Thursday, April 29, 2010

AL East Games

Boston had the night off as they fly into Baltimore for a 3 game series this weekend, so i decided to take the night and watch some AL East competition. The competition being the Yankees, and they played Baltimore for the rubber match of the series. AJ Burnett took the mound against the young local Brian Matusz.

The other 2 AL East teams, the Jays played Oakland and the Rays played the Royals. JC Romero on the mound for the Jays and Matt Garza was on the mound for the Rays. It would be nice to predict a lose from both the Yankees and the Rays to catch a half game for the time being, but I'm holding no promises.

As I peeked at the scores through 5 full innings, Yankees were winning 2-0, Rays were winning 9 to 1 and the Jays were winning 5-3. Looks like Boston just cannot catch a break. Luke Hochevar looked like him normal self against the Rays giving up 9 earned runs in 2.2 innings. Brian Matusz was the only pitcher to hold any AL East division rival to a decent hold.

The AL East is definitely a powerhouse division, and probably the 4th best team in the AL East could very easily be a 2nd best team in any other division. I do not mind having the competition just in the AL East, it gives the other divisions a chance;for instance if the sox moved to the Central Division, probably a good chance they would have a playoff spot along with the Yankees and the Rays with a wild card team now. Just a personal opinion.

Watching the O's game it looks as if Robinson Cano has become probably the hottest hitter in April. Cano was 3 for 4 with 2 home runs to make it a total of 8 on the year, to carry his avg to .407.

Yankees, Jays and Rays all collected wins tonight gaining a half game on the sox. Yankees will take on the Chicago Whitesox in New York starting tomorrow, while the Jays and Rays will face the same opponent for another night.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Get the Brooms Out


The Redsox took 3 games from Toronto tonight, sweeping the Jays. They were 3 much needed wins, as the Yankees and the Rays both won once again tonight. Seems as if Boston cannot catch a break, however they did gain on the O's and the Jays.

Lester who started out the season in a horrible slump, found his ways tonight on the mound. Lester brought his A game tonight, going 7 full innings and striking out 11 and only walking 2. Lester had minimal run support, but that's all he needed as the sox blanked the Jays 2-0. Boston has won the past 24 of 27 meetings against the O's.

Scuatro, who was acquired from the Jays in the off season, left Toronto going 6 for 14 in the series. Adrian Beltre who is known for his glove, rather than his bat, left the series going 8 for 16. Toronto was held to only 2 hits all game with the outstanding pitching of Jon Lester, Daniel Bard, and Jonathan Papelbon.

This pitching scenario is a picture perfect one in my opinion. If I could have it my way this is always how the sox would complete games. Starting pitcher would go 7 innings, with Bard getting the hold, and Papelbon completing the game with a save.

Boston has an off day on Thursday, and will head to Baltimore, where they will face off once again Friday - Sunday. I will personally be attending the first 2 games of the series, so I doubt there will be any blogs until Sunday. I will have pictures available. Friday nights match up will include John Lackey(2-1) vs. David Hernandez (0-3). Baltimore just came off another series loss against the Yankees dropping 2 of 3. Baltimore is now just 1-7 at Camden Yards.

Both Yankees and Rays won again today, to keep the lead against Boston, however, Boston lost no ground as they continue their winning ways as well. My wife will be busy trying to get Becketts attention over the weekend, while I will be enjoying trying to nab some batting practice balls (one of my personal favorites).

Pitchers Dual

Solid is the only word I can use for the game last night in Bostons 2-1 win over Toronto. Both pitching staffs brought the A-game to the mound, with Buchholz going 8 innings and Marcum going 7 innings. After last nights fiasco with the bullpens being burnt up, Boston needed a solid outing, and they wish was granted.

Papelbon did not get the save opportunity last night as he has been used way more than what Terry Francona would like to see. Papelbon has been in the last 3 previous games and the plus side to that, Boston has won all 3 previous games.

