Bleacher Report - Articles by Baily Deeter

A's Moving to Fremont?

Baily Deeter — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:27:47 -0400

The Oakland A's are planning on moving to Fremont, where they will play at Cisco Field. They expect to have this done by 2011.

It is supposed to have 32,000-35,000 seats and it is located 20-25 miles south of McAfee Coliseum, which they share with the Raiders.

To read the rest of my post, go to bailyd.blogspot.com to check out more amazing posts.

NFL Draft Needs and Reports

Baily Deeter — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:46:35 -0400

As the NFL Draft clock ticks down, lets discuss the needs, reports, and ideas about each team, from Detroit to San Diego [ 1-16].

Detroit Lions:

Coming off an 0-16 year, the Lions have many needs, and they could trade the pick for a nice package of players and picks. Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez would be their best bet, and even though I like guys like Pat White more than him, they should take Stafford.

Latest Report: Matthew Stafford or a trade is what Detroit wants.

St. Louis Rams:

The Rams are looking into selecting an OT like Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe, but could easily select LB Aaron Curry or even DE Michael Johnson, who impressed many scouts at the combine. I think it comes down to Curry and Smith, but I like the big Baylor OT to land in St. Louis.

Reports: Jason Smith is the Rams best bet and most likely pick, but don't be surprised if they take Curry.

Kansas City Chiefs:

As the team with a terrible D, KC needs a defensive player who can blitz the QB well, and that is Aaron Curry. With a terrible defense, KC needs to upgrade and use 4+ picks on defensive players.

Reports: Scott Pioli could upgrade his QB pass protection by selecting Eugene Monroe, but that shouldn't happen. I like Curry here.

Seattle Seahawks:

Until T.J Housmedzadah was signed, picking Crabtree was a lock. Now with many options, Seattle needs to choose carefully.

If he is available they should pick Aaron Curry, but if not, I would pick Michael Crabtree. Crabtree was the only reason Texas Tech did well, and they made the Cotton Bowl. The Hawks could go with Eugene Monroe if he is on the board, but their best pick is the do it all Crabtree.

Reports: Seattle can pick an OT,[Monroe or Smith], Michael Johnson or Crabtree, but Crabtree would fit as a favorite target of Matt Hasslebeck, but with Burleson, Housh, Engram, and a talented receiving corps, Seattle wont need to upgrade needs at WR, but will upgrade the position.

Cleveland Browns:

They could take a lot of players, but I like Brian Orkapo. Jeremy Maclin or Percy Harvin could be on their board, but if Crabtree is gone, the Browns could use another defensive player, who would compete for the starting job.

Reports: Johnson could work out here, but Brian Orkapo impressed scouts even in tough games. I like Orkapo here.

Cincinnati Bengals:

The Bengals need someone to protect Carson Palmer, and Eugene Monroe or Michael Oher works, but since Oher had bad workouts, Eugene Monroe would be an easy yes for the Bengals. They would be lucky if the OT from Virginia who is great at pass-protecting falls down to slot no. 6, where they have to take him.

Reports: The Bengals need pass protection, so if he is available take him. If not pick Andre Smith, a tackle very similar to Monroe.

They could really be competing for this slot, so Cincinnati should work both of them out, but Kansas City could be tempted to take Monroe. The Bengals have to pay very close attention to what's happening.

Oakland Raiders:

Al Davis's risky draft style could pick Mark Sanchez, Michael Johnson, Andre Smith or Jeremy Maclin. Considering Johnnie Lee Higgins led Oakland in catches with 22, Jeremy Maclin and his speed is a top option.

With QB issues, Mark Sanchez could definitely fill that need, and Michael Johnson could help their defense. Smith can also protect the Raiders QB. With receiving issues, and since Al Davis loves drafting fast receivers, I like Maclin to be a Raider.

Reports: Oakland may have the most options of any team, but Maclin is their guy. I would take Maclin and trade for another first round pick this year.

Jacksonville Jaguars:

With 31-year-old quarterback David Garrard not at the top of his game right now, and their defense giving up a lot of points, B.J Raji and Mark Sanchez are the candidates. Raji is a tough nose tackle that would be a good fit in Jacksonville's system (3-4 defense), and Sanchez is an accurate quarterback who is very good at timing and making good decisions at USC.

Reports: This is tough, but with a good quarterback already, and a struggling defense, B.J Raji should be the pick if available.

