CCR #8 Power Rankings by Martyn

Hi all,
firstly don't ask me for power rankings on college basketball, To be honest I'am not a fan of Basketball, however I do catch a lot of news while I'am checking the NHL & NFL news & scores & read a number of blogs by hoops fans.

So,

NBA
1. Boston
2. LA Lakers
3. New Orleans
4. Utah
5. San Antonio

NHL
1. Philadelphia Flyers
2. Washington Capitals
3. Detroit Red Wings
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. San Jose Sharks

It looks like another great season of action, and a special mention to the St Louis Blues who are doing better than expected.

NFL
1. Colts
2. Patriots
3. Jets
4. Steelers
5. Falcons

Of course the Giants & Eagles will be looking to keep up their good starts and have great teams to compete as well as defending champions the NO Saints.

Hope y'all enjoyed reading.
Thanks

Power Rankings from The Ranter

My NBA Power Rankings

#1: Los Angeles Lakers

#2: New Orleans Hornets

#3: Boston Celtics

#4: Utah Jazz

#5: Dallas Mavericks

The Lakers are the second most talented league. The Celtics are number one. I maintain that Rajon Rondo is the best PG, and the fifth best player in the league. I told you the Jazz would be a darkhorse. ;)

My NFL Power Rankings

#1: Philadelphia Eagles

#2: New England Patriots

#3: Atlanta Falcons

#4: Pittsburgh Steelers

#5: New York Jets

The Eagles dismantled the Redskins tonight, after a great win against the Colts. Vick really is the best quarterback in the league, and Kolb the best backup.

My NHL Power Rankings

#1: Washington Capitals

#2: Detroit Red Wings

#3: Los Angeles Kings

#4: Philadelphia Flyers

#5: Montreal Canadiens

I have no clue...

My BCS Power Rankings

#1: Oregon

#2: Auburn

#3: TCU

#4: Boise State

#5: Stanford

I really want Auburn to lose a game this year. I want this to be the non-conference mid-major year, but I'm afraid Cam Newton will prevail and win out. :( Too bad.

CCR #8: Power Rankings by Fuji

Great Topic... I love checking out the Power Rankings for all of the different sports. And now... I get to publish my own. Here goes nothing...

My NBA Power Rankings

#1: Los Angeles Lakers (8-1)

#2: New Orleans Hornets (8-0)

#3: Boston Celtics (8-2)

#4: San Antonio Spurs (8-1)

#5: Utah Jazz (7-3)

Okay... so the Lakers lost to the Nuggets... and the Hornets have the best record in the NBA. However, I still think the Lakers are the best team in the league. If they lose to the Suns tonight, then they drop down to #2. Actually... I'm pretty happy with these selections... the only question mark for me was the Jazz... but damn... they beat the Heat, the Magic, the Hawks, and the Bobcats... all on the road. That's pretty impressive.

My NFL Power Rankings

#1: Atlanta Falcons (7-2)

#2: New York Jets (7-2)

#3: Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

#4: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2, but are losing to the Patriots 10-3 @ halftime)

#5: Green Bay Packers (6-3)

Okay... this week has been crazy... the Ravens lost... the Giants lost... the Jets barely beat the Browns... and the Bills finally win a game (against the Lions... lol).

So I'm not 100% sure I agree with my rankings... it's just how I feel at the moment. I do know that the Falcons should be #1... but after that it gets kind of crazy.

If the Steelers lose to the Patriots, then I take them out of the top 5... put the Packers @ #4... and move the Patriots into the #5 slot.

My NHL Power Rankings

#1: Washington Capitals (13-4-1)

#2: Los Angeles Kings (12-3)

#3: Detroit Redwings (11-3-1)

#4: Philadelphia Flyers (11-4-2)

#5: St. Louis Blues (9-3-3)

This race is tight... the top 4 teams are all 8-2 or better over the past 10 games... and St. Louis entered last week as the #1 team in a lot of people's power rankings... last night's loss to the Coyotes hurt them.

My BCS Power Rankings

#1: San Jose State University

#2: Stanford University

#3: University of California Berkeley

#4: University of Hawaii

#5: Santa Clara University

Okay... so, here's the deal. I don't follow college football. Is Stanford good this year? Yes. Does SJSU suck? Yes. That's about it. So, instead of cheating and looking up the actual BCS rankings and copying theres... I figured I'd rank my top 5 FAVORITE colleges.

This Saturday is going to be awesome... Cal plays Stanford in the Big Game... and SJSU plays UH... and well... Santa Clara... they don't do football.

