The 2010 offseason MLB Winter Meetings are in full swing in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Some notes on today's biggest news:
-Paul Konerko re-signed with the Chicago White Sox; 3 year contract, 37.5 million dollars
-Carlos Pena signed with the Chicago Cubs; 1 year contract, 10 million dollars
-Jeff Francoeur signed with the Kansas City Royals; 1 year contract; 2.5 million dollars
Top Remaining Free Agents
1. Cliff Lee, pitcher
Potential Suitors: Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals
2. Carl Crawford, outfielder
Potential Suitors: New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox
3. Adrian Beltre, third baseman
Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Angels, Oakland A's
4. Rafael Soriano, relief pitcher
Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Angels
5. Vladimir Guerrero, designated hitter (maybe outfielder....maybe)
Potential Suitors: Texas Rangers, Oakland A's
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Auburn v. Oregon, January 10
The headlines are endless, seen on every sports website and even on numerous big news websites.
"Auburn, Oregon set to meet for National Title"
All the headlines go something like that, prepping 1+ month of news readying us for the January 10 National Championship that will come from Glendale, Arizona.
Each top team won today in order to complete a perfect regular season, Auburn over South Carolina and Oregon over Oregon State. The teams are almost certain to remain #1 and #2 in the BCS Standings, respectively, which technically are updated tomorrow, but really what it means is that all the BCS matchups will be set.
Other teams who have clinched a spot in a BCS Bowl Game include:
TCU (Mountain West)
Oklahoma (Big 12)
Connecticut (Big East)
Virginia Tech (ACC)
Other teams extremely likely to play in a BCS Game:
Stanford (Pac-10), as an automatic qualifier by virtue of being in Top 4 of BCS Standings
Wisconsin (Big 10), as highest Big 10 team in the final BCS Standings, released tomorrow
Other teams in the running for a BCS spot: (in order of likelihood)
Arkansas (SEC), as an at-large
Ohio State (Big 10), as an at-large
Michigan State (Big 10), as an at-large
LSU (SEC), as an at-large
Boise State (WAC), as an at-large
"Auburn, Oregon set to meet for National Title"
All the headlines go something like that, prepping 1+ month of news readying us for the January 10 National Championship that will come from Glendale, Arizona.
Each top team won today in order to complete a perfect regular season, Auburn over South Carolina and Oregon over Oregon State. The teams are almost certain to remain #1 and #2 in the BCS Standings, respectively, which technically are updated tomorrow, but really what it means is that all the BCS matchups will be set.
Other teams who have clinched a spot in a BCS Bowl Game include:
TCU (Mountain West)
Oklahoma (Big 12)
Connecticut (Big East)
Virginia Tech (ACC)
Other teams extremely likely to play in a BCS Game:
Stanford (Pac-10), as an automatic qualifier by virtue of being in Top 4 of BCS Standings
Wisconsin (Big 10), as highest Big 10 team in the final BCS Standings, released tomorrow
Other teams in the running for a BCS spot: (in order of likelihood)
Arkansas (SEC), as an at-large
Ohio State (Big 10), as an at-large
Michigan State (Big 10), as an at-large
LSU (SEC), as an at-large
Boise State (WAC), as an at-large
Red Sox Strengthen Offense
The Boston Red Sox offense took a hit this offseason when star catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez left the team via free agency to the Detroit Tigers. Additionally, it appears third baseman Adrian Beltre will not return to the team, as he appears bound for another team also through free agency.
But the Red Sox made a big move on Saturday by finalizing a trade to acquire stellar first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres. Boston sent away three prospects, namely a pitcher Casey Kelly, who is consider to be a top prospect.
This adds a critical piece to the Red Sox offense in regard to keeping up with other AL East offensive powerhouses, the Yankees and Rays. The Red Sox also are contenders to land one or two free agent outfielders, Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford.
More baseball thoughts coming soon...
But the Red Sox made a big move on Saturday by finalizing a trade to acquire stellar first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres. Boston sent away three prospects, namely a pitcher Casey Kelly, who is consider to be a top prospect.
This adds a critical piece to the Red Sox offense in regard to keeping up with other AL East offensive powerhouses, the Yankees and Rays. The Red Sox also are contenders to land one or two free agent outfielders, Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford.
More baseball thoughts coming soon...
Monday, November 29, 2010
US Women's Soccer in Group C
The groups for the 2011 Women's World Cup was announced today, with the United States being placed in Group C along with North Korea, Sweden and Columbia. The 2011 Women's World Cup will be played at nine various sites in Germany.
Group C is the best group among the four groups, based on world rankings. Sweden is #4 in the latest world rankings, while North Korea is #6.
