Ok so the four teams remaining in the MLB Postseason are the Giants, Phillies, Yankees, and Rangers.
First off let's take a look at how I did in my first round predictions:
YANKEES in 3 - Right on.
RAYS in 5 - False, but got the length correct
PHILLIES in 4 - I'm ok underestimating my own team.
GIANTS in 5 - Probably would have been right if Brooks Conrad doesn't make 3 errors.
On to the Championship series plural. First up, the junior circuit.
Yankees vs. Rangers
Stories all around. Cliff Lee faces the Yankees again. How will the Yankees rotation handle the Rangers tough lineup? Can the rest of the Rangers' rotation behind Lee step up? Will Mo avenge his 0-2 record against the Rangers? How will Jeff Franceour do in his first meaningful game in New York City?
The Yankees had many people that were question marks coming in to the Twins' series step up (Pettitte because of injuries, Berkman, Granderson, Marcus Thames) and they will most likely need them to do the same against the Rangers. The Rangers will need to win a game at home in order to win this series. If CJ Wilson and Colby Lewis pitch as well as tehy did in the regular season, I think the Rangers will take the series. Should be a very good series
Prediction - Yankees in 7
Giants vs. Phillies
The pitching in this series gives me chills. Halladay, Lincecum, Sanchez, Oswalt, Hamels, Cain... yum. It will most likely come down to which ever team's hitting will step up. The Phillies may have more potential to do that, but anything can happen in the playoffs.
This series will most likely come down to the fourth starters (Blanton, Bumgarner) in what will be a crucial game four. Also, Lidge and Wilson will be key, as Lidge has been good since the All-Star break, while Wilson is 0-2 against the Phillies (sound familiar?)
Prediction - Phillies in 6
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
I Made It
Made it through hell week #7 at Loyola. And this time... the end comes with my 22nd birthday celebration. Not really that excited I'm 22, but I do want to celebrate the end of a great year and hopefully the start of another great one.
So to all of you, cheers.
Now I'm going to listen to this with the volume up really loud. Peace.
So to all of you, cheers.
Now I'm going to listen to this with the volume up really loud. Peace.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Hell Week
This week is going to suck. Two exams, a paper (on a book I still have to get), another paper, a quiz, and 2 other assignments. Yuck. Thursday cannot come soon enough.
But, at least there was this...
Good luck to everyone.
But, at least there was this...
Good luck to everyone.
Monday, October 4, 2010
MLB 2010 Playoff Preview
Another fun baseball regular season has come and passed. And before too many more NL teams that didn't make the playoff fire their managers, let's take a look at what to expect in the postseason.
First up, the NL.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
The defending NL Champs look like a better team than in 09, basically because they have 3 aces opposed to 1 last year. Roy Halladay has been the horse that they thought they picked up and then some, as he will most likely receive his second Cy Young award. Roy Oswalt has a 1.75 ERA since coming from Houston. And perhaps most important is that Cole Hamels has pitched like his 2008 postseason self throughout May-September 2010. The offense meanwhile has been an enigma. There are times when they can put up crooked numbers in just about any innings, but there have also been games where they are a threat to get no-hit deep into ball games. Jayson Werth has had a big year stat-wise, but has often failed to hit with runners in scoring position. Jimmy Rollins has been injured for three different stints, including one for much of September. The Phils have the best record in the majors and are 45-15 since July 22.
VERDICT:
Another telling stat? Brad Lidge's ERA is 2.96, which is just slightly better than his 7.21 ERA of 2009. They will need him to pitch how he has this season in order to get back to the Fall Classic a third straight time
CINCINNATI REDS
Stat-wise the best offense in the NL and for good reason. Joey Votto is one of the favorites for the NL MVP. Scott Rolen and Johnny Gomes have provided power and RBIs. Orlando Cabrera has reached the postseason for the 6th straight year, and Brandon Phillips has adjusted nicely to hitting leadoff. The question mark for the Reds is their starting pitching. They don't really have a Halladay, Lincecum, Sabathia, Lee, or Price to depend on. That being said, Edinson Volquez has pitched nicely in his last 4 starts: (31 K, 8 BB, 6 ER, 0 HR in 27.2 IP). If he's back to his early-'08 form, watch out.
VERDICT:
Probably the team that no one is talking about in the NL and I think they like it that way. They have the dubious task of playing the Phillies in the first round short series, but if they steal one of the first 2 at Philly, there is no reason why they couldn't take the series.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Clinching on the last day of the season, the NL West champs are not to be taken lightly. Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez is one of the best threesomes in the playoffs, and the bullpen is stacked, led by closer Brian Wilson and his incredibly obnoxious facial hair (which again affirms my belief that, unless you are Mariano Rivera, you have to either be a douche or look like one to close baseball games. Brian Wilson may fulfill both quotas). The offense finally got the spark that it needed to win the division, and it gets its punch from Aubrey Huff, Pat Burrell, and Pablo Sandoval. The table is usually set nicely by Andres Torres and Freddy Sanchez. From top to bottom, the Giants figure to be a tough matchup for anyone.
