D-Rock's Block

First off, let me just say this - if I were the Rams, I would have passed on Sammy B. They should have drafted Suh first, and stuck it out next season with AJ Feeley at qb. What’s sucking one more year if you have franchise players on both ends of the ball (Suh on defense and Jake Locker on offense after they would have selected him firs in 2011)? Seriously Rams, you’ve had three wins the past two seasons…one more isn’t gonna hurt your fan base that much. Moreover, Suh is going to be THAT dominant of a player that you have to draft him over a possible franchise quarterback. He can anchor your defensive line and be an All-Pro for the next ten years minimum. I just don’t think you should pass on drafting once in a decade type players (Note: Texans passing on Reggie Bush to get Mario Williams instead. Houston went 8-8 once again missing the playoffs, while they watched the Saints take home the Lombardi Award. Thank you.) Or, the Rams could have kept Marc Bulger for one more season, then parted ways with him following another 3-13 campaign.

Plus, even if they don’t get Locker first overall next year, the QB talent pool will most likely be better next time around – especially if some highly touted soon-to-be juniors make the jump. If things go according to Mel and my master plan, Jake Locker (Washington), Andrew Luck (Stanford), Ryan Mallett (Michigan), Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M), Pat Devlin (Delaware), Christian Ponder (Florida State), Case Keenum (Houston), Nick Foles (Arizona), and Terrell Pryor (Ohio State) all available for next year’s draft – with Locker, Luck, and Mallett figured to go in the top ten, and Locker and Luck going 1-2. The other’s have an outside shot at cracking the first round as well, especially Johnson and Foles (3 Pac-10 perhaps going in the 1^st round…LOVE IT).

That’s the main reason why I didn’t want and was happy the Niners chose not to draft a QB in this year’s draft. We already have three currently on the roster (Alex Smith, David Carr, Nate Davis), so a fourth would have been very unlikely. We’re not the Oakland Raiders and just stock up on garbage, mid-level QBs (JaMarcus Russell, Jason Campbell, Bruce Gradkowski, Kyle Boller…come on now, Al…even you are better than that). I also think that, if given the chance to play, Nate Davis can play affectively at the NFL level. Most teams shied away from him during last year’s draft due to his learning deficiency; otherwise he would have gone round 2 instead of 5 to SF. My hope is that we give Nate a chance sometime next season, bypassing QB Tinyhands and Carr on the depth chart.  Therefore, we see what the kid has got before we look at the possibility of taking one of the aforementioned draft eligible QBs in next year’s class. 

As much as I wanted SF to select Dez Bryant 17^th overall, I knew that OG was the right choice. Dez has major character concerns, so he will fit right in with Jerry’s Boys in D-Town. Looking at next year’s probably WR core, I’m REALLY glad we didn’t go WR in round one. Hopefully if we don’t go QB in ’11, we get one of these studs: AJ Greene – Georgia, Julio Jones – Alabama, Jonathan Baldwin – Pittsburgh, Michael Floyd – Notre Dame, Chris Owusu – Stanford, James Rodgers – Oregon State, Ronald Johnson – USC, Terrence Tolliver – LSU, Austin Pettis – Boise State, Ryan Broyles – OU…quite the list.

Let me run through the list of possible RBs available in 2011…just for the fun of it: OU’s DeMarco Murray, Alabama’s Mark Ingram (not a fan), USC’s Allen Bradford, VA Tech’s Ryan Williams (stud), Oregon State’s Jacquizz Rodgers (dudes is sick), Penn State’s Evan Royster (not a fan), and Wisconsin’s John Clay.

STEALS

As with every draft, there’s steals in every round. Usually you have to wait 3-4 years to find out if these so-called steals can harness their talent and ability and fulfill their potential…good thing for you I have a crystal ball called my mind:

Offensive Steal of the Draft: Andre Roberts 3^rd rd, Cardinals – He will move up past Steve Breaston and Early Doucet on the depth chart to snag plenty of ball the next couple seasons making people forget about Anquan Boldin rather quickly. Dude has mad quickness and a great pair of hands.

2^nd Place: Dez Bryant 1^st rd 24^th overall Cowboys (would have been number one, but I just can’t stand Jerry Jones, so I don’t want to give him the credit)

Other Notables: Charles Brown, last pick of Round 2 to Saints, Jimmy Clausen 2^nd rd 48^th overall to Carolina, Jonathan Dwyer 6^th rd to Pittsburgh  

Honorable Mention: Jordan Shipley 3^rd rd to Cincy, Mike Williams 4^th rd to Tampa Bay, Mardy Gilyard 4^th rd to St. Louis  

Defensive Steal of the Draft: Everson Griffen 4^th rd to Minnesota – Seriously how did this guy last until day 3 of the draft?!?! I had him going 16^th overall to Tennessee and he goes 100^th. Wow. That’s what I call a STEAL. This guy is a freak of nature. Watched him the last three seasons very closely. RIDICULOUS motor. Would get an offsides penalty every other game just because he was off the line so fast it looked as if he was offsides…for real. Only question is his work ethic – hence why he somehow last until round 4…lookout NFC North olinemen.