Boston is 6-4 in the last 10 games. A plus for those following the division race, and yes I used the words, "Division Race". It is always close with any ball club, however in this division, EVERY game counts.

Tampa Bay leads the AL East with a 15-5 record, the best record in MLB as of know. In the same division that has the best record, it also has the worst record in MLB with the Baltimore Orioles at 4-16. Boston is 10-11, tied with Toronto now after winning the past 2 games. The Yankees and Boston are both 6-4 in the last 10 games, New York is only 2.5 games behind division leading Rays.

Boston has been switching around the lineup as of late, and it has went in favor. Varitek who has been demoted to backup catcher has an amazing .357 BA, with 4 Hrs, in 28 at bats; something every team wish they had in a bench player. Jeremey Hermida has been coming up big along with Bill Hall, both players filling in nicely with newly signed Mike Cameron and Jacoby Ellsbury on the Disabled List.

Boston will face off against Toronto tomorrow evening when Jon Lester (0-2) faces Brett Cecil (1-0). Lester has been less than stellar this year posting a 6.23 era. Hopefully the last couple of games can give Lester some insight on locating the strike zone for a good outing.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

WHEN WILL THE PHONE RING?


You must earn your way up the ladder in baseball. Unlike any other pro sport, baseball has steps to become a big name. There are only a 32 teams in the league, but each team has approximately 5 minor league teams to it;you do the math.

There are teams out there that need help now and have already called upon the young stars of tomorrow. The New York Mets have called upon 1B Ike Davis, the Texas Rangers called up Justin Smoak.

OF Mike Stanton is waiting for his call with the Florida Marlins. Staton who has 9 home runs in the last 17 games is in Double-AA. Stanton has made quiet a name for himself, as he hit .286 in spring training this year. Although Stanton does have a problem with striking out alot, he will hit just as many home runs. I will say he is a Mark Reynolds type of ball player as far as his offense goes.

SP Stephen Strasburg is still working in AA Harrisburg for the Senators. Shawn, Ryan and I did get to visit Harrisburg last week, and I must say very nice park. Strasburg has posted some outstanding numbers, he is 2-0 carrying a 0.73 era. Strasburg also brings with him a 17K:3BB ratio. I do not see him being in AA much longer, although he may skip AAA altogether and hang in Harrisburg till mid-May.

SP Aroldis Chapman a Cincinnati Reds prospect is also turning heads in AAA ball, and also raises the question of, when? Chapman is putting up Strasburg numbers with a record of 1-1, 0.60 era, and a 18k:10BB ratio. I also predict a mid-May call up, as the reds will be a contender this year.

C Carlos Santana from the Cleveland Indians will be needed. Lou Marson, nor Redmond is making an necessary contact on the ball not to call up Santana. Marson who carries a .088 BA is good with the glove, however, that does not put runs on the board. Santana is batting .333 with 5 HRs, and 16 RBIs in 51 AB's for AAA Columbus. Santana was also named IL player of the week for the first week of baseball.

SP Jordan Lyles from the Houston Astros is producing really good at the early start of AA. Lyles is 1-1 with a 2.30 era and carries a 16K:2BB ratio.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Who is Where

We have all heard the joke, "Who's on first, what's on second"? How about WHO IS ON THE MOUND! I am not exactly sure what got into Bostons lineup tonight, but I like it a whole lot. Making it a long trip after a day game vs. Baltimore, to head into Toronto and gather 13 runs. The bullpen once again took a crap, except for Papelbon who made 3 consecutive outs to finish the game, and gave Boston the win 13-12.

Tonight Boston faced a 10-9 Toronto team with Dana Eveland on the mound. Redsox usually have a nice impact when they cross the border. Redsox came out hitting in the first inning with 4 more singles and a run. I really like the small ball the Redsox have been playing. I realize its early in the season, however, the sox do not have a ton of power in the lineup, unlike the yanks or rays.

Small ball is where you will win games, and strategy as my good friend Shawn always says. Beckett needed to control his pitch count and try and keep the horrible sox bullpen off the Field for the most part.

