Braves Land Justin Upton

Justin Upton had been sitting on the trade block for a couple of months this off-season until today. The Braves had been negotiating with the Diamondbacks GM about Upton and I guess what the Braves had offered for Upton float there boat. The Atlanta Braves have acquired Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton. Along with Upton, Braves also obtained thired baseman Chris Johnson and sent third-baseman Martin Prado, right hander Randall Delgado, shortstop prospect Nick Ahmed, pitching prospect Zeke Spuruill, and minor league first baseman Brandon Dury. The addition of Upton will fill the Braves starting slots in the outfield. Justin will also join his brother B.J., who previously signed with the Braves earlier this off-season, will form the left and center field spots in the outfield. Upton didn't put up amazing numbers last season, but he did bat a respectable .280 AVG, but hit only 17 HR in 628 plate apperances. Upton will need to perform at a higer level in Atlanta this season, if he wants to help the Braves compete with the Nationals in the N.L. East this season. Upton had highlighted this deal, but you don't forget about third baseman, secondbaseman/outfielder Martin Prado. Prado batted with a .301 AVG, in 690 plate apperances with Atlanta last year and could find some pop this season, in Arizona's hitter friendly park. The addition of Upton and Johnson will improve the Brave's hitting this season, but let's hope the Diamondbacks got something out of this deal too.

Mets Add An Arm

Following the loss of Cy-Young Winner R.A. Dickey, via trade to the Tornoto Blue Jays, the Mets were searching for a starter to try to replace R.A. Dickey. They signed starter Shawn Marcum to a one year deal. Marcum is no R.A. Dickey, but he brings veteran leadership and will probably the team's number one starter this season. Marcum was bothered by elbow tightness last season, which had forced him out of action, for two months. He did have a solid 3.70 E.R.A. and had a 35.4% ground ball rate, in 124 innings. Marcum's speed has dipped the last few years, as he didn't even reach in the 90's. The elbow tightness was one reason Marcum was ineffective and the Mets will need to take expectional care of his arm, if Marcum will preform well this season. Marcum will have to lead a rotation that includes Dillion Gee, Johan Santana, and Matt Harvey. The additon of Marcum will help the Mets rotation decent, pending of how Marcum's elbow feels this upcoming season.

Grizzlies Shed $6M Off Salary Cap

The Memphis Grizzlies and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed on a mulitplayer trade. The deal has the Grizzlies sending Center Marreese Speights, Guard Wayne Ellington, Guard John Selby, and a future first round pick for Forward Jon Leuer.  To make this deal work in the first place, the Cavs had to waive Guard Jannaro Pargo. Speights will help a Cavaliers team that's been dying to find a center after losing star Center Anderson Varajeo for the season. Speights has averaged 6.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game as he's been a key player coming off the bench for the Grizzlies. Speights isn't any Anderson Varajeo, but he will play a big role for this struggling Cavs team, moving forward. Ellington has averaged 5.5 points off the bench and could be used as mostly a 3rd quarter bench player or fill-in for injured player guy. The Cavs did give up a future first round pick, which could help the Cavs in the future. Overall this was a good trade as the Cavs got a big man and a future first round pick, and the Grizzlies shaved off $6M off there salary cap.

Phillies Bring In Veteran Young

With the Phillies still looking for another outfielder in the off-season, outfielder Delmon Young had been waiting for a team to add him to their roster. The Phillies finally made up their mind and signed the veteran outfielder. The Philidelphia Phillies have signed free agent outfielder Delmon Young to a one year $750K contract. The deal could also go up to $3.25MM, pending on how Delmon Young preforms during this season. Last season with A.L. Pennant winners Detriot Tigers, Young compiled a batting of average of .267, but ranked 114th out of 143 batters (Players that reached the minemum plate apperances to qualify for OPS) in OPS, .707. Young does bring some power to this lineup, but really needs to improve on other batting skills, to show if he can still preform at a good level.

Ravens Cruise There Way Into Harbaugh Bowl

With freezing weather conditions in Foxbourough, and a defensive first quarter, this game looked to be a sloppy, defensive game. Ravens running back Ray Rice had put the Ravens ahead 7-3, after a 2 yard trot for a touchdown. Brady bounced back with 10 unanswered points to put New England up 13-7, at halftime. Tom Brady was 66-0 when leading at halftime, at home, and looked to blow up Baltimore's defense in the second half. While Brady wanted more, the Ravens seemed like they were still in this game, but needed to do much more damage, to win this game. That's what Joe Flacco and the Ravens would do as they scored 21 unanswered points to upset New England 28-13. Ravens QB Joe Flacco hit Tight End Dennis Pitta on a 5 yard toss, to put Baltimore up by 1. Then Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin heated up in the 4th quarter as they connected for scores. One of the scores had started because of a Bernard Pollard brusing hit on Patriots RB Stevan Ridley, who got a head injury on the play. Baltimore's defense also turned it up a notch in the 4th quarter as they picked off Tom Brady twice and forced a Stevan Ridley fumble. Even though the Patriots offense outgained the Ravens offense, 428-356, turnovers and injuries were the biggest differences in this game. The Patriots had lost there best CB, Aquib Talib, because of a knee injury in the second quarter, and they also DT Kyle Love and saftey Patrick Chung for the game too. While Brady had outgained Flacco yardage wise, 320-240, he was picked oof twice, compared to Flacco's none. Ray Lewis made the most of it in his final game by piling up 14 tackles. While injuries and 4th quarter turnovers hurt the Patriots, the Ravens showed how to hold a dynamic offense that was without Rob Gronkowski and play mistake free ball in Giellete Stadium.

Niners Outlast Falcons To Advance To Super Bowl

Julio Jones's 20 yard touchdown catch, his second of the game, had pulled the Falcons to a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter, against the 49ers. That score looked to put the game out of reach as Falcons fans were going outrageous in the Georiga Dome. Following Julio Jones's touchdown, the 49ers were gonna change up there game plan on offense to erase the 17 point deficit. That's when Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis took over the game. Instead of Kaepernick running for his life on the field, he stayed calm in the pocket and found his recievers, for good chunks of yardage. Kaepernick lead the Niners downfield leading to a 15 yard scamper by rookie RB LaMichael James. That TD had boosted ther Niners confidence as Colin Kapernick hooked up with TE Vernon Davis, on a 6 yard score, to pull within 3. Then Falcons QB Matt Ryan passed through the 49ers defense to put the Falcons back up 10, just before halftime. While the first half was all Atlanta, the second half would be a different story. Led by the legs of Frank Gore and their punishing defense, the 49ers knocked on the Falcons door 2 more times, to complete the comeback. RB Frank Gore's 5 yard touchdown run in the third quarter had pulled San Fransisco within 3 points. Then in the fourth, Gore 's 9 yard touchdown run put the 49ers up 28-24, and that's how it stayed. While the Falcons were so concerned about Kaepernick running the ball in the second half, they forgot about Frank Gore. Gore had pounded the Atlanta defense with 2 TD runs in the second half, which would put the 49ers up for good. Matt Ryan had killed the 49ers defense in the first half, throwing for 271 yards and three touchdown passes. In the second half, Ryan had killed 2 key Falcons drives, with an interception and losing a fumble, while throwing for 125 yards. Aldon Smith's sack and strip against Matt Ryan lead to the game winning touchdown. The Falcons did do a good job containing Colin Kaepernicks running ability, but couldn't cover a TE for the second straight game. Vernon Davis hauled in 5 passes for 106 yards and a TD. Despite the fact the Falcons offense had outgained the 49ers offense 477-373, the two second half turnovers were a killer. They never had a balanced attack on offense wither, which was one reason why the 49ers had a better job adjusting there first half blown coverages, to second half tight coverages. The Falcons did have one last chance, but ILB NaVarro Bouwman broke up Roddy White's pass for the upset. While Jim Harabugh will face his brother in the Super Bowl, Matt Ryan's playoff record has fell to 1-4, and the Falcons have again ended there season in disbelief.

Ravens VS Patriots AFC Championship Preview and Predictions

This game will determine who the AFC will represent in this year's Super Bowl. This will be also be the final game between Tom Brady and Wes Welker VS Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. This will also mark the 6th time that Flacco and Brady will play eachother (5th time in Foxbourough and 3rd playoff fame). This will be the rematch of last years title game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots in Foxbourough. This will be Ravens Ray Lewis's last chance to go to the Super Bowl, while Tom Brady will try to make it to the big game for the second consecutive year. When the two teams met ealier this year in week 3, Baltimore inched past the Patriots at home, 31-30.

