Bleacher Report - Articles by David Cassilo

Vince Young Hits Crossroads with Life-Changing Choice

David Cassilo — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:54:01 -0400

Vince, do you remember when you first saw her? When you knew there was something special about her? When you knew you wanted to see her again? Soon, she was all you thought about. You would spend all day together—just the two of you—in the backyard or down by the field at school. She was everything you could ever want, and you could not envision life without her.

She was always there for you too. When your father was in jail and you needed someone by your side, you could always rely on her. When you were hit by that truck when you were seven, she was there waiting for you to get better. She motivated you because you knew she was a big part of your life.

When you got to high school, the two of you were always the big thing. Everyone would come up to you, telling you how they loved you guys. Most of your friends came through her too. You two were the talk of the school, and things were great.

After school, you would always spend the whole afternoon with her. But weekends—they were the best. There was nothing you used to look forward to more than a Friday night with her.

By now the two of you were inseparable. You could not mention one of you without mentioning the other. Your mother loved her, your grandmother loved her and even your crew loved her. So when you had to choose a college, everyone knew you would go wherever she led you.

She took you to the University of Texas. It was a big school, and you missed your family, but as long as you had her, everything was just fine. The classes were boring, and the days were long, but you knew she would be there every day for you.

The weekends were even better in college. You looked forward to them more than anything else. It was then, for at least a few hours, that it could just be the two of you.

The weekends led to that memorable night in January of 2006. It was the time the two of you went to California, and it was there you became a man. Everything you ever imagined possible with her was now a reality. Things were perfect.

Vince, you remember what happened next. People began to start talking about your future. It was time to make things official between the two of you. You had thought about it yourself, but it made you nervous. Things were perfect now, and you couldn't see yourself with anyone else, but to make that sort of commitment was a big step. What would happen when money started to get involved in it? What would happen when you had to leave Texas?

Although you almost decided against it, you did make things official. For the foreseeable future, the two of you had to be together. You were still nervous, though, because you had heard from those with experience that things can change.

So you started a life together. You picked yourself up, said goodbye to everything else you ever knew, and moved with her to Tennessee. Things started out great. She set you up with a nice job, and people were expecting big things from you. She was still there with you every day, but things began to feel different.

In the first year, you thought about a divorce. You said the fun was gone; the excitement was gone. Things were crazy, and all you could do was worry. You wanted someone to understand, but the response to these comments was not what you hoped for.

"How could you not be enjoying yourself? You two were always perfect for each other," they said. "People would give anything to be where you are."

So you took those comments back, and you gave it another shot. It was easier to stay with her than to end it anyway. Memories of the old days gave you hope that things would go back to the way they were.

Things stayed the same though. All of these feelings of uncertainty were locked up inside you, but no one would understand. The whole situation was making you lose control. You weren't loving her the way you wanted to. It had gotten serious. Your relationship with her had no escape. You even began to think of suicide.

Then last week, you disappeared for a few hours. Whether it was a cry for help or a desperate act, it got people to notice. It got people to realize your relationship with her had reached a crossroads. Did you still love her, Vince? Did you still love football?

Everyone in life is allowed to make the wrong choice. You're allowed to change. Some of us think we are destined for a certain course but soon realize we are much happier taking a different path. We are allowed to try something, and if we do not like it, we are allowed to move on.

Although you may not believe it, Vince, the professional athlete has that choice to. Football was the love of your life once, but is that still the case now? You need to make that choice. It may seem like the hardest decision in the world, but often, the most important ones are.

Learning from Defeat, Federer Reigns As Champion

David Cassilo — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:56:29 -0400

In life, we will all fail. Some of us will fail at our jobs, others as parents, others in relationships, but inevitably, we will all fail at some point. It is not just failure itself that we all have in common but also the fear of failure.

We are often afraid to take a risk or think about the future because of the uncertainty that lies with these things. The possibility of failure exists, and it scares us.

However, it is that fear of failure, coupled with failure itself, that makes us all human. The working class individual is no different than the billionaire business mogul in the sense that at one time or another, they have both failed in some area of their lives.

Although we are all privy to this common characteristic of humanity, there are still those who we expect never to fail. In our eyes, they are immortal, perfect and flawless. These human beings from whom we expect inhuman acts are professional athletes.

Gods of the sports world, they are subject to constant criticism because they are the best at what they do, and as a result, should never fail.

Sometimes an athlete comes along who truly does make us believe that he is immune to failure. The inevitable forces of age and fatigue are, in our eyes, absent from his body. He is what we all want to be: the man who does not fail.

That man was Roger Federer. He was that man who did not fail. He would just win. Without flash or even the slightest form of boasting, Federer would win tournament after tournament and major after major.

When he did lose, it was not his fault. The inability to win the French Open was not a failure on Federer's part but instead the result of other elements at play.

"Clay courts are not like other surfaces in tennis," we would say. "But nevertheless, Federer will win it one day."

There was no failure for Federer, and if he did happen to lose, there was always a reason why.

When everyone tells you that you are perfect and the greatest there ever was, eventually you begin to believe to it, and it is at this moment that you become neither perfect nor great.

It is hard to say whether Federer believed it, but when people offer such praises after every victory, it would be hard to blame him if he started listening.

In 2008, those praises began to be far less frequent. First, it was the loss in the Australian Open semifinals, but that was understandable because Federer had mononucleosis. Then a loss to Rafael Nadal again in the French Open final, but that was acceptable because it was Nadal on clay.

Then came the loss to Nadal at Wimbledon, and when Federer fell to his rival after a classic match, so did his status. He had failed. The voices once full of praise and admiration were now full of doubt. Is he still the best? Will he ever win another major? These same questions were unthinkable just a year ago.

The perfect athlete who would never fail was now human. Age and fatigue were now realistic concerns. The rest of the field was getting better and perhaps; his time was passing.

These were thoughts not only in the minds of spectators but undoubtedly in the mind of Federer himself. He saw Nadal, Novak Djokovic and the rest of the field, and he saw a much younger, much quicker group of athletes. While others were succeeding, he was failing, and he and everyone else in the world knew it.

While failure is something that all humans share, it is how we react to failure that makes us different. After we have failed, there are two options. We can let it bring us down and continue to fail, or we can understand why he failed, learn from it and do our best to make sure it does not happen again.

Federer is no different than anyone else because he too faced that choice. He could have settled on the idea that he was no longer capable of great things. He could have believed that there were players better than him. He could have been content just being able to reach a grand slam final, as many other would have been.

He was not, however. He remembered those failures and used them to fuel success because as we have seen so often in life our greatest successes can come as a result of our worst failures.

When he won the final point of the U.S. Open over Andy Murray, it was a different feeling than Federer was used to. Not because he had won, but because now he had something to contrast it against.

