NBA Draft 2011

Wow, it sure has been a while. Anyway, the NBA Draft lottery is behind us and the mocks have begun to surface so I thought I would share one of my own.

1. Cavaliers- Derrick Williams, F, Arizona

I believe Derrick Williams is the most versatile scorer in the draft and the Cavs just need to put points on the board and butts in the seats.

2. Timberwolves- Kyrie Irving, G, Duke

Arguably the most talented player in the draft, however he may not fit with the T-Wolves because of their plethora of point guards and I doubt Irving has the size (6'2'', 180 lbs) to defend the league's elite two guards.

3. Jazz- Brandon Knight, G, Kentucky

A raw talent, but the Jazz need an explosive point guard to replace Deron Williams after he landed in New Jersey.

4. Cavaliers- Kemba Walker, G, Connecticut

Possibly a reach here for the Cavs but I believe that they need to add as many playmakers to their roster as possible. Secondly, I am not a believer in European big men, and Enes Kanter is definitely not the solution in Cleveland.

5. Raptors- Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky

A value pick here, again Toronto's high pick comes without a player who would fill a top need, a bit of a steal here though, talent-wise.

6. Wizards- Kawhi Leonard, F, San Diego State

Jonas Valanciunas is still on the board but the front court of the Wizards seems solidified with the breakout year from JaVale McGee (10 pts, 8 rebs per game), the Washington needs a slashing swingman to assist John Wall.

7. Kings- Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania

A big man who can rebound and defend could definitely give Tyreke Evans more space to operate on the perimeter.

8. Detroit- Jan Vesely, PF, Czech Republic

Value pick, similarly to Toronto, the Pistons cannot let him slip further.

9. Charlotte- Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas

A big man who can move and score could give Charlotte the boost of consistency they need to get into the playoffs.

10. Milwaukee- Alec Burks, SG, Colorado

A slasher in the backcourt to assist Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut may get the Bucks into the playoffs to stay.

2010 NFL Draft

Ok, so we're only to the NFL conference championship games, but I'm thinking about the draft. What?! Well, folks, when you live in St. Louis, home of the excruciatingly dreadful Rams, you can't help but start to focus on the draft. Here's my picks:

1. Rams- Jimmy Clausen, QB - Notre Dame
2. Lions- Ndamukong Suh, DT - Nebraska
3. Buccaneers- Gerald McCoy, DT - Oklahoma
4. Redskins- Sam Bradford, QB - Oklahoma
5. Chiefs- Russell Okung, OT - Oklahoma State
6. Seahawks- Rolando McClain, ILB - Alabama
7. Browns- Eric Berry, S - Tennesee
8. Raiders- Trent Williams, OT - Oklahoma
9. Bills- Tim Tebow, QB - Florida
10. Broncos- Derrick Morgan, DE - Georgia
11. Jaguars- Colt McCoy, QB - Texas
12. Dolphins- Brian Price, DT - UCLA
13. 49ers- Dez Bryant, WR - Oklahoma State
14. Seahawks- C.J. Spiller, RB - Clemson
15. Giants- Earl Thomas, S- Texas
16. 49ers- Bruce Campbell, OT - Maryland
17. Titans- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB - Texas
18. Steelers- Brandon Spikes, ILB - Florida
19. Falcons- Golden Tate, WR - Notre Dame
20. Texans- Jahvid Best, RB - California
21. Bengals- Everson Griffin, DE - USC
22. Patriots- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE - South Florida
23. Packers- Bryan Bulaga, OT - Iowa
24. Eagles- Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB - Clemson
25. Ravens- Danario Alexander, WR - Missouri
26. Cardinals- Jermaine Gresham, TE - Oklahoma
27. Cowboys- Taylor Mays, S - USC
28. Chargers- Charles Brown, OT - USC
29. Jets- Jordan Shipley, WR - Texas
30. Vikings- Navarro Bowman, LB - Penn State
31. Saints- Arrelious Benn, WR - Illinois
32. Colts- Jonathan Dwyer, RB - Georgia Tech

Fall Updates 2

I just wanted to mention a few things that were left out of yesterday's post. First off, as uninformed as I may be about the financial elements of this, I think that there should be no conferences in college football. There, I said it. Look at this year's BCS for example. So far, despite great showings by Texas, Florida and Alabama have earned their spots at the top of the leader board. Then they're going to play each other in the SEC Championship Game? There is a very good chance that neither team will lose before that game, so while Texas probably takes the field against an un-ranked team, number 1 will play number 2 in a non-championship game situation. It seems wrong that either Florida or Alabama probably won't be given they're rightful chance at the National Championship because they play in the SEC. Also, not having conferences would give teams like TCU and Boise State no excuse for their cupcake schedules and offer more interesting matchups because teams would have free scheduling in all 12 weeks.

Second, a quick side note to applaud Mark McGwire for coming out of his self-imposed hermitism to become the Cardinals hitting coach after Hal McRae was fired. Next, I have heard to many people, average joes or analysts, say that Jimmy Clausen is less deserving of the Heisman because of his last 2 seasons. Compare the stats. Brady Quinn, now with the Cleveland Browns, is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks to run out of the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium and is the best on paper. Jimmy Clausen's Notre Dame career numbers look eerily similar. Jimmy Clausen just out played Quinn in almost every category in his freshman and sophomore seasons. But don't get me wrong, their numbers in these first 2 seasons are horrible, but similar. Now, similar to Quinn, Clausen has taken off. He has 18 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions in Notre Dame's first 8 games in which they have gone 6-2 including a upset thriller (Michigan State over ND in 2006, and Michigan over ND in 2009) and a last-second loss to USC. Clausen and Quinn are almost identical and, if anything, Clausen is better. Of the quarterbacks currently in college football I think he will be the most successful in the NFL. Jimmy Clausen is on pace to break almost all the Notre Dame passing records, most of which are currently held by Quinn, and he deserves respect for it.

Also, I am behind the Phillies all the way in their quest for a comeback in the World Series, but folks, it ain't gonna happen. I think the Phils win a close won tonight and then their relief pitching gives the series away in Game 7. Lastly, kudos to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators as they bounced back from a 2-14 start to finish 70-72, only 19 games behind the division winner. But most importantly, they didn't come in last!!!!

Fall Updates

Sorry about not having any blog action for so long. But here I am now and lets get down to business. Five games of the World Series are in the books and the Yankees are up 3-2. My pick of the Mets to go all the way did not pay off at all. They didn't even choke this year, there were no major injuries or losses, they just couldn't put it together and all of the sudden they're out of the picture. Anyway, the Phillies lineup must have a rule that they can't all get hot at the same time. Jayson Werth and Chase Utley can boast seven postseason homers, Utley having tied Reggie Jackson, Mr. October himself, for the most homers in a single World Series with five. Meanwhile, Ryan Howard also got his name in the broadcast last night during Game 5 when he tied the record for most strikeouts in a World Series. Personally, I think the Phillies should find a good offer and ship Howard out of Philadelphia. Last year he hit plenty of home runs but, as usual, struck out over 200 times. Is one home run really worth over four strikeouts?

Anyway, on to football. Firstly, I would like to applaud Steve Spagnulo for his first victory as the head coach of an NFL team as the 0-7, now 1-7, Rams squeaked out a close one over the 1-6, now 1-7, Detroit Lions, 17-10. But frankly, I was hoping the Rams would keep losing. I mean, if they had lost the remainder of this season's games along with next year's home opener they would set an NFL record for the longest losing streak of all time, surpassing the old, expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, orange jerseys and all. Really, what's the point of being this bad for this long if you don't have something to show for it? As bad as that sounds, I would have felt satisfied in a strange sort of way to know that the world recognized the current St. Louis Rams as one of the worst NFL teams in history, which they are. I am attending the game two Sunday's from now on the 15th in which they will be featured against the New Orleans Saints in what I am sure will amount to be no more than an exhibition by the second half. In my mind the NFL season is still very much up for grabs. Although there are still two undefeated teams neither of them shows the brilliant domination of the 2007 Patriots team that fell short in the Super Bowl. Also, as a Packers fan, the Minnesota Vikings just make me sick. After being thoroughly pounded by the Vikes this past Sunday I must say I was quite embarrased. If this somehow gets to the unwelcome eyes of Brett Favre, I would like him to know just how truly disapointed and sad I am to see him wearing the purple and white. I wonder if he listened to the story on "The Dan Patrick Show" after that heartbreaking 2007 conference championship OT loss to the Giants. The interviewee was a kid from Wisconsin who had worn the same Brett Favre jersey everyday for over 2 years! But he threw out all his Brett Favre stuff after he left the Pack. I would like to know how that makes him feel. If you're out there, Brett: I'd like you to know just how disapointed I am in you.

Brett Favre

Now, I an a huge Packers fan so I am surprised at my reaction, but, have we not heard ENOUGH about Brett Favre?? It's unbelievable. For a few days we thought it was over, he was ACTUALLY retired. But, of course, that would be to easy. Then it comes back, stronger than ever, guaranteeing the Vikings have the 3-time MVP in their pocket. Now I haven't heard anything for the last few days! What is the deal with this guy? He needs to decide and just stick with it. Personally, I think that Aaron Rodgers can wait another year and I would love to see his number 4 back in the Packers green and yellow. But that's just my attachment to him and the Packers. He is the face of the Pack and it's just not the same team without him. Maybe the Packers should chase him just to make sure that the Vikings don't come up with him. If he goes to the Vikings, I will find another team to root for this year.

Baseball Notes

Firstly, the Blue Jays have the 2nd best record in baseball? 3 games over 2nd place Boston in the AL East? All of the sudden they're outplaying everybody in the American League. But I stick by my pick at the beginning of the season: Yankees will win it.

Next, Jacoby Ellsbury in the Yankees-Red Sox series at Fenway: a straight steal of home! The first Red Sock to do so in more than a decade.
Also, folks, the Cardinals are for real. The 3rd best record in baseball, Albert Pujols is on fire, Kyle Lohse is 3-0 with a 1.94 ERA going into tonight's start at home against the Phillies. He's at the back end of the rotation. They are doing this without Chris Carpenter and currently lead the major leagues in errors. They're errors will go down and Carpenter will return to strengthen them further. Ankiel, Molina, and Ludwick are slumping as well, wow! Prediction: Albert Pujols will hit at least 60 this year, maybe even make a run at Bonds' 73.
Lastly, Scott Podsednik, one of the most exciting players in baseball back in 2005 when he had over 70 steals and 20 bunts-for-hits, is back with the White Sox! However, he has gone 0-8 in his last 2 games, both losses by the White Sox to the Rangers.

Harrisburg Senators

This is a short article for all the boyz back in PA. What is happening to our Senators? They finally looked like they could snap out of their decade-long funk last season when they had a mediocre year. Now they're back to the laughing stock of the league. They have started this season 2-13 and have now lost 9 in a row. Tonight (Tuesday, April 28th) they face Eastern League leaders the Akron Aeros at 13-4. The Senators are already dropping back into familiar ground for the few remaining fans they have left in Harrisburg. Oh, well, I just wish that I was still in good old Harrisburg and could find the time to cheer on my Senators, but this must be fate at work here when your somehow this bad for this long. We better not mess with it.