I had a lot of family stuff going on so I forgot to make my picks this week. But since I dont want to have an inactive week, I am going to take the Cowboys tonight, regardless of their line. Now bare with me while I go look it up.....
Dallas -7 @ Washington:
Last Week: 2-1
Season: 27-16-1
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Raleigh's Bets NFL Week 16
I'm doing something I normally wouldn't do this week. I may bet on a Jets game. I don't care if Peyton Manning doesn't play in the 2nd half. They should have an insurmountable lead by then.
Houston @ Miami (-1.5)
Detroit (+14) @ San Francisco
New York Jets @ Indianapolis (-3.5)
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 23-22
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 12-9
Houston @ Miami (-1.5)
Detroit (+14) @ San Francisco
New York Jets @ Indianapolis (-3.5)
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 23-22
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 12-9
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 15
There were two games I liked this week that Bob already took so I'm going to try to pick some different ones.
Miami @ Tennesssee (-5)
Green Bay (+2.5) @ Pittsburgh
Minnesota @ Carolina (+9)
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 21-21
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 10-8
Miami @ Tennesssee (-5)
Green Bay (+2.5) @ Pittsburgh
Minnesota @ Carolina (+9)
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 21-21
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 10-8
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Bobs NFL Picks: Week 15
Back on the right track last week and looking to keep it up this week. There are a few tricky lines this, starting with tonight's game, but I fell pretty decent overall. Lets do this.
Indianpolis -3 @ Jacksonville: Im trying not to overthink this line. It seems to easy, and it very well may be. I was expecting something closer to 7, so only giving 3 is very low. I know Jacksonville is fighting for a playoff spot, but Indy is trying to remain unbeaten. Jacksonville doesn't have any stellar wins this season and I just cant imagine them having one tonight either.
Seattle -6.5 vs. Tampa Bay: Seattle is not very good, but they have won the games they were supposed to win. Tampa Bay stinks and is already looking to next season.
Cleveland +2 @ Kansas City: I would not highly recommend taking the Browns, but I happen to like them in this game. They impressed the hell out of me by beating Pittsburgh last week (probably more of an indictment on Pitt) and they have covered the few times I picked against them this season. I think Cleveland will ride in confident and well rested after last Thursdays game.
Last Week: 2-1
Season: 25-14-1
Indianpolis -3 @ Jacksonville: Im trying not to overthink this line. It seems to easy, and it very well may be. I was expecting something closer to 7, so only giving 3 is very low. I know Jacksonville is fighting for a playoff spot, but Indy is trying to remain unbeaten. Jacksonville doesn't have any stellar wins this season and I just cant imagine them having one tonight either.
Seattle -6.5 vs. Tampa Bay: Seattle is not very good, but they have won the games they were supposed to win. Tampa Bay stinks and is already looking to next season.
Cleveland +2 @ Kansas City: I would not highly recommend taking the Browns, but I happen to like them in this game. They impressed the hell out of me by beating Pittsburgh last week (probably more of an indictment on Pitt) and they have covered the few times I picked against them this season. I think Cleveland will ride in confident and well rested after last Thursdays game.
Last Week: 2-1
Season: 25-14-1
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Expanding the NCAA Tournament Field
Recently I have seen some articles about expanding the NCAA Tournament field to as many as 96 teams. Let me start with saying that I think the NCAA Tournament is the perfect sporting event and I was against the Play-in Game when it was instituted. No matter what there are going to be bubbles burst on Selection Sunday. If the field gets expanded to 96 teams all that it will mean is that instead of teams 66,67 and 68 griping about not making the tournament it will be teams 97, 98 and 99. I just thought it was a weird thing to do to accommodate one more bubble team. I've since come around a little primarily because of how much the city of Dayton gets in to it. Guess what the attendance was for last year's play in game was....for Morehead State vs. Alabama State...have your guess...it was 11,346. That's insane to me. Granted, I would have went if I lived in or around Dayton but still. It's cool that the city embraces it.
If the NCAA Tournament wants to expand again the maximum I would do is add three more play in games so each region has one. That day would turn in to a holiday in the Dayton area. You could have ESPN broadcast all four games in one day. Break it in to 2 sessions that Tuesday and have it be an all day event. It would make the low seeded teams feel like more part of the tournament since it would go from a random Tuesday night game that people forget is on to an all-day broadcast. Plus it would give 8 teams who never get shown on TV another ESPN game (other than their conference tournament championship game that they would have to have won). That has to be a better tournament experience than getting blown out by 50 to a #1 seed and having your game switched off at the half. I'd prefer they leave the whole thing alone but if they have to expand it, anything more than these extra three play in games would be a mistake.
If the NCAA Tournament wants to expand again the maximum I would do is add three more play in games so each region has one. That day would turn in to a holiday in the Dayton area. You could have ESPN broadcast all four games in one day. Break it in to 2 sessions that Tuesday and have it be an all day event. It would make the low seeded teams feel like more part of the tournament since it would go from a random Tuesday night game that people forget is on to an all-day broadcast. Plus it would give 8 teams who never get shown on TV another ESPN game (other than their conference tournament championship game that they would have to have won). That has to be a better tournament experience than getting blown out by 50 to a #1 seed and having your game switched off at the half. I'd prefer they leave the whole thing alone but if they have to expand it, anything more than these extra three play in games would be a mistake.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 14
Buffalo @ Kansas City(+2.5)
Green Bay(-4.5) @ Chicago
Washington(1.5) @ Oakland
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 19-20
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 8-7
Green Bay(-4.5) @ Chicago
Washington(1.5) @ Oakland
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 19-20
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 8-7
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Bobs NFL Picks Week 14
Here are my NFL picks for this week.
Miami +3 @ Jacksonville
San Diego +3 @ Dallas
Kansas City +1 vs. Buffalo
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 23-13-1
Miami +3 @ Jacksonville
San Diego +3 @ Dallas
Kansas City +1 vs. Buffalo
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 23-13-1
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
It's All About the Trades
Since I only seem to post when a significant trade goes down, it looks like it's my turn to actually post something here again. With rumors of a mega-trade going down between the Yanks, D-Backs, and Tigers, I thought I'd post a few thoughts. First the actual trade:
Yanks get: Curtis Granderson
Diamondbacks get: Ian Kennedy and Edwin Jackson
Tigers get: Max Scherzer, Phil Coke, and Austin Jackson
For unfair reasons I'm going to call this a four-way trade by adding the move that sent Brian Bruney from the Yanks to the Nationals simply because I think that particular roster move speaks to some of the greater concerns I have with this trade as a whole.
First Granderson:
Curtis Granderson is considered to be one of the best young"ish" players in baseball right now and a superior defensive outfielder. Given the expected holes in the Yanks outfield (with expected departures of Matsui, Damon or both) this makes sense. He is only 28 (going on 29) so he should roughly be around his peak. He hit a career high 30 HRs last year but drove in only 71 runs, scored 91, and hit only .249 with a OPS of .780 which, err, is not very good and represent significant declines from the previous two years - not, it should be noted, years in which he should be regressing. He will be taking over the CF position which, while definitely an upgrade at the position, still disappoints me as a Yankee fan since I've always enjoyed watching Melky in center and I was quite happy with the Cabrera/Gardner platoon. LF is a much more pressing position for the Yanks right now and I don't think they plan to move the before-mentioned platoon over to leftfield. More likely, I think they'll make a big push for Holliday now, particularly since Granderson has insane range in the OF and he can pick up a bit of the slack for Holliday defensively. Given how Holliday struggled in the AL last year, I'm not sure how I would feel about his potential addition. If you asked me 2 years ago how I'd feel about Holliday in pinstripes, euphoria would have been a close approximation. While I was living in Colorado, I would frequently razz my Rockie friends about how awesome Holliday was going to be as a Yankee when his CO contract expired. But I loved Holliday then and the man hit perhaps the most impressive live HR I've ever seen in my life (of course it was against the Yanks). Anyway, Granderson is obviously a very good player and it's possible he bounces back substantially in the next few seasons, particularly in this Yankee lineup (though it should be mentioned that the Tigers did not have a bad lineup either). However, though I've made this mistake before, arguing, for example, against a proposed Yankees Johan Santana trade that I thought gave up too many cheap young prospects, let me wade into these dangerous waters again and lay out while I am against the trade, despite its potential upsides (for example, a substantial Granderson bounce-back).
For whatever reasons, Austin Jackson's star has faded, though there does not seem to be a lot of statistical or even anecdotal data to explain why. Nevertheless, the man was still the Yankees #1 rated organizational prospect so he obviously retains some important trade value. I mean, his minor league stats are not mind-blowing or anything, but scouts seem to envision some pretty impressive development from him and, for purposes of evaluating his worth on the open-market, we will take these scout evaluations at face value. Now getting Granderson for Jackson would be a no-brainer, and the Tigers (or anyone else for that matter) would be foolish to even consider such a deal. But with the trade of Bruney to the Nationals, and the addition of Kennedy and Coke in this 3 team deal, I can't help but think that the Yankees have substantially weakened their bullpen in the process. To make matters worse, I am holding the Yankees at their word that they intend to move Hughes into the starting rotation. This leaves an enormous hole in a bullpen that, towards the end of the season, was considered one of baseball's best. Add another year to Mariano Rivera's age, and it's hard to tell what kind of devastated bullpen we could be looking at in 2010 (Jeez, 2010 already! Where did the decade go?). I mean, Kennedy would have been an obvious replacement for Hughes in the bullpen (or a backup solution in the rotation if the Hughes experiment failed) and now that safety net has been traded away. It seems like a curious decision to devastate our bullpen in a move that, in my expectation, marginally improves one position and fails to address holes in another (LF). Again, this might be a pre-cursor to an additional Holliday/Bay signing, but that has yet to be determined. Regardless, while the baseball masses absolutely HATE IT, I personally prefer when the Yankees sign free agents instead of giving up players AND money in trades. I mean, it's not my money - so what do I care if the Yankees throw millions of dollars around in the open market to plug up holes, real or imagined, in the Yankee lineup. But giving up talented prospects? That gives me pause. Don't misunderstand me. A lot of my disappointment in this trade is tied up in my belief that Granderson won't return to "form" offensively (though I continue to believe he'll be a force defensively). Obviously, I can be severely misguided in that assumption. Likewise, I can be severely misinformed as to the potential of Jackson and Kennedy. So far, Kennedy hasn't exactly set the AL on fire.
Anyway, as a Yankee fan, I hope to be wrong. God knows I have been before and one could have imagined an extra WS Championship or two if the Yankees pulled the trigger on earlier prospect-laden deals I opposed that would have brought in players like Johan Santana. But Cashman is a pretty wise GM and he's done right by us before. Let's hope he still has the magic.
Yanks get: Curtis Granderson
Diamondbacks get: Ian Kennedy and Edwin Jackson
Tigers get: Max Scherzer, Phil Coke, and Austin Jackson
For unfair reasons I'm going to call this a four-way trade by adding the move that sent Brian Bruney from the Yanks to the Nationals simply because I think that particular roster move speaks to some of the greater concerns I have with this trade as a whole.
First Granderson:
Curtis Granderson is considered to be one of the best young"ish" players in baseball right now and a superior defensive outfielder. Given the expected holes in the Yanks outfield (with expected departures of Matsui, Damon or both) this makes sense. He is only 28 (going on 29) so he should roughly be around his peak. He hit a career high 30 HRs last year but drove in only 71 runs, scored 91, and hit only .249 with a OPS of .780 which, err, is not very good and represent significant declines from the previous two years - not, it should be noted, years in which he should be regressing. He will be taking over the CF position which, while definitely an upgrade at the position, still disappoints me as a Yankee fan since I've always enjoyed watching Melky in center and I was quite happy with the Cabrera/Gardner platoon. LF is a much more pressing position for the Yanks right now and I don't think they plan to move the before-mentioned platoon over to leftfield. More likely, I think they'll make a big push for Holliday now, particularly since Granderson has insane range in the OF and he can pick up a bit of the slack for Holliday defensively. Given how Holliday struggled in the AL last year, I'm not sure how I would feel about his potential addition. If you asked me 2 years ago how I'd feel about Holliday in pinstripes, euphoria would have been a close approximation. While I was living in Colorado, I would frequently razz my Rockie friends about how awesome Holliday was going to be as a Yankee when his CO contract expired. But I loved Holliday then and the man hit perhaps the most impressive live HR I've ever seen in my life (of course it was against the Yanks). Anyway, Granderson is obviously a very good player and it's possible he bounces back substantially in the next few seasons, particularly in this Yankee lineup (though it should be mentioned that the Tigers did not have a bad lineup either). However, though I've made this mistake before, arguing, for example, against a proposed Yankees Johan Santana trade that I thought gave up too many cheap young prospects, let me wade into these dangerous waters again and lay out while I am against the trade, despite its potential upsides (for example, a substantial Granderson bounce-back).
For whatever reasons, Austin Jackson's star has faded, though there does not seem to be a lot of statistical or even anecdotal data to explain why. Nevertheless, the man was still the Yankees #1 rated organizational prospect so he obviously retains some important trade value. I mean, his minor league stats are not mind-blowing or anything, but scouts seem to envision some pretty impressive development from him and, for purposes of evaluating his worth on the open-market, we will take these scout evaluations at face value. Now getting Granderson for Jackson would be a no-brainer, and the Tigers (or anyone else for that matter) would be foolish to even consider such a deal. But with the trade of Bruney to the Nationals, and the addition of Kennedy and Coke in this 3 team deal, I can't help but think that the Yankees have substantially weakened their bullpen in the process. To make matters worse, I am holding the Yankees at their word that they intend to move Hughes into the starting rotation. This leaves an enormous hole in a bullpen that, towards the end of the season, was considered one of baseball's best. Add another year to Mariano Rivera's age, and it's hard to tell what kind of devastated bullpen we could be looking at in 2010 (Jeez, 2010 already! Where did the decade go?). I mean, Kennedy would have been an obvious replacement for Hughes in the bullpen (or a backup solution in the rotation if the Hughes experiment failed) and now that safety net has been traded away. It seems like a curious decision to devastate our bullpen in a move that, in my expectation, marginally improves one position and fails to address holes in another (LF). Again, this might be a pre-cursor to an additional Holliday/Bay signing, but that has yet to be determined. Regardless, while the baseball masses absolutely HATE IT, I personally prefer when the Yankees sign free agents instead of giving up players AND money in trades. I mean, it's not my money - so what do I care if the Yankees throw millions of dollars around in the open market to plug up holes, real or imagined, in the Yankee lineup. But giving up talented prospects? That gives me pause. Don't misunderstand me. A lot of my disappointment in this trade is tied up in my belief that Granderson won't return to "form" offensively (though I continue to believe he'll be a force defensively). Obviously, I can be severely misguided in that assumption. Likewise, I can be severely misinformed as to the potential of Jackson and Kennedy. So far, Kennedy hasn't exactly set the AL on fire.
