Bleacher Report - Articles by Chris D'Aniello

Vick to Philly: The Final Chapter to McNabb's Tenure?

Chris D'Aniello — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:59:49 -0400

There's an old adage that says: growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

On Friday, August 14, Michael Vick signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles worth around $7 milllion.

The Eagles' current number one field general, Donovan McNabb, has had a beyond-stellar career, boasting the third highest winning percentage among active quarterbacks (1. Brady, 2. Manning). McNabb, or "Super 5" as he has become known to Philly fans, has also appeared in five Pro Bowl Games, five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl.

"Super" certainly is the right word.

But growing old is mandatory and McNabb is not 23. He is 32.

Donovan, playing in front of the can't-do-right fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, has been involved in enough quarterback controversies to recognize one. And he does not see one developing between himself and Vick.

"I've been through many situations here throughout my career when they've cheered for the backup," McNabb told ESPN.com. "It happened with Garcia. It happened with Kolb. It happened with A.J. [Feeley]."

Having urged the franchise to sign Vick, McNabb is clearly comfortable with the move. Obviously, he would not inject himself into the front lines of a quarterback controversy.

What's different in 2009?

The two men aren't just mandatorily (It's a word, I looked it up) growing old, they're growing up.

Michael Vick's 60 Minutes appearance vaulted his new-found maturity into the public eye. He did everything right: he recognized that what he did was wrong, he acknowledged that he deserved the entirety of his punishments and, most importantly when asked who he blamed for the situation, Vick responded, "I blame me."

The former holder of the NFL largest contract also acknowledged his on-the-field lackings including insufficient work ethic and vowed to do everything in his capabilities to correct his faults on and off the field.

He's grown up.

McNabb's push for the Vick move proved his own maturity. Donovan has recognized that having another first-rate quarterback on the roster to burn a fire under him, to take some snaps and give some rest to him, and to possibly step into his place after a grooming period can be a very good thing.

He's grown up.

Donovan McNabb, who just signed a much-deserved 2-year contract reconstruction, will not be relinquishing his under center duties within the period of his current contract.

But if the Vick experiment pans out, if his actions reflect his new-found maturity on and off the field, if he improves his image and his game, there is nothing to stop the Eagles from putting Michael in the captain's seat of the offense assuming a peaceful split from McNabb were to take place on good terms (ie. retirement or a well-conducted, professional waiver).

If McNabb wants to stay, he will probably stay.

If he chooses to end his career in Philly or explore other career options, Michael Vick will be the one to step into the big shoes and attempt to please the crowds at Lincoln Financial Field.

Chapter One was being welcomed to the Eagles by echoing boos at the NFL Draft.

We can only watch to see if the Vick signing is the final chapter, or simply a side plot.

Reynolds Delivers Knock Out Punch to Pitt, 'Nova Heads to Final Four

Chris D'Aniello — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 23:02:29 -0400

78-76. That's what the final scoreboard read. But with just over five ticks remaining in the Elite Eight matchup between Pittsburgh and Villanova, the clutch Panthers point guard, Levance Fields, is fouled with his team down 76-74.

Both free throws hit nothing but net as Fields ties the game at 76.

This is when a championship team finds a way to win.

This is when a championship player finds a way to the rim and senior Villanova guard, Scottie Reynolds, did just that.

Reggie Redding inbounds the ball with five seconds left to Dante Cunningham who immediately dumps it off to Scottie Reynolds soaring up the right sideline. He gets by four Pitt defenders and bumps the fifth in the lane as he lifts the ball toward the rim and, most likely, begins to pray.

After kissing the front of the rim, his prayer is answered, Jay Wright's prayer is answered, and Nova Nation's prayer is answered.

The Villanova Wildcats of Philadelphia have just knocked off the Pittsburgh Panthers 78-76 to earn a spot in Detroit, Michigan, to face the winner of UNC-Oklahoma in the Final Four.

The Wildcats have proven over the past four tournament games that they can win any type of game: a last possession game (Pittsburgh), overcoming a deficit (American), or just flat out domination (UCLA/Duke).

All-Stars like Scottie Reynolds and Dante Cunningham seem to always step up. But on any given night, any of six Villanova players can be a star. 'Nova is a team of experience young men that both know how to play their role and how to score when needed.

Head Coach Jay Wright's "let them play" attitude allows his players to mature and learn for themselves, which seems to work pretty well. While it seems overused, Wright truly does have an entire roster of team-first players, who do whatever the game or situation calls for.

