St. Louis Sports

College Football: Week 12

2010-11-26T14:42:00.001-06:00

I have not done the Top 25 in three weeks, but I sort of kept up with the rankings and just not posted. When I ended up finishing my rankings, it was too late to post anyway as they games were being played or already played. When I show last week's ranking, it simply means what ranking I had for last week that just happened to not be posted here last week. Without further ado, here is my Top 25 for Week 12.

Top 25

1. Auburn 11-0 (7-0)

Last week: #1

Result: BYE

Top 50 Wins: #5 LSU, #13 Arkansas, #19 South Carolina, @ #27 Mississippi State, @ #50 Kentucky

Losses: None

Next week: @#10 Alabama (Predicted Result - Loss)

Comment: In my rankings, I feel South Carolina, Mississippi State, and Kentucky are all overrated.... and Alabama too if Auburn ends up beating them - but not Auburn because the best team in the SEC is normally the best team in the NCAA.

2. Boise State 10-0 (6-0)

Last week: #3

Result: W 51-0 vs. #45 Fresno State

Top 50 Wins: #15 Virginia Tech, #23 Hawaii, #47 Oregon State

Losses: None

Next Week: @ #17 Nevada (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: They barely missed passing Auburn too as a result of actually playing and demolishing a worthy opponent - and history tells me that Boise State will win... again.

3. Oregon 10-0 (7-0)

Last week: #2

Result: BYE

Top 50 Wins: #7 Stanford, @#33 USC

Losses: None

Next Week: vs. #22 Arizona (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: I'm going to beat this horse until people see it - their schedule is no better than Boise State's or TCU's cause their top-end competition has been downright weak... They've beat two Top 50 teams and the only argument you'll hear is that some of the Top 70 teams (they have like 5 in Pac-10) should be in Top 50... and that isn't much of a case for Oregon either.

4. TCU 11-0 (7-0)

Last week: #4

Result: BYE

Top 50 Wins: @#18 Utah, vs. #39 Air Force, #42 San Diego State, vs. #47 Oregon State, vs. #48 Baylor

Losses: None

Next week: @New Mexico (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: Consider them undefeated for the regular season.

5. LSU 10-1 (6-1)

Last week: #5

Result: W 43-36 vs. Ole Miss

Top 50 Wins: vs. #10 Alabama, vs. #27 Mississippi State, @#33 Florida, vs. #40 West Virginia, #43 UNC

Losses: #1 Auburn

Next Week: @ #13 Arkansas (Predicted Result - Loss)

Comment: Their strength of schedule has been undeniably solid, but they always barely beat teams which the BCS doesn't give credit for.

6. Ohio State 10-1 (6-1)

Last week: #7

Result: W 20-17 #29 Iowa

Top 50 Wins: vs. #26 Penn State, vs. #28 Ohio, @#29Iowa vs. #34 Miami, @#46 Illinois

Losses: #9 Wisconsin

Next week: vs. #35 Michigan (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: Ohio State doesn't have a Top 25 win, but they have beat a bevy of Top 50 including a few tough road games and their only loss is to a Top 10 team.

7. Stanford 10-1 (7-1)

Last week: #8

Result: 48-14 @ California

Top 50 Wins: vs. #22 Arizona, vs. #33 USC

Losses: #3 Oregon

Next week: vs. #47 Oregon State (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: Overall, I probably underrate the Pac-10 but it doesn't help when two of the better teams - Oregon State and Washington - massively underperformed.

8. Oklahoma State 10-1 (7-1)

Last week: #9

Result: W 48-14 @ Kansas

Top 50 Wins: vs. #20 Texas A&M, vs. #44 Tulsa, vs. #48 Baylor, @#49 Texas Tech

Losses: vs. #12 Nebraska

Next week: vs. #14 Oklahoma (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: I think Oklahoma State catches Oklahoma on a down year just like Mizzou and wins at home behind a very loud crowd.

9. Wisconsin 10-1 (6-1)

Last week: #11

Result: W 48-28 @ #35 Michigan

Top 50 Wins: #6 Ohio State, @#29 Iowa, #35 Michigan

Losses: #11 Michigan State

Next Week: vs. #41 Northwestern (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: I'm guessing a few of the Top 10 teams ahead of them - as much as three - will lose leaving them a high ranking.

10. Alabama 9-2 (5-2)

Last week: #10

Result: W 63-7 vs. Georgia State (FCS)

Top 50 Wins: @#13 Arkansas, vs. #26 Penn State, vs. #27 Mississippi State, vs. #31 Florida

Losses: @#19 South Carolina, @#5 LSU

Next Week: vs. #1 Auburn (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: They've lost to two ranked teams on the road in the SEC so I can definitely see them beating Auburn at home this week.

11. Michigan State 10-1 (6-1)

Last week: #14

Result: W 35-31 vs. Purdue

Top 50 Wins: vs. #9 Wisconsin, @#35 Michigan, @#41 Northwestern, vs. #43 Illinois

Losses: @#29 Iowa

Next week: @#26 Penn State (Predicted Result - Loss)

Comment: I don't see them beating the Nittany Lions on their own turf, but they have done that this year before.

12. Nebraska 9-2 (5-2)

Last week: #6

Result: L 6-9 @#20 Texas A&M

Top 50 Wins: @#8 Oklahoma State, vs. #16 Missouri

Losses: vs. Texas, @#20 Texas A&M

Next week: vs. Colorado (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: That Texas loss is absolutely terrible now and this Colorado game is ultra-important for the Big 12 title game.

13. Arkansas 9-2 (5-2)

Last week: #11

Result: W 38-31 @#27 Mississippi State

Top 50 Wins - @#19 South Carolina, #20 Texas A&M, @#27 Mississippi State

Losses: @#1 Auburn, vs. #10 Alabama

Next Week: vs. #5 LSU (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: Look for the upset.

14. Oklahoma 9-2 (5-2)

Last week: #13

Result: W 53-24 @#47 Baylor

Top 50 Wins: vs. #24 Florida State, vs. #39 Air Force, #48 Baylor, #49 Texas Tech

Losses: @#15 Missouri, vs. #20 Texas A&M

Next week: vs. #8 Oklahoma State (Predicted Result - Loss)

Comment: As I said before, I think Oklahoma is on a down year and will lose to its inter-state rivals.

15. Virginia Tech 9-2 (7-0)

Last week: #16

Result: W 24-17 @ #24 Miami

Top 50 Wins: @#25 NC State, @#34 Miami, @#43 UNC

Losses: #2 Boise State, James Madison

Next week: vs. Virginia (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: Without that loss to James Madison, I'm thinking they are approaching the Top 5 because they have three on the road wins against three opponent.

16. Missouri 9-2 (5-2)

Last week: #15

Result: W 14-0 @ Iowa State

Top 50 Wins: vs. #14 Oklahoma, @#20 Texas A&M, vs. #42 San Diego State, #46 Illinois

Losses: @#12 Nebraska, @#49 Texas Tech

Next week: Kansas (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: It helps that Mizzou has only lost Big 12 road games... it doesn't help that one of those teams was a mediocre Texas Tech.

17. Nevada 10-1 (5-1)

Last week: #17

Result: W 52-6 @ New Mexico State

Top 50 Wins: @#45 Fresno State

Losses: @#23 Hawaii

Next week: vs. #2 Boise State (Predicted Result - Loss)

Comment: Their schedule is extremely unimpressive if you're wondering why a 10-1 season gets only a #17 ranking.

18. Utah 9-2 (6-1)

Last week: #19

Result: W 38-34 @ #42 San Diego State

Top 50 Wins: vs. #37 Pitt, @#39 Air Force, @#42 San Diego State

Losses: vs. #4 TCU, @Notre Dame

Next week: vs. BYU (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: They have a good schedule, but they got destroyed at home by TCU and lost on the road to a bad Notre Dame team.

19. South Carolina 8-3 (5-3)

Last week: #18

Result: W 69-24 vs. Troy

Top 50 Wins: vs. #10 Alabama, @#31 Florida, vs. #32 Southern Miss,

Losses: @#1 Auburn, vs. #13 Arkansas, @#50 Kentucky

Next week: @ Clemson (Predicted Result - Win)

20. Texas A&M 8-3 (6-2)

Last week: #22

Result W 9-6 vs. #12 Nebraska

Top 50 Wins: vs. #12 Nebraska, vs. #14 Oklahoma, vs. #50 Texas Tech

Losses: @#8 Oklahoma State, #13 Arkansas, vs. #16 Missouri

Next Week: @ Texas (Predicted Result - Win [They won])

Comment: I think their ranking is pretty solid. They've beaten teams worse then them and slightly better at home, but failed to win on the road and then there was that Missouri game.

21. Northern Illinois 9-2 (7-0)

Last week: #23

Result: W 59-21 @ Ball State

Top 50 Wins: vs. #38 Temple,

Losses: @#46 Illinois, @Iowa State

Next week: @Eastern Michigan (Predicted Result - Win [They won])

Comment: At the end of the year, I'll wipe the rankings and view their schedule against everyone and take their final season rankings and NIU is a big reason why (their schedule is not good)

22. Arizona 7-3 (4-3)

Last week: #21

Result: BYE

Top 50 Wins: vs. #29 Iowa

Losses: @#7 Stanford, vs. #33 USC, @#47 Oregon State

Next week: @#3 Oregon (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: This team got a lot of credit for their losses ironically because they haven't really beaten anybody.

23. Hawaii 8-3 (6-1)

Last week: unranked

Result: W 41-7 vs. San Jose State

Top 50 Wins: vs. #17 Nevada, @#45 Fresno State

Losses: @#2 Boise State, vs. #33 USC, @Colorado

Next week: @ New Mexico State (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: They have a better resume than Nevada... except for that Colorado loss which is looking better and better but still terrible.

24. Florida State 8-3 (6-2)

Last week: unranked

Result: 30-16 @ Maryland

Top 50 Wins: @#34 Miami

Losses: @#14 Oklahoma, @#25 North Carolina State, vs. #43 UNC

Next week: vs. #33 Florida (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: You get a Top 25 ranking when you win every game you are supposed to except maybe one on a Big Six conference.

25. North Carolina State 8-3 (5-2)

Last week: unranked

Result: W 29-25 @ UNC

Top 50 Wins: @#30 UCF, vs. #24 Florida State, @#43 UNC

Losses: @#15 Virginia Tech, @ Clemson, @East Carolina

Next week: @ Maryland (Predicted Result - Win)

Comment: Their losses are not good at all but their wins are actually pretty impressive.

Dropped out: #20 USC, #24 Miami, #25 Temple

Next five: Penn State, Mississippi State, Ohio, Iowa, UCF

NFL Recap: Week 14

2009-12-15T21:47:00.002-06:00

Rams Recap

Summary

Briefly, the Titans destroyed the Rams 47-7. Luckily, the Titans had won 5 out of their last 6 going into this game, so they were definitely a good team. But for the Rams to get beat this bad by any NFL team is embarrasing. It's starting to be a disgrace to be a fan of the Rams. Its not did we win anymore... It's how much did we lose by?

High Points

Offense

Keith Null threw first career TD

Kenneth Darby had a 51 rushing yard fake punt run

Null also had a 63% completion rate

Defense

Chris Johnson was held to a 4.1 yards per rush, 2 full yards below his then season average of 6.2 yards per rush

Excluding Johnson's 39 yard TD run, Rams held him to 78 yards, for a 2.8 yards per carry rate

The Rams held their Time of Possession to 28:03, 3 minutes below the Rams' TOP

Special Teams

Punter Donnie Jones destroyed Titans punter Kern with these stats:

Jones: 7 punts, 45 average, 2 inside 20

Kern: 3 punts, 38.3 average, 1 inside 20

Here's where I place my campaign support for Donnie Jones as Rams' MVP...

Low Points

Offense

Steven Jackson was held to just 47 rushing yards

Keith Null threw FIVE interceptions for a solid 1:5 TD to INT ratio

They mustered less than 200 yards on offense excluding the fake punt run

Brandon Gibson is targeted 11 times.... and gets 43 receiving yards

Five offensive players recorded a tackle....

Defense

ZEROOO SACKS....

allowed 446 yards of offense to a subpar offense

allowed Titans to convert 3 4th down attempts out of.... 3

Special Teams

Their kicker scored 10 more points than the Rams did....

I think that's all I need to say...

5 tips for Coaching Staff

1. Teach the offense how to tackle....

2. Tell QB Null that having 74% of passes reach a player's hands is not always good...

3. BLITZ!!!

4. To not look at the time of possession victory as a positive in the game

5. Actually make a motivational speech through media (Singelatary's worked...)

Scores Around the League

PIT @ CLE - 13-6 Browns

The Steelers likely killed, never thought I'd say this, their wild card chances

NO @ ATL- 26-23 Saints

The Saints win another close one, but in the end they remain undefeated

GB @ CHI- 21-14 Packers

Seems the Packers are putting it all together, and are one of the more dangerous teams

DEN @ IND- 28-16 Colts

The Colts remain undefeated despite 21 catches from Brandon Marshall

BUF @ KC- 16-10 Bills

I think I've seen the soft schedule I wanted in the Chiefs? Why exactly?

CIN @ MIN- 30-10 Vikings

The Bengals are embarrased by the Vikings by a rejuvenated Brett Favre

CAR @ NE- 20-10 Patriots

Pats fans look at Rams and then try saying they're mad about their record

NYJ @ TB- 26-3 Jets

The Rams weren't the only team humiliated; hey at least they got a TD

MIA @ JAC- 14-10 Dolphins

The Dolphins are fighting for a playoff spot and it looks like 9-7 will get them in

DET @ BAL- 48-3 Ravens

Well, I have nothing to say... About as bad as Rams, but they have an actual QB playing

SEA @ HOU- 34-7 Texans

The Texans are trying to prove how bad the NFC West truly is; and they succeeded

WAS @ OAK- 34-13 Redskins

The Redskins win kicks off my campaign for QB Jason Campbell, who is better than anybody the Rams have

SD @ DAL- 20-17 Chargers

Huge surprise! The Cowboys falter in December and the Chargers surge... wait, this isn't the first time?

PHI @ NYG- 45-38 Eagles

The shootout ends in the Eagles favor likely because of one X factor: playmaking WRs

ARI @ SF- 24-9 49ers

The Cardinals are more inconsistent than Obama's stance on war

Fantasy Top Performers

Eli Manning, NYG (1)

Stats: 391 passing yards, 3 TDs

Although the stats are impressive, two INTs proved to be the downfall in quest of a victory

Drew Brees, NO (5)

Stats: 296 passing yards, 3 TDs

Brees makes this list for the fifth time this season, and is a candidate for (fantasy) player of the year

Matt Schaub, HOU (3)

Stats: 365 passing yards, 2 TDs

Schaub hasn't made this list in a while, but its nothing the Seahawks' D won't fix

Chris Johnson, TEN (6)

Stats: 117 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 69 receiving yards, TD

Johnson didn't pile up the yards as normal, but scored a lot

Ryan Grant, GB (1)

Stats: 137 rushing yards, 2 TDs

Grant was the major difference maker in beating the Bears

Adrian Peterson, MIN (2)

Stats: 97 rushing yards, 2 TDs

Peterson has been relatively consistent, but his big game ability has faltered some this year

Brandon Marshall, DEN (2)

Stats: 21 receptions, 200 receiving yards, 2 TDs

Normally I omit receptions, but this was ridiculous and also a record

Andre Jackson, HOU (2)

Stats: 193 yards, 2 TDs

Johnson proves how being the top player doesn't mean they are every week

DeSean Jackson, PHI (1)

Stats: 178 receiving yards, TD, 72 yard punt return TD

Jackson had a great game, but without that punt return TD, he misses this list

Dallas Clark, IND (4)

Stats: 43 receiving yards, 3 TDs

The true value of a TE lies in touchdowns not yards, as proven here

Fred Davis, JAC (2)

Stats: 50 receiving yards, 2 TDs

Davis did all he could, but the Jags lost likely ending playoff hopes

Kevin Boss, NYG (2)

Stats: 70 receiving yards, TD

Boss has not appeared on this list for at least ten weeks

D/ST

49ers (2)

Stats: 9 PA, 7 TO

The 49ers successfully become first D/ST team to make list twice

Rob Bironas, TEN (2)

Stats: 4 FG, 5 XP

Bironas makes this list twice, becoming second kicker to do so; start kickers against Rams

Albert Pujols Contract Proposal

2009-12-14T22:25:00.002-06:00

If I were the St. Louis Cardinals, I would agressively pursue to resign first baseman Albert Pujols. They aren't currently doing this right now, unless GM John Mozeliak is lying to everyone and telling us for no reason that both sides are ok with waiting. This is a huge mistake. Pujols is the best, THE BEST, player in the game, and potentially in the history of the game.

Pujols wants to make sure we get more important areas covered..... YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT, Albert. I consider it an immediate concern for the Cardinals to sign Albert Pujols in 2009, 2010, and not 2011. You think 2011 will come and Albert Pujols will happily sign in the 15 days between the end of the World Series and the beginning of free agency.

You're dreaming if you think this will happen. Pujols' is a great guy (unless he pulls a Tiger Woods' soon), but he will not do that. I can see it in the future. We will get burned come 2011 and Albert Pujols remains unsigned. He will make it to free agency of course and Pujols will get offered 30+ million potentially by the Mets, Angels, Red Sox, Mariners, or even the Yankees.

With that said, I will present the ultimate contract. The only contract that Pujols can accept now. Of course there are a ton of incentives, milestone rewards,' and naturally many years and money involved. Here is the actual contract without any extra incentives:

Contract

7 years, $174 million

2012: 22 million

2013: 22 million

2014: 24 million

2015: 24 million

2016: 26 million

2017: 28 million

2018: 28 million

*24.86 million per year

Alright, this is about 3 million less than Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, but he has Scott Boras and we would propose this two years before his contract is up. But this is not the end of the deal. There are many stipulations.

Award Incentives:

Leads league in .Avg, HR, RBI, R, OBP: $500,000 each

Gold Glove: $1 million

Silver Slugger: $1 million

MVP: $5 million

2nd, 3rd in MVP: $1 million

Top 10 in MVP: $500,000

Winning other awards: $750,000

Milestone Incentives:

500 HR: $500,000

600 HR: $1 million

700 HR: $5 million

716 HR: $5 million

756 HR: $5 million

763 HR: $10 million

2,000 RBIs: $ 1 million

2,298 (Record): $5 million

2,000 hits: $500,000

3,000 hits: $ 2 million

For every other career broken record: $5 million

Season Incentives

.350 average: $250,000

50 HR: $250,000

130 RBI: $250,000

120 Runs: $250,000

.450 OBP: $250,000

All of the Above: $5 million

That is the final incentive. This is my offer to Albert Pujols. The money is never ending. I will make a part 2 in the near future determining what he can get up to (realistically). Tell me what you think.

Blues Player Profile: Brad Boyes

2009-12-13T21:59:00.003-06:00

Past

Selected: 1st round (24th overall) in 2000 NHL draft by Toronto Maple Leafs

Hometown:Mississauga, ON

Heritage: Canadian

Acquired by Blues: in 2007, in a trade with the Boston Bruins for Dennis Wideman

1997-1998 (Mississauga Reps, MTHL)

44 GP, 27 G, 50 A, 77 P

His stats are ridiculous here. 77 POINTS IN 44 GAMES?!! Why was he drafted only 24th...?

1998-2002 (Erie Otters, OHL; Average over 4 seasons)

59 GP, 36 G, 43 A, 79 P

Another great average of 4 seasons. He had 79 points over 59 games... average

2002-2003 (St. John's Maple Leafs)

65 GP, 23 G, 28 A, 51 P, +1 (+/-)

Finally the Maple Leafs get the player the drafted 3 years ago....

2003-2004 (Clevand Barons; Combined Totals of end of 2002-2003 season and full 2003-2004 season)

And then they immediately trade him just into his first season

74 GP, 32 G, 41 A, 73 P, +4 (+/-)

2004-2005 (Providence Bruins; Combined Totals of end of 2003-2004 season and full 2004-2005 season)

He again gets traded midseason to the Bruins this time.

97 GP, 39 G, 48 A, 87 P, -2 (+/-)

2005-2007 (Boston Bruins; Average over 2 seasons [second season shortened by trade])

72 GP, 32 G, 20 A, 52 P, -6 (+/-)

The Bruins give him his first chance and are rewarded with good seasons, but...

2007 (St. Louis Blues; End of season after trade)

19 GP, 4 G, 8 A, 12 P, 0 (+/-)

They trade him anyway to the team that needed him most

2007-2009 (Blues; Average over 2 seasons)

82 GP, 38 G, 31 A, 69 P, -19 (+/-)

And he breaks out with the Blues and is currently struggling to regain this form

Scouting Report

Age: 27

Height: 6'0

Weight: 200

"He's not big. He's not fast. He's not strong. But pure and simple, he can play. Like most of the good ones, the puck seems to follow him all over the ice. He is a tireless worker and a solid leader. Is an excellent penalty killer who leads by example. A very smart hockey player. Doesn't look for contact but won't shy away from traffic. One word definition - smooth." - Kyle Woodlief, former Nashville Predators scout on the Redline Report

Report Card

Size/Strength: C+
Skating: B-
Shot/Scoring ability: B+
Puckhandling: A
Hockey Sense: A
Competitiveness: B+
Leadership: A-
Composure/Poise: A
Defense: B

This, as mentioned above, was written by Woodlief, a former NHL scout, back in 2000 for USA Today. This was well before he even made it to the NHL. Boyes is inexplicably good to sum up his report. He doesn't have the size advantages, but he just has that feel.

Plus if you look at the report card, also provided by Woodlief, shows he is good in every sense except for... oddly enough... size and strength. He gets B's in skating (fine), shot/scoring ability (change your mind, Woodlief?), competitiveness (I can't grade this), and defense (offensive forward...).

This Season

Current Stats- 30 GP, 9 G, 8 A, 17 P, -6 (+/-)

Projected Stats- 82 GP, 25 G, 22 A, 47 P, -6 (+/-)

He is on pace for his second straight season of decline since his original breakout season. He goes from 43 goals to 33 goals to 25 goals, at least theoritically. His assist go from 22 assists, up to 39, down to 22 assist. His point total raised from 65 to 72 points last year however. But with his decline it would go all the way down to 47. This would be a disaster.

Lately, his production has been up. I am personally hoping his assist total raises more than the pace it currently is set for. It would be a huge dissapointment if his advancement in passing would take a dramatic decline.

Future

I am expecting his pace to raise. With that said, his great production increase will result in victories. He is in the prime of his career so I hope he can get elite status.

NFL Recap Week 13

2009-12-09T22:02:00.009-06:00

Rams Recap

The Rams lost to the Bears 17-9. Clearly the Rams... uh... need Marc Bulger. Look, I'm not his biggest fan, far from it. But it seems to be our offense actually... well... looks like an offense if Bulger is playing. Kyle Boller is not getting it done and its clear who the team prefers. With Bulger, we almost beat the Saints, Cardinals, and Redskins plus actually won against the Detroit Lions.

With Boller, we lost to the Seahawks, possibly at the time more pathethic than the Rams, and Bears, despite allowing just 248 yards of offense. In three weeks of replacing Bulger earlier in the year, the Rams lost by a combined score of 99-27 to Packers, 49ers, and Vikings.

Two other typical things happened. Steven Jackson ran for (yawn) 128 yards. And the Rams failed to score a TD (again) The problem is the horrible production of the Rams' redzone offense. I put a lot of blame on the playcalling. As one writer says, we don't play to win the game.

In other (bad) Rams news, you snooze and lose when you watch the Rams, our QB, WR, OL, and coaching all performed poorly in the Bears game, Oshiomogho Atogwe was placed on IR (great..), and the Rams let a current starting QB slip from their grasp just last year.

Scores Around the NFL

NYJ @ BUF- 19-13 Jets

The Jets somehow have a 6-6 record and a playoff appearance is not to far out of reach

PHI @ ATL- 34-7 Eagles

The Falcons have clearly lacked something they had last year and I can't figure out what

DET @ CIN- 23-13 Bengals

The Bengals are rolling, although it seems they have lost a bit of their step lately

TEN @ IND- 27-17 Colts

The Titans fail to become first team to go from 0-6 to 10-6....

DEN @ KC- 44-13 Broncos

Are the Broncos good? Yes they are 6-0. No they've lost 4 straight. Yes they've creamed the Giants and Chiefs their last few games. PICK ONE.

NE @ MIA- 22-21 Dolphins

The Patriots are at 7-5 and are a whopping 1-5 away from home

OAK @ PIT- 27-24 Raiders

An amazing game that comes down to a dissapointing result.... the Raiders having 3 more wins than the Rams

NO @ WAS- 33-30 Saints

Shane Suisham (spellcheck?) missed a field goal to put game away.... and was released yesterday

TB @ CAR- 16-6 Panthers

Its amazing how Josh Freeman is throwing for 300 yards when the Rams have had... one such game?

HOU @ JAC- 23-18 Jaguars

The Texans are looking like the Eagles... but instead of no championships, its no playoff appearances

SD @ CLE- 30-23 Chargers

The Chargers lead the AFC West yet again and this time they are better than and 8-8 squad already

DAL @ NYG- 31-24 Giants

ITS December!! And that means its time for the Cowboys to choke...

SF @ SEA- 20-17 Seahawks

I can't even bear to figure out that the Rams are winless against THIS division....

MIN @ ARI- 30-17 Cardinals

I am pleasantly surprised as my hatred for Brett Favre goes farther than my hatred for Warner

BAL @ GB- 27-14 Packers

The run of the mill games produced must-see endings while the primetime games produced duds...

Fantasy Top Performers

Top Fantasy Performer Robert Meacham jukes a SF defender.

Tony Romo, DAL (3)

Stats: 392 passing yards, 3 TDs

Romo explodes for fantasy greatness but comes up well short of a much needed victory

Bruce Gradowski, OAK (1)

Stats: 308 yards, 3 TDs

Gradowski goes from being cut by Rams (lowest of lows) to starting QB for Raiders (highest of low)

Jason Campbell, WAS (1)

Stats: 367 yards, 3 TDs

Campbell performed more than he needed to, but the Redskins still lost

Jerome Harrison, CLE (1)

Stats: 35 rushing yards, 62 receiving yards, 2 TDs

Harrison got the majority, more like all, of his points from the receiving end as a halfback

Brandon Jacobs, NYG (1)

Stats: 39 rushing yards, TD, 74 receiving yards, TD

Jacobs produces two TDs and about two times more receiving yards than rushing

Joseph Addai, IND (1)

Stats: 79 rushing yards, 2 TDs

Addai becomes the third straight RB to fail to get 100 yards, yet make this list

Robert Meacham, NO (1)

Stats: 142 receiving yards, TD

Meacham becomes a benificiary, fantasy-wise, of Drew Brees' passing bonanza

Devin Thomas, WAS (1)

Stats: 100 yards, 2 TDs

Thomas was one of the main reasons the Redskins were leading late against the Saints

Louis Murphy, OAK (1)

Stats: 128 yards, 2 TDs

Murphy continues the streak of first-timers on this list for WRs

JerMichael Finley, GB (2)

Stats: 79 receiving yards, 2 TDs

Finley reaches the redzone twice in the Packers blowout of the Vikings

Vernon Davis, SF (4)

Stats: 119 yards, TD

Davis gave his best... again... in becoming first TE to 4, but the 49ers lose anyway

Jason Witten, DAL (1)

Stats: 156 receiving yards

Witten has just one TD all season, but in this game this didn't hurt his fantasy value

D/ST

Panthers (1)

Stats: 6 PA, 5 TO

The Panthers exploded with 5 INTs off Josh Freeman and allowed just 6 points

Matt Prater, DEN (2)

Stats: 3 FG, 5 XP

Prater not only becomes the first kicker with multiple appearances, but makes this list in consecutive weeks

Analysis of the Brad Penny Signing

2009-12-08T21:33:00.004-06:00

I will break down Penny's talent into five parts, each which could earn Penny up to 20. Overall, his value will be out of 100.

