SportsGerbil's Xanga

Who is better? Colts (6-0) or Patriots (7-0)?

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:12:09 GMT

Barring unforseen injuries, in late-January, the AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts will decide who will win the Super Bowl. They are by far the two best teams in the NFL. I don't think I've seen a year where there is no one even close. The only team that has a remote chance to ruin the matchup is if the San Diego Chargers play up to their talent level. However, they will have to win a playoff game against the Pats or Colts on the road because they are too far back to snag one of the two byes in the AFC Playoffs. The game that may decide who has homefield in that game will be on November 4th when the Pats travel to the RCA Dome. The question is which of these two juggernauts is better?

The Indianapolis Colts are the defending champions, and they will have the benefit of having to play in the playoffs this year without the pressure of never winning the big one. Their defense has clearly carried over the momentum they gained from last year's playoffs. They have allowed the fourth fewest points in the NFL. It is truely amazing how improved this defense is, and the difference maker is Bob Sanders. When he is in the lineup, the Colts' defense is much, much better. With the defense playing well, the Colts are able to play a rugged type of game. This allows the offense to take a much different approach than in year's past. They can grind it out with Joseph Addai, who is a terrific young back. Reggie Wayne has taken over, for now anyway, as Peyton's #1 target. Marvin Harrison clearly isn't the same wide-out he once was, but still very valuable. To beat the Patriots this year though, the Colts will have to revert back to the shoot-em-out type of team. That really shouldn't be a problem for Peyton and co., as it will just be a matter of if can they outscore the Pats. Other than Adam Vinatieri, the Colts' special teams has always been a weakness and continues to be so.

The New England Patriots added Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, and some guy named Moss this offseason. With those additions the Patriots have been transformed from a good offense to perhaps the best the NFL has ever seen. They haven't scored less than 34 points yet this season, and they are on pace to shatter the NFL points in a season record. Tom Brady has been unconscious this season, and is on pace to throw a record 61 TD passes (Peyton 49). Wes Welker has been unbelievable for this team. The Pats have always been great on 3rd down, so adding a 3rd down WR like Welker makes them unstoppable. The scary thing about this team is that they haven't put a solid run game together yet. Laurence Maroney has only rushed for 283 yards this season, and missed three weeks due to injury. So, when he gets fully healthy, that will only add another threat to the high-octane Pats offense. The Patriots' defense is one of the best in the league, but may not be as strong as it was in recent years. I wonder if that is because the Pats have gone from the grind it out type winner in years past to the scoring machine they are now. The intensity of holding the other team's offense in a 17-14 game is a little different than holding them when they have a four touchdown lead. It may not matter though.

Who am I taking? I will take the Patriots, as so far, they have been the most impressive team by far. They were a 3rd and 4 completion away from beating the Colts last year with Reche Caldwell as their best receiver. Now they have the three headed monster in Moss, Welker, and Stallworth. As improved as the Colts' defense is, I still believe the Pats' defense will be better in the big spot. The Colts must beat the Pats on Nov. 4th to give themselves a shot at homefield in the AFC Championship. They will not win a game in Foxboro in late-Jan. If the Pats win on Nov. 4th, they will have a great chance to go undefeated, and they will embrace it unlike the 2005 Colts. I can't wait for that matchup in 12 days at 4:15 on CBS!

SportsGerbil is Moving

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:39:39 GMT

To http://sportsgerbil.blogspot.com/

This move will take place tomorrow with World Series predictions/breakdown. When I return home tonight, I will say farewell to xanga by comparing the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts.

