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Friday, September 7, 2012
Tomorrow's Show
ATTENTION: Please listen in to the 3rd episode of Baseball talk 101 tomorrow 9/8 at 3pm!!
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Thursday, August 30, 2012
2012 NFL Predictions
With the 2012 NFL season just around the corner, here are my predictions . . .
AFC East
1. New England Patriots
The Pats offense will once again dominate and lead them a fourth straight AFC East title.
2. New York Jets *
The defense will shine with the additions of Landy, Bell, and Coples, carrying the Jets to a wild card.
3. Buffalo Bills
The Bills will be a .500 team, as Mario Williams will not be enough to lead them to the playoffs
4. Miami Dolphins
There is not nearly enough talent on Miami for them to be a threat. The Dolphins will be near the bottom of the NFL this year.
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will overcome Terrell Suggs's injury, and win the AFC North once again.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The return of Mike Wallace really helps the Steelers, however they will fall short of the playoffs.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
In one of the toughest divisions, the Bengals will not have enough to return to the postseason.
4. Cleveland Browns
With a rookie quarterback and running back, the Browns are in for another dreadful season.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning and the Broncos will overcome a difficult schedule to win the west.
2.San Diego Chargers *
The Chargers will rebound this year with the help of rookie Melvin Ingram, returning the playoffs.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
With the best rushing game in the league and an underrated defense, the Chiefs are capable of making some noise in this division
4. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders will be the league's best last-place team . . . if that is any encouragement.
AFC South
1. Houston Texans
With big-time weapons on offense in Foster and Johnson, plus an excellent defense, the Texans are Super Bowl contenders this year.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Titans will be fun to watch with Locker and Johnson, but will just fall short of a wild card spot.
3. Indianapolis Colts
I expect improvement from the Colts this year who have a very bright future with Andrew Luck at QB.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags were bad with MJD, how bad will they be without him?
AFC Complete Standings
1. Houston Texans
2. New England Patriots
3. Denver Broncos
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. New York Jets
6. San Diego Chargers
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Tennessee Titans
9. Cincinnati Bengals
10. Kansas City Chiefs
11. Buffalo Bills
12. Oakland Raiders
13. Indianapolis Colts
14. Cleveland Browns
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
16. Miami Dolphins
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The "Dream Team" will rebound in 2012, leading the NFC's most talented team to an NFC East title.
2. New York Giants
The Giants will be a solid team, but the extremely difficult schedule will keep them out of the playoffs.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas will be a tough opponent with a better than .500 record, but fall short of a wild card spot.
4. Washington Redskins
RGIII will make the Redskins watchable, but are still a few years away from contending.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers
The defensive will live up to its standard unlike last season, making the Packers serious contenders again.
2. Chicago Bears *
The Jay Cutler - Brandon Marshall chemistry from 2008 will return, making the Bears a playoff team.
3. Detroit Lions
The Lions will need to win some big games against Green Bay and Chicago in order to return to the postseason.
4. Minnesota Vikings
Jared Allen will need some help on defense if the Vikings want to win at least 6 games this year.
NFC West
1. San Francisco 49ers
The best defensive team added some key offensive talent this summer in Jacobs, Manningham, and Randy Moss, making the Niners contenders in the NFC.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle actually has a great defense, and has the chance surprise everyone by sneaking into the playoffs in a weak division.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Who is playing quarterback? When you have to ask that on August 30th, your team needs help.
4. St. Louis Rams
The Rams did not make any significant acquisitions this offseason to improve on their 2 win total.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints
The Saints' offense is too good to have a let down after a troublesome offseason to say the least.
2. Atlants Falcons *
The Falcons will post similar number to last year, returning to the playoffs.
3. Carolina Panthers
Carolina will see more improvement in 2012, but are still one year away from the playoffs
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a busy offseason headlined with the signing of Vincent Jackson, I don't think Tampa has enough to finish with a better record than Carolina.
