Question of the Day: Which teams did you have in your Final Four?
Today is the day. Today is the day that me and millions of other fans have been waiting for since Angel Pagan caught the final out of the World Series. The San Francisco Giants swept the Detroit Tigers 4 games to none and I couldn't wait for baseball to start again. Off season began, free agents went to new teams and trades took over the headlines.
The biggest news of the off season included; Josh Hamilton was signed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Zack Grienke was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Atlanta Braves traded away prospects and utility man, Martin Prado for superstar outfielder Justin Upton and third baseman Chris Johnson. And just recently two record contract extensions were signed by pitcher Justin Verlander of the Tigers and Giants catcher Buster Posey.
The off season, at points was just as exciting as the regular season and post season but the atmosphere around a new season about to start is indescribable to me. The buzz of a new start from fans, and the predictions of how players old and new will perform fill the air. Opening night will be kicked off with a match up with a former power house in the Texas Rangers taking on the newest team in the American League, the Houston Astros. The Astros joined the American League West this season, becoming the new cross state rivals of the Rangers. Although the rivalry will seem to always end in a Ranger win, the games will sure to bring out the passion of the two teams as well as an increase in the attendance numbers.
The great thing about Opening Night in baseball is that, the very next day is Opening Day where every other team plays their first games of the season. The best thing about them is that the teams start off playing their rivals. The Braves will play the Phillies, the Giants play the Dodgers, and no Opening Day will be complete without the New York Yankees taking on the Boston Red Sox.
Both Opening Night and Opening Day have a charged buzz around them like no other sport in America. The original pastime being played for the first time since October, and after long wait fans will be able to sit in their sits seats with their families and enjoy the game that helped shape this country in its time of darkness. I missed baseball so much. More this year than any other. I don't know why but I know that my mind will be fixated on the game that I love until the final out is taken in the World Series in October.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
The $100 million+ Extension Club
Question of the Day: Is Tim Duncan the greatest power forward in basketball history?
Justin Verlander, Buster Posey, and even Tony Romo are incredibly happy men today. All three were signed to long term contract extension for over $100 million dollars this afternoon and while all three of the players were up for contract extensions, their respective teams placed so much money and faith into the players at one time to win a championship when only two of them deserve it.
If you were to ask 100 baseball fans, I guarantee that 90% will say that Justin Verlander is the best pitcher in baseball. It is only fitting that he would sign the largest contract for a pitcher in history. Verlander signed a $180 million extension through the 2019 season with a maximum ability to receive $202 million if he uses his $22 million vesting option in 2020. A contract with a total worth of $202 million seems a little bit large for a pitcher because of the unexpected future he can have, but if there is a pitcher that can have a contract as large as this it's Verlander. The 30 year old has virtually no injury history in his career, even though he has pitched over 1553.2 innings over an 8 year career. Verlander has 1454 strikeouts, and 20 complete games to credit, as well as a Rookie of the Year award, CY Young award, an MVP, and 5 All Star game selections. He is an incredibly decorated pitcher and only seems to be getting better as he ages. Although I believe he is being slightly overpaid but if there were any pitcher in the league that deserves to be the richest, it is Verlander.
While Verlander deserves to be the highest paid pitcher in history, the largest contract for a San Francisco Giant in history deserves to be Buster Posey. He received the much deserved, 9 year, $167 million dollar extension early this afternoon. He is signed through the 2022 season and at only 26 years old, he will only get better. Posey has only two full season under his belt and still has accomplished more than the average ball player. He has two World Series rings, an All Star appearance a Rookie of the Year, and an MVP to his credit. The Giants would not have won both World Series' without Posey behind the plate. In 37 World Series at bats, Posey is hitting .286 with 2 home runs and an OPS of .781. I believe that Posey has more of an importance to the Giants ball club than Barry Bonds did a decade ago, in the way he interacts with the fans, and his leadership on and off the field.
