NBA Finals: Game 4

Reefer Madness here, checking in with a quick look at game four of the NBA Finals which goes tonight in Orlando. The Magic are looking to even up the series that many people thought (including myself) they didn’t stand a chance in, but so far they have proven to be the better team, aside from game one, despite trailing in the series. The first game the Magic looked overwhelmed by the whole finals atmosphere and got spanked by the Lakers’ experience, they are only one Courtney Lee alley-oop layup away from winning game two and leading the series. They are a team that lives by the jumper and dies by the jumper, and after setting NBA finals shooting records in game three they only won by four points. I do not think they will be able to repeat anywhere near the same type of shooting performance, but if they realize it early and start feeding the ball down low to the beast that is Dwight Howard he could put them on his Superman-esce shoulders and get it done. The Lakers have done well in limiting Howard’s offensive contributions, but you can only hold him down for so long, with a lower shooting percentage comes more offensive rebound opportunities for D12 and he will have his best game of the finals for sure, but will it be enough? I know if GOAT were here (and we all wish he were) he would be all over his boy Dwight tonight, but he’s not, so I hate to break it to you all but it’s not going to happen for you tonight. Kobe won’t allow it.

Game three was a bust for Kobe and he knows it. He shot only 50% from the free throw line, and talked about letting his team down after the game. Kobe has come a long way since his last championships with Shaq, he has matured both on and off the court into a more complete player and person. He is still grumpy as hell though when he doesn’t win. I expect him to have a dominant performance tonight to makeup for leaving more than the margin of victory at the charity stripe last game. That doesn’t necissarily mean dropping 40+ points anymore, but it might. Kobe has shown more trust in his teammates all season long than ever before in his career and has become a leader on the court. He will look to get everyone involved early and then look to take over down the stretch, and when the Magic throw everything but the kitchen sink at him he won’t be afraid to look for guys like Fisher or Ariza to make a big shot.

Key for me tonight is the Lakers’ energy off the bench, if Lamar Odom comes ready to play and gets his fair share of rebounds to keep Howard away from the offensive glass then I think the Lakers will take the win. If the Magic are able to get Howard involved early and often on the offensive end that is their best chance at winning. I don’t see them shooting 62.5% from the floor again so I don’t see them winning this game. I am picking the Lakers tonight 102-98.

Playoffs and Hockey and Game 7’s…Oh My!!!

I know the puck has dropped on the Washington/Pittsburgh series but I thought I would get in my predictions before the final buzzer sounds.  I will also get you my thoughts on Boston/Carolina and Detroit/Anaheim

Washington/Pittsburgh

Can I call ‘em or can I call ‘em???  Well I mean this is the only series I got right but BOY did I nail it!!!  Bettman got his wish and had his two superstars square off in one of the best playoff series in a long time..Well since the Rangers and Capitals last round.  All of these games have been amazing and both stars have been pretty prevalent but I think tonight will come down to goaltending.  Can the young Varlamov over come ANOTHER game 7 against a team with plenty of playoff experience?  Can  Marc Andre Fleury not give the puck away to Patrick O’Sullivan and lose for the Candians, OK that was low but I actually still STRONGLY dislike him STILL for that play. 

Anyway the answer to these questions is…NO…Varlamov is a GREAT rookie that will have a good playoff run to look back on but he can’t win this one EVEN at home.  I say Pittsburgh 6-2and Gary Bettman tries to instill a rule where a series can be extended to 17 games if they aren’t settles by 10 goals or more….

Boston/Carolina

I won’t lie (and can’t really) I thought this would be a BREEZE for the Bruins!  They had been an awesome team all year and their goaltending was unreal (Tim Thomas lost 3 games straight for the first time ALL YEAR in THIS series) and everything in between rolled nicely for them too.  Then you have Carolina who, I won’t lie again, didn’t even know had a chance to make the playoffs until about 3 days BEFORE the playoffs.  I mean they did win the cup 3 years ago but after that they fell off hard.  Paul Maurice really seems to have lit a fire under this teams ass and I like that, I like SO MUCH that I think they are going to……lose respectively tomorrow.  

