Baseball Power Rankings April 25

1. Phillies (15-6 +2) The Phills have assumed the top spot again, and its no surprise pitching is playing a role.  They lead all of Baseball in quality starts.
2. Rockies (14-7 -1) The Rocks slipped slightly after being in the top spot last week, Tulo is heating up and Colorado may have a good grasp of the West division.
3. Rangers (14-7 +3) Adrian Beltre has been a phenomenal signing and has really offset Hamilton's absence.
4. Indians (13-8 -2) The Tribe have been really sparked by Sizemore's return.  They seem to be holding up, they may need to add a pitcher or too if they keep this thing going.
5. Yankees (12-6 +3) The Bronx Bomber's have gotten surprising contributions from Russell Martin early on, not that they needed the help with that middle of the order they have.
6. Marlins (13-7 +4) Marlins have arguably gotten the best pitching of any team thus far,Josh Johnson might be the best pitcher in the National league this season.
7. Angels (12-10 -3) Got pummeled by Boston all weekend, but still boast a great 1-2 punch in the starting rotation with Weaver and Haren, who are a combined a 9-1.
8. Cardinals (12-10 +5)  First in the league in team runs and average, and Lance Berkman, not Albert Pujols is the man behind most of the damage.  But Albert is getting warmer.
9.  Tigers (12-10 +14) The Tigers have been playing considerably better, and Miguel Cabrera keeps proving his worth as he continues to keep the numbers up.
10. Royals (12-10 -3) Pitching has been so so, but the offense is right up there with the best, Francoeur and Melky Cabrera have been really nice additions.
11. Dodgers (12-11 +9) One of the most prominent and iconic sport franchises in America is under fire.  The situation is messy, and one you wouldn't expect from this organization.Through it all, they've played well.
12. Reds (11-11 -7) Reds went through a rough week, highlighted by Mike Leake stealing $60 worth of shirts at Macy's?  Come on Dude.
13. Rays (11-11 +12) It seems Tampa has righted the ship and leaped into the top half of the rankings. Pitching is the key component, and Crawford's replacement,Sam Fuld has carried the offense.
14. Giants (10-11 -5) As it always seems, the Giants offense is considerably behind their pitching, took one on the chin by Atlanta this weekend.
15. Brewers (11-10 even) Braun and Fielder are in a team MVP race against each other, good move on locking up Braun, the guy can hit.
16. A's (11-11 -4) The number 1 team in baseball in Team ERA.  They remind me of last year's San Francisco team.
17. Red Sox (10-11 +12) Boston has finally started to play BETTER baseball, still not quite playing good baseball. Can't figure out what is up with Carl Crawford, .171 average?
18. Braves (11-12 +3) The Braves are playing well coming off a sweep of the Giants, still need to score more runs.  Looks like the East has another tough customer in the Marlins.
19. Twins (9-12 +8) This team misses Joe Maurer, they need to maintain somehow, but they are next tolast in the league in runs scored.
20. Nationals (10-10 -9) They have gotten consistent starts, but the Bullpen has been suspect.  Still awaiting the season debut of Ryan Zimmerman. Him and Werth will look good batting 3-4.
21. Cubs (10-11 +1) Cubbies can hit, but haven't been able to pitch.  The Wrigley faithful will start to groan if the pitching doesn't improve.
22. Pirates (9-12 -3) Bucs struggling offense needs to get on track, Franchise players Alvarez and McCutchen have been slumping.
23. Blue Jays (9-12 -9) It takes a Pirate fan to really know where Jose Bautista is coming from.  7 Homers already, it is unbelievable.
24. Mets (9-13 +2) Offense has looked more than solid, Reyes,Beltran, Davis all off to great starts, but really need their ace, Johan Santana to return.
25. Orioles (8-12 -7) The fighting Showalter's have won 2 of their past 13. In that division, that can be one nail in the coffin, even in April.
26. White Sox (8-14 -9) Sox were in the midst of winning only 1 game of their past 12.  Big off season signing, Dunn has been nonexistent thus far.
27. Diamondbacks (8-12 -3) Haven't been giving their pitchers enough run support, don't see the Snakes being a factor this year anyway.
28. Mariners (8-15 +2) M's aren't going to be able to contend in this division, plan and simple. Shame Ichiro plays all the way out there, under appreciated in my opinion.
29. Astros (8-14 -1) Houston has been hovering down here all year long, 28th in Team ERA will do that for you.
30. Padres (8-14 -13) Where's Adrian Gonzalaz when you need him? Worst offense in Baseball, and it shows.

