Bleacher Report - Front Page

Sergio Aguero: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Nick Akerman — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:50:25 -0400

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is amongst the many names being touted for a move in the summer transfer window. Here's a breakdown of the Argentinian's difficult 2012-13 season at the Etihad, along with a few hints as to where he could be playing next year.

AGE: 24

CONTRACT SITUATION: Aguero's five-year deal at Manchester City will expire in July 2016.

CAREER STOPS: Independiente (2003-2006), Atletico Madrid (2006-11), Manchester City (2011-current)

CURRENT CAMPAIGN: Premier League—30 games, 12 goals, 2 assists; Champions League—5 games, 2 goals

VIDEO SHOWREEL:

SCOUTING GUIDE: One of the deadliest natural finishers on the planet, Aguero is often unplayable when fully fit. His speed, dribbling skill and ability to score goals from in and around the box makes him extremely difficult to contain for 90 minutes. The Argentinian's knack of scoring match-winning goals often sees his club succeed in difficult situations.

WHERE NEXT? Aguero's season has been difficult on and off the field. With numerous injuries and the break up of his marriage to Giannina Maradona, the 24-year-old is no longer tied to Manchester by his family.

Aguero's ex-wife and son have moved to homes in Madrid and Buenos Aires; an occurrence that has seen the striker once again pop onto Real Madrid's radar according to The Telegraph.

Recent events at Manchester City—namely the sacking of Roberto Mancini and dressing room upset—saw The Guardian report that Aguero wants to leave the club.The Daily Express indicates Barcelona are set to lure Aguero away from the Etihad as a replacement for David Villa.

Amidst the continued interest, Metro suggests Manchester City is ready to offer the prolific forward a bumper new deal to secure his future.

Follow @Nakerman

Pros and Cons of Wednesday Night UFC Events on Fox Sports

Nathan McCarter — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:35:31 -0400

Fox Sports 1 will debut on August 17, and the UFC will be a big part of its kickoff.

After the Saturday launch, UFC on Fox Sports 1 events will move to Wednesday. Two events have already been announced for August 28 and September 4 in Indianapolis and Brasila, Brazil, respectively.

This won't be the first time the UFC has put on midweek events, but it will be a departure from what we have grown accustomed to in recent times. It appears that the UFC will play a significant role in the early programming of the network.

Fox Sports 1 will replace the Speed channel.

As with any change, it will have both its pros and cons, and here they are.

Begin Slideshow

UFC 160 Preview: Junior dos Santos vs. Mark Hunt Head-to-Toe Breakdown

Sean Smith — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:32:27 -0400

Junior dos Santos has not competed since losing the heavyweight crown to Cain Velasquez, but he could earn himself a chance to reclaim the belt with a win over the surging Mark Hunt at UFC 160.

After losing six straight fights, Hunt has resurrected his career with four consecutive wins and is now a legitimate contender in the heavyweight division. With a victory over a former champion like Dos Santos, Hunt would be more than deserving of his first UFC title shot.

Aside from the title shot implications this fight carries, a matchup between Dos Santos and Hunt promises an entertaining stand-up battle and high potential for a knockout finish.

Before these highly ranked heavyweights step into the Octagon, let's take a look at which fighter is more likely to walk away with the win.

Begin Slideshow

Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim Rips Carmelo Anthony's NY Knicks Teammates

Dan Favale — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:28:37 -0400

Carmelo Anthony isn't to blame for the New York Knicks' postseason failures. Everyone else is.

Or so says Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim.

'Melo's former mentor wasn't happy with the way New York's playoff run ended. More specifically, he was irate at the general populous for putting the onus Anthony when really, it wasn't his fault.

“Not on that team," Boeheim responded when asked if 'Melo could lead the Knicks to a title via Marc Berman of the New York Post. "He did what he can do. He played very well the final game."

To Boeheim's credit, Anthony had an outstanding Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers. He went for 39 points on 15-of-29 shooting and single-handedly kept the Knicks within striking distance for most of the game.

It was his three crucial fourth-quarter turnovers that we were left harping on, though. Two of which came off errant pass attempts to Tyson Chandler and Kenyon Martin. Those apparently weren't 'Melo's fault, though.

"[Tyson] was wide open,’’ Boeheim ranted. “He should have been looking for the ball right here. Kenyon Martin should have been looking for the ball. They both went like this [Boeheim dodged again]. Carmelo gets turnovers and the announcers aren’t smart enough to even think, ‘Well, the guy should try to catch the ball.'"

Boeheim wasn't done reprimanding Chandler.

“Tyson Chandler claims he never gets the ball,’’ he added. "He doesn’t try to get the ball. He had two points and Hibbert had [21].’’

It wasn't just New York's big men Boeheim was disgusted with either. Raymond Felton also incurred some of his verbal wrath.

“What was the difference in the series?,’’ he said. “Raymond Felton was 0-for-7. Lance Stephenson had [25] points."

Boeheim then said that Felton and J.R. Smith "weren’t great players where they were and now they’re asking them to be second and third options." He also ripped Pablo Prigioni a new one for not shooting enough, while reinforcing his previous notion that the Knicks have no chance to win anything.

Most of what Boeheim raves about is built upon a foundation of truth. 'Melo did do all he could and most of his teammates didn't do enough. Anthony is also being held accountable for more of what went wrong than he deserves to be.

But that's just New York. Superstars are blamed for a team's transgressions. That's how it works. And Boeheim would do well to remember 'Melo struggled for most of the series, too. He'd do even better to remember Prigioni is off limits, because he's a full-court pressing God.

Everyone in the Knicks' locker room must answer for the letdown against Indiana, 'Melo included. The entire team needed to play better against the Pacers. They didn't, and so they lost.

"I told him when he went to New York, ‘They’re going to blame it on you,'" Boeheim admitted.

Fear not though, Carmelo. All of New York may hold you responsible for what goes wrong, but your pal Boeheim never will.

Follow @danfavale

Ohio State Football Recruiting: Multiple OSU Targets in Updated Rivals100

David Regimbal — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:25:11 -0400

College football fans, and by extension fans of recruiting, eagerly await moments like this to break up the long and grueling offseason.

Rivals.com released its updated "Rivals100" Monday afternoon, a compilation of the top football recruits in the country, and four high school prospects earned their fifth stars in the latest ranking.

Three of those four new 5-star recruits are being heavily recruited by the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Linebacker Raekwon McMillan, offensive tackle Damian Prince and running back Joe Mixon joined the group that now includes 18 recruits who are rated 5-star prospects by Rivals.

McMillan, who has nearly 30 offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas and many others, lists Ohio State as his leader at the moment. The 6'2", 240-pound linebacker out of Hinesville, Ga. piled up an incredible 152 tackles during his junior season, 22 of which were made behind the line of scrimmage.

Ohio State's biggest recruiting need in the 2014 cycle is offensive line, and there are few better prospects in the country than Prince. The 6'6", 300-pound offensive tackle has tremendous speed and footwork for his size, which is exactly what Urban Meyer looks for in his offensive linemen.

Mixon is one of the most sought-after running backs in the country, holding over 40 offers from some of the top programs in the nation. The Buckeyes will have an uphill battle pulling this California prospect to the East Coast, though, as he currently favors USC, Cal, Oklahoma and Texas.

Watch analysis on the three targets listed above here.

Only one of Ohio State's eight current commits appears in the updated Rivals100 (4-star cornerback Damon Webb at No. 35). Three of Ohio State's eight commits are 4-star prospects (Webb, Kyle Trout and Kyle Berger), while the other five (Marcelys Jones, Parris Campbell, Sam Hubbard, Lonnie Johnson and Dylan Thompson) have been rated 3-star recruits by Rivals.

It's still very early, though, and Ohio State is heavily in the mix for a number of prospects who made Rivals' cut, including:

Defensive end Lorenzo Carter (No. 5)
Cornerback Tony Brown (No. 14)
Offensive tackle Braden Smith (No. 22)
Quarterback Kyle Allen (No. 27)
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore (No. 45)
Defensive end Jalyn Holmes (No. 48)
Linebacker Clifton Garrett (No. 55)
Wide receiver Demarre Kitt (No. 68)
Wide receiver Mark Andrews (No. 71)
Offensive guard Demetrius Knox (No. 87)
Offensive tackle Jamarco Jones (No. 97)

Ohio State won't land all of these prospects, of course, but considering where the Buckeyes stand for many of the recruits listed above, it should be another fantastic recruiting haul for Meyer in 2014.

David Regimbal is the lead Ohio State football writer for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.

The University of Minnesota Somehow Lost Money Selling Booze to College Students

Dan Carson — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:24:10 -0400

Finite Math supplement books are now selling better than booze at the University of Minnesota.

Yes, somehow, some way, an institute of higher education managed to come up in the red after an entire football season of selling beer to young adults who truly want nothing else in the world on a fall Saturday afternoon or night (via Deadspin).

After signing a deal with national concessionaire Aramark, the university began selling beer at Golden Gophers home games in TCF Bank Stadium, and the end result was a $16,000 net loss for the school.

"I think it was a surprise we lost money,” said David Benedict, the school’s executive associate athletic director. "We were not happy when we realized the fact that we had not shown a net profit."

How does that happen? I’m no thermodynamics expert, but I know we have rules in this world, and this is one of them:

(Drunk college students) plus (alcohol vendors) equals (student loan money thrown at you)

This isn’t going to code. There’s a glitch in the matrix here and it’s probably the fact that buying stadium beer is a lot like getting a divorce. Both deal with a hefty sum of money changing hands that neither party believes the other deserves, and it generally only occurs after all other possibilities have been exhausted.

