Reserve are being flown down Thursday of that same week. I agree that it sucks to not be able to stand in a group of 300 pound men where your face will most likely never be able to be made out. I hate it for the guy, and the rest of the injured Packers.
Moral of this story: DON'T GET INJURED
Another topic being floated about on sports radio; is Ben Roethlisberger one of the top QB's in the NFL, and where would you rank him. Let's think about this for 30 seconds. The guy has 2 Super Bowl rings, 4 AFC Championships, he torched the Packers for 503 yards in ONE GAME. Is he one of the top QB's in the game today: HELL YES. To address the question of where would I rank him, I would say in the top 3 for sure, possible the number 2 QB in the NFL today. If, and when, the Steelers beat the Packers in Super Bowl 45, Big Ben will have as many rings as Tom Brady. Brady has been argued as the greatest QB to ever play the game. I think he's the lucky recipient of a brilliant head coach and system, and a timely injury to an aging QB. Still, I don't think that Josh Freeman or Kyle Orton could've been thrown into that system and had the success Brady has had. I'll never understand why he doesn't get more recognition of his on field superiority.
Moral of this story: when it comes to young women who need attention and money, JUST SAY NO
Thanks for your time today. I hope you gained something from today's blog. Let me thank you ahead of time for any comments left.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
NFL Playoffs: Take 2
So that happened...
The only game I predicted right last week was the game I had the most vested interest in. I suppose that's a solid win though. Still, who saw the Jets breaking Tom Brady's foot, and by doing so took away his confidence? And who could've predicted that Mark "High School Talent" Sanchez would grow into the position as the game went on? I mean, that guy looked bad through the first quarter. It was like he thought his receiving core was 7 feet tall by 5 feet wide. I digress.
Excellent win for the Steelers last week. That game was what we all thought it would be. Tied halfway through the 4th with as much blood on the uniforms as snow and mud. Big Ben was just that, Big. Way to throw it to the rookie, who was the last guy on the field anyone thought was getting the ball. This game was like sportsporn, even women watched.
Then the egg of the season was laid by the Atlanta Falcons. Home field advantage. Number 1 vs Number 6. Arguably the most well rounded offense in the league all year. Everyone in Atlanta already had their tickets for the Bears coming in next week. Then Matty Ice goes out there and shows his playoff experience. I admit, I was in the same mindframe as those Hotlanta dwellers. I know the Pack has been hot of late, but come on! The Falcons took care of anyone and everyone on the schedule this season, including the Packers! I guess I had it coming though. I wanted the Packers to lose...no, I needed the Packers to lose. I am a football fan that can not stand how all the experts are lifting up Aaron Rogers as the savior of the NFL. The dude can't close out games where he's being tested. Sure he can win the games that they score 40 points or more, but look at the games where they're held to 20 points or less. The Packer are 3-5 in those games. One of those wins was to a Bears team with nothing to play for other than beating a rival. Packers win 10 - 3. Another win was a 9 - 0 win over the Jets. Granted both teams are in the final four, but I think any footballer with half a brain knows that Rex and the rest of the Jets were seriously overlooking the Packers at that time. The Packers were 4 - 3 going into that game, and the Jets were 5 - 1. Keep in mind, the Jets had already knocked off the New England "Best Team That Ever Lived" Patriots in week 2, and lost by 1 point to the Ravens (10 - 9) in week 1.
Still, here we are two weeks from the Super Bowl and the matchups couldn't be more even. First we have the:
Packers (-3.5) @ Bears
The season series was split, each winning on it's home turf. In these games, the Pack outscored the Bears 27 - 23. Between the two meetings, the QB averages look something like this:
Aaron Rogers line: 273 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Jay Cutlers line: 195 YDS, 0.5 TD, 1.5 INT
Neither one of these guys would be picked to start a fantasy matchup with numbers like these.
As for the running game, Cutler had the game high on game 1 (37 yds), and Forte had the high for game 2 (91 yds). For the Packers, game 1 went to John Kuhn (31 yds), and game 2 was Rogers (21 yds). Again, no real advantage here. This game is going to come down to defense. Neither of these teams is going to put up 30+ points on each other, it's just not gonna happen. The Bears are 20th overall in Pass Yards Per Game, giving up 224 per. They are 2nd in the NFL in Rush Yards Per Game, giving up 90 per. The Packers are 5th overall in Pass Yards Per Game with 194 per, and 18th overall in Rush yards Per Game with 115 per. The Bears to have an edge in Special Teams with Devin Hester, but that can be equalized by simply not kicking to him.
With all that being said, these two teams fit each others averages almost perfectly. The Bears will give up around 250 yards passing to Rogers, and they'll stuff Starks out of the backfield for about 50. Rogers will throw a touchdown and a pick, and I see them scoring 14 points.
The Bears will have just under 200 yards passing with Cutler throwing a pick, and Forte will rush for close to the century mark and score a touchdown. I see them scoring 13 points.
Prediction:
Packers 14 - 13
sidenote: My fiance read my pick here and was disgusted with me. Her words were: "the Bears are gonna be pissed. I think they feel they have something to prove here, and will come out on top." We shall see...
Jets @ Steelers (-3.5)
Again, here is a game that is virtually a tie. I was honestly surprised by Sanchez numbers upon seeing them this week. Let's compare him to Big Ben, shall we?
Roethlisberger 61.7%, 3200 YDS, 17 TD, 5 INT
Sanchez 54.8%, 3291 YDS, 17 TD, 13 INT
Strikingly similar. Remember, however, Ben didn't play until week 5, so his numbers could go up almost 25%. Still, we can only go by what is factual now, not on speculation. I can't help but feel like these numbers just don't do it. I mean, is it just me, or does Ben seem like he's light years better than Sanchez? Am I giving Ben too much credit, or not enough to Sanchez? You tell me.
*she's still going off about my Packers/Bears prediction*
I like the Jets running game in this one. They have a legit two man back field with Tomlinson and Greene. Keep in mind as well that Greene shows up big in the playoffs. This is the 2nd year in a row that Green has out performed his regular season averages in the playoffs. The Steelers have Mendenhall, who put up almost 1300 yds and 13 TD's this year, but he doesn't have a solid back up by any stretch of the imagination. They might as well still have Willie Parker back there running the ball.
Again, however, this game is going to come down to defense. The Steelers are 12th in Pass Yards Per (214), and the Jets are 6th (200). The Steelers are 1st in Rush Yards Per (62), and the Jets are 3rd (90). Steelers are giving up 14.5 points per game, and the Jets are just under 20 points per game allowed. Neither team has excellent special teams, so no advantage there.
I have to go with my gut and the performance of Roethlisbeger in nearly all of the games he's played in. Combined with Troy on the other side, I have to go with the Steelers in a very entertaining game.
Prediction:
Steelers 21 - 14
I am 1 - 3 so far in the playoffs this year. Which means that no one, under any circumstances, should use my picks if they're betting money. Let's get ready for a great week of football!
The only game I predicted right last week was the game I had the most vested interest in. I suppose that's a solid win though. Still, who saw the Jets breaking Tom Brady's foot, and by doing so took away his confidence? And who could've predicted that Mark "High School Talent" Sanchez would grow into the position as the game went on? I mean, that guy looked bad through the first quarter. It was like he thought his receiving core was 7 feet tall by 5 feet wide. I digress.
Excellent win for the Steelers last week. That game was what we all thought it would be. Tied halfway through the 4th with as much blood on the uniforms as snow and mud. Big Ben was just that, Big. Way to throw it to the rookie, who was the last guy on the field anyone thought was getting the ball. This game was like sportsporn, even women watched.
Then the egg of the season was laid by the Atlanta Falcons. Home field advantage. Number 1 vs Number 6. Arguably the most well rounded offense in the league all year. Everyone in Atlanta already had their tickets for the Bears coming in next week. Then Matty Ice goes out there and shows his playoff experience. I admit, I was in the same mindframe as those Hotlanta dwellers. I know the Pack has been hot of late, but come on! The Falcons took care of anyone and everyone on the schedule this season, including the Packers! I guess I had it coming though. I wanted the Packers to lose...no, I needed the Packers to lose. I am a football fan that can not stand how all the experts are lifting up Aaron Rogers as the savior of the NFL. The dude can't close out games where he's being tested. Sure he can win the games that they score 40 points or more, but look at the games where they're held to 20 points or less. The Packer are 3-5 in those games. One of those wins was to a Bears team with nothing to play for other than beating a rival. Packers win 10 - 3. Another win was a 9 - 0 win over the Jets. Granted both teams are in the final four, but I think any footballer with half a brain knows that Rex and the rest of the Jets were seriously overlooking the Packers at that time. The Packers were 4 - 3 going into that game, and the Jets were 5 - 1. Keep in mind, the Jets had already knocked off the New England "Best Team That Ever Lived" Patriots in week 2, and lost by 1 point to the Ravens (10 - 9) in week 1.