Postseason Day15 Recap; Huge Day for Boston Sports Fans

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 03:40:21 GMT

Boston 11, Cleveland 2 (Boston Wins 4-3)
What trumps Tom Brady throwing for six touchdown passes to lead the Patriots to a 7-0 start? Well, how about another postseason comeback for the Boston Red Sox. All the karma that was working against the Red Sox, from Babe Ruth to Aaron Boone, has the nice beginnings the last four years in starting to evening things out. It was not a 3-0 series comeback this time, but a 3-1 comeback off a very good Cleveland team. The final score may have been 11-2, but this game was much closer. The key play was in the top of the 7th when Franklin Gutiérrez hit one right down the third baseline, but Kenny Lofton was inexplicably held up at third base. He would have easily scored, which would have tied the game 3-3. The next batter, Casey Blake, then grounded into a double play perserving the Red Sox lead. Dustin Pedroia would then take over hitting a 2-run homer to give the Red Sox daylight, and then breaking the game wide open with a 3-run double. Daisuke Matsuzaka was far from dominate, but he gave five soild innings before passing it to the bullpen. Jake Westbrook battled as well, giving the Tribe six hard worked innings. He really could have given up more runs. The Lofton miscue took the wind out of the Tribe's sails, and Rafael Betancourt, who had been so good, was beaten up for six runs. The Tribe had a fantastic year, and with their talent they should be back. However, Josh Beckett was the stopper the Red Sox needed giving them a fantastic Game 5 performance allowing the series to be sent back to Boston. That changed the whole series and that is why he is the series MVP. Once the series returned to Fenway it was going to be very difficult for the young Tribe to win. Homefield is not a big factor in baseball, but if any park yields the best advantage it is Fenway. A great job by Boston and they will be seeking their second championship in four years. Sounds better than two in 86 doesn't it?

Coming Up:
Can Anyone Stop the Pats?
World Series Breakdown and Prediction

Postseason Day14 Recap

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 03:10:35 GMT

Boston 12, Cleveland 2 (Series Tied 3-3)
The greatest term in all of professional sports is "Game 7", and that is where this series is headed tomorrow night. Fausto Carmona was awful tonight as he only lasted 2+ innings. He loaded the bases with no one out in the first, but quickly got two outs making it look like he would probably get out of the jam. J.D. Drew has not done anything all year, so come on, it is an easy out! Right? Well, Drew finally came through as he hit a 3-1 fat one to straight away center for the grand slam. Drew would add another RBI later for five on the night. Francona's decision to start Jacoby Ellsbury in place of Coco Crisp also paid off, as the bottom third of the order combined for three RBI. Curt Schilling was not great, but he battled hard in the early innings when the game was still close. The first two runners in the third reached with the top of the order coming up. It was 4-1 Red Sox at the time, so any damage here could have changed the whole game. Schilling got out of it without giving up any runs, and the Red Sox offense went to town in the bottom of the 3rd. The key for the Red Sox the last two games is they have been able to score first putting the pressure on Cleveland. Remember, the Tribe scored first in the first four games of the series. The Indians' 3-1 series lead is long gone, but I believe they have the advantage with Jake Westbrook vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka tomorrow. If on, unlike Westbrook, DiceK can really dominate, but I believe the long season has really worn on him. Red Sox fans have to hope he can give five solid innings, and then perhaps pass the game on to Beckett (in relief) and Papelbon for two innings each. It should be a fun night with all the cards now on the table. The winner will host the Colorado Rockies Wednesday night in Game 1 of the World Series, while the loser will go home for the winter. Enjoy the game!

Torre Reign As Yankee Manager "Probably" Comes to a Close

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:27:39 GMT

Joe Torre rejected a one-year, $5 million (with incentives) deal to come back and manage the Yankees for the 2008 season. The offer also included a team option for $8 million for 2009 should the team win the AL Pennant in '08. The $5 million was a paycut however, and Torre has never been offered just a one year deal to manage the club. One year deals for managers, coaches, etc. are always tough because their authority is greatly compromised when being a lame duck. Torre's performance next year would have been under the microscope more than it has ever been next year. Would a five game losing streak in July spell the end? Probably not, but I do not think Joe wanted to deal with all of that nonsense all year long when he has made the playoffs every year for his 12 years.

My biggest problem with the Yankees' offer to Torre was the $3 million in incentives he could have earned had the 2008 team made the World Series. Team President, Randy Levine, said in his comments that the $3 million was there to motivate Torre in October. So, basically what you are saying is that Joe was not motivated to win the World Series? Are you *add expletive* kidding me? Is it Torre's fault that his ace, Chien-Ming Wang could not pitch five innings in either of his ALDS starts? That may be the most retarded thing I have ever heard. The incentives to motivate is what turned Torre off to this deal most of all as stated in his press conference. That is highly insulting!

