Pride Of The Yankees? Nowhere To Be Seen in 2013

“This whole season has been a nightmare.”  -Derek Jeter

 

     The 2013 New York Yankees are just abysmal at best, by their standards, and now it seems that the whole team is throwing in the towel on this season.  Mark Texieria is out for the season, Curtis Granderson might not return, Michael Pinedia is questionable for return, and now Derek Jeter is out indefeinately.  Injuries have killed Mariano Riveria’s curtain call season, and to add insult to injury, Alex Rodriguez has brought a black cloud over the franchise with his steroid use and now suspension that may turn into a lifetime ban. 

     Alex Rodriguez is the biggest phony, not only in all of baseball, but all of sports.  We may never know how long he’s actually been on the juice. It is a fact,  since his time with Texas around 2003, as we all saw his crocodile tears to Katie Couric.  After the whole Barry Bonds fiasco, A-Rod was supposed to return integrity to the game, and crush the home run record honestly and truthfully, not make it worse..  Well, now that we see that he is just as full of shit as Bonds, if not more, the fans are stuck wondering just how credible baseball players really are.  How does this appeal, and quick few games that he is gonna play, help out his team?  There's the selfishness right there.

      Along with the syringes he used, he flushed almost all of his 600+ home runs down the toilet.  And now the fans are probably going to have to wait a lifetime before another player will even come close to the record.  And when that player does, we will be left with the suspicion of steroid use.  Thank you Alex Rodriguez, Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens, and Rafael Palmerio.  Your selfishness, and lack of integrity has lead to such a black eye for baseball, it’s probably going to take over a decade to get over, if not longer.

       For all of this to happen in Mariano Riveria’s final season, is just even more upsetting.  Riveria will go down in the record books as the greatest closer in Major League history, and for A-Rod’s drug use to put such a big damper on it, is really sad and very devastating.  Riveria is nothing but a class act, and such a wonderful guy, and he won’t be able to walk off in the sunset because of this “nightmare” of a season.

      The ship is sinking thanks to a big hole caused by A-Rod, and the captain (Jeter) and the rest of the ship’s crew are to hurt to keep it floating, and now it looks like everyone is about to abandon when the season is over.  I’m sure the fans that hate the Yankees, and God knows there’s a lot of ‘em, are watching and enjoying every moment of it.  Well, enjoy it while it lasts.  Now that the Yankees don’t have to pay Rodriguez’s ridiculous salary of $28 million dollars a year, they are going to go on a spending spree next year in the offseason.  That’s what they do, we all know it, and your welcome for the horror show that is happening in the Bronx. 

     This disaster will not last and hopefully the damn Yankees can put the pieces back together soon.  I thank God everyday that I’m a Yankee fan, but this is going to be tough to endure and move past.  Riveria is gone after this year, It’s going to take a lot of money to keep Cano in New York, and almost half the team will be free agents at the end of the season. Jeter will never be the same player he was, and the upper management is going to have to figure out what sort of direction they want to point the team towards.

     We will never see another player like Jeter, or Riveria again, so the Yankees need to find an identity and leader that they can put front and center, and honestly, I believe that player is in Colorado wearing number 2.  Troy Tulowitzki was given such an outlandish contract, that the Yankees are really the only team that can afford it.  The Rockies have plenty of run support and hitting power without him, but have never had a decent bullpen, or quality starting pitching to really become a legitimate contender in the NL west.  The Yankees have a great farm system, and have the pitching to put a significant offer on the table. 

     No, the Rockies may not get the same kind of value of a player like Tulo, 20+ home runs on a yearly basis, but Tulo hasn’t played a full length season in over 3 years, missing at least 50 games a year since he signed the long term extension in 2010.  The Yankees and Rockies have a good trade relationship, and since the Rox upper management doesn’t really give a shit about what the fans want, this deal could most certainly happen.

     The Rockies need any sort of decent pitching, whether it’d be starting or a bullpen that doesn’t constantly blow leads.  The Yankees have pitching, and also have the money to buy it, and trade it away, which they have done before.  (Cone, Wells)  Kuroda has pitched well at Coors Field, and would be a tremendous asset for the Rockies’ starting rotation.  But the Yankees would have to give up more, and probably need to throw David Robertson, an All Star relief pitcher in the mix to go along with another pitching prospect, and 2 position players from AAA.  The Rockies would have almost no choice but to give up Tulo.  Then, in the offseason, the Rox can sign Justin Morneau at first, and pick up a veteran SS along the way.  The Rockies would still have a solid lineup after that to keep around the true heart of the franchise, Carlos Gonzalez, and have veteran pitching The Yankees could then put Tulo at third base, and rotate him at third, shortstop, and DH, to keep him healthy, but we’ll wait and see what happens.

