2012 MLB Preview

Ahhhh. Spring is in the air. The weather is starting to get warm and the leaves are starting to bud on the trees. There are many reasons why spring is a great time of year. The start of spring means two things for me. The first thing is that the start of spring starts the countdown to summer. The second thing is baseball is back!! Ahh the cracking of the bats, the smell of fresh cut grass on the baseball diamond, the ice cold beer and cracker jacks filling the stands, and the "this is our year" mentality of fans, players and coaches (even for mets fans like myself). Spring training is starting to wrap up, rosters are being made, and teams are making final changes for opening day. Yes my friends, opening day is near.

This off season was interesting to say the least. Albert Pujols spurned his old team, The St. Louis Cardinals, and signed a monster 10 year deal with the LA Angels, a surprise to many. The Angels made another big move after that and signed former Ranger starter CJ Wilson to bolster the already strong starting rotation. Prince Fielder signed a monster deal with the Detroit Tigers. Asian sensation Yu Darvish, who is absolute stud, decided to come to the majors and sign with the Rangers. The drama with the Red Sox continued into the offseason by leading to the resigning of Terry Francona and the hiring of former Mets manager Bobby Valentine. Hopefully Bobby V can change the image of the Sox from beer drinking, fried chicken eating laziness to once again becoming serious contenders. The "Miami" Marlins open their new billion dollar stadium with a new logo, new manager, and new colors, which are hideous. The Cubs hired former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein to hopefully, one day end their dreadful 102 year title-less streak. Last years national league MVP Ryan Braun tested positive for PED's and won his appeal of his 50 game suspension (if I'm leaving out any other big stories I'm sorry). A lot of interesting stories and drama surrounded this off season, hopefully leading to an interesting and exciting 2012 season. In my 2012 MLB preview, I will predict my winners in each division and wild card spots and I will also pick my Cy young award winners, my league MVP's, and I will also pick my world series matchup.

AL East: New York Yankees

The Yankees are an aging team and everyone knows it, but this aging team has so much talent that it's hard to go against them. The Yankees were big winners in the off-season by trading away top catching prospect Jesus Montero to Seattle for Michael Pineada, improving their starting rotation. The Yankees got rid of AJ Burnett's awful contract and shipped it to Pittsburgh, where careers die. The Yankees starting rotation will be near the top once again with the addition of Pineda and their aging lineup is just too powerful and formidable for the rest of the AL East to compete with. The Yanks are still the Yanks.

Al Central: Detroit Tigers
Detroit shocked the world by signing high profile first baseman Prince Fielder in free agency. The combination of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder will be a scary one two punch and will make Detroit's middle of the lineup dominant. Defending Cy Young and AL MVP winner Justin Verlander will be stellar once again, leading this young rotation and formidable lineup to the division crown.

AL West: Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have the best starting rotation in baseball. Yeah I said it. With the signing of CJ Wilson, the Angels have assembled a ridiculous rotation. Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, CJ Wilson, Ervin Santana, and Joel Pinero. That starting rotation is something to be feared. The Angels also asembled one of the top bullpens in the league. The only problem with the Angels is offense. The Angels were one of the lowest run producing teams last season. They solved that problem by signing the big fish of free agents, Albert Pujols. Pujols is guaranteed to hit .300 and at least 30 home runs. "The Machine" will boost this offense and the pitching will be unstoppable as the Angels dethrone the Rangers as AL West champions.

AL Wild Card: Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers
Over the offseason, the MLB changed its playoff format by adding an extra wild card spot. So there will now be two wild card teams in the playoffs. The Red Sox's late collapse last September will add extra motivation in the 2012 campaign and Bobby V will bring intensity and a "straight business" attitude that the Sox need. Plus, the Sox have way too much talent in the lineup and rotation not to make the playoffs. The Rangers lost number 1 starter CJ Wilson to free agency, but they made a bold move by bringing in the asian sensation Yu Darvish to fill that hole. Darvish has nasty stuff in his pitching arsenal, which will make him an all star in this league. The Ranger dangerous lineup will carry them to the playoffs.

