A lot of stuff happened in 2013. Not all of it was good. In fact, it seems like most of the sports news we've heard over the past 12 months was overwhelmingly negative. But there were plenty of wonderful memories to take away from 2013 also. Andy Murray finally won Wimbledon. Usain Bolt once again proved his brilliance. The Ravens beat the 49ers in another classic Super Bowl. We had an old-school Stanley Cup Finals and an old-school World Series.
And the stage is set for 2014 to be just as epic. After all, 2014 gives us a Winter Olympics and a World Cup. But before we turn the page to 2014, let's look back on the year that was. In true Joe Brackets tradition, with this final post of the calendar year, it's time to take a look at the best games of the year. (And just as we did 12 games for 2012, this year's list features a lucky number 13.)
13. America's Cup, Final Race-September 25, San Francisco
The America's Cup is held so infrequently that it's tough to follow. But this one was worth watching. With nine wins needed to take the cup, Emirates Team New Zealand built an 8-1 lead on defending champion Oracle Team USA. Oracle, though, incredibly, came all the way back to tie the series at 8-8 and force a decisive race, only the third in America's Cup history. They won that one, too, to cap the amazing comeback and retain the oldest trophy in international sports.
12. Louisville 82, Baylor 81 (NCAA Women's Oklahoma City Regional Semifinal)-March 31, Oklahoma City
The 2013 NCAA Tournament was supposed to be Baylor's march to a second straight title that would cement Brittany Griner's place among the all-time greats of women's college basketball. Someone forgot to tell Louisville. The Cardinals pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Women's Tournament history by effectively taking Griner out of the game and firing away from three. It worked. Louisville took the lead on a pair of free throws with 2.6 seconds left, then Odyssey Sims missed a shot at the buzzer that would've won it for Baylor. Louisville ended up going all the way to the National Championship Game, where they lost to UConn.
11. Indianapolis 500-May 26, Indianapolis
The Indy 500 is becoming a staple of this list. It's not intentional. It's just that we've had some really good Indy 500s over the past couple years. And the 2013 race was incredible. There were 68 lead changes, double the previous record (set all the way back in 2012). A caution flag came out with seven laps left, and when the race went back to green, Tony Kanaan shot to the lead. Another caution came out almost immediately, which meant that, unlike NASCAR with its green-white-checkered finish, the race would end under yellow. Even the critics of this rule didn't mind this time, though. Because those were three victory laps for Tony Kanaan, who finally got to drink the milk in Gasoline Alley.
10. United States 3, Panama 2 (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)-October 15, Panama City
The U.S. had already clinched a berth in the World Cup, as well first place in CONCACAF qualifying prior to its final game at Panama. The game was meaningless for the Americans, but it meant everything for Panama, which would move into the playoff with New Zealand with a win, as well as Mexico, which stood to advance if Panama lost. It looked like, incredibly, Mexico would fail to get out of CONCACAF qualifying when Panama took a 2-1 lead into second half stoppage time. Then Graham Zusi scored to tie the game. Aron Johansson then scored less than a minute later to, incredibly, give the Americans a shocking 3-2 victory and save Mexico.
9. Netherlands 7, Cuba 6 (World Baseball Classic, Second Round)-March 11, Tokyo
Cuba played the Netherlands in the first game of the second round and the Dutch won, sending Cuba into the loser's bracket. They met again three days later with a berth in the semifinals at stake. Everybody expected the Cubans to win, especially after they took a 6-4 lead in the eighth. But then the Dutch tied it on a two-run homer by Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons in the bottom of the eighth. After Cuba left two runners on in the top of the ninth, the Dutch loaded the bases with one out in the bottom half. Kalian Sams then lifted a fly ball to center to knock in Andruw Jones and give the Netherlands a thrilling 9-8 victory.
8. Novak Djokovic vs. Juan Martin Del Potro (Wimbledon Semifinals)-July 5, London
It was a rematch of the 2012 Olympic bronze medal match, which Del Potro won on Centre Court. This semifinal was an absolute classic that took a Wimbledon record 4:44 to complete (which was still eight hours shorter than the Isner-Mahut match in 2010). It was nearly five hours of brilliant tennis. After splitting the first two sets, Djokovic took the third in the tiebreak. The fourth set also went to a tiebreak, which Del Potro won 8-6 to stay alive. Djokovic rallied to take the fifth, though, winning the match 7-5, 4-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3. Perhaps as a result, he was on the receiving end of history two days later, losing to Andy Murray in straight sets in the final.
7. Louisville 82, Michigan 76 (NCAA Championship Game)-April 8, Atlanta
The NCAA Tournament gave us its usual dose of classic games, none more so than the Louisville-Michigan Championship Game. Michigan led by as many as 12 points in the first half before Louisville got four straight three-pointers from Luke Hancock to pull within 38-37 at halftime. Louisville eventually took a 10-point lead in the second half, but Michigan got back within four with less than a minute left. Hancock sealed it with a pair of free throws, though, and the Cardinals sent the old Big East out in style, by making Rick Pitino the first coach in history to win National Championships at two different schools.
6. British Open, Final Round-July 21, Gullane, Scotland
Yes, I actually have a golf tournament not only on the list, but ranked this highly. Because from what I hear, this was an absolutely incredible finish. Phil Mickleson started the day tied for ninth, five strokes back. Leader Lee Westwood had a rough final day, though, shooting four-over on the day to end up in a tie for third. Mickleson, meanwhile, shot -2 thru nine holes to get back even for the tournament. He then shot four birdies on the back nine to end up -3, but there were still plenty of golfers on the course. None of them could catch him, though, as Mickleson hoisted the Claret Jug for the first time.
5. Heat 103, Spurs 100, OT (NBA Finals, Game 6)-June 18, Miami
If the Heat were going to defend their title, they were gonna have to do it the hard way. They fell behind 3-2 in the series and headed home knowing they'd have to win both games. And Miami promptly fell behind by 10 after three quarters. The Heat then started the fourth on a 20-7 run to get back into the game, but San Antonio still led by three late. LeBron missed a three-pointer that would've tied it, but Chris Bosh grabbed the rebound and fed Ray Allen, who hit a trey from the corner to send the game into overtime. Miami ended up winning in overtime, then won again two nights later for its second straight championship. This won the Best Game ESPY, but I think part of the reason for that is ESPN's obsession with the NBA.
4. Cardinals 5, Red Sox 4 (World Series, Game 3)-October 26, St. Louis
This was a classic game in a classic World Series. With the series tied at 1-1, St. Louis took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The Red Sox tied it with one in the fifth and one in the sixth before the Cardinals put up another two-spot in the seventh, and Boston tied it again at 4-4 in the top of the eighth. But it was the ninth inning of Game 3 that will be remembered for a long, long time. For some reason, John Farrell let pitcher Brandon Workman hit (despite having Mike Napoli on the bench) in the top of the ninth, only to have him face two batters in the bottom half. He came out after Yadier Molina singled, then Allen Craig doubled off Boston closer Koji Uehara. That's where this game became truly unforgettable. With the infield in, Jon Jay hit a grounder to second. Dustin Pedroia threw Molina out at home, then catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia tried to get Craig at third, but his throw went into left field. Craig headed for home, but was tripped by third baseman Will Middlebrooks and out at the plate. However, he was called safe (correctly) on obstruction, giving the Cardinals the victory in one of the wildest finishes you'll ever see.
3. Blackhawks 4, Bruins 3, 3 OT (Stanley Cup Final, Game 1)-June 12, Chicago
We were soured by Lockout 2.0, but the NHL more than made up for it with a scintillating Stanley Cup Final between two of the Original Six. And Game 1 was simply a preview of what was in store for the rest of the series. Boston had leads of 2-0 and 3-1 before Chicago scored twice in the third to tie it. And it would stay that way for a while. Finally, at the 12:08 mark of the third overtime, Chicago's Andrew Shaw deflected Michal Rozsival's shot past Tuukka Rask to give the Blackhawks a 4-3 victory. The triple-overtime classic was the fifth-longest game in Staley Cup Final history and the first of three overtime games in the series.
2. Auburn 34, Alabama 28-November 30, Auburn, Ala.
Heading into this year's Iron Bowl between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Auburn, many experts were calling for a classic. They were right. It was 21-14 Alabama at halftime and 28-21 early in the fourth. Auburn tied it with 32 seconds left, but Alabama managed to get to the Auburn 38 and tried a 57-yard field goal on the final play of the game. It was short, and Auburn's Chris Davis fielded it nine yards deep in the end zone. Then, just like famous Alabama alum Forrest Gump, he started running. And he didn't stop until he was in the other end zone--100 yards away. Incredibly, Auburn had won 34-28, ending Alabama's hopes for a third straight BCS title.
