Bleacher Report - Articles by Kyle deManincor

NBA Rookie Rankings Continued: The Top Five

Kyle deManincor — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:06:28 -0500

Here are my top five early season rookie rankings, starting at No. 5 with...

5. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
Evans may move up a few spots in the upcoming weeks if Kevin Martin is forced to miss a significant period of time because of a hairline fracture in his left wrist. It will be up to Evans to try and carry the Kings, but he will have to improve upon his 36 percent shooting from the field.

*Breaking News: Martin to miss at least eight weeks after choosing to have surgery on his left wrist.

4. Terrence Williams, New Jersey Nets
The man who did it all at Louisville may have to do it all in New Jersey, at least for the moment. With both Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian sidelined for an extended period of time, coach Lawrence Frank will need more production from his rookie swingman. Williams didn't respond too well Friday night against the Sixers, scoring just six points on 3-for-10 shooting. He did record nine assists though.

3. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves
The man with the highest vertical at the pre-draft workouts, Flynn has been solid early on for the T-Wolves. He does lead all rookies with 20 turnovers, but he bounced back nicely Friday night against the Bucks, scoring 20 points. Flynn has scored in double-figures in every game this season.

2. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
You haven't heard much of Curry because he plays for the Warriors (thanks, Stephen Jackson). However, the silky-smooth shooter from Davidson leads all rookies in minutes, assists, and steals per game. The sky is the limit for this kid, but who knows if there is enough ball to go around in Golden State.

1. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks
This spot may be reserved for Blake Griffin, but Jennings has done a great job filling in for the injured number one pick. In his first game, he scored 17 points while grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out nine assists. Not too shabby for a guy who wasn't even predicted to start.

He leads all rookies in points per game with 18.8 , and he seems to have meshed nicely with coach Scott Skiles, so far. It will be interesting to see how Jennings handles the pressure of having to score more with Michael Redd out.

Rankings will be updated in a couple of weeks.

NBA Rookie Rankings: No Griffin, No Problem

Kyle deManincor — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:35:56 -0500

Here are my Rookie Rankings 10-6 for the first week of the NBA season. You can also check out NBA.com and ESPN.com for their early season Rookie Rankings.

10. Omri Casspi—SAC
Casspi comes in at number 10 after struggling in his most recent game against Atlanta, where he played just 15 minutes, scoring five points. However, the first Israel-born player in the NBA has had a solid start to the season, averaging about 10 ppg, which is fifth among all rookies.

9. DeMar DeRozan—TOR
Said to have been one of the steal's of the draft, DeRozan has struggled recently to find his game at the NBA level. Inserted into Toronto's starting lineup from day one by coach Jay Triano, DeRozan has been relatively productive early on, averaging around six points and four rebounds per game in about 20 minutes.

8. Chase Budinger—HOU
A surprise rookie early on, Budinger has played well for the feisty Rockets while playing just 16 mpg. He's shooting 40 percent from behind the arc, but a recent ankle injury may drop him down a bit in next week's rankings.

7. DeJuan Blair—SA
Probably the real steal of the draft, Blair has been very solid for "Pop's" Spurs. He gives them youth off the bench, and no one is out to prove doubters wrong more than Blair. He had a very nice game against the Jazz Thursday night, scoring 14 and grabbing nine rebounds.

6. Ty Lawson—DEN
Making a huge leap up to number six is the speedster from UNC, Ty Lawson. Lawson has been solid off the bench for George Karl, and has proved early on that he can be a serviceable backup to Chauncey Billups. His recent production of 23 points on 9-for-10 shooting against the Nets has caught the attention of many naysayers.

The Top Five Rookie Rankings are coming soon.

AL East Mailbag: Toronto Blue Jays Fly South for the Winter

Kyle deManincor — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:44:40 -0500

It seems the 2009 season will be even more competitive in the AL East than it was last year.

The Rays, Red Sox, and of course, the Yankees, all bolstered their rosters, making life very difficult for the "guys" with the Canadian money. The "guys" I am referring to are the Toronto Blue Jays.

After watching the Yanks steal A.J. Burnett from their grasp, the Jays had to bare witness to a more horrifying site as the Bronx Bombers added C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira. The Red Sox signed about 100 guys to a one-year contract, including big names like John Smoltz, Brad Penny, and Rocco Baldelli.

