Here are my bold predictions for this baseball season.
2016 Predictions
American League
East
Tampa Bay Rays
Baltimore Orioles*
Toronto Blue Jays
Boston Redsox
New York Yankees
Central
Cleveland Indians
Kansas City Royals*
Detroit Tigers
Minnesota Twins
Chicago White Sox
West
Houston Astros
Texas Rangers
Oakland Athletics
Seattle Mariners
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Playoffs
Kansas City over Baltimore
Houston over Kansas City
Cleveland over Tampa Bay
Cleveland over Houston
Cy Young Award: Chris Sale,CHI
MVP: Mike Trout, LAA
Rookie of the Year: Curt Casali, TB
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET
National League
East
Washington Nationals
New York Mets*
Miami Marlins
Philadelphia Phillies
Atlanta Braves
Central
Pittsburgh Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals*
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds
Milwaukee Brewers
West
San Francisco Giants
Arizona Diamondbacks
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers
San Diego Padres
Colorado Rockies
Playoffs
New York over St. Louis
San Francisco over New York
Pittsburgh over Washington
Pittsburgh over San Francisco
Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, LA
MVP: Paul Goldschmidt, ARI
Rookie of the Year: Kenta Maeda, LA
Batting Champ: Paul Goldschmidt, ARI
World Series
Pittsburgh over Cleveland in 7
MVP: Andrew McCutchen
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
2015 Baseball Predictions
Here are my bold predictions for this baseball season.
2015 Predictions
American League
East
Baltimore Orioles - Buck seems to find a way. Pitching and defense.
Toronto Blue Jays - The Jays should make a push if pitching holds up.
Boston Redsox - Pitching won't hold up over the long haul.
Tampa Bay Rays - This team is built for 2016 or 2017.
New York Yankees - This team is too old, injury prone, and short on SP.
Central
Kansas City Royals - Even better than last season. More offense.
Detroit Tigers* - Starting pitching depth will be a problem but they can hit.
Cleveland Indians - Francona keeps them close.
Chicago White Sox - A lot of good moves but they don't all pan out.
Minnesota Twins - Still struggling in the rebuild.
West
Seattle Mariners - I'll buy into this team.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim* - I'm not counting them out.
Oakland Athletics - Watch out in 2016, but always competitive.
Houston Astros - Could be .500 and still in 4th place.
Texas Rangers - They are in trouble.
Playoffs:
Detroit over Los Angeles
Detroit over Seattle
Kansas City over Baltimore
Detroit over Kansas City
Cy Young Award: Chris Sale,CHI
MVP: Mike Trout, LAA
Rookie of the Year: Mookie Betts, BOS
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET
National League
East
Washington Nationals - Starting rotation is stacked.
New York Mets* - Good young team but not good enough over Nats.
Miami Marlins - Could make playoffs this year, will do it next year.
Atlanta Braves - Rebuilding for the new stadium.
Philadelphia Phillies - Rebuilding, if you can call it that.
Central
Pittsburgh Pirates - The pieces seem to be in place.
St. Louis Cardinals* - They always seem to win but not this division.
Cincinnati Reds - Not enough pitching to overtake Pitt or SL.
Chicago Cubs - Young teams usually fade down the stretch.
Milwaukee Brewers - Braun is still over-rated and so is this team.
West
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers - Maybe you can buy the division.
San Francisco Giants - It's an even year, they make the playoffs.
San Diego Padres - Much better but not a playoff team.
Colorado Rockies - The health of Cargo and Tulo makes or breaks the team.
Arizona Diamondbacks - This team is rebuilding.
Playoffs
St. Louis over New York
Washington over Los Angeles
Pittsburgh over St. Louis
Washington over Pittsburgh
Cy Young: Johnny Cueto, CIN
MVP: Andrew McCutchen, PIT
Rookie of the Year: Joc Pederson, LA
Batting Champ: Troy Tulowitzki, COL
World Series
Detroit over Washington in 7
MVP: Miguel Cabrera
2015 Predictions
American League
East
Baltimore Orioles - Buck seems to find a way. Pitching and defense.
Toronto Blue Jays - The Jays should make a push if pitching holds up.
Boston Redsox - Pitching won't hold up over the long haul.
Tampa Bay Rays - This team is built for 2016 or 2017.
New York Yankees - This team is too old, injury prone, and short on SP.
Central
Kansas City Royals - Even better than last season. More offense.
Detroit Tigers* - Starting pitching depth will be a problem but they can hit.
Cleveland Indians - Francona keeps them close.
Chicago White Sox - A lot of good moves but they don't all pan out.
Minnesota Twins - Still struggling in the rebuild.
West
Seattle Mariners - I'll buy into this team.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim* - I'm not counting them out.
Oakland Athletics - Watch out in 2016, but always competitive.
Houston Astros - Could be .500 and still in 4th place.
Texas Rangers - They are in trouble.
Playoffs:
Detroit over Los Angeles
Detroit over Seattle
Kansas City over Baltimore
Detroit over Kansas City
Cy Young Award: Chris Sale,CHI
MVP: Mike Trout, LAA
Rookie of the Year: Mookie Betts, BOS
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET
National League
East
Washington Nationals - Starting rotation is stacked.
New York Mets* - Good young team but not good enough over Nats.
Miami Marlins - Could make playoffs this year, will do it next year.
Atlanta Braves - Rebuilding for the new stadium.
Philadelphia Phillies - Rebuilding, if you can call it that.
Central
Pittsburgh Pirates - The pieces seem to be in place.
St. Louis Cardinals* - They always seem to win but not this division.
Cincinnati Reds - Not enough pitching to overtake Pitt or SL.
Chicago Cubs - Young teams usually fade down the stretch.
Milwaukee Brewers - Braun is still over-rated and so is this team.
West
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers - Maybe you can buy the division.
San Francisco Giants - It's an even year, they make the playoffs.
San Diego Padres - Much better but not a playoff team.
Colorado Rockies - The health of Cargo and Tulo makes or breaks the team.
Arizona Diamondbacks - This team is rebuilding.
Playoffs
St. Louis over New York
Washington over Los Angeles
Pittsburgh over St. Louis
Washington over Pittsburgh
Cy Young: Johnny Cueto, CIN
MVP: Andrew McCutchen, PIT
Rookie of the Year: Joc Pederson, LA
Batting Champ: Troy Tulowitzki, COL
World Series
Detroit over Washington in 7
MVP: Miguel Cabrera
Friday, January 30, 2015
Top Time Travel Movies I've Watched
I've ranked the best and worst time travel movies I've watched.
- Back to the Future
- Terminator 2
- Terminator
- Groundhog Day
- Star Trek (2009)
- Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
- Frequency
- Back to the Future III
- Donnie Darko
- Safety Not Guaranteed
- Army of Darkness
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Midnight in Paris
- Terminator 3
- Austin Powers the Spy Who Shagged Me
- Back to the Future II
- The Flight of the Navigator
- Hot Tub Time Machine
- The Time Traveler's Wife
- Deja Vu
- Bill & Ted's Bonus Journey
- Click
- Time After Time
- Timecop
- Kate & Leopold
Friday, March 28, 2014
My 2014 Tigers Preview and Breakdown Position by Position
I fear the worst for our Tigers.
Did you see Cabrera’s new contract. It’s the death of the Tigers. We better win it all in the next 2 years
because it’s going to be downhill after that.
We’ll have over $50MM a year wrapped up in aging players Cabrera and
JV.
I’m not optimistic about the Tigers this
year. I think Brad Ausmus will be a good
coach but I think the off-season moves make us really thin and we’ve already
been hit by the injury bug. I think KC
will finally pass up the Tigers this year and we’ll land in a wildcard spot at
best. We’re relying on too many unproven
players. Here’s my breakdown.
The differences 2013 to 2014
Rotation:
Verlander – expect a better season, +3 wins
Scherzer-tough to repeat Cy Young, -3 wins
Sanchez-same as last year, +/-0
Porcello-expect an improvement, +2 wins
Fister to Smyly-it’s not realistic to
expect Smyly to be as good as Fister was (14-9), -3 wins
Total: -1 win, and the rotation is our
strength
Bullpen:
Benoit to Nathan – No matter what anyone
says, this isn’t an improvement at closer, Benoit was 4-1 with 24 saves and 2
blown, Nathan was 6-2 with 43 saves and 3 blown, +/-0
Smyly/Veras to Chamberlain/Krol – There’s
no replacement for Smyly in the bullpen and that may prove to be big. -3 wins
Albequrque/Coke-Same as last year, +/-0
Putkonen/Reed-same as last year,+/-0
Rondon/Bonderman/Valverde to Ortega/others –
As good as Rondon was down the stretch, the others were bad, we’ll break even
here with Rondon gone, +/-0
Total:
-3 wins, could be better if someone emerges, but could be worse if
Nathan shows his age.