The U.S. women will begin play on June 28 against North Korea, followed by World Cup newcomer Columbia on July 2, and finishing with a July 6 game against Sweden.
2011 World Cup play begins June 26 and finishes on July 17.
Group C is the best group among the four groups, based on world rankings. Sweden is #4 in the latest world rankings, while North Korea is #6.
The U.S. women will begin play on June 28 against North Korea, followed by World Cup newcomer Columbia on July 2, and finishing with a July 6 game against Sweden.
2011 World Cup play begins June 26 and finishes on July 17.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
BCS Bowl Projections
The BCS Standings were updated this evening, and there were many changes at the top. Here is the top 10 in the most recently released BCS Standings:
1. Auburn
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. Stanford
5. Wisconsin
6. Ohio State
7. Arkansas
8. Michigan State
9. Oklahoma
10. LSU
Here is the BCS Bowl Game setup:
BCS National Championship: #1 vs. #2 BCS teams
Sugar Bowl: SEC Champion vs. At-Large
Orange Bowl: ACC Champion vs. At-Large
Fiesta Bowl: Big 12 Champion vs. At-Large
Rose Bowl: Big 10 Champion vs. Pac 10 Champion
-The Big East also earns an automatic BCS Game spot, but does not have any tie-ins with a specific BCS Bowl game. In essence, the Big East is filled in as an at-large team.
Here is our projections for how the 5 major BCS will be:
BCS National Championship: #2 Oregon vs. #1 Auburn
Sugar Bowl: #7 Arkansas vs. #6 Ohio State
Orange Bowl: (#15) Virginia Tech vs. (#24) West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl: #9 Oklahoma vs. #4 Stanford
Rose Bowl: #5 Wisconsin vs. #3 TCU
-TCU will earn an at-large BCS Spot by virtue of finishing in the Top 12 of the BCS Standings, being from a non-BCS conference, and finishing the highest in the BCS of non-BCS teams
-The Pac-10 forfeits it Rose Bowl BCS Spot by sending Oregon to the National Championship game, but Stanford still makes a BCS Game because of finishing in the Top 4 of the BCS Standings
-Ohio State will receive an at-large BCS spot, and won't be matched up with Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl because they each reign from the Big 10.
-Arkansas receives an at-large BCS Spot, because the SEC forfeits its BCS tie-in when Auburn plays in the BCS National Championship game.
1. Auburn
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. Stanford
5. Wisconsin
6. Ohio State
7. Arkansas
8. Michigan State
9. Oklahoma
10. LSU
Here is the BCS Bowl Game setup:
BCS National Championship: #1 vs. #2 BCS teams
Sugar Bowl: SEC Champion vs. At-Large
Orange Bowl: ACC Champion vs. At-Large
Fiesta Bowl: Big 12 Champion vs. At-Large
Rose Bowl: Big 10 Champion vs. Pac 10 Champion
-The Big East also earns an automatic BCS Game spot, but does not have any tie-ins with a specific BCS Bowl game. In essence, the Big East is filled in as an at-large team.
Here is our projections for how the 5 major BCS will be:
BCS National Championship: #2 Oregon vs. #1 Auburn
Sugar Bowl: #7 Arkansas vs. #6 Ohio State
Orange Bowl: (#15) Virginia Tech vs. (#24) West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl: #9 Oklahoma vs. #4 Stanford
Rose Bowl: #5 Wisconsin vs. #3 TCU
-TCU will earn an at-large BCS Spot by virtue of finishing in the Top 12 of the BCS Standings, being from a non-BCS conference, and finishing the highest in the BCS of non-BCS teams
-The Pac-10 forfeits it Rose Bowl BCS Spot by sending Oregon to the National Championship game, but Stanford still makes a BCS Game because of finishing in the Top 4 of the BCS Standings
-Ohio State will receive an at-large BCS spot, and won't be matched up with Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl because they each reign from the Big 10.
-Arkansas receives an at-large BCS Spot, because the SEC forfeits its BCS tie-in when Auburn plays in the BCS National Championship game.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
College Football; What a Weekend
The college football season took another incredible turn this weekend, with two top five teams losing and seven Top 25 teams losing altogether. (Boise State, LSU, Oklahoma State, Alabama, Arizona, North Carolina State, Iowa)
The nation's top two teams, Oregon and Auburn, were both victorious this weekend. That means if each wins in their final games next weekend, they will meet for the BCS National Championship in January. If either loses, the top teams behind them are likely to be TCU, Stanford and Wisconsin.
Boise State, previously #4 in the BCS Standings, was beaten by #19 Nevada in Reno. The Broncos season will now not finish in a BCS Bowl, as they had dreamed all season long.
