Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Bartolo Colon swings his way onto the DL
A little late, I know.. but the masses need to be informed.Red Sox starting pitcher Bartolo Colon, who’s been having a pretty impressive comeback season pitching-wise this year, has been placed on the 15 day DL due to a stiff back. While this normally wouldn’t be too big of a deal, Colon has actually admitted that the cause of his injury likely stems from his amazingly off target home run swings in Monday’s loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. From Yahoo! Sports:
“The 35-year-old admitted to injuring his back while executing a series of violently wild swings during two separate at-bats in the interleague matchup.”
Although I tried my best to get some pictures and/or video clips of the multiple swings, all of which were swung in the same area and on pitches that were miles outside the strike zone, I was not successful. Thankfully, I am a wizard in MS Paint. What follows is my representation of what Bartolo’s at bats were like:
Although it was honorable trying to hit one out of the park, I think Bartolo might benefit from getting a few pointers on having some patience and keeping his eye on the ball. Or at least a tutorial of the strike zone from the batters point of view.. any one of them would do him good.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Real Sporting World: Intro Audition Tapes
Eight athletes. One house. Zero reasons for them to actually be there. What happens when they stop being polite… and start acting like overpaid children? Well, let’s find out!
Before we join our unsuspecting athletes let’s take a look at what got them here: They’re winning audition tapes! The athletes did not know what kind of show they were auditioning for. All they were told was that it was going to be the best show ever made. And especially made for them. The producers knew this was a fib, but judging from the videos they got, many of the athletes were very gullible and went all out in hopes they’d get on the show. Well, that and they all jumped at the chance to feed their ego.
As a quick, but unfortunately necessary disclaimer, these are not real videos and this isn’t a real show. You’ll have to actually use your imagination. If you don’t have one, than you should do okay as long as you can read things and then comprehend everything in your brain on the fly. Live a little! Who will make the cut? Are we ready? Cue the videotapes!
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant appears on video. Kobe is wearing a Team USA shirt and appears to be trying entirely too hard. If you look hard enough, you can spot different Michael Jordan memorabilia around his house. “What’s up, it’s Kobe Bryant! Maybe you remember me from those Sprite commercials or more recently, for being the best basketball player to ever play the game!” Kobe pauses, almost as if he's not sure how the blasphemy he just uttered will be taken. He quickly recovers, fake-laughing, “Just kidding. One of the best players ever, at least! I don’t know what you got going on with this show, but I want in! I am game! Put me in the game coach!” He starts nervously fake-laughing again. A voice from off screen can be heard faintly. It sounds something along the lines of “Stop trying so hard, dumbass!” Kobe stops laughing and shrugs his shoulders. “I mean, I’ll do it I guess -- if you need me. I got a lot of other stuff on my plate, you know. Better get back to me soon.” He nods, reassuring himself that he just sounded legit.
Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens appears on video. Roger is wearing an unbuttoned baseball shirt with a money symbol for a logo. He also has shorts and sandals on and he has a big, shit eating grin on his face. “Hello, my name is Roger Clemens and I have never taken steroids.” Someone whispers something off screen. “Oh, wrong video? Oh, okay.” He looks back at the camera. “Hi, I’m Roger Clemens and I do whatever it takes to get the job done! Absolutely whatever it takes!” He pumps his fist, a look of realization slowly dawning on his face. He quickly adds, “As long as it’s legal of course.” He nods. “And I will do whatever it takes to get on this show!” He turns and picks up a glove. “Even if it means not playing baseball this year, something that I haven‘t done often.” He turns and throws the glove into a small bucket, which is apparently supposed to be a trash can. “If you pick me,” He begins jabbing his chest with his finger, his face getting red and his voice getting louder, “THE ROCKET WILL NOT DISAPPOINT YOU!” He then steps back a bit and looks back at the camera, attempting to flash a charming smile. Key word there is attempting.
Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning appears on video. He is completely overdressed, wearing a suit and tie with a Colts blue handkerchief in his breast pocket. He is sitting at a table with lit candles, a bottle of wine and several glasses. “Good evening, I’m Peyton Manning. Whether or not you have enjoyed me on the football field, I know you have seen my ventures elsewhere on T.V. Because of this, I think you could say I know my way around in front of a camera!” He stops talking and grins for several moments. It is noticeably awkward. “I’m not going to waste your time going through the many pros of having me on your T.V. show. There are too many to fit on this film. Nor am I going to list the cons, because there aren’t any. Instead, I will leave you with just one phrase. One phrase is all you need to remember and I’m confident you will choose me for your show.” He pauses, apparently trying to build tension. Again, it is incredibly awkward. “Peyton Manning is a winner!” Peyton gives a nod of approval, taking this all very seriously.
Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramirez appears on video. He is in his pool, wearing yellow rubber duck floaties and Scooby-Doo swimming trunks. “Heylo, this is Manny Ramirez! I know what it take to win! You know? Do you like my floats?” He motions to his floaties. “I reeeeeally, reeeeeeally want to be on yours show! I am not gone lie! Put me on yours show and I will do stuff like so!” Manny turns around and runs down by the side of his pool, turning to jump. He fails to do a complete flip, doing a colossal belly flop instead. He remains underwater for a bit until he comes to the surface and swims towards the camera. He clearly has the belly flop stomach ache but is trying to play if off. “Just Manny being Manny!” He smiles, shrugging his shoulders, trying not to grimace.
Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez appears on video. He is wearing his full Yankee garb and has a baseball bat leaning over his right shoulder. Although it doesn’t appear to be sunny at all, A-Rod is wearing sunglasses. “Hey you! I’m Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees. I heard about your show and realized I would be the perfect fit. I was saying to myself, I have everything they would want someone to have for their show!” He leans his head back and rolls his eyes, like he just can't believe such a coincidence has happened. “ I give one hundred and fifty percent all the time! I’m always on time! I’m loyal.” Alex glances at someone off camera after this last statement. It sounded a bit half-assed. He quickly turns back to the camera, convincing himself this last part was true. “Yeah, I’m very loyal! And I’ll be all those things to you all if you choose me for your show!” He turns sideways and gets into his batting stance. “If you choose me your show will be…” He swings, “Out of the ballpark!”
Tom Brady
Tom Brady appears on video. He’s lying down in what appears to be his backyard, with his hands behind his head and some dogs running around. “What’s up ladies. I’m Tom Brady and you’ll soon be seeing me on a new T.V. show about…” He trails off, realizing he doesn’t yet know what the show is about. He improvises. “It’s… well, it’s about me!” He grins, pleased with his recovery. “That’s right ladies, you can soon see me, Tom Brady, dog lover…” He pauses, glancing somewhere behind the camera. He grits his teeth, repeating himself, “I said, Tom Brady, dog lover!” A dog suddenly appears out of no where, running every which way but to Tom. He tries to lean over and grab the dog but he just runs away, eventually peeing on the hose hookup. “Oh Lilac, you bad boy!” He nervously grins at the camera, and then gives a thumbs up. Yes, you read that right. A thumbs up.
Mark Madsen
Mark Madsen appears on video. He’s dressed in full pick up basketball attire complete with headband. He is crouched in an incredibly low defensive stance. Probably too low to effectively play any actual defense. He slaps the ground with his palms. “YO! I’m Mark Madsen, or maybe you know be by my nickname, Mad Dog!” He slaps the ground again. “WOO! I am psyched to be on your show! I will provide all the energy, I promise. Why do you think they call me Mad Dog?” He starts shuffling from side to side. “Not to mention, I’m a great motivator! If your down, I WILL PUMP YOU UP!” Mark slaps the ground again, does some more shuffling, casually stands up and walks towards the camera. “Give me a high five.” He holds out his hand and begins walking towards the camera. “Pick Mad Dog and I won’t let you down.”
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson appears on video. He’s dressed in his powder blue Chargers jersey with a football helmet on his head. The visor is down and he can be seen jogging in place for a bit until he stops. “Afternoon! I’m LaDainian Tomlinson, or L.T. for short. I heard you were making a video?” He takes his helmet off and flashes a grin. “Well, I’m your man. I’m not sure if you know it, but I am incredibly classy. Everything I do just oozes class. Grocery shopping? Classy. Getting the paper? Classy. Making an audition tape for the best show ever? You guessed it!” He starts chuckling. “Classy!” If you want a top notch athlete who is polite and gets along well with others than you need to put me on your show!” He puts his helmet back on. “You won’t be disappointed!” He then sprints off the screen. Yes, seriously.
There you have it. Eight athletes. Eight distinct personalities! Little do they know they’ll be thrown into a house together for eight weeks. There's no more eights, I promise.
How will they interact? How long will it be until there is the inevitable drama? Will they all be able to stay the eight weeks? Are you riveted yet? No? Well, you will be I promise. Expect many twists, turns and of course, the hilarity that comes with locking these particular athletes together under one roof.