Lineup:
1B/3B Cabrera-expect the same, but improves
the defense +1 win
RF Hunter- expect the same +/-0
CF Jackson-some likely improvement +2 wins
LF Dirks/Tuiasopo/Kelly to Davis/Dirks/Kelly-Davis’
defense and speed will be a little improvement but Dirks is out so not much
will change, +/-0
C Avila-hard not to improve but Pena actually hit well as the backup and that's asking a lot from the new guy Holaday, +1 win
2B Infante to Kinsler-hard to improve when Infante hit
.318 with an .800 ops but I’ll buy in for +1 win
SS Peralta/Iglesias to Romine/Gonzalez/Iglesias-shortstop
will cost us big this year -3 wins
3B/1B Fielder to Castellanos-At best Castellanos
could have an .819 ops and win rookie of the year and that would be an even
swap, -5 wins
DH Martinez-hope for the best, similar but not
too much older, -1 win
Total: -4 wins, this may be optimistic based on the
injuries to Dirks, Iglesias plus you can’t completely count on Jackson and
Avila to improve.
Grand Total: -8 wins for the Tigers. That puts the Tigers at 85-77 which is maybe
a wildcard team but not a division winner.
Take out the improvements from Avila and Jackson and include any more
injuries and our lack of depth and it’s an 81-81 season.
Monday, March 24, 2014
2014 Baseball Predictions
Here are my bold predictions for this baseball season.
2014 Predictions
American League
East
Tampa Bay Rays - This team is good and ready for a World Series run.
Boston Redsox* - They have too many holes, especially SS and CF.
New York Yankees - I still don't like this team. Tanaka who?
Baltimore Orioles - Division is too tough for them and Davis won't perform like that again.
Toronto Blue Jays - I don't know which direction this team is headed.
Central
Kansas City Royals - Under-performed last season.
Detroit Tigers* - Don't like the off-season moves, starting pitching depth may be a problem.
Cleveland Indians - Francona can't pull it off again this year.
Minnesota Twins - Much improved from last year.
Chicago White Sox - This team is not good.
West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - I'm not counting them out.
Oakland Athletics - Not enough quality starting pitchers.
Texas Rangers - Choo is not the answer.
Seattle Mariners - Big off-season, like Toronto 2013.
Houston Astros - They will be better than people think.
Playoffs:
Detroit over Boston
Detroit over Tampa Bay
Kansas City over Los Angeles
Detroit over Kansas City
Cy Young Award: James Shields, KC
MVP: Mike Trout, LAA
Rookie of the Year: Mashiro Tanaka, NY
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET
National League
East
Washington Nationals - Starting rotation is stacked.
Atlanta Braves - Too many injuries.
New York Mets - Good young team but not good enough.
Philadelphia Phillies - If age equaled wins, they'd win it all.
Miami Marlins - Getting better.
Central
St. Louis Cardinals - They always seem to win.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Didn't make any moves this off-season.
Cincinnati Reds - This team is getting worse each year.
Milwaukee Brewers - Braun is over-rated.
Chicago Cubs - Maybe next year.
West
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers - Rotation is too good to lose.
San Francisco Giants* - It's an even year, they make the playoffs.
Arizona Diamondbacks* - They will battle in this division.
San Diego Padres - The division is too loaded for them.
Colorado Rockies - No leadoff hitter or CF. Why did they trade Fowler?
Playoffs
San Francisco over Arizona
Washington over San Francisco
Los Angeles over St. Louis
Washington over Los Angeles
Cy Young: Matt Cain, SF
MVP: Paul Goldschmidt, ARI
Rookie of the Year: Chris Owings, ARI
Batting Champ: Andrew McCuthcen, PIT
World Series
Detroit over Washington in 7
MVP: Miguel Cabrera
2014 Predictions
American League
East
Tampa Bay Rays - This team is good and ready for a World Series run.
Boston Redsox* - They have too many holes, especially SS and CF.
New York Yankees - I still don't like this team. Tanaka who?
Baltimore Orioles - Division is too tough for them and Davis won't perform like that again.
Toronto Blue Jays - I don't know which direction this team is headed.
Central
Kansas City Royals - Under-performed last season.
Detroit Tigers* - Don't like the off-season moves, starting pitching depth may be a problem.
Cleveland Indians - Francona can't pull it off again this year.
Minnesota Twins - Much improved from last year.
Chicago White Sox - This team is not good.
West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - I'm not counting them out.
Oakland Athletics - Not enough quality starting pitchers.
Texas Rangers - Choo is not the answer.
Seattle Mariners - Big off-season, like Toronto 2013.
Houston Astros - They will be better than people think.
Playoffs:
Detroit over Boston
Detroit over Tampa Bay
Kansas City over Los Angeles
Detroit over Kansas City
Cy Young Award: James Shields, KC
MVP: Mike Trout, LAA
Rookie of the Year: Mashiro Tanaka, NY
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET
National League
East
Washington Nationals - Starting rotation is stacked.
Atlanta Braves - Too many injuries.
New York Mets - Good young team but not good enough.
Philadelphia Phillies - If age equaled wins, they'd win it all.
Miami Marlins - Getting better.
Central
St. Louis Cardinals - They always seem to win.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Didn't make any moves this off-season.
Cincinnati Reds - This team is getting worse each year.
Milwaukee Brewers - Braun is over-rated.
Chicago Cubs - Maybe next year.
West
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers - Rotation is too good to lose.
San Francisco Giants* - It's an even year, they make the playoffs.
Arizona Diamondbacks* - They will battle in this division.
San Diego Padres - The division is too loaded for them.
Colorado Rockies - No leadoff hitter or CF. Why did they trade Fowler?
Playoffs
San Francisco over Arizona
Washington over San Francisco
Los Angeles over St. Louis
Washington over Los Angeles
Cy Young: Matt Cain, SF
MVP: Paul Goldschmidt, ARI
Rookie of the Year: Chris Owings, ARI
Batting Champ: Andrew McCuthcen, PIT
World Series
Detroit over Washington in 7
MVP: Miguel Cabrera
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
2013 Baseball Predictions
Once again, here are my bold predictions for this baseball season.
2013 Predictions
American League
East
Toronto Blue Jays - I think the moves will pay off.
Tampa Bay Rays* - I don't think their moves will pay off.
Baltimore Orioles - Division is too tough to repeat.
Boston Redsox - Ellsbury will rebound but I don't like the pitching.
New York Yankees - I don't like this team, personally or professionally.
Central
Detroit Tigers - Starting pitching depth may be a problem.
Kansas City Royals* - Good young team and now with pitching.
Cleveland Indians - This team is on the rise.
Chicago Whitesox - This team is falling.
Minnesota Twins - This team still has problems.
West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Good pitching and better offense.
Seattle Mariners - Slowly getting better.
Oakland Athletics - Still young and still good.
Texas Rangers -I think the glory days are over.
Houston Astros - They will be better than people think.
Playoffs:
Kansas City over Tampa Bay
Detroit over Toronto
Kansas City over Los Angeles
Detroit over Kansas City
Cy Young Award: James Shields, KC
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: Dylan Bundy, BAL
Batting Champ: Joe Mauer, MIN
National League
East
Washington Nationals - This team is the best in baseball.
Atlanta Braves* - This team is second best in the NL.
Philadelphia Phillies - This team is getting old, fast.
New York Mets - Good young team but not good enough.
Miami Marlins - Another rebuilding but won't be that bad.
Central
Cincinnati Reds - Joey Votto is the real deal.
Milwaukee Brewers - This team is pretty good but could be better.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Better pitching, better hitting=more wins.
St. Louis Cardinals - They always seem to win but not this year.
Chicago Cubs - Maybe next year.
West
Arizona Diamondbacks - Great pitching and coaching.
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers* - Can't buy the division.
San Francisco Giants - It's 2011 all over again.
San Diego Padres - I don't know what to make of this team.
Colorado Rockies - A good offense. It stops there.
Playoffs
Atlanta over Los Angeles
Washington over Atlanta
Cincinnati over Arizona
Cincinnati over Washington
Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, LA
MVP: Joey Votto,CIN
Rookie of the Year: Ryu, LA
Batting Champ: Joey Votto, CIN
World Series
Detroit over Cincinnati in 7
MVP: Miguel Cabrera
2013 Predictions
American League
East
Toronto Blue Jays - I think the moves will pay off.
Tampa Bay Rays* - I don't think their moves will pay off.
Baltimore Orioles - Division is too tough to repeat.
Boston Redsox - Ellsbury will rebound but I don't like the pitching.
New York Yankees - I don't like this team, personally or professionally.
Central
Detroit Tigers - Starting pitching depth may be a problem.
Kansas City Royals* - Good young team and now with pitching.
Cleveland Indians - This team is on the rise.
Chicago Whitesox - This team is falling.
Minnesota Twins - This team still has problems.
West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Good pitching and better offense.
Seattle Mariners - Slowly getting better.
Oakland Athletics - Still young and still good.
Texas Rangers -I think the glory days are over.
Houston Astros - They will be better than people think.
Playoffs:
Kansas City over Tampa Bay
Detroit over Toronto
Kansas City over Los Angeles
Detroit over Kansas City
Cy Young Award: James Shields, KC
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: Dylan Bundy, BAL
Batting Champ: Joe Mauer, MIN
National League
East
Washington Nationals - This team is the best in baseball.