1. Broncos 51, Cowboys 48-October 6, Arlington, Texas
This was one of the most entertaining football games I've seen in a long time. That's why I rank the Dallas-Denver shootout as the No. 1 game of 2013. Dallas led 14-7 after one, but Peyton threw two TD passes and ran for another in the second to put the Broncos up 28-20 at halftime. The Cowboys took the lead early in the fourth quarter, then Denver tied it at 41-41 on a 50-yard field goal by Matt Prater. After Dallas went back in front, 48-41, a nine-play, 73-yard Denver drive was capped by Knowshon Moreno's game-tying 1-yard run with 2:24 left. Tony Romo threw one of his trademark costly interceptions on the ensuing Cowboys drive, giving Denver the ball already in field goal range. On 3rd-and-1 from the two, Moreno got the first down, but, because Dallas didn't have any timeouts left, intentionally didn't score. The Broncos then ran the clock all the way down and Prater kicked a game-winning 28-yard chip shot as time expired. It was truly a classic.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Week 17 NFL Picks
So, before I get into the picks for the final week of the regular season, a little NFL story. I was walking down 6th Avenue towards Rockefeller Center to see the tree earlier tonight and who walks by me on the street? None other than Shannon Sharpe.
Now on to the picks. As usual, all 16 games are division matchups. But even more remarkably, 13 of the 16 have some bearing on the playoff races. Some more than others, obviously, but there are two winner-take-all games in the NFC and the AFC has three teams tied for the second wild card spot, not one of which controls their own destiny. I think they achieved what they had in mind when they made that change a couple years ago to have only division games in the final week.
Panthers (11-4) at Falcons (4-11): Carolina-Who would've thought when they were 1-3 that Carolina would have a chance to wrap up the division and a first-round bye in Week 17? The Panthers can even get home field with a win and a Seahawks loss, but they'll settle for clinching the South and the No. 2 seed, something that was made possible by their win over the Saints last week. And since the Seahawks-Rams game is a late game, Seattle's going to go into it knowing they'll have to play their starters. Because the Panthers will be the NFC South champions.
Ravens (8-7) at Bengals (10-5): Cincinnati-The third-best game of the week, and probably the biggest game in the AFC. With a win, Cincinnati will still have a chance at the 2-seed and keep the pressure on New England (which kicks off at 4:30). Baltimore, meanwhile, needs a win to have a chance to defend its title. The Ravens could win and still be out, though. Things are that crazy in the race for that second AFC wild card. Something else to consider is that if Baltimore does win and get the help it needs, these two could be doing this all over again next weekend. I don't think that happens, though. The Bengals are excellent at home and have been one of the most unsung good teams in the league all season.
Texans (2-13) at Titans (6-9): Tennessee-One of the three that doesn't matter. The only suspense in this game is whether or not the Texans can win and snap their 13-game losing streak. A win could possibly cost them the No. 1 pick, though. As one of the two teams to lose to Houston this year, the Titans want to make sure that doesn't happen again. All's not lost in Houston, though. Look at Kansas City this year. From 2-14 and the No. 1 pick to the playoffs.
Jaguars (4-11) at Colts (10-5): Indianapolis-The level of mattering in this one is minimal. The Colts can still theoretically move up to the No. 2 or 3 seed, but they pretty much know that they're hosting the Chiefs next week. So, I'm not sure how long Indy's starters will play. If they do, the Colts win. Even if not, I'd imagine Indy pulls it out.
Jets (7-8) at Dolphins (8-7): Miami-It's incredible to think that the Jets, a team many people thought would be among the worst in the NFL, can finish .500 with a win in their finale. Except, they won last week, so, following the trend of the Jets' season, they'll lose this week. That, and they're playing a Dolphins team that can (and will) clinch a playoff berth. With a victory and a Cincinnati win over Baltimore (or a Chargers win over Kansas City), Miami's in. Welcome to the playoffs, Dolphins.
Lions (7-8) at Vikings (4-10-1): Detroit-The week after we said goodbye to Candlestick, we say farewell to the Metrodome. That's the only intrigue left in this game, which had any remaining relevance sucked out of it when the Lions capped their really bad week with an overtime loss to the Giants. It's incredible that Detroit went from division leaders to eliminated in six days, but that's a story for another day. I'll say the Lions win this one and at least get themselves back to .500.
Redskins (3-12) at Giants (6-9): Giants-Our third and final irrelevant game of the weekend pits the Redskins against the Giants in the final game at the Meadowlands before the Super Bowl. It might also be Mike Shanahan's final game as Washington's coach. If they play their cards right, the Redskins can steal the No. 1 pick away from the Texans. As for the Giants, finishing 7-9 would actually be fairly impressive considering that 0-6 start. It would also give them the same record as the Jets this season.
Browns (4-11) at Steelers (7-8): Pittsburgh-Speaking of teams that got off to horrible starts, Pittsburgh is, incredibly, still alive for the remaining AFC playoff berth. It's highly unlikely, considering the number of things they need to have happen in order to do that, but it's impressive nonetheless. Beating their archrivals to end the season .500 is a small consolation, but considering how bad this season was going for the Steelers, I'm sure they'll take it.
Packers (7-7-1) at Bears (8-7): Chicago-Aaron Rodgers returns for the NFC North championship game against the same Bears team that knocked him out on that Monday night in Lambeau. Rodgers is a better alternative than Matt Flynn or whoever else the Packers might send out there, but how effective is he going to be in a winner-take-all game after having nearly two months off? I normally wouldn't count Aaron Rodgers out, but I'd like his chances a little better if they were playing in Green Bay. Instead they're going into Soldier Field against a Bears team that had a chance to wrap up the division last Sunday night, but got completely thumped by the Eagles instead. Even still, I actually do trust Jay Cutler in this situation. For some reason, I don't think the Bears put together two clunkers in a row. Especially with so much at stake. And against the Packers.
Broncos (12-3) at Raiders (4-11): Denver-Peyton's record is taken care of, but he and the rest of the Broncos' starters have to play the whole game in Oakland. Because the Patriots can still technically take away home field. And home field advantage is very important to the Denver Broncos. They're not gonna let it slip away.
Bills (6-9) at Patriots (11-4): New England-New England's in a very interesting situation. They're likely going to be the No. 2 seed, but can still move up to No. 1 or potentially fall all the way to No. 4 (and a matchup with Kansas City that they don't want). After what they did in Baltimore last week to wrap up yet another division title, the Patriots seem to be peaking at just the right time. They'll beat the Bills in Foxboro to, at the very least, secure a bye.
Buccaneers (4-11) at Saints (10-5): New Orleans-Thanks to an ill-timed two-game losing streak, New Orleans has gone from having a bye to a road game next week. If they're not careful, the Saints could end up being left out of the playoffs entirely. The good news for them is that they return to the Superdome this week, and all they need to do is win to get in. New Orleans is one of the best teams in the NFC. They SHOULD be in the playoffs.
49ers (11-4) at Cardinals (10-5): San Francisco-The Arizona Cardinals are the best team that's not going to make the playoffs. It's even more remarkable to think that Arizona could be 11-5 and miss the playoffs. So much for the NFC West being the worst division in football! Even with a 49ers win, Arizona would be 10-6 and without-a-doubt, the best third-place team we've seen in a while (and that includes the AFC North two years ago). San Francisco can still win the division and even potentially get home field, so the 49ers still have something to play for. That's what makes this one difficult to pick. By a very narrow margin, I'm going with San Francisco.
Chiefs (11-4) at Chargers (8-7): San Diego-If that game was a tough one to pick, this one is nearly impossible. Kansas City has nothing to play for and will rest several starters accordingly. It means everything for the Chargers, though. Except it might not. If the Dolphins and Bengals win in their early games, San Diego's eliminated. And you'd have to wonder what the Chargers' motivation is if they know they're out. I think that will be the case, but since Kansas City has very little interest in winning the game, that might not matter too much. I think the Chargers win anyway. Besides, 9-7 looks so much better than 8-8.
Rams (7-8) at Seahawks (12-3): Seattle-Remember a couple years ago, before the Week 17 Sunday night game became the exclusive domain of the Dallas Cowboys, when the Rams and Seahawks met in the finale in Seattle with the NFC West at stake? Seattle won to become the first 7-9 division champion in NFL history. Well, this year, things are a little different. And the Seahawks, incredibly, haven't clinched the home field advantage that has seemed inevitably theirs all season yet. Arizona showed us last week that the Seahawks aren't invincible at Qwest Field. It'll still be tough for the two NFC teams that have to go there in the playoffs, though.
Eagles (9-6) at Cowboys (8-7): Philadelphia-The 256th and final game of the NFL regular season once again features the Dallas Cowboys in a winner-take-all showdown for the NFC East title. Maybe the third time's the charm. And, in a change of script, it can't be Tony Romo's fault they lose this time. (I wouldn't be surprised to see some people say that, if Dallas loses, it was because they didn't have Romo.) The Eagles won't lose if they play the way they played last week. Plus, they've got the advantage of Nick Foles running that red-hot offense. An offense that's much different than the one that only scored three points the first time they played the Cowboys. They were 3-5. Since then, they've won six out of seven. Make it seven out of eight for the NFC East champs.
Clinching Playoff Berths: Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia
Last Week: 10-6
Season: 154-85-1
Now on to the picks. As usual, all 16 games are division matchups. But even more remarkably, 13 of the 16 have some bearing on the playoff races. Some more than others, obviously, but there are two winner-take-all games in the NFC and the AFC has three teams tied for the second wild card spot, not one of which controls their own destiny. I think they achieved what they had in mind when they made that change a couple years ago to have only division games in the final week.
