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The Giants and Jets both lost last week, and while the New York Jets followed up their loss to Patriots with a 4th-Quarter collapse against the Tim Tebow led Broncos, the Giants look forward to Sunday Night Football where they can end the Philadelphia Eagles season, but more importantly put themselves in prime position to make a second half run at the post season in a surprisingly tough NFC.

The New York Jets season is all of a sudden in jeopardy.  With high hopes coming into the season, the Jets running game hasn't lived up to Rex Ryan's proclamations.  The Jets defense has sputtered here and there, but they are a solid group.  And while most fans were looking for growth from their third year quarterback, Mark Sanchez has become stagnant in his progression as a playmaker and a leader.  It was easy to mask Sanchez's shortcomings when they had one of the premier rushing attacks in all of football , especially before Thomas Jones left town.  Now that Shonn Green hasn't exactly lived up to his potential that he showed in the playoffs two years ago, Mark Sanchez has been asked to do more with, in my opinion, less.  The blame does not just lie on Sanchez's shoulders.  Brian Schottenheimer has been nothing short of horrendous with his play selection.  If you ask most fans, the Jets strengths on offense would be their running game (although it has been lackluster), play action, and slant routes.  Why does Schottenheimer continue to abandon this?  To get this season back on track, Schottenheimer needs to go to what works.  And what works is this: screen passes, slant routes, play action passes, stout defense, solid special teams, and a smash mouth running game that somehow is ranked as 25th in the NFL.  I don't believe for one second that the Jets season is over.  I actually still believe they have a great shot at making the playoffs.  The Jets last six games are all reasonably winnable games.  If they run the table, they should have no problem wrapping up at least, and probably at most, a wild card slot.  I, however, see the Jets finishing at 9-7.  Whether that is good for a playoff slot, we will have to wait and see.

Buy or Sell?

While most Jets fans almost always say that I hate their team and am biased, I am not.  As proof, I am going to say BUY!  Just kidding.  Sorry Jets fans, but while 2 losses in a row is not the end of your season, a loss to a Broncos squad with absolutely zero on offense could send this team into a tailspin.  Sell.

The Giants lost a tough game last week to 8-1 49ers.  Eli Manning threw two costly interceptions, which led to 10 points.  No one expected the Giants to be at the top of the NFC East this far in to the season, especially with the self proclaimed Dream team that the Eagles (3-6) were supposed to be.  In fact, most analysts predicted the Giants to finish third, behind Philadelphia and Dallas.  On Sunday, the Giants need to put the final nail in the Eagles coffin, and look forward to three more divisional games (2 vs. Dallas, 1 vs. Washington), 2 NFC powerhouses (New Orleans, Green Bay), and their in-state rival, the New York Jets.  Simply put, the Giants do not have an easy road.  Being a Giants fan and watching every game this year, I can tell you the Giants haven't had an easy win yet this season.  Their running game has been atrocious, their secondary has been mediocre, and at times the Giants still baffle you with some unspeakable turnovers.  There are quite a few surprises as well.  Victor Cruz has been a revelation this year, leading the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.  Most Giants fans have forgotten all about Steve Smith nowadays.  Jason Pierre-Paul has become one of the league's most feared pass rushers.  Combine him with Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Matthias Kiwanuka, and the Giants have the premier pass rush in the NFL.  The Giants biggest surprise to some, but not all (ahem, me), is the stellar play of Eli Manning, who earlier in training camp referred to himself as a top 5 quarterback in the league.  A very bold, and out of character statement from the Giants soft spoken leader.  While some laughed at this statement, Manning has proven himself the entire season.  He's averaging 300 yards a game, has 17 TD's on the year to just 8 INTs, and he has the 5th best QB rating in the NFL (97.0).  If the Giants are to continue their winning ways, they need to avoid their annual second half slump.  The cold months are coming, and with them comes snow, wind, and rain.  With that comes a reduced passing attack, unless you're Tom Brady.  The Giants need to do better than their 29th ranked rushing attack which averages a pitiful 89.2 yards per game.

Buy or Sell:  While I was continually pessimistic about the Giants chances this year to make the playoffs, Eli and company have proven me wrong most weeks.  Quality wins against the Eagles and Patriots show me that the Giants have what it takes to stick with some of the best teams in the game.  Only thing left to say is: Buy






Shout out to OWS: "the people, united, will never be defeated"

NFL Week 4 Power Rankings

The #1 ranked Patriots got knocked off this week by the surprising Buffalo Bills.  The Lions kept up their winning ways with an inspirational effort by Matt Stafford.  Darren McFadden and the Oakland Raiders upset the Jets.  The Eagles lost Vick and their game for the second straight week.  This all adds up to a major shakeup in the Power rankings:

Cream of the Crop 

 

1. Green Bay Packers (3-0): It didn't look hard for the Packers against the Bears Sunday afternoon.  Just in case you didn't see the game, Jermichael Finley is scary good when healthy.

2. New Orleans Saints (2-1): The New Orleans Saints defense didn't do its job, but the offense sure did.  The Saints scored last in a shootout with the Houston Texans to get the win.

3. New England Patriots (2-1):  4 picks from Tom Terrific?  When's the last time this happened?  First off, Brady threw all of four picks in the entire 2010 season.  Secondly, all the way back to November 5, 2006 against the Colts is when Brady threw four picks in a game.

4. Baltimore Ravens (2-1):  The Ravens did exactly what was expected of them.  Flacco had another huge game, and rookie Torrey Smith now adds to this offense.

5. Detroit Lions (3-0): Up 5 spots from last week, and how could I deny them top 5?  Matt Stafford and the defense showed great guts on Sunday with a 26-23 OT win, after trailing 20-0 after the first half.

6. Buffalo Bills (3-0): The sole undefeated team in the AFC.  The Bills are for real, but they have some sort of tough schedule ahead. Next 6 games: @CIN, vs PHI, @NYG, vs. WAS, vs NYJ, @DAL.

7. San Diego Chargers (2-1): It wasn't a pretty game for San Diego, but they got a divisional win versus the Chiefs.

8. Houston Texans (2-1): Tough road loss, especially after leading the whole game, but Houston showed why they will be a force in the AFC this season.

9. New York Jets (2-1): Lost on the road to a much improved Raiders team.  Run defense looked awful, and the offensive line isn't the same without C Nick Mangold.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1): The turnovers should make some Steelers fans worry.  Squeaked out a win against a helpless Colts squad.

11. New York Giants (2-1): Eli Manning looked very good against what some have called the best secondary in football.  Defense played great in the red zone, but gave up too many rushing yards out of it.

Best of the Rest

12. Oakland Raiders (2-1): Darren McFadden leads the league in rushing.  Oakland's front four played great in the second half against the Mangold-less offensive line.

