An Epic Clash of the Aces, and NBA Opening Night Musings

Dare I say it's the greatest World Series pitching matchup ever? Tonight in beautiful San Francisco, the Fall Classic commences with two spectacular pitchers taking the mound. On the one side, you have Cliff Lee, the overpowering lefty who has to be considered one of the most outstanding postseason pitchers in MLB history. On the other side (the good side, of course), you have Tim Lincecum, the dazzling, dominant, long-haired flamethrower we call The Freak. The likes of Josh Hamilton, Aubrey Huff, Ian Kinsler, Buster Posey, Nelson Cruz, and Cody Ross are likely to appear completely flummoxed at times tonight. Lee and Lincecum can make the best sluggers look absolutely helpless at the plate. This should be fun. Gooooooooooooo Giants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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The world's greatest sports league made its' 2010-2011 debut on Tuesday night, and it did not disappoint. After last night, I am thoroughly convinced that this NBA season will be one for the ages. I am downright giddy. My thoughts on opening night:

---The supposedly mighty Miami Heat looked completely out of sorts last night in Boston. LeBron was dominant in the third quarter, but his eight turnovers showed that he is not a natural point guard, no matter how hard the Heat want him to adapt that role. Dwayne Wade, coming off an injury that sidelined him for most of the preseason, struggled all night long, and Chris Bosh did not have enough size down low to hold his own against Shaq. Granted, it is just one game, but for a team that wants to be historically great, the Miami Heat left an enormously underwhelming first impression. And that put a giant smile on my face.

---That was a statement win by the Celtics. Boston came out with fiery passion last night. Paul Pierce was terrific, Ray Allen showed that he still has that silky-smooth shot, Rajon Rondo was brilliant, Kevin Garnett played with renewed energy, and new fan-favorite Shaquille O'Neal showed flashes of his old self. Make no mistake: The Celtics have every intention of making it back to the Finals.

---Great crowd last night in Boston. They booed LeBron every time he touched the ball. Gotta love it. Celtics fans are amongst the best fans in the NBA.

---Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the Lakers edged the Rockets in a thrilling game on ring night at the Staples Center.

---The Rockets-Lakers game was tremendously compelling. I've long been a critic of Steve Blake, but I have to give him credit: That was a clutch shot to win the game for the Lakers.

---Despite the loss, I was impressed by the Houston Rockets last night. Yao Ming is not yet in pristine shape, but he gave a very encouraging performance last night. Kudos to the Rockets for holding Yao to a strict playing time limit of 24 minutes. It must have been tempting for Rick Adelman to keep Yao in the game late in the fourth quarter against the Lakers, but Yao's health is far more important than one game. In order for the Rockets to make some noise in the West this season, they need a fully healthy Yao.

---I was also delighted by the play of Brad Miller and Aaron Brooks. Miller brings an Artest-like toughness to the Rockets, while Brooks is an absolute joy to watch.

---Nice win by the Blazers last night. Brandon Roy took over in the fourth quarter, and Portland outlasted Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns. Roy is Mr. Clutch, and it is a shame he doesn't get the credit he deserves for being one of the game's best players.

---Nate McMillan had to be encouraged by the play of Wes Matthews. Matthews will never live up to his ridiculously gargantuan contract, but if he gives the Blazers 22 points a night, as he did in the season-opener against the Suns, he will be a major asset.

---The rest of the league starts playing tonight. There are plenty of outstanding games, most notably a potential Finals preview in Oklahoma City between the Bulls and Thunder.

The Giants Win the Pennant! The Giants Win the Pennant!

This is why I choose to live and die with my teams. Some people think I'm crazy for being such a diehard fan. And granted, there are nights after a tough loss where I literally have stomach indigestion. But for every brutally painful defeat, there is a moment of incredible euphoria. When the San Francisco Giants defeated the Phillies 3-2 in Game 6 of the NLCS, a win that sends the Giants to the World Series, I jumped in celebration. I have been a diehard Giants fan all my life. Right now, I am in a state of unbridled, gleeful ecstasy. What a moment.

The 2002 pennant-winning Giants team provided me with some of my greatest memories as a sports fan, but for me, this 2010 season has been even sweeter. Nobody expected Bruce Bochy's team to contend for a championship in 2010. They were viewed as a collection of also-rans. Guys like Pat Burrell and Aubrey Huff were considered past their prime. The experts said that the great pitching would not be enough to overcome a meager offense. That was back in April. Six months later, the Giants are four wins away from a World Series title. And I am basking in the glow of the moment. This is awesome.

A significant challenge awaits. The Texas Rangers are an outstanding team, and beating them four times will be tough. The Giants, though, are up to the task. I cannot wait for Wednesday. Gooooooooooo Giants!!!

P.S.: Thank you Juan Uribe!!!! Uribe's game-winning home run will go down as one of the greatest moments in Giants history.

2010-2011 NBA PREVIEW: Western Conference

Ladies and gentlemen, the best sports league is back. Tuesday marks the start of the 2010-2011 NBA season, and I am more giddy with excitement than a teen girl at a Justin Bieber concert. I can't wait for Tuesday. The 2010-2011 NBA campaign has the potential to be one of the greatest, most compelling seasons in league history. Yesterday, I previewed the Eastern conference. Now it's time to shift our focus out West. So with no further ado, here is my preview of each and every team in the Western conference, listed in projected order of finish:















1. Los Angeles Lakers/Head Coach:Phil Jackson















Emotionally, I am in the same position with the Lakers as I am with the Heat. I desperately hope the Lakers fall stunningly short of expectations and have a disastrous season. But I am living in dream land if I honestly think that has a chance of happening. The reality is that this Lakers team is even better than the teams that won the championship the last two seasons. Phil Jackson's squad is loaded, with an excellent shot at a 3-peat.















Any conversation with the Lakers begins with Kobe Bryant. I have been a harsh Kobe critic over the years, but even I must admit that he is the best player in basketball. No player since Michael Jordan has played with a more dominating ferocity on both ends of the floor. Do I still think Kobe is an arrogant, below-average teammate? Yes. But his basketball ability is astonishing. When he is on top of his game, there is no stopping him. But the scary thing about the 2010-2011 Lakers is that they are so much more than just Kobe Bryant. I still question Andrew Bynum's toughness, and I don't yet consider him an elite center, but he is still a major contributor. The more he works with Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, the more he will continue to improve. Pau Gasol is an amazing player, and he does belong in the conversation of the NBA's best big men. Gasol is a dominant scorer, a fearsome defender, and an effortless passer. He is the Robin to Bryant's Batman. Loyal readers know that I love Ron Artest. Artest is one wild and crazy dude, and he has a tendency to be pretty clumsy on the offensive end. But Artest makes up for all of that with his defensive mastery. Artest is a lockdown defender, capable of shutting down any of the league's top scorers. Not to mention his toughness, which is unparallelled. Thus, Artest is a modern-day Dennis Rodman. Lamar Odom is an inconsistent player, but he has seen drastic improvement in the last couple seasons, and he is a significant asset for Phil Jackson's team. Just don't trust Odom at the free throw line with the game on the line. Very few players are as clutch as Derek Fisher. Fisher has an Horry-like ability to knock down huge shots in pressure-packed situations, and he will undoubtedly do just that this season. The offseason acquisition of Matt Barnes is also huge for the Lakers. Barnes is a great shooter and an awesome defender. I'm not as high on Steve Blake, the Lakers' other key offseason pickup.























