Tuesday Preview: The Champions Classic
By Jared Bursky
How great is it that the Final Four begins tonight? Hold on a minute. It’s only November 12th. You would hardly know with the matchups in Chicago tonight. At 7:30 #1 Kentucky takes on #2 Michigan State, followed by #4 Duke and #5 Kansas, in what may be a preview of this year’s Final Four. Here is what you should be looking for in the two matchups:
#1 Kentucky v. #2 Michigan State (7:30 ESPN)
Quick Notes
- The game will be the earliest ever matchup between #1 and #2. Previously the earliest was November 29th.
- Kentucky’s freshman class, regarded by many as the best class ever, battles against its first ranked opponent.
For Michigan State to win it must:
TAKE CARE OF THE BALL. Michigan State opening the season with major problems in the turnover department has seemed to become an annual event. Oddly, as March approaches these problems are typically solved, but to beat a team with the talent of Kentucky, turnovers cannot happen. Easy baskets will feed confidence to this young Wildcat team, and that’s when they will really start rolling. Michigan State needs to be efficient on offense lead by the evolving Keith Appling on the point guard position. Making life tough on Kentucky may show their inexperience.
For Kentucky to win it must:
REBOUND. We all know Michigan State will rebound at a high rate on both sides of the ball. Kentucky’s toughness will be tested most on the boards. For the Wildcats to win, they MUST compete on the boards, especially on the defensive end. If Michigan State imposes its will on the offensive boards, Kentucky will have a hard time. Extra possessions for the likes of Harris and Payne are bad news. The Wildcats have the athletes to rebound effectively, but with their inexperience, they have yet to see a machine like they will see tonight. Expect the team that controls the boards to have the inside track to win this game.
Key Matchup:
Branden Dawson/Adreian Payne vs. Julius Randle
Randle is undoubtedly the pulse of this Kentucky team, posting double-doubles in both of his first two games. If Michigan State can contain him and make him work on the defensive end it can be successful. On the flip side, if Randle gets into a rhythm early and attacks the boards like he has been, Kentucky could build confidence early and turn that into success.
X Factors:
Michigan State- Keith Appling, PG: This year will be Appling’s third year at the point. Entering his sophomore year he transitioned from the off guard position. If he can take care of the ball, provide some scoring, and distribute to Harris and Payne, Michigan State can come out of Chicago with a win.
Kentucky- Willie Cauley-Stein and Dakari Johnson, C: One seven foot center is dangerous, who knows what the possibilities are when a team has two. Kentucky does. You know Izzo wants to establish his guys in the paint early. If these two can provide rebounding and rim protection, Kentucky will be in great shape.
#4 Duke v. #5 Kansas (9:30 ESPN)
Quick Notes
- Coach K 3 – Bill Self 0: Self has lost all three matchups against Duke.
- Another 1 v 2: Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker, the top two recruits coming into this year, battle for the first time at the college level.
For Duke to win it must:
APPLY PRESSURE ON THE BALL. Kansas has an inexperienced backcourt with Duke being the exact opposite. Quinn Cook and Tyler Thornton need to make life hard for Kansas’ guards. Duke once again has an uncanny ability to make shots from beyond the arc. Open looks for Jabari Parker, Rodney Hood, Cook and Thornton would prove to be a nightmare for Kansas. If Duke pressures the ball to create turnovers and bad possessions, the running game and three point shot could get going early and often. Duke also does not have Mason Plumlee as a rim protector anymore. They do not have great size in the frontcourt. Preventing easy entries into the post will be critical to Coach K and the Blue Devils
For Kansas to win it must:
HAVE SECONDARY SCORING. Kansas cannot rely on Andrew Wiggins to carry them. Duke will attack in waves with different players. Having point guard Naadir Tharpe back from a one game suspension will surely help the Jayhawks, but Kansas needs a group effort. Cue Perry Ellis and Tarik Black. Ellis really started to come on toward the end of last season while Tarik Black, a transfer from Memphis, has the potential to dominate a game in the paint. If Kansas can feed these two guys on the block and score early, Kansas can open up opportunities for Wiggins and fellow freshman Wayne Seldon Jr. to make plays.
Key Matchup:
Andrew Wiggins vs. Jabari Parker
Hold on a minute. We get to see #1 and #2 play at 7:30, and it might get better at 9:30? Wiggins and Parker may be the BEST matchup of individuals we will see all year long. Parker was the number one recruit for so long until Wiggins skyrocketed past him. Does a small rivalry exist here? Maybe. What we do know is that two of the best freshmen and players in America will matchup against each other tonight in Chicago, and the winner of this matchup puts his team in a great position to get a meaningful early season win. This is a must see, period.
Wiggins and Parker will go head to head in this early season matchup (Via USA Today Sports)
X Factors:
Duke- The Bigs: Discounting Parker whose versatility will have him in different spots, Duke’s big men accounted for only 15 of its 111 points in its opening game win vs. Davidson. Amile Jefferson and Josh Hairston in particular, need to provide rebounding, toughness, and more offensive output. With incredible scoring and versatility from its guards, Duke will cruise if this happens.
Kansas- Andrew White III, G/F: This 6-6, 210 sophomore chipped in 12 points in Kansas’ first game. More importantly he nailed 3-5 attempts from beyond the arc. Kansas does not have a bevy of shooters to rely on, so if White can come off the bench and make shots, pressure will be taken off the shoulders of Wiggins. If White is in rhythm and Kansas decides to attack from the inside out, Tarik Black and Perry Ellis will have a great spot up option to kick out to.
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Jared Bursky is a freshman Physical Education major at SUNY Cortland. He was a Captain and starter for his high school basketball team and is pursuing coaching basketball at either the high school or college level. He roots for the Isles, Yanks, Jets, and Knicks but his favorite sport to watch is college basketball. You can follow him on twitter at @jbhoops10
The Final Four In November?