WAY way way way too early Cy Young Picks...NL-Roy Halladay Phillies    AL-Jered Weaver Angels
Way way way way too early MVP Picks....NL-Prince Fielder Brewers  AL-Alex Rodriguez Yankees

MLB Power Rankings April 18

1. Rockies (12-3 +4) The Rockies have raced out to the Big's best record behind Tulowitzki's hot bat, and without stud pitcher,Ubaldo Jimenez....Might be tough to stop with their Ace....
2. Indians (11-4 +1) The Tribe have been HOT as can be, and now get their franchise player back in the lineup in Grady Sizemore, who homered in his first game back.
3. Phillies (10-4 -1) The big 4 in the starting rotation have a combined 7-2 record through 3 weeks, and are still playing tough without Utley.  The East looks like it belongs to Philly.
4. Angels (10-5 +7) The Halos have been surging, winning five straight games due to great Team hitting, and the excellent starting pitching by Haren and Weaver.
5. Reds (9-6 even) The Red legs may have the National League's most potent lineup, Joey Votto has been unconscious with a .444 average.
6. Rangers (10-5 -5) Lost some tough ones in New York, and lost something even more important than games this week....they lost Josh Hamilton for a month plus.
7. Royals (10-5 +2) In the upside down Central, the Royals remain to hang around. Not sure how its happening,
8. Yankees (9-5 even) Teixeria has cooled slightly, but ARod and Cano are off to solid starts.  This lineup is just unfair sometimes.
9. Giants (8-7 +13) The Giants offense is starting to pickup, had a nice 4 game winning streak going during the week.
10. Marlins (8-6 +2) The young Fish have been winning without Hanley Ramirez contributing, they'll be even higher once he gets hot.
11. Nationals (8-7 +5) Swept Milwaukee and got some solid pitching outings, Nats are doing alright so far.
12. A's (8-8 +7) Lead the league in team ERA, with Hamilton out the A's can make some moves up the standings
13. Cardinals (8-8 +13) Best offense in Baseball and Albert Pujols was in a slump, Scary.
14. Blue Jays (7-8 -1) The Jays are in the Top 10 of Team ERA and Team Runs scored, guess thats why they are in 2nd place.
15. Brewers (7-8 -1) They are getting nothing outside of Braun and Fielder, yet still hanging around.
16. White Sox (7-8 -9) The Sox's offense has been potent, but it isn't translating into W's
17. Padres (7-8 +3) Offense is towards the bottom of the league, pitching is near the top...
18. Orioles (6-8 -12) The O's stock is falling fast,and they may not be able to land on their feet.
19. Pirates (7-8 -4) Bucs were supposed to have a good offense, and bad pitching...it has been the opposite
20. Dodgers (7-9 -10) 23rd in the league in runs as a team, that needs to pick up if they want to contend with the Rockies
21. Braves (7-9 even) Chipper is having a revival, Heyward is having a slump...Think what they could be if both are hitting at the same time.
22. Cubs (7-8 -4) Starlin Castro is batting .418! The kid is for real, and Soriano looks to be out of his 2-3 year slump
23. Tigers (7-9 +2) Miguel Cabrera hasn't been at all affected by his own offseason troubles, now whose going to help him?
24. Diamondbacks (6-8 even) The Snakes offense has been surprisingly good led by Justin Upton
25. Rays (6-9 +4) Tampa went 5-1 this week, and lost Manny Ramirez rather quietly.
26. Mets (5-11 -9) a 1-6 week will earn a -9 in the rankings.  The Mets need some offense in a bad way.
27. Twins (5-10 -5) Overshadowed by the Boston struggles, Minnesota's early season woes are alarming.
28. Astros (5-11 +2) They only have 1 guy batting over .300, and for early season stats....thats bad.
29. Red Sox (4-10 -2) Showed signs of life this week, but still hold the worst record in the MLB
30. Mariners (5-11 -3) Currently hold the worst run differential in the Majors, and I don't see the offense magically getting better anytime soon.

