So yesterday I lost my first final 4 team. Syracuse could not handle Oklahoma. Johnny Flynn got hurt and as he goes, so do the Orange. Its so unfortunate because he is such a great player and fun to watch. That Oklahoma-UNC matchup will be great though.
North Carolina and Louisville absolutely rolled, which was pretty expected. Nothing really to report there, other than those teams look really good.
Michigan State survived Kansas in a game that went exactly as I expected it to. The Spartans came up big when they needed to most. Louisville will be there final challenge on the way to the final four, and that challenge should be great.
As for today we have UConn vs Missouri and Pittsburgh vs. Vilanova
Missouri will give UConn its first real test of the tournament. they will not fear them, and I think they are soaring high in confidence after hitting the century mark against "the league's best defense." Missouri takes their place in the final 4.
If Pittsburgh wants to move on, they need to play the whole way through this time. Nothing like they have in the first three games. That will not get them past Villanova. I think they will step up. They know how good this team is, and they won't slack like they have so far. Pitt moves on.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thoughts on Day 1 of the Sweet 16, and Day 2 Picks!
Went 2-2 yesterday, and I was very frustrated by what I saw.
First off, Purdue has every possibility of beating UConn throughout the entire game. They just kept shooting themselves in the foot. Their defense was amazing, as was Hummel. But beyond that, they could not stop making stupid mistakes on offense. Missed free throws, missed layups, dumb turnovers. They went in their intimidated by UConn and it showed. They had so many opportunities to take the game over and couldn't capitalize. Missouri will have this problem.
Secondly, yeah, I had Duke beating Villanova. I didn't realize that they were going to go ice cold from the floor for a solid 40 minutes. They couldn't score and they switched into panic mode with about 15 minutes left in the second half, and when a team does that, its usually all over.
Pitt beat Xavier, although once again it was a struggle. They always keep it close, but never let it slip at the end. Thats how this team operates. Someone steps up and doesn't let them lose. Last night it was Fields. His three at the end of the game was so clutch. They may give their supporters a heart attack, but they do pull through. I expect more of the same against Nova.
Missouri beat Memphis. I had this from the time the brackets came out, with Missouri in the final 4. I don't see where Memphis got all their support from. They haven't played anyone all year and lost Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas Roberts. Not really a tough call in my estimation, but people had them winning it all. Nuts.
For tonight:
1 Louisville vs. 12 Arizona
I'm still waiting for this Arizona team to go away already. I think Louisville will make that happen.
2 Michigan State vs 3 Kansas
This Kansas team is hot right now and they do scare me quite a bit. I would not be surprised to see them win this game. To be honest, they scare me more than Louisville does. But I can't pick against my bracket at this point, so I will say Michigan State wins, but by very little.
1 North Carolina vs 4 Gonzaga
I don't think Gonzaga can hang with North Carolina. Especially with Lawson back. It could get ugly.
2 Oklahoma vs 3 Syracuse
I have Syracuse in my final 4 and nothing has been done to change that. They will force Oklahoma to knock down outside shots and I just don't think they can do it. Oklahoma goes home.
First off, Purdue has every possibility of beating UConn throughout the entire game. They just kept shooting themselves in the foot. Their defense was amazing, as was Hummel. But beyond that, they could not stop making stupid mistakes on offense. Missed free throws, missed layups, dumb turnovers. They went in their intimidated by UConn and it showed. They had so many opportunities to take the game over and couldn't capitalize. Missouri will have this problem.
Secondly, yeah, I had Duke beating Villanova. I didn't realize that they were going to go ice cold from the floor for a solid 40 minutes. They couldn't score and they switched into panic mode with about 15 minutes left in the second half, and when a team does that, its usually all over.
Pitt beat Xavier, although once again it was a struggle. They always keep it close, but never let it slip at the end. Thats how this team operates. Someone steps up and doesn't let them lose. Last night it was Fields. His three at the end of the game was so clutch. They may give their supporters a heart attack, but they do pull through. I expect more of the same against Nova.
Missouri beat Memphis. I had this from the time the brackets came out, with Missouri in the final 4. I don't see where Memphis got all their support from. They haven't played anyone all year and lost Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas Roberts. Not really a tough call in my estimation, but people had them winning it all. Nuts.
For tonight:
1 Louisville vs. 12 Arizona
I'm still waiting for this Arizona team to go away already. I think Louisville will make that happen.
2 Michigan State vs 3 Kansas
This Kansas team is hot right now and they do scare me quite a bit. I would not be surprised to see them win this game. To be honest, they scare me more than Louisville does. But I can't pick against my bracket at this point, so I will say Michigan State wins, but by very little.
1 North Carolina vs 4 Gonzaga
I don't think Gonzaga can hang with North Carolina. Especially with Lawson back. It could get ugly.
2 Oklahoma vs 3 Syracuse
I have Syracuse in my final 4 and nothing has been done to change that. They will force Oklahoma to knock down outside shots and I just don't think they can do it. Oklahoma goes home.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Box Office Predictions for the weekend
Monsters vs. Aliens will win the weekend easily, but I am going to go with a slightly cautious estimate of 51 million
The next three will be comprised of holdovers Knowing and I Love You, Man as well as newcomer The Haunting in Connecticut. Duplicity will round out the top 5. I think it will break down like this:
1. Monsters vs. Aliens 51 million
2. The Haunting in Connecticut 14.5 million
3. Knowing 14.1 million
4. I Love You, Man 13.7 million
5. Duplicity 9 million
I should be seeing both Haunting in Connecticut and Monsters vs. Aliens, so I will have reviews up for each.
