NBA Finals Preview

It's finally here! The NBA FINALS are here! It was quite an interesting playoffs this year with numerous buzzer-beaters, but also a few blowouts. Through all of that, we've come down to the final two teams in the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavs. With all things considered, the MVP will prevail and lead his 67-win team to their first NBA Championship since 1975.

LBJ vs Curry- This is the "sexy" headline that is going to be illustrated all over ESPN and every media outlet. The best in the world vs the MVP. Though this is what all people will be talking about, these 2 will most likely never be guarding each other or exchanging jab for jab. They couldn't have differing styles of play. Steph Curry is the purest shooter I have ever seen and if left open (even if hes not open) he will hit open shots ALL DAY! He has the handle to get by anyone and with his splash brother waiting in the corners, he's got the ability to drop dimes all day.

Lebron is a point guard in a power forwards body. He sees the floor like Magic, has handles and power to get to the rim and can post up pretty much anyone who tries to guard him. His three point shooting is suspect and I would guess that Steve Kerr and company know this, and will sag off of him and make him make 3's to win his 3rd Championship.

The Warriors have an advantage in this series in that they can throw up to 4 different looks at Lebron to guard him. Klay Thompson, D. Green, Harrison Barns and Andre Iggy all could draw the task of defending "The King." All four have different strengths and abilities that are going to make it hard for Lebron to get into a rhythm. However, if anyone can find a way to make an impact, Lebron is that guy. He is going to have to get his others involved early and often. The guys like JR Smith, Iman Shumpert and the Dirty-Delly, having zero combined Finals experience, are going to have to gain confidence early in order to make a series-long impact. Tristan Thompson could FEAST on the smaller lineups that the Warriors put out there and will have a massive impact on the offensive glass. For the Cavs to win this series, Thompson is going to have to be the X factor and continue his strong play.

This is a very intriguing finals in that neither of the 2 teams have much Finals experience. We have 2 rookie head coaches, a league MVP making his first finals run and essentially everyone not named James (first or last name) on the Cavs having no finals experience. Yea Kendrick Perkins has some, but he will most likely not be taking off his warm-ups all series. To see the match-ups, adjustments and strategies that both teams implement will be telling to see how each team is going to play the other.

Predition- My first gut thought was the Warriors would win in 5 games. After having a few days to consider everything, I wouldn't be surprised if the series went 6 or 7, but I still believe the Warriors are far deeper and more talented all around.

Surprise Finals MVP- Draymond Green.

Top Five Friday...Power Forward edition

5- Dennis Rodman
One of the absolute best defensive players in NBA History. Yea he was a little (a lot) eccentric with his attire/hair/attitude/behavior, but there wasn't a player on the court who gave more effort, worked harder and wanted it more than "The Worm." The guy was a key member of 5 NBA Championships and deserves to be in consideration for one of the Top PF's of all time. He was a defensive master and a rebounding machine. There hasn't been nor will ever be a guy like Rodman.

4- Charles Barkley
Sir Charles was probably one of the most undersized PFs of all time. Standing at 6'6" he went toe to toe with every big man that stood in his path. Barkley had the moxy and persona to be the best and if not for Jordan, he'd have at least 1 ring. There hadn't been a player like Barkley who could run the floor like a 2 guard but post up and defend bigs. He was so unique and special, he changed the way people thought about power forwards. If we were judging the best athletes who are now commentators, Barkley would be hands down number 1. The guy is hilarious and speaks his mind, and I love it!

3- Karl Malone
The Mail Man. He and Stockton were one of the most formidable duos in NBA history. They mastered the pick and roll and it was essentially impossible to stop. I am not sure I've ever seen a Karl Malone jump shot ever hit the rim, he was nothing but net almost every time. Aside from being one of the most physically dominant players in the NBA, he always delivered when it was necessary. He and Stockton never won a ring together (again, because of Jordan) but he will still go down as one of the best players in NBA History. O by the way, hes second all time in points scored in NBA history.

