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.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
This team would never lose a game
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I’ve been sitting around today in a fog, and started dreaming about the baseball Dream Team I’d assemble if I were GM of Team MLB. Here’s my dream team (subject to debate, of course), which includes eight positional players, a right-handed starter, left-handed starter and closer. They are all current MLB players, too.
Do you agree or disagree with me?
1B – Mark Teixeira (NYY) While Tex hasn’t currently gotten hot yet with the stick, the one aspect of his game that is always steaming is on defense. He’s got a great glove, yes he’s a Gold Glover, and saves the rest of that infield so many errors with great plays. He’s the best defensive first baseman, no doubt.
2B – Chase Utley (PHI) – Utley might not be the best defender in the world, but he’s a legit Hit Dog with plus power, especially at the second base position.
SS – Derek Jeter (NYY) – Go ahead and call me a homer, but Jeter can still get it done on offense and defense (I know his range has diminished a tad). But what separates him from most, is his ability to lead a ballclub. He’s my captain without a doubt.
3B – Evan Longoria (TB) – The 24-year-old can already do it all at a high level. He hasn’t even hit his prime yet. Now that’s scary.
C – Joe Mauer (MIN) – Is there a sweeter swing in the game right now that the Twins’ backstop? What’s so impressive is the grind that catchers have to battle through, and Mauer still manages to hit over .300 every year.
LF – Carl Crawford (TB) – Man, I just love Crawford’s speed. Five out of the last seven years, Crawford has swiped at least 50 bases. On my team, he’s got the green light to run whenever he wants.
CF – Matt Kemp (LAD) – He’s the best young player in baseball. He’s got all five tools, and he’s on the verge of stardom. Kemp is welcome on my team any day.
RF – Jason Heyward (ATL) – I know it might be a little early to crown Heyward, but the rookie has caught my eye with an above average OF arm and a great bat. I’d feel more comfortable if he put up great numbers for a few years, but I’ll roll the dice and say he’s going to be an All-Star very soon.
LHP – Jon Lester (BOS) – You probably thought I’d say CC Sabathia, but I’ll take Lester. The southpaw is a lot younger and I feel he still has upside, while we’ve already seen the best CC has to offer. If Lester didn’t stink so much the first month of every season, imagine the numbers he’d put up?
RHP – Roy Halladay (PHI), Tim Lincecum (SF) – I took the easy way out and selected two guys. Well, here’s my reasoning. If I want a premier veteran, Halladay is my choice hands-down. But if I want youth and power, Lincecum is my man. Either way, I can’t lose.
Closer – Mariano Rivera (NYY) – Rivera could be 90 years old, and if he’s still in the majors closing, I’m taking him. He’s a big game pitcher, having proven to do the job on the biggest stage many times, and not many still enjoy hitting that potent cutter. Really, is there anyone even close to Rivera? No way.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I’ve been sitting around today in a fog, and started dreaming about the baseball Dream Team I’d assemble if I were GM of Team MLB. Here’s my dream team (subject to debate, of course), which includes eight positional players, a right-handed starter, left-handed starter and closer. They are all current MLB players, too.
Do you agree or disagree with me?
1B – Mark Teixeira (NYY) While Tex hasn’t currently gotten hot yet with the stick, the one aspect of his game that is always steaming is on defense. He’s got a great glove, yes he’s a Gold Glover, and saves the rest of that infield so many errors with great plays. He’s the best defensive first baseman, no doubt.
2B – Chase Utley (PHI) – Utley might not be the best defender in the world, but he’s a legit Hit Dog with plus power, especially at the second base position.
SS – Derek Jeter (NYY) – Go ahead and call me a homer, but Jeter can still get it done on offense and defense (I know his range has diminished a tad). But what separates him from most, is his ability to lead a ballclub. He’s my captain without a doubt.
3B – Evan Longoria (TB) – The 24-year-old can already do it all at a high level. He hasn’t even hit his prime yet. Now that’s scary.
C – Joe Mauer (MIN) – Is there a sweeter swing in the game right now that the Twins’ backstop? What’s so impressive is the grind that catchers have to battle through, and Mauer still manages to hit over .300 every year.
LF – Carl Crawford (TB) – Man, I just love Crawford’s speed. Five out of the last seven years, Crawford has swiped at least 50 bases. On my team, he’s got the green light to run whenever he wants.
CF – Matt Kemp (LAD) – He’s the best young player in baseball. He’s got all five tools, and he’s on the verge of stardom. Kemp is welcome on my team any day.
RF – Jason Heyward (ATL) – I know it might be a little early to crown Heyward, but the rookie has caught my eye with an above average OF arm and a great bat. I’d feel more comfortable if he put up great numbers for a few years, but I’ll roll the dice and say he’s going to be an All-Star very soon.
