tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53550791556692320902024-02-08T02:00:11.328-08:00Past BallSports Analysis and OpinionRich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-87398535852702492232010-07-31T06:02:00.000-07:002010-07-31T06:04:54.101-07:00Yankees Add Berkman, Look to Run Away with AL East<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFQenJhQasI/AAAAAAAAALs/0N1JlGt9NcY/s1600/berkman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFQenJhQasI/AAAAAAAAALs/0N1JlGt9NcY/s320/berkman.jpg" width="245" /></a></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
Another day, another All-Star added to the middle of the Yankees' lineup. The Yankees added Lance Berkman yesterday in a trade with the Astros for minor leaguers Mark Melancon and Jimmy Paredes. The 34-year-old comes with a hefty price tag, but the Astros are contributing $4MM or of the $7.1MM owed to Berkman and he can become a free agent after the season.<br />
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This move will make a lineup with no holes even more unstoppable. Where do you put Berkman - in the 5 or 6 hole? Berkman is a career .296 hitter with a .959 OPS and having a slower than usual season this year, but this may still be the beginning of the end for the rest of the AL East. Here's your new lineup:<br />
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Jeter<br />
Swisher<br />
Teixeira<br />
Rodriguez<br />
Berkman<br />
Cano<br />
Posada<br />
Granderson<br />
Gardner/Curtis<br />
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And if the Yanks can ever squeeze in a quality starter before the trade deadline, the countdown will really start.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">[NY Daily News]</span>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-32160024525001683842010-07-30T03:45:00.000-07:002010-07-30T03:45:39.999-07:00Compton On Top of Leaderboard After Two Heart Transplants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFKsvW1GWqI/AAAAAAAAALU/KxLaRZGf584/s1600/erik+compton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFKsvW1GWqI/AAAAAAAAALU/KxLaRZGf584/s400/erik+compton.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div><div><div>Eric Compton's story is not your typical "road to the PGA" story. He hasn't had the luxury of taking the normal path that most players do. His life has been about comebacks and perserverence, and not just on the golf course. <a href="http://www.hbo.com/real-sports-with-bryant-gumbel/episodes/0/160-160-july-14-2010/video/ep-160-erik-compton"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">HBO's Real Sports recently did a piece on Compton telling his remarkable story.</span></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>From Golf.com:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Compton was diagnosed at age 9 with cardiomyopathy, an enlarging of the heart that hinders its ability to pump blood. Three years later in 1992, he received a new heart at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">He was a No. 1-ranked amateur and a two-time All-American at Georgia before he turned professional in 2001, playing mostly on the Nationwide Tour but also qualifying for a few PGA Tour events.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">But after a heart attack last October, it became clear he would need another transplant.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>Compton underwent the second operation May 2, 2008 and has been battling back ever since.</div><div><br />
</div><div>With his highest PGA tour finish (T30) coming in the Arnold Palmer Invitational this March, Compton is not only looking to better that, but maybe finally add a win to his resume. He is currently tied for the lead this week at the Greenbrier Classic in West Virginia, shooting 7-under 63.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Keep on eye on this story this weekend. If everything goes well for Compton, this would trump everything as story of the year.</div><div><br />
</div><div>[Golf.com, AP]</div><div><br />
</div></div></div>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-32916007063051452472010-07-29T07:03:00.000-07:002010-07-29T07:03:36.984-07:00Fantasy RB Rankings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFGI8vxGxCI/AAAAAAAAALM/2iUyYjkMg3E/s1600/dickerson+airborne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFGI8vxGxCI/AAAAAAAAALM/2iUyYjkMg3E/s400/dickerson+airborne.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><div style="text-align: center;">1. Chris Johnson (TEN) – Bye 9</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Adrian Peterson (MIN) – Bye 4</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC) – Bye 9</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Steven Jackson (STL) – Bye 9</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Ray Rice (BAL) – Bye 8</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Frank Gore (SF) – Bye 9</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. Michael Turner (ATL) – Bye 8</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. DeAngelo Williams (CAR) – Bye 6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">9. Ryan Grant (GB) – Bye 10</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">10. Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) – Bye 5</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">11. Joseph Addai (IND) – Bye 7</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">12. Knowshon Moreno (DEN) – Bye 9</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">13. Shonn Greene (NYJ) – Bye 7</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">14. Ryan Matthews (SD) – Bye 10</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">15. Beanie Wells (ARI) – Bye 6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></b></span>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-42055685129251182212010-07-29T04:03:00.000-07:002010-07-29T04:03:46.431-07:00Indians Games - No Lebron Jerseys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFFe5AS7dNI/AAAAAAAAAK8/gHDxoYLugSE/s1600/cleveland+fan+with+lebron+heat+jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFFe5AS7dNI/AAAAAAAAAK8/gHDxoYLugSE/s320/cleveland+fan+with+lebron+heat+jersey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A fan wearing Lebron James' Miami Heat jersey was escorted out of Progressive field in the 6th inning last night after taunting and heckling from hundreds of fans. Loud, obscenity-filled chants echoed throughout the left field bleachers, all directed at the fan.