Instant Replay Review in Jets game

Clyde Gates dropped touchdown pass was initially ruled a touchdown by the refs.   The play was reviewed and overturned.  Now while I agree the player dropped the ball I failed to see the video evidence that the ball hit the turf.  How could the refs overturn the call without evidence.  The announcers made no issue of this.  Am I the only one who saw it this way.

Week One NFL picks -

TITANS OVER STEELERS - JOHNSON RUNS WILD
BUCS OVER JETS - FREEMAN DOES JUST ENOUGH
SAINTS OVER FALCONS - SHADES OF THE KATRINA GAME
CHIEFS OVER JAGS - SMITH PLAYS WELL WITH GUIDANCE OF REID
COLTS OVER RAIDERS - LUCK NO SOPHOMORE JINX
BENGALS OVER BEARS - DLINE HITS CUTLER OFTEN
LIONS OVER VIKINGS - PONDER IS AWFUL
PANTHERS OVER SEAHAWKS - UPSET SPECIAL
BROWNS OVER DOLPHINS - MUCH IMPROVED TEAM THIS YEAR
PATRIOTS OVER BILLS - PATS HARDLY EVER LOSE TO BILLS
RAMS OVER CARDINALS - BRADFORD'S NEW TOYS PROVE TO BE FUN
49ERS OVER PACKERS - PACKERS JUST NOT AS TALENTED AS 9ERS
GIANTS OVER COWBOYS - ROMO COMES UP SMALL LATE
EAGLES OVER REDSKINS - WELCOME TO THE NFL CHIP KELLY
TEXANS OVER CHARGERS - RIVERS IS A SHELL OF HIS FORMER SELF

LET'S SEE HOW I DID MONDAY

THE JETS

Not having tv all summer is a part of what we do in my family from April through the end of August each year.  So it is hard for me to keep up with my favorite team the Jets and the team I get to watch regularly here in the Atl, the Falcons.  I did not get to watch the Jets play last week since I was not at home to watch online.  I watched the Jets tonite from start to finish online.  While the score says the Jets dominated upon further review it pains me to say that that the Jets are on the clock for the April draft.   The defense was dominated by Blaine Gabbert who is in competition with Mark Sanchez for worst qb in the NFL.
The Jets got killed on the edges but I do love Mo Wilkerson and Quinton Coples.  They may make the season tolerable to watch.  Safeties and Linebacker are a huge concern.
I do love Morhnigweg as the OC but unfortunately his offense gets receivers open but the qb's throwing to the receivers, namely Sanchez, are awful.  Two drives inside the five yard line and no points to show.  Another drive ended with an awful pass by Sanchez to Stephen Hill.  Bench Sanchez now.  My whole family owns Sanchez jerseys but I it pains me to watch this guy.  I will root for the Jets everyday of my life but I will root without much confidence if Sanchez is the one behind center this season.  Give the ball to Matt Simms, Mcleroy, or Smith.  I really do not care but just like Paulie in GoodFellas, I got to turn my back on Sanchez.

I know many others feel this way about Sanchez but I just had to let go of some of the pain he causes me.

Week One Preseason Thoughts so far

Haven't seen all the games (recorded them all) but so far here are ten quick thoughts.... 1. Don't see the big deal with Terrell Pryor. He looks like a slightly better Quincy Carter for the Raiders. Matt Flynn gives them the best chance to win. 2. Larry Fitzgerald will catch over 100 balls this year for Arizona. Carson Palmer represents a huge upgrade at the quarterback position. The Cardinals may be more competitive than people give them credit for. 3. Bernie Kosar was way out of line with his comments as an announcer in the Rams/Browns game. It was like he had a personal vendetta against Jeff Fisher's team. It is fine to be critical but he went a little overboard. Even when his play by play man tried to change the subject. 4. I really like Bill Callahan calling the plays in Dallas instead of Head Coach Jason Garrett. Look for Dallas to be much more balanced and have fewer turnovers this season. If Demarco Murray can stay healthy, he's a 1,000 yard back in this offense. 5. I'm still trying to figure out why the Ravens traded WR Anquan Boldin. (SEE JOE FLACCO'S CONTRACT) They are going to really miss him this season, especially now that TE Dennis Pitta is out for the season with a hip. They just signed two guys off the street to fill spots in former Colts Brandon Stokely and Dallas Clark. They will regret not having Boldin. 6. Round one of the Eagles QB battle goes to Michael Vick. But Nick Foles didn't do anything to embarass himself. 7. Watching the Dolphins/Jaguars game looked like two Arena League or Canadian Football League teams. Not in their play, but in the jerseys. Bring back the classic Dolphins jerseys and helmet. There is no need for this new look. And Jaguars, lose the multi colored helmets. This is the NFL! 8. On paper the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should have one of the best secondaries in the league. 9. Bears Head Coach Mark Trestman looks like Leonard from the Big Bang Theory. And from what I hear, uses big intelligent words just like him too. 10. Dear Graham Harrell (backup QB for the Packers), if you let Vince Young beat you out for the backup job, then your career is officially over sir.

