It's Opening Day for Major League Baseball with 6 games on the schedule. Now is the time to get on the record with my team and awards picks for the season. Side note, did you notice that ESPN had their "experts" make predictions this year for playoff teams, World Series winner, MVPs, CY Youngs, and ROY... they had 45 people make picks. They have 45 baseball experts? I thought they had Tim Kurkjian. Well 33 out of 45 said the Sox would win the World Series, so you got to figure they have no chance. Here are our official picks for 2011...
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
KEEFE:
MVP: Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox
Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Mariners
Rookie of the Year: Jake McGee, Rays
Manager: John Farrell, Blue Jays
BESSE:
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Tigers
Rookie of the Year: Jeremy Hellickson, Rays
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
KEEFE:
MVP: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
Cy Young: Cliff Lee, Phillies
Rookie of the Year: Craig Kimbrel, Braves
Manager: Fredi Gonzalez, Braves
BESSE:
MVP: Jason Heyward, Braves
Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
Rookie of the Year: Brandon Belt, Giants
POST SEASON:
KEEFE:
AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: Athletics
AL Wild Card: Yankees
BESSE:
AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Athletics
AL Wild Card: Yankees
KEEFE:
NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Brewers
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Braves
BESSE:
NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Giants
Wild Card: Braves
KEEFE:
ALCS: White Sox over Red Sox
NLCS: Phillies over Braves
World Series: Phillies over White Sox
BESSE:
ALCS: Athletics over Red Sox
NLCS: Giants over Phillies
World Series: Giants over A's in 7
It's always fun to check back on these in September to see just how off we were. Enjoy the picks and feel free to let us know who you got. By the way, you think Bess developed a West Coast basis? San Fran and Oakland WS? Gotta love it.
-Keefe & Besse
Showing posts with label Phillies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phillies. Show all posts
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Cliff Lee to Phillies; What about Halladay?
2008 A.L. Cy Young winner Cliff Lee has been sent to the Phillies along with OF Ben Francisco for 4 prospects not named J.A. Happ or Kyle Drabek. The defending champs did not want to give up their 2 best young arms, but still wanted to improve their team. They did, but Lee is not Halladay.
Could Halladay be coming to Boston? The recent rumor says Clay Buchholz, a choice of Justin Masterson, Michael Bowdoin, or Lars Anderson, as well as lesser prospects. Make this happen! If the Sox get Halladay they will see Manny Ramirez, Cliff Lee, or gulp Julio Lugo in the World Series.
Trade deadline on Friday 4pm. The Sports Brief will hit you with the winners and losers.
-Keefe
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 6 NFL picks
Was anyone else sickened by Tim McCarver and Joe Buck ranting about Manny Ramirez's turbelent end in Boston everytime he was relevant during last night's game? It was borderline ridiculous. In the first inning, he did something he's always done. Crushed a ball to the deepest part of the park and admired it along with everyone else in the stadium who thought that ball was way out of there. I can't blame the game for having it hit off a chain link fence that sits on top of the wall in dead center at the 409 mark. Sure, he trotted down the line, but he does that all the time. And he drove in the run with an RBI double. Could he have been on second? Sure, he might have made it. But McCarver and Buck just couldn't let it go. Then when he came up in the 5th, they made it a point to discuss how he gave up on Boston in the final weeks of July, opting out of games against Seattle and New York, going for the MRI on his knees, shoving the traveling secretary to the ground, etc. etc. etc. I don't know about them, but I heard about all of that stuff a few months ago when it happened. Two and a half months of major league baseball have expired since then, and what he's done for the Dodgers has been remarkable. Yet they're still caught up on that. Following McCarver's comments the other day about Ramirez's final days being "despicable" and a "disgrace", I couldn't help but feel he had an agenda going into that broadcast. And I thought his blatant efforts to continue the Manny bashing was an absolute disgrace in itself.
