Author Archives: Glen G

Matt Kemp Sizzling to Start The New Year

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After being snubbed of the MVP award last spring, Matt Kemp seems to be a man on a mission. Although the season is still mighty young it’s hard to not notice the enormous production the young left fielder is contributing for the Dodgers and how fast he has become one of the game’s elite talents. In just 10 games this year Kemp already has 6 home runs and 15 RBI to go along with an absurd .457 Batting Average. Those numbers are good enough to have him at the forefront of the triple crown race, for the time being.

This is nothing new for Matt Kemp as last season he was in the thick of winning that very illusive award, but he could not hold on in the batting average category, yet was still able to lead the league in home runs, RBI, Runs and Total Bases. It was quite a campaign for the 27 year older. His lightning fast start to this season is showing all that production last season was not an anomaly but merely a coming out party for Kemp, and that’s something Los Angeles fans will get to celebrate for hopefully the next decade.

Kemp not winning the MVP award last season could actually turn out to be the greatest thing that ever happened to the guy as it can now serve as inspiration for this year’s season and those to come. Although he played great last year it was not enough to be called the best player, leaving room to grow and get better. All the while this season the Dodgers, who were irrelevant last year, are off to a 9-1 start which has them sitting pretty atop the NL West. The 6 game win streak they are currently riding, due largely to Kemp’s efforts, have people wondering if Los Angeles is a true contender this season. My view on that matter is that some players are able to take a team on their backs for a stretch of 5-10 games, some great players can do that for 15-20 games and really will their team to win, but not many players can do that for an entire season. That is even more prevalent of a truth in baseball as the 162 game season takes its toll on all players. This season will be very telling of just how good Matt Kemp really is and if he can produce like he did last year; he may be able to carry his team into contention.

The Dodgers core of Matt Kemp and Young Ace Clayton Kershaw, who won the NL Cy Young last season, has given life to a team that has battled with ownership troubles. The purchase of the team by legendary Basketball Player Magic Johnson has some concerned with his qualifications regarding baseball, but nevertheless the team is winning (for the time being). Fans should rest easy knowing they have Matt Kemp for at least 8 seasons (as he signed a 8 year, $160 million contract this offseason), in which I figure him to become, if he isn’t already, the premier all around player in the league. I compare his game a lot to the likes of an Alex Rodriguez in the sense that he can hurt you in every aspect of the game. He can field the ball, he can make throws, he can hit for power and contact and he can run. He’s the epitome of a five tool player and a special one at that, maybe one special enough to bring a title back to the Dodgers. Times are exciting in Los Angeles, and the MVP watch is in full effect.

Like Matt Kemp? Do You See Him Winning MVP Award(s)? Thoughts?

NHL Playoff Preview: Western Conference

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Part 2 of my NHL Playoff preview takes a look at the Western conference matchups and explores who has the edge in each.

#1 Vancouver Canucks vs. #8 Los Angeles Kings

Possibly the most interesting matchup in the NHL. Though most don’t expect the Kings to be able to hang with the Canucks…I beg to differ. The Kings showed guts down the stretch by hanging on to a playoff spot despite strong pushes from the Calgary Flames and the Dallas Stars, and in doing so may have gained the confidence they need to pull off quite an upset. However, it won’t come easy for the Kings as the Canucks really earned the league’s top record and they did it down the stretch without key scorer Daniel Sedin. Getting last year’s Hart Trophy winner back will provide instant offense and the duo of Daniel and Henrik Sedin is in my opinion the most formidable in the league today. Look for their twin chemistry to ignite Vancouver, despite a resilient effort by the Kings’ aggressive defense (ranked 2nd in the NHL in GA average with 2.18). The only way I see Vancouver losing this series is if Los Angeles can get in the head of Roberto Luongo and force the Canucks to bring in capable backup Cory Schneider. Doing so will rattle Vancouver and could spoil another very good regular season.

Prediction: Canucks 4 Kings 2

#2 St. Louis Blues vs. #7 San Jose Sharks

San Jose was one of the most opportunistic teams as the season winded down. They rode a four game winning to the 7th seed and in doing so may have saved themselves an early exit from the playoffs. The Blues come into this matchup on somewhat of a lull as they traded wins and losses over the final ten games which cost themselves the top seed in the conference. That being said the Blues had the best defense in the NHL all season long, giving up a league low 165 goals (14 better then the 2nd best team – L.A. Kings). The Blues however have had trouble scoring at times and the Sharks have the firepower needed to win a playoff series. The key in this series will be the contributions from Joe Thornton and Logan Couture, because if those guys can get it going they can win games alone, but Jumbo Joe just doesn’t seem to be “that guy” anymore. I look for the Blues stingy defense and twin headed monster of a goalie unit (Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliot) to thwart any hopes of a San Jose upset. Blues in 5.