Boston loaded the bases in the top of the 3rd, to knock in 4 runs on 4 hits and 2 BB to take a 5-0 lead. After taking 2 out of 3 from Baltimore, Boston needs to win this series, as they head to Baltimore over the weekend.

Beckett was tagged for 6 runs in the bottom of the third for a total of 72 pitches thrown in 3 innings. Not the kind of start I was hoping for in Toronto. Boston came up with another 2 runs in the 4th. In 4 innings boston had acquired 8 runs, and 10 hits. Very unexpected offense with no Victor Martinez, or David Ortiz in the lineup.

Beckett was pulled 2 batters into the 4th inning not recording an out. The pitch count was outrageous, something I was hoping not to get high on, however it did not work in my favor.

Boston compiled up 4 runs in the top of the 6th inning with another 5 hits to add a total of 17 hits through 6 innings for the Redsox. Boston took the lead after 6, 13-10. I am not really sure whats better, the fact that we scored a ton of runs, or the fact that Toronto scored runs as well. I can look at it as we threw strikes, therefore they scored runs. I am not sure if these pitchers knew where to locate the pitches all night. The bullpens were horrible, and I am not looking forward to the rest of the season if it is going to be like this.

Boston continued to lead through 8 innings with both teams putting up goose-eggs in the 7th, only the second time all game has both teams not scored in the same inning.

Once again, in the bottom of the 8th the bullpen seems like they can never get ahead of anything, being behind in just about every batter they face and can not get the advantage. Okajima, a reliever who Boston can usually turn to failed once again giving up 3 singles in a row, including a run to make the lead down to 2, 13-11. Young flame thrower Daniel Bard got the call to finish off the 8th getting 2 strikeouts and a sac fly to head to the 9th inning with Boston still on top 13-12.

Papelbon came on to finish out the 9th inning to collect his 6th save of the season. In this slug fest Boston and Toronto combined for 25 runs, 34 hits, and 0 errors.

Both starting pitchers only went 3 innings. Both bullpens gave up a total of 10 runs, 17 hits, and 2BB. I am not exactly sure, but I do not think either manager was pleased with the relief efforts given. Francona better be doing some holiday shopping early. Delcarmen, Bard and Papelbon are locks, but I am not sure about the others.

Marco Scutaro made his reunion in Toronto good for Boston as he went 3 for 5 with 3 runs and 1 RBI.

Boston will take Toronto on in game 2 tomorrow with Clay Buchholz (1-2) vs. Shaun Marcum (0-1)

Oakland Football

The Oakland Raiders are expected sometime this week to let go of 1st overall pick QB Jamarcus Russell. Russell who has been way less then stellar in his career in oakland will still get his $40 dollars. In 3 years Russell had 18 TD's, 4083 yds, 23 INT, and a completion percentage of 52.1.

Jason Campbell who was acquired by Oakland in this years draft for a 2012 4th round pick is expected to walk right into the starting job with Bruce Gradkowski under the backup role. Just last season alone Campbell had 20 TD's, (3 more than Russells career stats), 3618 yds, and a rating of 86.4. I am not thrilled to have Campbell, however, i am satisfied. It gives Oakland fans a sigh of relief to at least know we have somewhat of a heartbeat.

Jamarcus Russell is one reason there has to be a rookie cap. This guy is horrible, its ridiculous to even think he deserved that money as a rookie. I guess if he panned out to be a good starter, then of course he deserves it. You never know, its always a gamble when it comes to picking players from the collegian level.

I realize Campbell may not be Oaklands answer to success, but I will beat next year in 2011 Oakland will go after a QB in round 2 (no 1st round pick). That QB will work under Campbell for his last year and then take over the starting roll in 2012. I realize I am thinking in the perfect world box, but this needs to be the mentality of Al Davis.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Redsox Bullpen Blows


Game 3 vs Baltimore was a day game. The 43 year old knuckleballer is 91-69 at Fenway Park and it showed. This was his last game as he will be moved to the bullpen to make room for Dice-K.

