Baseball and Music

There have been two things I've loved greatly in my lifetime: sports and music. I enjoy both, feel very passionately about both, and both have helped me get through some rough shit in my life. Until now, I've never really thought about some connections between two of my loves, until now. With baseball season in full swing and pennant races about to heat up, it dawned on me that there are some connections with some baseball players and teams and musical artists and groups. Some of these may not make sense to you, but that's OK. I don't make sense half the time anyway. Here we go:

L.A. Dodgers- N.W.A./Red Hot Chili Peppers

Photo credit: Sons of Steve Garvey

Now, you may be thinking what do the Dodgers have in common with N.W.A. and the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Like both N.W.A. and RHCP, the Dodgers are a SoCal institution revered by many. Like N.W.A. and RHCP, they're one of the most iconic franchises not just in their sport, but in all of sports, much like both N.W.A. and RHCP are two of the most iconic music groups of all time, regardless of genre. N.W.A. was once considered "The World's Most Dangerous Group," and now, the Dodgers have some of the major leagues' most dangerous bats: Beast Mode, Dre, HanRam, and now the Flyin' Hawaiian, and like RHCP, they have their own unique style when it comes to winning, much like RHCP has their own unique style of music.

NFL Power Rankings: Training Camp Edition

With training camp upon us, I've decided to revise my previous power rankings a bit. In case you forgot how I do them, here it is:

Tier 1- Legit Super Bowl contenders
Tier 2- Decent/good teams, but lack something
Tier 3- More than likely miss playoffs, but may make it with a couple of breaks
Tier 4- Takes a miracle

Tier 1

1. New England Patriots   (Previous: 1)
Belichick, Brady, and Gronk want to take care of unfinished business.

2. Green Bay Packers       (Previous: 2)
An extremely efficient machine that is tough to beat.

3. New York Giants          (Previous: 3)
Only real question into this season is focus and drive after such an emotional Super Bowl win.

4. San Francisco 49ers      (Previous: 4)
With new receivers and a full training camp to learn Harbaugh's system, Alex Smith should be interesting to watch this year.

5. Baltimore Ravens         (Previous: 5)
Despite losing some offensive linemen and key defensive players, they continue to reload.

6. Houston Texans           (Previous: 6)
After losing a couple of key players on the lines, what can they do this year?

7. Chicago Bears              (Previous: 9)

Offensive line remains a question, but defense can compensate. Remember, they went 7-3 with that offensive line before Cutler went down last year.

8. Philadelphia Eagles      (Previous: 7)
Defense should get better with a full training camp to figure out Jim Washburn's Wide 9, Vick will be better than last year, though he was decent last year.

Fantasy Rankings Part 4: TEs

Now, we focus on tight ends, which are gaining importance in today's emphasis on passing in the NFL,  and should become more important in the future. Last season became the Year of the Tight End in fantasy circles, and this trend could continue.

1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

2011 stats: 124 targets, 90 rec, 1327 yds, 14.7 avg, 17 TD

2012 stats: 109 targets, 83 rec, 1216 yds, 14.7 avg, 13 TD

Upside: Big, physical, red zone threat, porn stars on the side

Downside: Coming off ankle ligament surgery, unlikely to repeat last year, more likely to be doubled

2. Jimmy Graham, Saints

2011 stats: 149 targets, 99 rec, 1310 yds, 13.2 avg, 11 TD

2012 stats: 131 targets, 88 rec, 1245 yds, 14.1 avg, 10 TD

Upside: Big play potential (13 plays of 25+ yds), targeted frequently, carries more of the offensive load w/o Meachem

Downside: Saints bounty distractions, defenses doubling him more, challenge to repeat last year

Fantasy Rankings Part 3: WRs

I'm back after a week off in Vegas and chillin'. So, let's get on to the wide receivers. This position may be almost as important as QB in today's fantasy, due to the empahasis placed on QB play and passing in the NFL now.

