Cain, Vick, Carmelo, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---As we enter the last week of the Major League Baseball regular season, my beloved San Francisco Giants are in first place. I am overflowing with euphoric excitement. Please, baseball gods, let this be the Giants year.

---A big reason for the Giants success this season has been the magnificent pitching of Matt Cain. When Cain is in top form, as he was on Sunday against the Rockies, he is absolutely unhittable. Cain carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning, and his prowess on the mound rendered the likes of Troy Tulowitzki, Todd Helton, and Carlos Gonzalez helpless at the plate. It was a beautiful performance from one of the best pitchers in the game.

---Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow this morning on "The Murph and Mac Show" on KNBR: "Being around this group, it's been a privilege." Amen to that. Go Giants!!!!!

---Now back to unbiased programming.

---In other baseball news, the Atlanta Braves are slumping at the most inopportune time. For most of the season, the Braves have been an irresistible story. The Braves were resting comfortably atop the NL East standings, poised to end manager Bobby Cox' career on a high note. However, as the playoffs approach, Atlanta is in grave danger of missing out on the postseason. While it must be noted that the Braves demise has coincided with the magnificent, inevitable run by the Phillies, Atlanta's fall from grace has been rather shocking.

---But make no mistake: If Atlanta does not make the playoffs, it is in no way a reflection of Bobby Cox. Cox is one of the five best managers of all-time. Case closed.

---Congratulations to the Texas Rangers, who clinched the AL West title on Saturday with a win over the Athletics. In a year rife with surprises-----the Padres, the dominance of pitching, the woes of the injury-plagued Red Sox, etc.-----no surprise was greater than the stellar play of Ron Washington's Texas Rangers. With Micheal Young, Josh Hamilton, and Nelson Cruz, the Rangers' potent offense rivals that of the Yankees. And as far as pitching is concerned, you need look no further than ace Cliff Lee as evidence that the Rangers will be a major force to be reckoned with come October.

---Gotta love pennant-race baseball. Once the postseason matchups are set, look for my MLB postseason preview, coming to a computer near you.

---On to football now, where Michael Vick is as electrifying as ever. Vick's spectacular play at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles buoyed Philly to a dominating win over the hapless Jaguars on Sunday. Thanks to Vick's leadership, the Eagles are 2-1, in first place in the NFC East.

---Vick's amazing play underscores just how absurd the thought of starting Kevin Kolb over Vick really was. No disrespect to Kolb-----he is a talented QB-----but he has no place starting ahead of Vick.

---And for those of you who still refuse to offer Vick forgiveness for his admittedly heinous behavior in regards to dogfighting, get off your moral highground. Vick has showed genuine remorse for his past actions, and he deserves our forgiveness. Now, it is time to sit back, relax, and enjoy his stunning athleticism.

---Is there any professional sports franchise more overrated than the Dallas Cowboys? I say no. Granted, the Cowboys' 27-13 road win against a very good Texans team was extremely impressive. But Dallas still sits at 1-2, and there is no evidence to suggest that they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Tony Romo is solid, but he is not in the same class as Manning, Brees, and Brady. Not even close. So while much of the sports world overreacts to Dallas' Week 3 win, let me be the voice of reason: The Dallas Cowboys will miss the playoffs.

---I've been to a lot of elementary school football games in my life, but I'm not sure I've ever seen a sloppier game than yesterday's Bengals-Panthers dud. Carson Palmer was terrible, and Jimmy Clausen was.........Wow.

---On the flipside, the Jets-Dolphins game was tremendous. Rumor has it that Rex Ryan celebrated the Jets win by flipping off the partiers at South Beach. Gotta love Rex, one of the most entertaining and fearless personalities in all of sports, and one of the best coaches in the NFL.

---As for the Niners, well, their start to the season has brought back painful memories of the Dennis Erikson team that went 2-14. So yeah, I'm not too optimistic.

---Meanwhile, in college football, there are two quarterbacks who are poised to be stars in the NFL: Michigan's Denard Robinson and Stanford's Andrew Luck. Both Robinson and Luck are joys to watch.

