Oh snap did I call it?

All year I have been saying how the Mav's defense was the difference and that it could very well lead them to the finals, and all year I have been hearing how I am not objective and I just say that cause they are my team and how the Mav's will just choke and blah blah blah. All I got to say is check tape cause look where there at now?! I wish I could write about more but I have limited time and have only been able to watch the basketball games. That will change however so please if you happen to read this get the word out that I am writting again cause Facebook is blocked on this computer.

going going gone!

   I am going to have to move out of my current house where I have a computer but it isn't mine but once I get on my feet I will be getting my own computer and starting my own website I will post on here when I get it though to make sure everyone knows the new site. Thanks for reading, I will post on and off whenever I can so please still read everyday!

I'll tell you this though...

   Today is the big day for all college football players hoping to become professionals in their craft. Everyone keeps saying that the Panthers are taking Cam Newton #1 and while yes he is an amazing athlete I am not so sure that they should use a number one pick on something that isn't a surething. I am not saying Cam doesn't have potential to be a great QB in the NFL but I am just not sure he can jump right in there and be effective this year like a number one pick is expected to be. I mean the fact that all his plays in college were pretty much just numbers that to me will be one of his biggest set backs, learning the plays and coverages and so on and so forth. Plus the Panters already have a Clausen and I know he was horrible last year but really who was he surrounded by on the offensive end? Smith was hurt and not him self last year, sure they have two great running backs but thats about it, I don't think you bail on a guy like that until you give him as fair a shot as you can give him. Now on to some others I will be keeping an eye on this weekend and during their NFL days as well. Well we can start with the obvious ones such as Patrick Peterson, Mark Igram, Marcel Dareus, De'quan Bowers you know all the first round names pretty much but really to tell you the truth I am really excited to see if Tyrod Taylor can prove to some team, any team that if they trust in him to be a QB that he will not let them down. I know VT didn't have the best of years this year and I know you all probably think that the only reason I am saying this is cause he is on that ESPN special Three for the Show, but really thats not true. I liked him when I saw VT play, they keep talking about how athletic Cam is but this kid is twice as atheltic with better accuracy he just doesn't have the size that Cam does. But we have seen with Tyrod Taylors good friend Mike Vick that size doesn't matter and that QB like Tyrod and Vick can be successful in the NFL. But if you ask me who is the most ready to be and NFL QB right now I have to go with the either Mallett, or the red rocket Andy Dalton from TCU. To me if Dalton gets drafted to a team where he can have a chance to be the guy or even have a chance to be a back up for a year and then be the guy I think he will be the one to prove himself first. Now there is one QB I haven't talked about at all and a lot of people aren't talking about at all even though he is one year removed from a national title, and that is Mcelroy from Alabama. While he isn't a top of the draft guy to me if he gets in the right place he could be a great NFL QB some day. Obviously I didn't talk about a lot of big names that doesn't mean I am not going to be watching them and doesn't mean I don't like them or anything I just was focused on QB's cause it seeems like everyone else is as well.

    I know we all love a good buzzer beater but last nights Spurs game was on a whole different level. I mean talk about a game changer there was no way the Grizzlies were going to get that OT win last night after Neal drove that dagger through the heart of all Grizzlies fans. First Ginobili sinks what looks like a crazy game tying 3 fading away but not really cause you could tell his foot was on the line, but still without that shot the game is over. Then the Grizzlies inbound get fouled make their shots, Spurs down 3 take the time out get the ball in to Neal from like 28 feet out and he nails it!! That was so intense everyone went crazy when Manu hit the first one then they calmed down and then right as they calmed down and took their attention off the game BAM Neal sinks the shot. I know the chances are that the Grizzlies still win the series but still you can't tell me that wasn't one of the craziest buzzer beaters you have seen in a long time. There are 3 games on tonight and all three games can be series enders, I think that 2 of them will end tonight and one will go to a game 7. The two that I think will end tonight are the Mavericks and the Lakers, if both teams play like they did in the previous games then they will be fine. Yes I know the Mav's blew a huge lead in game 4 but still to me they are the better team, and the deeper they get the better chance they have of Butler coming back and while he won't make a huge difference at first he is still a great add to this already really dangerous team. I told you this years playoffs would be better then any we have seen in a while, and this is just the first round! Rounds two and three and the grand finale are going to be better then ever! The Magic also play tonight and I think since Howard was in foul trouble the last game and his team finally realized hey we can do this without him if we HAD to, now I think we will see a little different Magic team.

   Thats all I got for now but I will be back later with a whole post just for baseball so make sure to check back later tonight.
   

  

Nooo!

   I knew that the Mav's would have a tough time in Portland and I did say they would take at least one game if not two. Well we know they won't get 2 cause they let tonights game slip away from them in the 4th quarter, instead of dominating the 4th quarter like they did in games 1 and 2. I don't think they went to Dirk enough in the 4 quarter tonight either that or the Blazers did a better job not letting him get the ball, either way the Mav's lost. A big reason for their loss was their missed free throws in the 4th quarter, I think Dirk missed 1 or 2 and Hayword missed at least 2 he is horrible at freethrows I don't think he has made a free throw all sereis. I have faith in the Mav's to get game 4 and take it back to Dallas 3-1 (knock on wood!!).

   After a rough couple outtings for King Felix he as back to his old self today dealing against the A's. I know that A's aren't much of an offensive threat but still, a lot of people were picking them as the darkhorse team that would surprise a lot of people this year. Beckett had another great outting although he gave up the 2 runs to tie the game, which is now in the 11th inning, he has been great for them his last 3 outtings 2 runs in 8 innings which should be enough with that offense. Boston just took a 1 run lead in the top of the 11th lets see if they can hold on for the win. The 2 biggest surprises to me would be the Indians and the Royals, I know the Royals have a lot of good young talent and people were expecting them to be good next year but they have a talented group of guys that have started off the season great. The Indians bats were not as hot tonight as they have been recently and that is why the Royals were able to sneak away with this one if you ask me. Sure the Indians had the lead most of the game but 2 runs isn't much insurance when your going up against a team as hot as the Royals especially when it comes to come back wins or walk off hits.  There are 2 great pitching match ups tomorrow the first is the Red Sox v. the Angels and Lester v. Haren in what should be a great game, IF Boston can get there bats hot then they have potential to be a great team with the way Beckett and Lester have been pitching, the key word obviously is if. The other great pitching match up to watch for is the Braves v. Giants and Hanson v. Bumgarner, the Braves went out and got Uggla who has been struggling to start the season but once his bat gets going their offense will be right up there with everyone elses, which is a scary thing if they can get their pitchers pitching to their full potential. A young pitcher to watch that most people don't know about just yet is Hellickson of the Rays, he has been great this year and is the #1 pitching prospect in baseball right now. With the way the Rays have picked up their offense I wouldn't be surprised if Hellickson got another W tomorrow.

Home Court

   There are 3 NBA playoff games on tonight, and all 3 have the home team down 2-0, is tonight the night that they can start to turn it around? A lot of people are saying that the Blazers and the Pacers will have great chances to get a win tonight there first home game of the series. I know that both teams have played hard in both their road games and the Pacers made both games close, and the Blazers made the first game close and most of the second. But if you ask me I still think that for one the Bulls are a much better team then the Pacers, I know that the Pacers do have a lot of good players, even a UNM alumni in Danny Granger but I just think the Bulls weren't playing at 100% in both games. Now the other series with Dallas and Portland I can see why people would think that Portland can even this series up going back to Dallas because a lot of people don't like to trust Dallas in the playoffs, but to me this isn't the same old Mav's team, they play defense and they have at least 3 other people other then Dirk that can score in double figures, not to mention one of the best closers in the game. I know Portland has a lot of talent and they do match up well with the Mav's but I think this Mav's team is better all around then some of the past and I think they will get at least one of these games in Portland if not get them both. I know its the playoffs but Dallas was a great road team this year I know the playoffs are different but still they are fine on the road. As far as the Heat v. Sixers series it would seem that the Heat have that one all wrapped up. That Sixer team is talented though and will jump all over the Heat if they let up at all in these 2 games on the road. Not playing great when they think they don't have to is something the Heat have been known for during the season, but now that its the playoffs I doubt it will happen. I am just saying if it does this Sixers team will not let that opportunity get away from them no way.

Back in Time

   I thought that the Lakers would have come out with a little more fire then they did in game one that is for sure. But that being said I also didn't think they would be facing the real CP3 not the CP3 we have seen this season who has struggled hitting jump shots and not been as explosive, he still has been getting his teammates involved as much as always. I think that he took the Lakers by surprise I think maybe they were thinking that after his knee went out that he lost a step, I think most everyone thought taht until that first game. I know that the Lakers didn't get anything really out of their big men which to me was a bigger surprise then CP3 doing what we all remember him for. There is no way Pau and Bynum can get out worked by the Hornets front court and still expect to win this series. The Lakers are the better team it just seems that when they think they can coast they will coast and this is playoffs and it doesn't matter who you are playing you can't coast through any of the games. As far as the Spurs losing to the Grizzlies I can't say I am shocked the Grizzlies front court is good sure they are young and don't have anywhere near the number of playoff games under their belts as the front court of the Spurs but that didn't seem to bother them in game one. I am not saying they can win the series but they spread the ball around and can get good games from a number of different players. I think that if the Grizzlies front court can keep up that same level of play the whole series then the Spurs are going to be in big trouble moving forward. Now on to the other "upset" which I can't really  say to me is that much of an upset, yes the Magic have one of the best players in the league in Howard but when no one else steps up around him how can you expect them to beat a team like the Hawks, especially with Joe Johnson playing as well as he did in game 1. The Hawks are a much more balanced team then the Magic are and if the Magic are going to get back on track they are going to need a consistant number two scorer, I know Nelson had 20+ points but he got them all in the 3rd quarter when they were already getting beat pretty bad. Last night the Bulls out lasted the Pacers once again and I know everyone is ready to jump off the Bulls bandwagon because of a few bad games. I expect them to get back to their deffensive ways and there is no way they are going to turn the ball over as much as they did last night. Maybe now that they are in the playoffs and actually have expectation they are a little nervous I don't expect it to go on much longer. I think they come out in game 3 and show everyone that they are the team we all thought they were. Yes they do rely on Rose a lot but I think that with Boozer having the game he did last night they now know he is the guy they thought, that is the whole reason they brought him in was for his 20-12 playoff numbers and he came through for them last night. The only reason that game was so close was cause the Bulls kept turn the ball over everytime you turned around it was another Bulls turnover I don't expect it to be like that again.