How much he pitches

Brad Penny has been diagnosed by unknowledgable fans with the term "injury prone." Far from it. Here are his stats that prove he finishes most of his seasons.

Milestones Reached

200 IP - 2

30 starts - 5

At first that looks bad. It sort of is. He doesn't necessarily ever have a "injury-free" season, but he doesn't have any real serious injuries that put him out for half of a season. He has pitched at least 170 IP six times. His seasons under mark include his rookie season, a season where he was traded midseason and pitched just 3 games, 11 IP for the team who got him, and last year. In 2008, he missed 100 IP for the first time in his career due to his first serious injury.

Here are his 2009 innings per start average for the two teams he played for:

Red Sox: 5.5 IP

Giants: 6.9 IP

I'll divurge into the vast change from the tough AL East to the somewhat weaker NL West.

Final Score: 13/20

His Success

His record seems winning enough. But for being on six winning teams, his career mark of 105-84 seems low if he was supposed to be one of the top pitchers. He never was a top pitcher on his team, or arguably even the second best. With the Marlins he had AJ Burnett and Josh Beckett, and ....Josh Beckett and Jon Lester for Boston.

Plus with the Dodgers, he was barely considered the second best at a time. They had Derek Lowe throughout, and Greg Maddux, Jason Schmidt, and Chad Billingsley were all considered better than him at the time.

Here's a win-by-win breakdown of his seasons

Year - Record (Team Record)

2000 - 8-7 (79-82)

2001-10-10 (76-86)

2002- 8-7 (79-83)

2003- 14-10 (91-71)

2004-9-10 (83-79)

2005- 7-9 (71-91)

2006- 16-9 (88-74)

2007- 16-4 (82-80)

2008- 6-9 (84-78)

2009- 11-9 (95-67)

Besides the 2009 season, his record largely reflected how well his team performed. A year after going 91-71, the Dodgers reversed wins and losses when Penny went just 7-9. He is incredibly inconsistent with his win totals over the years. His career high is 16, which is good for a #3, #4 starter. But he declined after his injury in 2008 after he had seemingly figured it out before.

Final- 10/20

Run Prevention

I will focus on E.R.A. here since I feel it is the true indicator of whether or not you did your job. His E.R.A. was about as inconsistent as his record:

Year - E.R.A. (ECR*)

2000 - 4.81 (4.70) -11

2001 - 3.69 (2.96) -74

2002- 4.66 (5.08) +42

2003- 4.13 (3.73) -50

2004- 3.15 (3.20) +5

2005 - 3.90 (3.17) -73

2006 - 4.33 (4.32) -1

2007 -3.03 (3.41) +38

2008- 6.27 (5.82) -45

2009 -4.88 (4.54) -34

Total - 4.14 (3.98) -203

*I used Bill James' stat ERC for the stat in parantheses. It estimates what the ERA should have been

I have never been a big fan of sabermetrics but I'm trying. This history of Brad Penny, according to Bill James, suggest he is incredibly unlucky. He has seven seasons where his ERA was higher than it should have been. Now, I'm incredibly skepitcal about that.

As I point out above, according to James, his ERC was 203 points below overall. That's ridiculous. Even if that's high, I'm thinking Penny's bound to be a little luckier at some point.

This could mean his ERA could be lower than it should be for the Cardinals in 2010

Red Sox ERA- 5.61 (5.35)

Giants - 2.59 (2.22)

Obviously the difference is extremely noticeble. Unfortunately the timespan is four times longer with the Red Sox, but the point is how poor he faced in the AL East.

Final - 13/20

Postseason Success

Since the Cardinals are hoping for a poststeason berth, one of the categories undoubtedly has to be postseason success. And Penny leaves much to be desired. He's been in the postseason four times, but pitched in just two. Luckily he pitched much of the 2003 season, but just one game for the 2006 season.

This probably means he was relegated to Kyle Lohse status in 2008 and 2004 via the pen.

GP, GS - W-L, E.RA. (ERC)

8, 4 - 3-2, 6.26 (6.81)

He was horrendous in the playoffs. And he was supposed to be worse somehow. Although in 2006, he pitched just one game giving up two earned runs. That lowers his 2003 E.R.A to 5.73, still atrocious.

Final Score - 5/20

Contract

The Cardinals get major bonus points for locking up a pitcher of his caliber (under 4.00 ERA 4 times). But at the same time, get bonus points for striking a one year deal with his inconsistency.

7.5 million is also a lot more reasonable than one might think. Especially if the Cards want anyone of any experience.

Final Score- 16/20

Overall

An average contract would be listed as a 50-60, good 60-70, and incredibly great signing above a 70. So Penny's contract comes to about average at a solid 57. His postseason success hurt him a lot. His inconsistency as well. On a year-to-year basis, he is either good or bad, normally no in between.

Red Sox - 7-8, 5.35

Giants - 4-1, 2.59

He gets a bonus of 5 points, because his stats are swayed from playing in the AL East, the hardest division in baseball. He went to an easier NL West, yet still somewhat difficult, and performed excellent.

In 2010, he will be going to a much weaker NL Central division. I am interested to see how much the competition factors in.

63/100

Verdict- Good Signing

Blues Player Profile: T.J. Oshie

2009-12-06T22:09:00.008-06:00

Past

Selected: 1st round, 24th overall in 2005 draft by the St. Louis Blues

Hometown: Mount Vernon, Washington

Heritage: United States

College: University of North Dakota

2005-2006 (University of North Dakota, WCHA)

44 GP, 3 G, 2 A

2006-2007 (University of North Dakota, WCHA)

43 GP, 24 G, 21 A

2007-2008 (University of North Dakota, WCHA)

42 GP, 18 G, 27 A

2008-2009 (St. Louis Blues, NHL)

57 GP, 14 G, 25 A, +16

Scouting Report

Age: 22
Height: 5-11
Weight: 192

"Oshie displays proficiency in most offensive aspects of the game. He has excellent puck skills, is dangerous one-on-one, and is a worthy skater. Oshie is a good play maker with a penchant for sniping goals himself. " hockey'sfuture.com

Short but sweet. I don't think the term "worthy skater" gives him enough credit however, but the rest of the scouting report is accurate.

They also gave him an 8 on the prospect grade. An 8 comes out to a first line forward and they used Keith Tkachuk as an example. That seems pretty accurate, but he has the potential to be slightly better. But 8 is accurate simply because i don't seem him being either a generation talent or a perennial All-Star year after year, which is 10 and 9, respectively.

This Season

Current Stats - 23 GP, 4 G, 9 A, 0 +/-

Projected Stats- 81 GP, 14 G, 31 A, 0 +/-

Statistically speaking, he'd be better than last year at this pace. But two things make his projected stats less impressive. He played just 57 games last year, and likely won't play all 81 this year so his stats at this pace won't be as good.

With that said, I personally feel his true value does not really show up in stats (yes that is a part knock on people who completely focus on stats). He sets the tone with his play and puck handling doesn't really get shown in statistics as well.

Future

Look for a bright future. With his talent in puck handling and skating, expect him to be a league leader in assists consistently. The only question mark to me at least is how many goals he will get each year. Anywhere near 30 would be excellent.

With his current pace, he is set for about what he did last year (when you exclude some games). I expect him to play much better and improve his pace and stats somewhat dramatically at some point in this season.

Blog Updates

I received a Bill James handbook, so expect many Cardinals post focusing on his type of stats. For example, one really cool feature of the book is the percentage, chance-wise, of a certain player reaching a gaudy mark, such as 500 home runs.

As well, I will update you fellow readers on the bowl games this off season, even the minor bowls. The major bowls that feature notable teams are as follows:

BCS Bowl Games

BCS National Championship- #1 Alabama (13-0) vs. #2 Texas (13-0)

Rose Bowl- #7 Oregon (10-2) vs. #8 Ohio State (10-2)

Sugar Bowl- #3 Cincinnati (12-0) vs. #5 Florida (12-1)

Fiesta Bowl- #4 TCU (12-0) vs. #6 Boise State (13-0)

Orange Bowl- #9 Georgia Tech (11-2) vs. #10 Iowa (10-2)

Big 12 Bowl Games (excluding Texas)

Texas Bowl- Missouri (8-4) vs. Navy (8-4)

Brut Sun Bowl- Oklahoma (7-5) vs. #21 Stanford (8-4)

Cotton Bowl- #19 Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Ole Miss (8-4)

Insight Bowl- Iowa State (6-5) vs. Minnesota (6-6)

Alamo Bowl- Texas Tech (8-4) vs. Michigan State (6-6)

Independence Bowl- Texas A&M (6-5) vs. Georgia (7-5)

I will make predictions before every bowl game takes place and report the winner after every bowl game on Sunday.

NFL Recap Week 12

2009-12-01T21:50:00.002-06:00

Rams Recap

The Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks 27-17. I find this demeaning and embarrasing. Statistically speaking, this was supposed to happen. But an improving Rams squad who competed within a touchdown of the Cardinals and Saints made me expect a win. Doubled with the fact that the Seahawks had no momentum and were almost as dissapointing as the Rams.

Two things stand out: 4th down call and run defense. I'll start with run defense because its the easiest to attack. For whatever reason, the same Rams' defense that allowed just two rushers at 100 yards in the first nine weeks has allowed two relatively below average backs do it in the past two weeks.

Justin Forsett... Justin Forsett??! He ran for 130 yards and 2 TDs after Julius Jones (119 yards, TD in Week 1) got injured. The Seahawks just plain own us.

Also, why did Spagnuolo go for it on 4th down? It was a 51 yard field goal. Even though Josh Brown had missed previous kick, by going for it he is putting a serious distrust in Brown's kicking ability. But that's not the point. It was a tie game, and the Rams had an oppurtunity to take the lead. So he pulled out his inner Bill Belicheck and went for it. Not a good move.

The Rams are doing the opposite of what we are expecting. Instead of improving the Rams are regressing.

The only bright spots of the game was the running game and the pass defense of the Rams. Everything else was below average.

The Rams had such poor tackling during the game (although thanks to the blackout I wasn't able to see this) that Leonard Little even said something.

Kyle Boller is the better option than Marc Bulger? Really? He has committed seven turnovers in just 14 quarters of play. For those mathematically challenged that's 2 per game.

Scores Around the League

GB @ DET- 34-12 Packers

The Packers did not let the Lions beat them, especially not on Thanskgiving

OAK @ DAL- 24-7 Cowboys

Its November. And November means a winning Cowboy's team... for November only

NYG @ DEN- 26-6 Broncos

I wish I had NFL Network and was able to figure out how the Broncos dramatically changed

TB @ ATL- 20-17 Falcons

The Falcons are in danger of missing the playoffs... barely beating the Bucs is not an accomplishment

MIA @ BUF- 31-14 Bills

The Bills surprised everyone and essentially knocks Miami's playoff hopes

CLE @ CIN- 16-7 Bengals

The Bengals are a confusing team to me... they beat Pittsburgh and Baltimore and then do this

CAR @ NYG- 17-6 Jets

The Panthers ought to be ashamed of themselves... Delhomme is back to turnover Delhomme

WAS @ PHI- 27-24 Eagles

The Redskins put up a good fight, one that I did not expect... of course the Eagles are struggling

IND @ HOU- 35-27 Colts

The Colts have trailed in the 4th quarter in their past five wins

KC @ SD- 43-13 Chargers

A humiliating loss for the Chiefs although the Chargers are the hottest team in the NFL

JAC @ SF- 20-3 Jaguars

The Jaguars are another confusing team especially failing to get a TD in this game

ARI @ TEN- 20-17 Titans

The Titans won on a miraculous catch by rookie wideout Kenny Britt, a must-see highlight.

CHI @ MIN- 36-10 Vikings

The Vikings beat up on the team the Rams will likely lose to next week

PIT @ BAL- 20-17 Ravens

Ravens won, but might as well of put Steelers with their moral victory with Dennis Dixon

NE @ NO- 38-17 Saints

As long as the Saints avoid snow, and given the fact they will have homefield advantage will likely mean a Super Bowl

Fantasy Top Performers

Drew Brees, NO (4)

Stats: 371 yards, 5 TDs

Brees makes the list for a fourth time with a more than likely top fantasy player award coming

Brett Favre, MIN (3)

Stats: 392 yards, 3 TDs

Favre put up amazing stats against an aging Bears team

Aaron Rodgers, GB (2)

Stats: 348 yards, 3 TDs

Favre's replacement, Rodgers, did good but again did not outperform Favre

Fred Jackson, BUF (1)

Stats: 73 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 43 receiving yards

Jackson, Marshawn Lynch's backup, received the most touches in his fantasy glory

Justin Forsett, SEA (1)

Stats: 130 rushing yards, 2 TD

Only an unknown player such as Forsett would play the Rams to make the list

Chris Johnson, TEN (5)

Stats: 158 rushing yards, TD

Johnson is running away with the RB fantasy title with the most appearances of any player

Donald Driver, GB (1)

Stats: 142 receiving yards, TD

Driver had a spectacular game with also-named-on-this-list Rodgers throwing to him

Miles Austin, DAL (3)

Stats: 145 receiving yards, TD

Austin has come out of nowhere and has made this list many times in short time period

Percy Harvin, MIN (1)

Stats: 101 receiving yards, TD

Its no coincidence two receivers also had two QBs on the list

Antonio Gates, SD (2)

Stats: 118 receiving yards, 2 TDs

Gates, largely unnoticed for the first half, has exploded with a big game

Dallas Clark, IND (3)

Stats: 63 receiving yards, TD

Clark is one of the most consistent TE in the league with WR hands

Vernon Davis, SF (3)

Stats: 61 receiving yards, TD

Davis is one of the premier TEs in the league and one of the premier fantasy TEs as well

D/ST

Jets (1)

Stats: 6 PA, 4 TO, TD

The Jets accounted for half of the touchdowns in their game against the Jaguars

Matt Prater, DEN (1)

Stats: 4 FG, 2 XP

Prater becomes the 12th man to earn this honorable spot

Offseason Preview: Part III

2009-11-30T22:01:00.002-06:00

Positional Breakdown

What is for sure: Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright as the #1 and #2 starting pitchers in no particular order. Kyle Lohse is also guaranteed a spot although he is not necessarily a #3 caliber starter after last year.

What is in question: The Cardinals currently do not have a set-in-stone #4 or #5 starter in their rotation.

My Solution: Sign John Smoltz to a one year deal all but guaranteeing a spot in the rotation as long as he performs admirably (anything better than 6.00 ERA). Then have Jaime Garcia and Mitchell Boggs compete for the final rotation spot. If Smoltz for some reason pitches worse than 6.00 ERA give the job to both of the rookie starters.

Come September move Smoltz to the closer role and bring up Boggs or Garcia (whoever did not win the spot) to fill the rotation out. Ideally, the brought-up starter will be pitching well in AAA.

Bullpen

What's for sure: The Cardinals have the bullpen back from 2008 with two left-handed specialists (Trever Miller, Dennys Reyes), a long reliever (Blake Hawksworth), and an array of right-handed relievers (Kyle McCllelan, Josh Kinney, Jason Motte)

What's in Question: Even though we have an array of right-handed relievers none of them stepped it up and became a set-up man. Given a year, I still don't believe McCllelan is consistent enough, and Motte isn't ready.

As well, Ryan Franklin's closer candidacy is for sure. But how well he pitches is far from a sure thing.

My Solution: Well, the Cardinals are good from April-August with Ryan Franklin as their closer. He has a history of performing bad in September so I think we can only assume the same this year. As mentioned above, move Smoltz into closer role and then put Franklin as your set-up man.

This solves two problems: Closer consistency down the stretch and lack of a dominant set-up man.

What is for sure: Yadier Molina, that is Gold Glove All-Star catcher, is the starter.

What's in question: The Cardinals as of now have no backup to protect the Cardinals if Molina gets hurt. Jason LaRue, last year's backup, is older and his production is less than his contract.

My Solution: Sign a free agent catcher. Not a big deal for the Cardinals, but a potentially disastrous one if Molina were to get hurt. Even though prospect Bryan Anderson is underappreciated in the organization, a backup role is not the best thing for him.

I like a couple of options. Mike Redmond, Chris Coste, and Matt Treanor all have been backups and due to possibly down years in 2009 will be low cost. Jose Molina is also on the market, although his price figures to be higher.

What is for sure: Albert Pujols is the starting 1B for the Cardinals. Even some guy in Idaho knew that.

What's in question: Since for the actual season there really is nothing in question other than not having Chris Duncan sub for him when he rest (oh darn...).

But re-signing him past 2011 is in question. I have a possible contract but I will explore that in a later date. And yes it does not matter if it is two years, before we know it, the date will be up and the Cardinals will have to compete with the Red Sox.

My Solution: RE-SIGN PUJOLS

2B/SS

What is for sure: As well, pretty much everything is for sure at these positions. The two starters (Skip Schumacher, Brendan Ryan) as well as their backup (Julio Lugo).

What's in question: If I can think of anything it would be to try and get more major league time from Tyler Greene. Their recent trade of Jarrett Hoffpauier to the Blue Jays helps solve this problem.

My Solution: Given that I didn't put a problem, just stick with what they have.

What is for sure:The only thing that is certain is David Freese will be a serious candidate to start. But that is not even for sure if we sign a big free agent.

What's in question: Umm... the starter

My Solution: Sign either Chone Figgins or Mark DeRosa. I'm leaning towards Figgins right now. This could also help solve our left field problem

What is for sure: As of now, absolutely nothing. Not even a serious contender to play there is for sure. The future starter for 2010 is either Matt Holliday or a free agent.

What's in question: The starter and technically the backup as well. Although in general the Cardinals are looking for a fourth outfielder.

My Solution: Sign Figgins or DeRosa as security if Holliday sweepstakes don't pan out. If they don't sign Holliday, put whichever you sign in left and Freese at 3B.

If they do, sign Holliday to no more than 6 years, $100 million.

What is for sure: Colby Rasmus is the starting centerfielder for the 2010 season.

What is in question: Rasmus' progression from 2009 to 2010. If he's the same we need another centerfielder to share time. If he improves then we need an outfielder who can play all three positions

My Solution: I actually think signing Rocco Baldelli to be a good move. He has a condition to where he can't play everyday but that wouldn't be a problem. Joey Gathright isn't the best player, but he is a centerfielder by trade and having two true centerfielders never hurts.

Another option is signing Jerry Hairston, Jr., who also could provide 3B insurance in case we need him to.

What is for sure: The starting right fielder for the 2010 season will definitely go to 2008 All-Star Ryan Ludwick

What is in question: For this particular position, nothing.

My Solution: Keep what you got by re-signing Ludwick again.

Blues Player Profile: Chris Mason

2009-11-29T21:44:00.006-06:00

Past

Selected: 5th round, 122nd overall by New Jersey Devils

Hometown: Red Deer, Alberta

Heritage: Canadian

1992-1993 (Red Deer Optimist Chiefs [AMHL])- 20 GP, 3.35 GAA

The league that recorded his stats for whatever reason did not include wins and losses. And if they did, I guess he never started a game. But at a 3.35 GAA, that makes no sense otherwise he would be a really bad goaltender.

1994-1997 (Average over 3 seasons, Prince George Cougars [WHL]) - 51 GP, 14-30-2, .901 SP, 3.79 GAA

During this time, I'm assuming he was in a hard league. And his team had no defense. And his team had no offense. Reason being is because his stats are not impressive and he still ended up getting drafted after these three horrific years.

1998-2002 (Average over 4 seasons, Milwaukee Admirals [IHL])- 43 GP, 17-17-7, .912 SP, 2.64 GAA

During his "minor league" time with the Nashville Predators, he played better ever season. His GAA went from 2.90 to 2.78 to 2.35 and then down to 2.53. His record was .500 throughout that span as well.

2002-2003 (1 season, San Antonio Rampage [AHL])- 50 GP, 25-18-6, .921 SP, 2.51 GAA

In this year he was in the Florida Panthers system. He succeeded much better in this season possibly why the Predators re-picked him up later.

2003-2005- He was injured for 2003-2004 and for 2004-2005 he played in Norway

2005-2008 (3 seasons, Nashville Predators [NHL])- 38 GP, 18-13-4 , .912 SP, 2.61 GAA

In 2005-2006, he played half of the year on the Canada national team instead of the NHL. This was understandable since he was a backup goalie. He received increased playing time in each year he was here maybe even becoming the starter at the end of the 2007-2008 season.

2008-2009 (St. Louis Blues)- 57 GP, 27-21-7, .916 SP 2.41 GAA

Mason took over the starting job from Manny Legace in February of 2008. He led the Blues to the playoffs, but was swept by the Vancouver Canucks

Scouting Report

"I’m quite high on Chris Mason this season. He did pretty remarkable things last year and turned me into a very big fan. Losing an appendix early in the season and not winning a game for more than four weeks is one thing. To turn it around and quite possibly turn into the most valuable goalie for his team in the entire league is quite another. That is a remarkable display of perseverance and focus. Combined with his steadfast positioning and great durability between the pipes, Mason is set up to have another breakout season." - thegoailieguild.com

That is a funny thing to say however. How many goalies have breakout seasons at 33 years old.

This Season

Stats- 18 GP, 7-7-4, .925, 2.24

1. Those are excellent stats. In fact he has never had a better season when you exclude the win-loss record. The Blues' problem obviously is not Mason. If he keeps playing like this, I will guarantee the Blues record and his record will improve.

2. He is just 1-4 in games that go past regulation. Not sure if this is more of a testament of how the Blues fail to score such as last night with only one shootout goal or just Mason performing slightly worse with more pressure.

Future

Well I think the future is not what we should be focusing on with Chris Mason. Given his age, he probably won't sustain this success say in 2012. So with a guy like Mason, fans don't need or should not look to the future. This is one case scenario where what he is giving you is his very best.

Hopefully he can lead the Blues to the playoffs. Despite last year's finish, the Blues were still projected to be a year away so making the playoffs would be a success regardless of how well the Blues perform in the playoffs.

NFL Recap Week 11

2009-11-26T00:26:00.002-06:00

Rams Recap
The Rams played well below what they should have played. And the score was misleading... in a bad way. The game should not have been 21-13, but 41-13. But that's assuming the Rams would score 13 points at all when they have no hope because the other team is racking up points. Had Warner stayed in, then we wouldn't be talking about a possible win, but we'd be talking about an embarrasing loss.

Bulger played pretty awful after earning player of the game in last week's recap. He threw for 215 yards, but had 19-37 barely above the 50% mark. To make matters worse (or better in some cases), he is injured for 3-6 weeks. I'm just going to guess it will be closer to the 6 week, because Boller plays better.

Jackson ran 116 yards on 24 carries, but he made little of an impact on the game. After his 48 yard run which made most of his yards, he failed to get in the endzone. He did two things: get his 3rd TD of the year and reach the 1,000 yard mark in the season. This was his fifth consecutive season reaching that mark.

The one bright spot and as you will see later, player of the game is, James Lauranitis. He finished with 16 tackles.

Player of the Game- James Lauranitis

Scores Around the League
MIA @ CAR- 24-17 Dolphins
The Dolphins keep their playoff chances alive while destroying the Panthers' chances

SF @ GB- 30-24
The Packers look to be putting together a playoff caliber team and a Vikings-Packers playoff showdown seems inevitable

WAS @ DAL- 7-6 Cowboys
What happened to the Cowboys offense in this low-scoring affair? Haynseworth is paying off...

CLE @ DET- 38-37 Lions
The Lions pick up their second victory of the year with Stafford and Quinn having great games

PIT @ KC- 27-24 Chiefs
I thought the Steelers were supposed to be better than last year with that worst schedule

SEA @ MIN- 35-9 Vikings
Not a really surprise here with the Brett Favre-led Vikings destroying the Seahawks

ATL @ NYG- 34-31 Giants
The Giants and Falcons seemed sure bets to make playoffs and now the Giants certainly do but the Falcons are still a question

NO @ TB- 38-7 Saints
The poor Bucaneers caught the pissed-off side of the Saints after they were "embarrased" by barely beating the Rams

BUF @ JAC- 18-15 Jaguars
I have misjudged the Jaguars as a team and now they look like playoff caliber

IND @ BAL- 17-15 Colts
The Colts in workman-like fashion win yet again to remain undefeated

SD @ DEN- 32-3 Chargers
The 6-0 Broncos seem like a distant memory and now at 6-4 with literally no momentum they seem done

CIN @ OAK- 20-17 Bengals
The Bengals continue to perplex me with their 4-0 record against the Steelers/Ravens, but a loss to the Raiders?

NYJ @ NE- 31-14 Patriots
Remember when Rex Ryan confidently predicted a victory and it happened... Well things have changed

PHI @ CHI- 24-20 Eagles
The Eagles move into prime position for the playoffs, although they have work to do

TEN @ HOU- 20-17
The Titans are trying their best to finish the season 10-0 to make the playoffs

Top Fantasy Performers
QB
Matthew Stafford, DET (1)
Stats- 422 passing yards, 5 TDs
Stafford does everything he can in the victory for the Lions and is looking like the franchise QB the Lions want him to be

Brady Quinn, CLE (1)
Stats- 304 yards, 4 TDs
Quinn benefited from the offensive explosion of the CLE-DET game almost as much as Stafford, but he was the losing QB

Eli Manning, NYG
Stats- 384 yards, 3 TDs
Manning performed at just the right time when the Giants risked going 5-5

RB
Ricky Williams, MIA (2)
Stats- 119 rushing yards 2 TDs
Williams probably doesn't produce stats as well as these in any other system

Jason Snelling, ATL (1)
Stats- 76 yards, 2 TDs
Snelling who? Jason Snelling ran for 76 yards, 2 TDs and become the second best fantasy running back in the league

Kevin Smith (1)
Stats- 45 rushing yards, 104 receiving yards, TD
Smith produced little rushing-wise, but he played as well as any receiver

WR
Terrell Owens, BUF (1)
Stats- 197 receiving yards, TD
Owens had an incredible game that pretty much game out of nowhere

Calvin Johnson, DET (2)
Stats- 161 yards, TD
Johnson benefited from the CLE-DET game as well as Stafford did (sound familiar)

Wes Welker, NE (2)
Stats- 192 yards, TD
Welker became a better target than Moss on this particular day... Don't get used to it

TE
Kevin Boss, NYG (2)
Stats- 76 receiving yards, 2 TD
Boss, apparantly Mannings' favorite TD target, was the best TE this week

Vernon Davis, SF (3)
Stats- 108 receiving yards, TD
Davis consistenly gets 100 receiving yards and looks to be running away with best TE

Heath Miller, PIT (3)
Stats- 95 receiving yards, TD
Miller is the fourth receiver to reach this list three times

D/ST
New England (1)
Stats- 14 PA, 5 TO, TD
And the long line of defenses continue, but no one defense has yet stood out

K
Billy Cundiff, KC (1)
Stats- 5 FG
Of course, Cundiff continues the streak of 11 kickers in 11 weeks because... well who is anyway?

Offseason Preview: Part II

2009-11-23T21:44:00.004-06:00

Part I here.

Cardinals Free Agents

Matt Holliday

I have a perfect strategy for Matt Holliday. Right now the market for Holliday is low to say the least and there could be a scenario where the Cardinals are his only true option. Of course, up to five teams could offer legitimate contracts as well, but that is rather low for a top tier free agent.

So the Cardinals should offer Holliday 6 years, $100 million. Then they should say take it or leave it. We will go no higher or no lower. I don't see him getting anywhere near Mark Texeira money and can only see slightly more than that offer being proposed (slightly in the millions of course).

Final Call? Yes if 100 or less, no if more

Mark DeRosa

I'm honestly not sure of his estimated contract will be, but I expect a considerable raise from his $4.3 average over the past three years. With that said, he is a versatile player who is now a home run threat. Of course he strikes out more than you'd hope and his average dropped from his career average.

