Blog by James Brown
October 4, 2012
2012: Miggy's Triple Crown
Even though this was a forgetful year for Red Sox fans, I wanted to just comment on some of the stuff that's happened this year in the MLB that I never wrote about or mentioned on this blog.
First and foremost, Miguel Cabrera won the Triple Crown in the AL. No one has accomplished the feat since well before my time; Carl Yaztremski was the last winner in 1967.
Cabrera led the Majors in Home Runs (44) RBI (139) and led the AL in batting average with a a .330 mark. Just an outstanding season. This guy isn't particularly well-liked, but it was nice to see someone break a record, even though it was a Red Sox record for so many years.
All this crazy-talk about Mike Trout being named MVP over Miggy is just ludicrous. People really aren't going to award the first triple crown winner in 45 years the MVP? I know what Mike Trout did, and it was amazing, but he will have a chance to win MVPs plenty over the next decade. This year's award should go to Cabrera and it should be unanimous.
This is the first year MLB decided to go with a "play-in" playoff game. It places a lot higher value on winning the division, and the essence of the rule was accurate and appropriate, as you had multiple playoff teams playing hard up until yesterday. In the past team's would sit back and just set up their rotation for the Divisional round, not caring about home field advantage. Now, The Rangers-Orioles and the Cardinals-Braves will have one game to keep their season alive.
The other teams that made this playoffs were The Yankees (of course the Sox couldn't prevent them from winning the division in the last series of the reg. season. fail) the Athletics, the Tigers, the Red the Giants and the Nationals.
I highly doubt I watch more than a few hours of playoff baseball, but I'll throw out a prediction. I WANT the Braves, O's, Nationals or Reds to win the World Series. I think, unfortunately, the Tigers are going to win it. I just can't bring myself to vote against Justin Verlander, literally the ultimate gamer. He is definitely in the discussion for my favorite current baseball players.
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| Verlander. Stud. |
One of these days I will write a post about the 2012 Red Sox, what went wrong, what needs to change, blah blah blah, For now I get sick every time I think about the Red Sox so I don't have any motivation to write anything about it.
September 29, 2012
Ryder Cup Saturday Afternoon Recap
Crossing Guards here. I met James in 2006
when he was roommates with Adam Bombvold at UMass. Currently I'm half season
ticket partner with JB for this upcoming NHL season that's right around the
corner. Can't wait! With both the 2012 Ponkapoag Golf League & PGA Tour
over, the Ryder cup is one of golf fans last chances to see all the best players
hit the links. James was attending a wedding Saturday and asked if I was
interested in filling in live blogging the afternoon matchups and below is my
attempt at doing just that.
Interesting read here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/rydercup/9563924/Ryder-Cup-2012-US-eliminate-the-rough-and-keep-the-smooth-as-Medinah-transforms-into-Birdie-country.html
Davis Love III requested that the rough at Medinah Country Club be trimmed and some believe the reason why is to favor the American long ball hitters. I like this. I'd rather watch these guys battle it out making birdies than to see them win holes with pars/bogeys. and really both squads hit the long ball.
Current score as of writing this: USA - 9 - EU - 4
Live stream of the matchups here: http://www.rydercup.com/live/pga/player.html
- Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson win their 4-ball match up 5 & 4 with Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari. Watson/Simpson now 2-1 in the cup. What more needs to be said about this tandem? The crowd loves them and Bubba hits the longggg ball (chicks dig the long ball.) They've won both days at 4-ball and lost their morning Saturday alternate shot match up. Can't ask for much more.
- Woods/Stricker are now 1 down against Garcia/Donald with 5 to go. Woods birdied the par 3 13 to get it back down to 1. I've been watching these matches out at bars for both days now, and the general tone for Tiger has been negative and I can't really argue that. But really my opinion on this is that a) he's Tiger Woods. b) he's #2 in the world so I want him out there regardless.
- Dufner/Z. Johnson lead Poulter/McIlroy by 2 through 12. I am a big fan of Dufner. Get's hated on for for being a little chunky (Stafford of the PGA) but damn this guy can putt. This is his first time on the team and he's 2-0 and been a great partner with Johnson. Having the lead on Poulter/McIlroy right now is huge. These two guys are the heart of the European team if you ask me. Poulter is a guy you hate when he's not on your team but love when he is. McIlroy is well, #1 in the world and a stud. Taking a point here would be awesome.
- Kuchar/D. Johnson lead Lawrie/Colsaerts by 1 through 15. I love Kuch. He acknowledges the crowd and really looks like he's having fun out there. Colsaerts has cooled off from yesterday but damn that was an impressive round he put together. Kuch is carrying this pair today with 3 birdies mostly in the front 9 (& 10.)
- Poulter/McIlroy get one back on 13 and now Dufner/Johnson are only up by 1. McIlroy hit a great iron shot on the par 3 and then sank it for birdie.
- Tiger for birdie on the par 5 14. Donald matches him with an up and down from the sand to keep the Europeans 1 up. Tiger is starting to heat up similar to his afternoon match yesterday. Hopefully he can pull it off today. I bet half the bar yesterday he was going to hit his putt on 18 to make it AS. I'd make the same bet today.
- Kuch/Johnson are now AS with Lawrie/Colsaerts going into 17. The Europeans won with a par on 16 as Kuch put his 2nd shot off a tree and Johnson bogeyed after finding the rough. Going to need to calm the nerves on the par 3 17th.
- 3 of four players on 15 (Stricker, Woods, Garcia) found the left green side bunker on this hole. Donald has put his closest to the pin by driving the green. Donald can make this 2 up on the Americans with a birdie putt.
- Donald makes it and gets the Europeans up by 2 with 3 to play. Is Tiger really going to go 0-3 in 2 days of Ryder Cup play? Ouch.
- D. Johnson has a chance here to help Kuch out on 17 with a birdie. He put his tee shot on the right side of the green with a right to left putt.
- Sank it. Crowd is loving it and now the Americans have a 1-up lead through 17.
- Z. Johnson in the water on 15 (short par 4.) Dufner lays up, smart play to give himself a wedge into the green. Poulter and McIlroy are in the sand next to the green.
- Z. Johnson looking at his ball in the water on 15. Sounds like he can see it but I am not sure he can play it from there? He seems pissed.
- Kuch puts it short of the green on the par 4 18. Lawrie puts it long left from almost the exact same spot as Kuch. Colsaerts almost slam dunked it and then spun it in, wow what a good shot. Johnson puts it pin high right of the stick. Americans need this hole to give themselves a whole point and hold off the Europeans.
- Dufner puts it 10-feet? away on 15 after his layup. Almost spun it back into the water but has a decent look for birdie.
- Tiger puts it close on 16 after a massive drive. Good look at a birdie putt.
- Lawrie misses his long putt on 18 and goes way long, looking at a long par putt. Kuch chips up close but now just looking at par. Johnson BARELY misses his birdie putt. It's up to Colsaerts now and this guys been en fuego.
- McIlroy out of the sand on 16 not so close, but Poulter puts it realll close and looks very fired up. He wants this and got his birdie. Dufner misses his birdie putt and its now AS with 3 to go.
- Colsaerts missed his putt and Johnson/Kuchar with this match up 1-up. The overall score is now 10-4. P.S. Juan Miguel Jimenez is there with the European captains and that guys a baller. Pretty sure he used to smoke stogies/butts while playing no problem.
- Tiger just birdied 16 and now its 1-up for the Europeans. 4 birdies on the back 9 for Tiger. Let's do this. 17 is a par 3 he can really attack. I heard the announcers say Garcia tried to ice Tiger by asking the officials who was long on the green. What a clown.
