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Free Agency

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:43:02 EDT

This is for the off season challenge. Post what players on your team are free agents and if you will be offering them a contract, say what it is, and say who you are dropping.

Free Agents:

Randy Winn

Jason Isranhousen

Impact Runningback Tournemant

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:05:38 EDT

I am constructing the tournemant right now, vote on which running back has the most positive influence on his team.

Marion Barber vs. Brian Westbrook: Winner: Brian Westbrook, to take on winner of Thomas vs. Jacobs next round when this round is complete.

Pierre Thomas vs. Brandon Jacobs: Winner - Brandon Jacobs, to face Westbrook next round.

Ryan Grant vs. Laurence Maroney: http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/chrono/16813059

Roxfan4life Winter Thing

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 9:58:40 EDT

Alright, we are both buyers, Marlins only a few games back right now, Dodgers best record in AL.

Marlins Roster

Batting Order:

1. CF Cody Ross

Who's Who With Duke Ed. 3 Duke Daily 8/04

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:46:57 EDT

Last Kyle Singler was Duke's star at the power foward position... but how will he do this year?

Player Profile: Singler can play guard and foward, but he mostly plays at the foward position, he may see minutes at the two guard this year. I actually thinks he will be the Duke starting small foward. Coach K knows how gifted this player is being able to score anywhere on the court, you want to play him tight so he doesn't pull up for the three, but if you play him tight he'l beat you on the low post, Singler will make your head ache. He is only average in man coverage, great in the defensive zone where his strong point is in hepl defense. He is one of Duke's clutch players, fearless when its an important game, or in the last few minutes. We may see a little bit more of posting up this year as he grew and added more muscle to his upper body. He can lead the Duke in every category as he almost did last year, and is probably the most well rounded power foward in the nation.

Duke Daily 8/03 Who's Who With Duke Ed. 2

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:31:04 EDT

Last year Jon Scheyer was Duke's top shooter and one of the leading scorers. So who is he this year?

Jon Scheyer is a natural shooting guard who is very lanky, but has a decent ball handling skills and is able to run the point. His shooting is remarkable, and he can stretch the defense as well. One thing that he has developed into a threat to compliment his shooting is his ability to draw fouls on the perimeter, he has had many four point plays. He is Duke's top free throw shooter, shooting 90% from the line. Much like Nolan Smith, Scheyer has under rated defense, and may just show that all this year.

So who is Jon Scheyer? Scheyer will be Duke's leading scorer, and clutch shooter. The senior will raise plenty of eyebrows from NBA scouts.

Duke Daily 8/02 Who's Who With Duke?

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:42:11 EDT

As the first few editions come to a close, more are to come, and today is one of them. Nolan Smith started most of last year, then became the sixth man, what will he be doing this year?

Nolan Smith is a sure thing starting point guard for Duke this year, and I really have no questions as to why. First of all, Duke has a seldom amount of guards, not only that but Smith is an excellent defender and is willing to take a few hits for the team. Much like last year's Henderson, Smith posses that quick first step neccassary to drive the lane and his a mean cross over. All his life he has been a high scoring player who's main strenght is his defense, in previous entries I have pondered his conditioning and whether or not he could handle so many minutes, but Coach K has no doubt that Smith is his guy. But one thing that Coach K might emphasize most about this young athlete is his ability to gracefully swith positions, being able to play the two guard and run the point.

Duke Daily 8/01 Big Men Big Talks

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:19:33 EDT

In two previous editions I decided coach Mike Krzyzewski still had his recruiting spark, and today we will go over the big men that may be wearing a Duke uniform next year.

Power Foward, Power Talks: Right now no top ten power fowards are considering Duke, but they have a four star prospect already committed in Joshua Hairston, he may not be overly exciting, but he will be a force off the bench seeing as Duke should still have Ryan Kelley and Mason Plumlee for 2010-2011.

Center Of Attention: One spot Duke really should be looking for a replacement is the center, no one strikes me as a great center on this team. One player who would be great for Duke, is Josh Smith, already offered by Duke but not committed, this 6'10 giant has plenty of strength that is needed in the ACC. No other top centers are considering Duke, but if Smith is landed, he may be enough.