NFC Complete Standings
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Chicago Bears
6. Atlanta Falcons
7. New York Giants
8. Detroit Lions
9. Dallas Cowboys
10. Seattle Seahawks
11. Carolina Panthers
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13. Washington Redskins
14. Arizona Cardinals
15. Minnesota Vikings
16. St. Louis Rams
Playoffs
Wild Card
3. Broncos over 6. Chargers
4. Ravens over 5. Jets
6. Falcons over 3. Niners
4. Saints over 5. Bears
Divisional Round
1. Texans over 4. Ravens
3. Broncos over 2. Patriots
1. Packers over 6. Falcons
2. Eagles over 4. Saints
Championships
1. Texans over 3. Broncos
2. Eagles over 1. Packers
Super Bowl
Texans over Eagles, 27 to 23
These are my predictions for the 2012 NFL season. Comment with your opinions . . .
AFC East
1. New England Patriots
The Pats offense will once again dominate and lead them a fourth straight AFC East title.
2. New York Jets *
The defense will shine with the additions of Landy, Bell, and Coples, carrying the Jets to a wild card.
3. Buffalo Bills
The Bills will be a .500 team, as Mario Williams will not be enough to lead them to the playoffs
4. Miami Dolphins
There is not nearly enough talent on Miami for them to be a threat. The Dolphins will be near the bottom of the NFL this year.
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will overcome Terrell Suggs's injury, and win the AFC North once again.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The return of Mike Wallace really helps the Steelers, however they will fall short of the playoffs.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
In one of the toughest divisions, the Bengals will not have enough to return to the postseason.
4. Cleveland Browns
With a rookie quarterback and running back, the Browns are in for another dreadful season.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning and the Broncos will overcome a difficult schedule to win the west.
2.San Diego Chargers *
The Chargers will rebound this year with the help of rookie Melvin Ingram, returning the playoffs.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
With the best rushing game in the league and an underrated defense, the Chiefs are capable of making some noise in this division
4. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders will be the league's best last-place team . . . if that is any encouragement.
AFC South
1. Houston Texans
With big-time weapons on offense in Foster and Johnson, plus an excellent defense, the Texans are Super Bowl contenders this year.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Titans will be fun to watch with Locker and Johnson, but will just fall short of a wild card spot.
3. Indianapolis Colts
I expect improvement from the Colts this year who have a very bright future with Andrew Luck at QB.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags were bad with MJD, how bad will they be without him?
AFC Complete Standings
1. Houston Texans
2. New England Patriots
3. Denver Broncos
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. New York Jets
6. San Diego Chargers
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Tennessee Titans
9. Cincinnati Bengals
10. Kansas City Chiefs
11. Buffalo Bills
12. Oakland Raiders
13. Indianapolis Colts
14. Cleveland Browns
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
16. Miami Dolphins
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The "Dream Team" will rebound in 2012, leading the NFC's most talented team to an NFC East title.
2. New York Giants
The Giants will be a solid team, but the extremely difficult schedule will keep them out of the playoffs.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas will be a tough opponent with a better than .500 record, but fall short of a wild card spot.
4. Washington Redskins
RGIII will make the Redskins watchable, but are still a few years away from contending.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers
The defensive will live up to its standard unlike last season, making the Packers serious contenders again.
2. Chicago Bears *
The Jay Cutler - Brandon Marshall chemistry from 2008 will return, making the Bears a playoff team.
3. Detroit Lions
The Lions will need to win some big games against Green Bay and Chicago in order to return to the postseason.
4. Minnesota Vikings
Jared Allen will need some help on defense if the Vikings want to win at least 6 games this year.
NFC West
1. San Francisco 49ers
The best defensive team added some key offensive talent this summer in Jacobs, Manningham, and Randy Moss, making the Niners contenders in the NFC.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle actually has a great defense, and has the chance surprise everyone by sneaking into the playoffs in a weak division.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Who is playing quarterback? When you have to ask that on August 30th, your team needs help.
4. St. Louis Rams
The Rams did not make any significant acquisitions this offseason to improve on their 2 win total.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints
The Saints' offense is too good to have a let down after a troublesome offseason to say the least.
2. Atlants Falcons *
The Falcons will post similar number to last year, returning to the playoffs.