Panthers (11-4) at Falcons (4-11): Carolina-Who would've thought when they were 1-3 that Carolina would have a chance to wrap up the division and a first-round bye in Week 17? The Panthers can even get home field with a win and a Seahawks loss, but they'll settle for clinching the South and the No. 2 seed, something that was made possible by their win over the Saints last week. And since the Seahawks-Rams game is a late game, Seattle's going to go into it knowing they'll have to play their starters. Because the Panthers will be the NFC South champions.
Ravens (8-7) at Bengals (10-5): Cincinnati-The third-best game of the week, and probably the biggest game in the AFC. With a win, Cincinnati will still have a chance at the 2-seed and keep the pressure on New England (which kicks off at 4:30). Baltimore, meanwhile, needs a win to have a chance to defend its title. The Ravens could win and still be out, though. Things are that crazy in the race for that second AFC wild card. Something else to consider is that if Baltimore does win and get the help it needs, these two could be doing this all over again next weekend. I don't think that happens, though. The Bengals are excellent at home and have been one of the most unsung good teams in the league all season.
Texans (2-13) at Titans (6-9): Tennessee-One of the three that doesn't matter. The only suspense in this game is whether or not the Texans can win and snap their 13-game losing streak. A win could possibly cost them the No. 1 pick, though. As one of the two teams to lose to Houston this year, the Titans want to make sure that doesn't happen again. All's not lost in Houston, though. Look at Kansas City this year. From 2-14 and the No. 1 pick to the playoffs.
Jaguars (4-11) at Colts (10-5): Indianapolis-The level of mattering in this one is minimal. The Colts can still theoretically move up to the No. 2 or 3 seed, but they pretty much know that they're hosting the Chiefs next week. So, I'm not sure how long Indy's starters will play. If they do, the Colts win. Even if not, I'd imagine Indy pulls it out.
Jets (7-8) at Dolphins (8-7): Miami-It's incredible to think that the Jets, a team many people thought would be among the worst in the NFL, can finish .500 with a win in their finale. Except, they won last week, so, following the trend of the Jets' season, they'll lose this week. That, and they're playing a Dolphins team that can (and will) clinch a playoff berth. With a victory and a Cincinnati win over Baltimore (or a Chargers win over Kansas City), Miami's in. Welcome to the playoffs, Dolphins.
Lions (7-8) at Vikings (4-10-1): Detroit-The week after we said goodbye to Candlestick, we say farewell to the Metrodome. That's the only intrigue left in this game, which had any remaining relevance sucked out of it when the Lions capped their really bad week with an overtime loss to the Giants. It's incredible that Detroit went from division leaders to eliminated in six days, but that's a story for another day. I'll say the Lions win this one and at least get themselves back to .500.
Redskins (3-12) at Giants (6-9): Giants-Our third and final irrelevant game of the weekend pits the Redskins against the Giants in the final game at the Meadowlands before the Super Bowl. It might also be Mike Shanahan's final game as Washington's coach. If they play their cards right, the Redskins can steal the No. 1 pick away from the Texans. As for the Giants, finishing 7-9 would actually be fairly impressive considering that 0-6 start. It would also give them the same record as the Jets this season.
Browns (4-11) at Steelers (7-8): Pittsburgh-Speaking of teams that got off to horrible starts, Pittsburgh is, incredibly, still alive for the remaining AFC playoff berth. It's highly unlikely, considering the number of things they need to have happen in order to do that, but it's impressive nonetheless. Beating their archrivals to end the season .500 is a small consolation, but considering how bad this season was going for the Steelers, I'm sure they'll take it.
Packers (7-7-1) at Bears (8-7): Chicago-Aaron Rodgers returns for the NFC North championship game against the same Bears team that knocked him out on that Monday night in Lambeau. Rodgers is a better alternative than Matt Flynn or whoever else the Packers might send out there, but how effective is he going to be in a winner-take-all game after having nearly two months off? I normally wouldn't count Aaron Rodgers out, but I'd like his chances a little better if they were playing in Green Bay. Instead they're going into Soldier Field against a Bears team that had a chance to wrap up the division last Sunday night, but got completely thumped by the Eagles instead. Even still, I actually do trust Jay Cutler in this situation. For some reason, I don't think the Bears put together two clunkers in a row. Especially with so much at stake. And against the Packers.
Broncos (12-3) at Raiders (4-11): Denver-Peyton's record is taken care of, but he and the rest of the Broncos' starters have to play the whole game in Oakland. Because the Patriots can still technically take away home field. And home field advantage is very important to the Denver Broncos. They're not gonna let it slip away.
Bills (6-9) at Patriots (11-4): New England-New England's in a very interesting situation. They're likely going to be the No. 2 seed, but can still move up to No. 1 or potentially fall all the way to No. 4 (and a matchup with Kansas City that they don't want). After what they did in Baltimore last week to wrap up yet another division title, the Patriots seem to be peaking at just the right time. They'll beat the Bills in Foxboro to, at the very least, secure a bye.
Buccaneers (4-11) at Saints (10-5): New Orleans-Thanks to an ill-timed two-game losing streak, New Orleans has gone from having a bye to a road game next week. If they're not careful, the Saints could end up being left out of the playoffs entirely. The good news for them is that they return to the Superdome this week, and all they need to do is win to get in. New Orleans is one of the best teams in the NFC. They SHOULD be in the playoffs.
49ers (11-4) at Cardinals (10-5): San Francisco-The Arizona Cardinals are the best team that's not going to make the playoffs. It's even more remarkable to think that Arizona could be 11-5 and miss the playoffs. So much for the NFC West being the worst division in football! Even with a 49ers win, Arizona would be 10-6 and without-a-doubt, the best third-place team we've seen in a while (and that includes the AFC North two years ago). San Francisco can still win the division and even potentially get home field, so the 49ers still have something to play for. That's what makes this one difficult to pick. By a very narrow margin, I'm going with San Francisco.
Chiefs (11-4) at Chargers (8-7): San Diego-If that game was a tough one to pick, this one is nearly impossible. Kansas City has nothing to play for and will rest several starters accordingly. It means everything for the Chargers, though. Except it might not. If the Dolphins and Bengals win in their early games, San Diego's eliminated. And you'd have to wonder what the Chargers' motivation is if they know they're out. I think that will be the case, but since Kansas City has very little interest in winning the game, that might not matter too much. I think the Chargers win anyway. Besides, 9-7 looks so much better than 8-8.
Rams (7-8) at Seahawks (12-3): Seattle-Remember a couple years ago, before the Week 17 Sunday night game became the exclusive domain of the Dallas Cowboys, when the Rams and Seahawks met in the finale in Seattle with the NFC West at stake? Seattle won to become the first 7-9 division champion in NFL history. Well, this year, things are a little different. And the Seahawks, incredibly, haven't clinched the home field advantage that has seemed inevitably theirs all season yet. Arizona showed us last week that the Seahawks aren't invincible at Qwest Field. It'll still be tough for the two NFC teams that have to go there in the playoffs, though.
Eagles (9-6) at Cowboys (8-7): Philadelphia-The 256th and final game of the NFL regular season once again features the Dallas Cowboys in a winner-take-all showdown for the NFC East title. Maybe the third time's the charm. And, in a change of script, it can't be Tony Romo's fault they lose this time. (I wouldn't be surprised to see some people say that, if Dallas loses, it was because they didn't have Romo.) The Eagles won't lose if they play the way they played last week. Plus, they've got the advantage of Nick Foles running that red-hot offense. An offense that's much different than the one that only scored three points the first time they played the Cowboys. They were 3-5. Since then, they've won six out of seven. Make it seven out of eight for the NFC East champs.
Clinching Playoff Berths: Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia
Last Week: 10-6
Season: 154-85-1
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Starting Pitcher Needed, Enter Tanaka
Even before Robinson Cano left for Seattle, one of the Yankees' biggest needs this offseason was pitching. Especially a solid starting pitcher to insert behind CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Hiroki Kuroda. Most just assumed that pitcher would be Japanese ace Masahiro Tanaka. Then they changed the posting system, and whether or not Tanaka was even coming to America became a question.
Well, Rakuten has finally posted Tanaka, and the Yankees need to be the team that wins his services. Even if it means going over this self-imposed $189 million salary cap, getting Tanaka is an absolute must. This is a potential ace, and the available pitching talent via free agency is significantly weaker. If they don't get him, they'll have to make a trade (which might be why they're still hanging on to Gardner.)
The Yankees have been hesitant to jump into the mix on these big-name international free agents ever since their epic failures on Hideki Irabu and Kei Igawa. (Although, it should be noted, they also struck gold with Hideki Matsui.) As a result, they missed out on Aroldis Chapman and Yoenis Cespedes and Yu Darvish. But these are the Yankees. They've become pretty well-known for going all-in on free agents they really want. And that's certainly the case here. Because they need a starting pitcher. Big time. And they know Tanaka's the best one available.
It's pretty clear why the Yankees want Tanaka. He went 24-0 last season, as Rakuten won its first Japan Series title. Oh yeah, he's only 25 years old and has been a pro since he was 18. From what all the scouts say, Tanaka is the real deal. All the more reason to make sure he's wearing Yankee Pinstripes in 2014.
