Fantasy Baseball Friday: April 30th

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Weekly Top 10: Hitters

1. Austin Kearns - Indians. Remember when he was a prized prospect? Don't expect more than a one good week at a time.

2. Kelly Johnson - Diamondbacks. I'd keep an eye on him. I didn't expect much pre season, but he's been very consistent so far. The one thing that will not last is the power numbers

3. Carlos Gonzalez - Rockies. I was high on him before the season, and am an even bigger believer now. This kid is legit.

4. Ryan Braun - Brewers. What can you say about the Hebrew Hammer. He's a stud, that's all.

5. Miguel Olivo - Rockies. If the Rockies didn't have Iannetta, I'd be all over him.

6. Dexter Fowler - Rockies. Very inconsistent, but he's still stealing bases.

7. Bobby Abreu - Angels. He may not be the prettiest looking athlete, but he's a proven, consistent run producer.

8. Robinson Cano - Yankees. Is this the year he wins the batting title? Me thinks yes

9. Ryan Theriot - Cubs. Poor man's David Eckstein my you know what. He's a far better player.

10. Adrian Gonzalez - Padres. Putting up the numbers prior to a trade?

Weekly Top 10: Pitchers

1. Ubaldo Jimenez - Rockies. It's nice to see he didn't fall off after the no hitter. Young stud putting it together

2. Jon Lester - Red Sox. If only he wasn't terrible to start the season every year. When on, one of the best lefties in the game. Look for him to keep it going now.

3. Tim Lincecum - Giants. Hands down best pitcher in the game.

4. Josh Johnson - Marlins. JJ has it going after a slow start

5. David Price - Rays. I don't mean to brag, but I did predict a breakout season for the youngster.

6. Francisco Rodriguez - Mets. Puts up good numbers, but I'd never trust him.

7. Matt Capps - Nationals. The save machine. I guess that is what happens when you have team play in a tone of close games.

8. Francisco Liriano - Twins. It's nice to see him healthy and return to form. Could be dominant again.

9. Barry Zito - Giants. I don't buy it. He's just too hittable.

10. Johan Santana - Mets. Maybe the Mets bullpen won't ruin his season again.

Early Season Pleasant Surprises:

Kelly Johnson - Diamondbacks. See above

Vernon Wells - Blue Jays. Here is where I have to eat crow. I killed him prior to the season. I was wrong. He obviously feels like he has something to prove

Mike Pelfrey - Mets. What a great start for a team that really needs a #2. Looks like he'll fill in nicely.

Brad Penny - Cardinals. Dave Duncan is the best pitching coach in the history of baseball. One of these days I'll get around to my article about his reclamation projects.

Matt Capps - Nationals. See above

Early Season Disasters a.k.a. The David "Big Papi" Ortiz portion of the blog:

David Ortiz - Red Sox. We all know about my hatred for Ortiz. He is done.

Trevor Hoffman - Brewers. I love the Hoff, but it looks like his days are almost done. Better keep an eye on LaTroy Hawkins

Carlos Zambrano - Cubs. If he's unhappy, anything could happen. Bad I mean

Chris Davis - Rangers. In order to stay in the bigs, you need to make consistent contact. It didn't help Justin Smoak was behind him.

Nate McClouth - Braves. This was not a good trade for the Braves. I was never a believer in the first place.

Jake Peavy - White Sox. Poor guy. He has no control right now. If he wasn't on the White Sox, I'd probably root for him.

Well, that's all for this week. See you next.

Savard set to return in Round 2

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I love being right about something! In case you didn't read my round 1 preview, I predicted the Bruins to win the series in six games. Most prognosticators, including myself, are wrong so often, one needs to relish the times they're correct. Enough of that, now onto the news at hand. On Monday, Mark Savard was given clearance to play in the 2nd round. If he's OK, he provides a huge boost to the Bruins offense they desperately need.

The real question is whether or not he should be allowed to play. My answer is no. Sports fans are well aware of what a sever concussion can do, and Bruins fans especially have recent experience thanks to Patrice Bergeron. I'd love the see the Bruins make a serious run for the Stanley Cup, but I'm taking the long term view for Savvy and the Bruins organization. Wasn't it just a month ago, Savard could barely walk outside into the sun without having serious problems? It's amazing story he can make a dramatic turnaround in such a short amount of time, but he needs to think about his career and quality of life after he retires.

Now that you know my opinion on Savvy's return to the lineup, what will happen in this series. Thanks to the Montreal Canadiens, the Bruins have home ice (who would have thunk that?) against the Philadelphia Flyers. They enter this round as the favorites, but the two teams did split the 8 games played this season. The Bruins did dominate the final regular season game against the Flyers, beating them 5-1 the last week of the regular season.

The B's - Flyers series should be a good one. The Flyers, also have a hot goalie in Brian Boucher. In 5 games against the Devils, he had a 1.59 GAA and a .940 save percentage. You can never underestimate a hot goalie, so the Bruins could be in trouble if he maintains that level of play. The Flyers bring a physical style of play that should make for an entertaining series between the two teams. They have a certified star in Mike Richards, along with proven goal scorers Jeff Carter, Daniel Briere, and Simon Gagne. There's just one problem with that statement, both Carter and Gagne will be out for all, if not most, of this series and the remainder of the playoffs. In order for them to win this series, they will need to rely on some of their young stars like UNH product James Van Reimsdyk.

On a side note, how crazy is it that the #1, #2 & #3 seeds in the Eastern Conference were all upset and bounced from the first round of the playoffs. That is why I love the NHL playoffs. Anything can happen.

My prediction: Bruins win series in 6 games again.

Here's what I have to say (New England Patriots Draft Edition)

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here's what I have to say about the New England Patriots 2010 draft.