The next three will be comprised of holdovers Knowing and I Love You, Man as well as newcomer The Haunting in Connecticut. Duplicity will round out the top 5. I think it will break down like this:
1. Monsters vs. Aliens 51 million
2. The Haunting in Connecticut 14.5 million
3. Knowing 14.1 million
4. I Love You, Man 13.7 million
5. Duplicity 9 million
I should be seeing both Haunting in Connecticut and Monsters vs. Aliens, so I will have reviews up for each.
Sweet 16, Here We Go!
So excited for the slate of games tonight! Every game should be close, and honestly, all four of them could go either way.
1 UConn vs. 5 Purdue
I have Purdue on my bracket, but I think they will have a tough time. I am hoping this huge recruiting scandal will play with UConn's heads a little bit. I have to stay with my pick, because I'm not one to flip-flop from my bracket, even though UConn has looked very impressive. This will be their first real test. I hope they will fail.
1 Pittsburgh vs. 4 Xavier
I don't think Xavier matches up well with Pittsburgh. I think they have no answer for Levance Fields and no way to stop Dejuan Blair. If any game is going to be decided by more than 10 points (which I don't think will happen, just saying this one has the best chance), I would pick this one. Xavier's run ends here.
2 Memphis vs. 3 Missouri
This will be the game of the night, if not the whole tournament. Two teams with powerful press defenses square off in what will certainly be a physical fight. I like Missouri, and have from the start. I think they will be too much for Evans to handle and will be riding high off an emotional win over Marquette. Memphis has not faced a team of this caliber all season, and I can't see them rising up and taking down Missouri.
2 Duke vs. 3 Villanova
Another phenomenal game. Its unfortunate we won't be able to see both. I have Duke winning here, where it seems most people expect Villanova to pull the upset. Coach K gets the Blue Devils one more round. Duke is the more talented team and they have been on fire lately. Villanova will not be as lucky as they were when they were playing with their home crowd behind them. Duke wins a close one.
1 UConn vs. 5 Purdue
I have Purdue on my bracket, but I think they will have a tough time. I am hoping this huge recruiting scandal will play with UConn's heads a little bit. I have to stay with my pick, because I'm not one to flip-flop from my bracket, even though UConn has looked very impressive. This will be their first real test. I hope they will fail.
1 Pittsburgh vs. 4 Xavier
I don't think Xavier matches up well with Pittsburgh. I think they have no answer for Levance Fields and no way to stop Dejuan Blair. If any game is going to be decided by more than 10 points (which I don't think will happen, just saying this one has the best chance), I would pick this one. Xavier's run ends here.
2 Memphis vs. 3 Missouri
This will be the game of the night, if not the whole tournament. Two teams with powerful press defenses square off in what will certainly be a physical fight. I like Missouri, and have from the start. I think they will be too much for Evans to handle and will be riding high off an emotional win over Marquette. Memphis has not faced a team of this caliber all season, and I can't see them rising up and taking down Missouri.
2 Duke vs. 3 Villanova
Another phenomenal game. Its unfortunate we won't be able to see both. I have Duke winning here, where it seems most people expect Villanova to pull the upset. Coach K gets the Blue Devils one more round. Duke is the more talented team and they have been on fire lately. Villanova will not be as lucky as they were when they were playing with their home crowd behind them. Duke wins a close one.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Film Review: Strangers on a Train
One of Hitchcock's better known and better received films, Strangers on a Train was nearly perfect, until the ending. The film, like almost every Hitchcock film, is a masterful example of how to play with the audience's emotions. I didn't know who to root for the entire way through, a skill that is purely Hitchcock's.
The film centers around two men who meet on a train (as you could tell from the title). One of the men is a famous tennis player, while the other is a strange man who lives with his parents and has psychoticideas about murder. When he devises a plan that the two will "swap murders," the men become entangled in a battle of wits and threats, when Bruno, the psychotic man, carries out the murder of Guy, the tennis player's, wife.
Robert Walker is brilliant in his role as the villain, Bruno. He is completely convincing as a pschopath who really doesn't have any sort of remorse or ill feelings about murder. Its as if it is all a game to him. He would have killed his own father (who he tries to get Guy to kill) if he had thought he would have gotrten away with it. A purely evil villain.
Farleigh Granger plays Guy, another perfect performance. I had previously seen him in Hitchcock's film "Rope" (which was even better). In this film, he plays almost the exact antithesis of his character in Rope. He never condones the murder of his wife. It is very convenient for him, as he has wanted a divorce because she is carrying another man's child, he even goes so far as to say he would like to strangle her, but he never would actually carry it out. However, he is never actually mad that Bruno killed her, just that he was implicated in the whole ordeal. Thus begins the moral ambiguity.
The suspense of this struggle between Bruno and Guy is pulled off in only a way that Hitchcock can do. Culminating in a sequence that plays out during one of Guy's tennis matches, while at the same time Bruno plans to frame him for the murder. This sequence is absolutely brilliant. It has you on the edge of your seat as delay after delay keep you guessing at the films conclusion.
But then the film lost me. Throughout the film, it remains captivating in its storytelling. The plot remains a very real possibility. The moral struggle comes because of the thought that this could very well actually happen. The final scene seemed to take all of that realism and throw it out the window, sending the film spinning (quite literally) out of control into an overly stylized and overly dramatic end. I think the film would have ended much better had hitchcock chosen to end the film differently, but I am not going to tell a master how to perform his craft.
Overall, an 8/10. Could have very well been a 10 if it weren't for the ending. Next week I will be reviewing Rear Window. Until then, I'm outta here.
The film centers around two men who meet on a train (as you could tell from the title). One of the men is a famous tennis player, while the other is a strange man who lives with his parents and has psychoticideas about murder. When he devises a plan that the two will "swap murders," the men become entangled in a battle of wits and threats, when Bruno, the psychotic man, carries out the murder of Guy, the tennis player's, wife.