Did anyone else catch that episode of "The Office" last night? If so, you'll appreciate the following clip:
Onto this week's NFL games. Some interesting matchup as Week 6 proves to be critical for several teams across the league. The Chargers were pre-season Super Bowl favorites but have stumbled to a pedestrian 2-3 record. They host the Patriots in a game that seems more winnable now that Matt Cassel is the quarterback and not Tom Brady. But it will be intriguing to see how Bill Belicheck neutralizes the ground game with LT, especially seeing how Miami torched the Pats on the ground in Week 3. Meanwhile, the Colts struggling offense comes off a dramatic win over the lowly Texans and faces a defensive stalwart in the Ravens. And what are the odds we see Brady Quinn on Monday Night Football? Could the Giants improve to 6-0?
For Random Rob, it's darts galore once again. I couldn't find a quarter. Oh well. Once again let's go Mike Goldberg for the official introduction:
"And HERE...WE...GO!"
Besse's picks:
Last week: 11-3; 43-31
Bears -2.5 over Falcons
The Bears defense is tenacious, and I think Matt Ryan has one of those stumbling block weeks here. The Bears will contain Turner and Norwood and force Ryan to open things up. Look for Orton to have another steady game. This could very well be decided by a field goal, but nonetheless, Bears cover.
Panthers +2.5 over Bucs
I'm a big Panthers fan. This could be a real grinder of a game, but Jake Delhomme has a lot of weapons on offense now, and the Panthers run defense has been solid. Look for that to continue here.
Redskins -13.5 over Rams
This could potentially be a shootout. Clinton Portis should had a tremendous game and Jason Campbell throws for a pair of TD's. Rams will punch in a couple, but they'll get outworked in every phase of the game.
Texans -3.5 over Dolphins
Let's hope Matt Schaub protects the ball better than his backup did last week. I see a lot of gamblers overlooking the Texans this week and pushing Miami. Let's not forget, was it not for Rosenfels and his lack of awareness (I wonder what his rating is on Madden '09) the Texans would have had an impressive 27-17 win.
Ravens +4.5 over Colts
Colts win by a FG. McGahee and McClain could have career days on the ground, but I think the Colts manage to pull this out on a late FG by Adam Vinateri.
Vikings -13.5 over Lions
I'd like to see how St. Paul's fares against the Lions. They've only scored one TD in three ISL games this fall, but the Lions suck. Frerotte could be the top fantasy QB in Week 6. Yea that's right. Gus Frerotte.
Saints -7.5 over Raiders
I love the Saints and that offense. And I can't wait till Marques Colston gets back. In the meantime, as long as Henderson, Meachem and Moore can actually catch the balls that Brees throws to them, they should light up the Raiders.
Bengals +5.5 over Jets
I see this as an old fashioned, gun slinging shootout between Brett Favre and Carson Palmer. I think the Bengals get their first win this week in a minor upset.
Jaguars +3.5 over Broncos
Another high scoring affair that ends in close fashion. Both offenses should look impressive against each other's pedestrian defenses. I think the Jags keep it close.
Cardinals +5.5 over Cowboys
I actually believe Arizona could win this outright. And if Anquan Boldin is ready to play, that will affirm my belief even more. Cowboys are thin in the secondary and I think the Cardinals passing game will outduel that of Dallas. The best bet for the Boys is to run the ball and control the clock; keep Warner with his hat on for a while.
49ers +5.5 over Eagles
San Fran hosts another East Coast team this week, and I think they actually cover this time.
Packers +2.5 over Seahawks
Seattle's offense isn't there yet, and the Packers offense could duplicate that of the Giants in week 5.
Patriots -6.5 over Chargers
I just don't feel like rooting for the Chargers.
Browns +7.5 over Giants
Something tells me the Browns are going to hang tough in this one. I'm not calling an upset, but I think the Giants win by a score and fail to cover.
Keefe's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall 36-38
Falcons +2.5 over Bears
Michael Turner leads the league in rushing after the first 5 weeks. He has a tough match up but I like the surprise Falcons to roll.
