Pitt, Penn State. It's back on, and it should be back on forever.

     

                        VS.



Can you ever imagine Alabama and Auburn taking a fifteen year hiatus  in their rivalry? How about Florida and Florida State decide its not in their best interest to play, ditto for USC and UCLA. Some of these games are within conferences, I understand that, but the principle of these teams not playing is outrageous.  Well it is the same thing right here in the Keystone State.  Pennsylvania supports two large Universities with proud Football traditions and solid teams year in and year out, yet they have not played since 2000.  Its not right anyway you shape it. The game is good for the state of Pennsylvania, the fans of the two programs, and college football in general.

         The debate about this game has raged on for a decade, and you hear the same arguments over and again by the two sides. I would like to go into a few of the arguments.  "Pitt needs Penn State more than Penn State needs Pitt"  It depends how you look at it. Who is Penn State's rival? Ohio State?  The Lions are 2-7 in their last nine meetings with the Buckeyes.  Michigan State and the made up rivalry trophy?  I just don't get the sentiment that anybody from Central Pennsylvania gives two hoots about Michigan State and their average program. But hey it might just be me.   So the only Eastern School in an all Midwestern conference lacks that true rival. Hey how about a team less than 200 miles away?  It makes too much sense.  I understand Penn State can play Harvard and still manage to round up 100,000 people to the erector set.  But why not play a meaningful game that will excite the fan base and the entire state?  The game will be on ABC, College Gameday is almost assuredly to be there.  It will be one of the games of the year, every year.  From a Pitt perspective, it is said by someone that Pitt needs the game more than Penn State.  Why? They don't NEED it.  Pitt has an archrival with West Virginia.  Pitt plays Notre Dame on a yearly basis.  They have their two big selling games. Its no secret Pitt isn't selling out on most years, it takes them to actually be in the Top 10 to start getting attendance . Nobody from Pitt will deny it.  Pitt has a great fan base, but horrible fan support.  Its just one of those things.  And in my opinion they aren't begging to play this game based out of a need, but as a want.  The game will generate instant buzz. ESPN, National TV, College Gameday, Showcase for two great Schools, Showcase for a very proud "Football State".  You get why I'm saying?  So in a sense Pitt needs this game, but I believe Penn State needs it as well.
      Another argument you may have heard is Penn State does not want to make this game a priority, that they have more important games.  "He said it works for a two-year series because there were openings in the schedule, but the school is looking to play nonconference games throughout the country to enable the large Nittany Lion fan base to see the team play. And the school's need to play road games across the country combined with its need to play at least seven home games every year means there is very little flexibility in scheduling."  (Taken from the PPG)   Really that is the best Tim Curley can come up with?  Well in the past five seasons, Penn State has played twenty non conference games, only four of which their "large fan base" was able to see.  And by that they play one game at Temple, which was basically a home game, they played up at Syracuse, and Notre Dame, and Alabama(I'm Sure the Nittany Lion Nation is crawling all over Tuscaloosa?)   This season Penn State is going to play their other in-state "rival"  Temple again.  Why not replace the annual Temple game with Pitt?  Let's see a game on ABC at 8:00 in primetime, or the BTN at Noon?   Come on Tim Curley!  And maybe he is just saying this because the old man is still alive, and Joe has never been too fond of Pitt.  But he can not be serious with statements saying he has to play across the country. I don't know why Penn State administration will not just give in from previous stances and just play the game.