Really damn early Cy Young picks-AL- Dan Haren  NL- Roy Halladay
Really damn early MVP picks-AL-Adrian Beltre  NL-Prince Fielder

My New Love.

 I do not know why it took me this long.  I guess there are various reasons I can point too, but ultimately it probably leads to the fact that I never played the game, and on top of that I could not play the game if I wanted. I could not watch a Hockey game unless the Penguins were playing.  It could have been Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, I could care less.  I would rather watch a good episode of Seinfeld. I do not know what struck me, or what great epiphany came over me. It finally clicked, this game is good.  This game is exciting, compelling, and downright fun to watch.  It had nothing to do with the resurgence of the Penguins, I was right there with the rest of you watching Jagr,Kovi, Straka and company. I thought it was good stuff. I always have and always will support Hockey in Pittsburgh, but by no means was I a Hockey fan.  I think it started for me when I started seeing the game past the casual fan’s perspective. I started seeing the passes, the cuts, the movements.  The game started to become more than just an event to root for Pittsburgh, it became like watching Basketball or Football games.  I could get into this.  The game has undeniable similarities and principles as other sports, its evident.  The five on five fast break from Basketball, can be seen on the ice, the offensive rebounding, and the sets. It is all right there, I was either oblivious or did not care to even look. Anymore a good hockey hit is every bit as good as a solid Football hit. 

      Hockey is a great game, and we are about to start on a great two months of playoff Hockey.  The games will be tense, and highly contested. Action for sixty minutes nonstop, every possession matters, and every game is big.  Now I am not going to tell you I watch games every night, nor am I playing fantasy hockey.  I am saying I was interested, I was playing attention further than the Penguins, and I have been for about two or three years now.  I respect the game, and am evolving past just labeling myself, the casual fan.  I am a Hockey fan now.

With that said, Cannucks over the Bruins in 6.

Baseball Power Rankings April 11

1. Rangers (8-1 +1) The defending AL Champs, are not in any sort of World Series let down. This lineup is potent, Hamilton is up for an MVP type year.
2. Phillies (7-2 -1)  The Phillies offense is keeping pace with their pitching thus far. Howard is already driving in runs at a frantic pace.
3. Indians (7-2 +24) Huge jump for the Tribe. They are the hottest team in the league riding a 7 game streak, Can this really last?
4. Rockies (6-2 +12) The Rocks have as a good as a 1-2 punch you will see. Gonzo and Tulo can keep them in the West for the long run.
5. Reds (6-3  -1) Rolen's early season play has been a nice bonus, they look poised for another playoff run.
6. Orioles (6-3 -1) The O's have been a pleasant surprise. Offense seems good enough,can the pitching hold?
7. White Sox (6-3 +4) Most productive offense in the Bigs right now. nice resurgence for Konerko.
8. Yankees (5-4 -1) Teixeira has been on an early season tear, very unlike him.
9. Royals (6-3 -1) Surprise start for the Royals, and the entire Central division for that matter.
10. Dodgers (5-4 -7) Dodger blue need Kemp and Ethier to stay this hot. Pitching will be there.
11. Angels (5-4 +17) This offense looks to among the best in the Bigs
12. Marlins (5-4 +8) The Fish have an OK start without much contribution from Hanley Ramirez
13. Blue Jays (5-4 +4) Bautista may be for real, 2 Home Runs Already.
14. Brewers (5-5 +16) The scary good offense is waking up, 5-1 since the 0-4 start.
15. Pirates (5-5 -5) Tabata and Walker may be the two best players in the NL that you never heard of.
16. Nationals (4-5 +11) The rise in the rankings has a lot more to do with teams free falling, then them rising.
17. Mets (4-5 -5) Reyes and Wright are off to solid starts, could be dangerous with Bay returning.
18. Cubs (4-5 even) Castro is going to be a superstar, They need to get Pena going.
19. Athletics (4-5 +2) Always solid pitching, but year after year struggle scoring runs.
20. Padres (4-4 -7) Without Gonzalez, Where will the offense come from?
21. Braves (4-6 -15) Is Heyward in a Sophomore slump? Braves better hope not.
22. Twins (3-6 -5) Offense has been anemic thus far. Maurer won't be contained forever.
23. Giants (4-5 -1)  Middle of the order has been slouching.  Need to get Posey going.
24. Diamondbacks (4-4 even) outscored the Reds 29-11 this past weekend.
25. Tigers (3-6 -6) Pitching needs to improve, the Central looks like a Dog fight this season.
26. Cardinals (3-6 -12) Pujols is batting .143 through 2 weeks, How often does that happen?
27. Red Sox (2-7 -4)  Only 5 Home Runs through 9 games? Sox don't want to dig too deep a hole this early.
28. Mariners (2-7 -13) After starting 2-0, dropped 7 straight. Too bad King Felix only pitches once every 5 days.
29. Rays (1-8 -5) Losing Crawford wasn't supposed to set them back to the Devil Rays era,but it has.
30. Astros (2-7 -1) The 'Stros pitching has been BAD so far....taking an early lead for last place.