First 6 innings went well for Tim just giving up 1 run as the O's led through 6. Boston offense was not successive through 5, only acquiring 2 hits. Though Adrian Beltre played some outstanding defense at 3rd base, getting 7 outs in the first 5 innings.

Pedroia led the off the inning in the 6th with a walk, and Victor Martinez knocked a base hit single to left. Youk followed with another single to right scoring Pedroia to tie up the ball game. Ortiz played the shift well with another single off the O's to give the sox the lead 2-1 still with no outs in the bottom of the sixth. Sac Fly for JD Drew to score youk to make it 3-1. Beltre singled, to give boston 4 hits in the sixth, now with runners on 1st and 2nd. Bill Hall replaced Hermida to miss match the right handed batter with the left handed Mark Hendrickson, unfortunately Hendrickson got the better end of the deal with Hall looking at strike 3. Lowell replaces Van Every, who hits a double down to left Field to score Oritz. Scutaro strikes out looking to end the 6th, however, Boston does score 3 and very unique hitting by the redsox lead by 4 singles, 1 double, 1 sac fly and a walk to take a 4-1 lead.

Wakefeild left the game after getting 2 outs in the 7th. Francona brought in Okajima to face Markakis with Reimold on 2nd. Markakis knocked a 2 out RBI double to cut the lead 4-2. Tejada took Okajima deep to the Green Monster to tie the game up.

Wakefeild will not receive the win in his final start before moving to the bullpen. I realize baseball is all about strategy, however, when a guy is 0-3 for the day against your starting pitcher, keep him in the ballgame to pitch. Going back to the Markakis at bat, Wakefield could have gotten him out.

Daniel Bard came in to strike out the side in the Top of the 9th. Darnell McDonald led off the bottom of the 9th with a single, Scutaro sacrificed him over to second. Pedroia struck out swinging to make it 2 outs, and Victor Martinez grounded out to go to extra innings.

Bard was replaced by Atchison who gave up a lead off single to Tejada. Luke Scott came up with a double off the monster to have runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Again, I do not see the reason to bring out the young hard flame-throwing Bard just after 1 inning. Just shows with Atchison getting pulled with bases loaded and no outs and Schoeneweis gives up a 2 singles, and 3 RBIs to give the o's the lead 7-4 still with no outs in top of the 10th. No strategy at all. Delcarman came in to retired the side, while the redsox go in the bottom of the 10th 3 runs down.

Youkilis leads off with a double yet again off the monster. Ortiz moved up Youkilis on a sac fly deep to right-center field. JD Drew gets an RBI double to score Youkilis to cut the deficit down to 2. Beltre singles to center to give the sox runners at 1st and 3rd with Bill Hall to the plate. Hall knocks an RBI single to left, scoring JD Drew. Baltimore brought in Meredith to face McDonald, who pops out to give the sox their second out. Scutaro lined out to second base to end the game.

Bostons pen gives up 5 runs on 7 hits to lose it for the sox. The bullpen is where the sox will lose or win the games this year. The pen is very weak, and the sox need to concentrate on the relievers come trade deadline.

Boston heads to Canada for a 3 game series against the 10-9 Blue Jays. Game one we will see Dana Eveland (2-0) vs. Josh Beckett (1-0).

Saturday, April 24, 2010

QB

Rounds 4-7 included all but 7 hours of new careers and new beginnings for young NFL stars. There is much to be said for players taken in the later rounds, just to name a few; Marques Colston, and Tom Brady.

Oakland made in my opinion a very successful move today to acquire QB Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins for a 2012 4th round pick. Without a 2011 1st round pick Oakland needed a splash in this years draft, and they now have Campbell locked for 2 years, this will make a huge impact on our offense. Campbell had a much better year than all of Oaklands quarterbacks in 2009. Jason brings over 3600 yds, 20 TD's, and an 86.4 rating. The 28-year old Campbell has some decent numbers in his 4 year pro career, again he is a diamond in the rough compared to anything Oakland has, although Gradkowski did show some signs of being a starter, however, his injuries last year bring big questions. Campbell will jump right in and be the starter in my opinion, there will be no competition.

