30 In 30 Part 16: Washington Nationals

Now that I am finally over the hump with 30 in 30, I would like to extend a special thanks to my readers.  I have been working to improve this blog in various capacities.  You may have noticed my "team bar" on the left with the logos of my favorite teams from high school through professional leagues.  I also removed that gaudy video strip and added a sources section to my links page.  I advise you to check it out.  I pride myself on the fact that I use sources from various local and national news outlets, as well as some sites that are either odd or a site that is trying to sell you some sort of t-shirt.  Thank you to my readers around the world.  Your feedback is very encouraging.  Now let's get down to business

Can Michael Morse lead the Nationals to their first playoff appearance?

The Washington Nationals picked the right time time to suck.  Everybody has known this for years as their two number one overall selections gave them Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.  The hype around these two is what makes Washington a place free agents want to play in.  Strasburg is the Cam Newton of pitchers.  He came to San Diego State with raw talent and he came out of college as one of the most hyped pitchers in the history of the draft.  He will head the rotation this year.  Bryce Harper, meanwhile, is a month older than I am and is participating in his second Spring Training.  Bitch Boy is expected to crack the big league roster in June and stay there.  Anybody who follows baseball enough knows his backstory.  What surprised me about his story is that I thought it would be a basketball player who finds a loophole to get out of their senior year of high school.  Now I am done talking about these kids until I finish the article.

If you know me, I love to bust on failed Chicago prospects.  From Curtis Enis and Cade McNown to Arnie Munoz and Danny Richar.  If it is not a tragic case such as Rocco Baldelli or Hideki Irabu, I like to get a laugh at their expense.  One that I joke about a lot is Jeremy Reed.  We traded Reed to the Mariners as part of a deal to acquire Freddy Garcia.  Reed, the centerpiece of the deal, turned out to be the least productive of the three players we traded.  We also traded Miguel Olivo and a kid by the name of Michael Morse.  Morse who had a relatively unproductive career with the Mariners, broke out last year in Washington.  He quietly had a stellar offensive season hitting .303/31/95.  Morse was easily Washington's biggest offensive threat last season.

Washington has doled out big bucks already to Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth.  Signing Werth was almost as big of a mistake as the White Sox signing Adam Dunn.  He may even be benched if anybody in the Nats' farm system plays their way up to The Show.  If not Werth, than Morse moves to First Base and Adam LaRoche takes a seat.

Going into the rest of their lineup, Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond are a perfectly capable double play combination.  It is always big to have your middle infield spoken for.  As for Wilson Ramos, everyone's just happy he's okay.

A few of Washington's arms really blossomed last season as John Lannan, Jordan Zimmerman, Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen are coming off tremendous seasons.  Joining them will be Brad Lidge, Edwin Jackson and Gio Gonzalez.  These additions might just be enough to secure a Wild Card slot.

X-FACTORS:
Lineup: OF Jayson Werth/1B Adam LaRoche. Both came in as coveted free agents and both have disappointed.  They both might be playing for their jobs with Bryce Harper expected to hit the big leagues in June.
Rotation: Edwin Jackson.  Is there a more helter skelter pitcher in this rotation?
Bullpen: Brad Lidge.  Pujols's Home Run ball from the 2004 NLCS still hasn't landed.
The Kids: Bryce Harper.  At 19, he could debut to a pennant race.  No better way to live the All-American Dream than to be baptized by fire.

ROYAL LIST:
#1 OF Bryce Harper: I didn't even have to check the list.
#19 3B Anthony Rendon: Unless Zimmerman has injury issues, I guarantee a position change is in this man's future.

PROJECTION: 2nd Place NL East
-I know this is going to sound strange considering the moves Miami made and how good Atlanta was last year.  However, this team was 80-81 in 2011.  That was with Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche not being healthy the whole season and an ineffective Jayson Werth.  Stephen Strasburg was recovering from Tommy John surgery and was limited to five starts.  The Nationals add Gio Gonzalez, Brad Lidge and Edwin Jackson.  They will also debut Bryce Harper.  This team, provided they stay healthy, will win 90 or more games and give the Phillies a run for their money.  Bitch Boy will be in the middle of it all.