With that being said, Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo does not deserve his 6 year, $108 million extension. Romo is a good quarterback, but the fact that he cannot win his division, let alone get a Wild Card spot, makes him not even close to be an elite quarterback. He has a total of 91 career interceptions to 177 touchdowns, as well as a career completion rating of 64.7% and over 25,000 passing yards, but the fact that his lack of success in the regular season separates him from something he can be, an elite QB. Romo has led the Cowboys to the playoffs three times, and of the four games they have played in, he has 3 losses. Had Romo led the Cowboys to the playoffs and thrown less interceptions more often then the deal would make more sense to me. The Cowboys gave Romo a lot of money and most of their faith in him to bring a Super Bowl to Dallas, whether he or not he can do that in 6 years looks pretty shady tom, especially because of the rise of the Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks.
Team owners and managers placing their faith and money into these players in understandable. But the question is, can these three players bring a championship(s) to their respective teams as leaders? I believe that Posey and Verlander can lead their baseball teams to a World Series victory, but Romo will not. I have to say, the timing of these extensions surprised me but the amount that each player was paid did not. Both Verlander and Posey are superstars in the baseball world, and while Romo isn't the football powerhouse that he can be, their respective teams showing their trust in them should be give them enough confidence to win it all but since Romo cannot lead his team into the playoffs, their time and money will have been a big waste.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Justin Verlander, Buster Posey, and even Tony Romo are incredibly happy men today. All three were signed to long term contract extension for over $100 million dollars this afternoon and while all three of the players were up for contract extensions, their respective teams placed so much money and faith into the players at one time to win a championship when only two of them deserve it.
If you were to ask 100 baseball fans, I guarantee that 90% will say that Justin Verlander is the best pitcher in baseball. It is only fitting that he would sign the largest contract for a pitcher in history. Verlander signed a $180 million extension through the 2019 season with a maximum ability to receive $202 million if he uses his $22 million vesting option in 2020. A contract with a total worth of $202 million seems a little bit large for a pitcher because of the unexpected future he can have, but if there is a pitcher that can have a contract as large as this it's Verlander. The 30 year old has virtually no injury history in his career, even though he has pitched over 1553.2 innings over an 8 year career. Verlander has 1454 strikeouts, and 20 complete games to credit, as well as a Rookie of the Year award, CY Young award, an MVP, and 5 All Star game selections. He is an incredibly decorated pitcher and only seems to be getting better as he ages. Although I believe he is being slightly overpaid but if there were any pitcher in the league that deserves to be the richest, it is Verlander.
While Verlander deserves to be the highest paid pitcher in history, the largest contract for a San Francisco Giant in history deserves to be Buster Posey. He received the much deserved, 9 year, $167 million dollar extension early this afternoon. He is signed through the 2022 season and at only 26 years old, he will only get better. Posey has only two full season under his belt and still has accomplished more than the average ball player. He has two World Series rings, an All Star appearance a Rookie of the Year, and an MVP to his credit. The Giants would not have won both World Series' without Posey behind the plate. In 37 World Series at bats, Posey is hitting .286 with 2 home runs and an OPS of .781. I believe that Posey has more of an importance to the Giants ball club than Barry Bonds did a decade ago, in the way he interacts with the fans, and his leadership on and off the field.
With that being said, Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo does not deserve his 6 year, $108 million extension. Romo is a good quarterback, but the fact that he cannot win his division, let alone get a Wild Card spot, makes him not even close to be an elite quarterback. He has a total of 91 career interceptions to 177 touchdowns, as well as a career completion rating of 64.7% and over 25,000 passing yards, but the fact that his lack of success in the regular season separates him from something he can be, an elite QB. Romo has led the Cowboys to the playoffs three times, and of the four games they have played in, he has 3 losses. Had Romo led the Cowboys to the playoffs and thrown less interceptions more often then the deal would make more sense to me. The Cowboys gave Romo a lot of money and most of their faith in him to bring a Super Bowl to Dallas, whether he or not he can do that in 6 years looks pretty shady tom, especially because of the rise of the Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks.
