Bleacher Report - Articles by Silas Beyman

NCCA Upsets: Belmont Nearly Did It, So Who Else Can?

Silas Beyman — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:02:00 -0400

In case you missed it, Belmont just lost one of the closest games I've ever seen, 71-70, to the hated Duke Blue Devils.

They hustled as if their lives were on the line, and in the end, one bad pass sealed the deal. I became a Belmont fan in under two minutes after seeing them dive after every loose ball, hustle on every play, fight for position on every missed shot.

Screwed bracket or not, I was almost wishing Belmont to win.

And in the end, it doesn't matter. Duke wins like always, barely avoiding two straight First Round bumps. But the best game so far showed promise, after embarrassing blowouts like No. 13 seeded Winthrop to No. 4 seed Washington State. If a team everyone through aside as an easy win for Duke can nearly pull off a miracle upset, who else can? Let's look at the upcoming games.

No. 11 St. Josephs vs. No. 6 Oklahoma

Remember Saint Joseph’s? The team that was a No. 1 NCAA tournament seed four years ago. Even made it to the regional final. Well, the Hawks are back—but with an extra “one” in the seed. The Sooner (22-11) and the Hawks (21-12) are ready to duke it out, no pun intended. The game changer here could be Pat Calathes, who's averaged 17.8 PPG and 7.5 RPG while leading St. Josephs. This game reeks of upset-potential.

No. 12 Villanova vs. No. 5 Clemson

Sure Clemson (24-9) beat a heavily favored Duke team in the ACC semi-finals. Sure Villanova (20-12) was one of the last teams to get an at-large bid. Look at the history though. No program has recorded more upsets in the NCAA tournament than Villanova, which has 12 wins as a lower-seeded team since 1979. Another thing going against Clemson is that this is their first tournament appearance since 1998, which means none of their players have ever experienced the joy of March Madness. Chalk up inexperience as the reason 'Nova pulls off the upset.

No. 12 West Kentucky vs. No. 5 Drake

Many experts have been picking the Drake Bulldogs to go far in their bracket, but first they'll have a tough test against West Kentucky.In addition to winning the MVC regular season and conference tournament titles, Drake had a 21-game winning streak that propelled the Bulldogs into the Top 25 for the first time since the last three weeks of the 1974-75 season. But Western Kentucky is 27-6, and has a deadly shooter in Courtney Lee, who is averaging 20.4 PPG for the hilltoppers. Watch out for this game.

MLB: Improving Spring Training

Silas Beyman — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:45:30 -0400

Spring Training is important for many teams. They need to learn about their young players and figure out which players need to be on their way. But that doesn't mean that Spring Training can't be fun and interactive for the fans as well. Here are some ways the MLB can make Spring Training more fun for the fans.

More Celebrities

Billy Crystal signs a one-day contract for the Yankees. On Thursday, he will realize his dream and play on the field with his beloved pinstriped Bronx Bombers. So why can't ordinary people get the chance to play as well? I'm not saying that every day a different ordinary person plays, but how about in one game at least, a person gets the chance. Who wouldn't come to the ballpark for a chance to play? And who wouldn't come to the park if they knew there was the possibility of facing Johan Santana or Josh Beckett? Imagine the interest in that gate giveaway!

No More Ties

Why end a close game in the 10th inning when you can keep on going? Extra inning games are one of the most exciting things in baseball, but more importantly, it shows which young players are clutch and which ones you can't rely on.

Personalized Stadiums

Why is there no Green Monster in the Boston Red Sox facility? Fans come to see their teams, why not get the experience of a real MLB game?

Free Agent Team

If a player is a free agent that no one has picked up yet, when is he going to be able to show his skills? Why not an all-free agent team, where all the best free agents available make up one spring training team. Who wouldn't want to see Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa on the same team?

More Autograph Signings

This is one of the main reasons fans go see spring training games. Nothing solidifies a great experience like a trophy autograph from your favorite player.

Spring Training is one of the greatest things about baseball in this country. It gets us out of our winterized minds for just a moment. We can smell the grass again and hear the crack of the bat. It already is an iconic American tradition, but with these few improvements, it can be even greater.

