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Monday, June 28, 2010

A-Fraud up to his old tricks

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Man, Alex Rodriguez is a great guy.
Yeah, right.
A-Rod, after blowing off former Yankees manager and current Dodgers main man Joe Torre days ago during batting practice – not even offering a wave or a hand shake – finally went up to Torre after a couple days to look like a good guy.
Don’t buy that for one minute.
A-Rod care about his image, and the latest hit to his image was how he couldn’t even go up to shake his former manager’s hand.
But after a couple days – more like a couple days of bad press – he decided the time was right to bury the hatchet.
Are you taking the bait?
Not here, not even from a big Yankees fan.
Listen, maybe A-Rod’s a real nice guy, but his constant calculated moves are a tired act.
Obviously, he doesn’t like Torre for the way the manager spoke of him in a book and dropped him to 8th in the batter order when the slugger was scuffling. Yes, that would tick me off, too.
I would have been more happy with A-Rod coming out in the media and saying he dislikes Torre and won’t shake, hug or even wave at his former manager. That would be an honest and real emotion, and one that I could respect.
I thought A-Rod stopped caring about what other people say about him?
We know that’s not the case, at all.
It’s too bad that A-Rod will never be able to shake off that bad nickname of A-Fraud?
But, I guess, he brings it on himself.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Busy week for the Bruins continues

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I can now take a sigh of relief. No, that is not sarcasm you detect from me at all. Peter Chiarelli continues his strong off season by re-signing Johnny Boychuk to a two year deal. The deal gives Boychuk between $3.5 & $3.75 million dollars over the two years, and is a great deal for both the player and the club. Normally Boychuk wouldn't even be an unrestricted free agent at this point in his career, but the NHL has a rule that mandates a player, 25 years of age, who hasn't played the equivalent of an entire NHL season (82 games) over his entire career gets the unrestricted tag. Boychuk turned 26 in January
If you watched the B's during the 2nd half of the season, you know the physical defenseman seemed to put it all together. He was outstanding in the playoffs as he averaged 26 minutes per game, a huge increase on his regular season PT. He really stepped up in the playoffs when the Bruins needed help on the blue line the most as they were missing Dennis Seidenberg and Mark Stuart. He now will enter just his second full season (he played 55 games last season) with a ton of confidence built from his playoff experience.
The move now pretty much solidifies the Bruins defense before the draft even takes place. Mark Stuart is still an impending free agent, but I've no doubt Chiarelli will bring him back as well. He's a talented player, but can't stay healthy. Honestly, I couldn't care less what happens with him. The first defensive pairing will obviously be Chara and Seidenberg. My best guess is Boychuk along with Andrew Ferrence, and then Matt Hunwick along with Stuart. That is a solid NHL blue line if you ask me.
On a side note, I forgot to mention that Bobby Orr is the agent for Nathan Horton. I have no doubt now that he'll be a huge success here in Boston. It's June and I already can't wait for hockey season.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Bruins hit jackpot in Wideman trade

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I don't know how Chiarelli did it, but he actually got another team to take Dennis Wideman. Not only was he able to get rid of one of the worst defenseman in the NHL, but he was able to get amazing value in return. Nathan Horton, the 3rd overall pick in the 2003 draft, has scored at least 20 goals each of the past 5 seasons, and scored 31 in 2007. He had 57 points in 65 games last season. By the way, that would have lead the Bruins in points!
While some people may say Horton has been an underachiever thus far in his career, I am not worried about his production at all. In 6 seasons, he's played for five different coaches and has been a part of a terrible organization. He's also a great fit for the Boston Bruins. He's big, powerful and can score. That's exactly the type of player the B's need right now. I am going to go on the record and say he scores 35 goals next season.
In addition to Horton, the Bruins also received 4th line forward Gregory Campbell. Campbell, son of NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell, may not even suit up for the Bruins as he is a pending free agent this off season. The sticking point for Bruins fans may be the addition of their other fist round pick, 15th overall, in the 2010 draft. I have absolutely no problem with them using this as part of the package, and here's why. It's very rare a mid first round pick will make an immediate impact in his first two seasons. I know it's a small sample size, but look at Zach Hamil. Hamil was drafted 8th overall by the Bruins in the 2007 draft. In his first two pro seasons, he played a grand total 1 game. There is no guarantee the young 21 year old center will make the team this year with the depth at the position. The Bruins were able to get a proven goal scoring Right Winger who is under contract for the next three seasons. That is a much better use of the #15 pick in the draft.
Make sure to check back to the site for all of your Boston Bruins off season and draft news and analysis. It looks like it's going to be a busy few days leading up to the draft. There are a ton of rumors flying around, and it would be ideal if they could also unload Tim Thomas.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Are you ready for the NHL Draft?

