Keefe on "Football Fix"

Tom Brady Recruiting Kevin Durant for the Celtics is the Best

If Durant signs with the Celtics we can officially put to rest the Brady-Montana debate.

— Rich Keefe (@Keefe21) July 2, 2016

Threat Level By Patriot Offensive Player

Patriots are dropping like flies.  Every week a different player is hurt.  It's a bit much.  So here is the official PATRIOT OFFENSE THREAT LEVEL SCALE.  You should freak out accordingly.

RED - SEVERE

• QB TOM BRADY
• TE ROB GRONKOWSKI

ORANGE - HIGH

• WR JULIAN EDELMAN
• RB DION LEWIS

YELLOW - ELEVATED

• LT NATE SOLDER
• RT SEBASTIAN VOLLMER
• WR DANNY AMENDOLA 

BLUE - GUARDED

• WR BRANDON LAFELL
• RB LEGARRETTE BLOUNT

GREEN - LOW

• OL BRYAN STORK
• OL MARCUS CANNON
• OL DAVID ANDREW
• OL SHAQ MASON
• OL TRE JACKSON
• TE SCOTT CHANDLER
• TE MIKE WILLIAMS
• TE ASANTE CLEVELAND
• WR KESHAWN MARTIN
• WR AARON DOBSON
• RB JAMES WHITE
• RB BRANDON BOLDEN

Tom Brady in MVP Seasons Thru 6 Games

2007: MVP
Team Record: 6-0, 1,771 yards, 21 TDs, 2 INTs

2010: MVP
Team Record: 5-1, 1,362 yards, 11 TDs, 4 INTs (did not throw another INT rest of season)

2015: (?)
Team Record: 6-0, 2,054 yards, 16 TDs, 1 INT

Tom Brady TD Facts

Tom Brady has thrown 401 career touchdowns, ranking him 4th on the All-Time list (trailing Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Dan Marion.)  He will likely pass Marino (420) this year and then perhaps Favre/Manning later on (both are 500+).

Here are some fun facts about all of Brady's TD passes...

1st - Terry Glenn, 2001

100th - Daniel Graham, 2005

200th - Chris Baker, 2009

300th - Rob Gronkowski, 2012

400th - Danny Amendola, 2015

Most by Receiver:
1. 57 - Rob Gronkowski
2. 39 - Randy Moss
3. 34 - Wes Welker
4. 24 - Deion Branch
5. 18 - Aaron Hernandez

Most by Opponent:
1. Bills - 61
2. Dolphins - 45
3. Jets - 36
4. Colts - 26
5. Steelers - 22

By Quarter:
1st - 80
2nd - 133
3rd - 91
4th - 96
OT - 1

Road - 205
Home - 196

Day of the Week:
Sunday - 325
Monday - 43
Thursday - 20
Saturday - 13

South Park Sums Up DeflateGate

Roger Goodell Reveals "Independent" Arbitrator

Unreal. Tom Brady's appeal (for his 4 game suspension) will now be heard by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. This guy is a piece of work. Deflategate won't die.

Keefer Madness: InflateGate

Well we all know about Ted Wells and his DeflateGate findings.  243 pages of PSIs, text messages, and flat footballs.  But did you know about "InflateGate?"  Probably not.  This one has flown very much under the radar.

Check out the whole story here, including found text messages, in Keefer Madness.

Weekend Picks

Patriots (-6.5)

Seahawks (-7.5)

UNDER 54 in Pats-Colts

OVER 2.5 rushing yards for Tom Brady

The Brief's NFL Mid-Season Awards

MVP: QB Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Offensive Player: RB DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

Defensive Player: DE J.J. Watt, Houston Texans

Coach: Bruce Arians, Arizona Cardinals

O-Rookie: WR Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers

D-Rookie: LB C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens

----------
Fantasy Busts:
RB Adrian Peterson - child beating
WR Calvin Johnson - injury
RB Doug Martin - just sucks

Fantasy Scoring Leaders:
QB:
1. Andrew Luck
2. Peyton Manning
3. Ben Rapelisburger

RB:
1. DeMarco Murray
2. Arian Foster
3. Matt Forte

WR:
1. Antonio Brown
2. Demaryius Thomas
3. Jeremy Maclin

TE:
1. Rob Gronkowski
2. Antonio Gates
3. Julius Thomas

D/ST:
1. Dolphins
2. Eagles
3. Patriots

Tom Brady's Pre NFL Resume Is Strong, To Quite Strong

Very impressive.  And he didn't even include a head shot!  That might have been too much.  