There’s also the crying. Don’t forget about the crying.

So yes, the likely problem here is the cost of the beer, which Minnesota was selling at $7.25 a pop. It’s not a $12 cup of Wrigley Field regret, but it’s a heady price for any college kids looking to staunch their cash hemorrhaging and spending their indebted money wisely.

Who’s to blame in this scenario? The university, obviously, for multiple reasons.

First off, there’s something to be said about an institution that charges college students money for an education and then double-pumps them for tickets and beer at games. That’s a winning racket.

With that being said, the real problem here is the university’s overestimation of its stadium security. If you went to college, you’ll know this—college kids possess a wily, low cunning that’s almost impossible to hinder. They have a will to drink cheaply and they’ll find a way to pilfer their own goods into the stadium.

Alas, beer will continue to be sold at TCF Bank Stadium, as Minnesota has renegotiated a deal with Aramark that reimburses the university $37,000 for its own failure to sell beer.

The beer price is too damn high.

Follow @Dr__Carson

WWE Must Address Big E. Langston's Ring Gear

Ryan Dilbert — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:23:25 -0400

As intimidating and powerful as he is, it's hard to take WWE's Big E. Langston seriously with his current ring gear.

Fans are focusing and remarking on the excessive tightness of Langston's tights rather than his ring work, making it a distraction that needs to be addressed. Billing him as a force of destruction is a difficult task when the audience is busy snickering.

With as visual a product as WWE is, with as long as fans stare at the Superstars, selecting the right ring gear is not a trivial thing. WWE is doing Langston a disservice by letting him walk out to the ring in that skintight singlet night after night.

Langston's ring gear features bold colors and an eye-catching design. As he explained in this tweet, his singlet bears the Rastafarian symbol of the Lion of Judah.

All of that is great in terms of both tying into who he is and visual pop. The issue is that the outfit is too tight. It grips his buttocks like Fritz Von Erich once gripped foes with the claw hold and too often slides up to reveal more of his body than most folks want to see.

Instead of oohing and aahing at Langston's impressive power, fans are busy making jokes at his expense.

Twitter and social media in general will always be home to snarky comments, but the amount of fans talking about what Langston is wearing compared to anything else about him has to be troubling to WWE. Tweets like this one from fan Arya Stark are far too common.

It's an easy fix. It's not as if fans are muttering about a quality that Langston can't change. Get him some gear that fits better and eventually the jokes will fade away, eventually his matches and mic work will take center stage and we can see how the audience reacts to those elements instead.

The gear he wore when competing for NXT fit him much better, so why the switch? This tighter, shorter version of his attire is the opposite of intimidating. It turns him into a punchline.

When fans make as many jokes about the gear's appropriateness on Twitter and elsewhere, it's an indication that the problem needs to be tackled.

Loosen up what Langston is wearing so we can key on his strengths, his potential and the upward trajectory of his career. Being the victim of running jokes is certainly not elevating his career.

Some fans do want to see more of Langston, but more of him in ring action, not more of his body.

Are Early-Season Offensive WAR Leaders Breakout Stars or Just Lucky?

Jason Catania — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:21:30 -0400

Last week, the case was made for WAR as baseball's best statistic. Now it's time to dig a little deeper to find out if some of the early-season leaders in Wins Above Replacement are for real.

Take a look at the WAR leaders, per FanGraphs, and amid proven studs like Miguel Cabrera, Evan Longoria and Joey Votto, you'll notice a bunch of hitters who seem like potential new entries for breakout stars.

But given that we're only a month-and-a-half into the 2013 season, it's possible that some of these stars-in-the-making actually are closer to stars-in-the-faking, inflated by luck or unsustainable underlying numbers.

Let's examine a batch of these players to uncover whether each of the following is a Breakout Star, a Legitimate Starter...or Just Lucky.

Before we go sticking these labels on players, though, let's define what they mean:

A Breakout Star is a player who will soon be a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate
A Legitimate Starter is an above-average player who is capable of being a first-division starter
Just Lucky is an average player whose performance is being trumped up by good fortune

Carlos Gomez, OF, Brewers

2.6 WAR (No. 3 among hitters)

Seems the Johan Santana trade actually might have worked out for the Twins—if only they'd hung onto Gomez instead of trading him away for J.J. Hardy.

While it's taken quite a while for the 27-year-old center fielder to figure things out at the plate in the majors, it appears he's done just that, as he's hitting .336 with 20 extra-base hits, including six homers, nine steals and 23 runs.

There's been more than a little good luck here, though, as Gomez's .413 BABIP is third-highest in baseball. Obviously a speedy, in-his-prime player is a prime candidate to sport an above-average BABIP, but his current one is more than 100 points higher than his .311 career number—and insanely unsustainable.

Coupled with Gomez's 4.9 percent walk rate—not to mention, that 22.7 percent strikeout figure—and Gomez could be in for a major regression in the batting average department.

The speed? We've known that's for real for years, and it helps him both on the bases and in center field, so there's less worry over Gomez's ability in those regards. That should help prop up his WAR even if his bat slows.

Speaking of his stick, what about the power? As his batted ball data indicates, Gomez has become much less of a ground-ball hitter and shifted toward lofting more fly balls since 2011. That obviously helps him put more over the wall, and his 13.6 HR/FB rate is actually right in line with what he managed the past two seasons, too.

In other words, the gains in power Gomez showed by smacking 19 homers in 2012—in only 452 plate appearances—are real, and we could be in for a season of 20 to 25 home runs, along with 30-plus steals and stellar defense (you watched the video, right?) at a premium up-the-middle position.

Verdict: To become a true Breakout Star, Gomez will have to show some improvements in plate discipline and prove he can keep his average up when his BABIP inevitably falls. Until then, he is certainly at least a Legitimate Starter.

Projected 2013 WAR: 4.5-5.0

Jean Segura, SS, Brewers

2.4 WAR (No. 5)

After just 41 games at the outset of this season, Segura already looks like the next great shortstop.

The 23-year-old is leading the NL with a .364 batting average, to go along with seven homers, 20 RBI, 25 runs and 14 steals.

The non-surface stats, though, paint the picture of a youngster playing somewhat above his head. You see, Segura owns a .394 BABIP (sixth-highest) and 20.0 HR/FB rate.

The former is very high and will regress, but for such a quick player, it's not unreasonable to expect he'll post above-average BABIPs for years, especially if he continues to hit the ball on the ground 53.3 percent of the time and use his wheels to leg out hits.

The latter, however, is a rate that belongs with only the true sluggers. To wit, this year Pedro Alvarez (25.8), Wilin Rosario (20.5) and Prince Fielder (20.0) all have similar rates, and well, one of these things is not like the other.

In case you were wondering, at 5'10", 200 lbs. and with a career high of 10 homers, the ground-balling middle infielder is that one, even if he does have some opposite field pop, as the video shows.

The early returns on the defensive front are promising, and Segura should be able to stick at shortstop, which will always give him a nice bump in positional value in WAR's eyes.

Verdict: While the surface stats say Breakout Star, Segura is more in the mold of a Legitimate Starter who will be above-average at his position, thanks to his ability to handle the defensive responsibilities, make lots of contact and run enough to add value on the bases.

Projected 2013 WAR: 4.0-4.5

Manny Machado, 3B, Orioles

2.3 WAR (No. 6)

As highly thought of as Machado was as a prospect after being the third overall pick in 2010, it's unlikely anyone expected him to be this good, this quickly.

Although the 20-year-old more than held his own in his first taste of the majors last summer, hitting .262 with seven homers, 24 runs and 26 RBI in 51 games—all while playing a new position, no less—Machado appears to have taken at least two or three steps forward to begin 2013.

At the moment, the righty-hitting Machado has five home runs, 26 RBI and 32 runs through 43 games, numbers that aren't too different from his 2012 performance in about the same amount of time. And yet, Machado is batting .328 with an MLB-high 18 doubles. Speaking of which...

What do we make of this? A quick peek at BABIP shows a .368 rate, which is among the highest, but it's not a crazy number given the routinely hard contact Machado is making on both line drives (21.2 percent) and grounders (49.0 percent).

The plate discipline numbers are intriguing, too, as Machado is walking in only 5.0 percent of his plate appearances, but also whiffing just 14.6 percent of the time. In other words, Machado is putting bat on ball—a lot—and when he does, he's stinging it.

The former shortstop has also made himself into one of the best defensive third basemen around in very short order, which helps pump up his WAR even more.

Verdict: The fact that Machado is striking out so infrequently at such a young age and with such little experience is extremely promising. This shows he's focusing now on making solid contact, with the goal of eventually tapping more into his power to turn into the Breakout Star that his pedigree suggests—and that he's quickly becoming.

Projected 2013 WAR: 5.5-6.0

Josh Donaldson, 3B, Athletics

2.1 WAR (No. 9)

Admit it: Some of you just went, "Uh, who?"

Right, well, Donaldson is a very interesting case for a guy you've either never heard of or never given a second thought to, because it's not often that a 27-year-old with little prior big league experience—let alone success—suddenly morphs into a big-time player.

Hitting .317 with six homers, 27 RBI and 23 runs scored through 44 games has gotten Donaldson noticed, as Dave Cameron wrote for ESPN Insider (subscription required), and may even be enough to make some wonder why they haven't heard of him before now.

In addition to the above numbers, Donaldson also has 15 doubles, as well as a 10.4 walk percentage and a 15.4 strikeout percentage, both of which are above league average.

Try as you might to find a weak link in Donaldson's underlying stats, and nothing jumps out. His HF/FB is fine at 14.3 percent; his .349 BABIP is high but only slightly; and the righty-hitter is even hitting right-handers, as his .287/.354/.443 line reads.