Atlanta Braves* - This team is second best in the NL.
Philadelphia Phillies - This team is getting old, fast.
New York Mets - Good young team but not good enough.
Miami Marlins - Another rebuilding but won't be that bad.
Central
Cincinnati Reds - Joey Votto is the real deal.
Milwaukee Brewers - This team is pretty good but could be better.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Better pitching, better hitting=more wins.
St. Louis Cardinals - They always seem to win but not this year.
Chicago Cubs - Maybe next year.
West
Arizona Diamondbacks - Great pitching and coaching.
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers* - Can't buy the division.
San Francisco Giants - It's 2011 all over again.
San Diego Padres - I don't know what to make of this team.
Colorado Rockies - A good offense. It stops there.
Playoffs
Atlanta over Los Angeles
Washington over Atlanta
Cincinnati over Arizona
Cincinnati over Washington
Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, LA
MVP: Joey Votto,CIN
Rookie of the Year: Ryu, LA
Batting Champ: Joey Votto, CIN
World Series
Detroit over Cincinnati in 7
MVP: Miguel Cabrera
Monday, April 16, 2012
2012 Baseball Predictions
Once again, here are my basic predictions for this baseball season. Should be an interesting year.
2012 Predictions
American League
East
Tampa Bay Rays - Best pitching in the AL.
New York Yankees* - I love Granderson. Pineda is a bust.
Toronto Blue Jays - The Jays are on the rise.
Boston Redsox - Pedroia, Ellsbury and Gonzalez aren't enough.
Baltimore Orioles - Division is too tough.
Central
Detroit Tigers - Starting pitching depth may be a problem.
Kansas City Royals - Good young team.
Cleveland Indians - Choo will rebound and Santana will crush the ball.
Chicago Whitesox - Ventura? I don't expect much here.
Minnesota Twins - This team has problems.
West
Texas Rangers - Joe Nathan cannot close for this team.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim* - Great starters and better offense.
Seattle Mariners - Slowly getting better.
Oakland Athletics - No identity. Pitching? Hitting? Defense?
Playoffs:
Los Angeles over New York
Detroit over Tampa Bay
Texas over Los Angeles
Detroit over Texas
Cy Young Award: Jared Weaver, LA
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: Matt Moore, TOR
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET
National League
East
Miami Marlins - Ozzie wins and they will spend at the trade deadline.
Washington Nationals* - This team has arrived.
Philadelphia Phillies - Great pitching but too many injuries.
Atlanta Braves - They are falling apart. Chipper signs off.
New York Mets - Good young team but not good enough.
Central
St. Louis Cardinals - Without Pujols, they still can win with Beltran.
Cincinnati Reds* - Votto can't keep carrying them but they are good.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Better pitching, better hitting=more wins.
Milwaukee Brewers - Worst defense in MLB.
Houston Astros - Houston, we have a problem.
Chicago Cubs - Playing for next season.
West
Arizona Diamondbacks - Great pitching and coaching.
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers - A new day for the Dodgers.
San Francisco Giants - Sandoval and Posey can't carry the offense.
Colorado Rockies - A good offense. It stops there.
San Diego Padres - Weak pitching, weak hitting, weak everything.
Playoffs
Cincinnati over Washington
Arizona over Miami
Cincinnati over St. Louis
Arizona over Cincinnati
Cy Young: Roy Halladay, PHI
MVP: Matt Kemp, LA
Rookie of the Year: Zack Cozart, CIN
Batting Champ: Joey Votto, CIN
World Series
Arizona over Detroit in 7
MVP: Justin Upton
2012 Predictions
American League
East
Tampa Bay Rays - Best pitching in the AL.
New York Yankees* - I love Granderson. Pineda is a bust.
Toronto Blue Jays - The Jays are on the rise.
Boston Redsox - Pedroia, Ellsbury and Gonzalez aren't enough.
Baltimore Orioles - Division is too tough.
Central
Detroit Tigers - Starting pitching depth may be a problem.
Kansas City Royals - Good young team.
Cleveland Indians - Choo will rebound and Santana will crush the ball.
Chicago Whitesox - Ventura? I don't expect much here.
Minnesota Twins - This team has problems.
West
Texas Rangers - Joe Nathan cannot close for this team.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim* - Great starters and better offense.
Seattle Mariners - Slowly getting better.
Oakland Athletics - No identity. Pitching? Hitting? Defense?
Playoffs:
Los Angeles over New York
Detroit over Tampa Bay
Texas over Los Angeles
Detroit over Texas
Cy Young Award: Jared Weaver, LA
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: Matt Moore, TOR
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET
National League
East
Miami Marlins - Ozzie wins and they will spend at the trade deadline.
Washington Nationals* - This team has arrived.
Philadelphia Phillies - Great pitching but too many injuries.
Atlanta Braves - They are falling apart. Chipper signs off.
New York Mets - Good young team but not good enough.
Central
St. Louis Cardinals - Without Pujols, they still can win with Beltran.
Cincinnati Reds* - Votto can't keep carrying them but they are good.
Pittsburgh Pirates - Better pitching, better hitting=more wins.
Milwaukee Brewers - Worst defense in MLB.
Houston Astros - Houston, we have a problem.
Chicago Cubs - Playing for next season.
West
Arizona Diamondbacks - Great pitching and coaching.
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers - A new day for the Dodgers.
San Francisco Giants - Sandoval and Posey can't carry the offense.
Colorado Rockies - A good offense. It stops there.
San Diego Padres - Weak pitching, weak hitting, weak everything.
Playoffs
Cincinnati over Washington
Arizona over Miami
Cincinnati over St. Louis
Arizona over Cincinnati
Cy Young: Roy Halladay, PHI
MVP: Matt Kemp, LA
Rookie of the Year: Zack Cozart, CIN
Batting Champ: Joey Votto, CIN
World Series
Arizona over Detroit in 7
MVP: Justin Upton
Thursday, March 31, 2011
2011 Baseball Predictions
As usual, here are my basic predictions for 2011. Should be an interesting year. Not sure the Tigers can go all the way but crazier things have happened.
2011 Predictions
American League
East
Boston Redsox - Best team on paper. Bullpen is the question. Could use a catcher
Tampa Bay Rays - They will make a good showing this year but won't have enough.
New York Yankees - Age and starting pitching will catch up to them this year.
Baltimore Orioles - Finally have a credible lineup, and manager.
Toronto Blue Jays - The future is bright. Trading Wells makes this season a success.
Central
Chicago Whitesox - Ozzie does it again. Difference will be pitching not offense.
Minnesota Twins* - The Division will be tough but they'll get the wildcard.
Detroit Tigers - Offense is fine, terrible defense is problem. Could push for 1st.
Cleveland Indians - Still working their way back. Will they trade Choo?
Kansas City Royals - Always rebuilding with no payroll to work with.
West
Oakland Athletics - Upgraded offense will push them over the top.
Texas Rangers - Offense is great but Beltre can't replace Cliff Lee.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - They will scrape out wins but not the old Angels.
Seattle Mariners - Poor Felix and Ichiro. The rest of the team is AAA talent.
Playoffs:
Minnesota over Boston
Chicago over Oakland
Minnesota over Chicago
Cy Young Award: David Price, TAM
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: J.P. Arrencibia, TOR
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET
National League
East
Philadelphia Phillies - That pitching will make up for Utley's injuries.
Atlanta Braves* - They look better this year than last year but the defense??
Florida Marlins - Good mix of talent will push them above .500 again.
New York Mets - I'm not sure they know the solution to their problems.
Washington Nationals - Werth was not the answer but that will hang over them.
Central
St. Louis Cardinals - Without Wainwright, they still find a way. Pujols watch.
Cincinnati Reds - Could win but Votto can't keep carrying them.
Milwaukee Brewers - All the moves can't hid the worst defense in MLB.
Houston Astros - I'm not sure how, but they'll win a couple of games.
Chicago Cubs - It will be Cubs chaos this year. What to do with Soriano?
Pittsburgh Pirates - Always rebuilding. I'm hoping for a strong first half.
West
Colorado Rockies - If they have a strong first half, it's over.
San Francisco Giants - Will try to do it again but come a little short.
Arizona Diamondbacks - A new look D-backs and rebound by Upton will help.
San Diego Padres - Was last year a fluke? Probably and now Gonzalez is gone.
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers - I think this team will be a mess and selling early.
Playoffs
Philadelphia over Colorado
St. Louis over Atlanta
Philadelphia over St. Louis
Cy Young: Josh Johnson, FLA
MVP: Albert Pujols, STL
Rookie of the Year: Freddie Freeman, ATL
Batting Champ: Hanley Ramirez, FLA
World Series
Philadelphia over Minnesota in 7
MVP: Jimmy Rollins
2011 Predictions
American League
East
Boston Redsox - Best team on paper. Bullpen is the question. Could use a catcher
Tampa Bay Rays - They will make a good showing this year but won't have enough.
New York Yankees - Age and starting pitching will catch up to them this year.
Baltimore Orioles - Finally have a credible lineup, and manager.