VERDICT: I don't know how far they will go, but I do know that there will not be too many runs scored in their home park. And with their pitching, that doesn't bode well for visitors.
ATLANTA BRAVES
The wild card of the NL is one in every sense of the word. The Braves are in the postseason for the first time since 2005. It's Bobby Cox's last year, and he has done one of his finest jobs managing in a long time. They are not the healthiest team in the playoffs however, as they will need to rely on role players to fill in for players such as Chipper Jones, Kris Medlen, and 2010 team MVP - Martin Prado. Their rotation is anchored by Tim Hudson (who will pitch 2nd since he was needed on Sunday to make sure Atlanta got in), Derek Lowe, and Tommy Hanson. Atlanta's pitching, perhaps even more than Philadelphia's, has been victimized by random acts of offensive ineptitude, and if they don't get run support in the playoffs, it will be a short-lived postseason for the chop.
VERDICT:
The Bravos had a 7 game lead on July 22nd (fairly more games left to play than 17...) but had to settle for the wildcard spot. It shouldn't matter too much, since they rarely played for a crowd in their home games anyway.
AL
TAMPA BAY RAYS
The AL East Champs look even better than they did in 2008, at least pitching wise. David Price has stepped up into the ace role nicely, Wade Davis pitched way better than expected, and Matt Garza was one of eleventy six pitchers to throw a no-hitter in 2010. Evan Longoria is the focal point of the lineup, BJ Upton and Carl Crawford have tremendous speed in the outfield (the latter can also hit for power), Ben Zobrist has had a decent year proving that his 2009 year wasn't a fluke, and even people named Reid Brignac and Dan Johnson are winning games for them. Carlos Pena is having another down year, but will still feast on a mistake by a pitcher by hitting it either very far or very high off of an alcove on the roof.
VERDICT: The Rays have a legit closer too now in Rafael Soriano. They don't have that deer-in-the-headlights look to them like they did in 2008, and are one of the favorites to win the American League.
MINNESOTA TWINS
The Twins have won the division for the second straight year, but in order for their season to be a success they are going to need to do some winning in the postseason. They get a chance at redemption by facing the team that knocked them out last year in the first round. The Twins, like the Braves in the NL, are not the healthiest team in the playoffs, as they are without key men Justin Morneau and Kevin Slowey. And like the Reds, they don't really have that ace. Francisco Liriano gets the ball in game 1, and while he's had a great first half of the year (should have been an allstar), his last few starts have not been encouraging. Carl Pavano and Brian Duensing are likely to start games 2 and 3.
VERDICT: Joe Mauer is still one of the best players in the game, but he's going to need help from guys like Michael Cuddyer, Delmon Young, and Orlando Hudson who have all had good years to carry their performance into the postseason, which has been difficult for Twins' role players in recent years.
TEXAS RANGERS
The AL West champs seem to be built for the postseason, but they basically won the division by default. That being said, I don't think there's a team that wants to play the Rangers in the playoffs. Josh Hamilton is the front runner for the AL MVP, Michael Young and Elvis Andrus set the table nicely (it's good to see the former get into the postseason finally btw), Josh, Vlad, and Ian Kinsler pack the punch, and Bengie Molina has one of the best arms behind the plate (and is a threat to hit for the cycle apparently too). Their rotation is anchored by Cliff Lee, who had a tremendous 2009 postseason, and Colby Lewis and CJ Wilson have both been pleasant surprises as well.
VERDICT:
You have to like the Rangers chances given that they have an ace now in Cliff Lee. And who wouldn't want to have him? ... Oh, right.
NEW YORK YANKEES
The defending champions are this years' AL Wildcard, but that doesn't mean they are the underdogs. Robinson Cano, once considered an afterthought in the lineup, has been the Yankees most consistent hitter and is an AL MVP contender. Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira are always dangerous, as is Mr. October, Derek Jeter. Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada have each had plenty of clutch hits in the regular season, and the Yanks will need them to continue that in the postseason. The rotation is led by the big man, CC Sabathia. Andy Pettitte is returning from an injury, but if he pitches as he has throughout most of the season, the Yanks will have 2 aces. The big question may be who they pitch after Pettitte, as AJ Burnett has been a headache, Phil Hughes may be on an inning count, and Javier Vasquez has not pitched like he did in 2009. Mariano Rivera has had a shaky September, but you still have to have confidence in him in October.
VERDICT:
They aren't the 2009 Yankees, but they are still a threat to win it all. Players like Cano, CC, Swisher, and Brett Gardner have all had better 2010's than the year they won it all. Role players and/or new acquisitions such as Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, Kerry Wood, and whoever the third starter is could decide if the Bronx Bombers are celebrating in ... well, November, again.
OK, now let's get to some predictions.
PHILLIES - REDS
The Reds are a great story, but I think the Phillies' H2O and experience will be too much for them. PHILLIES in 4.
GIANTS - BRAVES
This may be the best division series. I think eventually the Giants will wear the Braves out, though it probably won't be pretty. GIANTS in 5.
RAYS - RANGERS
Another good divisional series. I could see this going either way, but I'm just going to go with my gut and say the Rays win it. RAYS in 5.