As he celebrated his fifth straight U.S. Open title, he was again, in the eyes of the public, revered. Not because he was once again the man who did not fail but because he was the man who failed and learned from it.

NCAA Tournament: Selection Sunday Final Edition

David Cassilo — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:40:55 -0400

Final projections below.

What follows is an early look at which teams will be in this year's field. The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD. Teams that have already qualified will have a * next to their name.

EAST

Raleigh

1. UNC (ACC)

16. PLAY IN GAME: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE (SWAC)* VS. COPPIN STATE (MEAC)*

8. PURDUE

9. MISSISSIPPI STATE

Denver

5. MARQUETTE

12. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)*

4. BUTLER (HORIZON)*

13. GEORGE MASON (COLONIAL)*

Anaheim

6. BYU

11. KENTUCKY

3. STANFORD

14. BOISE STATE (WAC)*

Birmingham

7. USC

10. ST. JOSEPH'S

2. GEORGETOWN

15. UMBC (AMERICA EAST)*

SOUTH

Little Rock

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)*

16. MOUNT ST. MARY'S (NORTHEAST)*

8. KENT STATE (MAC)*

9. MIAMI (FL)

Tampa

5. NOTRE DAME

12. WESTERN KENTUCKY (SUN BELT)*

4. MICHIGAN STATE

13. CORNELL (IVY)*

Raleigh

6. UCONN

11. BAYLOR

3. DUKE

14. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)*

Birmingham

7. INDIANA

10.TEXAS A&M

2. TENNESSEE

15. PORTLAND STATE (BIG SKY)*

WEST

Anaheim

1. UCLA (PAC-10)*

16. TEXAS-ARLINGTON (SOUTHLAND)

8. OKLAHOMA

9. DAVIDSON (SOUTHERN)*

Denver

5. CLEMSON

12. TEMPLE (A-10)*

4. DRAKE (MVC)*

13. SIENA (MAAC)*

Washington D.C.

6. UNLV (MWC)*

11. ARIZONA

3. LOUISVILLE

14. BELMONT (ATLANTIC SUN)*

Little Rock

7. GONZAGA

10. SOUTH ALABAMA

2. TEXAS

15. AMERICAN (PATRIOT)*

MIDWEST

Omaha

1. KANSAS (BIG 12)

16. WINTHROP (BIG SOUTH)

8. WEST VIRGINIA

9. ST. MARY'S

Tampa

5. VANDERBILT

12. VILLANOVA

4. XAVIER

13. CS-FULLERTON (BIG WEST)*

Washington D.C.

6. WASHINGTON STATE

11. ILLINOIS STATE

3. PITTSBURGH (BIG EAST)*

14. GEORGIA (SEC)*

Omaha

7. ARKANSAS

10. KANSAS STATE

2. WISCONSIN

15. SAN DIEGO (WCC)*

LAST FOUR IN: VILLANOVA, ILLINOIS STATE, ARIZONA, BAYLOR

LAST FOUR OUT: OREGON, OHIO STATE, UMASS, VIRGINIA TECH

BIDS BY CONFERENCE

BIG EAST: 8

BIG 12: 6

SEC: 6

PAC-10: 5

BIG 10: 4

ACC: 4

ATLANTIC 10: 3

WCC: 3

MVC: 2

MWC: 2

SUN BELT: 2

OTHERS: 1

NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections: Selection Sunday Morning Edition

David Cassilo — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 04:04:49 -0400

Yesterday was a great day of college basketball with classic games in the SEC and ACC. I hope everyone caught the triple overtime thriller in the WAC.

It was a bad day for bubble teams as Temple stole a bid with their win in the A-10.

With just a few games to go, here is a look at the field.

What follows is an early look at which teams will be in this year's field. The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD. Teams that have already qualified will have an asterisk (*) next to their name.

EAST

Raleigh

1. UNC (ACC)

16. 16. PLAY IN GAME: MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE (SWAC)* VS. COPPIN STATE (MEAC)*

8. PURDUE

9. MISSISSIPPI STATE

Denver

5. MARQUETTE

12. WESTERN KENTUCKY (SUN BELT)*

4. BUTLER (HORIZON)*

13. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)*

Anaheim

6. BYU

11. KENTUCKY

3. STANFORD

14. BOISE STATE (WAC)*

Birmingham

7. USC

10. ST. JOSEPH'S

2. GEORGETOWN

15. UMBC (AMERICA EAST)*

SOUTH

Little Rock

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)*

16. MOUNT ST. MARY'S (NORTHEAST)*

8. KENT STATE (MAC)*

9. MIAMI (FL)

Tampa

5. NOTRE DAME

12. OREGON

4. MICHIGAN STATE

13. GEORGE MASON (COLONIAL)*

Raleigh

6. UCONN

11. BAYLOR

3. DUKE

14. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)*

Birmingham

7. INDIANA

10.TEXAS A&M

2. TENNESSEE

15. PORTLAND STATE (BIG SKY)*

WEST

Anaheim

1. UCLA (PAC-10)*

16. TEXAS-ARLINGTON (SOUTHLAND)

8. OKLAHOMA

9. DAVIDSON (SOUTHERN)*

Denver

5. CLEMSON

12. TEMPLE (A-10)*

4. DRAKE (MVC)*

13. CORNELL (IVY)*

Washington D.C.

6. UNLV (MWC)*

11. ARIZONA

3. LOUISVILLE

14. BELMONT (ATLANTIC SUN)*

Little Rock

7. GONZAGA

10. SOUTH ALABAMA

2. TEXAS

<15. AMERICAN (PATRIOT)* >

MIDWEST

Omaha

1. KANSAS (BIG 12)

16. WINTHROP (BIG SOUTH)

8. WEST VIRGINIA

9. ST. MARY'S

Tampa

5. VANDERBILT

12. VILLANOVA

4. XAVIER

13. SIENA (MAAC)*

Washington D.C.

6. WASHINGTON STATE

11. ILLINOIS STATE

3. PITTSBURGH (BIG EAST)*

14. CS-FULLERTON (BIG WEST)*

Omaha

7. ARKANSAS (SEC)

10. KANSAS STATE

2. WISCONSIN

15. SAN DIEGO (WCC)*

LAST FOUR IN: OREGON, VILLANOVA, ILLINOIS STATE, ARIZONA

LAST FOUR OUT: OHIO STATE, UMASS, VIRGINIA TECH, VCU

NOTES: If either Georgia or Illinois win today, Oregon is out. If both win, Oregon and Villanova are out.

If Texas beats Kansas, they get a one seed.