Here are the keys of the game for the Baltimore Ravens:

• Ray Rice could face some challenges running the ball against a New England defense that ranked 9th in the NFL (101.9 Rush yards allowed per game). If Baltimores O-line can handle Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo, and his crew, Rice will have a nice day. RT Michael Oher will need to improve and take care of OLB Rob Nickovich and Deadrick to help Ray find running room on strech plays to the right. Ray finding running room will help with Flacco's playaction and passing game.
• CB Corey Graham and Cary Williams did do a good job against Broncos great WR duo of Eric Decker and Demariuys Thomas in there win last week. However, how they do against Deion Branch, Brandon Llyod, and most imprtantly, Wes Welker. Jimmy Smith will need to win the battle off of the line of scrimmage against Wes Welker. If Smith holds Welker in check, Brady's favorite target, then the safties will be helping Williams and Graham against Branch and Llyod. If the Baltimore corners and safties don't get ansy in the secondary and don't allow big plays, than Baltimore will give Tom Brady nightmares.
• WR Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin both have had a fantastic preformance in either the wild card or divisional game. Smith showed he could outplay Pro Bowl Champ Bailey last week, but can he outplay Aquib Talib. Following the acquisition of Talib, the Patriots pass defense improved. If Smith can put the damage he did on Bailey, then Smith will have a big day, which this could force double or triple coverages against Smith. This makes Boldin one-on-one with Dennard, a favorable matchup. Look for Flacco to have a great day against the Pats secondary. Don't forgot about Dennis Pitta, he's solid in the slot and is a valuable target. If Pitta plays big, the Ravens defense are going to kill this Patriots defense
• The Ravens D-Line could be stiffled by this fantastic Patriots O-Line. If Kruger, Suggs or any of the Ravens can't put pressure on Brady, the Ravens defense will be torched. If Kruger and Suggs can ouplay Solder and Vollmer, then it could force double protection on either one of them, making it easier for Ngata to stuff the run and Ray to get in to blow up Ridley or Vereen

Here are the keys of the game for the New England Patriots:

• The Ravens run defense has been playing poorly, which is one reason why they weren't ranked in the top 10 in rush defense of the first time since 2002. Look for Ridley to have at least a 80-100 yard game and a TD against a Baltimore D that gave up over 120 to Denver last week.
• Slot WR Wes Welker is Brady's favorite target with over 110 catches in the regular season. In the first meeting this season, between the two, Welker caught 8 passes for 142 yards. If Welker again can dominate the Ravens corners and secondary in the slot, Brady will be comfortable looking for not just Welker, but his other recievers.
• RT Michael Oher has had a tough season this year and has been pounded by rushers almost every game. He was ranked 37 out of 43 tackles who participated in 75% of their team's snaps this season. OLB Rob Nickovich, DE Chandler Jones, look to attack the right side because of the poor play by Oher. If New Engaland's front 7 can bring the heat on Flacco, the Patriots will have an easier job stopping the run, where they've been better at. This will also force Flacco out of his rythem, which will hurt this Ravens offense.
• Saftey Devin McCourtey is one of those sneaky safties in the secondary who looks to make a big play, at any point of the game. McCourtey is always underestimated because of his size, but he's speed helps this Patriots secodary. McCourtey should be a huge factor in this game and is always looking for the football at all times. If McCourtey hauls in a interception or forces a big turnover, then this could be the difference of this game.
• CB Aquib Talib will have his hands full against sppedy WR Torrey Smith. We already saw Smith last game beat up Pro Bowl CB Champ Bailey for 2 long touchdowns. Talib will need to win the battle at the line of scrimmage and play at top speed to catch up with Torrey. Is Talib can handle Smith and shuts him out, Flacco will then keep throwing to Boldin, where McCourtey can help Dennard and snag a easy pick.
• In last years championship, the Patriots held Ray Rice to 3.2 yards per carry, on 21 carries. If the Pats D-line can handle this Ravens o-line, who are very good at blocking the run, then Rice won't be a factor, maybe in the passing game, but not the running game.

My Predictions: Patriots 34-Ravens 27

• Patriots RB Stevan Ridley will run for 107 yards on 23 carries, due to the fact that Patriots offensive line can handle the Ravens D-Line. Ngata and Lewis could have a few cracks at him, but that's it.
• WR Wes Welker should have a good day against struggling nickel CB Jimmy Smith. Welker will catch 9 passes for 119 yards.
• QB Tom Brady should take advantage of this matchup, despite the fact he doesn't have TE Rob Gronkowski. Brady has lots of targets like Llyod, Branch, and Hernandez, and Welker. Brady's o-line should be able to hold Baltimores D-line, but the pressure of the LB's, especially Paul Kruger is going to be a huge factor in this game. Brady will throw for 332 yards, 2 TD, O INT
• QB Joe Flacco will throw for 282 yards and a TD, but will throw a costly interception to Saftey Devin McCourtey. Flacco will be harrassed by Rob Nicovich and Spikes and somewhat of Chandler Jones.
• Ravens WR Torrey Smith will have only 4 catches for 47 yards, while Boldin will have 5 catches for 95 yards. TE Dennis Pitta will be a target Flacco will be starting to like in the is game, at the middle of the second quarter. Pitta will have 7 catches for 69 yards.
• Special Teams will be a factor in this game.
• Sadly in Ray Lewis's final game of his career, he will have 10 tackles, 1 FF and 2 passes defended

49ers VS Falcons NFC Championship Predictions

This game will determine who will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. This will also show if Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons can finally win 2 playoff games in one year, under head coach Mike Smith. This will also determine if this 49ers defense is ready against the Falcons pass-attack offense. The Falcons are hosting there first ever NFC title game ever, while the 49ers are looking for revenge, after losing to the Giants, to end there season, in last years title game.

Keys to the game for the Atlanta Falcons:

• DE John Abraham is probable for today's game, but has been hobbled by injuries. The Falcons cannot afford to lose Abraham, who lead the team with 10 sacks in the regular season.  No ther Atlanta Falcon had more than 4 sacks other than Abraham, which could be an issue against Niners Colin Kaepernick. Abraham will not be 100% todays game, so DE Ray Edwards and Kroy Biermann, and DT Corey Peters and Jordan Babineaux will need to step up and contain the speedy Kaepernick and Frank Gore. The Falcons also allowed the fifth most rushing yards to QB this season and a 7.6 per carry. Keep in mind that the Falcons are also playing one of the best OL's in the NFL too. Atlanta needs to be able to stop the run to win this game.
• WR Roddy White and Julio Jones need to strech the field and make big plays in the beginning of this game, so Atlanta can establish the running game. However, the 49ers rank top 5 in total defense, rushing yards allowed a game and have a very good secondary. The question is, how can the Falcons offensive line handle the 49ers front 7. OLB Aldon Smith has been held in check the past 4 games, but can explode at any time. If White and Jones can explode against tough CB Carlos Rodgers and Tarrell Brown, Atlanta will have a great balanced attack in todays game.
• Smith's Falcons set an NFL record for the fewest penalties in an NFL season, 55. If the Falcons stay calm and commit very few penalties in this game, they'll have pretty decent field position.
• The Falcons defense has allowed the 10th most recieving yards against TE this seasin. Last week, Seahawks Zach Miller exploded with 8 catches for 142 yards. The middle of the Falcons D has been poor and will need to stay tight on an even better TE, Vernon Davis. If the Atlanta LB and safties stuff the middle of the field, Colin Kaepernick will then either need to beat them with his legs or throw it to WR Michael Crabtree. If this happens, the Falcons will be in control of this game.

Keys to the game for the San Fransisco 49ers:

• The 49ers have commited 109 penalties this season (only 6 other teams have committed more this season). If the 49ers don't retaliate and have no false start, holding calls, than the 49ers will have great field position, because of there return game. Commiting very few penalties won't cost them any yardage, which will help drives alive for points on the board.
• RB Frank Gore looks to dominate this Falcons DL, even though DE John Abranham is playing, he is banged up and isn't at 100%. No ther Falcons DL has more than 4 sacks. If the 49ers O-lins doesn't get much penatration against the Falcons DL, Gore is going to explode, and Kaepernick will have plenty of time in the pocket. Plus Kaepernick can destroy defenses with his legs (set an NFL record with most rushing yards by a QB with 183 last week against Green Bay)
• The 49ers defense have been fantastic against TE this season, allowing the fewest reciving yards by a TE (613). However, they will have to deal with Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez. If either Goldson, Whitner, Brooks, Willis, Bouwman, or Smith play great against Gonzalez, the Falcons passing attack won't be as great. CB Carlos Rodgers and Tarrell Brown need to play at 110% against one of the best WR duo in all of football, Roddy White and Julio Jones. If Rodgers plays like the shutdown corner he is, then Ryan will have to throw to Jones more. White has all of his best games at home this season too. Brown will need to play great against the talented and tall Julio Jones, who could beat Brown for 6 anytime. With the help of Goldson and Whitner in the secondary th 49ers should matchup well against the Falcons passing attack.
• Kicker David Akers barley beat K Billy Cundiff last week to get back his starting job. Akers has been very inaccurrate this season as he's missed 12 or 13 field goals. The Dome shouldn't really affect Akers, because theres no wind facotr, but the crowd could overwhelm him. If Akers makes them all, he will keep San Fransisco in the game, pending how the defense does. If Akers misses, like he has all season, the 49ers will lose valuable points that could cost them the game
• TE Vernon Davis looks to have a good matchup against a Falcons defense that ranks 22nd in the NFL against TE. Look for Davis to play in the slot or in most play-action plays. The Falcons D have givin up way too many yards in the middle of the field and there pressure has been poor latley. Look for Vernon to have a big day.

My Predictions: 49ers 28-Falcons 20

•  TE Vernon Davis should have a good game against the Falcons secondary. Last Week Zach Miller had 8 catches for 142 yards. I say Davis hauls in 6 catches for 92 yards.
• Colin Kaepernick will overcome his first quarter mistakes (2 sacks and an intereception) and will burn Atlanta with his legs. Abraham and Babineaux aren't at 100% and no ther Falcon had over 4 sacks. The 49ers O-line will power and overwhelm this Falcons front 7. Kaepernick will throw for 207 yards, rush for 81 yards on 9 carries.
• Frank Gore should also have a productive game against the Falcons front 7. They collapsed in the second half of last weeks game without Abraham. Abraham isn't at 100% and the rest of the DL will be pushed around by San Fran's OL. Gore will rush for 116 yards on 24 carries and a TD.
• Matt Ryan will throw 2 picks, get sacked 3-5 times, and will be pushed around against the 49ers great defense
• Roddy White will catch 7 passes for 101 yards, but Tony Gonzalez will stiffled by the 49ers D. Gonzalez will only catch 3 passes for 31 yards.
• Field position and penalties will be huge in this game.