- Tiger with an 8-iron 178 yards to 3 feet from the pin. Colin Farrell get at ME. Garcia puts his right outside Tigers and Donald puts it even closer really putting the brakes on the American momentum. Donald was #1 in the world for a bit so I shouldn't be surprised he stuck it here but really?? 0-2 on the tournament and now he steps it up?
- The TV coverage has been focusing on Tiger right now. Will give an update on Dufner/McIlroy when they start going back to them.
- Tiger sinks a birdie and now it comes down to 18. Can the Americans get it back to AS and take a 1/2 point? He was sooo close yesterday.
- Poulter sinks a birdie putt on 16. Dufner has a chance to match him.
- Dufner misses and now the Europeans are up 1 with 2 to go. I hear the shankapotamus lives on the 17th hole but only comes out when discotecha Euros are on the tee. Poulter in trouble.
- Poulter puts it 5-10 feet away on 17 and McIlroy pulls it left almost into the sand. Johnson puts it just right of the stick and really attacked the pin. Awesome shot. This hole is so intimidating and that was a gutsy shot. Dufner pulled his left like Rory's.
- Stricker puts hit close on 18. Donald from the sand after his tee shot basically has no chance now. Garcia puts his long left and Tiger puts his pin high right almost off the green.
- Poulter is locked in and drains another birdie on 17. 3 effing birdies in a row. Stores are stocking up on tight pants, hair gel, and fluorescent shirt as sales are about to go crazy.
- Garcia is NERVOUS. Walked away from his putt once on 18 and you can just see it on his face.
- Missed it. Stricker with a chance to halve the match here. Stricker is a putting wizard so we have a chance.
- anddddd he misses it with a lip out just like yesterday. USA - 10 EU - 5. Tiger/Stricker are now 0-3. Gross. I want to believe he's going to win his singles match up tomorrow but how can I? I hope he plays Sergio tomorrow. I really don't like that guy for some reason and Tiger isn't a big fan of him either.
- Poulter puts his iron shot close on 18 of course. Johnson as well just outside Poulter. Dufner puts it 3-feet away? Closest so far. Rory hasn't been playing well the back 9 but Poulter has been making up for it and as I type this spun his off the front of the green.
- Rory misses his birdie putt on 18 and Dufner makes it putting the pressure on Poulter to keep the Europeans up 1.
- Poulter sinks it on 18 to keep the Europeans up 1. Officially can't stand this guy in the Joakim Noah sort of way I described above.
USA- 10 EU - 6
Interesting read here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/rydercup/9563924/Ryder-Cup-2012-US-eliminate-the-rough-and-keep-the-smooth-as-Medinah-transforms-into-Birdie-country.html
Davis Love III requested that the rough at Medinah Country Club be trimmed and some believe the reason why is to favor the American long ball hitters. I like this. I'd rather watch these guys battle it out making birdies than to see them win holes with pars/bogeys. and really both squads hit the long ball.
Current score as of writing this: USA - 9 - EU - 4
Live stream of the matchups here: http://www.rydercup.com/live/pga/player.html
- Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson win their 4-ball match up 5 & 4 with Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari. Watson/Simpson now 2-1 in the cup. What more needs to be said about this tandem? The crowd loves them and Bubba hits the longggg ball (chicks dig the long ball.) They've won both days at 4-ball and lost their morning Saturday alternate shot match up. Can't ask for much more.
- Woods/Stricker are now 1 down against Garcia/Donald with 5 to go. Woods birdied the par 3 13 to get it back down to 1. I've been watching these matches out at bars for both days now, and the general tone for Tiger has been negative and I can't really argue that. But really my opinion on this is that a) he's Tiger Woods. b) he's #2 in the world so I want him out there regardless.
- Dufner/Z. Johnson lead Poulter/McIlroy by 2 through 12. I am a big fan of Dufner. Get's hated on for for being a little chunky (Stafford of the PGA) but damn this guy can putt. This is his first time on the team and he's 2-0 and been a great partner with Johnson. Having the lead on Poulter/McIlroy right now is huge. These two guys are the heart of the European team if you ask me. Poulter is a guy you hate when he's not on your team but love when he is. McIlroy is well, #1 in the world and a stud. Taking a point here would be awesome.
- Kuchar/D. Johnson lead Lawrie/Colsaerts by 1 through 15. I love Kuch. He acknowledges the crowd and really looks like he's having fun out there. Colsaerts has cooled off from yesterday but damn that was an impressive round he put together. Kuch is carrying this pair today with 3 birdies mostly in the front 9 (& 10.)
- Poulter/McIlroy get one back on 13 and now Dufner/Johnson are only up by 1. McIlroy hit a great iron shot on the par 3 and then sank it for birdie.
- Tiger for birdie on the par 5 14. Donald matches him with an up and down from the sand to keep the Europeans 1 up. Tiger is starting to heat up similar to his afternoon match yesterday. Hopefully he can pull it off today. I bet half the bar yesterday he was going to hit his putt on 18 to make it AS. I'd make the same bet today.
- Kuch/Johnson are now AS with Lawrie/Colsaerts going into 17. The Europeans won with a par on 16 as Kuch put his 2nd shot off a tree and Johnson bogeyed after finding the rough. Going to need to calm the nerves on the par 3 17th.
- 3 of four players on 15 (Stricker, Woods, Garcia) found the left green side bunker on this hole. Donald has put his closest to the pin by driving the green. Donald can make this 2 up on the Americans with a birdie putt.
- Donald makes it and gets the Europeans up by 2 with 3 to play. Is Tiger really going to go 0-3 in 2 days of Ryder Cup play? Ouch.
- D. Johnson has a chance here to help Kuch out on 17 with a birdie. He put his tee shot on the right side of the green with a right to left putt.
- Sank it. Crowd is loving it and now the Americans have a 1-up lead through 17.
- Z. Johnson in the water on 15 (short par 4.) Dufner lays up, smart play to give himself a wedge into the green. Poulter and McIlroy are in the sand next to the green.
- Z. Johnson looking at his ball in the water on 15. Sounds like he can see it but I am not sure he can play it from there? He seems pissed.
- Kuch puts it short of the green on the par 4 18. Lawrie puts it long left from almost the exact same spot as Kuch. Colsaerts almost slam dunked it and then spun it in, wow what a good shot. Johnson puts it pin high right of the stick. Americans need this hole to give themselves a whole point and hold off the Europeans.
- Dufner puts it 10-feet? away on 15 after his layup. Almost spun it back into the water but has a decent look for birdie.
- Tiger puts it close on 16 after a massive drive. Good look at a birdie putt.
- Lawrie misses his long putt on 18 and goes way long, looking at a long par putt. Kuch chips up close but now just looking at par. Johnson BARELY misses his birdie putt. It's up to Colsaerts now and this guys been en fuego.
- McIlroy out of the sand on 16 not so close, but Poulter puts it realll close and looks very fired up. He wants this and got his birdie. Dufner misses his birdie putt and its now AS with 3 to go.
- Colsaerts missed his putt and Johnson/Kuchar with this match up 1-up. The overall score is now 10-4. P.S. Juan Miguel Jimenez is there with the European captains and that guys a baller. Pretty sure he used to smoke stogies/butts while playing no problem.
- Tiger just birdied 16 and now its 1-up for the Europeans. 4 birdies on the back 9 for Tiger. Let's do this. 17 is a par 3 he can really attack. I heard the announcers say Garcia tried to ice Tiger by asking the officials who was long on the green. What a clown.
- Tiger with an 8-iron 178 yards to 3 feet from the pin. Colin Farrell get at ME. Garcia puts his right outside Tigers and Donald puts it even closer really putting the brakes on the American momentum. Donald was #1 in the world for a bit so I shouldn't be surprised he stuck it here but really?? 0-2 on the tournament and now he steps it up?