BIDS BY CONFERENCE

BIG EAST: 8

PAC-10: 6

BIG 12:6

SEC: 5

BIG 10: 4

ACC: 4

ATLANTIC 10: 3

WCC: 3

MVC: 2

MWC: 2

SUN BELT: 2

OTHERS: 1

NCAA Tournament: March 15th Bracket Projections

David Cassilo — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:03:45 -0400

We are just one day from Selection Sunday. The bubble teams are still looking very uncertain and we should have a good picture after today.

What follows is an early look at which teams will be in this year's field. The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD. Teams that have already qualified will have a * next to their name.

EAST

1. UNC (ACC)

2. GEORGETOWN (BIG EAST)

3. WISCONSIN (BIG TEN)

4. PITTSBURGH

5. VANDERBILT

6. UNLV

7. USC

8. KENT STATE (MAC)

9. ST. MARY'S

10. TEXAS A&M

11. ST. JOSEPH'S

12. WESTERN KENTUCKY (SUN BELT)*

13. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)*

14. UMBC (AMERICA EAST)

15. PORTLAND STATE (BIG SKY)*

16. TEXAS-ARLINGTON (SOUTHLAND)

SOUTH

1. TENNESSEE (SEC)

2. KANSAS (BIG 12)

3. MICHIGAN STATE

4. BUTLER (HORIZON)*

5. NOTRE DAME

6. WASHINGTON STATE

7. GONZAGA

8. PURDUE

9. MIAMI (FL)

10. ILLINOIS STATE

11. UMASS

12. OREGON

13. GEORGE MASON (COLONIAL)*

14. CS-FULLERTON (BIG WEST)

15. BOISE STATE (WAC)

16. MORGAN STATE (MEAC)

MIDWEST

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. DUKE

3. STANFORD

4. XAVIER

5. MARQUETTE

6. UCONN

7. OKLAHOMA

8. WEST VIRGINIA

9. ARKANSAS

10. SOUTH ALABAMA

11. ARIZONA

12. BAYLOR

13. CORNELL (IVY)*

14. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)*

15. SAN DIEGO (WCC)*

16. PLAY IN GAME: MOUNT ST. MARY'S (NORTHEAST)* VS. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE (SWAC)

WEST

1. UCLA (PAC-10)

2. TEXAS

3. LOUISVILLE

4. DRAKE (MVC)*

5. BYU (MWC)

6. CLEMSON

7. INDIANA

8. MISSISSIPPI STATE

9. DAVIDSON

10. KANSAS STATE

11. KENTUCKY

12. VILLANOVA

13. SIENA (MAAC)*

14. BLEMONT (ATLANTIC SUN)*

15. AMERICAN (PATRIOT)*

16. WINTHROP (BIG SOUTH)*

LAST FOUR IN: VILLANOVA, OREGON, BAYLOR, KENTUCKY

LAST FOUR OUT: OHIO STATE, VCU, VIRGINIA TECH, TEMPLE

BIDS BY CONFERENCE

BIG EAST: 8

PAC-10: 6

BIG 12:6

SEC: 5

BIG 10: 4

ACC: 4

ATLANTIC 10: 3

WCC: 3

MVC: 2

MWC: 2

SUN BELT: 2

OTHERS: 1

NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections: March 15

David Cassilo — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:01:15 -0400

We are just one day from Selection Sunday. The bubble teams are still looking very uncertain and we should have a good picture after today.

What follows is an early look at which teams will be in this year's field. The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD. Teams that have already qualified will have a * next to their name.

EAST

1. UNC (ACC)

2. GEORGETOWN (BIG EAST)

3. WISCONSIN (BIG TEN)

4. PITTSBURGH

5. VANDERBILT

6. UNLV

7. USC

8. KENT STATE (MAC)

9. ST. MARY'S

10. TEXAS A&M

11. ST. JOSEPH'S

12. WESTERN KENTUCKY (SUN BELT)*

13. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)*

14. UMBC (AMERICA EAST)

15. PORTLAND STATE (BIG SKY)*

16. TEXAS-ARLINGTON (SOUTHLAND)

SOUTH

1. TENNESSEE (SEC)

2. KANSAS (BIG 12)

3. MICHIGAN STATE

4. BUTLER (HORIZON)*

5. NOTRE DAME

6. WASHINGTON STATE

7. GONZAGA

8. PURDUE

9. MIAMI (FL)

10. ILLINOIS STATE

11. UMASS

12. OREGON

13. GEORGE MASON (COLONIAL)*

14. CS-FULLERTON (BIG WEST)

15. BOISE STATE (WAC)

16. MORGAN STATE (MEAC)

MIDWEST

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. DUKE

3. STANFORD

4. XAVIER

5. MARQUETTE

6. UCONN

7. OKLAHOMA

8. WEST VIRGINIA

9. ARKANSAS

10. SOUTH ALABAMA

11. ARIZONA

12. BAYLOR

13. CORNELL (IVY)*

14. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)*

15. SAN DIEGO (WCC)*

16. PLAY IN GAME: MOUNT ST. MARY'S (NORTHEAST)* VS. MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE (SWAC)

WEST

1. UCLA (PAC-10)

2. TEXAS

3. LOUISVILLE

4. DRAKE (MVC)*

5. BYU (MWC)

6. CLEMSON

7. INDIANA

8. MISSISSIPPI STATE

9. DAVIDSON

10. KANSAS STATE

11. KENTUCKY

12. VILLANOVA

13. SIENA (MAAC)*

14. BLEMONT (ATLANTIC SUN)*

15. AMERICAN (PATRIOT)*

16. WINTHROP (BIG SOUTH)*

LAST FOUR IN: VILLANOVA, OREGON, BAYLOR, KENTUCKY

LAST FOUR OUT: OHIO STATE, VCU, VIRGINIA TECH, TEMPLE

BIDS BY CONFERENCE

BIG EAST: 8

PAC-10: 6

BIG 12:6

SEC: 5

BIG 10: 4

ACC: 4

ATLANTIC 10: 3

WCC: 3

MVC: 2

MWC: 2

SUN BELT: 2

OTHERS: 1

NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections: March 14th

David Cassilo — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 03:13:30 -0400

We are two days from Selection Sunday. A bunch of bubble teams shot themselves in the foot yesterday, and now there are only a handful of teams that can make a good case for an at-large.

What follows is an early look at which teams will be in this year's field. The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD. Teams that have already qualified will have a * next to their name.