Still Incredibly early MVP picks....Mark Teixeira and Prince Fielder

Still Incredibly early Cy Young picks....Jered Weaver and Tim Hudson

Way way way too early 2011-12 NCAA Top 10.

I have to do it.  This season was over for me right when Gilbert Brown missed that second foul shot.  Kudos to both Butler and, of course, UConn.  I watched UConn grow all season long.  At first the Maui seemed like a fluke, than from a fluke they went to solid Big East squad, than to a middle of the pack Big East team, and finally transitioned into a Championship caliber team.  Kemba Walker was there all year, but the fact that Napier, Lamb,Smith came on...and the Big Guys came on as well.  They have the makings for a Big run next year as well.

But so do a few other teams....Here's what I can offer you.

1. Duke-Well they came up short this year behind Smith and Singler, but displayed greatness all year long.  Coach K has this team in a great position to be in New Orleans next season.  Kyrie Irving is likely going pro, but could bolster this team to a clear cut Championship level team. Still, they won't be short on talented guards.  The Blue Devils will welcome Austin Rivers, the nations top recruit. He is expected to be in the mold of many of the recent 1 and done Point Guards(Rose,Evans,Wall,Irving,ect...)  Team him with Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins, that is a lethal backcourt. Duke will also have 3 Plumlee's to turn to for inside help, along with Ryan Kelly.  They have size, reliable guards, and the Best coach in the game.  They are my early pick to cut down the nets.

2. Connecticut- The defending champs are losing just 1 player, but he isn't just any old player.  Kemba Walker has graduated, he has nothing left to prove and I would be shocked to see him at UConn next season. If he does, they are number 1.  But until I get that confirmation, number 2 will have to do.  UConn will return 4 starters, and a huge contributor off the bench.  Shabazz Napier will step into Walker's role as Point Guard, and he will do an excellent job. He is a true Point Guard and will not score like Kemba.  Lamb and Smith played well down the stretch and are only going to get better.  Jeremy Lamb is going to be an absolute star.  Team them with Oriakhi and some of the role players, UConn can make another serious run.  A lot will depend on how they get past not having Kemba Walker on the floor.

3. Syracuse- The Orange return quite a bit, and add two McDonald's All Americans.  Well the Big East battle is already set for next year.  The Orange will center their team around the backcourt of Jardine,Triche and Joseph.  All three have been key players for the Orange for a number of years now, and can have this team in position to contend with UConn for the Big East Title.  Waiters and Fair played well off the bench as freshmen, and will be expected to take on a larger role.  The key will be if talented, yet disappointing Center Fab Melo can develop, and if not will freshmen,Rakeem Christmas make an impact.

