NHL Predictions

This blog will begin to pick back up. This isn’t going to just be about predictions, it’s going to be about all sports and their seasons. But right now I’m going to do my picks for the upcoming NHL season. It should be a good one. Here we go.

Eastern Conference:

1.)Flyers
2.)Bruins
3.)Lightning
4.)Capitals
5.)Sabres
6.)Islanders
7.)Rangers
8.)Canadiens
—————
9.)Penguins
10.)Jets
11.)Devils
12.)Hurricanes
13.)Panthers
14.)Maple Leafs
15.)Senators

Western Conference:

1.)Sharks
2.)Canucks
3.)Predators
4.)Kings
5.)Red Wings
6.)Blackhawks
7.)Blue Jackets
8.)Coyotes
—————
9.)Ducks
10.)Wild
11.)Flames
12.)Blues
13.)Avalanche
14.)Oilers
15.)Stars

Playoffs:

Eastern-
Rd1
Flyers over Habs in 5
Bruins over Rangers in 4
Isles over Lightning in 7
Sabres over Caps in 6
Rd2
Flyers over Isles in 7
Sabres over Bruins in 7
Rd3
Flyers over Sabres in 5

Western-
Rd1
Sharks over Coyotes in 7
Blue Jackets over Canucks in 6
Preds over Blackhawks in 6
Kings over Red Wings in 6
Rd2
Blue Jackets over Sharks in 7
Kings over Predators in 7
Rd3
Kings over Blue Jackets in 5

Stanley Cup

Kings over Flyers in 7

Awards

Hart-Anze Kopitar,LAK
Vezina-Ilya Bryzgalov,PHI
Norris-Duncan Keith,CHI
Calder-Nino Niederreiter,NYI
Lady Byng-Pavel Datsyuk,DET
Selke-Ryan Kesler,VAN
Adams-Jack Capuano,NYI
Masterton-Teemu Selanne,ANA
Lindsay-Evgeni Malkin,PIT
Clancy-Ryan Callahan,NYR
Richard-Jeff Carter,CBJ
Ross-Evgeni Malkin,PIT
Jennings-Ilya Bryzgalov,PHI

NFL Predictions

Long time no write. Thought might as well get back into it with football season now officially underway. So, let’s jump right back into it. Here are my predicitions for the upcoming 2011 NFL season:

AFC:
East-
1.Jets
2.Patriots*
3.Bills
4.Dolphins
North-
1.Steelers
2.Ravens
3.Browns
4.Bengals
South-
1.Texans
2.Jaguars
3.Colts
4.Titans
West-
1.Chiefs
2.Chargers*
3.Raiders
4.Broncos

NFC:
East-
1.Eagles
2.Cowboys*
3.Redskins
4.Giants
North-
1.Packers
2.Lions
3.Bears
4.Vikings
South-
1.Falcons
2.Saints
3.Buccaneers
4.Panthers
West-
1.Seahawks
2.Cardinals*
3.Rams
4.49ers

Playoffs
Rd 1
Patriots over Texans
Chargers over Chiefs
Falcons over Cardinals
Cowboys over Seahawks

Rd 2
Jets over Patriots
Chargers over Steelers
Falcons over Eagles
Packers over Cowboys

Rd 3
Jets over Chargers
Packers over Falcons

Super Bowl
Jets over Packers

MVP:Michael Vick QB PHI
Offensive Player of the Year:Michael Vick QB PHI
Defensive Player of the Year:Darelle Revis CB NYJ
Offensive Rookie of the Year:Julio Jones WR ATL
Defensive Rookie of the Year:Patrick Peterson CB ARI
Coach of the Year:Gary Kubiak HOU

First Weekend of Baseball 2011

What started out as dreadful for the Mets on Opening Day in Florida turned out to be just the opposite after their weekend series with the Marlins. Josh Johnson nearly no-hit them on Friday, but thank goodness for Willie Harris (easily going to be the new fan-favorite this year) he broke up the no-no bid and later scoring to break up the shutout. But the way Pelfrey pitched and the way that game went left us Mets fans with the thoughts of, “Oh god, this will be another long season…as usual.” Don’t even get me started with the SNY employee who played the Family Guy clip about being a Mets fan. As true as it might be and how funny that clip actually is, that was extremely uncalled for and not something that should show up during a Mets broadcast, especially when they do lose on Opening Day. He should’ve been fired on the spot. Listening to Boomer and Carton this morning, Carton was saying that he shouldn’t be fired. He has no clue what the hell he is talking about. Thank god Boomer is sane and knows that the guy should be fired.

Then came the game Saturday. Jon Niese struggled in the first inning but then pitched great the rest of the way but didn’t factor in the decision. But then when K-Rod blew the save in the 9th, it got us Mets fans thinking, “Yep. Just another season as a Met fan.” And then this team showed us something that we haven’t seen since at least 2006, when they answered back and fought back scoring 3 runs in the 10th and coming out with a win in a way they wouldn’t have the past couple years. It sent the fans a message I think showing that this team is going to not just roll over as they have in the past.