Boston is too complete and I think tying up the series really pushed them past the ‘Canes in the momentum department and will carry them to the next round.  My score prediction is 5-1 Bruins.  Don’t worry Carolina, you get 41 homes games AT LEAST next year to look at your HOT CHEERLEADERS and for that, you are the true winners in this years playoffs!!!

Detroit/Anaheim

WOW!!!  I can honestly say this was the biggest surprise to me since that time I got drunk and thought I spent all my money but when I got home and took my hat off, there it was tucked stuffed nicely under the sweat band still don’t know how that happened).  Anaheim has looked gritty and persistent all series and I think this may be the only game that could go either way.  Detroit is the high powered, fast paced and very European team that will look to skate around the Ducks while peppering their goalie at any chance.  While Anaheim is a gritty, well rounded and mostly North American team that will look to slow down and beat up the Wings until they can pot a few well placed shots. 

So who wins?  The Tortoise or the Hare???  In this race I have to go with…..Tortoise…I KNOW, I KNOW, I originally chose the Wings in 5 but I think Anaheim is a very underrated team that looks to have, to quote Snoop Dogg, “The pieces to the pizzle” to solve Detroit.  Ducks 3-2

Peace!

Derby Day and More…

So much excitement I think my head might explode.  Let’s get right to it.

Whether you’re a racing fan or not, if you care enough about sports to be reading this you probably have at least a passing interest in the most recognizable horse race of the year.  With the news that Morning-Line favourite I Want Revenge is scratched, Friesan Fire will likely be the top choice on the tote board.  I’d toss out Mr. Hot Stuff, Advice, Mine That Bird, Join In The Dance, Atomic Rain, Nowhere To Hide and Flying Private, leaving 12 very good 3-year-olds to sort out:

THE LOW PRICED FAVOURITES

Friesan Fire – The favourite in advance wagering on Friday, when I Want Revenge was still on the board.  Big race in the slop to blow away Papa Clem in the Louisiana Derby, but otherwise hasn’t faced off with as many top horses as some of the other contenders.

Dunkirk – Followed up a visually stunning Allowance win with a solid second to Quality Road in the Florida Derby.  Only three career races, no 2-year-old starts and no works at Churchill are some red flags.

Pioneerof The Nile – King of the California horses comes to Churchill with no experience on dirt, but Gomez had many choices to ride and stayed here which says something.

General Quarters – The feel-good story of the Derby, as 75-year-old Tom McCarthy’s only horse makes it to the Derby with a legit shot.  Switches to Julien Leparoux off a good win in the Bluegrass Stakes, climbed from a 20-1 ML to 5-1 in advance wagering friday.

Chocolate Candy - Closed for a strong second in the Santa Anita Derby behind POTN, switches to Mike Smith who will wait to unleash one big move late.

Hold Me Back - Comes in off strong races at Turfway and Keenland (closing well behind General Quarters), but showed little in only race on dirt.  Unsure after a middling work at Churchill.

THE PLAYABLE LONGSHOTS

Papa Clem – Came off the loss to Friesan Fire to win the Arkansas Derby in a stretch-drive slugfest with Old Fashioned.  Has good tactical speed and could be in a good spot if the early pace isn’t too hot.

Desert Party – The top half of the Dubai pair lost his last warmup to Regal Ransom, though many explain that away with an inside-speed biased track on Dubai World Cup day.  A popular outsider pick to win.

Regal Ransom - Expected to set the pace with Join In The Dance, was thought of as the rabbit for Desert Party until the win in the UAE Derby.  I doubt he can wire this field, but crazier things have happened.

Musket Man - Strong late move to win in Tampa followed by a strong win at Hawthorne, can’t be discounted.

West Side Bernie - Had an easier time than I Want Revenge at the Wood, but still couldn’t catch him.  The figure was big though, and showed a surprisingly good finish.

Summer Bird – Closed well to finish third in the Arkansas Derby.  Only three career races, only one big race, but shows a good late kick and if the pace gets too hot could be a factor with the extra furlong to work with.

