Derek Jeter: Overated

I could go on and on about how Derek Jeter isn't really that good in the post season, he's just had more attempts then most players. But I find Tim Keown's espn.com article from today does a pretty good job summing it up.

"Here's one reason so many people love to hate the Yankees: The lovefest for Derek Jeter knows no bounds. It's natural to attempt to find fault with a guy who is constantly praised to the heavens and beyond, and that's why so many people get so excited in the effort.



And this isn't a criticism, just an observation: If I had watched Bobby Abreu's Game 3 baserunning mistake -- back-picked at second by Jeter and Mark Teixeira in the bottom of the 8th -- with the sound down on the television, I would have considered it a perfect example of the Yankees' ability to execute defensively. They're pros.



But since the sound was on, it's a different story. We were shown replays of the play and told over and over how brilliant Jeter is because he thought the play was at third but the play ended up being at second and there was nobody there to tell him.



Nobody there? Really? Even though Teixeira was right there to take the throw and apply the tag? I mean, let's get real: Jeter is a great player, but sometimes things happen on the field -- really cool things -- that don't center on him.



Teixeira followed the runner, just like every first baseman is supposed to do but not all do. He was right there. He made the play. Jeter would be the first to admit that."

Random Trivia of the Week. Bears Awards

The Bears won 6 indvidual awards in the 2000s. Can you name them?

Answers in Comments

Holy Crap! The Bears Just Got Gaines Adams??

In the category of "Most Unexpected Headlines on ESPN.com", we have a real winner tonight.

Apparently, the Bears just traded a 2010 draft pick for Tampa defensive end Gaines Adams, who will be replaced in the Tampa starting lineup by somebody named Stylez G. White. I am not kidding. Raheem Morris is already jockeying for that #1 pick!

PS - According to his Wikipedia page, Stylez (who used to be Greg White) legally changed his name in 2008, inspired by Michael J. Fox's friend's character in Teen Wolf. Yeah, the same friend that was selling Teen Wolf T-shirts.

Anyway, Adams was the fourth overall selection in 2007 but has only had a combined 13 1/2 sacks in the last two-plus seasons. However, I have to say that every time I've ever seen him play I have loved his athleticism and speed.

Plus, he went to Clemson. You know that's gotta be worth something. Tampa was my fantasy defense last year so I watched a lot of their defensive snaps and he was definitely one of the most intriguing players on the squad.

This guy could be a real difference maker, especially with Izzy Idonije and Anthony Adams hurting, not to mention the ongoing IR spot waiting to happen that we know as Tommie Harris.

If an elite, underachieving talent escaping a lousy team to get to a contender, then playing out of his mind sounds familiar, it's because Braylon Edwards just did it last week. I would love to see Adams be the Braylon of the season on the defensive side of the ball.

Weekend Watch (10/16/09)

We have a pretty full slate of action this weekend, in fact, we actually hit all 4 of the big 4 sports this weekend in the watch. It’s good to be in October. Also some fun scheduling this week, big college games being played early in the day, Red River at 11, SC vs UND at 2:30. I LOVE IT! Also, all the best NFL game are being played in early game. So here is what the Watch is watching this weekend.


Friday

Phillies at Dodgers Game 2: 3 CST TBS

Game 2 has already started. I did my humble (yes very humble) breakdown earlier today. Enjoy the nice weather of a baseball game, cause it will be the last time all weekend we will see it. (Baseball is predicting bad weather, so game times might be different). Pedro is throwing today for the Phillies. I don’t care how good he was or how much big game experience he has, I do not want 2009 Pedro starting for my team.

Who I want to win: Dodgers

Who I think will win: Dodgers


Angels at Yankees Game 1: 6:30 CST FOX

First pitch temperature for this game is 41, and it’s supposed to rain. Needless to say I’m glad I didn’t cough up $100+ to go to this game. Hopefully they get the game in or there will be some fun scheduling changes for the MLB to come up with. For tonight’s game, it’s tough betting against a well rested CC, no matter what the weather is like. I think Yankees will take game 1

Who I want to win: Angels

Who I think will win: Yankees

Pittsburgh @ Rutgers 7 PM CST ESPN

Big East in on display for the nation again. I do not think this game will be as exciting as last night, but still competitive. Both teams play a more traditional smash mouth football which as a former O-Lineman, you know I love seeing. Plus Chicagoans love Wanny.

Timberwolves @ Bulls Preseason 7 PM CST

I know basketball junkies like Fodor will probably tune into some action. Game features two of last years top Rookies in Rose and Love. Sounds more like a valentine then a basketball game.