- The TV coverage has been focusing on Tiger right now. Will give an update on Dufner/McIlroy when they start going back to them.
- Tiger sinks a birdie and now it comes down to 18. Can the Americans get it back to AS and take a 1/2 point? He was sooo close yesterday.
- Poulter sinks a birdie putt on 16. Dufner has a chance to match him.
- Dufner misses and now the Europeans are up 1 with 2 to go. I hear the shankapotamus lives on the 17th hole but only comes out when discotecha Euros are on the tee. Poulter in trouble.
- Poulter puts it 5-10 feet away on 17 and McIlroy pulls it left almost into the sand. Johnson puts it just right of the stick and really attacked the pin. Awesome shot. This hole is so intimidating and that was a gutsy shot. Dufner pulled his left like Rory's.
- Stricker puts hit close on 18. Donald from the sand after his tee shot basically has no chance now. Garcia puts his long left and Tiger puts his pin high right almost off the green.
- Poulter is locked in and drains another birdie on 17. 3 effing birdies in a row. Stores are stocking up on tight pants, hair gel, and fluorescent shirt as sales are about to go crazy.
- Garcia is NERVOUS. Walked away from his putt once on 18 and you can just see it on his face.
- Missed it. Stricker with a chance to halve the match here. Stricker is a putting wizard so we have a chance.
- anddddd he misses it with a lip out just like yesterday. USA - 10 EU - 5. Tiger/Stricker are now 0-3. Gross. I want to believe he's going to win his singles match up tomorrow but how can I? I hope he plays Sergio tomorrow. I really don't like that guy for some reason and Tiger isn't a big fan of him either.
- Poulter puts his iron shot close on 18 of course. Johnson as well just outside Poulter. Dufner puts it 3-feet away? Closest so far. Rory hasn't been playing well the back 9 but Poulter has been making up for it and as I type this spun his off the front of the green.
- Rory misses his birdie putt on 18 and Dufner makes it putting the pressure on Poulter to keep the Europeans up 1.
- Poulter sinks it on 18 to keep the Europeans up 1. Officially can't stand this guy in the Joakim Noah sort of way I described above.
USA- 10 EU - 6
Ryder Cup Saturday Morning
-Keegan
Bradley this morning said he needed a shot of adrenaline so he sprinted from the
practice green over to the USA crowd and literally just started going crazy to
get them pumped up. It worked. And of course Bubba came in and started acting
crazy too.
- I love Bubba Watson. I think he's my new favorite golfer. This first match (Bubba/Webb vs Poulter/ Rose) is going to be great. Each team has 1 serious guy and 1 rockstar. Should be fun to watch.
-The scene on the first Tee was great again this morning. Poulter teed off first and got the Euro crowd to make noise/cheep during his shot. Trying to create what happened yesterday w/ Bubba. Of course, right after his shot Bubba himself stepped up to the tee and the crowd went WILD. And outdrove the Euros. I just love the cheering during tee shots.
-I'm trying to find pictures to upload from this morning but I can't find any yet. What did I find though when I was looking? Pictures of wives/girlfriends of the golfers:
-The Euro team of Westwood/Donald is so intimidating. 2 guys who have recently held the #1 ranking worldwide. Don't tell Phil and Keegan that.
-Keegan Bradley and Phil Mikelson are currently 2 up through 2 holes. I heard someone on TV actually infer the idea that Keegan Bradley was born to play the Ryder Cup
-The Americans have only won the foursomes matches on Day 2 in 1981 and 1991. Crazy. Hopefully they win this morning and we can add 2012 to that list.
-Watching these foursome matches (alternating shots between a pair of golfers on the same Team) is making me want to try it out myself. I've never played and it seems pretty fun.
-Raucous. That's the only word to describe the crowd/atmosphere at this Ryder Cup.
-I'm sorry but this has to be said: Jason Dufner is such a weirdly fat looking guy. I just can't stand looking at him. He's good at golf though.
-Jim "the bird man" Furyk is just so solid. Him and Snedeker are in a re-match of yesterdays close loss too McIlory/McDowell. I expect a great performance from all 4 of those guys in the anchor match today. Oh and yes, I am the only one who calls Furyk the Bird-man. For 2 reasons: A. he looks like a bird and B. He's obv nasty and makes birdies all the time. His 'real' nicknames are "The Grinder" and "The businessman" which are both totally appropriate.
-Keegan and Phil both JUST missed winning putts on 3 and 4. They are playing on a different level. Still 2 up.
-It's worth noting this is the first time Tiger has ever sat out a match in a Ryder Cup. I hope he uses this for fuel this afternoon because I am sure he will be back and hopefully he takes over.
-At this moment in time the Americans lead all 4 matches. Opposite of yesterday morning's start when Euro took over early.
-Just heard a story from yesterday about Phil on the 13th green. Keegan had hit it close from deep in the fairway and Phil turned to him and said "I'm going to make this so you can see how it feels" and of course drained it. And, if you look at the video, Phil was staring at Bradley after he hit it and right before the putt fell in. Goosebumps.
-Nothing is really going on right now. The Americans lead 3 of the matches, Ian Poulter is the best player this morning for the Euros and the only reason why they aren't getting swept.
-It seems like there is no chance Phil/Keegan even lose a hole. They have had a winning putt on nearly every hole. Currently lead 3 up through 6.
-And now Keegan just sank a huge putt on 9 to go 5 up. On the radar for most dominating Ryder cup performance of all time.
-And it's over. Phil and Bradley win 7 & 6 tieing the largest margin of victory in team golf history. Wow.
-The Euros are making a late push this morning. Rose/Poulter are 2 Up with 5 to play, Garcia/Colsaerts are AS with Fatty/DJ, and the Northern Ireland team is down 1.
-Furyk just sank that putt to go 2 up with 7 holes to play. Great putt by the bird-man to gain that valuable hole. McIlroy and McDowell have par every hole. No birdies. crazy.
-Dufner and Zach Johnson have played some solid golf. Nothing spectacular but they are looking good, Up 2 with 3 to play. Good pairing for DLIII
-Bird man another birdie on 14 to halve a hole...
-Damn. Bubba and Webb almost came back to halve their match on 18 but Webb missed the longish birdie Putt. Poulter was a beast this morning, best player for Europe.
The score is now 6-4, with the Americans leading the remaining 2 matches, pretty comfortably.
-Score now 7-4 after Dufner/DJ close it out on 17. Euros dunked it in the H2O haha.
-McIlroy just sank a huge birdie putt on 16 down. Only 1 down with 2 to play. McDowell stuck the tee shot on 17 and I expect Rory to make that birdie. Huge shot upcoming for the Bird Man...
-Bird man didn't hit it close enough. Snedeker missed the putt but thanfully so did Rory. Americans up 1 with 1 to play.
Here are this afternoon matches:
My Predictions:
Dustin Johnson Matt Kuchar halve with Colsaerts and Lawrie
Bubba and Webb 2 & 1 over Rose/Molinari
Woods and Stricker 3 & 1 over Garcia/Donald
McIlroy and Poulter 4 & 3 over Dufner and Johnson.
Americans take 10 1/2 - 5 1/2 lead going into the final day.
Keegan Bradley, Phil Mikelson, Jim Furyk, and Brandt Snedeker, arguably all in the top 5 on this team, all have the afternoon off. These guys are going to rest up for tomorrow single matches. I think I like the move by DLIII. And obviously by my predictions I think Tiger is going to be lights out. I also expect a easy win for McIllroy/Poulter.
*** I am going westward for a wedding at Umass tonight. My buddy Bill will hopefully be live updating this afternoon on this blog. ****
Also, thanks for reading. I've already broken the record for most page views in the history of my blog today.