2- Kevin Garnett
"The Big Ticket" came into the league out of high school and immediately made an impact. He has had sustained success for a long time and there isn't a more intense player than KG. He helped the TWolves get to the playoffs for a number of years but could never make it to the promise land. He finally got his taste of a ring with the Celtics. There haven't been too many players like KG, who take pride in playing defense and can also put up 30 on you. All these young kids coming into the league who are stretch 4s should go back and watch tape of KG when he was with Minnesota to learn how to play the game the right way. Hey, "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!"

1- Tim Duncan
"The Big Fundamental"I don't think anyone can argue NOT having Timmy as the best PF of all time. The guy has done it the right way and with one team his whole career. He's got 5 rings and has been the centerpiece of all of them. He is as humble as they come but like a fine wine, seems to be getting better with age. I've never seen anyone use the glass the way this guy does. He has a touch like no other and is one of the more underrated defensive players that I can remember. He is the last superstar who not only has been dominating in the NBA, but also is a 4-year college graduate and helped put Wake Forest on the map. He is the definition of franchise player and superstar. If you're talking about power forwards, Tim Duncan is the G.O.A.T!

Could this be the greatest sports weekend of all time?

For all men out there that will gander onto this article please be sure to do so away from your significant others.  I'm sure the women have great plans this weekend like enjoying the nice spring weather that we have in Atlanta, or maybe taking in a nice play at the Fox Theatre.  However, for the males you can put that off another weekend or so because you will want to be glued to the TV and here is why...


TOP 10 Sporting Events this weekend (April 30th - May 3rd)

1) Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather - Fight of the Century, Saturday Night
Can be seen for a whopping $100 bucks via Pay-Per-View.

Boxing has been gone for quite a while.  No one has really cared to see Floyd take on guys with half his talent and pedigree or watching Klitschko whoop up on somebody.  This will be a great fight, a match between good and evil some might say.  Floyd being the arrogant undefeated champ from our home country with some serious issues outside the ring and Manny being an ambassador for the sport and his home country of the Philippines. The fight coverage will start at 7PM and you likely won’t see Manny and Floyd until after 11PM.  Everyone is making money on this fight win or lose, including all the local bars that want to charge $30 to get in the door and sit around for 5-6 hours?? (wtf!)

Prediction - Floyd in a decision but I'm rooting for a knockout from Manny

2) NFL Draft - Begins Thursday night and will end Sunday

All coverage will be aired live on ESPN

A lot of great story lines coming into this draft, will Phil Rivers be dealt?  Will someone try and trade up for Mariota?  Who will be the first RB off the board and how early?  Will make for an interesting weekend, unfortunately as a Bills fan we won’t be all that involved at least until day 2. 

3) NBA Playoffs - First round currently airing and will go through weekend
ESPN and TNT

We have at least 3 series that will have gone to 6 games.  ATL/BRK, SAN/LA, MIL/CHI and these games will begin Thursday night and finish up on Friday.  Potential for a few game 7's that would air Saturday and Sunday. 

Prediction - I think all three are going to go the distance.  Atlanta will find a way to lose in NYC, CP3 will find a way to get it done in San Antonio and the Bucks will take care of business in MIL.  I look for Atlanta, Chicago and the Clips to advance.

4) Kentucky Derby - Saturday afternoon
NBC

What’s better then dressing up and heading out to a derby party just to sit around and drink some Mint Juleps?  Not much and although I'm not a big gambler everyone enjoys a good 2 minute horse race.

5) MLB GAMES - All weekend

Yankees/Red Sox is the obvious choice for best series of the weekend but there is plenty of games worth tuning in for.  Pirates/Cards, Royals/Tigers, Mets/Nationals are all divisional rivals that will battle each other throughout the year for the division.




6) NHL Playoffs
NBC
Second Round kicks off today with Washington/NY and Calgary/Anaheim, followed by Tampa/Montreal and Minnesota/Chicago tomorrow night. 


7) PGA Match Play Tournament
Golf Channel/NBC

Usual suspects Rory, Spieth and Bubba all won on Wednesday and are moving on. 

8) NASCAR - Talladega

9) Soccer Matches (English Premier, MLS, etc.)