Toronto Blue Jays - The future is bright. Trading Wells makes this season a success.
Central
Chicago Whitesox - Ozzie does it again. Difference will be pitching not offense.
Minnesota Twins* - The Division will be tough but they'll get the wildcard.
Detroit Tigers - Offense is fine, terrible defense is problem. Could push for 1st.
Cleveland Indians - Still working their way back. Will they trade Choo?
Kansas City Royals - Always rebuilding with no payroll to work with.
West
Oakland Athletics - Upgraded offense will push them over the top.
Texas Rangers - Offense is great but Beltre can't replace Cliff Lee.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - They will scrape out wins but not the old Angels.
Seattle Mariners - Poor Felix and Ichiro. The rest of the team is AAA talent.
Playoffs:
Minnesota over Boston
Chicago over Oakland
Minnesota over Chicago
Cy Young Award: David Price, TAM
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: J.P. Arrencibia, TOR
Batting Champ: Miguel Cabrera, DET
National League
East
Philadelphia Phillies - That pitching will make up for Utley's injuries.
Atlanta Braves* - They look better this year than last year but the defense??
Florida Marlins - Good mix of talent will push them above .500 again.
New York Mets - I'm not sure they know the solution to their problems.
Washington Nationals - Werth was not the answer but that will hang over them.
Central
St. Louis Cardinals - Without Wainwright, they still find a way. Pujols watch.
Cincinnati Reds - Could win but Votto can't keep carrying them.
Milwaukee Brewers - All the moves can't hid the worst defense in MLB.
Houston Astros - I'm not sure how, but they'll win a couple of games.
Chicago Cubs - It will be Cubs chaos this year. What to do with Soriano?
Pittsburgh Pirates - Always rebuilding. I'm hoping for a strong first half.
West
Colorado Rockies - If they have a strong first half, it's over.
San Francisco Giants - Will try to do it again but come a little short.
Arizona Diamondbacks - A new look D-backs and rebound by Upton will help.
San Diego Padres - Was last year a fluke? Probably and now Gonzalez is gone.
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers - I think this team will be a mess and selling early.
Playoffs
Philadelphia over Colorado
St. Louis over Atlanta
Philadelphia over St. Louis
Cy Young: Josh Johnson, FLA
MVP: Albert Pujols, STL
Rookie of the Year: Freddie Freeman, ATL
Batting Champ: Hanley Ramirez, FLA
World Series
Philadelphia over Minnesota in 7
MVP: Jimmy Rollins
Friday, May 28, 2010
My Top 125 Movies of My Lifetime 1979-2010
1. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982) – This is just a great movie all around.
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Barely beat out by E.T.
3. Dances with Wolves (1990) – Kevin Costner at his peak. Downhill from here.
4. Schindler’s List (1993) – This movie gets at the heart of Holocaust.
5. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – The best Star Wars movie.
6. Shakespeare in Love (1998) – This movie is under-appreciated.
7. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Thank you Tim Robbins & Morgan Freeman!
8. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – The best of the series.
9. Rain Man (1988) – Dustin Hoffman gives a remarkable performance.
10. Pulp Fiction (1994) – Tarantino at his best.
11. Airplane! (1980) – Best comedy of my lifetime.
12. Moulin Rouge (2001) – Best musical of my lifetime.
13. Goodfellas (1990) – Something about this movie just draws me in every time.
14. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)– Hate scary movies but I can’t stop watching.
15. Good Will Hunting (1997) – At the time, a fresh, new screenplay.
16. The Fugitive (1993) – I love this movie, so does WGN.
17. Philadelphia (1993) – Tom Hanks’ best role and Denzel is pretty good too.
18. Back to the Future (1985) – Best family movie ever, after E.T.
19. Ghostbusters (1984) – Great comedy team and Bill Murray at his best.
20. WALL-E (2008) – Best animated film, too bad it got snubbed by the Academy.
21. Braveheart (1995) – Mel Gibson’s best acting and directing. Then down hill.
22. The Departed (2006) – The best twist you never see coming.
23. Raging Bull (1980) – Top boxing movie because Rocky was before I was born.
24. Titanic (1997) – James Cameron made an epic even if the storyline is just ok.
25. Lion King (1994) – Last great classic animation movie before Pixar took over.
26. Toy Story (1995) – And then came Pixar. First movie was best, until WALL-E.
27. A Few Good Men (1992) – Cruise is excellent, Demi Moore too, and Kevin Bacon!
28. Saving Private Ryan (1998) – The opening battle scene is unforgettable.
29. Dead Poet’s Society (1989) – Great story brought to life by Robin Williams.
30. The Dark Knight (2008) – Best Batman movie ever made. Heath Ledger’s legacy.
31. Jurassic Park (1993) – The first time Dinosaurs look like real Dinosaurs.
32. Die Hard (1988) – The best Christmas movie ever. yippee ki yay.
33. Forrest Gump (1994) – All around a good movie but not that great.
34. JFK (1991) – Congress passes laws because of your movie, you know it’s good.
35. American Beauty (1999) – Spacey and Bennett peak in this dark movie.
36. Jerry Maguire (1996) – Cameron Crowe’s best movie.
37. Platoon (1986) – Oliver Stone at the top of his game, Charlie Sheen too.
38. Gladiator (2000) – Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott makes this movie great.
39. The Elephant Man (1980) – Surprise, this movie deserves to get more credit.
40. Gandhi (1982) – Ben Kingsley in one of the best all-time acting performances.
41. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – A new era of special effects was born.
42. Shrek (2001) – First animated film that appeals to both kids and adults.
43. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – Connery and Ford are great.
44. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) – They kept getting better.
45. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) – This one was all the rave, the year I was born.
46. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – Out of nowhere to win Best Picture. Deserved it.
47. Beauty and the Beast (1991)– Few animated films get Best Picture nominations.
48. The Color Purple (1985) – You don’t realize it’s Whoopi or Oprah.
49. Almost Famous (2000) – Music and movie masterpiece.
50. Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001) – Start of an epic series.
51. Return of the Jedi (1983) – Ewoks aside, I think this deserves to be here.
52. There’s Something About Mary (1998) – Ben Stiller helps bring comedy back.
53. Erin Brockovich (2000) – Julia Roberts makes the movie, give her credit.
54. The Thin Red Line (1998) – Overshadowed by Saving Private Ryan, still great.
55. Brokeback Mountain (2005) – Broke the mold, showed how good Heath Ledger was.
56. Witness (1985) – The Amish rock along with Harrison Ford.
57. Wall Street (1987) – Greed is good. Michael Douglas wins an Oscar.
58. Stand By Me (1986) – A short story becomes a great coming of age movie.
59. The Insider (1999) – One man and the downfall of a giant American industry.
60. The English Patient (1996) – “Elaine, have you seen the English Patient?”
61. No Country for Old Men (2007) – I watched this closely, I still have no clue.
62. Chicago (2002) – Thanks Moulin Rouge, this movie was able to win Best Pic.
63. Life is Beautiful (1998) – Best foreign film I’ve seen.
64. Amadeus (1984) – Best picture of 1984, enough said.
65. As Good As It Gets (1997) – Best actor and best actress equals great movie.
66. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) – An original story finally.
67. A Beautiful Mind (2001) – Great movie by Ron Howard.
68. Milk (2008) – Sean Penn’s best role of his career and a true story.
69. Finding Nemo (2003) – Animated films don’t get the credit they deserve.
70. Juno (2007) – We’ll look back and realize how good this movie really is.
71. Terms of Endearment (1983) – Jack, along time ago.
72. The Last Emperor (1987) – Long but interesting.
73. The Big Chill (1983) – Our parents like it. Me, not so much.
74. The Matrix (1999) – Another new era of special effects was born.
75. Mississippi Burning (1988) – Reality of Civil Rights battle.
76. Big (1988) – Ok, Tom Hanks is a great actor.
77. The Sixth Sense (1999) - Shyamalan was going to be the next Speilberg. Wrong.
78. L.A. Confidential (1997) – Great movie, not sure why Basinger won the Oscar.
79. Bull Durham (1988) – Best baseball movie ever made.
80. The China Syndrome (1979) – Perfect timing, 12 days before 3 Mile Island.
81. The Breakfast Club (1985) – John Hughes makes my list.
82. Traffic (2000) – New era of Michael Douglas was born.
83. 48 Hrs (1982) – First buddy cop movie. Led to many, many more.
84. City of God (2002) – Great foreign film shows brutality of Brazilian slums.
85. Apollo 13 (1995) – Tom Hanks is on this list a lot.
86. The Pianist (2002) – This is a great movie with a great lead performance.
87. Do the Right Thing (1989) – Spike Lee made a statement with this movie.
88. Bowling for Columbine (2002) – Best documentary I’ve ever watched.
89. The Green Mile (1999) – This is on a cable channel every day.
90. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000) – Saw the premiere, subtitles are cool.