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love it when I go to games and there's always that guy that has to wear the rival's jersey (even thought they're not even playing!) and is heckled throughout the entire game - every time he gets up to go to the bathroom or get a drink or just looks the wrong way. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wouldn't you love to hear from this guy in last night's game? I'd probably have a few questions for him: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-So tell me a little bit about the thinking process before you left your house. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-Did you really think this was going to work out well?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-Did you not hear see the reaction from your city after 'The (Stupid) Decision'?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If this is what goes on at an Indians-Yankees game, ever wonder what it's going to be like when the Heat visit Cleveland next year?...WOW. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">[Getty Images]</span></div>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-17388204577017886292010-07-28T10:06:00.000-07:002010-07-28T10:06:45.698-07:00Strasburg Scratch Makes Way for Classic Sound Bite<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFBizuMj7RI/AAAAAAAAAKs/X7I5TrwL9aQ/s1600/miss+iowa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TFBizuMj7RI/AAAAAAAAAKs/X7I5TrwL9aQ/s320/miss+iowa.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><div>After Stephen Strasburg was scratched for shoulder stiffness before last night's start against the Braves, Miguel Batista was greeted by some good old hometown boos after fans realized they may have overpaid for their premium tickets to see the phenom. So after the game, he shed some light on how he felt.</div><div><br />
</div><div>"It's OK," said Batista, who pitched five shutout innings, allowing just three, harmless singles. "Imagine if you go to see Miss Universe and you end up having Miss Iowa -- you might get those kind of boos. They had to understand that, as an organization, we have to make sure the kid is fine."</div><div><br />
</div><div>Classic...and I don't think Miss Iowa will be hearing any boos soon.</div><div><br />
</div></span></span></div></div>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-47479951583464493232010-07-27T13:04:00.000-07:002010-07-27T13:04:21.848-07:00Fantasy QB Rankings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE87nax49II/AAAAAAAAAKk/UeAbMgoGZMs/s1600/Brees+Manning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE87nax49II/AAAAAAAAAKk/UeAbMgoGZMs/s400/Brees+Manning.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Drew Brees</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Aaron Rodgers</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Tom Brady</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Peyton Manning</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Matt Schaub</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Philip Rivers</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. Tony Romo</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. Joe Flacco</div><div style="text-align: center;">9. Matt Ryan</div><div style="text-align: center;">10. Jay Cutler</div><div style="text-align: center;">11. Brett Favre</div><div style="text-align: center;">12. Eli Manning</div><div style="text-align: center;">13. Carson Palmer </div><div style="text-align: center;">14. Kevin Kolb</div><div style="text-align: center;">15. Donovan McNabb</div>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-19316130024663518692010-07-27T08:15:00.000-07:002010-07-27T11:44:56.577-07:00Past Ball's Rewind - 1991<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE75SeuLhaI/AAAAAAAAAKc/_51IOT3pdnk/s1600/nolan+ryan+7th+no-hitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE75SeuLhaI/AAAAAAAAAKc/_51IOT3pdnk/s400/nolan+ryan+7th+no-hitter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With 5 no-hitters so far in 2010 - wait, let's just call it 6 with Gallarraga's perfecto - dominant pitching is officially back. This is the most since 1991 when there were 7, so to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> celebrate Matt Garza's no-hitter last night, l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">et's take a stroll down memory lane and take a look at the 1991 season to see how things panned out and who were the newsmakers back then.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7 no-hitters</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In July, Mark Gardner and Dennis Martinez, both playing for the Montreal Expos no-hit the Dodgers twice in three days. Martinez's no-hitter was a perfect game, though Gardner lost his no-no in the tenth. Amazing.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Two team combined for no-hitters - the Orioles vs. the A's on July 13 and the Braves vs. the Padres September 11.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The others were Tommy Greene, Wilson Alvarez, Bret Saberhagen, and of course, the one and only Nolan Ryan pitched his 7th and final no-hitter.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Twins win World Series</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Who can forget Kirby's HR in Game 6 and Jack Morris' 1-0 gem to clinch Game 7? Great stuff, produced things like this classic song. Maybe a repeat performance in 2010?</span><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HmqOlyknUsI&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HmqOlyknUsI&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hitting Machines</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Julio Franco, with a .341 average, became the first Texas Ranger to win a batting title. His Ranger teammates, Ruben Sierra and Rafael Palmeiro, joined Franco to give Texas a trio of 200-hit men.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Awards</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">NL MVP - Terry Pendleton</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">AL MVP - Cal Ripken, Jr.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">NL Cy Young - Tom Glavine</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">AL Cy Young - Roger Clemens</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">NL Rookie of the Year - Jeff Bagwell</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">AL Rookie of the Year - Chuck Knoblauch</span></div></span></span></b><br />
