Posts
By Rick Morris
The new FDH Wednesday night lineup will rock your evening just like it did last week in its debut in the timeslot.
On tonight’s special edition of THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (7-9 PM EDT on SportsTalkNetwork.com), we examine the “Vin Baker” and “Brian Giles” candidates of 2008 in Major League Baseball. FDH baseball contributor Tim Foust coined these terms to describe the very rare exceptions to the rule that players will eventually regress or progress to the mean as the season continues. Up next in Hour One, we conduct our fourth annual Triple Crown draft as we turn our attention to Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. Our draft board is right here and the charts for the various horses are available at the Daily Racing Form website.
In the second hour, we review the 2008 NFL Draft, including FDH’s gavel-to-gavel coverage on the Network over the weekend. We have one unique metric that we will share with you: a numerical rating of how teams fared in the draft according to the list of FDH Top 200 Prospects regardless of position. You can find those rankings, along with all of our other one-of-a-kind coverage in our annual draft guide, available for free download right here. Additionally, our Senior Editor and Chief NFL Draft Correspondant Jason Jones will have his own winners and losers to discuss, as well as his breakdown on a wild weekend of trading and frequent disregard for value.
On THE GOON SQUAD (9-10 PM EDT), we review some NHL news and notes (Philly celebrates tradition a week after the league quashes it in Detroit, new GM in Vancouver, no Brian Burke migration to Toronto) before examining the less-than-competitive overall picture of the NHL conference semifinals. We now have a strong look at how the Western Finals will shake out and we’ll have your first preview, in addition to an analysis of what lies ahead out East.
Join us for all of the action Wednesday night on STN.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
I May Be Biased, But...
By Paul Belfi
I have to say (a few tech glitches aside) that I was very proud of our coverage of the 2008 NFL Draft on the mothership, sportstalkNETWORK.com.
I said it on my blog on STN but it certainly merits repeating here - Jason Jones was outstanding. I will put his knowledge on players, talent evaluation, etc. up against ANYONE in the industry - and when I say 'anyone' I mean ANYONE.
And if that wasn't enough, another outstanding edition of the FDH LOUNGE capped off a very long (but fun) weekend. I encourage anyone who may have missed the show to hit it on the archive. You won't be disappointed.
STN has deployed several new market sites in Detroit, Seattle and Canada with more on the way in the next few weeks - and all too happy to feature content from the staff of FANTASY DRAFT HELP.com
I have to say (a few tech glitches aside) that I was very proud of our coverage of the 2008 NFL Draft on the mothership, sportstalkNETWORK.com.
I said it on my blog on STN but it certainly merits repeating here - Jason Jones was outstanding. I will put his knowledge on players, talent evaluation, etc. up against ANYONE in the industry - and when I say 'anyone' I mean ANYONE.
And if that wasn't enough, another outstanding edition of the FDH LOUNGE capped off a very long (but fun) weekend. I encourage anyone who may have missed the show to hit it on the archive. You won't be disappointed.
STN has deployed several new market sites in Detroit, Seattle and Canada with more on the way in the next few weeks - and all too happy to feature content from the staff of FANTASY DRAFT HELP.com
Sunday, April 27, 2008
FDH Lounge Show #27: April 27, 2008
By Rick Morris
On tonight's very special 27th edition of THE FDH LOUNGE on SportsTalkNetwork.com (8-11 PM EDT), we welcome our friend The New York Bureau, who appears with us live and in-studio. His booking efforts helped shape tonight as a very memorable program.
In Hour One, we lead with an outstanding interview ... call him The San Diego Chicken ... call him The Famous Chicken ... call him whatever you want as long as you call him the greatest mascot of all time! He comes on with us at the start of the show. From there, we get into The Opening Statements of The FDH Lounge Dignitaries before we break down the fallout of the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania.
In Hour Two, once we wrap up our political analysis and debate, we get into our review of the NFL Draft. Don't forget to check out our coverage of the draft all over our blog, including from this weekend.
In Hour Three, we bring some more great interviews to you. Don LeGreca from NHL.com and NHL Live Radio on Sirius and New York's 1050 ESPN Radio talks Stanley Cup Playoffs and the overall New York sports scene with us. From there, our buddy Russ Cohen from Sportsology and Wrestleology joins us to talk hockey and 'rasslin, then we bring on Craig Minervini from Fox Sports Net Florida, who covers the Marlins and Panthers. But we also have more to discuss with him, because you may also know him as Craig DeGeorge, former WWF announcer from the late 1980s!
It's a jam-packed edition of the Lounge, as you have come to expect. We appreciate the efforts of The New York Bureau in bringing it all together tonight and we will welcome him in-studio as he gets to meet his greatest hero, our own Dignitary Burrell Jackson!
On tonight's very special 27th edition of THE FDH LOUNGE on SportsTalkNetwork.com (8-11 PM EDT), we welcome our friend The New York Bureau, who appears with us live and in-studio. His booking efforts helped shape tonight as a very memorable program.
In Hour One, we lead with an outstanding interview ... call him The San Diego Chicken ... call him The Famous Chicken ... call him whatever you want as long as you call him the greatest mascot of all time! He comes on with us at the start of the show. From there, we get into The Opening Statements of The FDH Lounge Dignitaries before we break down the fallout of the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania.
In Hour Two, once we wrap up our political analysis and debate, we get into our review of the NFL Draft. Don't forget to check out our coverage of the draft all over our blog, including from this weekend.
In Hour Three, we bring some more great interviews to you. Don LeGreca from NHL.com and NHL Live Radio on Sirius and New York's 1050 ESPN Radio talks Stanley Cup Playoffs and the overall New York sports scene with us. From there, our buddy Russ Cohen from Sportsology and Wrestleology joins us to talk hockey and 'rasslin, then we bring on Craig Minervini from Fox Sports Net Florida, who covers the Marlins and Panthers. But we also have more to discuss with him, because you may also know him as Craig DeGeorge, former WWF announcer from the late 1980s!
It's a jam-packed edition of the Lounge, as you have come to expect. We appreciate the efforts of The New York Bureau in bringing it all together tonight and we will welcome him in-studio as he gets to meet his greatest hero, our own Dignitary Burrell Jackson!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
NFL Draft Day One recap
By Rick Morris
The format of our special edition of THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER on SportsTalkNetwork.com during our gavel-to-gavel coverage of NFL Draft Day One did not allow for me to conduct any liveblogging. I apologize for that, but frankly, it was difficult enough to emcee our coverage with the smaller interval between picks without also being able to contribute thoughts here in real time. Lesson learned: unless the league goes back to 15-minute breaks between first-round picks, the days of me being able to put up 25 blog entries WHILE ALSO BROADCASTING THE EVENT are over!
I want to mention also how much we enjoyed being joined by Ken Becks from Gridiron Evaluations. He operates an outstanding site dedicated to revealing the insights gained from extensively breaking down game film. In life and in business, you are lucky to come across people whose knowledge helps you take your game to another level. Since our Senior Editor Jason Jones took the torch from me and became the lead FDH NFL Draft analyst, his exposure to Ken's work has really helped him in terms of becoming one of the foremost authorities on the draft today and for that I am really grateful. It was also a lot of fun having Ken on with us and I urge all of you to check out the archives on STN.
I also want to refer you yet again to our draft guide and to the full rundown of who went where in Round 1 and Round 2.
Now, most of my sports work with FantasyDrafthelp.com throughout the year is dedicated to fantasy sports; I do focus on the NFL, NBA and NHL drafts a bit, but for the most part my work revolves around fantasy and roto sports. As such, though, I am always looking for similarities between the fantasy and "real" realm to demonstrate to all of you how much people who are paid to run pro franchises operate by our concept of obtaining maximum value. Well, most of the time, anyway! We saw some real winners and losers today in terms of obtaining value for the selections.
VALUE WINNERS
^ Denver: Ryan Clady was more OT than they thought they'd be able to get at 12, even if Mike Shanahan was on suicide alert after Sedrick Ellis went off the board. Of course, Eddie Royal sucked as a second-round value, so The Rat is still on The Clock.
^ Pittsburgh: NO WAY NO HOW should Rashard Mendenhall have fallen all the way to the favorite team of the overalls crowd and the AFC North will pay the price for the stupidity of others for years. Plus Limas Sweed in the second? No freaking way!
^ New York Giants: The Super Bowl champs prove that the rich do get richer. They need to fill a hole at safety and end up getting the best one in the draft with Kenny Phillips. Pencil them in for a long playoff run again next year.
^ Washington: They trade back from 21 in the first round into the second and still get the best WR in Devin Thomas? The rest of the league needs to get a collective saliva test. The inexplicable slides of Thomas and Mendenhall will be questioned for years to come.
^ Philadelphia: DeSean Jackson may not be exactly what they need at WR, but they traded back to the mid-second round to take him, so how can you complain?
^ Arizona: Calais Campbell in the mid-second. Niiiiiiiiiiiice.
VALUE LOSERS
^ Oakland: Well, Al Davis isn't so much a value loser as a life loser at this point. He's got four potentially viable RBs on his roster and can't live without a fifth. Enjoy your next 4-12 season, old man!
^ New England: Did Bill Belichick of New England get replaced by Bill Belichick of Cleveland? 'Cause there's faint echos of the Touchdown Tommy Vardell/Kyle Brady insanity in his desire to take Jerod Mayo a good 10-15 picks before anyone else would bother.
^ Jacksonville: You could have traded up a good five spots lower and still drafted Derrick Harvey.
^ Carolina and Dallas: Jonathan Stewart and Felix Jones over Mendenhall? I mean, I know that Jerry Jones had to get his Hog Quota since he lost out on Darren McFadden, but really now!
^ Tennessee: Another marginal prospect over a franchise WR. Different year, same feces in Nashville.
^ Houston: Yeah, because why take a RB when you've got a shifty scatback like Ron Dayne ready to go?
^ St. Louis: Donnie Avery and Jerome Simpson at WR? Give us a call when you learn the meaning of value.
Join us for Day Two coverage on STN and for a recap on our FDH LOUNGE program tomorrow night (8-11 PM EDT) on STN.
The format of our special edition of THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER on SportsTalkNetwork.com during our gavel-to-gavel coverage of NFL Draft Day One did not allow for me to conduct any liveblogging. I apologize for that, but frankly, it was difficult enough to emcee our coverage with the smaller interval between picks without also being able to contribute thoughts here in real time. Lesson learned: unless the league goes back to 15-minute breaks between first-round picks, the days of me being able to put up 25 blog entries WHILE ALSO BROADCASTING THE EVENT are over!
I want to mention also how much we enjoyed being joined by Ken Becks from Gridiron Evaluations. He operates an outstanding site dedicated to revealing the insights gained from extensively breaking down game film. In life and in business, you are lucky to come across people whose knowledge helps you take your game to another level. Since our Senior Editor Jason Jones took the torch from me and became the lead FDH NFL Draft analyst, his exposure to Ken's work has really helped him in terms of becoming one of the foremost authorities on the draft today and for that I am really grateful. It was also a lot of fun having Ken on with us and I urge all of you to check out the archives on STN.
I also want to refer you yet again to our draft guide and to the full rundown of who went where in Round 1 and Round 2.
Now, most of my sports work with FantasyDrafthelp.com throughout the year is dedicated to fantasy sports; I do focus on the NFL, NBA and NHL drafts a bit, but for the most part my work revolves around fantasy and roto sports. As such, though, I am always looking for similarities between the fantasy and "real" realm to demonstrate to all of you how much people who are paid to run pro franchises operate by our concept of obtaining maximum value. Well, most of the time, anyway! We saw some real winners and losers today in terms of obtaining value for the selections.
VALUE WINNERS
^ Denver: Ryan Clady was more OT than they thought they'd be able to get at 12, even if Mike Shanahan was on suicide alert after Sedrick Ellis went off the board. Of course, Eddie Royal sucked as a second-round value, so The Rat is still on The Clock.
^ Pittsburgh: NO WAY NO HOW should Rashard Mendenhall have fallen all the way to the favorite team of the overalls crowd and the AFC North will pay the price for the stupidity of others for years. Plus Limas Sweed in the second? No freaking way!
^ New York Giants: The Super Bowl champs prove that the rich do get richer. They need to fill a hole at safety and end up getting the best one in the draft with Kenny Phillips. Pencil them in for a long playoff run again next year.
^ Washington: They trade back from 21 in the first round into the second and still get the best WR in Devin Thomas? The rest of the league needs to get a collective saliva test. The inexplicable slides of Thomas and Mendenhall will be questioned for years to come.
^ Philadelphia: DeSean Jackson may not be exactly what they need at WR, but they traded back to the mid-second round to take him, so how can you complain?
^ Arizona: Calais Campbell in the mid-second. Niiiiiiiiiiiice.
VALUE LOSERS
^ Oakland: Well, Al Davis isn't so much a value loser as a life loser at this point. He's got four potentially viable RBs on his roster and can't live without a fifth. Enjoy your next 4-12 season, old man!
^ New England: Did Bill Belichick of New England get replaced by Bill Belichick of Cleveland? 'Cause there's faint echos of the Touchdown Tommy Vardell/Kyle Brady insanity in his desire to take Jerod Mayo a good 10-15 picks before anyone else would bother.
^ Jacksonville: You could have traded up a good five spots lower and still drafted Derrick Harvey.
^ Carolina and Dallas: Jonathan Stewart and Felix Jones over Mendenhall? I mean, I know that Jerry Jones had to get his Hog Quota since he lost out on Darren McFadden, but really now!
^ Tennessee: Another marginal prospect over a franchise WR. Different year, same feces in Nashville.
^ Houston: Yeah, because why take a RB when you've got a shifty scatback like Ron Dayne ready to go?
^ St. Louis: Donnie Avery and Jerome Simpson at WR? Give us a call when you learn the meaning of value.
Join us for Day Two coverage on STN and for a recap on our FDH LOUNGE program tomorrow night (8-11 PM EDT) on STN.
Final Rick Morris NFL mock draft
By Rick Morris
Here is my final NFL mock draft. Remember to download our FREE 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide and to tune in to a special edition of THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER on SportsTalkNetwork.com for live coverage of the NFL Draft all weekend starting at 3 PM today. Among other great guests: the one and only Hall of Fame quarterback and Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman!
FDH Managing Partner Rick Morris' Mock Draft
Team
Player
Position
School
1. MIA-
Jake Long
OT
Michigan
2. STL-
Chris Long
DE
Virginia
3. ATL-
Glenn Dorsey
DT
LSU
4. OAK-
Darren McFadden
RB
Arkansas
5. KC-
Matt Ryan
QB
Boston College
6. NYJ-
Vernon Gholston
DE
Ohio St
7. NE-
Leodis McKelvin
CB
Troy St
8. BAL-
Ryan Clady
OT
Boise St
9. CIN-
Sedrick Ellis
DT
USC
10. NO-
Keith Rivers
OLB
USC
11. BUF-
Devin Thomas
WR
Michigan St
12. DEN-
Chris Williams
OT
Vanderbilt
13. CAR-
Rashard Mendenhall
RB
Illinois
14. CHI-
Jeff Otah
OT
Pitt
15. DET-
Derrick Harvey
DE
Florida
16. ARI-
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie
CB
Tennessee St
17. KC-
Branden Albert
OG
Virginia
18. HOU-
Mike Jenkins
CB
South Florida
19. PHI-
Malcolm Kelly
WR
Oklahoma
20. TB-
DeSean Jackson
WR
California
21. WAS-
Calais Campbell
DE
Miami (FL)
22. DAL-
Aqib Talib
CB
Kansas
23. PIT-
Gosder Cherilus
OT
Boston College
24. TEN-
Limas Sweed
WR
Texas
25. SEA-
Kentwan Balmer
DT
North Carolina
26. JAX-
Kenny Phillips
FS
Miami (FL)
27. SD-
Sam Baker
OT
USC
28. DAL-
Felix Jones
RB
Arkansas
29. SF-
Dan Conner
ILB
Penn St
30. GB-
Brandon Flowers
CB
Virginia Tech
31. NE-
PICK FORFEITED DUE TO CHEATING
32. NYG-
Jerod Mayo
ILB
Tennessee
Here is my final NFL mock draft. Remember to download our FREE 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide and to tune in to a special edition of THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER on SportsTalkNetwork.com for live coverage of the NFL Draft all weekend starting at 3 PM today. Among other great guests: the one and only Hall of Fame quarterback and Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman!
FDH Managing Partner Rick Morris' Mock Draft
Team
Player
Position
School
1. MIA-
Jake Long
OT
Michigan
2. STL-
Chris Long
DE
Virginia
3. ATL-
Glenn Dorsey
DT
LSU
4. OAK-
Darren McFadden
RB
Arkansas
5. KC-
Matt Ryan
QB
Boston College
6. NYJ-
Vernon Gholston
DE
Ohio St
7. NE-
Leodis McKelvin
CB
Troy St
8. BAL-
Ryan Clady
OT
Boise St
9. CIN-
Sedrick Ellis
DT
USC
10. NO-
Keith Rivers
OLB
USC
11. BUF-
Devin Thomas
WR
Michigan St
12. DEN-
Chris Williams
OT
Vanderbilt
13. CAR-
Rashard Mendenhall
RB
Illinois
14. CHI-
Jeff Otah
OT
Pitt
15. DET-
Derrick Harvey
DE
Florida
16. ARI-
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie
CB
Tennessee St
17. KC-
Branden Albert
OG
Virginia
18. HOU-
Mike Jenkins
CB
South Florida
19. PHI-
Malcolm Kelly
WR
Oklahoma
20. TB-
DeSean Jackson
WR
California
21. WAS-
Calais Campbell
DE
Miami (FL)
22. DAL-
Aqib Talib
CB
Kansas
23. PIT-
Gosder Cherilus
OT
Boston College
24. TEN-
Limas Sweed
WR
Texas
25. SEA-
Kentwan Balmer
DT
North Carolina
26. JAX-
Kenny Phillips
FS
Miami (FL)
27. SD-
Sam Baker
OT
USC
28. DAL-
Felix Jones
RB
Arkansas
29. SF-
Dan Conner
ILB
Penn St
30. GB-
Brandon Flowers
CB
Virginia Tech
31. NE-
PICK FORFEITED DUE TO CHEATING
32. NYG-
Jerod Mayo
ILB
Tennessee
Final Jason Jones NFL mock draft
By Rick Morris
Here is the final mock draft from our Senior Editor Jason Jones.