EAST

1. UNC (ACC)

2. GEORGETOWN (BIG EAST)

3. WISCONSIN (BIG TEN)

4. DRAKE (MVC) *

5. NOTRE DAME

6. WASHINGTON STATE

7. USC

8. WEST VIRGINIA

9. KENT STATE (MAC)

10. ARKANSAS

11. TEXAS A&M

12. WESTERN KENTUCKY (SUN BELT)*

13. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)*

14. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)*

15. UMBC (AMERICA EAST)

16. MORGAN STATE (MEAC)

SOUTH

1. TENNESSEE (SEC)

2. KANSAS (BIG 12)

3. XAVIER (ATLANTIC 10)

4. MARQUETTE

5. INDIANA

6. PURDUE

7. CLEMSON

8. MIAMI (FL)

9. KANSAS STATE

10. ILLINOIS STATE

11. ARIZONA

12. OREGON

13. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN (SOUTHLAND)

14. BELMONT (ATLANTIC SUN)*

15. PORTLAND STATE (BIG SKY)*

16. WINTHROP (BIG SOUTH)*

MIDWEST

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. DUKE

3. VANDERBILT

4. STANFORD

5. PITTSBURGH

6. UCONN

7. UNLV

8. OKLAHOMA

9. ST. MARY'S

10. SOUTH ALABAMA

11. OHIO STATE

12. ST. JOSEPH'S

13. GEORGE MASON (COLONIAL)*

14. UCSB (BIG WEST)

15. SAN DIEGO (WCC)*

16. PLAY IN GAME: MOUNT ST. MARY'S (NORTHEAST)* VS. ALABAMA STATE (SWAC)

WEST

1. UCLA (PAC-10)

2. TEXAS

3. MICHIGAN STATE

4. LOUISVILLE

5. BUTLER (HORIZON)*

6. BYU (MWC)

7. GONZAGA

8. MISSISSIPPI STATE

9. DAVIDSON

10. UMASS

11. VILLANOVA

12. KENTUCKY

13. SIENA (MAAC)*

14. CORNELL (IVY)*

15. AMERICAN (PATRIOT)

16. BOISE STATE (WAC)

LAST FOUR IN: OREGON, VILLANOVA, ST. JOSEPH'S, OHIO STATE

LAST FOUR OUT: BAYLOR, VCU, DAYTON, VIRGINIA TECH

NOTES: Villanova has to be seeded as an 11 because there is a Big East team as a four or five in every region.

Besides the last four our listed, the only other team that has a realistic shot to make the tournament is Temple.

BIDS BY CONFERENCE

BIG EAST: 8

PAC-10: 6

BIG 12: 5

SEC: 5

BIG 10: 5

ACC: 4

ATLANTIC 10: 3

WCC: 3

MVC: 2

MWC: 2

SUN BELT: 2

OTHERS: 1

NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections: March 7th

David Cassilo — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:16:49 -0500

Believe it or not, Selection Sunday is just a little more than a week away. While some teams have disappointed their fans, others have strengthened their resumes with impressive wins out of the conference.

What follows is an early look at which teams will be in this year's field. The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD.

EAST

1. UNC (ACC)

2. GEORGETOWN (BIG EAST)

3. WISCONSIN (BIG TEN)

4. DRAKE (MVC)

5. BUTLER (HORIZON)

6. WASHINGTON STATE

7. ST. MARY'S

8. UNLV

9. MISSISSIPPI STATE

10. ARKANSAS

11. TEXAS A&M

12. DAYTON

13. VCU (COLONIAL)

14. UMBC (AMERICA EAST)

15. AMERICAN (PATRIOT)

16. UNC-ASHVILLE (BIG SOUTH)

SOUTH

1. TENNESSEE (SEC)

2. DUKE

3. VANDERBILT

4. INDIANA

5. NOTRE DAME

6. PURDUE

7. SOUTH ALABAMA (SUN BELT)

8. USC

9. OKLAHOMA

10. ILLINOIS STATE

11. BAYLOR

12. VIRGINIA TECH

13. DAVIDSON (SOUTHERN)

14. BELMONT (ATLANTIC SUN)

15. PORTLAND STATE (BIG SKY)

16. MORGAN STATE (MEAC)

MIDWEST

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. KANSAS (BIG 12)

3. LOUISVILLE

4. STANFORD

5. UCONN

6. GONZAGA (WCC)

7. PITTSBURGH

8. UMASS

9. ARIZONA

10. KANSAS STATE

11. KENTUCKY

12. ST. JOSEPH'S

13. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)

14. UCBS (BIG WEST)

15. BOISE STATE (WAC)

16. PLAY IN GAME: LAMAR (SOUTHLAND) VS. ALABAMA STATE (SWAC)

WEST

1. UCLA (PAC-10)

2. TEXAS

3. XAVIER (ATLANTIC TEN)

4. MICHIGAN STATE

5. MARQUETTE

6. BYU (MWC)

7. CLEMSON

8. MIAMI (FL)

9. KENT STATE (MAC)

10. WEST VIRGINIA

11. UAB

12. OLE MISS

13. CORNELL (IVY)

14. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)

15. RIDER (MAAC)

16. ROBERT MORRIS (NORTHEAST)

LAST FOUR IN: DAYTON, VIRGINIA TECH, ST. JOSEPH'S, OLE MISS

LAST FOUR OUT: NEW MEXICO, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, SYRACUSE, OHIO STATE

BIDS BY CONFERENCE

BIG EAST: 7

BIG 12: 6

SEC: 6

PAC-10: 5

ACC: 5

BIG 10: 4

ATLANTIC 10: 4

C-USA: 2

MVC: 2

MWC: 2

WCC: 2

OTHERS: 1

NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections: February 29th

David Cassilo — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:38:30 -0500

Believe it or not, Selection Sunday is just a little more than two weeks away. While some teams have disappointed their fans, others have strengthened their resumes with impressive wins out of the conference.

What follows is an early look at which teams will be in this year's field. The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD.

EAST

1. TENNESSEE (SEC)

2. KANSAS

3. VANDERBILT

4. MICHIGAN STATE

5. UCONN

6. PURDUE

7. CLEMSON

8. UMASS

9. KENT STATE (MAC)

10. WEST VIRGINIA

11. BAYLOR

12. KENTUCKY

13. VCU (COLONIAL)

14. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)

15. PORTLAND STATE (BIG SKY)

16. PLAY IN GAME: LOYOLA (MD) (MAAC) VS. ALABAMA STATE (SWAC)

SOUTH

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. XAVIER (ATLANTIC 10)

3. WISCONSIN (BIG 10)

4. MARQUETTE

5. BUTLER (HORIZON)

6. ST. MARY'S (WCC)

7. UNLV

8. MISSISSIPPI STATE

9. MIAMI (FL)

10. TEXAS A&M

11. FLORIDA

12. ILLINOIS STATE

13. DAVIDSON (SOUTHERN)

14. CS-NORTHRIDGE (BIG WEST)

15. BOISE STATE (WAC)

16. MORGAN STATE (MEAC)

MIDWEST

1. UNC (ACC)

2. DUKE

3. GEORGETOWN (BIG EAST)

4. INDIANA

5. WASHINGTON STATE

6. GONZAGA

7. USC

8. BYU (MWC)

9. ARIZONA

10. KANSAS STATE

11. HOUSTON

12. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

13. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)