Robert Walker is brilliant in his role as the villain, Bruno. He is completely convincing as a pschopath who really doesn't have any sort of remorse or ill feelings about murder. Its as if it is all a game to him. He would have killed his own father (who he tries to get Guy to kill) if he had thought he would have gotrten away with it. A purely evil villain.
Farleigh Granger plays Guy, another perfect performance. I had previously seen him in Hitchcock's film "Rope" (which was even better). In this film, he plays almost the exact antithesis of his character in Rope. He never condones the murder of his wife. It is very convenient for him, as he has wanted a divorce because she is carrying another man's child, he even goes so far as to say he would like to strangle her, but he never would actually carry it out. However, he is never actually mad that Bruno killed her, just that he was implicated in the whole ordeal. Thus begins the moral ambiguity.
The suspense of this struggle between Bruno and Guy is pulled off in only a way that Hitchcock can do. Culminating in a sequence that plays out during one of Guy's tennis matches, while at the same time Bruno plans to frame him for the murder. This sequence is absolutely brilliant. It has you on the edge of your seat as delay after delay keep you guessing at the films conclusion.
But then the film lost me. Throughout the film, it remains captivating in its storytelling. The plot remains a very real possibility. The moral struggle comes because of the thought that this could very well actually happen. The final scene seemed to take all of that realism and throw it out the window, sending the film spinning (quite literally) out of control into an overly stylized and overly dramatic end. I think the film would have ended much better had hitchcock chosen to end the film differently, but I am not going to tell a master how to perform his craft.
Overall, an 8/10. Could have very well been a 10 if it weren't for the ending. Next week I will be reviewing Rear Window. Until then, I'm outta here.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Now this is what this tournament needed!
Today was by far the best day of the tournament. So many great games! Thrilling, exhilarating, down to the wire, I hope the Sweet 16 brings more like this.
As I mentioned in my comment to my biggest reader and supporter on the last post, I hit on every remaining of my Sweet 16 picks, making me 13 of 16, just like I said I needed to do. I had quite a few scares along the way though.
Syracuse handled Arizona State in a game that was never really in doubt. Wisconsin came up short against Xavier, who really impressed me. Maybe it was just wishful thinking on my part for Wisconsin. Kansas easily handled Dayton, as I thought they would. too bad for the Flyers. Arizona, who didn't even belong in the tournament in the first place, moved into the Sweet 16 over Cinderella Cleveland State. Louisville held off quite an effort from Sienna.
The Pittsburgh game provided me with quite a few scares throughout. Oklahoma was just knocking down every shot they took. However, they went cold in the second half and despite their best efforts, Pitt proved too good in the clutch. They just have so many weapons. I love this team.
Marquette and Missouri was a heart-stopping battle. I was very impressed by how well Marquette was able to storm back after being down so big. In the end though, the better team won. Missouri will have their hands full with Memphis, but I think they can pull it off.
And finally, Michigan state won yet another amazing game with USC. This one had me sweating bullets. Michigan State is not a team that is going to dominate people. They win with tough defense and strong rebounding. They win ugly. They give their fans a heart attack every time, but they keep winning. I hope it continues.
Finally my bracket looks decent. Next round separates bracket pool contenders. Here's hoping my picks will still look alright when we hit the Elite 8. Until next time, keep the comments coming. Thanks for taking the time to read.
As I mentioned in my comment to my biggest reader and supporter on the last post, I hit on every remaining of my Sweet 16 picks, making me 13 of 16, just like I said I needed to do. I had quite a few scares along the way though.
Syracuse handled Arizona State in a game that was never really in doubt. Wisconsin came up short against Xavier, who really impressed me. Maybe it was just wishful thinking on my part for Wisconsin. Kansas easily handled Dayton, as I thought they would. too bad for the Flyers. Arizona, who didn't even belong in the tournament in the first place, moved into the Sweet 16 over Cinderella Cleveland State. Louisville held off quite an effort from Sienna.
The Pittsburgh game provided me with quite a few scares throughout. Oklahoma was just knocking down every shot they took. However, they went cold in the second half and despite their best efforts, Pitt proved too good in the clutch. They just have so many weapons. I love this team.
Marquette and Missouri was a heart-stopping battle. I was very impressed by how well Marquette was able to storm back after being down so big. In the end though, the better team won. Missouri will have their hands full with Memphis, but I think they can pull it off.
And finally, Michigan state won yet another amazing game with USC. This one had me sweating bullets. Michigan State is not a team that is going to dominate people. They win with tough defense and strong rebounding. They win ugly. They give their fans a heart attack every time, but they keep winning. I hope it continues.
Finally my bracket looks decent. Next round separates bracket pool contenders. Here's hoping my picks will still look alright when we hit the Elite 8. Until next time, keep the comments coming. Thanks for taking the time to read.
My thoughts on Day 3
Well I went a perfect 8-0 on the day, so my bracket is beginning to look up. UConn, Memphis and Villanova roled. I thought Maryland had a shot but Memphis just dominated them.
Purdue had a scare but pulled out the win over Washington. Now they just need to take down UConn for me. Duke beat a game Texas team, but wasn't really challenged. Gonzaga won a thriller over WKU, and should get smoked by a UNC team that has Lawson looking pretty healthy. Oklahoma took care of Michigan after Michigan put up a fight for most of the game.
Glad to have a much better day, I hope it continues today. Here are my picks:
Syracuse vs. Arizona State
I can't pick against my final 4 team. Syracuse wins easy.
Xavier vs. Wisconsin
I like Wisconsin here. I think they will be riding high off their win over Florida State and will keep it going.
