Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Reflecting on the Year in Sports 2008

2008 is about to come to an end and with it another year in sports. I've heard many people say that this year is the "Greatest Year in Sports". I don't know if I would go that far but I will say it was a memorable one. Here's some highlights that stick in my mind:

1.) Super Bowl XLII...or the Super Bowl that ruined perfection. While the Patriots are not my favorite team (that would be the Titans followed by the Seahawks), I was hoping they would finish off the perfect season just because it has never been done in my lifetime. So when the Giants won I was disappointed. Guess that's what this upcoming playoffs is for...sweet redemption in the Giants losing, hopefully before they get to the Super Bowl.

2.) Another thrilling March Madness with the championship game going into overtime with Memphis and Kansas. It once again shows how a tournament works in deciding a champion. If only Division I football would learn this lesson...

3.) The first annual "Winter Classic" put on by the NHL with the Penguins and Sabres last New Year's Day. It was a cool concept and cool game. I'm looking forward to this year's edition with the Blackhawks and Red Wings at Wrigley Field.

4.) The Boston Celtics winning the NBA Finals after a long drought. It was cool seeing the Celts (one of the first teams that I watched as a little kid) back on top and even more so beating the Lakers. It was a definite highlight of the NBA.

5.) However, a definite lowlight was the debacle that involved Clay Bennett and the team which shall not be mentioned. It was sad that David Stern, whom I regarded as one of the best comissioners today would allow a travesty like letting that franchise to leave Seattle. I take some solace in the fact that the franchise is on pace to set the worst record in the regular season. But I have lost respect for David Stern and until they rectify the situation by getting a team back in Seattle, the NBA will be probably my third favorite sports league, possibly my fourth.

6.) The 2008 Summer Olympics definitely lived up to the hype. I wondered if it was going to be pulled of in Bejing but it was. Obviously for me the highlights were Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, the beach volleyball (both men's and women's) and the Redeem Team (men's basketball).

7.) The Tampa Bay Rays making the World Series. I never thought I'd see the day they would but I did. They ended up losing to the Phillies, who hadn't won since I was like nine months old, but still it was something. Unfortunately with the way the Yankees are spending yet again, it may be forever before the Rays ever get back.

8.) The return of the Titans. It was cool that they started the year of 2008 in the playoffs (losing unfortunately but making it). Even more so was the 2008 season which saw them finish 13-3 (tieing the franchise record), winning the AFC South (first time since 2002 season), getting the #1 overall seed. I must say it was a surprise and I hope that the first part of 2009 will bring a Super Bowl victory and the Lombardi trophy back to Nashville.

As far as personal highlights, I went to my first Arena Football game in about 10 years, went to eight Royals games (including seeing both the Red Sox and the Mariners). I also went to my first NHL game in three years.

It was a cool and interesting sports year. It'll be interesting to see how 2009 will shape up

Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 17 (Championship) Edition

It's time for Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 17 Edition aka "The Championship Edition". It was an interesting Week 17. The two teams that were playing in the highlight leagues won which meant one team in the highlight leagues won a championship. I also won a championship in a non-highlight league which brings the total to two championships for the second straight year. Here's the breakdown of Week 17 and a recap of the 2008 season in the three highlight leagues...

Breakdown:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces finished with an improbable second straight fantasy football championship as they squeaked past Domination by the score of 53.07 to 44.26. Both teams were rather flat as they both had starters that had short performances or didn't play due to injury. It was very much a war of attrition and it indeed came down to the final game on the schedule as Jay Cutler and Eddie Royal may have not led the Broncos in the playoffs but they did secure a championship for the Masterpieces, a second straight in the Speed Kills league. The leading scorers for the Masterpieces were Eddie Royal, Jay Cutler, Chris Cooley, and Ronnie Brown. After Week 17 and the championship game, the Masterpieces have a record of 11-6.