The only glaring weakness on this team remains Sasha Vujacic, the most overrated player in the NBA. Vujacic is absolutely horrendous, a guy who wanders aimlessly outside the three-point line and hoists brick after brick. The fact that he calls himself The Machine is laughable. Vujacic is my least favorite player in the NBA. Aside from Vujacic, however, the Los Angeles Lakers are a great team that will likely find themselves back in the NBA Finals, with a chance at their third consecutive title. Just the thought of Phil Jackson's third 3-peat of his career is enough to give me stomach indigestion. As I said with the Heat: Boy do I hope I'm wrong about the Lakers.















2. Oklahoma City Thunder/Head Coach: Scott Brooks















The one team in the West that gives Laker haters like myself hope is the Oklahoma City Thunder. Normally, I am wary of young teams that enter the season with gargantuan expectations, but I am buying all the hype with the Thunder, and then some. The Thunder have the ability to knock off the Lakers in the West. They have the ability to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy when all is said and done. I truly believe that Scott Brooks' team is that good.















Kevin Durant is the second-best player in the NBA, and as he continues to improve---a frightening thought for Thunder opponents---Durant is poised to surpass Kobe and become the best basketball player in the world in the very near future. Durant is so good that even if he was hampered with a lowly supporting cast, he would still make the Thunder a threat out West. However, what makes the Oklahoma City Thunder such a potent team is that Durant has a stellar supporting cast around him. Russell Westbrook is a fantastic point guard, and by the end of the season, Westbrook will be mentioned in the same breath as Rondo, Williams, Paul, Nash, and Rose. Jeff Green is a terrific player, and Durant-Westbrook-Green is amongst the best trios in basketball. Furthermore, James Harden will build off his superb rookie season last year and continue to put up big numbers. Serge Ibaka may not be a household name yet, but he will be by season's end. Nick Collison, Morris Peterson,and Nenad Kristic give the Thunder great depth. And don't sleep on Eric Maynor. He has the potential to be a significant contributor this season.















Add all this to the fact that the Thunder have a great coach (Scott Brooks), and one of the best fan bases in all of sports, and they have what it takes to challenge the Lakers in the West. I can't wait to watch this team play.















3. Utah Jazz/Head Coach: Jerry Sloan













In the immediate aftermath of Carlos Boozer's departure to Chicago, I must admit that I was down on the Jazz. Boozer was a hugely important part of Utah's identity, the leading force behind their bruising physicality in the paint. I didn't think there was any way Utah could contend for a championship without Boozer's presence. But then Jazz General Manager Kevin O'Connor came through with two strokes of genius, acquiring Al Jefferson and Raja Bell. Jefferson has spent the majority of his career floundering in the futility of the Timberwolves organization, so he has never received the recognition he deserves for being a dominant big man in the NBA. Jefferson is a great player who will fill the void left by Boozer. Now that Jefferson is playing on a good team with a great coach, he is going to have the best season of his career, and that's saying something. The toughness of Boozer will also be filled by Raja Bell, a tenacious defender who thrives against the league's top scorers. So no Boozer, no problem for Utah.













Let's not forget the most important player on the Jazz, none other than Deron Williams. D-Will is arguably the best point guard in basketball, and his brilliance in Utah has conjured memories of John Stockton in his prime. Williams has plenty of dangerous weapons around him as well. Andrei Kirilenko was the subject of trade rumors in the offseason, but the Jazz were wise in keeping him. AK-47 is a double-double threat each time he steps onto the floor. Mehmet Okur, the big man who also happens to be one of the best pure shooters in the game, returns, as does Paul Milsap, who is a powerful presence down low. The Jazz always have a couple of surprise breakout performances from young players each season, as evidenced by the outstanding play of Sundiata Gaines and Wesley Matthews last season. Both Gaines and Matthews have departed, but don't be shocked if rookies Gordon Hayward and Jeremy Evans pick up where Gaines and Matthews left off.













Jerry Sloan's Jazz teams are always good for 50-plus wins, and this season will be no different. Salt Lake City is a phenomenal basketball city, and the great fans will see playoff basketball yet again.













4. Dallas Mavericks/Head Coach: Rick Carlisle













Much like last season, I anticipate great regular-season success for the Dallas Mavericks. At 7 feet tall, Dirk Nowitzki is the most offensively gifted big man in the NBA, and he is a double-double waiting to happen each night. Caron Butler and Shaun Marion are two veteran forwards with plenty of gas left the tank, and they will turn in excellent seasons. The center combo of Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood will be tremendously effective. Say what you want about Jason Kidd's age, but he is still an excellent starting point guard. Should Kidd succumb to age or injury, the Mavs would have more than enough weapons (Jason Terry, Jose Barea, Roddy Beaubois) to suffice. So Rick Carlisle's Mavs will once again be a top-tier team in the regular season.













But when it comes to the playoffs, this team does not lead me to believe that they will be able to overcome their perennial shortcomings. In order to win the West, the Mavs will have to overcome the likes of Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, and Utah, and I just do not see that happening. So while Dallas will again be a symbol of excellence in the regular season, I think that Mark Cuban (whom I love, by the way) will be sporting another dissatisfied scowl come playoff time.













5. Portland Trail Blazers/Head Coach: Nate McMillan













The offseason firing of G.M. Kevin Pritchard was one of the most egregious front office decisions in NBA history. Pritchard may have whiffed in his selection of Greg Oden over Kevin Durant in the Draft, but he was one of the best G.M.'s in the league, the master architect behind the resurgence of the Blazers franchise. That horrific decision aside, though, the Blazers have much to be excited about in the 2010-2011 campaign.













As long as the Blazers have the great Brandon Roy, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Roy is a star, and he will only continue to get better. Surrounding Roy is a nice collection of very talented players: Wesley Matthews, the superb young guard who will be out to prove to the world that he is worthy of the enormous contract that was awarded to him in the offseason; Andre Miller, the veteran guard who brings great savvy and leadership; LaMarcus Aldridge, the skilled forward who should continue to make immense strides of improvement. Under the guidance of Nate McMillan, one of the best coaches of the league, the Blazers should win 50 games relatively easily.













However, this team is still not equipped for playoff success. Aside from the 6-11 Aldridge, all of the aforementioned players are small guards. The Blazers lack a strong big man, so the frontcourt is virtually punchless. Granted, Portland does have the veteran shot-blocker Marcus Camby, but something tells me that Camby will start to really show the effects of age this season. Joel Pryzbilla had a breakout season last year, but he is recovering from a major knee injury. The Blazers just signed Fabricio Oberto, a good player, but not a difference-maker. And don't get me started on Greg Oden. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Oden is a nice guy, but he has been an astonishing flop in the NBA. Oden starts the year injured, yet again. What a shock.













I don't mean to come across as too pessimistic. After all, the Blazers are still a fun team to watch, and they are a lock for the playoffs. But my guess is that another first-round playoff exit is in their future.

















