Dez Bryant and the World's Oldest Profession

Before the NFL Draft, Jeff Ireland, GM of the Dolphins, interviewed Dez Bryant as part of the general routine of getting to know potential players. After the interview and the draft, Bryant has said that during the interview Ireland asked if his mother was a prostitute. Ireland has since apologized for this question. Apparently this story isn't over as Ireland would later say that Bryant mentioned his father was a pimp and when Ireland asked what his mother did, Bryant said she worked for his dad. Ireland claims that this prompted him to ask if his mother was a prostitute. Meanwhile, Bryant denies this saying he never told Ireland that his father was a pimp.

P.S. No comment. Just funny as hell.

Canadiens Upset the Capitals and Complete the Comeback

The Capitals went into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the top team in the NHL what with Ovechkin and the most points in regular season that comes with the the President's Trophy. I even chose the Caps to be in the Stanley Cup Finals. Man was I wrong. The Montreal Canadiens managed to win game 7 in Washington, 2-1, and will go on to the next round to face the Penguins. The Caps somehow get eliminated already despite being up 3-1 in the series. Jaroslav Halak of the Canadiens was the key to the big comeback as he was in top form for these last three games. He should win the Playoffs MVP for this performance alone. Though I wanted the Caps to win, I wish the Canadiens well and hope they go far into the playoffs.

P.S. Wait a minute, the Canadiens have won the Stanley Cup the most with 24 Titles? Screw them, LET'S GO SHARKS!!!

Coyotes Shot Down in the Desert

The NHL Cinderella story has ended as the Coyotes have been eliminated from the playoffs. They put a hell of a fight against the Detroit Red Wings but lost to them in game 7, 6-1. The Coyotes were truly the Cinderella for the NHL as they declared bankruptcy last year, managed to get into the playoffs this year, and were 4th in points in the Western Conference at 107. Regrettably this story end and the Red Wings move on. "How Surprising!!!"

P.S. Red Wings will face the San Jose Sharks in the next round. Thanks for playing, San Jose.

Blackhawks and Bruins Move On While the Capitals Hit a Snag

The NHL playoffs roll on as two more teams punch their tickets to the conference semifinals. The Blackhawks would beat the Predators, 5-3, and win the series, 4-2. The might of the Blackhawks will be tested as they will face the Canucks in the semifinals for the second year in a row. They beat them last year, 4 games to 2. In the Eastern Conference, the Bruins would beat the Sabres, 4-3, and win the series, 4-2. The Bruins are also going to their second conference semifinals in a row.

The NHL's President Trophy Winner, Washington Capitals, have hit a big bump in the road as the Montreal Canadiens force a game 7 as they won 4-1. The Caps are in trouble of being eliminated from the first round which would be the second straight year the President Trophy Winner has been eliminated in the first round. Don't fail me now, Ovechkin.

Penguins and Sharks Move On While Blackhawks Win a Controversial Game

The Stanley Cup Playoffs roll on with a couple more teams joining the Flyers in the second round. The defending champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins, managed to stage a comeback against the Ottawa Senators and won the game, 4-3, and win the series, 4-2. The Pens were down three goals and managed to shut down Ottawa for the win. Meanwhile this Sharks won their game over the Avalanche, 5-2, and win the series, 4-2. Okay, so the Sharks proved me wrong for now. Wait till round 2, they'll disappoint yet.

Meanwhile in Chicago, the Blackhawks played the Nashville Predators in a game that Nashville won't forget. Marian Hossa of the Blackhawks would shove Dan Hamhuis of Nashville into the boards. This brutal move would get Hossa a 5 minute penalty. Hossa's teammate, Patrick Kane, would score a goal with less than 15 seconds to go to tie it at 5 and send the game into OT. Hossa's penalty time would expire in OT and he would come out and score the game winning goal to give Chicago a 3-2 advantage in the series. Perhaps Hossa should've been ejected from this game but he's likely to be suspended for the next one. If I'm Hossa, I think I'd rather sit out anyway than go to Nashville right now.