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators and the Tulsa bullMoosen squared off in the second week of a two week battle for the top spot in the consolation bracket (aka 5th place). The second week score was 120-73 with the Perks getting the advantage. In total over the two weeks, the final score was 220-189 with the Perks getting the win. Leading scorers for the Perkalators were Philadelphia DEF, LaDanian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, and Bernard Berrian. After week 17, and the final game of the season, the Perkalators finish a record of 9-5-1.

Final recap of the 2008 season:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces (11-6) finished the regular season in 4th place and won three games in the playoffs to secure their second straight championship. The fact that this team was able to repeat as champion was shocking with the loss of 1st round pick (7th overall) Tom Brady to a season ending injury in Week 1. The team was able to rally and coupled with a good rest of the draft along with some key free agent pickups, the Masterpieces picked up where Seattle Perkalators left off with a championship. Out of the 15 players initially drafted, 10 were left in the end. Steal of the draft was QB Jay Cutler (10th round #114 pick). Transaction of the year was the waiver wire pickup of WR Eddie Royal. Offensive player of the year was Eddie Royal. Defensive players of the year were the Tampa Bay DEF. Most points scored in a week: 127.69 (Week 10)

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Chefs (9-6) finished the regular season in 3rd place, lost in the first round of the playoffs and finished in 5th place after winning the 5th place game. This team was both a disappointment and a surprise. They lost their starting QB to injury (Matt Hasselbeck) along with several other key players during the year. The times the team had off weeks were unfortunately weeks they couldn't afford to do it. The Chefs held the #2 overall pick and selected RB Adrian Peterson. Out of the 18 players initially drafted, 13 were there in the end. Steal of the draft was QB Philip Rivers (11th round #102 overall). Transaction of the year was waiver wire pickup of RB Jerious Norwood. Offensive player of the year was Philip Rivers. Defensive players of the year were Tennessee DEF. Most points scored in a week: 152.63 (Week 10)

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators (9-5-1) finished the regular season tied for 3rd in Division 1 and won two games in the consolation bracket to finish 5th overall in the league. This team started off on fire but cooled off in the middle of the season. In the end, the team picked up the pace to finish strong and win the consolation bracket. The Perks held the #1 overall pick and selected RB LaDanian Tomlinson. Out of the 16 players initally drafted, 11 were there in the end. Steal of the draft was QB Philip Rivers (10th round #100 overall). Transaction of the year was waiver wire pickup of Philadelphia DEF. Offensive player of the year was Philip Rivers. Defensive players of the year were Philadelphia DEF. Most points scored in a week: 120 (Week 17).

That's all for this season. Hope all of you have a happy new year!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Reason #1 Why I Like Football Better Than Baseball

There are many reasons why I like football more than I like baseball. It's not that I don't like baseball, I do. Since I've lived in major league cities (Seattle, Kansas City), I go to several games a year. I have several fantasy baseball teams a year including one keeper league. When I was a kid, I collected baseball cards.

But simply put, I like football better. If I had to rank major league sports, football would be #1. Hockey would actually be slightly ahead at #2 followed by baseball and then basketball (this is because the NBA and David Stern allowed Clay Bennett to leave with the team which shall not be named and take them from Seattle to Oklahoma City, which by the way are like 3-27 which makes me super happy....but that's another story). Football is a sport that I grew up on as kid with college and pro.

I was reminded again why I like football better yesterday when the Yankees signed yet another player for an exoberant amount of money. It's not just the fact that I'm a Red Sox fan that the news disgusted me. It was the fact that their salary is more than the worth of the franchises of the Florida Marlins and Florida Panthers (with money to spare). I'm sure there are several MLB teams who's total payroll doesn't even equal the starting lineup + starting 5 of the Yankees...combined. It is simply ridiculous.