6. Memphis Grizzlies/Head Coah: Lionel Hollins

This may be too wildly optimistic an assessment, but I think the Grizzlies are poised to make a significant rise in the Western conference this season. Last year, Coach Lionel Hollins and company impressed me with their scrappy, resilient play. With an extra year of maturity and experience under their belt, I have the Grizzlies penciled in as the 6-seed in the West. That would be a remarkable achievement for a franchise that has lived in complete futility since the departure of Pau Gasol.

Speaking of Gasol, let's start the discussion of the Memphis roster with Pau's brother Marc. Marc will always live in his brother's shadow, and that is a shame, because Marc Gasol is a pretty damn good player in his own right. My guess is that he will merit All-Star consideration this season. Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph are also poised for big seasons. I am especially intrigued to see how Randolph fares this season. In past years, Randolph had a knack for having long stretches of complacency on the court. Last year, though, Randolph brought awesome energy every night, delivering the best season of his career. My bet is that Randolph picks up where he left off. If that is the case, the Grizzlies will have a fearsome frontcourt with Gasol and Randolph. I also love the addition of veteran Tony Allen. Tony Allen was a crucial part of the Celtics bench the last few years, and he will be a nice spark off the bench for Lionel Hollins' team.

The only glaring weakness for the Grizzlies is Hasheem Thabeet. Thabeet has had the same struggles in the NBA that plagued him during his time at UConn. Thabeet is an outstanding defensive player, but he is incredibly clumsy at the offensive end, and that makes him a major liability for the Grizzlies. Still, I anticipate big things for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2010-2011.

7. San Antonio Spurs/Head Coach: Gregg Popovich

The Spurs enter 2010-2011 with the same key personnel that shaped their championship teams of 2003, 2005, and 2007. They enter the 2010-2011 campaign with the best coach in the NBA (Gregg Popovich). So what's not to like? Well, in a word, age. Unlike the Boston Celtics, the Spurs do not give off the vibe that they have another championship run left in the tank.

However, they are still the San Antonio Spurs, perennially overlooked and disrespected, so it would be foolish to count them out of the equation in the West. Tim Duncan still carries himself with stunning efficiency night in and night out. Duncan is one of the greatest players to ever play the game, and while he is nearing the end of his career, he is still good for 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. I am not sure if Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli can match his excellence this season, though. Parker is still a solid starting point guard, but in the age of the young point guard, I have a feeling that Parker's prime has passed him by. Manu Ginobli is still a greatly entertaining player (even if he flops way too much for my liking), but in the last few years he has been more prone to injury, and that is not a good omen. Richard Jefferson is an excellent player, but does he have what it takes to propel the Spurs back atop the West? I don't think so. And while I have tremendous respect for Antonio McDyess, his career is in its final days. The one player that could single-handedly carry the Spurs back to elite status, however, is DeJuan Blair. Fresh off a stellar rookie campaign, Blair will only get better this season.

The Spurs will continue to carry themselves with class and professionalism, and I think they will make the playoffs as a 7-seed. But I fear that the time of San Antonio contending for championships has come to an end.

8. Golden State Warriors/Head Coach: Keith Smart

What?! Am I insane?! In the words of Jim Mora: Playoffs?! For this Warriors team?! Ladies and gentlemen, I am not insane. I am just a diehard Warriors fan brimming with dreamy optimism. My biases aside, however, am I really that farfetched in thinking that the W's can make the playoffs? Think about it: Golden State has one of the best young duos in baketball with Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis. Last year, Monta Ellis professed dissatisfaction with playing alongside Curry, but all signs during the offseason seem to have pointed to the blossoming of real chemistry between the two. And that is a beautiful thing for Warriors fans. Furthermore, the Warriors have a legitimate All-Star in David Lee. I've always been a Lee admirer, and the kinetic energy that he brought to the Knicks will translate well to the high-octane Golden State system. Andris Biedrins is coming off a down year, but if he stays healthy this season, he will return to being a rebounding, shot-blocking machine. Reggie Williams is an underrated player who will make a name for himself this season. Dorell Wright has been a beast this offseason, and he will continue his productivity in the regular season. And while both start the season injured, Ekpe Udoh and Lou Amundson bring some much-needed defensive presence to a team that has long suffered in that regard. Playoffs, my friends, is not out of the realm of possibility.

Even if I am just a wildly optimistic fan, and even if my dreams of playoffs do not come to fruition, there is still plenty of reason to be excited in the Bay Area. This is the start of an exciting new era for Warriors basketball. With all due respect to the great Don Nelson, it was time for a coaching change. Nellie seemed tired and disillusioned last season, and new coach Keith Smart (absolutely the right man for the job) brings a fresh jolt of energy. Meanwhile, the disastrous ownership of Chris Cohan has come to an end, and new owners Peter Gruber and Joe Lacob seem to be fiercely committed to presenting a winning product on the basketball court. And did I mention the stylish new unis? Gotta love it.

Am I biased? Yes. But don't be shocked if the Warriors do indeed make the playoffs.

9. Denver Nuggets/Head Coach: George Karl

On paper, this is still an incredibly dangerous team. But the vibe is all wrong is Denver right now. In other words, the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors will sap any chance the Nuggets may have of contending in the West.

Count me among those who question why the Nuggets are so eager to trade Carmelo Anthony. Melo is one of the five best players in the NBA (Kobe, Durant, Wade, LeBron, Carmelo), and he is especially dominant on the offensive end. With a healthy and motivated Melo, the Nuggets could make serious noise in the West. But Anthony's mind seems to be elsewhere right now. Don't be surprised if Carmelo is in a Knicks uniform by December.

Still, even without a motivated Melo, the Nuggets have the pieces to challenge for one of the final playoff spots in the West. Chauncey Billups is nearing retirement, but he is still a superb point guard, a true leader on the court. Ty Lawson, the fastest player in the NBA, is also one of the most exciting. He will continue to blossom into one of the game's best young players. J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin, and Nene return, as does the wildly entertaining Chris "Birdman" Andersen, so the Nuggets will still be a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention the fact that the great George Karl is one of the league's best coaches. But something tells me that the Nuggets will be hampered with chemistry problems all season long, weighed down by the Carmelo trade rumors. My guess is that they will miss the playoffs, just barely.

10. Phoenix Suns/Head Coach: Alvin Gentry

This low ranking is in no way a reflection of the great Steve Nash. As he showed in last year's postseason, Nash is as prolific as ever. He truly is an ageless wonder, a magnificent point guard who plays the game with remarkable grace. Rather, this low ranking is a reflection on the departure of Amare Stoudamire. Amare has been the subject of seemingly constant trade rumors the last couple seasons in Phoenix, and I have never understood why the Suns were so eager to dispose of him. Stoudamire was a hugely important part of the Suns' success over the years. This year, the Suns will realize that they took Amare's talents for granted. He will be sorely missed, so much so that I think the Suns will be on the outside looking in come playoff time, only one year after they pushed the Lakers to seven games in the Western Conference Finals.