91. Seabiscuit (2003) – This movie was better than I expected it to be.
92. Apocalypse Now (1979) – I don’t think it’s as good as others seem to think.
93. American History X (1998) – Edward Norton.
94. Amelie (2001) – One of the best foreign films.
95. Up in the Air (2009) – Best movie of 2009 but didn’t win any awards.
96. Borat (2006) – New age of comedy.
97. Batman (1989) – Before the Dark Knight, Tim Burton’s original was the best.
98. Driving Miss Daisy (1989) – Another best picture winner in a weak year.
99. The Lives of Others (2006) – Another great foreign film.
100. An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) – Great actors.
101. Remember the Titans (2000) – People watch this over and over again.
102. Garden State (2004) – This movie made soundtracks cool again.
103. Crash (2005) – Good movie but lowest rated Oscar winner on this list.
104. Thelma & Louise (1991) – 2 best actress nominations, introducing Brad Pitt.
105. Raising Arizona (1987) – I laugh just thinking about this movie.
106. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) – Too bad they made 2 more movies.
107. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) – 100 make-over TV shows later.
108. The Fog of War (2003) – Scary stuff here, how close were we to World War III?
109. Glory (1989) – 1989 was a good year for movies. The rise of Denzel.
110. Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind (2004) – A real mind bender.
111. The Blues Brothers (1980) – Sweet home Chicago.
112. Field of Dreams (1989) – If you build it.
113. Fargo (1996) – Wood chipper.
114. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) – New movie makes this look good.
115. The Jerk (1979) – There were some really good comedies back then.
116. The Truman Show (1998) – I give this more credit than most people.
117. When Harry Met Sally (1989) – I’m going to give Rob Reiner some credit.
118. Quiz Show (1994) – The best stories always seem to be true stories.
119. Home Alone (1990) – John Hughes strikes gold.
120. Caddyshack (1980) – Bill Murray, Chevy Chase & Rodney Dangerfield are funny.
121. Working Girl (1988) – The best you’ll get from Melanie Griffith.
122. Lethal Weapon (1987) – The bad guys are really bad in this movie.
123. Top Gun (1986) – Talk to me, Goose.
124. Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995) – Richard Dreyfuss is great in the 1970s and here.
125. Rudy (1993)/The Karate Kid (1984)/Hoosiers (1986) – Feel good underdogs.
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Barely beat out by E.T.
3. Dances with Wolves (1990) – Kevin Costner at his peak. Downhill from here.
4. Schindler’s List (1993) – This movie gets at the heart of Holocaust.
5. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – The best Star Wars movie.
6. Shakespeare in Love (1998) – This movie is under-appreciated.
7. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Thank you Tim Robbins & Morgan Freeman!
8. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – The best of the series.
9. Rain Man (1988) – Dustin Hoffman gives a remarkable performance.
10. Pulp Fiction (1994) – Tarantino at his best.
11. Airplane! (1980) – Best comedy of my lifetime.
12. Moulin Rouge (2001) – Best musical of my lifetime.
13. Goodfellas (1990) – Something about this movie just draws me in every time.
14. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)– Hate scary movies but I can’t stop watching.
15. Good Will Hunting (1997) – At the time, a fresh, new screenplay.
16. The Fugitive (1993) – I love this movie, so does WGN.
17. Philadelphia (1993) – Tom Hanks’ best role and Denzel is pretty good too.
18. Back to the Future (1985) – Best family movie ever, after E.T.
19. Ghostbusters (1984) – Great comedy team and Bill Murray at his best.
20. WALL-E (2008) – Best animated film, too bad it got snubbed by the Academy.
21. Braveheart (1995) – Mel Gibson’s best acting and directing. Then down hill.
22. The Departed (2006) – The best twist you never see coming.
23. Raging Bull (1980) – Top boxing movie because Rocky was before I was born.
24. Titanic (1997) – James Cameron made an epic even if the storyline is just ok.
25. Lion King (1994) – Last great classic animation movie before Pixar took over.
26. Toy Story (1995) – And then came Pixar. First movie was best, until WALL-E.
27. A Few Good Men (1992) – Cruise is excellent, Demi Moore too, and Kevin Bacon!
28. Saving Private Ryan (1998) – The opening battle scene is unforgettable.
29. Dead Poet’s Society (1989) – Great story brought to life by Robin Williams.
30. The Dark Knight (2008) – Best Batman movie ever made. Heath Ledger’s legacy.
31. Jurassic Park (1993) – The first time Dinosaurs look like real Dinosaurs.
32. Die Hard (1988) – The best Christmas movie ever. yippee ki yay.
33. Forrest Gump (1994) – All around a good movie but not that great.
34. JFK (1991) – Congress passes laws because of your movie, you know it’s good.
35. American Beauty (1999) – Spacey and Bennett peak in this dark movie.
36. Jerry Maguire (1996) – Cameron Crowe’s best movie.
37. Platoon (1986) – Oliver Stone at the top of his game, Charlie Sheen too.
38. Gladiator (2000) – Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott makes this movie great.
39. The Elephant Man (1980) – Surprise, this movie deserves to get more credit.
40. Gandhi (1982) – Ben Kingsley in one of the best all-time acting performances.
41. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – A new era of special effects was born.
42. Shrek (2001) – First animated film that appeals to both kids and adults.
43. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – Connery and Ford are great.
44. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) – They kept getting better.
45. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) – This one was all the rave, the year I was born.
46. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – Out of nowhere to win Best Picture. Deserved it.
47. Beauty and the Beast (1991)– Few animated films get Best Picture nominations.
48. The Color Purple (1985) – You don’t realize it’s Whoopi or Oprah.
49. Almost Famous (2000) – Music and movie masterpiece.
50. Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (2001) – Start of an epic series.
51. Return of the Jedi (1983) – Ewoks aside, I think this deserves to be here.
52. There’s Something About Mary (1998) – Ben Stiller helps bring comedy back.
53. Erin Brockovich (2000) – Julia Roberts makes the movie, give her credit.
54. The Thin Red Line (1998) – Overshadowed by Saving Private Ryan, still great.
55. Brokeback Mountain (2005) – Broke the mold, showed how good Heath Ledger was.
56. Witness (1985) – The Amish rock along with Harrison Ford.
57. Wall Street (1987) – Greed is good. Michael Douglas wins an Oscar.
58. Stand By Me (1986) – A short story becomes a great coming of age movie.
59. The Insider (1999) – One man and the downfall of a giant American industry.
60. The English Patient (1996) – “Elaine, have you seen the English Patient?”
61. No Country for Old Men (2007) – I watched this closely, I still have no clue.
62. Chicago (2002) – Thanks Moulin Rouge, this movie was able to win Best Pic.
63. Life is Beautiful (1998) – Best foreign film I’ve seen.
64. Amadeus (1984) – Best picture of 1984, enough said.
65. As Good As It Gets (1997) – Best actor and best actress equals great movie.
66. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) – An original story finally.
67. A Beautiful Mind (2001) – Great movie by Ron Howard.
68. Milk (2008) – Sean Penn’s best role of his career and a true story.
69. Finding Nemo (2003) – Animated films don’t get the credit they deserve.
70. Juno (2007) – We’ll look back and realize how good this movie really is.
71. Terms of Endearment (1983) – Jack, along time ago.
72. The Last Emperor (1987) – Long but interesting.
73. The Big Chill (1983) – Our parents like it. Me, not so much.
74. The Matrix (1999) – Another new era of special effects was born.
75. Mississippi Burning (1988) – Reality of Civil Rights battle.
76. Big (1988) – Ok, Tom Hanks is a great actor.
77. The Sixth Sense (1999) - Shyamalan was going to be the next Speilberg. Wrong.
78. L.A. Confidential (1997) – Great movie, not sure why Basinger won the Oscar.
79. Bull Durham (1988) – Best baseball movie ever made.
80. The China Syndrome (1979) – Perfect timing, 12 days before 3 Mile Island.
81. The Breakfast Club (1985) – John Hughes makes my list.
82. Traffic (2000) – New era of Michael Douglas was born.
83. 48 Hrs (1982) – First buddy cop movie. Led to many, many more.
84. City of God (2002) – Great foreign film shows brutality of Brazilian slums.
85. Apollo 13 (1995) – Tom Hanks is on this list a lot.
86. The Pianist (2002) – This is a great movie with a great lead performance.
87. Do the Right Thing (1989) – Spike Lee made a statement with this movie.
88. Bowling for Columbine (2002) – Best documentary I’ve ever watched.
89. The Green Mile (1999) – This is on a cable channel every day.
90. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000) – Saw the premiere, subtitles are cool.
91. Seabiscuit (2003) – This movie was better than I expected it to be.
92. Apocalypse Now (1979) – I don’t think it’s as good as others seem to think.
93. American History X (1998) – Edward Norton.
94. Amelie (2001) – One of the best foreign films.
95. Up in the Air (2009) – Best movie of 2009 but didn’t win any awards.
96. Borat (2006) – New age of comedy.
97. Batman (1989) – Before the Dark Knight, Tim Burton’s original was the best.
98. Driving Miss Daisy (1989) – Another best picture winner in a weak year.
99. The Lives of Others (2006) – Another great foreign film.
100. An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) – Great actors.
101. Remember the Titans (2000) – People watch this over and over again.
102. Garden State (2004) – This movie made soundtracks cool again.
103. Crash (2005) – Good movie but lowest rated Oscar winner on this list.
104. Thelma & Louise (1991) – 2 best actress nominations, introducing Brad Pitt.
105. Raising Arizona (1987) – I laugh just thinking about this movie.
106. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) – Too bad they made 2 more movies.
107. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) – 100 make-over TV shows later.
108. The Fog of War (2003) – Scary stuff here, how close were we to World War III?
109. Glory (1989) – 1989 was a good year for movies. The rise of Denzel.
110. Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind (2004) – A real mind bender.
111. The Blues Brothers (1980) – Sweet home Chicago.
112. Field of Dreams (1989) – If you build it.
113. Fargo (1996) – Wood chipper.
114. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) – New movie makes this look good.
115. The Jerk (1979) – There were some really good comedies back then.
116. The Truman Show (1998) – I give this more credit than most people.
117. When Harry Met Sally (1989) – I’m going to give Rob Reiner some credit.
118. Quiz Show (1994) – The best stories always seem to be true stories.
119. Home Alone (1990) – John Hughes strikes gold.
120. Caddyshack (1980) – Bill Murray, Chevy Chase & Rodney Dangerfield are funny.
121. Working Girl (1988) – The best you’ll get from Melanie Griffith.
122. Lethal Weapon (1987) – The bad guys are really bad in this movie.
123. Top Gun (1986) – Talk to me, Goose.
124. Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995) – Richard Dreyfuss is great in the 1970s and here.
125. Rudy (1993)/The Karate Kid (1984)/Hoosiers (1986) – Feel good underdogs.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
2010 Baseball Predictions
Here are my basic predictions for 2010. I will add more detail later.
2010 Predictions
American League
East
New York Yankees
Boston Redsox
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles
Central
Minnesota Twins
Chicago Whitesox
Detroit Tigers
Cleveland Indians
Kansas City Royals
West
Texas Rangers
Seattle Mariners
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Oakland Athletics
Playoffs:
New York over Texas
Minnesota over Boston
Minnesota over New York
Cy Young Award: Felix Hernandez, SEA
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: Austin Jackson, DET
Batting Champ: Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
National League
East
Atlanta Braves
Philadelphia Phillies
New York Mets
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals
Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago Cubs
Houston Astros
Pittsburgh Pirates
West
San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers
Arizona Diamondbacks
San Diego Padres
Playoffs
Atlanta over San Francisco
St. Louis over Philadelphia
Atlanta over St. Louis
Cy Young: Roy Halladay, PHI
MVP: Albert Pujols, STL
Rookie of the Year: Jason Heyward, ATL
Batting Champ: Albert Pujols, PHI
World Series
Atlanta over Minnesota in 6
MVP: Chipper Jones
2010 Predictions
American League
East
New York Yankees
Boston Redsox
Tampa Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles
Central
Minnesota Twins
Chicago Whitesox
Detroit Tigers
Cleveland Indians
Kansas City Royals
West
Texas Rangers
Seattle Mariners
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Oakland Athletics
Playoffs:
New York over Texas
Minnesota over Boston
Minnesota over New York
Cy Young Award: Felix Hernandez, SEA
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: Austin Jackson, DET
Batting Champ: Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
National League
East
Atlanta Braves
Philadelphia Phillies
New York Mets
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals
Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago Cubs
Houston Astros
Pittsburgh Pirates
West
San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers
Arizona Diamondbacks
San Diego Padres
Playoffs
Atlanta over San Francisco
St. Louis over Philadelphia
Atlanta over St. Louis
Cy Young: Roy Halladay, PHI
MVP: Albert Pujols, STL
Rookie of the Year: Jason Heyward, ATL
Batting Champ: Albert Pujols, PHI
World Series
Atlanta over Minnesota in 6
MVP: Chipper Jones
Monday, August 17, 2009
Eunice Kennedy Shriver - Excellent blog by a friend of mine
Eunice Kennedy Shriver: one woman's legacy
by McKinzie Brantley
Aug 12, 2009
http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/disabilitiesblog/index.php
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of the late President John F. Kennedy and founder of Special Olympics, died yesterday. It seems to me that her impact can't be underestimated.
Eunice Shriver changed America's culture for the better.
When she started the Special Olympics, there were virtually no organized programs that focused on individuals with disabilities. In fact, people with disabilities weren't a topic of polite conversation. When the topic of mental retardation - as it was called then - was brought up, it was discussed in hushed tones of embarrassment or shame.
For decades, an entire segment of the nation's population was effectively invisible. Shriver changed all that.
I never knew her or met her, but I felt her influence. In the '90s, I worked with people with disabilities in Wyandotte and oversaw a program that participated in Special Olympics. At the time, many disability advocates (including me) had mixed feelings about Special Olympics. We felt people with disabilities should focus more of their energy on entering the workplace. I considered ending our involvement in Special Olympics.
Word must have gotten around. You can't imagine the reaction I got from the community. I received hand-written letters and messages on my answering machine. People with disabilities called me and stopped me on the street. They each told me how important the Special Olympics were to them. Parents relayed how their son or daughter finally found something that they looked forward to, that competing in the Special Olympics gave them a sense of accomplishment and made them feel proud of themselves.
How's that for a legacy?
For each of us, there's been a person in our life who, because of their effort or extra attention, helps shape the person we ultimately become.
The formation of Special Olympics was an important stepping stone in the ongoing participation of people with disabilities into all aspects of every day life. Through her efforts, Shriver helped not only one person, but millions of people with disabilities cross the country become a more active and visible part of their communities.
On behalf of those families in Wyandotte, thank you.
by McKinzie Brantley
Aug 12, 2009
http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/disabilitiesblog/index.php
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of the late President John F. Kennedy and founder of Special Olympics, died yesterday. It seems to me that her impact can't be underestimated.
Eunice Shriver changed America's culture for the better.
When she started the Special Olympics, there were virtually no organized programs that focused on individuals with disabilities. In fact, people with disabilities weren't a topic of polite conversation. When the topic of mental retardation - as it was called then - was brought up, it was discussed in hushed tones of embarrassment or shame.
For decades, an entire segment of the nation's population was effectively invisible. Shriver changed all that.
I never knew her or met her, but I felt her influence. In the '90s, I worked with people with disabilities in Wyandotte and oversaw a program that participated in Special Olympics. At the time, many disability advocates (including me) had mixed feelings about Special Olympics. We felt people with disabilities should focus more of their energy on entering the workplace. I considered ending our involvement in Special Olympics.
Word must have gotten around. You can't imagine the reaction I got from the community. I received hand-written letters and messages on my answering machine. People with disabilities called me and stopped me on the street. They each told me how important the Special Olympics were to them. Parents relayed how their son or daughter finally found something that they looked forward to, that competing in the Special Olympics gave them a sense of accomplishment and made them feel proud of themselves.
How's that for a legacy?
For each of us, there's been a person in our life who, because of their effort or extra attention, helps shape the person we ultimately become.
The formation of Special Olympics was an important stepping stone in the ongoing participation of people with disabilities into all aspects of every day life. Through her efforts, Shriver helped not only one person, but millions of people with disabilities cross the country become a more active and visible part of their communities.
On behalf of those families in Wyandotte, thank you.
Monday, April 6, 2009
2009 Baseball Predictions
2009 Predictions
I think this year will be a good one. I can't believe the so-called experts that think Evan Longoria is going to win the MVP award. I think they are smoking something. Tampa Bay had a great year last year but if the 2006 Tigers or 2005 Whitesox taught us anything, it's hard to repeat that breakout success in the following season. Here's my breakdown for the AL and NL.
American League
I see Tampa Bay playing well but losing to Boston in the East. Boston has good starters and a great bullpen which means they won't need to score many runs. However, with Ortiz, Bay, Youkilis, Drew and Pedroia how can they not score runs. I look forward to the New York soap opera unfolding. Sabathia won't be as good as they think. Burnett will get hurt and the rest of the pitching isn't that good. This team is getting old, even with Teixeira. Look at the rest of the lineup, Posado, ARod, Jeter, Matsui, Damon. These guys are old. I think Toronto has the best pitching in the East and could do damage if they score enough runs.
I think the Tigers will score enough runs to be competitive but thier pitching sucks. Cabrera and Granderson will win them some games. The Twins will be good and by picking up Crede they've added Defense and potentially 30 HRs. Liriano could compete for the Cy Young. I like Victor Martinez and Hafner to rebound and make the Indians a playoff team. Interestingly, the Royals will be better and could catch the Whitesox. I think Chicago was awful in the off-season. A couple years ago they had a rotation and now they have a much older Mark Buehrle and John Danks. They unloaded pitching and haven't picked up much. They let Crede go for Josh Fields and they are moving an excellent utility man in Alexei Ramirez to shortstop where he'll be an average defensive player at best. I don't think Jermaine Dye will last the season on the sox, he'll be traded.