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Well, it's almost here. Yes, I'm talking about the NHL draft. In case you didn't notice, the draft takes place this Friday night at the Staples Center in LA. Sorry Celtics fans. As of right now I haven't seen, read, or heard of a mock draft that doesn't have the Edmonton Oilers selecting Taylor Hall first overall. That means the Bruins are "stuck" with talented center Tyler Seguin. I have no doubt Seguin is going to be a franchise player, but personally I will feel disappointed without Taylor Hall.
Why? The Bruins don't need another center. What they need is a top notch goal scorer that plays the wing. I feel like the Bruins are left with no choice but to trade Savard or Bergeron. There are rumors that include Savard in a package being sent to Columbus in return for the 4th overall pick. I'd have no problem with this if it were true, but from what I've heard it isn't. I'd love to leave the draft with Seguin and Cam Fowler, a solid young defender being compared to Brian Leetch. I just don't see it happening. I guess what you have to do is understand that no matter what, the Boston Bruins are going to get a game changing player they can insert into the lineup from day one.
What do you think? Am I crazy?

Friday, June 18, 2010

Fantasy Baseball Friday: June 18th

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Well, it's time to make a change of format for this weeks' blog. In case you've been living under a rock, you're well aware of the in flux of blue chip prospects making their MLB debuts over the past few weeks. What I'll do today is look at each player and let you know whether or not they are fantasy worthy for the rest of the season.
1. Steven Strasburg - Washington Nationals
We all know everything there is to know about the young phenom. He's certainly looked amazing in his first two starts, but those were against the Pirates and Indians. He gets his 3rd start today against the White Sox, so you can easily say he hasn't faced the 27' Yankees. In fact, the Indians are ranked 24th in average & 23rd in runs. The Pirates are 29th in average & last in runs, and the White Sox are 25th in average & 21st in runs. I have him on one of my teams, so I think he'll do just fine this season, but you can expect him to struggle after he makes his first trip through the NL. I think his command will help him greatly as he doesn't put himself into bad situations with free passes. Overall, I'd absolute want him on my team, but need to understand he's better suited to a #3 fantasy starter.
2. Buster Posey - San Fransisco Giants
Let's just say it's a good think catchers don't get fantasy points for their defense. While he's not ready yet to be in charge of a pitching staff, he is more than ready to hit at the major league level. The kid can flat out rake, and that's why the Giants brought him up. My guess is he'll struggle a bit, but will still end up as a top 5 fantasy catcher for the 2nd half of this season.
3. Mike Stanton - Florida Marlins
He was a beast at AAA, and the Marlins had no choice but to bring him up and replace Cameron Maybin. After a quick start in his first 4 games, he's gone hit less in the past three and is 0 for his last 12. I picked him up right away as depth for my outfield, but am already about to drop him. It scares me a bit looking at 13 strike outs in just 31 at bats, which is a whopping 42% K rate. He has all the earmarks of a great player, but he comes with such high expectations. The OF position is so deep this year with more than serviceable players, that he may be a reach and waste of a roster spot.
4. Pedro Alvarez - Pittsburgh Pirates
2 games, 0 hits, 6 at bats, 4 k's. Not a great start, but he's a great prospect for a reason. Despite the hype, the Pirates have done the right thing and slotted him in the 6th spot instead of smack dab in the middle of the order. He's a definite grab in deep leagues, as well as NL only. Look for him to wade through a few struggles before he finds himself later on in the season.
5. Carlos Santana - Cleveland Indians
As a Dodgers fan, it's hard to see Santana start so strongly for the tribe as Russell Martin stays stuck in neutral. I'd much rather have Santana behind the plate. While he's not going to be the offensive force Posey will be, he's won't be too far behind. He's a very solid hitter that will be a top 10 fantasy catcher the rest of the way. He's on a team that will allow him to play through some struggles, but also has another good young backstop in Lou Marson. Talk about an embarrassment of riches.