Nonetheless, Alvin Gentry's team still has the talent to contend for a playoff spot. In addition to the great Nash, expect big things this year from Goran Dragic. Dragic' explosive play in last year's playoffs, more specifically his dominant performance in Game 3 of the West semis against San Antonio, marked his arrival as a legitimate force in this league. When Nash needs a rest, Dragic is more than capable of carrying the load at point guard. Jason Richardson, one of my favorite players, returns, as does Grant Hill, Channing Frye, Robin Lopez, and Jared Dudley. I am particularly interested in watching the developments of Lopez and Dudley this season. Dudley may look unathletic, but he is a fantastic player who plays with fiery swagger. Lopez had a coming out party on the national stage during last year's playoffs, and it will be fascinating to see if he continues that strong play this year. Channing Frye, however, is mediocre at best. His horrific play in last year's Conference Finals against the Lakers was a frighteneing sight. Suns fans can only hope that he improves in the 2010-2011 campaign.

The Suns have major talent, but ultimately, the loss of Amare Stoudamire will be too significant to overcome.

11. Houston Rockets/Head Coach: Rick Adelman

The good news: The return of Yao Ming, the most offensively gifted center in basketball; the continued development of Aaron Brooks, a player who is always a delight to watch; the return of Shane Battier, a defensive mastermind who is capable of shutting down the likes of Kobe and Durant; the return of Coach Rick Adelman, one of the league's best.

The bad news: The tenuous state of Yao's helath: Will he be able to stay healthy for a full season? The attitude of Kevin Martin, who has expressed his dissatisfaction in the offseason regarding his perceived lack of sufficient playing time; the tenuous state of Brad Miller's health.

If everything goes swimmingly for the Rockets, then they are capable of being a top-tier team in the West. But that is one giant if. I hope I'm wrong, because I love Yao, but I would be surprised if he can stay spry and healthy for the entire season. And if Yao does succumb to injury, the Rockets will become a far less dangerous team. Another issue working against the Rockets is the immense depth of the Western Conference.

I could be completely wrong here. The Rockets could make the playoffs with relative ease. Heck, they could even make a deep run into the playoffs if all goes right. But in sports, very rarely does everything go as planned for any team. My bet is that the Rockets stay in the playoff hunt up until February, only to fade in the stretch run.

12. Los Angeles Clippers/Head Coach: Vinny Del Negro

After his stellar preseason, all signs point to Blake Griffin being an absolute star in the NBA. After missing all of last season due to injury, Griffin is the clear favorite to be Rookie of the Year this season. Playing alongside Griffin is Eric Gordon, a superb young player who proved with his play for Team USA over the summer that he himself has what it takes to reach star status in the NBA. So this is the year for the Clippers to finally assert themselves as a relevant, playoff-caliber force in the West, right? Not so fast, my friends.

Aside from Griffin and Gordon, the roster is riddled with question marks. When fully healthy and motivated, Baron Davis can be an elite player, but when was the last time B.D. was fully healthy and motivated? The answer: The 2007 "We Believe" Warriors team, where Davis was the heart and soul of Don Nelson's team. Since then, Baron has been incessantly erratic. He will undoubtedly have nights this season where he wows the crowd with magnificent play. But for every one of those nights, there will be a game in which Baron plays in a lazy, sleepy daze. If the Clippers are to make the playoffs, they are going to need a little more consistency. Chris Kaman can fill up a stat sheet, but I'm sorry: His stunning lack of athleticism has got to catch up with him at some point, and my guess is that he will start feeling the ill-effects of that this season. The Clips have two wily veterans in Rasual Butler and Jarron Collins, but they are unlikely to have much of an impact this season.

There is no doubt that the future is bright for the Clippers. Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon alone are worth the price of admission night in and night out. And the departure of the clueless Mike Dunleavy, replaced by Vinny Del Negro, ensures that the Clippers will be a far better-coached team in 2010-2011. The Clips, though, are a year or two removed from returning to the playoffs.

13. Sacramento Kings/Head Coach: Paul Westphal

There is a lot to like with Sacramento. Reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans is brilliant, and there is no chance of him experiencing any sort of sophomore slump. In fact, I expect Evans to be even better in 2010-2011. Young Omri Casspi has great promise, and in the future Kings fans can expect the Evans-Casspi duo to conjure memories of the Mike Bibby-Chris Webber duo that defined the great Kings teams of the early 2000's. Rookie DeMarcus Cousins may be an immature headcase, but he has enormous talent, and he will have a stellar rookie campaign. But for all of their talent, Sacramento is still an extremely raw work in progress. In two or three years, the Kings will be dangerous contenders in the West. This season, though, more growing pains await.

14. New Orleans Hornets/Head Coach: Monty Williams

It is a shame that Chris Paul, a sensational star who will go down as one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game, is playing for a franchise that features the most woefully ignorant front office in the NBA. First, Hornets' management traded away Tyson Chandler just when the CP3-Chandler duo was blossoming into one of the best tandems in the league. Then, Hornets' management inexplicably fired Byron Scott, a brilliant coach who was fired after a 3-6 start. Firing a great coach just because of a 3-6 start has to be considered one of the most egregious knee-jerk reactions by a front office in NBA history. And now, the geniuses running the Hornets franchise seem to have every intention of trading Chris Paul. Un-freaking-believable.

The futility of the front office has cast a gloomy shadow over the team, but that is not the sole reason why the 2010-2011 campaign will be a disappointing one for New Orleans. The mediocre roster will be the main deterrent for the Hornets this season. CP3 does not have much to work with. Trevor Ariza benefited from playing on an incredibly deep Lakers team two seasons ago, but with few weapons around him, Ariza is a merely decent player who doesn't make much of a difference. The same can be said for Emeka Okafor, a good player who is nonethless a perennial underachiever in the NBA. David West is a shell of the player he once was, the terrific wingman who helped lead the Hornets to the Western Conference Semi-Finals in 2008. So is Peja Stojakovic, a once-flawless shooter who has declined in recent years.

I like the addition of Jerryd Bayless, and he will become the starting point guard should Paul depart. I also like new coach Monty Williams. But it will be a rough year for basketball in the Big Easy.

15. Minnesota Timberwolves/Head Coach: Kurt Rambis

When Michael Beasley, a player who has been a shocking underachiever in the NBA, was acquired by Minnesota, one of the first things he said was that the T'Wolves are the team to beat this season. No word yet on whether Beasley is still suffering the effects of the concussion.

The truth is that this is the worst team in the West, perhaps even the worst team in the NBA. Aside from the terrific Kevin Love, and the tremendous potential of rookie Wes Johnson, who do the T'Wolves have? Jonny Flynn? Kosta Koufos? Sebastian Telfair? Darko Milicic?! Kurt Rambis is a good coach, but my goodness, this is one lousy team.