Meanwhile, the Rays weren't content after winning the AL Championship, adding Pat Burrell to beef up the middle of their lineup. Even the lowly Orioles did more than the Jays, making numerous deals in an attempt to get somewhat better.

All of this leaves the Jays, the only AL team not to sign a major-league free agent this winter, with many questions as they head into the 2009 campaign.

1. Does Roy Halladay have enough support behind him in the starting rotation?

All signs point to no at this point. Losing Burnett will surely hurt the Jays, and to make matters worse, Shaun Marcum will miss the entire season after having Tommy John Surgery, and Dustin McGowan will be out until at least May.

That leaves Halladay, the work horse, all alone. The Jays will need him to win 20 games in order to stay alive. The rest of the rotation includes Jesse Litsch, David Purcey, Casey Janssen, and their top free-agent pick-up this off-season, Matt Clement. A far cry from the league's number one pitching staff last season.

2. Can Vernon Wells provide enough power in the heart of the Jays' lineup?

Faced with numerous injuries in recent years, it doesn't seem likely that Wells can be the guy in Toronto. He just doesn't have enough around him, and his high propensity to swing at the first pitch doesn't help either. The guy is tough as nails though, and gives his all every game.

He seems to be on the decline from his monster season in 2006, and like his years with Carlos Delgado, Wells needs another power hitter in the lineup. The Jays just don't have that right now. Alex Rios seemed to have lost his power surge last year, and without another punch in the lineup, teams aren't afraid to attack Wells.

3. Will the Jays regret not upgrading at the SS position?

This is a no-brainer. As good of a player as John McDonald is, the Jays will most definitely regret not upgrading at that position. Johnny Mac, a fan-favorite and a tremendous defensive player, just doesn't provide enough offense.

He hit .210 last year with one home-run. For the Jays, that's not going to cut it by any means. They had a chance to get Rafael Furcal and missed out on him. Orlando Cabrera's name was floating around, but the Jays chose not to shop him. Another missed opportunity.

4. Is Travis Snider ready to make his mark on the league?

Not yet...But watch out for this kid in the near future. He's only 21, and made a big impact in the 24 games he played in last year. He certainly is a big part of the Jays' future, and there is no point in rushing him.

5. Can the Jays stay healthy?

This seems to be the question every year for the Jays. The answer...always the same. In fact, the Jays are already dealing with injuries to Marcum and McGowan, and another setback to the pitching staff could completely demoralize this team.

Aaron Hill is coming back from a serious season-ending concussion, and could be a productive bat in the Jays' lineup. Wells is likely to miss some games here and there, and there is no guarantee B.J. Ryan's arm will hold up like it did last year. All in all, it would be a tremendous accomplishment if the Jays were to avoid a major injury.

So for all you Jays' fans out there, including myself, it may be best not to set the bar too high for the 2009 season, and hope that the young guys develop and the veterans stay healthy.

Miami Dolphins Reel in Another Win

Kyle deManincor — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 09:09:00 -0500

If you have unsteady nerves and extreme anxiety, then I don't recommend watching the Miami Dolphins.

Miami continued its improbable turnaround Sunday, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 14-9 in yet another nerve-jerking finish.

The Fins improved to 9-5 and stayed tied with the Jets for the AFC East lead, a remarkable improvement from last year's 1-15 record.

Although it wasn't pretty, Miami was able to keep the Niners out of the end zone, allowing only three Joe Nedney field goals. It was the third straight game that Miami hasn't allowed a touchdown, a stretch dating back to 1973.

Once again, Miami won in heart-stopping fashion, with Joey Porter sacking Shaun Hill on fourth down to seal the win. The Niners controlled the ball for most of the game, but Miami's defense stepped up when it had to, sacking Hill five times, none bigger than Porter's sack.

Chad Pennington was efficient again, completing 12 of 19 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns, both coming in the first half. Ronnie Brown wasn't effective until late into the fourth, finishing the game with 67 yards on just 10 carries.

The Fins didn't commit a turnover and are on pace to set an NFL record for fewest turnovers in a season.

They improved to 4-0 against West Coast teams this season, and if they win their final two games, they will reach the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

Get the Popcorn Ready Chicago: Here Comes the Circus

Kyle deManincor — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:56:51 -0500

You can hear the music now. The sound of elephants marching, clowns dancing, and popcorn popping. Sounds glorious if you're a child, but not if you're a Chicago Bull.

These are the sounds of the annual circus that moves into Chicago around Thanksgiving, sending the Bulls on a Western Conference road trip for two weeks.

