Bleacher Report - Articles by John Manzo

2009 MLB Trade Deadline:Winners & Losers

John Manzo — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:47:58 -0400

The 2009 MLB Trade Deadline has come and gone and left some teams standing in a position to chase the championship crown, and left others, well...thinking what happened?

Trading players and prospects is similar to gambling. The key word is risk. My personal opinion is no risk, no reward, but I'm also not a major league general manager.

Late Thursday, all the way into Friday afternoon, phones were ringing ridiculously all over major league baseball offices. Roy Halladay's name surfaced to the top, but once 4 p.m. came he was still across the border, out of the playoff chase.

My real point of this article who is contending or not, because there are a surplus of teams who are contending, such as the Dodgers or Yankees, who didn't make a big move.

My point is who are the winners and losers of the MLB Trade Deadline? In this article I will provide three winners and three losing ball clubs.

Winners

1. St. Louis Cardinals—Key acquisition: Matt Holliday

Christmas in July was the motto for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 after they snagged outfielder Matt Holliday from the Oakland A's. Prior to Holliday, the Cards acquired infielder Mark DeRosa from the Indians in late June.

Holliday is hitting .600 with the Cardinals and has quickly regained his form from his old home, known as the National League. With the addition of Holliday, the Cardinals could be poised for a repeat of 2006.

2. Philadelphia Phillies—Key acquisition:Cliff Lee

The reigning MLB Champions are just getting crazy now. The Phillies offense has a mass load of productive players from Rollins to Utley to Howard, all the way down the batting order.

Now they have a stacked pitching staff? Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, Jamie Moyer, and rookie J.A. Happ is a starting staff to watch out for. Oh, and Pedro Martinez is waiting on the DL. Cliff Lee will make a C.C. Sabathia type turnaround for Philadelphia after leaving the lowly Indians, for a competitive NL team. This is a steal for the Phillies.

3. Boston Red Sox—Key acquisition: Victor Martinez

Fact one: The Cleveland Indians are sellers in 2009. Fact two: The Boston Red Sox got much better in 2009. Adding Catcher/First basemen Victor Martinez adds more pop to this lineup than ever before. There is so much power and Martinez has patience to work pitchers and with a potent lineup in Boston he should do damage.

Honorable Mention—Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins

Losers

1. Pittsburgh Pirates—Key losses: Jack Wilson, Ian Snell, Freddy Sanchez

As we speak, there in a huge hole in the infield at PNC Park and on the Pirates roster. The ability to play defense is gone and I can promise anybody, rookie Andrew Mccutchen will not hit three home runs a game for Pittsburgh many times in his career.

I mean we never can expect much from the Pirates, but now I think the Nationals are more exciting to watch. At least they have Nate Mc...oh wait he's gone too.

2. Chicago White Sox—Key losses: MLB Prospects & Gained: Jake Peavy

Congratulations White Sox, you've just acquired an ace, but he's on the DL. Don't forget about all those prospects you discarded for Peavy as well. The good factor in all of this mess is Peavy is excited to pitch for Chicago, but that's exactly why he declined to remove his no trade clause earlier in the season to come to Chicago right? T

his move may look sub par now, but in the years down the road the White Sox will be selling to regain those missing prospects.

3. Texas Rangers—Key losses: None & Key Gains: None

Texas, where are you? Chasing the division leading Angels is what will be happening all season long, until the losses pile up. There was no major move by Texas and in my opinion these Rangers needed a leader.

Michael Young is good, but Adam Dunn is a nice bat to throw in the lineup. Pitching could have used a nice boost. Instead, what do you have? A mediocre team who could potentially be a one and done, or just not make the post season period. I'm a person who enjoys winning and always looks to improve, obviously the management in Texas isn't.

Other key losing teams—Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros

Well, there is my in-depth perspective on the trade deadline. Some teams followed my go big, or go home theory, others just watched it come and go.