Team owners and managers placing their faith and money into these players in understandable. But the question is, can these three players bring a championship(s) to their respective teams as leaders? I believe that Posey and Verlander can lead their baseball teams to a World Series victory, but Romo will not. I have to say, the timing of these extensions surprised me but the amount that each player was paid did not. Both Verlander and Posey are superstars in the baseball world, and while Romo isn't the football powerhouse that he can be, their respective teams showing their trust in them should be give them enough confidence to win it all but since Romo cannot lead his team into the playoffs, their time and money will have been a big waste.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Thursday, March 28, 2013
The Top 5 Remaining Free Agents
I'm sorry for not posting last night, friends. I had two tests and a quiz today, and I had to study. But I am happy to report that they all went well.
The Falcons made more news last night when they signed free agent defensive end, Osi Umenyiora. The 2 year/ $8.5MM deal, is going to help the Falcons somewhat thin defense. The Falcons have had an incredibly successful off season so far picking up three veteran free agents including running back Stephen Jackson and luring tight ed, Tony Gonzalez from retirement for one last shot at the Super Bowl. The Umenyiora free agent signing allowed me to think about of all of the remaining free agents available on the market still, who is the best? My top 5 here:
Those missing the cut:
- Micheal Turner (Running Back)
- Johnathan Abraham (Defensive End)
- James Harrison (Outside Linebacker)
5) Fred Davis- Tight End: I know. I know. He only played 7 games last season, but Davis has the potential of being on of the top tight ends in the game. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 draft, Davis has 1,973 career yards with a total of 12 touchdowns. He is only 27 years old, and is entering the prime of his career. If he remains healthy, then he will be a premier starter and a threat down field for any team he signs with.
Prediction: Resigns with the Washington Redskins
Prediction: Resigns with the Washington Redskins
4) Ahmad Bradshaw- Running Back: Bradshaw is the best running back on the market. He rushed for a tad bit over 1000 yards last season and could still suit to start a few games in the back field for a small market team such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets. Bradshaw has 2 Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants and will brings good playoff experience.
Prediction: Signs with the New York Jets
3) Nnamdi Asomugha- Corner Back: Yeah.. I don't know how to pronouce it either but Asomugha was once one of the best corners in the game when he played with the Oakland Raiders. When he signed with the Philedelphia Eagles in 2010 though, the play production decreased incredibly. The 32 year old, has the potential to be the shut down corner he once was at any moment. With 15 career interceptions and 405 combined tackles there is no doubt that Asomugha will be a starter.
Prediction: Signs with the New York Jets
3) Nnamdi Asomugha- Corner Back: Yeah.. I don't know how to pronouce it either but Asomugha was once one of the best corners in the game when he played with the Oakland Raiders. When he signed with the Philedelphia Eagles in 2010 though, the play production decreased incredibly. The 32 year old, has the potential to be the shut down corner he once was at any moment. With 15 career interceptions and 405 combined tackles there is no doubt that Asomugha will be a starter.
Prediction: Signs with the New Orleans Saints
2) Dwight Freeney- Outside Linebacker: The long time Indianpolis Colt has still got a lot of jump to him. Freeney brings leadership to not only the defense but to the entire team. Freeney has 107.5 career sacks as well as 298 combined tackles and, a Super Bowl championship. Freeney is the best linebacker on the market and the only decent veteran left (aside from Bradshaw) with Super Bowl experience. Freeney has gotten a lot of attention over the off season from teams with legitimate shots at the Super Bowl next season, and will lead the defense no matter what.
