Are you ready Blazer fans?  I know I can't wait for our guys to punish the league's best this season. 

 

Reasons for Optimism

A healthy Greg Oden is ready to begin a dominant career in the Rose City.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbgepARu7-c&fe
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Rudy Fernandez is ready to make the transition to the NBA.  Could he be the next Manu or even better?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzaRAZ_yNTQ 

LA continuing to lead the team in scoring, but also taking his game to the next level.  Making the Bulls look foolish for taking Tyrus Thomas.  He's got the game and the star power.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uqjMvuwRfU&fe
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Outlaw makin' those game winners and throwin' down sick dunks.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyVHrMGNohY>

Marty shooting the lights out again.  Nice defense Utah.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMVXnJDBtnI  Of course this was a game I went to.  El Fuego!

Bayless makes 10 other teams look foolish for passing on him, especially the ones that took point guards.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Z2UjU6xQI>

Can't forget team MVP, Mr. Clutch of the Rose City, Roy Wonder himself.  To which the Blazers wouldn't succeed without.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYut7aGeMrQ>

The toughness of the team, Joel the "Thrilla" Pryzbilla.  A beast in the paint, always one to throw a block party.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcOTqe51X8c>

Sergio Magnifico! Spanish Chocolate Less TOs, means more PT amigo.  Time for you to start droppin' some dimes.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my-bmN_M3gI>

Role players, doing their thing.  Steve Blake being the steady playmaker that he his, occassionally burying that necessary 3 ball.  Channing Frye showing me that I was wrong for calling you "soft" last year.  I'm sorry.  What can I say about Ike Diogu?  Raef LaFrentz proving to me that not all money is well spent.  Good luck to James Jones and Jarrett Jack and of course McBob.  Jack will be missed, especially by me.  Voted by his teammates as the "Best Dressed, Best Friend"  We'll miss you buddy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU7u4YxKnTI&
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and hopefully Mac 10 will win Coach of the Year!

and of course we have the best owner (Mr. Allen) and GM (Kevin Pritchard) in the league

GO BLAZERS!

 

The Blazers got a stud point guard with superstar potential.  This kid  is crazy fast, has slick moves, can dish, can hit the 3, and jam.  The Blazers got a steal and luckily didn't have to part with much to get him.  He's going to be a great addition to an already potent lineup.  Rudy, Oden, Bayless, Roy, and LA, the future looks pretty promising. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UrjjamBWvw

The Mock Drafts are tough and you can guarantee with all the trades, you'll never guess them all.  I think there are some real gems in this year's draft class, particularly Mayo, Beasley, Rose, Gordon, and Rush.  The majority of these youngsters look like they need to time to grow.  Anyway, my final mock draft.  I think I'm getting closer to maybe figuring this thing out.  Eventhough my team has a late pick, I'm still very much excited about the draft.

1.  Chicago Bulls:  Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis

2.  Miami Heat:  Michael Beasley, PF, KSU

3.  Minnesota T'Wolves:  OJ Mayo, SG, USC

4.  Seattle/OKC Sonics:  Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona

5.  Memphis Grizzlies:  Kevin Love, PF, UCLA  I think the Grizz are going to do the rumored deal of Mike Miller and Kyle Lowry to the Heat for the #2.  If that's the case Kevin Love might be dealt elsewhere.

6.  New York Knicks:  Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy  A lot folks are thinking point guard here, but I think they'll try to trade for one. 

7.  Los Angeles Clippers:  Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA  His stock is rising, but I think he ends up playing in LA again.

8.  Milwaukee Bucks:  Joe Alexander, SF, W. Virginia  Could go higher, possibly NY, but I think he stays on the board and ends up in Wisconsin. 

9.  Charlotte Bobcats:  Brook Lopez, C, Stanford  Another guy that has seen his draft status take the dive.  He'll be adequate for the Cats in the middle.

10.  New Jersey Nets:  Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana  Seems like the Nets could really use a big body here, but I don't think they pass on someone as talented as Gordon.  I predict they take a big with there second first rounder. 

11.  Indiana Pacers:  DJ Augustin, PG, Texas  I would love to see him end up in Portland, as his workouts have been really impressive.  Too many experts suggest that the Blazers will deal their pick though. 

12.  Sacramento Kings:  Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas

13.  Portland Blazers:  Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas  That's their pick if they stay in the draft, and if he's there at 13, I hope they do.  He may end up as the steal of this draft, but his age (22) has some teams shying away, which is ridiculous. 

14.  Golden St. Warriors:  Donte Greene, SF, Syracuse   This kid seems like the ideal fit for Nellie Ball.  He's a real chucker from the footage I've seen

15.  Phoenix Suns:  Marreese Speights, C, Florida  Gets some solid tutoring from one of the best big men of all time,  Mr. O'Neal.

16.  Philadelphia Sixers:  Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU  I keep hearing this guy is having terrible workouts and doesn't appear NBA ready. 

17.  Toronto Raptors:   Robin Lopez, C, Stanford

18.  Washington Wizards:  Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State

19.  Cleveland Lebrons:  Alexis Anjica, PF, France

20.  Denver Nuggets:   Jason Thompson, PF, Rider  They need a point guard, but need a big man for the future. 

21.  New Jersey Nets:  DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M  The Nets take a risk on this kid with their 2nd first rounder

22.  Orlando Magic:  Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG, Memphis 

23.  Utah Jazz:  Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown  I haven't heard anything other than Roy Hibbert being projected to go to the great Salt Lake

24.  Seattle/OKC Sonics:  DJ White, PF, Indiana  I think they take a power forward here, given Wilcox's recent legal troubles.  People think White will be better than Hickson.

25.  Houston Rockets:  Courtney Lee, SG, Western Kentucky  Batum could possibly go here as well

26.  San Antonio Spurs:  Nicolas Batum, SF, France

27.  New Orleans Hornets:  Bill Walker, SF, KSU  If he proves knee troubles are behind him, he could be a steal, if not he ends up getting drafted late in the 2nd round.  Could be a solid, athletic running mate for CP3

28.  Memphis Grizz:  JaVale McGee, C, Nevada  Haven't heard much good news about this kid, but should have time to grow in Memphis

29.  Detroit Basketball:  Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas  They could go a number of different ways here.  This is assuming they trade Chauncy, which I think would be a mistake.  They should move Rasheed.

30.  Boston "Champs" Celtics:  Serge Ibaka, PF, Congo  Not many needs on this team, so they draft a potential KG replacement, who won't see the states for a few years. 

The Mariners are on the verge of being  by swept the Washington Nationals, in Safeco Field.  I understand the Nats are a young team that might have a bright future, but not quite yet.  Their pitching against a team, other than the Mariners, is just dreadful.  I've tried to remain optimistic, but this is just ridiculous!  Mariner fans it's time to unite and boycott.  I guarantee McClaren will be axed by Monday, and Bavasi should be in the unemployment line with him.  Ownership should have never let it get this bad.  Bedard was a nice pick up, but an extra power bat was just as necessary.  It's time to cut ties with fossils like Vidro.  Underachievers like Jarrod Washburn.  We have arguably the best 1,2 pitching combo and leadoff hitter in the game.  How are we not competing?  As a diehard M's fan, I can only hang my head in shame.  Time to call the Dodgers and inquire about Matt Kemp, if he is truly available.  I hate to say the word "rebuild".  I prefer re-tool, but it's looking like it's time to rebuild from scratch.  The building blocks will be youngsters like Felix and Brandon Morrow.  Begin!

1.  Chicago Bulls:  PG Derrick Rose, Memphis

2.  Miami Heat:  SG OJ Mayo, USC

3.  Minnesota Timberwolves:  PF Michael Beasley, Kansas State

4.  Seattle/OKC Sonics:  PG Jerryd Bayless, Arizona

5.  Memphis Grizzlies:  C Brook Lopez, Stanford Traded in combination with other draft picks and players to Minnesota for PF Michael Beasley. 

6.  New York Knicks:  PG DJ Augustin, Texas

7.  Los Angeles Clippers:  SG Eric Gordon, Indiana

8.  Milwaukee Bucks:  SF Danilo Gallinari, Italy

9.  Charlotte Bobcats:  PF Kevin Love, UCLA

10.  New Jersey Nets:  PF Anthony Randolph, LSU

11.  Indiana Pacers:  PG Russell Westbrook, UCLA

12. Sacramento Kings:  PF Darrell Arthur, Kansas

13.  Portland Trail Blazers:  SF Donte Green, Syracuse

14.  Golden State Warriors:  C DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M

15.  Phoenix Suns:  SG Brandon Rush, Kansas

16.  Philadelphia Sixers:  SF Joe Alexander, West Virginia  Trade him and cash to the Washington Wizards  for PF Andray Blatche

17.  Toronto Raptors:  C Marreese Speights, Florida

18.  Washington Wizards:  C JaVale McGee, Nevada

19.  Cleveland Cavaliers:  SG  Chase Budinger, Arizona

20.  Denver Nuggets:  PG Mario Chalmers, Kansas

21.  New Jersey Nets:  C Kosta Koufos, Ohio State

22.  Orlando Magic:  SG Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis

23.  Utah Jazz:  C Robin Lopez, Stanford

24.  Seattle/OKC Sonics:  C Roy Hibbert, Georgetown  Traded to Washington for JaVale McGee with a future second round pick.

25.  Houston Rockets:  SF Bill Walker, Kansas State

26.  San Antonio Spurs:  PF JJ Hickson, NC State or SG Courtney Lee, Western Kentucky

27.  New Orleans Hornets:  SF Nicolas Batum, France

28.  Memphis Grizzlies:  C DeVon Hardin, California

29.  Detroit Pistons:  PF DJ White, Indiana

30.  Boston Celtics:  PG Ty Lawson, North Carolina

Potential late first rounders:  SG Courtney Lee, Western Kentucky.  PF Richard Hendrix, Alabama.  PF Joey Dorsey, Memphis.

With a record of 22-41, the Mariners season appears to be over.  The '95 M's couldn't even dig themselves out of this hole.  The season held so much promise with the upgrade of the starting rotation (Bedard, Silva) that no seem to realize how little the offense had improved, which given the loss of Jose Guillen to free agency, it didn't.  The goal was the playoffs.  Then it became trying to have a winning record.  Then playing .500 ball.  Then cutting some players (Norton, Wilkerson), and trying to integrate some younger ones (Clement, Balentien) by calling them up from AAA.  Then the manager goes on a verbal tirade, after another heartbreaking loss, in a close and winnable ball game.  It seems like collective failure, from top to bottom, management and players both.  Since the season is lost and morale continues to lessen, as the defeats continue pile up.  Decisions about the '09 season, and future seasons need to be made.  Here's a few of my ideas. 

First:  Waive players like Jose Vidro and Jaime Burke.  Burke is a good backstop, but is another catcher blocking the path of Jeff Clement, besides Kenji Johjima.  The Vidro at DH experiment clearly hasn't panned out.  He's a solid hitter, but not an HR & RBI producer that the DH position is usually accustomed to having.  Maybe even waive Arthur Rhodes, but he's a decent late inning, lefty option, plus the guy is well liked for when he played for the winning Mariner clubs of the past.  You know what, throw Willie "Boom Boom" Bloomquist in the mix as well.  I hate that guy.  Not to mention Miquel Cairo.  Other than Burke and Rhodes, none of these other guys should have even made it past spring training, but we can thank our wonderful GM for that.

Second:  Trade some of the veteran players that can get you some potentially solid and youthful talent in return.  I don't think rebuilding is the answer, but re-tooling seems like a decent approach.  Try to get rid of some bad contracts in the process.  Some players might look attractive to competing ball clubs, like Raul Ibanez, Kenji Johjima, Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista.  I hate to say it, but let Richie Sexson play out the rest of the year. 

Third:  Give some young guys a shot.  Why not?  The season is totally ruined anyway.  Start playing Jeff Clement at catcher and DH.  Call up Bryan LaHair to split time at first with Richie Sexson.  Add Ryan Rowland-Smith and Brandon Morrow to the rotation, and see what they can do in that role.  I think both could be more productive then expected, especially Morrow.  Boston gave some young pitchers a shot, and they won a World Series by doing so.  That's the kind of ball club every team should model theirs after.  These youngsters are capable, but need the oppurtunity.  Might be an oppurtune time to fire manager John McClaren and GM Bill "I got Fleeced again" Bavasi, who tend to prefer playing veterans.

Fourth:  Start working on contract extensions with players that are detrimental to the the future success of the team.  Sign Felix, Bedard, Yuni, and Adrian Beltre to contract extensions.  Maybe try to deal for a superstar that can consistently drive in runs and put fear into opposing pitchers.  Perhaps, a guy like Matt Holliday, who isn't necessarily a lock to return to Colorado, or a guy like Travis Hafner, who is struggling, but still a solid player.  The M's need a power bat.  Clement could be that guy, but it would be nice to have more than one.  Try to reassure Ichiro that signing a long term contract was still the right thing to do.  Integrate the youngsters with good veterans.

 

Have your team look more like this:

SP:  1.  Hernandez  2.  Bedard  3.  Silva   4.  Rowland-Smith  5.  Morrow

RP:  JJ Putz  Sean Green  Eric O'Flaherty (only if he can throw strikes) Mark Lowe Roy Corcoran  Ryan Feierabend  R.A. Dickey

Lineup (in no particular order)

SS Yuniesky Betancourt

2B Jose Lopez

3B Adrian Beltre

1B  Bryan LaHair / Decent lefty or switch hitting player like Mark Teahen of the Royals

C Jeff Clement

DH Power bat like a Hafner 

LF All-Star player, could be anybody.

CF Ichiro

RF Wladimir Balentien / Jeremy Reed

UTIL Mike Morse

I seriously doubt the team will follow my lead, but I'd like it if they did something along these lines.  This is a capable team with the some decent role players in place, but they need to develop their youngsters and have some punch in the lineup.  If anything John McClaren should be axed since he can't win with the current talent and continuously makes bad decisions late in ball games.  Bill Bavasi should be let go, before he makes any more disastrous trades.  I read some where that reporter thought the M's should deal Erik Bedard, which would be a huge mistake and admitting failure.  The gave up enough to get him, they might as well try to get the best out of him.  Mac pulled him out at the bottom of the 6th, when he was absolutely dealing.  Fire Mac and Bavasi.  Re-tool the offense and rotation.

The 2008 Seattle Mariners.  A team in shambles.  2009 Seattle Mariners.  "At least it couldn't get any worse! "

 

 

Rudy Fernandez is planning on playing for the Blazers next season.   Check out this video on Youtube.  Rudy looks like he's the Spanish Pistol Pete.  I predict he will be in the running for Rookie of the Year, and 6th Man of the Year, next season.  He should fit in well with the up and coming, exciting nucleus of Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, and Travis Outlaw.  Everybody will get a chance to watch him play, when the Blazers make the playoffs.  I suspect they'll have many televised games, since GO will finally be playing.  I'm psyched for another season of Trail Blazer basketball, and Rudy making his debut.  He dominated overseas, now to see what he can do against the best talent in the world.  I expect him to have an Ichiro-esque impact in his first season in the league. 

Go Blazers! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzaRAZ_yNTQ

1.  Chicago:  PG Derrick Rose, Memphis.

2.  Miami: PF Michael Beasley, KSU.

3.  Minnesota: SG OJ Mayo, USC.

4.  Seattle:  PG Jerryd Bayless, Arizona.

5.  Memphis:  C Brook Lopez, Stanford.

6.  New York: SF Danilo Gallinari, Italy.

7.  LAC:  PG Russell Westbrook, UCLA.

8.  Miwaukee:  SF Donte Greene, Syracuse.

9.  Charlotte:  PF Darrell Arthur, Kansas.

10.  New Jersey:  PF Anthony Randolph, LSU.

11.  Indiana:  SG Eric Gordon, Indiana.

12.  Sacramento:  PF Kevin Love, UCLA.

13.  Portland:  PG DJ Augustin, Texas.

14.  Golden St.:  C DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M.

15.  Phoenix Suns: SG Brandon Rush, Kansas.

16.  Philadelphia:  C Marreese Speights, Florida.

17.  Toronto:  C Brook Lopez, Stanford.

18.  Washington:  SF Joe Alexander, WVU.

19.  Cleveland:  SG Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis.

20.  Denver:  PG Ty Lawson, NC.

21.  New Jersey:  SG Bill Walker, KSU.

22.  Orlando:  SG Chase Budinger, Arizona.

23.  Utah:  PF JJ Hickson, NC State.

24.  Seattle:  C JaVale McGee, Nevada.

25.  Houston: C Roy Hibbert, Georgetown.

26.  San Antonio:  C Kosta Koufos, OSU.

27.  New Orleans:  SF Nicolas Batum, France.

28.  Memphis:  PF Nathan Jawai, Austrailia.

29.  Detroit:  PF Joey Dorsey, Memphis.

30.  Boston:  PG Mario Chalmers, Kansas.

15.  Phoenix Suns:  Marreese Speights, C, Florida.  The Suns could use more size and rebounding, and Shaquille O'Neal is no spring chicken.  I still think trading the Matrix was idiotic move, so having a mid first round pick has got to make them feel a little better about an early playoff exit.  I hear good things about Speights and Florida bigs are always pretty darn good, ie Al Horford, Joakim Noah, David Lee.  Donte Greene or Joe Alexander could show up at this pick as well, but I think they'll go for a big here.

16.  Philadelphia Sixers:  Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG, Memphis:  The Sixers could also use some help at power forward, but they could also use some youth at the 2.  Let's face it, Andre Iguodala is not a shooting guard.  CDR could be a real scoring threat and could form as nice backcourt with Andre Miller. 

17.  Toronto Raptors:  Robin Lopez, C, Stanford.  One of the brothers Lopez could be the inside presence the Raps seem to lack to compliment Chris Bosh.  I think there better centers still on the board, but Lopez could be the most NBA ready amongst them, meaning he may have reached his ceiling already.  He draws comparisons to Anderson Varejao, so he's got that going for him. 

18.  Washington Wizards:  Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown.  The Wiz take the local product and a team need.  Hibbert could give them youth and athleticism at the center position, because Brendan Haywood isn't getting it done.  He plays well in the half court and can play some D on a team that's already pretty darn good at it. 

19.  Cleveland Cavaliers:  Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia:  The Cavs take the best player available, which is a good approach for a team on the cusp of winning a championship.  Alexander could give them another shooter, if they're able to trade Wally World.  This kid has some major hops too.  I'm hoping the Blazers consider him at 13, if they intend to stay in the draft.  I could see him playing the 2 and 3, in the pros.  He really impressed me in the tournament this year. 

20.  Denver Nuggets:  Chase Budinger, SF, Arizona.  Are the Nuggets are re-tooling or simply re-building?  If I knew the answer, I could predict who they might pick here.  I'm leaning towards them re-tooling.  They take the scorer here could pair nicely with Carmelo in the future, but proves himself as a role player first.  I could see them taking a big here as well, maybe Nathan Jawai from Austrailia or JaVale McGee, depending on their plans with Marcus Camby and the health of Nene. 

21.  New Jersey Nets:  JaVale McGee, C, Nevada.  The rebuilding Nets take a big man here with a lot of potential, and take the plunge again in the first round, after drafting the Italian Danilo Gallinari with their first selection.  These are two guys they could develop slowly for the future. 

22.  Orlando Magic:  Nicolas Batum, SF, France.  I don't see any real needs on the Magic, so they take the next available potentially great player.  This kid is drawing comparisons to Rudy ####, not exactly a terrible comparison.  Batum could learn the ropes from Hedo and Rashard Lewis.  At least, he could get more PT than JJ Reddick.  I think CDR or Rush would be the best fit here, if they are still available. 

23.  Utah Jazz:  Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State.  The team gets a project center, who's already pretty good.  He draws comparisons to Mehmet Okur, so what better player to back up and one day replace Mehmet Okur.  From what I hear, this kid is worth gambling on.  I'm starting to learn more and more that size is just something you can't teach. 

24.  Seattle Supersonics of Oklahoma:  Jason Thompson, C, Rider.  This guy is apparently sky-rocketing up the charts.  Has a good inside and outside game.  This gives the Supes more size up front to put around Durant, Green, and Bayless.  He could start coming off the bench, in relief of Collison or Petro.  This pick could single the end of Chris Wilcox's time with the rebuilding, youthful Supes. 

25.  Houston Rockets:  Donte Greene, SF, Syracuse.  Greene gives the Rockets a big SF, who's athletic and has some real potential.  He could be groomed by T-Mac and Battier and eventually replace either one of them in the Rockets' offense.  I've heard him compared to Rashard Lewis, which isn't the best thing to hear.  I've also heard experts refer to him as having a similar skill set to Shawn Marion.  That could be good news for the Rockets. 

26.  San Antonio Spurs:  Bill Walker, SF, Kansas State.  I can remember when this guy was as highly regarded as his high school teammate, OJ Mayo.  Walker has had his fair share of injuries, but he could be the next Vince Carter, if he can't put it all together.  Had some nice games in the tournament.  This will be our first glance of the Spurs building toward the future, by not taking a player whose overseas.  Walker will replace an aging Bruce Bowen at some point.  He could be a real steal at 26.  His stock is incredibly low right now.

27.  New Orleans Hornets:  Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina:  This pick gives them a point guard to back up CP3, who's not a shoot-first point like Jannero Pargo.  He's tiny, but quick and will find the open man.  I think he gets picked over Mario Chalmers, because from what I hear, he's the more polished point guard.  They could also go with Wayne Ellington here, and give them more scoring punch from the 2, but I see Lawson ending up in the Big Easy.

28.  Memphis Grizz:  JJ Hickson, PF, North Carolina St.  Hickson will battle Randolph for minutes, and both will be developed as the 4 of the future for the Grizz.  Both are considered raw, but to have tremendous potential.  Randolph has him beat on the length 6'11", but Hickson has the bulk advantage over Randolph, 242 lbs.  Both could make the Grizz an exciting, young team to watch next season. 

29.  Detroit Basketball!:  Joey Dorsey, PF/C.  Other than Rasheed, the Pistons haven't found a solid shot blocker and rebounder since Big Ben.  Dorsey might be a stretch here, but his game translates to what the Pistons used to do best, in their championship years, which is play solid D and grab offensive boards.  I could also see another center taken here, but the rest of the centers are project players.  The Pistons need someone who can supplant the the Theo Ratliffs and Dale Davis's that always seem to show up on the roster at some point during the season.

30.  Boston Celtics:  Nathan Jawai, PF, Austrailia.  The C's don't have any real needs.  Maybe they'll need a back up point guard, if Cassell or House aren't in the mix.  I see them drafting someone who can be developing themselves overseas, for a season or two. 

The anticipation of the draft, is there anything better?  I can think of a number of things, but that's not the point.  Last year my Blazers chose Greg Oden out Ohio State.  Will see how that pans out this upcoming season.  There's all sorts of exciting players to be had this year: Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, OJ Mayo, Kevin Love, etc.   Sure there's probably some exciting playoff games to watch right now, or some exciting MLB action I could be enjoying.  I haven't watched a single playoff game, cause my team isn't in it.  That being said, Go Spurs and Pistons!  If Kobe Bryant wins a ring by himself, I may go into hiding.  Let's hope that doesn't happen.  My favorite MLB team, who shall remain nameless, stinks to high heaven right now, so on to the my NBA mock Draft.  I'll be the first to admit that I am no Jay Bilas and I couldn't possibly be more annoying than #### Vitale.  I don't have a lazy eye, so I can't be Stuart Scott, so I guess I'll have to just be PF.  Here's my 1st and hopefully only mock draft with some commentary, minus the comments about motor and basketball IQ.

1.  Chicago Bulls:  Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis.  Everyone is picking Beasley.  I'm thinking they take the home town guy.  The current backcourt of Hinrich and Gordon hasn't gotten them very far.  Perhaps they deal Hinrich, but I'm guessing they'll deal Duhon and groom Rose to be Hinrich's replacement.  This team still lacks rebounding, but a Drew Gooden can get you by, in the East.  Thanks again for LaMarcus Aldridge!

2.  Miami Heat:  Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas St.   He's the consensu number 1 and 9 times out of 10 he would be, but I don't see the Bulls passing on Rose.  The Heat have been talking about trading down and taking OJ Mayo, but that seems like the rumor mill has officially began to "heat" up.  Rimshot!  Beasely could be a 20 and 10 guy.  Why would the Heat pass that up?  They were terrible last year.  Beasley and the Matrix could dominate the glass and low block next season.

3.  Minnesota Timberwolves:  OJ Mayo, SG, USC:  The post-KG Era begins with drafting the type of player that can put the meat in the seats.  No way does Kevin McHale draft Brook Lopez here, no way.  Fans don't pay money to see beasts like Al Jefferson ####in' away in the paint, they pay to see the guy that shoots lights out from anywhere, ie Jordan, Bryant.

4.  Seattle Supersonics of Oklahoma City:  Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona.  The Supes need a point guard.  Apparently no one is happy with the play of Luke Ridnour or Earl Watson, so here's Jerryd Bayless.  I could see them trading down for DJ Augustin, or taking Brook Lopez here, but as I think about it I really don't care.  I've hated the Sonics since they let my boy, future Hall of Famer, Gary Payton go.  Now I really hate them for moving to Oklahoma.  I mean isn't there a more enticing NBA city for this team to go to?

5.  Memphis Grizz:  Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU.  Hardest pick to predict thus far, as they could go a number of different directions other than PG.  Power forward seems like a real need here, but maybe they go with Lopez or Love here.  I figure they'd want someone a little more athletic at the 4, and Randolph has that.  He's drawing comparisons to Chris Bosh so far, and that's not a terrible player to be compared to by any means.  You need to be worried when you're  getting compared to Oliver Miller with a little less of a motor. 

6.  New York Knicks:  DJ Augustin, PG, Texas.  Like I said, the Supes might trade down and take this guy.  Let's face it the Knicks need everything.  I do think Jamal Crawford will look good in the D'Antoni system, but they need a solid, Steve Nash style distributor and Nate Robinson might not be the guy.  Augustin could be a nice pick up here, or maybe this Gallinari character I keep reading about.

7.  Los Angeles Clippers:  Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA.  I could see the Clips going a number of directions here.  I think Brand will stay in LA, to maintain that flourishing movie career, but Maggette is as good as gone.  They need a point, since Livingston may be done for good.  Here they can fill a need, take a local guy, and create a log jam at any positions already held by good players like Brand and Thornton.

8.  Milwaukee Bucks:  Kevin Love, PF, UCLA.  I don't see the Bucks drafting a project, raw player here.  They draft somebody, who can help their cause right away.  I don't see them dealing Michael Redd, but trying to add a piece to the puzzle.  Yi Jianlin can slide into the 3, Love at the 4, and Bogut at the 5.  This could be a sweet deal for the Bucks.  Though that Gallinari guy could be an option, as could Eric Gordon, who would allegedly replace Michael Redd (yeah right)

9.  Charlotte Bobcats:  Brook Lopez, C, Stanford.  With Okafor likely to bolt Charlotte, Lopez seems like the ideal pick here.  Many mock drafts don't have him going this far, but hey I make bold predictions.  This gives them a ####er inside to compliment Richardson, Wallace, and Felton. 

10.  New Jersey Nets:  Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy.  A rebuilding team makes a splash here.  I do think they might make a play for DeAndre Jordan here too.  This pick could signal the end of a Vince Carter or Richard Jefferson in NJ.  Is the Big Pimpin' Jay Z bold enough to make such a pick.  We shall see.

11.  Indiana Pacers:  Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana.  The Pacers take the combo guard here, and try to groom him into the point guard of the future.  I hear Jamal Tinsley's days are numbered.  They could possibly take a big here too, as I hear Jermaine O'Neal's days might be numbered as well. 

12.  Sacramento Kings:  Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas.  The Kings need a point as well, but I see them taking another big team need here with a power forward, not named Kenny Thomas or Shareef Abdur-Rahim.  The Maloof brothers appear to be in a rebuilding mode.

13. Portland Trail Blazers:  DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M.  I guess it doesn't matter who the team drafts here, as I expect they might deal the pick.  The Blazers are blossoming into a contender and don't have any real needs, other than bolstering the point guard position.  They package the highly coveted big man here with other parts (Frye, Jack) and deal them for a veteran point guard.  The Blazers are going to be crazy good next year with the additions of Oden and Fernandez.  Mark my words.

14.  Golden State Warriors:  Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas.  The first surprise of the draft.  If Baron Davis is gone, insert Monta Ellis at the point and draft this guy.  He can shoot and defend.  He's a bit of a reach here, so maybe Golden State deals the pick for a point guard or takes Speights here.  Maybe this is my one bone headed fan pick of the draft.  The Warriors could be on the cusp of being great or ending up in the lottery more, in the future. 

1.  The Mariners improved a rather pedesterian rotation over the offseason, by adding Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva.  The only problem:  I can't say the offense has been terrible.  It's been non-existent.  The M's are 14-23 right now.  I'm still optimistic, but predicting them to win the Wildcard now, just seems foolish.  That being said, JJ Putz is still my favorite non-closer.  Ichiro will hopefully still start for the American League at the All Star Game in NY.  Raul Ibanez will eventually start being the only guy that knows what an RBI is and how to get one, again.  Yuni, Beltre, and Lopez will remember how not to commit such costly errors.  Felix will get his swagger and velocity back.  Erik Bedard will get a much deserved contract extension, as I still think trading for him was the smartest move of the offseason, plus he has the best curveball I've seen since Barry Zito, in his prime.  Jeff Clement will start to hit, what could be many, deep bombs over the center field wall.  Wladimir Balentien will be getting the necessary numbers to win the Rookie of the Year award.  Kenji will show us why he didn't deserve to get a 3 year contract extension.  Jose Vidro will become older and more useless than ever (They should've signed The Big Hurt, while they had the oppurtunity)  Richie Sexson will retire from baseball, opting to join the UFC.  John McLaren will continue to get run from the game, in the first inning, Sweet Lou Style.  The M's brass will realize that Mel Stottlemyre is too good of a pitching coach for this organization, that Ken Griffey Jr. needs to be retained via trade, to boost the extremely low morale of the team, and that Bryan LaHair is the future at 1st base.

2.  The Minnesota Twins are kickin' butt and takin' names!  I couldn't have been more wrong about them.  Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young, but especially Gomez, are going to be great players for years to come.  I'm stunned that Francisco Liariano hasn't returned to top form yet.  I still don't think they have the rotation to win the Central, but they definitely have the lineup and bullpen too.  Cleveland is still my pick though.  Again, sorry Twins fans: You were alright for bashing me about my prediction, regarding the Twins. 

3.  The Cardinals and A's are in 1st place, in their respective divisions.  Both teams are a real surprise this year, especially the A's.  I've never seen a rebuilding team play like a pennant winner, and do with a handful of players no one has ever heard of.  Dana Eveland? Daric Barton?  Greg Smith? Santiago Casilla (the next great closer)?  Emil Brown?  Actually I knew who he was, but not that he was that good.  The Cards are winning with an interesting rotation of American League has beens and guys I've never heard of.  I guess all Joel Piniero needed was a change of leagues.  Todd Wellemeyer?  Kyle Lohse is pitching way over his head right now.  Right, Twins fans?  Adam Wainwright is looking like a Cy Young candidate.  Skip Schumaker?  Guy sounds more like a jockey or a golfer than a baseball player.  Rick Ankiel and Albert Pujols are seriously raking.  That doesn't surprise me with one of them.  They've got some good starters coming off the DL, at some point: Mulder, Carpenter, Clement.  If they can hang in there til those guys are ready, watch out!  I still like the Cubs though and the Dodgers for the Wildcard. 

Those are the most glaring reasons that I'm an ####, and predictions can seem so foolish.  Go M's, 14-23 might seem like a mountain of adversity, but that's the way we like it! 

Bring DJack back to Seattle!  Darrell Jackson was released by the Niners, who appear to be going a different direction.  While Jackson isn't quite as great as he used to be (injuries will do that to you), he would still be an addition to the receiver corps, in the likely event that DJ Hackett signs with another team.  DJack had kind of a bitter departure from Seattle initially, but I'm hoping GM Tim Ruskell will seriously ponder offering DJack a contract for the upcoming season.  I'm sure some Seahawks fans wouldn't agree with me, but what the heck.  Bring DJack back!  The receivers, other than Bobby Engram, were just okay last year, so why not bring another veteran into the fold? I mean they already crushed my dreams for next season by signing Julius Jones, so why not take the risk with DJack?

Keep in mind, I am by no means a Major League Baseball expert. 

American League

AL East Champion:  Boston Red Sox

AL West Champion:  Seattle Mariners (John Lackey's hurt, who knows, I'm probably being too optimistic)

AL Central Champion:  Cleveland Indians (Not the Tigers believe it or not)

AL Wildcard:  Toronto Blue Jays

ALCS:  Cleveland vs Boston

AL Champion:  Cleveland

National League

NL East Champion:  New York Mets (If they're healthy behind Santana, wow look out!)

NL West Champion:  Los Angeles Dodgers

NL Central Champion:  Milwaukee Brewers (I wouldn't consider them a long shot this year)

NL Wildcard:  Chicago Cubs (I could go with Braves or Phils here too, well maybe just ATL)

NLCS:  New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs (sorry Cubs fans)

NL Champion:  New York Mets (They have the pitcher's park, the ace, the offense)

World Series Champion:  New York Mets (though I think it will be a good series.  Mets will become my new Yankees/Red Sox and I will hate them for the rest of my life)

The Hardware: 

AL Rookie of the Year:  Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays

AL Manager of the Year:  John Gibbons, Toronto Blue Jays

AL Cy Young:  Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners (He will have a chip on his shoulder the size of Mount Everest with the addition of Erik Bedard.  He'll be out to prove who's really numero uno.)

AL MVP:  Grady Sizemore, OF, Cleveland Indians (This guy is going to be great.  I also think Miguel Cabrera or Manny Ramirez could end up with the hardware here.  We'll see.)