Donovan McNabb

So called journalist Stephen A. Smith said that Donovan McNabb is the greatest QB in Philadelphia Eagles history. I disagree, I think Randall Cunningham was. Then Stephen A. Smith said that Donovan McNabb should have alot of consideration for the Hall of Fame. I hope he was talking about the Eagles HOF and not the Pro Football Hall of Fame because I again disagree with him. I love the NFL but I can't stand stories like Donovan McNabb reaching out to RGIII of the Redskins. Who cares? Donovan McNabb is a disgruntled, bitter, former Washington QB who doesn't like the Shanahans and is just trying to get his name in the news. I used to have respect for him but since his one year debacles in Washington and Minnesota, and his comments about the league since retiring, I have none left. Kudos to RGIII for ignoring him.

METS ARE WASTING MATT HARVEY

 I am not sure how many years the mets have Matt Harvey under contract.  However, I can see him jumping ship at the first moment he can go to a team that can score some runs. My greatest fear is he ends up with the Yankees because the Yankees will be one of the few teams that may be able to meet Boras' ( Harvey's Agent, UGH!!!!) demands for a 200 million contract.  He has hinted he wants a life like Derek Jeter's.

With the Mets Harvey must pitch nearly perfect to get a win.  He has at least 10 no-decisions at this time and has lost a some games in which he has pitched well.  For those older fans, he is certainly Ron Darling-like in this regard.   He may be the most dominant pitcher in the sport but will certainly not garner any attention when it comes to the CY YOUNG award.  He has pitched well enough to have at least 13 victories maybe more at this time.

Harvey is the only reason I follow the Mets.  The highlight for me was watching him live, dominate the Braves in the first game of  doubleheader back in June.  I hope the Mets have a plan for improvement that they can show Harvey and convince him to stay a Met.

With this being said, I really hope the Mets wait to to give him the big money extension until he has another great season next year.

Greatest Players of All Time for each AFC team

San Diego Chargers = Junior Seau: Tomlinson is a future HOF but Seau was the Chargers Denver Broncos = John Elway: Biggest slam dunk choice of the AFC teams, 2 time champ Kansas City Chiefs = Tony Gonzalez: Greatest TE ever...L.Dawson and D.Thomas #2 and #3 Oakland Raiders = tough, tough, tough: Marcus Allen, Howie Long, Gene Upshaw, A.Shell Jacksonville Jaguars = Fred Taylor: Solid back for Jags, Brunnell and Jimmy Smith #2,3 Houston Texans = Andre Johnson: Because of longevity/production..Foster and Watt close Indianapolis Colts = Peyton Manning: 3 MVP awards, SB champion, always will be Mr Colt Tennessee Titans = Earl Campbell: Going back to Oiler franchise days, what a load! Miami Dolphins = Dan Marino: Despite no ring, he is the face of the Miami Dolphins Buffalo Bills = Bruce Smith: HOF pass rusher, barely beats out Jim Kelly, OJ, Thurman New York Jets = I will defer to my fellow blogger the Coach on this one: Namath/Revis? New England Patriots = Tom Brady: One of the greatest ever, 3 time SB champ, MVPs Baltimore Ravens = Ray Lewis: The face of this franchise from the beginning, 2 rings Cleveland Browns = Jim Brown: Considered by many to be greatest RB ever to play Pittsburgh Steelers = tough, tough, tough: Joe Greene, Bradshaw, Franco, Lambert? Cincinatti Bengals = Anthony Munoz: One of greatest tackles ever, went to 2 SB's Agree or disagree? Help me with the Steelers/Raiders/Jets tough ones. Let me know.

Who is the most overrated NFL player today?

My vote is Michael Vick as the most overrated player in the league. Since 2009 he has 18 fumbles lost and 30 interceptions. He has a 19-17 record as the Philadelphia Eagles starter, is oft injured, and has zero Super Bowl appearances, championships, or most valuable player awards. Yet the media makes excuses for him and continues to praise his talents. Love when the experts say he is "developing" and "improving", he is towards the end of his career, how long can they keep saying that? Who do you think is the most overrated NFL player is?

