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 Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Beat The Blogger Matchups
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The Blogger improved to post 7 of 10 picks but it wasn't enough to deny Ray Maye
a trip to the winner's circle. Maye posted a perfect card and connected
on the doubler to win the week and take home the prize. For the rest of
us, it's time to start studying up for this week's games. This week's matchups are posted below so make sure you get your picks posted before the start of the first game on Saturday to be eligible to win. Thanks for
playing and spread the word.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices fo r the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest and that's where the Chipper Jones jersey comes into
play. If we can get more than 300 entries this week, the weekly winner will receive the Jones jersey so we need everybody to spread the word about the contest so we can reach our goal.
This week's Matchups (with Blogger picks in parenthesis)
Saturday July 25
MLB
Chicago White Sox at Detroit (Detroit)
Tampa Bay at Toronto (Toronto)
Atlanta at Milwaukee (Atlanta)
Florida at LA Dodgers (LA Dodgers)
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (Chicago)
Sunday July 26
Baltimore at Boston (Boston)
San Diego at Washington (San Diego) (doubler)
Cleveland at Seattle (Seattle)
Pittsburgh at Arizona (Arizona)
Minnesota at LA Angels (Angels)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 1:55:13 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00) 
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Not So Deep Thoughts: Crystal Ball Time
Posted by Tuff Stuff
Over the past few months, I've unveiled some fearless predictions in
this column. Some have come to fruition, others not so much. But the
great thing about having a blog is that you can write almost anything
you want and still have a space to write some more the next day. With
that said, I decided to toss out a few more predictions with the new
approach being, we'll revisit the predictions in the future and see
exactly how things played out.
MLB
With the Trade Deadline just 10 days away, expect a flurry of activity
as teams try and find that one/two pieces to the puzzle that will put
them over the top. The biggest name available is Roy Halladay.
While every team would love to acquire a top-of-the-rotation, innings
hound ace like Halladay, only a few teams have the necessary resources
to actually make the deal. My Brewers are one such team with several
strong minor league gems in their system, but according to Milwaukee GM
Doug Melvin, the Brewers aren't willing to part with SS of the future Alcides Escobar or 3B Matt Gamel,
the two players the Blue Jays apparently covet. One possible deal that
hasn't gotten much attention is Gamel and former All-Star shortstop J.J. Hardy in exchange for Halladay.
If the Blue Jays view Hardy as the hard-hitting defensive wizard he was
last year the deal would make a lot of sense for both sides. Toronto
would get a new, young left side of its infield and the Brewers would
get an ace who could consistently take them deep into
ballgames and allow young pitcher Yovani Gallardo to return to
his role as the team's No. 2 starter because he has yet to display the
consistency needed from a staff ace. I was leaning toward Halladay
going to Philadelphia but the Phils are rolling and should have plenty
of in-house talent to win the East. The slumping Hardy is slowly falling
out of favor in Milwaukee and Escobar being the heir at short for the
Brewers, I think Melvin rolls the dice one more time and pulls the
trigger on the Halladay deal, calls up Escobar and hopes he can make a
smooth transition to the bigs.
While I admit I'm a Brewers fan and would love to see Halladay come to
Milwaukee, I'm not sure he would be enough to get the Crew into the
postseason but the window of opportunity is wide open right now so why
not take another shot. Besides, throughout Hardy's minor league career
he was known as a defensive-minded shortstop that would have to learn
how to hit major league pitching. He appeared to do that in 2007 and last season
when he hit 24 HRs, knocked in 74 and batted .283, but perhaps this
year's .226 average with 61 strikeouts is a better indication of what
to expect from him?
Other players that will be relocated before the trade deadline will be Matt Holliday, Victor Martinez, Freddy Sanchez and left-handed reliever Scott Downs.
NFL
Former Pro Bowl QB Michael Vick has finished paying his 23-month sentence for dogfighting charges but the next question is how will commisioner Roger Goodell
handle his possible reinstatement. My prediction is that Goodell will
come down with an iron fist and stays true to his past. He's been tough
on players convicted before and let's not forget Vick straight up lied
to his face before the trial when Goodell asked him point blank, "Did
you do what they are accusing you of?" My guess is Roger hasn't
fogetten that day and will make Vick pay a little more before he gets to
take the field again. Prediction: Vick remains suspended for the first
eight games of the season then signs with a playoff-contending team who
needs an established veteran to make their postseason push, perhaps
Carolina.