1. You may get ticked when the Patriots are constantly trading, usually down, but Bill Belichick is simply a master at maneuvering the board. He added extra picks in this year's draft, and also traded a third-rounder this year for a 2011 second-round pick next season. Genius, I say.
2. I'm so sick of hearing how the Patriots blew their first-round pick by selecting Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty. I haven't heard one fan complain about the skill level of the player -- not that many had heard of him -- but more about drafting a corner because it wasn't a "need" or because WR-with-issues Dez Bryant was still on the board. You have to love that the coach was sold on McCourty after his film session with the cornerback. McCourty isn't a sexy pick, but actually corner is a need because they basically have two with talent (Bodden, Butler).
3. Tight end was a major need and the Pats landed one of the best in the draft in Rob Gronkowski. He's big, physical, catches everything and has excellent speed for a tight end. When you hear comparisons to Jason Witten, you've got to get pumped and jacked.
4. We desperately needed someone to put some heat on the QB, and the Pats found their man in another second-rounder (Florida OLB Jermaine Cunningham). He made a name for himself by attacking the quarterback, and he's going to be expected to do the same in the NFL. Nice pick, and a need pick.
5. A tie for the top selection for the Patriots in the draft is Florida inside linebacker Brandon Spikes (Spikes and Gronkowski are my fav selections), a smart, tough monster in the middle that buries running backs into the turf. He ran a slow 40 and slipped in the draft. But when you watch tape of him, he's always making plays. He's going to fit in nicely alongside Jerrod Mayo in the middle of that 3-4 defense.
6. I don't like the Florida Gators or coach Urban Myer one bit, but hats off to Belichick and Meyer for being real good friends. That friendship obviously helps come draft time. I bet Belichick got more insight on Cunningham and Spikes from Meyer than many NFL teams did.
7. I usually don't get too giddy about punters or kickers, but when the Pats tabbed Michigan punter Zoltan Mesko in the fifth round, I'm pumped my fist in excitement. Field position is so important in football, and with Mesko's booming leg, the Pats should be able to win that field position battle in just about every game with Mesko.
8. Florida TE Aaron Hernandez adds more depth for the Pats. Hernandez isn't a physical beast at all, but he could create matchup problems vs. other teams with solid speed, great route running and great hands. I'd say the TE position is all set for a few years now!
9. Every team loves to have a deep threat that torches defenses, and the Pats might have found their man in third-round pick Taylor Price. I'm not familiar with the kid out of Ohio, but everything I've read I love, including that he's got top-end speed and he's a versatile playmaker.
10. I really did love this draft, and my grade for the Pats is a 'B'.

ESPN has Kiper & McShay, Fan Fanatic Sports counters with Ingram & Garner

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

JIM INGRAM'S MOCK DRAFT

(See Chad Garner's Mock Draft blog below)

Pick	Team	Player	Position
1	Rams	Sam Bradford	QB
2	Lions	Ndamukong Suh	DT
3	Bucs	Gerald McCoy	DT
4	Redskins	Russell Okung	OT
5	Chiefs	Brian Balaga	OT
6	Seahawks	Trent Williams	OT
7	Browns	Eric Berry	S
8	Raiders	Anthony Davis	OT
9	Bills	Jimmy Clausen	QB
10	Jaguars	Earl Thomas	S
11	Broncos	Rolando McClain	LB
12	Dolphins	Derrick Morgan	DE
13	49ers	CJ Spiller	RB
14	Seahawks	Jared Odrick	DT
15	Giants	Brandon Graham	OLB
16	Titans	Jason Pierre-Paul	DE
17	49ers	Joe Haden	CB
18	Steelers	Demaryius Thomas	WR
19	Falcons	Jerry Hughes	OLB
20	Texans	Kareem Jackson	CB
21	Bengals	Dez Bryant	WR
22	Patriots	Sergio Kindle	DE/OLB
23	Packers	Mike Iuputi	G
24	Eagles	Maurkice Pouncey	C
25	Ravens	Taylor Mays	S
26	Cardinals	Dan Williams	DT
27	Cowboys	Bruce Campbell	OT
28	Chargers	Ryan Matthews	RB
29	Jets	Everson Griffin	DE
30	Vikings	Brian Price	DT
31	Colts	Charles Brown	OT
32	Saints	Sean Witherspoon	LB

Chad Garner's Mock Draft

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

CHAD GARNER'S MOCK DRAFT

1. St. Louis – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma – Rams can’t even screw this one up.

2. Detroit – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska – Suh is a dominant force on the D-line.

3. Tampa Bay – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma – McCoy should get paid big Bucs.

4. Washington – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State – ‘Skins got McNabb, now need to protect him.

5. Kansas City -- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee – Chiefs always need help on D. Berry could be a superstar.

6. Seattle – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma – Seattle would be wise to address a weak O-line.

7. Cleveland – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State – Bryant will play with a chip on his shoulder.

8. Oakland -- Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame – Al Davis will make another mistake drafting a QB.

9. Buffalo – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa – Finally, someone who can block for the Bills.

10. Jacksonville – Joe Haden, CB, Florida – No, Jags aren’t drafting Tim Tebow here.

11. Denver – Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama – A stud on the inside.

12. Miami – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee – Will be hard to run on the Dolphins.

13. San Francisco – Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas – Kindle’s motor is impressive.

14. Seattle – C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson – Pete Carroll loves backs than can run & catch.

15. New York Giants – Mike Iupati, G, Idaho – G-Men get tougher up front in a hurry.

16. Tennessee – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida – Titans desperate for an edge rusher.

17. San Francisco -- Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers – Solid tackles don’t come around often.

18. Pittsburgh – Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida – Steelers like to pound the football.

19. Atlanta – Earl Thomas, S, Texas – Falcons welcome a ball hawks in secondary.

20. Houston – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State – Texans need help at corner.

21. Cincinnati – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma – Carson Palmer finally get a TE that can catch.

22. New England – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri – Fits Patriot way: Smart, versatile, tough & good tackler.

23. Green Bay – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech – Watch him attack the quarterback.

24. Philadelphia – Kareen Jackson, CB, Alabama – Eagles always looking for value.

25. Baltimore – Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech – Flacco loving all these weapons.

26. Arizona – Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU – Cards get their outside pass rusher.

27. Dallas -- Charles Brown, OT, USC – Not a headline-stealing pick, but a necessary one.

28. San Diego -- Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State – If he falls this far, fans will be “Super Charged”.