We know specifically from last year's championship game that free throw shooting is critical in these final games. Well, 'Nova shot the lights out from the charity stripe hitting 22 of 23 foul shots.

This is an all around team and, while the faces on TV may not be talking about it, the Wildcats have the depth, inside play, shooting, spirit, teamwork, and the coach to win it all.

Many are saying that "UConn has been the most impressive team," or "UNC is unstoppable," but no team has been as simultaneously impressive and entertaining as Villanova.

Villanova Wildcats: Undersized, Overlooked, On Their Way To The Final Four

Chris D'Aniello — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:12:30 -0400

In the minutes before the Villanova-Duke Sweet 16 game tipped off late Thursday night, a CBS reporter (forgive me for my ignorance in forgetting which one) described the aforementioned match-up as "the only Sweet 16 game in which neither team has a chance at the championship."

Honestly, even as a Philadelphia resident, I laughed a little when other 'nova fans proclaimed that Villanova was going to win it all. What are those odds? I didn't think they had a shot in hell. But hearing that same thought from someone else, from someone who gets paid to say things like that on national television... that got me thinking.

All this thought ultimately lead to one question: why not?

If there's one thing that makes a championship caliber team, it's being multi-dimensional on offense. And if there's one team that's multi-dimensional in the Elite 8, it's the Villanova Wildcats.

According to D'Aniello's Basketball Dictionary: multidimensional (adj) - Term used to describe a basketball team that can win games using the low post or shooting the lights out from beyond the arc, running the floor or slowing the game down and running the offense. A multidimensional team often has at least four players that can step up and lead the team on any given night.

This is Villanova basketball. If you've watched them at all this season, you know that the Wildcats are a team of role-players. "Role-player" can often be used as a negative term describing a player that just skims by doing his part and functioning only for the fundamentals. Not in Villanova's case.

The Wildcats' "role-players" aren't just running through the motions. They're McDonalds' All-Americans like Corey Fisher, a highly recruited guard from the Bronx and the best sixth man in the Big East, and stars like Scottie Reynolds, one of the best point-guards in the NCAA at taking over a game, and Dante Cunningham, who was voted Most Improved Player in the Big East.

Aside from his size, it's hard to make an argument against Dante Cunningham being one of the best players of the remaining Elite 8 teams. His addition this year of a sharp, mid-range jumper, which forces defenders to cover him no matter where he is on the court, while attempting to not allow him to gain inside position, has made Cunningham the most versatile player I've watched all season.

Oh yea, their defense isn't too bad either, as proven by Duke's season low 54 total points to 'Nova's 77 points on Thursday.

For Nova, with this now nationally recognized defense, along with their multidimensional offense the sky is the limit. Whether it's with one guy like Reynolds or Cunningham taking over a game, like they can on any occasion when needed, or getting six different players in double figures, like 'Nova did against UCLA in the second round, Villanova's scoring role-players can beat any team remaining in the Elite Eight.

What Lies Ahead for the Surprising Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Playoffs

Chris D'Aniello — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:10:55 -0500

Yes. It happened.

Yes, the former Eagle Ryan Moats helped the Texans fend off the Bears.

Yes, the Raiders somehow, someway found a way to travel across the country and upset the 13-point favored Bucs.

And, yes, the Eagles smacked the Cowboys in the "win-and-in", playoff-type game.

It's tough to ask in the midst of all the excitement but... what's next for the Eagles?

Can the Eagles team that, just a few days ago, had no chance at making the playoffs possibly make it to the Super Bowl?

Three teams stand in the way of this dream. Two of these teams are already predetermined. So first, let's take a look at these two.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Minnesota Vikings (1/4/09)

Adrian Peterson. 'Nuff said.

This Vikings team can take control of any game with a couple simple hand-offs because Mr. Peterson can turn any hand-off into six points. They've also got a great defense AND they just took down the top seeded Giants. This team, as with any playoff team, is no "chalk up the W" team. However, when the Eagles decide to show up (i.e. Week 17 vs. Cowboys, Week 14 @ Giants) they can beat any team in the league. Riding an incredible wave of momentum, the Eagles will show up and play to their potential in Minnesota.

Prediction: Eagles- 24, Vikings- 13

Philadelphia Eagles @ NY Giants (1/11/09)

An interdivision, rivalry game to get to the NFC Championship Game. What can you say in terms of analysis? Not much. It's a team in the Giants that has been in a slump of late against a team in the Eagles carrying huge momentum and Andy Reid's playoff beard. The Giants and the Eagles obviously have the talent; this game will be won with emotion.