By Christian Pierre-Louis
The kind of college basketball that fans will be treated to tonight in the third annual Champions Classic isn’t supposed to happen until early April. Only a few days into the college basketball season, the Champions Classic might just be a sneak preview of the Final Four. Top-ranked Kentucky vs. No. 2 Michigan State is the marquee matchup in the tournament tonight at the United Center in Chicago. It’s the earliest in the season the top two teams have faced each other, and the first game between Nos. 1 and 2 since 2008. Duke and Kansas play in the nightcap, giving the tournament four of the top five teams in the country. Before we delve deeper into the individual matchups, it’s worth looking at some of the numbers surrounding this event. Kentucky, Kansas and Duke are three of the four all-time winningest programs, and the four schools have 17 national titles between them. Furthermore, the Wildcats, Spartans, Jayhawks and Blue Devils have been to 24 Final Fours in the past 21 years. It’s safe to say we are talking about college basketball royalty here.
Kentucky vs. Michigan State
Kentucky leads the all-time series against Michigan State 12-10, but the Spartans won the last meeting in the 2005 NCAA tournament in a double-overtime classic. Both teams dominated their respective season opener, with the Wildcats throttling UNC-Asheville and the Spartans handling McNeese State. The battle for the top spot in the country is a classic showdown between experience and raw talent. John Calipari assembled arguably the best recruiting class in the history of the sport and will be relying on those freshmen all season, while Tom Izzo’s trio of Keith Appling, Gary Harris and Adreian Payne give the Spartans leadership that is needed to succeed in marquee contests.
Once again, Coach John Calipari has built a team that can win (Via USA Today Sports)
Were this matchup to take place again in March, Kentucky’s incredible depth and ability could be enough. However, it is going to take some time for the Wildcats to reach their full potential with so many young players on the floor at once, and Michigan State will take advantage. Look for Appling and Harris to suffocate the Harrison brothers on the defensive end, forcing critical turnovers in the process. The Spartans will convert the subsequent opportunities in transition into easy baskets.
But it’s not just the harassing defense Michigan State plays that will give Kentucky trouble. You would be hard pressed to find a more physically dominant squad in the country and on the boards than Izzo’s bunch. Between the Spartans’ defense and proclivity for contact, the young Wildcats will grow frustrated by late in the second half.
Prediction: Michigan State 78, Kentucky 72
Duke vs. Kansas
Duke leads the all-time series against Kansas 7-2, a mark which includes a victory in the most recent matchup in the 2011 EA Sports Maui Invitational title game. You’ve heard all the cliches—there’s no “I” in team, basketball is a team game, it’s not about individual matches, etc. In fact, if you talked to Bill Self, Mike Krzyzewski or either of their prized freshmen in the days leading up to this game, you would probably hear those same cliches again. But fans don’t have to live in the boring world of coach speak. The headlines following this matchup will undoubtedly focus on the battle between Wiggins and Parker. And how could they not? We are talking about the presumed No. 1 pick in the next NBA draft in Wiggins and a freshman who was already on the cover of Sports Illustrated in high school and called the best prospect since LeBron James in Parker.
While the freshmen showdown may be the story, the talent surrounding Parker will make the difference in this game. Quinn Cook, Rasheed Sulaimon, Rodney Hood and even Amile Jefferson are a more formidable surrounding cast at this point of the year than Andrew White III, Wayne Selden, Tarik Black and Perry Ellis.
The Jayhawks, in a similar fashion to Kentucky in the first contest, are very talented but don’t quite have the experience to win this game at this point in the year after replacing all five starters (the story will be different in March for both squads).
Prediction: Duke 81, Kansas 73
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Christian Pierre-Louis is a journalism major at Seton Hall University. He is a HUGE fan of the, LA Lakers, NY Giants, and NY Yankees. He is also an assistant sports producer at Seton Hall’s radio station WSOU 89.5 FM. You can follow him on twitter at @CPL_78.
After Losing A Superstar, Can The Bolts Bounce Back?
By Mike Basile
The Monday Matinee between the Bruins and the Lightning ended in a 3-0 loss for the Lightning. The real loss today took place in the second period of the game when Boston’s Dougie Hamilton sent Steven Stamkos stumbling into the net. Even the Boston crowd froze as they watched as Stamkos’ leg bent awkwardly and he laid on the ice, riving in pain. The unimaginable for Stamkos and the Lightning became a harsh reality when the stretcher was brought out onto the ice, and he was taken off. The question is: can this team carry on with the loss of their superstar?
A look at the injury to Steven Stamkos (Via Sporting News and NESN)
Now with Stamkos out indefinitely, this team needs to find a way to cope without him. This is not going to be an easy task, and they may need some time to adjust. They just lost their scorer, and a player who was on his way to an MVP caliber season. Stamkos had 23 points in 17 games and was a great plus 11. Realistically, you can’t just go out and find another Stamkos. Right now, the Lightning are leading the Atlantic Division with 24 points. With the Lightning playing great hockey, I think they will continue their winning ways without their leader in uniform.
When you lose a guy like Stamkos, you would think that the key is to go and find someone to replace him. However, I disagree. I think that now with Stamkos out, Ben Bishop will be the key for this team. The 26-year-old Bishop has been great this season in net, with a 2.12 goals against average. He will have to be the backbone of this team. His 92.7 % save percentage also tells me that he really could be the best option between the pipes. If Lindback does not step up when he plays, Bishop will have a heavy load to carry the rest of the way.