29. New York Jets -- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan – Another toy for Rex Ryan to play with.

30. Minnesota – Taylor Mays, SS, USC – Mays is a hard hitter who will knock you out.

31. Indianapolis -- Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State, -- He’s relentless on the line.

32. New Orleans – Everson Griffen, DE, USC – Last pick in Round 1, consider that a steal.

Patriots have one tough schedule

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The NFL released the entire schedule for the upcoming 2010 season.

I quickly jumped onto patriots.com and got my first view of the Patriots' master schedule.

Here, take a look.

The first thing that comes to mind is are you kidding me?

Chew on this for a moment. The Pats have to play the Jets and Dolphins twice in tough AFC East battles, but also must play solid clubs like the Bengals, Ravens, Chargers, Vikings, Steelers, Colts and Packers. So, if I'm counting correctly, New England plays 11 games vs. some of the better teams in the NFL.

Just based on the opponents itself, it seems like the Patriots are going to have a hard time making the playoffs.

An 8-8 season could be a good possibility. Just sayin'.

Yes, I said it.

But we all know you don't win anything on paper.

And in the NFL, we all should know by now that one team will be good and make the playoffs one season and the next they are close to the bottom of the barrel.

Parity in the league keeps things interesting, I guess.

So while I sit here and complain about how tough New England's schedule, maybe it won't be after all.

Either way, the schedule is out and now it's time to start preparing for another long journey in hopes of hoisting up the Lombardi Trophy once again.

It all starts when the Pats host the Bengals at 1 p.m. on September 12.

So Far, So Bad for the Red Sox

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I know we are only a dozen games into the season, but so far the Red Sox have looked average at best.

After ignoring offense and focusing on "run prevention" this off season, the Red Sox have not been good at either.

Case in point, take Mike Cameron. Cameron dropped an easy line drive against the Rays on Saturday, an error which quickly led to 4 unearned runs. Need another example? Look at Marco Scutaro. His throwing error against the Yankees in the opening series helped the Bronx Bombers get out of town with the series win.

Weren't guys like Cameron and Scutaro brought in to solidify the defense? They have done just the opposite. Couldn't have Jason Bay and Alex Gonzalez done just as well?

Outside of John Lackey, the pitching has also been pretty inconsistent. Beckett looked good Friday night, so that is a positive sign, but John Lester has once again been brutal in the month of April.

The bullpen has not been much better. Jonathan Paplebon looks like he has picked up where he left off last year, walking guys and putting runners on base. Okajima seems to always struggle with inherited runners, and Ramon Ramirez has looked nothing like the guy he was last year.

If the Sox are going to get going, it will still have to be with their pitching. The offense will not help out much. Outside of Dustin Pedroia, no one is hitting. Youklis is fine, and Victor Martinez will hit at some point, but after that, does anybody in that line up scare you? The offense reached a low point on Saturday. Bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the 11th and you can't get a run home? Yikes.

Plus it doesn't look like the offense will get much better. Forget about the Red Sox getting Adrian Gonzalez anytime soon. Gonzalez is under the Padres control until after the 2011 season. Gonzalez may be moved at the deadline, but he has a very affordable contract for the Padres. Gonzalez is the Padres only star, and they struggle to sell tickets as it is. Why trade your best player until you absolutely must do so?

There is some good news on the horizon for The Nation however. Baltimore is on the schedule next week. After the Red Sox beat up on the Orioles, at least fans can talk themselves back into thinking that this team is a contender.

Here's what I have to say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here's what I have to say about 10 topics from around the world of sports. Agree or disagree, it's just important that you have an opinion either way.

And we always love hearing from you, too, so don't be shy about posting your comments!

1. Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger makes me sick. If the reports, based on the accounts of the victim and her friends, are true, then this guy should be behind bars (but remember he was never charged). I know I would never let my sons wear a Big Ben jersey, ever. He's not a role model. People in Pittsburgh are even sick of his antics -- actually his night life and frequent screwups. I hope he gets suspended for four games.
2. If the Celtics are going to struggle with the Miami Heat, do you really believe they can win a World Championship? Exactly.
3. I'm still more pumped that the Bruins got the No. 2 pick in the NHL Draft than seeing them beat Buffalo in Game 2 of the playoffs to knot the best-of-7 series at one game apiece. The Bruins don't have a chance in hell to win the Stanley Cup. Lay off the peace pipe if you believe they can.
4. Who will the Patriots take in the first round of the draft? Your guess is as good as mine. Bill Belichick doesn't ever give the media a clue what that organization is going to do. He must be a fantastic poker player.
5. Who's the best hitter in baseball? Albert Pujols. Who's the best pitcher? Tim Lincecum. Go ahead and try to argue with me!
6. I had a friend say, "Varitek is to the Red Sox as Bruschi is to the Patriots." My response, "Don't ever compare Varitek to Bruschi, no comparison. Bruschi never sat the bench, ever!!!"
7. So nice to see Tiger Woods choke last week. Ha, ha, ha, ha. Wouldn't you like to know what's going on in his mind? It would be quite the show, wouldn't it?
8. When Paul Pierce went down with an injury near the Heat bench with 40 seconds left in Game 1 of the playoffs, I saw something I loved. Kevin Garnett and Big Baby Davis came to his rescue and tried to protect their teammate. Yes, shoves were exchanged between both teams and technical fouls were handed out (Garnett was even ejected for who knows why), but you've got to love the unity the Celts showed. They were trying to protect their own. That's what T-E-A-M is all about.
9. The Red Sox have problems right now. If you were the GM, what would be your first move? Mine would be to trade for a bat quickly (Yo, Adrian!!!).
10. If a kid gets drafted, I say sign and play pro ball. Forget about college, you can always go and get your degree at some point in your life. Playing a professional sport, it might be your only chance. Take the opportunity and run with it.

B's to ride Rask to series win over the Sabres

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

If you're a fan of this website, you're aware of my feelings towards the NHL Playoffs. If not, then I need to remind you the NHL Playoffs are, by far, the best set of playoffs in any professional sport. I love the intensity, I love the story lines, and I certainly love the beards! This year is no different, and if you're a Bruins fans, then you enter the playoffs with a glimmer of hope you didn't have the majority of the 2009-10 season.