1. Calvin Johnson, Lions

2011 stats: 158 targets, 96 rec, 1681 yds, 17.5 avg, 16 TD

2012 projections: 160 targets, 94 rec, 1568 yds, 16.7 avg, 13 TD

Upside: Makes big plays, extremely tough to cover one on one, huge potential

Downside: Nagging hamstring/ankle/Achilles injuries, double teams

2. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

2011 stats: 153 targets, 80 rec, 1411 yds, 17.6 avg, 8 TD

2012 projections: 159 targets, 86 rec, 1377 yds, 16.0 avg, 9 TD

Upside: Michael Floyd shifts some defensive pressure, good yard average, high yardage

Downside: Questions/inconsistencies at QB affecting numbers, numbers down from Warner years

Fantasy Sleepers

Blogger was fucking up last night, and I had originally done these last night as part of my fantasy RBs, but it deleted them. So here they are, my sleeper/alternative picks:

Darren Sproles, Saints

2011 stats: 87 rush, 603 yards, 6.9 YPC, 2 TD; 86 rec, 710 yards, 7 TD

2012 projections: 83 rush, 512 yards, 506 yards, 2 TD; 81 rec, 753 yards, 6 TD

Upside: Elusive, big play potential (big plays = points), playmaker

Downside: Production is up and down week to week, defenses game-planning more for him

Frank Gore, 49ers

2011 stats: 282 rush, 1211 yards, 4.3 YPC, 8 TD; 17 rec, 114 yards, 0 TD

2012 projections: 252 rush, 1111 yards, 4.4 YPC, 7 TD; 27 rec, 220 yards, 1 TD

Upside: Healthiest he's been in a while, still puts up solid numbers, good RB2

Downside: Workload reduced, signing of Brandon Jacobs, still risk for injury

DeMarco Murray, Cowboys

2011 stats: 163 rush, 895 yards, 5.5 YPC, 2 TD; 26 rec, 183 yds, 0 TD

2012 projections: 204 rush, 1061 yards, 5.2 YPC, 8 TD; 34 rec, 331 yds, 1 TD

Upside: High potential, quick & has good YPC

Downside: Coming off ankle injury, somewhat unproven (7 career starts)

Fantasy Rankings Part 2: RBs

Last week, I focused on QBs. Now, this week, we focus on that other part of your backfield, the running backs.

1. Arian Foster, Texans

2011 stats: 278 rush, 1224 yds, 4.4 YPC, 10 TD; 53 rec, 617 yds, 2 TD

2012 projections:  307 rush, 1488 yds, 4.8 YPC, 12 TD; 61 rec, 724 yds, 2 TD

Upside: Elite runner, good rushing and receiving numbers, versatile

Downside: Lost top blocker, hamstring/injury issues, good backup who can steal touches/TDs

2. Ray Rice, Ravens

2011 stats: 291 rush, 1364 yds, 4.7 YPC, 12 TD; 76 rec, 704 yds, 3 TD

2012 projections: 285 rush, 1331 yds, 4.7 YPC, 12 TD; 73 rec, 672 yds, 3 TD

Upside: TDs have gone up, versatile, useful as rusher and receiver

Downside: Lost top blocker, working new blocker into offense

Why I Do This

This is a departure from my usual material of commentary, opinion, and memories. I've been doing this for the last couple of months, and I plan to keep doing this for as long as possible.

I can remember Shaq and Kobe. I can remember being 7, being upset the Lakers were losing to Portland, only to see them come back and win, and in the Finals, after Shaq fouled out, thinking they would lose Game 4, only to see Kobe help save the day. Or when I was 8 and a half, hoping the Lakers went undefeated in the playoffs, and after watching the Finals, trying to copy AI's crossover.

I remember watching the Raiders play the Patriots, seeing the Raiders force Tom Brady fumble the ball, only to see the referee say that he followed the "Tuck Rule" and the Patriots keep the ball. I remember the next year, seeing the Raiders go to the Super Bowl and get the shit kicked out of them, and I haven't seen them recover since.

I remember being on the edge of my seat as Big Shot Bob Horry took the shot that ripped the hearts out of the Queens. I remember Game 7, when the Lakers went in to Sacramento and ripped the Queens' hearts out again. I remember Kobe going off for 40+ points 9 games in a row. I remember the Lakers getting Malone and Payton, I remember Kobe having to go to court and play on the court the same days, and I remember thinking they'd win another ring, only to have my heart broken against the Pistons. I remember Shaq being traded to Miami, and he and Kobe playing each other on Christmas.