    Now on to tonights games, the first game up is the Knicks v. the Celtics and if you ask me the Knicks should be leading this series 1-0 instead of the other way around. They seem to play great until they get into the 4th quarter then it all goes out the window which I don't understand. I know they were without Billups at the point which hurts a little as well, but when Amare is that hot and Melo that cold it should be obvious who your going to down the stretch, even if its not every time down the court at least get him 2 or 3 touches. In all fairness Melo is one of the best closers in the game right now and what happened to him in game 1 doesn't happen often at all, I expect a huge game from him tonight I say he goes for 30+ and Amare stays hot. I think that not having Billups out there for a whole game will hurt them a little but Douglas has shown he is a legit back up, no he isn't Mr. Big Shot but Melo can usually be that guy also. I think that the Knicks come out strong in game 2 and get a huge W taking it to 1-1 going back to MSG. Now as far as the second game goes with the Blazers v. Mavericks, I know the first game wasn't pretty for the Mav's as the got out shot from the floor by 6%. However they killed it from 3 point land which they need to continue to do throught the playoffs and with one of the best jump shooters ever and one of the best 3-point shooters ever (as far as makes go) they should be fine in that department. They need to continue to not let Wallace have a big game they did a pretty good job stopping everyone expect Miller and Aldrige and Aldrige is going to get his there is no doubt about that but when you hold there other scorers to under double digits there isn't much else you can ask for. I know that Wallace and Roy probably won't be in single digits every game of the series but neither with Chandler or Marion I mean the Mav's had a really bad game and they still were able to hold off the Blazers, I know the big reason is cause of Dirk and his ability to close games out but still I say they come out tonight and play a much better game and get the W making it 2-0 while they hit the road.

Will the Lakers drop the ball for Phil

    This is the 4th chance at a 3-peat for Lakers coach Phil Jackson and what will be his last season coaching as well. Can the Lakers win again for the 3rd straight year in a row, yes there is no doubt in my mind they can. But they will need a healthy Bynum to do that, I know he played with pain in his knee last year and still was a key part of what they did. So I expect him to be in there maybe not a lot in the first round but after that he will be key to the Lakers in any matchup they have. If the Lakers were to not win though it wouldn't surprise me very much. It wouldn't even surprise me if they don't eve come out of the West and make it to the Finals. I wouldn't be surprised or disapointed with a OKC v. Chicago final and I am sure everyone else would enjoy it as well. Do the young guys have what it takes to really get through the playoffs that is yet to be seen, we have seen them in there for a year but now they have expectation and we all know what that can do to someone not knowing how to handle it, anyways more on that later.

   As far as baseball goes if you thought Cruz was off to a good start you seemed to have made Tulo mad. The man is on fire already at 7 homeruns with 4 in the 4 games they played against the Mets, the man is just on fire and hitting everything thrown his way. Tomorrow the O's pitcher Britton is making another start this time against the Inidians who have been hitting well as of late, but Britton has been great in his first few starts I really think he is going to be a quality pitcher for these guys all year. I know they didn't want to have to bring him up till late April early May but the kid has handled it so well and just been lights out. Weaver is on the mound after that 15 K outting last time out he now has to deal with a White Sox team that has been hitting decent, if not for their closer their record would refelct their talent. A really great matchup tomorrow not just pitchers but all around teams is the Rangers v. Yankees series that starts tomorrow. The Rangers have Matt Harrison who will be looking to continue to be strong for the Rangers and get them some quality innings against this dangerous Yankee lineup. The Yankees have their young pitcher Nova out on the mound who I really think is and will be a great pitcher. I liked what I saw with him when he was on the Red Sox v. Yankee game on ESPN, this will be a great game to start the series but I am hoping the Rangers get back to hitting like they were before the 2 loses and pull out the win.

    Now for the West's side of the first round of the playoffs, this side has to be the strongest from top to bottom and has the biggest chance at an upset. Saturday for the west the Blazer v. Mavericks in what many people think will be an upset, let me just tell you I know the Mav's have fallen short in years past in the playoffs but this team seems so much different then those ones to me. This team is tougher it plays better deffense and IF they get Butler back they will have many different ways to hurt you on the offensive ends. I think that if Dirk did work in the paint as well as his mid range game then they would for sure take the Blazers down with ease. Now I really like the Blazers and if they were going up against almost any other team I would be tempeted to take them for the upset but I just can't go against my Mav's in the first round. I know that might be stupid because with the Wallace trade this Portland team is really strong I just have faith in my Mav's. Now for Sunday we have the Grizzlies v. the Spurs in another great first round match up, I know the Grizzlies lost Gay and that really killed them but they still have shown they are a good team. I wouldn't be surprised if Manu doesn't come back for this series if it doesn't go to at least 6 games. I really wouldn't even be surprised if they won, but Randolph would need to play at an unreal level for that to happen. Next up Sunday is the Lakers v. Hornets in what should be an easy series for the Lakers and I know that is what we said about the Thunder for them last year. But I look for the Lakers to want to show everyone they are ready for the playoffs and they are the team to beat, I look for them to sweep the Hornets especially if Bynum is healthy. Last but no where near least is the Nuggets v. Thunder series and this one is just like the Mavericks series for me, if the Nuggets were playing anyone else I would probably pick them to win, but I think the Thunder are hungry and are ready to prove they belong up there at the top right there with the Lakers and Spurs in the West. I am really excited about the Wests playoff due to the fact that all these teams are so close in talent unlike the East, even though the East is better then years past I still think this will be a great playoff.

Not again!

   I really didn't think that having Hamilton out would effect the Rangers as much as it seemed to, or maybe Scherzer was on or something. But they only  scored 2 runs off 9 hits and it just didn't seem like they had their A game today, I wish I could have watched the game on TV to actually know but I don't have MLB extra innings so I am stuck with like maybe 1 D-Backs game a day if I am lucky. I am not worried about the Rangers I think maybe they were a little over worked they have a day off tomorrow I expect them to bounce back strong from this and put up a few more wins in a row. I knew that with Doc on the mound there was no way the Phillies would lose. The score makes it seem a lot closer then it was, the Nats didn't score a run till the 9th inning and they left Doc out there so maybe he was a little gased but still he got the job done. I wish they would have let the closer come in though cause I just picked him up on my fantasy team because Lidge is going to be out till the all star break. I also have the White Sox closer Thorton on 2 of my teams or at least I have him on one and dropped him on the other, I would have dropped him from both but there isn't a better option in my other league. I totally forgot that Josh Johnson was pitching for the Marlins today or else I never would have picked the Braves to beat them. Johnson was on tonight he went 7 1/3 hitless innings and struck out 9 and left the game after the no no was broken up. I know Drabek wasn't perfect today but he did only give up 2 runs in 5 2/3 innings which isn't bad I know he left the game down by 1 but he still had a strong outting adding 5 strike outs as well. I think he will be a great pitcher by the all star break, I mean he already is good and some poeple were say his first game was a fluke but I just don't see it.

   The NBA playoffs are almost here and I can't wait this year will be one of the best playoffs we have had in awhile. Especially now that there are a few more good teams on the East side and epsecially with all the great teams out west and how everyone has a tough first round match up on the West. Saturday the Pacers face the Bulls for the first game of that series in which I think the Bull will sweep the Pacers. Maybe the Pacers win one game but I just don't think we have seen the Bulls at their best I think they are saving that 5th gear for the playoffs and we are about to see a really talented team surprise some people. Also on Saturday the Sixer play the Heat in what should be a decent series they both play the same style of basketball and if the Heat aren't careful they could lose a game or two to the Sixers. But I think we are going to see them turn it on in the post season, people have been saying how LeBron isn't a clutch player and while that might be true I think he has been saving himself for the playoffs this year I think he will take over a little bit and the Heat will crush the Sixer. Last but not least we have what I think is going to be one of the best first round match ups in the East. The Hawks v. the Magic and while the Hawks don't have someone that can stop Howard I think they have the players to really challenge the Magic. I also think these teams are pretty even talent wise except of couse for Howard. Which might be ok now that he can take over games on the offensive side of the ball as well they might be able to ride him through the first round or two of the playoffs, as long as their other can knock down shots when they need to. Then Sunday is my favorite first round matchup in the East and that of course is the Celtics v. the Knicks even though the Knicks are fully understanding how to play together they are getter REALLY close. Like I have said before as soon as they made this trade in fact, these guys will be a tough out in the playoffs and that still holds true today. I think the Knicks big 3 all have good playoff experience and one even has finals experience and finals MVP. Does that mean I think they will beat the Celtics no, but they have a really good chance especially the way the C's have been playing lately. If they don't get Shaq back and they are still playing like this Rondo in particular then I think the Knicks will beat them in 7.

Really?