Jaguars Hire Jedd Fisch

New Jaguars coach Gus Bradley wanted to bring a special someone to coach, with him, in Jacksonville. That someone was his former college offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, who will try to improve a Jaguars offense that ranked a mere 29th in total offense. Fisch has spent the last two years as the Miami Hurricanes play-caller and QB coach. He had helped the Hurricanes to a very consistent offense throughout the season and should improve the Jaguars offense. One of the reasons why Jacksonville finished 29th in offense was because there best offensive player, Maurice Jones-Drew was out for the season. Former GM had traded up to get  Blanie Gabbert in the first round, but failed to meet expectations or play up to his potential. Until Chad Henne threw for 2,084 yards in the final six games, the Jaguars were hopeless. Injuries again to this offensive line killed them, which will need to be improved this coming off-season. The Jaguars will need to find a new QB this coming off-season, but with no huge big named players at QB in the free agent pool, should be a challenge. Fisch has some NFL experience under his belt as he spent four seasons with the Ravens as the offensive coordinator (2004), to assistant QB/receivers coach (2005-2006), to assistant QB coach (2007). This off-season is going to be interesting if your a Jaguar fan and should be interesting how Fisch will run this offense.

Raiders Hire Greg Olson

Following a pass-attack year by Carson Palmer and the Raiders, the Raiders knew there was something going to be different about this offense, next season. That change would be back to what the Raiders used to have, power football. They did this by hiring Eric Olson as their new offensive coordinator. The hiring of Olson will help RB Darren McFadden devolp into a power running back next season. This season showed that McFadden wasn't the fit for running behind zone blocking schemes. Olson was previously the Detriot Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator. In two years with the Rams, Olson help devolp Steven Jackson as a power maching, running for over 1,000 yards in both seasons. He also helped LeGarrate Blount get his first ever 1,000 yard season, which was a big factor for the success of Josh Freeman's career best 95.9 passer raiting in 2010. Olson has also worked with Drew Brees (Purdue), Marc Bulger (Rams), and  Jeff Garcia (49ers). However, the biggest test for Olson is now devolp Darren McFadden as a better runner. When Hue Jackson coached the Raiders during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, McFadden thrived in his power running schemes. The hiring of Olson should help McFadden's career back on track and put Carson Palmer in a better position next season.

Cards Hire Bruce Arians

Following a dissapointing 5-11 season after starting out 4-0, the Cardinals immediatley hired Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians as there new head coach. The Cardinals now have Arians for the next 4-5 years and pray for a winning season. As an interm while Chuck Pagano was getting his treatment for leukimia, Arians posted a respectable 9-3 record. He turned around a Colts team that had won 2 games the year before. During his intermship with the Colts this season, he showed how to coach a team built around rookies (Andrew Luck, Vick Ballard, T.Y. Hilton, LaVon Brazil, Dwayne Allen, and Coby Fleener). Now the question is, how will Arians improve this disfunctional Cardinals offense, who finished last in the league with Total QBR (21.4). Arizona will need to find a new QB and offensive line if they want to win games next season. They pretty much relied on there defense last season, but that plan didn't really work out. Cardinals GM Rod Graves will need to make some smart moves to help re-build most of the Cardinals offense and some of their defense to help out Arians. Arians had said that the Cardinals needed to find a new backup QB this off-season too. After Kolb went down, things went downhill as the play from John Skelpton and Ryan Lidley was unaceptable. Things should be very interesting this off-season for the Arizona Cardinals.

Bears Hire Mark Trestman

The Bears have finally found there guy, by hiring Mark Trestman as their new head coach. Trestman has been an assistant NFL coach for 8 different teams and had coached the Montreal Alouettes (CFL Football Team) since 2008, guiding them to 2 CFL championships. Trestman also tutored 49ers QB Steve Young (1995-1996), Rich Gannon (2001-2003);who was named NFL MVP in 2002, and Bernie Kosar (1989). He also coached with the Minnesota Vikings twice, the Arizona Cardinals from 1998-2000, where he blossomed Jake Plummer as a mature QB, the Buccaneers in 1987, thye Lions in 1997, and the Miami Dolphins in 2004. This shows that Mark Trestman has had expirence as an NFL QB coach and could be able to turn Jay Cutler back into his 2008 form (his only Pro Bowl season). He's also worked with Jay Cutler and Jason Campbell before theu even got drafted. Trestman isn't the only CFL coach to be hired as an NFL coach. Buffalo Bills Marv Leavy, the Vikings Bud Grant, and Forrestt Gregg all had success after coming from the CFL. Trestman had taken over the Raiders offensive coordinator, in 2002, in which he helped QB Rich Gannon become the league's MVP and devolped an unstoppable offense, until it reached the Super Bowl.  According to the Chicago Bears website, Jay Cutler had said that "he's a great hiring, and that i'm very excited and thrilled to be with him. He's been successful wherever he's been". Trestman should help the Bears offense with all the success he's had in the past. However, Phil Emery will need to make some big decisions this off-season so Trestman can succseed in Chicago. Though Trestman is a very intellegent and smart man when it comes to football, he will need to get along with QB Jay Cutler to have success with this offense.

Stan "The Man" Dies

It was a very sad day in sports today as Hall Of Famer Stan Musial has died at 92. During his career, Stan won seven National League batting titles, was a 3-time MVP, and won 3 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. During his career with the Cardinals, he made the all-star team 24 times, had 3,630 hits, 1,951 RBI, 475 HR, and 1,599 walks. Stan will be missed forever as one of the greatest figures in all of sports.

Kobe Top Vote Getter For All-Star Game

L.A. Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant was named to an NBA record 15th consecutive All-Star Game. Here are your 2013 Eastern and Western Confrence All-Star starters. This is also the second straight year that Los Angeles has produced 4 of the 5 all-star starters.

West Starters:
PG: Chirs Paul, SG: Kobe Bryant, SF: Kevin Durant, PF: Blake Griffin, C: Dwight Howard

East Starters:
PG: Rajon Rondo, SG: Dwayne Wade, SF: Carmelo Anthony PF: LeBron James, C: Kevin Garnett

Jets Hire John Idzik

Coming off a horrendous 6-10 season, the New York Jets began there rebuilding process by hiring Seattle Seahawks executive John Idzik as their new General Manager. Following an off-season in which the Jets brought in Tim Tebow as a "spark" to there offense, John Idzik looks to rebuild a offense that ranked 30th in total yards, 30th in passing offense, and 28th in scoring is going to be difficult. During John's two decades in the NFL, he helped build the 2002 Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFC Championship in Arizona, and a Seattle team that barley missed the NFC Championship game this season. John shows he's had the expirence to build successful team's and has his hands full this off-season with New York. The reason why the Jets had added John was because he was a great leader, he's very smart in any aspect in orginization, and he can build a winning team. However, the Jets are reportedly $19.4M over the cap, and have guys like LaRon Landry, Brandon Moore, Shonn Greene, Dustin Keller, and Mike DeVito headed to free agency. They also have All-Pro CB Darrelle Revis until 2014 and shouldn't use the franchise tag on him, but who should they use it on? Also QB Mark Sanchez gets at least $8.25M guaranteed, which will be difficult to trade or release the dissapointing 2009 first rounder. The 2013 free agent list for QB include: QB Joe Flacco (UFA), Jason Campbell (UFA), and Brady Quinn (UFA) in this poor class of free agent QB for this offseason. I think John should franchise tag Greene (made $615,000 in 2012) because Joe McKnight will not get the job done. Getting back WR Santonio Holmes this offseason helps a lot, but they need to find a new TE for Keller. Here are some guys I would like the Jets to a least target this offseason, if avaiable, after they fix there financial problems:

UFA= Unrestricted Free Agent    RFA= Restricted Free Agent

Kevin Boothe, OG (UFA)
Kory Litchtensteiger, OG (UFA)
Andy Levitre, OG, (UFA)
Phil Loadholt, OT (UFA)
Rashard Mendenhall, RB (UFA)
Cedric Peerman, RB/FB (RFA)
Chris Ivory, RB (RFA)
Austin Collie, WR (UFA)
Greg Jennings, WR (UFA)
Matt Willis, WR (UFA)
Fred Davis, TE (UFA)
Dennis Pitta, TE (UFA)
Isaac Sopoaga, NT (UFA)
Michael Johnson, DE (UFA)
Phillip Merling, DE (UFA)
Jim Leonhard, SS (UFA)
Kenny Phillips, SS (UFA)
Captian Munnerlyn, CB (UFA)
Brent Grimes, CB (UFA)
Kerry Rhodes, FS (UFA)
Greg Toler, CB (UFA)
Trumaine Brock, CB (RFA)
Brady Quinn, QB (UFA)
Donald Jones, WR (UFA)

Nats Add Depth To Pen

The Nationals look to be set with Tyler Clippard or Drew Storen as there closer, coming into this season. However, the GM didn't believe that the roster wasn't completed without Rafeal Soriano. The Nats signed Soriano to a 2 year, $28MM contract. If Soriano appears in at least 120 games over the next two seasons, he will have a 2015 option for $14MM. Soriano was dominant for the Yankees last season, producing a 2.26 E.R.A. and 42 saves. Soriano will compete with Clippard and maybe Storen for the closer job. At age 33, Soriano still has all the tools to be an elite closer for a team, and should help the Nationals close up tight games this season. The addition of Rafeal Soriano could make this Nationals bullpen, one of the best in all of baseball.

