Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Football Crack & B.N.B. Powerless Rankings: September 16th, 2008
Ah, two weeks down – two to go. There’s been some underachieving, some overachieving, and some conference altering injuries. Never mind that the 2008 NFL Draft could shake out to be one of the best we’ve seen in a while, at least from an offensive skill position perspective. I know I said I was going to try and do a bottom five, top five type deal with this – but instead I’m just going to focus on the bottom ten teams. Think of it as a black abyss in regards to a team’s playoff hopes. The good news? It’s only Week 2. So there’s no reason to get all hysterical and panic – although the time to do that is drawing near.Cue the weaklings!
Dishonorable mentions: Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers
23. Minnesota Vikings
It’s funny how a popular sleeper pick ALWAYS manages to underperform, year after year. The Cardinals in 2006, the 49ers in 2007, and now it’s shaping up to be the Vikings in 2008. What do all of these teams have in common? Ding-ding-ding! They all have/had questionable QBs under center!
24. Seattle Seahawks
One could say the Seahawks defied the odds the past few years in their quest for multiple back-to-back NFC West crowns. On the other hand, you could say that they were able to do this in large part to there being absolutely zero competition for them to topple en route to the top. Either way, despite the NFC West looking as weak as it ever has, the Seahawks appear to have finally succumbed to reality. Pretty much their entire WR corps has been injured in some way or another. Although they could still pull it off if they get some of them back soon, it’s not looking very good. So much for a Mike Holmgren feel good last hurrah story..
25. Houston Texans
Granted, the Texans only loss this far was to the powerhouse Steelers, but they still were a disappointment considering the hopes attached to them in the pre-season. With a bottom ten, especially one this early in the season, there’s always going to be some question marks in the rankings – and the Texans are perhaps the biggest one this time around. All they need to get out of the basement is to defeat the resurgent Titans this Sunday. Yeah, exactly.
26. Atlanta Falcons
Ah, how much difference a week makes. Despite looking mighty impressive in a Week One romping of the Lions, the Falcons appeared to fall back to earth in a Week Two loss to the Buccaneers. This wasn’t too surprising. They have a rookie QB and were playing the Lions, after all. More on that team with an epically horrible GM in a bit.
27. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders won this past week, however it was against the Chiefs who are arguably the worst team in the league. Any team with as many questions at head coach as the Raiders have will have a difficult time winning consistently. The defense looked loads better, but again, it was against the Chiefs. Only time will tell if their rushing attack can prove to keep them in some ball games. It can only do so much.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Just when you think they have it all together, are healthy, and are primed for a potentially upbeat season, the Bengals offense (the very thing that kept them legit, by the way) shits the bed and plays like one of the worst units for the first two weeks. Are they trying to get Marvin Lewis fired or something? Or is it a coup d’état against fantasy football owners? I’m stumped.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs were one of the teams none were too high on heading into the season, and one of their best players is now at odds with the coaching staff. Larry Johnson is right though, they need to give him at least 30 carries a game. What have they got to lose? (Hint: Absolutely nothing)
30. Detroit Lions
After an impressive first half in 2007, many thought the Lions had solved their losing woes and would actually finish with a winning record. The team has talent, there’s no doubt about that, but Matt Millen needs to go. Until he does, the shadow of all his poor decisions is going to loom over this team. What’s it going to take before he resigns? A riot?
31. Miami Dolphins
Many were optimistic about the Dolphins this year, with myself included. However, with the team’s refusal to pound the rock and no real option at QB with Chad Pennington’s inability to play competently, they’re just as bad as last year. Except this time around the defense doesn’t have Jason Taylor. Either Ronnie Brown bounces back and returns to pre-2007-injury form, or this team may end up struggling to win much more than their sole win total in 2007.
And the “winner” is…
32. St. Louis Rams
I don’t have anything nice to say about the Rams, so I’m not going to say anything at all. Except that I feel awfully bad for Marc Bulger. I don’t care what QB you put behind the Rams offensive line, they wouldn’t be effective wondering whether or not they had to go to the emergency room that night. End of story. The Rams need to get working on that sorry excuse for an O-line, because as of right now, it truly is offensive.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
NFL Powerless Rankings - September 3rd, 2008
By Josh GalliganAfter some low to mild success with my MLB Powerless Rankings, I felt it was only right to spread the nearly non-existent buzz to the wondrous NFL world we all know and love. If you’ve never read any types of Power Rankings then you’re either lying to yourself or you don’t know how to read. Since your reading this, we’ve just eliminated one half of those. Liar.
Any questions?
What are the Powerless Rankings?
The Powerless Rankings are a set of rankings that focus on the bottom five teams in the league at a given time (weekly). We pay so much attention to all the good teams -- ranking them and verbally commending them -- why should the bad teams be left out in the cold (besides that they’re horrible)?
Although it’s exciting at the beginning of the year because it tends to enflame fans of particular teams much more than during the mid-season mark, the rankings will eventually feature a top 5 as well. So they’ll start out strictly powerless but end up getting pretty powerful. Don’t worry though; I’ve heard that they end up coexisting together quite nicely from the three people who’ve read the MLB version.
