The latest rumor has the B10 adding MIZZOU, NEB, PITT, RUT and splitting into 4 divisions of 4! Gophers would be with WIS, MICH, MSU...not exactly the best draw, but it would be interesting.
In other news...
Gophers are graduating football players!! Woo-hoo! Scholarship restrictions should be gone once the new results are announced. I can't remember the number, but something like 90% of the seniors this past year.
In even better Gopher news, 9 guys from last year's club have signed an NFL contract! That blows away the Mason numbers from year's past. You have to believe that the caliber of player coming out of the U is getting better on average, so hopefully this will translate into better overall teams and overall records really soon.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Spring Game / Draft Weekend
Just a quick recap from the weekend:
1. NFL Draft - Purple
Chris Cook, I told you...just 4 picks later than I had thought. Too tough to tell how they made out overall, but I have to give Spielman and company the benefit of the doubt. The track record has been pretty good, and they seem to be confident in the players they pick so we'll see what happens over the next season or two. I hate the grading/winners & losers breakdowns, so I'll just say I think they did okay. Nothing jumps out at me as a great choice, but I think everyone they picked could fit a need potentially and have a chance to make the team.
2. SPRING GAME!
Turned into a lovely day out at TCF for the game. I watched when I wasn't tracking down Jace or his yellow Gopher football that he thought he should throw on the ground every 3rd second. Brew summed it up on the radio..."it was good vs. good. we didn't want to show anything because we know MDTN will be studying this for the opener." Really? This is comical. Good vs. Good...IALTO. Now for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
GOOD
- OL looked to be okay. The backs had some room to move around and we ran the ball effectively at times.
- QB, well at least one QB. AWEB looked the best of the 3 and he will clearly be your starter come September.
- Defensive line played pretty well against the run. They didn't have much of a pass rush, which is concerning, but overall I thought they were okay.
- LB depth looks solid. There's a lot of inexperience still in this unit, but I was happy with how most of them looked.
- DB, Lewis, a JUCO transfer, put a huge hit on McKnight which was a surprise to me. I didn't think he would be much of a hitter. I feel okay about our S situation going into the year, especially if/when Theret comes back.
BAD
- I still don't think either of our current backs has any kind of explosiveness. Bennett and Eskridge will be fighting for 3rd or 4th string when the new kids hit campus.
- WR drops were a problem throughout the game. AWEB and the QB's struggle enough without adding a few incompletions due to drops, this was kind of frightening.
UGLY
- #5 is not good at throwing the ball. He did hit a TD pass late in the game from about 38, but the guy was all alone and I think the 3rd string DB was covering. He missed a lot of short throws and threw a pick. He's at his best on the roll out and throwing or running outside of the pocket - if he's going to play we have to do more of this.
- Crowd = less than 5,000...ouch. I know it was a crappy day, or at least looked like it was going to be, but that's a really low number. I think they should be able to draw 10K, but their marketing dept sucks. Seriously, I know the product isn't super great, but promote it - it's college football and people will come!
So the next step is actual Summer practice leading up to the season, and I have to say I'm really not sure what to think of this year's club. I believe the offensive scheme change will be a good thing and we will have a bit of a running game this season...unlike the past 2 years. The defense, despite having basically a whole new group of players on the field, will be fine. Cosgrove is maybe the only sure thing this club has on the staff, can you believe it...a 2nd! year DC on our team!! Woo-hoo! He didn't leave! Brew continues to talk a big game and say all the right things, but this truly is the year where we have to see it. At least 2 victories over good teams might be mandatory with the home schedule they have in order for him to keep a job. We'll learn more on September 2nd when we travel to MDTN to play a pretty nice team on a Thursday night. Right now, I think it could be anywhere from 3 to 8 wins...but regardless, it will be fun.
1. NFL Draft - Purple
Chris Cook, I told you...just 4 picks later than I had thought. Too tough to tell how they made out overall, but I have to give Spielman and company the benefit of the doubt. The track record has been pretty good, and they seem to be confident in the players they pick so we'll see what happens over the next season or two. I hate the grading/winners & losers breakdowns, so I'll just say I think they did okay. Nothing jumps out at me as a great choice, but I think everyone they picked could fit a need potentially and have a chance to make the team.
2. SPRING GAME!
Turned into a lovely day out at TCF for the game. I watched when I wasn't tracking down Jace or his yellow Gopher football that he thought he should throw on the ground every 3rd second. Brew summed it up on the radio..."it was good vs. good. we didn't want to show anything because we know MDTN will be studying this for the opener." Really? This is comical. Good vs. Good...IALTO. Now for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
GOOD
- OL looked to be okay. The backs had some room to move around and we ran the ball effectively at times.
- QB, well at least one QB. AWEB looked the best of the 3 and he will clearly be your starter come September.
- Defensive line played pretty well against the run. They didn't have much of a pass rush, which is concerning, but overall I thought they were okay.
- LB depth looks solid. There's a lot of inexperience still in this unit, but I was happy with how most of them looked.
- DB, Lewis, a JUCO transfer, put a huge hit on McKnight which was a surprise to me. I didn't think he would be much of a hitter. I feel okay about our S situation going into the year, especially if/when Theret comes back.
BAD
- I still don't think either of our current backs has any kind of explosiveness. Bennett and Eskridge will be fighting for 3rd or 4th string when the new kids hit campus.
- WR drops were a problem throughout the game. AWEB and the QB's struggle enough without adding a few incompletions due to drops, this was kind of frightening.
UGLY
- #5 is not good at throwing the ball. He did hit a TD pass late in the game from about 38, but the guy was all alone and I think the 3rd string DB was covering. He missed a lot of short throws and threw a pick. He's at his best on the roll out and throwing or running outside of the pocket - if he's going to play we have to do more of this.
- Crowd = less than 5,000...ouch. I know it was a crappy day, or at least looked like it was going to be, but that's a really low number. I think they should be able to draw 10K, but their marketing dept sucks. Seriously, I know the product isn't super great, but promote it - it's college football and people will come!
So the next step is actual Summer practice leading up to the season, and I have to say I'm really not sure what to think of this year's club. I believe the offensive scheme change will be a good thing and we will have a bit of a running game this season...unlike the past 2 years. The defense, despite having basically a whole new group of players on the field, will be fine. Cosgrove is maybe the only sure thing this club has on the staff, can you believe it...a 2nd! year DC on our team!! Woo-hoo! He didn't leave! Brew continues to talk a big game and say all the right things, but this truly is the year where we have to see it. At least 2 victories over good teams might be mandatory with the home schedule they have in order for him to keep a job. We'll learn more on September 2nd when we travel to MDTN to play a pretty nice team on a Thursday night. Right now, I think it could be anywhere from 3 to 8 wins...but regardless, it will be fun.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
NFL Draft Night
Draft day wouldn't be complete without some kind of commentary or mock draft writeup, so I'll throw together a little of both here for today but keep it to 5 points...need to find a good name for my daily 5 lists...send me a suggestion if you have it.
1. QB's
Taking a QB is a crap shoot, and personally I don't see one sure thing in the mix this season. Bradford has a lot of questions at the top, I really don't think Clausen is NFL level, Tebow is not a QB, and there's a bunch of others that might have some value later in the draft. The guy I like the most is probably Colt McCoy. Character-wise he's a Tebow-lite, I don't think he's performed any circumcisions in foreign countries, but other than that he's got all the same leader qualities. And get this - he can really throw and run and projects to actually be a QB in the NFL. I don't really like him at 30, but I think if you can move to mid-2nd and grab him it would be worth it.