Stay tuned for Episode 1: The Arrival.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Sport Crack/Armchair GM Collaborative Tri-Season MLB Awards Presentation
After much debate, discussion and witty comments in the presentation portion of the article, I finally had enough information to pick a victor. For a full list of the awards and nominees click here.
If your too lazy to go and read part one, these are awards for the first third of the season. Why, you ask? Well, why not?
The better off without them award goes to...Barry Zito of the San Francisco Giants! Along with this prestigious award, Barry is also being heard in conversations about the worst contract signings ever made. Hey, at least the Giants have Tim Lincecum.
The flashback to draft day hitting award goes to...Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves! Chipper is on base pace to finish the season with a batting average roughly two and a half times his own weight! Nicely done!
The flashback to draft day pitching award goes to...Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks! Luckily for me, I originally drafted the last two people on my team. Unluckily for me, I traded both of them and have since been frustratingly mediocre.
The failure to live up to expectations team award goes to...The Detroit Tigers! Detroit’s hitting has lived up to expectations, but it’s pitching hasn’t even lived up to AAA expectations.
The speculative, steroid blues award goes to...Eric Gagne of the Milwaukee Brewers! Eric might be better off actually trying to sing blues for a living with the way things have been going.
The MVP award goes to...Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies! He’s been playing out of his mind, that’s all that needs to be said.
The ace award goes to...Edinson Volquez of the Cincinnati Reds! Edinson could have also won the “Who is this guy, exactly?” award, had it existed.
The shutdown award goes to...Francisco Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Yes, I’m aware I left Brad Lidge of the nominee list. My fault. If there were a silver and bronze medal, he would have gotten the bronze. But there isn’t, so…
The fantasy team killer award goes to...Erik Bedard of the Seattle Mariners! Not only has Erik killed many fantasy teams, but he’s also helped killed the hopes and dreams of Seattle fans.
The packed bandwagon award goes to...The Tampa Bay Rays! The Rays also would have received the “Team with the most players willing to throw down (and win)” award, had it existed.
The soon to be a sporting household name award goes to...Jay Bruce of the Cincinnati Reds! Is it too early to assume he’s going to be great? I mean, we’ve seen enough, right?
With that, the awards ceremony must now come to a close. Thank you to all who participated and apologies to all those who didn’t get an award. They’re not even real, so your good!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
MLB Powerless Rankings: Rockies rocking the basement...
Well, here we are, three days into June. The baseball season is a third of the way over and we’re beginning to get a grasp on who the contenders are, who the pretenders are and which teams just plain suck ass (See: The Seattle Mariners). None-the-less I feel the burden to continue and document the worst teams in the league each week. You have to admit, the advice is sure to come in handy at some point in time. Knowledge is power! Even knowledge about the teams the national media no longer cares about!
Author’s note: These rankings are pre-Tuesday night ones since I didn’t feel like staying up until 1 o clock eastern time in order to make sure everything was evenly updated. So even though the Red Sox are handling the Rays 7-4 as we speak, I’m just going to pretend that it hasn’t happened yet. I’m very nice like that. Also, I’ve added one final feature. That is subject to change, however. In it I will pick the best player on one of the bottom five teams and vice versa, with a bad player on one of the top five teams.
As always, feel free to disagree vehemently in the comments and if you have a good idea to add to the series, feel free to throw that out as well. As much as I like to think I’m witty, I know that’s not really the case... so suggestions are/will be greatly appreciated. Enjoy.
Powerless Rankings
26. Detroit Tigers (24-33, LW: MM)
Okay, just as I said last week about how we shouldn’t be surprised about the Rays since it was almost June… that same philosophy has to apply here as well. While the Tigers could still technically turn it around in what has been a pretty weak AL Central, it’s still not a good omen that they haven’t hit their stride yet. I mean, what are they waiting for?
Prognosis: They’re offense has been living up to the billing and is a Top 10 unit. The pitching however, has been one of the worst in the league overall. When your team leader in ERA (Jeremy Bonderman) has it chalked up at 4.29, well… there you go.
Team LVP: Nate Robertson whose 3-5 record and 5.92 ERA is the worst on an abysmal pitching staff.
27. San Diego Padres (23-36, LW: 29)
The Padres have been doing the best they can treading water until their ace Jake Peavy comes back from his injury. Their offense is a big part of why they were able to stay at an even .500 over their last 10 games.
Prognosis: With Peavy’s recovery going well, if they can keep their .500 record until he returns and keep hitting the ball well, all may not be lost for them.
