Week 2 Overview and Thursday Night Pick

Week 2: 7-9    Overall: 16-16

Ok so this week I took a step in the wrong direction.  There were upsets and just poor decisions by me.  Here are the 3 things I took a away from week 2:

1. The NFC West isn’t as bad as people think. 
    The Rams on the back of Bradford and Danny Amendola’s double digit catches before the half, helped the Rams overcome the streaking RG3 powered Redskins.  The Seahawks handled the Cowboys with with ease.  The 49ers continued to show their dominance as probably the best team in NFC by making the Lions look like a watered down version of its offense a year ago.  The most shocking of last week was the Cardinals upsetting the Patriots.  Brady only looked like Brady on one drive of the game (which they scored a TD).  The offense did just enough to get points on the board with the assist of a slightly better performance from their running game.  Also the defense is proving they are a top tier defense of the league behind veterans Wilson, Docket, Campbell and emerging star Washington.

 2. Bounty Gate will end up costing the Saints.
    The offense hasn’t been on point like usual.  The rhythm isn’t there and maybe Sean Payton ran the show more than Drew Brees would want you to believe.  The truth is they are scoring enough to win but the defense can’t stop anyone (especially athletic quarterbacks apparently).  Teams don’t typically make the playoffs after starting 0-2 and the Falcons look to take the NFC by storm this year so look out.

 3. Although the replacement referees are terrible, it won’t effect ratings.
    Lets face it the replacement referees aren’t very good.  They often appear afraid to make calls and are indecisive.  Then once they make a bad call, and review it, they still get it wrong.  We all miss the old refs but....it won’t keep me from watching the NFL.  I’ll complain about the refs but I won’t stop watching football just to get them back.  In the grand scheme they don’t “cost” people games, although they might very soon.  I hope the strike is resolved but I won’t be losing sleep over it as a NFL fan.

Giants Vs. Panthers

The Giants showed they can just throw their way to victory.  Eli Manning who threw for (510 yards, 378 of which were to Cruz and Nicks) made it clear that they can be last in the league in rushing again and still win it all.  This week however they are short Nicks and Bradshaw.  I still see Eli putting up yards, getting in the endzone might be a little tougher.  The Giants defense will be matched up against the athletic specimen of Cam Newton.  They may be able to slow him down some with their quick D-Line but he’ll be hard to stop completely.  I see this to be a relatively close matchup but the Giants experience will help them prevail. 

Pick: Giants

Week 2 Picks

Week 1: 9-7 Overall:  10-7

Thursday night’s game between Green Bay and Chicago was not quite what I expected.  Green Bay did win the game but Jay Cutler’s and the Bears’ o-line looked awful to say the least.  Here are my picks for week 2:

Chiefs vs. Bills

The Chiefs look to rebound after a poor outing in week 1.  If Fitzpatrick continues to turn the ball over like he did last week KC’s chances are good.  Although CJ Spiller is a great fill in for Jackson, I just don’t see the Bills hanging around this week either.

Pick: Chiefs

Saints vs. Panthers

The Saints losing to the Skins was the upset of the week.  Meanwhile Cam looked mediocre struggling offensively.  Look for the Saints to bounce back in this one as with the help of turnovers and a Brees take-over. 

Pick: Saints

Browns vs. Bengals

The Browns are just as bad as last year.  The Bengals D is good enough to slow down the talented Trent Richardson.  Look for Cincy to rebound after last week also.

Pick: Bengals

Vikings vs. Colts

Neither the Vikings or the Colts offense looked all that great last week.  Luck looks to target Wayne ALOT next tomorrow as the Vikings will look to shut down the Colts only weapon.  Meanwhile Peterson looked as good as new, fully recovered from his injury and migraine free Harvin will rack up those all-purpose yards.

Pick: Vikings

Texans vs. Jaguars

The Texans will run up and down the Jaguars, although they look better than last year.  With a healthy Andre Johnson and the loaded backfield of Foster and Tate, Jacksonville will have trouble keeping up.