2^nd Place:  Taylor Mays 2^nd rd 49^th overall to SF (would be number one but don’t want to be too much of a homer)

Other Notables: Sergio Kindle 2^nd rd to Baltimore, Greg Hardy 6^th rd to Carolina, EJ Wilson 5^th to Seattle , Eric Norwood 4^th rd to Carolina (Panthers had a heck of a draft for not having a 1^st rounder)  

Honorable Mention: Cam Thomas 5^th to San Diego, Ricky Sapp 5^th rd to Philly, Arthur Jones in 5^th to Baltimore

Now, let me be a homer and analyze the Niners draft, Pick-by-pick:

Rd 1 – 11^th overall – Anthony Davis, RT, Rutgers – I like the pick. I wanted Davis to be our first pick for a long time (reference to my initial mock draft where I had him going 13^th to SF), but we didn’t need to give up our 4^th rounder to trade up to the 11 spot. Since I knew SF didn’t have a chance at Okung or Williams, Davis was the best route for the organization. He is also the best RT in the draft, while Okung and Williams are LTs, therefore, Davis was the right choice here. That was a rookie mistake by newly crowned GM Trent Ballke. Davis would have fallen to the Niners at 13. He would have been there. We should have saved the pick. Oh, well. Too late now. Some see Davis as a project who will take a few seasons to develop into a reliable RT. This is true, but not necessarily to the extent some have made it out to be. The kid is only 20 years old, folks. Let’s let him fully grow into his frame and then analyze his full skill set – which now is very impressive given his age, size, and athleticism.

Rd 1 – 17^th overall – Mike Iupati, LG, Idaho – My opinion on this pick has been changing the last couple days depending on my mood. We badly needed an upgrade at Guard, but you can find stud guards later on in the draft. Iupati may just be too good to pass up. I am of the belief that, in the first round, your selection should almost always be based upon the best player available, and not drafting for your need. This may have been a need pick. If we would have gone with Dez Bryant here, then we have an explosive WR core and an offense on the verge of being dynamic. Iupati will be an All-Pro Guard for years to come, most likely – making him the right choice at 17. Even though, traditionally, guards usually go way later. But, from all indications, Iupati is and will be special. Davis is an extremely talented RT even if he is a project. So tired of seeing Adam Snyder and Dave Bass get beat its ridiculous.

Rd 2 – 49^th overall – Taylor Mays, S, USC – LOVE THE PICK (obviously). T Mays is my man crush for those who are unaware and has been my fave college player for quite some time now. My workout goal is to look like him somdeday. Doubt I’ll get to be 6’4” 235 lbs. though. This is without question one of the biggest steals of the draft. Mays came back for his senior year after projections of being a top ten pick last season and fell all the way to the Niners at 49 in the 2^nd round. I think he will fit in just right in Singletary’s 3-4 defense. I’m of the thinking that T Mays would be even more effective if we move him from free safety to strong safety in the defensive scheme at the next level. Dashawn Goldson can switch to free safety letting Taylor assume strong safety duties this season. Doubt it will happen though. But that way, Mays can punish RBs and TEs around the league as he consistently plays closer to the line of scrimmage. So pumped about our awesome young, up-and-coming secondary – We’ve got Goldson, Mays , and Reggie Smith holding down the safety spots, while Tarell Brown, Nate Clements, and Shawntae Spencer are at the corner positions. Money in the bank. Plus, now T Mays is coming in with a major chip on his shoulder for sliding out of the top ten, entire first round, and all the way to 49. It’s only fitting that he’s a 49er then. He’s also upset at Coach Carroll, which will no doubt movitvate him when he plays against the Seahawks twice a year and every Sunday he suits up. Bring out the Lott comparisons right now.

Rd 3 – Navarro Bowman, ILB, PSU – Should have gone a round earlier, who knows why he fell. Was overshadowed on his team by fellow Nittany Lion defender DT Jared Odrick who went in the 1^st round to Miami. Bowman has some skills that could work in Singletary’s 3-4 defense. He will replace the 34-year-old Takeo Spikes after his contract expires following next season. Bowman needs to beef up a bit if he wants to be a playmaker at the next level. Adding 20 lbs would do him and his bank account a great service. Memo to Navarro: Stalk Vernon Davis in the weight room and emulate every exercise, every set, every freaking repetition.

Rd 4 – Anthony Davis – Traded our fourth rounder unwisely to trade up from 13 to 11 overall to select Davis.

Rd 5 – Ted Ginn – traded this pick for Teddy G the week prior to the draft. Solid move. Ginn is a deep threat, and great return man. Trust me – I saw this dude return a 101-yd kickoff at a Buckeyes-Gophers game five years ago and was astonished. He went untouched the entire way. Mr. 4.1 can fly. Happy to have him on our side now.

Rd 6 – 173^rd overall –  Anthony Dixon, RB, Miss. State – Knew we were going to go RB at this spot and really wanted Jonathan Dwyer, but Dixon is a power back who has above average hands and will get his start in short-yard situations. He was projected to go in the 3-4^th round range, but slid due to character concerns.  

Rd 6 – 182^nd ovearll – Nate Bynam, TE, Pitt – Wanted his teammate TE Dorin Dickerson here, but Singletary wanted a blocking TE to opposite Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. Bynam has an awesome quote about proud to be a block-first TE – “I love to block…I love getting bloody noses.” Oh yeah, I can see why Samarai Mike likes this guy. 

Rd 6 – 206^th overall – Kyle Williams, WR, ASU – K-Will killed the Trojans on multiple occasions, so I’m glad to see him move on. He’s a big undersize at 5’11” 185, but fits great as a slot receiver at the next level. He will also return punts, taking some toll off of Ginn so he can focus more on his receiving duties.

Rd 7 – 224^th overall -Phillip Adams, CB, SC State – Developmental corner with quite a bit of potential from everything I’ve read. Thought we’d go earlier with a corner.

By the way, I didin’t know that Zoltan Mesko was 6’ 5” 238 pounds…wow that’s a hefty punter. He should be running downfield on kickoffs, not just punting the rock five times a game.

Good draft. Pumped about the Niners picks. Always good when you can come away from a draft knowing you got at least four starters. Can’t wait for next year. Kiper has sweet hair.

After numerous hours of analyzing, studying, and deliberating, I have now concluded my final mock for the 2010 NFL Draft. Although the top pick remains the same, several others picked have changed since the last mock as some players stock has risen or falling or team’s interest in players have increased or cooled of late. Rumblings the last few days about the possible Cleveland Brown swapping picks with the Rams while trading up to select Bradford at number one. Let me tell you why this in fact will not happen – the Browns don’t want to give up a plethora of draft picks, essentially mortgaging their future of the franchise, even though they have their franchise QB of the future. Which will in turn hurt Bradford’s first few years on the job with The Shield.

I don’t know about y’all, but the draft is only a couple days away, and I’m pumped.

There are teams that are expected to have big days come Draft Weekend, such as the Browns, Rams, and Seahawks. But there’s a sleeper team that people are not discussing to potentially turn some heads next weekend is the San Francisco 49ers. That’s right. My Niners are poised to make some noise and have one of the best drafts of any team. Equipped with two first round picks and a mid-level second rounder, SF has the firepower to get three quality starters early on in the draft, or trade up or down depending on draft strategy and which players are still available come their selections.

From the looks of things, it should be an oline heavy top half of the first round followed by defensive playmakers dominating the second part. With left tackle and all offensive line positions increasing in importance for protection of the quarterback as well as to create running space/holes, o line value has never been higher. So, even though there may be better players on the board when certain teams are selecting, they’ll opt for the o lineman due to this approach. You will see this method in effect when teams like the Bucs, Redksins, Chiefs, and Seahawks are drafting and Eric Berry is stil on the board.

1)      STL – Sam Bradford , QB, Oklahoma- Rams get their franchise QB. Had to grab Sammy B after cutting Bulger last month. (Previous Pick – Ndamakong Suh)

2)      DET- Ndamakong Suh, DT Nebraska – Lions get the cornerstone of their defense and a clog the middle of the D line as Suh falls to them at 2. Suh is the next installment in a young, up and coming defense along with LB Ernie Sims and FS Louis Delmas. (Alternative – Okung)

3)      TB – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma – McCoy falls in the Bucs lap at 3. TB is hesitant to take him at first, using all of their alloded clock time to discuss trade possibilities due to lack of recent success taking DLineman in the top ten, but cave and take the DT (Alternative – Suh).

4)      WAS – Russell Okung, LT, Ok State – Skins desperately need youth and depth on an aging oline. Okung provides McNabb with protection and creates holes for their trio of veteran RBs.(Alternative – Trent)

5)      KC – Bryan Bulaga, LT, Iowa – Chiefs balk at taking Berry and decide to take Bulaga instead as oline in more of a primary. Bulaga combines with LT Branden Albert to continue KC’s revamped oline.  (Alternative – Berry)

6)      SEA – Trent Williams, LT, Oklahoma – Some think Pete Carroll and the Seahawks will take Jimmy Clausen at this spot. I don’t see it happening. They need a LT too bad since Walter Jones’ career is practically finished. Trent is the answer. (Alternative  – Berry or Bulaga)

7)      CLE – Eric Berry, S, Tenn – Browns get great forture when the 3^rd best overall player and 2^nd best defensive player in the draft falls in their laps at seven. Holmgren and Co. are pleased to get EB after staying put at number seven. (Alternative – swapping picks w/STL and taking Sammy B no. 1)

8)      OAK –Anthony Davis, LT Rutgers - Raiders oline is terrible, and Al Davis knows it. At first, he ponders selecting Dez Bryant, then thinks about Clausen, then almost selects Bruce Campbell, thinks about grabbing Tebow just for a second, then decides on the project that is Anthony Davis. Good work, Al. I’m proud. Pick wasn’t nearly as foolish as last time around. (Bruce Campbell, Pierre-Paul)

9)      BUF – Derrick Morgan, DE/OLB, G Tech – Bflo is in need of playmakers on D. They could very well go with somebody else like Anthony Davis, Pierre-Paul, or Rolando McClain, but go with Morgan because of his versatility to play DE or OLB. (pick is key to the entire first round – so many implications hinge on Bflo’s draft pick. The whole first round is dependent upon their selection.) (Alternative – Davis)