   Man just as I thought everything was going great for the Rangers Hamilton goes and gets himself hurt after the third base coach sent him home on what really was a stupid play. There was no one covering the plate but the catcher was much closer then Hamilton and there was no reason to risk it. I know it was a close game but its the start of the season no need to risk your best player like that. Of course he slides head first and breaks some bone on the right shoulder or arm or something and is now out 6-8 weeks! That was peoples knock on him and Cruz is that they are great players but are never there for the whole season. I know that is usually the case with both of them but I was hoping for them both to be in 150 games this year and now that isn't going to happen I just hope Cruz stays healthy. There have been a lot of injuries to start the season lets hope that we are just getting them out of the way now and that way we can come down the back end of the season with everyone healthy and playing at 100%. Today there was a lot of good pitching match ups but it seemed like no one except Haren had their best stuff today. I know Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter didn't have anywhere near his best stuff as the D-Backs hammered him tonight in route to their 13-8 win over the Red Birds, but to take something positive away from this for the Cardinals is that Pujols went 3-5. Now I was sure that with Lester on the mound the Red Sox would be able to pull off a win agains the Rays and I know the Rays had their ace David Price out there who is one of my favorite pitchers and he just got it done today against the struggling Red Sox. Price got his first win of the young season going 7 2/3 innings giving up 2 runs off 5 hits with 2 walks and 3 K's. Lester on the other hand suffered his first loss of the season going 7 innings giving up 3 runs off 7 hits with 2 walks and 8 K's. Now with a lineup like the Red Sox have 3 runs should be good enough for Lester to get the W, I know this wasn't his best outting of the season but still that offense needs to pick it up and needs to do so fast. I know its the start of the season and baseball season is long to say the least, but I mean you can only call it a slow start for so long. I know they are a really talented team on the field and at the plate but lately they just aren't showing it.

     Tomorrow there are not many great pitching match ups but I will go ahead and give my picks for all the games we have going on tomorrow and see how I do my second time around. The first game is the Rangers v. the Tigers and the Rangers have lost some of their pitching in the double header they had over the weekend so they aren't starting Colby Lewis their usually number 2 guy. That could make it tough on the pitching staff tomorrow as the Tigers are a very good team at the plate, I just don't know if they are as good as Texas and while Hamilton is out I still think the Rangers bounce back from their loss today with a win tomorrow. Next the Royals v. the Twins and the Twins have been off to a little bit of a slow start but tomorrow they have Liriano on the mound and if he can give them a quality start I think they have this one in the bag if not they Royals will pile up the hits and edge this one out. I will go with the Twins though I think once they get their bats going they are only going to get better. The A's v. the White Sox since the A's haven't really been hitting well either I am going to take the White Sox to get them again tomorrow. The Blue Jays v. the Mariners as the Jays send Kyle Drabek back out for his 3rd start and some people are saying his first outting was a fluke and I still think he has something going for him I look for him to have another strong showing tomorrow in the Jays win over the M's. The Reds v. the Padres and Wood takes the mound again for the Reds I think he will be a little to much for the Padres tomorrow as will the Reds bats. The Indians v. the Angels and since the Angels don't have an ace on the mound tomorrow I think the red hot hitting Indians win tomorrow. O's v.  the Yankees as the O's send Tillman out to face Burnett as long as the O's can get some runs I think they can win this one, and I think they are going to win this series actually and let a lot of people know they are at the top of the AL East and they belong their as of right now. Philly v. Washington and I really think that the Nats did a great job adding players in the off season to make them better I just don't think they have a shot at winning against who might be the best pitcher in baseball right now Doc Holladay, that being said Phillies win. One quick thought on the Nats, if they get those bats going they could be a dangerous team especially next year with Strasburg coming back and maybe the chance Harper is up in the bigs by then. The next game would be the Brewers v. the Pirates and the Pirates have some good young talent on the offensive side but they do still need some pitching to get to where they want to be. The Brewers have it on the mound and at the plate and I think they take this one tomorrow. The Rays going for a sweep of the Red Sox tomorrow as the Sox put Lackey on the mound I think if the Rays can beat Lester they can for sure beat Lackey. The real question is have they turned it around or has the past few days just been because they have been playing a team who is also struggling I don't know, Rays win. The Braves v. the Marlins tomorrow and while the Marlins have a lot of young talent they are not there just yet. They will win their share of games this year thats for sure but they need Hanley Ramirez to get going and they will be much better, Braves win. The Rockies v. the Mets and no one thought the Mets would be as good as they have been, but tomorrow the Rockies have Rogers out on the mound who did a great job his last time out I think he has another one tomorrow in a close win over the Mets. The Cubs v. the Astros and while both teams have good pitchers on the mound I think the Cubs will edge them out tomorrow for the win. The Cardinals v. the D-Backs and while the Cards are supposed to be a great team and the D-Backs well not so much I have seen a lot more good things from the D-Backs this year then the Cardinals but that being said I think the Cardinals win this one. The Dodger v. Giants tomorrow for the series and I think the Giants will pull this one off with a little better offense.

I guess not so much

   I mean yesterday was a great sign for the Boston Red Sox the way Beckett went out there and threw. But right after they take a step forward it seems they always follow it with 2 steps back.  Matsuzaka was horrible tonight I mean and that is being nice about it, it really did look like he was throwing batting practice in that second inning. In the first he looked great he wasn't throw from beind in the count he hadn't thrown a ball yet, I mean yeah he gave up the home run but you can live with that as long as he kept throw good strikes like he was. But then in the second he started leaving the ball up in the zone and making no adjustments at all once he started to get pounded. This guy has good stuff I just don't understand what has happened to him since he went 18-3. I do however think that if  they can get Beckett to pitch like he did last outting and they have Lester all they will need is their offense to get up to speed and they will be a pretty good team. Will they be in the World Series like everyone thought I don't know I don't think so but who knows there are still what 152 games left so who knows. The Rangers got another great outting from Ogando who went to 2-0 after the W today. He went 7 innings giving up 2 hits 0 runs 1 walk and 4 strike outs, he did leave with a blister I am not sure if it is serious or not I am hoping it is no big deal. The Rangers are showing that last year wasn't a fluke that they are here to stay. I knew it all along I knew it 3 years ago when they just fell short but they had that core group just starting to get noticed. I am not positive on this but I think the Mets might be looking to deal K-Rod at the deadline and the Rangers are looking for a good closer so they can try and stretch Feliz out so maybe that will go down and we can see if Feliz has what it takes as a starter. I guess at this point in the season the Indians are a bigger story then the O's are plus I have talked a lot about the O's already and not so much about the Indians who are the second hottest team in baseball right now behind the Rangers. The Indians pick up their 8th straight win today as their middle infield continues to carry them on the field and at the plate. Talbot their starter went 8 innings gave up 0 runs off 5 hits with 2 walks and 4 K's. They beat the Angels who are off to a .500 start but really have to be asking themselves what they were thinking paying that much money for Wells, who has a .091 batting average to start the year. A rare bad outting tonight from King Felix against the Blue Jays as they are up 7-0 in the bottom of the 7th right now. That is not the case however with the Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw who is having another great outting, tonight its against the defending world champ Giants. Kershaw went 6 2/3 innings giving up 0 runs off 6 hits with 2 walks and 7 K's. That game is about to be finished and unless the Giants get 7 in the bottom of the 9th that will bring Kershaws record to 2-1 this year. Matt Latos made his first start today against the Reds and was looking great through the first few innings ended up going 6 innings gave up 3 runs off 4 hits with 2 walks and 7 K's. The runs came off of home runs he gave up 2 of them and that is what seemed to kill him today. To me this was a good first start especially against a top offense if the leageu which the Reds are for sure.

   Lets get to tomorrows games and who I feel good about and maybe some matchups to watch for. The O's v. the Yankees tomorrow and the O's have Tillman on the mound while the Yankees have Burnett out there this is another test for the O's if they want everyone to start believing in them they are going to have to start beating the top teams and the Yankees are just that at the moment. If the O's can take the series from the Yankees which is totally possible then I think people will start taking them a little more serious. Another great match up tomorrow is going to be the Red Sox v. the Rays because both teams have their ace on the mound tomorrow it will be Price v. Lester as both the struggling teams try to get on track. I think that the Sox will take this one tomorrow, yes their offense has been struggling but so has the Rays and tomorrow they will be seeing a much better pitcher then they did tonight I think the Sox win tomorrow. One more good pitching match up tomorrow is the The A's trevor Cahill v. the White Sox Edwin Jackson, both are off to great starts this year, I think the White Sox have a little better bats then the A's but Cahill has been throwing really good the question is will his team be able to give him the run support he needs to get the W tomorrow. Galarraga is up against Carpenter tomorrow for another great pitching match up as well as a great match up all around. People have been writting the D-Backs off this year like they are going to be a last place team or something, the offense they have their is above average as long as they can get their pitchers to give them quality innings they should be alright. To bad Lincecum is throwing for the Giants tomorrow night and not tonight or else we would have seen one great game between the Dodgers and the Giants, at least we get to see 2 great pitchers just not in the same game. I like the Giants in that one tomorrow just cause Lincecum has really gotten off to a great start and if not for an error would most likely be 2-0 right now.

    Just as we thought we had everything figured out for the NBA playoffs the Lakers fall apart once they figure they won't catch the Spurs and who knows what has happened to the Celtics. But it seems more and more likely everyday that this year there just might be new teams in the NBA finals instead of the same as the past 3 years. I am still not 100% sold that OKC will be able to beat the Lakers in the playoffs but if both teams play the way they have been the past few days then the Thunder will roll right through them but who knows. I think that like I sais since the Lakers know now that they can't catch the Spurs for best record they have taken their foot off the gas pedal, and put it in coast mode till the playoffs. If they are that team we saw post all star break then I don't see a team in the NBA that will be better then them. But I will tell you this the Celtics are not in the same spot they were last year like some people think. I know they closed out last season bad as well and I know that people were saying they were to old last year and they still pulled it off. But this year is totally different first off their is a lot more talent in the east this year, the Bulls, Heat, Knicks, and Magic are all teams that can threaten the Celtics shot at getting back to finals. Also they lost Perk who was a huge part of not only what they do on the defensive end but who they are and what they are like. He isn't they offensive type player so some people think that the Celtics got the better end of the deal cause Green is a scorer but the Celtics said themselves if they would have had Perk last year they would have won the title and they DID win it with him in 08 so I just am not seeing how its the same for the C's this year as last, I don't think they will get out of the East.