Anyway, as a Yankee fan, I hope to be wrong. God knows I have been before and one could have imagined an extra WS Championship or two if the Yankees pulled the trigger on earlier prospect-laden deals I opposed that would have brought in players like Johan Santana. But Cashman is a pretty wise GM and he's done right by us before. Let's hope he still has the magic.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 13
Back to .500!
Houston @ Jacksonville(+2.5)
Tennessee(+6.5) @ Indianapolis
Minnesota(-3.5) @ Arizona
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 18-18
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 7-5
Houston @ Jacksonville(+2.5)
Tennessee(+6.5) @ Indianapolis
Minnesota(-3.5) @ Arizona
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 18-18
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 7-5
Bobs NFL Picks: Week 13
I'm looking to keep the momentum going after a good bounce back week last week, but I'm not loving the lines this week either with the exception of 1. But I came up with 3, because as we all know, 3 is the magic number.
Denver -6 @ Chiefs: Denver is coming off a huge and impressive Thanksgiving win and I think they will ride the wave through KC. I know its a tough place to play, but the Chiefs are 1-4 at home this year and are playing for nothing.
Houston -2 @ Jacksonville: Its strange that Jacksonville has a better record than the Texans this year but playing Indy twice in 3 weeks will really F up your momentum. I expect the Texans to get back to .500 this week.
San Diego -13.5 @ Cleveland: Cleveland really screwed me two weeks ago against Detroit, but I haven't learned my lesson. If the line were a .5 point higher I wouldn't have taken it but San Diego is supremely more talented and they should be able to win this game by 2 TD's+.
Last week: 2-0-1
Season: 22-11-1
Denver -6 @ Chiefs: Denver is coming off a huge and impressive Thanksgiving win and I think they will ride the wave through KC. I know its a tough place to play, but the Chiefs are 1-4 at home this year and are playing for nothing.
Houston -2 @ Jacksonville: Its strange that Jacksonville has a better record than the Texans this year but playing Indy twice in 3 weeks will really F up your momentum. I expect the Texans to get back to .500 this week.
San Diego -13.5 @ Cleveland: Cleveland really screwed me two weeks ago against Detroit, but I haven't learned my lesson. If the line were a .5 point higher I wouldn't have taken it but San Diego is supremely more talented and they should be able to win this game by 2 TD's+.
Last week: 2-0-1
Season: 22-11-1
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights: Finale Picks
Tonight, at 9:00 is the finale of the The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights live and free on Spike. Although this was, by far, the worst season ever I will fulfill my blogger duties and give you my picks for this evenings bouts.
Roy Nelson over Brendan Schaub: I cannot stand Nelson, nor do I think he is that good, but the fact is that his experience and more importantly his size make him hard to finish. I like Nelson by TKO in round 2.
Houston Alexander over Kimbo Slice: It would be hard to argue that Kimbo impressed anyone this season. After seeing his highlight reel knockouts on Youtube, everyone expected a fierce brawler when he stepped in to the octagon. Unfortunately, we all found out that he is an inexperienced 35 year old with knockout power and very little else. Alexander is coming off 3 straight 1st round losses, but I expect him to bounce back tonight.
Marcus Jones over Matt Mitrione: The dumbest feud ever will come to a head tonight. This fight could go either way, because Marcus has shown he has a soft chin and Mitrione has power, but I think Marcus will try and take Mitrione down and finish him on the ground.
James McSweeney over Darrill Schoonover: I think McSweeney's speed will play a factor as he wins this fight and then I'll be happy to never have to look at either of these guys again.
Justin Wren over Jon Madsen: I really like what I saw out of Wren in his fight versus Roy, who was much bigger than Madsen.
Jon Jones over Matt Hamill: Bones is coming off 3 straight wins against solid opponents and really has developed into a solid all around fighter. Great skills in and out of the clinch will make tough work for Hamill, who really hasn't beaten anyone near Bones caliber.
Frank Edgar over Matt Veach
Brian Stann over Rodney Wallace
Roy Nelson over Brendan Schaub: I cannot stand Nelson, nor do I think he is that good, but the fact is that his experience and more importantly his size make him hard to finish. I like Nelson by TKO in round 2.
Houston Alexander over Kimbo Slice: It would be hard to argue that Kimbo impressed anyone this season. After seeing his highlight reel knockouts on Youtube, everyone expected a fierce brawler when he stepped in to the octagon. Unfortunately, we all found out that he is an inexperienced 35 year old with knockout power and very little else. Alexander is coming off 3 straight 1st round losses, but I expect him to bounce back tonight.
Marcus Jones over Matt Mitrione: The dumbest feud ever will come to a head tonight. This fight could go either way, because Marcus has shown he has a soft chin and Mitrione has power, but I think Marcus will try and take Mitrione down and finish him on the ground.
James McSweeney over Darrill Schoonover: I think McSweeney's speed will play a factor as he wins this fight and then I'll be happy to never have to look at either of these guys again.
Justin Wren over Jon Madsen: I really like what I saw out of Wren in his fight versus Roy, who was much bigger than Madsen.
Jon Jones over Matt Hamill: Bones is coming off 3 straight wins against solid opponents and really has developed into a solid all around fighter. Great skills in and out of the clinch will make tough work for Hamill, who really hasn't beaten anyone near Bones caliber.
Frank Edgar over Matt Veach
Brian Stann over Rodney Wallace
Sorry about this but...
This is a little more self-serving than I like to get on this blog but it's St. John's/Duke today and I can't stand Duke.
Raleigh's Best Bets NCAAFB Week 13
Ouch. Another 1-2 Week. I'm running out of time to get over .500. I'm only going to try and take the big games this week.
Florida vs Alabama(+5.5)
I think Florida is going to win this game. I'm a believer in "storybook endings" in sports. The story is supposed to be Tim Tebow winning the SEC, National Championship and another Heisman and go out as a top 5 college player of all time. Having said that, I do not think this will be a shootout. I hate predicting actual scores but if I had to I think we are looking at Florida winning 13-10 type of game. 5.5 is too many points for what alot of people are considering the real National Championship.
Georgia Tech vs Clemson(PK)
Both teams are coming off bad losses to SEC teams. That seemed to take some juice out of this game especially on a day where the SEC and Big 12 Champs will be decided. Georgia Tech won the first meeting 30-27. I remember it vividly since I took Georgia Tech -5 and watched them give up 27 unanswered points to Clemson and losing my bet. This is going to be tight game and Clemson's defense is better at the takeaway than Georgia Tech and that could be the difference.
Texas(-14) vs Nebraska
I'm looking forward to this game tonight so I kind of hope I'm wrong here but I don't like Nebraska's chances playing this game in Dallas. I can't explain it but I just have a feeling that Texas is going to light them up. Not to the extent Texas lit up Colorado last time Texas played for the Big 12 title in 2005. I think the score was 151-3 if I remember correctly (actually it was 70-3).
Last Week: 1-2
Overall:16-19-1
Florida vs Alabama(+5.5)
I think Florida is going to win this game. I'm a believer in "storybook endings" in sports. The story is supposed to be Tim Tebow winning the SEC, National Championship and another Heisman and go out as a top 5 college player of all time. Having said that, I do not think this will be a shootout. I hate predicting actual scores but if I had to I think we are looking at Florida winning 13-10 type of game. 5.5 is too many points for what alot of people are considering the real National Championship.
Georgia Tech vs Clemson(PK)
Both teams are coming off bad losses to SEC teams. That seemed to take some juice out of this game especially on a day where the SEC and Big 12 Champs will be decided. Georgia Tech won the first meeting 30-27. I remember it vividly since I took Georgia Tech -5 and watched them give up 27 unanswered points to Clemson and losing my bet. This is going to be tight game and Clemson's defense is better at the takeaway than Georgia Tech and that could be the difference.
Texas(-14) vs Nebraska
I'm looking forward to this game tonight so I kind of hope I'm wrong here but I don't like Nebraska's chances playing this game in Dallas. I can't explain it but I just have a feeling that Texas is going to light them up. Not to the extent Texas lit up Colorado last time Texas played for the Big 12 title in 2005. I think the score was 151-3 if I remember correctly (actually it was 70-3).
Last Week: 1-2
Overall:16-19-1
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights: Final Episode
All season long, we, The Ultimate Fighter fans, have had to endure lackluster fight after lackluster fight. You'd wait all episode just to watch some amateur step into the octagon and put on the weakest MMA display possible and then have to wait an entire to weak to see it all over again. I'm not sure, but maybe Dana White took all this into account when he scheduled a 2 hour, 4 fight, finale. The odds are with a finale like that, it would have to be entertaining.
The episode starts off with the drama of who is going to fight James McSweeney. As much as everyone on the planet wanted to see Kimbo step in for Mitrione, he told Dana that he couldn't live with fighting at less than 100%. I think the world was shocked that the meanest, nastiest dude on the planet decides not to fight because he doesn't want to get a cortisone shot for his arthritis. Of all ailments, that is one that can be dealt with for a fight. Mitrione on the other hand, decides he is ready to fight. He says that he was cleared by the doctor, but Rashad and everyone else knows that it never had anything to do with the doctor. Mitrione fighting excites McSweeney, who seems to hate meathead.
Now for the biggest overreaction in TV history. Scott Junk finds out that during his fight with Mitrione he sustained an injury to his retina that may force him to never fight again. He discloses this to his team and Marcus Jones for whatever reason in the universe, decides to freak out on Mitrione for inflicting the damage. On the verge of tears, Marcus needs to be restrained from going after Mitrione because he wants to seek vengeance. The levels of absurdity for this are off the charts. It doesn't take an MMA enthusiast to realize that there are risks when stepping into the octagon to fight. And now with Marcus overreacting, he becomes just another idiot on the show. Instead of TUF Heavyweights, this season should've been called TUF:The Hardest Guys to Root for on the Planet.
With 4 fights, I wont spend too much time dissecting them. In the first fight, Mitrione starts off tentative with McSweeney but manages to land a few heavy punches while McSweeney lands a few leg kicks. They trade for a couple of minutes until Mitrione ends up on his back. He tries an ankle lock to no avail and then, like the amateur he is, he tries standing up while his head is in McSweeney's grasp. He ends up in a guillotine choke, and within a split second, Mitrione got his hand out and couldn't wait to tap.
In the second fight, Marcus "overreacting" Jones took on Darrill "titties" Schoonover. This fight was over before it even started. Schoonover is on his back in 15 seconds, and Marcus gets him in the crucifix position and then imposes his will. "Imposes his will" has to be the funniest way to describe a fight. It sounds so brutal and final. And in this case it was. The first chance Schoonover gets to stand up, he inexplicably tries to shoot on Marcus. Marcus gets in full mount, throws some bombs, and the fight is over. This is Schoonovers first MMA loss. That is hard to believe on so many levels.
The semifinal fights are announced and they are Roy Nelson vs. James McSweeney and Brendan Schaub vs. Marcus Jones. After the announcements, Rashad and Rampage tangle in their weekly face off confrontation. As usual, this entails both guys repeating themselves about 25 times before someone breaks them up. Yawn.
I am so happy for the Roy Nelson/James McSweeney fight because it gave us the opportunity to hear the assistant coach Trevor utter the following pre-fight words to McSweeney.
"The past has gone, the future will come.
The most important part is the present. It is a gift that is why they call it the present.
When you were in your room getting your hands wrapped up tight,
you are ready for this bag ass fight.
You fell much lighter, are you ready to be the ultimate fighter?
Keep your focus, this isn't hocus pocus."
Now that we have heard the queerest fight prep-talk ever, onto the fight.
McSweeney comes out looking great against Nelson. He is fast and accurate, landing several jabs and ducking out of Nelsons counters. He gets him in a choke and Roy slips out of it. He starts gaining confidence after a few big punches and decides to taunt Roy midway through the first round and Roy lands a heavy right and then takes McSweeney down. He traps his arm, and unable to escape all the weight and fat in the world, McSweeney has to lay helpless as Nelson starts landing punches until the fight is stopped. He taunted a bit too early I guess.
After another Rashad/Rampage clash where Rampage tells Rashad to "make me act like a bitch" it is time for the final fight of the episode. The fight between Marcus and Brendan starts with Marcus immediately taking Schaub to the mat. Marcus actually ends up in full mount, but doesn't capitalize. To be honest, I thought Schaub would never get out because Marcus is such a big guy. But surprisingly, Scahaub gets to his feet and starts teeing off. He knocks Marcus down with a huge shot and then lands several punches that get Rosenthal to step in and stop the fight.
So its all set for the finale this Saturday. Roy Nelson versus Brendan Schaub, with Nelson as a big favorite. Stay tuned for predictions.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Storming the Court - as inspired by Duke @ Wisconsin 12/02/09
I was watching Duke and Wisconsin last night rooting against Duke like I normally do. I happily watched the final seconds tick away as Wisconsin sealed the win. All of a sudden I got really, really irritated as I watched Wisconsin fans storm the court. Nothing against Duke. They've been one of the top 5 programs in the country for awhile now and I believe they have more wins than anyone else in college basketball in this decade. But Wisconsin has been Big Ten Champ three times and won the Big Ten Tournament two times this decade along with making the NCAA Tournament every year in the 2000's. I'm not even going back the extra year when they made the Final Four. They are 28th Best Program of All-Time according to the ESPN/Sagarin ratings All-Time ratings. And finally, not to mention, they were only 5 POINT UNDERDOGS in the game!
Don't get me wrong either, I love watching people storm the court. I love the way it looks and as a fan of college sports I know how much fun it must be and it makes me wish I was back in college, parlaying that court-storming in to a night of celebratory bar-hopping. Maybe it's just me but storming the court should be saved for the most special wins in a program's history. Those rare occasions where a team consistently in the Top 25 goes to play a smaller school at their place and gets upset or a one-bid conference tournament winner. Those are the ones I like to see. I'll even go as far as to say that a Power 6 conference should never storm the court against your own or another Power 6 conference. I think it disrespects the program and the conference.