    Thirdly the other argument you hear, or have heard is, "Penn State doesn't care about Pitt anymore, the rivalry is dead."  "That is erroneous, erroneous on both accounts."  The rivalry is very much alive, and you would be blind not to see that.  Seriously, think about it.  The two teams recruit the same players, the schools are the two major institutions of the state, and academic wars and arguments rage on all the time. The two schools compete for students, and both are very proud and believe they are the better University.  The Football game will only enhance it further.  Pitt does have West Virginia, but for generations it was Penn State.  That was the game, that was the team.  And the same goes for Penn State.   They don't have anyone to call their rival.  They have played some magnificent games with their neighbors to the West.   It only makes sense to play the game.  Penn State fans will say they don't care about Pitt.  Go out and read message boards, anyday of the year for the past ten years.  Penn State people will be on Pitt boards, vice a versa. When a Penn State played gets arrested its a topic on the Pitt boards, when Pitt loses its a topic on the Penn State boards.  Its silly to say the rivalry is dead, because the rivalry anymore is strictly trash talking.  Its a great thing to settle the debate on the gridiron.  It would be great for the teams to play in every sport. It has recently been talked about playing in Basketball again.  The gap between Pitt-PSU Basketball is a little greater, than Pitt-PSU Football.  But why not play the game?  Penn State bringing Pitt to the Bryce Jordan might cause a stir and get them a sell out game.  A game at the Consol with the tickets down the middle would also be fun.  The schools are so close, they should play.  Plain and Simple.
              This article was clearly written from a Pitt point of view.  But to be fair, its how I was raised. Its how I am.  The rivalry was instilled in me from a young age.  It was made important to me early because I have a predominately Penn State extended family. But facts are facts.  And I will not take them away from Penn State.   Penn State is a huge school, thus creating a huge fan base. And with that fan base, they breed great support.  Pitt, not so much. Pitt is still a fairly large school, in a football town, with lots of fans. But for one reason or another, do not draw well. The sky is blue, the grass is green, and Pitt is only good for 40,000 fans for home games. It is what it is.  Also Penn State does not need Pitt on the home schedule to sell tickets, they can play a High School team and draw just as well.  But I think Penn State needs to realize, they do lack a true rival. They do not have that one circle your calender type game. Pitt can and will be that game. Pitt is Penn State's most frequent opponent in their history, meeting just shy of 100 games.(PSU is Pitt's 2nd most played game outside of WVU).  Alabama,Florida,Michigan, Texas,Oklahoma, Georgia,South Carolina, North Carolina,Virginia, Indiana,Illinois, Iowa, Colorado and more.  What do they all have in common?  Those states get to have in-state rivalry football games on a annual basis.  The Football driven State of Pennsylvania does not.   Something is wrong here.  Let's settle our differences, and agree to hate each other once a season for the rest of our lives.  Penn State fans know they hate Pitt, and Pitt fans know they hate Penn State.  Its a beautiful hate-hate relationship.  Let it grow.

Gerrit Cole: What does it all mean?

The Pittsburgh Pirates had the dubious task of choosing number one overall in the 2011 First Year Player Draft. In a year where there was no Stephen Strasburg or Bryce Harper, the league's doormat had to select one player that will allow them to avoid being a punchline, yet be an effective player for the franchise down the road. All things considered, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Gerrit Cole a Right handed starter from UCLA.  The guy has the tools and makeup to be a front line ace for years to come.  With any top pick minus a clear cut number one guy of course there is scrutiny surrounding the choice.  Cole undoubtedly has the tantalizingly "stuff" that this organization obviously saw him to be the best choice.  The guy throws upwards of 98 MPH with a hard slider and a change up that improved over the course of his time as a Bruin.  He seems like a worthy player of the number one pick, and at that I have no problem with the pick, but like always his career will be linked to the number two pick Danny Hultzen of Seattle and sixth pick Anthony Rendon of Washington.  However he pans out, its a nice thing to see the Pittsburgh Pirates not shy away from big time talent and continue to draft the "best player available".  The Pirates being such a futile franchise for so long, it became a little outrageous that they were ducking away from the best players. The new regime under Huntingdon has been a refreshing change for that very reason.  The Pittsburgh Pirates have determined a plan on how they are going to win, and they are going the route of strong drafting.
        Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt. The Philadelphia Phillies bought a dream rotation.  The put a rotation together in one year that is hardly rivaled by any other team in the league.  They are one of the few teams in baseball that can acquire such talent through free agency and trading.  Other teams can groom home grown talent, and make one splash in the trading market, than there are teams like Pittsburgh.  For the Pirates to ever match a rotation like that it has to come from within, and already the Pirates are aligning their weapons and will soon be ready to unleash them in Pittsburgh.   Gerrit Cole, last year's number two overall pick Jameson Taillon, and big time international signing Luis Heredia.  These are the potential "Big 3".  Drafting Gerrit Cole simply means that the Pirates are modeling themselves of some very successful small market teams of the past, most notably the Oakland Athletics framework of Mulder,Hudson, and Zito. This is how it needs to be done for a small market club, they are never going to see any sort significant free agent signing.
       Any skeptic of the Pittsburgh Pirate has the right to remain skeptical.  The franchise has not had a winning season in a couple seasons, to be generous.  The old management would draft "cheap" players like, Bryan Bullington,Daniel Moskos, and John Van Benschoten but this management has done quite the opposite.  They have gone after such talents like Pedro Alvarez, Jameson Taillon, and now Gerrit Cole.  They also take chances in later rounds, and the chances have been pricey, but should pay dividends down the line.  Once again the Pirates went after a deemed "unsignable" prospect in Josh Bell.    He went as far as to tell teams to not draft him as he seems pretty well committed to play at the University of Texas.  He is regarded as a top 20 player in this draft,and you have to love the gamble the Pirates took(They receive a compensation pick next season if he fails to sign,meaning the Pirates will add a top 60 pick likely just for drafting a player that won't sign this year).  As the saying goes, "everyone has a price", and you hope he does have a price, because he may pan out better than many of the first round picks.  The Pirates aggressive style has to be commendable, at the very least.  The skeptics of this franchise aren't going away, they still have not won.  They still have a small payroll, and not every prospect is playing how they should. Still, it is improving, you would have to be blind to not realize that.  The approach is better, by far.  And the overall mood in Pittsburgh is undoubtedly positive since the Pirates have been playing good ball, and you have to hope this team right here is the foundation for winning teams to come.