2010 NFL Draft's 2nd and 3rd Round: Carolina Gets Some Irish Luck and More

Everybody in the football universe was stunned that Jimmy Clausen wasn't picked in the first round. The fans were on their toes as Round 2 came and Jimmy wasn't picked until the 16th pick of that round. The Carolina Panthers would be the ones to take Jimmy as this was their first pick in the draft (lucky). It seems like a good fit for Jimmy as he'll have a solid team around him and a great WR in Steve Smith. The Panthers will hope that Jimmy Clausen plays like Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, or Mark Sanchez.

As for McCoy, he wouldn't be picked in the 2nd round. He would have to wait until the Browns picked him as the 85th overall pick in the 3rd round. I still expect Cleveland to give Jake Delhomme the reins for this season but if he waivers, McCoy could replace him by week 6. I would want to develop McCoy a little more though.

Another notable I would like to mention is the Vikings taking Toby Gerhart in the 2nd round. It will be interesting to follow Gerhart's career and to see how the Vikings use him. Most likely as a battering ram to get a TD at the goal line.

P.S. This will be my last post covering the 2010 NFL Draft. The only reason I mentioned the 2nd or 3rd round is McCoy and Clausen. Besides I have things to do like yell at the 49ers for being serious about Alex Smith being their QB.

2010 NFL Draft: Bradford and Suh Picked First, Dez Bryant to Dallas, Tebow Picked before McCoy and Clausen, and More

Today began the biggest off season ritual of the NFL: the Draft. The NFL only did the first round today and in Prime Time viewing in order to make a bunch of money for showing guys picking players like a playground basketball game. The first one picked was Sam Bradford by the Rams. If you're the Rams, you better hope his frail shoulders can take the pressure. The next pick was the big man of Nebraska, Ndamukong Suh, as he goes to the Detroit Lions. Going from One to Two in the draft isn't much of an improvement, Detroit, but getting Suh is. Then of course the third pick was also a DT: Gerald McCoy. The Bucs would pick him as they hope to recreate their fearful defense of the last decade.

Other noticeable picks in the draft was Dez Bryant going to the Dallas Cowboys as the 24th pick. It was a surprise that Demaryius Thomas of Georgia Tech was picked first at 22nd by the Broncos. Bryant, though,seems like he will be a good fit with the Cowboys and Romo. Denver, however, wasn't done making questionable picks as they would pick Tim Tebow as the 25th pick. The biggest question mark of the draft now goes to Denver to prove his worth in a now three way QB battle with Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn. As for my home team, the 49ers, they would strengthen that offensive line with Anthony Davis (11th pick) and Mike Iupati (17th pick). Well at least Alex Smith will have more protection time to prove that he is the weakest link of that offense.

The First Round ends as Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy remain available for the Second Round. They will probably both be picked in the first half of the 2nd round. Still a shocker that Denver picked Tebow over them both. It does make sense in a way if you're trying to find out which of you're three QB are good while maintaining a lower pay grade. You have to figure that at least one of them is good enough to lead the Broncos. Now go out there and prove them you're the right guy, Tebow.

Big Ben Suspended

Ben Roethlisberger has been under a lot of heat since he was accused of another sexual assault and especially since many details have now come out. Though Big Ben will not be prosecuted for his alleged crime in Georgia, he will be punished nonetheless. The NFL has suspended Big Ben for 6 games in the coming 2010 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. However, this is a conditional suspension as Ben will undergo behavioral evaluation and could get the suspension knocked down to 4 games for good behavior.

A few things here. First is that the Steelers might have already addressed this problem ahead of time as they've reacquired QB Byron Leftwich from the Bucs for a 7th round pick. He was the Steelers back up a couple years back and did do well in certain cases. Second is that I do understand why the league does this as they have to maintain an a positive image. Image is everything in this world and though I don't approve of the suspension, I understand why they did it. Third and lastly the Steelers are not going to trade Big Ben (my opinion). He's a good QB that knows how to rape a good defense. OOPS!!!