I think the AL West is weak this year and the A's could sneak it out if the Angels don't run away with it. The Angels will miss Teixeira a lot but aren't going to miss KRod at all. Brian Fuentes will do just fine as closer. Oakland could make a run if they find enough starters and their bullpen repeats it's performance from last season. Matt Holliday, Jason Giambi and Orlando Cabrera completely change their lineup. Cabrera's defense combined with Mark Ellis makes for a lot of double plays and Giambi and Holliday give them the offense they never had last season. Seattle will continue to struggle. Texas is the same team they've been for 20 years, all offense and no pitching.
I just don't see a better team than Boston but either the Indians or Twins could make a run.
American League
East
Boston Redsox
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Rays
New York Yankees
Baltimore Orioles
Central
Minnesota Twins
Cleveland Indians
Detroit Tigers
Chicago Whitesox
Kansas City Royals
West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Oakland Athletics
Texas Rangers
Seattle Mariners
Playoffs:
Minnesota over Los Angeles
Boston over Cleveland
Boston over Minnesota
Cy Young Award: Roy Halladay, TOR
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: Nelson Cruz, TEX
Batting Champ: Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
The National League is going to be great to watch. I think this is going to be a great playoff race because there are so many good teams. Everybody is talking about Manny Ramirez making the difference in LA but the truth is, the middle infielders will make the difference. They are getting Furcal back at SS and leading off and it was a steal for them to go out and get Orlando Hudson to hit second and play gold glove defense at 2B. You look at that team and they have a few holes in their bullpen and rotation but I think they will fill them. They shouldn't have let Saito go but Broxton will be a good closer.
The guy the Dodgers will miss the most will be Derek Lowe which is why I think the Braves are going to be good this year. Granted they lost Tim Hudson for most of the season but picking up starting pitching allowed them to silently put the best rotation in MLB together. This will take pressure off Tommy Hansen who will win the Rookie of the Year award. Javier Vazquez back in the NL and Derek Lowe as the number 1 make the Braves tough to beat. Just as the experts are wrong about Longoria, they are wrong about Chipper Jones. For the last 3 years, they've been saying he's washed up, has nothing left in the tank but the guy just goes out and crushes, even if it's in only 110 games.
In the central, I think the Cubs will crush the ball. Unfortunately, teams will crush their pitching. The only way the Cubs make the playoffs is with Rich Harden throwing over 150 innings this year which is questionable. The Cubs defense is bad, really bad. Theriot is a utility man playing short, Fotenot better do the job at second because they let go DeRosa, who I think is very underrated. I don't see Ryan Dempster repeating what he did last year. Carlos Marmol better pitch a lot in the bullpen because I don't have any confidence in the other yahoos they have. Watch the Cubs blow a lot of leads this year. Milwaukee on the other hand did what they needed. Trevor Hoffman gives them more bullpen confidence than they've ever had. Prince Fielder and Corey Hart will play better and Ryan Braun is the real deal and could win the MVP award. He may hit 45 homers. I don't know how the Cardinals do it but it seems like every other year they put it together and make a run. I question their pitching but any team that has Albert Pujols has a chance to win it all. Picking up Khalil Greene was a steal. Don't forget that 2 years ago, this guy hit 20 homers and 40 doubles while competing for a gold glove. He's the shortstop they needed to complete a very good defense. Rick Ankiel is a a powerful bat and could hit 30 homers in a full season. If Ryan Ludwick hits close to what he did last year, they will win the Central division.
In the West, it's going to be a tough battle for LA but the new Giants and Diamondbacks won't have enough. San Diego will lose 100+ games which will allow the winner of the West to win the NL. I like what the Giants are doing with the exception of the Renteria signing. They have loaded up on pitching and are slowly putting together a lineup in the post-Bonds era. I think Arizona has the best chance at beating LA. They have a solid pitching staff and their lineup will be solid. It Eric Byrnes can come back and contribute they will score some runs but I don't think it will be enough to catch LA.
I think the Dodgers are the best team out there because they've added Ramirez full time along with Furcal and Hudson for a full year will make them tough. The young guys like Kemp and Ethier will make their lineup the best in the NL behind the Cubs but unlike the Cubs they will be able to rely on their bullpen and pitchers.
National League
East
Atlanta Braves
Philadelphia Phillies
New York Mets
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals
Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers
Chicago Cubs
Houston Astros
Cincinnati Reds
Pittsburgh Pirates
West
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers
Arizona Diamondbacks
San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies
San Diego Padres
Playoffs
Los Angeles over Philadelphia
St. Louis over Atlanta
Los Angeles over St. Louis
Cy Young: Johan Santana, NYM
MVP: Albert Pujols, STL
Rookie of the Year: Tommy Hansen, ATL
Batting Champ: Albert Pujols, PHI
World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers over Boston Redsox in 7
MVP: Andre Ethier
I think this year will be a good one. I can't believe the so-called experts that think Evan Longoria is going to win the MVP award. I think they are smoking something. Tampa Bay had a great year last year but if the 2006 Tigers or 2005 Whitesox taught us anything, it's hard to repeat that breakout success in the following season. Here's my breakdown for the AL and NL.
American League
I see Tampa Bay playing well but losing to Boston in the East. Boston has good starters and a great bullpen which means they won't need to score many runs. However, with Ortiz, Bay, Youkilis, Drew and Pedroia how can they not score runs. I look forward to the New York soap opera unfolding. Sabathia won't be as good as they think. Burnett will get hurt and the rest of the pitching isn't that good. This team is getting old, even with Teixeira. Look at the rest of the lineup, Posado, ARod, Jeter, Matsui, Damon. These guys are old. I think Toronto has the best pitching in the East and could do damage if they score enough runs.
I think the Tigers will score enough runs to be competitive but thier pitching sucks. Cabrera and Granderson will win them some games. The Twins will be good and by picking up Crede they've added Defense and potentially 30 HRs. Liriano could compete for the Cy Young. I like Victor Martinez and Hafner to rebound and make the Indians a playoff team. Interestingly, the Royals will be better and could catch the Whitesox. I think Chicago was awful in the off-season. A couple years ago they had a rotation and now they have a much older Mark Buehrle and John Danks. They unloaded pitching and haven't picked up much. They let Crede go for Josh Fields and they are moving an excellent utility man in Alexei Ramirez to shortstop where he'll be an average defensive player at best. I don't think Jermaine Dye will last the season on the sox, he'll be traded.
I think the AL West is weak this year and the A's could sneak it out if the Angels don't run away with it. The Angels will miss Teixeira a lot but aren't going to miss KRod at all. Brian Fuentes will do just fine as closer. Oakland could make a run if they find enough starters and their bullpen repeats it's performance from last season. Matt Holliday, Jason Giambi and Orlando Cabrera completely change their lineup. Cabrera's defense combined with Mark Ellis makes for a lot of double plays and Giambi and Holliday give them the offense they never had last season. Seattle will continue to struggle. Texas is the same team they've been for 20 years, all offense and no pitching.
I just don't see a better team than Boston but either the Indians or Twins could make a run.
American League
East
Boston Redsox
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Rays
New York Yankees
Baltimore Orioles
Central
Minnesota Twins
Cleveland Indians
Detroit Tigers
Chicago Whitesox
Kansas City Royals
West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Oakland Athletics
Texas Rangers
Seattle Mariners
Playoffs:
Minnesota over Los Angeles
Boston over Cleveland
Boston over Minnesota
Cy Young Award: Roy Halladay, TOR
MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET
Rookie of the Year: Nelson Cruz, TEX
Batting Champ: Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
The National League is going to be great to watch. I think this is going to be a great playoff race because there are so many good teams. Everybody is talking about Manny Ramirez making the difference in LA but the truth is, the middle infielders will make the difference. They are getting Furcal back at SS and leading off and it was a steal for them to go out and get Orlando Hudson to hit second and play gold glove defense at 2B. You look at that team and they have a few holes in their bullpen and rotation but I think they will fill them. They shouldn't have let Saito go but Broxton will be a good closer.
The guy the Dodgers will miss the most will be Derek Lowe which is why I think the Braves are going to be good this year. Granted they lost Tim Hudson for most of the season but picking up starting pitching allowed them to silently put the best rotation in MLB together. This will take pressure off Tommy Hansen who will win the Rookie of the Year award. Javier Vazquez back in the NL and Derek Lowe as the number 1 make the Braves tough to beat. Just as the experts are wrong about Longoria, they are wrong about Chipper Jones. For the last 3 years, they've been saying he's washed up, has nothing left in the tank but the guy just goes out and crushes, even if it's in only 110 games.
In the central, I think the Cubs will crush the ball. Unfortunately, teams will crush their pitching. The only way the Cubs make the playoffs is with Rich Harden throwing over 150 innings this year which is questionable. The Cubs defense is bad, really bad. Theriot is a utility man playing short, Fotenot better do the job at second because they let go DeRosa, who I think is very underrated. I don't see Ryan Dempster repeating what he did last year. Carlos Marmol better pitch a lot in the bullpen because I don't have any confidence in the other yahoos they have. Watch the Cubs blow a lot of leads this year. Milwaukee on the other hand did what they needed. Trevor Hoffman gives them more bullpen confidence than they've ever had. Prince Fielder and Corey Hart will play better and Ryan Braun is the real deal and could win the MVP award. He may hit 45 homers. I don't know how the Cardinals do it but it seems like every other year they put it together and make a run. I question their pitching but any team that has Albert Pujols has a chance to win it all. Picking up Khalil Greene was a steal. Don't forget that 2 years ago, this guy hit 20 homers and 40 doubles while competing for a gold glove. He's the shortstop they needed to complete a very good defense. Rick Ankiel is a a powerful bat and could hit 30 homers in a full season. If Ryan Ludwick hits close to what he did last year, they will win the Central division.
In the West, it's going to be a tough battle for LA but the new Giants and Diamondbacks won't have enough. San Diego will lose 100+ games which will allow the winner of the West to win the NL. I like what the Giants are doing with the exception of the Renteria signing. They have loaded up on pitching and are slowly putting together a lineup in the post-Bonds era. I think Arizona has the best chance at beating LA. They have a solid pitching staff and their lineup will be solid. It Eric Byrnes can come back and contribute they will score some runs but I don't think it will be enough to catch LA.
I think the Dodgers are the best team out there because they've added Ramirez full time along with Furcal and Hudson for a full year will make them tough. The young guys like Kemp and Ethier will make their lineup the best in the NL behind the Cubs but unlike the Cubs they will be able to rely on their bullpen and pitchers.
National League
East
Atlanta Braves
Philadelphia Phillies
New York Mets
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals
Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers
Chicago Cubs
Houston Astros
Cincinnati Reds
Pittsburgh Pirates
West
Los Angeles Trolley Dodgers
Arizona Diamondbacks
San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies
San Diego Padres
Playoffs
Los Angeles over Philadelphia
St. Louis over Atlanta
Los Angeles over St. Louis
Cy Young: Johan Santana, NYM
MVP: Albert Pujols, STL
Rookie of the Year: Tommy Hansen, ATL
Batting Champ: Albert Pujols, PHI
World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers over Boston Redsox in 7
MVP: Andre Ethier
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
10th Anniversary of the flawed BCS
This year is the 10th year of the BCS (1998-2008 seasons). Even for all of it's flaws, the BCS has had some good games. Here are my top 5.
#1
Monday, January 1, 2007 - Tostitos Fiesta Bowl:
Boise State (12–0, BCS #8, automatic) 43
Oklahoma (11-2, Big 12 champion) 42(OT)
#2
Friday, January 3, 2003 - Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (National Championship):
Ohio State (13-0, BCS #2, Big Ten champion) 31
Miami (FL) (BCS #1, Big East champion) 24 (2 OT)
#3
Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - Rose Bowl (National Championship):
Texas (12–0, BCS #2, Big 12 champion) 41
Southern California (12-0, BCS #1, Pac-10 champion) 38
#4
Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - FedEx Orange Bowl:
Penn State (10-1, Big Ten champion) 26
Florida State (ACC champion) 23 (3 OT)
#5
Saturday, January 1, 2000 - FedEx Orange Bowl:
Michigan (at-large) 35
Alabama (SEC champion) 34 (OT)
Honorable Mention:
Saturday, January 1, 2005 - Rose Bowl:
Texas (11-1, at-large) 38
Michigan (Big Ten champion) 37
Best Nokia Sugar Bowl:
Monday, January 2, 2006
West Virginia (10-1, Big East champion) 38
Georgia (10-2, SEC champion) 35
#1
Monday, January 1, 2007 - Tostitos Fiesta Bowl:
Boise State (12–0, BCS #8, automatic) 43
Oklahoma (11-2, Big 12 champion) 42(OT)
#2
Friday, January 3, 2003 - Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (National Championship):
Ohio State (13-0, BCS #2, Big Ten champion) 31
Miami (FL) (BCS #1, Big East champion) 24 (2 OT)
#3
Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - Rose Bowl (National Championship):
Texas (12–0, BCS #2, Big 12 champion) 41
Southern California (12-0, BCS #1, Pac-10 champion) 38
#4
Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - FedEx Orange Bowl:
Penn State (10-1, Big Ten champion) 26
Florida State (ACC champion) 23 (3 OT)
#5
Saturday, January 1, 2000 - FedEx Orange Bowl:
Michigan (at-large) 35
Alabama (SEC champion) 34 (OT)
Honorable Mention:
Saturday, January 1, 2005 - Rose Bowl:
Texas (11-1, at-large) 38
Michigan (Big Ten champion) 37
Best Nokia Sugar Bowl:
Monday, January 2, 2006
West Virginia (10-1, Big East champion) 38
Georgia (10-2, SEC champion) 35
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Israel
Ok, for all those bleeding heart liberals that hold peace rallies for Palestinians.Israel has the right to protect itself. Remember, the Palestinians elected a party (Hamas) that is a terrorist organization. I could understand the idealistic view of peaceful Palestinians before 9-11 or the election of Hamas brought the reality of the world. The fact is, the Palestinian government does nothing to stop terrorism. The have no control over, and do not care to have control over, the firing of missles into Israel from the Gaza Strip. Due to these circumstances, Israel has no choice but to protect itself.
This is a part of the world where every resident is required to serve 2 years in the military. When the safety of your country is a daily concern, you view things differently. They do not have the luxury that we do.
For those Americans that still protect Israel's reaction, imagine if Canada fired missles into the US. What would be our reaction? We would turn them into Canadian bacon. It's easy to say that they should be diplomatic and come to an agreement. The truth is, you cannot broker a peace deal with a group that celebrates and honors the fringe of it's party that basis it's ideology on the idea that Israel should be pushed into the sea. If Canada embraced its population that wanted to push the US into the ocean, we would not hold peace rallies for the Canadians, we would do more than Israel's response.Until Hamas can control it's land, significantly stop terrorism and create an environment cohesive to diplomatic relations and a potential cease-fire, the Israel need to protect their population.
Here you go. If your neighbor is throwing grenedes into your yard, what do you do? Do these left wing idealists believe that they should walk over and try being diplomatic. No, you'd light their asses up. It's time to wake up and see the reality of the situation.
Currently,
Palestine=Hamas=Terrorism
That's my rant.
New Years Eve 2008
Good bye 2008!
Hello 2009!
I'll be in Petoskey celebrating the New Year with Jillian.
From the cover of this year's newsletter:
Hello 2009!
I'll be in Petoskey celebrating the New Year with Jillian.
From the cover of this year's newsletter:
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Winter Movies
These are 3 must see movies for me to see this winter. Usually, there is maybe one movie out that I actually want to see but this winter is different.
Austrailia
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
:)
Austrailia
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
:)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Newsletter
It's almost time for my annual newsletter. I'm going to try and post it on this blog when it is completed.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Palin still Failin' (Not Phelan)
I could give you a rant today about the VP debate last night but I will spare you. Instead, I'll let the remarks of this independent voter, quoted in the Detroit News, describe the debate. The chart above will help explain what she experienced.
----
"I don't like (Gov. Palin). I tried to, but I don't think she has the experience or substance to be vice president.
"She has a tendency to talk around things. She is way in over her head. She only answered the questions she wanted. The ones she didn't know, she went on to another subject. She said she didn't want to talk about something, she wanted to talk about something else. So she did. She did that a couple of times. She was being evasive on subjects she didn't feel comfortable with.
"I don't think she's vice presidential. She smiled too much when she didn't know what she was talking about...
"I would give her a C. And give (Biden) a B. I still am undecided. You have to vote for somebody. I probably will lean more Democratic because I wouldn't want her to be president ... if something happened to (McCain)."
-- Susan Ferrier, Flushing voter
Source: Detroit News, October 3, 2008
I can only imagine what it takes to get an F if this is the explanation of a C.
Joe Biden did a great job, that is if you were looking for substance and direct answers on the important issues we are facing today.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Bailout Vote
You are likely never to see a roll call vote like this again. It is almost a complete split without a clear party line.
Unfortunately, 9 Reps would rather see our financial system fail then do what is right for the country.
It's not just those financial institutions, you idiots, it's also the many, many small businesses around our state that will suffer if you don't do this bailout. Wake Up!
The Michigan Delegation roll call vote (six yes, nine no).
Ayes
Dave Camp (R-04)
John Dingell (D-15)
Vern Ehlers (R-03)
Dale Kildee (D-05)
Sander Levin (D-12)
Fred Upton (R-06)
John Dingell (D-15)
Vern Ehlers (R-03)
Dale Kildee (D-05)
Sander Levin (D-12)
Fred Upton (R-06)
Nays
John Conyers (D-14)
Peter Hoekstra (R-02)
Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick (D-13)
Joe Knollenberg (R-09)
Thaddeus McCotter (R-11)
Candace Miller (R-10)
Mike Rogers (R-08)
Bart Stupak (D-01)
Tim Walberg (R-07)
Peter Hoekstra (R-02)
Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick (D-13)
Joe Knollenberg (R-09)
Thaddeus McCotter (R-11)
Candace Miller (R-10)
Mike Rogers (R-08)
Bart Stupak (D-01)
Tim Walberg (R-07)
What ever happened to US Reps that did what was right? Like this guy!
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