Team LVP: Closer Trevor Hoffman who has blown one out of every four attempted saves.
28. Seattle Mariners (21-37, LW: 30)
Just as I was amazed by the Mariners six game skid last week, the Royals just went and absolutely blew it out of the water. To the Mariners credit however, they did manage to take two out of three from the Red Sox. Although, to be fair -- if Daisuke Matsuzaka didn’t get injured, they likely would have only taken one. Hey at least it seems that Erik Bedard’s finally realized it’s baseball season.
Prognosis: The Bedard/Hernandez duo could win a lot of games for Seattle if they’re on. Unfortunately, this season that is a rare thing. Not to mention the offense doesn’t seem to like being up at bat. I know Felix Hernandez has got good stuff, but you gotta give the kid some runs before he bolts for another team who’ll give him some.
Team LVP: Richie Sexson, whose 9 HR’s and 21 ribbies prove he needs to start hitting those bombs when people are on base. Oh wait a second, that’s a rarity, sorry Richie. You win this award based just on your .204 average then.
29. Kansas City Royals (23-34, LW: 27)
After losing an amazing twelve straight games the Royals are currently on a two game winning streak. Although it’s absolutely impossible to defend a twelve game losing streak, they did play some pretty good teams over that span (Florida, Boston).
Prognosis: Maybe Jose Guillen’s radio tirade may have done some good. Even so, I don’t believe many teams have made the playoffs with a twelve game skid on their record for that year. There still a couple years away.
Team LVP: Brett Tomko who is surprising no one with his 6.32 ERA. Although, it is a bit higher than his career average.
And the ‘loser’ is…
30. Colorado Rockies (20-38, LW: 26)
I don’t know if I jinxed these past three teams or what but they’ve all gone on pathetic, cringe inducing losing streaks this past week in a half. The Mariners had 6, which is respectable when put next to the Royals 12 and the Rockies 8 (and counting). I know the Rockies are decimated by injuries, but that still doesn’t make the team their fielding right now very good. They need some of those stars back real quick, because if they don’t go on a couple of winning streaks than last season will just be a fond mirage for Rockies fans.
Prognosis: They’ve got big name injuries on both sides of the baseball, but if those players can rehab quickly and they all rally together… maybe they can make a push for the wild card. Hey, I told you I was nice.
Team LVP: It’s still Manny Corpas, whose sorry amount of saves (4) stands next to an even sorrier stat: He has 5 blown saves.
Mediocre Mentions: Washington Nationals, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants
Diamond in the Rough Award: Giants starting pitcherTim Lincecum, who is pitching out of his freaking mind and single handedly trying to keep the Giants afloat by dominating in every game he pitches. He leads the Giants in every conceivable pitching category except saves, which if you left it up to him -- he’d surely be leading in them, too.
Power Rankings
5. Boston Red Sox (35-25, LW: 4)
Yes, they lost twice to the Mariners. But one of those losses came during a Dice-K injury and the other was a 1-0 loss in which the Red Sox offense may or may not have been aware that there was a baseball game that day. Still, dropping two out of three to a powerless team nearly knocked them out of the Top 5. We’ll see how they do with the Rays this week.
Team MVP: Manny Ramirez, who after hitting number 500 appears to be out of his slump and back to his old ways.
4. Philadelphia Phillies (34-25, LW: NR)
Remember that team who snatched the NL East crown out of the Mets clutches last year? Whatever happened to them -- oh, there they are! The Phillies have finally arrived, going 8-2 in their last 10. Getting reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins certainly hasn’t hurt, either.
Team MVP: Chase Utley. Nuff’said. He’s a front runner for NL MVP.
3. Los Angeles Angels (35-24, LW: HM)
L.A. is 5-2 in their last seven and while the majority of those wins came against inferior opponents, they have shown they can beat superior teams as well. Two three game sets against the Athletics and Rays, respectively, should give us a better gauge of just where they are at this point in time.
Team MVP: Ervin Santana, who will likely be the best Santana come seasons end. He’s 8-2 with a 3.02 ERA and 67 strikeouts -- all of which are much better than his brother from another mother Johan. Seriously though, are they related at all? Does anyone know? Could this become a fierce family rivalry?
2. Tampa Bay Rays (35-22, LW: 1)
The Rays haven’t lost consecutive games since the beginning of May and it appears they might keep it that way for quite a bit. They’re entire team is on. The pitching, the hitting, the fielding. Even the ball boy is getting in on the action and getting his work in. It seems that every part of this team so far this year has been golden. By all accounts, that isn’t going to change either.