Duke Daily 7/31 Small Foward Recruiting

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:20:20 EDT

Another daily chat about about Duke, this time finishing off the recruiting for the class of 2010, yesterday I decided whether or not Mike Krzyzewski still had his recruiting spark, and I just wanted to say, yes, he does indeed!

Small Foward Large Talks: Harrison Barnes is one of the most talented players in the 2010 class, he has yet to committ to a school but Duke is number one on his list. The six foot six inch Iowa native has already been offered a Duke scholarship, he has yet to respond. Not only is he a huge threat down low with his athletic ability, but much like the Duke offense, Barnes is a big threat on the perimeter! On the defensive end he is outstanding, his speed makes him able to guard point guards, he can guard the shooting guards, and of course he can guard the small fowards, but he can also defend big men quite well. A lankier five star prospect, Roscoe Smith, he's 6'8, and mostly plays on the post, Duke has also offered him a scholarship, yet to respond. Its not even close to next years signing period, but Duke does not have any committs.

Duke Daily 7/30 Recruiting (Guards)

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:01:24 EDT

Does Mike Kryzewski still have that knack of recruiting in him? This year he has a pretty strong class coming in, but with the chance at landing Wall, he failed. Some Duke fans are aroused with Coach K, but we must not just until we view the class of 2010.

Point Guard Pursuit: Coach K has been trying to land Brandon Knight, the top point guard of the 2010 class, although he has many colleges on his list, Duke seems to be the front runner. Coach K also already landed three star point guard Tyler Thornton. Keep in mind, the Dukies have Seth Curry, a PG and a SG, but if we land Brandon Knight only good will come.

SG Shoot Out!: As I said we do have Seth Curry, although we still need someone else as Scheyer leaves us. Dawkins will be there next year, a big help, I do not see anyone else who Duke might be getting here at this point, but we have to be patient.

The Three Man Combo

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 8:27:41 EDT

The Blue Devils have had the struggle of finding guards and now, heading into the season they have three on their roster! What that means is, one back up! The old phrase "Its quality not quantity" may not be in effect as you should have more than three guards on your roster! But the three they have are talented. So does Duke have that spark in their back court or not?

Nolan Smith: A defending point guard, he is a guy who will take a charge for the team. He has the ability to find that one hole in the defense and take it to the lane! Although last year he averaged high single digits, he has a that potential to be a double-digit scorer every game. Every explosive player has that. One of the better mid range shooting point guards, which only expands his danger level on the court. One thing he needed to and did improve on over the summer was his conditioning, one reason why he did not start all of last year. An improved Smith will play both guard positions for Coach K, and the Dukies.

The Attractive And The Ugly Alex Rodriguez Ed.

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:32:01 EDT

Second in this series.

Physical Breakdown: As a thirdbasemen for the Yankees, he has strength*, stands tall at six feet and three inches, weighing in at a lean 220. Wears number 13.

The Attractive: Alex Rodriguez has power, and lots of it, he has a great shot at being the home run king at the end of his career, and has already won many batting crowns. As a power hitter, he often hits for average as well! He has a career average of .304, and not only does he hit, he runs, he is a former 40-40 player, so whats not to like about this guy?

The Ugly: A-Rod was busted for steroids, and that hurts everyone's reputation. He has bounced back though, and is still a key player! Albeit, he has more flaws, he has never been great in the field, and gets too many errors, he could be a much better playre if it weren't for his fielding, with too many errors

The Attractive And The Ugly Kyle Singler Edition

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:49:38 EDT

The first episode of the series, I breakdown Kyle Singler, a Duke power forward.

Physical Breakdown: At six feet nine inches Singler, is a SF/PF, who needs to work in the gym a bit more if he wants to continue his college success onto the NBA. He weighs in at 230 pounds, pretty decent for a power forward. Wears number twelve.

