Yea, yea I know I’ve missed a few weeks of picks. What can ya do?
But I might as well finish what I started with one final go around of regular season picks. And what a week to come back into the mix – because teams have already clinched, been eliminated, etc, the lines are all out of whack.
But considering I didn’t have much luck with legit lines, I can’t imagine it will matter much.
So here we go… one last go around…
BILLS at Eagles (-9)
Panthers (-3) at BUCCANEERS
Bengals (-2.5) at DOLPHINS
COWBOYS at Redskins (-9)
Lions at PACKERS (-3.5)
JAGUARS at Texans (-7)
Saints at BEARS (Pick ‘Em)
STEELERSteelers (-3) at Ravens
SEAHAWKS (-2) at Falcons
49ers at BROWNS (-11.5)
TITANS (-4.5) at Colts
Vikings (-3) at BRONCOS
CHARGERS (-9) at Raiders
RAMS at Cards (-6)
Chiefs at JETS (-5.5)
LOCK OF THE WEEK: BROWNS
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
The Perfect Pats
Well hey y’all. Nice to see all of you again.
So much has happened since we last spoke.
Hannukah came and went. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future all paid their yearly visits. Jamie Lynn Spears went from the least messed up Spears to battling Britney for the Crown of Craziness (although if you ask me, mom Lynne takes the cake).
Oh, and the New England Patriots just capped off a perfect season.
Because they were bludgeoning people so badly along the way, I’m not entirely sure this feat is receiving the merit it deserves.
This may be one of those accomplishments that sets in with sports nation as a day or two passes.
Usually when something this big in sports happens, the text messages between my sports brethren and myself begin to fly around, filling our living rooms with beeps, fight songs, catchy 80s tunes or just a simple vibration – depending on your ring tone pleasure.
But other than my buddy Seth “I Switched My Allegiance From The Red Sox To The Cardinals When I Moved To St. Louis But I’m Still A Pats Fan Cuz Let’s Be Honest Who Could Really Root For The Rams” Doria of The Left Calf fame, I heard nothing from nobody.
Then again, it’s the holidays. Or at least it was the holidays. Does New Years count when you say “the holiday season”? I’ve never been able to figure that one out. It’s certainly festive, but is it really a holiday?
Anyhoo, I digress… back to the subject at hand – the Patriots of New England.
They just went 16-0. First team ever.
Even the “legendary” Dolphins didn’t win 16. They only played 14 games back then. I’m not saying one team is better than the other (***cough***Pats would’ve beat the Phins by 30***cough***)… I’m just sayin’.
By the way, now that their hallowed record has fallen, do the members of the ’72 Dolphins still drink the champagne they save until each unbeaten falls year after year?
Actually, this might be the best reason they’ve had to drink in three decades. Again, I’m just sayin’.
But back to the game.
I was actually rooting for the Giants at the outset. Was watching the beginning of the game while on the treadmill at the gym (yes you read that right, I was at the gym. Trust me, it’s as weird for me to say as it is for you to hear).
And clearly, I wasn’t the only one. When Plaxico Burress caught the deep ball over the middle over Ellis Hobbs, a few roars emerged from the churning exercise bikes, treadmills and weird gliding machines.
And as the Giants built an impressive 12-lead with a quarter to play, it became more possible than preposterous that the Pats were about to meet their match for the first time this season.
Then the slow self-destruction of the Giants slowly unfolded. If you’re a Giants fan, I feel for you. It was painful to watch.
And as the Pats began to entrench their name atop the NFL record books, I was actually pretty happy for them. Not from a fair-weather mentality, but more from a realization that if they were going to fall short of the record, I wanted to see a team play a perfect game to beat them, and that certainly is not what the Giants were doing down the stretch.
So hats off to Tom Brady and crew. Regardless of who you’re rooting for, it’s always cool to witness history.
But before we put a bow on this puppy (keeping with the holiday theme), a few thoughts on the game and the Pats season:
- As soon as the Patriots took the lead in the fourth quarter it was over. Why? Since 2001, the Pats have had the lead 85 times in the fourth quarter. They’ve lost once. Once! They’re now 84-1 in those games. Remarkable.
- In a league where upsets happen week in and week out (after all, as Boomer says “This is why they play the games’) not once did the Pats fall prey to an underdog. Even the league’s worst teams are made up of some of the best athletes in the world. To face 16 hungry opponents and beat them all is truly amazing.
- It’s long been said bad teams beat themselves. It’s true. Well the Pats aren’t a bad team and they definitely don’t beat themselves. In fact, they’ve won 48 straight games when they’ve won the turnover battle. Again, amazing.
- I hate Randy Moss. I don’t care what records he breaks, he’s a bum. You get paid way too much to EVER take a play off.
- Speaking of #81…. If you take away all of his 23 TDs this year from Tom Brady, Brady would still have tossed a respectable 27 TDs this season. That’s still more than all but 5 other NFL QBs. Pretty good.
- Lastly, if those aforementioned Dolphins are looking for someone to send hate mail to, may I suggest Jets coach Eric Mangini. Think the whole “Spygate” crap had anything to do with the Pats’ blow ‘em out at all costs mentality this season? Nahhhh, couldn’t be. Nice job genius.
Well, that's all I've got. I know it was long, but it's been awhile so thanks for bearing with me.
Hope the holidays were as great for you as they were for me. And if anyone doesn't have any New Year's plans yet, feel free to join my beautiful fiancee and I at The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier followed by a Guitar Hero marathon back at the house.
LONG LIVE THE AVOCADOS! (ask me later, I'll explain).
HAPPY NEW YEARS!
So much has happened since we last spoke.
Hannukah came and went. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future all paid their yearly visits. Jamie Lynn Spears went from the least messed up Spears to battling Britney for the Crown of Craziness (although if you ask me, mom Lynne takes the cake).
Oh, and the New England Patriots just capped off a perfect season.
Because they were bludgeoning people so badly along the way, I’m not entirely sure this feat is receiving the merit it deserves.
This may be one of those accomplishments that sets in with sports nation as a day or two passes.
Usually when something this big in sports happens, the text messages between my sports brethren and myself begin to fly around, filling our living rooms with beeps, fight songs, catchy 80s tunes or just a simple vibration – depending on your ring tone pleasure.
But other than my buddy Seth “I Switched My Allegiance From The Red Sox To The Cardinals When I Moved To St. Louis But I’m Still A Pats Fan Cuz Let’s Be Honest Who Could Really Root For The Rams” Doria of The Left Calf fame, I heard nothing from nobody.
Then again, it’s the holidays. Or at least it was the holidays. Does New Years count when you say “the holiday season”? I’ve never been able to figure that one out. It’s certainly festive, but is it really a holiday?
Anyhoo, I digress… back to the subject at hand – the Patriots of New England.
They just went 16-0. First team ever.
Even the “legendary” Dolphins didn’t win 16. They only played 14 games back then. I’m not saying one team is better than the other (***cough***Pats would’ve beat the Phins by 30***cough***)… I’m just sayin’.
By the way, now that their hallowed record has fallen, do the members of the ’72 Dolphins still drink the champagne they save until each unbeaten falls year after year?
Actually, this might be the best reason they’ve had to drink in three decades. Again, I’m just sayin’.
But back to the game.
I was actually rooting for the Giants at the outset. Was watching the beginning of the game while on the treadmill at the gym (yes you read that right, I was at the gym. Trust me, it’s as weird for me to say as it is for you to hear).
And clearly, I wasn’t the only one. When Plaxico Burress caught the deep ball over the middle over Ellis Hobbs, a few roars emerged from the churning exercise bikes, treadmills and weird gliding machines.
And as the Giants built an impressive 12-lead with a quarter to play, it became more possible than preposterous that the Pats were about to meet their match for the first time this season.
Then the slow self-destruction of the Giants slowly unfolded. If you’re a Giants fan, I feel for you. It was painful to watch.
And as the Pats began to entrench their name atop the NFL record books, I was actually pretty happy for them. Not from a fair-weather mentality, but more from a realization that if they were going to fall short of the record, I wanted to see a team play a perfect game to beat them, and that certainly is not what the Giants were doing down the stretch.
So hats off to Tom Brady and crew. Regardless of who you’re rooting for, it’s always cool to witness history.
But before we put a bow on this puppy (keeping with the holiday theme), a few thoughts on the game and the Pats season:
- As soon as the Patriots took the lead in the fourth quarter it was over. Why? Since 2001, the Pats have had the lead 85 times in the fourth quarter. They’ve lost once. Once! They’re now 84-1 in those games. Remarkable.
- In a league where upsets happen week in and week out (after all, as Boomer says “This is why they play the games’) not once did the Pats fall prey to an underdog. Even the league’s worst teams are made up of some of the best athletes in the world. To face 16 hungry opponents and beat them all is truly amazing.
- It’s long been said bad teams beat themselves. It’s true. Well the Pats aren’t a bad team and they definitely don’t beat themselves. In fact, they’ve won 48 straight games when they’ve won the turnover battle. Again, amazing.
- I hate Randy Moss. I don’t care what records he breaks, he’s a bum. You get paid way too much to EVER take a play off.
- Speaking of #81…. If you take away all of his 23 TDs this year from Tom Brady, Brady would still have tossed a respectable 27 TDs this season. That’s still more than all but 5 other NFL QBs. Pretty good.
- Lastly, if those aforementioned Dolphins are looking for someone to send hate mail to, may I suggest Jets coach Eric Mangini. Think the whole “Spygate” crap had anything to do with the Pats’ blow ‘em out at all costs mentality this season? Nahhhh, couldn’t be. Nice job genius.
Well, that's all I've got. I know it was long, but it's been awhile so thanks for bearing with me.
Hope the holidays were as great for you as they were for me. And if anyone doesn't have any New Year's plans yet, feel free to join my beautiful fiancee and I at The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier followed by a Guitar Hero marathon back at the house.
LONG LIVE THE AVOCADOS! (ask me later, I'll explain).
HAPPY NEW YEARS!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: A Centennial Affair (Week 14 Picks)
Welcome to my 100th entry at That’s What HE Said everyone.
Was planning something grand and glorious for my 100th post, as a literary milestone of sorts.
Sadly, I got nothing right now.
So in the famous words of “Caddyshack’s” Judge Smails, “You’ll get nothing and like it.”
Well, nothing except for my Week 14 picks.
Enjoy. Pick in all caps…
BEARS at Redskins (-3)
Panthers at JAGUARS (-10.5)
COWBOYS (-11) at Lions
Dolphins at BILLS (-7)
GIANTS at Eagles (-2.5)
Raiders at PACKERS (-10.5)
STEELERS at Patriots (-10.5)
Chargers (-1) at TITANS
Rams at BENGALS (-9)
TAMPA BAY (-3) at Texans
Cardinals at SEAHAWKS (-7)
VIKINGS (-8.5) at Niners
BROWNS (-3.5) at Jets
CHIEFS at Broncos (-6.5)
Colts (-9) at RAVENS
Saints (-3.5) at FALCONS
Was planning something grand and glorious for my 100th post, as a literary milestone of sorts.
Sadly, I got nothing right now.
So in the famous words of “Caddyshack’s” Judge Smails, “You’ll get nothing and like it.”
Well, nothing except for my Week 14 picks.
Enjoy. Pick in all caps…
BEARS at Redskins (-3)
Panthers at JAGUARS (-10.5)
COWBOYS (-11) at Lions
Dolphins at BILLS (-7)
GIANTS at Eagles (-2.5)
Raiders at PACKERS (-10.5)
STEELERS at Patriots (-10.5)
Chargers (-1) at TITANS
Rams at BENGALS (-9)
TAMPA BAY (-3) at Texans
Cardinals at SEAHAWKS (-7)
VIKINGS (-8.5) at Niners
BROWNS (-3.5) at Jets
CHIEFS at Broncos (-6.5)
Colts (-9) at RAVENS
Saints (-3.5) at FALCONS
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Lute Leaves; Bears Can Hibernate Now & The Idiot Of The Week
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything that wasn’t my NFL picks.
I could list a thousand reasons why I haven’t had time, but does it really matter? Truth is, it sucks not having time to write.
I take pride in the words that appear on this blog and I treasure all of you who take a moment out of your days to stop and read. So for that, thank you.
But you’re not here for me to get all sappy on you, so let’s talk some sports shall we?
Here are the thoughts in my mind dying to be channeled via the keyboard...
Just heard Arizona hoops coach Lute Olson will not return to the bench this year, taking the rest of the season off to deal with what’s been described as personal matters.
Not sure what’s going on with Lute, but this is one man you’ll never hear me (or anyone who truly knows their college sports) say a disparaging word about.
If he needs the time, I’m sure there is a reason. And while selfishly as a fan, I certainly wish he’d come back, I wish nothing but the best for Lute and whatever issues he may be facing.
Thoughts and prayers to the Silver Fox. Come back next year and bless another group of kids with your wisdom and grace.
...
Stick a fork in the Chicago Bears. Our season is over.
With a deflating loss to the Redskins on Thursday night, for all intents and purposes, you can officially close the book on the 2007 chapter of Chicago Bears football.
To make matters worse, we just got beat by Todd Collins. Oh by the way, he hadn't taken a snap in a game in three years. Nice.
We could win out and go 8-8 and have a heck of a chance at a Wild Card spot in the lowly NFC. Truth is, I want no part of it. I really can’t take it.
Makes it a whole lot easier without getting my hopes up every week that this is the game that turns our season around. I can stop wishing now.
A myriad of things could catch the brunt of the blame for the Bears ineptitude this year. Injuries. Bad offseason moves. More injuries. But it just doesn’t matter. The one thing this Bears team does more than any other I’ve ever watched is simple – miss tackles.
I’ve never seen a defense miss so many tackles game after game after game. At the line. In the hole. Down the field. It really is sickening to watch.
But of all the folks that deserve blame, I hate to break it to all you haters out there, but Rex Grossman isn’t one of them. Yes, he played awful at the start of the season before he was benched. But when he took the job back from I’ve-been-a-backup-all-my-life Brian Griese, Rexy played well, yet was plagued by a QB’s two worst enemies: dropped passes and absolute lack of a running attack.
Rex went down hard on Thursday and his leg bent as no leg should. Not surprised if he doesn’t play again this season and it’s unfortunate. He likely wasn’t going to be wearing the Bears uniform next year, and was essentially auditioning for a free agent contract. But that may have come to an end at RFK. And that’s a shame.
We won’t win with Brian Griese. We just won’t.
And while Cedric Benson certainly wasn’t lighting the world on fire, Adrian Peterson hasn’t been much better. I’d like to see a steady dose of Greg Olsen, Devin Hester and Garret Wolfe down the stretch. It’s these three that make up the future of the Bears offense. Might as well see what they can do.
Maybe next year we stay healthy, get a QB that can stay on the field without making mistakes and our defense returns to form. If so, I’ll take our chances any day in the NFC.
...
ESPN just reported some doosh bag (I don’t know his name and don’t care) bought Michael Vick’s property for $450,000. After owning the place for just over three weeks, he now plans to auction off the property (cages, leashes, chains and all) and says he won’t take anything less than $1 million.
This is the same property where Vick bred, trained, fought and executed countless number of dogs.
I’m all for seizing the opportunities that come your way, but I hope this guy gets a serious dose of karma up the ass. He deserves it for trying to make a buck off of this atrocity.
...
Tim Tebow deserves the Heisman. There’s no argument to be made. Truthfully, if I had a vote (and God willing one day I will) I’d put Darren McFadden second, Chase Daniel third and Colt “I torch Nevada State for 500 yards” Brennan fourth. System, shmystem.
...
Would you spend $16 million/year on a guy who hit .222 with 26 HRs, 94 RBI, 83 runs… and 138 Ks?
Me neither.
Dodgers did on Andruw Jones. Have fun with that one.
Cubs need a center fielder. Was praying for Torii Hunter, dreading Andruw Jones and willing to settle for Aaron Rowand.
Let’s hope I’m forced to settle with A-Row at this point. We cut bait on three-fifths of our outfield. We had to have something in mind… didn’t we?
...
Idiot of the Week Award goes to Steelers safety Anthony Smith. I’ve never heard of you before, and chances are most of your teammates hadn’t either before this week. After your moronic guarantee of a win over the Patriots, I would venture to guess most of the Steelers wish they still never knew who you were.
But hey, nice job. A team that has to be rattled after two close calls against sub-par teams just got exactly what they needed to regain their focus.
Nice job dude. Nice job.
I could list a thousand reasons why I haven’t had time, but does it really matter? Truth is, it sucks not having time to write.
I take pride in the words that appear on this blog and I treasure all of you who take a moment out of your days to stop and read. So for that, thank you.
But you’re not here for me to get all sappy on you, so let’s talk some sports shall we?
Here are the thoughts in my mind dying to be channeled via the keyboard...
Just heard Arizona hoops coach Lute Olson will not return to the bench this year, taking the rest of the season off to deal with what’s been described as personal matters.