Red Sox 2008: Daisuke Matzusaka, Round Two

Silas Beyman — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:10:16 -0500

Daisuke Matsuzaka is one of the most hyped players to ever come out of Japan since Ichiro Suzuki. He was billed as the next big thing, even money to win a Cy Young in his rookie season. Daisuke, He who throws the legendary, mythological "Gyro" Ball.

Heck, the Red Sox even paid $51,000,000 just to talk to this guy, who's represented by Scott Boras.

But then came the regular season, where Daisuke at times looked brilliant, but at other times didn't seem to have a clue as to what was going on.

He wowed people in his first career MLB game against the Royals on April 5, going seven strong innings and only giving up one run, while striking out 10 players en route to the victory. But then there were also games like on May 3 against Seattle, where he gave up five first-inning runs, lasted only five innings, giving up seven total runs and amassing only one total strikeout.

Many things seemed to bother Daisuke while adjusting to his new league. The seams on the ball used in the Major Leagues are not as raised as those used in Japan, and Matsuzaka said after last season that it was a challenge getting accustomed to throwing the big league ball.

Dice-K seems serious about adjusting to everything though, as he reportedly brought some Major League baseballs home with him to Japan so he could practice throwing them in the off season.

At the same time, he was being outplayed by his Japanese counterpart Hideki Okajima, who was shining in the Red Sox bullpen. It seemed like the constant scrutiny and coverage was getting to Daisuke. He did have an above-average season though, going 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA and 201 K's.

But now it's time for the 2008 MLB season, and many wonder how Daisuke will fare in his sophomore season. Perhaps without the hundreds of American and Japanese reporters following his every move, he could have a great season. With Curt Schilling likely gone for the season, Daisuke Matsuzaka will most likely be moved up to second in the rotation, which might add pressure onto him.

"I think last year was a time period where I really wanted to try everything out, try different things for the years forward," said Matsuzaka. "The ball and the grip on the ball was one thing that was a big part of that, and hopefully I spent enough time experimenting with it last year that it makes a difference going forward." This was in a Japanese newspaper, and it shows how he is ready to contribute to Boston in 2008.

He seems committed to the whole idea of being a leader in Boston, but it'll take a lot more than adjusting to the seams of a major league baseball to truly leave his mark in Boston.

Manager Terry Franconca even believes he's ready to step up his game. "Naturally, he feels a lot more comfortable," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "He's not wondering which field to go to or what drill is next. The faces look a lot more familiar, and I'm sure that helps him in the process. This year, I think he can focus on pitching and getting ready for the season a lot more than last year, where he was just getting used to his environment."

All in all, I think Matsuzaka will turn in a quality season for the Red Sox, now that he's adjusted to the MLB. Don't expect 20 wins or 250 strikeouts from Dice-K, but don't be surprised to observe a more relaxed poise from him.

If that leads to an All-Star season from him, I wouldn't be shocked.

Fantasy Baseball 2008: Top Second Basemen

Silas Beyman — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:39:27 -0500

Catchers and First Baseman are out of the way, and now it's time to analyze, predict, and prophesize possibly the weakest position in baseball: Second Base. The position lacks depth, but it's been gaining in draft status, with a few proven stud veterans and hot prospects.

Take a look at the top 5 second baseman going into the 2008 fantasy baseball season...

1. Chase Utley

Chase Utley continues to be the top 2nd baseman in the majors. He can hit for power, hit for contact, and is even an excellent baserunner. For the third straight season, he's hit at least 100 RBI's, and hit 22 home runs in an injury-shortened season. He hit well for average, with a career best .332 in just 132 games. If he remains healthy, and that's a big if coming off a broken hand, he'll produce even better numbers. Some experts are even projecting him to be the third straight Philly to win the NL MVP award.

Projected Stats: .322 AVG, 30 HR, 108 RBIs, 120 Runs, .390 OBP, 15 SB

2. Brandon Phillips

Brandon Phillips really burst onto the scene in 2007, stunning many people with his .288 AVG, 30 HRs, 94 RBIs, and 32 SBs. He is a serious threat to have a 30-30 season for the second straight year, and at 26, he is just entering his prime. Although he does not strike out much, he is still not a very patient player, as he amassed only 35 walks the entire season. Brandon Phillips is a good player and one of the best possible pickups for a keeper league, and has serious all-star potential.