13. Dallas Cowboys (2-1): Neither of their wins came easy or pretty, but QB Tony Romo has shown some fortitude with a broken rib and a punctured lung.  

14. Washington Redskins (2-1): tough divisional loss at home to the Cowboys.  The defense didn't allow a touchdown, but 6 field goals for the Cowboys were enough for the win.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1): Their running backs aren't playing well, their quarterback isn't playing well, Mike Williams has disappeared from this offense, but they're still 2-1.  Strange.

16. Atlanta Falcons (1-2): The Falcons opened the season with three tough games.  @Chicago, vs. Philadelphia, and @ Tampa Bay.  They should get to 2-2 next week @ Seattle.

17. Philadelphia Eagles (1-2):  Broken or contused hand, whichever it is, Vick should sit next week vs. San Francisco.

18. Tennessee Titans (2-1): Hasselbeck looked good Sunday, but the loss of Kenny Britt is really going to hurt his game.

19. Chicago Bears (1-2): Can someone explain to me why Matt Forte only got 9 carries on Sunday versus the Packers? 

20. San Francisco 49ers (2-1):  Run Defense has been stellar only allowing 62.7 yards per game.  I also take that for what it's worth.  They stopped Marshawn Lynch, Felix Jones, and Cedric Benson.

21. Arizona Cardinals (1-2): I still think that the Cardinals are the team to beat out of the NFC Worst.

Mediocrity and Messes 

 

22. Carolina Panthers (1-2):  Carolina got its first win of the season in Cam Newton's worst game of the season.  Granted, it was bad weather, but Newton should start coming back down to earth.

23. Cleveland Browns (2-1): The Browns really missed Peyton Hillis last week, but they pulled out the win because the Dolphins are terrible.

24. Seattle Seahawks (1-2): Sidney Rice's return has upgraded the Seahawks offense from pitiful to ineffective.  Thankfully, the Cardinals couldn't score on Sunday either.

25. Denver Broncos (1-2): I really think that this team should be so much better.  Brandon Lloyd, Knowshon Moreno/Willis McGahee, and Kyle Orton make this a decent offense, but nothing works.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2): There is no chance for the Jaguars this year.  Might as well let it fly with Blaine Gabbert.

27. Cincinnati Bengals (1-2): Has any team had as many felons in the NFL as the Bungles?  Just go and play football for goodness sake.  

28. Minnesota Vikings (0-3): Another team who should be so much better than they actually are.  The most consistent running back in football, a possible hall of famer veteran at quarterback, and a young, explosive wide out in Percy Harvin.  Disappointing

29. Indianapolis Colts (0-3): Defense played good ball on Sunday, but the offense just wasn't there, and it won't be until 2012.

30. Miami Dolphins (0-3): It doesn't get any easier for Miami in the next 5 weeks.  4 road games @ SD, @ NYJ, @NYG, @ KC, and the fifth is a home game which they won't win because they're home.

31. St. Louis Rams (0-3): Lots of people loved the Rams this year to come out of the West, but with injuries to Danny Amendola, Stephen Jackson, and Sam Bradford, things are not looking good for the Rams.

32. Kansas City Chiefs (0-3): 3 of their next 5 games come against teams that are winless (Minnesota, Indianaolis, and Miami).

NFL Week 3 Power Rankings

Week 2 featured more of the same from week 1.  NFC North #3 Ravens were the victims of a huge upset at the hands of the Titans.  Tom Brady had another outstanding game.  Cam Newton threw for 400+ yards in his second consecutive game.  The Chiefs got blown out again, and in the process lost their pro bowl running back, Jamaal Charles.  The Buffalo Bills looked down and out in the 1st half, then Ryan Fitzpatrick led a furious comeback to continue the Oakland Raiders struggles on the road.  Some big changes this week, so let's look at the rankings:

Cream of the Crop

1. New England Patriots (2-0): The Patriots claim the top spot after a two week reign by the undefeated packers.  Tom Brady looks to be about the best quarterback that has ever played.  Brady is averaging 10.7 per passing attempt.
2. Green Bay Packers (2-0): Struggled a bit in the first half against Cam Newton and the Panthers who ran the ball for a grand total of 11 times.  It looks like Ron Rivera is placing this season squarely in the hands of his rookie QB.  Loss of Nick Collins is a huge hit to this secondary, but the Packers are used to winning with injuries.
3. New York Jets (3-0): Mark Sanchez didn't have the prettiest of games, throwing two picks, but the Jets did what they were expected to do.  Loss of Nick Mangold really hurts their running game.
4. New Orleans Saints (1-1): They jump three spots due to a few losses in 3-7.  A year after throwing for 22 interceptions, Brees has gone a perfect 6 TDs to 0 int's through 2 games. 
5. Atlanta Falcons (1-1):  Atlanta should be thanking God that Michael Vick was unable to play in the 4th quarter, because he looked unbeatable in the second half.  Still, Matt Ryan, who looked ordinary for most of Sunday night's game, staged a terrific rally to score three unanswered touchdowns. 
6. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1): The Eagles are hoping that Vick returns this week in a key divisional match up with the 1-1 New York Giants.  The NFL's new concussion standards are not going to make his return easy.
7. Houston Texans (2-0): Lots of experts have this team ranked higher, but they have not been thoroughly tested as of yet.  They blew out the Manning-less Colts and the hapless Dolphins.  They did, however, look great in both wins without, for the most part, Arian Foster.
8. Baltimore Ravens (1-1): How many people were knocked out of their Elimination/Knockout/Suicide pool this week when they picked the Ravens?  
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1):  Big Ben and the Steelers defense found their pride by shutting out the Seattle Seahawks this week.  No big surprise there. 
10. Detroit Lions (1-1): The Lions put a serious whooping on the Kansas City Chiefs this week.  Everyone's cinderella pick is looking smart.
11. San Diego Chargers (1-1): It's unfair that the Chargers have dropped this far because they lost to the Patriots, but I couldn't justify them any higher.  They could have taken a huge leap to a possible #1 if not for an ill-timed turnover.


