The Race for Andrew Luck: The NFL's Bottom Five Teams Entering Week One

With the NFL Season finally coming our way, all the talk is centered around who the best team will be this year. On the back burner, however, is the conversation about who is the worst team entering week one. With the winning (or losing?) prize being Andrew Luck in this years draft, we rank the bottom five teams in the league, with #1 being the 32^nd ranked team overall.

5.) Miami Dolphins (7-9 Last Season)

            Think Miami fans are regretting ever calling Chad Henne the next Dan Marino? Henne has been nothing but abysmal since becoming the Dolphins starter two seasons ago. The Dolphins were bad last year, and this year things are looking shady again. Gone are running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, replaced by Reggie Bush. Bush was never able to put it together successfully in New Orleans, and Miami is in for a rude awakening if they think that he’ll be able to become there every down back. Brandon Marshall is a dynamic receiving threat, but that means nothing if your quarterback stinks.

4.) Seattle Seahawks (7-9 Last Season)

            Pete Carroll and the Seahawks put together a cute season last year. They got a home playoff game they didn’t necessarily deserve, but in it they put together a nice win coupled with a highlight run for the ages. The NFC West is bad, but the Seahawks look to be so bad that they shouldn’t even be in the discussion to win it. The loss of Matt Hasselbeck will hurt the ‘Hawks, especially now that Tavaris Jackson is the quarterback. Jackson, who signed with Seattle after being passed over at quarterback in Minnesota, twice. Mike Williams and Marshawn Lynch are both solid starters, but that defense (no more Lofu Tatupu) will not be setting any records this season, and neither will the offense.

3.) Cincinnati Bengals (4-12 Last Season)

            Andy Dalton and AJ Green are going to make a great QB/WR tandem in this league, but it won’t be this year. Dalton has looked very shaky in the preseason, and that offensive line won’t be doing him any favors this season. Other than Leon Hall and Rey Maualaga, I can’t honestly name anyone on that defense. Could this finally be the year that Marvin Lewis loses his job? Maybe, but owner Mike Brown has shown such loyalty to Lewis that we will probably sooner see Carson Palmer suit up for the Bengals again before Lewis gets fired.

2.) Denver Broncos (4-12 Last Season)

            Kyle Orton? Brady Quinn? Tim Tebow? It really won’t matter who plays quarterback for Denver this season, that team is in shambles. Bringing in John Fox as head coach put the Broncos in yet another rebuilding mode, and sooner or later they are going to have to throw Tebow out there and see if he is actually an NFL quarterback. When that does happen, Tebow is going to be throwing to nobody of note. Orton is a solid fantasy quarterback to have, but don’t be surprised if the Broncos are even worse this year then they were last year.

1.) San Francisco 49ers (6-10 Last Season)

            How interesting would it be if the 49ers would be in position to draft Andrew Luck in next years draft, a year after hiring former Stanford coach Jim Harbuagh? Before this turns into a conspiracy theory, it doesn’t look like the 49ers will need to throw games to get a high pick, they’ll be able to lose on their own just fine. Quarterback Alex Smith has one last chance to shed the “bust” title after doing nothing since drafted #1 in 2005. Backup Colin Kaepernick has looked like the rookie he is all preseason, and Frank Gore is still looking for his contract extension (unhappy doesn’t even begin to explain it). I believe that Harbaugh can become a successful coach in the NFL, but the team he’s running is just flat out bad. Tight end Vernon Davis is one of the best in the game, but he can only be as good as the quarterback who throws him the ball. Wideout Michael Crabtree has yet to practice this season, and Ted Ginn Jr. is nothing more than a return man. Andrew Luck, get ready to wear red and gold next season. 

College Football: The Jockstrap's Top Five Teams for 2011-2012

This coming weekend kicks off the start of the 2011-2012 college football campaign. College programs across the country have been waiting for this day ever since Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers hoisted the BCS National Championship trophy after defeating the Oregon Ducks 22-19. After months of recruiting (and recruiting scandals…Miami) and roster tinkering, the most exciting sports season is upon us. Below are The Jockstrap’s top five teams (power rankings) going into week 1.

1.) Oklahoma Sooners (Big-12 Conference)

            Could this year be the year that Bob Stoops and the Sooners finally put together a National Championship run? Quarterback Landry Jones has taken over the role of team leader in his second season as the full time starter. Landry, a strong Heisman contender this season, will be aided on offense by stud wide receiver Ryan Broyles. Broyles, a first team All-American last season will look to improve on his team leading 14 touchdowns last season as he enters 2011 with the role of Jones’ primary target. The defense will remain strong, and look out for freshmen tailbacks Brennan Clay and Jonothan Miller this season as they look to fill the void left by Demarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys).