-P.S. This is the Kansas City Royals in five years but with a slightly bigger market and great draft fortune.

My Initial Reaction To The NCAA Tournament Bracket

The Missouri Tigers were the first power conference
team to win 30 games and not get a one seed.

South Region - Atlanta

Kentucky fronts the South region with Duke, Baylor and Indiana at the next three seeds.  Iowa State/UConn and Wichita State/VCU are going to be two of the more interesting match-ups in this tournament.  Honestly Shockers/Shaka is going to be really hard to call.  UNLV takes on Pac-12 champion Colorado.  You cannot disqualify the Buffaloes here.  Notre Dame takes on Xavier in a game that is quite frankly disappointing for a 7/10.

I feel that Baylor has the easiest ride to the Sweet 16.  The UNLV/Colorado winner will provide a challenge but the winner of the other three middle games serve as more of a trap to Indiana, Duke and Kentucky.

West Region - Phoenix

Pardon my French, but holy shit.  Memphis/SLU, Mew Mexico/Long Beach State, Louisville/Davidson.

What makes this bracket notable is that Mizzou is the 2 seed, being the first 30 game winner in a power conference to not get a one seed.  They get no favors in drawing the winner of Florida and Virginia.

Murray takes on Colorado St. and that is no cake walk.  If that doesn't do them in, they will get Marquette, BYU or Iona in the second round.  Murray State will not make the sweet 16.  Michigan State will take the top seed here and they will get a wacky bracket to boot.  That being said, I feel that this region is favorable for Missouri getting to AT LEAST the Elite 8.

East Region - Boston

Syracuse takes the #1 seed.  Kansas State has a good chance at knocking off Syracuse.  Harvard and Vanderbilt have a 5/12 first round chess match.  Wisconsin has a relatively easy run to the Sweet 16.  Despite the fact that Vandy knocked off UK, I still don't think they will hang with Wisconsin in the second round.  Cincy/Texas and Gonzaga/West Virginia are going to be exciting to watch and Ohio State takes the 2 sedd.

Not as strong of a bracket as the West and South, but Syracuse will have a challenge along the way after they dispatch UNC-Asheville.

Midwest Region - St. Louis

UNC grabs the #1 seed and Kansas grabs the #2 seed.  I'd like to see Lamar win their play in game.  Watch out for this Creighton/Alabama game.  Temple gets the winner of the Cal/USF game.  This will be an interesting game, but the 12 seeds in this bracket will be hotly contested.  NC State/San Diego State should be an exciting matchup, but my money is on NC State.  Saint Mary's/Purdue is the 7/10 matchup.  I have Saint Mary's knocking off Kansas and if a 14 knocks off a 3 in 2012, it will be Belmont knocking off Georgetown.

Honestly, the only complaint I have about this case is that Drexel was left out.  You can make an argument for Miami because of their quality wins, but I would have liked to see Drexel in the field of 64.  This definitely does not make me feel any more compelled to watch the NIT.

Mizzou's Parting Shot To The Big 12

Kim English cutting down the net at the Sprint Center.
(Courtesy of KCOU Sports)

...and when the fray was through at the Sprint Center, the Tigers left K.C. with a Big 12 tournament trophy in hand.

No word on whether there was tramp, tramp, tramping around the columns with a cheer for old Mizzou.

The night after Baylor dispatched Kansas from the Big 12 tournament, Kansas's first Big 12 tournament loss since 2005, Mizzou knocked off the Bears 90-75.  This game was served as a reminder for how magical of an academic year it has been for both schools and trust me I will get to Baylor in a different article.  This magical basketball season and subsequent conference tournament was the icing on the cake for the winningest class in Missouri Tiger men's basketball history.  This will truly be a season to remember by fans, players, coaches and alumni alike.  The wonderful part is that it is not over yet.

