MLB Breakout Players

Heading into spring training, here's some players to watch for this spring during camp and then during the dog days of summer.

Domonic Brown-PHI-OF- The favorite to take over Jayson Werth's spot in left field, Brown brings speed and power to the gaps to this already dangerous Phil's lineup. Brown might hit in the two spot, or possibly hit at No. 8 to jump start the bottom of the lineup.

Carlos Santana-CLE-C- When he came up last year, Carlos really adjusted nicely to the big leagues and proved he was the Indian's catcher of the future. The big question is whether he will be healthy enough after a devastating knee injury last year, but a full recovery is expected by opening day.

Brett Anderson-SP-Oak- Staying healthy was the issue last year for Brett. This year he goes into camp completely healthy and looks to show flashes of being a true ace this year. He might be a dark horse for Cy Young, but health is the main concern.

Logan Morrison-OF-FLA- Morrison will get overshadowed by fellow sophomore teammate Mike Stanton. Logan is a very patient hitter, who draws a ton of walks and runs the bases well. He and Stanton lead a young, talented OF for Florida.

"Jimmers" to Look For

We all know the new Stephen Curry re-incarnated by now: Jimmer. But you may want to know these names as well, as they are all capable of taking over games and leading their teams to upsets, possible in March.

Rat McCallum-PG-Detroit- The Freshman is only averaging 14.5 ppg, but this former top 20 nationally ranked recruit has deep range from three and great ball skills. Detroit could make a lot of noise in the Horizon tournament.

Charles Jenkins-PG-Hofstra- If this guy was on a power conference team, he would be getting as much love as Kemba and Fredette. Hofstra is still in the race for their conference title, and they are definitely an upset pick in March as long as he's on the team.

Klay Thompson-SG-Wash St- Thompson is one of the most underrated players in the NCAA. This kid can do it all. What makes him scary is that his scoring skills added to his big body makes him an impossible matchup for opponents.

Tu Holloway-PG-Xavier- Tu bursted onto the scene when him and former teammate Jordan Crawford almost upset KSU last year in the tourney. He's back this year, and his 3 point shot is something opposing teams have to contain.

Nfl Draft: Players to keep an eye on

Here's 3 players who could make an impact right away while going mid to late first round:

1. Drake Nevis-DT-Lsu- The senior is known for his pass rush ability, but he needs to improve his run defense. Can start immediately on a D-line in the NFL.

2. Mikel Leshoure-RB-Ill- His stock is rising quickly, and he could be a top 20 pick by April. Size could be an issue but his 40 time should carry him into the 1st round.

3. Mike Pouncey-OL-FLA- Mike as been called better than his twin brother Maurice, who is on the Super Bowl bound Steelers and made the pro bowl as a rookie. Pretty exceptional comparison.

Bears Offseason

Well, season over. Now on to the off season and some moves Da bears might make.

1. Draft- It seems like 5 years ago when the Bears had a first round pick. I see them going for a defensive lineman early and also some secondary help. An OL player will be taken early, and a receiver is a possibility also.

2. Through free agency, i think the Bears have to look for a reliable, veteran backup to Cutler. Seneca Wallace or Kerry Collins would be a good fit. Richard Seymour would be nice,with Tommie Harris losing production but he's going to want a lot of dough. A CB like Ike Taylor would really bring some veteran leadership to help Bowman and Moore.

3. The Bears don't have any major free agents, but resigning Olin Kreutz and Corey Graham( who was outstanding on special teams) should be at the top of the list. Extensions for Olsen and Forte could happen too with their deals ending soon.

MLB Off Season Assessment

Here's a quick run down of the winners and losers this winter:

Winners-

Red Sox- Clearly adding two bats like Crawford and Gonzalez to an already star-studded lineup makes them instant title contender.

Phillies- Words can't even describe how scary this rotation is, and come October, the Phils will have an ace on the mound every game for them. The only caution mark will be if they all can stay healthy.

White Sox- I got to give my Sox some love, as they return Paul Konerko and add Dunn to the middle of the lineup, plus adding some bullpen help to keep up with the Twins and Tigers in the AL central.

Losers-

Angels- The Halos basically missed out on every big name they went after, from Crawford, to Lee and also Beltre.

Yankees- The need to acquire Cliff Lee after the Bo Sox got two, big lefties in their lineup was immense. Missing out on him leaves C.C. as the only line of defense for the Bronx.

CBB Surprises and Dissapoitnments

As all the holiday tournaments and non-conference games come to a close, we take a look at some of the highlights and downfalls.

Most Surprising team-UConn- The emergence of Kemba Walker as one of the top ballers in the country has made the Huskies legit, with wins over Kentucky and Michigan St.

Disappointing teams- Gonzaga and VT- The Zags played a brutal non-conference schedule, but could only manage 3 quality wins. The Hokies were a top 20 team coming into this season, but 3 straight losses has dropped them considerably.

All Americans so far-

Jimmer Fredette

Kyrie Irving

Jared Sullinger

Marcus Morris

Kemba Walker

All Dud team-

Harrison Barnes

Malcom Delaney

Mike Tisdale

Enes Kanter

Curtis Kelley

Slam Dunk Contest

Here are 4 possible candidates for this year's dunk contest and highlights.

1. Derrick Rose

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D9fNb8blGo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peMAk1NWZPc

2. DeMar DeRozan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNL_sWSmB4o&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPZjOyHgrSA&feature=related

3. Blake Griffin

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

4. Russell Westbrook

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

comment on some players you would like to see in it.