I'd say the Cardinals go no higher than $7 million a year at this point. I can see him getting more with all the teams that have expressed interest. His age, declining average, and strikeouts however are unappealing to me therefore I don't mind losing him for 2010.

Final Call? Probably No

Joel Pineiro

Pineiro is set up for a somewhat hefty payday in 2010 thanks to his breakout year that just happened to be his contract year. This is strengthened when teams like the Mets are interested in him.

I cannot see a scenario playing out where Pineiro resigns with the Cardinals. His contract can go up to about $10 million a year for several years. That is too expensive for a third starter.

Final Call? Definite No

Troy Glaus

Glaus's status is uncertain right now. I can't even guess what his payday will be for 2010. I'm not sure if it will be low millions or closer to 7-8 million. Teams will come calling though just because of his past success as a power hitter.

His time in St. Louis unfortunately ended when he became a pinch-hit option when he came back from injury. Alright so far, I have presented a possibility where the Cardinals top four free agents might not come back.

Final Call? NO

John Smoltz

Smoltz enjoyed varied results in 2009 but more importantly he enjoyed great success with the Cardinals at the tail end of the season. This is good for him for two reasons: 1. NL teams will be interested because he can dominate there 2. Finishing strong always helps in contract seasons

I see Smoltz re-signing here because we need a fourth starter and because we provide the best situation. I personally would say to him in contract negotiations that as long as he performed in spring training, as in not completely sucking, then he would get the job. But if he did "suck" then he would become a reliever and the apparant heir to closer when Franklin blows saves.

Final Call? Yes

Khalil Greene

Greene embarrased the front office by making them look stupid. His contract coupled with his lack of production almost had a negative effect on the team. No, sorry it did have a negative effect on the team. Plus they gave up a promising reliever who did more for his team even though he is a reliever.

I don't expect him to get that much. A hopeful team may sign him to a $1 million contract with incentives, but he hardly showed he could become a starter with the Cardinals. Past success should help however.

Final Call? Not if I had a gun to my head

Jason LaRue

LaRue is one of the lesser backups in the league, statistically. Of course, not all backups have Yadier Molina type catchers as their starters. He provides veteran leadership, one of the intangibles not shown in the stats.

Despite all of this, LaRue is getting paid $1 million. I think that's a little much. He kind of falls where Omar Vizquel is right now and they have same price tag. Two differences: 1. Vizquel is Gold Glove defender 2. Molina doesn't need veteran leadership

Final Call? No

Rick Ankiel

Ankiel was one of the biggest dissapointments in 2009. If he had performed like most expected then we don't trade for Holliday. So inadvertantly, he strongly helped the Cardinals. The problem is that the chances he gets the Cardinals to trade for a high caliber player is slim to none. Which makes his focus on his production. And that's not something I'm willing to bet on.

Ankiel is probably due for a low contract, but it will hit the millions. He should be a platoon player in the outfield with a hitter who can hit left-handed pitching.

Final Call? No

Todd Wellemeyer

Wellemeyer would be a biggest dissapointment, but I didn't exactly expect much from him. Despite his E.R.A. reaching below 4.00 in 2008, it seemed as if he pitched much worse.

I don't see any team giving him his $5 million contract that he got from the Cardinals. Reject his arbitration and let him be a cancerous player to another team.

Final Call? No

Re-Sign?

Ryan Ludwick

Ludwick's production went down from 2008, but it far outplayed his contract. His injury restricted him from a career year. Without the injury, I could see him playing better than in 2008.

Easy choice: Offer him arbitration. Actually I would also offer him a three year contract. If he is available for something around 3 years, $18 million then do it. Honestly as an agent though I would want more for that so I don't see that happenening.

Final Call?Yes

Skip Schumacher

Schumacher significantly raised his value by switching to second base. Not only is he more versatile but he also ranks higher compared to second baseman than outfielders.

He should be due for a $1-2 million raise in arbitration and I think the easy answer again is yes. Schumacher provides good enough defense, is the everyday leadoff hitter, and is pretty durable.

Final Call? Yes

Brendan Ryan

Ryan was the best breakout position player for the Cardinals in a time when they needed him especially given Greene's anxiety issues. Ryan provided great defense and a good average.

He should get a raise somewhere in the millions. His situation is somewhat similar to Schumacher except not the position change.

Final Call? Yes

Blues Player Profile: David Perron

2009-11-22T21:37:00.003-06:00

From now on I will highlight specific Blues players and write everything about them. He was chosen in light of the best goal by a Blues player this year. I cannot even begin to try to describe what he did. Just watch this video.

Past
Selected: 1st round (26th) overall in 2007 NHL Draft
Hometown: Sherbrooke, Quebec
Heritage: Canadien (of course)

2006-2007 (QMJHL, Lewiston Maineiacs)- 70 GP, 39 G, 44 A, +/- 37

2007-2008- 62 GP, 13 G, 14 A, +/- 16
He had a really strong showing in his rookie year despite his average time on ice of 12:03. He shot and scored at a 19.3% rate as well. He also had one game winning goal and three power play goals.

2008-2009- 81 GP, 15 G, 35 A, +/- 13
He surprisingly decreased in his goals (going by the per game average). Despite playing 19 more games, he scored just two more goals with a low 9.3% rate. But his scoring rate was bound to decline with more playing time. He also added 21 more assists. He assisted on plays in 42% of the games, or 20% more than his last season.

Scouting Report
Age- 21
Height- 5-11
Weight- 180

"A hard working skilled forward... is very smart defensively and forces play with his tenacious fore-checking... his quick stick and quick hands often catch defenders by surprise... is heads up with the puck and makes impressive passes through traffic... needs to improve the effectiveness of his body checking.... plays with a lot of energy, but his skating sometimes dimishes at the end of a shift." - Central Scouting Report of QMJHL in 2007

Even though its two years old, it sounds pretty accurate. Given his size, body checking is a problem but his style of play makes it an unneeded part of his game.

I might add that when he's on the ice in the rink, the Blues and all of the teams he plays for score way more often then they don't as evidenced by his strong plus/minus rating.

This Season
Stats- 20 GP, 9 G, 4 A, +/- -1

A couple of points
1. He already has 9 goals in just 20 games. He is on pace for about 36 goals this year, unlikely yet I can see it happening. He needs just 6 goals in 62 games to reach his career high which barring injury I can almost guarantee will happen.
2. His plus/minus is down although I think that's attributed to the Blues poor play more than him. When your team has a losing record, its hard to get a good plus/minus.
3. Hopefully his great goal scoring is not a by-product of his newfound selfishness. His assists have dropped to just 4 this year. Somehow I think that will raise however.

Future
Well hopefully the Blues can sign him long-term. He looks like he can turn into a star. At the very least, he can become a fan favorite and a crowd pleaser with shots like last night's. I see his goals going dramatically up this season but his assists to falter slightly.

Then in 2010, he will put it all together and have career years in both goals and assists resulting in becoming a leader and star. This is the best case scenario for the Blues. But the Blues need to sign him cheaper long-term before he becomes a star so that they can afford him down the stretch.

Offseason Preview: Part 1

2009-11-18T22:07:00.005-06:00

With the upcoming free agent period beginning November 20, I will have a preview of the Cardinals' offseason.

Cardinals Free Agents
Type A
Type A free agents are simply players who perform in the 20th percentile of all players in the past two years. Type A players require teams to give up two draft picks, 1st round of that team and a supplemental pick.

Matt Holliday
Holliday is a Scott Boras client. In case you don't know who Scott Boras, he is the best agent in baseball, which is not a good thing. He recently commanded the salaries of CC Sabathia, Mark Texeira, and AJ Burnett for a combined total of 62 million... per year. So he knows what he's doing. He's claiming he can get Mark Texeira money, around 8 years/180 million.

Type B
Type B free agents are players in the next 20 percentile of players in the past two years. Teams that lose these free agents receive just a supplemental pick.

Mark DeRosa
Derosa received 3 years, 13 million from the Cubs before the 2007 season. Since then he has added homers to his game racking up his price. His power, his versatility, and sound defense will make him in the double digits. However, his age (34) will likely prevent anyone from doing that.

Joel Pineiro
Pineiro is set to make Jason Marquis type contract. He signed a 3 year, 21 million contract in 2007 with the Cubs and Pineiro figures to have a slightly greater deal based on better recent success. He is expected to be in the 10 million, 3 year contract range.

Troy Glaus
Glaus, injured for most of the 2009 season and ineffective in his little time, will become a Type B largely based off of his 2008 season. Glaus will likely earn an incentive-laid deal by a team willing to take a risk on him.

The Rest
John Smoltz
Smoltz's age is a strong indicator he will receive a one year contract laid with incentives. He has requested to become a starter instead of a reliever. Throughout his career he has flip-flopped from starter to reliever but he is likely to sign with the intent on being a starter.

Khalil Greene
Greene was traded to the Cardinals with the focus being on having a solid bat in the shortstop role. This failed as Greene battled anxiety issues most of the year and Brendan Ryan took over at short. Greene could bounce back as players such as AL Cy Young winner Zack Greinke did although he is unlikely to have a MVP caliber season.

Jason LaRue
LaRue became backup for the Cardinals and enjoyed limited success and praises from the staff. However his age (36) and somewhat high price tag (nearly 1 million) could scare away some teams such as the Cardinals

Rick Ankiel
Ankiel was a glorious story: a hard-luck pitcher bouncing back to the majors as a hitter. But in 2009, his great story had a major twist. He had an injury from running into the wall that caused him to slow dramatically down from his 2008 production. His future contract will likely be focused as a fourth outfielder.

Todd Wellemeyer
Wellemeyer had a largely dissapointing year with a 5.00+ E.R.A. He also failed to be the workhorse he was supposed to as he often got pulled by the 6th inning. One thing going for Wellemeyer is his age (30) means he likely in his prime years.

Needed Positions
Backup catcher - If we decide not to sign Jason LaRue, then the Cardinals need to find another aging veteran to replace him. Bryan Anderson did not hit well enough average to warrant his promotion. Plus, a young backup catcher is rarely used on title contending teams.

3B- The Cardinals' free agents Mark DeRosa and Troy Glaus leaves a gaping hole at 3B. Amazingly, the Cardinals could put David Freese or Allen Craig into the 2010 Opening Day starting lineup, but likely will try and add a proven piece.

LF- With Matt Holliday's free agency, the Cardinals have a huge hole left at LF. Possible fill-in Allen Craig is unlikely considering he wasn't promoted at September call-ups.

Backup OF- Even if the Cardinals do decide to resign Holliday, then they still have a hole to fill at backup. Considering the low production of Colby Rasmus, the Cardinal shouldn't hope he improves and instead prepare for his failure.

SP- The Cardinals need two spots filled currently with the free agency of Joel Pineiro, John Smoltz, and Todd Wellemeyer. They could envision a scenario where none of the three are signed and instead Jaime Garcia, Mitchell Boggs, and Blake Hawksworth compete for the two remaining spots. More likely, however is a free agent addition.

Part II tomorrow in addition to the announcing of the Cy Young winner. I currently have no idea as many "experts" think Lincecum because of his statistics, but Wainwright's Ws are valued the most by the voters. If they feel 15 wins is too little, but think Carpenter's statistics are good enough, he could win too. Any of the three currently could win it although the more likely will be Adam Wainwright or Tim Lincecum.

NFL Recap Week 10

2009-11-17T21:58:00.003-06:00

Rams Recap
I went to the game on Sunday and was pleasantly surprised to find myself watching the game intently. Normally the 4th quarter is the time when I'm already on the highway back to my house. The Rams lost 28-23, and even if for any other NFL team not named the Raiders, Bucaneers, or Brown a loss is just a loss, this was better than a loss. Riding high from the victory two weeks ago, the Rams played with the Saints stride-for-stride.

Of course talent took over and the Rams lost, but that's not the point. There were many good performances. Our defense play as well as they could against a team with a #1 offense, but they are not one of the notable performances.

I'll start with the most surprising. Would anybody guess that the Rams had more passing yards than the Saints. That's not a misprint, that is a fact. Marc Bulger threw for 298 yards, Drew Brees 223. Bulger a 93.1 QB rating, Brees a 89.1 QB rating. Bulger threw 26/40 for a 65%. Does it matter than Bulger had 40 attempts and Brees just 26. No, because Bulger stastically outplayed Brees.

Steven Jackson was the game's leading rusher with 131 rushing yards. The Saints did a tremendous job however of stopping Jackson in the second half to just 31 yards. He got his 2nd TD of the year.

As to my 5 goals for the second half, the Rams are on their way for 3. Jackson in a "side-goal" needed 5 TDs, which I would raise to 8 now. Plus the Rams may not have to get Steven Jackson the ball at all times like I said if Bulger continues.

Brandon Gibson had 7 catches, 93 yards in a backup role. He for some reason has not been named the starter. Speaking of the injury to Keenan Burton, the Rams responded by signing Jordan Kent, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks.

Player of the Game - Marc Bulger

Scores Around the League
CHI @ SF- 10-6 49ers
For a Thursday night, heck for any time, this was one ugly, boring game to watch

DAL @ GB- 17-7 Packers
After the Packers perplexing loss to the Bucaneers last week, they make up for it this week.

BUF @ TEN- 41-17 Titans
The Titans, with the help of Chris Johnson, are looking like the 12-4 squad of '08

TB @ MIA- 25-23 Dolphins
The Dolphins barely escape defeat beating the Bucs in a close game

DET @ MIN- 27-10 Vikings
The Lions still searching for their 2nd win lose to the team who can't seem to lose

JAC @ NYJ- 24-22 Jaguars
So much for all the bravado of Rex Ryan, the Jets were a little too quick to brag

CIN @ PIT- 18-12 Bengals
The Bengals are real, legit title contenders now since they are 4-0 against teams in AFC Championship

DEN @ WAS- 27-17 Broncos
The Broncos yield to the Redskins who is not good if you haven't heard and give up 1st place lead to...

PHI @ SD- 31-23 Chargers
....Chargers who tie the Broncos for 1st place now with their great win

ATL @ CAR- 28-19 Panthers
The Panthers are making a furious comeback to the same place they were last season

KC @ OAK- 16-10 Chiefs
The Missouri team on the other side of the state beat ... the Raiders, but its still a win

SEA @ ARI- 31-20 Cardinals
The Seahawks looked to have this win under control, but the Cardinals came back

NE @ IND- 35-34 Colts
Talk about comeback, the Colts, down 31-17 in 4th, come back thanks to a 4th down decision by Belicheck

Top Fantasy Players
QB
Peyton Manning, IND (1)
Stats- 327 passing yards, 4 TDs
Possibly Manning was out to prove why week-to-week statistics mean nothing with his 1st time on the list

Tom Brady, NE (3)
Stats- 375 passing yards, 3 TDs
Brady joins the exclusive club of 3 joining Drew Brees

Donavon McNabb (2)
Stats- 450 passing yards, 2 TDs
McNabb exploded for 450 but the rest of his team didn't do much else

RB
Chris Johnson, TEN (4)
Stats- 132 rushing yards, 2 TDs
His stats are becoming ridiculous as he is now the first player to become a 4th time leader

Steven Jackson, STL (1)
Stats- 131 rushing yards, TD
Surprisingly, Jackson has not yet made this list although that is because of his lack of TDs

Beanie Wells, ARI (1)
Stats- 85 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Wells is becoming more of an integral part as evidenced by him becoming a leader

WR
Randy Moss, NE (4)
Stats- 172 receiving yards, 2 TDs
I lied. Moss ties Johnson as both become first players to reach the pinnacle four times

Brandon Marshall, DEN (1)
Stats- 135 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Marshall has come back from the dead as he was thought of as trade bait earlier

Reggie Wayne, IND (3)
Stats- 126 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Both the Colts and Patriots had both their QB and top WR in this list proving how good of a game that was.

TE
Kellen Winslow, TB (3)
Stats- 102 receiving yards
Winslow becomes the second TE to hit 3 times but the other is hurt for the year

Brent Celek, PHI (1)
Stats- 47 receiving yards, TD
A really down week in TEs means an average performance with a TD gets a spot

John Carlson, SEA (2)
Stats- 31 receiving yards, TD
Not only did he get just 31 receiving yards, but he had ONE reception

D/ST
Ravens (1)
Stats- 2 interceptions, TD, 0 PA
Yet another week with different winners, but the Ravens did deserve this one

K
Connor Barth, TB (1)
Stats- 3 FG, 2 XP
The kicker from TB has benefited from their recent surge

Mizzou Recap

2009-11-15T21:39:00.003-06:00

Mizzou thoroughly outplayed Kansas State 38-12 at Kansas State. That makes them 6-4 overall and just 2-4 in the division. Not to worry though because two more wins puts the Tigers at 4-4 in the Big 12.

Numbers of the Game
13- The Tigers broke a 13 game losing streak against Bill Snyder-coached KSU teams with their victory

0- The number of second half TDs the Tigers have had in Big 12 play preceding this game

3- The number of second half TDs the Tigers had in the KSU game alone

174:24 - The minutes and seconds since Mizzou last scored a 2nd half TD

6- The amount of wins the Tigers have making them bowl-eligible

Performances of the Game
Player of the Game- Denario Alexander
Gabbert played an excellent game no doubt, but there really is no doubt as to who deserves the player of the game. Let me explain all that Alexander did. Where could he be if these injuries didn't happen? I'll tell you where, the NFL.

Alexander had 10 catches, 200 yards and 3 TDs. But he quite possibly was better than those stats suggest. How? I'll explain. With a 3-3 tie in the second quarter, Gabbert lofted a high pass to Alexander. Alexander proceeded to essentially took the ball away from the corner back and run for a 54 yard TD. Then when Mizzou had their scary streak of no second half TDs in jeopardy of extending to another game, Alexander stepped up again. He caught a pass up the middle, juked a defender, and outran defenders on his way for an 80 yard TD. And then when Mizzou was putting away the game, he charged for the first down, got his helmet knocked off, and fought for more yards until he got that first down.

So yes, the player of the game for Game 10 is Denario Alexander.

The Others- Blaine Gabbert wasn't too shabby himself throwing for 296 yards on 20-27 passing attempts with 3 TDs. Plus give him credit for giving the ball to Alexander on half of his throws and more than 2/3 of his yardage.

Sophomore wideout Jerrell Jackson also had a pretty good game. He had 6 catches for 78 yards. The other receivers however, combined, just had 4 catches for 20 yards.

Derrick Washington had just 68 yards on 13 carries but rushed in for 2 TDs to put the game away in the 4th quarter.

Junior safety Jarrell Harrison caught his first interception of his Mizzou career. The defense also had a very meaningless, but definitely uplifting 4th down stop at the 2 late in the 4th quarter.

Storylines
Denario Alexander quite possibly proved that he is the best college football receiver currently yet he isn't even a top 10 finalist in the WR award.

The Tigers finally end their dryspell of 2nd half TDs with THREE today.

Mizzou ended their 13 game losing streak to Bill Snyder coached team.

NL Gold Glovers Announced

2009-11-11T22:28:00.005-06:00

I don't know if you've heard, but the NL Gold Glove winners were announced yesterday and made big news in the press just earlier today. The Cardinals had three players in serious contention for the award:

C Yadier Molina
1B Albert Pujols
SS Brendan Ryan

If you haven't heard the gold glover winners yet, then you are probably following along quite nicely. I was actually wrong about two things. One, apparently Brendan Ryan never was a viable candidate to win considering I haven't even heard his name pop up on ESPN. That's a mistake. I guess you just have to watch him play to understand.

The other thing was who actually won the second gold glove. Without actually telling you, it was a person who if you haven't found out yet or at least when you did find out, made you look at it again. It was a confusing and surprising move by the voters to say the least.

Before I keep rambling on without telling you who won it, I will reveal the two winners.

C Yadier Molina
P Adam Wainwright

We'll start with Wainwright him being the most perplexing. ESPN writer Jayson Stark probably puts it best with his two rules. Sorry I mean the Lazy Rule. Rule 1 is that the voters just choose whose won it in years before. And he puts rule number two like this:

"Oh I forgot the other Lazy Voter's Rule: Vote for the player with the most-impressive non-fielding stats. That might seem like a strange tack, but remember we're talking about voters who don't really give a tinker's damn. Adam Wainwright? Maybe he really is the best fielding pitcher, even though he's a right-hander and there's absolutely no statistical evidence that he did anything special after the ball was struck. In the Fielding Bible balloting, 20 National pitchers showed up, and Adam Wainwright was one of them... in 17th place, and well behind teammates Joel Pineiro and Chris Carpenter"

Couldn't have put it any better myself. I might also add that not only did statistics not show it, but I didn't really notice anything special about it watching him. Joel Pineiro was mentioned and I think he's overlooked in this type of thing because a lot of his game predicated on defense, even his own.

And the other winner, Yadier Molina, completely deserved it. I will let ESPN writer Jayson Stark take this one too.

"At catcher, the voters defaulted to the incumbent Yadier Molina, who is so obviously the best defensive catcher in the National League, that if anyone else had won the Gold Glove, the award should have been blown up."

That was a great read by the way. He also said they got it right on two of the nine possible votes being Molina and 3B Ryan Zimmerman.

Managers vote on this and you would think it would be fair, but its not. Orlando Hudson won over Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins over Troy Tulowitzki (and Brendan Ryan), Adrian Gonzalez over Albert Pujols, and huge question marks in Matt Kemp and Shane Victorino.

As to Brendan Ryan, I guess you have to hit 20 homers to be considered. All of the names mentioned and who won have in some part of their career hit 20 homers except for Molina. But Molina is a catcher and clearly the best. As to Albert Pujols, he had 13 errors, and according to statistics such as the Fielding Bible, they basically ignore errors.

So if anybody wants to know who truly is the best at their position, I suggest you look at the Fielding Bible. The Cardinals winners in that award were Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. And take into account that the Fielding Bible uses both leagues for each position. So 2 players out of 9 picked on one team is extremely impressive.

NFL Recap Week 9

2009-11-10T22:11:00.004-06:00

Rams
The Rams are facing there third unbeaten team in 2009, but Steve Spagnuolo is making sure this goes as a normal week.

For some reason, the STL Post-Dispatch writers think the Rams have a chance. I'm not falling for it this time. But I will still watch the game and hope.

Steven Jackson made his mark. I'll say. Jason Brown said it was like watching a video game and I find it hard to disagree with him.

Scores Around the League

GB @ TB- 38-28 Buccaneers
Green Bay is a confusing team. Their supposed weakness is their O-line but their defense can't stop anybody.

MIA @ NE- 27-17 Patriots
To me, the Patriots finally put away the pesky, little pretenders.

KC @ JAC- 24-21 Jaguars
It must be pretty deflating, even at 4-4, to have to go to beat the Rams and Chiefs by a combined score of 6 points.

WAS @ ATL- 31-17 Falcons
No surprise here since the Redskins are not a good NFL team to say the least

ARI @ CHI- 41-21 Cardinals
I'm not sold on the Cardinals until they show some consistency. This is a start.

BAL @ CIN- 17-7 Bengals
The Ravens are a good team, make no mistake, but they need a good run to make the playoffs.

HOU @ IND- 20-17 Colts
Colts needed a missed field goal to win this one as their defense had a total breakdown in the second half.

DET @ SEA- 32-20 Lions
So does this mean the Rams have a good defense? The Lions score 20 against everyone else, but 10 against the Rams

CAR @ NO- 30-20 Saints
So far a couple of teams have made solid chances at winning against the Saints, but the Saints always prevail

SD @ NYG- 21-20 Chargers
The men at AP must be misinformed. The Chargers did not stun a 0-3 in last three week Giants.

TEN @ SF- 34-17 Titans
TMQB suggested that the 49ers have the Curse of Crabtree, because he ruined their team chemistry

DAL @ PHI- 20-16 Eagles
The Eagles make a stunning victory against Giants, but fall to the Cowboys. No worries, the Cowboys have a 1st round exit waiting them

PIT @ DEN- 28-10 Steelers

Were the Broncos merely a good team beating mediocre teams rather than a great team? I think so.

Fantasy Scoreboard
QB
Kurt Warner, ARI (1)
Stats- 265 passing yards, 5 TDs
Warner (fantasy owners) benefited from a 41-21 drubbing of a Bears team that was off its game.

Jay Cutler, CHI (1)

Stats- 369 passing yards, 3 TDs
Despite their loss, Cutler still managed to get on the upper echoleon of QBs

Josh Freeman, TB (1)

Stats- 205 passing yards, 3 TDs
Freeman led the Buccaneers to victory in their first win and his first start of the season

RB
Michael Turner, ATL (2)
Stats- 166 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Turner, the overall consensus #2, finally earned his second spot on this list

Chris Johnson, TEN (3)
Stats- 135 rushing yards, 2 TDs
The first player to earn three spots on list, Johnson also seems to benefit when Titans win

DeAngelo Williams, CAR (2)
Stats- 149 rushing yards, 2 TDs
In the Panthers strong showing in the loss to the Saints, Williams broke through

WR
Larry Fitgerald, ARI (1)
Stats- 125 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Fitzgerald's first time making this list. Really? I am shocked, but it definitely won't be the last

Randy Moss, NE (3)
Stats- 147 receiving yards, TD
Moss is the first receiver to make the list three times, and the third overall behind Brees and Johnson

Mike Sims-Walker (2)
Stats- 149 receiving yards, TD
For those of you wondering in addition to Walker, Miles Austin, Roddy White, Reggie Wayne, and Vincent Jackson all have more than Fitzgerald

TE
Greg Olsen, CHI (2)
Stats- 73 receiving yards, 3 TDs
This is the kind of performance TE fantasy owners dream of... and WR owners too

Dallas Clark, IND (2)
Stats- 119 receiving yards, TD
Clark is the #2 favorite target of Manning which gets you the same amount of passes as a #1 on most teams

Brandon Pettigrew, DET (1)
Stats- 70 receiving yards, TD
Pettigrew caught five passes and greatly benefited from a terrible outing by Stafford

K
David Akers, PHI (1)
Stats- 3 FGs, XP
And the streak of having a different kicker here every week continues

D/ST
Buccaneers (1)
Stats- 28 PA, 3 INTs
The three interceptions helped the Bucs more than the 28 points allowed hurt them

Rams' Goals Entering Halfway Point

2009-11-08T21:23:00.003-06:00

The Rams have entered the halfway point of the season with a 1-7 record, a worse record than at this point last year yet somehow deemed a success. So the Rams enter the bye week with a new set of goals as they have already completed one of them: WIN ONE GAME. They did that against, to be fair, a dismal, to say the least, Lions team. But a win nonetheless and the Rams enter the second half with a few very winnable games.

Here are five goals that the Rams should follow entering the halfway point.

1. Find a Solid #2 WR
This goal is the most important to me. Donnie Avery, by no means, is a #1 receiver. But given that the Rams will likely not find a #1 receiver anytime soon, hypothetically, Avery is the #1 receiver.

Now this obviously has to be addressed within the organization. Whether its Keenan Burton, Danny Amendola, or some other receiver, they need to find it. They will need to find one in order to win more games, which I personally would like to acheive.

This goal will be tough, but it should definitely be a goal of theirs. Keenan Burton has a shot. He had a good game last week against the Lions, and if the coaching staff can try and build off that, we may have one.

Danny Amendola is not a #2 and I don't personally think he has a shot either. He reminds me of Dane Looker. Looker was a solid player who stepped up when players got injured but he never was one of the best.

Brandon Gibson isn't being utilized that well, or at least well enough to catch a few passes. He should be given a good chance to prove he can become a starter.

Of course, signing a free agent who was cut from rosters is another possibility. But this is like finding a needle in a haystack.

2. Limit Half of Their Opponents to 20 or less
This should probably read limit ALL opponents, but having to face the Saints and the Cardinals twice will make this unrealistic.