2.) Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC)

            Another season, another strong Alabama squad under coach Nick Saban. The Tide will have to fill the spots left by wideout Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) and quarterback Greg Mcelroy (New York Jets). Running back Trent Richardson will take over the role as full time starter from former Heisman winner Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints). Richardson, a early Heisman contender, provides a spark out of the back field as he is one of the nations top backs. The only thing standing in the way between Alabama and another BCS title is the quarterback situation. Sophomore AJ McCarron and redshirt Freshman Phillip Sims are currently battling out for the esteemed spot as QB1 for Alabama. As of now, McCarron has a slight edge based on prior experience, but Sims is a threat in both the running and passing game. Either way, Saban and the Crimson Tide should be on their way to yet another SEC title and a potential BCS berth.

3.) Oregon Ducks (Pac-10)

            National Championship runner-up Oregon is primed and reloaded for another championship run. The Ducks and head coach Chip Kelly bring back a majority of last years starters, including QB Darron Thomas and Heisman candidate LaMichael James. The Ducks pose a threat on offense with an explosive duo in Thomas and James, a combination of speed in the option and power in the running game. Despite recruiting violations looming, Kelly and the Ducks have one of the best teams on paper entering this season, and it could come down to them and the #4 team on our list for the Pac-10 title.

4.) Stanford Cardinal (Pac-10)

            Any team led by the best quarterback in the country has to be in the preseason top five list. Thus, Stanford and quarterback Andrew Luck stand at #4 on the list. Luck, the clear cut top NFL prospect in the nation right now, is looking to lead the Cardinals to yet another BCS bowl game, only this year its championship or bust. Stanford could be hindered by the departure of former head coach Jim Harbaugh, but new coach David Shaw has a loaded squad this year, and the Cardinal seem to be on a crash course to the Pac-10 title with the Oregon Ducks. Come December, the winner of this conference should be on their way to a National Championship game.

5.) Florida State Seminoles (ACC)

            The only team on this years list that was nowhere near the top five last year is the Florida State Seminoles. Head coach Jimbo Fischer has the Seminoles ready to go this season, and after several years of great recruiting, the Seminoles look to be on their way to the first BCS bowl berth in the post Bobby Bowden era. Quarterback EJ Manuel takes over for former starter Christian Ponder (Minnesota Vikings), but the rest of the roster is stacked with 5 star prospects. Sitting in a relatively easy division, the Seminoles should be on their way to a very successful season in 2011. 

MLB: National League MVP Race

A little while ago we here at The Jockstrap gave our top 5 in the American League MVP race (as of late August). Now, its time to take a look at the National League race; which includes two members of the brew crew, an injured Metropolitan, and a stellar young shortstop from Colorado.

1.) Ryan Braun, Brewers OF (25 HR, 85 RBI, .330 AVG, 29 Steals)

            For years, the Milwaukee Brewers have been good one season, to poor the next. This year, the Brewers are playing great, late season baseball led by outfielder Ryan Braun. Braun, 27, is having his best all around season of his young 5 year career. Batting .330 and driving out 25 homeruns thus far, Braun has the Brewers in the drivers seat of the competitive NL Central. Much like Adrian Gonzalez in Boston, Braun is benefited with hitting in front of another MVP candidate in Prince Fielder, but the threat Braun provides in the lineup and on the base paths (29 steals) has this young superstar in the forefront of the NL MVP race.

2.) Prince Fielder, Brewers 1B (28 HR, 100 RBI, .298 AVG, .529 SLG%)

            Ryan Braun is not the only 27-year-old superstar on the Brewers this season. Prince Fielder, Milwaukee’s first baseman, is having yet another monster season. The 28 homeruns is not a surprise, but Fielders 30 doubles is five short of a career high, and were only at the end of August. Fielder has been the clubhouse leader of the Brewers this season, and its paying off dividends for the team. With free agency looming, Fielder could add on a few more million to that upcoming contract with a shiny MVP trophy after a strong finish this season.

3.) Joey Votto, Reds 1B (24 HR, 84 RBI, .328 AVG, 94 Walks)

            Could Joey Votto win a second straight NL MVP this season? His stats are not as eye popping as they were last season, but the 24 round trippers accompanied with an outstanding .328 batting average puts Votto once again in the conversation. One thing that may be holding Votto back this season is the Reds performance in the pennant race, as they currently stand 13 games back in the division and 13.5 in the wild card. However, with two Brewers at the top of the list, a splitting of the votes between them could allow Votto or any of the other candidates to steal this race.