I understand the Wisconsin fans were just having fun and were excited by the win but to me it said, "Hey Duke, you are substantially better than us. Thank you for the opportunity to play you at our place so we could witness this amazing win for our program." To me, that's sad because Wisconsin should be thought of as better than that.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tiger Tiger Woods Y'All
What an interesting week for Tiger Woods. I was sitting in my house on Saturday when my friend read a headline about Tiger Woods being involved in a car accident and suffering serious injuries. Despite never being a Tiger Woods fan (just ask my Dad), there was a brief moment of concern for him and his health. But like the rest of America, that feeling evaporated quickly as the strange details became apparent and the theories began pouring in.Yes, the facts do not add up to a minor accident. Given the time and nature of the accident, the window smashing, the injuries sustained, the infidelity rumors, and their refusal to speak to authorities it is clear that there is more to the story. Initially, I was quite irritated at the lack of cooperation on their part. But then it dawned on me that I was upset because I wanted to know what happened, not because I legitimately cared what happened to either Tiger or his wife, Elin. There is a major difference. America has become so infatuated with the details of celebrities personal lives that we start to feel entitled to them. If there was a domestic dispute, why on earth should that information be available to the public if no charges were filed and they do not wish to speak publicly about it?
Some people would say that this scrutiny is the price you pay for being a celebrity. But there was a time when an incident like this would never even make it out of Windermere, regardless of who was involved. I, for one, would like to revisit those days. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to check out TMZ for new details.
The Palestra
In July of 2007 Jim Caple from ESPN.com wrote an article about the 101 things every sports fan must experience before they die. Although I wouldn't care if I did half the things on his list (57. World Figure Skating Championship???), it got me thinking about how few things I knocked off my own sports "Bucket List."This past weekend I made my second trip to The Palestra. This time was to see St. John's play in the in the Philly Hoops Classic. The first time was last year, inspired by Caple's column, for a Penn/St. Joseph's (#63 on his list). I grew up a St. John's fan and saw most of my St. John's games at Madison Square Garden which isn't much of a home court and whatever games they play at Carnesseca Arena aren't rivalry games by any stretch. I went to the University at Buffalo and was at 90% percent of the games there. But I was there as they were entering the MAC Conference and never really experienced a true rivalry. Despite seeing a St. John's win last weekend, the Penn/St. Joseph's game last year was infinately more enjoyable. Being in a packed gym is always great but being The Cathedral of College Basketball for a rivalry game that goes back 54 years is one of the coolest thing a college basketball fan can do.
As part of a renovation in 2000, they added a scoreboard with the all-time record in the Penn/Princeton rivalry. Something tells me I should check out that game next time I plan a trip to The Palestra.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 12
Miami (-3) @ Buffalo
I don't like taking road favorites if I can help it but I can't see Buffalo winning this game.
Jacksonville @ San Francisco (-3)
The Niners have lost 5 of their last 6 but it was against solid teams. I think they'll bounce back at home today.
Arizona @ Tennessee (-2)
I'm going to ride the Vince Young train until it stops.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 16-17
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 5-4
I don't like taking road favorites if I can help it but I can't see Buffalo winning this game.
Jacksonville @ San Francisco (-3)
The Niners have lost 5 of their last 6 but it was against solid teams. I think they'll bounce back at home today.
Arizona @ Tennessee (-2)
I'm going to ride the Vince Young train until it stops.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 16-17
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 5-4
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NCAAFB Week 12
I didn't get to do college picks until now since I was out of town for the last two days. Here are my picks for the remaining games today:
Boston College @ Maryland (+6)
Arkansas @ LSU (-3.5)
Notre Dame @ Stanford (-10)
Last Week: 1-2
Overall:15-17-1
Boston College @ Maryland (+6)
Arkansas @ LSU (-3.5)
Notre Dame @ Stanford (-10)
Last Week: 1-2
Overall:15-17-1
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Bobs Best NFL Bets: Week 12
The reign is over. Three straight 1-2 weeks have dropped me to 20-11 and I'm sure people are losing confidence in me all over the world. However, I will point to 2 reasons for my collapse.
1.) I re-opened my online betting account and now that I'm gambling with real money (I was planning on taking a year off) there is no way I will continue my hot streak. The gambling Gods wouldn't allow it.
2.) Aj Sumell of Ohio started betting on my picks. And Im pretty sure he is the new Eddie Mush.
But I'm not giving up. I don't like this weeks lines at all, but I found 3 that intrigue me.
1. Denver +6 vs NY Giants: I don't like betting against the Giants but 6 points seems like too many to give a home team with a winning record. Granted, Denver has lost 4 in a row but 2 of them were without Kyle Orton an the other 2 were to Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The Giants barely avoided losing their 5th in a row last week and although they are the better team, I don't expect a blowout. Would I be surprised if the Giants cover? Not really, but 6 points at home is usually a recipe for success.
2. Indy -3 @ Houston: Indy has survived scares in 4 straight weeks, but I don't think this will be another. They barely beat Houston 3 weeks ago, and I imagine they wont let it get that close this time. Houston is a tough team, but they are only 2-3 at home and Indy is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Arizona +3 @ Tennessee: I know, I know. I shouldn't bet against the Titans because they are so hot right now with Vince Young at QB. But quietly, Arizona has won 6 of their last 7 and they are 5-0 on the road. They have gotten Beanie Wells involved and that has really balanced out their attack. My prediction is AZ 31 - Tenn 20.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 20-11
1.) I re-opened my online betting account and now that I'm gambling with real money (I was planning on taking a year off) there is no way I will continue my hot streak. The gambling Gods wouldn't allow it.
2.) Aj Sumell of Ohio started betting on my picks. And Im pretty sure he is the new Eddie Mush.
But I'm not giving up. I don't like this weeks lines at all, but I found 3 that intrigue me.
1. Denver +6 vs NY Giants: I don't like betting against the Giants but 6 points seems like too many to give a home team with a winning record. Granted, Denver has lost 4 in a row but 2 of them were without Kyle Orton an the other 2 were to Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The Giants barely avoided losing their 5th in a row last week and although they are the better team, I don't expect a blowout. Would I be surprised if the Giants cover? Not really, but 6 points at home is usually a recipe for success.
2. Indy -3 @ Houston: Indy has survived scares in 4 straight weeks, but I don't think this will be another. They barely beat Houston 3 weeks ago, and I imagine they wont let it get that close this time. Houston is a tough team, but they are only 2-3 at home and Indy is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Arizona +3 @ Tennessee: I know, I know. I shouldn't bet against the Titans because they are so hot right now with Vince Young at QB. But quietly, Arizona has won 6 of their last 7 and they are 5-0 on the road. They have gotten Beanie Wells involved and that has really balanced out their attack. My prediction is AZ 31 - Tenn 20.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 20-11
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 11
I'm really tempted this week to take Tampa. They are 2-0 ATS since Josh Freeman got the starting job and New Orleans hasn't covered in 3 weeks. Not gonna do it though...
Buffalo @ Jacksonville (-8.5)
Jacksonville won't even have to throw a single pass to win this game today. The Bills are in rough shape.
Indianapolis (-1.5) @ Baltimore
Indy is 4-0 ATS on the road. I'm done picking against the Colts.
Seattle @ Minnesota (-10.5)
Seattle hasn't won (an actual game or ATS) on the road yet this year and are being outscored 31.5 to 16 away from home. I like Minnesota to keep rolling.
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 14-16
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 3-3
Buffalo @ Jacksonville (-8.5)
Jacksonville won't even have to throw a single pass to win this game today. The Bills are in rough shape.
Indianapolis (-1.5) @ Baltimore
Indy is 4-0 ATS on the road. I'm done picking against the Colts.
Seattle @ Minnesota (-10.5)
Seattle hasn't won (an actual game or ATS) on the road yet this year and are being outscored 31.5 to 16 away from home. I like Minnesota to keep rolling.
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 14-16
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 3-3
Bobs Best NFL Bets: Week 11
Uh oh, is my improbable dream run of dominating NFL lines over? After 2 consecutive 1-2 weeks, some may think so. I would point out that even after the last 2 weeks, I am still 10 games over .500 at 19-9 for the season. I understand you may have lost faith. Its my job to get that back, and I'll start today.
Lions -3 vs Cleveland: Okay, I'll say it again. This is one of my favorite lines of the year. Cleveland has only covered one spread this entire year and despite having the same record as the Lions, they are supremely less talented. A team like the Lions dreams of playing a game like this, one where they can show they are better than their 1-8 record. And they probably aren't. But they will be today. Detroit 20-Cleveland 10.
Cowboys -11 vs. Washington: Washington is 0-4 on the road this year and now they are without Portis. Dallas has been hot and cold all year, but before losing to Green Bay had rattled off 4 wins in a row. I predict a blowout.
Chargers -5 @ Denver: Okay, this game is interesting. I was all set to pick Denver getting the points at home, until I saw that Orton is most likely out for Denver. That is a big deal, because if anyone watched the Redskins game last week, once Orton left the Broncos became awful. They couldn't beat the Skins with Chris Simms, and they definitely cant beat the Chargers.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 19-9
Lions -3 vs Cleveland: Okay, I'll say it again. This is one of my favorite lines of the year. Cleveland has only covered one spread this entire year and despite having the same record as the Lions, they are supremely less talented. A team like the Lions dreams of playing a game like this, one where they can show they are better than their 1-8 record. And they probably aren't. But they will be today. Detroit 20-Cleveland 10.
Cowboys -11 vs. Washington: Washington is 0-4 on the road this year and now they are without Portis. Dallas has been hot and cold all year, but before losing to Green Bay had rattled off 4 wins in a row. I predict a blowout.
Chargers -5 @ Denver: Okay, this game is interesting. I was all set to pick Denver getting the points at home, until I saw that Orton is most likely out for Denver. That is a big deal, because if anyone watched the Redskins game last week, once Orton left the Broncos became awful. They couldn't beat the Skins with Chris Simms, and they definitely cant beat the Chargers.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 19-9
Saturday, November 21, 2009
UFC 106: Fight Predictions
Here are my picks for tonights UFC 106 event.
Tito Ortiz over Forrest Griffin: Very hard fight to pick. Ortiz says he is in better shape than ever (dont they all) but hasn't fought in 1 1/2 years. Meanwhile Griffin is coming off an embarrassing loss to Silva. I'll take Ortiz, because he beat Griffin at UFC 59 despite being injured. Healthy and rested could mean a long night for Forrest.
Anthony Johnson over Josh Koshchek: This is an interesting matchup of wrestler vs. striker. I am a huge believer in Johnson who is coming off 3 consecutive wins and I think his length and striking will get the better of Kos tonight.
Amir Sadollah over Phil Baroni: This fight almost seems to easy to call. Baroni is washed up. In fact, he was washed up 5 years ago. He hasn't fought in the UFC in almost 5 years and even then he exited on 4 consecutive losses. Amir didn't show me much in his UFC debut against Johnny Hendricks, but alot is riding on this fight for him. I imagine he'll deliver.
Luiz Cane over Antonio Noguiera
Paulo Tiago over Jacob Volkmann
Ben Saunders over Marcus Davis
Kendall grove over Jake Rosholt
Brock Larson over Brian Foster
Caol Uno over Fabricio Camoes
George Sotorpoliuos over Jason Dent
Tito Ortiz over Forrest Griffin: Very hard fight to pick. Ortiz says he is in better shape than ever (dont they all) but hasn't fought in 1 1/2 years. Meanwhile Griffin is coming off an embarrassing loss to Silva. I'll take Ortiz, because he beat Griffin at UFC 59 despite being injured. Healthy and rested could mean a long night for Forrest.
Anthony Johnson over Josh Koshchek: This is an interesting matchup of wrestler vs. striker. I am a huge believer in Johnson who is coming off 3 consecutive wins and I think his length and striking will get the better of Kos tonight.
Amir Sadollah over Phil Baroni: This fight almost seems to easy to call. Baroni is washed up. In fact, he was washed up 5 years ago. He hasn't fought in the UFC in almost 5 years and even then he exited on 4 consecutive losses. Amir didn't show me much in his UFC debut against Johnny Hendricks, but alot is riding on this fight for him. I imagine he'll deliver.
Luiz Cane over Antonio Noguiera
Paulo Tiago over Jacob Volkmann
Ben Saunders over Marcus Davis
Kendall grove over Jake Rosholt
Brock Larson over Brian Foster
Caol Uno over Fabricio Camoes
George Sotorpoliuos over Jason Dent
Raleigh's Best Bets NCAAFB Week 12
2-1 last week. My evaluation of Jevan Snead was a little off, but you know what, I'm out to prove myself right again this week.
LSU (+4.5) @ Mississippi
Jevan Snead versus quality opponent...Take 2
North Carolina @ Boston College (-3.5)
I've taken Boston College at home a few times this year and I'm not stopping now. They are 6-0 at home overall and 5-0 ATS.
Cal @ Stanford (-7.5)
I had trouble finding a 3rd game this week. Stanford is rolling and Jahvid Best is out for Cal. Why not?
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 14-15-1
LSU (+4.5) @ Mississippi
Jevan Snead versus quality opponent...Take 2
North Carolina @ Boston College (-3.5)
I've taken Boston College at home a few times this year and I'm not stopping now. They are 6-0 at home overall and 5-0 ATS.
Cal @ Stanford (-7.5)
I had trouble finding a 3rd game this week. Stanford is rolling and Jahvid Best is out for Cal. Why not?
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 14-15-1
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights: Episode Recap
I am going to start this entry by apologizing. Im sorry this is late and Im sorry it is going to suck. Its been a crazy few days since TUF and I havent had my usual free time.
Anyway, this latest episode of TUF actually was quite decent. For starters, the Mitrione quandary continues. Everyone wants to know if he is going to step into the octagon to face James McSweeney and he hasnt been able to give a straight answer since his cryptic and maybe imaginary trip to the hospital. Rashad tried taking the decision out of his hands by telling him not to fight, but Dana White took a different approach. He called Mitrione out in front of everyone by questioning everyone will to fight. He makes sure to mention that he isnt specifically talking about Mitrione, although he is the only person the pep talk applied to. But after all that, we still don't know if he'll fight. To top it off, Kimbo is hurt and Scott Junk looks like Joe Pesci in Casino after he was beaten and left for dead in a shallow grave in the desert so it isn't clear who would even step in for Mitrione if he bails.