Who's Now: Top 5 MLB Starting Pitchers

John Manzo — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:04:59 -0400

In 2009, the MLB has seen mediocre pitchers emerge into stars, old superstars fight through injuries to return to their old form, and watch some superstars just continue to dominate. I have put together a slideshow of my opinions on the top five starting pitchers in the MLB based on results and leadership. This is what I truly believe has occured in the 2009 MLB season at the halfway point. This is subject to change in the second half of the MLB season.

Begin Slideshow

Yao Ming: The Great Wall Of Houston

John Manzo — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:13:37 -0400

Boy have the mighty fallen in Houston. Yao Ming, the 7'6" superstar, could potentially be facing a career ending injury. Ming, who was injured in Game 3 of the Western Conference second round, injured his left foot.

At first Ming was looking at a return to the Rockets for the 2009-2010 season. Now, next season even looks bleak. His ankles are weak and cannot stabilize his 7'6" monstrous body.

Now What for Houston...

With Yao Ming most likely out for next season, I was curious to look deeper into next season for Houston. The Rockets cannot, and will not win the NBA title, let alone the Western Conference with Dikembe Mutombo or Luis Scola leading the way for big men. Besides these two bigs, the Rockets are a very undersized team that slowly got worn down by the size of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 NBA Playoffs.

I've got two names in mind for the Houston Rockets that could solidify their team for a run at a title or two.

1. Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz. He is a big man who can bang in the low post and is quietly a great passer. With T-Mac, Artest, and Boozer in 2009-2010, the Rockets could threaten.

2. Jermaine O'Neal, Toronto Raptors. O'Neal would be a cheaper price for the Rockets and could be signed as a fill in for a year or two in hopes that Yao Ming can return. This move would give the Rockets a proven veteran, the downside of O'Neal is that he is also injury prone.

Either way, next season is going to need some changes for Houston. With this roster the Rockets can have fun as a one and done in the playoffs. If they sign a big man, the Rockets can stir up the pot like they proved they can do last year. Until then...the Rocket organization must find a way to repair The Great Wall of Houston.

On Top Of The World: Michael Jordan...for Now

John Manzo — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:43:02 -0400

The plate is officially placed on the table and the Lakers are allowed to eat it. The Lakers can stuff their faces after being hungry since last years disappointing NBA Finals appearance versus the Boston Celtics. There wasn't any team more hungry than the 2009 Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant took his smile and converted to a scowl. The title without Shaquille O'Neal has arrived for Kobe Bryant.

Kobe Bryant now has 4 NBA Championships and is now in his prime. In the next five to six years the Los Angeles Lakers could do damage to the NBA. Kobe Bryant has to gain serious consideration as the second best player to Michael Jordan and can continue to strive to pass Jordan.

Whenever I'm around somebody who shoots a basketball into the net, I almost regularly hear "Kobe." You do not hear anybody saying "Jordan." He may not have the rings Jordan does, but Kobe Bryant is the most prolific scorer in the modern era. Bryant can turn up his game like the heat on an oven. Bryant realizes when to be aggressive and when to be passive.

Kobe Bryant has become a leader in the past two seasons. Trust has been key for Bryant, who has been quoted as being a ball hog in the past. Well the haters can quite down because Bryant averaged over seven assists in the NBA Finals. There is nobody in the rich NBA History that has won a title alone. Shaq and Kobe, Jordan and Pippen, The Fab Five Pistons, Duncan, Manu, and Parker, The Boston Three Party, The Bad Boys, and so many more.

Who doesn't have a ring? MVP LeBron James who has gotten more comparisons to Michael Jordan than Mr. Bryant. Win a ring and then compare the two. The Cavs are now searching for what Bryant has. Help. Shaq seems to be on the rescue, but he's not Superman anymore, Dwight Howard has replaced him. “Got a new point guard, got a new wing, got a Spaniard, and then it was all good,” Bryant said. “It was all good. I had a bunch of Christmas presents that came early.”

If the Lakers can re-sign Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, the Lakers can tear through the NBA and Kobe Bryant can cement his legacy as number one.

Jordan is the man for now, but Bryant will soon takeover.

Hollywood's New Star: Chauncey Billups

John Manzo — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:58:50 -0400

Steven Spielberg, the well-known director and Lakers' fan, may just have his new acting star right in front of him.

