Michael Vick Extension

So within the last hour, ESPNs Andrew Brandt reported that the Eagles have given quarterback Michael Vick a 6 yr./$100 million extension with $40 million guaranteed.  The way this deal is shaping out is that Vick will stay with the Eagles until he retires.
Personally, I like the deal, but a lot of the talk in the offseason has been about DeSean Jackson's unhappiness about not getting a new contract.  This can't make him any happier seeing how the Eagles aren't willing to up his price, but are willing to shell out about $15-20 million a year for Vick.

Granted, quarterback is the most valuable position in the NFL, with very few teams benefitting from a top-tier QB, so when you have one, it is important to lock them up long term.  But, my opinion for the Eagles, don't let this Jackson thing drag out too long.  You got him to give-in and report to camp, but know this, he ain't happy.  If not this season, then early in the offseason, make sure you give D-Jack his money because all of Philly would hate to see Vick's number one option walk because you spent all of that money on Vick.

*Image courtesy of Google Images*

MLB Postseason Predictions

With the MLB postseason rapidly approaching and with only one or two real meaningful division races remaining, I felt like now was a good time to make my postseason predictions.

AL East Winner: This is a painful one, but I'm going to have to say it's going to the Boston Red Sox.  That all may change pending how this week's series plays out between the Yankees and Red Sox, but currently the Red Sox hold a two game lead over their New York rivals and are demonstrating a stronger pitching rotation.  The Yankees have one clear-cut postseason starter, CC Sabathia.  After that, everything is up for grabs.  The Red Sox are tough at home and manage to just get things done when they count.  Very rarely do they drop games to lesser opponents and are capable of going on a seven or eight game winning streak.  Now only if they could somehow get John Lackey to pitch well without the need of seven runs of support per game.

AL Central Winner: The Detroit Tigers.  Their lead is six games over the Chicago White Sox and 6.5 over the Cleveland Indians.  They don't have the greatest pitching rotation 1-5, but they certainly have the best No. 1 in the game in Justin Verlander.  The inevitable AL Cy Young winner will stop any slump that they have from here on out and will give them real confidence to get that early 1-0 series lead come playoff time.  Sorry Chicago and Cleveland fans, this ones over.

AL West Winner: This one isn't quite over, but after back-to-back convincing series victories over the Angels, the Texas Rangers look like the favorite to win the division.  Their starting rotation is starting to blossom and they have a potent offense that can explode on any given night.  That being said, the Angels aren't ready to give up on this race yet.  Only three games back, they seemingly have the best rotation in the American league, with Jared Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana.  However, their "key" veterans in Bobby Abreu, Vernon Wells, and Torii Hunter just aren't producing.  Howie Kendrick is having a breakout year, but he alone won't be enough to catch the Rangers.

NL East Winner: Was this ever in question?  Maybe early on when the Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins were playing good ball, but since then, the Marlins have fallen off the map and Atlanta has kept up a hot squad, but the Philadelphia Phillies are in a league of their own.  Even when Roy Oswalt went down, replacement Vance Worley stepped in and is becoming part of the NL Rookie of the Year award talk.  Their offense isn't dominating, at times very inconsistent, but can easily put up a big number on any given night.  It's just a matter of how often they can do that.

NL Central Winner: Remember in mid-July when this was a four team race?  Yeah, not anymore.  At the All-Star break, there were four teams within four games of the Central lead.  Since then, the Milwaukee Brewers have opened up a 10.5 gam lead, leaving the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cincinnati Reds in the dust.  They own a league-best 50-16 record at home and have the best two man power hitting combo in the National League with Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun.  And since the National League won the All-Star game, that impressive home-field record will help them out substantially WHEN they make it to the World Series (hint hint).

NL West Winner: I like the Arizona Diamondbacks to hang on and win this division.  They have a four game lead over the reigning World Series champion San Francisco Giants.  The upstart Diamondbacks are playing great baseball, led by NL MVP candidate Justin Upton.  Meanwhile, along the bay, the Giants can't seem to get a nice streak going and their closer Brian Wilson is on the DL, forcing them to go on a closer-by-committee basis.  This one seems all but over.

