The Torch Has Been Passed...

Welcome back, gangstas. I know I told you I wouldn't be back til Tuesday, but when I realized I had two BIG reasons to celebrate this Friday, I couldn't help but slap some ish together for your enjoyment. Matter of fact, I'm doing the once thought impossible, and killing "3", count 'em 3 birds with just this one stone...

First off, I'm using today to unveil the pimpness that is my new Rooch Nation logo. To quote how I feel on this momentous occasion, I've chose to use lines from the famous inaugural address of slain President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. He was shot in the dome. Peeps taped it. The guy that killed him was shot on TV. You might have seen the movie, which means you probably think the CIA killed him. Anyway! I think he sums up my feelings best. Even though I fancy myself a master of the conversational arts, even I can recognize when someone can do it better than I. Take it away, dead prezzy...

"Let the word go forth from this time and place...to friend and foe alike...that the torch has been passed to a new generation...born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace...and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today. Let every nation know...whether it wishes us well or ill...that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure our survival, and our success."

Well said, Mr. President, Sir. If only you could have included the terms "pimp-slap", "meth-lab" and "rampant backwoods inbreeding", I think you would have nailed my feelings right on the head. It's a declaration, bitches! I've updated my style to fit with...well...my style, and I feel it's taken me one step closer to goal of World Domination!!...or making $150K a year...whichever comes first. I have to thank my good friend, Mr. Kevin Tomasso, for designing the new logo to fit my "American Gangster"-like specifications. Without that small man and his passion for sports and the Internet, I know there's no way I would have even taken the small steps towards greatness that I've already begun to make...

Next up, I'm proud to announce that today marks the publishing as my 200th post! It's been a great ride over the past few years, and I'd like to thank everyone that's been following along with me. I mean, maybe I'm arrogant and self-serving enough to do this stuff for my own good, but I'd like to think I wouldn't be so passionate about it if I didn't know so many of you were out there reading, and giving a pimp a little support.

Finally, I've decided that on such a joyous occasion, I'd hit you with the funk that I've been promising for about the last month. That's right ladies 'n gents, it's my 2008 Major League Baseball Preview...LIVE and in color! I got some predictions, some previews and naturally a few wise cracks or two. Last year I picked the Sox over the Dodgers in the World Series, and Ryan Howard was my MVP. Not too shabby, right? Who knows. If my predictions continue to be right on the money, I might actually end up falling ass backwards into some credibility! And lemme tell ya, that's something I wouldn't mind one bit. Now, it's on to the preview. Enjoy...

2008 Major League Baseball Preview and Predictions

Naturally, I'm going to begin my preview with the division that continues to serve as the pulse of Major League Baseball, the American League East...

AL EAST
1. Boston Red Sox*
2. New York Yankees
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Tampa Bay RAYS
5. Baltimore Orioles

-The Sox have the best and the deepest talent in the division. The Yankees have a great offense, but their pitching is old, unproven, young and experienced all at the same time. The Blue Jays have the talent to compete for the AL Wild Card, but if this is the year their pitching staff doesn't hit the infirmary by June, then it'll be the first time that's happened under GM JP Riccardi. Giving Tampa and Baltimore the time of day would be the equivalent of talking about hockey, so I'll spare you. As for the division race, to say it won't be close just screams ignorant at this point so I won't even bother, but I do have an interesting theory. Instead of the Sox running away and having to hold on, a la last year, I see the two staying fairly close for most of the year, until Boston pulls away at the end. I mean I think it's all gonna come down to pitching as it always does. And while I have faith the Yanks will make a deal for the biggest available arm if they need to, I just give the overall pitching strength and depth advantage to the Sox. That's why they'll win the division, and that's why they'll finish with the best record in the American League for the second year in a row...OK fine so they tied with Cleveland last year...sue me...


Next up is the AL Central. A lot of experts are saying this is the most dangerous division in baseball this year. Can't say I disagree, but I still think it's pretty clear to see who's the cream of the crop...

AL CENTRAL
1. Cleveland Indians*
2. Detroit Tigers*
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Minnesota Twins
5. Kansas City Royals

-I like the Tigers to grab the Wild Card after struggling a bit in the middle of the year, and I like the Indians to be atop the division and the league all season long. Both teams have a little bit of trouble in the bullpen, but they both just have so much more overall talent than the rest of their division-mates. Detroit comes at you with Verlander and Bonderman on the hill, while Cleveland counters with CC Sabathia and Fausto Carmona. And on offense you can pick your poison between Sheff-Maggs-Cabrera in Detroit or Sizemore-Hafner-Martinez for the Tribe. Whichever team can straighten out their bullpen the best will take this thing down, and although Joe Borowski has struggled in Cleveland, I just like their chances of working something out with their other young arms, or via a trade. As for the rest of the Central, I like the White Sox to bounce back after an awful '07 to compete for a Wild Card. Their pitching seems a little suspect, but John Danks and Gavin Floyd are better than you think, and could help make this a competitive team for the length of the Summer. The Twins still have a bunch of positional talent with Mauer, Morneau and now Delmon Young, but their pitching is so shaky they can't be taken seriously. I mean unless it's 2000, and I'm fairly sure it's not, it is NOT acceptable to trot Livan Hernandez out there every 5 days and call that a "winning strategy"...Oh yea, the Royals. They still suck, but they still have that out in left field. Alex Gordon may prove to be a legit player for them this year, but the only time you'll see them play is when the opposing team is knockin' dingers into the aforementioned fountain. So enjoy that...

Now it's on to the West. Funny. It's where most of the baseball talent is, it's got the best weather for baseball, yet it's got the fewest teams. Is it obvious that Bud Selif runs this thing or is it just me??...

AL WEST
1. Seattle Mariners*
2. Anaheim Angels
3. Texas Rangers
4. Oakland Athletics

-It seems not matter who I pick to win the AL West it never pans out, so take that for what it's worth. Then again, I always pick against the Angels, yet they always seem to win. And now I'm NOT picking them again. Hmmm. Anyway. I like Seattle to take the West this year based almost strictly on potential. The Angels will be solid as they always are, and the Rangers should be vastly improved from a year ago, but Seattle is oozing with that dangerous drug when it comes to picking these things. Potential. With Erik Bedard and Felix Hernandez fronting the rotation, JJ Putz manning the bully I really like their pitching. And while I know Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson strike out a ton, I still think they have the best all-round team, and should be able to take the division. As for the Angels, my knock on them always seems to be their lack of quality pitching, and this year's no different. Even before it looked like Kelvim Escobar would start the year on the DL, I still didn't get the feeling when looking at their staff that it's one to be reckoned with. They still have a good lineup, but with Garret Anderson aging and Gary Mathews Jr. de-roiding, the addition of Torii Hunter probably won't be enough to push the Halos into October baseball. In Texas and Oakland, having post season aspirations would be flat out unrealistic. Texas might be a little better than some people think, but neither team has nearly enough pitching, or hitting for that matter, to form any sort of threat against the Mariners, Angels, or any other AL Wild Card hopeful...

AL PLAYOFFS
Boston Red Sox over Detroit Tigers
Cleveland Indians over Seattle Mariners

ALCS
Boston Red Sox over Cleveland Indians

-OOOOOOOO big shocker, right? Well, listen. If you wanna accuse me of playing favorites, then by all means go ahead. Just know, that I've never had trouble going against the Sox in the past, and that I honestly feel they have the most talented team in the American League. I could listen to arguments for Detroit, Cleveland and even New York, but when push comes to shove I think the Sox have the most complete roster, and the best chance of taking it home. I'm not worried about Josh Beckett's back, and I'm convinced young pitchers like Lester and Buccholz will be able to contribute just enough, so that a slightly better Dice K will give the Sox a formidable rotation come fall. Their lineup might be third best to New York and Detroit in terms of scoring runs, but the more important edge in all around pitching goes to the Sox, so I give them the edge. Whether it's Cleveland or Detroit that meets up with the Sox in the ALCS, I expect it to be a knock down, drag out 7 gamer. Like in many years past, the ALCS has really been the proving ground as to who the best team in baseball is. Even in years when they've gone on to lose the World Series, you watch the classic ALCS series and can't help but think you've seen the best baseball that particular season has to offer. I think this is gonna be one of those, but a fresh, but still fat, Curt Schilling will put together just enough ankle tape to help push the BoSox over the top. I realize how corny that all sounds, but I figure if I'm gettin' specific I might as well go all out in the off chance that I actually get one of these right...

Now it's off to the league where the pitchers get to hit, and the runners get to steal bases. Let me take you back to a simpler time, where Coke's cost a nickel, fresh shaves were just a dime, and Pacman Jones' grandfather was getting locked up for throwin' pennies at prostitutes. It's time my friends, to take a look at the National League...

Let's start in the East. Let's face it. The West Coast is beat. Being out there when it comes to sports just makes you feel like the dude that was sitting at home all day looking for something to do, only to get a call from your friends as they're leaving some killer beach party. It's like...Hello? Remember me??...