Pittsburgh vs. Oklahoma St.
I sure hope Pitt's close call woke them up. If not, they may be going home early. Gotta pick them though.
Louisville vs. Siena
It would be awesome if Siena pulled off this upset, but I don't see it happening any time soon.
Arizona vs. Cleveland State
I didn't have either of these teams, but I like Cleveland State. I almost picked them over Wake, now I am completely sold.
Dayton vs. Kansas
I am hoping for Dayton, but my head tells me to pick Kansas.
Michigan State vs. USC
My Spartans keep it going and move into the Sweet 16.
Missouri vs. Marquette
Even the return of Dominic James can not get Marquette past Missouri in this one. The Tigers grind it out.
Purdue had a scare but pulled out the win over Washington. Now they just need to take down UConn for me. Duke beat a game Texas team, but wasn't really challenged. Gonzaga won a thriller over WKU, and should get smoked by a UNC team that has Lawson looking pretty healthy. Oklahoma took care of Michigan after Michigan put up a fight for most of the game.
Glad to have a much better day, I hope it continues today. Here are my picks:
Syracuse vs. Arizona State
I can't pick against my final 4 team. Syracuse wins easy.
Xavier vs. Wisconsin
I like Wisconsin here. I think they will be riding high off their win over Florida State and will keep it going.
Pittsburgh vs. Oklahoma St.
I sure hope Pitt's close call woke them up. If not, they may be going home early. Gotta pick them though.
Louisville vs. Siena
It would be awesome if Siena pulled off this upset, but I don't see it happening any time soon.
Arizona vs. Cleveland State
I didn't have either of these teams, but I like Cleveland State. I almost picked them over Wake, now I am completely sold.
Dayton vs. Kansas
I am hoping for Dayton, but my head tells me to pick Kansas.
Michigan State vs. USC
My Spartans keep it going and move into the Sweet 16.
Missouri vs. Marquette
Even the return of Dominic James can not get Marquette past Missouri in this one. The Tigers grind it out.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Round 2- Day 1: The Picks
UCLA vs. Villanova
In a matchup of two over-achieving teams, I will stick with Villanova. They are practically playing on their home court and UCLA should have lost to VCU.
Maryland vs. Memphis
This should be a terrific game. I have Memphis going on, but I would not be surprised to see Maryland pull off the upset. For my bracket's sake I'll take Memphis.
Texas A&M vs. UConn
UConn should handle this one easily
Purdue vs. Washington
I am sticking with Purdue here.
LSU vs UNC
LSU really impressed me against Butler, but UNC is not Butler. I don't think they have what it takes. North Carolina rolls on.
Michigan vs. Oklahoma
I would love to pick Michigan, but I can't. Oklahoma is too strong.
Western Kentucky vs. Gonzaga
The one real upset I got right. The cinderella story ends here. Gonzaga moves on. Should be fun to watch.
Texas vs. Duke
Duke looks very strong and that should continue against Texas. Duke wins easy.
In a matchup of two over-achieving teams, I will stick with Villanova. They are practically playing on their home court and UCLA should have lost to VCU.
Maryland vs. Memphis
This should be a terrific game. I have Memphis going on, but I would not be surprised to see Maryland pull off the upset. For my bracket's sake I'll take Memphis.
Texas A&M vs. UConn
UConn should handle this one easily
Purdue vs. Washington
I am sticking with Purdue here.
LSU vs UNC
LSU really impressed me against Butler, but UNC is not Butler. I don't think they have what it takes. North Carolina rolls on.
Michigan vs. Oklahoma
I would love to pick Michigan, but I can't. Oklahoma is too strong.
Western Kentucky vs. Gonzaga
The one real upset I got right. The cinderella story ends here. Gonzaga moves on. Should be fun to watch.
Texas vs. Duke
Duke looks very strong and that should continue against Texas. Duke wins easy.
My thoughts on Day 2
Wow. Looks like I picked the wrong day to pick upsets. They all came in day two. Wisconsin, Dayton and Cleveland State knocked out three of my sweet 16 teams. I liked that Cleveland State team, the only reason I didn't pick them is because Wake has so much potential and I had too many upsets already. Yesterday was a pretty big hit to my bracket. I'll have to take solace in the fact that I have all my elite 8 teams still alive.
My champion pick Pittsburgh had a really hard time against E. Tennessee State. That's the scary thing about this Pitt team. They have so much talent, but they often don't take teams seriously. I think that is what happened here. I really hope this is a wake up call to them. If they do get bounced early, I'm thinking their may be a call for the coach's head.
My Michigan state Spartans started a little sluggish but eventually picked it up to take down Robert Morris. I'm not worried about them. I think they should easily coast into the Elite 8 for a tough match with Louisville.
Marquette knocked out my underdog Utah State team by one. That was a heart breaker, as was VCU on day 1. I really thought Marquette would struggle and they did, but they squeaked it out. Missouri should dominate them in round 2.
The game that was really frustrating for me was Dayton vs. West Virginia. I picked 3 out of the 4 number 11 seeds. The only one that won was the one I didn't pick. This sort of thing happens to me every year. Its like I am a curse. Not only that, I am usually biased for the Atlantic 10 teams (like how I picked Temple) and I didn't pick Dayton. It was also my first Sweet 16 team to go down with West Virginia. That was a miserable game.
Oh well. My first round was not how I wished. I hope it gets better, and fast. 20-12 is a bad start. I need to hit every one of my sweet 16's remaining to have a chance to win my pools.
My champion pick Pittsburgh had a really hard time against E. Tennessee State. That's the scary thing about this Pitt team. They have so much talent, but they often don't take teams seriously. I think that is what happened here. I really hope this is a wake up call to them. If they do get bounced early, I'm thinking their may be a call for the coach's head.