I'm much rather keep up with football than baseball. Baseball you can pretty much write off 3/5ths of the teams right now (and that's being generous) and it's still two months or so before spring training. Football, you can have a horrible year one year (i.e. Miami, Atlanta) and make the playoffs or have a shot at the playoffs the next. Teams in smaller markets (Green Bay, Tennessee) have chances to go to the Super Bowl every year. Small markets teams in MLB rarely have a shot beyond maybe once in a decade if that.

The Yankees should be happy they signed yet another free agent. I'll be happy to keep watching America's true pastime...football

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 16 Edition

It's time for Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 16 Edition. There are two teams left playing in the three highlight leagues as they compete on, one trying to win a championship and the other trying to finish strong in the consolation bracket. Here's the breakdown of Week 16 and the look ahead to Week 17...

Breakdown:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces rolled on in their quest for back to back championships with a semi-final playoff victory over the #1 seed The Rainmaker by a score of 95.13 to 87.22. The Masterpieces helped to avenge a regular season loss with a strong overall perfomance by a team that is starting to click at the right time. With the victory, the Masterpieces advance to the finals with a chance to repeat as champ. The leading scorers for the Masterpieces were Wes Welker, Reggie Wayne, Jay Cutler, and Eddie Royal. After Week 16 and semi-finals of the playoffs, the Masterpieces have a record of 10-6.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Chefs finish their season with a record of 9-6.

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators and the Tulsa bullMoosen squared off in the first week of a two week battle for the top spot in the consolation bracket. The first week score was 116-100 with BullMoosen in the lead. Leading scorers for the Perkalators were Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Hines Ward and LaDanian Tomlinson. After week 16, the Perkalators have a record of 8-5-1.

Outlook for Week 17:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces (10-6, #4 seed) will look to finish their season with a second straight championship as they square off against #2 seed Domination (10-5) in the championship game. The Masterpieces are riding high after their win over the #1 seed while Domination had to squeak by in their semi-final matchup. This should come down to the wire as the Masterpieces will have two guys going in the last game of the day. Key matchup will be the QB position (Jay Cutler vs. Brett Favre). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Masterpieces as the favorite.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Chefs finish with a record of 9-6.

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators (8-5-1) will face off in the second of two weeks against Tulsa bullMoosen (6-7-1). This matchup will decide the 5th place winner. Key matchup will be at the TE position (Antonio Gates vs. Jason Whitten). As of right now, ESPN is predicting the Perkalators as the favorite.

That's all for this week. Tune in next Tuesday for another installment of Fantasy Football Tuesday.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 15 Edition

It's time for Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 15 Edition. The playoffs are in full effect and at least there was some good news this week. I went 3-0 in the highlight leagues. Here's the breakdown of Week 15 and the look ahead to Week 16...

Breakdown:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces began their defense of their championship with a 1st round playoff victory over the Jammers by a score of 91.89 to 58.45. It was an impressive performance which was also helped by the Jammers not having two players score points. With the victory, the Masterpieces advance to the semi-finals and keep a repeat championship alive. The leading scorers for the Masterpieces were Eddie Royal, Wes Welker, Rob Bironias and Tampa Bay DEF. After Week 15 and round 1 of the playoffs, the Masterpieces have a record of 9-6.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Chefs finished their season with a victory in the 5th place game against Romosapiens by the score of 123.59 to 87.73. The Chefs had a huge scoring performance and had the most points by any team last week. It was a positive end to a disappointing season as they finish in 5th place. Leading scorers for the Chefs were Philip Rivers, Andre Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Adrian Peterson. After Week 15, the Chefs finish with a record of 9-6.

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators and the NashVegas The Editor finished their two week battle with the Perks coming through with a win. The second week score was 105-88. It took a Monday night performance by the Philly DEF to get the job done. With the win, the Perks advance in the consolation bracket. Leading scorers for the Perkalators were Philip Rivers, Bernard Berrian, Phliadelphia DEF and Rob Bironias. After week 15, the Perkalators have a record of 8-5-1.