NL EAST
1. Philadelphia Phillies*
2. New York Mets
3. Florida Marlins
4. Atlanta Braves
5. Washington Nationals

-I love the smack talk between the Mets and the Phillies, and from the looks of it, it should be going strong all season long. Despite the Mets adding Johan Carlos Santana Randy Moss in the off season, I still like the Phillies lineup a lot more and give them the edge to take the division title. Cole Hamels is setting up to be a bona fide ace at the top of that rotation, and with the emergence of Shane Victorino to go along with Utley, Rollins and Howard in that Philly lineup, they just look a little too good for the Mets to hang. A little disclaimer here. I can't help but get the feeling that the Mets are gonna get drilled by injuries this, and that's really why I'm picking the Phils. Don't get me wrong. Philly's really good 'n all. But just for some reason I think a combination of Wright-Reyes-Pedro-Santana-Delgado are gonna get hurt. Like three of those guys are definitely goin down. I don't know why. I just feel it, so I'm goin' with it. The Marlins still have way too many young guys to expect to compete, but Hanley Ramirez should continue to be worth the price of admission. Which ironically enough is probably about equal to his salary. I know the Braves always find a way to compete, but I just don't see the firepower on any part of their roster to really make a good go of it. Chipper Jones and John Smoltz? RBI Baseball called. They just sold another copy of that shit and they owe you each a nickel. The best thing the Nationals could do for me this year would be to lose 100 or more games. At least then I could rip on them on a regular basis. Other than that, they're about about as useful to me as tits on a boar...

You know, the NL Central wouldn't be so bad if they're weren't so many Goddamn teams in it. Just when you think the stinkfest has stopped...BAM! Pittsburgh!...

NL CENTRAL
1. Chicago Cubs*
2. Milwaukee Brewers
3. Cincinnati Reds
4. Houston Astros
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
6. St. Louis Cardinals

-So seeing as all these teams leave such an awful taste in my mouth, I'm gonna make quick work with my predictions. The Cubs have the most talent. The Brewers have the best talent, but not enough pitching. Everyone else sucks, and it's pointless anyway because the Cubs are gonna lose in the playoffs. Hey, at least Kerry Wood is the closer now. That should be cool...


If the Central is the division full of teams that make you wanna puke, then the West is the division full of teams that make you scratch your head. To be honest, I've been following baseball my entire life, and I routinely forget which sketchball teams are even playin' in this thing. I know the D-Backs won that World Series, and the Rockies were in it last year, but what the Hell? I suppose that as a fan in Massachusetts, West Coast National League baseball is probably the furthest thing from my mind for most of the season, but there's always been somethin' about these teams that's never sat right with me...


NL WEST
1. San Diego Padres*
2. Arizona Diamondbacks*
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Fransisco Giants


-I look at the West a lot like I looked at the AL Central. San Diego and Arizona might not be as good as Detroit and Cleveland, but I see them as the division's clear front runners. The Padres have excellent pitching depth led by Jake Peavy and Chris Young, and have the potential for big things with Randy Wolf, Greg Maddux and Mark Prior rounding that rotation out. That's a lot of arms, man. I know Prior and Maddux might both be wild cards right now for certain reasons, but I still like that depth to carry them to the division title. Turns out, that even though this division bugs me out a little, I still saw enough talent to push two teams to the NL playoffs, giving Arizona the nod as the league's Wild Card. They have a dangerous rotation as well with Brandon Webb, Randy Johnson and off season acquisition Dan Haren. They also boast a potentially explosive lineup with Justin Upton, Stephen Drew and center fielder Chris Young, who swatted 32 homeruns, 29 doubles, and stole 27 bags as a 23 year old rookie. I know it's a tall order to drastically improve on his .237 average from a year ago, but doing just that may even push Young towards the top of the MVP ballot. To get the Giants out of the way real quick, I have just one thing. I bet they'll be good to start the year and people will be all "Oh it's cuz Barry's not around and everyone is relaxed". Then, they'll realize they don't have any good players, and come crashing back to earth. The Dodgers have Joe Torre and what looks like a solid bullpen, but that's about it. Having Brad Penny and Derek Lowe at the front of your rotation just has to make you shiver a bit if your a Dodger fan. And that says a lot seeing as you'd be shivering in like 80 degree temperatures. Actually, you know what. You're all fruits out there for the most part, and usually shiver whenever the sun hides behind a cloud, it rains, it dips below 78, or you find out they replaced that cushy chair you love at your local Starbucks. Tools. You're team is beat, but you have good hot dogs. A gift and a curse, and I'm just lucky that the team I cheer for has good hot dogs, because I would hate to have to choose. Last up is the Rockies. I like they drive and talent they showed in making it the World Series last year, I just don't see it happening again. I think this team is good, but I just see a bad year this year before a real strong bounce-back year in '09. That seems to happen a lot in baseball, and instead of thinking they'll be good again, I think they'll be the team from last year's playoffs to take the biggest dive. They captured lightning in a bottle last year and were able to play out of their minds. They're good , they're just not that good, and I think they're lack of solid pitching will catch up to them as the summer drags on...


NL PLAYOFFS
Philadelphia Phillies over Arizona Diamondbacks
San Diego Padres over Chicago Cubs

NLCS
Philadelphia Phillies over San Diego Padres

-Much like the vaunted 7/10 NCAA tourney game, since I took the Phils to beat out the Mets, then it means I like them to win the whole sha-bang. If I'm right, then around this time we'll be flooded with stories about how young pitchers Cole Hamels and Kyle Kendrick are phenoms, and how Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins are the most dynamic hitting duo in baseball. The Padres will be totally overmatched offensively (which begs to question how they won that first series...oh right...it was the Cubs), and Philly fans will get a crack at yet another championship that they'll try to cling to for the rest of their pathetic lives...


2008 WORLD SERIES

Boston Red Sox over Philadelphia Phillies in 6 games

-As is often the case, Philadelphia gets so close, only to piss it all away. AI and the 6ers? Overmatched. McNabb and the Eagles? Dude's still pukin' up Chunky soup. Barbaro? DEAD! Face it Philly, you're a bunch of chokers, and more to the point, a bunch of losers! I'm glad it's the Sox that'll be digging your grave, but honestly any team would do. There's no place less deserving of a title, and there's no place I'd rather see go to the brink only to suffer. Sox in 6. Back to Back titles. Sweet Caro-freakin'-line, baby. Wicked, wicked Sweet Caro-freakin'-line...


OK. So now that I got all my Red Sox man love/slash!!/un-bias critique of the 2008 season out of the way, it's time to take a look at who's takin' home the hardware when the year's come to a close. Ooo! Ooo! I hope they give all the winner's fax machines and gift certificates!!...


POST SEASON AWARDS

AL MVP
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

-If my calculations are correct, and they so often are, then the Detroit Tigers are gonna be flat out rippin' the cover off baseballs all summer long. And if that indeed proves to be the case, then you gotta think a big reason for their success will be AL newcomer, Miguel Cabrera. He's young, he's got all the tools, and he's finally in a lineup where he's got some protection. With Manny Ramirez getting towards the end of his career, consider Cabrera's 1st year in the AL as an introduction to the "new" Manny. No, he won't be whizzing out of walls, listening to mp3's in the field, or demand a trade every off season (at least I don't think). But if Cabrera continues to develop and flourish, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect .300/30/120 on an annual basis...


NL MVP
Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies

-If I were ridin' with the Mets, I'd be taking Jose Reyes. But since I'm takin' the Phils, I'm rollin' with Roll (if only just so I could say that...ohh!). Much like Reyes is for the Mets, Rollins is what makes the Philadelphia offense run. He gets on base, he steals bases, and after last year's impressive performance at the plate, he's quickly becoming one of the most dangerous hitter's in the whole league. Oh, and did I mention he's an elite fielder at his position? He can do it all, and his team's the best. That's why he's the MVP...


AL CY YOUNG
Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

-Ahhh the enigmatic King Felix. Without question he's got the stuff of a Cy Young winner, and when he's really on, might have the best stuff in the entire AL. He's coming into his 3rd big league season as a 23-year old phenom, and I think it's time he really delivers the goods. He's coming off an '07 campaign where he made 30 starts, going 14-7 with a 3.93 ERA. Not great I know, but consider that ERA was .60 lower than the year before, and you see the type of progress I'm talking about. I also like the fact that with the addition of Erik Bedard from Baltimore, Felix won't have the big time target one his back as he did last year as the team's ace. To put in simply, I think he has the best stuff and I think he's in a great situation, so if he stays healthy, I like his chances to take home the hardware...


NL CY YOUNG
Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs

-To be honest, I'm picking Carlos Zambrano because I'm afraid of him. I mean, maybe not "scared" in the frightetened sense, but when I watch the guy pitch, I honeslty feel bad for the guy in the batter box and can't say I don't slightly fear for his safety. Zambrano is a fearless pitcher with one of the best fastballs in the game. Since I think the Cubs are gonna be better, I'm saying Zambrano is going to be one of the main reasons for their success. His walks (101) and ERA (3.95) were a tad high last year when he went 18-13, but I feel this is truly going to be his breakout season. He's long been a big time ace in waiting, and this is the year he finally busts out for 220+ K's, 18+ wins, and an ERA somewhere in the high 2's...


AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox

-We all saw what he did in helping the Sox to last year's World Series title, so as long as he has rookie eligibility he's my guy. Lovingly known as "Tacoboy Bellsbury" after his free taco stolen base in the Fall Classic, the speedy outfielder possesses nearly every asset you look for in a lead off man, and a center fielder. His only roadblock should be wrestling playing time away from Coco Crisp, a task that should prove easier than getting Amy Winehouse to chase Oxy's with Windex. Translation: This one's in the bag...


NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Kosuke Fukodome, Chicago Cubs

-Whenever these Asians make the trip across the Pacific to ball it up, it always seems like they come away with the Rookie of the Year Award, doesn't it? Sure, a lot of their careers may head down hill a little after that, but at the very least they're a sure bet to be in the running for the ROY thanks to both their age and their relative experience. At 31, Kosuke Fukodome is my pick to be the latest Japanese pro to bring the rookie harware home. In 2006, he was the Japanese League's MVP with a .351 average, 31 homers and 104 RBI and he's coming off a 9 year career over there that saw him hit .305 with a .940 OPS (on base% + slugging%). Sounds like the guy can handle the lumber...oh and the fact that he's a 31-year old competing with a bunch of 22-year olds doesn't hurt either. Oh, and for the record, it's pronounced Koh-skay Foo-koo-DOH-may. Feel free to use that to make yourself look smart, your co-workers look stupid, or just to morph his name into some sort of semi-anit-Japanese WWII joke...OK, don't do the last one...


-


Red Sox Update
Overall: 1-1

-So the Sox got a split out of the trip to Japan. Not too bad. What's more impressive to me, is that Manny was able to wrangle 1 million Yen ($10K) and a free printer out of the whole trip. Yup, that was his prize for being voted the opening game's most valuable player. I'm not sure who voted. And I'm definitely not sure you chose these prizes, but I'd say the whole thing is right up Manny's alley. Knowing Manny like I do, I can only assume that the following things will occur. He will forget the Yen at his hotel room or simply it throwing it away not understanding it's significance. And he will sell the printer on eBay, if that item actualyl happens to make it on the plance back to the states. It's no matter though. We love Manny because he smiles, crushes the ball and protects Big Papi in the lineup. So maybe he stares a little too long at his moon shots and trips over his pajama pants while running back from taking a whiz in the Green Monster? As long as he gets it done, right?

Manny Ramirez. 4 RBI's. 1 free printer. Yeah, I'd say that sounds about right...

-OH, and everyone can calm down about Josh Beckett's back. He pitched rather well on Thursday in a minor league start, and it's looking more and more like his "injury", was just a precaution meant to keep him off that long plane ride...


Diamonds...She'll Pretty Much Have To
-The latest news out of the Elliot Spitzer skank scandal is that one of his flings (not the Girls Gone Wild broad) is claiming to have a book of clients that includes the name of a prominent New York Yankee. Hmmmm. Now I know the obvious choice here would be to go with A-Rod, but information I'm receiving from my ground sources are telling me I should look another direction. Word on the "streeeeeeeets of the Bronx" is that this high class call girl had a thing for kinky ear lovin'. You know, she loves rubbin' up against guys ears and making them stick their ears in the nughtiest of naughties? Now, I'm no "ear-coitis" expert, but if that's the case, then I'd have to say the prominent pin-striper is none other than Jorge "Dumbo" Posada. He's a latin lover, he's one of the teams best players and apparently he's got the hearing recepticals that drive the ladies wild! But let's not go crazy here, because after all this is just a rumor. I'm just sayin', from the evidence I've gathered, I think my pick could be right on the money. And at least we know we can rule out all the black guys on the team. I mean, at least from what Tom Tucker's told me when it comes to ear pleasure, "Once you go black, you go deaf", so I'd have to think she wouldn't go that route. Hey, maybe she has a thing for intense pain that rips cartilidge, what do I know. But I feel safe in ruling those guys out. Georgie is your guy....Wait...so is Jeter out or not?...

-Speaking of the line being blurred between black and white, Major League baseball is sending quite the mixed message as part of it's league wide Opening Day ceremony. After being named an astounding 37 times in the Mitchell report this off season, Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca will be recieving the pitch to open the 2008 season from none other than President George W. Bush. Talk about MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. The leader of the same government that just endorsed a report that named Lo Duca as a known roid slanger, is going to cock back his wing and loft a softy to the catcher to help celebrate the start of the new season. How utterly appropriate of both Bush and MLB if you ask me. Everyone wants to talk about how the roid users really didn't committ any "crime", but Lo Duca was bascially dealin' the shit! You can tell me using the roids might not have been so legally bad, but I sure as Hell know that selling them isn't legit! The Mitchell Report basically named Paulie Walnuts as Kirk Rodomski's right hand man, and he's the one opening the season with the leader of the free world. Only that crippled muppet Bud Selig could have thought this gem up. And hhy can't I help but think that somewhere in this great country of ours, someone is using this event as an example of how the White Man hates Barry Bonds....

...That man's name, is Joe Morgan. And this league is still far from NOT being a total ethical disaster...


-And just to end on an equally credible note, I can't help but love all the news beginning to trickle out about the latest Jose Conseco book. It's called "Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars and the Battle to Save Baseball", and is basically another tell-all style book in which Jose throws everyone under the SurRoid House Bus that he uses to avade parole officers and bounty hounters, and names the biggest names he possibly can. The first report to make it's way to the papers before the book's April 1st release (how appropriate?), is the one that has Jose introducing A-Rod to a known roid peddler, and A-Rod trying to sleep with Canseco's wife. Oh, and Jose goes on to say that he's not a jealous guy, but that he hates Rodriguez, and they would be better off if they were to never come in contact again. That sounds about right. Not jealous, huh? So when you smashed up your wife's Lambo that was what? Insurance fraud? Please, Jose, I know you unearthed a lot of things in your first book, and I've been a backer of what you've said in it's wake, but all this seems a little like a money grab to me bro. I mean I don't doubt that A-Rod might have juiced, or maybe even used you as a contact, but then why wasn't he in the first book? Well I got 2 reasons, and neither help your cause, Jose. 1) It's not true. Alex wasn't mentioned in Juiced because this is all a product of Jose's cehmically inbalanced imagination. 2) Jose couldn't get A-Rod to pay him off the first time. This time around, he "gathered" more evidence against Rodriguez, still didn't get paid off, and decided to make A-Rod the star of his next book. Either way, it doesn't look good for Jose. In the beginning, it was obvious he wanted publicity, but the things he said actualyl helped straighten out the game. Now, it all comes off as just a little desperate, and therefore a little less credible. I'm still looking forward to reading it though, as his first effort kept me in stiches the whole 15 minutes it took me to read it. I'll comb it over and get back to you pimps, as I'm sure there are gonna be some juicy nuggets of note worth commenting on. So be on the look out...

Well that's it for me this week. My bracket continued to take a beating on Thursday night, and while I don't think I can even technically win my pool anymore, I'll be back on Tuesday to break it all down. Hope you all enjoy the new look of Rooch Nation

Picking up the Pieces...

Uhhhhh, so when does fantasy football start??


As much as I love the NCAA tournament, that was the first thing that popped into my head on Monday morning. Not only did my bracket tank (and you know I'll be getting to that), but March Madness is one of the few opportunities I allow myself to bet on sports. With my bracket in shambles, and any chance of winning loots about as likely as Larry King throwing on a belt, I can't help but look forward to fantasy football, the only other time I have cash on the line.

Mind you, I'm not trying to distract from, or make excuses for, my first weekend meltdown. Matter of fact, in my complete analysis of the Sweet 16 games yet to come, I'll tell you exactly why and how I came to only have 3 Final Four teams left, and virtually no shot at taking home this year's crown. It's a sad tale. But as a man that stakes his reputation on tellin' it like it is, it's one that needs to be told. So getcha popcorn ready...

First, we'll start out in the East. My bracket isn't completely screwed in this region, as I have Tennessee in the Final Four, but if the Tar Heels continue playing at their current level, I can't say I'm lovin' my chances...


EAST
(1) North Carolina vs (4) Washington St. @ 7:27 pm
(2) Tennessee vs (3) Louisville @ 9:57 pm

-Seeing as everyone was telling me leading up to the tourney that they were having trouble picking upsets, I'd have to imagine I'm the only one on the planet that doesn't have these 4 teams in the Sweet 16. I happened to pick Notre Dame as one of my "sleeper/upset" picks to reach the Elite 8, so I'm on the outside looking in, but it's my pick of Tennessee as the region's Final Four representative that has me more than a little bit concerned. Yeah, I know the Irish had a suspect defense and that Carolina is dripping with an abundance of NBA prospects, but it was just an upset pick that went wrong. Never did I think Notre Dame would make the Elite 8, it's just that I thought there was also no way I would be right with all my tourney predictions. Now I'm stuck rooting for Washington St., and praying to God that the Tennessee Vols can survive what should be an all out war with geographical rival, Louisville. At this point, I'd give Louisville a shot at knocking off UNC given their impressive play in the first two rounds, but even that's looking rather unlikely. Make sure to catch that Louisville/Tennessee game, as it's bound to look like half track meet, and half street ball. I'm just afraid whoever comes away the winner won't have enough left in the tank to take out Roy Williams and his mighty Heels. The smart money in the East has been on UNC since Selection Sunday, but if any of that smart money is destined for my pocket, then they'll have to take a dive this weekend. Hopefully, they'll save me the drama and take it in game #1, but like I said I'm not really lovin' my chances...


Next up is the West. They also play their Sweet 16 games on Thursday, and seeing as I need UCLA to cut down the nets to have any chance of winning, I'll be watching these bad boys with baited breath...


