The BIG Question….Texas Football.

I try to be as un-biased as I can be when it comes to making predictions, coverage, etc etc.  I think I do a great job at not being too biased when it comes to my analysis of teams and season predictions, but it is usually pretty easy to tell where I am from (Texas) and what teams I choose to root for (Rangers, Cowboys, Longhorns).  That being said, I was asked the other day how I thought the Longhorns would turn out this season, so here is a game by game breakdown of sorts.  The Horns were horrible last year.  Sure, they beat Texas Tech, Nebraska, Wyoming (I almost listed all their wins) and played Oklahoma and A&M close, but the 2010 Longhorns looked dysfunctional.  A few post season changes (bye Greg Davis and Muschamp) and Texas has a different outlook on life.  Here are the breakdowns, hope you enjoy, and Hookem.

Rice:  This will be a blowout, but not by much.  Garrett Gilbert will PROBABLY be the starter in the opener, but watch out for Connor Wood.  As I said, Texas will win, but it will look a lot like 2010.  One change?  The game is IN Austin, not Houston like years past. My Pick:  W

BYU:  Interesting game.  If Texas is TRULY trying to become an elite team again, this game will be a definite win.  Of course, that was said last  year against UCLA, Baylor, etc etc.  BYU is always a well coached, well prepared team.  Something that Texas was not last year.  This one will be close.  My Pick:  W

@ UCLA:  The UCLA game last year is when the problems started.  The Bruins GASHED the Longhorn defense.  This year, the only BIG difference is that the game is in California.  Another close game that could go either way, especially in pre-season.  My Pick:  W

@Iowa State:  Texas was embarrassed last year by the Cyclones, and will be unhappy about it this year.  I honestly think the Horns will get their first big blowout of the season in Ames.  My Pick:  W

Oklahoma (in Dallas):  There are some years where this game is a complete blowout (2000, 2005) and some where this one is close, no matter the rankings (2010, 2009, 1997).  Oklahoma is a pre-season top 3 team, while Texas is probably unranked.  That doesn’t matter in this rivalry, but the talent does.  My Pick:  L

Oklahoma State:  Oklahoma State FINALLY beat the Longhorns after years of frustration in 2010.  The Cowboy offense is great, the defense is questionable (same old song).  If the Longhorns can get the offense going (hello Gilbert) then this should be a fun one to watch. If not, trouble.  The game IS in Austin again, which could sway my pick later, especially after seeing the way the Horns are playing.  My Pick:  L

Kansas:  Easy, my prediction:  PAIN.  Texas doesn’t have an easy schedule, but it isn’t a top 10 most difficult either.  This is another blowout for Texas this year.  My Pick:  W

Texas Tech:  Is every game in Austin this year?  This game is always fun and this year will be no different.  Texas Tech is down this year, and the game is in Austin.  My Pick:  W

@ Missouri:  Another interesting game that I have NO clue about.  It helps that the game is in Missouri, but the Tigers lost a lot from last year.  My Pick:  W

Kansas State:  It is hurtful to go back and look at games from last year, but Kansas State lost some talent from last year as well.  This one will be close.  My Pick:  W

@ Texas A&M:  Just like the ou game, this one is never decided on paper.  A&M is a fashionable pick this year as far as Big 12 title contenders goes.  I don’t know if I buy it, but they also scare me.  The game being at Kyle Field never helps.  My Pick:  L

@ Baylor:  The Bears beat the Longhorns last year after losing 58 games in a row to the Longhorns (not accurate).  While they have talent, I think things get back to normal in the series, meaning Texas wins big.  My Pick:  W

2011 Regular Season Record prediction:  9-3

So there you have it, my pre-season outlook for the Longhorns is a 9 win season and a pretty good bowl game.  Of course, things may change after actually seeing the Longhorns play a few times.  The key is QB play (may not even be G. Gilbert) and stopping the HUGE plays that were given up last year on defense.

 

MLB Awesome Rankings #9

Let’s get down to it, some things have stayed the same, some things have really changed.  I mentioned on Twitter to Jeff Clark (@jbclark9) that the Rangers “needed to put something together to crack the top 10″.  Well, they have done that winning 11 games in a  row.  The JWSB has influence like no other I guess.  Here is the latest installment of the JWSBBAR:

1.  Boston Red Sox (58-36):  I think the Red Sox are pretty interchangeable with the Phillies, but I just wanted something new at the top.  One reason I have vaulted the Sox into the first position, is the 9-1 record over their last 10 games.  The Phillies?  6-4.

2.  Philadelphia Phillies (59-36):  As mentioned, the Phillies are still one of the best teams in baseball, but the Red Sox have been a bit more impressive lately.  Halladay is coming off a bad loss the the Cubs, and a bit of exhaustion.  Should be fine though.

3.  Texas Rangers (55-41):  Quite a jump.  It is hard to deny that the Rangers are the hottest team in baseball, because well, they are.  Winners of 11 in a row and a four game lead in the West.  If the pitching can stay this good and consistent, the Rangers will make a deep playoff run.