But they can certainly hold the Seahawks, 49ers, Titans, Bears, or Texans. Well, one can dream right. I mean goals are supposed to be outlandish.

But in all seriousness, they need to hold the Titans and Seahawks at the very least whose offense are... in the lower portion of the league.

3. Get Steven Jackson the Ball... At All Times
Alright they are already doing this well. They were already giving him the ball 53% of the time. That number needs to go higher. Every team knows who will get the ball and he still runs through everyone. We need to take advantage of this.

As a side goal, Jackson needs to reach at least 5 TDs. I'm hoping for one a game, but that is probably not going to happen. He needs to get more than one, let's put it that way.

4. Chris Long Needs 5 sacks
This is less of a team goal and more of a personal goal, but honestly I feel he needs to get 5 sacks. Why that number? Well, he had 4 last year and I want improvement in year-to-year basis from the #2 overall draft pick.

This can be attained by building (this will be used a lot) up on his sack two weeks ago (I believe). My personal goal for first round draft picks is high as it should be for all fans. They need to improve from year to year (unless you reach Matt Forte status).

This will be hard however, since 6 of the 8 games feature teams that rank 15th or better in allowed sacks per game. But the 49ers rank 26th and the Seahawks 21st so there will be oppurtunities.

5. Pick a Consistent #2 CB
Alright, its pretty obvious when a teams' goals are to find #2 WRs and CBs, they aren't successful. But they keep changing their right cornerback. Originally it was Tye Hill, before they traded him, then it was Jonathon Wade, but his poor play gave Bradley Fletcher the start. The he got injured and now Quincy Butler is starting.

They need to pick one. Tye Hill, despite poor play here, is succeeding in Atlanta (specifically his 62 yard interception return today). Wade was switched due to Fletcher's promising play. And they should put Wade back into #2. Nonetheless, their #2 CB should be the same each week.

Mizzou Basketball Season Preview

2009-11-05T22:01:00.007-06:00

Last Year

Record- 31-7

Finish- Elite Eight loss to Uconn

The key for Mizzou will be to not dwell on 2008. I know it sounds like I'm saying 2008 was a bad year, but I'm not. In fact, 2008 was one of the best basketball seasons ever that Mizzou has had. No, I am simply saying that the players can't look back on last year.

This year and last year is like pickles and oranges. They are not even related, except a few players. The main players, however, are different. The two stars on last year's squad, Leo Lyons and DeMarre Carrol, provided two things this team doesn't have. A go-to-guy and tall, scoring options.

Those guys were really reliable players who Mizzou could build around. Except they are gone now and Mizzou will probably really emphasize the fast-break play they had last year. Most of all I'm intrigued what they will do to counter their losses of Lyons, Carroll, and even Matt Lawrence.

Position-By-Position

Point Guard

Mizzou's one really strong area on this team is guard, especially point guard. They have three players who can play the position and do it well.

Their best player, at least in my eyes, is having J.T. Tiller run the point. He is a tough guy who can pass the ball well. The only real weakness is his inconsistent shot. But only the best point guards can shoot the ball so that's not an issue for me. Now since everybody knows who Tiller (MU basketball fans that is), I will not dwell on his style.

But i do have a really good quote from him that I could not agree more with:

"Watching us play is so dramatic, so fun-filled, and entertaining that you don't even notice you were watching a two hour game. "

Zaire Taylor is the guy I remember getting the game-winning shots of Kansas and Texas in back-to-back weeks. So I'm pretty sure no one dislikes him at all. Last year he won the All-Big 12 rookie team, but he's already a senior.

I know what your thinking, two guards leaving next year, "Mizzou is screwed." They are way ahead of you there. They have two guards waiting in the wings right now, Miguel Paul and Michael Dixon, Jr.

Paul, a sophomore hasn't played enough for us to get a good feel on his play so I searched a scouting report on espn. In summary, they say he's one of the top 10-15 guards in the class of '08. He's the perfect fit for Mizzou. He thinks pass first, shoot second. They even compare him to Uconn guard Kemba Walker. Here's the full report.

Dixon has zero games on his belt so unless I see game experience I won't get a good feel from him. I wrote about him several months ago. If you want to read the scouting report there then click here.

PG- A-
Why- Depth and experience prevail at this position.

Shooting Guard
The guards in general, as I said before are good. But the real strength is the depth of Mizzou, a mandatory for their style of offense.

I will start with easily the best pure shooter on the team, Kim English. He seems destined to replace Lawrence as the go-to-three point shooter, but there is a huge difference between the two. Lawrence's abilites went no further than shooting while English looks more well-rounded as a basketball player. His offseason training could allow his defense and ball-handling to improve. And remember he's just a sophomore.

The other shooting guard, Marcus Denmon, should improve because he had knee problems most of his freshman year. He is a slashing guard who can shoot from the outside. He and English will probably split time here with Tiller taking some of the minutes as well.

SG- B

Why- The shooting guard position is solid, but not great. I think 2009 will show us how much better then two sophomores are now.

Forward

The forward position has a multitude of players. Since the Tigers have no true small forward, these next players will probably fit a range of a possible SF spot to center.

The guy who I felt improved the most from freshman to sophomore year last year in 2008 was Justin Safford. That is a stupid comment though since he was the only one in that class. He is a tall left-handed shooter who can drive to the lane successfully and his 13-20 on three point shots makes defenders respect his outside shooting. He looks awkward and weird when he makes plays, but hey Carroll didn't exactly look like Tracy McGrady either.

Keith Ramsey is a skilled defender who is a team-first player. His offensive game is limited, but he will do anything he can for the team. He blocks shots, defends guards, rebounds, and passes well.

Laurence Bowers was not utilized that much in '08 so I don't remember him well from watching him. On his ESPN scouting report from 2008, they say how his long arms, quick leaping ability should translate to defensive game and great rebounding. However his offense is limited and he needs to improve ball-handling and jump shot as well.

The Tigers had two freshman recruits that are going to be slowly integrated into the lineup. Tyler Stone and John Underwood, who are 6'7 and 6'9, respectively. Both players are extensively scouted in my blog post here from May. Stone is an agressive player who will do the dirty work to win and has a solid range of 12-15 feet. Underwood is a great defender, particularly shot-blocking, who is a decent rebounder, but is really raw offensively.

F- C+

Why- The forward position relies on Safford's progression and Bower's improvement in order to be great. You just don't replace Lyons and Carroll with a snap of a finger.

Center

We only have one true center on this team which should be good whenever Mizzou wants to go tall or shut down a top player.

Steve Moore, who didn't stick out well in 2008, should have a bigger role in 2009. Moore has supposedly shed 30 points from when he arrived as a freshman. He has a great ability to block shots and alter shots. That is his strength. He is an improving rebounder, although at 6'9, 264 pounds, I'm not too worried he won't get the ball. He only played 4.8 minutes in 2008 so his numbers will improve with playing time.

Grade - C

Why- There is no experience and no proven talent. Its up to a C, because Moore has the potential to be great.

Rookie of the Year History

2009-11-04T22:29:00.003-06:00

I decided to see how the rookie of the year translated into future success. I divided the results into six categories: Hall of Fame, MVP/Cy Young, All-Star, Steady Player, Average Player, and "Bust."

The first two are self-explanatory, the only requirements being get into the HOF and winning an MVP/Cy Young. An All-Star is a person who made the game at least 4 times in his career, but did not win an MVP/Cy Young or make HOF. A steady player had at least 400 at-bats eight times in his career. A bust was someone who either went out of the league within 5 years or had poor performance. An average player was in between the bust and steady player.

Hall of Fame
Members - 14
NL - 9
AL- 5

Best Examples
Jackie Robinson, 1947 ROY
Willie McCovey, '59 ROY
Tom Seaver, '76 ROY
Cal Ripken, Jr, '82 ROY

Notes
There were two players I included on this list who do not actually belong to the Hall of Fame. Pete Rose played at a Hall of Fame level, therefore his production for his team was HOF-like. Mike Piazza is assumed to make the HOF, maybe even first ballot in 2013.

Jackie Robinson was also the first ever player to get awarded the ROY in 1947.

Tom Seaver is the only pitcher who won the award and also made the HOF.

MVP, Cy Young
Members - 12
NL - 7
AL - 5

Best Examples
Don Newcombe, 1949 winner
Fred Lynn, '75 ROY
Jeff Bagwell, '91 ROY
Albert Pujols, '01 ROY

Notes
Fred Lynn, Pete Rose, and Ichiro Suzuki are the only hitters to win both the MVP and the ROY in the same year.

Fernando Valenzuela is the only player to win both the Cy Young and the ROY.

Don Newcombe won the first ever Cy Young award in 1956 when it was awarded to the best MLB pitcher.

All-Star
Members - 24
NL - 10
AL - 14

Best Examples
Roy Siever, 1947 ROY winner
Darryl Strawberry, '83 ROY
Derek Jeter, '96 ROY
Hanley Ramirez, '07 ROY

Notes
Mark McGwire has made the most All-Star teams to not be named to the Hall of Fame or win an MVP with 12 all-star selections.

Ryan Howard, Hanley Ramirez, Ryan Braun, Justin Verlander, and Evan Longoria all have won only 2, but I'm assuming they will each pick up at least two more.

Steady Players
Members - 25
NL - 15
AL - 10

Best Examples
Lou Piniella, '69 ROY
Vince Coleman, '85 ROY
David Justice, '90 ROY
Rafeal Furcal, '95 ROY

Notes
Pitchers Gary Peters, Stan Bahnsen, John Matlack, and Hideo Nomo were selected as steady players because they pitched in 30 or more 8+ times in their career.

Todd Worrell got chosen because he saved at least 20 games 7 times in a short, 11 year career.

Cardinals featured on this list are Wally Moon ('54), Billy Virdon ('55), Vince Coleman ('85), and Todd Worrell ('86).

Average Player
MLB - 37
NL - 16
AL - 21

Best Examples
Tony Kubek, '57 ROY
Bake McBride, '74 ROY
Walt Weiss, '88 ROY
Todd Hollansworth, '96 ROY
Angel Berroa, '03 ROY

Notes
Among the recent winners I counted Bobby Crosby, Huston Street, and Geovany Soto as average players.

Current players are Berroa, Crosby, Street, Soto, Kerry Wood, Jason Jennings, Eric Hinske, and Dontrelle Willis.

The selection of players ranged from bench player such as Berroa to starters who had short-lived success (Willis) to players who just retired too early to obtain steady status (Scott Williamson)

Busts
Members - 11
NL - 4
AL - 7

Best Examples
Herb Score, '55 ROY
Mark Fidrych, '76 ROY
Kazuhiro Sasaki, '00 ROY

Notes
Joe Black started baseball in the Negro Leagues and didn't start playing in MLB until he was 28.

Sasaki played just three years in the majors making two All-Star teams before going back to Japan to pitch.

The rest of the busts were out of baseball within 5 or less years including Mark Fidrych who had to quit because of injury.

Teams in ROY
The team that leads the MLB in ROY awards won is, by far, the Los Angeles Dodgers with 15.

The Dodgers had the 1st winner, Robinson, and had two streaks of 4 or more consecutive winners. First from 1979 to 1982 with Rick Sutcliffe, Steve Howe, Fernando Valenzuela, and Steve Sax. The more recent surge from 1992-1996 featured Mike Piazza, Eric Karros, Raul Mondesi, Hideo Nomo, and Todd Hollansworth.

The Cardinals' six ROY winners were Wally Moon, Billy Virdon, Bake McBride, Vince Coleman, Todd Worrell, and of course Albert Pujols.

The Yankees have the second most rookie of the year award winner with 7.

The Giants and Reds are tied with most ROY winners to become HOF members. The Giants have Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Orlando Cepeda. The Reds have Frank Robinson, Pete Rose, and Jonny Bench.

The Future
What does this mean? Not much to be honest. In searching for the translation, I come up with more questions. A bright spot is 14 Hall of Fame members did win the ROY and 12 more won MVP or Cy Young awards and another 24 became All-Stars (remember as defined by 4 or more).

So in analysis, a player who wins the ROY has a 40% of becoming, at the very least, a 4 time All-Star and at the very best, a Hall of Famer. Unfortunately, Colby Rasmus likely won't win the award so this rule won't apply to the Cardinals right now.

124 total rookie of the year winners have been chosen including a split decision in NL 1976 race and AL 1979 race.

NFL Recap Week 8

2009-11-03T21:43:00.002-06:00

Rams Recap
Rams win 17-10 on the strength of Steven Jackson's legs and a TD pass by K Josh Brown. The full recap is here.

Scores Around the League
MIN @ GB- 38-26 Vikings
The Vikings sealed their likely divison title with a win at Lambeau Field in his comeback to his old team. As a side note, good for Packers fans booing him. Its sort of the equivalent of Albert Pujols leaving the Cardinals for the Cubs. Now would we clap for him?

HOU @ BUF- 31-10 Texans
The Texans are now breaking away, but they still have a ways to go being in the Colts' division and all.

CLE @ DEN- 30-6 Bears
The Bears made sure the Browns wouldn't pull a Rams-Cowboys debacle in 2008 and get upset.

SEA @ DAL- 38-17 Cowboys
The Seahawks just aren't good. Last year, injuries were their excuse. This year: injuries.

SF @ IND- 18-14 Colts
The Colts remain undefeated as the previous undefeated teams fall (Vikings, Broncos)

MIA @ NYJ- 30-25 Dolphins
The Dolphins are the pesky little rat that the Jets just can't kill and the rat keeps embarrasing them.

NYG @ PHI- 40-17 Eagles
Hello blowout. Very dissapointing game for the Giants as they not only lose division lead, but some dignity.

DEN @ BAL- 30-7 Ravens
Another shocking result that was supposed to be a good game. The Broncos just had a bad game.

JAC @ TEN- 30-13 Titans
Must be pretty humiliating to have to beat the Rams in overtime and then get decisively beaten by the 0-6 Titans

OAK @ SD- 24-16 Chargers
The Chargers were supposed to put this game away, but this was a competitive game, make no mistake.

CAR @ ARI- 34-21 Panthers
More incosistency brought on by the Cardinals as Jake "turnover" Delhomme and the Panthers beat them.

ATL @ NO- 35-27 Saints
Another down-to-the-wire win for the Saints, just not as great a game as last week.

Top Fantasy Performers
QB
Aaron Rodgers, GB (1)
Stats- 287 passing yards, 3 TDs
Despite the great effort, he couldn't overcome literally no production from the offense in the 1st half.

Brett Favre, MIN (2)
Stats- 244 passing yards, 4 TDs
Peterson runs down the field, Favre throws to Harvin for a TD. This method works for both the Vikings and your fantasy team..

Mark Sanchez, NYJ (1)
Stats- 265 passing yards, 2 TDs
Sanchez, like Rodgers, lost, but this proves why losing doesn't necessarily translate to fantasy failure.

RB
Chris Johnson, TEN (2)
Stats- 228 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Johnson basically won the game by himself, since the Jaguars scored less points than Johnson did.

Ryan Moats, HOU (1)
Stats- 126 rushing yards, 3 TDs
Moats came out of nowhere with exactly zero rushing TDs before this game and just 56 rushing yards.

Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (2)
Stats- 177 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Jones-Drew is becoming the star feature back who can't seem to help the team win, but puts up big stats.

WR
Reggie Wayne, IND (2)
Stats- 147 receiving yards, TD
Wayne is almost acheiving Harrison-like status in his extreme consistency in play every week.

Roddy White, ATL (2)
Stats- 108 receiving yards, TD
Really a down week for receivers, as this is normally just a good game, not a fantasy great.

Vincent Jackson, SD (2)
Stats- 103 receiving yards, TD
Jackson had relatively his average game, but a down week allowed his consistency to get rewarded.

TE
Spencer Havner, GB (1)
Stats- 21 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Spencer who? It doesn't matter because nobody has him on their fantasy team.

Kevin Boss, NYG (1)
Stats- 71 receiving yards, TD
Boss with a solid showing. The Giants? Not so much.

Dustin Keller, NYJ (1)
Stats- 76 receiving yards, TD
Keller comes through with a solid showing against the Dolphins

D/ST
Bears (1)
Stats- 6 points allowed, 5 turnovers, TD
The Bears dominated this game including, no especially, on defense.

K
Rob Bironas (1)
Stats- 3 FG, 3 XP
Bironas (and fantasy owners) benefit from the Titans first win.

Updated Standings
QB
1. Drew Brees (3)
2. Matt Schaub (2)
3. Tom Brady (2)
4. Brett Favre (2)
5. Tony Romo (2)
6. Phillip Rivers (2)

RB
1. Maurice Jones-Drew (2)
2. Chris Johnson (2)
3. Cedric Benson (2)
4. Ronnie Brown (2)

WR
1. Reggie Wayne (2)
2. Vincent Jackson (2)
3. Miles Austin (2)
4. Roddy White (2)
5. Randy Moss (2)

TE
1. Owen Daniels (3)
2. Heath Miller (2)
3. Vishante Shiancoe (2)
4. Kellen Winslow (2)
5. Zach Miller (2)

All kickers and D/ST were different every week.

RAMS WIN!!!

2009-11-02T22:43:00.004-06:00

Rams Recap
Enjoy this Rams fan for as long as you can. The Rams at least for the next two weeks officially have a better win percentage than the rest of the division. When was the last time, the Rams could say they had a better win percentage than the rest of the division. Anyway, the first win in what seems like a century was actually over a year. Or in football game terms, 17 games ago against the Cowboys. So now the Rams pass the current consecutive losing streak to Tampa Bay who stand at 11 games.

Realistically, the Rams can win two more games. The Seahawks have just one more win than the Rams and despite the blowout in Week 1, they are playing in St. Louis this time. Also, they play the also 1 win Titans who have possibly looked worse than the Rams. And perhaps unrealistically, besides the Saints, the Cardinals, Bears, 49ers, and the Texans all could possibly have a breakdown and lose. So a 4-12 season could happen.

Now we have good, overwhelming evidence at the horrible play that Marc Bulger produces. Let's put this into perspective. The Lions rank 28th (largely that high due to "great" defense in past week) in pass defense with 251 yards allowed per game. They have allowed 18 passing TDs in just 7 games. And Bulger got just 176 yards on 17/35, or less than 50%, and zero TDs and an interception. I congratulate you Bulger on achieving a new low.

Jackson however was.... a beast, to say the least. The defining moment of the game was when Jackson ran from the back of the end zone broke through two tackles before reaching the 5 yard line and then busting through more players on his way to the first down. Not only did this competely shift the momentum away from Detroit in their great special teams coverage, but it also got the Rams rolling. Jackson and Bulger... well Jackson... led the drive to the TD in the eventual winning touchdown of the game.

None of this would have happened if not for a fake field goal attempt by Josh Brown. They were positioned in clear field goal range and apparently Brown and the staff saw something that indicated the Lions were rushing. On hike, the ball went to the place-setter who tossed the ball to Brown running to the left, who then threw a lob over the defender's head into the arms of Daniel Fells. Fells ran to the end zone breaking a tackle along the way.

Rams win 17-10. Hopefully in 5 years, we will be so spoiled with wins, that we would complain about such a close game.

Coming Soon
Tomorrow I will do my weekly NFL Recap complete with the Top Fantasy Leaders and an update to the current standings of the players based on the number of times they've made the list.

Wednesday will be a Mizzou recap and in the first part of a four-part installment, I will talk about 5 key, unknown to the average fan seniors. The next three parts feature juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.

On Thursday, I will write a Mizzou basketball season preview in preparation for the season opening tip off against Truman State on Friday.

I will analyze the history of the rookie of the year awards and how it translated into the rest of their careers. But the results are as random of becoming a Hall of Famer to quitting baseball within 3 years next week as well.

Blues Monthly Recap

2009-11-01T22:40:00.003-06:00

The Blues have had some obvious ups and downs already in this season despite it being just October. They have found a way to start the season great and start the season slow at the same time. That is because the Blues won two straight against the Red Wings in Sweden (aka home of the Red Wings), but is just 5-6-1 after October. Since the Blues made the playoffs last season, expectations have been raised and rightfully so.

Their poor play in the past few seasons before 2008 allowed them to get high draft picks and obtain young talent on there team now. But that's not the problem. The foursome of T.J. Oshie, David Perron, Patrik Berglund, and Erik Johnson, all selected in the 1st round in the past 5 years, have 6 goals and 14 assists. Or all have in some way contributed to 20 of the 29 goals.

Brad Boyes and David Backes, who scored 64 goals combined last year, have just three so far this year. They also only have scored 8 points combined as well. This intregal part of the offense has caused the Blues to score 2 or less goals seven times including two shutouts.

It's hard to blame the goaltending, because Chris Mason, although 3-4-1, has roughly the same save percentage as last year. But his GAA is 2.74 as to last year's 2.41. What is this due to? Well he has faced many more shots per game than last season, a clear product of their defense.

The most obvious event to blame is the injury to captain Eric Brewer. He has played in just two games and is the leader of the defense. He played the last two games in which they allowed 2 goals and 4 goals and allowed 34 and 35 shots. If Brewer can successfully get back to his normal self, the defense will likely improve.

Goals
The obvious goals are to keep doing what they are doing with the young foursome. The great production from them could make this team a force for years to come. T.J. Oshie is the only youngster who could really improve as he scored just 3 points. If all four of them are rolling on all cylinders, good luck beating the Blues.

Other goals include as mentioned above to transition Brewer into the defense and get the defense to the form they were in 2008. This will greatly lessen the load on Mason and Conklin, both who have performed as well as they could. A side product of the many shots could eventually take a toll on the goalies.

Lastly, try and get Backes and Boyes more involved in the offense so they can get to 30 goal form.

For as bad as the Blues have been, they still sit at 3-4-1. They have many things to improve upon, which is a good thing. Expect a huge change in win total if these three goals come true.

MLB World Series Predictions; NBA Season Preview

2009-10-28T21:46:00.005-05:00

NBA Season Predictions
Divisional Predictions

East
Atlantic
1. Boston Celtics*
The Big Three + Perkins + Rondo= Best Starting Five
2. Philadelphia 76ers*
Brand will be better used in lineup to create playoff team
3. Toronto Rapters
Putting 10 new players in their roster will not get them in the playoffs
4. New York Knicks
The Knicks will make every game interesting
5. New Jersey Nets
They are in a rebuilding mode and preparing for LeBron '10

Central
1. Clevand Cavaliers*
The real question is if they can win the title, not make the playoffs
2. Chicago Bulls*
Derrick Rose can only get better and lead this team to the playoffs
3. Detroit Piston
This team is in a declining stage and will be outdone by younger, faster teams
4. Milwaukee Bucks
Like last year, they will have a good run but die out in the end
5. Indiana Pacers
They are an improving team and in the right direction with Granger as star

Southeast
1. Orlando Magic*
They could get better with VC in their lineup instead of the prodding Turkoglu
2. Atlanta Hawks*
Did you know they have won more games each year for four years? That'll continue.
3. Miami Heat*
Dwayne Wade alone can lead this team to the playoffs as he proved last year
4. Washington Wizards*
The now healthy Wizards will take advantage of weak conference
5. Charlotte Bobcats
When will we take this team seriously? Not in 2009-2010

*- makes the playoffs

West
Pacific
1. Los Angeles Lakers*
Much like the Cavs, the question will be the playoffs not the season
2. Pheonix Suns
The Suns will miss the playoffs due to age and lack of talent
3. Golden State Warriors
They were one of the more dissapointing teams last year
4. Los Angeles Clippers
Should improve with better play from Baron Davis and Griffin if not injured
5. Sacremento Kings
They traded most of their good players last year and are rebuilding

Southwest
1. San Antonio Spurs*
The Spurs are still the class of the league and will contend AGAIN
2. New Orlean Hornets*
The Hornets Chris Paul should lead their team to another playoff run
3. Dallas Mavericks*
Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and Shawn Marion lead the team this time around
4. Houston Rockets
They won't make the playoffs as long as Yao Ming is injured
5. Memphis Grizzlies
A recurring theme here as another last place team is in a rebuilding mode

Northwest
1. Utah Jazz*
I'm a sucker for point guards and Deron Williams is among the best of them
2. Portland Trail Blazers*
They added Andre Miller, but that shouldn't matter unless Greg Oden plays 60+ games
3. Denver Nuggets*
Don't expect a late-playoff run, but do expect a postseason for the Nuggets
4. Oklahoma City Thunder*
I am a huge fan of this team (biased I know) and feel they are ready to take next step
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Still trying to reap the benefits of the KG trade

MLB Season Predictions
Currently the Phillies are leading 6-0, but I had my coming prediction before this.
Game Breakdown:
Game 1: Phillies (obviously)
G2: Yankees
G3: Phillies
G4: Yankees
G5: Phillies
G6: Yankees
G7: Phillies

PHILLIES IN 7

Please vote on the poll on the top right to get your opinion on who you think will win the series.

NFL Recap Week 7

2009-10-27T22:04:00.002-05:00

Rams Recap
The Rams never stood a chance. They were up against future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. They were up against one of the most potent offenses in the league. The Rams do have a more respectable defense, but this game proves it stands no chance against a top tier offense especially while they are on the field for more than half the game on most games. The Rams didn't have the cornerbacks to cover Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, or Dallas Clark.

And the offense was bad as usual. The Colts have a very underrated defense, but they won't be holding average offenses to just six points. They will hold awful offenses like the Rams' offense, but not any offense that is good. From my perspective the play calling of the offense is getting annoying in the redzone. Once we reach the endzone, I question the 1st down play call almost everytime. I have no facts to support this just my eyes from watching the game. I think this is a big factor in the Rams' lack of redzone proficiency.

As for the game itself, there were many negatives, but I will search for the positives instead. One positive is despite the overall numbers of the Colts running game, they held Joseph Addai to just 68 yards on 20 carries. Donald Brown had two carries for 58 yards ruining the team's great stastical successs. Peyton ripped apart their defense, seamlessy getting first down after first down.

Marc Bulger had the great line of 14/26 for a 54% completion percentage, 140 yards, and 2 very poorly thrown interceptions. Steven Jackson had 23 carries for 141 yards, although its worth noting that when Rams reached the endzone, he couldn't get past line of scrimmage.

Scores Around the League
GB @ CLE- 31-3 Packers
This is about what I expected in the tune-up game for the Packers to prepare for the Vikings.

MIN @ PIT- 27-17 Steelers
Vikings finally lose and its worth noting they played a hard fought game the week before they will try and Favre will get revenge on the Packers

SF @ HOU- 24-21 Texans
The Texans are gaining momentum so I should probably stop the "hype" joke about them

SD @ KC- 37-7 Chargers
The Chargers absolutely demolished the Chiefs the week after the Chiefs became the first Missouri team to win

NE @ TB- 35-7 Patriots
Apparantly there's parity in the NFL, but so far this is the fourth game decided by 20 points or more (including the Rams)

NYJ @ OAK- 38-0 Jets
Yet again Raiders join the parade and becomes the fifth team of the week to get killed

BUF @ CAR- 20-9 Bills
Panthers must of really had a bad game to lose to a team like the Bills

CHI @ CIN- 45-10
I am running out of verbs for these type of games so I will just say the Bengals dominated in every facet of the game

ATL @ DAL- 37-21 Cowboys
Even the "close" games were lopsided, good luck finding a interesting, down-to the minute game

NO @ MIA- 46-34 Saints
In a miraculous comeback, the Saints went from losing 24-3 to winning 46-34.