4.) Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies SS (26 HR, 89 RBI, .305 AVG, .546 SLG%)

            Another season, another strong stat line from “Tulo”. Tulowitzki has been a bright spot on a poor Rockies team this season, on his way to his second career 30 HR season. The .305 batting average is down .10 points from last season, but the 89 RBI’s are right on par with an “average” Troy Tulowitzki season. With the Rockies pretty much out of the pennant race, Tulo can help his own cause by continuing to drive in runs and knock out homers.

5.) Jose Reyes, Mets SS (5 HR, 37 RBI, .336 AVG, 16 Triples)

            Before the all-star break, Jose Reyes was the talk of the country. After missing the majority of last season, there were questions about how Reyes was going to be able to perform and stay healthy throughout a 162 game season. He quickly showed that his caliber of play never wavered. Leading the league with 16 triples, Reyes has been the spark plug for a bad Mets team this season. Despite an injury in the start of the summer, Reyes has remained in the MVP conversation because of his staggering batting average and 35 steals. If it weren’t for that very same injury, Reyes could have been sitting at the top of this list instead of the bottom.

Honorable Mentions: Roy Halladay (Phillies RHP), Matt Kemp (Dodgers OF), Justin Upton (Diamondbacks OF)

A Viking, a Titan, a Panther, and Jaguar: Oh My! Which Rookie Quarterback Will Have the Greatest Impact in 2011?

This past April, four different teams drafted quarterbacks in the first round; the Jaguars, Panthers, Titans, and Vikings. The Panthers were the first team to make such a move, picking Auburn product Cam Newton with the number one overall selection. The Titans followed suit, selecting Jake Locker out of Washington with the 8^th overall pick. Blaine Gabbert (Missouri) and Christian Ponder (Florida State) rounded out the first round quarterbacks, going 10^th and 12^th, respectively. All four quarterbacks are currently viewed as future starters for their respected teams, but unlike years past (Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman, Mark Sanchez, and Matthew Stafford) none are guaranteed starting jobs. So, the question is, which of the four rookies are poised to make the greatest impact this season?

The clear cut most athletic of the group is Cam Newton. Newton posses a combination of speed, size, and power that the NFL has never seen at the quarterback position. During his lone season at Auburn, Cam dazzled fans with a rocket arm combined with the running style of a tailback (with size of a linebacker). Standing at 6 foot 5 and 248 pounds, Newton is a physical specimen. However, Newton is not without critics. Scouts believe that Newton may not have the pocket presence or mental makeup that are critical to producing a quality NFL quarterback. Also, anyone who watched the “Gruden QB Camp” on ESPN knows that Newton does not seem to be among the most intellectually gifted. Going into this season, Newton has the best chance at starting right out of the gate as he battles with second year quarterback Jimmy Clausen for the QB1 position. Newton looked decent in his three pre-season appearances, but Clausen does have the experience factor going for him. Another knock against Newton’s chances of having the greatest impact this season is the team he plays with. The Carolina Panthers were awarded the #1 draft pick last season for a reason, they were awful. The offense, though not lacking in star power with DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith, was abysmal. Other than Smith, the Panthers have no viable options at wide receiver. Newton, or whoever is the week 1 starter, will benefit from the addition of veteran tight end Greg Olsen, however.

Entering the 2010 NFL Draft, many scouts believed that Washington University’s Jake Locker had a chance to be the first overall selection (that honor went to St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford). However, Locker chose to stay at school for his senior year and probably lost millions in the process. Locker struggled this past season as he saw his accuracy and decision making take a free fall. However, the Tennessee Titans still thought highly enough of Locker as they made him the 8^th overall selection in the ’11 draft. Locker is gifted with speed and strength to go along with one of the strongest arms in football. Entering the season, Locker is #2 on the depth chart behind veteran free agent addition Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck is an established starter in the league, but his age and injury history are a reason to think that Locker might get to see valuable playing time this season. If Chris Johnson ends his holdout and does in fact play for the Titans this season, accompanied with Hasselbeck showing his age, Locker could have an opportunity to do great things for the Titans this year.

The third quarterback selected in the first round of this years draft is the one that many scouts believe to be the most “NFL ready”; Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert slipped in the draft a tad to the Jaguars at the 10^th spot, partly because of the only QB needy teams in the top 9 going elsewhere (Buffalo elected to go with Von Miller, and the Titans chose Locker over Gabbert). In watching the preseason games this summer, Gabbert shows great knowledge for the game and tremendous footwork in the pocket. However, the one thing standing in his way from running the Jacksonville offense is veteran David Garrard. Garrard has spent the last few seasons as the captain and quarterback to the Jaguars, but his age is evident in his play. Although the Jaguars have a good core with running back Maurice Jones-Drew, they have never been able to make that next step in the AFC South. With division rivals Houston and Indianapolis both primed and reloaded, the fans in Jacksonville could be in for a long, losing season. If this is the case, look for Gabbert to emerge as the starter by midseason, taking the remainder of the games to showcase his skills and give a glimpse into the future of the Jaguars.

