An Early Look at the Fantasy Football Rankings for the 2009 season

Tom Brady

Top 10o Rankings:

1. Adrian Peterson
2. Michael Turner
3. Steven Jackson
4. Maurice Jones-Drew
5. Chris Johnson
6. DeAngelo Williams
7. LaDainian Tomlinson
8. Matt Forte
9. Larry Fitzgerald
10. Frank Gore
11. Andre Johnson
12. Tom Brady
13. Drew Brees
14. Randy Moss
15. Clinton Portis
16. Calvin Johnson
17. Steve Smith
18. Marion Barber
19. Brian Westbrook
20. Steve Slaton
21. Greg Jennings
22. Peyton Manning
23. Reggie Wayne
24. Ronnie Brown
25. Anquan Boldin
26. Marques Colston
27. Aaron Rodgers
28. Terrell Owens
29. Marshawn Lynch
30. Roddy White
31. Thomas Jones
32. Kevin Smith
33. Dwayne Bowe
34. Kurt Warner
35. Ryan Grant
36. Wes Welker
37. Brandon Marshall
38. Pierre Thomas
39. Roy E. Williams
40. Phillip Rivers
41. T.J. Houshmanzadeh
42. Tony Romo
43. Braylon Edwards
44. Joseph Addai
45. Jonathan Stewart
46. Darren McFadden
47. Tony Gonzalez
48. Jason Witten
49. Willie Parker
50. Derrick Ward
51. Antonio Gates
52. Matt Ryan
53. Larry Johnson
54. Reggie Bush
55. LenDale White
56. Vincent Jackson
57. Antonio Bryant
58. Matt Schaub
59. Dallas Clark
60. Donovan McNabb
61. Chad Ochocinco
62. Lee Evans
63. Knowshon Moreno
64. Jamal Lewis
65. Le’ron McClain
66. Hines Ward
67. Matt Cassel
68. Bernard Berrian
69. Jay Cutler
70. Santonio Holmes
71. Willis McGahee
72. Ahmad Bradshaw
73. Santana Moss
74. Owen Daniels
75. Eddie Royal
76. Cedric Benson
77. Darren Sproles
78. Ben Roethlisberger
79. Carson Palmer
80. Kevin Walter
81. Chris Cooley
82. Jerricho Cotchery
83. Anthony Gonzalez
84. Chris Wells
85. Donald Driver
86. Steelers D/ST
87. Eli Manning
88. Earnest Graham
89. Fred Taylor
90. Torry Holt
91. Laveranues Coles
92. Lance Moore
93. Giants D/ST
94. Felix Jones
95. Donald Brown
96. Michael Crabtree
97. Greg Olsen
98. Steve Breaston
99. Derrick Mason
100. Julius Jones

Twins Beat The Cardinals

Justin Morneau

On Sunday, at Busch Stadium, it was Justin Morneau’s show as he homered in the top of the first inning to power the Twins to a 6-2 victory. Fransisco Liriano started for the Twins and pitched well to pick up his fourth victory of the season.

Morneau hit his seventeenth home run of the season off Joel Pineiro in the top of the first inning. Morneau went 1 for 4 in the game with three RBIs. Jason Kubel was the only other Twin to record an extra base hit with a double. Kubel went 3 for 4 in the game. Joe Mauer went 2 for 5 in the game with a run.

Fransisco Liriano pitched seven innings, and gave up the game’s only two runs. Liriano also struck out six, and walked two. Liriano lowered his ERA to 5.62 with today’s win. Jose Mijares, Matt Guerrier, and R.A. Dickey came in relief of Liriano. Joe Nathan recorded his nineteenth save with only pitching one-third of an inning. Nathan struck out the only batter he faced.

For the Cardinals, Joel Pineiro lost his ninth game of the season to push his record to 6-9. He gave up three runs, and struck out two, but walked none. Trevor Miller, Josh Kinney, and Blake Hawksworth came in relief of Pineiro.