So there you have it... my official power rankings.

Now show me yours.

CCR #8: Power Rankings!!!

Power Rankings are a sports nerd's dry hump. It not the real thing, but it's close enough. We can't determine champions yet, but at least we have "Who's Better?" So, panelists, rank your top 5 NBA, NFL, NHL, and BCS teams. Good luck, and as usual enjoy.

CCR #7: Greinke/Lee by sanjosefuji

First up... congratulations San Francisco Giants fans! With that out of the way... let's get down to the subject at hand.

1. If the Rangers lose the World Series (God forbid), what should and will Cliff Lee do? What if they win?

The Rangers lost... so Cliff Lee should sign with the A's or the Padres. However... since my teams never fork out any money... then I'll settle with him signing with anyone other than the Yankees.

2. If both the Yankees and the Rangers offered the same amount of money, which one should Cliff Lee choose? What if the Rangers win the World Series? What if they lose?

If Cliff Lee is offered the same amount of money... he should sign with the Rangers. Under no circumstances should he sign with the Yankees.

3. If both the Yankees and the Royals offered contacts to Zack Greinke, and the Yankees deal was slightly less than the Royals, which one should/would he take?

Zack Greinke should sign with the Royals. Under no circumstances should he sign with the Yankees.

4. If you were Royals management, do you try to trade Zack Greinke, or risk keeping him?

If I'm Royals management and I care about my fans... I keep him and try to get him some teammates that will help them get to the World Series. However... If I'm Royals management and I decide to trade him... under no circumstances do I trade him to the Yankees.

Once again... congratulations Giants fans... this was one roller coaster of a season for you... glad to see you come out on top (and not the Yankees... lol).

1. If the Rangers lose the World Series (God forbid), what should and will Cliff Lee do? What if they win?

Oh. My. Goodness. Cliff Lee will only stay with my Rangers if (and when) they win the World Series. I'm sure of that. If I were him, I would stay with Texas regardless because I the Rangers.

2. If both the Yankees and the Rangers offered the same amount of money, which one should Cliff Lee choose? What if the Rangers win the World Series? What if they lose?

I think that Cliff Lee does not do too well in the supreme heat of Texas (that would be one of the reasons he would leave), and New York is a "superior" market. If money were no object, and the Rangers lost to the Giants, he would and should choose New York.

3. If both the Yankees and the Royals offered contacts to Zack Greinke, and the Yankees deal was slightly less than the Royals, which one should/would he take?

Yankees, without any doubt.

4. If you were Royals management, do you try to trade Zack Greinke, or risk keeping him?

The same thing goes for Carmelo Anthony... don't take such a big risk with such a big talent. I would trade him now, because he's going to leave town anyway.

Oh, and now a modest side note in the smallest font possible... I have a new blog that I wanted to promote. It is called Larry King Jive, and on it, I interview sports show hosts, mascots, coaches, and players. Enjoy.

CCR #7: Zack Greinke and Cliff Lee

Zack Greinke and Cliff Lee are supremely talented pitchers who will face decisions very soon. Roundtable: time to take action.

1. If the Rangers lose the World Series (God forbid), what should and will Cliff Lee do? What if they win?

2. If both the Yankees and the Rangers offered the same amount of money, which one should Cliff Lee choose? What if the Rangers win the World Series? What if they lose?

3. If both the Yankees and the Royals offered contacts to Zack Greinke, and the Yankees deal was slightly less than the Royals, which one should/would he take?

4. If you were Royals management, do you try to trade Zack Greinke, or risk keeping him?

CCR #6: NBA Season Predictions by sanjosefuji

Western Conference

1^st – Lakers

2^nd – Thunder

3^rd – Mavericks

4^th – Jazz

5^th – Spurs

6^th – Blazers

7^th – Nuggets

8^th – Suns

1^st round

Lakers vs. Suns (Lakers in 6)

Thunder vs. Nuggets (Thunder in 4)

Mavericks vs. Blazers (Blazers in 7)

Jazz vs. Spurs (Spurs in 6)

2^nd round

Lakers vs. Spurs (Lakers in 5)

Thunder vs. Blazers (Thunder in 6)

Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Thunder (Lakers in 7)

Eastern Conference

1^st – Celtics

2^nd – Heat

3^rd – Magic

4^th – Bulls

5^th – Hawks

6^th – Bucks

7^th – Knicks

8^th – Bobcats

1^st round

Celtics vs. Bobcats (Celtics in 4)

Heat vs. Knicks (Heat in 4)

Magic vs. Bucks (Magic in 5)

Bulls vs. Hawks (Bulls in 6)

2^nd round

Celtics vs. Bulls (Celtics in 6)

Heat vs. Magic (Magic in 7)

Conference Finals: Celtics vs. Magic (Celtics in 6)

NBA Champtionship: Lakers vs. Celtics (Celtics in 7)

Individual Awards:

Rookie of the Year: John Wall (Can I change my vote to Blake Griffin? This guy was a beast in his debut.)