As much as I personally hate the Yankees, it is hard for anyone not to admire Joe Torre. The man has more class than just about any athlete, coach, front office person, or owner in all of sports. He defied the odds by lasting 12 years with an owner like George Steinbrenner. Even though just about any manager could win with the Yankees resources, Torre was a perfect fit in the high pressured NYC market. He was able to handle Steinbrenner, and, of course, the relentless New York media with ease. Whoever the next Yankees manager is will have a rough time filling Joe Torre's shoes. Bring on Tony LaRussa!

Postseason Day13 Recap

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:02:09 GMT

Boston 7, Cleveland 1 (CLE leads 3-2)
Josh Beckett was fantastic yet again in a postseason start. He sends the Red Sox back to Fenway with a chance to comeback from a 3-1 series hole. Beckett pitched eight innings with 11 strikeouts, while only allowing one walk. Beckett is building quite the postseason resume, and should this series reach a Game 7, he will probably pitch in relief should Matsuzaka struggle. The situation could mirror the 2003 NLCS when Beckett stopped the bleeding with a great Game 5, and then came on in relief in Game 7 to stop the Cubs' offense. Despite his antics, Manny Ramirez continues his great postseason with the go-ahead RBI single in the 3rd, even if it might have been a homerun and if he decided to run a double. As for Cleveland, C.C. Sabathia pitched better tonight, but still gave up four runs over six innings. Sabathia is 0-2 in the series with a 10.45 ERA. Even in Game 1 vs. the Yankees he did not pitch well. Game 6 will feature Fausto Carmona vs. Curt Schilling. Neither pitcher was able to make it past five in Game 2, but I would have to give an edge to Schilling in this matchup. Remember Schilling pitched a monster Game 6 in the 2004 ALCS after struggling so much in Game 1. Then, I would give the Red Sox a very slight edge in Game 7 because of homefield, but other than that with Westbrook and Matsuzaka the game is a toss up.

BCS Going to Ruin a Fantastic College Football Season

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:02:11 GMT

In a year with immense parity in college football, how good would an 8-12 team playoff be to decide the National Champion? However, despite even non-college football fans, like myself, being glued to the set because of great upsets, everyone must realize the season is still going to end with the BCS deciding, somehow, who the two best teams are. They will pin them against each other in BCS Championship Game on January 7th, about 45 days after the last regular season weekend. How can a formula comprised of human polls and computer math decide who the two best teams are? The BCS is the worst thing in all of sports, well maybe besides Jesper Parnevik's tight, pink pants.

Those who support the BCS must be getting a cut of the dough that the BCS lavishly throws upon the major conferences. Those who say the BCS is objective have to get their heads examined as well. Two/thirds of the BCS is comprised of the USA Today Coaches' Poll and the newly formed Harris Poll. In 2004, the AP Poll pulled out after they gave their share of the national championship to USC when LSU won the BCS Championship Game. They did not want to be contractually obligated to vote on the winner of the BCS game like the Coaches' Poll is. Even ESPN ended their partnership with USA Today with the Coaches' Poll because of their disgust with the BCS. So, in response, the BCS helped create a new poll (the Harris Poll) to put into their formula. The other third of the BCS formula belongs to six computers. The only formula I could find was Wes Colley's Bias Free Matrix Rankings. It takes him 24 pages to explain his formula, with an array of calculus equations. His formula takes strength of schedule and home/away into account, which some of the other five computers do not. Should college football's fate be decided by two subjective polls and computer math?

College basketball has human polls (AP, Coaches) and a computer ranking system (RPI). However, both are simply guides for the fan to look at during the year. The RPI may decide who the last teams are in the NCAA Tournament, but all human opinion and computer formulas are rendered moot when the tournament ultimately decides the champion. Just imagine the NCAA Tournament cancelled, and the polls and RPI deciding the two best teams. There would be a public outcry. It would increase the Duke national titles for me, but I would not trade the tournament for any number of championships.