That's a FULL resume for a dude right out of college.  Mine was full of big words that essentially said I did nothing on my internship and I worked in a factory for two summers. But then again Tom and I don't really have much in common. 

Top 32 Fantasy Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, Broncos
2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
3. Drew Brees, Saints
4. Andrew Luck, Colts
5. Matthew Stafford, Lions
6. Matt Ryan, Falcons
7. Nick Foles, Eagles
8. Cam Newton, Panthers
9. Tony Romo, Cowboys
10. Tom Brady, Patriots
11. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
12. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
13. Robert Griffin III, Redskins
14. Jay Cutler, Bears
15. Philip Rivers, Chargers
16. Andy Dalton, Bengals
17. Carson Palmer, Cardinals
18. Ben Roesthlisberger, Steelers
19. Josh McCown, Buccaneers
20. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins
21. Alex Smith, Chiefs
22. E.J. Manuel, Bills
23. Eli Manning, Giants
24. Joe Flacco, Ravens
25. Johnny Manziel, Browns
26. Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings
27. Sam Bradford, Rams
28. Matt Schaub, Raiders
29. Michael Vick, Jets
30. Chad Henne, Jaguars
31. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Texans
32. Jake Locker, Titans

Manning is still the top guy, Rodgers and maybe Brees will go in 1st round or early 2nds.  After that there is a gap to me.  I'd wait awhile.  QBs ranked 4-13 may not be separated by all that much.

The health of Tom Brady's weapons scare me.  The health of Robert Griffin III himself, scares me.  Cam Newton doesn't have any weapons.  Nick Foles will throw more INTs this year, but how many more?  

Manziel and Bridgewater are the only rookies on the Top 32 as we stand right now mid-August.  They should start Week 1 but we have to wait and see.  Little value in normal leagues, but dynasties or those stupid 2-QB leagues they could be drafted.  

I'll have RB - WR - TE - Sleepers - Rookies throughout the month.  

The Sports Hub Fantasy Football Show starts on Sunday, August 24th (8:00-10:00am), and will run every Sunday throughout the regular season.  

Jaworski Swears on MNF

Ron Jaworski lets a cuss word go during last night's Patriots-Dolphins game. Come on, we're not at a bar Jaws, clean it up.



He later apologized for the profanity, but if you missed it you were probably just wondering what the hell he said.

On another note, Tom Brady threw for 517 fuckin' yards.

2011 QB Rankings

With Eli Manning recently saying he is in the same class as the reigning MVP and 3-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, I thought it would be appropriate to rank all of the quarterbacks who figure to see some snaps this year.

“They Only Play Because Every Team Needs One”
• Jimmy Clausen
• Bruce Gradkowski
• Tavaris Jackson
• Matt Moore
• Jason Campbell
• John Beck
• Derek Anderson
• Alex Smith
• Rex Grossman

“Rookies We Should At Least Give A Chance”
• Cam Newton
• Jake Locker
• Andy Dalton
• Blaine Gabbert
• Christian Ponder
• Colin Kaepernick
• Tim Tebow (2nd year)

“Best Days Are Behind Them”
• Donovan McNabb
• Matt Hasselbeck

“Is Crap The Right Word?...”
• Chad Henne
• Vince Young
• Ryan Fitzpatrick
• David Garrard
• Mark Sanchez

“They’ll Give You A Chance”
• Matt Cassel
• Kevin Kolb
• Kyle Orton
• Jay Cutler

“Promising Stars Of The Future”
• Sam Bradford
• Matthew Stafford

“Not As Good As You Might Think/ Flirting With Top 10”
• Eli Manning
• Tony Romo
• Matt Schaub
• Joe Flacco