4.  San Francisco Giants (56-41):  The Giants and Carlos Beltran have been linked in trade rumors, which would be a HUGE boost to this lineup.  Even though San Fran has done well with what seems to be a “lacking” power lineup, an addition like Beltran to the lineup would be significant.  The pitching staff is still one of the best.

5.  Atlanta Braves (57-39):  In my opinion, the least respected team in the Majors.  The offense has had great contributions from youngsters, and the pitching staff, including the bullpen is one of the best in the majors.  Rookies Freddie Freeman and Chad Kimbrel have been fun to watch.

6.  New York Yankees (56-37):  With the 3,000 watch over, the Yankees are focused on one thing, the playoffs.  Just like always though, the Yankees are also looking to make big moves at the trade deadline.  Expect something to go down to help the Yankees rotation, with Ubaldo Jimenez being the main target.

7.  Pittsburgh Pirates (50-44):  The Pirates haven’t been in first place this late since 1992.  I was in 7th grade.  Wow.  18 consecutive losing seasons in a row could be coming to an end.  While six games above .500 is not the 2001 Mariners, it is a big change in Pittsburgh.  Lets all hope the Bucs can stay in the race.

8.  Arizona Diamondbacks (52-44):  Another big surprise in the National league.  Just 3.5 games out in the NL West at the time of this post, the D-backs have done it with a young nucleus of stars.  The pitching hasn’t been great, but the defense and offense has done enough, lead by Justin Upton and Chris Young.

9.  St. Louis Cardinals (50-45):  Trying to catch the Pirates..did you think you would hear that this year?  Albert Pujols started this season slow, but is starting to get warmer as the temperature rises.  20 hrs and a 278 average aren’t normal numbers for him, but watch them rise as the Cards make a move in the Central.

10.  Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim California and the Surrounding Areas (51-45):  There are a couple of teams that could sneak in here (Brewers, Rays, Twins) but the upcoming series with the Rangers will show where BOTH teams need to be.  Dan Haren and Jared Weaver COULD give the Angels an edge in the series.

Bottom Four:

1a.  Houston Astros (31-65):  20 games out in the Central, and lucky it isn’t 35.   Rumors are they are shopping Hunter Pence, which I am against.  He is Houston baseball right now.

1b.  Seattle Mariners (43-58):  In my haste to finish this blog post, I forgot to mention the Mariners.  At the time, the losing streak was JUST 9 games, now we are at 15.  Whoa.

2.  Baltimore Orioles (38-55):  2-8 in their last 10.  The Orioles could be making moves at the trade dead line, but not in a good way.   Lots of talent here, but no real pitching.

3.  Kansas City Royals (38-58):  The next JWSB team.  I don’t remember the last time the Royals had a “good” team.  They seem like a AAA team for all the other teams that want their young talent.  Eric Hosmer is fun to watch, hopefully he is a Royal a long time.

4.  Chicago Cubs (39-58):  I want the Cubs to be good, I really do.  Starlin Castro is a nice young piece of the puzzle, but once again, the pitching is subject.  Carlos Marmol will probably get moved, if anyone wants him.

 

First Half Baseball Awards and Musings.

What a first half of the 2011 MLB season.  There have been great plays, great games and great teams.  Here are the first half awards:

American League 1st Half MVP:  Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox- At the break, Gonzalez was hitting .354 with 17 homeruns and 77 rbi.  Without a doubt the best hitter in the first half of the season.  Amazing that the Red Sox started off so badly, now they are one of the teams to beat in the American League, mainly because of Gonzalez.  (Just missed:  Curtis Granderson, Asdrubal Cabrera)

National League 1sst Half MVP:  Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers- The Brew Crew have been some what of a surprise this season, staying near the top of the NL Central.  Prince Fielder has been a BIG reason why, pun intended.  Fielder batted .297 with 22 homeruns and 72 rbi in the first half of the season.  The Brewers just traded for Francisco Rodriguez and with Fielder’s help, they should make a run to the playoffs.  (Just missed:  Jose Reyes, Brian McCann, Ryan Howard)

American League 1st Half Cy Young Winner:  Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers- Verlander is a work horse that has the Tigers in playoff contention.  Verlander sported a 2.15 ERA, 12-4 record and 147 strikeouts.  Don’t overlook his .188 opponents batting average.  Unreal.  If that wasn’t enough for you, Verlander had a no hitter this year.  (Just missed:  C.C. Sabathia, Jared Weaver)

National League 1st Half Cy Young Winner:  Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies really had two nominees for this award, but Halladay is the first choice.  11-3 record in the first half, 2.45 ERA with 138 K’s.  Don’t forget the start in the All Star game.  Halladay is part of an amazing staff in Philly, and he is the head of the class.  (Just missed:  Cole Hamels, Jair Jurrjens)

American League 1st Half Surprise Team:  Cleveland Indians- The Tribe started the season white hot, but have cooled off as time moved on.  Asdrubal Cabrera has been a great leader on the field, and the pitching has been solid.  The Indians have a shot at the playoffs, but will have to hold off the Tigers, and maybe the White Sox.  (Just missed:  Tampa Bay Rays)