Projected Stats: .280 AVG, 34 HR, 102 RBIs, 115 Runs, .340 OBP, 37 SB

3. Robinson Cano

Robinson Cano has established himself as a catalyst on the New York Yankees, making many of the fans forget about the departure of Alfonso Soriano. His minor league coach even said that on any other team, he could be batting anywhere from leadoff to third. He hit a career best 19 Home Runs and 97 RBIs in a healthy, productive season. He is a young superstar that has a great future in front of him, and maybe even as a Yankee legend.

Projected Stats: .317 AVG, 22 HR, 106 RBIs, 105 Runs, .365 OBP, 7 SB

4. Brian Roberts

Even with all the accusations coming to the surface after Brian Robert's mention in the Mitchell Report, he is still one of the premier second baseman in the MLB. Although he is not much help to a fantasy team in the RBI department, he is a speed demon with a keen eye and bat. He broke out with 50 stolen bases, and had an above average .290 batting AVG last season. Even with all the HGH rumors and a tarnished reputation, he will put up the same aboce-average numbers as he's been doing season after season. The rumors that have been circulating about a possible trade to the Cubs could only help his numbers in a NL lineup.

Projected stats: .298 AVG, 15 HR, 70 RBI, 101 Runs, .375 OBP, 45 SB

5. Jeff Kent

Possibly the most consistent second baseman currently in the MLB, Jeff Kent came back after a sub-par 2006 season. Although he turns 40 in March, he still has the ability to hit 20+ HRs and possibly top the 100 RBI plateau. His .302 AVG of last season is close to what you can expect for the 2008 season. The only possible drawback to drafting Jeff Kent is that he may not play that many games, due to the Dodgers looking at potential younger talent.

Projected Stats: .301 AVG, 24 HR, 94 RBI, 85 Runs, .360 OBP, 2 SB

One to watch out for: Dustin Pedroia

After a great AL Rookie of the Year season in Boston, Dustin Pedroia looks to be the permanent fixture in a second base problem that has plagued the Red Sox for years. He is more of a contact hitter than a power hitter, but Pedroia will seriously help you in the hits, doubles, and AVG department. Dustin Pedroia also gets on base a lot, so this diminuative sophomore might be a steal in many drafts.

Projected Stats: .324 AVG, 11 HR, 78 RBI, 80 Runs, .360 OBP, 12 SB

MLB Rumors: Barry Bonds...in Tampa Bay?!

Silas Beyman — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:01:21 -0500

The Tampa Bay Rays, being those of infinite wisdom who signed Jose Canseco and Victor Martinez, are reportedly interested in pursuing Barry Bonds.

You just read that correctly.

Barry Bonds could possibly be donning the Tampa Bay gray.

Honestly, I thought Barry Bonds would next be in Tampa to be in a retirement home, not to be playing baseball.

Manager Joe Maddon even acknowledged his interest in the career home run champion, shocking the massive Tampa fan base.

"A minor discussion was thrown out there a little bit, and it's really not gone any further than that," Maddon said after Monday's workout at the team's spring training facility. "That's all it is right now."

Maddon seems to know less about this than anyone, but he seems less than enthused to be the next potential manager of the biggest ass in sports.

Look at this quote from the St. Petersburg Press:

"It's hard to conjecture. ... I don't know this man. I only know what I read, and I'm very much open to meeting people and drawing my own conclusions about people. I don't necessarily believe everything that I read," Maddon said.

Forget the fact that he could possibly be facing jail time—he's also a team cancer.

Taking a risk on a person that is proven to be a loner is something that shouldn't be done for a team that's never proven themselves in their 10 year existence.

It could be just a way to sell tickets, but that seems low, even for the desperate owners of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Ponder this scary thought for a moment: If Barry Bonds hits 38 more home runs, he will be the first man to ever hit 800 home runs.

And he'll be doing that on the grandest of stages: Tampa Bay, home of old people and scary tourists.