How do I know if the Powerless Rankings are for me?
If you’re easily enraged and/or lack the ability to admit that your hometown team may not be stacked at every position, I suggest you turn away. Just pretend this article was about hamsters or something. What are you reading this for? You don’t even like hamsters! Go away!
Other than that, I don’t think there’s anything else that needs explaining. The rankings start at 28th and move down to 32nd in what is a warped, sorry excuse to try and build some suspense. The “winner” is basically the “loser”. It’s really quite ironic.
Do you realize that you’re essentially asking yourself questions?
Yes, yes I do. But hey, being on house arrest in the interests of being a good father and being at home with my daughter (while the other half works the overnights) does have its benefits! I have so much time on my hands that not only can I ask myself questions, but I can also pound out random articles that randomly appear in my head.
Will you please shut up and get on with this already?
Yes. My fault...
NFL Powerless Rankings – September 3rd
28. Miami Dolphins
Sure, the Dolphins team as a whole has improved since last year’s one-win pathetic fest, but not that much. In fact, they no longer have Jason Taylor who (in addition to salsa dancing) was a pretty big part of their defense for last very long time. Wait a second, aren’t Jason Taylor’s replacements Vonnie Holliday and Kendall Langford? Uh, yeah, that’s a bit of a downgrade I would say.
Joey Porter is also reportedly overreacting to minor injuries as if they are career threatening in nature, which sounds suspiciously to me like someone isn’t too high on playing on a rebuilding team again this year. As much as I’ll admit that the offensive unit has some rising young stars on it, the defense, at least for this year, aren’t going to be accomplishing too much outside of establishing a new identity.
Stock: Rising
29. San Francisco 49ers
As highly as you hold Mike Martz, you still have to know that even he can’t do the impossible. A lot of people are of the belief that he’s going to radically transform the offense into a well-oiled, Rams team of yore-esque, machine. Don’t get me wrong, the offense is going to get better. But they also don’t have anywhere else to go but up.
Barring J.T. O’Sullivan bursting upon the scene in something akin to the Brady/Romo, ‘What’s this guy’s name again?’ mold, the 49ers will only go as far as Frank Gore and the defense can take them.
Stock: At rest
30. Baltimore Ravens
Many people questioned the Ravens early decision to delay the start of the Joey Flacco era, mainly because of the other two options they were considering as starters (Kyle Boller and Troy Smith). In what was a refreshing surprise, the Ravens eventually ended up naming Flacco the starter, which was something their fans had been demanding since he’d been drafted. Although to be fair, they probably only did so because of blatant, recorded evidence contrary to that of their original decision. A smart move if I’ve ever seen one.
The primary staple of team, the defense, isn’t getting any younger, while the offense, which was usually the brunt of the team jokes, is on the rise. It’s a rebuilding year for sure, but at least the rebuilding appears to be going in a productive and sensible direction.
Stock: Dropping
31. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs shored up their team with some solid NFL Draft selections this past April. But unfortunately, they still have major questions at arguably the two most important parts of a football team --Quarterback and the offensive line. As talented as Larry Johnson is, it’s unlikely he’ll be able to carry the offense all by himself.
Until they prove to the contrary (a contrary that is a safe bet not to be proven Sunday), here the Chiefs will stay. Like the 49ers, if the Chiefs do manage to prove me otherwise, you can rest assured I will make fun of myself in the very next installation.
Stock: At rest
And the “winner” is…
32. Atlanta Falcons
Unlike the Ravens, the Falcons decided early on to throw rookie QB Matt Ryan into the starting fire this season. This probably had a lot to do with the fact that they had signed Ryan to a contract that was comparable to the gross income of a small country – but still. That’s neither here nor there. At least they decided what they wanted and they decided it early.
The 2008 Falcons could very well become the staple comparison for a team that is going through a ‘rebuilding year’.
All is not bad, at least on offense. Michael Turner could prove to be a solid starting RB and Roddy White looks to be a top-tier WR. However, clutching at straws isn’t going to get the Falcons any wins, so expect them to make a comfortable living down here in the basement.
Stock: Comfortably at rest
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.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Sport Crack's College Football Preseason Top 10
What, too early?
10. LSU TigersWhile some may look quizzically at this ranking due to LSU’s current quarterback situation, I would respond by suggesting they take a look at the rest of the team. They won the national title last year with Matt Flynn at quarterback and not taking anything away from him, but he was no Joe Montana. Much of the championship team of last year is returning and if the current front runner at QB, Jarrett Lee, can learn to not lose ball games and play conservatively enough, the team will be a BCS contender once more.
9. Clemson TigersWith many new faces looking to shore up the offensive line, Clemson’s potentially potent offense could all depend on their play. Luckily for them, they play in a relatively weak ACC and although there’s some tough games on their schedule, the offensive line has a much better chance to get some in game experience against some cupcake teams than say, an SEC or Big 12 team would in a similar situation.