Panthers +2.5 over Buccaneers
Sneaky good NFC battle in Tampa. I’ll take Steve Smith and the runningback tandem in Carolina, even though Jeff Garcia is a “winner.”
Redskins -13.5 over Rams
Rams are the worst team in football, Skins are playing like one of the best. Enough said.
Dolphins +3.5 over Texans
I think the Texans get their first W, but it will be by less than 4. Matt Schaub back in there after Sage literally gave away the game last Sunday.
Ravens +4.5 over Colts
Colts are down this year, Ravens D can overcome the offense… at least to cover.
Vikings -13.5 over Lions
Wait are the Rams the worst team, or the Lions? They both loss by 2 TDs.
Saints -7.5 over Raiders
Who’s coaching the raiders again? Saints get it figured out this week, Coleston and Shockey could be back.
Jets -5.5 over Bengals
Bengals remain winless, as the Jets keep pace in the suddenly ultra competitive AFC East.
Broncos -3.5 over Jaguars
I’ve been anti Jags all season, and maybe its reflected in my miserable picks the past couple weeks, but I’m going to keep it up.
Cardinals +5.5 over Cowboys
Will Pacman play? As of right now he will, but that could be a huge loss with Terrence Newman already sidelined against a great passing attack in Arizona.
Eagles -5.5 over 49ers
Philly is 2-3, they need this win, and they’ll get it.
Packers +2.5 over Seahawks
How are the Seahawks favored? I know they’re home, but come on. I’ll take the Pack.
Patriots -6.5 over Chargers
I’m not convinced the Patriots will win the game, but even if they don’t it will be pretty close thanks to a very banged up LT.
Giants -7.5 over Browns
And I thought the Browns would be in the playoff picture. They look bad, and may look even worse Monday Night against maybe the top team in the league.
Random Rob
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 44-30
Bears
Bucs
Rams
Dolphins
Colts
Lions
Raiders
Bengals
Broncos
Cardinals
Eagles
Packers
Pats
Browns
-Bess
Did anyone else catch that episode of "The Office" last night? If so, you'll appreciate the following clip:
Onto this week's NFL games. Some interesting matchup as Week 6 proves to be critical for several teams across the league. The Chargers were pre-season Super Bowl favorites but have stumbled to a pedestrian 2-3 record. They host the Patriots in a game that seems more winnable now that Matt Cassel is the quarterback and not Tom Brady. But it will be intriguing to see how Bill Belicheck neutralizes the ground game with LT, especially seeing how Miami torched the Pats on the ground in Week 3. Meanwhile, the Colts struggling offense comes off a dramatic win over the lowly Texans and faces a defensive stalwart in the Ravens. And what are the odds we see Brady Quinn on Monday Night Football? Could the Giants improve to 6-0?
For Random Rob, it's darts galore once again. I couldn't find a quarter. Oh well. Once again let's go Mike Goldberg for the official introduction:
"And HERE...WE...GO!"
Besse's picks:
Last week: 11-3; 43-31
Bears -2.5 over Falcons
The Bears defense is tenacious, and I think Matt Ryan has one of those stumbling block weeks here. The Bears will contain Turner and Norwood and force Ryan to open things up. Look for Orton to have another steady game. This could very well be decided by a field goal, but nonetheless, Bears cover.
Panthers +2.5 over Bucs
I'm a big Panthers fan. This could be a real grinder of a game, but Jake Delhomme has a lot of weapons on offense now, and the Panthers run defense has been solid. Look for that to continue here.
Redskins -13.5 over Rams
This could potentially be a shootout. Clinton Portis should had a tremendous game and Jason Campbell throws for a pair of TD's. Rams will punch in a couple, but they'll get outworked in every phase of the game.
Texans -3.5 over Dolphins
Let's hope Matt Schaub protects the ball better than his backup did last week. I see a lot of gamblers overlooking the Texans this week and pushing Miami. Let's not forget, was it not for Rosenfels and his lack of awareness (I wonder what his rating is on Madden '09) the Texans would have had an impressive 27-17 win.