10)   JAC – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE ,So Fal – Jags like athletic Des. Pierre-Paul is a Florida boy and stays home with this selection. Jags may go otherwise. My super sleeper prediction that would shake up the middle of the first round: Earl Thomas.  (Alternative – Morgan, McClain)

11)   DEN – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama – If he doesn’t go here then the NYG will grab him without hesitation. (Alternative – Dez Bryant, Morgan)

12)   MIA –Dan Williams, DT, Tenn – Parcells loves this guy. Fits the Phins D scheme very well.  (Alternative – Pierre-Paul)

13)   SF – Jimmy “The Emu” Clausen, QB, Notre Dame - The Emu could suffer a Quinn/Rodgers-Like Draft Day Freefall. If he falls to 13, then the Niners have their future franchise QB and I am doing cartwheels. (Alternative – Davis, Pierre-Paul)

14)   SEA – Dez Bryant, WR, Ok State – Seahawks need a WR since they missed out on Brandon Marshall. Pete Carroll takes Dez even with the character questions.  (Alternative – CJ Spiller)  

15)   NYG – CJ Spiller, RB Clemson – Surprise pick. Giants have several other needs, mostly (on defense, but go with Spiller when he’s still on the board at 14. Alternative – Morgan, Griffen, Graham)

16)   TEN – Everson Griffen, DE, USC – Need DE help. Griffen is a freak of nature with massive pro potential.

17)   SF – Joe Haden, CB, Florida - This is the second half of my Niners dream draft day scenario. Getting Haden here would be amazing. (Alternative: Pierre-Paul, Davis, Spiller, Mays)

18)   PIT – Mike Iupati, G, Idaho – Guard prospects usually don’t go this high, but Iupati is special and he could go earlier than this. (Alternative – Carlos Dunlap, Maurkice Pouncey)  

19)   ATL – Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan – Falcons need an athletic DE/OLB type to rush the passer. Graham had a great Senior Bowl and a solid Combine and Pro Day, enough to make the Wolverine a top 20 pick.

20)   HOU – Earl Thomas, S, Texas – Red shirt sophomore with great football instincts, athleticism and skill set who has large potential at the next level. Texans need secondary help and if they don’t address it here, then they could take Ryan Matthews, RB from Fresno State instead. (Alternative – Kyle Wilson,  Matthews)

21)   CIN – Taylor Mays, S, USC – Cincy has solid young first round corners, now they just need to upgrade the safety positions. T Mays falls in their laps and the Bengals take their third Trojan defender in three years. (Alternative – Dez Bryant)

22)   NE – Jared Odrick, OLB, Penn State – Pats LB core is aging. Odrick helps revamp the veteran defensive unit. (Alternative – Weatherspoon)

23)   GB – Charles Brown, LT, USC – Packers oline is in shambles. CB is a big upgrade over whoever they’ve been throwing out to unsuccessfully protect Aaron Rodgers the last two years.(Alternative – Iupati)

24)   PHI – Kyle Wilson, CB, BSU – Eagles secondary is sub-par. Wilson will be better at the next level than people think. Philly may move up to 5, swapping 1^st rounders with KC and take Eric Berry. Everything I hear says that Andy Reid and the Eagles love Berry and want him in Philly badly. (Alternative – Mays)

25)   BAL – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma – Todd Heap isn’t the Todd Heap of ’05. Gresham gives TE depth and Flacco another weapon on offense. (Alternative – Odrick)

26)   ARZ – Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU – After losing Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle in free agency, the Cards need defensive playmakers. Hughes can play rush the QB or drop back and play linebacker. (Alternative – Weaterspoon)

27)   DAL – Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida – Cowboys need oline help badly, but Jerry Jones says T Doug Free will play LT next season. Therefore, they take the best Center prospect since Nick Mangold in Pouncey.  (Alternative – Rodger Saffold, IU)

28)   SD – Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State – Cut LT and re-signed Darren Sproles, but he still cannot handle the entire workload of a starting NFL RB. Matthews serves as a complimentary back to Sproles and fits in well with the Chargers run/offensive scheme. (Alternative – Best, Price, Cody)

29)   NYJ – Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas – They’ll probably go in another direction, I just thought that if Kindle fell this far, then the Jets would love to take him just to have another playmaker on defense. Kindle would go earlier if it wasn’t for his possible position change from OLB to DE and character issues. (Alternative – Brandon Spikes)

30)   MIN – Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers – Antoine Winfield isn’t getting any younger and he was banged up for most of last season, but couldn’t miss any games due to lack of secondary depth. McCourty is the best CB available. (Alternative – Terrance Cody)  

31)   IND – Brian Price, DT, UCLA – Price has the talent to go a lot higher, but questions about his conditioning and work ethic will push him to the second half of the first round.  (Alternative – Rodger Saffold, IU)

32)   NO – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Mizzou – Saints need another LB to play alongside Jonathan Vilma. Weatherspoon is a big upgrade over Scott Fujita. (Alternative – Price)

Just Missed: Carlos Dunlap, Brandon Spikes, Terrance Cody, Rodger Saffold

With Josh Beckett’s opening pitch in Sunday night’s Red Sox-Yankees game at Fenway Park, the 2010 MLB season officially began. And thus, at the same time, spring blossomed anew and summer is almost here (even though it feels like the middle of summer with this intense humidity going on in north Texas right about now). As the season begins, so does high expectation for several teams, their front office, and most of all their fan bases. Dreams of what the year could be bandie about in every baseball fanatics head as they analyze their team’s depth chart, pitching staff, rotation, bench, schedule, etc. 