10) College Baseball

The Overdevaluation

Time and time again analysts argue that the RB spot on the gridiron is the most replaceable position on the field. This mindset has been taken to a whole new level as of late and some argue that it doesn't matter who you put in the backfield, if the line is solid and the scheme is right, the guy will produce." While to an extent I see the point, I think this has been extremely oversimplified the past few seasons and here are a few quick reasons why:


#1. Jack of all Trades - Running back by committee is pretty much par for the course these days. Like QB's though, my mindset is "If you have 2, you have none". If you have 1 guy that can run between the tackles, hit the edge, pass protect and catch out of the backfield, that is 100x more valuable than 4 guys that have their respective specialty. If you have the rare talent that is a quadruple threat (Matt Forte), the defense is forced to be a 1/2 step slower to react and at this level, that makes all the difference not only for the running game, but for the passing game and offensive line as well.

2. Trent Richardson Rule - The whole "Don't take a RB in the first round" mindset started seemingly after the Browns snagged Richardson with a 3rd pick in the 2012 draft. The guy has been more than a disappointment. Instead of just chalking this up to a bad pick (as we do for every other position), people are just making blanket statements that running backs are unworthy of that spot. Quite the contrary, if you can get a guy that is THAT much better than the next guy in line...why would you pass on him?? Of course there is no such thing as a "sure thing" and if, this year in particular, your eyes are on Gurley or Gordon, you would be a fool to pass it up and fall victim to a 3-year-old mindset that will soon be disproved.


3. Typically, if you're drafting in the Top 10-15, lets face it, your team sucks. While it could very well be that RB is a position of need, odds are that there are bigger holes elsewhere that should be addressed first. In no way does this imply RB's are not important, they are just secondary needs to what is the bigger issue all together. There is a reason why you were 4-12 last year, and it isn't JUST the lack of a home-run threat in the backfield.


My take, WR's are next. If your saying RB's are a product of the line, then you have to say WR's are a product of the QB to a similar extent. Once WR's make the fall from immortality (7 projected in the first round..7! Really??), RB's will once again crack the Top 10 on a regular basis.

Top Five Friday...Small Forward Edition

We're going to take a look at the best Small Forwards over the past 25 years. This one was a little tricky with some quality players to choose from. Here is our list.

5- Chris Mullin
The lethal lefty. This dude coming out of St. Johns could flat out shoot! Although he never won an NBA Championship, he was part of the '92 Olympic team and helped them dominate everyone. Playing for GSW for the majority of his career, he never really experienced playoff basketball and that is a shame because I am sure he would have made some clutch shots.

4- Grant Hill
It is an absolute shame that injuries plagued his career. Coming out of Duke, he was destined to be one of the All-Time greats! He had such a smooth game and played both ends of the floor. He wasn't the fastest guy, the quickest guy or the best shooter, but he was crafty and could get to his spots and knock down shots. For the first 6 years of his career he was averaging over 20/5/6 a game. He had a great all-around game. If he had stayed healthy his whole career, he might be number 1 on this list and a top player in NBA history.




3- Scotty Pippen
The best lock-down defender I've ever seen. As Lebron was getting his diaper changed, Pippen was the guy who could "guard all 5 positions." Between Jordan, Rodman and himself, I have no idea how other teams even scored on those 90's Bulls. Scotty was a 6'8" SF who could handle the rock with ease. He could shoot, get to the hole and played defense like no one else. He was Lebron before Lebron came around. Granted, it always helps when you got #23 on your side, but Pippen had a lot to do with those 6 rings as well.

2- Paul Pierce
This guy has the old-school mentality in a new-school era. He is one of the last guys that, on the court, hates everyone in an opposing jersey, and I love that! There is something to be said of a guy who stays with one team, loses year after year and continues to fight. Eventually, with the help of KG and Ray Ray, he was able to bring a Championship to Boston. There is never a shot that he feels he can't make and there isn't a player he feels he cant check. He makes it personal with everyone and there aren't many guys that have that killer mentality. Of all the amazing players that have worn the green and white of Boston, Pierce ranks 2nd in points, and 3rd in games and minutes played.