So how does it play out?  The early track at Churchill is sloppy, so we’ll see how that changes and affects the field come 6pm.  Of the favourites I like Friesan Fire, Dunkirk and General Quarters the best, while Papa Clem and Summer Bird are my favourites of the second group.  If I had to pick one without thinking of odds I’d take Freisan Fire, but I personally wouldn’t play any of the favourites at less than 5-1 to win and I think he’ll be much lower than that.  General Quarters likely won’t be worth the investment either if the advance wagering is any indication, and it remains to be seen what happens to Dunkirk’s odds without IWR in the field.

My likely wagers – a token win bet on Papa Clem, as well as Dunkirk and General Quarters if I like the odds.  Maybe one of the other longshots if they drift really high.  I’ll probably play a trifecta with Friesan Fire and General Quarters on top of a mix of the others I mentioned.

Predicted running order – Friesan Fire, General Quarters, Papa Clem, Summer Bird, Dunkirk.  Likelihood of being wrong on all of them – 99%.

After that it’s the ultimate bounty of sporting goodness, with the Celts-Bulls Game 7 (I like the Celts by 5), Canucks-Hawks Game 2 (Canucks 4-2) and Manny Pacquiao beating up “There’s only one” Ricky Hatton.  I can’t say anything else, only that this day will be a beauty – hope you all enjoy it!

NHL Playoffs Round 2: FIGHT!!!

First things first, whoever taped that fake Rangers game last night and somehow transferred it to my PVR, GOOD ONE!!!  I thought for a minute there, the Rangers actually lost to Caps last night Ha Ha Ha….Ok, so maybe it wasn’t a big joke but that slimy goal Semin scored sure was a big joke.  Ovechkin may be the best player in the game but god damn can he please start wearing a full visor and tint that mothereffer blacker than tar.  Because if I have to stare at that putrefying mug while he celebrates for at least another 4 games, I either have to stop eating 6 hours before a game or just listen to games on the radio instead.

Sin City had his choices for the first round and did pretty damn good, going 5/8 and he was 1 goal from being right in the Rangers series (think I’m bitter???).  Well since my computer was pooched I never got to call my picks for the first round (I was 7/8 by the way…that was a blatant lie) now I will give you my 2nd round choices and I encourage Sin City and even our baseball guru The Sheik to get in on the fun, HECK, all of you should chime in too!!!

ROUND 2, LET’S GET IT ON!!!

Vancouver vs. Chicago- Let me tell you first off, this series is my favourite and my least favourite at the same time. Favourite because I love both the teams and least because I want them both to be in the Western finals, which is obviously impossible.  Both Chicago and Vancouver looked fairly sexy in their respective first round series with goaltending as opposed to goal scoring being the difference in both series. But in this series, I like the ‘Nucks.  Better goalie, more experience and the only Canadian team left.  Vancouver in 7.

Anaheim vs. Detroit - What can you say about Anaheim?  No one in their right mind thought they would actually help fulfill San Jose’s destiny as playoff choke artist but they did!  What does that mean in their next series against the boys from Motown?  The same thing War means to Edwin Starr, “ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, HUH!!!”.  Detroit in 5

Pittsburgh vs. Washington – Let me tell you right now, if the NHL was a 13 year old boy, the series would be Miley Cyrus in a shower.  Gary Bettman must be harder than a slab of marble tile right now just thinking of having Sid the kid vs. Ugly Alex for a possible 7 games.  As for me, I will get a bucket ready for all the close ups of Ovey and a pillow ready for all the interviews with Sidney Crosby.  Either way, this series will be great for the young NHL superstars and for creating some excitement for hockey in the States in a time that it desperately needs it.  Pens in 7

Boston vs. Carolina – Two teams with two very different first rounds will be meeting in this match up.  Boston will have been off for over a week before their first game on Friday, while Carolina will only have 2 days off.  So I guess this story comes down too, who do you think has the bigger advantage?  The team who came back from a 3-2 series deficit to beat the favoured team at their own rink?  Or the team who swept a team that squeaked in the playoffs?  For me, when it comes to the playoffs and hockey, I gotta believe the more rest the better. 

Peace!

Will The Real Anderson Silva, Please Stand Up???