     In the meantime let’s all bid adieu to A-Rod, as Major League Baseball erases him from their record books, and makes his past as non-existent as his future.  See what happens to cheaters kids?

2013 NFL Season Preview

NFL 2013 Preview

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens- The Ravens gave Joe Flacco the keys to the franchise, but they lost so much in the offseason.  Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Anquan Bolden, Paul Kruger, are no longer with the team, and they just lost Pitta for the season.  It’s hard enough to repeat in this day and age, but it will be harder without those players.  Flacco will have to carry the team on his own, because Ray Rice isn’t reliable enough to be the go to guy on offense.

Shua Says: 8-8

Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals are looking to make the playoffs for the 3^rd straight year in a row for the first time ever, and I believe they will.  If they can get a solid running game to give Andy Dalton some support, that offense will be hard to slow down.  I think their mix of youth and veteran players will help them win the division, and they may even win a playoff game.

Shua Says: 11-5 (Division Winner)

Cleveland Browns- Another new coach for a team that doesn’t have an identity.  Trent Richardson had a great year, but they don’t have a QB, Brandon Weedon will be fighting for a job, and they just don’t have any playmakers.  Another tough year for Cleveland fans, but I believe that they will make some progress.

Shua Says: 6-10

Pittsburgh Steelers- Sure, they lost Wallace, and James Harrison, and Troy Polomalou isn’t getting any younger, but Mike Tomlin is one hell of a coach, and if they can get a running game established, Big Ben can make plays on his own.  I think the Steelers return to relevance, and make the playoffs.

Shua Says: 10-6 (Wild Card)

AFC South

Houston Texans- Kubiak picked up another weapon for Matt Shuab, and that should help take some pressure off of Andre Johnson.  Arian Foster is still a dominant RB, and will need much attention paid to him by defenses.  JJ Watt will be a force on D, and Brian Cushing will return to help him out on D.

Shua Says: 12-4 (Division Winner)

Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck had a terrific rookie season, and the Colts went out to get him more protection, so that should help.  They still have a lackluster defense, and I don’t think Luck will have a “sophomore slump”, but it will be very difficult for them to repeat the motivation they had last year.

Shua Says: 7-9

Jacksonville Jaguars- A team that has no identity, no defense, no fans, no airtime can’t be very successful, and I think that they just get ready for the move to LA, which will happen in the next couple years.

Shua Says: 2-14

Tennessee Titans- Chris Johnson is still a dangerous RB with his speed, and the Titans went out and spent money in free agency like a trophy wife who’s husband just died.  If they can keep Locker healthy, they can make a run at the wildcard, but they need a lot of help on defense.

Shua Says: 7-9

AFC East

Buffalo Bills- The Bills are loaded with young talent on both sides of the ball, and with a rookie Head Coach, this could be the team that supplants the Patriots in the East, in about 5 years.  Right now they need to learn how to play together and stop letting everyone score on them.  Seriously, the big fat guy with the Dungeons and Dragons t-shirt could score on these guys.  I think they make some progress, but not much.

Shua Says: 7-9

Miami Dolphins- I like Joe Philbin, the head coach who came from the Packers, and I think they got some good pickups for the defense.  But Tannehill is still trying to get used to playing in the NFL, and without a running game, not only will it be hard for them to score, but to maintain leads when they do.

Shua Says: 6-10

New England Patriots- Not only did Brady lose Welker to Peyton, he lost Hernandez to prison, and the team is unsure when Rob Gronkowski will return, and how healthy is he going to be when he does?  Brandon Lloyd is gone, but still available, and the Patriots have unproven talent at WR, and TE.  They need a dominant defense for Brady, because he really can carry the team, but it will be up to the D to keep them in games.  It’s still a weak division and I say they win easily here, but this may be the last really good team from their dynasty.