I know you guys probably hear veteran leadership all the time, but this Lightning team really needs that now. When you lose a superstar like Stamkos, you have to keep the team at high hopes, and that will be the job of Martin St. Louis. Not only is he the second leading scorer on the team, he has to be a vocal leader in the locker room. Matt Carle will also have to step up as a defensive leader for this Lightning team. A little bit of leadership to keep this team on its high horse is very important.
Finally, the young guns are going to have to play a big role and it starts on defense with Victor Hedman. Already a plus seven on the season, he needs to keep that up and step up in the scoring category. Alex Killorn will also need to step up his offensive gameplay, as he has played well early. If he keeps this up, the team will be A-Okay.
At the end of the day, I think the Tampa Bay Lightning will be able to win without Steven Stamkos. I do not think that they will finish first in the Atlantic, but I do think they will end up in the playoffs. This team has solid goaltending and great veteran leadership. If the young guns can play mistake free hockey, Tampa Bay will show everyone they are not a one-man show!
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Mike Basile is a sophomore at York College Of Pennsylvania. He is a huge sports fan, and when it comes to hockey maybe considered a little obsessive. Giving insight on the Islanders and all things hockey. You can follow him on twitter at @mikeybasile1
Curtis Granderson to the Mets: The Pros
By Ben Ozur
With the recent news that Curtis Granderson is meeting with the Mets, we weigh the pros and the cons in this two-part series. To see the cons, click here.
Could it be, the Mets are making a big splash in the free agent market? In almost any other season in recent history, this would be a laughable statement. Not this year. With the big contracts of Jason Bay and Johan Santana, among others, expiring, the Mets have a decent amount of money to spend. They must be cautious to not put themselves in a similar situation to the one they just escaped from. They gave big contracts to Bay and Santana when they had the money to spend, and they didn’t really pan out. This offseason, the Mets are making it clear that they would like to be more aggressive on the free agent market. Top free agents, including Cano and Ellsbury, have been nearly ruled out. They could go after other top-of-the market guys, like Shin-Soo Choo or Stephen Drew. But what about Curtis Granderson?
This is a guy who is not far removed from superstar status. Beginning his career with the Tigers, Granderson was seen as an excellent catalyst for Detroit for many years. He hit for a high average, played elite centerfield defense, and had excellent speed. After being traded to the Yankees in a three-way trade with the Tigers and Diamondbacks in the 2009-10 offseason, some of this changed. His average fell a bit, defensive metrics didn’t favor him as much (though they are very difficult to measure), and he wasn’t quite racking up as many stolen bases (though it was still well above league-average). But what he was doing was hitting bombs, and plenty of them. 24 in 2010 (in an injury-plagued season), followed by back-to-back 40-homer seasons. In 2011, he finished in 4th in the AL MVP race but won the Players Choice Award for the Most Outstanding Player in the AL. Talk about a superstar.
Could this be the future for the Mets? Of course, number 14 is retired by the Mets for Gil Hodges, so Granderson would have to change his number (Via MLB)
2013 is the season that everyone will make people question his abilities going forward. It was an injury-plagued season in which he only played in 61 games – such a small sample size that the numbers aren’t too significant. But let’s keep in mind: these were freak injuries; he got hit by two pitches in the arm. Not easy injuries to recover from and still play at full strength. As long as these weren’t nagging injuries, like a hamstring or concussion, I’m not too concerned going forward.
Now, what does this all mean for his free agent stock? He just turned down a qualifying offer from the Yankees to remain with them for at least one season at a salary of $14.1M. (Whether or not he should’ve accepted the qualifying offer is up for a different debate.) He did this in order to obtain a multi-year contract. He’s still just 32, which isn’t too old, so a three or four year deal isn’t unreasonable. I don’t know if he’ll be a centerfielder wherever he goes, but he showed last year that he could handle all three outfield positions pretty well. With a career OPS of .828, being an excellent defender in the outfield, and averaging 17 SBs a season, there aren’t too many things not to like about Granderson. I’d expect somewhere around a three year/$50M contract for Granderson.
Now, going back to the original question: would the Mets be willing to get a top free agent like Granderson? If the Mets really want to get a guy who has shown that he can handle both sides of the ball very well, why not? He won’t command the dollars that other top free agents are asking for, and he fills a HUGE void for the Mets in the outfield. He’s been on playoff teams, so he has the experience and the veteran leadership that the Mets are seeking. Should the Mets make it to the postseason in a few years – which they seem to be set up for – I think Granderson can be a key piece in making a run
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Ben Ozur is an absolute baseball guru. He is a huge Mets, Jets, Knicks and Islanders fan whose life revolves around fantasy sports.
Curtis Granderson to the Mets: The Cons
By Dan Lagnado
With the recent news that Curtis Granderson is meeting with the Mets, we weigh the pros and the cons in this two-part series. To see the pros, click here.
If there is one thing that Mets fans want this offseason, it’s for Sandy Alderson to spend the money that everyone claims that the Mets have. It was recently learned that free agent outfielder Curtis Granderson will be meeting with team officials. Many fans on hearing this news probably uttered something like, “ugh finally it’s about time they signed a free agent”. Of course it’s important to note that this is not an indicator that a deal is imminent. However there have been a few people who have predicted Queens to be a potential landing spot for Granderson. He is not terribly expensive and fills a position of dire need for the Mets, the outfield, as well as providing a power bat in the middle of an anemic lineup.