Outlook for Week 16:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces (9-6) will look to continue the playoff run as they take on #1 seed The Rainmaker (10-4) in a semi-final matchup. This will be a heavyweight matchup between the defending champs and the #1 seed. Key matchup will be the WR position (Reggie Wayne/Wes Welker/Eddie Royal vs. Calvin Johnson/Terrell Owens/Antonio Bryant). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Masterpieces as the slightest favorite.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Chefs finish with a record of 9-6.

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators (8-5-1) will face off in the first of two weeks against Tulsa bullMoosen (6-7-1). This matchup will decide the 5th place winner. Key matchup will be at the TE position (Antonio Gates vs. Jason Whitten). As of right now, ESPN is predicting the Perkalators as the favorite.

That's all for this week. Tune in next Tuesday for another installment of Fantasy Football Tuesday.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Reflections on Plaxico Burress

This is one that I've mulled on a litle recently, the incident involving Plaxico Burress shooting himself. I'm not the only one as a wise man (notice I didn't say wise guy) as already commented on it on his blog (which you should check out, http://billyvsquickhits.blogspot.com/). I'll just add my two sense here.

I found it ironic that the incident happened on the same weekend as the Washington Redskins honored Sean Taylor who was tragically shot and killed in his home by robbers. I think too often there is a lack of common sense that seems to permeate in situations like the one involving Burress. There is an old saying that seems to work well..."Nothing good happens at (fill in the blank early morning hour)". I personally don't have a problem with going to a club but if you feel like you have to carry a gun in order to go to a club, then you probably shouldn't be at that club. And I'm not against owning guns either (I have several back in Tennessee that are with my family), but there should be proper care and handling with those too and not being careless with them.

Hopefully, something can be learned from this incident, especially from Burress. My guess is he will not be with the Giants next year. Wherever he lands, I hope that he will have a better perspective on his life and those around him.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 14 Edition

It's time for Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 14 Edition. It is playoff time or close to it in the highlight leagues. It was an okay week with good news and bad news. I went 1-1-1 in the three highlight leagues. Here's the breakdown of Week 14 and the look ahead to Week 15...

Breakdown:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces finished the regular season with a victory as they beat Deal's Gap Dragons by a score of 90.42 to 59.01. With the victory, the Masterpieces not only make the playoffs but finished with a 4th seed. This is good news for a team trying to repeat as champions. The leading scorers for the Masterpieces were Jay Cutler, Wes Welker, Eddie Royal and LenDale White. After Week 14 and the end of the regular season, I finished in 4th place with a record of 8-6.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Chefs lost a heartbreaker in the first round of the playoffs to Souper Bowl Sundays by the score of 113.86 to 104.05. The Chefs had the lead going into the Monday Night game but a huge performance by DeAngelo Williams helped the Sundays advance. Now the Chefs are relegated to the 5th place game. Leading scorers for the Chefs were Philip Rivers, Maurice Jones-Drew, Andre Johnson, and Tennessee DEF. After Week 14, the Chefs have a record of 8-6.

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators and the NashVegas The Editor ended the first week of two matchup in the consolation bracket in a tie with the score of 52-52. It was a less than impressive performance from both sides and ironically this is the second tie the two teams have had in their matchups. Leading scorers for the Perkalators were Rob Bironias, Bernard Berrian, Greg Jennings, and LaDanian Tomlinson. After week 14, the Perkalators have a record of 7-5-2.

Outlook for Week 14:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces (8-6) will look to secure a victory in a first round playoff matchup as they square off against the Jammers (8-6). The Masterpieces will be looking to keep the winning tradition going as they look to repeat as champions of the Speed Kills league while the Jammers look to start a tradition of their own. Key matchup will be the QB position (Jay Cutler vs. Jeff Garcia). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Masterpieces as the favorite.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Chefs (8-6) will look at least win his final game as he faces off against the Romosapiens (8-6). This game will not be highly looked at between the two clubs but they will want to finish the season on a high note. Key matchup will be at the DEF position (Tennessee vs. New York Giants). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Chefs as the slight favorite.