TWINS - YANKEES
The Twins have too many holes for the Yankees to not take advantage of them. The biggest question in this series will be which rapper will write this years' Yankees fight song. YANKEES in 3.
I'm not going to make my predictions for the rest of the postseason until the NLDS and ALDS are determined. But if you want an early prediction on what I think will happen, I think we will have a repeat of one of the past two World Series. That's all I'm saying for now.
First up, the NL.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
The defending NL Champs look like a better team than in 09, basically because they have 3 aces opposed to 1 last year. Roy Halladay has been the horse that they thought they picked up and then some, as he will most likely receive his second Cy Young award. Roy Oswalt has a 1.75 ERA since coming from Houston. And perhaps most important is that Cole Hamels has pitched like his 2008 postseason self throughout May-September 2010. The offense meanwhile has been an enigma. There are times when they can put up crooked numbers in just about any innings, but there have also been games where they are a threat to get no-hit deep into ball games. Jayson Werth has had a big year stat-wise, but has often failed to hit with runners in scoring position. Jimmy Rollins has been injured for three different stints, including one for much of September. The Phils have the best record in the majors and are 45-15 since July 22.
VERDICT:
Another telling stat? Brad Lidge's ERA is 2.96, which is just slightly better than his 7.21 ERA of 2009. They will need him to pitch how he has this season in order to get back to the Fall Classic a third straight time
CINCINNATI REDS
Stat-wise the best offense in the NL and for good reason. Joey Votto is one of the favorites for the NL MVP. Scott Rolen and Johnny Gomes have provided power and RBIs. Orlando Cabrera has reached the postseason for the 6th straight year, and Brandon Phillips has adjusted nicely to hitting leadoff. The question mark for the Reds is their starting pitching. They don't really have a Halladay, Lincecum, Sabathia, Lee, or Price to depend on. That being said, Edinson Volquez has pitched nicely in his last 4 starts: (31 K, 8 BB, 6 ER, 0 HR in 27.2 IP). If he's back to his early-'08 form, watch out.
VERDICT:
Probably the team that no one is talking about in the NL and I think they like it that way. They have the dubious task of playing the Phillies in the first round short series, but if they steal one of the first 2 at Philly, there is no reason why they couldn't take the series.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Clinching on the last day of the season, the NL West champs are not to be taken lightly. Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez is one of the best threesomes in the playoffs, and the bullpen is stacked, led by closer Brian Wilson and his incredibly obnoxious facial hair (which again affirms my belief that, unless you are Mariano Rivera, you have to either be a douche or look like one to close baseball games. Brian Wilson may fulfill both quotas). The offense finally got the spark that it needed to win the division, and it gets its punch from Aubrey Huff, Pat Burrell, and Pablo Sandoval. The table is usually set nicely by Andres Torres and Freddy Sanchez. From top to bottom, the Giants figure to be a tough matchup for anyone.
VERDICT: I don't know how far they will go, but I do know that there will not be too many runs scored in their home park. And with their pitching, that doesn't bode well for visitors.
ATLANTA BRAVES
The wild card of the NL is one in every sense of the word. The Braves are in the postseason for the first time since 2005. It's Bobby Cox's last year, and he has done one of his finest jobs managing in a long time. They are not the healthiest team in the playoffs however, as they will need to rely on role players to fill in for players such as Chipper Jones, Kris Medlen, and 2010 team MVP - Martin Prado. Their rotation is anchored by Tim Hudson (who will pitch 2nd since he was needed on Sunday to make sure Atlanta got in), Derek Lowe, and Tommy Hanson. Atlanta's pitching, perhaps even more than Philadelphia's, has been victimized by random acts of offensive ineptitude, and if they don't get run support in the playoffs, it will be a short-lived postseason for the chop.
VERDICT:
The Bravos had a 7 game lead on July 22nd (fairly more games left to play than 17...) but had to settle for the wildcard spot. It shouldn't matter too much, since they rarely played for a crowd in their home games anyway.
AL
TAMPA BAY RAYS
The AL East Champs look even better than they did in 2008, at least pitching wise. David Price has stepped up into the ace role nicely, Wade Davis pitched way better than expected, and Matt Garza was one of eleventy six pitchers to throw a no-hitter in 2010. Evan Longoria is the focal point of the lineup, BJ Upton and Carl Crawford have tremendous speed in the outfield (the latter can also hit for power), Ben Zobrist has had a decent year proving that his 2009 year wasn't a fluke, and even people named Reid Brignac and Dan Johnson are winning games for them. Carlos Pena is having another down year, but will still feast on a mistake by a pitcher by hitting it either very far or very high off of an alcove on the roof.
VERDICT: The Rays have a legit closer too now in Rafael Soriano. They don't have that deer-in-the-headlights look to them like they did in 2008, and are one of the favorites to win the American League.
MINNESOTA TWINS
The Twins have won the division for the second straight year, but in order for their season to be a success they are going to need to do some winning in the postseason. They get a chance at redemption by facing the team that knocked them out last year in the first round. The Twins, like the Braves in the NL, are not the healthiest team in the playoffs, as they are without key men Justin Morneau and Kevin Slowey. And like the Reds, they don't really have that ace. Francisco Liriano gets the ball in game 1, and while he's had a great first half of the year (should have been an allstar), his last few starts have not been encouraging. Carl Pavano and Brian Duensing are likely to start games 2 and 3.