Not sure what’s going on with Lute, but this is one man you’ll never hear me (or anyone who truly knows their college sports) say a disparaging word about.
If he needs the time, I’m sure there is a reason. And while selfishly as a fan, I certainly wish he’d come back, I wish nothing but the best for Lute and whatever issues he may be facing.
Thoughts and prayers to the Silver Fox. Come back next year and bless another group of kids with your wisdom and grace.
...
Stick a fork in the Chicago Bears. Our season is over.
With a deflating loss to the Redskins on Thursday night, for all intents and purposes, you can officially close the book on the 2007 chapter of Chicago Bears football.
To make matters worse, we just got beat by Todd Collins. Oh by the way, he hadn't taken a snap in a game in three years. Nice.
We could win out and go 8-8 and have a heck of a chance at a Wild Card spot in the lowly NFC. Truth is, I want no part of it. I really can’t take it.
Makes it a whole lot easier without getting my hopes up every week that this is the game that turns our season around. I can stop wishing now.
A myriad of things could catch the brunt of the blame for the Bears ineptitude this year. Injuries. Bad offseason moves. More injuries. But it just doesn’t matter. The one thing this Bears team does more than any other I’ve ever watched is simple – miss tackles.
I’ve never seen a defense miss so many tackles game after game after game. At the line. In the hole. Down the field. It really is sickening to watch.
But of all the folks that deserve blame, I hate to break it to all you haters out there, but Rex Grossman isn’t one of them. Yes, he played awful at the start of the season before he was benched. But when he took the job back from I’ve-been-a-backup-all-my-life Brian Griese, Rexy played well, yet was plagued by a QB’s two worst enemies: dropped passes and absolute lack of a running attack.
Rex went down hard on Thursday and his leg bent as no leg should. Not surprised if he doesn’t play again this season and it’s unfortunate. He likely wasn’t going to be wearing the Bears uniform next year, and was essentially auditioning for a free agent contract. But that may have come to an end at RFK. And that’s a shame.
We won’t win with Brian Griese. We just won’t.
And while Cedric Benson certainly wasn’t lighting the world on fire, Adrian Peterson hasn’t been much better. I’d like to see a steady dose of Greg Olsen, Devin Hester and Garret Wolfe down the stretch. It’s these three that make up the future of the Bears offense. Might as well see what they can do.
Maybe next year we stay healthy, get a QB that can stay on the field without making mistakes and our defense returns to form. If so, I’ll take our chances any day in the NFC.
...
ESPN just reported some doosh bag (I don’t know his name and don’t care) bought Michael Vick’s property for $450,000. After owning the place for just over three weeks, he now plans to auction off the property (cages, leashes, chains and all) and says he won’t take anything less than $1 million.
This is the same property where Vick bred, trained, fought and executed countless number of dogs.
I’m all for seizing the opportunities that come your way, but I hope this guy gets a serious dose of karma up the ass. He deserves it for trying to make a buck off of this atrocity.
...
Tim Tebow deserves the Heisman. There’s no argument to be made. Truthfully, if I had a vote (and God willing one day I will) I’d put Darren McFadden second, Chase Daniel third and Colt “I torch Nevada State for 500 yards” Brennan fourth. System, shmystem.
...
Would you spend $16 million/year on a guy who hit .222 with 26 HRs, 94 RBI, 83 runs… and 138 Ks?
Me neither.
Dodgers did on Andruw Jones. Have fun with that one.
Cubs need a center fielder. Was praying for Torii Hunter, dreading Andruw Jones and willing to settle for Aaron Rowand.
Let’s hope I’m forced to settle with A-Row at this point. We cut bait on three-fifths of our outfield. We had to have something in mind… didn’t we?
...
Idiot of the Week Award goes to Steelers safety Anthony Smith. I’ve never heard of you before, and chances are most of your teammates hadn’t either before this week. After your moronic guarantee of a win over the Patriots, I would venture to guess most of the Steelers wish they still never knew who you were.
But hey, nice job. A team that has to be rattled after two close calls against sub-par teams just got exactly what they needed to regain their focus.
Nice job dude. Nice job.
Monday, December 3, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 13 Picks (Better Late Than Never)
Ok, I forgot to make my picks. Sue me.
But since I can’t skip a week to jeopardize the integrity of this high-caliber social experiment, here they are.
I’ll use the same picks I made on my office pool on Thursday.... for better or worse.
My pick in ALL CAPS...
PACKERS (+7) at Cowboys
Falcons at RAMS (-3)
Bills at REDSKINS (-5.5)
Lions at VIKINGS (-4)
TEXANS (+3.5) at Titans
JAGUARS (+6.5) at Colts
JETS (+1) at Dolphins
CHARGERS (-5.5) at Chiefs
SEAHAWKS (+3) at Philly
NINERS (+3) at Panthers
BUCCANEERS (+3) at Saints
BROWNS (+1) at Cardinals
BRONCOS (-3.5) at Raiders
Giants at BEARS (+1.5)
Bengals at STEELERS (-7)
Patriots at RAVENS (+20)
Oh by the way, the Giants and the ref who overturned Eli Manning’s two-hopper to Amani Toomer can both kiss my ass.
But since I can’t skip a week to jeopardize the integrity of this high-caliber social experiment, here they are.
I’ll use the same picks I made on my office pool on Thursday.... for better or worse.
My pick in ALL CAPS...
PACKERS (+7) at Cowboys
Falcons at RAMS (-3)
Bills at REDSKINS (-5.5)
Lions at VIKINGS (-4)
TEXANS (+3.5) at Titans
JAGUARS (+6.5) at Colts
JETS (+1) at Dolphins
CHARGERS (-5.5) at Chiefs
SEAHAWKS (+3) at Philly
NINERS (+3) at Panthers
BUCCANEERS (+3) at Saints
BROWNS (+1) at Cardinals
BRONCOS (-3.5) at Raiders
Giants at BEARS (+1.5)
Bengals at STEELERS (-7)
Patriots at RAVENS (+20)
Oh by the way, the Giants and the ref who overturned Eli Manning’s two-hopper to Amani Toomer can both kiss my ass.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: I Have NFL Network... Do You? (Week 13 Picks)
I went 7-9 last week.
YTD: 74-95-2
Not sure if I beat Craig. He only got 6, but didn’t pick the Thanksgiving Day games, where I went 2-1.
We’ll settle that later.
And apparently the only way to keep me from chalking up another W in my Lock of the Week column is to totally forget to pick one. Arrrrrrrrrgggggh.
I realized it halfway through the morning games. At that point, my judgment was clouded by halftime scores. Oh well. I’ll improve on that 9-2 mark this week.
But before tonight’s game starts, gotta get tonight’s pick in...
PACKERS (+7) at Dallas
I wonder how many more games Green Bay will have to win to get some respect. Dallas deserves to be favored, especially at home.
But by 7?
As much as I enjoy watching the Packers lose, that’s too much to give that Fav-ruh guy.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Pack goes in there and wins outright. I’ll take the Pack and the points
Rest of picks and last week’s to come later this week.
Enjoy tonight's game for those of you who are actually smart enough to not still be living with cable television. I mean, come on. That's like still having a word processor. Who does that?
Go DirecTV!
YTD: 74-95-2
Not sure if I beat Craig. He only got 6, but didn’t pick the Thanksgiving Day games, where I went 2-1.
We’ll settle that later.
And apparently the only way to keep me from chalking up another W in my Lock of the Week column is to totally forget to pick one. Arrrrrrrrrgggggh.
I realized it halfway through the morning games. At that point, my judgment was clouded by halftime scores. Oh well. I’ll improve on that 9-2 mark this week.
But before tonight’s game starts, gotta get tonight’s pick in...
PACKERS (+7) at Dallas
I wonder how many more games Green Bay will have to win to get some respect. Dallas deserves to be favored, especially at home.
But by 7?
As much as I enjoy watching the Packers lose, that’s too much to give that Fav-ruh guy.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Pack goes in there and wins outright. I’ll take the Pack and the points
Rest of picks and last week’s to come later this week.
Enjoy tonight's game for those of you who are actually smart enough to not still be living with cable television. I mean, come on. That's like still having a word processor. Who does that?
Go DirecTV!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
NFL Pick 'Em Battle: Let's Talk Turkey
Happy happy Turkey everyone.
Who else is looking forward to a red wine/tryptophan coma? Hmmmm? Hmmmm?
Exactly. Me too.
A triple dose of NFL goodness on Thursday, and while a Peyton Manning-Michael Vick showdown no doubt sounded great when the schedule makers were throwing darts at the board back in August, now a Colts-Falcons game has all the excitement of watching paint dry.
But I’ve never been one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so you’ll hear no complaints from me.
A feast fit for a king and 9 hours of football? Where do I sign up?
Here are this week’s picks, with the Thursday games first. I may or may not change my Sunday picks as we get closer to game time, but I’ll leave that up… well, to me frankly.
A little something different this week as I’m offering a bit of insight into each pick. Not that you care. I just like to hear myself type.
And away we go… as always, my pick in ALL CAPS…
Packers at LIONS (+3) – I’m feeling a Turducken-fueled upset.
Jets at COWBOYS (-14) – I’m feeling a Turducken-fueled blowout. Fourteen is still a lot of points. I say the Boys win by 17.
COLTS (-12) at Falcons - Being at home on Thanksgiving only gets you so far. Sorry Dirty Birds.
Sunday selections…
Broncos at BEARS (-2) – I’m shocked my Bears are favored here, but I’ve picked them every game thus far and don’t plan on stopping.
TITANS (-1) at Bengals – If I were a futures bettor, I would’ve laid a year’s mortgage on this game in Week 1 for Cincy. What the heck happened to them?!?
BILLS (+7.5) at Jaguars – I’m feeling a 24-17 win for J’ville.
Raiders at CHIEFS (-5) – NFL fans, meet Kolby Smith. Kolby Smith, these are the NFL fans. Now play nice.
TEXANS (+3.5) at Browns – Hardest game to pick this week. I admittedly have NO clue who wins this game and as a result, I’ll take the dog.
SEAHAWKS (-3) at Rams – This spread could be 8 and I’d still take the Seahags.
Vikings at GIANTS (-7.5) – Vikings stink. If Gmen can’t cover, they got bigger problems on their hands.
SAINTS (-3) at Panthers – See Seattle Seahawks.
REDSKINS (+3) at Bucs – The second toughest game to call this week. Again, I’ll take the points, regardless of who is getting them.
Niners at CARDS (-10) – Ok, how weird is it the Cards are favored by 10 over anyone?!? And that I’m picking them? SF stinks.
Ravens at CHARGERS (-9) – The Ravens D will most likely outscore the Ravens O. Bolts should still win by two touchdowns.
EAGLES (+22.5) at Pats – In all my years of betting, I’ve never seen a 22-point spread in the NFL. You mean to tell me the Eagles with AJ Feeley at QB are 6 points worse than the Dolphins three weeks ago?!? I don’t think so. Can’t resist getting 3 TDs. Speaking of the Dolphins…
Dolphins at STEELERS (-16) – For the record, I am convinced Miami wins a game this year. Maybe 2. This certainly won’t be it. But Jets, Bills, Ravens and believe it or not the Bengals are all winnable games for any NFL team, even one as dismal as the Dolphins.
Who else is looking forward to a red wine/tryptophan coma? Hmmmm? Hmmmm?
Exactly. Me too.
A triple dose of NFL goodness on Thursday, and while a Peyton Manning-Michael Vick showdown no doubt sounded great when the schedule makers were throwing darts at the board back in August, now a Colts-Falcons game has all the excitement of watching paint dry.
But I’ve never been one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so you’ll hear no complaints from me.
A feast fit for a king and 9 hours of football? Where do I sign up?
Here are this week’s picks, with the Thursday games first. I may or may not change my Sunday picks as we get closer to game time, but I’ll leave that up… well, to me frankly.
A little something different this week as I’m offering a bit of insight into each pick. Not that you care. I just like to hear myself type.
And away we go… as always, my pick in ALL CAPS…
Packers at LIONS (+3) – I’m feeling a Turducken-fueled upset.
Jets at COWBOYS (-14) – I’m feeling a Turducken-fueled blowout. Fourteen is still a lot of points. I say the Boys win by 17.
COLTS (-12) at Falcons - Being at home on Thanksgiving only gets you so far. Sorry Dirty Birds.
Sunday selections…
Broncos at BEARS (-2) – I’m shocked my Bears are favored here, but I’ve picked them every game thus far and don’t plan on stopping.
TITANS (-1) at Bengals – If I were a futures bettor, I would’ve laid a year’s mortgage on this game in Week 1 for Cincy. What the heck happened to them?!?
BILLS (+7.5) at Jaguars – I’m feeling a 24-17 win for J’ville.
Raiders at CHIEFS (-5) – NFL fans, meet Kolby Smith. Kolby Smith, these are the NFL fans. Now play nice.
TEXANS (+3.5) at Browns – Hardest game to pick this week. I admittedly have NO clue who wins this game and as a result, I’ll take the dog.
SEAHAWKS (-3) at Rams – This spread could be 8 and I’d still take the Seahags.
Vikings at GIANTS (-7.5) – Vikings stink. If Gmen can’t cover, they got bigger problems on their hands.
SAINTS (-3) at Panthers – See Seattle Seahawks.
REDSKINS (+3) at Bucs – The second toughest game to call this week. Again, I’ll take the points, regardless of who is getting them.
Niners at CARDS (-10) – Ok, how weird is it the Cards are favored by 10 over anyone?!? And that I’m picking them? SF stinks.
Ravens at CHARGERS (-9) – The Ravens D will most likely outscore the Ravens O. Bolts should still win by two touchdowns.
EAGLES (+22.5) at Pats – In all my years of betting, I’ve never seen a 22-point spread in the NFL. You mean to tell me the Eagles with AJ Feeley at QB are 6 points worse than the Dolphins three weeks ago?!? I don’t think so. Can’t resist getting 3 TDs. Speaking of the Dolphins…
Dolphins at STEELERS (-16) – For the record, I am convinced Miami wins a game this year. Maybe 2. This certainly won’t be it. But Jets, Bills, Ravens and believe it or not the Bengals are all winnable games for any NFL team, even one as dismal as the Dolphins.
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 11 Results
Don't call it a comeback kids.
I've got a long way to go to catch Craig from Johnny Wishbone, but this is back-to-back victories for the That’s What HE Said crew in our weekly battle.
I'm not sayin'. I’m just sayin'.
Can the power of the turkey lead me to 3 straight wins? Only time (and turkey) shall tell.
This week's picks coming later.
Week 11: 10-6
Craig in Week 11: 7-9
Eric YTD: 67-86-2
YTD against Craig: 3-5-2
And the stat I continue to hang my hat on...
LOCK OF THE WEEK YTD: 9-2 (Go Packers.... man, that's weird to say even in this context)
GET THAT BEARS PHOTO UP WISHBONE!!!!
I've got a long way to go to catch Craig from Johnny Wishbone, but this is back-to-back victories for the That’s What HE Said crew in our weekly battle.
I'm not sayin'. I’m just sayin'.
Can the power of the turkey lead me to 3 straight wins? Only time (and turkey) shall tell.
This week's picks coming later.
Week 11: 10-6
Craig in Week 11: 7-9
Eric YTD: 67-86-2
YTD against Craig: 3-5-2
And the stat I continue to hang my hat on...
LOCK OF THE WEEK YTD: 9-2 (Go Packers.... man, that's weird to say even in this context)
GET THAT BEARS PHOTO UP WISHBONE!!!!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 11 Picks
It's well after midnight on Saturday. I guess that actually makes it Sunday.
You get the point. No time to chat. I'll just say this had better be the last picks of any kind I ever make while Lloyd Carr is still the head coach of Michigan.
Appreciate the first 6 years of the tenure. The last five have been rough. Time to move on.
Les Miles, that's the Wolverines in Line 2.
Anyhoo, here's the picks.
My pick in ALL CAPS...
CHARGERS (+3) at Jaguars
Chiefs at COLTS (-14.5)
Raiders at VIKINGS (-4.5)
Browns at RAVENS (+2.5)
Steelers at JETS (+9.5)
BUCCANEERS (-3) at Falcons
Cardinals at BENGALS (-3)
Dolphins at EAGLES (-9.5)
REDSKINS (+11) at Cowboys
SAINTS (+1.5) at Texans
Panthers at PACKERS (-9.5)
GIANTS (-2.5) at Lions
RAMS (-3) at Niners
BEARS (+5.5) at Seahawks
PATRIOTS (-16) at Bills
Titans at BRONCOS (-2)
LOCK OF THE WEEK: PACKERS
You get the point. No time to chat. I'll just say this had better be the last picks of any kind I ever make while Lloyd Carr is still the head coach of Michigan.
Appreciate the first 6 years of the tenure. The last five have been rough. Time to move on.
Les Miles, that's the Wolverines in Line 2.
Anyhoo, here's the picks.
My pick in ALL CAPS...