Rick Ankiel, and Jason LaRue recorded the Cardinals only RBIs of the game. Ryan Ludwick, and Ankiel scored the Cardinals only runs of the game. Albert Pujols, Ludwick, and Ankiel all had the Cardinals only extra base hits of the game. Ankiel also stole his first base of the season. Pujols went 1 for 3 in the game with walk, and a double.

The Minnesota Twins go to Kauffman Stadium on Monday to face the Kansas City Royals. Nick Blackburn(6-3) takes the hill for the Twins, while Luke Hochevar(2-3) takes the hill for the Royals.

Twins Lose a Close Game to the Cardinals

Albert Pujols

The Twins lost a close game at Busch Stadium to the St. Louis Cardinals on  Saturday afternoon due to Pujols’ power surge against Kevin Slowey in the first and third inning. Kevin Slowey took the loss. Slowey is now 10-3 on the season.

Minnesota got on the board in the top of the 2nd inning when Brendan Harris singled to left, and brought in Mike Redmond, Matt Tolbert, and Denard Span. Michael Cuddyer accounted for the only Twins extra base hit for a double in the game.

Slowey pitched three innings while giving up five runs on six hits. He struck out four in the game. BobbyKeppel came in relief of Slowey and pitched very well. He struck out three while walking three. He gave up two hits. Keppel pitched four innings of no-hit ball. Sean Henn, and R.A. Dickey also came in relief of Slowey in the game.

For St. Louis, Todd Wellemeyer started for the Cardinals, but only pitched t wo and a third of an inning. He gave up all three runs on four hits. He also walked four, and struck out two. Josh Kinney got the win, while pitching one and a third of an inning. Ryan Franklin picked up his 18th save in the ninth to close out the game. Trevor Miller, Kyle McClellen, Dennys Reyes, and Jason Motte also came in relief of Wellemeyer.

Offensively, Albert Pujols provided the spark plug. Pujols hit two, two run homers, and collected 4 RBIs. Tyler Greene got an RBI in the third after he got plunked by Kevin Slowey. Chris Duncan scored on the play.

The Twins face the Cardinals at Busch Stadium again  on Sunday at 1:15 Central Time for a rubber match. Fransisco Liriano(3-8, 5.88 ERA) takes the mound against Joel Pineiro(6-8,.

Stories of Professional Baseball Athletes

There are many professional baseball players that have stories, and know life is more than just baseball.

Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton was approaching the end of the road in baseball until he found that drugs and tattoos weren’t everything. He would have dreams that would tempt him to use drugs. Now, though, he recites James 4:7, which says, Humble yourself before God. Resist the devil, and He will flee from you. He memorizes, and recites scripture now, and takes part in Bible studies. He also tells his story to people and to crowds. Josh Hamilton also has stayed clean from drugs and had a successful 2008 season with the Texas Rangers. This season he has been plagued by injuries.

Zack Greinke

This season, Zack Greinke has been an ace for the Kansas City Royals. He is currently 8-3 with an 1.96 ERA. In 2006, however, Greinke was away from baseball suffering from an anxiety disorder, and depression. Greinke had to take time off from baseball to get his life back together, and now, look where he is. When he came back, he has spent time in the minors, in the bullpen, and now, back in the starting rotation. At the end of the 2008 season, he got his game back to where he wanted it.  He finished with 13 wins, and finished the season with 14 scoreless innings. This season, he extended that streak to 38 scoreless innings. Zack Greinke is a true, up and coming star, but he has had his struggles, too.

Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols has always been a baseball player. He is one of great superstars in today’s game, but baseball is not the only thing that is important to Albert Pujols. Pujols is an active Christian, and is married, and has a daughter, who has down syndrome. He also has two other children. Pujols has created the Albert Pujols Family Foundation to the development of people with down syndrome. On their website, Pujols states, “We exist to honor God and strengthen families through our works, deeds, and our example.” Pujols has recognized that his gift to play baseball is from God, and because of that, he and his family’s lives have been blessed by God. Pujols has put God first in his life, and everything else second.