Best of the Rest 

12. Chicago Bears (1-1): Even Jay Cutler wonders how long he can put up with the punishment he is undertaking right now.  The loss of right tackle Gabe Carimi to a separated knee cap does not help matters for the most porous offensive line in football.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1):  Trailed by 17 points in the first half to the Vikings, but with 24 second half points, Josh Freeman and the Bucs avoided an 0-2 start in the tough NFC South.
14. Washington Redskins (2-0): Although it looked like the Redskins wanted to start off 1-1, Rex Grossman shook off a terrible start to this game and came up huge with a 4th and 3 18-yard TD pass to Santana Moss.  They are the only undefeated NFC East team.  Surprise? Absolutely.
15. Dallas Cowboys (1-1): Tony Romo was hit hard and just as the Cowboys PR guy was announcing Romo was out for the game, you saw Romo jogging back out onto the field to lead the Cowboys to an OT win over the 49ers on the road.  With a punctured lung.  Fastest image rehab ever.
16. New York Giants (1-1): It wasn't pretty.  But the Giants got their first win of the season over the St. Louis Rams Monday night.  It was a tale of two Manning's in this game.  At one point he was 13/14 passing, and he finished the game 19/30 with 2 TD's and an interception.  They also lost Dominic Hixon for the second straight season to an ACL tear and Mario Manningham to slight concussion.  Injuries are piling up, again.
17. Buffalo Bills (2-0):  I predict that the Bills lose this week to the Patriots, but I will no longer use them as my knockout pool pick.  That's how much respect I have for Ryan Fitzpatrick.
18. Arizona Cardinals (1-1): Kevin Kolb looks fantastic, and he has the 5th best QB rating in the NFL.  Bad news is the defense cannot stop anyone.  I think they signed last year's Texans secondary.
19.Oakland Raiders (1-1): This team just cannot win on the road.  They are AFC West world beaters, but even with an 18 point lead, they cough it up.
20. Tennessee Titans (1-1): The Titans surprised many people this week, including myself.  There might be more to this team that I can't see right now, but I still think they are in the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes.
21. San Francisco 49ers (1-1): Tony Romo's magic was a tough pill for the 49ers to swallow.  After this tough loss, a road game against one of the worst teams in football might be just what they need.  Good thing it comes in week 3.


Mediocrity and Messes

22. St. Louis rams (0-2): This was one of my sleeper teams, but with the injury to Danny Amendola which greatly impacts both the special teams and the offense, I don't think they will be a threat any longer in the NFC West.

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1): Blaine Gabbert will get his first career NFL start on Sunday.  Expect to see a free fall in the coming weeks.

24. Miami Dolphins (0-2): The Dolphins record at home over the last two years is embarrassing.  They are 1-9 at home since the start of 2010.  Wow.

25. Denver Broncos (1-1): history shows that the Broncos can compete in the AFC West.  See Kansas City Chiefs 2010.  Then see Kansas City Chiefs 2011.

26. Minnesota Vikings (0-2): they had the Buccaneers exactly where they wanted them.  Then the offense went stale in the 2nd half and the defense ran out of steam.

27. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1): Andy Dalton has quietly started his rookie campaign with a 105.7 QB rating.  Good for 8th in the NFL.  The Bengals defense will wind up hurting any chance they have to compete for the playoffs.

28. Carolina Panthers (0-2): Cam Newton threw for 432 yards.  He also threw three picks. Such is the life of a rookie quarterback with no running game.  Rivera has shown no faith in DeAngelo Williams.

29. Cleveland Browns (1-1): A nice balanced offensive game plan.  Hillis had a 117 total yards on 31 touches with two TD's.  They played the Colts though.

30. Indianapolis Colts (0-2): The Colts look lost without Peyton Manning.  I take back what I said about them last week.  I am already putting a nail in their coffin.

31. Kansas City Chiefs (1-1): Jamaal Charles' season is over.  Eric Berry's season is over.  The Chiefs season is most likely over.

32. Seattle Seahawks (0-2): The Seahawks didn't step foot in the Steelers territory until the 4th quarter.  Like I said last week: Pitiful offense.  

 

NFL Week 2 Power Rankings

There are always a few surprises in week 1 of a new NFL season.  The biggest?  I'd have to say the Steelers getting walloped by the Ravens.  I didn't think either team would score 20 points, but man, oh man was I wrong.  Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin, and Joe Flacco looked like they were in midseason form.  The Packers and the Saints lived up to their high billing.  If there weren't any defenses on the field, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers couldn't have thrown the ball better.  Let's get down to business, shall we?

Cream of the Crop

1. Green Bay Packers (1-0): Aaron Rodgers threw for three touchdowns in the first quarter, setting the high scoring tone for the game in a shootout with the Saints.

2. New England Patriots (1-0): The performances of the top 3 quarterbacks in the league this week were astounding.  Tom Brady led the pack with 517 yards and 4 touchdowns.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0): In my opinion, Michael Vick struggled a bit with his accuracy in week 1; however, his pure athleticism still took over the game. 

4. Baltimore Ravens (1-0): Big jump from last week to this week, but very much deserved.  The Ravens three biggest players (Flacco, Rice, Boldin) all had stellar to outstanding performances.  Defense forced 7 turnovers, and the offense dropped 35.  On the Steelers.

5. New York Jets (1-0): Mark Sanchez threw for 335 yards, taking advantage of in game injuries to the Cowboys secondary.  Huge special teams play by Joe McKnight, as the Cowboys kind of gave this game away.

6. San Diego Chargers (1-0): Battled the Vikings for a win.  Special teams was San Diego's number 1 concern in the off season, and on the very first play of the 2011 season, Percy Harvin goes 103 yards for a score on the kickoff.  Not good, but a win is a win is a win.

7. New Orleans Saints (0-1): Sure they lost.  But to the defending champs, and Brees put up one hell of a fight.  If this game was played in New Orleans, it probably would have been  a different outcome.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1): You think the Steelers are out for blood this week?  After last week's thumping, Seattle better be careful.

9. Houston Texans (1-0): Now the odds on favorite to win the AFC South, with absolutely no competition, barring the hand of God comes down to massage Peyton's neck.

10. Chicago Bears (1-0): They jump 6 spots after thoroughly beating down NFC South champion Falcons.  Maybe a 2nd year of Martz makes Cutler an elite QB.

11. Atlanta Falcons (0-1): I predict an 0-2 start for Atlanta.  I don't care about Matt Ryan's record in the Georgia dome.  It's Vick's previous home, and he still has fans there.

Best of the Rest

12. Detroit Lions (1-0): Week 2 and the Lions already have a road win in the bag.  Will this year's sleeper darlings keep it going against the Chiefs?  Probably.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1): they had the best chance of any NFC South team to start 1-0.  Good thing everyone in the South lost.

14. Dallas Cowboys (0-1): The 'Boys were primed for a road upset of the AFC runner-up.  Special teams and Romo couldn't keep a lead.......again.

15. New York Giants (0-1): I was cautiously hopeful of the Giants 2011 season, but there are so many injuries to this defense, I wonder how long they can hold up.

16. Arizona Cardinals (0-1): Defense is shoddy, at best.  Cam Newton lit them up in the air to the tune of 422 yards.

17. Oakland Raiders (1-0): Run DMC tore it up on the ground for 159 yards, but no scores.  No one in the AFC West can beat the Raiders.  I have no idea why.