Oakland in the 4th round had picks 106, and 108. As predicted the Oakland Raiders stole OT Bruce Campbell from Maryland. Campbell was said to be Oaklands 8th overall pick, instead they played there draft smart and acquire Campbell in the 4th round. The 6'6" Campbell may not start right away with the pick of Jared Valdheer, however, this will give Campbell time to prepare. Oakland is now set at OL for years down the road with OG Robert Gallery, OTs Valdheer and Campbell.

Oakland then chose WR Jacoby Ford from Clemson. Not a huge 2009 season from Ford but hopefully with the young WR core we have, he will fit right in. Oaklands other picks included Walter McFadden CB from Auburn, LB Travis Goethel Arizona State, CB Jeremy Ware Michigan State, and Steven Brown S from Michigan.

Boston Redsox

John Lackey takes the mound tonight against the Orioles. The Birds were working Lackey early in the game to get his pitch count up, however, Lackey did settle down throughout the game giving up 2 runs through 7 innings, while striking out 3.

Young lefty Brian Matusz took the mound for the O's and I must say, Baltimore has drafted a young stud. Matusz will probably become a great pitcher if the O's can get him some run support, if not Matusz unfortunately will probably be a 10 game winner. He has 16 game winner potential.

It has been said Boston may call up Mark Wagner, however, I don't see him coming up; instead I think Dusty Brown may get his last shot in the minors before bringing back Wagner. Brown does have some better numbers in AAA right now, if Theo decides to bring up another catcher Brown may get his last opportunity before becoming permanent in the minors.

No Ortiz in the lineup tonight and the Captain is behind the plate. I looked at the lineup on TV and was shaking my head in disappointment. I never thought our starting outfield would be Hermida, McDonald, and Bill Hall. The lineup is very weak offensively.

The Captain took Matusz deep to left in the bottom of the 5th inning for the first home run hit off Matusz to cut the lead to 2-1. Youk went deep in the 7th inning for a 3-run home run to take the lead to 7-3. Adam Jones hit a solo shot in the Top of the Ninth to make it 7-4 and Roman Rameriez came in to pitch the Ninth inning. Another Ninth inning nail biter, Markakis hit a double with one out, and Francona calls Papelbon in to get 2 outs. Tejada gets a single, markakis advances to third, and then Weiters knocks an RBI single to take the deficiate to 7-5. Luke Scott singled to take it to 7-6. Papelbon strikes out Wigginton for out 2, and the rookie Ryhne Hughes gets his welcome to the big leagues with a failed opportunity to grab the lead for the O's with a game ending strikeout. Redsox take game 2 7-6. Lackey goes to 2-1 on the season.

In a second straight game Papelbon is no longer Mr. Automatic. I do feel Daniel Bard will be the closer next year. Papelbon, even with his saves history, has not been automatic since the 07' season. Game 3 David Hernandez (0-3) Vs. Tim Wakefield(0-1) to try and sweep the series against Baltimore.

NFL Draft Day 2 and Boston Redsox Win


NFL Draft Day 2

The Oakland Raiders addressed the run defense on Thursday night with the 8th overall pick of LB Rolando McClain. The Raiders on Friday night did the same when they picked DT Lamarr Houston from Texas. Houston comes in at 305lbs, 6'2", and a very eager attitude to learn. In his career at Texas Houston started 33 of 50 games, recording 133 tackles and 13 sacks.

3rd round pick in Friday nights draft, Oakland Raiders selected Division II OT Jared Veldheer. Veldheer stands in at 6'8", and brings with him an outstanding attitude to learn.

