What 2 Watch This Weekend

A new installment to The Nutz. Since I never write on the weekends anymore, besides my schoolwork, I will be giving you what you should be watching this weekend in sports along with my "Must Watch Game of the Weekend". Enjoy the weekend ya'll!

FRIDAY

TWINS VS. RAYS - O.k. so the series started yesterday, but this is really a series to watch all weekend. Two of the league's youngest teams squaring off. Both trying to get to the postseason. The Rays will get in, it's just a matter of what spot. And honestly, the Twins could find a way to get by the White Sox with a good series. Last night was a good start!

SATURDAY

FLORIDA VS. TENNESSEE - Always a battle when these two meet. I put down in my College Football Preview that I think that Tennessee will be a bust this season, and I still could be right. But, don't you think for a second that they can't beat the #4 ranked Gators, especially at home.

THE RYDER CUP - During my break(s) today, I was able to come home and catch some of the best golf I have seen all year. The Ryder Cup is so fun to watch to me. The heavy underdog U.S. Team is leading after today 5.5 - 2.5. Not lying! We shall see how the Europeans react tomorrow. This is an event that will not be lost to me this weekend.

GEORGIA VS. ARIZONA ST - For the first time in nearly 50 years, Georgia goes to the far west for a regular season non conference matchup. The game might have lost some luster when Arizona State lost last weekend to UNLV. A team that I thought was going to do very well this season. What to watch for is Heisman Trophy candidate Knowshon Moreno. After failing to get 100 yards verses South Carolina, I see him blowing up this weekend.

LSU VS. AUBURN - The marquee matchup of the weekend takes us to SEC country where a pair of top 10 teams meet. LSU visits Auburn, a place where the LSU has not won since 1998. The last time LSU visited Auburn was a 7-3 loss on Sept. 16, 2006. Eleven of the last 18 matchups have been decided by a touchdown or less, including four in a row.

SUNDAY

SAINTS VS. BRONCOS - Can anyone say...shootout? After the great game with the Chargers last week where the NFL gave them a win, do the Broncos have enough offense for the Saints this Sunday? And after the loss at Washington, can the Saints be that team that everyone, including myself, thinks should be one of the top teams in the NFC. They need to prove it on the road in Denver this weekend.

COWBOYS VS. PACKERS - The Packers are the only home underdogs this weekend. Very strange, even for the NFL. The Cowboys are coming into this game after a short week which included an offensive show on Monday night. The question we will be hearing on the tube Sunday night again will be, "Is Aaron Rodgers the guy?". Stop it already! He is, let it go!

MUST WATCH GAME OF THE WEEKEND

ORIOLES VS. YANKEES - Sunday night the Yankees will be playing their last home game at Yankee Stadium. Two questions before I comment. One, why isn't their last home game on the last day of the regular season? And two, why are they playing the Orioles in their home finale? They could have fixed this when the schedule first came out, I am sure that somebody had to see that. It doesn't matter what happens during this game, but the pre-game I am sure will be something to watch and admire. You think that the All-Star game was special, wait til Sunday. You gotta hand that to the Yankees, they always come through with great ceremonies, or famous people throwing the first pitch, or singers during the 7th inning stretch. I have been to Yankee Stadium probably more times than any non-fan of them has gone to that I know of. And I gotta say that I am happy I have gotten to experience that, even if my team(s) were on the wrong end of the outcome. Enjoy the pre-game ceremony, I promise you won't want to miss it!

Keepin It Real....

real dumb!

Josh Howard is an idiot. And his actions over the last couple of years have brought him down to Adam Jones level. Well, maybe not that far, but close!

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

Thank you for voting for the the two contestants that will make it in to the round of 24. Case #24 Kelly and #20 Alike are moving on to round 1 of the tournament. This week we get make to round 1 action. Let's get right to the ladies!

Lisa Gleave - The holder of case #3, is an Australian beauty with a spunk I absolutely love. Lisa in 2006, was included in Stuff Magazine's 100 sexiest women online.

Aubrie Lemon - Holder of case #23, Lemon is getting my vote. Not only is she hot, but she is from my county of Flagler. Her exposure from Deal or No Deal has given her many guest appearances and co-starring roles in movies and television including "The Island," "Transformers," "CSI: NY," "Shark," and "Entourage." Lemon still continues to model full time by doing advertisements and campaigns for major brands and companies.

Always Remember, Never Forget

What those bastards did! And the lives that were lost!

Random Thoughts Today

It's Wednesday, and my schoolwork has been building up. I am going to try and get it all done with before the weekend so i don't cram it all in on Sunday morning. Before I head to work I wanted to get into some random thoughts for today, something that I haven't done in a while. So I have a lot on my mind.