- I love Bubba Watson. I think he's my new favorite golfer. This first match (Bubba/Webb vs Poulter/ Rose) is going to be great. Each team has 1 serious guy and 1 rockstar. Should be fun to watch.
-The scene on the first Tee was great again this morning. Poulter teed off first and got the Euro crowd to make noise/cheep during his shot. Trying to create what happened yesterday w/ Bubba. Of course, right after his shot Bubba himself stepped up to the tee and the crowd went WILD. And outdrove the Euros. I just love the cheering during tee shots.
-I'm trying to find pictures to upload from this morning but I can't find any yet. What did I find though when I was looking? Pictures of wives/girlfriends of the golfers:
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| McDowell and Rose's |
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| Webb Simspon and his wife |
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| This was yesterday. Keegan's gf and Phil's wife congratulating them on the green right after they won. |
-The Euro team of Westwood/Donald is so intimidating. 2 guys who have recently held the #1 ranking worldwide. Don't tell Phil and Keegan that.
-Keegan Bradley and Phil Mikelson are currently 2 up through 2 holes. I heard someone on TV actually infer the idea that Keegan Bradley was born to play the Ryder Cup
-The Americans have only won the foursomes matches on Day 2 in 1981 and 1991. Crazy. Hopefully they win this morning and we can add 2012 to that list.
-Watching these foursome matches (alternating shots between a pair of golfers on the same Team) is making me want to try it out myself. I've never played and it seems pretty fun.
-Raucous. That's the only word to describe the crowd/atmosphere at this Ryder Cup.
-I'm sorry but this has to be said: Jason Dufner is such a weirdly fat looking guy. I just can't stand looking at him. He's good at golf though.
-Jim "the bird man" Furyk is just so solid. Him and Snedeker are in a re-match of yesterdays close loss too McIlory/McDowell. I expect a great performance from all 4 of those guys in the anchor match today. Oh and yes, I am the only one who calls Furyk the Bird-man. For 2 reasons: A. he looks like a bird and B. He's obv nasty and makes birdies all the time. His 'real' nicknames are "The Grinder" and "The businessman" which are both totally appropriate.
-Keegan and Phil both JUST missed winning putts on 3 and 4. They are playing on a different level. Still 2 up.
-It's worth noting this is the first time Tiger has ever sat out a match in a Ryder Cup. I hope he uses this for fuel this afternoon because I am sure he will be back and hopefully he takes over.
-At this moment in time the Americans lead all 4 matches. Opposite of yesterday morning's start when Euro took over early.
-Just heard a story from yesterday about Phil on the 13th green. Keegan had hit it close from deep in the fairway and Phil turned to him and said "I'm going to make this so you can see how it feels" and of course drained it. And, if you look at the video, Phil was staring at Bradley after he hit it and right before the putt fell in. Goosebumps.
-Nothing is really going on right now. The Americans lead 3 of the matches, Ian Poulter is the best player this morning for the Euros and the only reason why they aren't getting swept.
-It seems like there is no chance Phil/Keegan even lose a hole. They have had a winning putt on nearly every hole. Currently lead 3 up through 6.
-And now Keegan just sank a huge putt on 9 to go 5 up. On the radar for most dominating Ryder cup performance of all time.
-And it's over. Phil and Bradley win 7 & 6 tieing the largest margin of victory in team golf history. Wow.
-The Euros are making a late push this morning. Rose/Poulter are 2 Up with 5 to play, Garcia/Colsaerts are AS with Fatty/DJ, and the Northern Ireland team is down 1.
-Furyk just sank that putt to go 2 up with 7 holes to play. Great putt by the bird-man to gain that valuable hole. McIlroy and McDowell have par every hole. No birdies. crazy.
-Dufner and Zach Johnson have played some solid golf. Nothing spectacular but they are looking good, Up 2 with 3 to play. Good pairing for DLIII
-Bird man another birdie on 14 to halve a hole...
-Damn. Bubba and Webb almost came back to halve their match on 18 but Webb missed the longish birdie Putt. Poulter was a beast this morning, best player for Europe.
The score is now 6-4, with the Americans leading the remaining 2 matches, pretty comfortably.
-Score now 7-4 after Dufner/DJ close it out on 17. Euros dunked it in the H2O haha.
-McIlroy just sank a huge birdie putt on 16 down. Only 1 down with 2 to play. McDowell stuck the tee shot on 17 and I expect Rory to make that birdie. Huge shot upcoming for the Bird Man...
-Bird man didn't hit it close enough. Snedeker missed the putt but thanfully so did Rory. Americans up 1 with 1 to play.
Here are this afternoon matches:
My Predictions:
Dustin Johnson Matt Kuchar halve with Colsaerts and Lawrie
Bubba and Webb 2 & 1 over Rose/Molinari
Woods and Stricker 3 & 1 over Garcia/Donald
McIlroy and Poulter 4 & 3 over Dufner and Johnson.
Americans take 10 1/2 - 5 1/2 lead going into the final day.
Keegan Bradley, Phil Mikelson, Jim Furyk, and Brandt Snedeker, arguably all in the top 5 on this team, all have the afternoon off. These guys are going to rest up for tomorrow single matches. I think I like the move by DLIII. And obviously by my predictions I think Tiger is going to be lights out. I also expect a easy win for McIllroy/Poulter.
*** I am going westward for a wedding at Umass tonight. My buddy Bill will hopefully be live updating this afternoon on this blog. ****
Also, thanks for reading. I've already broken the record for most page views in the history of my blog today.
September 27, 2012
September 17, 2012
Tyler Seguin was born to be a Bruin
Well, I blogged about Taylor Hall getting his contract extension, and
last week the Bruins inked Tyler Seguin a 6 year, $5.75million (per
year) extension so... He got pretty much the same deal as Hall. Great
deal for the Bruins, and I'm excited as a fan to watch Seguin the next
handful of years.
The other night I was watching the show Oil Change, a behind the scenes show on NHL network about the Edmonton Oilers. The specific episode I was watching was focused on the decision the Oilers had in the 2010 NHL Draft for #1 overall pick- Hall or Seguin. The Oilers GM was visiting the Seguin household and when Tyler was explaining some of the stuff on the walls I saw the Bobby Orr flying goal pic above the bed ... and that's when I realized everyone should have known Seguin was meant to be a Bruin! I had to take the pic cuz I think it's pretty cool and also Seguin looks so, so young here.
The other night I was watching the show Oil Change, a behind the scenes show on NHL network about the Edmonton Oilers. The specific episode I was watching was focused on the decision the Oilers had in the 2010 NHL Draft for #1 overall pick- Hall or Seguin. The Oilers GM was visiting the Seguin household and when Tyler was explaining some of the stuff on the walls I saw the Bobby Orr flying goal pic above the bed ... and that's when I realized everyone should have known Seguin was meant to be a Bruin! I had to take the pic cuz I think it's pretty cool and also Seguin looks so, so young here.
September 7, 2012
Claiborne's gift
Check out this Awesome car:
It was spotted around Morris Claiborne's hometown so its rumored to be a gift from Morris to his parents. Claiborne was a 1st round pick this past April, and is starting at corner for the Cowboys right away. He scored a 4 out of 50 on the Wunderlic Test, given to every player at the NFL Combine. His score was the lowest in 12 years, so he's pretty dumb but obviously has style.
It was spotted around Morris Claiborne's hometown so its rumored to be a gift from Morris to his parents. Claiborne was a 1st round pick this past April, and is starting at corner for the Cowboys right away. He scored a 4 out of 50 on the Wunderlic Test, given to every player at the NFL Combine. His score was the lowest in 12 years, so he's pretty dumb but obviously has style.