Greatest Player of All-Time for Each NFC Team

San Fransisco 49ers = Jerry Rice: Maybe the best player regardless of position ever. Seattle Seahawks = Steve Largent: Hall of Fame wide receiver and a legislator too. St. Louis Rams = Deacon Jones: Wanted to literally hurt or kill the quarterback. Arizona Cardinals = tough tough tough.......either Dan Dierdorf/Conrad Dobler Chicago Bears = Walter Payton: Sweetness, enough said. Dick Butkus/Singletarry close Detroit Lions = Barry Sanders: One of the most dynamic, elusive backs ever to play. Green Bay Packers = Brett Favre: Don't ponder on recent history, look at record book. Minnesota Vikings = Adrian Peterson: When his career is over, he may tower over others Atlanta Falcons = tough tough tough.....either Jessie Tuggle/Deion Sanders/Mike Kenn New Orleans Saints = Drew Brees: Brought only title to the Saints, record setter. Carolina Panthers = tough tough tough.....either Wesley Walls/Sam Mills/Julius Peppers Tampa Bay Buccaneers = Warren Sapp: Hall of Famer, dominated his position, champion Dallas Cowboys = Roger Staubach: Terrific leader, strong arm, won SB's except vs Pit Washington Redskins = tough tough tough.....either Russ Grimm/Joe Jacoby/Darrell Green New York Giants = Lawrence Taylor: A game changer, a punisher, and a 2 time champion. Philadelphia Eagles = Reggie White: Dominant pass rusher, legend in Philly, nice guy Agree or Disagree? Help me out with the tough tough toughs. Post your thoughts.

Ryan Braun a cheat

I love that the smug cheater got caught.  Thoughts anyone.

MLB quick thoughts

I just don't see the New York Yankees going to the playoffs this year.  From Derek Jeter, to Mark Texiera, to Curtis Granderson, to Alex Rodriguez; this team has been too overcome with injuries to be a serious playoff contender in the 2nd half.  Their lack of depth and consistency has been shocking.

Manny Machado is without a doubt my favorite player to watch in the game today.  He's a superstar who should eclipse the all time record for doubles in a season sometime in late September.

If I were the Baltimore Orioles, I would do whatever I had to do to get Matt Garza from the Chicago Cubs.  I think he would be a great fit in Baltimore.

Let's look at some teams and individual names that might be available in the National League at the July 31st trade deadline....

Arizona, LA Dodgers, Colorado, SF Giants
Atlanta, Washington, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati Reds       = buyers

Philadelphia = not sure if they are buyers or sellers yet

San Diego, NY Mets, Miami, Milwaukee, Chicago Cubs = sellers

OF Carlos Quentin, CP Huston Street, 3B Chase Headley, OF Marlon Byrd, C John Buck,
CP Bobby Parnell, 3B Aramis Ramirez, CP Fransisco Rodriguez, OF Carlos Gomez,  SP Kyle Lohse,
CP Steve Chishek,  OF Logan Morrison, 2B Placido Polanco, SP Jeff Samardjia, SP Travis Wood,
C Dioneer Navaro, OF Nate Schierholtz, OF Alfonso Soriano, CP Kelly Gregg

Oakland, Texas, LA Angels, Cleveland, KC, Detroit, NY Yankees, Boston,
Baltimore, TB, Toronto= buyers

Seattle, Houston, Minnesota, Chicago White Sox = sellers

OF Raul Ibanez, OF Michael Saunders, 2B Kyle Seager, 1B Kendrys Morales, RP Oliver Perez,
CP Tom Wilhelmsen, DH Carlos Pena, 1B Brett Wallace, 2B Jose Altuve, SP Bud Norris,
CP Jose Veras, RP Jesse Craine, OF Dayan Vicedo, CP Addison Reed

Highlights of 2013 MLB 1st Half

Highlights of the 2013 1st half
--Michael Cuddyer hitting streak                                               --the PITTSBURGH PIRATES!!!!!
--Chris "Crush" Davis' monster half                                           --the Yankees injury woes
--Miguel Cabrerra back to back triple crowns?                         --Mariano Rivera's farewell tour
--Homer Bailey no hitter vs Giants                                            --struggling world champion SF Giants
--Tim Lincecum no hitter vs Padres                                           --Dodgers vs Diamondbacks brawl
--Yasiel Puig in the month of June                                              --Matt Harvey's arrival as a star pitcher
--Brandon Phillips and Manny Machado's stellar defensive plays  --41 year old Raul Ibanez's season
--young Jose Fernandez of the Marlins                                       --Toronto Blue Jays' 11 game win streak
--Disappointing Los Angeles Angels                                           --Disappointing Washington Nationals

what are some of yours?

All-Star Game thoughts

Mariano Rivera is the greatest relief pitcher I have ever seen in my life time as a baseball fan.  But can someone please explain to me how he was the Most Valuable Player?  I'm sorry but I watched the entire game and I just don't get that one.  Great moment in the 8th inning with the standing ovations from both dugouts, but MVP of the game???

My favorite All-Star game memory was in 1994 in Pittsburgh.  Watching the game with my grandparents as Fred McGriff hit the game tying homerun off Baltimore's Lee Smith.  Then Tony Gwynn chugging around the bases when Moises Alou of the Expos doubled him home in extra innings to give the National League the victory.  We all hollered with a joy.  A treasured memory.