WEST
(3) Xavier vs (7) West Virginia
(1) UCLA vs (12) Western Kentucky

-If you're looking for the reason why I hate the 7/10 first round match up, you need look no further than the West Virginia Mountaineers. In another brilliant example of me going against my logic, I removed WVU as a Sweet 16 team (I had them there in EVERY bracket I had filled out before I did my $$ brackets) and replaced them with the Arizona Wildcats. I figured, the team that nobody seems to think deserves to be in the field ('06 George Mason, '07 VCU) is always bound to win one game, and seeing as Duke sucks this year, I pushed whoever won that 7/10 game right on through to the Sweet 16. Well, I was right about Duke, I was right about West Virginia, and I was WRONG thinking that hunch would be incorrect....if that makes any sense at all. The good news for me in the West, is that my champion, UCLA, is still alive, and the three teams surrounding them don't exactly come off as any sort of threat. Western Kentucky made an impressive run in knocking off mid major power Drake and potential Cinderella San Diego, but it looks as if they're run should most definitely end when they meet up with Kevin Love and friends in Phoenix. Oh yeah! That was another reason I liked Arizona in the first two rounds. I figured they'd be motivated because they were playing for a chance to get to Phoenix! Eh, what do I know. I'm just lucky that the Bruins have clearly been the #1 team in this region, and barring some sort of Gonzaga/George Mason shit being pulled off by WKU, my championship dreams should still be alive as we head to the Final Four. OK, maybe not "alive", but at least equivalent to whatever state Walt Disney's frozen corpse is currently in...."Are the Jews gone yet??"...

The Midwest region of my bracket looks a lot like...well...the Midwest region of this country. There's a lot of screwed up shit in there, and there's just as little hope. They'll get their games goin' on Friday with the team that's done the most work on my bracket to date...


MIDWEST
(3) Wisconsin vs (10) Davidson @ 7:10 pm
(1) Kansas vs (12) Villanova @ 9:40 pm

-The biggest blow to my tourney hopes came when the Davidson Wildcats beat the Georgetown Hoyas. They basically exposed the the Big East champ as mediocre, something I tried to claim all year long, but at least this time I can't really blame my "reverse logic". Unfortunately for me, the Hoyas impressive run to end the season made me flip flop and choose them to run to the championship game, which has left this region of my bracket as dead to me as Johnny Damon's caveman hair-do. I knew G'Town was gonna be in a lot of close games and that I'd need to sweat through virtually all their wins, but I can honestly say their second round exit caught me off guard. Davidson is good 'n everything, I just didn't see that comin. As for the other half of the region? It's just really painful for me to look at. Much like with West Virginia, Villanova was a team that I had in the Sweet 16 in virtually all my ESPN.com and other free contest brackets, but decided to switch at the last minute in all my big $$ pools. Unlike most people I know, I didn't pick Clemson because I thought they were good, I picked them because I thought they'd get lucky and advance. My brain told me they were the best team in their group of 4, but like in so many regrettable hook-up moments, I ignored my brain and let another organ do my thinking for me. NO, that doesn't mean I had a hard on for Clemson, you pervs. It means I went with my gut! Either way, it's pretty ironic that the only team left standing for me from this region is the Kansas Jayhawks. I said before the tourney started that there was no way in Hell they were gonna take home the crown the one year I didn't pick them, and if they make it to the Final Four as the Midwest's rep, then it could be bon voyage to my possible money making opportunity. That my friends, is what we call a nice swift kick to the junk. And at no point to those kicks start NOT to hurt. Trust me, I've received many...

Finally, we come to the South, where the last pieces of the Final Four puzzle will be put into place. The good news here, is that I have both my Elite 8 teams left. That bad news? Hell it's all bad news...


SOUTH
(2) Texas vs (3) Stanford @ 7:27 pm
(1) Memphis vs (5) Michigan St. @ 9:57 pm

-The Memphis Tigers are still holdin' it down for me in the South, and are a good example of a last minute switch gone right...at least for now. While I can lament about not taking West Virginia or Villanova, I had the Pitt Panthers in the Final Four in a lot of my mock brackets, and making that change has actually kept the door slightly ajar for me to make a last minute dash for all the loots. Matter of fact, if it weren't for that miracle fade away throw in by Robin Lopez to beat Marquette, my South region would actually resemble something I would be proud to call an NCAA bracket. Freakin' Lopez twins. Somethin' told me they were gonna screw me, and while it hasn't totally happened yet, I can't say I like the pace they are currently on. Tall bastards. The good news from the South from a fan standpoint, is the possibility of great games that could still yet to be played in the region. Three of the coaches are elite (Calipari, Izzo, Barnes), the programs are experienced and all the teams are playing some of their best ball of the year. Should be fun to watch. Also from the South, comes a reason to believe that even the best of us get things wrong now and then. Since Selection Sunday, ESPN's Bobby Knight was telling anyone that would listen that the Pitt Panthers were his favorite to win this year's title. WHOA!! I mean when the tourney started I would have called that pick "gutsy", but after the Panthers pulled a one-and-done, it's looking downright foolish. Yup, it all happens just that quickly. I don't know, maybe Bob hasn't demoralized enough teenagers lately and he's lost his magic touch. But whatever the reason, it does make me feel good that a guy that's forgotten more college hoops than I could ever possibly know, could himself be so far off as to the outcome of this year tournament. That's the beauty of this thing, after all, and it's what makes me excited to watch these games despite not having a real horse in the race. As for the favorite in this region? Can't say I got one. I guess if forced to pick, I'd take Texas because they're the most balanced. But like I said, my heart and my cash are with Memphis, so I'm hopin' that Guinea Calipari can bring me home the sweet Sazeech!...OK, that came out wrong...


Well now that I got all that NCAA bile and blood out of my system, it's time to finally revisit the other portions of the sporting world. Naturally, I'm gonna kick things off today...on Opening Day...with the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox. They opened their title defense at the crack of dawn today in Japan,




Red Sox Update
Overall: 1-0

-Now I love me some Red Sox, but job or no job there was no way I was waking up at 6 AM to catch the entire season opener from Japan. I did manage to catch from the 6th inning on, however, and while I may have missed an inconsistent Dice K, I caught a lot of action that made me very pleased. Jacoby Ellsbury made a game saving catch in the 8th. Brandon Moss, a late fill in for a "Sore" Nancy Drew, smacked a go ahead RBI in the 6th and a game tying home run in the 9th. Manny continued being Manny, with 2 doubles and 4 RBI, including the 2 go ahead RBI in the 10th. And Paps picked up right where he left off...sort of...dancing his way out of a jam and nailing the door shut on the Sox first win of the year. I'm gonna wait till the Sox are stateside to really start taking this season seriously, but it's always better to start of the year with a win, so my expectations for the Sox this year still remain very high...


News and Notes
-Between the tourney and the Sox, it's been pretty easy for me to forget about the Celtics this week, even if they did pull off one heck of a road trip. The C's became the first team since cable TV to go 3-0 through Texas' big 3, but for some reason I still remain skeptical about their championship aspirations. Granted it doesn't help that after that 3 game sweep they went on to come-from-ahead wins against New Orleans and Philly, but those losses did as little to convince me of their inferiority as the wins did to convince me of their dominance. Maybe it's the fact that the team is stacked with stars that have never been able to get over the hump in the playoffs, or maybe it's because they're depth is entirely too young. I'm not sure. I know they've added PJ Brown and Sam Cassell to help address both issues, but there's just somethin' about this team that when I watch them, I don't see the 2008 champ. Beating those Western teams on their own courts one at a time is impressive, but beating them 4 out of 7 in the the Finals might be another story all together. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Allen, Pierce and Garnett will be able to do together what they were never able to do apart. But they're career records tell you they have trouble winning "series", not winning "games", and until they beat the Pistons in a 7 game playoff series, I'm not gonna give them much of a shot to take home the title. I know that seems like a tall order since they won't play Detroit till the Eastern Finals, and it will look like I'm jumping on the bandwagon if I pick the Celts after they win that series, but until I see them do it, I'm not gonna believe they have a legit shot at being this year's NBA champs...

-Another hot topic in the Hub these days has been the possible acquisition of PacMan Jones by Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Granted, the rumor of the Patriots interest was started by Adam Pacman (I pronounce it as if he were a Jew...like Adam Pacman and Associates), but that doesn't mean it's stopped the local media from running wild with the idea of the ultimate bad boy joining the league's model franchise. OK. So a little of the "model franchise" luster has been scuffed off due to SpyGate, but bringing it Pacman would still appear to be a step out of character for the usually calculating front office. I know they've taken chances on bad boys in the past like Randy Moss, Roidney Harrison and Corey Dillon, but comparing those moves to adding the Rain Maker is like comparing strippers to prostitutes. Those guys were team malcontents with maybe a few marijuana charges against them, and this guy spits at bartenders, makes it rain and gets dudes paralyzed. We were mildly surprised when they took chances on those other guys, but I personally will be rather shocked if they decide to take a chance on the currently suspended kick returner and corner, no matter how dynamic they think he can be on the field. It's one thing to hope that your locker room leaders will be able to rub off on a guy and set a good example, but it looks as though what Pacman really needs is a babysitter. I know Tom Terrific has been doing a good job playing errand boy for Giselle, but to think he's gonna drive Adam to and from practice, teach him how to talk to the media, and make sure he's in bed by 11? That just seems like a lot to ask, and a big risk to take when it comes to team chemistry. It's gonna sound hipocritical for me to say, but I think Pacman deserves a shot in the NFL, just not with the Pats. Granted, that chance should probably involve a day-by-day contract and a strip club restraining order, but if the league opens it's arms to juicers and drunk drivers, then I figure they outta give a second chance to the Rain Man as well...

-The Olympic torch was lit in Athens, Greece on Monday, and has begun it's 4 month, 14 day voyage to open the '08 Summer games in Beijing, China. If you actually care about that, then I feel sorry for you. Then again, you're probably the same person that likes Lance Armstrong, owns an eliptical and has special "mixes" set up on your iPod to help get you in the ZONE when you're at the gym, so I already think you're a huge tool anyway. Track and Field sucks. Other countries suck. The Olympics suck. Do you believe in boredom? Yes!!!...