14. BELMONT (ATLANTIC SUN)

15. AMERICAN (PATRIOT)

16. WINTHROP (BIG SOUTH)

WEST

1. UCLA (PAC-10)

2. TEXAS (BIG 12)

3. STANFORD

4. LOUISVILLE

5. DRAKE (MVC)

6. NOTRE DAME

7. PITTSBURGH

8. SOUTH ALABAMA (SUN BELT)

9. OKLAHOMA

10. ARKANSAS

11. UAB

12. ST. JOSEPH'S

13. CORNELL (IVY)

14. UMBC (AMERICA EAST)

15. LAMAR (SOUTHLAND)

16. ROBERT MORRIS (NORTHEAST)

LAST FOUR IN: KENTUCKY, ILLINOIS STATE, ST. JOSEPH'S, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

LAST FOUR OUT: DAYTON, OLE MISS, OHO STATE, MARYLAND

BIDS BY CONFERENCE

BIG EAST: 7

BIG 12: 6

SEC: 6

PAC-10: 5

ACC: 4

BIG 10: 4

ATLANTIC 10: 3

C-USA: 3

MVC: 3

MWC: 2

WCC: 2

OTHERS: 1

NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections: Feb. 22nd

David Cassilo — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:06:47 -0500

Believe it or not there is less than one month until Selection Sunday.

While some teams have disappointed their fans, others have strengthened their resume with impressive wins out of the conference.

What follows is an early look at who will be in this year's field.

The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD.

SOUTH

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. XAVIER (ATLANTIC 10)

3. VANDERBILT

4. WASHINGTON STATE

5. ST. MARY'S (WCC)

6. PITTSBURGH

7. TEXAS A&M

8. ARKANSAS

9. ARIZONA

10. KENT STATE (MAC)

11. ST. JOSEPH'S

12. OHIO STATE

13. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)

14. CS-NORTHRIDGE (BIG WEST)

15. WINTHROP (BIG SOUTH)

16. PLAY IN GAME: MORGAN STATE (MEAC) VS. ALABAMA STATE (SWAC)

EAST

1. TENNESSEE (SEC)

2. TEXAS

3. WISCONSIN (BIG 10)

4. MICHIGAN STATE

5. LOUISVILLE

6. NOTRE DAME

7. BYU (MWC)

8. MIAMI (FL)

9. USC

10. OLE MISS

11. RHODE ISLAND

12. NEW MEXICO

13. VCU (COLONIAL)

14. BOISE STATE (WAC)

15. AMERICAN (PATRIOT)

16. ROBERT MORRIS (NORTHEAST)

MIDWEST

1. UNC (ACC)

2. DUKE

3. GEORGETOWN (BIG EAST)

4. STANFORD

5. INDIANA

6. GONZAGA

7. PURDUE

8. UNLV

9. KANSAS STATE

10. MISSISSIPPI STATE

11. WAKE FOREST

12. WEST VIRGINIA

13. DAVIDSON (SOUTHERN)

14. BELMONT (ATLANTIC SUN)

15. NIAGARA (MAAC)

16. LAMAR (SOUTHLAND)

WEST

1. UCLA (PAC-10)

2. KANSAS (BIG 12)

3. UCONN

4. BUTLER (HORIZON)

5. MARQUETTE

6. DRAKE (MVC)

7. CLEMSON

8. OKLAHOMA

9. SOUTH ALABAMA (SUN BELT)

10. UMASS

11. MARYLAND

12. HOUSTON

13. CORNELL (IVY)

14. UMBC (AMERICA EAST)

15. PORTLAND STATE (BIG SKY)

16. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)

LAST FOUR IN: MARYLAND, HOUSTON, OHIO STATE, NEW MEXICO

LAST FOUR OUT: DAYTON, BAYLOR, SYRACUSE, OREGON

BIDS BY CONFERENCE

BIG EAST: 7

ACC: 6

PAC-10: 5

BIG 12: 5

BIG 10: 5

SEC: 5

ATLANTIC 10: 4

MWC: 3

WCC: 2

C-USA: 2

OTHERS: 1

NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections: Feb. 8th

David Cassilo — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:11:04 -0500

Believe it or not there is one month until Selection Sunday.

While some teams have disappointed their fans, others have strengthened their resume with impressive wins out of the conference.

What follows is an early look at who will be in this year's field.

The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD.

SOUTH

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. TEXAS

3. WISCONSIN (BIG 10)

4. BUTLER (HORIZON)

5. OLE MISS

6. DAYTON

7. MARQUETTE

8. USC

9. ARKANSAS

10. GEORGE MASON

11. NC STATE

12. KENT STATE (MAC)

13. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)

14. UMBC (AMERICAN EAST)

15. BELMONT (ATLANTIC SUN)

16. PLAY IN GAME: SACRED HEART (NORTHEAST) VS. ALABAMA STATE (SWAC)

EAST

1. DUKE (ACC)

2. GEORGETOWN (BIG EAST)

3. XAVIER (ATLANTIC 10)

4. PITT

5. TEXAS A&M

6. WASHINGTON STATE

7. ARIZONA

8. UMASS

9. OHIO STATE

10. OKLAHOMA

11. SOUTH ALABAMA (SUN BELT)

12. BYU (MWC)

13. VCU (COLONIAL)

14. RIDER (MAAC)

15. PACIFIC (BIG WEST)

16. LAMAR (SOUTHLAND)

MIDWEST

1. TENNESSEE (SEC)

2. KANSAS (BIG 12)

3. STANFORD

4. VANDERBILT

5. INDIANA

6. UCONN

7. CLEMSON

8. LOUISVILLE

9. UNLV

10. PURDUE

11. ST. JOSEPH'S

12. ILLINOIS STATE

13. DAVIDSON (SOUTHERN)

14. UTAH STATE (WAC)

15. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)

16. MORGAN STATE (MEAC)

WEST

1. UCLA (PAC-10)

2. UNC

3. MICHIGAN STATE

4. DRAKE (MVC)

5. GONZAGA

6. ST. MARY'S (WCC)

7. RHODE ISLAND

8. KANSAS STATE

9. NOTRE DAME

10. BAYLOR

11. FLORIDA

12. WEST VIRGINIA

13. UNC-ASHVILLE (BIG SOUTH)

14. CORNELL (IVY)

15. PORTLAND STATE (BIG SKY)

16. LAFAYETTE (PATRIOT)

LAST FOUR IN: ST. JOSEPH'S, FLORIDA, WEST VIRGINIA, ILLINOIS STATE

LAST FOUR OUT: CREIGHTON, MIAMI (FL), HOUSTON, SYRACUSE

BIDS BY CONFERENCE:

BIG EAST: 7

BIG 12: 6

SEC: 5

PAC-10: 5

BIG 10: 5

ATLANTIC 10: 5

ACC: 4

COLONIAL: 2

WCC: 2

MVC: 2

MWC:2

OTHERS: 1

The Search for 65: NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections

David Cassilo — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:29:32 -0500

Believe it or not there is only about five weeks left until Selection Sunday.

