2011 Major League Baseball Predictions

The azaleas are blooming, and Spring is in the air. For sports fans, this can only mean one thing: the start of the baseball season. I love baseball, and this year I am even more ecstatic than usual at the start of the season. All of my fellow San Francisco Giants fans can relate to my euphoria, as Bruce Bochy's World Champs commence their quest to repeat tomorrow night at Dodger Stadium. Go Giants!!!! Now, with no further ado, here are my division-by-division predictions, listed in predicted order of finish: AL WEST 1. Oakland Athletics 2. Texas Rangers 3. Los Angeles Angels 4. Seattle Mariners AL CENTRAL 1. Detroit Tigers 2. Minnesota Twins 3. Chicago White Sox 4. Kansas City Royals 5. Cleveland Indians AL EAST 1. Boston Red Sox 2. New York Yankees 3. Tampa Bay Rays 4. Baltimore Orioles 5. Toronto Blue Jays AL WILD CARD: Twins NL WEST 1. San Francisco Giants (GOOOOOOOOO GIANTS!!!!!!) 2. Colorado Rockies 3. San Diego Padres 4. Los Angeles Dodgers 5. Arizona Diamondbacks NL CENTRAL 1. Cincinnati Reds 2. St. Louis Cardinals 3. Milwaukee Brewers 4. Chicago Cubs 5. Houston Astros 6. Pittsburgh Pirates NL EAST 1. Atlanta Braves 2. Philadelphia Phillies 3. Florida Marlins 4. Washington Nationals 5. New York Mets NL Wild Card: Phillies

Random Observations: Final Four Edition

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots: ---After two magnificent weekends of exhilarating basketball, the 2011 Final Four is set. UConn, Kentucky, VCU, and Butler will battle in Houston for a chance to cut down the nets. . ---We'll get to Connecticut and Kentucky in a moment. But first things first: The fact that VCU and Butler are playing in the Final Four encapsulates everything that I love about March Madness. With all due respect for the Huskies and Wildcats, my heart is with VCU and Butler. Go Rams and Bulldogs! . ---On Selection Sunday, college basketball analysts across the globe were shocked and dismayed at the inclusion of VCU in the field of 68. Many considered VCU's at-large bid an affront to the sport, and an unfair slap in the face to teams like Alabama and Colorado, teams that were snubbed by the selection committee. Two weeks later, nobody is doubting the Rams. Coach Shaka Smart has done an amazing job with his team. VCU isn't merely winning; they are demolishing the opposition, easily cruising by the likes of Georgetown, Purdue, and Kansas. . ---Led by the fearless inspiration and leadership of Shaka Smart and the extraordinary play of senior point guard Joey Rodriguez, VCU has been the story of the tournament. Even Ebenezer Scrooge would be moved by this VCU team. . ---VCU's opponent in the Final Four is a team with an immensely compelling story of their own, the Butler Bulldogs. Butler was one shot short of a national championship last season, but even after that remarkable run, many dismissed Butler as a fluke as they struggled through a somewhat underwhelming regular season. On Selection Sunday, nobody gave them a chance of making it back to the Final Four. Two weeks later, they are back with a chance to compete for the national title. After two straight Final Fours, Butler is quickly becoming a basketball powerhouse. . ---Unless you are a heartless curmudgeon, you have got to love this Butler team. Brad Stevens may well be the best coach in college basketball, and the brilliant, selfless play of Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard has endeared the Butler program to the nation. . ---Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens are bound to get enormous offers from big-name schools this offseason, and deservedly so. They are two outstanding, elite coaches. However, here's hoping they resist the temptation to leave their current schools. I would love to see Smart and Stevens continue to excel at VCU and Butler. ---Duke is not in the Final Four. There is justice in the world after all. . ---VCU-Butler is the better story, but UConn-Kentucky is a scintillating matchup as well. I can't stand Jim Calhoun or John Calipari, but I am eagerly anticipating the duel between these two great teams. I am especially excited to see two future NBA stars, Kemba Walker and Brandon Jones. . ---I still think Arizona's Derrick Williams is the best player in college basketball, but Kemba Walker and Brandon Jones are right there behind him. Whichever player delivers the better performance on Saturday will determine the game's outcome. . ---I am worse at predictions than Jay Leno is at comedy, but I will still give it a shot: UConn over Kentucky, VCU over Butler. . ---Now it's time to sit back, relax, and continue to enjoy the beauty of the NCAA Tournament. Go Rams and Bulldogs!