I remember USC getting screwed out of the national title game in '03 by the BCS, dominating in '04, and coming oh so close the next year before Vince Young tore my heart out. I remember all the good times with Pete, Matt, Reggie, Carson and the rest of the Trojan Army. I remember the NCAA screwing the Trojans over. However, I know this new generation will give me new memories: Matt B., Robert, Marqise, and Curtis.

I remember Kobe going for 81, Kobe getting Gasol, and Kobe finally winning MVP. I remember the blown 24 point lead to the Celtics, and my heart breaking seeing the Lakers losing by 39. I remember Kobe's redemption the following summer, and never having to hear idiots say Kobe can't without Shaq. I remember the Lakers doing it again against those fuckin' Celtics coming back from 13 down the night I graduated high school. I remember seeing the confetti come down and Kobe celebrating on the scorer's table. I remember the heartbreaking way Phil went out the next year. I remember David Fuckin' Stern robbing us of CP3 and sending him to the JV team down the hall.

I remember the Dodgers. Going to games with my dad during the summer, seeing them play. I remember seeing them change owners a lot. I remember Eric Gagne walking in to Welcome to the Jungle with Game Over flashing on the scoreboard. I also enjoyed seeing Manny, then found out about him using steroids. I remember the playoff runs they made. I remember that game against the Padres where they came from behind, hitting 4 home runs in the 9th and winning in the 10th. I love Kemp, Ethier, Kershaw, Capuano, and the rest of them.

I remember the Kings having some rough seasons, but building up a core of Brown, Kopitar, Doughty, Quick, and Richards. I remember my excitement going into this season, and my disappointment as they struggled. I remember going into the playoffs, very few outside of Kings fans gave them a chance, then seeing them dominate. I remember seeing Dustin Brown lift the Stanley Cup and ending the frustration of Kings fans everywhere.

So, what's the point of me listing all the things I remember about my favorite teams? The point is, I've had a lifelong love affair with sports, and I do this as a fan, which is something my dad, uncles, and cousins have instilled in me over the years.

Point God

Well, just when the rest of the NBA thought it was safe to get back in the water, the Lakers trade for a 2-time MVP and future Hall of Famer in Steve Nash. This trade caught everyone by surprise, including me, as many of us believed he was most likely headed to either Toronto or New York. Now, as happy as I am about the deal, I know this does not guarantee the Lakers the NBA title. We still have to work on our bench, and get some better players to fill it out. However, we'll deal with that later. Right now, let's focus on Steve Nash.

I said I love this deal, but the only real issues I have are age and injuries. Steve Nash is 38 now, will be 39 in February, and has a history of back issues. Despite all of that, I love this deal for one simple reason: Steve Nash gives the Lakers an extra threat on offense. I know Steve is not the best defensive player, but his offensive capabilities make up for it somewhat. He is also the best facilitator the Lakers have had in a while. This is key, because while Phil's Triangle offense did not require a point guard to facilitate, Mike Brown's offense is more traditional and does require a point guard, and very few fill the facilitator role in today's NBA better than Steve Nash. Food for thought: Steve Nash averaged 10.7 (Fuck it, I'm rounding it up to 11) assists a game on a garbage Phoenix team last year that came within two games of making it to the playoffs. Think about that, now think about what he could do to this team. Steve Nash is one of the most creative ball handlers (pause) in the NBA today, and he could get it inside to Bynum/Gasol (maybe Howard?) or get it to Kobe, who will find more open shots due to defenses accounting for Nash. As a result, teams also cannot double Kobe like they used to because of Nash's presence. If they double Kobe, Nash is wide open for 3 or a layup. 

One question that has been posed has been, "How will Kobe deal with not being the main facilitator on offense now?" Also, I've hear people say "Nash will be effective, but he might have to pry the ball away from Kobe." If you're really wondering that, first of all, you didn't do any fucking research, and second of all, you're just lacking in in-depth knowledge. If you took the time to read the story or watch the coverage, you will know Kobe demanded Mitch Kupchak and the front office pursue Nash when he heard Nash was on the market. In fact, Kobe talked to Nash personally. Second of all, Steve Nash is not primarily a scorer. He is a passer, a playmaker. He will get his points and chances. This is a perfect fit. 

