Well the Vikings are in and get a favorable 1st round match up with the Eagles so my interest will be peaked at least through the upcoming weekend. Lets look at the match-ups:
AFC: Ravens Vs. Miami- Looks like a yawn fest for my likings. An aging and highly overrated Ravens Defense will get to clobber the slow white weak armed Chad Pennington for 4 quarters while Joe footsteps Flacco throws dink and dunk passes to move the chains. I like Baltimore's ability to run the ball with John McClain and Ray Rice. I like Baltimore 17-10.
Indianapolis vs. San Diego- Best match-up the entire weekend for me, we get to see some first ballot HOFers squaring off in Peyton Manning and LT, and keep in mind the Chargers owned Manning last season. Should be high scoring for the most part, both offenses move the ball pretty well, but I still don't consider Phillip Rivers anything more than a system QB. I like the Colts 31-25.
Now to the NFC.
Atlanta vs. Arizona- Other than the Vikings game this will be the game I tune into watch. The reason is both offenses have a shot to score 40 points on Saturday. Arizona's passing game is that good, and their D is that bad. A somewhat pathetic Cardinals team backed into the playoffs and has a chance to steal one at home from the Falcons who have more talent all over the field except at Wideout and QB. I like the Falcons 34-27
Eagles Vs. Vikings- Game of the Childress era. The Vikings have more talent than the Eagles do, plain and simple. This game should be controlled by the Vikings ability to run the ball and their ability to keep Brian Westbrook and Corell Buckhalter in check. Of course all of this is assuming Chilly decides to put on his coaching hat Sunday and call a decent game. If he stays out of AP's and Jared Allen's way the Vikes win 24-13.... if Chilly does what he's prone to do and try to overcoach and out scheme himself, the Eagles win 27-20.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
MLB Offseason- The Yankee Effect
As I'm sure everyone is aware, the New York Yankees have gone on an unprecedented spending spree in the past month, causing many around the baseball world to question the fairness in the game. While I don't see it as a matter of "fairness", but instead a question of morality. How can any fan of baseball be ok with one team having the inside track on any big name free agent? Let me say that again, ONE team. That's right, contrary to popular belief, the Red Sox do not fall into the same economic category as the Yankees do. Once you take in consideration that the Red Sox have only given out 4 contacts of over 4 years since the year 2000. Manny Ramirez, J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo and Daiuske Matzusaka. Now consider that the New York Yankees this offseason has already dished out 4+ year contracts to CC Sabithia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Texiera. Spending over 400 million dollars on 3 players would seem ridiculous to most people... unless you're from New York of course. Despite spending that much cash, they are still in contract talks with Derek Lowe, Andy Pettite, Ben Sheets and Manny Ramirez. Disgusting.
Now lets look at what these signings actually mean on the field. The Yankees will run out a lineup that will look like this.
1. Johnny Damon- LF
2. Derek Jeter- SS
3. Mark Texiera- 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez- 3b
5. Xavier Nady- RF
6. Nick Swisher- DH
7. Jorge Posada- C
8. Robinson Cano- 2B
9. Melky Cabrera- CF
Not exactly a World Series winning lineup, but it should still prodcue 0over 100HRs and 300+RBI from the 3,4, and 5 guys. The rotation looks very good,
1. CC Sabithia
2. A.J. Burnett
3. Chien-Ming Wang
4. Joba Chamberlin
5. Andy Pettite/Phil Hughes
Looks great on paper but what have these 5 ever accomplished? CC has 2+ great years and a history of forgetting to show up in October. Burnett has had 2 good seasons, coincidently in contract years and is always injured. Wang has 1 good year and has been hurt. Joba is an out of shape head case who hasn't pitched a full year as a starter.. and oh ya a history of injuries. Petttie is the surest bet of the 6 guys listed above, and he's not even under contract yet. Phil Hughes is a promising young guy but if you remember he was getting shelled last year because of oh ya MORE INJURIES. This team is still a 2-3 place team in the loaded AL East, with the potential to win it all if everyone stays healthy and plays up to potential.
Now lets look at what these signings actually mean on the field. The Yankees will run out a lineup that will look like this.
1. Johnny Damon- LF
2. Derek Jeter- SS
3. Mark Texiera- 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez- 3b
5. Xavier Nady- RF
6. Nick Swisher- DH
7. Jorge Posada- C
8. Robinson Cano- 2B
9. Melky Cabrera- CF
Not exactly a World Series winning lineup, but it should still prodcue 0over 100HRs and 300+RBI from the 3,4, and 5 guys. The rotation looks very good,
1. CC Sabithia
2. A.J. Burnett
3. Chien-Ming Wang
4. Joba Chamberlin
5. Andy Pettite/Phil Hughes
Looks great on paper but what have these 5 ever accomplished? CC has 2+ great years and a history of forgetting to show up in October. Burnett has had 2 good seasons, coincidently in contract years and is always injured. Wang has 1 good year and has been hurt. Joba is an out of shape head case who hasn't pitched a full year as a starter.. and oh ya a history of injuries. Petttie is the surest bet of the 6 guys listed above, and he's not even under contract yet. Phil Hughes is a promising young guy but if you remember he was getting shelled last year because of oh ya MORE INJURIES. This team is still a 2-3 place team in the loaded AL East, with the potential to win it all if everyone stays healthy and plays up to potential.
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