My 2011 NCAA Tournament Bracket

Today was a sacred holiday for sports fans everywhere. Selection Sunday, one of the greatest days of the year. The field of 68 has been announced, and with no further ado, here are my picks that are probably bound to fail:

ROUND of 32

Ohio State
George Mason
West Virginia
Kentucky
Marquette
Syracuse
Washington
North Carolina
Duke
Tennessee
Arizona
Oakland
Missouri
UConn
Temple
San Diego State
Kansas
UNLV
Richmond
Louisville
Georgetown
Purdue
Florida State
Notre Dame
Pittsburgh
Butler
Kansas State
Wisconsin
St. John's
BYU
Michigan State
Florida

SWEET 16

Ohio State
West Virginia
Syracuse
North Carolina
Duke
Arizona
UConn
San Diego State
Kansas
Richmond
Georgetown
Notre Dame
Pittsburgh
Kansas State
St. John's
Michigan State

ELITE 8

Ohio State
Syracuse
Duke
UConn
Kansas
Notre Dame
Kansas State
St. John's

FINAL FOUR

Ohio State
UConn
Kansas
Kansas State

CHAMPIONSHIP

Ohio State over Kansas, 67-65

Let the madness begin!

Melo to the Knicks: A Win-Win for All Involved

Here are my musings on the Carmelo megadeal that went down yesterday:

---Did they give up a lot? Yes. But the Caremelo Anthony trade is a phenomenal deal for the New York Knicks. The Knicks are now equipped with one of the most outstanding duos in the NBA in Amare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony, and while there may be a slight transition period, this trade gives the Knicks the ability to compete with the elite. People who are complaining about how much the Knicks gave up are missing the point. New York absolutely had to make this trade.

---Furthermore, the Knicks managed to acquire Carmelo without giving up Landry Fields, their best young player. If it weren't for Blake Griffin, Fields would be the runaway rookie of the year. He is a terrific player and a key part of the Knicks future. Knicks fans everywhere should be in a state of euphoria right now. The magic is back at Madison Sqaure Garden.

---Another reason why I love this trade for the Knicks is that they acquired Chauncey Billups. Billups is in the twilight of his career, but he is still a potent point guard who brings championship experience to the table.

---I can't wait to watch Melo and Amare play together. It is going to be awesome to watch.

---Does this trade make the Knicks title contenders this year? No. New York is still not up to the level of Boston, Chicago, or Miami in the East. However, I would not be shocked if the Knicks pull off an upset in the playoffs against one of the aforementioned teams. With that sensational home crowd at MSG, if the Knicks can find a way to steal a game on the road, they are a viable threat to win any playoff series.

---Still, though, I like the Celtics and Bulls to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

---As for the Denver Nuggets, this trade is also a win for them. George Karl's team no longer has to deal with the enormous distractions of the Melo saga. Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and Felton are terrific young players, Timofey Mosgov has interesting potential, and the first-round draft picks will help Denver build for the future. Nuggets fans should be thrilled with this deal as well.

---The only dilemma for the Nuggets lies at the point guard position. Raymond Felton is fantastic, but the Nuggets had been grooming Ty Lawson to be the PG of the future. One of them has got to go. With all due respect to Felton, I think the Nuggets should keep Lawson. Lawson has incredible speed and athleticism, and his youth makes him the smarter choice at PG for a rebuilding franchise. Felton, on the other hand, would be an excellent addition on a contending team.

---The Carmelo Anthony trade was another water-cooler moment in this spectacular NBA season. The NBA is the best league in all of sports, and I can't wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds.

Around the Association

Hoops fans, gather round the computer. It is time to travel around the greatest league in all of sports, the National Basketball Association:

---Yesterday was a very sad day in the NBA. Jerry Sloan, one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game and a true class act, suddenly resigned. The resignation of Sloan, who had coached the Utah Jazz for 23 exemplary seasons, was nothing short of shocking. Sloan may not have won a championship during his coaching career, but he is as good a coach as the league has ever seen. Whether it be the days of Stockton and Malone or the current era of Deron Williams, Sloan has coached his teams with astounding excellence and professionalism. He will be sorely missed.

---Rumors have surfaced that Deron Williams, the Jazz All-Star point guard and one of the league's elite players, is the man responsible for pushing Sloan out the door. Some believe that Williams' halftime altercation with Sloan during Wednesday's loss to the Chicago Bulls served as the event that triggered Sloan's decision to leave. Count me among those who do not buy the rumor that Deron Williams is to blame. There is no denying the fact that the Jazz have been a frustrating bunch in recent weeks, and their inconsistent play has indeed sparked tension in the locker room. However, both Sloan and Williams know not to let a halftime squabble lead to knee-jerk, emotional reactions. I believe Sloan left because he truly felt that it was time to leave, not because he had an argument with Deron Williams.