For now, it's just a rumor of something that could be, and hopefully won't happen while Barry Bonds is still walking the streets.

But it is scary to imagine him being a veteran leader to a bunch of top prospects that are just learning the game at a big league level.

Fantasy Baseball 2008: Top First Basemen

Silas Beyman — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:36:58 -0500

First Base is the deepest position in baseball right now.

It is primarily the position where you want to get your power from when it comes to fantasy baseball. The top thing to look out for though is a player that may have an injury-plagued year.

Nothing kills a team's chances of winning a championship more than an injured first baseman. First baseman also have a good chance of being your first pick in a multiple-team draft, so drafting at the position is something that needs to be done wisely.

That being said, here are the top 5 first baseman coming into 2008, and their projected stats for the 2008 year.

1. Albert Pujols

Who else can have an "off" year like Albert Pujols had, and still put up MVP worthy numbers? His average has been the same almost every year, around the .330 range, and he's also a lock every season to hit at least 34 HR's and put up at least 100 RBI's.

Pujols always gets the job done, and is one of the most consistent players in the major leagues. Also, at 28 years old, he is just entering the prime of his hall of fame worthy career. You might see his walks go up though, as the departure of Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen leaves him with little protection in the middle of the lineup.

That also means both his OPS and OBP will shoot right up, a plus in leagues that use that statistic for head-to-head matchups.With a little luck and good health, you'll definitely see an MVP year from Alber Pujols once again.

Projected Stats: .335 AVG, 42 HR, 125 RBI, 110 Runs, .430 OBP

2. Prince Fielder

Beef or no beef, Prince Fielder is a big man with big power. After a 50 Hr and 119 RBI season in 2007, there's not much that he can improve on. His .288 batting AVG could go up, but other than that, his numbers next season could be MVP worthy.

Although don't expect another 50 HR's out of the big boy, he's a great player, and barring a major injury to his huge frame, you'll see another great season from the big man out of Milwaukee.

Projected Stats: .295 AVG, 48 HR, 115 RBI, 120 Runs, .400 OBP

3. Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard can produce power numbers up there with anyone, but if you're looking for someone to lead your team in batting AVG, do not look at Howard. A huge slump in the middle of July/August left him with a .268 average, but i think this year he'll be back up to his career average of around .290 AVG.

The other statistic that possibly puts a potential drafter off are his strikeout rates. Howard led the league in strikeouts with 199, 32 more than the next guy. Overall, I think this season might be better than last, but don't expect him to match his 2006 MVP numbers.

Projected Stats: .287 AVG, 57 HR , 125 RBI, 110 Runs, .390 OBP

4. Mark Teixera

Mark Teixera turned in a solid year in 2007, and especially got red-hot after being traded from Texas to Atlanta. Don't expect him to slow down for the Braves, especially now that he doesn't want to be part of a cellar-dwelling team like the Texas Rangers.

His home run, runs, and RBI totals went down from the last couple of years, but he will most likely turn those numbers around. Mark Teixera will have an All-star year in 2008, and it would be smart to draft him before anyone else can get to him.

Projected Stats: .305 AVG, 39 HR, 130 RBI, 110 Runs, .380 OBP

5. Justin Morneau

A bit under the radar after his MVP the previous season, Justin Morneau turned in another stellar year. He has established himself as a great young, powerful 27 year old first baseman that is entering the prime of his year. This year, with the departure of Johan Santana, the Twins and their fan base will be expecting Morneau to put up the kind of numbers that earned him an MVP award in 2006.

His 34 HR's were great last year, and his numbers have a great possibility of going drastically up. Also, expect him to get over the 100 run plateau for the first time in his career.

Projected Stats: .290 AVG, 37 HR, 110 RBI, 103 Runs, .350 OBP

One To Watch Out For: Carlos Pena

A total breakout year for Carlos Pena, who has always been recognized as one of the most talented players in MLB. He really found his stride in Tampa Bay, where he didn't have to compete with any big name stars. With 46 HRs and 121 RBI's, he made a case for being mentioned as one of the top first baseman in the MLB.