2. PURPLE
What do I think will happen? Well, I think they don't take a QB in R1. If they stay in there and pick someone I would like help at DB (CB and/or S), LB depth, OL depth, backup RB (although I'd like to grab this in R2 or R3), or DT depth. I fully believe in the "best player available" cliche, but please don't take TEBOW or CLAUSEN if they are available at 30. Official prediction...keep the pick and take Chris Cook CB VIR.
3. Local Fellas
I've looked through a couple today, both have the great Bryan Bulaga in the Top 5. Remember the last can't miss Hogeye OL prospect? The great Robert Gallery...I know he went to a horrible franchise, but that just hasn't worked out well. I'm hoping Bulaga fails miserably the same way. Beyond that, it looks like EDECK will be a late 2nd or early 3rd guy. I'm sure he'll go to a good team and be a contributor on a playoff caliber club this season...the typical white guy WR path. Cedric McKinley is supposedly hoping to be picked, hope you're not holding your breath big guy. Triplett is on the radar as the 14th best ILB on one site - he'll be a FA. Simoni will also likely end up as a FA.
4. 6:30 - ???
10 minutes per pick, 32 picks tonight, we pick 30th...how late am I going to have to stay up in order to actually see WTF is going to happen tonight?
I'm guessing 11:02pm the pick will be made...Chris Cook, that's my call.
5. Trades
Of course there is all the trade speculation leading up to the draft like there is every year. Anything worth it for the Purple??? Well, probably not. The team is set for the most part, but we are missing just a few guys to provide some depth and/or be a minor contributor for 2010. I'm guessing if any deals happen with the Purple it is to move out of R1 or up in a later round to grab a guy they love.
Finally - some names I like and wouldn't mind getting in Purple:
Dexter McCluster - RB OLE MISS
Taylor Mays - S USC
Corey Wooton - DE NORTHWESTERN
Eric Norwood - OLB South Carolina
Sean Weatherspoon - OLB MIZZOU
That's all I got - enjoy the festivities!
1. QB's
Taking a QB is a crap shoot, and personally I don't see one sure thing in the mix this season. Bradford has a lot of questions at the top, I really don't think Clausen is NFL level, Tebow is not a QB, and there's a bunch of others that might have some value later in the draft. The guy I like the most is probably Colt McCoy. Character-wise he's a Tebow-lite, I don't think he's performed any circumcisions in foreign countries, but other than that he's got all the same leader qualities. And get this - he can really throw and run and projects to actually be a QB in the NFL. I don't really like him at 30, but I think if you can move to mid-2nd and grab him it would be worth it.
2. PURPLE
What do I think will happen? Well, I think they don't take a QB in R1. If they stay in there and pick someone I would like help at DB (CB and/or S), LB depth, OL depth, backup RB (although I'd like to grab this in R2 or R3), or DT depth. I fully believe in the "best player available" cliche, but please don't take TEBOW or CLAUSEN if they are available at 30. Official prediction...keep the pick and take Chris Cook CB VIR.
3. Local Fellas
I've looked through a couple today, both have the great Bryan Bulaga in the Top 5. Remember the last can't miss Hogeye OL prospect? The great Robert Gallery...I know he went to a horrible franchise, but that just hasn't worked out well. I'm hoping Bulaga fails miserably the same way. Beyond that, it looks like EDECK will be a late 2nd or early 3rd guy. I'm sure he'll go to a good team and be a contributor on a playoff caliber club this season...the typical white guy WR path. Cedric McKinley is supposedly hoping to be picked, hope you're not holding your breath big guy. Triplett is on the radar as the 14th best ILB on one site - he'll be a FA. Simoni will also likely end up as a FA.
4. 6:30 - ???
10 minutes per pick, 32 picks tonight, we pick 30th...how late am I going to have to stay up in order to actually see WTF is going to happen tonight?
I'm guessing 11:02pm the pick will be made...Chris Cook, that's my call.
5. Trades
Of course there is all the trade speculation leading up to the draft like there is every year. Anything worth it for the Purple??? Well, probably not. The team is set for the most part, but we are missing just a few guys to provide some depth and/or be a minor contributor for 2010. I'm guessing if any deals happen with the Purple it is to move out of R1 or up in a later round to grab a guy they love.
Finally - some names I like and wouldn't mind getting in Purple:
Dexter McCluster - RB OLE MISS
Taylor Mays - S USC
Corey Wooton - DE NORTHWESTERN
Eric Norwood - OLB South Carolina
Sean Weatherspoon - OLB MIZZOU
That's all I got - enjoy the festivities!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
June 19th - Golf & Poker
It's official, June 19 will be the date of the all day golf and poker
festival. Details to be worked out, but I'm thinking around 10am,
playing 18 or 27, rolling that into Cards on the porch all evening.
Everyone is welcome-let me know if you can make it. Hoping for 6-10
guys to keep it interesting.
festival. Details to be worked out, but I'm thinking around 10am,
playing 18 or 27, rolling that into Cards on the porch all evening.
Everyone is welcome-let me know if you can make it. Hoping for 6-10
guys to keep it interesting.
Sent from my iPhone
Football Season!!!!!
The Football news is coming fast and furious lately...some of the best of the best:
1. VIKES at GB Sunday Night football OCT 24th...just happens to be Vegas week for 2010!! I think it's safe to say we're staying an extra night and heading out on Monday rather than red-eyeing it this year.
2. GOPHERS games times being announced...here we go:
N.ILL and the OHIOST games will be in Primetime at the Bank on BTN!
We'll know the NW gametime by May 1st, and the SD and USC times by July 1st.
3. NFL DRAFT
This is tomorrow, but the hype just isn't there this year because #1 we're picking 30th and #2 it's in primetime. KFAN picked Tebow this morning for the Purple...if that happens I might have a tough time watching them this season. Seriously, how does that make any sense at all. Get someone who can help you win right now and not be a side show circus for 2 years before being the worst Purple QB since the Spurgeon Wynn Experience. It's tough to predict who will be there at 30, but I'm hoping/believing all this Tebow steam is just a smokescreen in hopes that they can get someone to trade up to get him and allow them to trade out because they actually don't like anyone in that spot. We'll see tomorrow night.
4. Baseball picks are slowing down...broke even last night, which has been the case for the last few days. It's getting a little tougher to predict I guess. Maybe I'll have to switch to the NBA/NHL playoffs....and lose all of them instead of only 1/2 of them! I'm switching over to full-on football mode already, MLB held my interest for about a month...but it's time to start some football prep work. When do you get ready for a street fight, you have to start getting ready right now.
Finally, the final topic of the Daily 5...VEGAS baby VEGAS! As mentioned above the date for this year is OCT 22-23-24 returning on the morning of the 25th (Monday). I've talked to a few of you already, but I want to send this out as an open invite to anyone who is willing to come and watch sports, gamble your ass off, and drink until you can't see. I'll be booking in mid-summer for some of us, but I'm not putting 12 Vegas trips on my card, that could be a bad thing. Once we are locked in, and if you're still up in the air, I will send out our plan and you can feel free to book your own or together with another group and hook up with us out in Vegas. It's an amazingly good time - cost just depends on what you plan on gambling with...average trip is usually about $500 for all accommodations.