---In addition to Sloan, the Jazz will miss the presence of assistant coach Phil Johnson, who stepped down as well on Thursday. As Kenny Smith pointed out last night on TNT, Phil Johnson was synonymous with Jerry Sloan. Sloan and Johnson worked in tandem, and the Jazz will be hard-pressed to find a coaching duo as potent as Sloan-Johnson.

---I wish the best of luck to new head coach Tyrone Corbin, but he has to be as nervous as Charlie Sheen before a drug test. All eyes are on Salt Lake City right now, and Corbin will have to earn the trust of his players if the Jazz are to hold onto their playoff spot in the West.

---Speaking of which, I'm not too confident that Utah will be able to persevere and make the playoffs this season. The Jazz currently possess the seventh playoff spot in the West, but my guess is that the Blazers and Rockets will eclipse the Jazz to make the playoffs.

---The Carmelo Anthony trade rumors persist, and he has now been linked to another suitor: the Los Angeles Lakers. The two-time defending champs are denying the rumors, but a potential Carmelo to L.A. deal is immensely intriguing. If I'm Mitch Kupchak, I would make the trade for 'Melo in a heartbeat. Carmelo Anthony is one of the ten best players in the NBA, and a Kobe-Melo duo would be absolutely frightening for opposing teams. I just do not understand the Lakers' stubborn unwillingness to part ways with Andrew Bynum. Bynum, for my money, is one of the game's most overhyped players.

---However, I hate the Lakers, and I am desperately hoping that Melo does not land in Hollywood. Now back to our regularly scheduled, unbiased programming.

---The Spurs continue to dominate. Gregg Popovich's team is having a season for the ages, and nobody seems to be noticing. I'm sure the Spurs don't mind. That's just the way they like it. I expect Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan and company to be back in the NBA Finals this season.

---Congratulations to the great Ray Allen, who passed the great Reggie Miller last night to become the NBA's all time three-point leader. Allen is a first-ballot Hall of Famer who continues to perform at a startlingly high level.

---My thoughts and prayers are with the Cleveland Cavaliers. I feel absolutely terrible for Byron Scott's team, whose historic 26-game losing streak has put them at a stunningly bad 8 wins and 45 losses. Here's hoping the Cavs start winning soon. The fans and the franchise deserve better.

---What Kevin Love is doing in Minnesota is amazing. The T'Wolves are terrible, but Love is absolutely brilliant, averaging 15-plus boards a game. Kudos to Commissioner Stern for appointing Love to the All-Star Game. It would have been a crying shame if Love hadn't made the team.

---I will end with an observation regarding LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Yes, they are playing fantastic basketball. However, I still stand behind my belief that they will be unable to defeat the Boston Celtics come playoff time.

Super Bowl Media Day: The Questions I Wanted to Hear

Media Day at the Super Bowl is one of the most wildly entertaining days of the year, an incessantly frivolous affair that often features bizarre non-sequiters instead of serious questions. As we anticipate Super Bowl XLV between the Packers and Steelers, allow me to present a list of hard-hitting journalistic questions that I would have asked had I been in Arlington:



---"Mr. Polamalu, is it true that the movie "127 Hours" is a documentary about the length of time it takes to prepare your hair?"



---"Mr. Roethlisberger, what type of irresponsible, scandalous behavior do you have planned for this offseason?"



---"Be honest, Aaron Rodgers, on a scale of one to ten, how much do you hate Brett Favre?"



---"Hines Ward, you are a tremendous receiver, but why do you always look like you are about to cry when the cameras show you on the sideline?"

---"Coach McCarthy, how is your relationship with your daughter Jenny?"

---"Will it be tough focusing on the big game when there are so many hilarious commercials?"

---"Hey, Jerry Jones, will you consider adding another humongous jumbotron at Cowboys Stadium for the game on Sunday? After all, it is the Super Bowl."

---"The Packers players are here, but where the hell is Vince Lombardi?"

---"Seriously Mr. Polamalu, who would win a battle between your hair and Donald Trump's hair?"

---"Coaches Tomlin and McCarthy, have you considered filming videos of your wives' feet, a la Rex Ryan?"

---"Could any of you players beat Ed Hochuli in an arm-wrestling match?"