NL East: Atlanta Braves
Like the Red Sox, the Braves had a september collapse to miss the playoffs by a narrow margin. This will serve motivation for the Braves campaign this season. This season will be Chipper Jones' last season in the majors, ending an amazing career and a career that will go down as one of the top 3rd baseman's of all time. The motivation will be there to make Chipper's last season with the Braves a memorable one. Young talent like Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward mixed with veterans like Chipper in the lineup will make it formidable. I expect Freedie Freeman to have a breakout year along with Heyward. Not to mention a rotation led by Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson, expect big things from the Braves this season. Bold prediction for the season, the Phillies will not make the playoffs. Calling it. Don't sleep on the Nationals either.

NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals
The obvious loss of Albert Pujols was a major blow to the Cardinals. You take Albert Pujols away from the Cardinals, you still have a very solid ball club. The Cardinals still have Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman, David Freese, Yadier Molina, and now Carlos Beltran in the lineup. The rotation will be a major question with Chris Carpenter's injury in spring training and Adam Wainwright coming off Tommy John surgery. The defending champ mentality of the Cardinals will carry them to the division crown once again.

NL West: San Fransisco Giants
The NL West is the most wide open division in baseball. Any team can really make a run for the division title. The Dbacks last year was a fluke in my opinion. Not enough experience or power in the lineup. They just had a good run. The Giants have been there before. A nasty rotation is what led them to a world series title two seasons ago, so if they can do it then, why not now. Pitching wins championships and the Giants have that. A lineup full of role players and a nasty rotation is the Giants DNA. The return of Buster Posey after his horrific injury last season will be a good story.

NL Wild Card: Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins
The Reds have a formidable lineup with annual MVP candidate at first in Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips at second, and a young, talented outfield with Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs. The starting rotation is a question going into the season though. The Marlins made major moves in the offseason adding Jose Reyes at shortstop, closer Heath Bell to secure wins, and Mark Burhele to boost the rotation. The Marlins also added Ozzie Guillen to be the new skipper. Reyes and Hanley Ramirez will be a powerhouse at the top of the order. Josh Johnson coming off an injury is a question for the rotation. The new billion dollar stadium will fill the stadium for the Marlins and make going to a Marlins game attractive.

AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander
NL Cy Young: Matt Cain
AL MVP: Albert Pujols
NL MVP: Matt Kemp
World Series: Yankees over Braves (Yep. Going back to the '90's)

There you have it. Leave your comments below. I would like to hear your opinions.

- Padre Bama
Follow me on twitter @PadreBama

I Have No Words

I hate you Mike Tannenbaum. I really do. The minute Schefter reported the Jets having a shot at getting Tebow, I knew it was going to happen. I mean we just made the incredibly idiotic move of giving Sanchez an extension, so why the fuck did the Jets trade for Tebow? It litterally makes no sense. We have a "sanchize" quarterback. What is Tebow going to fucking do? Why did we give up a 4th round pick for ultimately a backup/publicity stunt. What the fuck was Mike Tannenbaum thinking? And to think some Jets fans are happy. Why? Why the fuck do you want a QB who clearly is not able to play in the NFL. Sure he has a few good plays, but for the most part he is a non-factor for almost the whole game until the final five minutes. Is he even going to play? I really don't get this move and I fucking hate it with all my heart. The Jets are pissing away their Superbowl hopes.

Damnit....

SDF

A Return Of Heart.

I would like to start off by apologize by apologizing to my readers. When I was asked to join this fine staff I promised that I would drop the knowledge, that I was so eager to share, on a semi regular basis, and in that regard I have failed you. Over the past couple weeks I have selfishly neglected my obligations towards my work, and my readers. I will not try to make excuses, as valid as they maybe, because an excuse is still and excuse, and I still failed to fulfill my commitment, and for that I am most sorry. No, on to this weeks article.