The Attractive: He is one of the elite players in the ACC, mostly due to his offensive skills. In his previous years at Duke he has always been a top performer when the game is on the line, and may become Mr. Clutch for the Dukies. He can score on the block, but not against the top performing power forwards, his advantage is his perimeter play, where he can shoot the three, or threaten to dribble-drive on the big men. He is a beast on the boards, averaging about eight boards per game last year, his man to man defense is decent, but certainly not great. His strong point on defense is his help defense, he is one of the best hepl defenders in the game today. He is certainly a winner is his four years of varsity basketball his team went 110-10!

The Attractive And The Ugly

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:28:07 EDT

I plan on doing this for multiple players and posting the links here. Please comment on your opinions on all of them on how I could better them.

Players:

The Attractive And The Ugly Kyle Singler Edition, Kyle Singler, Duke basketball.

The Attractive And The Ugly Alex Rodriguez Ed., Alex Rodriguez, Yankee third basemen.

Are the Magic Your Favorite?

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 10:18:33 EDT

The NBA Finals runner up this year, they had one soft spot, at the shooting guard, with a rookie starter, they had no expierence there. In this blog I plan on breaking down the starters. Please post your input.

PG - Jameer Nelson, he may not be the starter, but he is awfully good, making the all star team was quite the feat, injured for part of last season he is a big question mark, but nonetheless, he is one to be reckoned with.

SG - Vince Carter, man, he is certainly one of the more athletic shooting guards in the league, how the Magic got them is magic, and he improves the roster, without a doubt, but could he return to his all star form?

SF - Rashard Lewis, a great shooter, who is big, and in this league that matters, Lewis at SF just shows how big this lineup is.

The Persuit of Everything.... Went Wrong

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:47:03 EDT

The Cowboys have always tried to win a Super Bowl, but this year they want it even more, with their knew stadium, but they have yet to make me see that they will win it.

The Cowboys needed another wide receiver, but they released they star wide out, not helping. Terrell Owens may have been a menace, but he was a 1000 yard player. With that the offense weakens, in my mind a bad move.

The Cowboys needed to get their secondary stronger, they didn't. Much like the offense it weakened with the loss of Roy Williams. Can the Cowboys over come this loss too?

Lucky Duckies

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:26:47 EDT

Right now there are a few teams who don't really have a great record, but are only a few games out of first place.

Astros: Few times this year have the Astros been more than five games above .500, but as the division is weak, they still have a shot. Miguel Tajada, who I almost forgot about, has been hitting .350, this veteran is carrying his whole team of veterans! Do the Astros have what it takes to take over the division?

The whole AL Central! The Tigers have an average record and lead the division by a game, how someone with a .533 win percentage leads a division is beyond me, but they may still make the post season. The White Sox are now heating up, a game back of the Tigers, and with no shot at the wild card, between the Red Sox and Yankees, the White Sox NEED to win this division....

Kyle Singler vs. Ed Davis

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:17:32 EDT

We all know that Duke and UNC are going to be tough this year, but who will have the better tough guy?

Ed Davis: The UNC Sixth man was figured to turn pro, but he stayed, to improve himself. But boy how he will help UNC, this guy is athletic with great post skills. Could he get a double double every game?

HIS EDGE ON SINGLER: Ed Davis is a better post player than Singler, and he needs to use that against Singler at every chance.

Kyle Singler: The Duke star, he does it all, he's big, so he gets plenty of rebounds, gets assists, and shoots amazingly. If his threes are there, he's the guy you give the ball to. Maybe the best player in the ACC!

Quiet On The Dark [er] Side

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:39:32 EDT

This season I plan on talking about the Duke vs. North Carolina rival, in multiple sports, this will be the best matchup in the rivals football history this year... maybe.... And there is one reason why, besides the fact both teams have tough defenses.

Thaddeus Lewis:

I've called him a Heisman contender, now some say I was crazy, but this guy is good, real good, and can carry Duke, all he needs is to be given that fair chance. Now the intent of this blog entry is to not only bring attention to the rival but to this man as well, what he can do is what the Duke faith will be this year, and the greatness of the rival.

T.J. Yates:

First Half American League Standouts

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:10:45 EDT

Contained here is a list of the top performers of each AL position, other than the DH, they may be included in their natural fielding position. In order, top three.