While some teams have disappointed their fans, others have strengthened their resume with impressive wins out of the conference.

What follows is an early look at who will be in this year's field.

The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD.

SOUTH

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. MICHIGAN STATE (BIG 10)

3. TEXAS

4. DRAKE (MVC)

5. VANDERBILT

6. INDIANA

7. RHODE ISLAND

8. UCONN

9. CLEMSON

10. SETON HALL

11. WEST VIRGINIA

12. NC STATE

13. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)

14. RIDER (MAAC)

15. UMBC (AMERICAN EAST)

16. PLAY IN GAME: WEBER STATE (BIG SKY) VS. ALABAMA STATE (SWAC)

EAST

1. UNC

2. GEORGETOWN (BIG EAST)

3. WISCONSIN

4. PITT

5. GONZAGA (WCC)

6. DAYTON

7. KANSAS STATE (BIG 12)

8. UNLV (MWC)

9. BAYLOR

10. USC

11. NOTRE DAME

12. ST. JOSEPH'S

13. VCU (COLONIAL)

14. UTAH STATE (WAC)

15. LAFAYETTE (PATRIOT)

16. LAMAR (SOUTHLAND)

MIDWEST

1. DUKE (ACC)

2. KANSAS

3. XAVIER (ATLANTIC 10)

4. STANFORD

5. BUTLER (HORIZON)

6. TEXAS A&M

7. ST. MARY'S

8. UMASS

9. ARKANSAS

10. FLORIDA

11. PURDUE

12. GEORGE MASON

13. DAVIDSON (SOUTHERN)

14. UNC-ASHVILLE (BIG SOUTH)

15. AUSTIN PEAY (OVC)

16. JACKSONVILLE (ATLANTIC SUN)

WEST

1. TENNESSEE (SEC)

2. UCLA (PAC-10)

3. OLE MISS

4. WASHINGTON STATE

5. MARQUETTE

6. ARIZONA

7. OHIO STATE

8. OKLAHOMA

9. KENT STATE (MAC)

10. LOUISVILLE

11. MIAMI (FL)

12. SOUTH ALABAMA (SUN BELT)

13.CS-NORTHRIDGE (BIG WEST)

14. CORNELL (IVY)

15. WAGNER (NORTHEAST)

16. MORGAN STATE (MEAC)

LAST FOUR IN: MIAMI (FL), GEORGE MASON, ST. JOSEPH'S, NC STATE

LAST FOUR OUT: OREGON, VILLANOVA, ILLINOIS STATE, BYU

BIDS BY CONFERENCE:

BIG EAST: 8

BIG 12: 6

SEC: 5

PAC-10: 5

BIG 10: 5

ATLANTIC 10: 5

ACC: 5

COLONIAL: 2

WCC: 2

OTHERS: 1

The Search for 65: Bracket Projections (Week 2)

David Cassilo — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:19:23 -0500

Believe it or not there are only about two months left until Selection Sunday. While some teams have dissapointed, others have strengthend their resume with impressive wins out of conference.

What follows is an early look at who will be in this year's field. The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At-large teams appear in BOLD.

SOUTH

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. DUKE

3. INDIANA (BIG 10)

4. MARQUETTE

5. TEXAS

6. BUTLER

7. UMASS

8. BAYLOR

9. OHIO ST

10. PROVIDENCE

11. OKLAHOMA

12. PURDUE

13. SD ST. (MWC)

14. HAMPTON (MEAC)

15. AUSTIN PEAY (OHIO VALLEY)

16. PLAY IN GAME: ALABAMA ST. (SWAC) VS. NORTHWESTERN ST. (SOUTHLAND)

EAST

1. UNC (ACC)

2. MICHIGAN ST.

3. WASH ST.

4. DAYTON (A-10)

5. VANDERBILT

6. GONZAGA

7. WEST VIRGINIA

8. SYRACUSE

9. ARIZONA

10. FLORIDA

11. GEORGE MASON

12. CLEVELAND ST (HORIZON)

13. DAVIDSON (SOUTHERN)

14. UNC-ASHVILLE (BIG SOUTH)

15. UMBC (AMERICA EAST)

16. WAGNER (NORTHEAST)

MIDWEST

1. KANSAS (BIG 12)

2. GEORGETOWN

3. PITTSBURGH (BIG EAST)

4. TEXAS A&M

5. STANFORD

6. ARKANSAS

7. XAVIER

8. ARIZONA ST.

9. VILLANOVA

10. ILLINOIS ST.

11. MIAMI (FL)

12. ORAL ROBERTS (SUMMIT)

13. CS-NORTHRIDGE (BIG WEST)

14. UTAH ST. (WAC)

15. LAFAYETTE (PATRIOT)

16. JACKSONVILLE (ATLANTIC SUN)

WEST

1. TENNESSEE (SEC)

2. UCLA (PAC-10)

3. OLE MISS

4. WISCONSIN

5. ST. MARY'S, CA (WCC)

6. DRAKE (MVC)

7. RHODE ISLAND

8. CLEMSON

9. OREGON

10. LOUISVILLE

11. SOUTH ALABAMA (SUN BELT)

12. KENT ST. (MAC)

13. NIAGARA (MAAC)

14. VCU (COLONIAL)

15. CORNELL (IVY)

16. NORTHERN ARIZONA (BIG SKY)

LAST FOUR IN: PURDUE, OKLAHOMA, GEORGE MASON, MIAMI (FL)

LAST FOUR OUT: NOTRE DAME, CREIGHTON, KANSAS ST. UNLV

BIDS BY CONFERENCE:

BIG EAST: 8

PAC-10: 6

BIG 12: 5

SEC: 5

BIG 10: 5

ATLANTIC 10: 4

ACC: 4

HORIZON: 2

MVC: 2

COLONIAL: 2

WCC: 2

OTHERS: 1

The Search for 65: Early Bracket Projections

David Cassilo — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:32:32 -0500

Believe it or not there are only about two months left until Selection Sunday. While some teams have dissapointed, others have strengthend their resume with impressive wins out of conference.

What follows is an early look at who will be in this year's field. The selections are based on record, RPI, opponents, and record versus top competition.

Conference winners are based on current standings. At large teams in BOLD.