Still, here we are two weeks from the Super Bowl and the matchups couldn't be more even. First we have the:
Packers (-3.5) @ Bears
The season series was split, each winning on it's home turf. In these games, the Pack outscored the Bears 27 - 23. Between the two meetings, the QB averages look something like this:
Aaron Rogers line: 273 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Jay Cutlers line: 195 YDS, 0.5 TD, 1.5 INT
Neither one of these guys would be picked to start a fantasy matchup with numbers like these.
As for the running game, Cutler had the game high on game 1 (37 yds), and Forte had the high for game 2 (91 yds). For the Packers, game 1 went to John Kuhn (31 yds), and game 2 was Rogers (21 yds). Again, no real advantage here. This game is going to come down to defense. Neither of these teams is going to put up 30+ points on each other, it's just not gonna happen. The Bears are 20th overall in Pass Yards Per Game, giving up 224 per. They are 2nd in the NFL in Rush Yards Per Game, giving up 90 per. The Packers are 5th overall in Pass Yards Per Game with 194 per, and 18th overall in Rush yards Per Game with 115 per. The Bears to have an edge in Special Teams with Devin Hester, but that can be equalized by simply not kicking to him.
With all that being said, these two teams fit each others averages almost perfectly. The Bears will give up around 250 yards passing to Rogers, and they'll stuff Starks out of the backfield for about 50. Rogers will throw a touchdown and a pick, and I see them scoring 14 points.
The Bears will have just under 200 yards passing with Cutler throwing a pick, and Forte will rush for close to the century mark and score a touchdown. I see them scoring 13 points.
Prediction:
Packers 14 - 13
sidenote: My fiance read my pick here and was disgusted with me. Her words were: "the Bears are gonna be pissed. I think they feel they have something to prove here, and will come out on top." We shall see...
Jets @ Steelers (-3.5)
Again, here is a game that is virtually a tie. I was honestly surprised by Sanchez numbers upon seeing them this week. Let's compare him to Big Ben, shall we?
| B. Roethlisberger | 61.7 | 3200 | 17 | 5 |
Roethlisberger 61.7%, 3200 YDS, 17 TD, 5 INT
Sanchez 54.8%, 3291 YDS, 17 TD, 13 INT
Strikingly similar. Remember, however, Ben didn't play until week 5, so his numbers could go up almost 25%. Still, we can only go by what is factual now, not on speculation. I can't help but feel like these numbers just don't do it. I mean, is it just me, or does Ben seem like he's light years better than Sanchez? Am I giving Ben too much credit, or not enough to Sanchez? You tell me.
*she's still going off about my Packers/Bears prediction*
I like the Jets running game in this one. They have a legit two man back field with Tomlinson and Greene. Keep in mind as well that Greene shows up big in the playoffs. This is the 2nd year in a row that Green has out performed his regular season averages in the playoffs. The Steelers have Mendenhall, who put up almost 1300 yds and 13 TD's this year, but he doesn't have a solid back up by any stretch of the imagination. They might as well still have Willie Parker back there running the ball.
Again, however, this game is going to come down to defense. The Steelers are 12th in Pass Yards Per (214), and the Jets are 6th (200). The Steelers are 1st in Rush Yards Per (62), and the Jets are 3rd (90). Steelers are giving up 14.5 points per game, and the Jets are just under 20 points per game allowed. Neither team has excellent special teams, so no advantage there.
I have to go with my gut and the performance of Roethlisbeger in nearly all of the games he's played in. Combined with Troy on the other side, I have to go with the Steelers in a very entertaining game.
Prediction:
Steelers 21 - 14
I am 1 - 3 so far in the playoffs this year. Which means that no one, under any circumstances, should use my picks if they're betting money. Let's get ready for a great week of football!