Jays Add A Thole

After trading Cy-Young Winner R.A. Dickey from the Mets, the Toronto Blue Jays felt there was something missing to there puzzle. That piece was Dickey's teammate, catcher Josh Thole. Thole and the Jays agreed to a 2 year, $2.5MM contract, and will hold Thole's club option in 2015. Thole should start behind the plate for the Jays this coming season, because J.P. Arencibia had trouble behind the plate last season.

Divisional Round Preview: Seahwaks VS Falcons

Seattle Rookie QB Russell Wilson will battle Falcons QB Matt Ryan as two of the rising elite QB's in the NFL square off in the Georgia Dome, on Sunday. Falcons enter as the #1 seed in the NFC with a 12-4 record and the Seahawks are coming off a win in D.C. against the Redskins

Keys of the game for the Seahawks:

• The Falcons love to strech the field with WR's Roddy White and Julio Jones because of there dangerous speed against defenses. If CB's Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman play a fast pace game and cover both White and Jones by successfully pressing against them, the Seahawks will win the battle in the secondary.
• Chris Clemons should have a nice day against struggling LT SAm Baker/Will Sviteck. The O-Line has been decent down the strech of the regualr season, but could find improvement in some areas. Clemons piled up 11 sacks this year. Clemons has the great oustide speed like a young Dwight Freeney to get passed OT's to get to the QB. Clemons presence on the Seahawks DL will be huge for them
• Special Teams is an advantage for Seattle in this game. They've got arguably one of the best returners in the NFL, in Leon Washington and Punter John Ryan has a knack for knocking opponents inside the 20 yard-line. Look for one of these two guys to have a great game and have a special play to wither pin the Falcons deep or a big return comes.
• Russell Wilson's 5-10 height doesn't matter because he's already so mobile outside the pocket that he can easily find open recievers or running lanes. Against the Falcons D-Line, Wilson could have trouble with the presence of DE's Biermann, Edwards, and Abraham. Theu will cause havic for Wilson. In order to avoid this trouble, Russell will need to be more active today than last week to find his guys downfield.
• MLB Bobby Wagner has anchored the middle of the defense since week 1. Wagner is fast, has great awaerness, and is a tackling machine. If Bobby has a big game (like 10 tackles), than the Falcons will have trouble running the ball with dive, counter, and slam plays and middle of the field pass plays.

Keys of the game for the Falcons:

• Matt Ryan needs to find a rythem against this stingy Seahawks defense. This Seattle defense are bunch of hungry defenders looking to take the ball away from Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor are gonna be very busy in the secondary, preventing those deep balls from Jones and White. If Ryan's arm heaves it over the defense and finds White or Jones on single or double move fly routes, Ryan will have a better times calling audibles for run plays since the safties would play deep if theres every a deep line leaning towards them.
• Michael Turner will struggle against the Seattle defense, so Jacquizz Rodgers will need to step up his game and use his very underrated speed to get past this Seahawks front 7
• Thomas DeCoud is reffered as a ball hawk with 5 interceptions. If DeCoud reads a deep Russell Wilson throw, than it could be a huge game changer for this defense, and the entire game
• The Falcons Offensive line needs to win the battle at the line of scrimmage to beat the Hawks. If they do, Turner will find running room, Ryan will have time in the pocket to find open recievers and the Falcons could win there first ever home playoff game since the 2004 season.

MY Bold Predictions:

• Matt Ryan will throw 2 early interecptions, before helping his team comeback in the second half of this wild game. He will throw for 275 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
• Marshawn Lynch will run just over 100 yards, on 27 carries, in the end the Falcons are the ones that will beat down Lynch
• Asante Samuel and DeCoud will each have a pick of there own
• The home crowd in the Georgia Dome will frustrate Russell Wilson in the 2nd Half
• Bobby Wagner or K.J. Wright will have an  outstanding preformance (11 tackles, 1 FF, 1 sack)
• Field Position will be huge in this game

My Prediction is Falcons 23-Seahawks17

Divisional Round Preview: Texans VS Patriots

Last time we saw these two teams meet , we saw the Patriots wip the Texans defense for 42 points, Tom Brady throwing for 5 touchdowns, the Patriots defense holding Arian Foster to 46 yards, and the Texans scoring only 14 points. That was week 14 and now its playoff time, and the second game in Foxbourough, between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots. J.J. Watt will look to get a second lick on Tom Brady, Arian Foster looks to improve from his 46 yard preformance, and Tom Brady will try to get to the AFC Championship for the second year in a row.

Here are the keys of the game for the Texans:

• J.J. Watt got held up by RT Sebastian Vollmer last time these two met. Watt's production has slowed down the during the final 4 games of the regualar season. That's when the Texans kept losing games and the defense got pounded by other opponents. If Watt puts pressure on Brady, the Texans defense will step up and find a way to get to the QB. DE Antonio Smith will try to power his way though LT Nate Solder, making the pocket collapse inside. This helps the OLB's Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed to bring the heat on Brady
• Arian Foster ran over 125 yards against a stingy Bengals D-Line last week. If Foster puts up the same numbers, the Texans will win. One reason why they would win is that if Foster runs well, the Texans play action game will do well. Schaub will find Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels against the shaky Patriots secondary. There secondary has improved through too, so Schaub's decision making will be the key to the Texans offense.
• The play of the Texans secondary had worsended at the end of the regukar season, before they straightened things out last week against the Bengals. Jonathan Jospeh has been struggling in pass coverage, even though he did well against A.J. Green last week. His play against Brandon Llyod will be a factor, but Kareem Jackson has to improve on not getting blowned by opponents WR. This turns into a pass interference call on Jackson resulting in 10-20 yards and a first down. If Jackson and Joseph do well and the Linebacks and Safties do well against Wes Welker, the Texans should win this ball game

Here are the keys of the game for the Patriots:

• The Texans defense hasn't been the best against the run latley, and Stevan Ridley looks to have found a good matchup. That is if the blocking schemes by the Patriots work against a very good and active Texas D-Line. If Ridley breaks into the secondary, it's gone be a goner or a ver long run.
• Tom Brady is very good against blitzing defenses because of his vision to find open recievers downfield, if Houston blitzes, Brady will find an open target downfield.
• Devin McCourtey is one of those hidden safties in a secondary. Last time these two teams met, Matt Schaub threw a pick to McCourtey in the red zone, this proved to be very colstly. If McCourtey, who has a knack of having good ball skills finds the direction of where the ball is going, it's an INT. This could also be another coslty move by Schaub that will help the Patriots
• You not only have to stop Andre Johnson, and Foster, but you also need to keep an eye on Owen Daniels. He caught 65 passes this season as the third option. If Mayo, Hightower or any of these LB have the speed to catch up with Daniels, Schaub will have to go to Kevin Walter or Garett Graham.
• Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski are finally playing with eachother since week 1 or 2. These two will dominate any defense they play. If any one of these guys has a big day, Tom Brady will have a huge day against this Texans defense.

My Bold Predictions of the game:

• Arian Foster will run for over 100 yards on 24 carries and will score a TD
• Rob Gronkowski presence will help Aaron Hernanez get some attention off him and have a good day against these Texans LB's
• Wes Welker will catch 8 passes for 84 yards.
• Tom Brady is going to overwhelm this Texans defense for the 2nd time in a row. He will throw for 319 yards and 3 TD and no INT.
• Andre Johnson will pile up over 100 yards
• Patriots Saftey Devin McCourtey will make the play of the game to seal a Patriots Win
• J.J. Watt will get pressure on Tom Brady, but won't get any help from his other interior friends

MY Prediction Score: Patriots 34-Texans 21

Divisional Round Preview: Packers VS 49ers

In Week 1, the 49ers beat the Packers 30-22. The starting QB for the 49ers was Alex Smith. He had over a 100 passer raiting before he got injured. That's when things got interesting. QB Colin Kapernick ha started every game since Kaepernick took over as starting QB. Green Bay on the other hand rolled over Minesota easily, 24-10 and held Vikings RB Adrian Peterson under 100 yards.

Here are the keys of the game for the Packers:

• 49ers OLB Aldon Smith has murdered QB 20 times this season. The Packers allowed the 2nd most sacks during the regular season and could have trouble containing this 49ers D-Line anchored by Justin Smith. If Aldon blows past LT Marshall Newhouse, Rodgers could be in for a long day. However, Rodgers scrambling ability to get out of the pocket or help his OL protect him is absolutly sensational. If Rodgers shakes off Aldon Smith, he will need to get past Patrick Willis, NaVarro Bouwman, Carlos Rodgers, and Dashon Goldson to hit his open man.
• The running game of Green Bay has came to life. If they get at least 90 yards a game, with a combination of Starks, Harris, and Green, Rodgers will excell at his playaction fakes if his OL holds up this 49ers DL. The play-action will help guys like TE JerMichael Finley or even FB John Kuhn to get 4-12 yards.
• The Packers secondary has gotten better, but is still a little rusty. Young CB's Casey Heyward and Sam Shields have been imprvoing week by week. IF Shields and Heyward can hold 49ers WR's Randy Moss and Michael Crabree, Kaepernick will have to force it to TE Vernon Davis, where Green Bay will do a great job guarding him, considering there one of the best teams at getting the underneath WR or TE, with speedy LB Desmond Bishop and Erik Walden. This forces Kaepernick to stay in the pocket, where hes terrible or go oustide and scramble, where he's most dangerous. If Clay Matthews disrupts Kaepenicks rythem, the 49ers offense is doomed
• The Packers should use there 5 WR sets to get guys open. Cobb, Jennings, Nelson, Jones, and sometimes Driver, and Finley are fast and get quick releases off the press to get open. If any of these guys get open every time in the middle of the field, Rodgers will find more guys open. The weapons he has is pretty much no match for any opponent, except the Seahawks and the 49ers. However using Randall Cobb in the slot puts more pressure on the 49ers defense than ever, Cobb burns every defender he runs with in the slot, and could help Rodgers find open recievers with probably a saftey/LB and a CB on him , during those plays

Here are the keys of the game for the 49ers:

• Aldon Smith needs to take advantage of an oppurtunity against the Packers OL (31st in the NFL in sacks allowed). He motored through the Bears J'Marcus Webb and the rest of the OL with 5 sacks back in week 12 or 11. Newhouse is similar play to Webb who isn't very good. Smith should have a bug day Saturday Night against Newhouse
• The play of the 49ers WR have been pitiful. They finished the regular season on a bad note on offense and need to get TE Vernon Davis more involved with this offense. If Davis catches the passes thrown to him, he will have a big day. This helps freeing WR Michael Crabtree 1-1 with either Shields, Williams, or Heyward, pretty favorable matchups. Crabtrees size helps him post up against  Packers CB's.
• The 49ers secondary will be the most important for them because of Green Bays passing attack on offense. Goldson, Whitner, Brown, and Rodgers need to play at 100% to stop this great passing attack

My Bold Predictions of the game:

• The 49ers DL and LB's will hold the Green Bay offense to 38 rushing yards, forcing Rosgers to throw more. Rodgers will be very careful with his passes, but won't throw over 300 yards, he'll throw a pick in the 2nd quarter, before settling into his game
• Aldon Smith's presence willl force double or even triple teams, making gap blitzes for the 49ers easy to use. ILB NaVarro Bouwman will help put the pressure on, forcing Green Bay's O-Line to have to adjust to the right side, putting 1-1 matchups with Willis and Brooks to get sacks.
• Kapernick will throw 2 picks, lose a fumble and be a non factor in this game
• Frank Gore will rush for 24 carries for 118 rushing yards and a touchdown
• Randall Cobb will have a great game catching 9 passes for 99 yards
• Kicking is going to be huge. Mason Crosby and either David Akers or Billy Cundiff need to make there field goals to put up needed points on the board
• My prediction: Packers 20-49ers 17, this is gonna be close, it's all up to Mason Crosby making his FG's and the play of this defense.

Divisional Round Preview: Ravens VS Broncos

Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis will square in Denver as two future Hall OF Famers will go at it on Saturday. Manning is riding on a 8 game winning streak coming into this game and Ray Lewis and the Ravens beat the Colts last week in Ray Lewis's final home game as a Raven, 24-9. In each of the last 8 meetings against Baltimore, Peyton Manning has won all 8, including a 34-17 against Baltimore, in Week 15.

Here are the keys for the game for Baltimore:

• Pressuring Peyton Manning is huge for the Ravens, in this game. If OLB's Terrell Suggs and Paul Kruger can overwhelm OT's Ryan Clady and Orlando Franklin, Manning will have a rough day. NT Haloti Ngata should help Kruger get the rush off the right side and a nice gap blitz to free Suggs will help get Manning off-rythem
• LT Bryant McKinnie will have his hands full with Pro Bolers DE Elvis Dumervil and OLB Von Miller attack the left side of the offense. Miller and Dumervil both finished with 11 sacks or more and have harrassed QB all season long. IF McKinnie can contain the speedy Dumervil and Miller, and protect Joe Flacco, Flacco will have enough time in the pocket to find one his recievers.
• The Ravens showed that they could strech the field last week with WR Anquan Boldin (5 catches 145 yards 1 TD). The other WR Torrey Smith, has very dangerous speed and could outrun Bailey for a long bomb. If he matches up in the slot, Smith will burn Denver CB. Bailey is a lockdown CB and usually doesn't give up big playes, but if Smith flies pass Bailey, WATCH OUT! Streching the field with Smith and Boldin will leave guys like slot reciever Jacouby Jones, Tandon Doss, TE Dennis Pitta, and Ray Rice open and have a nice 10-25 yard gain.
• Special Teams is huge for the Ravens this game. If punter Sam Koch pins the Broncos inside the 20 or ten yard line a couple times, this will affect the Broncos field position. If there playing against the wind, it will be difficult for them to strech the field. KR Jacouby Jones has had a 107 yard return TD this season against San Diego, if Jones breaks free in the open, Jones could help the Ravens field position a lot, or he scores a big TD in the game.

Here are the kyes for the game for Denver:

• We saw Ray Lewis very active last week against the Colts (13 tackles). Denver needs to use crossing route plays, play action fakes, and FB Fake HB Toss type plays to slow Ray down. If Lewis sin't on top of his game, Denver's offense will exploit the middle of Baltimore's defense.

Ravens CB's Cary Williams, Corey Graham, and Jimmy Smith haven't played up to there potental yet. WR's Demariuys Thomas and Eric Decker have the size and speed to beat these CB. In week 15, Decker had burned Baltimore on a 50 yard TD pass on a streak route. If Decker and Thomas take advantage of this matchup, Manning will show this Baltimore's defense whos boss.
• Von Miller and Elvin Dumervil need to disrupt Joe Flacco's blindside to win. Having Miller and Dumervil pressure Flacco makes Baltimore adjust there OL to the right side. This could free guys like D.J. Williams and Robert Ayers free to swallow up Flacoo. This will force Flacco in the pocket (which he's not that great with) and contain Flacco on all blitz types. This will force Flacco out of rythem, having a successful day for Denver's D.

Here are my Bold Predictions for the game.

Broncos 30-Baltimore 19

• Ravens RB Ray Rice will rush for 96 yards on 19 carries because the Ravens OL will be the ones dominating the line of scrimmage early, until the middle of the 3rd quarter
• Ravens rookie kicker Justin Tucker will kick 4 field goals for the Ravens
• In the 2nd half and partly the first quarter, Von Miller's presence will be huge for ther Broncos defense. The pressure caused by him will get QB Joe Flacco out of rythem.
• Look for either WR Eric Decker or Demariuys Thomas to have a big game against the Ravens secondary
• LT Ryan Clady will keep OLB Paul Kruger out of Peyton Manning's face
• Manning will throw for 314 yards, 2 TD, O INT

Cowboys Add Kiffin as DC

After firing defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, the Cowboys added Monte Kiffin to there staff, as the new defensive coordinator, for the Dallas Cowboys. Monte Kiffin will bring his Tampa Two to Dallas, to improve the play of there secondary. The Cowboys D was torched by opponents as they ranked 28th in tackeaways, 19th in yards allowed per game, and 22nd in Total QBR last season. They allowed RG3 to throw for 423 yards on Thanksgiving Day, Drew Brees torched them with 406 yards, Eli threw for 415 yards, Cutler passed for 389 yards, Matt Ryan threw for 312 yards, and Big Ben threw for 328 yards showed how poor the Cowboys secondary played last season. One reason whjy the Cowboys defense played so poorly was injuries. They lost a great linebacker in Sean Lee, Jay Ratliff for part of the season, and DE Kenyon Coleman were huge losses for the team's defense, during the season. When Kiffin coached in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers ranked in the top ten in scoring defense in 11 of Kiffins 13 seasons with the team. The Bucs defense though is much better than this Dallas D today. They had Derrick Brooks, Simeon Rice, Warren Sapp, Ronde Barber, and John Lynch. Dallas has DeMarcus Ware, Sean Lee, Brandon Carr, and Jay Ratliff. This is a whole nother defense because the Cowboys play a 3-4 and the Bucs play a 4-3 defense. The Boys might also lose OLB Anthony Spencer, via free agency, which could hurt the team's pass rush. Monte Kiffin will have to adjust to the 3-4 defense or change the Cowboys to 4-3 to be successful in Big D.

A Hall Shutout

For the first time since 1966, there were no players elected into the Baseball Hall OF Fame. Former Astros infielder Craig Biggio led all players and batters with 68.2% of the vote and former Detriot Tigers starter Jack Morris led all pitchers with a 67.7% of the vote. Both fell short of the needed 75% to get into the Hall. This was also the first time for steriod stars Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Roger Clemons to be on the Hall OF Fame ballot, but didn't get a pretty welcome as all had less than 40% of the vote. What surprised me was that starter Greg Maddux or Frank Thomas didn't even get in. Maybe the year 2014 will be there year, to be part of the Baseball Hall Of Fame.

Rangers Add Lance Berkman

After losing Josh Hamilton to the Los Angeles Angels this offseason, the Rangers were looking for some replacement power, to their lineup. They signed free agent outfielder/first basemen Lance Berkman to a 1 year $10M contract. By adding outfielder/first basemen Lance Berkman to there lineup, the Rangers will try to replace Josh Hamilton with his bat. Berkman has had some trouble staying healthy as he only played in 32 games last season. The year before though, Berkman bombed 33 homers, a .959 OPS, and a .301 AVG in his comeback year. Although Berkman isn't a Josh Hamilton, he still provides pop in the middle of the lineup. However, the Rangers also need to replace 3B/DH Michael Young and Catcher/First Basmene Mike Napoli too. Adding Berkman provides pop in the lineup, but won't fill all the holes that the Rangers need to fill in their lineup.

Vikings VS Packers Wild Card Preview

This will be game 3 of the season between the two rivals. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has ran for at least 160 yards when the 2 teams met in the regular season. QB Aaron Rodgers leads all NFL QB with a 108 passer raiting and Adrian Peterson leads all RB with 2,097 rushing yards. Rookie Kicker Blair Walsh set an NFL record by making 10 field goals of 50 plus-yards.

The Minnesota Vikings got off to a 4-1 start before losing 5 out of there next 7 games, before finishing off strong with 4 straight victories, to end the season at 10-6. RB Adrian Peterson has been the storyline of this team, but guys like DE's Jared Allen and Everson Griffin, K Blair Walsh and LT Matt Kalil have helped the Vikings get into the playoffs.

The Green Bay Packers had started the season on a low note, standing at 2-3 by week 6. Then they won there 9 out of there next 11 games to finish the season 11-5. Led Aaron Rodgers rocket arm his receiving crew, this Packers offense ranked 5th in scoring. The defense did allright without Clay Matthews, but there offense exploded opponents to win games.

Here are some of the keys to the game if the Vikings beat the Packers

• If Adrian Peterson runs for at least 150 yards, the Vikings take control
• LT Matt Kalil will have his hands full against Packers OLB Clay Matthews. If he powers his way through Matthews, Ponder will be protected.
• Center John Sullivan will need some help to block run stuffing NT B.J. Raji. IF Sullivan succseeds, this Vikings offense will pound the ball with A.P. and Toby Gerheart and go outside with Peterson to control the clock
• Christian Ponder will have to be very moble against a swarming 3-4 Green Bay defense. If the OL gives up no sacks, Ponder has more time in the pocket to find WR's Michael Jenkins, Jerome Simpson, Jarius Wright, and TE Kyle Rudolph.
• Everson Griffin, Jared Allen, and Brian Robinson should get pressure against a Packers OL that's ranked 2nd to last in the NFL, in sacks allowed. If Allen ,Griffin, and Robinson get after Rodgers, Rodgers is going to have a rough night
• The Vikings secondary has been prone to give up big plays, if CB Antonie Winfield is at 100% and CB's A.J. Jefferson and Chris Cook step up there game, the Vikings will hold Aaron Rodgers, forcing the Packers to run the ball

Here are some of the keys to the game if the Packers beat the Vikings

• This Packers OL has been prone to giving sacks this season, if this group steps up and gives Rodgers all the time he needs to find his guys, WATCH OUT!!
• The Depth of this Packers recieving corps is so deep. Randall Cobb, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Joines, Jermichael Finley should have a nice day against a sahaky Minnesota secondary.
• Adrian Peterson has put up 2 150 burners against the Pack, if Green Bay finds a way to stop Peterson, then the Vikings offense will sputter. This forces Ponder to throw more which he struggles at, especially the last time these two meet in Lambeau Field
• If Clay Matthews pushes LT Matt Kalil around, this forces Ponder to scramble more to the right side, which will help Green Bay's defense adjust. If Ponder scrambles to the right the Packers will use DE Contain or blitz to the right to cause chaos for the Vikings QB
• Rookie CB Casey Heyward has 5 INT this season, he could have a couple today if Ponder gets out of his rythem

My prediction is that the Packers will win 34-17 against the Vikings

Bengals V.S. Texans Wild Card Preview

Last year saw the Texans manhandle the Bengals in the wild card round, 31-10. Then rookie QB Andy Dalton had thrown 3 interceptions and got sacked 4 times that day. While the other rookie QB, backup T.J. Yates threw a touchdown pass to Andre Johnson and no interceptions. Arian Foster also ran for 153 yards and a touchdown that would put Houston in the lead for good. That was last year though, this year is a whole different story.

The Cinncinati Bengals finished on a high note to end the season, beating the Ravens 23-17 to finish 10-6. Led by Pro Bowl DT Geno Atkins and DE Michael Johnson, the Bengals finished 3rd in the NFL in sacks with 51. This was one reason why the Bengals ranked 9th in the NFL in scoring defense. Rookie LB Vontaze Burficit came out of knowhere this season, leading the Bengals in tackles with 127. While the Bengals defense sets the tone of their game, there offense did some nice work. WR A.J. Green caught 97 passes and RB Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis  ran for 1,094 yards to lead this up and down Bengals offense.

Here are some of the of the factors of the game, in order for the Bengals to beat the Texans:

• The Bengals need to contain the Texans running game anchored by Arian Foster. DT Geno Atkins and DE's Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap need to take over the Texans excellent offensive line. If they contain there strech plays, the Bengals pass rush will find ways to get after QB Matt Schaub when the Texans are doing play action.
• WR A.J. Green did well against CB Champ Bailey this season (7 REC 99 Yards 1 TD) and did good in his second meeting with the Steelers (10 REC 116 Yards) should do well against Texans CB Jonathan Joseph. The Texans have allowed at least 265 passing yards during there 3 losses in there last 4 games. Andy Dalton and A.J. have a favorable matchup.
• Green will attract Texan defenders, which will let Slot WR Marvin Jones or TE Jermaine Gresham in open field
• If RT Andre Smith and LT Andrew Witworth can contain DE's J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith, the Bengals running game will open up running holes for RB Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis.

The Texans have lost there last 3 out of 4 games and are looking for there first win since Week 15 against the Colts and look to beat the Bengals for there 2nd playoff win in franchise history. DE J.J. Watt has been the talk about the Texans defense, sacking opponetts QB 20 times. This defense had lost LB Brian Cushing for the season and there that hurt the defense. They did finish 8th in scoring defense and rank 7th in total defense. The offensive side did there job too, racking up 416 points, which ranked 8th in the NFL and finished 7th in total offense. WR Andre Johnson brought in 112 catches for 1,598 yards, RB Arian Foster ran for 1,424 yards, scored 17 TD, and QB Matt Schaub threw for 4,008 yards and finished with a 90.7 QB raiting.

Here are some of the facotrs of the game, in order for the Texans to beat the Bengals

• Matt Schaub has gotten sacked only 27 times, if this T Duane Brown, C Chris Myers and this Texans O-line can win the battle at the line of scrimmage, Arian Foster will run wild, and Matt Schaub will have a big day
• J.J. Watt's double teams will free a LB on a bitz, look for Houston to do zone and gap blitzes to get after Andy Dalton
• If TE Owen Daniels gets in a groove, that means the Bengals will have to focus Andre Johnson and Daniels. This helps WR's Keyshawn Martin and Kevin Walter and TE Garett Graham find open holes in the defense

I have the Bengals upsetting the Texans 24-17.

RG3, Wilson Prepare To Square Off In Seattle

With the wild card playoffs coming in 5 days, there are some great wild card matchups, but there is one in particular that everyone will be watching the Seahawks host the Redskins. This is the third time in 8 years that the Seahawks will host the Redskins at Quest Fied. In 2006 (2005-2006 season), the Seahwaks beat the Redskins in the Divisional Round 20-10, on there way to the Super Bowl 40, and in 2008 (2007-2008 season) the Seahawks defeated the Redskins 35-14 in the wild card round. Now this will be round 3 between the Washington Redskins and the Seattle Seahawks, this time it's between two rookie QB. RG3 will have to face a Seahawks defense that's ranked first in scoring defense and have forced 38 turnovers. The Redskins though have been very been very good keeping the ball in there hands, turning over the ball only 14 times. RG3 health is going to be huge in this game and if the Seahawks can stuff the Strech, Fake HB, QB Sneak in Pistol Formations, then RG3 will struggle. Seahawks linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright are very young, but will have to contain RG3 and Alfred Morris to keep Seattle in the game. The Redskins are ranked 5th in the NFL with 31 tackeaways and are led by MLB London Fletcher. With Carrikar and Orakpo done, Flectcher and Co. have done pretty good against the run, but poorly against the pass. If the Seahawks start the game running well, then they will torch this Redskins horrible pass defense. Russell Wilson will need to excell at play action if he wants to manhandle the Redskins defense. 

My prediction is Seahawks 27-Redskins 17.

MY BOLD PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME

• Seahawks linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright are going to contain RG3 in pistol formation
• DE Chris Clemons will manhandle Pro Bowl LT Trent Williams causing chaos on RG3 blind side. Other DE Bruce Irvin will contain the outside lanes of RG3, but won't be good defending the run
• CB Richard Sherman (8 interceptions) and Safties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas will have a tough 1st quarter and almost half of second quarter, but will adjust mostly in 2nd half and will force 2 key second half RG3 turnovers
• QB Russell Wilson will take advantage of Redskins weak blitz schmes (they usually are good at blitzing but T Breno Giacomini and T Russell Okong will have a great day against Redskins 3-4 defense
• Wilson will throw for 277 yards and 1 TD Oint
• Alfred Morris will run over 110 yards

Lovie Gets Blown Away In Chicago

After 9 seasons as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Lovie Smith has gotten fired. After starting out 7-1, the Bears second half collapse prevented a playoff berth. They were the first team since the 1996 Washington Redskins to miss the playoffs, following a 7-1 start. One reason the Chicago Bears collapsed in the 2nd half of the season was that they only played 2 teams over .500 out of there first 8 games they've played. If the Chicago Bears had one more tough opponent like Houston, Baltimore, or Atlanta in there first 8 games, they would have adjusted better the next good team they played. During the Bears first 8 games, they scored 7 defensive touchdowns, and in the second half they scored 2.   I only blame Lovie a little because GM Jerry Angelo had never drafted a good offensive lineman. Offensive line is very crucial for the Bears and sack-prone QB. Not having WR Johnny Knox also affects this Bears team. Knox is a great deep threat that would have helped Cutler this season with most attention going to Marshall, some to Jeffery and Bennett. The injuries and poor play of the OL (38 sacks allowed)is one reason why the Bears didn't make the playoffs. Lovie could have given a little more enthusiasm ot better pep talk, but the players need to perform and be clutch at the right times. Remeber when they went for it on fourth and 1 against Seattle instead of kicking the field goal and when Earl Bennett dropped a wide open pass the same game. It's very, very sad that Lovie has to go, he's coached every game I've watched as a Bears Fan and I'm gonna miss him. What's gonna happen to the defense, GM Phil Emery will need to sign couple 28 yeard old linebackers, some decent OL in draft or free agency if the Bears can go somewhere. Lovie could go to Arizona or couple other teams as a new head coach, so good luck on doing that Lovie.