“Can He Do It Again?
• Josh Freeman

“Knocking On The Penthouse”
• Michael Vick
• Ben Roethlisberger
• Matt Ryan

“The Penthouse, Fab 5”
• Tom Brady
• Peyton Manning
• Aaron Rodgers
• Drew Brees
• Philip Rivers

Ochocinco Lands In Heaven (Foxboro)

Chad Ochocinco (formerally the pro bowler known as Chad Johnson) is now a member of the New England Patriots. He referred to the move as "landing in Heavan," and he has been making constant references to his "angel wings." That's fine. I'm just happy to have a great receiver joining the Pats. Is this guy the same player that he was from 2002-07 when he was one of the most productive in football? No, he's not. He's 33, but still damn good, and now he will catch passes from the best QB in the game. I'm pumped. Do I draft #85 way to early in fantasy this year? Yes I do, but how is that different than any other year?

He practiced with the team today and spoke to the media afterwards. Any thought that he may not buy in to the Pats blandness was quickly thrown out the window. He is going to be quiet this year, saying he probably won't speak to the media much, and he's all about the Patriot Way.




-Keefe

Keefe Presents: Top 10 Quarterbacks

You always hear on TV and radio shows about, "this guy is a Top 10 receiver, oh he's a Top 5 corner, or they got a Top 10 quarterback." This type of hyperbole is tossed around all the time. But do the people who say it actually have a Top 5, Top 10, or Top 32 list on hand, where are they pulling this stuff from? More often then not they're just like Dick Vitale who will name like 9 teams he says will make the Final 4.

Well look no further. In what will be titled "Keefe Presents: Top 10 (NFL Position)" I'll map out the Top 10 players at each position in the league. These are NOT fantasy rankings, you wouldn't need me to do that. It's also not the 10 guys you would want to build a franchise with, it is simply the 10 best players at each position right now. Today begins with Quarterbacks.

1. Tom Brady, Patriots
2. Peyton Manning, Colts
3. Drew Brees, Saints
4. Philip Rivers, Chargers
5. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
6. Michael Vick, Eagles
7. Matt Ryan, Falcons
8. Ben Roesthlisberger*, Steelers
9. Matt Schaub, Texans
10. Josh Freeman, Buccaneers

*Accused Rapist

These lists have already proved that they will be harder to fill out than I thought. The top 7-8 QBs are pretty easy in my opinion, but the order is obviously tricky. I nearly put Peyton #1, but some of his playoff struggles/chokes have bumped him down to 2 behind Brady.

There are definitely a handful of guys that you could argue are better than Schaub and Freeman, but my whole point is be consistent. These are the QBs I will say are in the Top 10. I can't add anyone else or that just wouldn't be a Top 10 list anymore.

Say what you mean and mean what you say. Stay tuned for the rest of the positions in the Award** Winning Keefe Presents: Top 10s.

Coming up next: Runningbacks

**Not actual Award.

-Keefe

I liked Belicheck's decision...

"I thought we could make it. I don't know how we could not get a yard on that (play) but we didn't...We came out here to win." - Belicheck via @Trags on Twitter.

That's exactly why I liked Belicheck's play call on 4th and 1 at the NE 28 yard line. If they get a yard, the game is over. Done dada. And the Pats are sitting at 7-2, the Colts 8-1, and New England holding a tie-breaker for home field throughout the playoffs. And he's right, they should have gotten a yard there.

I like the call for a few reasons. He went for the kill. On the road against an undefeated Colts team with one of the best quarterbacks of our era, he tried to finish them off without giving Peyton a chance to win it. But I have to think that Belicheck saw the Jets lose today and figured at this point, it will be hard for the Patriots to lose the AFC East. They hold a 2-game lead over the Dolphins and have already beaten them (27-17 at home last week). The Patriots will contend for a Super Bowl, and he is showing confidence in his TEAM for the rest of the season, which is more important than showing confidence in his defense for one game that, in the grand scheme of things, isn't really that big of a deal.

Let's face it, it's not a guarantee that had the Pats won, the Colts would lose another game and/or the Pats will win out. Because in order to hit that tiebreaker, that's probably what would've needed to happen. And even if the game goes through Indy for the playoffs, I'm a fan of the Pats offense indoors. They dropped 34 points on the Colts tonight. And they can probably do it again. So relax everyone, the Pats are fine. If the Pats were tied for the division lead and on the bubble for a playoff spot, I think Belicheck punts. But they're not. They'll make the playoffs as the AFC East champs and he knows that. You should too.