MVP: Kevin Durant

Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks

Defensive POY: Dwight Howard

6^th Man: Lamar Odom

NBA Predictions

NOTE: I AM ASSUMING THAT CARMELO ANTHONY WILL BE TRADED BY THE TRADE DEADLINE. I REMOVE 1/2 OF HIS IMPACT FROM THE NUGGETS. I DO NOT ADD HIS IMPACT TO ANY TEAM.

The Standings!

Eastern Conference

1. Miami Heat
2. Orlando Magic
3. Boston Celtics
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Chicago Bulls
6. Atlanta Hawks
7. New Jersey Nets
8. New York Knicks
9. Washington Wizards
10. Philadelphia 76ers
11. Indiana Pacers
12. Detroit Pistons
13. Charlotte Bobcats
14. Toronto Raptors
15. Cleveland Cavaliers

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Dallas Mavericks
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
4. Portland Trail Blazers
5. Utah Jazz
6. San Antonio Spurs
7. New Orleans Hornets
8. Memphis Grizzlies
9. Denver Nuggets
10. Houston Rockets
11. Sacramento Kings
12. Golden State Warriors
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Los Angeles Clippers
15. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Awards!

Rookie of the Year - John Wall (G, Wizards)
Coach of the Year - Scott Skiles (Bucks)
Defensive Player of the Year - Dwight Howard (C, Magic)
Most Improved Player of the Year - Mario Chalmers (G, Heat)
Sixth Man of the Year - Tyson Chandler (C, Mavericks)
Most Valuable Player - Kobe Bryant (G, Lakers)

The Playoffs!

1st Round:
(1) Heat def. (8) Knicks
(2) Magic def. (7) Nets
(3) Celtics def. (6) Hawks*
(5) Bulls def. (4) Bucks

(1) Lakers def. (8) Grizzlies
(2) Mavericks def. (7) Hornets
(3) Thunder def. (6) Spurs*
(4) Trail Blazers def. (5) Jazz*

2nd Round:
(1) Heat def. (5) Bulls
(2) Magic def. (3) Celtics*

(1) Lakers def. (4) Trail Blazers*
(2) Mavericks def. (3) Thunder*

Conference Finals:
(1) Heat def. (2) Magic*

(1) Lakers def. (2) Mavericks*

The NBA Finals!
(1) Lakers def. (1) Heat*

*denotes a 7-game series

Now for some notes!

• Jim O'Brien, Pacers coach, will be fired
• Jay Triano, Raptors coach, will be fired
• Joe Dumars, Pistons GM, will (and really really should) be fired
• Carmelo Anthony will be traded to the Rockets
• The Heat will win only two more games than the Lakers, and four more games than the Magic, at 67 wins.
• Greg Oden and his penis will play in 65 games.
• Andrew Bynum will only play in 50 games.
• This will be the last year during the next 10 in which a team not named the Heat or the Thunder will win the Championship.
  

CCR #6: NBA Season

There is more anticipation for this season than any other I can remember. We have the Three Kings ganging up on the rest of the innocent East. We have the Celtics' resurgence, including adding two aging O'Neals. We have Kobe bolstering his team by adding yet another rival.

There are many characters playing major roles in this season. We have two crazy-as-hell owners in Cuban and Gilbert. We have a past superhero called Agent Zero who, in my opinion, should play zero minutes. We have the assassin, who can knock down any shot... even that last second one in Game 7 against the Heat in the Finals next year.

Now, bloggers. Make your NBA predictions in 4 parts:

1. Standings - Rank all 15 teams per conference by regular season record

2. Awards - MVP, Defensive, ROY, Coach, 6th Man

3. Playoffs - If you have a bracket, use it.

4. Thoughts - Any thoughts you have on the season and what will happen during the season (including trades and firings)

If the heat gets to you, jump into the lake(rs). - Some dude on some forum somewhere

CCR #5: Best Part of October

Usually, the Dallas Mavericks excite me the most in October. But this year, they aren't even the best thing in the NBA in October. I can't wait to see the Heat! But not even THAT can get me to watch the NBA over baseball THIS SEASON.