Real quick, let me get you caught up on the marquee off-season news/trades/free agent signings throughout the league.

-          Mets signed Jason Bay

-          Yankees traded for Curtis Granderson

-          Mauer got paid

-          Joe Nathan is done for the year

-          Phillies got Halladay, M’s got Lee

-          Sox signed Lackey

Let me break down the season that beckons before us. The most improved team this season will be the Atlanta Braves. They’ve made some outstanding off-season moves, acquisitions, and made some tremendous minor league promotions in the last few year that will pay dividends very quickly. Youngsters Tommy Hansen and Jason Heyward are about to take off. They were monster prospects and are about to become superstars at the next level. Yep, that’s right, I’m definitely drinking the Jason Heyward kool-aid. This kid is ridiculous. At 6’ 6” 250, he should really be playing tight end for the Falcons instead of right field for the Braves. This kid is simple a beast. All scouts had Heyward ranked in their top three minor league prospects until Atlanta decided to put him on the opening day roster. Heyward hit a 450 foot monstrous home run in spring training a few weeks ago impressing players and fan alike while giving us just a glimpse of what is to come. Heck, he hit a 3-run HR in his first Major League at bat in the first game of this young season. I remember watching the MLB Draft back in 2006 when Heyward was picked 15^th overall by the Braves and wondering “why in the world is this future star falling out of the top ten and into the middle of the first round.”  My Giants passed on him, to my dismay, and slid right into the Braves laps at 14….oh what could have been.  In their defense, the Giants did select Madison Bumgarner 10^th overall, a top three minor league prospect, instead of grabbing Heyward.

This season, the Yanks, Sox, and Phils will be awesome as usual. But a revitalized Braves squad and well-equipped Cardinals team will give Philly a run for their money for home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs. Sox will edge out the Yanks for the division forcing the Yanks to settle for the AL Wild Card. Sox beat the Rangers to get the series while the Cardinals oust the Phils in the NLCS in seven games. In the end, the Cards bring the World Series Championship back to the NL. Believe it!

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS:

NL West: Dodgers  NL Central: Cardinals NL East: Braves WILD CARD: Phillies ODD MAN OUT: Brewers

AL West: Rangers AL Central: Twins AL East: Red Sox WILD CARD: Yankees ODD MAN OUT: Ray

ALCS: Red Sox over Rangers

NLCS: Cardinals over Phillies

WORLD SERIES: Cardinals over Red Sox

AWARD PREDICTIONS:

NL MVP: Hanley Ramirez – the best all-around player in the game today edges out Prince Fielder for the hardware.

AL MVP: Evan Longoria - continues to get better at all facets of the game – power/average/speed/defense – Longoria can do it all.

AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez - edges out Porcello as King Felix finally proves me right after picking him to win the AL Cy Young for the last three seasons. It’s gonna happen one year, my friends.

NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay – didn’t want to pick Tim Lincecum because people would call me a homer, and since he’s won it the last two seasons, most likely the writers/voters want to see someone new win the award.

NL MOTY: Bobby Cox, Braves

AL MOTY: Ron Gardenhire, Twins

NL ROTY: Jason Heyward, Braves

AL ROTY: Brian Matusz, Orioles

NL Comeback POTY: Troy Glaus, Cardinals

AL Comeback POTY: Vernon Wells, Blue Jays

Here are some young, up-and-coming players that are about to having a breakout year and fulfill the monster potential they all possess:

AL Breakout Players:

Matt Wieters, Catchers, Orioles - A top five pick and monster catcher prospect, Wieters has been called “Joe Mauer with power” by several baseball scouts and analysts. He had a decent rookie year last season, but look for him to settle into his role of starting catcher fron day one of the season and breakout this year becoming one of the best catcher in the game.

Rick Porcello, SP, Tigers - The 21-year old phenom flamethrower won 16 games as a rookie last season and was up for rookie of the year. Now, Porcello is poised to make a run at the Cy Young and become an elite and feared pitcher in the AL. I’m a Porcello fan and became an even bigger one when he plunked Youkilis last year at Fenway and then took a swing at him once he charged the mound. Love it. Kids got stones and swagger. 

Brett Anderson/Trevor Cahill, SP, A’s - Two 21-year-old stud pitchers, the pair of younsters are the crown jewels the A’s farm system. Thrown to the wolves last year prematurely they achieved a moderate amount of success, and at certain times they were very impressive. Look for these these two phenoms to continue their maturation process and blossom into cornerstones of the organization.