18. Rex Grossman (1-0): The 'Skins defense has obviously improved.  Grossman looked good, but how long will that last?

19. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0): If Garrard was their quarterback, the Jags would have won handily.  Started off good against a bad team.

20. San Francisco 49ers (1-0): Blew out the worst team in the NFC West.  The 49ers are clearly going to contend for the weak NFC West. Thank you defense, because Alex Smith wouldn't have done it by his lonesome.

21. St. Louis Rams (1-0): Their loss to the Eagles was a lot closer than the final score of 31-13.  Let's see if Steven Jackson can get back soon, because Caddilac Williams' knee won't hold up for too long.

22. Buffalo Bills (1-0): Surprise! The Ryan Fitzpatrick led juggernaut offense destroyed the Chiefs.  They're not quite a juggernaut.  And the Chiefs lost Eric Berry.

Mediocrity and Messes

23. Indianapolis Colts (0-1): The Colts first game without Manning in 13 years went according to script.  The Texans script at least.  Don't count them out just yet.

24. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1): Like I said last week, there's just something about this team that I don't believe in this year.

25. Minnesota Vikings (0-1): Really Donovan?  You've aged this fast?  That was just a terrible showing San Diego. 7/15 for 39 yards is definitely how you plan to lose a game.

26. Miami Dolphins (0-1): Put up a decent enough fight on offense, but Miami's secondary was god-awful, or is Tom Terrific that good?

27. Tennessee Titans (0-1): The Colts guarantee of not finishing last place. 

28. Carolina Panthers (0-1): Carolina fans should all calm down about Cam Newton's numbers week 1.  They were possibly the most inflated numbers of the week.  

29. Denver Broncos (0-1): Can you guys just beat the Raiders please? 

30. Seattle Seahawks (0-1): This offense is just brutal to watch.  No star quality on the offensive side of the ball save for Sidney Rice, who won't be a star this year because Tavaris Jackson is at the helm of this pitiful offense.

31. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1): This team just hit it's high point of the season.  Andy Dalton got injured and they still squeaked out a win.

32. Cleveland Browns (0-1): This is Cleveland's punishment for losing to the Bengals.  Not that this team will finish anywhere near the top of the division, but they have a shot at beating the Colts this week. 

NFL Week 1 Power Rankings

After months of a lockout, a whirlwind free agency, and the another long preseason schedule, Week one of the 2011 NFL Season is finally upon us.  Much has been said about the high octane Patriots, the Jets vaunted defense, the self proclaimed Miami Heat of the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles.  And that has helped my number 1 team stay under the radar, get healthy, and concentrate on a repeat.

Cream of the Crop

1. Green Bay Packers: Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant.  Two pro bowlers that were injured for the Pack's Super Bowl run last year.  It makes them all the more dangerous now that they're back. One of the deepest wide receiving core in football, and a top 5 quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.  Tougher NFC North, but no one as tough as the Packers.

2. New England Patriots: Welker, Branch, Ochocinco, Woodhead, Green-Ellis, two trusted tight ends.  Not to mention the reigning MVP, Tom Brady.  Is there a better offense in football? Probably not.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin's approach is to trust his number 1 defense, and run the ball.  Ground and pound with a smash mouth defense. Old school football.  And Big Ben does nothing but win.  The passing game should open more with the emergence of Mike Wallace last season.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: No team was as active in free agency as the Eagles were this short offseason.  They signed pro bowler after pro bowler.  Most important?  The addition of Nnamdi Asomaough and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, makes their secondary the best in the NFL.  

5. New Orleans Saints: One of the best aerial attacks in the NFL.  Drew Brees has a plethora of options to feed the ball to starting with Marques Colston, and going on down the line to Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and Robert Meachem.

6. New York Jets: 6th in opponent's passing yards, and 3rd in opponent's rushing yards.  The Jets lone weakness on defense is getting to the quarterback.  One more year and one more championship game under the belt of 3rd year quarterback Mark Sanchez.  Will the additions of Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason help Sanchez get to elite QB status? We should find out week 1 vs the Cowboys revamped defense led by Rex's twin brother, Rob.

7. Atlanta Falcons: Ranked last in the league in 2010 in plays over 20 yards.  With the addition of first round draft pick Julio Jones, Atlanta should be able to open up on offense.  

8. San Diego Chargers: Dissappointing season for the Chargers last year, but with Vincent Jackson back for an entire season, the offense should take a step forward, even if they were ranked 1st last year in total offense.  Special teams was a huge detractor to this squad in 2010. We'll see if it has improved.

9. Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco has taken the Ravens to the playoffs in each of first three years in the league.  Strong running game, stronger defense, but if the passing game improves enough, the Ravens can be a very dangerous squad.  Look for a big year from Anquan Boldin, which for me is the key to Baltimore's season.

Best of the Rest

10. Indianapolis Colts: Normally I slot 10 or 11 teams in the Cream of the Crop, but to start the season, I couldn't bring myself to do it.  The Colts potential loss of Peyton Manning for the first few weeks may be disastrous.  The Colts are where they are every year because of number 18.  This could mean the Texans first ever South division championship.

11. New York Giants: Non-existent and very frustrating offseason for the Giants.  The front office did nothing in terms of free agents, except that is to let them go elsewhere.  Kevin Boss, Steve Smith, Shaun O'Hara, Rich Seubert.  All Giants of the past now.  Can Eli Manning overcome three huge losses in his pass protection?

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Strong South division is this team's only downside.  Josh Freeman leads an impressive young team full of upside.  Mike Williams and LeGarette Blount just to name a couple.

13. St. Louis Rams: Steve Spagnuolo made a very important offensive hiring.  The addition of quarterback guru, and offensive mastermind Josh McDaniels can take Sam Bradford, and an already established Steven Jackson to another level.  Eagles, don't sleep on this team in week 1.

14. Houston Texans: Have the Houston Texans improved enough on defense to really contend for the playoffs?  My simple answer is, absolutely.  With key acquisitions Jonathan Joseph and Daniel Manning, Houston's secondary is no longer the joke of the NFL.

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Very good defensively, great running game, but.....I don't know what it is, but I just don't buy this Chiefs squad as a playoff contender.

16.  Chicago Bears:  Lots of experts are saying the Bears running game will take a down turn this year with the loss of center Olin Kreutz, but I foresee a big year for Matt Forte.  The question is can that offensive line protect Cutler, and can Cutler protect the ball?

17. Dallas Cowboys: The personnel hasn't changed so much, but the addition of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan should have the Cowboys back to respectability this season.

18. Detroit Lions: Everyone's preseason darlings, but there is no established running game in Motown, just like there isn't a consistent QB.  If Stafford can stay healthy, and their young defense can perform, the Lions just may rattle some cages in the NFC North.