Usually, the Rangers are out of it by July. I don't know WHAT happened this year, but somehow, we are now in the World Series. How can I skip that? I will be watching every single one of those 4 games against the Giants (yeah, I said it... bring it on).



October, to me, is the best month for sports fans. I hereby declare the Major League Baseball Playoffs the best part of this wonderful month. Only because my team is playing in it.

CCR #4 and 5: MLB Post Season and Best of October by 82Redbirds

Well, it's about time I get off my lazy duff and start contributing to this project. I'm going to fudge a little and combine the last two subjects into one post.

First of all, let's take a look at the MLB post season. It's a little late to be making predictions about the LDS since we could be deciding who wins the pennants in the next two nights. But I just wanted to get a quick comment in about the NLCS. Even though the Giants are up 3-2, I still have a feeling the Phillies are going to the World Series again this year. In the AL, I am rooting for the Rangers. To be quite honest, it's not that I'm a huge Rangers fan. I just love to see an underdog come out on top, and considering this is the first year the Rangers have ever won a post season series, I would be very happy if they sent the Yanks home to watch the WS on TV.

Second of all, without question, the best part of October (for me) is the MLB playoffs. But this year it's bittersweet. The Cardinals failed to make it into the post season so that stings a little (especially since the Reds did make it). October also means that baseball season will soon be over (another deeply depressing annual event). But October brings with it the promise of the soon-to-come World Series, which just the mention of it makes me smile.

So have fun carving pumpkins and making plans for family get-togethers for Thanksgiving. I'll be glued to the TV set watching the Rangers and the Phillies in the World Series, my favorite part of the year.

CCR #5: Best Part of October by sanjosefuji

First up... thanks G for coming up with this week's topic. Now... let's get on with the question.

October is usually the worst month of the year for me. Why? Because it's from mid-September through the end of November there aren't any major holidays that teachers get off.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those teachers who hate my job. In fact, I no doubt have one of the best jobs in the world and actually look forward to going into work about 95% of the time. But the fact is... two months straight without a break is kind of a bummer.

At least I have Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, Winter break, Spring break, and Summer break to look forward to.

But Gmoses is right... there's a bunch of stuff going on in the world of sports during this month. And if I had to choose one that I'm most excited about... I'd have to go hockey.

Why? Well San Jose doesn't have many major sports teams... there's the Earthquakes... the Sabercats... the (SJ) Giants... and then of course... there's the Sharks. Since I'm not a major soccer fan, I don't really follow the Earthquakes. The Sabercats took the year off from the AFL. And the San Jose Giants are done for the season.

So in San Jose, the Sharks are #1 (well the SF Giants are pretty popular too... but I'm not a Giants fan). It's one of those things that brings a city together. In fact... it's one of the few things that students and teachers actually agree on (just kidding).

Plus... the Sharks have one of the most talented teams in the league, so they're always fun to watch.

Anyways... it's WAY, WAY, WAY, past my bedtime. So goodnight y'all.

CCR 5 - What's the best part of October? G Moses' post

So it's Sunday and that means it's time for another Card Collector's Roundtable discussion.  And for this topic, I've chosen something close to my heart - the month of October.  I was born in October - but aside from that, there's a lot of cool things going on this month.

Need help getting started?  Let me lay it out for you...

1)  We got the baseball playoffs going on.  And this year has been pretty phenomenal.  We got the best pitchers in the game all going at their peak.  Seriously.  We got Cliff Lee, Lincecum, Halladay and Sabathia all pitching their hearts out.  What the hell else could you ask for for the LCS series?  It's crazy how stacked these series have become.

2)  The NFL season is in full swing.  No more preseason.  No more combines or draft class predicitons.  It's just football.  And right about Week 5, it starts to get real.

3)  The soccer world is in full bloom.  England has the EPL going.  The MLS is nearing the playoffs.  Oh yeah, the UEFA cup is just warming up.  If you're a fan of beautiful moves and round balls (boy does that sound weird), it's right about the time of the year you live for.

4)  The NBA season tips off on October 26th.  My God, how I've longed to watch the Blazers play.  I can't wait for this season to get going.

5)  If you're into hockey - well, you got hockey too.

6)  The new TV shows are back!  Going through the summer time with re-runs just isn't the same.  I've got a ton of shows that I watch.  From Smallville to How I Met Your Mother, from Mike and Molly to Dexter there really is something for everyone on the TV now.  And thanks to DVR's, the studios are putting out more quality product because we're no longer tied to having to watch whatever the hell they give us.

7)  If all of that isn't enough - the kids go back to school.  Those of you who have kids know just how great that can be sometimes.