LSU, previously #5 in the BCS Standings, was beating by #12 Arkansas on the road. The Tigers were hoping to represent the SEC as a secondary BCS team, but now will not. Arkansas may have an outside shot at a BCS game depending on how games finish out next weekend.
Here's what we anticipate for the upcoming BCS Standings, which will be released tomorrow:
1. Auburn (12-0)
2. Oregon (11-0)
3. TCU (12-0)
4. Stanford (11-1)
5. Wisconsin (11-1)
6. Ohio State (11-1)
7. Arkansas (10-2)
8. Michigan State (11-1)
9. Oklahoma (10-2)
10. Boise State (11-1)
11. LSU (10-2)
12. Missouri (10-2)
13. Nebraska (10-2)
14. Nevada (11-1)
15. Virginia Tech (10-2)
16. Oklahoma State (10-2)
17. Alabama (9-3)
18. Texas A&M (9-3)
19. South Carolina (9-3)
20. Utah (10-2)
21. Florida State (9-3)
22. Mississippi State (8-4)
23. West Virginia (8-3)
24. Northern Illinois (10-2)
25. Arizona (8-3)
Projected (BCS) Conference Champions:
ACC: Virginia Tech
(Virginia Tech will face Florida State on December 4 for ACC Title)
Big East: West Virginia
(West Virginia, Connecticut and Pittsburgh are currently tied atop the Big East. If Connecticut wins next weekend at South Florida, then Connecticut will represent the Big East in a BCS game. We project South Florida will defeat Connecticut. We project West Virginia and Pittsburgh will both win their respective games, ending the season tied atop the conference. West Virginia holds the advantage through the head-to-head tiebreaker)
Big 10: Wisconsin
(Wisconsin, Ohio State and Michigan are tied atop the Big 10 Standings. We project that Wisconsin will be the highest team of these three in the final BCS Standings, which is the tiebreaker when more than a two-team tie is present. Wisconsin will represent the Big 10 in a BCS Game.)
Big 12: Oklahoma
(Nebraska will represent the Big 12 North in the Big 12 Championship Game, set to take place next weekend. The representative from the Big 12 South will be either Oklahoma, Oklahoma State or Texas A&M. We anticipate that Oklahoma will be the highest ranked team of these three in the BCS Standings that are released tomorrow, and will therefore face Nebraska for the Big 12 Championship.
Pac-10: Oregon
(The Ducks have clinched the Pac-10 Championship. If they beat Oregon State on December 4, they will almost certainly be in the BCS National Championship game.)
SEC: Auburn
(Auburn will face South Carolina for the SEC Championship on December 4.)
Check back tomorrow for the first edition of our BCS Bowl Projections.
I've finally mustered up the strength to get up off the couch, refasten my belt and continue with my life after the greatest buffet of all time AKA Thanksgiving. And with that I've also finally gotten past my 48 hour distaste with the sport of football after the dreaded Cowboys/Saints game which punched me right in the stomach. So, despite a wicked stomach ache and extra pounds gained, its time to pump out the NFC South of the Midseason NFL Report.
NFC South
Falcons
Current Record: 8-2
Final Record: 13-3
The Falcons have had a weird last 5 years. Vick leaves the team...Bobby Petrino leaves the team midway through the season....They draft Matt Ryan 2nd overall and he brings the team back into contention....Down year last year and after an opening loss to Pittsburgh, they've gone 7-1 and are probably the best team in the NFC right now. On a 4 game win streak, Matt Ryan has only lost once at home in his career and I would say they would lose this Sunday to the Packers, but that record tells me otherwise. Their schedule from here on out is pretty easy: Carolina twice, Tampa Bay, and Seattle. I see them winning all those games, but the questionable games are this week vs. Green Bay, and a Week 16 matchup on Monday Night with the Saints that could decide the NFC South. Statistic to look out for, 24th in the league in Pass D, and I'm sure Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees love to hear that. They're half a game up for first now, and Matt Ryan has had a great career so far. These last 6 games will really decide whether Matt Ryan is truly an elite QB in this league or not.
Saints
Current Record: 8-3
Final Record: 11-5
It seems like we see this every year recently. The defending Super Bowl champion comes into the season inconsistent and can barely put together a winning season. The Steelers were .500 both years after Big Ben and Co. won, and the Saints were 4-3 after a loss to Cleveland a month ago. Since that game they haven't lost, and are looking more and more like last years team on this win streak. Despite a close call on Turkey Day that I'd rather not talk about, this Saints team is still looking like a top team in the NFC. Top 3 in Passing, Top 5 in defending the pass, the only achilles heel has been involved with the running game. 25th in rushing, and 16th in defending the rush, they have not had a consistent running back all year. Drew Brees stats aren't all that impressive either: 23 TD's and 15 INT's. They have Baltimore and Atlanta back to back, which I see them losing. But trips to Cincy, St. Louis and Tampa Bay equals a 3-2 end to the season and a wild card spot in the playoffs.