19. Arizona Cardinals: NFC West is by far the weakest division in football, so the Cardinals might have a shot to make the playoffs.  Their defense is weak, but with a competent QB at the helm, their offense looks stronger.  This is officially my 2011 sleeper.

Mediocrity and Messes

20. Seattle Seahawks: I love the acquisitions of Sidney Rice and Zach Miller, but who is going to pass to them?  Tavaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst? Really? Next.

21.  Jacksonville Jaguars: David Garrard doesn't get enough credit.  He is an accurate passer with a career 85 QB Rating.  He can also elude the rush.  MJD should get about 85% of the touches at tail back now that Rashad Jennings is done for the year.  Wear and tear is not good news for MJD.

22. Oakland Raiders: New season, new coach, probably same reults.  8-8 at best.

23. Minnesota Vikings:  Aging quarterback in the twilight of his career.  Sounds familiar.

24. Miami Dolphins: Maybe they bring back the Wild Cat with new addition Reggie Bush.  Channing Crowder retired.  Chad Henne is still the QB.  This might be the first team in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.

25. Tennessee Titans: Lost Jason Babin.  Lost Kerry Collins.  Threw away Vince Young.  Thank God Chris Johnson ended his holdout or this could have been a full blown disaster.

26. San Francisco 49ers: Will Alex Smith ever start being the guy everyone thought he'd be? I'd bet on never happening.

27. Washington Redskins: Defense much improved, but Rex Grossman as their Week 1 starter really hurts their ranking.  Tim Hightower was impressive in preseason. 

28.Denver Broncos: There should be no argument as to who should be the starting QB in Denver.  If Josh McDaniels had kept his mouth shut, it would still be Jay Cutler.  Now McDaniels is gone, they'll have to live with Kyle Orton, who isn't half bad.

29. Cleveland Browns: Mike Holmgren has a long way to go to restore the Cleveland Browns to even mediocre. 

30. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick may be the smartest QB in the game(Ivy Leaguer), but with Lee Evans now gone, he has one target.

31. Carolina Panthers: The Era of Cam Newton starts in Week 1.  I am not a believer in his abilities as a professional QB in the NFL, but I said the same thing about Mike Vick.

32. Cincinnati Bengals: Aging running back in Cedric Benson.  But growing pains for Andy Dalton and A.J. Green this year.  Should be a long season in Cincinnati.  The Bungles are back!

Debating the Hardware: American League

More than halfway through the 2011 season, it's time to start debating where the hardware will reside this year.  Annual favorites Albert Pujols and Joe Mauer have spent significant time on the DL, and therefore are not in my discussion for MVP.  Last year's NL pitching breakout, Ubaldo Jiminez has also spent time on the DL and has been mediocre off of the DL.  The field is wide open, so let's start!

The Junior Circuit

 AL MVP

The AL MVP contenders, in my opinion, all come from the same division: The AL East.  

In his first year in Boston, Adrian Gonzalez has certainly been earning his paycheck.   He leads the AL with a .342 average and 82 RBI.  His 17 HR's aren't close to the league leader, but they're not be dismissed.  His fielding percentage is a sparkling .996, only committing three errors which is third in the league behind Kotchman(1), and Teixeira(2). 

Jose Bautista is shutting up many of his doubters this year, including me.  I, like many people, thought that his power filled 2010 season was an aberration, or worse, a PED laden performance.  This year is even better than last.  Bautista is hitting a full .75 points higher than his career average, which currently resides at .329.  What's more, his 31 HR's lead both leagues, and his 70 RBI are top 10 in the AL. 

Kevin Long, the Yankees hitting coach, has been praised as one of the game's best, and rightfully so.  Curtis Granderson has taken his tutelage, and turned it into his most productive season as a big leaguer.  Granderson has always had some pop, but this year, he has already passed his career high in RBI, currently 76.  He is almost a lock to pass his career high in HR which is 30.  He currently has 27.  He's also on track to surpass his career high in stolen bases and runs.  Without Curtis Granderson, I'm not so sure the Yankees would be leading the wild card by 5.5 games. 

How I rank them:

1. Adrian Gonzalez
2. Jose Bautista
3. Curtis Granderson

AL Cy Young

Jered Weaver started this year off on an absolute tear.  His four losses came in consecutive games.  And since then, he has won 8 in a row.  I don't know what is more impressive.  His ERA(1.79) or his WHIP(0.95).  he has racked up 14 wins and just four losses.

Justin Verlander has become one of the most dominating pitchers in all of baseball.  Arguably the very best.  He has pitched to a paltry .90 WHIP and a 2.34 ERA.  He's tied for second in the AL with 14 wins and just 5 losses.  he leads the majors in strikeouts, and on top of all this he pitched his second no-hitter of his career this season. 

C.C. Sabathia has been the epitome of a workhorse this year.  In 23 starts, Sabathia has averaged 7 1/3 innings per outing, which is second best to Verlander.  He leads the majors in wins with 15, to only 5 losses.  Sabathia is second in the league in strikeouts with 156.  His 2.59 ERA is good for 5th in the AL, and his 1.11 WHIP is good for 10th. 

How I rank them:

1. Justin Verlander
2. Jered Weaver
3. C.C. Sabathia

Rookie of the Year

The gap at first base for the Angels has been filled nicely with Mark Trumbo.  While not much of an on base guy, like most first basemen,  Trumbo does have suitable power numbers.  He has hit 18 home runs with 48 RBI.  He's also not the slickest with his glove, but definitely worthy of being in the unning for Rookie of the Year. 

Michael Pineda is having a stellar first year with the Seattle Mariners.  Pineda's most impressive stat as a rookie is 1.09 WHIP, which is confusing when you take a look at his near 4 ERA(3.89).  His 8-7 record does not do his stats justice. 

Eric Hosmer is the Royals highly touted first base prospect.  Seeing him first hand at Yankee Stadium, you could tell this kid was going to be a force in the American League.  In his rookie campaign, he has hit .283 with 9 home runs, and 41 RBI.  While his home runs are less than what Trumbo has put up, his RBI are in the same ballpark, and his OBP is about 50 points higher. 

How I rank them:

1. Eric Hosmer
2. Michael Pineda
3. Mark Trumbo

AL Manager of the Year

If the Twins come back from their early season deficit, Ron Gardenhire will be a shoe in for manager of the year, but while they continue their ascent, let's debate the main contenders:

Manny Acta has the Indians playing competitively.  Say what?  The same Indians that haven't made any major acquisitions in two years, and have lost 97 and 93 games in the last two years?  Yes, those same Indians.  Will they win the division or the wild card.  The wild card almost certainly not.  The division, probably not.  But the fact that Manny Acta has Cleveland over .500 in late July, speaks volumes to what kind of manager Acta has become. 