So what's my answer?  What's the best part of October for me?  If I had to choose just one thing - and I expect everybody to look inside and pick just the one thing - I'd say that it's the Soccer Season.  Even though I really love watching the NBA tip-off, the NBA really gets good once Christmas is out of the way.  But soccer for me is something that I'll wake up at 4am for if need be.  Watching Everton takes precedence over EVERYTHING on my television.  Every goal is so important.  Every save takes your breath away.  It's too much to handle sometimes.

So what about you all?  What's your favorite part of October?  It really is the perfect storm of sports.  All sports are represented.  Whatever you're into, it's there for the taking in October.

CCR4: Postseason predictions from Tony Mc

I'm a little late to the party but I'll chip in my predictions anyway.

NLDS

San Francisco Giants Vs Atlanta Braves:



Giants win 3 games to 1. This depends heavily on the Giants hitting but with the likes of Posey, Burrell and Huff, I think the Giants can pull it off and send Cox into retirement.



Philadelphia Phillies Vs Cincinnati Reds:



Phillies win 3 games to 1. I can see the Reds making a comeback tonight but it wont do them much good.

ALDS

Texas Rangers Vs Tampa Bay Rays:

Rays win 3 games to 2. This has gone the distance and it looked like the Rangers were on the verge of swapping the Rays but thanks to steady bat work the Rays have fought back. I think they will keep the momentum going and pip the Rangers in the final game.

Minnesota Twins Vs New York Yankees:

Yeah the Yanks won, we know this now. But to be honest I thought the Twins could have done it, guess they forgot how to play ball.

NLCS

San Francisco Giants Vs Philadelphia Phillies:

San Francisco will win 4 games to 2. I can see the Phillies winning the first two games but Frisco will battle back to win 4 in a row and seal a trip to the World Series.

ALCS

New York Yankees Vs Tampa Bays Rays:

Tampa will sweep the Yankees! As long as the Rays remain injury free for their game against Texas they will pull off a shock sweep against everyones most hated team.

World Series

San Francisco Giants Vs Tampa Bay Rays:

This would be a great match up and a tough series to call. Being a Giants fan I would love to say the Giants will do it but the Rays out bat them by a lot. If the Giants can keep their pitching on top form and keep the Rays from getting 3 or more runs then they have a real shot at bringing the first ever World Series to San Francisco.

I'm going to say the Giants win 4 games to 3.

CCR 4: MLB Postseason from The Ranter

Thanks to Fuji for letting me steal his font!

American League Divisional Series:

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays - Rangers in 4

New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins - Yankees in 3 (I think it's fixed!)

National League Divisional Series:

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies - Phillies in 4

Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants - Giants in 4

American League Championship Series:

Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees - Yankees in 7 (Cliff Lee will remain perfect in postseason play)

National League Championship Series:

Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Francisco Giants - Giants in 7

World Series:

New York Yankees vs. San Francisco Giants - Yankees in 6

(changed WS from 5 to 6 games)

CCR #4 MLB Post Season Predictions by Martyn @ Steal Second

Okay,
So The Phillies just took a 1-0 lead over the Reds, Giants are 1 up over the Braves, And Texas & New York have 2 games over the Rays, & Twins.

So,

Who wins?

Okay onto the league with home field advantage for the fall classic.

National league

Giants over Braves in 4.

Phillies over Reds in 3.

American League

Yankees over Twins in 4

Rangers over Rays in 4

So The Philles against Giants, (I have bets on both teams)
The Phillies in 5.

Yankees against Rangers
New York in 5

So the World Series will be NYY v PHI

A repeat of last years final however, The Phillies in 6.

CCR #4: MLB Playoff Predictions by sanjosefuji

I'm still pouting over the Padres loss to the Giants... so I'm going to keep this short and go sulk in my man-cave before I hit the sack.

American League Divisional Series:

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays - Rangers in 5

New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins - Yankees in 4

National League Divisional Series:

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies - Phillies in 3

Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants - Braves in 5

American League Championship Series:

Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees - Yankees in 6

National League Championship Series:

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves - Phillies in 5

World Series:

New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies - Phillies in 6

Since both of my teams didn't make the playoffs... it's pretty simple for me. In the American League, I'm pulling for the Twins (since I hate the Yankees). And in the National League, I'm pulling for the San Francisco Giants, because they're local.

Go Giants!

Have a great week!

Card Collector's Roundtable - Topic 4: MLB Playoffs

It's October! Time for MLB Playoff predictions!!!