In recent years, this trip has been a disaster for the young Bulls.

That's why it was crucial for them to be above water before taking the plunge.

Coming off big home wins against the lowly Mavericks and the revived Pacers, the Bulls stand at 5-5. Not bad for a team who has already had their fare share of injuries.

You can attribute this .500 record, in part, to Derrick Rose and his outstanding play. He has lived up to the hype, becoming the first Chicago rookie since MJ, of course, to score in double figures in his first 10 games.

Rose is averaging 18.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. If he keeps going at this pace, he'll become the first rookie since LeBron James to average at least 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.

The first challenge on his first ever circus trip—Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

The Bulls will need to rely on Rose even more against a very stingy Lakers defense. The Lakers come into the game with the second best defense, holding opponents to 89 points per game.

Not only will the pressure be on Rose, but Ben Gordon will need to provide the offensive firepower that he has shown early on in the season.

In his last four games, Gordon is averaging 25.5 points. However, he has struggled against the Lakers on the road, averaging only 12.5 PPG on just 37.3 percent shooting.

After L.A., the trip doesn't get any easier for the Bulls, as they travel to Portland to face Greg Oden and the Blazers.

Following that, they go to Golden State, in a very winnable game, then head to Denver, Utah, San Antonio, and Philadelphia.

If somehow the Bulls can manage to win three games, they would sit at 8-9 and be in good shape in the Eastern Conference. Considering the injuries early on, especially to Kirk Hinrich, the Bulls should be pleased to be in that position.

So, it comes down to this simple question: can the Bulls rise up and put their past circus woes behind them or will they again fall victim to Western supremacy?

Rookie Rankings: Who "Rose" To The Top?

Kyle deManincor — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:29:50 -0500

Here are my Rookie Rankings three weeks into the NBA Season:

1. Derrick Rose: Rose's strength and agility have given defenders a lot of trouble early on. His ability to penetrate and score inside the paint makes him deadly in the open floor. Last night's 26 point, 10 rebound, and seven assist performance against the upstart Hawks shows what he is capable of.

No other rookie has come close to putting up those all-around numbers. The offense is clearly built around this budding superstar.

2. O.J. Mayo: Mayo is going off in the points category. 33 and 31 back to back, that's nuts. Of course, he has a high shot total. He is averaging almost 18 attempts a game. However, he's shooting 44% from behind the arc.

3. Michael Beasley: Beasley hasn't done much as far as big numbers go, but he has been consistent. 18 points and seven rebounds are usually what he puts up because of Wade's presence and ability to score. He will put up huge numbers soon, which could be a scary thing for other teams. With Wade and Beasley, the Heat have a deadly duo.

4. Marc Gasol: No Pau, it's Marc. He's having a great start to his rookie season. A beast on the boards who can finish down low, something Pau isn't as good at. Marc is averaging close to a double-double, at 11 points and eight rebounds per game. He needs to develop a short jumper like his bro, but Memphis has a nice little nucleus budding.

5. Mario Chalmers: I only put him here because of his defense and his ball control. Chalmers is perfect in the Heat's system. He loves getting others involved but can score also. He is only averaging 6 ppg, but doesn't turn the ball over much. His "D" is unreal. Nine steals in one game is great for any player.

6. Russell Westbrook: Coming off the bench, Westbrook gives the Thunder a good option at the one. He plays solid defense and is a good ball-handler. He is a nice compliment to Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.

7. Jason Thompson: I love this guy. Not many know him, but he's been solid in Sacramento for Reggie Theus. He can play the three, four, and five. He has a nice outside jumper, shooting 59% from the field. He's a good ROY sleeper candidate.

8. Kevin Love: Minnesota is not good, but they have a good young nucleus, like the Bulls and Grizz. Love can shoot, pass, rebound, and play D. At 10 points and seven rebounds per game, Love is a nice compliment to Al Jefferson.

9. Rudy Fernandez: This guy is very solid. I would have him higher in the rankings if it wasn't for the depth the Blazers have. He is averaging 14 ppg, while shooting 46% from the field and from three. His minutes are up to 28 a game, and soon enough those minutes will steadily rise above 30.

10. D.J. Augustin: He is already getting more minutes as of late at the one position because Larry Brown loves PG's. By the second half of the year, the Bobcats will probably be out of contention. Augustin will likely see even more minutes and maybe even start over Felton. Felton likely will not be back with the team after this year. Augustin is the guy in Charlotte.