Pick: Texans

Raiders vs. Dolphins

The Dolphins can’t rely on Bush to cary the load.  The Raiders meanwhile are loaded with speed and a ready McFadden.  The Dolphins will have trouble in the possible low scoring game.

Pick: Raiders

Cardinals vs. Patriots

The Cardinals can’t keep up with the Patriots regardless who starts at QB.  They might slow down New England’s offense but can’t stop it.  The underrated Cards D can’t save them this time.

Pick: Patriots

Buccaneers vs. Giants

The Giants will need Nicks to be 100% this year as the Bucs looked improved.  Doug Martin was as advertised and Tampa now has more weapons than last year.  The Giants always get a slow start to the year but this week they will get the victory.

Pick: Giants

Ravens vs. Eagles

Vick struggled to to produce any offensive continuity.  The Ravens however looked like an elite team much like last year.  The Ravens will take this one.

Pick: Ravens

Cowboys vs. Seahawks

The Cowboys defense will rattle Russell Wilson and shut down Lynch.  Romo has too many weapons for the Seahawks mediocre team to overcome.

Pick: Cowboys

Redskins vs. Rams

RG3 looked like the real deal, beating the offensive juggernaut Saints.  Bradford has the ability to put up yards but will struggle to find the endzone.  Look for the RG3 train to continue for now.

Pick: Redskins

Jets vs. Pittsburgh

No Revis this week but Pitts defense is also fighting injuries.  Big Ben is more poised to put up large numbers however.  Look for Antonio Brown to light it up this week.

Pick: Steelers


Titans vs. Chargers

The Titans will keep up with the Chargers and look for a surprisingly close game.  Chris Johnson might finally break as Ryan Mathews still won’t play a full game (if play at all).  This is my upset this week as the Titans look to shock the always slow starting Chargers.

Pick: Titans

Lions vs. 49ers

Matthew Stafford did not look like a top 5 QB last week as he had a tough time getting any rhythm on offense.  The 49ers on the other hand got to showcase their new offensive prowless.  Davis who has also been the focal point along with Gore (who tore it up last week by the way) wasn’t involved at all.  Look for the 49ers to continue their winning ways by doubling up on the best Wr in the game, exploiting the Lions unbalanced offense.

Pick: 49ers

Broncos vs. Falcons

Manning once in the no huddle looked like Manning.  The Falcons offense looked scary once Julio Jones became the focal point rather than the always consistent although deteriorating Roddy White.   Look for these two QB’s to shoot it out against each-other.  I think the Falcons are a better team overall and will do a better job at keeping the opposition off the field.

Pick: Falcons

Enjoy week 2 everybody!!!

Week 1 Overview and Thursday Night Pick

Week 1: 9-7 Overall:  9-7

So week one is in the bag.  There were some predictable victories and some upsets.  Here are the top 3 things that I noticed during week one. 

1.  RG3 is the real deal.  He not only upset the new look Saints but did so with style.  Scrambling around, finding open targets, and busting big plays.  He made a team that had no offensive rhythm last year look stunning.  Griffin threw for 320 yards with 2 TDs and no picks.  The Saints defense is a watered down version of years past but this still was an impressive performance.  With a tougher pass rush this week facing the Rams, lets see if RG3 can keep up this high level of performance. 

2.  Either the 49ers aren’t a fluke team or Aaron Rodgers isn’t as perfect as we expected him to be.  I will not doubt the fact that the 49ers defense is VERY good and that the Green Bay defense is exploitable.  But with the extra weapons the 49ers added this off season with Manningham and (gasp) Randy Moss, there are viable options other than Gore and Davis.  This looks to be much of the same formula as last year and if Smith continues to complete 77% of his passes they will be a top seed once again.

3. All the reports were right.  Atlanta will throw the ball more and Julio Jones is a top receiver in this league.  Roddy White has always been Ryan’s go to guy but with more of a game plan surrounding Jones, the sophomore receiver had a huge game.  Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers combined for only 18 rushing attempts.  Once The Falcons took to the air in the second half, what was a close game became 16 point victory.