Within the last year or so bloggers, writers, and people in the media have been talking about shortening up the pre-season and adding games to the regular season. With so many injuries just in the first week alone, how can we actually do both. I definitely agree with shortening up the pre-season to two games. But, an eighteen game regular season might be brutal to players. In only one week of games we saw a three time Super Bowl champ go down and out for the year (Tom Brady), a Defensive Player of the Year out for the year (Shawn Merriman), an offensive Rookie of the Year in just his third season go down for a couple of weeks (Vince Young), and a #1 receiver on the most potent offense in the NFC go down for at least 4 weeks (Marques Colston). These are all marque names in marque places and we as fans need to see these players on the field. I think that the NFL will be smart and leave the regular season at 16 games. But as far as the pre-season is concerned, they really need to cut it down.

Just when you think last night that the Tampa Bay Rays are going to be washed up after not only squandering a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning to the Boston Red Sox last night but watching their five and a half game lead go down to a half a game, they make you change your mind about them...again. Jonathan Papelbon, one of the top closers in the game, comes in in the ninth to shut the door on the Rays and bring Boston to first place in the AL East for the first time since July and he loses the lead. The pesky Rays who have not beaten the Sox in Boston this season came from behind in the ninth scoring two runs off Papelbon and ultimately escapes Boston last night with a victory. The Rays really needed this win especially off Papelbon. Now with some confidence in them, maybe this will get the Rays going for the rest of the season. And remember they have been without Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria and now B.J. Upton all week. If you haven't been watching the Rays all year you gotta wonder to yourself..."Who the hell are these guys?"

Another star is back from retirement in a sport that is irrelevant to most of the sports viewers in our nation. Lance Armstrong is back, and now training for the 2009 Tour de France. Turning 37 next month, Lance is coming back and we as a country can care for one more year about cycling. Yippie!

I haven't watched to many good movies or shows on television lately. America's Got Talent has caught my attention again this season but it almost seems to me that the only way to move on in the competition is to be a singer. They are currently with their top 20 this week and will dwindle down to 10 after tonight's episode. My guess is that 8 of the 10 that make it on will all be singers. But, for me thank god The Office starts back up tomorrow night. This show is really what has been missing in my life. Easily the funniest show I have seen on primetime in years!

Finally, football season has started and usually by this time of the year I am very frustrated with my teams: Michigan, Washington Redskins, and my fantasy team. But, after two weeks I am only frustrated with one of the three. My Redskins almost gave me a heart attack watching them the other night so it is safe to say that I will be more relaxed watching them because I know how sh*tty they are. As far as Michigan is concerned, I could be frustrated with them but why would I? There quarterback situation stinks and they still managed to almost come back and beat Utah and beat Miami, Ohio last week. It will take some time for Rich Rodriguez to get his kids to buy into the system, so I will give him some leeway...except verse Notre Dame this weekend, now that team stinks. For my fantasy team in the SFL, again I wasn't expecting much out of them but having Drew Brees on your team this season will be huge for me (PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T GET HURT), I almost didn't keep the guy either. My running backs came up big for me especially the emergence of Chris Johnson in Tennessee. I watched the entire game and let me tell you, this kid is good! I will look like a genius if they get that fat ass Lendale White of the field and keep Johnson in the game, because it looks to me that he can be a star. Hopefully, my team comes up big again this week against my hated rival over at BadchoiceMilk!!!

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

In a blowout, case #25 Hayley moves on to the 2nd round of my Deal or No Deal Model Tournament. I figured out that the only way that this will work is if I kick out two models so this is what I am going to do. This week I will post pics of 4 of the girls and on the right of the blog you vote for who you would like to see in the tournament. The top two vote getters will advance. You can vote for more than one girl. Here's the four you get to choose from:

Alike - Holder of case #20, Alike aside from her modeling has been working on a second book project and began training for a marathon.

Kelly Brannigan - the holder of case #24, originally from California, moved to upstate NY in 1993. After being voted the Biggest Flirt in her high school class, she went to college then back to California to pursue her modeling career.

Mariela Arteaga - Holder of case #8, is a new comer to Deal or No Deal as well as LA. This beauty from Cuban, Venezuelan, and Trinidadian descent.

Marisa Petroro - Holder of case #18, is of Italian and Argentinian descent but is a full blown Jersey girl. She has participated in beauty contests since age 4.

NFL Preview

After watching the worst opening night game ever, I totally forgot to post my picks for the season. School has gotten off to a great start, so I apologize for the poor effort in postings lately. Just been mad busy. Anyway let's get to my NFL Preview.

