N8Dogg's Week 3 Power Rankings

2008 NFL Season
LW = Last Week

The Elite:
1. (1 - LW) Dallas Cowboys (2-0)
2. (2) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)
3. (3) New York Giants (2-0)
4. (4) New England Patriots (2-0)
5. (6) Green Bay Packers (2-0)
6. (5) Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)
7. (7) Tennessee Titans (2-0)
8. (9) Buffalo Bills (2-0)
9. (11) Carolina Panthers (2-0)
10. (14) Denver Broncos (2-0)
Not much changes up here. Dallas maintains first with a great win over Philly. They are tested again Sunday vs Green Bay so if they get out of this mess 3-0, they more than deserve the top spot. The Patriots are still 4th after another win. They play Miami so 2-1 is unlikely for the Pats, but week 4 comes a tough matchup with Indianapolis. The Eagles are still elite, when 2 top teams play, one has to lose. And besides Arizona and Baltimore, that does it for undefeated teams. Baltimore, of course, having played just one game is still untested, and how hard is it to beat Miami and San Francisco? That's why neither deserves elite status...

The Hopefuls:
11. (15) Indianapolis Colts (1-1)
12. (18) Arizona Cardinals (2-0)
13. (8) New Orleans Saints (1-1)
14. (10) Chicago Bears (1-1)
15. (17) Baltimore Ravens (1-0)
16. (12) San Diego Chargers (0-2)
17. (13) New York Jets (1-1)
18. (20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1)
19. (24) Washington Redskins (1-1)
20. (16) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
21. (19) Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
22. (23) Atlanta Falcons (1-1)
It's safe to say that Indianapolis is more than just a "hopeful," but i can only put 10 in the top 10. The game against Minnesota should be the turning point of their season and get them back up to the top 5. Is it safe to say that San Diego is the unluckiest team in the league? Is it even arguable? Ed Hochuli may have knocked out both the Chargers and himself from the playoffs with one call. But moving on...When I got to the 20's I tried to convince myself to extend the Wannabes section because all these teams suck, but I decided against it. Maybe I'll regret it later. Maybe it's the Hochuli call of my power ranking season. Ok, thats enough, I have to stop...

The Wannabes:
23. (30) San Francisco (1-1)
24. (22) Cleveland Browns (0-2)
25. (31) Oakland Raiders (1-1)
26. (21) Seattle Seahawks (0-2)
27. (25) Houston Texans (0-1)
28. (26) Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)
29. (27) Miami Dolphins (0-2)
30. (28) Detroit Lions (0-2)
31. (29) Kansas City Chiefs (0-2)
32. (32) St. Louis Rams (0-2)
Can the season get any worse for Seattle? So many receivers are injured that Hasselbeck is throwing to his linemen. I feel bad for the refs always having to announce which men report eligible... So that whole "preseason doesn't matter" thing? Well if you don't belive Robert Green, perhaps you can invite Rod Marinelli over for dinner. By the way, this year's Kitna-meter: 0 wins.

Steepest Climb: 7 - San Francisco (30 to 23)
Furthest Fall: 5 - New Orleans (8 to 13) and Seattle (21 to 26)

N8Dogg's Week 2 Power Rankings

2008 NFL Season
LW = Last Week

The Elite:
1. (3 - LW) Dallas Cowboys (1-0)
2. (6) Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
3. (10) New York Giants (1-0)
4. (1) New England Patriots (1-0)
5. (9) Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
6. (8) Green Bay Packers (1-0)
7. (13) Tennessee Titans (1-0)
8. (14) New Orleans Saints (1-0)
9. (19) Buffalo Bills (1-0)
10. (25) Chicago Bears (1-0)
Whew! What a wild week 1. Brady out. Merriman out. And only 2 of last week's top 5 remain on the throne. The Cowboys take over number one because they are healthy and completely dominated last week. The Steelers are now the team to beat in the AFC. The Giants finally pass the team they beat in the Super Bowl because, lets face it, without Brady the Patriots, well, they are beatable. They still have a GREAT team and just like how the Packers get by without Favre, the Pats can get by without Brady. The Eagles round out the top 5 meaning the teams to beat this year come from the NFC East, the Beast. The Packers sit at 6 after a convincing win. The Bills and Bears both make the top 10 due to a complete manhandling of elite teams in week 1.

The Hopefuls:
11. (17) Carolina Panthers (1-0)
12. (2) San Diego Chargers (0-1)
13. (18) New York Jets (1-0)
14. (22) Denver Broncos (1-0)
15. (5) Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
16. (4) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
17. (26) Baltimore Ravens (1-0)
18. (21) Arizona Cardinals (1-0)
19. (11) Minnesota Vikings (0-1)
20. (12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)
21. (7) Seattle Seahawks (0-1)
22. (15) Cleveland Browns (0-1)
This part is such a muddled mess. Carolina squeaks over San Diego because, hey, they beat them! Who knows who will stay here next week, it could be just as jumbled if not worse. The Colts are above the Jags even though last week I had them opposite. Jacksonville looked bad and Indy looked, well, not terrible at least. Any of these teams could fit in front or behind any other team in the middle here. So it's really just a crapshoot which teams I put where... almost.