Overall last week I was at least positive. I went 9-7.  This week I vow to not get worse.
Here is my pick for the Thursday night game:


Bears vs. Packers

Last week Aaron Rodgers didn’t look quite like Aaron Rodgers.  Green Bay couldn’t get anything going with a lack of a running game, a beaten up Jennings meanwhile facing a tough 49ers defense.  Randall Cobb showed to have an improved role in the offense yet still the team fell up short.  The defense still struggled like it did last year allowing Gore to run up and down the field.  They even allowed Randy Moss to stroll his walker into the endzone to catch a TD pass. 

The Bears played a much easier opponent in the Colts.  They faced a rookie QB and a soft defense.  Brandon Marshall was reunited and I’m sure it felt good as the former duo hooked up for 119 yards on 9 catches.  Meanwhile the rushing tandem of Forte and Bush look deadly.  Rookie Alshon Jeffery also looks to be a good 2nd option for Cutler.

I see this game being more high scoring than Green Bay’s week one outing.  Both teams have the talent to put up high numbers.  I don’t see Rodgers disappointing two weeks in a row and I do see Cutler scorching this Green Bay defense.  I think this game will come down to 2 things: special teams and turnovers.  Both teams have electric return men, which ever one gets better field position will help their team get the W.  Chicago should rely a bit on their run game this week.  If Cutler gets into a throwing match with Rodgers, history shows he will force a throw which leads to turnovers. In the end I see this costing the Bears the W.  The Bears are a more balanced team but I can’t see Rodgers and his cheese heads losing two in Lambeau. 

Pick: Packers

NFL Predictions for Week 1

So I haven’t made one of these in a while and I’m going to match myself up with the pros this NFL season and pick victors week to week. Here is week 1:

Cowboys Vs Giants    

On paper I think this matchup is very even.  Both defenses have potential to shut you down although consistency has been an issue past.  The fragile running backs are explosive as I’m sure the Cowboys are more excited than anybody to be getting Demarco Murray back out there.  Lets face it though this game will come down to the last quarter and who is more poised (the best by far last year in that quarter by the way) to lead their team to victory than Eli Manning.  Even a banged up Nicks is one of the best in the NFL and Cruz lived and died on his big play making ability last year.  I’ve always rooted for Romo unless he pulls another broken rib performance out of the bag I don’t see it likely that he will overcome the 2 time Super Bowl winner.

Winner: Giants

Colts Vs Bears

I’m very excited to see what what the touted Andrew Luck can do in the NFL.  Although Chicago’s defense isn’t as intimidating without the presence of Urlacher in the middle but still is good enough to put pressure on the rookie.  This Bear’s team is good folks.  Last year they were on a roll before Cutler (who was having one of his better years) went down with a thumb injury and Forte (who was one of the yards from scrimmage leaders) went down as well.  Add in a blast from Denver’s past, Brandon Marshal and you have a potentially scary offense.  Luck just doesn’t have the supporting cast to keep up.

Winner: Bears

Eagles Vs Browns

The dream team is talented but I don’t see them winning a Super Bowl this year.  This is mainly because of Vicks health issues.  That being said its just week one and everyone should be poised to put the smack down on the Browns to get the smack talk starting.  The Browns are starting their 28 year old rookie Weeden and are without their highly anticipated rookie Trent Richardson who is recovering from surgery.  The Eagles shouldn’t have too much trouble with this one.

Winner: Eagles

Rams Vs Lions

The Lions finally put it all together last year, had a winning record and squeaked into the playoffs.  Their season completely is hinging on Stafford's ability to stay on the field however.  When he’s on the Stafford/Johnson duo is formidable.  The Rams took a step backwards last year as it was Bradford’s turn to have a injury ridden season.  The Rams have the always consistent Steven Jackson but it is matched up against the intense Suh.  Look for the Lions to air it out to keep Jackson at bay.

