The Sports Headquarters : CBSSports.com Blogs

Suns v Lakers WCF Breakdown

Sat, 29 May 2010 20:39:59 EDT

Here I thought the outcome of the game was decided on the court.

I have spent the better part of the last week reading from Lakers fans about how the “experts” saying the Suns have a shot in their Western Conference Finals matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers is a joke.

I have seen such in depth analysis from Lakers fans as:

We are taller, we have Kobe Bryant, and we are the Lakers.

Amare's Time in The Sun Needs to Be Done

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:38:07 EST

I am a big Amare Stoudemire fan.

I love the ability he possesses, even if he has lost some of the explosiveness. I love the fact that he continues to develop as a post player, expanding his range from the floor.

Heck, he even seems to be making an effort to become a better rebounder.

Now for the reality.

2010 NFL Mock Draft Pre Playoff Edition Top 20

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:43:37 EST

The Journey to the draft is about to begin, and actually it already has begun for 20 NFL teams. The playoffs begin Saturday Jan. 9th, and will go all the way to Sunday February 7th until we have a new Champion crowned.

That being said, we already know the top 20 draft order, except for some coin flips that will determine certain draft positions.

I will also unveil my formula of what I would do if I was the GM, and what I think the team will do.

Let's not waste anymore time and dive right into the Too Early 2010 NFL Mock Draft.

PP2 Schedule

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 2:03:19 EDT

First off, sorry some people only getting a week in between gameplans. If this is a problem I will try and redo the schedule. Second, this is the plan right now. If we begin to have issues with participation, especially voting and gameplans, then I will immediatley dump teams and we will contract. That may not make people happy, but I am tired of people not showing up, especially when some people are very dedicated and diligent.

If you are dumped, you will not get back in, unless there is a legit reason. First you should PM me, Kmvenne, MS or Skins with how long you will be gone, that will go a long way in keeping you in here.

So here it is.

1 missed gameplan, you forfeit 1 trade in transaction period #2.

2010 NFL Mock Draft- Top 12

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:03:30 EST

One week later and we are ready to continue on in the journey towards the NFL draft. Some of this will definitely be rehashed from the last blog, but there has been some movement on my big board and in the standings.

Wait, I don't have a big board, well there are some mistakes I made, which is what the "experts" mean when they say there has been movement on their boards.

So who is going where now and what has changed?

Let's get started.

CPMD Pool Play 1 Schedule and Results

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST

Schedule:

11/16/09- Mother Lover's v The Bus Drivers = 15-7 TBD wins

The Ambulance v The Knowledge Organization= TKO Wins by FF

11/18/09- Victorious Basterds v Ruff Ryders = 15-0 VB wins

CPMD Rosters and Divisions

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:46:22 EST

CPMD Rosters and Divisions

NORTH Division:

Mother Lover's (MM/Chrisper) (0-1)

PG- Rajon Rondo

2009-2010 CPMD Rules and Schedule

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:49:04 EST

Divisions :

North-

Mother Lover's

The Ambulance

2010 NFL Mock Draft- Top 10

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:00:20 EST

I know it is early, but we can already see what teams will be fighting for playoff spots, and which teams will be looking for help to get there next year.

The first round will only go the top 10 picks, maybe a couple of more, but these projections are based off of the standings right now.

Things will obviously change, as team needs change throughout the season, but this is what I have thus far.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sure they won, finally, but they are still have earned the number one pick with their play. Where to start with their needs? Actually let's talk about what they will not be looking for:

AFC North and East Preview Plus Playoff Preview

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:21:06 EDT

I like to think of this division as the black and blue division of the NFL. Well, two of the four teams represent that, and those are the only two teams that I can see doing anything this year.

AFC North-

4. Cleveland Browns:

Has Eric Mangini gone off of the deep end or is he showing his true colors of being a Bill Belichick disciple? I am not sure, but what I do know is that the Browns season is going to be an interesting one. Some Browns fans are already chirping about how Mangini is running the team. There is some talent on offense, but the defense, well they are another story altogether.

AFC South Preview

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 1:44:01 EDT

AFC South Preview

New season same results… At least that is what I see coming out of the AFC South this year. The top two teams remain the same. The bottom two teams follow suit from last year, and it may just cost their coaches their jobs.

AFC South-

4. Jacksonville Jaguars:

AFC West Preview

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:37:17 EDT

Well as the preseason comes to an end and the season begins I will be breaking down each division and have my picks in for the playoffs, NFC and AFC Championship Games, as well as the 2010 Super Bowl Champion.