The Missouri Tigers hired Frank Haith to coach this team after Mike Anderson has had left for Arkansas. Haith was doubted and his history did not alleviate any criticism and concerns.  Not too many people had Faith in Haith from the very beginning.  I cannot sit here and tell you that I did either.  I honestly felt that the football team had more potential than the basketball team this August.  The concerns about this year's Missouri Tigers were greater when Laurence Bowers tore his ACL.  What we did not see is that a team that was divided become united.  The story that we hear during games was the seal training that the team went through together that built trust.  This trust established roles and built a winner.

They rode that camaraderie to a Big 12 tournament championship.  They leave Kansas City, a KU and K-State town, with hardware and middle fingers directed at the rest of the conference that they are leaving.  Living in Columbia, I can tell you that I have not followed a team this fun so closely since the 2004-05 Illinois Fighting Illini.  Kim English, Ricardo Ratliffe, Michael Dixon Jr., Phil Pressey, Steve Moore, Marcus Denmon and Matt Pressey will have a special place in my heart.  So will Laurence Bowers who despite not playing this season, is every bit a part of this team as the other seven.  A place that Dee Brown, James Augustine, Deron Williams, Luther Head and Roger Powell Jr. occupy.  You have been a special group of guys to watch and the culmination of your hard work will be this tournament.  You have a shot at even more glory.  You have a legitimate opportunity to capture Missouri's third NCAA athletic national championship.  

You are a truly special group of athletes and men and I wish you the best in this tournament and the rest of your lives.

30 In 30 Part 15: Toronto Blue Jays

Jose Bautista leads the Blue Jays into 2012.
The first season of the 5th Wild Card and  realistic playoff hopes.

There were two teams in 2011 that were fun to watch.  The Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays.

This is just going to be another season of Blue Jay baseball.  That means there's going to be over 80 wins and a lot of Home Runs.  And in the Rogers Centre, you won't need a jacket.

These Blue Jays, however, possess a bullpen that has been given a facelift.  It features Sergio Santos, Francisco Cordero and Darren Oliver.  Don't be surprised if a 13-10 Blue Jays lead after 6 innings will stick for the rest of the game.

The rotation will be helter skelter as per usual.  It is headed by Ricky Romeo, who is one of the most underrated pitchers in the AL.  After that, it is all kids and question marks.  Look out for Henderson Alverez, who I feel may be the #2 starter by the end of the season.  Between Brendan Morrow, Brett Cecil, Dustin McGowan and Kyle Drabek; The Blue Jays need to fill out their rotation with quality pitching if they want to compete for the wild card in 2012.

As for the lineup, watch out for Brett Lawrie.  This kid has a steadily improving glove and has all of the offensive tools you look for.  Definitely somebody the Blue Jays want to eventually protect Jose Bautista. These two will be surrounded by J.P. Arencibia, Kelly Johnson and Adam Lind.  These three all fit into the Blue Jays offense perfectly.  Colby Rasmus now has a full spring training to get his feet under him with Toronto.  The offense will be dynamite.  The lineup will be too much fun to watch in 2012.

X-FACTORS:
Lineup: OF Colby Rasmus.  We know what the rest of this lineup is capable.  Rasmus struggled last season and must now find his niche in this Toronto offense.
Rotation: Kyle Drabek.  He may not be projected to be in the rotation on Opening Day, but he better be by the All-Star Break or the Blue Jays got robbed in that Roy Halla-Trade.
Bullpen: Sergio Santos.  The former shortstop will serve as Toronto's closer.  His ability to lock down the 9th inning goes a long way in Toronto.
The Kids: 3B Brett Lawrie.  This kid returns after a cup of coffee in 2011 with a starting job in hand.  If he gets hot this season, Jose Bautista hits 50 home runs.  Mark my words.