Volquez Suspended and Celtics Put Out the Heat without KG

Another hit for a Drug-Free baseball league as Edison Volquez of the Reds has tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. Because of this, he has been suspended for 50 games. Though this won't effect Volquez, except for pay, as he is already not playing because of reconstructive surgery on his shoulder. Seems like hardly any punishment for the Reds now and a slap on the wrist for Volquez.

As for the NBA Playoffs, there was some concern that the Heat could steal one from the Celtics thanks to Kevin Garnett being suspended for one game for throwing an elbow in game one. So much for that concern as the Celtics blew out the heat by 29 points, winning the game 106-77. I guess they had some Irish luck tonight as they now have a 2-0 series lead.

P.S. And the Thunder was so close to actually getting a win against the Lakers. It's a pity they're not relevant.

DAMN YOU BOYLE!!!

So I was watching game 3 of the Sharks vs. the Avalanche in Denver and nobody could score throughout regulation. The Avalanche Goalie, Craig Anderson, was on his game making 51 saves tonight while his team had trouble on offense. So it goes to overtime and 51 seconds into OT, Ryan O'Reilly gets credit for the game winning goal to give the Avalanche the win, 1-0. I say "credit" because Dan Boyle of the Sharks actually scored an own goal as he tried to clear it behind the net and instead it went in the net.

OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!! Okay maybe not that harsh. EXILE!!! Really San Jose? You're destined to suck so much in the playoffs that if the other team doesn't score, you have to do it for them? This is CRAP!!! Dan Boyle should be banned from the city and the team for this stupid error. Don't worry about him though, he has a new found popularity in Colorado. The Avalanche now have a 2-1 advantage in the series thanks to the Sharks. Now if you'll excuse me I have to call a New Jersey Nets fan and ask to borrow one of their paper bags.

P.S. The kicker is that the Coyotes, who declared bankruptcy last year and is run by the NHL, now has a 2-1 advantage over the Red Wings. HOW ARE THEY DOING WELL?

The Rockies First No Hitter

The Rockies played the Atlanta Braves earlier today and would win the game 4-0. This game, though, will be remembered forever in Rockies history as Ubaldo Jimenez threw the first No Hitter ever for that Franchise. It is every pitcher's dream to pitch a no hitter or even a perfect game. Jimenez though was very lucky to achieve this for two reasons: One is that he threw 128 pitches and walked 6 people. Too many for both categories. And the second is that he didn't have Joe Giradi as a manager. Anyway, congrats to Jimenez for the no-no and getting his third win of the season.

P.S. Notice that the first no hitter for the Rockies was in Atlanta and not Denver. That is the third reason.

Jerry Rice Now in Golf?

Apparently Jerry Rice has now taken up another sport: Golf. I guess being a the greatest wide receiver of all time wasn't enough. Or he just wants to remain physically active (didn't think of it that way). He made his debut in the Fresh Express Classic (not making that up) which is a Nationwide Tour event. Jerry didn't do well at all however as he shot an 83 which is 12 over par. He is 20 shots behind the leader and tied for 153rd of 155. At least he's not the worst on the green.

Miami's Own Marshall Plan

Brandon Marshall has been whining for heaven knows how long for a new contract and a new team (if that would get him that contract). Marshall finally gets his wish as he has been traded from the Denver Broncos to the Miami Dolphins. He gets his contract wish as well as Marshall has also agreed to a 4 year, 47 million dollars contract extension with his new team, $24 million of which is guaranteed. That leaves Marshall now with only one wish left from his Genie. This move greatly impacts the AFC East as a whole as the Dolphins now have more of a chance to pass the Pats or the Jets for the division or even a Wild Card spot. Sorry Buffalo, but you haven't been relevant since the 90's. Even though the Pats are still the favorite, this move makes them a uneasy favorite.