4. North Carolina-The Tar Heels went from an unheralded team, to ACC Champs in what seemed like a matter of weeks.  Whatever turned the Tar Heels on, worked.  Now a lot of this matters on who turns pro, and what not.  UNC has been known to have kids leave early and that comes with recruiting All Americans only. I expect to see Zeller and Hensen return. They are long and polished in the post, and create matchup problems for most teams.  Strickland and Marshall each performed very well down the stretch to make this team a legitimate contender.  Now I don't see Harrison Barnes returning, but with him they could climb a few spots, Luckily they also bring in two McDonald's All Americans in James McAdoo and CJ Hairston.

5. Arizona-Sean Miller has this team back to prominence in no time.  He may have found his career job. And with this successful season, he has an opportunity to take this team to the Final 4 next season.  If Derrick Williams returns, watch out.  He may very well be the Number 1 pick in the draft.  They still return 4 starters from a 30 win team this season.

6. Kentucky- John Calipari finds a way.  He takes a new team each season and can mold them into a Championship level team. After losing 5 NBA Draft picks, he takes this team to Houston.  The way I see it, he is losing three more freshmen to the NBA, With that said, he brings in the nation's best recruiting class.  Reloading.  Teaming up talented freshmen Mike Gilchrist and Marquis Teague among others with senior wings Miller and Liggins can be a tough combination to stop.  I like adding these top freshmen to the mix with Seniors.

7.  Texas- Again a team that depends on top recruits faces that two sided sword of  them leaving early.Texas may be faced with that this offseason. Hamilton,Thompson,Brown and Joseph are all more than capable of joining the NBA, but all 4 seem better suited to improve their game another year in College.  Texas was believed at times to be the best team in the Nation.  Do not forget they were a top 5 team most of the season.  The talent is there, just needs to be sustained throughout five months.

8. UCLA-Ben Howland has slowly repaired his team to a contender once again. He returns five starters, four of which averaged double figures.Howland blends his Big East mentality with recruiting top tier talented players he couldn't get at Pitt, sometimes it works, sometimes it hasn't. But Nelson and Honeycut from a solid duo down low.  Assuming Reeves Nelson returns.

9. Ohio State- Well Sullinger swears he is coming back. That has been said before, but he seems sincere thus far.  He'll be the man in the middle, and Aaron Craft will get it done as the Point Guard.  Craft was one of my favorite players to watch, and I could really see himself elevating to an elite player along with Sullinger. The Buckeyes will bring back their second leading scorer in William Buford, but lose catalysts Diebler and Lighty. Matta is always dealing with one of the most talented teams in the country, and will have themselves in position to be a Championship contender once again.

10. Purdue- Might be a questionable pick. True they are losing Moore and Jackson the two seniors that did everything. That can be devastating to a program, but they bring back their centerpiece that was hurt all season in Robbie Hummel.  He could have made Purdue in the Final Four this season had he not gotten hurt early on.  He'll be teamed with returning starters Lewis Jackson,Ryne Smith and DJ Byrd.  All 3 can shoot it, and all are veterans.. Matt Painter made the right choice in coming back.

Five Teams that you should keep in mind
1. Michigan
2. Memphis
3. Vanderbilt
4. Pitt
5. Louisville

MLB Weekly Power Rankings Week 1.

Trying to add a weekly feature and since I started this blog right as Baseball got fired up....And I'm in the Baseball mood.

1. Phillies (3-0) Best rotation going into a season as I've ever seen.  The might be able to hang on to the top spot from start to finish.

2. Rangers(3-0) Defending AL Champs starting out with an impressive sweep of Boston.

3. Dodgers (3-1) Will all that the potential finally come full circle?  3 out of 4 over the reigning champs is a good way to show it.

4. Reds (3-0) 23 runs in the opening series of the season.  This team can win the Central again behind Votto.

5.Orioles (3-0) Took care of business against Tampa.  This will be a short-lived stay towards the top of the Power Rankings.