LHP – Jon Lester (BOS) – You probably thought I’d say CC Sabathia, but I’ll take Lester. The southpaw is a lot younger and I feel he still has upside, while we’ve already seen the best CC has to offer. If Lester didn’t stink so much the first month of every season, imagine the numbers he’d put up?
RHP – Roy Halladay (PHI), Tim Lincecum (SF) – I took the easy way out and selected two guys. Well, here’s my reasoning. If I want a premier veteran, Halladay is my choice hands-down. But if I want youth and power, Lincecum is my man. Either way, I can’t lose.
Closer – Mariano Rivera (NYY) – Rivera could be 90 years old, and if he’s still in the majors closing, I’m taking him. He’s a big game pitcher, having proven to do the job on the biggest stage many times, and not many still enjoy hitting that potent cutter. Really, is there anyone even close to Rivera? No way.
Will Moss negotiate with the Patriots?
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Randy Moss not only catches touchdown passes, but he’s also an agent, too.
Well, he’s his own agent now.
According to Moss’ former agent , Tim DiPiero, the New England Patriots wide receiver will now be a completely one-man show when it comes to future negotiations.
Moss is a smart man, perhaps, saving millions of dollars if he doesn’t have an agent. And really, does Randy need an agent to negotiate his next deal? I don’t think so, considering his football resume speaks for itself.
The question is: Will Moss strike up a deal with Bill Belichick and the Patriots after his current deal runs out at the end of this coming season?
But the REAL question is: Will the Patriots want him back after the year?
Let the negotiations begin!
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Randy Moss not only catches touchdown passes, but he’s also an agent, too.
Well, he’s his own agent now.
According to Moss’ former agent , Tim DiPiero, the New England Patriots wide receiver will now be a completely one-man show when it comes to future negotiations.
Moss is a smart man, perhaps, saving millions of dollars if he doesn’t have an agent. And really, does Randy need an agent to negotiate his next deal? I don’t think so, considering his football resume speaks for itself.
The question is: Will Moss strike up a deal with Bill Belichick and the Patriots after his current deal runs out at the end of this coming season?
But the REAL question is: Will the Patriots want him back after the year?
Let the negotiations begin!
Enough already: Stop crying about the soccer ball
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The World Cup is right around the corner. The World Cup is right around the corner!
That’s the buzz circulating throughout the country.
But it’s becoming a negative buzz …and quick.
Well, here’s a perfect example of why the sport isn’t as popular here in the U.S. (because we don't like crying in any sport) like it is in other parts of the world.
Can you believe that the major headlines regarding the World Cup right now is the new ball designed by Adidas, dubbed, “Jabulani.”
Everyone, I mean everyone, from goalies, to strikers to midfielders are stomping their feet and crying about how this new ball is so different …in a bad way of course.
The players are saying that they ball “changes trajectory” in flight, sort of like a dancing knuckleball, perhaps, in baseball terms.
This ball is creating quite a stir. I guess change can be bad, but how much different can a round ball be? This whole “issue” with the ball is just baffling. It seems to me like complaining just for the sake of complaining.
But if the ball is THIS bad, then the World Cup committee better go back to an old ball, and quick. Because we don’t want the overall play to be affected in a negative way. That would be bad, I mean very bad for soccer.
Seriously, players, adjust to the new ball. Granted, it may feel and play a tad different than the old one – I get that – but get over it and move on. It’s too bad that now the best story line to come out of the World Cup is going to be about this stupid new ball.
One thing I do know is: I’m even more excited for the World Cup to begin now (honestly, joking, if you didn’t know). I can’t wait to see this new ball unveiled, and see all these players verbally assault the ball during a match and blame it on the reason why they lost.
This World Cup might be the best ever!
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The World Cup is right around the corner. The World Cup is right around the corner!
That’s the buzz circulating throughout the country.
But it’s becoming a negative buzz …and quick.
Well, here’s a perfect example of why the sport isn’t as popular here in the U.S. (because we don't like crying in any sport) like it is in other parts of the world.
Can you believe that the major headlines regarding the World Cup right now is the new ball designed by Adidas, dubbed, “Jabulani.”
Everyone, I mean everyone, from goalies, to strikers to midfielders are stomping their feet and crying about how this new ball is so different …in a bad way of course.
The players are saying that they ball “changes trajectory” in flight, sort of like a dancing knuckleball, perhaps, in baseball terms.
This ball is creating quite a stir. I guess change can be bad, but how much different can a round ball be? This whole “issue” with the ball is just baffling. It seems to me like complaining just for the sake of complaining.
But if the ball is THIS bad, then the World Cup committee better go back to an old ball, and quick. Because we don’t want the overall play to be affected in a negative way. That would be bad, I mean very bad for soccer.
Seriously, players, adjust to the new ball. Granted, it may feel and play a tad different than the old one – I get that – but get over it and move on. It’s too bad that now the best story line to come out of the World Cup is going to be about this stupid new ball.