Let me hear what you think about these predictions and feel free to
post some of your own. Then we'll check back and see who's crystal ball
works and who's is cracked.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 3:31:33 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Beat The Blogger Results
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The Blogger improved to post 7 of 10 picks but it wasn't enough to deny Ray Maye a trip to the winner's circle. Maye posted a perfect card and connected on the doubler to win the week and take home the prize. For the rest of us, it's time to start studying up for this week's games. This week's matchups will be posted on Wednesday. Contestants make sure you get your picks in before the start of the week's first game t be eligible to win. Thanks for
playing and spread the word.
Last week's winners are posted below so check them with your answers to see if you Beat The Blogger.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest and that's where the Chipper Jones jersey comes into
play. If we can get more than 300 entries this week, the weekly winner will receive the Jones jersey so we need everybody to spread the word about the contest so we can reach our goal.
Last week's Matchups (Winning picks in parenthesis)
Saturday July 18
MLB
NY Mets at Atlanta (NY Mets)
LA Angels at Oakland (Angels)
Tampa at Kansas City (Tampa)
Philadelphia at Florida (Postponed by Rain)
Chicago Cubs at Washington (Chicago)
Sunday July 19
Boston at Toronto (Toronto)
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (Cincinnati)
Arizona at St. Louis (St. Louis)
British Open
Tiger Woods or the Field (Field)
Winning Score: -6 or higher or -7 or lower (-6 or higher)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:24:48 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, July 20, 2009
Beat the Blogger Results
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The Blogger improved to post 7 of 10 picks but it likely won't be enough
to hold onto the lead. The final totals still have to be tallied so please check back Tuesday a.m. to see if you Beat The blogger's total and see how you fared against the rest of the competition. Thanks for playing and spread the word.
Last week's winners are posted below so check them with your answers to see if you Beat The Blogger.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest and that's where the Chipper Jones jersey comes into
play. If we can get more than 300 entries this week, the weekly winner will receive the Jones jersey so we need everybody to spread the word about the contest so we can reach our goal.
Last week's Matchups (Winning picks in parenthesis)
Saturday July 18
MLB
NY Mets at Atlanta (NY Mets)
LA Angels at Oakland (Angels)
Tampa at Kansas City (Tampa)
Philadelphia at Florida (Postponed by Rain)
Chicago Cubs at Washington (Chicago)
Sunday July 19
Boston at Toronto (Toronto)
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (Cincinnati)
Arizona at St. Louis (St. Louis)
British Open
Tiger Woods or the Field (Field)
Winning Score: -6 or higher or -7 or lower (-6 or higher)
Monday, July 20, 2009 4:05:02 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
Beat The Blogger Picks
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The Blogger improved to post 7 of 10 picks but it wasn't enough
to hold onto the lead, as a Beat The Blogger record seven contestants
connected on 8 of 10 picks to tie for the top spot. Gary Truman, Joann K, Jeff Barton, Dennis Juntunen, Ronald Borczyk, DeMarie and Yale M. Brown will all be receiving a prize for their efforts. It was the second straight week Joann K has won so a special congratulations goes out to her. Thanks for playing and spread the word.
This week's matchups are posted below so be sure to make your picks.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest and that's where the Chipper Jones jersey comes into
play. If we can get more than 300 entries this week, the weekly winner will receive the Jones jersey so we need everybody to spread the word about the contest so we can reach our goal.
This week's Matchups (Blogger's picks in parenthesis)
Saturday July 18
MLB
NY Mets at Atlanta (NY Mets)
LA Angels at Oakland (Angels)
Tampa at Kansas City (Tampa)
Philadelphia at Florida (Florida)
Chicago Cubs at Washington (Chicago)
Sunday July 19
Boston at Toronto (Boston)
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (Milwaukee)
Arizona at St. Louis (St. Louis)
British Open
Tiger Woods or the Field (Field, Doubler)
Winning Score: -6 or higher or -7 or lower (-7 or lower)
Thursday, July 16, 2009 2:12:42 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Not So Deep Thoughts: Close call for Upper Deck, but the right one
Posted by Tuff Stuff
In February, inside its 2009 Upper Deck Series One Baseball product, Upper Deck released a nine-card insert set entitled:
“Historic Firsts Predictors.” The sports card company made nine bold
predictions and stated that if any of them came true during the course
of 2009 that it would “do something big.” One of those cards said the National league would break its 12-year drought and win the game.