6. Braves (3-1) Can be that thorn in the Phillies side all season. Don't expect a sophomore slump out of Heyward, he is for real.

7. Yankees (2-1) Teixeira is not off to his usual awful start.  Can he keep it up?

8. Royals (3-1)  A likely candidate to surely fall from the top very soon, but taking 3 of 4 from the Angels is a good opening statement. 

9. Blue Jays (2-1) The young Drabek has star written all over him, Can he help keep the Jays hang in the grind that is the AL East? 

10. Pirates (2-1) The young hitters are making their presence known early on...Might be a few pitchers away  from actually contending this year.

11. White Sox (2-1) Could find their way back into the playoffs, Adam Dunn will make a difference.

12. Mets (2-1) Need to weather the storm until Bay is back on board.

13. Padres (2-1) Life after Adrian Gonzalez begins, Can they rebound after last year's collapse? 

14. Cardinals (1-2)  Maybe the contract disputes will affect this team, either way the division has to run through St. Louis.

15. Mariners (2-1) often overlooked team has the best pitcher in baseball. Just lack the offense for a serious run. 

16. Rockies (1-1) Dangerous team that historically starts slow, picks it up in July.

17. Twins (1-2) Maurer can carry this team right to the playoffs

18. Cubs (1-2) Will the new manager make his mark? Garza and Pena should help.

19. Tigers (1-2) Despite off season trouble, Cabrera seems poised for a big year

20  Marlins (1-2) Tough division, might be a long year.

21. A's (1-2) Solid pitching, but Offense always seems to be their issue

22. Giants (1-3) Pitching is too good to stay here.  Should be moving up

23. Red Sox (0-3) Spent way too much to find themselves down here

24  Diamondbacks (1-1) It's going to be a long season in the desert.

25. Rays (0-3) Head scratching 3 games against Baltimore...

26. Nationals (1-2) Is Werth worth it? Tough to make up ground in that division.

27. Indians (1-2) The tribe don't have a very promising season ahead of themselves

28. Angels (1-3) Dropping 3 of 4 to Kansas City isn't an ideal start.

29. Astros (0-3) Don't strike that same fear that Houston teams of the past had.

30. Brewers (0-4) They couldn't have dreamed a worse start than that.

Far too early MVP picks-  Ryan Howard and Mark Teixeira

Far too early Cy Young picks-Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee

Dreams, Hopes, and Reality.

I get this reoccurring dream about once a year. It happens right around this time. Its weird and its nothing like I've ever seen before, at least in my lifetime. Its a Pirates game, but not like any I've been too. There is a full stadium, but Steve Miller Band and Fireworks are not the attraction. Its cold out, the calender reads October. Now I know this all sounds crazy, but it gets stranger yet. People are excited, waving towels and cheering. Its almost a parallel universe. But through all the strangeness, I like it. I want it, it feels real, and it feels right. Right as I begin to enjoy the moment, I wake up, and the dream goes away and reality sets in.   The Pirates realistically have no chance to win the World Series, let alone playoffs, or even play a game with meaning past this month.  

THE DREAM.

The dream is that some day the Pirates are going to dig themselves out of their grave.  That somehow, they get lucky enough to make the right draft picks, have prospects that pan out, and that management is not forced into trading away stars.   I like the core of Pedro Alvarez, Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, and Jose Tabata. How could you not?  I mean they are all bona fide budding super stars. The dream is that this quartet can grow into something like say a Howard,Utley,Rollins,Victorino type thing.  The dream also has our 3 highly rated pitching prospects actually make something of their career, and the stingy Pirate management actually pays to keep players, and pays to bring players in.  The dream is that one day my reoccurring dream becomes reality.  Playoff Baseball in PNC Park.