-Now from a boring sport that nobody cares about, to a boring one that many happen to love, golf! I'm not sure what's more amazing. The fact that Tiger Woods finally didn't win (I won't say "lost") an event on the PGA Tour, or the fact that he's become so dominant that we're actually surprised it happened. In my mind, I don't see his 5th place finish as losing or ending a streak, I see it as a sign that his complete dominance allows him to have an off week and still come within 2 shots of taking home a 6th straight title. The guy is flat out amazing, and I hope that just because he didn't take first is going to take away from what he's doing. Do yourself a favor, and watch Tiger this year during the 4 majors. I didn't think so before the year (mostly because it's such a tall order), but the more I watch him play, the more I think he has a realistic shot of taking home all 4 Major titles in one season. If it's an historic event, it's golf and it's destined to happen, then Tiger's the one to bring it home. Everything about him this year says he's gonna do it, and the fact that a 5th place finish is viewed as a disappointment, means that this might be the year his skill and drive and finally on par and in synch with his unquenhable desire to win the Major championships...

-Seeing as everyone loves naked chicks, I figured I'd toss this last story in here just to give you what you've come to love and expect from the super-medium known as the information super highway. These pictures happen to be from "Weird-Face/Hot-Body" contest participant, Audrina Patridge, from MTV's "reality soap opera", The Hills. Here's the link to the pics so you can check them out yourself at WWTD.com (what would tyler durden do). http://wwtdd.com/post.phtml?pk=3694 I could say more, or try to crack some jokes about the pics, but I believe they speak for themselves. After all, who doesn't like 19 year old chicks that think the only way for them to get ahead in the world is to take their clothes off for the camera?!? Hey, little girl. You want a nice stiff cock-tail before we take these "artistic" photos, or what??


Fantasy Update
I got three words for ya. Bartolo. Colon. Cancer. With fantasy football still a long summer away, I've saddled up with 2 Yahoo! fantasy baseball teams, and christened them both with the hysterically insensitive name using the very 3 words that I just mentioned above. Colon, seen in the picture looking like Jared from Subway pre weight loss meets Side Show Bob, is a fat man with a weird name, a combination I figured would make for a great fantasy team name. Only time will tell if the name has any sort of power, but for now, I'll just relish in the fact that I get to tell people that's my name. Trust me, I've alrady gotten more than a few curious comments from the fellow baseball nerds in my league. I mean what kind of loser plays in two baseball leagues, takes them seriously, all while knowing there's no financial gain to be made at the end of the day? A poor man with a lust for tiny trophies, that's who! I'm a slace to those tiny pieces of virtual gold, and I'll be damned if I don't bring back at least one for all this year's fantasy baseball efforts. Wish me luck!...Or don't. Either way, I still own you....yea, that's right...no matter how bad my bracket may be, I'm still gona claim to be the pimp!! So get used to it, accept it, whatever you have to do. Just don't think any of these bumps in the road are gonna deter me from tearin' up the rest of the track. That's just not my style, not my deal...

Well that's it for me today, boys and girls. Hope you enjoyed. I'll be back in the near future, but probably not until early next week. Figure I'll wait for the rest of the NCAA dust to settle before I unleash the next wave, so you'll have to wait with eager anticiaption until then. And hey, you never know. In one week I might FINALLY have the brand new logo and page setup I've been promised for the past month+. I know it's gonna be pimp, and well worth the wait, but even the biggest of pimps get a little restless from time to time. If it's not up by next week, I'll make up for it with more pics of nude psuedo-celebs...or at least a funny story about Pacman Jones and an Anna Nicole autopsy photo...

Peace in the Middle...and I'll catcha on the Flip...

NCAA Tournament Guide Part III

Well, it's finally here! The bracket is out, the experts have weighed in and it's time for this thing to finally get going. Now of course, despite the fact that I say all year long that I know what I'm doing when it comes to filling this bad boy out, I must admit there really isn't a more daunting task in all of sports, or gambling for that matter. Just when you think you have your "favorites", your "Cinderellas" and your "sleeper" teams picked out...BAM!...the committee goes and puts all those teams in the same grouping, and they all have to play each other before the end of the Sweet 16. DAMMIT! So what's a pimp to do now?! Well, never fear, my friends. While I won't give you my straight up picks for the early going in the Big Dance, here's a look at some of the teams, and games, that you'll want to be sweating if you plan on taking home that all important tourney pool casheesh. My region-by-region breakdown, at your disposal. Check it out...



EAST
Favorite
(1) North Carolina
-There's a reason the Tar Heels were given the #1 overall seed and a smooth path to San Antonio through Raleigh and Charlotte. That reason? They're ill, they're deep and they have a coach that's proven he can bring home the goods. OK, so that's 3 reasons, so sue me. A lot of people have been saying that the East may be the toughest region, but outside of Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 and Tennessee in the Elite 8, I don't see a team really capable of derailing UNC on their way to the Final Four. Sounds tough, but I just think it's a slightly easier road than any other #1 is going to have to travel. Oh and did I mention they play their first 4 games basically at home?? Yeah, I thought I did...



Most Overrated
(4) Washington St.
-The Cougars are a good example of a team that's best basketball is behind them. I'm not sure if Winthrop has what it takes to send them packing in round 1, but win against Notre Dame they will not. They don't have a ton of offense, and it's streaky at best even when it's on. I know I was high on them for a lot of this year, and I know they're tested "Pac-10 tough", but just chalk this up to a suspicious feeling. I know that's not much in the way of insight or analysis, but when I combine what I've seen with what I feel, it doesn't look good for Tony Bennett's boys...and that's the coach, not the crooner...



Sleeper Team
(5) Notre Dame
-I warned you about the Irish last week, and I'm stickin' with my guns. If you're really itchin' to drop one of the #1's from your bracket in a hurry, then ND vs UNC in the Sweet 16 would be as good a place as any to go out on that limb. They have the size, the shooting and the defense to make a game of it with the Heels, as long as Luke Harangody stays out of foul trouble...



Toughest 1st Round Game to Pick...
(7) Butler vs (10) South Alabama
-When it comes to getting the shaft, nobody has a bigger beef than the Butler Bulldogs. Ranked in and around the top 15 all season long, they not only get stuck with a #7 seed, but have to play what basically amounts to a road game in Birmingham against South Alabama. The thing that makes the tourney so great is the "neutral" sites, but when the teams are pretty balanced, and one of them is playing at home, then it's tough to bet against them. That is, if you think they are evenly matched. Both teams get great play out of their guards, but if USA keeps to their trend of slacking on the defensive end, Butler could expose them and prove to the country that they were disrespected on Selection Sunday...


-So there's the South. To give you a real sneak peak into my mind, I'll let you know I have exactly (3) teams beating a seed lower (better) than they are before the region sends a rep to the Final Four. Oh, and the team I sent there? Yeah, they were ranked at #1 at some point during '07-'08...


Next, it's on to the Midwest, where Kansas is gonna promise to make a lot of you rich, but likely make most of you rip you're hair out. Trust me, I know of what I speak...


MIDWEST
Favorite
(2) Georgetown
-I know everyone is all over the Kansas Jayhawks right now, but seeing as I can't trust that team further than I can throw Bartolo Colon, I'm goin' with the Hoyas. They aren't the same team that went to the Final Four a year ago, but they do return some key pieces. Match ups with Wisconsin or Kansas don't look all that great for G'Town on paper, but if my logic's right, they won't even have to face those teams en route to San Antone. Ooooooo was I giving away some picks right there? Or was I just foxin' witcha?.....I'd assume the latter, but beware of the former....



Most Overrated
(3) Wisconsin
-This is a tough one. I really don't think any of the teams in this region are "overrated", but if I had to pick one I think it would be the Badgers. They play great defense, which is always a plus, but I just think their lack of scoring could hurt them as they move past the first round. I hear through the grapevine that Cal-State Fullerton is getting a lot of early Cinderella buzz, but I think Wisconsin's issue will lie with their 2nd round meeting with USC. Should Kansas St. make it out of that Mayo/Beasley battle in Omaha, the Badgers could very well meet their seeding expectation with a Sweet 16 appearance. Like I said, I can't find anyone in this region to be overly critical of, so while I'm dumping on Wisco, I wouldn' take it all that seriously...



Sleeper
(6) USC
-Talent has a way of rising to the top this time of year, and there are few teams out there that can match the ability of the USC Trojans. A lot like G'Town, they return a few pieces from last year's Sweet 16 team, but are relying on a new group of studs to get the job done this time around. OJ Mayo was probably the most hyped freshmen before the start of the season, and combined with Davon Jefferson and Taj Gibson make USC a 6 seed that looks more like a 3 or 4. I happen to think the lower part of the Midwest is the toughest around with G'Town, Wisconsin, Davidson and Gonzaga all in the mix, but I like the Trojans chances against any of those squads if they can come out hot...



Toughest 1st Round Game to Pick...
(5) Clemson vs (12) Villanova
-When Nova gets hot from the perimeter, they can run with anybody. When they struggle from outside? Well, I guess that's why they barely made the field as a 12 seed isn't it? The tough part about this match up, is that I like whoever comes out of this game to give Vandy a good run for their money in round 2. Being wrong there could cost you a Sweet 16 team on day one, and that's never a good thing. My mind and my eyes tell me the Tigers are the "safer" bet, but it basically comes down to whether or not you think Scottie Reynolds and the Villanova Wildcats are gonna make any shots from beyond the arc...