September 6, 2012
MATTHEW BERRY LOVES MY TEAM!!!!
If you read ESPN you know Matthew Berry, Talented Mr. Roto, TMR... he
works for ESPN as a fantasy analyst... aka the greatest job of all time.
Every week he writes a Love/Hate column for specific players he
likes/doesn't like more than the consensus.
My team is allllll over his list this week! He only lists a handful of guys at each position so getting 2-3 guys on here is pretty cool, let alone 6. Here is what he says about my boys:
Ronnie Brown, Chargers: Do I have to love every player? Can't I just admit it's last call at the fantasy nightclub and that, after drinking all night and looking around at my options, decide that if I squint my eyes, I can sorta, maybe, kinda talk myself into liking Ronnie Brown until the next morning? I can? Because they don't all have to be beauty queens, kids. Or kings. You ladies out there know what I am talking about. Are you doing the walk of shame on Tuesday morning after using Ronnie Brown? Yes. But the fact remains that I think there's no way the Chargers will risk Ryan Mathews in this game. Brown will get the majority of work, and last season, Oakland's 27th-ranked run defense allowed 24 rushes to go for 20 yards, second-most in the NFL. Hmm. Wonder if all the nerdy stats I'm dropping is also why I'm looking at 1:45 a.m.?
Brandon Marshall, Bears: Well, let's see ... I already like Cutler, Forte and Bush a lot in this matchup ...
Torrey Smith, Ravens: More stuff from the preseason. When I wasn't talking about Harvin or Brandon Marshall, I was usually discussing Torrey Smith. I get it, you may not have been able to hear me over all the slobber, but trust me, it was Torrey Smith I was getting all passionate about. And usually when I talked about Smith, I discussed his improved route running and Flacco's tendency to throw to him deep. Like, this is a typical stat I'd mention, from the wacky kids over at ESPN Stats & Information, who like to get all Next Level on you: Joe Flacco attempted a career-high 70 passes of more than 20 air yards last season, but also completed a career-low 24.3 percent of such throws. Torrey Smith was the targeted receiver on 32 of those attempts, the most by Flacco to any one receiver in a single season.
Eric Decker, Broncos: Another gut call, but remember how Demaryius Thomas burned Ike Taylor last year for the fightin' Tebows, er, Broncos to upset the Steelers in overtime? Well, I bet Ike Taylor does, too. And I'm guessing he'll desperately want Thomas, not Decker, in this matchup. Already think Decker will be Manning's favorite target; this just helps the cause.
Aaron Hernandez, Patriots: Time for another ... nerdy stat! The Titans' defense allowed 52 completions to tight ends inside the numbers last season, tied for sixth-most in the NFL, despite facing only one of the top four tight ends in that metric last season (Jimmy Graham). Aaron Hernandez (61 catches) and Rob Gronkowski (57) finished second and third, respectively, in receptions inside the numbers among tight ends. Read it now, believe it later, kids. Gronk is and will be a stud, but the year of Aaron Hernandez starts now.
Seattle Seahawks: I have them at No. 3 this week. And I'm tied for the lowest on them. All aboard, kids. The bandwagon is leaving the station.
Click the link below for the full article:
http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=TMR120905
My team is allllll over his list this week! He only lists a handful of guys at each position so getting 2-3 guys on here is pretty cool, let alone 6. Here is what he says about my boys:
Ronnie Brown, Chargers: Do I have to love every player? Can't I just admit it's last call at the fantasy nightclub and that, after drinking all night and looking around at my options, decide that if I squint my eyes, I can sorta, maybe, kinda talk myself into liking Ronnie Brown until the next morning? I can? Because they don't all have to be beauty queens, kids. Or kings. You ladies out there know what I am talking about. Are you doing the walk of shame on Tuesday morning after using Ronnie Brown? Yes. But the fact remains that I think there's no way the Chargers will risk Ryan Mathews in this game. Brown will get the majority of work, and last season, Oakland's 27th-ranked run defense allowed 24 rushes to go for 20 yards, second-most in the NFL. Hmm. Wonder if all the nerdy stats I'm dropping is also why I'm looking at 1:45 a.m.?
Brandon Marshall, Bears: Well, let's see ... I already like Cutler, Forte and Bush a lot in this matchup ...
Torrey Smith, Ravens: More stuff from the preseason. When I wasn't talking about Harvin or Brandon Marshall, I was usually discussing Torrey Smith. I get it, you may not have been able to hear me over all the slobber, but trust me, it was Torrey Smith I was getting all passionate about. And usually when I talked about Smith, I discussed his improved route running and Flacco's tendency to throw to him deep. Like, this is a typical stat I'd mention, from the wacky kids over at ESPN Stats & Information, who like to get all Next Level on you: Joe Flacco attempted a career-high 70 passes of more than 20 air yards last season, but also completed a career-low 24.3 percent of such throws. Torrey Smith was the targeted receiver on 32 of those attempts, the most by Flacco to any one receiver in a single season.
Eric Decker, Broncos: Another gut call, but remember how Demaryius Thomas burned Ike Taylor last year for the fightin' Tebows, er, Broncos to upset the Steelers in overtime? Well, I bet Ike Taylor does, too. And I'm guessing he'll desperately want Thomas, not Decker, in this matchup. Already think Decker will be Manning's favorite target; this just helps the cause.
Aaron Hernandez, Patriots: Time for another ... nerdy stat! The Titans' defense allowed 52 completions to tight ends inside the numbers last season, tied for sixth-most in the NFL, despite facing only one of the top four tight ends in that metric last season (Jimmy Graham). Aaron Hernandez (61 catches) and Rob Gronkowski (57) finished second and third, respectively, in receptions inside the numbers among tight ends. Read it now, believe it later, kids. Gronk is and will be a stud, but the year of Aaron Hernandez starts now.
Seattle Seahawks: I have them at No. 3 this week. And I'm tied for the lowest on them. All aboard, kids. The bandwagon is leaving the station.
Click the link below for the full article:
http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=TMR120905
September 4, 2012
Matt Wilson's take on the Dirty D 2012 Draft:
You all know/remember Matt Wilson, he participated in the 2012 NFL 1st Round Mock Draft. Wilson has always had interest in the Dirty D, he is on a short list of people who are on reserve for the league. Matt has being playing fantasy sports for a long time, even for longer than my 13-14 years or so. He e-mailed me this after reading my draft analysis:
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After reading over James' blog about the Dedham draft, I'm bringing another opinion to the table. Some people pay for outsiders to evaluate their team, but I am just going to toss some analysis out there.
My top 3 teams:
1) Tahiti Loungers-
While I understand the upside, I'm not crazy about the McCluster pick.
For that point in the draft, it's not a deal breaker, but just saying.
Romo falling as far as he did really put this team over the top for me. I
like the Hernandez pick a lot since he still got Torrey Smith. I
personally am a Ray Rice guy. The way I see it, if Rice goes down my
team is likely screwed anyway. If you go Rice, you don't have to go Tate
so early and you aren't locked into another pick. I wouldn't mind
Donald Brown, J-Stew as my 3rd RB instead of Tate. I am convinced the
Tahiti Loungers seeing me take Brandon Marshall (also over Andre) in our
other league gave him mental permission to make this pick.
2) Team Ice Cream
- I like this team a lot. Granted this is a personal bias, but it is
VERY similar how I would want to build my team. Richardson in the 4th is
ridiculous. Everyone else in the league sucks for letting him fall that
far. I take him ahead of Martin, F-Jax, Benson, Turner, Gore, and
Bradshaw. And I like Martin and F-Jax, I just like Richardson a LOT. #1
steal of the draft to me. Plus, Murray falling in round 2? Only reason
he falls is the injury risk, but now he fixes that risk with T-Rich.