While Donaldson had shown flashes and signs of being a productive hitter in the minors along the way, perhaps the biggest change is that the former catcher has turned into what looks to be a solid third baseman with the glove (check the video), at least in a limited sample to this point. That may be most important for Donaldson going forward.

Verdict: While something in the gut still feels like Donaldson is closer to Just Lucky than Legitimate Starter, it's wrong to ignore the facts as laid out above. If he proves to be a quality defender with this type of offensive profile, Donaldson finally may have solved the A's longstanding third base problem.

Projected 2013 WAR: 3.5-4.0

Gerardo Parra, OF, Diamondbacks

2.0 WAR (No. 12)

When Arizona lost preseason Rookie of the Year candidate Adam Eaton to an elbow sprain at the end of spring training, the D-backs were in the rare position to be able to at least cover themselves at both the leadoff spot and in center field.

Parra, a veteran of four seasons spent primarily as a fourth outfielder with a great glove and usable skills on offense, has not only held down the fort while Eaton recovers, the 26-year-old has thrived at times while playing every day.

Through 43 games, the lefty-hitting Parra is batting .320 with 14 doubles and 28 runs as the club's primary leadoff hitter. The other numbers don't knock your socks off, but Parra doesn't have any real weaknesses either.

He doesn't strike out much (15.5 percent), walks some (9.3 percent) and his .367 BABIP, while high, isn't much north of his .337 career rate.

The biggest knock on Parra is that he struggles to hit for almost any power against southpaws with a so-so .730 OPS in 2013 and a less-good .654 mark for his career.

Of course, Parra's bread and butter is really his D, including his arm (video evidence to the right), and that's unchanged this year. Plus, he's getting to work more often in center than his usual left field, which makes his contributions that much more valuable.

All of this raises the question of how the D-backs will fit in Eaton, once he's ready to return, which could be by the end of May or early June.

Verdict: Within the Legitimate Starter realm, Parra is more of a fringe fit, as he's the type who could be exposed over an extended period. He is, however, in his prime and proving he can handle a prominent position on the field and in the lineup. There's not much more ceiling but still a safe floor.

Projected 2013 WAR: 3.0-3.5

Matt Carpenter, 2B/3B, Cardinals

1.9 WAR (No. 16)

While Donaldson may have fixed the recent broken history of hot cornermen in Oakland, Carpenter is on track to do the same at the keystone in St. Louis.

The surprise here, though, isn't that the 27-year-old has been a plus with the bat—he's slashing .290/.375/.432 with 14 doubles, 14 RBI and 33 runs—but that he's been a positive with the glove so far.

Carpenter, who transitioned from a utility role to second base over the winter, has posted a 13.9 UZR/150 despite the fact that he'd never even sniffed the position prior to a few experimental outings there last season. While it's unwise to read too much into defensive statistics at such an early stage, it's at least a promising development.

As for Carpenter's offense, well, that's been similar to what he showed in 2012: a high-average, good-contact batter from the left side with a strong walk rate who also raps plenty of doubles because of a line-drive stroke (24.3 percent liners).

Carpenter is never going to be a star—he lacks the power to be more than a 12- to 18-homer guy—but he does almost all of the little things extremely well. His offensive approach and plate discipline, combined with what seems to be a legitimate ability to capably play wherever he's put on the diamond make him something like the NL's version of Ben Zobrist.

Verdict: There's a lot to like here, so Carpenter shouldn't have any trouble being a Legitimate Starter for a handful of seasons. Of course, he may instead be used as more of a Swiss Army knife type who can fill in across the board, but that wouldn't take away from his value. If anything, it might add to it.

Projected 2013 WAR: 4.0-4.5

Starling Marte, OF, Pirates

1.9 WAR (No. 18)

To say Marte has been impressive this year would be understating things just a bit.

The 24-year-old is hitting .305 with five homers, 17 RBI, 10 steals and 33 runs scored in what is his first full season in the majors.

There are a few warning signs, though, that Marte may not maintain quite this level of success. Like his .386 BABIP, which is rather high, even for a speedster who hits the ball on the ground a ton (55.5 percent grounders). Or his 4.6 percent walk rate, especially when he's striking out almost 23 percent of the time.

Plate discipline was the big concern with Marte in the minors, so the fact that there hasn't been any real improvement or adjustment yet means there's a good chance the best pitchers on the planet will eventually be able to exploit his aggressiveness from the right side.

Marte, who came up through the ranks as a good center fielder, also draws a lot of his WAR value from the fact that he's currently playing left field while Andrew McCutchen mans center. This may wind up being similar to when Brett Gardner, a natural center fielder, became arguably the best left fielder going for a few years in New York while handling a less demanding position.

Verdict: Look, Marte is a Legitimate Starter in that he's a good, young player with offensive upside and strong defensive ability. But unless he starts addressing some of the flaws in his approach, Marte won't be quite as great as he appears to be right now.

Projected 2013 WAR: 3.0-3.5

Statistics come from FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.

Ermon Lane Highlights: Watch the 5-Star WR Dominate the Secondary

Full Ride — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:19:36 -0400

Five-star wide receiver Ermon Lane has receiver coaches on their toes for his potential commit.

The 6'3", 193 lb. Sunshine State native is uncommitted and has offers from Alabama, Florida and Miami. Lane's great route running and speed make him a solid target at the collegiate level

Watch this video to see Ermon Lane bully defenders in the open field.

Highlights courtesy of Prepforce.com.

Breaking Down Geno Smith's Chances of Being the Week 1 Starter in New York

Adam Waksman — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:17:09 -0400

Geno Smith, the New York Jets' second-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft, is a potential star and optimistically the future franchise quarterback of the team.

Jets fans would no doubt love to see Smith be ready to go for Week 1 and be the starting quarterback right away. But what are the chances of that really happening?

The quarterback competition this summer has become simpler than it was with the retirement of David Garrard. Garrard would have been the most veteran and arguably the most reliable presence on the team. Instead, it is now a two-way competition between Smith and the incumbent Mark Sanchez.

There are several scenarios that remain possible. I'll break down the likelihood of each case to determine what the probable future is for the Jets heading into the 2013 season.

Case 1: Smith Starts Week 1

The first possibility is that Smith will start in Week 1. This is in a sense the best case because it would mean that Smith has demonstrated he is ready to play and has learned offense coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's new offense.

Like Russell Wilson last year for the Seattle Seahawks, Smith is a young quarterback from outside of the first round trying to defeat an established but not star-level veteran. It is becoming more common for rookies to achieve this type of speedy progress, so this is a real possibility.

Ultimately, it will come down to both Smith and Sanchez because if Sanchez can show improvement in a West Coast offense, he could have a leg up in the competition.

Case 2: Smith Starts Week 2

While it might seem odd to start a rookie quarterback in Week 2, I view this as a real possibility. In the first week of the season the Jets will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have retooled their defensive secondary with the acquisition of Darrelle Revis.

There are two reasons starting Smith off against the Buccaneers could be a bad idea.

The first is that starting off a quarterback against such tough competition could be bad for his development. The second reason is that Sanchez has spent literally his entire career facing off against Revis on the practice field. He knows Revis perhaps better than any other quarterback does.

Considering how effective Revis is at capitalizing on the mistakes of young quarterbacks, it might make a lot of sense to use Sanchez in Week 1 and then Smith in Week 2.

In the second week of the season, the Jets face the New England Patriots, a team with a much more porous secondary. Even if Smith proves that he is ready to go this summer, there is a strong chance that he could start in Week 2 rather than Week 1.

Case 3: Smith Starts Midseason

A few years ago, the most likely option would have been for a quarterback like Smith to start in the midseason. It used to be rare for rookie quarterbacks to start right away, and allowing Smith to watch Sanchez for half a year could potentially be very beneficial for him.

This is still a possibility if it turns out that Smith does not seem ready over the summer and needs time to watch Sanchez play. However, with all the positive reports coming out of Jets camp, I view this as an increasingly unlikely possibility. If Smith learns the offense and does not struggle, I do not think the Jets will wait overly long to play him.

Case 4: Unexpected Events

There are a few unexpected events that could occur. Geno Smith could be injured; Mark Sanchez could have a breakout year or one of the other quarterbacks on the team could surprise everyone in the preseason.

Greg McElroy and Matt Simms remain, for better or worse, in the competition.

I do not expect the unexpected. I anticipate that Smith or Sanchez will be the starter in Week 1, and it will boil down to whether or not Smith seems ready to handle the Buccaneers defense.

Adding It Up

Based on what we know now, I'm inclined to think that the first two cases are the likely ones. While it does not seem that there is urgency to start Smith right away, there appears to be a sense that sooner would be better than later.

The early-season schedule is certainly relevant, and Revis can be a nightmare for quarterbacks. Therefore, while I would put Smith's chances of starting in Week 1 at only around 50 percent, I would give him a substantial chance of starting in Week 2.

Adam Waksman is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report who writes primarily about the New York Jets and the NFL. Be sure to follow Adam on Twitter to receive updates right away.

Follow @AdamWaksman

NCAA Lacrosse: Each Team's Player to Watch in the Final 4

Dave Giancola — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:14 -0400

In a season marked by parity from top to bottom in Division I lacrosse, four teams familiar with Championship Weekend will take the field in Philadelphia this weekend in the semifinal round.

Last weekend, four games gave lacrosse fans all the suspense they could handle, with down-to-the-wire finishes and a ton of scoring. The quarterfinals were tremendous, but the Final Four will provide a flurry of action on Memorial Day Weekend.