Friday, January 14, 2011
NFL Playoffs - Week 2
I am an avid sports fan. Anyone who knows me, knows I follow any sport that the majority of the general public is interested or invested in. Sorry, but that excludes MLS, PBA and Tennis. Most of the time it excludes PGA and LPGA, but sometimes there are things that catch my attention:
1. Orange Pants
2. Women playing in a PGA event
3. Wrecked SUV's (especially the painted black variety)
With the groundwork now being laid down, I want to say that this week of NFL Playoff Football has me very excited. Listening to all the "experts" make their picks and defend them is always interesting to me, regardless of where in the season we are. But when the "experts" are just about split down the middle, some are even jumping ship mid week, it adds a little to it.
Ravens/Steelers (Saturday 4:30 pm)
This game has become one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL today. Two teams that are separated by only 248 miles. I suppose some people don't realize how small of a distance this is. My job requires me to travel, and by travel I mean drive a car, more than 248 miles a day more than I can count. Because of the proximity, the teams are in relatively the same region of the country. Why am I pointing this out? Because they have to build similar rosters due to their environments. It's cold where these teams are, and getting hit by a 300 pound dude in 15 degree weather hurts! Both of these teams pride themselves on being "mean", or "tough". They both think they are the best at what they do. Some would argue that they are. Either way, this game is going to be a slobber knocker! They met early on in week 4 at Heinz Field. The Ravens pulled out a 17-14 victory in that game. Later on they locked horns again in week 13 at M&T Bank Stadium, and the Steelers pulled out a 13-10 victory. Two things pop out to me when looking at these past two matchups: there isn't going to be a lot of offense in this game, and home field advantage doesn't exist between these two teams. Normally, I would feel the need to dive into QB comparisons on all that jazz, but I think the Defenses cancel that out. I do feel that Big Ben is the superior QB, but let's not forget the nose job he suffered last time these teams met. That will put your QB on the same level of a lesser QB in an instant. The Ravens went out and got Boldin specifically for this type of game. Because of this, I like the Ravens.
Prediction: Ravens 17 - 14
Packers/Falcons (Saturday 8:00 pm)
This is the game that I have the most confusion on. I'm not confused about which team to pick, however. I'm confused by all the "experts" telling the world how great Aaron Rogers is and how he's going to go INTO Atlanta and beat the best team in the NFC. Sometimes I would like to reach into the television and slap some of these guys across the face. I mean, seriously!?! I know Rogers has finally won a playoff game, but it's just that: 1 PLAYOFF WIN. If that hadn't found gold in Starks with the running game, Rogers would be back in Green Bay this week cleaning out his locker and saying his goodbyes for the off season. The Packers weren't even in the playoffs in week 15. They had to beat a mistake prone Giants and and Bears team that had nothing to play for other than not getting hurt. I could be way off on this, but I think all the Fantasy Footballers out there have seriously skewed Rogers value. Atlanta has been on top all season. They simply find a way to win nearly every time they take the field. They only factor that makes me think a bit is that Atlanta beat Green Bay 20 - 17 in week 12 in Atlanta. I hope the Falcons don't assume the same thing is going to happen because it's at the same venue, and it wasn't that long ago.
Prediction: Atlanta 28 - 17
Seahawks/Bears (Sunday 1:00 pm)
I have some personal interest in this game. But I pride myself on being a realistic fan of the teams I pull for. Example, the Bears are favored by 10 and that makes me nervous. The Seahawks rose up and handed the reigning Superbowl Champion Saint a knuckle sandwich last week. No one, and I mean no one, saw that coming. These guys are young and have nothing to lose....a VERY dangerous combination. Then there's the popular topic of the Gunslinger, Jay Cutler. You really do never know which Jay is going to show up each week. One thing you can count on, however, is that he's going to come to play. This is the first playoff game of Cutlers career. No one wants their playoff record to be 0 - 1. Another thing the Bears have in their favor isn't playing at home, but not having to travel to Seattle. The Seahawks won in week 6 at Solider Field, and that will keep the Bears defense hungry and grounded. I think this game will come down to Special Teams play. Kicking it to Hester would be the worst thing to happen to Seattle postseason football.