Tommy Hunter/Cmmer hris Davis/Neftali Feliz, Rangers - This terrific trio of Rangers has the ability to carry their club to teh division title and lift them to post-season success. Hunter is currently on the DL, but will come back within a month and become the missing link in the Ranger’s rotation. Davis is the starting 1B and has monster power along with potential to hammer out 40 bombs in a season – and probably will do so in the next year or so. Feliz is the team’s top prospect and currently in the middle relief/set-up man role in the bullpen. But look for Feliz to contribute heavily later this season and maybe even squeeze into the rotation if injuries strike the pitching staff.

Daric Barton, 1B, A’s - Ive been waiting for this kid to breakout for two years now. He was a big time prospect in the Cardinals organization before getting traded for Mark Mulder four years ago when he was 19. Now 24, Barton is the A’s starting first baseman and ready to breakout and contribute this season. He can hit for average and show power when needed. I’m projecting 20 HRs and 100 RBIs in a less than imposing A’s lineup.

NL Breakout Players:

Jason Heyward, RF, Braves - You already know plenty about this kid already, cuz I talked him up like crazy about three paragraphs prior. So, I’ll let his play speak for itself. I’ll just say this – If I could have one outfielder in baseball right now – I would choose Jason Heyward.

Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nats - Called the “best pitching propsect ever,” Strasburg has been clocked at 103 MPH (WOW). He’s in the minor now, but the Nats will call him up mid-season and he will make a splash in the NL East and throughout the National League. I’m sold on this kid just about as much as I am about Heyward. Lock it up.

Tommy Hansen, SP, Braves - Another young phenom, Hansen impressed the Braves enough last season to get the number three spot in the pitching rotation this year. He can just throw straight heat. The kid brings it each start and his Strikeout-to-Walk ratio and K’’s-per-9 innings statistics are fantastic. Hansen will be one of the main contributors in the best rotation in the NL East.

Aroldis Chapman, SP, Reds - The 21-year-old Cuban defector signed a $20 million deal with the Reds in the off-season. He’s been clocked at as high as 101 MPH. Scouts are all over this kid. He’s set to have a fantastic rookie season challenging Heyward for rookie of the year. Chapman makes a young Reds staff much better. The Don Juan is pumped.

Garrett Jones, 1B/OF, Pirates - Dude can straight up rake. Had 22 HRs last year. Look for upwards of 35 from him this season in his first full year in the bigs.

Justin Upton, RF, DBacks - The other young OF phenom, Upton goes hand-in-hand with Heyward as the best prospects in baseball. Upton is a five-tool player with an amazing athletic skills set. He has superstar written all over him.

Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates - McCutchen was the NL ROTY last season, and will continue to blossom this year. A Mac along with Jones will be the bright spots during another long baseball season in Pittsburgh.

Cameron Maybin, OF, Marlins - Five-tool player has been up and down in the minor the last few seasons since getting dealt from Detriot to Florida in the Miguel Cabrera deal. Maybin also has been hampered by injuries due to his frail frame. He has surprising power for a man of his size though, and should be the leadoff man for the Fish and get 100 runs and 30 SBs.

Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers - Another young pitching phenom in the NL, Kershaw has the best curve in the game at 22 years old. His K per 9 stats are tremendous, Kershaw’s only issue is his pitch count. He strikes out a ton of guys, but the club yanks him to protect his arm from potential injuries. If the Dodgers allow him to go deep into games, Kershaw could contend for the NL Strikeout crown and bring home 15 wins.

Alcides Escobar, SS, Brewers - Best SS prospect in the minor the last few years, Brewers fans have been waiting for Escobar to reach the bigs for quite some time. Brew Crew let JJ Hardy walk in free agency creating a spot for Escobar to be the opening day starting SS. Kid has mad speed. Watch him if you can.

Throughout a man’s life, there are numerous experiences they must have before their time is done. Things that carry with it a special, meaningful importance and sentimental significance more than other experiences. These are called a man’s “bucket list.” And for the sports fan, there are a series of events they must experience at some point in their lifetime. Therefore, I give to you my sports bucket list. I first heard the topic on my local sports radio station (Dallas/Fort Worth 105.3 FM “The Fan”) last week while I was driving into work as the primary subject on my favorite daily sports talk show (Barsky & Gregg from 2-6), and it got me wondering. Next thing I knew, I was spacing out at work, scribbling various ideas down on receipt tape as I began compiling my own sports bucket list. Unable to concentrate on work duties, I was racking my brain for all of the significant sports experiences I wanted to have before my time is up. Even though I’m only 24 years young, I wanted to formulate this list so I can have an outlook on what to check off over the many years to come. I may not experience all of the various sports events that came across my mind, but let’s hope I can get through the vast majority someday (Let me know if there are any glaring ones I’ve omitted).

World Series Game 7

There aren’t two more dramatic words in the English language to the avid sports fan than “Game Seven.” Every pitch, play, strategery situation, pitching change can have a massive affect on the outcome of the game and perhaps be the deciding factor for the entire series. I would absolutely love just to attend a single World Series game, and would check this off the list just for that, but a Game 7 would truly be a dream come true.