ARI @ NYG- 24-17 Cardinals
If the Cardinals want to make the playoffs, they need more consistency and this game is a start

PHI @ WAS- 27-17 Eagles
I am surprised how close this game was considering the difference in talent

Top Fantasy Players
QB
Carson Palmer (1)- His team dominated in large part to Palmer's 233 yards and 5 TDs

Tony Romo (2)- He does choke in the playoffs, but nobody questions his fantasy play

Phillip Rivers (2)- He threw for 268 yards and had 3 TDs in his second appearance on this list

RB
Ricky Williams (1)- He falls under the Ronnie Brown fantasy relevance as he scored 3 TDs

Shonne Greene (1)- Talk about coming from nowhere. He had a total of 8 carries before this week: after he had 144 rushing yards

Cedric Benson (2)- He is turning into a reliable fantasy stud as he rushed for 189 yards on an oustanding 37 carries

WR
Miles Austin (2)- Just the second receiver to be on this list twice, the biggest no name fantasy star had 171 yards and 2 TDs

Chad Ochocinco (1)- He had 118 yards and 2 TDs in the coming out game of Cincinnati Bengals fantasy relevance

DeSean Jackson (1)- He got two TDs, one as a receiver and one as a rushing specialist with over 100 all purpose yards

TE
Vernon Davis (1)- He scored 3 TDs which accumalated the majority of his fantasy stats

Owen Daniels (3)- The first tight end to get on list three times is probably the best TE this year overall

Fred Davis (1)- I don't know who he is, but his relatively average game with a TD was good enough to bea the test

D/ST
Chargers- They allowed just seven points and got 3 interceptions

K
Nick Folk- The Cowboys kicker had 3 field goals and four extra points.

MLB Awards' Picks

2009-10-26T21:54:00.005-05:00

Before I start, I will break down how I picked the 5 things that picked the winner of the respective awards. The first choice, myself, was obvious. This being an opinionated blog who am I not to include my opinion. Then I chose the three major media outlets, ESPN, SI, and Sporting News for their expertise. ESPN was written by Buster Olney (who also accurately reporting McGwire becoming hitting coach) and SI was written by Jon Heyman. Sporting News is unknown. The last was a dubious process of asking 20 fan experts what their opinion was. All 20 had a general knowledge of what the situation was and were basically like the average fan choosing. Their top three choices are listed. I also list the names of the fan experts at the bottom of the post.

NL MVP
ESPN- Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
2. Hanley Ramirez
3. Prince Fielder

Sporting News- Pujols
They add in vote should absolutely be unanimous

Sports Illustrated- Pujols
2. Troy Tulowitzki
3. Ryan Howard

Fan Experts- Pujols
ALL 20 VOTED FOR PUJOLS

My Vote- Pujols
I agree with Olney's choices, but Heyman is way off base with Tulowitzki and Howard especially Tulowitzki. I really am confused about that pick.

NL Cy Young
ESPN- Tim Lincecum
2. Chris Carpenter
3. Adam Wainwright

Sporting News- Adam Wainwright
Adds in this was the closest of all the awards

SI- Chris Carpenter
2. Adam Wainwright
3. Tim Lincecum

Fan Experts- Adam Wainwright (13)
2. Chris Carpenter (5)
3. Tim Lincecum (2)

My vote- Wainwright
I personally think Wainwright is the Cards ace and I think stastitics don't completely show that. I can't bring myself to vote Carp over Wainwright because of that reason.
3. Chris Carpenter

NL Rookie of the Year
ESPN- Chris Coglhan
2. J.A. Happ
3. Tommy Hanson

Sporting News- Chris Coghlan

SI- J.A. Happ
2. Chris Coghlan
3. Tommy Hanson

Fan Experts- Tommy Hanson (6)
2. Andrew McCutcheon (4)
3. Happ, Garret Jones (3)

My Vote- Happ
I thought he made the most impact on his team of all the players. Hanson was dominant, but in the end his team missed the playoffs. If Happ didn't fill in, Phillies might no be where they are now.

Manager of the Year
ESPN- Jim Tracy
2. Tony LaRussa
3. Bud Black

Sporting News- Jim Tracy

SI- Jim Tracy
2. Tony LaRussa
3. Fredi Gonzalez

Fan Experts- Jim Tracy (14)
2. Tony LaRussa (5)
3. Joe Torre (2)

My Vote- Jim Tracy
I'm sorry that I went with majority but the Rockies were nowhere and when Tracy came along ended up making playoffs. End of story.

Executive of the Year
Only SI had picked award winners for this so ESPN and Sporting News will not be listed.

SI- Dan O'Dowd
2. Ned Colleti
3. John Mozeliak, Ruben Amaro

Fan Experts- Mozeliak (18)
2. Colleti
2a. O'Dowd

My Vote- John Mozeliak
How can you not vote for a guy who made 4 successful acquisitions midseason and dumped Chris Duncan (I'm sorry).

Fan Experts- Matt Andrews, Fritz Autrey, Anthony Cosmas, Stephen Deves, Matt Geisz, Drew Higgins, Alex Johnson, Jason Kemlage, Killain Knowles, Matt Kutz, Tom Marciano, Austin Patton, Jon Polizzi, Nick Polizzi, Alex Potter, Sam Renschen, Mike Reusler, and SWS podcasters Michael Shaw and Willie Whealen

LaRussa's Coming Back

2009-10-25T21:32:00.004-05:00

Mizzou Recap
Well, I know that Texas is a Top 5 team, but this game convinced me Mizzou is only at mediocrity right now. That's not necessarily a bad thing considering that Mizzou may have 16 of 22 returning starters with only Sean Witherspoon and Denario Alexander as serious losses. But anyway back to the game, Mizzou got destroyed. In the first half, they were losing 35-7.

Texas made it clear early that they didn't just want to beat us. They wanted to destroy us. That was evident in their fake punt on 4th and 1 early in the 1st quarter when they had a 7-0 lead. The defense was awful. It was like Mizzou had no idea who Jordan Shipley was as he was wide open several times. All of Texas' offensive plays looked like they went as they practiced them. Mizzou barely even put up a fight.

Gabbert was dissapointing as he went 8 of 16 for only 84 yards with a TD. His main target, Denario Alexander, had 6 catches for 74 yards. And his TD pass was to Jared Perry. But other than that nobody had 2 catches or 10 yards even. The running game was pretty much nonexistent out of the three primary backs, none had even 50 yards rushing.

Tony LaRussa signed
LaRussa is definitely coming back for his 15th season. For LaRussa fans, that means more frustrating lineup changes but also a man who will do anything to win a game. For LaRussa haters, its just another season of putting the blame on LaRussa for everything.

Hal McRae, the hitting coach, is out. That is a fact. He will not be coming back for the Cardinals quest for a 11th championship. Who will replace him: we don't know. But one possible name being thrown out there is Mark McGwire. I personally have no idea how that is, but I no two things.

1. He was a monstrous home run hitter
2. He ruined Holliday's April/May for Oakland

Now these two things contradict each other so I for one am neither leaning towards signing him or not. But when the only known "hitting coach" resume is a great career and basically ruining the swing momentarily of a great player then odds aren't in your favor.

I will report on this as soon as it happens, likely finding out tomorrow what will happen.

And as to Dave Duncan, I saw no articles, but what I do know is he said he would be back if LaRussa was back so I expect he will be back.

Mizzou Preview

2009-10-21T21:19:00.006-05:00

Mizzou vs. Texas
Any knowledgeable college football fan knows about Texas. So I won't even bother with the position-by-position preview. Instead I will point out five key players on each team, show the statistics of each game, and other random facts.

Key Players
Texas
1. Colt McCoy
Obviously, the QB is a key player so I'll highlight a few things. There's no question he can win as he is 38-7 as a starter in 45 career games. He is 3-0 in bowl games and 3-1 against rival Oklahoma. So when a big game arises, he turns it up a notch. He's said in interviews that he is not overlooking Mizzou so he will turn it up a notch. However, he has struggled more than usual with 7 interceptions in just six games played. But he still has 11 TDs and a 70% percentage. The game depends on which McCoy shows up, TD happy or INT happy.

2. Jordan Shipley
He's largely been considered a dark horse Heisman candidate especially with QBs like McCoy not stepping it up to win it. Shipley is McCoy's favorite target and has been for a couple of years. So far this year has 605 receiving yards and three TDs. He also has returned punts for an average of 16.4 YPR with three TDs.

3. Earl Thomas
The sophomore has already started 19 games at safety and is the top producer of the defense. He has five interceptions (7 in career), 27 tackles, nine passes broken up (PBU), and scored one TD. He was named a freshman All-America and on honorable mention All-Big 12. In addition, he has already been named to the watchlist for the Jim Thorpe Award (top defensive back).

4. Sam Acho
The junior defensive end leads the team in sacks with five. He also has pressured the QB eight times in addition to the sacks. He has seven tackles for a loss and 22 tackles overall. He has recovered four balls so far this season as well. The DE would mostly likely be the best defensive player on any other college football team.

5. Roddrick Muckelroy
The senior linebacker has started 23 career games, including 21 straight starts. He leads the team in tackles with 40, including six tackles for a loss. He has two sacks, seven pressures, and five PBU's this season. Muckelroy is the leader of this young defensive.

Mizzou
1. Blaine Gabbert, QB
Once again the quarterback is the key player automatically. Gabbert has 12 TDs and 5 INT and a 57% completion percentage. He has started all six games so far into the season. He has thrown for 1620 yards, or a 270 yards per game average. He has taken over Chase Daniels' job in stride despite having no real experience under his belt entering the season.

2. Derrick Washington, RB
When he runs the ball well in a game, Mizzou normally wins. The X Factor of this game is probably Washington, because Mizzou has two threats on offense, the run game and the passing game and defenses can't prepare one way or the other too much. He has rushed for 416 yards with 3 TDs, but he has only 98 attempts, just 16 per game.

3. Denario Alexander, WR
It became clear from the start who the favorite target of Blaine Gabbert is. Alexander has 627 yards receiving with 5 TDs scored in six games. To show his versatility, he also threw a 40 yard TD pass earlier in the year. The junior has finally overcome injuries to become the top threat of this offense.

4. Sean Witherspoon, LB
The recently traded Will Witherspoon's brother, Sean, is following in his brother's footsteps or possibly even becoming better has he is projected to be in the top 15 barring an injury or a total breakdown. He has 50 tackles, including 5 tackles for a loss and has forced one fumble. He also has 1.5 sacks thus far.

5. Aldon Smith, DE
The redshirt freshman has already emerged as a top player. Can you imagine in two years when Sheldon Richardson comes? Anyway, back to the point, Smith leads the team in sacks with three and is tied for the lead in tackles for a loss with five. He also leads the team in PBU and has a forced fumble.

Offensive/Defensive Statistics
Texas
Record- 6-0 (3-0)

Offense
Rushing Yards- 169.5 YPG
Passing Yards- 275 YPG
Total Yards- 444.5 YPG

Defense
Rushing Yards- 35.8 YPG (not a typo)
Passing Yards- 210 YPG
Total Yards- 246 YPG

Missouri
Record- 4-2 (0-2)

Offense
Rushing Yards- 121.8 YPG
Passing Yards- 283.3 YPG
Total Yards- 405 YPG

Defense
Rushing Yards- 127.3 YPG
Passing Yards- 209.5 YPG
Total Yards- 336.6 YPG

Notes on the Game
Colt McCoy feels ready enough and will start. Whether he plays like he does when he's healthy is another story.

After the Red River Rivalry game, Texas has not lost since 1997. So for those of you thinking that will benefit Mizzou, it hasn't done anything in 12 years, it won't this year.

Longhorns have outscored opponents 131-45 in second half.

Mizzou Grad ESPN anchor John Anderson talks Mizzou here and here. Not a statistic, but I did not know Anderson was a Mizzou grad.

Kansas State currently leads the Big 12 North at 2-1. Yes KANSAS STATE.

College Football Upsets
VT @ GT- 28-23 Yellow Jackets
I did not expect this to happen, but being at home apparently helped the Yellow Jackets. Not like I care, because the Hokies don't deserve #4 with a loss.

OSU @ PUR- 26-18 Boilermakers
The Big Ten is a joke right now. Somehow a 1-5 team beat a 5-1 team. Oh wait, no it was the Big Ten so it makes perfect sense.

TT @ NEB- 31-10 Red Raiders
The Red Raiders every year seem to have one big win and finish with a winning record. This year is no exception.

KU @ COL- 34-30 Buffaloes
The Big 12 North is up in the air right now as the previous top team, the Jayhawks, lost to the 0-1 Buffaloes.

Games to Watch
TEX @ MIZ
If you don't watch this, I only accept two excuses: I am working or a sentence that starts, "My parents made me.."

IOWA @ MIC ST
The Big Ten being a joke and all can make this an upset win for the Spartans.

TCU @ BYU
The stakes are on the line for the Horned Frogs. A loss guarantees no BCS bowl game

SF @ PIT
The Bulls always have the knack for spoiling teams in their divison.

Uconn @ WV
With a win, the Huskies could move into the Top 25 and work their way to a Big East title.

OKL @ KU
Will the Sooners lose again and have a losing record? I don't think so, but the possibility is pretty exciting.

NFL Recap Week 6

2009-10-20T21:36:00.005-05:00

Rams Recap
This is about the time where you ask yourself, "What's a harder loss to take? A blowout or a shoulda-coulda-woulda victory." Well most Rams fans would lean towards the closer game, because at least it was interesting to watch. My only complaint the whole game was going for a field goal with SEVEN seconds still left on the gameclock and a timeout remaining.

It is interesting how we even made it to overtime however as the passing leader, rushing leader, and receiving leaders were all on the Jaguars. In the first drive of the game, Marc Bulger connected to Donnie Avery for Avery's second consecutive week with a TD. And then he got hurt. The Rams, if not bad enough, have received enough injuries so far to the WR corp. The only other TD the Rams scored was Leonard Little's interception return.

On the bright side, Josh Brown went 2-2 on field goals. For those of you wondering why that's a bright side, he went 2-5 in the previous 5 games.

Rams Trade Witherspoon
Without complaining of the trade I will (grudginly) point out the benefits. As a friend of mine pointed out (Chris Henson), by the time we get good, Witherspoon will have been washed up. This is true, but what I don't understand is how we didn't managed to get more value than a 6th rounder this year who has never played and a 5th rounder in the upcoming draft. Maybe the Rams are trying to be too much like the Patriots.

LB Will Witherspoon traded for WR Brandon Gibson and 2010 5th rounder.

Scores Around the League
DET @ GB- 26-0 Packers
Comment- I know the Packers are good, but this quiets down (i hope) the thinking the Lions are good (enough to be marked down favorites against the Rams).

BAL @ MIN- 33-31 Vikings
Comment- The Vikings remain undefeated as Brett Favre laughs at his critics (me in particular)

CLE @ PIT- 27-13 Steelers
Comment- Is it wrong to wonder why the Steelers are having such "close" games against bad teams?

CAR @ TB- 28-21 Panthers
Comment- Well the Rams somehow aren't the last standing winless team. The Buccaneers I believe would take over the consecutive games lost if Rams win (10 currently)

KC @ WAS- 14-6 Chiefs
Comment-Not only are the Chiefs not winless anymore, but the Redskins are 2-4 against winless teams this season.

HOU @ CIN-28-17 Texans
Comment- Its a start, but I'm still not buying the notion that this is the Texans' year.

ARI @ SEA- 27-3 Cardinals
Comment- Seahawks win 41-0, and then go on to lose 27-3. Talk about inconsistent

PHI @ OAK- 13-9 Raides
Comment- Its pretty insulting that the Raiders now have two more wins than the Rams.

TEN @ NE- 59-0 Patriots
Comment- Need I say anything.... Look at the score and make your own assumption.

BUF @ NYJ- 16-13 Bills
Comment- Mark Sanchez possibly had the worst game ever with 0 TDs and 5 INTs.

CHI @ ATL- 21-14 Falcons
Comment- The Falcons look strong at 4-1 and now 3-0 at home but have 6 remaining away games to deal with.

Fantasy Top Peformers
QB
Tom Brady (2), NE
I would seriously question fantasy stats if he wasn't on here in his 59-0 blowout/thrashing.

Drew Brees (3), NO
After two mildly dissapointing weeks, he comes up with a masterpiece against the... No. 1 ranked D.

Matt Schaub (2), HOU
As he goes the Texans go it seems. First ever multi-appearance by all three top performers.

RB
Maurice Jones-Drew (1), JAC
Well his 3 TDs certainly helped him. Oh yeah and he was facing the Rams.

Ray Rice (1), BAL
Largely a dissapointment, his 2 TDs in the loss to the Vikings earned him his first spot.

DeAngelo Williams (1), CAR
He just shredded the Buccaneers run D for 152 yards and 2 TDs.

WR
Randy Moss (2), NE
He scored a whopping 3 TDs with 129 receiving yards in the blowout/thrashing of the Titans.

Wes Welker (1), NE
This is the first ever player to appear at the same position on the same team as another.

Marques Colston (1), NO
Well, when the top three receivers have QBs that made this list also, its not a surprise.

TE
Owen Daniels (2), HOU
Like mentioned above, its not a surprise when a receiver/tight end has a QB also on this list.

Zach Miller (2), OAK
Largely due to one amazing long TD catch, Miller has had 2 great starts and four awful ones.

Vishiante Shaincoe (2), MIN
Well much like the QB, this is the first/second time that all three positions had players who appeared multiple times.

D/ST
Packers
They shutout the Lions and caused three interceptions.

K
Ryan Longwell
He clicked a whopping four field goals and three extra points

Top Ten Cardinal Moments of the Year

2009-10-19T21:52:00.003-05:00

Top Ten

10. October 5, 2009- Chris Carpenter wins Comeback Player of the Year

Normally this spot is reserved for award winners, low scale of course, but as the offseason progresses this spot will be overtaken by other award winners. Nonetheless #10 moment of the year.

9. May 21, 2009- Albert Pujols Knocks Out the "I"

As if Pujols needed something else to help extend his magical season, he did what no normal man did before. Knock out the I.

8. April 6, 2009- Opening Day

This normally is higher, because normally the Cardinals win opening day. But they lost 6-4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. They never looked back winning 91 games from that point on.

7. May 20, 2009- Carpenter Comes Back From Injury

Remember the thought that Carpenter would never be successful as a Cardinal anymore, at the very least in 2009. Well after May 20, when he came back he finished the season with no injuries and a Cy Young campaign in the books.

6. July 1, 2009; August 16, 2009- Colby Rasmus Walk-off Home Runs

Its one thing to have a walk-off home run win. Its another when its your prized rookie prospect. In July, he was validating for his slow start and in August, he was validating the Cards not trading him to get Holliday.

5. April 4, 11; June 21; July 3; August 4, 2009- Albert Pujols' Grand Slams

Not only did Pujols somehow manage to come up to the plate enough times with the bases loaded to do this (in some cases runner before was walked?), but in all five games the Cardinals either trailed or lead by 2 or less runs. All five times we lead after he hit the homer.

4. July 1, 2009- Adam Wainwright Begins Streak

At this point of the season Wainwright was nowhere near a Cy Young candidate at 8-5 with a 3.51 E.RA. From this point on Wainwright went 11-3 and lowered his E.R.A. from 3.51 to 2.63. He also had a quality start in all but one game.

3. July 14, 2009- All-Star Game

A once in a lifetime spectacle occured in St. Louis which was probably early enough in our lives that we may see it three times. The NL lost but the crowd's cheers for their hometown players was awesome.

2. July 24, 2009- Matt Holliday is Traded to the Cardinals

This was the changing point in the Cardinals season. The Cardinals went on a 33-11 stretch and put the division away. As a bonus, Matt Holliday went 4-5 with a double and a run scored.

1. September 26, 2009- Cardinals Clinch

It wasn't so much the Cardinals clinching as to how they clinch. They kept Adam Wainwright in against all odds with Jason Giambi up (and Trever Miller more than ready to come in) and he struck him out and did his fist pump scream circa WS 2006. Always nice to see that.

MLB Playoff Predictions

2009-10-18T21:33:00.005-05:00

MLB Playoff Predictions
NLCS
Phillies lead 2-1.
Game 1
Game 2

Game 3

Phillies
Scouting the Phillies

SP- The Phillies have young left-hander Cole Hamels, who I don't really trust even with his Game 1 victory. They have Cliff Lee, who has pitched magnificent. Then they have the very playoff experience Pedro Martinez, who I feel has to say the least passed his prime. Their other two starters, ROY candidate JA Happ and Joe Blanton had good seasons as well.

Grade- A-

Lineup- Their lineup is one of the best in the league with the power driven Ryan Howard, all-around consistency of Chase Utley (except those throwing errors?), and the suprising Raul Ibanez. But that's not all they have not even close. They also have the speedy "Flyin Hawaiian," the productive bat of Jayson Werth, and the a lefty-right mix of Greg Dobbs and Pedro Feliz.

Grade- A

Bench- They have the old Miguel Cairo for playoff experience, left-handed power threat of Matt Stairs, speedy Ben Fransico, and the pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs.

Grade- C

Bullpen- Their one relatively weak spot, the Phillies have a question mark at closer, although so far Brad Lidge has been dominant and answered that question. Ryan Madson, their set-up man, has been good all season, but blew the lead in Game 4 of the NLDS. Chan Ho Park fills out their long relief man but he pitches much more and in tighter situations than a normal long reliever and finally their left-handed specialist Scott Eyre.

Grade- B

Dodgers
Scouting Report

SP- They have a good starting pitching staff that perfectly fits the grind of the regular season. However their string of good, not great starting pitchers normally does not suceed in the playoffs. Their ace by default is Randy Wolf, who wasn't even good enough to shut down the bats of the dead Cardinals. Then the wild Clayton Kershaw, extremely inconsistent Chad Billinsgley, and the HBP man Vincente Padilla fill out the rest of the rotation.

Grade- B

Lineup- They have a strong lineup with Andre Either supplying the most damage this season in the three-hole. Manny Ramirez is always a threat at the plate. Matt Kemp and Casey Blake are consistent batters who can hit homers. Russell Martin, Ronnie Belliard, Orlando Hudson, and Rafael Furcal all have had good seasons but without much power to show for it.

Grade- A-

Bench- They have all the elements of a good bench except for a power righty who can get pinch-hit homers for the team. Jim Thome is an imposing presence and Juan Pierre is a huge speed threat that can be a pinch-runner in late-game situations. Juan Castro, Brad Ausmus, and Mark Loretta fill out the rest of the bench as they are all older and striving for a championship.

Grade- B+

Bullpen- Their bullpen is generally considered the strongest bullpen in the league and that was shown in the Cards-Dodgers series allowing only one earned run in three games. They have shutdown closer Jonathon Broxton who also happens to be a strikeout machine. Their set-up man George Sherill has allowed just two earned runs as a Dodger (4 so far in the postseason though). Their middle relievers Ronald Belisario and Roman Tronsoco would easily be set-up men on most teams. Hong Chi-Kuo fills the duties of left-handed specialist and long reliever.

Grade- A

Overall- Once again if the lineup and starting rotation are better, then that team will most likely win.

Prediction- Phillies in 5

ALCS

Yankees lead 2-0
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3 Preview

Angels

SP- John Lackey is their true ace, although his stats were a little dissapointing. Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders are both #3 quality starters. Scott Kazmir has potential as a #2 but hasn't performed anywhere near that, who I can't believe has fallen from where he has. Their final starter, Ervin Santana, was a huge dissapointment and is in the bullpen and shouldn't be much of a factor.

Grade- B

Lineup- Their lineup is based off speed and power. The power comes from Torii Hunter, easily their best player, Mike Napoli, Kendry Morales, and Bobby Abreu. Their speed comes from Maicer Izturis, Chone Figgins, Erick Aybar, and... Bobby Abreu. This combination of speed and power is perfectly displayed throughout the team by Bobby Abreu.

Grade- B+

Bench- They have speedy Reggie Willits, potential power in Greg Mathews Jr. from both the right and left side, the low average Rob Quinlann, Izturis, and for some reason two catchers in Bobby Wilson and Jeff Mathis. Three of those players had little effect on the team, so this bench is pretty weak.

Grade- C-

Bullpen- They have a consistent closer in Brian Fuentes and after that a mix of rejected retreads from before this year. Matt Palmer, Jason Bulger, and Kevin Jepsen have less than 50 games of experience combined before this season. Darren Oliver fills out a Hong Chi Kuo type role as a lefty specialist and long reliever.

Grade- B

Yankees
Scouting Report

SP- They have a fearsome front four of a pitching staff. CC Sabathia, the ace, is dominant as ever and looks to have put his postseason doubts behind him. AJ Burnett would be an ace on most teams with his dominant stuff but has never been an ace on his three teams (behind Sabathia, Halladay, Beckett). Andy Pettite is very experience in the playoffs and being a lefty he is that much more valuable. Chamberlain's only question is how many innings he can last.

Grade- A

Lineup- They have one of the most fearsome lineups in the league, no doubt. Alex Rodriguez is their 3 hole hitter and if he continues to bat like he did in NLDS, the Yankees will likely win. Mark Texeira would be the best hitter on most teams. The supporting cast of Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Jorge Posada, and Johnny Damon is as good as any team (except the Phillies). The mix of Brett Gardner, Melky Cabrera, and Nick Swisher should fill in the rest of the lineup.

Grade- A-

Bench- Their bench is also like the Angels surprisingly weak. They have Brett Gardner and Jerry Hairston, Jr. who will prove to be pretty important in moments such as Game 2. After that however, they have two defensive catchers, and Freddy Guzman (with 10 at-bats in 09).

Grade- C

Bullpen- They have the one, the only Mariano Rivera is pretty much lights-out. The have the extremely dissapointing Demaso Marte and Phil Coke as their left-handed specialists. They have two starters-in-waiting Phil Hughes and Alfredo Aceves. Lastly they have Chad Guadin and David Robertson to fill it out. This bullpen is nothing special at all besides Rivera.

Grade- B

Overall- The Yankees outshine the Angels in every aspect, even bullpen.

Prediction- Yankees in 4

Fantasy Suggestions

2009-10-15T21:54:00.003-05:00

QB
Start 'em
Matt Hasselback- I am not sure who your starting QB is, but he threw for 4 TDs last week and is facing Cardinals dead last pass D this week.

David Gerrard- Last week was a mirage and HE'S FACING THE RAMS which means automatic start

Daunte Culpepper- Matt Stafford is out and the Lions have pass happy offense. Start with caution.

Sit 'em
Jake Delhomme- Ignore him every week and heed no attention to the fact that he's playing the poor Bucs D

Matt Cassel- He's questionable facing a stingent Redskins defense that features Albert Haynesworth.

Trent Edwards- The Jets defense was good enough to stop Brady, so I think they stop Edwards.

RB
Start 'em
Rashard Mendenhall- Willie Parker is likely out and he's facing the worst run defense in the NFL

Knownshown Moreno- I will take my chances that the Broncos will actually run the ball enough for Moreno to get 100 yards against 27th ranked Chargers run D

Brian Westbrook- It may look stupid putting a guy drafted in the third round, but for those that have given up on him, he's facing Raiders

Sit 'em
Steve Slaton- Don't expect too much against the Bengals great run defense

Darren Sproles- Not only does he play second fiddle to LT, but there's a passing attack stressed offense with the Chargers awful defense

Julius Jones- Well, surprisingly the Cardinals rank first in the league in the run, a big no-no in starting fantasy RBs

WR
Start 'em
Nate Burleson- He is Hasselback's number one threat (sorry TJ) and he's going to be catching up with Cards O all day

Donnie Avery- Well, the Jaguars rank so poorly against the pass and I had to have at least one Rams suggestion all year

TJ Houshmandzedah- Well I had to finish the NFC West trio and yes the Seahawks will have that many passing yards

Sit 'em
Roddy White- He's facing the Bears, who have Chris Tillman manning the corner, so beware

Marques Colston- While it doesn't seem smart to sit any NO WR, he will be the primary focus and Brees will throw to whoever is open

Percy Harvin- He's a great game changer, but its risky to rely on a player that is basically a hit-or-miss week-by-week

TE
Start 'em
Brent Celek- He has gotten at least ten points three out of four weeks, and he's facing the Raiders

Jeremey Shockey- I like the getting back at your old team angle here for Shockey, but only start if desperate

Sit 'em
Zach Miller- He just isn't being passed to and he doesn't score TDs, not a good combinatiom

Randy McMichael- Another TE that isn't getting enough passes or scoring any TDs.