I'd love to have a large group to join in the "Who Hates Iowa!" chant this season...3 of us last year, but I'm hoping for at least 6-8 of us for 2010. Anyway, please let me know if you are interested so I have an idea of what to expect (I know it's 6 months away...but get it on your calendar now to lock yourself in).
I'm going to be scanning the air fares and hotel pricing over the next couple of months looking for a hot deal before everyone else realizes that fall is coming and rates start to go up.
Let's shut it down with a little PJ...haven't done this for a while:
Loving this song right now...UNTHOUGHT KNOWN
All the thoughts you never see
You are always thinking
Brain is wide, the brain is deep
Oh, are you sinking?
Feel the path of every day
Which road you taking?
Breathing hard, making hay
Yeah, this is living
1. VIKES at GB Sunday Night football OCT 24th...just happens to be Vegas week for 2010!! I think it's safe to say we're staying an extra night and heading out on Monday rather than red-eyeing it this year.
2. GOPHERS games times being announced...here we go:
N.ILL and the OHIOST games will be in Primetime at the Bank on BTN!
We'll know the NW gametime by May 1st, and the SD and USC times by July 1st.
3. NFL DRAFT
This is tomorrow, but the hype just isn't there this year because #1 we're picking 30th and #2 it's in primetime. KFAN picked Tebow this morning for the Purple...if that happens I might have a tough time watching them this season. Seriously, how does that make any sense at all. Get someone who can help you win right now and not be a side show circus for 2 years before being the worst Purple QB since the Spurgeon Wynn Experience. It's tough to predict who will be there at 30, but I'm hoping/believing all this Tebow steam is just a smokescreen in hopes that they can get someone to trade up to get him and allow them to trade out because they actually don't like anyone in that spot. We'll see tomorrow night.
4. Baseball picks are slowing down...broke even last night, which has been the case for the last few days. It's getting a little tougher to predict I guess. Maybe I'll have to switch to the NBA/NHL playoffs....and lose all of them instead of only 1/2 of them! I'm switching over to full-on football mode already, MLB held my interest for about a month...but it's time to start some football prep work. When do you get ready for a street fight, you have to start getting ready right now.
Finally, the final topic of the Daily 5...VEGAS baby VEGAS! As mentioned above the date for this year is OCT 22-23-24 returning on the morning of the 25th (Monday). I've talked to a few of you already, but I want to send this out as an open invite to anyone who is willing to come and watch sports, gamble your ass off, and drink until you can't see. I'll be booking in mid-summer for some of us, but I'm not putting 12 Vegas trips on my card, that could be a bad thing. Once we are locked in, and if you're still up in the air, I will send out our plan and you can feel free to book your own or together with another group and hook up with us out in Vegas. It's an amazingly good time - cost just depends on what you plan on gambling with...average trip is usually about $500 for all accommodations.
I'd love to have a large group to join in the "Who Hates Iowa!" chant this season...3 of us last year, but I'm hoping for at least 6-8 of us for 2010. Anyway, please let me know if you are interested so I have an idea of what to expect (I know it's 6 months away...but get it on your calendar now to lock yourself in).
I'm going to be scanning the air fares and hotel pricing over the next couple of months looking for a hot deal before everyone else realizes that fall is coming and rates start to go up.
Let's shut it down with a little PJ...haven't done this for a while:
Loving this song right now...UNTHOUGHT KNOWN
All the thoughts you never see
You are always thinking
Brain is wide, the brain is deep
Oh, are you sinking?
Feel the path of every day
Which road you taking?
Breathing hard, making hay
Yeah, this is living
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Big 10 (12 or 14) Newest Rumors + Gary Tinsley
The Herd is reporting that UCONN will be the next member of the B10 and PITT and RUT could be coming over as well. I'm kind of indifferent to this news, assuming all of these rumors are true. I was really hoping ND would finally cave and come into the B10 - I read something last week that said currently the NBC deal makes less for ND than each B10 school gets from the BTN deal. And the BTN deal is expected to double over the next 5 years while ND is losing leverage fast with NBC. They actually appear to need us or another conference at this point more than we need them.
Thoughts on the proposed expansion? Obviously, this will shift the B10 into Championship Game mode and 2 divisions. My guess is that it's MIN, IOWA, WIS, MICH, MSU, PUR, IND - then ILL, NW, OHIOST, PSU, PITT, RUT, UCONN. Teams would get 6 inter-division games each year and then likely 2 conference non-division games...unless they expand that to 3. The biggest question in all of this has been the plan for MICH and OHIOST. If they decide to go with the alignment I have listed, the 2 would be in separate divisions but still likely play every year. This is why I think the 9 conference games makes sense...each team can play one of the other division teams every year and then rotate every 3 years between the other 6.
I know what you're asking, what about the Governor's Bell?? Well, I'm hoping the worst trophy in the history of college football would just disappear. Seriously, you can't just create trophy games with other schools for the sake of having it be called a rivalry. This would give PSU some nice natural rivals on the east coast as well, while making the Gophers half of the conference very interesting.
Overall, I like it. The expansion is the right move and whether it's just UCONN or all 3 from the Big East, it's the right thing to do. The first super-conference might be coming together. These 3 teams might not do a ton for B10 football...but how about the hoops teams that are coming over!?!? Wow! Definitely much more on this as more concrete info comes out.
What were you up to last Sunday night? I think we should have been partying at the U w/uber intelligent Gary Tinsley. After having his 2x4 swinging incident kind of swept under the rug last fall, Gary decided that being the projected starter at MLB just wasn't worth it - so he got hammered and jumped on his moped. Eventually Gary started driving down the wrong way of a one way street, cops saw him, he sped off trying to escape...on a moped. After a bit of a chase, Gary ditched the moped and starting showing off that B10 LB speed...but was eventually caught. He's been charged with 2 felonies and 3 misdemeanors...and I think it's safe to say his days with the Gophs are numebred. I hate to jump to conclusions, but sounds like he doesn't have much of a chance right now. Maybe Brew will look past it all, again, and just suspend him for 1/2 the season or maybe just 3 games. Who knows, but this Spring couldn't have any worse news than we have seen with all the incidents.
The question being posed is, are we recruiting bad people because we need to take the chance? Or is this something that just comes out and couldn't possibly be expected. I tend to lean toward the latter. I can't fault Brew for recruiting these guys and hoping they can keep their nose clean. All of these incidents have been just pure stupidity, and they have all been very avoidable. Hopefully there will be some serious discussion for the rest of the week from the coaching staff and maybe some of the older guys can help these young idiots learn how to have fun and not go to jail once in a while. We have depth at LB, but this sucks. I don't think I'm taking anyone for granted this fall...we'll see who's still on the roster when we lineup on the opening Thursday nighter against MDTN.
Spring Game on Saturday - weather looks brutal, but that could change. Go enjoy the APR 2010 version of the Gophers because the SEPT 2010 version might look a lot different!