1- LBJ
This wasn't too difficult. Already he's accomplished so much and his career still feels like it has an upward trajectory. It almost isn't fair what he's able to do. There isn't player in the NBA that can check him, although Paul Pierce probably thinks he can. There really isn't an argument here with who is number one. Lebron will go down as one of the greats of all time and his game has evolved so much to make him the best 2-way player in the NBA today. As much as I dislike some of his antics (a different post for a different day) I have respect for him as a basketball player in its purest form. He does it all, and when he's not flopping and crying for calls, he makes the game look effortless.

How many times is Tebow going to get "one more chance?"

Here we go again! Tebow is back in the headlines as the Philadelphia Eagles have signed him to a one year deal. The media, for whatever reason, loves this guy and is salivating at the opportunity to fit "tebowing" into their morning/nightly news. The true sports fan and knowledgeable football fan doesn't understand why he keeps getting "one more shot."

Don't get me wrong, he seems like a good dude and I wouldn't mind sharing a beer with him, if God lets him, but he has far outstayed his welcome in the NFL. Tebow seems like that weird uncle that shows up once a year at a family picnic and its just awkward because you don't really have anything to say to him, but you have to say hi because your mom just pinched you and said "Go say hello to your uncle! Yes, he has a certain moxy about him that teams might gravitate towards, but how many more chances is this guy going to get? He got drafted by the Broncos (chance 1) and it didn't work. He was traded to the Jets (chance 2) and saw less time on the field than the long snapper. He then was signed by the Pats (chance 3. If Bill Belichick can't find a way to utilize him, not sure who can) and he didn't even make the 53 man roster. This is now his 4th...I repeat FORTH chance in the NFL. It is insane that people are saying today "its good that he gets one more chance." How many chances is he going to get? He couldn't even beat out Marc Sanchez in NY.

If you really think about it, Tebow is a pretty selfish NFL hopeful. We see year after year college QB's tell teams that they will do anything to make a team and play wherever is needed. Denard Robinson, Julian Edelman and others were college QB's and are now playing well at other positions. Tebow has stood firm with the notion that "I am going to do whatever it takes to play QB in the NFL." As admirable as that is, hes just not good at QB. Tebow has never said he'll do whatever is necessary to help his TEAM be successful, he continues to say he wants to be an NFL Quarterback and he is going to do whatever it takes to prove people wrong. That is not a great mentality when it comes to a team game, especially if you are horrible at said position. He is almost dismissing the opportunity to help a team win to push his own agenda.

I don't want to speak for others, but my dislike for Tebow is primarily based on the fact that no other NFL player has ever gotten this much attention for being so irrelevant on the field. His faith and charisma is what the media and others eat up. People that know nothing about Football know Tim Tebow. He's no doubt a polarizing figure socially, and he can move forward with his life being in the social spotlight. A former NFL player who had the mental fortitude and drive to make it all the way to the NFL when everyone told him he couldn't. Disney can't wait to write a movie about! Hell, Tebow can act in it himself and start his next career to try to get an Academy Award!

As of right now, he's 0-3 with 3 strikeouts in the NFL. One more and he will not only have the golden sombrero, he might not have any more at bats in the NFL, and ya know what, he doesn't deserve any more!

Top 5 Friday...Shooting Guard Edition

As we continue on with our Top 5 Friday, this week were exploring the Top 5 Shooting Guards in the past 25 years. This one is fairly easy seeing as though I can't see any human on Earth arguing 1 and 2, but 3-5 could be up for debate. Either way, here we go!

5-Reggie Miller(Time)- This guy took trash talking to a whole new level. I loved watching Reggie toy with guys, chirp in their ear and throw his hands up to the refs to insinuate he did nothing wrong. Whenever the Pacers need a big shot, Reggie was on point! No one will forget his 8 points in 11 seconds against the Knicks in the playoffs. Reggie was one of the best competitors throughout his career. I bet every Knick fan hates him, and thats exactly how Miller liked is!