Prediction: Signs with the Denver Broncos
1) Brent Grimes- Corner Back: Grimes is without a doubt the most talented and most valuable player still on the free agent market. If Grimes hadn't been hurt this season, I honestly believe he would have been the best corner back in the game. Grimes played only one game last season with the Falcons but collected 6 tackles, adding to his career total of 254 combined tackles. He has 13 interceptions and is only 29 years old. Grimes brings a franchise tag to his name wherever he signs but will not let down any team that he plays for in 2013, if he stays healthy. Whichever team lands the free agent, Grimes will bring an immense amounts of talent and leadership for the defense.
Prediction: Signs with the Cleveland Browns
Prediction: Signs with the Cleveland Browns
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Future Is Now
Question of the Day: With Opening Day only 6 days away, what are your bold predictions for the season?
Happy Holi, friends. I was sitting in the University Center of my college today watching ESPN when I read on bottom of the screen of a report that a current homosexual NFL player is thinking about "coming out" in the next few months.
As a warning, I feel as if I should touch on this topic. It is important to me and is incredibly relevant in the world today. My beliefs are my own beliefs and I will make them known to you all. If there is a problem with what I write here, then you have my contact information below.
There is no doubt that the game of football has become America's Pastime. It is the most popular in terms of attendance television viewing and overall popularity by a consensus poll. It is one of the more rugged sports in this great country and by far the most opinionated among it's players. Players often are stated for being on record for saying that they would feel uneasy or a little awkward if they knew of an openly gay member in the NFL, let alone in their locker room. San Francisco 49ers cornerback was interviewed during Super Bowl week back in February, when he said the following statement after being asked if he were okay with having a gay teammate (per Yahoo! Sports); "I don't do the gay guys man." "I don't do that. No we don't need no gay people on the team, they gotta get up outta here if they do. Can't be sweet with that stuff. Nah...can't be...in the locker room man. Nah."
While some players are incredibly open about the issue, I do not have an issue with an openly gay NFL player. The NFL is the only organizational sport in America that is incredibly ahead of it's time. The NFL have incredibly efficient medical technology and resources to help players be the best that they can be. If there were any sport an openly gay man should come out in is football because of the protection and the acceptance the NFL would give the man. The player who is to reportedly "come out" would be the face of a population that would see the strength and courage to also "come out" and still play the game that they love. Whether it is football, baseball, basketball or any sport in the world.
I can see the man potentially becoming a modern day Jackie Robinson. Leading his fellow brothers and sisters in the rise to not be afraid for standing up for their rights as free people, playing the sport that they love and having a sexual orientation that may be different than the majority. There is no doubt that they will face much adversity, but in the end, if they have support from each other and the surrounding community, the world will slowly start to become accustomed to an openly gay athlete. A player's sexual orientation should not be the spotlight on their ability to play their respective sport. It should be spotlighted on the level of skill, and dedication of the player, because after all, it is what got them to the level that they are playing.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Happy Holi, friends. I was sitting in the University Center of my college today watching ESPN when I read on bottom of the screen of a report that a current homosexual NFL player is thinking about "coming out" in the next few months.
As a warning, I feel as if I should touch on this topic. It is important to me and is incredibly relevant in the world today. My beliefs are my own beliefs and I will make them known to you all. If there is a problem with what I write here, then you have my contact information below.
There is no doubt that the game of football has become America's Pastime. It is the most popular in terms of attendance television viewing and overall popularity by a consensus poll. It is one of the more rugged sports in this great country and by far the most opinionated among it's players. Players often are stated for being on record for saying that they would feel uneasy or a little awkward if they knew of an openly gay member in the NFL, let alone in their locker room. San Francisco 49ers cornerback was interviewed during Super Bowl week back in February, when he said the following statement after being asked if he were okay with having a gay teammate (per Yahoo! Sports); "I don't do the gay guys man." "I don't do that. No we don't need no gay people on the team, they gotta get up outta here if they do. Can't be sweet with that stuff. Nah...can't be...in the locker room man. Nah."