Shua Says: 11-5 (Division Winner)

New York Jets- How Rex Ryan still has a job is beyond me, and Mark Sanchez got shit on so badly in the offseason, the Jets have become a laughing stock in the NFL.  If they give the starting QB job to Geno Smith, it will be a really tough year for them, but Ryan doesn’t care, he’s gone next year anyway.

Shua Says: 3-13

AFC West

Denver Broncos- Peyton Manning is outstanding in the regular season, and the schedule just keeps looking more and more favorable as the season goes. I see the Broncos really only struggling against, the Patriots, Texans, Redskins, and Chiefs (at Arrowhead), and that’s about it.  John Elway is doing everything he can to get the Broncos to another Super Bowl, and it has shown with the moves he made in the offseason.  Von Miller getting suspended the first 4 games hurts, but the Broncos are working around it and when he returns, he will just be more fired up than ever.  The Broncos are on a collision course with the Super Bowl, now they just have to see what seeding they will be by season’s end.

Shua Says: 14-2 (Division Winner)

Kansas City Chiefs- Getting rid of Scott Peoli (the GM from New England) and Romeo Crennel was a good first step.  Getting Andy Reid and Alex Smith was a great second step.  The Chiefs have been loaded with talent on both sides of the ball for a few years now, but couldn’t find a leader or a decent coach to get any sort of momentum.  Now that they have that, and with Arrowhead stadium being one of the most difficult places to play in, they will make a run at the Wild Card, and I think they will.  Alex Smith has a huge chip on his shoulder, and he really wants to prove that he’s a Top 10 QB.

Shua Says: 10-6 (Wild Card)

Oakland Raiders- I was surprised when the Raiders didn’t fire Head Coach Dennis Allen, and go after Lovie Smith, but maybe they are trying to actually become a legitimate NFL franchise again.  Matt Flynn should help at QB, but he doesn’t have anyone to throw to.  If Run DMC can stay healthy they can move ahead in the right direction.  But I see them having another abysmal year, firing Allen, and going after a dickhead coach like Rex or Rob Ryan.

Shua Says: 5-11

San Diego Chargers- A new head coach can’t help out this team.  Phillip Rivers is a turnover machine, and without a running game, they won’t be able to put points on the board.  Mike McCoy is a good offensive coordinator, but I don’t think he fits the role as a head coach, and I don’t think he fits well with the Chargers.  The Broncos didn’t score very many points when he was in Denver, and without talent, it’s going to be difficult to do so in San Diego.  I think that they are really going to struggle this season, and pickup a QB early in the draft next season.

Shua Says: 3-13

NFC

NFC North

Chicago Bears- I was very surprised when they didn’t resign Urlacher, as well as not hire Mike McCoy at head coach.  He worked with Cutler, and Marshall in Denver, that’s a perfect match right there.  They will score points but the question will be can they stop other offenses from scoring.  It still is an older defense, but if they can’t protect Cutler, the D will be on the field a lot again in 2013.

Shua Says: 5-11

Detroit Lions- The Lions picked up Reggie Bush, so that should help out Stafford, and as long as he can stay healthy, they will be able to find the end zone.  They still have the best WR in the NFL in Calvin Johnson, and the Lions seem to trade off at contending every other year.  They were atrocious last year, so they may play well this year.

Shua Says: 7-9

Green Bay Packers- Aaron Rodgers lost his favorite target Greg Jennings, but gained a rushing attack with RB’s Eddie Lacy, and Jonathon Franklin.  Rodgers is becoming an elite QB, and I think he will just continue to prove that he is this year.  He may not have incredible weapons, but he will know how to use what he’s got.  I think the Pack will win a 3^rd straight division this season, and contend for the Super Bowl.

Shua Says: 12-4 (Division Winner)

Minnesota Vikings- Adrian Peterson has become one of the best RB’s of all time, though I think he will end up like Barry Sanders, and Earl Campbell, a Hall Of Fame RB who never won a ring.  Ponder got Jennings, but the question is, is he ready to take this team to the next level.  I believe they will compete for the Wild Card, but fall just a little short.

Shua Says: 8-8

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons- Much like the Broncos, the Falcons went and got some big time weapons in the offseason acquiring Steven Jackson, and Osi Umenyoria.  Matt Ryan got a fat raise and he is ready to step up to the next level.  As long as they can keep the Saints behind them in the division, they should win another division and get real close, if not play in the Super Bowl.