National League 1st Half Surprise Team:  Pittsburgh Pirates- The Pirates are the official team of the JWSB until they make the playoffs.  I do realize that could be years.  At the break, the Bucs were just one game behind perennial powerhouses St. Louis and Milwaukee.  No one really expects the Pirates to hang around much longer, no one except this guy.  (Just missed:  Arizona Diamondbacks)

American League 1st Half Rookie of the Year:  Jordan Walden, LA Angels of Anaheim- The Angels were a question mark coming into the season, but Walden has helped them stay in the AL West race.  Walden had 20 saves in the first half of the season, and 41 K’s in 33 innings of work.  (Just missed:  Michael Pineda)

National League 1st Half Rookie of the Year:  Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves- 28 saves in the first half.  Kimbrel is one of many stud arms for the Braves, but he has been very impressive this year.  (Just missed:  Freddie Freeman)

American League 1st Half Best Team:  Boston Red Sox- Not too long ago, we had the Red Sox in the “bottom four” in the Awesome Rankings.  Not anymore.  Adrian Gonzalez is working on his first MVP award and the pitching staff is throwing like they should.  Will be fun to watch the American League East unfold.

National League 1st Half Best Team:  Philadelphia Phillies- If someone would have told you in spring training that the Phillies would have had the best record in baseball at the break, you probably would have believe them.  No real surprise here.

 

 

 

 

Baseball Awesomeness Rankings #8.

I love baseball.  It is the time of year now for baseball and baseball only.  The All- Star game is next week, preceded by the Homerun Derby.  As much flak MLB has taken over the years for their all star game, it is still the best in all of sports.  Not sure who said it, but it is the only all star exhibition that seems to be played like the original version of the game.  Guys are trying their hardest, playing defense and swinging for the fences.  Well, I will get over the Andrew McCutchen snub (.291, 12 hrs, 46 rbi, 52 runs, 15 sb), just long enough to watch the game.  Here are the rankings for early July:

1.  Philadelphia Phillies (55-32):  What surprises me about the Phillies, is that people were not expecting them to run away with this division.  Really?  Even with Oswalt out, their rotation is the best in baseball.  Cole Hamels has been great.  The Phils have the largest lead in the majors, but watch out for Atlanta, they are playing well.

2.  New York Yankees (51-33):  The Captain is back, chasing 3,000.  We are talking about hits here.  I have never been a Jeter fan, but he is one of the greats during my generation.  Hard to deny that.

3.  Atlanta Braves (51-36):  One of the hottest teams in baseball.  The Braves are 8-2 over their last 10, lead by a stellar pitching staff.  If they can’t catch the Phillies, they will be in the hunt for a Wild Card berth.

4.  Boston Red Sox (50-35):  Not sure how long Jon Lester will be out, but this team is still dangerous.  The AL East is always fun to watch, but the Sox-Yankee race to the finish could be epic.  Adrian Gonzalez is still my MVP front runner.

5.  Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim California USA (46-41):  I still don’t know what their name is.  The Angels have been a real surprise this season, lead by Dan Haren and Jared Weaver.

6.  San Francisco Giants (48-39):  My Colorado pick out of the West is looking worse and worse.  The Giants are just a fun team to watch, that is if you like pitching, defense and timely hitting.  Fear the Beard.

7.  St. Louis Cardinals (47-40):  Something about these Cardinals always catches you by surprise.  You can never name most of their lineup, but they keep winning.  Oh yeah, Albert is back today.  Yikes.  Just when the Brewers were my pick to make a huge move, the Cardinals maintain first place.

8.  Pittsburgh Pirates (45-41):  Alright, I may be jumping the gun, but I am excited for the Pirates.  Since I was a young boy, I have chosen teams who were horrible (Patriots, Indians, Braves) and become their “fan”.  Well, the Patriots became dominant, the Braves won a World Series, and so did the Indians.  My team now, the Pirates.  I am on board.  LETS DO THIS!   Oh, and Andrew McCutchen should have been an all star.

9.  Tampa Bay Rays (47-39):  Hidden in the tough AL East, the Rays are hanging tough.  David Price is a stud.  It will be interesting to see how big a part the Rays play in the East, especially as a spoiler to the Sox or Yankees.

10.  Arizona Diamondbacks (47-40):   Great young nucleus out in Arizona.  Justin Upton is the player everyone hoped he would be, and Miguel Montero is a nice young catcher.  The pitching needs to tighten up if they want to stay in the NL West race, but the DBacks have lots of young talent, possible trade bait.

 

Bottom Four (This may never change again):

Houston Astros (29-58):  Lost the Silver Boot, again.  That is like the World Series here in Texas.  Hah.  The ‘Stros are 1-9 over their last 10.

Kansas City Royals (35-51):  Poor Royals.  I may have to start being a “fan” of them soon.  I don’t remember the last time they were good.

L.A. Dodgers (37-50):  Are the Dodgers still playing games?  Do they have any money?  Maybe they should move to Brooklyn…wait.

Chicago Cubs (35-52):  What a mess.  The lovable losers are just that.  I think they sign Pujols next year though.