Soo close but yet soo far

   I know that a lot of those putts Tiger missed this weekend should have been easily made but they weren't. Sure he did just miss a few tough tough putts that could have made up for the ones he just gave away. I was so ready for him to take the lead all by himself when he hit that amazing shot on 15 to get within what like 2-3 feet for Eagle and then miss it! I mean sure he was now tied for the lead but he only had 3 holes left and most of the people closing in on him had at lead 7-8. Imagine if he eagles that hole, he would have been a totally different man the last 3 holes and who is to say he wouldn't have made a birdie or two which would have eventually forced a playoff. That is if with him so many shots up the guys no finishing up didn't choke it away and just give it to Tiger. But no of course that isn't what happened, he missed the putt that was right there just like he had been doing all weekend. I mean except for his first eagle putt he had which was MUCH MUCH farther away then his missed one. The one good thing to take away from this weekend is he is right there, and that I am pretty sure my prodiction is correct, as soon as he wins and remembers hey many I freaking Tiger Woods! Then that is when golf will be back to the way it was and Tiger will be back to the way he was, mark my words. I am sad that he didn't bring the jacket home but hey at least I was right when I said he would finish in the top 5. I know I know I said Phil would finish top 5 too but he just couldn't seem to keep it on the fairway, you can only hit so many great shots out of the pine needles and rough and trees and still be atop the leader board.

    I know everyone in Boston was probably paniced coming into the series with the Yankees as they were 0-6 and there were no signs of things to get better. Then they took the first one from the Yankees, and there were signs of hope but only for a day as they lost the next game. But then came last night where Josh Beckett was back to the Beckett of '07 and if they want to compete that is what they are going to have to get from him. Lester has done his job for the most part during his starts, sure he has yet to pick up a win but his last outting was a quality start it was the offense that let him down. This isn't a team that is going to need their pitchers to hold the other team to 1-2 runs all season trust me. Crawford will get going and so will the rest of the team, they are big hitters especially in that ballpark. That doesn't mean that their pitchers can continue to pitch the way they did the first 5 games. They should be in the hunt for the top spot in that division but they will need to play up to their full potential in order to do that.

   Right about now the Rangers are getting ready to send Ogando out to the mound for his second outting and he will be facing some big bats in the Tigers lineup. Can he come out and continue to dominate the way he did his last outting, I say yes. He has a high 90's fast ball and a nasty slider and as long as he throws strikes and keeps it low in the zone he should be able to at least get out of their with his team out in front. Sure the Rangers bats have some what slowed down, I mean they had to slow down a little bit you couldn't expect a home run a game from Cruz and Kinsler. I just hope that the back end of this rotation is for real, I mean Harrison seems to be legit now that I have seen him in 2 starts I can get a little better read on him, but still nothing is for sure as we aren't even through 1/10 of his starts yet. I know that Hunter will be coming back and Webb will be healthy hopefully at some point in the season haha. But until then I actually have faith in the guys we have in their now. As long as the bats continue to do what they do the Rangers should be fine.

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Way to bounce back

   I knew that after his last outting Lincecum would want to strike out as many as he could this time and take the chance out of the game, since last time he pitched his team let him down in the field and he ended up losing. I knew he would want to come out strong tonight I just didn't know how strong, but man was he on tonight going 7 innings giving up 1 run off 3 hits with 0 walks and 13 K's, this was his 27th 10+ strike out game of his career. I was worried how the Rangers bats would hold up against King Felix and rightfully so, but they found a way to do it again tonight moving to 6-0 on the year. Felix was still Felix going 7 innings giving up 4 runs only 2 earned off 6 hits with 3 walks and 6 K's. The Rangers ace was on the mound as well and he had another good outting  this time though it was good enough for the win. The Rangers weren't exactly mashing the ball like they have been to start the year but they will make you pay if you let them get on base and that is what makes them so dangerous. Yeah they hit the long ball but they also do the little things and if their pitching can hold up through the year I look for them to be right where they were last year at the end of the year. Now on to the Red Sox who continue to struggle tonight behind Matsuzaka they now fall to 0-5 the one good thing they have going for them is their ace Lester is on the hill tomorrow and Crawford seems to have found his stroke. They really need this win tomorrow they don't want to go into the series with the Yankees at 0-6 especially the way the Yankees are playing as of late. I think maybe the Sox are pressing a little bit with all those expectation of them they maybe thought things would be easier then they are for them this year. That division is going to be closer then people thought and watch out for the O's to compete as long as their pitchers can stay healthy. Another team that has yet to lose is the Reds who had another great game tonight behind Volquez who was a little shaky to start the game but once he got settled down and the Reds started to hit everything was fine. Someone I think will have another great year this year that a lot of people haven't really heard of is Drew Stubbs the Reds center fielder he could be a 20-20 guy this year it wouldn't surprise me at all. I am glad to see the pitchers having good outtings today Lincecum as well as Verlander had great outtings tonight and I look for Lester to have a good go tomorrow. I think that last year wasn't a fluke I think that we have some really amazing talent at the pitcher position.

   I think that is enough of that for now I will get on to my picks for tomorrows match ups. First up we have
the Red Sox looking for their first win in their last game against the Indians and with Lester on the hill I think they finally get that first win, I also think the rest of the Sox will get their sticks going tomorrow in what might be a blow out win for them. The Astros v. the Reds and I believe the Reds will continue their winning ways, with that lineup they have they can feel confident against anyone, Reds win. The A's take on the Jays again tomorrow only tomorrow the A's senf Cahill to the mound who I think is a great young talent coming off an 18 win season last year I expect him to pick up right where he left off. I know the A's bats have been disapointing this year they brought in Matsui and them to produce and I think they will and once they do the A's will be that team everyone expected them to be, A's win. The Twins face the Yankees tomorrow and as long as the Twins can get their bats going I think they have a great chance to win this one with the Yankees butt Burnett out their on the hill. I know that the Yankees are back to mashing the ball especially the way A-Rod has been playing they could really contend this year, and if you know me you know how much it pains me to say that but its true. I mean their lineup is deadly and their bull pen is lights out their one flaw might be a few of their starting pitchers, I think they do however have a great young talent in Nova I think he will carry the back end of that rotation for them this year, that being said Twins win. The Rockies v. the Pirates tomorrow as the Pirates are finally at home and are hitting the ball great. The thing is the Rockies big bats have finally gotten going and that is a bad thing for anyone they play, Rockies win. Next the Braves face the Brewers and these are expected to be 2 of the best teams in the NL this year but tomorrow I think the Braves have a better pitcher on the hill. They are hitting well too the only one not hitting well for the Braves is Uggla and once he gets going watch out that lineup will be deadly, I think once the Brewers get healthy they will be right there with the Braves just tomorrow they Braves Hanson will throw a gem in their win over the Brew crew. The Rays v. the White Sox as the Rays search for their first win they have their ace David Price on the mound tomorrow which usually is a for sure win but the way they have been swinging the bat lately nothing is for sure, especially when the White Sox have a really good pitcher going for them as well in Jackson this should be a great pitchers duel and I look for the White Sox to pull it off in the late innings after Price has left the game. The Mets v. the Phillies and the Phillies send Doc out there for his second start and he is in search of his first win I expect him to cool down the hot bats of the Mets and go all 9 innings in their win over the Mets. The Tigers look to win back to back games over the O's tomorrow although I think with Tillman on the mound for the O's it will be a little harder for them. They have the power to put runs on the board in a hurry that is for sure, but so do the O's and I look for the O's to bounce back and get the W tomorrow. Last but not least he Nats v. the Marlins and with another ace on the hill I think that says it all as the Marlins send Josh Jonhson out their, I think that will be the key to their win tomorrow giving them 2 in a row.


   The Masters start tomorrow and I am excited because I know Tiger has been horrible up to now but if he is going to show up anywhere it will be here. I look for him to finish top 5 or better and I think lefty will do the same.

   There are no basketball games tomorrow and the Lakers are down by 14 right now to the Warriors and if they lose this will be their 3rd straight loss. I don't think they will I thin Kobe will somehow pull them back into this game and they will win in the last second or so at least I hope thats what happens. The Heat lost tonight to the Bucks as they were without D-Wade, to me if they don't have all their big 3 in the lineup they have no shot. The reason for that is they account for what 75-80% of the Heats offense and Wade also has been showing up big on both ends of the court. I am sick of people saying that LBJ is giving Rose a run for his money as MVP, there is no way! I mean yeah sure his numbers are great but look who he has along side him. LeBron isn't even in my top 3 its Rose, Howard, then Kobe and there is no way anyone could argue different or at least I don't think they could. More basketball and baseball tomorrow!

Pick Me Pick Me!

  Since none of the NBA games were on TV tonight I will just give my picks for tomorrows games before the games tonight are finished. With the recent events in the West the Lakers are closing in on the Spurs but they won't be able to make any ground up tonight as the Spurs pulled off the win against the Hawks meaning the Lakers can only hold it as is or lose ground if they drop this game tonight to the Jazz. They have only lost 2 games since the All Star break and it was only 1 before they lost to the Nuggets this past weekend. Everyone keeps saying how the Blazers are the team no one wants to face in the playoffs but I disagree, other then the obvious choices I would go with the Nuggets as the team people are not looking forward to seeing in the post season. I know that the Nuggets lost tonight to the Thunder who I really think will give the Lakers all they can handle in post season, if and when they meet. I mean last year the Thunder almost beat the Lakers and that was without Perk and when they were much younger and pretty much all KD all day. Now they Thunder can hurt you in a couple ways on the offensive end and they have Perk and Ibaka down low and I really think that either them or the Laker will be repping the West in the Championship game. I really have my heart set on the Mav's being the West's team but they will really need to pick up their play here in the stretch towards the playoffs or else they are going to go into the post season playing their worst ball of the year.