The BCS pundits want to point to USC/Texas in 2006. Yes, that may have been the greatest college football game of all time, but that is the only year I can recall that ended without controversy. One of nine is a good percentage? I did not realize 11% was a passing grade. How about when the BCS left an undefeated Auburn team out of running for the National Championship back in 2005? That Tigers ran the table in the toughest conference in the country and was still left out. That is insane! How about when Nebraska lost 62-36 in their final game of the regular season to Colorado, but still managed to beat them out for #2 spot. What about Florida State in 2000 getting to play Oklahoma in the National Championship instead of Miami who beat FSU that season. Ridiculous!

Also, look at the differences in conferences throughout the country. The SEC has LSU, Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Kentucky! How could you have expected LSU to go undefeated this season? On the flipside, Ohio State has the benefit of playing in a very weak Big Ten. If they go undefeated, they will be in the BCS title game (mainly on reputation). Another thing is that some of these conferences play a championship game while others do not. That could mean an extra game vs. Florida for LSU. Goodluck beating them twice in a season. This will be all around the time Ohio State will be enjoying their turkey dinner knowing their championship game tickets are set. I am not saying at all that Ohio State should not be considered for the title, but shouldn't they have to earn it?

Ultimately, the BCS has always kept me from being a big college football fan. I cannot watch games in October where that will not mean anything come January. This year has been different for me though, as I have been riveted by the play of South Florida, Boston College, South Carolina, Arizona State, and others. Kentucky/LSU was a tremendous football game last weekend. It really is a shame that a playoff will not be used to conclude an incredible college football season. Look at the number of teams that could be involved in it. There is plenty of time off from Dec. 1-Jan. 1 for a playoff. All other divisions in college football have playoffs, so why can't D-I? I had the privilege to meet NCAA President, Myles Brand, last year, and he said a playoff is very unlikely. That is just unfathomable!

http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/bcs_explained.html

Postseason Day12 Recap

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 03:41:34 GMT

Probably should have thought of better post titles, but what are you going to do.

Cleveland 7, Boston 3 (CLE leads 3-1)
Paul Byrd has been Cleveland's best starting pitcher this postseason. He was the winner of the clincher vs. the Yankees, and now he gives the Indians a commanding 3-1 series lead against Boston. Bryd threw five shutout innings before the Indians gave him a seven run bottom of the 5th. He gave up two solo homeruns in the 6th, but it did not matter at that point. It was certainly better than giving up two walks there. The bullpen was sensational again, including another two hitless innings from Rafael Betancourt. Betancourt now has 5.1, one-hit, innings in the series. He might be the MVP of the ALCS if it was not for the superb performance from Jhonny Peralta. Peralta is hitting .353, with 2 HR and 7 RBI. His 2-out, 3-run homer put the game at 6-0 and out of reach from the Red Sox. The Sox have Josh Beckett going tomorrow and he will have to deliver them a victory so that they can head back to Boston. Again, I would have started him tonight so you could start him in Game 7, but there is no other pitcher you rather have on the mound facing elimination. Back in the 2003 NLCS, the Marlins trailed 3-1 to the Cubs and Beckett pitched a Game 5 shutout changing the momentum of the series. C.C. Sabathia is due for a good performance though, and he could send the Indians to the World Series to face the Rockies next year sometime (8 days away). The Tribe certainly do not want to test fate and go back to Boston. Could it be that the Indians are the next team to wipe out a long World Series drought?