---There is bound to be more BCS controversy this year, as Alabama, Boise State, Oklahoma, TCU, Florida, and Ohio State all seem to have a shot at an undefeated season. BCS controversy? Gee, what a shock. It's time for a playoff system, people!

---The richly compelling NBA offseason continues. The latest chapter is the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors. As a diehard NBA addict (the NBA is the best league in sports), I have a crazy amount of thoughts that are exploding in my head. As soon as Carmelo's destination is determined, I will have a mega-blog on all the happenings of the NBA season, as we prepare for the regular season to tip off at the end of October. Stay tuned!

---I will conclude this edition of Random Observations with my favorite tweet of the week, courtesy of KNBR's Brian Murphy, a superb sports-talk radio host in San Francisco. Commenting on UCLA's shocking butt-whooopin' of Texas, Murphy (himself a UCLA alum) tweeted the following: "If Austin, TX is anything like Dillon, TX, Mack Brown must be getting the cold shoulder at Applebee's tonight!" If you do not understand the reference, then you are missing out one of the very best shows on television.

Week 3 NFL Picks

Ladies and gentlemen, with no further ado, here are my Week 3 NFL picks (home team in all caps):

GIANTS over Titans
Bengals over PANTHERS
Steelers over BUCS
PATRIOTS over Bills
RAVENS over Browns
49ers over CHIEFS (Goooooo Niners!)
TEXANS over Cowboys
Lions over VIKINGS
SAINTS over Falcons
Redskins over RAMS
Eagles over JAGUARS
Colts over BRONCOS
Raiders over CARDINALS
Chargers over SEAHAWKS
DOLPHINS over Jets
Packers over BEARS

Week Two NFL Picks

I feel pretty good about my 11-5 prognostication record in Week 1, but I proceed with cautious optimism. My forecasting ability is typically weak, so here's hoping I can turn the tide this NFL season. So, in the spirit of Carnac, here are my Week 2 NFL picks (home teams in all caps). Take them to the bank:



PACKERS over Bills: No Ryan Grant, no problem for Green Bay. At least not against the hapless Bills.



Dolphins over VIKINGS: Sometimes it's best to follow your instincts, and my instincts tell me that Chad Henne and Brandon Marshall are going to put up explosive numbers on Sunday in Minnesota. Upset alert.



Chiefs over BROWNS: Many people are dismissing Kansas City's Monday night shellacking of the Chargers as a fluke. Not me. K.C. displayed remarkable athleticism against San Diego, and their success will continue against Jake Delhomme (yikes!) and the Browns.



COWBOYS over Bears: Dallas made an astonishing amount of mental errors in their Sunday night loss at the Redskins. If Tony Romo and company again falter in Week 2, there will be significant cause for concern. I just don't see that happening. Big D rolls to victory over a mediocre Bears team.



FALCONS over Cardinals: The Cardinals looked surprisingly underwhelming in their Week 1 win at St. Louis, so even while the Falcons limp into this game after a deflating Week 1 loss at Pittsburgh, I still think they will sail past Arizona with relative ease.



PANTHERS over Bucs: The jury is still out on Carolina QB Matt Moore. I think he has what it takes to succeed in the NFL. He will flash his potential on Sunday.

Eagles over LIONS: The Lions could very well channel their anger from last week's controversial loss at Chicago into a productive game, but with Shaun Hill at quarterback, it is hard to envision Detroit pulling away with a victory. The Eagles will be rejuvenated behind the leadership of Michael Vick. Contrary to popular belief, Vick still has major skill.

Ravens over BENGALS: Cincy struggled mightily against the Patriots defense in Week One. Imagine how they will fare against the likes of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

TITANS over Steelers: I have tremendous respect for Dennis Dixon. But he's still no Vince Young.

BRONCOS over Seahwaks: This one could be ugly. Denver uses the home field advantage to propel them to victory.