Thoughts on the proposed expansion? Obviously, this will shift the B10 into Championship Game mode and 2 divisions. My guess is that it's MIN, IOWA, WIS, MICH, MSU, PUR, IND - then ILL, NW, OHIOST, PSU, PITT, RUT, UCONN. Teams would get 6 inter-division games each year and then likely 2 conference non-division games...unless they expand that to 3. The biggest question in all of this has been the plan for MICH and OHIOST. If they decide to go with the alignment I have listed, the 2 would be in separate divisions but still likely play every year. This is why I think the 9 conference games makes sense...each team can play one of the other division teams every year and then rotate every 3 years between the other 6.
I know what you're asking, what about the Governor's Bell?? Well, I'm hoping the worst trophy in the history of college football would just disappear. Seriously, you can't just create trophy games with other schools for the sake of having it be called a rivalry. This would give PSU some nice natural rivals on the east coast as well, while making the Gophers half of the conference very interesting.
Overall, I like it. The expansion is the right move and whether it's just UCONN or all 3 from the Big East, it's the right thing to do. The first super-conference might be coming together. These 3 teams might not do a ton for B10 football...but how about the hoops teams that are coming over!?!? Wow! Definitely much more on this as more concrete info comes out.
What were you up to last Sunday night? I think we should have been partying at the U w/uber intelligent Gary Tinsley. After having his 2x4 swinging incident kind of swept under the rug last fall, Gary decided that being the projected starter at MLB just wasn't worth it - so he got hammered and jumped on his moped. Eventually Gary started driving down the wrong way of a one way street, cops saw him, he sped off trying to escape...on a moped. After a bit of a chase, Gary ditched the moped and starting showing off that B10 LB speed...but was eventually caught. He's been charged with 2 felonies and 3 misdemeanors...and I think it's safe to say his days with the Gophs are numebred. I hate to jump to conclusions, but sounds like he doesn't have much of a chance right now. Maybe Brew will look past it all, again, and just suspend him for 1/2 the season or maybe just 3 games. Who knows, but this Spring couldn't have any worse news than we have seen with all the incidents.
The question being posed is, are we recruiting bad people because we need to take the chance? Or is this something that just comes out and couldn't possibly be expected. I tend to lean toward the latter. I can't fault Brew for recruiting these guys and hoping they can keep their nose clean. All of these incidents have been just pure stupidity, and they have all been very avoidable. Hopefully there will be some serious discussion for the rest of the week from the coaching staff and maybe some of the older guys can help these young idiots learn how to have fun and not go to jail once in a while. We have depth at LB, but this sucks. I don't think I'm taking anyone for granted this fall...we'll see who's still on the roster when we lineup on the opening Thursday nighter against MDTN.
Spring Game on Saturday - weather looks brutal, but that could change. Go enjoy the APR 2010 version of the Gophers because the SEPT 2010 version might look a lot different!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
NCAA Rule Changes
Just a quick one today around stuff I'm thinking about and reading today.
1. No more eye black messages in NCAA Football
Shoot, those were so fun. I was just waiting for Nike or Subway or someone else to get a "school" sponsorship and have those showing up on these stupid messages. Good thing the NCAA put a stop to this before it got too crazy. Funny that they waited until after the second coming (Tebow) graduated.
2. Taunting = No TD!
This one is a much bigger deal and could cause some issues this season. For 2010, if you taunt the other team while going in to score a TD it will be called back. I haven't read enough to know the details, but this seems absolutely ridiculous. Another case of the NCAA trying to take the most emotional sport in the world and squeeze the emotion out of it. 15 yards on the kickoff/XP is one thing, but taking away TD's might be a little too far.
3. TEBOW
How is this guy possibly a 1st round pick!!!!???? I just don't understand it...Mike Mayock says, "he has everything you want in a QB except mechanics." Wow, so he does everything well except throw how you need him to? Isn't that kind of critical? If the whole throwing thing didn't matter, then why don't more no talent "leader" types play QB in the NFL? Whoever makes this pick and is counting on him to start within a couple years is setting their franchise back 5 years. Dumb.
4. Baseball Bets
4-1 again yesterday, with a 2-0 slate on the NHL playoffs...I can't be stopped. Actually no games that intrigue me today, but I'll pump it up again for the weekend. If this goes on for too much longer I'm going to have to start selling my services.
5. NFL Draft
This used to be one of the biggest and best days of the year for me...and now I'm at the point where I couldn't really care less. Maybe it's just my freaky love for the NCAA game, but I have looked at zero draft stuff and it's only a week away. I'll probably watch it here and there, but it's far from must see TV like it once was. I'm actually more pumped for next TUES for the schedule release - time to start breaking it down and finding some sneaky plays to identify early in the season. Anyone think the primetime idea is good? It ruins the sacred all day Saturday rube-fest that used to go on all across the country, but they're probably making more $$$ out of the deal...so that seems to be what the NFL is all about.
All right - here are some plays for today, hard to go a whole day without some action:
MLB
TEX is good w/Harrison throwing at CLE
PHI always a good pick over WASH
TOR and Eveland, something about LHP in TOR seems to be working
Sheets and OAK tonight over BAL, who is terrible!
NHL
BOS/BUF - under 5
LA +200 at VAN
There you go - bet the farm on all 6...or don't, my run has to run sometime, could it be today?!?
1. No more eye black messages in NCAA Football
Shoot, those were so fun. I was just waiting for Nike or Subway or someone else to get a "school" sponsorship and have those showing up on these stupid messages. Good thing the NCAA put a stop to this before it got too crazy. Funny that they waited until after the second coming (Tebow) graduated.
2. Taunting = No TD!
This one is a much bigger deal and could cause some issues this season. For 2010, if you taunt the other team while going in to score a TD it will be called back. I haven't read enough to know the details, but this seems absolutely ridiculous. Another case of the NCAA trying to take the most emotional sport in the world and squeeze the emotion out of it. 15 yards on the kickoff/XP is one thing, but taking away TD's might be a little too far.
3. TEBOW
How is this guy possibly a 1st round pick!!!!???? I just don't understand it...Mike Mayock says, "he has everything you want in a QB except mechanics." Wow, so he does everything well except throw how you need him to? Isn't that kind of critical? If the whole throwing thing didn't matter, then why don't more no talent "leader" types play QB in the NFL? Whoever makes this pick and is counting on him to start within a couple years is setting their franchise back 5 years. Dumb.
4. Baseball Bets
4-1 again yesterday, with a 2-0 slate on the NHL playoffs...I can't be stopped. Actually no games that intrigue me today, but I'll pump it up again for the weekend. If this goes on for too much longer I'm going to have to start selling my services.
5. NFL Draft
This used to be one of the biggest and best days of the year for me...and now I'm at the point where I couldn't really care less. Maybe it's just my freaky love for the NCAA game, but I have looked at zero draft stuff and it's only a week away. I'll probably watch it here and there, but it's far from must see TV like it once was. I'm actually more pumped for next TUES for the schedule release - time to start breaking it down and finding some sneaky plays to identify early in the season. Anyone think the primetime idea is good? It ruins the sacred all day Saturday rube-fest that used to go on all across the country, but they're probably making more $$$ out of the deal...so that seems to be what the NFL is all about.
All right - here are some plays for today, hard to go a whole day without some action:
MLB
TEX is good w/Harrison throwing at CLE
PHI always a good pick over WASH
TOR and Eveland, something about LHP in TOR seems to be working
Sheets and OAK tonight over BAL, who is terrible!