The Grandyman can? Going after Curtis Granderson could prove to be a disappointment for the Mets (Via USA Today Sports)
All that said, this signing, should it happen, is not an indicator of clear skies to come. First, Granderson will turn 33 next season and probably expects to get a multi-year deal. Will Granderson still be able to play the outfield at a high level at age 36 or 37? Next, Granderson would still need to figure out the transition to a corner outfield spot. This is not confirmed of course, but I would presume that the Mets would like to keep Juan Lagares in centerfield after the spectacular defensive numbers he put up last year. In his limited playing time last season (Granderson missed 101 games with injuries) Grandy still logged more innings in center than in left or right field combined. In addition, the Mets are pursuing Granderson most likely for his power as a hitter. He had two consecutive seasons with 40+ homeruns and 100+ RBI in the Bronx in 2011 and 2012. However he was aided by the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium, and Citi Field is a significantly larger ballpark. Finally, in his last full season in 2012, he played to his lowest WAR (wins above replacement) ever (the exception being 2004 and 2005 where he only played 56 combined games). It may be better for the Mets to look elsewhere in free agency or perhaps to make a trade for an outfielder. Many people have reported that the Mets have been active in talks and so obtaining an outfielder could be easy enough to do.
Given these statistics it is easy for disgruntled and pessimistic Mets fans to see the potential for another free agent bust being paid more than he deserves. We will just have to wait to see how it plays out.
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Dan Lagnado is studying communications, law economics and government at American University. He’s a fan of both the Mets and Jets and has been writing about sports for four years. You can follow him on twitter at @dlag1995
Phillies Looking to Bounce Back
By Dan Lagnado
The Philadelphia Phillies’ time atop the National League East seems to have come to a screeching halt. After 5 consecutive division titles from 2007-2011, the Phillies have struggled to regain the luster that they had achieved during those 5 seasons, which included a World Series title in 2008 and a National League Pennant in 2009. Instead, they have struggled along just attempting to remain relevant. A disappointing 2013 season found them in fourth place in the division, only above the lowly Marlins. Certainly not the result anybody among the team was looking for.
It appears that the old Phillies stalwarts are no longer able of carrying them to victory. The one time stacked lineup of Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Carlos Ruiz, does not provoke the power and fear that it once did. Instead, it may be time for a changing of the guard. This season saw the breakout of Domonic Brown, who in his first full season exploded into national attention with 27 homeruns and 83 RBI. That’s not to say that Rollins or Utley did not produce. Utley hit .284 with 18 homeruns and Rollins provided a .252 average and 22 stolen bases. What is true however is that somewhat diminishing production and increasing age and potential health problems do not spell the best of times for this team. Howard played in only 80 games and Ruiz in only 92. Another bright spot that emerged in the latter stages of the season was Darin Ruf. He slugged 14 homeruns in only 73 games and provided a late season spark and something to look forward to in the future a she seems to be capable of reaching the 30 HR plateau. Cody Asche also impressed for Philadelphia, contributing 5 homeruns in 50 games (for all you math studs out there that is one homerun every 10 games) showing the capability of hitting 15-20 in a full season. This offense has a chance to regain its greatness. The first step is resigning Ruiz. Even at age 35, and surrounded by PED scandals, when he plays, Ruiz is a very solid offensive catcher as well as being able to aid young pitchers. It is also important for the key cogs to stay healthy (looking at you Ryan Howard). With a little fine-tuning this could offense has an opportunity to once again become what it once was during its dynasty years.
Jimmy Rollins, 34, Chase Utley, 34, and Ryan Howard, 33, will try to make some more magic in Philly (Via SI)
The same bug that bit the offense plagues the Phillies pitching staff: aging stars. Cliff Lee will turn 36 next season. Roy Halladay, should the Phillies choose to resign him, will turn 37 and has a history of arm issues. Should the Phillies choose to let Halladay leave, their rotation will be left with the likes of Jonathan Pettibone (5-4, 4.04 ERA), Tyler Cloyd (2-7, 6.56 ERA) and Kyle Kendrick (10-13, 4.70 ERA) behind Lee and Cole Hamels. In addition, the pitching stars that the Phils do have have been able to play consistently at the same time. Last season, it was Hamels who pitched himself into the ace position, but this year he floundered with an 8-14 record while Lee led the team in wins (14), ERA (2.87), and strikeouts (222). The back end of the bullpen is very impressive with Closer Jonathan Papelbon (29 saves) as well as Antonio Bastardo (2.32 ERA, 14 Holds) and Jacob Diekman (2.58 ERA, 11 Holds). The acquisition of some veteran middle relievers as well as a back end starter would do wonders for the outlook of this team moving into next season.
Coming off of one down year is no reason to despair for Phillies fans. A few small free agent signings could set the table for another potential postseason run. However in order for that to happen, the big time players must be able to stay healthy and guide the young prospects. It is always dangerous to count out a team with postseason experience and the weapons of this team. I think it is possible for these Phillies to have another playoff run in them.
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Dan Lagnado is studying communications, law economics and government at American University. He’s a fan of both the Mets and Jets and has been writing about sports for four years. You can follow him on twitter at @dlag1995
NFL Predictions Week 10
By Matthew Wieselthier
Sunday:
1:00 PM ET:
Eagles 35, Packers 27
Nick Foles just threw seven touchdowns. If any player is looking like they are on fire right now, it has to be the man who just threw SEVEN TOUCHDOWNS. The Eagles need to continue their push for a playoff spot in the weak NFC East. The Packers, now missing Aaron Rodgers for multiple weeks, now have an offense that is going to seem like a shell of what it was just a week before. Yes, they didn’t look terrible when playing the Bears defense. However, when a defense has a week to prepare for the Eddie Lacy running show, it shouldn’t be too hard to stop.
Titans 34, Jaguars 10
The Jaguars are simply the worst team in the NFL. They had their best week of the season so far in Week 9 where they did not lose thanks to a bye. Now they have to face a determined Titans team, with a decent passing game with Jake Locker and a rejuvenated rushing attack with Chris Johnson. Not much needs to be said when it comes to playing the Jaguars. Just mark the game as a W on the calendar and start preparing for next week.