Change is on the way for Celtics

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
This terrible feeling that we Celtics fans have, well, it'll go away.
But it's going to take some time.
Losing in Game 7 of the NBA Finals just downright stings, especially when you blow a lead, can't rebound, can't hit a clutch shot and eventually lose to the hated Lakers.
Watching the Lakers celebrate, there's not much worse than that. That, and all those arrogant L.A. movie stars and pretenders thinking they are bigger than the show on the floor. Really, no need to wear sunglasses indoors.
It just makes me sick.
Well, expect there to be a lot of change in the offseason. The team we saw on the floor in the Finals, well, you won't see that team ever again.
You might see Ray Allen go, or Paul Pierce, or both. Who knows. Man, Ray Allen just couldn't hit a shot. I can't remember the last time -- probably never -- I wished that he wouldn't shoot the ball. He just couldn't find his range. I'm starting to think more and more about letting him walk.
Anyway, although the Celtics sure did put on a show -- how many out there actually gave this team a chance to even make the Finals? -- they failed to bring home the ultimate prize.
It pains me to say this, but the Lakers have a dynasty brewing while the Celtics are watching their franchise quickly fade away due to age. It's time for some new young blood, but at what cost?
And after listening to coach Doc Rivers' press conference, I'm banking that he's not returning to the bench.
So change is on the way, for sure.
And sometimes change is good. Sometimes it's bad. But in the Celtics' case, change is needed.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Boston Celtics proving age is only a number

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Just some random thoughts about the Boston Celtics, who are one win from clinching the NBA championship.
I guess age really is only a number. In sports terms, the Celtics are an old ballclub but there's got to be something said for heart, desire, teamwork and a will to succeed. The C's have all of that, and so much more.
Regardless of what happens is the final two playoffs games, how much longer will the Big 3 stay together? Sniper Ray Allen's contract is up, but do the C's retain him for say 2 years or do they let him walk in an attempt to get younger? It's a big decision, but I say re-up his contract for 2 more years and see if these guys can make another run at a title. Without Allen firing away on the outside next year, Boston will have big problems.
But one good thing is, regardless of the when KG, Pierce and Allen eventually leave Boston (either by choice or force), it's good knowing we have the point guard of the present and future in budding superstar Rajon Rondo. He's the real deal, and he's so much fun to watch.
Just watching this series vs. the Lakers, it goes to show how depth is so important. The C's have a bench and the Lakers don't. They have Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, and Gasol on occasion.
If the C's are lucky enough to win the championship, this title would rank right up their with the Patriots' title over the Rams. No one in their right mind would have picked the C's or the Pats to win anything. It surely would be another storybook ending. And a real shocker.
You can count on the Lakers getting the vast majority of the calls in Game 6, so expect a Game 7. You have to know David Stern wants it that way, too. Then the refs better let them play and swallow those whistles in Game 7.
Either way, the Celtics have been a joy to watch. They picked the right time to get healthy and that translated into getting hot.
Down goes, Miami, down goes Orlando, down goes Cleveland. Will the Lakers be next? Let's hope so.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Here's What I Have To Say

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Here’s what I have to say about 10 topics in the world of sports.

1. Don’t write off the Celtics. During the regular season, I didn’t believe but now this veteran team isn’t playing like an old bunch of farts, they are giving the hated Lakers a run for their money.

2. Here’s a scary fact: The Celtics haven’t even played their best game yet in the NBA Finals. Imagine if the Big Four are all in double figures, and the defense continues to lock down L.A.? Well, that would equate into an NBA championship.

3. The World Cup is here! Are you excited? Many U.S. sports fan don’t even like soccer, but there is an art to the sport, I must admit. But I’m wondering if those haters could change their tune if the scoring increased? Imagine a 6-5 soccer game. Well, here’s to the U.S. opening with a win over England on Saturday! Go U-S-A.

4. The University of Southern California got nailed with a two-year ban of appearing in Bowl games, plus scholarship losses and records and wins taken away. Pete Carroll got a lot of credit for turning SC around, but he should take most of the blame for the football program cheating. See, running away from the problem helped him.

5. NBA officials are an absolute joke. Enough said.

6. Ben Roethlisberger’s excuse for acting like a you-know-what: I was young, immature. Seriously, that’s the best you can come up with? It’s not like you’re 18, what a bogus excuse. You should have already matured.

7. Imagine Tom Brady not wearing a New England Patriots jersey. Must erase that image. I’m worried about his next contract, but can’t imagine Robert Kraft not paying him top dollar – franchise money – to stay. If Brady leaves, you might see this grown man cry.

8. The Chicago Blackhawks no doubt deserved to win the Stanley Cup. They should be applauded for playing as a team, even though they also feature some of the best young superstars in the league. Superstars that play in a team concept are the key to success.