Hollywood is getting a great look at him during the Denver-Los Angeles Western Conference finals.

The lead actor: Chauncey Billups from the Denver Nuggets.

I'd love to give Spielberg some advice on what he should call this movie. Flopper? No, too nice of a title. Um, Clown Shoes? No, he doesn't stumble every play.

The Bully! Chauncey Billups reminds me of that kid when you were younger. Don't tell me you don't know this kid either. He's the one who plays the sweet and innocent child around parents, but once the parents vanish, so does his kindness.

Billups is the scam-master of the NBA. I believe Billups has "faked" multiple fouls in the series verse the Los Angeles Lakers.

There has been numerous accounts where Billups was untouched. Like the great actor he is, he flaps his arms up and down like Chris Anderson, I mean a bird and it's ridiculous.

I recall a layup late in Game Two where Billups missed a layup and was once again untouched and flared his arms in disgust to get a call.

Billups should tie his shoes tighter because every drive he makes to the basket is a stumble or two into a body and then a circus shot with two free throws awaiting him.

Spielberg's mouth is drooling over the opportunity to watch such a great actor live in his presence. Of course, he has directed movies with many great actors, but certainly not Mr. Big Shot.

When you take 30 game winners, three or four of them are bound to go in. No offense to bowlers or anything, but the NBA isn't bowling. Contact is going to happen, but don't exaggerate a slight bump into being apart of a tornado because frankly I don't buy it.

Unfortunately, the refs do, and that must change. Billups will pull-up and force his body into contact for free throws. Let's see what happens in Game Three. As for Spielberg, I'd contact Billups for a job ASAP.

Winning Pick: Matthew StafFORD

John Manzo — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:53:52 -0400

Is this the correct draft pick that puts the Detroit Lions on top? Are the Lions going to make the playoffs? Could the Lions possibly win a game this year? All of these questions and more will be answered in the upcoming NFL season, but was Matthew Stafford, the quarterback from Georgia worth selecting number one overall? Stafford is a quarterback who has the arm strength and natural ability to conquer anything and what a better pick for the Ford Family than to have a player with the name “FORD” embedded into his last name. Stafford will be the new poster boy for the Detroit Lions. With a strong arm and great ability, a new surplus of weapons on the Lions offense, and a new head coach, this should finally be a step in the right direction.

The Detroit Lions have had so many draft busts at quarterback that they haven’t won a Super Bowl in team history. A quarterback is the leader of a football team and without leadership, a football team is just a bunch of men. Andre Ware, Scott Mitchell, Joey Harrington, Jon Kitna, and so many other quarterbacks have failed in the old Honolulu blue, Lions uniforms. This is the draft pick that could potentially put the Lions into the right direction. Departing with team wrecker Matt Millen was the major relief needed for 2009-2010. Stafford has a powerful arm with great knowledge for the game of football and will be a Lion for many years whether Detroit fans like it or not. Stafford recently signed a six-year deal worth a maximum of $78 million, including $41.7 million guaranteed (Angelique S. Chengelis). In his final game at Georgia, Stafford played a very important role in defeating the Michigan State Spartans in the Capital One Bowl. The fans of Detroit got a great look at what Stafford could do to opposing defenses. Is a possible 2009-2010 starting job open for Matthew Stafford? “I’m going to fight like hell to get out there as soon as I can,” Stafford stated about the starting position.

Every rookie quarterback loves to have weapons on offense and through the draft the Lions will add great promise to that number one selection of Matthew Stafford. From the draft, they obtained players that did address areas of need (Bleacher Report). The Lions snagged blocking tight end Brandon Pettigrew from Oklahoma State with their 20^thpick from Dallas, which was acquired in the Roy Williams trade last season. With Pettigrew most likely getting an instant starting position, this will help guide Stafford in his mission to become the Detroit Lions savior. In my opinion, Stafford cannot hurt the chances of a 0-16 team can he?