A F C

EAST

Patroits...............13-3

Jets.......................9-7

Bills......................7-9

Dolphins..............5-11

NORTH

Steelers...............10-6

Browns..................9-7

Bengals................5-11

Ravens.................4-12

SOUTH

Colts....................10-6

Jaguars................10-6

Titans....................8-8

Texans...................7-9

WEST

Chargers...............13-3

Broncos..................7-9

Raiders.................5-11

Chiefs....................3-13

N F C

EAST

Cowboys...............12-4

Giants....................9-7

Eagles....................9-7

Redskins...............0-16

NORTH

Packers.................10-6

Vikings..................10-6

Lions.......................8-8

Bears......................5-11

SOUTH

Saints.....................12-4

Panthers..................9-7

Buccaneers..............8-8

Falcons..................3-13

WEST

Seahawks...............10-6

Cardinals.................8-8

Rams.......................5-11

49ers.......................4-12

DIVISIONAL ROUND

AFC - CHARGERS OVER COLTS, JAGUARS OVER PATRIOTS

NFC - SAINTS OVER SEAHAWKS, COWBOYS OVER VIKINGS

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

AFC - JAGUARS OVER CHARGERS

NFC - COWBOYS OVER SAINTS

SUPER BOWL XLIII

JAGUARS OVER COWBOYS - 24-20

SUPER BOWL MVP - MAURICE JONES-DREW

NFL MVP - TONY ROMO

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

Thank you to all of you that is taking part of my Deal or No Deal Model Tournament. This is pretty interesting to me, just to see who is we think is really the hottest model on the show. It is only going to get tougher after the first round. Claudia, who hold's the #1 case beat #26 case, Lindsay last week. I still have to find two models that will get byes into the 2nd round, but I will worry about that later. Enjoy this week's ladies! Be sure to vote!!!

Stacey - The holder of case #2 is a Beverly Hills native. Besides he good looks she is a graduate from Southwestern Law School and has successfully passed the 2005 bar exam. She is always clutch with cleavage shots on the show.

Hayley Marie Norman - Probably the most popular of the models, Hayley was recently in the film John Hancock. She is also a recurring character on The Young and the Restless. This beauty is an exotic mix of Russian, German, and African American.

The Best and The Worst

RUNNING BACKS

The most valued position to have in fantasy football. You need two solid running backs to compete all season long. Unfortunately, especially in keeper leagues, it is not always possible. Hence...my teams. The studs in the fantasy football drafts have been LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Joseph Addai, and Steven Jackson a.k.a Stevey. After these five then you might be tossed up on who to pick, and you might go elsewhere like a top receiver or top quarterback. Anyway here's your final help for you draft. Running backs leads to fantasy playoffs, remember that.

BEST

1. CLINTON PORTIS - While he is a Redskin, no matter who his offensive coordinator is, he will get the ball a lot during the course of the season, especially in the red zone. I have always wanted him on my teams but never got the chance. The Redskins's success relies on Portis and for this reason you have to draft him early.

2. MARION BARBER - The beast in big D, will score touchdowns in bunches as long as he stays healthy. Even with the drafting of Felix Jones, do not be concerned. Barber will be the stud that you thought he'd be a year ago.

3. FRANK GORE - The only offensive player I would draft from San Fran. Sorry Ricky but it is true!

4. MARSHAWN LYNCH - Buffalo has their best running back since Thurman Thomas in Lynch. Great for keeper leagues, better for touchdown leagues.

5. MAURICE JONES-DREW - His toughness, and his ability to make the big play is a good enough reason for me to have this guy on my team. Plus having a frail Fred Taylor that you compete carries with, you gotta find a way to get him on your team,

WORST

1. LENDALE WHITE - He was the main reason for me making the playoffs in my league last season. But, with the drafting of speedster Chris Johnson, White I guess in the eyes of the Titans just isn't the man they want. He will get red zone carries, and coach Jeff Fisher said that him and Johnson will split carries but ultimately I see Johnson taking over the bulk by week 4.

2. JUSTIN FARGAS - Another guy caught in a bad situation. After a great season, Fargas found himself with a new contract but a flashy athletic rookie running back in camp. Which means, if you get him on your team, he won't be seeing much time after week 3.

3. EDGERRIN JAMES - Barely got over 3 yard per carry last season, and it just looks like to me that Edge is on his last legs in Arizona.

4. SELVIN YOUNG - Never draft Bronco running backs. This rule has been established since I started fantasy football.

5. REGGIE BUSH - I don't know. Part of me wants him to be great, but the other part of me hopes he is a bust. Probably because he is in the same division I'm in. If your in a league that gives you points for catches, disregard Bush in this category.