While some players are incredibly open about the issue, I do not have an issue with an openly gay NFL player. The NFL is the only organizational sport in America that is incredibly ahead of it's time. The NFL have incredibly efficient medical technology and resources to help players be the best that they can be. If there were any sport an openly gay man should come out in is football because of the protection and the acceptance the NFL would give the man. The player who is to reportedly "come out" would be the face of a population that would see the strength and courage to also "come out" and still play the game that they love. Whether it is football, baseball, basketball or any sport in the world.
I can see the man potentially becoming a modern day Jackie Robinson. Leading his fellow brothers and sisters in the rise to not be afraid for standing up for their rights as free people, playing the sport that they love and having a sexual orientation that may be different than the majority. There is no doubt that they will face much adversity, but in the end, if they have support from each other and the surrounding community, the world will slowly start to become accustomed to an openly gay athlete. A player's sexual orientation should not be the spotlight on their ability to play their respective sport. It should be spotlighted on the level of skill, and dedication of the player, because after all, it is what got them to the level that they are playing.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Monday, March 25, 2013
A Weekend in Review
These are my thoughts on the big headlines from the world of sports from today and this past weekend.
Broken down by sport:
Baseball:
Baseball:
- Kyle Lohse FINALLY signed with a team today. Lohse agreed to a 3 year/ $33 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. Lohse is tied to a first round draft pick, meaning the Brewers would have to give up their first round draft pick in compensation for getting the star pitcher. I predicted the Brew Crew to be one of Lohse's options back on the 28th of February. The Brewers needed a veteran starting pitcher to compliment ace, Yovani Gallardo and got better than a solid pitcher in Lohse. I will admit, I thought his price range of $10-15 MM yearly was a bit much, especially because he hadn't been picked up by a ball club so late into Spring Training, but he deserves it with the numbers he put up with the St.Louis Cardinals last year.
- News has broken out that the New York Yankees superstar shortstop, Derek Jeter will maybe have to start the season on the disabled list. Jeter, who broke his ankle in the middle of the American League playoffs last season, looked to be healthy until some inflammation was found by team doctors late last week. Having Jeter start the year on the DL would mean he would be the 4th starter for the Yankees to start the season injured (as well as Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, and Mark Texieria). Things are looking grim for the Yankees in the beginning of the season. If they start the season at a very slow pace the other teams will bury them in last place, in what is a very talented AL East division.
Football:
- The Denver Broncos are kicking themselves in the ass right now. Not only did they lose their best defensive back, Elvis Dumervil to free agency because of a faxing error by his agent; but they lost Dumervil to the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year, the Baltimore Ravens. I personally laughed when I found out but all hope is not lost for Denver. They have an incredible offense powered by Peyton Manning and will (what seems like) a decent replacement for Dumervil in veteran Dwight Freeney. Also, the Ravens may have gotten Dumervil but they still have plenty of holes to fill after losing so many players to free agency. Dumervil fits into the mold of Baltimore but that will not help them beat out the Steelers and the Bengals for a spot in the playoffs.
- The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly close to signing free agent defensive end, Osi Umenyiora. The Falcons released veteran DE John Abraham three weeks ago and while Osi isn't the player he once was, the 31 year old is a nice upgrade from the 34 year old, Abraham. He proclaimed himself to be the defensive player of the year, and fits incredibly well in the Atlanta area, considering he already resides in the area. I wanted the Falcons to sign Osi from the start because of his leadership capabilities He can be productive and help in the pass defense.
Basketball:
- As I was writing this piece, the Miami Heat beat the Orlando Magic 108-94 to win their 27th game in a row. The Heat are now only 7 wins away from beating the record of 33 games in a row by the 1977-78 Los Angeles Lakers. A true test to the streak will be Wednesday when they play the Chicago Bulls in Chi-town. Whether or not Derrick Rose returns from injury on Wednesday will be the main factor in who wins, but if he doesn't return, the Heat will destroy the Bulls. They are too fast for the streaky Bulls. Regardless of if Rose comes back or not, Joakim Noah will have to have a monstrous game to contain Chris Bosh and LeBron James in the paint. The Bulls will win if Noah out rebounds LeBron and doesn't let Bosh get blocks.