First though, we need to take a look through each division and that, well that, may be all done tonight, or over the next couple of days.

Here we go:

AFC West-

Everybody Hates Kobe Bryant?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 1:50:02 EDT

Ok, that may be a bit of a stretch but there is no question that Kobe Bryant is the most polarizing figure in the NBA today. Ask 100 people and you will get 10,000 different opinions. (Yes I know the math doesn't make sense)

Kobe Bryant is without a doubt one of the top players, if not the top player in the NBA today. He has a killer instinct that has not been seen since the days of yore and by yore I mean MJ.

He has the ability to feel out a game and decide whether or not to be a gunner, yes he does still have that gunner mentality, but also be a facilitator and score when needed. He has matured and with better teammates learned how to involve them and sometimes trust them.

All of those things being said, he still will never get the love and respect he deserves from his game. Why is that? Why is possibly the best player since MJ has retired, after the Bulls not the Wizards Jordan, so reviled and not adorned with the admiration that his game deserves?

NBA Fantasy GM Part 1

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:30:26 EDT

Well the NBA season is about over and it is time for most fans to start planning for next season and what their teams may look like. Well guess what, I am here to help, or piss you off and get flamed, either way, let me know what you think so far. Agree, Disagree, Hate it, let me know.

Starting from the top I will give you my opinion on what I think each team should do. Oh, and in my column no team wins the championship b/c it is more fun this way. (If you care, I am rooting for the Magic, but believe the Lakers in 7)

So we will start with the two teams in the Finals:

Lakers: Well after another disapointing finals loss what are they going to do. Kobe is not getting any younger and although some believe he can be dominating for another 5 or 6 years, I put it in the 2-3 range. Not because of lack of ability, he will just have too many miles on his legs. That being said, Kobe is schedules to make about $23 million and the Lakers will be losing some key cogs in Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza.

Sometimes Owners Need to Shut Their Mouths

Mon, 11 May 2009 18:04:08 EDT

Ken Kendrick has gone too far this time. I have been a Diamondbacks fan since they came into existence, and I have about had it with this team. I had no real problem with the AJ Hinch hiring. I mean it is great that we are hiring a guy with no major league coaching experience, "What he has never coached anywhere before?" and is the director of player development, something the Diamondbacks obviously have great success with, man Chris Young and Chris Snyder and Conor Jackson looked good again tonight.

Then Kendrick decided to open his mouth. Great, defend your choice as manager before he even coaches a game. You guys obviously know more than any other team in the league and your terrific string of championship baseball backs up not only your decision, but your brazen and defiant defense of the hire. I mean why should anyone question you all mighty Ken Kendrick, some of your awesome leadership decisions along with the greatest GM ever in Josh Byrnes has led to decisions like:

I Loved This Game

Thu, 07 May 2009 1:46:24 EDT

I will admit that I have paid less attention to the NBA Playoffs this year than previous years, somewhat because the Suns flamed out (pun intended) and somewhat because I for one think it is a foregone conclusion that it will be a Los Angeles Lakers v Cleveland Cavaliers finals, more importantly, a Kobe v Lebron finals. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I think it just makes too much sense for how important it is to the NBA for ratings, but also for the future of the game. I am no Kobe Bryant fan, but he has been one of the best players, if not the best, in the league for the last eight to nine years and LeBron James is already the present and future of the NBA. So the question, as an NBA fan is why don't I care about this playoff season, and what can make it better?

I Love a Good Draft

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:41:37 EDT

Drafts are the best, I like all kinds:

Miller Light and Miller High Life for your cheaper American beers.

I enjoy Corona, Dos XX, and Pacifico for Mexican beers

And of course, the greats like Stella Artois, Kilt Lifter, and any Chimay.

Final Mock Draft

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:12:49 EDT

Well, it has been awhile, but with baseball season starting, and waiting to see what trades were made, I have been holding off as long as possible to make this last mock draft. There will be less analysis, but I will still show you what I would do first, then what they will do second. Enjoy…

Detroit Lions:

Who would I take… Jason Smith, OT Baylor. I know they need a lot of things, and I also would like Aaron Curry here, but I think a starting left tackle for the next 7-10 years would be too great to pass up.

Who will they take… Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia. Out of all the options for the first pick, I like this one the least, but everything I have heard and read is that they are trying to get a deal done with Stafford so there is no surprise first pick.