NHL
BOS/BUF - under 5
LA +200 at VAN
There you go - bet the farm on all 6...or don't, my run has to run sometime, could it be today?!?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Rain!!
It's raining at Target Field and people are cheering, weird but kind of cool I guess. I went on Monday - it was amazing. Our seats were not great, but we didn't sit there long. There are 2 public bars in the middle deck right behind home plate - $7.50 beers and an open window to the field...i think it's the perfect spot to sit for any future guy's Target Field outings. Buy a nosebleed and save your money for the bar...it's a beautiful thing. Also I would highly recommend the Murry's Steak Sandwich...good stuff. Beats the hell out of the Dome Dogs!!
What else is happening right now...well, here you go:
1. The golf/cards outing is likely going to be in June. May is stupid busy, so I'll probably be pushing it out so we can be guaranteed some warm weather for the day. I'll keep exploring and get something out there soon.
2. Hockey Playoffs
Who knew the playoffs started today? Not I. I feel like I have to pick a few of these to keep it interesting and because Baseball betting is just getting too easy (more on that below). But instead of taking a side, I think I'll go back to the JG route and bet some totals (O/U) on some of these games. Then I'm not sweating out double and triple OT's in the middle of the night. Now keep in mind I follow hockey about as close as I followed the Women's NCAA Tourney, so these might be way off base but I'm going to at least give it a try. I hate betting against PITT, but I think OTT at +210 might be a nice choice for a few bucks. How about PHOE at +100 as a home dog against DET? I hate betting on the first game of a series, I'd prefer to actually see how these teams come out and bet future games...but I'll probably try these 2 tonight. Any hockey experts out there? Let me know what you think.
3. MLB Bets
So I started the season losing 3 of 4 on opening day....then rattled off 16 of 17 including a 5-1 performance on Monday before going 0-2 last night. I've got 3 more plays today...some of these are just so obvious you have to pick them. David Price and a good Rays team at a horrible BAL team and Bergesen? Are you kidding? It is baseball and anything can happen, but bet on good pitchers all year and bet against bad teams and you can come out ahead...I promise. Today: RAYS, CARDS, MARLINS, DET, PHILLY.
4. GOPHERS
First, some hoops news, we've signed Maurice Walker a 6'11" 290 lbs C, ranked 12th in the incoming class among all C's...not bad. More bulk in the middle is a great thing. We're still holding out hope for Cory Joseph, should hear something this week.
Now on to the good stuff...Brew Ball 2010-11.
So first the bad news, Bryant Allen tore up his ankle in the scrimmage last Saturday but sounds like he could be ready for Summer camp. Kim Royston broke his leg in multiple places and there are conflicting reports about when he could be back. Some are speculating he can start working out again in late Summer, but I have a hard time believing we'll see him again this year...which leaves 1 and possibly 2 gaping holes at S and would give us 11 new starters on D...in case you're wondering that's everyone. Theret is still indefinitely suspended, but will likely be back for Summer camp and the season. So who fills in? JUCO Christyn Lewis is a likely candidate, which would leave us with Collado probably starting at CB. James Manuel, a true Frosh, might get a chance. He's a pretty highly touted prospect so he might get the chance to step up this summer. Watkins is already taking Theret's place, but when Kyle returns he could stay in the lineup if he impresses. Bottom line - we have a lot to work through in the secondary.
Maresh is another story from camp, and not a good one. Apparently he's had 4 minors and/or run-in's with the law in the last few weeks...4! The guy has such a nice story, but I've heard some speculation about how he's a jack-ass and doesn't seem to be taking this thing seriously. He has no guarantees for PT this season, so I'd suggest he take his second chance at life and football and go with it. I really couldn't care less about the boozing, just be smart enough to not get caught and in trouble with the po-po...like all the rest of us were in college. Seriously, you have to really be a dope to get all of this attention from the cops and be caught 4 different times. At least we have a ton of LB depth so we aren't counting on this guy for much. Hopefully he cleans it up and contributes...but I'm not holding my breath.
Offensively, I think I'm convinced that AWEB will be our QB this season...at least for the opener on Thursday 9/2. I very much disagree with the "move Gray to WR" thinking...you still have to give the guy a chance to be the QB. Either he or Alipate will take over next year and then we can discuss a change. Heard Horton on PA the other day, and I have to say I'm very happy by the way this guy talks. Very simple scheme, running the ball and play-action throwing over the top...my kind of offense and a very nice B10 plan. Let's hope they can figure out the whole "run the ball" thing this season, if they do I think we'll be over .500 this season. I really don't think the starting RB(s) are on campus yet - the 3 freshman will be the best talent we have considering Bennett and Eskridge are average at best. I think any of the 3 freshman could be the man this season, probably using multiple backs depending on the situation. Bennett and Eskridge can be the passing down backs while one or more of the freshman will take over the every down role and goal line roles.
I could ramble for days about my Gopher football thoughts on 2010, but I'll spare you...for now. It's only APR folks...Spring Game is 10 days away...be there!
What else is happening right now...well, here you go:
1. The golf/cards outing is likely going to be in June. May is stupid busy, so I'll probably be pushing it out so we can be guaranteed some warm weather for the day. I'll keep exploring and get something out there soon.
2. Hockey Playoffs
Who knew the playoffs started today? Not I. I feel like I have to pick a few of these to keep it interesting and because Baseball betting is just getting too easy (more on that below). But instead of taking a side, I think I'll go back to the JG route and bet some totals (O/U) on some of these games. Then I'm not sweating out double and triple OT's in the middle of the night. Now keep in mind I follow hockey about as close as I followed the Women's NCAA Tourney, so these might be way off base but I'm going to at least give it a try. I hate betting against PITT, but I think OTT at +210 might be a nice choice for a few bucks. How about PHOE at +100 as a home dog against DET? I hate betting on the first game of a series, I'd prefer to actually see how these teams come out and bet future games...but I'll probably try these 2 tonight. Any hockey experts out there? Let me know what you think.
3. MLB Bets
So I started the season losing 3 of 4 on opening day....then rattled off 16 of 17 including a 5-1 performance on Monday before going 0-2 last night. I've got 3 more plays today...some of these are just so obvious you have to pick them. David Price and a good Rays team at a horrible BAL team and Bergesen? Are you kidding? It is baseball and anything can happen, but bet on good pitchers all year and bet against bad teams and you can come out ahead...I promise. Today: RAYS, CARDS, MARLINS, DET, PHILLY.
4. GOPHERS
First, some hoops news, we've signed Maurice Walker a 6'11" 290 lbs C, ranked 12th in the incoming class among all C's...not bad. More bulk in the middle is a great thing. We're still holding out hope for Cory Joseph, should hear something this week.
Now on to the good stuff...Brew Ball 2010-11.
So first the bad news, Bryant Allen tore up his ankle in the scrimmage last Saturday but sounds like he could be ready for Summer camp. Kim Royston broke his leg in multiple places and there are conflicting reports about when he could be back. Some are speculating he can start working out again in late Summer, but I have a hard time believing we'll see him again this year...which leaves 1 and possibly 2 gaping holes at S and would give us 11 new starters on D...in case you're wondering that's everyone. Theret is still indefinitely suspended, but will likely be back for Summer camp and the season. So who fills in? JUCO Christyn Lewis is a likely candidate, which would leave us with Collado probably starting at CB. James Manuel, a true Frosh, might get a chance. He's a pretty highly touted prospect so he might get the chance to step up this summer. Watkins is already taking Theret's place, but when Kyle returns he could stay in the lineup if he impresses. Bottom line - we have a lot to work through in the secondary.