This episode also featured the coaches challenge. Rashad and Rampage squared off in beach volleyball along with one of their asisstants for $10,000 and $1500 for each of their fighters. After they each won a game, it came down to the final game where Rashad edged Rampage and then proceeded to gloat obnoxiously. Things just arent going Rampages way.
As for the fight between Brendan Schaub and Jon Madsen, it started off with Schaub having difficulty finding his range while Madsen was able to get to the ground consistently. However, Madsen couldn't do much from the ground and in the 2nd round, Schaub catches Madsen with a jab that knocks him out and then follows with an unnecessary shot to the face. Schaub advances with Roy Nelson to the semis.
Anyway, this latest episode of TUF actually was quite decent. For starters, the Mitrione quandary continues. Everyone wants to know if he is going to step into the octagon to face James McSweeney and he hasnt been able to give a straight answer since his cryptic and maybe imaginary trip to the hospital. Rashad tried taking the decision out of his hands by telling him not to fight, but Dana White took a different approach. He called Mitrione out in front of everyone by questioning everyone will to fight. He makes sure to mention that he isnt specifically talking about Mitrione, although he is the only person the pep talk applied to. But after all that, we still don't know if he'll fight. To top it off, Kimbo is hurt and Scott Junk looks like Joe Pesci in Casino after he was beaten and left for dead in a shallow grave in the desert so it isn't clear who would even step in for Mitrione if he bails.
This episode also featured the coaches challenge. Rashad and Rampage squared off in beach volleyball along with one of their asisstants for $10,000 and $1500 for each of their fighters. After they each won a game, it came down to the final game where Rashad edged Rampage and then proceeded to gloat obnoxiously. Things just arent going Rampages way.
As for the fight between Brendan Schaub and Jon Madsen, it started off with Schaub having difficulty finding his range while Madsen was able to get to the ground consistently. However, Madsen couldn't do much from the ground and in the 2nd round, Schaub catches Madsen with a jab that knocks him out and then follows with an unnecessary shot to the face. Schaub advances with Roy Nelson to the semis.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 10
I guess it's time to take Cincinnati seriously. They stood in my way of a 3-0 start to the second half.
Denver (-3.5) @ Washington
I try to take different picks that Bob but this is my favorite game of the week to bet. Denver has lost two straight but Washington in a mess.
Buffalo @ Tennessee (-8)
Tennessee is back! All year you just had to have a feeling that Tennessee was better than their record. The Jets ran for 300+ yards against Buffalo. Chris Johnson is going to go nuts.
Tampa Bay @ Miami (-10)
Josh Freeman looked decent last week but I don't see Tampa rattling off many more wins this week and especially no two game winning streaks. If anything their win last week helped me out. Mabye it dropped the line this week a little.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 13-14
1st Half: 11-13
2nd Half: 2-1
Denver (-3.5) @ Washington
I try to take different picks that Bob but this is my favorite game of the week to bet. Denver has lost two straight but Washington in a mess.
Buffalo @ Tennessee (-8)
Tennessee is back! All year you just had to have a feeling that Tennessee was better than their record. The Jets ran for 300+ yards against Buffalo. Chris Johnson is going to go nuts.
Tampa Bay @ Miami (-10)
Josh Freeman looked decent last week but I don't see Tampa rattling off many more wins this week and especially no two game winning streaks. If anything their win last week helped me out. Mabye it dropped the line this week a little.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 13-14
1st Half: 11-13
2nd Half: 2-1
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NCAAFB Week 11
Ouch! And 0-3 week in College last week. That hurts.
Anyway, here are the picks:
Michigan @ Wisconsin (-8.5)
I don't really think much of Michigan, especially on the road. Wisconsin hasn't allowed a team a 100 yard rushing day in the last 6 games.
Tennessee (+6) @ Ole Miss
I do not trust Jevan Snead against a quality FBS defense. The Kiffin's have been doing a good job in gameplanning big games allowing a combined 35 points to Florida and Alabama. I think it's a field goal game in either direction.
Alabama (-12) @ Mississippi St
Run defense is the first thing I look at when handicapping a football game and Alabama allows a shade under 70 yards per game.
Last Week: 0-3
Overall: 12-14-1
Anyway, here are the picks:
Michigan @ Wisconsin (-8.5)
I don't really think much of Michigan, especially on the road. Wisconsin hasn't allowed a team a 100 yard rushing day in the last 6 games.
Tennessee (+6) @ Ole Miss
I do not trust Jevan Snead against a quality FBS defense. The Kiffin's have been doing a good job in gameplanning big games allowing a combined 35 points to Florida and Alabama. I think it's a field goal game in either direction.
Alabama (-12) @ Mississippi St
Run defense is the first thing I look at when handicapping a football game and Alabama allows a shade under 70 yards per game.
Last Week: 0-3
Overall: 12-14-1
Bobs NFL Picks: Week 10
Okay, so I was exposed a bit last week. I went 1-2, but I take some solace in knowing that my favorite bet of the day (Chargers +4.5) not only covered, but they won outright. So if you trusted my moxy on that one, well, that's great. Chicago and Green Bay however were just bad picks. This week is an interesting NFL week and I am going all road teams again. Last week I picked Chicago because I wanted a home team and that didn't turn out well.
Denver -4 @ Washington: This is one of my favorite lines of the season. I know Ive said that alot, but I am undefeated when I utter those words. Denver has lost 2 tough games recently to Pitt and Baltimore, so I expect them to come out like gangbusters. And although I don't like betting against Wash b/c they tend to keep games close, this is only a 4 pt line. I LOVE IT.
Falcons -1.5 @ Carolina: It comes down to the fact that I don't like Carolina and I like Atlanta. Its a home game for Carolina which basically means that the line would've been closer to 4.5 if it were in Atlanta. But I think Atlanta is more like an 8 point better team than Carolina, so I love the 1.5. Both teams are easy on the run, so I expect a high scoring game won by the dirty birds.
Ravens -10.5 @ Browns: This game could be very ugly. The Browns can't wait for the season to be over and Baltimore knows they need this win with Indy, Pitt and Green Bay on the horizon. They should run all over the Browns (who allow a whopping 170 yds on the ground a game) and rack up a 20 point lead by the time you can see Mangenius.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 18-7
Denver -4 @ Washington: This is one of my favorite lines of the season. I know Ive said that alot, but I am undefeated when I utter those words. Denver has lost 2 tough games recently to Pitt and Baltimore, so I expect them to come out like gangbusters. And although I don't like betting against Wash b/c they tend to keep games close, this is only a 4 pt line. I LOVE IT.
Falcons -1.5 @ Carolina: It comes down to the fact that I don't like Carolina and I like Atlanta. Its a home game for Carolina which basically means that the line would've been closer to 4.5 if it were in Atlanta. But I think Atlanta is more like an 8 point better team than Carolina, so I love the 1.5. Both teams are easy on the run, so I expect a high scoring game won by the dirty birds.
Ravens -10.5 @ Browns: This game could be very ugly. The Browns can't wait for the season to be over and Baltimore knows they need this win with Indy, Pitt and Green Bay on the horizon. They should run all over the Browns (who allow a whopping 170 yds on the ground a game) and rack up a 20 point lead by the time you can see Mangenius.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 18-7
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Ultimate Fighter: Episode 9 Recap
One of the problems with this season of the Ultimate Fighter has been that the fights have been dreadful. The show is setup so that the flight is the climax, and during the first 8 episodes the show has felt very anticlimactic. But with the quarterfinals starting this week, there is hope that the 8 guys left are the best, and that will hopefully translate into better fights.
The episode starts with Rashad Evans talking about the trouble with having 7 of his guys make the quarterfinals. He determines that the best way for him to coach is to basically not coach. He decides to train cardio with all the guys, but not work with them on specifics as to not show preferential treatment towards any of the fighters.
Drama begins to unfold during one of the training sessions when Matt Mitrione begins complaining of headaches and a rattled brain from his fight with Scott Junk. This, of course, opens the door for a possible return of Kimbo Slice. Although Kimbo and his coaching staff and Rashad Evans and the fans and Dana White and the UFC would love for him to get another shot, it all hinges on Mitrione. While some of the guys believe he is milking it, Brendan Schaub gives him the benefit of the doubt and thinks that maybe he has a concussion, in which case, he would not be cleared to fight.
Meanwhile, despite being 1-7 in fights, Rampage is still finding time to play jokes on Rashad and his coaching staff, this time by placing live chickens in their cars. Rashad and co. take it well, and I wonder what ultimately happens to the chickens. We know they were let go, but where? How can I concentrate on the show when I know there are chickens on the loose?
Dana White approaches Mitrione after he spends the night in the hospital and asks about the likelihood of him fighting in the quarterfinals. Mitrione says, somewhat reluctantly, that if he is cleared to fight that he "can't say no." Another Kimbo tease.....for now.
The first quarterfinal fight was a bout between friends Roy Nelson and Justin Wren. Stylistically a good matchup, but Nelsons weight advantage and experience give him a slight edge over amateur Wren. The fight starts off and Wren is the aggressor. He lands several big combos and it appears that Nelson may be in trouble. Luckily Nelson is able to use his weight and push Wren against the cage, where they stay locked up until the ref breaks them apart. After Wren lands a few more solid punches, he appears to start tiring and Nelson picks up the pace to end the round.
The second round starts and although Wren is still attacking, it is clear that he is not as effective as he was in the first round. He lands a few shots but misses on some haymakers and Nelson seems to be the more accurate fighter. As Wren begins to tire, Nelson pushes the pace and probably wins the round despite not landing any decisive blows or taking the fight to the ground.
I score the fight 19-19, as does one judge. However, the other two judges give Nelson the win by scoring it 20-18 in favor of Big Country. It was absolutely the best fight of the season, and although it should have gone a 3rd round, it was pretty clear that Wren was out of gas. Nelson tells Dana White on his way out that he tried to make it more exciting for him, and its clear that Dana is still not a fan of Nelson or sold on his talent.
The episode starts with Rashad Evans talking about the trouble with having 7 of his guys make the quarterfinals. He determines that the best way for him to coach is to basically not coach. He decides to train cardio with all the guys, but not work with them on specifics as to not show preferential treatment towards any of the fighters.
Drama begins to unfold during one of the training sessions when Matt Mitrione begins complaining of headaches and a rattled brain from his fight with Scott Junk. This, of course, opens the door for a possible return of Kimbo Slice. Although Kimbo and his coaching staff and Rashad Evans and the fans and Dana White and the UFC would love for him to get another shot, it all hinges on Mitrione. While some of the guys believe he is milking it, Brendan Schaub gives him the benefit of the doubt and thinks that maybe he has a concussion, in which case, he would not be cleared to fight.
Meanwhile, despite being 1-7 in fights, Rampage is still finding time to play jokes on Rashad and his coaching staff, this time by placing live chickens in their cars. Rashad and co. take it well, and I wonder what ultimately happens to the chickens. We know they were let go, but where? How can I concentrate on the show when I know there are chickens on the loose?
Dana White approaches Mitrione after he spends the night in the hospital and asks about the likelihood of him fighting in the quarterfinals. Mitrione says, somewhat reluctantly, that if he is cleared to fight that he "can't say no." Another Kimbo tease.....for now.
The first quarterfinal fight was a bout between friends Roy Nelson and Justin Wren. Stylistically a good matchup, but Nelsons weight advantage and experience give him a slight edge over amateur Wren. The fight starts off and Wren is the aggressor. He lands several big combos and it appears that Nelson may be in trouble. Luckily Nelson is able to use his weight and push Wren against the cage, where they stay locked up until the ref breaks them apart. After Wren lands a few more solid punches, he appears to start tiring and Nelson picks up the pace to end the round.
The second round starts and although Wren is still attacking, it is clear that he is not as effective as he was in the first round. He lands a few shots but misses on some haymakers and Nelson seems to be the more accurate fighter. As Wren begins to tire, Nelson pushes the pace and probably wins the round despite not landing any decisive blows or taking the fight to the ground.
I score the fight 19-19, as does one judge. However, the other two judges give Nelson the win by scoring it 20-18 in favor of Big Country. It was absolutely the best fight of the season, and although it should have gone a 3rd round, it was pretty clear that Wren was out of gas. Nelson tells Dana White on his way out that he tried to make it more exciting for him, and its clear that Dana is still not a fan of Nelson or sold on his talent.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Strikeforce - Fedor vs Rogers
I've still somewhat recently gotten in to MMA. So recent that I had never seen Fedor Emelianenko fight during a live broadcast. I'm not a fan of watching things on my computer but I watched his fight against Andrei Arlovski a few days ago as the hype for the fight started growing. I had seen 22 seconds of Brett Rogers on Showtime once before in his impressive knock out of Arlovski. So that's the extent of my prep going in to watching the CBS card but here's my thoughts anyway:
Antonio Silva vs Fabricio Werdum
The first round was good. Silva landed some good hands and seemed to be pushing for a 1st round finish. Werdum survived the first and it was easy to see why Silva was looking to end it early. Both fighters started gradually getting tired. Silva's punches seemed to be taking longer to get going. The second and third round were lackluster but Werdum was the less tired of the two and did better work in the last ten minutes to get the unanimous decision.
Gegard Mousasi vs Sokoudjou
This was a non-title fight and based on what I read was supposed to be an easy fight for Mousasi and just a way for Strikeforce to showcase one of their better talents. Sokoudjou was a little more than game in the first round looking quick and explosive. The 2nd round was a different story as Sokoudjou gassed and Mousasi finished the fight by TKO.
Jason Miller vs Jake Shields
I'll skip Miller's introduction and just do the fight. A lot of people were less than impressed by the fight as a whole but I think it got a raw deal. I kind of enjoyed it. Shields isn't known to be a guy who puts on exciting fights. I'm sure this wasn't Miller's game plan, but the fight was spent primarily on the ground. It's a testament to Miller not getting submitted and actually almost winning the fight with a deep rear naked choke in one of the middle rounds. Shields needed to be saved by the bell. It wouldn't be outlandish to think that 5 or 6 more seconds and Shields would have been sleeping. Not unlike UFC's Machida/Rua fight, I think the announcers made this fight seem closer than it was since Miller was the "media darling" but the fact of the matter is that Shields dominated the fight as Miller just fought not to get caught in a submission. Shields in a unanimous decision.