He could be a real steal in later rounds for someone looking for a good corner infielder or utility player. Be warned though; Carlos Pena has tremendous bust potential. After a great season like that, it's hard to improve on numbers like those.

Projected Stats: .270, 28 HR, 96 RBI, 85 Runs, .345 OBP

What Could Have Been: Lebron James and Jason Kidd

Silas Beyman — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:46:31 -0500

Lebron James had been begging for a big trade from his management, something that could possibly get them past the Spurs this time.

He had his eye on Jason Kidd, the 35-year-old point guard from the New Jersey Nets who has been a catalyst on many teams and has even taken some to the Finals.

But what did Lebron get from his wise management?

34-year-old center Ben Wallace, 30-year-old forward Wally Sczerbiak, and 32-year-old forward/center Joe Smith

Not that they're much younger than Kidd, but to get all that to help out Lebron instead of a proven point guard like Jason Kidd, well it's just ridiculous.

Take Kidd's two-point game last night, to go along with 15 assists and five rebounds. The thing that stands out though are the stats of the players around him. Nowitzki dropped 27, Jason Terry had 22, and Howard even had 20. He makes players around him better.

Now that Daniel Gibson's out for at least six weeks with a severely sprained left ankle, they need stability at the guard position. Someone to help out Lebron and Zydrunas Iglauskas, and now that Larry Hughes is gone as part of the 11 player mega-deal, who else can they turn to?

Jason Kidd was the best option for the Cavaliers. They needed an established point guard who could feed the ball to Lebron and let him make his own plays, and instead they got Ben Wallace, a past-his-prime center that hasn't performed to expectations since his glory days on the Pistons

Even Mike Bibby would have done, as long as he wasn't too selfish and shared the ball with Lebron and Zydrunas. They needed someone like Rajon Rando, who could share the ball with the more proven players, while at the same time taking the open shots as they come and not forcing them.

Daniel Gibson is a fine guard who has potential, but he forces the ball up too much and doesn't often get it to Lebron at key times. In a couple of years, they might be able to win with this combination. But if the Cleveland Brass wanted to win in the near future, they would've gotten Jason Kidd to keep their star happy.

For now we can only watch to see if Lebron can carry another team on his back, and wonder what could have been.

MLB 2008: Ballsy Predictions Sure To Go Wrong

Silas Beyman — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:36:43 -0500

Just thought I'd enlighten the world with some gutsy predictions sure to go wrong for the 2008 MLB season.

These predictions are meant for entertainment purposes, so no one should write on my bulletin board at the end of the year saying that Barry Bonds did not end up serving life in Guantanamo Bay.

On that note, let's begin...

Despite predictions from Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Beltran about their teams, they will be the teams chasing all season and will be forced to watch as the Atlanta Braves regain the NL East.

New plans for a classy $450,000,000 ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays will go down the drains when owners realize they own the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kyle Kendrick will deliver an inspired year for the Phillies after an ingenious prank and will never again eat hot dogs or enjoy the Nathan's 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Totally unrelated, Brett Myers will be found dead in a Philadelphia dumpster by the end of July.

Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Chuck Knoblauch, and other confirmed steroid users will be still hated by the American public. Brian McNamee however, will become an American hero.

Francisco Liriano will leave Minnesota Twins fans saying "Johan ...who?"

Baltimore's goal this season: Lose by less points than the Baltimore Ravens do, something they couldn't accomplish last season.

Lou Piniella will learn as many Japanese swear words as he can to welcome in new outfieldfer Kosuke Fukodome.

Tickets to the 2008 MLB All-Star Game in Yankee Stadium will be harder to get than a confession from Roger Clemens.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will be the team to beat in the NL West, and possibly in the entire National League.

David Wright will win the NL MVP, sparking the "best third baseman in New York controversy," which will be quieted when Alex Rodriguez wins his fourth AL MVP

The Colorado Rockies will be the American Sweethearts once again at the end of the season, but they will fall short in the NL wild card race.

Joba-Mania will be outdone only by Shelley Duncan's unexpected resurgence.

Now that he's adjusted to life back in the MLB, Rich Ankiel will put up decent numbers: .290 AVG, 24 HR, and 95 RBI.