P.S. And no. Getting Tebow over Clausen will not help you Buffalo. I love you Tebow but every sign points to Clausen as less of a QB risk. Plus I want Tebow to succeed in the NFL and that won't happen in Buffalo (BURN!!!).

The Luckiest A**hole in the World

After a "thorough" investigation, the DA in charge of the Ben Roethlisberger case has said that they won't press charges as they can't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the crime. Big Ben made a statement today but I can't report on that as every time I watch it I feel like vomiting instead. Damn the DA and the Georgia police. You have a chance to put some famous guy behind bars and you can't do it? Big Ben must have some good guardian angels... or most likely little demons.

As for whether or not Roger Goodell will suspend him, he won't. He hasn't been convicted of anything or arrested. Goodell has no grounds for suspending him. He will just have a talk with Big Ben, shaming him and telling him not to do it again. Like a parent does with their child.

P.S. As I have said before, Goodell shouldn't be allowed to suspend anyone for something that has nothing to do with the league. I'm disgusted with Big Ben now but he shouldn't be suspended for it. He should be arrested for it.

Twins Win the First Game Ever at Target Field

Yesterday was the Twins home opener and in a not in the Metrodome. They played in the brand new Target Field. 38 thousand people came and watched the Twins face the Red Sox in the first game ever in this new outdoor venue. Now usually I will root for the Red Sox with every ounce in my body and every voodoo trick in the book but this was the first game for the Twins in their new palace. I honestly thought it would be more fitting if they won this game. They would win 5-2 as the Twins took an early 2 run lead in the first and never looked back. Carl Pavano would get the win and Jon Rauch got the save. Nice start for the Twins in their new home.

P.S. Okay Red Sox, let's whoop their asses the rest of the series. I'll go get the dolls and the sacrificial chickens.

End of NHL Season and Playoff Preview for 2010

Today was the end of the NHL 2009-10 regular season. It was also the end for the Rangers this year as their playoff hopes were dashed as they lost to the Flyers 2-1. In fact, they lost in a shootout, 2-1. Their season is over and the Flyers move on instead.

As for the standings and playoffs, the Capitals have the the Presidents' Trophy or the best season record. They have the top spot and they will face the Montreal Canadians in the first round. Meanwhile the Sharks have the top spot in the Western Conference again. They will face the Colorado Avalanche in the first round. Then there is the Penguins (Stanley Cup defenders) in the fourth spot in the East as they will take on the Ottawa Senators.

My picks for the Stanley Cup Championship: I would like to pick the Sharks but they have disappointed me the last few years. I pick the Red Wings and the Capitals. I think Ovechkin and the Caps will finally break through and the Red Wings will somehow prevail again. As for the winner, Detroit.

P.S. I dare the Sharks to prove me wrong this year. I would welcome it with open arms.

Masterful Phil

This weekend featured the Masters tournament, which is one of the Majors of Golf. It's main attraction this year was Tiger Woods and his comeback to the sport but he was not the story by Sunday. Phil Mickelson was the story as he won his third Green Jacket ever. Phil was on his game this week as he finished 16 under and front of the leader board. Lee Westwood was 2nd at 13 under, Anthony Kim was third at 12 under and Tiger and K.J. Choi were tied for 4th at 11 under. What a win for Phil and a much needed one for that matter. Those other Green Jackets are wearing out.

CC Denied a No Hitter and the Giants are Last to Lose

Today the Yankees beat the Rays 10-0 (DAMN IT!!!) and tied the series at a game apiece. During the game, however, CC Sabathia was on track for a no hitter with 4 outs to go. At that time, his bid for the No-No was denied by Kelly Shoppach who hit a single to left field. Though he was a Yankee, I was disappointed that he didn't get a... mhhh HA HA HA. I'm sorry, I couldn't get through that sentence. It's so hard to lie.

Meanwhile, the last undefeated team (like it really matters (yeah that's right, I'd said it again)), the Giants, lost to the Atlanta Braves, 7-2. The Phenom, Jason Heyward, would tie the game with a Homer in the 6th and then the Braves would take the lead in the next inning. Well at least Timmy is pitching today to help the Giants rebound.