VERDICT: Joe Mauer is still one of the best players in the game, but he's going to need help from guys like Michael Cuddyer, Delmon Young, and Orlando Hudson who have all had good years to carry their performance into the postseason, which has been difficult for Twins' role players in recent years.
TEXAS RANGERS
The AL West champs seem to be built for the postseason, but they basically won the division by default. That being said, I don't think there's a team that wants to play the Rangers in the playoffs. Josh Hamilton is the front runner for the AL MVP, Michael Young and Elvis Andrus set the table nicely (it's good to see the former get into the postseason finally btw), Josh, Vlad, and Ian Kinsler pack the punch, and Bengie Molina has one of the best arms behind the plate (and is a threat to hit for the cycle apparently too). Their rotation is anchored by Cliff Lee, who had a tremendous 2009 postseason, and Colby Lewis and CJ Wilson have both been pleasant surprises as well.
VERDICT:
You have to like the Rangers chances given that they have an ace now in Cliff Lee. And who wouldn't want to have him? ... Oh, right.
NEW YORK YANKEES
The defending champions are this years' AL Wildcard, but that doesn't mean they are the underdogs. Robinson Cano, once considered an afterthought in the lineup, has been the Yankees most consistent hitter and is an AL MVP contender. Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira are always dangerous, as is Mr. October, Derek Jeter. Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada have each had plenty of clutch hits in the regular season, and the Yanks will need them to continue that in the postseason. The rotation is led by the big man, CC Sabathia. Andy Pettitte is returning from an injury, but if he pitches as he has throughout most of the season, the Yanks will have 2 aces. The big question may be who they pitch after Pettitte, as AJ Burnett has been a headache, Phil Hughes may be on an inning count, and Javier Vasquez has not pitched like he did in 2009. Mariano Rivera has had a shaky September, but you still have to have confidence in him in October.
VERDICT:
They aren't the 2009 Yankees, but they are still a threat to win it all. Players like Cano, CC, Swisher, and Brett Gardner have all had better 2010's than the year they won it all. Role players and/or new acquisitions such as Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, Kerry Wood, and whoever the third starter is could decide if the Bronx Bombers are celebrating in ... well, November, again.
OK, now let's get to some predictions.
PHILLIES - REDS
The Reds are a great story, but I think the Phillies' H2O and experience will be too much for them. PHILLIES in 4.
GIANTS - BRAVES
This may be the best division series. I think eventually the Giants will wear the Braves out, though it probably won't be pretty. GIANTS in 5.
RAYS - RANGERS
Another good divisional series. I could see this going either way, but I'm just going to go with my gut and say the Rays win it. RAYS in 5.
TWINS - YANKEES
The Twins have too many holes for the Yankees to not take advantage of them. The biggest question in this series will be which rapper will write this years' Yankees fight song. YANKEES in 3.
I'm not going to make my predictions for the rest of the postseason until the NLDS and ALDS are determined. But if you want an early prediction on what I think will happen, I think we will have a repeat of one of the past two World Series. That's all I'm saying for now.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thoughts During the 12-4am Shift
Hello world. I was wondering if you wanted to hear a day in the life of a DA at a freshman dorm during the Wednesday turning into Thursday shift of midnight to 4am. What's that? You'd rather just go back to Twitter and tell your followers that you had the Venti Iced Coffee at Starbucks?? OK! Well I'll tell you anyway!
Here are some of the things I pondered while at the 2nd floor desk in Flannery O'C....I mean East.
Why is there a TV on but A. no one watching it and B. where neither DA can see it? And also, why was it on Jay Leno?
Why are there more people coming in the downstairs door? UPDATE: I figured this one out. It's closer to ask to get off at the library for freshmen if they went to York, than if they asked to get off at Butler. Oh Freshmen, you are learning so fast. Soon you'll learn that there was absolutely no point in taking that FE100 and that it's just about pointless to pick up a package right after you get out of class.
Why does this one kid always come back by himself and talk to me? And he talks to me about the strangest things. Like first he tells me how crazy Reefers or York Road was (I really don't need to hear this) and how the Phillies will win the World Series this year (I REALLY don't need to hear this).
I must see Arthur at least 5 times a shift.
I can hear the downstairs DA way better than they can hear me. I know this because he asked me what I wanted to listen to, to which I responded "Um, I'm listening to music up here." Idiot freshmen DAs.
Why are there so many chairs and benches in this foyer? It's not like there's anything of interest on this floor...besides me.
Why did a Cowboys offensive lineman just follow me on Twitter? I'm dead serious. He actually did. Check it out: http://twitter.com/adamr14. also, FOLLOW ME for XXX fun!!
I'm doing this theology homework by using the Bible online instead of using the Bible that I brought. And thus, there is a Bible (still wrapped in plastic) sitting on the desk next to me as people come in inebriated. Good times.