CHARGERS (+3) at Jaguars
Chiefs at COLTS (-14.5)
Raiders at VIKINGS (-4.5)
Browns at RAVENS (+2.5)
Steelers at JETS (+9.5)
BUCCANEERS (-3) at Falcons
Cardinals at BENGALS (-3)
Dolphins at EAGLES (-9.5)
REDSKINS (+11) at Cowboys
SAINTS (+1.5) at Texans
Panthers at PACKERS (-9.5)
GIANTS (-2.5) at Lions
RAMS (-3) at Niners
BEARS (+5.5) at Seahawks
PATRIOTS (-16) at Bills
Titans at BRONCOS (-2)
LOCK OF THE WEEK: PACKERS
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 10 Results
I love the smell of victory in the morning.
A wise man once said that. Wait, maybe that was napalm.
Ok, a wise man should've said that and if not, I'm saying it now. So there.
I finally pulled out another win against Craig from Johnny Wishbone in our weekly head-to-head pick ‘em battle.
I went 8-6 in Week 10. Craig went 5-9.
YTD: 57-80-2
I'm now 2-5-2 against him this year. Let the comeback begin!
Also nailed my lock of the week once again (GO BEARS!). I’m now 8-2 on my locks here folks.
I'm not saying.... I'm just saying.
Make sure you check Craig’s site all week and bombard him with angry e-mails until he posts a picture of my Bears as a sign of his defeat!
A wise man once said that. Wait, maybe that was napalm.
Ok, a wise man should've said that and if not, I'm saying it now. So there.
I finally pulled out another win against Craig from Johnny Wishbone in our weekly head-to-head pick ‘em battle.
I went 8-6 in Week 10. Craig went 5-9.
YTD: 57-80-2
I'm now 2-5-2 against him this year. Let the comeback begin!
Also nailed my lock of the week once again (GO BEARS!). I’m now 8-2 on my locks here folks.
I'm not saying.... I'm just saying.
Make sure you check Craig’s site all week and bombard him with angry e-mails until he posts a picture of my Bears as a sign of his defeat!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
NFL Pick 'Em: Week 10 Predictions
Week 10 picks… as always my pick in ALL CAPS…
Denver at CHIEFS (-3)
Bills at MIAMI (+2.5)
Browns at STEELERS (-10)
Rams at SAINTS (-10.5)
Titans at JAGUARS (+1.5)
FALCONS (+4) at Panthers
EAGLES (+2.5) at Redskins
Vikings at PACKERS (-6)
BENGALS (+3.5) at Ravens
BEARS (-3.5) at Raiders
DALLAS (-1.5) at Giants
LIONS (+1.5) at Cardinals
COLTS (-3.5) at Chargers
Niners at SEAHAWKS (-10)
LOCK OF THE WEEK: BEARS
Year to date: 49-74-2
Lock of the week YTD: 7-2
Denver at CHIEFS (-3)
Bills at MIAMI (+2.5)
Browns at STEELERS (-10)
Rams at SAINTS (-10.5)
Titans at JAGUARS (+1.5)
FALCONS (+4) at Panthers
EAGLES (+2.5) at Redskins
Vikings at PACKERS (-6)
BENGALS (+3.5) at Ravens
BEARS (-3.5) at Raiders
DALLAS (-1.5) at Giants
LIONS (+1.5) at Cardinals
COLTS (-3.5) at Chargers
Niners at SEAHAWKS (-10)
LOCK OF THE WEEK: BEARS
Year to date: 49-74-2
Lock of the week YTD: 7-2
A Husker For A Day
I hate the Lakers.
Ohio State and St. Louis Cardinals. Those are about the only two teams on earth I enjoy watching lose more than the Lake Show.
I’ve never been a fan, but since I’ve lived in LA, I’ve come to despise them (and usually their fair-weather fans) even more.
But enough back story. Here’s a new tale…
So my buddy MJ and I were invited to the Lakers/Twolves game on Friday night by Access Hollywood host Tony Potts.
Tony took MJ and I to the game, along with Wally, one of the Access cameramen. Primo seats. You know, the ones that come with your own waiter. Sick.
Yes, the Twolves are quite possibly the worst team in the NBA, but it was still a blast. They actually gave the Lakers a run for their money, which I was silently enjoying. (Hey, you can’t piss off the guy who paid for the tickets by rooting against his team, right?)
But the Lakers prevailed, even earning all in attendance two free tacos from Jack In The Box. Mmmmm, greasy fake meat tacos.
Looking forward to redeeming that one.
But if you’ve come this far, unless you live in LA, you’re still wondering who the hell is in that photo with me … (I’m assuming you’ve guessed the other kid is MJ) but who’s the dude in the suit?
Well, that would be Stu Lantz.
Who?
Wait, you’ve never heard of Stu Lantz?
Drafted with the first pick in the third round of the 1968 NBA draft by the-then San Diego Rockets. Spent a couple years with the Pistons, New Orleans Jazz and eventually the Lakers in the 70s.
He’s been the Lakers color man since 1987 (yes, that’s a 20-year span) and was the man who had the honor of sitting next to the late, great Chick Hearn for nearly two decades.
No? Still nothin’? Well, it doesn’t matter. Because the other thing you probably didn’t know about good ol’ Stu until now was he also played hoops at the University of Nebraska.
Of course, I didn’t know this either until several minutes after last night’s game.
As MJ and I are standing in an essentially empty Staples Center, with security guards shooing everyone out (Tony and Wally left at the final buzzer), Stu is about 10 feet in front of us taping his post-game wrap up for the local TV channel.
“We should ask Stu to take a picture with us,” MJ suggests. “How do we get his attention? I wish I knew what school he went to.”
Enter Eric and his Blackberry.
Within seconds, I’ve Googled Stu to see where he went to school and just as the camera is shutting off, the search results come up and reveal he’s a Husker.
That’s it. There’s our in.
“Go Huskers!” we shout from above. (At this point, we’re separated from Stu by only the barrier separating the sections).
Stu looks up and smiles. I mean, hey it’s not everyday you run into what he didn’t know at the time were two kids pretending to be fellow Nebraska alumni.
“Go Huskers,” he replies.
“Stu, can we get a picture?” MJ (who if you know MJ ain’t shy about this kind of thing) asks.
“Absolutely, come on down,” says Stu.
We both start to hop the railing when the security guard says no way. Go out and around and come down to the lower section, he says.
At this point, we are set into a booze-fueled semi-sprint back out into the concourse, past several very official security guards whose jobs are to keep fans just like us out of their sections.
But it was nothing a few “Stu invited us down” lines couldn’t cure. When you drop Stu’s name at Staples, it’s like saying, “We’re here to see Hef” at The Mansion.
We finally find our way to the lower section and run over to Stu. The dude was super cool.
“Go Big Red!” I tell him, with a handshake.
“Whatchu know about Big Red?” he grins.
“I know if we don’t start winning a few games, Callahan is going to be out on his ass,” I say, obviously referring to the awful slump Bill Callahan has led the Huskers football team into lately, which finally brings my vast knowledge of up-until-then-useless sports info into an advantageous situation
MJ hands his camera to one of Stu’s guy who snaps a photo. I hand my blackberry over to the guy and he snaps another.
We shake Stu’s hand again. I wish him a great rest of the season. And we’re on our way like two kids who just got to meet Santa for the first time.
Yes I know, it’s Stu Lantz (who you now know way more about than you likely ever wanted to). But we had left sobriety behind hours before and replaced him with a dose of tipsiness, which makes any situation a bit more interesting.
So yes, we were psyched. I woke up this morning and guess what – I was still psyched.
It was cool and frankly, I’ll probably never forget it, if for nothing more than the odd circumstances that unfolded for it to happen.
And Stu, if you’re reading this, let me just apologize for leading you astray. I actually can’t stand Bill Callahan and I enjoy watching the Huskers football team get their collective tush handed to them on a regular basis.
But one thing is for sure – you made this University of Arizona Wildcat alum-turned-temporary-Husker one happy camper.
Go Spurs… Go Wildcats and let’s hear it for the Blackberry!
Oh, and the Lakers still suck. But Stu, you’re OK by me.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
NFL Pick 'Em: Week 8 Results/Week 9 Picks
That's right folks... we're having a special today at That's What HE Said...
Not only do you get last week's results, but also this week's NFL picks all for the low, low price of just one click!
I know, I'm a giver. But I digress...
It's a good thing I have a brother and not a sister, because frankly she'd be tired of kissing me right now.
Yes, just like smooching your sis, it’s another tie in my battle vs. Craig from Johnny Wishbone.
We both went 6-7.
On the season I'm 1-5-2 against Craig in our weekly head-to-head.
Season picks: 44-68-2
Hey, nothing a 14-0 week can't fix in a hurry.
If Jim Flack can go perfect in our office pool, why can't I?!?
Like I said last week, if you were looking to this column for gambling advice, I hope you are in good with your bank, because you're probably in need of a loan right about now.
That is, unless, you've been following my lock of the week, in which case, can I have a loan?
After the Colts covered last week, I'm 6-2 on my weekly lock. That's actually, and surprisingly, not too shabby.
Here's this week's picks (pick in ALL CAPS)...
Cards at TAMPA BAY (-3.5)
Panthers at TITANS (-4.5)
BENGALS (+2.5) at Bills
BRONCOS (+3.5) at Detroit
PACKERS (+2.5) at Chiefs
CHARGERS (-8.5) at Vikes
Jaguars at SAINTS (-3.5)
NINERS (+3.5) at Falcons
REDSKINS (-3.5) at Jets
SEAHAWKS (+.5) at Browns
TEXANS (+3.5) at Oakland
Dallas at PHILLY (+3.5)
Ravens at STEELERS (-7.5)
...and the game of the week, the game of the season and maybe the game of the century...
Pats at COLTS (+3.5)
I have no clue who wins this game. But if you're giving me more than a FG, I'll take the points regardless of who's the underdog.
LOCK OF THE WEEK: TITANS
Not only do you get last week's results, but also this week's NFL picks all for the low, low price of just one click!
I know, I'm a giver. But I digress...
It's a good thing I have a brother and not a sister, because frankly she'd be tired of kissing me right now.
Yes, just like smooching your sis, it’s another tie in my battle vs. Craig from Johnny Wishbone.
We both went 6-7.
On the season I'm 1-5-2 against Craig in our weekly head-to-head.
Season picks: 44-68-2
Hey, nothing a 14-0 week can't fix in a hurry.
If Jim Flack can go perfect in our office pool, why can't I?!?
Like I said last week, if you were looking to this column for gambling advice, I hope you are in good with your bank, because you're probably in need of a loan right about now.
That is, unless, you've been following my lock of the week, in which case, can I have a loan?
After the Colts covered last week, I'm 6-2 on my weekly lock. That's actually, and surprisingly, not too shabby.
Here's this week's picks (pick in ALL CAPS)...
Cards at TAMPA BAY (-3.5)
Panthers at TITANS (-4.5)
BENGALS (+2.5) at Bills
BRONCOS (+3.5) at Detroit
PACKERS (+2.5) at Chiefs
CHARGERS (-8.5) at Vikes
Jaguars at SAINTS (-3.5)
NINERS (+3.5) at Falcons
REDSKINS (-3.5) at Jets
SEAHAWKS (+.5) at Browns
TEXANS (+3.5) at Oakland
Dallas at PHILLY (+3.5)
Ravens at STEELERS (-7.5)
...and the game of the week, the game of the season and maybe the game of the century...
Pats at COLTS (+3.5)
I have no clue who wins this game. But if you're giving me more than a FG, I'll take the points regardless of who's the underdog.
LOCK OF THE WEEK: TITANS
Saturday, October 27, 2007
NFL Week 8 Predictions: Half Empty Or Half Full?
Here we are. Halfway home on yet another up-and-down NFL season. As I set out on my trek to be the next great NFL prognosticator, I had high hopes for one big reason – there was no money involved.
If you know me, you know I am many things – a lousy sports gambler being one of them.
Always have been. No reason to think I always will be. But the reason I have enjoyed the art of gambling over the years isn’t for the financial boom or bust – it's the drama. More so, it’s the pride.
Who among us doesn’t like to say, "I was right." And when the banter in your social circle revolves around the world of sports, what better way to strut your stuff than with making the right pick.
So although I abandoned the practice of putting my money behind my picks, I have always kept an eye on the lines as a measure of how I could've done.
After all, a close second to "Told you so" in the pantheon of self-assurance is the good ol' fashioned "would’ve, could’ve, should’ve." Am I wrong?
We love to beat ourselves up over what could’ve been. And what better way to do so then to keep track of the coin you could’ve had with a simple pick.
Of course, the convenient flipside is that when you miss, it’s a reward in itself. "Nice, I knew I shouldn’t have touched that game," runs through my head as I watch my sure thing of the day get blown all to hell.
And all that is a long-winded way of saying I am in awe of the absolute atrociousness of this year’s NFL picks in my weekly war with Craig from Johnny Wishbone.
Did I think I’d be perfect? Hardly.
Did I think I’d miss them all? What are you nuts?
But a track record right around .600 or so seemed a very attainable goal. After all, I didn’t have money on it and that’s when I seem to do best.
But here I am heading into Week 8 at a mark of 38-61-2. Thanks to the handy dandy calculator built into my laptop, I can tell you that gives me a 37 percent accuracy rate.
It’s almost enough to make a grown man cry. Or at least give up altogether and invest in my longstanding fascination with Curling. (For those keeping score at home, I love the Finland team this year – they look real strong and very focused).
Here’s my Week 8 picks. For anyone looking to this column for advice, my God have mercy on your sports betting soul.
My pick in ALL CAPS…
Browns at RAMS (+2.5)
Lions at BEARS (-4.5)
COLTS (-7) at Panthers
Giants at DOLPHINS (+9.5)
Raiders at TITANS (-6.5)
EAGLES (-.5) at Vikings
Steelers at BENGALS (+2.5)
Bills at JETS (-2.5)
TEXANS (+11.5) at Chargers
Jaguars at TAMPA BAY (-3.5)
SAINTS (-2.5) at Niners
Redskins at PATRIOTS (-16.5)
PACKERS (+2.5) at Broncos
Lock of the week: COLTS
If you know me, you know I am many things – a lousy sports gambler being one of them.
Always have been. No reason to think I always will be. But the reason I have enjoyed the art of gambling over the years isn’t for the financial boom or bust – it's the drama. More so, it’s the pride.
Who among us doesn’t like to say, "I was right." And when the banter in your social circle revolves around the world of sports, what better way to strut your stuff than with making the right pick.
So although I abandoned the practice of putting my money behind my picks, I have always kept an eye on the lines as a measure of how I could've done.
After all, a close second to "Told you so" in the pantheon of self-assurance is the good ol' fashioned "would’ve, could’ve, should’ve." Am I wrong?
We love to beat ourselves up over what could’ve been. And what better way to do so then to keep track of the coin you could’ve had with a simple pick.
Of course, the convenient flipside is that when you miss, it’s a reward in itself. "Nice, I knew I shouldn’t have touched that game," runs through my head as I watch my sure thing of the day get blown all to hell.
And all that is a long-winded way of saying I am in awe of the absolute atrociousness of this year’s NFL picks in my weekly war with Craig from Johnny Wishbone.
Did I think I’d be perfect? Hardly.
Did I think I’d miss them all? What are you nuts?
But a track record right around .600 or so seemed a very attainable goal. After all, I didn’t have money on it and that’s when I seem to do best.
But here I am heading into Week 8 at a mark of 38-61-2. Thanks to the handy dandy calculator built into my laptop, I can tell you that gives me a 37 percent accuracy rate.
It’s almost enough to make a grown man cry. Or at least give up altogether and invest in my longstanding fascination with Curling. (For those keeping score at home, I love the Finland team this year – they look real strong and very focused).
Here’s my Week 8 picks. For anyone looking to this column for advice, my God have mercy on your sports betting soul.
My pick in ALL CAPS…
Browns at RAMS (+2.5)
Lions at BEARS (-4.5)
COLTS (-7) at Panthers
Giants at DOLPHINS (+9.5)
Raiders at TITANS (-6.5)
EAGLES (-.5) at Vikings
Steelers at BENGALS (+2.5)
Bills at JETS (-2.5)
TEXANS (+11.5) at Chargers
Jaguars at TAMPA BAY (-3.5)
SAINTS (-2.5) at Niners
Redskins at PATRIOTS (-16.5)
PACKERS (+2.5) at Broncos
Lock of the week: COLTS
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 7 Results
So close but yet so far. I finally get an above .500 week under my belt for the first time since Week 1 and I still lose to Craig from Johnny Wishbone. If you told me the Dolphins were gonna score 28 at home, I would’ve told you to bet the house on the 16.5 spread against the Patriots.
I deserve to lose for betting on a team with Cleo Lemon at QB.
At least I’ve been money on my locks. That and a quarter will get me a gum ball from the supermarket vending machine.
Me: 7-5
Craig: 8-6
On the year: 38-61-2
Lock of the week: 5-2
Thursday, October 18, 2007
NFL Week 7 Predictions: A Solo Project
No time for chit chat.
Here’s the picks. Just me this week.
My pick in ALL CAPS…
Cards at REDSKINS (-9)
Falcons at SAINTS (-8)
Vikings at COWBOYS (-9.5)
Patriots at DOLPHINS (+16.5)
Niners at GIANTS (-9)
BUCS (+2) at Lions
Titans at TEXANS (+1)
CHIEFS (+3) at Raiders
Jets at BENGALS (-6)
BEARS (+5) at Eagles
RAMS (+8) at Seahawks
Steelers at BRONCOS (+3.5)
COLTS (-3) at Jaguars
Lock of the Week: COLTS
Here’s the picks. Just me this week.
My pick in ALL CAPS…
Cards at REDSKINS (-9)
Falcons at SAINTS (-8)
Vikings at COWBOYS (-9.5)
Patriots at DOLPHINS (+16.5)
Niners at GIANTS (-9)
BUCS (+2) at Lions
Titans at TEXANS (+1)
CHIEFS (+3) at Raiders
Jets at BENGALS (-6)
BEARS (+5) at Eagles
RAMS (+8) at Seahawks
Steelers at BRONCOS (+3.5)
COLTS (-3) at Jaguars
Lock of the Week: COLTS
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 6 Results
Eric: 5-6-2
Craig: 6-5-2
Shelly: 4-7-2
The Penny: 5-6-2
I lost. Craig won. I hate Pick ‘Em.
Enjoy the pic of Shockey. I'm really starting to hate the Giants.
At least I beat Shelly and The Penny.
YEAR TO DATE: 31-56-2
Lock Of The Week: 4-2
VS. Craig: 1-4-1
Saturday, October 13, 2007
NFL Week 6 Predictions: Big Mo On My Side
Man, it feels good to be off the schnide. Finally got a win under my belt last week in the season-long Pick ‘Em battle against Craig from Johnny Wishbone.
Let’s see if we can keep it going in Week 6, shall we.
Also making return guest appearances this week are Shelly and Abe Lincoln. But since it’s my blog, I go first.
"It’s good to be the King."
Eric's picks (in ALL CAPS):
BENGALS (-3) at Chiefs
TEXANS (+6.5) at Jaguars
Dolphins at BROWNS (-4.5)
Vikings at BEARS (-5)
EAGLES (-3.5) at Jets
RAMS (+9.5) at Ravens
Titans at TAMPA BAY (-3)
Redskins at PACKERS (-3)
Panthers at CARDINALS (-4.5)
Patriots at DALLAS (+5.5)
Raiders at CHARGERS (-9.5)
SAINTS (+6.5) at Seattle
GIANTS (-3.5) at Falcons
LOCK OF THE WEEK: CHARGERS
Shelly’s picks (which she would like everyone to know were not influenced by my picks):
BENGALS
TEXANS
BROWNS
BEARS
EAGLES
RAMS
BUCS
PACKERS
CARDINALS
PATRIOTS
RAIDERS
SAINTS
FALCONS
The Penny (home team is heads):
BENGALS
JAGUARS
BROWNS
BEARS
EAGLES
RAMS
TAMPA BAY
REDSKINS
CARDINALS
COWBOYS
CHARGERS
SAINTS
GIANTS
Let’s see if we can keep it going in Week 6, shall we.
Also making return guest appearances this week are Shelly and Abe Lincoln. But since it’s my blog, I go first.
"It’s good to be the King."
Eric's picks (in ALL CAPS):
BENGALS (-3) at Chiefs
TEXANS (+6.5) at Jaguars
Dolphins at BROWNS (-4.5)
Vikings at BEARS (-5)
EAGLES (-3.5) at Jets
RAMS (+9.5) at Ravens
Titans at TAMPA BAY (-3)
Redskins at PACKERS (-3)
Panthers at CARDINALS (-4.5)
Patriots at DALLAS (+5.5)
Raiders at CHARGERS (-9.5)
SAINTS (+6.5) at Seattle
GIANTS (-3.5) at Falcons
LOCK OF THE WEEK: CHARGERS
Shelly’s picks (which she would like everyone to know were not influenced by my picks):
BENGALS
TEXANS
BROWNS
BEARS
EAGLES
RAMS
BUCS
PACKERS
CARDINALS
PATRIOTS
RAIDERS
SAINTS
FALCONS
The Penny (home team is heads):
BENGALS
JAGUARS
BROWNS
BEARS
EAGLES
RAMS
TAMPA BAY
REDSKINS
CARDINALS
COWBOYS
CHARGERS
SAINTS
GIANTS
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 5
Go figure. I finally win a week in Pick ‘Em against Craig from Johnny Wishbone and the dude is in another freaking country until the weekend.Nevertheless, chalk up the W!
And since he’s not here to post a picture of my beloved Bears on his site for the first time all year, I’ll go ahead and give the Monsters of the Midway a little love here ‘til he gets back.
But once you’re back Craig, I expect that photo up.
As I chronicled earlier this week, I’ve been so bad this year, I wanted to test my skills against two other formidable opponents – my fiancée and a penny.
Sadly, while I bested Shelly and Craig, Abe Lincoln proved to be too powerful. Arrrrgh.
HIT:
FALCONS (+8.5) at Titans
Lions at REDSKINS (-3.5)
Seahwaks at STEELERS (-6.5)
Cowboys at BILLS (+10.5)
BEARS (+3.5) at Packers
Browns at PATRIOTS (-13.5)
MISSED:
CARDS (-3.5) at Rams
Panthers at SAINTS (-3.5)
Jaguars at CHIEFS (+2.5)
Dolphins at TEXANS (-5.5)
JETS (+3.5) at Giants
TAMPA BAY (+10.5) at Colts
RAVENS (-3.5) at Niners
Chargers at BRONCOS (-1.5)
Total: 6-8
On The Season: 26-50 (yuk)
Lock of the Week: PATRIOTS (3-2 on the year)
SHELLY: 5-9 (hit ATL, MIA, NYG, IND, CHI)
THE PENNY: 9-5 (hit STL, CAR, WASH, NYG, IND, SF, SD, BUF, CHI)
CRAIG: 5-9 (hit WASH, JAX, NYG, BUF, NE)
On The Season Vs Craig: 1-3-1
Monday, October 8, 2007
Heartbreak In Buffalo & The Bronx
Couple of random notes before I sit down to watch "Heroes"...
Few of us had any reason to tune in to the Cowboys-Bills game on Monday night. A 10.5 spread. 4-0 vs. 1-3. All the makings of a real yawner. Luckily for me, the game had fantasy implications so I tuned in.
Wow, what a game! Honestly, if you didn’t watch there is nothing I can write and no highlight package you can see that will do this game justice.
Believe it or not, the Bills dominated that game from start to finish. They intercepted Romo’s first two passes of the game, returning one for a TD.
They were able to do what four teams before them could not – make Tony Romo look very human. He threw 5 picks (should’ve been 6 if the DB holds onto the ball in the 4th) and fumbled once, prompting the irreverent Mr. Kornheiser to dub his performance a “Rex Grossman game.”
Thanks for getting a Bears mention in there TK.
But the Bills did what bad teams do – find a way to lose. There might not be a more basic play in football than to recover an opposing team’s onside kick. The Bills couldn’t do it. And soon Nick Folk (Go UA!!) was splitting the uprights from 53 to silence a raucous Buffalo crowd for good.
My heart goes out to Bills fans. They haven’t hosted a Monday Night game since 1994. And this is what happens. An absolutely heartbreaking loss. Honestly, I haven’t seen a game shift from complete domination to defeat so swiftly in some time.
Absolutely brutal.
Dallas only led for 2 seconds the entire night. Unfortunately for the Bills, it was the final 2 seconds of the game.
On the brightside, the Bills plus 10.5 was my lock of the week. I know what you’re thinking – let me say it for you: Yes, I’m a genius.
...
I am absolutely shocked and equally impressed by the Cleveland Indians handling of the Yankees.
I didn’t watch a single at bat, so can’t offer too much insight. But all the highlights I saw was a whole lot of Tribe offense and some really lousy Yankee pitching.
Red Sox are gonna have their hands full. I envision a lot of offense coming very soon to the ALDS.
Beyond CC Sabathia, I’m not sold on Cleveland’s rotation (even 19 game winner Fausto Carmona doesn’t wow me), but I really like their lineup. They are young and fearless. Don’t expect them to be intimidated by the Fenway faithful. After all, as a group of young bucks, most of them have never been here before… and ignorance is bliss.
Tribe in 7.
...
NLDS: Rockies in 6. That’s all I’m saying about this series.
...
And with that, since I am not a man to skirt the issue, some final words on my Chicago Cubs in 2007.
I mentioned this in an earlier post, but Game 1 was the first time I questioned Lou all year long. Seriously. And it happened twice in that game, beginning with the starting lineup.
How you bat the strikeout-prone Jacque Jones in the 2 hole and put Ryan Theriot eighth is completely beyond me. Made no sense and it was a bad call. Twice, the two spot came up with two outs and men on, and Jones couldn’t get it done.
Gotta think a guy like Theriot who is a contact machine fairs better in those spots.
And of course, pulling Zambrano after 85 pitches in the 6th inning was nothing but head scratching. Nice job saving the guy for a game we never made it to.
But I’m cautiously optimistic for 2008. We went from the NL’s worst record to division champs.
Considering Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and even Zambrano had essentially the worst years of their careers numbers-wise, I’m very excited to see what happens when we give it another go next year. And gotta figure a Torii Hunter, Andruw Jones or maybe, just maybe that 3B from the Bronx finds their way to Wrigley.
Spring can’t come soon enough.
But as far as the NLDS, we were Outhit. Outpitched. Outhustled. Outmuscled. Outcoached.
The team from the desert dominated us from the get go. And believe it or not, when Soriano flied out to right to end Game 3, it honestly didn’t hurt that much. The next day, there was no emotional hangover. It was just over and that was that.
Now, had we lost in Game 5 in the bottom of the ninth with two outs up by 3 and they hit a grand slam to move on, THAT would hurt.
Just ask the Buffalo Bills.
Few of us had any reason to tune in to the Cowboys-Bills game on Monday night. A 10.5 spread. 4-0 vs. 1-3. All the makings of a real yawner. Luckily for me, the game had fantasy implications so I tuned in.
Wow, what a game! Honestly, if you didn’t watch there is nothing I can write and no highlight package you can see that will do this game justice.
Believe it or not, the Bills dominated that game from start to finish. They intercepted Romo’s first two passes of the game, returning one for a TD.
They were able to do what four teams before them could not – make Tony Romo look very human. He threw 5 picks (should’ve been 6 if the DB holds onto the ball in the 4th) and fumbled once, prompting the irreverent Mr. Kornheiser to dub his performance a “Rex Grossman game.”
Thanks for getting a Bears mention in there TK.
But the Bills did what bad teams do – find a way to lose. There might not be a more basic play in football than to recover an opposing team’s onside kick. The Bills couldn’t do it. And soon Nick Folk (Go UA!!) was splitting the uprights from 53 to silence a raucous Buffalo crowd for good.
My heart goes out to Bills fans. They haven’t hosted a Monday Night game since 1994. And this is what happens. An absolutely heartbreaking loss. Honestly, I haven’t seen a game shift from complete domination to defeat so swiftly in some time.
Absolutely brutal.
Dallas only led for 2 seconds the entire night. Unfortunately for the Bills, it was the final 2 seconds of the game.
On the brightside, the Bills plus 10.5 was my lock of the week. I know what you’re thinking – let me say it for you: Yes, I’m a genius.
...
I am absolutely shocked and equally impressed by the Cleveland Indians handling of the Yankees.
I didn’t watch a single at bat, so can’t offer too much insight. But all the highlights I saw was a whole lot of Tribe offense and some really lousy Yankee pitching.
Red Sox are gonna have their hands full. I envision a lot of offense coming very soon to the ALDS.
Beyond CC Sabathia, I’m not sold on Cleveland’s rotation (even 19 game winner Fausto Carmona doesn’t wow me), but I really like their lineup. They are young and fearless. Don’t expect them to be intimidated by the Fenway faithful. After all, as a group of young bucks, most of them have never been here before… and ignorance is bliss.
Tribe in 7.
...
NLDS: Rockies in 6. That’s all I’m saying about this series.
...
And with that, since I am not a man to skirt the issue, some final words on my Chicago Cubs in 2007.
I mentioned this in an earlier post, but Game 1 was the first time I questioned Lou all year long. Seriously. And it happened twice in that game, beginning with the starting lineup.
How you bat the strikeout-prone Jacque Jones in the 2 hole and put Ryan Theriot eighth is completely beyond me. Made no sense and it was a bad call. Twice, the two spot came up with two outs and men on, and Jones couldn’t get it done.
Gotta think a guy like Theriot who is a contact machine fairs better in those spots.
And of course, pulling Zambrano after 85 pitches in the 6th inning was nothing but head scratching. Nice job saving the guy for a game we never made it to.
But I’m cautiously optimistic for 2008. We went from the NL’s worst record to division champs.
Considering Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and even Zambrano had essentially the worst years of their careers numbers-wise, I’m very excited to see what happens when we give it another go next year. And gotta figure a Torii Hunter, Andruw Jones or maybe, just maybe that 3B from the Bronx finds their way to Wrigley.
Spring can’t come soon enough.
But as far as the NLDS, we were Outhit. Outpitched. Outhustled. Outmuscled. Outcoached.
The team from the desert dominated us from the get go. And believe it or not, when Soriano flied out to right to end Game 3, it honestly didn’t hurt that much. The next day, there was no emotional hangover. It was just over and that was that.
Now, had we lost in Game 5 in the bottom of the ninth with two outs up by 3 and they hit a grand slam to move on, THAT would hurt.
Just ask the Buffalo Bills.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
NFL Week 5 Predictions: A Penny For Your Picks
Alright folks. My predictions have been awful this year. Wish there was a spin I could put on it. Just can’t. So we’re trying something new this week.
Not only will you find my own apparently-nowhere-near-expert predictions, but also those of my fianc̩e Shelly and another special guest РAbe Lincoln.
That’s right. I’ve been so bad, that I’ve been reduced to competing against a freaking penny.
I made my picks. Shelly made hers. For the coin, the home team was heads in each instance.
Let the best man, woman or monetary denomination win!
Eric’s picks (in all caps):
CARDS (-3.5) at Rams
FALCONS (+8.5) at Titans
Panthers at SAINTS (-3.5)
Lions at REDSKINS (-3.5)
Jaguars at CHIEFS (+2.5)
Dolphins at TEXANS (-5.5)
JETS (+3.5) at Giants
Seahwaks at STEELERS (-6.5)
TAMPA BAY (+10.5) at Colts
RAVENS (-3.5) at Niners
Chargers at BRONCOS (-1.5)
Cowboys at BILLS (+10.5)
BEARS (+3.5) at Packers
Browns at PATRIOTS (-13.5)
Lock of the Week (2-2 on the year): PATRIOTS
Shelly’s picks:
CARDINALS
FALCONS
SAINTS
LIONS
CHIEFS
DOLPHINS
GIANTS
SEAHAWKS
COLTS
RAVENS
BRONCOS
COWBOYS
BEARS
BROWNS
The Penny:
RAMS
TITANS
PANTHERS
REDSKINS
CHIEFS
TEXANS
GIANTS
SEAHAWKS
COLTS
NINERS
CHARGERS
BILLS
BEARS
BROWNS
Not only will you find my own apparently-nowhere-near-expert predictions, but also those of my fianc̩e Shelly and another special guest РAbe Lincoln.
That’s right. I’ve been so bad, that I’ve been reduced to competing against a freaking penny.
I made my picks. Shelly made hers. For the coin, the home team was heads in each instance.
Let the best man, woman or monetary denomination win!
Eric’s picks (in all caps):
CARDS (-3.5) at Rams
FALCONS (+8.5) at Titans
Panthers at SAINTS (-3.5)
Lions at REDSKINS (-3.5)
Jaguars at CHIEFS (+2.5)
Dolphins at TEXANS (-5.5)
JETS (+3.5) at Giants
Seahwaks at STEELERS (-6.5)
TAMPA BAY (+10.5) at Colts
RAVENS (-3.5) at Niners
Chargers at BRONCOS (-1.5)
Cowboys at BILLS (+10.5)
BEARS (+3.5) at Packers
Browns at PATRIOTS (-13.5)
Lock of the Week (2-2 on the year): PATRIOTS
Shelly’s picks:
CARDINALS
FALCONS
SAINTS
LIONS
CHIEFS
DOLPHINS
GIANTS
SEAHAWKS
COLTS
RAVENS
BRONCOS
COWBOYS
BEARS
BROWNS
The Penny:
RAMS
TITANS
PANTHERS
REDSKINS
CHIEFS
TEXANS
GIANTS
SEAHAWKS
COLTS
NINERS
CHARGERS
BILLS
BEARS
BROWNS
It's All Come Down To This...
Well, this is it. It's all or nothing. Now or never. Do or die... yada, yada, yada.
After laboring through 164 pain-staking games, there literally is no tomorrow for the Chicago Cubs. It's win or go home.
The first two games couldn't have gone any worse and I find it hard to imagine there were any bullshit moral victories Lou and his staff could shine the spotlight on in the clubhouse.
What's most worrisome is I went all year without questioning Lou's decisions. Now, two games in to the postseason, that's all I'm doing.
He pulled Big Z too quick.
He left Lilly in too long.
And why on God's green earth would you bat the strikeout-prone Jacque Jones in the 2 hole in Game 1 over a contact machine like Ryan Theriot?
I don't even know what to say about the D'bax. How a team without a .300 hitter, without a guy with 100 RBI, and with a staff that includes Doug Davis and Livan Hernandez as your 2 and 3 guys, respectively, finishes with the best record in the NL is absolutely mind-boggling.
If I hear "Anyone, anytime" once more, I may spontaneously combust leaving my fiancee and my TV covered in a bloody mess.
And if sitting through two equally excrutiating games wasn't enough, TBS is all about pouring a gallon of Morton's in the wound.
Someone should put Dick Stockton out of his misery. Like it's not enough he butchers people's names, he actually at one point called us The Cowboys.
The Cowboys? That's not even the right sport dagnabbit!
Oh, and I also now officially hate Dane Cook and Frank Caliendo.
Before Game 1, I considered both guys at the top of their class when it came to the comedy game. Now, if I have to sit through one more promo of "Good Luck Chuck" telling me there's only October or one more of Frank's impersonations, I'm flying to Atlanta and pulling a Richard Jewel on the TBS studios.
Hmmm... maybe that was a tad too harsh. Oh well, moving on...
Ninety minutes and counting until the fate of Cub nation begins to unfold. I'm more nervous about Rich Hill taking the mound than what our bats will do against Livan.
Experience is priceless, and that's the one thing Livan has going for him -- it may be the only thing.
Need the Big 3 to show up in a big way. If Soriano, D-Lee and Aramis are only noticeable by their offensive absence, it's time to start planning those vacations boys.
Wrigley will be nuts. I can't help but thing the fans alone may get us out of our rut. Let's get this one under our belts.
Than I can re-type this whole blog before tomorrow's game!
GO CUBS GO!!!!!!!!
After laboring through 164 pain-staking games, there literally is no tomorrow for the Chicago Cubs. It's win or go home.
The first two games couldn't have gone any worse and I find it hard to imagine there were any bullshit moral victories Lou and his staff could shine the spotlight on in the clubhouse.
What's most worrisome is I went all year without questioning Lou's decisions. Now, two games in to the postseason, that's all I'm doing.
He pulled Big Z too quick.
He left Lilly in too long.
And why on God's green earth would you bat the strikeout-prone Jacque Jones in the 2 hole in Game 1 over a contact machine like Ryan Theriot?
I don't even know what to say about the D'bax. How a team without a .300 hitter, without a guy with 100 RBI, and with a staff that includes Doug Davis and Livan Hernandez as your 2 and 3 guys, respectively, finishes with the best record in the NL is absolutely mind-boggling.
If I hear "Anyone, anytime" once more, I may spontaneously combust leaving my fiancee and my TV covered in a bloody mess.
And if sitting through two equally excrutiating games wasn't enough, TBS is all about pouring a gallon of Morton's in the wound.
Someone should put Dick Stockton out of his misery. Like it's not enough he butchers people's names, he actually at one point called us The Cowboys.
The Cowboys? That's not even the right sport dagnabbit!
Oh, and I also now officially hate Dane Cook and Frank Caliendo.
Before Game 1, I considered both guys at the top of their class when it came to the comedy game. Now, if I have to sit through one more promo of "Good Luck Chuck" telling me there's only October or one more of Frank's impersonations, I'm flying to Atlanta and pulling a Richard Jewel on the TBS studios.
Hmmm... maybe that was a tad too harsh. Oh well, moving on...
Ninety minutes and counting until the fate of Cub nation begins to unfold. I'm more nervous about Rich Hill taking the mound than what our bats will do against Livan.
Experience is priceless, and that's the one thing Livan has going for him -- it may be the only thing.
Need the Big 3 to show up in a big way. If Soriano, D-Lee and Aramis are only noticeable by their offensive absence, it's time to start planning those vacations boys.
Wrigley will be nuts. I can't help but thing the fans alone may get us out of our rut. Let's get this one under our belts.
Than I can re-type this whole blog before tomorrow's game!
GO CUBS GO!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
MLB Playoff Predictions: Division Series
So this is what baseball in October is like. A guy could get used to this.
And while Matt Holliday continues to pick pebbles out of his chin… and the umpire is hopefully still clearing the egg of his face (he missed that call, I don’t care what angle you show me and Bud Selig looks like a doosh for saying he got the plate), I offer up my Division Series predictions.
CUBS over D’bax in 4 (although if we beat Webb tonight, I might say 3)
PHILLIES over Rox in 5 (this might be the funnest series to watch)
YANKEES over Tribe in 4 (if the Bombers beat CC tonight, I might say 3)
SAWX over Halos in 4 (love the Halos heart… just too banged up)
On a side note, I have guilt-tripped my father into going to the Cubs game tonight. How can you live in Phoenix and not go see the Cubs in the playoffs?!?!
I’m jealous.
I will bury my envy in delicious layers of cheese, sauce and dough from the Lou Malnatti’s pizzas I had shipped here. I just hope they get here tonight!
I’m already hungry… for pizza and A CUBS WIN!
Alright Harry, let me hear ya...
And while Matt Holliday continues to pick pebbles out of his chin… and the umpire is hopefully still clearing the egg of his face (he missed that call, I don’t care what angle you show me and Bud Selig looks like a doosh for saying he got the plate), I offer up my Division Series predictions.
CUBS over D’bax in 4 (although if we beat Webb tonight, I might say 3)
PHILLIES over Rox in 5 (this might be the funnest series to watch)
YANKEES over Tribe in 4 (if the Bombers beat CC tonight, I might say 3)
SAWX over Halos in 4 (love the Halos heart… just too banged up)
On a side note, I have guilt-tripped my father into going to the Cubs game tonight. How can you live in Phoenix and not go see the Cubs in the playoffs?!?!
I’m jealous.
I will bury my envy in delicious layers of cheese, sauce and dough from the Lou Malnatti’s pizzas I had shipped here. I just hope they get here tonight!
I’m already hungry… for pizza and A CUBS WIN!
Alright Harry, let me hear ya...
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 3 Results
And I thought things couldn’t get any worse after putting up a 4-12 mark in back-to-back weeks in Weeks 2 and 3.I went 2-12 this week.
Sadly, that’s not a misprint. I’m not even sure how that’s possible.
A blind female monkey could’ve picked more than 2 winners this week.
HIT:
TAMPA BAY (+.5) at Carolina
RAIDERS (+4.5) at Miami
MISSED:
RAVENS (-4.5) at Cleveland
BEARS (-2.5) at Lions
Packers at VIKINGS (+.5)
TEXANS (-2.5) at Falcons
JETS (-3.5) at Bills
RAMS (+12.5) at Dallas
NINERS (+1.5) at Seahawks
BRONCOS (+10.5) at Colts
Chiefs at CHARGERS (-14.5)
STEELERS (-4.5) at Cards
EAGLES (-2.5) at Giants
Patriots at BENGALS (+7.5)
Week 4 Total: 4-12
YEAR TO DATE: 20-42
HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH CRAIG: 0-3-1
LOCK OF THE WEEK: 2-2 on the year (0-1 this week). Shocking, I know.
This is truly embarassing.
I’ve got an awesome new strategy I’m going to unveil this week. Check back this weekend to see it.
Hey, I can’t do any worse.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Magic Number Countdown: CUBS WIN, CUBS WIN!
Maybe you didnt hear me...
THE CUBS WIN!
2007 NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL CHAMPS.
WORST TO FIRST.
For as many awful predictions as I've subjected you to in my short history, every once in awhile, I get one right.
Written on April 10, 2007 as part of my 10 Bold Predictions For MLB 2007:
"Cubs Win! Cubs Win! – Ok, so the lovable losers from the North side won't win the World Series this year (that will actually happen next year – the 100-year anniversary of their last title), but behind arguably the best lineup in the NL and with a proven Carlos Zambrano and a soon-to-be-proven K machine Rich Hill anchoring the staff, Sweet Lou will get his team into the playoffs as division champs just one year removed from the NL's worst record. Watch."
And you can throw the records out the window...if you gave me my choice of NL playoff teams to face in the first round, I'll take the Diamonbacks every time.
Ironically, also written on April 10, 2007:
"Arizona will win the NL West – If you haven't had a chance to watch the Baby 'Backs in action, you should. Young team. Fun team. Most importantly, a talented team in a division where most of the other teams can't say the same."
We head to Phoenix on Wednesday.
Big Z vs Webb
After that, AZ plans to throw Doug Davis and Livan Hernandez in Games 2 and 3.
Couldn't be happier.
GO CUBS GO!
Magic Number Countdown: And Then There Was One!
You'll have to forgive me. I was out of town for the final weekend. But in the name of finishing what I started...
Cubs win on Friday night to reduce the number to ONE.
We place our faith in the Padres to hand the Brewers a defeat.
Would it happen???
Friday, September 28, 2007
NFL Week 4 Predictions: Takin' The Show On The Road
I went 4-12 last week. On the year that puts me at 18-30.
What am I really supposed to say to that? Can’t say much. So let’s get to this week’s picks… I’m taking the show on the road literally this week – I’m taking the away team in 11 out of 14 games.
I'm sick of having Giants on my site. I need to beat Craig this week (0-2-1 on season)...
(my pick in ALL CAPS)
RAVENS (-4.5) at Cleveland
BEARS (-2.5) at Lions
Packers at VIKINGS (+.5)
TEXANS (-2.5) at Falcons
JETS (-3.5) at Bills
RAIDERS (+4.5) at Miami
RAMS (+12.5) at Dallas
TAMPA BAY (+.5) at Carolina
NINERS (+1.5) at Seahawks
BRONCOS (+10.5) at Colts
Chiefs at CHARGERS (-14.5)
STEELERS (-4.5) at Cards
EAGLES (-2.5) at Giants
Patriots at BENGALS (+7.5)
LOCK OF THE WEEK (2-1 on the year): Not based on pure rooting interest or a desperate need to win a game against the freaking Lions, this pick is based solely on my faith in what will happen in Chapter One of the Brian Griese Era in Chicago. Our D is banged up. Watch us come out to play on that side of the ball and send a message. Just a hunch, plus the Lions can’t stop anyone on the other side... BEARS (-2.5) at Detroit.
TOUGHEST CALL: So, here’s the odd thing about this category. If it’s possible to rate a win-loss mark in a “what’s the one game I wouldn’t touch” category, I’m 3-0 this season. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. But for what it’s worth, each week the team I thought was most in danger of not covering has not even come close to covering. Not once. So feel free to see who I take, and take the OTHER team. Maybe I should just take my own advice. Team I’m least confident in covering this week is the RAMS. Dallas O is nasty. St. Louis is having all kinds of issues. But a dozen-and-a-half is still a lot of points. I’d like to think the Rams lose by 10. They could easily lose by 24.
...
I’m headed for the far-off city of Grass Valley, CA this weekend – Shelly’s folks are throwing us an engagement party. Should be a lot of fun!
And in case you hadn’t noticed, this is a HUGE weekend for the Cubs. We’re 2 games up. 3 games at Cincy to close the year. Brewers close with 3 against the Wild Card-hoping-but-our-coach-Jeff Gillooly’d- our-starting-OF Padres.
However my prospects of cable TV or internet appear bleak for this weekend, so if you happen to come across any Cubs or Padres scores, feel free to shoot the old text message over.
Let’s face it -- if you’re reading this, you know my number.
I’m not used to meaningful baseball during the last week of September. This is pretty fun.
One win from us. One from the Friars sometime in the next 3 days. That’s all I’m asking for (at least for now).
GO CUBS GO...
What am I really supposed to say to that? Can’t say much. So let’s get to this week’s picks… I’m taking the show on the road literally this week – I’m taking the away team in 11 out of 14 games.
I'm sick of having Giants on my site. I need to beat Craig this week (0-2-1 on season)...
(my pick in ALL CAPS)
RAVENS (-4.5) at Cleveland
BEARS (-2.5) at Lions
Packers at VIKINGS (+.5)
TEXANS (-2.5) at Falcons
JETS (-3.5) at Bills
RAIDERS (+4.5) at Miami
RAMS (+12.5) at Dallas
TAMPA BAY (+.5) at Carolina
NINERS (+1.5) at Seahawks
BRONCOS (+10.5) at Colts
Chiefs at CHARGERS (-14.5)
STEELERS (-4.5) at Cards
EAGLES (-2.5) at Giants
Patriots at BENGALS (+7.5)
LOCK OF THE WEEK (2-1 on the year): Not based on pure rooting interest or a desperate need to win a game against the freaking Lions, this pick is based solely on my faith in what will happen in Chapter One of the Brian Griese Era in Chicago. Our D is banged up. Watch us come out to play on that side of the ball and send a message. Just a hunch, plus the Lions can’t stop anyone on the other side... BEARS (-2.5) at Detroit.
TOUGHEST CALL: So, here’s the odd thing about this category. If it’s possible to rate a win-loss mark in a “what’s the one game I wouldn’t touch” category, I’m 3-0 this season. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. But for what it’s worth, each week the team I thought was most in danger of not covering has not even come close to covering. Not once. So feel free to see who I take, and take the OTHER team. Maybe I should just take my own advice. Team I’m least confident in covering this week is the RAMS. Dallas O is nasty. St. Louis is having all kinds of issues. But a dozen-and-a-half is still a lot of points. I’d like to think the Rams lose by 10. They could easily lose by 24.
...
I’m headed for the far-off city of Grass Valley, CA this weekend – Shelly’s folks are throwing us an engagement party. Should be a lot of fun!
And in case you hadn’t noticed, this is a HUGE weekend for the Cubs. We’re 2 games up. 3 games at Cincy to close the year. Brewers close with 3 against the Wild Card-hoping-but-our-coach-Jeff Gillooly’d- our-starting-OF Padres.
However my prospects of cable TV or internet appear bleak for this weekend, so if you happen to come across any Cubs or Padres scores, feel free to shoot the old text message over.
Let’s face it -- if you’re reading this, you know my number.
I’m not used to meaningful baseball during the last week of September. This is pretty fun.
One win from us. One from the Friars sometime in the next 3 days. That’s all I’m asking for (at least for now).
GO CUBS GO...
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Magic Number Countdown: Two For The Money!
Marlins 6, Cubs 4
Padres 9, Brewers 5
Second day in a row, Cubs lose.... Brewers lose.
Which means magic number goes shrinky.
I've never been a bigger Friars fan than I will be this weekend.
Six games between the two teams total left. One Cubs win and one Padres win is all I need.
Is that too much to ask?
Magic Number Countdown: Three's Company!
Cubs lose.
Brewers lose.
And that's all that matters.
The magic number continues to shrink!!
Monday, September 24, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 3 Results
And this is why I stopped betting on the NFL many years ago.
Another craptastic week of picks.
I went 4-12.
Craig went 6-10.
On the season I'm 18-30 overall and 0-2-1 against Craig.
Two weeks in a row a Giant has (dis)graced my site.
This HAS to change next week.
HIT:
COLTS (-5.5) at Houston
BENGALS (+3.5) at Seattle
TITANS (+5.5) at Saints
PANTHERS (-4.5) at Falcons
MISSED:
Arizona at BALTIMORE (-7.5)
RAMS (+4.5) at Tampa Bay
NINERS (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
CHARGERS (-3.5) at Green Bay
VIKINGS (+2.5) at Chiefs
Miami at JETS (-3.5)
LIONS (+6.5) at Eagles
Browns at RAIDERS (-3.5)
Giants at REDSKINS (-4.5)
Cowboys at BEARS (-3.5)
Jaguars at BRONCOS (-3.5)
BILLS (+14.5) at Patriots
LOCK OF THE WEEK: BRONCOS.... I'm now 2-1 on my Locks. Dammit.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Magic Number Countdown: The Final Four
Cubs 8, Pirates 0
Trying real hard not to get too excited yet.
This has been the most exciting season in my 31 years of watching baseball.
Marlins, Reds...we're coming for you!
Magic Number Countdown: Fab Five
The Braves score 4 in the 7th!
Braves 7, Brewers 4
All of Wrigley Field was doing the Tomahawk Chop! It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen in sports.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
NFL Week 3 Predictions
As we enter Week 3 of the NFL Pick 'Em Battle with Craig from Johnny Wishbone, I’m reminded of the opening line from the old Phish album "Slip, Stitch and Pass"...
"Some good points. Some bad points. But it all seems to work out."
Week 1 brought some good points as I went 10-6.
Week 2 was forgettable-at-best, bringing on the bad points with a 4-12 mark.
On the year, I’m 14-18….and 0-1-1 in the battle with Craig.