SOUTH

1. MEMPHIS (C-USA)

2. MICHIGAN STATE

3. DUKE

4. OLE MISS

5. WISCONSIN (BIG 10)

6. XAVIER

7. DRAKE (MVC)

8. ARIZONA

9. UMASS

10. NOTRE DAME

11. LOUISVILLE

12. NEW MEXICO (MWC)

13. HAMPTON (MEAC)

14. IUPUI- SUMMIT

15. UNC-ASHVILLE (BIG SOUTH)

16. PLAY IN GAME: CENTRAL ARK. (SOUTHLAND) VS. JACKSON ST. (SWAC)

EAST

1. UNC (ACC)

2. GEORGETOWN (BIG EAST)

3. VANDERBILT (SEC)

4. MARQUETTE

5. STANFORD

6. VILLANOVA

7. OHIO ST.

8. OKLAHOMA

9. ARIZONA STATE

10. MIAMI (FL)

11. CLEMSON

12. NIAGARA (MAAC)

13. EAST TENNESSEE STATE (ATLANTIC SUN)

14. BROWN (IVY)

15. UTAH ST. (WAC)

16. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI ST. (OHIO VALLEY)

MIDWEST

1. KANSAS (BIG 12)

2. UCLA

3. INDIANA

4. DAYTON (ATLANTIC 10)

5. ARKANSAS

6. BUTLER

7. GONZAGA

8. WEST VIRGINIA

9. OREGON

10. FLORIDA STATE

11. BAYLOR

12. KENT ST. (MAC)

13. HOLY CROSS (PATRIOT)

14. CS-NORTHRIDGE (BIG WEST)

15. CHATTANOOGA (SOUTHERN)

16. WAGNER (NORTHEAST)

WEST

1. WASHINGTON ST. (PAC-10)

2. TENNESSEE

3. TEXAS A&M

4. TEXAS

5. PITTSBURGH

6. ST. MARY'S, CA (WCC)

7. RHODE ISLAND

8. SYRACUSE

9. FLORIDA

10. ILLINOIS ST.

11. UNLV

12. SOUTH ALABAMA (SUN BELT)

13. CLEVELAND ST (HORIZON)

14. UMBC (AMERICAN EAST)

15. NORTHERN ARIZONA (BIG SKY)

16. DELAWARE (COLONIAL)

LAST FOUR IN: UNLV, BAYLOR, CLEMSON, LOUISVILLE

LAST FOUR OUT: MINNESOTA, KANSAS ST., UCONN, NEBRASKA

BIDS BY CONFERENCE:

BIG EAST: 8

PAC-10: 6

ACC: 5

BIG 12: 5

SEC: 5

ATLANTIC 10: 4

BIG 10: 4

HORIZON: 2

MVC: 2

MWC: 2

WCC: 2

OTHERS: 1

Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, and More: The Cooperstown Debate

David Cassilo — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:36:10 -0500

With the way the Baseball Hall of Fame vote went yesterday, it is obvious that the this is a very exclusive club.

Just ask Jim Rice, who dominated the American League during his career.

When you watch today's major leaguers, it is natural to look at one of your favorite superstars and say that he will one day join the greats in Cooperstown.

My advice to you is that you may want to curb your enthusiasim.

Here's a look at which of today's legends will be enshrined forever, and which will join the likes of Jack Morris and Andre Dawson on the outside looking in.

NO DOUBT HALL OF FAMERS

Greg Maddux

The Mad Dog is arguably the greatest pitcher of this generation. Without the 100 MPH heater he was still able to win 347 games. With a lot still left in the tank, he could be at 400 when all is said and done.

Tom Glavine

Like his teammate Maddux, Glavine got it done with guile and the ability to avoid injury. He finally got win number 300 last year and will most likely retire after a one year stint with Atlanta in 2008.

John Smoltz

The third and final Brave starter who will make it also has three seasons as a dominant closer to go along with his 200 wins as a starter. With his 3.11 ERA last year, Smoltz appears to have the most left out of the three.

Pedro Martinez

The three time Cy Young winner was the nastiest pitcher in baseball during the late 90's. He will not finish anywhere close to 300 wins due to injuries but is third all time in win percentage.

Randy Johnson

One of the tallest players in baseball will leave some even bigger numbers behind him. Johnson once won four straight Cy Young awards and could be the last pitcher to win 300 games.

Mariano Rivera

The Yankee legend is arguably the greatest closer of all-time and is one of the main reasons the Yankees were able to win so many titles. In an era in which the closer was so important, Rivera was the best.

Trevor Hoffman

The greatest closer in NL history has been the face of the Padres franchise for over a decade. Although he has struggled in big spots, his career record for saves are enough to get him in.

Chipper Jones

This may spark some debate, but Chipper is a Hall of Famer. He was the Braves best hitter when they dominated the National League in the 1990's. Jones should finish with close to 500 HR and a .300 AVG but should be in Cooperstown regardless.

Derek Jeter

A lot of people have argued that Jeter is just the product of a good team, but that's a terrible argument. The heart and soul of the Yankee dynasty will reach 3,000 hits and currently has a .317 career AVG.

Ken Griffey Jr.

Many felt that Griffey would be the man to break Aaron's record when he tore apart the AL as a member of the Mariners. He never reached those expectations due to injury riddled years with the Reds, but still has put together a Hall of Fame career.

Mike Piazza

Everyone knows that Mike Piazza is the greatest hitting catcher of all-time, but with his numbers he would go in at any position. Piazza also helped rejuvenate a Mets franchise that was an embarassment during the 90's.

Craig Biggio

The latest member of the 3,000 hit club just wrapped up his final season in the majors. He was one of the most consistent hitters of recent memory and was able to master several positions for the Astros.

Ivan Rodriguez

Many regard Pudge as one of the greatest defensive catchers ever, but his strong offensive numbers are what clinches his place in Cooperstown. Rodriguez is also credited as one of the main reasons the Marlins won the 2003 World Series.

Jeff Kent

This is one guy who is lucky that he played second base. If he plays any other position, Kent is not a Hall of Famer, but apparently just because he put up good numbers at second base he gets in. It may not be fair, but it's true.

Alex Rodriguez

The only question here is will A-Rod hold the career HR record when he goes into Cooperstown. With all the flack he catches from the media, it may be easy to forget just how amazing his numbers are.

Frank Thomas

The Big Hurt picked up his 500th HR last season which will make him a lock for the Hall of Fame. Thomas was one of the AL's best hitters during the 90's.

Jim Thome

Like Thomas, Thome now has his 500th HR and will one day be in Cooperstown. Thome was a key part of the Cleveland Indians in a time in which they put up some of the most impressive offensive numbers of his recent memory.

Manny Ramirez

He's so out there Manny himself probably doesn't even realize it, but he is arguably the greatest run producer of this or any other era. Ramirez is 600 RBI shy of the all-time record and at 35, he has an outside chance of breaking the mark.