Prediction: Blues 4 Sharks 1

#3 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #6 Chicago Blackhawks

The Star Studded Blackhawks are the underdogs in this series, but this matchup will be very even. The goaltending play of Mike Smith for Phoenix has made fans forget all about that Ilya Bryzgalov chump (just kidding Philly fans). Smith was a man on a mission over the past month of the regular season as his play was the sole reason Phoenix won the Pacific Division. However they earned a matchup with the always dangerous Blackhawks, and with the return of Captain Jonathan Toews appearing to be imminent the Coyotes could have their hands full. I like for this one to go six or seven with the difference being the play of now veteran Patrick Kane and Toews proving to be the difference.

Prediction: Blackhawks 4 Coyotes 3

#4 Nashville Predators vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings

The battle of offense versus defense is in full effect in the 4 vs. 5 matchup, and it should be a good one. The guy I’ll have my eye on in this series is Pekka Rinne, the gifted goalie for Nashville. Rinne is a special player capable of shutting a team out despite his team being outplayed, and with the amount of offense the Wings have he may have to do just that. If the Wings start playing their type of game and utilize those long tape to tape passes only they have the skill for, they could turn this into a high scoring affair, and Nashville simply can’t beat them at that game. For Nashville to pull this off they have to keep the scoring down and play smart and physical. Stud defenseman Shea Weber and fellow star defenseman Ryan Suter must play at the Norris Trophy level there capable of if they want their team to have a chance.

Prediction: Red Wings 4 Predators 2

Agree With Me? Am I Lost? Comments?

NHL Playoff Preview: Eastern Conference

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The First round matchups are finally set and the playoffs are officially upon us. It was a wild finish to the regular season that saw Washington earn the 7th seed on the very last day, thus avoiding a matchup with the powerful Rangers. We also saw Sniper Steven Stamkos join an elite group of scorers when he potted his 60th goal of the season while only further solidifying himself as the games top pure goal scorer (it also doesn’t hurt to have the gifted Martin St. Louis dishing the puck to you). Now that the regular season is over, let’s wipe the slates clean and take a look at each matchup and try to determine a favorite for each.

#1 NY Rangers vs. #8 Ottawa Senators

No team benefited more through the seeding change that took place on the last day of the season than New York. With Washington finishing seventh the Rangers truly dodged a bullet. Although the Rangers are considered to be one of the top 3 teams league wide, having to play against a skilled team like the Capitals is always dangerous and I’m sure the Blue shirts are happy their getting Ottawa. However, that’s not to say Ottawa will be a pushover, because this team can score goals. Their 249 goals puts them just above that threshold of 3 goals per game, making them an offensively capable bunch. The key to this series will be Henrik Lundqvist, and that should come as no surprise. The Vezina Trophy favorite has been stellar all season and this could be his time to carry his team to that next level. A dominant series by King Henrik could set the tone for these playoffs and make New York the favorites for the cup.

Prediction: Rangers 4 Senators 1

#2 Boston Bruins vs. #7 Washington Capitals

The defending champs may be in for an early test as they face the Capitals. The veteran Bruins are a team that wins games because of two things; their physicality and their depth. No other team in the NHL gets as much out of every line as this team, and come playoff time that makes a huge difference. Also having a former Vezina Trophy winner in net (Tim Thomas) doesn’t hurt. I look for Washington to come out with passion, because just a few weeks back they looked destined to be on the golf course by now. I also look for Alexander Ovechkin to really take over and play his type of hockey. If he can set the tone for his team by scoring goals and laying some big checks he can be the X-factor. That being said the Capitals as a whole may lack the depth and firepower to beat the sturdy Bruins, but this series should bring a lot of excitement for fans.

Prediction: Bruins 4 Capitals 2

#3 Florida Panthers vs. # 6 New Jersey Devils

The story of two teams going in opposite directions is evident here and the upset alert is on. Florida stumbled to the finish and needed a win in their last game, which they got, to cling to the #3 seed. That win got them a matchup with the red hot Devils. Riding a 6 game win streak the Devils have looked strong down the stretch and are showing that they may have a team ready to make a deep playoff run. The two teams split the season series 2 a piece, but I think all the momentum here lies with the Devils. However as I said before, playoff hockey is like a fresh start, records don’t matter anymore. The key in this series will be Ilya Kovalchuk and his ability to create as well as score. Kovalchuk was a point per game player this season and if he can continue that pace he will be pacing the Devils to a route of the Panthers in this series.