Heading into the offseason, a lot of people assumed that was going to be a mere formality. The Yankees would make an offer that blew everyone else out of the water, and that posting fee wouldn't count against the $189 million. Then they changed the posting system. Now it's $20 million up front, and everybody's allowed to talk to him, with the player then deciding where he wants to go. Suddenly, it's not automatic that he's going to be a Yankee. And they've also gone from very little of the actual money counting to almost all of it counting. Doesn't matter. Getting Tanaka should still be the utmost priority.
For a team that needs to fill at least two holes in its rotation, getting a starter is paramount. The free agent starting pitchers out there include the likes of Bronson Arroyo and Matt Garza. Both are quality, middle-of-the-rotation Major League starters. But neither one is an ace. From all indications, Masahiro Tanaka is. He could be the difference-maker the Yankees need.
The last time the Yankees missed the playoffs, they made a splash in free agency, singing CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixiera. The result was their most recent World Series title in 2009. So far this offseason, they've been just as aggressive, picking up Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury. They also lost Robinson Cano, a loss they think they can overcome. The rotation, though, can't be patched together so easily. And Andy Pettitte isn't coming back this time. You can only coax a guy out of retirement so many times.
One of their problems in 2008 was that they were banking on Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy anchoring the rotation. We all saw how well that worked. None of the three is even on the Yankees anymore (and good riddance to the two who just left). The bargain-basement additions of Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia worked out, for the most part, in 2011...until they didn't in 2012. Going back even further, remember names like Javier Vazquez, Carl Pavano and Kevin Brown? Well, barring a Gardner-for-starter trade, a Tanaka-less rotation would feature some combination of David Phelps, David Huff, Adam Warren, Vidal Nuno and Michael Pineda behind Sabathia, Nova and Kuroda (who they were lucky to get back for another year). It could be like that all over again.
I'm not saying Masahiro Tanaka is a can't-miss free agent. What I am saying is that he's worth the risk. Because, on paper, a Yankees team with Masahiro Tanaka is better than one without him. So, regardless of what it costs and who else is in the mix, the Yankees have to do everything in their power to make sure Tanaka's pitching in the Bronx in 2014 and beyond.
Well, Rakuten has finally posted Tanaka, and the Yankees need to be the team that wins his services. Even if it means going over this self-imposed $189 million salary cap, getting Tanaka is an absolute must. This is a potential ace, and the available pitching talent via free agency is significantly weaker. If they don't get him, they'll have to make a trade (which might be why they're still hanging on to Gardner.)
The Yankees have been hesitant to jump into the mix on these big-name international free agents ever since their epic failures on Hideki Irabu and Kei Igawa. (Although, it should be noted, they also struck gold with Hideki Matsui.) As a result, they missed out on Aroldis Chapman and Yoenis Cespedes and Yu Darvish. But these are the Yankees. They've become pretty well-known for going all-in on free agents they really want. And that's certainly the case here. Because they need a starting pitcher. Big time. And they know Tanaka's the best one available.
It's pretty clear why the Yankees want Tanaka. He went 24-0 last season, as Rakuten won its first Japan Series title. Oh yeah, he's only 25 years old and has been a pro since he was 18. From what all the scouts say, Tanaka is the real deal. All the more reason to make sure he's wearing Yankee Pinstripes in 2014.
Heading into the offseason, a lot of people assumed that was going to be a mere formality. The Yankees would make an offer that blew everyone else out of the water, and that posting fee wouldn't count against the $189 million. Then they changed the posting system. Now it's $20 million up front, and everybody's allowed to talk to him, with the player then deciding where he wants to go. Suddenly, it's not automatic that he's going to be a Yankee. And they've also gone from very little of the actual money counting to almost all of it counting. Doesn't matter. Getting Tanaka should still be the utmost priority.
For a team that needs to fill at least two holes in its rotation, getting a starter is paramount. The free agent starting pitchers out there include the likes of Bronson Arroyo and Matt Garza. Both are quality, middle-of-the-rotation Major League starters. But neither one is an ace. From all indications, Masahiro Tanaka is. He could be the difference-maker the Yankees need.
The last time the Yankees missed the playoffs, they made a splash in free agency, singing CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixiera. The result was their most recent World Series title in 2009. So far this offseason, they've been just as aggressive, picking up Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury. They also lost Robinson Cano, a loss they think they can overcome. The rotation, though, can't be patched together so easily. And Andy Pettitte isn't coming back this time. You can only coax a guy out of retirement so many times.
One of their problems in 2008 was that they were banking on Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy anchoring the rotation. We all saw how well that worked. None of the three is even on the Yankees anymore (and good riddance to the two who just left). The bargain-basement additions of Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia worked out, for the most part, in 2011...until they didn't in 2012. Going back even further, remember names like Javier Vazquez, Carl Pavano and Kevin Brown? Well, barring a Gardner-for-starter trade, a Tanaka-less rotation would feature some combination of David Phelps, David Huff, Adam Warren, Vidal Nuno and Michael Pineda behind Sabathia, Nova and Kuroda (who they were lucky to get back for another year). It could be like that all over again.
I'm not saying Masahiro Tanaka is a can't-miss free agent. What I am saying is that he's worth the risk. Because, on paper, a Yankees team with Masahiro Tanaka is better than one without him. So, regardless of what it costs and who else is in the mix, the Yankees have to do everything in their power to make sure Tanaka's pitching in the Bronx in 2014 and beyond.
Monday, December 23, 2013
A Festivus For the Rest of Us
Happy Festivus! The pole has been put up, the feats of strength have been performed, the donations to the Human Fund have all been made. There's just one thing left to do. It's time for the airing of grievances. I've got a lot of problems with you people, and you're gonna hear about them!
Happy Festivus to All, and to All a Good Night!
- NBA, a lot of things about your league suck, but mainly, your Christmas games aren't special anymore. That's what happens when there's five of them. A third of the league is playing on Christmas. And that Clippers-Warriors game doesn't quite have that cachet that's going to have everyone drop what they're doing to watch it.
- NHL, same goes with you and the "Stadium Series." Way to take the luster off the Winter Classic. And, for God's sake, why is there an outdoor hockey game scheduled for Southern California? Wait, never mind, I'm sure it was 80 degrees and there were plenty of girls in bikinis watching when these guys were learning the game on the frozen ponds of Canada.
- By the way, your new divisions, especially the name "Metropolitan Division," and playoff format are stupid.
- NFL, if it snows in New York on Super Bowl Sunday (which it probably will), it's your own damn fault! Outdoors. In New York. In February. Did anybody ever actually think this was a good idea? It wasn't then, and it isn't now.
- FIFA, your seeding process for the World Cup sucks. You can't tell me that Belgium and Switzerland deserved to be seeded over the Netherlands and Italy. Or that it's fair to those two nations that they ended up in the groups they got stuck in.
- And everyone has known all along that you shouldn't've let Qatar buy the 2022 World Cup. Moving it out of the summer isn't quite going to work the way you think it will, either. The Olympics are in February, so you can't do then. And you can't really do October because then you're messing with the European season for basically three whole years (and not to mention going against NFL/college football and the baseball playoffs in the U.S.).
- MLB Players, stop with your ridiculous reactions when players appeal PED suspensions. They've got every right to appeal. It's in the CBA. If you were in that situation, you'd be entitled to do the same thing.
- MLB Owners, stop rewarding these same guys with ridiculous long-term deals. That's the real problem with the joint-drug program. There's no disincentive if you can serve a 50-game suspension, then go and sign the type of contracts that Melky Cabrera got last year, or Jhonny Peralta and Bartolo Colon got this year.
- Hall of Fame Voters, stop being the only ones who care about past performance-enhancing drug use. No one seemed to care then, and you have no idea who was doing what and who wasn't. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, et al., are all eligible for the Hall of Fame. You can't pick and choose whose numbers are valid and whose aren't, especially with the guys you only suspect of doing stuff.
- Yankees, stop signing free agent outfielders! You now have six outfielders on the roster, yet didn't want to trade Gardner for Brandon Phillips. Who plays second base. A position you need. Badly. How about you forget about 35-year-old outfielders and get something you really need? Like a starting pitcher and a couple relievers.
- Syracuse, you killed the Big East, and now you're complaining about your schedule in the ACC! Do me a favor and just shut up. What did you expect? You're the ones that wanted to be in a ridiculous 14-team conference. Suck it up and deal with it.
- ESPN, Tim Tebow hasn't played quarterback in the NFL in two years. We don't need the daily updates or the weekly speculation that whatever team's quarterback just got hurt will sign him. I get that Brett Favre's retired so you need someone new to obsess over, but that ship has sailed.
- MSG, when the Knicks and Rangers are both playing, sometimes people want to watch the Rangers. Move the Knicks over to MSG2 every once in a while!
- Lindsey Vonn, stop trying to ski on your torn ACL. Unless you don't want to go to Sochi. There's no benefit on trying to ski on that knee right now (especially since you keep making it worse), and NBC tops the list of those who'll be pretty unhappy if you miss the Olympics.
- Sochi Olympics, there's no need for an extra day. You have 98 events. How is it possible that you need 18 days for 98 events, but they only need 17 days for more than 300 events in the Summer Games? (I'm not counting those two days of soccer games before the Opening Ceremony, which are necessary.) I don't get it. Is this all just about having an extra night of figure skating in prime time?
