Yep, there I said it. The Pistons just bought themselves a ticket for the playoffs today. Trading for Brandon Jennings makes this one of the most underrated teams in the league. Lets take a look.
First, lets look at the new kid in town, Mr. Jennings himself. Yes, two Jennings have left Wisconsin this year. Greg Jennings left the Packers, now Brandon Jennings is leaving the Bucks. One is going to Minnesota, one is going to Michigan. All I know is people with the last name 'Jennings' seem to like the Great Lakes and the surrounding area................ Anyway, Brandon is just 23 years old and averaged 17 points per game last year. 23 YEARS OLD! The cocky Jennings led the Bucks to a playoff appearance last year, although it was a short one. Jennings moves well with the ball, yet he isn't as explosive as some other big-time point guards in the NBA. His ability to elude defenders is something to watch, though. He has two main problems, though. Jennings, first of all, has a TERRIBLE field-goal clip, at 40%. He would have done well with a couple years in college, but these inconsistency issues can still easily be fixed. HE'S JUST 23 YEARS OLD! And also, speaking of which, his maturity level is quite low. Yes, he's the second coming of Allen Iverson. But, with a little more counseling and good coaching in Detroit, Jennings will be a perennial all-star. Jennings will go down as one of the more famous Pistons members of the early 21st century, for a lot of good reasons.
Next, Chauncey Billups at the 2. No this isn't 2004. He's back. And the tank is still loaded with ability. We all know Mr. Big Shot's abilities, but the main concern is health issues. Foot trouble, back trouble, and just about anything in between. He just hasn't completely recovered from the ACL injury with the Clippers. If the Pistons are going to try to get into the playoffs, and be a contender this year, Billups has got to be as healthy as he possibly can. He is the key to their season.
Finally, the Triplet Towers. Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, and Andre Drummond. This will be the year Josh Smith gets into the All-Star game. He is entering his prime right now. Monroe still has gaping holes in his consistency, but he is JUST 23 YEARS OLD!!!!!!!!!! Alright, by this point, won't you all agree with me that this team's starting players roster is STACKED? Well, I saved the best for last. Andre Drummond. Probably the player with the most potential in the entire league right now, Drummond averaged 8 points and 8 rebounds as a rookie in the NBA. And his age???? HE IS A TEENAGER!!!!!!! 19 YEARS OLD!!! Drummond had some major flashes as a rook, including one game with 29 points and 11 rebounds..... DID I MENTION HE'S A TEENAGER!!!!! 19 YEARS OLD!!!!!
With a pretty mediocre bench, this team obviously has questions, but this team looks stacked for years to come. What do you all think?
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
AL Wild Card Race: Indians, Royals, O's, In It To Stay
The Cleveland Indians just swept the Texas Rangers. The Kansas City Royals just swept the Chicago White Sox. The Detroit Tigers just swept the Philadelphia Phillies. The top three of the AL Central ain't looking too bad right now, huh? The Tigers look locked into the playoffs, but the Injuns and Royals are going to more than likely duke it out between themselves, the Rangers, the Orioles, the Yankees, and the Mariners for the final wild card spot. Of the 6 teams, I seriously believe that the 3 most likely to get in the playoffs are the Indians, O's, and Royals.
Why not the Yanks and Rangers, you are already asking. First, the Yankees pitching is an abomination to humanity right now, and the backend of the offensive lineup looks like a Double and Triple A Jamboree. Next the Rangers. They are about to lose Nelson Cruz to a pretty hefty suspension, and the backend of THEIR offensive lineup is another Double and Triple A Jamboree. They did well getting Matt Garza, and Matt Harrison might be coming back soon. BUT who knows how well Harrison can bounce back. The team has a lot of questions and I don't think they can stay in the Wild Card race. And also, the Mariners are only 7.5 games back of the AL Wild Card race, but I just can't see it happening this year with the weak backend of their pitching AND hitting staffs.