****Since I first wrote this, it has been disclosed that Anderson Silva will replace Thiago Silva and fight Forrest Griffin at UFC 101 on August 8th****

As a massive MMA (mixed martial arts) fan, I am constantly defending the sport to people who are either uninformed or just looking to bust my balls.  Either way, I usually get pretty riled up and some how always end up just calling the person a name. Yes, my tactics haven’t changed since kindergarten.  One of my friends, Darkman, is a HUGE boxing fan and is only somewhat interested in MMA and more than anything just LOVES the fact he can rile me up whenever he wants.  One of his big complaints is the fact that anyone can beat anyone and usually 80% of the fights are just dudes laying on each other doing nothing.

 So coming into the fights a few weekends ago, I invited the DarkMan over to my mansion to take in  the fights on my 150″ HD TV. (See: one bedroom shoebox apartment and 32″ tube TV) and after checking with EVERYONE else and seeing there were just no other options, he obliged to join me.  After a few beers and some less than impressive fights, he started in about guys just laying on each other blah blah blah…That’s when I really stepped in it, “Wait till Anderson fights, then they be some excitement”.  He agreed and said that was the only fight he was looking forward too, were we EVER wrong.

In his first fight back since his weird, jitterbugging fight against Patrick Cote, I figured Anderson would have to just come in and decimate Thales Leites to shut everyone up and show them who’s boss.  Instead Anderson just sort of proved he seemed to like doing the jitterbug a hell of a lot more.  Sure, every time he tried to engage his opponent, Leites would just drop to his ass and lay there in the “GoatDiesel Defensive Position” but for me that is no excuse.  If you are the “pound for pound” best fighter in the world, shouldn’t you be able to hang with anyone, anywhere in the cage, including the ground?  I have NEVER seen another fighter stay away from another fighter the way Leites did but I have also never seen a fighter who was supposed to be the best stay away as well.  I truly think if that was GSP, he would have given up and engaged Thales on the ground, I would say the same for BJ Penn AND Fedor and those 3 have to be the other guys on tops of anyone’s list.

So what is the problem with Silva then?  I’m glad you asked.  I honestly think he is both bored and pissed off.  Bored with having to deal with completely inferior opposition just so fans can watch him fight every few months.  And pissed off for, having to deal with completely inferior opposition just so fans can watch him fight every few months.  Why the UFC doesn’t wait a few months and give ”Spider” some real competition at Middleweight is a mystery to me!  It’s not as if the division is empty, they gave Rich Franklin 2 shots at him, why not Nate Marquardt or Okami?  Sure he fought Nate the Great before but it was 2 years ago and Nate truly looks like a new and far better opponent now a days.  Okami is an very interesting fight as well because he was the last person to “beat” Anderson Silva.  I used quotations because it was actually a disqualification for an illegal kick that DQ’ed Silva and gave Okami the win.  Both of these guys are by far the best in the weight class in the UFC, besides Silva of course, so why keep throwing him guys that aren’t even in the Top 10 of the weight division?  Because, I believe the UFC does get greedy and figures as long as you throw a guy of Silva’s calibre you are going to get fireworks and you are going to get ratings.  Unfortunately for the fans, there was no gun powder on Montreal on the 18th.

Now it has been disclosed that Anderson Silva will face Forrest Griffin at 205lbs on August 8th.  WHY?  Sure, its probably going to be the 3rd most anticipated fight that has been official announced to take place this year, GSP vs, Thiago Alves and Brock vs. Frank Mir) but to me it doesn’t make sense.  If Anderson’s last two fights were at 185lbs and he either decimated top contenders or had a couple of wars, this fight makes sense.  But coming off of two of the weirdest fights I have ever witnessed?  Doesn’t make sense to me to put him up at 205lbs.

 For those of you that don’t know, the UFC, unable to find Silva formidable competition at his “natural” weight class of 185lbs, let the very talented fight move up to 205lbs, while they went searching for anyone who would give the champ a challenge.  In his only fight at the 205lb weight class, Anderson looked pretty impressive. In his debut he took on the very heavy handed James “the Sandman” Irvin that has unreal KO power.  That fight lasted a total of 61 seconds before Silva caught a kick from Irvin with one hand and then knocked him out with his other hand.  Yes, he is THAT GOOD.