Wild Card Winners: This one isn't really even in question, with both league leaders owning a lead of over six games.  The Yankees are 6.5 games up on the Tampa Bay Rays, while the Braves have an 8.5 game lead over the Giants.  Both teams could cause problems for division winners come playoff time because they are both playing outstanding baseball, just see themselves playing in each league's toughest division.  The Yankees' offense has never been a question, leading the league in runs scored and home runs, but have no clear-cut options for their playoff rotation, aside from CC Sabathia.  As for the Braves, they can be dangerous, they're just hoping Jair Jurrjens can return to his first half form, prior to going on the disabled list.

World Series Matchup and Winner: I like this year's World Series to come down to the Boston Red Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers.  Once again, I have had to put my Yankees' bias aside and go with the best team and I like the Red Sox out of the AL.  Meanwhile, I have been high on the Brewers since day one.  They have an American League lineup in the National League.  Everyone thinks the Phillies are the team to beat with their video-game-like pitching rotation, but the Brewers have a good one of their own.  Zach Greinke, Yovanni Gallardo, and Shaun Marcum pack a nice punch at the top of their rotation and Randy Wolf is a reliable No. 4 if it comes down to it.  I don't think that the Red Sox have as good a rotation or offense as the Brew-Crew.  And don't forget about the National League having home-field advantage and that outstanding home-field record the Brewers possess.  Therefore, I like the Milwaukee Brewers to win the World Series.

My Bold NCAA Conference Predictions

With only one week until the college football season kicks off, it's hard not to get excited for the new season of college football.  ESPN already had a College Gameday special air this afternoon, with Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso making their preseason, conference champion selections.  So it got me thinking, who are my early favorites to win each of the six major conferences?  Here they are.

SEC: Usually the winner of this conference is one of the participants in the BCS National Championship game.  This year will prove to be no different.  I like Alabama to be the SEC representative out of the Western Division.  The #2 ranked team in the preseason polls have question marks at quarterback, but remember two years ago when they won the national title with a first-year starting QB in Greg McIlroy and ran the football hard with Mark Ingram.  This year will be no different with the QB position up in the air, but running back Trent Richardson will lead the Tide this season and maybe even take home the Heisman in the process.  Coming out of the East division, I like the South Carolina Gamecocks.  The Old Ballcoach, Steve Spurrier, is blessed with easily the best QB-RB-WR combo in the NCAA.  Plug in senior QB Steven Garcia under center and you have the experience needed to do well.  Compliment that with a great wide receiver in Alshon Jeffery and running back Marcus Lattimore and you have one of the best three player combos in the entire nation.
Prediction: Alabama over South Carolina

Alabama running back Trent Richardson

BIG 12: This may be one of the easiest decisions to make.  The #1 ranked team in the nation plays out of this conference and there just doesn't seem to be much competition coming from any of the other members.  Of course I'm talking about the Oklahoma Sooners.  An early test in Tallahassee against #6 Florida State could prove to be their biggest test, but it will be a good gauge to see how QB Landry Jones and WR Ryan Broyles will handle the pressure of being the top dog.  The trip to FSU on Sept. 17th will be their toughest road test of the season, while getting rival Texas at a neutral site and a tough Texas A&M squad at home in Norman.
Prediction: Oklahoma

Oklahoma QB Landry Jones

BIG 10: The new look Big 10 (with 12 teams) will have their first conference championship game played this year.  The two divisions, Legends and Leaders.  Sure the names are cheesy, but the competition is fierce.  I like the new members of the Big 10, Nebraska, coming out of the Legends division.  Taylor Martinez is an athletic quarterback and the defense in Lincoln always proves to be one of the best in the nation.  The Leaders division isn't as clear cut, with Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin all members in the division.  Penn State doesn't seem to have the power to do it this year, leaving Ohio State and Wisconsin to duke it out.  If Ohio State can find a reliable quarterback to fill in for Terrelle Pryor, they have the athleticism to be competitive once again.  As for Wisconsin, oh what a difference a solid QB can make.  Before Russell Wilson picked Wisconsin as his transfer school, Wisconsin was viewed as a middle of the pack team.  Now with Wilson at the helm, they look to win the Big 10.  I like the winner of this division to be decided when Ohio State and Wisconsin play each other. Fortunately for Ohio State, they get Wisconsin at home, giving them the edge and my vote to win the Leaders division.
Prediction: Nebraska over Ohio State

Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez

PAC 12: This one really has only two choices: Oregon and Stanford.  Unfortunately, they are in the same division, so only one of them can represent the PAC 12 in their title game.  If Oregon gets by LSU in the first week of the season, look for them to have smooth sailing until they have to travel to Palo Alto to take on Heisman favorite Andrew Luck and Stanford.  I think Stanford will tame the Ducks this year and will win the PAC 12 North.  In the South, we have a bit of a dilemma.  I like USC in this division, but since they are still on probation, they can't win the conference.  Therefore, the second place team, in my opinion Arizona State, will represent the South division.  The defense is returning nine starters and defense is a key component in being a solid college football team.
Prediction: Stanford over Arizona State

Stanford QB and Heisman favorite Andrew Luck

Big East: Over the past few seasons, the Big East has always been dominated by two or three teams: West Virginia, Cincinnati, and UConn.  Well this year, add South Florida to that list.  The Bulls are a strong team and are slowly and quietly becoming a top-tier state of Florida team to watch out for.  B.J. Daniels is an athletic quarterback.  Many are making them a strong favorite to knock off Notre Dame in the first weekend of the season.  The Big East, easily the weakest of the "Big 6" conferences, doesn't have a lot of depth in it this year.  Expect another average record of 9-3 or 8-4 to win the Big East this year, only this time, expect South Florida to be making it to a BCS bowl game.
Prediction: South Florida

The explosive QB from South Florida, BJ Daniels

ACC: Finally, we arrive to the ACC.  Florida State is the highest ranked team to start the season out of the ACC at #6, but will be tested early in the season when top-ranked Oklahoma visits Tallahassee on Sept. 17th.  Even if the 'Noles lose, many are expecting them to still take care of business in the ACC, avoiding Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina.  But, if they beat the Sooners, the experts are strong to believe that that could vault Florida State into the national title picture.  Their two toughest tasks are out of conference, the Oklahoma game and the finale at Florida.  Even if they lose two games, they should still handle business in the ACC Atlantic and represent that half of the conference in the ACC title game.  As for the Coastal division, not much going on there.  There isn't a ton of hype coming out of that half of the conference, but Virginia Tech is always a strong favorite to make it to the ACC Championship game.  So don't expect anything different this year.  I'm expecting an FSU vs. Virginia Tech ACC Championship showdown.
Prediction: Florida State over Virginia Tech

Defensive back and return man threat, Greg Reid

This should once again shape out to be a very competitive year in college football.  Even with uncertainties at the top of the rankings and the smaller schools like Boise State always ready to crash the BCS party, expect a lot of chaos over the next several months.

*Images Courtesy of Google Images*

When Can We Get Back to Talking About On-Field Issues of College Sports?

I'll tell you what, I'm starting to get really tired with all the talk about off-the-field issues in college sports, mainly college football.  There once was a time when people could appreciate the product that was on the field rather than worrying about what was happening off the field.  But that time is no more.

Miami QB JaCory Harris is facing a possible season-long suspension for receiving improper benefits from Miami booster Nevin Shapiro.

Within the last two weeks, we have had two nationally televised incidents with college athletics.  One regarding upwards of 72 players at the University of Miami receiving impermissible benefits from booster Nevin Shapiro and the other regarding four players from the LSU football team involved in a severe bar fight that left one person severely injured.
Both incidents are putting a negative image on the NCAA, with Miami possibly facing the "Death Penalty," which would ban the football team from playing for one, maybe even two years.  The benefits that were received by the players occurred between the years of 2001-2009 and eight possible players from this year's roster could face suspensions, including quarterback JaCory Harris.  As for the LSU bar incident, one of the main suspects in the case is star quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who is alleged to kick and beat the victim multiple times and had police search his house and take shoes for DNA blood tests.
Even though incidents like these happen numerous times throughout the season, it seems that more recently than not, more of the talk leading up to college football has been who is facing what suspensions and probation, rather than who the favorite to win the BCS National Championship is.

LSU QB Jordan Jefferson may be facing a lot more than just a lost senior season at LSU.