Shua Says: 13-3 (Division Winner)

Carolina Panthers- Cam Newton is all sorts of talented, but his own teammates question his leadership, and you can’t have that on your franchise QB.  Steve Smith is only getting older, and if they can’t get any turnovers, or stops on D, it’s going to be another long year for Newton.

Shua Says: 4-12

New Orleans Saints- Sean Payton and the Saints look to bounce back from “Bountygate” and I believe that they have enough veterans on that team to do so.  Drew Brees is still a Top 5 QB, and the D maybe young, but the whole team is ready for a fresh start this season.  I think they get back to the playoffs.

Shua Says: 10-6 (Wild Card)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Doug Martin is a beast, but I think that Josh Freeman is a little too overrated.  If he can’t put this team on his shoulders, and not be so dependant on other players, such as Martin, the Bucc’s will struggle and Freeman will be looking for a new home next year.

Shua Says: 4-12

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys- Jerry Jones needs to loosen his grip on this team, and seek out some sort of help otherwise the Cowboys will be stuck at mediocre for forever.  Tony Romo isn’t that bad, but he has no weapons, no line to protect him, and the defense can’t turn the ball over at all.  I think they have a bad year, fire Jason Garrett, and go get a guy like Bill Cohwer.  In the meantime Cowboys’ fans, buckle up, it’s going to be a rough ride.

Shua Says: 6-10

New York Giants- Resigning Cruz was a smart move, but the Giants lost a ton of talent on defense.  They still have Eli Manning though, but without a solid run game, Eli’s going to be passing a lot this year.  Tom Coughlin is a great coach though, and as long as the Giants don’t give up halfway through the season the way they did last year, they can make a run at the playoffs.  But I think they fall just short.

Shua Says: 8-8

Philadelphia Eagles- Chip Kelly is going to try to bring a new fast paced, high octane offense to the NFL, and it may work out, but you can’t have a revolving door at QB.  If they can put a solid defense on the field, they can make some noise.  I don’t think they can, because, even though you have a fast scoring offense, your defense will get tired quickly and get blown out of the water.  I say it’s going to take about a year or so, until Chip Kelly establishes what he’s attempting, and I think the Eagles have another rough year.  Plus, it doesn’t help that Riley Cooper just made that whole locker room super uncomfortable.  I’ll be surprised if he’s on the team, or anywhere in the league by the end of the season.

Shua Says: 5-11

Washington Redskins-Mike Shanahan is a brilliant coach, and has put together a team that can make some noise in the NFC.  RGIII probably won’t be able to play all 16 games this season, but Kirk Cousins proved to be a legitimate backup last year and will more than likely see a lot of action this year.  Not pulling RGIII in the playoff game last year was a bit strange, but I try to not question Shanahan that often.  With Alfred Morris in the backfield, and a solid defense, the ‘Skins will more than likely win another division title.  The question is, how healthy can RGIII stay?  With an unbelievably talented and such an unpredictable kid at QB, keeping him healthy is the number one priority.  I think they will, and Shanahan will once again silence his critics.

Shua Says: 11-5 (Division Winner)

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals- Picking up Carson Palmer will help out Larry Fitzgerald in the passing game, but if the O-line can’t protect him, Palmer is a useless statue.  The Cardinals also lack talent on defense, and with a new head coach, it could be a long season in the desert, once again.  No running game, and Patrick Peterson can only do so much on special teams.

Shua Says: 3-13

St. Louis Rams- Jeff Fischer is one of my all time favorite coaches, and with what I think may have been the best draft, he put some really good players around Sam Bradford.  This is a make or break year for him, and if he can’t get the job done, Fischer will find somebody who will.  Losing Steven Jackson hurts a lot, and they are going to look to Bradford to put points on the board.  I think they will make a push at the Wild Card, but it won’t be enough.  Especially now that this division isn’t as bad as it’s been in recent years.

Shua Says: 7-9

San Francisco 49ers- The NFC champs will have a target on their back, as they look to make it back to the Super Bowl, and with such a stout defense, they can make another serious run.  They must keep Kapernick healthy, because the boy is fast, and he does like to run.  Now he has to play a full season, and the Niners are just stockpiled with talent, and will be for a long time.  Jim Harbaugh is a great coach, and can keep his team mentally prepared to endure the season.  I think they will win another division title, but they will have to really work for it.