ROYAL LIST:
#17 C Travis d'Arnaud: More complete catching prospect than Arencibia was.
#39 OF Anthony Gose: If Rasmus doesn't pan out, Gose is a viable option for Center Field in 2013.
#67 OF Jake Marisnick: Raw prospect.  Will be in minors for at least the next year and a half working on offensive tools.
#91 LHP Daniel Norris: Never hurts to have an 18-year old lefty on this list.

PROJECTION: 4th Place AL East
-Lacks pitching depth of Tampa Bay, New York and Boston.  However, they are not the one trick pony of yesteryear. 

30 In 30 Part 14: Pittsburgh Pirates

Andrew McCutchen is the superstar that Pittsburgh
has craved since losing Barry Bonds.   The difference:
Andrew McCutchen is more concerned with winning 

The Pirates did the smartest thing they could do this offseason and locked up Andrew McCutchen to a long term deal.

They also did one of the dumbest things they could do in acquiring A.J. Burnett.

After summing up Pittsburgh's offseason in a nutshell, I will say that they got their first taste of important baseball in a long time.  With the exception of the last week of the season, the Pirates played the most important series in baseball in 2012.  This series was marked by this call that quite frankly, pisses me off to watch.  Pittsburgh's season was all downhill from there.  Milwaukee won the division and St. Louis overtook Atlanta for the wild card on the final week.  Pittsburgh finished with 72 wins and 4th Place.

Last season showed me that the Pirates have potential and a whole lot of growing up to do.  This year, the Pirates have a mix of the kids that got their first taste of big baseball in 2011 and journeymen with a chip on their shoulder.  They also have a lot of kids in the cupboard waiting to get their chance at the show.  These are all ingredients for the Pirates to make noise.  Noise is a lot better than winning 58 games like they did in 2010.  Noise is what they made in 2011.  Noise, however, does not translate into division championships, pennants and World Series titles.

This is all that Pittsburgh will amount to this season.  Noise.

However, Pittsburgh will have their day.  The Pirates and the Nationals are this decades buzz teams in the NL.  These are the Pirates of Clint Hurdle and Andrew McCutchen and their Pirates will go to the playoffs.  Just not this year.

P.S. I have to laugh at the projection of Jason Grilli on a major league roster.

X-FACTORS:
Lineup: 3B Pedro Alverez.  Disappointing does not even begin to describe this man's 2011 campaign.  For one more season, I beg of you to watch this kid break out.
Rotation: Erik Bedard.  If he can be anything like he was in Baltimore for the whole season, and he showed flashes of this in 24 starts last season, he will make Pittsburgh's rotation as solid as it has been in a long time.
Bullpen: Chris Resop.  He is projected as the primary setup men for Joel Hanrahan and must improve if he wants to shore up the 8th inning for the Bucs.  He brings with him the power of K's.
The Kids: OF Jose Tabata.  Another young Pirate who was projected to break out in 2011.  He needs to stay healthy and get the experience of a full season in 2012.

ROYAL LIST: 
#12 RHP Gerrit Cole: When you are building a winner in a small market, it always helps to have a #1 overall pick in your farm system.
#15 RHP Jameson Taillon: Having two Righty Arms in the Top 15 of the Top 100 prospects list is an indicator of future success.
#60 OF Josh Bell: Risk on Josh "Don't Draft Me" Bell may just pay off for Pirates.
#73 OF Starling Marte: 2013 will be the Year of the Starling.  Of course Bubba will have a lot to do with that as well.

PROJECTION: 4th Place NL Central
-Like I said, they will make noise.  This team does not look to be at the level of Milwaukee, Cincy or St. Louis.  They are also the only one of those four teams without playoff experience.  That usually helps in August and September.

Syracuse and Kansas Remind Us Why We Love March

Baylor's Perry Jones III goes up to
contest the shot of KU's Thomas Robinson.
This year's tournament is chock full of star players and exciting teams.