The Best and The Worst

After a tough weekend at work, I am back with my latest addition to the best and the worst sleeper positional picks for fantasy football. Today I will be giving you both the quarterback and running back positions in lei of most fantasy football drafts being today. First we will get on track with the quarterback position, enjoy.

QUARTERBACKS

In my opinion and along with everyone else there is a foursome at the quarterback position that are the class of the fantasy football world. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tony Romo have established themselves as must have quarterbacks on fantasy teams. Here is the best and the worst of the rest.

BEST

1. DONOVAN MCNABB - No matter who his receivers are, no matter if he is hurt or not, McNabb has always put up great fantasy numbers over the years and will continue to do so until his career is over. It sure does help to have a running back like Brian Westbrook behind him, but McNabb will always get the job done for your squad, I will guarantee it.

2. MATT HASSELBACK - Another one that will make any receiver a star. Quietly slips down draft boards for whatever reason, Matt is good for 25-30 touchdowns a season with 3500 yards passing. And you know if you make the playoffs with him, he is going to deliver with Seattle always in the run at the post season.

3. BEN ROETHLISBERGER - I am always afraid of drafting this guy but the thing with Big Ben is that he is so clutch with red zone touchdown passes that you gotta draft him on your team. I am expecting big things from Ben this year again with a healthy Willie Parker in the backfield and the emergence of young stud receiver Santonio Holmes.

4. CARSON PALMER - With receivers like the ones that he throws to week in and week out it is hard not to draft Palmer early in leagues.

5. BRETT FAVRE - Will he be the Brett Favre of two years ago or last year? A well deserved question to ask and I think that it will be the latter of the two.

WORST

1. TARVARIS JACKSON - Whether you think that it is possible or not that he is going to be good this season, you want to try and stay away from this guy as long as possible at least this season. Of course you could end up like me and take him anyway just for shits and giggles.

2. VINCE YOUNG - Let's face he, he is a great player that knows how to win games. But in the fantasy football world it is just not going to happen for you.

3. JAMARCUS RUSSELL - If you watched any of the pre season games Oakland didn't have him throw a pass over 20 yards in a game. Wasn't the reason they drafted him was because of his big arm?

4. BRODIE CROYLE - If you read my last fantasy post about receivers you would notice that I put Kansas City's #1 receiver Dwayne Bowe on the worst list. Same applies to his quarterback, no offense line equals long season.

5. CHAD PENNINGTON - NO, NO, NO!!!

College Football Preview

As I probably mentioned a year ago this week, "I am so glad that football season has begun!". Between the NFL Draft, the Spring Game, summer workouts, then Pre-Season, tonight we can finally say football season has officially begun. College football kicks off tonight with the major game being Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks verses a Bowl hopeful N.C. State team. This weekend though I am thoroughly excited about the great opening season game between #24 Alabama and #9 Clemson. Being in SEC country now, Clemson is probably the only other southern football program not in the SEC that I have a very high interest in this season. If they are not going to be "the team" this season than my promise is it will be next year.

Georgia, has we all know, is the pre-season #1 team which to me is highly unfair, for there sake. They have a tough enough season already, now you have that #1 in front of them everywhere you go. You can't tell me that their opponents won't be more amped to upset a #1 than say a #4, especially being in the SEC. Instead of giving you all a run down on the my top 25, and since my pre season predictions have been outstanding this past year in the major sports. I will give you who I think will make it to the major bowls at the end of the year and finally who I think is my sleeper teams and bust teams for the season. Enjoy tonight's start to the college football season and do not, I repeat, do not miss the Clemson/Alabama game Saturday night, you'll see why.

ROSE BOWL

PENN ST VS. USC - This is by all means not a homer call because I am taking classes at PSU this year. I really like JoePa and his offense this season but they will get absolutely destroyed by the Trojans in the Rose. USC will beat Ohio State the third game of the year but they will falter two games in conference which will cause them to lose the conference title.

ORANGE BOWL

CLEMSON VS. WEST VIRGINIA - The easiest bowl to predict. Clemson will win the ACC and West Virginia will win the Big East but they will only get as far as the Orange Bowl. Like I said at the start, really like the Tigers this year and next will beat the Mountaineers closer than some might think though.

SUGAR BOWL

MISSOURI VS. FLORIDA - Chase Daniel will lead his Tiger team all year till losing the Big 12 title. The Heisman Trophy candidate will play the former Heisman winner in Tim Tebow in what looks to me could be an absolute shootout. The Gator's defense will not be good this year but Tebow will keep them in every game and will keep us talking about a repeat Heisman all year. I like Missouri in this game.