I know, the Eagles have to play on the Giants' turf. But in both of their regular season games, the away team came out on top.

Prediction: Eagles- 28, Giants- 24

Philadelphia Eagles @ Carolina/Atlanta/Arizona (1/18/09)

ARI- Nothing seems unlikely after the Eagles managed to make the playoffs, so if let's say Arizona makes it to the NFC Championship. The Eagles have already beaten the slumping Cardinals pretty good in Week 13. Who is going to say they can't do it again?

Prediction: Eagles- 38, Cardinals- 10

ATL- The Falcons have a ton of talent. The Burner Turner has been unbelievable this season. Everybody loves Matt Ryan. But I think their inexperience will show in the playoffs. If they do manage to take out Carolina, the Eagles, not only have showed that they can beat the Falcons in the regular season, but have more playoff experience under them.

Prediction: Eagles- 20, Falcons- 7

CAR- I think the Panthers have been the most impressive NFC team throughout the regular season. This, I believe, will be the NFC Championship Game– Eagles v Panthers. The Panthers offensive weapons such as DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith, are uncontrollable by any defense. The Eagles certainly can win this game if they play as they did against the Cowboys. However, I know first-hand as an Eagles fan that the Birds are bound to stumble every now and then.

Prediction: Panthers- 24, Eagles- 21

Can the Eagles make it to the Super Bowl? Absolutely. If you watched the Cowboys game on Sunday, you know this already.

They definitely don't have the toughest playoff route and they can beat any team if they strap up and play hard.

P.S. Good luck next year, TO.

The NFL Awards: Week One

Chris D'Aniello — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:34:58 -0400

Welcome to part one of the 17 part series "The NFL Awards." At the end of each week, I'll post up the award winners in numerous categories including the week's Biggest Disappointment, Most Impressive Rookie, Best Play, etc.

Let's get Week One underway!

Biggest Disappointment of Week One

Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were lauded coming into this season as perhaps the best team in the entire league. They were facing a much-less-than-impressive team in the Chicago Bears. The Bears outplayed their opponents all game on both sides of the ball. The Colts have Peyton Manning. They have Bob Sanders. They have Addai, Wayne, Freeney. They have an 0-1 record.
Honorable Mention: Chargers [Lost to Carolina Panthers on freakish final play]

Most Impressive Rookie of Week One

T-Matt Ryan/DeSean Jackson
I couldn't decide between these guys! With his first pass as an NFL quarterback, with millions watching, with millions expecting him to fail...Ryan throws a 62-yard strike for a touchdown. Oh, and a QB rating of over 137 doesn't hurt.

In the face of criticism for his size, DeSean Jackson lit up the Rams' defense for 106 receiving yards on six receptions and returned eight punts for almost 100 yards, including a 60-yard run back.

Best Performance of Week One

Aaron Rodgers
No one, and I mean no one, had more pressure on them in their season opener than Aaron Rodgers. Stepping in for a Hall of Famer against a bitter division rival at home with all your fans waiting for you to slip up. What does Rodgers do? He puts on a show for the crowd at Lambeau field, including (as pictured above) a Lambeau Leap, following his first ever rushing touchdown. Kudos, Mr. Rodgers.
Honorable Mention: Donovan McNabb [3 TDs, 360 yards (300 at halftime!)]

Best Game of Week One

Carolina vs. San Diego
The Chargers were going to win. They were going to win big. Well, the Chargers didn't win big; they didn't win at all. As the final seconds ticked away, the Pathers' Jake Delhomme fired into the end zone and Dante "Who?" Rosario comes up with it for the win. Awesome for anyone who watched.
Honorable Mention: Minnesota vs Green Bay

Shocker of the Week

Tom Brady side-lined for the '08 season
We didn't believe the first time we heard it. We bet money it was a fraud or some Patriot trickery. But it is true. On Sunday, the game suffered a huge loss, as Tom Brady's knee will keep him out for the entire 2008-2009 NFL season.

Whether you loved him or, as I tended to lean toward, hated him, he's a great player. Losing the chance to see him play and work his on-field magic is truly devastating.
Honorable Mention: Shawn Merriman placed on Injured Reserve

Horrific Team of Week One

Oakland Raiders
The Broncos are a good team. They are not a great team. The Raiders made them look like the best team to ever play the game. As a fan of great football, it hurt to watch this game.