So, what about the ones that I think are in it to stay? First, the O's. Gotta love them, but last year's magic is now gone. That clutch gene that Buck Showalter had instated in their body seems to have disappeared. Scott Feldman is NOT the answer to their pitching woes. The offense is unbelievably, frustratingly inconsistent. BUT when it is consistent, it is one of the best offenses in MLB. The O's are in talks with the Minnesota Twins to acquire Justin Morneau. He might be a major help at the DH spot in the lineup, a critical spot for the O's since Jim Thome left after last year. I think the O's will stay close to that final wild card spot all the way through, but it is pretty critical they get Justin Morneau.
Next, the Royals. Why do I think they are in this to stay? Because it looks like they have finally found themselves. Eric Hosmer has finally blossomed. The majority of the offense is now hitting above .270. That is really good. And pitching is featuring some shocking stars. Bruce Chen?? Ervin Santana? Both having awesome years. They may be a even .500 right now, but I think they are about to absolutely go boom. They will be in or close to the last wild card spot at the end.
Finally, the Indians. Yes, this team is in it. Going into August. Yes, I repeat, the Indians are in this going into August. Wowza. The team has had some unlikely stars pick up the slack for a pretty bad season from big offseason addition Nick Swisher. How about Michael Brantley? He's probably the most underrated player in the league at only 26 years old. Michael Bourn is having a nice season, but how about Ryan Raburn? The utility hitter is having a surprisingly good season. And finally, Jason Kipnis, soon to be the best 2nd Baseman in MLB, is the savior of this year's Indians. And the pitching staff is shocking the heck out of me. This team is hot, and will stay hot, all the way to the end.
Summary: I think you can tell where I'm going. I think the Indians are going to get that final wild card spot. I just think they have the most complete team of the contenders. But, the O's might surprise me, and the Royals might get a huge run going. What do you all think?
Why not the Yanks and Rangers, you are already asking. First, the Yankees pitching is an abomination to humanity right now, and the backend of the offensive lineup looks like a Double and Triple A Jamboree. Next the Rangers. They are about to lose Nelson Cruz to a pretty hefty suspension, and the backend of THEIR offensive lineup is another Double and Triple A Jamboree. They did well getting Matt Garza, and Matt Harrison might be coming back soon. BUT who knows how well Harrison can bounce back. The team has a lot of questions and I don't think they can stay in the Wild Card race. And also, the Mariners are only 7.5 games back of the AL Wild Card race, but I just can't see it happening this year with the weak backend of their pitching AND hitting staffs.
So, what about the ones that I think are in it to stay? First, the O's. Gotta love them, but last year's magic is now gone. That clutch gene that Buck Showalter had instated in their body seems to have disappeared. Scott Feldman is NOT the answer to their pitching woes. The offense is unbelievably, frustratingly inconsistent. BUT when it is consistent, it is one of the best offenses in MLB. The O's are in talks with the Minnesota Twins to acquire Justin Morneau. He might be a major help at the DH spot in the lineup, a critical spot for the O's since Jim Thome left after last year. I think the O's will stay close to that final wild card spot all the way through, but it is pretty critical they get Justin Morneau.
Next, the Royals. Why do I think they are in this to stay? Because it looks like they have finally found themselves. Eric Hosmer has finally blossomed. The majority of the offense is now hitting above .270. That is really good. And pitching is featuring some shocking stars. Bruce Chen?? Ervin Santana? Both having awesome years. They may be a even .500 right now, but I think they are about to absolutely go boom. They will be in or close to the last wild card spot at the end.
Finally, the Indians. Yes, this team is in it. Going into August. Yes, I repeat, the Indians are in this going into August. Wowza. The team has had some unlikely stars pick up the slack for a pretty bad season from big offseason addition Nick Swisher. How about Michael Brantley? He's probably the most underrated player in the league at only 26 years old. Michael Bourn is having a nice season, but how about Ryan Raburn? The utility hitter is having a surprisingly good season. And finally, Jason Kipnis, soon to be the best 2nd Baseman in MLB, is the savior of this year's Indians. And the pitching staff is shocking the heck out of me. This team is hot, and will stay hot, all the way to the end.
Summary: I think you can tell where I'm going. I think the Indians are going to get that final wild card spot. I just think they have the most complete team of the contenders. But, the O's might surprise me, and the Royals might get a huge run going. What do you all think?