9. Should MLB use instant replay for every situation on the field they are unsure of? Let the great debate begin. I’m more in favor of using robots to call balls and strikes because these umpires and their shoebox or hot air balloon strikes zones are brutal to watch.

10. No question the best actors reside in Los Angeles. Just watch a Lakers game and you’ll know what I mean.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Notre Dame sends message by re-upping with Boston College

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

If the Irish is seriously considering a move to the Big 10, they have quite the poker faces.

Don't let the slimeball athletic director at Boston College, Gene DeFilippo, fool you. Notre Dame and Boston College aren't continuing their series because they're both Catholic schools. The Irish are using BC to send a clear message to college football and the Big 10 specifically - we're not going anywhere.

While expansion rumors have been swirling, Notre Dame has continued operating as if they it plans on being independent for a very long time. Earlier in May, the Irish and Miami announced the revival of the "Catholics vs. Convicts" rivalry is likely to be renewed. Though it's not finalized, it's said that the two teams will face off starting in 2012 and play through 2015.

Now just yesterday Boston College announced that Notre Dame and Boston College will play six times from 2011 to 2019. DeFilippo said the two schools decided to renew the series based on the fact that they are the only two Catholic universities playing in the FBS. While that is fine to tell the papers, the truth is this: Notre Dame is using this as an opportunity to let everybody know it is not joining a conference anytime soon.

Signing on for long-term series with two ACC teams is big. One argument fans have had for Notre Dame joining the Big 10 is the fact that the Irish have so many regional rivals within that conference that they play most of their games against the Big 10 and might as well join it. Well, Notre Dame is finding ways to diversify its schedule and let it be known that it is going to play who it wants to play when it wants to play.

This upcoming season, Notre Dame plays three Big 10 schools (Purdue, Michigan State, Michigan), two Pac-10 schools (USC, Stanford), the two other independents (Army, Navy), one ACC team (Boston College), one Mountain West team (Utah) one MAC team (Western Michigan) and one C-USA team (Tulsa). The Irish even got away from signing on with Big East teams this season. In the past, Notre Dame has had an arrangement with the conference in which it has three Big East schools on its schedule. This year Pittsburgh is the only Big East school on the list.

The 2011 schedule already features three Big 10 teams, three Big East teams, two ACC teams, two Pac-10 teams, Army and Navy. Look to 2012 and of the nine games already tentatively scheduled, Notre Dame faces five different conferences (all BCS conferences), plus independents, with a home-and-home against Oklahoma bringing the Big 12 into the fold.

Notre Dame isn't going to make a move unless it has to and right now it doesn't have to. And with the furious scrambling of teams and conferences after the speculation of a Pac-16 now subsiding with no major changes appearing on the horizon, Notre Dame can keep saying to the Big 10, "Thanks, we're good."

Monday, June 7, 2010

Way-too-early college football top-3

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

For those of you who have been anxiously waiting, here it is - the conclusion of the way-too-early college football top-25.

3. Ohio State
The Buckeyes appear poised to take another Big 10 title, something Jim Tressel appears to be able to do in his sleep. But will Ohio State be able to clear the hurdle they've been tripping on the last five years? The Buckeyes have a legitimate shot at the BCS championship game, something they have not been able to win it their last two tries (41-14 loss to Florida in 2006, 38-24 loss to LSU in 2007). The defense will be just as dominant as last year, anchored by Cameron Heyward. But the offense needs to be more two dimensional than it has in the past, which means Terrelle Pryor needs to show he can do it with his arms as well as his legs. This is his time to prove he's worth all the hype he's gotten.

2. Alabama
Sure, conventional wisdom says you should rank last year's national champion should be ranked first, but there are many who don't agree that the BCS championship was actually between the two best teams in the nation. On top of that, Alabama has enough holes to raise doubt. The offense should be just fine with Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram, quarterback Greg McElroy and wideout Julio Jones, but defensively the Crimson Tide is a very light on experience. Only three starters return and there are major gaps on the front line and the defensive backfield. At defensive tackle and end, the starters are all new and both starting cornerbacks are gone. Alabama has a lot of depth, but one has to wonder just how much turnover it can take as it goes for a repeat.

1. Boise State
Many, yours truly included, thought the Fiesta Bowl was in fact the true national championship game last year and Boise State won that in a terrific game. Boise State has lost just one game in the last three seasons, compiling a 39-1 record over that time, including bowl wins against TCU the past two seasons. And if the top team from last year is returning every single starter from last year's team, how can you even begin to argue against them? Sure, Boise State plays in the WAC, which is a joke of a conference, but everytime the Broncos have played on a national stage, they have proven their mettle. Kellen Moore should be very much in the Heisman discussion this season and the defense is just plain devastating. Early wins against Oregon State and Virginia Tech would go a long way towards legitimizing the schedule for Boise State.