Team MVP: Scott Kazmir who is the owner of an impressive 5-1 record and an even more impressive 1.22 ERA. Miniscule!
And the ‘winner’ is…
1. Chicago Cubs (37-21, LW: 5)
I’m sure you’ve heard it but it has to be said… the last time the Chicago Cubs had the best record going into June first was 1908. That’s right, the last time they won a World Series. While I would agree that stat is pretty random and doesn’t mean much, it is pretty crazy if you think about it. The Cubs are on an 8 game winning streak and you can already begin to hear serious rumblings emanating from Chicago -- this might just be the year.
Team MVP: Carlos Zambrano who holds host to an 8-1 record with 57 strikeouts and a 2.51 ERA. Very nice.
Honorable mentions: Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Florida Marlins
Rock in the Diamonds Award: Cardinals 2B Adam Kennedy who in 136 at bats is batting .243 with 0 home runs and just 15 ribbies.
By Josh Galligan
Monday, May 26, 2008
MLB Powerless Rankings: Memorial Day Edition
First off, happy Memorial Day to everyone and a special thanks to everyone in our military. God bless America.
Moving on, this weeks Powerless Rankings see little mix up in regards to who made the cut (that applies to the Power Rankings as well). However there was a shakeup in the actual ranking of the teams. We’re beginning to see the same faces (or logos if you will) on either side of the rankings, so it appears we’ve finally moved past the ‘season is still early’ defense. We're almost a third of the way through the season for goodness sake!
Powerless Rankings
26. Colorado Rockies (20-30, LW: MM)
The Colorado Rockies have been struggling to stay afloat but they keep on being hit by the injury bug. The biggest of which, Troy Tulowitzki, is out until at least the All Star break. Other key injuries to their roster include (but are not limited to) Clint Barmes, Luis Vizcaino, Brad Hawpe and Matt Holliday. Considering all their injuries, it’s actually a testament to the overall skill level of the team that they have the record that they do.
Prognosis: Once they have everyone healthy, they should be back on track. The only problem is, when will that be?
Team LVP: Manny Corpas, who has a 6.20 ERA and a mere 4 saves, an extreme turnaround from last year.
27. Kansas City Royals (21-29, LW: NR )
The Royals finally did what they’ve been threatening to do all year: go on a ridiculously long losing streak. At the moment, K.C. is sitting on 7 losses in a row. If they keep it up, they will surely be a perfect example of why April and early May performances don’t mean much in regards to how a team will do for the whole season.
Prognosis: The team has talent, they’re just a few years away from being a contender.
Team LVP: Tony Pena Jr. who is hitting .165 with 7 ribbies (in 139 at bats). Yes, that’s it.
28. San Francisco Giants (20-31, LW: 30)
Just when the Giants go on a losing streak (3 games), their next game gets postponed and they drop both games in a double header. This team just can’t catch a break. The team’s pitching (save for Tim Lincecum and a couple of players in the bullpen) is starting to play like the offense. A la, horrible.
Prognosis: Now that pitching is starting to play on par with the offense -- barring an unlikely turnaround, this team is done.
Team LVP: Barry Zito, who finally got his first win on Friday night. Even so, he’s 1-8 and it’s going to take a lot more wins to pardon him from this award.
29. San Diego Padres (19-33, LW: 29)
The Padres have the second worst team in the MLB in runs scored. There pitching is a bit worse than middle of the road, ranking 18th in the league in ERA. I know I don’t have to tell you this, but if you have one of the two worst offenses in the league and a mediocre at best pitching staff, your not going to be good. At all. All season. Like the Giants, barring something crazy happening, the Padres season doesn’t look too good.
Prognosis: To make matters worse, their best pitcher, Jake Peavy, who was almost single handedly keeping the Padres alive is on the disabled list. Not good, not good at all.
Team LVP: Khalil Greene, whose .221 average, 5 home runs and 3 stolen bases would be good if it were April. Unfortunately for him (and us, especially if he’s on your fantasy team like me) it’s not.
And the loser is…
30. Seattle Mariners (18-33, LW: 27)
Both sides of Seattle’s team are ranked in the bottom third of the league, with their pitching staff the second worst in the entire league. The offense isn’t much better, ranking an unimpressive 23rd. The Mariners are on a 6 game losing streak and have Boston coming into town for a 3 game set.