Prediction: Bears 21 - 13
Jets/Patriots (Sunday 4:30 pm)
I'm keeping this short and sweet. The Jets don't know when to shut their mouths.
Prediction: Patriots 35 - 7
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
1. Orange Pants
2. Women playing in a PGA event
3. Wrecked SUV's (especially the painted black variety)
With the groundwork now being laid down, I want to say that this week of NFL Playoff Football has me very excited. Listening to all the "experts" make their picks and defend them is always interesting to me, regardless of where in the season we are. But when the "experts" are just about split down the middle, some are even jumping ship mid week, it adds a little to it.
Ravens/Steelers (Saturday 4:30 pm)
This game has become one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL today. Two teams that are separated by only 248 miles. I suppose some people don't realize how small of a distance this is. My job requires me to travel, and by travel I mean drive a car, more than 248 miles a day more than I can count. Because of the proximity, the teams are in relatively the same region of the country. Why am I pointing this out? Because they have to build similar rosters due to their environments. It's cold where these teams are, and getting hit by a 300 pound dude in 15 degree weather hurts! Both of these teams pride themselves on being "mean", or "tough". They both think they are the best at what they do. Some would argue that they are. Either way, this game is going to be a slobber knocker! They met early on in week 4 at Heinz Field. The Ravens pulled out a 17-14 victory in that game. Later on they locked horns again in week 13 at M&T Bank Stadium, and the Steelers pulled out a 13-10 victory. Two things pop out to me when looking at these past two matchups: there isn't going to be a lot of offense in this game, and home field advantage doesn't exist between these two teams. Normally, I would feel the need to dive into QB comparisons on all that jazz, but I think the Defenses cancel that out. I do feel that Big Ben is the superior QB, but let's not forget the nose job he suffered last time these teams met. That will put your QB on the same level of a lesser QB in an instant. The Ravens went out and got Boldin specifically for this type of game. Because of this, I like the Ravens.
Prediction: Ravens 17 - 14
Packers/Falcons (Saturday 8:00 pm)
This is the game that I have the most confusion on. I'm not confused about which team to pick, however. I'm confused by all the "experts" telling the world how great Aaron Rogers is and how he's going to go INTO Atlanta and beat the best team in the NFC. Sometimes I would like to reach into the television and slap some of these guys across the face. I mean, seriously!?! I know Rogers has finally won a playoff game, but it's just that: 1 PLAYOFF WIN. If that hadn't found gold in Starks with the running game, Rogers would be back in Green Bay this week cleaning out his locker and saying his goodbyes for the off season. The Packers weren't even in the playoffs in week 15. They had to beat a mistake prone Giants and and Bears team that had nothing to play for other than not getting hurt. I could be way off on this, but I think all the Fantasy Footballers out there have seriously skewed Rogers value. Atlanta has been on top all season. They simply find a way to win nearly every time they take the field. They only factor that makes me think a bit is that Atlanta beat Green Bay 20 - 17 in week 12 in Atlanta. I hope the Falcons don't assume the same thing is going to happen because it's at the same venue, and it wasn't that long ago.
Prediction: Atlanta 28 - 17
Seahawks/Bears (Sunday 1:00 pm)
I have some personal interest in this game. But I pride myself on being a realistic fan of the teams I pull for. Example, the Bears are favored by 10 and that makes me nervous. The Seahawks rose up and handed the reigning Superbowl Champion Saint a knuckle sandwich last week. No one, and I mean no one, saw that coming. These guys are young and have nothing to lose....a VERY dangerous combination. Then there's the popular topic of the Gunslinger, Jay Cutler. You really do never know which Jay is going to show up each week. One thing you can count on, however, is that he's going to come to play. This is the first playoff game of Cutlers career. No one wants their playoff record to be 0 - 1. Another thing the Bears have in their favor isn't playing at home, but not having to travel to Seattle. The Seahawks won in week 6 at Solider Field, and that will keep the Bears defense hungry and grounded. I think this game will come down to Special Teams play. Kicking it to Hester would be the worst thing to happen to Seattle postseason football.
Prediction: Bears 21 - 13
Jets/Patriots (Sunday 4:30 pm)
I'm keeping this short and sweet. The Jets don't know when to shut their mouths.
Prediction: Patriots 35 - 7
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
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