Halladay   Lee    Oswalt   Hamels











Cole  Taillon    Heredia.......Someday guys, Someday.

NBA Mock Draft

The NBA held its annual Draft lottery and the Cleveland Cavaliers were in desperate need of some jolt to their franchise, and they will certainly get one.  Cleveland holds two of the first four picks, including the number 1 overall.  The Draft is not believed to be a deep draft class. There is talent no doubt, but with some key players staying in College hurt the star power of the class.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Kyrie Irving PG Duke.  Despite only appearing in 11 games the young Point Guard has been very well regarded.  He has drawn Chris Paul comparisons, and for a team that lacks a superstar a Chris Paul caliber player would jump start a depleted Cleveland roster.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves- Derrick Williams SF Arizona. Williams is a high energy forward with loads of upside, and who I actually believe is the best player in the class. He plays similar to Michael Beasley and may force the T-Wolves to look into making a trade.  He is too good to pass up regardless of what is on their roster.
3. Utah Jazz- Jonas Valanciunas C Lithuania- The Jazz enter the draft without Coach Jerry Sloan for the first time since 1988. Still the Jazz are a perennial playoff contender and should be in the mix next season. They get to add a player that can contribute, but at the same time be brought along slowly while still battling for a playoff berth.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers-Enes Kanter PF Kentucky- Well the Cavs get to stockpile at this point, but get a really solid prospect in the process. Kanter may have been the number 1 overall pick had he actually played for Kentucky this season.  He gives Cleveland a big man to go along with their new Point Guard and I think gives this franchise some hope. Still a few years away though, but its a start.
5. Toronto Raptors-Jan Vesely SF Czech Republic- Toronto is a team that needs talent in a bad way.  At this point they are irrelevant and often forgotten about.  Vesely may not be an exciting prospect at first, but certainly can grow into a solid NBA Small Forward. He will not be a marquee player for the team, but is a nice piece to add.
6. Washington Wizards- Kawhi Leonard SF San Diego State. I believe the Wizards are getting an excellent pick and great value for the sixth pick.  Leonard comes from a solid college team, and has a world of athletic ability.  He can team young superstar, John Wall and create and dynamic backcourt that will be reckoned with.
7. Sacramento Kings-Alec Burks SG Colorado. Burks can give Sacramento the backcourt mate for Tyreke Evans they desire.  He has good size and great penetrating ability.  He can pressure off of Evans and be a big scorer. I like the King's drafting lately.
8. Detroit Pistons-Brandon Knight PG Kentucky. The Pistons get a steal at the 8 spot. Knight is believed to have top 3 potential, but fell behind a few teams that already have young Point Guards that can play.  He is a heady player, and John Calipari Guards have been a hot commodity the past few seasons.
9. Charlotte Bobcats-Kemba Walker PG Connecticut.  The Bobcats took a slide after a playoff berth in 2010, and they have the chance to add a very solid player. Kemba Walker put on one of the best individual performances this past season. He has erased any doubt that he can't play in this league, and I believe he is going to be a very solid starter in the NBA for a number of seasons.
10. Milwaukee Bucks-Tristan Thompson PF Texas.  Milwaukee also faltered from a playoff berth last season. Jennings is still an elite player, but he needs some elite players to go with him. The Bucks won't be drafting an elite player but Thompson can help the Milwaukee front line.
11. Golden State Warriors-Klay Thompson SG Washington State. Thompson is relatively unknown but  may be the best Shooter in the draft. he will instantly help the 3 point threat for Golden State.
12. Utah Jazz-Jimmer Fredette PG BYU-The Jimmer show will stay in Utah.  He will obviously be a popular pick for the team that lost its beloved coach and best player in one season. The questions about his defense always are an issue, but the 26 foot jumpers help people forget.
13. Phoenix Suns-Marcus Morris F Kansas. The Suns always like to add athletic guys that can get up and down the floor. Morris comes from a big name program and has a polished game.  Nash is slowing down, but still can get up and down the floor.