Who thought the Texas Rangers, after losing its Ace in Cliff Lee, and one of their biggest run producers, Vladimir Guerrero, would be 14 games over .500 in late July?  Everybody went with the Angels, and once again thought that the Seattle Mariners, who are mired in a 17 game losing streak, would contend.  But Mike Maddox and Ron Washington have done a great job with the Texas pitching staff.  Alexi Ogando has transformed from a dominating setup man to a dominating starting pitcher.  And along with CJ Wilson, there is still a formidable 1-2 punch in that rotation. 

Mike Scioscia always seems to be in the conversation of AL manger of the year.  The loss of Kendrys Morales, no proven closer, and an aging outfield all seemed to be bad news for the Los Angeles Angels.  But as long as steady Mike Scioscia is at the helm, your team will always contend.  They have, arguably, the best 1-2 punch in the majors with Jered Weaver and Dan Haren.  Back to the ways mike Scioscia likes to wins games this year.  Small ball and pitching.  It's not always a shut the door 9th with Jordan Walden, but he turned out to be a more suitable closer than Brian Fuentes.

How I rank them:

1. Manny Acta
2. Ron Washington
3. Mike Scioscia

A Rivalry Renenwed

The long history of what is widely considered the ultimate sports rivalry continues tonight.  The Boston Red Sox visit the Bronx tonight in much better shape than how they last visited.  The Red Sox have turned their season around in a hurry, and there's no mystery as to why.  Carl Crawford is earning every bit of that contract in the latter part of May into June.  Adrian Gonzalez is, if not the front runner, than a close second.  Jon Lester has 7 wins, Josh Beckett has regained his past form, and the Red Sox are a game out of first.  The last time the Yankees saw the Sox, it was during a six game swoon.  Since then, the Yankees have gone 13-5 to regain 1st place.  Surprisingly, their pitching has been above average.  AJ Burnett is having a nice comeback season.  C.C. Sabathia is his regular self.  But the most surprising are Freddy Garcia and the resurgence of former AL Cy Young, Bartolo Colon.  The Sox start this series with their ace, Jon Lester.  The Yankees end the series with their own, C.C. Sabathia.  Lots to get excited about, bust most of all, there will be good baseball!

The last time that the Red Sox were in town, they resided in last place, tied with the Orioles at 17-20.  The entire team, with the exception of Adrian Gonzalez was not hitting very well.  We saw that in the form of Dustin Pedroia and Carl Crawford.  Coming into the season, the Red Sox looked to be one of the most balanced teams in all of baseball.  They sported a strong starting 5, or so we thought, one of the more solid bullpens, and arguably the best lineup in the majors.  Their pitching this year has been more than underwhelming.  As a team, they rank 22nd in ERA, coming in at 4.17.  Their team WHIP registers at 1.32, which is 19th in the Majors.

While most of their starters have been disappointing, Josh Beckett has been far and away their best pitcher this year.  With a 4-2 record, an ERA a hair above 2, at 2.01, 67 K's, and a 1.03 WHIP, Beckett has definitely put last year behind him.  Lon Lester has 7 wins and 74 K's, but his ERA is awfully close to 4, and his WHIP is unusually high at 1.35.  I still think that Lester is the ace of this staff, and he will turn around some of those numbers.  The most disappointing part of this staff is Daisuke Matsuzaka and John Lackey, both of whom are on the DL right now, with Dice-K out for at least a year.  Lackey is undergoing a rehab assignment, and should rejoin the club soon.  But that gaudy ERA, which sits around 7.50 needs to come back down out of the stratosphere. 

Their bullpen has always been a key to their success, but this year Papelbon is not getting the job done as he has done so in the past.  At the beginning of the year, I said something about Jonathan Papelbon is bothering me, and that Bard would take over as closer.  Papelbon is making me look very smart, if I do say so myself.  He's pitching 2 runs over his career ERA 60 games into the season.  That is not a small sample size.  His WHIP is .2 higher than his career average.  While he has only blown 1 save, he is giving up too many runs, and I stand by what I stated at the beginning of the season. 

The Red Sox lineup has gotten some life in the last month.  Jacoby Ellsbury, Adrian Gonzalez, David Ortiz, and Carl Crawford are all playing extremely well right now.  Ellsbury is hitting .300 with 6 HR's and 29 RBI.  He has 22 SB to boot.  He is one of the best kick starts to an offense in the Majors.  What's there to complain about Adrian Gonzalez?  He has earned every cent of his contract extension this year.  He leads the Majors with 50 RBI, and nothing to sneeze at with 12 HR's and a .339 average.  His defensive prowess at first base is not to be overlooked, either.  In 529 chances, and 484 putouts, Gonzalez has been perfect this season.  Where would the Red Sox be without him?  Definitely not in second place.  David Ortiz has been the 2006 Big Papi in 2011.   He's hitting .325 with 13 HR's with only 30 RBI.  But he only has 30 RBI because most of the time, Adrian Gonzalez doesn't leave much on base for him.  Carl Crawford had a painfully slow start to the 2011 season, but has picked it up as of late.  In the last 15 days, Crawford is hitting .388 with 4 HR's and 16 RBI.  Looks like the Carl Crawford we all know is starting to appear.   Take those 4 guys and you have a good lineup.  Now, imagine that Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, and J.D. Drew start hitting.  Scary.

The New York Yankees have looked to be the best team in baseball at times this year.  They lead the Majors in home runs, slugging percentage, and are 3rd in runs scored.  They are also 8th in ERA and 11th in batting average against.  However, there are things beyond the numbers that show cause for at least some concern.  While their starting pitching has been more than what most people expected this year, most fans will tell you that they are nervous about this rotation.  How long can Bartolo Colon's lightning in a bottle last?  Will Freddy Garcia hold up for an entire season?  Can Ivan Nova work through his growing pains?  Those are some pretty serious questions.  We know the long term solutions to these questions.  They are Brackman, Betances, and Banuelos, but if I know one thing about the Yankees, it's that they think about the Now.  At some point this season, Garcia will look like less than a dependable 5th starter, Colon will look more like his '06-'07 self than his '05 self, and Nova might still be struggling.  Phil Hughes is working his way back, and the reports are positive.  He has found some of that velocity he lost last summer, but he is still a ways off.  If you pull a piece of loose thread, you could probably see the Yankees season come tumbling down.  The Yankees rotation has been one of fragile success, and the slightest mishap could derail it. 