Miami Dolphins Must Take Advantage of Home Field

Kyle deManincor — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:28:11 -0500

The Miami Dolphins are starting to look like a contender again in the AFC. It seems though they prefer the underdog title. Against teams of high-caliber, the Dolphins look superb. In fact, they look superior.

In games Miami should win, they look helpless and lost. Almost reminiscent of that 1-15 squad from a year ago.

The Fins have already taken down rival Buffalo, San Diego, Denver, and the elite Patriots.

However, they fell to the Jets in Week One, looked like a high-school team against Arizona, lost a heart-breaker in Houston, and resembled dead fish against Baltimore.

In the games they've won, they looked nothing like the team who needed overtime to get their first and only victory.

Miami went into New England and completely humiliated the reigning AFC Champs, 38-13. They turned some heads, but not enough to be considered a legit NFL team.

Then after their bye week they did it again. This time they used their defense, beating the Chargers at home, 17-10. OK, so maybe New England wasn't a fluke. But still, this was Miami. They got lucky.

Luck had nothing to do with it. After two straight losses, the Fins bounced back nicely, beating the Bills at home, 25-16. They had beaten the Bills and the Pats, and yet still, very few considered them contenders.

Then, last week, the Dolphins swam into Denver and stifled a very good offense, 26-17. Now there are people jumping on Miami's bandwagon. Who would have thought?

At 4-4, the Dolphins are most certainly contenders. With a win on Sunday against Seattle, and a loss by all three of the other AFC East teams, Miami will be in a four-way tie for first. Wow.

This brings me to the point of the story. Miami must take advantage of the home field. After hosting Seattle on Sunday, Miami faces Oakland and New England at home.

At least two of those games should be wins. Seattle is struggling on both sides of the ball, Oakland, well that's another story, and the Pats are beatable. Just ask Miami.

It's vital for Miami to hold serve at home, especially against teams they should beat. They can't fall victim to the "underdog syndrome" as I like to call it.

Miami cannot play down to their opponents. If they do, they will not finish .500 or better. The remaining schedule is not difficult, with Buffalo, New England, and the Jets as their toughest tests. The Fins have already been beaten two of the three.

If Miami can use home field to their advantage for the next two games, they will sit at 6-4 with the Patriots coming to town. Anything is possible.

If not, then Miami could once again be on the outside looking in.

Allen Iverson: Traded to Pistons, ESPN Reports

Kyle deManincor — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:50:15 -0500

Stephen A. Smith reported on ESPN that a deal is in place that would send Denver Nuggets Guard Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess.

The deal is not yet official, but Smith said it is close to being finalized.

Iverson has not been happy in Denver, and has asked for a change of scenery and a trade to a championship contender.

Dolphins-Bills: Miami Drowns Buffalo in South Florida

Kyle deManincor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:30:45 -0400

On Sunday, it was the dolphin that lived on land, not the buffalo.

The Miami Dolphins, that is.

In a must-win game, the Fins upset the Bills, 25-16, improving to 3-4 and tripling their win total from a year ago. It was Miami's first win against Buffalo since 2005.

Using a combination of efficient passing and a deadly defensive barrage, the Dolphins caught the Bills by surprise.

Ted Ginn Jr., the ninth pick in last year's draft, proved to critics that he isn't a bust.

Ginn caught seven passes for 175 yards, including two of 40+ yards.

Chad Pennington was superb yet again, squashing rumors that Chad Henne would soon see some action.

Completing 22 of 30 passes for 314 yards and zero interceptions, Pennington controlled the game right from the get go.

On Miami's opening drive, he marched the team down the field, setting up a two-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Fasano.

In the third quarter, with Miami trailing 16-10, Ricky Williams scored on a three-yard run to put the Fins up by one.

From there, the defense took over and inevitably sealed the deal.

Joey Porter, once again, was outstanding, sacking Trent Edwards twice, including one that forced a fumble for a safety.

He now has 10.5 sacks on the season and is on pace to break Michael Strahan's single-season sack record.

So much for being labeled as one of the worst free-agent signings in NFL history.

With Porter at the helm, the rest of the Dolphins' "D" followed his lead, forcing four Bills turnovers.

Rookie place-kicker Dan Carpenter continued to shine, kicking three crucial field goals when Miami needed them most.