14. Houston Rockets-Darius Morris PG Michigan. Houston is in need of a Point Guard, and Morris is a big athletic guard that can really shoot.  Seems like a good fit.
15. Indiana Pacers-Tobias Harris SF Tennessee.  The Pacers had a good showing against the top seeded Bulls, but at times were definitely outmatched. Harris would have benefited from another year of college but has top 10 talent that is not fully tapped.  He can give Indiana an athletic slasher that can score.
16. Philadelphia 76ers-Bismack Biyombo PF Congo. At only 6-9, Biyombo has a 7-7 wingspan. He is very athletic and not fully developed.  He will be a project but the reward seems greater then the risk.
17. New York Knicks-Jordan Williams C Maryland.  The Knicks were in desperate need of a low post presence to go alongside Amare Stoudamire.  The Knicks have a full year with their new look and Williams can be a big part of it. He has size and good low post moves.
18. Washington Wizards-Markief Morris PF Kansas. The Wizards have already added Leonard at this point.  From here they just need to get the best available player that can potentially give them minutes next season.  Morris is the lesser appreciated twin, but has skill and can give Washington minutes at Power Forward next season.
19. Charlotte Bobcats-Donatas Motiejunas C Lithuania. Donatas has enough of a fluid offensive game that projects him at a PF, but has the size of a Center.  Charlotte needs an athletic big man, and already added Kemba Walker earlier in the draft taking care of their Point Guard needs.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves-Kenneth Faried PF Morehead State. Faried is a high motored Forward with great athletic ability.  He can contribute right away to this team, and over time can maybe push Kevin Love to Center and Faried can handle Power Forward duties.
21. Portland Trail Blazers-Trey Thompkins PF Georgia. Portland is in need of some Post help. Aldridge has really picked his game up, yet Oden is a bust and Camby isn't getting any younger. A young lengthy Forward is exactly what this team needs.
22. Denver Nuggets-Justin Harper PF Richmond. Denver very well could be the deepest team in the league, yet they still have a lot of room to improve.  I like their wings and guards at this point, and Nene may be out the door soon. Bringing in a young Forward is the best move.
23. Houston Rockets-Jordan Hamilton SF Texas. Hamilton may have returned back to school, but he is an athletic guard that can shoot it. He would be a popular pick among Texas fans, and would add nice depth behind Kevin Martin.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder-Tyler Honeycutt SF UCLA. The Thunder are one of the younger teams in the league and are not in immediate need of any position in particular.  They could use a guy that could spell Durant at times and play the 3.  Honeycutt seems like he can fit that mold.
25. Boston Celtics-Marshon Brooks SG Providence. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are not getting any younger, and Brooks projects as a good NBA scoring guard.  Had he played at a better program he may have been higher. He will provide good depth on the aging Celtics.
26. Dallas Mavericks-Chris Singleton F Florida State. Dallas is also another aging team and could probably take a young guy at any position. Singleton is a Forward that is versatile that can help them down the line.
27. New Jersey Nets-Devis Bertans SF Latvia. The Nets traded away their pick, and for a bad team its not a great thing pickint number 27 in a weak draft class. Regardless the Nets get a solid project pick with Bertans, but not the immediate impact they need.
28. Chicago Bulls-JaJuan Johnson C Purdue. The Bulls have depth and talent all over the board. Johnson was a great college player that developed each and every season. He can play a factor for the Bulls behind Noah.
29. San Antonio Spurs-Nikola Mirotic SF Montenegro.  The Spurs really got exposed in the playoffs this season, and looked older than ever.  They need youth and the Spurs usually like to take chances on International guys, but it may be wise to bring in a college player that is ready to go now.
30. Chicago Bulls-Chandler Parsons SF Florida. Once again the Bulls don't have any gaping holes on the roster, but adding a college player that is athletic and smart can never hurt and team