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</span></span></b>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-63958042674054043882010-07-26T09:49:00.000-07:002010-07-26T09:51:58.282-07:00Past Ball Pick of the Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE28X-s3RbI/AAAAAAAAAKU/QY_Pf0u5LEQ/s1600/orioles+murray+ripken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE28X-s3RbI/AAAAAAAAAKU/QY_Pf0u5LEQ/s400/orioles+murray+ripken.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div><br />
</div>Toronto Blue Jays (-1.5) vs Baltimore Orioles - 7:05 PM EST<br />
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</div><div>Brandon Morrow (6-6) vs. Bradley Bergensen (3-8)</div><div><br />
After losing 10-4 to Minnesota yesterday, look for the O's to give up a ton of runs again today to the Blue Jays. Morrow should have a solid start and pick up an easy win. Baltimore is 31-60 for many reasons, and pitching is one of the top ones.<br />
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Trend of the day: Baltimore is 12-34 over the past 3 years when giving up 10 runs or more.<br />
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Blue Jays (-1.5)</div>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-76531435191867837612010-07-26T06:46:00.000-07:002010-07-26T06:50:29.088-07:00Top 50 Fantasy Football Rankings - Overall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE2RgNJJ96I/AAAAAAAAAKM/vaYq3mQXEUM/s1600/chris+johnson+airborne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE2RgNJJ96I/AAAAAAAAAKM/vaYq3mQXEUM/s400/chris+johnson+airborne.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Rankings by position all week! <br />
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QBs tomorrow...<br />
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1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chris Johnson, TEN<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 26<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>DeSean Jackson, PHI<br />
2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Adrian Peterson, MIN<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>27<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Beanie Wells, ARI<br />
3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC 28<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ryan Mathews, SD<br />
4<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Steven Jackson, STL<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>29<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>LeSean McCoy, PHI<br />
5<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ray Rice, BAL<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 30<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Greg Jennings, GB<br />
6<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Frank Gore, SF<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 31<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jonathan Stewart, CAR<br />
7<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Michael Turner, ATL<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>32<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sidney Rice, MIN<br />
8<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Andre Johnson, HOU<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>33<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jamaal Charles, KC<br />
9<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Drew Brees, NO<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 34<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cedric Benson, CIN<br />
10<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Larry Fitzgerald, ARI<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>35<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Marques Colston, NO<br />
11<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Aaron Rodgers, GB<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 36<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pierre Thomas, NO<br />
12<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>DeAngelo Williams, CAR<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>37<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Anquan Boldin, BAL<br />
13<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Randy Moss, NE<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 38<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Joseph Addai, IND<br />
14<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ryan Grant, GB<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 39<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Matt Schaub, HOU<br />
15<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reggie Wayne, IND<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 40<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Philip Rivers, SD<br />
16<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tom Brady, NE<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 41<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dallas Clark, IND<br />
17<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rashard Mendenhall, PIT<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>42<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Antonio Gates, SD<br />
18<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brandon Marshall, MIA<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>43<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Matt Forte, CHI<br />
19<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Knowshon Moreno, DEN<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>44<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ronnie Brown, MIA<br />
20<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Roddy White, ATL<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 45<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tony Romo, DAL<br />
21<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Peyton Manning, IND<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>46<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dwayne Bowe, KC<br />
