Archive for March, 2010
The New York Week That Was: Predictions, Thyroid Schmyroid and Fan in a Bag
Posted: 26th March 2010 by Hot Stove New York in MLB, NBA
We are less than two weeks away from opening day, so that means, it’s prediction time.
Who’s going to win each division?
Who will win the World Series?
Who will take the MVP and Cy Young awards?
How the hell should I know?
Does anybody get these predictions right?
With injuries, fluctuations in performance, Ron Washington making out lineups while snorting a few lines of his “manager’s little helper,” and other unforeseen circumstances, it’s anybody’s ...
Yesterday I took a look at which batters were ripping up the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues.
So naturally, today I will look at which pitchers are in midseason form.
Here are the spring training All-Star pitchers. Stats are through March 25, 2010.
SP: Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves—3-1 with a 1.35 ERA and 17 K’s in 20.1 IP
Hudson is fully recovered now from Tommy John surgery and could turn into the Braves’ ace ...
Clear as Mud: A Look at the NHL’s Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
Posted: 26th March 2010 by Blake Benzel in NHL
When last we met, I went over the playoff picture for the Western Conference.
Admittedly, it's looking a lot clearer over just the past few days with Detroit separating themselves from the pack. That said, the Eastern Conference is much, much more intriguing in terms of the playoff race.
Again, the numbers have been borrowed from Hockey-Reference.com and NHL Standings and Magic Number and, again, please keep in mind that the teams ...
Believe it or not, the New York Yankees have had a very quiet offseason. There has been nobody busted for steroids, the manager isn’t on a short leash, and there is no drama surrounding the team.
And in other news of the bizarre, the University of Kentucky has dropped their basketball program.
Just because the Yankees have had a quiet offseason by their standards, doesn’t mean things are happening in Yankee land. ...
Having been to all three NFL regular season games played at Wembley, and with tickets to the fourth, I can say I have personally experienced the love that the UK has for the NFL.
The NFL's popularity over here in England must be at an all-time high, and most fans can't wait for the 49ers to entertain the Broncos here in London again.
However, more and more we hear the argument for ...
Philadelphia Phillies Pitchers Who Also Rocked at the Plate (Since 1971)
Posted: 26th March 2010 by Scott Eisenlohr in MLB
As Phillies fans, we all remember Joe Blanton going yard against the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2008 World Series.
Looking at the batting averages, however, Blanton is only a .111 lifetime hitter, so he musta been feed a real juicy fastball to hit.
Most Phillies historians remember that Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton was traded for Rick Wise.
Both however, were pretty good hitting pitchers.
In his presentation, I will pick the ...
Pittsburgh Pirates: Plenty of Fifth Starter Chances Remaining
Posted: 26th March 2010 by Tom Au in MLB
Dan McCutchen has won the "fifth starter" job for the Pittsburgh Pirates beating out Kevin Hart. The FIRST fifth starter role, that is.
But if history holds, there will be plenty more "fifth starter" chances for people like Hart, and even Jeff Karstens.
Last year, according to FanGraph's Marc Hulet, only two teams, the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs, had five full time starters who all pitched in 24 or more games.
By ...
New Orleans Saints coach head coach Sean Payton sat at the table looking as though he had lost his puppy somewhere in traffic. He looked uncomfortable answering questions. Looking like he wanted to be anywhere but where he was; at the annual NFL owners meeting. Two months ago Payton was lifting the Lombardi trophy as if it were a two ounce piece of plastic with one arm and ...
Is Embarrassment of Riches a Minefield for Mike Brown’s Cleveland Cavaliers?
Posted: 26th March 2010 by Tom Delamater in NBA
Zydrunas Ilgauskas is back with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Shaquille O’Neal soon will be as well.
Is that a good problem for Mike Brown to have, or just a problem?
On Wednesday, I wrote an article praising Leon Powe and the example he has been setting for the Cleveland Cavaliers since joining the roster in February. Naturally, Mike Brown did not play him later that night against New Orleans.
So goes the wild ride ...
As NFL Free Agency Looms, Talent Still Remains for Teams Who Need Help
Posted: 26th March 2010 by Evan Higgins in NFL
During the NFL Free Agency period, there are always "waves." On the first few days, big name players are going from team-to-team and pick their destination to sign a contract.
After that first wave, then trades come along. We have seen a lot of those this offseason, Cleveland being the busiest team in that area.
Now we've hit that point where teams are paying more attention to the draft, while these free ...