Baseball Power Rankings May 16

1. Indians (24-13 even) The Indians have remained in the top spot yet again, and have done it behind solid pitching performances by Justin Masterson and John Tomlin.  Heat is picking up in the Central, the Tribe may start to feel the pressure.
2. Phillies (25-14 even) Ryan Howard has been on a tear lately, his numbers are certainly MVP caliber thus far.The dominant rotation has endured some injuries, how long will the staff be able to sustain success?
3. Reds (23-17 +10) The Reds have been RED hot, as they swept division rivals St Louis over the weekend. The offense will always be there, Pitching is the biggest question with Cincinnati.
4. Tigers (22-18 +12) Detroit has now become baseball's hottest team, and are riding a seven game winning streak sparked by the no hit bid by ace, Justin Verlander.
5. Marlins (23-16 even) First Basemen, Gaby Sanchez has really picked up the slack for the rest of the team, he has put together a nice sophomore season so far.  If the pitching continues, they will be in the thick of the playoff race.
6. Cardinals (22-19 -3) The Cardinals currently have the most lethal middle of the order at this time, Pujols,Holliday and Berkman have been outstanding so far and have led the club to first in Runs, Batting Average and On Base Percentage.
7. Angels (22-19 -3) The Angels continue to hold off the dangerous Texas Rangers with timely hitting and great pitching. No big power bat in this lineup, yet still getting it done.
8. Rays (23-17 -1) Who thought Tampa would be able to be in first without Carl Crawford? Pitching is a big reason why, David Price and James Shields have been great early in the season.
9. Giants (22-17 +5) San Fran has won 9 of their past 11 games.  The Giants are 29th in the league in runs scored. If they can start to score runs they may be able to separate from Colorado a little bit.
10. Yankees (20-18 -4)  The Bombers have been struggling of late going 3-7 in their last 10.  And an amazing stat with a lineup of ARod, Cano, and Teixeira you have Curtis Granderson leading the team in average,homers, and runs batted in.  Imagine that.
11. Braves (23-19 -1) Atlanta has been coming at the Phillies with pitching.  Big win for Atlanta this weekend as they defeated Roy Halladay while he threw a complete game. Halladay has been a thorn in their side since he joined the NL East.
12. Rockies (20-18 -4) Colorado's struggles have gone through two weeks now.  Tulowitzki and Gonzalez have yet to give the Rocks the type of production they have been hoping for.
13. Rangers (21-19 -2) Adrian Beltre and Michael Young have picked up their games with the extended absence of Josh Hamilton, but still have slowed up considerably from their fast start
14. Royals (20-19 -5) The Royals bolstered their offense by calling up Eric Hosmer, will they look to bolster their staff by calling up top pitching prospect Mike Montgomery?
15. Athletics (20-20 -3) Oakland truly lacks an offensive weapon in their lineup, and the rotation has been outstanding leading the league in ERA, but the records wouldn't show it because they have very little run support.
16. Nationals (19-21 +4) Jason Werth's .231 batting average has not lived up to Washington's expectations.   But the veteran pitching staff has held it together so far.
17. Brewers (19-21 +6)  Milwaukee had a big week by sweeping division rivals, Pittsburgh.  The return of Greinke is a good sign, but he is not at full strength yet, but will form a dangerous duo with Gallardo when he is at full strength.
18. Dodgers (19-22 -1) Dodger blue has struggled to put runs up so far.  Outside of Either and Kemp, the offense has been very anemic.  It will be hard to add players without a true management being in place, so the guys they have will have to step up.
19. Blue Jays (20-20 +2) Toronto has looked much better of late and the amazing story of Jose Bautista continues as he is already up to 16 Home Runs in this young season.
20. Red Sox (20-20 -1) Adrian Gonzalez has been on fire lately, and the offense has actually looked like a division leader, its the pitching that looks like a last place staff. And thats a lot of money invested in that staff.
21. Mets (19-21 +3) Well the race is on to see if the Mets can compete or to see which team will get the services of star Shortstop, Jose Reyes.
22. Pirates (18-22 -7) Well after the big push to .500, the Bucs have lost 5 straight games. The Bucs need someone to start carrying the offense alongside Neil Walker.
23. Orioles (19-20 +3) How about Zach Britton for Rookie of the Year?  The 23 year old Lefty has 5 wins and a 2.42 ERA which leads his team.
24. Cubs (17-21 -6) The seemingly happy marriage between the Cubs and new manager, Mike Quade has not been quite what it seemed.  The Cubs seem like they are getting buried in the NL Central.
25. Diamondbacks (17-22 even) The Dbacks had a rough week, getting swept by the Giants.  The Dbacks don't seem to have enough fire power to compete with the top dogs of the West.
26. White Sox (17-24 +2) The Sox have been flat out awful this season, adding to the woes of all Chicago baseball fans. But the Sox had a 5-2 week and played their best stretch of baseball all season long
27. Padres (17-23 even) Ryan Ludwick has been able to get his bat going, and the Padres are in desperate need of some bats to get going.
28. Mariners (16-23 -5) Ichiro keeps it going year after year, but he is in need of some support.  The M's have not given their young pitchers enough run support.
29. Astros (15-25 even) Houston's bullpen has been terrible taking away some sure wins away from Houston.  Gotta be tough for Hunter Pence who may be one of the better players in the league that you don't know about.
30. Twins (12-26 even) Minnesota holds on to the last spot, holding the league's worst record and having the nice distinction being last in the league in runs scored and in team ERA.  Its hard to be that bad in both categories.

Still very early AL CY YOUNG- Trevor Cahill 6-1   1.82 ERA   46 K's
Still very early NL CY YOUNG- Roy Halladay 5-3   2.21 ERA   73 K's

Still very early AL MVP- Jose Bautista   .368  16 HRs   27 RBIs
Still very early NL MVP- Ryan Howard   .260   9 HRs   35 RBIs