The Wannabes:
23. (32) Atlanta Falcons (1-0)
24. (16) Washington Redskins (0-1)
25. (20) Houston Texans (0-1)
26. (24) Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)
27. (29) Miami Dolphins (0-1)
28. (23) Detroit Lions (0-1)
29. (30) Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)
30. (27) San Francisco 49ers (0-1)
31. (28) Oakland Raiders (0-1)
32. (31) St. Louis Rams (0-1)
A winning team in the Wannabes!? Yeah, the Falcons...does anyone really think they are for real? I mean they beat Detroit... Other than that, not many surprises here. All the bad teams lost. Go figure. Did you notice that Kansas City rose? (no) Would you have noticed if they had beat New England? (oh yes!) I mean, Miami rose too, but they almost beat the Bretts. I mean Jets...

Steepest Climb: 15 - Chicago (25 to 10)
Furthest Fall: 14 - Seattle (21 to 7)

N8Dogg's Week 1 Power Rankings

2008 NFL Season
*week 1 rankings reflect those made on 9/3/2008 before any NFL games were played

The Elite:
1. New England (0-0)
2. San Diego (0-0)
3. Dallas (0-0)
4. Jacksonville (0-0)
5. Indianapolis (0-0)
6. Pittsburgh (0-0)
7. Seattle (0-0)
8. Green Bay (0-0)
9. Philadelphia (0-0)
10. NY Giants (0-0)
I always hate doing the rankings in the first 4 weeks or so. They get so jumbled and the final result is so different. But it's still fun so here they are! New England is still #1. If you go back and replay the Super Bowl over and over, the Pats would win the next 2,000 times. There is no way the Giants win that game again. Therefore, the Patriots are still the best. This s finally the year that Jacksonville overtakes Indy. Indy has a lot of injuries. They did last year too, but this year it bites them. Green Bay is still a playoff team. Brett Favre did a LOT last year, but he had way too much help for the Packers to not come out strong again.

The Hopefuls:
11. Minnesota (0-0)
12. Tampa Bay (0-0)
13. Tennessee (0-0)
14. New Orleans (0-0)
15. Cleveland (0-0)
16. Washington (0-0)
17. Carolina (0-0)
18. NY Jets (0-0)
19. Buffalo (0-0)
20. Houston (0-0)
21. Arizona (0-0)
22. Denver (0-0)
Usually the talent level of this section drops off around 16 or 17. But this is the beginning of the year, and any of these teams can find themselves in the elite this season. Some too will fall to the wannabes. I can too easily see Minnesota in the top 5 if AP stays healthy and they sort out trouble at QB. New Orleans is a team to watch as well as the Jets. Both have top NFL quarterbacks and both of those guys can and have performed greatly. I want to bring up Houston. They will (probably) take last in their division, but they are not a bad team. They can't beat Indy, Jacksonville and Tennessee, however.

The Wannabes:
23. Detroit (0-0)
24. Cincinnati (0-0)
25. Chicago (0-0)
26. Baltimore (0-0)
27. San Francisco (0-0)
28. Oakland (0-0)
29. Miami (0-0)
30. Kansas City (0-0)
31. St. Louis (0-0)
32. Atlanta (0-0)
This part is the hardest for me. I probably relied on last year too much when ranking these teams. Someone will step up and most of these teams should rise at least a bit by the end of the year. I noticed that a big problem for the wannabes is lack of quarterbacks. The top 10 has guys like Brady, Romo, Manning(x2), Hasselbeck, etc. You know, top tier QBs. But the bottom here finds guys like Orton, Flacco, O'Sullivan, Russell, Pennington, Croyle, Ryan, etc. You know, Guys who suck, or at least are unproven. Teams like Kansas City or Atlanta are in rebuilding years and a rise would be surprising if not improbable. One team to watch here is St. Louis. With a healthier team and a new contract for Steven Jackson, they might manage a few more than 3 wins!

I made picks but I won't have them posted for this week. Look for them coming in week 2!

On Pace: All-Star Break

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
Boston* - 96-66
Tampa Bay* - 92-70
New York - 85-77
Toronto - 82-80
Baltimore - 79-83

Central
Chicago* - 94-68
Minnesota - 88-74
Detroit - 81-81
Cleveland - 76-86
Kansas City - 72-90

West
Los Angeles* - 92-70
Oakland - 90-72
Texas - 82-80
Seattle - 66-96


National League
East
Philadelphia* - 90-72
New York - 87-75
Florida - 82-80
Atlanta - 81-81
Washington - 61-101

Central
Chicago* - 98-64
St. Louis* - 88-74
Milwaukee - 86-76
Cincinnati - 75-87
Houston - 74-88
Pittsburgh - 74-88

West
Arizona* - 81-81
Los Angeles - 80-82
San Francisco - 69-93
Colorado - 66-96
San Diego - 64-98

* Denotes Playoff Teams
^Wins may not total 2430 (30*162/2) due to rounding
^^Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

Eric Gagne Reluctantly Changes His Walk Out Music

For a while, Eric Gagne had used "Game Over" by Lil Flip as his walk out song when he came in to close. That was back when he was lights out with the Dodgers and every time he came in, the game was literally over. Now he is a washed up closer who can't save a game. Ever since May 21, Gagne has found himself sitting on the disabled list with rotator cuff tendinitis while Salomon Torres steals his job. During this time, between May 21 and June 23, the Brewers have posted the best record in baseball (21-10) and Torres leads the National League in saves (11).

Usually, teams and stadiums allow each individual player to choose whatever song they want to be played (within reason) as a walk out or at-bat song. But the Brewers organization have taken executive action for Gagne's possible return on Friday. Instead of "Game Over" or any other song Gagne might plead for, Miller Park will play "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson.

"Rooting 4 Favre's" southern Mississippi reporter made it to Atlanta on Monday to cover the game and talk to Melvin and Gagne.

"Right now we are winning. Whether or not it is attributed to Gagne or even (Russell) Branyan's call-up, I'm not postive," said Doug Melvin, Brewers GM. "I'm concerned for the team. We have been performing well in Gagne's absense. We feel by playing this song, it will reassure the team that we are not going to take a bad performance by our pitchers."

Gagne had his own words to add.

"I don't deserve to choose my own song right now. It's very simple. It's embarrassing."

Indeed. Anyone who has to use Kelly Clarkson as their walk out music should be shunned by the fans. In fact, I believe Gagne is very close* to that point...or so he was last year and probably is again by most Brewers fans after blowing 8 of 18 saves. One thing is for sure: when Gagne doesn't pitch, teams tend to win more.**

*Warning! Link contains strong language

**Gagne did pitch a perfect 9th inning in Game 1 of the 2007 World Series. The Sox won 13-1. However, hee came in with the game tied at 6-6 in Game 2 of the 2007 ALCS. The Sox lost 13-6...

On Pace: 100 Games Remaining

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
(1-previous)Boston - 96-66 (+2)
(2)Tampa Bay - 90-72 (+0)
(4)New York - 85-77 (+4)
(3)Toronto - 83-79 (-3)
(5)Baltimore - 79-83 (+0)

Central
(1)Chicago - 93-69 (-5)
(2)Cleveland - 82-80 (+4)
(4)Detroit - 77-85 (+4)
(3)Minnesota - 76-86 (+0)
(5)Kansas City - 66-96 (+3)

West
(1)Oakland - 93-69 (+2)
(2)Los Angeles - 88-74 (-2)
(3)Texas - 78-84 (+0)
(4)Seattle - 61-101 (-1)


National League
East
(1)Philadelphia - 97-65 (-1)
(2)Atlanta - 85-77 (-3)
(3)Florida - 83-79 (-1)
(4)New York - 81-81 (+1)
(5)Washington - 64-98 (+3)

Central
(1)Chicago - 104-58 (+2)
(2)St. Louis - 91-71 (+0)
(3)Milwaukee - 81-81 (-1)
(6)Pittsburgh - 77-85 (+1)
(4)Houston - 75-87 (-4)
(5)Cincinnati - 74-88 (-2)

West
(1)Arizona - 86-76 (-3)
(2)Los Angeles - 77-85 (-5)
(3)San Francisco - 70-92 (-3)
(4)San Diego - 69-93 (+2)
(5)Colorado - 66-96 (+3)

Biggest Movers:
Up - New York (+4), Cleveland (+4), Detroit (+4)
Down - Chicago (-5), Loss Angeles (-5), Houston (-4)
No Change - Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Minnesota, Texas, St. Louis

*Wins may not total 2430 (30*162/2) due to rounding
**Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

On Pace: 35.1% Precincts Reporting

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
(2-previous)Boston - 94-70 (+2)
(1)Tampa Bay - 93-69 (+0)
(3)Toronto - 88-74 (+4)
(4)New York - 80-82 (-1)
(5)Baltimore - 75-87 (-2)

Central
(1)Chicago - 90-72 (-3)
(2)Cleveland - 80-82 (-3)
(3)Minnesota - 80-82 (+2)
(4)Detroit - 74-88 (+1)
(5)Kansas City - 65-97 (+0)

West
(1)Oakland - 90-72 (-5)
(2)Los Angeles - 87-75 (+0)
(3)Texas - 79-83 (+1)
(4)Seattle - 63-99 (+2)


National League
East
(2)Philadelphia - 95-67 (+5)
(1)Atlanta - 91-71 (-3)
(3)Florida - 85-77 (-3)
(4)New York - 83-79 (+2)
(5)Washington - 65-97 (-2)

Central
(1)Chicago - 104-58 (+3)
(2)St. Louis - 90-72 (-1)
(3)Houston - 80-82 (-5)
(5)Milwaukee - 79-83 (+6)
(6)Cincinnati - 77-85 (+5)
(4)Pittsburgh - 75-87 (+0)