4- Dwyane Wade (Flash)- Coming out of Marquette, he wasn't one of the more talked about players in the 2003 Draft because of names like Lebron, Melo and...yes...Darko. Seems as though Flash took it personally winning 3 Championships in Miami and will soon have a statue outside the arena. Now he won one championship without Lebron and Bosh, but he did have Shaq. Even though Shaq was a big presence, D.Wade took home the Finals MVP. His game has evolved over the years into a slower, more crafty game, but he is still extremely effective, when he isn't plagued with injuries. He is a great player to watch when hes at 100%.


3- Allen Iverson (AI) Many have said that he is pound for pound the best player ever in the NBA! Standing barely 6 feet tall, AI never had a problem attacking the rim, and he never took a shot he didn't think he would make. He carried a 76ers team all the way to the Finals in 2000 and won game 1, only to run into a dynasty Lakers team. We ain't just talkin bout practice here! AI was a true gamer. No one has ever, nor will they ever question his heart. If only he had a few other pieces around him, he might be able to shine a Championship Trophy daily, to go along with his MVP trophy.

2- Kobe Bryant (The Black Mamba) There really isn't much to say about this guy that isn't known, or hasn't already been said. Coming out of High School, he was originally drafted by the Hornets and traded for Vladie Divac (Nice trade Charlotte!) Ever since then in 1996, he has wowed all who watch him. His work ethic, competitive nature and drive has led him to 5 NBA Championships and a Laker Legend. I have nothing but respect for Kobe Bryant. There are few men that are wired the way he is, maybe that's the reason that those men are in a whole different class of greatness!


1- Michael Jordan (G.O.A.T/Air Jordan/MJ)- It's really funny when people say that Lebron is the next Jordan, or could be as good as him...NOT A CHANCE! There will never be another Michael Jordan because no one has what he had. This couldn't have been an easier pick and no explanation needs to be given as to why he was atop this list. I could go on and on about all his greatness, but I'll just let you all admire his hardware in the picture. I think in this case especially, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

NBA Playoffs Preview

We're going to take it series by series and give predictions for who will win the NBA Championship this season.

EAST-

Atlanta (1) vs Brooklyn (8)
This series is pretty much a joke. Brooklyn is a pathetic team who got into the playoffs with a losing record. With no leadership and an aging core of players who, according to "THE TRUTH" Paul Pierce, don't have that burning desire to win, Atlanta will completely dominate the Nets to a sweep.

Toronto(4) vs Washington(5)
To me, Washington has far too much talent to go out in the first round. They haven't shown it all season, but I figure they can string a run together now that the postseason is here. I love Toronto's guards in Lowry and DeRozen, but I think that Wall and Beal are going to come to play this series. Even though Drake will probably be courtside for all the games, he's not enough of a deciding factor for me to pick the Raptors. Washington wins a good hard series in 6.

Chicago (3) vs Milwaukee (6)
For whatever reason, the Bulls front office isn't happy with Thibs as a coach and he could be looking for work elsewhere next year. I don't get it either. This team just keeps finding ways to win, even with key players in and out of the lineup. JKidd has done a great job with the Bucks and they have some length and athleticism to compete with the Bulls, but Chicago has proven vets that know how to get it done, and they are getting healthy. I'd say Chicago wins this series in 5 games, but Milwaukee is a team that is on the rise for years to come!

Cleveland(2) vs Boston (7)
Again, not a fair fight here. I commend Boston for everything they've done this year. Trading their 2 best players in Rondo and Jeff Green and still making the playoffs, job well done Brad Stevens and crew! Unfortunately, they are running into the best player in the world. Boston MAY sneak one win out of this series, but I wouldn't be surprised if its a sweep either. I'll say Cleveland in 5 since I love Brad Stevens.

Atlanta (1) vs Washington (5)
I just love the way Atlanta plays. 100% unselfish and team oriented. Washington will be a little battered from their previous series while Atlanta will be fully refreshed after a clean sweep of an embarrassment of a playoff team in Brooklyn. The Hawks have the "it" factor this year and play the game the right way. Atlanta takes this series in 6 games.