THE HOPE

Well this pertains to realistic people.  We can not make the playoffs this year.  We simply are not capable of that type of thing.  The hope is that they take the right step. Hurdle seems like a guy that knows what he is doing.  Not pushovers like Russell and Tracy, and not a Nut like McClendon.  He is a savvy Baseball mind, that is calm and cool, but not afraid to get out there and argue with some passion.  I think you probably could have insulted John Russell to his face, and he would have trouble getting excited about it.   I see a #winning fire out of Hurdle.  My hope is that he can be patient, and not press this team.  He's been around winners and he knows this is not one.  But hopefully, and most likely he hopes that the "Core Four" stays together and continues to takes strides forward.  My hope is that Meek and Hanrahan continue their path towards being dominant relievers. And that some of these Altoona and Indy pitchers become legitimate starters in the MLB.  And I don't want to forget about some of these guys on the current roster.  McDonald can be a factor.  But like I said, this is a realistic prediction.  I hope they can win 75 games this year at least. Anything more would be gravy.  

THE REALITY

Let's be honest with ourselves here. I can sugar coat all the crap they always feed us. But as Pirate fans, we know better.  We've seen this same charade with different players.  While we have a lot of young promising players(like always) We still have those same Has Beens and Never Was'.   Lyle Overbay, Matt Diaz, Keven Correia.....Sean Casey, Jeromy Burnitz, Matt Morris.  I mean its comical that they sign these guys and hope we can be happy. They've been doing the same thing for 18 seasons.  Things can not always be this way, but Do you see them changing anytime soon?

"It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World"

 Butler vs. Connecticut.  Who had that back in January?   Who had that even three weeks ago?  Simply put, nobody did.  And that is the beauty to the Madness. That is what the month of March is all about.   It is why March comes in and captivates America for three weeks each year.  It can sweep you off your feet, it can have have you in tears.  It is the best sporting event in America these days.  The Super Bowl is a flash in the pan, not even that interesting once you take out your own team and the commercials. The other professional sports basically play a mini season, and well College Football is another story.  College Basketball is perfect. The NCAA Tournament is the king of any athletic, Championship level event.  Period.I mean who doesn't fill out a bracket? Now what separates this tournament from all others?  Butler, VCU, George Mason ect.  Its that fact that anyone can do it.  Anyone has a chance, all you need to do is get hot, and make a run.  Does it get the best team crowned? No.  But if the best team wins than why play anything?  College Football is so set on making sure that the two best teams play in the Title.With that system they have, I guess that should be right. But does a Butler-UConn game lose any luster?  It is still the National Championship, and frankly that is more compelling than say a Kansas-Ohio State game. America loves the underdog.  They love the misfit group that can get it together, UConn can't stand under that banner, but Butler sure can. The lowly 9 seed ran through teams they weren't supposed to beat, and while Butler being in the Championship as a fluke is no longer true.  It is still amazing to me that this team lost some of the games they lost.  Either way a team from a small conference, with a young hot shot coach that lost their best player to the draft and still make it back is what this tournament is all about.
         Connecticut was not supposed to be here either.  Way back in November they were picked to be tenth in the Big East.  TENTH!   It seemed that was a reasonable place.  Coach Calhoun was a year older, surrounded with allegations.  The team was mainly Freshmen and Sophomores teamed up with an All Big East caliber player.  I don't think people doubted they could make the tournament, but not on a scale like this.  But let us not forget, UConn was picked tenth, and they finished in ninth, right on par almost.  The Huskies played like a team centered on one guy with a bunch of talented young guys seemingly to be one year away.  Than something happened, the Madness began in NYC.  And Kemba put a team on his back. This run is magical, this run is epic.  This run right here by Kemba Walker is down right mad. Thats what makes this tournament great and this level of the game great.  The regular season is important, not eminent.  This game allows you to play through down spells, and get them figured out. Calhoun and Stevens are both very respected coaches.  Both are well deserving of a Championship.  This game will be fun. So whether you ripped up your bracket weeks ago, or not.  This game will be in the History books forever.  It will cap off one of the more memorable March's of recent memory.

Trial run, Pitt Basketball rant.