For this article I will yet again try cover as many of the current issues, and topics in sports that you are constantly perplexed by. So first off, I would like to bring to attention the mustache of the young man at Georgetown University named Henry Sims. In the past couple years many have astutely pointed out how many recent G-Town products have been especially lack luster at the next level, but I think the trend many finally (barring the recent success of Greg Monroe (STUD)) with this young man. Although he may be a raw physical prospect at the moment from a game stand point he is no more than a full grown man in the  stache department. This young man is sporting a mustache that shows the most expert attention to detail. Honestly I can say its just an incredible stache. So from all us hear at BHMS I would like to say well done.

On that same note I would like to also like to pay respects to the new writer joining our staff. He is Latvian, and barely speaks any english, his name none other that Eric E-Breezy Brazil. glad to have you on board.

Then on to the next order of buisness, and that is none other than the NCAA tournament. Through out the years this month long sprint of a tournament is the most beautifully orchestrated shit show of all time. Although it still takes a month to complete the intensity level never drops, and the emotional connection never fades. For me the first buzzer beater, or over time saving shot,  and the last are all just as heart wrenching. For tournament I will not try to project what will happen, because I am clearly not that good at it, says my bracket. So instead I bring you the PumpAction Kraus guide to Sweet Sixteen 12.

1. To start it off I will talk about the lowest seed remaining in the tournament. It is said before the tournament the teams that are the hottest are always the most well suited, and Ohio is not exception to this.  Going in to their conference tournament Ohio was a middle third in the weak MAC conference, which is basically like finishing 1st in the PAC 12 this year. But then at the end of the year they caught fire, and have scorched through their sole 2 games to get to this point. although they have made it to this point it will not last much longer. Honestly just not a fan of the state of Ohio. Honestly just dont like the place, and I'm sorry I just dont care if that offends anyone. Ohio State fans suck, Cavs suck, no one cares about Cincinnati, and the rest is just country so what ever I will burn that bridge.

2. Now on to the second team that I will address, and that is the next highest seeded team NCST. Although long, long gone is the magic of the days of Jimmy V and Lorenzo Charles days, a new hope has sprung in Raleigh. Mark Gottfried leads an underrated squad loaded  with major D-1 talents in the front court. Let me say seeing this be the team from North Carolina be the farthest to go in the tournament, instead of those pricks at Chapel Hill, would be spectacular. Although I feel they can advance, the inconsistent play of CJ Leslie may come back to haunt them.

3. The next team that I have to pay homage to is none other than the University of Kentucky. This year, like everyother, Coach Cal has yet again brought in yet another batch of über talented athletic freaks. This years squad is lead by none other than the player of the year Anthony Davis. Not only does this mans pterodactyl-esq wingspan intimidate some of the most rugged menn, but he also has the added facial hair to disarm any. By this I refer to the only intimidating unibrow ever grown. This guy look like a mix of raw power, and caveman. Needless to say this team is also loaded with many other incredible players. All in all I would consider them my favorite to win it all.

4. Finally. U-Wisconsin Madison. Philosophically I can not say their is any team like UW. Not only do they insist on playing defense, they execute consistently at one of the highest rates in the country. Then on top of that they maintain a team that is able to shot the long ball all the way through the four spot. Then my most intense interest arises from the system of offense that they run. This offense revolves around many of the same ideals of the motion offense, which I have always had a great propensity for. It has been stated to such a point that PumpAction actually wrote a 5 page thesis on the effective implementation of said system. Although i feel there all around skill, and well coached-ness will take them far, I just do not see their sporadic offense carrying them.

5. Then on to yet another strange participant in the field, and that is none other than Louisville. After having one of the most inconsistent season this team has come back in most impressive style. This Biyambo-esq rise has lead to heights such as slaying Cincinnati in the Big East Tournament Finals. This team is deep, talented, and organized and honestly I think that they can go far

Finally on to the most important part of this article, and that is none other than Randy Moss. As many of you may have already heard this god has decided to bless us mere mortals with a year more of his insane football skills. Honestly I can not say that anything else in recent weeks has made me more excited that Moss returning, because it has been a long cold 12ish months since someone had truly take the top off the defense. At one point during the early to mid 2000s Randy Moss got so good at beating people deep that eventually teams just started hiring snipers to take him out once he got off the bus.