Make NO mistake, Forrest Griffin is no Thales Leites or James Irvin, this man is a legit ex-champion at 205lbs and VERY GAME.  I will bet the farm you don’t seem Forrest dropping to his ass unless its either a joke or because Anderson puts him there.  Forrest is a serious striker with a concrete chin and with his debut in the UFC, a war with Stephan Bonnar, he helped put the UFC and MMA in the mainstream with his heart and determination.  The winner of season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter, Griffin is a VERY popular fighter and is no doubt very excited to be the guy who gets to make Silva actually HAVE to fight someone.

If Silva beats Griffin, the UFC almost HAS to give him a title shot or at least a fight with Rampage Jackson or the loser of Lyoto Machida and “Sugar” Rashad Evans.  If Silva loses, keep him at 185lbs, throw him a good challenge and if he handles them easily then throw him and GSP together and let’s truly find out who the best pound for pound fighter in the world is.

Peace!

2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs: First Round Predictions

Unlike the degenerate gamblers who read this stuff so they can make well-informed betting decisions, sports writers aren’t risking all that much when making predictions. When we turn out to be right, we get to brag about it and our credibility increases in the minds of our readers. When we’re wrong, it gets swept under the rug and rarely does anyone care enough to remember (unless you’re one of the degenerates who lost a lot of money… soooooo sorry). If someone does call me out on making a foolish pick, I can always claim “Opposite Day!” and leave it at that. So here we go with my Stanley Cup Playoff predictions for the first round:

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

What’s worse – being a fan of a team that sucks every year no questions asked, or being a fan of a team that always does well in the regular season only to frustrate the hell out of you with one playoff failure after another? The San Jose Sharks are the hockey equivalent to a girl you meet at a bar who seems like a sure thing all night, but brings you nothing but disappointment in the end. The Sharks’ playoff failures have been attributed to a lack of mental toughness (the girl could be crazy), injuries (she could have a STD), or the belief that the team is just better suited for regular season success and doesn’t have the complete package necessary to win when everything’s on the table (she’s a tease). The Sharks have grown more impressive with each passing season of dominant play over the 82-game schedule… the question is – how thick are your beer goggles this time around? Personally, my standards are never that high anyway. Sharks in 6.

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (7) Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history is the feel-good story of the NHL season thus far. Unlike your typical Adam Sandler movie, however, this one will not end with the underdog on top. Instead, picture Billy Madison being sent to a madhouse after he’s diagnosed with schizophrenia, thus preventing him from passing the 12th grade and allowing Eric to take over Madison Hotels. It was, indeed, much too hot for a penguin to be just walking around. Or let’s say instead of surviving the hit-and-run on the 9th hole and going on to win the gold jacket, Happy Gilmore dies in a much more violent accident orchestrated by that same hit man hired by Shooter McGavin. Turns out Shooter took the hit man up on his offer to buy dinner at Red Lobster, and they upped the anti on Happy’s head over some shrimp cocktails. Grandma doesn’t get her house back, and the Wings will win in a sweep.

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) St. Louis Blues

These are the two hottest teams in hockey heading into the playoffs, but that’s where the similarities end. The Canucks have overcome the consistency issues that plagued them in the first half of the season, and they’re the team I’m picking to go all the way. The Blues, on the other hand, have shocked everyone just by making the playoffs and are another one of those feel-good stories. This is one of those series where many of the so-called experts will try to look like geniuses by calling for an upset. Don’t be fooled. Having avoided injuries late in the season, Vancouver boasts the deepest lineup from the goaltender on out heading into round 1. How many teams can match the Canucks in goal right now? Not to mention Pinky & the Brain (the Sedin twins), who have been absolutely tearing it up the past couple months. The Blues have better luck seeing a normal-sized ass when Keith Tkachuk shows up for training camp next year than seeing the 2nd round. Canucks in six.