3. Carolina Panthers
Carolina will see more improvement in 2012, but are still one year away from the playoffs
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a busy offseason headlined with the signing of Vincent Jackson, I don't think Tampa has enough to finish with a better record than Carolina.
NFC Complete Standings
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Chicago Bears
6. Atlanta Falcons
7. New York Giants
8. Detroit Lions
9. Dallas Cowboys
10. Seattle Seahawks
11. Carolina Panthers
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13. Washington Redskins
14. Arizona Cardinals
15. Minnesota Vikings
16. St. Louis Rams
Playoffs
Wild Card
3. Broncos over 6. Chargers
4. Ravens over 5. Jets
6. Falcons over 3. Niners
4. Saints over 5. Bears
Divisional Round
1. Texans over 4. Ravens
3. Broncos over 2. Patriots
1. Packers over 6. Falcons
2. Eagles over 4. Saints
Championships
1. Texans over 3. Broncos
2. Eagles over 1. Packers
Super Bowl
Texans over Eagles, 27 to 23
These are my predictions for the 2012 NFL season. Comment with your opinions . . .
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The Yankees are in trouble!
Over the past few games, it it clear that some Yankee fans should be concerned about the team's recent struggles against sub-par teams in the Blue Jays and Indians. The injuries to ARod and Tex certainly are a part of the Yankee's struggles. Besides the injuries, Russel Martin has been absolutely dismal with a BA under .200. But he is the catcher and there is really no one else available to catch on a everyday basis. The lineup the team has put out over the past few games is not in anyway, shape, or form a winning lineup. Hopeful ARod and Pettitte will be back sooner than later to contribute to the team. Wake up Yankees, the Orioles are knocking on your door!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Episode 2
Be sure to check out our 2nd episode of Baseball talk 101 Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 3pm!!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseball-talk-101/2012/08/28/baseball-talk-101-episode-2
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseball-talk-101/2012/08/28/baseball-talk-101-episode-2
Friday, August 24, 2012
Is Boston having a fire sale?
Today reports have come in that the Dodgers have placed a claim for Agon of the Sox. Nothing official as of yet but there is a pending deal between the Dodgers and Red Sox that would send Agon, Crawford, Punto, and Beckett to the Dodgers. Not all of the details have come up and we at Baseball Talk 101 will keep a close eye on new developments for this deal. Keep refreshing the blog for updates!
Photo courtesy of MLB
UPDATE: Red Sox would get De La Rosa,De Jesus,Sands,Loney, prospect in deal. Still in medical review.
Photo courtesy of MLBUPDATE: Red Sox would get De La Rosa,De Jesus,Sands,Loney, prospect in deal. Still in medical review.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
How the Yankees will win the AL East
Jordan Berkowitz
August 21, 2012
With the extra wild card added in baseball before the 2012 season, winning your division becomes so much more important for teams. The Yankees currently hold four game lead over the red hot Rays, and are in danger of losing the lead they have held since June 12th. However, with a few moves, New York can regain complete control of the division, and cruise right into October with the division title.
1. Move Phil Hughes to the bullpen
When CC Sabathia returns from the DL soon, I think that Phil Hughes should be moved to the bullpen, leaving David Phelps in the rotation. Hughes was so dominant out of the pen in 2009, and I believe he can easily return to that form. With Joba Chamberlain struggling, and in inconsistencies of guys like Boone Logan and Cody Eppley, the bullpen is definitely in need of help. Phelps has already proven himself as capable of a starting spot, and the combination of him and Derek Lowe can work until Andy Pettite returns. Hughes has struggled a lot this season, and a change of scenery in the bullpen can help him get back on track. An ERA of 4.23 is not going to cut it.
2. Fix the Lineup
In the past, the Yankees have been known as having a consistent lineup vs righties and lefties. However, this year it has been all over the place, and Joe Girardi seems to be over managing. Besides Jeter at the top, Girardi needs to choose between Swisher and Granderson second, and Cano and Teixeira third and fourth. Batting in a different position everyday can throw a batter off, causing him to struggle. In addition, Girardi batted four lefties in a row sunday night against Boston, which I found ridiculous. When Boston brought in a lefty in the seventh to face Cano, Granderson, Chavez, and Ibanez, the Yankees couldn't get a hit. I don't know what Girardi has been doing with the lineup all season, but it has to be fixed and stabilized, especially before A-Rod comes back.