Let's not forget about last year when Auburn went on their dream national title run with standout QB Cam Newton.  But, the talk was not about how great the team was, it was always a week-to-week basis about whether or not Newton would be allowed to play because of circulations that Newton's father seeked pay-to-play benefits for his son.  Or how North Carolina was supposed to possess one of the best defenses in NCAA history, only to have over half of their NFL prospects be suspended for the majority of the season, if not the entire season, because they attended a party that was hosted by an agent.
The list goes on and on, possibly longer than that of Heisman winners and it is just becoming an annoying occurrence with these players and schools breaking the rules and taking away from the great product that is put on the field every Saturday.

UPDATE: While writing this post, LSU QB Jordan Jefferson and linebacker Joshua Johns have turned themselves in to police and are facing second-degree felony battery charges.  Both players have been suspended indefinitely.  LSU is ranked #4 in the AP poll and faces #3 Oregon in the first week of the season.

*Images courtesy of Google Images*

University of Miami Facing Tough Penalties Over Rules Violations

Nevin Shapiro, a convicted felon facing up to 20 years in prison for a $930 million Ponzi scheme, recently admitted to Yahoo! Sports that he was supplying members of the University of Miami football and basketball teams with improper benefits.  Benefits that included meals, money, prostitutes, access to high-end strip clubs, jewelry, cars, and his multi-million dollar mansions and yacht.  In an exclusive prison interview, Yahoo! Sports investigative reporter Charles Robinson interviewed Nevin Shapiro and reported all of his findings in the following article.  Robinson also talked to many of the players that were recipients of Shapiro's benefits.  Miami could be facing some of the toughest NCAA penalties in history if it is found that everything Shapiro said is true, possibly including "The Death Penalty."
The following article was written by Yahoo! Sports investigative reporter Charles Robinson and is courtesy of Yahoo! Sports.  Enjoy!

http://sports.yahoo.com/investigations/news;_ylt=Agj5CGLAJ7vuGuBy34TsV5M5nYcB?slug=cr-renegade_miami_booster_details_illicit_benefits_081611

Jim Thome Hits No. 600 With Some Flare

So far, we've seen two major milestones happen in the game of baseball: Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit and Jim Thome's 600th home run.  What do both of these have in common?  They were both done with incredible flare.
Many said that when Jeter hit his 3,000th hit for a home run, that was the ultimate way for him to accomplish the feat.  But, the way Thome became the eighth member in the illustrious 600 home run club may be even more special.

Thome became the 600 Home Run club's eighth member Monday night

Going into the game, Thome was two home runs shy of 600, but with homers in back-to-back at-bats in the  6th and 7th innings, he became the first person in history to hit his 599th and 600th home runs in back-to-back at-bats in the same game.  Even Jeter's home run 3,000th hit was the SECOND time in history that someone homered to get to that mark.  So Thome's may be more dramatic and special since he is only the eighth to join his club, while Jeter is the 28th to join his.

And there used to be a day when 600 home runs was a given that you would be a Hall of Famer.  But, now with the use of steroids always on the back of everyone's minds, even Thome isn't a sure fire Hall of Famer.  However, Thome has never once been linked to PED use and has been possibly one of the best power hitters of all time.  He hit 30+ home runs in his career 12 times, 40 or more five times, and a career-high 52 in 2002.  He won the Silver Slugger Award in 1996 and was an All-Star five times in his career.
Surely, the numbers are there for Thome to be a first ballot HoF, but the voters will always have PEDs on their mind when they look at letting power hitters into the Hall of Fame.  Even with someone as clean as Thome.

*Images courtesy of Google Images*

Patriots' Moves Make Sense

Due to the lockout, the time to sign free agents was shortened to a very small window and the amount of players that needed contracts was quite large.  Everyone has gotten caught up with the key signings made by the Philadelphia Eagles, but another team that has made a few key off-season moves was the New England Patriots.

Adding Chad Ochocinco gives Tom Brady another big target at the wide-receiver position

When the news broke that they had signed defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, many criticized the decision to sign those two because of the baggage that each person brings to the table and how the Patriots are seen as the "class" of the NFL by signing great talent with good reputations.  Ochocinco may just be one of the most outspoken players in NFL history, while Haynesworth has been criticized for having all the talent in the world, but never playing to his full potential, even taking plays off.  But, the way I see it, both moves could turn out to be key to getting the Patriots back to where they were five or so years ago.

