Sausages,
It's that time again. Time for the weekend EPL Preview. I've come onto a little bit of a hot streak of late after coming out of the gates at an abysmal 1-9. We are looking at a full-weekend slate with one fixture coming on Monday. We are almost a quarter of the way through the season and things are really beginning to shake up in terms of the early contenders for the title. Chelsea are still in the lead by 5 points but Arsenal, Manchester City and United are hot on their trail. With all that being said, lets jump into this weekend's matchups.
Last Week: 6-4 Season: 14-16
Saturday:
Arsenal v. West Ham
Arsenal have been flying high as of late with their 3-0 whoppin' of Man City last weekend and a confidence-boosting win during a Carling Cup match (4-0) versus Newcastle during the mid-week. Hopefully Arsenal get an even bigger win vs. the Hammers and with players such as Walcott and Bendtner coming back from injury, they probably will. By the way, West Ham are 20th...out of 20.
Pick: Arsenal
Blackburn v. Chelsea
Blackburn are teetering outside of the relegation zone and their situation will become much more dire after Chelsea take it to 'em at Ewood Park.
Pick: Chelsea
Everton v. Stoke City
I am definitely looking forward to this match. Everton are in great form as of late and have surged out of the bottom of the table to 11th while Stoke sit in 13th. I hope their are goals galore in this match. Everton has great support at home and I see them taking all 3 points in this match.
Pick: Everton
Fulham v. Wigan Athletic
Fulham are also in good form at the moment and definitely tougher to play at Craven Cottage. I see Fulham getting the result here.
Pick: Fulham
Wolves v. Man City
As much as Wolves play a sluggish breed of football, especially at home, I can't see them taking all 3 points here. But Man City should be a bit deflated from their defeat at home to Arsenal last weekend, altough they were handicapped with 10 men for pretty much the entire match. The game will not come easy to City and Wolves will definitely make it tough for them.
Pick: Draw
Manchester Utd v. Tottenham (MOTW)
Wow. I can't believe I'm picking the two teams I despise the most as the MOTW. But when they sit 4th and 5th on the table respectively, its hard to find a better match. Man U has struggled of late and they have seen their star strike Wayne Rooney receive death threats just late week. I can see this match finishing 2-2 with a late equalizer from Man U.
Pick: Draw
Sunday:
Aston Villa v. Birmingham City
Ah yes, The Second-City Derby. I always try to match this match whenever I can because tempers always seem to flair. When derbies come to mind, this one is often overlooked. Both starts have been marginal by either side's standards so they will both be going all-in in this affair. I hope we see a cracking match.
Pick: Aston Villa
Newcastle v. Sunderland
Two derbies on Sunday! This is the Northeast Derby with Newcastle and Sunderland both on the far corner of England. I just don't see either squad coming away with the points in this match though, regardless of it being a derby or not.
Pick: Draw
Bolton v. Liverpool
Yes, Liverpool finally won last week but that still doesn't mean they don't blow. Bolton have only got 2 wins on the season but they are at home and Liverpool 2010-11 are still Liverpool 2010-11.
Pick: Bolton
Monday:
Blackpool v. West Brom
Monday matches are always a drag. West Brom have been in great form this season. We all know about their upset of Arsenal but they currently sit in 6th! Not too shabby for a team recently promoted. Blackpool have been no slouches themselves since getting called up to the EPL but a better-form West Brom will make their lives difficult.
Pick: Draw
Friday, October 29, 2010
College Football Picks
Big weekend this week. A lot of unbeatens going on the road. It's a good bet that at least one of them will fall. On an unrelated note, last night's game does not make NC State a good team. TSR is still going with FSU to win the ACC Atlantic and the conference as a whole. Finally, we offer our condolences to the ND community, especially the family of Declan Sullivan. RIP.
Last week: 7-3. Season: 27-13
Northwestern at Indiana
Northwestern is a very underrated team. They gave MSU a scare and I don't think they'll have a problem against a tricky Indiana team. Pick: Northwestern
#17 Oklahoma State at Kansas State
Neither team has faced too difficult of a schedule. Both teams were killed by Nebraska. Neither team is as good as their record would indicate. With all that being said, this is still an important game for both sides. Kansas State's Big 12 hopes took a huge hit last week with a loss to Baylor. The Pokes are still in contention for the Big 12 South after losing to Nebraska last week. Their season will likely come down to the Bedlam Game against the Sooners. Pick: Kansas State needs this game more than OSU, but I don't think that will matter. Gimmee the Pokes.
Tennessee at #20 South Carolina
Tennessee is winless in conference after being Bama's punching bag last weekend. To make matters worse, Coach Dooley compared his teams to Naz's this past week. As one TSR writer said, it is never a good idea to compare sports to Nazis. SC is coming off a rebound victory over Vandy and their season will likely come down to their matchup with Florida. Pick: Playing a hunch here, but I think Tennessee wins this one. I don't know why, its just a gut feeling. Side note: TSR would like to give a shoutout to Regan's cousin Evan, who graciously hosted two of the writers for this matchup last Halloween. He also gave us this piece of advice: It's not worth htting on SC girls because you know their gonna end up marrying a guy who pumps gas for a living. Well put. The same can be said about Dayton.
Florida vs. Georgia
First, as far as we're concerned, this game will always be known as The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party no matter what the NCAA insists we call it. With that out of the way, this has to be the worst matchup for these two teams in quite some time. Florida has lost three straight and needs to win this one and beat SC in a few weeks to have a shot at the SEC. UGA has won 3 in a row after losing 4 in a row. They too need this game if they want to challenge SC in the SEC East. Pick: We'll go with the Gators.
#5 Michigan State at #18 Iowa
MSU just keeps finding ways to win. No matter how close, the Spartans continue to come out on top. Iowa has disappointed me this year. As I've mentioned before, I picked them to play for the title before the season started, but that's no longer a possibility with their second loss coming last week to Wisconsin. Pick: Nothing against the Spartans, but I'm gonna roll with Iowa for one more week. This is it for them though. If they lose, we're through.
#1 Auburn at Ole Miss
CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN. CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN. Pick: Auburn
Kentucky at #21 Mississippi State
Gotta love both these teams. Traditionally bottom feeders, they're much improved and although both are pretty much out of the SEC race, they are capable of beating anyone. Pick: I'll take MS ST. In just two years under Dan Mullen, this team has made amazing progress. If the trend continues, they could become legitimate contenders in the SEC. Also, the fact that they are ranked 21 in the country and not in contention for the SEC is worth noting. To everyone who says the SEC is down this year, can you explain this? The traditional powers of UF, UT, and UGA are down and all the power seems to be in the West division, but it's still as hard as ever. (That's what she said)
Michigan at Penn State
No matter how these teams are doing, I love watching this game every year. With that being said, Penn State is down and really struggling this year. Michigan has lost its two biggest tests so far against Iowa and MSU. If their defense could just catch up to their offense, Michigan would be a title contender. Pick: Penn State. Happy Valley at night. I don't care how bad they've looked this year.
#2 Oregon at USC
With no bowl game this year or next year, this could be the biggest game the Trojans play until 2012. USC has lost two games by a combined 3 points. Bowls or no bowls, they're still USC so we know they have the talent. Oregon's offense is flat-out amazing. They haven't been held under 40 yet, and they've hit 60 three times including 72 against New Mexico. They have wins of 72-0, 69-0, and 60-13. I don't care who your playing, that's impressive. Pick: Ducks.
Game of the Week
#6 Mizzou at #14 Nebraska
Mizzou derailed my pick by beating the top ranked Sooners last weekend. No time to celebrate though as they head to the Sea of Red in Lincoln. Nerbaska handed Oklahoma State their first loss of the season last week and made it convincing. Pick: I'm not going against my boy T-Magic in this one. Huskers win and I don't think it will be close. I'm still going with Nebraska vs Oklahoma for the Big 12 title game.
Last week: 7-3. Season: 27-13
Northwestern at Indiana
Northwestern is a very underrated team. They gave MSU a scare and I don't think they'll have a problem against a tricky Indiana team. Pick: Northwestern
#17 Oklahoma State at Kansas State
Neither team has faced too difficult of a schedule. Both teams were killed by Nebraska. Neither team is as good as their record would indicate. With all that being said, this is still an important game for both sides. Kansas State's Big 12 hopes took a huge hit last week with a loss to Baylor. The Pokes are still in contention for the Big 12 South after losing to Nebraska last week. Their season will likely come down to the Bedlam Game against the Sooners. Pick: Kansas State needs this game more than OSU, but I don't think that will matter. Gimmee the Pokes.
Tennessee at #20 South Carolina
Tennessee is winless in conference after being Bama's punching bag last weekend. To make matters worse, Coach Dooley compared his teams to Naz's this past week. As one TSR writer said, it is never a good idea to compare sports to Nazis. SC is coming off a rebound victory over Vandy and their season will likely come down to their matchup with Florida. Pick: Playing a hunch here, but I think Tennessee wins this one. I don't know why, its just a gut feeling. Side note: TSR would like to give a shoutout to Regan's cousin Evan, who graciously hosted two of the writers for this matchup last Halloween. He also gave us this piece of advice: It's not worth htting on SC girls because you know their gonna end up marrying a guy who pumps gas for a living. Well put. The same can be said about Dayton.
Florida vs. Georgia
First, as far as we're concerned, this game will always be known as The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party no matter what the NCAA insists we call it. With that out of the way, this has to be the worst matchup for these two teams in quite some time. Florida has lost three straight and needs to win this one and beat SC in a few weeks to have a shot at the SEC. UGA has won 3 in a row after losing 4 in a row. They too need this game if they want to challenge SC in the SEC East. Pick: We'll go with the Gators.
#5 Michigan State at #18 Iowa
MSU just keeps finding ways to win. No matter how close, the Spartans continue to come out on top. Iowa has disappointed me this year. As I've mentioned before, I picked them to play for the title before the season started, but that's no longer a possibility with their second loss coming last week to Wisconsin. Pick: Nothing against the Spartans, but I'm gonna roll with Iowa for one more week. This is it for them though. If they lose, we're through.
#1 Auburn at Ole Miss
CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN. CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN.CAM NEWTON 4 HEISMAN. Pick: Auburn
Kentucky at #21 Mississippi State
Gotta love both these teams. Traditionally bottom feeders, they're much improved and although both are pretty much out of the SEC race, they are capable of beating anyone. Pick: I'll take MS ST. In just two years under Dan Mullen, this team has made amazing progress. If the trend continues, they could become legitimate contenders in the SEC. Also, the fact that they are ranked 21 in the country and not in contention for the SEC is worth noting. To everyone who says the SEC is down this year, can you explain this? The traditional powers of UF, UT, and UGA are down and all the power seems to be in the West division, but it's still as hard as ever. (That's what she said)
Michigan at Penn State
No matter how these teams are doing, I love watching this game every year. With that being said, Penn State is down and really struggling this year. Michigan has lost its two biggest tests so far against Iowa and MSU. If their defense could just catch up to their offense, Michigan would be a title contender. Pick: Penn State. Happy Valley at night. I don't care how bad they've looked this year.
#2 Oregon at USC
With no bowl game this year or next year, this could be the biggest game the Trojans play until 2012. USC has lost two games by a combined 3 points. Bowls or no bowls, they're still USC so we know they have the talent. Oregon's offense is flat-out amazing. They haven't been held under 40 yet, and they've hit 60 three times including 72 against New Mexico. They have wins of 72-0, 69-0, and 60-13. I don't care who your playing, that's impressive. Pick: Ducks.
Game of the Week
#6 Mizzou at #14 Nebraska
Mizzou derailed my pick by beating the top ranked Sooners last weekend. No time to celebrate though as they head to the Sea of Red in Lincoln. Nerbaska handed Oklahoma State their first loss of the season last week and made it convincing. Pick: I'm not going against my boy T-Magic in this one. Huskers win and I don't think it will be close. I'm still going with Nebraska vs Oklahoma for the Big 12 title game.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Lineup!
Well Sausages, it all comes down to this. The ultimate movie baseball lineup. This is the piece de resistance. All the hours of searching my movie collection and tinkering and retinkering have combined into the ultimate 1-9. The best hitters and athletes are on display here. Let's jump right into it.
1. Willie Mays Hayes (Major League) CF - "plays like Mays; runs like Hayes". Willie is the quintessential leadoff hitter. Known for his flashy plays and even flashier lifestyle, Hayes was the Indians catalyst.
Willie Mays Hays Slides Short
2. Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez (The Sandlot) SS - by far the best athlete on the team; Benny can play anywhere and everywhere. Only known person to pickle the Beast. Also famous for busting the guts out of a baseball and stealing home for the Dodgers with a sweet moustache (also safe on the play).
3. Roy Hobbs (The Natural) LF - simply a natural. One man said, "you pray he only hits a double". The game came naturally for Roy. I mean, the man played with a gunshot wound in his stomach and is the only known person to strike out the Whammer (aka Babe Ruth). Swung a mythical piece of lumber called Wonderboy.
The Final Homerun
4. Pedro Cerrano (Major League) DH - the VooDoo man. A fan's favorite and the classy guy on the team. Stole our hearts with his "hats for bats" comment, refusal to share JoBu's rum and being allergic to curveballs. The big man with the big bat who has is known for his ability to deliver a clutch homerun.
Marbles
5. Bobby Rayburn (The Fan) RF - Bobby had it all. The lifestyle, the talent and the love of the fans. That is until DeNiro went psycho and killed John Kruk on the field. But hey, we known Bobby can perform in the clutch shown when he hit an inside-the-parker while his son's life was on the line in a monsoon.
6. Jack Parkman (Major League) 1B - noted badboy, Jack Parkman loves doing his shimmy which has been known to make the women in Cleveland puke. Big-time power hitter with a questionable personality but hey, the guy can rake. Hate/Hate relationship with Jake Taylor.