Brett Rogers vs Fedor Emelianenko
Between asking people and reading previews of this fight, the popular opinion on Rogers' chances in the fight were that he had a "punchers chance." To me that means that he's a powerful guy so if he can land a lucky punch than anything is possible. So as the fight started and Rogers landed a jab that appeared to break Fedor's nose you may have had hope that an upset was brewing. Rogers did a great job of landing some punches and actually doing some work on the ground which alot of people were skeptical of his skills. Not only did Rogers last Round 1, he probably won it. Round 2 is where you could see that this fight wasn't going to last through a Championship 5th round. Rogers started to slow up and he got caught with a nasty right to the jaw that floored him. Fedor pounced and the ref stopped the fight. The legend continues.
Overall I thought it was a good two hours of fights. Especially for free. One thing I hope doesn't happen is a Fedor/Werdum fight. That would not be appointment viewing for me. I could get up for the Rogers fight primarily because it was the first time I'd see Fedor fight live. Next time they have to throw an opponent I can get excited about.
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 9
Wiping the slate clean. A lackluster 1-2 last week to close out the first half.
I love the Packers this week but just so it doesn't look like I'm riding Bob's coattails this week I won't take it.
Baltimore (-3) @ Cincinnati
Baltimore is going to get revenge on Cincinnati for their loss in Week 5
Miami (+10.5) @ New England
New England has won their last two games by a combined 94-7 but that was against two team who were combined (at the time) 0-12. Unless one of the teams is terrible I don't like double digit spreads in division games.
Tennessee (+4.5) @ San Francisco
I'm a believer in Vince Young. He's had some emotional problems and whatnot but he's a winner. He won in college and all he's done in the pros is go 19-11 in games he's started. So with Vince Young playing for his career now and Chris Johnson's quest for 2000 yards, it's too late for them to make the playoffs but I think they're going to be a problem the rest of the way.
Last Week: 1-2
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 0-0
I love the Packers this week but just so it doesn't look like I'm riding Bob's coattails this week I won't take it.
Baltimore (-3) @ Cincinnati
Baltimore is going to get revenge on Cincinnati for their loss in Week 5
Miami (+10.5) @ New England
New England has won their last two games by a combined 94-7 but that was against two team who were combined (at the time) 0-12. Unless one of the teams is terrible I don't like double digit spreads in division games.
Tennessee (+4.5) @ San Francisco
I'm a believer in Vince Young. He's had some emotional problems and whatnot but he's a winner. He won in college and all he's done in the pros is go 19-11 in games he's started. So with Vince Young playing for his career now and Chris Johnson's quest for 2000 yards, it's too late for them to make the playoffs but I think they're going to be a problem the rest of the way.
Last Week: 1-2
First Half: 11-13
Second Half: 0-0
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Bobs NFL Picks: Week 9
This train keeps on rolling and I am making 0$ on it. With another 3-0 week last week, Im starting to take myself seriously. Here are my picks for this week. Choo choo.
Chargers +4.5 @ NY Giants: I do not get this line at all. The Giants are in a downward spiral, not because they are losing, but because they are losing badly. Their secondary is getting torched, allowing 240, 230, and 370 passing yards in the last 3 weeks while the Chargers are 5th nin the NFL in passing. Could the Giants win? Sure, but 4.5 is a lot and the Chargers may have the better team.
Chicago -3 vs. Arizona: I dont love this game, but I am not an Arizona believer and I think they will get exposed against good defenses.
Packers -9.5 @ Tampa Bay: Green Bay is better than their 4-3 record, and they are reeling from another loss to Minnesota. And since I dont think Tampa will be able to keep this a game, I expect Green Bay to add some points late and win by 10-14.
Last Week: 3-0
Season: 17-5
Chargers +4.5 @ NY Giants: I do not get this line at all. The Giants are in a downward spiral, not because they are losing, but because they are losing badly. Their secondary is getting torched, allowing 240, 230, and 370 passing yards in the last 3 weeks while the Chargers are 5th nin the NFL in passing. Could the Giants win? Sure, but 4.5 is a lot and the Chargers may have the better team.
Chicago -3 vs. Arizona: I dont love this game, but I am not an Arizona believer and I think they will get exposed against good defenses.
Packers -9.5 @ Tampa Bay: Green Bay is better than their 4-3 record, and they are reeling from another loss to Minnesota. And since I dont think Tampa will be able to keep this a game, I expect Green Bay to add some points late and win by 10-14.
Last Week: 3-0
Season: 17-5
The Ultimate Fighter: Semifinal Predictions
With the semifinal match ups set, below are my predictions.
Roy Nelson over Justin Wren: I absolutely hate Nelson and would love to see him lose. However, he is case in point the biggest problem with heavyweight MMA fights. A guy as big as Nelson can dominate a fight just because he is impossible to escape from underneath. A better matchup would've been Scoonover, who could have negated his size advantage.
Brendan Schaub over Jon Madsen: Madsen inflicted ridiculous damage in his fight against Abe Wagner, but it really was more of an indictment on Wagner. Schaub is longer and I imagine he will be able to land some shots without getting too close and eventually submit Madsen on the ground.
James McSweeney over Matt Mitrione: Lets face it, Meathead Mitrione had his glory moment already. In his win over Junk, he showed a tremendous lack of cardio, a propensity to leave his hands down, and almost zero takedown/submission know-how. McSweeney should be prepared for this and try and get him gassed quickly.
Marcus Jones over Darrell Schoonover: Im not sure what to think of either of these guys. Both of their wins were impressive, but how good were Wessel and Jensen? Not very. Schoonover is more talented, but Marcus seems to be one the few guys who is very comfortable on the ground. He was able to slip an armbar on Wessel while on his back in 3 seconds, that isn't easy. I expect this to be the best fight of all of them, and I'm really looking forward to an episode filled with more titty comments.
Roy Nelson over Justin Wren: I absolutely hate Nelson and would love to see him lose. However, he is case in point the biggest problem with heavyweight MMA fights. A guy as big as Nelson can dominate a fight just because he is impossible to escape from underneath. A better matchup would've been Scoonover, who could have negated his size advantage.
Brendan Schaub over Jon Madsen: Madsen inflicted ridiculous damage in his fight against Abe Wagner, but it really was more of an indictment on Wagner. Schaub is longer and I imagine he will be able to land some shots without getting too close and eventually submit Madsen on the ground.
James McSweeney over Matt Mitrione: Lets face it, Meathead Mitrione had his glory moment already. In his win over Junk, he showed a tremendous lack of cardio, a propensity to leave his hands down, and almost zero takedown/submission know-how. McSweeney should be prepared for this and try and get him gassed quickly.
Marcus Jones over Darrell Schoonover: Im not sure what to think of either of these guys. Both of their wins were impressive, but how good were Wessel and Jensen? Not very. Schoonover is more talented, but Marcus seems to be one the few guys who is very comfortable on the ground. He was able to slip an armbar on Wessel while on his back in 3 seconds, that isn't easy. I expect this to be the best fight of all of them, and I'm really looking forward to an episode filled with more titty comments.
The Ultimate Fighter: Episode 8 Recap
For the first time, I'll be writing this recap without the aid of a second viewing of the episode. So it might be short, and it might miss some stuff. But its Saturday night and I'm just happy to be getting this on the blog period.
This week starts with everyone talking about Rampages reaction to Scott Junk losing the previous episode. Rampage destroyed a door and Dana White had a classic reaction saying that "it showed how cheap our doors are" and "the last thing you want to be on this show is a door." So with that loss, Marcus Jones was the last hope for Team Rampage to avoid being shut out. He was set to fight Mike Wessel of Team Rashad.
A couple incidents happen before the fight that I suppose are noteworthy.
1. Scoonover and Rampage get at it again. Its the dumbest "feud" ever so I wont elaborate.
2. Marcus freaks out at a drawing done by Brendan Schaub that says Marcus sucks balls. One of the bigger overreactions Ive ever seen by a giant black man.
3. Marcus freaks out over a dead scorpion. The second biggest overreaction Ive seen from the same giant black man.
4. Mike Wessel's wife has cancer and his emotional interviews make you pull for the guy.
Now, the shortest fight recap ever. The bell rings and the guys go at each other. You can tell that Wessel's style isn't going to match up well against a much taller Jones. He very naively decides to try and sweep Jones, who turns it around and drops Wessel on his back. Surprisingly Wessel is able to get off his back, but immediately he lands in an arm bar that forces him to verbally tap about 2 minutes into the round.
So with Team Rampages 1st win, the coaches are set to get together to pick the semifinal fights. Obviously, several of Team Rashad's guys will fight their own teammates and they call the fighters in to offer their opinions on who they'd like to fight. Dana mentions that Roy "Big Country" Nelson rubs him the wrong way during their discussion and I couldn't agree more. They guy is a fat turd.
The match ups are decided and my predictions will follow shortly.
Roy Nelson vs. Justin Wren
James McSweeney vs. Matt Mitrione
Marcus Jones vs. Darrell Schoonover
Brendan Schaub vs. Jon Madsen
This week starts with everyone talking about Rampages reaction to Scott Junk losing the previous episode. Rampage destroyed a door and Dana White had a classic reaction saying that "it showed how cheap our doors are" and "the last thing you want to be on this show is a door." So with that loss, Marcus Jones was the last hope for Team Rampage to avoid being shut out. He was set to fight Mike Wessel of Team Rashad.
A couple incidents happen before the fight that I suppose are noteworthy.
1. Scoonover and Rampage get at it again. Its the dumbest "feud" ever so I wont elaborate.
2. Marcus freaks out at a drawing done by Brendan Schaub that says Marcus sucks balls. One of the bigger overreactions Ive ever seen by a giant black man.
3. Marcus freaks out over a dead scorpion. The second biggest overreaction Ive seen from the same giant black man.
4. Mike Wessel's wife has cancer and his emotional interviews make you pull for the guy.
Now, the shortest fight recap ever. The bell rings and the guys go at each other. You can tell that Wessel's style isn't going to match up well against a much taller Jones. He very naively decides to try and sweep Jones, who turns it around and drops Wessel on his back. Surprisingly Wessel is able to get off his back, but immediately he lands in an arm bar that forces him to verbally tap about 2 minutes into the round.
So with Team Rampages 1st win, the coaches are set to get together to pick the semifinal fights. Obviously, several of Team Rashad's guys will fight their own teammates and they call the fighters in to offer their opinions on who they'd like to fight. Dana mentions that Roy "Big Country" Nelson rubs him the wrong way during their discussion and I couldn't agree more. They guy is a fat turd.
The match ups are decided and my predictions will follow shortly.
Roy Nelson vs. Justin Wren
James McSweeney vs. Matt Mitrione
Marcus Jones vs. Darrell Schoonover
Brendan Schaub vs. Jon Madsen
Raleigh's Best Bets NCAAFB Week 10
3-0 last week...finally
These are going up late. Late night last night and computer problems this morning.
Texas A&M (-3) @ Colorado
Oregon (-7) @ Stanford - Oregon is rolling
Houston (-2) @ Tulsa - I've seen Tulsa a few times on their weeknight ESPN games and have been less than impressed each time. Houston isn't intimidated on the road
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 12-11-1
These are going up late. Late night last night and computer problems this morning.
Texas A&M (-3) @ Colorado
Oregon (-7) @ Stanford - Oregon is rolling
Houston (-2) @ Tulsa - I've seen Tulsa a few times on their weeknight ESPN games and have been less than impressed each time. Houston isn't intimidated on the road
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 12-11-1
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Lost in the Shuffle: How to Fix the NBA and NHL
Lost in the shuffle of post season baseball and the NFL season is the fact that two other sports are currently under way. Maybe its just me, but I think the NHL and NBA need to take measures to get themselves some more sports attention. I mean, our blog barely covers those sports, and our blog is the blog. Without much thought or research, here are some suggestions.
1. Reduce the number of games in both the NBA and NHL from 82 to 62. The season is just too long. Alot of moderate fans lose interest early, like myself. If the season were a bit shorter, there would be more juice at the start and in the middle.
2. Start both seasons in early November, instead of October when baseball is peaking. With playoff baseball, I have zero interest in other sports right now. And thats not just as a Yankee fan, its as a baseball fan. Football takes up the weekend, but if they waited until November, weekdays would be all NHL and NBA. Now by the time baseball is over, Ive already missed about 25 NHL games and the first week of the NBA season.
3. Divide the NHL into two divisions, Canada & USA. Currently there are only 6 teams based in Canada, but I have a feeling that could be 15. I have nothing to base that on other than the fact it works for my argument. But dividing the NHL into these divisions would make the Stanley Cup an event of both local and national magnitude.
4. Do not allow players to enter the NBA draft until they are 21. Right now, the NCAA is watered down and the NBA has young talent that isn't sharp. It goes against the rights of the kids to make money, but it would revitalize the NBA if the kids entering the draft were more NBA ready. If they dont want to go to college, they can play in Europe or at Rucker park.
1. Reduce the number of games in both the NBA and NHL from 82 to 62. The season is just too long. Alot of moderate fans lose interest early, like myself. If the season were a bit shorter, there would be more juice at the start and in the middle.
2. Start both seasons in early November, instead of October when baseball is peaking. With playoff baseball, I have zero interest in other sports right now. And thats not just as a Yankee fan, its as a baseball fan. Football takes up the weekend, but if they waited until November, weekdays would be all NHL and NBA. Now by the time baseball is over, Ive already missed about 25 NHL games and the first week of the NBA season.
3. Divide the NHL into two divisions, Canada & USA. Currently there are only 6 teams based in Canada, but I have a feeling that could be 15. I have nothing to base that on other than the fact it works for my argument. But dividing the NHL into these divisions would make the Stanley Cup an event of both local and national magnitude.
4. Do not allow players to enter the NBA draft until they are 21. Right now, the NCAA is watered down and the NBA has young talent that isn't sharp. It goes against the rights of the kids to make money, but it would revitalize the NBA if the kids entering the draft were more NBA ready. If they dont want to go to college, they can play in Europe or at Rucker park.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
3 Days Rest - Did Girardi Make the Right Call?
The hot topic today on WFAN seems to be whether or not Girardi should have pitched A.J. Burnett on three days rest in Game 5 instead of Chad Gaudin.
If the Yankees were down 3-2 instead of up 3-2 then this would be a huge deal. But the fact of the matter is that the Yankees took 2 of 3 in Philly which is exactly what they needed to do and they are still very much in the driver's seat to win the World Series. It's just Yankees fan in panic mode (I would be as well if this were the Mets so it's not a critisism).