Green Bay Packers:

A team looking for defensive strength here, Aaron Maybin, Everette Brown, Tyson Jackson, Michael Johnson, or OT Andre Smith are an option. Tyson Jackson isn't a great pass rusher, but would still be a O.K fit in the Pack's defense. I think Michael Johnson has greatly improved during workouts, and I like the Pack to take this good pass-rusher, a great fit in Green Bay's 3-4 defense.

Reports: Tyson Jackson, Michael Johnson and Aaron Maybin are good fits for GB, but I like Johnson if he is on the board.

San Francisco 49ers:

SF can turn to Mark Sanchez to help their struggling quarterbacks, Aaron Maybin to help their pass-rush, and Tyson Jackson as a blocker. If Brian Orkapo is available I would take him. The Niners could take Maybin, a great pass-rusher who fits very well in the Niners defense, who could help them gain more sacks, but if Sanchez is available, take him. He could find a way to complete more passes and turn SF into a little bit more of a passing team. I like Sanchez if available.

Reports: If available, the Niners will most likely take Sanchez. I think Sanchez is the one.

Buffalo Bills:

With defensive needs here, expect Buffalo to take a defensive player. Aaron Maybin is a good blitzer and pass-rusher with a ton of upside, and could do well in Buffalo. Everette Brown is a lot of the same thing but doesn't exactly come with Buffalo's wanted package.

Reports: It should be Maybin, Brown, or Tyson Jackson, but expect Maybin or Brown to land with Buffalo. I think Maybin is their guy.

Denver Broncos:

New defensive coordinator and former 49ers coach Mike Nolan will try to draft players that will fill holes or compete for starting jobs. Tyson Jackson and Everette Brown, both defensive ends, would work out well. If Tyson Jackson can rush the quarterback, he would be absolutely perfect in Denver's defense. Everette Brown is pretty good at that, and will compete to be drafted.

Reports: Most mock drafts have Tyson Jackson penciled into this slot, but he needs to improve in training camp wherever he lands.

Washington Redskins:

Looking for defense, Washington could take Everette Brown off the boards easily, but they are also looking for pass protection, Andre Smith would work. Everette Brown had 23 sacks and 46.5 tackles for loss in his career while leading Florida State's punishing defense. Smith was predicted the No. 2 pick in December by Todd McShay, but could be gone by here. If not, he could get picked.

Reports: If Smith falls down to 13 he will probably get picked by Washington, but I think Washington will take Everette Brown.

New Orleans Saints:

The Saints are looking for a safety or cornerback, and Malcom Jenkins plays both. He should be available at the 14th slot, but if not they could be in trouble. The speedy cornerback from Ohio State hasn't done that well in workouts and ran about a 4.5 or 4.6 in the 40 yard dash. He is still what New Orleans wants and needs, and since he has improved a little, and if he plays like he did at Ohio State, he could win Rookie of the Year.

Reports: If available, Malcom Jenkins is pretty much penciled into this slot. Not a single team ahead of them are thinking cornerback/safety, so this pick is as close as it can get to a lock.

Houston Texans:

Even though Clay Matthews or Malcom Jenkins—if available—would be a better fit in Houston, I like Houston to select Andre Smith if he is available. If Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are off the boards when Cincinnati comes up to pick, they will take Smith. Clay's uncle, Bruce Matthews coaches there, so they are more familiar with him, but every team needs blockers, and Smith is the best one on the boards now.

Reports: If available, Clay Matthews will most likely be the pick, but if available, don't rule out Andre Smith.

San Diego Chargers:

Possibly the most stocked of any team, San Diego has many options. They could take Brian Cushing, Robert Ayers, Ebon Britton, Peria Jerry, or a top reciever. I like San Diego to go with Percy Harvin here because he is the best receiver available, and San Diego's receiving corps aren't that talented, with their best receivers being Vincent Jackson or Chris Chambers.

Percy Harvin can shake and bake, outrun, and outplay almost any defense in the country in college. I think Harvin is a first round lock, although Ebon Britton would be nice here, I like SD to select Harvin.

Reports: San Diego's most likely pick seems to be Ebon Britton, Rey Maualuga or Brian Cushing, but don't be surprised if San Diego takes Harvin.

Out of the first 16, many teams need to upgrade their defense, but with many talented defensivemen in the draft, Malcom Jenkins, Brian Cushing, Vontae Davis, Rey Maualuga, Ebon Britton and even Everette Brown could fall to the round half of the draft. The draft starts on Saturday, April 25 and 4:00 PM ET, 1:00 PM PT.