Buccaneers
Current Record: 7-3
Final Record: 10-6
Looking at the team statistics for this Bucs team and its a wonder how they're as good as they are. 22nd in Passing, 12th in Rushing, 6th in Pass D, and an abysmal 29th in Rush D and this team could be tied for 1st after this week if they play their cards right. Bad news is they have Baltimore and Atlanta back to back these next two weeks. At Washington, then home for Detroit and Seattle before finishing against New Orleans in the Superdome, Raheem Morris has his plate full with good opponents. Josh Freeman is the comeback king, and I believe Raheem Morris is a strong candidate for Coach of the Year. They might not be the best team in the NFC like Morris thinks, but a 10-6 record to end is pretty solid considering this team was one of the worst teams a year ago.
Panthers
Current Record: 1-9
Final Record: 2-14
Better luck next year Carolina. Since going far in the playoffs 2 years ago, Delhomme completely fell off and was let go, and this team doesn't have a QB unless you can kinda count Brian St. Pierre. Their easiest opponent left on the schedule, Arizona in Week 15 but other than that I just keep seeing loss after loss after loss. Look out San Fran fans, don't be surprised if come draft day the Panthers are eyeing either Luck or Locker because Claussen might not be the answer. Either way their Pass D is surprisingly a valiant 7th in the league, so they got that going for them.
NFC South
Falcons
Current Record: 8-2
Final Record: 13-3
The Falcons have had a weird last 5 years. Vick leaves the team...Bobby Petrino leaves the team midway through the season....They draft Matt Ryan 2nd overall and he brings the team back into contention....Down year last year and after an opening loss to Pittsburgh, they've gone 7-1 and are probably the best team in the NFC right now. On a 4 game win streak, Matt Ryan has only lost once at home in his career and I would say they would lose this Sunday to the Packers, but that record tells me otherwise. Their schedule from here on out is pretty easy: Carolina twice, Tampa Bay, and Seattle. I see them winning all those games, but the questionable games are this week vs. Green Bay, and a Week 16 matchup on Monday Night with the Saints that could decide the NFC South. Statistic to look out for, 24th in the league in Pass D, and I'm sure Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees love to hear that. They're half a game up for first now, and Matt Ryan has had a great career so far. These last 6 games will really decide whether Matt Ryan is truly an elite QB in this league or not.
Saints
Current Record: 8-3
Final Record: 11-5
It seems like we see this every year recently. The defending Super Bowl champion comes into the season inconsistent and can barely put together a winning season. The Steelers were .500 both years after Big Ben and Co. won, and the Saints were 4-3 after a loss to Cleveland a month ago. Since that game they haven't lost, and are looking more and more like last years team on this win streak. Despite a close call on Turkey Day that I'd rather not talk about, this Saints team is still looking like a top team in the NFC. Top 3 in Passing, Top 5 in defending the pass, the only achilles heel has been involved with the running game. 25th in rushing, and 16th in defending the rush, they have not had a consistent running back all year. Drew Brees stats aren't all that impressive either: 23 TD's and 15 INT's. They have Baltimore and Atlanta back to back, which I see them losing. But trips to Cincy, St. Louis and Tampa Bay equals a 3-2 end to the season and a wild card spot in the playoffs.
Buccaneers
Current Record: 7-3
Final Record: 10-6
Looking at the team statistics for this Bucs team and its a wonder how they're as good as they are. 22nd in Passing, 12th in Rushing, 6th in Pass D, and an abysmal 29th in Rush D and this team could be tied for 1st after this week if they play their cards right. Bad news is they have Baltimore and Atlanta back to back these next two weeks. At Washington, then home for Detroit and Seattle before finishing against New Orleans in the Superdome, Raheem Morris has his plate full with good opponents. Josh Freeman is the comeback king, and I believe Raheem Morris is a strong candidate for Coach of the Year. They might not be the best team in the NFC like Morris thinks, but a 10-6 record to end is pretty solid considering this team was one of the worst teams a year ago.
Panthers
Current Record: 1-9
Final Record: 2-14
Better luck next year Carolina. Since going far in the playoffs 2 years ago, Delhomme completely fell off and was let go, and this team doesn't have a QB unless you can kinda count Brian St. Pierre. Their easiest opponent left on the schedule, Arizona in Week 15 but other than that I just keep seeing loss after loss after loss. Look out San Fran fans, don't be surprised if come draft day the Panthers are eyeing either Luck or Locker because Claussen might not be the answer. Either way their Pass D is surprisingly a valiant 7th in the league, so they got that going for them.
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