This Saturday, Cornell will face Duke while Denver takes on Syracuse to decide who will play for a national championship. The championship game will take place Monday, May 27, and will be televised nationally on ESPN and WatchESPN.

As we more closer to the Final Four, let us take a look at each remaining team's player to watch this weekend.

Jamie Faus, Goalie, Denver

Faus replaced Ryan LaPlante in Denver's dramatic come-from-behind victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels in the quarterfinal round. He provided a spark off the bench after Denver trailed by six early in the game.

Faus finished the game with 11 saves on his way to an astounding 68 percent save rate. In the fourth quarter, he was able to stymie a lethal UNC attack unit and prevented them from extending their lead late in the game.

If Denver is to take down Syracuse, it will need excellent play in goal. Although LaPlante was the go-to guy for most of the season, Faus' recent success will earn him the start in Philadelphia.

Denver has a great chance of beating the No. 1 seed, Syracuse, but a good game from Faus could make the feat much easier for the Pioneers as they look to hoist their first national championship trophy this weekend.

David Lawson, Midfield, Duke

Lawson was superb in Duke's win over Notre Dame last Sunday. He recorded four goals and took the pressure off of the rest of the Blue Devil offense.

As opposing defenses prepare to face Duke, they first concentrate on Jordan Wolfe and Josh Dione. By providing a strong third scoring option, Lawson can also demand attention and take the pressure off of his team's two top offensive stars.

Lawson may not be a household name, but his ability to provide depth of scoring will be crucial as Duke looks to beat a Cornell team that looks unstoppable.

Duke is fast, skilled and tough, but must be able to outscore Cornell if they want a chance to play on Monday. Look for Lawson to have increased playing time as he continues his hot play in the tournament.

Steve Mock, Attack, Cornell

There are plenty of players to watch on Cornell, but Steve Mock tops the list this week. He scored seven goals in Cornell's big win over Ohio State, proving that he is one of the best inside finishers that the game has ever seen.

Mock and linemate Rob Pannell are a dynamic duo on attack. Both can score, but Pannell's vision allows him to find the streaking Mock in the crease for easy goals in big spots.

Duke will obviously focus on Mock, but stopping him is easier said than done. He scores from low angles, and his ability to catch tough passes in traffic causes fits for opposing defenses.

If Mock and Pannell can combine for 10 points or more, there is no way that Duke wins the game.

Dominic Lamolinara, Goalie, Syracuse

Syracuse needed all four quarters to take down a gritty Yale team in the quarterfinal round. The game was a defensive battle that the Orange eventually won by a score of 7-6.

Syracuse will have to score double their quarterfinal total to take down Denver, but the Orange defense must also step up to the plate.

Lamolinara made eight saves in the victory over the Bulldogs, but will surely see more shots against a fast-paced Denver offense. Denver scored 19 goals in the first round against Albany, followed by 12 against UNC.

Denver will look to push the pace in this game, especially after watching the 'Cuse defense struggle against Yale's Brandon Mangan. Lamolinara will provide the last line of defense and must make saves to keep his team in the game.

If Lamolinara can achieve a 60 percent save rate, Syracuse will have a chance. If he does not, it may be a long day for head coach John Desko and the Syracuse Orange.

Manchester United: Realistic Expectations for David Moyes' First Season

Darren Richman — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:02 -0400

Under Sir Alex Ferguson's stewardship, Manchester United fans lived the impossible dream. Under David Moyes, will they wake up with a start?

Ferguson used his farewell speech at Old Trafford wisely and implored the supporters to give the new man time, just as he himself was all those years ago. He famously went four years without a trophy before landing the FA Cup in 1990. After that, the floodgates burst open and success was near-continuous.

David Moyes is unlikely to be afforded so many lean years. In 1986, when Ferguson took over, the club was a sleeping giant struggling to recapture the glory days of Sir Matt Busby. Nowadays, United is one of the biggest clubs in the world with a valuation somewhere in the region of £2 billion. Never mind the impossible dream—in following Ferguson, Moyes might well have walked into the impossible job.

After 26 years of a genius, the first season under a new manager is bound to feel strange. As good a job as he has done at Everton, Moyes has limited experience in Europe and absolutely no knowledge of the intricacies of a title race.

He'll have to learn fast because United fans will expect a decent bid for both trophies. Ferguson staying on as director can only aid Moyes and he'd be wise to seek out his mentor for advice from time to time.

For all Ferguson's insistence that his successor should be given time, the rumblings of discontent should United be, say, outside the top four come Christmas, would be almost impossible to ignore. The fans have become accustomed to ending the season in one of the top two places in the table so the very least that will be expected is some kind of title charge.

Moyes would be wise to invest in a central midfielder as soon as possible. It is an area of the pitch Ferguson stubbornly refused to invest in during his latter years at the club and it would send out a signal that the new man has his own ideas.

A marquee signing in the vein of Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo would also reassure supporters that money is there to spend and the club has lost none of its lustre without the man integral to its modern-day success at the helm.

From an aesthetic point of view, it is crucial the team play the United way next season, attacking football with a focus on excitement and youth. Moyes' predecessor was the ultimate pragmatist and most United fans were happy to see the occasional negative performance if it meant silverware would follow suit but the new man would be better-advised to play positively and win the fans over that way.

Trophies are wonderful, but they are not the be-all and end-all. If the team plays stylish football that is great to watch, then Moyes is bound to be given time. It really is that simple. He was certainly not employing any tika-taka tactics at Everton, but this is a very different group of players and let's hope he responds accordingly.

Ferguson was a genius because, every time April rolled around, his team was still competing for trophies. Moyes will be hoping he can emulate that kind of consistency from the off.

Follow @darrenrichman

NBA Mock Draft 2013: Forecasting Every First-Round Pick After Combine

Ryan Rudnansky — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 -0400

The 2013 NBA combine has officially concluded as we look ahead to the draft lottery on Tuesday night.

Some prospects improved their stock in Chicago, while others were overshadowed by the more athletic and explosive.

It's worth noting that being extremely athletic doesn't automatically preface success in the pros, as we've seen countless times. You generally need a combination of skills to live up to the lofty expectations of the NBA.

That's not to say being athletic can't help your stock, though. We've also seen the athletically-challenged fall flat in the jump to the NBA.

Here's my latest 2013 NBA mock draft, taking all of this into account.

*All measurements and combine information via Chad Ford of ESPN.com

1. Orlando Magic: Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky

Despite being nearly 7'0" in shoes, Nerlens Noel weighed in at a staggering 206 pounds at the combine. That is razor-thin. Noel also tore his ACL in February. But Noel's wingspan measured in at about 7'4" and his standing reach measured in at 9'2" at the combine. Plus, his shot-blocking ability and rebounding prowess while at Kentucky is hard to ignore.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas

Ben McLemore showed bouts of inconsistency at Kansas and he measured in at under 6'5" in shoes, but he's still young at 20 years of age. His reach measured in at about 6'8", as well. Also, you can't ignore the athleticism, fluidity and shooting touch he showed while at Kansas. He's a project, but his skills translate very nicely to the NBA.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown

Otto Porter may be the surest thing in the entire draft class. He's shown a well-rounded game, he has legit size for the NBA and he improved his shooting range dramatically last season at Georgetown.

4. Phoenix Suns: Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana

Victor Oladipo may have measured in at about 6'4" in shoes at the combine, but he does have the wingspan (6'9") to make up for it. He also has the heart and determination. Oladipo was an excellent defender at Indiana and he improved his jump shot dramatically last season.

5. New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Burke, G, Michigan

I originally had Shabazz Muhammad here based on his potential, but the red flags are too hard to ignore. Greivis Vasquez is coming off a tremendous season, but Trey Burke has more potential as a complete point guard. Plus, he can be a legit sixth man in his rookie season for the Pelicans.

6. Sacramento Kings: Anthony Bennett, F, UNLV

Anthony Bennett just had rotator cuff surgery, but he is a versatile, powerful, athletic prospect who just may be a top-five pick in this year's draft. He has the athleticism to play small forward for the Kings and the strength to bang down low in the post.

7. Detroit Pistons: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia

The Pistons are in desperate need of a shooter on the wing. Enter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Caldwell-Pope is not only a terrific shooter with deep range, his athleticism translates to the pros. This kid has been soaring up draft boards, and the combine only helped his cause.

8. Washington Wizards: Alex Len, C, Maryland

Len is just coming off ankle surgery and he missed the combine while other big men impressed, but I still think he's the pick for the Wizards. At just 19 years of age, he's already shown the athleticism, versatility, rebounding, shot-blocking ability and passing skills to be a good one in a couple of years.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: C.J. McCollum, SG, Lehigh

It would be a surprise if the Timberwolves passed up C.J. McCollum here if Caldwell-Pope was off the board. McCollum shot 51 percent from three-point range last season at Lehigh.

He's also been known to step up on the big stage (see: March 2012). Add the fact that he has classic size for a shooting guard (6'6") and you have a potential top-10 pick.

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Zeller, PF/C, Indiana

I'm not the biggest fan of Cody Zeller (it's hard to teach a mean streak), but there is no question the offensive skill set is there. I like him better as a power forward than a center. The Trail Blazers could use some depth in the frontcourt.

11. Philadelphia 76ers: Mason Plumlee, C, Duke

The more I look at Mason Plumlee, the more I don't understand the lack of enthusiasm directed his way. He's athletic, can run the floor, has NBA size, has a nice midrange game and can crash the glass.

The one concern, I suppose, is that he's 23 years old already, but his breakout senior campaign at Duke makes me look the other way in that regard.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Raptors): Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga

The Thunder aren't in position to wait around for a prospect to develop. They've been gunning for a title for a while now and the crushing loss of Russell Westbrook in the playoffs due to injury was hard to stomach. Kelly Olynyk has the athleticism, shooting touch and ability to put the ball on the floor to be a good fit with Oklahoma City.