Madden Retiring From Broadcast Booth

Baily Deeter — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:30:11 -0400

Shock to sports world No.1...JOHN MADDEN RETIRED!

John Madden retired!

Can you believe it!

Madden has the most popular football game in the world named after him, he has a Super Bowl ring and he is one of the best analysts of our time.

He has done it for 30 years, and what better way to go than with his last game being Pittsburgh vs. Arizona.

Pretty much every football fan likes his announcing style.

The 73-year old has loved football for 70 years. He loved the college game at first, then grew into the pro-game.

As much as it was a shock, and as hard of a decision that it was for him, Chris Berman and the other announcers can work without him.

Bears Trade For Cutler

Baily Deeter — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:42:13 -0400

The Chicago Bears acquired one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Jay Cutler. They traded Kyle Orton, and two draft picks that would help them fill their holes.

Kyle Orton fits perfectly in the Broncos system. Denver has a few holes to fill with the extra draft picks, as they get the 18th pick in the first round, a third round pick and the Bears first round pick.

The Broncos win this deal because they get a quarterback who fits perfectly in their system, and two draft picks to fill their holes, and the Bears had a quarterback and they also lose picks to fill their holes at like tackle and receiver, and they should have a record around 6-10.

March Madness Preview: Who Will Come Out on Top?

Baily Deeter — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:51:30 -0400

The NCAA tournament this year features teams like USC, Cleveland State, Mississippi State, and Temple that won their conference tournaments and got the auto bid for their conference. The tournament committee also did a great job of picking teams and in great matchups like VCU-UCLA, Boston College-USC, Cal-Maryland, Oklahoma State-Tennessee, Utah-Arizona, and more.

Although I think Pitt will make the Final Four, I think they will have trouble with 16 seed East Tennessee State, with three career 1,000-point scorers in Courtney Pigram, Kevin Tiggs, and Mike Smith, who can lead a very talented and well trained Bucs squad. I think those three will make it hard on the Panthers, but Pitt will come out on top, 80-68.

I like the Cinderella to be Arizona advancing to the Sweet 16, and the bust will be UCLA. Great games are Boston College-USC, Cal-Maryland, VCU-UCLA, Arizona State-Temple, Clemson-Michigan, BYU-Texas A&M, and Utah-Arizona. I think upsets this year will be Temple over ASU, VCU over UCLA, and Cleveland State over Wake Forest.

I think Pitt, Louisville, UNC, and UConn will make the Final Four, and Louisville and UNC win close games to face off in the championship, and Louisville's Earl Clark wins MVP as Louisville wins it all. I think UNI vs. Purdue and Washington vs. Mississippi State will be exciting games, where the Boilermakers and Huskies win.

I think coming off a conference title, Cleveland State, led by Cedric Jackson, will beat Wake Forest, and a buzzer-beater by Jordan Hill has Arizona going to the Round of 32, where Arizona's big three with Nic Wise, Chase Budinger, and Hill outlasts Cleveland State in a 74-65 win.

Louisville will have a close first half vs. Ohio State and Arizona but will dominate the Midwest and beat Kansas 85-75 in the Elite Eight to advance to the Final Four.

Morehead State won a tourney game, on a very happy day for the Eagles where defense, taking charge of the game at times, and good shooting at times propelled Morehead to a 58-43 win over Alabama State, out of the worst conference in Division I, the SWAC.

USC is coming off a Pac-10 title and is coming off wins over three tourney teams in the NCAA tournament, Cal, UCLA, and Arizona State, and should be able to handle Boston College. The Trojans have talent at every position with DeMar DeRozan, Dwight Lewis, Keith Wilkinson, Taj Gibson, and Daniel Hackett.

Marquette is entering the tournament with five straight losses as a six seed facing 11 Utah State, which should be a neck-and-neck game the whole time. I like Marquette coming out on top in basically a road game because they are used to tougher competition, like playing three No. 1 seeds and two No. 3 seeds in a season at least once, while even though they won their conference title, Utah State isn't used to the schedule Marquette is. That is why I like the Golden Eagles advancing, even without PG Dominic James.

Oklahoma is cold going into the tournament, losing by one in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals to Oklahoma State, and I like them beating Morgan State and Michigan, but getting blown out by Syracuse, who will cruise by Stephen F. Austin and beat Temple by 10-15 points and handle Dionte Christmas there and keep Griffin cold in the OU game.