Love the QB combo. I think that's the perfect way to play QB after the
big 5 go. Don't like the Jermichael Finley pick; too similar to guys
that went later. Love David Wilson and even love the 49ers D for where
he got them; dislike Baldwin, Hillman, and Simpson picks. Baldwin might
be good, but Cassel still sucks. I'd have grabbed Collie there; brain
injuries and all.
3) Victorious Secret -
Two stud running backs is a great start and two nice starting
receivers. Not crazy about Desean Jackson (I'd have gone Torrey Smith
there), but the Greg Little pick makes up for it. Kait covered injury
risk Gates with high-upside Jared Cook, which is awesome. The QB is a
total wild card. I like Cutler a lot this year, but in a 12 team league
he's not in my top 12 (Rodgers, Brady, Brees, Stafford, Newton, Ryan,
Vick, Romo, the Mannings, Rivers, and RGIII). All of them were gone at
that point though, so I guess it is what it is. I would have grabbed a
higher upside backup than Palmer though. Still, everyone else was just
outdrafted by Kait. Once is a fluke, twice you're in trouble...
Honorable Mention - Rental Guys
- I like Dan's team a lot, too...until the end. I'm guessing he got
hammered during the draft because the last four picks are trash. The
Jets have an absolutely horrible offense. I go Amendola, Bess, Mike
Williams or Collie there instead. Floyd isn't even starting yet. Upside
is fine, but Collie was there. At least you know he's playing if he's
alive. With 12 teams, defenses are interchangeable. JPP is a beast, but
the Giants play in a division that's going to score. 6 games against
Vick, RGIII, and Romo - no thanks. That said, if the starters hold up
this team will be very competitive. Pettigrew falling in PPR is a joke
too. Love the top receivers, but would definitely drop one of the bottom
WRs for an upside RB.
Steal of the draft - Trent
Richardson. He's already practicing again and the guy has been compared
to Adrian Peterson coming out of college. Meanwhile, clown central
running backs going before him.
Steal of the draft #2 - Kyle Rudolph. Bill STOLE Kyle Rudolph in
the last round. He waited all draft and got a tight end that could
potentially out perform every tight end not named Gronkowski, Graham, or
Gates. A young QB who will be prone to checkdowns, a 6'6" frame, and
the guy can run. He's basically Gronkowski without the Fiesta. Granted
Gronk has Brady and Ponder is not Brady, but holy shit. Great pick.
Ironically, Dez falling screwed his team at running back.
Steal of the draft #3 - Should be Dez, but because it caused him
to chase RB for four straight rounds, I can't support it. Instead, it's
Tony Romo...which vaulted James' team into the top spot.
Reach of the draft #1 - Michael Turner.
The fall of Turner is so over publicized, it's ridiculous. Yet here he
is, going before Trent Richardson. Turner is devalued anyway in PPR, but
now his role is getting smaller, and he just looks slower.
Reach of the draft #2 - Cedric Benson.
Back to back for Paul. Ugly turn of events. Benson is only going to be
in on 1st and 2nd downs. Green and Kuhn will play the passing downs, so
he is again devalued. Rodgers steals rushing touchdowns, plus they just
pass the ball. A lot. Wild pick.
Reach of the draft #3 - Sebastian
Janikowski. It's a kicker. In a round that is not the last one. And he
is questionable for Week 1. I get that he has the best leg in the
league, but this team needs RB help and Gerhart (among others was
there).
I enjoyed reading the draft blog entry. I think Adam and James are
really growing up as fantasy players. Good drafts that look similar to
what I might have done. That's why they can play in the big leagues with
me. Everyone else, keep toiling in the CFL and keep getting outdrafted
by Kait.
2012 Dirty D Draft Recap
 |
| The 3 champs Dan, Campbell, and Me |
2012 Marks the 4th season of my favorite Fantasy Football league: The
Dirty D. I started the league back in 2009 filled with mostly
Dedham-area friends, family, and others. I am going to be talking about
this league a lot throughout he season, so here is a short introduction
to the 12 members. For those who care it is a 12 team ppr league. Scroll
down for our 2012 Draft and team by team analysis.
Adam Beckvold
Team Ice Cream
Best finish: 2nd
Worst finish: 11th
The Scoop: Adam has had a very streaky career in the Dirty D. A victory
in the toilet bowl in 2009 saved him from last place, he bounced alllll
the way the back in 2010 to lose to your truly in the Championship game.
How did he follow it up last year? Another cellar-dwelling finish.
We'll see how he responds in 2012.
James Brown
Tahiti Loungers
Best Finish: 1st
Worst Finish: 4th
The Scoop: One of only 2 teams to qualify for the playoffs all 3 years.
Won Championship in 2010 over Adam. Legitimate threat for the crown on
a yearly basis. Also the most active owner in the league re: trading and
free agent pick ups.
Paul Taylor
A1 Providers
Best Finish: 4th
Worst Finish: 10th
The Scoop: Every year Paul seems to have a rough draft, but has
qualified for the playoffs 2/3 years. Just has that "it" factor that
propels Paul every year. Paul is looking to make that next step and
advance in the playoffs.
Dan Cosgrove
the rental guys
Best Finish: 1st
Worst Finish: 5th
The Scoop: Won the inaugural season with a victory over his brother in
the Championship game. Has made the playoffs every year despite
pedestrian numbers, 1 of only 2 people to have done this. Easily the
luckiest player in the league.
Bill Poch
The Crossing Guards
Best Finish: 7th
Worst Finish: 9th
The Scoop: Mr 7th place. Bill has unfortunately finished 1 spot out of the playoffs every season. Not much else to say here.
Matt Campbell
Angry Pirates
Best Finish: 1st
Worst Finish: 9th
The Scoop: Campbell is the defending champ, after a victory over Kait's
juggernaut team last year. Looking to solidify his place as a yearly
contender with a strong follow up campaign.
Kait Burlone
Victorious Secret
Best Finish: 2nd
Worst Finish: 9th
The Scoop: Remember the 2007 Patriots who had the best team ever and
then lost in the Super Bowl? That was Kait's team last year. After
losing just twice all season, this is "prove it" year for Kait and we
will find out if 2011 was a fluke or breakout performance.
Don Burlone
Comeback Story
Best Finish: 6th
Worst Finish: 11th
The Scoop: Donny enters 2012 on the heels of his first playoff berth.
Luck seems to run out every year for Don, but a couple good breaks in
2012 and Donny could be right there at the end.
Mr. B
Boston Patriots
Best Finish: 6th
Worst Finish: 12th
The Scoop: Mr B. has had 3 very different seasons in this league. He
does have a playoff appearance under his belt, and a regular
season crown, but 2012 he is looking to establish consistency as a
contending team after a last place finish in 2011.
Sean Cosgrove
A Pinch Better
Best Finish: 2nd
Worst Finish: 7th
The Scoop: Another owner who has made the playoffs 2/3 years. Lost in
the championship in 2009. Sean is a good owner and the only thing
preventing him from being great is his questionable trade
practice/ethics. Very solid all-around other wise.
Jenna Brown
Eat More Chicken
New Member in 2012
The Scoop- Jenna is 1 of 2 new members to the league. She is the 2nd female and 3rd sibling to join the league.
Abe
The Godfather
New member in 2012
The Scoop- Longtime Dedham legend is rightfully added to the league.
It's important to note the only members actually FROM Dedham are Abe,
Adam, Bill, Campbell, Sean, and Dan.