Maresh is another story from camp, and not a good one. Apparently he's had 4 minors and/or run-in's with the law in the last few weeks...4! The guy has such a nice story, but I've heard some speculation about how he's a jack-ass and doesn't seem to be taking this thing seriously. He has no guarantees for PT this season, so I'd suggest he take his second chance at life and football and go with it. I really couldn't care less about the boozing, just be smart enough to not get caught and in trouble with the po-po...like all the rest of us were in college. Seriously, you have to really be a dope to get all of this attention from the cops and be caught 4 different times. At least we have a ton of LB depth so we aren't counting on this guy for much. Hopefully he cleans it up and contributes...but I'm not holding my breath.
Offensively, I think I'm convinced that AWEB will be our QB this season...at least for the opener on Thursday 9/2. I very much disagree with the "move Gray to WR" thinking...you still have to give the guy a chance to be the QB. Either he or Alipate will take over next year and then we can discuss a change. Heard Horton on PA the other day, and I have to say I'm very happy by the way this guy talks. Very simple scheme, running the ball and play-action throwing over the top...my kind of offense and a very nice B10 plan. Let's hope they can figure out the whole "run the ball" thing this season, if they do I think we'll be over .500 this season. I really don't think the starting RB(s) are on campus yet - the 3 freshman will be the best talent we have considering Bennett and Eskridge are average at best. I think any of the 3 freshman could be the man this season, probably using multiple backs depending on the situation. Bennett and Eskridge can be the passing down backs while one or more of the freshman will take over the every down role and goal line roles.
I could ramble for days about my Gopher football thoughts on 2010, but I'll spare you...for now. It's only APR folks...Spring Game is 10 days away...be there!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Masters Pool - Final Standings
Kind of an anti-climactic finish to an otherwise very interesting tourney. Anyone else think the scores were a little ridiculous and Augusta needs to be tougher?
Anyway, here we go with the final results:
WINNER - Brian Kraft - 2383.5
2nd - James Rollins - 2265
3rd - Greg Rollins - 1428.75
The difference maker was Brian's pick of Lee Westwood who finished 2nd and $300K richer than my 3rd place finisher Anthony Kim.
If we got nothing else out of it, how fun was it to watch the mighty Tigger struggle all day on Sunday!??! I loved it. I'll bet Phil wins another major before Tigger does, but at least he's controlled his emotional outbursts...well, for maybe 2 holes at least. What a joke.
Thanks to all for playing. I'll throw out another pool for the next major when it comes around...maybe a little more timely so we can get some $$$ involved next time!
Here's how everyone else finished:
MC: 760.875
MK: 732.75
RO: 681
SS: 609.75
MH: 449.625
JG: 389.25
Anyway, here we go with the final results:
WINNER - Brian Kraft - 2383.5
2nd - James Rollins - 2265
3rd - Greg Rollins - 1428.75
The difference maker was Brian's pick of Lee Westwood who finished 2nd and $300K richer than my 3rd place finisher Anthony Kim.
If we got nothing else out of it, how fun was it to watch the mighty Tigger struggle all day on Sunday!??! I loved it. I'll bet Phil wins another major before Tigger does, but at least he's controlled his emotional outbursts...well, for maybe 2 holes at least. What a joke.
Thanks to all for playing. I'll throw out another pool for the next major when it comes around...maybe a little more timely so we can get some $$$ involved next time!
Here's how everyone else finished:
MC: 760.875
MK: 732.75
RO: 681
SS: 609.75
MH: 449.625
JG: 389.25
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Masters Update
Here's a quick summary of who has lost any of their players and will finish with less than all 5 guys in the money:
JR - lost Cink, best bets = KIM, MICKELSON
MC - lost none, best bets = WOODS
RO - lost Furyk and Cink, best bets = WOODS, COUPLES
MH - lost Harrington and Stenson, best bets = WOODS
GR - lost Harrington and Furyk, best bets = MICKELSON
JG - lost Furyk and McIlroy and Sabbatini, best bets = WOODS
MK - lost none, best bets = WOODS
SS - lost Furyk, best bets = WOODS
BK - lost none, best bets = WESTWOOD, MICKELSON
Looks like an exciting finish for the weekend. Enjoy!
JR - lost Cink, best bets = KIM, MICKELSON
MC - lost none, best bets = WOODS
RO - lost Furyk and Cink, best bets = WOODS, COUPLES
MH - lost Harrington and Stenson, best bets = WOODS
GR - lost Harrington and Furyk, best bets = MICKELSON
JG - lost Furyk and McIlroy and Sabbatini, best bets = WOODS
MK - lost none, best bets = WOODS
SS - lost Furyk, best bets = WOODS
BK - lost none, best bets = WESTWOOD, MICKELSON
Looks like an exciting finish for the weekend. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Picks
Alright - I can't wait any longer. No communicado from either of the holdouts, so here we go:
JR - Mickelson, Kim, Mahan, Cink, Angel-Jimenez
MC - Woods, Stricker, Ogilvy, Watney, Glover
RO - Woods, Furyk, O'Hair, Cink, Couples
MH - Woods, Harrington, Stricker, Stenson, Glover
GR - Mickelson, Harrington, Furyk, O'Hair, Karlsson
JG - Woods, Furyk, McIlroy, Z.Johnson, Sabbatini
MK - Woods, Els, Goosen, Cabrera, Scott
SS - Woods, Els, Furyk, Garcia, Scott
BK - Mickelson, Els, Westwood, O'Hair, Perry
There you have it. Lots of Tigger love, 3 on Ernie, 4 on Furyk, 3 O'Hair...no one else has more than 2 guys picking them. MC is the only one on Ogilvy...hope you haven't checked the leader board today!
I'll send out and update after the cut on Friday and see who's looking good.
Good Luck!!
JR - Mickelson, Kim, Mahan, Cink, Angel-Jimenez
MC - Woods, Stricker, Ogilvy, Watney, Glover
RO - Woods, Furyk, O'Hair, Cink, Couples
MH - Woods, Harrington, Stricker, Stenson, Glover
GR - Mickelson, Harrington, Furyk, O'Hair, Karlsson
JG - Woods, Furyk, McIlroy, Z.Johnson, Sabbatini
MK - Woods, Els, Goosen, Cabrera, Scott
SS - Woods, Els, Furyk, Garcia, Scott
BK - Mickelson, Els, Westwood, O'Hair, Perry
There you have it. Lots of Tigger love, 3 on Ernie, 4 on Furyk, 3 O'Hair...no one else has more than 2 guys picking them. MC is the only one on Ogilvy...hope you haven't checked the leader board today!
I'll send out and update after the cut on Friday and see who's looking good.
Good Luck!!
Masters Pool - Pick Summary
We've got 9 entries so far with a couple hours to spare before the deadline. Bomb and Roe don't have any picks entered yet...so we'll see if they come through.