13. Dallas Mavericks: Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA

This may be where Shabazz Muhammad's slide ends. There are questions about his character, he shot poorly in drills during the combine and he measured in at 6'6" (shorter for a small forward), but his wingspan (6'11") helps matters and he attacks the rim with authority. The Mavericks could use some help on the wing.

14. Utah Jazz: Shane Larkin, PG, Miami (Fla.)

Some may say Michael Carter-Williams is a better point guard prospect than Shane Larkin (I'm not even sure that's the case), but there's no debating Larkin is a better fit for the Jazz than Carter-Williams. The Jazz need someone who can shoot at point guard and Larkin can certainly do that.

He's also incredibly athletic (registering the second-best vertical leap in combine history), he sees the floor well and he's a pesky defender. Yes, he's under 6'0", but I don't care at this point. He has the tools to defy the odds in the NBA.

15. Milwaukee Bucks: Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State

The Bucks have a plethora of swing players headed for free agency this summer, including Monta Ellis. Jamaal Franklin does all the little things right, he can finish and he improved his jump shot at San Diego State. It's a logical pick for the Bucks.

16. Boston Celtics: Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse

Even if Rajon Rondo stays (I expect him to, by the way), the Celtics need a backup. Michael Carter-Williams is not only a disruptive defender (something Doc Rivers will love), he's a quick point guard who can get into the lane and set up things for his teammates. He also has great size (about 6'6") to go along with his athleticism at point guard.

17. Atlanta Hawks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, Greece

I haven't swayed from my picks for the Hawks. With Josh Smith likely headed out of Atlanta, Giannis Antetokounmpo makes sense, as far as ability and where the Hawks stand now. Antetokounmpo is 19 years old and raw, but he's already drawing comparisons to Scottie Pippen given his fluidity, vision, passing skills and finishing ability. I think he's worth the gamble.

18. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets): Rudy Gobert, PF, France

Rudy Gobert measured in at 7'2" in shoes at the combine. He has a wingspan measuring in at about 7'9". And he has a 9'7" standing reach. Those are ridiculous measurements that have scarcely ever been seen at the combine. He's long, athletic and crashes the glass.

The question is, can the 20-year-old translate from the French League to the NBA? I'll you what: His measurables certainly stack up.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Lakers): Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh

Steven Adams may not be here at No. 19 overall, but if he is, the Cavaliers have to jump on him. He has great size and athleticism for the position, attacks the glass and shocked at the combine with his shooting touch. He could be a steal in a couple of years.

20. Chicago Bulls: Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia

The Bulls, as always, need outside shooting. Sergey Karasev shot 49 percent from downtown for the Triumph in the Eurocup in 2012-13, via EuroBasket.com. Coach Tom Thibodeau also figures to love his basketball IQ.

21. Utah Jazz (via Warriors): Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

With both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap headed for free agency this summer, the Jazz need to think about adding some depth (and competition) behind Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. I'm a fan of Gorgui Dieng, and I think he could go earlier than this, but if he drops here, he's a strong pick for Utah. His shot-blocking skills, rebounding ability and improved offensive game could make him a solid pro.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Tony Snell, SG, New Mexico

With a sharpshooter like Karasev off the board, I could see the Nets going with Tony Snell. Snell has rocketed up draft boards, based on his measurables and shooting touch.

He ranked second among all participants in shooting drills at the combine, he has good size at shooting guard (6'7") and he has a wingspan of nearly 7'0".

23. Indiana Pacers: Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany

As a backup to George Hill, Dennis Schroeder is a good fit in Indiana. He's extremely quick, gets into the lane at will and can find his teammates. He also has a wingspan of nearly 6'8", so there's that.

24. New York Knicks: Jeff Withey, C, Kansas

With the Knicks aging in the frontcourt, Jeff Withey makes sense. His excellent shot-blocking ability and rebounding skills make him a potential successor to Tyson Chandler in New York.

25. Los Angeles Clippers: Pierre Jackson, PG, Baylor

With Eric Bledsoe potentially leaving this summer, the Clippers could find a capable backup to Chris Paul in Pierre Jackson. He has drawn comparisons to veteran Nate Robinson based on his outstanding hops and explosiveness.

Jackson also has solid shooting range to complement his slashing ability. He's another kid whose lack of size (5'10") doesn't bother me all that much.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves: Dario Saric, SF/PF, Croatia

Dario Saric's ability to play point-forward at 6'10" has raised eyebrows, but I'm still not sold on his athleticism (or lack thereof), jump shot, handles or defense. He's a skilled, crafty, versatile player, but I don't know if he should be drafted as early as some suggest.

27. Denver Nuggets: Allen Crabbe, SG, Cal

Allen Crabbe shot 38 percent from downtown during his career at Cal, but that doesn't even begin to explain his range.

Denver's lack of outside shooting was exposed by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs this season. Crabbe—who ranked fifth among all participants in shooting drills at the combine—makes a ton of sense.

28. San Antonio Spurs: Glen Rice Jr., SG, Georgia Tech

Glen Rice Jr. has not only expanded his game in the D-League (he averaged 25 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.0 blocks and 2.0 steals in the playoffs for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers), he's also a solid on-the-ball defender. Gregg Popovich figures to be interested in such a player with NBA bloodlines.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ricardo Ledo, PG, Providence

Ricardo Ledo was widely considered to be one of the nation's top high school scorers in 2011-12 before being ruled academically ineligible for the 2012-13 campaign. But the fact remains, he has good size for the position (6'6"), he has a good understanding of the game and he impressed at the combine.

30. Phoenix Suns (via Heat): Alex Abrines, SG, Spain

Alex Abrines was able to find minutes on one of the best teams in Europe this season, despite being just 20 years of age. He's quick, athletic and a big-time shooter. Sounds like someone who could help the Suns in due time.

ACC Baseball Tournament 2013 Schedule: Dates, Times, Locations, TV Info and More

Tim Daniels — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:50:47 -0400

The 2013 ACC Baseball Tournament should include no shortage of drama. A difference of just four games separated the top five teams in the conference play. The parity should make for one of the most thrilling conference tournaments in the nation.

North Carolina enters as the top overall seed and will lead Pool A. Atlantic Division winner Florida State is the top team in Pool B. Defending champion Georgia Tech, which won the event as the No. 8 seed last year, is the No. 7 seed in 2013.

The tournament will consist of two groups of four teams that will complete three games of round-robin play. The winners of each pool will play in the championship game on Sunday. The low number of games leaves the door open for surprising runs like Georgia Tech's last year.

Let's take a look at all the key information for the tournament followed by a full schedule, preview and prediction for which team will take home the title.

Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, N.C.

When: Wednesday, May 22 – Sunday, May 26

Watch: Regional Sports Networks (RSN) and ESPN2 (Title Game)

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Pools

Pool A

No. 1 North Carolina

No. 4 North Carolina State

No. 5 Clemson

No. 8 Miami

Pool B

No. 2 Florida State

No. 3 Virginia

No. 6 Virginia Tech

No. 7 Georgia Tech

Schedule (All Times Eastern)

Game	Team	Team	Date	Time	TV
1	Georgia Tech	Florida State	May 22	11 a.m.	RSN
2	Virginia Tech	Virginia	May 22	3 p.m.	RSN
3	Clemson	NC State	May 22	7 p.m.	RSN
4	Virginia	Georgia Tech	May 23	11 a.m.	RSN
5	Miami	North Carolina	May 23	3 p.m.	RSN
6	Florida State	Virginia Tech	May 23	7 p.m.	RSN
7	NC State	Miami	May 24	11 a.m.	RSN
8	Georgia Tech	Virginia Tech	May 24	3 p.m.	RSN
9	North Carolina	Clemson	May 24	7 p.m.	RSN
10	Virginia	Florida State	May 25	11 a.m.	RSN
11	Miami	Clemson	May 25	3 p.m.	RSN
12	NC State	North Carolina	May 25	7 p.m.	RSN
Title	Pool A Winner	Pool B Winner	May 26	1 p.m.	ESPN2

Schedule information courtesy TheACC.com.

Preview

North Carolina is undoubtedly the most balanced team in the tournament. The Tar Heels ranked first in the ACC in ERA, second in team batting average and third in home runs during the regular season.

The Heels' offensive attack is led by Colin Moran, who hit 13 home runs and racked up 83 RBI in 56 games. The bats are supported by a strong pitch staff. The dynamic starting duo of Hobbs Johnson and Kent Emanuel can match up with anybody in the conference.

Georgia Tech is capable of making another run despite a second straight lackluster regular season. The Yellow Jackets led the conference with 54 home runs. They hope to power their way to another title on the backs of Daniel Palka and Zane Evans, who combined for 31 homers.

Another team with the tools to make some noise in Durham is Virginia. The Cavaliers led the conference in batting average with a terrific .317 mark as a team and also ranked fourth in ERA. Mike Papi is the star to watch after hitting .408 to lead the ACC.

Rounding out the group of top contenders is Florida State. Starters Scott Sitz and Luke Weaver should ensure the Seminoles have enough pitching to make a title run. Getting timely hits from a mid-pack offense, whether it be DJ Stewart, Marcus Davis or an unsung hero, will be the key.

While those four teams have the best chance to win the ACC championship, Georgia Tech showed last season that it all comes down to momentum. The short event gives all eight teams a reasonable chance to emerge with the coveted title.