Perhaps the Lions were more horrific, but that fact that the Raiders were talked up makes their loss look that much worse.
Honorable Mention: St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions

Most Impressive Team of Week One

Philadelphia Eagles
Stats can mean everything.
Passing Yards- 414
Total Yards- 522
Yards Allowed- 166
Rams' Third-Down Efficiency- 0-11
Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh Steelers

Power Rankings After Week One

1. Cowboys
2. Steelers
3. Eagles
4. Packers
5. Giants
6. Saints
7. Chargers
8. Colts
9. Patriots
10. Titans

Feel free to bash, banter, or lend a compliment or two.

Top-Five Reasons Why Adrian Peterson Should Be Your No. 1 Pick

Chris D'Aniello — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:05:38 -0400

Recently, I drew the top pick in my fantasy football draft, which is set to take place in the near future. My immediate thought: "Nice. I finally got LT."

Maybe not.

I've always been a big Adrian Peterson fan, and during the week following the drawing for fantasy draft slots, I did some research and really thought deeply regarding running backs.

I wasn't necessarily trying to decide who to take with the No. 1 overall pick (I was pretty certain that I would take LaDainian Tomlinson), but rather just trying to educate myself a little further than, "LT is simply incredible. 'All Day' needs a little more time."

During this time, I became more and more fond of the player I had already come to believe has the potential to be one of the best, if not the best, running back in NFL history.

That player being Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.

I know has a history of injuries.

And I know Tomlinson, by last year's statistics, has an easier schedule to rush against.

And, yes, I know he rounded out last season fairly poorly.

But hear me out. And hear out my top three reasons for drafting A.D. with the No. 1 pick.

1) Yardage

While LaDainian Tomlinson led the NFL in rushing yards in 2007 with 1,474 yards, Adrian Peterson had the second most with 1,341. How is this an edge for Peterson?

Well, if you recall, Peterson was not the Vikings' premier running back; he split carries with Chester Taylor. This translates, statistically, in yards per carry, a category that Peterson (5.6 YPC on 238 carries) trailed only Falcons' running back Jerious Norwood (6.0 YPC on 103 carries) in 2007.

Peterson led the entire NFL in yards per game, with 96 YPG to Tomlinson's 92 YPG.

In 2008, Peterson will be the premier back in Minnesota and should carry the load, allowing him to pick up more carries. I believe this increase in carries, as his yards per carry statistics would project, will directly translate to an increase in total yardage.

2) Vikings vs. Chargers

Both Minnesota and San Diego are poised for great seasons. Having your running back on a good team is key (bad team = tons of passes, good team = tons of runs). Neither team has a problem here, both the Vikings and Chargers are going to be very good teams in 2008.

However, the Chargers have many offensive weapons: the best tight end in the NFL in Antonio Gates, a huge threat at receiver in Chris Chambers, and a rising quarterback who should have a great season in Philip Rivers. The Vikings, on the other hand, have Adrian Peterson and only Adrian Peterson.

The offense will be put on the backfield's shoulders. With Peterson heading the backfield with his incredible speed, great size, great strength, amazing field vision, and just absurd natural talent, he will put up fantastic numbers (which is what matters in fantasy football).

3) Touchdowns

One of the key reasons LaDainian Tomlinson is regarded as the top fantasy running back is because he is a "touchdown monster". But last season, LT played in all 16 games and had an NFL-leading 15 touchdowns, while Adrian "All Day" Peterson played in only 14 games and had the second most in the NFL (12 TDs).

So while LT is regarded as a "touchdown monster", he had just three more touchdowns than "All Day" in two more games.

4) Age

I know Tomlinson will still be one of the best players in football, but he is getting older. At 29, he's approaching the age that we all know running backs tend to slump at, the big 30, while Peterson is young and primed to improve. I'm not predicting that LT won't be fantastic, because he will. But in the words of Ryan Alberti, I'm just saying, is all.

5) 296

Eighth NFL game. Plain and simple.

There you have it. And now you know why, come draft day, Peterson will be the first one off the board when he jumps onto my roster.

Feel free to bash and banter, but please be coherent and factual.

2008 ESPY Awards: The Winners & The Other (Real) Winners

Chris D'Aniello — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:27:27 -0400

There were few surprises in the 2008 ESPY Awards that took place on Sunday, July 20.