(4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (5) Calgary Flames

This strikes me as the most intriguing matchup in the West, because I don’t know what to expect from either team. The Flames are an enigma to this point, having cruised their way to a 13 point lead on the Northwest Division in the first half before playing horribly down the stretch and surrendering the division to Vancouver. The Blackhawks are an up-and-coming team to be sure, but this will likely go down as nothing more than a learning experience for first-timers Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. What’s more important for Chicago (and the NHL) – the Blackhawks led the entire NHL in attendance this season, averaging 22,247 fans per game. Also notable: former Maple Leaf great Anders Eriksson is expected to suit up for Calgary in game 1. Flames in six.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Boston Bruins vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

As a diehard Habs fan, this is tough for me to say, but based on what I’ve witnessed throughout the season, I cannot come up with a realistic angle or scenario from which I can see Montreal winning this series (believe me, I’ve tried). I’m having an easier time believing that, after finishing 1st in the entire Eastern Conference no less than a year ago, the Canadiens are trying to hustle the Bruins, hoping Boston will take them lightly due to their lackluster play over the 2nd half. Maybe I’ve been inspired by an episode of Fresh Prince I saw recently, where Uncle Phil hustles the pool shark that won money off Will. Bob Gainey might just have some Uncle Phil in him. Bruins in 6.

(2) Washington Capitals vs. (7) New York Rangers

The Capitals have the best player in the NHL in Alexander Ovechkin and a strong supporting cast highlighted by other rising superstars like Alex Semin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green. Despite this wealth of talent, people aren’t sold on the Caps for one reason – Jose Theodore. Before he was wheeling Paris ‘ilton and partying his way out of Montreal, Theodore was one of the best goalies in the league who stole a couple series for the Habs over the heavily favored Bruins. Many would be surprised to learn he is still the last goalie to win the Hart Trophy as league MVP, which he did back in 2002. Theodore’s performance in recent years, however, makes it tough to picture Washington coming out of the East. The Rangers aren’t being given much of a chance in this series due to their lack of offence (Nik Antropov led the team in scoring with 59 points), but they do have some savvy veterans with good playoff resumes (Chris Drury, Scott Gomez). Don’t overlook Henrik Lundqvist either. Sources tell me he’s the handsomest goalie in the league and he’s got the ability to win games on his own. Rangers in 7.

(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

“OOOOWWWAAAAAAAHHHHHHH…” (…Your basic fake yawn move right there, which is always obnoxious more often than it is funny, because the person who is expressing their boredom usually holds it for too long and they look like an asshole pretending to stretch). Unless you’re David Puddy (“gotta support the team”), this series is hands down the least interesting of the first round. It’s never easy to bet against Brodeur, but look for Cam Ward to be the difference for Carolina. Hurricanes in 7.

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers

This should turn out to be the best series of them all. Philly is very well balanced up front and has tremendous scoring depth, while the Pens unquestionably have the two best players in the series and the better goalie. After puzzling the hockey world with their inconsistent play for most of the season, the Pens seemed to find their groove right when they needed to. They surged up to 4th place all the way from 10th, and another deep run in the playoffs seems likely. Sports fans who’ve been around for a few years love to look back on the greatest players of all-time and celebrate the success they had in their prime. We saw Jordan and Gretzky do many special things during their championship dynasty years with the Bulls and Oilers. More recently, how awesome was it when Lebron James scored 29 of the Cavs’ final 30 points in a Conference Finals win over the Pistons 2 years ago? The great ones all have their moments, and Sidney Crosby has the ability to put up 5 or 6 points on some nights. I think we could be in store for some legendary performances on the big stage. Penguins in 6.

FINALS PREDICTION (take one) – Vancouver Canucks defeat Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games.

Written By: Sin City

Now you see it…Now you don’t…

I am literally writing this in the dark, well thats a lie, I just can’t see what I am writing.  I know the site has been “dormant” for about a week and the thing that sucks is I have A BUNCH to write about!!!  I MET  WITH BRYAN COLANGELO and had a pretty good convo with him, which I really want to share with you all.  Speaking of Bryan, I also want to let you guys know what I think of the Raps season, what went wrong and what they HAVE to do this off season to improve.  Then there is the NHL and NBA playoffs about to start.  I know I will miss the first few gamesof the NHL but I will be back with the match ups and the keys to each team getting out of the first round.