Although Mr. Moss has caused me many a heartache, playing for the vikings, he has also shown me much greater amounts of beauty. Starting at the tend age of 18 Randy had an electric 4 year career at Marshall where Chad Pennington had the honor of tossing him the ball. Throughout the years his ability to go up and snag the ball over any helpless defender has mystified everyone who has had the chance to see this man play. This man was so fast, strong and gifted, that even at the advanced age of 32 he was still burning Darrell Revis one handed, in the end zone. Now many punk ass haters will say that as great as he was he could have been better, and to all these people I say top him. First off one does not just magically become the most destructive force in the NFL just by god given talent, everyone has that in the NFL. For this higher standing he most likely had to put in the work unlike all you criticizing punks. This man rose to such a point that after a game in Green Bay where he pretended to moon the crowd he was fined 10k. At the time we all knew that this would be nothing more that a drop in to the bucket to him. In one on the most incredible interviews ever conceived not only does he reveal his preferred method of payment, which is none other than straight cash, of course. He also goes on to explain that next time he wants to celebrate he's just gonna wag his dick at every one, and let me tell you he probably will have earned the right.

The Addition of LaRon Landry and Knick News

Check out this jacked mother fucker!

I would like to send my welcome to the newest Jet, LaRon Landry. The Safety position has been a dire need for the Jets since the multiple leg injuries to Jim Leonhard and the lack of ability to play from Eric Smith. LaRon Landry is known for his ability to knock the living shit out of opposing players and is not a liability in coverage (a la Eric Smith). He will be a great counter to the TE tandem of Ron "Yo Soy Fiesta" Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. It is important to note Landry is not exactly healthy. His Achilles is not in exactly the best condition and even went as far as denying surgery. He has also missed 15 games in the past two seasons which should definitely raise some concern. With that said the 1 year deal is relatively harmless since if injury is a problem, the Jets can just let him go the following year.

The way the media portrays Carmelo Anthony is really starting to piss me off as a Knicks fan. They continuously call him selfish and a poison to the team. But if anything since the move to New York, Carmelo has seemed to have a mature outlook on basketball. To me, it seems he realized that there is no way in hell he is the best player in the league, and much rather win a ring with the team he has loved his whole life the New York Knicks. He has a great relationship with every member of the team and I am positive all of them would vouch for him. Under Woodson's system the Knicks seem to be striving in their own way, especially Carmelo and Amare. The Knicks have been playing unselfish basketball and no one player stands out in particular. Whatever this fellow Woodson is doing, it is working. With this the Knicks really should have no problem making it to the playoffs. I'm going to go as far as saying maybe Phil Jackson is not the answer. Woodson has garnered results WAY better than I expected. The Knicks have looked great on defense and very smooth on offense. With the addition of a healthier and younger PF, the Knicks can be a force to be reckoned with.

That's all for now.

SDF

Rocky Mountain High!

Let me start off by introducing myself. I will go by the name my friends called me by during our high school days, E-Breezy. I attended High School with my fellow writers at Harvey my junior and senior year of high school. Some crazy times to say the least!


The first issue I want to address is the current state of the New York Knicks, then on to more important things happening out here in the Rocky Mountain State. So what is with the Knicks?! After the emergence of Linsanity all seemed to be great in the Big Apple, then came All-Star weekend and afterwards we went back to the same old Knicks with the return of Melo. Our record then fell all the way to 18-24 before Mike D'Antoni finally resigned. Now the Knicks are an entirely different team!! They have won 3 straight and seem to be a new ballclub ever since Mike Woodson took over as coach. It's almost like the team stopped competing for six games so D'Antoni would skip town. Hey I'm not complaining as long as we keep winning! In terms of coaching options for next season, Phil Jackson?! Probably not, but Jerry Sloan is a very good option I have heard analysts suggest.