Then Sunday, with the great R.A. Dickey on the mound, they gave Javy Vazquez a shellacking and with Willie Harris further proving why he’ll be a fan favorite this year by hitting a 2 run homer in the 1st inning to set the tone. Winning 7-1 and the series in that way was a absolutely fantastic way to start this season off. The Mets didn’t win a road series last year until June against the Orioles (and that was prior to Buck Showalter taking over as manager) and didn’t win their first National League road series until August against the lowly Pirates. Winning their first road series in the first weekend of the season is a great step forward, especially when they take on the Phillies, in Philadelphia, going up against Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels in two of the games, if they come home 3-3 that would be great and accepted by many of the Mets fans. Obviously we want them to come home 5-1 but the reality of that happening isn’t that likely especially when you never know what you’re going to get from Mike Pelfrey and then Halladay pithing as well. But I’m glad the season is underway and that the Mets are 2-1. Let’s keep the ball rolling, and let’s go Mets.

Islanders destroy Rangers

Last night at the Old Barn, the Islanders came out firing an although they fell behind early, this game was always their’s. Down 1-0 in the 2nd, the Islanders lit up “King” Henry (made him look like the “Queen” she really is) for 4 goals. Then they beat the crap out of them physically, while adding two more goals in the 3rd. Michael Haley showed Sean Avery what a real fight is like and not to mess with the Islanders anymore and completed destroyed him in the fight right at center ice. As an Islander fan at the game, nothing was better then seeing that. I waited for almost 3 years for someone to finally just kick Avery’s ass and Haley did just that last night. The only thing that might’ve been better last night was seeing all the “loyal” ranger fans start to leave in the 2nd period, frowning. On behalf of the Islanders fans and the Islanders organization, we appreciate you giving us all your money and coming to see your team get manhandled by the Isles.

Also, if Marion Gaborik doesn’t get a suspension for the illegal hit he put on Frans Nielsen last night I honestly won’t know what to do or if I could even watch the NHL until Colin Campbell is ousted. It was bad enough he didn’t even get a major last night for his hit and that the Rangers actually somehow came out with a power play after it. It was sickening as an Islander fan and just as an NHL fan. It just didn’t make sense.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Islanders come out “exhausted” or “flat” on Saturday night against Carolina or for some reason have an “off-game.” I kinda actually wouldn’t mind seeing that. And if you don’t know why or are questioning why I’d like to see my Isles lose Saturday, take a look at the standings, specifically the 8 and 9 spots..

Mets Roster Close to Being Finalized

As we approach Opening Day 2011 (only 4 days away!), the Mets roster is even closer to being finalized. So far it looks like this:
C-Josh Thole, Ronny Paulino
1B-Ike Davis
2B-Brad Emaus (Rule 5)
SS-Jose Reyes
3B-David Wright
INF-Chin-lung Hu (2B,SS,3B)
LF-Jason Bay
CF-Angel Pagan
OF-Scott Hairston (also plays 2B), Willie Harris
UTIL-Daniel Murphy (2B,CIF,COF)

Carlos Beltran as of right now will be on the Opening Day roster as the team’s starting right fielder, but if he ends up being placed on the disabled list prior to the season starting, then it’s most likely the Nick Evans (1B,COF) will make the team and be a bench player. If Beltran starts on the DL it’s assumed that Scott Hairston will get the bulk of the playing time in right field until Beltran returns.

SP-Mike Pelfrey (Opening Day Starter)
SP-R.A. Dickey (will start home opener vs Washington)
SP-Jon Niese
SP-Chris Young
SP-Chris Capuano (will not make 1st start until April 9th, will be skipped first time through rotation)
RP-Pedro Beato (Rule 5)
RP-Tim Byrdak
RP-Francisco Rodriguez
RP-D.J. Carrasco
RP-Bobby Parnell
RP-Taylor Buchholz

The last spot on the roster is for the last spot in the bullpen. It is said to be between Jason Isringhausen, Blaine Boyer, and Manny Acosta. I actually think it’s only between Izzy and Boyer, and that it will be Izzy’s job if he’s healthy enough. This past week he hasn’t pitched because of elbow inflammation but pitched today (as did Boyer) and recently as well in a minor league game. I think we see Izzy’s return to the Mets come Opening Day. I look forward to watching this team play. They definitely have the talent to make a good run and possibly take the Wild Card in the National League, but the big question is if they can stay healthy. The Mets haven’t been able to stay healthy in recent years so we’ll see how things will go this year. Hopefully it will be fun, and not another disappointing year for us Mets’ fans. We’ll see soon enough.

Funk’s MLB Predictions

 

Since my partner Greg made his I will make mine. Mine will only be standings and playoffs,Awards will be posted later.