3. Stop relying on the home run
This season, more than 50% of the Yankees runs scored have come from home runs, the only team in the majors over 50%. This is mainly due to playing in Yankee Stadium, however you live and die by the home run in baseball, and it can not be relied upon. For example, twice this season the yankees have hit 5 home runs against the Red Sox, but all five of them were solo shots. When competing with Tampa Bay and Baltimore down the stretch, more than five runs in most likely going to be needed in order to win. The Yankees need to start running more and giving themselves more opportunities to manufacture runs. The addition of Ichiro should help, but unless the Yankees start playing more small ball, they could collapse quickly.
4. Get Healthy
I know this is not a managerial move, but the Yankees have had an overwhelming amount of injuries this season, and I don't see them playing late in the postseason unless they get healthy. Brian Cashman has done an excellent job of finding replacements such as Jayson Nix and Casey McGehee, but this team is not going anywhere without A-Rod, CC, and Pettite.
In conclusion, it is not time to hit the panic button with the Rays creeping up the Yankees, but Joe Girardi and the rest of the staff really need to buckle down in September and make the necessary moves in order to win the Division.
August 21, 2012
With the extra wild card added in baseball before the 2012 season, winning your division becomes so much more important for teams. The Yankees currently hold four game lead over the red hot Rays, and are in danger of losing the lead they have held since June 12th. However, with a few moves, New York can regain complete control of the division, and cruise right into October with the division title.
1. Move Phil Hughes to the bullpen
When CC Sabathia returns from the DL soon, I think that Phil Hughes should be moved to the bullpen, leaving David Phelps in the rotation. Hughes was so dominant out of the pen in 2009, and I believe he can easily return to that form. With Joba Chamberlain struggling, and in inconsistencies of guys like Boone Logan and Cody Eppley, the bullpen is definitely in need of help. Phelps has already proven himself as capable of a starting spot, and the combination of him and Derek Lowe can work until Andy Pettite returns. Hughes has struggled a lot this season, and a change of scenery in the bullpen can help him get back on track. An ERA of 4.23 is not going to cut it.
2. Fix the Lineup
In the past, the Yankees have been known as having a consistent lineup vs righties and lefties. However, this year it has been all over the place, and Joe Girardi seems to be over managing. Besides Jeter at the top, Girardi needs to choose between Swisher and Granderson second, and Cano and Teixeira third and fourth. Batting in a different position everyday can throw a batter off, causing him to struggle. In addition, Girardi batted four lefties in a row sunday night against Boston, which I found ridiculous. When Boston brought in a lefty in the seventh to face Cano, Granderson, Chavez, and Ibanez, the Yankees couldn't get a hit. I don't know what Girardi has been doing with the lineup all season, but it has to be fixed and stabilized, especially before A-Rod comes back.
3. Stop relying on the home run
This season, more than 50% of the Yankees runs scored have come from home runs, the only team in the majors over 50%. This is mainly due to playing in Yankee Stadium, however you live and die by the home run in baseball, and it can not be relied upon. For example, twice this season the yankees have hit 5 home runs against the Red Sox, but all five of them were solo shots. When competing with Tampa Bay and Baltimore down the stretch, more than five runs in most likely going to be needed in order to win. The Yankees need to start running more and giving themselves more opportunities to manufacture runs. The addition of Ichiro should help, but unless the Yankees start playing more small ball, they could collapse quickly.
4. Get Healthy
I know this is not a managerial move, but the Yankees have had an overwhelming amount of injuries this season, and I don't see them playing late in the postseason unless they get healthy. Brian Cashman has done an excellent job of finding replacements such as Jayson Nix and Casey McGehee, but this team is not going anywhere without A-Rod, CC, and Pettite.
In conclusion, it is not time to hit the panic button with the Rays creeping up the Yankees, but Joe Girardi and the rest of the staff really need to buckle down in September and make the necessary moves in order to win the Division.
Monday, August 20, 2012
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