- March Madness is in full swing and the Sweet 16 have been determined. Of the 16 I got 13 right, but I highly doubt anyone predicted that Florida Gulf Coast University would surprise the world and advance as far as they have. Beating Georgetown on Friday, and then San Diego State last night, FGCU is set to play a team in my Final Four, University of Florida. I honestly want FGCU to win but I NEED UF to win so I can stay in the 94th percentile of correct brackets. Of the 8 million brackets submitted, I am a very stable 100,234 ranking. I like to think that I have a shot at winning the number one bracket of the year, but let's be honest, it's not happening.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Friday, March 22, 2013
The Madness of March Madness
Question of the day: Now that Tony Parker is back for the Spurs, will they have the ability to stop the Miami Heat's 25 game winning streak?
For those of you who do not know me on a personal level, I have an anger issue. I have a very short fuse. ESPECIALLY when it comes to sports. So whenever the NCAA March Madness tournament rolls around, my fuse is about the length of a match stick. For example, after an extremely long day at work, and an extremely frustrating day of upsets that didn't go my way; I threw away my bracket and swore to not watch a game for the rest of the tournament. I lost all sense of hope in it after La Salle beat Kansas St. University and also when Georgetown lost to Florida Gulf Coast University. There was no need to save it because I had Georgetown, like many others, advancing to the Elite 8. There is no doubt that this is an exciting tournament this year but it truly is maddening.
I love upsets. I like rooting for the underdog, and I seem to have a knack for going against my gut and NOT picking them to win their match up against a higher seed. For example, I second guess myself in picking 12th seed Ole Miss beating 5th seed Wisconsin today, and same with Harvard beating New Mexico last night. Out of 8.5 million brackets that were sent into ESPN's bracket tournament 0 remain perfect and only 1% picked Florida Gulf Coast University to beat the Georgetown Hoyas. And because of the unpredictable SUPER surprising upsets, March Madness is one of the greatest sporting events in the country.
Watching small time colleges take on the big boy in a basketball game is as good as it gets for me. You can see the little guys playing with so much dedication and heart, while the big guys are taking it easy; UNTIL, the game slips away from them and BAM. A Cinderella story is born. That is what everyone expects to see in March. The Madness ensuing around them. People like me, flipping back and fourth, channel to channel watching the games and looking at their brackets almost every thirty seconds to see if you've made the right decision.You see, I am so into March Madness that, even though I threw away my bracket in anger and swore to never watch a game for the rest of the tourney, I memorized my picks. I memorized my picks, I know which teams I think are going to upset, which teams are going to dominate and which teams will fall short of glory.
As annoying and frustrating and actually maddening this tournament is, I love it. Every game has an unexpected outcome. Every game is hard fought, to the final second and never disappoints. And while it seems like I am a sore loser, I continue to follow my picks until the very end, when a national champion cuts down a net, and I will be doing so long as the tournament continues.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
For those of you who do not know me on a personal level, I have an anger issue. I have a very short fuse. ESPECIALLY when it comes to sports. So whenever the NCAA March Madness tournament rolls around, my fuse is about the length of a match stick. For example, after an extremely long day at work, and an extremely frustrating day of upsets that didn't go my way; I threw away my bracket and swore to not watch a game for the rest of the tournament. I lost all sense of hope in it after La Salle beat Kansas St. University and also when Georgetown lost to Florida Gulf Coast University. There was no need to save it because I had Georgetown, like many others, advancing to the Elite 8. There is no doubt that this is an exciting tournament this year but it truly is maddening.