Like I “tweeted” earlier (man, thats the WORST word) the reason the website has been down is my tech wizard and personal Shaman DAG is in the jungle with no internets.  Thus leaving the GoatDiesel with formatting problems out the cornhole (man, thats the BEST word).  I am trying all I can with the pea brain I own but I still can’t figure this Houdini writing thing out.  I am hoping by the weekend I can kidnap and coax a web dude to help me out.

So PLEASE don’t give up on me, for once I am actually not being lazy and drinking my nights away.  Well I am not being lazy anyway…

Peace!

Tonight’s The Night

I know this is probably going to get out to you cats past the tip off but I am having some issues with the formatting on my web browser AKA I can’t even see what I am typing right now.  As most of you know by now, Erica’s Picks has won the 1st Annual GoatDiesel March Madness Pool and 2 tickets to the game tomorrow against the Hawks.  Congratulations Erica!  I can’t believe you picked MSU, you must be on drugs (p.s can I have some of those when you get the chance).

Now on to the toast of the town, THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!  Its a classic underdog vs favourite movie set up, right down to the game being in the underdogs backyard, unfortunately for the Spartans, I don’t think this is going to end like Glory Road.  My prediction is the Tar Heels take a commanding lead to start the game and then the Izzo and the boys fight back near half and into the beginning of the second half only to be trounced thoroughly in the end.  UNC is too strong and too determined to let this baby slide through their fingers plus Psycho T wants the chip bad and just look at that crazy bastards eyes, do you want to take something from him?

Final Score 92-74 UNC.

Peace!

The Sex – Fantasy Baseball Edition

Being the company man that I am, I’ll follow Goat’s lead and talk a little baseball – particularly fantasy baseball sleepers.  The very mention of sleepers sends legions of fantasy players into a tizzy.  Of course, with losers like me pumping out stuff like this all over the interwebs (not to mention a gazillion legitimate sports websites) there’s not really such a thing as a true sleeper anymore.

With that in mind, the focus here is value.  Players on this list may not fit traditional definitions of “sleepers”, but they will likely outperform their draft position (and hopefully for me in my leagues, drastically so).

Side note: my man Goat had some trouble getting me on here, so I’ve trimmed the list down to guys owned in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues since most drafts are already done.  If you’re in a late draft, keep these names in mind in the mid-to-late rounds:

SP Yovani Gallardo, MIL (Yahoo! Rank: 112)
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS (Yahoo! Rank: 114)
LF Andre Ethier, LAD (Yahoo! Rank: 131)
SP Scott Baker, MIN (Yahoo! Rank: 166)
CF Adam Jones, BAL (Yahoo! Rank: 181)
SS Khalil Greene, STL (Yahoo! Rank: 184)
CF Cameron Maybin, FLA (Yahoo! Rank: 201)
SP Chris Carpenter, STL (Yahoo! Rank: 236)

As for guys who may be sitting on waivers right now:

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, TEX (Yahoo! Rank: 258)
The payoff for Teixeira, and supposedly chased by Boston in the offseason.  Should play 5 days a week in a nice ballpark surrounded by a stacked lineup.

3B/LF Chase Headley, SD (Yahoo! Rank: 267)
Gets the everyday LF job in SD – not a hitter’s paradise, but .290-20-80 isn’t out of the question for this up-and-comer.

2B Aaron Hill, TOR (Yahoo! Rank: 289)
Healthy and looking to make up for a lost season, will be a key part of the Jays offense.

RF Kendry Morales, LAA (Yahoo! Rank: 298)
Was huge news when he signed with the Angels and then disappeared.  He’ll play and he’ll hit… maybe not too much power yet, but .300 with 100 RBI’s is a distinct possibility.

RP Jason Motte, STL (Yahoo! Rank: 346)
Not necessarily the full-time closer, Motte will get save chances with the Cards and was a strikeout machine at AAA (14.9 K/9) and in a brief stint with the big club (13.1 K/9) last season.  Word’s out on him by now though.