Prognosis: The Mariners will be lucky to win one of their upcoming 3 games against the Red Sox. If they don’t take today’s game against a rehabbing Bartolo Colon (with their ace Felix Hernandez going up against him), don’t expect them to win any at all.
Team LVP: Jarrod Washburn, whose 6.54 ERA and 32 strikeouts help explain why he only has 2 wins in 10 starts.
Mediocre mentions (MM): Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Cleveland Indians
Power Rankings
5. Chicago Cubs (29-21, LW: 1)
Just when the Cubs looked at the top of their game, ranking number one in the power rankings, they go 1-4 over their next 5. All of those losses came against two gritty teams in Pittsburgh and Houston, so we’ll chalk the slump up to a bad week.
Team MVP: It’s still Derrek Lee who is playing out of his mind. A .301 average with 11 HR’s, 34 RBI’s and a .364 OBP? Forget being the Cubs MVP, Lee is making a strong case for the league MVP.
4. Boston Red Sox (31-22, LW: 2)
The Red Sox have dropped three straight and given up sole possession of first place to the Rays. With a three game set up ahead against the Mariners however, expect them to right the ship.
Team MVP: Kevin Youkilis who is batting .306 with 9 HR’s and 35 RBI’s.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (30-20, LW: 3)
Even though they’ve taken two of three from the Braves and are tied for the best record in the league, the Diamondbacks were swept by the Marlins in a three game set this past week. Luckily for them, the previous two teams had similar (albeit a bit worse) slumps.
Team MVP: Brandon Webb who is 9-1 with a 2.69 ERA and 56 strikeouts. He is the front runner in the NL Cy Young race and was the major piece of an early season fantasy trade that has had me lamenting even thinking of trading him. If your wondering I got Michael Bourn, Takashi Saito and Dana Eveland in return. And yes, I know I’m a dumb ass.
2. Florida Marlins (29-20, LW: HM)
The Marlins have been knocking at the Power Ranking door for the past couple of weeks, consistently getting at least an honorable mention. They’ve finally fought their way in. A sweep of the skilled Diamondbacks was the kicker.
Team MVP: Dan Uggla who in my mind is the front runner in the NL MVP race. Out of his 16 home runs, 12 were in May which is tied for fourth best all time.
And the winner is...
1. Tampa Bay Rays (30-20, LW: 5)
Okay, it’s finally happened. We can all officially stop being surprised as the Rays continue to win. They are a good, nay -- great team. They have all the makings of a contender and could be the Cinderella story of the season. So seriously everyone, let’s just come to grips with the fact that they’re a winner. It’s almost June.
Team MVP: Uber-prospect Evan Longoria already has two walk off hits in what is his first full season in the majors. Add to that 7 home runs, 27 ribbies, 3 stolen bases and a .319 OBP and what you’ve got is the makings of a super-duper star.
Honorable mentions (HM): St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics
Again, Happy Memorial Day and please do take a moment to remember all that have died for our rights including the free speech that we so enjoy.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
MLB Powerless Rankings (5/20/08)
We all know and love (or possibly hate) the phenomenon known as Power Rankings. They provide just about anyone an opportunity to give their opinion on who the best teams are each week in any given league. But don’t we owe it to ourselves to know who the bad teams are as well? Sport Crack is proud to present a new weekly feature: The Powerless Rankings (Now with good teams at the end so you don‘t have such a bad taste in your mouth afterwards)!
This week's edition features a perennial powerhouse having trouble staying on top as well as many familiar faces (or logos, rather). On the opposite side of the fence, the Top 5 teams has one surprise that many uneducated fans are absolutely shocked about. Who is it? Well, do you really expect me to tell you here? Get reading...
26. New York Yankees (20-24, LW: NR)
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. I fully expect the Yankees to make a turn around, no doubt about it. But I couldn’t resist dropping them in after they dropped their third game in a row. They’re 1-5 in their last 6.
Prognosis: They're the Yankees for goodness sake! I’m a Sox fan and even I don’t even expect them to suck for much longer. Expect them to turn into the usual Yankees we all know and love (or hate) very soon.
Team LVP: Jason Giambi, batting a definitely unlucky .191. Perhaps he needs a new good luck charm?
27. Seattle Mariners (18-27, LW: 28)
Yes, the Mariners have won two straight -- but guess who they were against? That’s right, the San Diego Padres. But a win’s a win, It’s more than some other teams can say down here.
Prognosis: The offense really needs to get it together. They are in the bottom third of the league in nearly every conceivable offensive category. Poor Felix Hernandez has been pitching his tail off, but with no payoff -- he’s getting hardly any run support.