Hearing about Albert Pujols story encourages me, and shows me that

athletes are truly good role models.These athletes are truly role models, and are role models to look up to because they have the right mindset now, and know that there is more to life than just baseball.

What the Magic Must do to Win Game Seven

Tonight is it for either the Orlando Magic or Boston Celtics. Game Seven is in Boston at 7:00 PM EST. Will this game be one of the best Game Seven’s or will it be a blowout? It’s now up to the players to determine the final outcome of this series.

The Orlando Magic have had their victories and losses in this series. They have been shocked by Glen Davis and have lost a fourteen point lead in Game Five.

In order to win tonight to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Magic must have their “A” game against the Boston Celtics tonight.

First, the Magic must let Dwight Howard do his thing. He must rebound and get to the paint to score points. In Game Six at Orlando, Howard recorded 23 points and 22 rebounds. If the Magic want to win, Howard has to be on his game.

Second, Dwight Howard must be on top of his defensive game. Howard needs to remember, defense wins championships, and what better way to get closer to that goal than by winning in Boston to move on.

Third, the whole team must play together and not be selfish. The Magic must know that there is no “I” in team. Howard can’t do it alone. Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Hedo Turkoglu must contribute in big ways.

Finally, the Orlando Magic must play Magic basketball. They need to play like they did in Game Six vs the Celtics. The Magic can beat the Celtics, they just have to believe in their team, and in their heart that they can defeat Boston.

Prediction: Orlando 92 Boston 88.

Now it’s your turn! Turn on the TV, sit back and watch who will be facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Dwight Howard

One Last Look at The 2009 NFL Mock Draft

The NFL draft is roughly two hours before the draft, and why not make a final mock draft that show where the players will be taken.

At No. 1, the Detroit Lions are on the clock. The Lions will draft Matthew Stafford, and will look to him to be their new franchise leader.

At No. 2, the St. Louis Rams are on the clock. The Rams will select Jason Smith. Smith will fill a hole that Orlando Pace left, as he signed with the Bears.

At No. 3, the Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock. The Chiefs will select Aaron Curry. Curry is a perfect fit at linebacker, and is the best player in this draft.

At No. 4, the Seattle Seahawks are on the clock. The Seahawks will select Mark Sanchez. Sanchez will be their future quarterback, and can be mentored by Matthew Hasselbeck.

At No. 5, the Cleveland Browns are on the clock. The Browns will select B.J. Raji. Raji, a nose tackle, can fit perfectly into the Browns 3-4 system.

At No. 6, the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock. The Bengals will select Eugene Monroe. The Bengals take Monroe, so they can give Palmer more time to pass the ball.

At No. 7, the Oakland Raiders are on the clock. The Raiders will select Michael Crabtree. Al Davis won’t pass up an elite receiver that could make a huge splash in the NFL.

At No. 8, the Jacksonvlle Jaguars are on the clock. The Jaguars will select Andre Smith. Smith, now fills a hole that the Jaguars had going into the draft.

At No. 9, the Green Bay Packers are on the clock. The Packers select Brian Orakpo. Orakpo has a ton of athleticism, and can step right into their new 3-4 system.

At No. 10, the San Francisco 49ers are on the clock. The 49ers will select Michael Oher. Oher fills a need that the 49ers had going into the draft.

At No. 11, the Buffalo Bills are on the clock. The Bills will select Aaron Maybin. Maybin will step right in as a great pass rusher.

At No. 12, the Denver Broncos are on the clock. The Broncos will select Tyson Jackson. Jackson is ready for the NFL, and the Broncos need a defensive tackle that can lead them on defense.

At No. 13, the Washington Redskins are on the clock. The Redskins will select Robert Ayers. They want Sanchez, but won’t pull off the deal. Instead, they will focus on defense and take Ayers.

At No. 14, the New Orleans Saints are on the clock. The Saints will select Brian Cushing. The Saints need a linebacker, and get a NFL-ready linebacker in Cushing.

At No. 15, the Houston Texans are on the clock. The Texans take Clay Matthews, and fill a need at linebacker.