Rank Em'

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:39:23 EDT

Two weeks in and there are some things that are evident.

The Yankees spent a whole lotta money to get there backside handed to them the first week in their new digs.

The Braves are the big decliners this week after starting 5-1 and are now 5-6

Some of the surprise teams, Seattle, San Diego, and Kansas City remain in first in their divisions.

Rank Em'

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:14:39 EDT

So we have gone through a week of baseball, and nothing is really evident yet. There were some teams that put up great numbers and lost, and there were some teams that looked like they had no clue and won. That is why it is only the first week of the season and we have much, much more to go. But, for fun let's look at the week 1 power rankings.

Thank God it's Early

30. Washington Nationals…

Were you expecting something else? 0-6 to start the year, and while they played Atlanta at least close, I can't give this team, that has some young talent waiting in the wings, anything lower than this.

Mock Draft V1.0 Part 3

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 4:55:54 EDT

So, in my final addition of V1.0 of my mock draft, I will analyze the final 12 picks, and again, these picks are first my opinion on who I would take and then who I think the team will select. Love it or hate it, let me know.

21. Philadelphia Eagles- Needs DB,RB,WR/TE

Who would I take… Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forest. I know you have plenty of corners, but I think Smith is a good enough athlete to pull off a switch to free safety. He has good speed and quickness, with an exceptionally quick burst to the ball. He also knows what to do with the ball in his hands, and could also make a good impact as a return man. With the loss of 2 safeties, I think it is imperative to get a new, young DB in the fold, to make some plays.

Mock Draft V1.0 Part 2

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 3:11:33 EDT

So here is part 2 of the 3 part mock draft I am going through. I hope you enjoyed or hated part 1 as long as there is some feedback.

11. Buffalo Bills-Needs OL,DL,TE

Who would I take…Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State. This is a need position, and with the signing of TO, it makes this offense even better, with a safety valve like Pettigrew for Trent Edwards to have to check down too. He is a massive target at almost 6-6 and 280+ lbs. He is not a burner, but has a great field presence with an ability to catch anything around him, but will not break away after the catch. The biggest upside about Pettigrew is that he is a phenomenal blocker, especially for the run. He will complete this offense completely.

Who will they take… Everette Brown. The Bills need a new DE, and it is a big pick up for them if Brown is available.

Mock Draft V1.0 Part 1

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 19:39:20 EST

This is my stab at a mock draft. Would love feedback especially on the format. I am going to do things a little different, I will give you my pick, which is basically my point of view of what I would do as GM of each team, then I will give who I think the actual pick will be. I will give a brief analysis of each player one time, then a brief analysis of how he fits with the team. So I hope you enjoy.

Detroit Lions- Needs QB,OL, DB Who I would pick… Jason Smith, OT Baylor. Smith is a franchise type left tackle. He has a great frame, with room to grow and the ability to get a little thicker. He has great reach and is very quick due to having played tight end also. He is a little light, but will only get stronger as he gets into the NFL and that will also help his run blocking ability. As he matures I think he will become a more and more dominating left tackle. He will be a great fit with the Lions, and would be a corner stone of their offensive line for years to come.

View from the Top

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:38:22 EST

So I was lucky enough to get to go to the LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns game on Sunday. My buddy got us some tickets and we went to enjoy a great game between two hate rivals. I have been fortunate enough to go to 3 Suns v Lakers games the last 3 years, but this was the first time I have got to see both Pau Gasol and Shaquille O'Neal in person. As we parked and walked into the game, we both realized that a lot has changed in the last couple of seasons, and the Lakers bandwagon has filled up again, with fans who know little to nothing about the sport of basketball.

I have been fortunate enough to have many dealings with real Lakers fans the past couple of months, and you can tell the real fans vs the bandwagon hoppers. As we approached the seats, in true bandwagon fashion the Lakers fans were outside already running their mouths. Let me take a break to get on my soapbox. As many of my friends are aware, I am a huge fan of trash talking. I think it gets the fans involved more into the games and gives you even more reason to want your team to win, because really, who wants to hear Lakers fans gloat about their team sweeping my team. All of that being said, there is a time and a place for trash talking, and at a major sporting event, where women and children are present is not the place. There are outlets like message boards, bars, and between friends, but not at major sporting events. I honestly do not care what you say in front of your kids at home, you can use all the four letter words you want, but when you are in public, that is not the place to be dropping f bombs and calling every move that Kobe does the $&!%. Don't expose children that are not your vulgarities. Ok, sorry about the rant.