There are so many cameras around here. I really hope the DC doesn't watch me either because I did some pretty not so subtle butt-scratches when no one was here.
I wonder if I could just throw something over the ledge and freak the sh*t out of the DA below me. Not worth it. If I really wanted to I could call him up from the stairwell and whisper "seven dayssssss" and then just casually walk back to my desk.
Here are some of the things I pondered while at the 2nd floor desk in Flannery O'C....I mean East.
Why is there a TV on but A. no one watching it and B. where neither DA can see it? And also, why was it on Jay Leno?
Why are there more people coming in the downstairs door? UPDATE: I figured this one out. It's closer to ask to get off at the library for freshmen if they went to York, than if they asked to get off at Butler. Oh Freshmen, you are learning so fast. Soon you'll learn that there was absolutely no point in taking that FE100 and that it's just about pointless to pick up a package right after you get out of class.
Why does this one kid always come back by himself and talk to me? And he talks to me about the strangest things. Like first he tells me how crazy Reefers or York Road was (I really don't need to hear this) and how the Phillies will win the World Series this year (I REALLY don't need to hear this).
I must see Arthur at least 5 times a shift.
I can hear the downstairs DA way better than they can hear me. I know this because he asked me what I wanted to listen to, to which I responded "Um, I'm listening to music up here." Idiot freshmen DAs.
Why are there so many chairs and benches in this foyer? It's not like there's anything of interest on this floor...besides me.
Why did a Cowboys offensive lineman just follow me on Twitter? I'm dead serious. He actually did. Check it out: http://twitter.com/adamr14. also, FOLLOW ME for XXX fun!!
I'm doing this theology homework by using the Bible online instead of using the Bible that I brought. And thus, there is a Bible (still wrapped in plastic) sitting on the desk next to me as people come in inebriated. Good times.
There are so many cameras around here. I really hope the DC doesn't watch me either because I did some pretty not so subtle butt-scratches when no one was here.
I wonder if I could just throw something over the ledge and freak the sh*t out of the DA below me. Not worth it. If I really wanted to I could call him up from the stairwell and whisper "seven dayssssss" and then just casually walk back to my desk.
Friday, September 10, 2010
NFL Preview
The National Football League has kicked off last night. I'm so excited. Finally a sport where I don't get lumped in with stereotypes about Philly fans. Let's make some more predictions that will go horribly wrong, shall we?
NFC EAST
1. Cowboys - They obviously feel like Miles Austin's year last year was not a fluke, as they paid him $50 million. If they can get that same productivity, as well as production from Felix Jones and Marion Barber, the offense will be easy for Tony Romo to manage. Record: 11-5
2. Redskins - I really don't like the rest of the NFC East at all this year. Like, if I hear that this is the best division in football when the second best team finishes 8-8 I'm going to flip. Anyway, the Skins shouldn't be too bad, as McNabb is still one of the 10 best QBs in the league. Switching to a 3-4 might be tough to get used to, and there will be games that their alone defense loses. Record: 8-8
3. Giants - I don't really think their offense will be that good this year, while their run defense is still suspect. That being said their passing defense is still one of the best in the league, and if they get early leads they will feast on opportunistic QBs. Record: 8-8
4. Eagles - I'm not sold on Kevin Kolb. They won't say it back home, but from an outside perspective I can't see how it's not a rebuilding year for the E-A-G-L-E-S eagles. Record: 7-9
AFC EAST
1. Jets - They took their time, but finally got their man signed. They also signed numerous big named free agents such as Antonio Cromartie, Jason Taylor, and Santonio Holmes. Their D is top notch, but their season will go as far as Mark Sanchez can take them. Record: 11-5
2. Patriots - New England has a young secondary which is their biggest weakness, but their biggest strength (#12) should probably make up for it most of the time. Record: 10-6
3. Dolphins - The wild cat is the wild card in this division. Bringing in F My Blog favorite/headache Brandon Marshall will make it easier on up-and-coming QB Chad Henne. Record: 8-8
4. Bills - please. Record 4-12
NFC SOUTH
1. Saints - A lot of experts are picking the Falcons to take the division and put the defending champs in the wild card. Not me. Record: 11-5
2. Falcons - So much of their season will live and die on the performance of QB Matt Ryan and his key receivers Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez. Even though they didn't make the playoffs, last season, the Falcons could boast producing consecutive winnings seasons for the first time in franchise history. Record: 10-6
3. Panthers - Thankfully for the Panthers they can pound the ball on the ground led by DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Defensively they shed Julius Peppers so the D-line could be problematic. Same goes for their season. Record: 6-10
4. Buccaneers - Offensively the Bucs are challenged as they don't have much of a running game -- and who knows how quickly young quarterback Josh Freeman will grow or if he even will? Last season they averaged just 15 points a game. Record: 4-12
AFC SOUTH
1. Colts - Peyton Manning is still the best QB in the game. Record: 10-6
2. Titans - Vince Young had a rebirth last year and hopes to find the same kind of success for the full 2010 season. Record: 10-6
3. Texans - Really, shouldn't the Texans have had that breakout season that everyone seems to predict by now? Record: 9-7