Top Ten Point Guards in NBA

In anticipation of next month's All-Star Game, I thought I'd compile a list of the ten best point guards in the NBA. The point guard position has seen a remarkable renaissance in recent years, and the depth of exemplary point guards is nothing short of amazing. There are so many outstanding point guards that narrowing this list down to ten was mightily difficult, as I was forced to leave a handful of excellent players---Chauncey Billups, Steph Curry, Gilbert Arenas, Devin Harris, Aaron Brooks---off the list. So, with no further ado, here are my picks for the ten best point guards in the NBA today, listed in order of preference:





1. Chris Paul/New Orleans Hornets





In determining the best point guard in basketball, I vacillate constantly between CP3 and Deron Williams. I am giving Paul the slight edge due to the fact that he has catapulted the surprising New Orleans Hornets back to relevance in the Western Conference. Nobody expected the Hornets to contend this season, but as of this writing they are 31-16, fourth in the West. First-year coach Monty Williams deserves heaps of praise for turning around the Hornets, and Emeka Okafor and David West deserve kudos for their strong play. However, Chris Paul is the primary reason for the Hornets' resurgence. CP3 is an absolute marvel on the court. He has the intelligence and athleticism of Magic and the toughness of Isiah. For basketball fans everywhere, it is a privilege to watch Paul dazzle with his extraordinary talent.





2. Deron Williams/Utah Jazz





As spectacular as CP3 is, I came awfully close to declaring Deron Williams the best point guard in the league. If Paul is 1, Williams is 1-A. D-Will conjures memories of the great John Stockton with his superb play as floor general for the Utah Jazz. Granted, Jerry Sloan's Jazz are currently mired in a lethargic slump, but this is no fault of Williams. D-Will is averaging 21.9 PPG and 9.4 APG. That is above his terrific career average 17.3 PPG and 9.1 APG. Also, like Paul, Williams brings gritty toughness night in and night out. Somewhere, John Stockton is smiling.





3. Derrick Rose/Chicago Bulls





With all due respect to the amazing Kevin Durant, my midseason pick for MVP is Derrick Rose. Despite nagging injuries to Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, the Bulls are 31-14 on the season, third place in the East, thanks to the brilliance of Rose. Rose is a wizard with the basketball, and while this is only his third season in the association, he already has the acumen and leadership capabilities of a wily veteran. Rose is an electrifying player, and while I still consider Boston the team to beat in the East, Rose has given the Bulls as good a chance as any to dethrone the Celtics in the Eastern Conference.





4. Rajon Rondo/Boston Celtics



Due to the brilliance of Rose in the Eastern conference, Rajon Rondo has gone somewhat overlooked. That is a shame, because while Rondo may no longer be the best PG out East, he is still an elite player. Rondo will go down as one of the greatest players in Celtics history, and for such a storied franchise, that is saying something. Rondo is the best Celtics PG since Dennis Johnson. In addition to being a consistent scoring threat, Rondo is a masterful passer. Rondo's sensational passing ability has rejuvenated the likes of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. Rondo has the perfect combination of youth, athleticism, and leadership, and he has what it takes to lead the Celtics back to the NBA Finals.



5. Russell Westbrook/Oklahoma City Thunder



Coming into the 2010-2011 NBA season, I knew Russell Westbrook was good, but I had no idea he was this good. I have been a fan of Westbrook ever since his days at UCLA, but even I have been amazed by his greatness this season. Westbrook is one of the most exciting players in the league, and his tremendous speed and outstanding talent make him a nightmare cover for opposing teams. I don't mean to sound repetitive with my emphasis on leadership, but that is what makes a point guard truly great. The Thunder is Kevin Durant's team, but Westbrook shares leadership duties with K.D., and he has handled that responsibility with remarkable poise.

6. Steve Nash/Phoenix Suns

You know the NBA is incredibly loaded at the point guard position when Steve Nash, a two-time MVP and a surefire Hall-of-Famer, doesn't even crack the top five. Nonetheless, Nash is as magnificent as ever, an ageless wonder who runs the floor with breathtaking, effortless ease. Nash is a magician with the basketball, and don't let his relatively tiny physical frame fool you: Nash plays the game with ferocious tenacity. Watching Steve Nash play remains one of the game's most satisfying delights. So while we rightfully acknowledge the greatness of youngsters Paul, Williams, Rose, Rondo, and Westbrook, we must not forget that there is a familiar face in Phoenix who continues to prove why he is one of the greatest players of all-time.

7. Tony Parker/San Antonio Spurs

If somebody had told me prior to the start of the season that the great Tim Duncan would be having a relatively ineffective year, I would have said that the Spurs would be done, with no shot at contention. However, as of this writing, San Antonio has the best record in the NBA, and they are poised to contend for another championship. Certainly, guys like Manu Ginobli, DeJuan Blair, and Richard Jefferson deserve enormous credit for keeping the Spurs atop the West in spite of Duncan's decline. But I still think the MVP for San Antonio is Tony Parker. Parker runs the Spurs offense with such methodical precision that it is occasionally easy to overlook his talent. However, Parker is as good as ever, and he and Rondo are the only players on this list with championship experience. Parker, much like the franchise for which he plays, has never received the respect that he deserves. I'm sure that's just fine by him, as he will gladly take championship rings over media buzz any day.