Allbeit some shocking things did happen, such as the fact that Justin Timberlake was a great host, and that Tiger Woods, since undergoing his surgery, bears an uncanny resembelance to actor Will Ferrell. But the awards themselves carried no real major upsets—though there were definitely some tight races.

There were also some tight races in the Bleacher Report ESPY Awards, where you, the B/R community voted on each of the ESPY categories after I reported the nominees and asked for your opinions. Most categories received an overwhelming response, others received few but still meaningful votes.

So without further ado, here are the winners of the official ESPY Awards polls and the winners as voted on by the Bleacher Report community (if different from official winner).

Hummer Like Nothing Else Award: George Martin

Best Track and Field Athlete: Tyson Gay

Best Female Tennis Player: Maria Sharapova / Justine Henin

Best Male Tennis Player: Roger Federer

Best Outdoor Athlete: Army Capt. Scott Smiley

Best Jockey: Kent Desormeaux

Best Golfer: Tiger Woods (no votes for any other nominee)

Best Fighter: Floyd Mayweather

Best Driver: Jimmie Johnson / Tony Schumacher

Best Bowler: Norm Duke

Best Female Action Sports Athlete: Gretchen Bleiler

Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Shaun White

Best MLS Player: David Beckham

Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby

Best NFL Player: Tom Brady

Best WNBA Player: Lauren Jackson

Best NBA Player: Kobe Bryant / Lebron James

Best Baseball Player: Alex Rodriguez / Josh Beckett

Best Female International Athlete: Lorena Ochoa

Best Male International Athlete: Rafael Nadal / Manu Ginobili

Best Female Athlete With a Disability: Shay Oberg

Best Male Athlete With a Disability: Ryan Kocer

Best Female College Athlete: Candace Parker

Best Male College Athlete: Tim Tebow / Michael Beasley

Best Record Breaking Performance: Brett Favre

Best Breakthrough Athlete: Adrian Peterson

Best Upset: New York Giants over New England Patriots

Best Finish: WKU Hilltoppers Advance

Best Play: Eli Manning to David Tyree

Best Championship Performance: Tiger Woods, US Open

Best Game: Giants over Pats in Super Bowl

Best Coach-Manager: Pat Summitt / Tom Coughlin

Best Team: Boston Celtics

Best Moment: Central Washington Vs. Western Oregon Softball Sportsmanship

Best Female Athlete: Candace Parker

Best Male Athlete: Tiger Woods

2008 ESPY Awards: The Nominees

Chris D'Aniello — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:47:45 -0400

View The Winners Here!

The nominees for the 2008 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, which will take place on July 20 and be hosted by Justin Timberlake, have been released. Skipping all the pleasantries... to the categories!

Best Male Athlete
Tiger Woods, Golf
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

Best Female Athlete
Lorena Ochoa, Golf
Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
Danica Patrick, Auto Racing
Lindsey Vonn, Skiing

Best Moment Great Sportsmanship, Central Washington Vs. Western Oregon Softball
Jon Lester's No-Hitter
Danica Patrick Wins

Best Team
Boston Red Sox
New York Giants
Boston Celtics
Kansas Men's Basketball
Tennessee Women's Basketball
Detroit Red Wings

Best Coach-Manager
Terry Francona, Boston Red Sox
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants
Pat Summitt, Tennessee Women's Basketball
Doc Rivers, Boston Celtics

Best Game
Super Bowl: Giants Over Patriots
NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: Kansas Over Memphis
NBA Finals, Game 4: Celtics Over Lakers

Best Championship Performance
Venus Williams, 2007 Wimbledon
Josh Beckett, 2007 Baseball Playoffs
Rafael Nadal, 2008 French Open
Tiger Woods, 2008 U.S. Open

Best Play
Mississippi Miracle (Trinity College's 15 lateral play)
Super Bowl: Eli Manning To David Tyree
Big 10 Stunner (Minnesota's Blake Hoffarber scores on a length-of-the-court pass to upset Indiana)
Columbus Blue Jacket's Rick Nash Shoots And Scores Game Winning Goal Against Phoenix

Best Finish
McMurray Edges Busch to Win the Pepsi 400
WKU Hilltoppers Advance Against Drake With a 26-foot 3-pointer as time expired
Spurs Prevail Over Phoenix
Penguins Stay Alive Against Red Wings in 3 OT Game