  Ok lets get to my picks for the games that are taking place tomorrow night. First up is the Wizards v. the Pacers and the Wizards aren't the best road team and they played tonight so I will take the Pacers in that one. Next is the Knicks v. the Sixers and while they both played tonight and one won and the other lost I am not sure about this one its a toss up and every time I pick the Knicks they let me down. That being said I think they are finally starting to figure out how to play with each other and I think that they will continue to show that tomorrow night while they beat the Sixers. The Cav's vs. the Raptors tomorrow will be a great  game so good it should be on TV lol just kidding. The Cav's won tonight but I don't think they have what it takes to knock out 2 in a row and just because of that I am  taking the Raptors. The Magic take on the Bobcats tomorrow and like I have said many times the Magic have what would be the MVP if not for Rose in Howard and I think there is no way the Bobcats will have an answer for him, and with Nelson playing the way he has been lately that makes the Magic very deadly, Magic win. The Nets v. the Pistons and while the Nets have Williams back I am not sure if they will be able to hang with the Pistons who can play with anybody if they play 100%, that being said I think that now Williams in on the Nets he wants to show everyone he can win with anyone and he has done that so far with them, Nets win. The Rockets v. the Hornets tomorrow and since the Hornets are at home and the Rockets played tonight I am taking the Hornets in this one. The Bucks travel to take on the Heat tomorrow, and the Heat are playing great at the right time and I think they will run throught the Bucks like they do every bad team. The Suns v. the T-Wolves tomorrow and while the T-Wolves have Love and Beasley I just think that now that Nash is healthy the Suns will win these games where they are going against people they equal to or better than, Suns win. The Clippers v. the Thunder and as I said in my opening paragraph I really like the Thunder especially after the trade, I think they will stop Blake and Durrant will continue to dominate like he has been the past couple games trying to get his point per game average up as much as possible over LBJ before the season is over, Thunder win. The Nuggets travel to take on the Mav's and since the Nuggets played a game tonight and the Mav's are at home and had the night off tonight I am taking the Mav's. I know they haven't been playing well lately but this will be a statement game for them to let people know they are the team we thought they were all year and you don't wanna play them in the post season. The Kings v. the Spurs tomorrow and even though the Spurs played tonight I think they will be able to pull off the win tomorrow night as well. Last but not least the Laker v. the Warriors and while the Warriors can score a lot and fast I still think the red hot Lakers will be to much for them inside, Lakers win...Kobe.

   Tomorrow there are some good pitching match ups that I will touch on real fast also I will talk a little more about the season so far. Tomorrow the Rangers face their second really good pitcher of the year their first was Lester of the Red Sox. Tomorrow is the best of the best though in King Felix, who will try and slow down the league most powerfull offense. The Rangers will have their ace on the hill in C.J. Wilson who didn't get the win his first outting but the team still pull it out after he had left. If the Rangers can get ahead early that would be huge but if not all they need to do is keep it within 1 or so until Felix has to hand it over to the bull pen and hope they can get the W then. That is if he hands it over to the bull pen his last outting he went all 9 innings giving up only 2 runs off 5 hits with no walks and 5 K's. Granted the Rangers offense is much better then the A's but they don't call him King Felix for nothing. That being said I look for the Rangers to win by 1 or 2 runs late in the game. Also Lincecum will look to really take control this time out there after having an error cost him his last outting. He pitched near perfect going 7 innings giving up 1 uneared run off 5 hits with 3 walks and 5 K's. I am sure this time he will look to get ahead early and try and get as deep into the game as possible I really look for him to have a strong outting tomorrow just to make sure he gets the W. Another pitcher I think will be looking to bounce back after a rough first outting will be Justin Verlander. He went 6 innings giving up 3 runs off 3 hits with 4 walks and 8 K's he got the ND but still wasn't his best stuff and it was obvious, I look for the Tigers bats to have a much better day for him tomorrow as well. I mentioned earlier that I was worried about how Ogando would fair as a starter for the Rangers while their other pitchers are on the DL and he really had a strong outting. He went 6 innings gave up 0 runs off only 2 hits with 2 walks and 4 K's. I know that he will most likely be in the bull pen when their pitchers get healthy but it sure will be a battle for the number 5 spot once Hunter and Webb are healthy.

What a start

   Now I knew that the Rangers were going to be good this year, and I figured they would win the series with the Red Sox. Also I knew they had one of the best lineups in the game this year, I didn't know however that it would be this explosive this early. I know that if Cruz is healthy he can dominate but the power he has shown the first 4 games has been unreal. I love small ball baseball and I also love low scoring games but the thing is the Rangers don't just have power they can play small ball as well. The one thing that I am a littlw worried about is the back end of their rotation. I know Harrison's first outting was outstanding especially for him, but he has mad the starting rotation the last couple of years only to fall short after 6 or so starts. He did face on the best offenses he will see all year in his first start so that could be a good thing. But the back end is still unproven and there for I am not going to get excited just yet. I still have high hopes for Webb and Hunter both when they return, they don't need to lights out but as long as they can give the Rangers quality starts then they will be fine. The big question to me is tonights pitcher Ogando he is more of a bull pen type of guy but since the injuries to Webb and Hunter leave the Rangers with 2 less starter he has to fill in. He was supposed to be the closer if Feliz was moved to a starter roll but the Rangers obviously didn't have that much faith in him, seeing as how they said the reason Feliz wasn't starting was cause how bad their bull pen was this spring. Lets hope he can forget about any poor outtings he had during the spring and give the Rangers a quality start tonight so they can take home their 5th W in a row.

   The Rangers aren't the only team off to a hot start there are a few teams starting hot and one of them is of course the Phillies. Who actually let a great start by Halladay get away from them in the early innings only to win with a walk off single in the 9th inning. That was their first game the other 2 haven't been as close and as we all expected their pitching has really been lights out. To start of the season their ace Halladay went 6 innings giving up 1 run off 5 hits with no walks and 6 K's, unfortunately for him his team wasn't able to score any runs until after Halladay had left the game so he wasn't able to pick up the win with his great outting. Their next game Cliff Lee got the start and he was lights out as always going 7 innings giving up 3 runs off 4 hits walking none and 11 K's, the Phillies bats seemed to have woken up by Lee's start as they were up 8-3 when he left the game giving him the W. On to their 3rd Oswalt who continued the pitching dominance that we all expected of the Phillies starters. He went 6 innings giving up 2 runs off 5 hits and the 1 and only walk the Phillies starters have allowed all season to go along with 6 K's and the W.

   Now for the O's who are also a perfect 4-0 to the surprise of many, they have had a red hot start with their league leading pitching in everything possible. They have a combind era of 1.00 a whip of .89 and other teams BA against them is .152 also they lead the leauge in quality starts with 4. Their bats haven't got there just yet but their pitching and solid defense is what is carrying them to this 4-0 start, oh yeah I forgot to mention they are doing all this without their #1 pitcher! I am not saying the O's are going to win the AL of even with their division but they will compete and they are a team to watch this year as a darkhorse. Everyone was talking about the A's and all the talent they added on the mound but the O's have just as much talent they are just a tad younger.

   The Reds are also off to a great start and without one of their starting pitchers as well. This season has so far lived up to all my expectation and then some. Granted there has been a lot more injuries to key players then I would have liked but still so far so good. I know there has kinda been a lot more home runs then last year and I don't know if maybe MLB went back to a juiced ball of maybe pitchers are just off to a rocky start who knows. I really hope though that there are at least as many 20 game winners as last year if not a hand full more. I look for Clayton Kershaw to compete for the AL Cy Young this year his first start was outstanding and tonight he makes his second, if only I had MLB extra innings I could watch it. Well thats all I got for now I will be back later to do my NBA picks for tomorrow and talk NBA playoffs as well as talk about the NCAA National title game from last night

Opening Day

   Sorry it has been awhile since I have been able to post a lot going on this week with me and not that much going on sports wise a few NBA games true but I figured I should for sure get something in since today is opening day, which didn't disapoint one bit. The Yankees played the first game of the day on ESPN and it was a decent game a lot more offense than I expected in the first few innings with both teams having their ace on the mound. The Yankees had C.C. up there and he did pretty good going 6 innings giving up 3 runs (2 earned runs) off 6 hits 2 walks and 7 K's he didn't get the W though obviously cause he left when the game was tied at 3-3. The Tigers ace on the other had looked really good except for one hit which was the 3 run homerun, Verlander went 6 innings gave up 3 runs off 3 hits 4 walks and 8 K's also got a N/D cause he left with the game tied. It looks like the Tigers may have a bull pen problem as the year goes on, obviously the Yankees have some big bats but so do the Tigers. The Reds picked up right where they left off last year with the comeback walk off HR win, like we saw so many times from them last year. Last years NL MVP went 1-2 with a HR and 2 RBI's. This game wasn't on TV but it really seemed like the Brewers might be who everyone is saying they are and they just might come out on top in that division. I know they lost today to the Reds but still their starting pitcher had a quality outting going 6 innings giving up only 2 runs off 7 hits with 3 walks and 4 K's. The Reds big bats came through when it matter most, Hernandez had a great day going 4-5 with the walk off to cap it all off. Stubbs also had a great day going 2-5, I think Stubbs is going to have break out season this year so keep your eye on him. The Brewers did take a hit with Greinke starting the year on the DL but I look for them to have a big year as I said early possibly win the division. As far as the second game on ESPN the Cardinals and the Padres it looked like the Cards had a great shot at winning this one with their 1 remaining ace on the hill for them (with their other ace out with Tommy John) and he gave them 7 quality innings leaving with the game tied at 2, but the Cards big bats just couldnt get going today, and by big bats I mean Pujols who is an abouve .500 hitter on opening day, not today he wasn't he went 0-5 thats right 0-5 in their season opener. The best game of the night though was for sure the Giants v. Dodgers I say that because of the great pitching match up that we were in store for and niether pitcher disapointed that is for sure. I will start with the losing pitcher Lincecum, that's right folks he started out with a L, but he pitched flawlessly the only run he gave up was unearned he went 7 innings gave up 1 unearned run off 5 hits with 3 walks and 5 K's. The Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was really on his game and I look for him to make a legit run and the AL Cy Young this year remember that come the end of the season. But he went 7 innings gave up no runs off 4 hits with 1 walks 9 K's, I have him on 2 of my fantasy teams and I was reading about him and they were saying his strike outs have been there last year with 223 strike outs, the only thing they were worried about was his walks and he seems to have that under control in the start of the season lets hope he keeps it up.