I'll wait until after 12:00 to send out all of the picks, but here are my sneaky $1 Masters bets for the weekend:
Miguel Angel Jimenez- 125:1
Lucas Glover - 80:1
Stewart Cink - 80:1
Chad Campbell - 66:1
Hunter Mahan - 40:1
Anthony Kim - 40:1
Rory McIlroy - 33:1
Lee Westwood - 20:1
Retief Goosen - 25:1
Paddy Harrington - 16:1
$10 - 10 bets on 10 golfers. I'm a big MAJ fan this weekend, but liking the chances of some of my lesser odds guys a little better. How about Cink at 80:1...sneaky.
Just heard a guy offer 10:1 odds on Tiger vs. Field. I'll take that bet from anyone and take the field. It's not happening this week for Tigger...mark it down.
Get those picks in if you haven't, and enjoy the weekend!
I'll wait until after 12:00 to send out all of the picks, but here are my sneaky $1 Masters bets for the weekend:
Miguel Angel Jimenez- 125:1
Lucas Glover - 80:1
Stewart Cink - 80:1
Chad Campbell - 66:1
Hunter Mahan - 40:1
Anthony Kim - 40:1
Rory McIlroy - 33:1
Lee Westwood - 20:1
Retief Goosen - 25:1
Paddy Harrington - 16:1
$10 - 10 bets on 10 golfers. I'm a big MAJ fan this weekend, but liking the chances of some of my lesser odds guys a little better. How about Cink at 80:1...sneaky.
Just heard a guy offer 10:1 odds on Tiger vs. Field. I'll take that bet from anyone and take the field. It's not happening this week for Tigger...mark it down.
Get those picks in if you haven't, and enjoy the weekend!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
NCAA Winner and Masters Clarifications
I forgot to mention our NCAA Bragging Rights Pool winner...our newest member Rob Olson. I had thought all along that this was someone else's entry, but I should have known better than to think Mr. Hawkeye could have had picks this good.
Congrats Rob - it's bragging rights only, but take notice Football Challenge World...Rob Olson, 1 contest entered, 1 Championship.
The other thing I wanted to note is around the Masters Pool:
1) No cost, once again with only 1 day notice collecting cash is nearly impossible.
2) 4 Guys have submitted picks already - don't be the guy who misses out!
Lots of variety so far so should be exciting.
Here's the payout by place in case you're interested. Top 3 dominate, but if you can at least get all 5 to make the cut you should be in the running.
1..$ 1,350,000 11..$ 187,500 21..$ 90,000 31..$ 48,750 41..$ 30,750
2..$ 810,000 12..$ 172,500 22..$ 84,000 32..$ 46,500 42..$ 29,250
3..$ 510,000 13..$ 157,500 23..$ 78,000 33..$ 44,250 43..$ 27,750
4..$ 360,000 14..$ 142,500 24..$ 72,000 34..$ 42,375 44..$ 26,250
5..$ 300,000 15..$ 135,000 25..$ 66,000 35..$ 40,500 45..$ 24,750
6..$ 270,000 16..$ 127,500 26..$ 60,000 36..$ 38,625 46..$ 23,250
7..$ 251,250 17..$ 120,000 27..$ 57,750 37..$ 36,750 47..$ 21,750
8..$ 232,500 18..$ 112,500 28..$ 55,500 38..$ 35,250 48..$ 20,550
9..$ 217,500 19..$ 105,000 29..$ 53,250 39..$ 33,750 49..$ 19,500
10..$ 202,500 20..$ 97,500 30..$ 51,000 40..$ 32,250 50..$ 18,900
Congrats Rob - it's bragging rights only, but take notice Football Challenge World...Rob Olson, 1 contest entered, 1 Championship.
The other thing I wanted to note is around the Masters Pool:
1) No cost, once again with only 1 day notice collecting cash is nearly impossible.
2) 4 Guys have submitted picks already - don't be the guy who misses out!
Lots of variety so far so should be exciting.
Here's the payout by place in case you're interested. Top 3 dominate, but if you can at least get all 5 to make the cut you should be in the running.
1..$ 1,350,000 11..$ 187,500 21..$ 90,000 31..$ 48,750 41..$ 30,750
2..$ 810,000 12..$ 172,500 22..$ 84,000 32..$ 46,500 42..$ 29,250
3..$ 510,000 13..$ 157,500 23..$ 78,000 33..$ 44,250 43..$ 27,750
4..$ 360,000 14..$ 142,500 24..$ 72,000 34..$ 42,375 44..$ 26,250
5..$ 300,000 15..$ 135,000 25..$ 66,000 35..$ 40,500 45..$ 24,750
6..$ 270,000 16..$ 127,500 26..$ 60,000 36..$ 38,625 46..$ 23,250
7..$ 251,250 17..$ 120,000 27..$ 57,750 37..$ 36,750 47..$ 21,750
8..$ 232,500 18..$ 112,500 28..$ 55,500 38..$ 35,250 48..$ 20,550
9..$ 217,500 19..$ 105,000 29..$ 53,250 39..$ 33,750 49..$ 19,500
10..$ 202,500 20..$ 97,500 30..$ 51,000 40..$ 32,250 50..$ 18,900
Masters Pool
So my buddy at work who always does one of these apparently isn't this year. I know it's already WED and this is short notice...but to keep it interesting this weekend here's a Masters Pool for you. If you're interested send me your picks and I'll track it, if not...well, you suck.
Pick 1 Golfer from each group - this will be your 5 man team.
The winner will be the guy who's team earns the most cumulative prize $$$.
Group 1
Woods
Mickelson
Group 2
Els
Harrington
Stricker
Casey
Goosen
Westwood
Furyk
Kaymer
McIlroy
Ogilvy
Poulter
Villegas
D.Johnson
Kim
Mahan
Group 3
Singh
Stenson
Watney
Allenby
Cabrera
Choi
Fisher
Garcia
O'Hair
Schwartzel
Campbell
Donald
Z.Johnson
McDowell
Quiros
Weir
Cink
Group 4
T.Clark
Couples
Glover
Kuchar
Karlsson
Perry
Sabbatini
Scott
Leonard
Yang
Ishikawa
Angel Jimenez
Crane
Duval
Immelman
J.Rollins
Verplank
Watson
Then you get 1 Wildacrd Pick from Groups 2-4 (not Tiger or Phil).
I encourage you to be courageous and think outside the box on these picks because we don't all want to be cheering for the same guys. Tomorrow I'll share some of my sneaky wagers, but if you want in the pool send me your 5 players by Noon THUR.
Just a little FYI, I went 41-20-2 in picks NCAA Games this season for 67%....I made some cash. My only regret is not betting enough money or enough of these games!! Not doing too well in baseball thus far, but hoping Matt Cain and the Giants can turn that around for me this afternoon!!
Hope to hear from most/all of you soon - let's keep the Masters interesting this weekend. Roe - you can't pick Tiger 5 times, although I'm sure you'll try.
Pick 1 Golfer from each group - this will be your 5 man team.
The winner will be the guy who's team earns the most cumulative prize $$$.