Yet I have a feeling in Week 3 I get back in track and it will all work itself out.
So with that, here’s my picks… I’m feeling a lot of road dogs this week. Just a hunch.
As always, my pick is in ALL CAPS….
Arizona at BALTIMORE (-7.5)
RAMS (+4.5) at Tampa Bay
NINERS (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
CHARGERS (-3.5) at Green Bay
VIKINGS (+2.5) at Chiefs
Miami at JETS (-3.5)
COLTS (-5.5) at Houston
LIONS (+6.5) at Eagles
Browns at RAIDERS (-3.5)
BENGALS (+3.5) at Seattle
PANTHERS (-4.5) at Falcons
Giants at REDSKINS (-4.5)
Cowboys at BEARS (-3.5)
TITANS (+5.5) at Saints
Jaguars at BRONCOS (-3.5)
BILLS (+14.5) at Patriots
LOCK OF THE WEEK: BRONCOS (-3.5) -- I’m 2-0 on my locks so far, feel free to hop on the train.
TOUGHEST CALL: LIONS (+6.5)
3-TEAM PARLAY: BRONCOS, BENGALS, CHARGERS
"Some good points. Some bad points. But it all seems to work out."
Week 1 brought some good points as I went 10-6.
Week 2 was forgettable-at-best, bringing on the bad points with a 4-12 mark.
On the year, I’m 14-18….and 0-1-1 in the battle with Craig.
Yet I have a feeling in Week 3 I get back in track and it will all work itself out.
So with that, here’s my picks… I’m feeling a lot of road dogs this week. Just a hunch.
As always, my pick is in ALL CAPS….
Arizona at BALTIMORE (-7.5)
RAMS (+4.5) at Tampa Bay
NINERS (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
CHARGERS (-3.5) at Green Bay
VIKINGS (+2.5) at Chiefs
Miami at JETS (-3.5)
COLTS (-5.5) at Houston
LIONS (+6.5) at Eagles
Browns at RAIDERS (-3.5)
BENGALS (+3.5) at Seattle
PANTHERS (-4.5) at Falcons
Giants at REDSKINS (-4.5)
Cowboys at BEARS (-3.5)
TITANS (+5.5) at Saints
Jaguars at BRONCOS (-3.5)
BILLS (+14.5) at Patriots
LOCK OF THE WEEK: BRONCOS (-3.5) -- I’m 2-0 on my locks so far, feel free to hop on the train.
TOUGHEST CALL: LIONS (+6.5)
3-TEAM PARLAY: BRONCOS, BENGALS, CHARGERS
MORE Magic Number Countdown
Braves 4, Brewers 3 in 11 innings
Gotta love being able to update this countdown THREE times in one day (even if one was from last night's action).
GO CUBS GO!
Magic Number Countdown (9/22/07)
Cubs 9, Pirates 5
And Sam Fuld with the double play of the year crashing into the bricks in right field to make the catch and getting the ball back into first for the DP. Amazing!
We've got 7 games left. Brewers have 9.
Smoltz takes the mound in 10 minutes against Gallardo.... LETS GO BRAVES!!!
One Day At A Time
Cubs 13, Pirates 8
Brewers 4, Braves 1
I've never been a bigger Braves fan than I am right now! LET'S GO SMOLTZ ON SATURDAY!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Poker Night Recap: Burbank Quad City (9/19/07)
Who: Ellner, MJ, Neal, Holt, Marlin, EA, Blasucci
Where: Mr. & Mrs. Ellner’s
Special Guests: Murphy, Yong and some delicious chili!
Ok, so a couple of days delayed on this. But I promised Neil the recap would return. So who am I to not deliver???
Anyway, here’s what I can remember…
On most nights, if you’re sitting at the table with trips, a straight, flush or even a full house, you’re not thinking CAN I WIN, it’s HOW MUCH CAN I WIN.
Then there’s Wednesday night at the Ellner estate where if you weren’t sporting a boat or some Quads, you best be careful.
The tone was set early.
One hand removed from Ellner taking most of my money on a hand I can’t even remember, I get 33.
Ellner sitting on a Jack, something.
Board comes J, J, 3, blank, blank.
He hits his trips. I flop the boat.
He goes ALL IN to try and take the chips he didn’t get from me on the first hand.
Obviously I call.
Big win for me. But would there be more to come?
A few hands go by... about 20 minutes later, Holty has 800 in front of him. Decides to go all in for 700. Clearly, he has got some big plans for those 2 little red chips still sitting in front of him.
Fold all around… I’ve got Ace, Six. I certainly can’t let him just buy the pot.
I make him put his last 2 chips in there.
He flips 10, 5 offsuit. Obviously, he hits a five on the river.
Nice lil’ double up to keep him in the game.
Play continues… bunch of small wins here and there… a couple big ones… then Marlin finally decides to play a hand (dude has more patience than a priest in a strip club).
Marlin goes all in for his last 1175. I’ve got J, 10 suited… I make the call on the sheer fact I’ve been running pretty hot for the last hour. Neal also calls behind me and suggests we check it down.
I don’t commit to it, but the fact that he said it makes me feel pretty good about my chances.
J hits the flop as the high card. Remains the high card. I know I’ve got Neil beat…it’s just a question of what Marlin is sitting on.
We check it down.
Marlin has 55. Neal has nothing.
I add about 4 grand to my stack. Marlin rebuys.
But just as all good things must come to an end… so does my streak of hitting big hands and getting paid off.
A heads up hand between me and MJ.
Flop comes three SIXES.
I’m sitting on K5.
I check. He bets. No way he’s got a pair or he checks to so he can draw me in. I call.
Turn is K… I hit my boat. Now I’m praying he’s holding a pair of anything except Aces.
It turns out I was right… he wasn’t holding a pair.
He was however holding the fourth six.
MJ doubles up for about six grand…huge freakin hand.
Well played kid.
And it was the third time quads showed up at the table. A lotta big cards flowing around that night… and a lotta heartache as a result.
Fast forward to final 3… Me, Ellner and Marlin.
I’m dominating chip leader coming out of the break. It held up for awhile. I pulled pockets Aces twice in four hands to knock Marlin out.
Then it’s down to me and Ellner, and this is where my stack begins to diminish.
We play a few meaningless hands.
Blinds are 500/1000. I’ve got about 30K. Ellner’s got about 15K.
I get A6. I go all in pre flop. He calls and flips A5.
For the second time that night, a 5 hits the river to beat me. All of a sudden, Ellner is dominating chip leader.
We play a few more hands and then the biggie.
I’ve got J5 off suit.
Board comes 44Q with 2 spades.
I check. He checks.
Turn is another Q.
I check, he checks.
River is 7 of clubs.
So we’re looking at 44QQ7 with three clubs that I’m not even paying attention to.
The fact that he checked it the whole way without taking a stab at it to me means he definitely doesn’t have a higher pair than the 4s. Definitely doesn’t have a 4 or a Q for a boat. I’m actually thinking the two pair on the board with my Jack kicker could be good… and if not, I don’t think he’s got a decent enough hand to risk doubling me up and giving me back the chip lead.
I go ALL IN!
As Marlin and Yong can attest, he sits for awhile thinking about it and says he’s positive I have a Q or a 4 in my hand.
He flips his cards over as he's thinking to show me his hand… he’s sitting on a flush.
My heart starts racing. I’m toast.
But he keeps saying he knows I have the boat. Yong says she thinks I do too and tells him to fold.
FOR GOD’S SAKES, LISTEN TO YOUR WIFE!!!!
He then asks everyone’s favorite question…
WILL YOU SHOW ME IF I FOLD?
Now 99.9% of the time, if you want someone to fold, you say YES.
I don’t say anything at first. And then say, BECAUSE YOUR WIFE COOKED US DINNER, I’LL SHOW YOU IF YOU FOLD.
For whatever fuking reason, he says that tells him I’m bluffing.
He calls. I lose. I want to cry knowing I had him that close to laying down a flush on a stone cold bluff. But moments like that is why we all play the game, right?
I’m down to about 600 but manage to double up a few times and soon I’m back to about 3 or 4 grand. Of course, Ellner has about 30 grand so I’ve got a LONG way to go.
I jokingly offer a chop after yet another double up to bring me to about 7 or 8 grand.
He says no.
I say what about a skewed chop…there’s 520 in the pot, I offer a 300/220 split.
He says only if he gets the official title as WINNER and when everyone asks, I say he got first.
Seems fair to me. I ponder it over a fresh baked brownie and some milk to wash down the delicious bowl of chili Yong made.
I finish my brownie. Finish my milk.
Collect 220 and call it a night.
1st – Ellner
2nd - EA
Where: Mr. & Mrs. Ellner’s
Special Guests: Murphy, Yong and some delicious chili!
Ok, so a couple of days delayed on this. But I promised Neil the recap would return. So who am I to not deliver???
Anyway, here’s what I can remember…
On most nights, if you’re sitting at the table with trips, a straight, flush or even a full house, you’re not thinking CAN I WIN, it’s HOW MUCH CAN I WIN.
Then there’s Wednesday night at the Ellner estate where if you weren’t sporting a boat or some Quads, you best be careful.
The tone was set early.
One hand removed from Ellner taking most of my money on a hand I can’t even remember, I get 33.
Ellner sitting on a Jack, something.
Board comes J, J, 3, blank, blank.
He hits his trips. I flop the boat.
He goes ALL IN to try and take the chips he didn’t get from me on the first hand.
Obviously I call.
Big win for me. But would there be more to come?
A few hands go by... about 20 minutes later, Holty has 800 in front of him. Decides to go all in for 700. Clearly, he has got some big plans for those 2 little red chips still sitting in front of him.
Fold all around… I’ve got Ace, Six. I certainly can’t let him just buy the pot.
I make him put his last 2 chips in there.
He flips 10, 5 offsuit. Obviously, he hits a five on the river.
Nice lil’ double up to keep him in the game.
Play continues… bunch of small wins here and there… a couple big ones… then Marlin finally decides to play a hand (dude has more patience than a priest in a strip club).
Marlin goes all in for his last 1175. I’ve got J, 10 suited… I make the call on the sheer fact I’ve been running pretty hot for the last hour. Neal also calls behind me and suggests we check it down.
I don’t commit to it, but the fact that he said it makes me feel pretty good about my chances.
J hits the flop as the high card. Remains the high card. I know I’ve got Neil beat…it’s just a question of what Marlin is sitting on.
We check it down.
Marlin has 55. Neal has nothing.
I add about 4 grand to my stack. Marlin rebuys.
But just as all good things must come to an end… so does my streak of hitting big hands and getting paid off.
A heads up hand between me and MJ.
Flop comes three SIXES.
I’m sitting on K5.
I check. He bets. No way he’s got a pair or he checks to so he can draw me in. I call.
Turn is K… I hit my boat. Now I’m praying he’s holding a pair of anything except Aces.
It turns out I was right… he wasn’t holding a pair.
He was however holding the fourth six.
MJ doubles up for about six grand…huge freakin hand.
Well played kid.
And it was the third time quads showed up at the table. A lotta big cards flowing around that night… and a lotta heartache as a result.
Fast forward to final 3… Me, Ellner and Marlin.
I’m dominating chip leader coming out of the break. It held up for awhile. I pulled pockets Aces twice in four hands to knock Marlin out.
Then it’s down to me and Ellner, and this is where my stack begins to diminish.
We play a few meaningless hands.
Blinds are 500/1000. I’ve got about 30K. Ellner’s got about 15K.
I get A6. I go all in pre flop. He calls and flips A5.
For the second time that night, a 5 hits the river to beat me. All of a sudden, Ellner is dominating chip leader.
We play a few more hands and then the biggie.
I’ve got J5 off suit.
Board comes 44Q with 2 spades.
I check. He checks.
Turn is another Q.
I check, he checks.
River is 7 of clubs.
So we’re looking at 44QQ7 with three clubs that I’m not even paying attention to.
The fact that he checked it the whole way without taking a stab at it to me means he definitely doesn’t have a higher pair than the 4s. Definitely doesn’t have a 4 or a Q for a boat. I’m actually thinking the two pair on the board with my Jack kicker could be good… and if not, I don’t think he’s got a decent enough hand to risk doubling me up and giving me back the chip lead.
I go ALL IN!
As Marlin and Yong can attest, he sits for awhile thinking about it and says he’s positive I have a Q or a 4 in my hand.
He flips his cards over as he's thinking to show me his hand… he’s sitting on a flush.
My heart starts racing. I’m toast.
But he keeps saying he knows I have the boat. Yong says she thinks I do too and tells him to fold.
FOR GOD’S SAKES, LISTEN TO YOUR WIFE!!!!
He then asks everyone’s favorite question…
WILL YOU SHOW ME IF I FOLD?
Now 99.9% of the time, if you want someone to fold, you say YES.
I don’t say anything at first. And then say, BECAUSE YOUR WIFE COOKED US DINNER, I’LL SHOW YOU IF YOU FOLD.
For whatever fuking reason, he says that tells him I’m bluffing.
He calls. I lose. I want to cry knowing I had him that close to laying down a flush on a stone cold bluff. But moments like that is why we all play the game, right?
I’m down to about 600 but manage to double up a few times and soon I’m back to about 3 or 4 grand. Of course, Ellner has about 30 grand so I’ve got a LONG way to go.
I jokingly offer a chop after yet another double up to bring me to about 7 or 8 grand.
He says no.
I say what about a skewed chop…there’s 520 in the pot, I offer a 300/220 split.
He says only if he gets the official title as WINNER and when everyone asks, I say he got first.
Seems fair to me. I ponder it over a fresh baked brownie and some milk to wash down the delicious bowl of chili Yong made.
I finish my brownie. Finish my milk.
Collect 220 and call it a night.
1st – Ellner
2nd - EA
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 2 Results
Man, I thought a tie left an awful taste. Compared to this week’s results, I’d gladly welcome another tie. When your opponent goes 5-11 in his picks, chances are you’ll be chalking up a W in your pool.
That is, of course, unless you put up a horrendous 4-12 mark in Week 2. Uggggggggh.
I could look at a few games I was wavering on and went the wrong way, and say "should've, would've, could've." But let’s be honest, when you go 4-12, it just doesn’t matter. I couldn’t win an all-girls pool with those numbers.
As a result, my counterpart in this weekly battle Craig of Johnny Wishbone & I have decided that each week the loser will post a pic of the other guy’s favorite team on their blogs.
That will explain why Eli "My Daddy Loves Matty Leinart More Than Me" Manning is gracing this site.
I look forward to next week when Craig will undoubtedly find an embarrassing Bears photo up on his site.
Until then, here’s a look at arguably the worst week I’ve ever had in a Pick ‘Em pool...
HIT: (it’s a short list, sigh…)
PACKERS (+2.5) at Giants
VIKINGS (+3.5) at Detroit
Jets at RAVENS (-1.5)
COWBOYS (-3.5) at Miami
MISSED: (sadly, a much longer list….)
Atlanta at JACKSONVILLE (-11.5)
BUFFALO (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
BENGALS (-7.5) at Cleveland
Houston at CAROLINA (-7.5)
COLTS (-8.5) at Tennessee
SAINTS (-3.5) at Tampa Bay
Niners at RAMS (-3.5)
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals
Chiefs at BEARS (-13.5)
Raiders at BRONOCS (-10.5)
CHARGERS (+4.5) at Patriots
Redskins at EAGLES (-7.5)
TOTAL: 4-12
CRAIG’S TOTAL: 5-11
RESULT: A pathetic barn-burner….but Craig wins. We’re both much better than this, I swear.
YEAR-TO-DATE STANDINGS: EA 0, CRAIG 1 (and 1 tie)
EA’S LOCK OF THE WEEK: Packers (+2.5). This might have been the lock of the season. I’m 2-0 on my locks so far!
With that and a quarter, I could make a phone call.
Monday, September 17, 2007
1 Down, 12 To Go
What’s the only thing better than 13?
Well, in this case it’s 12.
That’s the magic number for the Cubs!
With 11 games left on the schedule, the Chicago Cubs’ magic number to clinch the division over the Brewers is 12.
Let me repeat, the Chicago Cubs have a magic number.
That might not sound like anything to celebrate, but come on people, this is the Cubs.
I could count the times we’ve had an actual magic number on four fingers in my lifetime.
Coming into Monday, it was 13. After putting up 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth to beat the reds 7-6 at Wrigley, that number shrinks to 12.
Yeah, Milwaukee won. Who cares!
Yeah, we’re only 1 game up. Who cares!
We don’t play an above .500 team the rest of the season. This is ours to win. If we give it away, there’s no pointing fingers. It’s our fault.
But forget that shit, THIS IS OURS TO WIN!
LET’S DO THIS!
Just like Hevad Khan in this year’s WSOP….. BULLDOZER BABY! I DON’T CARE WHO THEY ARE! JUST BEAT ‘EM!
LET’S DO THIS CUBBIES!
Well, in this case it’s 12.
That’s the magic number for the Cubs!