Bruins off season off to a good start

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Despite the hurt still being there, here I am am writing a quick blog about the Bruins. If you ask me, this is the most important off season the B's have had for quite some time as they look to bounce back from the worst play off loss in team history.
With that being said, Peter Chiarelli has wasted no time bringing back incumbent players he wants on this team. Last week he resigned Shawn Thornton to a two year deal, and most importantly signed Dennis Seidenberg to a 4 year deal over the weekend. After coming over in a deadline day trade, the left handed defenseman was simply amazing while being paired with Zdeno Chara. Despite playing on 17 games for the Bruins, he had a +9 and helped solidify the blue line for the Bruins.
The new 4 year deal costs the Bruins $13 million and averages a $3.25 million cap hit per season. That's a relatively cheap price for a top 2 defenseman, especially since Dennis Wideman is going to cost you $3.97 million for each of the next two season. Yuck! The signing pretty much finalizes the position for the team as they now have Chara, Seidenberg, Ference, Wideman, Boychuck, Stuart and Hunwick. Thankfully, this should provide Chiarelli plenty of time to deal with Bruins lack of scoring. With the draft coming up, hopefully the Bruins can assure themselves of taking Taylor Hall. I'd even be open to Bruins using their other first round pick this season in a package to get them the #1 overall pick just to make sure.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Gronkowski clearly has a passion to play this game

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
So I was at the Worcester Tornadoes' Can-Am League game Friday night, and find out a player on the team, Gordie Gronkowski, is the older brother of New England Patriots second-round draft pick Rob Gronkowski.
The story doesn't end there, however.
Rob, a tight end, was even in attendance last night watching his brother play.
I ran into the Patriots' rookie during the game, and chatted for a few minutes between innings. While it was basically small talk, Rob told me all I needed to know about him.
I asked him who he rooted for growing up, and apparently he was a Buffalo Bills fan.
Funny how things change, however. I kind of chuckled, knowing now he has to play his boyhood team twice a year in the AFC East, but Rob quickly joked something along the lines of how he dislikes them now.
We both kind of laughed, but what I really took out of that is how much passion he has for the game of football.
If you don't believe it, just watch this. That's all the proof you need.
This kid appears to be a perfect Patriot with talent, heart and desire. He's already being compared to Dallas' Jason Witten because he can catch passes, run away from defenders and also seal the edge as a blocker.
Anway, good luck to Rob Gronkowski. I hope he has a long, healthy and successful career in the NFL.
Never lose that passion to play this game! Welcome to Patriot Nation!!!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Watch out for Bryce Harper

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
In case you didn't notice, the 2010 MLB Draft begins on Monday June 7th. Don't worry, this will not be an article that delves into the entire first round. No, I am concentrating on the consensus overall top pick, Bryce Harper.
By all accounts, Harper has the tools to be a very good, potentially great hitter in the big leagues. To be quite honest, I'm not even writing this blog about how good he will be, but I'll quickly tell you. If I wasn't a betting man, I'd put my money on him being the next Todd Van Poppel or Brien Tayler. Obviously the offensive version as both of the aforementioned players were pitchers. So, the title to this blog is misleading on purpose.
Despite the obvious tools that make him a "safe" pick # 1 overall, if I was a GM of a major league team, I would pass and let him be someone else's problem. Based on everything I've heard, and read, Bryce Harper seems to be extremely full of himself. We are talking about the kid who dropped out of high school, got his GED and went to Community College so he would be draft eligible a year early. Unfortunately for the Washington Nationals, the 17 year old will be even more expensive than last years #1 pick Stephen Strasburg. The major problem with that is he is at least 3 years away from even breaking into the big leagues, much less making an impact.
His natural position as catcher, but recently Harper's "advisor", yeah right, Scott Boras has indicated a move from behind the plate would benefit him more. I haven't seen enough of him in the field to know if he can play other positions. The Nationals could always start behind the plate while in the minors, and do what the Giants are doing with Buster Posey until they think he can handle a major league staff. Either way, it's going to be a situation many baseball fans, and experts, will be watching closely.
Like I said, I'd rather take another player, but this is a draft that is somewhat light on bats. I just have a hard time gambling on a kid that could turn out to be an overrated, arrogant punk who can't really hit at the major league level. Then again, there's a reason why I'm writing this blog instead of making draft choices. I guess only time will tell