The fourth, and most unexpected, quarterback to be taken in the first round was Florida State’s own Christian Ponder. Ponder was selected 12^th overall by the Vikings after predecessor Brett Favre retired(?) in the off season. When the Vikings selected Ponder, it was presumed that new head coach Leslie Frasier had taken Ponder on to be the starter. However, after the lockout ended and free agency began, the Vikings made a move for former Eagles and Redskins quarterback, Donovon McNabb. With McNabb onboard and a ready to win team, Ponder likely will not see much playing time this season. If McNabb falls to injury or poor performance like he did in Washington, Ponder may get a chance to be the starter, but his job will be to primarily hand the ball off to the Vikings all-world running back Adrian Peterson.

With this in mind, the most obvious choice for biggest impact among the four rookie first round quarterbacks is the Panthers Cam Newton. Newton has shown this preseason that he is a little raw, but also that his athletic ability is greater than that of Jimmy Clausen. Look for Newton to be named the starter for week 1, and to have the Panthers compete in several of their games. Among this years class, I see no Sam Bradford or Mark Sanchez, don’t look for any of the four quarterbacks to lead their teams to the playoffs. However, I do believe that Newton will perform well for the Panthers, as they go through a rebuilding year under first year head coach Ron Rivera. His weapons on offense with a presumably healthy DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith, and slot receiver Armani Edwards give the Panthers offense a lot of speed and a lot of power. As for the other quarterbacks, look for Jake Locker to make a significant impact with the Titans later on in the season, when the playoff hopes are dashed and Hasselbeck is ultimately replaced. In the cases of Gabbert and Ponder, look for them to make their own marks in the 2012 season. 

MLB: American League MVP Race

With the dog days of August coming to a close and October on the horizon, various Major League Baseball races are beginning to heat up. Among them is the race for the American League Most Valuable Player trophy. Below is a list of the top five candidates for the honor, and how they stack up against each other as September looms.

1.) Curtis Granderson, Yankees CF (36 HR, 103 RBI, .278 AVG, 119 Runs)

            Before the start of the season, Granderson figured in as the 6^th hole hitter in the stacked Yankees lineup. Since then, Granderson has put together an amazing season while manning the sacred centerfield for New York. Although Granderson is benefited by hitting in front of Mark Texiera and Alex Rodriguez, he has been one of the pivotal reasons why the Yankees are once again one of the best teams in baseball. Even with injuries to Rodriguez and an early season slump from Derek Jeter, the Yankees have remained neck and neck with the Boston Red Sox in the race for the AL East crown; and Granderson’s league leading 103 RBI’s are a huge reason for that.

2.) Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox 1B (23 HR, 102 RBI, .348 AVG, 181 Hits)

            This past off season the Red Sox made the biggest splash in baseball in landing the power hitting Gonzalez from the Padres in a trade for prospects (Anthony Rizzo?!?). With the help of the Green Monster at Fenway Park, the opposite field specialist has been able to amass a career high in hits and the leagues top batting average. The only thing that is separating Gonzalez and Granderson in a (literally) neck and neck race for MVP is Gonzalez’s power numbers. Stay tuned to this race because it could actually come down to which team wins the AL East and which secedes to the Wild Card that decides this years MVP winner.

3.) Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 2B (16 HR, 69 RBI, .307 AVG, 24 Steals)

            Pedroia, the Red Sox scrappy second baseman and former MVP winner is once again in the race for the leagues top performer. This season Pedroia is seeing an increase in steals and walks while still hitting plenty of home runs and doubles at the top of the Red Sox order. Pedroia’s season may be slightly overshadowed by that of teammate Adrian Gonzalez, but don’t be surprised to see Pedroia make a late season push for MVP as the Red Sox battle it out with the Yankees for the AL East.

4.) Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox CF (23 HR, 81 RBI, .312 AVG, 162 Hits)

            Four spots down the list and we have our third Boston player. After missing all but 18 games last season due to injury, the 27 year old Red Sox outfielder has put together a career year. His 23 home runs is 14 more than his previous career high as are his 81 RBIs. Similar to Pedroia, Ellsbury’s monster season is being overshadowed by Gonzalez’s, but the young centerfielder should not be overlooked; a dual threat outfielder is hard to come by, and the Red Sox seem to have the best of the bunch.