Now, on to the mayhem over here in Colorado! Lets start with the impressive run through the Pac-12 tourney by my very own Colorado Buffaloes. We began the tournament coming off a rough stretch, dropping in the standings from third to sixth. However, we began the tournament the right way with a twelve point victory over Utah. These were followed with a clutch win over Oregon and an impressive showing versus California. Carlon Brown asserted his will throwing down a few spectacular dunks! This was assisted by Andre Roberson's hard work on the boards and spectacular defense. All this, helped CU capture the Pac-12 Title in a tight battle over Arizona 53-51! This momentum carried into the tournament where the Buffs played energized, determined basketball. Despite doing everything but hand UNLV the game in the final ten minutes we were able to pull through and advance to play Baylor in the 2nd Round. Now, this was a close game for thirty minutes, then Baylor took control! Gotta say, Brady Heslip tore us apart! It wasn't even poor defense, he just couldn't miss! Heslip ended the game with twenty-seven points, all on three point attempts. Unfortunately the buffaloes ended up falling to the Bears 80-63 bringing our basketball season to a close. However, we are only losing four seniors this year. Yes, Carlon Brown is one of them along with fellow starters, Nate Tomlinson and Austin Default. However, with Andre Roberson returning along with an abundance of young talent I think good things are yet to come for Colorado Basketball.


Finally, on to the most recent and intriguing news! Yes, it is reported that Peyton Manning may be headed to the Denver Broncos. This news hit me this morning and I was estatic. Over the past couple days rumors were that Peyton's final three teams were the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and the Tennessee Titans. Well, perhaps the best part about Manning's decision, NO MORE TEBOW! At least not in Colorado at least. Speculations about where Tebow will go are still unknown but expect him on the trade block tomorrow! But away from "Baby Jesus" and back to Peyton. This is a great fit, solid defense and O-line. Yes, the receiving core could use some work after losing Brandon Lloyd to the Patriots(ofcourse), but you're telling me free agent receiver's won't find Denver appealing now! This move puts Denver in prime position to be the Division favorites for the next several years. I mean think about, the Raiders and Chiefs?! Yes, the Chargers will contend as well, but Denver is sure to be a much stronger and exciting team with this addition. Time for me to purchase those season tickets! Be back soon.

-E-Breezy

Peyton Manning and the Top Destinations for 18

First of all, I would like to apologize to my readers for not posting an article sooner. I was on spring break and I just got back from Panama City. The way to describe my spring break was good friends, good weather, good music, and good times.

Peyton Manning is now a free agent. This is a statement NFL fans and an Indianapolis Colts fans never thought they would hear in their lifetime. Well, the day and age of professional football has changed and Peyton Manning is now a free agent. The Colts released Manning last week just a day before he was due his $28 million roster bonus and due to his neck injury and complications that went with it. The Colts had to pay this roster bonus in order to keep him in Indianapolis. If the roster bonus wasn't paid to Manning, he would become an unrestricted free agent. Jim Irsay and the Colts decided to take the business route and release Peyton Manning and start a new era by drafting Andrew Luck as their new franchise quarterback. You gotta feel for the guy. The year Manning was drafted #1 overall by the Colts in '98, they went 3-13. The next year, the Colts went 13-3 and made the playoffs. Peyton went on to make 11 pro bowls, 6 AFC player of the year awards, 4 NFL MVP awards, one Super Bowl championship (XLI), and one Super Bowl MVP (XLI). There is no doubting what he is capable of. Even with the recent neck injury and the results of being released, he will still go down as one of the greatest QB's of all time. Even if he isn't fully healthy by the start of the 2012 season, an 80% Peyton Manning is better than most NFL quarterbacks these days. 

Since Manning's release, there have been many speculations as to where he will play next. It has been reported that 16 teams have contacted Manning to acquire his services. Over the past couple of days, the list of teams has narrowed down. Me personally, I would love to have see both Manning brother in New York City. Peyton would have been a great fit with the Jets market wise and talent wise, but Mike Tannenbaum probably pulled the most ridiculous GM move in NFL history by extending the contract of Mark Sanchez for 4 years. The Giants will always be the kings of New York, and this move proves that it will be true for the next 4 years. Anyway, I will now list the top 5 destinations for Peyton Manning in my opinion. 