Who I want to win: Bulls

Who I think will win: It’s preseason, so I have no idea, Bulls?

Midnight Madness 8 CST ESPNU

It’s official, teams can practice again. ESPN is going to be at UNC, Duke, and Kentucky among other places. These practices involve little practices, but it is a good way to become familiar with some of the better players on better teams.

Who I want to win: Shirts

Who I think will win: Skins




Saturday

College Game Day 9 CST



They are live from the Cotton Bowl. Kirk is going to have to duck out early and run up to the booth so some more camera time for Desmond. I think they decided to go here to stay warmer.

Who I want Corso to pick: Texas

Who I think Corso will pick: Texas


Red River Rivalry 11 CST ABC



Both of these teams have had this game circled on the calendar since last year. Oklahoma needs to make up for last years loss. Texas is still feeling jobbed after being kept out of a national title game by a team with the same record that they beat. Even though OU has 2 losses, this pre-season game of the year should still be a fun game to watch. Also, you want to know why I wish I went to a big football school. Both schools get Thursday and Friday off this week.

Who I want to win: Texas

Who I think will win: Texas

Iowa @ Wisconsin 11 CST ESPN



The Heartland Trophy will be up for grabs in the game, and come on, who doesn’t love BACON! This is a big game for both teams. Iowa still isn’t getting national respect (mainly cause of UNI and Arkansas St) and are actually underdogs going into Camp Randle. Wisconsin outplayed Ohio State last week but gave up two pick 6s for touchdowns which turned the game into a blow out. This should be a good Big Ten Game.

Who I want to win: Iowa

Who I think will win: Iowa

Southern Cal at Notre Dame 2:30 CST NBC



Another game I discussed earlier today. Notre Dame comes in ranked and lots of people think this is the year they can finally topple the SC hurdle. SC has had some early struggles but still boast the best O-line in the nation. If the O-line gives Barkley enough time, he will shred Notre Dame’s defense and this game could quickly become a shootout. If Clausen wants any hope of winning the Heisman, he better beat Southern Cal.

Who I want to win: Notre Dame

Who I think will win: Southern Cal

VA Tech at Georgia Tech and Alabama at South Carolina (The Real USC) ABC/ESPN 7CST

The tech bowl! No not Temco Bowl (still the greatest game ever!) Va Tech vs Ga Tech in what should be the best game in the ACC this week. I heard a quote I liked about playing GT, it’s like a season on themselves, because no one else plays anything like GT. Well lets see how the VT D responds.

Who I want to win: Georgia Tech

Who I think will win: Va Tech

People are calling this a potential upset for Alabama. I like South Carolina but I don’t see it, Bama’s defense is too good and I don’t think South Carolina will be able to do much. It is the battle of my two favorite SEC teams so I’ll be watching.

Who I want to win: Alabama

Who I think will win: Alabama


Stars at Blackhawks 7:30 CST WGN

Good news for our friends outside of Chicagoland, the Hawks are on WGN so you will be able to watch them. The Hawks have been playing well, even coming back from 5 down. They are playing exciting hockey (leading league in shots on net) and are winning. There might be some goaltender controversy, but I am not too worried.

Who I want to win: Blackhawks

Who I think will win: Blackhawks

Sunday

Ravens at Vikings 12 CST CBS

As fellow ACSS writer Ryan pointed out earlier today, Vikings haven’t beaten anybody yet. If they beat the Ravens, I will be a believer. The Ravens are good at stopping the run and get good pressure on the QB. This should really show how good Farve is. The Ravens defense is fast and will enjoy the fast track, but they can play smash mouth with the best of them. The Vikings D-line is going to try to frustrate the Ravens offense. If Flacco has time, I think he will lead the Ravens to victory.

Who I think will win: Ravens

Who I want to win: Ravens

Giants at Saints 12 CST FOX

I am excited for this game. I want to see what the Giants D (mainly the front 4) do to the New Orleans Saints O. Sean Payton (FROM!? NAPERVILLE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL!) is great offensive coach and is coming off a bye with enough time to prepare for what the Giants are going to throw at them. The Giants had a quasi bye last week (sorry Oakland) and Eli has subtly become the best road QB in the league. I feel, as Ryan said earlier, until NY loses, they are the best team in the league.

Who I think will win: Giants

Who I want to win: Giants

Phillies at Dodgers Game 3: 7 CST TBS

Series shifts back to Philly for the next three days. If the Phillies win all at home, they will win the series, Dodgers need at least 1.