Baseball Power Rankings May 9

1. Indians (22-11 even) The Indians remain atop the rankings through 1 week of May.  The Tribe have the best run differential in the league, and have the most quality starts also. Good recipe for success.
2. Phillies (22-11 even) Roy Oswalt going to the Disabled List would hurt just about any team, The Phills have the luxury of having Lee,Halladay and Hamels to fall back on.  Should continue to roll.
3. Cardinals (10-15 +4) The Cardinals trio of Pujols,Berkman, and Holliday have combined for 78 Runs Batted In, more than any other trio in Baseball.
4. Angels (20-15 +4) Jared Weaver and Dan Haren each possess a 1.87 Earned Run Average, and the Angels are third in all of baseball in Batting Average.  The Halos seem like they can compete with Texas.
5. Marlins (20-13 even) The two players for Florida that everyone expected to carry the team (Ramirez and Stanton) have been disappointing to say the least, yet the Marlins find themselves in the thick of the East.
6. Yankees (19-13 -2) Every week it seems a new player steps up and carries the team offensively.  Curtis Granderson now leads the AL in Home Runs, figure that one out.
7. Rays (20-14 +2) Tampa has battled back from a disastrous 1-8 start to now tied atop the American league East with New York.  The Rays have won 11 of 14.
8. Rockies (18-14 -5) Troy Tulowitzki has begun to slump a little, and so have the Rockies.  This team goes as he goes.
9. Royals (18-16 +1) KC made a huge splash this week by calling up stud prospect, Eric Hosmer. Smart move on their part, trying to keep pace with the Indians.
10. Braves (20-16 +6) Atlanta has come on strong of late, and are proving that their staff can keep pace with that of their division rivals, the Phillies.
11. Rangers (18-17 -5) Texas has been on a free fall lately, losing 7 of 10. Pitching has been suspect, a usual thorn in the side for the Rangers.
12. Athletics (18-17 +3) Oakland has found a way to tie the Rangers with only being 28th in the league in runs scored. The unsung staff in Oakland deserves much more credit than they are given.
13. Reds (18-16 -2) The starting pitching has been a merry go round with 8 different guys already getting starts in games, and at that, not many of those 8 have been successful
14. Giants (18-16 +3) As always the Giants find it hard to score runs, ranked 27th in runs scored. Lincecum can only take you so far, offense needs to wake up.
15. Pirates (17-17 +3) The Pirates pitching has been phenomenal compared to what it has been in year's past. This is the farthest into a season they have been .500 since 2005.
16. Tigers (17-18 +4) Highlighted by the No Hitter by Justin Verlander, the inconsistent pitching staff has pitched well the past week.
17. Dodgers (16-19 -5) Well Either's streak has finally come to an end, and the looming ownership situation taking place, the Dodgers need to avoid a drop off.
18. Cubs (15-18 +5) The ERA is among the worst in Baseball, and they still hold that dubious situation of having a great batting average, and can't find a way to score them.
19. Red Sox (17-18 +3) Boston has won 6 of 9 during May so far, The pitching has been severely disappointing, although Carl Crawford's bat is seeming to come to life.
20. Nationals (16-18 +1)  Nats impressively took 2 of 3 from the Marlins over the weekend, but got swept by the Phills.  They are doing OK for not having franchise staples, Zimmerman and Straburg on the DL.
21. Blue Jays (15-19 -2) Jose Bautista continues his unlikely campaign to be the American League's MVP.
The Jays need another bat or two for them to seriously contend with the top of the division.
22. Mariners (16-19 +2) Michael Pineda appears to be a solid sidekick for King Felix,  He gives this rotation more depth and can make a dynamic 1-2 punch for years to come.
23. Brewers (15-20 -9) The Brew Crew have turned ice cold.1-7 this past week, despite the return of Zach Greinke
24. Mets (15-19 +1) Jason Bay has not made the impact the Mets wanted or needed yet.  the offense has great potential and ability, its a matter of putting it together.
25. Diamondbacks (15-18 +1) The Dbacks had a solid week, losing some close games.  Chris Young's average of .228 is a cause of major concern.
26. Orioles (14-19 -13) Vlad Guerrero's batting average of .267 currently ranks first among Baltimore regulars. The team took a major nose dive after the positive start.
27. Padres (14-20 even) The Padres offense has about zero pop without Adrian Gonzalez. They are really struggling to score runs.
28.White Sox (13-22 even) The Sox have been absolutely atrocious thus far, Management may have to look to move on from Ozzie Guillen.
29. Astros (13-21 even) The Astros lead baseball in blown saves, and have been awful in close games
30. Twins (12-21 even) The Twins remain in the cellar, despite Liriano's No hit bid, the Twins have had next to nothing to be excited about so far.

Early AL MVP-Michael Young,Texas- .338 2 HR 26 RBI
Early NL MVP-Lance Berkman, St. Louis- .374 10 HR 32 RBI

Early AL Cy Young-Trevor Cahill, Oakland- 6-0 1.72 ERA 45 K's
Early NL Cy Young-Roy Halladay, Philadelphia- 5-1 2.19 ERA  57 K's

What happened to Goliath?