FIESTA BOWL

GEORGIA VS. ARIZONA ST - The Bulldogs and SunDevils will run the table in their respected conferences, I would say easily but it won't be especially for Georgia in the tough SEC. I love Georgia this year, love 'em! But, I can't tell you that they will run the table even have a loss in the SEC...I just can't. I hope that I am wrong because they are good enough have a shot at the title. If we get rid of the BCS then we wouldn't have a great team like the Bulldogs on the outside looking in. Georgia will blow out Arizona St to try and swede voters but it won't work.

BCS CHAMPIONSHIP

OHIO STATE VS. OKLAHOMA - Two teams that have had problems in the past in the championship game won't have to play a SEC team this time. Hence the reason for a mini tourney, no SEC team in the championship will cause a huge uproar and I am all for it. Ohio State, who made the BCS title game the last two seasons might have their best team this season of the three. They will lose to USC, but since it is an early game they will run the rest of the table and get into the BCS game with one loss. The Sooners will be in the 2nd best conference this season and what helps them will be beating a Missouri team in the title game which will boaster them into the final.

OKLAHOMA - 42 OHIO STATE - 35

HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER - Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia

Sleeper teams:

1. Nebraska

2. Miami

3. Alabama

Busts:

1. Tennessee

2. Texas Tech

3.Wisconsin

The Best and The Worst

Finally back at it on the blog and will continue my best and the worst sleeper fantasy football players this season. I hope that I will get this finished before this weekend when all the drafts should be done. Without further delay, let's get right to it.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Absolutely the toughest position to judge in my opinion on draft day. Once you get through the top 10 receivers which in my rankings include: Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Braylon Edwards, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Marques Colston, Steve Smith, Plaxico Burress, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. After this list you are taking a chance of a fall or making it far in your league this season.

BEST

1. WES WELKER - 112 catches last season with 8 touchdowns surprising could be better this season. His speed and having a player like Randy Moss on your team will get you more throws. This was pretty much an easy call.

2. TORRY HOLT - A homer call because I have him on my team this year, but I really don't understand why he is getting slept on this season. 7 TDs and close to 1200 yards without Marc Bulger, pretty impressive.

3. BRANDON MARSHALL - After the 3 game suspension he will be a top 10 receiver, you can bet on that!

4. CALVIN JOHNSON - For whatever reason I really seem to think that the Detroit Lions is going to have a great season, and Johnson will be a big factor why.

5. JERRICHO COTCHERY - With the addition of Brett Favre we all know how he loves to throw the ball down field. Cotchery should really benefit.

WORST

1. DERRICK MASON - Baltimore will be juggling quarterbacks all season which will cause frustration in the offense and Mason stats to plummet. At 34, he will be losing catches to the likes of younger players looking to prove themselves this year.

2. VINCENT JACKSON - I have no idea why but this guy is getting drafted way to early in the drafts I have been in so far. With Chris Chambers and Antonio Gates on the same field he will see less amount of touches than usual.

3. SIDNEY RICE - Another one getting drafted high in my drafts thus far. Even over teammate Bernard Berrian. Why, I think people like his speed, but personally he will bust this season.

4. ISAAC BRUCE - Has always been a class act in the NFL but unfortunately his career is winding down. Don't expect more than 3 touchdowns this season as a 49er.

5. DWAYNE BOWE - I really like this kid a lot but his team has many concerns this season. Two that concern me, a shaky offensive line and a quarterback I am not sold on.

Hottest Women in Deal or No Deal

This week since I am back on the blog after a long vacation in the dirty den, I am going to take a break from the hottest women in sports and change it up a notch over the next few weeks I will have a miniature tournament on the hottest woman on Deal or No Deal. Every week I will post two women and all you have to do is vote on the right side of my blog. Don't forget to vote!!!

CLAUDIA JORDAN - Claudia, holds the #1 case. She was a Miss Teen Rhode Island and later won Miss Rhode Island and competed in the Miss USA pageant, and finished in the top ten.

LINDSAY CLUBINE - Holds case #26. Lindsey is a model from a small town in Missouri. She is always one of the first people to go on the show, but was one of People Magazines 100 Most Beautiful People this past year.

Random Thoughts Today

Been pretty busy this past weekend, not only have I been so caught up with the Olympics but my brother has come back to the sunshine state so me and him hitting the links when he got back was a must. I have been really working on something that hopefully will finally work out for me long term, so without further ado let's get to my exciting new news with some other random thoughts today.