What is the most important aspect of playoff hockey? Well, that would be goal tending, or a hot goalie to be more specific. I am well aware of the Sabres all world goaltender, Ryan Miller. I know he's the best goalie in hockey and is having one of his best years. I also know that Tuuka Rask has been flat out better when they go head to head. Rask is 4-1 this season against the Buffalo Sabres with a 1.42 GAA and .954 save percentage. Even without those head to head stats, Rask may be on the verge of being a better all around goalie than Miller. In case you didn't realize it, Rask finished the season with the leagues best goals against average and save percentage.

Now don't get me wrong, this isn't going to be an open round repeat of the Montreal series last year. Both teams aren't prolific goal scorers, and the Bruins defense could be classified as being in shambles. I predict the Bruins will win this series in 6 games. This is going to be a very close series that will see two games go to overtime. Not to put a damper on things, but if the Bruins do win this series, don't expect much else out of them. Ultimately, they don't have the offensive firepower to win 7 games series against the likes of the Capitals and Penguins.

# 2 pick is perfect for the Bruins

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Okay, picture this. It's Tuesday night, 8 pm, and the twins just went down to sleep. I park my but on the couch and tune into the Versus Network to watch the NHL Draft Lottery be unveiled. As I'm sitting there, I had this lump in my gut that the Bruins were destined to be stuck with the 3rd overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft. To my surprise, and great relief, the Bruins were awarded with the 2nd pick, and I was ecstatic. Yes, the Phil Kessel trade has finally started to pay off.

Contrary to most people, I am happy the Bruins got the 2nd pick and not the first overall. I know it's typically better to have the first pick and be able to make your choice between Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin. I guess I'm more of a pessimist and realist. Given some of the choices, and signings, Peter Chiarelli has made the past year and a half, I am more than happy to have the choice between these two franchise players removed from the situation. All the Bruins Organization has to do now is wait and see who falls to them.

Personally, I'd love to see the Bruins get Taylor Hall because he's a forward, and not a center like Seguin. Realistically, either player is going to make a huge impact next season and be the next face of the organization. I guess we'll just have to wait until June. Unlike the other teams in the top 5 of the draft, Bruins fans still have playoff hockey to enjoy.

No Marshall or Holmes, Patriots better deliver in NFL Draft

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The AFC East is going to be a beast this season.

And the Patriots might just be the third-place team in the division.

Well, let's hope not.

But it's hard to swallow that the Jets and Dolphins keep improving this offseason, while the Pats have retained some key players from last season (Vince Wilfork was the No. 1 priority), but they haven't made the big free agency splash yet. And they most likely won't.

It appears that Bill Belichick and Co. plan to build this team in the draft with a first-round selection and three second-rounders.

But both the Jets and Dolphins have added youth and experience with two outstanding pickups recently.

And it came at a position where the Pats could use some help -- wide receiver.

The Jets trade for Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes, while Miami turned some heads by trading for Denver star receiver Brandon Marshall.

I know they both come with off-the-field issues, but they are talented and should help out both teams immensely.

Just think about it: Wouldn't either one of those wideouts look good in a Patriots uniform?

While I wish either was suiting up and catching passes for the Pats, I still have faith that New England will get a high grade from NFL Draft gurus Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay after their selections.

If they don't deliver the goods, then they could be in real trouble in the division.

Doesn't it hurt to know that those two rival clubs have improved so much? But hey, at least we resigned Vince Wilfork, right?

Boston College proved it was the most dominant team...from the most dominant conference

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The ice chips have settled and Boston College has come out on top as the top team in college hockey for the second time in three years.

I will be the first to admit that early in the season and as late as the beginning of this tournament that while they were a very good team, the Eagles didn't have the star power to win the whole thing. And the lack of big stars just may be the reason they won it all.

All tournament Barry Melrose kept pointing out the fact that Wisconsin had the most draft picks of any team in the tournament, including three first-round draft picks on defense. The problem for Wisconsin is the Badgers played like a group of high draft picks instead of like a team.

Yes, Boston College was faster than Wisconsin, which is an incredibly fast team itself, but it wasn't speed that made the difference. It was passing. Boston College executed plays in transition to perfection because of impeccable tape-to-tape passing. Players looked to each other as outlets and the team looked to be communicating so well, you might have thought Jerry York had implanted something in their brains that transmitted what one was thinking to all the others.

Wisconsin players, on the other hand, tried far too often to do everything themselves. When they did pass, things happened for them like a very good bid in the slot off a pass from the corner in the first period, but especially once the Badgers were down, the individualism reared its ugly head and right then you had a feeling Wisconsin was done.

With the win, BC established itself as one of the dominant teams in college hockey, having won two trophies in three years and three over the last 10 seasons. The Eagles have appeared in the championship game four of the last five seasons and seven of the past 13 seasons, dating back to 1998.

What is also impressive is the road Boston College took to get there. First of all, the Eagles finished one point out of first place during the regular season and went on to win the tournament of the toughest conference in college hockey, which earned them a No. 1 seed in the tournament.

Don't buy that the Hockey East is the toughest conference? It has to be, especially over recent years as each of the last five championship games have featured a Hockey East team. In fact, since 1990, the NCAA championship game has been without a Hockey East team just four times. Twice both teams in the title game have been from Hockey East - 1995 when Boston University topped Maine and 1999 when Maine beat arch-rival New Hampshire. Only once since 1990 has a Hockey East team not reached the Frozen Four and that was in 1992.

Six of the last seven Hobey Hat Trick finalists have been from Hockey East.

Even after taking the top spot in the Northeast regional, the Eagles had the rougher road to the championship game than Wisconsin. After dispatching an Alaska team that was better than everyone thought it was, The Eagles had to first face the team that finished tops in the ECAC during the regular season, which also happened to be the best scoring team in the country in Yale. After the victory over Yale got them to the Frozen Four, they had to play the CCHA's toughest team and the team ranked No. 1 overall in Miami (OH) and finished off the season with a win over the WCHA's second-ranked team at the end of the regular season. The teams they played in the tournament leading up to the title game finished in USCHO's final rankings at No. 17, No. 8, and No. 1, respectively. Comparitively speaking, Wisconsin played No. 15 Vermont, No. 7 St. Cloud State and No. 20 RIT.