Group 1
Woods
Mickelson
Group 2
Els
Harrington
Stricker
Casey
Goosen
Westwood
Furyk
Kaymer
McIlroy
Ogilvy
Poulter
Villegas
D.Johnson
Kim
Mahan
Group 3
Singh
Stenson
Watney
Allenby
Cabrera
Choi
Fisher
Garcia
O'Hair
Schwartzel
Campbell
Donald
Z.Johnson
McDowell
Quiros
Weir
Cink
Group 4
T.Clark
Couples
Glover
Kuchar
Karlsson
Perry
Sabbatini
Scott
Leonard
Yang
Ishikawa
Angel Jimenez
Crane
Duval
Immelman
J.Rollins
Verplank
Watson
Then you get 1 Wildacrd Pick from Groups 2-4 (not Tiger or Phil).
I encourage you to be courageous and think outside the box on these picks because we don't all want to be cheering for the same guys. Tomorrow I'll share some of my sneaky wagers, but if you want in the pool send me your 5 players by Noon THUR.
Just a little FYI, I went 41-20-2 in picks NCAA Games this season for 67%....I made some cash. My only regret is not betting enough money or enough of these games!! Not doing too well in baseball thus far, but hoping Matt Cain and the Giants can turn that around for me this afternoon!!
Hope to hear from most/all of you soon - let's keep the Masters interesting this weekend. Roe - you can't pick Tiger 5 times, although I'm sure you'll try.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Busiest Sports Day of the Year
Some random thoughts about what's happening today and the past week or so...
1. Baseball season!
Finally. We have to wait until late tonight to watch the Twinkies, but it's a nice all day marathon of baseball today starting early. JG and I had our fantasy draft last week, it went okay. I may feel differently in about 2-3 weeks, but I like my team enough to expect a playoff run. The day after that one I had another auction draft on line and it was chaos. 1/2 the people didn't show, so the robot bidder was going nuts betting crazy high numbers on every player out there. And you had only a few seconds to nominate a guy or bid on a guy - once the clock ran out on you it turned the draft robot on automatically...so I got Matt Holliday for a small fortune and Scott Kazmir for another large sum. We'll see what happens with this league, it's free so nothing to lose but I might lose interest fast.
2. NCAA Title Game
Duke -7.5 is the line I'm seeing. If Howard doesn't play at all or sparingly Butler will probably get killed. If MSU shoots the ball well at all they crush on Saturday. The officiating in that game was horrible - looked like Sparty football much more than Basketball. I'm making no pick in this one until I hear the report on Howard. If he plays they should be able to cover the large spread, if not they might get smoked. Either way...very unlikely I watch much of this tonight.
3. Masters!!
Tiger presser today, tourney starts on Thursday...Spring is officially here. I've heard so many mixed opinions on Tigger, but I can't see him doing extremely well. Maybe he'll prove me wrong, but I'd be delighted with a +10 82 on Thursday out of him! Anyway, I put down huge $1 bets on about 10 guys to win, almost all with odds of 40:1 or worse. I'll list them all here on Thursday, but I'm not giving my secrets away too early in the week. If you're looking for some fun bets there are about 100 Tigger Prop bets you can jump on - check out Bodog and make it happen.
4. GOLF!
Played Deer Run on WED and fired an 85 to start the year w/4 Birdies...not a bad start to the year. 4 penalty shots knocked me down even more, but I was very happy with the opening day performance. Trying to map out my next round already, we'll see...hopefully the weather stays nice and the game does too! I'm starting to look at May dates for the all day Golf/Cards festival at my place...I'll let you all know when that will be. I'm thinking a Saturday is most likely...18 or 27 holes in the morning afternoon and cards all night.
5. Gophers
Not a ton of news still from Spring camp. Sounds like the LB's have been impressing and all 3 QB's are playing okay. Duane Bennett apparently suffered a concussion, I'm not counting on him for anything this season. I think he'll be outplayed by the freshman and be too much of an injury liability going forward. Not much conversation around the OL play - it's the area that needs the most improvement to have a better season. Kyle Theret DWI...nice. Let's hope that's the last bit of news like that to come out of camp. 19 days until the Spring Game!!
Did you know D.McNabb got traded!?? I figured MLB Opening Day would get glossed over, but DMc trade is even dominating over the Tigger presser conversation this morning. Who would have thunk it? Not sure I'm a huge believer in Kevin Kolb to lead the Eagles, but I'm not ready to put the Skins in the Super Bowl either. These 2 teams still should finish out of the playoffs in my opinion (keep in mind it's APR and the season is only 5 months away!).
1. Baseball season!
Finally. We have to wait until late tonight to watch the Twinkies, but it's a nice all day marathon of baseball today starting early. JG and I had our fantasy draft last week, it went okay. I may feel differently in about 2-3 weeks, but I like my team enough to expect a playoff run. The day after that one I had another auction draft on line and it was chaos. 1/2 the people didn't show, so the robot bidder was going nuts betting crazy high numbers on every player out there. And you had only a few seconds to nominate a guy or bid on a guy - once the clock ran out on you it turned the draft robot on automatically...so I got Matt Holliday for a small fortune and Scott Kazmir for another large sum. We'll see what happens with this league, it's free so nothing to lose but I might lose interest fast.
2. NCAA Title Game
Duke -7.5 is the line I'm seeing. If Howard doesn't play at all or sparingly Butler will probably get killed. If MSU shoots the ball well at all they crush on Saturday. The officiating in that game was horrible - looked like Sparty football much more than Basketball. I'm making no pick in this one until I hear the report on Howard. If he plays they should be able to cover the large spread, if not they might get smoked. Either way...very unlikely I watch much of this tonight.
3. Masters!!
Tiger presser today, tourney starts on Thursday...Spring is officially here. I've heard so many mixed opinions on Tigger, but I can't see him doing extremely well. Maybe he'll prove me wrong, but I'd be delighted with a +10 82 on Thursday out of him! Anyway, I put down huge $1 bets on about 10 guys to win, almost all with odds of 40:1 or worse. I'll list them all here on Thursday, but I'm not giving my secrets away too early in the week. If you're looking for some fun bets there are about 100 Tigger Prop bets you can jump on - check out Bodog and make it happen.
4. GOLF!
Played Deer Run on WED and fired an 85 to start the year w/4 Birdies...not a bad start to the year. 4 penalty shots knocked me down even more, but I was very happy with the opening day performance. Trying to map out my next round already, we'll see...hopefully the weather stays nice and the game does too! I'm starting to look at May dates for the all day Golf/Cards festival at my place...I'll let you all know when that will be. I'm thinking a Saturday is most likely...18 or 27 holes in the morning afternoon and cards all night.
5. Gophers
Not a ton of news still from Spring camp. Sounds like the LB's have been impressing and all 3 QB's are playing okay. Duane Bennett apparently suffered a concussion, I'm not counting on him for anything this season. I think he'll be outplayed by the freshman and be too much of an injury liability going forward. Not much conversation around the OL play - it's the area that needs the most improvement to have a better season. Kyle Theret DWI...nice. Let's hope that's the last bit of news like that to come out of camp. 19 days until the Spring Game!!
Did you know D.McNabb got traded!?? I figured MLB Opening Day would get glossed over, but DMc trade is even dominating over the Tigger presser conversation this morning. Who would have thunk it? Not sure I'm a huge believer in Kevin Kolb to lead the Eagles, but I'm not ready to put the Skins in the Super Bowl either. These 2 teams still should finish out of the playoffs in my opinion (keep in mind it's APR and the season is only 5 months away!).
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