My Michigan state Spartans started a little sluggish but eventually picked it up to take down Robert Morris. I'm not worried about them. I think they should easily coast into the Elite 8 for a tough match with Louisville.
Marquette knocked out my underdog Utah State team by one. That was a heart breaker, as was VCU on day 1. I really thought Marquette would struggle and they did, but they squeaked it out. Missouri should dominate them in round 2.
The game that was really frustrating for me was Dayton vs. West Virginia. I picked 3 out of the 4 number 11 seeds. The only one that won was the one I didn't pick. This sort of thing happens to me every year. Its like I am a curse. Not only that, I am usually biased for the Atlantic 10 teams (like how I picked Temple) and I didn't pick Dayton. It was also my first Sweet 16 team to go down with West Virginia. That was a miserable game.
Oh well. My first round was not how I wished. I hope it gets better, and fast. 20-12 is a bad start. I need to hit every one of my sweet 16's remaining to have a chance to win my pools.
Friday, March 20, 2009
My Picks For Day 2
Syracuse, Temple, Florida State, Xavier, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma State, Louisville, Ohio state, Utah, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Kansas, USC, Michigan State, Utah State and Missouri.
Not so many upsets today. Hopefully Temple and Utah State can come through for me. Good luck everyone!
Not so many upsets today. Hopefully Temple and Utah State can come through for me. Good luck everyone!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
My thoughts on day one of the tournament
First, I'll tell you I went 11 for 16 on day one. Not too great, but not terrible. I was a point away on Virginia Commonwealth and Butler came close. I picked a lot of upsets and I knew they wouldn't all come through. I did have Western Kentucky as my 12 over 5 seed pick and two of my 10 seeds came through, Maryland and Michigan. Minnesota didn't have it, but oh well. All of my Sweet 16 picks remain in tact and that is what really matters when it comes to having a good bracket. Round one is the most fun, but it bears very little on the results.
As for my thoughts on the games themselves, they were generally uneventful. UConn, Duke, UNC and Oklahoma all cruised as they should. Butler vs. LSU was a good game, except it was painful to watch Butler just shoot themselves in the foot over and over again. They could have easily won. Virginia Commonwealth lost an absolute heartbreaker when Maynor missed that last shot. I really wanted that one, they came so close! I should know better than to pick the upset that everyone in the country is calling.
Memphis had themselves a nice little scare. I am telling you this team just isn't as good as people give them credit for. Last year they were underrated, now they are overrated. Great defensively, but really they have been shutting down teams all year that anyone can shut down. How great are they? We don't really know. I think Maryland will really test them on Saturday.
Mississippi State really let me down. I thought they had all the momentum and they came out entirely flat. Proved they didn't belong. Silly me for thinking that the champions of a weak SEC could do anything.
I only have 3 real upset picks tomorrow; USC, Temple and Utah State. I hope to get at least 13 tomorrow and go 24 of 32 for the opening round. I think that would be pretty solid. My girlfriend actually got 15 of 16 in a bracket she filled out in 5 minutes. She only missed Western Kentucky. Lots of chalk today. Overall not that exciting, but the VCU/UCLA game was a great way to end it.
Now I just have to rant on something that always bugs me. How come when 5:00 roles around and there is still a game on, CBS, who has the rights to every game, puts on Oprah. Is Oprah really more important than the NCAA tournament? You can't give her a couple of days off? They do this every year. I can't stand it. I could be watching that game! Ok, that's my rant. Feel free to comment and share your Oprah frustrations with me.
Good luck tomorrow, and if anyone still has a perfect bracket, congrats!
As for my thoughts on the games themselves, they were generally uneventful. UConn, Duke, UNC and Oklahoma all cruised as they should. Butler vs. LSU was a good game, except it was painful to watch Butler just shoot themselves in the foot over and over again. They could have easily won. Virginia Commonwealth lost an absolute heartbreaker when Maynor missed that last shot. I really wanted that one, they came so close! I should know better than to pick the upset that everyone in the country is calling.
Memphis had themselves a nice little scare. I am telling you this team just isn't as good as people give them credit for. Last year they were underrated, now they are overrated. Great defensively, but really they have been shutting down teams all year that anyone can shut down. How great are they? We don't really know. I think Maryland will really test them on Saturday.
Mississippi State really let me down. I thought they had all the momentum and they came out entirely flat. Proved they didn't belong. Silly me for thinking that the champions of a weak SEC could do anything.
I only have 3 real upset picks tomorrow; USC, Temple and Utah State. I hope to get at least 13 tomorrow and go 24 of 32 for the opening round. I think that would be pretty solid. My girlfriend actually got 15 of 16 in a bracket she filled out in 5 minutes. She only missed Western Kentucky. Lots of chalk today. Overall not that exciting, but the VCU/UCLA game was a great way to end it.
Now I just have to rant on something that always bugs me. How come when 5:00 roles around and there is still a game on, CBS, who has the rights to every game, puts on Oprah. Is Oprah really more important than the NCAA tournament? You can't give her a couple of days off? They do this every year. I can't stand it. I could be watching that game! Ok, that's my rant. Feel free to comment and share your Oprah frustrations with me.
Good luck tomorrow, and if anyone still has a perfect bracket, congrats!
This Weekend's Box Office Predictions
Here's how I think the weekend will play out:
1. I Love You, Man 21.4 million
2. Knowing, 19.2 million
3. Race to Witch Mountain, 15.7 million
4. Duplicity, 13.8 million
5. Watchmen, 8.4 million
Probably would check out I Love You, Man myself, If I weren't too busy watching the tournament all weekend. I might get there eventually. I think it looks pretty good and has a terrific cast. Feel free to comment on what you'll be seeing this weekend!
1. I Love You, Man 21.4 million
2. Knowing, 19.2 million
3. Race to Witch Mountain, 15.7 million
4. Duplicity, 13.8 million
5. Watchmen, 8.4 million
Probably would check out I Love You, Man myself, If I weren't too busy watching the tournament all weekend. I might get there eventually. I think it looks pretty good and has a terrific cast. Feel free to comment on what you'll be seeing this weekend!
Today's Tournament Picks
Butler, Memphis, BYU, Purdue, North Carolina, Maryland, UConn, Mississippi State, Michigan, Minnesota, Villanova, Gonzaga, Duke, Oklahoma, Virginia Commonwealth and Western Kentucky.
I'll fill you in on how many I get right. Good luck with your picks everyone.
I'll fill you in on how many I get right. Good luck with your picks everyone.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Geezer's Fantasy Baseball Draft Prep Special
Here's another reason why this is the best time of year in sports: Fantasy Baseball is about to kick off. Baseball season is just a couple weeks away and if you haven't drafted yet, you will be soon. Here are five tips that I like to follow when I'm drafting my teams:
1. Its all about value. Knowing Average Draft Positions is the key factor in any draft. Reaching on players you could get three rounds later could kill you. Just because you love a guy does not mean you should reach for him. The best strategy you can have is to target players for each round and try and make sure you will get one. Value Value Value.
2. The old rule of don't pay for saves. I won't go to in depth on this because you probably are sick of hearing it, but there is no need to waste a high draft pick on a guy who throws a maximum of 4 innings per week. Especially in a head to head league.
3. Focus on guys that will help you in multiple categories. I love guys that will help you across the board in all five categories. If they have an awful batting average I just won't touch them (I'm looking at you Ryan Howard and Adam Dunn). Look to capitalize on as many stats as you can, rather than stat specialists.
4. Balance. You have to balance out your offense and starting pitching. I usually like to have at least one top tier ace on my staff. If I don't manage to get one I will absolutely get two from the second tier. I know a lot of experts will tell you to wait on pitching and get your offense early, and while that is a valid strategy, I like to have some pitching that I know I can count on, like the Lincecums, Santanas and Roy Halladays of the world.
5. Don't weigh too heavily on position scarcity, but don't forget it all together. There should be a cutoff point where you say "I won't be starting a player at this position worse than ____" Who fills in that blank is up to you but this is the only place where I would advocate a slight reach. If you know you are approaching that threshold, make sure you get someone you like. You don't want to look at your team after you draft and say "Wow, how did I end up with Mark Reynolds as my starting third baseman?"
There you have it. And as an additional bonus, here are my top 100 players on my big board this season:
1. Its all about value. Knowing Average Draft Positions is the key factor in any draft. Reaching on players you could get three rounds later could kill you. Just because you love a guy does not mean you should reach for him. The best strategy you can have is to target players for each round and try and make sure you will get one. Value Value Value.
2. The old rule of don't pay for saves. I won't go to in depth on this because you probably are sick of hearing it, but there is no need to waste a high draft pick on a guy who throws a maximum of 4 innings per week. Especially in a head to head league.
3. Focus on guys that will help you in multiple categories. I love guys that will help you across the board in all five categories. If they have an awful batting average I just won't touch them (I'm looking at you Ryan Howard and Adam Dunn). Look to capitalize on as many stats as you can, rather than stat specialists.
4. Balance. You have to balance out your offense and starting pitching. I usually like to have at least one top tier ace on my staff. If I don't manage to get one I will absolutely get two from the second tier. I know a lot of experts will tell you to wait on pitching and get your offense early, and while that is a valid strategy, I like to have some pitching that I know I can count on, like the Lincecums, Santanas and Roy Halladays of the world.
5. Don't weigh too heavily on position scarcity, but don't forget it all together. There should be a cutoff point where you say "I won't be starting a player at this position worse than ____" Who fills in that blank is up to you but this is the only place where I would advocate a slight reach. If you know you are approaching that threshold, make sure you get someone you like. You don't want to look at your team after you draft and say "Wow, how did I end up with Mark Reynolds as my starting third baseman?"
There you have it. And as an additional bonus, here are my top 100 players on my big board this season:
- 1. Hanley Ramírez
- 2. Albert Pujols
- 3. David Wright
- 4. Miguel Cabrera
- 5. José Reyes
- 6. Ryan Braun
- 7. Josh Hamilton
- 8. Grady Sizemore
- 9. Evan Longoria
- 10. Tim Lincecum
- 11. Johan Santana
- 12. Ryan Howard
- 13. Ian Kinsler
- 14. Mark Teixeira
- 15. Carlos Beltrán
- 16. Lance Berkman
- 17. Jason Bay
- 18. Manny Ramírez
- 19. Chase Utley
- 20. Jimmy Rollins
- 21. Dustin Pedroia
- 22. Matt Holliday
- 23. Carlos Quentin
- 24. Carlos Lee
- 25. Nick Markakis
- 26. B.J. Upton
- 27. Alfonso Soriano
- 28. Brandon Phillips
- 29. Prince Fielder
- 30. CC Sabathia
- 31. Brian Roberts
- 32. Kevin Youkilis
- 33. Aramis Ramírez
- 34. Ichiro Suzuki
- 35. Roy Halladay
- 36. Brandon Webb
- 37. Adrián González
- 38. Justin Morneau
- 39. Jake Peavy
- 40. Brian McCann
- 41. Cole Hamels
- 42. Alexei Ramírez
- 43. Matt Kemp
- 44. Álex Ríos
- 45. Russell Martin
- 46. Josh Beckett
- 47. Nate McLouth
- 48. Geovany Soto
- 49. Joe Mauer
- 50. Carl Crawford
- 51. Chris Davis
- 52. Stephen Drew
- 53. Chad Billingsley
- 54. Magglio Ordóñez
- 55. Shane Victorino
- 56. Curtis Granderson
- 57. Jacoby Ellsbury
- 58. Dan Haren
- 59. Ryan Ludwick
- 60. Corey Hart
- 61. Hunter Pence
- 62. Garrett Atkins
- 63. Chipper Jones
- 64. Dan Uggla
- 65. Víctor Martínez
- 66. Adam Dunn
- 67. Jay Bruce
- 68. Rafael Furcal
- 69. Joey Votto
- 70. Aubrey Huff
- 71. Jermaine Dye
- 72. Francisco Liriano
- 73. John Lackey
- 74. Cliff Lee
- 75. James Shields
- 76. Derrek Lee
- 77. Ryan Doumit
- 78. Félix Hernández
- 79. Raúl Ibañez
- 80. Jhonny Peralta
- 81. J.J. Hardy
- 82. Troy Tulowitzki
- 83. Jon Lester
- 84. Daisuke Matsuzaka
- 85. Ervin Santana
- 86. Derek Jeter
- 87. Michael Young
- 88. Bobby Abreu
- 89. Vernon Wells
- 90. Ryan Zimmerman
- 91. Chone Figgins
- 92. Edinson Vólquez
- 93. Roy Oswalt
- 94. Yovani Gallardo
- 95. Joba Chamberlain
- 96. Carlos Peña
- 97. Scott Kazmir
- 98. Rich Harden
- 99. Lastings Milledge
- 100. A.J. Burnett
- Vladimir Guerrero
- David Ortiz
- Mariano Rivera
- Francisco Rodríguez
- Joe Nathan
- Brad Lidge
- Joakim Soria
- Chris Young
- Miguel Tejada
- Ben Sheets
- Khalil Greene
- Elijah Dukes
- Rickie Weeks
- Adam Lind
- Delmon Young
- Jered Weaver
- Edwin Encarnación
- Carlos Mármol
- B.J. Ryan
- Justin Verlander
- Álex Rodríguez
- Jonathan Broxton
- Jonathan Papelbon
- Bobby Jenks
- José Valverde
- Frank Francisco
- Fernando Rodney
- Trevor Hoffman
- Jorge Posada
Here we go: The best weekend of the year
Tomorrow kicks off the best sporting event of the year: The NCAA basketball tournament. My love for this event runs deep. I've been filling out brackets since I was seven years old. The first weekend is hands down the greatest weekend in sports all year. You don't get this kind of drama and excitement from any other event. No other playoff system matches the brilliance that is March Madness. I love this game.
As far as this year's tournament is concerned, it is going to be a wild one. No one team has separated themselves at the top. We will not see what we saw last year, with the four number one seeds making the Final Four. That I can guarantee. Every team has fatal flaws. They all seem to have mailed in games at some point in the season. Really, I think any one of 8 teams can win it this season. I think the teams that have a legitimate shot are Louisville, Michigan State, Missouri, Memphis, Pittsburgh, Duke, North Carolina and Syracuse. I know I know, I'm not going out on a limb there, but hey, I only have one of the number one seeds in the Final 4, more on that later.
Back to this weekend. I expect this first round to have the most upsets of any in recent memory. There are so many potential sleepers in this field. Not only that, but I feel that the field has tightened around the middle quite a bit. The 11 seeds are not that far away from the 6 seeds. The mediocrity of talent in this year's field will absolutely make for an exciting first round. As far as my personal upset picks, I've got 9 seed Butler, all four 10 seeds USC, Maryland, Michigan and Minnesota, 11 seeds Utah State, Temple and Virginia Commonwealth, 12 seed Western Kentucky and 13 seed Mississippi State knocking off 4 seed Washington.
Now I am not one that would usually put that many underdogs through to the second round, but this year, I feel like I may even be underestimating teams. There are even more that I'd like to put through but couldn't do it. I do feel like these teams will have a very difficult time making it beyond round two, but if you are looking for upset potential, take a good look at those teams.
Now on to Geezer's picks for the Final 4. Coming out of the Midwest Region:
The Michigan State Spartans. Now, as I mentioned in the first post, I'm a big fan of the Spartans. I always have been. I really try not to let this influence me when filling out my brackets, but I really think this team has what it takes. I don't think they have a difficult road to the Final 4. I think that Louisville is an over-rated number one seed. They didn't have to play the big dogs of the Big East in the Big East tournament and I think they will get exposed against a finally healthy Michigan State team. I think Izzo can put this together and send the Spartans back to the final 4.
From the West Region:
The Missouri Tigers. I think Missouri can get through, knocking off Purdue in the Elite 8. They are going to be the first real challenge Memphis sees this season and I just don't think Coach Cal's team will be ready this season. I loved them last year, but losing Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts will really hurt them against an aggressive Missouri defense. UConn has had a really difficult time scoring the ball recently and I just think Purdue is really hot right now and they will carry their momentum to knocking out UConn as the first number 1 seed to fall. Missouri smothers Purdue and heads to the Final 4.
From the East Region:
The Pittsburgh Panthers. I just think this is the most talented team in the field. I have been riding them all year. I can not give up on my horse now. I love the combination of Levance Fields and Dejuan Blair. If Blair stays out of foul trouble, this team is unstoppable. I see them winning a close dogfight with a really hot Duke team to make the final 4.