Even with Ronnie Brown managing only 43 yards on 14 carries, Miami showed that they are not a one-dimensional offense.

This may be yet another wake-up call for the rest of the AFC, as the Dolphins clearly stated that they certainly are for real.

Has Miami's Wildcat Been Tamed?

Kyle deManincor — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:48:33 -0400

After losing to Baltimore on Sunday, many feel that the "Wildcat" has finally been tamed.

The Dolphins offense sputtered all game, only putting up 13 points. Granted, it was against the NFL's top-ranked defense, but Miami just couldn't find a rhythm in the Wildcat, or any formation for that matter.

They were only able to muster four yards on five plays in the Wildcat, and Ronnie Brown managed to rush for just 27 yards.

Chad Pennington was solid yet unspectacular again. He threw for 295 yards and one touchdown, but his interception proved costly as Terrell Suggs returned it 44 yards for a touchdown.

Greg Camarillo continues to be a bright spot for the Fins, catching six passes for 74 yards.

However, if the Wildcat continues to be quiet, the Dolphins may struggle offensively. Pennington's biggest criticism is his inability to throw the deep ball, making Miami's ground attack that much more important.

At 2-4, the Dolphins can still make some noise in the AFC East. They host division leader and longtime rival Buffalo on Sunday in a must win game for Miami. Buffalo is hot and looking to stay atop the East.

If Miami can't stop Marshawn Lynch and the Wildcat doesn't produce, then it could be a long day for Sparano and his team.

Hello, This Is Chad Pennington

Kyle deManincor — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:52:06 -0400

The Miami Dolphins are doing whatever they can to boost ticket sales. Chad Pennington is the latest to get in on the act.

Pennington recorded a pitch last week that was used to call many buyers in the South Florida area.

His message was simple. We need a home-field advantage. Miami has lacked fan support after their 1-15 season, but it's evident this year's team is different.

The economy isn't helping their situation, but the Dolphins are confident ticket sales will go up.

Patrick Cobbs: The Little Guy Who Could

Kyle deManincor — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:15:43 -0400

5'8" and 205 pounds. You wouldn't think this fits the description of an NFL running back. But it does.

His name is Patrick Cobbs. He's the third-string running back for the Miami Dolphins.

Small in stature, but big in heart, Cobbs has made the most of this opportunity. Already used as a returner on special teams, Cobbs has seen his role on offense increase the last couple of weeks.

This was no more evident than in last week's game against Houston. Cobbs caught three passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

In the single-wing formation, Cobbs scored on a 53-yard pass from Pennington on a flea-flicker. Later in the game, he went 80 yards for a score on a simple screen pass. His speed and agility make him a tough matchup for opposing defenses. Not to mention, all eyes are on Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

What's even more impressive is that Cobbs has already made it into the Dolphins record book. He became the first Miami running back in 33 years to catch two touchdowns in one game. Not bad for a guy who was undrafted out of college.

As long as the Wildcat continues to thrive, Cobbs' stock will rise, and teams will have to take notice of the little guy who could.

Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins: Single-Wing is Just the Thing

Kyle deManincor — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:39:23 -0400

Suddenly, last year's 1-15 record seems like a distant memory.

Coming off back to back victories against New England and San Diego, the Miami Dolphins are giving their fans, and themselves, a reason to believe again.

At 2-2, these Dolphins aren't a team to be taken lightly.

Running formations out of the single-wing wildcat offense, the Dolphins have become a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Ronnie Brown has benefited the most from this unorthodox spread offense. In the last two games, Brown has rushed for 228 yards and 6 touchdowns. He has also thrown for a touchdown out of the same formation.

His elusiveness has been difficult for oopposing defenses to stop and he has shown no signs that his surgically repaired knee is a problem.

Brown has also made life easier for Chad Pennington. Pennington has thrown for 817 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. As the most accurate passer in NFL history, Pennington has completed 67 percent of his passes, and has been the anchor of a very efficient Miami offense.

Much of that efficency has been a result of Brown's surge in production due, in part, to the Wildcat offense. Chad isn't forced to make the big plays, and Miami is using the tandem of Ricky Williams and Brown in the same backfield.

More importantly, the Dolphins have limited their turnovers and penalties. They have turned the ball over only twice, the lowest total in the AFC. They've committed a scant 16 penalties, third lowest in the NFL.

Bill Parcells has clearly made his mark, and new coach Tony Sparano has been a master of creating an offense tailored for its playmaker: Ronnie Brown.