Rams over RAIDERS: The only reason to watch this game is to see the ongoing development of quarterback Sam Bradford. Bradford will eventually be a star in this league.

REDSKINS over Texans: What a great game this will be. The McNabb-led Redskins are my pick to win the NFC East, so I will stick with them here. However, if Matt Schaub and the Texans want to make a notable statement about being taken seriously as a playoff contender, they will win this game. I'm not entirely convinced that the Texans are ready to take that next step, but I can't wait to see how this game unfolds.

JETS over Patriots: Mark Sanchez and Gang Green looked atrocious on Monday night against the Ravens, but they can erase all memories of that with a win against Brady and the Pats. I think Rex Ryan and company will be up to the task.

CHARGERS over Jaguars: San Diego will take out all of their furor over the loss to the Chiefs on the hapless Jaguars. Hide the children. This one could be ugly.

COLTS over Giants: The latest installment in the Manning Bowl should offer compelling drama. This one will go down to the wire, but I can't imagine Indy starting off the year at 0-2.

49ERS over Saints: Why? Because I am an unabashedly biased Niners fan, that's why. Lets go Niners!!!

Last week: 11-5
My season record: 11-5

Jeter the Thespian

The Yankees-Rays series that ended with a Tampa Bay win on Wednesday night was electrifying baseball. Even as Rays' fans continued their frustrating inability to fill Tropicana Field to capacity-----further solidifying the long-held notion that Florida professional sports fans are entirely apathetic-----every pitch had the feel of Game 7 of the ALCS. After the Rays win, they hold a one-half game lead over the Bronx Bombers in the AL East. Joe Maddon's team is playing spectacular baseball, and with the likes of Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Evan Longoria, and Cy Young-favorite David Price, the Rays have to be considered the American League favorites at this juncture. The Yankees, however, are in safe territory, as they hold a six-and-a-half game lead in the wild-card over the soon-to-be-dead Boston Red Sox. With their relatively secure playoff position, Derek Jeter has an option: Continue to play every day at shortstop for the remainder of the regular season, or take some time off before the postseason and audition for the leading role in David Mamet's next Broadway play. Because the Yankee captian put on an acting clinic on Wednesday night

Jeter's admitted performance-----acting like he was hit by a Chad Qualls fastball in the seventh inning of a hotly contested game, when he himself knew that the ball hit his bat-----has stirred an enormous wave of controversy. Many people are angered that the classy Jeter resorted to what they view as cheap performance tactics to sell a call. Some have even gone as far as to say that Derek Jeter is a cheat. Ladies and gentlemen, today I hope to be the voice of reason. Calm down, relax, and take a deep breath, because I am here to give a reasoned assessment of Jeter's actions. At the risk of waffling on the issue, allow me to take a centrist stance.

Is Jeter a cheat? Of course not. He was simply trying to help his team win. Jeter is a class act and a consummate professional, and his acting was motivated by his genuine desire to spark a Yankees rally. Even Rays manager Joe Maddon expressed admiration after the game, saying that, "If our guys had did it, I would have applauded that. It's a great performance on his part." Jeter didn't break any rules; he was simply using his veteran wisdom to gain his team an edge. However, based on principle, I am not the biggest fan of flopping in sports. Every time I see Manu Ginobli flail to the ground after gentle contact in the NBA, for instance, I wince at a display of performance art, a display that I would like to see disappear in the sports arena. The very essence of flopping in sports cheapens its competitive value. Players shouldn't feel the need to channel their inner Pacino in order to win; they should rely on pure athletic prowess.

So there you have it. I do not begrudge Derek Jeter for doing his part to help his team win. I just hope that if a similar situation arises in the future, he will choose to restrain his inner Pacino.

Musings on Week 1 of the NFL Season

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:



---Well, so much for T.Ocho and the Cincinnati Bengals. I picked the Bengals to go into the hostile confines of Foxboro and pick up an impressive road victory, and boy was I wrong. Cincy lost by a count of 38-24, but that score is not indicative of the butt-whooping that transpired. Tom Brady and the Pats' offensive line manhandled a helpless Bengals defense, and Chad Ocho Cinco and Terrell Owens were an underwhelming duo in this one.