P.S. That's right readers, a parenthesis within a parenthesis!!! My English professors said it couldn't be done but I said Na!!! Plus I checked to make sure it was correct with the guys who make Jerseys for Baseball Teams.

Alexander Still Great and Giants Stay Undefeated

Alexander Ovechkin continues his quest for his third straight Hart Trophy as his team (Capitals) beat the Atlanta Thrashers 5-2. Ovechkin scored two goals and an assist. With these two goals, he is at 50 for the season which currently leads the NHL. This is Ovechkin's 4th season with 50 or more goals. Also Ovechkin now leads the points total for now at 109. Ovechkin, though, is only in front by one in both stats.

Meanwhile the Giants continue to be the only undefeated left in baseball (like it really makes a difference) as they beat the Braves in the 13th inning, 5-4, in their home opener. The Giants got really lucky in this one as Edgar Renteria tied it in the Ninth with a two run homer and later Aaron Rowand got the walk off infield hit to get Juan Uribe in to score the winning run. Though there was some controversy at the end as the Walk Off hit was set up by a bad throw from Brian McCann (catcher of the Braves) as he tried to throw out Uribe who was stealing second. Apparently Rowand's swing had interfered with the throw and it was not called by the Ump. Well a win's a win for the Giants but this is a loss that the Braves won't forget.

P.S. Red Sox, pick up the pace. We need to win the rest of this series against the Royals.

Another Uniform Error and Not Natinals.

There is apparently another spelling error in baseball and it does not include the Natinals. In fact it includes my hometown team, San Francisco Giants. During the Giants win (and sweep) of the Astros (10-4), Eugenio Velez came into the game as part of a double switch and his road jersey read "San Francicso." It's official, Americans suck at spelling. Spelling has always been a weakness of ours but usually in private matters, or published pieces. Even my posts would be full of spelling errors if it wasn't for spellcheck.

With that being said, I would like to submit a proposal to Bud Selig: We should have some sort of spell check system when producing Jerseys. This has happened twice now over two seasons and it could happen again. We need to get on top of the illiterate Jersey makers and force them to apply some standards that will probably make the costs of the Jerseys go up. Maybe hire the finalists of the National Spelling Bee. We as Americans need to take a stand against the illiterance of America Now!!!

P.S. OK, they probably do have some spell check procedures but at least someone needs to get fired. And yes, I made up the word "Illiterance." Definition: Those who promote illiteracy. Examples: Jersey Makers, My college professor, Anybody on Wikipedia.

A Bobcats' First: A Playoff Spot

The Charlotte Bobcats have now become officially relevant by clinching a playoff spot for the first time ever in their franchise's history. I find it ironic that they clinch the spot with a win over the New Orleans Hornets (104-103) who used to play in Charlotte until 2002. It is definitely a call for celebration. Right now the Bobcats are at the 7th spot in the playoff picture but could pass Milwaukee and Miami if things go right. Also it is not likely that they will drop a spot considering that they are a game away from making sure that doesn't happen.

P.S. That last sentence is only determined by season records and nothing else. In other words, I could be wrong. Also, catch up Bulls.

The Dancing Queen... Again

Okay there was some college basketball left, on the women's side. Stanford played Uconn for the title in San Antonio. Stanford had a good first half actually leading by 8 points. Uconn though came out of the half strong and took back the game winning it 53-47. It was their closest win since I started paying attention. This would be their second National Championship in a row in which they had two perfect seasons in a row, something never done in Women's College Basketball. Congrats to Uconn and Geno Auriemma. Uconn is the lady Goliatha as they have now won 78 games in a row.

