Numbers Don't Lie

We all know how great Kobe Bryant is, but until today I had no idea that he is eighth on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

That's right, at age 32 Kobe has already passed the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Dominique Wilkins.

Next up, Elvin Hayes and Moses Malone.

QBs On The Move In 2011

Assuming that the labor issues get settled in a timely fashion, it should be an interesting offseason in the NFL. Several solid, or at least intriguing, QBs will be looking for new homes in 2011. Consider this quick list:

• Donovan McNabb
• Vince Young
• Kyle Orton
• Kevin Kolb

And that doesn't even count Carson Palmer, who is demanding a trade. If I'm the Arizona Cardinals, I'm licking my chops. The birds are basically a QB away from returning to playoff contention.

They almost can't screw this up.

More News That Isn't News

Earlier today, Chad Ochocinco announced that he is changing his name back to Chad Johnson. Hopefully millions of football fans had the exact same reaction I did:

"Who cares?"

Chad is yet another example of somebody who needs to perform more and talk less.

Piling On Jay Cutler?

So let me get this straight...I'm supposed to believe that Jay Cutler faked or exaggerated an injury to take himself out of a playoff game? That has to be the craziest thing I've ever heard. And please don't bombard me with more nonsense about body language, facial expressions, and ice packs.

Now for the only vote that counts, Coach Lovie Smith:

"Jay didn't take himself out of the game. If you're going to attack somebody, you should be attacking me as the head football coach, and our medical staff. We're the ones. He wanted to go back in. He was injured and went back in in the second half. I see it the complete opposite of how it's been portrayed right now."

Finally, the voice of reason. Critics can question a lot of things about Jay Cutler, but toughness isn't one of them. Did anybody watch the Bears/Giants game this year? How would you like to play behind that offensive line?

Cutler might be a jerk (I honestly have no idea one way or the other), but he shows up to play. If he was on the sidelines during the biggest game of his career, he had to be injured. Case closed.

Warren Sapp Strikes Again

I'm watching the NFL Network, and Marshall Faulk just asked why the media dislikes Jay Cutler. Warren Sapp's answer?

"One word. Body language."

Outstanding. You just can't make this stuff up.

Round Three--This Time It's Personal!

I sure hope you're not betting based on my picks. It goes without saying that the crystal ball is severely damaged this postseason. After two playoff rounds, I'm exactly .500. Ladies and gentlemen, that is sad.

But it's a new week, and once again I attack the slate of playoff games with a fresh approach. Maybe it's time to try George Costanza's "do the opposite" strategy. Maybe it will get me a job with the New York Yankees. Maybe not.

Upon further review, maybe I should continue to go with my gut. It always comes through at crunch time. It also really likes beer. And potato chips. And chilli.

Anyway, on to the games...

• Packers over Bears: This just in...Aaron Rodgers is a freak of nature. I can't remember the last time a quarterback played at this high of a level for this long. Combine his talents with a defense that is really coming together, and I think Bears Nation is in big trouble. Evil Jay Cutler could be just around the corner. You know, the guy who looks like he's never played football before. This one will get ugly. Packers 35, Bears 16.
• Steelers over Jets: I hope this contest lives up to the hype. On paper, it looks too good to be true. Powerful defenses. Dynamic coaches. Rock-solid running games. Explosive receivers. Serious trash talkers. The Jets continue to impress, but I think the magic finally runs out on Sunday. I like the Steelers at home, 24-20, and I love the idea of a Pittsburgh/Green Bay Super Bowl.

So with that in mind, grab your ATM card and bet the Bears and Jets.

Say What?

So in one day the Patriots went from the best team in football to overrated chokers. Is it just me, or do sports fans get dumber every year?

Playoff Picks, Round Two

After a dreadful start to week one of the NFL playoffs, the Packers and Ravens helped me save face. This weekend's lineup of games is tough to pick, but as always I remain unafraid! Here's how I see round two...

• Ravens over Steelers: I wouldn't even bet a nickel on this pick, as it's way too close to call. However, Baltimore was my preseason Super Bowl selection, so I'm not backing off now. Summer predictions aside, I really like the balance of the Ravens offense--great running game, solid quarterback, depth at the WR/TE position, and a reliable kicker. The X factor might be Steelers' receiver Mike Wallace, who can stretch the field with the best of them. This should be a tight, entertaining game that goes down to the last two minutes. I'll toss a coin and take the Ravens, 24-20.
• Falcons over Packers: Green Bay is loaded with talent, but the Falcons just don't lose at home. Atlanta's running attack will help them win the battles for field position and time of possession. Look for "Matty Ice" to get an early lead and force the Packers to play catch up. This should be another close call, with Atlanta holding on 34-28.
• Bears over Seahawks: First of all, who in his right mind would have picked Seattle over New Orleans last week? That performance was beyond shocking. Lightning can't strike twice, right? Well maybe it can, but it won't, not in Chicago anyway. The Bears are simply better at almost every position. Unless Jay Cutler craps himself, which is certainly possible, Seattle's playoff run is over. Cutler comes through and the Bears win, 30-16.
• Jets over Patriots: This is a painful pick both ways, as I can't stand either team. The only thing more annoying than Rex Ryan is the way America's sports media kisses Tom Brady's ass. The good news is that the game should be wildly entertaining, partly because of the bad blood between everybody involved. I know the Patriots are really really good, but I'm not ready to hand them the AFC just yet. New York still has the advantage on defense, even with New England's infusion of young talent. If the Jets can run the ball effectively, and if Mark Sanchez can eliminate turnovers, the game will be there for the taking. Jets pull the upset, 27-24.