Luckily, Stafford never had to grab a shovel and “keep diggin” last season with Marinelli and the crew. He will start fresh with defensive-minded Head Coach Jim Schwartz. Having a team built around defense is tremendous and will help win championships. With additions at safety, linebacker, and on the line, the Lions should have a new look defense in 2009-2010. The Lions drafted hometown star, safety, Louis Delmas, 33^rdto secure the defensive backfield (Michael David Smith). This will greatly improve Stafford’s chances at saving the dreadful Lions. Quarterback Trent Dilfer, who is lucky to get the title of mediocre for a quarterback, won a Super Bowl with a Ravens team built on defense. Although Stafford seems to be the correct pick, many fans wanted to see linebacker Aaron Curry dress for the Detroit Lions. As an avid sports fan and longtime Lions lover, they finally made the correct pick because they addressed the need of linebacker by locking up veteran, and former MSU Spartan, Julian Peterson and also veteran, and former Uofm Wolverine, Larry Foote.

Stafford was the correct pick and will soon enlighten the eyes of Lions fans all over the state of Michigan in what will soon be great football. Having great football is like Arizona getting a major snow storm, but as they say, there is a first for everything.

Detroit Tigers Pitching Analysis

John Manzo — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:28:22 -0400

The Detroit Tigers went out in the off-season and searched for the patches to close up the holes in their pitching staff for the 2009 season. Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers General Manager, attacked the free agent market and acquired the needs the Tigers desired.

With a surplus of outfielders on the roster, the first move the Tigers made was shipping highly talented prospect Matt Joyce to the Tampa Bay Rays for up and coming starting pitcher Edwin Jackson to fill a need for the rotation. In the first month of the season Jackson could arguably be the Tigers best starting pitcher so far.

Next, the front office dove right in and snagged one time closer Brandon Lyon from free agency. The Tigers also snatched another veteran reliever, acquiring Juan Rincon, who is another body to add depth to the pen.

With a mass load of injuries depleting the Tigers rotation and the loss of Kenny Rogers, the Detroit Tigers front office had decisions to make.

Two of the most important moves so far this season were the promotion of the youngsters. Starting pitcher, Rick Porcello and reliever, Ryan Perry.

After a shaky start, Porcello has shown promise for the Tigers. Perry will one day become a closer in the MLB, as he has shown he contains a powerful fast ball, and is accurate on most occasions.

The one thing that truly scares me is the "what if" theory. The tigers are without starting pitchers Jeremy Bonderman and one year wonder, Dontrelle Willis. Bonderman looks doubtful as his throwing arm continually refuses to return to full strength.

As for Willis, he will make his first start of the 2009 MLB campaign Wednesday night in Minnesota against the Minnesota Twins. Willis has had trouble in the past with location and personally the managing staff shouldn't start him versus the Twins.

If any team in the majors can wait for the right pitch it'd have to be the Twins. A patient team is not who Willis should make his season debut against, but I'm not the one whose job is on the line, so I assume the staff knows what to do.

With a potent offense and a more defensive infield, I see the Detroit Tigers continuing their success that they are showing in the first month of the season. Having Curtis Granderson for the beginning of this season has greatly helped the team as a whole, especially our pitching staff.

Granderson has robbed multiple home runs from opposing players and hopefully will continue to make the "Top 10" on Sportscenter. Who knows, maybe the Granderson will make the No. 1 play in October to preserve a World Series Title.

Tom Izzo: Blue Collar Coach For a Blue Collar Town

John Manzo — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:26:52 -0400

How fitting is it to have the Michigan State Spartans in the Final Four at Ford Field? Does this Spartan team seem destined for a NCAA Championship? Nobody will know until Saturday evening, but one thing is certain, the Spartans will be prepared to take on the UCONN Huskies. Detroit has always been a city known for their blue collar work ethic, and Michigan State coach Tom Izzo fittingly has the same personality.

Tomorrow night when the Spartans of Michigan State burst out of the tunnel at Ford Field all eyes will be on Tom Izzo.

I promise you we are taking that inspirational spirit onto the court at Ford Field, said Izzo.