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Philadelphia Eagles: D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R Zone 2013
Yeah, I haven't been on here for a day, sorry. But we might as well start talking about the biggest headline today. We heard today the WR Jeremy Maclin of the Eagles is more than likely out for the upcoming NFL season for a torn ACL. Is this the main reason why the Eagles will not go get to the playoffs? Well, it is one of a TON of contributing factors to why Philly might have another bad season.
First of all, look at their schedule. First game is on Monday Night Football vs. the Redskins. That's a loss. Next vs. an improved San Diego squad. Then what could EASILY be a 6 game losing streak. Chiefs, Broncos, Giants, Bucs, Cowboys, then Giants again. Wowza. By Week 9 they will most likely be out of the playoff picture. Now lets look at the team itself.
Offense: QBs Michael Vick, Nick Foles, and Matt Barkley. Obviously Chip Kelly is going to let Michael Vick start. But by week 6, when the Eags might already be 1-4, will there be a QB change? Gonna be a wild competition. The RB position might be the strength of the offense. But can LeSean McCoy have a major bounceback year?? Backup Bryce Brown had a fine rookie season, going through normal rookie mistakes. The Tight End position is STACKED TO THE BRIM. Of course Brent Celek is Brent Celek, but he will have rookie Zach Ertz with him, who was phenomenal at Stanford. Then there is the WR position. With Maclin gone, the only proven player is DeSean Jackson. D-Jax is what he is, and I'm not sure Chip Kelly's new Philly offense can change that. He's straight-ahead lightning, but Jackson doesn't go over the middle. There's a reason he averages just 3.9 catches per game over his career, and there's a reason his TD total has decreased four straight seasons. Defenses know that if they take away the homerun, they neutralize Jackson. Yeah, I admit that Kelly can creatively get the ball to his speedster in space more frequently, as he did at Oregon. But this is just Chip's first season. Going to be interesting to see if Jason Avant can be extremely reliable. He isn't any type of a spring chicken at 30. Damaris Johnson, and Riley Cooper are names to remember. One thing we know is there are a LOT of questions to be answered about this offense.
Defense: The Defensive Line is probably going to be pretty good here. With the young Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry holding down one end, Cedric Thornton and Cliff Geathers are at the other. All 4 have been and are good, solid players. DT is manned by the American Samoan Isaac Sopoaga. The Linebacker position is a terrific corp that just needs some gluing together. DeMeco Ryans, Trent Cole, Mychal Kendricks, and Connor Barwin are all great players, with a ton of depth behind them all. Now the secondary. They got an excellent pickup in Cary Williams from Baltimore at the CB position. The other CB position will be the weak point of the entire defense, though. At Safety, the Jamaican Patrick Chung is a solid player, while the other safety position will be another weak spot. Kenny Phillips is just too injury prone to be reliable.
Summary: The defense will keep the team in many games, but the offense will let the fans down time and time again. Is there a way this team can really surprise me and get to the playoffs?? YES. Michael Vick might have a MASSIVE comeback and the WR position will have some shocking production. Do I think this will happen? Absolutely not. And that schedule is absolutely bruising. The conclusion: The Birds will have another 4-12 record, with Matt Barkley getting a shot at QB midseason. Chip's job will be completely safe, though. All in all, it is a very intriguing team. But is also, obviously, a bad one.
First of all, look at their schedule. First game is on Monday Night Football vs. the Redskins. That's a loss. Next vs. an improved San Diego squad. Then what could EASILY be a 6 game losing streak. Chiefs, Broncos, Giants, Bucs, Cowboys, then Giants again. Wowza. By Week 9 they will most likely be out of the playoff picture. Now lets look at the team itself.