-So there's the Midwest, or as I'm calling it, the section of the bracket where Kansas goes to die. After being burned for basically the last 5 years by the Jayhawks, I can safely tell you they will NOT be the region's rep in San Antonio. You can decide for yourself if that means I'm picking Georgetown, but at this point I'd much rather lose by going against Kansas, than lose by leaving them out of my Final Four for the first time in what seems like forever...


Now last year in the South, nobody gave Memphis a chance in Hell to get by Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Ohio St.. This year, even thought they're a #1 seed, nobody is giving them a chance to get by the "flavor-of-the-month" Texas Longhorns. Calipari's crew couldn't get over the hump last year, but might be primed to bring the coach to his first non-Marcus Camby Final Four appearance..


SOUTH
Favorite
(2) Texas
-I still really like the Memphis Tigers chances of making it to San Antonio, but given the fact that the Regional Final will be played in Houston, I give the slight edge here to the Texas Longhorns. They're riding high after battling Kansas in the Big XII title game, and I'm sure you've heard by now that they have an incredible RPI and tons of top 50 wins. I said it last week. If Damion James and the rest of the Texas supporting cast come to play, this team could actually be the last one standing, but if it's mostly the DJ Augustin show, then "Houston", could have a very big problem with the Memphis Tigers....Ha!...


Most Overrated
(3) Stanford
-I like Stanford as a team, I just don't like them to win any close games. Everyone wants to talk about how dominant the Lopez twins are inside, and that's all well and good, it's just not enough. Their presence will favor the slow-down style of ball that's often played in March, but the Cardinal just don't have the shooters to come up clutch down the stretch. I know, I know. You wanna know why they weren't exposed in the mighty Pac 10 if they have such a glaring weakness, right? That's easy. This is the tournament, where anything can happen. In a one and done format, you gotta try and pick out teams that have a fatal flaw. This may not have been a hole that was exposed on a regular basis during the rest of the season, I just think it's going to be one that's going to lead to their demise here...



Sleeper
(4) Pittsburgh
-If there's a hotter team in the country right now, I sure don't know who they are. Jamie Dixon has his boys clicking at exactly the right time, and as long as you don't think they'll have a Big East hangover, you have to like the Panthers to live up to their seed and waltz into the Sweet 16. Perimeter players LeVance Fields and Ronald Ramon are really hitting their stride right now, and big man DeJuan Blair seems to be the latest in the line of freshmen stars that's waiting to make a name for himself on the national stage. They're defense and rebounding is going to keep them in any game they play, and they're ability to change from up tempo to half court, is gonna make them a tough out for Memphis if the teams meet up in the 3rd round...



Toughest 1st Round Game to Pick...
(6) Marquette vs (11) Kentucky
-Much like the tough game in the Midwest, my problem with this game really lies in round 2. If Marquette is standing in Stanford's way to the Sweet 16, I like their chances to advance. However if it's Kentucky and Stanford, then I'd have to side with the Cardinal.


-So I only give 3 teams a real shot to make it out of Houston to San Antone. To give you a hint. The team I have representing the region in the Final Four, is a team that recently reached the finals of their conference tournament...


That last tip was about as helpful as a one legged man in a butt-kicking contest, but if I give you all the answers, how am I supposed to make any cakes? Right? Finally, we'll move on to the West. The final piece of the puzzle if you will. UCLA is the cream of this crop, and Duke is probably the most criticized #2 seed since the days of Bob Huggins' AND-1 Cincy squads. Damn. I just basically gave away everything I could possibly write in this next section...


WEST
Favorite
(1) UCLA
-If I wasn't already 100% convinced that the college basketball gods loved to fuck with me, then UCLA's Pac 10 tournament championship victory was the straw that broke this camel's back. For the last 3 weeks or so I've been telling you that the Bruins were the best team in the land, and had the best shot of taking home the title. They have the most balance, the most talent, one of the best coaches, and they will play their first 4 games in home environs such as Anaheim and Phoenix. Then...in a moment...they almost lost it all. In their win over Stanford in the conference tourney final, freshmen big man, Kevin Love, who's arguably the best player in the country, pulled up lame with back spasms. Fucking back spasms! Could there be a more mysterious injury? He could be fine for the whole tourney run, or he could be brought to his knees by one wrong juke in the opening minutes of game #1. If you wanna try and be supersmart, then predict the injury. If you wanna be smart like Rooch, give Love the benefit of the doubt, and make UCLA the favorite to come out of the West...



Most Overrated
(2) Duke
-They live by the 3, and they die by the 3. If you wanna pick the Dukies to go far, then just be ready to sweat it out...



Sleeper
(7) West Virginia
-Bob Huggins and his Mountaineers were the hottest team around until they ran into an even hotter Georgetown team in the Big East tournament. Joe Alexander is still playing like a house of fire, averaging about 26 a game over his last 8, and they have the great guard play that always seems to come up big this time of year.



Toughest 1st Round Game to Pick...
(4) UCONN vs (13) San Diego
-Seems a little bit out there, I know, but you can chalk that up to the inconsistency of the Connecticut Huskies. I said last week that UCONN has all the tools for a Final Four run, and while I still believe that, I think the last thing they needed was a first round date with one of the country's hottest teams. San Diego cruised to the West Coast Conference championship on their own home floor, and come into this game at 12-2 in their last 14. That tells me they're capable of winning, and any capable team is good enough to knock off UCONN. With the Huskies it's all about focus and showing up ready to play. I'll believe it if they're run out of the building in round 1, and I'll believe it if they represent the West region in the Final Four. Yeah, now you see why I'm having trouble with this pick...


-With Xavier sitting at the bottom, and UCLA sitting at the top, I thought this was gonna be an easy region for me to pick. Turns out I was right, too, at least in my mind. As far as seeding goes, I only picked (1)...count 'em (1) team to win a game in which they were not the favored seed. Not just in the first round, in the whole freaking region!


So there you have it, my final tips for filling out this year's bracket. I know you're all gonna make your own choices, which is obviously the best way to do it, but I hope some of the insight I provided was able to help you mold your bracket into a winner. It's cliche, I know, but the real important about filling out a bracket is having fun, so if for no other reason than to improve your viewing experience, I highly recommend doing so.....


(and now that those suffering from vaginitis are no longer reading...the REAL reason to fill this thing out is so you can take your friends money, and make it rain in front of them all while cursing them out and telling them how you're da man, you're da man!....boom-shaka-laka-laka-laka-laka......boom)



And frankly, I must say I'm for the most part very disappointed with my readers for not signing up to bring the funk in the March Madness pool. I KNOW there are more people reading this than there are signing up, and I can only assume that means you're all a bunch of posers, or at least too scurred to put your money where your mouth is. Some of you might want me to look at that as a sign that only tards wearing helmets and drug addicts wearing diapers read my shit, but I think that's just a lot of you being really mean to Frosco and Ian. Listen. You got 2 days left to sign up. If you're worried about getting the $$ to me, or whether or not you'll be paid if you win, you can rest assured. I know you're used to email, but the Postal Service isn't nearly as confusing as a lot of you think. And as for claiming your prize. My record speak for itself. Let's just say I've had far more trouble collecting in my day, as anyone has ever had trying to get their prize $$ from me...

So you got abou 24 hours. Here's the info one last time. If you don't sign up, then I refuse to acknowledge any upset's you claim to have picked, or that you got all 4 Final Four teams right. If you want the right to brag to me, then you're gonna have to toss down that twomp....

http://www.yahoo.com/ ------> Go To "Tournament Challenge" located in Fantasy Sports
League ID: 9283
password: glenriversmd

Hope to see you there! And good luck....you crazy bastards!

NCAA Tournament Guide Part II

We're so close now I can taste it. With Championship Week in full swing, and Selection Sunday only hours away, it's as if the tournament is a tornado, that's just beginning to gain momentum. And if that's the case, then you can go ahead and label me the stereotypical "old woman in a rocking chair" that always seems to be caught up in those twisters. I'm fully enthralled with the action, I can't wait to get my hands on a bracket, and it's taking all my willpower not to try and predict my picks before they're even presented to me. What can I say? The NCAA Tournament is to me, what it would be for a SUDAFED truck to jack-knife in front of a meth cook's mobile home. Jackpot, baby! No more food stamps for this guy!! And NO more washin' my clothes in the swimmin' hole!...

That being the case, I couldn't help but start taking a look at some of the "facts" when it comes to making this year's picks. Like I just said, it's too early to make really strong predictions, but there are a lot of tendencies out there that are worth taking stock in before you take a pen to your bracket. It's a "sweet science", molding the perfect bracket, which is why it's important to have an intricate balance between obvious trends, and gut feeling.

That's why, in Part II of my 2008 NCAA Tournament guide, I'm providing you with my gut feelings and analysis, along with some solid stats from the last 3 years of the Big Dance. Why three years you ask? Well, 2004 was the last time I won an NCAA pool, something up until that point I had some with extreme regularity, and I hope by looking at these numbers I can see some of the reasons my brackets went to shit. Also, I think 3 years gives me a big enough sample group to show some broad trends, while being small enough that it still remains pretty specific to what's going on right now in college hoops. As always, you'll have to make your own choices when it comes to filling out your bracket, but it's my goal is to make sure you feel confident and informed when doing so. Not so informed that you can beat me, but just enough to make you think you have a shot. Muuahahahaha! Just kidding....or am I? Take a look, and judge for yourself....