Manny Machado made a nice play at 3B and I enjoyed Brandon Phillips' barehanded double play turn. 

Grant Balfour's four pitch walk to the first batter he faced was awkward.  The announcers commented on it.  Was it nerves, discomfort, or he didn't loosen up as much as he wanted to?  He did settle down and finish the inning but for a second there looked like Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn.

If I were a left handed batter I would hate to face Chicago's Chris Sale.  His mechanics are so awkward and the way he throws across his body reminds me of Dontrelle Willis.  Let's hope Sale's career turns out much better.  Sale made Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez look very foolish on a slider out of the zone.

I like the way Jim Leyland handled the Mariano Rivera situation.  Letting him pitch the 8th inning allowed him to have his moment on the diamond all alone at the begining of the inning.  Then at the end of the 8th inning, Rivera gets the chance to come off the field and be greeted by his teammates without the game being over. 

I know there are alot of Tim McCarver haters out there but I am a fan of his.  He was been the voice of the World Series and post season my whole life.  Seeing McCarver's friendship with Joe Buck and seeing McCarver getting emotional, made me like the guy even more.  Great job by one of the best.  He will be missed after this season as he goes into retirement.  Love hearing his insight and how he connects baseball's past with baseball's present.  Very few announcers do that. 

Nine things I would change about Major League Baseball if I had the power

1. I am a fan of the 2nd Wild Card spot.  But I want to make the Wild Card game a 3 game series instead of a one game playoff.  In this best two out of three series, all of the games would be played in the higher Wild Card team's city.  This would add another level of excitement for teams who didn't win their division to try to get the top Wild Card instead of the 2nd Wild Card.  If the 2nd Wild Card team advanced, then they would get at least two home games in a best of five series in the next round.

2. Make Bob Costas the Commissioner of Baseball.  He's knowledgeble about the history of the game, he's passionate about the game, and he is willing to listen to the players, both past and present.

3. Sorry baseball purists out there, but the Designated Hitter would be coming to the National League.  It's already in the AL and has creeped into the All-Star game in NL cities.  It would give National League managers some options and flexiblility to rest players and rotate that spot out.

4. I would put Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame.  We are a forgiving nation, heck, we forgive Hollywood stars and Bill Clinton, I think it is time to forgive baseball's all time hits leader.

5. Put scheduled double headers into the schedule for all of the MLB teams.  I am not saying go nuts with this, but what is the harm in having two or three doubleheaders on the schedule each year.  I love DHs!

6. Everybody is not a Hall of Famer.  I am so sick of everyone getting into the Hall of Fame.  So I want to create a new, more exclusive Major League Baseball All-Time Greats Museum.  No sportswriters or veterans committee putting guys in, have a nine member board made up of former managers, great players, and broadcasters.  Andre Dawson can be in the Cubs Hall of Fame, but in my new Museum.  John Smoltz can be in the Braves Hall of Fame, but not in the museum. Only the elite players in Major League Baseball history are allowed in.  Because right now the Hall of Fame is being diluted with Bert Blylevins and Don Suttons......oh, and by the way, Pete Rose is in the Museum.  As a great friend of mine once said, can you right the history of baseball without including them?  You can't write it without Pete, Ted Williams, etc..

7. Let Vin Scully call at least on game of the World Series every year.  Preferably Game One.

8. Ban umpire Angel Hernandez from the league.  This goes for any other umpires that try to capture the spotlight the way he does. 

9. Let's end the steroid stuff once and for all.  Any player who tests postive for steroids or any banned substance is expelled from MLB forever.  No exceptions.

AL Managers 1st half report card

AL Managers Scorecard

Jim Leyland (Detroit) = On paper, he has the best team in the American League.  You don't want to face them in the playoffs with Verlander and Scherzer.  Gotta get bullpen help immediately! 

Terry Francona (Cleveland) = Has done a remarkable job so far with the Indians.  This guy has two titles and could have this team hanging around for a wild card spot in the fall.

Ned Yost (KC) = Just an average team but the expectations were a little higher for the Royals this year.  Depends on the 2nd half, could be in trouble, along with Dayton Moore the GM.

Robin Ventura (Chi Sox) = A beloved figure in White Sox history.  I can't see the club canning him.  But the seat will be warm in 2014.

Ron Gardenhire (Min) = Pop quiz...who did he replace as manager of the Minnesota Twins.  The answer, Tom Kelly.  Gardenhire is the longest tenured manger in baseball but the Twins have really been a poor club the last two years and its not promising in 2013 so far.  I see a change coming here.