Steelers 28, Bills 24
The Bills finally have their starting quarterback back. First round pick EJ Manuel is in the lineup this week after suffering a sprained right knee. However, the result of the game will not have much difference than most of their games this year. The Steelers are still a tough defense, and should be expected to pull out a win in this matchup of hopeless teams.
Giants 27, Raiders 13
The Raiders will only be able to present a big problem if they do what most teams in the beginning of the season did to Eli Manning: interception after interception. However, Eli hasn’t looked as much like that during their two-game winning streak and the offense seems somewhat rejuvenated ever since signing Madden 12 cover man, Peyton Hillis. The Giants are also the 9th best running defense. That is helpful against a Raiders team, where all they seem to be able to do is run the ball, especially with their best rusher, QB Terrelle Pryor.
Eli Manning and the Giants host the Raiders this weekend (Via Sabo)
Colts 27, Rams 14
The Rams defense is really tough. They held the Seahawks to 14 points and barely let the Titans get the win last week. They can make the pocket a living hell for Andrew Luck and running the ball a disaster for Trent Richardson and the rest of the company of the Colts running backs. The thing is that Andrew Luck is much better than the QBs that the Rams stopped over the last two weeks. The Rams also have the issue of having an unclear offensive strategy. Their running game has looked great with RBs Zac Stacy and Daryl Richardson. However, the passing attack has been weak and there is a lack of confidence in it with backup QB Kellen Clemens at the wheel. Expect that to continue this week.
Seahawks 41, Falcons 10
The Falcons just continue to look like a shell of the team that won the NFC in the regular season just under 12 months ago. And the Seahawks have taken that spot with pride. Seattle may have had issues with the winless Buccaneers, but that should go away after some preparation for a Falcons team that just can’t play a good football game anymore. The Seahawks should be able to get back to dominating their opponents and take care of the Falcons without a scratch on them.
Bengals 23, Ravens 14
The Bengals are one of those confusing teams. After going out and scoring 49 against one of the top defenses in the league (the Jets), they then have issues and lose to the Dolphins. However, the Ravens still don’t look great and still are not the team of last year. Plain and simple in this AFC North matchup, the Bengals have the top spot and will show why with a win this week.
Lions 27, Bears 24
The Lions have looked great this year on offense. Not surprisingly, the connection between QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson Jr. has looked terrific, but also the performance of their running backs. The one-two punch of Reggie Bush and Joique Bell has looked spectacular this season. Jay Cutler is expected to return but how game ready is he? This will be a toughly fought game, but expect the healthy to defeat the injured.
4:00 PM ET:
Panthers 17, 49ers 14
This has a chance to be the best matchup of the week. Here are two of the hottest teams in the NFL going head to head in a matchup with big playoff implications. Both mobile quarterbacks, Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick, have finally gotten back to their level of play in the beginning of their careers. Both defenses have been holding their opponents to under 20 points in their last two games. This is the game to have your TVs set tuned into in a matchup of possible future Wild Card teams that may even play each other later in the playoffs.
Texans 24, Cardinals 14
Someone tell the Cardinals that they are supposed to be bad. That they shouldn’t be .500 on the season and crushing Atlanta. Led by RB Andre Ellington, the Cardinals have looked much better than they should have been this season. But to that same fact, why is this undrafted rookie for the Texans, QB Case Keenum, doing so well? Also, despite their record, the Texans have the best total defense in the NFL. The Texans are prime for a comeback game after…well their terrible season.
Broncos 34, Chargers 28
Why did the NFL have to put this game on at the same time as the Panthers-49ers game? Another great matchup is going on with the Broncos, who look almost indestructible, going against what might be the biggest surprise team of the year, the Chargers. Philip Rivers is having a comeback year for the century, playing like a top five quarterback. However, he is up against the best QB this season, Peyton Manning. This should be a great scoring matchup in which we see these two QBs show us why they are among the best in the league.
8:30 PM ET:
Cowboys 28, Saints 24
The Cowboys are much better than their record shows. They have a top 5 QB this season in Tony Romo, a strong defense, and a chance to take a huge step above everyone else in their division. On the other side, the Saints just got beat by the Jets in a game they should have had little trouble with. Expect the passing attack of the Cowboys to do much better than Geno Smith did last week and Demarco Murray to have a good game against a weak Saints rushing defense.
Monday:
8:30 PM ET
Buccaneers 27, Dolphins 13
All the talk about this game has been about the Dolphins. Not the game itself, but instead the terrible locker room bullying situation in Miami. However, let’s relate that to the game. The two players who aren’t on the field for the Dolphins this week, Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin, were starting offensive lineman. This will make life a living hell in the pocket for QB Ryan Tannehill this week, missing 40% of his usual line. The Buccaneers are also looking for that precious first win of the year. They almost got that last week against the Seahawks. Expect them to carry over that momentum into this inner state game. Also, don’t forget that QB Mike Glennon hasn’t looked all that terrible since taking over. He has five more TDs than INTs and 60.3-completion percentage.
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Matthew Wieselthier is the Sports Director at WPOB 88.5 FM, Plainview. He is also the PA announcer at all sporting events at POBJFKHS. You can follow him on twitter at @wieselsports66.
Offseason Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates
By Doug Tyburski
Coming off their first winning season in 20 years, the Pirates are finally in the position of not only trying to add players during the off season, but keeping their own.
One player who we already know may not return, is fan favorite and veteran leader, A.J. Burnett. The Pirates officially declined to make their former ace a qualifying offer on Friday. Pirates GM Neal Huntington went on 970 ESPN Radio in Pittsburgh, and stated they did not make a qualifying offer to Burnett because they simply, “could not afford the $14.1 million hit to their 2014 team budget”.