Izzo's team will always have a balanced attack and will always be prepared for game time. Izzo, like the city of Detroit, likes to grind it out and play rough and tough. Even being a number two seed in the tournament didn't seem to matter for Michigan State. Analysts were always looking to pick the other team to prevail over Michigan State. USC will beat MSU, Kansas will learn from their last loss to MSU and beat them, or better yet Louisville is more athletic than MSU. People across the world can keep doubting the Spartans, but the Spartans will always fight the odds. I can just imagine what people are saying about the game versus UCONN. Thabeet is too big or Price is a NBA prospect. Michigan State will not let this phase them.

Detroit has gone through some rough times, especially over the past few years. Having Michigan State in the Final Four here in Detroit cannot hurt the city, but only improve it. As of now this is a successful season for Michigan State and the city of Detroit, anything else from here on out is gravy.

Tom Izzo said it best, "We're home; let's bring it home! Let's celebrate. Let's do it with class. Go Green!"

Jay Cutler To Chicago: Now Who Do You Throw To?

John Manzo — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:44:19 -0400

The Chicago Bears got the franchise quarterback that has been anticipated to arrive now since Rex Grossman became a bust. Pro Bowl Quarterback Jay Cutler is now a Chicago Bear.

The Broncos are reported to receive quarterback Kyle Orton, the Bears 2009 and 2010 first round picks, and a 2009 third round pick. Is that too much? I believe so looking at the Bears depth chart.

The Chicago Bears do not have the wide receivers to win a Super Bowl. A division crown is a possibility, but this does not put Chicago among the elite teams in the NFL.

You can have the most expensive wallet on the market, but what is that wallet without money? The answer your looking for is nothing. Cutler may be the future of the Chicago Bears, but without wide receivers he's nothing.

My mistake he has deep threat Brandon Rideau. Wow this was quite the mistake in my mind by the Chicago Bears.

I almost forgot the Bears can select a star wide receiver with their first round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, or wait a year and get that star in 2010. Oh my bad, they traded all of those picks away. The Bears better find a sleeper at wide receiver, Matt Forte cannot carry the Bears without a passing attack.

On the other sideline, I view the Broncos as the winners' of the deal. They unloaded a disgruntled quarterback, added a veteran quarterback, and snagged three quality draft picks in the process that could become a future quarterback as well.

Who would have thought trading a pro bowl quarterback would feel so good.

The Denver Broncos are officially on Mile High, as for the Bears...You better run the football, or have fun losing to the win less Lions twice in 2009.

Detroit Lions: Cutler Works For Motown

John Manzo — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:55:27 -0400

Here we go again in Detroit. After an 0-16 season, the Detroit Lions cannot afford to lose out on the Pro Bowl Quarterback Jay Cutler. The Detroit Lions have selected their share of rookie quarterbacks and they haven't panned out. Most recently the Lions selected Joey Harrington, a great college player with a strong arm and major up side. Unfortunately, Harrington turned into the new Ryan Leaf of the NFL and has struggled throughout his career.

I strongly believe Jay Cutler will workout for the Detroit Lions. The Detroit Lions have the most to offer with this years number one pick in April's Draft. As an avid Detroit Lions fan I have gone through many dismal seasons just looking for a reason of hope. Many Detroiters even snatched the infamous "Pre-Season Champions" t-shirt. There has been no glimmer of hope in Motown. Struggling economy, bad football team, and a city with an inconsistency to stay clean. There have been brawls in Detroit, a mayor who went to jail, and a football team that didn't win a football game in a season. Cutler gives me hope that the Lions can change.

The Lions need an established quarterback who has already proven he can handle the pressure, media, and expections of being in the NFL. Cutler has already made it to the Pro Bowl and has a strong arm which could cause havoc for opposing teams with big time wide receiver Calvin Johnson on the other end of Cutler's passes. With Cutler and Johnson becoming a duo could be a fun event to watch. Bring Cutler to Motown, this is what this city needs.