Fantasy Baseball Friday: June 4th

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Now that we've entered the month of June, it's safe to say we know whether someone is a bust or a pleasant surprise. Today's blog will be a little bit different. I'll just list the top 10 hitters and pitchers of the month, but will spend more time reviewing some of the aforementioned busts and surprises and look forward to the remainder of the season.
Top 10 Hitters of the Month:
1. Alex Rios - White Sox
2. Miguel Cabrera - Tigers
3. David Ortiz - Red Sox
4. Vlad Guerrero - Rangers
5. Alex Rodriguez - Yankees
6. Carl Crawford - Rays
7. Troy Glaus - Braves
8. Hunter Pence - Astros
9. Jose Bautista - Blue Jays
10. Michael Young - Rangers
I have to be honest that I'm shocked Ortiz, Rios, Glaus & Bautista on this list. Bautista will not hit for average, but he's a legit power guy the rest of the season. Look for Ortiz, Glaus, Pence and Vlad to slow at some point. I would especially watch out for Vlad in the nasty heat of Texas.
Top 10 Pitchers of the Month:
1. Mat Latos - Padres
2. Ubaldo Jiminez - Rockies
3. Clayton Kershaw - Dodgers
4. Jon Lester - Red Sox
5. Jonathon Broxton - Dodgers
6. Josh Johnson - Marlins
7. John Ely - Dodgers
8. Bill Wagner - Braves
9. Matt Cain - Giants
10. Shaun Marcum - Blue Jays
Look at the youth that's included in this list. No one is pitching better than Ubaldo this season, Kershaw and Lester are the two best young left handers in the game, and there's nothing to scoff at for Johnson and Cain. I think Latos surprises me the most. He's won 4 straight decisions after a terrible start to the year.
Top Busts: (listed in no particular order)
Zack Grienke - I really hesitate to put him on this list. Outside of his 1-7 record, his stats aren't that bad. He really is the killed by the fact the Royals are terrible.
Wandy Rodriguez - There was a ton of expectations on the left hander, and he hasn't delivered at all. I know the Astros are not a good team, but a 5+ ERA and a 1.62 WHIP is just awful.
Trevor Hoffman - I told you so. I cautioned you to stay away before the season, and the all time saves leader is making me look like a smart man.
Grady Sizemore - Even before he got hurt, he was off to an awful start. He has such promise, but he'll never reach his full potential. He can't hit for average, and really doesn't hit for enough power or drive in enough runs to garner all the hype.
Aramis Ramirez - Boy has he fallen off a cliff. His average is .162, and he has now power production at all. It looks like he may be done.
Chone Figgins - This one surprises me. His game should be able to translate to any team, and the cavernous SafeCo field shouldn't affect him at all. If anything, I figured he'd hit more doubles and triples.
Gordon Beckham - All the hype, and all the bust. He's done absolutely nothing so far. I'd actually keep an eye on him for a much better second half.
Top Surprises/Breakouts: (listed in no particular order)
Alex Rios - Who would have thought the Sox would get this type of production. He's making Ken Williams look like a genius.
Vernon Wells - Maybe now the Blue Jays will be able to unload his contract. If you read my articles, you know I wouldn't have taken Wells with my last pick in the draft. He has certainly shut me up with a huge start.
Jose Bautista - The man keeps hitting homers and driving in runs. That's about all he can do, but look for him to do it all season long.
Martin Prado - He's now a super utility type of fantasy player. He's eligible at three positions, and keeps hitting. I love him.
Troy Glaus - The Braves took a gamble on the power hitter, put him at first base and it's really paid off so far. I don't expect him to keep up the same pace, but he's certainly added to that lineup.
Jaime Garcia - Who is this guy? Well, he's just another in a long line of Cardinals pitchers to excel under the tutelage of Dave Duncan.
Mike Pelfrey - He finally looks like he's put it all together. He has the ability, so it's nice to see him pitching so well.
Carlos Silva - Wait, he's 7-0? Yes, he is, and you should probably trade him as high as you possibly can right now.
Early Season Fantasy Awards: (Full MLB)
Offensive MVP - Robinson Cano - It was close, but you have to give it to a guy who's hitting for average, power, drives in runs, and scores runs
Cy Young - Ubaldo Jiminez - Can't be surprised here. He already has 1o wins, a sub 1 ERA (0.78 in fact) and a 0.90 WHIP.
Rookie of the Year (so far): Jason Heyward - I think he's been better than the hype so far. I think it's his consistency that has really impressed me the most. He has the ability to adjust to Pitchers and what they're trying to do to him. You just don't see that in a player so young.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Way-too-early college football top-25

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

After the pain of watching the Bruins cough up a 3-0 lead in game seven firsthand, my friend said to me, "Now I don't have anything to look forward to until September." Well, this is for you, buddy.