I think just about everybody is familiar with  the ancient Bible story. As most often the case when an unlikely team knocks off a powerhouse, we get that referenced. It has become a very common saying in the world of sports, although recently it is seeming to become more and more prevalent. The Powerhouse teams are dying, Juggernauts are few and far between. Goliath does not seem so big anymore. Why?  Why can't teams get completely stacked and make a run of being untouchable? It stills happens, some teams just have that "it" factor. That is expected, its sports, and for every bad team anyone has been on, they have at least been on a pretty good one.  With playing,coaching, or just watching sports it is not hard to understand that a run of dominance can happen. I am starting to find that the feat of being on a lights out championship team is becoming increasingly harder.Let us examine this recent phenomenon a little more closely.
      The NCAA Basketball tournament has long been known for being a sporting event celebrated for upsets and buzzer beaters.....on the first weekend.  By the time of the Sweet 16, the Dukes,North Carolinas and Kansas Jayhawks of the world push the little guys away and the big boys get to play.  Well somebody forgot to tell Butler, VCU, and George Mason that.  These so called, "Mid Majors" have advanced to the College Basketball Mecca, the Final Four. The little guys have found a way to compete with the big boys, and I think this thing may have some staying power. The expansion of AAU Basketball has made the sport a year long game that can allow players to grow and reach higher potentials. That is one theory, the more likely one simply has to deal with the NBA's early entry rule. Kentucky has basically made itself a program that is going to have Five High School All Americans on the floor at all times, the problem is that those players turn over each and every season.  They can not build and grow together as a team, and this is often the case among many of the College Basketball elite teams.  What does this all mean?  Kentucky, North Carolina, and UCLA have been getting the same McDonald's All American prospects that they have always gotten, the key is these kids turn over as quickly as a program gets them, whereas Butler still gets that same kid they have always gotten, yet he will be there three to four seasons, throw in that he has been a product of the AAU Basketball system, he has been playing against these same guys.  The run by John Wooden will never be matched as long as the current rules are in place. Basketball nationally, and internationally keeps improving and allows for more talent across the board. It will not be uncommon to see teams from lower end conference to continue the upset trend.
               Parity has now shown up in professional sports as well. The factors for the lack of dominance vary from the collegiate ranks. Three sports in particular stick out to me more than the other. The Dynasty in Football still can be present, and has been present very recently in the NFL. The Patriots and Steelers have been dominating the AFC simultaneously over the past decade. With five Super Bowl over the past decade, it is evident that the NFL is still susceptible to a dominating force. The NBA is in the midst of a team's bid for a Three-peat, yet I do not see this the same as the Lakers-Celtics of the 80's, or the Bulls of the 90's.  The NBA is currently down to their final eight teams, and feasibly six of those teams can win it. The NBA's most recent trend is to align stars in three and make runs towards finals. The Celtics started the movement, the Heat
popularized it, and now somebody is out there looking to perfect it.  This only creates an atmosphere of a top heavy league, not so much a dynasty driven league. It is a matter of survival, the Knicks will be looking to add Chris Paul or Deron Williams, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah will be looking for a running mate, and Mark Cuban will certainly love to put together a three man dream team.  The Anti-Heat, the Memphis Grizzlies are a small market club without superstars that are fighting the battle to keep level balance throughout the league, but it will be a losing battle. When contracts are up, big market squads will scoop up what they can and leave less popular teams like the Raptors and Cavaliers to die(SEE:MIAMI HEAT).    So no I do not see NBA as a league compilable to a dynasty, just a collection of team hoarding the league's top talent.
          While Baseball and Hockey are on very opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their Salary Cap ideals, their sports both share the most anti-Dynasty atmosphere.  Baseball which was once dominated by the Yankees year in and year out, has proven that other teams can compete, and small market teams can put together a run, even if it be for only a small window.  The expansions of teams and the larger scale Free Agent              market have taken away from one single franchise running the league.  Now being a fan of a small market baseball team, I still have my gripes. But with the Yankees having the highest payroll for the entire decade, and they only walked away 1 World Series tells me that baseball does have parity. It does have opportunities for more than the top 5 teams.  Hockey has an interesting situation. Last year's playoffs were an interesting situation. The 6th,7th, and 8th place team in the Eastern conference all pulled upsets in the first round of the playoffs. And that may have something to do with the game itself. There does not appear any sure things in a game that only takes 1 score to win.  With that said, Hockey does have the best structure in any of the four major sport league in North America, and it shows because dynasties are very hard to build.
              The Yankees of the 1920's and 30's, the Celtics of the 1960's, and the UCLA bruins of the 1970's are gone, and they are not likely coming back. Free Agency, expansion, and early entries have affected sports  in a negative, or could it be in a positive way? Are sports better off without a dominant team? Maybe for television ratings, and interest in smaller markets, yes.  But the NBA is starting an arm's race, Hockey has a fair salary cap, and Baseball teams have found ways to win without top salaries.  Whatever be the case, the dominance of one sole team has become a rarity in sports today. It can happen, but the longevity and likelihood of it all is slowly going away.