The first third of the month has giving us some crazy basketball games.  Minnesota played two consecutive overtime games, the Conference USA tournament has been sneaky exciting and NC State is making a run at the ACC title.  Notre Dame and South Florida was a fun one to watch and Virginia Tech almost knocked off Duke.  UNC did knock off Duke on their Senior Night in blowout fashion.

Tonight, however, was the first night of the tournament the one thing we have been waiting for.  It was the element of March Madness that you needed a taste of in the Conference Tournament.  Some of the top teams needed to go down.  The games that cause us to make those outrageous statements and make us postulate on who is going to make runs in our NCAA tournament brackets.

Today, our victims were the Syracuse Orange and the Kansas Jayhawks.

Cincy and Baylor provided our first important upsets of the tournament.  The first one was another reminder that even in a down year, the Big East Tournament is still be best show in town.  The second one has us talking one seeds.  Tonight, Missouri defeated Texas in the other Big 12 semifinal and will play Baylor in the championship.  If Missouri wins this tournament, they deserve the number one seed.  As for Baylor, their run in this tournament is already (and prematurely) being compared to UConn's run through the Big East and NCAA tournaments.

Granted, Saturday will not bring a "Border War" part three, which is disappointing considering that Kansas-Missouri has easily been the most exciting conference series this season.  However, college basketball has a lot more excitement to offer us.  In two weeks from Monday, we will have four teams left  in College Basketball.  We have many more giants that need to fall.  Brackets need to be made.  Articles need to be written.  Let us all put on our sports analyst cap this weekend and call in sick to work on Thursday and Friday.  March Madness has infected us and we need to get it out of our system.

Game.  By game.  By extraordinary game.

Mr. Griffin Goes To Washington

The Redskins traded four draft picks for the #2 overall pick.
Drafting Robert Griffin III here will make them
one of the most fun teams in Madden this August.

Washington needed to secure a quarterback and as we all know, this is the offseason to do it.

This offseason's edition of musical quarterbacks involved Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Peyton Manning.  Although none of these quarterback's destinations are set in stone, tonight's trade between the Redskins and Rams give you a more complete view of the picture.  In a Williams-esque deal, the Skins gave the Rams the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, two ones and a two for the 2nd overall pick.

Here's what we are most likely looking at coming into next year:
Colts: Andrew Luck
Redskins: Robert Griffin
Dolphins: Peyton Manning

I mentioned Peyton going to the Dolphins and this looks like the best situation for him.  He can bring his talents to South Beach.  Reggie Wayne is a free agent and Manning has a condo in Miami where he is staying right now.  The Colts are also actively shopping Dwight Freeney around.  Manning has a chance to shove this new team up Tom Brady's ass twice a year.  Manning potentially throwing to Anthony Fasano, Davone Bess, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Marshall along with any potential receivers who can Manning can turn into overnight stars.  Not to mention he has Reggie Bush in his offense.  That's illegal.

As for the city of Miami, you will need more than an island to house all of the stars in that city.  It will also put the onus on the Panthers to pick up a star, seeing that they are starting play quality hockey.  Miami will be All-Sports City #3 joining Boston and "The City of Smart Fans."

Acquiring Peyton Manning will also leave Cleveland standing up in this game of musical quarterbacks.  This means Cleveland has the choice of drafting a second tier quarterback or rolling with Colt McCoy

Miami 2 Cleveland 0

The Rams are big winners this offseason.  The Rams demanded a king's ransom for the #2 pick for two reasons.  First and foremost, the gaudy price tag on Robert Griffin that was made steeper at the combine.  Additionally, you were paying the Rams not to take USC's Matt Kalil.  Kalil is easily the third best prospect in the draft and will don a Minnesota Viking uniform if the Vikes know what is good for them.  This man would have been Sam Bradford's personal bodyguard, but holding the 6th pick and and three other high draft picks from a team that will not have immediate success is a great consolation prize.

So here's a toast to the St. Louis Rams.  The team that cemented their future this weekend.