Well the Pitt Basketball campaign has ended yet again in disappointing fashion. Actually there are over 300 teams every season that are disappointed with how their season ends up. And like every season local sports writers, Pitt haters, and Pitt fans alike like to condemn this Basketball program of Pitt. A particular favorite of mine was an ESPN anchor, not analyst said Jamie Dixon was outcoached by Brad Stevens. Really Dixon was outcoached because one of his seniors was able to ice the game by making one foul shot, and missed it. Hardly. Hell even known Pitt hater,Doug Gottleib called the guy out. And some "Pitt fans" like to call out Dixon and question this guy. Hell the dude wins, and wins, and wins. He gets the most of his players and they buy into exactly what he sells. One "Pitt fan" on the Fan went so far as to say, "When is Pitt going to get serious about Basketball and hire Sean Miller?" Hire Sean Miller? Sure great coach, Pitt alum. But we have one of the finest coaches in America. And THE most productive coach through the first 8 years of his career, period. Yes meaning he is on pace with wins with the likes of Calhoun,Knight, Wooden, Kryzewski ect...Sure we lost in the 2nd round again. But you know what? That team made 12 3's, and only committed 6 turnovers the whole game. The Panthers outrebounded, out shot, and had more assists then Butler did. They played well in that second half and battled back from a deficit at the half. Those are the type of games where you say good game, shake the other team's hand, and say well....they beat us. Pitt was  in position to win the game, and a missed foul shot cost us.It is what it is. A thing that troubled me greatly,A friend said to me Pitt doesn't have a team built to win the tournament. Pitt doesn't have enough scoring to win the tournament. Kevin Starkey, a writer for the Tribune-Review, states we don't have enough talent to win tournaments. He disagrees with Coach Dixon and states a team that is good enough to win the Big East is not necessarily good enough to win it all. And the one thing I say to all of those statements, That is Bullshit. Seriously. Pitt doesn't have enough talent? Please, and VCU and Butler do have that talent. Thats laughable. The tournament is not about talent, its about winning in a one game situation. It is about getting hot at the right time. Butler and VCU do not have players that can play in the league. They have guys that buy into a system just the same way Pitt does. This only proves my point that you do not need NBA players to make it to the Final 4. You need to get hot at the right time. Pitt has the talent to advance. They started 2 "4 Star" players and 3 "3 star" players by recruiting services. Look there are many great coaches without a Championship. There are many others that had a long wait before they even had a Final Four Appearance themselves. All I'm saying is people that are critical of Pitt and Dixon have to get their thinking caps on and remember the 1990's. We were where Penn State is now, if not worse. Where a NIT bid and maybe an upset over a ranked team during the regular season would have been a successful year. Are people's memories so short? All I'm saying is Jamie Dixon is one of the best coaches in the entire NCAA. He is respected among Basketball people all over the country, and few have the success he does. He has 2 regular season championships in the best league in the country. He has a Big East Tournament Championship. He has never won fewer than 25 games, and never lost more than 10 in a season. He has 2 sweet 16's, and 1 Elite 8 appearance. He is a great coach. This program is among the top 10 in the country year in and year out. We are ranked every season, They play on National TV 15 times a season, they have a chance to win the Big East/NCAA's every year.I just hate Pittsburgh fans and media members being critical of this program. Pitt has not been to the Final 4, I understand that. But they haven't exactly  been losing either, It hasn't been embarrassed like other programs, including the Pitt football programs. I just feel as though is I am very pleased with where the Pitt Basketball program sits right now.  Any program that is upset about 28 win seasons, may be a little spoiled, or idiotic not sure which.  Be Happy with where it is, but do not be content.  It can get better, It will get better. 

 We have Gibbs(maybe), Robinson, Woodall and a few other key players coming back, plus the Highest rated player to ever come to Pitt coming in. We should begin the year ranked in the top 20 range, and slowly work our way into the top 10, and remain there for the majority of the season. Ashton Gibbs will be All Big East first time, and maybe even Player of the Year. We will have 25-26 regular season wins, and only 5-6 losses. We will be around 14-4 within the Big East, and be no lower than a 4 seed entering the tournament....and again we can see if this program can get to the "promised land."  And If not, I'll be sure to write a similar article to remind everyone.