Buck Showalter (Baltimore) = Without a doubt my favorite manager in baseball.  Look at what he has done with the Yankees, the Diamondbacks, the Rangers, and now in Baltimore.  But I want to see him finish what he started and get the credit he deserves with the Orioles.  Best manager in baseball and his players love him

Joe Girardi (NYY) = I feel that Girardi has done a nice job to keep the Yankees above .500 and in contention in a ultra competitive AL East.  With all the injuries to their stars, he's done a great job juggling the lineup with hasbeens like Vernon Wells, Brandon Boesch, and Lyle Overbay.

John Farrell (Boston) = The Red Sox knew this guy from his time as pitching coach with the club.  This was one of the most underrated moves of the off season in my opinion.  This guy knows the pulse of his team as good as any manager.  Terrific job.

Joe Maddon (TB) = He's a bit quirky but man this guy competes with the players he's got.  Maddon is my second favorite manager because you can tell he builds relationships with his players and seems to always push the right buttons with his club.

John Gibbons (Toronto) = Had a nice 11 game winning streak at one point and it looked like Gibbon's boys were going to contend but then they flat lined.  The Blue Jays starting pitching staff has an ERA over 5.00.  Like Kansas City's situation, the GM may be in trouble after this year, therefore Gibbons may be too with anything short of the playoffs.

Ron Washington (Texas) = This guy is fun to watch during a game.  Seems like a great guy.  Solid manager who should be around with the Rangers for a long time.

Mike Sosscia (Angels) = I totally misspelled his last name.  I think that Mike needs a strong 2nd half and a postseason birth to save his job.  He has butted heads with the front office alot over the last two seasons and the Angels haven't been to the playoffs in the last few years.  The clock is ticking on Mike.  I say he's a out of a job by season's end.

Bob Melvin (A's) = Creates a nice, loose clubhouse for his wacky bunch in Oakland.  Very solid manager whose team won't be able to sneak up on Texas this year like they did last season.  I like his style.

Bo Porter (Houston) = A young manager whose pitching change blunder is sadly what any true baseball fan remembers about him.  His roster is very young, so he should be given several seasons to grow with his team.  They are super thin talent wise.

Eric Wedge (Seattle) = Time for the Mariners to hit the reset button again.  It just isn't working for this club.  But there are some nice young players for this Seattle club to develop.  New GM and new manager...again.

Geno Smith Skipping Jets West

The media and some fans are making a big deal out of Jets QB Geno Smith missing his fellow Jets QB Mark Sanchez' Jets West practice sessions that Sanchez has hosted the last two years.  I say what would be the point to Geno Smith attending Mark's camp in Mark's hometown when he is competing with him.  It is not like the camp has helped Sanchez improve his play.  One could argue his play has worsened since he is hosting these training sessions the last two offseasons with this being the third.

Geno Smith is competing with Sanchez.  I think this is the official draw the line in the sand beginning of qb competition.  Geno doesn't have to hold the coddled qb's jock strap and kow-tow to him.  He is working out on his own in Florida, holding camps for kids in his hometown.  I kind of like the moxy it shows that Geno Smith has.  I am sure Rex likes it as well.  

If Sanchez is the Jets QB this year they stink.  If Geno plays at least equal to Sanchez in training camp the Jets should give him the keys and see what happens.  Sanchez was given those keys without earning it his rookie year and was awful despite some solid playoff outings.  

Media and fans, get off Geno's back on this one.  Maybe they can start criticizing the Patriots or the dozens of players getting arrested.  Give the kid a shot without all the negativity to start with.

Elite Quarterbacks

The word elite is defined as the choice or best of anything considered collectively, as of a group or class of persons

I am so sick of NFL analysts and casual NFL fans throwing around the word elite when they are talking about NFL quarterbacks.  This blog post is guaranteed to generate some debates but when I look at the starting Quarterbacks in the league, there are only a handful of truly elite men.

The ELITE Quarterbacks
Peyton Manning (Broncos) = The absolute best QB I have ever seen, 1 SB title, rewriting record books.
Tom Brady (Patriots) = 3 SB titles, his ability to compete is unmatched, the second best QB I've seen.
Aaron Rodgers (Packers) = He is in his prime, has a SB title, and if defense cooperates will get another shot
Drew Brees (Saints) = Putting his name in the record books, no SB title, but one of the best passers in NFL

The Very Good Franchise Quarterback (But NOT Elite)
Eli Manning (Giants) = Mr. Clutch, 2 SB titles, but I can't put him the above four...needs consistency
Matt Ryan (Falcons) = Very underappreciated in Atlanta but super cerebral and a true leader in huddle.
Ben Roethlesberger (Steelers) = Cannot deny he has 2 SB titles and many clutch moments. A diva, but wins
Joe Flacco (Ravens) = His 2012 post season made me a believer.  Won SB with aging defense, he led team

The Tremendous Potential Young Franchise Quarterbacks (But prove it to me in Year Two)
Colin Kaepernick (49ers) = Took over team and led them to the SB. Cannon arm, poised, elusive, exciting.
Andrew Luck (Colts) = Poor offensive line, took alot of sacks, threw too many INTs, legit # 1 overall pick
Robert Griffin III (Redskins) = The key is his knee, will be new generation QB star or a Bo Jackson type
Russell Wilson (Seahawks) = Love his determination, clam demeanor, and leadership....prove it to me

The Solid Franchise Quarterback who will only take you so FAR
Tony Romo (Cowboys) = The ultimate Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Quarterback....undrafted out of Eastern Illinois....Maybe we should cut him some slack, he has already overachieved.  Wish he would erase bonehead plays.

Matt Schaub (Texans) = 3rd round pick out of Virginia who really, really struggled in the Texans' last four games.  Played in his first postseason as starter last year.  Tremendous pressure on him.  No where near elite status.  Not counting Brad Johnson, Rex Grossman, Trent Dilfer, name me the last non-elite QB in the Super Bowl? 

Matthew Stafford (Lions) = Has had alot of injury concerns in his young career, two seasons ago it looked as if he were going to be busting out into a Drew Brees type gunslinger when he led Lions to postseason.  He must show consistency in order to get bumped up in my rankings. 

Cam Newton (Panthers) = Not a fan of this player at all.  Tremendous skill set, rocket arm, athletic.  Anyone ever noticed he plays much better when the Panthers have a really poor record and are eliminated from the postseason?  Very immature but the potential for absolute greatness is there.  League should hold him accountable, for example, when he bumped that referee last year vs. Raiders.  Why wasn't he ejected?  Tired of people making excuses for him.  Playoff appearances = zero      Playoff wins = zero  

Phillip Rivers (Chargers) = What has happened to Rivers the last two seasons?  Watching the Chargers used to be exciting with him flinging the ball all over the place but the last two years has been excruciating.  Can you imagine what a die hard Charger fan feels like?  Hopefully a new offensive minded HC in Mike McCoy will help Rivers get back to his old form and stop throwing so many interceptions.

Andy Dalton (Bengals) = I think Dalton is perfectly placed in my list because he has done a great job in getting the Bengals to the postseason in his first two years in the league.  But his playoff performance last year was very, very disturbing.  Reminds me of Brad Johnson alot.  May have already reached his ceiling after two years in the league.  Dalton needs an elite receiver, strong running game, and good defensive team.  I'm afraid he can't carry a team by himself or guide a team deep into the playoffs.  Of course, many critics said that about Joe Flacco too....

The Average Quarterback that are either past their prime or will never be elite
Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins) = Joe Philbin should take the training wheels off in year two and with Mike Wallace in town, Tannehill seems to have the most potential to climb the charts.  Jury is still out on him though.  2014 will give us a good idea about this guy's potential. 

Jay Cutler (Bears) = He is simply this generation's Jeff George.  He has a rocket arm, a really bad attitude, and is not a team player.  Throws way too many interceptions.  Maybe Josh McDaniels knew what he was doing when he jettisoned him in Denver...

Michael Vick/Nick Foles (Eagles) = Vick is on his last legs and sportswriters and commentators do not hold him accountable for all of the turnovers he commits.  He is a turnover machine who carries the ball like a loaf of bread.  Nick Foles showed some glimpses last season of being a good pro.  Everyone has huge expectations for the Chip Kelly offense in Philadelphia but we will have a clearer picture in training camp and preseason. 

Alex Smith (Chiefs) = I didn't cry for Alex Smith when lost the starting job to Kaepernick.  Coach Harbaugh made the right decision going with the younger, more athletic, higher ceiling guy.  This move doesn't make alot of sense to me for Andy Reid.  My prediction is that Chase Daniels will end up being the Chiefs starting quarterback at some point this season.

Carson Palmer (Cardinals) = The Raiders gave up everything but the kitchen sink to get him from the Bengals and he flopped in Oakland.  Yes he threw for alot of yards passing and yes he was on a bad Raider team but do you think the Arizona Cardinals are any better?  If the offensive line can keep Mr. Immobile up right, at least he has Larry Fitzgerald to throw to.  But the Cardinals offensive line is very bad and Palmer will play an underrated Rams team, the 49ers, and Seahawks for six of his sixteen games.  Good luck.

The Underachieving Quarterback
Sam Bradford (Rams) = I like Bradford but he was a number one overall pick and has not produced like a number one overall pick (see Manning, Luck).  Jeff Fisher may be wishing he would have stayed where he was at in the 2012 NFL Draft and taken RGIII and traded Bradford to another team.  This is a big year for Sam Bradford to start making some progress.

Josh Freeman (Buccaneers) = 3 years ago, in Freeman's sophomore year, NFL analysts declared Josh Freeman as an elite quarterback.  Ridiculous, absurd stuff.  Freeman has mightedly struggled the last two seasons and I like what the Bucs are doing with him.  No big fat contract to make him feel good, they are simply honoring the 1 year left on his contract with no extension.  Prove it big boy.