Some parting shots

• ESPN can try to spin it all they want, but the ice at Ford Field looked terrible. I'm not an expert on ice, but I've seen enough hockey to know that when the puck is lying flat and still ends up bouncing over the blades of sticks, the ice isn't competition caliber. It was a nice little gimmick and a way to boost ticket sales, but what if ice conditions had had a serious effect on a game? It just wasn't the right venue for a championship game.
• The CHA should be stripped of its automatic bid. Alabama-Hunstville made it and you can't hate the team for it because it got in because of how the rules are, so good for them. But what was good for them was bad for hockey. The team plays in a four-team conference and won a total of 12 games all season with a .409 winning percentage. Two of those games happened to be at the right time, so they got put in with the best teams in college hockey, which they were not.
• RIT, on the other hand, was good for college hockey, much like Bemidji State was the year before. RIT admittedly plays in a lesser conference, but they had 28 wins, was a top-20 team and beat up on two teams perceived to be incredibly more talented than it was. What makes the RIT story even better is the fact that the school does not give athletic scholarships. Every kid at that school is there to be something besides a hockey player and that is commendable.
• UNH fans who have been spoiled by the team's recent successes have started calling for head coach Dick Umile's job because he has been unable to shake the school's "University of No Hardware" moniker. Those fans have short memories. They forget that before Umile showed up in Durham 20 years ago, UNH was an absolute laughing stock. Since the Umile era began, the Wildcats have been a competitive program in the toughest conference in college hockey with a 462-234-73 record. The Wildcats have finished as regular season champions six times and three times in the last four year, including this season, which most prognosticators had them finishing fourth at best. They have been to the NCAA tournament 16 times, including nine straight years, which is the second-longest active streak. UNH is in a town that most people couldn't point to on a map, has a rink that with 200x100 dimensions a lot of players don't want to play at and a budget that restricts the amount they can offer in scholarships. Most of Umile's scouting comes from the local area and that itself can be tough with programs like BU and BC a short trip down I-95. And yet he always finds a way to make his team competitive. I'm not saying that this is the best UNH hockey can be, but for a team that lost its three top defensemen and the team's all-time leading scorer to graduation, plus a guy named van Reimsdyk to the Flyers, this team did pretty well for itself and Umile is the reason why.
  

Here's what I have to say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here's my two cents on 10 topics in the world of sports.

Do you hear what I'm screaming, or would would like the chance to just punch me in the face?

Here goes:

1. The Bruins are going dancing, the Bruins are going dancing. While I'm pumped that this club stepped up when it mattered the most, I'm still not sold on them winning the Stanley Cup. And the last time I looked, that's all any team in the postseason cares about. This team doesn't need moral victories, so it's not a successful season if they merely get into the playoffs or win a series or two. What I'm more jacked up about is that the Bruins have a shot -- as long as the 2010 NHL Draft Lottery goes according to plan -- to land a legit superstar if they get the No. 1 or No. 2 pick (thanks to the Toronto Maple Leafs). As long as the Bruins get a top-2 pick, they will lock up a franchise player like center Tyler Seguin or left wing Taylor Hall. Seguin or Hall, who do you prefer?
2. The NBA playoffs can't begin soon enough because the Boston Celtics surely aren't serious in playing out the end of the regular season with any passion. I'm totally fine with guys resting up, so I'm not really knocking Doc Rivers and the C's brass. Health is key, especially with an older club. I'll take fresh legs from Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce any day. Quick, get the playoffs going.
3. I've heard from a few Red Sox fans that they aren't surprised that the New York Yankees won two of three games over the Sox at Fenway Park to open the season. The top reason I've heard is that the Yankees are simply a better team. I'm not really buying that yet, even if I'm a Yankees fan. With a rotation that features Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and John Lackey, I'm expecting the Red Sox to be a pain in the (fill in the blank) all season long.
4. I just can't believe how many country-club clowns are actually cheering on Tiger Woods at the Masters. It's funny how Tiger promised to clean up his act when he returned to golf. I guess his temper is already getting the best of him. Read this link if you don't believe me. Guy can't be that smart is he knows microphones and cameras are littered around the course. Better yet, face it, he doesn't care what anyone else thinks. He cares more about himself and winning trophies. Yes, a great role model.
5. The NFL Draft (attending it is something that's on my to-do list before I die) can't get here soon enough. Is there any doubt that the hapless St. Louis Rams will select Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the top pick? If they don't, then everyone in that organization should be fired.
6. My son says that CC Sabathia is the best pitcher. If I was starting a team, I'd take Tim Lincecum (because of his age and upside) first, but it's hard to argue that CC's not one of the best in the game right now. No doubt he's the best left-hander.
7. I keep hearing that the Los Angeles Lakers will win another NBA championship, but something tells me to pick the Cleveland Cavaliers.
8. What's your favorite sports movie of all-time? No, it's not "Hoosiers" or "Slap Shot" or "Bull Durham." Those are all very good flicks, but mine is "Major League."
9. If you were Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who do you start at DH, David Ortiz or Mike Lowell? We know Big Papi is Tito's boy, but don't sit there and tell me Lowell shouldn't be in that lineup. Yes, I know he played vs. the Royals on Saturday night, but Ortiz is the guy for now. Please give me a good reason why Ortiz is the king DH in Beantown at this point in his career.
10. Boston's Tuuka Rask has all the ingredients to be a star goaltender in the NHL. Tim Thomas who?

High-scoring NCAA hockey title bout? Don't count on it.

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

My bracket is officially busted with the complete and utter implosion by Miami (OH) in last night's second semifinal, which was almost as much of a route as the first.

Between the two games, the winning teams scored 15 goals against two defensive-minded teams. Miami went into Thursday's game ranked first in the nation in team defense with the two top goaltenders in goals against average. RIT was ranked third in team defense.