Breaking News: Calipari To Take Over at Kentucky

John Manzo — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:58:15 -0400

The wait is over for Wildcat fans as Ex-Memphis head coach John Calipari has agreed to an 8-year contract worth approximately $31.65 million. Kentucky will also pay $200,000 to buyout Calipari. Kentucky, after failing to make the NCAA Tournament, quickly bounced former coach Billy Gillispie. Seeing the good success of Minnesota and former coach Tubby Smith, Kentucky had to react with a "sure thing." Calipari, a coach who has had success everywhere he goes seems to be a "sure thing." With the reputation of Kentucky Basketball on the line, the Wildcats became desperate. Calipari knew Kentucky wanted him and he made sure he cashed in.

John Calipari should restore the fire back into Rupp Arena and he can start with his skill of recruiting. Calipari will have to battle for recruits along with his rival, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino. With the experience and conference in favor of Pitino, Calipari better work fast because that state may not be big enough for the both of them.

Now that the Kentucky position is filled, the sports world can exhale. Or can they? Calipari left Memphis for Kentucky leaving a vacancy in Memphis. The cycle will continue again. My favorite candidate for the job is Missouri coach Mike Anderson. I figure if you can't beat him, hire him. Memphis is known for having very athletic men who have loads of speed and potential. Mike Anderson will use their speed and potential with his signature pressing defense and cause total mayhem for opposing teams. Who knows, come next March maybe we will see a Memphis, Kentucky championship game.

NCAA Football: 64 Team Tournament Must Be Installed

John Manzo — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:06:06 -0400

What is better than the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament? Who wouldn't want this March Madness come January? How awesome is that feeling when you pick the number 12 seed to knock off the five seed? In March, every sports fan becomes engulfed with the television screen as they watch their projected tournament winner in a cut-throat game that could ultimately bust their bracket. The sports media may think Texas Tech Head Coach Mike Leach is strange, but call me crazy; Leach has the right idea. This 64 team tournament would allow a better adjustment from NCAA to NFL for players, more money for the NCAA, a chance to attempt another bracket selection, and to give the George Mason's of college football a dream season.

Here's my theory on this 64 team playoff. I want some January Madness. Eliminate a game or two from the college football season, narrowing the season to 10 games. Implement the six game, 64 team tournament, and make the season 16 total games. I know good math right? Assuming the elite teams advance further into the tournament, better teams mean better players in my opinion. With having better players playing anywhere from say 12-16 games a season, these future NFL players can slowly adjust into the role that they will soon face on Sunday's.

More games means more money. The NCAA should be drooling over the fact of a 64 team tournament. Upsets in the tournament would stir up the pot and everybody in the world would be interested to see if Florida Atlantic could cruise all the way to the National Championship. I'd have to say if this tournament became a reality you'd see more fans in Europe playing football rather than futbol. I think the NCAA should really invest some time into what Mike Leach proposed. This scenario would really eliminate the he said, she said for who deserves to be in the title game.

As an avid sports fan I love filling out my NCAA March Madness bracket. I always look at every game and see who is favored and do a ton of in-depth research. Does it matter? No it does not. Is it fun? You better it is! In America football is the sport to follow. Basketball is a sport many watch, but can you imagine how many people would follow a 64 team college football tournament? Television ratings would be setting daily records. I know I enjoy filling out a bracket, but I always mess up. I'd love to have two shots at a bracket per year. "It works in high school, it works in Division III, it works in Division II, it works in I-AA, it works in the NFL," Leach said. "To me, it's obvious," said Texas Tech Head Coach Mike Leach when talking about a 64 team playoff system. (Chuck Carlton)

Watching teams like Ball State and Utah this past season totally excited me. To see a great Utah team get snubbed of a National Championship game crushed every bit of my soul. Being from Michigan I have a fond love for the Central Michigan Chippewas. The students in Mt. Pleasant. must be chomping at the bit for a 64 team tournament. Having a chance at a dream season would make everybody happy. This tournament would also solve the problem of who is the best team in the nation. The mid-major schools would be happy, the power house schools would be happy, and most importantly the fans would be happy.

This 64 team tournament seems a long way from becoming a reality, but I say make it happen as quickly as possible. Bring on January Madness, I'm ready to fill out my bracket.