2010-2011 NBA PREVIEW: Eastern Conference

Ladies and gentleman, the best sports league is back. Tuesday marks the start of the NBA season, and this diehard hoops addict is more giddy with excitement than a teen girl at a Justin Bieber concert. I can't wait for Tuesday. The 2010-2011 campaign has the potential to be one of the greatest, most compelling seasons in NBA history. So with no further ado, here is my preview of each and every team, starting with the Eastern conference, listed in projected order of finish:





1. Orlando Magic/Head Coach: Stan Van Gundy





Say what?! Am I really picking the Magic to come out of the East instead of the mighty Miami Heat? Yes, indeed I am. Granted, this pick rests on somewhat of a leap of faith: That Dwight Howard will finally adopt a more assertive role on the offensive end. Dwight Howard is the best center in basketball, and his defensive mastery is unparalleled. However, Superman has looked stunningly clumsy and lethargic at times on the offensive end throughout his career. Too often he roams the paint with that happy-go-lucky personality of his. So while I love Howard's infectious personality off the court, he needs to be far more aggressive on the court if he wants to propel this supremely talented Magic team to an NBA championship. And I think that Howard is finally up to the task. I think the bitter disappointment of losing in the East finals against Boston last season was enough to instill in Howard an awareness that he needs to take more offensive initiative. I expect Howard to be dominant both defensively and offensively this season, and that is a frightening thought for opposing teams.





The Magic, though, are not a one-man show. Rashard Lewis may be grossly overpaid, but he is still a terrific offensive threat who delivers in the clutch. J.J. Redick is another big-time performer in the clutch, a flawless sharpshooter with ice in the veins. Jason Williams, a.k.a. White Chocolate, is a reliable back-up point guard who can step in at a moment's notice if Jameer Nelson falls prey to injury yet again. Speaking of which, this season is a major litmus test for Nelson. Is he capable of being an elite point guard, as he was a couple of years ago, or is he merely an injury-riddled player who will never fulfill his potential, a smaller version of Greg Oden, if you will? Time will tell. As for Vince Carter, well, there is no denying his superb athleticism and offensive skill. But until he proves otherwise, I still view V.C. as one of the most overhyped players in the league.





However, despite the question marks of Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson, I like the Orlando Magic to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, especially if Dwight Howard starts taking on an assertive offensive role. The Magic should also find newfound motivation in the in-state rivalry they now have with the Miami Heat.





2. Miami Heat/Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra



No team since the era of Michael Jordan and the Bulls has generated as much interest and controversy as the 2010-2011 Miami Heat. Outside of Miami, they are the team that everybody, including myself, now loves to hate. In the aftermath of the horribly ill-advised Decision, I lost all respect for LeBron James. So while I still love Dwayne Wade, and maintain a sense of indifference toward Chris Bosh, I will be rooting hard against the Heat in every game this season, just for the LeBron factor. Nothing would make me happier than to see the Heat flop under the intense pressure of high expectations and public scrutiny.



However, I am not stupid. Realistically, there is no reason the Miami Heat should win less than 60 games this season. This is an undeniably great team. The Big 3 of LeBron, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh makes for one of the most stellar trios in NBA history. Erik Spoelstra's team will be endlessly fascinating to watch every time they step onto the court. I can't wait to see how this experiment unfolds.



But Heat fans should not be purchasing Finals tickets just yet. As great as the Big 3 is, Miami is going to need significant productivity from the supporting cast in order to win a championship. And the supporting cast is dubious at best. Joel Anthony at center? Carlos Arroyo and Mario Chalmers handling the duties at guard? Those players don't exactly strike fear in the hearts of opponents. Zydrunas Ilgauskas has had a wonderful career, and he has an excellent rapport with LeBron, but Big Z is on the decline. I love Eddie House and Mike Miller, but Miller could be sidelined until January with an injured thumb. These factors could derail the Heat a little bit, and I think the Magic are better equipped for the playoffs. But the Miami Heat will have an all-time great regular season. Boy do I hope I'm wrong.



3. Chicago Bulls/Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau



There is reason to be wildly optimistic in the Windy City, as the Chicago Bulls are a legitimate title contender. Derrick Rose has been on the fringe of greatness these past couple seasons. This year, I expect Rose to blossom into an elite point guard. Joakim Noah is one of my favorite players, a tenacious beast on the court who frustrates opponents with his relentless energy. With Noah and Carlos Boozer---a superb offseason acquisition---the Bulls have a fearsome presence down low. Good luck getting a rebound against Boozer and Noah. Furthermore, Luol Deng is always reliable, and he is still improving, yet to fulfill his potential. Ronnie Brewer, who came with Boozer from Utah, is another excellent addition. Kyle Korver has the capabilities of knocking down big shots in the clutch. And Brian Scalabrine, a fan favorite during his time in Boston, brings a tremendous jolt of energy off the bench.



Maybe I am too high on the Bulls. After all, they will probably be unable to surpass the Magic and Heat in the East. But I truly believe that they will put up a damn good fight. With a terrific new coach in longtime Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau, and a revamped roster, the Chicago Bulls are one of the most talented teams in the league. Can't wait to watch them play.



4. Boston Celtics/Head Coach: Doc Rivers



The 2010-2011 Boston Celtics are a very, very old bunch, but is that a problem? Remember that everyone, including myself, were saying the same things about the Celtics last season. They were too old to contend. They had no chance at contending for a title. Yet the Celtics went on an incredible playoff run, challenging the Lakers in an epic, 7-game NBA Finals. So while I think the Celtics are bound to be an inconsistent team in the regular season due to their age, there is no reason to count them out come playoff time. Doc Rivers' team has the toughness of spirit to go on another deep playoff run.



The roster may be getting old, but it is still a dangerous collection of terrific players. There may be no player more fun to watch than Rajon Rondo. A top-three point guard, Rondo is the most exciting Celtic since Larry Bird. As long as he is running the show for Boston, they will be a legitimate threat in the East. Despite their age, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen are still major forces. Pierce remains one of the premier scorers in the league, Ray Allen still may be the best pure shooter in the game, and KG still has that intimidating aura about him. Garnett, though, is the biggest question mark. He needs to come out on fire to quiet the skeptics after his occasionally lethargic Finals performance last season. Shaquille O'Neal, while obviously nowhere near as dominant as he once was, can still be very productive in limited minutes behind Kendrick Perkins, one of the most underrated big men in the league. And the Celtics bench---led by the great Nate Robinson and Glen Davis, with Marquis Daniels and new addition Jermaine O'Neal---is extremely potent. So while age is somewhat of a concern for Doc Rivers and company, do not sleep on the defending Eastern conference champs.



5. Milwaukee Bucks/Head Coach: Scott Skiles



Milwaukee is a great basketball city, and Bucks fans now have reason to be excited. Last season's "Fear the Dear" playoff campaign marked the start of a thrilling new era for Bucks basketball. Fresh off an exhilarating rookie season, Brandon Jennings is poised to have another outstanding season. The duo of Jennings and big man Andrew Bogut is amongst the best guard-center tandems in the league. Ersan Ilyasova, though occasionally too trigger-happy on the offensive end, is nonetheless an excellent player who will continue his coming-out party on the national stage. While I am not especially high on new acquisition Drew Gooden, I am a fan of Corey Maggette. Maggette gets a bad rap, viewed by many as overpriced and overrated. But as a diehard Warriors fan, I grew to appreciate Maggette's valuable skill on both ends of the floor. My guess is that Bucks fans will share my appreciation of Maggette. And if Michael Redd can show some glimmers of his old self, Milwaukee has what it takes to make a deep playoff run.