   That's all I got for todays games I will now give my picks for tomorrows games. The Astros v. the Phillies and when Docs on the mound for the Phillies it makes it really hard to pick against them, even with all the injuries they have to deal with I don't see Doc losing tomorrow. I know they are without their closer but with Doc and Lee in there for the first 2 games you might not even need a bull pen and thats the truth, Phillies win. The Pirates v. the Cubs and I know I have been big on the Cubs all spring and they have Dempster going for them I just am a little worried about their offense I think the Pirates aren't the gratest but will surprise a lot of people. That being said I think Ryan Dempster handles the start great and the Cubs win. The White Sox v. the Indians, and since this isn't the Indians of old I am going to have to go with the White Sox here. Also the White Sox should be just as good as they were last year I know that rest on Peavy's health but they should be fine with their offense, White Sox win. The Red Sox v. the Rangers and everyone knows that the Rangers are my team and I love picking my team to win every game. That being said the Sox have their ace Jon Lester on the mound for them who has been lights out the past 2 years, but the Rangers have such a great offense, but wait so do the Sox. Haha sorry about that I am going to just have to go with the Rangers here I know that Lester is more proven then Wilson but that doesn't mean Wilson can't get even better this year, plus look at the lineup he has behind him and the improved defense, RANGERS WIN!! The D-Backs v. the Rockies, now a lot of people I have been talking to have the Rockies sneaking away and winning that division and I could see it happening too if Jimenez can be consistant this year that could be a very scary thing for other teams, especially with that offense also so many people have been saying the D-Backs will be no good, I am taking the Rockies to win. Twins v. the Blue Jays and now that the Twins are healthy it is going to be tough for me to pick against them when going against a team like the Jays, now don't get me wrong the Blue Jays will have great offense this year but lets see how their pitching and bull pen fair, Twins win. The Mets v. the Marlins and while the Marlins are young they have soo much talent its hard to count them out in any game this year. They have a solid ace in Johnson and now they just need to get their young guys to mesh together and they could be a dangerous team, Marlins win. The Orioles v. the Rays, and I know the Rays gave up a lot last year but like I have said Manny is back to his old self which should scare a lot of people and they have the Talent to be great they just need their new Bull pen to show up and be consistant, Rays win. The Angels v. the Royals and Haren is on the mound for the Angels so I am going to take them to win their second straight on the way to what may be a season opening sweep. The Mariners v. the A's and while they both have ace's on the hill, the A's have Cahill an 18 game winner last year but the Mariners have who was it again...? O YEAH King Felix on the hill last years best pitcher and I don't see him falling off anytime soon, espeically with the little bit of offensive upgrade they got, not to mention I think this year Smoak will break out to what everyone thought he should be, M's win. The Giants and Dodgers face off again for game 2 of the series and I think that this should be a good pitching match up as well but I have the Giants taking this one, although I hope the Dodgers get a great outting from Billingsly cause he is on my fantasy team.


  I know there is not basketball in this post I am saving that for tomorrow sorry.

Shame on me

   I totally forgot to mention over the weekend Anthony Robles the one legged wrestler from ASU not only won the national title but didn't lose as single match all year. I have heard some people say that having one leg could be an advantage and let me tell you now as a wrestler there is only one small advantage he would have. That would be the fact that has one less leg which is a lot less weight and if you know wrestling you know how much weight can mean. But that being said only have one leg has MUCH more disadvantages, for one he can't sink both legs in while on top  to easily flatten someone out to keep yourself on top. Also shooting in to get a take down would be much harder only being able to push off one leg and having to come pretty much from a crouching position I could go on and on but seriously this kid deserves all the attention he has gotten and probably a little more. I know that there was the no leg no arms kid which was great. But he never competed at this high of a level, college wrestling is pretty much as high as you can go as a wrestler aside from the Olympics.

   Anyways on to tonights basketball games where so far I am a perfect 2-0 with the Lakers leading the Suns by 7 in the 4th quarter. I knew the Bulls were red hot coming into tonights game but I thought the Hawks would at least give them a game seeing as how they were rested and the Bulls just played last night. Obviously if you saw the game you know that wasn't the case with Rose dropping 30 points 4 rebounds and 10 dimes oh yeah and did I mention he only played 3 quarters! Thats cause  the Bulls were up by 41 going into the 4th where they lead by as many as 47 with their back ups in and ended the game winning 114-81. With this run the Bulls have gone on over the past few weeks it seems to be clear that they are the team to beat in the East, no longer is it the Celtics. The other game tonight was the Blazers v. the Wizards and the Blazers have really gotten going after the all star break and I would have to say they are a team no one is going to want to face in the first round of the playoffs in the West.

    Now on to tomorrows picks lets hope I can keep up the great picks. First up tomorrow we have the Nets v. the Cav's and since the Nets don't have D-Will I still have a hard time picking against them but the Cav's seem to have fallen back to their old ways as of late. I am going to have to say that even without Williams the Nets pull this one off, they are already 2-1 versus the Cav's this year and that only win coming from the start of the season when the Cav's were at full strength, Nets win but this one could go either way. The Hawks play their second game in just as many days this one is on the road in Philly against the Sixers. I really like what the Sixers have done the second half of the season but this one is tough the Hawks are coming off a horrible loss tonight to the Bulls I don't know how they will respond, also they could be tired I am going with the little upset here and taking the Sixers to win. The Grizzlies v. the Celtics in Boston where the C's will need to come away with a W to keep up with the Bulls in the East. They are facing a red hot Memphis team who is without their star players yes but not playing like it. However this is a big game for the Celtics and I think they will hold strong on their homecourt, Celtics win. The Heat are on the road to play the Pistons, I think that the further along the season goes the better off the Heat are and I say Wade and LeBron are going to have huge nights again, Heat win. The Kings travel to play the Bucks and while I know the Kings have young talent the Bucks actually have a decent amount of talent, Bucks win. The Magic are in the Big Apple to play the Knicks who are under a lot pressure right now to win right away, people keep saying well the Heat started to figure it out around this time. What you are forgetting is the Heat had a whole offseason also with eachother. I still have faith in the Knicks though I think they get a big game out of their big 3 and pull out a huge win against a good east team. I think Howard will have a great night cause I don't think anyone on the Knicks can stop him except maybe Amare but I think the Knicks have more talent all around then the Magic and I think it will show tomorrow, Knicks win. The Jazz are on the road again where we know they are not great, and on top of that they play the Thunder. You all know how much I had already liked the Thunder before they traded for Perk but now that they have him I like them even more, Thunder win and Durrant has a huge night I'll say 35+. The Warriors travel to Houston after getting crushed by the Mav's I have a feeling they are going to come out strong. Houston is a much better team then people think however I think the Warriors will pull off the upset, again this one is a toss up to me, Warriors win. The Raptors v. the Suns and while the Suns had the late game tonight they don't have to travel far to get back home for tomorrows game, and the way Nash is playing I don't see them losing to a team like the Raptors. Although when they want to the Raptors can surprise a lot of people, Suns win. The Spurs are without Duncan as they face the red hot Nuggets who are 10-2 without Melo I believe.  That being said I think the Spurs will be to much for them, but I will go again with another upset here and take the Nuggets, you don't have to agree but I say Nuggets win. The Wizards are on the road again tomorrow where they face the Clippers who are great at home and have been good as of late, Clippers win.

    Non on to my daily spring training updates and stats real quick. Lets start with the Phillies who had Cliff Lee on the mound today for the win over the Blue Jays. Lee went 6 innings gave up 2 runs off 4 hits with 2 walks and 2 K's another great outting by the Phillies rotation. King Felix was on the mound as well today for the Mariners he went 5 innings gave up 2 runs off 3 hits with 0 walks and 5 K's. Felix continues to be the best pitcher in baseball and I expect another great year out of him, the only thing he is lacking is a team behind him. If this guy was on a better team we could possibly see the first 25 game winner in years, maybe the Phillies will pick him up, HAHA could you imagine. Plenty of ace's on the mound today as the Rays ace David Price went up agains the Red Sox and went 6 1/3 innings giving up only 1 run on 5 hits with 2 walks   7 K's. Price who won 20 games last year is one of my favorite pitchers, I am sure he wasn't please when they moved all the Bull pen and all their talent in the off season but now that he sees how serious Manny and Damon are I think the realizes they could contend again this year. On the other side of that game the Red Sox had Lackey out there he went 5 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs off 6 hits on 2 walks and 4 K's also 2 home runs. Not the outting they wanted from him obviously, good thing its still spring, however this was his first loss of the spring.


   Lakers win in OT bringing me to 3-0 on the day and 9-1 on the week, I hope my picks for tomorrows games are on track with the rest of my picks so far this week.