Happy Festivus to All, and to All a Good Night!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
NFL Week 16 Picks
There's only two weeks left. Eight days until the NFL season is over. And that means the playoff races are getting awfully tight. Berths can be clinched all over the place this week, and we've even got a potential playoff preview in Kansas City, as well as a couple possible division-deciders and a Super Bowl XLV rematch in Green Bay. Oh yeah, and it's 70 degrees in New York and Philadelphia, a vast difference from the snow.
Dolphins (8-6) at Bills (5-9): Miami-This game is one of the trickiest ones all week. Miami has historically struggled in Buffalo in December, so a Bills win doesn't seem that far out of the question. And if that happens, New England wraps up yet another AFC East title. But the Dolphins are on a roll and know that they need this one to clinch that playoff berth that's theirs for the taking. Especially since Baltimore won last week. I think that's enough for the Dolphins to overcome their December-in-Buffalo aversion.
Vikings (4-9-1) at Bengals (9-5): Cincinnati-The Bengals are lucky that their final two games are at home. Because they're not a good road team. Take last week. They had a chance to move up to the No. 2 seed in the AFC after the Patriots' loss, then get completely smacked in Pittsburgh. The Ravens next week aren't a gimme, either, so the Bengals can't slip up against the Vikings. They're still the favorites to win the AFC North, though, and will clinch the division with a win and a Patriots win over Baltimore.
Colts (9-5) at Chiefs (11-3): Kansas City-We're likely to see this matchup again two weeks from now in a wild card game. Both teams are already in, and they both need some help to avoid that 4-5 matchup. Kansas City's chances of getting out of it look a little better. With that Denver loss last week, the Chiefs are back to being tied with the Broncos, so if they win out and the Broncos lose one of their last two, the Chiefs will actually get the No. 1 seed. First they've got to get by the Colts, though. I think they will. Both this week and two weeks from now.
Buccaneers (4-10) at Rams (6-8): St. Louis-St. Louis is the team nobody wants to play right now, especially after they beat the Saints last week. Fortunately for all the playoff contenders, they're playing the Bucs. This will be a very scary team next season. As for this season, they'll be going for .500 in their finale.
Browns (4-10) at Jets (6-8): Jets-A 61-yard field goal in the final minute of the Monday night game ended any delusions Jets fans had about their team actually making the playoffs. So, no, they won't be playing a home game in the Super Bowl (as if that was going to happen even if they got in). Now that there's absolutely nothing for them to play for, they may mail it in. But in the alternating win-loss formula of their season, this week is a win, perhaps Rex's last.
Cowboys (7-7) at Redskins (3-11): Dallas-After last week, Dallas doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs. How do you blow that lead? At home? And why are you throwing the ball when you're team that's UP in the second half? If they lose to Washington and the Eagles win, they won't have a chance to win the division in the finale for the third straight year. Next week will be meaningless. Fortunately, they're playing a Redskins team that has already shut down Robert Griffin III and is only playing for draft position. Although they would like nothing more than playing spoiler.
Saints (10-4) at Panthers (10-4): New Orleans-We're right back where we started when these two faced each other two weeks ago. The winner clinches a playoff spot, and if it's New Orleans, they also wrap up the NFC South and a first-round bye. Big difference between Week 17 being very important or totally meaningless. Carolina's been very good at home, and that defense makes them a very scary team come playoff time. But they were absolutely crushed in New Orleans just two weeks ago. That's why I've got to go with the Saints here.
Titans (5-9) at Jaguars (4-10): Tennessee-Believe it or not, Jacksonville can actually end up finishing the season in second place! That speaks more to the quality of the AFC South than it does about the Jaguars, but there's no denying Jacksonville's had an incredible turnaround since we all thought they might potentially go 0-16 at midseason. The Titans are one of the teams they've beaten. I'll give Tennessee the benefit of the doubt and say it doesn't happen again.
Broncos (11-3) at Texans (2-12): Denver-Losing last week might've actually been a good thing for the Broncos. Because they went from having absolutely nothing to play for in the last two games to needing wins in both. And that No. 1 seed is incredibly important. The Broncos won't go to the Super Bowl if they have to go on the road and play that extra game. The good news about those last two games is that they're against the Texans and Raiders.
Giants (5-9) at Lions (7-7): Detroit-No team had it rougher last week than the Lions. They began the week in first place. By the end if it, they were in third and no longer controlled their own destiny. However, they have the easiest remaining schedule of the three NFC North contenders. The Giants are going through the motions. If that. Last week was embarrassing.
Cardinals (9-5) at Seahawks (12-2): Seattle-It's almost not fair that the Seahawks' final two games are at home. In fact, their loss in San Francisco two weeks ago marks the last time Seattle will play a game outside of their own stadium or Giants Stadium this season. And how much of an advantage was it that they got a little Super Bowl tune-up last week? The Cardinals are hot and definitely making a push towards sneaking into the playoffs, but they've drawn the short straw this week with a trip to Seattle. The Seahawks will officially clinch that No. 1 seed that's been theirs for most of the season.
Steelers (6-8) at Packers (7-6-1): Green Bay-The second half of last week's game in Dallas made this game a lot more interesting. Suddenly the Packers' chances of winning the division are very real, and Matt Flynn is finally giving them someone to keep the seat warm for Aaron Rodgers, who could return for the potential do-or-die game next week in Chicago. The only way that game's do-or-die, though, is if the Packers beat Pittsburgh at Lambeau. After last week, I'm not banking against that.
Raiders (4-10) at Chargers (7-7): San Diego-San Diego has beaten both Denver and Kansas City this season and, as a result, the Chargers are still in contention for that second wild card spot. They'd be in better shape if they didn't also have a loss to the Raiders, but they have a chance to avenge that this week. With a win, they'll be 8-7 heading into next week's rematch with the Chiefs. If they lose, next week doesn't matter at all.
Patriots (10-4) at Ravens (8-6): New England-This was a perfectly fine Sunday night game, but they flexed it out. I'm somewhat surprised by that. Anyway, the whole AFC playoff picture will be a lot clearer after this one. If Baltimore wins out, they don't just clinch a playoff berth, they'll actually win the AFC North! I should probably know better than to bet against them, but I also know better than to bet against Tom Brady. And, as a result of last week, the Patriots haven't clinched anything yet. If they lose, they're in danger of dropping into wild card weekend. You also never see New England lose back-to-back games. That's why I'm going with the Patriots here.
Bears (8-6) at Eagles (8-6): Philadelphia-I'm not complaining too badly about that Sunday-night thing because this is the one they flexed in. Chicago and Philadelphia are both division leaders, and they're both playing the second-place team next week, so there's a very good chance that one's going to play consecutive Sunday night games. Anyway, with everything that's at stake, this game is huge. Both Marc Trestman and Chip Kelly were brought in because of playoff failures by the previous coach. Now they each have a chance to win a division title in their first season. The Eagles will know coming in if they can wrap up the NFC East, while the Bears have both the Packers and Lions on their heels, so they know they need a win regardless. In addition, the winner here has the inside track on the 3-seed, which means avoiding Carolina in the playoffs. I'm not saying either one should be thinking about that, but it adds to the intrigue nonetheless. As for a winner, I'll say the Eagles since the game's in Philadelphia, and that's really the only reason.
Falcons (4-10) at 49ers (10-4): San Francisco-San Francisco is technically the only team that can beat out Seattle for homefield, but everyone knows the 49ers will be on the road throughout the playoffs. That means the final Monday nighter of the season will also be the final game at Candlestick. A Seahawks win strangely helps the 49ers, too, because a win and a Cardinals loss wraps up a playoff berth. (Although it would be fun if they're playing a winner-take-all game for a wild card next week.) As for the whole Candlestick Farewell thing, do you really think they're going to close the stadium with a loss to the Falcons? I don't.
Last Week: 9-7
Season: 144-79-1
Dolphins (8-6) at Bills (5-9): Miami-This game is one of the trickiest ones all week. Miami has historically struggled in Buffalo in December, so a Bills win doesn't seem that far out of the question. And if that happens, New England wraps up yet another AFC East title. But the Dolphins are on a roll and know that they need this one to clinch that playoff berth that's theirs for the taking. Especially since Baltimore won last week. I think that's enough for the Dolphins to overcome their December-in-Buffalo aversion.
Vikings (4-9-1) at Bengals (9-5): Cincinnati-The Bengals are lucky that their final two games are at home. Because they're not a good road team. Take last week. They had a chance to move up to the No. 2 seed in the AFC after the Patriots' loss, then get completely smacked in Pittsburgh. The Ravens next week aren't a gimme, either, so the Bengals can't slip up against the Vikings. They're still the favorites to win the AFC North, though, and will clinch the division with a win and a Patriots win over Baltimore.
Colts (9-5) at Chiefs (11-3): Kansas City-We're likely to see this matchup again two weeks from now in a wild card game. Both teams are already in, and they both need some help to avoid that 4-5 matchup. Kansas City's chances of getting out of it look a little better. With that Denver loss last week, the Chiefs are back to being tied with the Broncos, so if they win out and the Broncos lose one of their last two, the Chiefs will actually get the No. 1 seed. First they've got to get by the Colts, though. I think they will. Both this week and two weeks from now.