From the South Region:
The Syracuse Orange. I just can't put North Carolina into the final 4. There are too many question marks with Ty Lawson's toe. I think that 6 OT win against UConn will do wonders for this team. They will be rested and carrying that momentum. They will knock off North Carolina and face fellow Big East powerhouse Pittsburgh in the final 4.
My finals prediction:
Pittsburgh over Michigan State. I'm taking the team I've backed all year over team near and dear to my heart. There is no way that I can be all that confident in any selection I make, because like I mentioned earlier, there is no one team that stands out. Pittsburgh can be dominant but they have also laid their share of eggs. I am hoping that they can put it all together and prove me right. I had a perfect final 4 last season, hopefully I can pull that off again. Memphis disappointed me in the finals. I'm hoping Pitt doesn't do the same. Of course, if they do, it will be perfectly fine by me if they are losing to my Spartans.
And that's my analysis of this year's field. I'll be covering the whole tournament as it plays out. It is sure to be fun. If anyone wants a look at my complete bracket, email me or leave me a comment and I will definitely share it with you. Until then, I'm out.
As far as this year's tournament is concerned, it is going to be a wild one. No one team has separated themselves at the top. We will not see what we saw last year, with the four number one seeds making the Final Four. That I can guarantee. Every team has fatal flaws. They all seem to have mailed in games at some point in the season. Really, I think any one of 8 teams can win it this season. I think the teams that have a legitimate shot are Louisville, Michigan State, Missouri, Memphis, Pittsburgh, Duke, North Carolina and Syracuse. I know I know, I'm not going out on a limb there, but hey, I only have one of the number one seeds in the Final 4, more on that later.
Back to this weekend. I expect this first round to have the most upsets of any in recent memory. There are so many potential sleepers in this field. Not only that, but I feel that the field has tightened around the middle quite a bit. The 11 seeds are not that far away from the 6 seeds. The mediocrity of talent in this year's field will absolutely make for an exciting first round. As far as my personal upset picks, I've got 9 seed Butler, all four 10 seeds USC, Maryland, Michigan and Minnesota, 11 seeds Utah State, Temple and Virginia Commonwealth, 12 seed Western Kentucky and 13 seed Mississippi State knocking off 4 seed Washington.
Now I am not one that would usually put that many underdogs through to the second round, but this year, I feel like I may even be underestimating teams. There are even more that I'd like to put through but couldn't do it. I do feel like these teams will have a very difficult time making it beyond round two, but if you are looking for upset potential, take a good look at those teams.
Now on to Geezer's picks for the Final 4. Coming out of the Midwest Region:
The Michigan State Spartans. Now, as I mentioned in the first post, I'm a big fan of the Spartans. I always have been. I really try not to let this influence me when filling out my brackets, but I really think this team has what it takes. I don't think they have a difficult road to the Final 4. I think that Louisville is an over-rated number one seed. They didn't have to play the big dogs of the Big East in the Big East tournament and I think they will get exposed against a finally healthy Michigan State team. I think Izzo can put this together and send the Spartans back to the final 4.
From the West Region:
The Missouri Tigers. I think Missouri can get through, knocking off Purdue in the Elite 8. They are going to be the first real challenge Memphis sees this season and I just don't think Coach Cal's team will be ready this season. I loved them last year, but losing Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts will really hurt them against an aggressive Missouri defense. UConn has had a really difficult time scoring the ball recently and I just think Purdue is really hot right now and they will carry their momentum to knocking out UConn as the first number 1 seed to fall. Missouri smothers Purdue and heads to the Final 4.
From the East Region:
The Pittsburgh Panthers. I just think this is the most talented team in the field. I have been riding them all year. I can not give up on my horse now. I love the combination of Levance Fields and Dejuan Blair. If Blair stays out of foul trouble, this team is unstoppable. I see them winning a close dogfight with a really hot Duke team to make the final 4.
From the South Region:
The Syracuse Orange. I just can't put North Carolina into the final 4. There are too many question marks with Ty Lawson's toe. I think that 6 OT win against UConn will do wonders for this team. They will be rested and carrying that momentum. They will knock off North Carolina and face fellow Big East powerhouse Pittsburgh in the final 4.
My finals prediction:
Pittsburgh over Michigan State. I'm taking the team I've backed all year over team near and dear to my heart. There is no way that I can be all that confident in any selection I make, because like I mentioned earlier, there is no one team that stands out. Pittsburgh can be dominant but they have also laid their share of eggs. I am hoping that they can put it all together and prove me right. I had a perfect final 4 last season, hopefully I can pull that off again. Memphis disappointed me in the finals. I'm hoping Pitt doesn't do the same. Of course, if they do, it will be perfectly fine by me if they are losing to my Spartans.
And that's my analysis of this year's field. I'll be covering the whole tournament as it plays out. It is sure to be fun. If anyone wants a look at my complete bracket, email me or leave me a comment and I will definitely share it with you. Until then, I'm out.
Welcome to the blog
Hey out there everyone. I'm sure if you are reading this then you know me in some way, shape or fashion. But for anyone who doesn't know me my name is Mark, go by geez or geezer (hence the name). I love all things sports, movies and entertainment. I'm a huge Red Sox, Celtics, Titans and Michigan State basketball fan (as I'm sure you will all come to realize). I'll try not to be too much of a homer in that area. The blog will cover all things that I find interesting or important or generally worth writing about in that area. I'll cover everything from college and professional sports, my favorite films, film reviews, box office predictions and results and anything else I basically feel like talking about or anything my readers ask me to talk about. Feel free to send me an email geezer9687@yahoo.com. I look forward to writing, so I you all enjoy the blog and will send me your questions and comments and I will always get back to you as soon as I possibly can. Comments are always welcome!
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