It's unsure how effective the single-wing will be in upcoming weeks, but one thing is for sure: these Dolphins are no fluke.

Seth Petruzelli Takes a "Slice" Out of Kimbo Slice

Kyle deManincor — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:15:45 -0400

In a stunning upset, Kimbo Slice was TKO'd in 14 seconds Saturday night by Seth Petruzelli.

Slice was knocked to the ground immediately after taking a button punch to the jaw. Petruzelli then followed with a series of punches to the face.

Seeing that Slice was defenseless, referee Troy Waugh jumped in and stopped the fight.

Petruzelli was a last minute replacement for Ken Shamrock, who suffered a cut around his left eye during a workout session.

Outweighed and outmatched, the no-name Petruzelli stunned the sellout crowd and handed Slice the first defeat of his MMA career.

Ben Gordon Back with Chicago Bulls for One More Year

Kyle deManincor — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:02:38 -0400

Ben Gordon will be with the Bulls for one more year after accepting a qualifying offer late Wednesday night.

The offer will make Gordon an unrestricted free agent after the 2008-2009 season.

Gordon was the Bulls leading scorer last season, averaging 18.6 PPG.

This will be his fifth season with the Bulls and will likely be his last after failing to reach a long-term agreement with the team.

MLB Divisional Series Breakdown

Kyle deManincor — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:50:38 -0400

Here's a breakdown of the first round of the MLB Playoffs, which is set to begin today.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox

Pitching: Tampa's starting rotation—Kazmir, Shields, and Garza— is stronger. However, with Troy Percival possibly missing this series, the pressure is on the Rays' bullpen to deliver. Dan Wheeler will most likely get the nod as closer. Rays still get the upper-hand here.

Advantage: Rays

Offense: The Sox have a more potent offense, with Dye, Thome, and Griffey. The loss of Carlos Quentin hurts. The Rays will rely on Longoria and Pena to pick up the load.

Advantage: White Sox

Defense: Upton and Crawford can cover a lot of ground in the OF. Longoria is a future Gold Glover at third. Navarro is stellar behind the plate.

Advantage: Rays

Manager: Maddon is a "rookie," but he knows the game. He will get his team to play hard. Guillen has been here before though and knows what it takes to win in the playoffs.

Advantage: White Sox

Intangibles: Rays have home-field and have overcome all odds this season. White Sox may have the experience, but the Rays are ready for bigger things.

Advantage: Rays

Bottom Line: Rays in four

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Pitching: Beckett's health is a big issue, and if he can't go, the Red Sox are in trouble. The Angels' starters have been solid all year, and K-Rod will need to prove himself in the playoffs.

Advantage: Angels

Offense: No Manny. Simple as that. Teixeira and Hunter add more "pop." The Angels are also pests on the basepaths. Red Sox need Pedroia to deliver, just as he's done all year.

Advantage: Angels

Defense: Youkilis and Pedroia are as good as it gets at their positions. The Angels can flash some brilliance of their own, but the Sox are too fundamentally sound.

Advantage: Red Sox

Manager: Francona is a proven winner, but this year he has more injuries to deal with. Scioscia always plans ahead, awaiting the opponent's next move.

Advantage: Angels

Intangibles: The Red Sox have "October Magic" and have had the Angels' number in the past.

Advantage: Red Sox

Bottom Line: Angels in five

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs

Pitching: Cubs starters have health issues, but they are too good to overlook. The Dodgers may surprise though.

Advantage: Cubs

Offense: Manny vs. the Cubs. Manny needs to hit for L.A. to win. The Cubs are too potent offensively, with Soriano being the key.

Advantage: Cubs

Defense: Martin is solid behind the plate for L.A. Cubs' middle-infield is suspect.

Advantage: Dodgers

Manager: Torre vs. Pinella. Torre has had great success in the postseason, and Pinella is hungry. This is as good as it gets.

Advantage: Dodgers

Intangibles: The Cubs are looking to break the "curse." Having home-field also helps. The Dodgers have more experience with Manny, Torre, and Derrick Lowe.

Advantage: Cubs

Bottom Line: Cubs in five

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Pitching: Not having Sheets will put more pressure on Bush and Gallardo. Brewers bullpen is very shaky. Lidge and Hamels will get the job done for the Phils.

Advantage: Phillies

Offense: Howard-Utley-Rollins vs. Fielder-Braun. Howard is hot, and the Phils have a better supporting cast.