Winner: Lions

Dolphins Vs Texans

Fantasy hero Arian Foster looks to take down Miami single handedly which he could very well do.  Ben Tate could even help out a bit too.  With a healthy Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub the Texans look to pull away.  Ryan Tannehill gets his first NFL start but simply lacks the weapons to catch up if their fall behind early.

Winner: Texans

Falcons Vs Chiefs

The Falcons have come out and said they will be airing it out more this year.  Hurry up and draft Matt Ryan and Julio Jones in your fantasy draft now!  The Cheifs who were ready to make some noise last year fell on their face due to the Charles injury (and later Cassel).  I like the Chiefs to surprise some people mainly by leaning on their running game with Charles and the hopeful Hillis.  If those two guys get going and keep the ball away from Ryan and his potent receivers and consistent Turner, look out.

Winner: Chiefs

Jaguars Vs Vikings

The Jags should still be able to run the ball with the help of the electric Rashad Jennings.  Odds are this will be a low scoring affair.  Gabbart looks to kick off his sophomore year with the help of rookie Justin Blackman.  Gabbarts counterpart Ponder had the better year last year and has better options in the backfield with Peterson and at receiver with a migrainless Harvin.  I still haven’t been convince Gabbart is the answer so I’m going to have to go with Minnesota. 

Winner: Vikings

Redskins Vs Saints

Everyone wants to see what RG3 can do in the NFL including New Orleans.  Promise their is no bounty on him.  The saints are without mastermind Sean Peyton, they have a new D Coordinator, players are suspended and Robert Meachem is now a Charger!  They’ll be fine.  I’ve always gave more praise to Brees for their success than Peyton (although he is very good too).  RG3 will most likely try to do too much too quick and get careless with the ball.

Winner: Saints

Bills Vs Jets

The Bills were on a roll when all of the sudden Ryan Fitzpatrick got a huge deal.  Then the turnovers came and Fred Jackson couldn’t stay on the field.  The Jets underperformed and decided that Tim Tebow was the answer.  With the addition of Tebow and Sparano the Jets most likely will look to running the ball much more.  This only helps their defense as it did Denver’s last year and keeps the ball way from the Bills offense. 

Winner: Jets

Patriots Vs Titans

Brady.  Gronk.  Welker.  Hernandez.  Locker.  Johnson.  Britt.  Superbowls and offensive juggernauts vs a young quarterback utilizing playmakers with character issues.  I think I’ll take the proven ones here.

Winner: Patriots

Seahawks Vs Cardinals

Each team has some talent but a whole lot of issues.  While the Seahawks stockpile back up quarterbacks the explosive rookie Wilson gets the nod.  Meanwhile the “but all I do is turn it on in the forth quarter and win” Skelton wins the battle over Skelton.  Both defenses are improved and on the rise so the big difference maker to me is the running game.  Lynch should be out.  Beannie and the exciting Williams need to step it up big time for Arizona to win.

Winner: Cardinals

49ers Vs Packers

The 49ers in my opinion will take a step backwards this year.  Alex Smith will revert back to being a game manager and the “ra ra” of Jim Harbough will fizzle.  The Packers are one of the best in the NFL and I look for their offense and the play makers on their defense to showcase it on Sunday.

Winner: Packers

Panthers Vs Buccaneers

Cam Newton shocked many NFL fans with the numbers he posted last year.  With a lackluster defense though the team struggled to find wins.  The Bucs who showed glimpses of potential the year before took a step backwards last year.  With Bucs organization questioning if Josh Freeman is the future, I think I’ll go with the Madden’s second place finisher and his talented backfield and white out. 

Winner: Panthers

Steelers Vs Denver

This is one of the more intriguing match-ups of the week. Manning’s return to football vs the always difficult Steelers squad.  How will Manning manage the lack of weapons when facing a tough Pittsburgh defense.  Lets face it, although Decker and Moore are nice receivers, their are no Wayne and Harrison.  Big Ben on the other hand has plenty of targets.  We all know the speed and playmaking ability of Wallace but last year Brown showed he can contribute heavily as well.  I’m rooting for ‘ya but sorry Peyton not this week.

Winner:  Steelers

Bengals Vs Ravens

This rivalry had some nice match-ups last year.  Dalton proved that he can hang with the big boys and we saw first hand how talented AJ Green and tight end Gresham can be.  The Ravens look to lean once again on Ray Rice who tore it up last year.  With Ray Lewis at the helm, no matter the age, I cannot doubt the Ravens defense.  And although the Bengals D was stout with the yardage last year they just didn’t create enough turnovers.  If Flacco can get any sort of lead, I see Dalton trying to force passes.

Winner:  Ravens

Chargers Vs Raiders

This matchup could put up some points.  Oakland has hoarded speed the past few years and plan on it showing some dividends here shortly.  With a full offseason under his belt Carson Palmer looks to make an improved effort to running the Oakland offense.  A healthy McFadden returns to the fold (maybe if it is only for half the season) which is a scary thought for week 1 and the Chargers.  Although I don’t see Rivers being as pick happy and although the switch of Jackson for Meachem isn’t all that bad, the loss of Mathews for the first few weeks hurts.  I see the Raiders pulling this one out IF their defense holds off on stupid penalties (which never seems to be the case). 

Winner: Raiders


Hopefully that wasn’t too bad.  I know it was kind of a QB heavy analysis but it is week one and I haven’t done as much research as I should have before writing this.  Anyways feel free to rip my picks apart and when I do this again next week, I’ll include my record.  Thanks for reading!  Enjoy week one of the NFL, I know I will!!!

Baseball Struggles

So now that the baseball season is under full swing (ha get it!), I should be knee deep in MLB news.  I should be watching every highlight, whether it be Albert Pujols struggling at the plate or Yu Darvish dominating on the mound.  To be honest though, I don’t even know if Pujols is still doing poorly and if Darvish is even still any good.  Why the lack of interest in baseball at the moment?  Because my team is sucking!

That sounds awful right?  My love for baseball shouldn’t be conditional of my favorite team’s success (or lack there of).  I should be genuinely interested in the sport regardless of the record of my home team.  Sadly that’s not the case.

I try though, I really do.  I end up watching games that D’Backs are in (I grew up in AZ) but day in and day out I end up cursing myself for ever watching the sport.  Players I’ve grown to admire and endear have underperformed.  Some even have flat out sucked. 

It’s caused a desdain between myself and the game of baseball, because I am constantly reminded of mediocrity.  I’m not the only one that feels this way I’m sure.  I mean the head coach, Kurt Gibson has even spoke of using a Ouija Board to look for answers.  Whatever it takes I guess. 

It’s not just the 2011 division winning D’Backs who are struggling through.  I mean when the Baltimore Oriels are first in the AL East, you know baseball is having a wacky year so far.  Teams like the Red Sox, Phillies, Angles, Yankees, Braves, etc are all underperforming.  These organizations by the way, only consider a playoff spot as success (some only a WS ring).

I’ll keep putting myself through the pain of watching games and hope for a comeback like we saw last year.  Plus, soon the NBA playoffs will be over and I’ll have nothing else to watch.  I guess that’s just part of being a fan.  At least I’m not a Chicago Cubs fan.  Now they got it rough!

So that’s Sports: from the fan’s perspective. 

Oh, and I have a little something fun.  I enjoy giving players on my favorite team nicknames: so here are some from the D’backs.  Feel free to include your favorite nicknames from your team as well.

