Why I'll be rooting for the Twins

Now, just from looking at the title you may be in shock, and some of you enraged. Even me, as a die-hard Sox fan my whole life, can't believe that I'm muttering these very words. But when you put down the facts and evidence, i somehow gather my conscience and stand by these words. The Twins are the hated rivals of the Sox, yet still they represent something the Sox want to be: AL Pennant contenders. No one wants to see the Yankees win another World Series title. The Rays would be nice, but the Twin story would be something. Young stars in Mauer and Morneau leading the way for a franchise that has been competitive for many years, but can never reach that final step. Pitching that is often overlooked and how they build their minor league teams is also part of the organization's success. Another big reason is big Jim Thome. He's been a class act for MLB all these years. This could possibly be his last season( although I think he will come back for 600 HR) and there is no better way for this great ambassador for baseball to end in a winning way. He has been a major reason why the Twins are now. Its just too bad the Sox let him go, or things would have been very different on the South side.

Saturday Football

After a big week in college football last week, it cools down a tad this week. But don't let that keep you from watching some marquee games with conference play right around the corner.

9 Iowa vs 24 Arizona- Iowa faces a big test in QB Nick Foles and the rowdy Wildcats. If they can snatch this win, it will be a big motivator heading into Big Ten conference play.

Baylor vs #4 TCU- Everyone thinks TCU already played their tough test in Oregon St. in week 1. Baylor is lead by the explosive Robert Griffin at QB, as they try to prove they're not a roll over opponent.

10 Florida vs Tennessee- Can this be the year the Volunteers finally beat those hated Gators? Florida has looked no where near their normal self and you wonder if John Brantley can handle the atmosphere in Neyland Stadium.

ND vs Michigan St- The Irish are coming off a lost on their home turf by Denard Robinson.( or Michigan) A loss against "giant killer" MSU, and Coach Kelly will be feeling the heat.

NFL Injuries

Just a recap of some injuries in week 1 that will impact teams for the rest of the year:

Kris Jenkins- Jets- Even though the Jets have experienced his absence before, it is still a major blow to a defense that is starting to lose players on the D-Line.

Ryan Grant- Packers- With Grant gone, the Packers are essentially going to throw the ball every time. Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn will not be good enough to get it done. Look for a trade made on the Packer's part.

Bob Sanders- Colts- The surprise for the Colts in week 1 was their loss to Houston, not Sander's injury. He has been off and on with his injuries, and the Colts are used to not relying on him.

Jamaal Jackson and Leonard Weaver- Eagles- 2 key players from the Eagles blocking scheme hurts bad, as their seasons' are lost. Plus, there is still more uncertainty, with QB Kevin Kolb out.

NFL Quick Hits: Week 1

I hand out my awards for Week 1 performances on Sunday:

MVP- Tom Brady- Threw for 258 yards and 3 scores, and helped the Pats dismantled the defending AFC North Champion Bengals.

MVP( Fantasy)- Arian Foster- With the Texan's passing game not on key, Foster only ran for 231 yds and 3 TD to help Houston finally take down the Colts.

LVP- Kevin Kolb- Was not having a good game when he left due to a concussion, and may not even start now with the emergence of M. Vick.

LVP(Fantasy) CJ Spiller- Rookie only managed 6 yards total, as debut came no where to expectations.

Biggest Win- Packers- Went into Philly and beat a strong and dangerous team in the Eagles. Now are sitting atop the division, with the Vikings looking up.

Poorest Effort- Niners- Absolutely got run over by Pete Carroll and the "Sea Birds", as NFC West favorites look like the Rams of the division.

People not wanted in Detroit: Ron Artest and the Bears- Lions officiating crew.

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2012 Olympics

Team USA win of the FIBA World Championships was pure dominance. This tournament however, was merely a tryout for some rising stars trying to make the 2012 Summer Olympic squad. Looking forward, here are the names i expect to compete in 2012:

James

Durant

Bryant

Paul

Bosh

Deron Williams

Anthony

Rose

Stoudemire

Howard

Wade

Griffin

Postseason Picks

With a little less than a month left in the MLB season, there are still many tight divisional races going on. Heres who I expect to make it to October:

NL East Phillies

NL Central Reds

NL West Giants

Wild Card Braves

AL East Yanks

AL Central Twins

AL West Rangers

Wild Card Rays

World Series- Phillies vs Yankees

NFL Season Preview: Part 3

My Final NFL Preview part, which i make 5 Bold Predictions for the upcoming Season.

• Derek Anderson will put up 2007 like numbers. Anderson takes over as the Matt Leinart era in Arizona finally ends. Even without Boldin, Anderson will throw for 22+ TD and 3,000 yards. He still has a top 3 WR in Fitzgerald and look for the emergence of Steve Breaston to help.
• The Saints won't go marching into the playoffs. I think the Saints will have another strong 9 or 10 win season, but i think there is too much power in the NFC. The Falcons got more talented, and I see them to win the South.
• CJ Spiller will win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Bills were criticized for taking Spiller 9th overall, even with a crowded back field. What I see and compare this situation to is Adrian Peterson when he was drafted. Chester Taylor was with the Vikings, but they took the best player available, which is what the Bills also did. I bet the Bills hope the Spiller situation ends like the Peterson one.
• Albert Haynesworth will be traded or cut by mid-season: This distraction has gone on way too long, and Coach Mike Shanahan won't stand for it much longer. Look for the Titans, Texans, and Bucs to pursue him hard.
• The Patriots will bring home another Super Bowl. Tom Brady and Randy Moss are both in contract years, and now fully healthy. The defense has not suffered any significant losses, plus the "hooded genius" is always roaming the sidelines. Add it all up, and the only thing missing is former Super Bowl kicker Adam Vinatieri.