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators (7-5-2) will face off again against rival NashVegas The Editor (7-5-2). Key matchup will be at the K position (Rob Bironias vs. John Carney). As of right now, ESPN is predicting the Perkalators as the favorite.

That's all for this week. Tune in next Tuesday for another installment of Fantasy Football Tuesday.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 13 Edition

It's time for Fantasy Football Tuesday: Week 13 Edition. After a short hiatus that some changes in standings, I'm back. This was a good week as I went 2-1 in the three highlight weeks. Here's the breakdown of Week 13 and the look ahead to Week 14...

Breakdown:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces pulled out a victory as they beat the Dixie Rebels by the score of 113.33 to 92.15. This snaped a two game losing streak (started by a computer malfunction that rivaled the BCS as the Yahoo computers stole a victory that had previously been given over The Rainmaker). With the decisive victory, the Masterpieces stay in contention for the playoffs. The leading scorers for the Masterpieces were Rob Bironias, Eddie Royal, Jay Cutler, and LenDale White. After Week 13, I'm in 6th place (essentially in 5th place) with a record of 7-6.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Chefs had their five game winning streak snapped as they lost to regular season champs Multiple Homeowners by the score of 124.09 to 100.24. It was a hard fought game but the Chefs were in too deep of a hole going into the Monday Night game to overcome. This was the last game in the regular season. The Chefs ended the season with a record of 8-5 and in a 4 way tie for 2nd place. The tiebreaker was points scored. Because of this the Chefs will have the #3 seed going into the playoffs. Leading scorers for the Chefs were Tennessee DEF, Adrian Peterson, Andre Johnson and Philip Rivers. After Week 13 and the end of the regular season I'm in 3rd place (essentially tied for 2nd) with a record of 8-5.

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators won a game finally to break the losing streak as they beat the San Diego Super Chowders by the score of 100-44. The win was satisfying in that it was a convincing victory. However, it was bittersweet as it came too late to try and make the championship bracket of the playoffs. The Perks will now play in the consolation bracket. Leading scorers for the Perkalators were Rob Bironias, Bernard Berrian, Greg Jennings, and LaDanian Tomlinson. After week 13, I'm tied for 3rd place in Division 1 with a record of 7-5-1.

Outlook for Week 14:

In the Speed Kills league, the K.C. Masterpieces (7-6) will look to secure a victory and a playoff spot as they take on Deal's Gap Dragons (4-9). These two teams met in Week 3 with the Masterpieces taking the win. This is the last week in the regular season. There are only two playoff spots available and three teams in contention. As of right now the Masterpieces are in but need a win to clinch and have a shot at repeating as champ. Key matchup will be the RB position (Ronnie Brown/LenDale White vs. Leon Washington/Fred Taylor). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Masterpieces as the favorite.

In the League of Fantasy Footballers, the Kansas City Chefs (8-5) will look to get the playoffs started properly with a win as they take on Souper Bowl Sundays (7-6). This game is a rematch against old rival and friend Adam from Week 7. The Chefs will look to avenge the loss that came from that game and a playoff matchup would be the best place to do it. Key matchup will be at the RB position (Adrian Peterson/Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Marion Barber/DeAngelo Williams). As of right now, Yahoo is predicting the Chefs as the slight favorite.

In the Young Guns league, the Kansas City Perkalators (7-5-1) will look salvage the season by winning the consolation bracket. The first step is to take on Division 1 rival NashVegas The Editor (7-5-1). These two teams met twice in the regular season with the Perks getting a win and the other game ending in a tie. This will be a two week matchup and the Perks will be looking forward to getting a quick start in the win column. Key matchup will be at the K position (Rob Bironias vs. John Carney). As of right now, ESPN is predicting the Perkalators as the favorite.

That's all for this week. Tune in next Tuesday for another installment of Fantasy Football Tuesday.