-Bess

Jimmy the Greek's Week 1 NFL picks

With the Thursday night game behind us, I'm looking to turn things around and go undefeated the rest of the way. If you're on the fence and thinking about betting on today's games, just follow along below and send me a percentage of your winnings and a thank you card later. Here we go...

Falcons (-3.5) over Dolphins
The Falcons add Tony Gonzalez to what was already a solid offensive lineup, and Matty Heisman returns at the helm. This team should put up a lot of points against a Dolphins squad that overachieved last year but won’t do the same in ’09. Falcons win comfortably at home.

Colts (-6.5) over Jaguars
I don’t like the Jaguars offense other than Maurice Jones-Drew. He’ll get his numbers and have a solid fantasy day, but look for Peyton Manning and the Colts O to silence all the critics in Week 1. A lot of people have them finishing out of the playoffs at 8-8, but I think they’re delusional.

Vikings (-2.5) over Browns
I hate this pick probably because I hate Brett Favre. What a loser. But let’s face it, AP is filthy good and Brady Quinn just found out he’s starting the other day. Mangini is a dink and the Browns will lose because of it (and the fact that the Vikings are better).

Cowboys (-3.5) over Buccaneers
Who the hell is the quarterback for the Buccaneers? I honestly have no idea. And who is their running back? In fact, who the hell is on the freakin’ team?

Jets (+4.5) over Texans
I like the Texans to win, but they’ll do it on a Kris Brown field goal. Mark Sanchez will have some bumps and bruises in his debut, but overall he’ll be solid and keep them in it. Look for Steve Slaton to have a day and Andre Johnson to quietly go about his business with double digit catches, 100 yards receiving and a TD.

Ravens (-9.5) over Chiefs
Matt Cassel isn’t starting and the Chiefs had the 30th ranked run defense last year. Hello, Ray Rice. It’ll be a feast for the Ravens on offense as Joe Flacco simply hands the ball off and starts off 1-0 in 2009.

Bengals (-3.5) over Broncos
We don’t know if Brandon Marshall is playing and Kyle Orton sucks. Plus, Chad OchoCinco is in for a MONSTER year. Remember where you heard it first!

Saints (-11.5) over Lions
This could be over after the first quarter.

Eagles (+1.5) over Panthers
Another pick I hate. This is going to be a rough, physical game. You know the Panthers are going to try and run the ball with D’Angelo Williams and a banged up Jonathan Stewart, but the key will be Delhomme’s ability to find Steve Smith. I think the Eagles stop them when they need to, and a well balanced offensive attack will help them sneak by with a win.

Giants (-6.5) over Redskins
Albert Haynesworth against arguably the best offensive line in football makes for a lot of fun. This will be a competitive game, but the Giants simply have too good a defense to let the Redskins score enough to stay in it come the 4th quarter. Manning and Jacobs will help them eventually pull away as the big, physical RB wears down the ‘Skins D.

Rams (+7.5) over Seahawks
Hawks win but don’t cover. Rams should be OK on offense, and I think Steve Spagnola will have them disciplined and ready to play. Seattle is an interesting team to follow with a lot of guys coming back from injury. But they have no running game which will eventually hurt them down the road.

Cardinals (-6.5) over 49ers
Cardinals have too many weapons on offense, even with Anquan Boldin out, for the 49ers to make this a competitive game on the road. Josh Morgan isn’t ready to carry the load for the receiving corp and the 49ers need Michael Crabtree to sign and report. In a year or so, however, that will be a potent offense if they can find a quarterback for the future (apologies to Alex Smith).

Bears (+3.5) over Packers
I like Green Bay as a Super Bowl team, but the Bears will be tough for anyone all year long. Cutler adds some intrigue to an offense already built around Matt Forte. Packers by a field goal.

Patriots (-10.5) over Bills
As long as Brady doesn’t get hurt in the first 8 minutes, this won’t even be close. The Patriots will pick up where they left off in 2007 as a record setting offense. Call me crazy, but I think they have a good enough offense to have us wondering about 16-0 again in a few weeks.