Cleveland (2) vs Chicago (3)
This is FINALLY where it gets interesting. These teams don't like each other, these players don't like each other and ya know what...THAT'S HOW PLAYOFF BASKETBALL SHOULD BE! This is going to go the distance. Cleveland obviously has the advantage with Lebron James ability to guard 5 positions, but Jimmy Butler is no slouch either. The Cavs don't have the big men to really contend with Noah, Gasol,Gibson and Mirotic,  If DRose plays to the level he's capable of, I think Chicago wins this series in 7 games.

Easter Conference Finals
Atlanta(1) vs Chicago (3)
This is a real toss up. Two teams that are similar in play and both well coached. Either way with this one could be argued for and against. As much as I like Atlanta, I might have to lean towards ChiTown. They have been in the playoffs for the past few years and have been beaten up. They are finally much healthier and deeper. The dark horse in the whole run for Chicago is going to be Mirotic. With so many lineups to play with, Thibs and the Bulls will at last make their Championship run and win the East!

WEST...(Where you actually have to WIN games to get into the playoffs unlike the East where 3 teams are not even above .500)

Golden State (1) vs Pelicans (8)
GS is just too good. Bottom line. The Pels have some fantastic pieces in AD, Holiday, Eric Gordon and Evans, but they don't have Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. I can't remember a better back court in my lifetime...maybe Thomas and Dumars for the Pistons, but I don't know if they could check the splash brothers. The Pels give it a good run and sneak one game, but GS wins in 5.

Portland (4) vs Memphis (5)
A tough draw for both teams. Two contrasting styles of play. Unfortunately, The TBlazers are a little beat up right now and that could prove costly. Memphis is solid all the way around and in a 7 game series, they usually find ways to grind out wins. They don't, however, have Mr Clutch in Damion Lillard. I can see him going OFF this series and carrying Portland to the next round, but I think the Grind House will prevail and Memphis will take this series in 6 games.

Clippers(3) vs Spurs (6)
This sucks for the Clips! They could have avoided the Spurs all together if SAS would have won their last game. Alas, they are stuck with the best 6 seed I've seen in a long time! I still believe that the Clippers are the most overrated team in the NBA and I fully expect the Spurs to show that vulnerability. Leonard and Co. are going to come to play now that everyone is at the big-boy table and the Spurs will win this series in 5 games...MAYBE 6.



Houston (2) vs Dallas (7)

The Battle of Texas! This series is going to come down to one player...Not Harden, not Dirk, not Dwight...Chandler...Chandler Parsons! Going against his former squad who didn't think he was good enough to be the third member of "The Big Three," I can guarantee you that Parsons is thinking about that right now. He isn't 100% healthy right now so if he can bet there and be ready to play come Saturday, he is going to give the Rockets reason to second guess why they didn't lock him up. I still don't think Houston is at the level to compete for championships, but I could be wrong. Dallas, with its experience and excellent head coach, win this series in 6 games.

GS(1) vs Memphis (5)
This will be a great series! The greatness of Curry will prevail over the grit-n-grind of the Grizz. Yes the Warriors have the chance to hit a cold streak and lose a few games, but their defense is way better than people think and they have so many different guys that can hurt you. D.Green plays with heart and I love that. Warriors will prevail in this series in 7 games.

Spurs (6) vs Dallas (7)
The Battle of Texas pt 2! At least Dallas doesn't have to travel far to go from first round to second. 2 veteran teams who have both won championships and both have fantastic coaches. It is going to be fun to watch the chess match of who guards Monte Ellis, C.Parsons, Rondo and who guards Leonard, Timmy and Parker. This will be a great series but Pop proves too much for Carlisle. Spurs in 6.

Western Conference Finals
GS(1) vs Spurs (6)
Youth vs Experience. Steve Kerr actually won a championship with the Spurs as a player in 2003. Such an intriguing story line to watch him now coaching in the Western Conference finals AGAINST his former team. Kerr is going to be a fantastic coach for a long time, but Pop still has it under control for at least a few more years. Pop and the Spurs win a good series and advance to another Championship. Spurs in 6


FINALS
Spurs (6) vs Bulls (3)

Add one more big fella!