If you think about the entire league, there are probably only a handful of coaches in the NFL that can demand and gain a player's respect and Bill Belichick is definitely one of them.  It has been well-covered on how much respect Ochocinco has for Belichick, but as for Haynesworth, I see this as his best opportunity to win a Super Bowl, so even for someone who has motivational problems, it's hard not to get pumped up to play well for a team such as the Patriots.

This could finally be the year that we all see Albert Haynesworth's full potential

But, the signings didn't stop there.  Yesterday, longtime Jets tackle Shaun Ellis decided to leave the Meadowlands and sign with the division-rival Patriots.  Everyone viewed this as a huge pickup for the Patriots and an even more devastating loss for the Jets, but there may be more to it.  With Ellis deciding to leave the Jets and join a foe like the Patriots may be viewed by some as a sign that he believes that the Patriots are closer to winning it all than the Jets are.

Shaun Ellis made a bold statement by leaving the Jets and joining their rival the Patriots

All in all, the Patriots are ready to get back to having the success that they had early in the 2000s and these signings are a big step in the right direction.  Gosh, I'm not even a Patriots fan and I think they're the favorite to win the AFC this season.

*Images courtesy of Google Images*

This Is Why People Don't Like You Steve Williams

There once was a time way back when, when caddies were looked down upon by members of the golfing community.  A time when they were seen as the "poor people who couldn't be members at a prestigious golf club."  That time is no more.

The emotional wins with Stevie and Tiger are no more

Being a caddie in today's golfing world is actually more lucrative than many other full-time jobs, with a caddie making about 10% of all earnings that their player wins throughout the year.  So, when Steve Williams was on the bag for Tiger Woods for 12 years, 13 majors, and 70 career professional wins, it would come as no surprise that 10% of Woods' earnings would make Williams a fairly wealthy man and well off for his future and family.  So to stand there in a news conference after your new player, Adam Scott, wins the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and stick it to Tiger by saying that "this is the most satisfying win I've ever been a part of..." is the very reason why very few avid golf watchers like you and many despise you.  You mean to tell me that a win at the Bridgestone Country Club is more satisfying than winning a major in record fashion at Pebble Beach, or being the first person Woods hugs after winning the British Open just weeks after his father passes away?  Or how about that epic showdown between underdog Rocco Mediate and a hobbled Woods in the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines where it took more than the 18 hole playoff for Woods to win his 14th major?  So don't lie to the people of golf by saying (in a very arrogant tone) that this was your most satisfying win because I doubt anyone believed the words when they came out of you mouth, even you.

Many believe that now with a notable caddy on his bag, Adam Scott will now believe to reach his full potential.

You took all the attention off of a great performance by Scott and focused everything around you and your beef with Tiger.  Not too professional on your part.  But then again, you're not too much of a professional anyways, you're just a caddy.

So, I'll leave you with this: change the way you act because you were the reason why some people didn't like Tiger Woods when he was winning all the time.  And if you continue to act in that arrogant manner while caddying for a well-liked tour pro such as Adam Scott, you'll start to give him a bad rap and you'll be once again, off the bag.

*All images courtesy of Google Images*

With Tiger Back, There Comes A New Roar To Golf

With Tiger Woods' return to the PGA Tour yesterday at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, the game of golf got back the needed excitement that it had been lacking for the previous three months.
Since Woods pulled-out of The Player's Championship due to the injuries to his Achilles and knee, Tiger had taken a three month hiatus from the game he once dominated and left the sport without the excitement that it needs.  Once Tiger left, the entire golfing world wondered who would be able to replace Woods as the man to beat on the course and it seemed that we may have gotten that out of Rory McIlroy.  His performance at the US Open brought excitement back to the game, but a below-average effort at the Open Championship got people wondering if he could carry the torch the way Woods had not too long ago.

But, even at a casual tour stop such as the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, with Tiger involved, there is a buzz going around that no other player or major tournament can bring, unless Tiger is present.  Many criticized him for taking so much time off and skipping two consecutive majors, but it was in his best interest, and maybe even the sport's, to take that much time off to fully heal.

So, with the return of Tiger Woods this week, golf got back that much needed excitement.  The only thing left missing is that raucous Tiger roar on Sunday when he makes a birdie putt to bring himself to the top of the leaderboard.  And with a two-under 68 in his first round back, maybe we're not far off from that happening.

*Images courtesy of Google Images*