West
(1)Arizona - 94-68 (-6)
(2)Los Angeles - 81-81 (-6)
(4)San Francisco - 67-95 (+4)
(5)San Diego - 63-99 (+5)
(3)Colorado - 60-102 (-7)

Biggest Movers:
Up - Milwaukee (+6)
Down - Colorado (-7)

*Wins may not total 2430 (30*162/2) due to rounding
**Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

Nerds Have Ruined Baseball

This post was written Ken Tremendous (a.k.a. Cousin Mose)who blogs on Fire Joe Morgan. Most of what he does is take other blog posts or articles and rips into every sentence to make a point. Usually that point is that the article sucks. A lot of the stuff comes from Joe Morgan, hence the blog title. Anyway, this excerpt comes from a post in which the guy lists 8 reasons why baseball sucks. One of the reasons is that it is filled with too many stats. I present to you now why baseball stats ruin baseball:

J-Mo: On-base percentages, opponent on-base plus slugging percentages, sabermetrics … Alan Greenspan might enjoy crunching the numbers, but for those of us who’d rather leave our brains at work, the cold-beverage-intake-to-bladder-outflow ratio makes a whole lot more sense.

Ken: Bra. Seriously, bra. Fuck these nerds. For serious. True story, bra -- I'm at the game yesterday. I'm wasted. Seriously, bra, I've had like eleven brews. I'm there with my boy Donnie -- awesome guy. Solid guy. The papers call him the "Laundry Room Rapist." So Donnie's like, "Bra, you want another one?" And I'm like, "Shitchyea, dude! I ain't driving!" And Donnie's all, "Bra, you are driving, remember?" And I was like, "Ohhhh shit!" And we high-five, right?

So basically everything was awesome. We were crushing it, bra. And then, this little fucking nerd in front of us is like, "Can you be careful? You're spilling beer on my daughter's head," and I'm like, "Whatever dude -- it's a ballgame. Shut up and enjoy the ride!" and he's like, "Just try to be more considerate," and then his little nerd son is like, "Daddy, look, Manny's up!" and his nerd dad is like, "Let's go Manny!" and his nerd son is like, "His batting average is down to .288" and that's when I just lost it, bra. Those fucking nerds and their numbers. So I pull my rod out -- you know, because I have to piss, right? -- and the guy is all, "Hey! You can't do that here!" and I'm like, "Sorry, nerdbra, the only statistic I care about is how many brewskis I've had and how much piss I've pissed" and the next thing you know security is dragging me out and they're all like, "You're banned for life" and I'm like, "Bra, what the hell?" and they're like "You pulled your penis out and urinated at your seat and there's vomit on your forearm, and also you can't smoke in the stadium, and your friend is wearing a shirt and shoes but no pants," and I'm like "He's Donald Ducking it, bra -- it's classic!" and they're like, "Get out of here and never come back."

And that's when I realized: nerds have ruined baseball.

The original post is here if you want to read it. The rest is very amusing!

On Pace: 2 Months Down (for the Red Sox and Athletics)

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
(2-previous)Tampa Bay - 93-69 (+2)
(1)Boston - 92-70 (+0)
(4)Toronto - 84-78 (+4)
(5)New York - 81-81 (+7)
(3)Baltimore - 77-85 (-4)

Central
(1)Chicago - 93-69 (+2)
(2)Cleveland - 83-79 (-6)
(3)Minnesota - 78-84 (+0)
(5)Detroit - 73-89 (+7)
(4)Kansas City - 65-97 (-9)

West
(1)Oakland - 95-67 (+4)
(2)Los Angeles - 87-75 (+1)
(3)Texas - 78-84 (+2)
(4)Seattle - 61-101 (-9)


National League
East
(1)Atlanta - 94-68 (+0)
(3)Philadelphia - 90-72 (+3)
(4)Florida - 88-74 (+3)
(2)New York - 81-81 (-6)
(5)Washington - 67-95 (+0)

Central
(1)Chicago - 101-61 (-2)
(2)St. Louis - 91-71 (+4)
(3)Houston - 85-77 (-2)
(4)Pittsburgh - 75-87 (-1)
(6)Milwaukee - 73-89 (+1)
(5)Cincinnati - 72-90 (-3)

West
(1)Arizona - 100-62 (-1)
(2)Los Angeles - 87-75 (+2)
(3)Colorado - 67-95 (+1)
(4)San Francisco - 63-99 (+4)
(5)San Diego - 58-104 (+1)

Biggest Movers:
Up - New York (+7), Detroit (+7)
Down - Seattle (-9), Kansas City (-9)

*Wins may not total 2430 (30*162/2) due to rounding
**Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

Head-to-Head in Roto Terms

I started this post to demonstrate one of the differences in a Head-to-Head style fantasy baseball play and Rotisserie. Also, to brag about how incredibly awesome my team actually is.