Yeah buddy

   So after a horrible end of the weekend with all the upsets in the NCAA tournament I bounced back great with my NBA picks for tonight. I only missed one game and that was the Knicks game, and they had the lead in the 4th quarter under like 8 minutes to go and they blew it. I know it doesn't look great for them right now but I still have to think that by the time the playoffs come around they will be ready to go. I am not sure if they will make it out of the first round but they will be a really really tough out, and I wouldn't be surprised if they did get out of the first round. The Magic beat the Cav's by 11 behind Howards 28-18 night, the way he has been playing this year will make it hard to give the MVP to anyone else. I know that Rose has been just as good and carried that Bulls team when they were hurt early on in the season. But a lot of people say that without Howard the Magic are a sub .500 club and I would have to agree. That to me makes him the MVP to his team there is no doubt, I think that without Rose the Bulls would be worse but still good cause they have Noah and Boozer as well as some good pieces around them. Anyways the real story of the second half has to be the Nuggets without Melo. Everyone expected them to collapse and I really didn't see that happening. First off the players they got were playing great for Knicks this year, and the players they had are also great players. They just like I have said many times are young and fast and are ready to improve no matter what it takes. With Melo on their team they ran the offense through him because he is one of the best scorers in the league and it'd be silly for them not to. But the players they have are great getting out and running and playing defense and now that Melo is gone they get their chance to show that, oh yeah and not to mention the great coach they have as well. These Nuggets will be a really  tough out in the playoffs as well depending who they get in the first round.

    Now there are only a few games tomorrow so I hope to get a perfect day going to keep up the good week. Lets see the first game up is the Bulls v. the Hawks and I know this will be the second game in just as many days for the Bulls and the Hawks are a good team but I still think that the Bulls are hot right now and it will take a perfect game from the Hawks or a really bad game from the Bulls for the Hawks to win. The way Rose has been playing and the lack of play coming from Joe Johnson of the Hawks really tells me all I need to know about this game. If Johnson steps it up the Hawks have a good shot at taking this one but that being said I still going with the red hot Bulls to win on the road. The Wizards travel to Portland to take on the Blazers who are also doing well as of late. We all know that the Wizards are not the best team and they are even worse on the road which is where they will be playing tomorrow. Like I mentioned before the Blazers are playing well as of late and I think that Wallace has just started to figure out how to fit in to that offense which only means trouble for other teams, Blazers win. Next up the Suns v. the Lakers in L.A. and even though the Suns have Nash back I don't think it will be enough to stop the Lakers. I know that the Lakers will be without one of my favorite player on their team Bynum, who will be surving the second game of his 2 game suspension for a flagerant 2 foul. I still think the Lakers are to big and to good for the Suns, Lakers win.


    There was a possible World Series preview today when the Phillies played the Red Sox, with the Phillies coming out on top 4-1. Both squads had their ace's on the hill and neither one disapointed, Halladay went 7 2/3 innings gave up 1 run on 5 hits with 3 walks and 6 K's. While the Red Sox ace Lester who went hitless through 4 innings, pitched 5 1/3 innings giving up 4 runs only 3 of them earned on 5 hits with 4 walks and 6 K's. I know that doesn't sound that great but still he looked great through the first 4 as I said didn't give up a hit in those 4 but kinda lost it in the last inning giving up those 5 hits and 3 earned runs. Other games that were worth mentioning the Twins beat the Pirates 4-1 most other games were rained out so there wasn't much today but I am sure there will be plenty tomorrow as we are just 10 days away from opening day, I can't wait!

I knew it!

    All last week I was sitting there telling myself not to let myself get to attatch to teams in this tourney because this one is as up in the air as any of them have been. I knew that there was not much difference between the top seeds and the bottom but of course I talk myself out of the upsets and into the safe play and what happens...the upsets I do go with get beat and the tops seeds I pick get beat. It was lose lose weekend for me, today being the worst. I was actually doing really well in all my brackets until today, and the killer is I was sitting there on ESPN.com in a contest where you pick the winners round by round instead of the whole bracket at once. As I sat there looking at my picks thinking I have no upsets today I should really change that, Notre Dame hasn't seen defense like FSU I think they might crumble under the pressure, and Marquetter already beat Syracuse once this year maybe I should swich 'em up... BUT of course not! I didn't go with my gut and it really cost me big time, that is all I am going to say on the tournament for now cause today was a bad bad day.


    Now lets get to the NBA and my picks for tomorrow since I have been much better at that then NCAA. The first game up is the Magic v. the Cav's and I don't think this one will take much explaining I am going with D. Howard and the Magic for this one, I just think that Howard will be way to much inside for the Cav's and while the Magic are much worse without him they are still good with him, Magic win. Next the Pacers v. the Nets and without D-Will in the Nets lineup I can't really take them to beat anybody even the Pacers. Don't get me wrong I am not saying the Pacers aren't a good team cause they are getting much better I think they are a younger team and could be even better next year, Pacers win. The Cetlics travel to New York to take on the Knicks and while the Knicks have been struggling of late Melo always seems to play his best in big games like this one. I say the Knicks big 3 out play the Celtics big 4 and come away with a much needed win. Like I said before lets not forget how many games it took the Heat to get there stuff togethere and they had all off season and the first 20 games, the Knicks don't even have hardly any time, but they will get it together before the playoffs I still have faith, Knicks win. The Kings take on the Bulls who are coming off a tough OT loss to the Pacers in which Rose dropped 42 points, plus that one was on the road this one is at home where the Bulls have been great all year. I look for Rose to continue playing like the MVP he is going to be and lead the Bulls to a win at home, Bulls win. The Jazz go on the road to take on the Grizzlies and we know the Jazz aren't the best road team and the Grizzlies have been doing much better then I thought the would without Rudy Gay, all that being said Grizzlies win. The Warriors take on the Spurs after getting beat down by the Mav's now they have to play the Spurs the next night, it doesn't get any harder then that really, Spurs win. The Raptors v. the Nuggets and while the Raptors pulled off the upset tonight over the Thunder this will be their 2nd game of a back-to-back and they play the Nuggets who are red hot despite the loss this weekend, Nuggets win big.

   Now on to some spring training as usual at this part of the post. I have said it plenty of times this spring if the Sox are going to get to the World Series they will need their pitching to step up and it seems Beckett and Matsuzaka have been better, not great but better towards the end of the spring. Matsuzaka especially the last 2 outtings he has had have been much better then the start of the spring. But this is still the spring and still much to early to tell who will be doing what come the end of the season. The biggest story of the spring as far as pitchers and dominating go for me would have to be the Tigers Justin Verlander, who said that coming into spring he was going to treat it like it was already April and it has worked out well for him. He threw again today and was dominant once again going 6 innings giving up 0 runs off 6 hits 1 walk and 7 K's. I am really glad I picked him up for one of my fantasy teams, I really tried to focus on making my teams as balanced as possible. I know that in roto leagues pitching can go along way but still you don't want only pitchers cause they only play once every 5 games. You still need talented position players in order to compete in any fantasy league Roto or heads up.

What a start to the week

   Man I had a great start to my week picks wise for the NBA tonight with a 10-1 start. I watched both games on ESPN first with the Thunder v. Heat and I knew that everyone was ready to jump on the Heat bandwagon after their 3 game win streak, but like I said it wasn't enough for me to be ready to trust them just yet. I know that with Perk now in the line up for OKC they are so much more dangerous, not just Perk but also Muhammad and Ibaka down low now they clog up the paint very well. I really like the way the Thunder played tonight on the defensive end of the basketball.  Westbrook struggled for most of the game but he always seems to find a way to get his. To me this is the most exciting team in the NBA they are my second favorite team behind my Mav's obviously. These guys are so young and so talented that it is ridiculous the Thunder really have a great core going into the future and I see them dominating the West here in the near future. As far as the Heat go it was the same old thing for them again tonight failing to close out the game in the fourth quarter. I mean it was a close game at the half only cause the Thunder got cold shooting in the last 5 minutes of the first half I believe they only made one shot. Which should have gave Miami momentum going into the half and you'd expect them to come out strong. But that isn't what happened they looked like the old Heat losing it in the second half and to me a huge part of this is cause Bosh got out of the low post, which is where he has been asking for the ball lately and it has obvioulsy been working. Like I had stated awhile back in order for Miami to be any good into the playoffs or against teams like this they need Bosh to be a 20-10 guy at least. Now on to the Mav's game which was the second game in the double header, where the Mav's let themselves get into a hole early. The Warriors started out on fire hitting something like 12 of their first 13 shots and jumping out to an 18 point lead. That didn't worry the Mavericks one bit they were patient and fixed their mistakes buckeled down on defense and got the stops needed to pull out the win. Since this game was on ESPN now everyone got a chance to see what I have been talking about with Roddy B. and what he brings to this Mav's team. He had 18 points 4 dimes 2 boards and 4 steals as well. If they are really getting Butler back for the playoffs then this team really could be headed deep. Dirk started off rough missing 3 out of his first 4 shots, but once he heated up there was no stopping him as he went for 34 points 13 boards 2 dimes and 1 block. The Mav's just have so many weapons I can't even talk about them all but it was a great to see them keep their cool and make that come back.