Steal of the Draft #1- Dez Bryant, 57th overall to the Crossing Guards
Steal of the Draft #2- Demariyous Thomas, 63rd overall to Comeback Story
Steal of the Draft #3- Tony Romo, 96th overall to Tahiti Loungers
Steal of the Draft # 4- Brandon Pettigrew, 104th overall to the rental guys
Steal of the Draft #5- Trent Richardson, 47th overall to Team Ice Cream
Reach of the Draft #1- Cedric Benson, 38th overall to A1 Providers
Reach of the Draft #2- Shonn Greene 68th overall to Eat More Chicken
Reach of the Draft #3- Justin Blackmon 78th overall to A Pinch Better
Reach of the Draft #4- Beanie Wells 82nd overall to Comeback Story
Reach of the Draft #5- Mark Ingram 64th overall to the Crossing Guards
Arian Foster
Brandon Marshall
Ryan Mathews
Eric Decker
Aaron Hernandez
Ben Tate
Torrey Smith
Tony Romo
Jaquizz Rodgers
Lance Moore
Dexter McCluster
Ronnie Brown
Alex Green
Robert Turbin
For my own team's draft analysis I'm just going to go pick by pick and
tell you what I was thinking. I had the 1st overall pick and then back
to back picks at each turn (last pick in even rounds, first pick in odd
rounds)
1st overall: I had a long, month-long personal debate between Ray Rice
and Arian Foster. The knock on Foster is he has Ben Tate acting as a
threat to steal touches behind him. While I recognize this, I view Ben
Tate as more of an insurance policy that Foster owners can invest in,
where that option is not available for Rice. Ray-Ray might have a
slightly higher ceiling but I knew if I drafted Foster there was a good
chance I could grab Tate later and lock up my RB1 for the entire year.
Tate will be a great RB1 option if Foster gets hurt.
2nd/3rd: At this spot I was hoping a "big 5" QB dropped to me, but none
did. I also would have chosen Gronk or Graham if they fell, but they
didnt. I knew I wanted to take at least 1 WR so I picked Brandon
Marshall. I expect a huge season from Marshall and back that up by
choosing him over guys like Greg Jennings, Andre Johnson, and AJ Green.
With my other pick I couldn't resist Ryan Mathews. I know he is hurt
and labled as an injnury guy, but the upside is just too high to pass up
here. Mathews was a consensus top 10 pick befire he broke his clavicle
in pre-seaon and I'm hoping that the extra time gives the rest of his
body the time it needs to get to 100%.
4th/5th: I was planing on going WR/WR here so when it was my pick I
first went with Eric Decker. He's going to be a PPR stud with Peyton,
and should put up big numbers consistently. The hardest decision of
my draft was at this point when I had to choose between Dez Bryant and
Aaron Hernandez. I ended up taking Hernandez just because I really want a
piece of the NE offense and AH will get his, regardless of the amount
of mouths for Brady to feed. That long term contract really confrimed my
feelings that Hernandez is going to be a integral part of the offense. I
love Dez, and couldn't believe he fell alllll the way to Bill, but
I couldn't pass up a stud PPR TE.
6th/7th: I took Tate to handcuff Foster. As soon as Adam choose Finley
right before my pick, I released a huge sigh of relief. I then grabbed
Torrey Smith, who is comparable to studs AJ Green and Julio Jones. Smith
is clearly behind those guys right now, but poised for a breakout in
his sophomore campaign. I wanted to make sure to grab a 3rd WR here
because it was getting awfully thin after Smith.
8th/9th: Somehow, someway, Tony Romo fell to me here. Unbelievable
value. I got lucky that Kait and Donny waited 1 more round for a QB and
Jenna ALMOST screwed me over with her awful Rivers pick. With the other
pick I took jazquizz Rodgers. Everyone knows I hate Michael Turner and
I think this is the year we see a new, more productive RB in Atalanta in
the form of the quick and versatile Jaquizz Rodgers.
I also drafted Lance Moore, Dexter McCluster, Ronnie Brown, Alex Green
and Robert Turbin. Brown is a handcuff, Moore is a safer WR with a
little upside, and the others are RB lotto picks.
Team Ice Cream
Ray Rice
Demarco Murray
AJ Green
Trent Richardson
Mike Vick
Jermichael Finley
Titus Young
David Wilson
RG3
SF D
Jon Baldwin
Ronnie HIllman
Jerome Simpson
Adam took a different approach to his team this year and I think he will
be happy with the results. Rice-Murray-Richardson is the 3 headed RB
monster that will drive this team to victories. The Mike Vick/RG3 combo
is a dynamic one... Turns out from post-draft chatter that RG3 was on a
lot of people's radar. The only weakness this team has in at WR, a deep
position that should be easy to make up for, especially with that anchor
WR1 stud AJ Green. He should finish top 3 in the league in targets and
when you have elite talent, that's all you need.
Best Picks: Trent Richardson, Ray Rice
Worst Picks: None
Overall Grade: B+
Overall Rank: 4th
Victorious Secret
Lesean McCoy
Darren Sproles
Andre Johnson
Antonio Gates
Marques Colston
DeSean Jackson
Donald Brown
CJ Spiller
Jay Cutler
Legarette Blount
Greg Little
PHI D
Jared Cook
Carson Palmer
Kait probably has the best 1-2 punch at RB with Mccoy and Sproles. Her
team will be leaning on 3 vetern WR in Andre the giant, Colston, and V
jax. I would have passed on Colston for higher-upside guys when Kait
drafted him, although Colston is about as safe as you get at the WR
position. Cutler is an interesting player this year- if he blows up Kait
is going to have a huge season again.
Best: Sproles, Gates, Spiller
Worst: Blount, Colston
Overall Grade: B+
Overall Rank: 3rd
Angry Pirates
Aaron Rodgers
Larry Fitzgerald
Adrian Peterson
Antonio Brown
Reggie Bush
Peyton Hillis
Robert Meachem
Darrius Heyward-Bey
Fred Davis
Toby Gerhart
Felix Jones
Kendall Hunter
Austin Collie
Campbell's squad is rock solid. You can clearly tell when guys have done
their homework. We all know AP is an athletic freak so if he is
anywhere near 100% this team will beast. I'm not completely sold on this
RB committee as a whole... although I do like the Kendall Hunter pick
late. Rodgers/Fitz/Brown trio should produce close to 60 points every
week and THAT is a nice thing to know as an owner.
Best: Brown
Worst: Felix Jones
Overall Grade: B
Overall Rank: 5th
Eat More Chicken
Calvin Johnson
Roddy White
Steven Jackson
Matt Ryan
Willis McGahee
Shonn Greene
Tony Gonzalez
Philip Rivers
Rashad Mendenhall
Randy Moss
Hou D
Alshon Jeffery
Andy Dalton
David Nelson
This is a shaky team in my opinion. On one hand you have the studliest
WR duo in the league (Meagtron-White) but I would never feel comfortable
with Randle L Moss and Alshon Jeffery as my 3rd and 4th WR. 1 injury to
the top 2 guys and it's going to be a struggle. The RB combo S Jax,
McGahee, Green, Mendenhall is mediocre at best. Greene is the most
boring and maybe my least favorite pick of the entire draft. If I was
the owner of this team, instead of trying to screw other owners out of a
QB (drafting Rivers in the 7th with Ryan already on roster) I
probably would have focused on my own roster because I don't see this
squad making the playoffs as is. I do love the Ryan-White connection
though. Also Andy Dalton is a complete waste of a roster space for this
team.