---From the Patriots standpoint, this was a huge win to silence those, including myself, who were starting to wonder if the team was past its' prime. For selfish reasons----more specifically, my strong dislike of Bill Belichick----I still hope that New England has a down year. But judging from Sunday's performance, it seems as if such a hope is pure folly.



---As for Cincy, well, they have major reason to be concerned. The ineffectiveness of T.Ocho is indeed a significant worry, but one can safely assume that those two star receivers will have excellent seasons. The biggest issue for Coach Marvin Lewis and company after today's loss has to be the defensive line. They were dominated in every aspect of the game on Sunday.



---Kudos to Patriots WR Randy Moss for sporting a San Francisco Giants cap in his post-game press conference. On a day in which my beloved Giants pulled even with the Padres atop the NL West with a huge win in San Diego, Randy Moss sporting the Orange and Black cap was a beautiful sight. Nice job, Randy. Now if he could just stop making ridiculous accusations about not being supported by the fiercely loyal New England fan base, I'd be even happier.



---Meanwhile, in Chicago, the game ended amidst significant controversy. Lions' star receiver Calvin Johnson appeared to have caught the game-winning touchdown catch, only to have it ruled incomplete. All signs seem to indicate that the referees made the correct call. Even Lions coach Jim Schwartz admitted so after the game. However, I am not entirely convinced. That looked like a pretty damn good catch to me. If I was officiating that game, the Detroit Lions would have probably walked out of Soldier Field with a win.



---Speaking of the Lions, here's hoping Matthew Stafford is okay after leaving the game early due to injury. If the Lions have any hopes of contending this season, they need a healthy and productive Stafford.



---Huge win by the Texans today at home against Peyton Manning and the Colts. While one win in the season opener is not enough to convince me that Houston has what it takes to win the division----I still think the Colts will be the better team in the long run----there is no denying the fact that the Texans are a terrific team. Matt Schaub is one of the game's most underrated quarterbacks, and Brian Cushing and Mario Williams headline an impressive defense. The Texans will be a force to be reckoned with in 2010.



---The Rams may have lost to the Cardinals, but they should at least take solace in the play of rookie quarterback Sam Bradford. The former Oklahoma Sooner played extremely well in his NFL debut, and I would even go as far as to say that Bradford could eventually reach Kurt Warner-level heights in St. Louis throughout his career. As a Niners fan, though, I must admit that I hope he experiences success with a team other than the division-rival Rams.



---Speaking of the Niners, that was a depressing performance today in Seattle. I think I speak for Niners fans everywhere when I say that I remain wholly unimpressed and angry at the dismal play of quarterback Alex Smith. In terms of horrific draft picks in sports, the Pistons have Darko Milicic, the Wizards have Kwame Brown, the Chargers have Ryan Leaf, and the 49ers have Smith. Please Alex, I'm begging you: Step it up.



---Nice job, Dennis Dixon. Granted, the Steelers' 15-9 overtime win over the Falcons wasn't exactly dazzling, but it is a win nonetheless. Dixon thrived under pressure and got the job done, calming the fears of Steelers Nation in the absence of Ben Roethlisberger.



---I believe that one of the New York teams will make a deep run into the playoffs this season. I'm just not sure which New York team that will be. The Giants looked good today in their win over the Panthers, and the Eli Manning-led offense remains as prolific as ever. The Jets, meanwhile, who open their season on Monday Night Football against Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens, have enormous potential this season as well, thanks to Darelle Revis, Mark Sanchez, LaDanian Tomlinson, and the fiery spirits of Coach Rex Ryan. As the Giants and Jets christen a gorgeous new stadium in the Meadowlands, it should be a fun year of football in the Big Apple.



---Game of the day: Redskins-Cowboys. The latest edition in this classic rivalry was incredibly thrilling and compelling, as Donovan McNabb and the Redskins picked up a crucial division win. As long as McNabb stays healthy, I like Mike Shanahan's Redskins to win the NFC East.