Team LVP: The entire Seattle Mariners offense.
28. Detroit Tigers (17-27, LW: NR)
Just when you thought they were turning it around and were actually going to play up to their potential, they go ahead and drop five of six games.
Prognosis: If their pitching doesn’t turn it around, I don’t care how potent their offensive lineup is. Not many offenses enjoy playing catch up all the time. Nor can they do so and win.
Team LVP: Justin Verlander, who is a surprising 1-7. Some point out the lack of run support, but I just point back to his 6.05 E.R.A.
29. San Diego Padres (16-30, LW: 30)
I thought long and hard (about 4 minutes) on whether or not I should have left the Padres in the #30 spot. But I just couldn’t get past the Giants losing ways, even though the Padres have the worst record in baseball and at times look like a AAA team.
Prognosis: We’ve come to expect the Padres down here in the basement and they’re looking pretty comfortable. Don’t expect them to leave anytime soon.
Team LVP: Catcher Josh Bard, who’s batting a malignant .202.
And the loser is...
30. San Francisco Giants (17-29, LW: 29)
Another week, another losing streak for the Giants. Surprise, surprise. They are 4-13 so far for the month of May. Welcome to the cellar, boys.
Prognosis: We’re starting to progress deeper in the season, so the Giants have no excuses for their play. Either they start playing better, or they’re going to be out of it before July.
Team LVP: Starting pitcher Barry Zito who is 0-8. Done and done.
Mediocre mentions: Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies
Power Rankings
5. Tampa Bay Rays (26-19, LW: NR)
Who would have thunk it. The Rays are playing fantastic baseball which is a surprise to some, but not a surprise at all to those of us who had listened to our resident Professor Rays before the season. Forget them just starting off good, this team is for real.
Team MVP: Eric Hinske
4. St. Louis Cardinals (27-20, LW: NR)
The Cardinals were at #5 until taking 2 out of 3 from the red hot Rays. St. Louis continues to prove that they first two months are no fluke either, and they here to stay at the top of the league.
Team MVP: Albert Pujols
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (28-16, LW: 1)
They may technically have the best record in baseball, but a recent sweep by the Cubs drops the Diamondbacks to number three. Still not bad for a team that wasn’t supposed to compete this season, eh?
Team MVP: Justin Upton
2. Boston Red Sox (28-19, LW:3)
I will replace a usual statement about the Sox overall in lieu of an official congratulations to Jon Lester for his no hitter last night. Sorry Peter Greenberg, you missed out.
Team MVP: Jon Lester
And the winner is...
1. Chicago Cubs (28-17, LW: 5)
A sweep of the previous number one team in baseball? Unlike some of the other teams on this list, not many people have been taken by surprise by the Cubs play. But they are looking like that the 100th year anniversary of not winning a title may end then and there this season.
Team MVP: Derrek Lee
Honorable mentions: Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Florida Marlins
Images copyrighted by the MLB, 2008.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
MLB Powerless Rankings (4.25/08)
We all know and love (or possibly hate) the phenomenon known as Power Rankings. They provide just about anyone an opportunity to give their opinion on who the best teams are each week in any given league. But don’t we owe it to ourselves to know who the bad teams are as well? Sport Crack is proud to present a new weekly feature: The Powerless Rankings!
This weeks edition holds host to four new teams not yet in the rankings until now. Two of them are on spectacular losing streaks, and the other two have the potential to stay in the bottom five for the majority of the season. The Tigers finally have begun to live up to expectations and have exited the cellar, while the Nationals are still holding strong as the undisputed worst team in the league. As always, feel free to disagree vehemently in the comments and enjoy!
5. Cincinnati Reds (9-14, LW: NR) - The Reds have dropped eight of their last eleven games and are currently sitting solely by themselves at the bottom of the NL Central standings. Luckily for them they have a three game set in San Francisco the next three games. Unluckily for them, they have a three game set in St. Louis right after that. Prognosis: They’ll be extremely lucky to win three of their next six games.
4. San Diego Padres (9-14, LW: NR) - Although the two next teams hog the spotlight with their seven game losing streaks, San Diego is on a just as unrespectable four game skid. Add to that that they are 1-8 in their last nine games and it makes sense why Adrian Gonzalez is the team leader in almost every offensive category. Prognosis: They are very lucky they have Jake Peavy as their ace, and that Randy Wolf is pitching well.