Vladimir Guerrero

Vlad has been an offensive machine since the day he came up with the Expos. Guerrero has never hit under .300 and not even injuries have been able to stop him from putting up monster numbers.

Curt Schilling

The most debatable of all the selections on this list is Schilling. Looking just at his regular season numbers, Schilling is a borderline Hall of Famer, but when you take into account his 10-2 record and 2.23 ERA in the postseason, Schilling should one day get the nod.

ON THE VERGE OF THE 10 YEARS OF SERVICE NEEDED

Ichiro Suzuki and Albert Pujols

Both players are off to truly amazing starts to their career and just need to play three more years to reach the minimum time needed. This more applies to Ichiro because he is significantly older than Pujols.

STEROID ISSUES

Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, Gary Sheffield, and Miguel Tejada

If all of these guys never used performance enhancing drugs, they would be in the first section, but we've realized that once you are associated with cheating you struggle to get in (i.e. Mark McGwire). Tejada may raise a few eyebrows to be included here, but when you take into account he plays SS, he would have had a good case without the steroid connection.

BORDERLINE

Andruw Jones

No one is arguing his defensive ability, but Jones right now does not have the offensive numbers to make it to Cooperstown. With 368 HR at age 30, Jones will most likely wind up around 500, but if he does not improve his .263 career AVG, he may still struggle to get in.

David Ortiz

Big Papi has obviously been one of the most feared hitters in baseball since moving to Boston, but his lack of production in Minnesota may inevitably hurt his chances at Cooperstown. He has only 266 HR and a .289 AVG and will therefore need 3-5 strong years to become Hall of Fame worthy.

Alfonso Soriano

This is one of those cases where everyone would agree that Soriano is one of the best hitters in baseball but when you look at his stats you wonder why. Yes, Soriano went 40/40 once and fell one HR shy another time, but he has only topped 100 RBI twice and has a very poor OBP of .327. He has a very similar case to Dawson's.

Todd Helton

The greatest Rockie of all-time put up some amazing numbers at Coors Field, but then again, so did Vinny Castilla and Dante Bichette. Helton's .332 career AVG is definitely Hall of Fame worthy, but it appears he'll get a hard time from some voters because he played in Coors.

Carlos Delgado

One of the players helped out by the steroid era is Delgado, who is presumably clean and only 69 homers shy of 500. If he reaches that number he should get in because he was one of the few clean power hitters of the era. His case is very similar to Fred McGriff's.

Billy Wagner

Throughout his career Wagner has always been a notch below Hoffman and Rivera as a closer. However, Wagner has still put up some amazing stats with 358 saves and a 2.40 ERA. It's hard to picture Wagner as a Hall of Famer, but if he continues to put up numbers like he has, he could get there in a weak class like Goose Gossage.

Mike Mussina

The Moose has 250 career wins, but rarely has resembled a Hall of Fame caliber pitcher with the Yankees. If he is able to re-invent himself like Tom Glavine and grab 300 wins he'll get there, but he's definitely not in right now.

Omar Vizquel

The defensive whiz has been able to play at an elite level in the field during his career but has not had enough good offensive seasons to get in. Many people say he would have gotten in if he played 30 years ago, but he doesn't. He plays now, so it may not work out for him.

Kenny Lofton

Once a member of those great offensive teams in Cleveland, Lofton has bounced around the league recently. His career average is just a tad under .300 and has been member of numerous playoff teams. However, it will most likely take the 572 hits he needs for 3,000 to get him in.

PITCHERS ON THE RIGHT PATH

Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Johan Santana, and Tim Hudson

All four of these guys are around 30 years old and have made very impressive starts to their career thus far. It's basically a matter of staying healthy when it comes to their chances of becoming a member of the Hall of Fame.

No Tiki, No Problem: How the Giants Ran Their Way to the Playoffs

David Cassilo — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 04:21:41 -0500

Heading into their 2006 season finale, the New York Giants had once again completely collapsed.

After starting 6-2, the Giants had won only one of their past seven games, and needed a win in Washington to even make the playoffs.

Their defense was ravaged by injuries, and their quarterback looked more like the brother of Tim Couch than Peyton Manning—so the Giants turned to their most dependable player over the last five years, retiree-to-be Tiki Barber.

Barber not only led his team to the playoffs—he ran for a franchise-record 234 yards.

As the clock ticked down, Giants fans were left with one question:

How will we possibly win a game without this guy next year?

It was a question that Giants management was pondering too. It was impossible to simply replace Barber with one guy. He was so versatile, it was as if the Giants had three players on the field.

And so the Giants decided to replace him with four.

The first order of business was to analyze in-house talent. The obvious choice to succeed Barber was mammoth backup Brandon Jacobs. In relief, Jacobs had shown flashes of brilliance. Because of size and durability issues, however, New York realized that they'd have to get the big man some help.

Giants brass didn't have to look far before deciding that Derrick Ward should become a focal point of the offense.

Ward, who once gave up on football to pursue acting, had never impressed NFL coaches. Finally he met Tom Coughlin, and the Giants coach recognized that the back had plenty of talent.

Part two in the project to replace Tiki was complete.

The next place to look was the NFL Draft. With holes all over the place, the Giants realized that they couldn't gamble a first-day pick on a running back. Instead, their goal was to discover a steal in the draft's later rounds.

When the dust had cleared, the team had two new running backs: Ahmad Bradshaw, a converted DB from Marshall, and Ryan Grant, the backup from Notre Dame.

With so few spots on their roster, the Giants only had room for one rookie back. New York chose Bradshaw for his breakaway speed and kick return potential. They would have loved to have kept Grant too, but were forced to trade him to Green Bay for a sixth-round pick.

Even after seeing Grant thrive in a starting role for the Packers, the Giants still think they found something even more special in Bradshaw.

Given their youth and inexperience in the backfield, the Giants also felt they needed a veteran in the mix. In that spirit, they traded oft-injured wide receiver Tim Carter to the Browns for former 1,000-yard back Reuben Droughns. Droughns had excelled in Denver and Cleveland—and seemed like a perfect fit for the Giants.

And so, after months of hard work, the Giants had their four running backs.

Critics around the NFL were skeptical, but the Giants remained confident. Now, 17 weeks later, we know why.

In Tiki Barber's final season, he accumulated 2,127 yards and five TDs.

The Giants' four running backs this season finished with 2,490 yards and 17 TDs.

Each back brough something special to the table. Jacobs finished over 1,000 yards despite missing five games. Ward produced at an extremely high level when he was called on. Bradshaw averaged an amazing 8.3 yards per rush. And Droughns proved to be one of the better goal-line backs in the NFL, finishing the season with six touchdowns.

Whenever the offseason begins for the New York Giants, there will once again be plenty of holes to fill.

Due to an incredible eye for talent, though, none of them will be at the running back position.