AJ Burnett remains to be a huge question mark entering this offseason (Via Rumbunter)
Huntington went a bit deeper when addressing the non qualifying offer, stating, “”It’s not where we value A.J. Burnett, it’s how do we build a championship team in the big picture. And as we look to fill some of the other gaps that we have, or we look to upgrade some of the other spots we feel we’d like to upgrade and should upgrade if possible, we felt that $14MM in one player was a bit steep for us.”
Does that mean Burnett will not be back in a Pirates uniform next year? The answer is no. Pittsburgh could be pinning their hopes that Burnett liked his success and surroundings in Pittsburgh so much, that he will sign a one year deal in the $10 million dollar range. The pitcher went on record this past season when he said he would either retire or return to Pittsburgh in 2014. If he holds to that train of thought, maybe the Pirates can sign him at a discounted rate. That may be a gamble on the Pirates part at best though. Burnett is sure to get larger offers from other teams during the upcoming free agency period.
While the Burnett situation will eventually play itself out as the off season goes on, the Pirates will add to payroll. Where they add that money is the question. Let’s take a look at the Pirates position by position and look at what needs they must address.
First Base: For much of the season, the Pirates platooned Garrett Jones and Tony Sanchez. While Jones was useful against right handed pitching, his power numbers and average against left handed pitching dropped dramatically. Sanchez was average at best. The acquisition of Justin Morneau in September was an upgrade, but Morneau did not perform up to the expectations of the Pirates during their playoff run. Morneau could not hit one ball out of the park during his short tenure and his average was nowhere near his career stats. If the price is right, Pittsburgh could take another flyer on Morneau, but only at the right price. Jones’ career in Pittsburgh may have come to a close, while Sanchez may be tendered and could be a useful bench player. An upgrade at first base is a must though. There are some Mark Trumbo trade rumors. He would be a perfect fit, but at this point it appears to be just that, rumors.
Second Base: Neil Walker is currently under contract and rumors continue that the organization and Walker are working on an extension. While the Pittsburgh native is inconsistent at times, when healthy he puts up solid numbers and should give you 15-20 home runs a year and hit for .270 average. No need to upgrade at that position.
Shortstop: This is a spot that has plagued this franchise for years. It seems the Pirates have had no luck upgrading this position. Clint Barmes was signed two years ago, most likely due to his affiliation with Clint Hurdle in Colorado. Barmes is one of the best defensive players at his position, but his offensive numbers, are just that…offensive. Towards the end of the 2013 campaign, Jordy Mercer took over the bulk of the playing time at the position. While Mercer’s offensive numbers are an upgrade, he is a defensive liability and those liabilities showed, contributing to a number of key errors, costing his team important games down the stretch that could have also ended the hopes of a central division title. This is a major position where the organization MUST upgrade during the off season.
Third Base: Pedro Alvarez is set here. While he may eventually move to first base a few years down the road, there is no need to change things up now. He led the NL in home runs, and while the Pirates would like him to bring up his average and cut down his strikeouts, he is young enough and will have a number of seasons to improve on those stats.
Catcher: Russell Martin was everything the Pirates thought he’d be. Outstanding defensively. Valuable veteran to work with some of the young pitchers on the staff. Gave them a few walk off hits and had some clutch home runs as well. Look for fan favorite and decent back up Michael McKendry to return as the backup.
Pitching: Look for the Pirates to upgrade their starting rotation with or without Burnett. Wandy Rodriguez will be returning as the Pirates plan to pick up his option. His only question is his health. If he can remain healthy, that is a big plus for the rotation. Charlie Morton had a very good bounce back season after Tommy John surgery. He will be penciled in the starting rotation potential future all star Gerrit Cole. This could also be the season that another highly touted prospect cracks the Pirates rotation. Former first round pick, Jamison Taillon appears ready to take the next step in his career. If not in the rotation opening day, a June call up is likely. The need for another veteran starter is necessary though, and look for Pittsburgh to address that.
The bullpen should be set. As long as Jason Grilli can remain healthy, he will be the team’s closer and Mark Melancon return to set things up for Grilli in the 8th inning. Adding Justin Wilson, Tony Watson, and Vin Mazzaro, to that list, the bullpen should be one of the best in baseball again in 2014.
Left Field: Starling Marte will be the starting left fielder and should be for a long time. While he does tend to strikeout more than the team would like, he is still learning and his talent out weighs any negatives. Marte has great defensive skills, and a very strong arm. One of the fastest players in the game and has some power and will eventually be a 15-20 home run type player. Marte is still a raw talent, but has the potential to be one of the best left fielders in the National League.
Centerfield: Not much to say here. Potential MVP Andrew McCutchen is one of the best players in the game. Obviously no need for any upgrade here.
Right Field: This is the position that must be addressed as well. The Pirates tried many platoons at this position, and until Marlon Byrd was acquired late this past season, it was one of the Pirates weaknesses if not their biggest. Jose Tabata, Garrett Jones, Tony Sanchez, Andrew Lambo, Travis Snider, and possible a few lucky fans tried to take over that position, but no such luck. Right field is where you can expect a major upgrade. Marlon Byrd may be the answer, but he comes with a few questions. With his surprise season, does he price himself out of the range the Pirates are willing to commit to? Was Byrd’s season a fluke? Will his age (36 years old) catch up to him? If the contact demands based on years and amount are acceptable, look for the Pirates to possibly try and re-sign Byrd. They should and will do their due diligence and look elsewhere first, just in case they can find a younger bat with a more consistent history.
It will be an interesting off season for the Pirates. It will be an important one too. The team is coming off a major season and they won the fans back in a football & hockey town. It’s now up to Neal Huntington to make sure he keeps the momentum going in 2014.