3. Kansas City Royals (9-13, LW: NR) - We all knew the Royals would end up here sooner or later didn’t we? Just when you think they just might have a good team, they go and drop seven in a row. You read that right, seven in a row. The one good thing they have going for them? Four of those losses were to solid teams. It’s still no excuse, though. Prognosis: Let’s give them a week or two more before we finally decide on them.
2. Texas Rangers (7-16, LW: NR) - Is anyone else surprised the Rangers also just dropped seven straight? Sure, four of them were to the Red Sox but the other three were to the Tigers. Is the number two spot too harsh for them? Maybe, but they had hardly any offense at all in each of those seven losses so until they prove me wrong, here they’ll stay. Prognosis: Tough schedule or preview of things to come? We’ll have to wait and see.
And the winner is…
1. Washington Nationals (7-16, LW: 1) - I have nothing nice to say about the Nationals, so I won’t say anything at all. Prognosis: Okay, I lied. They suck.
Mediocre mentions: L.A. Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays
Thursday, April 17, 2008
MLB Powerless Rankings (4/17/08)
We all know and love (or possibly hate) the phenomenon known as Power Rankings. They provide just about anyone an opportunity to give their opinion on who the best teams are each week in any given league. But don’t we owe it to ourselves to know who the bad teams are as well? Sport Crack is proud to present a new weekly feature: The Powerless Rankings!
Rankings are done in reverse order, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the fifth worse… as if I needed to tell you. Rankings are also done on how the team is performing thus far with little to no regard of how they should be doing (I‘m looking at you Detroit). This is so the rankings will not be biased on previous years performance and will just be focused on the here and now. Oh, and please feel free to disagree vehemently in the comments. Thank you.
5. Detroit Tigers (5-10, LW: 1) - As the entire universe predicted, the Tigers are finally getting into a groove offensively. They’ve won three straight games and don’t seem to be slowing down. They are still in the bottom five teams in the league though, so there isn’t much reason to get excited if you’re a Tigers fan other than them showing that they are not a complete and utter bust (which is always a good thing). They have a game tonight against the struggling Indians followed by a four game set with a strong Blue Jays team in Toronto.
Prognosis: They’ve won four of their last six games and are coming off a Wednesday night shellacking of the Indians in which they scored 13 runs (9 of which came off of C.C. Sabathia). I’m going to go on a huge limb here and say that the Tigers have finally arrived for the 2008 baseball season. And by limb I mean stating the obvious that everyone has been waiting for the last three weeks.
4. San Francisco Giants (6-10, LW: 5) - Ah, the San Francisco Giants -- the team that invokes absolutely no emotion in me whatsoever. Is it because they don’t have Barry Bonds? Maybe. Is it because they aren’t that relevant a team on paper? Perhaps. Is it because they have been playing like shit the whole season? Yes! The front office best thank the heavens they have the pitching staff that they do because without it they could very well lose an obscene amount of games. Okay, so maybe they’re pitching evokes some emotion in me but that’s it.Prognosis: Much like last week, they need to get some offense going. Or at least get enough offense going so that when one of their starting pitchers has a fantastic game, they can at least score enough runs to squeak out a win.
3. Atlanta Braves (5-9, LW: NR) - As much as I’d love to not include the Braves and think they are going to have a great season, I must stand by my promise to rank on performance alone. Because of this, I had to include them in one of the bottom five teams in the league -- at least at this point in time. They’ve dropped six of their last eight games and have the Dodgers coming to town for a three game set.Prognosis: They need to get their ass and gear and play like their potential says they should.
2. Cleveland Indians (5-10, LW: NR) - Besides the Tigers rough beginnings, the Indians easily have to be the next most surprising team off to such a bad start. Even more surprising? Defending A.L. Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia’s stats thus far: 0-3, 13.50 E.R.A., 14 BB. Are you kidding me? Maybe he’s just pissed they signed Fausto Carmona to an extension and not him -- which was a curious move but is looking like a smart one.Prognosis: Barring something going on behind the scenes that we’re not aware of, expect the Indians and Sabathia to get back into 2007 form. Or at least close to it.
1. Washington Nationals (4-11, LW: 2) - It’s beginning to look like the resurgence the Nationals had upon moving to Washington was just a smoke screen. They’re playing just like the Montreal Expos of yore. It also does not help at all that they play in the NL East, one of the toughest divisions in baseball -- perhaps the toughest from top to bottom.Prognosis: With the Mets coming into town tonight and a three game set with the first place Marlins, don’t expect too much of a turnaround just yet.
Honorable mentions: Houston Astros