P.S. Galiath, Galia? I don't know the female version of Goliath. Wait I got it, Calypso from the Pirates of the Caribbean series

2010 Opening Day: Heyward Homers in 1st AB, Pujols Homers Twice, Timmy Has a Great Start and More

Opening Day continued yesterday with many headlines and stories. One was at the Cubs-Braves game with Jason Heyward hitting a 3 Run Home Run to give the Braves the lead. What was significant was this was Heyward's first Major League AB. What a start to a career for the next "Albert Pujols." The Braves would win 16-5. Meanwhile the real Albert Pujols would go 4-5 hitting 2 HRs himself and 3 RBIs. The Cardinals would beat the Reds 11-6.

Great pitching was also on display today as Tim Lincecum, reigning 2 time NL Cy Young Winner, pitched 7 scoreless innings, got 7K's, and the W as the Giants beat the Astros 5-2. Great start for Timmy in defending his pitching title. Meanwhile, Roy Halladay made his Phillies debut as they got the win over the Nationals 11-1. Halladay would pitch 7 innings, allow one earned run, and struck out 9 on the way to his first Win of the year. Looks like Timmy has got competition.

There are other games as well but I do not have the time to discuss them all. Plus I have "MLB 10 The Show" to play.

P.S. I'm sorry for the spelling error in this post. I meant to say "Natinals."

The Duke of the Dance

Finally!!! Of 65 teams, one is now champion. Duke played Cinderella Butler in one of the best Basketball games I've seen (or paid attention to). Neither side gained a sufficient lead throughout this game. It would come down to the last shot from half court as it bounced of the backboard and rim as it barely missed giving Duke the win 61-59. Coach K and Duke has won their 4th National Title. Congratulations to them. But you have to give credit to Butler as they went the distance like Rocky Balboa. They kept right beside Duke to the very end.

Well the College Basketball season is over with Duke as champions. It was a fantastic ending to a tournament that no one could predict.

P.S. Thank goodness that is over. Wait, there is still Professional Basketball. AH CRAP!!!

Red Sox Win on Opening Night and My World Series Prediction for 2010

Baseball is back!!! The Yankees played the Red Sox at Fenway Park in the first game of the season. It was a great match up with CC Sabathia vs. Josh Beckett and they both sucked. Both gave up five runs each and didn't last past the Sixth. The Red Sox would come back to take the lead in the 7th and went on to win 9-7. While there were many great performances on both sides tonight, Dustin Pedroia was the difference for the Sox getting the tying home run in the 7th and then an insurance run in the 8th.

Not a bad start to the season but who will end it as World Series Champions? My pick is the Philadelphia Phillies. The Yankees are the favorite to win the Al Title but they won't repeat against a renewed Phillies club. The addition of Halladay helps but if Brad Lidge comes back strong, it will be awfully hard beating them.

McNabb Goes to Washington

For a while now, the Eagles have been entertaining offers for their 3 QB's, mainly Donovan McNabb. Finally the talk can end as McNabb will be traded to the Washington Redskins for a 2nd round pick this year and a pick in the 3rd or 4th round next year. McNabb has spent his entire NFL career with the Eagles until now and has thrown for 216 TDs and 32,873 yards in his career. The Eagles are moving on with Kevin Kolb hoping that this will be like Aaron Rodgers taking over for Brett Favre. Still a bit of a gamble but I think it will work out.

Even though I think it is better for the Eagles to keep Kolb, THIS IS A AWFUL TRADE!!! I mean sure you do get something out of it but now McNabb is in Washington which is a Division Rival. The Eagles will now have to face McNabb, Romo, and Eli Manning in their six division games. The Eagles are doomed. They will not get back into the playoffs next season. It is a great trade for the Redskins, though. They get a proven QB for their new coach Mike Shanahan. All they need now is a good offensive line.

P.S. Please tell me Washington that you are going to trade Jason Campbell? Why not get something for him now?

P.P.S YES, I DO HOPE THE NINERS GET HIM!!! ANYONE BUT ALEX SMITH PLEASE!!!

2010 Final Four: Butler and Duke Move On to the Title Game

The Final Four began today with the first game featuring Butler vs. Michigan State. This was a close one as Butler got the win 52-50. Korie Lucious missed a free throw near the end hoping his team would get the rebound but Gordon Hayward of Butler got the ball in order to seal the win. They will play for the Title in their home town. This is their first title game in tournament history.

