Giants MVP?

I'm watching MLB Network, and Harold Reynolds just said, "Andres Torres is the Giants MVP this year." Really? Torres has been a fine player for San Francisco, but let's look at a few of his more productive teammates...

• Aubrey Huff 1B/OF: 291/.382./.510, 26 HR in 153 games
• Buster Posey C/1B: .311/.364/.504, 16 HR in 104 games
• Tim Lincecum SP: 16-10, 3.43 ERA, 212 IP
• Matt Cain SP: 13-10, 2.95 ERA, 219 IP
• Brian Wilson RP: 3-3, 1.83 ERA, 74 IP, 47 saves

Now compare those numbers with Mr. Torres: .268/.343/.480, 15 HR in 135 games. The fact that he plays CF should be considered, but I would still take anyone from the list above. As per usual, Harold Reynolds has me scratching my head.

This Week's Upsets

I nailed the Cowboys win over the Texans, but missed the mark on the Panthers bumping off the Bengals. If you've read my previous NFL posts, you probably figured out that I'm not too keen on Carson Palmer and company. With that in mind...

Cleveland over Cincinnati: Believe it or not, the Browns had fourth quarter leads in every game this year, and something is definitely wrong with Mr. Palmer. I like Cleveland at home this week, 20-17. Another fearless prediction: Chad and T.O. will start the media-driven drama machine after this frustrating loss.

NY Giants over Chicago: I'm a Jay Cutler fan, but I'm not buying the Bears as a playoff team just yet. The defense looks pretty average to me, and Cutler was awfully close to his 2009 turnover form last week. Look for Jay to give a few away on the road. I'll take the Giants in a shootout, 34-30.

Not Exactly Murderers' Row

Check out the pop-gun lineup Atlanta ran out there for tonight's game vs. Florida:

O Infante 2B
J Heyward RF
B McCann C
D Lee 1B
M Cabrera LF
A Gonzalez SS
B Conrad 3B
R Ankiel CF
T Hudson P

It's sad to see Bobby go out with this hapless crew.

Interesting Free Agents For 2011

As a Cubs fan my season ended a long time ago, so I've spent the last month or two thinking about signings for 2011. Here are a few names for Jim Hendry and company to consider:

1. Adam Dunn-To me this move is beyond obvious. The Cubs have a hole at 1B, and they desperately need offense. Say what you want about Dunn's defense and batting average, but he's a walking machine with big-time power. This move alone would make the Cubs better in 2011.

2. Lance Berkman, Carlos Pena- If the Cubs don't want to break out the checkbook for Adam Dunn, Berkman or Pena might be a nice one-year fit (no multi-year deals here). Both are coming off down seasons, so the price tag might be Cub friendly. Either would be a low-risk, high-reward acquisition.

3. David Ross- Enough with Koyie Hill already. The Cubs need a solid backup catcher who can actually swing the bat. David Ross has shown decent pop and plate discipline in his nine-year career. A one-year, $1.5 million contract should get the job done.

4. Scott Downs, J.J. Putz, Matt Thornton- The Cubs will have to overpay for one of these plus relievers, but they really don't have a choice. The bullpen was beyond awful in 2010, and that's with career years from Marshall and Marmol. Both are likely to take a step backwards in 2011, so depth is critical.

5. Plan B Relievers- If the Cubs don't land one or more from the list above, these arms (if healthy) probably wouldn't kill them: Jeremy Affeldt, Grant Balfour, Chad Qualls, or Jason Frasor. Not exactly exciting, but potentially useful.

Full Disclosure

The Arizona Cardinals are taking heat for not disclosing Beanie Wells' arthroscopic surgery, even though he was listed "out" with a knee injury on the reports for week one and week two. Isn't this just semantics? The Cards' opponents knew he wasn't going to play, so why is there a problem?

And while we're at it, what's the point of the weekly injury report anyway? How valuable is it for a coach to know that Dez Bryant is "probable." Here's an idea...Get familiar with your opponent's entire roster and prepare accordingly.

Progress

One crappy candidate eliminated...

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=5613688

More Upsets

Despite the Lions and Redskins coming oh-so close last week, I'm 1-2 with my upset picks so far this year. Let's get right back on the bike, shall we? Here's what I see in week three...

Cowboys over Texans: There's way too much talent on the 'Boys for them to start the season 0-3. I don't care who they're playing, or where. Dallas survives a shootout and finally gets in the win column this week.

