NFL Predictions Update

Here were my bold predictions from last week:

Jets 20, Steelers 17
Patriots 30, Colts 27
Eagles 27, Vikings 17
Rams 20, Falcons 17

Okay 2-2 and this week but that I should have been on the money with that Jet's prediction, twice.

Eagles & Vikings scores were off by a field goal respectively... The Pats showed what they had and surprised even the strongest of Patriots fans with that game. And the Rams, well I like to dream... (ie. Broncos over Colts)

So here we go... now my predictions for the Conference Finals cannot stray very far as I live a mile from Foxboro in Mass... and a 20 minute subway trip from the Linc in Philly so I'm gonna entrust a lot in my scores... and yes I have the Eagles finally reaching the Super Bowl.

Eagles 27, Falcons 21

Patriots 23, Steelers 17

Patriots over Eagles 20-17... on a last minute field goal, what else is new ?

NEW YORK CHOKE ARTISTS
You have officially witnessed the two BIGGEST chokes in New York history... although this time I was actually pulling for the Jets. It's days like these I truly appreciate Adam Vinatieri.




Paolo DeVito
Back On Track In Philly

Beltran Booted

We Ran Out Of Time.

That's All Houston Had To Report On #15. Of course with this news it looks as if the Rocket may also be blasting off out of Houston, as they will probably not be competitive without Beltran, but they didn't have him at the start of 2004 so I don't exactly see the logic there. Many believe that with Beltran's Houston deadline finally passing that the Yankees would jump into the bidding.

Of course this means I was heading into this weekend hoping that the Astro's would resign Beltran but the longer that he is on the market the more likely it is that the Yanks will jump back in. The Mets are still looking for their one big move to make for an outfielder, and signing Carlos Beltran would probably be the only move that makes them not look like morons (because we all know how the Mets like to make bonehead moves). They were looking to get Sosa, Manny, Giambi... they're just always desparate trigger-happy fools.

That leaves a free agent pool of...

Derek Lowe - close to signing with LA alongside Penny, Perez, Weaver & Ishii.

Carlos Beltran - Most likely a Met, they need to make the big move, but never count out the Yanks, Cubs if Beltran decided he wants to go short term deal after all.

Carlos Delgado - He's gonna be a BoSox, just you wait... maybe Baltimore.

Maglio Ordonez - Maybe an Oriole if they miss out on Delgado. Otherwise maybe Houston, Cubbies, or a Cali team.

OF/1B
Jeremy Burnitz
Ben Grieve
Raul Mondesi
Brian Jordan
Rusty Greer
John Vanderwal
Darren Bragg
John Olerud
Eric Karros
Tony Clark
Brad Fullmer
David Segui

IF
Barry Larkin
Mark DeRosa
Rich Aurillia
Roberto Alomar
Carlos Baerga

SP
Shawn Estes
Aaron Sele
Hideo Nomo
Esteban Loaiza

RP
Rob Nen
Billy Koch
Valerio De Los Santos
Roberto Hernandez
Jose Jimenez
Jeff Nelson
Dan Miceli
Scott Williamson

Sidenote: NYY's Shane Spencer quietly followed Kapler to Japan.

My Gems Would Include Miceli & De Los Santos in the pen, & DeRosa backing up at 2nd base, he's still young - has a lot of potential and would likely come cheap... This rest of this list looks washed up.




Paolo DeVito
Packing For Philly

NFL Wildcard Saturday

Pair Of Upsets

Alright, So I was getting upset when I watched endless predictions and suddenly everyone started jumping on the Charger bandwagon, claiming they were the most complete team playing this weekend. They counted out the Jets defense... who of course allowed the occasional big play to L.T. or Gates. I think the Chargers were a great team but the Jets had the experience and the statement to make.

Back to my point, of about the 40 predictions for this weekend I saw maybe 35 of them claim that there would be no upsets, of course several claimed that Rams over the Seahawks would not be an upset, but everyone counted out the Jets.

My original statement for this weekend was a complete round of upsets... I know I sound crazy but I have to get this shit in print before it happens. The Vikings always give the Pack a helluva game. And the Broncos over Colts, well ya never know. I'll admit there's a very scarce chance that both these games could be upsets but it could happen. And I like the idea of playing the J-E-T-S, instead of the Colts next weekend (especially now that Law is official out of action).

Tomorrow's Scores:
27-24 Broncos... 28-24 Vikings...

So here we go with my predictions for next week:
If Broncos Win:
Steelers 20, Broncos 17
Patriots 20, Jets 10

If Colts Win:
Jets 20, Steelers 17
Patriots 30, Colts 27

If Vikings Win:
Eagles 27, Vikings 17
Rams 20, Falcons 17

If Packers Win:
Eagles 27, Rams 20
Falcons 31, Packers 17

I sometimes feel as if the announcers and sports analyists make their predictions based upon whether or not they can back up their facts on air and sound good and sometimes they miss the obvious.

...and then there were 10...




Paolo DeVito
Packing For Philly

Schilling's End

Quick Point Here In Response To Matt's Article.

With Schilling reaching the end of his contract (2006 is an option) it is very likely that the Red Sox are front runners to sign Sheets or Santana... They have the money opening up, but like Matt, i think, was trying to say, if the Yanks are at their last dollars now - than where are they going to get money NEXT year. Face it Yankees, this is your team for the next couple of years... some may see that as a good thing - but they're old... and they're unproven.

Just cuz I think it looks pretty I'll draw it out; All 25...

Derek Jeter - el capitan
Alex Rodriguez - it's A-Rod's team now, sorry Derek.
Hideki Matsui - streakt workhorse - maybe unbreakable, maybe not...
Gary Sheffield - quick bat but getting slower...
Bernie Williams - quick bat but getting slower
Tino Martinez - more of a leader than a hitter.... .260 average, can hit about 15 homers.
Jorge Posada - old...
Jason Giambi - old and off the juice
Tony Womack - one year wonder.... he'll definitely see some pitches though.

Randy Johnson - we'll see how long he lasts...
Mike Mussina - getting old, workmoose of the team. Big weight off shoulder with RJ #1
Carl Pavano - National League magic usually doesn't transfer over.
Jaret Wright - one year wonder...
Kevin Brown - old, and they don't have a #6 pitcher...

Sturtz - potentially has potential
Felix Rodriguez - one year wonder, waaaaaay overpaid.
Karsay - waste of money
Gordon - good bounce back, can only go down from here...
Stanton - didn't he already retire ???
Quantrill - he was already done, big risk
Rivera - no longer untouchable

So far their bench consists of Ruben Sierra, Bubba Crosby, John Flaherty, & Eric Duncan.




Paolo DeVito
Yankees Suck