ZAtma

Rightful All-Stars Need Help!

At first base, Albert Pujols currently leads the NL All-Star vote, garnering 2+ million votes, an absurd number for a non-deserving starter. Fans, please vote for the deserving first baseman, debateable between Votto and Fielder, but certainly not Pujols. Looking at these numbers, it is clear Pujols is not the best 1B, at least not this year, and not by these numbers. I understand he is elite, and has a reputation and worth, but the all-star game is about performance, specifically that year's, so roll with the current NL-MVP or the Fielder. 

Prince Fielder .305, 21 HR, 68 RBI
Joey Votto .318, 11 HR, 49 RBI
Albert Pujols .279, 17 HR, 45 RBI

At shortstop, it is debateable whether Tulowitzki is better/worse than Jose Reyes, and my personal opinion is that Reyes deserves the start, but there is not as much disparity here as 1B. So I will say vote Reyes, but not with full conviction.

At OF, Matt Holliday should be replaced by Matt Kemp. It is unacceptable to me when a player who has played 20 less games with similar (one could say inferior) numbers is selected over a player who has played the larger sample games. Why Matt Kemp is not starting is a mystery to me. Kemp also leads the league in WAR, at 4.8. If this isn't All-Star OF, then that's bull: Matt Kemp .327, 21 HR, 60 RBI

As a side note, please vote Asdrubal Cabrera .293, 12 HR, 44 RBI who has been by far the best AL SS this season for AL starter, and Alex Avila .303, 10 HR, 45 RBI as catcher for the AL. 

And cbssports.com is not letting me input the statistics I wanted to show in a neat manner so I am removing them as it is getting late and I want to sleep. For more numbers, simply check cbssports.com MLB Stats, or go to the ballot, or baseball-reference.com, which has a lot of interesting stats that should make it clear who the right choice as All-Star is. I may have made a few mistakes and/or make biased/false judgement and if I did, please comment and advise me. However, I believe these are the more proper choices for All-Stars and can be fixed with the help of fans across the nation!


All numbers taken from MLB All-Star ballot and baseball-reference.com

A little late predictions:

FIRST ROUND:
#1 Chicago def. #8 Indiana (4-1)
Chicago too good for the Pacers. Indiana doesn't have the firepower and superstar to elevate them to game-changing plays, and the Bulls' defense is just stifling. Rose's injury makes this a bit more intriguing, but at 3-1, Chicago is sitting easy. They should win in game 5, though I wouldn't be too surprised if the Pacers forced a game 6. 

#2 Miami def. #7 Philadelphia (4-2)
Miami's trifecta of Wade, LeBron, and Bosh overpowers the 76ers, but basketball's more than a game of individuals. It is about the team, and the 76ers play more like a team. Unfortunately, they lack star talent, and teamwork and effort can only bring you so far in the playoffs. I'm making a gut call here, I think the underdogs can pull off another win in an eventual losing effort. The question is, who will miss the potential winning shot for the Heat this time?!

#5 Atlanta def. #4 Orlando (4-2)
Dwight Howard and the Magic look to continue their underachieving ways. This time, a loss in the first round. Their midseason trade seems to have backfired, similar to the Knicks'. Jamal Crawford has the Magic's number, and the Hawks are making some suprise noise, up 3-1. Dwight is averaging insane numbers, but his team is failing to come up on top. I haven't see these teams play, but I doubt the Magic can climb out of a 3-1 hole easily...

(and as everyone knows #3 Boston def. #6 New York (4-0))

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SECOND ROUND:
#1 Chicago def. #5 Atlanta (4-1)
Chicago will put the Hawks away in a fashion worthy of the #1 seed. Of course, this is with Rose healthy (or at least fit). In the three games these teams have met, Chicago has blown Atlanta out twice, and lost a close game away. Staunch defense and after some 1st round ironing out of the kinks will leave the Hawks out of the finals...

#3 Boston def. #2 Miami (4-2)
This matchup will be decided with the first two games. If Boston takes one of those games, then I think the Celtics will finish at home. Hopefully Shaq can suit up, but if not, the other O'Neal has been providing some productive minutes. Rondo is the X-Factor here, as he outclasses any PG the Heat have. If he plays up to his early-season ways (i.e. beat the Heat games 1-3 of regular season), expect Boston to return to the finals. The Big Three of Boston trump the new Big Three. LeBron, Wade, Bosh, and co. continue to miss game winning buckets....LOL. Seriously though, the Heat are a good matchup. It's going to depend on the bench, whichever team's shows up will win.