D/ST
Pick Up
Packers- Even though Lions have a respectable offense, I would still spot-start if you have Colts, Cowboys, or Dolphins

K
Pick Up
Josh Scobee- Once again, if you starter is sitting, then start him because they Jags will score.

Mizzou Preview; Games to Watch

2009-10-14T12:49:00.003-05:00

Mizzou-Oklahoma State Preview
AP Preview
Stltoday Preview

Records
Tigers- 4-1 (0-1)
Cowboys- 4-1 (1-0)

The Tigers' notable victories were at home against Illinois and away at Nevada. The Cowboys' notable victories were at home against the Georgia Bulldogs and away against the Texas A&M Aggies for their first Big 12 victory. The Cowboys have more impressive victories by far against a ranked team and a Big 12 team while Mizzou beat 1-4 Illinois and a questionable Wolfpack team. The loss for the Tigers lost to ranked Nebraska team while the Cowboys lost to the "out-of-nowhere" Houston Cougars.

Cowboys' Passing O vs. Mizzou Passing D
Cowboys' Yards Per Game: 229.4
Cowboys' Passing TDs: 10
Tigers Allowed Yards Per Game: 206
Tigers Passing TDs Allowed: 6

Ironically, the outlier that forced the Tigers yards per game to be so high was against Furman. But they had their third defense in that game and Furman was playing comeback THE WHOLE GAME. On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys not surpringly had much less passing yards against Georgia. But Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant have much more experience than the Mizzou secondary so that gives them the edge.

EDGE: OK ST

Cowboys Run O vs. Mizzou Run D
Cowboys Yards Per Game: 199
Cowboys Rushing TDs: 14
Tigers Yards Allowed Per Game: 128
Mizzou Rushing TDs Allowed: 6

The Cowboys rips up defenses with its steady, consistent ground game with five rushers having at least 100 yards this season. They also have three players with at least three touchdowns on the season. This should be an interesting matchup, because it may decide the game. Given that the Tigers gave up little to Nebraska's good run offense, they come up about even.

EDGE: DRAW

Mizzou Pass O vs. Cowboys Pass D
Tigers Yards Per Game: 274.8
Tigers Passing TDs: 12
Cowboys Allowed Yards Per Game: 241.2
Cowboys' Passing TDs Allowed: 7

The Tigers' strongest suit by far is the passing offense. But since they have a freshman QB there, it could also be the most susceptible to turnovers against a strong defense. Its hard to tell who exactly is better but since Oklahoma's passing yards allowed per game is so high, I have to give Mizzou the edge.

EDGE: Mizzou
Mizzou Run O vs. Cowboys Run D
Tigers Yards Per Game: 132.6
Tigers' Rushing TDs: 5
Cowboys Allowed Yards Per Game: 116.4
Cowboys' Rushing TDs Allowed: 6

Well this is a first for sure. The Tigers clearly don't run the ball enough, but I never expected a matchup in which the defense allowed more touchdowns the the offense scored. For that very reason and given that the Cowboys had one game in which the running back scored 3 TDs, the Cowboys have the edge here.

EDGE: OSU

Well, this should be an interesting game that I will definitely watch. Its basically whichever offense performs better which of course means that the defense that plays better will win the game.

X FACTOR: MU D

With all this information, its hard not to predict Oklahoma State to win, but this is college football and that means there are plenty of upsets. The downside is that unlike mosts upsets Mizzou is not sneaking up on the Cowboys. They beat us last year and know we want revenge so they will not be caught of guard.

PREDICTED WINNER- OSU by 10

Games to Watch
CIN 8 @ SF 21
Two undefeated Big East teams square off to try and get closer to a BCS game.
PW- CIN

SC 22 @ ALA
The rolling tide are currently undefeated and since they are in Birmingham, they will win.
PW- ALA

OKL 20 @ TEX 3
The Longhorns national title hopes are very much alive, but the Sooners' are dead.
PW- TEX

VT 4 @ GT 19
The Hokies are top 5 for some reason with a loss while the Yellow Jackets have same record.
PW- UPSET GT

USC 6 @ ND 25
The Irish haven't done anything to deserve 25th ranking so the Trojans will absolutely destroy them.
PW- USC

NFL Recap: Week 5

2009-10-13T20:54:00.004-05:00

Rams Recap

Well on paper, the Rams got absolutely killed by an undefeated team. Big surprise there: an undefeated team kills winless team. But what was a surprise was the efficiency of our offense until turnovers got the best of the them. The Rams turned it over 4 times, including three times in the redzone. Obviously if you can't finish, you won't win and that is what happened here.

Kyle Boller threw for 209 yards with a 65% completion percentage and an interception. Marc Bulger came in later in the 4th quarter due to Boller injury and completed 7/7 for 88 yards and a TD. So our poor QB play, easily the biggest factor in the Rams' season, had 297 yards with one TD, one INT for a completion percentage of 71%. But the real factor was the interception and fumble by Boller, and fumbles by Steven Jackson and Daniel Fells in the redzone which killed drives.

FINAL SCORE- 38-10

Scores Around the League
CLE @ BUF- 6-3 Browns
A low-scoring affair would be an understatment in a game of zero touchdowns and the winless teams are narrowed even farther

PIT @ DET- 28-20 Steelers
The Steelers led the whole game but Detroit never gave up against the Super Bowl defending champs.

DAL @ KC- 26-20 Cowboys
At one point down 13-3, the Cowboys rallied to tie it (then take lead and blow lead) and won in overtime.

OAK @ NYG- 44-7 Giants
If there's a team that can manage to look worse then the Rams, its the Raiders.

TB @ PHI- 33-14 Eagles
In McNabb's return, he makes fantasy owners more comfortable with a great performance.

WAS @ CAR- 20-17 Panthers
In my opinion, two teams that got so close to getting far in the playoffs but have regressed steadily since.

CIN @ BAL- 17-14 Bengals
The Bengals won from a good running game late game heroics from QB Carson Palmer.

ATL @ SF- 45-10 Falcons
Just to prove how weak our division is, the Falcons decided to destroy the front-runner of it.

JAC @ SEA- 41-0 Seahawks
But then the Seahawks come around and shut out a half-way decent team. I'm confused.

HOU @ ARI- 28-21 Cardinals
The Cardinals pull out to even against the "this is their year" Texans, who are now 2-3.

NE @ DEN- 20-17
The Broncos are for real as Josh McDaniels and his team beat his mentor, Bill Belicheck.

IND @ TEN- 31-19 Colts
What happened to the Titans who I'm sure no one thought would have the same record as the Rams at Week 5.

Fantasy Top Performers
Quarterback
Matt Hasselbeck, SEA (1)
He managed to get on this list despite only 241 passing yards, because he threw for 4 TDs passes in their 41-0 rout of the Jags

Donovan McNabb, PHI (1)
In his first week playing in 2009, McNabb did not dissapoint throwing for 264 yards with 3 TDs.

Matt Ryan, ATL (1)
He threw for 324 yards with 2 TDs in the Falcons win over the 49ers.

Running Back
Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (1)
The backup beats the starter in making this list with a whopping 110 yards on just 11 carries with 2 TDs.

Michael Turner, ATL (1)
The second overall pick in most drafts has dissapointing yet far, but in Week 5 he had 3 TDs while rushing for 97 yards.

Cedric Benson, CIN (1)
In the Bengals upset of the Ravens, Benson was pivotal with 120 yards on 27 carries and 2 TDs.

Wide Receiver
Miles Austin, DAL (1)
In the Cowboys' comeback win, Austin had 10 receptions for 250 yards and 2 TDs.

Roddy White, ATL (1)
Took the majority of Ryan's targets with 8 receptions for 210 yards and 2 TDs

Jermey Maclin, PHI (1)
The Mizzou Tiger alum had 6 receptions for 146 yards and 2 TDs with McNabb as QB.

Tight End
Kellen Winslow, TB (2)

Winslow was the lone major producer of TEs with 9 receptions for 102 yards and 2 TDs

Heath Miller, PIT (2)

In a week of weak TEs, Miller needed just 5 receptions for 54 yards and a TD in his second consecutive week to make this list.

Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (1)
The man known for revealing too much on TV had 4 receptions and a TD.

D/ST
Seahawks (1)
Considering how bad the NFC West is, it is strange to see the third NFC West team on this list who produced a TD in the shutout win.

K
Lawrence Tynes, NYG (1)
The number one kicker overall in fantasy leagues had 3 field goals and five extra points.

Please respond to the poll at the top right of the blog. I will post a new poll everyday that pertains to the topic I am writing about.

Cardinals Playoff Loss

2009-10-12T21:49:00.003-05:00

Top Performances
Colby Rasmus- He went 4-10 with a run and an RBI. Most importantly though he had three doubles out of his four hits. He also walked twice and struck out once.

Adam Wainwright- He pitched a masterful Game 2 and got screwed over. He went eight innings allowed one earned run on three hits and was rewarded with another blown save by the bullpen.

Mark DeRosa- He actually has a history of losing in the first round of the playoffs (in fact 6 out of 7 times). But he also hits .385 in the playoffs. He hit 5-13 this postseason with a run with a double and only (gasp) two strikeouts.

Julio Lugo- Two midseason acquisitions with good performances in NLDS. Don't get to0 excited about that (look below). But he went 2-5 in his limited playing time with a run and two stolen bases.

Bad Performances
Matt Holliday- Alright maybe you knew this one already before you read it but did you know that he went 2-12 with a homer, RBI, run, and a pivotal error (actually that's an understatement). There is a bright side to this (look below for answer).

Brendan Ryan- He went 1-12 with a double and two strikeouts. He batted before Pujols, something that was theoretically smart, but the pressure got to him probably.

Chris Carpenter- Behind Holliday, he is easily the most dissapointing in this series with 5 IP and 4 ER. Yes, we only scored 4 runs, but with our "ace" pitching that is normally enough.

Joel Pineiro- He had a terrible start could affect his payroll next year (probably on a different team). He went 4 IP with 4 ER in what was an early pull of the game, but deserving.

Ryan Franklin- He needed to get two outs (one was done by Trever Miller) and he got the hardest batter out (Manny Ramirez) first. Then a dropped fly ball, walk, base hit, another walk, and single occured. At that point the Cardinals lost the NLDS, not officially, but that's when they died (figuratively speaking).

Positives from the Series
Will he come back?
Matt Holliday as you know (hopefully) is a free agent coming into this offseason and he will be paid a considerable amount of money maybe more than Albert Pujols. Well at least that was the thinking before the playoffs. Now maybe not as he is being regarded as a bad fielder (when before he was average and even good some places). Obviously this benefits the Cardinals. He is not a bad fielder, but just "lost it in the towels (/lights)." His price won't be affected that much, but enough to have the Cardinals re-sign him.

The Rookie Proves Clutch
Actually I am going to refer to two people here, one literally a rookie, the other not even a rookie in the postseason. Colby Rasmus as you've read earlier went .400 with three doubles in the time of year where your problems are maximized. But he did the opposite of what I expected and he hit very well in the playoffs. Maybe we are looking at your regular old Derek Jeter (in the clutch in the playoffs-sense).

The other is Adam Wainwright. In rookie, I mean as a postseason starter and even ace. He clearly separated himself from Chris Carpenter. Even though some may argue Chris Carpenter's stats were better, who did you want on the mind in a potential Game 7? I know I wanted Adam Wainwright and that's how you can distinguish your ace from the rest of your rotation. His Game 2 start only confirmed him as the ace for me.

Potential Starters' Experience
This is a push for a positive, but when you get swept in the NLDS, you have to dig. Mitchell Boggs went one inning and despite an evident loss of control (probably due to nervousness), he didn't allow a run or even a hit. Blake Hawksworth looked much more confident in his inning. He still allowed two runners much the same however giving up a hit and a walk.

Negatives
Best Players
Alright I don't mean to pick on Holliday, but when he does a smaller scale Bill Buckner, its impossible not to talk about him. In the first game in his first at-bat with nobody out and the bases loaded, he set the tone for the series. He struck out without taking the bat off of his shoulder and even argued with the umpire with what looked like a strike (to me). Randy Wolf had one out and the mometum after that even with Ryan Ludwick's RBI pop-single.

Chris Carpenter also "choked," but more or less as the announcers said numerous times, he didn't have his stuff. But you still expect your Game 1 starter to produce at the very least a quality start (6+ IP with 3 or less ER). Yadier Molina came up twice with the bases loaded and twice grounded into double plays, a definite rally killer. Ryan Franklin, our dependable closer (from April-August) blew the lead with Holliday's help getting out just one of six batters in Game 2.

Albert Pujols technically had a good series batting .300, but that is below his career average and he produced no power numbers. Still he got on base 6 out of 13 times in the series so its hard to argue against him.

GOT SWEPT
Well this is an obvious negative, but still notable. Getting swept is the most embarrasing and worst thing to experience (anybody arguing against a gut-wrenching Game 5 loss). It was helped by three other teams' sweep of their respective opponents, but nonetheless when you've experienced watching the Cardinals, a sweep isn't even an option.

Pinch-Hitting
The pinch-hitting overall went 0-6 with 4 strikeouts and a walk. The reason I'm mentioning this is because of Tony LaRussa's overanalzying of every little thing he does. For instance, for some reason (sabermetrics I guess), he pinch-hit Troy Glaus for Colby Rasmus. At that point, keep Colby in the game, don't demean his confidence, and watch a clearly not up-to-date Glaus strike out. And then he put in Rick Ankiel twice to face Jonathon Broxton, who he was 0-3 with 3 Ks. But Ankiel was apparantly a good fastball hitter so he put him in twice. Ankiel proceeding to go 0-2 with 2 Ks. The only upside was pinch-hitting Julio Lugo for Skip Schumacher who scored after walking.

Future- Later in the month, I will talk about free agency on the team, outside free agent options, future awards, and possible trades. All of which I am anxious to get to, but I have a lot of other things to talk about than the Cardinals (suprisingly).

NFL Recap Week 4

2009-10-06T21:37:00.004-05:00

Rams Recap
This hardly worth mentioning since the Rams are officially the worst team in the league. That was evident in a 35-0 thrashing by the 49ers last Sunday. They got absolutely destroyed even though the defense allowed just 228 total yards. The offense failed to score for the second time and now have 3 TDs in 4 games.

Kyle Boller didn't make a difference, which I thought was going to happen. He went 13/24 with an interception. Right now the Rams are stuck in mediocrity at QB. The worse they do, the more likelihood for a top QB pick in the 2010 draft. Steven Jackson, the literal one-man show on offense, ran for 79 yards on 23 carries. He has yet to score a TD still which is unlikely his fault.

Josh Brown missed a field goal attempt for the second time this season, this one causing a 2nd shutout in 4 weeks. Donnie Avery led the Rams with 47 receiving yards on 3 receptions. There seems to be a glaring hole at WR left by Laurent Robinson.

Around the League
DET vs. CHI- 48-24 Bears
Comment- What's going on? The Lions win and now score more points than the Rams have all season. Bears still win.

CIN vs. CLE- 23-20 Bengals
Comment- The Browns are still winless and the Bengals are experiencing a comeback. Watch out, Rams they might catch up to you.

SEA vs. IND- 34-17 Colts
Comment- The Seahawks are looking less like a team that can win NFC West and the Colts surprise most starting 4-0.

NYG vs. KC- 27-16 Giants
Comment- A relatively close game between an undefeated and winless teams just depresses me cause the Rams aren't close to this.

TB vs. WAS- 16-13 Redskins
Redskins barely escaped the Bucaneers and somehow stand at 2-2. Wait, never mind they played the Rams.

TEN vs. JAC- 37-17 Jaguars
Comment- The Titans are still winless. They have to be the most talented winless team in a while which is not a compliment.

OAK vs. HOU- 29-6 Texans
Comment- The Texans finally won, but don't get too excited. They've already played 3 games at home and stand at just 2-2.

BAL vs. NE- 27-21 Patriots
Comment- The Patriots still prove they can bring it, but they forgot to do against the team that talked smack.

NYJ vs. NO- 24-10 Saints
Comment- Look out for the Saints, as they aren't relying on their passing game anymore with Brees' second game with less than 200 yards.

BUF vs. MIA- 38-10 Dolphins
Comment- The winless Dolphins destroyed a mediocre Buffalo team in Miami with Chad Henne as the QB.

DAL vs. DEN- 17-10 Broncos
Comment- Cowboys are failing to win against good teams with losses to the Giants and Broncos.

SD vs. PIT- 38-28 Steelers
Comment- Defending Super Bowl champions not surprisingly beat the Philip Rivers' led Chargers team.

Fantasy Leaders
QB
David Gerrard (1)- He passed for 300+ yards and threw for 3 TDs against the Titans.

Brett Favre (1)- This proves I choose unbiasely as I hate him. But 271 yards and 3 TDs with no turnovers gives him the nod.

Ben Roethlisberger (1)- Threw for 333 yards and 2 TDs. Look for more points from him with hardly a struggling running game.

RB
Rashard Mendenhall (1)- He ran for 165 yards with 2 TDs. This will be the exception with the Steelers not the rule.

Ronnie Brown (2)- He also scored 2 TDs and got 115 yards becoming the first running back to get on her twice and third overall.

Matt Forte (1)- Forte finally came through getting almost as many points this week as he had the whole season with a TD and 121 yards.

WR
Steve Smith (1)- He got 11 receptions for 134 yards and 2 TDs and is starting to separate himself as #1 WR. Also a suggestion last week by me.

Mike Sims-Walker (1)- Took the majority of David Gerrard's passes with 7 receptions for 91 yards and 2 TDs

Calvin Johnson (1)- He received 133 yards but failed to get a TD, but still made the list.

TE
Antonio Gates (1)- Gates first time on this list 9 receptions for 124 yards and 2 TDs.

JerMichael Finley (1)- He was a suggestion by me last week which I will take props for since he had just 5 points overall the season.

Heath Miller (1)- Somehow TE is the last position to have no repeats despite an elite class. 2 TDs and 79 yards.

D/ST
49ers (1)- They went off for 3 turnovers and scored 3 TDs making a monster fantasy day.

K
Robbie Gould (1)- Majority of points came from XP, but he also two field goals.

Cardinals Playoff Outlook

2009-10-05T20:52:00.006-05:00

Matchups
The Cardinals are playing the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are quite possibly the best matchup possible at this point. From a record standpoint, the Dodgers are better, but first off the Cardinals just totally slept through that last week so that shouldn't be taken too seriously. And the Cardinals have a 5-2 record against the Dodgers head-to-head.

The key difference is the teams' record against other above .500 teams. The Dodgers overall dominate at 48-36 while the Cardinals stand at 27-29. But most of the wins did come against the own division rivals who they completely owned at 25-12. The Cardinals only above .500 division rival is the Cubs, where they went 10-6. So that leaves the Dodgers at 23-24 and the Cardinals at 17-23. So the gap closes a lot when you factor in teams that they didn't play that often, although the Dodgers are still noticeably better.

What's also similar is how the teams face against each other's division. The Dodgers are 22-19 against the NL Central and the Cardinals are 19-17 against the NL West. Although if you take out the Cardinals-Dodgers matchup, the Cardinals are just 14-15 while the Dodgers improve to 20-14. The Dodgers also hovered around .500 for every team except the Reds, who they had outbeaten 5-1 in games. The Cardinals got beaten by the Rockies and Braves by a combined record of 3-10.

Position by Position
SP- Clearly the favorite here is the Cardinals with two Cy Young candidates. The Dodgers have left-handed pitching, which is the Cardinals weak point as they are worst in the league against lefties in average. But they are also 28-21 against lefties so that hasn't affected them too badly. So far this is what the probable pitchers are.
Game 1- Carpenter vs. Randy Wolf
Advantage- Cardinals
Game 2- Wainwright vs. Clayton Kershaw
Advantage- Wainwright
Game 3- Pineiro vs. Chad Billingsley
Advantage- Billinsgley
Game 4- Kyle Lohse/John Smoltz vs. Jon Garland/Vincente Padilla
Advantage- Push.. both starters on both teams are inconsistent
Game 5- Carpenter vs. Wolf
Advantage- Carpenter

Bullpen- The Dodgers have the upper hand here mostly because of the decline of the Cardinals bullpen. They have a consistent, reliable closer in Jonathon Broxton wheras we have no idea how Ryan Franklin will do at this point. They have Roman Troncosco as set-up man with his 2.72 E.R.A. and we have no clear set-up man since McCllelan's demise and loss of confidence. The one thing we have that they do too is a left-handed specialist in Trever Miller while they have George Sherill. Both will be key players with James Loney, Andre Either, Rick Ankiel, Colby Rasmus, and Skip Schumacher all struggle against left-handed pitching.
Advantage- Dodgers

Lineup- The core of the lineup is deeper for the Cardinals with Matt Holliday, Albert Pujols, and Ryan Ludwick. But the Dodgers lineup might be deeper throughout the lineup. The statistics show that the Cardinals can match up with each of their hitters, however. But talent-wise, they have the edge at center in Matt Kemp, short in Rafael Furcal, and second at Orlando Hudson. But Brendan Ryan and Skip Schumacher's stats are actually better than theirs and not by a real close margin. Neither has the lead in homers or RBIs, but have better averages than them by more than 20 points each.
Advantage- Cardinals

Bench- Both teams have three important bench players. The Dodgers have Mark Loretta, Brad Ausmus, and Juan Pierre and the Cardinals have Julio Lugo, Rick Ankiel, and Jason LaRue. The rest of the bench is yet to be determined, but those six have clearly made the playoff roster. The Dodgers have speed off the bench in Juan Pierre which is key (Dave Roberts steal... 2004 WS). The Dodgers also hold the experience card with Pierre haven been in the Marlins 2003 winning team, Mark Loretta played for the Padres in their string of playoff appearances, and Brad Ausmus played for the Astros when they made it to the World Series. The Cardinals however have just Lugo having had experience in 2006. Both Ankiel and LaRue have never been to the playoffs before.
Advantage- Dodgers

Defense- Another part of the game that is overlooked which probably favors the Dodgers. The Dodgers outnumber the Cards in Gold Gloves 6-2, but Brendan Ryan, Yadier Molina, and Albert Pujols all could win one this year. And nobody will ever call Rick Ankiel a bad fielder either. The Cardinals do not have a clear liability, but the weaker fielders are probably Skip Schumacher and Colby Rasmus. The Dodgers have a screaming sign that says hit it to me posted on Manny Ramirez as he is Chris Duncan bad.
Advantage- Dodgers

Overall- The Cardinals are better at the obvious, more important things. And most of the time when your lineup and starting rotation is better, your the better team. But the Dodgers are better in all of the little categories of the game. Still, the Cardinals look to be the better team.

Who's Hot/Who's Not, Top Ten At-bat Songs

2009-10-04T21:33:00.003-05:00

Who's Hot
Brendan Ryan- Ryan finished his season strong, something that few of the Cardinals managed to do.
Last week's stats- .353, 5 R, 3 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K

Chris Carpenter- He finished his season strong although I'm sure he would have like to win another game.
Last week's stats- 1-0, 0.75 E.R.A., 8 HA, 8 K, 4 BB, 1 QS

David Freese- He seemed to hit everything that came to him this week. Or he missed it. Literally.
Last week- 6-8, R, HR, 4 RBI, 2 K

Honorable Mention- Matt Holliday was too familar with the list so I felt to get in a newbie otherwise he would have made the list.

Who's Not
Joel Pineiro- Wow what an awful way to end a season. He pitched two games, and allowed ten runs over 11 IP.
Last week's stats- 0-1, 8.18 E.R.A., 14 HA, 2 BB, 5 K

Kyle McCllelan- Wow soon he will become Jason Isringhausen Part II with all these terrible blown saves.
Last week's stats- 3 GP, 1.1 IP, 5 ER, 4 HA, BB, K, BS

John Snoltz- He likewise finished his season bad, but his season overall didn't look great anyway at 3-8.
Last week's stats- 0-2, 7.20 E.R.A., 5 BB, 8 K

Honorable Mention- The Cardinals defense had an astounding 6 errors and 9 unearned runs in just 6 games.

Top Ten Cardinals At-Bats Songs
10. Vivrant Thing- Q Tip featuring Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes
Brendan Ryan
9. Ahora Es- Wisdin & Yandell
Yadier Molina
8. I got my game on- Trace Adkins
Adam Wainwright
7. All Along the Watchtower- Jimi Hendrix
Rick Ankiel
6. Ballpayer- Skripture
Joe Thurston
5. Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy- Big and Rich
Jason LaRue
4. Crazy Train- Ozzy Osbourne
Troy Glaus
3. Know What I'm Doing- Lil Wayne ft. Rick Ross, Birdman, T-Pain
Skip Schumacher
2. Brass Monkey- Beastie Boys
Ryan Ludwick
1. Chicken Fried- Zac Brown
Matt Holliday

Fantasy Football Suggestions 2

2009-10-01T21:59:00.003-05:00

QB
Jay Cutler, CHI
I consider him a backup at this point, but he's playing the Lions. Just so you know, you'll see a player here whose playing the Lions every week.

Jason Campbell, WAS
He got 340 yards against the Lions so the talent is there. This week they face the weak Buccaneers secondary.

Trent Edwards, BUF
My suggestion of him last week failed, mostly because the NO didn't absolutely destroy them. This week he's facing Miami secondary.

RB
Steven Jackson, STL
He's back as a fantasy stud (until he gets hurt) so you start him every week.

Glen Coffee, SF
He's replacing Frank Gore as the starter and he's facing the Rams. So bad defense + 25 carries= studly game

Julius Jones, SEA
Why not suggest three NFC West RBs to start, including Jones who has 36 points over two weeks and 7 the other week.

WR
Steve Smith, NYG
Smith has gotten solid fantasy production from week-to-week so far and he's been targeted 29 times over three weeks. And he's playing the Chiefs.

Nate Burleson, SEA
Burleson had 10 receptions for 109 yards against a tougher Bears defense. Plus don't worry Seneca Wallace is playing, cause his numbers shot, not dropped.

Lee Evans, BUF
So far a dissapointing season from the #2, but he had 22 receptions for 427 yards and 5 TDs in his past five games against Miami.

TE
Vernon Davis, SF
Davis has the most targets and receptions on the 49ers, plus the Rams were ripped up by TEs in their previous games.

Greg Olsen, CHI
So far a dissapointing season with just one TD, but he's facing the Lions who... give up a few touchdowns.

Jermichael Finley, GB
Vikings allow 3rd most fantasy points to TEs + really desperate for a TE= possible steal.

D/ST
Bengals
They get the fearsome Browns with Brady Quinn throwing up interceptions and Jamal Lewis falling flat on his back.

K
Jay Feely, NYJ
He's the kicker of a great offense and he's available in more than 90% of weeks if your a Neil Rackers or David Akers owner.

NFL Recap Week 3

2009-09-29T21:27:00.004-05:00

Rams Recap
The Rams lost to the Packers last weekend in a tight matchup through the first three quarters. After three quarters the score stood at 21-17, but unfortunately the Rams failed to score from then on allowing thirteen points in the fourth. The game was much closer than it seemed, but an ineffective 4th quarter offense and a tired defense failed to bring our season win total to half of last year's.

QB Kyle Boller replaced Marc Bulger early in the first quarter and I would like to say that he did not do that great of a job replacing Bulger. He was 16/31, less than mediocre, with 2 TDs and an INT. Yes he did bring us to the endzone twice, but he also turned it over as well. For those of you Bulger haters, this should not mean Boller picks up the job.

Jackson again ran for 117 yards on 27 carries, which is about his normal with that amount of carries. He failed to get a TD for the third consecutive week, something that leaves fantasy owners worried and puzzled. Other top performances by the Rams was tight end Daniel Fells, who scored two touchdowns on two receptions.