Chargers (-8.5) over Raiders
Oakland still sucks.

Enjoy the games.

-Bess

The Sports Brief's NFL Predictions for 2008

With tonight's Giants-Redskins season opener, the 2008 NFL season is finally upon us. Which can only mean one thing...NFL predictions from The Sports Brief! We've got division winners, our playoff predictions along with individual awards and Week 1 picks with the spreads. So check it out and let us know what you think. We'll be keeping a running tally on the weekly picks, and we've added in a random submission of picks every week to see if our "expertise" holds up against pure luck. That and my picks are the ones I submit to my father's office pool every week. So I'm hoping to bank on these puppies bigtime.

And so, here goes nothing...

Division winners:

AFC East
Besse: Patriots
Keefe: Patriots

AFC North
Besse: Steelers
Keefe: Browns

AFC South
Besse: Jaguars
Keefe: Colts

AFC West
Besse: Chargers
Keefe: Chargers

Wildcard
Besse: Colts; Jets
Keefe: Texans; Jets

Wildcard weekend
Besse: Colts over Chargers; Jets over Steelers
Keefe: Colts over Texans; Jets over Browns

Divisional round
Besse: Patriots over Jets; Jaguars over Colts
Keefe: Pats over Jets; Chargers over Colts

AFC Championship
Besse: Patriots over Jaguars
Keefe: Patriots over Chargers

NFC East
Besse: Cowboys
Keefe: Cowboys

NFC North
Besse: Packers
Keefe: Vikings

NFC South
Besse: Saints
Keefe: Saints

NFC West
Besse: Seahawks
Keefe: Seahawks

Wildcard
Besse: Vikings; Giants
Keefe: Eagles; Packers

Wildcard weekend
Besse: Seahawks over Giants; Vikings over Packers
Keefe: Eagles over Vikings; Seahawks over Packers

Divisional round
Besse: Saints over Seahawks; Cowboys over Vikings
Keefe: Cowboys over Seahawks; Saints over Eagles

NFC Championship
Besse: Cowboys over Saints
Keefe: Cowboys over Saints

Super Bowl
Besse: Patriots over Cowboys
Keefe: Patriots over Cowboys

MVP
Besse: Tom Brady, Patriots (let’s face it, this team sucks without him)
Keefe: Tony Romo, Cowboys

Defensive POY
Besse: Patrick Willis, 49ers
Keefe: Mario Williams, Texans

Coach of the Year
Besse: Sean Payton, Saints
Keefe: Romeo Crennel, Browns

Offensive ROY
Besse: Steve Slaton, Texans
Keefe: Chris Johnson, Titans

Defensive ROY
Besse: Vernon Gholston, Jets
Keefe: Jerod Mayo, Patriots

Sleeper team
Besse: Carolina Panthers…to the Super Bowl if Jake Delhomme stays healthy.
Keefe: Have Browns and Texans in the playoffs, but I think the Raiders will surprise as well, maybe 2nd in the AFC West.

As mentioned earlier, The Sports Brief is proud to announce that we will be submitting out picks every week for every NFL game on the schedule. We will keep a running tally for both Besse and Keefe, as well as include picks for the “test dummy.” The test dummy, whom we will call Random Ron, may vary on a weekly basis, but its picks will be made through various activities such as flipping a coin, throwing darts, etc. This week, the test dummy’s picks were made by the flip of a coin. Heads for the home team and tails for the away team.
Without further ado, the picks for Week 1 are…

Besse:
Redskins (+3.5)
Saints (-3.5)
Jets (-2.5)
Bengals (+1.5)
Falcons (+3.5)
Rams (+7.5)
Seahawks (+0.5)
Jaguars (-2.5)
Patriots (-16.5)
Steelers (-6.5)
Chargers (-9.5)
Cowboys (-5.5)
Cardinals (-2.5)
Colts (-9.5)
Vikings (+2.5)
Raiders (+2.5)