Seattle Mariners will be the unexpected dark horses of the American League, with the 1-2 punch of Erik Bedard and Felix Hernandez, and will be aided by a comeback year from Richie Sexson.

The New York Yankees will sweep at least one series with the Boston Red Sox, and will win their division over the Sox by at least 3 games.

Josh Beckett will win the 2008 AL Cy Young in a very close race with Justin Verlander and Erik Bedard.

Detroit will win the AL Central with one of the highest ranking offenses in history, but they will lose in the ALDS beacuse of shoddy pitching.

Cleveland will get the wild card by once more riding the coat tails of C.C. Sabathia.

New York will win the NL Wild Card, but Johan Santana will not win 20 games for the 4th straight season.

Barry Zito will sadly be alone in his "Dont blame me, blame Barry" T-shirt, as will the entire San Fransico Giants, who will finish in the cellar of the NL West.

Houston Astros will have yet another uninspired season in the heart of Texas, and finish near the bottom of the NL Comedy Central.

Sadly, something will happen to the Chicago Cubs after they win the NL Central, NLDS, then crumble in the NLCS, making it 100 years since they've won a world series.

The NL Cy Young will be won by Carlos Zambrano, followed closely by Brandon Webb.

Joe Girardi will win the AL Manager of the Year award, calling for the debate of whether anyone with a head and two arms and two legs could win with the Yankees.

Lou Piniella will win NL Manager of the Year.

ALDS : New York Yankees over Cleveland Indians.
ALDS : Detroit Tigers over Seattle Mariners.
NLDS : Chicago Cubs over Atlanta Braves.
NLDS : New York Mets over Arizona Diamondbacks.

ALCS : New York Yankees over Detroit Tigers.
NLCS : New York Mets over Chicago Cubs.

WORLD SERIES: New York Yankees over New York Mets

Joba Chamberlain: Permanent Reliever?

Silas Beyman — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:20:07 -0500

Joba Chamberlain— one of a kind rookie, a cannon-armed god, an amazing athlete, and a possible Yankee legend to stay in the Bronx for a while.

When he entered the majors, he dominated immediately—pumping 99-mph fastballs past batters while including a devastating slider that dropped out of anyone's strike zone.

When the season was over, he compiled a 0.38 ERA in 24 innings with 34 strikeouts.

Then when the year ended, Roger Clemens got in some shenanigans and a rotation spot suddenly opened up. Everyone's pumped and excited for the arrival of the messiah, the homegrown hero, the next great thing.

However, here’s the thing: Wouldn't he be better in the bullpen?

I can't imagine anything better than Joba coming in as the setup man for Mo, then one day taking over the role of closer.

Think about it.

He dominated as a reliever while he was a rookie because he was never seen before. On days that he was used, it was only for about 20 pitches in one night of work, then three days of nothing.

As a starter, he might be overused, overseen, over-examined, like a young porn star.

I was glad when I heard the new and improved Joba Rules, where he'll spend the first two months remaining in the bullpen, then going to the minors before making his way up. Worst case scenario, he'll bomb a little, maybe be used sparingly, like the inconsistent bastard Kyle Farnsworth, then come back after giving his arm a rest.

Besides, I believe that giving Ian Kennedy and Phillip Hughes a chance to shine in the Big Apple might be a better idea anyways. Also, look at the projected starting rotation:

Chien Ming-Wang
Andy Pettite
Phillip Hughes
Mike Mussina
Ian Kennedy

Looks like a pretty healthy rotation, preventing Moose's back from flaring up.

So why not keep it the way it is?

I like the mix of veterans, rookies, and the in-his-prime ace like Chien Ming-Wang.

In two to three years, would you rather have Joba Chamberlain closing games in front of a sold out, new Yankee Stadium, or some Joe Schmo blowing games for us after Mo retires?

Joba is best described as an enigma, something nobody can quite decide on whether to see as the future or just another short fuse. Sure he seems like he's a Yankee, even buzzing back Youk twice to send a nice message. But it could also all be flash, here for now but gone after the wear down of a long MLB season.

So, it would be better to take it slow with the kid and see where it goes.

After all, for the Yankees, the future is now.