Oakland traded out of there spot twice in Round 2, to drop a couple spots each time to acquire Houston, and Veldheer. With Oakland dropping twice in round 2 they acquired an extra 5th and 6th round pick in this years draft.

AFC WEST Round 2 and 3

Denver did not impress me to much which is a good thing. Denver selected alot of offense with there 2nd and 3rd rounds picks. WR Eric Decker from Minnesota has the potential to be a good NFL WR. I do not think him, nor Demaryius Thomas has Brandon Marshall potential, however, any WR will look good with a good QB;I do not think Denver has a good QB.

SanDiego only had one pick in Friday nights draft, in the 3rd round they selected LB Donald Butler from Minnesota. Word has it, Butler is a better athlete than Oaklands Rolando McClain, however, Butler is undisciplined with his run defense. SanDiego did address the lose of RB LT to the Jets with the acquisition of RB Ryan Mathews and I would say Merriman is not holding up to his potential much.

Kansas City had a better draft than most out of the AFC West with the picks of RB Dexter McCluster who I feel is like Reggie Bush with his ability as a great pass catcher and can run the option very well. Javier Arenas CB from Alabama and OG Jon Asamoah from Illinois was selected to finish day 2 for the Chiefs.

Over the past few years Denver and SanDiego had success in the AFC West, however, this year I think Kansas City and Oakland will bring in some competition. Kansas City beefed up the running game with Thomas Jones and now Dexter McCluster joining Jamal Charles. The Chiefs need to focus on the OL if they want to succeed and that would probably answer the prayers of Matt Cassel as well. As much as you are suppose to hate every divisional opponent, I do not mind Kansas City, however, I do dislike Denver ALOT, and Sandiego is not exactly on my Christmas list either.

Day 3 to come tomorrow, Oakland does have 6 more picks in the draft. Focus on WR, OL, QB, SS. QB Tony Pike or Jevan Snead would suit me, Pike more than Snead. Bruce Campbell is still available, and this late in the draft any team that gets him I feel is a steal. Danario Alexander from Missouri would be great for me for WR, stats include 113 receptions, 1700 yds receiving, and 14tds. S would suit me for Kam Chancellor from Virginia Tech.

Predictions-Tony Pike, Danario Alexander, Kam Chancellor, Bruce Campbell, AirFoce Falcon himself OG Nick Charles, FB Matt Clapp from Oaklahoma.

BOSTON REDSOX

Redsox actually take game 1 with a 4-3 win over Baltimore. Kind of a boring game, Ortiz finally hit a home run, although that goes without saying much. He probably just took a swing and hit the ball on the sweet part of the bat. Lester looked good, however his pitch count was high in his 5-2/3 innings of work giving up no ER while striking out 7, actually looking like the Jon Lester from 2009.

Papelbon came in to close out the Ninth inning, however it was a nail bitter. If it was not for Markakis getting thrown at at second by Bill Hall with 1 out in the Top 9th. Papelbon walked 2 batters and then finally gets Julio Lugo to strike out swinging to end the game. Papelbon I do not think will be with the team after the season, with young hard throwing Daniel Bard in the bullpen. Bard was one prospect we would not move in the deal to acquire C Victor Martinez.

Game 2 on Saturday will be a great pitching match up with the young Brian Matusz (2-0) taking the mound for Baltimore, while veteran pitcher John Lackey(1-1) takes the mound for the Redsox.

Friday, April 23, 2010

NFL Draft Coverage of Oakland Raiders and MLB Talk with Redsox

Round 1, day 1 is hard. Hard on the players waiting to be picked, hard on the families, hard on how to predict who will be taken next; especially hard on the hard-core NFL fans as of myself.


At no surprise to me, I did predict the top 4 selections this year, however after that it got really hard to predict, but that is not my job. My job is to be a true fan and defend my teams decision on who they draft.