Planet Orange Still Not Aligned

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 1:19:01 EST

So there have been two blow outs in two nights since the All-Star break. Of course they were against the LA Clippers, and quite frankly I believe that some college teams could have beat the Clippers the last two nights. 140 points in a regulation game, are you kidding me? Wait, wait lets give up 142 tonight, the second night of a back to back against the oldest starting lineup in the league. So maybe just maybe the offensive game is back, but then again it was the Clippers.

What really needs to be addressed is this idea that the Suns can put a run together and maybe become a force in the playoffs. I am one of the biggest Suns fans you will ever meet, but unfortunately I am also a realist that has been down this road many times before. There are still the issues of the defense, especially on the perimeter (by the way, has Baron Davis become Papa Smurf, I swear he has put on at least 25 lbs. since last year and the beard needs a trim). There is still the issues of turnovers, you cannot commit 22 against an opponent, I don't care how pitiful they are.

A-roid?

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 1:15:56 EST

So he is a cheater... too. Although you wouldn't know it by the way Alex Rodriguez is being burnt at the stake. All the analyst care about is the fact that the savior of baseball cheated the system and he needs to be redefined now, almost reclassified as just another player. Never mind that he states that he did not take roids ' prior to receiving the richest contract in MLB history, or that he was not as much of a home run hitter before hand. So what we have is a man that was signed to one of the greatest contracts in the history of sports and felt pressure, rightfully so, to perform up to that contract and cheated. He was caught, and now is facing mass persecution from all angles. A couple of questions for you:

1) What would you have done at the time, not only as Alex Rodriguez, but any fledgling major leaguer trying to get a newer and shinier contract? Would you not do anything possible to provide for your family? Would you not do anything possible in order to continue to pursue/live your dream? I as a former athlete know that I wouldn't have, but I also can only say that knowing that I never played for any money, and never made a living doing it. But, if I could guarantee myself that I would make enough money that I would never have to work a day in my life and provide for my family, I would seriously think about it.

Get out of town Amare

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 1:29:51 EST

Oh how the mighty have fallen. The future, the franchise, and the foundation of the franchise has got to go. Not because of anything performance wise, while he is slightly down in all major categories, it is because Amare has developed into Shawn Marion 2.0, only he is not as quiet about it. Amare has become a cancer in the locker room and is not shy about it. His comments about not being a captain shows that he is still immature and quite frankly a little petty. Amare has gone from untouchable commodity, to someone who you may not even get fair value for. The idea that Kevin Garnett could be on the Suns, with Steve Nash and Shawn Marion, but they did not want to give up Amare kills me. While this was obviously only speculation and conjecture on the part of the Wolves even being interested, but the idea was great.

Why do we do it?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:11:38 EST

I have been a fan of sports since I was old enough to watch. I love playing any sport, from football to racquetball to golf to pool and will play anytime. Things change as we get older and we start having responsibility and we have a family, a job, school, whatever it may be. What I have come to find out though, is as you get farther and farther away from your playing days, you start living and dying more and more with your favorite sports teams.

A little background on my favorite teams, as an Arizona native I am a fan of the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Phoenix Suns. College sports is where it gets a little sketchy, I was 6 years old and my dad had a year in sports 1991 video. I must have watched it 1,000 times, because I can name every major event from that year. Well, in this video were some memorable games and teams. The first part of the video was about college football, and that was the season of Wide Right I. I instantly fell in love with Florida St. (why I picked the losing team that year, I have no idea, but I did) also in that video was a recap of the Duke v UNLV NCAA championship, and again I picked the losing team as my favorite. Why I did this I have no idea, that is how kids think I guess.

Where Has All the Tradition Gone?

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:03:10 EST

The first subject I want to hit on is what is going on within college football. I am a huge fan of college football because it is young men playing the game the right way, for the right reasons. They play for their future, which usually will not be in sports, and play for free... except for SMU, Reggie Bush (allegedly) and Florida States free shoe program. However there is a disturbing trend setting in the other side of the players, and that is the coaches. Where have the days of Paul "Bear" Bryant, Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden?

Why is it that every coach is so willing to bail on the kids that they promised to take care of? I understand that the money aspect of coaching has increased incredibly, and the win now mentality has taken over at every school, but I does each coach only get 4-5 years to turn the dregs of college football into the next dynasty?