Bleacher Report - Articles by Jansyn Craig

New York Yankees: Soon To Be World Series Champs

Jansyn Craig — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:28:07 -0400

After a dismal start to the season, the New York Yankees are in post-season form. Since the return of Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees have been a contender and no longer the early season pretender.

Now with a record of 74-45 and a seven game cushion on the Red Sox, the Yankees seem to be rolling into a playoff series. As the hottest team since the All-Star break, can anyone beat them? So far the answer has been no.

The Yankees are one of the few teams with depth in every area. They have two quality catchers in Posada and Molina. The infield of Texeira, Cano, Jeter and Rodriguez is arguably the best in baseball. The outfield of Damon, Cabrera and Swisher is a strong hitting and very consistent outfield.

The acquisitions in the pitching rotation are what made the Yankees a legitimate favorite. With Sabathia and Burnett joining the starting lineup, mixed with Pettitte and Chamberlain, they now have four quality starters who can pitch consistently. The bullpen, weak at the beginning, has come around and has given Rivera the chance to save games with 35 saves on 36 chances.

Based on all these factors the Yankees are looking good to head into the World Series and win it in non-dramatic fashion.

Disappointment at All-Star Game in New York

Jansyn Craig — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:25:03 -0400

The All-Star game in New York was for sure one of the best. It took place at Yankee stadium in it's final year. It went into the 15th inning and finished with the AL on top.

But one thing that could have made it better or less disappointing would've been to leave Derek Jeter in the game. The goal is to let everyone play, but you have to leave Jeter in for the rest of the game in the last All-Star game at Yankee stadium.

He's the face of the Yankees in New York and he did not even receive the chance to win them the game. I would've enjoyed the game more if Jeter scored or drove someone in.

But in general this was another historic moment at "the house that Ruth built." In my generation it was no longer the house that Ruth built, but "the house that Jeter kept."

The best way to say goodbye to good old Yankee stadium would be to celebrate a World Series victory.

The Three Worst Early NFL Fantasy Trades

Jansyn Craig — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:47:08 -0400

I know it is early to do an article like this, but I decided to write one. I was bored so far this summer so I joined two fantasy leagues on NFL.com. I have already witnessed three of the funniest trades, and I will be ranking them accordingly.

3. RB Edgerrin James + RB Darren McFadden for RB Steven Jackson + RB Laurence Maroney + RB Justin Fargas.

This trade was to my benefit, I received Steven Jackson and so on. And this trade excited me when I received it. I had a good laugh and got ready for the next trade.

2. WR Santana Moss for WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh

This trade took place recently and it is a great trade for the person gaining T.J. but an awful trade for the other person. Santana Moss is a very good WR when he is playing well. Year after year he seems to get hurt though.

T.J. is a very dominant receiver who puts up great numbers every year, plus he has a solid QB.

1. WR Randy Moss for QB Donovan McNabb

This trade is a JOKE. The league I'm in must be a joke. Who in their right mind would trade RANDY MOSS for Donovan McNabb. You are lucky if Donovan McNabb doesn't get injured, but luckier if he out performs Randy Moss.

If you are in a league with some funny trades then drop a line and I'll check it out and see if they're pretty bad.

Brett Favre, Get Over It: Green Bay Shouldn't Take You Back

Jansyn Craig — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:33:52 -0400

Brett Favre is now in his annual depression stage. He is now debating if it was right to retire—again!

I grew up watching Brett Favre play, and I have nothing against him. But seriously, Brett: retire already!

I'm sick and tired of him retiring emotionally every year, and then coming back to the Packers for what is supposed to be a one-year deal.

And if he does want to come back, Green Bay shouldn't take him up on it this time. I believe that it's time for a change. They need to establish a new No. 1 quarterback. Sooner or later, Brett Favre won't be able to bail them out anymore.

Favre should be happy with his career. He has broken records, won a Super Bowl, and gone to Pro Bowls. Anyone with the type of career Favre had would be happy to retire with his stats.

So I seriously think he should shut up, retire peacefully, and practice his golf swing. All parties involved will be better off.

NFL Predictions: Regular Season and Playoff Predictions

Jansyn Craig — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:58:04 -0400

I will start this off with the AFC East.