Yep, it's time for the way-too-early college football top-25 prognostications for this year. Who will be No. 1? Where will your team rank? Read on and find out. I can only promise two things - 1. Notre Dame will NOT be anywhere near this list and 2. There will be some rankings that won't be popular.

25. Cincinnati
Cincinnati won't have to worry about the offense. Zach Collaros filled in well for Tony Pike when he was injured last year and should make the quarterback transition pretty seamless. He also has the benefit of most of the offense returning. The problems for the Bearcats lie on defense, especially up front with both starting DE's from last year leaving. The question marks that always surround a new head coach will be there as well.

24. Utah

Underrated my many as always, Utah returns a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Four offensive linemen are back, including senior All-Conference selections Caleb Schlauderaff (G) and Zane Taylor (C) Defensively, the Utes are pretty green, however, especially at linebacker.

23. Navy

Navy gets no respect and perhaps part of that is because it's a service academy, but the fact of the matter is Navy has made it to seven-straight bowl games, winning 8 games or more in each season and winning 10 games twice in that span, including last season. While four of those bowl appearances were losses, two of those losses were by a field goal or less (2006 Meineke Car Care 25-24 loss to Boston College, 2007 Poinsettia 35-32 loss to Utah).

22. LSU

LSU needs to solve its problems on offense because a 112th-ranked unit is not going to get you very far in the SEC. In his junior season, Jordan Jefferson needs to become what the Tigers thought they were getting when they brought him in.

21.UConn

The self-proclaimed fastest-rising college football program in history had a pretty nice season last year, considering all the adversity it faced. Jordan Todman is now the man in the backfield behind a young, but experienced line and could be a household name by season's end.

20. Pitt

The Panthers are very young and have a lot of questions to answer, especially on the offensive line and at quarterback. Tino Sunersi has some big shoes to fill after Bill Stull's surprisingly good year last year.

19. Oregon State

Oregon State turned some heads last season and could compete for a spot in the Rose Bowl if the quarterback situation gets figured out since most of the team at other positions is intact. A passing game to compliment Jacquizz Rogers in the running game would go a long way towards legitimizing the Beavers' attack.

18. Arkansas

Ryan Mallett was quite the surprise for SEC opponents last year, offering a solid passing attack to a team that has been known for its predictability in its playcalling when it comes to run vs. pass. Arkansas' defense needs to improve after being ranked 89th in total defense last year, especially in the secondary, which allowed nearly 250 yards per game through the air.

17. North Carolina

North Carolina's defense steamrolled some pretty legitimate ACC opponents last season and returns six All-Conference talents to that side of the ball. On offense, T.J. Yates was a disappointment under center, but that wasn't completely his fault. As long as his weapons stay healthy, the offense, which didn't lose much of anything in the offseason, should at least be adequate. That's more than last year's team could say.

16. Nebraska

Nebraska suffered the biggest loss in terms of personnel of any team, including Florida, with the exit of Ndamukong Suh. The man just plain dominated opposing defenses by himself. While the Huskers have a solid all-around unit, many players, especially at linebacker, had the comfort of knowing Suh was going to occupy two or sometimes three blockers. The offense is not much to talk about so ball control and defense will again have to steal some games for Nebraska.

15. Penn State

Defenses beware: Evan Royster is coming. The guy just barrels through the line and punishes whomever might be waiting on the other side. He just might be the best senior college running back out there this year and with the line he's got in front of him, it could be a Heisman season in the making, especially with cupcakes like Youngstown State, Kent State, Temple, Northwestern and Indiana on the slate.

14. Virginia Tech

No more Beamer Ball? The defense was a strength of the Hokies in 2009, but it could be a major weakness this season with only five players returning from last year's team that ranked ninth in scoring defense and 12th in total defense. Offensively, Tyrod Taylor and ACC Rookie of the Year Ryan Williams will lead a more-than-capable Hokies offense that has most of its starters returning. The question is whether or not a run-first offense can out-gun teams if the defense falters.

13. Wisconsin

John Clay will be a major cog in the Badgers' machine running behind fellow All-Conference selections Gabe Carimi (T) and John Moffitt (G). The veteran offensive unit is primed to put up some very impressive numbers on the ground. The real question is whether or not the young front seven on defense can prevent any opponents from doing the same.