22<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Calvin Johnson, DET<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>47<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chad Ochocinco, CIN<br />
23<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Shonn Greene, NYJ<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 48<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ricky Williams, MIA<br />
24<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Miles Austin, DAL<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 49<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vernon Davis, SF<br />
25<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Steve Smith, CAR<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 50<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brandon Jacobs, NYG<br />
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</div>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-43425257498810275932010-07-26T04:11:00.000-07:002010-07-26T04:29:36.967-07:00Change Coming in Queens?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE1tONbDdWI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ugawjHh0hk4/s1600/mets+bag+over+head.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TE1tONbDdWI/AAAAAAAAAKE/ugawjHh0hk4/s400/mets+bag+over+head.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the Mets dismal beginning to the second half of the season, is the writing on the wall for Jerry Manuel in Queens? The Mets were shutout yesterday for the 4th time during their recent 11-game road trip and are 2-9 since the All-Star break. To add insult to injury, the Mets averaged 2.1 runs per game on this trip and hit .196. DISMAL.<br />
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Omar Minaya (who may want to start packing his bags himself), showed his angst and disappointment yesterday after a tough 1-0 loss to the Dodgers. When asked about Manuel's future, Minaya said, "I don't want to talk about that. I feel everybody here is trying hard. I could tell you the staff is trying hard. If you ask me [about] the overall performance that has happened, of course I'm not happy. Nobody is happy."<br />
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Omar - maybe it's time to stop taking the easy way out and make some moves that actually mean something. People forget this is the same GM that in 2005, thought it was too much for the Mets to give up Lastings Milledge for Roy Oswalt straight up as a last minute deadline deal. Wow, I'm glad that worked out well.<br />
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It should be an interesting final week of July leading up to the trade deadline. Will the Mets make the major move(s) to try to right the ship or will they take the popular route and place blame solely on coaching. Time will tell, but it may also be time for one Omar Minaya to start looking in the mirror.</span>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-26482375121653512342010-07-23T08:46:00.000-07:002010-07-23T08:51:36.388-07:00Does Anyone Really Care?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TEm5Kz8pmzI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/NjGlMQ9RP28/s1600/arod+press+conference+steoids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TEm5Kz8pmzI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/NjGlMQ9RP28/s400/arod+press+conference+steoids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Did you ever think you would see the day when a baseball player would be on the verge of hitting their 600th home run and most fans don't seem to care one bit (except of course Yankee fans)? Well, it's here. Alex Rodriguez was always anointed as the chosen one who would break Hank Aaron's record "fair and square" and the baseball world would be saved after the McGwire-Sosa-Bonds debacle. Yet here we are today, laughing at SportsCenter when they are trying to make something out of someone who has turned into an absolute joke. Yes, the talent is there - but greed and ego and stupidity have overpowered talent and because of this, everything in A-Rod's career will be tarnished forever.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rodriguez was always the one talked about for years that there was no way he could be roped into steroids, but little did we know that he was involved a lot earlier in his career (high school) than many of the now-revealed poster boys were. It would be nice if ESPN or MLB network would actually note things like this when they're flashing their breaking news story when #600 leaves the yard this weekend. But I doubt it.</span><br />
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</span>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5355079155669232090.post-29283120299931227652010-07-23T07:07:00.000-07:002010-07-23T08:54:44.156-07:00Down-Hill: Where Did Aaron Hill Go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TEm7OGRp1wI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/CCtVJr8FcqI/s1600/aaron+hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VdoGZgec2-o/TEm7OGRp1wI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/CCtVJr8FcqI/s320/aaron+hill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Aaron Hill was an unexpected MONSTER last year -- .286 BA, 36 HR, 108 RBI. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year through 96 games -- .203 BA, 13 HR, 34 HR.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What happened? Where did the production go? Will the consistency of 2009 ever return?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hill has had to battle through some injuries this year (most recently a bad stomach bug) but no one saw this lack of production coming. Hill is seeing some good pitches batting around Vernon Wells, Adam Lind, and Lyle Overbay, but being below the Mendoza line most of the year and a 21 percent drop in OPS cannot be helping any confidence levels. Cito Gaston has shaken up the lineup a few times this year but nothing seems to be working like last season. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many analysts have predicted a big turnaround from Hill in the second half...I just don't see it. Hopefully I'm wrong but let's just hope we're just not seeing the second coming of Bret Boone.</span>Rich Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01963314588349233683noreply@blogger.com0