NL East

1. Phillies
2. Mets*
3. Braves
4. Nats
5. Marlins

NL Central

1. Brewers
2. Reds
3. Cardinals
4. Cubs
5. Pirates
6. Astros

NL West

1. Dodgers
2. Giants
3. Rockies
4. Padres
5. D’Backs

Playoffs-

Dodgers over Philles in 5

Brewers over Mets in 5

Dodgers over Brewers in 6

Call me crazy for picking Dodgers to go advance into world Series and win there division but I believe this team will get hot at the right time of the year.  I have Giants not making the playoffs mainly because of how the Dodgers will get hot and I am a die hard Mets fan so they must make playoffs. Mets are going to shock the world by having a good year, I am not asking for a Championship I just want to see them make playoffs and don’t embarrass themselves any more.

 

AL East

1. Red Sox
2. Yankees*
3. Rays
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays

AL Central

1. Twins
2. White Sox
3. Tigers
4. Indians
5. Royals

AL West

1. Rangers
2. Athletics
3. Angeles
4. Mariners

Playoffs-

Red Sox over  Twins in 4

Yankees over Rangers in 5

Red Sox over yankees on 5

I believe the American League is such a easy league to pick what teams will do. Red Sox’s will put a beating on teams this year, Yankees will win wild card because there the Yankees but the White Sox’s and Athletics will make them sweat. Athletics are a team I know will be good if they only had better hitting.

WORLD SERIES

Red Sox over Dodgers- 5

 

Red Sox’s are just stacked hitting and pitching just so good. You never know what will happen in a season so lets hope for exciting year of baseball….GO METS!

 

 

 

 

 

MLB Predictions

Since I can’t sleep, I figured I’d do my 2011 MLB Predictions. Someone once said, “If you can’t sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It’s the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep,” so this is what I’ll do.

NL
East-
1.Phillies
2.Mets*
3.Braves
4.Nationals
5.Marlins

Central-
1.Brewers
2.Reds
3.Cardinals
4.Cubs
5.Pirates
6.Astros

West-
1.Rockies
2.Giants
3.Dodgers
4.Padres
5.D’Backs

Playoffs-
Phillies over Brewers in 4
Rockies over Mets in 5

Rockies over Phillies in 7

AL
East-
1.Red Sox
2.Rays*
3.Yankees
4.Blue Jays
5.Orioles

Central-
1.Twins
2.White Sox
3.Tigers
4.Royals
5.Indians

West-
1.Rangers
2.Angels
3.A’s
4.Mariners

Playoffs-
Red Sox over Rangers in 5
Rays over Twins in 5

Red Sox over Rays in 5

World Series-
Red Sox over Rockies in 6
WS MVP-Carl Crawford,OF

NL and AL Awards-
MVP-Carlos Gonzalez,Col & Josh Hamilton,Tex
Cy Young-Zach Greinke,Mil & Clay Buccholz,Bos
ROY-Aroldis Chapman,Cin & Jeremy Hellickson,TB
MOY-Terry Collins,NYM & Terry Francona,Bos
Delivery Man of the Year-Joakim Soria,KC
Comeback-Chris Young,NYM & Manny Ramirez,TB

NL Gold Gloves/Silver Sluggers
P-RA Dickey,NYM/Ubaldo Jimenez
C-Buster Posey,SF
1B-Ike Davis,NYM/Albert Pujols,StL
2B-Brandon Phillips,Cin/Dan Uggla,Atl
3B-Ryan Zimmerman,Was
SS-Starlin Castro,CHC/Troy Tulowitzki,Col
OF-Carlos Gonzalez,Col
OF-Ryan Braun,Mil/Shane Victorino,Phi
OF-Justin Upton,Ari/Michael Bourn,Hou

AL Gold Gloves/Silver Sluggers
P-Mark Buehrle,CWS (GG)
C-Kurt Suzuki,Oak/Joe Mauer,Min
1B-Mark Texeira,NYY
2B-Robinson Cano,NYY
3B-Kevin Youkilis,Bos
SS-Elvis Andrus,Tex/Alexi Ramirez,CWS
OF-Carl Crawford,Bos
OF-Ichiro Suzuki,Sea
OF-Adam Jones,Bal/Josh Hamilton,Tex
DH-Manny Ramirez,TB (SS)

My hope is that the Mets win it all and hope that what I wrote here is somewhat wrong so that does happen, but the chances of that aren’t high since being a Mets fan for the 19 years I’ve been on this Earth I’ve come to expect the worst from the Mets. Why am I picking them to win the Wild Card? I honestly don’t know, but I think it could definitely happen if the team and pitching staff stay healthy. Anyway, here’s to a great 2011 baseball season, and I can’t wait for it to get underway. Good luck to everyone’s teams (besides the Yankees, Phillies, Braves, Marlins, and Cardinals).