Keefe:
Redskins (+3.5)
Saints (-3.5)
Jets (-2.5)
Bengals (+1.5)
Lions (-3.5)
Eagles (-7.5)
Bills (-0.5)
Jaguars (-2.5)
Patriots (-16.5)
Texans (+6.5)
Chargers (-9.5)
Cowboys (-5.5)
49ers (+2.5)
Colts (-9.5)
Vikings (+2.5)
Raiders (+2.5)

Random Ron:
Giants (-3.5)
Saints (-3.5)
Dolphins (+2.5)
Ravens (-1.5)
Falcons (+3.5)
Rams (+7.5)
Seahawks (+0.5)
Titans (+2.5)
Chiefs (+16.5)
Steelers (-6.5)
Panthers (+9.5)
Cowboys (-5.5)
Cardinals (-2.5)
Bears (+9.5)
Vikings (+2.5)
Raiders (+2.5)

Let us know what you think, and feel free to e-mail us sportsbrief@gmail.com

-Bess

Some Beef from The Brief

Brewers missed one trade deadline move

Getting rid of Ned Yost.

Watching last night’s ESPN2 game between the Brewers and Astros, I couldn’t help but think two things:

1) CC Sabathia is pitching like a beast right now
2) Ned Yost will be the reason the Brewers tank at the end and miss the playoffs AGAIN

I think the first point is indisputable. Just look at CC’s numbers since coming over from Cleveland. He’s 8-0 with a 1.60 ERA and the Brewers are 8-1 in his nine starts. He’s flooding the strike zone with his entire arsenal, and when you’re talking about a low to mid 90’s fastball on both sides of the plate mixed in with a plus curve and changeup, any offense will have its hands full. That being said, if CC keeps this up can he make his way into the Cy Young discussion? I understand everyone is foaming at the mouth over the trio of Brandon Webb, Tim Lincecum and Edinson Volquez, but it’s just so hard to overlook what Sabathia is doing to the National League thus far. Volquez has looked human as of late, and if Webb and/or Lincecum hit a rough patch, I think CC could steal a few votes. It’ll be hard to overcome him only playing half a season, though.
Regarding Ned Yost... For anyone watching last night’s game, was it me or was Steve Phillips nailing it right on the head? There was NO reason to trot out Sabathia in the bottom of that ninth inning. He was already at 111 pitches, right around his season average, and you could see him clearly laboring, especially after allowing a couple guys to reach and one run to score. Look, Ned, any dimwit paying attention saw that you were leading 9-2 and while I realize you’re at home and want to give the fans something to go nuts about – such as CC’s 5 th complete game with Milwaukee – that 9 th inning was the perfect opportunity to trot Keefe or I out there to get in some work. If we load em up or surrender a run or two, you could get Mota and Torres warming, which you did, and bring either or both of them in to shut the door. Even Gagne would have been a safe choice in that situation. And not only did ole’ Neddy not recognize that, but he let CC labor through the last couple batters of that inning, including the at-bat to Tejada in which every fastball was up at his eyes. I realize you’re trying to maximize your value with the guy, but it’s the middle of August and he’s probably going to make another six or seven starts. If, miraculously, you do make the postseason, let’s try and make sure he’s got enough in the tank to avoid a tumultuous flop like last year. He hit a career high 241 innings and was clearly showing signs of being taxed in his three postseason starts. During that three game stretch he surrendered 21 hits in 15.1 innings and had a K/BB ratio of 14/13. Ugh.

Manny (or CC) for MVP

Again, I know it’s hard to make the argument given these two will have only played half a season for their respective ballclubs. But I can’t help but think that if either, god forbid both of these teams, makes the playoffs, it will clearly be because of Manny and CC’s contributions in the 2 nd half. I already pointed out CC’s numbers in Milwaukee thus far, and Manny’s, from an offensive standpoint, are just as gaudy. He’s hitting .421 with six homeruns and 21 RBI in 16 games. He’s got eight multi-hit games and has been held hitless only twice. Not only that, but look at what he’s done for a guy like Jeff Kent. While Kent is clearly too arrogant – he tried to fight Barry Bonds, who would’ve crushed him – to admit it, Ramirez’ presence in that lineup has brought him more pitches to hit, and he’s responded to the tune of .421 in the month of August.
Let’s face it, the Utley for MVP train has de-railed, the Pujols will lose votes to Ludwick, the Cubs are getting production from everyone, and the Diamondbacks’ offense sucks. David Wright was my sleeper at the midway mark and I think he’s starting to turn into a real contender with his 95 RBI and .322 clip after the break. But in my opinion this award should go to a guy who’s had the most impact and a direct correlation to a team’s success. Both Manny and CC, to this point, exemplify those qualities and they have some filthy numbers to back it up. We’ll see how it plays out, but if this keeps up, I think it needs to be considered.