Shua Says: 12-4 (Division Winner)

Seattle Seahawks- Russell Wilson is my favorite young QB by far, and I don’t think he’s going to have a “sophomore slump” at all, in fact I think he will be in the running for Offensive Player of the Year.  With a solid running game behind him, and a very solid receiving core to throw to, Wilson should have another big year.  Pete Carroll is the best coach for this team, and they should be able to make the playoffs and compete strongly for a division title.

Shua Says: 11-5 (Wild Card)  

Broncos Training Camp: 1 Week Down

     Here we go,the 2013 NFL season has begun, and the Denver Broncos are strapping up and getting ready for there Super Bowl run.  Peyton Manning is returning to the Mile High City, not only in his 2nd year from neck surgery,but in his 2nd year with the Broncos, and he is dialed in.  At 38, with the career that he has built, the offense is paying more attention and they are more familiar with his schemes.  (#27)Knowshon Moreno looks to be the front runner at RB, but (#21)Ronnie Hillman has been running with the first team early on in drills. My pick in week 1, starting at RB will be (38)Montee Ball.  The rookie from Wisconsin is very pumped to be working with Peyton, and already has the intangibles to play the position, to go along with his pure talent.  I have been following Ball over the last couple years at Wisconsin, and I always say that good rushing talent comes out of there.  Ball really does remind a lot of Terrel Davis.  He's not afraid to lower his shoulders and hit, he's got good agility, and breakaway speed.  The Broncos got rid of McGahee for a reason, and I believe Montee Ball is it.  My prediction is he will get 1,000 yards rushing, and at least 5 TD's, and will be up for Offensive Rookie of the Year.  If Peyton can get a respectable running game to go along with his aerial attack, the Broncos should average over 30 points a game.

     That brings me to (#83)Wes Welker.  He is the slot WR that Peyton has been looking for his whole career.  Last year, in the same spot, Brandon Stokely had 544 receiving yards, and 5 TD's in only 45 catches.  Stokely was 37, Welker is 32.  Last year with Tom Brady in New England, Welker had 118 receptions, 1,354 yards and 6 TD's.  Welker will be Peyton's security blanket, if Thomas is covered deep, Decker and Tamme are covered at the first down marker, Welker will be there underneath, and will be open a lot! I predict that Welker will get 1,000 yards, but will end up with over 10 TD's, cause he's gonna end up in the end zone in front of that new beautiful giant screen over the South Stands at Sports Authority field at Mile High.

     Now let's shift over to the D, and get the elephant in the room on his way.  Von Miller's 4 game suspension looming over puts a little cloud over Dove Valley, but he does still have a very small chance at winning the appeal, but moving forward the Broncos are going to plan to start the season without him.  The signing of LB (#90) Shaun Phillips from the Chargers will prove to be quietly the best signing for the D.  Look to him to fill Von's spot while he's gone, and don't forget, this D has played without Von and has still been dominant. Yes, it will be a little bit tougher without him, but the Broncos will be able to get it done.
     I can see the D running a 3-3-5(3 LB's, 3 DL's and 5 DB's) scheme a lot in those first games  Put a lot of speed on the field, because teams will be passing, trying to keep up with Peyton's fast scoring offense, so they need hands to create turnovers.  I see Phillips, (#53)Bradley, (#52)Woodyard at LB, (#91)Ayers, (#92)Williams, and (#95)Wolfe at DL, and (#32)Chris Harris, Champ Bailey, (#45)D. Rodgers-Cromartie, (#34)Quinton Jammer and (#20)Mike Adams in the secondary.  I think Jammer is gonna beat out Rahim Moore, unless Moore can get better at coverage.
     Lot of good feelings going on in Dove Valley, and I'm going to be putting a lot of attention this year, on a player who has quietly become a piece of this team, as well as my new favorite player.  Wesley Woodyard, number 52 in your programs.  From the University of Kentucky, a school more known for it's basketball program, Woodyard was drafted in 2008 under Mike Shanahan, he has made his way from playing on special teams, to becoming the Captain of special teams, to starting on D, and now is the Captain of the D.  He has the vocal leadership as well as the physical leadership to lead and play by example.  Go get em Woodyard, I'm cheerin' loud for ya buddy!