Prediction

North Carolina has too many weapons to pick against. On offense, the Tar Heels can win by playing small ball, getting on base and using their speed, or simply out-slugging their opponents. And they have a terrific pitching staff to back it up.

The X-factor will be Trent Thornton. The pitcher has filled several different roles throughout the season and handled them all extremely well. He's 9-1 with a 1.43 ERA. His ability to lock down opposing offenses coming out of the pen will help North Carolina capture the ACC crown.

Champion: North Carolina

10 Potential Superstars Who Could Emerge During OTAs

Nick Kostos — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:46:32 -0400

With the vast majority of the league currently undergoing organized team activities (OTAs) and the rest soon to follow, it's time to examine the players who are set to emerge as potential superstars for the 2013 season.

When I put this list together, I set forth a specific criteria:

The player must be 27 or younger, the player must never have been selected for either an All-Pro team or for the Pro Bowl, the player must not be entering his rookie season and the player must be capable of making a huge impact in 2013.

The one final piece of criteria? There must be common sense instituted in the rankings. That means players like Dez Bryant, Colin Kaepernick and Eric Decker (to name a few) are disqualified from the list, as the argument can easily be made that they're already superstars, despite having fulfilled the qualifications listed above.

Remember, this list is all about "potential" superstars emerging. That means no "current" superstar can be chosen.

So, without further adieu, here are the 10 potential superstars who could (and will) emerge during OTAs:

Begin Slideshow

5 Pitchers with the Most Intimidating Attitudes on the Mound

Ely Sussman — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:45:00 -0400

Matchups between MLB pitchers and opposing batters will always be influenced by intimidation. More specifically, there are veterans like Kyle Farnsworth and Mariano Rivera who demoralize others with their distinct attitudes.

These masters of mental games were included and ranked with their off-the-field reputations and unique pitching tactics taken into consideration. Quality of stuff wasn't a direct factor—hence no Aroldis Chapman or Matt Harvey—though the following mound intimidators all possess great talent. Otherwise, they would not go about their business with such an edge.

As past victims and baseball writers can confirm, stepping to the plate against them is a most uncomfortable experience.

Begin Slideshow

The Program: Which 3 SEC Teams Are Underrated Exiting Spring?

The Program — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:44:20 -0400

Every year there seems to be a few teams that come out of nowhere and either contend for the division title or become competitive when nobody thought they would.

In 2012, we saw Texas A&M shed the label of a soft team in favor of a more appropriate one—"SEC contender." The Ole Miss Rebels went from doormat to competitive in Year 1 under head coach Hugh Freeze, finishing 7-6 with close losses to Texas A&M, LSU and Vanderbilt.

Which teams flew under the radar this spring and are set to make a splash in 2013?

SEC lead writer Barrett Sallee examines in this edition of "The Program."

Kobe Bryant Tweets About Lakers Offseason, Wants Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol in LA

Dan Favale — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:43:00 -0400

Kobe Bryant has a plan.

With the Los Angeles Lakers approaching their most pivotal offseason in years, the Black Mamba has every intention of ensuring that his will be done. And that will includes convincing Dwight Howard to remain in Hollywood and persuading the Buss family to hold on to Pau Gasol as well.

What, you didn't think Coach Kobe was going to sit this summer out, did you?

The Lakers have a lot riding on this offseason; Kobe has a lot riding on this offseason. Though he's previously said he's not ready to retire, his ruptured Achilles serves as a reminder that time is running out.

If Kobe wants to get that sixth championship ring of his (and he does), he has to make a play for it now, not later. He might not be around for "later."

Naturally, he'll then want a say in how the roster is assembled. Knowing how financially strapped the Lakers are, he understands that they'll have to make the biggest splash by swimming in their own pool.

Los Angeles cannot go out and offer stacks of cash to free agents of its choosing. That's why retaining Howard is so important. If the Lakers cannot sell him on staying, they don't get to take that money and give it to someone else. They'll simply be down one superstar.

But not if Kobe can help it.

Although the two have admitted they're not "best friends," they've reached a mutual understanding. Or at least Kobe has. For him to win now, he knows he needs Dwight. And Pau, too.

Gasol is coming off the worst season of his NBA career and will likely never be the four-time All-Star he once was, but Bryant sees the value in his presence.

The two are incredibly close. Emotions, then, stand to cloud Bryant's judgment. At the same time, Gasol is worth more to the Lakers than whatever they would net in any trade for him. Kobe gets this as well.

These Lakers are headed for an inevitable overhaul—a rebuilding project that Kobe will do everything he can to delay at least one more year.

Follow @danfavale

Ahmed Johnson Gives Controversial Interview That Is Sure to Cause a Stir

Kris EazAy — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:41:07 -0400

I recently had the opportunity to sit in on an interview on PerfectPlex Radio with the artist formerly known as Ahmed Johnson, Tony Norris, that was conducted by Mike Knoxxx, Chris “Spotface” McClain and Chad Rivera. To say that Norris let it all hang out would be the understatement of the century.

Norris, who rarely does interviews, spoke candidly on a plethora of topics, including his thought's on Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon, HHH, why he never became world champ and the alleged racism he encountered while he worked in WWE.

Norris contends that Vince McMahon is a racist “from the word go” and also states, “But I had no idea of what he was. You know, I always say The best trick the devil ever pulled off was hiding in plain sight. If you read the bible, everything the devil ever did he didn't hide. He did it in plain sight. That's Vince McMahon.”

While Norris appreciates the fact that he is the first Black Intercontinental Champion, he says that he still dealt with racism and that someone keyed a racial slur into his car while he was champ and even put a toy monkey with a noose around its neck in his locker room.

Norris claims that Shawn Michaels forced him to stop doing his more athletic wrestling moves in favor of power moves. “Shawn Michaels called me to his office after a while and said, Ahmed, we need you to stop doing the high flying moves. Here you are doing these one half-gainer moonsaults, stuff that we can't even do but then when we get out there at 180 pounds it makes us look bad because you've already done it at 380 pounds... If you want to continue wrestling with the company you have to stop doing these things.” He says that Shawn wanted him to do more bear hugs and slams and less high flying moves. He also says that when he was working in the WWE, Michaels had his own office at Titan Towers.

Norris recounts a story of how the late Ernie Ladd said to him, “You are about to enter the most racist organization you can get into.” Surprised at what Ladd told him, Norris states, “I was freaked out because I was expecting this dude to say 'ay, you've got a good opportunity here, they are gonna take care of you and I love Vince'.”

Norris wasn't all negative as he stated that Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) offered him a great deal of feedback during his matches and helped him out more than any other guy on the roster while he was with WWE. When asked about The Rock, Norris states that, “The Rock is the best in history on the mic. You will never find another guy like him on the mic.” However, in perhaps, the most jaw dropping portion of the interview, Norris recounts a time backstage where The Rock tells members of D-Generation X that his mother had an affair with a white guy and conceived him. Norris states that, “He (The Rock) was denying his black heritage all the way around.” He says The Rock maintained that he was kidding with those guys, however, Norris believes that the Rock was being serious in denying his black heritage.

In addition to all of this Norris gives his thoughts on John Cena, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, the late Hawk of the Road Warriors, his brief run in World Championship Wrestling and more. Tony Norris gives a new meaning to “not giving a damn!” This is, without a doubt, the most candid interview we have ever conducted on the BDSIR network. The interview can be found here and starts around the 35:00 mark.

USGA and R&A Officially Announce Ban on “Anchored Stroke”

Fred Altvater — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:39:38 -0400

The USGA and the R&A made it official on Tuesday morning, May 21, on their respective websites and at a press conference that they will add rule 14-1b to the official rules of golf effective Jan. 1, 2016.

The USGA and the R&A announced last November the proposed rule change to ban the use of the “anchored stroke.”

The USGA rule change states:

In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.”

Note 1: The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Note 2: An “anchor point” exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

Rule 14-1b will not alter current equipment rules and allows for the continued use of all conforming golf clubs, including belly-length and long putters, provided such clubs are not anchored during a stroke. The new rule narrowly targets only a few types of strokes while preserving a golfer’s ability to play a wide variety of strokes in his or her individual style.

The USGA and the R&A are the governing bodies of golf and monitor the rules to which the game adheres. Rulemakers felt that the recent rush to use long and belly putters adversely affect the free swing of a golf club and provide a potential advantage.

Teachers and instructors have been advising students to adopt the anchored style of putting. Using a fixed point to anchor the club helps to alleviate an uneven stroke caused by jumpy nerves.

A rise in the use of the “anchored stroke” by juniors at USGA- and R&A-sanctioned events was also cause for concern and the ruling bodies felt the time was now to make the rule change.

The PGA Tour has held meetings with their members and has made their concerns known to the USGA and the R&A about the rule change.

Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Adam Scott all won major championships using an "anchored stroke" while putting. Other professionals such as, Carl Pettersson and Tim Clark have used the long putter and "anchored stroke" for their entire careers.

Long putters have been used on the PGA Tour and in golf, in general, for over 30 years.

At a time when golf manufacturers and golf courses struggle to find willing golfers to buy new equipment and pay greens fees, this decision would seem to have an adverse affect on the golf industry.

The USGA and the R&A felt this was the necessary time to act.

The next question becomes, will the PGA Tour and the Masters adopt this rule change for their sanctioned events?

Scouting Guide: Rumoured Liverpool Target Kolo Toure

Karl Matchett — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:39:10 -0400

Liverpool are set to make their initial move in the transfer window according to recent reports, with Manchester City defender Kolo Toure their first target of the summer.

The Ivory Coast central defender is available on a free transfer and is set to join the Reds in July according to the BBC, when his contract at the Etihad Stadium comes to an end. The deal would be seen primarily as an opportunity to replace the retiring Jamie Carragher, who played his 737th and final game of his Liverpool career on Sunday.