Fantasy Rankings Part 1: QBs

Today's the 4th of July, and today, I'd like to talk about something that's become a new American tradition: fantasy football. Full disclosure: I'm not a fantasy football player myself. So, you may wonder, why is Alex doing this? I'll tell you why. I know this is a major interest of many of my readers, so I'm doing this as a service for them. Since we're being honest, do you really believe the "experts" at ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and NFL.com really know more than you or I? They know about as much as we do. That being said, I'm going to give you breakdowns on the top 10 players at each position, plus the top sleepers as best as I can, starting with the QBs.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

2011 stats: 343-502 (68.3 comp. %), 4643 yds, 45 TD, 6 Int, 60 Rush, 257 Yds, 3 Rush TD

2012 projections: 345-500 (69 comp. %), 4521 yds, 44 TD, 8 Int, 52 Rush, 217 Yds, 3 Rush TD

Upside: Excellent passing numbers, throws very few INTs, underrated rusher, strong arm

Downside: Very few, except for the occasional interception

2. Tom Brady, Patriots

2011 stats: 401-611 (65.6 comp. %), 5235 yds, 39 TD, 12 Int, 43 Rush, 109 Yds, 3 TD

2012 projections: 392-601 (65.2 comp. %), 4958 yds, 39 TD, 13 Int, 33 Rush, 142 Yds, 3 TD

Upside: Remarkably consistent, accurate, solid, safe bet

Downside: Getting older, passing numbers probably down slightly from last year

Way Too Early NFL Power Rankings

This is the first of my NFL power rankings, and here's how it'll work:

Tier 1- Teams I feel are legit Super Bowl contenders.
Tier 2- Teams I feel are going to be decent or good, but lack something that contenders have.
Tier 3- Teams I feel most likely won't make the playoffs, but have somewhat of an outside shot.
Tier 4- No.

Tier 1

1. New England Patriots
You already know what Brady will give you, but the defense needs to hold up.

2. Green Bay Packers
Defense should improve, and they will be motivated by unfinished business from last year.

3. New York Giants
Defending champs, but will the traditional Super Bowl hangover be there?

4. San Francisco 49ers
They were two fumbled punts away from the Super Bowl, and improved receiving.

5. Baltimore Ravens
Losing Suggs for at least half the season won't affect them as much as some believe.

6. Houston Texans
With Schaub healthy again, Arian Foster, and an underrated D, watch out for them in the AFC.

7. Philadelphia Eagles
They made improvements in the draft on D, and DeSean and LeSean got their contracts.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers
They're older and slower and have some personnel changes, but do not underestimate them.

Football

For the next 7 months, get ready for wall to wall football coverage. Everything from college to NFL.

The Indecision

In the latest chapter of the drama that has dragged on for the last 2 years, Dwight Howard has come out and said that, "There's only one team on my list and if I don't get traded there, I'll play the season out and explore my free agency after that." Most basketball fans and insiders, myself included, believe the team he is referring to is the Brooklyn Nets, the assumption being that Deron Williams will not leave for Dallas, stay in Brooklyn, and he and Dwight form the core of the Nets. Since this began about 2 years ago, teams such as the Lakers, Nets, Mavericks, Clippers, Rockets, Bulls, and even the Heat have been rumored destinations. Just based on appearance, it looks like this will dominate the NBA offseason news cycle until there is a resolution. 

Personally, as harsh as I was with LeBron after The Decision (and I was pretty harsh with him), I believe LeBron's Decision pales in comparison to this. Dwight Howard keeps leading everyone on, has them believing he will go to Brooklyn or LA, only to keep changing his mind again and again. He has demanded trades, only to take back those demands, signed an extension with Orlando only to want out later on, and managed to get his coach and GM fired. Now he claims he was "blackmailed" by the Magic into signing the extension. Much as I have criticized LeBron over the years, what Dwight has done has been far more destructive, and unlike LeBron, can't seem to make up his mind. I really don't want to devote more time and space to this dude, but here's something that made me laugh my ass off: