Monday, August 31, 2009

Fantasy Football

Calvin Johnson is the best reciever in the league. I don't care about what Fitz or Andre Johnson did last year, this guy is playing with nobody. He makes routes seem effortless.

So I got good news yesterday when I found out I had the number 1 pick in my fantasy league. I went the smart route and took Turner 1st. He scores more and doesn't fumble. With my next two picks I took Calvin Johnson and Marion Barber back to back. That's where I made my mistake. I should've taken a qb instead of Barber. My thinking was to wait and take Aaron Rodgers, but the person in front of me took him. I had to settle for Donovan Mcnabb and Carson Palmer.

I hate Donovan McNabb, so I probably won't even play him.

I'm gonna see if I can somehow trade him for Troy Aikman.

Dallas Cowboys Play Football

Did everyone see the reaction of Wade Phillips after Courtney Brown lost the game? It was the most emotion he has ever shown, but it might be too late.

Not only is Wade going to feel the pressure, Tony Romo will too. Witten, Williams, Barber, Newman and even Jerry Jones will hear the boos if things start to go bad. The only way the pressure gets smaller is by having young players step up and make unexpected plays. Maybe it's a Kevin Ogletree who makes an impact. How about Felix Jones? Think he has pro bowl potential? Maybe Jenkins or Scandrick become shutdown corners. I don't know if any of this will happen, but something needs to. This team has looked solid in the preseason and I think they will get off to another quick start. The schedule in the first five weeks is an easy stretch when you consider the teams they will play in December. They must use these early weeks to find their stride in order for them to make a push the last two months. I hope they can do it, but the realist in me says they can't.

Here is the last five weeks of the schedule:
  • Dec. 6 - @ Giants
  • Dec. 13 - vs. Chargers
  • Dec. 19 - @ Saints
  • Dec. 27 - @ Redskins
  • Jan. 3 - vs Eagles

Dem 'Boys could lose all of those games. I think they can win three at best. If they do win three, welcome to the playoffs. Could be 1 last shot for Wade to save his job.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

New Manager Anyone?


The Astros aren't very good. Actually, they're terrible. Here are just a few stats for you.
  • Runs scored - 12th in the NL
  • Home Runs - 13th in the NL
  • Walks - 15th in the NL
  • Strike Outs - 15th in the NL
  • Grounded into 122 double plays

Do those numbers sound good when you have Lee, Berkman and Tejada? Bourn has been the only consistent player this entire season. He gets on base, steals bases, and scores runs. So many of the position players have given the team nothing. Kaz Matsui has struggled offensively. Hunter Pence still hasn't been a clutch player at all. Roster fillers like Blum, Michaels, Erstad, Keppinger, and Coste have each had their moments this season. Too bad each moment lasted one at bat. When you waste money on veterans that can't deliver anymore, it's time to look at yourself in the mirror. Are you listening Drayton? All of these problems I mentioned are huge ones, and those are just on offense.

Lets take a look at the pitching. Roy Oswalt isn't the ace he was 3 or 4 years ago. It's been a steady decline. Wandy Rodriguez has been the only bright spot. I won't even go into the stats from the other starters because they are just horrendous. Ortiz and Hampton were a waste of time. Most starts looked bad before they could get 3 outs. Norris and Bazardo don't appear to be part of the solution either, although I'm willing to give them more time. Moehler has been good for a number 5 starter, which is what he should be. The bullpen has been beat up, but still unimpressive when healthy. Who knows what that bullpen looks like next year.

So is all of this the fault of Cecil Cooper? Absolutely not. Should he be fired? Absolutely. He has not gained the respect from his players and is constantly making odd moves as a manager. Have you ever seen anyone give up a walk because he wanted to face Hanley Ramirez? Makes you wonder. This team won't get better because change starts at the top. Don't resign Tejada or Valverde, and find out which one of the big three will go. It has to happen. I love Berkman more than my Dodge truck, but he is showing signs of declining. I met him once and he signed a ball for me, so I'd rather see Lee or Oswalt go to free up some money. Berkman is the smart choice though. Then once we bring up some young kids from the minors like Castro and Johnson, go out and sign some starting pitchers. (Randy Wolf and Ty Wiggington sure would have helped this season right!?) Coop should be gone and someone else should be in. I don't care who it is at this point, as long as it isn't someone from within. This is change I can believe in.