After some serious thought on my career in the landscaping field, and wanting to further myself in this career I decided to better myself with some education. So I am back at it with college and I have been accepted by Penn State University to take their online courses and ultimately end up with a certificate in Golf and Turf Management. As most of my readers know, I am a huge Michigan Wolverine fan and even though I am thrilled with being accepted and I can now call myself a Nittany Lion...there is no way in hell that I will be turning over my blue and gold any time soon. Getting a certificate in this field was the right thing for me to do. I love what I am doing and the city that I am working for will pay for most or all of the courses that I pass. So this was really a no brainer in my book. Also, getting a certificate in Golf and Turf Management also allows me to earn credits for a Bachelor's Degree in this field as well, when the time comes for it. My goal is to finish this certificate by the time my city finishes their new golf course, it's third, and hopefully move on to better courses or ball fields. Wish me luck!

This 2008 Olympics have been incredible to watch! I find myself sleeping a lot less since it started, but I will put up with it for another week and a half because I don't want to miss a thing. I go to bed late and wake up early just so I don't miss anything. Michael Phelps is a phenomenal athlete and has really brought in the United States to watch his every move. One question that really baffles me is when I found out that the Olympic committee didn't invite Mark Spitz, who holds the record for 7 golds in one Olympics to at least be there if, I mean when Phelps ties and breaks his record. How awesome would have it been if Spitz was the one to give Phelps his 7th gold?

I find this next topic very disturbing. The Spain basketball team in a team picture (above) posed while making slit-eyed gestures. As much as we as Americans make fun of the Asians for whatever reason, would our team ever....ever do something like this? This was a very classless act, and I hope that David Stern does something to the NBA players that is on the Spain team a nice suspension. This was very uncalled for no matter what reason the team says that they did it. If the United States team did this I would not be surprised if the Olympic committee kicked them out of the Olympics, so in my opinion the Spain team should.

You heard it here first. If the Tampa Bay Rays make the playoffs they will go to the World Series. After injuries to their starters, Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford were huge, huge blows. This was the main reason why they should have gotten a bat before the trade deadline. Now, at least they have a chance to get hometown Little League hero Gary Sheffield who has been put on waivers from the Tigers. Am I the only one that is really disturbed that Major League Baseball still has the waiver wire thing?

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go and waste your time seeing Pineapple Express. I am still pissed my brother recommended to go see it. If I was able to finish my bag of popcorn in the first half hour of the movie I would have walked out. I started to fall asleep and I found that the only funny parts were the only ones to make the previews on television. Maybe if I smoked weed before the movie it would have been better but I really tend to doubt it.

Finally, the Little League World Series starts this weekend and I am thrilled as always. What is great is that a Connecticut team (Shelton) and a Florida team (Tampa) made it to Williamsport. Both have great stories with the Shelton team just missing the LL Series a year ago and the Tampa team made it by having only a five team Little League with only 60 kids participating. At some point in my lifetime I have to go to Williamsport, hopefully as a coach!

Hottest Women in Sports

I would have to agree with my buddy over at Badchoicemilk.com, after watching the womens gymnastic team over the weekend I found myself attached to the screen watching Alicia Sacramone. The Ivy Leaguer of Brown University will officially be legal to drink this December, so I think that I will have to try to find a way to Winchester, Mass. and by this lovely, 5'1'' woman a drink. So yummy in her leotard!

The Best and The Worst

This week I am back with my best and worst draft picks for fantasy football this season. My team in the ever popular SFL is just about ready for our draft a week from today. This week my focus is on the tight end position. For my rivals in the SFL this will be my last fantasy football post before the draft, because I am in a hole already for draft day and I really don't need anyone stealing my picks in the major positions. Enjoy!

TIGHT ENDS

The tight end position has been going statistically up and up over the last couple of seasons with a nice tier of six players (Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzalez, Dallas Clark, and Chris Cooley) that everyone would like to get on their team. Unfortunately, in a ten or twelve team league not everyone can get those top players. Here's my best and worst tight ends you can get if your not lucky enough to get the top dogs.

BEST

1. TODD HEAP - I still have no idea why this guy still gets slept on! This season with the Ravens not knowing who their quarterback is, it really doesn't matter, because old reliable Todd Heap is back healthier than ever and will put up numbers that had him as a top 3 tight end three years ago.

2. TONY SCHEFFLER - Has an opportunity to have a tremendous season with the three game suspension of top wide out Brandon Marshall. I really like this guy and I don't think I have ever seen him drop a pass.

3. JEREMY SHOCKEY - Use to be a top 5 tight end, since then has had injuries and only 600 yards receiving in each of the last two seasons. Even though I think that his addition to the Saints helps Marques Colston more, Shockey could be back to his old self with former coach Sean Payton.

4. HEATH MILLER - Mr. Consistent has had more than 5 touchdowns in each of his first 3 seasons. Even with Hines Ward on his offense he is still the go-to guy for Pittsburgh in the redzone.

5. OWEN DANIELS - Eclipsed the 700 receiving yard mark in just his second season and could do better this season. Only factor is that he never seems to get into the endzone.