Kirk Gibson - Gibby
Trevor Bauer - Bauer Outage
Craig Breslow - Smartest Man in Baseball
Trevor Cahill - The White Rabbit
Josh Collmenter - The Tomahawk
David Hernandez - Hardball
Daniel Hudson - Huddy
Ian Kennedy - Captain Red Beard
Joe Paterson - Joe Pats
JJ Putz - The Big Guy
Joe Saunders - Bazooka Joe, or “Joe”
Henry Blanco - Hommerin Henry
Miguel Montero - The Microwave, The Refrigerator, Miggy
Willie Bloomquist - Willie Broomstick, Willie Ballgame, WFB
Geoff Blum - Gi-Off
Stephen Drew - Wolf
Paul Goldshmidt - Goldy
John McDonald - Johnny Mac
Lyle Overbay - Lyle Overpay, Lyle Doubleplay, etc
Ryan Roberts - Tat Man
Jason Kubel - Kubo
Gerardo Parra - The Rooster/El Gallo
Justin Upton - J-Up
Chris Young - C.Y.

Metta World Not So Much Peace

Guys like Ron Artest, I mean Metta World Peace shouldn’t even be in the NBA.  Yes he is a talented basketball player but if I were David Stern I would not want players like Artest in my league.  He has had multiple offenses of violence, even once going into the stands to assault a fan.  This last incident is just icing on the cake.

Not only did he bring down the “People’s Elbow” on a fellow player but he did so on a top seeded OKC team and on the likely 6th man of the year, James Harden.  I root for the Thunder but don’t consider them my team by any stretch of the means.  I am a Harden fan since he is a fellow Sun Devil and that all being said, I still would want Artest’s head for this.  Just think what die hard Oklahoma City fans would want.  

Stern is going to have to come down hard on this punishment.  I’m thinking more than a 10 game suspension.  He may even wait to give the suspension until after Harden comes back on the court.  Realistically, Metta World Peace’s season may be over.  If he is suspended indefinitely I would have no issue with it either.  Just take James Harden’s perspective; you were blindsided with an elbow after a guy celebrated an ordinary dunk, 3 seconds after the fact.  Now who knows when you will be back of if you are even 100% once you do.  Not to mention the playoffs are right around the corner.

We’ve learned from the NFL concussions are a big deal and take a long time to heal.  Even if he is back next week, there is no guarantee he will be as explosive or productive.  Just think what this does to an OKC team that is considered one of the best in the NBA.  One of your big 3 is out for who knows how long.  How will this affect him once he’s back?  Will he play timidly? Will concussion related headaches affect his playing?  The repercussions could be huge.

Ron Artest, Metta World Peace or whatever you want to call him is a joke.  He is unprofessional and considered by some to be a “thug”.  He doesn’t deserve this many second chances and should pay for his actions.  I’m sure a majority of people feel the same way I do, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds within the next few weeks.  

Anyways, that’s sports: from the fans perspective.  

2012 MLB Predictions

There are plenty of baseball rankings out there preparing for the freshly started season.  Here is how I think (hope) it’ll turn out this year:

AL EAST: Tampa Bay Rays 

I’m going to go out on a limb here and pick the Rays.  With the Red Sox continuing to have locker room issues and a huge hole at closer after the free agency loss of Papelbon to the Phillies and the injury of Andrew Bailey.  Not to mention Terry Francona will continue to rub people the wrong way.  The Rays score runs a variety of ways with a young and balanced attack.  They also keep games low scoring with pitching that starts with Shields and Price.  We’ve also seen a competitive nature in the Rays that is unrivaled after their come from behind race into the playoffs last year.  The Yankees are who I see taking one of the playoff spots.  They are offensively load and have enough pitching to keep them in games.  The Yanks will have to rely on improvements from Hughes and Nova, who will have step up their game since Joba’s trampoline incident.

1.  Tampa Bay Rays
2. New York Yankees (wild card)
3. Boston Red Sox
4. Toronto Blue Jays
5. Baltimore Orioles

AL CENTRAL: Detroit Tigers 

This will probably be the most lopsided division in baseball with the Tigers running away with it.  They have a pitcher with MVP type stuff in Verlander, a dominant closer in Valverde and probably the best corner infield in baseball with Cabrera and Fielder.  The Royals look to be the next Tampa Bay with the development of a lot of young talent such as Hochevar and Alex Gordon.  The Indians are still a few years away while the White Sox and Twins continue their decline and aren’t poised to make a big playoff push.