4. Jaguars - It should be a painful year to watch for the hundreds of Jaguars fans. Record: 5-11
NFC North
1. Packers - Rodgers has matured into a fine talent and with receivers such as Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and third-year tight end Jermichael Finley, he has plenty of surehanded receivers. Record: 12-4
2. Vikings - He's back. Is anyone surprised? Record: 9-7
3. Bears - Record: 8-8
4. Lions - The Lions will once again be lousy in 2010 even though they reached rock bottom two years ago and are making a slow climb back to mediocrity. On the plus side they have a young talent in QB Matthew Stafford and a terrific wide receiver in Calvin Johnson. Record: 3-13
AFC North
1. Ravens - My now-hometown team looks better than ever. Maybe even better than 2000. Record: 12-4
2. Bengals - Maybe it's because I'm a sucker, but I'm buying the hype. Record: 11-5
3. Steelers - BigBen might not even start? yikes. Record: 6-10
4. Browns - Sigh. Record: 3-13
NFC West
1. 49ers - Alex Smith is showing signs that he's a legitimate starting quarterback and they sport a terrific running back in Frank Gore. The passing game has got to succeed to lessen Gore's load. Record: 8-8
2. Cardinals - This one's easy -- no Kurt Warner, no Anquan Boldin, no playoffs. Record: 7-9
3. Seahawks - Pete Carroll's back in the NFL. Enuff said. Record: 6-10
4. Rams - Sam Bradford should bring some excitement back to the franchise which not so long ago was billed as the Greatest Show on Turf. They may not be the greatest this season but they will be improved. Record: 6-10
AFC West
1. Chargers - The division you've been waiting for. I think SD won't dominate the regular season like they normally do, but they should easily coast to another division title. Record: 10-6
2. Broncos - TIM TEBOW IZ THE FUTURE!! Honestly, I think we should be good on offense and if we get any prodcution from our defense we could finally have that elusive winning record. Record: 9-7
3. Chiefs - They have young talent but I think they are just one year away from being relavent... and as their luck would have it, there may not be a next year. Record: 7-9
4. Raiders - Many predicting them to finish 2nd, but these people are forgetting that they are the Raiders.
NFC EAST
1. Cowboys - They obviously feel like Miles Austin's year last year was not a fluke, as they paid him $50 million. If they can get that same productivity, as well as production from Felix Jones and Marion Barber, the offense will be easy for Tony Romo to manage. Record: 11-5
2. Redskins - I really don't like the rest of the NFC East at all this year. Like, if I hear that this is the best division in football when the second best team finishes 8-8 I'm going to flip. Anyway, the Skins shouldn't be too bad, as McNabb is still one of the 10 best QBs in the league. Switching to a 3-4 might be tough to get used to, and there will be games that their alone defense loses. Record: 8-8
3. Giants - I don't really think their offense will be that good this year, while their run defense is still suspect. That being said their passing defense is still one of the best in the league, and if they get early leads they will feast on opportunistic QBs. Record: 8-8
4. Eagles - I'm not sold on Kevin Kolb. They won't say it back home, but from an outside perspective I can't see how it's not a rebuilding year for the E-A-G-L-E-S eagles. Record: 7-9
AFC EAST
1. Jets - They took their time, but finally got their man signed. They also signed numerous big named free agents such as Antonio Cromartie, Jason Taylor, and Santonio Holmes. Their D is top notch, but their season will go as far as Mark Sanchez can take them. Record: 11-5
2. Patriots - New England has a young secondary which is their biggest weakness, but their biggest strength (#12) should probably make up for it most of the time. Record: 10-6
3. Dolphins - The wild cat is the wild card in this division. Bringing in F My Blog favorite/headache Brandon Marshall will make it easier on up-and-coming QB Chad Henne. Record: 8-8
4. Bills - please. Record 4-12
NFC SOUTH
1. Saints - A lot of experts are picking the Falcons to take the division and put the defending champs in the wild card. Not me. Record: 11-5
2. Falcons - So much of their season will live and die on the performance of QB Matt Ryan and his key receivers Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez. Even though they didn't make the playoffs, last season, the Falcons could boast producing consecutive winnings seasons for the first time in franchise history. Record: 10-6
3. Panthers - Thankfully for the Panthers they can pound the ball on the ground led by DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Defensively they shed Julius Peppers so the D-line could be problematic. Same goes for their season. Record: 6-10
4. Buccaneers - Offensively the Bucs are challenged as they don't have much of a running game -- and who knows how quickly young quarterback Josh Freeman will grow or if he even will? Last season they averaged just 15 points a game. Record: 4-12
AFC SOUTH
1. Colts - Peyton Manning is still the best QB in the game. Record: 10-6
2. Titans - Vince Young had a rebirth last year and hopes to find the same kind of success for the full 2010 season. Record: 10-6
3. Texans - Really, shouldn't the Texans have had that breakout season that everyone seems to predict by now? Record: 9-7
4. Jaguars - It should be a painful year to watch for the hundreds of Jaguars fans. Record: 5-11
NFC North
1. Packers - Rodgers has matured into a fine talent and with receivers such as Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and third-year tight end Jermichael Finley, he has plenty of surehanded receivers. Record: 12-4
2. Vikings - He's back. Is anyone surprised? Record: 9-7
3. Bears - Record: 8-8