There really isn't much more to say there that isn't already known about both of these teams. Duncan continues to find reserve in the tank to keep winning and with this Championship, He'll have 6! He is by far the best PF of all time and I don't know of anyone who doesn't like and appreciate his greatness. Spurs win this series and Duncan is your Finals MVP.
Spurs in 6

God Bless America. Baseball is back!

We all love the hardwood and pigskin as much as the next guy but is there anything like showing up to the ball park, grabbing a few dogs and seeing a pitcher’s duel?

With no real favorite this year everyone from the Cubs and Mets, to the Mariners and Indians looks to have a legitimate shot. 

So without further ado let’s get into some predictions...

AL East – Toronto Blue Jays

Talk about wide open.  I think the only thing that is certain in the East is that the Rays will undoubtedly finish last here.  They lost their manager and traded away all of their studs.  It will be another long season with no fans in the park yet again for the Rays.  Could the Sox go from worst to first?  It sure looks that way as they brought in some serious Free Agents this offseason.  Everyone is picking the O's it seems and as much as I love that rotation, they lost Cruz and Markakis and haven't really replaced those guys.  Lastly, being a huge Yankee fan I would love to say that everyone will remain healthy and have bounce back years but I just don't see it.  I think they will certainly be in the mix but at the end I see the Jays taking the east.  Great rotation and the best lineup in the division.

AL Central – Detroit Tigers

Not much to see here, it’s the Tigers all day.  Miggy, Cespedes, and VMart to go along with that rotation just book their ticket to October right now.  I have a hard time believing the Royals will repeat, and the Indians (another sexy pick) just won’t get it done either.  David Robertson will regret bolting NY for Chicago when his team throws up 90 losses this year and the Twinkies might finish with the worst record in baseball.

AL West – Los Angeles Angels

Likely to be the most competitive division this year, the A’s, Angles and Mariners all have high hopes of winning the Pennant.  I like the Angels to squeak it out at the very end.  Rangers were burden by injuries last year and it looks like they have hit the bug yet again.  Houston we still have problems…few more years and they might win 85 games.

Wild Card – New York Yankees, Oakland A’s

NL East – NY Mets

This has got to be the year the Mets make the move.  Phillies and Braves will both be lucky to win 70 games. The Nationals have had some injuries and the Marlins have started off really slow.  I think the Mets get it done behind their young rotation and improved lineup.

NL Central – ST. Louis Cardinals

Another competitive division top to bottom.  I think the Cubs, Reds, Cards and Pirates will all be in it until the end but I like the veteran leadership the Cardinals have to put them over the edge.  Brewers will finish last.

NL West – LA Dodgers

The Dodgers are the best team in baseball and I expect them to run away with this division.  I think the Giants will have a down year and I have no faith in the Rockies (poor Tulo) or Dbacks.  The Padres will finish second in the division.

Wild Card – San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates

World Series – LA Dodgers over Detroit Tigers


AL MVP – Mike Trout, Angels

NL MVP – Anthony Rizzo, Cubs

AL CY Young – Chris Sale, White Sox

NL CY Young – Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

Why we don't need "The Next Tiger."

Rory, Jordan, Bubba...Who is going to be "The Next Tiger?" Who is going to carry Golf the way that Tiger in the early/mid 2000's? To me, I don't want or need another Tiger. Why is it that we always look for someone to replicate the greats we've watched in every sport. There will never be another Michael Jordan, another Tiger Woods, another Derek Jeter. Those guys were so unique in their on-the-field greatness, as well as their marketability. Just because they acted a certain way or competed a certain way, doesn't mean that it's the ONLY way to be legendary. I take this past weekend at The Masters as a prime example of how greatness is perceived and displayed. It doesn't make it any more or less fantastic to watch and appreciate, it only gives a variety to what "greatness" means.

