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.

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."

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.

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!!!

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.