---And finally, I'll end with a report from the Fashion Police. Memo to the Philadelphia Eagles: Never, ever wear those garishly green retro eye-soars again. Thank you.

The Return of Pigskin: Week One NFL Picks

In the words of the great Chris Berman, tonight marks the highly anticipated return of "The National Football League!". The NFL promises to deliver yet another stellar season, and you couldn't ask for a more enticing opener than the one that takes place tonight in New Orleans between the defending Super Bowl-champion New Orleans Saints and the Brett Favre-led (yawn) Minnesota Vikings, a rematch of last year's thrilling NFC Championship game. I'm as giddy with excitement as a teenage girl at a Justin Bieber concert, so with no further ado, here are my week one picks (home team in all caps):



SAINTS over Vikings

BUCS over Browns

Dolphins over BILLS

Bengals over PATRIOTS

Colts over TEXANS

JAGUARS over Broncos

Falcons over STEELERS

TITANS over Raiders

GIANTS over Panthers

BEARS over Lions

Cardinals over RAMS

Packers over EAGLES

49ers over SEAHAWKS (Gooooooo Niners!!!!!)

REDSKINS over Cowboys

JETS over Ravens

Chargers over CHIEFS

Now let the games begin!

Random Observations: U.S. Open Edition

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots------regarding the 2010 U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows:



---And just like that, Andy Roddick's hopes of winning his first U.S. Open title since 2003 have vanished. Roddick fell in defeat to the Serbian Janko Tipsarevic in four sets late Wednesday night, conjuring further discussion regarding the state of Roddick's career.



---After Roddick was heroic in defeat in the 2009 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, it appeared as if Roddick had a very strong chance of winning multiple Grand Slam championships. Sadly, that has not been the case. With each early exit---Roddick was ousted in the third round of last year's open---the window of opportunity for Roddick closes. He still maintains the game's most intimidating serve, a dazzling tour de force that puts all other tennis stars to shame. But Roddick is aging, and his weak showings in recent events perhaps indicate that his time is running out.



---On a positive note, Roddick was a class act in defeat on Wednesday night, offering sincere congratulations and respect to Tipsarevic in the immediate aftermath of defeat.



---Meanwhile, the men's top seed, the great Rafael Nadal, showed surprising signs of struggle on Tuesday night in his opening-round match against Teymuraz Gabashvili. It is far too early for Nadal fans to exert any semblance of panic, as he is still the heavy favorite to win the Open. But it is important for Nadal to dominate Denis Istomin tomorrow night. If he looks shaky yet again, then we have a problem.



---If Nadal is to win the U.S. Open, he must overcome an impressive array of challenges. Two names that have a decnt shot at upending Nadal are Andy Murray and Mardy Fish. Murray, the once-stubborn Brit who used to fade under pressure, has matured significantly. He is now a calm, poised presence on the court, and he is a legitimate contender to win it all this year. On the other hand, you have Mardy Fish, the veteran whose star is starting to rise in the tennis scene. And of course, you have Roger Federer. Even at the twilight of his career, Federer is dangerous, still capable of greatness even while his career is on its last legs.



---On to the women's side of things now, where the absence of Serena Williams due to foot injury, and the shocking early exit of young American Melanie Oudin, has given hope to a myriad of contenders. The favorite remains Caroline Wozniaki, and her upcoming match against fellow contender Maria Sharapova will offer compelling drama. But my money is Serena's sister, Venus Williams. The tendency for many people is to overlook Venus in favor of an up-and-coming youngster, but Venus is just as exemplary as ever.

---I'll end with an appreciation of the U.S. Open, one of my favorite sporting events. I love the rowdy New York atmosphere. Tennis is a beautiful sport as is, but the U.S. Open adds an added sense of excitement, thanks to the passionate New York faithful who fill the seats at Arthur Ashe stadium. Each year of the U.S. Open brings new surprises, and I can't wait to discover what this year has to offer.