With 11 games left on the schedule, the Chicago Cubs’ magic number to clinch the division over the Brewers is 12.
Let me repeat, the Chicago Cubs have a magic number.
That might not sound like anything to celebrate, but come on people, this is the Cubs.
I could count the times we’ve had an actual magic number on four fingers in my lifetime.
Coming into Monday, it was 13. After putting up 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth to beat the reds 7-6 at Wrigley, that number shrinks to 12.
Yeah, Milwaukee won. Who cares!
Yeah, we’re only 1 game up. Who cares!
We don’t play an above .500 team the rest of the season. This is ours to win. If we give it away, there’s no pointing fingers. It’s our fault.
But forget that shit, THIS IS OURS TO WIN!
LET’S DO THIS!
Just like Hevad Khan in this year’s WSOP….. BULLDOZER BABY! I DON’T CARE WHO THEY ARE! JUST BEAT ‘EM!
LET’S DO THIS CUBBIES!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
NFL Week 2 Predictions
They say two is better than one. Beers. Boobs. Twix. Who am I to argue?
Week 1 of the NFL featured a heartbreaking loss to the Chargers for my beloved Bears. It was the most expensive yet awesome 3 hours of pain I’ve ever put myself through in history sitting 20 rows off the field…and the first hangover I’ve ever experienced while STILL drinking (how does that even happen?!?).
I went 2-2 in my fantasy leagues. Well, really 2-1, but Shelly also lost in her girls league, so who am I kidding… I went 2-2. Hey, it’s not like she’s the one who went out and grabbed Patrick Crayton off the waiver wire…. Unless any of the other girls in the league are reading this. In which case, yes, it was all Shelly.
Week 1 also featured the debut of the That’s What HE Said vs. Johnny Wishbone Pick ‘Em Pool, and after 16 games were in the book – it was a tie as both Craig and I went 10-6.
So with that, I offer my picks for Week 2, along with my Lock of the Week (which I nailed last week) and my 3-team parlay of the Week (which the Broncos cost me last week).
Let’s hope there’s no kissing-your-sister feeling after this week’s results. You’re going down Rubes!!
My picks are in ALL CAPS…
Atlanta at JACKSONVILLE (-11.5)
BUFFALO (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
BENGALS (-7.5) at Cleveland
PACKERS (+2.5) at Giants
Houston at CAROLINA (-7.5)
COLTS (-8.5) at Tennessee
SAINTS (-3.5) at Tampa Bay
Niners at RAMS (-3.5)
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals
VIKINGS (+3.5) at Detroit
COWBOYS (-3.5) at Miami
Chiefs at BEARS (-13.5)
Jets at RAVENS (-1.5)
Raiders at BRONOCS (-10.5)
CHARGERS (+4.5) at Patriots
Redskins at EAGLES (-7.5)
LOCK OF THE WEEK: PACKERS
TOUGHEST CALL: CAROLINA
3-TEAM PARLAY: PACKERS, BENGALS, COWBOYS
Week 1 of the NFL featured a heartbreaking loss to the Chargers for my beloved Bears. It was the most expensive yet awesome 3 hours of pain I’ve ever put myself through in history sitting 20 rows off the field…and the first hangover I’ve ever experienced while STILL drinking (how does that even happen?!?).
I went 2-2 in my fantasy leagues. Well, really 2-1, but Shelly also lost in her girls league, so who am I kidding… I went 2-2. Hey, it’s not like she’s the one who went out and grabbed Patrick Crayton off the waiver wire…. Unless any of the other girls in the league are reading this. In which case, yes, it was all Shelly.
Week 1 also featured the debut of the That’s What HE Said vs. Johnny Wishbone Pick ‘Em Pool, and after 16 games were in the book – it was a tie as both Craig and I went 10-6.
So with that, I offer my picks for Week 2, along with my Lock of the Week (which I nailed last week) and my 3-team parlay of the Week (which the Broncos cost me last week).
Let’s hope there’s no kissing-your-sister feeling after this week’s results. You’re going down Rubes!!
My picks are in ALL CAPS…
Atlanta at JACKSONVILLE (-11.5)
BUFFALO (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
BENGALS (-7.5) at Cleveland
PACKERS (+2.5) at Giants
Houston at CAROLINA (-7.5)
COLTS (-8.5) at Tennessee
SAINTS (-3.5) at Tampa Bay
Niners at RAMS (-3.5)
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals
VIKINGS (+3.5) at Detroit
COWBOYS (-3.5) at Miami
Chiefs at BEARS (-13.5)
Jets at RAVENS (-1.5)
Raiders at BRONOCS (-10.5)
CHARGERS (+4.5) at Patriots
Redskins at EAGLES (-7.5)
LOCK OF THE WEEK: PACKERS
TOUGHEST CALL: CAROLINA
3-TEAM PARLAY: PACKERS, BENGALS, COWBOYS
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
NFL Week 2: The Early Bird Gets Paid
Sunday might still be a few days away, but it’s never too early to look at the lines.
I won’t get into my full slate of picks until later this week (after all, I don’t want to tip my hand to the Johnny Wishbone crew), but for all you junkies out there who just can’t stay away from the early action, here’s my early favorites for Lock of the Week... (as always, my picks are in all caps)...
PACKERS (+1) at Giants – Let me make sure I have this straight… The G-Men are likely playing without their starting QB, their starting RB and a D that just got lit for half-a-hundo… and they are favored to beat anyone?!? And not just anyone, but arguably the greatest QB of my generation and a Defense that I keep hearing people say will be a surprise this year (by the way, how many people does it take to dub someone a “sleeper” before they are no longer classified as such? Just wondering).
But where was I…
Oh yeah, the Giants stink. Their own fans will tell you as such. I even know one lifelong diehard Giant fan (I won’t mention names, but it rhymes with Greg Grubenstien) who already has dreams of Darren McFadden, which as he knows would only be possible with the league’s worst record and subsequent top pick in next year’s draft.
Such high hopes after Week 1? Very optimistic indeed.
Combine all this with the Packers coming off a nice win against an above average Philly team in Week 1, and how the Cheeseheads are underdogs is mind boggling.
If you like early action, take it now before Eli is officially out and it swings four points the other way.
...
BENGALS (-6.5) at Browns – I’m typically not a fan of road teams giving up big spreads, especially in a rivalry game. Then there’s this game.
I’ve got two sets of numbers for you… 34-17 and 30-0.
Those were the scores of the Bengals/Browns games last year… a Bengals sweep.
So the Bengals put up 27 on what many call the NFL’s best defense in Week 1, while holding the Ravens to 20… and the Browns are gonna come within a touchdown how again?
Whether its Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Tim Couch or Bernie Kosar, I can’t imagine it will matter.
With the Over/Under set at 41.5, that means the experts see a 24-17 game.
I’m thinking more along the lines of 34-13.
Check back later this week to see which one of these beauties gets my pick as the Lock of the Week!
I won’t get into my full slate of picks until later this week (after all, I don’t want to tip my hand to the Johnny Wishbone crew), but for all you junkies out there who just can’t stay away from the early action, here’s my early favorites for Lock of the Week... (as always, my picks are in all caps)...
PACKERS (+1) at Giants – Let me make sure I have this straight… The G-Men are likely playing without their starting QB, their starting RB and a D that just got lit for half-a-hundo… and they are favored to beat anyone?!? And not just anyone, but arguably the greatest QB of my generation and a Defense that I keep hearing people say will be a surprise this year (by the way, how many people does it take to dub someone a “sleeper” before they are no longer classified as such? Just wondering).
But where was I…
Oh yeah, the Giants stink. Their own fans will tell you as such. I even know one lifelong diehard Giant fan (I won’t mention names, but it rhymes with Greg Grubenstien) who already has dreams of Darren McFadden, which as he knows would only be possible with the league’s worst record and subsequent top pick in next year’s draft.
Such high hopes after Week 1? Very optimistic indeed.
Combine all this with the Packers coming off a nice win against an above average Philly team in Week 1, and how the Cheeseheads are underdogs is mind boggling.
If you like early action, take it now before Eli is officially out and it swings four points the other way.
...
BENGALS (-6.5) at Browns – I’m typically not a fan of road teams giving up big spreads, especially in a rivalry game. Then there’s this game.
I’ve got two sets of numbers for you… 34-17 and 30-0.
Those were the scores of the Bengals/Browns games last year… a Bengals sweep.
So the Bengals put up 27 on what many call the NFL’s best defense in Week 1, while holding the Ravens to 20… and the Browns are gonna come within a touchdown how again?
Whether its Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Tim Couch or Bernie Kosar, I can’t imagine it will matter.
With the Over/Under set at 41.5, that means the experts see a 24-17 game.
I’m thinking more along the lines of 34-13.
Check back later this week to see which one of these beauties gets my pick as the Lock of the Week!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
NFL Prediction Battle: Week 1 Results
Alright, Week 1 of the NFL is in the books, and my good friend Craig of Johnny Wishbone fame has challenged me to a duel.
Silly man.
Obviously, I accept.
Sadly, Week 1 wasn’t as stellar the beginning as I hoped. But still not too bad...
HIT:
Aints at INDY (-5.5)
Chiefs at HOUSTON (-3)
PITTSBURGH (-4.5) at Cleveland
TITANS (+7) at J'ville
Falcons at VIKINGS (-3)
Bucs at SEAHAGS (-6)
LIONS (+2.5) at Raiders
Giants at COWBOYS (-6)
Cards at NINERS (-3)
Miami at REDSKINS (-2.5) (**note: I originally picked this game at –3, but to make sure Craig and I are using same spreads, we went with –2.5. Hey, if I took them giving 3, I’m obviously taking them –2.5)
MISSED:
DENVER (-3) at Buffalo
Panthers at RAMS (-1)
EAGLES (-3) at Green Bay
Pats at JETS (+6.5)
BEARS (+6) at Chargers
RAVENS (+2.5) at Bengals
TOTAL: 10-6
CRAIG’S TOTAL: 10-6
WEEK 1 RESULT: A TIE (what is this, hockey?!?)
EA’S LOCK OF THE WEEK: PITT (-4.5) – nailed it!
Check back all year for the That’s What HE Said vs. Johnny Wishbone battle!
May the best Jew win!
Silly man.
Obviously, I accept.
Sadly, Week 1 wasn’t as stellar the beginning as I hoped. But still not too bad...
HIT:
Aints at INDY (-5.5)
Chiefs at HOUSTON (-3)
PITTSBURGH (-4.5) at Cleveland
TITANS (+7) at J'ville
Falcons at VIKINGS (-3)
Bucs at SEAHAGS (-6)
LIONS (+2.5) at Raiders
Giants at COWBOYS (-6)
Cards at NINERS (-3)
Miami at REDSKINS (-2.5) (**note: I originally picked this game at –3, but to make sure Craig and I are using same spreads, we went with –2.5. Hey, if I took them giving 3, I’m obviously taking them –2.5)
MISSED:
DENVER (-3) at Buffalo
Panthers at RAMS (-1)
EAGLES (-3) at Green Bay
Pats at JETS (+6.5)
BEARS (+6) at Chargers
RAVENS (+2.5) at Bengals
TOTAL: 10-6
CRAIG’S TOTAL: 10-6
WEEK 1 RESULT: A TIE (what is this, hockey?!?)
EA’S LOCK OF THE WEEK: PITT (-4.5) – nailed it!
Check back all year for the That’s What HE Said vs. Johnny Wishbone battle!
May the best Jew win!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
NFL Week 1 Predictions
It's finally here!
I finally get to wash that bitter taste left by the Super Bowl out of my mouth.
That's right, it's time for some football!!!
I'm on the road this weekend as I travel to not-so-far-away San Diego to watch my Bears take on the Chargers on opening weekend. I'm not entirely optimistic about the pending outcome, but couldn't be happier about attending my first ever opening day football game!
So before it's time for kickoff, I want to get my Week 1 Picks in the books so you can all be witness to the sheer genius.
I'm going to do this every week and keep a running tally, a la the Swami -- except with a lot more hair and hopefully a lot more accuracy.
So here we go... my picks are in all caps...
Chiefs at HOUSTON (-3)
DENVER (-3) at Buffalo
PITTSBURGH (-4.5) at Cleveland
TITANS (+7) at J'ville
Panthers at RAMS (-1)
EAGLES (-3) at Green Bay
Falcons at VIKINGS (-3)
Miami at REDSKINS (-3)
Pats at JETS (+6.5)
Bucs at SEAHAGS (-6)
BEARS (+6) at Chargers (a Super Bowl team getting 6 pts in Week 1???)
LIONS (+2.5) at Raiders
Giants at COWBOYS (-6)
RAVENS (+2.5) at Bengals
Cards at NINERS (-3)
LOCK OF THE WEEK: PITTSBURGH (-4.5)
TOUGHEST CALL: REDSKINS
3-TEAM PARLAY OF THE WEEK: PITT, BRONCOS, VIKINGS
I finally get to wash that bitter taste left by the Super Bowl out of my mouth.
That's right, it's time for some football!!!
I'm on the road this weekend as I travel to not-so-far-away San Diego to watch my Bears take on the Chargers on opening weekend. I'm not entirely optimistic about the pending outcome, but couldn't be happier about attending my first ever opening day football game!
So before it's time for kickoff, I want to get my Week 1 Picks in the books so you can all be witness to the sheer genius.
I'm going to do this every week and keep a running tally, a la the Swami -- except with a lot more hair and hopefully a lot more accuracy.
So here we go... my picks are in all caps...
Chiefs at HOUSTON (-3)
DENVER (-3) at Buffalo
PITTSBURGH (-4.5) at Cleveland
TITANS (+7) at J'ville
Panthers at RAMS (-1)
EAGLES (-3) at Green Bay
Falcons at VIKINGS (-3)
Miami at REDSKINS (-3)
Pats at JETS (+6.5)
Bucs at SEAHAGS (-6)
BEARS (+6) at Chargers (a Super Bowl team getting 6 pts in Week 1???)
LIONS (+2.5) at Raiders
Giants at COWBOYS (-6)
RAVENS (+2.5) at Bengals
Cards at NINERS (-3)
LOCK OF THE WEEK: PITTSBURGH (-4.5)
TOUGHEST CALL: REDSKINS
3-TEAM PARLAY OF THE WEEK: PITT, BRONCOS, VIKINGS
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Stat(s) Of The Day: 08/18/07
It’s the weekend and I’m in a giving mood. Actually, I just found all 3 of these stats pretty darn interesting, so who am I to discriminate?
Juan Pierre went 1 for 6 with 3 Ks against the Rockies on Saturday night. It’s the first time JP has struck out three times in a game in FIVE YEARS. What’s more, coming into the game, since the All Star break, he’s struck out only FIVE times.
That’s five. As in, one more than four. One less than six.
In this age of swinging for the fences, that’s pretty remarkable.
...
Boy, the Diamondbacks could’ve saved themselves a lot of money this weekend. Instead of flying the whole team out to Atlanta, all they needed to do was send Micah Owings into town on Saturday.
Not only did the rookie go seven innings, giving up 3 earned, no walks and seven strike outs leading AZ to a 12-6 victory -- but he also went 4 for 5 with 2 home runs, 4 runs scored and 6 RBI.
Couple of notes on that:
- He’s the first pitcher in history with 4 hits, 4 runs and 6 RBI in one game. EVER.
- His 11 total bases is the most by a pitcher in the last 50 YEARS.
- And lastly, forget being compared to just pitchers. Nobody in MLB (regardless of position) has posted 2 HRs, 4 hits, 4 runs and 6 RBI in a game since 2005. A hitter by the name of Alex Rodriguez did it. You may have heard of him.
A native of Gainesville, GA., Owings also had about 50 friends and family in the crowd cheering him on.
Not a bad night at the ballpark.
...
And finally, switching gears to the NFL.
Congrats to the Houston Texans. They beat the Cardinals 33-20 in preseason on Saturday.
The 33 points represents the most points the Texans have ever scored – preseason or regular season. EVER.
For reference, NFL teams scored over 33 points 58 times last season alone – six teams even did it in ONE week last year (Week 4).
How pathetic is that?
Way to get off the 30-point schnide Houston.
Juan Pierre went 1 for 6 with 3 Ks against the Rockies on Saturday night. It’s the first time JP has struck out three times in a game in FIVE YEARS. What’s more, coming into the game, since the All Star break, he’s struck out only FIVE times.
That’s five. As in, one more than four. One less than six.
In this age of swinging for the fences, that’s pretty remarkable.
...
Boy, the Diamondbacks could’ve saved themselves a lot of money this weekend. Instead of flying the whole team out to Atlanta, all they needed to do was send Micah Owings into town on Saturday.
Not only did the rookie go seven innings, giving up 3 earned, no walks and seven strike outs leading AZ to a 12-6 victory -- but he also went 4 for 5 with 2 home runs, 4 runs scored and 6 RBI.
Couple of notes on that:
- He’s the first pitcher in history with 4 hits, 4 runs and 6 RBI in one game. EVER.
- His 11 total bases is the most by a pitcher in the last 50 YEARS.