Starting Pitchers:

1. Zack Greinke, who in my mind deserved to start in the All-Star Game, Greinke leads the AL in ERA, is 10-5, and may have more wins if the Royals gave him some more run support. To top it all off, batters are having a horrific time against the peerless Greinke, who has struck out 129 batters.

2. Roy Halladay, the All-Star starter, has retired 106 batters, and only walked 17. Although he may not be on the Blue Jays much longer, they would certaintly miss his 10-3 record, he also has three complete games.

Breaking Down The Dukies Part One (Starters)

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:22:36 EDT

Something I plan on doing daily, or at least oftenly, is breaking down the Blue Devil roster over at Duke. This is the very first edition, and I don't know exactly on how it will go, so please leave your comments for me to better myself.

Important Notes:

As of now, Duke is entering the season with two guards. Amazing right? After losing Elliot Williams all the 'Devils have in the back court is Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith! Not to worry (reasurring myself more than you), Duke is more than likely adding Andre Dawson to their roster, one of the top 25 recruits for the 2010 class.

Big man, its actually quantity not quality now, the Blue Devils are big, but not powerful, they have a roster of big men, with little to none post skill. It looks as though the Blue Devils will, once again, be a team that falls in love with the three.

Once Again... Shut It!

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:31:07 EDT

Once again I'm tired of Yankee haters saying "Oh... A twelve year old could hit one out to right field fence!!!" Well here is why the Yankees stadium is no easier to play in then the rest.

The Yankees have the most powerful lineup in the league, we all knew that coming into the new season, with the landing of Mark Teixeira, and all the lineups they face are powerful. They play in the AL East, the most powerful division in the MLB, without a doubt, so that means not only do you have the most powerful hitters in there day in and day out, but unless you have Cy Young himself, he'll give up runs! That would happen at any stadium! Not to mention the measurments aren't that short either!

Also, as for the Yankees rotation, its actually very good. The guys they've got get the job done, but Joe Girardi knows they don't give up extra basehits, they give up home runs. Another reason why you don't initiate the start to a good quarrell.

White Sox and Yankees Inching Closer

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:20:54 EDT

As I have been breaking down the race for the AL pennant I will continue to do so.

The Yankees who were just four games back from Boston have hit a spark, winning nine of their last ten, the pitching has been terrific, the bull pen a bit above average. Milestones have been achieved already, Mariano Rivera himself got his 500th career save, and his first career RBI. And as we get closer and closer to the All Star Break, the Yankees are only one game back of the Red Sox, not to mention they have the second best record in the American League!

The White Sox, hitting, fielding, and pitching, all of these have been amazing recently, with the White Sox, its always a nine inning game! Winning seven consecutive, the White Sox are only two and a half games back from the Tigers, and with a stretch of games against divisional opponents, the White Sox could take over the AL Central by the All Star break!

Rafel Nadal... Still Number One?

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:34:26 EDT

Federer could win yet another Grand Slam title here in Wimbledon, and he has shown great ability, now I don't know the regulations on national rankings, but I believe Federer should be ranked #1!

Actually I'm fed up with Nadal, he lost in the French Open, and then in an exhibition, he claimed as being seriously injured, and withdrew from Wimbledon!

I say that next time Nadal and Federer play, that Roger will win, and take the number one spot.

Does anyone else think Federer is better than Nadal?

Nastia Luikin ... Who should She Be Winning For?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:34:22 EDT

I just came across a website of Nastia Luikin, one of the top gymnast in the world. She has been fairly representing the USA, but has it been as fair as we think?

Nastia Luikin, who was born in Moscow, Russia, won five total medals in the '08 Olympics, as I don't know all that much about gymnastics, I do know that she should be on the Russian team, right? Not to mention a gold medal in the all-around event, and hlping the US Team get a silver team medal!

I want to know what you think of this curious case, and if there is any rule out there that gives an obvious answer.

Top 5. Overall Fantasy Tight Ends

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:51:04 EDT

Its about the right time to start looking at some rankings for youe draft, and here are some of mine.