Current H2H Standings:
Yost's Yardbirds........51-16-3....-- GB
matts team..............33-26-11...14 GB
Fontana's Fielders......36-30-4....14.5 GB
Francisco for MVP.......34-31-5....16 GB
LONG GONE!..............33-34-3....18 GB
Kekambas................27-37-6....22.5 GB
reredrum s'laroc........25-41-4....25.5 GB
WILFREDO!!!.............21-45-4....29.5 GB

Anticipated Roto Standings (Max Points: 80):
Yost's Yardbirds........66.....-- PB
Fontana's Fielders......57.5...8.5 PB
matts team..............52.....14 PB
Francisco for MVP.......48.....18 PB
LONG GONE!..............42.....24 PB
Kekambas................38.....28 PB
reredrum s'laroc........37.5...28.5 PB
WILFREDO!!!.............19.....47 PB

As you can see, the only real winner from the Roto standings is Fontana's Fielders, who moves from 14.5 games back to 8.5 points back and moves up from 3rd to 2nd. Obviously the worse a team is, the harder they are hit by the switch to Roto. This is obviously a huge advantage to playing H2H because the poorer teams still have a chance. If this was Roto, WILFREDO!!! would stand basically zero chance at winning the league because it is damn near impossible to recover 47 points. It is, however, much easier to recover 7 games and move into 6th place. This guarantees a playoff spot, and if, for some reason, the players work together for 3 weeks, the last place team today can win the league. Likely, no. But possible.

On Pace: Going on 8 Weeks

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
(1-previous)Boston - 92-70 (-2)
(2)Tampa Bay - 91-71 (+2)
(5)Baltimore - 81-81 (+4)
(4)Toronto - 80-82 (+3)
(3)New York - 74-88 (-8)

Central
(1)Cleveland - 89-73 (-1)
(2)Chicago - 91-71 (+3)
(3)Minnesota - 78-84 (-2)
(5)Kansas City - 74-88 (+7)
(4)Detroit - 66-96 (-4)

West
(1)Oakland - 91-71 (-7)
(2)Los Angeles - 86-76 (+2)
(3)Texas - 76-86 (+6)
(4)Seattle - 70-92 (+2)


National League
East
(1)Atlanta - 94-68 (-3)
(3)New York - 87-75 (+0)
(4)Philadelphia - 87-75 (+1)
(2)Florida - 85-77 (-5)
(5)Washington - 67-95 (+5)

Central
(1)Chicago - 103-59 (+3)
(2)St. Louis - 87-75 (-5)
(3)Houston - 87-75 (-2)
(4)Pittsburgh - 76-86 (+1)
(6)Cincinnati - 75-87 (+7)
(5)Milwaukee - 72-90 (-1)

West
(1)Arizona - 101-61 (+3)
(2)Los Angeles - 85-77 (-2)
(3)Colorado - 66-96 (-1)
(4)San Francisco - 59-103 (-3)
(5)San Diego - 57-105 (-3)

Biggest Movers:
Up - Kansas City (+7), Cincinnati (+7)
Down - New York (-8), Oakland (-7)

*Wins may not total 2430 (30*162/2) due to rounding
**Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

On-Pace - Mid-May

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
(1-previous)Boston - 94-68 (+2)
(3)Tampa Bay - 89-73 (+5)
(4)New York - 82-80 (-1)
(2)Toronto - 77-85 (-9)
(5)Baltimore - 77-85 (+0)

Central
(2)Cleveland - 90-72 (+9)
(1)Chicago - 88-76 (-2)
(3)Minnesota - 80-82 (+1)
(4)Detroit - 70-92 (-3)
(5)Kansas City - 67-95 (+0)

West
(1)Oakland - 98-64 (-1)
(2)Los Angeles - 84-78 (-3)
(4)Texas - 70-92 (+7)
(3)Seattle - 68-94 (-7)


National League
East
(1)Atlanta - 97-65 (-1)
(4)Florida - 90-72 (+13)
(3)New York - 87-75 (+3)
(2)Philadelphia - 86-76 (-2)
(5)Washington - 62-100 (-4)

Central
(1)Chicago - 100-62 (-2)
(2)St. Louis - 92-70 (-8)
(3)Houston - 89-73 (+5)
(5)Pittsburgh - 75-87 (+8)
(4)Milwaukee - 73-89 (-4)
(6)Cincinnati - 68-94 (+4)

West
(1)Arizona - 98-64 (-9)
(2)Los Angeles - 87-75 (-10)
(3)Colorado - 67-95 (+3)
(4)San Francisco - 62-100 (+1)
(5)San Diego - 60-102 (+2)

Biggest Movers:
Up - Florida (+13), Cleveland (+9), Pittsburgh (+8)
Down - Loss Angeles (-10), Toronto (-9), Arizona(-9)

*Wins may not total 2430 (30*162/2) due to rounding
**Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

En Ritmo: Proyecciones de Temporada para Cinco de Mayo

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
(2-previous)Boston - 92-70 (+8)
(3)Toronto - 86-76 (+4)
(1)Tampa Bay - 84-78 (-8)
(5)New York - 83-79 (+5)
(4)Baltimore - 77-85 (-4)

Central
(1)Chicago - 90-72 (-9)
(2)Cleveland - 81-81 (-5)
(4)Minnesota - 79-83 (+7)
(3)Detroit - 73-89 (-1)
(5)Kansas City - 67-95 (+7)