The Second game had the last #1 in the land, Duke, destroying West Virginia 78-57. Duke led throughout the whole game and just didn't let up. Duke will now go to their first National Title Game since 2001.

The National Title Game is set with Duke vs. Butler. Duke has won three titles in their school history while Butler hasn't won a title in the Tournament Era. Butler is the Cinderella Team (yes there is still one alive) and will have the the crowd on their side. Duke will win this game, though, as home field advantage doesn't mean much as proven last year when Michigan State lost in front of a large Detroit crowd to UNC.

2010 AL East Preview: Red Sox or Yanks, You Can't Go Wrong

The AL East has, for a while now, what are considered the two best franchises in the game. The New York Yankees, who have won 27 World Series all time (the most by a lot), and the Boston Red Sox, who have actually broken their curse and won two titles in the last decade. Both teams have deep pockets (Yankees have the deepest) and both have great players on their teams. The Red Sox might have the better starting rotation with Josh Beckett, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Clay Buchholz. But Yankees have better hitting with A-Rod, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Jorge Posada, and Curtis Granderson. Regrettably, I give the edge to the Yankees. They just more of a complete team (what with all the money). The Red Sox, though, will likely take the Wild Card as the AL East often gets it.

As for the rest of the division: Irrelevant. The Rays finished 11 games behind the Red Sox last year for the Wild Card and they haven't really improved at all. Sure they have Pena and Longoria but that's pretty much it. The Orioles were last in the division last year and I wouldn't expect much of a change. Last, the Blue Jays got weaker (not that they were strong) as they traded away Roy Halladay. The Division doesn't stand a chance unless the Rays get hot at the right time.

Like every season, it will be about the Rivalry. How do I know this? THEY'RE STARTING THE SEASON OFF WITH IT!!!

P.S. I still want salary caps, Bud Selig. Restructuring the divisions will not help at all as it will just hurt other teams. WE WANT SALARY CAPS!!!

2010 AL Central Preview: The True Wild Card Division

Until Joe Nathan was injured, the Twins were the favorite for the AL Central. Now it can go to anyone. Even when the Twins had Nathan, they had to win the division in a one game playoff against the Tigers. The Twins now have lost a key edge and there's a good chance that they won't repeat. I now think the Tigers are the favorite even though they lost Grady Anderson. They still have Miguel Cabrera, Brandon Inge and Magglio Ordonez along with Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello on the mound.

Don't count out the rest of the division however. The White Sox will definitely make a better impact than last season now having a healthy Jake Peavy and upstart Gordon Beckham. The Indians and the Royals though don't have much of a shot. The Indians seem to be in rebuilding mode and The Royals have nothing going for them except for AL Cy Young Winner Zach Greinke.

To sum up, Tigers are the favorite but a small change in the wind could change the outcome.

2010 AL West Preview: Can Anyone Overcome the Angels?

If there is any season that the Angels can be beaten, it is this season. The Angels have won the division 5 of the last 6 years but their dominance might be coming to a close. They still have a respectable hitting club with Kendry Morales and a newly signed Hideki Matsui (and others), and they have a good pitchers like Jered Weaver, Joel Pineiro, and Scott Kazmir, who could rebound this year, but... never mind. The Angels are still the favorite.

However I would look to the Mariners to shake up things in the West. They could be a potential buster as they might have the best starting rotation in the Division with King Felix and newly acquired Cliff Lee. The Mariners, though, don't have any notable hitters what with Griffey being the highlight (15 years ago). The Rangers could make some impact as well as they have some good hitters like Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, and Josh Hamilton. As for A's, the only thing I can find good about them is their commercials. If only the team was that good.

P.S. Griffey, you should have never left Seattle. True it rains a lot, there is no such thing as sunlight there, and it's right next to Canada, but... ah, forget it. Griffey you were crazy to come back.