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Doug Tyburski is a graduate of Nassau Community College & Suny Stony Brook. He has always been a huge sports fan and his favorite team’s include the NY Islanders, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Eagles, and Brooklyn Nets. You can follow him on twitter at @dtybur
Rebuilding Once Again in Miami
By Dan Lagnado
At this moment two seasons ago, many MLB analysts predicted that the Miami Marlins would be a team to be reckoned with in the NL East. Now two full seasons later, we will be discussing the dire need for MLB caliber players. After the fire sale of 2012, the Marlins were left with very few players form their seemingly talented roster at the beginning of that season. In 2013, the trade of Ricky Nolasco completed the reboot of the old stars in favor more young, raw talent. The one big name that this team has left is Giancarlo Stanton. However, even he, one of the most prolific power hitters in the league, had a season in which he missed time due to injury and so he did not provide the statistics many people expected him to. Stanton hit only .249 with 24 homeruns and 62 RBI. He led the team in every offensive category except for stolen bases, despite only playing in 116 games. The Marlins’ starting lineup was a bit like musical chairs this season, with players coming and going. Over the course of the season, the Marlins used: five catchers, five first basemen, four second basemen, three third basemen, and nine outfielders. Many of these players were journeyman veterans such as Austin Kearns and Casey Kotchman, or prospects rushed to the majors, such as Christian Yelich, Jake Marisnick, and Derek Dietrich. Most of the veteran leaders such as Juan Pierre and Placido Polanco will move on to other teams in free agency causing the Marlins to rely even more heavily on their young players. If nothing is done in free agency the Marlins could have an infield consisting of Ed Lucas, Adeiny Hechavarria, Donovan Solano and Logan Morrison. There aren’t many pitchers who will fear that combination.
Giancarlo Stanton remains to be the only “big name player” on the Marlins (Via Fishstripes)
Where this team does show promise is the pitching staff. Despite the departure of Nolasco, this young rotation showed the ability to shut down hitters on a somewhat consistent basis. Jose Fernandez is a candidate for both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award after posting a 12-6 record with a 2.19 ERA and 187 strikeouts. Henderson Alvarez (5-6) also showed he can develop into a top-notch pitcher with his no-hitter that he threw the last game of the season. In addition to the two top guns, some capable veterans like Nate Eovaldi and Kevin Slowey also support the rotation. Miami’s bullpen is spearheaded by closer Steve Cishek (34/36 saves, 2.33 ERA), Ryan Webb (2.91 ERA), AJ Ramos (86 K in 80 innings, 3.15 ERA) and Mike Dunn (72 K in 67.2 inn, 2.66 ERA).
It remains to be seen what actions owner Jeffrey Loria and General Manager Dan Jennings choose to take but it is safe to say that it is in the best interest of the team to go out and sign at the very least, a few low risk veteran players on in order to beef up the offense and sure up the back end of what can become a very solid pitching rotation. However I do not believe that a solution to the Marlins’ problems is imminent. It will take a few years but as young players begin to develop and some bigger, longer-term free agent contracts start to be signed this team’s future can be as bright as the summer sun in South Beach.
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Dan Lagnado is studying communications, law economics and government at American University. He’s a fan of both the Mets and Jets and has been writing about sports for four years. You can follow him on twitter at @dlag1995
Is it March Yet? 2013-2014 College Basketball Preview
By Jared Bursky
In a one-word answer, no it is not March yet. But it is mid-November, with last night signaling the start of the 2013-2014 NCAA Basketball season. This season begins a major transition in the landscape of college basketball, highlighted by a bevy of compelling storylines.
Starting Lineup: 5 Major Storylines Entering the Season
5. New Rule Changes
Well, one thing is clear, the NCAA likes to see scoring, scoring, and also, scoring. The two most noticeable changes are:
- Hand checks will be officiated tightly, the defender may not impede on the offensive players space by using their hands to affect the player’s right to a spot.
- Block/Charge: The defense must be set in position to take a charge prior to the offensive player taking off into the air. Late slide-ins are illegal (sorry Duke).
These rule changes are clearly geared towards improving offensive output. Will games now be a painfully slow free throw competition? We will see, but what we do know is that tough physical teams will be forced to change their style of play, or at least modify it.
4. The New Look Big East and the New American Conference
Boy, not seeing the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden will be unusual. The division of the Big East took away one of the most iconic and consistent powerhouse conferences in college basketball. Rivalries like Georgetown and Syracuse will no longer be seen twice a year like we are accustomed to. However, do not sleep on these two conferences. Sure, the break up of such high quality talent will make it tough for these new look conferences have the same impact of the old Big East, but do not be fooled, there is potential here. Here is a look at the new Big East and the brand new American Conference:
Big East American
Butler Cincinnati
Creighton Connecticut
DePaul Houston
Georgetown Louisville
Marquette Memphis
Providence Rutgers
Seton Hall South Florida
St. Johns SMU
Villanova Temple
Xavier UCF
Butler, Creighton, Georgetown, Marquette, Villanova, Xavier, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, Memphis, Temple. Each of these teams has consistently shown up in the top 25 rankings over the past few years. There is no lack of talent in these new conferences. Expect these conferences to have some success.
3. Syracuse to the ACC
Which will be the best conference in college basketball this season? The ACC certainly has the potential to be by adding Syracuse, along with Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. Syracuse has been a college basketball powerhouse for the past decade, starting in 2003 with Carmelo Anthony. They have been a mainstay in the Top 25 and have made several appearances in the Top 10, many of them lengthy. Although North Carolina has been a bit inconsistent over the past three years, the talent is always there. Along with Duke, Maryland, and revived programs at Miami (FL) and NC State, the ACC has the firepower to be one of, if not the best conference in America.