Toure is an experienced defender but is also far older than Brendan Rodgers' signings so far, so is this a step up for Liverpool or a break from the norm as a sign of things to come?

Kolo Toure: A Background

At 32 years of age, Toure has been at Manchester City for the past four seasons, with the team winning the FA Cup and the Premier League during his time there. Toure was banned for the 2011 FA Cup final after failing a drugs test earlier that season, but played 14 games the following year to win a league championship medal.

Earlier in his career, Toure played from 2002-2009 at Arsenal, where he won another Premier League title and two further FA Cups.

Though he plays primarily as a central defender, Toure earlier in his career operated as a right-back as well and can fill in as a deep holding midfielder if required.

He has won more than a century of caps in his career, totalling 106 for the Ivory Coast so far and is twice a runner-up at the Africa Cup of Nations. His younger brother, Yaya Toure, of course also plays for Manchester City, while Ibrahim Toure plays in Libya for Al-Nasr.

2012-13 Season

The past season has seen Toure in and out of the side at the Etihad Stadium; he is not an automatic first choice in the centre of defence with Roberto Mancini preferring Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic, but he did play 18 times in all competitions and 15 times in the Premier League this season.

For what is arguably City's fourth-choice defender, it's an indication that the manager was still confident enough to call on him in a variety of situations. Toure finished the season in and around the team, featuring in six of City's last 12 league matches.

He also missed part of January and February while away with his nation on AFCON duty.

Statistically, Toure enjoyed a better campaign than rival and teammate Joleon Lescott and indeed averaged more tackles, interceptions and clearances per game than Jamie Carragher. While this is not to compare the players involved directly, it is an indication that Toure is still an effective defender in his own right.

Toure's Biggest Strengths

Four or five seasons ago, Toure was seen as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League and his move to Manchester City was a big loss for Arsenal. Toure played 31 times in the league in his first season at the Etihad, quickly showing his best form. As City's spending increased though, that was his most prolific campaign for them in terms of matches played.

Toure's assets in his prime included his exceptional pace and acceleration, his strength in ground battles and his ability to bring the ball out of defence. Now, entering the latter stage of his career, he is not as quick of course, but reads the game particularly well and, importantly to Liverpool, is a constant talker in the back line.

With Carragher absent, this is a key area the Reds have to fill.

Toure will order the players in front of him around, offer direction at set pieces and keep the lines of communication between goalkeeper and midfield very much open.

His experience is also important, with the Reds having a young squad, but perhaps most important of all is that Toure is a proven winner.

He has a history of winning major trophies and of managing expectation at big clubs, which is something the club have managed to dispense with from their playing staff over the past three or four years.

While quality and value are of paramount importance, it is also vital that the Reds bring in players with a winning mentality who can push the younger players that bit further, which is needed to compete for major honours.

Limitations or Drawbacks to the Deal

Toure is 32, making him the oldest potential signing of the Brendan Rodgers era so far. He's not going to offer a resale value, he's not going to be a part of the building for three or four years and he's not going to improve technically, tactically or physically from his current point.

A free transfer is all well and good, but Toure is likely on very good wages at Manchester City. He will almost certainly have to take a hefty pay cut to join Liverpool, and even then it might be a high cost, low benefit scenario to consider.

It is probable that the Reds will want to sign another first-choice central defender as well, leaving Toure as a backup option, so getting in an experienced player on a free deal makes sense for Liverpool, considering that is effectively what they are losing with Carragher's retirement.

Toure-plus-one means that Liverpool will have too many central defenders at the club next season considering no continental involvement; that points to exits for Sebastian Coates (almost certainly) and Martin Skrtel (quite possibly).

Good Call by Rodgers?

As a first-choice partner for Daniel Agger in Liverpool's defence, it is likely that Liverpool could do far better than signing Kolo Toure on a free transfer. While he is far from his prime, he's also far from completely washed up and would still offer depth to the squad and a presence in the dressing room.

Arguably the most important aspect might turn out to be the fact that he can offer the guidance and experience that this young team needs, which is that he has been at top clubs battling at the top of the Premier League. Liverpool need players like this to get themselves back there.

The wage bill might take a bit of a hit, though it is likely to be an incentivised contract if any move does materialise, and the capture of a free transfer nice and early in the summer provides emphasis and optimism that Liverpool have already identified their targets and are prepared to go and get them this summer.

Signing a player from a rival Premier League team always provides a bit of a boost too, so while Toure isn't at his peak it is still an indication that as a club, the Reds have plenty to offer players of all types.

This could turn out to be a bit of a steal for Rodgers, even if the Ivorian doesn't make himself an undroppable first-team player.

Follow @karlmatchett

Monaco Linked to Falcao, Moutinho and Rodriguez: Are They the Next Big Thing?

Sam Tighe — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:36:51 -0400

AS Monaco have seen plenty of headlines in the last two weeks as they prepare to spend big in the summer transfer window.

The 2004 UEFA Champions League finalists are looking to celebrate promotion to Ligue 1 in style and are reported to be nearing the completion of three incredible summer transfer deals.

Life in Ligue 2 had been hard to take for fans of the club, but last summer owner Dmitry Rybolovlev supplied a hint of what was to come: The Russian billionaire, who's net worth is approximately $9.1 billion (according to Forbes), signed Argentine wunderkind Lucas Ocampos for €16 million from River Plate.

Rybolovlev has now gone a step further, and, according to Sky Italia, Monaco have agreed deals for world-class stars Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho.

As I announced a few days ago, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez will sign to AS Monaco, according to Sky Italia. #ASMFC
— Francois Piraux (@F8Piraux) May 21, 2013

Sky Italia: #Monaco have agreed a deal for #Falcao
— indykailaNews (@indykaila) May 21, 2013

The deal for Falcao is said to be in the region of €60 million alone, while the double-deal for James and Moutinho is said to be worth €70 million.

It represents a whopping €130 million outlay on just three players, and it also suggests more big-money transfers are on the way.

Falcao, as we know, is a powerful, predatory striker; He has scored 28 league goals for Atletico Madrid at the time of writing—an incredible 45 percent of the team's strikes.

James and Moutinho were two key factors in FC Porto's recent Liga Sagres victory, and both carry big reputations: Manchester United have long been linked to the former, while Tottenham have come within inches of signing the latter.

Should the deals go through one major question abounds: Is this a sustainable business model for Monaco to employ?

There are plenty of oil-rich billionaires bankrolling football clubs, but not all take the same "splash your cash" mantra.

Shakhtar Donetsk's owner Rinat Akhmetov had deduced a fantastic method of running a successful Ukrainian club. He buys Brazilian talent at low prices, pads his squad out with a Ukrainian spine and sells said talent on using huge release clauses.

Shakhtar do not spent £70 million a season like some, but they win the Ukrainian Premier League every year and end up making a profit.

On the other side of the coin, there's the Mark Hughes-Manchester City approach: Bar Carlos Tevez, the club overpaid for a lot of decent Premier League players, but no great ones. The result? Wayne Bridge's four-year, £90,000-per-week wage packet haunting the books.

Rybolovlev clearly wants to make a statement and restore Monaco's name to our lips, and he appears to be coming in somewhere down the middle: He's buying big, but these aren't top-tier has-beens who are on their last legs.

These are world-class players with youth on their side. Moutinho is 26 but he's been playing first-team football since he was 17 and was made captain of Sporting at age 20; James is one of South America's brightest stars, and at age 21 he's only just getting started.

It has the look of a short-term shopping spree, but the youthful/prime nature of the recruits suggests it's just the start of potential dominance.

Monaco also holds the advantage of being a truly beautiful place to live, with sun, sea, harbours and Formula One racing to get excited about.

Should the deals go through, this could be the start of a dynasty that rivals Paris Saint-Germain's new-found dominance in Ligue 1. A few more players of this ilk coming in, who would bet against a European finish for the club next season?

Follow @stighefootball

Summer Transfer Window Gossip: Edinson Cavani, Mats Hummels, Radamel Falcao

Michael Cummings — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:34:28 -0400

Edinson Cavani's stay in Napoli is apparently coming to a close, with the Serie A runners-up reportedly opening discussions over his sale this summer.

Which lucky club is in pole position for Cavani's signature? That story leads this Tuesday edition of the B/R Summer Transfer Window Gossip roundup. Inside we also have updates on Mats Hummels, Radamel Falcao, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and more.

Keep reading for all the details.

Begin Slideshow

Marlon Humphrey Mixtape: Highlights of the No.1 CB Dominate Receivers

Full Ride — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:27:36 -0400

Marlon Humphrey is in a class of his own when it comes to cornerback recruits in the 2014 class.

The Birmingham native is 6’1” and 175 pounds of pure muscle, with the ability to break a long touchdown at any given time. The uncommitted prospect is still up for grabs, with schools including Alabama, Florida and Florida State fighting for his talent.

Watch the video to see Humphrey make some ridiculous interceptions against his opponents.

USGA, R&A Ban Anchoring Clubs After Receiving Support from Tiger Woods, Others

Mike Chiari — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:26:10 -0400

After several months of debate and discussion, golf's governing body, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, as well as the United States Golf Association, have decided that the practice of anchoring a club will officially be banned starting Jan. 1, 2016.

According to Bob Harig of ESPN.com, the rule change was first proposed on Nov. 28, 2012, but a 90-day grace period was allowed afterward in order to hear feedback from those affected. Despite the fact that it will cause many high-level golfers to make big alterations, the change is forthcoming.