Can't Be Stopped

John Manzo — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:33:50 -0400

As the pre-season favorites for the 2009 NCAA season, Tyler Hansbrough and his North Carolina Tar Heels are on a mission to prove that they are worthy of being the nations number one team. After a mishap at the beginning of conference play, North Carolina has quickly gathered themselves in time for tournament play. The Tar Heels seem absolutely unbeatable in every sense of the game. Ty Lawson, the 5-11 junior, possesses a driving threat that causes thedefense to collapse allowing easy looks at three pointers for swing-man Wayne Ellington. When all else fails, send it to the big man Tyler Hansbrough who has great coordination and superb concentration while being fearless under the basket. His attributes are an exact model of what a North Carolina Tar Heel is.

So far in the 2009 NCAA Tournament the North Carolina Tar Heels seems unstoppable. The Tar Heels easily rolled past the Big South Champions in Radford, then slopped it on late against the Louisiana State Tigers, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen. After a week of rest the Tar Heels kept the momentum rolling as they knocked off Gonzaga, making it look easy with a 98-77 smashing from all aspects of the game.

With potential player of the year Blake Griffin and the Oklahoma Sooner up next the Tar Heels ended the game quickly. Jumping out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back. The nets comes down for UNC again as they enter their 18th Final Four, tied for most among NCAA teams along with UCLA.

Now with a trip to Detroit on their plates, the UNC Tar Heels should be ready to cut the nets again. Villanova, a guard oriented team will be a great match up for North Carolina with Tyler Hansbrough. Assuming everything falls into play there will be a UNC-MSU Final or UNC-UCONN final.

UNC vs. UCONN

North Carolina has the balance to knock down the power house Huskies. Huskies big man Hasheem Thabeet is the main dominant threat, but once removed from the court UNC should be able to exploit the driving lanes such as Syracuse did in their Big East Tournament six overtime thriller at Madison Square Garden.

UNC vs. MSU

Home state or not I believe North Carolina has the distinct edge over the Spartans. On December 3, 2008 North Carolina entered Ford Field and obliterated Michigan State 98-63. I would assume with all that's on the line for this game it will be a little closer, but I still see the Tar Heels coming out on top.

This UNC team is on a mission and is in full force to win another National Championship. Expect President Barack Obama to be correct in his pick as North Carolina will be cutting down the nets at the end of the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

Clutch Performer: Levance Fields

John Manzo — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:42:50 -0400

You will not hear the name Levance Fields in any discussions for the Naismith Award this season, but who better to take the last shot than Fields? Thursday night Fields cemented his legacy at Pittsburgh as a clutch performer who carries the Panthers on his back during crunch time.

Down one in the Sweet 16 match versus mid-major Xavier, Levance Fields not only hit a contested three, he sunk the three pointer from NBA range. Knowing the game was still not in Pittsburgh's control, Fields intercepted the passing lane and glided all the way to the basket on his way to the Elite Eight along with the rest of his Pittsburgh teammates.

"They pushed us around in the first half, but we responded in the second half like we usually do," Dixon said. "Like I've said before, I never get tired of seeing Levance take big shots. He's made them year after year." (qtd. in ESPN.com)

Levance Fields has made many big shots in his four year career at Pittsburgh and he clearly does not want to see it end as he has hit big shots versus Oklahoma State and Xavier to keep the run alive.

Fields, who also hit a game winning three pointer to beat Duke last season, is beginning to gain a reputation for knocking down huge shots.

Next up for these "cardiac cats" is Villanova. The Wildcats upset Pittsburgh earlier in the year at home, but in the NCAA Tournament anything can happen, but Pittsburgh will enter the game as clear favorites once again.

If this basketball game comes down to the wire, look for Fields to attempt a shot for the tie or win. Advice to Jay Wright and Villanova: Deny Fields the ball.

Detroit Pistons Collapse: What Went Wrong?

John Manzo — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:13:17 -0400

Last night at the Palace of Auburn Hills, the Detroit Pistons fans hit an all-time low. Chants of "M-V-P" echoed throughout the stadium as MVP candidate Kobe Bryant stepped to the free-throw line late in the third quarter to help seal the Los Angeles Lakers 92-77 victory.