Well, something big nearly happened. Upper Deck was ready to put into motion a special nationwide promotion that would have yielded a free baseball card pack to fans across the country (one per
customer, while supplies last), provided the National League won last night's 80th MLB All-Star Game. Unfortunately for collectors nationwide, the trend continued and the National League All-Stars came up short once again, falling 4-3, in a well-played, but unspectacular Mid-Summer Classic.
For the Upper Deck crew, things couldn't have turned out any better. The company received some free publicity for the promotion, the game was competitive, and ultimately because of the outcome, they didn't spend a nickel and come out looking like the heroes in their efforts to make good on their original promise.
While the promise could've cost Upper Deck six figures if the senior circuit would've prevailed, the end result was priceless. They say in baseball that sometimes the best deals are the ones that were never made. In an apples-oranges kinda way, the same rule applies here. Hopefully the other manufacturers will apply this same model to events in the future with the only difference being that they're forced to come through and fufill the promotion so collectors can win as well. Kudos to Upper Deck for stepping up and taking a chance in the first place. Now, if they really want to come out smelling like a rose, they'll take half the packs they had earmarked to distribute and give them away anyway. Just a thought.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:53:34 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Beat the Blogger matchups
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The Blogger improved to post 7 of 10 picks but it wasn't enough
to hold onto the lead, as a Beat The Blogger record seven contestants
connected on 8 of 10 picks to tie for the top spot. Gary Truman, Joann K, Jeff Barton, Dennis Juntunen, Ronald Borczyk, DeMarie and Yale M. Brown will all be receiving a prize for their efforts. It was the second straight week Joann K has won so a special congratulations goes out to her. Thanks for playing and spread the word.
This week's matchups are posted below so be sure to make your picks.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest and that's where the Chipper Jones jersey comes into
play. If we can get more than 300 entries this week, the weekly winner will receive the Jones jersey so we need everybody to spread the word about the contest so we can reach our goal.
This week's Matchups
Saturday July 18
MLB
NY Mets at Atlanta
LA Angels at Oakland
Tampa at Kansas City
Philadelphia at Florida
Chicago Cubs at Washington
Sunday July 19
Boston at Toronto
Milwaukee at Cincinnati
Arizona at St. Louis
British Open
Tiger Woods or the Field
Winning Score: -6 or higher or -7 or lower
Good Luck
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:53:32 AM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Beat The Blogger Results
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The Blogger improved to post 7 of 10 picks but it wasn't enough to hold onto the lead, as a Beat The Blogger record seven contestants connected on 8 of 10 picks to tie for the top spot. Gary Truman, Joann K, Jeff Barton, Dennis Juntunen, Ronald Borczyk, DeMarie and Yale M. Brown will all be receiving a prize for their efforts. It was the second straight week Joann K has won so a special congratulations goes out to her. Thanks for playing and spread the word.
I'll be posting this week's matchups later today so please check back later to make your picks.
In the
meantime, I suggest reading my blog post below and make a prediction
or two of your own or simply post why my predictions will never come to
fruition.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest and that's where the Chipper Jones jersey comes into
play. If we can get more than 300 entries this week, the weekly winner will receive the Jones jersey so we need everybody to spread the word about the contest so we can reach our goal.
Last week's Matchups (Winning picks in parenthesis)
Saturday July 11
MLB
NY Yankees at LA Angels (LA Angels)
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (Chicago)
LA Dodgers at Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Chicago White Sox at Minnesota (Chicago)
Texas at Seattle (Seattle)
Sunday July 12
Kansas City at Boston (Boston)
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (Philadelphia)
Oakland at Tampa Bay (Oakland)
Florida at Arizona (Florida)
Atlanta at Colorado (Colorado)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 2:58:00 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Not So Deep Thoughts: Crystal Ball Time
Posted by Tuff Stuff
Because it's the All-Star break in baseball, the NFL is still out to lunch and the NBA's 10-month season is finally over, things get a little slow in the sports world this time of year. And when it gets slow, sportswriters and any sports media people tend to try and get a little creative to find (make) some news to pass the gameless nights. Unfortunately for the fans, that's sometimes not a real strong suit for the scribes.