Earlier, I asked where the Red Sox would be without Adrian Gonzalez, but has there been a more important player to its team than Curtis Granderson?  He's second on the team with 17 HR's, second with 9 stolen bases, tied for first with 41 RBI, first in runs (46), and first in OPS (.941).  Production wise, he's one of the best in the AL right now, and the Yankees wouldn't be in first without him.  Mark Tiexiera has been on a tear recently.  In the last 15 days, Teixeira has hit 6 home runs with 12 RBI, hitting at a .292 clip.  He's second in the Majors with 18 HR's, and tied for 6th in the AL with 41 RBI.  Alex Rodriguez has been steady this year, but as of late, he's getting hot.  Hitting .389 with 6 RBI in his last 7 games, A-Rod is looking to make his push before summer starts.  Robbie Cano, on the other hand, has been drifting.  He's hit just .211 in the last week.  Jeter has been at average, at the very best, this year.  He has only one RBI in his last 15 games.  While, he's not an RBI guy, he is supposed to be an average and on base producer.  While his average is, well, average, his OBP has been very good.  He's hitting .256 but with a .389 OBP, so he's on base to score a good amount of runs. 

The Yankees bullpen hasn't been all it's cracked up to be this year.  Rafael Soriano is on the DL, but he doesn't get a break from me.  Could he have been any more of a dismal setup man while he was healthy this year? He was pitching to a 5.40 ERA, and nearly a 2 WHIP.  Some claim that he doesn't feel the energy as he did when he was closing.  What a load of crap.  The game is on the line.  You have to get the ball to Rivera.  Why is that not enough incentive to go out and be dominating, as you were as a closer?  I don't buy that argument.  Let's just face it.  So far, the man has been a bust.  Joba Chamberlain has been impressive as the setup man this year, though.  And when Soriano comes back, Girardi should leave him there.  He's pitching above all of his career numbers.  His K:BB ratio is better than 3:1.  His WHIP is 1.05.  We already found the bridge to Mariano.  And it starts with David Robertson, who has been lights out this year.  His WHIP is a little high at 1.46, but he more than makes up for it with his impressive 38 K's in 23.1 IP.  Opponents are hitting .186 against Robertson this year, so if the Yankees were to replace Chamberlain with anyone, it would be with Robertson, not Soriano.  The Yankees lefty specialist cannot retire left-handed hitters.  That's a problem.  Especially in this series.  When you have two men on and 2 out in the seventh with David Ortiz coming to the plate, who by the way is hitting .355 against lefties this year, and the game is tied, the Yankees are saddled with a guy whose BAA lefties is .324.  Not good at all.  At least the Yankees still have the best reliever in the history of baseball.  Even though he has blown 3 save this year, he's pitching better than his career average of ERA, which is at a low 1.90, and his WHIP is just about right at 1.06.  No one better at slamming the door than Rivera.  Unless he's facing the Red Sox.  Going back to 2002, Rivera has blown 10 save against Boston, more than any other team he has faced.  That's an average of one per year.  The same average that Papelbon has had in his career against the Yankees.


Enjoy the series!

The New Face of the Western Conference

 

Over the last twelve years, or basically ever since I have been watching basketball, the Western Conference has had two faces.  The San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers.  In the last twelve NBA Finals, the Spurs have represented the Western Conference on 4 occasions, winning the title each trip.  The Lakers have made 7 appearances in the same time, winning 5 titles.  As the regular season was winding down this year, it looked much of the same, but this postseason looks to be the proverbial changing of the guard.  With the Spurs looking old in their round 1 match against the 8th seeded Grizzlies, most fans thought it was to be a cakewalk for the reigning NBA champs, the Lakers, for the remainder of the West postseason.  The Lakers didn't exactly coast against Chris Paul and the 7th seeded Hornets, but did anyone see a 4 game sweep coming at the hands of Dirk and the Mavs?  No? Me neither.  The Grizzlies, while not winning in the Semi's against a young and talented Thunder team, sure turned some heads.  And they did it without a Grade A Superstar.  Their best player is Zach Randolph, who wouldn't be a third best player on many of these playoff teams.  I wonder if their series against Oklahoma City would have gone differently with Rudy Gay in the lineup.  Too bad he'll be traded in the offseason.  So with the Spurs out in the first round, and the Lakers being swept out in the second, the West would finally have a new representative for the first time in 5 years.  

The Dallas Mavericks, who are the highest seeded team remaining and who also knocked off the reigning champs in a 4 game sweep, are the most logical choice to bet on representing the Western Conference.  Some part of me wants to see Mark Cuban's sad little face in the 7th game of the Finals after another loss.  Putting my bias aside, not only are they the most logical choice, but they are the best chance the West has at bringing home a trophy.  They are some sort of hot right now.  Ending the regular season, they were the hottest team going into the playoffs out of the West.  They had won four in a row, and while they stumbled a bit in games 3 and 4 against the Trail Blazers, sweeping the Lakers has given them the confidence, swagger, and experience to take the Western Conference Finals.  Dirk Nowitzki has been the unquestionable MVP of this Mavericks squad, but the play of Jason Terry, Shaun Marion, Peja Stojakovic, Tyson Chandler, and Jason Kidd has been vital.  Even Jose Juan Barea has been important in these playoffs.  There is no substitue for experience in the Finals.  Talent can take you far, but experience, the kind that veterans like Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, and Shaun Marion have, propel you further.

The Mavericks have had 6 straight seasons of 50+ wins with nothing to show for.  And for the first time since losing to the Miami Heat in the '05-'06 Finals, the Mavericks have a great shot at winning the NBA Championship. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder have everything you want in a young contender.  Not one, but two legitimate superstars in Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook.  The in-season acquisition of Kendrick Perkins was one of the best trades of the year.  I was listening to the radio, and someone (I forget who) asked if it was a coincidence that the Celtics were eliminated and the Thunder were still playing.  I actually didn't even think of that until he said it, and it made great sense.  With Shaq unavailable, and Jermaine O'Neal inconsequential, the Celtics really missed Perkins' presence, and the Thunder enjoyed it.  While not the tallest of centers, the thick Kendrick Perkins really puts a damper on slashers plans in a game.  He averages about a block a game, but his presence in the paint alone takes away higher percentage shots.  Role players Serge Ibaka and James Harden are nice complementary pieces to one of the strongest offensive teams in the game.  This team runs the floor, and is killer in transition.  If there is one flaw about this team, it's that Westbrook takes the ball out of Durant's hands too many times.  Durant is one of the most dynamic scorers in the game today, and in crunch time, either Durant or Westbrook has the ball.  It just has to be Durant.  All of the time.  No questions.  

Oklahoma City welcomed in the New Orleans Hornets when they were displaced from their home in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and the city showed a great deal of passion for the game of basketball.  They were rewarded with a franchise of their own, and now they might be rewarded with a Western Conference Championship.  If they do advance to the Finals, I can't see them winning just yet, but this team is one of the new faces of the Western Conference. 