One thing I do know is: I’m even more excited for the World Cup to begin now (honestly, joking, if you didn’t know). I can’t wait to see this new ball unveiled, and see all these players verbally assault the ball during a match and blame it on the reason why they lost.
This World Cup might be the best ever!
Friday, May 28, 2010
BRING ON THE LAKERS!!!
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
No need to panic Celtics fans.
The Boston Celtics ARE NOT the Boston Bruins.
There's no choke in these C's.
Now, it's bring on those hated Lakers, if they can get by those pesky Suns.
But now the Celtics are back in the NBA Finals, for the second time in three years.
And this trip has been worth every single bump in the road.
Just think about the road to get here. Boston beat the Heat (with superstar Dwayne Wade), the Cavs (LeBron James) and now the Magic (Dwight Howard).
Nothing was handed to these guys, they earned every single win and deserve to have a chance to win another NBA championship.
Man, the Celtics were so frustrating during the regular season -- you can thank injuries for that -- but they are playing some great basketball right now. At the biggest time of the season, no less.
There's got to be something said for veteran leadership. The Big Three, despite showing their age at times, are still delivering and don't look old and slow at all right now. Now, add Rajon Rondo -- you can make a case that he's the biggest star on the team at this moment -- into that mix, and the Celtics are tough to stop with four legit scorers.
Great job little used guard Nate Robinson, who was a very good scorer with the Knicks. Robinson proved a spark that had the home crowd going into a frenzy. Robinson pumped in 13 points, including two 3-pointers, and the Celtics rode Robinson's coat tails and never looked back.
Yes, the C's have that knockout punch, unlike the Bruins.
Believe in the Boston Celtics. Hard to imagine they only need four more wins to win the NBA championship.
Bring on those Lakers. We want to beat the best the NBA has to offer.
Say it with me, "Beat L.A., Beat L.A."
Here's What I Have to Say
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Here are 10 quick-hitters in the weekly, “Here’s What I Have to Say” column.1. The Boston Celtics better bring their ‘A’ game tonight at home or they will lose this series.
2. The Celtics and Bruins are not the same type of franchise. The Bruins have been dubbed ‘losers’ for years (I don’t call them that even though they’ve had such a long drought of winning the Stanley Cup) while the Celtics have to be considered ‘winners’ for all the banners hanging from the rafters.
3. Show your pride and start getting excited for the World Cup. Go USA!!!
4. Rajon Rondo has quickly developed into a superstar with his early playoff round performances, but where has he been vs. the Magic? Big-time players don’t go to sleep in big situations. I expect a big game from him tonight. Or maybe he’s hurting and that’s affecting his production?
5. How bad do you want a Celtics-Lakers matchup in the NBA Finals? It brings back the good old days in the 1980s when that series was so volatile …and I loved it as a young buck!
6. I said it before, the Red Sox are not dead. While I’m not a fan – at all – they just don’t die. And now they’re getting the pitching (Jon Lester has been lights out) and now David Ortiz is raking, they are a dangerous ballclub once again. The AL East should be a fun race to watch with the Big 3 of Boston, New York and Tampa Bay.
7. Don’t expect the Yankees to play great baseball until they start getting healthy. The Bronx Bombers are the walking wounded right now (starters Curtis Granderson, Nick Johnson, Jorge Posada are all on the DL).
8. Is it football season yet? This offseason is dragging. But isn’t it like this every year?
9. How can you not like NASCAR? Cars going 180-plus miles-per-hour, crashes and on- and off-the-track altercations. There’s always some kind of action going on in that sport.
10. Hey, it looks like Brett Favre is going to come back and play for the Vikings this year. Wow, shocking. This guy likes the spotlight, and we all can’t get enough of him throwing interceptions when the game is on the line.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The top shelf and the bottom of the barrel
By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The top shelf
Tampa Bay Rays
They still have the best record in the majors, so it's hard to argue with them being in this spot. Other than a 2-1 loss to Houston, it's been a pretty solid week for the Rays, including sweeping a quick two-game series with the Yankees. The Rays are 15-6 overall this month.
New York Yankees
It's been a while since the Yankees have been able to string a series of wins together. In fact, after Sunday's loss, the Yankees have now lost five of their last seven, including three straight to AL East teams. Still, they're in second place in the best division in baseball and still holds the second-best record in baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies
The last two days were rough on the Phillies, who were almost no-hit by Daisuke Matsuzaka, then shut down for eight innings by Tim Wakefield. That capped a pretty pedestrian week for the Phils, who split two-game sets with the Pirates and Cubs before losing two of three to the Red Sox. Jayson Werth is having a freakishly good year. He's a career .269 hitter who is batting .327 this season and is on pace for 124 RBI. His previous high was 99 last year.