CCR #3 NHL Predictions by Martyn @ Steal Second

Okay so as the champions came from the western conference, let’s go there first.

I’ll go through the divisions with who’ll make the post season out of the teams.

Pacific

San Jose

Phoenix

Northwest

Vancouver

Colorado

Calgary

Central

Chicago

Detroit

Nashville

San Jose will have the best record in the West; The Northwest will be really tight and end up producing 3 play off teams, with the Canucks looking like the best team although I anticipate a very close division. & in the Central current champions Chicago & Detroit will battle it out to be the best in the division with Nashville locking the last play-off spot.

Onto the East,

Atlantic

New Jersey

Pittsburgh

Philadelphia

New York Rangers

Northeast

Buffalo

Ottawa

Southeast

Washington

Carolina

Okay so, the Atlantic will provide the playoffs 4 teams, The Devils & Penguins are always looking strong, the Flyers have a great team & I have a feeling the Rangers will make it this year. Buffalo & Ottawa will leave their Northeast rivals standing & the Capitals are one of Hockey’s best teams and the book maker’s favourites 6-1, & like the Rangers the Cane’s should make the postseason.

Just for fun I shall put a few £ on San Jose @ 14/1 & the Flyers @ 12/1 with Mr William Hill (other bookmakers are available).

Hope you enjoy reading & good luck to all the Baseball teams in post season.

CCR #3: NHL Predictions By Charles @ Hoopograph

Let me preface my pics by saying that I am by no means a hockey expert, but I do know a good team when I see one. Team cohesion and chemistry are a huge part of the teams which are successful in the NHL and those that are not. An NBA team can be carried by one superstar and an MLB team's lineup can be lifted by a bat or two, but an NHL team needs the stars, the glue guys, a solid goalie and a superstar or two to win The Cup. The team dynamic of an NHL team is complex. In order for a team to win it all, they need to be hitting on all cylinders. Although there are a few teams which seem to have the talent on paper to make a run deep into the playoffs, it always seems that one of those talented teams inevitably falters. We'll get to my pics later in the post, but I first what to give a little insight on a team that I'm rooting for to exceed expectations this year.

I usually go to one or two early Buffalo Sabres games to decide if they'll be contenders or not. I can generally tell whether they perform well as a team, have the drive and necessary components on the roster to be a good team. The last few years have been disappointing to say the least. Management refuses to put money back into the team year after year by letting proven assets get away (Chris Drury, Brian Campbell, J.P. Dumont, etc.). Although this is frustrating to many fans, the front office does draft and develop talent exceptionally well within the organization. It seems the last couple of years have been geared toward following that plan of building the team back up through development. This maybe wishful thinking, and I have not yet done my yearly before mentioned assessment, but I like what the Sabres have to offer.

It's still yet to be seen if the Sabres will be able to score on a consistent bases, but this is a team that'll be carried by its net minder and all-world defensive star. Ryan Miller has really been playing under the radar until the Winter Olympics last year, and he should have another solid season this year. Tyler Myers will be starting his second full season in the NHL this Friday night. I believe he's the Sabres most talented player and usually exhibits that talent night in and night out. The Sabres have a good amount of pieces on the roster to compete and make the playoff this year. How far they go in the playoffs will depend on who else can step up and take a leadership role for the Sabres on the ice.

I'm more excited for the NHL season to get started than I have been for a long time. I think the NHL season is the hardest to predict out of all the four major sports do to the team chemistry issues I sited earlier in the post, but I like the Capitals and Canucks to meet for Lord Stanley's Cup. In the end, I think the Canucks will make Mr. Ovechkin wait another year to taste team success. Either way, I'll be watching the first few Buffalo Sabres games intently to decide for myself just what type of team they will be out there on the ice.

Enjoy the NHL season Sports Jambalaya writers and readers!

CCR #3: NHL Predictions by sanjosefuji

Okay... it's time to come clean. I've been a San Jose Sharks fan since they became a franchise 18 years ago... and during that time I've gone to around 75 to 100 games. I've memorized most of the Sharks' jersey numbers. I can tell you that they've had one Calder Memorial Trophy winner (Evgeni Nabokov - 00/01 NHL ROY ), one Hart Memorial Trophy winner (Joe Thornton - 05/06 NHL MVP), one Art Ross Trophy winner (Joe Thornton again - 05/06 NHL point leader), one Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner (Tony Granato - 96/97... kind of like a sportmanship/dedication to hockey award), one Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner (Jonathan Cheechoo - 05/06 NHL top scorer), and one Presidents' Trophy (best record in the NHL in 08/09). I can even tell you that they'll be one of the top teams in the NHL again.