8. Texas LonghornsWith Colt McCoy with two full seasons leading the Longhorn offense under his belt, the promising young QB looks to lead Texas to the glory land that Vince Young led them to once upon a time. Depending on how the new running back performs will have a lot to do with how much McCoy will have to carry the offense and thus, the Longhorns record this season.
7. Missouri TigersAfter surprising many with last seasons impressive BCS run, the Tigers of Missouri look to have just a successful 2008 with Heisman hopeful Chase Daniel back under center. Guess who else is back? Daniel’s favorite target and yet another Heisman hopeful (although a bit less so than Daniel) Jeremy Maclin.
6. West Virginia MountaineersSpeaking of Heisman hopefuls, Mountaineer quarterback Pat White doesn’t have Steve Slaton in the backfield anymore, but with his skills, he doesn’t need him. With the offense likely to be completely focused around the dual threat QB, all that the team will need in 2008 is a respectable showing from their defense and they should have the Big East on lockdown.
5. Oklahoma SoonersIt seems that Oklahoma has a title contending team year in and year out… and with good reason, they had one of the top football programs of the last century. It appears there will be nothing new in 2008 with the Sooners, who despite being in a tough Big 12, should yet again be in the conversation for title teams at the end of the season.
4. USC TrojansEven though NFL U wasn’t in the BCS title game last year doesn’t mean their not going to be a potential contender this year. The Trojans had somewhat of an off year last year (if you could call it that) going 11-2 with both of their losses coming at the hands of conference rivals. Some have the Trojans ranked higher, but I at least want to wait and see which QB they choose and how he’ll handle the immediate pressure that will be thrust upon him.
3. Florida GatorsSpeaking of off seasons, the Gators had 4 losses in 2008 and were out of title contention by mid October. Tim Tebow didn’t let that slow him down though, winning the 2007 Heisman trophy and choosing to return this year to hopefully lead the Gators to their second title in three years. With a cream puff schedule, that very well could be the case.
2. Ohio State BuckeyesWith the Buckeyes being the unanimous number one in this season’s preseason rankings, I just couldn’t bring myself to rank them ahead of the Bulldogs. With one of the easiest schedules of any team in the country next year, the Buckeyes could very well cruise to an undefeated season and yet another championship title appearance.
1. Georgia BulldogsDespite playing in the toughest conference in the country, I just couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t put the Bulldogs at number one. I am so extremely high on this team that I’m very close to putting a large sum of money on them to win the entire thing. Then again, this is college football we’re talking about -- where just one loss can effectively end your entire quest for playing the most important game of the year. Tough schedule aside, the Bulldogs have many familiar faces returning and look to do something they’ve threatened to do in each of the past few season: Win the BCS national title.
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
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Powerless Rankings (4/10/08)
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. San Francisco Giants (3-6, LW: N/A) - The Giants pitching staff can be credited with the majority of the club’s three wins thus far. The offense? Well, the offense -- minus Bengie Molina -- cannot be credited with the wins. Unless you define credit as scoring 19 runs in 9 games. They did score 6 runs in the last two games though, so maybe they’ve finally gotten their act together.Prognosis: Expect much of the same.
4. Houston Astros (3-7, LW: N/A) - It’s common knowledge the Astros have a strong offense. Too bad it hasn’t caught fire yet, because the pitching has done nothing to help matters. Although they didn’t let up too many runs, a mixture of mediocre pitching and mediocre batting will give you a mediocre performance for the first week. Hey, maybe Roger Clemens will come back mid-season to help them out... oh, that's right -- he's disgraced himself so badly he's unlikely to surface anywhere ever again. Or maybe he'll just be arrested for lying under oath... who knows. Too bad for the Astros, though.Prognosis: Depending on when the offense decides to wake up -- don’t expect them to do much of anything.
3. Pittsburgh Pirates (3-5, LW: N/A) - Opposing offenses have scored a league high 54 runs against the Pirates pitching staff. Not to mention, they are 0-2 at home. If they can’t win at PNC park, than where can they win at? The offense has looked promising, so if they can get their pitching staff in order even just a tiny bit they could still turn it around.Prognosis: Until their pitching staff realizes it’s not spring training anymore, expect the same as the previous eight games.
2. Washington Nationals (3-6, LW: N/A) - Sure, they started off great -- winning their first three games. Then they proceeded to drop their next six games. It’s not looking any better either, with the Braves coming to town on Friday for a trio of weekend games. Seriously though, six games in a row?Prognosis: Even if they break their slump, their still in the bottom third of the league.
1. Detroit Tigers (1-7, LW: N/A) - Speaking of six games in a row... I can’t remember any season in which a team that was supposed to be so good and looked so stacked on paper started so anemically. The good thing for them is they at least looked like the Tigers team they should have been in Wednesday’s game against the Red Sox. Is it just a slow start to the season or is this a legit preview of what’s to come from the Tigers -- the same team many people picked to win the World Series?Prognosis: Barring half their team seemingly losing all of their baseball skill (Hmm, I wonder how that could happen)… expect them to be the Tigers of yore very, very soon.
Honorable mentions: Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, and the (gasp) New York Mets