4. Lions - The Lions will once again be lousy in 2010 even though they reached rock bottom two years ago and are making a slow climb back to mediocrity. On the plus side they have a young talent in QB Matthew Stafford and a terrific wide receiver in Calvin Johnson. Record: 3-13
AFC North
1. Ravens - My now-hometown team looks better than ever. Maybe even better than 2000. Record: 12-4
2. Bengals - Maybe it's because I'm a sucker, but I'm buying the hype. Record: 11-5
3. Steelers - BigBen might not even start? yikes. Record: 6-10
4. Browns - Sigh. Record: 3-13
NFC West
1. 49ers - Alex Smith is showing signs that he's a legitimate starting quarterback and they sport a terrific running back in Frank Gore. The passing game has got to succeed to lessen Gore's load. Record: 8-8
2. Cardinals - This one's easy -- no Kurt Warner, no Anquan Boldin, no playoffs. Record: 7-9
3. Seahawks - Pete Carroll's back in the NFL. Enuff said. Record: 6-10
4. Rams - Sam Bradford should bring some excitement back to the franchise which not so long ago was billed as the Greatest Show on Turf. They may not be the greatest this season but they will be improved. Record: 6-10
AFC West
1. Chargers - The division you've been waiting for. I think SD won't dominate the regular season like they normally do, but they should easily coast to another division title. Record: 10-6
2. Broncos - TIM TEBOW IZ THE FUTURE!! Honestly, I think we should be good on offense and if we get any prodcution from our defense we could finally have that elusive winning record. Record: 9-7
3. Chiefs - They have young talent but I think they are just one year away from being relavent... and as their luck would have it, there may not be a next year. Record: 7-9
4. Raiders - Many predicting them to finish 2nd, but these people are forgetting that they are the Raiders.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
1 - RADIOHEAD
First off, I want to say thank you to all of you who kept up with my blog during this countdown, whether daily (which would be more than me) or every now and then. It's been great sharing my interests with you all and here's hoping that something along the way caught your interest and you can now appreciate it for the hard work that the people behind it put into it. There are probably 100 more bands that deserve my and your ears here's hoping we find them.
Second, do not worry. After this is over, my blog will return to the trademark wit and creativity that it's known for... or something like that.
I wanna live, breathe
At long last we have finally reached the end. And what an end we've reached. The acquired taste of alternative rock, the prime rib of the music steakhouse, my favorite band, Radiohead is at number one.
I'm not going to lie, there are plenty of times I wonder if Radiohead is really my favorite band. I mean Pearl Jam puts on amazing shows, changes their setlist a bagillion times, and the frontman buys beer for fans. Tool writes songs in 9.5/8 time signature and has a song that has words' syllables in the Fibonacci sequence. Incubus was the first concert I've ever been to and produced the sounds of my middle school. And Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse has a lyric in just about every song he writes that makes you think, re-think, double think and then grin because you think you understand...until you hear it a second time.
And I think for a moment of telling myself I have a new favorite band. But there's really only one thing I need to do to reinforce my favorite band. And that is listen to Radiohead's OK Computer on my bed with headphones. This will always be my favorite album, and listening to it from start to finish is one of the greatest joys I think a person can achieve solely through music. Their other albums (Pablo Honey excluded, still above average) are all also great musical achievments.
Wiki - Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, beats), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboard, other instruments), Ed O'Brien (guitar, backing vocals), Colin Greenwood (bass guitar, synthesisers) and Phil Selway (drums, percussion).
Radiohead released their first single, "Creep", in 1992. The song was initially unsuccessful, but it became a worldwide hit several months after the release of their debut album, Pablo Honey (1993). Radiohead's popularity rose in the United Kingdom with the release of their second album, The Bends (1995). Radiohead's third album, OK Computer (1997), propelled them to greater international fame. Featuring an expansive sound and themes of modern alienation, OK Computer has often been acclaimed as a landmark record of the 1990s.
Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) marked an evolution in Radiohead's musical style, as the group incorporated experimental electronic music, Krautrock, post-punk and jazz influences. Hail to the Thief (2003), a mix of guitar-driven rock, electronics and lyrics inspired by war, was the band's final album for their major record label, EMI. The band's first six albums, released via EMI, had sold more than twenty-five million copies by 2007. Radiohead independently released their seventh album, In Rainbows (2007), originally as a digital download for which customers could set their own price, and later in physical form to critical and chart success.
Radiohead's work has appeared in a large number of listener polls and critics' lists. In 2005, Radiohead were ranked number 73 in Rolling Stone's list of "The Greatest Artists of All Time". Radiohead's live shows have also received acclaim. In 2004, Q readers voted the band's headlining performance at the 1997 Glastonbury Festival as the greatest British gig of all time, and in 2008, the band were ranked 14th in Classic Rock's "50 Best Live Acts of All Time". While the band's earlier albums were influential on British rock and pop music, musicians in a wide variety of genres have been influenced by their later work.