NL Rookie of the Year:  Homer Bailey, SP, Cincinnati Reds (Maybe Fukudome wins here)

NL Manager of the Year:  Lou Piniella, Chicago Cubs

NL Cy Young:  Johan Santana, SP, New York Mets (This guy should dominate the NL.  Keyword: Should)

NL MVP:  Mark Teixeira, 1B, Atlanta Braves (In a contract year and then he celebrates by signing with the Yankees. Maybe one of the Mets.  David Wright?  I picked him to win last year)

 

I've always loved the AL Central.  It's always a battle that comes down to the wire, generally, between the Sox, Tigers, and Indians.  You put the Brewers in this division instead of the Royals, and you'd have the best division in baseball.   The American League Cy Young and MVP players could easily come from this division. 

1.  Cleveland Indians.  I for one, am not ready to hand the division over to the Tigers just yet.  The Indians were humiliated by the Red Sox and have a bad taste in their mouthes.  The starting pitching led by Carmona and Sabathia is a good rotation, and some of their younger pitchers will step up this year, like Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers.  I'm looking for Cliff Lee to bounce back as well.  In last season's playoffs, they looked like a young team that was crumbling.  This season they'll be a rock.  Look for Travis Hafner to have a strong, MVP caliber season and Grady Sizemore to improve on his great numbers from last season, as one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball.  I think they have the perfect balance of starting pitching, bullpen, and offensive depth to win this division and they will. 

2.  Detroit Tigers.   This team looks like the Dream Team, on paper, in terms of starting rotation and potent offense, but this team lacks the bullpen to win the division.  My guess is they'll win the Wildcard instead.  Justin Verlander is a Cy Young canidate, but after him the rotation is overrated, in my opinion.  Jeremy Bonderman was just okay last year.  Kenny "Pinetar Cameraman Shover" is getting over the hill, and will start to get hit hard this season, like Jamie Moyer did once the hitters figured out his stuff.  Dontrelle Willis struggled in the NL last season, and as we all know the American League is far superior in offensive prowess compared to that of the National League.  That being said, he's a quality 3 or 4 starter.  I don't think Todd Jones is the kind of closer you look for on a championship team, and Joel Zumaya isn't 100 percent either.  The offense will have a productive year, but without solid starting pitching and a steady bullpen, they won't compete for a division crown.  They'll be battling with the Blue Jays and Angels for the Wildcard. 

3.  Chicago Whitesox.  This was a squad I admired from a far years ago, but what the hell happened to that once formidable rotation?   If Javier Vasquez is your ace, you're team is in big trouble.  I think resiging Mark Buerhle was a mistake, but given the state of the pitching market it appears to be a smart move.  Trading for Nick Swisher and Orlando Cabrera were good moves, but they should have been done when the team had a more solid foundation in terms of winning the division.  Getting Cabrera for Garland was the steal of the century though.   I don't see their rotation winning a lot of games.  Vazquez was solid last year, but I wouldn't want to pitch in that park as a fastball pitcher like him.  Jose Contreras is about 103 in baseball years.  The bullpen should be an improvement over last year's, but that's not really saying much.  Paul Konerko should be trade bait by midseason.  My only hope is that he doesn't end up going to the Angels or Red Sox at that time. 

4.  Kansas City Royals.  Last place no more, but barely.  Unlike most people, I think the Royals have a decent enough rotation, better than the Twins, and some really nice looking young players, in terms of potential like Alex Gordon, Brian Bannister, and Tony Pena.  I think a new manager, Trey Hillman, will infuse a little energy into this perennial division loser, but not enough to make any real noise.  Maybe enough to improve on last season's win totals and to bring back the fan base.  These aren't my Daddy's Royals, but at least my Daddy's Royals had Lou Piniella and George Brett. 

5.  Minnesota Twins.  Good job trading Santana.  Bad job trading him to the Mets, when you could've gotten Phil Hughes or Jacoby Ellsbury.  I hate the Yankees but they did have the most appealing deal in place, in my opinion.  From what I hear Carlos Gomez is an absolute stud though.  Joe Mauer is a great hitter but must improve in other categories to have a real impact.  Justin Morneau is great, but not MVP great. Delmon Young will have a break out season. I think Francisco Liriano will have a huge bounce back year, and everyone will be talking about how great and dominant he is again, like a couple seasons back.  The rest of the rotation leaves much to be desired.  I like Livan Hernandez, but he makes absolutely no sense on this team.  I surely thought he would end up with the Mets or a contending team.  The rotation is headed up by unproven talent.  Liriano will be that diamond in the rough, of a clearly rebuilding baseball team.  Question is, when they move into that nice new park, will they still have a fan base?

Say it ain't so?   Josh Brown will be relentlessly booed every time the Rams play the Seahawks, in Seattle, and rightfully so.  It was bad enough we traded a washed up DJack to the Niners, but watching Brown go to a division rival stings.  The only positives are that the contract is ridiculously huge for a kicker (glad the Hawks want to spend there money elsewhere, long-term deal for Trufant?), and the Rams aren't going to be competing in the division for awhile.  I'm really hoping the Hawks take a serious run at free agents K Rob Bironas and TE Alge Crumpler, but may not have the money.  I guess it's karma for all the game winning kicks he made against them. 

 

So long Josh!   The fans have someone to boo as much as A-Rod now.