However, what I can't do is tell you that they'll win it all this year. Why not? Because... for the past four seasons, I've felt in my heart that they had a solid shot at bring home the Cup to my hometown of San Jose. And each time... I was wrong. Part of it is because I'm naive. I'm just a loyal fan with high hopes for his team. But... I'm also ignorant. I know the in's and out's of the Sharks... but I don't know squat about anyone else.

So... sit back and enjoy... while I ramble off my NHL picks for the upcoming season.

Let's start with the East:

1st Place: The Capitals (They had the best record last season by a landslide)

2nd Place: The Penguins (They have Crosby & Malkin)

3rd Place: The Sabres (They have Ryan Miller: my favorite non-Shark)

4th Place: The Canadiens (umm... they make card sets based on the franchise)

5th Place: The Bruins (My buddy loves the Bruins and he says they're good)

6th Place:The Lightning (They have St. Louis, Stamkos, and Lecavalier)

7th Place: The Rangers (because Gretzky and Messier played for them years ago)

8th Place: The Devils (No offense... but the red dude with horns is on their side)

Now let's turn to the West

1st Place: The Red Wings (because they always find a way to piss me off)

2nd Place: The Ducks (see what I wrote about the Red Wings)

3rd Place: The Sharks (They still have a great team... I just know it)

4th Place: The Canucks (looks like several sites have them ranked high)

5th Place: The Blackhawks (the Sharks get your sloppy seconds... but at least his name isn't Belfour)

6th Place: The Kings (see what I wrote about the Red Wings)

7th Place: The Oilers (because Gretzky and Messier played for them years ago)

8th Place: The Stars (see what I wrote about the Red Wings)

Alright... so here's how it's all going to pan out... in my little fantasy world:

The Sabres take the East... and the Sharks take the West. It's going to be a Miller vs. Niemi showdown and the Sharks will finally bring home the Cup.

vs.

Seriously... I have no idea... if I were a betting man... I wouldn't bet on hockey... or at least I wouldn't bet on the Sharks. Don't worry... my blood runs teal and black. I may be an NHL wannabe... but I know I'm a lifelong Sharks fan.

Have a great week!

Card Collector's Roundtable - Topic 3: NHL

Last hockey season was so interesting that even I became interested. The Canadiens shocked everyone by not only getting to the Eastern Finals, but beating Sid the Kid AND Alex Ovi in the process.

During the off-season, the Blackhawks dismantled themselves! It's as if they were the Marlins! And how about them Sharks? Are they the one constant in hockey?

Do I have any idea what I'm saying? Not really. But you do, so answer the call and make your NHL predictions!

NOTE: This topic will not last a full week, due to the MLB Postseason. Please have your predictions in by Wednesday, if you wish to make them.

CCR #2 Recap

Here is our consensus:

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera with 4 out of the 4 votes.

AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez with 3 votes. David Price received one.

AL ROY: This one was split right down the middle... then down the middle again! One vote for each of the following: Brennan Boesch, Neftali Feliz, Daniel Hudson, Austin Jackson.

NL MVP: Albert Pujols got half of the votes. Joey Votto and Carlos Gonzalez also received votes.

NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay is batting 1.000 with the voters this week.

NL ROY: Buster Posey dominated, as is expected of him from now on. Marlin Gaby Sanchez came in a distant second.

Did we get them right? We will soon know. It seems that we are on a break this week, but you best bet we'll be better, faster, and stronger next week.

CCR#2: MLB Awards from Tony Mc

It's the most exciting time of the year for any baseball fan. Division champions are being crowned, the playoffs are almost upon us and of course we then have the World Series!

Who will get to the show? The Yankees? The Rays? How about the Giants or Padres? The World Series predictions are for a later date, this time around I'm going to predict my picks for the MLB awards.

Thankfully our dark overlord and blog founder, The Ranter has chosen a selection of players that we must pick.

We'll start with the better league first, the National League. Why is this league better than the AL I hear you all ask? Easy, that's were the Giants are and there is no stupid designated hitter rule.

Here are our choices

National League MVP

Carlos Gonzalez - Rockies

Albert Pujols - Cardinals

Joey Votto - Reds

National League Cy Young

Roy Halladay - Phillies

Ubaldo Jimenez - Rockies

Adam Wainwright - Cardinals

National League ROY

Starlin Castro - Cubs

Jamie Garcia - Cardinals

Jason Heyward - Braves

Buster Posey - Giants

Gaby Sanchez - Marlins

So who will get the NL MVP?