Much of the Bucks' resurgence has to do with their superb coach, Scott Skiles. Unfairly fired by the Bulls three seasons ago, Skiles has proven himself to be an elite head coach in Milwaukee. Skiles is one of the many reasons to root for this Bucks team.



6. Atlanta Hawks/Head Coach: Larry Drew



Aside from a change in coaching duties---Larry Drew takes over for Mike Woodson---this is essentially the same team as last year, a team that had great regular season success only to underachieve in the playoffs. The fact that the Hawks' offseason was one of stagnation is going to haunt them in a revamped Eastern conference, where virtually every other contender got better.



The Hawks are still a very good team, however. Josh Smith will win games for the Hawks just based on his amazing athleticism. Jamal Crawford will win games for the Hawks based on his outstanding offensive prowess. Joe Johnson will win games for the Hawks based on his tremendous veteran savvy. The same can be said of Mike Bibby. And the sheer hustle and exuberant energy of Zaza Pechulia---love that guy---will bolster the Hawks to a slew of regular season victories. So it is not as if there is any sort of crisis in Atlanta. It's just that they are destined to flop early in the playoffs. Last season, there was a sense that the Hawks could possibly challenge for a position atop the East hierarchy. This season, however, they have no shot at contending for a top spot in the Eastern conference. The Hawks are a lock for the playoffs. Just don't expect anything more than that.



7. Washington Wizards/Head Coach: Flip Saunders



Last year was an utter disaster for the Wizards. The Gilbert Arenas gun debacle cast a gloomy shadow over the entire team, a team that often looked helpless and lost on the court. This year, though, is going to be completely different. With a newly motivated Arenas, and a phenomenal rookie in John Wall, the Wizards will be the biggest turnaround story in the NBA this season, and they will make the playoffs.



There are some who continue to question the maturity and leadership of Gilbert Arenas, especially in light of his recent faking of an injury in a preseason game. That was indeed foolish, but make no mistake: Gilbert Arenas is a man on a mission. I expect him to come out with a fiery energy this season to prove that he is still one of the best guards in basketball, despite his hiatus last season. Arenas is poised to have a fantastic year for Flip Saunders' team. So too is John Wall. Wall's dominance at Kentucky was no fluke. His game will translate well to the next level. Wall is a prime candidate for rookie of the year. The Arenas-Wall duo will be fun to watch.



The Wizards are more than just a two-man sideshow, however. Josh Howard always flies under the radar, and his past struggles with marijuana have led many to view him as lazy and immature. Those labels are unfortunate, because Howard is a wonderful player. Aside from Wall and Arenas, I would argue that Howard is the most important player on Flip Saunders' team. Another invaluable player for the Wizards is newly acquired veteran Kirk Heinrich. Heinrich never really got the credit he deserved in Chicago, but my guess is that he will endear himself to Wizards fans with a strong debut season in the nation's capital. And JaVale McGee has enormous upside. You heard it here first: The Washington Wizards will make the playoffs.



8. New York Knicks/Head Coach: Mike D'Antoni



Call me crazy, but I really like this Knicks team. Are they a great team? Hell no, far from it. Did they lose out in the LeBron sweepstakes? Yes. Are they a below-average defensive team? You betcha. But the 2010-2011 New York Knicks have a strange kinetic energy that will buoy them into the playoffs. The up-tempo style of Mike D'Antoni suits this Knicks squad well. The Amare Stoudamire signing was huge for New York, giving the Knicks their first outstanding big man since, well, Patrick Ewing. While Amare is no Ewing, he has the potential to be a dominant force for the Knicks. Raymond Felton was another excellent offseason acquisition, a solid starting point guard who will have more freedom in Mike D'Antoni's system than he did under Larry Brown in Charlotte. Wilson Chandler and Danilo Galinari are supremely talented players who will continue to improve. Russian rookie Timofey Mozgov has great promise. And as a Warriors fan, I can give special insight into new acquisitions Ronny Turiaf, Anthony Randolph, and Kelenna Azubuike. I can assure Knicks fans that they will fall in love immediately with Turiaf, a reliable player who plays with incredible fearlessness and tenacity. Knicks fans will grow to love Anthony Randolph, an electric player with an abundance of raw talent who is prone to make incredibly frustrating mental gaffes from time to time. Randolph, though, is wildly fun to watch. And Kelenna Azubuike is a productive offensive threat who will be successful in D'Antoni's system.



So I like the Knicks to make significant strides of improvement this season. If they get Carmelo Anthony---a possibility that has been widely speculated---the Knicks will be really, really good. Right now, though, the Knicks are just merely good, an exciting team that will grab the final playoff spot in the East.

9. Philadelphia 76ers/Head Coach: Doug Collins

When Evan Turner was drafted with the second pick in the NBA Draft, I predicted on this blog that he would turn out to be a better pro than John Wall. Well, now that Wall has had a spectacular preseason and Turner has been relatively underwhelming, I cannot say that I am confident in that prediction. However, I still think the Sixers are good enough to compete for one of the final playoff spots in the East. They are likely to fall just shy of the playoffs, but this season will be one of improvement for Philadelphia.

Turner may not have dazzled with his preseason play, but my guess is that he will have a terrific rookie season. Turner is part of an enticing young core of players that will bring long-term success to the Sixers organization. Andre Iguodala, far and away the best player on this team, is the face of the franchise, and he will lead the Sixers back to respectability. Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams are two fantastic youngsters that will be part of the Sixers for years to come. The same can be said of Jrue Holiday. In terms of the present, a big key is Elton Brand. Tremendously gifted but perennially erratic and injury-prone, Brand will need to come up huge if Philly wants to make noise in the East this season.

My bet is that it will take the Sixers a year or two before they reach the playoffs. This year, though, with a youthful core of talented players and guided by the leadership of new coach Doug Collins, will be a good start.

10. Charlotte Bobcats/Head Coach: Larry Brown

At the end of last season, it appeared as if the Bobcats were ready to make their ascent to the top half of the Eastern conference. The duo of Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson made for high-flying excitement, and Larry Brown's team showed flashes of dominance on the defensive end. Six months after their playoff exit to the Magic, however, all feelings of optimism seem to have disappeared. The Wallace-Jackson tandem remains intact, but the Bobcats lost Ray Felton and Tyson Chandler in the offseason, two significant losses. Who did they add in the offseason? None other than the awfulness of Kwame Brown, and the mediocrity of Shaun Livingston and Eduardo Najera? Instead of continuing their rise in the Eastern conference in the offseason, the Bobcats took a giant leap backward.

11. New Jersey Nets/Head Coach: Avery Johnson

The Nets were god-awful last season. Their 12-70 record of futility put them in historic company. But while the Nets will still fall well short of the playoffs this season, the future is looking bright. New Jersey will be much, much, much improved this season. Brook Lopez will continue to quietly assert himself as an elite center, Devin Harris will put up huge numbers, and Derrick Favors will be a sleeper candidate for Rookie of the Year. Furthermore, I like the additions of Jordan Farmar and Travis Outlaw.

Avery Johnson was a perfect hire, and he brings a winning attitude to the Nets. In addition, I love Mikhail Prokhorov. The Russian Mark Cuban will settle for nothing less than success on the basketball court, and while it will take some time, there is light at the end of the tunnel for the New Jersey Nets.