5. Washington Redskins

The Redskins were one of the top destinations for Manning as soon as he was kicked out of the door in Indy, but the Redskins pulled a franchise changing move by trading up for the number 2 pick in the NFL draft. By making this move, it is all but certain that the 'Skins will draft Robert Griffin III as their new franchise quarterback. This still won't stop the 'Skins from trying to persuade Manning to come to the nations capital. The Redskins have so much cap space that they can surround either Manning or RG3 with great talent. Mike Shanahan would love to have 18 under center, but its all but certain the Redskins will go with RG3 as their quarterback. With an improving defense and cap room to fill out the offense, the 'Skins are still a possible destination for Manning.

4. Houston Texans

Yeah yeah yeah I know, the Texans already have Matt Schaub as their QB, but its Peyton Manning were talking about. You at least got to consider the idea. Plus, Schaub is coming off a major ACL injury. Imagine Peyton on the Texans for a second. Manning, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson. Thats an offensive juggernaut in the making. Every texan fan should be dreaming of the thought. Plus with the defense they have now, this team would be one of the best in the NFL. Plus, Manning would face his former team twice a year. It's highly unlikely this would actually happen, but it would be a great spot for Manning.

3. Denver Broncos

This would be the best destination for all of America (and for Manning I guess). This would give a reasonable excuse for Tim Tebow not to be a starting quarterback in the 2012 season. Tebowmania just annoyed me. Tebow is great guy and human being, don't get me wrong. He's just not a great quarterback that wins games in the most miraculous ways. Even bronco fans can't explain how they made the playoffs and beat the Steelers. John Fox dreams of the day where he can have a true pocket passer that has the capability of winning a Super Bowl (also anyone besides Tebow). Both Fox and John Elway would kill to bring Peyton Manning to Denver. Like he did in Indy, Peyton makes his receivers look good. The same thing can happen in Denver with the young receivers that they have. Young receivers and a young improving defense will definitely make Denver an attractive spot for Manning. 

2. Arizona Cardinals. 

A gigantic stadium, a solid defense, and a head coach that will allow Manning to control the offense makes the Cardinals my #2 destination. If a teams signs Manning, the coaching staff has to allow him to control the offense and be the veteran leader of the team. Thats what Peyton Manning will bring to a football team. He will be your offensive coordinator, your assistant head coach, your franchise quarterback, the cornerstone of your franchise, and your playoff performer. The Arizona Cardinals will gladly hand the keys of the offense to Manning. The Cardinals have experience with this certain situation with Kurt Warner. He became everything I stated above for the Cardinals in 2008 and led them to Super Bowl XLIII, where they lost to the Steelers. The same will happen with Manning if he goes to the desert. Plus, the Cardinals have this guy named Larry Fitzgerald. From what I heard, he's pretty good. Arguably the best receiver in the NFL. The combination of him and Manning would be unstoppable. 

1. Tennessee Titans

The Titans have become a late bloomer in the Manning sweepstakes. Ever since the Titans have expressed strong interest in Manning's services, I was fully convinced this is the top destination for Manning. First of all, he played his college ball at the University of Tennessee. Peyton would be welcomed back as a king and the southerners in Tennessee would bow down to him and kiss his feet. It would almost be a homecoming for him. Second, second year head coach Mike Munchak would gladly give Manning full control of the offense. Manning has the ability to make others around him on offense look way better than they actually are. Munchak realizes that and Peyton would be in full command. Finally, the talent on offense is undeniably there. Chris Johnson as your running back, Kenny Brit and Nate Washington as your receivers, and lots of cap space to bring in offensive line improvements makes the offense look extremely attractive. With the cap space the Titans have, they could bring in Manning's long time center Jeff Saturday to make him feel comfortable under center. The defense is losing all pro cornerback Cortland Finnegan, but still solid enough to win a championship, especially with Manning as their Quarterback. 

That is all for now.

PS. As of this moment, my bracket is perfect. *fingers crossed*

- Padre Bama

Follow me on twitter. @PadreBama

Wu Tang Wednesday: Pi Day Edition

Since today is Wednesday, it is a day to listen to none other than some Wu Tang. However today is also Pi Day. And nothing goes better with Pi than Ice Cream. Enjoy.

SDF

--follow me on twitter @TheyCallMeFink.