Buccaneers (4-10) at Rams (6-8): St. Louis-St. Louis is the team nobody wants to play right now, especially after they beat the Saints last week. Fortunately for all the playoff contenders, they're playing the Bucs. This will be a very scary team next season. As for this season, they'll be going for .500 in their finale.
Browns (4-10) at Jets (6-8): Jets-A 61-yard field goal in the final minute of the Monday night game ended any delusions Jets fans had about their team actually making the playoffs. So, no, they won't be playing a home game in the Super Bowl (as if that was going to happen even if they got in). Now that there's absolutely nothing for them to play for, they may mail it in. But in the alternating win-loss formula of their season, this week is a win, perhaps Rex's last.
Cowboys (7-7) at Redskins (3-11): Dallas-After last week, Dallas doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs. How do you blow that lead? At home? And why are you throwing the ball when you're team that's UP in the second half? If they lose to Washington and the Eagles win, they won't have a chance to win the division in the finale for the third straight year. Next week will be meaningless. Fortunately, they're playing a Redskins team that has already shut down Robert Griffin III and is only playing for draft position. Although they would like nothing more than playing spoiler.
Saints (10-4) at Panthers (10-4): New Orleans-We're right back where we started when these two faced each other two weeks ago. The winner clinches a playoff spot, and if it's New Orleans, they also wrap up the NFC South and a first-round bye. Big difference between Week 17 being very important or totally meaningless. Carolina's been very good at home, and that defense makes them a very scary team come playoff time. But they were absolutely crushed in New Orleans just two weeks ago. That's why I've got to go with the Saints here.
Titans (5-9) at Jaguars (4-10): Tennessee-Believe it or not, Jacksonville can actually end up finishing the season in second place! That speaks more to the quality of the AFC South than it does about the Jaguars, but there's no denying Jacksonville's had an incredible turnaround since we all thought they might potentially go 0-16 at midseason. The Titans are one of the teams they've beaten. I'll give Tennessee the benefit of the doubt and say it doesn't happen again.
Broncos (11-3) at Texans (2-12): Denver-Losing last week might've actually been a good thing for the Broncos. Because they went from having absolutely nothing to play for in the last two games to needing wins in both. And that No. 1 seed is incredibly important. The Broncos won't go to the Super Bowl if they have to go on the road and play that extra game. The good news about those last two games is that they're against the Texans and Raiders.
Giants (5-9) at Lions (7-7): Detroit-No team had it rougher last week than the Lions. They began the week in first place. By the end if it, they were in third and no longer controlled their own destiny. However, they have the easiest remaining schedule of the three NFC North contenders. The Giants are going through the motions. If that. Last week was embarrassing.
Cardinals (9-5) at Seahawks (12-2): Seattle-It's almost not fair that the Seahawks' final two games are at home. In fact, their loss in San Francisco two weeks ago marks the last time Seattle will play a game outside of their own stadium or Giants Stadium this season. And how much of an advantage was it that they got a little Super Bowl tune-up last week? The Cardinals are hot and definitely making a push towards sneaking into the playoffs, but they've drawn the short straw this week with a trip to Seattle. The Seahawks will officially clinch that No. 1 seed that's been theirs for most of the season.
Steelers (6-8) at Packers (7-6-1): Green Bay-The second half of last week's game in Dallas made this game a lot more interesting. Suddenly the Packers' chances of winning the division are very real, and Matt Flynn is finally giving them someone to keep the seat warm for Aaron Rodgers, who could return for the potential do-or-die game next week in Chicago. The only way that game's do-or-die, though, is if the Packers beat Pittsburgh at Lambeau. After last week, I'm not banking against that.
Raiders (4-10) at Chargers (7-7): San Diego-San Diego has beaten both Denver and Kansas City this season and, as a result, the Chargers are still in contention for that second wild card spot. They'd be in better shape if they didn't also have a loss to the Raiders, but they have a chance to avenge that this week. With a win, they'll be 8-7 heading into next week's rematch with the Chiefs. If they lose, next week doesn't matter at all.
Patriots (10-4) at Ravens (8-6): New England-This was a perfectly fine Sunday night game, but they flexed it out. I'm somewhat surprised by that. Anyway, the whole AFC playoff picture will be a lot clearer after this one. If Baltimore wins out, they don't just clinch a playoff berth, they'll actually win the AFC North! I should probably know better than to bet against them, but I also know better than to bet against Tom Brady. And, as a result of last week, the Patriots haven't clinched anything yet. If they lose, they're in danger of dropping into wild card weekend. You also never see New England lose back-to-back games. That's why I'm going with the Patriots here.
Bears (8-6) at Eagles (8-6): Philadelphia-I'm not complaining too badly about that Sunday-night thing because this is the one they flexed in. Chicago and Philadelphia are both division leaders, and they're both playing the second-place team next week, so there's a very good chance that one's going to play consecutive Sunday night games. Anyway, with everything that's at stake, this game is huge. Both Marc Trestman and Chip Kelly were brought in because of playoff failures by the previous coach. Now they each have a chance to win a division title in their first season. The Eagles will know coming in if they can wrap up the NFC East, while the Bears have both the Packers and Lions on their heels, so they know they need a win regardless. In addition, the winner here has the inside track on the 3-seed, which means avoiding Carolina in the playoffs. I'm not saying either one should be thinking about that, but it adds to the intrigue nonetheless. As for a winner, I'll say the Eagles since the game's in Philadelphia, and that's really the only reason.
Falcons (4-10) at 49ers (10-4): San Francisco-San Francisco is technically the only team that can beat out Seattle for homefield, but everyone knows the 49ers will be on the road throughout the playoffs. That means the final Monday nighter of the season will also be the final game at Candlestick. A Seahawks win strangely helps the 49ers, too, because a win and a Cardinals loss wraps up a playoff berth. (Although it would be fun if they're playing a winner-take-all game for a wild card next week.) As for the whole Candlestick Farewell thing, do you really think they're going to close the stadium with a loss to the Falcons? I don't.
Last Week: 9-7
Season: 144-79-1
Friday, December 20, 2013
Lots of NCAA Championship Hosts
Earlier this year, the NCAA announced that it was changing the system by which it would award National Championships. Instead of doing it at all different times on a sport-by-sport basis, they moved to a system where they announced all the championships at once. A few exceptions obviously apply (the Final Four, the College World Series), but my early take on this new system is very positive.
For the most part, we now know where all NCAA Championships will be held until 2017-18. The only sports where they didn't announce anything were baseball and softball. That's because of the tournament format in those two sports. The higher-seeded teams host each of the first two rounds before the College World Series, which is always in Omaha (baseball) and Oklahoma City (softball). Higher-seeded teams get to host first-round games in a lot of other sports, too, so mostly what was announced were regional and championship locations.
One of the biggest changes came in women's basketball, where they took many of Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman's suggestions. She recommended moving away from the predetermined first- and second-round sites that have been used for the past several years and often resulted in lower-seeded teams hosting a higher-seeded opponent. It also led to a bunch of poorly-attended games at venues that didn't include a home team. That'll change next year. The top 16 seeds will host. That's the way it should be. But, teams will not be allowed to host regionals. They controversially moved back to that this year, and it was met with the appropriate criticism. Once they're down to 16, the women's game is balanced enough that they should be at a neutral site with berths in the Final Four at stake. Next year that'll be the case. Regionals won't be on campus, and if they are, the host school can't play there.
The one suggestion Ackerman made that they didn't adopt, at least not yet, is moving the dates of the Women's Final Four from the current Sunday-Tuesday back to the old Friday-Sunday. I'm sure they'll adopt this soon enough, though. A Friday-Sunday format makes much more sense. They also left open the possibility that all three divisions could have the Final Four in the same city over the same weekend, something that has been discussed for a while.
Men's basketball wasn't touched. The 2015 sites had already been announced, and the NCAA has absolutely no reason to alter its selection process for host sites in the men's basketball tournament. What they've been doing has worked, and it's the most lucrative championship the NCAA has. The next two Final Fours after this season's in Dallas will take place in Indianapolis and Houston.
Likewise, the new College Football Playoff championship game has its own selection process. The semifinals will rotate among six existing bowls: Rose & Sugar, then Orange & Cotton, then Fiesta & Peach, and the championship game will be bid on just like the Super Bowl and Final Four. We know the first three championship games will take place in Dallas (2015), Phoenix (2016) and Tampa (2017). Division I-AA football wasn't included in the site selection, either. That's because they've got a long-term agreement to have the championship game in Frisco, Texas. (In fact, Division II football will continue to be in Kansas City and Division III will still be in Salem, Va., every year).
Another bold move was the awarding of the Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships beyond 2018, which now have a quasi-permanent home themselves. Every year from now until 2021, the Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be held at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field, meaning the event will be held in Eugene eight straight times. Hayward Field, by the way, is also hosting the 2014 World Junior Championships and 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, as well as the 2015 U.S. Nationals. If you're a track fan in the U.S., Eugene, Oregon is the place to be.
Some of the other highlights include the 2016 NCAA Wrestling Championships at Madison Square Garden, the first NCAA championship event at MSG since 1950. (The men's basketball tournament returns to the Garden with the 2014 East Regional.) The 2017 Men's Frozen Four in Chicago for the first time. All three divisions in field hockey will be in Louisville in 2017, and both men's and women's lacrosse will be in Philadelphia in 2015 and 2016.