Prediction: Devils 4 Panthers 1

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers

And here lies the gem of all the matchups in the Eastern conference. Put quite frankly, these are 2 of the top 5 teams in the NHL and this series will be a heavily contested bloodbath. The last time these teams met over 100 penalty minutes were served up, as well as some key injuries to both teams. I look for that aggression and snarl to be key parts of this series, in addition to the enormous skill that both teams have in abundance. The key in this series, to the surprise of some, will be goaltending play. We know guys like Claude Giroux, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are going to score, but what we don’t know is how much. If Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury or Philadelphia’s Ilya Bryzgalov can step up and be dominant they will win their team the series. The team that does win this series has a great chance at winning the cup, because I believe this matchup is comparable to a great semifinal where the winner gains that confidence needed to go all the way. I give the slightest of edges to The Flyers because I believe their Goalie Bryzgalov will earn his keep through a dominant performance in a big series.

Prediction: Flyers 4 Penguins 3

Agree? Disagree? Let me hear what you’re thinking!

The AL East Rule

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2011 was one of the most unpredictable seasons baseball has ever offered up, and things are about to get even more interesting. As the collapse of the Boston Red Sox was imminent, division rival Tampa Bay was there waiting to steal their postseason berth as the Wild Card winner. The Red Sox simply withered down the stretch when it counted most, going a horrific 7-20 in September while blowing a nine game lead in the standings, which is just unheard of unless you’re the 2007 New York Mets (Yes their failure is still worse). The effect this had on the Boston roster can be seen by the overhaul they went through this off-season, firing both their General Manager and Manager days after the team had officially failed to make the playoffs.

A bit into the off-season, the MLB decided to institute a rule change that has many shaking their heads. The decision they made was to add a second Wild Card postseason team to each league, thus enhancing the amount of games that would take place and aid some teams hoping to make a “Cinderella” type of run, much like the opportune St. Louis Cardinals team did last season in winning it all.

The problem I have with the rule change is the implication it has on competition. It rewards teams that aren’t deserving of making the playoffs, but are suited for a playoff series. For instance, last season’s Red Sox team looked like the favorite for most of the year to go all the way. They had three very solid starters in Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and rising talent Clay Buchholz. Although these starters struggled mightily all season and never gained any type of consistency, I think every team in the AL was happy to not have to face those guys in a playoff series format.

I am a diehard Red Sox fan, and I was extremely bitter last season when the Rays led a spirited charge on the last day of the regular season to steal the Wild Card, but the Sox had it coming. They absolutely dogged it down the stretch and didn’t look hungry out there. Had they earned “the second” Wild Card spot, I would have been ashamed because there shouldn’t be consolation prizes in sports. The rule change seems to be more about making money and satisfying big markets than about improving the competitiveness of the game, and that’s just not right. Baseball fans have become accustomed to the suspense that comes with fighting for that Wild Card, especially in a division as fiercely contested as the AL East.

It’s also unfair to cater rules to big market teams in my opinion, because it furthers the gap of fair play. Although some will say this rule will help small market teams weasel into a playoff spot, the more likely outcome is that a team like Rays, Angels or Red Sox will scoop up that second Wild Card and possibly make a run at a World Series Title (this would be great for the MLB as these teams are the money makers of the league, and this rule change is telling of where their priorities are). Should this scenario occur, I believe fans (of other teams) have a right to say that team should have never been given that chance.

Baseball, at least in my opinion, is one of the most consistent sports in the sense that powerhouse franchises will always be just that, and small market teams will always be just that; you can’t change a team’s financial strength overnight. I think the MLB should have given this more thought before implementing this change, because they are sacrificing the excitement of playoff baseball all for more revenue.

At the end of the day one can understand that baseball is a business, but greed has its consequences and the addition of a second Wild Card team will only make the playoffs feel more dragged out, which will ultimately hurt baseball’s appeal to fans. The number one complaint from fans of baseball is that the games are too long (another big concern as an average game takes about 3 hours) and that the season may be too many games. Yet how do the MLB Executives respond? With more games of course! The new format will not be more exciting, it’s nothing more than a way to sell more merchandise and tickets for the teams that gets in on those last playoff spots. The concept also has a novelty aspect to it that doesn’t bode well for the game, because you’re supposed to earn your spot in the playoffs not be handed one.