FDH Senior Editor Jason Jones' Mock Draft
Team
Player
Position
School
1. MIA-
Jake Long
OT
Michigan
2. STL-
Chris Long
DE
Virginia
3. ATL-
Glenn Dorsey
DT
LSU
4. OAK-
Vernon Gholston
DE
Ohio St
5. KC-
Matt Ryan
QB
Boston College
6. NYJ-
Darren McFadden
RB
Arkansas
7. NE-
Keith Rivers
OLB
USC
8. BAL-
Leodis McKelvin
CB
Troy St
9. CIN-
Sedrick Ellis
DT
USC
10. NO-
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie
CB
Tennessee St
11. BUF-
Devin Thomas
WR
Michigan St
12. DEN-
Rashard Mendenhall
RB
Illinois
13. CAR-
Chris Williams
OT
Vanderbilt
14. CHI-
Ryan Clady
OT
Boise St
15. DET-
Derrick Harvey
DE
Florida
16. ARI-
Jonathan Stewart
RB
Oregon
17. KC-
Branden Albert
OG
Virginia
18. HOU-
Mike Jenkins
CB
South Florida
19. PHI-
Kenny Phillips
FS
Miami (FL)
20. TB-
DeSean Jackson
WR
California
21. WAS-
Calais Campbell
DE
Miami (FL)
22. DAL-
Aqib Talib
CB
Kansas
23. PIT-
Jeff Otah
OT
Pitt
24. TEN-
Malcolm Kelly
WR
Oklahoma
25. SEA-
Limas Sweed
WR
Texas
26. JAX-
Kentwan Balmer
DT
North Carolina
27. SD-
Gosder Cherilus
OT
Boston College
28. DAL-
Felix Jones
RB
Arkansas
29. SF-
James Hardy
WR
Indiana
30. GB-
Antoine Cason
CB
Arizona
31. NE-
PICK FORFEITED DUE TO CHEATING
32. NYG-
Jerod Mayo
ILB
Tennessee
Here is the final mock draft from our Senior Editor Jason Jones.
FDH Senior Editor Jason Jones' Mock Draft
Team
Player
Position
School
1. MIA-
Jake Long
OT
Michigan
2. STL-
Chris Long
DE
Virginia
3. ATL-
Glenn Dorsey
DT
LSU
4. OAK-
Vernon Gholston
DE
Ohio St
5. KC-
Matt Ryan
QB
Boston College
6. NYJ-
Darren McFadden
RB
Arkansas
7. NE-
Keith Rivers
OLB
USC
8. BAL-
Leodis McKelvin
CB
Troy St
9. CIN-
Sedrick Ellis
DT
USC
10. NO-
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie
CB
Tennessee St
11. BUF-
Devin Thomas
WR
Michigan St
12. DEN-
Rashard Mendenhall
RB
Illinois
13. CAR-
Chris Williams
OT
Vanderbilt
14. CHI-
Ryan Clady
OT
Boise St
15. DET-
Derrick Harvey
DE
Florida
16. ARI-
Jonathan Stewart
RB
Oregon
17. KC-
Branden Albert
OG
Virginia
18. HOU-
Mike Jenkins
CB
South Florida
19. PHI-
Kenny Phillips
FS
Miami (FL)
20. TB-
DeSean Jackson
WR
California
21. WAS-
Calais Campbell
DE
Miami (FL)
22. DAL-
Aqib Talib
CB
Kansas
23. PIT-
Jeff Otah
OT
Pitt
24. TEN-
Malcolm Kelly
WR
Oklahoma
25. SEA-
Limas Sweed
WR
Texas
26. JAX-
Kentwan Balmer
DT
North Carolina
27. SD-
Gosder Cherilus
OT
Boston College
28. DAL-
Felix Jones
RB
Arkansas
29. SF-
James Hardy
WR
Indiana
30. GB-
Antoine Cason
CB
Arizona
31. NE-
PICK FORFEITED DUE TO CHEATING
32. NYG-
Jerod Mayo
ILB
Tennessee
Final NFL mock draft from FDH Insider show
By Rick Morris
Our Senior Editor Jason Jones and I did a mock draft for our April 23 episode of THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (7-9 PM EDT Wednesdays on SportsTalkNetwork.com). Additionally, check out our 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide, which is a FREE download!
Mock Draft from April 23 FDH Insider Program
Team
Player
Position
School
1. MIA-
Jake Long
OT
Michigan
2. STL-
Glenn Dorsey
DT
LSU
3. ATL-
Matt Ryan
QB
Boston College
4. OAK-
Vernon Gholston
DE
Ohio St
5. KC-
Chris Long
DE
Virginia
6. NYJ-
Darren McFadden
RB
Arkansas
7. NE-
Leodis McKelvin
CB
Troy St
8. BAL-
Ryan Clady
OT
Boise St
9. CIN-
Sedrick Ellis
DT
USC
10. NO-
Keith Rivers
OLB
USC
11. BUF-
Devin Thomas
WR
Michigan St
12. DEN-
Branden Albert
OG
Virginia
13. CAR-
Rashard Mendenhall
RB
Illinois
14. CHI-
Chris Williams
OT
Vanderbilt
15. DET-
Derrick Harvey
DE
Florida
16. ARI-
Jonathan Stewart
RB
Oregon
17. KC-
Jeff Otah
OT
Pitt
18. HOU-
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie
CB
Tennessee St
19. PHI-
Malcolm Kelly
WR
Oklahoma
20. TB-
DeSean Jackson
WR
California
21. WAS-
Calais Campbell
DE
Miami (FL)
22. DAL-
Aqib Talib
CB
Kansas
23. PIT-
Gosder Cherilus
OT
Boston College
24. TEN-
Limas Sweed
WR
Texas
25. SEA-
Phillip Merling
DE
Clemson
26. JAX-
Kenny Phillips
FS
Miami (FL)
27. SD-
Sam Baker
OT
USC
28. DAL-
Felix Jones
RB
Arkansas
29. SF-
Dan Conner
ILB
Penn St
30. GB-
Mike Jenkins
CB
South Florida
31. NE-
PICK FORFEITED DUE TO CHEATING
32. NYG-
Jerod Mayo
ILB
Tennessee
Our Senior Editor Jason Jones and I did a mock draft for our April 23 episode of THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (7-9 PM EDT Wednesdays on SportsTalkNetwork.com). Additionally, check out our 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide, which is a FREE download!
Mock Draft from April 23 FDH Insider Program
Team
Player
Position
School
1. MIA-
Jake Long
OT
Michigan
2. STL-
Glenn Dorsey
DT
LSU
3. ATL-
Matt Ryan
QB
Boston College
4. OAK-
Vernon Gholston
DE
Ohio St
5. KC-
Chris Long
DE
Virginia
6. NYJ-
Darren McFadden
RB
Arkansas
7. NE-
Leodis McKelvin
CB
Troy St
8. BAL-
Ryan Clady
OT
Boise St
9. CIN-
Sedrick Ellis
DT
USC
10. NO-
Keith Rivers
OLB
USC
11. BUF-
Devin Thomas
WR
Michigan St
12. DEN-
Branden Albert
OG
Virginia
13. CAR-
Rashard Mendenhall
RB
Illinois
14. CHI-
Chris Williams
OT
Vanderbilt
15. DET-
Derrick Harvey
DE
Florida
16. ARI-
Jonathan Stewart
RB
Oregon
17. KC-
Jeff Otah
OT
Pitt
18. HOU-
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie
CB
Tennessee St
19. PHI-
Malcolm Kelly
WR
Oklahoma
20. TB-
DeSean Jackson
WR
California
21. WAS-
Calais Campbell
DE
Miami (FL)
22. DAL-
Aqib Talib
CB
Kansas
23. PIT-
Gosder Cherilus
OT
Boston College
24. TEN-
Limas Sweed
WR
Texas
25. SEA-
Phillip Merling
DE
Clemson
26. JAX-
Kenny Phillips
FS
Miami (FL)
27. SD-
Sam Baker
OT
USC
28. DAL-
Felix Jones
RB
Arkansas
29. SF-
Dan Conner
ILB
Penn St
30. GB-
Mike Jenkins
CB
South Florida
31. NE-
PICK FORFEITED DUE TO CHEATING
32. NYG-
Jerod Mayo
ILB
Tennessee
Friday, April 25, 2008
Drawing Comparisons
by Jason Jones
I just spent some time watching game film on RB Kevin Smith ofUniversity of Central Florida
I just spent some time watching game film on RB Kevin Smith of
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Cleveland Browns Draft Board (4th-7th Rounds)
By Jason Jones
The Cleveland Browns have a very intriguing situation going into this weekend's draft. It may seem like a poor situation in the eyes of the fans. I do not believe that Savage and his scouting staff would agree. It may be a reach, but it seems that the Browns inability to draft well in later rounds is due to not spending as much time on said later rounds. For example: Babatunde Oshinowo. However, since the free agency period rendered trades that lost picks in rounds 2 and 3, the staff has spent all of their time working on prospects in the 4th-7th rounds. As they have done, so have I. There is a small chance that they could trade up in the draft. Do not fool yourself, if they trade up, it will be higher in the 4th or maybe into the back end of the 3rd. Do not expect a blockbuster that will put the Browns into the first day...not going to happen. (just for fun, there is a rumor circulating that since Herm Edwards wants to acquire starters, they may consider packaging a deal to the Browns with a 1st [17th] and a 3rd for Derek Anderson). The following is the draft board as I see it for players the Browns could be interested in, based on need, players available, potential moves by position, and upside. If there is a player not mentioned...chances are, he will either be gone by the end of the 3rd, does not fit the Browns well, or just is not as good as advertised. The BOLD players indicate the players I really would want if I were making the picks.
1-37 are 4th round projected players
38-59 are 5th round projected players
60-70 are 6th round projected players
71-73 are 7th round projected players
74, the last physical freak who will play out of position if at all
75, Undrafted Free Agent
* = Formerly top 2-3 Round player who has dropped significantly
** = Higher rated player who has dropped far based on workouts or off field issues
*** = Injured during workouts. Ikegwuonu is my pick for "Steal of the Draft"
**** = The Army Academy has a program allowing cadets to play professionally immediately
***** = Xavier Lee was Terrell Pryor of a few years ago. He is a freak, but won't play QB due to a troubled, and short, career. If he can translate into a WR, he could be a major steal. Keep in mind what happened to Josh Cribbs after embracing his future as a special teamer. Even Cribbs' did NOT have the personal "issues" that Lee does.
The Cleveland Browns have a very intriguing situation going into this weekend's draft. It may seem like a poor situation in the eyes of the fans. I do not believe that Savage and his scouting staff would agree. It may be a reach, but it seems that the Browns inability to draft well in later rounds is due to not spending as much time on said later rounds. For example: Babatunde Oshinowo. However, since the free agency period rendered trades that lost picks in rounds 2 and 3, the staff has spent all of their time working on prospects in the 4th-7th rounds. As they have done, so have I. There is a small chance that they could trade up in the draft. Do not fool yourself, if they trade up, it will be higher in the 4th or maybe into the back end of the 3rd. Do not expect a blockbuster that will put the Browns into the first day...not going to happen. (just for fun, there is a rumor circulating that since Herm Edwards wants to acquire starters, they may consider packaging a deal to the Browns with a 1st [17th] and a 3rd for Derek Anderson). The following is the draft board as I see it for players the Browns could be interested in, based on need, players available, potential moves by position, and upside. If there is a player not mentioned...chances are, he will either be gone by the end of the 3rd, does not fit the Browns well, or just is not as good as advertised. The BOLD players indicate the players I really would want if I were making the picks.
- Bruce Davis-OLB-UCLA
- Shawn Crable-OLB-Michigan
- Ali Highsmith-ILB-LSU
- Philip Wheeler-ILB-Georgia Tech
- Jordan Dizon-ILB-Colorado
- Andre Woodson-QB-Kentucky*
- Kevin Smith-RB-Central
- Jacob Hester-FB/RB-LSU
- Frank Okam-DT-Texas
- Antwaun Molden-CB-Eastern
- Mario Manningham-WR-Michigan**
- Jeremy Zuttah-OG-Rutgers
- Mike McGlynn-OG-Pittsburgh
- Marcus Howard-OLB-Georgia
- Stanford Keglar-OLB-Purdue
- Zach Bowman-CB-Nebraska
- Jamar Adams-SS-Michigan
- Beau Bell-ILB-UNLV**
- Eric Young-OG-Tennessee
- Tony Hills-OT-Texas
- John David Booty-QB-
- Peyton Hillis-FB/RB-Arkansas
- Owen Schmidt-FB-West
- Tyvon Branch-CB-UConn
- Barry Richardson-OT-Clemson
- Allen Patrick-RB-Oklahoma
- Craig Steltz-SS-LSU
- Paul Hubbard-WR-Wisconsin
- Chauncey Washington-RB-
- John Carlson-TE-Notre Dame
- Oniel Cousins-OT-UTEP
- Kenny Iwebema-DE/OLB-Iowa
- Jack Ikegwuonu-CB-Wisconsin***
- Marcus Griffin-FS-Texas
- Jonathan Hefney-FS-Tennessee
- Ryan O’Hara-Central
- Adrian Arrington-WR-Michigan
- Robert Felton-OG-Arkansas
- Ben Moffitt-ILB-South
- Caleb Campbell-SS-Army****
- Dwight Lowery-CB-San Jose St
- Adam Kraus-OG-Michigan
- David Roach-FS-TCU
- Eric Ainge-QB-Tennessee
- Cory Byrd-RB-South
- Chevis Jackson-CB-LSU
- Chris Hopkins-TE-Toledo
- Jonathan Zenon-CB-LSU
- Doug Legursky-OC-Marshall
- Matt Flynn-QB-LSU
- Justin Forsett-RB-California
- Dominique Barber-SS-Minnesota
- Tim Hightower-RB-Richmond
- Wallace Gilberry-DE-Alabama
- Pedro Sosa-OT-Rutgers
- Chase Ortiz-DE-TCU
- Kyle Wright-QB-Miami
- Tommy Blake-DE-TCU
- Jordan Grimes-OG-Purdue
- Mario Urrutia-WR-Louisville
- Tyler Polumbus-OT-Colorado
- Jeremy Geathers-DE-UNLV
- Greyson Gunhiem-DE/OLB/ILB-Washington
1-37 are 4th round projected players
38-59 are 5th round projected players
60-70 are 6th round projected players
71-73 are 7th round projected players
74, the last physical freak who will play out of position if at all
75, Undrafted Free Agent
* = Formerly top 2-3 Round player who has dropped significantly
** = Higher rated player who has dropped far based on workouts or off field issues
*** = Injured during workouts. Ikegwuonu is my pick for "Steal of the Draft"
**** = The Army Academy has a program allowing cadets to play professionally immediately
***** = Xavier Lee was Terrell Pryor of a few years ago. He is a freak, but won't play QB due to a troubled, and short, career. If he can translate into a WR, he could be a major steal. Keep in mind what happened to Josh Cribbs after embracing his future as a special teamer. Even Cribbs' did NOT have the personal "issues" that Lee does.
Stanley Cup Playoffs -- Predictions Part II
By Rick Morris
6-2 record in the first round this year, but in all fairness it was mostly chalk advancing.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
SECOND ROUND
Montreal over Philadelphia in 6
New York Rangers over Pittsburgh in 7
CONFERENCE FINALS
New York Rangers over Montreal in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
SECOND ROUND
Detroit over Colorado in 6
San Jose over Dallas in 5
CONFERENCE FINALS
Detroit over San Jose in 7
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Detroit over New York Rangers in 6
NOTES
I stated that Anaheim was the team to beat going into the playoffs, followed by Detroit, followed by San Jose. The Ducks' shocking collapse leaves the Winged Wheel atop the charts in my book right now. The revival of the Avs rivalry will be epic. As for Dallas, I'm really sticking my neck out, but I believe their first-round blow-through was flukish. Montreal should skate circles around the Philly blue line and I believe the Rangers' experience will win out in the closest second-round series.
6-2 record in the first round this year, but in all fairness it was mostly chalk advancing.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
SECOND ROUND
Montreal over Philadelphia in 6
New York Rangers over Pittsburgh in 7
CONFERENCE FINALS
New York Rangers over Montreal in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
SECOND ROUND
Detroit over Colorado in 6
San Jose over Dallas in 5
CONFERENCE FINALS
Detroit over San Jose in 7
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Detroit over New York Rangers in 6
NOTES
I stated that Anaheim was the team to beat going into the playoffs, followed by Detroit, followed by San Jose. The Ducks' shocking collapse leaves the Winged Wheel atop the charts in my book right now. The revival of the Avs rivalry will be epic. As for Dallas, I'm really sticking my neck out, but I believe their first-round blow-through was flukish. Montreal should skate circles around the Philly blue line and I believe the Rangers' experience will win out in the closest second-round series.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
FDH Insider/Goon Squad: April 23, 2008
By Rick Morris
This Wednesday night, the SportsTalkNetwork.com Thursday night lineup moves to its new home as FDH Enterprises starts rocking your midweek with its programming.
THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (7-9 PM EDT) brings you coverage of baseball's injury wire in the first 45 minutes of the show, then an NFL mock draft that will demonstrate to you how we feel the first round will go on Saturday. Speaking of which, tune in for FDH's live draft coverage on STN from 3-9 PM EDT on Saturday and at 10 AM EDT on Sunday. Among our guests on Saturday: Troy Aikman! Nice going, STN booker Anthony Petrone! Also, if you haven't already, do yourself an immense favor and download our free 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide. You will see what we mean when we proclaim that our Senior Editor Jason Jones takes a backseat to nobody when it comes to incisive draft analysis.
THE GOON SQUAD (9-10 PM EDT) breaks down Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which get underway at the end of the week. Also, there has been one necessary rules change during these playoffs and one stupid and unnecessary one. We'll break them both down for you.
This Wednesday night, the SportsTalkNetwork.com Thursday night lineup moves to its new home as FDH Enterprises starts rocking your midweek with its programming.
THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (7-9 PM EDT) brings you coverage of baseball's injury wire in the first 45 minutes of the show, then an NFL mock draft that will demonstrate to you how we feel the first round will go on Saturday. Speaking of which, tune in for FDH's live draft coverage on STN from 3-9 PM EDT on Saturday and at 10 AM EDT on Sunday. Among our guests on Saturday: Troy Aikman! Nice going, STN booker Anthony Petrone! Also, if you haven't already, do yourself an immense favor and download our free 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide. You will see what we mean when we proclaim that our Senior Editor Jason Jones takes a backseat to nobody when it comes to incisive draft analysis.
THE GOON SQUAD (9-10 PM EDT) breaks down Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which get underway at the end of the week. Also, there has been one necessary rules change during these playoffs and one stupid and unnecessary one. We'll break them both down for you.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Fun Timewasters: Video Clips
By Rick Morris
From time to time, we try to accommodate our Lounge content consumers who just want some fun, light entertainment. Hence this edition of our Video Clips series, entitled "Fun Timewasters."
These are simply some video clips that you can enjoy and consume in the form of good, mindless entertainment. On with the show!
In honor of "Big Ben" Wallace bringing back the 'fro just in time for he and Lebron James to lead a spanking of the overrated Wiz in the playoffs, we honor the man with the greatest 'fro ever, Billy Preston (sorry, Oscar Gamble!). After elbowing Gilbert Arenas in the head at some point during the series, I'd like to see Wallace stand over him and croon, "Don't you remember I told you? I'm a soldier. In the war on poverty!"
Now that's old school! No pyro, no promos, just pro wrestling 1930s-style! Ed "Strangler" Lewis brings the noise.
If it's springtime, it's that time of year when our thoughts turn to brutal mayhem in hockey rinks during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. To celebrate, I bring to you the top five Bob Probert fights of all time!
The Barack Obama-Pastor Wright 12-inch dance remix.
Our Senior Editor Jason Jones says Rashard Mendenhall is actually the best running back in next weekend's NFL Draft. Judge for yourself.
This isn't a new clip; it's from a few years ago, but I don't care, I'm posting it anyway. It might well be the best feel-good video clip I've ever seen. Jason McElwain outdoes every sports movie ever with an out-of-this-world performance.
From time to time, we try to accommodate our Lounge content consumers who just want some fun, light entertainment. Hence this edition of our Video Clips series, entitled "Fun Timewasters."
These are simply some video clips that you can enjoy and consume in the form of good, mindless entertainment. On with the show!
In honor of "Big Ben" Wallace bringing back the 'fro just in time for he and Lebron James to lead a spanking of the overrated Wiz in the playoffs, we honor the man with the greatest 'fro ever, Billy Preston (sorry, Oscar Gamble!). After elbowing Gilbert Arenas in the head at some point during the series, I'd like to see Wallace stand over him and croon, "Don't you remember I told you? I'm a soldier. In the war on poverty!"
Now that's old school! No pyro, no promos, just pro wrestling 1930s-style! Ed "Strangler" Lewis brings the noise.
If it's springtime, it's that time of year when our thoughts turn to brutal mayhem in hockey rinks during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. To celebrate, I bring to you the top five Bob Probert fights of all time!
The Barack Obama-Pastor Wright 12-inch dance remix.
Our Senior Editor Jason Jones says Rashard Mendenhall is actually the best running back in next weekend's NFL Draft. Judge for yourself.
This isn't a new clip; it's from a few years ago, but I don't care, I'm posting it anyway. It might well be the best feel-good video clip I've ever seen. Jason McElwain outdoes every sports movie ever with an out-of-this-world performance.
Definitions are corrupt
By Rick Morris
Last month, television viewers witnessed a shocking spectacle: a horrific storm blowing straight through downtown Atlanta. Among other notable characteristics of the carnage, a good hunk of the roof was blown off the Georgia Dome during the SEC men's basketball tournament.
That night, a bunch of egghead scientists went before the cameras and refused to call the storm a tornado, "pending more examination of the facts." The next day, they reluctantly concluded that, yes, it probably had been a tornado.
Like most people who witnessed that anal-retentive idiocy, I said, "WHAT???" All that episode proved, however, was that scientists operate on the same basis as economists: clinging to technically-correct interpretations of illegitimate definitions.
Amid that chaos that the subprime mortgage meltdown inflicted on our economy -- with the collapse of a ginormous old-school institution that had to be crash-landed by the Fed so it didn't cause a global crisis -- with foreign institutions who have grown increasing restless at the prospect of continuing to finance our monstrous federal debt -- there are still economic pundits, mostly Republicans (because there's a Republican in the White House -- not an economic conservative, but still a Republican who must be defended to the death, apparently), who either deny that we're in a recession or are necessarily headed for one.
It is technically true that it's not yet proven that we're in a recession, inasmuch as the technical definition mandates two consecutive quarters of economic contraction. And it is true that the media sensationalizes bad economic news, albeit no more than they habitually emphasize the lurid on topics ranging from Britney Spears to Pacman Jones. But regardless of whether every economic horror story reported on meets the smell test, even your average mouth-breather in the mass media is closer to the truth of what's really going on than some jerk in an ivory tower trying to get attention by telling you that the numbers say that things aren't so bad.
By the standards of pedantic economists who use definitions at complete variance with how the average American understands modern vocabulary, the words themselves are rendered meaningless. I know this firsthand. I graduated from college when the George Bush Recession Caused by Caving In To Tom Foley On Tax Hikes was in full bloom, but apologists like Rush Limbaugh have always pointed to figures that indicated it was over very quickly and was not severe. Of course, why Limbaugh and so-called conservative economists have so consistently shilled for two generations of Bush presidents who had anything but a well-rounded conservative economic record remains an eternal mystery.
Hey, even the official inflation rate has only hovered around 4% each of the last few months. If the official inflation rate were a dude, I'd love to take him to the grocery store and the gas pump so I could call him a freaking liar before I punched him in the face. And the unemployment rate is officially only 5.1% right now, but it doesn't count people who are not employed but also not eligible for unemployment compensation. Nor does it count people working a measly part-time job because they can't find anything else or a couple of crappy part-time jobs. I know people who fit all of the above criteria in this "not yet a recession" period, just like how I lived it when I graduated in a "non recession" lo those many years ago. While Mark Twain's suspicion of statistics would probably make him a horrible rotisserie baseball player, it summed up perfectly our government's perennially-cynical attempts to cook the books on any number that could reflect poorly on the present time.
So the next time you hear Larry Kudlow (a man with a brilliant grasp of economic growth but no concept of how our country's debt will choke us some day and a tin ear for how his "technically correct" definitions of tough times are received by average voters) or some other "expert" pontificating about how conditions really aren't so bad because this equation on this piece of paper says so -- resolve to kick them in the groin if you ever get to meet them in person.
Last month, television viewers witnessed a shocking spectacle: a horrific storm blowing straight through downtown Atlanta. Among other notable characteristics of the carnage, a good hunk of the roof was blown off the Georgia Dome during the SEC men's basketball tournament.
That night, a bunch of egghead scientists went before the cameras and refused to call the storm a tornado, "pending more examination of the facts." The next day, they reluctantly concluded that, yes, it probably had been a tornado.
Like most people who witnessed that anal-retentive idiocy, I said, "WHAT???" All that episode proved, however, was that scientists operate on the same basis as economists: clinging to technically-correct interpretations of illegitimate definitions.
Amid that chaos that the subprime mortgage meltdown inflicted on our economy -- with the collapse of a ginormous old-school institution that had to be crash-landed by the Fed so it didn't cause a global crisis -- with foreign institutions who have grown increasing restless at the prospect of continuing to finance our monstrous federal debt -- there are still economic pundits, mostly Republicans (because there's a Republican in the White House -- not an economic conservative, but still a Republican who must be defended to the death, apparently), who either deny that we're in a recession or are necessarily headed for one.
It is technically true that it's not yet proven that we're in a recession, inasmuch as the technical definition mandates two consecutive quarters of economic contraction. And it is true that the media sensationalizes bad economic news, albeit no more than they habitually emphasize the lurid on topics ranging from Britney Spears to Pacman Jones. But regardless of whether every economic horror story reported on meets the smell test, even your average mouth-breather in the mass media is closer to the truth of what's really going on than some jerk in an ivory tower trying to get attention by telling you that the numbers say that things aren't so bad.
By the standards of pedantic economists who use definitions at complete variance with how the average American understands modern vocabulary, the words themselves are rendered meaningless. I know this firsthand. I graduated from college when the George Bush Recession Caused by Caving In To Tom Foley On Tax Hikes was in full bloom, but apologists like Rush Limbaugh have always pointed to figures that indicated it was over very quickly and was not severe. Of course, why Limbaugh and so-called conservative economists have so consistently shilled for two generations of Bush presidents who had anything but a well-rounded conservative economic record remains an eternal mystery.
Hey, even the official inflation rate has only hovered around 4% each of the last few months. If the official inflation rate were a dude, I'd love to take him to the grocery store and the gas pump so I could call him a freaking liar before I punched him in the face. And the unemployment rate is officially only 5.1% right now, but it doesn't count people who are not employed but also not eligible for unemployment compensation. Nor does it count people working a measly part-time job because they can't find anything else or a couple of crappy part-time jobs. I know people who fit all of the above criteria in this "not yet a recession" period, just like how I lived it when I graduated in a "non recession" lo those many years ago. While Mark Twain's suspicion of statistics would probably make him a horrible rotisserie baseball player, it summed up perfectly our government's perennially-cynical attempts to cook the books on any number that could reflect poorly on the present time.
So the next time you hear Larry Kudlow (a man with a brilliant grasp of economic growth but no concept of how our country's debt will choke us some day and a tin ear for how his "technically correct" definitions of tough times are received by average voters) or some other "expert" pontificating about how conditions really aren't so bad because this equation on this piece of paper says so -- resolve to kick them in the groin if you ever get to meet them in person.
WrestleMania 25 -- book it this way!
By Rick Morris
Twice in the leadup to WrestleMania 24, I put in my two cents about how best to book the year's biggest 'rasslin card. I have long believed that the best way to set up this card, especially since it essentially marks the end of one year of setup and the beginning of the next, is to set it far in advance and back up from there in terms of the year's entire booking. Having said that, here's my early recommendation of how to book what will surely be one of the biggest cards of all time in Houston's Reliant Stadium next April:
^ WWE Championship match: John Cena vs. The Undertaker. The streak ends here. You wanna hear crowd heat? Picture Cena beating Taker cleanly in his hometown in the biggest event of the year! I think that the WWE should have had UT end his streak at 14-0 against Batista in '07 or at 15-0 against Edge this year, but I'm convinced that the company should have him lose to Cena next year if they are serious about promoting him as the company's cornerstone (stopping the neutering of Cena's character would be a nice move also, but you can't have everything!). I can't get behind the Mark Markerson sentiments of those such as my SportsTalkNetwork.com colleague Paul Belfi who think that Undertaker should never lose at WrestleMania. For a promotion that cares first and foremost about perpetuating future success, equity is built up to be spent eventually and the priceless value of Taker's streak has to be transferred sometime and somewhere. Houston in '09 is the time and the place.
^ World Championship match: Edge vs. C.M. Punk. I'm in favor of Punk getting another run atop ECW, then moving on to new horizons when he drops the title again. A Mania match against Edge should be fantastic and should really help put him on the map. While I would pull the trigger on a Punk World Title run, I think that should be held off for a few more months as Edge has yet to have the heel World Title wins that have only ever been bestowed on HHH and (undeservedly) on Randy Orton. He needs his moment and should get it next year.
^ ECW Championship match: MVP vs. The Big Show. When MVP moves on from the U.S. Title scene later this year, he should be the man to take the ECW Title from Punk when it gets transitioned back to him. Then, at WrestleMania, the WWE can work out a deal to bring back Floyd Mayweather in a "special adviser" role for MVP as the "man who knows how to beat The Big Show." With the similarities of "Money May" and the MVP character, the heat for this angle could be insane. I'd keep the belt on MVP, with Show dishing out post-match chokeslams to both of his adversaries.
^ Texas Beer Hall Brawl: JBL vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. We keep hearing rumors that Austin "may have one match left in him." Supposedly, these two Texans wouldn't mind working a match together -- remember the tease for it on Saturday Night's Main Event back in 2006. Mania in Houston would be the perfect atmosphere for the kind of no-DQ brawl that could perfectly camouflage the kind of limitations that would have to be built into a match given the state of Austin's neck. With Austin having a variety of weapons at his disposal, he could get the feel-good win that would energize the crowd without doing any damage to JBL's main-event viability.
^ Legend of Legends Match: HHH vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Batista vs. Randy Orton vs. Kane. This match would be contested for a "WrestleMania Legend of Legends" trophy by competitors who had won a main event match at one of the previous Mania shows (main event for these purposes to include the title match for any of the brands in the post-'02 era, which would include Orton and Kane). This would be a good place to give HHH some credibility back as a main-event player as he continues down the back nine of his career.
^ BunnyMania Match: The Glamazon & Nattie Neidhart vs. Cherry & Candace Michelle. Frankly, the contestants in such a match don't matter. Utilize the "Lumberjill" format again to cram all the Divas into one segment and get them out of the way, have the heels win and provide some comedy to lighten up the show a bit. In other words, pretty much do what they did this year.
^ Money In the Bank 30-man battle royal. Because the multi-man format is being used for the "Legends" match this year, substitute the battle royal for the "Money In the Bank" designation. It also keeps the match a bit more fresh and gives the wrestlers a one-year respite from trying to top the previous spectacle (and it might be futile to try to top the one from this year). I'd have Vladimir Kozlov as the winner and use this as the embryonic stage of a main-event push.
^ WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Miz & Morrison vs. The Hardys. WrestleMania should have some fun nostalgia moments, especially the 25th edition, and seeing the Hardys in there against a team that could be regarded as one of the most entertaining in a long time by then -- wow, that could be excellent. Give the Hardys the win and watch the roof get blown off.
^ United States Championship Match: Chris Jericho vs. Rey Misterio. I'd like to see Jericho get moved to Smackdown and have some time with that program's secondary title also (well, actually, if I had my druthers he'd be booked as a main event face, but I'm trying to deal in the realm of the most they will get out of somebody). He could have some nice matches and some good entertainment in a Misterio feud and as with the Hardys, he'd pop the heck out of the crowd with a title win.
Twice in the leadup to WrestleMania 24, I put in my two cents about how best to book the year's biggest 'rasslin card. I have long believed that the best way to set up this card, especially since it essentially marks the end of one year of setup and the beginning of the next, is to set it far in advance and back up from there in terms of the year's entire booking. Having said that, here's my early recommendation of how to book what will surely be one of the biggest cards of all time in Houston's Reliant Stadium next April:
^ WWE Championship match: John Cena vs. The Undertaker. The streak ends here. You wanna hear crowd heat? Picture Cena beating Taker cleanly in his hometown in the biggest event of the year! I think that the WWE should have had UT end his streak at 14-0 against Batista in '07 or at 15-0 against Edge this year, but I'm convinced that the company should have him lose to Cena next year if they are serious about promoting him as the company's cornerstone (stopping the neutering of Cena's character would be a nice move also, but you can't have everything!). I can't get behind the Mark Markerson sentiments of those such as my SportsTalkNetwork.com colleague Paul Belfi who think that Undertaker should never lose at WrestleMania. For a promotion that cares first and foremost about perpetuating future success, equity is built up to be spent eventually and the priceless value of Taker's streak has to be transferred sometime and somewhere. Houston in '09 is the time and the place.
^ World Championship match: Edge vs. C.M. Punk. I'm in favor of Punk getting another run atop ECW, then moving on to new horizons when he drops the title again. A Mania match against Edge should be fantastic and should really help put him on the map. While I would pull the trigger on a Punk World Title run, I think that should be held off for a few more months as Edge has yet to have the heel World Title wins that have only ever been bestowed on HHH and (undeservedly) on Randy Orton. He needs his moment and should get it next year.
^ ECW Championship match: MVP vs. The Big Show. When MVP moves on from the U.S. Title scene later this year, he should be the man to take the ECW Title from Punk when it gets transitioned back to him. Then, at WrestleMania, the WWE can work out a deal to bring back Floyd Mayweather in a "special adviser" role for MVP as the "man who knows how to beat The Big Show." With the similarities of "Money May" and the MVP character, the heat for this angle could be insane. I'd keep the belt on MVP, with Show dishing out post-match chokeslams to both of his adversaries.
^ Texas Beer Hall Brawl: JBL vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. We keep hearing rumors that Austin "may have one match left in him." Supposedly, these two Texans wouldn't mind working a match together -- remember the tease for it on Saturday Night's Main Event back in 2006. Mania in Houston would be the perfect atmosphere for the kind of no-DQ brawl that could perfectly camouflage the kind of limitations that would have to be built into a match given the state of Austin's neck. With Austin having a variety of weapons at his disposal, he could get the feel-good win that would energize the crowd without doing any damage to JBL's main-event viability.
^ Legend of Legends Match: HHH vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Batista vs. Randy Orton vs. Kane. This match would be contested for a "WrestleMania Legend of Legends" trophy by competitors who had won a main event match at one of the previous Mania shows (main event for these purposes to include the title match for any of the brands in the post-'02 era, which would include Orton and Kane). This would be a good place to give HHH some credibility back as a main-event player as he continues down the back nine of his career.
^ BunnyMania Match: The Glamazon & Nattie Neidhart vs. Cherry & Candace Michelle. Frankly, the contestants in such a match don't matter. Utilize the "Lumberjill" format again to cram all the Divas into one segment and get them out of the way, have the heels win and provide some comedy to lighten up the show a bit. In other words, pretty much do what they did this year.
^ Money In the Bank 30-man battle royal. Because the multi-man format is being used for the "Legends" match this year, substitute the battle royal for the "Money In the Bank" designation. It also keeps the match a bit more fresh and gives the wrestlers a one-year respite from trying to top the previous spectacle (and it might be futile to try to top the one from this year). I'd have Vladimir Kozlov as the winner and use this as the embryonic stage of a main-event push.
^ WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Miz & Morrison vs. The Hardys. WrestleMania should have some fun nostalgia moments, especially the 25th edition, and seeing the Hardys in there against a team that could be regarded as one of the most entertaining in a long time by then -- wow, that could be excellent. Give the Hardys the win and watch the roof get blown off.
^ United States Championship Match: Chris Jericho vs. Rey Misterio. I'd like to see Jericho get moved to Smackdown and have some time with that program's secondary title also (well, actually, if I had my druthers he'd be booked as a main event face, but I'm trying to deal in the realm of the most they will get out of somebody). He could have some nice matches and some good entertainment in a Misterio feud and as with the Hardys, he'd pop the heck out of the crowd with a title win.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sore loser Gore hurts Democrats 8 years later
By Rick Morris
It's commonly accepted that the Democratic battle for president is the messiest since 1980, if not 1968 (and folks, we're headed for some Days of Rage out in Denver if Obama gets this nomination ripped from him). Everyone attributes two factors for this state of affairs:
1. The volatility of the usual Democratic obsession with identity politics being mixed with the certainty that either the first black or first woman candidate will be nominated.
2. The unparalleled ambition and ruthlessness of the Clintons.
But everyone's forgetting the vital third element in the equation, and this amnesia is surprising because it related directly to the rage Democrats have felt against George W. Bush since his first national campaign:
3. The legacy of the tactics deployed by Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election -- or rather, his refusal to accept the outcome of the 2000 election.
You remember the conduct of Sore-Loserman in the aftermath of the vote, don't you? The transformation of infantile drivel such as "the will of the people" becoming the official mantra of the Democrat party?
[Side note, Dick Nixon legitimately had the 1960 election stolen from him by crooks manipulating the "graveyard vote" in Illinois and Texas. Four decades later, Gore lost primarily because some of his core voters were illiterates who couldn't understand a simple butterfly ballot. Nixon refused to contest the election and conceded so our country wouldn't be divided at a time of peril in the Cold War. Regardless of what voters intended in their hearts, Gore lost the election by losing Florida and yet divided our country with relish at a vulnerable time when his president had spent eight years not facing up to the terrorist threat plaguing our nation. And yet it's Gore who gets made into a secular saint by the simpletons who comprise the ranks of "opinion leaders" in the U.S.A.]
Gore ran around the country trumpeting the fact that he won the popular vote, which is Constitutionally irrelevant under our system of government. Democrats demagogued the Electoral College, pronouncing it an anachronism when it suited their purposes. One of the chief phonies at the time was Hillary Clinton, who pronounced it undemocratic and who is now being blocked from the nomination by other phonies who pronounce her efforts undemocratic. Yes, there is a God and He has a sense of Karmic humor!
Gore picked a fight in a game of chicken he knew he could not possibly win, for it was certain that even if the U.S. Supreme Court backed the partisan hacks on the Florida Supreme Court and allowed the little old ladies with hatpins surreptitiously poking holes in the chads to steal the election that the House of Representatives would vote to recognize the legal Katherine Harris slate of electors. So he had no chance -- not immediately that is, as the clear endgame was to bloody up Bush for a rematch four years later and that scenario would have played out had Gore not chickened out when Bush was still in his post-9/11 popularity phase.
By posing as if they were the only ones concerned with "counting all the votes," Democrats ended up creating an extra standard in all elections. Now, even though the rules don't give Barack Obama any edge whatsoever because of it, he can claim a Divine Mandate because he's ahead in the popular vote and elected delegate count. Hillary has to augment her logical argument with "the rules say nothing about those factors" with more of her patented say-anything drivel like "caucuses are undemocratic."
By working so hard to delegitimize the winner of the 2000 presidential election (and I pronounce Bush the rightful winner of the election despite the fact that I did not vote for him, but rather, Patrick J. Buchanan), Democrats created a set of circumstances where tactics unexceptional by historical standards would call for the language of delegitimization to be invoked. The bitter fruit they are now choking on can best be called their just desserts.
It's commonly accepted that the Democratic battle for president is the messiest since 1980, if not 1968 (and folks, we're headed for some Days of Rage out in Denver if Obama gets this nomination ripped from him). Everyone attributes two factors for this state of affairs:
1. The volatility of the usual Democratic obsession with identity politics being mixed with the certainty that either the first black or first woman candidate will be nominated.
2. The unparalleled ambition and ruthlessness of the Clintons.
But everyone's forgetting the vital third element in the equation, and this amnesia is surprising because it related directly to the rage Democrats have felt against George W. Bush since his first national campaign:
3. The legacy of the tactics deployed by Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election -- or rather, his refusal to accept the outcome of the 2000 election.
You remember the conduct of Sore-Loserman in the aftermath of the vote, don't you? The transformation of infantile drivel such as "the will of the people" becoming the official mantra of the Democrat party?
[Side note, Dick Nixon legitimately had the 1960 election stolen from him by crooks manipulating the "graveyard vote" in Illinois and Texas. Four decades later, Gore lost primarily because some of his core voters were illiterates who couldn't understand a simple butterfly ballot. Nixon refused to contest the election and conceded so our country wouldn't be divided at a time of peril in the Cold War. Regardless of what voters intended in their hearts, Gore lost the election by losing Florida and yet divided our country with relish at a vulnerable time when his president had spent eight years not facing up to the terrorist threat plaguing our nation. And yet it's Gore who gets made into a secular saint by the simpletons who comprise the ranks of "opinion leaders" in the U.S.A.]
Gore ran around the country trumpeting the fact that he won the popular vote, which is Constitutionally irrelevant under our system of government. Democrats demagogued the Electoral College, pronouncing it an anachronism when it suited their purposes. One of the chief phonies at the time was Hillary Clinton, who pronounced it undemocratic and who is now being blocked from the nomination by other phonies who pronounce her efforts undemocratic. Yes, there is a God and He has a sense of Karmic humor!
Gore picked a fight in a game of chicken he knew he could not possibly win, for it was certain that even if the U.S. Supreme Court backed the partisan hacks on the Florida Supreme Court and allowed the little old ladies with hatpins surreptitiously poking holes in the chads to steal the election that the House of Representatives would vote to recognize the legal Katherine Harris slate of electors. So he had no chance -- not immediately that is, as the clear endgame was to bloody up Bush for a rematch four years later and that scenario would have played out had Gore not chickened out when Bush was still in his post-9/11 popularity phase.
By posing as if they were the only ones concerned with "counting all the votes," Democrats ended up creating an extra standard in all elections. Now, even though the rules don't give Barack Obama any edge whatsoever because of it, he can claim a Divine Mandate because he's ahead in the popular vote and elected delegate count. Hillary has to augment her logical argument with "the rules say nothing about those factors" with more of her patented say-anything drivel like "caucuses are undemocratic."
By working so hard to delegitimize the winner of the 2000 presidential election (and I pronounce Bush the rightful winner of the election despite the fact that I did not vote for him, but rather, Patrick J. Buchanan), Democrats created a set of circumstances where tactics unexceptional by historical standards would call for the language of delegitimization to be invoked. The bitter fruit they are now choking on can best be called their just desserts.
McCain's realistic hope - Democrats blow it
By Rick Morris
The domestic economy is circling the drain and the global economy could well be on the way to following it. The country is at war and 3 1/2 years of George W. Bush trying to apply the "Dean Smith Four Corners Defense" to a bogged-down situation where outclassed terrorists are killing us with IEDs had left him, in the words of one insolent commentator, as less popular than gonorrhea.
Plus, this country doesn't elect politicians of the same party for three consecutive terms even in good times; aside from George Herbert Walker Bush gravy-training Reagan's third term in 1988 (was there even one person in America who voted for that clueless dipstick because they were psyched to have his penny loafers shuffling through the Oval Office every day?), it hasn't happened since FDR was winning like 47 elections in a row back in the day. So even under ideal circumstances, John McCain would probably be screwed this year, right?
Probably. But not necessarily.
There is ample precedent in this country for one political party being pronounced dead and buried only to be revived by the complete and utter incompetence of the other. Granted, things are looking so bad right now that even the Seventies are pointing and laughing and saying, "Man, what an f'd up decade!" But to deny that the Democrats could screw up badly enough to hand it to McCain is to ignore several such precedents in the last few decades:
^ 1964: LBJ massacres Barry Goldwater in the presidential election, and pundits are righting off the Republican party forever for nominating a "right-wing nut." Two years, later, Vietnam and a domestic civil war manifesting itself in the form of riots and anti-war extremism almost costs the Democrats control of Congress and in 1968, Richard Nixon of all people is elected president under the Republican banner.
^ 1972: Nixon is riding high, thrashing George McGovern in a mirror image of the curb stomping the GOP got from LBJ eight years before. He is invincible, King of the World, and the Democrats are a hapless mess. Until, uh, that Watergate thing. He resigns in disgrace in '74 and the Republicans get wiped out in the midterm elections that fall.
^ 1974: If Dubya is less popular than gonorrhea right now, Nixon was trailing jock itch in the polls that year after resigning in disgrace and seeing his party get buried that year in Congressional elections. But then Gerald Ford rallied in '76 to almost win re-election (El Klutzo shouldn't have checked off "Yes" on the "Debate RSVP" that year, though) and Reagan put a huge beatdown on Jimmah Carter in 1980.
^ 1992: The walking coma known as the first Bush Administration ended in ignominy, as a shyster country lawyer from Arkansas won over a nation and came in with much momentum. Having seen Carter get hamstrung by bad relations with Bob Byrd and Tip O'Neill, however, Bill Clinton loudly proclaimed himself the huckleberry for Democratic Congressional leaders and his party got drilled in the '94 midterms, losing both houses of Congress in a historic rout.
^ 2004: George W. Bush was headed for the same one-term status as his mediocre father. The war was being perceived as a mistake, Abu Ghraib gave the America-haters in the domestic and world media with enough rope to hang us and the economy was still largely perceived as sluggish. But in an example of the Feiler Faster Thesis and in a supreme example of good luck, his many deficiencies were overshadowed by the national disaster that was the John Kerry campaign. Dubya became the first president since his father 16 years ago to be elected with an outright majority of the popular vote.
So there you have it. Numerous examples in our recent history of how one political party blew it badly enough to be down forever only to be revived by the mistakes and foibles of the opposition. As a matter of fact, the majority of recent reversals of fortune in this country have resulted in unforced errors being exploited successfully by the other side. So while others may be quick to minimize the effects of an increasingly bloody and bitter battle between Hillary and Obama for the Democratic nomination, I see the chaos for what it is: John McCain's greatest -- and only -- chance.
The domestic economy is circling the drain and the global economy could well be on the way to following it. The country is at war and 3 1/2 years of George W. Bush trying to apply the "Dean Smith Four Corners Defense" to a bogged-down situation where outclassed terrorists are killing us with IEDs had left him, in the words of one insolent commentator, as less popular than gonorrhea.
Plus, this country doesn't elect politicians of the same party for three consecutive terms even in good times; aside from George Herbert Walker Bush gravy-training Reagan's third term in 1988 (was there even one person in America who voted for that clueless dipstick because they were psyched to have his penny loafers shuffling through the Oval Office every day?), it hasn't happened since FDR was winning like 47 elections in a row back in the day. So even under ideal circumstances, John McCain would probably be screwed this year, right?
Probably. But not necessarily.
There is ample precedent in this country for one political party being pronounced dead and buried only to be revived by the complete and utter incompetence of the other. Granted, things are looking so bad right now that even the Seventies are pointing and laughing and saying, "Man, what an f'd up decade!" But to deny that the Democrats could screw up badly enough to hand it to McCain is to ignore several such precedents in the last few decades:
^ 1964: LBJ massacres Barry Goldwater in the presidential election, and pundits are righting off the Republican party forever for nominating a "right-wing nut." Two years, later, Vietnam and a domestic civil war manifesting itself in the form of riots and anti-war extremism almost costs the Democrats control of Congress and in 1968, Richard Nixon of all people is elected president under the Republican banner.
^ 1972: Nixon is riding high, thrashing George McGovern in a mirror image of the curb stomping the GOP got from LBJ eight years before. He is invincible, King of the World, and the Democrats are a hapless mess. Until, uh, that Watergate thing. He resigns in disgrace in '74 and the Republicans get wiped out in the midterm elections that fall.
^ 1974: If Dubya is less popular than gonorrhea right now, Nixon was trailing jock itch in the polls that year after resigning in disgrace and seeing his party get buried that year in Congressional elections. But then Gerald Ford rallied in '76 to almost win re-election (El Klutzo shouldn't have checked off "Yes" on the "Debate RSVP" that year, though) and Reagan put a huge beatdown on Jimmah Carter in 1980.
^ 1992: The walking coma known as the first Bush Administration ended in ignominy, as a shyster country lawyer from Arkansas won over a nation and came in with much momentum. Having seen Carter get hamstrung by bad relations with Bob Byrd and Tip O'Neill, however, Bill Clinton loudly proclaimed himself the huckleberry for Democratic Congressional leaders and his party got drilled in the '94 midterms, losing both houses of Congress in a historic rout.
^ 2004: George W. Bush was headed for the same one-term status as his mediocre father. The war was being perceived as a mistake, Abu Ghraib gave the America-haters in the domestic and world media with enough rope to hang us and the economy was still largely perceived as sluggish. But in an example of the Feiler Faster Thesis and in a supreme example of good luck, his many deficiencies were overshadowed by the national disaster that was the John Kerry campaign. Dubya became the first president since his father 16 years ago to be elected with an outright majority of the popular vote.
So there you have it. Numerous examples in our recent history of how one political party blew it badly enough to be down forever only to be revived by the mistakes and foibles of the opposition. As a matter of fact, the majority of recent reversals of fortune in this country have resulted in unforced errors being exploited successfully by the other side. So while others may be quick to minimize the effects of an increasingly bloody and bitter battle between Hillary and Obama for the Democratic nomination, I see the chaos for what it is: John McCain's greatest -- and only -- chance.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Octopus should give 8 middle fingers to NHL
By Rick Morris
The NFL's the one that's the No Fun League, right? The NHL is all about fan friendliness and embracing and appreciating the dwindling numbers in the U.S. who have been supporting their product over the turbulent last 15 years, right? The NHL would never quash a fun and beloved tradition just to act like a bunch of annoying killjoys, right?
Oh, wait, they just did.
If the question hadn't been beat into the ground already by a bald, bug-eyed camera hog with a grating Southern accent, I'd be asking Gary Bettman and Company, "What were you thinking?" It's one thing to change the league's rules in the middle of the playoffs to outlaw the kind of weaselly bush-league play that Sean Avery embraced at the expense of respect for the game of hockey (and I say that as somebody who loathes the Devils and Martin Brodeur and who still has a soft spot for Avery from his days with my Wings -- which included a game in Atlanta in which I must admit I was howling for Avery to draw blood from the Thrashers ...). That was a necessary move.
Banning Zamboni driver Al Sobotka from twirling an octopus over his head that was thrown on the ice? Not so much.
This particular tradition dates back to 1991 and the chucking of octopi in Detroit dates back 56 years in all, as fans started hurling the smelly creature on the ice to signify the eight playoff wins required at the time to win the Stanley Cup.
Well, I for one appreciate a great tradition, particularly when it revolves around my Red Wings. So does my Senior Editor Jason Jones (hope I'm not getting him in trouble in the new media market he's in for revealing his hockey affection!). So in defiance of that Philistine Colin Campbell, I wish to state proudly that on our blog, Al Sobotka will ALWAYS be twirling the octopus over his head. And as a great man once said, "Choke on that, Slapnutz!"
The NFL's the one that's the No Fun League, right? The NHL is all about fan friendliness and embracing and appreciating the dwindling numbers in the U.S. who have been supporting their product over the turbulent last 15 years, right? The NHL would never quash a fun and beloved tradition just to act like a bunch of annoying killjoys, right?
Oh, wait, they just did.
If the question hadn't been beat into the ground already by a bald, bug-eyed camera hog with a grating Southern accent, I'd be asking Gary Bettman and Company, "What were you thinking?" It's one thing to change the league's rules in the middle of the playoffs to outlaw the kind of weaselly bush-league play that Sean Avery embraced at the expense of respect for the game of hockey (and I say that as somebody who loathes the Devils and Martin Brodeur and who still has a soft spot for Avery from his days with my Wings -- which included a game in Atlanta in which I must admit I was howling for Avery to draw blood from the Thrashers ...). That was a necessary move.
Banning Zamboni driver Al Sobotka from twirling an octopus over his head that was thrown on the ice? Not so much.
This particular tradition dates back to 1991 and the chucking of octopi in Detroit dates back 56 years in all, as fans started hurling the smelly creature on the ice to signify the eight playoff wins required at the time to win the Stanley Cup.
Well, I for one appreciate a great tradition, particularly when it revolves around my Red Wings. So does my Senior Editor Jason Jones (hope I'm not getting him in trouble in the new media market he's in for revealing his hockey affection!). So in defiance of that Philistine Colin Campbell, I wish to state proudly that on our blog, Al Sobotka will ALWAYS be twirling the octopus over his head. And as a great man once said, "Choke on that, Slapnutz!"
Ohio State football spring game wrap-up
By Rick Morris
The last time he walked into a stadium to play football, Todd Boeckman was the second-best quarterback on the field and his team suffered for it. Today, he was upstaged by another QB again, but fortunately for the program, national championships don't hang in the balance during the annual spring football game.
On this occasion, it wasn't LSU quarterback Matt Flynn outplaying Boeckman en route to a spanking in New Orleans. Nor was it highly touted newcomer Terrelle Pryor, who won't be suiting up until the fall. Nor was it hapless backup Antonio Henton, who looks more like a homeless man's Troy Smith every time he takes the field. Instead, it was relatively-unheralded sophomore Joe Bauserman electrifying the crowd with big plays and demonstrating the spark that the mediocre Boeckman so often lacks. In fairness to Boeckman, he did not have any of the top three running backs on the Scarlet team with him to keep the defense honest as Chris Wells sat out and both Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine played for the Gray.
On paper, the numbers weren't that far apart (Boeckman was 12-18 for 145 yards with two interceptions and two sacks, while Bauserman was 7-14 for 125 yards with one touchdown and three sacks), but they don't reflect the carbon copy of an earlier 51-yard touchdown pass Bauserman completed to Taurian Washington. The second Bauserman-to-Washington bomb was called back due to holding. These big plays were the only ones of the day in a 20-7 Scarlet victory over the Gray.
A record crowd of 76,346 braved conditions that ranged from sloppy wet drizzle to steady downpour to watch an intersquad game that faced the usual issues (disjointed offensive line play due to the starters being divided between the two units) and some notable absences due to injury (Chris Wells and Brian Robiskie). While firm conclusions about the upcoming season can be difficult to draw due to the aforementioned conditions and the fact that coaches are also giving weight to the performance of players in spring practice, there were several issues of note today:
^ The defense, which returns almost all of their excellent core from last year and will be the foundation of the team along with Chris Wells, generally looked better than the offense all day. DB Andre Amos would probably not be in your first few guesses for leading tackler, but he was with eight in all. Fellow DB Kurt Coleman had one of Boeckman's picks and linebacker Ross Homan had the other.
^ Bauserman not only showed nice touch on his passes, but decent athleticism as well. With Pryor's mobility rendering Henton (6-12 for 73 yards and a sack) obsolete, Bauserman has a better-than-average chance to bump Henton all the way down to #4 QB as Pryor could become a change-of-pace option in-game and Bauserman the full-time backup.
^ Ray Small, the poor-man's-Ginn of this team, was prominent in Robiskie's absence and did nothing to jeopardize his spot as third wideout with five catches for 74 yards (which included a nice shoestring catch and a big-play reception of 30 yards down the sidelines). Brian Hartline continued his tradition of great play in the spring game with six catches for 82 yards. WR Washington's two TDs (including the one that was called back) may have given him a leg up for #4 receiver in run-and-shoot sets. However, the overall play of the wide receivers indicated that coaches may need to take a look at inserting some of the empty-backfield sets Smith ran at QB in '06 (particularly for instances when Pryor is in the game), because the depth on the team may well justify it. Dane Sanzenbacher, Ryan Schuck and Jake Stoneburner could get some playing time in those situations.
^ The utilization of Brandon Saine for screen passes -- pleaded for last season by our Senior Editor Jason Jones -- did not materialize again today. Instead, he was used primarily in Metcalf-up-the-middle style, garnering two yards on four carries. He will have to improve his running between the tackles, but coaches should not wait until every aspect of his game is solid before using him in space where he is so very dangerous right now.
^ K.C. Christian's 24 yards are listed as coming on two carries in the box score -- but he actually had one carry for zero and 24 on the other! On the latter play, he bounced outside after inside running room dried up. Realistically, however, he and Dan Herron (10-31, one touchdown), Bo DeLande (6-21, albeit with some nice shiftiness shown) and Marcus Williams (3-20) are fighting for scraps in terms of playing time with the Wells boys and Saine ahead of them on the depth chart.
^ This year, Ohio State jumped on the bandwagon that other big-time programs have chosen to ride by leveraging their spring game for other purposes. In this case, that meant staging a lacrosse game at The Horseshoe just prior to the football game in order to draw the largest collegiate lacrosse crowd ever (29,601). The 11th-ranked Buckeyes defeated #17 Denver, 20-13. Junior Joel Delgarno had one of the best games in the history of the program with nine goals and ten points overall in the effort. The Pioneers trailed 14-4 at halftime and rallied to 16-9 after three quarters, but could get no closer in the end.
The last time he walked into a stadium to play football, Todd Boeckman was the second-best quarterback on the field and his team suffered for it. Today, he was upstaged by another QB again, but fortunately for the program, national championships don't hang in the balance during the annual spring football game.
On this occasion, it wasn't LSU quarterback Matt Flynn outplaying Boeckman en route to a spanking in New Orleans. Nor was it highly touted newcomer Terrelle Pryor, who won't be suiting up until the fall. Nor was it hapless backup Antonio Henton, who looks more like a homeless man's Troy Smith every time he takes the field. Instead, it was relatively-unheralded sophomore Joe Bauserman electrifying the crowd with big plays and demonstrating the spark that the mediocre Boeckman so often lacks. In fairness to Boeckman, he did not have any of the top three running backs on the Scarlet team with him to keep the defense honest as Chris Wells sat out and both Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine played for the Gray.
On paper, the numbers weren't that far apart (Boeckman was 12-18 for 145 yards with two interceptions and two sacks, while Bauserman was 7-14 for 125 yards with one touchdown and three sacks), but they don't reflect the carbon copy of an earlier 51-yard touchdown pass Bauserman completed to Taurian Washington. The second Bauserman-to-Washington bomb was called back due to holding. These big plays were the only ones of the day in a 20-7 Scarlet victory over the Gray.
A record crowd of 76,346 braved conditions that ranged from sloppy wet drizzle to steady downpour to watch an intersquad game that faced the usual issues (disjointed offensive line play due to the starters being divided between the two units) and some notable absences due to injury (Chris Wells and Brian Robiskie). While firm conclusions about the upcoming season can be difficult to draw due to the aforementioned conditions and the fact that coaches are also giving weight to the performance of players in spring practice, there were several issues of note today:
^ The defense, which returns almost all of their excellent core from last year and will be the foundation of the team along with Chris Wells, generally looked better than the offense all day. DB Andre Amos would probably not be in your first few guesses for leading tackler, but he was with eight in all. Fellow DB Kurt Coleman had one of Boeckman's picks and linebacker Ross Homan had the other.
^ Bauserman not only showed nice touch on his passes, but decent athleticism as well. With Pryor's mobility rendering Henton (6-12 for 73 yards and a sack) obsolete, Bauserman has a better-than-average chance to bump Henton all the way down to #4 QB as Pryor could become a change-of-pace option in-game and Bauserman the full-time backup.
^ Ray Small, the poor-man's-Ginn of this team, was prominent in Robiskie's absence and did nothing to jeopardize his spot as third wideout with five catches for 74 yards (which included a nice shoestring catch and a big-play reception of 30 yards down the sidelines). Brian Hartline continued his tradition of great play in the spring game with six catches for 82 yards. WR Washington's two TDs (including the one that was called back) may have given him a leg up for #4 receiver in run-and-shoot sets. However, the overall play of the wide receivers indicated that coaches may need to take a look at inserting some of the empty-backfield sets Smith ran at QB in '06 (particularly for instances when Pryor is in the game), because the depth on the team may well justify it. Dane Sanzenbacher, Ryan Schuck and Jake Stoneburner could get some playing time in those situations.
^ The utilization of Brandon Saine for screen passes -- pleaded for last season by our Senior Editor Jason Jones -- did not materialize again today. Instead, he was used primarily in Metcalf-up-the-middle style, garnering two yards on four carries. He will have to improve his running between the tackles, but coaches should not wait until every aspect of his game is solid before using him in space where he is so very dangerous right now.
^ K.C. Christian's 24 yards are listed as coming on two carries in the box score -- but he actually had one carry for zero and 24 on the other! On the latter play, he bounced outside after inside running room dried up. Realistically, however, he and Dan Herron (10-31, one touchdown), Bo DeLande (6-21, albeit with some nice shiftiness shown) and Marcus Williams (3-20) are fighting for scraps in terms of playing time with the Wells boys and Saine ahead of them on the depth chart.
^ This year, Ohio State jumped on the bandwagon that other big-time programs have chosen to ride by leveraging their spring game for other purposes. In this case, that meant staging a lacrosse game at The Horseshoe just prior to the football game in order to draw the largest collegiate lacrosse crowd ever (29,601). The 11th-ranked Buckeyes defeated #17 Denver, 20-13. Junior Joel Delgarno had one of the best games in the history of the program with nine goals and ten points overall in the effort. The Pioneers trailed 14-4 at halftime and rallied to 16-9 after three quarters, but could get no closer in the end.
Friday, April 18, 2008
NBA Playoff Predictions -- Part I
By Rick Morris
Predictions will be updated in this space as future playoff rounds progress.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
FIRST ROUND
Boston over Atlanta in 4
Detroit over Philadelphia in 6
Orlando over Toronto in 6
Cleveland over Washington in 6
SECOND ROUND
Boston over Cleveland in 5
Detroit over Orlando in 6
CONFERENCE FINALS
Boston over Detroit in 5
WESTERN CONFERENCE
FIRST ROUND
L.A. Lakers over Denver in 5
New Orleans over Dallas in 7
San Antonio over Phoenix in 7
Utah over Houston in 6
SECOND ROUND
Utah over L.A. Lakers in 7
San Antonio over New Orleans in 6
CONFERENCE FINALS
Utah over San Antonio in 6
NBA FINALS
Boston over Utah in 5
NOTES: In my preseason predictions, I anticipated Phoenix defeating Boston to win the NBA title, and they could make a run if they make it out of the first round (pretty much the same thing you could say about any Western team except Denver), but I still see them going down to San Antonio. Utah has been red-hot the second half of the year and Boston has just been flat-out dominant, getting the necessary contributions (especially defensively) from players outside of the Big Three. They will steamroll overmatched teams in the East and be fresh for the team limping out of the Western meatgrinder. The Cavs will make the second round of the playoffs in a down year for the franchise as an insanely motivated Lebron James demonstrates just how much difference one megastar player can still make in this league.
Predictions will be updated in this space as future playoff rounds progress.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
FIRST ROUND
Boston over Atlanta in 4
Detroit over Philadelphia in 6
Orlando over Toronto in 6
Cleveland over Washington in 6
SECOND ROUND
Boston over Cleveland in 5
Detroit over Orlando in 6
CONFERENCE FINALS
Boston over Detroit in 5
WESTERN CONFERENCE
FIRST ROUND
L.A. Lakers over Denver in 5
New Orleans over Dallas in 7
San Antonio over Phoenix in 7
Utah over Houston in 6
SECOND ROUND
Utah over L.A. Lakers in 7
San Antonio over New Orleans in 6
CONFERENCE FINALS
Utah over San Antonio in 6
NBA FINALS
Boston over Utah in 5
NOTES: In my preseason predictions, I anticipated Phoenix defeating Boston to win the NBA title, and they could make a run if they make it out of the first round (pretty much the same thing you could say about any Western team except Denver), but I still see them going down to San Antonio. Utah has been red-hot the second half of the year and Boston has just been flat-out dominant, getting the necessary contributions (especially defensively) from players outside of the Big Three. They will steamroll overmatched teams in the East and be fresh for the team limping out of the Western meatgrinder. The Cavs will make the second round of the playoffs in a down year for the franchise as an insanely motivated Lebron James demonstrates just how much difference one megastar player can still make in this league.
FDH Thursday night shows move to Wednesday
By Rick Morris
As the man who anchors the entire FDH Thursday night lineup, I have picked up the moniker of "Mr. Thursday Night." Well, that nickname's going to need to be modified by one weeknight.
With SportsTalkCleveland.com once again assuming a national profile and morphing back into SportsTalkNetwork.com, the influx of new nationally-oriented shows is causing a series of ripples in the programming lineup. With Thursday night being needed for some new STN programs, FDH is moving the company's shows back one night.
From now on, THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER airs from 7-9 PM EDT on Wednesday nights. The hockey program THE GOON SQUAD follows from 9-10 PM EDT while the baseball show SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH will become an on-demand podcast with hosts Mike Ptak and I recording our show for the listeners of STN. THE FDH LOUNGE remains as a live program every other Sunday night from 8-11 PM EDT.
We are thrilled with the following that we have achieved in the five years of FDH programming on STN and we eagerly anticipate our listeners following us over to our new night of shows.
I would like to note also that we at FDH are pleased and humbled by the fast-rising Alexa number for this FDH Lounge blog and we're using it as motivation to get bigger and better in everything we do. In the months to come, you'll note that we'll continue to dig hard to find interesting content to put in front of you and comment on and our "Fab Four" of columnists will increase as well. We will keep blowing your mind and that's just a fact.
As the man who anchors the entire FDH Thursday night lineup, I have picked up the moniker of "Mr. Thursday Night." Well, that nickname's going to need to be modified by one weeknight.
With SportsTalkCleveland.com once again assuming a national profile and morphing back into SportsTalkNetwork.com, the influx of new nationally-oriented shows is causing a series of ripples in the programming lineup. With Thursday night being needed for some new STN programs, FDH is moving the company's shows back one night.
From now on, THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER airs from 7-9 PM EDT on Wednesday nights. The hockey program THE GOON SQUAD follows from 9-10 PM EDT while the baseball show SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH will become an on-demand podcast with hosts Mike Ptak and I recording our show for the listeners of STN. THE FDH LOUNGE remains as a live program every other Sunday night from 8-11 PM EDT.
We are thrilled with the following that we have achieved in the five years of FDH programming on STN and we eagerly anticipate our listeners following us over to our new night of shows.
I would like to note also that we at FDH are pleased and humbled by the fast-rising Alexa number for this FDH Lounge blog and we're using it as motivation to get bigger and better in everything we do. In the months to come, you'll note that we'll continue to dig hard to find interesting content to put in front of you and comment on and our "Fab Four" of columnists will increase as well. We will keep blowing your mind and that's just a fact.
I told you so...Kind of...
By Jason Jones
As we get closer to the 2008 NFL Draft, a great number of questions still loom. As you begin to seriously look at the top 5 (or 6 for this example), most of the country's analysts are still shuffling the top of their mock drafts. Note: Our entire NFL Draft Guide is completed and up for download at www.fantasydrafthelp.com.
Up until this week, EVERYONE had Miami selecting Chris Long first overall, now they are shifting between that and Jake Long (despite the fact that Jake wants no part of Miami, poor guy, everyone should be so unlucky). At 2 and 3 (St. Louis and Atlanta, respectively) there are pretty much 3 guys who could go. At 4, still 90+% of people have Oakland taking Darren McFadden, and so on and so on. I, on the other hand, have not wavered or changed the top of my mock draft in well over six weeks. One of the mainstays I speak of is Darren McFadden donning the Green and White of a New York Jets jersey. As crazy as it may seem, my name does not echo miles of credibility when weighed against some of the heavy hitters on ESPN or the NFL Network television crews.
Well, that has changed. As I have been the relative voice of difference across the NFL Draft analyst spectrum in saying McFadden will be a Jet, finally someone of national recognition has agreed. Adam Schefter (Mr. Breaking NFL News) has finally made the connection. The New York Jets look like a mirror image of the 2007 Minnesota Vikings (pre-draft). The Vikings had a questionable QB situation, serviceable RB's, middle of the road WR's, a franchise left tackle (picked high in the first round), arguably the best OG and a notable OC. The Vikings picked Adrian Peterson and immediately produced roughly twice the wins. I've been saying since December that this is an avenue that the Jets would consider. The signing of guard Alan Faneca only solidified that concept. It took him a while, but Adam Schefter of the NFL Network has in effect put his name next to the idea that the Jets will be looking to draft Darren McFadden in the hopes that the selection will render similar results as it did for the Vikings. Personal note: IT WON'T! Although this makes perfect sense on paper, McFadden can't carry Peterson's shoulder pads (trying to keep this rated G). Naturally, all of this is dependent on Al Davis not making McFadden a Raider. Adam Schefter reports (as he does on everything NFL-he seems to be Mr. Exclusive in that regard) that the Raiders are not expecting to draft McFadden (assuming both McFadden and Vernon Gholston are on the board at 4, furthermore Dorsey and Chris Long are still possibilities). Not to say Schefter is the end-all be-all, but at least I am not alone. Mike Mayock (whom I greatly respect) agrees with me that McFadden isn't even the best RB in this class-check the blog archive, it's in there somewhere. Now Schefter agrees that McFadden is going to the Jets. A coincidence? WAKE UP...and check out the FantasyDraftHelp "FREE" NFL Draft Guide available on www.fantasydrafthelp.com. If I were in such a situation, I would put something on it...that our guide is as good if not excessively better than anything you will find on a newsstand. After the draft has concluded, I plan on comparing the results from to our draft guide. And like this new revelation from Adam Schefter, I believe we will be much more accurate that the "experts"...AGAIN! Check the record, I believe Mel Kiper was batting somewhere in the 0.280 range while myself and Managing Partner of FDH Rick Morris were somewhere north of 30-50 points higher. If you are at all interested in the NFL Draft, it is in your best interest to spend the 20 seconds it will take to acquire the FDH NFL Draft Guide.
As we get closer to the 2008 NFL Draft, a great number of questions still loom. As you begin to seriously look at the top 5 (or 6 for this example), most of the country's analysts are still shuffling the top of their mock drafts. Note: Our entire NFL Draft Guide is completed and up for download at www.fantasydrafthelp.com.
Up until this week, EVERYONE had Miami selecting Chris Long first overall, now they are shifting between that and Jake Long (despite the fact that Jake wants no part of Miami, poor guy, everyone should be so unlucky). At 2 and 3 (St. Louis and Atlanta, respectively) there are pretty much 3 guys who could go. At 4, still 90+% of people have Oakland taking Darren McFadden, and so on and so on. I, on the other hand, have not wavered or changed the top of my mock draft in well over six weeks. One of the mainstays I speak of is Darren McFadden donning the Green and White of a New York Jets jersey. As crazy as it may seem, my name does not echo miles of credibility when weighed against some of the heavy hitters on ESPN or the NFL Network television crews.
Well, that has changed. As I have been the relative voice of difference across the NFL Draft analyst spectrum in saying McFadden will be a Jet, finally someone of national recognition has agreed. Adam Schefter (Mr. Breaking NFL News) has finally made the connection. The New York Jets look like a mirror image of the 2007 Minnesota Vikings (pre-draft). The Vikings had a questionable QB situation, serviceable RB's, middle of the road WR's, a franchise left tackle (picked high in the first round), arguably the best OG and a notable OC. The Vikings picked Adrian Peterson and immediately produced roughly twice the wins. I've been saying since December that this is an avenue that the Jets would consider. The signing of guard Alan Faneca only solidified that concept. It took him a while, but Adam Schefter of the NFL Network has in effect put his name next to the idea that the Jets will be looking to draft Darren McFadden in the hopes that the selection will render similar results as it did for the Vikings. Personal note: IT WON'T! Although this makes perfect sense on paper, McFadden can't carry Peterson's shoulder pads (trying to keep this rated G). Naturally, all of this is dependent on Al Davis not making McFadden a Raider. Adam Schefter reports (as he does on everything NFL-he seems to be Mr. Exclusive in that regard) that the Raiders are not expecting to draft McFadden (assuming both McFadden and Vernon Gholston are on the board at 4, furthermore Dorsey and Chris Long are still possibilities). Not to say Schefter is the end-all be-all, but at least I am not alone. Mike Mayock (whom I greatly respect) agrees with me that McFadden isn't even the best RB in this class-check the blog archive, it's in there somewhere. Now Schefter agrees that McFadden is going to the Jets. A coincidence? WAKE UP...and check out the FantasyDraftHelp "FREE" NFL Draft Guide available on www.fantasydrafthelp.com. If I were in such a situation, I would put something on it...that our guide is as good if not excessively better than anything you will find on a newsstand. After the draft has concluded, I plan on comparing the results from to our draft guide. And like this new revelation from Adam Schefter, I believe we will be much more accurate that the "experts"...AGAIN! Check the record, I believe Mel Kiper was batting somewhere in the 0.280 range while myself and Managing Partner of FDH Rick Morris were somewhere north of 30-50 points higher. If you are at all interested in the NFL Draft, it is in your best interest to spend the 20 seconds it will take to acquire the FDH NFL Draft Guide.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Goon Squad/7th Inning Slouch April 17
By Rick Morris
Another outstanding edition of the FDH Thursday night lineup is on tap this week as hockey, baseball and fantasy sports get discussed during the four-hour block on SportsTalkNetwork.com.
On THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EDT), we break down the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs: Eastern Conference in the first half hour and the West in the second half hour.
On SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EDT), the surprises of April take center stage: National League in the first half hour and American League in the second half hour.
As always, the agenda for THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (9-11 PM EDT) is available on the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog. Of particular interest is our just-released 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide, a 24-page spectacular available for free download here.
Catch all the fun from all over the sports landscape on the NEW AND IMPROVED Sports Talk Network this Thursday night!
Another outstanding edition of the FDH Thursday night lineup is on tap this week as hockey, baseball and fantasy sports get discussed during the four-hour block on SportsTalkNetwork.com.
On THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EDT), we break down the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs: Eastern Conference in the first half hour and the West in the second half hour.
On SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EDT), the surprises of April take center stage: National League in the first half hour and American League in the second half hour.
As always, the agenda for THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (9-11 PM EDT) is available on the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog. Of particular interest is our just-released 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide, a 24-page spectacular available for free download here.
Catch all the fun from all over the sports landscape on the NEW AND IMPROVED Sports Talk Network this Thursday night!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Live Blogging: Night of Too Many Stars-part 2
By Jason Jones
It's gift giving time…
It's gift giving time…
Will Arnett goes through the gifts given for price point donations-
$50 Donations-a “Night of Too Many Stars” oven mitt.
$100 Donations-a “Night of Too Many Stars” ski mask.
-Blue Man Group musical performance.
Kevin James in blue face masquerading as the fat member of the Blue Man Group. If that alone wasn’t funny enough, he and Jerry Stiller comprised a short segment of a scene from a King of Queens episode.
-Shades of our current Political segment on The FDH Lounge (Sunday nights
-One of my favorite characters of all time, President George W. Bush, played by Will Ferrell.
>Will Ferrell:“…ah hayell I’m out in seven months, I don’t have to talk all president-y, how’s it hanging wiseass?”.
>Jon Stewart: “As you come to the end of your second term, are you in a reflective mood?”
>Will Ferrell (George W. Bush): “Hayell no Jon, I’m pumped as SH**! This is a victory lap, I won the Daytona 500 and its smokey burnout time. I’m going to crack a bud, watch a Rangers game and walk around my house naked. I might even rub one out.”
>Jon Stewart: “Sir, could you please watch the language we have children and, just please watch the language."
>Will Ferrell: “You know what Jon, No, I will not watch the language. You’ve been roasting my ayass for seven years now…and its payback time. I’m out now, and I can’t be punished for fraud or abuse of power. So, I’m going to have the
>Jon Stewart: “Previous presidents have all written memoirs wanting to tell their story, do you have any idea when you will start writing yours?”
>Will Ferrell: “I actually finished mine, Jon. Uh, they will be sold only as a book on tape narrated by Vin Scully and Joe Morgan. I don’t want to ruin it for you, but Osama gets what’s coming to him. This book is going to make a great movie, it’s a cross between Harry Potter, Die Hard and
>Jon Stewart: “Most presidents open a library to house their writings and chronicle their time in office, any idea when you might be opening a library?"
>Will Ferrell: “The Bush Library will actually be not just a library, but more of a library slash paintball range.”
>Jon Stewart: “As you go out of your presidency, are there any lessons you’ve learned? after seven years of leading the most powerful nation in the world, what lessons have you learned? Do you have any lessons?”
>Will Ferrell: “…, …., Nope."
Live Blogging: Night of Too Many Stars
By Jason Jones
Part 1
This show is a show that I am a little confused about. I have no idea, really, what this show is about. To confuse me further, the open included a “show tune” style opening musical number that started with Jon Stewart…then Kelsey Grammer…Matthew Broderick…Megan Mullaly (the drunk rich lady from Will and Grace)…the song started as a tribute to the crap affecting us as a nation then progressed to how important it is for us as people to have “Stars”…add Susan Sarandon…Will Arnett (SNL, Blades of Glory)…Rosie O’Donnell (who cares!)…Amy Poehler…Johan Hill (from Superbad) comes to the rescue of an old man who felt chest pains, then was told in song by Kelsey Grammer that he was not star enough to help as Hill walked up from the audience. Simultaneously, Ben Stiller comes to give his help by signing an 8 x 10 photograph of himself. Conan O’Brien stood up and began to sing from the upper deck cheap seats and playing a flute. Stephen Colbert appeared on the jumbo tron on a throne surrounded by Emmy’s. Then enter a Colbert look-a-like who is really really gay with song and dance and what not. Rosie felt the need to interrupt the small gay festival dance number by insinuating that they need a star of “color”. Enter Triumph the insult dog from the David Letterman show, after all he’s black and brown. After Triumph’s barrage of insults, Rob Schneider wheels out Adam Sandler in a wheel chair (both Jewish). Jonah Hill invited to the group of stars.
Part 1
This show is a show that I am a little confused about. I have no idea, really, what this show is about. To confuse me further, the open included a “show tune” style opening musical number that started with Jon Stewart…then Kelsey Grammer…Matthew Broderick…Megan Mullaly (the drunk rich lady from Will and Grace)…the song started as a tribute to the crap affecting us as a nation then progressed to how important it is for us as people to have “Stars”…add Susan Sarandon…Will Arnett (SNL, Blades of Glory)…Rosie O’Donnell (who cares!)…Amy Poehler…Johan Hill (from Superbad) comes to the rescue of an old man who felt chest pains, then was told in song by Kelsey Grammer that he was not star enough to help as Hill walked up from the audience. Simultaneously, Ben Stiller comes to give his help by signing an 8 x 10 photograph of himself. Conan O’Brien stood up and began to sing from the upper deck cheap seats and playing a flute. Stephen Colbert appeared on the jumbo tron on a throne surrounded by Emmy’s. Then enter a Colbert look-a-like who is really really gay with song and dance and what not. Rosie felt the need to interrupt the small gay festival dance number by insinuating that they need a star of “color”. Enter Triumph the insult dog from the David Letterman show, after all he’s black and brown. After Triumph’s barrage of insults, Rob Schneider wheels out Adam Sandler in a wheel chair (both Jewish). Jonah Hill invited to the group of stars.
Stars promoted to be included…
-Will Arnett
-Kristen Bell
-Blue Man Group
-Matthew Broderick
-Steve Carell
-Stephen Colbert
-Larry David
-Senator Chris Dodd
-Susie Essman
-Will Ferrell
-Tina Fey
-Will Forte
-Fred Armisen
-Kelsey Grammer
-Jonah Hill
-Kevin James
-Maroon 5
-Jack McBrayer
-Christopher Mintz-Plasse
-Megan Mullaly
-Conan O’Brien
-Rosie O’Donnell
-Amy Poehler
-Chris Rock
-The Roots
-Andy Samberg
-Adam Sandler
-Susan Sarandon
-Rob Schneider
-Sarah Silverman
-Ben Stiller
-Triumph the Insult Dog
-Jon Stewart
It is nice to find out that all of these celebrities came together for a cause other than their own publicity…the education of autism. “We’re going to raise more money than Idol gives back”-Jon Stewart. You’ve got to love anything that takes a shot at the America-Dumbing American Idol.
Steve Carell (care of the jumbo tron) tries to illustrate the sacrifice that viewers should make for the cause by downing 6 alcoholic beverages and the better part of a chocolate cake excessively quickly. Then a bottle of cough syrup, egh. “People need to understand!”-Steve Carell. “I feel really really sick and disgusted with myself…but its for these kids”-Steve Carell. “Jon, shut your mouth, I’m here to help these people”-Steve Carell.
Prior to the first break, Jon Stewart throws it to a real video describing the difficulties that come with dealing with children with autism.
FDH Lounge Show #26: April 13, 2008
By Rick Morris
The long national nightmare is over! With our annual Easter/WrestleMania hiatus behind us, THE FDH LOUNGE returns in all of its splendor tonight at its usual time (8-11 PM EDT on SportsTalkNetwork.com) to bring you the nothing-is-off-topic talk only we can deliver!
In Hour One, the Dignitaries of The FDH Lounge ponder the longest-ever primary battle between Hillary and Obama and the effect of the bombshell report that Al Gore is getting ready to endorse Obama.
In Hour Two, the Dignitaries examine the complete and absolute circus that the Olympic torch relay has become this year before we move on to our look at teams or athletes that have had certain raps lately (Memphis can't make free throws, Tiger can't come from behind on Sundays at major tournaments, Anaheim can't stay out of the penalty box). To what extent are these overblown and to what extent are they self-perpetuating?
In Hour Three, we start by furthering our NFL Draft coverage with FDH Senior Editor and Chief NFL Draft Correspondent Jason Jones (don't forget that our 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide is being released online for FREE midweek at FantasyDrafthelp.com and SportsTalkNetwork.com!) and then we speak with NHL.com writer John Kreiser about the ongoing Stanley Cup Playoffs.
As always, we bring you the widest variety of content you will find anywhere and we look forward to providing you with the takes you can furnish at the water cooler tomorrow! Catch us tonight only on SportsTalkNetwork.com!
The long national nightmare is over! With our annual Easter/WrestleMania hiatus behind us, THE FDH LOUNGE returns in all of its splendor tonight at its usual time (8-11 PM EDT on SportsTalkNetwork.com) to bring you the nothing-is-off-topic talk only we can deliver!
In Hour One, the Dignitaries of The FDH Lounge ponder the longest-ever primary battle between Hillary and Obama and the effect of the bombshell report that Al Gore is getting ready to endorse Obama.
In Hour Two, the Dignitaries examine the complete and absolute circus that the Olympic torch relay has become this year before we move on to our look at teams or athletes that have had certain raps lately (Memphis can't make free throws, Tiger can't come from behind on Sundays at major tournaments, Anaheim can't stay out of the penalty box). To what extent are these overblown and to what extent are they self-perpetuating?
In Hour Three, we start by furthering our NFL Draft coverage with FDH Senior Editor and Chief NFL Draft Correspondent Jason Jones (don't forget that our 2008 Pro Football Draft Guide is being released online for FREE midweek at FantasyDrafthelp.com and SportsTalkNetwork.com!) and then we speak with NHL.com writer John Kreiser about the ongoing Stanley Cup Playoffs.
As always, we bring you the widest variety of content you will find anywhere and we look forward to providing you with the takes you can furnish at the water cooler tomorrow! Catch us tonight only on SportsTalkNetwork.com!
STN: back and better than ever
By Rick Morris
For those of you tiring of our recent disclaimer about how FDH programming was appearing on SportsTalkCleveland.com, but was still nationally-and-internationally based, fret no more. SportsTalkNetwork.com is back as the primary identity of our broadcast outlet and we are pleased that any confusion FDH consumers may have had will be a thing of the past.
All of the programming, not just the FDH shows, have been world-class in nature and many have had a scope that went far beyond Cleveland, but for the past two years the primary focus has been on our flagship city. No more. Now, we are all on the same page content-wise and much of The Network will resemble the FDH approach in terms of niche-specific programming (although The FDH Lounge will continue to encompass anything and everything).
STN/STC has been around for six years, with the FDH influence a part of the scene for five of those years and dating back to our early days of being associated with a Cleveland terrestrial station we have been noted for our analysis of the always-wild North Coast sports scene. For those listeners who may be concerned about being abandoned completely in the switchover (and this was the sentiment three years ago when we last contemplated embracing the national identity), remember that all three Cleveland sports teams are at the forefront of their respective sports in terms of national interest. Our daytime show hosts are not going to abandon the Cavs, Tribe and Browns altogether because they are very relevant nationally.
STN is our primary identity going forward and we are very happy about that. There is nobody else on the Internet bringing you the full range of what we do, and of course FDH is a huge part of that. The best is yet to come and we look forward to presenting it to you.
For those of you tiring of our recent disclaimer about how FDH programming was appearing on SportsTalkCleveland.com, but was still nationally-and-internationally based, fret no more. SportsTalkNetwork.com is back as the primary identity of our broadcast outlet and we are pleased that any confusion FDH consumers may have had will be a thing of the past.
All of the programming, not just the FDH shows, have been world-class in nature and many have had a scope that went far beyond Cleveland, but for the past two years the primary focus has been on our flagship city. No more. Now, we are all on the same page content-wise and much of The Network will resemble the FDH approach in terms of niche-specific programming (although The FDH Lounge will continue to encompass anything and everything).
STN/STC has been around for six years, with the FDH influence a part of the scene for five of those years and dating back to our early days of being associated with a Cleveland terrestrial station we have been noted for our analysis of the always-wild North Coast sports scene. For those listeners who may be concerned about being abandoned completely in the switchover (and this was the sentiment three years ago when we last contemplated embracing the national identity), remember that all three Cleveland sports teams are at the forefront of their respective sports in terms of national interest. Our daytime show hosts are not going to abandon the Cavs, Tribe and Browns altogether because they are very relevant nationally.
STN is our primary identity going forward and we are very happy about that. There is nobody else on the Internet bringing you the full range of what we do, and of course FDH is a huge part of that. The best is yet to come and we look forward to presenting it to you.
Too much information, Rosanne!
By Rick Morris
That right there was the face I made when I heard the following news. Also, I thought of how some surgeons deserve combat pay.
Should we really be surprised that Rosanne Barr would take the occasion of a visit to national television to boast to the world (in much more vulgar terms than this) that she had gone through elective, uh, “tightening” surgery? And was the side effect of the, uh, “voluminous traffic” she has had through the years even in the Top 10 of the most revolting and objectionable things about her?
Well, at any rate, I have now been forced to contemplate one of my three most frightening mental images. Along with Rosanne’s va-jay-jay, that list consists of David Wells in a banana hammock and the prospect of a drunken three-way in a Senate coat closet with Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy and Harry Reid.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Goon Squad/7th Inning Slouch April 10
By Rick Morris
Our FDH Thursday Night lineup on SportsTalkCleveland.com* (9-11 PM EDT) will be a lot of fun as usual:
^ On THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EDT), we devote the show to our coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Our STC hockey correspondent Kyle O'Rourke will be on hand to help break down each of the first round series and we will examine his latest column about the subject matter here. Oh, and remember to check out our series analysis here. Oh, and here's what our friend Russ Cohen from Hockeyology had in the way of predictions.
^ On SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EDT), we resume our analysis of starting pitching from last week's show and specifically the notion of which MLB pitchers are and are not aces. We'll let you know who falls where on that spectrum and we'll also be joined by baseball analyst Eric Gold from The Sports Network for his thoughts on the start of the 2008 season.
From 9-11 PM EDT, our anchor program of the evening THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER will feature exquisite coverage of the beginning of the fantasy baseball season and the NFL Draft. The agenda is listed here on our fantasy sports blog.
This four-hour block is the high point for STC programming each week and we invite you to be a part of the action either live tonight or via the STC archives.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer for Cleveland sports teams or not, we appreciate having you in our audience and we serve you equally well.
Our FDH Thursday Night lineup on SportsTalkCleveland.com* (9-11 PM EDT) will be a lot of fun as usual:
^ On THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EDT), we devote the show to our coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Our STC hockey correspondent Kyle O'Rourke will be on hand to help break down each of the first round series and we will examine his latest column about the subject matter here. Oh, and remember to check out our series analysis here. Oh, and here's what our friend Russ Cohen from Hockeyology had in the way of predictions.
^ On SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EDT), we resume our analysis of starting pitching from last week's show and specifically the notion of which MLB pitchers are and are not aces. We'll let you know who falls where on that spectrum and we'll also be joined by baseball analyst Eric Gold from The Sports Network for his thoughts on the start of the 2008 season.
From 9-11 PM EDT, our anchor program of the evening THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER will feature exquisite coverage of the beginning of the fantasy baseball season and the NFL Draft. The agenda is listed here on our fantasy sports blog.
This four-hour block is the high point for STC programming each week and we invite you to be a part of the action either live tonight or via the STC archives.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer for Cleveland sports teams or not, we appreciate having you in our audience and we serve you equally well.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Top 10 pranks from The Office
By Rick Morris
With the writers' strike having been settled awhile back, TV shows that had been in limbo went back into production. This Thursday, April 10, television's greatest program, The Office, returns to NBC in its usual 9 PM EDT timeslot. Incidentally, if you argue that there is a finer program anywhere on TV, you are flat-out wrong.
To celebrate the return from the mini-hiatus of Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam and the gang, The FDH Lounge blog is proud to present to you the Top 10 pranks in the history of the show (and if you're looking for more background on the show, check out show transcripts here, the official show website and the Television Without Pity Office section. I'm not going to be too specific about these pranks, because I want to encourage those unfamiliar with the show to check out the episodes, so I'm not going to ruin anything with too much detail.
10. Pavlov's Altoids (Phyllis' Wedding, Season 3). Jim hands Dwight a breath mint every time his computer makes a certain noise and tries to condition him to expect an Altoid on his own.
9. My name is Dwight! (not shown but recounted during Conflict Resolution, Season 2). Can $5 per person convince an office full of people who already don't care much for Dwight's antics to all call him "Dwayne" for a day? Jim tries to find out.
8. Getting Dwight to creep out a waitress (A Benihana Christmas, Season 3). When a heartbroken Michael goes to Benihana's with his "entourage" to try to get over being dumped by Carol, Jim finds an opportunity to screw with Dwight. With the Schrutemeister seated at the other end of the table and desperate to participate in conversation with Michael and the others, Jim tricks him into explaining loudly, for the benefit of the waitress and everyone else, how to slaughter a chicken in graphic detail. Ironically (or not), this was the same episode in which Jim told Pam he was trying to give up pranking people -- which turned out to be a feeble and futile attempt to stay out of Pam's orbit.
7. Mind Control (Casino Night, Season 2). In the same episode that changed the Jim-and-Pam dynamic forever when Jim "put his cards on the table," these two characters pulled off one of their greatest pranks right before the start of their yearlong schism began. Jim convinced Dwight that he was capable of moving objects with his mind and when Dwight called his bluff by trying to get him to alter the location of a specific object, Pam took it upon herself to help out.
6. Gaydar (Gay Witch Hunt, Season 3). In the opening episode of Season 3, Jim has put the shock of Casino Night behind him by moving to the Stanford office. Although shaken to the core by the way that everything blew up, he was still able to focus when Dwight and Michael called him to find out if he knew of a device that could help spot gay people. His "help" was classic indeed.
5. Inventing diseases (Health Care, Season 1). If you ever needed proof that Jim and Pam are without equal when it comes to messing with someone, this episode provides it. When Michael, in his typical clueless manner, allows Dwight to choose the new company health plan and Schrute predictably tries to cut benefits to the bone, Jim and Pam get revenge by inventing a slew of diseases on the health forms that he must try to verify. Here's one: "hot dog fingers." Even humorless Angela laughed at that one!
4. The website comes alive (Launch Party, Season 4). When Dwight annoys the office by being even more over-the-top than usual during his "sales challenge" (attempting to gain more sales in a day than the new company Internet store logs in the same day), Jim and Pam strike back. They send him instant messages that are purportedly from the website itself. He believes that the website has come alive and is taunting him about his inferiority. Hilarity ensues when Dwight gets into a flamewar "with the website."
3. Future Dwight (Branch Closing, Season 3). In the last episode before the Stamford branch merges with Scranton, Jim reveals to the cameras his latest ongoing prank on Dwight. He stole some of Dwight's letterhead before he went to Stamford and has been sending him faxes from "Future Dwight." Never has Dwight's gullible nature been more hysterical -- even if Stanley doesn't think so!
2. Nickels in the handset (not shown but recounted during Conflict Resolution, Season 2). How can you get somebody to hit themselves hard in the head with their own phone? Slowly, over time, load up their headset with nickels until a peak weight is reached, then when the conditioning has taken over, abruptly remove ...
1. Cell phone in the ceiling (The Return, Season 3). The greatest prank in the history of the show stemmed from unlikely circumstances, at least on the surface -- demonstrating the genius of the writers. Andy was behaving very annoying, even more so than usual, and had already become a resented figure in the office by forcing Dwight's resignation at the end of the previous episode (how much of a turd do you have to be to make Dwight a sympathetic figure?). When he repeatedly tormented Jim with his stupid new ringtone on his cell phone, Jim pursued revenge. He first sought out his girlfriend at the time, Karen, then Ryan (how desperate do you have to be to go to a stiff like Ryan for pranking purposes?), then Pam when he was rebuffed by the first two. This was meant to convey the depths of the alienation between the two, as this was at a low point in communication between them. But when Pam, not seeming to care that she was the last resort for executing the prank, eagerly agreed to help, the best prank ever was underway. The two schemed to get their hands on Andy's phone, hide it in the ceiling above his desk, then call it repeatedly to sound the ringtone. They may have suspected that Andy had an anger management problem, but they wouldn't fully learn the depths of it until he went out of his mind trying to locate his phone. His shocking reaction was the icing on the cake of this outstanding moment and foreshadowed the turn Jim and Pam would eventually take by showing how well they worked together even when communication was at a minimum.
I'm not implying that the show consists merely of moments like these; if you appreciate writing that accurately conveys a lot about relationships between people (not just romantic relationships, but certainly including those), the absurdities of office life and subtle nuances that the camera barely picks up due to the mockumentary format, you'll love it as well. But most people I know love it for the humor and these pranks reflect it better than anything else does.
With the writers' strike having been settled awhile back, TV shows that had been in limbo went back into production. This Thursday, April 10, television's greatest program, The Office, returns to NBC in its usual 9 PM EDT timeslot. Incidentally, if you argue that there is a finer program anywhere on TV, you are flat-out wrong.
To celebrate the return from the mini-hiatus of Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam and the gang, The FDH Lounge blog is proud to present to you the Top 10 pranks in the history of the show (and if you're looking for more background on the show, check out show transcripts here, the official show website and the Television Without Pity Office section. I'm not going to be too specific about these pranks, because I want to encourage those unfamiliar with the show to check out the episodes, so I'm not going to ruin anything with too much detail.
10. Pavlov's Altoids (Phyllis' Wedding, Season 3). Jim hands Dwight a breath mint every time his computer makes a certain noise and tries to condition him to expect an Altoid on his own.
9. My name is Dwight! (not shown but recounted during Conflict Resolution, Season 2). Can $5 per person convince an office full of people who already don't care much for Dwight's antics to all call him "Dwayne" for a day? Jim tries to find out.
8. Getting Dwight to creep out a waitress (A Benihana Christmas, Season 3). When a heartbroken Michael goes to Benihana's with his "entourage" to try to get over being dumped by Carol, Jim finds an opportunity to screw with Dwight. With the Schrutemeister seated at the other end of the table and desperate to participate in conversation with Michael and the others, Jim tricks him into explaining loudly, for the benefit of the waitress and everyone else, how to slaughter a chicken in graphic detail. Ironically (or not), this was the same episode in which Jim told Pam he was trying to give up pranking people -- which turned out to be a feeble and futile attempt to stay out of Pam's orbit.
7. Mind Control (Casino Night, Season 2). In the same episode that changed the Jim-and-Pam dynamic forever when Jim "put his cards on the table," these two characters pulled off one of their greatest pranks right before the start of their yearlong schism began. Jim convinced Dwight that he was capable of moving objects with his mind and when Dwight called his bluff by trying to get him to alter the location of a specific object, Pam took it upon herself to help out.
6. Gaydar (Gay Witch Hunt, Season 3). In the opening episode of Season 3, Jim has put the shock of Casino Night behind him by moving to the Stanford office. Although shaken to the core by the way that everything blew up, he was still able to focus when Dwight and Michael called him to find out if he knew of a device that could help spot gay people. His "help" was classic indeed.
5. Inventing diseases (Health Care, Season 1). If you ever needed proof that Jim and Pam are without equal when it comes to messing with someone, this episode provides it. When Michael, in his typical clueless manner, allows Dwight to choose the new company health plan and Schrute predictably tries to cut benefits to the bone, Jim and Pam get revenge by inventing a slew of diseases on the health forms that he must try to verify. Here's one: "hot dog fingers." Even humorless Angela laughed at that one!
4. The website comes alive (Launch Party, Season 4). When Dwight annoys the office by being even more over-the-top than usual during his "sales challenge" (attempting to gain more sales in a day than the new company Internet store logs in the same day), Jim and Pam strike back. They send him instant messages that are purportedly from the website itself. He believes that the website has come alive and is taunting him about his inferiority. Hilarity ensues when Dwight gets into a flamewar "with the website."
3. Future Dwight (Branch Closing, Season 3). In the last episode before the Stamford branch merges with Scranton, Jim reveals to the cameras his latest ongoing prank on Dwight. He stole some of Dwight's letterhead before he went to Stamford and has been sending him faxes from "Future Dwight." Never has Dwight's gullible nature been more hysterical -- even if Stanley doesn't think so!
2. Nickels in the handset (not shown but recounted during Conflict Resolution, Season 2). How can you get somebody to hit themselves hard in the head with their own phone? Slowly, over time, load up their headset with nickels until a peak weight is reached, then when the conditioning has taken over, abruptly remove ...
1. Cell phone in the ceiling (The Return, Season 3). The greatest prank in the history of the show stemmed from unlikely circumstances, at least on the surface -- demonstrating the genius of the writers. Andy was behaving very annoying, even more so than usual, and had already become a resented figure in the office by forcing Dwight's resignation at the end of the previous episode (how much of a turd do you have to be to make Dwight a sympathetic figure?). When he repeatedly tormented Jim with his stupid new ringtone on his cell phone, Jim pursued revenge. He first sought out his girlfriend at the time, Karen, then Ryan (how desperate do you have to be to go to a stiff like Ryan for pranking purposes?), then Pam when he was rebuffed by the first two. This was meant to convey the depths of the alienation between the two, as this was at a low point in communication between them. But when Pam, not seeming to care that she was the last resort for executing the prank, eagerly agreed to help, the best prank ever was underway. The two schemed to get their hands on Andy's phone, hide it in the ceiling above his desk, then call it repeatedly to sound the ringtone. They may have suspected that Andy had an anger management problem, but they wouldn't fully learn the depths of it until he went out of his mind trying to locate his phone. His shocking reaction was the icing on the cake of this outstanding moment and foreshadowed the turn Jim and Pam would eventually take by showing how well they worked together even when communication was at a minimum.
I'm not implying that the show consists merely of moments like these; if you appreciate writing that accurately conveys a lot about relationships between people (not just romantic relationships, but certainly including those), the absurdities of office life and subtle nuances that the camera barely picks up due to the mockumentary format, you'll love it as well. But most people I know love it for the humor and these pranks reflect it better than anything else does.
Stanley Cup Playoffs -- Predictions Part I
By Rick Morris
We will be updating Stanley Cup Playoff predictions on the blog subsequently as the different rounds ensue.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
FIRST ROUND
(1) Montreal over (8) Boston in 5
(2) Pittsburgh over (7) Ottawa in 5
(3) Washington over (6) Philadelphia in 7
(5) New York Rangers over (4) New Jersey in 7
SECOND ROUND
(5) New York Rangers over (1) Montreal in 6
(2) Pittsburgh over (3) Washington over 6
CONFERENCE FINALS
(2) Pittsburgh over (5) New York Rangers in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
FIRST ROUND
(1) Detroit over (8) Nashville in 5
(2) San Jose over (7) Calgary in 7
(6) Colorado over (3) Minnesota in 6
(4) Anaheim over (5) Dallas in 5
SECOND ROUND
(1) Detroit over (6) Colorado in 6
(4) Anaheim over (2) San Jose in 6
CONFERENCE FINALS
(4) Anaheim over (1) Detroit in 6
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Anaheim over Pittsburgh in 6
EASTERN CONFERENCE THOUGHTS
Some of these first-round series really evoke memories of days gone by. Montreal and Boston have one of the most heated rivalries in any sport and if you don't believe me, check out the vicious smack between their fans on some message boards. Boston's way too banged-up to even make this a series, though. The Sens can't stand up to the Pens right now, either; I see Ottawa and Boston as being the only teams with NO chance of coming out of the East (with the Flyers just barely avoiding being placed on that level). Jersey and the Rangers will evoke memories of the mid-90s when they get it on and I think the winner of this series will be well-positioned going forward. Ultimately, the skill level of Pittsburgh makes them the favorite out East in my mind and I think that Montreal is as unimposing a #1 seed as we've seen in either conference in a long time. Parity is the watchword here.
WESTERN CONFERENCE THOUGHTS
As a diehard Red Wings fan, it pains me to say that my team is not the favorite notwithstanding the Presidents' Trophy, but I believe as I did at the trade deadline that this team is one big-scoring forward away from getting past Anaheim. Basically, the Ducks, Red Wings and Sharks are the top teams in that order, with everyone else save Nashville having at least a chance at some kind of run. The West may very well hinge on which of the "Big Three" teams will have to play each other in the second round (assuming they all advance that far, which I think they will), although I don't have it shaking out that way presently. With names such as McCarty, Foote and Forsberg migrating home, the Wings and Avs seem destined for one more battle for old time's sake this spring and it would be an awesome reinvigoration of what was sports' best rivalry back at the turn of the decade. The Ducks' hot play down the stretch with most of last year's core finally intact indicates that they are still the team to beat, although Detroit's ability to come close to matching blue-line-for-blue-line will make for a fascinating twist on what might become the game's next great rivalry.
If you are participating in a fantasy league for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and you bloody well should be, we urge you to check out our draft board on our fantasy blog. In terms of combined quality and quantity, this two-month journey is the greatest event on the sports calendar each year and we advise you to check it out if you are in the fortunate 1% of Americans receiving the Versus channel!
We will be updating Stanley Cup Playoff predictions on the blog subsequently as the different rounds ensue.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
FIRST ROUND
(1) Montreal over (8) Boston in 5
(2) Pittsburgh over (7) Ottawa in 5
(3) Washington over (6) Philadelphia in 7
(5) New York Rangers over (4) New Jersey in 7
SECOND ROUND
(5) New York Rangers over (1) Montreal in 6
(2) Pittsburgh over (3) Washington over 6
CONFERENCE FINALS
(2) Pittsburgh over (5) New York Rangers in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
FIRST ROUND
(1) Detroit over (8) Nashville in 5
(2) San Jose over (7) Calgary in 7
(6) Colorado over (3) Minnesota in 6
(4) Anaheim over (5) Dallas in 5
SECOND ROUND
(1) Detroit over (6) Colorado in 6
(4) Anaheim over (2) San Jose in 6
CONFERENCE FINALS
(4) Anaheim over (1) Detroit in 6
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Anaheim over Pittsburgh in 6
EASTERN CONFERENCE THOUGHTS
Some of these first-round series really evoke memories of days gone by. Montreal and Boston have one of the most heated rivalries in any sport and if you don't believe me, check out the vicious smack between their fans on some message boards. Boston's way too banged-up to even make this a series, though. The Sens can't stand up to the Pens right now, either; I see Ottawa and Boston as being the only teams with NO chance of coming out of the East (with the Flyers just barely avoiding being placed on that level). Jersey and the Rangers will evoke memories of the mid-90s when they get it on and I think the winner of this series will be well-positioned going forward. Ultimately, the skill level of Pittsburgh makes them the favorite out East in my mind and I think that Montreal is as unimposing a #1 seed as we've seen in either conference in a long time. Parity is the watchword here.
WESTERN CONFERENCE THOUGHTS
As a diehard Red Wings fan, it pains me to say that my team is not the favorite notwithstanding the Presidents' Trophy, but I believe as I did at the trade deadline that this team is one big-scoring forward away from getting past Anaheim. Basically, the Ducks, Red Wings and Sharks are the top teams in that order, with everyone else save Nashville having at least a chance at some kind of run. The West may very well hinge on which of the "Big Three" teams will have to play each other in the second round (assuming they all advance that far, which I think they will), although I don't have it shaking out that way presently. With names such as McCarty, Foote and Forsberg migrating home, the Wings and Avs seem destined for one more battle for old time's sake this spring and it would be an awesome reinvigoration of what was sports' best rivalry back at the turn of the decade. The Ducks' hot play down the stretch with most of last year's core finally intact indicates that they are still the team to beat, although Detroit's ability to come close to matching blue-line-for-blue-line will make for a fascinating twist on what might become the game's next great rivalry.
If you are participating in a fantasy league for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and you bloody well should be, we urge you to check out our draft board on our fantasy blog. In terms of combined quality and quantity, this two-month journey is the greatest event on the sports calendar each year and we advise you to check it out if you are in the fortunate 1% of Americans receiving the Versus channel!
Defecating on tradition
By Rick Morris
For many years now, CBS's vaunted daytime show GUIDING LIGHT has been rumored to be on the brink of extinction. Ratings have been poor relative to other shows of the same genre, and the program has received the proverbial kiss of death in terms of attractiveness to advertisers: the perception that the demographics are disproportionately skewed towards the elderly. As a fan of Saturday afternoon PBA broadcasts when I was growing up, I know full well how that view can sink even a series with high ratings, much less the poor numbers of GL.
[Now, full disclosure here -- I was a longtime fan of GL, which is certainly not perceived in some quarters as the manliest thing to cop to, but I've always believed that true manliness lies in telling the truth and letting the chips fall where they may in terms of perception. So yes, I watched GUIDING LIGHT for almost half my life, do with that what you will!]
In my youth, when I discovered GL though my exposure to it when I came home from school every day to find my mom checking it out, I enjoyed it almost immediately. To my friends who ragged on me for watching "a crappy soap opera," I replied that it was certainly much less over-the-top than other shows allegedly so similar. As a budding writer, I appreciated the fact that the show generally paid at least a modicum of attention to character continuity and the storylines were at least a bit more down-to-earth than other daytime shows. I attributed these qualities to the lineage of GL, which is the oldest TV drama in existence and dates back to its form as a radio program in the 1930s.
In the late '90s, when the show digressed into the DYNASTY-like silliness of the San Cristobal storylines, I tuned out. I only resumed watching seven years later when the Phillip Spaulding character was being prepared to be killed in a "whodunit" storyline. I always believed that Phillip was one of the greatest and most complex characters in TV history and I was fascinated to watch his character's demise and the subsequent fallout that ensued (in a twist I should have seen coming, Phillip ended up not being dead after all, but due to the incompetence of the show's writers, they alienated him so much that he ended up not wanting to come back and the storyline never fully achieved closure). Along the way, I became acquainted with the Gus Aitoro character, Phillip's half-brother (hey, they only do half-brothers and half-sisters on soaps!), who I also found to be well-written and well-portrayed. Subsequently, poor writing again drove me away as a viewer, this time after less than two years.
The looming cloud of cancellation due to the rating situation has hovered over the show for years and whether I have been an active viewer or not, I have always wished for the program to achieve at least enough success to keep from disgracing the aforementioned lineage -- or at least to go out with a bang if it does get cancelled. Sadly, the mediocre direction embarked upon a decade ago and re-embraced in the last two years was almost enough to erase the memories of greatness from before. Just recently, GL killed off Gus Aitoro in completely asinine fashion after completely obliterating the direction of his character over the previous year. But never before has GL gone as far off the rails as they have recently, and in a way that makes "death with dignity" when the show inevitably ends irretrievable.
What did they do that was so bad? Well, this once-classy program, with an unmatched television heritage, decided that their return to relevance was contingent on adopting choppy, MTV-style filming with awkward camera angles, epilepsy-inducing shot segues and random zoom-ins that leave one with the ability to count the pores on an actor's face. At least now there is a sad consistency -- the lazy rewriting of history to fit today's stupid storylines is now matched by a presentation style equally infantile.
Upon learning of the changes and deciding to see them for myself, I taped a recent episode and was, as you can tell, horrified. It's not too much of an exaggeration to say that I felt like I did when I drove by a half-demolished Cleveland Stadium in 1996 and felt like my childhood memories had been crushed in the rubble. It makes me ill to think of the hours I spent watching this show growing up with my mother and seeing it defiled like it has been now -- and knowing that the alienation of more core viewers is just bringing the day of reckoning that much closer.
What's most sad is the fact that when the show inevitably gets axed, it won't be remembered for the television classic it once was, but for the festering piece of putrid garbage the present Powers That Be have devolved it into. The end of the road will be richly deserved for the hacks who have presided over this mess, but GUIDING LIGHT and its 75-year legacy sure don't deserve it. For shame.
For many years now, CBS's vaunted daytime show GUIDING LIGHT has been rumored to be on the brink of extinction. Ratings have been poor relative to other shows of the same genre, and the program has received the proverbial kiss of death in terms of attractiveness to advertisers: the perception that the demographics are disproportionately skewed towards the elderly. As a fan of Saturday afternoon PBA broadcasts when I was growing up, I know full well how that view can sink even a series with high ratings, much less the poor numbers of GL.
[Now, full disclosure here -- I was a longtime fan of GL, which is certainly not perceived in some quarters as the manliest thing to cop to, but I've always believed that true manliness lies in telling the truth and letting the chips fall where they may in terms of perception. So yes, I watched GUIDING LIGHT for almost half my life, do with that what you will!]
In my youth, when I discovered GL though my exposure to it when I came home from school every day to find my mom checking it out, I enjoyed it almost immediately. To my friends who ragged on me for watching "a crappy soap opera," I replied that it was certainly much less over-the-top than other shows allegedly so similar. As a budding writer, I appreciated the fact that the show generally paid at least a modicum of attention to character continuity and the storylines were at least a bit more down-to-earth than other daytime shows. I attributed these qualities to the lineage of GL, which is the oldest TV drama in existence and dates back to its form as a radio program in the 1930s.
In the late '90s, when the show digressed into the DYNASTY-like silliness of the San Cristobal storylines, I tuned out. I only resumed watching seven years later when the Phillip Spaulding character was being prepared to be killed in a "whodunit" storyline. I always believed that Phillip was one of the greatest and most complex characters in TV history and I was fascinated to watch his character's demise and the subsequent fallout that ensued (in a twist I should have seen coming, Phillip ended up not being dead after all, but due to the incompetence of the show's writers, they alienated him so much that he ended up not wanting to come back and the storyline never fully achieved closure). Along the way, I became acquainted with the Gus Aitoro character, Phillip's half-brother (hey, they only do half-brothers and half-sisters on soaps!), who I also found to be well-written and well-portrayed. Subsequently, poor writing again drove me away as a viewer, this time after less than two years.
The looming cloud of cancellation due to the rating situation has hovered over the show for years and whether I have been an active viewer or not, I have always wished for the program to achieve at least enough success to keep from disgracing the aforementioned lineage -- or at least to go out with a bang if it does get cancelled. Sadly, the mediocre direction embarked upon a decade ago and re-embraced in the last two years was almost enough to erase the memories of greatness from before. Just recently, GL killed off Gus Aitoro in completely asinine fashion after completely obliterating the direction of his character over the previous year. But never before has GL gone as far off the rails as they have recently, and in a way that makes "death with dignity" when the show inevitably ends irretrievable.
What did they do that was so bad? Well, this once-classy program, with an unmatched television heritage, decided that their return to relevance was contingent on adopting choppy, MTV-style filming with awkward camera angles, epilepsy-inducing shot segues and random zoom-ins that leave one with the ability to count the pores on an actor's face. At least now there is a sad consistency -- the lazy rewriting of history to fit today's stupid storylines is now matched by a presentation style equally infantile.
Upon learning of the changes and deciding to see them for myself, I taped a recent episode and was, as you can tell, horrified. It's not too much of an exaggeration to say that I felt like I did when I drove by a half-demolished Cleveland Stadium in 1996 and felt like my childhood memories had been crushed in the rubble. It makes me ill to think of the hours I spent watching this show growing up with my mother and seeing it defiled like it has been now -- and knowing that the alienation of more core viewers is just bringing the day of reckoning that much closer.
What's most sad is the fact that when the show inevitably gets axed, it won't be remembered for the television classic it once was, but for the festering piece of putrid garbage the present Powers That Be have devolved it into. The end of the road will be richly deserved for the hacks who have presided over this mess, but GUIDING LIGHT and its 75-year legacy sure don't deserve it. For shame.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
RIP Chuck Heston
By Rick Morris
With Bill Buckley just having passed on and Charlton Heston having now joined him on the other side, it's tempting to make a claim that the icons of the 20th century are now rapidly leaving this earth, but in reality of course that's been happening for some time now. It doesn't lessen the sting much, however, when we realize how much we will miss these giants who added greatly to our lives.
This tribute to Heston is an excellent one, and this more comprehensive bio tells much about his life also.
There's not much you can say about somebody like Chuck Heston that hasn't already been said, so I won't even try. I'll just state that if you look at the stand-up way he lived his life, he was truly a man's man and I don't think there's anything better you can say.
RIP.
With Bill Buckley just having passed on and Charlton Heston having now joined him on the other side, it's tempting to make a claim that the icons of the 20th century are now rapidly leaving this earth, but in reality of course that's been happening for some time now. It doesn't lessen the sting much, however, when we realize how much we will miss these giants who added greatly to our lives.
This tribute to Heston is an excellent one, and this more comprehensive bio tells much about his life also.
There's not much you can say about somebody like Chuck Heston that hasn't already been said, so I won't even try. I'll just state that if you look at the stand-up way he lived his life, he was truly a man's man and I don't think there's anything better you can say.
RIP.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
April Jane’s Geopolitical Roundup
By Rick Morris
The site includes free excerpts of its material in many different categories. From time to time here at The FDH Lounge Blog, we will link directly to their outstanding material on many subjects and allow those of you who are very much concerned with geopolitics and the world around us to keep up on important matters.
In addition to the material below, we refer you to the January, February and March installments of this series.
Jane’s Announces the World’s Top 10 Most Unstable Entities
Executive Overview: Jane's Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Opinion: Let sleeping mines lie?
EADS to face charges from French regulators
Goon Squad/7th Inning Slouch April 3
By Rick Morris
Our FDH Thursday Night lineup on SportsTalkCleveland.com* (9-11 PM EDT) should be outstanding as usual:
^ On THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EDT), we cover the NCAA hockey tournament and upcoming Frozen Four and the rapidly-finalizing NHL playoff race. Our STC hockey correspondent Kyle O'Rourke will be on hand to talk about his coverage of the road to the Stanley Cup in his latest column.
^ SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EDT) will feature coverage of Opening Day from around baseball and our dissection of my initial MLB power rankings for 2008.
^ THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (9-11 PM EDT) caps off the fun and festivities and you can read the preview here.
This four-hour block is the high point for STC programming each week and we invite you to be a part of the action either live tonight or via the STC archives.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer forCleveland
Our FDH Thursday Night lineup on SportsTalkCleveland.com* (9-11 PM EDT) should be outstanding as usual:
^ On THE GOON SQUAD (7-8 PM EDT), we cover the NCAA hockey tournament and upcoming Frozen Four and the rapidly-finalizing NHL playoff race. Our STC hockey correspondent Kyle O'Rourke will be on hand to talk about his coverage of the road to the Stanley Cup in his latest column.
^ SEVENTH INNING SLOUCH (8-9 PM EDT) will feature coverage of Opening Day from around baseball and our dissection of my initial MLB power rankings for 2008.
^ THE FANTASYDRAFTHELP.COM INSIDER (9-11 PM EDT) caps off the fun and festivities and you can read the preview here.
This four-hour block is the high point for STC programming each week and we invite you to be a part of the action either live tonight or via the STC archives.
* We are heeding a request to start utilizing the SportsTalkCleveland identity because it is the lead one the station for marketing purposes right now. At the same time, we wish to remind everyone of the reason that the SportsTalkNetwork identity has also been in play: the wide variety of programs on the station appealing to a national constituency, from nationally-based general sports programming to mixed martial arts to pro wrestling to the NHL, Major League Baseball, motorsports, extreme sports and fantasy sports. Whether you cheer for
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
2008 MLB Predictions, Take II
By Rick Morris
With the start of the season upon us, I've got an update to my February 3 season predictions. The previous two months have not led me to predict that many changes. Also, I want to recommend for your reading pleasure these end-of-spring training notes from my good friend Russ Cohen of Baseballology.
AL EAST
X-Boston 92-72
Y-New York Yankees 89-73
Tampa Bay 82-80
Toronto 82-80
Baltimore 60-102
Thoughts: Boston is still at the head of the class here, even though the Beckett/Schilling injury issues will keep the team from making a run at 100 wins as they might otherwise. The Yanks are realistically one starting pitcher away from the playoffs, and they'll get him solely through their willingness to take on a bad contract. The Rays and Jays will really surprise some people this season, and may linger on the fringes of the playoff chase through August if everything breaks right. Baltimore has an awesome outfield of the future and very little else.
AL CENTRAL
X-Detroit 91-71
Cleveland 88-74
Minnesota 80-82
Chicago White Sox 78-84
Kansas City 77-85
Thoughts: Both of the top two teams have a flaw, Detroit with their bullpen and Cleveland with their heinous left field situation. The Tigers will win the division because their ownership is willing to pay the price to succeed and the Tribe's is not -- so a deadline deal decides this race, just like it will the wild card. Francisco Liriano is the heir to Johan Santana's mantle as Most Dominant Pitcher in the League, and he'll keep a retrenching Twins team right around .500 all year long. The White Sox won't be as horrible as they were last year, but not nearly as great/lucky as they were in '05. Kansas City will end up with a better record than most folks expect as this nucleus is coming together nicely and is being augmented with free agent signings that Larry Dolan won't shell out for in the form of Jose Guillen.
AL WEST
X-Los Angeles Angels 93-69
Seattle 88-74
Oakland 74-88
Texas 72-90
Thoughts: The Angels will have a great 1-2 punch when John Lackey (my pick for the AL Cy Young Award until he went down) gets back and will have an awesome 1-2-3 combo if Kelvim Eskimo-Bar makes it back. Regardless, their pitching depth is the envy of the division. Seattle played well over their heads last season, but will earn their record this year with two aces atop the rotation. Oakland is rebuilding, but will be a legitimate long-shot for the playoffs if Rich Harden stays healthy for once in his life. Texas needs pitching, not exactly a man-bites-dog story.
NL EAST
X-New York Mets 97-75
Atlanta 88-74
Philadelphia 87-75
Washington 68-94
Florida 60-102
Thoughts: Last year's collapse may never be forgotten, but the Mets will leave their NL near-misses behind this year when the world's greatest pitcher puts them over the top in the Senior Circuit. The Braves are loading up for a run similar to their '90s teams with the young talent on the way. Philly will miss the playoffs because of a dearth of consistent pitching throughout the roster. Even with a spiffy new park, D.C. needs some arms in order to be taken seriously. The Marlins have enough very young talent to be an early NL East frontrunner in 2011, but they will be a joke until then.
NL CENTRAL
X-Milwaukee 88-74
Chicago Cubs 87-75
St. Louis 78-84
Cincinnati 78-84
Pittsburgh 74-88
Houston 70-92
Notes: The Brew Crew and Cubbies will reprise their '07 battle, with Yost getting the most out of his young roster en route to the crown. Times have really changed as St. Louis and Houston, the dominant teams of this decade in this division will lose a lot of ground due to terrible pitching. The Reds and Pirates are on the rise, albeit slowly.
NL WEST
X-Arizona 91-71
Y-Colorado 89-73
Los Angeles Dodgers 88-74
San Diego 87-75
San Francisco 65-97
Notes: Four above-average teams with a flaw apiece (D-Backs/pop, Rockies/starting pitching depth, Dodgers/hammer-atop-the-rotation, Padres/pop) will thrill fans with an epic battle all summer long -- and will abuse the pathetic Giants.
DIVISION SERIES
Los Angeles Angels over New York Yankees in 4
Boston over Detroit in 5
New York Mets over Colorado in 4
Arizona over Milwaukee in 4
LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Los Angeles Angels over Boston in 6
New York Mets over Arizona in 7
WORLD SERIES
Los Angeles Angels over New York Mets in 6
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Ian Kennedy
NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Colby Rasmus
AL MVP: Vladimir Guerrero
NL MVP: David Wright
AL CY YOUNG AWARD: Justin Verlander
NL CY YOUNG AWARD: Johan Santana
AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Mike Scioscia
NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Ned Yost
In terms of the strength of the different divisions, here's how they rated in 2007 in terms of collective games over or under .500:
1. NL West: +17
2. AL West: +9
3. AL East: +3
4. NL East: Even
5. AL Central: -1 (NOTE: I predicted on many shows all over SportsTalkNetwork.com that the AL Central would be a hugely overrated division in '07).
6. NL Central: -27 (!!!)
In terms of my projected records for teams in '08, here's how the strength of the different divisions would rate this year:
1. NL West: +15 (pretty close to last year, as four very good teams will pound each other and all will decimate Frisco)
2. AL Central: +9 (very improved)
3. AL West: +1 (poorer record, largely as a result of Oakland and Texas being all but out of the race from the start, but general stability collectively from last year)
4. AL East: Even (it will be much the same as the NL West -- with Tampa Bay and Toronto improving and Baltimore waving the white flag by trading their ace, four above-average teams this year will pound a horrible squad)
5. NL East: -5 (Florida's preemptive surrender accounts for most of the division's collective decline)
6. NL Central: -11 (the Brewers and Cubs are the only above-average teams here, but the Reds and Pirates are putting the pieces in place)
And here's the overall Power Rankings:
1. L.A. Angels
2. Boston
3. New York Mets
4. New York Yankees
5. Arizona
6. Detroit
7. Cleveland
8. Colorado
9. Milwaukee
10. Chicago Cubs
11. L.A. Dodgers
12. San Diego
13. Atlanta
14. Seattle
15. Philadelphia
16. Tampa Bay
17. Toronto
18. Minnesota
19. Chicago White Sox
20. Cincinnati
21. St. Louis
22. Kansas City
23. Oakland
24. Pittsburgh
25. Houston
26. Texas
27. Washington
28. San Francisco
29. Florida
30. Baltimore
As always, the ride will be memorable.
With the start of the season upon us, I've got an update to my February 3 season predictions. The previous two months have not led me to predict that many changes. Also, I want to recommend for your reading pleasure these end-of-spring training notes from my good friend Russ Cohen of Baseballology.
AL EAST
X-Boston 92-72
Y-New York Yankees 89-73
Tampa Bay 82-80
Toronto 82-80
Baltimore 60-102
Thoughts: Boston is still at the head of the class here, even though the Beckett/Schilling injury issues will keep the team from making a run at 100 wins as they might otherwise. The Yanks are realistically one starting pitcher away from the playoffs, and they'll get him solely through their willingness to take on a bad contract. The Rays and Jays will really surprise some people this season, and may linger on the fringes of the playoff chase through August if everything breaks right. Baltimore has an awesome outfield of the future and very little else.
AL CENTRAL
X-Detroit 91-71
Cleveland 88-74
Minnesota 80-82
Chicago White Sox 78-84
Kansas City 77-85
Thoughts: Both of the top two teams have a flaw, Detroit with their bullpen and Cleveland with their heinous left field situation. The Tigers will win the division because their ownership is willing to pay the price to succeed and the Tribe's is not -- so a deadline deal decides this race, just like it will the wild card. Francisco Liriano is the heir to Johan Santana's mantle as Most Dominant Pitcher in the League, and he'll keep a retrenching Twins team right around .500 all year long. The White Sox won't be as horrible as they were last year, but not nearly as great/lucky as they were in '05. Kansas City will end up with a better record than most folks expect as this nucleus is coming together nicely and is being augmented with free agent signings that Larry Dolan won't shell out for in the form of Jose Guillen.
AL WEST
X-Los Angeles Angels 93-69
Seattle 88-74
Oakland 74-88
Texas 72-90
Thoughts: The Angels will have a great 1-2 punch when John Lackey (my pick for the AL Cy Young Award until he went down) gets back and will have an awesome 1-2-3 combo if Kelvim Eskimo-Bar makes it back. Regardless, their pitching depth is the envy of the division. Seattle played well over their heads last season, but will earn their record this year with two aces atop the rotation. Oakland is rebuilding, but will be a legitimate long-shot for the playoffs if Rich Harden stays healthy for once in his life. Texas needs pitching, not exactly a man-bites-dog story.
NL EAST
X-New York Mets 97-75
Atlanta 88-74
Philadelphia 87-75
Washington 68-94
Florida 60-102
Thoughts: Last year's collapse may never be forgotten, but the Mets will leave their NL near-misses behind this year when the world's greatest pitcher puts them over the top in the Senior Circuit. The Braves are loading up for a run similar to their '90s teams with the young talent on the way. Philly will miss the playoffs because of a dearth of consistent pitching throughout the roster. Even with a spiffy new park, D.C. needs some arms in order to be taken seriously. The Marlins have enough very young talent to be an early NL East frontrunner in 2011, but they will be a joke until then.
NL CENTRAL
X-Milwaukee 88-74
Chicago Cubs 87-75
St. Louis 78-84
Cincinnati 78-84
Pittsburgh 74-88
Houston 70-92
Notes: The Brew Crew and Cubbies will reprise their '07 battle, with Yost getting the most out of his young roster en route to the crown. Times have really changed as St. Louis and Houston, the dominant teams of this decade in this division will lose a lot of ground due to terrible pitching. The Reds and Pirates are on the rise, albeit slowly.
NL WEST
X-Arizona 91-71
Y-Colorado 89-73
Los Angeles Dodgers 88-74
San Diego 87-75
San Francisco 65-97
Notes: Four above-average teams with a flaw apiece (D-Backs/pop, Rockies/starting pitching depth, Dodgers/hammer-atop-the-rotation, Padres/pop) will thrill fans with an epic battle all summer long -- and will abuse the pathetic Giants.
DIVISION SERIES
Los Angeles Angels over New York Yankees in 4
Boston over Detroit in 5
New York Mets over Colorado in 4
Arizona over Milwaukee in 4
LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Los Angeles Angels over Boston in 6
New York Mets over Arizona in 7
WORLD SERIES
Los Angeles Angels over New York Mets in 6
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Ian Kennedy
NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Colby Rasmus
AL MVP: Vladimir Guerrero
NL MVP: David Wright
AL CY YOUNG AWARD: Justin Verlander
NL CY YOUNG AWARD: Johan Santana
AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Mike Scioscia
NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Ned Yost
In terms of the strength of the different divisions, here's how they rated in 2007 in terms of collective games over or under .500:
1. NL West: +17
2. AL West: +9
3. AL East: +3
4. NL East: Even
5. AL Central: -1 (NOTE: I predicted on many shows all over SportsTalkNetwork.com that the AL Central would be a hugely overrated division in '07).
6. NL Central: -27 (!!!)
In terms of my projected records for teams in '08, here's how the strength of the different divisions would rate this year:
1. NL West: +15 (pretty close to last year, as four very good teams will pound each other and all will decimate Frisco)
2. AL Central: +9 (very improved)
3. AL West: +1 (poorer record, largely as a result of Oakland and Texas being all but out of the race from the start, but general stability collectively from last year)
4. AL East: Even (it will be much the same as the NL West -- with Tampa Bay and Toronto improving and Baltimore waving the white flag by trading their ace, four above-average teams this year will pound a horrible squad)
5. NL East: -5 (Florida's preemptive surrender accounts for most of the division's collective decline)
6. NL Central: -11 (the Brewers and Cubs are the only above-average teams here, but the Reds and Pirates are putting the pieces in place)
And here's the overall Power Rankings:
1. L.A. Angels
2. Boston
3. New York Mets
4. New York Yankees
5. Arizona
6. Detroit
7. Cleveland
8. Colorado
9. Milwaukee
10. Chicago Cubs
11. L.A. Dodgers
12. San Diego
13. Atlanta
14. Seattle
15. Philadelphia
16. Tampa Bay
17. Toronto
18. Minnesota
19. Chicago White Sox
20. Cincinnati
21. St. Louis
22. Kansas City
23. Oakland
24. Pittsburgh
25. Houston
26. Texas
27. Washington
28. San Francisco
29. Florida
30. Baltimore
As always, the ride will be memorable.
Wholesome F1 fun with Nazi whores
By Rick Morris
Like father ... like son???
Formula One chief Max Mosley, son of famed Hitler sympathizer Oswald Mosley, was shown in a video obtained by one of Fleet Street's notorious tabloids to be somebody who enjoys taking part in S&M orgies with hookers garbed in full Nazi gear. Ooooookay. By the way, don't click that link if you've eaten recently as you may regurgitate -- trust me.
The part I love the best is that when he was done with some of the most demented sexual stuff you can ever imagine, he relaxed with a cup of tea. You can't keep the Brits from their sophisticated relaxation, I tell ya! Plus, one of the whores said afterward, "The girls have all had a good seeing-to!" Those British can describe anything in a dignified-sounding manner, can't they?
Oh, and here's the best part: he's overseeing a "crackdown on racism in Formula One." You can't make this stuff up.
Like father ... like son???
Formula One chief Max Mosley, son of famed Hitler sympathizer Oswald Mosley, was shown in a video obtained by one of Fleet Street's notorious tabloids to be somebody who enjoys taking part in S&M orgies with hookers garbed in full Nazi gear. Ooooookay. By the way, don't click that link if you've eaten recently as you may regurgitate -- trust me.
The part I love the best is that when he was done with some of the most demented sexual stuff you can ever imagine, he relaxed with a cup of tea. You can't keep the Brits from their sophisticated relaxation, I tell ya! Plus, one of the whores said afterward, "The girls have all had a good seeing-to!" Those British can describe anything in a dignified-sounding manner, can't they?
Oh, and here's the best part: he's overseeing a "crackdown on racism in Formula One." You can't make this stuff up.
McFadden Is NOT the #1 Running Back
by Jason Jones
Have you ever wondered why every picture or video clip has McFadden all by himself or running in the open field? The big question at this juncture of pre-draft thoughts is, "Do the top 10 projected picks really deserve to go that high"? Matt Ryan, Jake Long, Chris Long, etc...yes. Darren McFadden, not so much. I know that sounds outlandish, but the stats and game film do not lie. There are four RB's projected to be potential first-round picks. Due to his injury and subsequent surgery, we will leave Jonathan Stewart out of the conversation. Then compare McFadden vs. Felix Jones and then compare Rashard Mendenhall. The results may surprise you.
Felix Jones
Have you ever wondered why every picture or video clip has McFadden all by himself or running in the open field? The big question at this juncture of pre-draft thoughts is, "Do the top 10 projected picks really deserve to go that high"? Matt Ryan, Jake Long, Chris Long, etc...yes. Darren McFadden, not so much. I know that sounds outlandish, but the stats and game film do not lie. There are four RB's projected to be potential first-round picks. Due to his injury and subsequent surgery, we will leave Jonathan Stewart out of the conversation. Then compare McFadden vs. Felix Jones and then compare Rashard Mendenhall. The results may surprise you.
Felix Jones
133 rush attempts
1162 yards rushing
8.7 yards per carry
11 td's
16 receptions
176 yds
11.0 yds per reception
vs Troy-12 att, 129 yds, a long of 44 (10.8 avg)
vs Kentucky-12 att, 133 yds, long of 73 (11.1 avg)
vs N.Texas-7 att, 132 yds, long of 71 (18.9 avg)
vs Chattanooga-13 att, 141 yds, long of 59 (10.8 avg)
@ Mississippi-15 att, 101 yds, long of 38 (6.7 avg)
vs
long runs-(of 30 yards or more)44, 36, 73, 71, 59, 38, 72, 31
Darren McFadden
325 rush attempts
1830 yards rushing
5.6 yards per carry
21 td's
21 receptions
164 yards
7.8 yards per reception
vs Troy-24 att, 151 yards, a long of 25 (6.3 avg)
@ Alabama-33 att, 195 yards, a long of 23 (5.9 avg)
vs Kentucky-29 att, 173 yds, a long of 56 (6.0 avg)
vs N.Texas-19 att, 138 yds, a long of 51 (7.3 avg)
vs Chattanooga-25 att, 122 yds, a long of 21 (4.9 avg)
@ Mississippi-22 att, 110 yds, a long of 30 (5.0 avg)
vs South Carolina-34 att, 321 yds, a long of 80 (9.4 avg)
@ Tennessee-22 att, 117 yds, a long of 20 (5.3 avg)
@ LSU-32 att, 206 yds, a long of 73 (6.4 avg)
long runs-(of 30 yards or more)56, 51, 30, 80, 73
When you multiply Felix Jones' attempts by 2.45, they have roughly
the same attempts -- then by averaging things out...
Felix Jones (at 325 attempts)
325 rush attempts
2,846 yards rushing
8.7 yards per carry
27 td's
Darren McFadden (at 325 attempts)
325 rush attempts
1830 yards rushing
5.6 yards per carry
21 td's
Jones had 5 games averaging over 10 yards per carry
McFadden's best average was 9.4 vs S.Carolina
Jones had 8 long runs over 30 equaling 424 yards
McFadden had 5 long runs over 30 equaling 290 yards
All this means is that McFadden is not the second coming of RBs, especially in this draft. Felix Jones also has return abilities that McFadden just doesn't have. Everyone wants to believe that McFadden is great, elite, or perfect. If that is the case, then why do most people believe that Felix Jones is only a first-round pick if
That area belongs to Rashard Mendenhall.
As for the top:
Darren McFadden-6'1, 211lbs, 4.27 40, 33.5 vertical
Rashard Mendenhall-5'10, 225lbs, 4.37 40, 33.5 vertical
Anytime a guy runs a sub-4.3 40, he will generally get the top spot, especially if he has a high rushing total. McFadden rushed for 1830 yds (325 attempts). Mendenhall rushed for 1681 yds (262 att) and had twice the receiving yards. But the key to this is not the stats,
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