2. The Diaper Dandies
C’mon, you didn’t think I was going to leave out Dicky V, right? Dick Vitale and college basketball is a marriage. You mention one without the other, and something seems off. But he is not the only one that has eyes on the freshman class this year. ALL EYES are on the freshman, particularly the Kentucky Freshman. Here are my top 5 freshmen to watch out for:
Tyler Ennis (PG: Syracuse) 6-2, 180: My sleeper Frosh. Jimmy Boeheim is likely to hand the key to the offense over to the young point guard right away. Ennis is the perfect Syracuse zone product. He is extremely good on the fast break, and as a result of steals and long rebounds created by long shots; the zone will allow Ennis to shine.
Aaron Gordon (F: Arizona) 6-8, 210: Air Jordan is about to become Air Gordon in Tucson. Gordon can fly, period. He is a relentless rebounder and hustler who always seems to be around the rim. Despite an evolving offensive game, his versatility along with his physical and mental tools can allow him to be not only just a top freshman, but also a top player in the country. The Wildcats rebuilding process with coach Sean Miller been over for a few years now, and the new guy can bring them to their ultimate goal; a national championship.
Julius Randle (PF: Kentucky) 6-9, 225: Beast mode. Randle is a skilled big man with the ability to play with his back to the basket or to face up. He is unique with his left-handed release and can also jump out of the gym. Is he the next great Kentucky big man? It seems so. This guy will make a big impact for this young team. The go to guy on the top ranked team in the nation, there is not much else to say. NBA general managers are already crossing their fingers that Randle will end up in their organization.
Jabari Parker (F: Duke) 6-8, 220: While Andrew Wiggins has stolen the spotlight as the can’t miss prospect out of high school, Parker for a long time was considered “the guy” in the class of 2013. Out of Simeon HS (Chicago), the same school as Derrick Rose, Parker can do it all. He is not an elite athlete, but when healthy he can do everything. He can defend, put it on the deck, go in the post, anything. You name it, he does it. Derrick Rose praised him saying that he was far beyond Rose’s level during his high school career. Not too shabby I guess. Bottom line, this guy will produce at a high rate, and will be the man with shooters and athletes around him. Look for Duke to be a title contender with Parker as the focal point.
Andrew Wiggins (SF: Kansas) 6-7, 205: Okay, lets get one thing straight, NOBODY, and I mean NOBODY, is LeBron James. In fact, nobody is in the same universe as LeBron James. Wiggin’s potential skyrocketed as his high school career wore on. A physical freak of nature, Wiggins is now considered the “Next LeBron.” Easy there. Wiggin’s offensive game is based on his tremendous athleticism, but he needs to improve his mid range and long range jump shot. Don’t let this fool you though. This guy is for real. The favorite to be the number one pick in next June’s NBA draft, Kansas will try to make another run to the final four in 2013-2014, this time on Wiggins’ back.
Andrew Wiggins will take this season to prove that he is the real deal (Via Jeff Jacobsen/Kansas Athletics)
1. NBA Draft Prospects
It is sad that the season has not even started and yet we are talking about next year’s NBA draft. However, with the upcoming draft class touted to be the best since the LeBron James draft, it is impossible to not talk about it. Here are some of the top prospects from each class entering the 2013-2014 season:
Andrew Wiggins (SF: Kansas) 6-7, 205 – freshman
Julius Randle (PF: Kentucky) 6-9, 225 – freshman
Aaron Gordon (F: Arizona) 6-8, 210 – freshman
Andrew Harrison (G: Kentucky) 6-5, 200 – freshman
Marcus Smart (PG: Oklahoma State) 6-4, 220 – sophomore
Gary Harris (SG: Michigan State) 6-4, 210 – sophomore
Glenn Robinson (SF: Michigan) 6-6, 210 – sophomore
Isaiah Austin (C: Baylor) 7-1, 220 – sophomore
James McAdoo (PF: UNC) 6-9, 226 – junior
Jarnell Stokes (PF: Tennessee) 6-9, 256 – junior
Mitch McGary (C: Michigan) 6-10, 263 – junior
LeBryan Nash (G/F: Oklahoma State) 6-7, 220 – junior
Doug McDermott (F: Creighton) 6-8, 223 – senior
Adreian Payne (PF: Michigan State) 6-10, 215 – senior
Russ Smith (PG: Louisville) 6-0, 186 – senior
Shabazz Napier (PG: Uconn) 6-0, 180 – senior
Extra News and Notes
- #1 Kentucky and #2 Michigan State battle Tuesday November 12th in Chicago, the earliest in a season that #1 and #2 have met.
- Transfers bound to make big impact this year: Rodney Hood (Duke) and Mike Moser (Oregon).
Predictions
Player of the Year: Marcus Smart (PG: Oklahoma State)
Coach of the Year: Shaka Smart (VCU)
Final Four:
Kansas: Led by Andrew Wiggins, Bill Self and the Rock-Chalk Jayhawks return to the final four.
Oklahoma State: Get to know Marcus Smart, he will be a top 5 pick in next year’s draft, and will lead the Cowboys to the final four.
Michigan State: The most complete team in the nation with talent, experience and depth, With Tom Izzo, it is tough to bet against them.
VCU: Shaka Smart is good, very good, but so is his team. This one might be better than the one that made the final four a few years ago.
Champion: Michigan State
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Jared Bursky is a freshman Physical Education major at SUNY Cortland. He was a Captain and starter for his high school basketball team and is pursuing coaching basketball at either the high school or college level. He roots for the Isles, Yanks, Jets, and Knicks but his favorite sport to watch is college basketball. You can follow him on twitter at @jbhoops10
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