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ECF:
#2 Boston def. #1 Chicago (4-3)
Fan pick, this will be a very fun matchup (if it happens), and I think it could go either way. Chicago has shown they can beat Boston, but I think the playoffs will provide a much different outlook. Both teams have terrific defense, but in the end I think Boston wins by experience, and...teh RETURN OF SHAQ! (just kidding). Rondo has to outplay and limit Rose, which is a difficult task, but Rose will also have to limit Rondo. Can the Celtics limit the Chicago's bigs? Jeff Green needs to show up. Fan bias pushes the C's as winners for me...

Eastern Conference:
#1)Boston Celtics
It remains to be seen how their big trade of Perkins and Nate Robinson for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic will work out. Recently acquired Troy Murphy will provide some much needed depth to an injury-depleted bench. Hopefully they will recove, and full-strength, I am sure they can match up with anybody. Little bias but I think they are capable of holding off the Heat and Bulls for #1.
#2)Miami Heat 
The New Big Three have overcome early-season jitters to post a 43-17 record, just 1 1/2 games back from first. Many say they will be #1 by season's end, and I can see their points. However, I don't think the Celtics will surrender the top seed so easily. The addition of Mike Bibby will certainly help, but they are still lacking in quality point guards and centers.
#3)Chicago Bulls
Led by MVP-candidate Derrick Rose, the Bulls are a mere 3 games back from first, and only 1 1/2 games back from the Heat. Injuries hurt them early, but they have rumbled through, and with Boozer and Noah back they are a possible #1 seed. They've got good depth, but I don't see them climbing past the Heat or the Celtics (maybe just me...).
#4)Orlando Magic
Rounding up the top-tier teams is the Dwight Howard-led Magic. They haven't done bad these past seasons, but they just can't seem to get that extra star-player to push them over the top. Gilbert Arenas and J-Rich will help, but they just seem fated for underachieving (or regular achieving)
#5)Atlanta Hawks
Trading Bibby for Hinrich was not a bad trade, but it wasn't wonderful either. Both aren't elite players. Somehow, very quietly the Hawks have a 37-24 record, good for fifth in the conference. Horford is quickly establishing himself as one of the few elite centers of the leagues. But the team just doesn't jump out at you. I don't see them going very far in the playoffs...
#6)New York Knicks
Huge deal! They got Carmelo...though at a hefty price. However, the consensus (i think?) is that the trade was good. Personally I disagree with the trade, but the Knicks will be better after the trade. Though they lack in defense, this is a strong offensive team. Carmelo gives them another superstar to back up Amar'e, though their depth seems shaky at best.
#7)Philadelphia 76ers
This team is getting better each year. Evan Turner is playing better, Jrue Holiday has improved a lot, and they are nearing a .500+ record. Not much to say here, I'm not familiar with the team...
#8)Charlotte Bobcats
Really, the #8 seed won't be making any splashes, and any of the bottom-tier teams could potentially make it. 

Western Conference:
#1)San Antonio Spurs
They've built too big a gap in the Western conference, and they have a great basketball team. A good bench and veteran-led, they are primed for a good run in the playoffs. Tony Parker's injury will hurt, but they should be fine.
#2)Los Angeles Lakers
Expect the defending champions to play better, and overtake the Dallas Mavericks. Kobe is always deadly, and the Lakers' team will be a favorite to win. They've been having some troubles, but I'm sure zen master Phil Jackson will right the ship. 
#3)Oklahoma City Thunder
A stretch to put them in the #3 spot, but I think they are capable of this level (though doubtful they can catch Dallas). Many people's dark horse of the West, they have the leading scorer, Kevin Durant, and an elite point guard in Westbrook. And now, they have Perkins. They are clearly lining up for a playoff run, and I think they will surprise a few teams.
#4)Dallas Mavericks
Can't really say much about this team, but they've been playing good basketball. However, can they still win without Dirk? 
#5)Denver Nuggets
Despite losing Carmelo Anthony, I still think they can remain a top 5 team in the West. They have a lot of youth, and could upset one of the older teams. The additions of Felton and Danilo Gallinari will boost their depth and level of play.
#6)New Orleans Hornets
They've cooled off considerably, but CP3 is still the beast and will lead his team to the playoffs.
#7)Memphis Grizzlies
They've done incredibly, considering their past seasons. Mike Conley Jr. has really improved (though cooled down).
#8)Portland Trailblazers
For teams #4-8 in the West, I don't really know much about. Sorry, more of an East Coast fan. But from games I have seen, the Trailblazers have played decently. 