Good Riddance

So long to a rotten season in College Football.

Last night's sloppy, uneven national championship game was the perfect imperfect ending to a painful 2010. From the Cam Newton scandal to the Ohio State "suspensions" to the TCU screw job, this was a season NOT to remember.

Now if I could only erase the memory of Oregon's hideous uniforms from my brain. I'm afraid those feathered jerseys and radioactive socks will keep me awake for many nights to come.

It's A Good Thing I Don't Gamble

Earlier in the week I believe I said "I would bet the farm on the Saints." I sure hope nobody listened!

Nice defense, New Orleans. Truly gutless.

Cubs Make A Big Move

After a month of rumors and denials, Matt Garza is coming to Wrigley.

The Cubs acquired the 27-year-old righty, OF Fernando Perez, and a player to be named later from Tampa Bay for P Chris Archer, SS Hak-Ju Lee, OF Sam Fuld, C Robinson Chirinos, and OF Brandon Guyer.

I've always been a big Garza fan, even during his highly publicized meltdowns. He's got tremendous stuff, he's been very durable, and his contract is Cub-friendly. He should be a solid, occasionally spectacular, NL starter.

Certain baseball writers think the Cubs gave up way too much for Garza, but I just don't see it. Sam Fuld is a dime-a-dozen utility outfielder. Chris Archer pitched well in A and AA ball, but the Cubs are loaded with young arms. Robinson Chirinos hit very well at AA in 2010, but he's been in their minor league system for 10 years, managing only 79 home runs in 2,900 at bats. Guyer has been up and down in four minor league seasons, including a very “up” 2010. His low walk total is a concern.

And now we come to Mr. Lee. Smarter people than yours truly love him as a prospect. After all, he's only 20 years old and has impressive patience at the plate. However, Lee slugged an embarrassing .351 in Peoria last season. I know he's young, but the caliber of pitching in low A ball is dreadful. If I worked in the Rays’ front office, I would be worried about his ability to swing the bat as he moves up the ladder. However, time is on his side.

Even if Lee becomes an everyday Major League shortstop, I still like this deal for the Cubs, who already have a superstar in the making at short. The Cubs may not be the NL Central favorites, but they just got a lot better. Nice move by Jim Hendry.

NFL Playoff Preview

Round one of the NFL postseason presents a few intriguing matchups. Here's what you can expect this weekend:

• New Orleans over Seattle--You don't have to be Jimmy the Greek to nail this one. The defending champs should walk all over the 7-9 Seahawks. I don't gamble anymore, but if I did I'd bet the farm on Drew Brees and the Saints. Marty Crane is about to have a terrible weekend.
• Indy over NY Jets--Tough call here. Both teams are watered-down versions of last year's playoff squads. Both teams have frustrated fans this season. Both teams are still dangerous. I like the Jets running game and aggressive style of defense, but I love Peyton Manning in January. Plus, it's a home game for the Colts and Joseph Addai is back in the starting line up. Look for Indy to "put its best foot forward" against Rex Ryan's Jets. Another Rex Ryan foot joke! Get it? Now that's comedy!
• Baltimore over KC--If I keep picking against the Chiefs, I'll be right sooner or later. This may shock you, but I really don't like the Chiefs. And of course, the Ravens were my preseason Super Bowl pick. Easy win on the road for Baltimore.
• Green Bay over Philly--This matchup is basically a coin toss, but I think the Packers' defense will be the difference. I also think that Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson are pretty beat up. To be fair, I'm picking with my heart too, as I love watching Aaron Rodgers play QB. I really want to see him play in the next round, and I think I will.

Bold Predictions

The crystal ball is up and running for the New Year. Here's how I see it...

• The Baltimore Ravens will defeat the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLV (I think I got that number right). Ray Rice will get to say "I'm going to Disneyland!" Or is it, "Disneyworld?"
• The NFL will avoid a lock-out in the 11th hour.
• The Fighting Illini will make the Sweet 16. Bruce Weber will still sound like Peter Brady going through puberty.
• The Pitt Panthers will cut down the nets on April 4th.
• The Boston Celtics will win the NBA championship, knocking off the Utah Jazz.
• The Chicago Cubs will finish the season 82-80, good for third place in the Central. The Cardinals will edge the Brewers for the division crown. Dusty's Reds will finish under .500.
• Carlos Pena will win over doubting Cubs fans.
• Ozzie Guillen will say and do a bunch of stupid stuff. I won't be able to understand most of it. Adam Dunn will swat his usual 40 homers for the White Sox.
• Albert Pujols will sign a contract extension with St. Louis and then win the MVP award, yet again.
• AL MVP...Joe Mauer
• NL Cy Young...Tommy Hanson
• AL Cy Young...Justin Verlander
• The Boston Red Sox will win the 2011 World Series, defeating the "invincible" Philadelphia Phillies.
• Reality TV will continue to be a huge waste of time.
• "There's an app for that." Sorry, just trying to be one of the cool kids.