West
(1)Oakland - 99-63 (-1)
(2)Los Angeles - 87-75 (-5)
(3)Seattle - 75-87 (-9)
(4)Texas - 63-99 (+6)


National League
East
(1)Atlanta - 98-64 (+3)
(3)Philadelphia - 88-74 (+1)
(2)New York - 84-78 (-5)
(4)Florida - 77-85 (-5)
(5)Washington - 66-96 (+7)

Central
(1)Chicago - 102-60 (-2)
(2)St. Louis - 98-64 (+0)
(4)Houston - 84-78 (+4)
(3)Milwaukee - 77-85 (-11)
(6)Pittsburgh - 67-95 (+8)
(5)Cincinnati - 64-98 (-11)

West
(1)Arizona - 107-55 (-7)
(2)Los Angeles - 97-65 (+7)
(3)Colorado - 64-98 (-1)
(5)San Francisco - 61-101 (+6)
(4)San Diego - 58-104 (+2)

Biggest Movers:
Up - Boston (+8), Pittsburgh (+8)
Down - Cincinnati (-11), Milwaukee (-11)

*Wins may not total 2430 (30*162/2) due to rounding
**Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

On Pace: Season Projections based on April

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
(3)Tampa Bay - 92-70 (+8)
(2)Boston - 84-78 (-4)
(1)Toronto - 82-80 (-13)
(4)Baltimore - 81-81 (-2)
(5)New York - 78-84 (+3)

Central
(1)Chicago - 99-63 (-9)
(3)Cleveland - 86-76 (+16)
(5)Detroit - 74-88 (+22)
(2)Minnesota - 72-90 (-2)
(4)Kansas City - 60-102 (-8)

West
(1)Oakland - 100-62 (+5)
(2)Los Angeles - 92-70 (+2)
(3)Seattle - 84-78 (-3)
(4)Texas - 57-105 (-8)


National League
East
(1)Atlanta - 95-67 (-10)
(2)New York - 89-73 (-14)
(3)Philadelphia - 87-75 (+5)
(4)Florida - 82-80 (+9)
(5)Washington - 59-103 (+7)

Central
(1)Chicago - 104-58 (+4)
(2)St. Louis - 98-64 (-1)
(3)Milwaukee - 88-74 (-5)
(5)Houston - 80-82 (+13)
(4)Cincinnati - 75-87 (+3)
(6)Pittsburgh - 59-103 (+3)

West
(1)Arizona - 114-48 (-6)
(2)Los Angeles - 90-72 (+6)
(3)Colorado - 65-97 (-7)
(4)San Diego - 56-106 (-7)
(5)San Francisco - 55-107 (-2)

Biggest Movers:
Up - Detroit (+22), Cleveland (+16), Houston (+13)
Down - New York Mets (-14), Toronto (-13), Atlanta (-10)

*Wins may not total 2430 (30*162/2) due to rounding
**Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

On Pace: Season Projections After 3 Weeks

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
(Last Week - 1)Toronto - 95-67 (-8)
(4)Boston - 88-74 (+11)
(2)Tampa Bay - 84-78 (-14)
(3)Baltimore - 83-79 (-2)
(5)New York - 75-87 (+7)

Central
(1)Chicago - 108-54 (+2)
(3)Minnesota - 74-88 (-6)
(4)Cleveland - 70-92 (-3)
(2)Kansas City - 68-94 (-26)
(5)Detroit - 52-110 (+24)

West
(1)Oakland - 95-67 (+1)
(2)Los Angeles - 90-72 (+7)
(3)Seattle - 87-75 (+5)
(4)Texas - 65-97 (-7)


National League
East
(1)Atlanta - 105-57 (+8)
(2)New York - 103-59 (+8)
(3)Philadelphia - 82-80 (+5)
(4)Florida - 73-89 (+6)
(5)Washington - 52-110 (-6)

Central
(4)Chicago - 100-62 (+19)
(1)St. Louis - 99-63 (-2)
(2)Milwaukee - 93-69 (-5)
(3)Cincinnati - 72-90 (-11)
(6)Houston - 67-95 (-10)
(5)Pittsburgh - 56-106 (-23)

West
(1)Arizona - 120-42 (+2)
(2)Los Angeles - 84-78 (-4)
(4)Colorado - 72-90 (+15)
(3)San Diego - 63-99 (-11)
(5)San Francisco - 53-109 (+3)

Biggest Movers:
Up - Detroit (+24), Chicago (+19)
Down - Kansas City (-26), Pittsburgh (-23)

*Wins may not total 2430 (30*162/2) due to rounding
**Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

I Shook Hands With Johnny Depp!!!

Ok this is totally non-sports related, but totally kick-ass!

Johnny Depp and Christian Bale are starring in a new movie, Public Enemies. They are filming in the downtown of my hometown which is awesome. So yesterday I went downtown to check out the set. I didn't realize they would be filming that day but I saw a crowd of people and went over. (***SPOILER ALERT***)They said they just shot a scene in which there was a gun shootout by the Walgreen Drug Store(***ok not so much, but now I have something to watch for!***).