This news is especially unwelcome to those who utilize long putters and belly putters. Rather than taking a traditional putting stroke, long and belly putters allow golfers to stick the butt end of the club into their stomachs so that they can better control their swing.

Adam Scott won the 2013 Masters using a long putter, and he is none too pleased with the fact that he'll have to adjust over the next three years, according to Harig.

Said Scott:

Now we're making rules for the betterment of the game based on zero evidence? Incredible. What did they think when they allowed it? You're dealing with professional athletes who are competitive, who want to find better ways.

While Scott and others who have come to rely on anchored putting are angered by the decision, there are plenty of other golfers who are supportive of it. One of them is Tiger Woods.

"I hope they go with the ban," Woods said Monday (per Harig). "That's something that I've said, that anchoring should not be a part of the game. It should be mandatory to have to swing all 14 clubs."

Although the R&A and USGA have come to a conclusion, this certainly isn't the last we have heard about the anchoring debate. This ruling has major implications for the game of golf moving forward, and it will be interesting to see how the players transition.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter

In What Direction Will WWE Go from Here with Curtis Axel?

Bryan Haas — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:23:42 -0400

WWE Universe, say hello to Curtis Axel.

Joining the ranks for Brock Lesnar and CM Punk, the former Michael McGillicutty has now had a new name and new persona bestowed upon him by the maker of champions, Paul Heyman.

At 33 years of age, this move could not have come at a better time for the third generation superstar. With his time on the main roster being spent mainly serving as an enhancement talent, Axel now has a great opportunity to finally make a lasting impact that will fulfill the hype that Heyman is building.

And Heyman is just the man to do it.

Axel is not known as a great talker, which is something that Heyman will fix. By letting his client do his talking with his stellar in-ring work, Heyman can be his mouthpiece in interviews. That relationship has the potential to be a very fruitful one.

The son of the late "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig, a WWE Hall of Famer and two-time WWF Intercontinental champion, Axel automatically has the wrestling pedigree to create some buzz. add to that the fact that his grandfather is Larry "the Axe" Hennig, a wrestling legend who had a great deal of success in the AWA in the 1960's and 1970's, and you have the makings of a true superstar in the works.

In addition, he was the training partner for The Rock leading up to his match at the Royal Rumble with CM Punk, as well as Heyman's client Brock Lesnar, who was preparing for his match with Triple H at Wrestlemania XXIX.

With the magnitude of those training partners, it stood to reason that the company would throw him directly to the wolves, which happened immediately when Triple H interrupted Heyman's build-up speech introducing Axel. It looked as if the up-and-coming talent would be quickly vanquished, as Triple H quickly slapped him and demanded a match.

And while Axel certainly got in his share of offense during the encounter, the WWE Universe was left with more questions than answers when it came to the youngster, as the match ended in a no contest after Triple H could no longer continue due to the lasting effects of his match with Lesnar at Extreme Rules.

Could a feud with Triple H be in the works? Probably not. It stands to reason that he will now be written off of WWE programming for a short while at least so that he may deal with his injury. But that leaves Axel with no immediate opponent, and no real direction.

A title run seems unlikely at the moment, as it would be somewhat ill-advised and fast to have him make a run at John Cena's WWE Championship. Plus Cena has his hands full at the moment with Ryback.

And both lesser titles in the company, the Intercontinental championship and United States title are currently held by heel wrestlers, Wade Barrett and the Shield's Dean Ambrose, respectively.

Many wrestling fans forget that Axel has already seen championship glory with the company, winning the WWE Tag Team titles with David Otunga in May 2011. He also had success in the WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling, where he had a reign as FCW Heavyweight champion, as well as three reigns as a tag team champion with multiple partners.

An interesting scenario could play out however, if Barrett does end up losing the Intercontinental title to Sin Cara.

In recent weeks, it was reported by Wrestlezone.com that Axel had tweeted several times about the Mexican superstar, and not in a positive way.

Should that situation come about, it may create the "perfect" scenario for Axel to make an immediate impact on the WWE.

By quickly winning a championship, one that his father held on two occasions, and avenging a loss to an opponent that he deems inferior, Axel could be primed to be a force in the WWE for years to come.

And with Paul Heyman at his side, there is no limit to what Curtis Axel can eventually do.

The 5 Best and Worst Moves of the San Francisco 49ers' 2013 Offseason

Dan Mori — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:21:05 -0400

The San Francisco 49ers made it to the Super Bowl last season but came up short, losing to the Baltimore Ravens 34-31. Work began almost immediately for GM Trent Baalke, as he had several critical decisions to make in order to retool the 49ers' roster.

Baalke had to weave his way through the free-agent market, determining which players were most attractive to the 49ers. In addition, he needed to make decisions on key 49ers who he felt were not worth what other teams were willing to pay.

Through free agency, the 49ers both acquired and lost some excellent talent.

Baalke also needed to guide the draft process and with the 49ers ultimately selecting 11 players, there was a huge amount of research that needed to be done.

With so many decisions to make, Baalke and the 49ers made some good ones and others that may come back to haunt them. Let's take a closer look at the 49ers' best and worst moves of the offseason.

All stats are provided by www.pro-football-reference.com.

Begin Slideshow

The Miz Needs a New Role in WWE

Drake Oz — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:15:00 -0400

Whatever it is that the WWE is trying to do with The Miz, well, it just isn’t working.

Last December, the company pulled the trigger on a babyface turn for the “most must-see WWE Champion in history,” a turn that fans like me had begged to see and expected to work out really well.

But nearly six months into The Miz’s babyface run, the verdict is in: The Miz has been a terrible babyface so far.

His failures as a babyface aren’t all his fault, though. While part of the problem has had to do with The Miz himself, a lot of the blame can be put on the creative team.

Ever since The Miz went good, he’s done next to nothing to differentiate Miz the face from Miz the heel. In fact, aside from a few minor changes (like teaming with faces or putting down heels instead of other faces), he’s the same brash, arrogant and obnoxious guy that once made him a top heel.

Quite simply, The Miz just hasn’t adjusted well enough to his new role. But you know what? Neither has the creative team.

Instead of genuinely getting behind The Miz by putting him in major matches and entertaining storylines, the creative team has done exactly the opposite. His feuds with both Wade Barrett and Antonio Cesaro left a whole lot to be desired, and he’s gone from WrestleMania headliner to wrestling on two consecutive PPV pre-shows.

What’s even worse, however, is that the babyface version of The Miz is more of a talk-show host than he is an actual wrestler.

Seriously, how many MizTV segments have we seen since The Miz turned face? It’s got to be at least 10, but may even be more like 15 or 20.

You have to wonder what the creative team is thinking with that philosophy. Is that really how you want to get a guy over as a babyface? By making him wrestling’s version of Jimmy Fallon or Jay Leno?

Yes, the WWE is considered “sports entertainment” these days. But wrestling is ultimately still at its core.

The Miz could be the greatest wrestling talk-show host ever (he isn’t), but that wouldn’t matter much because he wouldn’t be getting over where it counts: in the ring. That’s where a babyface Miz will live or die—not hosting some lame talk show that largely only furthers feuds that he isn’t even involved in.

That’s also where the WWE has went so wrong with The Miz.

When Alberto Del Rio turned face at essentially the same time that The Miz did, the creative team quickly pushed the hell out of him and had him win the World Heavyweight Championship only about a month later.

When CM Punk turned face in 2011, he became the focal point of WWE TV, a constant fixture in the main-event picture and the face of the WWE Championship scene.

But when The Miz turned face, nothing really changed for him.

His face turn happened because he was totally stuck in a rut as a heel, and yet, he’s already stuck in a rut as a babyface. He’s stale, less entertaining and has somehow transformed into someone who talks about five times more often than he wrestles.

That would be OK if The Miz was a part-time veteran like Mick Foley, who appears every once in a while to help build up feuds between today’s biggest stars. But The Miz is a 32-year-old full-time WWE superstar, and it shouldn’t be his role to add to feuds between other guys on the roster.

He should be building up his own feuds and doing so in the ring and on the mic—but not on some terrible, overdone talk-show segment that hardly anyone pays their money to see.

The longer that a babyface Miz goes without having a substantial direction and without having a meaningful feud, the worse his babyface run will get…if that’s even possible.

After all, the Miz’s babyface run has been downright awful so far, a result of what should have been a great new role quickly going bad.

Drake Oz is a WWE Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter!

Predicting Which NBA Stars and Coaches Will Sign Extensions This Offseason

Brendan Bowers — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:03:35 -0400

This list is predicting which NBA stars and coaches will sign contract extensions with their current team this offseason specifically.

It features players and coaches who are on expiring contracts as well as those signed through the 2013-14 campaign. Early extension candidates from the 2010 draft class were highlighted, along with those free agents most likely to re-up with their current team.

The stars on this list are more likely to stay with their current team than other free agent stars like Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks.

The coaches listed are also more likely to sign an extension this offseason than Vinny Del Negro, for example, of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Begin Slideshow

5 Potential Replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Samuel Marsden — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:03 -0400

Fans of Real Madrid will hope that Monday night's announcement that Jose Mourinho and the club will part ways is not the start of a Portuguese exodus from the Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo declared himself "sad" back in September, but he's since reaffirmed he's happy living in the Spanish capital.

That hasn't stopped rumors intensifying over his future ahead of the summer transfer window, though.

In England, Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked with him (via ESPN), and over in France it's been suggested PSG are prepared to offer him a handsome some of money to relocate to Paris (via The Express).

There's nothing that points towards his departure yet, but if he does leave, who could Real Madrid replace him with? Could they even replace him?

There's very few like-for-like replacements, so the following slides feature players that could either replace his goals or take his position...

Begin Slideshow