Baseball Power Rankings May 2

1. Indians (19-8 +3) Best record in baseball, hottest team in baseball, most surprising team in baseball.
2. Phillies (18-9 -1) Imagine that, The Phillies have the most quality starts in Baseball.
3. Rockies (17-9 -1) The Rockies look to hold on to the West all year long, Tulowitzki has been impressive, but his running mate CarGo has been slumping
4. Yankees (16-9 +1) The Bronx Bombers have 45 team Home Runs, more than anyone else in baseball.
5. Marlins (17-9 +1) Hard to imagine that the best player on one of the hottest teams in the league is batting .191. Fish are doing it with pitching.
6. Rangers (16-12 -3) Really miss the production of Josh Hamilton in the middle of the lineup, who wouldn't?
7. Cardinals (16-12 +1) You have to love Lance Berkman's revival. The best offense in baseball, has also received excellent pitching.
8. Angels (16-12 -1) Have gotten great production without a lot of power, may be in line to add a power bat  when the trade deadline approaches.
9. Rays (15-13 +3) Tampa has been one of baseball's hottest teams since the awful start. Need more consistency from Ace, David Price.
10. Royals (15-13 even) Impressive month for a team that was not highly regarded, their offense has been lights out. Francouer has really brought his career back.
11. Reds (14-14 +1) Still one of the best lineups in all of the National League, maintaining alright without starting pitchers Bailey and Cueto.
12. Dodgers (14-15 -1) Andre Either is putting on an absolute show so far. One of the most impressive Aprils in Baseball history.
13. Orioles (13-13 +12) Offense is really struggling, but they have been able string a few wins together. Vlad Guerrero has been a solid acquisition.
14. Brewers (13-14 +1) Weeks,Fielder and Braun have formed a lethal three way attack on offense, well alive in the wide open Central.
15. Athletics (14-14 +1) One of the premier starting staffs in all of baseball, hitting just well enough to stick around at this point.
16. Braves (14-15 +2) Braves offense has yet to catch up to their pitching. Heyward and Uggla need to get going.
17. Giants (13-14 -3) San Fran has been on a skid of late. Pablo Sandoval is having a nice bounce back year, but isn't getting a lot of help.
18. Pirates (13-15 +4) The core four continue to struggle offensively but the overachieving pitching staff is keeping them around. One of the better Bullpens in the league.
19. Blue Jays (13-15 +4) Jose Bautista continues proving he is no fluke, leads the Al in Average and Homers.
20. Tigers (12-16 -11) Just as Detroit climbs up the rankings they free fall back thanks in help to their 6 game losing streak.
21. Nationals (13-14 -1) Jason Werth has not lived up to his huge contract so far, its a lot harder without Utley and Howard protecting you.
22. Red Sox (12-15 -5) Boston has yet to put it together. Crawford is still just batting .181 and Adrian Gonzalez only has 1 Long Ball. I'm sure Theo Epstein was expecting more.
23. Cubs (12-15 -2) For a team that ranks third in Batting Average, it is completely puzzling as to why they are only 24th in runs.  They need some clutch hitting. Pena and Byrd only have 11 combined RBI's
24. Mariners (13-16 +4) at 37, Ichiro remains one of the best hitters in baseball. Seattle has displayed signs of being an OK team, 7-3 in their past 10 games.
25. Mets (12-16 -1) The Mets had a desent week, still our short on starting pitching,but Reyes is keying a very solid New York offense.
26. Diamondbacks (12-15 +1) Dbacks continue to get solid offense, yet lack that one true top end starter for their rotation. Could haunt them all year long.
27. Padres (11-17 +3) Offense is struggling Big time, Ludwick cannot be hitting .198 for this team to be successful.
28. White Sox (10-19 -2) The Sox currently are riding a 5 game slide, their second 5 plus game losing streak  in April
29. Astros (11-17 even) Last in baseball in ERA and Batting average against, not going to win many games that way.
30. Twins (9-18 -11) Twins went 0-6 this week, and were outscored 54-14 in that stretch. Twins' batting average must improve.

April AL MVP-Jose Bautista Toronto .357 9 Home Runs 16 RBI's. 2 of the 3 legs in the Triple Crown
April NL MVP-Lance Berkman St. Louis  .406 9 Home Runs 27 RBI's. within striking distance of all the Triple Crown Numbers

April AL Cy Young-Jared Weaver 6-1 1.39 ERA 55 K's. 6 April wins in quite impressive, on pace for a big year in that category.
April NL Cy Young-Josh Johnson 3-0 0.88 ERA  39 K's. Not talked about a lot, but is a very impressive young pitcher.