7. Roger Dorn (Major League) 3B - "Get in from of the damn ball, Dorn! Don't give me this ole, BS". A noted primadonna with a high contract and a playboy lifestyle, Dorn was the highest paid Indian. Frequent clashes with Rick Vaughn ensued but the two later became close. But the guy still won't take a groundball off the chest.
Roger Dorn Oles
8. Jake Taylor (Major League) C - the veteran leader who is the obviously choice behind the dish. Taylor calls a great game and provides veteran leadership to the younger players on the team. Even though his knees are shot, there is no other man I want behind the plate than Taylor...or calling for the bunt which lead the Indians to the ALCS.
9. Michael "Squints" Palledorous 2B (The Sandlot) - a true hero to us all. We never really got to see him display his talents like the others but any man who gets with Wendy Peffercorn belongs in the starting lineup. We know he is crafty as evidenced by the pool scene so a player who is always thinking two steps ahead and isn't afraid to take a risk without regard for public scrutiny is alright by me.
Squints Big Moment
There it is. Don't ask me how long it took. Time to watch the World Series. Be sure to comment on how you believe was omitted from the roster.
Have a good night Sausages,
Go Giants!
- KA
Please God, Just Let This Happen
I happened to stumble upon this article yesterday. Although its a few months old, it still brings great news: http://thepipelineshow.blogspot.com/2010/05/ncaa-hockey-video-game-on-way.html
That's right, a college hockey video game! I realize most people probably don't care, but trust me. This is a huge deal to people in New England and the Great Lakes region. It looks as if EA is going to add NCAA teams to future versions of their NHL series, hopefully NHL '12. They will join teams from the Canadian and Russian leagues already featured in the game and you can play out a whole season with them. It looks like EA is trying to make their NHL series resemble their FIFA games, which make sense with both sports being so global.
Dear Commissioner Stern,,,
Minor league baseball, popular, profitable, reliable, good for baseball because talent can develop without having to risk the success of the major league team... why wouldn't it work for the NBA?
Every week I hear a sports pundit talking on the radio or on TV about the controversial issue of "one and dones" in college basketball or how players have the right to jump ship out of high school and go to the NBA.
Currently the NBDL is not a legitimate minor league system, no one wants to pay attention to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants or the Sioux Falls Skyforce (I didn't make those up). You have a better idea? Why yes, yes I do.
1. Put the NBDL franchises in legitimate metropolitan areas where they can make money. No need to build costly new arenas. Cities with colleges are preferable, dollar beer nights anyone?
2. Each NBDL team will have two NBA teams affiliated with it. Put the NBDL team within reasonable geographic proximity to their NBA teams.
3. Each NBA team can place 6 players on their NBDL team.
4. Expand the draft to 6 rounds. Only players taken in the first round have guaranteed NBA contracts. NBDL players will not get paid much but if they make the jump to the NBA they have to make the NBA minimum.
5. Brand these teams effectively, use good nicknames/colors and make the uniforms throwback style so people will be interested in buying merchandise.
6. Don't make tickets crazy expensive. You should be able to go to an NBDL game for $10-$15 for a mid level seat.
7. Players can jump straight from high school to the NBA after being evaluated by NBA sponsored scouts. If the scouts don't believe that the player will be NBA ready in 3 years than he can't enter the draft.
8. If a player does decide to go to college he has to stay there for at least 3 years.
So I present to you the NBDL, complete with nicknames, arenas and NBA affiliates. I think it could work.
Austin Stars– Houston, San Antonio – Frank Erwin Center
Raleigh/Carolina Cougars– Charlotte , Atlanta - RBC Center
Brooklyn Bears – New York , New Jersey – Barclays Center
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Movie Baseball Stars pt. 3
Sausages,
Hope this Tuesday doesn't blow. I know that it has been a few days since the last post but we are almost to the pinnacle of baseball stars. Today I'm unvieling the starting rotation. Same rules still apply and if you have any beef, take it up on the comment thread.
Rotation:
Mel Clark (Angels in the Outfield)
Chet Steadman (Rookie of the Year)
Eddie Harris (Major League)
Kenny DeNunez (The Sandlot)
Whit Bass (Angels in the Outfield)
If that rotation doesn't strike fear in opponents hearts then I don't know what will. There is a mix of sheer power and craft among these pitchers also coupled with a air of professionalism. The top three starters are nearing the end of their careers (one nearing death) but they were chosen for their ability to win games, their love of salisbury steaks (looking at you Steadman) and rubbing Vagisil on the ball. Expect a Walter Johnson-esque amount of complete games with this bunch. Let the debate begin...again.
- KA
Quick!
Off the top of your head name the team that leads the NFL in total offense, passing yards per game, total defense and pass defense???????
http://www.nfl.com/stats/team
They are 2-5, and we thought the BCS was screwed up!
http://www.nfl.com/stats/team
They are 2-5, and we thought the BCS was screwed up!
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