AFC 
#1 New England Patriots (13-3) 
#2 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
#3 Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
#4 Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
#5 New York Jets (12-4)
#6 Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
Bubble: San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars

A little NE bias here...The #1 seed is going down to either NE or NY...the match in two weeks is going to be a potential season-changer. AFC West is looking pretty weak, but the top 3 teams there are heating up, and its up for grabs between the Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders. Personally, I hope (and think) the Chiefs can survive the late "charge" by the Chargers and can hold on for the division title. Jacksonville is the surprise sleeper team. 

NFC
#1 Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
#2 Philadelphia Eagles (12-4)
#3 Green Bay Packers (11-5)
#4 St. Louis Rams (8-8)
#5 New Orleans Saints (11-5)
#6 New York Giants (10-6)
Bubble: Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay, Seattle Seahawks

Atlanta looking real good right now. Their last game, against New Orleans, will be the biggest game of the regular season for both teams. Eagles are going to be well on their way with Vick leading (MVP?). I'm picking the Rams to come from behind to win the division title, but only at 8-8! Giants recover to secure a wild card berth. Bears and Buccaneers are very likely candidates as well. Too bad the Bucs are in a very hard division. Thinking the Bears are very close to playoffs, but I have yet to see them play. 

And the curse continues. The #1 team of my power rankings has always lost the next week (unless they had a bye in which case the next-next week). The NY Giants got a whooping by the long thought dead Cowboys, who surprised my #1 team with a strong showing. This week saw two powerhouse matches. The Atlanta Falcons got past the Ravens thanks to Matt Ryan's playing as well as other factors to become 7-2 and the NFC leaders. The New England Patriots owned the Steelers, going to 7-2, tied with the Jets, who survived a scare against the Browns, who appear as unlucky possible-contenders. Kansas City suffered a horrendous loss to the Broncos, whose division hopes still linger. Favre is done. Without further ado, the Week 10 Power Rankings:

#1 Atlanta Falcons

#2 New York Jets

#3 New England Patriots

#4 Indianapolis Colts

#5 Green Bay Packers

#6 New Orleans Saints

#7 Philadelphia Eagles 

#8 Baltimore Ravens

#9 Pittsburgh Steelers

#10 New York Giants

#11 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

#12 Oakland Raiders

#13 Chicago Bears

#14 Jacksonville Jaguars

#15 San Diego Chargers

#16 Seattle Seahawks

#17 Kansas City Chiefs

#18 Cleveland Browns

#19 Tennessee Titans

#20 Houston Texans

#21 Denver Broncos 

#22 San Fransisco 49ers

#23 Miami Dolphins

#24 St.Louis Rams

#25 Cincinnati Bengals

#26 Minnesota Vikings

#27 Buffalo Bills

#28 Dallas Cowboys

#29 Arizona Cardinals

#30 Washington Redskins

#31 Detroit Lions

#32 Carolina Panthers

Teams That Got Screwed: 
Vikings (LOL @ Brett Favre saga...)
Dolphins (one of best divisions in AFC, QB injuries)
Texans (no defense means no championships)
Cowboys (coaching change came too late)

Amazingly, there are no clear leaders in the NFL. No team has pulled away from the rest of the pack. We have no 18-0 Pats, no 13-0 Saints and Colts. Every team has suffered some bad losses. Every division is still in heavy competition. More than half of the teams still can, theoretically contend. And yes! the Pats continue their domination against the Steelers! 

Every week, the #1 team I have always loses...Granted, I've only done this since Week 6....but I don't like trends. This week, the 6-1 Pats fell against the (not-so)-lowly Browns, Mangini outdueling Belichick. The Packers embarrassed the Cowboys, whose fundamentals may need more work. Vick returns and leads the Eagles over the Colts, the Falcons defeat the Bucs in a close game, and the Raiders are pretty legit. The Dolphins took their first loss away, and the NFC West continues to look like the worst division...period. An interesting week. Over .500 teams idle this week is the Titans. 
Here's the Rankings for Week 9:  

#1 New York Giants (6-2)

#2 Baltimore Ravens (6-2)

#3 Atlanta Falcons (6-2)

#4 New York Jets (6-2)

#5 Green Bay Packers (6-3)

#6 Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)*

#7 New Orleans Saints (6-3)

#8 Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)

#9 Indianapolis Colts (5-3)

#10 Oakland Raiders (5-4)

#11 New England Patriots (6-2)

#12 Chicago Bears (5-3)

#13 San Diego Chargers (4-5)