I think even with very hard competition that they can handle, like beating UConn in six OTs, won't be enough to handle the Tar Heels. Jonny Flynn will keep them close in the entire game but UNC will win 80-75. The Heels will hold off a Pitt comeback and advance to the finals, where Earl Clark and Terrence Williams will be too much for UNC and Louisville will win 80-79.

The Cards will beat Morehead a second time, this time by a score of 79-47, then they will lead Ohio State, who will beat Siena 81-66, 36-35 at the half, but win 78-63. They will be tied with Arizona at the break in the Sweet 16, but will win 80-66.

They will then face Kansas, who will upset Michigan State by six, 80-74 in the Sweet 16 because of Sherron Collins. Collins will have KU up 45-35 at the half because of his 18, but Collins will finish with 29 and Earl Clark and Terrence Williams will power Louisville past 85-75.

They will then give revenge to Big East rival Connecticut, led by Clark's 25 points and 10 boards, and Jerry Smith's 10 points and 10 assists, and Terrence Williams will play tight defense and the Cards will stay in front and win 81-79.

In the finals, Clark will have 32 points and 13 rebounds in perhaps his final college game, Williams will have 14, eight, and four, and Ty Lawson will have 28 points and seven assists for UNC, but a shot with 4.8 seconds by Clark will say that Louisville will win it all.

A team that beat UNC is Maryland, who is hot, but even though Cal aren't playing their best basketball, the No. 1 three-point shooting team with 49.5 percent three-ball shooter Theo Robertson, and with Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher, great jump and free throw shooters along with Harper Kamp, Jordan Wilkes (back to back centers), and Jorge Gutierrez, I think the forward named Robertson will establish himself like the No. 2 three-point shooter in the nation, and he will lead Cal over Greivis Vasquez and Maryland.

I think Randle will have 19 points and four assists, Robertson will have 28 points and eight rebounds (and MVP), and Christopher will have 23 points as Cal will hold off favorite and hot-shooting Maryland.

Congratulations to the committee on a great selection year, and I wish all 64 teams luck. It should be a wonderful bracket.

Reviewing Cal Bears Basketball's Season to Date

Baily Deeter — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:50:46 -0500

The Cal Bears: A team that was once on a nine-game win streak, including sweeps of the Arizona and Washington schools, stumbled to a once decent team in Stanford, who lost to Oregon, 1-14 in Pac-10 play, and lost to Oregon State and led by about 12 the whole game but only won 76-69 over Oregon, before losing 81-66 to UCLA, where the Bruins dominated the whole game with threes, and a 73-62 loss to USC, where the Bears led by two in a close game the whole way but SC took the lead and pulled away.

Then, when not many thought Cal was still decent, they trailed Washington by nine, but took charge with twos and free throws where they led by 19 in an 86-71 win to complete a sweep of Washington. Then, trailing Washington State 16-5, mixtures of different shots had Cal on a 20-2 run for a 25-18 lead, but the Cougars led at the half 33-30. Cal took charge and the lead, pulling away late for a 71-63 win and a sweep of the Washington schools.

Facing Stanford, Cal couldn't score and Stanford took advantage, leading 47-25. But Cal took charge late and cut the Cardinal lead 50-36 at the half. Cal kept hitting shots and trimmed the Cardinal lead to one. But Cal didn't lead until after Jerome Randle's layup finally fell through the hoop, and free throws gave them the improbable win.

The Bears then beat Oregon 78-60 before falling to Oregon State 65-54 after a seven-point halftime lead.

Here are some key wins and losses.

Wins

72-69 @ Utah

73-55 @ UNLV

81-71 vs. No. 14 Arizona State

86-71 and 88-85 3OT over Washington

71-63 and 57-50 over Washington State

82-75 over Stanford

69-55 over Arizona

Losses

65-54 and 69-65 vs. Oregon State

75-69 vs. Stanford

93-66 vs. now No. 8 Missouri

Stars Of The Clemson Game

Baily Deeter — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:47:00 -0400

Alabama Star: Javier Arenas

A speedy KR who will play CB who will lead them to a close match. He will make it a close game.

Clemson Stars: C.J Spiller and James Davis

2 star running backs who will make a big impact in this game. If they win, they will lead them to the win.

Go Cal Bears!

Baily Deeter — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:00:00 -0400

I'm expecting big things from our Cal Bears this weekend against Michigan State! Let's hope they can open strong!

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Are Title Contenders

Baily Deeter — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:39:47 -0400

Today we discuss why the Angels could be ready for the World Series.