Advantage: Phillies

Defense: The middle-infield is too good for the Phils. Victorino is solid in the OF. Braun is shaky in left for the Brew Crew.

Advantage: Phillies

Manager: Charlie Manuel knows how to motivate players. Sveum will keep team focused, but not enough experience.

Advantage: Phillies

Intangibles: Brewers have nothing to lose. They have the momentum and are hungry. The pressure is on the Phils.

Advantage: Brewers

Bottom Line: Phillies in four

NBA Eastern Conference : Up for Grabs or Still Seeing Green?

Kyle deManincor — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:54:58 -0400

The 2008-09 NBA Season is right around the corner, with Training Camp set to begin this week.

The Western Conference will no doubt be competitive again—but who will be this year's "Beast of the East?"

Here's a preview of who the top eight in the East may be at season's end:

1. Boston Celtics

The "Green Machine" did what everyone expected them to do last year, winning 66 games and bringing the title back to Beantown. The "Big Three" of KG, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen lived up to the hype—and delivered.

The big question this year, though, is if age will catch up to them. With Pierce almost 31, Garnett, 32, and Allen, 33, the Celts will need to see an even greater increase in production from their young players.

Rajon Rondo is a budding star, and was a great compliment to the Big Three last year. The departure of utility-man James Posey will hurt the team's depth, but it does pave the way for guys like Tony Allen, Eddie House, Glen "Baby" Davis, and Leon Powe, who showed in the Finals that he could be a force down low.

All of them now have the experience of playing in big games, and it will be interesting to see how they respond to an increase in playing time. With a guy like KG on their team, it's hard to see these young guys not playing hard every game.

Prediction: 60-22

2. Detroit Pistons

The Pistons haven't quite been playing true Detroit basketball as of late. Known for their physicality, the Pistons were clearly outmatched and outplayed against the Celtics in the Conference Finals last season. The hunger for another title just wasn't there.

In an attempt to revive the Pistons, GM Joe Dumars fired Flip Saunders in the offseason, and promoted assistant coach and former Piston Michael Curry to head coach. The team's starting five is getting older and more prone to injury, which is why Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell, and Amir Johnson must step up when called upon.

Billups and Hamilton are still one of the best guard combos in the league, and Rasheed is deadly from all areas of the court. Look for Curry to restore some of the passion that these Pistons once had, and challenge Boston for Eastern supremacy.

Prediction: 57-25

3. Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard, plain and simple. The Magic's success rests on the shoulder's of this monster in the paint. Howard makes everyone around him better, with his ability to draw double- and even triple-teams in the post.

Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu will continue to play well as long as Howard plays well. If Howard struggles—especially from the free throw line, where he shot only 59 percent last season—the pressure will be on Lewis and Turkoglu to make more outside shots.

The addition of Courtney Lee through the draft will help add some much-needed size to the Magic backcourt.

Prediction: 54-28

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

It's the same question with the Cavs every year—does LeBron have enough help? This has still yet to be answered by Danny Ferry and the Cavs organization.

LeBron will do everything in his power to bring the Cavs back to the Finals. He'll get his triple-doubles, his 50-point games, but when LeBron isn't LeBron, who is going to step up?

The frontcourt of Illgauskas, Wallace, and Varajao isn't overpowering by any means, so the Cavs will need to rely on strong backcourt play to take some pressure off the "King." Bringing in Mo Williams should help, and re-signing Delonte West will give the Cavs another ballhandler off the bench.

That still may not be enough, as the Cavs still lack a deadly outside shooter.

Sleeper Alert: J.J. Hickson, the young forward out of N.C. State. Watch for this kid to really shine in his first season.

Prediction: 50-32

5. Toronto Raptors

Here's where the East could go in any direction. The Raptors are at five because of the addition of Jermaine O'Neal. O'Neal has had many injuries in the past few seasons, but it's hard to ignore the fact that he used to be a 20 and 10 guy. He also has a lot to prove.

With a healthy O'Neal and Chris Bosh, the Raptors have a solid frontcourt. They are also one of the most-efficient teams in the league, limiting their turnovers and shooting a good percentage behind the arc.

Prediction: 46-36

6. Philadelphia 76ers

A surprise team last year, the Sixers got even better this year with the addition of Elton Brand. Brand brings veteran experience as well as a ridiculous knack for rebounding and low-post scoring. If Brand can stay healthy, which he claims he is, the Sixers may move up to the five spot in the East.