Gailey out in Buffalo

Failing to reach over .500 for the third season for Gailey is pretty sad. Look at the talent you got on this team. You've got Spiller, Fred Jackson (landed on IR late in season), Stevie Johnson, Donald Jones, David Nelson (on IR this season), Scott Chandler (landed on IR late in season), Brad Smith on offense. You've got Leodis McKelvin, Terrance McGee (On IR this season), Mario Williams, Jarius Byrd, George Wilson, Kyle Williams, and Marcel Darues. The injuries have killed this team though. Look at the Colts they lost boatloads of players, but they made the playoffs. Whatever the Bills need is chemistry and trust. They haven't produced a winning season in 2004. Gailey is more of an offensive mind coach, but they need defense. When the Bills last went to the playoffs in 1999, there defense was very good, giving up only 229 points. Since the Bills hired Gailey, they've allowed at least 425 points. They haven't allowed that much points since the 2001 season. Though the offensive minded Gailey will be mist, the Bills will need to find a coach that knows a lot about speed or defenses, because the defensive side of the ball is unreal.

Wizzy Dumped In The Desert

After another 5-11 record in the past 3 years, the Cardinals finally dumped Head Coach Wisenhunt loose. After starting 4-0, the Cardinals went out of control, losing there next 9 games. Duirng that 9 game losing streak the Cardinals went through 4 quarterbacks and 3 runningbacks because of injuries. They ranked 31st in scoring offense and there running game mustered a terrible 3.4 AVG and the offensive line was one of the league's worst, giving up 58 sacks. The QB play was awful as they threw 1,000 yards less than their defense gave up and a 63.1 QB raiting between the 4 QB.  The defense was elite against the pass, but wimpy against the run. The 59-0 loss against the Seahawks in week 14, was a signal that Ken woulf get fired. It's very sad though that Ken has to get fired, the Cardinals played with a total of 4 QB and 3 RB because of injury, I'm pretty sure no NFL team has gone through that before. The Cardinals are a very young team and it's not Ken's fault for having such a young team, it's nobodys. The players haven't devolped yet. Maybe the players don't fit right in their system. Anyways, it's very sad for Ken to leave, he lead the Cardinals to the super bowl in 2008 and had a good relationship with the players. It's hard for a head coach to leave.

Reid gone after 14

After his worst coaching season ever, Andy Reid has gotten fired. Following a 42-7 loss to the Giants, we all knew it would be an end of a run for Reid in Philly. This is a huge loss for Eagles even though they had a bad season. This season,  injuries killed the Eagles as they lost 3 OL (Peters, Kelce, and Herramans), they lost WR DeSean Jackson, QB Michael Vick, and already lost star corner Asante Samuel the previous off-season. It's not Reid's fault for doing bad, the OL coach was horrible, they gave up  48 sacks, but did well blocking for McCoy and Brown (4.5 AVG). When the GM gave up Donovan McNabb, disaster had struck. Without McNabb the Eagles have gone downhill each year 10-6 in 10, 8-8 in 11, and 4-12 in 12. When the Eagles grabbed Asoughma, Rodgers-Cromartie, Jenkins, Babin, they all came together the first season, but they couldn't come together this season. Maybe the players didn't connect together which got Reid fired or the moves by the GM. Reid has helped the Eagles reach 4 consecutive NFC Championships from 2000-2004 and another in 2008.  He also helped Philly go to the Superbowl in 2004. The loss of Reid is devastating, hopefully he can find another head coaching job.

2012 NFL Moments Of The Year

The 2012 NFL Season is defined as determination, confidence, and leadership. Throughout the season there were record-breakers, collapses, surprising and dissapointing finishes, drama, and rookie mania.

Following another dissapointing year in New York, Rex Ryan and the Jets needed to straighten up in order to have a succesful season. They added QB Tim Tebow, who they thought would be a nice addition in the wildcat formation. Adding Tebow caused chaos as he averaged 3.2 on the ground and it caused a QB controversey between Sanchez and him. The Jets ranked 30th in total offense and was one reason why they went nowhere. The Jets also lostarguably there two best players on both sides of the ball, WR Santonio Holmes and CB Darelle Revis. This hit the Jets hard as they finished 6-10 and fired there GM.

The Arizona Cardinals started out 4-0, led by a stingy defense and QB Kevin Kolb, but things went downhill as they lost there last 11 out of 12 games. During that time the Cardinals went through 4 QB and 3 RB.

The Chicago Bears roared to a 7-1 record, led by a stifling defense that scored 7 defensive touchdowns in there first 8 games and WR Brandon Marshall. The Bears had only played only played one team over .500 during that run, the Packers. After losing to Houston on MNF, things went downhill. They lost there next 5 out of 8 games to finish 10-6. They needed help last Sunday to get in the playoffs, but didn't get in because the Vikings beat the Packers 37-34 to get the second wild card, I was so mad that day. Brandon Marshall had produced numbers that a Bear has never done, grab 118 catches for 1,508 yards (both Bears records). The OL needs to be improved as Cutler got sacked 38 times. The defense did great allowing only 286 points and leading the league with more than 40 tackeaways.

After losing in the wild card playoffs last year 24-2 against the Giants, the Falcons were determined this year is there year. Apparantley it's worked because they ran to a 8-0 start and finishing with a 13-3 record. Led by QB Matt Ryan who threw for 4,719 yards, 32 TD, and a 99.1 passer raiting, the Falcons passing attack exploded, but there running game dissapeared. Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White caught more than 90 passes and Julio Jones and Michael Turner each scored 10 touchdowns.  All the Falcons need to do is get there heads back together in the playoffs, they haven't won a playoff game since destroying the St. Louis Rams in 2005, 47-17.

Losing QB Peyton Manning and with coach Chuck Pagano trying to get over cancer, the Colts were in a deep hole. They did draft QB Andrew Luck out of Stanford with the first overall pick and his fellow teammate TE Coby Fleener. They already lost key players WR Austin Collie, CB Jerraud Powers, and about 5 others for the season. There only offensive weapon was WR Reggie Wayne and his other target Donnie Avery was an original draft bust. With a new coach, new system, Luck would have to take charge. After a 41-21 loss to Chicago in week 1, Luck worked on his mechanics and understanding the playbook more to get more comfortable in the system. Luck won his first game next week, 23-20 against the Vikings. In just his 3rd start he threw for 313 yards against the Jaguars. It wasn't only Luck who helped the Colts to get to the playoffs, it was rookies Vick Ballard, Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen, LaVon Brazil, T.Y. Hilton, and Reggie Wayne. Even though the Colts weren't great defensivley, there were players who still stepped up on big downs. Linebacker Jerrell Freeman, cornerback Darius Butler, and linebacker Pat Angerer.  Luck threw the most passing yards by a rookie, in week 9 against the Dolphins and also set two more rookie records, most yards passing in a single season by a rookie (4,374) and most 4th quarter comebacks (7). Most of all, the Colts did this for Chuck Pagano, going through that and still making the playoffs, thats impressive.

There was another rookie QB drafted after Luck, Robert Griffin III or RG3. The Redskins gave up 3 first round picks to draft the heisman winner. Coming off a 5-11 record and not expirenced a winning season since 2007 is pretty sad, but with a free agent haul and drafting RG3, the Redskins were determined. RG3 won his first game as rookie, defeating the Saints in a shootout, 40-32. His first pass was an 80 yard touchdown pass to WR Pierre Garcon. The first time that's ever happened since Matt Ryan accomplished this feat in 2008. From that pass and the rest of the season, RG3 was an intelligent, mobile, and dynamic QB. Another rookie that would join RG3 in the starting lineup was 6th rounder Alfred Morris. Morris would team up with RG3 to become a 1-2 punch in the pistol formation, a formation that the Redskins are very successful at. Though they had the 2nd worst pass defense in the league, some how, they would step up and make a big play. RG3 also broke Michael Vicks record of rushing yards by a rookie QB too and posted a 102.4 passer raiting. In week 17, Morris ran for 200 yards to help the Redskins get back in the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

RG3 and Luck were the top QB's drafted, but the Seahawks took a chance on Wisconsin's Russell Wilson in the 3rd round. The Seahawks had originally signed QB Matt Flynn to battle Wilson for the job, but they gave it to Wilson.Wilson took advantage of this oppurtunity and never gave it up to Flynn. Led by a stingy defense that allowed the fewest points per game (245). Everybody football fan probably remembers when Russell Wilson threw the game-winning TD pass  to Golden Tate in week 3, against the Green Bay Packers. M.D. Jennings got robbed from that int which got Wilson the win.  From that game and on, Wilson and the Seahawks would lose there next 3 out of there next 5 games after that game. Wilson wasn't the only Seahawk doing the dirty work, RB Marshawn Lynch ran for 1,590 yards and 11 TD and CB Richard Sherman (8 interceptions) helped Seattle win there next 5 out of there last 6 games to clinch the wild card. Wilson's 5-10 hieght didn't matter, which was one reason why he had a 100 passer raiting.