Best: Calvin Johnson, Roddy White
Worst: Greene, Rivers, Mendenhall
Overall Grade: D+
Overall Rank: 10th
A Pinch Better
Chris Johnson
Victor Cruz
Marshawn Lynch
Steve Smith
Eli Manning
Miles Austin
Justin Blackmon
Isaac Redmond
Jacob Tamme
Jahvid best
Sidney Rice
Chi D
Matt Schaub
Pierre Thomas
This team has 2 good things working for it... 1 is The Eli-Manning-Cruz
connection. Only problem for Sean is that pair will have an awfully hard
time repeating their numbers from last year and Sean WILL need it. I
like the 1-2 RB combo of Lynch and CJ...I've come around on Chris
Johnson and believe he is a somewhat safe rb1, but there's a lot of
people on this roster I don't trust. Steve Smith probably went too
early, Miles Austin can't get out of his car without pulling a muscle,
Justin Blackmon was a terrible pick. Jahvid Best was another awful
pick... I don't see any benefit in burning a roster spot for a player
who is out at least 6 weeks and can only play flag football. I also hate
Sidney Rice. Sorry Sean but unless major changes are made I think the
playoffs are but a dream for you.
Best: Lynch
Worst: Smith, Blackmon, Best
Overall Grade: D+
Overall Rank: 11th
The Godfather
Tom Brady
Jamaal Charles
Greg jennings
Ahmad Bradshaw
Stevie Johnson
Vernon Davis
Denarious Moore
Malcolm Floyd
Shane Vereen
Sebass Janikowski
BAL D
Danny Woodhead
Brandon Lafell
Josh Freeman
Leonard Hankerson
I loved the start to Abe's draft. Brady-Charles-Jennings are all guys I
really love. I personally would have went another direction than
Bradshaw, he is too unreliable for me. There were a couple WR on the
board I like more tha Stevie Johnson, although he is a great player and I
can't knock the pick. Vernon Davis in the 6th should produce wonderful
value and the only thing I HATED about this draft was the kicker/Def
early picks. This is going to be a competitive team all year especially
if one of Moore/Floyd/Lafell blows up.
Best: Jennings, Davis, Lafell
Worst: Janikowski, Woodhead
Overall Grade: C
Overall Rank: 8th
the rental guys
Matt Forte
Cam Newton
Doug Martin
Jordy Nelson
Jeremy Maclin
Reggie Wayne
Michael Bush
Ryan Williams
Brandon Pettigrew
Anquan Boldin
Santonio Holmes
Michael Floyd
NYG D
Mario Manningham
Yikes. I think hell has frozen over because I love Dan's team. Similar
to my strategy, Dan locked up his RB1 spot all year with the Forte/Bush
combo. I'm also a big believer in Dougie fresh as a better than
average rb2. Jordy/Maclin/Wayne is a nice trio of WR and if Cam Newton
can match his 2011 numbers, Dan will be in the playoffs again for sure.
Pettigrew was also a steal, the only thing I didn't like about this
draft was the boring and useless picks of Boldin/Holmes. Both AZ boys
are lotto picks.
Best: Martin, Nelson, Maclin, Pettigrew
Worst: Boldin, Holmes
Overall Grade: A-
Overall Rank: 2nd
The Crossing Guards
Darren McFadden
Matt Stafford
Hakeem Nicks
Percy Harvin
Dez Bryant
Mark Ingram
Deangelo Williams
Stevan Ridley
Mikel Leshoure
Michael Crabtree
Santana Moss
Tawain Jones
GB D
Kyle Rudolph
After 5 rounds I think Bill had my favorite team. Then, things went
south. Lets go over the good part of this draft first: I love Mcfadden
this year. I know he is injury prone but I am more from the camp that
it's just bad luck. He's so good when he is actually playing that it's
worth it. Also, I love Stafford this year.
Nicks-Percy-and especially Dez were great picks. Bill capitalized on the
WR market and got 3 studs. Dez fell wayyyy to far and was one of the
biggest steals of the entire draft. Then the 6th round came and Bill
took 4 running backs in a row. I like the strategy but I
dont particularly like any of the guys he chose. In fact while I'm
looking over Bill's picks I just realized that this roster alone could
probably keep a hospital open. DMC, Stafford, Nicks, Dez, Ingram, and
Leshoure are all injury prone guys. If they stay healthy, Bill will make
the playoffs. If a couple of these guys miss a significant amount of
time, Bills in trouble.
Best: Dez, Nicks, Percy
Worst: Ingram, Williams
Overall Grade: C
Overall Rank: 6th
Comeback Story
Gronkowski
MJD
Fred Jackson
Brandon Lloyd
Dwayne Bowe
Demaryous Thomas
Beanie Wells
Roy Helu
Ben Rothelisberger
Andrew Luck
Amendola
Devone Bess
lamicahel james
Greg Olson
Comeback Story might not be an appropriate name for this team this year.
I think the opposite might happen: a hot start to the
season followed by a lot of adversity (aka losing) later on. I love
Gronk as a Pats fan, but he doesn't warrant a 1st round pick to me and
certainly I would be taking Graham over Gronk in this format. I like the
Fred Jackson pick but I think he is one of those guys who you HAVE to
get their handcuff/RBBC partner. Donny passed on Spiller later in the
draft for less desirable guys and I think he may regret it.
Lloyd-Bowe-Thomas seems like a boom or bust trio of WR (not necessarily a
bad thing) and Donny also probably should have snagged his QB 1 round
earlier. As long as Donny stays active on the trade market I think this
team will compete, but the jury is still out on how these guys
actually perform.
Best: Thomas, MJD
Worst: Wells, Helu
Overall Grade: C
Overall Rank: 7th
A1 Providers
Drew Brees
Wes Welker
Michael Turner
Cedric Benson
Vincent jackson
Pierre Garcon
Jason Witten
Jonathan Stewart
Rashad Jennings
Laurent Robinson
PITT D
Nate Burleson
Dustin Keller
The upset of the century was Paul passing on Wes Wekler in the 1st round
in favor for Drew Brees. Turned out to be a shrewd move because Paul
snagged Wekler in the 2nd round. I loved Paul's team at that point. And
then he drafted Turner. And Benson. And V jax. 3 guys I would have
never recommended drafting where Paul took them. The only other
picks I like of Pauls is Garcon and J Stew- both I thought
were really good picks. Everything else is garbage
(Witten/Robinson/Burleson)
Best: Brees, Welker, Garcon
Worst: Turner, Benson, V Jax
Overall Grade: D
Overall Rank: 12th
Boston Patriots
Julio Jones
Jimmy Graham
Mike Wallace
Frank Gore
Bejarvus Green-Ellis
Peyton Manning
Nate Washington
Kevin Smith
Evan Royster
Mike Williams
Joe Flacco
Brent Celek
Mr. B started this draft off with 2 of my favorite players in all of
fantasy this year. I love Jones and I love Graham. Both were exceptional
picks. So was Wallace in the late 3rd. Unfortunately, drafting these
beasts leaves a need at RB that I feel was not addressed properly by Mr
B. Frank Gore is someone I would never, ever trust as my RB1 in 2012.
BJGE is solid, somewhat unexciting but at least he is a known commodity.
I dont like Kevin Smith at all ( he literally can't stay healthy enough
to ever finsih a game) I also don't like Royster. I think this team,
will be solid if Mr B can acquire better RBs somehow, but for now this
is a middling team with a major disadvantage at RB. Also, if Peyton
Manning ISNT Peyton Manning, Mr. B is going to need to scramble for a
QB.
Best: Graham, Jones, Peyton
Worst: Gore, Smith
Overall Grade: C-
Overall Rank: 9th
Teams By Draft Rank:
1. Tahiti Loungers
2. the rental guys
3. Victorious Secret
4. Team Ice Cream
5. Angry Pirates
6. The Crossing Guards
7. Comeback Story
8. The Godfather
9. Boston Patriots
10. Eat More Chicken
11. A Pinch Better
12. A1 Providers
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