Laurent Robinson had two receptions for 26 yards, but he got injured along with Bulger. He, however, is likely out for the year with a lower leg fracture and high ankle sprain. So much for a potential career year.

Scores from the League
IND @ ARI- 31-10 Colts
Pathetic that the defending NFC Champs are so inconsistent. The bye week should prove useful next week.

SF @ MIN- 27-20 Vikings
Judging by the 49ers' lack of competition in NFC West, this loss should not ruin their NFC West Champions bid.

CHI @ SEA- 25-29 Bears
0-4 from the NFC West this week, but to be fair the Bears, Vikings, Colts, and Packers could all make the playoffs.

ATL @ NE- 26-10 Pats
Look for the Patriots to go 8-0 at home, which a reason why I'm not totally impressed with this victory.

TEN @ NYJ- 24-17 Jets
Look for them to miss the playoffs- infact expect- because next three opponents are Jags and Patriots away and Colts at home.

KC @ PHI- 34-14 Eagles
Biggest question of this game was how the two QBs would perform fantasy-wise. Answer: good and drop Cassell now.

NYG @ TB- 24-0 Giants
Buccaneers' offensive leaders: Josh Johnson, 40 passing yards, Johnson, 15 rushing yards, Sammie Stroughter, 23 receiving yards

CLE @ BAL- 34-3 Ravens
Joe Flacco is having a heck of a season, but his two 300 yard games were against the Browns and Chiefs so sell high.

JAC @ HOU- 31-24 Jaguars
So, Sports Illustrated this only makes three straight years of failure at predicting breakout year from Texans

WAS @ DET- 19-14 Lions
The Lions won... making the Rams the active leader in most games consecutively lost

NO @ BUF- 27-7 Saints
The Saints won, because of their running game surprisingly while Brees threw for less than 200 yards

PIT @ CIN- 23-20 Bengals
Another baffler for me in terms of having to do a double-take each time I see it

MIA @ SD- 23-13 Chargers
Chargers were helped out by Chad Pennington injury, even though he isn't thought of as a difference maker

DEN @ OAK- 23-3
Each and every game, JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden are looking more like busts

Fantasy Top Performers
*Suggested in Fantasy Suggestions
QB
Peyton Manning (1)
We saw flashes of the old Manning with his 379 passing yards and 4 TDs

Kevin Kolb (1)*
Last week he missed due to three interceptions. This week 327 yards and 2 TDs with no interceptions.

Aaron Rodgers (1)
He only threw for 269 yards, but he also threw for 2 TDs against the Rams

RB
Maurice Jones-Drew (1)
I was a strong opposer to picking him third, but 3 touchdowns is one game will make me a fan

Pierre Thomas (1)
2 RBs on this list in three weeks for the Saints along with Brees the first two. 176 yards, 2 TDs for Thomas

Fred Taylor (1)
Shockingly got 21 carries in the split carries system and ran for 105 yards with a touchdown

WR
Santana Moss (1)
Moss received 10 catches for 178 yards and a TD... and he was shut down by the Rams last week....

DeSean Jackson (1)
Jackson had 149 receiving yards on 6 receptions with a TD... and the Rams passed him up in the draft...

Reggie Wayne (2)
Wayne had 7 receptions for 126 yards.... first WR to get two mentions and second overall

TE
Vernon Davis (1)
Davis, a safety outlet, had 6 receptions for 96 yards with two touchdowns

Brent Celek (1)
Celek had 108 yards on 10 receptions with a TD... consider starting as long as Kolb is

Daniel Fells (1)
He's only on this list for his two touchdowns, not his 2 receptions for 35 yards

D/ST
Dallas Cowboys
They faced the Panthers, whom they caused 3 turnovers and restricted to 7 points...

K
Stephen Gostkowski
He kicked four field goal attempts, all four made plus two extra points

College Football Analysis, Preview

2009-09-28T22:13:00.006-05:00

Mizzou Game Recap
After losing early in the third quarter, Mizzou stepped it up and aired it out on a way to a 31-21 victory. Two touchdowns by the Wolfpack after about 35 minutes in the game had left them winning 14-13. But after that point, Mizzou outscored Nevada 21-7 to win the game. The score pretty much reflected how close the game was during the game, but it don't reflect the dominating second half of Mizzou.

Players wise the MVP of the game was far and wide sophomore QB Blaine Gabbert. He threw for 414 passing yards with 3 TDs and no interceptions. He also had a very solid 63% completion percentage, all the better when considering this was his first year starting. He thoroughly outplayed the opposing QB, third year starter junior Colin Kaepernick. He threw for just 140 passing yards with 1 TD and a 61% completion percentage.

Other notable players are two wide receivers, senior Denario Alexander and sophomore Wes Kemp. Alexander had nine receptions for 17o yards and two touchdowns with a long of 74 yards. Kemp had three receptions for 99 yards with a long of 48 yards.

The Nevada rushing game, led senior Luke Lippincott and Kaepernick, outrushed the Mizzou running backs by 140 yards. Lippincott ran 23 rushes for 114 yards and Kaepernick ran 13 times for 59 yards. The rushing game also provided two touchdowns. The Mizzou rushing game only ran for 78 yards, mostly on Derrick Washington's 16 carries for 75 rushing yards.

Nebraska Preview
Mizzou has a 4-0 record, altough they beat a questionable Illinois team, Division II Furman, and two victories over solid Nevada and Bowling Green, although probably could of beat them both by larger margins. Nebraska has played a harder schedule no question, but they haven't exactly strengthened that argument by losing to their only "tough" opponent. They lost to Virginia Tech 16-15, but questions remain over the validity of the Hokies hopes in a somewhat weak conference.

Schedule- Nebraska

Record- Mizzou (4-0)

Positions

QB- There is no debate here at all whatsoever. Both are first time starters, although Lee is a junior and Gabbert is a sophomore. Gabbert has a 168.59 QB rating, 1,161 passing yards, 11 TDs, a 66.4 completion percentage and 0 interceptions. Lee has a 155.21 rating, 927 yards, 7 TDs, 3 interceptions, and a 64.8 completion percentage. The yards and touchdowns are affected by the style of play, but the interceptions would favor Lee in that way.

QB- Mizzou

RB- Another easy debate here. Roy Lelu, Jr. has ran for 464 yards on 73 carries, 5 TDs, and a 6.4 YPC. Derrick Washington has ran for 301 yards on 68 carries, 2 TDs, and a 4.4 YPC. Mizzou, however has a clear No. 2 in freshman Kendial Lawrence while Nebraska has no other runner over 100 rushing yards for the year.

RB- Nebraska

WR- A little hard to judge based on the fact that I can't find stats on dropped passes. Obviously Mizzou has more receiving yards, but Nebraska's leading receiver barely made it past the No. 3 for Mizzou. Nebraska doesn't have a clear, reliable possession receiver something the Tigers somewhat have in Alexander. Alexander leads team with 29 receptions over 4 games while Nebraska's Mike McNeill and Helu Jr. are tied for team lead with 10 receptions

WR- Mizzou

OL- Really hard to judge but after analyzing the game logs of the sack total, I have to give it to the Cornhuskers. They gave up 3 sacks, two of which were given up to Arkansas State, likely in garbage time, and Louisiana-Lafayette, another likely garbage time sack given up by backups. They allowed none to Virginia Tech. Mizzou's sack total seems to reflect competition giving up two to Illinois, and one to each Bowling Green and Nevada.

OL- Nebraska

DL- At first glance the sack total is about even at 9.5 for the Tigers and 10 for the Cornhuskers, but digging deeper reveals two noticeable differences. Mizzou has one returning starter and two redshirt freshman starting in a sort of transition period. Nebraska has three returning starters and one who had valuable time as a reserve last year. Lineman Suh Ndamukong is likely to go in the first round as well while Mizzou has no standouts.

DL- Nebraska

LB- The linebackers are completely the opposite as Mizzou has the experienced linebackers. Nebraska's two leading linebacker tacklers are both redshirt freshman. Mizzou technically only has Sean Witherspoon as a returning starter, but since he's going to be a 1st round draft pick, it makes a considerable difference. Plus Andrew Gachker had valuable time as a backup behind Brock Christopher and Luke Lambert started 9 games last year.

LB- Mizzou

DB- For this stat, I just measured the passing defenses of each team and the result was pretty drastic. Nebraska allows just 169.8 passing yards per game while Mizzou allows 218. Now 218 ain't bad, but about 50 points difference does.

DB- Nebraska

Total Offense- Mizzou (453 to Nebraska's 440)

Total Defense- Nebraska (283 to Mizzou's 351.8)

Overall- Nebraska beats Mizzou 6-5 out of total, but in reality that close of a score can really go either way. It all depends. For instance, Mizzou's passing defense was greatly influenced by Furman getting 305 passing yards on them. Is Furman really able to do that against Mizzou's first team defense. Probably not. Nebraska's three Division I-A opponents had passing D ranked 65th, 66th, and 109th.

How to schedule your weekend
Thursday
6:30- Colorado vs. West Virginia
How will the Mountaineers play against subpar competition and will the Buffaloes improve from being the worst team in the Big 12

7:00- Pittsburgh at Louisville
This Big East matchup will likely decide who's #2 behind Cincinnati.

11:00- Michigan at Michigan State
A big rivalry game at Michigan State. I'm looking for the upset here.

2:30- LSU at Georgia
Big SEC conference game that is at home for the underdogs. I'm still taking LSU.

7:00- Oklahoma at Miami
A game without Sam Bradford likely makes the Hurricanes the favorite despite the rankings.

Who's Hot/Who's Not

2009-09-27T20:20:00.005-05:00

Who's Hot
Chris Carpenter- Carpenter's Cy Young chances hinged on good, successful starts which he did. But he also needed to rack up his win total which he didn't.
Last Two Start's- 0-0, 0.60, 6 K's, 5 BB's, 2 QS

Mark DeRosa- He started off the week incredibly hot, but cooled off considerably. Due to his power, the only power on the team, he made this list.
Last Week's Stats- .269 (26 at-bats), 2 HRs, 2 2B's, 7 RBI's, 5 R's, BB

Adam Wainwright- His stats are pretty decent for Wainwright, nothing special. But his 8th inning effort last night was playoff-like.
Last Two Start's- 1-0, 2.40, 21 K's, 3 BB's 2 QS

Honorable Mention- Jason LaRue needs to be on this list, because he is one of the reasons we were able to clinch Saturday.

Who's Not
Rick Ankiel- Ankiel makes his second consecutive list due to once again a large number of strikeouts in a small number of at-bats.
Last week's stats- .200 (15 at-bats), 7 K's, RBI, BB

Left-Handed Specialist- Neither Dennys Reyes or Trever Miller had done their job in their 5 appearances last week including giving up a hit while not recording an out.
Last week's stats (combined)- 5 GP, 0-1, 2.1 IP, 3 ER, 6 HA, 4 BB's

Brendan Ryan- What you call a mini-slump from the defensive shortstop is nothing to worry about.
Last week's stats- .222 (18 at-bats), 5 K's, BB, 2 R's, RBI

Honorable Mention- Mitchell Boggs gave up Carpenter's lead this past Monday night so his 3 ER in 1.2 IP deserves mention.

September Call-ups
After the Championship AAA game (which Memphis lost to the Durham Bulls, an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays), the Cardinals called up several players. The following made the list:

David Freese- .300/10 HRs/37 RBIs
Tyler Greene- .291/15 HRs/42 RBIs
Matt Pagnozzi- .221/5 HRs/32 RBIs
Josh Kinney- 3-3/3.86/52 K's

Notes- All but Pagnozzi had previously been in the major leagues this season. Pagnozzi is a backup catcher in AAA who will be used as a third backup. Kinney had 10.95 E.R.A. in 15 games this season, Freese batted .174 in 12 games, and Greene batted .215 in 42 games.

Now there were several players who were snubbed. From clear All-Stars in AAA to players who should just be in there.

Allen Craig- He had .330, 30 HR, 100 RBI numbers and the reason he didn't get brought up because he wouldn't play. What a bad excuse! First off, Craig can play 1B, 3B, and OF so you can find him a position. Secondly, who does get good playing time in MLB for September call-ups. It doesn't make any sense either since his other option is to not play at all watching the Cardinals on his couch.

Royce Ring- Another no-brainer to me. They bring up a third catcher for depth so why not bring up a third left-handed specialist. Lefties batted .208 against him in AAA, he has major league experience, and we have roster spots.

Jarrett Hoffpauier- He is a 2B, the only other options for 2B in MLB are Joe Thurston and Julio Lugo, who plays out of position there. Clearly Thurston is not an adaquate backup so why not try to insert a player who hit 14 HRs and batted .293 in AAA. The other two players needed to be added to the 40 man roster, but he was already on there so I'm confused.

Cardinals Clinch
Here is the video from the last pitch to a little bit of the celebration- NL CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPIONS.

Question of the Week- Before I state the question, I am just a little angry of the clear bias of the ESPN East Coast so I'm basically seeing where everyone else is at.

On a scale of 1-10, how biased is ESPN towards the East Coast?

Fantasy Suggestions

2009-09-24T22:16:00.007-05:00

People I strongly reccomend to start or sit.

Start em'/ Sit em'
QB
Start em'

Trent Edwards, BUF
Last year, he got off to a hot start, and then the drain of the season hit him. Week 3 isn't exactly considered far into the season, and plus he's going to play come-from-behind football with New Orleans' pass attack.

Jason Campbell, WAS
This is only if your starter is a bad matchup or if your QB choice is between waiver wire pickups since McNabb is hurt. But he's playing the Lions, who give up lots of yards.

Kevin Kolb, PHI
Make sure McNabb is out first. If he is the 391 passing yard QB will be facing the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sit em'
Carson Palmer, CIN
Not a real good matchup here, because he is facing the Steelers, who have a pretty good D, with a pass rush that will likely rattle the injury prone QB.

Donavon McNabb, PHI
Just with the likelihood that he might not start scares me away from him, plus even if he does end up playing how effective will he be.

RB
Start em'

Ryan Grant, GB
Probably already ranked as a starter, but he's been mediocre yet saved by his TD runs. He will likely get the yards to go with a TD against the Rams.

Felix Jones, DAL
He got 96 yards against a stout run D in Giants as a backup and now there is a possibility he will be able to start with Barber hurt against a much easier Carolina D.

LeSean McCoy, PHI
He only has 4 current points, so this is a wild card. But consider that he does have a less than mediocre Kansas City D to face and Westbrook is questionable right now.

Sit em'
Cedric Benson, CIN
Alright even though he 30 points over two weeks, he's facing the Steelers, who once again have a good D. When you have a borderline player, sit them if they play the Steelers.

Mike Bell, NO
He's injured right now, but if he does end up playing, more playing time will go to the perfectly healthy Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush

Kevin Smith, DET
I am a big fan of Smith, but he's facing the Redskins, who have probably the best defensive line in the league. In a similar matchup at Minnesota, he had just 7 points.

WR
Donald Driver, GB
He's playing St. Louis, which despite its great ranking in points allowed, still has allowed yards.

Lee Evans, BUF
He is playing against NO, and normally when a team is down, which Buffalo will be, they throw to their No. 1 receiver....

Santana Moss, WAS
He didn't do well against the Rams, but the Lions are much much much worse pass D.

Sit
Brandon Stokely, DEN
He's questionable, which is more like a 50/50 on if he will play which are not good odds when you need a player to start.

Hines Ward, PIT
He has gotten his usual amount of yards, but hasn't scored a touchdown yet. I think a little help from the Cincy D will help.

T.J. Houshmandzedah, SEA
He's possibly out for the game and is playing a slightly underrated Chicago D. Wait till next week.
TE
Start em'
Todd Heap, BAL
Most likely is available in your league as less than half of people do in ESPN leagues, and picked up two touchdowns as a safety valve for Flacco. Also clearly is #1 TE on Ravens and facing Browns.

Sit em'
Kellen Winslow, TB
The Buccaneers don't have any receiving threats so the New York D will be focused on stopping Winslow from getting the ball.

D/ST
Start em'
Broncos D/ST
Alright, not to pick on... wel yes to pick on JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden, the biggest waste of talents ever, the Raiders will not succeed

Sit em'
Titans D/ST
The Titans are slightly overrated as their passing defense has declined since Albert Haynseworth left. Its a cycle: Haynesworth allowed just 4 man rush, he leaves, team needs to blitz opening up holes...

NFL Week 2 Recap

2009-09-22T21:35:00.006-05:00

St. Louis Rams
On one hand, the Rams led at halftime. One the other, the Rams still lost. On one hand, the defense held the Redskins to zero touchdowns. On the other hand, the Rams still scored less than 10 points. The defense's great game may be a sign that the Rams are straying away from the "Greatest Show on Turf" and become more of a hard-nosed football team.

Laurent Robinson's two yard touchdown pass is definitely establishing Robinson as the clear #1 starter in the depth chart. He was helped by Donnie Avery's no show and fumble that may have cost the Rams the game. Robinson also caught 5 passes for 62 yards in addition to his touchdown.

Bulger still didn't play that well. He isn't throwing interceptions, but the ball doesn't land in our receivers hands. He completed 54% of his passes (60% is considered average) with a TD pass. The real story was Steven Jackson running for 104 yards on 17 carries. That is his 17th career 100 yard game, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Week 2 Scores
CIN @ GB- 31-24 Bengals
Comment- The Bengals upset the Packers at home thanks to three TDs from Carson Palmer and a field day for Cedric Benson.

NE @ NYJ- 19-6 Jets
Comment- Kerry Rhodes' boastful prediction apparently motivated the team to win. I thought it would motivate the Pats more.

NO @ PHI- 48-22 Saints
Comment- Drew Brees once again rips up the defense he is facing. Maybe the Saints are more than just a possible playoff team.

ARI @ JAC- 31-17 Cardinals
Comment- Cardinals bad start combined with Jaguars strong showing against Colts left me thinking the opposite would happen.

CAR @ ATL- 28-20 Falcons
Comment- Falcons should have won this game, so I am not surprised.

MIN @ DET- 27-13 Vikings
Comment- The Lions actually were winning after the 2nd half and actually held Adrian Peterson below 100 yards rushing.

HOU @ TEN- 34-31 Texans
Comment- Two 0-1 teams expected to make a run at playoffs proved to be competitive, although a different winner and a much higher score than predicted.

OAK @ KC- 13-10 Raiders
Comment- Statistically speaking, the Chiefs should have killed the Raiders, but couldn't finish their drives.

TB @ BUF- 33-20 Bills
Comment- Another very strong outing by Buffalo even though they are only 1-1.

SEA @ SF- 23-10 49ers
Comment- The NFC West is totally up for grabs officially, because with Shaun Hill as the 49ers QB, they most likely won't keep 1st place.

BAL @ SD- 31-26 Ravens
Comment- The Ravens are moving in the opposite direction than the Rams, moving more to an offensive passing attack.

PIT @ CHI- 17-14 Bears
Comment- The Bears won mostly due to a botched kick by Jeff Reed so I'm not ready to proclaim Bears as Super Bowl contenders.

CLE @ DEN- 27-6 Broncos
Comment- The Broncos start year at 2-0, but they faced the Browns at home this week, hardly impressive.

NYG @ DAL- 33-31 Giants
Comment- Impressive win for the Giants considering they were at a opening game for Cowboys Stadium.

IND @ MIA- 27-23 Colts
Comment- I think the Dolphins should be worried because they have one of the toughest schedules.

Fantasy Top Performers
QB
Drew Brees (2)
Brees threw for 300+ yards, but had a "disappointing" 3 touchdowns.

Matt Schaub (1)
He exploded with 357 passing yards and 4 TDs

Phillip Rivers (1)
He becomes the first 400+ yard passer of the year to which he added 2 touchdowns.

RB
Chris Johnson (1)
He went for 197 yards on two touchdowns with just 16 carries.

Frank Gore (1)
He went for 207 yards with two touchdowns on oddly enough 16 carries.

Ronnie Brown (1)
He got two touchdowns to go with his 136 yards rushing.

WR
Andre Johnson (1)
A really disappointing week 1 was made up for with 10 receptions, 149 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Mario Manningham (1)
The Michigan alumni went for 150 yards on 10 receptions with a TD.

Vincent Jackson (1)
He caught "just" six passes on 146 yards and also scored a TD.

TE
Dallas Clark (1)
An unheard of 173 yards passing on 7 receptions with a TD from a TE...

Kellen Winslow (1)
Winslow had a solid 6 receptions for 90 yard with a TD.

Owen Daniels (1)
Daniels had 73 yard receiving on 6 receptions and a TD.

Top Kicker
Rian Lindell (1)
He kicked 4-4 on field goal attempts with 3 extra points as well. On a side note, he is owned in just 2.6 percent of leagues in ESPN.com.

Top D/ST
Cardinals (1)
They allowed an average 17 points, but also made the Jaguars turn it over 3 times.

Who's Hot/Who's Not, Mizzou Recap

2009-09-21T21:42:00.003-05:00

Who's Hot
Albert Pujols- The week of April 14 (not counting Monday's game) was a good week and that's only 20 good weeks from him.
Last week's stats- .368, 3 2B's, 2 Rs, 4 RBI's, 4 BB's

Adam Wainwright- Wainwright successfully becomes the first pitcher to have a losing record and make the hot list, but the starters went 0-2 overall for the week.
Last Two Starts- 0-1, 2.57, 18 K's, 3 BB's

Skip Schumacher- He has been ripping the cover off the ball recently, including Monday night which is not included.
Last week's stats- .500 (22 at-bats), 2B 4 R's, BB, 3 K's

Honorable Mention- He must be winnin award for most honorable mentions, because he once again misses due to lack of power.

Who's Not
Rick Ankiel- The fourth outfielder had just 11 at-bats, but he only managed to make contact 4 times.
Last week's stats- .182, R, BB, 7 K's

Joel Pineiro- He is the first pitcher to make this list with an E.R.A. under 4.00, but two losses put him here.
Last Two Start's- 0-2, 3.66, 9 K's, 2 BB's

Ryan Ludwick- He like Ankiel has also been missing the ball a whole lot. Unlike Ankiel he had more than 20 at-bats.
Last week's stats- .208, 2 R's, 2 RBI's, 9 K's

Honorable Mention- Kyle Lohse and Mark DeRosa would likely have made the list if not for good performances in Monday night's game despite the fact that wasn't included in rating stats.

Mizzou Game
Mizzou predictably blasted Furman last Saturday in college football, a game that showed no excitement or competitiveness. So I will just give you the stats of key players.

QB Blaine Gabbert- 17-25, 256 yards, 3 TDs
Skinny- Another good game from Gabbert, hopefully a recurring theme.

RB Derrick Washington- 15 carries, 46 yards, TD
Skinny- Dissapointing game for Washington from my perspective. Hopefully breaks out with big game soon.

RB Kendial Lawrence- 10 carries, 77 yards
Skinny- Freshman comes through with big yards.

WR Jared Perry- 7 REC, 156 yards, 2 TDs
Skinny- Last week Alexander, this week Perry. Are we looking at a Drew Brees "I don't care who I throw to if you catch it"?

WR Jerrell Jackson- 4 REC, 64 yards
Skinny- A receiver who basically came from nowhere in my eyes.

WR Denario Alexander- 3 REC, 46 yards, 2 TDs/1-1, 40 yards, TD
Skinny- All-around good game with 3 touchdowns on just 4 touches.

WR Wes Kemp- 1 reception, 5 yards
Skinny- For DeSmet viewers.....

Scoring Summary

1st quarter
Perry catches 40 yard pass from Denario Alexender
Perry catches 48 yard pass from Blaine Gabbert

2nd quarter
Gabbert 40 yard run
Alexander catches 13 yard pass from Gabbert
Jacquies Smith 43 yard interception return
Denario Alexander catches 17 yard pass from Gabbert

3rd quarter
Washington 1 yard run

4th quarter
Grant Russell 44 yard field goal

Cardinals Issues Heading Down the Stretch

2009-09-16T21:06:00.007-05:00

Who Will be Our Fifth Starter?
I consider this the least amount of worry, because the fifth starter won't be pitching in the playoffs. But for the next half of September, we need a quality starter out there for at least two of the three games they pitch. Just to get his name out of the way, we will not get that with Todd Wellemeyer. I think his tenure with the Cardinals is done, even though Tony LaRussa is in love with him as he continually gives him second chances.

That leaves two obvious pitchers and a dark horse. One of the obvious is Kyle Lohse, who will undoubtedly will get first dibs based on contract and track record. Injuries have ruined his season to say the least. I guess its worth a shot to put him out there for confidence, but even if he pitches well, the third rotation spot will go to Pineiro, giving Lohse maybe two starts in the playoffs if we go all the way. I say we shut him down and hope for next year.

The other obvious option is Mitchell Boggs. I never understood why after his two best starts of his career, they replaced him with Wellemeyer. Now, with that said, one of his starts was barely considered a quality start, but the most recent start was excellent. Maybe he was finally coming onto his own and he was giving the team the best chance to win, at least out of those three.

The dark horse contender, who likely won't even be considered in Cardinals' eyes, is Blake Hawksworth. What is it going to hurt giving him a spot start in between Lohse's starts. He's pitched wonderfully in a Brad Thompson like role and he originally is a starter. So give him a mini-promotion and just see how he does. This will never happen of course, but I think it should be at least a possibility.

Now, in my opinion, they should put Boggs in there, because of his recent success. Of course, the Lohse has the handle barring setbacks, but if he pitches poorly again, then shut him down and place Boggs in that role. And then they should release Todd Wellemeyer. Not kidding.

Who will close games?
The obvious answer is Ryan Franklin, considering he's an All-Star closer and he still is one of the best closers in the league, numbers-wise. But recently, he has blown saves repeatedly and walked too many batters (including today when he walked lead-off batter). Now since Franklin's cream of the crop is his quickness "i don't waste time" attitude, the blown saves have worried me. He has walked 5 batters in the past 4 games pitched (0-2, SV, BS, 4 ER) after walking 14 batters in 52 other appearances.

But the issue extends past that. He has a track record of steadily declining come September AND October. Most of these stats are from him being a starter, but I will show statistics from 2006-2008 and separate the statistics from April-August and September-October stats.

'06-'08 April-Aug- 39.2 IP, 3.35 E.RA., 13 BB's, 22 K's
'06'-'08 Sep- 34 IP, 5.82 E.RA., 9 BB's, 26 K's

The April to August numbers were averaged into one month over three years. Now his innings pitched go way down, which is a problem because the April-August innings pitched was an average while the September one was the exact amount over three years. His E.R.A. jumps about three full runs, but not because of a lack of a good strikeout-walk ratio. His hits, walks, and homers don't really change drastically in September from other months so I guess he just let in runs whenever people scored.

This is an issue we will have to deal with, so its hard to judge what will happen. Will someone take his job, probably not. Because there is no clear replacement, Franklin still has the job.

Possible Epic Breakdown?
Before we celebrate our division win, we must look at a possible collapse, not different than the Mets consecutively did in the past two years. Currently, the Cubs stand 8.5 games out and they come to play us. They come in hot and we come in cold, so its not unbelievable to believe they could sweep us to knock that down to 5.5 games out.

We play 12 games after the Cubs series. The Cubs play 13 games. Now the Cubs could go 10-3 fairly easily. All they have to do is go 2 out of 3 against Milwaukee, split the San Fransico series (4 games), and sweep Pittsburgh and Arizona, hardly powerhouse teams. Other scenarios could be them sweeping Milwaukee, easily possible, or winning 3 out 4 against the Giants, a little less likely.

After the possible sweep, the Cardinals have to go 4-8, which isn't unrealistic by any means. They face two division rivals, Milwaukee and Houston, that would kill to spoil our season, and Colorado, a potential playoff team. We also play Cincinnati. Going 4-8 is possible, yet I can't see us getting swept by Houston, Cincinnati, or Milwaukee one of which likely needs to happen. Or all three teams beat us 2 out of 3 while Colorado sweeps us, another unlikely scenario. But anything can happen and a breakdown is completely possible.