Losing Tim Tebow was like a plus for Denver because they landed QB Peyton Manning. Manning had just gone through neck surgery the previous year, and there were questions whether he would be the same Peyton we saw in Indy. Manning proved that the surgery was minor, leading the Broncos to a 13-3 record and a first round bye. Starting the season 2-3 didn't slow down Peyton as he won his next 11 games to lead Denver as the number 1 seed in the AFC. Manning found great chemistry with recievers Eric Decker and Demariyus Thomas in his first year in Denver. It was like Peyton throwing to Marvin and Reggie in a way, to guys that can strech the field and have good hands. Thomas caught 94 for 1,434 and 13 TD and Decker had 85 for 1,064 and 10 TD. It wasn't only the offense opponents had to deal with, defensivley the Broncos ranked as the 4th best scoring defense in the league (289 points allowed) and they also manhandled QB with 52 sacks. Champ Bailey is still the shutdown corner we saw 7 years ago, and Von Miller's 18.5 sacks was third in the NFL. The Broncos are the team to beat right now, mark my word, they are.

Let's look at some of the records broken this season:

• Andrew Luck eclpised Cam Newton's rookie passing record with 4,374 passing yards and he also had 7 4th quarter comebacks.
• RG3 broke Michael Vick's rookie rushing record and broke Big Ben's rookie passer raiting record with a 102.4 raiting
• Detriot Lions WR Calvin Johnson eclipsed Jerry Rice's single season recieving record of 1,848 yards. Johnson finished the season with 1,964
• Jason Witten broke WR Michael Irvin's record as he has finished with a total of 806 catches, breaking Irvin's team record of 750.

2012 MLB Moments Of The Year Part 2

While some teams in the MLB showed that spending lots of money won't always solve your problem. Devolping young and unknown players the right way was another direction for some teams. While rookies Bryce Harper and Mike Trout took most of the spotlight, there were a few others who changed the game.

 

Coming off another losing season, GM Billy Beane and the rest of his crew would need to find ways for their Oakalnd A's to get into the playoffs. They added cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, outfielders Josh Reddick, Seth Smith, infielder Brandon Moss, third baseman Brandon Inge, and starter Bartolo Colon. All these players would be key to the success of this A's team. They started off 11-13 and only 43-43 by the all-star break. Then they finally found there groove in July going 13-4 and then 18-10 in August. The A's finished at a surprising 91-71 and made it into the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

 

While the A's won from boat loads of underrated guys, the Orioles found the same method too. Led by one of the best pitching teams this season and an offense anchored by Adam Jones, this Orioles team finally found its winning ways. They cruised to a 29-17 record and wore down there opponetts by there late game heroics. Closer Jim Johnson led the league in saves with 51, Pedro Strop and CO. baffeled batters, and success against the A.L. East brought the Orioles to there first winning record since 2001. Although the Orioles lost in the divisional round of the playoffs, the Orioles comeback year was outstanding and have a bright future ahead of them too.

 

After getting catcher Buster Posey back and brining in outfielders Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan, the Giants were ready to go for another world series title. Led by starters Madison Bumgardner, Matt Cain, and Ryan Vogelsong, the Giants pitching dominated opposing batters. Matt Cain's prefect game on June 13th, against the Houston Astros was another highlight during the Giants regular season too. Catcher Buster Posey being healthy was a huge difference for the Giants as he lead the Giants in almost every hitting category. He also was the first ever catcher to win MVP since Hall Of Famer Johnny Bench won it in 1972. Melky Cabrera was leading the N.L. in batting average till he got suspended. The struggles of Tim Linecum were only a minor issue as they also lost closer Brian Wilson for the season too. Santiago Casilla would fill in that role and succseed, saving 25 games. The Giants leaned on third basemen Pablo Sandavol and there pitching to win the world series. Sandoval hit his first 3 homers in his first 3 at-bats in game one of the World Series as he was named world series MVP. They swept the Detriot Tigers to win there second title in the last 3 years.

 

During the 2012 MLB season there were 3 perfect games pitched (Phil Humber, Matt Cain, and Felix Hernandez) and there were a total of 6 no hitters (Not including the ones who threw the 3 perfect games)(Homer Bailey, Johan Santana, Jered Weaver). The 2012 MLB season also saw the first Triple Crown Winner in over 40 years, Detriot Tigers Miguel Cabrera (.330 AVG, 44 HR, 139 RBI). Swith Hitter Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres quielty lead the National League with 115 RBI this season too. Tampa Bay Rays closer Fernando Rodney set an MLB record with the lowest E.R.A., by a pitcher, with at least 50 innings pithced, 0.60.

2012 MLB Moments Of The Year Part 1

The 2012 MLB season was humble and hardworking. There were under and over achivers, surprisers, dissapointers, and record-breakers. The road to the World Series was memorable.

It all starts with the off-season, the question is how do you make a successful team or how are you going to improve from last seasons slumps. Media and money spending was huge before the 2012 season even started, it was all about adding stars to make a dominat team.

The stroy of the 2012 Miami Marlins started like this, Marlins sign starter Mark Buehrle, another signing by the Marlins, Marlins add all-star Jose Reyes, Marlins sign all-star closer Heath Bell, Marlins bring in Ozzie Guillen as new manager. New stadium, new atmosphere, new stars, new manager, the Marlins looked to compete for a championship. The Marlins would take a step back as they started the first month of the season 8-14. Heath Bell struggled early as he slumped to an early 0-3 record and a 10.80 E.R.A. Jose Reyes cooled off to a .220 AVG and a .634 OPS. Starter Mark Buehrle went a poor 1-4 record, but a solid 3.34 E.R.A. While the 3 Marlins expected more out of there 3 stars, they improved in May through mid June. After the all-sar break Miami tasted defeat as they finished off the season at 69-93. The huge collapse in the 2nd half by the Marlins shows that adding all-stars won't always help your team.

While the Marlins expirenced a club collapse, the Los Angeles Angels were in the process of creating a potential world series team. The Angels signed all-star first basemen Albert Pujols to a record contract and all-star pitcher C.J. Wilson to complete there "world series roster". With starter Jered Weaver and outfielder Tori Hunter in the mix, the Angels looked ready. The Angels started pretty much the same way the Marlins did, 8-15. Trying to get out of a slump, rookie Mike Trout worked his way up to an all-star. While Trout robbed homers and stole bases, he helped keep the Angels in the playoff hunt. Trout was also the first rookie ever to have a 30 homerun and 30 stolen base season. Starter Jered Weaver did it all, striking out batters, winning games, and Albert Pujols finally tagged along too after a rough start to help pull the Angels back in the wild card race. However a late September slump by the Angels prevented there chances to make the playoffs.

While the Angels and Marlins looked like fools, the Washington Nationals had another strategy for success, pitching. The Nationals stars of the rotation Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, and Jordan Zimmerman was one reason why the Nats ran to an MLB best 98-64 record. 19 year old rookie outfielder Bryce Harper also helped pace the Nats to the best record in baseball. Offensivley, the Nationals weren't amazing, but found enough to blaze there way to the best record in the MLB. Led by first basmen Adam LaRoche (33 homers and 100 RBI), Ryan Zimmerman (25 homers, 95 RBI), Bryce Harper (N.L. rookie of the year), and Ian Desmond (.292 AVG, 25 homers, 21 stolen bases), the Nationals showed that a team didn't need a superstar batter in the lineup to games. The Nationals weren't playoff ready as they lost to the Cardinals in the NLDS.

2012 NBA Moments Of The Year

Happy New Year Everyone! We've pretty much wrapped up with the first half of the NBA season and 6 months after the Miami Heat won the 2012 NBA Finals. Durng almost the first half of the NBA season, there have been wacky, outstanding, and surprising performances. Let's recap some of the highlights of what has happened in the NBA so far.

The Lakers grabbed center Dwight Howard and Point Guard Steve Nash in the off-season to boost their roster and make a run at the NBA title this season. This effort went nowhere as they started out 9-14 (now 15-15) and are trying to push for a playoff berth. Kobe Bryant will have to continue his fabulous season (30 points per game) to keep L.A. in the playofff hunt.

Meanwhile in New York, Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks started the season on a fast break; 18-5 as they're the king of the east so far at 21-9. Carmelo is 2nd in the NBA, averaging 28.5 points per game through Dec. 31st. Knicks Point Guard Raymond Felton has helped compliment Carmelo, averaging 15 points per game and 6.3 assist per game.
 
The Bobcats looked to ghave found there groove back as they started the season 7-5, but disaster struck as they lost there next 18 games before beating the Chicago Bulls on New Years Eve.

The Washington Wizards have turned their sleep mode on as they've only produced a 4-24 record. Though they've beaten the Miami Heat this season, the absence of point guard John Wall has put the team in a big hole.

While the Lakers have struggled, there fellow rivals, the Clippers have soared to 19 straight wins, including an undefeated December (16-0). Led by point guard Chris Paul, power forward Blake Griffin, and CO., have brought Clippers an NBA best, 25-6 record.