RF Marcus Thames, DET (Yahoo! Rank: 630)
I used to work in the International League, so I’ve seen a lot of Marcus Thames.  He may finally get his shot to play every day (or close to it), and if he gets 500 AB’s he’ll hit 35 home runs.  At least.

CF/RF Jody Gerut, SD (Yahoo! Rank: 632)
Hey, I remember you!  Weren’t you Sporting News Rookie of the Year once?  What’s that, you might play everyday and go .280-20-75-12?

3B Scott Rolen, TOR (Yahoo! Rank: 671)
Past his prime, but healthy again and being actively shopped.  If his back and shoulders cooperate (as they have been late in the spring), he’ll hit enough for a team to bite on his contract and enough to be worth a spot on mid-to-deep league rosters.

CF Jordan Schafer, ATL (Yahoo! Rank: 778)
Strong spring nets a likely starting gig in center.  Not quite ready for stardom yet, but can be useful while playing everyday.  (This was written before he hit a dinger in his first MLB at-bat… nice looking swing).

CF Felix Pie, BAL (Yahoo! Rank: 888)
One time gem of the Cubs system should start against righties despite a horrendous spring, and look for the O’s to work him in more against lefties as they fall out of contention.  With last picks in very deep drafts, why not take a guy who might have some promise.

SP Andrew Miller, FLA (Yahoo! Rank: 1051)
Speaking of promise, Miller may struggle through another MLB season, but he’s put together a couple of decent outings to end the spring and may yet reach some of the lofty expectations thrust upon him a few years back.

Hopefully a few of these pan out for you and me both.  Oh and by the way, UNC by 16 tonight.  Sorry Izzo, your boys played their balls off but this Carolina team is just too good.  What was I thinking picking Memphis to win it all?

March Madness

Tomorrow night it all begins with the “play-in” game between Alabama St and Morehead St. to see who will lose horribly to #1 seed Louisville but nonetheless ITS HERE!  Sunday brought us the selection show which also brought us some pretty big surprises, well to me at least.  As avid GoatDiesel’er (new word #114) Reefer Madness said in his previous comment, I truly believe Niagara was left out and they have been a few times.  They did get to showcase their stuff in the “play-in” game a few years back when super Canadian Juan Mendez was rocking the purples but besides that I believe Reefer was right when the her said they don’t give love to non BCS teams. 

Snubs  - Niagara wasn’t the only snub, probably the most popular snub in most peoples eyes was St. Mary’s.  They were ranked throughout parts of the season and people really needed to see Patty Mills play ball on the big stage but with his injury keeping him out for part of the season.  I think with last years hero, Stephen Curry, not being in the show this year fan would have been ready to cheer for another exciting guard on a no name team.  Other schools with selection beefs, San Diego St, Creighton and probably Penn State but I don’t like them so they can stay out, ha ha.

Cinderellas - Here is where I am faced with a dilemma!  Do I show you my NCAA chops and let you beat your homies and cronies at work or do I not and beat you all down in my March Madness pool???  You know the Diesel and I am here for my peeps, so I will give you some glass slippers but choose with care.  Let me get the easy one out of the way, VCU and their one man show Eric Maynor.  Maynor is a beast who is fully capable of winning games by himself as he showed against Duke a few year ago. He will have to get some help from the big man with the soft hands, Larry Sanders, if they want to oust last years favourites, the UCLA Bruins.  Now here is one I really hate to give up but is also a my favourite, the North Dakota St. BISON…YES NORTH DAKOTA ST!!!  I don’t know if its the fact they are from North Dakota Yah or that they are facing one of my biggest pet peeves, the Kansas Jayhawks.  They are truly on fire in their first season of Division 1 ball and have some sexy shooters (percent wise only) in Woodsides and Winkleman and no I didn’t just pick him because he so clearly have the best North Dakota name in the bunch.  If they can make it past the Jayhawks I believe they will beat West Virgina in their second game but that’s where it gets sketchy for me.

Make sure you all sign up for my pool on Yahoo and let me know who you think was snubbed or will wear the glass slipper this year?

Peace!