Jason Bay is an idiot that can hit

I’ll preface this by saying that the Red Sox did not replace Manny Ramirez with Jason Bay. They merely acquired the most value available at the time.

But Bay has been a welcome addition to that lineup, and his .348/3/16 line with the Sox so far is impressive. Coming off last night’s 2-homer game in which he also stole a base, it looks like Bay could be a nice catalyst and solid player down the stretch. But he’s not a cleanup guy, and the Sox will need Youkilis or a healthy Mike Lowell ready to deliver when David Ortiz starts getting walked every time up.

The reason Bay is an idiot is because of his comments to alleged mistress to the captain in a post-game interview. When Heidi Watney asked Bay to comment on Jon Lester’s performance, he said he was impressed and that not many people knew about the guy outside of the AL East.

Are you kidding me?

The guy beat cancer and was back pitching in the majors a year after his diagnosis.

He won Game 4 of the 2007 World Series. Were you watching? Or do you literally shut it down after game 162?

He threw a no-hitter against the Royals back in May.

He’s 12-4 with a 3.17 ERA this season.

I’m pretty sure people know about the guy.

What people may not know is that he’s a legitimate Cy Young candidate in a non-Cliff Lee season. Lee more or less has a stranglehold on the honor with his 17-2 record and 2.43 ERA. It’ll take a Brian Bannister v. Yankees type bombing, on more than one occasion, or a season ending injury right now in order for Lee to lose it. But if it weren’t for him, Lester would be and still should be right up there in the discussion along with teammate Daisuke Matsuzaka. He’s got 16 quality starts in ’08 and the Sox are 18-8 in games which he has started; not to mention Boston is 11-2 in Lester’s last 13 starts. Pretty filthy. To compare, Lee has 18 quality starts in two less starts and the Indians are 18-6 in those 24 games. Hey, if he gets lit up to the tune of 10 runs in one inning ala Bannister in his next two starts, he’d be 17-4 with a 3.44 ERA when the dust settles. Improbable? Yes. Impossible? Yes.

Oh and don’t forget about Roy Halladay, either. I tried trading for him with Shark for fantasy, offering up Chris Volstad and David Price in our keeper league. He threw me John Lackey instead, which is fine, but Halladay is a monster. Eight complete games, a 14-9 record and 2.64 ERA. The Jays have lost 11 games in which Halladay started, but they’ve only scored 19 runs in those contests, being shutout three times and scoring three runs or less in nine of them. Tough deal.

Tom Brady injured?

In my NBA MVP debate, I mentioned that Lebron James should be given the Lebron James MVP award every season based purely on the fact that his team would absolutely suck without him. We’re starting to see that perhaps Tom Brady falls into that category, as well. No only are Matt Cassell, Matt Gutierrez and Kevin O’Connell not the answer, but the defense is porous and won’t carry this team at all in ’08. If Brady isn’t healthy, not only will the Pats struggle to finish 8-8, but Moss won’t catch 80 balls and he’ll end up bitch slapping someone on the sideline. Peyton Manning probably falls into this category, as well, but there’s much less concern here for the Colts.

And I apologize if I spelled any of the names wrong for those three backup QB’s, but they’re so bad I didn’t care enough to look it up.

Classic commercial

For anyone that hasn’t seen it yet, check out the new Nike commercial with LT and Kimbo Slice. Pure comedy at its finest. If you can’t ignore and work past the clear cut stereotypes here for the terrific humor involved, then you’re an idiot. This is absolute gold. Check out the part where Kimbo tosses open the freezer door. That might have sealed it for me.

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That’s all for now. Thanks for reading.

-Bess