I love upsets. I like rooting for the underdog, and I seem to have a knack for going against my gut and NOT picking them to win their match up against a higher seed. For example, I second guess myself in picking 12th seed Ole Miss beating 5th seed Wisconsin today, and same with Harvard beating New Mexico last night. Out of 8.5 million brackets that were sent into ESPN's bracket tournament 0 remain perfect and only 1% picked Florida Gulf Coast University to beat the Georgetown Hoyas. And because of the unpredictable SUPER surprising upsets, March Madness is one of the greatest sporting events in the country.
Watching small time colleges take on the big boy in a basketball game is as good as it gets for me. You can see the little guys playing with so much dedication and heart, while the big guys are taking it easy; UNTIL, the game slips away from them and BAM. A Cinderella story is born. That is what everyone expects to see in March. The Madness ensuing around them. People like me, flipping back and fourth, channel to channel watching the games and looking at their brackets almost every thirty seconds to see if you've made the right decision.You see, I am so into March Madness that, even though I threw away my bracket in anger and swore to never watch a game for the rest of the tourney, I memorized my picks. I memorized my picks, I know which teams I think are going to upset, which teams are going to dominate and which teams will fall short of glory.
As annoying and frustrating and actually maddening this tournament is, I love it. Every game has an unexpected outcome. Every game is hard fought, to the final second and never disappoints. And while it seems like I am a sore loser, I continue to follow my picks until the very end, when a national champion cuts down a net, and I will be doing so long as the tournament continues.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The Madness of My Bracket
Here is a shitty picture of my March Madness Tournament bracket.
My Final Four: Louisville, Ohio St., Florida, and Indiana.
My National champion: Indiana over Louisville: 73-68
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
My Final Four: Louisville, Ohio St., Florida, and Indiana.
My National champion: Indiana over Louisville: 73-68
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
The Poor City of Baltimore
Question of the Day: How big of an impact will the injury to Hanley Ramirez have on the Dodgers?
The Baltimore Ravens have now lost 6 starters from the Super Bowl, including legendary linebacker, Ray Lewis (retirement), Bernard Pollard, and Paul Kruger. The Ravens also traded away their best wide receiver Anquan Boldin to the San Fransisco 49ers. I hate to say it.. kinda... but the Ravens are not going to repeat their chances of winning the Super Bowl, let alone make the playoffs because of their decisions of letting their free agents go to other teams. While the Ravens have locked up their franchise quarterback to the largest contract in NFL history, they forgot to resign the main components that led him to be the world's richest quarterback.
The Raven but their upper management staff is stupid. Not only did they let Boldin go to the 49ers, whom they played IN the Super Bowl, but letting free agents like legend, Ed Reed is beyond me. In order to build for the future, the Ravens need to have at least a few guys that can protect the franchise player, Joe Flacco on both sides of the ball. The best that ill happen to the Ravens this upcoming season is that they have a record of 8-8. They will come in second (Or third depending on the Steelers) in their division.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
The Raven but their upper management staff is stupid. Not only did they let Boldin go to the 49ers, whom they played IN the Super Bowl, but letting free agents like legend, Ed Reed is beyond me. In order to build for the future, the Ravens need to have at least a few guys that can protect the franchise player, Joe Flacco on both sides of the ball. The best that ill happen to the Ravens this upcoming season is that they have a record of 8-8. They will come in second (Or third depending on the Steelers) in their division.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The Heat Streak
Question of the Day: Is the new tuck rule for the NFL good for players?
The Miami Heat have won 23 games in a row. 23. Led by their Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh; the Heat have blown away playoff bound teams such as the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, as well as had a few close games against the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, and the Boston Celtics. Nonetheless, the Heat have won 23 games in a row and don't seem to be slowing down any time soon.
A 23 game winning streak in the NBA is the second longest in history, only to the great 1977-1978 Los Angeles Lakers 33 game winning streak. The Heat are already favorites to win the NBA Championship for a second straight year, and while that is an incredibly difficult task to do; I believe that winning 34 straight games to beat the Laker record is just as difficult.