Wisconsin scored in the opening minutes of the first two periods, using its superior speed and skating to its advantage as RIT spent most of the day chasing the Badgers around in the defensive zone. Boston College took advantage of Miami spending almost an entire period in the penalty box (seven penalties for 14 minutes), scoring its first two goals with a man advantage.

In both cases the offenses used an opponents' weakness to its advantage. In RIT's case, the Tigers like to keep the puck in front of them at all times and use a system that more often than not will make up for their lack of standout skilled players. Wisconsin, however, has too many skill players and players headed to the NHL, including some very good offensive-minded defensemen. RIT couldn't contain them all and as a result, the Badgers were able to move around pretty freely in the Tigers' zone.

Boston College didn't shy away from the physical play, despite the Red Hawks' size advantage, accepted contact and often as a result a Miami player found his way to the penalty box. It's hard to win when you're down a man for nearly one third of the game. Miami is a team used to playing with a lead and once it fell behind by three goals, the Eagles had to be feeling secure about their chances.

And while both teams did play smart, explosive offensive hockey and that's the first thing that comes to mind when talking about the games, it was the defensive efforts that really sealed the deal for the Eagles and Badgers. Yes, there were many goals against good defenses, but throw on top of that the fact that RIT and Miami were both top-10 teams in scoring offense and the combined 13-goal differential in the two semifinals looks even more impressive.

John Muse only had to make 17 saves for BC and Scott Gudmanson had to make just 13 for Wisconsin. And why? Because the defenses didn't allow anything in their own respective zones.

What makes both of these teams so dangerous is the fact that the defense begins with the forwards and that they both have forechecking down to a science. Both teams are aggressive in pursuing the puck, putting pressure on the puck carrier, regardless of the zone. They feast upon turnovers in the neutral zone, giving them the opportunities to turn defense into offense almost instantly. And if that's not enough, they backcheck tremendously well.

So what happens when two teams with a similar repertoire like this face off? More often than not, it's not the high-scoring, lamp lighting affairs people would expect. Sometimes both teams that have the kind of skill these two do at the forward position hold each other to a stalemate with the team making the first mistake giving up the first goal.

Then again, I could be completely wrong and we could see BC/Yale all over again. Either way, strap in for some exciting hockey.

(Click on the bracket for a larger view.)

Fantasy Baseball Friday: Weclome Back!

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, this weeks' article is going to be a tad different due to the fact the season isn't even a week old. This week I'm going to highlight the first week All Stars as well as forecast a few fast and slow starts. Now, down to the brass tax

First Week All Stars:

C: Matt Wieters - Orioles

1B: Miguel Carbrera - Tigers

2B: Placido Polanco - Phillies (not yet eligible at 3B)

3B: Ian Stewart - Rockies

SS: Jimmy Rollins - Phillies

OF: Vernon Wells - Blue Jays

OF: Delmon Young - Twins

OF: Garrett Jones - Pirates

SP: Tim Lincecum - Giants

RP: Brian Wilson - Giants

Hot Starts:

1. Delmon Young - Is this the year he finally put it together? I'm still not sold. He's always shown flashes, but quickly returns to his inconsistent form. He's still only 25, but still doesn't walk enough for me to think this will last.

2. Garrett Jones - Many people what he would do after lighting the world on fire in the 2nd half of the season in 2009. He's shown will hit for power and drive in runs already against the Dodgers this week. He's a good bet to hit 25+ home runs and drive in over 8o. I'm buying him being a decent 4th outfield and backup first basemen in mixed leagues.

3. Carlos Gomez - If you have him, sell him as high and fast as possible. He still has no plate discipline and doesn't walk enough for him to keep stealing bases. He has all the tools, but until he gets more patient and learns the strike zone he'll never be a solid fantasy performer.

4. C.J. Wilson - This is just a gut feeling, but I feel like he's going to be a fantasy starter for the first half of the season. I worry about him long term as he's never pitched a full major league season as a starter.

5. Chris Perez - I'm a firm believer he'll be the Indians closer for all of the 2010 season. He's looked great saving two games this week. I doubt he's still out there, but if he is, grab him.

Slow Starts:

1. David Ortiz - Big Papi should realistically be relegated to a platoon with Mike Lowell. He can't hit lefties at all, especially good ones. If you have him, you need to pay close attention to his match ups. He can still mash against most right handers.

2. Derek Lee - Watch out for Lee. He's someone I've been watching to have a serious drop off this season. Don't bail on him yet, but if he's still struggling come May 1st, it may be time to move on.

3. Josh Hamilton - I am a fan of Hamilton, and am pulling hard for him to return to his All Star form of two years ago, but I think he's just too injury prone. I wouldn't go near him. He's not playing full time right now because of an injury, and struck out 4 times in a game earlier this week.

4. Julio Borbon - The highly touted rookie doesn't have a hit yet this season, but don't give up on him. He's nothing more than an extra outfielder who'll get you stolen bases, but he will straighten himself out as the season goes on.

5. Alfonso Soriano - He scares me as a fantasy player now. He doesn't steal bases and his offensive production keeps getting worse. I wouldn't be surprised if you see him fall off the face of the fantasy earth this season.

Well, I apologize for the somewhat short article this week, but it's only the first week. Look for a much more in depth article next Friday.

Anyone tired of the 'Eagles soar to Frozen Four' headlines? BC isn't

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

(Note: This is the last of a three-part series analyzing the performances of all three Hockey East teams in their respective regionals in the NCAA tournament.)

It's probably the most cliche headline in the history of journalism when referring to a team with a bird as its mascot. And for Boston Colllege, it seems every trip it takes to the Frozen Four, it is accompanied by at least a few headlines that read, "Eagles soar" etc., etc., etc. As one who has written a few headlines in my day - and is pretty good at it, if I do say so myself - I have one thing to say to those headline writers: It's not original. It's not clever. It's lazy and shame on you.

The reason I start with that little rant is because by using the same old cliche, it cheapens the accomplishment of being one of the four best teams in the NCAA hockey tournament. It's being one step away from the pinnacle of these players' hockey careers to this point and for a lot of them, it's the highest they will ever get.

Some think that especially by missing North Dakota in the second round, the Eagles had an easy go of it this tournament. Not so, my friends.