Panthers over Bengals: This looks impossible on paper. After all, the Bengals were a playoff team last year, and they just knocked off the mighty Ravens. Plus, the Panthers are starting a rookie QB. But for whatever reason, my Spidey Sense is tingling. I say Williams and Stewart run all over the Bengals and lead "Touchdown Jimmy" to his first NFL victory.

What Happened?

Sorry for the lack of "micro-writing." I've been preparing for my managerial interview with the Chicago Cubs. Until that magic day arrives, I thought it might be interesting to look at some of this year's biggest disappointments in MLB. If it's not that interesting to you, at least you didn't spend any of your hard-earned money for the information. Enjoy...

1. Carlos Lee--The numbers are simply ugly: .249/.291./.421. Maybe he has a twin brother, and they decided to trade jobs this summer as a gag. If so, someone please tell Chuck or Bobby or whatever his name is to go back to Wal-Mart and let the talented brother resume his duties in Houston.

2. Jason Bay--I like Bay as much as anyone, but even I thought this was a bad signing. Of course, I never dreamed he would be this terrible: .259/.347/.402. And now for the good news! Bay is only 31 years old and can easily rebound from this disaster of a season.

3. Brandon Wood--Think back to March. If you were like me, you actually smiled when the Angels finally handed a starting job to their long-time IF prospect. "This is the year he puts it together," I thought. Six months later, and Wood's career is in the toilet: .154/.184/.220. Are you kidding me? How could I have been so wrong about this guy?

4. Josh Beckett--It really wasn't so long ago that Beckett was one of the most-feared pitchers in the league. In 2010, he looks like Jamie Navarro. Yes, he's battled injuries, but Beckett is way too hittable these days. Here's hoping he gets it together next year, because a dominating Josh Beckett is fun to watch.

Upset Specials

Since my Washington over Dallas prediction turned out so well, I thought I'd float an upset or two for this week's NFL action. Read 'em and weep:

Detroit over Philly--This is not a typo. It's a home game for the Lions, who have a much-improved defense. Shaun Hill isn't Peyton Manning, but he is a serviceable NFL quarterback. Also, I'm not sold on the "new" Michael Vick. Look for Detroit to win a low-scoring, ugly contest.

Washington over Houston--I'm riding this horse until it throws me. In all seriousness, the Redskins are a playoff contender in my humble opinion. I said it during the preseason, and I'm sticking to my guns. Donovan McNabb combined with a solid defense and running game should be enough to keep Mike Shanahan's crew in the hunt. Look for Washington to slow down the Arian Foster express this week.

"Mitch" In The News

From ESPN.com...

A judge has ordered former National League MVP Kevin Mitchell to stand trial on charges of punching a man several times in the head in July at a golf club in Southern California. The ex-San Francisco Giants and New York Mets slugger faces four years in prison if convicted of battery and assault...The 48-year-old Mitchell has pleaded not guilty and is free on $25,000 bail. Mitchell, who won a World Series ring with the Mets in 1986 and the MVP award three years later as a Giant, is charged with giving another golfer a concussion during an attack at the Bonita Golf Club course.

Those of you who read Dwight Gooden's book know what an angry Kevin Mitchell brings to the table. As a wise man once said, "Anyone who rolls up on 'Mitch' is in big trouble." Amen to that, brother. I don't know who the victim is, but he's lucky to be alive. Just ask the family pet that caught Kevin on the wrong day back in the 1980s.

2011 Cubs

To the surprise of nobody, Aramis Ramirez will be in a Cubs uniform next season. Unlike many Cubs fans, the move doesn't upset me. This year aside, Ramirez has been a productive Cub, and he's only 32 years old. I think there's a good chance that he returns to form in 2011. Now if they could only address the 1B situation.

Gang Green

I don't mind telling you, I can't stand the New York Jets. I can't stand their loudmouth coach, I can't stand their overrated quarterback, and I can't stand their obnoxious fans.

You want some more? As a kid, I couldn't stand Mark Gastineau, and I always thought Joe Namath was EXTREMELY overrated (even though he was great as a guest star on "The Brady Bunch"). If you don't believe me, check out Broadway Joe's career numbers some time.

Having said all that, the New York Jets are great for the NFL. Their coaches and players give the media their weekly sound bytes, and who doesn't enjoy watching the league bully on national television?

The Jets are obviously talented, and I'm sure they'll be in the playoff hunt come December and January. Hopefully they fall just a little bit short. If they do, I'm sure we'll move on to the excuse-making phase of the media hype machine. Either way, it should be a lot of fun.