Ravens +4.5 over Colts
Colts win by a FG. McGahee and McClain could have career days on the ground, but I think the Colts manage to pull this out on a late FG by Adam Vinateri.
Vikings -13.5 over Lions
I'd like to see how St. Paul's fares against the Lions. They've only scored one TD in three ISL games this fall, but the Lions suck. Frerotte could be the top fantasy QB in Week 6. Yea that's right. Gus Frerotte.
Saints -7.5 over Raiders
I love the Saints and that offense. And I can't wait till Marques Colston gets back. In the meantime, as long as Henderson, Meachem and Moore can actually catch the balls that Brees throws to them, they should light up the Raiders.
Bengals +5.5 over Jets
I see this as an old fashioned, gun slinging shootout between Brett Favre and Carson Palmer. I think the Bengals get their first win this week in a minor upset.
Jaguars +3.5 over Broncos
Another high scoring affair that ends in close fashion. Both offenses should look impressive against each other's pedestrian defenses. I think the Jags keep it close.
Cardinals +5.5 over Cowboys
I actually believe Arizona could win this outright. And if Anquan Boldin is ready to play, that will affirm my belief even more. Cowboys are thin in the secondary and I think the Cardinals passing game will outduel that of Dallas. The best bet for the Boys is to run the ball and control the clock; keep Warner with his hat on for a while.
49ers +5.5 over Eagles
San Fran hosts another East Coast team this week, and I think they actually cover this time.
Packers +2.5 over Seahawks
Seattle's offense isn't there yet, and the Packers offense could duplicate that of the Giants in week 5.
Patriots -6.5 over Chargers
I just don't feel like rooting for the Chargers.
Browns +7.5 over Giants
Something tells me the Browns are going to hang tough in this one. I'm not calling an upset, but I think the Giants win by a score and fail to cover.
Keefe's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall 36-38
Falcons +2.5 over Bears
Michael Turner leads the league in rushing after the first 5 weeks. He has a tough match up but I like the surprise Falcons to roll.
Panthers +2.5 over Buccaneers
Sneaky good NFC battle in Tampa. I’ll take Steve Smith and the runningback tandem in Carolina, even though Jeff Garcia is a “winner.”
Redskins -13.5 over Rams
Rams are the worst team in football, Skins are playing like one of the best. Enough said.
Dolphins +3.5 over Texans
I think the Texans get their first W, but it will be by less than 4. Matt Schaub back in there after Sage literally gave away the game last Sunday.
Ravens +4.5 over Colts
Colts are down this year, Ravens D can overcome the offense… at least to cover.
Vikings -13.5 over Lions
Wait are the Rams the worst team, or the Lions? They both loss by 2 TDs.
Saints -7.5 over Raiders
Who’s coaching the raiders again? Saints get it figured out this week, Coleston and Shockey could be back.
Jets -5.5 over Bengals
Bengals remain winless, as the Jets keep pace in the suddenly ultra competitive AFC East.
Broncos -3.5 over Jaguars
I’ve been anti Jags all season, and maybe its reflected in my miserable picks the past couple weeks, but I’m going to keep it up.
Cardinals +5.5 over Cowboys
Will Pacman play? As of right now he will, but that could be a huge loss with Terrence Newman already sidelined against a great passing attack in Arizona.
Eagles -5.5 over 49ers
Philly is 2-3, they need this win, and they’ll get it.
Packers +2.5 over Seahawks
How are the Seahawks favored? I know they’re home, but come on. I’ll take the Pack.
Patriots -6.5 over Chargers
I’m not convinced the Patriots will win the game, but even if they don’t it will be pretty close thanks to a very banged up LT.
Giants -7.5 over Browns
And I thought the Browns would be in the playoff picture. They look bad, and may look even worse Monday Night against maybe the top team in the league.
Random Rob
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 44-30
Bears
Bucs
Rams
Dolphins
Colts
Lions
Raiders
Bengals
Broncos
Cardinals
Eagles
Packers
Pats
Browns
-Bess
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