There were talks all week long about who Oakland would take, and I was hearing QB Jimmy Clausen who i was not high on at 8th overall, and there was speculation that Oakland would take OT Bruce Campbell from MD. Campbell is a speedster an Al Davis specialty, thats what scared me. Campbell can be seen taken late in the 2nd round or an early 3rd round. Oakland is on the clock, and with a little surprise, the Roger Goodell announces, "Oakland Raiders have selected LB Rolando McClain, Alabama." I had a huge smile on my face, and I was a happy Oakland Fan after the end of Round 1.


McClain comes in at 6ft 3, 254Lbs a very nice size linebacker. McClain will fit right in with the Oakland Defense. McClain will join the likes of Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard, and Kamerion Wimbley. Morrison is said to be on the block, but who is not on the block these days. McClain brings with him 101 tackles, 1 FF, and 2 INT from last season.


Oakland will have to boost there defense and stand pat if they expect to compete this year, not only with the other divisions, but just alone the AFC West. Oaklands first 3 opponets have excellent running game. Tennessee in Chris Johnson, St. Louis with Stephen Jackson, and Arizona with Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower.


Chiefs take Eric Berry with the 5th overall pick, and that doesnt help us out much. Denver selects WR Demaryius Thomas and QB Tim Teabow. Thomas will have to fill the shoes of Brandon Marshall, and being an opponent of Denver that will not be an easy option. Tim Teabow confuses me here, but then again I guess I am glad becuase i dont want to say the word "useless" but I am not quiet sure what Denvers expectations of Teabow is.


Chargers select RB Ryan Mathews out of Fresno state and he brings 1800 yds and 19 Td's along with him to the sunny city. All 3 division opponents have decent running games, therefore oakland is prepared with the decision of McClain.





Day 2 I would like to see Oakland Land a QB in Colt McCoy, however i would be fine with Jimmy Clausen as well. Not sure why I like Colt more but I feel he will fit Oaklands roster a bit better than Clausen. We also need a OT immediatley. I would not be surprised if we move LB Kirk Morrison for a 2nd or 3rd Round pick to acquire a OT, or either McCoy or Clausen.




Day 1 Grades





"A"-Seattle Seahawks and Coach Pete Carroll with OT Russell Okung and S Earl Thomas


"B"-Detroit Lions with the additions of DE Suh and RB Javhid Best


"C"-New York Jets with CB Kyle Wilson


"D"-Jacksonville Jaguars DT Tyson Alualu


"F"-Philidelphia Eagles with DE Brandon Graham


More to come on Day 2 of Oaklands War Room





BOSTON REDSOX TIMES


Boston drops another game to take the record to 6-10 on the season. The season is young but my paitence is running thin. Boston is dropping games to rediculous reasons. The offense has always been a plus in Boston, however, this year it does not seem this way. 3-0 loss to the Rangers and Bucholtz did what he could do. 6 2/3 innings, 3 ER, and 10 SO, cant ask much more from a young pitcher like this.


Ortiz needs to hit the road, he is nothing but a distraction, and I cant wait for Ellsbury to get back from the DL. Mike Cameron can stay there, not a fan at all. I believe he left his Social Security card back in Miliwaukee. Dice-k will take the rotation spot away from Tim "Knuckleball" Wakefeild, and he will be working out of the bullpen. I would love nothing more than to see Dice-k come back to his 2008 numbers-18-3, 2.90era.


Baltimore comes to town, and I must say this is a must sweep for the Redsox to try to come back into the divison. Boston is 6 games back and it does not look like the Rays nor the Yankees are hitting the brakes anytime soon.


Jeremey Guthrie (0-2) vs. Jon Lester (0-2)


Lester is not a March/April Pitcher with a carerr 2-6 record and 5.46 era in those months, however superstitous or not, Lester needs a good outing tonight.


I will be back to cover the rest of the Series tomm Night as well as the Day 2 of the NFL draft. I will also have an occasional Fantasy post approx once a week. Readers can Expect readings from Boston Redsox and the AL East, Oakland Raiders and the AFC West, AirForce Falcons Football and Oregon State Beavers College Baseball. Also to come, odds and ends.