At No. 16, the San Diego Chargers are on the clock. The Chargers select Malcom Jenkins, and get an NFL-ready cornerback, that they desperately need.

At No. 17, the New York Jets are on the clock. The Jets select Josh Freeman. The Jets need a quarterback, and get a quarterback with a big arm.

At No. 18, the Denver Broncos are on the clock. The Broncos select Rey Maualuga. The finish the first round with excellent pick-ups to improve their defense immensely.

At No. 19, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock. The Bucs take Michael Johnson, and improve a defensive line that needs help.

At No. 20, the Detroit Lions are on the clock. The Lions select Eben Britton, and get a offensive lineman that can help block for Stafford or Culpepper.

At No. 21, the Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock. The Eagles will select Beanie Wells, and get a running back that can compete alongside Brian Westbrook.

At No. 22, the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock. The Vikings will select William Beatty. The Vikings could also take Alex Mack, but take an offensive tackle instead.

At No. 23, the New England Patriots are on the clock. The Patriots select Darius Butler,and improve their secondary.

At No. 24, the Atlanta Falcons are on the clock. The Falcons select Peria Jerry. The Falcons get a defensive tackle that can boost the Falcons defense.

At No. 25, the Miami Dolphins are on the clock. The Dolphins select Everette Brown, and get a replacement for the aging Joey Porter.

At No. 26, the Baltimore Ravens are on the clock. The Ravens select Larry English. English is a defensive tackle and linebacker, and can help fill the hole that Bart Scott left.

At No. 27, the Indianapolis Colts are on the clock. The Colts select Vontae Davis, and get a cornerback to pair up alongside Kevin Hayden.

At No. 28, the Buffalo Bills are on the clock. The Bills select Brandon Pettigrew. The Bills could take Max Unger here, but instead get a passing threat to go alongside Terrell Owens.

At No. 29, the New York Giants are on the clock. The Giants select Jeremy Maclin. Maclin likely will go much higher, but the Giants will still get a wider receiver anyway.

At No. 30, the Tennessee Titans are on the clock. The Titans select Percy Harvin, and get a playmaker at wide receiver to lead them next season.

At No. 31, the Arizona Cardinals are on the clock. The Cardinals select Knowshon Moreno. Moreno is the top back in the draft, but is the second running back chosen in the draft.

At No. 32, the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock. The Steelers select Max Unger, and get a big offensive tackle to help protect Big Ben.

Don’t forget to tune into the draft at 3:00, and see who your favorite teams select in this year’s draft.

Twins Grind Out Their First Win of the Season

Alexi Casilla

 The Minnesota Twins pulled out a late win Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners.  Brandon Morrow retired the first two Twins batters, but walked the next three batters to get into a pitching jam.  The Mariners then made a pitching change for Morrow, and Denard Span came up to bat for the Twins and hit an RBI infield single to score Carlos Gomez.  This made the game 6-5, with Alexi Casilla coming up to bat.  Casilla answered the call to win the game by producing a game-winning single to center field to score Brendan Harris, and Brian Buscher. 

Nick Blackburn started for the  Twins on Tuesday night, while Erik Bedard started for the Mariners. Blackburn pitched five innings, giving up 8 hits on four runs.  Phillip Humber, and Matt Guerrier pitched three scoreless innings of relief of Blackburn.  Luis Ayala gave up a run in the ninth inning, but got the win for Twins against the Mariners. 

Joe Crede, and Carlos Gomez were the only Twins batters to record extra base hits Tuesday night, and while Span, Cuddyer, and Casilla all recorded RBIs.

Tonight the Twins play the Mariners again at the Metrodome with Kevin Slowey going up against former Twin Carlos Silva.

Breaking Down The 2009 NFL Draft Prospects

The NFL season is officially over, and the focus turns to the NFL combine, and the NFL draft. This years draft class has plenty of talent, and it’s just a matter of time now of where the players will play, and how well they will be in the NFL.