NFL Recap: Week 1

2009-09-15T21:42:00.003-05:00

Rams
The Rams played the Seahawks and I was only able to watch about a quarter of the game, but I did see the "game-changing" play: the 12 man blocked field goal. Now being accustomed to recent failures, when the Rams blocked the field goal, you had to be thinking this is too good to be true as James Butler ran it back. Well it was. We were flagged, they got a first down, and scored a touchdown before half. Talk about a 14 point swing.

Now on to the performances of the game. The person who stands out is Julius Jones. Old washed-up Julius Jones ran 117 yards against the Rams. He looked way too good for the defense, but remind yourself: Week 1, not going to change immediately. Matt Hasselback was rusty, but he did throw for 289 yards with 3 touchdowns. But our defense did not lose us the game. In fact, the defense caused 3 turnovers, none of which turned into points.

The offense lost the Rams the game. Marc Bulger is awful. He played awful. I have been trying to defend him, but I won't anymore. He threw 17/36, less than 50% and threw 2 interceptions. He only threw for 191 yards as well. And I'm sure I won't hear an argument that the Seahawks defense hasn't turned into the Steelers circa 1970s.

Laurent Robinson followed up his great preseason with a great first game. 5 receptions, 87 yards earns him the Rams player of the week. Steven Jackson, by the way, didn't exactly carry the team either. He was given the ball 16 times (?) and ran for 67 yards. And to bring back 2008 memories we were shut out yet again. Here's to a long year.

Great Games
TEN @ PIT
Recap: A defensive game was won in overtime when Jeff Reed kicked a game-winning field goal. This occured after Hines Ward fumbled away the potential game-winning points (whether field goal or TD).
Thoughts: Great way to start the season with an old-fashioned hard fought game. I was surprised at how well the Titans played the Steelers. Both teams are threats to the Super Bowl 2009.

JAC @ IND
Recap: A surprisingly low scoring game between an offensive team and a running team. A late scare for the Colts was when Maurice Jones-Drew scored with 5:30 on the clock, but the two point conversion failed.
Thoughts: Well, the Colts may not reach 12 wins this year and the reason I'm saying this is because I don't exactly think Jacksonville is a playoff team. I could be wrong, but I can easily see the Colts lose 5 games in their division (against Tennessee (twice), Jacksonville (at their home)

DEN @ CIN
Recap: Cincinnati looked to have this game in hand when a hand went up and hit the ball. But Brandon Stokely saw the ball fly backwards, caught it and ran it in the touchdown for the win.
Thoughts: All I heard about this game was karma, karma, and karma. They trade away Jay Cutler for being a crybaby and they now have to deal with prime donna Brandon Marshall. Plus Kyle Orton gets repaid for having a good season with Chicago by getting traded.

CHI @ GB
Recap: Jay Cutler debuted with four interceptions playing a worse game than Bulger. Yet they found themselves in the game late when Cutler and Forte marched the Bears down to the redzone where they needed to settle for a field goal. Aaron Rodgers threw a 50 yard TD pass to Greg Jennings to win the game at the end.
Thoughts: All I heard about this game was karma, karma, and karma. Seriously Jay Cutler asked to be traded and he performs like this. Sweet vengence for the Broncos. Also, Aaron Rodgers is awesome, because he was on my fantasy team last year and totally saved it.

BUF @ NE
Recap: The Bills were winning late in the game, but outscored 15-7 in the fourth quarter. Tom Brady threw for 379 yards, including two touchdown passes to Ben Watson that brought them from 24-13 to 25-24.
Thoughts: I'm not sure if this is a product of the Bills' potential at being a good team or the Patriots not having a run game whatsoever. Whatever the case, I am not sold on the Patriots just yet, they beat a mediocre Bills team as far as I'm concerned.

SD @ OAK
Recap: After swapping scores for the first three and a half quarters, it seemed inevitable that the team with the ball last would win. That technically didn't happen, but they Chargers marched for 89 yards and left just 18 seconds on the clock for the Raiders, which did not turn into points.
Thoughts: This proved to me that Darren Sproles is the biggest waste of money, ever. Why did they franchise him for 9 carries for 23 yards. Also big surprise Darren McFadden yet to do much as he was outplayed by his backup.

Blowouts
PHI @ CAR- Philadelphia scored in four different ways: Punt return, fumble return, TD Pass, TD Rush

KC @ BAL- Baltimore won on offense (?) with Flacco throwing for 300 yards and Ray Rice for 100 rushing yards.

NO @ DET- Drew Brees ripped up the Lions for 348 yards and 6 TDs while Mike Bell (not Bush) ran for 148 yards.

DAL @ TB- Tony Rome threw for 350+ with his top receiver Patrick Crayton, not Roy Williams.

MIA @ ATL- Not a blowout, but contributions from Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Tony Gonzalez will be a theme.

NYJ @ HOU- Houston's always been a slow starter, but they were beat by a rookie quarterback.

SF @ ARI- Not on my great games, but the NFC Champions lost already so the division is up for grabs.

WAS @ NYG- The Giants barely escape a victory against the Redskins at home.

Fantasy Performers of the Week
QB
Drew Brees (1)
He threw for 384 yards and 6 touchdowns mentioned above, plus he's on my fantasy team.

Tony Rome (1)
As much as I dislike him, he performs in the regular season as he went turnover-less and for 3 TDs.

Tom Brady (1)
He threw for 378 yards, but remember he threw it 53 times. But he also picked up 2 touchdowns as well.

RB
Adrian Peterson (1)
Wow, already 180 yards on 7.2 yards per carry with 3 TDs

Mike Bell (1)
I am still trying to figure out who is. Right now he is the second leading rusher of the year behind Adrian Peterson.

Julius Jones (1)
Along with my counting of individuals making this list, I should count opponents of Rams: 1.

WR
Patrick Crayton (1)
He had 135 yards on just 4 receptions and tell me you expected Crayton to be one of first 100 yard receivers

Reggie Wayne (1)
He received 162 yards from Peyton Manning on 10 receptions and a touchdown.

Randy Moss (1)
Took the majority of Brady's passes with 12 receptions on 141 yards but no touchdowns.

TE
John Carlson (1) SEA
He received 6 passes for 95 yards, but more importantly scored 2 touchdowns.

Ben Watson (1) NE
The third Patriot is not on here for his 77 yards, but his 2 touchdowns.

Zach Miller (1) OAK
Miller received week 1 leading 96 yards on 6 passes, yet his TD drought continues.

Top Kicker
Niel Rackers (1) ARI
He went 3-3 on field goals plus made an extra point in the Cardinals loss.

Top Defense/ ST
Eagles (1)
They scored 35 points in my league, the next place being 16 points. WOW.

Question of the Week
What is the maximum amount of teams that can win the last game they play in the MLB regular season barring rain delays?

Still no one has answered it right yet (people have answered though).

Favorite my status, send me an inbox telling me the answer, and next week on Sunday blog you will be mentioned.

Who's Hot/Who's Not

2009-09-13T20:50:00.005-05:00

Who's Hot
Cardinals @ Brewers- The Cardinals pitching staff had a 1.33 E.R.A. including the three starters going 2-0 with a 1.28 with 23 K's, 12 hits allowed, and three walks allowed in 21 IP. The Cardinals scored 4.0 runs a game batting .280 with four homers and ten walks.

Albert Pujols- He went .450 with 3 homers, 6 RBIs, 6 runs, 4 walks, and 4 strikeouts.

Blake Hawksworth- Hasn't given up a run since August 28, since he's brought down his E.R.A. from 2.86- 2.46 and picked up 2 wins as well along the way.

Who's Not
Cardinals @ Atlanta- The Cardinals pitching staff had a 5.67 E.R.A including the three starters going 0-2 with a 6.62 E.R.A. The Cardinals scored 2.6 runs a game with a .233 average with no homers and 24 strikeouts.

Ryan Franklin- He blew two more saves this week and picked up losses 2 and 3 also. Our early re-signing is looking worse and worse.

Skip Schumacher- He batted .200 in 20 at-bats, but on the bright side had 3 walks, 2 runs scored to go with 3 K's.

Question of the Week
What is the maximum amount of teams that can win the last game that they play in an MLB season, including the playoffs? (if a team makes the playoffs, then the last game in the regular season is not their last game)

Send me inbox, favorite status, if u get it right I will credit u,

Rams Season Preview: DB

2009-09-08T20:55:00.011-05:00

Cornerback

#1- Ron Bartell

Clearly, he's the number one being the best paid and best performer of all the cornerbacks. He should have another good season, but some players don't perform as well in the first year of their long contract (Kyle Lohse?), but play really well in contract year (Joel Pineiro?). Sorry for baseball terminology, but from now on its all football.

#2 Jonathon Wade

Tye Hill's realeasing sparked a huge position battle for the #2 spot. There really was no clear favorite, at least from the outside eye looking in. Wade, a third round draft choice in 2007, can separate himself from the rest of the pack by winning this spot by the end of training camp (stlrams.com says he leads currently). The former Tennessee lockdown corner hopes to become an NFL lockdown corner as well.

#3 Justin King

The fourth round selection in the 2008 draft has as even a shot as Wade does, but so far Wade has held the edge in impressing coaches. The Rams went for cornerbacks in consecutive years hoping that it would lead to chemistry between the two, but we have yet to see if that has happened. Wade, however, holds the edge, but so far these two mid-round selections look like steals as both are close to being starters on an NFL team.

#4- Bradley Fletcher

As with the case with Wade, Fletcher is in the middle of a tight position battle. He's a third round pick out of Iowa in this years NFL Draft so he starts off slow as Wade and King both have experience, not much but experience while Fletcher has none. The Rams drafted him as a hit-or-miss prospect, with little chance of an in-between. Here's to hoping he is a hit, and not a miss.

#5- Quincy Butler

I think he will make the team, but not particularly as a 5th cornerback, but more of a backup safety and a cornerback emergency option. He will make the team because of his versatility. He was listed as a safety yesterday so I believe he will be kept around for his multiple positions.

Safety

FS- Oshiomogho Atogwe

O.J. Atogwe is the easier term, because we said his name a lot last year. With all due respect to his parents, O.J. is a more deadly assassin name than Oshiomogho (literally and figuratively). Atogwe does everything out there so I hope the Rams can strike a long-term deal. He has 100+ tackles with 5 interceptions, and mulitple forced fumbles ever four forced fumbles. Expect that to be his stats.

SS- James Butler

Butler, a disciple if you will of Spagnuolo, is the most readily prepared as any player on the Rams as he is the only player who has experienced the wrath of Steve Spags. Butler delivered hard-crushing blows and that will continue, difference is he is on a losing squad not a Super Bowl winning one.

Rams Season Preview: TE, LB

2009-09-07T20:08:00.016-05:00

Tight End

#1- Randy McMicheal

McMichael's season injury, which so far is a theme with the Rams stars (Bulger, Jackson) quickly ruined what looked like a promising season in 2009. Hopefully he can build off his Week 1 performance last year and become Bulger's #1 target. He has all the tools and if he stays healthy, I can easily foresee a great season ahead for McMichael. If he can stay healthy....

#2- Daniel Fells

The man who replaced McMichael last year is also likely to replace McMichael next year. He is primed for a breakout season as he is the offensive backup. The only issue for Fells will be if he receives enough playing time, which shouldn't be a problem should he play like last year. This coming from a guy who started last year on Tampa Bay's practice squad and who made only seven catches for 81 yards in 2009.

#3- Billy Bajema

He is the blocking backup as opposed to the offensive backup in Fells. He was signed purely so Jackson could run for better runs when the Rams decide to run. He is needed since neither McMichael or Fells can block spectacularly, but Bajema's specific role is blocking tight end. I can see him being the emergency backup fullback as well.

Linebackers

SLB #1- Chris Draft

He played a considerable amount of time with nine starts last year out of 12 games (missed 4 due to injury). He is a good short-term replacement but he's been in the league 11 years and is 32 so the Rams should start looking to other options at this position.

SLB #2- David Vobora

Mr. Irrelevant of 2008 NFL Draft wasn't so irrelevant after all. The Rams can't draft a 1st round pick to stay on their roster (besides Carriker) but manage to draft the last player in the draft to be a steal. Whatever the case, he started one game, the first last pick to do so in rookie season since 1994 and even had 10 tackles in one. He could follow up his surprising rookie season by stealing the starting spot from Draft.

SLB #3- Larry Grant

He just barely made the roster over Quinton Culberson and cuts and I'm hoping he won't put their decision to waste. So hopefully if he can be the #2 option for MLB, which is currently empty on stlrams.com, he will get more playing time. For the time being, his playing time looks to be limited greatly until he can make it past his #3 role on the depth chart.

MLB- James Lauranitis

The definite starter looks to be one of the safest and surest picks in a while. If he becomes a "bust" then I will be shocked. He seems like he will be a solid starter and/or more. He could be what some people are already proclaiming him: the man. All's we can do is hope that he will make a good rookie season .

WLB #1- Will Witherspoon

Witherspoon is probably set in stone for 100 tackles already. So mark that in your statbook for 2009 and hopefully he can pull out a Pro Bowl this year. If he does, its just the next step in the long career of Witherspoon.

WLB #2- Chris Chamberlain

Good luck man. Larry Grant, the triple backup, has a better chance at starting SLB than you do at WLB. Witherspoon, barring injury, will never ever ever lose the job so Chamberlain can comfortable on the bench this year cause he will see a lot of it. As with Grant, only hope is for him to become #2 option for MLB.

The Three Team Issue

2009-09-06T22:31:00.014-05:00

Who's Hot
Ryan Ludwick- I am hoping he can get 25 homers and 100 RBIs, the latter more likely. It helps to have more multi-homer games such as Friday.
Last week's stats- .476, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 6 runs scored

Mitchell Boggs- He managed to get his first two career quality starts plus pitched a career high seven innings pitched. Please don't let talent go to waste.
Last week's stats- 1-0, 2.76, 4 K's

Matt Holliday/Albert Pujols- When your 3-4 hitters hit like they did then the Cardinals will not lose. They will not lose. They will not lose. They will... see for yourself.
Last week's stats (combined)- .444, 6 HRs, 14 RBIs, 4 BB's, 5 K's, 15 runs scored

Honorable Mention- Yadier Molina is not even in their league, but a .400+ average in a week is good.

Who's Not
Starter's E.R.A. (Sans Boggs)- Normally Boggs is in the middle of pitching greatness while he is not exactly good. But opposite way around this time as rest of staff has 6.00 E.R.A. in five starts.

Colby Rasmus- In the midst of the team's 41 run outburst this week, we have Rasmus incredibly struggling to regain his midseason form.
Last week's stats- .143, RBI, 3 runs scored, 2 BB's, 3 K's

Ryan Franklin- WOW!! What happened to him? We give him three years of security he blows a save, and almost blew two other saves.
Last week's stats- 15.65 E.R.A., BS, L

Honorable Mention- Brendan Ryan struggled but LaRussa gave him just 15 at-bats.

Mizzou Game

QB Trouble?
The answer to that question, at least for now, is no trouble at all. Blaine Gabbert was spectacular in that game versus Illinois. I just wonder how good Illinois defense is. Judging by the fact that the Big 12 defenses are generally bad, it probably won't matter. What this game did was solidify Gabbert's hold on the #1 spot on the depth chart spot. Not like he would have lost it, but this game made it set in stone.

Also, a random unrelating topic is that Blaine Gabbert had the best first start of any QB under Gary Pinkel at Mizzou. Chase Daniels had 293 total yards with five total touchdowns and Brad Smith had 290 total yards with one touchdown Both of these QBs are legends at Mizzou and I'm sure faced easier Illinois teams.

Gabbert's Stats- 25/33 (76% CP), 313 YDs (12.5 YPC), 3 TDs/10 rushes, 39 YDs, TD

Replacing Maclin
Denario Alexander had an amazing surprising game to some and those who believed in his talent were not. I personally was surprised, but if you weren't hats off to you. Its pretty clear who Gabbert's main target will be for this year. He caught exactly 40% of Gabbert's 25 completions. The other 15 passes were spread out among seven receivers with the highest total being 4.

On that note, the second wide receiving spot is up in the air. The likely heir would be senior Jared Perry who has considerable experience over the wide outs. But Wes Kemp may have shown the coaches and Gabbert that he deserves the ball as much as Perry. Both receivers had similar games so that question has yet to be answered.

Alexander's Stats- 10 receptions, 132 yards, TD
Perry's Stats- 4 receptions, 93 yards, TD
Kemp's Stats- 4 receptions, 77 yards, TD

DeSmet Graduates Play?
Well one obvious one and another not so obvious one. Wes Kemp's stat line does not show that he ran for a 49 yard touchdown, the majority of which he actually ran. He will likely be at worst 3rd receiver which on Mizzou mean you will on the field more often than not.

Robert Steeples, however, seems to still have a ways to go before he gets either serious playing time or a starting role. Reports are that he is on the "third team" of corner backs. In other words the 1-2 starters, 3-4 backups, and then he is the fifth or sixth option. But who expected him to make a difference immediately in the beginning of sophomore year. I hope so but the chances were unlikely.

Rams Season Preview: RB, WR

RUNNING BACK
#1- Steven Jackson

Jackson has a tighthold grip on the number one spot obviously, no question about it. As with Marc Bulger the real question is health. If Jackson is fully healthy the entire year (go back to 2006), he may reach his boastful goal of 2,500 all-purpose yards. And if he does, I have advice for Jackson. When they ask you if you want to be on Madden say NO!!!!!

#2 Kenneth Darby

He made the team already since all but three running backs have already been cut. Now he has to keep his number two spot on the depth chart. He should get plenty of playing time regardless since Gado and himself have two different running styles, but Darby will likely be the first to be called on most situations. 2009 could be a big breakout year for many of the players, but Darby has as much a chance as anyone else on the team.

#3- Samkon Gado

Gado, already has experience as the #2 running back since recently traded Brian Lenard was hurt most of the year. Nonetheless, it looks like he lost his role to Darby. Could have had something to do with his 8 carries, 5 yards in the second preseason start. Now that he has made the team, he will try to fight for playing time.

FULLBACK

Mike Karney

Pretty much a no-brainer on having this guy make the team. He is for Steven Jackson as he should protect him more. This 28 year old is the same guy who blocked for Duece Mcallister most of his successful career. Now he has moved on to hopefully a guy who won't be known as a potential Hall-of-Famer if not for injuries. His impact on the team will not be shown in the stat books, but by the longer runs and maybe even if Marc Bulger is still standing at the end of the play.

WIDE RECEIVER

#1- Laurent Robinson
So far, it looks like we made a good acquisition of him. I'm still bewildered as to why the Falcons would trade him for essentially nothing (swapped 5th and 6th round picks). He has played well enough to be listed as the #1 receiver on stlrams.com depth chart. A realistic goal might be about 800 yards and 5 TDs. If he surpasses that, I will be pretty surprised. The touchdowns are kind of a crap shoot, so I'm not sure I would be as surprised at that, but the yards seem tough to beat.

#2- Donnie Avery

The assumed starter for the year seems to have been passed up by an outcast of the Falcons. But he will still aim for 1,000 yards which is my goal for him. Soon the question won't be should I draft him, but it will be when should I draft him (fantasy football).

#3- Keenan Burton

I believe his first reception ever was a long TD pass. Things couldn't have gotten better for him. Until the Rams released Torry Holt and Drew Bennet. All of sudden the job was up for grabs. Sure enough, he hasn't taken advantage. Next step: Get #2 receiver stats.

#4/5- Nate Jones

He hasn't secured a roster spot and he actually is one of the five or more people I predict the Rams will cut when the final roster final comes this Friday. It seems like he has a 66% chance fighting for one of two roster spots, but when you go further into, Derek Stanley is pretty much guaranteed a spot given his kick/punt returning abilities. So that is lowered to a 50/50 and might even be lower since Brooks Foster was drafted to be on the team.

#4/5- Derek Stanley

Sure technically his roster spot isn't safe and technically he can be cut still going into the season. But chances are, his job is secure since he is the only kick returner on the team besides Donnie Avery, who I'm sure the coaches don't want risking injury, and Kenneth Darby, who isn't nearly as successful as Stanley.. I bet what Stanley really wants, however, is to be a factor on the receiving end of his deal, not just a kick returner. I expect the Rams hope so as well, but for now his primary impact on the team seems to be kick returning.

#4/5- Brooks Foster

Despite being a member of the 2009 draft class which has gotten Keith Null picked over Brock Berlin and Darrell Scott in the DT mix, he needs to prove he belongs on the team. I can't say he is or isn't based on personal experience on watching him. The most experience I have watching him is probably from the one UNC game. But I remember Hakeem Nick's under the legs catch, not Foster at all so they really doesn't count.

Rams' Season Preview: QB

2009-09-03T22:01:00.012-05:00

The position depth charts listed are not by guesses but of stlrams.com.

QB
#1 Marc Bulger
Recent history has shown that Bulger is likely to get hurt, which no matter what people think will affect his game play. In the end, the thought of being sacked by 250-300+ pound men is frightening. Knowing this will happen is worse. So I can hardly blame him for his poor play the last few years. Kurt Warner proved it was the line that was his downfall with St. Louis with his recent great play . With that said, his contract is allowing him a guaranteed first spot on the depth chart, but his contract has a manageable buyout after the season. So this season is make or break and my guess is break.

#2 Kyle Boller
An excellent choice at backup, which will likely get more playing time than most backups. He has experience at playing QB in game play, which is vital since you never really know how good a guy will be until he performs in regular season games. He has won numerous games so I feel confident he can replace Bulger whenever he needs to. This could happen as quick as Week One as Bulger is already injured.

#3 Brock Berlin
Brock Berlin has little game experience as he has been the third backup most of his short career in the NFL. Don't expect that to change anytime soon. But he has a shot of playing time with Bulger likely to eventually injure himself. Kyle Boller then may get hurt as well, because he had a season-ending injury on a good Baltimore offensive line. Its hard to say if his injury was a fluke or if he is injury-prone. Playing with an unproven offensive line will put that question to test. But before we get ahead ourselves, he might not even make the team.

#4 Keith Null

The reason why Brock Berlin might not earn the third spot is because of the West Texas A&M 6th round quarterback. Don't scoff, because as most of you already know, Tom Brady was a 6th rounder. The Rams have already decided who will be wearing an NFL jersey this year probably, but we the fans don't so why not have the possibility of a Ryan Leaf student have success. Wouldn't karma have that Null will succeed.

Preseason Stats
Marc Bulger- 1 GP, 4/4, 74 YD
Kyle Boller- 59% CP, 236 YD, 4.8 YPC, TD
Brock Berlin- 58% CP, 216 YD, 9.8 YPC, TD, INT
Keith Null- 56%, 167 YD, 9.3 YPC, TD, INT

Position Battle- The race is strictly between Keith Null and Brock Berlin for the #3. Judging by the stats, sure Berlin has it all locked up. But Brock Berlin is 28 and in his third season and Keith Null is 24 and in his first. What does this mean? Well, Berlin has likely reached his max potential while Null probably has not. I want Null to make the team, but Berlin will make the team.

Trever Miller Signs

2009-09-01T22:23:00.005-05:00

I was at the Cardinal game tonight which had several good outcomes. We got to laugh at Braden Looper's 4.88 E.R.A. at the beginning of the game and his 6 IP, 4 ER at the end. He did not pick up the loss though.

Two cases where the pitcher intentionally walked someone with two outs and a runner on second and both times the batter made the pitcher pay. The first case was when Colby Rasmus, 2-2 with an RBI at time, got intentionally walked and Yadier Molina tied the game at four in the six. The more important one was when Albert Pujols got intentionally walked and Matt Holliday blasted his 20th homer of the year to take the lead 7-4.

Ryan Franklin increased his save lead despite giving up two earned runs and rising his E.R.A. from 1.05 to 1.37. To be fair, the strike zone seemed really tight and the umpire wasn't calling anything for him. Trever Miller of course struck out Prince Fielder in the 8th. The one bad downside to the bullpen was Blake Hawksworth giving up a walk on 4 pitches.

Trever Miller signs
I have no details on the extension, but what I do know is that he will be pitching for us in 2010 and that is all that counts. Also, good news are two signs that he could stay for a while. One was his quote, "If you don't like pitching on the Cardinals, then I don't like you." That is funny as well as flattering (as a Cards fan). The other sign is that he also said he will pitch until nobody signs him. He will pitch until he can't literally pitch anymore. Franklin on the other hand might retire after the two year deal expires.

Stories
Before you skip my links, I suggest you read these stories. They are good stories. The first hard-hitting news topic, which I will write my opinion on tomorrow is the curious case of Dave Duncan.

Cards have lot at stake
Duncan should go with the flow

Cards also have a shot at keeping Smoltz in 2010 which really depends on how he finishes, good or bad. Its almost a lose-lose. He pitches bad then we won't want him, he pitches good, he wants money.

Smoltz could stay longer

Unneeded, because I went over the game, but if you want more detail and for some reason missed the game.
Recap of Tonight's Game

Ryan Franklin signed; 2004 Draft Class

2009-08-31T21:28:00.004-05:00

Franklin Signs
Yesterday, I forget to mentioned the re-singing of our ever-important closer Ryan Franklin. He originally had a 2010 club option, but with his new contract that is erased. I guess as an ode to their confidence in the 36 year old pitcher, the Cardinals stepped up and signed league-leading saves leader. He also wins the award for becoming the most improved intimidating pitcher by growing some facial hair. Seriously, has anyone every seen anyone gone from where he was last year just by growing a 2 foot long chin beard.

Details of the contract- 2 years, 6.5 million dollars starting next year

MAGIC NUMBER- 22

2004 Draft Class
1st round
Christopher Lambert, P
Well, he's not a failure considering he is currently in the MLB (injured for Baltimore). And I wouldn't call the Cardinals idiots for releasing him, because he 1-4, 7.89 in Memphis. And he has had no big league success yet either. But since he's a first round pick, he's a BUST.

2nd round
Michael Ferris, 1B
Another bust, but I'm confused as to why. He was released/retired after 2007 season and hasn't played since. He made it to AAA, but I guessed Albert Pujols scared him out of his profession.

3rd round
Eric Haerber, LHP
Seriously, with the exception of a first baseman that had Pujols on their MLB organization, every pitcher has failed in the top 5 while the hitters have somewhat succeeded.

4th round
Donnie Smith, P
Another..... FAIL. All these pitchers are out of the organization as well as not succeeding whatsoever.

5th round
Wesley Swackhamer, LF
Really, there's a reason no people in the league have names like Swackhamer. That's just a recipe for disaster drafting a guy like him. Oh and also out of the organization.

By the way, all five of these guys were "safe. In the safe draft, current MLBers drafted out of high school include Phil Hughes, Blake DeWitt, Eric Hurley picked in the 1st round BEHIND the Cardinals' spot. The lists continues with Yovani Gallardo in the second round, Garret Mock in the 3rd, Brad Bergesen and Collin Balester in the 4th, and Nick Evans in the 5th. Plus, the hyped Wade Davis in Tampa and Lou Marson in Cleveland will be in the majors any day now. Sure, a lot of high school picks didn't pan out, but the success rate is better than your 0-5.

Other notables
Jarrett Hoffpauir, 2B, 6th round- On 40 man roster, already made MLB debut

Mike Parisi, P, 9th round- Struggled mightily in MLB in 2008, out for year in 2009

Mark Worrel, P, 12th round- Famous for homer, traded to Padres

Matthew Scherer, P, 16th round- On 40 man roster, yet to make debut

So basically, we've received nothing as of yet from this draft. Parisi is probably done with the Cards soon, Worrell is done with the Cards, and Hoffpauier and Scherer are both 26 year old's hoping to be called a late bloomer.

Grade- D