The Heat are one of 3 teams that I truly consider to be 'elite' in the NBA (along with the Spurs, and the Thunder). Although they are an awful rebounding team in the low post, the Big 3 balance it out with their efficient shooting from the field and constant success from the free throw line.
The next four games that the Heat play are the four lowest seeds in the entire Eastern Conference Cleveland Detroit, Charlotte, and Orlando. So I believe that it is no question that the Heat will extend their winning streak to at least 27 with ease. It is on the 28th game where they play the Chicago Bulls where the Heat will face a challenge IF AND ONLY IF point guard, Derrick Rose returns to lead the Bulls to an inspired victory. Otherwise, they will cruise past the Bulls. The other threat they face will be, if their streak is still going on, is against the San Antonio Spurs on the 31st of March. Beating the Spurs won't be an easy task, but it would give the Heat a 30 game winning streak and will easily win their next four games to hold the record of the largest win streak in NBA history.
I believe that the Heat will beat the streak and win a record of 34 consecutive games. But the only way that it will be possible is that if they continue to shoot efficiently as well as, have help from their role players such as Mario Chalmers, Shane Battier, Ray Allen, among others. There is no doubt that LeBron will lead this team, game after game, the path to victory will not be easy for the Heat, especially against the Spurs but I believe with LeBron's leadership the will not only win at least 34 games in a row but eventually easily win the NBA Championship for a second straight season.
This is a copy of the Heat upcoming schedule. The number next to the team name is the number at which their winning streak would be at if Miami wins.
Questions or Comments?
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
(Schedule copied from google.com/heatschedule)
The Miami Heat have won 23 games in a row. 23. Led by their Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh; the Heat have blown away playoff bound teams such as the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, as well as had a few close games against the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, and the Boston Celtics. Nonetheless, the Heat have won 23 games in a row and don't seem to be slowing down any time soon.
A 23 game winning streak in the NBA is the second longest in history, only to the great 1977-1978 Los Angeles Lakers 33 game winning streak. The Heat are already favorites to win the NBA Championship for a second straight year, and while that is an incredibly difficult task to do; I believe that winning 34 straight games to beat the Laker record is just as difficult.
The Heat are one of 3 teams that I truly consider to be 'elite' in the NBA (along with the Spurs, and the Thunder). Although they are an awful rebounding team in the low post, the Big 3 balance it out with their efficient shooting from the field and constant success from the free throw line.
The next four games that the Heat play are the four lowest seeds in the entire Eastern Conference Cleveland Detroit, Charlotte, and Orlando. So I believe that it is no question that the Heat will extend their winning streak to at least 27 with ease. It is on the 28th game where they play the Chicago Bulls where the Heat will face a challenge IF AND ONLY IF point guard, Derrick Rose returns to lead the Bulls to an inspired victory. Otherwise, they will cruise past the Bulls. The other threat they face will be, if their streak is still going on, is against the San Antonio Spurs on the 31st of March. Beating the Spurs won't be an easy task, but it would give the Heat a 30 game winning streak and will easily win their next four games to hold the record of the largest win streak in NBA history.
I believe that the Heat will beat the streak and win a record of 34 consecutive games. But the only way that it will be possible is that if they continue to shoot efficiently as well as, have help from their role players such as Mario Chalmers, Shane Battier, Ray Allen, among others. There is no doubt that LeBron will lead this team, game after game, the path to victory will not be easy for the Heat, especially against the Spurs but I believe with LeBron's leadership the will not only win at least 34 games in a row but eventually easily win the NBA Championship for a second straight season.
This is a copy of the Heat upcoming schedule. The number next to the team name is the number at which their winning streak would be at if Miami wins.
Cavaliers
Pistons
Bobcats
Magic
Bulls
Hornets
Spurs
Knicks
76ers
Tweet me: @NeilShelat6
Email me: nshelat6@gmail.com
(Schedule copied from google.com/heatschedule)
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