The Eagles won a 3-1 decision in the first round against Alaska-Fairbanks in a game that was surprisingly close. Alaska was especially good at pinching on defense, which prevented BC's skaters from odd-man rushes in transition and while in the end the better team won, you couldn't help but walk away impressed with the play of the Nanooks.

What might have BC fans concerned was the play of the Eagles' defense in the second round against an explosive Yale team. The Eagles beat the Bulldogs, 9-7, in the highest-scoring regional game ever. Going into the game, Yale's high-powered offense was thought to be severely weaker because of the loss of its best player, but a team doesn't become the top scoring team in the country simply because of one guy.

Boston College proved its offense can be explosive as well and really was in control of the game most of the way, despite the high goal totals. The goals were mostly scored in bunches and always with Yale trying to chip away at the Eagles' leads. And while BC on a couple of occasions let them back into the game, give them credit for not giving it up, even when Yale played nearly the last four minutes of the game with an extra attacker, which is a pretty gutsy move.

Those who are still concerned about the defense can rest assured that the next team BC faces in Miami (OH) will not have nearly the firepower and is much more of a defensive minded team. The question I have more than whether or not the Eagles can stop Miami from scoring is whether or not the Eagles will be able to put one past whichever goalie Miami throws out there. Both are at the top of the list in goals against average and Miami is one of the very best in goal prevention.

But if there's one thing we've learned from watching the Bruins, it's that goal prevention doesn't mean anything if you can't score. No one ever won a hockey game without scoring a goal.

Re-signing Beckett was a no-brainer

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Excuse me if I don't do any back flips or call Theo a genius for signing Josh Beckett to a four-year extension. Why? Because I don't pat people on the back for making easy decisions.

When the Red Sox signed John Lackey to a lucrative deal this offseason, it was believed by some that the front office was preparing to let Beckett hit the free agent market at the end of the season with Lackey acting as his replacement. I had to chuckle.

And that's not a knock on Lackey, who is a fine pitcher. But Josh Beckett, whether you want to call him the ace or not, has been the anchor of the Red Sox pitching staff and there was no reason to let him go.

If the team is ready to pay $8.6 million to a player who is now playing for a division foe and pay another $12 million for a player who is essentially a backup designated hitter at this point in his career, it had better have been ready to pay the man with 65 wins and a .657 winning percentage and a 5-1 postseason mark in four years with the team.

With him retained, the Red Sox could have one of the most formidible pitching staffs in baseball for a long time. Beckett, Jon Lester and Lackey are now all assured spots in the rotation (barring something unexpected happening, of course) from now until 2013 and possibly 2014 if the Red Sox pick up Lester's option that year. Clay Buchholz, who many teams would love to have as a second or third starter down the road, is also under Red Sox' control until 2014. Granted, this is all with the unrealistic assumption that no one gets hurt, traded, etc.

Normally, I am not a fan of long-term deals with pitchers because so few of them have worked out and likewise, the deal with Lackey makes me nervous because he has had difficulty staying healthy. Beckett hasn't had such issues with the Red Sox, starting at least 30 games in three of the four seasons he's been in Boston. It's especially impressive after getting a reputation for being injury-prone with the Marlins, although he often voiced frustrations with them, once calling himself the healthiest man on the DL.

Beckett seems like an old man simply because he's been around forever. He pitched his first game at 21 years of age and will turn 31 in May, so the odds of this extension turning out to be a Mike Lowell-esque disaster are not as high.

I don't know if I like using the term "big game pitcher," but the bottom line is if you were looking for someone who fit that description on the Red Sox, it would have to be this guy. Given is track record, age and the fact that the price tag wasn't all that unreasonable, given what the team has handed out in terms of contracts recently, this was a no-brainer.

So congrats, Theo, on making maybe the easiest decision in your professional career.

Not Buying What Theo is Selling

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Heading into the season opener against the New York Yankees, the Red Sox newly discovered philosophy of "run prevention" will be put to an early season test.

The John Lackey signing was great, and Adrian Beltre and Mike Cameron will certainly bring better defense to the Red Sox lineup, but something just doesn't seem right with the Red Sox new focus on pitching and defense.

For years, Theo Epstien has preached high on base percentage, and loved players who were tough outs at the plate. Theo had players who could work the count up and down the lineup. Now we are supposed to believe that run prevention is the way to go? What happened to getting guys who were great at getting on base? What ever happened to building up the opposing teams pitch count? This worked great in the past, and brought a pair of World Series Championships to Boston. If it is not broke, why fix it?

I like Mike Cameron, but really, he is a rally killer. Red Sox Nation will not be happy the first time he kills a rally by striking out on 3 pitches, and bails the other team out of a jam. The whole run prevention mantra reeks of Theo trying to cover up for bad off seasons the last few years.

It all started with the failed Mark Texiera signing after the 2008 season. The Red Sox dropped the ball with Tex. The Sox could have matched the New York offer. What was the difference between the Red Sox and the Yankees offer? Maybe 10 or 12 million? Over the course of an 8 year contract the Red Sox would have only had to pay another 1 or 2 million a season. That is long reliever money, and something the Red Sox could have easily done.

Same goes with Jason Bay. The deal that he got from the Mets was something that Theo and company could have beaten. Guys like Bay, who are good for 30 HR and 100 RBI every year, are not easy to find.

The killer is the both Texeria and Bay should be productive throughout their contracts, and have little risk, with big upside.

Even if Beltre has a huge year, he could be one and done in Boston because he only under contract for one year. Cameron is clearly nearing the end.

I know the Sox have a bunch of talent in the minors, but will Red Sox Nation really put up with a bridge year to 2011 or 2012. The Red Sox should be able to put a winner on the field every year with the fiances they have. They are the only team that can really compete with the Yankees in that regard.

Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego is name that keeps getting brought up to add some punch to the Sox lineup, but he will cost the Red Sox some of their prized prospects. Tex and Bay could have been here without having to give up any players.

The failed signing of Tex and Bay will come back to haunt the Red Sox. If not for John Lackey, it really could have been a lost off season for the Red Sox.