 

 

Super Bowl

I’ve known a few people who have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to witness a Super Bowl in person, and they all say that it was phenomenal. The Super Bowl has quickly become more than just the biggest single sports day of the year, it is a pop culture phenomenon that captivates our society – sports and non-sports alike.

Summer Olympics

I freaking love the Summer Games. Have since I saw Kerri Strug pimp smack the Russians in the face by landing a perfect vault while busting up her ankle at the same time to bring home Team Gold for the USA Womens’ Gymnastics Team. I don’t care where it would be, I just want to go. The entire two weeks would be my preference. I would soak it all in. Swimming, track & field, gymnastics, basketball. Frik, I’d even go to the weightlifting events, just to see some Iranian power lifter throw around 485 lbs like it’s a ragdoll. I would rock red, white, and blue the entire time and piss off all the natives and not care one bit. My American pride would be brimming the entire time, especially when we rake in 60 medals and dominate the medal count.

AT&T Park

I went to Candlestick Park many, many times, but moved right before AT&T Park was built. Since this is viewed by many as the best new ballpark in the major leagues (and I no doubt agree with that sentiment), going to the park is a must.

World Cup

Even though we suck at soccer and probably won’t do much in the Cup this summer cuz half our squads is banged up, I’d still love to go. This is a sports event that captivates countries worldwide. Heck, it takes two years to freakin’ qualify for the thing. It’s one big deal. It would be unlike any sporting event in the world to witness and one amazing, unforgettable experience.

 

 The Masters Final Round

It’s a popular saying you’ve probably heard many times: “The Masters doesn’t begin until the back nine on Sunday.” Augusta National looks incredible on tv, and it would be a highlight in my life to one day get a Sunday pass to The Masters.

 

 

USC/UCLA Football Game – Rose Bowl

This one I’d want to go to the USC/UCLA football game when it’s at The Coliseum, and Rose Bowl when its Pac-10 vs. Little 11. That’d be sweet.

Yankee Stadium/Fenway Park (Yanks vs. Sox, of course)

I’ve been to Wrigley Field three times, and that would awesome. New Yankee Stadium and Fenway would be nuts in person. I wanted to go to Old Yankee Stadium…sadly, this did not happen.

NFL Draft

I’ve watched this on tv for years and laugh at those clown fans in attendance sporting Jets jersey, and Eagles gear, etc., etc…and I want to be one of those clowns one day. Rocking Niners gear from head to toe, I’d represent for Niner Nation in New York while we make our 1^st round pick. I might even stick around til the mid-rounds.

 

 

NBA Finals

My closest friends know that I hate the NBA, hate David Stern, and if it wasn’t for Tyreke Evans and the Kings, I wouldn’t give a rip about The Association whatsoever. With that said, I’d like to go to one NBA Finals game one day. The playoff atmosphere would be electrifying, because the players would actually care about the game being player – which hasn’t been the case in the games I’ve attended.

Final Four

This would be for the entire weekend. Both Regional Final games and the National Championship. What an amazing experience that would be.

Home Run Derby/MLB All-Star Game

MLB has the best All-Star game by far of all the major sports, and the festivities (Home Run Derby) would be a delight to watch live. Seeing Prince Fielder and Ryan Howard jack softball lobs out of the park would be tremendous.

 

 

Rivalry Games: Ohio State/Michigan, Duke/UNC

These rivalry games would be intense and wildly entertaining even though I’m not a fan of either team.

Ironman

This one I would not as much like to see in person as I would like to try it myself. The ultimate physical test of endurance, strength and mental fortitude, the Ironman competition tests it all. How awesome would it be to tell chicks that you competed and finished the Ironman!!

Wimbledon

I don’t care much for tennis, unless Maria Sharapova is wearing some sweet get-up, but I’ve heard great things from sports reporters that cover Wimbledon. A fortnight each year, England shuts down to host this annual athletic tournament. Having the famous strawberries and cream while watching Federer and Nadal duke it out would be something to remember.

 

 

WrestleMania

This one I had to think about for a minute, but I decided to put it on here cuz it would be extremely entertaining. This arena would go nuts the entire time. I’d be sweet to see John Cena, Triple H, and Batista throw each other around the ring. Plus, Tori Wilson might make an appearance. Then, I’d definitely be worth it.

Here’s the rest of the list:

-          MLB Spring Training

-          Tailgate for a SEC football game (preferably Florida vs. Georgia or LSU)

-          Kentucky Derby

-          Winter Olympics – not as big a fan as I am of the Summer Games, but I’d still be pretty awesome live and in person.

-          Daytona 500  

-          Iditarod

-          Stanley Cup Finals

-          US Open at Pebble Beach

-          British Open at St. Andrews

-          Manchester United/Liverpool match at Anfield

-          World Series of Poker Final Table

-          Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest On Fourth Of July (just think I’d be great seeing Joey Chestnut and Kobayashi shove 20,000 calories of pork down their gullets in 10 minutes.)

When the clock struck midnight last evening, NFL version of Let’s Make A Deal aka free agency was in full effect as all 32 teams began to scour the list of unrestricted free agents.  Most team will act to quickly, overpaying to get their targets and area of need before the next team comes up and snipes them from their grasp. This is when the NFL turns into a high stakes game of eBay auctions on steroids.  

