Getting late on this Friday, here's what is happening.....
- The sad story of Bears WR Sam Hurd gets worse for Hurd as he was put on waivers by Chicago Friday. It's his own fault if all this drug talk is true but still not good for a player that was probably just hanging on anyway.
- The one-game suspension of Steelers LB James Harrison was upheld by the league. Harrison will sit out Monday night's game at San Francisco. Maybe he will learn at some point that he has to play by the NFL's rules, even though they aren't good rules.
- A bad week for Kobe Bryant continued when his wife filed for divorce. I would have thought she would have done that after his cheating in Colorado a few years back but she held on for this long. What worse thing could he have done?
- In baseball news, the Rockies signed former Twin Michael Cuddyer. A great signing of a player who can play almost anywhere on the diamond. Also helps that he can hit some and in that ballpark, he will definitely do that.
- Barry Bonds got his sentence Friday from the BALCO case, being sentenced to two years probation and 30 days house arrest. Doesn't seem like a huge punishment for perjury but at least it is something. Bonds may have slipped through the cracks with MLB and not the court system.
- Also in the courts, the two former Penn State officials charged with perjury can stand trial. It was nice to finally see Mike McQueary come out of the woodwork to make a statement about what he saw. Might have helped the kid out if he would have done something right away instead of calling his father up first.
That will do it for tonight, prediction Saturday comes in the morning....
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Steelers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Steelers. Show all posts
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday morning thoughts
It's early and it's time for a look at what's going on or about to go on....
- This new amnesty clause in the NBA deal is still odd to me. Last night, the Cavaliers used it to waive Baron Davis, who is still owed $27 million but the move gives Cleveland some salary cap relief. Maybe someone puts in a winning bid on a guy who is going to be out 8-10 weeks. Just something different to get used to.
- An interesting development in Indianapolis as Peyton Manning has begun throwing a football again according to coach Jim Caldwell. I honestly don't see the point in doing that this late in the season but it is surely part of his rehab from neck surgery. Could his pride of not being on a team that doesn't win a game be coming into play and he wants to play maybe in the final game of the season to get a win?
- The posting process for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish ended Wednesday and we still don't know what team won the bidding. I would expect that it will take at least $90 million to sign Darvish in the combination of posting fees and a contract. My guess is the either the Rangers or Cubs won the bidding.
- Big NFL games this weekend and one tonight but Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger is in a walking boot after his injury in last Thursday's win over the Browns. This game is huge for the Steelers on Monday night in San Francisco to try to hold on to hope of winning the AFC North and avoiding a likely first-round matchup in Denver with the Broncos. The way that injury looked, I'm shocked he has any chance of playing.
- In tonight's action, it's Jacksonville at Atlanta. The Falcons are clinging to a playoff spot and with the recent troubles of the Bears, it is logical to think that two wins out of three for Atlanta gets them in. The Jaguars played well last week especially Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored four times. However, I have to pick the Falcons at home with a 27-10 win.
- Last but not least, we are going to talk weather.....it's the middle of December and we haven't seen a single game played any sort of snow this season in the NFL. Blame global warming or whatever but there is just something magical at this time of year about a game in the snow. Doesn't help your fantasy team any but just a beautiful sight.
That's all for now, trivia later and more thoughts later on tonight.....
- This new amnesty clause in the NBA deal is still odd to me. Last night, the Cavaliers used it to waive Baron Davis, who is still owed $27 million but the move gives Cleveland some salary cap relief. Maybe someone puts in a winning bid on a guy who is going to be out 8-10 weeks. Just something different to get used to.
- An interesting development in Indianapolis as Peyton Manning has begun throwing a football again according to coach Jim Caldwell. I honestly don't see the point in doing that this late in the season but it is surely part of his rehab from neck surgery. Could his pride of not being on a team that doesn't win a game be coming into play and he wants to play maybe in the final game of the season to get a win?
- The posting process for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish ended Wednesday and we still don't know what team won the bidding. I would expect that it will take at least $90 million to sign Darvish in the combination of posting fees and a contract. My guess is the either the Rangers or Cubs won the bidding.
- Big NFL games this weekend and one tonight but Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger is in a walking boot after his injury in last Thursday's win over the Browns. This game is huge for the Steelers on Monday night in San Francisco to try to hold on to hope of winning the AFC North and avoiding a likely first-round matchup in Denver with the Broncos. The way that injury looked, I'm shocked he has any chance of playing.
- In tonight's action, it's Jacksonville at Atlanta. The Falcons are clinging to a playoff spot and with the recent troubles of the Bears, it is logical to think that two wins out of three for Atlanta gets them in. The Jaguars played well last week especially Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored four times. However, I have to pick the Falcons at home with a 27-10 win.
- Last but not least, we are going to talk weather.....it's the middle of December and we haven't seen a single game played any sort of snow this season in the NFL. Blame global warming or whatever but there is just something magical at this time of year about a game in the snow. Doesn't help your fantasy team any but just a beautiful sight.
That's all for now, trivia later and more thoughts later on tonight.....
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday night thinking...
Another day has passed, here is what's going down....
- The Steelers' James Harrison was suspended for one game by the NFL for his hit on Browns QB Colt McCoy Thursday night. While I like the hard-nosed play that Harrison likes to show and the fact it is old-school football, sometimes he goes a bit over the line. He won't learn but don't change your game, big guy. You are one of the few left who actually doesn't tippy-toe around.
- More details of the new MLB labor deal have become public and some interesting things come out of it. The fact divisional teams can now play before the league championship series is great. Means Red Sox-Yankees won't always be for the AL Title. Also, the All-Star break will be extended to four days with the chance the game could be moved to Wednesday in some years with the Home Run Derby on Tuesday. Different I must say, I like the longer break but don't move the game. Just play Tuesday and start games again on Friday.
- NBA players are not happy and now at least one is speaking out. The Celtics' Kevin Garnett has called out Commish David Stern for a "rushed" training camp. There is no doubt Garnett has a point, just 16 days from the start of training camp to the beginning of the season. Not enough time you would figure but the NBA needed games on Christmas for them to have any chance of keeping fans for what will be a roller coaster 66-game season.
- I usually don't bring up golf but you have to give props to Luke Donald for not only winning the PGA money title but the European Tour money tour as well. That's impressive to say the least....
- A little more NFL for you and especially to you fantasy football types, go pick up Felix Jones and especially James Jones from the Packers. Just saying...
- I'm a media guy and when I heard Craig James had decided to run for a Senate seat in Texas, I couldn't be more happy. ESPN would be better off without him anyway. Go pollute something else with your ideas on Boise State and the fact you ranked them 24th in your last vote.
That's all for tonight, more in the morning.....
- The Steelers' James Harrison was suspended for one game by the NFL for his hit on Browns QB Colt McCoy Thursday night. While I like the hard-nosed play that Harrison likes to show and the fact it is old-school football, sometimes he goes a bit over the line. He won't learn but don't change your game, big guy. You are one of the few left who actually doesn't tippy-toe around.
- More details of the new MLB labor deal have become public and some interesting things come out of it. The fact divisional teams can now play before the league championship series is great. Means Red Sox-Yankees won't always be for the AL Title. Also, the All-Star break will be extended to four days with the chance the game could be moved to Wednesday in some years with the Home Run Derby on Tuesday. Different I must say, I like the longer break but don't move the game. Just play Tuesday and start games again on Friday.
- NBA players are not happy and now at least one is speaking out. The Celtics' Kevin Garnett has called out Commish David Stern for a "rushed" training camp. There is no doubt Garnett has a point, just 16 days from the start of training camp to the beginning of the season. Not enough time you would figure but the NBA needed games on Christmas for them to have any chance of keeping fans for what will be a roller coaster 66-game season.
- I usually don't bring up golf but you have to give props to Luke Donald for not only winning the PGA money title but the European Tour money tour as well. That's impressive to say the least....
- A little more NFL for you and especially to you fantasy football types, go pick up Felix Jones and especially James Jones from the Packers. Just saying...
- I'm a media guy and when I heard Craig James had decided to run for a Senate seat in Texas, I couldn't be more happy. ESPN would be better off without him anyway. Go pollute something else with your ideas on Boise State and the fact you ranked them 24th in your last vote.
That's all for tonight, more in the morning.....
Friday, December 9, 2011
Friday morning report
We begin the weekend with these thoughts....
- On the heels of the Chris Paul trade being nixed by the league, Dwight Howard is now angling to get traded to the Nets and this trade appears to be actually going down. We are heading down a road of superteams where only 6-8 teams have a chance at a title and no one else can survive. Not good for balance but good for ratings.
- Also in the NBA, it appears Brandon Roy is going to have to retire because of his knees. That's a real shame for a player that had a very bright future ahead of him and could have had a Hall of Fame career. Good luck to him.
- We move on to college football where Kansas has hired former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis. Weis has a few good years in South Bend but was an epic failure in terms of Irish coaches. The move is sound but we will see if it is actually successful.
- A very smart move by IndyCar, deciding to bypass going to Las Vegas after the death of Dan Wheldon last year. Those cars move way too fast for that kind of track and it was a bad idea in the first place. There are reports they won't return there again and that would be for the best.
- NFL Week 14 started last night with a clunker of a win by the Steelers over the Browns. That's Pittsburgh's game though with their defense and getting that 10th win continued their chase toward the AFC North title and the top seed in the conference.
Enjoy your Friday, more tonight....
- On the heels of the Chris Paul trade being nixed by the league, Dwight Howard is now angling to get traded to the Nets and this trade appears to be actually going down. We are heading down a road of superteams where only 6-8 teams have a chance at a title and no one else can survive. Not good for balance but good for ratings.
- Also in the NBA, it appears Brandon Roy is going to have to retire because of his knees. That's a real shame for a player that had a very bright future ahead of him and could have had a Hall of Fame career. Good luck to him.
- We move on to college football where Kansas has hired former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis. Weis has a few good years in South Bend but was an epic failure in terms of Irish coaches. The move is sound but we will see if it is actually successful.
- A very smart move by IndyCar, deciding to bypass going to Las Vegas after the death of Dan Wheldon last year. Those cars move way too fast for that kind of track and it was a bad idea in the first place. There are reports they won't return there again and that would be for the best.
- NFL Week 14 started last night with a clunker of a win by the Steelers over the Browns. That's Pittsburgh's game though with their defense and getting that 10th win continued their chase toward the AFC North title and the top seed in the conference.
Enjoy your Friday, more tonight....
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday NFL Selections
Final day of the weekend, here's six NFL predictions for you to watch for...
- Saints d. Falcons. Big NFC South matchup to see who gets control. I can see Drew Brees throwing for over 275 with 3 TDs. Give me New Orleans 24-20.
- Steelers d. Bengals. Cincy has been on a roll, winning five straight but run into a team that is trying to stay alive in the AFC North race. Ball control wins this for Pittsburgh, 20-13.
- Bucs d. Texans. A fun interconference battle as Houston tries to keep their lead in the AFC South but Tampa has been playing well with Freeman and Blount. Tampa Bay wins 31-28.
- 49ers d. Giants. Is this game in 1990? Haven't seen both teams this good playing in a long time. Jim Harbaugh has brought instant credibility and will lead San Fran to another win, 23-13.
- Bears d. Lions. The Windy City will live up to its name with winds expected to be 25-35 MPH. Very low scoring game due to that and the fact Chicago plays outside gives them this game, 10-6.
- Patriots d. Jets. Sunday night in the Big Apple. Jets tried to go all ground game last time around and it didn't work. This could be an up-and-down battle but I think New England wins 35-24.
Fantasy Player of the Day: TCU QB Casey Pachall
Pachall threw for 473 yards and five TDs as the Horned Frogs ended the 35-game home winning streak for Boise State in a 36-35 upset win over the fifth-ranked Broncos.
Matchup to Watch: Giants at 49ers, 3:15 p.m. (CT), Fox
A battle of two teams with a combined 13-3 record out on the West Coast. The New York passing game against the San Francisco running attack. A treat for anyone for one of the few late games Sunday
This Date in History: Nov. 13, 1982
Ray Mancini defeats Duk Koo Kim in Las Vegas. Kim would die four days later from his brain injuries from the fight. This would cause major changes in the sport of boxing.
- Saints d. Falcons. Big NFC South matchup to see who gets control. I can see Drew Brees throwing for over 275 with 3 TDs. Give me New Orleans 24-20.
- Steelers d. Bengals. Cincy has been on a roll, winning five straight but run into a team that is trying to stay alive in the AFC North race. Ball control wins this for Pittsburgh, 20-13.
- Bucs d. Texans. A fun interconference battle as Houston tries to keep their lead in the AFC South but Tampa has been playing well with Freeman and Blount. Tampa Bay wins 31-28.
- 49ers d. Giants. Is this game in 1990? Haven't seen both teams this good playing in a long time. Jim Harbaugh has brought instant credibility and will lead San Fran to another win, 23-13.
- Bears d. Lions. The Windy City will live up to its name with winds expected to be 25-35 MPH. Very low scoring game due to that and the fact Chicago plays outside gives them this game, 10-6.
- Patriots d. Jets. Sunday night in the Big Apple. Jets tried to go all ground game last time around and it didn't work. This could be an up-and-down battle but I think New England wins 35-24.
Fantasy Player of the Day: TCU QB Casey Pachall
Pachall threw for 473 yards and five TDs as the Horned Frogs ended the 35-game home winning streak for Boise State in a 36-35 upset win over the fifth-ranked Broncos.
Matchup to Watch: Giants at 49ers, 3:15 p.m. (CT), Fox
A battle of two teams with a combined 13-3 record out on the West Coast. The New York passing game against the San Francisco running attack. A treat for anyone for one of the few late games Sunday
This Date in History: Nov. 13, 1982
Ray Mancini defeats Duk Koo Kim in Las Vegas. Kim would die four days later from his brain injuries from the fight. This would cause major changes in the sport of boxing.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday Selections
I gave you six college football picks on Saturday and nailed my upset special of Iowa over Michigan.....today I give you six NFL predictions.
- Steelers over Ravens. Pittsburgh can't be happy with the way the matchup during Week 1 went as Baltimore smacked the Steelers around. Steelers return the favor 21-10.
- Saints over Bucs. New Orleans played one of their worst games in a long time last week in a loss at the Rams. It won't happen again as the Saints win 38-20.
- Jets over Bills. Buffalo has had a magical season so far but the Jets will put a stop to that trend with a 16-13 win.
- Patriots over Giants. With Bradshaw likely out for the Giants, this limits their chances in what will be a high-scoring affair. Brady goes for 400 in a 45-24 win.
- 49ers over Redskins. This has big-time blowout written on it to me. Redskins can't score right now and won't this week either. Give me San Francisco 27-0.
- Chargers over Packers. This is my upset pick, I don't know why I'm picking it either but some reason I sense Rivers goes nuts and San Diego wins 31-27.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden
I brought up Weeden yesterday and goes out to throw for 501 yards with four touchdowns as the third-ranked Cowboys avoided the upset from 14th-ranked Kansas State with a 52-45 win.
Matchup to Watch: Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. (CT), NBC
Be sure you have turned your clock back and watch a brutal rivalry's next act.
This Date in History: Nov. 6, 1995
I've brought up the Ravens twice now, well here is number 3. Art Modell announced on this date that his Cleveland Browns would move to Baltimore. The Ravens have won a Super Bowl since the move and I'm sure Edgar Allen Poe is proud.
- Steelers over Ravens. Pittsburgh can't be happy with the way the matchup during Week 1 went as Baltimore smacked the Steelers around. Steelers return the favor 21-10.
- Saints over Bucs. New Orleans played one of their worst games in a long time last week in a loss at the Rams. It won't happen again as the Saints win 38-20.
- Jets over Bills. Buffalo has had a magical season so far but the Jets will put a stop to that trend with a 16-13 win.
- Patriots over Giants. With Bradshaw likely out for the Giants, this limits their chances in what will be a high-scoring affair. Brady goes for 400 in a 45-24 win.
- 49ers over Redskins. This has big-time blowout written on it to me. Redskins can't score right now and won't this week either. Give me San Francisco 27-0.
- Chargers over Packers. This is my upset pick, I don't know why I'm picking it either but some reason I sense Rivers goes nuts and San Diego wins 31-27.
Fantasy Player of the Day: Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden
I brought up Weeden yesterday and goes out to throw for 501 yards with four touchdowns as the third-ranked Cowboys avoided the upset from 14th-ranked Kansas State with a 52-45 win.
Matchup to Watch: Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. (CT), NBC
Be sure you have turned your clock back and watch a brutal rivalry's next act.
This Date in History: Nov. 6, 1995
I've brought up the Ravens twice now, well here is number 3. Art Modell announced on this date that his Cleveland Browns would move to Baltimore. The Ravens have won a Super Bowl since the move and I'm sure Edgar Allen Poe is proud.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Fantasy Five-Pack Friday: Nov. 4
It's Friday so today are five burning questions in my head going into the weekend....
-Why do No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama need to play now? This is a matchup that needs to wait until the BCS title game or better yet, maybe a playoff. This should be a great game one way or another, I'll have a prediction for you Saturday morning but if you love college football...this is your game.
- Is it possible we might see a 3-0 NFL game this week? Yes this may just happen with the Cardinals and Rams playing. Both could have backup QBs playing and both have had issues scoring. If this is the game in your area, take a nap instead.
- Will there be a fight in the Ravens-Steelers game Sunday night? Those two teams hate one another and the Steelers are still angry from the beatdown they got from Baltimore in Week 1. Things may get ugly.
- Is any NHL goalie worth $7 million? I guess Nashville's Pekka Rinne is since the Predators just gave him that much for the next seven years. Unless your name is Patrick Roy or Jacques Plante, I don't think so.
- Will the NBA lockout ever end? Sorry kids, we won't see Kobe or D-Rose or anyone else until at least mid-January. This is getting worse each day and have no signs of changing. Better learn to enjoy hockey or college basketball.
- Bonus 6 Thought and Question to the Audience: You got one game to win, who is your coach? Fire away a comment with your answer
Fantasy Player of the Day: Winnipeg G Ondrej Pavelec
Pavelec, who had a 3-4-1 record coming into Thursday's action, made 34 saves for the Jets in shutting out the Islanders 3-0 on the road.
Matchup to Watch: Colorado at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. (CT)
The Avalanche and Stars have combined for a 15-8 record so far this season. Gives you something to watch before Saturday's full slate of college football
This Date in History: Nov. 4, 1994
Chicago's United Center opens, officially closing the Madhouse on Madison at Chicago Stadium. The Bulls beat Charlotte 89-83. The Bulls finished 47-35 that season and some guy named Jordan showed up to play for the team late in the year.
-Why do No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama need to play now? This is a matchup that needs to wait until the BCS title game or better yet, maybe a playoff. This should be a great game one way or another, I'll have a prediction for you Saturday morning but if you love college football...this is your game.
- Is it possible we might see a 3-0 NFL game this week? Yes this may just happen with the Cardinals and Rams playing. Both could have backup QBs playing and both have had issues scoring. If this is the game in your area, take a nap instead.
- Will there be a fight in the Ravens-Steelers game Sunday night? Those two teams hate one another and the Steelers are still angry from the beatdown they got from Baltimore in Week 1. Things may get ugly.
- Is any NHL goalie worth $7 million? I guess Nashville's Pekka Rinne is since the Predators just gave him that much for the next seven years. Unless your name is Patrick Roy or Jacques Plante, I don't think so.
- Will the NBA lockout ever end? Sorry kids, we won't see Kobe or D-Rose or anyone else until at least mid-January. This is getting worse each day and have no signs of changing. Better learn to enjoy hockey or college basketball.
- Bonus 6 Thought and Question to the Audience: You got one game to win, who is your coach? Fire away a comment with your answer
Fantasy Player of the Day: Winnipeg G Ondrej Pavelec
Pavelec, who had a 3-4-1 record coming into Thursday's action, made 34 saves for the Jets in shutting out the Islanders 3-0 on the road.
Matchup to Watch: Colorado at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. (CT)
The Avalanche and Stars have combined for a 15-8 record so far this season. Gives you something to watch before Saturday's full slate of college football
This Date in History: Nov. 4, 1994
Chicago's United Center opens, officially closing the Madhouse on Madison at Chicago Stadium. The Bulls beat Charlotte 89-83. The Bulls finished 47-35 that season and some guy named Jordan showed up to play for the team late in the year.
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