8. Jason Kidd/Dallas Mavericks

What I said about Steve Nash can also be said for Jason Kidd. Over the past few years, Kidd has been foolishly dismissed as over the hill, yet he is still a stunningly efficient PG. Granted, Kidd does not dazzle with his numbers, and he is not the MVP of his team. That honor, of course, belongs to Dirk Nowitzki. However, Kidd is an integral part of Dallas' success. Much like Nash, Kidd is a breathtaking passer and ball-handler, the epitome of selflessness. Much like Nash, Kidd hasn't really shown any signs of slowing down.

9. Raymond Felton/New York Knicks

Felton was always a good player with the Charlotte Bobcats, but the move to New York alongside Amare Stoudamire has propelled Felton to being one of the game's best point guards. Felton is now a legitimate All-Star player who has performed masterfully under the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with playing in the Big Apple. The Knicks finally have a stellar point guard who has what it takes to bring playoff success to Madison Square Garden.

10. Jameer Nelson/Orlando Magic

A couple years ago, Nelson's name was mentioned alongside Chris Paul in the discussion of the game's premier point guard. Unfortunately, Nelson became plagued with injury, and for a while he resided in relative obscurity. Thankfully, Jameer Nelson is back in top form, and he is playing phenomenal basketball for the title-contending Orlando Magic. There were rumors that Nelson's role as starting point guard would be in jeopardy once the magic acquired Gilbert Arenas. But after silencing his skeptics with his play on the hardwood, Nelson has no need to worry about that. All eyes are on Dwight Howard in Orlando, but let us not forget that Nelson is of immense importance to the Magic. The Magic will need Nelson to continue his terrific play if they hope to upend the Boston Celtics in the East.

Musings on Steelers-Packers

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

---And then there were two. Super Bowl XLV is set, and it will be a duel of two of football's most popular, most storied franchises. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers will battle for the Vince Lombardi trophy.

---Granted, I was rooting hard for the New York Jets yesterday. However, there is no denying the fact that Steelers-Packers is an electrifying matchup. It will be a great game, and a matchup of two elite quarterbacks.

---Aaron Rodgers may not have had his best performance in the NFC Championship Game against the Bears, but he is a stellar QB who has given the Packers a chance to become the first 6-seed in NFL history to win the Super Bowl. Ever since his days at Cal, Rodgers has been a consistent, unflappable presence behind center. Furthermore, Rodgers ranks amongst the most likeable players in football. I will be rooting for him to succeed in Super Bowl XLV.

---Sadly, I can't say that I will be rooting for Rodgers' Super Bowl counterpart, Ben Roethlisberger, to succeed. After all, Roethlisberger's cringe-inducing offseason behavior has turned him into an immensely unlikeable figure. Nonetheless, Big Ben is a tremendous quarterback who is vying for his third Super Bowl championship. If Roethliberger continues to perform at such a high level, he has an excellent chance of surpassing Terry Bradshaw as the greatest QB in Steelers history.

---However, while Rodgers and Roethlisberger headline two exciting offenses, one should not neglect the prowess of both defenses. Dom Capers' Green Bay D won the game for the Packers yesterday, buoyed by a wildly entertaining pick-6 from B.J. Raji. Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, Dick LaBeau's defense features the dominant forces of Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor.

---Speaking of Polamalu, there was a fascinating stat from Sunday's Steelers-Jets game. Polamalu's hair had three interceptions.

---Super Bowl XLV also features two of the game's most outstanding, criminally underrated coaches in Mike Tomlin and Mike McCarthy. Tomlin and McCarthy are not alike in terms of personality-----Tomlin is fiery and energetic compared to the more subdued McCarthy-----but both men are masters of their craft who deserve far more credit than they receive.

---The Green Bay Packers are in the Super Bowl. Take that, Brett (Sorry, I couldn't resist).

---Memo to the NFL: Take away the damn Bye Week!!!! Everybody is brimming with excitement for Steelers-Packers, so why make them wait two weeks before the game is played?

---What is the over-under on how many punts will hit the enormous Cowboys Stadium jumbotron in Super Bowl XLV? This is surely to be one of the most popular bets in Vegas.

---And lastly, if I'm Jay Cutler, I'm watching the Super Bowl somewhere other than Chicago.