Bryant is absolutely despised in Detroit and yet he still received numerous cheers throughout the crowd. Where did it all go wrong? I have a few reasons that may prove the fall of the Detroit Pistons.

Losing Ben Wallace

The intimidating "GONG" during introductions is now absent in the Palace, just like the NBA Finals in Detroit. Since the departure of Ben Wallace in 2006, the Pistons have not made it back to the Finals.

He was a force down low, causing havoc in the middle and making opponents kick it out to shoot contested three-pointers. Although he acquired the "Hack-A-Ben" nickname, Wallace still was the driving force in Detroit. His championship belt, championship defense, and championship spirit will be forever missed.

Hiring Michael Curry

In Curry's playing days as a Detroit Piston, he wasn't the star of the team and mainly was a mediocre role player. Hiring a mediocre player seems to prove that you will receive mediocre coaching results.

Flip Saunders at least got the Pistons to the Eastern Conference Finals. As of today, the Pistons are percentage points behind the Chicago Bulls for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Trading Away Chauncey Billups

Trading away the leader of a team is not a move you should make. Yes, I know we are all looking forward to Chris Bosh here in Detroit in 2010, but what about now? Chauncey is having a tremendous season in Denver while the Pistons find themselves drowning below .500, scratching and clawing for a playoff spot. Iverson is out with a back injury, so basically we traded Iverson for cap space. Will Bynum better save the day.

Drafting Darko Milicic

The Pistons snagged the No. 2 draft pick in the 2003 Draft, potentially one of the deepest drafts in years, and Detroit selected an unknown center from overseas. The Pistons eventually traded away Chauncey Billups to make room for Chris Bosh in 2010, but the Pistons could have drafted him No. 2 overall in that draft where Bosh eventually fell to Toronto. The 2010 Pistons could have had a lineup featuring Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Bosh, and Rasheed Wallace.

These are my four major reasons why the Detroit Pistons are below .500 and need a major makeover if they want to see themselves back in the NBA Finals anytime soon. Until then, enjoy hearing "DEEEEEEETROITTTT BASKETBALLLL" up until April, because you won't hear that famous line anytime in May or June.

Syracuse Basketball on an Inspirational Ride to Detroit

John Manzo — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:09:19 -0400

The Syracuse Orange have been through more basketball in the past few weeks than any college team can even imagine, and yet this group of 13 men continue to battle towards their goal of a national championship.

On March 12, 2009, Syracuse junior guard Eric Devendorf was 0.01 second away from sending the Orange into the next round of the Big East Tournament, but the clock had expired slightly before the ball was released from Devendorf's fingers. If Devendorf clipped his nails before the game, the shot would've been good, but it was too close to call.

Instead, Devendorf and the rest of his teammates dragged through six overtimes with the UConn Huskies in the rivalry game of a lifetime. Foul trouble was a major role in the game, especially when Big Man Hasheem Thabeet fouled out, giving the Orange a driving lane, ultimately helping Syracuse to a 127-117 victory.

To keep things going, the Orange had to play West Virginia in the semi-finals of the Big East Tournament and went into overtime again, barely scratching out a 74-69 victory. Finally, after falling to Louisville, Syracuse got some days off to prepare for the NCAA Tournament.

The Syracuse Orange are persevering through a ton of basketball in a short amount of time after already experiencing a full season of hard-fought games in arguably the best conference in the entire NCAA. With the mighty Orange, led by Jonny Flynn and his 17.3 PPG, in the Sweet Sixteen, the next test comes in the form of Naismith Award Candidate Blake Griffith and the Oklahoma Sooners.

Griffith, the 6-fiit-10-inch sophomore, has clearly led his team this entire season, and he adds another obstacle for Syracuse to overcome. With Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim chasing win number 800, this Orange team will be in full focus come Friday night.

The road to Detroit has been exhausting for this basketball team, but what a ride it has been, and where better to take a ride but to the Motor City at Ford Field? Then the fun really begins.