    Now I'll cover my picks for tomorrows three games real quick here. First up we have the Bulls v. the Nets both teams are hot coming into this game the Nets winners of 5 staight where as the Bulls are winners of 14 of their last 16 games. Also the Bulls playing behind who I think is the sure fire MVP in Rose, I think they come away with the win on the road here over the Nets. Williams has been playing great since the trade there is no doubt about that and we see now how good he really is, lifting this Nets team to places it hasn't been in 4 years, still Bulls win. Next up for tomorrow is The Grizzlies v. the Knicks in New York and the Knicks are coming off another loss to the Pacers so I am looking for them to bounce back strong here and get a win against a quality team. Lets not forget how long it took the Heat to mesh together and they even got to go throught training camp together these guys are doing it in the back half of the season with hardly and practice time together. I know that they have my man Billups and that should be enough for them to get it together just in time for the playoffs, but tomorrow Knicks win. The Cav's are on the road against the Blazers who I am liking more and more as the season goes on. I know they just beat my Mav's but that just makes me respect them that much more. As you all know I am an Aldrige fan especially when he went on that run after he got shafted for the all star game. But now with Roy back and with the addition of Wallace these guys can really make some noise in the playoffs, Blazers win.


    Now for some spring training as I usually do at the end of this post. The Rangers spring stuggles continue, well more their close out pitching is stuggling. C.J. Wilson started the game for the Rangers and went 5 innings giving up 7 hits but only 2 runs on 1 walk and 5 K's, if you ask me he did his job leaving the Rangers up 9-2 before the other 4 pitchers choked the game away and they ended up losing 10-11 to the Rockies. The Rangers big name bats did their jobs as well going 6-15 to go along with 5 RBI's, the loss doesn't worry me as long as the starters play well in the spring thats all you can ask for. The Red Sox had their ace on the mound today Lester agains the Braves ace Hanson. They both started out strong but Hanson finished a bit stronger then Lester did which helped the Braves edge the Sox 5-4. Lester went 4 2/3 innings gave up 8 hits and 3 runs off 2 walks and 4 K's. Hanson on the other hand pitched a gem going 5 innings giving up 2 hits and 1 run off 0 walks and 5 K's that one run was off a home run though. Prado, Jones, and McCann the Braves 3 big bats in this game were dialed in and went 5-10. Carpenter was back on the mound today for the Cardinals, this showing wasn't as good as his first but still good enough for the win. He went 4 innings gave up 6 hits and 3 runs off 1 walk and 0 K's, but that brings him to a perfect 2-0 record for the spring. Pujols who seems to have struggled a little this spring went 1-3 with a grand slam and 5 RBI's. As far as the defending world champs go they too rack up another win, this one over the White Sox. To me it was no surprise they got the W today behind their ace Lincecum who is 3-0 this spring after today where he went 5 1/3 innings gave up 3 hits 1 run off 3 walks and 7 K's I know the walks a tad high but its spring and 7 K's in 5 innings thats pretty good striking out pretty much half the batters you face. That should do it for today I will get back on tomorrow after some of the first tourney games are over and let you know what I think so far. O yeah and GO LOBOS IN THE NIT!!!!

Back and Forth

    College basketball this year has been crazy to say the least. I know that everyone has been saying the one and done rule has drained all the talend in the NCAA, which might be true but at least we get one year of them instead of none. This also makes for closer games and what will make for probably the most exciting tournament we have seen in a long time. I am just saying I know that the one seeds look strong but really no one has been THAT great of a team. You could make a case for OSU but I really can't buy them there are split with both Wisconson and Purdue and the only other top 25 teams they beat were Minnesota twice but we now know that Minnesota isn't who we thought they were. Also they beat Florida but at the very start of the year where Florida didn't know exactly who they were if you ask me they are a totally different team now. I thinkg that in a tournament setting they might not be able to do as well as people think. I mean don't get me wrong I have them going to the final 4 heck I even have them beating Purdue in the finals by 2 in one of my brackets. Which is one of my best one I think so I will go ahead and let you know who I picked from that one.

   For the REAL first round I got OSU, G. Mason, WVU, Kentucky, Marquette, Syracuse, Washington, and UNC coming out of the East. For the Wests first round winners I have Duke, Tennessee, Arizona, Texas, Cincy, Uconn, Temple, and SDSU. As far as the South East goes well I have Pitt, ODU, Kansas St, Belmount, St. Johns, BYU, MSU, and Florida. Now over to the South West portion where I am taking Kansas, Illinois, Vandy, Louisville, Georgetown, Purdue, Texas A&M, and Norte Dame. Ok now we are in the second round where I am taking OSU, Kentucky, Syracuse, and UNC to advance, Washington is good and I know they are older then UNC but I think UNC's talent level is so high and they got their tournament jitters out in the ACC tourney, now they are ready to go (knock on wood!). The West second round I have Duke, Texas, Uconn, and SDSU no need to explain myself there I would hope. On to the next one which is the South East where I have Pitt, Kansas St, BYU, and Florida now I know ODU has been a trendy pick here seeing as how they crash the boards hard just like Pitt only ODU leads the country in rebounding deferential and scoring defense. Also Pitt has been known to choke in the tourney in the past so if you want to go with ODU here you could get rewarded with a win. Anyways back to the picks and the South West region where I have Kansas, Louisville, Purdue, and Notre Dame the Georgetown game might be tough if Wright is playing at his highest level but still Purdue has two star players who to me are the college version of Westbrook and Durrant, I am talking of course about E twuan Moore and Jujuan Johnson. If they aren't college basketballs Westbrook and Durrant then nobody is.

   Ok now we get into the more paid attention to rounds starting with the sweet 16. So coming out of the east advancing to the elite 8 I have OSU, and UNC I am not sure that OSU will get past Kentucky they have shown signs of greatness this year but also shown signs of their young age and also lack of depth seeing as how Calipari only plays 6 guys unless he is forced to do otherwise. OSU also isn't that deep as far as big men go either I guess you could say this one is a toss up I just like the age of OSU here. Now on to the West where I have Duke, and SDSU this one is really tough for me I know they say Irving will be back and in a limited roll but you have to figure by this point he and the team are used to eachother again and are looking like the Duke of the start of the year. That being said I have a really tough time taking Duke to beat Texas I have it in this bracket but not in any of my others, I'll tell you what I think and let you pick for yourself. I have loved Duke all year and if you read my college hoops stuff you would know that. However they lack consistant inside presence to say the least. I know that with Irving back they won't have to rely on the big men as much but still I think Texas' big men are outstanding especially Tristan Thompson also they have Richard Hamilton and Balbay who is a great defender. To me Texas is the perfect match up to take Duke out, but for some reason I took Duke maybe their age is why but if your lookin for another upset pick I would for SURE go with Texas over Duke here. Now the South East region I have Kansas State, and Florida advancing. I know that is a shocker probably for everyone reading Kansas state over Pitt your saying to yourself whats this guy thinking? Well the fact is that guard play and experience can go a very long way in this tournament and Kansas state has outstanding guard play with Pullen out there and they were in the elite 8 last year so I am going with a huge upset pick here and taking them over Pitt. Plus like I said you may even have ODU here if you do take Kansas state still. Like I said Pitt just has a way of falling apart when ther pressures on, if your saying well that was then this is now look at the big east tourney. Everyone knew Kemba was getting that shot and they choked and switched up off the screen just like Uconn wanted. Even before that Uconn missed the shot at first and Pitt the best rebounding team couldn't even pull down the board. Now we are finally getting somewhere the elite 8 where I have OSU v. UNC and while I really love UNC and I think that if they did face OSU they would give them a lot of trouble I am just having a tough time taking such young guys who we aren't really 100% about I mean they all have to play at their highest level all 6 games and I just don't know if they can....wait a minute what am I saying this is the perfect match up for UNC if you ask me and I am taking them to advance to the final four over the overall number one seed in OSU. Next up we have Duke v. SDSU where I have the upset pick again winning this one thats right Steve Fishers Aztecs are making it to the final four. I just think that their inside presence and defense will be to much for Duke, SDSU has been playing some of the best team basketball all year and just cause they are in the MWC people don't take notice. Which brings me to my next point the Mountain West was so much stronger this year then in years past there is no way anyone can say different. We had the Lobo's, CSU, UNLV, BYU, and of course SDSU all are good teams and all are great competition for the other. Plus I have faith in Steve Fisher and his coaching, I mean look what he has done with the program already. Next up is Florida v. Kansas State where I have Kansas state advancing and being last years Butler in likes of getting this far. The reason I am going this way is cause I don't think Florida is a true 2 seed I know they are a much better team now then at the start of the year. I know they have experience and age on their side and also have 3 great player. Still the fact remains that so does Kansas State and I like Pullen better, especially on the big stage.  Next is Purdue v. Kansas and I know that with this pick I am taking no #1 seeds to the final four and blah blah blah, but I am taking Purdu over Kansas here. I know that at the start of this I said I have OSU winning but as you know I just changed that pick cause I took UNC to beat them in the elite 8, sorry I just really started to think of the match up and I think it favors UNC a little more.

    All that being said here is one of my final fours, the one I think that is most likely to happen. Well actually it depends on Kyrie Irving and how well he mixes in with the team. Anyways here my final four I have UNC v. SDSU and Purdue v. Kansas State. For the first match up I know that the Aztecs match up great with the Tarheels and so do the coaches but for some reason I just think that this Tarheels team is only going to get better every game the play. They have learned from every loss and I expect them to bounce back strong after the way they performed in the ACC tourney. I know its a risky pick I would even take SDSU here if you aren't so sure about the Tarheels cause the Aztecs will match up well and it will be a very close game this one is a toss up but I am taking the Heels. Then in the other match up we have Purdue v. Kansas State where I am of course taking Purdue to take that one home on the back of Jujuan Johnson,  E twuan will have a great game but JuJuan will be the difference maker. that brings up to the National championship game of UNC v. Purdue and with that being said I think the UNC's talent takes them all the way to the top of that ladder to cut down those nets. I know that is kinda a crazy bracket I just think there really hasn't been a clear cut #1 team all year and I know OSU has looked great but they haven't really played the toughtest of games and I just think that the talent is so even that its hard to go with anyone as a sure thing.


   I will have more NBA stuff tonight as well as baseball stuff of course. Well I am off to finish watching the Red Sox v. Braves game.