One parting observation…if the rule change is instituted this season, 10 out of 30 teams would make the playoffs, but how many of those teams will realistically deserve to be there? The answer to that question is surely not 10, and may be less than 5; just some food for thought.

Do you like the rules change? How could it be better? Opinions?

4 Bold Predictions: MLB Edition

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With spring training games underway and the start of the regular season on the horizon it’s starting to feel warm again, and that’s welcome news to all baseball fans. This off-season was one filled with uncertainty and excitement. Whether it was the drama surrounding NL MVP Ryan Braun and his plead of innocence for his alleged steroid use or tension around the pursuit of Japanese Phenom Yu Darvish, the off-season had something for everybody. There was the “big” (sort of a mean joke I suppose) signing of Prince Fielder by the Detroit Tigers which could be huge, and there was the free agency of possibly the greatest player of our generation, Albert Pujols signing with the Angels of Anaheim. This off-season had many storylines that have shaken the MLB and all of the deals made are sure to produce one hell of a season. Because of the amount of moves and uncertainty, I’d like to go a little bold here and attempt to make some predictions. These predictions may not pan out, but ones things for sure; THEY ARE BOLD!

4. Yu Darvish Wins The AL Cy Young Award

The young, cocky flamethrower has been the talk of Texas since signing a 6-year, $56 Million Dollar Deal, making the total investment in him nearly $108 Million (they had to pay his Japanese team an unreal $51.7 Million just to negotiate with him). However, if Darvish can come in and win his team games as the top starter, all that money will be forgotten. Darvish has shown in spring training that he has no fear on the mound, and that he will challenge even good hitters with his 96-97 MPH fastball. His 5 pitch repertoire also makes him dangerous as it will be tough for batters to key in on one pitch. I look for Darvish to take the MLB by storm and win 17-20 games this year while striking out 200+. If he can reach these numbers not only will he be a fantasy stud, but also your AL Cy Young winner.

3. David Wright goes for .300+ Batting Average, 30+ Homers and 110+ RBIs

Playing for a depleted New York Mets squad, Wright will be the lone bright spot. Likely to bat third or fourth, David will have the majority of the his team’s chances to drive runs in. Although CitiField is a hitters nightmare, Wright showed two seasons ago that he has enough pop to hit anywhere in going for 29 HRs and 103 RBIs coming off his disaster of a 2009 season. Although the Mets aren’t even thought to be a competitive team going forward I like Wright to get back to being a top third basemen in the game. He is a five tool player and him pulling off an MVP caliber season for a cellar team is in reach, keep Wright in mind when picking your daily fantasy teams.

2. Bryce Harper Will Be Key For The Washington Nationals…This Season

Despite being told he will start the season in AAA, Bryce Harper is still key to the Nationals MLB squad. His development throughout the year will be the factor that determines whether the Nationals will be an average team or a very good playoff team. We’ve seen his tremendous arm strength and his ability to crush the ball to all parts of the field. With the return of Strasburg and the core of Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth in place, Washington may actually have something cooking. The difference is Bryce, and whether he can emerge as the top flight talent we know he is capable of. If Harper can contribute a good batting average (.300+) and knock in runs when he has the opportunity (thinking 80+ RBI), then he could be the reason the Nationals make a serious postseason run this year.

1. Miami Marlins Win The World Series

This is not bold you say? Look no further than fellow Miami-based team, The Heat (NBA), who last season built a dominant team yet failed to win it all due to a lack of chemistry. When you look at all the talent they had you can see that a championship is never a guarantee; especially in a sport as team oriented as baseball. The Marlins are stacked; fielding a squad that features Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Mike Stanton, Josh Johnson and Heath Bell amongst others. The Marlins have the talent to go far, but how will they mesh together is really the question? The key for this team is Jose Reyes and his ability to manufacture runs. He’s a unique player in the sense that a single for him, or even a walk, often feels like a double because of his knack for stealing bases or scoring off a hit that other runners would have to hold up on. Reyes hitting .320+ with 110+ runs scored will result in his team being one of the most lethal squads in the entire league. If he can just get on base, Ramirez and Stanton will drive him in, and in doing so have big years for themselves. Fantasy owners should take notice of this team and pick daily any player batting in their top 4. Although the starting pitching still isn’t top notch I look for the energy of the fans to be electric and help this young team win the most important thing in baseball…A World Series Title.

That’s My Opinion on the upcoming season, what’s yours? Who’s your surprise team this year? Who’s going to win it all? Any Thoughts?