5.) Justin Verlander, Tigers P (19-5, 2.28 ERA, 212 SO, 0.878 WHIP)

            Verlander, Detroits ace starting pitcher, is cruising to his first career Cy Young award, and he still could steal the MVP from the four position players in the race. The Tigers All-Star is having a dream season, with 19 wins before the first day of September (and his second career no hitter to boot), Verlander has steamrolled the competition night in and night out. Unfortunately, the MVP voters have historically veered away from pitchers when deciding who gets the award. However, with a strong finish and 22+ wins, Verlander could still become the first pitcher to win the MVP since Dennis Eckersley did it for the Oakland Athletics in 1992 (Eckersley finished that season with a 7-1 record and 51 saves that season).

Honorable Mentions: Jose Bautista

Is Peyton Manning the Most Valuable Player in the NFL? Yes.

As the 2011 NFL season draws closer and closer, the biggest story out there is the health of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning, who has started 208 regular season games in a row since his rookie debut in 1998, is battling back to the gridiron after neck surgery in the off season. Most NFL fans would be quick to bet money in the off season that Manning would be the starter on opening day (9/11 @ Houston), however this past Tuesday the Colts went out and signed veteran quarterback Kerry Collins as an insurance policy in case that Manning’s rehab was not going as previously thought.

The signing of Collins has sent a shockwave throughout the sports world, with many media outlets speculating that not only will Manning’s consecutive start streak end on week 1, but also that the “Manning Era” for the Colts was coming to an end. It is this thought that has gotten me thinking, is Peyton Manning the most valuable player in the NFL?

 ***

To answer this, you first have to look at the team around Manning. Throughout his career, Manning has played with great players such as Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai. Although these players have all put up great numbers throughout their respected careers, they would have been nothing without Manning. James benefited as a running back from defenses playing against the pass, and the lethal Manning play-action-fake gave James an extra step on defenders when he actually did touch the ball.

Marvin Harrison, the third member of the Colts early 2000s dynastic three-headed monster never even landed with another team after leaving Indianapolis in 2008. Manning has taken undrafted free agents like Pierre Garcon and turned them into pro bowl caliber receivers. This is not a knock against the skills of Garcon or any of the other previously mentioned players, its just proof that Manning makes the people around him that much better.

The most perfect way to determine how valuable a player is to a team is by seeing how the team does without that player (try saying that 5x fast). There is not much regular season data to determine what the Colts would be like without Peyton Manning, but just look at how Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky did running the offense throughout this pre-season. Also, if you want a small sample of regular season data, the quarter and a half of football Painter played against the Jets in week 16 of 2009 (4-11 for 44 yards and an interception). If that’s not convincing enough, take the 141-67 (.678) record the Colts have amassed since 1998 (not to mention those two Super Bowl appearances [1-1]).

Opposing NFL fans will be quick to pull the trigger and say that Tom Brady is a better quarterback than Manning (that’s a whole other article in itself). However, there is just no way that Brady is more valuable to his team than Manning. After Brady injured his knee and missed all but two quarters of the 2008 season, Matt Cassel stepped in and led the Patriots to an 11-5 record and near playoff birth. Now, I’m not going anywhere saying that Cassel and Brady are on the same level, but the Patriots sans quarterback have a better team than the Colts, with the likes of Wes Welker and (then) Randy Moss, which greatly helped Cassel and Brady succeed even greater as quarterbacks. Put 2008-Matt Cassel on the Colts with wide receivers like Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzalez, and even Reggie Wayne and he is not coming close to 11 wins.

Whether the “Manning Era” ends this season or four more from now, he will still go down as one of the top 3 best quarterbacks in the history of football. Because of Manning, the Colts put together the best record in football from 2000-2010, they won one Super Bowl in two tries, and he’s made pro bowlers out of players named James, Harrison, and Addai. He has the stats and the trophies, but when it is all said and done Peyton Manning will be able to say that he was also the most valuable player in the NFL for the years that he played. Now, whose excited for the Kerry Collins-led 2011 Indianapolis Colts! Week one can’t come soon enough. 

NAME CHANGE

"The Sports Pouch" has officially changed its name to, after endless deliberation, "The Jockstrap". The name may have changed but the content of the website will remain the same...stick around for new posts on fantasy football, sports betting, Peyton Manning and more!

The Top Five Moments from "The Wire"

The Wire is the best show you never heard of. If there was a hall of fame for TV Shows that no one ever watched, The Wire and Friday Night Lights would be first ballot selections. Below are the top 5 greatest moments from The Wire, so if you know the show you will appreciate the clips, and if you don’t know the show then you should probably watch the clips then Netflix the first season (Videos courtesy of YouTube.com). 

5.) McNulty and Bunk: The F*ck Scene

If your familiar with The Wire then you already know that McNulty and Bunk make up the best cop tandem in the history of television. Seriously, the history of television. Watch this clip as they spend an entire scene uttering one word at a crime scene.

4.) Omar Little in the Courthouse

“Oh shit, dat man Omar comin’!” Omar Little may be the best character in the history of television. Watch here as Omar is cross examined by gang lawyer Maurice Levinson in a murder trial. The man created swagger.

 3.) Deangelo Teaches the Hoppers Chess

If you know The Wire, you know the tragic story of Deangelo Barksdale. This scene is great forshadowing for the entire show, and it gives you a look into what real life drug dealing is about. You got the King, and then the pawns. Also, it teaches you a little bit about chess…which is nice.

2.) Bubbles’ Sobriety Speech at NA

The character of Bubbles is one that will live on in television history for the rest of our days. He’s a character that will make your heart warm and have you screaming at the TV at the same time. Watch here as Bubs gives his speech on sobriety to his NA group and try not to cry.

1.) Avon and Stringer on the Balcony

Avon Barksdale and Stringer Bell are the Batman and Robin, Stockton and Malone, Kobe and Shaq (most fittingly) of the Baltimore drug game. Best friends since their youth, Stringer and Avon represent the business and gangster ends of the drug dealing spectrum. This scene shows their last interaction together, a chilling moment in which you realize that you’re watching two brothers say good bye to each other.

Honorable Mention:

Senator Clay Davis. Shiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttt.

Tweet of the Day

The first annual Sports Pouch Tweet of the Day belongs to "Captain Pajamas" (@CaptainPajamas)

@CaptainPajamas: The Carter 4 going around faster than Rick Ross and Precious sharing a KFC Family Bucket

SF Giants Claim Heath Bell off Waivers

According to reports, the San Francisco Giants have claimed Heath Bell off of waivers from the San Diego Padres. Bell, the all star closer for the Padres, would give the Giants great depth in the bullpen as they continue there quest for a second straight World Series championship. Bell’s 2011 numbers, courtesy of BaseballReference.com: 3-4 record with a 2.55 ERA and 35 saves. Bell would presumably step in for injured closer Brian Wilson until the playoffs, where the two would provide a lethal 1-2 punch in the San Francisco bullpen. 

No Comparison: Sports Fans Never Ending Quest for the Next Best Thing

Comparisons are everywhere. In dating, a man will never stop comparing his girlfriend to other girls that are out there. If you go out to eat, you’ll end the night comparing the steak you just had to the best one you ever touched; whether it pales in comparison or takes the cake. Comparisons are especially prevalent in sports. No matter how satisfied sports fans are with a team, player, or coach; they will compare them to a figure more prestigious than the latter. But why do we do this?

Why cant fans just be happy with the performance that they are getting from their athletes. Basketball fans are always jumping the shark searching for the next Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant barely had enough time to cherish his first championship before the comparisons began. “Will he be better than Jordan? Well Jordan was a much better defender and teammate! Yeah but Kobe is an athletic freak!” Lebron James heard the MJ talk before he even had chest hair.

Each year, ESPN magazine has a special “Next” issue, profiling athletes that are projected to be the “next great” figures in their respected sports. Larry Fitzgerald, Joba Chamberlain, Matt Barkley and Sebastian Telfair have all been on this list. ESPN or any other sports mind has no idea what these kids are going to become, but they still compare them to former greats. No longer can an athlete burst onto the scene and be left alone. A rookie wide receiver with great hands and explosive speed will be called the next Randy Moss. A high school pitcher with a blistering fastball and pinpoint command? He is subsequently anointed as the next Roger Clemens (see Phil Hughes). Even established greats like Alex Rodriguez, Kobe Bryant, and Aaron Rodgers are still being slapped with comparisons. Will A-Rod ever be as great a hitter as Mickey Mantle? Can Kobe put it together and beat Jordan in championships? Will Aaron Rodgers go down as a better quarterback than Brett Favre?

It doesn’t matter that players like Kobe and A-Rod are great in their own right, fans need to compare them to players of past generations. Is it fun to do? Yes, it’s a great topic to argue for hours over with friends. Ask a Patriots fan if they think that there will ever be another Tom Brady, they will talk until their blue in the face defending their quarterback. However, the comparison game needs to stop. Fans need to know that there will never be another Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, or Jim Brown. Ask any athlete in the pros right now if they really want to be the next Michael Jordan. Why not just end the comparison games and say that Lebron James is not the next MJ, he’s just the first Lebron. Propose this idea to any fan in an argument and they might go quiet and let the conversation die for a while. Then, like clockwork, in 10 years after James and Bryant have moved on from the game an up and coming, athletic guard will burst onto the NBA scene like wild fire. He’ll have fans across the country and endorsement deals through the roof. But every sportscast and blog post will be the same, is Player X the next Michael Jordan, or by then will it be the next Lebron James? Only time will tell. 

Offical Sports Pouch NFL 2011 Predictions: Road to Indianapolis

(* indicates Wild Card winners)

AFC EAST

New England- 13-3

New York- 12-4*

Buffalo- 7-9

Miami- 5-11

AFC SOUTH

Houston- 10-6

Indianapolis- 9-7

Tennessee- 6-10

Jacksonville- 5-11

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh- 11-5

Baltimore- 10-6*

Cleveland- 8-8

Cincinnati- 5-11

AFC WEST

San Diego- 10-6

Kansas City- 9-7

Oakland- 6-10

Denver- 2-14

NFC EAST

Philadelphia- 14-2

Dallas- 9-7

New York- 8-8

Washington- 3-13

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans- 11-5

Atlanta- 10-6*

Tampa Bay- 9-7

Carolina- 6-10

NFC NORTH

Green Bay- 13-3

Minnesota- 10-6*

Detroit- 9-7

Chicago- 7-9

NFC WEST

St. Louis- 10-6

Arizona- 8-8

Seattle- 6-10

San Francisco- 4-12

AFC PLAYOFFS: WILD CARD ROUND

New York Jets defeat San Diego Chargers

Baltimore Ravens defeat Houston Texans

AFC PLAYOFFS: DIVISIONAL ROUND

New York Jets defeat Pittsburgh Steelers

New England Patriots defeat Baltimore Ravens

AFC PLAYOFFS: CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

New York Jets defeat New England Patriots

NFC PLAYOFFS: WILD CARD ROUND

New Orleans Saints defeat Minnesota Vikings

Atlanta Falcons defeat St. Louis Rams

NFC PLAYOFFS: DIVISIONAL ROUND

Green Bay Packers defeat Atlanta Falcons

Philadelphia Eagles defeat New Orleans Saints

NFC PLAYOFFS: CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Green Bay Packers defeat Philadelphia Eagles

SUPER BOWL XLVI

New York Jets defeat Green Bay Packers

What in the World is Wrong with AJ Burnett? 5 Theories from a Yankee Fan

Before the 2009 MLB season, pitcher AJ Burnett signed an $80 million deal with the New York Yankees after pitching very well for the Toronto Blue Jays and Florida Marlins before that. However, in his career with the Yankees Burnett has posted brutal numbers, racking up a 32-34 record with a 4.72 ERA in 92 games (stats courtesy of BaseballReference.com). Here are a few theories as to why AJ has gone AWOL in New York.

5.) AJ Burnett is Bipolar 

            Since joining the Yankees Burnett has been a roller coaster on an off the field. In 2010 he showed up to the ballpark with a huge black eye, and then in 2011 in an attempt to reverse his mojo he dyed his hair bleach blonde (looking strikingly similar to Draco Malfoy) only to shave his head before his next start. Watching him on the mound is like watching a tourettes patient go grocery shopping; cool, calm and collected one pitch to flailing around before the next.

4.) Burnett is sleeping with Minka Kelly

            Think about this. Burnett’s problems started with the Yankees at around the same time that star captain Derek Jeter started a public relationship with actress Minka Kelly. My theory: AJ has been sleeping around with Minka behind Derek’s back, and the fear of being outed in this scandalous relationship has him going bonkers on the mound. Every pitch he’s looking over his shoulder at the shortstop position, wondering when the day will be where Derek and his army of Yankee purists storm the field and attack Burnett with World Series rings and foam fingers. 

3.) Burnett is a Double Agent Working for the Red Sox

            In 2008, the race for Burnett came down to the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox (as so many free agency races do). My theory is that Boston GM Theo Epstein offered AJ Burnett more backdoor money to sign with the Yankees and suddenly implodes as a starting pitcher. Epstein knew that Joe “Binder” Girardi would never take a pitcher out of the rotation who was making so much money. In an effort to defeat the evil empire, Epstein planted Burnett deep inside the Yankees, where he is now being used as sleeper cell taking the Yankees down from the inside. Think I’m crazy? Burnett’s stats against Boston in the last 3 seasons: 1-6 with a 4.70 ERA.

2.) Burnett is Joe Girardi’s Illegitimate Son

            AJ Burnett signed with the Yankees in 2009 and pitched well for them on their way to the franchises 27^th World Series title. My theory is that after the celebration ended, manager Joe Girardi took AJ aside and informed him that Girardi was his father. The manager did this as a way of taking the weight off his shoulders, hoping that the ecstasy of a World Series ring would erase the years of neglect. Instead, AJ went out in 2010 and 2011 and pitched like a 12-year-old boy who was pissed at his coach/dad. Think about any coach’s son you ever played with; all the talent in the world but when Daddy pisses them off they go bananas. This also explains why Girardi has been so adamant about leaving AJ in the rotation with a starting job.

1.) AJ Burnett is Just Not That Good

            Na, nothing is ever that simple in sports. 

Unwavering Passion: Life of a New York Jets Fan

           Upon meeting new people, whether it be at parties or on a college campus, one of the first things people ask me is, “Whose your team?”. My answer is the same each time. First, I inform my new peer that I support the New York Yankees, a franchise lathered in championships and a rich history of winning. People look at me with either disgust because my team wins more than they do, or with respect that I pull for such a winner. Then, however, the landscape of the conversation changes when they say, “What about football?”. I take a deep breath, bracing myself for the undeniable response of “What the hell, why?!?”. I take a quick glance down the ground, look them in the eye and smile. “I am a New York Jets fan.”.

            The responses are always the same. “They’ve never won anything! Well, we won Super Bowl III, you know. Yeah, 40 fucking years ago, sure! Yeah, yeah, but you never know, this year could be the year.” “This year could be the year” has been a common phrase uttered by Jets fans for years now. We know that were the second team in the city. Sure, we never had our own stadium. We heard about the other team in New York, the one with three championships all in the last 25 years. You don’t have to ask us if we have ever heard of the Patriots. Yeah, they created a dynasty after stealing our coach of one hour. Yup, the Jets did draft Chad “Noodle Arm” Pennington over Tom “Golden Boy” Brady in 2000. We know.

            The more intelligent counterpart will bring up the likes of Rich Kotite or Pete Carrol. “How about Blair Thomas! He really turned out better then Emmitt Smith, HA!”. Yup, we did draft Thomas over Smith. We also took Kyle Brady over Dan Marino, not to mention passing up Ed Reed, Troy Polumalu and countless other All-Pro’s. Peyton Manning went back to school instead of going #1 overall to the Jets? I had no clue.

            “The Jets, huh? They did pretty well in the past two AFC Championships…” Yeah, don’t forget being up 10 in 1998 against the Broncos only to have John Elway win that game and then the Super Bowl two weeks later. Bring up the Heidi game against the Raiders in 1968, or the 45-3 debacle against the Patriots in 2010, those always cut deep. “Your quarterback sucks!”, yeah Sanchez did have a 62% completion percentage last year. “Sanchez, didn’t he throw 5 interceptions against the Bills?!” yeah, in his rookie year he did. “Revis is going to leave one day, why would he stay with the Jets?!” Maybe so. “Tomlinson is washed up! Didn’t Gastineau take steroids? Vernon Gholston!”. You can say them all, its not like we haven’t heard them.

            Its all these one liners and complaints by other fans that make Jets fans unique. You think its an accomplishment being a Patriots fan? Try one week as a Jets fan, hell even one draft day. It takes work to be a Jets fan, some people just aren’t cut out for it. It requires a certain level of what some people call stubbornness. Stubbornness that will force you to wake up every Sunday morning from September to February and still put on the green and white. It’s the same stubbornness that will make you defend Sanchez’ passer rating or Rex Ryan’s fetishes. What some people call stubbornness, we call passion.

Find another fan base that will come in season after season of heartbreak only to cheer harder then they did last week. Find a fan base that will deal with being the “little brother” team of the city. Search all you want, you’ll never find a fan base that wears jersey’s with the last name “Chrebet” on them or sings in the crowd saying, “My son was born a Jets fan, I told him that I was so sorry!”. For others, football is a hobby. Something that’s fun to root for and watch on Sunday’s. For us, it’s a full time job that starts in April and usually ends in January. But ask us “Why” and we’ll give you the same answer. Because you never know, maybe this year will be the year. And hey, it could be much worse, its not like were Bills fans. 

Welcome to The Jockstrap

Hello and welcome to The Jockstrap! This blog will be a place to get opinionated posts on the happenings of the sports and entertainment world. Featured on this blog will be my views on the news of several sports teams, including the New York Yankees, New York Jets, New York Giants, New York Knicks, the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, UConn Huskies and much more! My name is Kevin Jarboe, the manager and contributor to The Sports Pouch. I am a second year Journalism student at the University of Connecticut, a resident of Trumbull, CT and die-hard sports fan. Thank you for entering the world of The Jockstrap, and I hope you enjoy what I have to say.