The most important thing when it comes to winning a NCAA Tourney pool, is picking the right champion. You can win without it, but that's extremely rare. And you can lose with it, but that's a different issue all together. You're best shot at taking home the cakes, is picking the right team to cut down the nets, plain and simple. Here's a look at the teams that will need to be on your line labeled CHAMPION, if you're gonna be callin' yourself the #1 Stunna...


The Favorites
North Carolina
-They're the #1 team in the country, they're likely to be the #1 seed in the tourney, and they have the recently named #1 player in the country in Tyler Hansbrough. If that's not enough, I can make the argument that Hansbrough isn't even the best player on his own team. Yeah, that's how dangerous this team is. Anything short of a Final Four will be a disappointment for Roy Williams and the Heels, but don't think they don't feel they have a legit shot at the top prize...


UCLA
-If North Carolina is the most talented team in the Nation, then the Bruins are a clear #2. They have a great post player in Kevin Love, a great swing man in Russell Westbrook, and a great point guard in Darren Collison. Oh, and they have arguably the best coach in division 1, Ben Howland. They've played a lot of close games coming down the stretch, but I'd say that did more to build their character than it did to shake their confidence. They've been to 2 straight Final Four's, and I wouldn't bet against them making the 3rd time a charm...


These next teams are not quite elite, but these 3 squads also have more than enough firepower to cut down the nets. They're problem, is that unlike the top 2, these squads have been fatally exposed at one point or another during the season, which keeps me from having complete confidence in them. Basically, they'll need to pickup their game in order to get the job done, but it's something their perfectly capable of doing...


Next In Line...
Memphis
-Nobody should question the Tigers' talent, but a lot of people feel it necessary to always question their resume. They've run into trouble the last few years after reaching the Elite 8, but seeing as this is the most talented of those teams, I'd give them a great shot at reaching the Final Four. Once they make it there, anything can happen...


Tennessee
-Bruce Pearl is a great coach, and the Vols play great defense. Out of the first 4 teams I've mentioned, I think Tennessee would be the most likely to be upset early, yet I can easily see them in the National Final. They take a lot of loose shots, and they tend to get worked a little on the boards by the bigger teams, but if they can keep the game going at breakneck speed with their aggressive D, then they'll continue to mask those weaknesses and continue their winning ways...


Kansas
-I've been a staunch believer in the Jayhawks over the last few years, and that faith has cost be dearly to say the least. As usual, the talk has begun about how they're the most talented team in the country, and how they're once young team has matured, but I'm just having trouble buying into it for the billionth time. They are talented, for sure, and I wouldn't have them here it I didn't think they could win it all, I'm just telling you to beware. Not only have they been knocked out twice in the last 3 years in the first round by a double digit seed, but head coach Bill Self is 0-3 in Elite 8 games, losing once with Tulsa, Illinois and Kansas...


Next up, we have the "real good" teams, that are gonna need to play well and get some breaks in order to grab the title. I mean I'm pretty sure the champ is gonna come from the group of 5 teams above, but if one of these next 5 teams managed to make a memorable run, it wouldn't totally shock me...


I'd Believe It If I Saw It...
Georgetown
-The Hoyas only play in close games, which means you can't count them out to sneak their way to the Final Four. They bring back a lot of experience from the Final Four team from a year ago, and they're battle tested from the gauntlet that is the Big East regular season...


Duke
-Coach K is gonna get every last ounce of energy out of his boys AND Duke is gonna shoot so many 3's it'll make Antoine Walker blush. If they can stay hot, they can go a long way. If they go cold? Well, we all saw what VCU did to them in the first round last year. That's what makes Duke a scary team to play, and at the same time, a scary team to pick...


Texas
-Kevin Durant may be gone, but Texas probably has a better shot at cutting down the nets this year than they did when the one-year-wonder strutted around the Austin campus. They shared the Big XII regular season title with Kansas, and have some of the best wins of any team in the field. You like Texas if you think Damion James is going to emerge as a breakout player, but if you think it'll just be the DJ Augustin show, then it might just be a limited engagement. He might be the best PG in the country (ESPN 1st team All American), but if TJ Ford couldn't carry Texas to the title, then I don't see Augustin being able to do it either...


Xavier
-I've been a big fan of the Musketeers for most of the season, and that feeling translates to their tournament chances. Drew Lavender is an All American type player, and Sean Miller is probably the best "unknown" coach in the country. They might need a favorable draw to make it to the Final Four, but this is another team that I wouldn't bet against in any single game, which is why I really like their chances...


Stanford
-The Cardinal finished second in the Pac 10, so we know they can ball. The question with them, is whether or not they can control the pace of the game. If they're forced to run up and down, they won't be able to hang. If the game stays in the half court, though, the Lopez twins will be able to dominate the paint, and find Anthony Goods and Mitch Johnson to make some plays on the perimeter. The lost to a good Louisville squad as an 11 seed in '07 , and I expect that experience to help them get through the first few rounds a lot easier this time around...


This next group of teams could just as easily bust out in the first round as they could make a run to San Antonio. More or less, I feel these teams have the general ingredients to make a title contender, but haven't necessarily put all those pieces together up to this point of the season. If they can flip the switch, they'll be really dangerous, but it's gonna take a nice little leap of faith to keep them moving forward in your bracket...


Darkhorse Title Contenders
Notre Dame
-You're eyes tell you they can't be good because they have so many white dudes on the floor, but the Irish are gonna be a tough match up for virtually every team in the field. Harangody and Kurz provide the beef inside, McAlarney launches the 3's, and Jackson keeps them steady at the point. In a nutshell, you can hang your hat on virtually every aspect of the Irish's game. They're a complete team. They might not be the most talented, which may in the end be their downfall, but they have enough to give even the best team's a tough fight if they don't bring their A game for 40 minutes...


USC
-You always have to be on the look out for the breakout player that could carry his team to the Final Four a la Dwayne Wade in 2003. OJ Mayo could be that guy. He was highly touted, struggled at times this year, but is playing his best ball of the season at the most opportune time. It doesn't hurt that he's got a good supporting staff and a solid coach, but the Trojans are no better than a Sweet 16 team if Mayo doesn't bring the funk night after night...


UCONN
-They have a 7 footer who's not a total stiff, a coach with 2 National titles, and a point guard that on some nights looks like one of the best in the country. That's the key. If AJ Price can play at the star level that he has at times this season, he could definitely lead the Huskies to the promise land. Sure, losing to West Virginia in the Big East tournament wasn't ideal for Connecticut, but trust me, this team still has the talent to raise some Hell...


Wisconsin
-Call the Badgers the poor man's Georgetown Hoyas. There's no real star on this team, which provides their greatest strength and their greatest weakness. I know they're gonna play smart on offense, and solid on defense. I'm just not so sure who's gonna take the big shots with the clock winding down, and the game on the line...


Aside from picking the right champ, it's important to pick out some solid upsets. We can't look at match ups because the bracket isn't out, but here's a look at a few of the lesser known teams that could be poised to do the damn thing in the first few rounds. These are the teams that have been to the dance before, know what to expect and could be primed to make a run on opening weekend...


Little Guys With Big Experience
Oral Roberts
-This group is in the tourney for the third year in a row, but are still in search of that elusive win. I picked them last year as a 14 to upset Washington St., and they let me down. If you're thinking of picking them just so you can write "Oral Rob" on your bracket, I would have to advise against it. It's things like that make it hard for you to win a pool for 3 straight years...


George Mason
-Do I even need to warn you about these fools? I said right here in 2006 that they didn't deserve to even be in the field, and then they went on their memorable run to the Final Four. Don't let that one mistake doubt my credibility, and don't let what this team did 2 years ago cloud your judgment...


Virginia Commonwealth
-As mentioned in regards to Duke, VCU won their first round game as an 11 seed a year ago, and have arguably a better team this time around. Guard Eric Maynor was the star in that one, and coming off a season where he averaged nearly 18 a game, expect him to be hungry for more...


Davidson
-The Wildcats nearly pulled the trick on Maryland last year as a 13 seed, and while they should have a much better seed this year, look for them to be gunnin' hard for at least the Sweet 16. We all know Stephen Curry can score (25.1 ppg), but I was also impressed when he was shut down in the Bracket Buster on the road against Winthrop, and Davidson was still able to pull out a 13 point win. I still think they bit off more than they could chew with their monstrous pre conference schedule, but I also think it could very well be time for all that experience to start kickin' in...


Butler
-Just because they've been ranked in the top 15 for most of the year, doesn't mean the Bulldogs have any one's respect. Most people I talk to dismiss Butler rather quickly, and while I don't think they're this elite squad, I think counting them out could be a big mistake. Remember, this is basically the same team that was beaten in last year's tourney by the Florida Gators, and it's tough to judge how far they could have gone in another portion of the bracket. Mike Green and AJ Graves are in the top 10 when it comes to back court tandems, and that alone should be good enough for a 2nd straight Sweet 16 appearance...


This last group of teams represent another "type" of team that seems to do well come tournament time. These are teams that may not have been "great" at any time this season, but have quietly played enough good competition that they care capable of hanging with, and beating, any team they face in the early rounds. Basically, they won't be intimidated because they've played in plenty of big games already this year. In games surrounded by so much hype, it's important to believe you "belong", and not be overwhelmed by the opposition, or the magnitude of the stage they're playing on. UNLV and Vanderbilt were those teams a year ago, and these are my candidates this time around...