The only knock on the Sixers is whether or not Iguodala is ready to be theor go-to guy in clutch situations. I'm not sure he is just yet. The team is still very young, but as seen last year, they got better with each game.

Sleeper Alert: Marreese Speights could add another dimension to an already-strong frontcourt. He's big, raw, and not afraid to throw his weight around.

Prediction: 45-37

7. Washington Wizards

The Wizards are one of those teams who somehow get into the playoffs despite demoralizing injuries. Based on pure talent, the Wizards are in the seventh spot.

Gilbert Arenas is still circling around questions regarding his knee, but the Wizards have shown they can win without him. Butler and Jamison must stay healthy for this team to make the playoffs.

Look for "Agent Zero" to play and have a solid season, but also be aware that he will miss his fair share of games. Nick Young could help fill his void, as he began to develop a good rhythm with Butler and Jamison last year when given the minutes.

Prediction: 42-40

8. Chicago Bulls: The eighth and final spot is up for grabs. The Bucks are much improved with the addition of Richard Jefferson and new coach Scott Skiles. The Hawks were last year's Cinderella team, but losing Josh Childress will hurt.

The Bulls take the final spot simply because of Derrick Rose. It may be asked why the Heat aren't here with Michael Beasley and a healthy Dwayne Wade, but the truth of the matter is the Bulls have more depth than any of the other bubble teams. Rose will make the team that much better, despite being a rookie with a huge burden to carry.

With Rose at the point, Hinrich can move to his natural position at the two. Gordon, who is expected to sign a one-year qualifying offer, will come off the bench and provide the offensive spark he is known for.

Look for Luol Deng to have a better year now that his contract situation is behind him. New Head Coach Vinny Del Negro will have his hands full though balancing the minutes.

The Bulls are young, talented, and built for the future. They will find a way through the tough times and get into the playoffs.

Prediction: 41-41

THE MINNESOTA "MIRACLE" TWINS: A Season to Remember

Kyle deManincor — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:16:54 -0400

A year after trading two-time CY Young Award Winner Johan Santana for a set of prospects, the Minnesota Twins truly are a "Miracle."

Predicted to struggle without their ace, the Twins are now in first place in the Central Division after sweeping Ozzie's White Sox. Sitting at an astounding 87-72 record with just three games left in the season, the Twins have a chance to shock everyone.

Head Coach Ron Gardenhire put the season into perspective last night, saying, "It feels like you should just quit playing right now and be in the playoffs." Well the Twins aren't quitting, and the playoffs are theirs for the taking.

How exactly are they doing it? With a group of young, hungry players, that's how. The Twins really don't have a true power hitter in their lineup. They are second to last in the league in total homers, with Justin Morneau leading the team with 23. So with no power-hitter and no big name players, how are the Twins leading the division?

With superb pitching and an efficient offense with runners in scoring position, the Twins are a prime example that you don't need power to be an effective offensive team. They are fourth in the league in runs scored, and second in total hits.

What's more impressive is that the Twins are first in the league with a .309 batting average with runners in scoring position. That's better than some teams overall batting average. They know how to score when it really counts. With Joe Mauer leading the AL in batting average yet again, the Twins won't provide the "pop," but they will make the game look easy.

They have a number of young players who have all played a key role in this seasons success. There's the killer M's in Morneau and Mauer. Rookie sensation Carlos Gomez, the speed demon who came over as part of the Santana deal, has been stellar in Center Field. Alexi Casilla, Denard Span, Jason Kubel, the list of no-name players is endless. They may not be no-name's for long though.

On the other side, there's that pesky Minnesota Twins pitching staff. The "Santana-less" Twins. Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn, Glen Perkins, and of course Francisco Liriano. Outside of Liriano, how many people have actually heard of the other guys? Probably not many. However, these guys are as effective as the next.

The Twins as a team have allowed the least amount of walks in the league, and constantly pound the strike zone. They are very deep in the pen, and feature one of the games most consistent closers in Joe Nathan. And the scary thing is, all of their starters are younger than 28. The future looks bright in Minnesota, although the future may be now.

So with three games to go, and the small-ball Twins a half-game up in the division, the pressure is on these young players. Will they rise to the occasion or will they falter under the spotlight? It's been a long season, but it looks like these Twins are on their way to pulling off a Minnesota "Miracle."