I waited to see if they would continue filming but rumors spread that they were done for the night. It was cold, the sun was going down, and I was wearing shorts so I began to walk around to check out more of the set. I ended up stopping near our library, and watched people walk by with equipment used for filming and taking it back to the trailers. One lady came by and asked me if she could cross the street. I did not think so because I thought it was part of the set, but that the worst that could happen was that some very large security man would tackle her to the ground but it's ok because it's a film set so they have the best people to deal with her injuries.

She then informed me that if i walked about a half-block down the other direction Johnny Depp was shaking hands and actually shook hers. I was shocked because I never expected to see him since I just was there to see the set. I couldn't figure out where he was at because there were quite a few people lined up along the street blocking the way. Luckily I'm tall and there was a section of the crowd with about 30 or 40 cameras in the air. I knew he was going down the line so I found a thinner spot of people and caught a glimpse of him in his awesome hat and sunglasses, and even the most expensive coat I'd ever seen anyone wear.

As he walked by, I was positioned as such that I could only stick out my left hand to shake his. This turned out to be beneficial for me, however, because he went in right handed and that doesn't work. Therefore, he brought his left hand up as well and shook mine with BOTH hands! That was pretty exciting in itself.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera, a pen, or anything for him to autograph since it was unplanned, and I think I was too starstruck to say anything though if I did, apparantly he was responding. People seemed very well-behaved much to my surprise, however, it seems like a one time deal, like he won't do it again, because now that he has once, people will flock there the next time they film. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

As I mentioned, I did not have a camera, however many people did. A few were smart enough to upload their pictures to public photo sites so I could steal them and post them uncredited below:

Lady's and Gentlemen, Mr. Johnny Depp

Don't be afraid of the guy in shades, oh no

Before: The Exclusive Company

After: Walgreen Drugs

Before: New Moon Cafe

After: Skalsa Restaurant

The Sheboygan Press has a nice little video of the Depp appearance. I am not in it, but I am somewhere in that line of people!

On Pace: Season Projections After Two Weeks

If all teams keep up their current pace, this is what the season will pan out to look like:

Current Standings

American League
East
Toronto - 103-59
Tampa Bay - 98-64
Baltimore - 85-77
Boston - 77-85
New York - 68-94

Central
Chicago - 106-56
Kansas City - 94-68
Minnesota - 80-82
Cleveland - 73-89
Detroit - 28-134

West
Oakland - 94-68
Los Angeles - 83-79
Seattle - 82-80
Texas - 72-90

National League
East
Atlanta - 97-65
New York - 95-67
Philadelphia - 77-85
Florida - 67-95
Washington - 58-104

Central
St. Louis - 101-61
Milwaukee - 98-64
Cincinnati - 83-79
Chicago - 81-81
Pittsburgh - 79-83
Houston - 77-85

West
Arizona - 118-44
Los Angeles - 86-76
San Diego - 74-88
Colorado - 57-105
San Francisco - 50-112

*Wins don't total 2430 (81*30) due to rounding
**Projections based on current record as well as Bill James' Pythagorean Expectation

Need 4 Speed - Fantasy Baseball Steals

Stolen bases can be a weak category for many fantasy baseball managers. If you missed out on Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, Carl Crawford, etc, don't worry! There are still options available!

Juan Pierre(99.8% owned): DEAL THIS GUY! He's averaged 60 stolen bases in the last 3 seasons but his time as a regular starter is over. Find somebody who owned him the year before and trade him an an inflated rate. Then pick up one of the following 3 guys!

Carlos Gomez(16.5%): This guy is the definition of fast. He just might be the fastest guy in the AL. In A and AA from '05 to '06, he swiped 105 bases. Had an impressive debut going 2-3 with 2 runs and 2 stolen bases. Batting leadoff, he should have an OBP of .330 or higher and his manager is very aggressive. Gomez should total over 35 steals this year with a potential for 90 or more runs scored.

Cameron Maybin(21.7%): Stole 52 bases in 185 minor league games and slugged .559 in spring. I was shocked when they sent him down to start the season. But when he gets called up watch out! He will run often under Gonzalez in Florida.


Lastings Milledge(71.3%): Hurry, his time as a free agent in your league is limited. People are noticing the talent and taking action! Had 5 SB in spring in just 14 games; also batted .340 with 9 RBI and 10 runs. He is starting in centerfield and currently batting second. He went undrafted in many leagues and is one of the top candidates for a breakout season. Get him on your team before it's too late!

The N8Dogg Challenge - 30 Teams/30 Players

I proposed a challenge to Joey D and he accepted so now we will both take it on. My challenge was since there are 30 baseball teams, construct a team of 29 players and a manager using just one player (or manager) from each team. The basic roster is C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, RF, CF, DH, then 6 bench spots (a backup catcher, and 5 IF/OF). The pitching consists of a 5 SP rotation, 1 CL, and a whopping 8 relievers. And one team must provide a manager instead of a player. Players can only play a position if they have played it currently or in the past (for instance, Ryan Braun, a left fielder, could technically be used at 3B since he played there in 2007), and minor leaguers can only be used if they have been called up once already, or are highly projected to be called up before September.
I will post my team hopefully by tomorrow, and I can't wait to see Joey D's as well!