Jordan Spieth (who is my new favorite golfer) is a 21 year old, mild-mannered kid who completely dominated Augusta this past weekend and everyone that was trying to catch him from his first drive on Thursday. As anyone who watches and appreciates Golf can tell you, his swing is pure, his chipping is spot on and he is as clutch of a putter as I've seen in a long time. He has all the physical tools to be great in this sport, but what he also has is a persona that people are going to gravitate to. He isn't showy and demonstrative like Tiger is. He goes about his business the right way and says all the right things. He is wise beyond his years. I just imagine what I was doing when I was 21 years old. As I am sure most of you were doing as well, I was getting excited to finally be able to show my REAL ID to a bouncer to get into a bar! This kid just won The Masters. Throughout the tournament, he continued to stay poised as adversity (not a lot) hit him. Shot after shot, putt after putt, it was remarkable to continue to watch his greatness. 

For a few years now, since Tiger had his little "accident" with the SUV, the media has been pushing Rory on us as "The next guy." While Rory is an amazing young golfer, it seems as thought the media is trying to mold him into someone who is the newer version of Tiger. Why? Why can't we have someone who ISN'T like Tiger but still great? Yes Tiger was the best thing that has happened to Golf in a long time, but right now, it's Spieths turn to do it his way. 

Golf is a game of precision, grace and mental fortitude. Jordan has all of the skills to carry golf into the future. I think we all need to appreciate and embrace the fact that Jordan Spieth is his own person, and is going to do it his way. He's a humble young man who has a burning passion to be great. He comes from a strong family and has positive role models to guide him. Let's let Spieth be Speith and enjoy watching him for years to come. 

TOP 5 Friday...Point Guard Edition

Since ESPN created a list of the Top 20 Athletes in the past 20 years and, in our opinion, they couldn't have been more wrong with the entire list, we've decided to make our Top 5 Friday something similar for the next few weeks. We will be going through the Top 5 Point Guards, Shooting Guards, Small/Power Forwards and Centers in the past 25 years. This week we'll start it off with the Top 5 Point Guards.

5- Steve Nash- This 2-time MVP was one of the smoothest pick and roll players the game as ever seen. He turned little known guys into All Stars and was one of the best free throw shooters throughout his career. He wasn't necessarily known for his defense, but he was a key member of the "7 seconds or less Suns" that had as much success as any team in the West for a few years, but couldn't get over that last hump...The Spurs.

4- Gary "The Glove" Payton- My All-Time favorite player, GP was one of the best 2-way players of our generation. He led the 96 Sonics to the finals, only to run into Jordan and the Bulls. Between playing lock-down defense on opposing teams best players, to tossing ally ops to the Rain Man, GP had that killer instinct and confidence that made him a perennial All Star and Hall of Fame player.

3- Jason Kidd- Initially known as "Ason" Kidd because he had no J, this-now Milwaukee Bucks head coach is in the Top 5 of 3 pointers made in NBA history as well as 2nd in assists. He was one of the best in the fast break and as he slowed down later in his career, finally got a championship with the Dallas Mavericks and became a very underrated defender.

2- John Stockton- My SECOND All-Time favorite player and the record holder for most assists and steals in NBA History. He and The Mailman were amazing to watch as they shredded defenses with the most basic Pick-n-Roll. They made it look so easy and it was, in large part, due to Stocktons' ability to see the play develop before the defense even knew what was happening. It was a shame he never got to win a ring, but he was part of the greatest team ever assembled during the 1992 Olympics and The Dream Team.

1- Tony Parker- Do I think that Parker has more skills than the other four PGs mentioned on this list, no, however, he was one of the most important players on a Spurs team that has won 4 championships and looks poised to defend its title this year. He is the youngest player to 1,000 games so hes been healthy and his game has evolved from someone who couldn't hit a 15-foot jump shot, to someone who you cant go under the screen to defend. I've also never seen a player of his size finish as well as he does around the rim. It is amazing some of the shots he gets off!



Maybe Parker isn't the most skilled of the Top 5 PGs in the past 25 years, but he's been the leader of the Spurs for over 10 years and he has the most hardware. At the end of the day, that's the most important thing!