As far as I'm concerned Girardi had no choice. Unfortunately for Burnett he had a bad game. I think him pitching on short rest had little to do with it. Pitchers have bad games. In the event that the Yankees do lose the series and you want to complain that they should have used a 4th starter in the World Series then point your finger squarely on Joba Chamberlain. If he proved that he could have been a useful starter, I'm sure he would have been part of a 4-man rotation this post-season and everyone would have been on regular rest.
If the Yankees were down 3-2 instead of up 3-2 then this would be a huge deal. But the fact of the matter is that the Yankees took 2 of 3 in Philly which is exactly what they needed to do and they are still very much in the driver's seat to win the World Series. It's just Yankees fan in panic mode (I would be as well if this were the Mets so it's not a critisism).
As far as I'm concerned Girardi had no choice. Unfortunately for Burnett he had a bad game. I think him pitching on short rest had little to do with it. Pitchers have bad games. In the event that the Yankees do lose the series and you want to complain that they should have used a 4th starter in the World Series then point your finger squarely on Joba Chamberlain. If he proved that he could have been a useful starter, I'm sure he would have been part of a 4-man rotation this post-season and everyone would have been on regular rest.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 8
Lucked out with the Pittsburgh cover last week, misread the Atlanta/Dallas game but it's still a 2-1 week and I'll take it. My goal is to get back to .500 this week before turning it on in the 2nd half of the season. I'm a back-9 players.
Denver @ Baltimore (-3.5)
Denver does have some nice road wins this year (Cincy and San Diego) but Denver has to throw up a clunker at some point and I think this is the day.
New York Giants (-1.5) @ Philadelphia
The Yankees go up 3-1 on the Phillies tonight but New York's taking over Philadelphia starts with the Giants beating the Eagles in a close game. Eli Manning plays well in philly for some reason.
St. Louis @ Detroit (-4)
I actually went with Detroit in my Survivor Pool this week. St. Louis is bad and Detroit is capable of beating the worst teams at home.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 10-11
Denver @ Baltimore (-3.5)
Denver does have some nice road wins this year (Cincy and San Diego) but Denver has to throw up a clunker at some point and I think this is the day.
New York Giants (-1.5) @ Philadelphia
The Yankees go up 3-1 on the Phillies tonight but New York's taking over Philadelphia starts with the Giants beating the Eagles in a close game. Eli Manning plays well in philly for some reason.
St. Louis @ Detroit (-4)
I actually went with Detroit in my Survivor Pool this week. St. Louis is bad and Detroit is capable of beating the worst teams at home.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 10-11
Bobs NFL Picks Week 8
What can I say? I am on a roll. 4-0 last week brings me to 14-5 for the season. If anyone out there is using my picks please let me know by commenting on them or becoming a blog follower. Id like to know that my expertise is being appreciated by someone other than myself. That being said, I HATE the lines this week, but will do my best at keeping this train moving.
Tennessee -3 vs. Jacksonville: Boy is this a risky pick. They haven't won all season and in their last game they lost 59-0. Ouch. However, Vince Young takes over the offense this week at home against an average Jacksonville team. Both teams come off the bye, but no one needed it more than the Titans. I see them avenging their week 4 loss. Tenn 27-Jack 20
Minnesota +3 @ Packers: This is a tricky line. The Vikings are the better team but its in Green Bay and that place will be nuts with the return of whats his name. Im not sure who will win this, but it could very easily be decided by a late FG and if you're getting 3 points than you'd be looking at a push at worst.
Texans -3.5 @ Buffalo: I dont love this game at all, but I really dont like Buffalo. I would like this alot better if it were -3, or -2.5, but hey, Im not Vegas.
Last Week: 4-0
Season: 14-5
Tennessee -3 vs. Jacksonville: Boy is this a risky pick. They haven't won all season and in their last game they lost 59-0. Ouch. However, Vince Young takes over the offense this week at home against an average Jacksonville team. Both teams come off the bye, but no one needed it more than the Titans. I see them avenging their week 4 loss. Tenn 27-Jack 20
Minnesota +3 @ Packers: This is a tricky line. The Vikings are the better team but its in Green Bay and that place will be nuts with the return of whats his name. Im not sure who will win this, but it could very easily be decided by a late FG and if you're getting 3 points than you'd be looking at a push at worst.
Texans -3.5 @ Buffalo: I dont love this game at all, but I really dont like Buffalo. I would like this alot better if it were -3, or -2.5, but hey, Im not Vegas.
Last Week: 4-0
Season: 14-5
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NCAAFB Week 9
Another week, another 1-2 performance.
Iowa St @ Texas A&M (-6)
Missouri (-3.5) @ Colorado
South Carolina @ Tennessee (-6)
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 9-11-1
Iowa St @ Texas A&M (-6)
Missouri (-3.5) @ Colorado
South Carolina @ Tennessee (-6)
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 9-11-1
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Ultimate Fighter Episode Recap - "You Feeling Froggy? Jump."
This is certainly not the best (although perhaps it may be the worst) season of the Ultimate Fighter, but this weeks episode at least gave us some highlights. Tensions were starting to rise on Team Rampage after falling down 6-0 last week and this episode things started to boil over. After Team Rashad picked Matt Mitrione to fight Scott Junk, the trash talking started between the coaches. Rashad got in Rampage's face about quitting on his fighters and Rampage retaliated by saying that he wasn't a coach and that it was his fighters who quit. After Rashad threatens to break his shoe off up Rampages ass, they square off and Rampage utters my new favorite quote. You feeling froggy? Jump.
Following that there are more Mitrione meathead moments. He writes a note throwing his teammate Mike Wessell under the bus and the house continues to turn on him. He has words with Jon Madsen in the kitchen over orange juice, and after he leaves Madsen says he wants to slap him in the face. Of course that gets back to Mitrione who decides to go ape shit on Madsen during a sparring session. Rashad calls Mitrione into the locker room and tries to talk some sense to him, to no avail. They don't call him Meathead for nothing.
As for the fight, everyone on the show thought it was going to be an easy first win for Team Rampage. Junk has experience and seems to be slightly more mentally stable, while Mitrione seems to focus on everything other than the task at hand. But apparently he quieted the voices in his head, talked to his wife (in his head), and was ready to fight.
The fight starts off with Mitrione landing a few solid shots to the head and Junk appears very dazed. For someone as confident as Junk, I could believe he came out and looked like, well, junk. He took some shots to the face, weakly offered a few takedown attempts, and looked spent 2 minutes into the first round. On the other hand, Mitrione got very tired as well and started looking very sloppy when he had opportunities to win the fight. Junk finishes the round with a few decent shots, but overall he was knocked to the canvas 3 separate times and this was an easy round for Mitrione.
Round two starts and both fighters look like they just ran the NYC marathon. Flailing punches , hands dangling by their sides, these two are totally gassed. Junk manages to score a takedown nearly halfway through the round but isn't able to afflict enough damage while on top. They are stood up, they trade a little more and the bell rings. I scored it 20-18, although I wouldn't have been surprised at a 19-19 score. Two judges agree with me and Matt wins by decision. This is touted as a great fight and one of the best fights of the season, but that's more of an indictment on the previous fights than it is praise for this one. Team Rashad goes up 7-0, Rampage destroys a door, and with only 1 first round fight left Rampage is on the verge of embarrassment.
Following that there are more Mitrione meathead moments. He writes a note throwing his teammate Mike Wessell under the bus and the house continues to turn on him. He has words with Jon Madsen in the kitchen over orange juice, and after he leaves Madsen says he wants to slap him in the face. Of course that gets back to Mitrione who decides to go ape shit on Madsen during a sparring session. Rashad calls Mitrione into the locker room and tries to talk some sense to him, to no avail. They don't call him Meathead for nothing.As for the fight, everyone on the show thought it was going to be an easy first win for Team Rampage. Junk has experience and seems to be slightly more mentally stable, while Mitrione seems to focus on everything other than the task at hand. But apparently he quieted the voices in his head, talked to his wife (in his head), and was ready to fight.
The fight starts off with Mitrione landing a few solid shots to the head and Junk appears very dazed. For someone as confident as Junk, I could believe he came out and looked like, well, junk. He took some shots to the face, weakly offered a few takedown attempts, and looked spent 2 minutes into the first round. On the other hand, Mitrione got very tired as well and started looking very sloppy when he had opportunities to win the fight. Junk finishes the round with a few decent shots, but overall he was knocked to the canvas 3 separate times and this was an easy round for Mitrione.
Round two starts and both fighters look like they just ran the NYC marathon. Flailing punches , hands dangling by their sides, these two are totally gassed. Junk manages to score a takedown nearly halfway through the round but isn't able to afflict enough damage while on top. They are stood up, they trade a little more and the bell rings. I scored it 20-18, although I wouldn't have been surprised at a 19-19 score. Two judges agree with me and Matt wins by decision. This is touted as a great fight and one of the best fights of the season, but that's more of an indictment on the previous fights than it is praise for this one. Team Rashad goes up 7-0, Rampage destroys a door, and with only 1 first round fight left Rampage is on the verge of embarrassment.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Watching the World Series...as a Mets fan
A Mets fan's nightmare happened when the Yankees and Phillies were the teams meeting in the World Series this year. How am I supposed to watch this series? Who am I supposed to root for?
The Phillies:
Like any good sports fan, my least favorite teams in sports are the ones in the same division as me. As a Mets fan I can't stand the Braves and Phillies. I hate Philly fans and I hate Jimmy Rollins. It bothered me that they won a World Series last year and it'll bother me if they win another one. That being said, do the Phillies winning a World Series affect my day to day life?
The Yankees:
The Yankees on the other hand do impact my day to day life. I listen to WFAN 90% of the time I'm in my car and right now it's unlistenable for me since it's 90% Yankees talk (deservedly so...but no less irritating). I hate the sight of the Yankee jersey, but on a player by player basis they really aren't that bad. I would kill for a Jeter sex or drug scandal in the near future but as for guys like Cano, Teixeira and Swisher...I could get behind guys like that in a different uniform. Win or lose though the Yankees are going to be in my face for the next few weeks.
New York Pride:
Screw it. That doesn't fly with me. In 2001 when I told people I was rooting for Arizona over the Yankees in the World Series you would have thought I told them I was hiding Bin Laden in my own basement. The Yankees aren't America...I rooted for the National League like I always try to do.
The Verdict:
I am not rooting for either team but my preference is that the Yankees win and here's why: it all roots in sports talk radio and newspapers. Most people will only call sports talk radio to complain. If the Yankees lose than callers will complain until Christmas. If they win and callers have nothing to complain about maybe they could die off as a topic by Thanksgiving. Let's Go Yankees?
The Phillies:
Like any good sports fan, my least favorite teams in sports are the ones in the same division as me. As a Mets fan I can't stand the Braves and Phillies. I hate Philly fans and I hate Jimmy Rollins. It bothered me that they won a World Series last year and it'll bother me if they win another one. That being said, do the Phillies winning a World Series affect my day to day life?
The Yankees:
The Yankees on the other hand do impact my day to day life. I listen to WFAN 90% of the time I'm in my car and right now it's unlistenable for me since it's 90% Yankees talk (deservedly so...but no less irritating). I hate the sight of the Yankee jersey, but on a player by player basis they really aren't that bad. I would kill for a Jeter sex or drug scandal in the near future but as for guys like Cano, Teixeira and Swisher...I could get behind guys like that in a different uniform. Win or lose though the Yankees are going to be in my face for the next few weeks.
New York Pride:
Screw it. That doesn't fly with me. In 2001 when I told people I was rooting for Arizona over the Yankees in the World Series you would have thought I told them I was hiding Bin Laden in my own basement. The Yankees aren't America...I rooted for the National League like I always try to do.
The Verdict:
I am not rooting for either team but my preference is that the Yankees win and here's why: it all roots in sports talk radio and newspapers. Most people will only call sports talk radio to complain. If the Yankees lose than callers will complain until Christmas. If they win and callers have nothing to complain about maybe they could die off as a topic by Thanksgiving. Let's Go Yankees?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Bobs NFL Picks Week 7
I took some shots last week, but at 10-5, Im still on top of the world. Im taking 4 games this week, because I couldnt decide on the last one. I know they're all road teams, but last time I did that I went 3-0.
Chargers -5.5 @ KC Chiefs: Big let down game for the Chiefs against a tough Chargers team.
Indy Colts -14 @ St Louis: My new theory is bet against the worst teams in football. No one is as hopeless as the Rams.
Packers -9 @ Cleveland: See above.
NY Jets -6 @ Oakland: Oakland destroyed survivor pools everywhere last Sunday, and that may be the high mark of their season. I expect a bloodbath because the Jets have alot to prove.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 10-5
Chargers -5.5 @ KC Chiefs: Big let down game for the Chiefs against a tough Chargers team.
Indy Colts -14 @ St Louis: My new theory is bet against the worst teams in football. No one is as hopeless as the Rams.
Packers -9 @ Cleveland: See above.
NY Jets -6 @ Oakland: Oakland destroyed survivor pools everywhere last Sunday, and that may be the high mark of their season. I expect a bloodbath because the Jets have alot to prove.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 10-5
Friday, October 23, 2009
UFC 104 Fight Predictions
Since I am not going to be able to watch tomorrows event, I havent spent much time following it. But my predictions for the main PPV fights are below.
Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio Rua: Machida is clearly on a roll. After his destruction of Rashad Evans, people expect him to make quick work of Rua. Although I think he'll win, prior to his last 2 fights almost everything went to decision. I expect it to be closer than people expect and Machida to win by submission in the 4th Round.
Cain Velasquez vs Ben Rothwell: I dont know anything about Rothwell since he is an IFL guy, but his height and weight advantage scare me. However, Velasquez has beat some big dudes and I expect him to win in the 3rd round.
Gleison Tibau vs. Josh Neer: A tough fight to call. Both of these guys have lost 3 of their last 5 fights, and I was at Neer's last loss and it was embarrassing. They both usually go the distance, so I'll take Neer by decision.
Joe Stevenson vs. Spencer Fisher: Stevenson has lost 3 of his last 5 fights, but they were to BJ Penn, Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez. Arguably the 3 best guys in the weight class, worlds above Fishers class. Stevenson by stoppage in round 2.
Anthony "Rumble" Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida: I always like the guy with the crazy height advantage, and with Johnson's kicks, 3 inches is a big deal. Might be the shortest fight of the night. Rumble in round 1.