Layin Low.....
Washington St.
-I had the Cougars in and around my top 10 for most of the year, but as they struggled a bit down the stretch, they began to fall out of favor. That being said, they're tested tough from their battles in the Pac 10, they play great defense and they have solid guard play in Derrick Lowe, Kyle Weaver, and sharpshooting Taylor Rochestie. There's a reason they were a pre season top 5 pick, and if they get hot from outside, then they'll be a tough out for even the best teams in the land...


BYU
-Thanks to being in the Mountain West Conference, the fighting Mormons probably managed the 25 quietest wins in the country. They have 3 guys scoring more than 13 points a game, led by juniors Trent Plaisted and Lee Cummard, probably the best duo in division 1 you've never heard of. Both averaged more than 15 points and 6 boards a game this year, and at 6'11" and 6'7" respectively, the provide great athleticism and playmaking ability both on the wings and in the post. Cummard is especially versatile, shooting better than 44% from 3, while averaging more than a block and a steal a game. They fell in the first round last year in an 8/9 game to Xavier, but if they can avoid shooting themselves in the foot at the foul line (63%) I see them being a dangerous team that could advance as far as the Elite 8...


Pittsburgh
-Jamie Dixon is a great coach, and DaJuan Blair is one of the best freshmen in the country. Combine that with their newly found confidence after their OT win over Louisville and the Panthers could be mighty dangerous. They return a few pieces from their Sweet 16 team of a year ago, and if Ronald Ramon can catch fire, then they could be making a repeat appearancein 2008...


West Virginia
-If Joe Alexander continues to play out of his tree, it's going to be tough to bet against the Moutaineers in any first round game they play. Dude is averaging 29.8 points per game over the last 5, helping push WVU into the field, and if he keeps it up he could help land Bob Huggins in the Sweet 16. I'm not high on Huggy as a tourney coach after all those years underachieving with Cincy, but even he can't deny Alexander if the kid continues to light it up...


Gonzaga
-It's hard to imagine Gonzaga being underestimated after all the March magic they've produced in the past, but they're recent run of tourney failures has left a sour taste on many a tongue. This year's squad let St. Mary's bear the cross of the WCC for most of the year, despite being the better team, and are now primed to make their traditional March noise. They're conference tourney final loss to San Diego probably slid them a little further back in the pack, but I still think they have an advantage over many teams when it comes to talent and coaching...


Mississippi St.
-They Bulldogs are the one team in the SEC that nobody seems to be talking about, and that usually means one of two things. 1) They'll be bounced in the first round to a chorus of "I told you they sucked" OR 2) They'll make a run to the Elite 8 and give credence to the fact that I believed the SEC was one of the best conferences for the entire season...


Utah St.
-They still might need the WAC's autobid to make the tourney, but if they do come away with that title, they'll officially be hotter than Hansel. Since dropping 3 straight road games in early February, Utah St. has run off 6 straight wins by an average of almost 19 points. That run not only put them into a 4 way tie atop the conference standings, but it's also put them in prime position to be the perfect team to pull a first round upset. 3 point asassin, Jaycee Caroll, made over 100 this year from beyond the arc, and converts at a mind boggling 50.2%! Yeah, good luck trying to keep him under wraps...


St. Joesph's
-They beat Xavier just a week ago, and are probably playing just as good as any non-elite team in the country right now despite not being entrenched in the field of 64. Senior Pat Calathes (whose little brother Nick plays for Florida) will be a real tough match up for any squad. At 6'10" he provides a solid post presence, but at the same time is better than 40% from 3 point range, meaning the opposing D will need to follow him wherever he goes. Phil Martelli's crew has all 5 starters averaging 10+ points per game, and 4 of them grabbing 4 or more rebounds. They're balanced, they're well coached, and they're peaking at the right time...



Granted, there are teams that didn't make any of my lists that are still gonna win games, but the ones I did touch on are the squads that I feel peeps needed a heads up about. Teams like Indiana, Purdue, Vanderbilt, Drake and Marquette are also teams that you need to keep an eye on, they just aren't teams I feel fall into these crucial, bracket-shaping, categories.


Now like I said off the top, the tournament is as much a numbers game as it is an athletic competition. I referred to it as a "sweet science", if you recall, where the best bracket will come from a balance of gutty picks, and outright facts. That being said, here's the breakdown of some of the trends I uncovered from over the last 3 years. Follow these trends at your own risk, but make sure to double check them when you're thinkin' about picking that 15 seed to go to the Elite 8. Some things just make sense, while others, tend to defy logic. It's you're job to figure which is which, and I'm here to lend a helping hand. Here's some of what I've uncovered...

Picking the upsets in the first round are key, but it's important to weigh the likelihood of the upset against the impact it might have on your bracket if you're wrong...

Each Seed's Record in Round 1
1: 12-0
2: 12-0
3: 10-2
4: 10-2
5: 9-3
6: 7-5
7: 9-3
8: 5-7
9: 7-5
10: 3-9
11: 5-7
12: 3-9
13: 2-10
14: 2-10
15: 0-12
16: 0-12


Breakdown
-I take a few things away from these numbers. Firstly, I noticed that while many people talk about the 5 vs 12 and 7 vs 10 match ups as the most likely to see an upset, the better seed in those games are 18-6 over the last 3 years. On the flip side, the 11 and 9 seeds are dead even at 12-12 with their "better" counterparts over the same stretch. Aside from the obvious schism when it comes to the 10 seed, this list will basically tell us what we all know to already be true. The top 5 seeds hardly ever lose in the first round, but all the other match ups are essentially crap shoots. We all want to sprinkle in those big seed upsets, but remember not picking one of those will probably hurt you less than taking a huge leap of faith with an obvious underdog...


Lookin' for that ultimate Cinderella? Well they aren't as uncommon as you might think....or are they?...

Double Digit Seeds to Reach the Sweet 16
2005: (13) Wisconsin-Milwaukee + (10) North Carolina St.

2006: (13) Bradley + (11) George Mason

2007: none


Breakdown
-After George Mason's run to the Final Four in '06, all the talk was about how even the talent across division 1 hoops was. A year later, 7 out of the top 8 seeds made the Elite 8, and not one double digit seed made it to the Sweet 16. It's probably a safe bet that at least one of these puppies will make it that far this year, but don't go nutty by putting 4 or more of these guys through to round 3. Remember, pushing too many of these teams forward in the early rounds can often cost you big time down the road in terms of points...


As I mentioned before, most "Cinderella" runs stop at the Sweet 16. Don't believe me? Well judge for yourself...

Elite 8 Appearances by Seed
1: 9
2: 6
3: 3
4: 2
5: 1
6: 1
7: 1
11: 1

*8-10 and 12-16 have zero total appearances


Breakdown
-Interesting note here. Every #2 seed in the last 3 years has made it out of the first round, but only 6 have managed to make the Elite 8. Granted, that's the second highest % outside of the #1 seeds, but it still comes off as a little disconcerting. What this list does tell me, is that it's likely to see about one 3 and one 4 seed in this year's Elite 8. I know it gets dicey when you're trying to put seeds and NOT teams in certain position, but I'd say it's all in how you want to look at it. I don't like making picks based on strictly numbers, but I like the fact that the numbers and the history back me up when I'm pushing a #3 seed into the Final Four. Figures lie and liars figure, I get it. But look at this more as finding a happy medium than trying to fit into an ever-changing mold...


This last trend looks at how the major conferences have been represented in the last 3 Final Fours...

# of Final Four Teams by Conference
Big 10: 3
SEC: 3
Big East: 2
Pac 10: 2
ACC: 1
Colonial: 1

*the Big XII and Conference USA haven't had any teams reach the Final Four in the last 3 years.


Breakdown
-Out of all the trends I've looked at today, I must admit this one appears to be the least relevant. What it does tell me, is that no matter how much people think the landscape of the game might be changing, the big boys are still the ones that do the dancing when all the chips are down...


So there you have it! I've given you the title contendenders, the possible Cinderella's and teams that might look normal but have the potential to be flat out dangerous. If that wasn't enough, I even gave you a bunch of numbers that will help you push those #3 and #4 seeds through to the Final Four, while at the same time not allowing that #12 seed to romp all the way to San Antonio. What you decide to do with this information, is up to you, but if you use MY guide as YOUR guide, I bet you'll feel better about your picks than you ever have before. Note, I said you'd feel better, NOT do better. So don't come cryin' to me if you happen to lose your pool.


Most importantly, I hope this stuff will help you make the picks that will make the tournament the most enjoyable for you. I know it's fun to win these things, but the real fun comes in the excitement and the endless possibilities that this thing provides. It's a month long celebration, bitches! So go out there and win yourself some loots!!


Speaking of. I'm panicking again as I do every year because very few of you have signed up for my NCAA pool. Every year I invite a ton of people and give everyone fair warning. Yet every year a bunch of you tools come up to me during or after the tourney and say (often drunkenly) "Dude why didn't you do a tourney pool this year?". So help me God. This year, I'm reserving the right, right now, to give a swift elbow to the throat of anyone that pulls that trick on me this season. I'll have this info again on Teusday when I break down the actual bracket, but here again is the info to gain access to my NCAA Tournament pool. Hope to see you there...

website: http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1
private group name: Kelvin Samsung
league ID: 9283
password: glenriversmd


OK I'm outta here to fill my head with some more college hoops, my stomach with some fine hops and barley, and my lungs with......the freshest air the East coast has to offer?? Well you know how I roll, so make sure to get at me. The anticipation is killing me, but we're only a few days away!! Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!....