12. Detroit Pistons/Head Coach: John Kuester

If Joe Dumars thinks adding an aging Tracy McGrady is the key to restoring success on the hardwood, he is sorely mistaken. McGrady is well past his prime, and his prime wasn't all that great. The only thing that McGrady gives the Detroit Pistons is the burden of an unnecssary contract. I am a big fan of Ben Gordon and Tayshaun Prince, but they have nothing to work with on this roster. The Pistons have some of the best fans in sports, but they will suffer through another season of irrelevance in the East.

I will end on a positive note, though: Pistons fans should look forward to witnessing the rookie season of Greg Monroe, the former Georgetown Hoya. Monroe has breathtaking passing ability, and that is a coveted skill for a big man. Monroe will go on to have a stellar NBA career.

13. Cleveland Cavaliers/Head Coach: Byron Scott

The loss of You-Know-Who has left this organization reeling, and it will be a long and arduous recovery process for the Cavs. However, contrary to popular belief, the Cleveland Cavaliers are not the worst team in basketball. They are not even the worst team in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland still has a lot of talent in Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, J.J. Hickson, Anthony Parker, and Anderson Varejao, and while that does not make for a cohesive group, it will translate into more wins than most people think. Another bright spot is head coach Byron Scott, one of the best coaches in the league. In the aftermath of The Decision, Scott has handled himself with classy professionalism and unflappable cool, and the Cavs will respond well to Scott's leadership.

I would love nothing more than to see the Cavs stick it to LeBron and have a great season. Unfortunately, that is not likely to happen. It will be a tough ride for the Cavs in 2010-2011, but with Byron Scott at the helm, the Cavaliers will eventually return to winning ways.

14. Indiana Pacers/Head Coach: Jim O'Brien

Let's start with the positives: Danny Granger is a great player. Darren Collison is on his way to becoming a star in this league. James Posey is a reliable veteran leader. Other than that, there is not much to like about the Indiana Pacers. Mike Dunleavy is terrible. Roy Hibbert has been a flop in the NBA. So has Tyler Hansbrough. T.J. Ford spends most of his time on injured reserve. Indiana is an amazing basketball state with great fans. But the 2010-2011 Pacers are a long way removed from the glory days of Reggie Miller.

15. Toronto Raptors/Head Coach: Jay Triano

Again, let's start with the positives: The Brazilian Blur, a.k.a. Leandro Barbosa, is amongst the most exciting players in the NBA. Barbosa is a joy to watch, and he will delight Raptors fans with his exemplary play this season. Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon are both intriguing, talented players. But this is a truly terrible team, a strange mix of mediocre veterans (Reggie Evans, Jarrett Jack), and unproven youngsters (Ed Davis, Joey Dorsey, Sonny Weems, DeMar DeRozen). Yikes. At least Toronto has the Maple Leafs.

Week 7 NFL Picks

Here are my Week 7 NFL winners (home team in all caps):

FALCONS over Bengals
Steelers over DOLPHINS
RAVENS over Bills
CHIEFS over Jaguars
SAINTS over Browns
Redskins over BEARS
Niners over PANTHERS (I will be in attendance)
BUCS over Rams
Eagles over TITANS
SEAHAWKS over Cardinals
CHARGERS over Patriots
PACKERS over Vikings
Giants over COWBOYS

Random Observations: LCS Edition

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

---Ladies and gentlemen, my beloved San Francisco Giants are two wins away from the World Series, and words cannot express how incredibly happy, ecstatic, and excited I am. After enduring a painful stretch of Giants mediocrity over the years, it has been a true joy to watch this Giants team. I can't wait for tonight's Game 4, as Madison Bumgarner takes the hill against the Phillies. Let's go Bumgarner! Let's go Giants!!!!!

---Mays, McCovey, Bonds.........and Cody Ross? Ross has been the runaway MVP for the Giants so far this postseason. He has been absolutely incredible. Stay hot, Cody!

---When he is in top form, Matt Cain draws comparisons to Tom Seaver. Cain was spectacular in Game 3, shutting down the vaunted Phillies lineup.

---Gotta love the great Brian Wilson. Wilson is an absolutely wild and crazy guy, a perfect personality for a dominant closer. Fear the Beard!

---Bruce Bochy has done an amazing job this season, and he was especially brilliant in Game 3. However, I would like to see Bochy give Pablo Sandoval a start tonight in Game 4 against Joe Blanton. For all of his struggles, it is time to get Kung Fu Panda back in the lineup.

---Also, in order to win this series, the Giants are going to need increased production from the slumping Andres Torres.

---Great moment at AT&T Park yesterday when the Giants honored their 2002 National League Pennant-winning team. It was exhilarating to see Barry Bonds receive an enormous ovation. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I LOVE Barry Bonds. Let the hate mail flow!

---I am cautiously optimistic. The Phillies are indeed a great team, and this series is far from over. But I am confident that my beloved Giants are going to the World Series. Gooooo Giants!!!!

---Now back to regularly unbiased programming.

---In the American League, the Texas Rangers are destroying the hapless New York Yankees. Personally, I would love to see a Giants-Yankees Fall Classic matchup, but through four games in the ALCS, the Rangers have been shockingly superior. In fact, the Yankees were lucky to win Game 1. Aside from one inning in Game 1, the Rangers have dominated the Bronx Bombers in every aspect.

---Cliff Lee has to be considered one of the greatest postseason pitchers in baseball history. Wow.

---The word "wow" also comes to mind when describing Josh Hamilton. I was at the old Yankee Stadium for the Home Run Derby a couple of years ago, and I was awe-struck by Hamilton's astonishing 26-home run power display. What a tremendous, all-around baseball player.

---Happy to see former Giant Bengie Molina coming up clutch for Texas. Molina was a terrific Giant, and he is a class act.

---As for the Yankees, they may have squandered any shot at coming back to win this series when they lost Mark Teixiera last night. That is a major blow to Joe Girardi's lineup. Lance Berkman and Nick Swisher are both excellent players, but they cannot fill the void left by Teixiera.

---Nonetheless, I am rooting for the Yankees tonight. I want this series to go 7.

---I will end with an appreciation of the FOX and TBS broadcasters. On FOX, Joe Buck and Tim McCarver get constantly pummeled with harsh criticism, and I just do not understand why. Buck is an easygoing, good-humored presence in the booth, and McCarver is always knowledgeable. Over on TBS, Ernie Johnson has done a terrific job alongside the equally knowledgeable Ron Darling and John Smoltz. As a diehard NBA fan, I have long been a huge admirer of Ernie Johnson for his exemplary work as host of "Inside the NBA", the best sports show on television. But even I have been surprised by the smooth transition E.J. has made into the realm of baseball broadcasting.

---Still, the best broadcasters working are Jon Miller, Duane Kuiper, Dave Flemming, and Mike Krukow. Not that I'm biased or anything.

Ross, Cox, Sanchez, 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:

---The two LCS series are set: Giants-Phillies, Yankees-Rangers.