WORST

1. LEONARD POPE - For whatever reason, tight ends in the Arizona offense just don't do well. Pope only has 40 catches in 26 games and for the most part they have all been short yardage catches. DO NOT DRAFT CARDINAL TIGHT ENDS!!!

2. ALEX SMITH - Another good player just caught in the wrong system. If you are willing to put up with short yardage touchdowns then by all means take him.

3. DESMOND CLARK - Two words...Greg Olsen. Unless he gets traded stay away from him.

4. CHRIS BAKER - There is a reason why the Jets drafted a tight end in the first round this season. With two years remaining on a 6.6 million dollar contract, the Jets will be stuck with Baker.

5. ALGE CRUMPLER - Honestly I don't know why I am down on him I just think that he might be washed up, even though he is only 30. I could be wrong but I see less than 400 yards and 4 touchdowns in an injury filled season.

Stag for Maynard!!!

That's right! Maynard is getting married this month! His stag is this Saturday night at the VFW in Yalesville, CT. Tickets are only 25 dollars with all the proceeds going to my plane ticket for his wedding (just kidding). Lots of home cooked food, great raffle prizes, lots of alcohol, and beerdie! So go and enjoy yourself and celebrate Maynard's departure as a bachelor, something that he said he would never, ever do! Any questions just add to the comment page.

The Best and The Worst

Back again after some time off reflecting on all that has happened with the Brett Favre situation with my best and worst fantasy sleepers. This week we go to the worst position for a fantasy team. How many weeks I have lost because my idiot kicker only had 3 or 4 extra points is remarkable, even for a terrible fantasy football guy like myself. Let's get right to it!

KICKERS

My personal opinion about kickers is that they really are all sleepers. At one point for three straight years I drafted the number 1 rated kicker in my fantasy football magazine. And all three didn't finish in the top 5 for total fantasy points. So what I will do is just give you the top 5 and worst five kickers to have this season.

BEST

1. NICK FOLK - The Pro-Bowl rookie last season was a scoring machine for a very potent offense. He hit on 83% of his FG attempts and made 53 extra points. I am looking for a similar output this season from the 23-year-old.

2. ROB BIRONAS - 35 for 39, 9-10 from 40 to 49 yards and 4-5 from over 50! The only problem I see with Bironas is the ability of the Tennessee offense to get in range for him, but does that really matter?

3. MASON CROSBY - Another rookie kicker last season, Crosby showed a lot of poise in Green Bay and with the offense losing big play slinger Brett Favre, look for a lot more attempts over 40 yards out.

4. STEPHEN GOSTOWSKI - A guaranteed 6 points a week with 74 EPs and a 87% rate on FG attempts.

5. JOSH BROWN - The former Seattle Seahawks will be in a dome in St. Louis this season and I am really looking at Brown putting up Pro-Bowl numbers this season.

WORST

1. JOE NEDNEY - The 49ers offense will not be that much better than last season. As a result Nedney might get 19 FGs instead of the 17FGs he got a year ago.

2. DAVID AKERS - His FG percentage has gone down the last three seasons and you can really notice his inability to hit 50 yarders. Turning 34 this season.

3. MATT STOVER - Very consistent the past 5 seasons but the inability of the offense and the lack of 50 yard attempts hurts his fantasy value.

4. JOHN KASAY - Only made the list because I believe that the Panthers will punch the ball in the endzone more often than in the past two seasons.

5. SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI - He is only at #5 for the reason that he can bang a 50 yarder every now and again (6 a year ago). But, his 71% and for the past two seasons worries me.

Weekend Review

Forget my random thoughts for a title today. With the way the weekend went in sports, the only thing that I can do is give a perspective on how the weekend went. Football, basketball, and baseball, and a choke job in golf headlines what went on this weekend.

You can say that I am bias if you want, but wasn't the applause that Art Monk received Saturday night at the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony absolutely incredible. For more than 4 minutes after his son introduced him to the microphone the crowd, which was like Darrell Green's son said 95% Redskin fans, gave the Hall of Fame committee their feeling on why it took so long for Monk to get in. Chants of "It's about time!" and "Eighty-One!" went on with what felt like forever, but in my opinion it was very much deserved. This man was never flashy. He went out and did is job the best he could every Sunday. And he was an amazing human being, with his contributions with the Good Samaritan Foundation. It was really a great day to be a Redskin fan on Saturday watching me and my Dad's favorite players get inducted to the Hall of Fame the same day.