We'll see how this new system of awarding NCAA Championships years in advance plays out, but I don't see a downside to it. It gives the cities plenty of time for preparation, and it's good for coaches and athletes to know where they could potentially be going if they make the Tournament. And in sports where home games have always been part of the equation, they didn't mess with that formula. Which was the right decision. Because not only does it help attendance, but the top teams deserve to have that advantage in the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament. They've earned it.
Although, if you notice, they have a lot of neutral site finals. Even if there's a host school, it's not necessarily on campus. That's also a good move. Because when you're crowning a champion, you want the playing field to be as level as possible.
For the most part, we now know where all NCAA Championships will be held until 2017-18. The only sports where they didn't announce anything were baseball and softball. That's because of the tournament format in those two sports. The higher-seeded teams host each of the first two rounds before the College World Series, which is always in Omaha (baseball) and Oklahoma City (softball). Higher-seeded teams get to host first-round games in a lot of other sports, too, so mostly what was announced were regional and championship locations.
One of the biggest changes came in women's basketball, where they took many of Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman's suggestions. She recommended moving away from the predetermined first- and second-round sites that have been used for the past several years and often resulted in lower-seeded teams hosting a higher-seeded opponent. It also led to a bunch of poorly-attended games at venues that didn't include a home team. That'll change next year. The top 16 seeds will host. That's the way it should be. But, teams will not be allowed to host regionals. They controversially moved back to that this year, and it was met with the appropriate criticism. Once they're down to 16, the women's game is balanced enough that they should be at a neutral site with berths in the Final Four at stake. Next year that'll be the case. Regionals won't be on campus, and if they are, the host school can't play there.
The one suggestion Ackerman made that they didn't adopt, at least not yet, is moving the dates of the Women's Final Four from the current Sunday-Tuesday back to the old Friday-Sunday. I'm sure they'll adopt this soon enough, though. A Friday-Sunday format makes much more sense. They also left open the possibility that all three divisions could have the Final Four in the same city over the same weekend, something that has been discussed for a while.
Men's basketball wasn't touched. The 2015 sites had already been announced, and the NCAA has absolutely no reason to alter its selection process for host sites in the men's basketball tournament. What they've been doing has worked, and it's the most lucrative championship the NCAA has. The next two Final Fours after this season's in Dallas will take place in Indianapolis and Houston.
Likewise, the new College Football Playoff championship game has its own selection process. The semifinals will rotate among six existing bowls: Rose & Sugar, then Orange & Cotton, then Fiesta & Peach, and the championship game will be bid on just like the Super Bowl and Final Four. We know the first three championship games will take place in Dallas (2015), Phoenix (2016) and Tampa (2017). Division I-AA football wasn't included in the site selection, either. That's because they've got a long-term agreement to have the championship game in Frisco, Texas. (In fact, Division II football will continue to be in Kansas City and Division III will still be in Salem, Va., every year).
Another bold move was the awarding of the Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships beyond 2018, which now have a quasi-permanent home themselves. Every year from now until 2021, the Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be held at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field, meaning the event will be held in Eugene eight straight times. Hayward Field, by the way, is also hosting the 2014 World Junior Championships and 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, as well as the 2015 U.S. Nationals. If you're a track fan in the U.S., Eugene, Oregon is the place to be.
Some of the other highlights include the 2016 NCAA Wrestling Championships at Madison Square Garden, the first NCAA championship event at MSG since 1950. (The men's basketball tournament returns to the Garden with the 2014 East Regional.) The 2017 Men's Frozen Four in Chicago for the first time. All three divisions in field hockey will be in Louisville in 2017, and both men's and women's lacrosse will be in Philadelphia in 2015 and 2016.
We'll see how this new system of awarding NCAA Championships years in advance plays out, but I don't see a downside to it. It gives the cities plenty of time for preparation, and it's good for coaches and athletes to know where they could potentially be going if they make the Tournament. And in sports where home games have always been part of the equation, they didn't mess with that formula. Which was the right decision. Because not only does it help attendance, but the top teams deserve to have that advantage in the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament. They've earned it.
Although, if you notice, they have a lot of neutral site finals. Even if there's a host school, it's not necessarily on campus. That's also a good move. Because when you're crowning a champion, you want the playing field to be as level as possible.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Sports Figures of the Year
In the past few days, we've had Barbara Walters' final "Most Fascinating People of the Year" special, as well as Peyton Manning's selection as Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. That got me thinking about the year in sports and what sports figures truly had the biggest, most compelling, or most newsworthy stories of the year. And believe me, there were plenty to choose from. But I've compiled a list of the 13 individuals who I think stand out the most, for a number of reasons...
13. Diana Nyad, Marathon Swimmer: The only woman on my list, Nyad gets the nod over Andy Murray for my final spot. She made history by swimming unaided from Cuba to Florida in September. While not strictly a "sports" moment, what she did was certainly a monumental athletic achievement, and it was one that transcended sports. That's why I think she absolutely qualifies as one of the top "Sports Figures of the Year."
12. Oscar Pistorius, Paralympic Sprinter: In 2012, Pistorius was all over the news because he represented South Africa at both the Olympics and Paralympics. In 2013, he was all over the news for a totally different reason. Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend on Valentine's Day and is still claiming "self-defense." (How he thinks anybody is stupid enough to believe that is a different question.) It completely changed the public perception of the "Blade Runner," as well as raising questions about the South African legal system. This is the O.J. trial for a new generation, and this story will continue to make headlines throughout the 2014 murder trial.
11. Lance Armstrong, Retired Cyclist: After all these years, and a scathing USADA report, Lance Armstrong finally admitted to years of blood doping and performance-enhancing drug use, including all seven of his Tour de France victories. For many, it was confirmation of what they long suspected. For others, his admission (on a made-for-TV special) wasn't nearly enough. I'm still not sure how I feel. I was among the supporters who was duped for so long and now feels like a fool. But I also agree with claims he made in last week's ESPN The Magazine that he was singled-out because people didn't like him. I also think that once some time passes, Lance Armstrong can be a very valuable tool in cleaning up a long-dirty sport that desperately needs some healing.
10. Tim McCarver, MLB Broadcaster: I start the Top 10 with a selection that might seem a little out-of-the-blue. But Tim McCarver's retirement was certainly a big story, if not the biggest, in sports media this year. "Who will replace him?" became a season-long question that still hasn't been answered. Love him or hate him, watching a baseball game without Tim McCarver will be very different. And all of the various tributes to McCarver during the season were very touching and heart-felt.
9. Mariano Rivera, Yankees Pitcher: Then there was the Mariano Rivera Farewell Tour. One of the classiest men ever to play the game went out in a very classy way, with nothing but respect and admiration from fans in every stop along the way. There were the Hollywood Mo-ments (the standing ovation and MVP award at the All*Star Game top the list), even if there wasn't a Hollywood ending (although Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte removing him from his final game was perfect, and something I'll never forget). The last man to wear No. 42 deserved every minute of it, too.
8. BCS Commissioners: I grouped them all together because I didn't think it would be fair to single-out just one. The BCS may be in its final season, but the entire landscape of college sports has been changed because if it. Conference realignment (and the dissolution of the original Big East), massive TV contracts, potentially an entirely new business model. These are all a direct result of the BCS conferences. And we're probably in for more. Especially if the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC get the additional autonomy within the NCAA that they're seeking.
7. Roger Goddell, NFL Commissioner: Of all the NFL-related stories this year, one man was at the center of them: the commissioner. From the concussion lawsuit to the New York Super Bowl to Beyoncé making the lights go out to every player-discipline case, Goddell's stamp is firmly all over the NFL, which has maintained its status as the king of American team sports. This position easily could've gone to Richie Incognito and/or Jonathan Martin, but even in that situation, who was at the forefront? That's right. Roger Goddell.
6. Vladimir Putin, Russian President: He's not a sports figure, so why is the President of Russia on this list? Well, it's because he had as much of an impact on the sports world as any athlete in 2013. Russia passed a controversial "anti-gay" law earlier this year. The law has plenty of critics, some of the most outspoken of which competed at the World Track & Field Championships in Moscow in August. More importantly, with the Sochi Olympics coming up in February, there are plenty of concerns about discrimination against athletes and fans who travel to Russia for the Games.
5. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees Third Baseman: The poster boy of MLB's war against PEDs, A-Rod was nailed the hardest when punishments were handed down in the Biogenesis case, but he was the only one to appeal. I'm not saying anything about my opinion on that suspension, but he was well within his rights to appeal it, which is why I think the reaction that he got from players and fans while playing through his appeal was completely ridiculous. We still don't know how the whole thing is going to play out, and the lawsuit against MLB seems a bit frivolous, but whatever the ultimate decision is will be significant in this landmark case.
4. Peyton Manning, Broncos Quarterback: Sports Illustrated had him at No. 1, put I only have Peyton at No. 4. I'm not saying he's undeserving of Sportsman of the Year honors, but I personally feel there are three other sports figures who had a bigger impact in 2013. As for Peyton, he's having one of his best years yet, one of potentially historic proportions. He started it by throwing an NFL-record seven TD passes on opening night, has led the Broncos to the best record in the AFC, will probably break the touchdown record, and is the likely MVP. All with the same class that has defined his entire career. As for the reports of Peyton Manning being done, they were greatly exaggerated.