---Loyal readers know that my diehard San Francisco Giants fandom prevents me from being even remotley unbiased in my analysis of the NLCS. My life centers around the Orange and Black. So while the Phillies undeniably have a great team, I will say the following: Goooooooooooo Giants!!!!!

---Words cannot express how jacked up with excitement I am for Saturday's Giants-Phillies tilt in Philadelphia.

---One more Giants thought before I move on to more impartial musings: Giants fans everywhere should stand up and applaud the heroic efforts of Cody Ross. Ross was the Giants' MVP during the NLDS against the Braves. A truly great pickup by Brian Sabean.

---Now we return to our regularly unbiased programming.

---God Bless the great Bobby Cox. In addition to being a tremendous manager in Atlanta, Cox is one of the classiest figures in sports, a true role model who will be sorely missed.

---In the American League, two teams with power offenses are set to clash. The spotlight will be on the Yankees, and rightfully so. The mere mention of Jeter, A-Rod, Cano, and Teixiera is enough to make opposing pitchers shudder. The fact that the Yankees swept the Twins without singular dominance from any one specific player is a testament to the depth of New York's lineup. However, one should not overlook the Rangers' bats, for they are every bit as dangerous.

---Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, Nelson Cruz......all outstanding hitters with major power. Ron Washington's Rangers can match the Yankees' offensive prowess, no question about it.

---Ultimately, however, postseason baseball comes down to pitching. In that regard, I give the slight edge to the Rangers. With all due respect to CC Sabathia, the best pitcher in this series is Cliff Lee. As he proved in the Game 5 win against the Rays, Lee comes up huge in the most pressure-packed of starts. I don't expect anything different in the ALCS.

---There is just something about the Yankees in October, though, that triggers this final prediction: In a hotly contested 7-game series, the Bronx Bombers advance yet again to the Fall Classic.

---On to the NFL now, where there is more parity than ever this season. A few musings from a fascinating Week 5:

---The Jets continue to roll behind the maturation of quarterback Mark Sanchez. Last year, despite the Jets' playoff run, Sanchez largely remained a figure of unproven swagger and bravado. This year, however, is different. Sanchez has blossomed into a leader and he is a steady, reliable starter behind center. Mark Sanchez has what it takes to lead the Jets to the Super Bowl.

---What in the world is wrong with the New Orleans Saints? The defending Super Bowl champs looked completely listless in their Week 5 loss at Arizona. With the superb play of the Atlanta Falcons, it is fair to wonder if the Saints will even make the playoffs this season, let alone repeat as champs.

---Meanwhile, it is panic time in Dallas and Minnesota. Some people are still likely to trumpet the Cowboys as legitimate contenders, but Wade Phillips' squad is fourth-best in the tough NFC East. There is no way they are making the playoffs. And despite the addition of Randy Moss, the Minnesota Vikings are in serious trouble. I would make a snarky comment about the whole Brett Favre sexting imbroglio, but I am just plain tired of Favre. Go away, Number 4.

---After Week 5, my NFL Power Rankings read as follows: Ravens, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Colts.

---Two more weeks until the NBA season!!!! Yessss!!! Look for an NBA megablog at TJB's Sports Universe in the coming days.

---I shall finish with the following prediction: Michigan's Denard Robinson will win the Heisman. I love going out on a limb with my predictions.

Division Series Preview

I am glowing with euphoric joy and excitement right now, as my beloved San Francisco Giants are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2003. When Brian Wilson struck out Will Venable to clinch the National League West championship for the Giants yesterday, I went crazy in my college dorm room, jumping up and down, screaming at the top of my lungs in a moment of sheer ecstasy. So, as the Giants get ready to take on the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, I gleefully admit that I am wholly incapable of being impartial when it comes to this series. So, with the exception of Giants-Braves (Gooooooooo Giants!!!!!), here is my impartial take on the rest of the baseball division series:

TWINS VS. YANKEES

The Yankees have always had the Twins' number in the postseason, but this year carries a slightly different vibe. First of all, Minnesota has home-field advantage this time around, and Twins fans always bring the noise come October. Secondly, and most importantly, New York has major concerns in the pitching department. If the Bronx Bombers are to beat the Twins yet again, it is imperative that CC Sabathia, Andy Pettite, and A.J. Burnett be in top form. Furthermore, Mariano Rivera, who has been struggling mightily, must return to his dominant ways. Offensively, the Yankees need not worry. As always, they have a spectacular lineup from top to bottom.

As for the Twins, it is all about Joe Mauer. As Mauer goes, so goes Minnesota. Mauer is going to need some help from his teammates, however, if the Twins are to advance to the ALCS. Guys like Orlando Hudson and Jim Thome need to have huge series. It is crucial for the Twins to set the tone in Game 1 behind Francisco Liriano. Target Field will be rocking in its inaugural playoff game, and the Twins need to capitalize on that home energy.

PREDICTION: This will be a fantastic series: Yankees in 5.

RAYS VS. RANGERS

At this juncture, the Tampa Bay Rays should be considered the favorites to win the American League. Joe Maddon's team has it all. A dominant ace (David Price)? Check. A stellar offense (Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, Carlos Pena)? Check. One of the best managers in the game (Joe Maddon)? Check. So I anticipate that the Rays will advance to play the Yankees in what would be an epic American League Championship Series. HOWEVER, do not overlook the Texas Rangers. The Rangers will push the Rays to a full five games, and they do have what it takes to advance.

With all due respect to Bud Black and the San Diego Padres, Ron Washington's team was the biggest surprise in baseball this season, With Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, and Bengie Molina, the Rangers certainly have the offensive punch to match that of the Rays. And as far as pitching is concerned, it all boils down to Cliff Lee. Cliff Lee needs to win Game 1 for Texas if they want to pull off the upset.

PREDICTION: I like the Rays in 5, but this series will be far tighter than many people anticipate.

PHILLIES VS. REDS

As a Giants fan, I will always have a special place in my heart for the great Dusty Baker. Baker did a magnificent job as manager of the Giants for ten seasons, and to this day, he is one of the best managers in the game. In addition to being a great manager, Baker is a class act, one of the nicest guys in the game. However, despite my admiration for Baker, I would be genuinely shocked if the Reds are able to beat the Phillies in a Best-of-5 series.

Don't get me wrong: The Reds are a terrific team, led by NL MVP-frontrunner Joey Votto. And Cincinnati will put up a spirited fight against Philadelphia. The Phillies, though, are the better team. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and company will be too much for the Reds to handle.

PREDICTION: Phillies in 3.

All of the aforementioned three series are bound to be immensely compelling and intriguing. But they are merely warm-up acts for Giants-Braves. Words cannot express how jacked up with excitement I am about my Giants. Not that I'm biased or anything.

Week 4 NFL Picks

Ladies and gentlemen, with no further ado, here are my Week 4 NFL winners (home team in all caps):

Jets over BILLS
Bengals over BROWNS
STEELERS over Ravens
TITANS over Broncos
PACKERS over Lions
49ers over FALCONS (Not that I actually think this is going to happen.)
SAINTS over Panthers
RAMS over Seahawks
Colts over JAGUARS
Texans over RAIDERS
Redskins over EAGLES
CHARGERS over Cardinals
GIANTS over Bears
DOLPHINS over Patriots