Jake Locker (Titans) = In a league where owners and GM's see rookie QB's having success, like Newton, Wilson, Luck, and RGIII, the Titans did two things wrong.  First off, they drafted Locker way too high at # 8 overall because the college tape showed him to be very inconsistent and innaccurate.  The second problem is they panicked and threw him in the fire before he was ready.  They had Matt Hasselbach and should have been patient with him.  The jury is still out on Locker but I saw alot of bad tape on him in 2012.

Mark Sanchez (Jets) = Another guy who was way overrated in the draft but after taking his team to back to back AFC title games, people were ready to see him take the next step.  I don't know if the media dogging him has affected him, the ridiculous Tebowmania crap from last year, but I saw a guy last year with absolutely no confidence whatsoever.  Prediction, fans will be shouting for Geno Smith everytime he throws an interception and this will be Mark's last year in green and white.

Christian Ponder (Vikings) = The ultimate game manager and another example of a team drafting a QB way too high.  Ponder was a top ten pick by Minnesota but has never shown that type of talent in two years in Minnesota.  Ponder's job is to hand off to Adrian Peterson and not throw picks.  I look for Matt Cassell to end up taking his job at some point this year.

The Your Team is in Alot of Trouble (You will be drafting another QB real soon in 2014, except Buffalo)
EJ Manuel/Kevin Kolb (Bills) = How did Kevin Kolb get another nice sized contract after his sickening display as Arizona's starter?  I think the Bills reached on EJ Manuel in the draft.  He will be another Josh Freeman/Jake Locker/Christian Ponder.........when will NFL teams learn not to reach for QB?

Blaine Gabbert/Chad Henne (Jaguars) = Gabbert getting another opportunity with the Jaguars is all about money.  The team has alot of money invested in him and can't afford to cut him.  I have seen this guy play in person, he flat hasn't got what it takes to be a starting QB in this league.  Gabbert looked all the part of a third string QB.  Fans get excited when they saw flashes but Chad Henne is the better QB here.  Jaguar fans should have known something was up when Mike Shannahan (before RGIII was a Redskin) passed on Blaine Gabbert when his team's quarterbacks were John Beck and Rex Grossman. 

Matt Flynn/Terrell Pryor (Raiders) = You gotta hand it to Matt Flynn's agent, he has parlayed a 6 touchdown performance against a horrible Detroit Lions team in Week 17 from two years ago into two potential starting gigs with Seattle and now Oakland.  The Raiders want Terrell Pryor to be something special but I think both QB's are fool's gold. 

Brandon Weeden/Jason Campbell (Browns) = GM Michael Lombardi was not a fan of Brandon Weeden when he was an analyst.  Now as GM, he did not draft a quarterback and brought in career journeyman Jason Campbell to compete with Weeden for the starting job.  Sorry Browns, your future QB will be playing on Saturdays this year.

NL Managers evaluation at the midway point

NL WEST
Bruce Bouchy = He could moon the fans after every home loss and he still would be safe.  2 rings in 3 years equals job security. 

Don Matingling = Besides misspelling his last name, I think he needs to make the playoffs or he could be in trouble.  Hanley Ramirez and Yasiel Puig have helped his seat to become less warm.

Bud Black = I think he does a great job with the talent that he has.  Padres don't have the hitters that scare you.

Kirk Gibson = rough, tough, like his style alot.  He probably won't be getting a Christmas card from Justin Upton anytime soon.

Walt Weiss = He is working on a one year deal and has no managerial experience prior to this gig. Unsure.

NL EAST
Davey Johnson = The old man is trying to get back to the World Series but his team has underachieved.  I would expect Washington to be buyers in the 2nd half and make a strong run at Atlanta after the break.

Freddi Gonzalez = He will forever be known to me as the guy who didn't put up with Hanley Ramirez's hot dogging and lack of hustle.  Solid manager whom his players love to play for it and it shows.

Mike Redmond = They ought to at least give this guy four or five more years to develop some young talent in Miami.  I for one think he is a poor man's Bud Black, doing the best he can with the players on roster.

Charlie Manuel = I bet he retires after this season and Ryne Sandberg, the 3B coach and Cubs legend, will become the new Phillies skipper in 2014.

Terry Collins = Fire him!!!!  Nobody mismanages a bullpen like Collins.  Plus he threw young Zack Wheeler over 100 pitches in  his first two professional starts.  Got to go!  New voice needed in New York!  I am sure the coach will agree with me.

NL CENTRAL
Clint Hurdle = If your Pirates don't have a 2nd half collapse sir, you are guaranteed to be the Manager of the Year.  Remember this guy took the Rockies to the World Series in 2007.  He's got a clue.

Mike Matheny = I am a big fan of this young manager.  He took over for a legend in Tony LaRussa and has carved his own niche with the Cardinals. 