Runs Accounted For Update

We now officially have a formula for RAF!! It is (R+RBI)/2. You can read more about it here and I will do an Introduction rewrite tomorrow. This is uber-exciting so stay tuned for more RAF news!

How Good is Fukudome?

13 G, 24 H, 51 AB, .417 AVG, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 12 R, 1.716 OPS

Not that good. Maybe this good though:

115 G, 102 H, 373 AB, .273 AVG, 16 HR, 47 RBI, 50 R, .806 OPS

Above are two lines from the same batter in the same season. Chris Shelton of the Detroit Tigers (at the time) hit a whopping 9 HRs in his first 13 games in 2006, only the 4th ever to do that, and first in the AL. However, at the end of the season, he only hit 7 more HRs in 102 more games, and dropped his average 144 points.

OK, so Fukudome really isn't as bad as Shelton, but he isn't the league MVP just because he hit one home run in one game. Shelton is a great reason why you should never judge a book by its cover.

I watched the game yesterday and I was pissed when he hit that homer. And I saw the crowd go berserk, which they had every right to do. However, Fukudome gave the crowd a curtain call. For what? HE DIDN'T WIN THEM THE GAME. Was it a welcome to the Cubs curtain call? I thought it was unnecessary by all means. It's ONE game, he's not the Cubs savior. At least not yet. So I want to let all Cubs fans know something right now. It's very important and I think they really need to know:

Watch out! Fukudome is good. He's great and you are very lucky to have him on your team. I would not be surprised to see him start in the All-Star game (over Corey Hart, of course). However, if there is one thing you can never do, it is take a player and lift him onto your shoulders and give him All-Star treatment until he absolutely deserves it. Do you think the Tigers fans thought Shelton was the answer to their prayers? You bet! But he sucked; absolutely sucked in 2006. And I'm not saying Fukudome will fall that low, but it is a terrible idea to judge somebody by how they play in one game. I have talked to MORE than one Cubs fan, and they all seem to disregard the option of holding off on the Fukudome obsession. I don't know how many Brewers fans were high on Bill Hall last year after his 35 HR season, even Ned Yost batted him cleanup to start the season. He ended up in the 8-hole and batted .254 with 14 HRs. The Cubs dished out a ton of cash for this guy so honestly I really hope he works for you(, just not when you play the Brewers!)

Fukudome is going to be great this season, but he won't put up a 3-run home run in the ninth when you are down 3 probably ever again. And if he does, let me know, I probably won't care though. Remember, Gagne threw 7 straight balls, then two BP fastballs anybody could have jacked. Once pitchers start facing this guy, they will learn how to pitch to him and he won't go 3-3 every game.

Bottom line: Cubs fans, don't get ahead of yourselves. It's always great to be able to expect a player to perform well. But what if he doesn't? I'm not saying he won't. I'm just saying it COULD happen. Something to think about and to look back on once he doesn't live up to your .300, 30, 100, 100 expectations. Which he by all means could...


On another note, I heard the Sara Bareilles' Love Song song today...THREE FREAKING TIMES in about 2 hours. Can that song be played any more? Doesn't she have any other stuff that sounds good. I feel bad for her because she seems like a great singer but this one song will get labeled as all she is and she might not make it further than this. Another one-hit wonder victim.

But who cares about that when Suppan takes on Lilly tomorrow at 1:20 CT. This should be an interesting matchup considering Suppan will NEVER return to 2006 form and Lilly is all 2007 plus more and is in no way going to have an off year, don't even think about it. Or at least all the "experts" say that. Whatever, I don't listen to them. I guess they say the Nationals are supposed to lose a game this season. HOGWASH!!

Oh, and Runs Accounted For is up and running. Full speed ahead. Check it out!!!

What's Next

OK, so I'm finally back. And I don't have the last section of the Packers thing but trust me it would have been good...something about a Nickleback pun...anyways about the Packers you've probably all heard about Brett Favre and all. Yeah that sucks for the team and all but I really think he left them in good shape. I could go on and on on this topic, but I'm sure you can find any opinion on it you want anywhere else online. However, this does not mean the blog is done. I am still going to post random sports crap (or genius posts). Because it's almost BASEBALL SEASON! And since we can no longer root for Favre, we can root for the next best thing, Geoff Jenkins! Oh, what's that? Jenkins is apparently no longer on the Brewers. OK then, we will have to root for the team as a whole, because the next best thing to rooting for America is rooting for a team named after BEER!! Speaking of baseball, I have invented a new baseball stat that is still in the works, but after this season if all goes well, it could be HUGE! So I made a new blog and I will post the runs accounted for(RAF) of EVERY GAME for the Brewers, and with the help of Joey D, hopefully the Tigers too!
I think that shall be the extent of this post, expect to see a bit more on the blog, and CHECK OUT RAF!!!