Tonight we'll be treated (and I use that term loosely because it could end up being a 3-hour batting practice session or something monumental could happen see Josh Hamilton's 28 HRs in 2008) to the 2009 Home Run Derby sponsored by one of the few companies that still has some disposable income left (State Farm Insurance in case you wondered). I believe it gets decent ratings every year but that's only because MLB junkies need their fix and the Derby is the only dealer in town on this night (unless you enjoy Summer League NBA action, and god help you if you do).
I see where every expert this side of Chris Berman's second chin is predicting a winner so I decided to do likewise (here using the term "expert" looser than Lindsey Lohan's mouth after a six Appletinis) and give you my prediction for the Derby and a few others thrown in for good measure.
Crystal Ball Says:
Home Run Derby-Despite being the last guy invited to the party, Tampa's Carlos Pena puts on a clinic in from of hometown favorites Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard to pull out the win. Logic would take all seven of the other competitors before putting your money down on Pena (could be the first-ever Derby strikeout victim as well) but my gut, eeer, Crystal Ball is showing a picture of Steve Irwin so I got to go with the guy from the Rays.
Pedro Martinez-Looks like the former Cy Young winner is on his way to Phiadelphia to try and help the champs repeat but unless he's back on the juice, I can't imagine how he can help. Last we saw Pedro, he was chucking 87-mph fastballs that won't even measure up with the overhand lobs being tossed tonight in the Derby. Unless he's regained about 6-7 mph on his fastball, the Dominican's version of Jamie Moyer will only be making a quick cameo appearance in Philly. I'm predicting one flash in the pan where Pedro gets some early run support and then coasts to an easy 8-5 win that looks way better than it was but still grabs the opening spot on Sportscenter that night on the nostaglia factor alone. You know the drill: ESPN cues up the Pedro circa-1995-99 highlights and then sprinkles in some of that night's highlights until so your confused he still matters when most of us know that can't be possible. You heard it here first, Pedro makes 5 starts, 1-4 with a 6.94 ERA before his body breaks down yet again. He then makes a half-hearted "I'm retiring for good this time speech" before getting angered by a press conference question about possible steroid use and runs off in search of Don Zimmer to take his aggressions out on.
Tiger Woods at The British Open-Had a tough time getting a clear picture in the Crystal Ball on this one but then saw a picture of Paris Hilton pop up. Still confused, but I think that was a sign to bank on another sure thing and Tiger is the only sure thing I know in the golf world. Actual prediction is Tiger wins in a three-hole playoff against an up-and-coming player (Anthony Kim perhaps) who's got enough talent to tame Tiger but not the mental toughness is takes to beat the best ever.
Crystal Ball is getting a little fuzzy. I shook it up but now it's just snowing inside and displaying a nativity scene. Kindy freaky, better shutter down.
Hyping Up Some Hoops: While I often attempt to be funny in my predictions, I can't be more serious about the following prediction. Sacramento Kings rookie Tyreke Evans is going to be good. Not LeBron James good, but special good. Like top-20 in the entire league good. If you're a basketball collector, jump on this bandwagon immediately or you'll kick yourself for the rest of your life. I'm predicting right now that he'll give Blake Griffin a run for his money in the ROY balloting and while the two are very different players, both will be special and Evans will be looked at as the steal of the 2009 Draft in two or three years. He scored 33 in Las Vegas League action last night and you can expect more of the same from the powerful 6-6 slasher who appears to be a man among boys and likely will all of next season as well.
Monday, July 13, 2009 10:31:52 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Beat The Blogger Results
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The Blogger improved to post 7 of 10 but it likely won't be enough to hold on when the final tally is totaled. I posted the teams that won below and will have the weekly winner for you first thing in the morning on Tuesday. Thanks for playing and spread the word. In the meantime, I suggest reading my blog post above and making a prediction or two of your own or simply post why my predictions will never come to fruition.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest and that's where the Chipper Jones jersey comes into
play. If we can get more than 300 entries this week, the weekly winner will receive the Jones jersey so we need everybody to spread the word about the contest so we can reach our goal.
Last week's Matchups (Blogger's picks in parenthesis)
Saturday July 11
MLB
NY Yankees at LA Angels (LA Angels)
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (Chicago)
LA Dodgers at Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Chicago White Sox at Minnesota (Chicago)
Texas at Seattle (Seattle)
Sunday July 12
Kansas City at Boston (Boston)
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (Philadelphia)
Oakland at Tampa Bay (Oakland)
Florida at Arizona (Florida)
Atlanta at Colorado (Colorado)
Monday, July 13, 2009 9:39:56 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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