RIP

New Season, New Hopes

The first ten days of baseball has been a bit surprising.  The Boston Red Sox, the odds on favorite to win the World Series, have started off 1-7.  Carl Crawford is the subject of the biggest lineup maneuvers since Joe Torre's shuffling of A-Rod in the 2007 playoffs.  The red hot Rangers, after losing Cliff Lee and Vladimir Guerrero, have started of on an MLB best 8-1 tear.  The Orioles are the best team in the American League since Buck Showalter has taken the reins in August of 2010.  Manny Ramirez has retired after his 2nd run-in with PED's.  Not that the 1-8 Rays will suffer.  In the National League, the defending World Champion Giants stumbled a bit out of the gate, and are in the cellar at 4-5.  Matt Holliday went 3/4 with a HR and three RBI on opening day, then missed 7 games due to an appendectomy.  The 3-6 Cardinals, and Albert Pujols have missed his protection.  Joey Votto and the Reds have picked up right where they left off last regular season.  The Rockies have had a perennially great offense, but they also can brag about one of the best pitching staffs in the Majors so far this year.  And how about those Big Four in Philly?  Only Halladay and Oswalt have been impressive, but something tells me that the other two will catch on soon enough.  All these stories are retreads.  This is why I love the month of April.  All 30 teams believe they have what it takes to get to the fall classic.  And if last season had any effect on the baseball fan whatsoever, then we really never know what will happen.  If anyone can state for a fact that the Arizona Diamondbacks will not win the World Series, please let me be the first to tell them to quiet down.  They have all the makings of a young contender.  So do the Brewers, the A's, the Orioles, and the Marlins.  My money is not on them, however.  If I had to pick four teams who were most likely to win the whole thing, they would be:

1. Philadelphia Phillies


What's not to love about this team.  They got the starting pitching in droves.  3 legitimate aces, and one on the cusp (Hamels), should he ever put two consecutive solid years together.  They have the hitting.  Ryan Howard is their big bopper, but their most important hitter is Rollins.  He goes, and the whole team follows.  Victorino can fly, and he can hit.  If Utley gets healthy, and Ibanez can delay his aging for a year, this is one good offensive team. 


What scares me about the Phillies is their bullpen.  Their starting pitching can only mask the bullpen for so long.  You cannot expect even Roy Halladay to go out there every five days or so and throw 8 innings.  There are some days where your starter will only give you about six innings, and the Phillies bullpen is just not good enough with the likes of Ryan Madson, Jose Contreras, and J.C. Romero.  And even when Brad Lidge does return, does anyone really have any faith in him?

2. Boston Red Sox

When I started writing this article, Boston was in  1-7 funk.  I look at the team, even at 6 games under, and the pieces are still there.  Starting pitching: Who wouldn't take this rotation is a heartbeat?  Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Bucholz, Josh Beckett, and Dice-K?  I'd sign up for it right now.  Who wouldn't take this lineup? 1. Carl Crawford 2. Dustin Pedroia 3. Adrian Gonzalez 4. Kevin Youkilis 5. David Ortiz 6. JD Drew 7. Jason Varitek/Jarred Sattalmachia 8. Marco Scutaro 9. Jacoby Ellsbury.  Sounds pretty good to me.  

What worries me about the Red Sox is the same thing that worries me about the Phillies.  Their bullpen.  There is just something about Jonathan Papelbon that bothers me this year.  He doesn't seem like the same pitcher he was two years ago.  Part of me believes that either Daniel Bard or Bobby Jenks will have this closer job in the middle of the summer, and that could make the Red Sox better.

3. New York Yankees


Best offense in the Majors.  Bar none.  Even with Boston's offseason acquisitions.  The have speed with Gardner and Granderson.  They have pop in A-Rod and Teixeira.  They have, in my opinion, the 2nd best pure hitter in the game, with Robinson Cano.  2nd only to Albert Pujols.  They have leadership in Jeter and Posada.  And even Swisher and Martin will contribute in this star studded lineup.  Andruw Jones and Eric Chavez have got to be some of the best bench players in the majors.  Top to bottom, the Yankees are the most dangerous lineup in baseball.  They also boast the best back end of any bullpen in the League.  Who can compete with Chamberlain, Soriano, and Rivera?  No one.  


What worries me about the Bombers, is their starting pitching.  Sure Sabathia will earn anywhere from 17-21 wins.  But everyone else in that rotation is a huge question mark.  And that is why Brian Cashman loaded up on 3rd tier, washed up pitching this season.  Bartolo Colon, Mark Prior, Freddy Garcia, and now Carlos Silva all have signed to at least a minor league deal.  What will we get from AJ Burnett, coming off his worst professional year ever?  What will we get from Ivan Nova, in his first full season?  Can Phil Hughes repeat last year's first half of the season?  The Yankees will be lucky to get good performances out of two of these pitchers.

4. Atlanta Braves


Is there a pattern here?  Yes.  All four teams hail from the East Division.  I absolutely love the Atlanta Braves this year.  Old Brave Chipper Jones, meet new Brave Freddy Freeman.  Both can have a huge impact for the Braves this year.  Dan Uggla should have the biggest, however.  In his first full year as an Atlanta Brave, I see a 40 home run year for the second baseman.  Martin Prado, All-Star Utility man extraordinaire, should have another great season as well.  Throw in Brian McCann, sophomore Jason Heyward, and a rebounding Nate McClouth, and this is one potent lineup.   Their rotation is a mixture of experience and talent.  With Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson, the veteran presence in their starting rotation is priceless.  With the talent that Tommy Hanson and Brandon Beachy bring to the table, anything is possible for this team.  


What worries me about the Braves is injuries.  Can Chipper Jones, Nate McClouth and Jason Heyward all stay healthy?  If you lose one, no big deal, you have a serviceable Eric Hinske to plug in.  But what would happen if you lost two, or all?  That could spell doom for this team.  Also, Craig Kimbrel is a first year closer.  So far, so good.  But one bad week, can spell doom for this bullpen.  Some scouts believe that Craig Kimbrel is the next big closer in the game, but I've heard of teams vamping up their new guy like this before.  Jay Payton and Armando Benitez first come to mind. 

Also can Contend:


Texas Rangers: Still have that powerful offense, but the pitching might catch up to them this year.


San Francisco Giants: Have the pitching, but lack something offensively.

Colorado Rockies: Always seem to fall behind early and play the catch up game. 

Baltimore Orioles: I am NOT jumping on the bandwagon.  If you check my AL East article written over a month ago, you will see I clearly stated that they could contend.


Cincinnati Reds: Definitely have the offense, but their starting pitching and bullpen may not be good enough.


Chicago White Sox: So good offensively, and I like their top three starters, but their bullpen is lacking.  Can Matt Thornton be as dominant a closer as he was setup man?




Play Ball!