Who I want to win: Dodgers

Who I think will win: Phillies

Bears at Falcons 7:15 CST NBC

Bears return to the Dome where they suffered a painful loss. Last time they played on Sunday Night Football, Jay Cutler threw 4 ints, and the Bears still almost won. The Falcons offense is one of the best in the league, there D leaves something to be desired. The winner of this game becomes the undisputed 4th best team in the NFC. Should be a good one

Who I want to win: Bears

Who I think will win: Bears

Would you Rather: See Notre Dame or Chicago Bears Win this Weekend

As I am writing this article, I know I am going to get killed by Fodor, Ryan, Jamie and if Colin still reads the site, Colin.

So I heard an interesting question today; would you rather see the Bears win in Atlanta or Notre Dame beat USC? Instantly I know all of you are thinking, BEARS and move on.

But sit and think about this for a second. I will give you four solid reasons why I would rather see Notre Dame win this weekend then the Bears.

1. Bears Can Recover



First off, The Bears can recover from the loss. Yes I want to see the Bears go 15-1 overall on their way to the Super Bowl, but Atlanta is a good team and will be playing at home. The Falcons are 9-1 in the Georgia Dome in the Mike Smith era. So a loss for the Bears in Atlanta wouldn’t be the end of the season. Last year was frustrating and heartbreaking in the Dome, and it ultimately cost us a place in the playoffs. But had we won the last game against Houston, we would have made the playoffs. So even with a loss here, the Bears can recover from.

2. Too Much Tim Tebow



I don’t know about you, but I tired of Tim Tebow just shortly after his first jump pass in freshman year. (I like how people are mentioning him winning his third national championship this year, even though he wasn’t the starter (former Bear Cris Leak was) and was more or less along for the ride in the first one.) I could write lots and lots about my annoyance of Tim Tebowmania, but what does he have to do with Notre Dame Southern Cal? Well if Notre Dame wins, Jimmy Clausen now becomes a legit Hiesman contender and could keep the trophy away from Tebow for the second staright year. Tebow is not having as good of year as he did the previous two, but neither are any of the other major contenders. If Clausen plays well, he could be the QB to take home the Trophy

3. I hate Southern Cal



There are few teams in professional sports I dislike year over year as much as Southern Cal. I think the Cowboys, would be the only team close. I do respect Southern Cal for being brave in their scheduling (even if they always plan on having an extra week to prepare for a big game) but man, they are just annoying. A loss for Southern Cal would ruin any chance this team has for a national title. SC still has a long way to go with a win, but this would end it for good.

4. Love them or hate them, Notre Dame is fun when they are prominent



People love talking about Notre Dame regardless of their feelings toward the school. Notre Dame has been a general non factor most this decade even with a couple of good seasons and BCS berths. Having Notre Dame in the mix and cheering for them or against them (like me and Southern Cal) is fun.

So there you have it, start ripping me, I can take it. Honestly, if I like to see them both win.

Week 6 Picks

Wow, I was doing AWESOME after the noon games. The 3:15 games really kicked the shit out of me, and Fodor. Anywho, here are my predictions:

Houston @ Cincinnati: Houston 24-20
Detroit @ Green Bay: Packers 31-24
Baltimore @ Minnesota: Baltimore 27-17
Giants @ New Orleans: Saints (upset) 31-28
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh: Steelers 24-6
Carolina @ Tampa Bay: Panthers 24-17
Kansas City @ Washington: Kansas City 20-17
St. Louis @ Jacksonville: Jacksonville 31-20
Philadelphia @ Oakland: Philadelphia 41-17
Arizona @ Seattle: Arizona 30-21
Tennessee @ New England: New England 31-27
Buffalo @ New York Jets: Jets 17-7
Chicago @ Atlanta: BEARS 31-17
Denver @ San Diego: Chargers 38-10 (Upset blow out!)



My Record Last Week: 8-6

Fodor's Record Last Week: 7-7

My Overall Record: 24-20 (.545)

Fodor's Overall Record: 26-17 (.604)

I'm gaining on you Fodor!

Week 6 Power Rankings: Defensive Domination

1. Merriman's Roid Rage 4-1 (AJ)

Only one loss all year, he leads the way in power rankings. Expect him to fall after this week... when I kick his ass!

2. Bearin' Down 3-2 (Me)

I took down Fodor last week, which is why I move ahead of him. Expect me to be sitting at that number one spot after this week. AJ, I'd be very scared if I were you!

3. The U! 3-2 (Fodor)

Man, has anyone else fallen so fast. My guess, Steve gets his first win this week against Fodor.

4. Forte-Six Defense 0-5 (Steve)

Pathetic.