Typo?

Did Peyton Manning really put it up 57 times today? Also, what's the pass attempt record for a non-OT game? I'm sure it's a lot more than 57, but I honestly don't know the number or who holds it.

Week 1 Upset

The new-look Redskins knock off Tony Romo and the 'Boys this evening. Write it down! Bet the farm! Alert the media! Lock phasers on target! Get to the chopper! These aren't the droids you're looking for! This is the year Fink beats the Stomach! I believe in Harvey Dent!

September 11

Out of respect to those we lost, there will be nothing political or accusatory here. Leave that to the self-serving talking heads, zealots, and conspiracy nuts. However, this photo page is something I think everyone might be interested in seeing. It shows a timeline of restoration at the Ground Zero site:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/galleries/ground_zero_the_changes_since_911/ground_zero_the_changes_since_911.html

Under The Knife...Again

For the second year in a row, Johan Santana is heading to the operating room. This time, it's a tear in his shoulder (according to ESPN.com). And now for the good news...Santana is only 31, and the Mets expect him to resume throwing as soon as next spring. I hope they're right. Baseball is much more interesting when he's on the mound.

Opening Night

I say Brett Favre gets it handed to him tonight. Saints 34, Vikings 20. That was also my prediction for the Mizzu-Illinois score, so I'll keep trying until I get it right.

Good Comedy

If you really want to see something funny, watch Ryan Howard run the bases. I just saw him try to score from 2B on a single. He looked like a fat old man trying to catch a bus in the rain (to be fair, he did have a sprained ankle earlier in the year). Of course, he was thrown out at the plate.

Fearless Forecasting

At last, the NFL season is upon us. Here's how I see things shaking out in each division, and of course the Super Bowl...

NFC East--Dallas Cowboys: The best team in a tight division. A surprise pick...I think Washington shoots past Philly and the Giants for second place.
NFC North--Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson and a better defense will be enough to hold off the Pack.
NFC South--Atlanta Falcons. That's right, the Atlanta Falcons. Don't worry Harry Connick Jr., the Saints will still make the playoffs.
NFC West--San Francisco 49ers: Unless Alex Smith completely implodes, San Fran is the class of this weak bunch.

AFC East--Miami Dolphins: Bill Parcels has done his usual great job building this team. They're simply more balanced than the Jets and the Patriots.
AFC North--Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Houshmandzadeh just made a good team even better. The Ravens are solid all the way around.
AFC South--Indianapolis Colts: The easiest selection anyone will ever have to make, unless Peyton Manning is abducted by aliens or something.
AFC West--San Diego Chargers: The Chiefs and Raiders are improving, but it's still no contest out west. Also, look for Denver to take a big step backwards.

Super Bowl--I love the Ravens this year. Great coach, great defense, great running game, solid receivers, and a young quarterback on the rise. I'll take Baltimore over the Saints, with Joe Flacco as Super Bowl MVP. Hopefully he shaves that unibrow before leaving for Disneyland.

Another Round Of "Guess The Player"

Hands on buzzers! Who is this A.L. Allstar?

.264/.331/.373
560 AB
10 HR
20 GDP

That's right sports fans, it's "the Captain," Derek Jeter. Could this be the end of the road?

Boise State Is Big Time

In additon to being extremely talented, Boise State is very well coached. Their play calling is exceptional. So far so good for the Broncos vs. Virginia Tech. 20-14 at the half.

Young Gun

Unfortunately, Trevor Cahill has no shot at the AL Cy Young Award, but the 22-year-old has been outstanding for Oakland this year:

25 GS
165.2 IP
15-6
2.72 ERA
.210 BAA
1.07 WHIP

Prediction

Mizzu 34, Illini 20

I hope I'm wrong!

More Reavis Fun

Now Darrelle Reavis' grandmother is stepping into the holdout verbal war. I can't wait to hear from his neighbor, his grade school teacher, and a guy who knows a guy who is "familiar with the situation."

Are You Ready For Some (College) Football?

Thank God for Thursday night College Football! This season couldn't have started soon enough for me. Even with what looks like a terrible year for the Illini, this should be a fun campaign.

Dibble Gets The Boot

So let me get this straight. Rob Dibble is paid to give his opinion. He gives his opinion (granted, a pretty stupid one) and is quickly fired. I'm no fan of Dibble's broadcasting, but he deserved the chance to apologize to "the Strasburg" and keep his job.