AFC EAST

New England Patriots (14-2)
New York Jets ( 8-8 )
Buffalo Bills ( 7-9 )
Miami Dolphins ( 3-13)

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
Cleveland Browns ( 8-8 )
Baltimore Ravens (6-10)

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)
Tennessee Titans ( 7-9 )
Houston Texans (4-12)

AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers (11-5)
Denver Broncos ( 9-7 )
Kansas City Chiefs ( 7-9 )
Oakland Raiders (5-11)

PLAYOFF PICTURE

Wild Card Games Cincinnati Bengals @ San Diego Chargers (28-21) Jacksonville Jaguars @ Pittsburgh Steelers (14-17)

Divisional Games Cincinnati Bengals @ New England Patriots (28-31) Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts (14-21)

Conference Finals Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots (31-27)

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
New York Giants ( 9-7 )
Philadelphia Eagles ( 8-8 )
Washington Redskins (6-10)

NFC NORTH

Minnesota Vikings (11-5)
Green Bay Packers ( 8-8 )
Detroit Lions (5-11)
Chicago Bears (4-12)

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans Saints (10-6)
Carolina Panthers ( 9-7 )
Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 7-9 )
Atlanta Falcons (5-11)

NFC WEST

Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
Arizona Cardinals ( 7-9 )
St. Louis Rams ( 7-9 )
San Francisco 49ers (4-12)

Playoff Picture

Wild Card Games Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks (21-17) New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints (17-24)

Divisional Games Carolina Panthers @ Dallas Cowboys (14-31) New Orleans Saints @ Minnesota Vikings (17-21)

Conference Finals Minnesota Vikings @ Dallas Cowboys (28-31)

Super Bowl Dallas Cowboys Vs. Indianapolis Colts (34-31)

Raycroft's Avalanche Ride to the Bottom Will End in Colorado

Jansyn Craig — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:20:25 -0400

I'm sure many Avalanche fans disagree with the signing of Andrew Raycroft to a one-year deal, but I, on the other hand, believe this could be a blessing in disguise.

Andrew Raycroft just came off his worst season in the NHL and is looking to redeem himself in a new country. He's moved from one of the most hostile cities in hockey to a slightly more relaxed environment. This should allow him to play his game better and more effectively.

The Colorado Avalanche are known for making goalies who were struggling into superstars once more. Some of the names they brought back to the top are Patrick Roy and Jose Thedore.

Many people forget that Patrick Roy struggled in his last season with Montreal, and did not become better until he played in Colorado. And with Colorado, he became one of the best, if not the best, goalies of all-time.

More recently, Jose Thedore was also traded to Colorado from Montreal after struggling for a season. It took him a little longer, but with Colorado behind him he returned to the solid No. 1 goalie he once was. He then began to put up solid numbers, which allowed him to leave Colorado and become a starting netminder elsewhere.

With the success Colorado has had rejuvenating goalies, there is a good chance this will be the beginning of the Raycroft era in Colorado. If they are able to make him the solid No. 1 goalie they need, then he will receive the money and glory that Colorado Avalanche goalies receive.

And, due to this, I believe this could be one of the more underrated signings that helps the team the most.

St. Louis Rams, Only room for improvement

Jansyn Craig — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:35:10 -0400

After last year's disappointing season for the Rams, it couldn't get any worse. This is a bonus to a team that was struggling last year, due to there not being any pressure to repeat a stellar season like the Giants will have to do.

For the Rams all they need to do is to go 4-12, and their season is an improvement. They should easily be able to win four games. They should have four wins in the first half of the season.

This will easily be done if Steven Jackson can get his legs back under him and run for solid yards for 16 games. They have a great running game and a pretty good passing game, consisting of Marc Bulger throwing the ball to Torry Holt, who can put up great numbers.

The weakness of the past years has been their defense. The defense has improved slightly, but not enough to challenge for a Super Bowl. They're still below where they need to be defensively if they want to win. Over the next few years this could all change, and they could become one of the top teams again.

If they had the defense of a team like Indianapolis, then they could become a dynasty, with their solid offensive attack. But as the saying goes "Offense wins games but defense wins championships." And for St. Louis, there will not be a championship this season.

My prediction is that they will finish 7-9, and tied for second in the division with Arizona.

Seattle will be first with 11-5 record, and will be knocked out in the divisional game like last year.

Last and certainly least will be the San Francisco 49ers. They will finish 5-11 and last in the division. They are still three years away from the championship team they want to be. By then, Smith will have matured into a quality starter and they'll have an offensive line.

If you have any things you think are wrong put them down and I'll get back to you about your argument.