As with every Free Agent signing period, rumors swirl around constantly with little truth attached to them. But this isn’t a rumor site, so let’s analyze the dealings. There’s already been quite a bit of dealings on Day 1. Let’s take a step back and break them down…D-Rock style.

J-PEP TO CHI-TOWN

Now ex-Panther DE Julius Peppers signed a 6-year/$91.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears Friday afternoon. The Panthers gave Pappers a million a game last season after franchise tagging him, and if they were to do the same this time around, it would have cost them a whopping $21 mil…too pricey to pay even for a player of Peppers caliber. J-Pep is probably the most athletic defensive end in the game today. He has all the physical attributes a defensive coordinator could ask for. But what I worry about most is Peppers head. When Peppers plays at full capacity, all out, trying 100% every down – he’s a terror on the field and must see tv. But that’s also when he decides to play hard. The truth of the matters is that this occurrence is rare. Peppers plays all out only when he wants to.

Look at the numbers. In 2006 and 07, Peppers totaled 15.5 sacks for both seasons. In 2008, the year he was to be franchised tagged or become an unrestricted free agent (aka when he was going to get a gigantic pay raise), J-Pep decided to take the season seriously and put up 14.5 sacks. Just one sack from his totals from two seasons prior. From 2002-2005, Peppers averaged around 10 sacks putting him among the top Des in the game, but never reaching the monster potential after becoming the 2^nd overall pick and rookie sensation in 02. This is because he was locked up in his rookie contract and getting the same amount of money no matter how hard he played or what numbers he put up.

Now that J-Pep has his fat free agent deal sign, sealed, and delivered by Jerry Angelos, expect big #90 to set the motor to about half speed….for the next couple years at least.

Boldin To Baltimore

Ravens acquired disgruntled Cards WR Anquan Boldin for draft picks, then signed him to the Fitzgerald-like deal he’s coveted since #11 got paid two years prior. Anquan gives Flacco a clear cut number one, go to receiver while taking pressure off of TE Todd Heap and aging WR Derrick Mason. Also, their offense is now complete and a legit threat to put up points consistently. With Pro-Bowlers at RB, TE, and now WR, Joe Flacco has to be a happy man with all his offensive weapons in his possession.

 

Chester to backup Forte in Chicago

I don’t get this move. Forte had a sucky sophomore season, but Khalil Bell is a capable backup. This move did not need to be made. They could have spent this money upgrading a porous, hapless secondary instead. Signing RBs that are quickly approaching 30 to multi-year contracts is never a good idea. They are proven to decline and lose value extremely quickly (Curtis Martin being the lone exception). I watched Bell play for three years at UCLA and know this kid has skills. Give him a chance to prove himself, Angelos. But now his carries will be greatly reduced and he’ll probably not have the success he would of otherwise had….freaking impatient GMs. Remember, this is the same man that pulled the trigger on the Cutler deal. Not working out too good for the boys from Midway right now.

Cro-Man to Jets

Jets acquired CB Antonio Cromartie and his seven kids with six different women for a conditional 3^rd round pick in the 2011 draft (that will probably end up being a 2^nd rounder). Cro-Man has underachieved since his star-studded first two seasons in the league. Various injuries and scheme changes have greatly affected his on-field performance…along with paying six different chicks child support…seriously dude, keep it in your pants. Anywho, Cro gives the Jets two lockdown corners, if AC is healthy and plays up to his potential. Revis and Cromartie will be too good to throw on. Divisional teams like the Patriots, Bills, and Dolphils will have to run the ball or get the TE more heavily involved if they want to have success on offense. They won’t be able to throw to Randy Moss, Lee Evans, or Ted Ginn. It’s going to be retro football in the AFC East next year. Teams will run the ball 75 time a game when playing the Jets. They will play with an actual pigskin. And teams will ride buses to get to away games. I might be overreacting, but this move will send shock waves throughout the AFC East offensive game planning and affect schemes for perhaps years to come.  

Antrel to Giants

This deal just went down. Rolle got 37 mil over 5 years. This is a perfect example of overpaying for players like I said in the lead paragraph. Rolle asked for 7 a year…and he actually got it. Laughable. I don’t really care about this deal, so I don’t feel like spouting about it too much. Except that it gives the Giants secondary depth and another Hurricane (Kenny Phillips). Both Phillips and CB Aaron Ross missed significant time due to injuries last season, so I’m thinking that’s why they felt the need to overpay so much for Rolle. Antrel is a good player, don’t get me wrong, but not worth that type of free agent dollars. I don’t know the guaranteed money yet, but he probably got a good chunk. Snake Rosenhaus always gets his Cane boys the most he possible can. 37 mil is just way too much for a guy who’s most know for blocking Larry Fitzgerald’s path in Superbowl 41 as he tried to track down LB James Harrison’s pick six before the half.

Oh before I forget, my Niners star free agent signing thsi off-season will be re-signing UFA 35-year old backup LT/RT Barry Sims. Awesome.