- And lastly, forget being compared to just pitchers. Nobody in MLB (regardless of position) has posted 2 HRs, 4 hits, 4 runs and 6 RBI in a game since 2005. A hitter by the name of Alex Rodriguez did it. You may have heard of him.
A native of Gainesville, GA., Owings also had about 50 friends and family in the crowd cheering him on.
Not a bad night at the ballpark.
...
And finally, switching gears to the NFL.
Congrats to the Houston Texans. They beat the Cardinals 33-20 in preseason on Saturday.
The 33 points represents the most points the Texans have ever scored – preseason or regular season. EVER.
For reference, NFL teams scored over 33 points 58 times last season alone – six teams even did it in ONE week last year (Week 4).
How pathetic is that?
Way to get off the 30-point schnide Houston.
UPDATE: 10 Bold Predcitions For MLB 2007
At the beginning of the season, I submitted my 10 Bold Predictions for the 2007 baseball season.
A quick look at where I stand after 122 games...
1. Ryan Howard Won’t Break the 40-HR Mark – After only three home runs in the firs month of the season, it looked like Prediction #1 was off to a hell of a start. Sadly, one month does not a full season make. Ry-How is now sitting 7 bombs short of 40 with 40 games to play. Still possible he doesn’t get there, although not very likely… unless we get a repeat of April!
2. The Mets Will Miss The Playoffs – Come on, who saw John Maine, Oliver Perez and El Duque et al putting together the season they have thus far? With a 4.00 ERA, they M-E-T-S trail only the Padres for best team ERA in the league. Ugggh. Sitting at 68-53 with a 3.5 game lead over the Phightin’ Phills for the division lead, this one never had hope out of the gate.
3. St. Louis Will Finish Fourth In The Division – Yet another pick that had the early makings of a nice notch in my belt. But no time was hotter than the Cards over the last month and while they are still in third place, they’re equally far out of first as they are out of fourth – 4 games in both directions.
4. Aaron Cook Will Throw The First No Hitter – 2007 has seen two no hitters and not even by scrambling the letters in Mark Buerhle and Justin Verlander’s names can I spell Aaron Cook. Now that he’s on the DL (which ironically appears to have also ended my fantasy season), this one was dead in the water long ago.
5. A-Rod Will Be The MVP – Finally a pick that appears dangerously close to coming to fruition. I just don’t buy Magglio stealing it from the 3B. The Tigers have too many other reasons why they’re as good as they are, including Gary “I’m Not A Racist, I Just Don’t Like White People” Sheffield, who should steal enough votes from his teammate to give the award to A-Rod.
6. Arizona Will Win The NL West – Wow, two in a row? It sure looks that way. Four games up on the Padres. Six games on the Dodgers. And neither of those teams could hit their way out of a paper bag if needed. The Bax will hang on to win the division.
7. Barry Bonds Will Ruin My Birthday – Ok, this one is scary. Before the season started, I said Barry would need 108 games before hitting his 22rd Home Run on August 4 to break Hammerin’ Hank’s record. He actually tied Aaron on that day. He’d break it three days later, but come on, that’s pretty damn close.
8. CAN’T TALK ABOUT THIS ONE FOR THE SOLE REASON OF NOT WANTING TO JINX ANYTHING…I’M SURE YOU UNDERSTAND.
9. Carl Pavano Will Lead The Yanks In Wins – My run of good picks had to end sometime. This is it. Thanks Carl.
10. Get Ready For The Return Of The Tomahawk Chop – The Bravos are 5 games out of first… but only .5 games out of the Wild Card. I’m not as sold on Atlanta as I once was, but if they should make it into the postseason, having to face John Smoltz (if he can get healthy) and Tim Hudson (if he can get right) twice in a 5 or 7 game series is still no easy task. Of course, I also didn’t see Andruw Jones hitting .215 this late in the season. Forget hitting your weight, dude, you’re barely hitting my weight. Probably a safe bet to put this one in the “Miss” column.
So there it is so far. Some good, some bad… some really bad. Damn you Aaron Cook!
Check back at the end of the season for a final tally. Since I love the prediction game, I’ll say I finish with 4 correct calls. Hey, I'll take a .400 average any day of the week.
You can just call me the new Teddy Ballgame.
A quick look at where I stand after 122 games...
1. Ryan Howard Won’t Break the 40-HR Mark – After only three home runs in the firs month of the season, it looked like Prediction #1 was off to a hell of a start. Sadly, one month does not a full season make. Ry-How is now sitting 7 bombs short of 40 with 40 games to play. Still possible he doesn’t get there, although not very likely… unless we get a repeat of April!
2. The Mets Will Miss The Playoffs – Come on, who saw John Maine, Oliver Perez and El Duque et al putting together the season they have thus far? With a 4.00 ERA, they M-E-T-S trail only the Padres for best team ERA in the league. Ugggh. Sitting at 68-53 with a 3.5 game lead over the Phightin’ Phills for the division lead, this one never had hope out of the gate.
3. St. Louis Will Finish Fourth In The Division – Yet another pick that had the early makings of a nice notch in my belt. But no time was hotter than the Cards over the last month and while they are still in third place, they’re equally far out of first as they are out of fourth – 4 games in both directions.
4. Aaron Cook Will Throw The First No Hitter – 2007 has seen two no hitters and not even by scrambling the letters in Mark Buerhle and Justin Verlander’s names can I spell Aaron Cook. Now that he’s on the DL (which ironically appears to have also ended my fantasy season), this one was dead in the water long ago.
5. A-Rod Will Be The MVP – Finally a pick that appears dangerously close to coming to fruition. I just don’t buy Magglio stealing it from the 3B. The Tigers have too many other reasons why they’re as good as they are, including Gary “I’m Not A Racist, I Just Don’t Like White People” Sheffield, who should steal enough votes from his teammate to give the award to A-Rod.
6. Arizona Will Win The NL West – Wow, two in a row? It sure looks that way. Four games up on the Padres. Six games on the Dodgers. And neither of those teams could hit their way out of a paper bag if needed. The Bax will hang on to win the division.
7. Barry Bonds Will Ruin My Birthday – Ok, this one is scary. Before the season started, I said Barry would need 108 games before hitting his 22rd Home Run on August 4 to break Hammerin’ Hank’s record. He actually tied Aaron on that day. He’d break it three days later, but come on, that’s pretty damn close.
8. CAN’T TALK ABOUT THIS ONE FOR THE SOLE REASON OF NOT WANTING TO JINX ANYTHING…I’M SURE YOU UNDERSTAND.
9. Carl Pavano Will Lead The Yanks In Wins – My run of good picks had to end sometime. This is it. Thanks Carl.
10. Get Ready For The Return Of The Tomahawk Chop – The Bravos are 5 games out of first… but only .5 games out of the Wild Card. I’m not as sold on Atlanta as I once was, but if they should make it into the postseason, having to face John Smoltz (if he can get healthy) and Tim Hudson (if he can get right) twice in a 5 or 7 game series is still no easy task. Of course, I also didn’t see Andruw Jones hitting .215 this late in the season. Forget hitting your weight, dude, you’re barely hitting my weight. Probably a safe bet to put this one in the “Miss” column.
So there it is so far. Some good, some bad… some really bad. Damn you Aaron Cook!
Check back at the end of the season for a final tally. Since I love the prediction game, I’ll say I finish with 4 correct calls. Hey, I'll take a .400 average any day of the week.
You can just call me the new Teddy Ballgame.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Here Come The Cardinals (Boooooooooooo!)
Is Jay Cutler the next John Elway? Who is about to be crowned the next NFL MVP? And which team will finish with the league’s worst record (here’s a hint: it rhymes with Balcons). For all these answers and more, check out my SEVEN BOLD NFL PREDICTIONS FOR 'O7 at Sports Central.
Here’s what else is in my brain fighting to get out...
If you would’ve told me before the season started the Cubs would be .5 games out of first place on August 16, I would’ve been a happy man.
And actually, I’m not too worried about catching the Brewers. In fact, I think it’s a forgone conclusion. The team most likely to come between Chicago and a division title – those freakin’ St. Louis Cardinals.
Written off for most of the year, the Redbirds now found themselves just 2.5 games out of first and 2 games behind the Cubs. Oy.
To be honest, I’m not sure how they’re doing it. As opposed to years past, their lineup is anything but scary from top to bottom. Their rotation includes guys named Looper, Pineiro, Wells, Wainwright and Reyes. And I don’t care what the stats say, I’ll bet against Jason Isringhausen any day of the week.
But having said that, in the last 8 games, those starters I just mentioned are 7-1 with a 1.64 ERA. Ugggggh.
I’m chalking it all up to the Rick Ankiel factor. Although Josh Hamilton can’t be happy Wild Thing Ankiel is stealing all of the “feel good story” headlines.
Who would’ve thunk it?!?
The Cards come in to Wrigley for a four-game set beginning on Friday. I’m gonna say winner of this series wins the division. If it’s a tie, all I can do is continue to rub my lucky wishbone and pray for the best.
Oh by the way, the Brewers begin a streak of three straight series on the road. They’re 23-36 away from home this season.
They’re about to collapse. Just watch.
...
It’s only preseason, but ladies and gentlemen, we have our first NFL Stat of the Day.
The Dolphins and the Chiefs (“That’s great man, but who are the Chefs?) played an absolutely meaningless preseason game on Thursday night.
And besides Phil Dvorak being stoked for an 11-10 win over Ellner’s Chiefs, this game was significant for one reason.
And it wasn’t because the Chiefs through their first preseason TD pass since 2005 (true story), but it was because no regular season or postseason game in the history of the NFL has ever ended 11-10. Ever.
How ‘bout that.
...
And finally, with Aaron Cook placed on the DL just minutes before Thursday night’s game against San Diego, my fantasy baseball season is all but over, thanks to Seth Doria of Left Calf fame.
This was a must-win for the Holy Cows. And before you even say it, yes I realize if I’m relying on Aaron Cook to save my season, it was probably lost long ago.
Thank God football is right around the corner… I’m in two leagues and I have the 8th and 9th picks respectively.
Hoping for the same guy in each. And guess what, I’m not afraid to reveal who I’m hoping for with my first pick, even though I know my fellow league mates read this blog…
Here it is… you ready?
I want Rex Grossman!
He’s headed to the Pro Bowl. Just remember, you heard it here first.
Go Bears!
Here’s what else is in my brain fighting to get out...
If you would’ve told me before the season started the Cubs would be .5 games out of first place on August 16, I would’ve been a happy man.
And actually, I’m not too worried about catching the Brewers. In fact, I think it’s a forgone conclusion. The team most likely to come between Chicago and a division title – those freakin’ St. Louis Cardinals.
Written off for most of the year, the Redbirds now found themselves just 2.5 games out of first and 2 games behind the Cubs. Oy.
To be honest, I’m not sure how they’re doing it. As opposed to years past, their lineup is anything but scary from top to bottom. Their rotation includes guys named Looper, Pineiro, Wells, Wainwright and Reyes. And I don’t care what the stats say, I’ll bet against Jason Isringhausen any day of the week.
But having said that, in the last 8 games, those starters I just mentioned are 7-1 with a 1.64 ERA. Ugggggh.
I’m chalking it all up to the Rick Ankiel factor. Although Josh Hamilton can’t be happy Wild Thing Ankiel is stealing all of the “feel good story” headlines.
Who would’ve thunk it?!?
The Cards come in to Wrigley for a four-game set beginning on Friday. I’m gonna say winner of this series wins the division. If it’s a tie, all I can do is continue to rub my lucky wishbone and pray for the best.
Oh by the way, the Brewers begin a streak of three straight series on the road. They’re 23-36 away from home this season.
They’re about to collapse. Just watch.
...
It’s only preseason, but ladies and gentlemen, we have our first NFL Stat of the Day.
The Dolphins and the Chiefs (“That’s great man, but who are the Chefs?) played an absolutely meaningless preseason game on Thursday night.
And besides Phil Dvorak being stoked for an 11-10 win over Ellner’s Chiefs, this game was significant for one reason.
And it wasn’t because the Chiefs through their first preseason TD pass since 2005 (true story), but it was because no regular season or postseason game in the history of the NFL has ever ended 11-10. Ever.
How ‘bout that.
...
And finally, with Aaron Cook placed on the DL just minutes before Thursday night’s game against San Diego, my fantasy baseball season is all but over, thanks to Seth Doria of Left Calf fame.
This was a must-win for the Holy Cows. And before you even say it, yes I realize if I’m relying on Aaron Cook to save my season, it was probably lost long ago.
Thank God football is right around the corner… I’m in two leagues and I have the 8th and 9th picks respectively.
Hoping for the same guy in each. And guess what, I’m not afraid to reveal who I’m hoping for with my first pick, even though I know my fellow league mates read this blog…
Here it is… you ready?
I want Rex Grossman!
He’s headed to the Pro Bowl. Just remember, you heard it here first.
Go Bears!
Monday, August 13, 2007
I'm Never Going To 'Cincinnati'
I know this space is usually reserved for sports talk, but I’ve got to get this off my chest.
For anyone else who labored through 8 head-scratching weeks of “John From Cincinnati,” I have one simple question for you…
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ALL ABOUT?
I’m a huge fan of smart TV….and you can’t argue with a Dylan McKay – Zach Morris showdown, but come on.
And while I love to brag when I do, I really hate being able to figure out an entire story line before it plays out. But there’s cliffhanging, puzzling TV… and then there’s this.
“Some things I know. Some things I don’t,” says John.
Yeah, join the club buddy. I know a lot of things but one I may never know is what the hell that entire season was supposed to be about.
To make matters worse, the show hasn’t even been picked up for a second season, so I hate to break it to you, but that could be it.
If you have any clue, any notion as to what the heck was going on in that show, please tell me.
I’m begging you. Please help me regain my sanity. It’s seriously keeping me up at night and I need to sleep!
Just The Cubs Being Cubs
Just two weeks ago, all of Cub nation was riding high with dreams of a playoff run dancing in our heads as we sat at 55-49. Just one game behind the Brewers for first after a dreadful start.Fast forward 14 days and one really expensive torn quad later…
The Cubs are now 60-57 and 1.5 games out of the lead.
We’ve hit a very worrisome slide (we can’t score and our pitching has been wildly inconsistent), yet have managed to only lose a half-game in the standings.
Not so bad, right? Not so fast.
I’ve been saying it all year. As all young teams do, the Milwaukee Brewers were bound to hit a slide. You’ll remember me saying it wasn’t a matter of IF, but WHEN.
Well guess what, WHEN is NOW.
In their last 23 games, the Brew Crew has gone 8-15… and not only could we not take advantage, but as only the Cubs can do, we actually figured out a way to fall farther back.
I’d say it’s unbelievable, but this is just how Cubs baseball goes. I should be used to it by now.
But still, there’s hope. There’s about 45 games left and I still say just above .500 ball from here on out gets us that division.
The Brewers rotation is proving to be quite mortal, Francisco Cordero is a blown save waiting to happen on the road and some of their bats have finally cooled… with the exception of Ryan Braun.
Fans and critics alike shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the notion this kid could win ROY and MVP. This kid (and yes, when you’re born in 1983, you are most definitely a kid) is hitting .348 with 22 HRs, 59 RBI, 54 runs and 10 SBs… and he didn’t even get called up until May 25. For all of you without a MLB calendar in front of you, the rest of the league started playing on April 2.
If this team ends up hanging onto the division and barring an awful slump, you tell me one player in the NL who is more valuable to his team’s success.
Cub fans, if you’ve got any voodoo dolls stored away, now is the time to get ‘em out and paint Ryan Braun’s mug on it.
Hey, if a freaking goat can cause several generations a lifetime of heartache, why can’t a stupid doll buy us a few games in the standings?
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Seven. Fifty. Six.
Barry. Lamar. Bonds.Love him or hate him, if you’re a true baseball fan, you better tip your cap.
From the Pirates to the Giants, I can’t recall a time I’ve ever rooted for the guy, but I’m well aware this is a true living legend in every sense of the word.
Steroids might make you stronger, but they got nothing to do with putting the bat on the ball.
All time ranks:
HR – 756 (1st)
Walks – 2,540 (1st)
Runs – 2,212 (3rd)
RBI – 1,981 (4th)
514 Stolen Bases
.298 career batting average
And guess what, with another 90 hits, he joins baseball's illustrious 3,000 hit club too.
Until he takes the uniform off and someone else puts up numbers anywhere close to this, he's the greatest hitter my generation has ever seen. Hands down.
And way to go Mike Bacsik, you just made yourself the answer to a trivia question for the ages. But hey, at least you got an autographed bat out of it.
And an even bigger congrats to 22-year-old Matt Murphy from NY – one souvenir has just made you an instant millionaire. Lucky shit. How do you SF fans let a kid in a Mets jersey catch that ball?!?
And finally, a big jeers to Bud Selig for not being there when it happened. It was your league. It was your rules. If you had a problem with it, you should’ve done something years ago.
Congratulations to baseball’s new home run king.
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