12. USC

Put aside what Lane Kiffin is making to coach USC and ask yourself one question: Is he capable of winning with a big-time program? The answer is that nobody knows. Last year was a lackluster one for Kiffin in Tennessee and he was in a horrible situation in Oakland, so the jury is still very much out on the wunderkind. Add to that the fact that USC collapsed against supposed lesser teams and settled for the Emerald Bowl last year. Still, USC has a stable of horses in the backfield to carry the football and keep the pressure off of Matt Barkley, who had his growing pains as a freshman starter, but should make strides this season. The real question mark lies in the defensive backfield, which lost three All-Conference selections, including Taylor Mays.

11. Georgia Tech

The triple option has all of its major pieces back in Josh Nesbit (QB), Anthony Allen (RB) and Roddy Jones (RB) as well as a very athletic offensive line and should again be a devastating attack for the Yellow Jackets. Altogether 19 of the Jackets' 22 starters are returning this year after posting an ACC championship season the year prior.

10. Miami

Miami's defense was the only one to hold Georgia Tech under 100 yards rushing. In fact, they were the only team to hold GT under 200 yards rushing. That should tell you just how solid the Hurricane's defense is. Most of that squad is back for another go-around, including three All- ACC team members in Allen Bailey, Colin McCarthy and Brandon Harris. Miami's offense has the tools to be very, very good, but Jacory Harris needs to learn that it's not all about armstrength and start playing more disciplined.

9. Oklahoma

Everything that could possibly have gone wrong for Oklahoma did last season. Still, through all that, some good things happened. Landry Jones emerged as an effective quarterback, who will only get better this season with almost all of his targets from last year back on the field. There are questions about how good the defense can be for OU with Gerald McCoy leaving for the NFL and newcomers filling in at linebacker, but the Sooners have never had a problem with coming up with top-level talent.

8. Iowa
The Hawkeyes' defense is just plain scary with very few - if any - weaknesses. Adrian Clayborn could be involved in the Heisman conversation this year after posting 11.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss, both of which land him in the nation's top-10. Injuries hampered the offense last year and even when healthy, it won't blow the doors off anyone of merit, but with a defense as good as Iowa's, pretty good is all the offense has to be.

7. TCU
The MWC is becoming a more and more legit conference, so the best team in that conference needs to be treated with that kind of respect. Jerry Hughes, who was tied with Iowa's Clayborn in total sacks, is gone, so that's a blow, but the Horned Frogs have a very good defensive unit all the way around. Cornerback is a concern because both sides of the field are manned by new starters this year, but that's where the excellent line play of the Frogs' ends and tackles comes into play. Offensively, TCU is very similar to last season.

6. Florida
It will be interesting to see Florida post-Tebow, but still expect them to be a mid-to-upper-level top-10 team. The intriguing thing will be the way they use John Brantley in the offense. With Tebow at the helm, the Gators' offense relied on the quarterback being mobile. Brantley is much more of a pocket passer, but a dynamic running attack behind him could make up for the fact he can't move much. Defensively, the Gators lost a lot, including Brandon Spikes, but the secondary remains one of the toughest in the country.

5. Oregon

It's sad to say it, but Oregon is turning into the Bengals of college football. Lots of athletic ability, but a longer wrap sheet. Jeremiah Masoli, who was one of the best in the Pac-10 last year is gone for his extra-curricular activities, so quarterback automatically becomes a point of concern. LaMichael James, who came on the scene when LaGarrett Blount was suspended for his idiocy against Boise State, is back as the explosive catalyst for the Ducks' offense, though he's had his brushes with the law as well. Can he carry the offense by himself? Quite possibly as he will have a seasoned line in front of him. Altogether, most of last year's unit returns and if some people step into key spots, like quarterback, you are definitely looking at this year's Pac-10 champion again.

4. Texas
Colt McCoy is gone, leaving big shoes to fill at quarterback. Luckily, the newcomer will have lots of help with three returning wideouts and a host of able-bodied running backs in the mix. Three All-Conference o-linemen are also missing, along with Jordan Shipley, so Mack Brown will have a lot of work to do to get the unit into shape. Defensively, he's pretty well set, however, even though Earl Thomas skipped out for greener pastures in the NFL. The Longhorns have seven starters coming back to a unit that allowed less than 17 points and just 251.9 yards per game.

Want No. 3-1? Stay tuned.