As for the Hall of Fame game on Sunday night, it marked the first preseason game of the 2008 NFL season with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins. As like most of you, I am so sick of preseason football. It is such a tease to have a game this early when I know that the Redskins won't be playing their first regular season game until September 4th. I only watched the first quarter and when the HBO series Generation Kill was over I watched to see how Colt Brennan would do. Let me get this out there just so you know how I feel about how Brennan played. Though I am very, very impressed on his composure in the pocket and the way he was slinging the ball around...it is the PRESEASON! The Colts third team was out there, everyone needs to take it easy, been hearing too much about him today on ESPN.

Again, like an idiot, instead of going golfing I wanted to watch Phil Mickelson and see if he could pull out a victory with a lot of headliners on the leaderboard before the final major of the year, the PGA. And again, I was disappointed! Damn Phil, what is wrong with you? The last time I wrote about golf I mentioned that Greg Norman will never be able to change the way he is looked at on the golf course, and you are going in that same direction buddy! I have loved watching Mickelson play for as long as I can remember, because of his demeanor and the way he plays so aggressive. But, I am tired Phil! Do me a favor and don't make the cut next week and save me from sitting on the couch getting pissed off about something I have no control over.

Manny, Manny, Manny! Manny Ramirez did not let the Dodger faithful down in his weekend home debut in Los Angeles. Ramirez hit 2 dongs as well as beating out 2 infield hits. Playoffs in the horizon? I think so, as long as their starting pitching does the job. Because their lineup looks deadly and has a new energy with his name written in there.

USA Basketball team has been breezing through there exhibition games so far. But, like the NFL preseason these are exhibition games! There first game is against the host China team on Saturday, which should be interesting especially with the way the crowd is in that arena. One thing I heard on ESPN today is that even though Jason Kidd is starting he isn't seeing as much time as Chris Paul and Daron Williams. And this is a problem because? Look, Kidd is still a great player, but he is 37 and can not shoot like the other two. The international game needs to have good shooters on the floor especially with the way the court is smaller and the lack of man to man defense that the USA team will see. Kidd's a big boy, I am sure that this isn't a problem! Besides if they win the gold medal that is all that matters...right?

Brett Favre has been reinstated back to the NFL. YEAAAAA! Now we can all get some sleep...NOT! I give the Packers three days to make a decision on trading Favre to the Vikings, but that's just me. If he stays in Green Bay my decision on who I am keeping for my fantasy team will be get more difficult. Thanks Brett!

Fifteen Years of The Sandlot

After three great weeks going back in Deez' time capsule I am back again with a another tribute to the starting lineup of the great baseball movie, The Sandlot. We have finished with tributes to 4 starters thus far and all four didn't have nicknames. Well, the over the next two weeks I'll be giving you my tribute to the best nicknamed kids. Without further ado, here's the first.

ALAN "YEAH YEAH" MCCLENNAN - When it really comes down to it, there was only a handful of players on the team that really looked like a ballplayer, and you have to think that the starting shortstop was one of them. Alan "Yeah Yeah" dressed the part, looked the part, and god dammit played the part. His ability to turn two was so flawless to him that you couldn't pick another kid to play his position, including Benny. This goofy looking mouse was actually one of the coolest kids on the team. He got along with everyone, including Smalls, even after calling him a "jerk" upon meeting him the first time. You always see him standing or walking with a different kid on the team throughout the movie. He gave the razing and took the razing as well, even with the popular Benny telling him that he ran like a duck. Yeah Yeah and Benny had to be boys, because they were the only players to rock the actual PF Flyers while they played. What really pissed me off about this kid was the fact that he couldn't hold on to the ball when he was over the fence with the beast in front of him, still pisses me off. Your a shortstop, HOLD ON TO THE BALL! His classic lines always followed somebody else's. Like when Squints called Smalls a L7 weenie.

"Yeah. Yeah. Oscar Meyer even. Footlong! A weenie!"

Or when Benny says that Smalls makes a ninth person.

"Yeah. Yeah. So does my sister, but i didn't bring her along."

Yeah Yeah was played by 27 year old Marty York who was a child actor until 1997, and is still pursuing his acting career today in minor independent films. York's best role following The Sandlot was appearing on a few episodes of Boy Meets World. He was last seen in Los Angeles going to a local college to become a firefighter, but before that many people had seen him trying his stab at being a magician (pictured below, how the other pic is still him I have no idea). As the story goes, Alan's parents shipped him off to military school. After the army, he became one of the pioneering developers of bungee jumping for his role in trying to retrieve the ball in which he was held up to a high height and lowered down on a rubbery cord. I like to think that Yeah Yeah was a hit with the ladies in high school and ended up dropping out after getting a girl pregnant. The girl kept the baby thinking that he was going to be around but he wasn't and became a drunk at a local bar and would brag about playing with the Dodgers Benny Rodriguez while watching him on the tube with the other locals.