1. Tony Gonzalez, he lead the Chiefs last year in almost all receiving categories, he might as well have been a wide receiver, you know the saying speed doesn't slump, it certainly does not with his age!

2. Jason Witten, now that T.O. is gone he'll see more catches, last year he was a leading fantasy tight end even with T.O. in Dallas, not to mention rooming with the QB always helps...

3. Dallas Clark, he's always been a good fantasy player, but with the Colts loss of Marvin Harrisos, he'll be better than ever!

GIANT Rotation

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 0:24:07 EDT

NOTE: I just washed my eyes out so all of this is real.

I never would have said this even though they have a CY Young Winner, but the Giants have the best rotation in the MLB!

The Rotation:

Tim Lincecum (8-2), with eight wins and only two losses, sided by six no decisions, Lincecum has been great, leading the league with strikeouts at 132, he just pitched a complete game against one of the best teams in the league, the Cardinals, only giving up two hits, this guy will be chasing his second CY Young Award in a row.

Breaking Down The Race

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:43:32 EDT

The race for the AL Pennant is heating up, and I have a feeling we will have to deal with some suprises before the playoffs. So here are my predictions.

NOTE: I am not yet predicting the NL or the World Series, just the AL Pennant chase.

AL Central Winner:

Chicago White Sox (36-38) - The White Sox are a few games back of the Tigers right now, and they are just on fire, there is no weak spot in the order and the rotation is doing great as well. The White Sox have recently beaten the Tigers, and at the pace the White Sox are playing at I wouldn't be suprised if they lead the division at the All Star Break, with slugger Carlos Quentin coming back this team will keep on rolling.

A Sorrow Filled Goodbye

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:25:17 EDT

Duke guard Elliot Williams will be enrolling at Memphis, for sure, he left Duke for family medical reasons, now at Memphis he is close to home, we wish him his best.

Williams lit a spark in the offense after joining the starting lineup early in conference play, and his departure leaves us with only two guards on the whole roster, Williams may actually leave a bigger hole then the hole that Gerald Henderson left, now all we hope is that is family member[s] get better and that he doesn't help Memphis beat us in his remaining years. I am one who strongly believes that if he had started the whole year, Duke could have been a one seed in the tournemant, and who knows, win the ACC regular season?

Goodbye Elliot Williams.

Sincerely, Duke basketball fans.

Big Dumbies Version 1.0

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:34:46 EDT

Hello, you may think this article may have something to do with my avatar right? Well it doesn't. This is about dumb transactions that were made or that should've been made. So here goes it.

The Cubs. Trading away who was in my mind their best player, Mark Derosa was their best hitter, and could play any position for them, so over the off season you trade him away? And his salary wasn't even that big, the guy is currently hitting .270 with 13 home runs. And get this... they didn't even get a player who has had any impact on their team yet! All to clear space so they could sign Milton Bradley, and he has been nothing! With an ever lowering batting average and only five home runs! Overall this was a horrible move.

The Celtics. Trying to get rid of two impact players in Rajon Rando and Ray Allen? No, bad move, the offers they made didn't help them at all, lucky for them, they didn't fall through. I know they don't want Rando's big salary or to sign him at all, but still, that guy is the best young point guard in the NBA! Never want to let him go! And Ray Allen is their best shooter, and was almost always there to make the shot in the clutch, without these two players, the Celtics are just barely above average... I also understand they don't want any part of his expiring contract but he's their guy in the clutch! Once again, a team is being a Big Dumbie!

Five Pitchers Who Will Be Knocking On 20:

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:34:43 EDT

Five Pitchers Who Will Be Knocking On 20:

1. Roy Halladay, he's the first pitcher to ten wins this season, and his stuff is tremendous, but if his hitters keep slumping, and the rest of the division remains tough, Halladay may not be as "sure thing" to get to twenty wins.

2. Johan Santana, some argue him as the best pitcher in the league, with a low ERA, he's already got nine wins, but he rarely gets run support, so he'll be around 20 maybe not passing it though.

3. CC Sabathia, some might call this pick a homer, but he gets better with every start, as he has done every year, with seven wins as of now, his team is starting to hit again, only spelling g-o-o-d things for CC.