1. Detroit Tigers
2. Kansas City Royals
3. Cleveland Indians
4. Minnesota Twins
5. Chicago White Sox

AL WEST: Los Angeles Angels 

This will be a two team race between the Rangers and the Angels.  The Angels, loaded up with TV money, signed an MVP candidate in Pujols to solidify an already potent lineup.  Then they ad former Ranger ace C.J. Wilson to add to a rotation that already includes Haren and Weaver.  The Rangers won’t be going down without a fight.  The lineup will continue to score runs behind Hamilton and Co. plus Yu Darvish may have comparable numbers to C.J. Wilson this season anyways.  Meanwhile the Mariners and Billy Beane’s A’s will continue to rebuild this season.

1. Los Angeles Angels
2. Texas Rangers (wildcard)
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Oakland A’s

NL EAST: Philadelphia Phillies 

The Phillies have been atop this division for quite a while now, and it seems it will remain the same this year.  They have one of the best starting rotations in the NL and proven stars that help fill a deep lineup.  The big factor with the Phillies are age and health.  Utley, Rollins and Howard have all had injuries that have caused them to miss substantial playing time.  When healthy this team is a powerhouse in the NL.  Behind them are the newly improved Marlins, the always competitive Braves and the surging Nationals.  The Marlins’ playoff hopes depend on Josh Johnsons arm and Jose Reyes’ health.  The Braves need consistency while the Nationals need their young ball club to mature quick.  Sorry Mets it’ll be a tough year.

1. Philadelphia Phillies
2. Miami Marlins
3. Atlanta Braves
4. Washington Nationals
5. New York Mets

NL CENTRAL: St. Louis Cardinals 

Even with the loss of Albert Pujols the Cardinals will remain a threat.  With a healthy Carpenter they are balanced and experienced.  David Freese looks to continue his World Series run and Carlos Beltran hopes to take some of the load off the offense.  Meanwhile the Brew-Crew will try to rebound after losing Fielder to free agency.  Don’t be surprised if Braun’s output drops considerably.  This might be more because of the lack of Prince in the lineup, not because of Braun’s PED allegations.  The big competition in the Central I think are the Reds.  The Reds have been poised to make some noise the past two years and have underperformed.  After breaking the bank on Votto, Cincinnati needs to make a return on a massive investment.  Although the Pirates made strides last year, McCutchen simply isn’t enough to push this team into contention.  When looking at the Cubs there are far more negatives than positives, and Theo has his work cut out for him.

1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Cincinnati Reds (wildcard) 
3. Milwakee Brewers
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Chicago Cubs
6. Houston Astros

NL WEST: Arizona Diamondbacks 

The D-Backs surprised baseball last year with taking the NL West.  Don’t look for things to change.  The D-Backs rely on great pitching from their starting rotation and especially from their pen (3 different guys could close for this team).  The offensive production will be there with a more matured Goldschmidt, an MVP candidate in Upton and added depth with the addition of Kubel.  The rotation is deep and has the ability to put up a lot of innings.  This team even has talent in the minors such as Bauer, Skaggs and Corbin are all primed and ready for the big show.  Gibby has this team playing his style of baseball and they are set for a championship run.  The Giants aren’t going anywhere either however.  The Giants have a more talented starting rotation, and rely heavily on their performance.  With the additions of a healthy Posey and free agent Melky Cabrera, the offensive will improve.  They will make the race for the NL West close.  The Dodgers with “Magic” money paying for the team look to make a run as well.  They are definitely talented with MVP candidate Matt Kemp, all-star Andre Ethier and Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw.  I just don’t see the Dodgers having the depth and consistency to make a playoff run however.  There is a similar story out in Colorado, a talented lineup but lack of pitching will be their achilles heel.

1. Arizona Diamondbacks
2. San Francisco Giants (wildcard)
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres

Personally I would like to see a D-Backs vs. Tigers World Series.