As it looks now, the Red Sox seemed to be destined to lose a lot of 2-1 or 3-2 games. At the end of last season, the Red Sox needed to add offense and failed. Theo tried to sell the Nation on run prevention, but in the end it could add up to an 88 win season and no playoffs. Will the Nation find this acceptable? I hope Theo is right about the new found faith in pitching and defense.

Maybe it is the way to go, and the Red Sox will continue to win 95 games and play deep into October. For some reason, I just don't see this happening, and the Sox will be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

McNabb to the Raiders? Not good for the Patriots

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Personally, I find the Donovan McNabb soap opera fascinating. The latest McNabb trade rumors has the Eagles sending their embattled QB to the wasteland properly known as the Oakland Raiders. There have been reports that McNabb will not report if that is the case, but what really can he do. At this point, you might be asking who cares about this, and what does this have to do with the New England Patriots? Well, if you recall, the Patriots received the Oakland Raiders 2011 1st round draft pick in return for Richard Seymour just prior to the start of the 2009 season.

Most people, like myself, still thought this was a pretty good deal because there was no way the Raiders could improve that much for this pick not to be a top 10 pick, right? Well, we just may be wrong. If McNabb does get sent to the Raiders, then they are a much better team than most people realize. They managed to win 5 games last year, and should easily be a .500 team with the addition of Donovan McNabb. The Raiders will still lack any decent receivers, but have a solid stock of running backs that line up behind a decent offensive line. My guess is Zach Miller turns into an All Pro Tight End thanks in part to having a quarterback who can actually throw the rock. It also helps they have a pretty decent defense. While they struggled against the run, the Raiders defense was 7th in the NFL in pass defense.

What will the Patriots do about this? Well, the Patriots will most likely not move this pick prior to, or during, the 2010 draft. Why? I don't see a new CBA being agreed to by either the owners or players without a slotted salary for rookies. The Patriots know this and will have two first round picks with a locked in salary. What do I think they should do? To heck with the slotted draft system, I want to win. The 2010 draft is being referred to the deepest draft in who knows how long. Use the 2011 first rounder to move up and get an impact player at a position of need like an edge pass rusher or offensive lineman.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to the new draft style?

Here's what I have to say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Excuses are like you know what, and so are opinions.

Well, here's my two cents on 10 different topics in the world of sports.

1. The baseball offseason was great since the New York Yankees won the World Series title. Now, unfortunately, the Red Sox fans are coming out of the woodwork and talking major smack again. Really? You know the Yanks are the defending champs until someone -- if they can -- dethrones them. So shut it. The peace and quiet was so nice.
2. The Boston Celtics are not frauds, but they're also not a championship-caliber team. They are flawed and look old. They choked again in the clutch. How do you let the Houston Rockets beat you at home? Unacceptable.
3. Tim Tebow doesn't have a strong arm, he isn't very accurate and the bottom line is that he's not going to be a great pro. Tebow's QB skills need a lot of work -- why do you think he completely changed his throwing motion in hopes of impressing scouts? He is a college QB, not a pro. No questioning his heart, desire, toughness and leadership at all. I just question his QB skills at the pro level. He'd make a great H-back.
4. The Patriots better not draft Tebow in the first or second round. Please, please, please draft a linebacker or defensive end in the first round.
5. I'd love to really watch UFC, but am not going to buy it on pay-per-view. Is the UFC on cable at all?
6. Is there anything better than the baseball package on DirectTV? Well, the Sunday Ticket is pretty sweet, too.
7. Why would the MLB season start at night when the Yanks visit the Red Sox on Sunday night? Really bad decision MLB. Opening Day should always be during the day. How many children that need to go to school and adults that have to work during the morning will stay up and watch a four-hour game between these two rivals? Poor, poor, poor.
8. Does it really matter that the Bruins make the playoffs or not? Either way, they're not going to win the Stanley Cup. After what happened last season, anything less than a trip to the Stanley Cups finals would be considered a bad year. If you can't score, you can't win.
9. I'm not really a soccer fan, but it's hard not to watch Team USA in the World Cup. When is the World Cup anyway? June or July? Well, I've got my Team USA soccer hat and t-shirt ready to go. U-S-A, U-S-A!!!
10. Root for Tiger Woods all you want. He makes me sick to my stomach, and I hope he never wins a tournament again.

Ingy's 2010 MLB Predictions

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, now that we are just a few days away from the start of the 2010 season, it's time for the country's baseball pundits to put their money where there mouth is. I am no different. Being the overly opinionated man that I am, I must publish my preseason standings, playoff picks, and choices for the major baseball awards. Feel free to ridicule all you want. As always, we'll revisit them, whether good or bad, at the end of the season. Off we go!

MLB Divisional Standings:

AL East:

1. New York Yankees

2. Tampa Bay Rays

3. Boston Red Sox

4. Toronto Blue Jays

5. Baltimore Orioles

AL Central:

1. Minnesota Twins

2. Chicago White Sox

3. Detroit Tigers

4. Cleveland Indians

5. Kansas City Royals

AL West:

1. LA Angels

2. Seattle Mariners

3. Texas Rangers

4. Oakland A's

NL East:

1. Philadelphia Phillies

2. Atlanta Braves

3. Florida Marlins

4. New York Mets

5. Washington Nationals

NL Central:

1. St. Louis Cardinals

2. Cincinnati Reds

3. Chicago Cubs

4. Milwaukee Brewers

5. Houston Astros

6. Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West:

1. Colorado Rockies

2. LA Dodgers

3. San Francisco Giants

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

5. San Diego Padres

MLB Playoffs:

American League: Yankees over Angels Twins over Rays

Yankees over Twins

National League: Phillies over Dodgers Cardinals over Rockies

Cardinals over Phillies

World Series: Yankees vs. Cardinals

New York Yankees - World Series Champions

Post Season Awards:

American League: MVP: Joe Mauer - Twins

Cy Young: Felix Hernandez - Mariners

Rookie of the Year: Austin Jackson - Tigers

National League: MVP: Matt Kemp - Dodgers

Cy Young: Roy Halladay - Phillies

Rookie of the Year: Jason Heyward - Braves