Discography -
1993: Pablo Honey
1995: The Bends^
1997: OK Computer*^
2000: Kid A
2001: Amnesiac
2003: Hail to the Thief
2007: In Rainbows
*-best album
^-top 10 fave albums
top 25 Radiohead songs
25 - Just
24 - Everything In Its Right Place
23 - Lucky
22 - Talk Show Host
21 - There, There
20 - 15 Step
19 - True Love Waits
18 - Electioneering
17 - How to Disappear Completely
16 - Idioteque
15 - No Surprises
14 - Jigsaw Falling Into Place
13 - Anyone Can Play Guitar
12 - High And Dry
11 - You And Whose Army?
10 - Karma Police
9 - Optimistic
8 - Go To Sleep
7 - The National Anthem
6 - Fake Plastic Trees
5 - Airbag
4 - Let Down
3 - Paranoid Android
2 - My Iron Lung
1 - Subterranean Homesick Alien
Radiohead - Street Spirit (Fade Out)
Uploaded by camiloandrex. - See the latest featured music videos.
Radiohead - Karma Police
Uploaded by donhubert. - Watch more music videos, in HD!
That's it folks.
Second, do not worry. After this is over, my blog will return to the trademark wit and creativity that it's known for... or something like that.
I wanna live, breathe
I wanna be part of the human race
At long last we have finally reached the end. And what an end we've reached. The acquired taste of alternative rock, the prime rib of the music steakhouse, my favorite band, Radiohead is at number one.
I'm not going to lie, there are plenty of times I wonder if Radiohead is really my favorite band. I mean Pearl Jam puts on amazing shows, changes their setlist a bagillion times, and the frontman buys beer for fans. Tool writes songs in 9.5/8 time signature and has a song that has words' syllables in the Fibonacci sequence. Incubus was the first concert I've ever been to and produced the sounds of my middle school. And Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse has a lyric in just about every song he writes that makes you think, re-think, double think and then grin because you think you understand...until you hear it a second time.
And I think for a moment of telling myself I have a new favorite band. But there's really only one thing I need to do to reinforce my favorite band. And that is listen to Radiohead's OK Computer on my bed with headphones. This will always be my favorite album, and listening to it from start to finish is one of the greatest joys I think a person can achieve solely through music. Their other albums (Pablo Honey excluded, still above average) are all also great musical achievments.
Wiki - Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, beats), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboard, other instruments), Ed O'Brien (guitar, backing vocals), Colin Greenwood (bass guitar, synthesisers) and Phil Selway (drums, percussion).
Radiohead released their first single, "Creep", in 1992. The song was initially unsuccessful, but it became a worldwide hit several months after the release of their debut album, Pablo Honey (1993). Radiohead's popularity rose in the United Kingdom with the release of their second album, The Bends (1995). Radiohead's third album, OK Computer (1997), propelled them to greater international fame. Featuring an expansive sound and themes of modern alienation, OK Computer has often been acclaimed as a landmark record of the 1990s.
Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) marked an evolution in Radiohead's musical style, as the group incorporated experimental electronic music, Krautrock, post-punk and jazz influences. Hail to the Thief (2003), a mix of guitar-driven rock, electronics and lyrics inspired by war, was the band's final album for their major record label, EMI. The band's first six albums, released via EMI, had sold more than twenty-five million copies by 2007. Radiohead independently released their seventh album, In Rainbows (2007), originally as a digital download for which customers could set their own price, and later in physical form to critical and chart success.
Radiohead's work has appeared in a large number of listener polls and critics' lists. In 2005, Radiohead were ranked number 73 in Rolling Stone's list of "The Greatest Artists of All Time". Radiohead's live shows have also received acclaim. In 2004, Q readers voted the band's headlining performance at the 1997 Glastonbury Festival as the greatest British gig of all time, and in 2008, the band were ranked 14th in Classic Rock's "50 Best Live Acts of All Time". While the band's earlier albums were influential on British rock and pop music, musicians in a wide variety of genres have been influenced by their later work.
Discography -
1993: Pablo Honey
1995: The Bends^
1997: OK Computer*^
2000: Kid A
2001: Amnesiac
2003: Hail to the Thief
2007: In Rainbows
*-best album
^-top 10 fave albums
top 25 Radiohead songs
25 - Just
24 - Everything In Its Right Place
23 - Lucky
22 - Talk Show Host
21 - There, There
20 - 15 Step
19 - True Love Waits
18 - Electioneering
17 - How to Disappear Completely
16 - Idioteque
15 - No Surprises
14 - Jigsaw Falling Into Place
13 - Anyone Can Play Guitar
12 - High And Dry
11 - You And Whose Army?
10 - Karma Police
9 - Optimistic
8 - Go To Sleep
7 - The National Anthem
6 - Fake Plastic Trees
5 - Airbag
4 - Let Down
3 - Paranoid Android
2 - My Iron Lung
1 - Subterranean Homesick Alien
Radiohead - Street Spirit (Fade Out)
Uploaded by camiloandrex. - See the latest featured music videos.
Radiohead - Karma Police
Uploaded by donhubert. - Watch more music videos, in HD!
That's it folks.
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