#14 Tennessee Titans (5-3)

#15 Cleveland Browns (3-5)

#16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)

#17 Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)

#18 Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)

#19 Houston Texans (4-4)

#20 Miami Dolphins (4-4)

#21 St. Louis Rams (4-4)

#22 Washington Redskins (4-4)

#23 Minnesota Vikings (3-5)

#24 Seattle Seahawks (4-4)

#25 San Fransisco 49ers (2-6)

#26 Arizona Cardinals (3-5)

#27 Denver Broncos (2-6)

#28 Cincinnati Bengals (2-5)*

#29 Buffalo Bills (0-8)

#30 Detroit Lions (2-6)

#31 Carolina Panthers (1-7)

#32 Dallas Cowboys (1-7)

*to play MNF (will update later)

I give the crown for now the New York Giants, but the Packers, Ravens, Falcons, Steelers, etc. are all very good as well. Perhaps I sent the Pats too low, but IDK what to feel about the Browns. Are they good? They beat the Saints and Pats...but then they suck the next game. So for now I'll say the Browns are not a top caliber team, and I love the Pats and did not love what I saw today...so for now they are low. The Raiders get a top 10 spot for showing everyone they are good. I still don't completely believe they are top 5 material, however...we'll see. The Chargers and Raiders are both beginning to heat up, and the AFC West race will be down to the wire. The NFC South is stacked, so who knows will emerge victorious? Ugh, still can't get over that ugly Pats loss....ugh ugh ugh. Although Morris' fumble and Gronkowski really screwed us over in the beginning...

Leading Scorer
Kevin Durant
Leading Assists 
Rajon Rondo
Leading Rebounds 
Kevin Love

MVP
Kevin Durant
DPOY Dwight Howard
ROY John Wall (Blake Griffin close in 2nd)
COY Tom Thibodeau
Most Improved Paul Millsap (Mike Conley Jr. 2nd)
6th Man of Year Glen Davis

East
1)Miami
2)Boston
3)Orlando
4)Chicago
5)Atlanta
6)Milwaukee
significant drop in record/team rating
7)New York
8)Cleveland

Celtics vs Magic 4-2
Heat vs Chicago 4-3


Heat vs Celtics 3-4

West
1)Los Angeles
2)Oklahoma Thunder
3)New Orleans
4)Portland
5)Dallas
6)Denver
7)San Antonio
8)Houston

Lakers vs Trailblazers 4-2
Thunder vs Hornets 4-3

Lakers vs Thunder 4-3

Celtics over Lakers 4-3

LOL this is all just guesswork. Haven't seen a single game yet. Plus can't tell anything until at least January...if even then you can accurately predict the events. Actually, this is what I hope will happen.

This week confirmed the demise of the Cowboys, and the continuing fall of the Vikings. New Orleans got back on track with a big win over the Steelers, and the Jets were shut out by the Packers in a close game. The Chiefs continue their surprisingly good season with an OT win over Buffalo, and the Chargers finally start playing like they should (i.e. winning). The top 5 teams are all capable of winning the SB, in fact, the top 10 have good chances. But this is what I decided on as the rankings...feel free to criticize and comment (constructive plz?)
Key teams with byes this week: Bears, Giants, and Eagles

#1 New England Patriots (6-1)

#2 Indianapolis Colts (5-2)

#3 New York Giants (5-2)

#4 Atlanta Falcons (5-2) 

#5 Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

#6 New Orleans Saints (5-3)

#7 Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)

#8 New York Jets (5-2)

#9 Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

#10 Green Bay Packers (5-3)

#11 Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)

#12 Tennessee Titans (5-3)

#13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)

#14 San Diego Chargers (3-5)

#15 Miami Dolphins (4-3)

#16 Oakland Raiders (4-4)

#17 Houston Texans (4-3)

#18 Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)

#19 Seattle Seahawks (4-3)

#20 Chicago Bears (4-3)

#21 St.Louis Rams (4-4)

#22 Cleveland Browns (2-5)

#23 Detroit Lions (2-5)

#24 Washington Redskins (4-4)

#25 Arizona Cardinals (3-4)

#26 San Fransisco 49ers (2-6)

#27 Minnesota Vikings (2-5)

#28 Cincinnati Bengals (2-5)

#29 Denver Broncos (2-6)

#30 Carolina Panthers (1-6)

#31 Buffalo Bills (0-7)

#32 Dallas Cowboys (1-6)

updated in 4th quarter of MNF, rankings under assumption Colts def. Texans...who aren't running the ball even though Foster is a beast!!