Boston Red Sox
Pitching and defense is finally showing up for the Red Sox. Yes, they are in fourth place in the AL East, but they have now won five of their last seven games against the Yankees, Twins and Phillies. Everyone has been talking about David Ortiz' re-awakening, but Kevin Youkilis is doing his part as well, batting .390 with a 1.316 OPS in the month of May.
San Diego Padres
Who would have though the Padres would be in this position? Pretty much everyone figured the Adrian Gonzalez sweepstakes would be heating up by now, but now there seems to be even more of a reason for him to stay. Sure, part of the reason they are in first place in the NL West is because of how bad the division is, but an NL-leading 3.03 ERA helps as well. The huge ballpark helps at home, but the Pads still have one of the lowest road ERAs in the league.
The bottom of the barrel
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona has the best offense in the National League when it comes to scoring runs, but it's hard to win games when the pitching staff isn't up to snuff. The D-Backs have the absolute worst ERA in the majors at 5.65 and the bullpen has blown 10 of the team's 20 save opportunities.
Baltimore Orioles
After winning a few games against good teams to start the month and some weak opponents to begin in the middle of May, the Orioles have gotten back to losing, going 3-7 against the likes of Cleveland, Kansas City, Texas and Washington. Baltimore has the worst run differential in the American League at minus-62.
Cleveland Indians
A 4-3 win over Cincinnati halted a six-game losing streak. Cleveland has failed to score more than four runs in each of its last seven games, which is not a good thing when your pitching is giving up more than six runs per game. Grady Sizemore has been invisible, batting .211 with zero home runs.
Seattle Mariners
It's been a nightmarish Month for the Mariners, who have a 5-16 mark in May. What's even more telling is the team's inability to win close games. Seattle was 2-7 in one-run games in that month.
Houston Astros
Eight quality starts for Roy Oswalt and just two wins to show for it. Carlos Lee's batting everage is hovering around the .200 mark and only two players qualified for the batting title are hitting more than .250.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The top shelf
Tampa Bay Rays
They still have the best record in the majors, so it's hard to argue with them being in this spot. Other than a 2-1 loss to Houston, it's been a pretty solid week for the Rays, including sweeping a quick two-game series with the Yankees. The Rays are 15-6 overall this month.
New York Yankees
It's been a while since the Yankees have been able to string a series of wins together. In fact, after Sunday's loss, the Yankees have now lost five of their last seven, including three straight to AL East teams. Still, they're in second place in the best division in baseball and still holds the second-best record in baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies
The last two days were rough on the Phillies, who were almost no-hit by Daisuke Matsuzaka, then shut down for eight innings by Tim Wakefield. That capped a pretty pedestrian week for the Phils, who split two-game sets with the Pirates and Cubs before losing two of three to the Red Sox. Jayson Werth is having a freakishly good year. He's a career .269 hitter who is batting .327 this season and is on pace for 124 RBI. His previous high was 99 last year.
Boston Red Sox
Pitching and defense is finally showing up for the Red Sox. Yes, they are in fourth place in the AL East, but they have now won five of their last seven games against the Yankees, Twins and Phillies. Everyone has been talking about David Ortiz' re-awakening, but Kevin Youkilis is doing his part as well, batting .390 with a 1.316 OPS in the month of May.
San Diego Padres
Who would have though the Padres would be in this position? Pretty much everyone figured the Adrian Gonzalez sweepstakes would be heating up by now, but now there seems to be even more of a reason for him to stay. Sure, part of the reason they are in first place in the NL West is because of how bad the division is, but an NL-leading 3.03 ERA helps as well. The huge ballpark helps at home, but the Pads still have one of the lowest road ERAs in the league.
The bottom of the barrel
Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona has the best offense in the National League when it comes to scoring runs, but it's hard to win games when the pitching staff isn't up to snuff. The D-Backs have the absolute worst ERA in the majors at 5.65 and the bullpen has blown 10 of the team's 20 save opportunities.
Baltimore Orioles
After winning a few games against good teams to start the month and some weak opponents to begin in the middle of May, the Orioles have gotten back to losing, going 3-7 against the likes of Cleveland, Kansas City, Texas and Washington. Baltimore has the worst run differential in the American League at minus-62.
Cleveland Indians
A 4-3 win over Cincinnati halted a six-game losing streak. Cleveland has failed to score more than four runs in each of its last seven games, which is not a good thing when your pitching is giving up more than six runs per game. Grady Sizemore has been invisible, batting .211 with zero home runs.
Seattle Mariners
It's been a nightmarish Month for the Mariners, who have a 5-16 mark in May. What's even more telling is the team's inability to win close games. Seattle was 2-7 in one-run games in that month.
Houston Astros
Eight quality starts for Roy Oswalt and just two wins to show for it. Carlos Lee's batting everage is hovering around the .200 mark and only two players qualified for the batting title are hitting more than .250.
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