Postseason Day11 Recap; Colorado Rockies Claim NL Pennant

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:57:38 GMT

Cleveland 4, Boston 2 (CLE leads 2-1)
Finally, Boston's big two were held in check, and who would have thought it was going to be Jake Westbrook doing it. Westbrook was great for 6.2 innings only allowing a big fly from Jason Varitek in the 7th. What sparked Westbrook's entire night was when the Red Sox loaded the bases in the top of the 2nd with no outs. The Tribe would have gladly conceded one or two runs to avoid further damage, but they escaped with no damage at all! I'm sure Varitek would have traded his later 2-run jack for even a sac fly here. Westbrook would then get Coco Crisp to line into a double play to end the inning with no damage done. Then, before the Red Sox could come to bat again, Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up a 2-run, 2-out homerun to Kenny Lofton. This inning changed the entire landscape of the game. It settled down Westbrook, and was foreshadowing of DiceK's night. DiceK could not make through five, and left trailing 4-0. Matsuzaka has been very disappointing in year one of his major league career. Do you think the Red Sox can get $51.5 million in store credit? Rafael Betancourt dominated the big bats in the 8th before giving way to Joe Borowski who closed out the game. Betancourt has been outstanding in this series. He has pitched 3.1, 1-hit, innings in this series. The Red Sox insist they will not start Josh Beckett tomorrow, but I think you have to. You can start Tim Wakefield in Game 5, but you have got to tie up this series and Beckett is where you should go. He's proven he can pitch on short rest in the playoffs, and it would also allow him to pitch Game 7, on full rest, if need be. I think whoever wins the game tomorrow is going to win the series.

Colorado 6, Arizona 4 (Frank Caliendo wins 2,493 promos to... I mean COL wins 4-0)
Amazing! Incredible! Impossible! The Colorado Rockies are headed to the World Series! This is the biggest surprise of my baseball life. The Rockies were in 4th place in mid-August after experiencing three pitching injuries within a week. What an incredible comeback by this team to get into the playoffs and then take full advantage of it. The only team I can think of that had a comeback and then playoff success like this was the 1996 Jacksonville Jaguars. That Jaguars team was 4-7 and needed to win their last five games to get into the playoffs. They got the first four and on the final day of the season they led Atlanta 19-17 with the Falcons lining up for an 18-yard field goal. The best kicker in NFL history, Morten Anderson, missed! That propelled the Jaguars to the playoffs where they stunned Buffalo and 13-3 Denver on the road. They lost in the AFC Championship Game, but that run is the closest thing I can think of to this Rockies run. It is now 21 of 22 victories for Colorado. This all never would have happened had Trevor Hoffman been able to get the save vs. Milwaukee or against Colorado in the play-in, the Rockies would be home right now, and the rest of the National League would have been thrilled. This team was as clutch as could be, as they had 15, 2-out runs in the series. Take that stat away and this was a very even series. Arizona actually played well in many areas, and should be proud of a Cinderella type season of their own. However, tonight belongs to the Rockies who will now have nine days off before Game 1 of the World Series in either Cleveland or Boston. With the extended time off do you think they should have a Spring Training before then or should they schedule some games with local high schools and colleges to keep sharp? How about little leagues? That would be fun! What a story though! A reason why sports are great, unscripted drama that leads into things we never dream could happen.

Postseason Day10 Recap

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 04:13:21 GMT

Colorado 4, Arizona 1 (COL leads 3-0)
From the department of redundancy, the Colorado Rockies have won another baseball game extending their improbable winning clip to 20 of 21. And again it wasn't their bats that made the noice. It is hard to believe, but they have only scored more than 5 runs once in this postseason and they are still 6-0. They have had absolute lights out pitching. Josh Fogg pitched six terrific innings before handing it to the Colorado pen which has been next to unhittable this postseason. I guess we will have to see how they respond to the Red Sox or Indians offense next week in the World Series (Rockies? World Series? Still stunning). The story of this postseason has been 2-out hitting, and that is precisely why Colorado is up 3-0 in the series. The Rockies lead 9-1 in the 2-out run department. Colorado's defense has been impeccable as well. Other than Holliday's miscue against San Diego, I do not think I have seen a costly mistake. Even Matsui's error in the 9th in Game 2 was negated by Drew leaving 2nd base assuming he was out. The Diamondbacks have to hope that the Rockies suddenly realize what they have accomplished, and get tight and cool off leading to four straight losses. Micah Owings will start tomorrow unless Melvin changes his mind at the last minute and decides to go with Brandon Webb. I think if Webb had more success against Colorado they would definitely go that route, but I think you have to anyway. If the season is going to end, at least go down with your best pitcher on the mound. It also provides the opportunity that if this series somehow goes to a Game 7, Webb can start again. Maybe Owings will jump start the Dbacks' offense though!

Upcoming Posts for Next Couple Days:
BCS Going to Screw Up an Amazing College Football Season
Week 6 NFL Recap