The Ultimate Fighter Episode 6 Recap
Evert Wednesday night at 10:00 I start to feel like I'm having Deja Vu. Rampage and Rashad go at each other for a minute. Kimbo growls about getting another chance to fight. A fighter from Team Rashad destroys a fighter from Team Rampage. Rampage gets furious. Repeat.
I wish I could say this episode was much different, but in fact, it was not. The episode starts with Team Rashad confronting one of its members, Darrill Schoonover, about his excessive drinking. He promises to slow down on the drinking to focus on fighting. Shortly after, Schoonover runs into Rampage, and that's when we'll start the Titty count. He refers to Schoonover as Titties several times (see total count below) and then for whatever reason, Darrill says that he'd cut wight to fight Rampage at 205. That's right. A guy nicknamed Titties says he could beat Rampage. This gets under Rampages skin, which makes no sense. That would be like me getting annoyed that an 8 year old kid said he could beat me in wiffleball. I know that could never happen. Because my rising fastball is nuts.
At the fight selection, Rashad chooses Schoonover to fight the much tormented Zak Jensen. Rampage insults Schoonover again and he responds with "F*ck you, motherf*cker." They start jawing, and Rashad separates them and tries to explain to Rampage why Schoonover is getting upset. Rampage proves once again he has the mentality of an infant.
Lost in the Titty commotion is the fact that Slice nicknames Zak Jensen Linderman. Thats funny to me. Everyone starts betting on when Zak is gonna lose his mind, and the poor kid just sits there and takes the abuse. Over and over and over again. First he is picked last. Then he gets the coach who doesn't coach. Then everyone takes it up on themselves to break him down mentally. Sounds like fun.
One of the coaches on Team Rampage gets a giant caricature made of Team Rashad and decides to hang it in the gym. Its actually pretty funny, but would be funnier if they weren't 0-5. Zak gets clipped in practice and his eye opens up. Kimbo jumps at the idea of fighting again, but Zak doesnt even consider backing out. I think that disappoints some people.
The fight starts and they both trade punches for a few seconds. Schoonover pins Zak against the cage and lands a knee. Zak pushes off the cage, lands a few knees himself. He then takes a vicious knee to the body and Schoonover starts teeing off on his face. Surprisingly, Zak is able to take Darrill down and lands a few punches. Then, in the most obvious and deliberate fashion ever, Schoonover gets Zak in a triangle and Zak does nothing to get out of it. Schoonover makes it tighter, and tighter, and tighter, until Zak passes out 2:33 into the round.
Final Titty Count: 33
I wish I could say this episode was much different, but in fact, it was not. The episode starts with Team Rashad confronting one of its members, Darrill Schoonover, about his excessive drinking. He promises to slow down on the drinking to focus on fighting. Shortly after, Schoonover runs into Rampage, and that's when we'll start the Titty count. He refers to Schoonover as Titties several times (see total count below) and then for whatever reason, Darrill says that he'd cut wight to fight Rampage at 205. That's right. A guy nicknamed Titties says he could beat Rampage. This gets under Rampages skin, which makes no sense. That would be like me getting annoyed that an 8 year old kid said he could beat me in wiffleball. I know that could never happen. Because my rising fastball is nuts.
At the fight selection, Rashad chooses Schoonover to fight the much tormented Zak Jensen. Rampage insults Schoonover again and he responds with "F*ck you, motherf*cker." They start jawing, and Rashad separates them and tries to explain to Rampage why Schoonover is getting upset. Rampage proves once again he has the mentality of an infant.
Lost in the Titty commotion is the fact that Slice nicknames Zak Jensen Linderman. Thats funny to me. Everyone starts betting on when Zak is gonna lose his mind, and the poor kid just sits there and takes the abuse. Over and over and over again. First he is picked last. Then he gets the coach who doesn't coach. Then everyone takes it up on themselves to break him down mentally. Sounds like fun.
One of the coaches on Team Rampage gets a giant caricature made of Team Rashad and decides to hang it in the gym. Its actually pretty funny, but would be funnier if they weren't 0-5. Zak gets clipped in practice and his eye opens up. Kimbo jumps at the idea of fighting again, but Zak doesnt even consider backing out. I think that disappoints some people.
The fight starts and they both trade punches for a few seconds. Schoonover pins Zak against the cage and lands a knee. Zak pushes off the cage, lands a few knees himself. He then takes a vicious knee to the body and Schoonover starts teeing off on his face. Surprisingly, Zak is able to take Darrill down and lands a few punches. Then, in the most obvious and deliberate fashion ever, Schoonover gets Zak in a triangle and Zak does nothing to get out of it. Schoonover makes it tighter, and tighter, and tighter, until Zak passes out 2:33 into the round.
Final Titty Count: 33
Raleigh's Bets NFL Week 7
I've stopped my "What I learned" blog posts and removed the word "Best" from the Blog title this week for the time being since I apparently haven't learned anything and there is nothing "best" about my picks recently. Here they are anyway...
Minnesota @ Pittsburgh (-5.5)
I initially wanted to go with Minnesota because even if they lose their first game, it will be close. But being that I've been doing so poorly I switched it. So far Minnesota is 3-0 on the road but they've only beaten Cleveland, Detroit and St. Louis in doing so. I think it's a trap.
Atlanta (+4) @ Dallas
Atlanta caused 6 turnovers in their last two games (granted they gave away 4 also but I'm choosing not to look at that for the purpose of this pick). Tony Romo is a turnover machine. I think this game is a field goal game in either direction.
Philadephia (-7) @ Washington
There is a game or two every year during the NFL season that clears out half a Survivor Pool. Unfortunately for Philly, they happened to be in the one last week losing to Oakland. I still think they are the 2nd best team in the NFC East and Washington is beyond hope.
Last Week : 0-3
Overall: 8-10
Minnesota @ Pittsburgh (-5.5)
I initially wanted to go with Minnesota because even if they lose their first game, it will be close. But being that I've been doing so poorly I switched it. So far Minnesota is 3-0 on the road but they've only beaten Cleveland, Detroit and St. Louis in doing so. I think it's a trap.
Atlanta (+4) @ Dallas
Atlanta caused 6 turnovers in their last two games (granted they gave away 4 also but I'm choosing not to look at that for the purpose of this pick). Tony Romo is a turnover machine. I think this game is a field goal game in either direction.
Philadephia (-7) @ Washington
There is a game or two every year during the NFL season that clears out half a Survivor Pool. Unfortunately for Philly, they happened to be in the one last week losing to Oakland. I still think they are the 2nd best team in the NFC East and Washington is beyond hope.
Last Week : 0-3
Overall: 8-10
Raleigh's Best Bets NCAAFB Week 8
Last week was my best week of the season so far despite not hitting on all 3 games. I feel a streak coming on...
Georgia Tech @ Virginia (+5.5)
After allowing back to back 200+ yard rushing games earlier in their 2nd and 3rd games this year, Virginia has come back and has been averaging allowing a little over 82 yards on the ground in their last three. I think they'll keep it close enough to cover. Something is going to give here being that both teams in their last 4 games are 4-0 ATS.
Iowa (+1.5) @ Michigan State
This is going to be an ugly game as all of Iowa's games seem to be. Iowa is +8 in turnover margin on the road alone. I'm envisioning a 13-10 type of Iowa win.
Boston College @ Notre Dame (-7.5)
This is only BC's third road game of the season and they weren't even close in the first two. I've taken BC a few times at home this year but I like Notre Dame big in this one.
Last week: 2-0-1
Overall: 8-9-1
Georgia Tech @ Virginia (+5.5)
After allowing back to back 200+ yard rushing games earlier in their 2nd and 3rd games this year, Virginia has come back and has been averaging allowing a little over 82 yards on the ground in their last three. I think they'll keep it close enough to cover. Something is going to give here being that both teams in their last 4 games are 4-0 ATS.
Iowa (+1.5) @ Michigan State
This is going to be an ugly game as all of Iowa's games seem to be. Iowa is +8 in turnover margin on the road alone. I'm envisioning a 13-10 type of Iowa win.
Boston College @ Notre Dame (-7.5)
This is only BC's third road game of the season and they weren't even close in the first two. I've taken BC a few times at home this year but I like Notre Dame big in this one.
Last week: 2-0-1
Overall: 8-9-1
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 6
Sorry these are going up so late...
New York Giants(+3) @ New Orleans
I like the Giants to win this game outright
Baltimore @ Minnesota(-3)
That annoying Brett Favre train just keeps rolling
Philadelphia(-14) @ Oakland
This line could have been 24 and I would still taken Philly
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 8-7
New York Giants(+3) @ New Orleans
I like the Giants to win this game outright
Baltimore @ Minnesota(-3)
That annoying Brett Favre train just keeps rolling
Philadelphia(-14) @ Oakland
This line could have been 24 and I would still taken Philly
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 8-7
The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Recap
Due to traveling, I was forced to skip this weeks in depth recap of TUF. Team Rashad went up 5 fights to 0 when Justin Wren made quick work of Wes Sims. He submitted him with an arm triangle shortly into the 1st round. Stay tuned for next weeks recap.
Bobs Best NFL Bets Week 6
Wow. Much like a shopping cart speeding down an enormous hill, I have incredible momentum and cannot be stopped. Save for that one week where I went 1-2, I am on point this year. By my calculations I have made betting Americans somewhere between $750,000 and $0 with my picks this year. So here are my picks this week, hopefully they will be the key to your kids college tuition.
Pittsburgh - 14 vs. Cleveland: The Cleveland Browns are in a downward spiral that cannot be stopped and trading away Braylon Edwards may have been the final catalyst. I expect the Steelers to go up big early and then maintain the rest of the game. Steelers 27 - Browns 6
Tampa Bay +3 vs Carolina: This game has push written all over it, but i'll take the Bucs hoping they are the ones kicking the game winning field goal. Granted, they are not a very good team but nor are the panthers. I regret this pick already, but i'll trust my gut. because my gut makes people money$$$
KC Chiefs +6.5 @ Washington: Interesting pick you say? Well, know this. Every game the Skins have played this year has been decided by 6 points or less. That includes games against St Louis and Detroit. KC is not very good, but they play a tough 4 quarters. I actually think they can win outright, but for sure I think they will cover the spread.
Last week: 3-0
Season: 9-3
Pittsburgh - 14 vs. Cleveland: The Cleveland Browns are in a downward spiral that cannot be stopped and trading away Braylon Edwards may have been the final catalyst. I expect the Steelers to go up big early and then maintain the rest of the game. Steelers 27 - Browns 6
Tampa Bay +3 vs Carolina: This game has push written all over it, but i'll take the Bucs hoping they are the ones kicking the game winning field goal. Granted, they are not a very good team but nor are the panthers. I regret this pick already, but i'll trust my gut. because my gut makes people money$$$
KC Chiefs +6.5 @ Washington: Interesting pick you say? Well, know this. Every game the Skins have played this year has been decided by 6 points or less. That includes games against St Louis and Detroit. KC is not very good, but they play a tough 4 quarters. I actually think they can win outright, but for sure I think they will cover the spread.
Last week: 3-0
Season: 9-3
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets NCAAFB Week 7
Just the quick picks today as I'm off to Belmont for the day...
N.C. State @ Boston College (-2.5)
Oklahoma (+3) vs Texas
USC @ Notre Dame (+10)
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 6-9
N.C. State @ Boston College (-2.5)
Oklahoma (+3) vs Texas
USC @ Notre Dame (+10)
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 6-9
Friday, October 16, 2009
Mike and the Mad Dog Reunited
If you live outside range of Sports Radio 660 WFAN in New York Mike and the Mad Dog probably didn't mean that much to you growing up. And actually I didn't think they meant that much to me either until August 14, 2008 when Mad Dog left the show to go to Sirius. In fact, I didn't really even think about them at all. It was routine to just turn them on if I was in a car between 1-6pm every week day.
Anyone who was a frequent listener of the show would tell you that the show suffered during the summers when one of them was always on vacation while the other would do the show solo. So once Mad Dog left for good, those 5 hours on the FAN were not going to be the same. I still turn on the FAN because I guess there is a certain amount of comfort in hearing Mike's recognizable voice but he either needs to be reigned in or need someone to reign in for him to be at him best. I haven't really figured that out yet.
Mad Dog was on with Mike and gave us our first Mike and the Mad Dog hour in 14 months. I wasn't one of those people who thought Mike and Dog hated each other when the split happened. They had problems over the years but I always thought they respected what the other brought to the show. And during the call on Mike's first solo show after the break-up, Dog broke down on air while reminiscing and saying good-bye. That wasn't faked.
Mike always comes across with a big ego so I appreciate that he allowed the old Mike and the Mad Dog song and Dog's signature opening to start the show today. It's been 14 months but it was like they never split. They made jokes about how no one listens to Sirius and Mike's big new contract with WFAN. They jumped into a regular type show for awhile talking about the AL and NLCS. Shifted gears and talked about what Mad Dog's job entails now that he has his own channel to program, the differences and what he likes and misses about doing a local radio show as opposed to a national show. The WFAN portion ended on a really nice note. Mad Dog said he loves it over at Sirius but that he misses talking sports with Mike. How it's tough to find someone to talk sports with who has the depth and knowledge of topics that they have. Normally I would criticize that statement since Mad Dog mispronounces more names than anyone in radio should be allowed to do, I'll let it go because it was a fun little reunion. Mike is joining Mad Dog on his Sirius show for the last hour of his show so if I get to hear and anything interesting comes out of it I'll post it.
I'll close this with one of my favorite Mike and Dog moments of all time and easily my favorite reason they starting broadcasting on the YES network. We would have never seen this:
Anyone who was a frequent listener of the show would tell you that the show suffered during the summers when one of them was always on vacation while the other would do the show solo. So once Mad Dog left for good, those 5 hours on the FAN were not going to be the same. I still turn on the FAN because I guess there is a certain amount of comfort in hearing Mike's recognizable voice but he either needs to be reigned in or need someone to reign in for him to be at him best. I haven't really figured that out yet.
Mad Dog was on with Mike and gave us our first Mike and the Mad Dog hour in 14 months. I wasn't one of those people who thought Mike and Dog hated each other when the split happened. They had problems over the years but I always thought they respected what the other brought to the show. And during the call on Mike's first solo show after the break-up, Dog broke down on air while reminiscing and saying good-bye. That wasn't faked.