Breaking down the quarterbacks of the 2009 NFL draft class can be difficult, but there are a few quarterbacks that really stand out. The top quarterback in my opinion is Matthew Stafford of Georgia. He has the strong arm that teams in the NFL look far, and reminds me of Matt Ryan, who was the NFL offensive rookie of the year in 2008-2009. Stafford will probably be drafted in the top five, and potentially No.1, unless the Lions do something else.

Mark Sanchez of USC is the No. 2 quarterback in the 2009 draft class, and could be picked in the top five or top ten depending on what teams are looking for. Sanchez had an excellent year for the USC Trojans this season, posting career highs, and displaying a pretty good arm for the Trojans.

Many thought Sanchez should of stayed in college because of only one season started for USC, but with being one of the top prospects in the draft, he decided to turn pro.

The next top rated quarterbacks are Josh Freeman of Kansas State, who teams might take with the possibility of getting another Joe Flacco-type player. Nate Davis of Ball State, and Pat White of West Virginia also might hear their names called on the first day, or early on the second day.

Author Poll

Who will the Detroit Lions select with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft?

• Matt Stafford
• Andre Smith
• Other
• Or trade their top pick

vote to see results

Knowshon Moreno of Georgia is perhaps the top running back in this NFL draft, with the ability to create long runs, and to break tackles. Chris Wells of Ohio State is the next best, but still a first round pick. He was injured part of the 2008 season, but can certainly be a game changer in the NFL. LeSean McCoy of Pittsburgh is one of the most underrated running backs in the draft, and could be a very good third down back in the pros.

Shonn Greene of Iowa, Javon Ringer of Michigan State, and Donald Brown of Connecticut all are types of running backs that could shine as speedy running backs that make a difference in the NFL next season.

Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech is probably the most dangerous receiver in the 2009 NFL draft. He has won two Biletnikoff awards for being the best receiver in college football, and has shown he can make game changing catches. To me he reminds me of Larry Fitzgerald. Crabtree will likely be drafted in the top five of the NFL draft. Jeremy Maclin of Missouri is a big game receiver also. He is a tremendous all-purpose player, and makes big time catches. He is also a speedy receiver, who Chase Daniel relied on to make big catches. Percy Harvin of Florida is also a top receiver. In the BCS National Championship game, Harvin made catches when Florida needed them most. The only question mark concerning Harvin is whether he can stay healthy. Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina, Juaquin Iglesias of Oklahoma, and Darrius Heyward-Bey of Maryland could also have their names called early. This years wide receivers is considerably deeper than last seasons draft, and are better pro prospects than last seasons receivers.

Looking at the tight ends, Brandon Pettigrew of Oklahoma State is the top tight end in this years NFL draft, and could be taken in the late first round. Chase Coffman of Missouri, and Jared Cook of South Carolina are the other tight ends that could see their names called on the first day, or early on the second day.

The offensive line players for this years draft is also pretty deep. Offensive tackles are one of the main commodites in this seasons draft, and a few of them could go very high in the first round. Andre Smith of Alabama could be picked by Detroit, but is unlikely, considering the Lions badly need a quarterback. Eugene Monroe of Virginia and Michael Oher of Ole Miss also could be picked in the top five, or top ten of the 2009 NFL draft. Jason Smith of Baylor could also rise up draft boards for teams in the 2009 NFL draft. Expect a lot of offensive line players to be selected in the first three rounds of the 2009 NFL draft.

In the next few months, the NFL draft will get talked about a lot, and as NFL fans, you won’t want to miss a beat.

Sam and Andrew’s Conference Championships Pick’em

Ed Reed and Ray Lewis

Andrew’s Picks: Arizona and Baltimore
Sam’s Picks: Arizona and Baltimore

Last Week:
Andrew:2-2
Sam:1-4

Sam and Andrew’s Divisional Playoff Pick’em

Brian Westbrook runs vs the Giants

Andrew’s Picks: Ravens, Steelers, Panthers, and Giants.

Sam’s Picks: Titans, Steelers, Panthers, Giants

Last week: Andrew: 1-3

Sam: 4-1

Andrew won the regular season pick’em!