3. Thomas Bach, IOC President: In September, the German Bach was elected to perhaps the most powerful position in international sports. The first Olympic gold medalist to become IOC President, he inherits a very healthy Olympic movement that's in great shape. He wants to make plenty of changes, though, most notably streamlining the bid process, as well as reviewing the process by which sports are added to/removed from the program. He also wants to start an Olympic TV network. Then there's the Olympics themselves. And Bach has had to deal with plenty of fallout regarding the new Russian law leading up to the Sochi Games, his first as President.
2. David Ortiz, Red Sox DH: While I never have been, never will be, and never can be a fan of David Ortiz, my respect for him grew tremendously in 2013. First, there was his speech at the Red Sox' first home game after the Boston Marathon tragedy, when he summed up the feelings of the entire city in five simple words: "This is our effing city!" Then he carried the team throughout the season and all the way through the playoffs. And in the World Series, when they trailed 2-1 and were losing Game 4, there was that dugout speech that rallied the team together and sparked the comeback. Oh yeah, and he was more locked-in during the World Series than I've ever seen from anyone before.
1. Jason Collins, NBA Forward: To me, the narrative-changing storyline in all of sports that came out in 2013 was a literal coming out. That of Jason Collins in a Sports Illustrated cover story in April. When Collins publicly announced that he's gay, he became the first active athlete in a men's team sport to do so. It was a complete game-changer. He received an incredible outpouring of support, and his announcement proved, if nothing else, that America was finally ready to accept an openly gay professional athlete. In the days, weeks and months following Collins' announcement, a number other gay athletes to come out. Somebody needed to be the first, and he made it OK for the rest of them to get that burden off their chests. It's no longer a stigma. Or something that needs to be hidden. Because sexuality has nothing to do with athletic ability. We can all thank Jason Collins for helping us realize that.
The great thing about lists like this is that they're completely subjective. These are my Top 13 Sports Figures of 2013. Yours might be different. That's the beauty of it. But in my eyes, there's no debate. In a year where gay rights were in the news for a number of reasons, Jason Collins stands out. Not just because he came out, but because of the courage it took for him to make the announcement, and how comfortable he was about it. I really admire that.
13. Diana Nyad, Marathon Swimmer: The only woman on my list, Nyad gets the nod over Andy Murray for my final spot. She made history by swimming unaided from Cuba to Florida in September. While not strictly a "sports" moment, what she did was certainly a monumental athletic achievement, and it was one that transcended sports. That's why I think she absolutely qualifies as one of the top "Sports Figures of the Year."
12. Oscar Pistorius, Paralympic Sprinter: In 2012, Pistorius was all over the news because he represented South Africa at both the Olympics and Paralympics. In 2013, he was all over the news for a totally different reason. Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend on Valentine's Day and is still claiming "self-defense." (How he thinks anybody is stupid enough to believe that is a different question.) It completely changed the public perception of the "Blade Runner," as well as raising questions about the South African legal system. This is the O.J. trial for a new generation, and this story will continue to make headlines throughout the 2014 murder trial.
11. Lance Armstrong, Retired Cyclist: After all these years, and a scathing USADA report, Lance Armstrong finally admitted to years of blood doping and performance-enhancing drug use, including all seven of his Tour de France victories. For many, it was confirmation of what they long suspected. For others, his admission (on a made-for-TV special) wasn't nearly enough. I'm still not sure how I feel. I was among the supporters who was duped for so long and now feels like a fool. But I also agree with claims he made in last week's ESPN The Magazine that he was singled-out because people didn't like him. I also think that once some time passes, Lance Armstrong can be a very valuable tool in cleaning up a long-dirty sport that desperately needs some healing.
10. Tim McCarver, MLB Broadcaster: I start the Top 10 with a selection that might seem a little out-of-the-blue. But Tim McCarver's retirement was certainly a big story, if not the biggest, in sports media this year. "Who will replace him?" became a season-long question that still hasn't been answered. Love him or hate him, watching a baseball game without Tim McCarver will be very different. And all of the various tributes to McCarver during the season were very touching and heart-felt.
9. Mariano Rivera, Yankees Pitcher: Then there was the Mariano Rivera Farewell Tour. One of the classiest men ever to play the game went out in a very classy way, with nothing but respect and admiration from fans in every stop along the way. There were the Hollywood Mo-ments (the standing ovation and MVP award at the All*Star Game top the list), even if there wasn't a Hollywood ending (although Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte removing him from his final game was perfect, and something I'll never forget). The last man to wear No. 42 deserved every minute of it, too.
8. BCS Commissioners: I grouped them all together because I didn't think it would be fair to single-out just one. The BCS may be in its final season, but the entire landscape of college sports has been changed because if it. Conference realignment (and the dissolution of the original Big East), massive TV contracts, potentially an entirely new business model. These are all a direct result of the BCS conferences. And we're probably in for more. Especially if the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC get the additional autonomy within the NCAA that they're seeking.
7. Roger Goddell, NFL Commissioner: Of all the NFL-related stories this year, one man was at the center of them: the commissioner. From the concussion lawsuit to the New York Super Bowl to Beyoncé making the lights go out to every player-discipline case, Goddell's stamp is firmly all over the NFL, which has maintained its status as the king of American team sports. This position easily could've gone to Richie Incognito and/or Jonathan Martin, but even in that situation, who was at the forefront? That's right. Roger Goddell.
6. Vladimir Putin, Russian President: He's not a sports figure, so why is the President of Russia on this list? Well, it's because he had as much of an impact on the sports world as any athlete in 2013. Russia passed a controversial "anti-gay" law earlier this year. The law has plenty of critics, some of the most outspoken of which competed at the World Track & Field Championships in Moscow in August. More importantly, with the Sochi Olympics coming up in February, there are plenty of concerns about discrimination against athletes and fans who travel to Russia for the Games.
5. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees Third Baseman: The poster boy of MLB's war against PEDs, A-Rod was nailed the hardest when punishments were handed down in the Biogenesis case, but he was the only one to appeal. I'm not saying anything about my opinion on that suspension, but he was well within his rights to appeal it, which is why I think the reaction that he got from players and fans while playing through his appeal was completely ridiculous. We still don't know how the whole thing is going to play out, and the lawsuit against MLB seems a bit frivolous, but whatever the ultimate decision is will be significant in this landmark case.
4. Peyton Manning, Broncos Quarterback: Sports Illustrated had him at No. 1, put I only have Peyton at No. 4. I'm not saying he's undeserving of Sportsman of the Year honors, but I personally feel there are three other sports figures who had a bigger impact in 2013. As for Peyton, he's having one of his best years yet, one of potentially historic proportions. He started it by throwing an NFL-record seven TD passes on opening night, has led the Broncos to the best record in the AFC, will probably break the touchdown record, and is the likely MVP. All with the same class that has defined his entire career. As for the reports of Peyton Manning being done, they were greatly exaggerated.
3. Thomas Bach, IOC President: In September, the German Bach was elected to perhaps the most powerful position in international sports. The first Olympic gold medalist to become IOC President, he inherits a very healthy Olympic movement that's in great shape. He wants to make plenty of changes, though, most notably streamlining the bid process, as well as reviewing the process by which sports are added to/removed from the program. He also wants to start an Olympic TV network. Then there's the Olympics themselves. And Bach has had to deal with plenty of fallout regarding the new Russian law leading up to the Sochi Games, his first as President.
2. David Ortiz, Red Sox DH: While I never have been, never will be, and never can be a fan of David Ortiz, my respect for him grew tremendously in 2013. First, there was his speech at the Red Sox' first home game after the Boston Marathon tragedy, when he summed up the feelings of the entire city in five simple words: "This is our effing city!" Then he carried the team throughout the season and all the way through the playoffs. And in the World Series, when they trailed 2-1 and were losing Game 4, there was that dugout speech that rallied the team together and sparked the comeback. Oh yeah, and he was more locked-in during the World Series than I've ever seen from anyone before.
1. Jason Collins, NBA Forward: To me, the narrative-changing storyline in all of sports that came out in 2013 was a literal coming out. That of Jason Collins in a Sports Illustrated cover story in April. When Collins publicly announced that he's gay, he became the first active athlete in a men's team sport to do so. It was a complete game-changer. He received an incredible outpouring of support, and his announcement proved, if nothing else, that America was finally ready to accept an openly gay professional athlete. In the days, weeks and months following Collins' announcement, a number other gay athletes to come out. Somebody needed to be the first, and he made it OK for the rest of them to get that burden off their chests. It's no longer a stigma. Or something that needs to be hidden. Because sexuality has nothing to do with athletic ability. We can all thank Jason Collins for helping us realize that.
The great thing about lists like this is that they're completely subjective. These are my Top 13 Sports Figures of 2013. Yours might be different. That's the beauty of it. But in my eyes, there's no debate. In a year where gay rights were in the news for a number of reasons, Jason Collins stands out. Not just because he came out, but because of the courage it took for him to make the announcement, and how comfortable he was about it. I really admire that.
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