Mike always comes across with a big ego so I appreciate that he allowed the old Mike and the Mad Dog song and Dog's signature opening to start the show today. It's been 14 months but it was like they never split. They made jokes about how no one listens to Sirius and Mike's big new contract with WFAN. They jumped into a regular type show for awhile talking about the AL and NLCS. Shifted gears and talked about what Mad Dog's job entails now that he has his own channel to program, the differences and what he likes and misses about doing a local radio show as opposed to a national show. The WFAN portion ended on a really nice note. Mad Dog said he loves it over at Sirius but that he misses talking sports with Mike. How it's tough to find someone to talk sports with who has the depth and knowledge of topics that they have. Normally I would criticize that statement since Mad Dog mispronounces more names than anyone in radio should be allowed to do, I'll let it go because it was a fun little reunion. Mike is joining Mad Dog on his Sirius show for the last hour of his show so if I get to hear and anything interesting comes out of it I'll post it.
I'll close this with one of my favorite Mike and Dog moments of all time and easily my favorite reason they starting broadcasting on the YES network. We would have never seen this:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Raleigh's AL and NLCS Predictions
I picked a World Series of Angels/Cardinals. So much for that.
In the National League:
I fell too much in love with the Carpenter-Wainwright 1-2 punch. Underestimated the Dodgers completely. I'm taking the Dodgers in 7 this time around. I know Kershaw lost both his starts against Philly this year but the the 2nd time he faced them was June 4th when his ERA was nearly a run and a half higher. I think he'll do okay. The Phillies bullpen is just too suspect this year for me to think they are a World Series team.
In the American League:
Since I went with the Angels in my original prediction I'll stick with them.
In the National League:
I fell too much in love with the Carpenter-Wainwright 1-2 punch. Underestimated the Dodgers completely. I'm taking the Dodgers in 7 this time around. I know Kershaw lost both his starts against Philly this year but the the 2nd time he faced them was June 4th when his ERA was nearly a run and a half higher. I think he'll do okay. The Phillies bullpen is just too suspect this year for me to think they are a World Series team.
In the American League:
Since I went with the Angels in my original prediction I'll stick with them.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
What I learned from Week 5
A lot of mismatches this week. The most important results came from Cincinnati and Denver
-I guess it's time to take Cedric Benson seriously again. And by again I mean since college. Barring injury he's well on his way to the first 1000 yard season of his career and is on pace for as good a season as Rudi Johnson had in 2005 (aka the last time the Bengals were good).
-I guess Denver knew what they were doing when they traded Cutler. I've brought it up before, he takes care of the ball and somehow he just wins.
-The Patriots are still going to win the AFC East but they are not looking like a team that will get more than one home playoff game at this point. They looked less beatable last year.
-I guess it's time to take Cedric Benson seriously again. And by again I mean since college. Barring injury he's well on his way to the first 1000 yard season of his career and is on pace for as good a season as Rudi Johnson had in 2005 (aka the last time the Bengals were good).
-I guess Denver knew what they were doing when they traded Cutler. I've brought it up before, he takes care of the ball and somehow he just wins.
-The Patriots are still going to win the AFC East but they are not looking like a team that will get more than one home playoff game at this point. They looked less beatable last year.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Bobs NFL Picks Week 5
Okay, last week wasn't my best effort. But in my defense, I didn't like the lines and wouldnt have bet any of them. However, I went 1-2 and Im not happy about it. Today I sing my redemption song.
Minnesota -11 @ St. Louis: I am now convinced that St Louis is the worst team in the NFC and maybe even the NFL. Minnesota is poised for somewhat of a letdown game on the road this week, but I just think the talent discrepancy is too much. I think this game has 27-10 written all over it.
Washington +4.5 @ Carolina: Its hard to pick the Redskins, period. But they have only allowed 62 points all season (best in their division, 3rd best in the NFC) and the Panthers have only scored 37 (2nd worst in the NFL). So I expect a low scoring game decided by a field goal.
Atlanta +2.5 @ 49'ers: Admittedly, I dont love this game but I just dont think the 49'ers are that good. They have beat St. Louis, Arizona, and Seattle....not entirely impressive and the Falcons are coming off a bye week and a loss before that. I expect a Falcons win by a TD or more.
I am committing a novices blunder by picking 3 road teams this week, but I think you'll find they are winners.
Last Week: 1-2
Season to Date: 6-3
Minnesota -11 @ St. Louis: I am now convinced that St Louis is the worst team in the NFC and maybe even the NFL. Minnesota is poised for somewhat of a letdown game on the road this week, but I just think the talent discrepancy is too much. I think this game has 27-10 written all over it.
Washington +4.5 @ Carolina: Its hard to pick the Redskins, period. But they have only allowed 62 points all season (best in their division, 3rd best in the NFC) and the Panthers have only scored 37 (2nd worst in the NFL). So I expect a low scoring game decided by a field goal.
Atlanta +2.5 @ 49'ers: Admittedly, I dont love this game but I just dont think the 49'ers are that good. They have beat St. Louis, Arizona, and Seattle....not entirely impressive and the Falcons are coming off a bye week and a loss before that. I expect a Falcons win by a TD or more.
I am committing a novices blunder by picking 3 road teams this week, but I think you'll find they are winners.
Last Week: 1-2
Season to Date: 6-3
Raleigh's Best Bets NFL Week 5
This is a pretty tough week...
Washington @ Carolina (-4.5)
I know Carolina hasn't won a game yet but right now I still consider Washington probably the 3rd worst team in the NFL after the two teams they beat this season (Tampa and St. Louis). Carolina will get their first win of the season in convincing fashion.
Minnesota (-11) @ St. Louis
St. Louis has one weapon on offense in Steven Jackson and Minnesota stops the run as good as any team in the NFL. I wouldn't be surprised if St. Louis doesn't get past mid-field all game.
Cincinnati @ Baltimore (-9)
I'm probably overrating Baltimore here but I had nothing else I felt overly confident about.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 7-5
Washington @ Carolina (-4.5)
I know Carolina hasn't won a game yet but right now I still consider Washington probably the 3rd worst team in the NFL after the two teams they beat this season (Tampa and St. Louis). Carolina will get their first win of the season in convincing fashion.
Minnesota (-11) @ St. Louis
St. Louis has one weapon on offense in Steven Jackson and Minnesota stops the run as good as any team in the NFL. I wouldn't be surprised if St. Louis doesn't get past mid-field all game.
Cincinnati @ Baltimore (-9)
I'm probably overrating Baltimore here but I had nothing else I felt overly confident about.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 7-5
Friday, October 9, 2009
Raleigh's Best Bets - NCAAFB Week 6
I'm only 5-7 so it was time for some self reflection. So far (since I missed Week 1) I've made 12 picks. 8 times I picked the road team and I'm 2-6 in those and only 4 times I went with the home team and I'm 3-1 in those. I've made fun of myself for going with a road team here or there but looking at it with this sample size, it's obvious what needs to be done. 3 home teams...no matter what.
Boston College @ Virginia Tech (-13.5)
Alabama @ Ole Miss (+4.5)
Georgia Tech @ Florida State (-3)
Boston College @ Virginia Tech (-13.5)
Alabama @ Ole Miss (+4.5)
Georgia Tech @ Florida State (-3)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Episode 4 Recap
I'm taking over the recap from Bob this week while he's out of town. I haven't been a UFC fan very long. I actually only started getting in to it when I turned on Spike one day and ended up catching the Season 7 semi-finals. I didn't even realize the UFC had a reality show at the time and have tuned into every episode since. I'm currently working my way through earlier seasons on Netflix as well. So Bob is better equipped at this than I am.
Rashad picks Brendan Schaub to fight Demico Rogers which was Rashad's original plan despite Mike letting everyone know this was coming. Brendan is excited about the fight as is Rampage, calling it a "winnable" fight. There was some funny stuff this episode between Rampage and Demico. Rampage not wanting to train him because he looked like Rashad Evans. Even going as far as covering his face with a towel while rolling on the mat during one of those mid commercial vignettes.
I'm not going to play-by-play leg kicks and take down attempts since it wasn't that long of a fight but to sum it up, Demico was is very good position doing a lot of good work on top. Despite having good position he decided to continue to pass Branden's guard where Branden was then able to reverse it and within 30 seconds was able to get Demico to tap out via Anaconda Choke. Incredulous that one of his guy could lose by Anaconda Choke, no one went in to the ring to console Demico. Rashad comforted Demico and severely questioned Rampages coaching style in his confessional.
One good thing might have come out of this loss for Team Rampage. Rampage called his coaches in for an emergency meeting. He came to the conclusion that the fighters here are very green and that they can't feed them as much information as they could to someone more seasoned. It looks like Rampage may actually start coaching.
That being said, I understand that the UFC needs to take advantage of the ratings potential of Kimbo Slice but I can't remember seeing a more misleading promo of a TV show than for this week's episode of TUF. A mysterious illness strikes down Marcus Jones opening a window for Kimbo Slice to maybe get back in the ring this week. Not even close. There was something wrong with Marcus but it was even before fight announcements and the only purpose is served was as another way to showcase Kimbo as a likable guy as he was helping Marcus out.
Just like in the first three episodes, Rashad is proving to be ten times the coach Rampage is. I don't know if it's that Rampage isn't any good at coaching or that he just doesn't care. A part of me thinks he just doesn't care as evidenced by picking Kimbo first for his team in episode 1 despite other guys having more size and skill but then go back to his first coaching stint on Season 7 and out of the eight quarter finalists that season, he had 2 of the 6. I don't know. Rashad talked about his coaching strategy. He realizes that the few weeks he has to work with his fighters isn't enough time to reshape them so he's going to focus on making them better at what they are already good at. Rashad and his coaches also devise a strategy of who is going to fight who to ensure all eight of his guys makes the quarterfinals. After telling his fighters who they are going to fight next, Justin Wren initially agrees to fight Scott Junk before changing his minds because they're friends outside the show. But that's not the biggest problem because Mike Mittrione for some reason lets Team Rampage in on who's fighting who. There is speculation that Mike tipped their hand hoping that it would make Rashad change the fights because he wasn't keen on fighting Marcus Jones (who during a montage, was pulling a Lennie from Of Mice and Men on his teammates during training not knowing his own strength during sparring and rolling on the mat. Often connecting to hard or going too far on a submission).
Rashad picks Brendan Schaub to fight Demico Rogers which was Rashad's original plan despite Mike letting everyone know this was coming. Brendan is excited about the fight as is Rampage, calling it a "winnable" fight. There was some funny stuff this episode between Rampage and Demico. Rampage not wanting to train him because he looked like Rashad Evans. Even going as far as covering his face with a towel while rolling on the mat during one of those mid commercial vignettes.I'm not going to play-by-play leg kicks and take down attempts since it wasn't that long of a fight but to sum it up, Demico was is very good position doing a lot of good work on top. Despite having good position he decided to continue to pass Branden's guard where Branden was then able to reverse it and within 30 seconds was able to get Demico to tap out via Anaconda Choke. Incredulous that one of his guy could lose by Anaconda Choke, no one went in to the ring to console Demico. Rashad comforted Demico and severely questioned Rampages coaching style in his confessional.
One good thing might have come out of this loss for Team Rampage. Rampage called his coaches in for an emergency meeting. He came to the conclusion that the fighters here are very green and that they can't feed them as much information as they could to someone more seasoned. It looks like Rampage may actually start coaching.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Braylon Edwards trade
So I'm a bit surprised that this website has not spurred any Braylon Edwards talk - or maybe it has and I was just too blinded by the maniacal orange background to spot it. But I really dislike this trade for the Jets for a couple of reasons. One, I really believe Edwards' breakout season was a huge fluke. "Good" receivers simply don't drop as many passes as Edwards does. Okay, okay maybe they do. To some extent, dropped passes ARE a function of being thrown to as QBs nominally decide to throw to their most open and, frequently, best receivers. But, as I may have discussed with some of you when the Giants were said to be in the hunt over the off-season, I simply don't think Edwards is a good receiver. (Blogger aside> I'm doing a lot of google searches as I write this post and I've noticed that all of my search requests now have barcodes associated with them - what's the technological purpose of that?) BTW, this is the point in the blog post where, if I had access to a Football Outsiders premium account, I'd compare his statistics to players of similar statistics at an equal stage of their career. But I haven't paid the premium subscription rates, so I won't pretend to come up with any relevant names. However, here are two names/things , I would NOT trade for Braylon Edwards straight up: 1. Chansi Stuckey 2. A 2nd or 3rd round draft pick.
Now, I'm not going to pretend that Stuckey will be great or anything. He won't. But given his youth, role in the Jets offense, and salary, I'll keep the possession receiver over the "star" receiver who just caught zero balls against the Cincinnati Bengals and punched Lebron James' 5'8" 135 pound friend in the face last night. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine a professional football player punching a 50 pound lighter version of me or Bob in the face (apologies to blog readers who don't know the authors). That's ludicrous! Why would you trade anything but a sack of STD meds for such a player. Well maybe those STD meds are more valuable. Why would you even trade a sack of sorries.
If the Jets were absolutely adamant that Edwards would return to form with Mark Sanchez in NY, don't you think they still could have bargained a bit more aggressively with the Browns here? Again, zero catches in the last week. Problems with the law. Problems antagonizing the MOST FAMOUS AND POPULAR HUMAN BEING IN THE STATE OF OHIO (and maybe the country). You're telling me the Jets couldn't have taken a bolder trade stance?
Now, I'm not going to pretend that Stuckey will be great or anything. He won't. But given his youth, role in the Jets offense, and salary, I'll keep the possession receiver over the "star" receiver who just caught zero balls against the Cincinnati Bengals and punched Lebron James' 5'8" 135 pound friend in the face last night. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine a professional football player punching a 50 pound lighter version of me or Bob in the face (apologies to blog readers who don't know the authors). That's ludicrous! Why would you trade anything but a sack of STD meds for such a player. Well maybe those STD meds are more valuable. Why would you even trade a sack of sorries.
If the Jets were absolutely adamant that Edwards would return to form with Mark Sanchez in NY, don't you think they still could have bargained a bit more aggressively with the Browns here? Again, zero catches in the last week. Problems with the law. Problems antagonizing the MOST FAMOUS AND POPULAR HUMAN BEING IN THE STATE OF OHIO (and maybe the country). You're telling me the Jets couldn't have taken a bolder trade stance?
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