Offense: QBs Michael Vick, Nick Foles, and Matt Barkley. Obviously Chip Kelly is going to let Michael Vick start. But by week 6, when the Eags might already be 1-4, will there be a QB change? Gonna be a wild competition. The RB position might be the strength of the offense. But can LeSean McCoy have a major bounceback year?? Backup Bryce Brown had a fine rookie season, going through normal rookie mistakes. The Tight End position is STACKED TO THE BRIM. Of course Brent Celek is Brent Celek, but he will have rookie Zach Ertz with him, who was phenomenal at Stanford. Then there is the WR position. With Maclin gone, the only proven player is DeSean Jackson. D-Jax is what he is, and I'm not sure Chip Kelly's new Philly offense can change that. He's straight-ahead lightning, but Jackson doesn't go over the middle. There's a reason he averages just 3.9 catches per game over his career, and there's a reason his TD total has decreased four straight seasons. Defenses know that if they take away the homerun, they neutralize Jackson. Yeah, I admit that Kelly can creatively get the ball to his speedster in space more frequently, as he did at Oregon. But this is just Chip's first season. Going to be interesting to see if Jason Avant can be extremely reliable. He isn't any type of a spring chicken at 30. Damaris Johnson, and Riley Cooper are names to remember. One thing we know is there are a LOT of questions to be answered about this offense.
Defense: The Defensive Line is probably going to be pretty good here. With the young Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry holding down one end, Cedric Thornton and Cliff Geathers are at the other. All 4 have been and are good, solid players. DT is manned by the American Samoan Isaac Sopoaga. The Linebacker position is a terrific corp that just needs some gluing together. DeMeco Ryans, Trent Cole, Mychal Kendricks, and Connor Barwin are all great players, with a ton of depth behind them all. Now the secondary. They got an excellent pickup in Cary Williams from Baltimore at the CB position. The other CB position will be the weak point of the entire defense, though. At Safety, the Jamaican Patrick Chung is a solid player, while the other safety position will be another weak spot. Kenny Phillips is just too injury prone to be reliable.
Summary: The defense will keep the team in many games, but the offense will let the fans down time and time again. Is there a way this team can really surprise me and get to the playoffs?? YES. Michael Vick might have a MASSIVE comeback and the WR position will have some shocking production. Do I think this will happen? Absolutely not. And that schedule is absolutely bruising. The conclusion: The Birds will have another 4-12 record, with Matt Barkley getting a shot at QB midseason. Chip's job will be completely safe, though. All in all, it is a very intriguing team. But is also, obviously, a bad one.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Pittsburgh Pirates Talk
All right. First important blog post right here. Lets talk about the most interesting team in the glorious sport of baseball right now. The Pittsburgh Buccos. The Pirates are hovering around 20 games above .500, as many already know. But there is one problem in Steel City. The Bucs are not Clutch. RBIs are so infrequent, Pittsburgh is needs to get another good hitter to their lineup. So, what does Pittsburgh do when there is not a single big name on the trading block? Look for the best possible hitter for the position they need (Right Field and Shortstop) and don't spend too much for that player. Sounds simple, right? The Pirates are looking for a big deal with the Chicago White Sox, to get Alex Rios and Alexei Ramirez (Right fielder and Shortstop, respectively), two pretty decent hitters in the glory days of their careers. The Pirates want to get these two without having to blow up their farm system, one of the best in the MLB. If they can do this, they might be able to be one of the best teams in baseball for years to come. GM Neal Huntington knows what he is doing. I personally have the confidence in him. As a West Virginian, I like most Pittsburgh teams, except for the evil Pitt Panthers. But I've come to adore the Bucs. As weak as the NL is, I think they have at least a wild card spot in the playoffs locked up. Even if they don't win the division, even if they don't do well in the playoffs. Look at the insanely obvious picture. The Pittsburgh Pirates, Bucs, Buccos, Buccaneers, Captains, Jolly Rogers, or whatever you want to call them, are good again. Yes, I just typed that.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
What Is Different About This Blog?????
Helllooooooooooo everyone. I am Ben. I'm from West Virginia, and yes I am a Mountaineers fan. But I'm a little bit of a rarity among West Virginians. I can proudly say I know just about every sports fact on planet earth, especially about NFL, College Football, NHL, MLB, College Basketball, and NBA. I know about Tennis, Golf, and a little NASCAR. I hope this blog is successful, but I'll need every inkling of help I can get. Tomorrow, I will start the dirty work. Actually writing a meaningful blog post or two. Here is my twitter account: @benssports . Look for me, I tweet a WHOLE lot. Thank you all, and we're gonna have some fun.
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