They are 11 and a half games in first place and the players that have helped them do this are Vladamir Guerrero and Torri Hunter. The acquisition of Mark Teixeira helps the best-record Angels get a lot better.

That trio will lead the Angels to the playoffs and teams could be forced to stay up later to try to think of ways to beat the Angels.

Three Sleeper Teams That Could Be Title Contenders

Baily Deeter — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:16:08 -0400

Three NFL Teams that could make their opponents do some work.

No. 1 Philidelphia Eagles

With the three-game win streak to end the 2007 season and holding the Cowboys to six points the Eagles looked good.

Add to that Brian Westbrook, Trent Cole, Donovan McNabb and the draft they had, Desean Jackson and Trevor Laws, Philly has to believe that this could be their year at winning the championship and Pro Bowl RB Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb, could be the ones to lead them to that title.

No. 2 Denver Broncos

With the additions of Michael Pittman and Darrell Jackson, the Broncos are ready to prove that the draft and free agency has helped them and they can have a year like 2005. The Broncos just missed the playoffs in '06 and '07 was not a good year.

But Champ Bailey and the defense and Selvin Young and the offense are ready to prove that even with Brandon Marshall's pile of arrests that they could be title contenders.

No. 3 San Francisco 49ers

The team in 2007 was nowhere near the Super Bowl but the additions of Allen Rossum, Issac Bruce and DeShaun Foster will help the team be title contenders. They also have Arnaz Battle, Frank Gore and Shaun Hill.

The battle for the quarterback position will be tough, but I think Hill will slug it out. The Niners hve Nate Clemets leading the defense and with that mix of players, the Niners might be able to win it all this year.

Los Angeles Angels Land Mark Teixeira

Baily Deeter — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:23:25 -0400

The Atlanta Braves have traded Mark Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kocthman. The move helps the best record Angels, who have just gotten better and will not be and easy team to beat with Hunter, Guerrero, and Teixeira.

The move helped the Braves too, who were trying to get rid of Teixeira and acquiring Kocthman was big for them.

NHL: Who Is Making the Most Offseason Moves?

Baily Deeter — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:23:52 -0400

In the NHL the offseason can affect how teams play and the team who wins the championship can be the team who makes offseason moves.

That team this year will be the free spending Tampa Bay Lightning, who have signed Ryan Malone from Pittsburgh, Matt Carle from San Jose and are looking to do more. No team has come close to what Tampa Bay has done this offseason, and that is why the Lightning are title contenders.

MLB: Who Will Win the World Series?

Baily Deeter — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:37:28 -0400

The Boston Red Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Chicago Cubs could take the prize here, but I think that the Cubs, who have one of the best records in the MLB, will beat Tampa Bay in the World Series.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim could have something special in their team with Torri Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero, but not enough to win it all. The Cubs have lots of talent though.

Best Olympic Sport

Baily Deeter — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:48:09 -0400

Every Olympic sport is intersting, but basketball takes the cake here.

Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman lead the German team, while the U.S is led by Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade and Dwight Howard.

Soccer and Tennis will be exciting to watch, but basketball is the main sport I'm focusing on.

2008-09 NBA Season Preview

Baily Deeter — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 09:29:55 -0400

The 2008-2009 NBA season will sure be an exciting one.

With Elton Brand, Baron Davis, Corey Maggette, and possibly Stephon Marbury leaving their former team for a new team, Los Angeles, Golden State, Philadelphia, and many other teams will hope that they will land the trophy this year.

One of those teams has to be Philadelphia. They have the best forward trio in the league, with Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, and starting center Samuel Dalembert. Andre Miller will start at point guard, and if Louis Williams stays he will probably start at SG, which will give them a high chance to be a title contender.

Golden State lost Baron Davis, but Corey Maggette will fill that spot in the Warrior's version of the Big Three, while Marcus Williams will give them a nice backup or starting point guard.

The addition of James Posey will give New Orleans a good backup small forward, who will get playing time when Peja Stojakovic is on the bench. Olympic point guard Chris Paul and Olympic forward Tyson Chandler, along with forward David West, could lead the Hornets to a championship.

Improved teams are Philadelphia, Golden State (who also signed Ronny Turiaf, who ranked 22nd in blocked shots), and New Orleans. My championship pick is New Orleans over Philadelphia in six games

USA Should Bench Jason Kidd in Beijing

Baily Deeter — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:54:34 -0400

Chris Paul is coming off of a great season, and at this time he can't be benched. He's a young kid, and Kidd is old. Paul almost won MVP, and just can't be benched at this time. GO USA!