My pick is Albert Pujols. My reasons being is that yet again he has had an outstanding season! He's hitting a tasty .316 with 41 home runs and lets not forget his 113 RBI's. Is he better than the other two candidates? Well DUH! Its Pujols you moron, of course he's better then the other two! He does not have a better AVG then Votto or Gonzalez, who currently sits on .325 and .342 respectively but he has played more games then them. Sure only about ten games more but that still has an impact on his overall stats.

How about the Cy Young?

If you asked me this at the beginning of the season I would have slapped you for being so stupid. It was Lincecum! But Timmy has suffered this year thanks to a poor Giants offence and a miserable slump that took him a while to get out of.

If I had to choose from the above three, and I have to because thems the rules, I would pick the former Cy Young winner Roy Halladay!

What a season this guy is having! 20-10 with a 2.53 ERA and lets not forget his 213 Strike outs. In his past ten starts he has won eight times, EIGHT times! The only real competition this guy has is from Wainwright who has gone 20-11 with a lower ERA of 2.42. Interestingly both pitchers have the same amount of strike outs but Halladay has just performed better in my opinion.

NL ROY or should this be the 'Strasburg is hurt, quick lets find someone else' Award?

This was by far the easiest pick for me. Yes I'm a Giants fan but even if this kid was playing for the Dodgers I'd still choose him. Obviously I'm talking about Buster Posey. I don't think I need to spout stats at you because we are all aware of his exploits and I dont think the Giants would still be in the NL West race if it wasn't for this guy. Does anyone else see a lot of Will Clark in Posey? I sure do. I'll even state now that Posey will be MVP in 2011. That's right you heard it hear first.

OK, that the NL sorted, lets take a bash at the AL.

Here are the choices:

American League MVP

Miguel Cabrera - Tigers

Robinson Cano - Yankees

Carl Crawford - Rays

Josh Hamilton - Rangers

Justin Morneau - Twins

American League Cy Young

Feliz Hernadez - Mariners

Cliff Lee - Rangers

David Price - Rays

CC Sabathia - Yankees

American League ROY

Brennan Boesch - Tigers

Neftali Feliz - Rangers

Austin Jackson - Tigers

Carlos Santana - Indians

First the AL MVP

This is a lot tougher that the NL. If Hamilton didn't get injured I would say he had it in the bag, but he did get injured so tough luck, he's out. It would not be fair to consider him due to the fact he played a shorter season.

This is a two horse race. Cabrera and Cano.

Cabrera is having a monster year! Hes in the top three for AVG, HR and RBI's. There's only one thing that might hinder his chances, and it's something that should really have no impact on the voting but it will and that is because he plays for a crap team. Poor Miggy, stuck in a Tigers uniform when I'm sure he would rather be playing for the Rays or the Yankees.

Robinson Cano, the dark horse. Cano will probably end the season with over 200 hits and a respectable AVG. Some of his numbers aren't as good as some of the other candidates but when you throw in his fielding skills he just edges in front.

So who would I pick? My heart says Cabrera but my head says Cano.

Wait a second! Cano is a Yankee!

Miggy has my vote!

AL Cy Young?

Its David Price. OK so Sabathia has more wins and Hernadez has a better ERA and more strikeouts. But Hernandez has not had the support from the sucky Mariners this year, if he was on the Mariners team of the mid to late 90's then yes he would be the Cy Young.

Sabathia is leading the AL with wins and fair play he's a great player and a former Cy Young winner but just like my reason for not picking Cano, hes a Yankee and I don't want them to win anything! Be it the division, League, WS or any individual awards.

Price will be named the Cy Young and when they get to the post season (and they will) he is going to shine. It's a real shame that he's going to lose to the Giants in the World Series, I almost feel bad for him.

AL ROY?

The rookie crop for both leagues this year has been incredible. Will all the rookies named in these lists be as good next year? Only time will tell.

In my opinion there is one clear pick for the AL ROY and that is the Tigers Austin Jackson.

176 hits, .299 average and 26 stolen bases. I like players who can hit and are fast. Austin ticks both boxes.

Much like Miggy its a shame that this kid is a Tiger, but its different for a rookie as opposed to a veteran. People take note of newcomers regardless of what team they play for and veterans tend to be over looked.

So what do you think of my picks?

Biased? Poorly researched? I don't pretend to be anything else.

Will you side with me or one of my fellow authors? Or will you go the way of the legendary Hackensack Bulls Pitcher and vote for...

Monty Brewster - None of the above.