Dale Sveum = Players such as Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro have been real disappointments.  This Cubs team will part ways with Matt Garza, Kevin Gregg, and other veteran pieces.  We have yet to see the genius of Theo Epstien in the windy city.  Hit the reset button in Chicago on manager and GM.

Dusty Baker = one of my favorite managers but I do worry about him choking on that toothpick the way he flips it around in his mouth.  Usually successful where ever he goes.

Ron Roenike = misspelled his last name too.  Ryan Braun has been injured for a good chunk of the first half, the bullpen is poor, Gallardo and Aramis Ramirez have struggled, but you have two guys having career years in Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez (both all stars).  If Brewers finish below .500, fire him.

Random Thoughts on MLB players

1B = Paul Goldschimdt--dynamic young hitter who the Diamondbacks wisely locked up for many years.  I voted him to start at 1B over Joey Votto.

3B Manny Machado--this is the guy I want my son to watch hit.  Alot of rewinding and pausing of the dvr when he comes up to the plate.  Did you see the play he made in the field the other night?? Wow! 

1B Allen Craig and OF Carlos Beltran = The St. Louis Cardinals didn't match Albert Pujols' price last season and have replaced him with this excellent hitting duo.  Genius front office move by Cards!

DH David Ortiz--with all due respect to one of my favorite right hand hitters of all time, Edgar Martinez, I believe that Ortiz goes down as the greatest designated hitter of all time.  He's got power numbers and 2 rings to prove it.

SS Starlin Castro = looks like a selfish, non-hustling ball player to me.  I bet the Cubs clubhouse can't stand him.

RHP Bartolo Colon = well deserved all-star nod for this ageless veteran.  One of the best stories of the year in my opinion.

OF Nick Swisher = my least favorite player in Major League Baseball.  He is a showboat guy who got the  most ridiculous contract for a position player in the off season.  When Aroldis Chapman threw behind him I chuckled.

RHP Mat Latos and RHP AJ Burnett = Who has more tattoos I wonder? 

OF Ryan Braun = I seriously need you to get healthy dude, you are killing one of my fantasy teams.  I had to pick up Nick Swisher to replace you the other day.  Agh!

1B Chris Davis= The more I read about this guy, coupled with the tremendous (dare I say, MVP) year he is having, the more I like him.

2B Roberto Alomar = I think I speak for all of Major League Baseball (and Chipper Jones) when I say, you should have spit on Angel Hernandez when you played.

My Problem with the MLB All-Star game

When you look at the NBA All-Star game, the NFL Pro Bowl, and the Major League Baseball All-Star game, it is the MLB All-Star game only that actually means something.  Homefield advantage in the World Series is at stake.  You want your league to be represented by the best players.  So why, oh why, do we have to represent every Major League Baseball team? 

MLB needs to do what the NFL does and that is pick the best players and screw trying to represent each team.  With all due respect to Jason Castro, who appears to be a solid player for the Astros, he's not an All-Star.  The Astros, Padres, and Cubs (sorry Travis Wood fans) shouldn't have any All-Stars. 

Bryce Harper is one of the bright young stars in the game.  Braves fans hate him but they know he's a special player.  But Bryce has missed 30 plus games due to injury and simply doesn't have All-Star numbers for the 2013 season.  Troy Tulowitzki was injured for 20 something games but still had the numbers to back up his selection to the mid-summer classic.

Let me know.....do you agree or disagree with my All-Star beefs?  Or do you have other problems with the All-Star game?

yasiel puig...All-Star?

There are only a few things I'm sure of in life...there is a God, we will always have to pay taxes, and one day we will all die.  Add another to the list in Yasiel Puig will get the fans vote for the final All-Star spot. 

Do you agree that Puig is worthy of being a National League All-Star?  At first I said no, he hasn't paid his dues.  But then I looked further at his numbers.  He had the 2nd most hits in a month for a rookie in MLB history.  Who was ahead of him?  Joe DiMaggio.  He's a 5 tool player who, along with Hanley Ramirez, have gotten the Dodgers right back in this race.  Puig is definitely worthy of being selected for the 2013 season.  I'm not ready to call him Roberto Clemente yet, but I think he has the potential to be an All-Star for many years to come.

Roger Goodell's nightmare

Just saw where LB Dan Connor of the New York Giants, was caught with a knife at the airport and arrested.  Aaron Hernandez is innocent until proven guilty but the evidence is starting to pile up against him and if you look at his face, he seems to have no remorse for his supposed actions.  The NFL needs a time machine to get the season started so the coaches and 32 organizations can hopefully restore order and discipline back in some of these guys' lives.

How is Troy Aikman a Hall of Famer

To my good friend , chip.  Troy Aikman should not be a hall of Famer. He was not a dominant payer in his era.  I will provide stats on this later