Best Upset
Appalachian State: Stuns Michigan In College Football, 34-32
Da' Tara: Wins The Belmont Stakes As A 38-1 Longshot
New York Giants: Beat Patriots In The Super Bowl
Fresno State: Beats Georgia To Win The College World Series

Best Breakthrough Athlete
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Stephen Curry, Davidson Basketball
Kyle Busch, NASCAR
Ana Ivanovic, Tennis

Best Record-Breaking Performance
Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants
Brett Farve, Green Bay Packers
Usain Bolt, Track And Field
Tom Brady & Randy Moss, New England Patriots

Best Sports Movie
Resurrecting The Champ
The Game Plan
Semi-Pro
Leatherheads

Best Male College Athlete
Tim Tebow, Florida Football
Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina Basketball
Michael Beasley, Kansas State Basketball

Best Female College Athlete
Candace Parker, Tennessee Basketball
Angela Tincher, Virginia Tech Softball
Rachel Dawson, North Carolina Field Hockey

Best Male Athlete With A Disability
Matt Scott, Basketball
Phil Scholz, Swimming
Marthell Vazquez, Soccer
Ryan Kocer, Wrestling

Best Female Athlete With A Disability
Patty Cisneros, Basketball
Jessica Galli, Track And Field
Susan Beth Scott, Swimming
Shay Oberg, Softball

Best Male International Athlete
Kaka, Soccer
Manu Ginobili, Basketball
Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccer
Rafael Nadal, Tennis

Best Female International Athlete
Marta, Soccer
Lorena Ochoa, Golf
Lauren Jackson, Basketball
Justine Henin, Tennis

Best Baseball Player
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox
Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies
Jake Peavy, San Diego Padres
C.C. Sabathia, Cleveland Indians

Best NBA Player
Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

Best WNBA Player
Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm
Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
Becky Hammon, San Antonio Silver Stars
Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx

Best NFL Player
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Randy Moss, New England Patriots
Ladainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
Bob Sanders, Indianoplis Colts
Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
Eli Manning , New York Giants

Best NHL Player
Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Best MLS Player
Luciano Emilio, D.C. United
Juan Pablo Angel, New York Red Bulls
David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy
Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago Fire
Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
Matt Reis, New England Revolution

Best Male Action-Sports Athlete
Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding
Kevin Robinson, BMX
Chad Reed, Supercross
Kevin Pearce, Snowboarding

Best Female Action-Sports Athlete
Gretchen Bleiler, Snowboarding
Jessica Patterson, Motocross
Stephanie Gilmore, Surfing
Lindsey Jacobellis, Snowboarding

Best Bowler
Walter Ray Williams Jr.
Chris Barnes
Norm Duke

Best Driver
Jimmie Johnson
Dario Franchitti
Lewis Hamilton
Kyle Busch
Scott Dixon
Tony Schumacher

Best Fighter
Floyd Mayweather, Boxing
Joe Calzaghe, Boxing
Kelly Pavlik, Boxing
Georges St. Pierre, MMA
Holly Holm, Boxing

Best Golfer
Tiger Woods
Lorena Ochoa
Annika Sorenstam
Phil Mickelson

Best Jockey
Garrett Gomez
Robby Albarado
Kent Desormeaux

Best Outdoor Athlete
Skeet Reese, Angler
Lance Mackey, Dog Musher
Skip Storch, Marathon Swimmer
Army Capt. Scott Smiley, Mountain Climber
Dave Hahn, Mountain Climber

Best Male Tennis Player
Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic
Bob And Mike Bryan

Best Female Tennis Player
Justine Henin
Maria Sharapova
Ana Ivanovic

Best Track And Field Athlete
Tyson Gay
Allyson Felix
Jeremy Wariner
Usain Bolt

Hummer Like Nothing Else Award
Manny Ramirez
Sidney Crosby
Ashley Force
George Marti

There you have it. Your 2008 ESPY nominees.

The actual winners, to be announced on July 20, may not be the ones that truly deserve the award because the "fan vote" is really just "who plays on a bigger stage vote".

I'd like to find out how the results would turn out if only true, sports afficienados were voting. Now, if I could go anywhere to get such votes, it'd be the Bleacher Report community.

Please take a little bit of time and vote for whatever categories you have any knowledge of by emailing me your votes at chrisdaniello@gmail.com. Any brief explanations of your votes that you may want to include would be appreciated. I'll publish the winners sometime before the actual ESPYs. Thanks ahead of time.

A Shift in Fantasy Draft Strategy, a Study to Prove It

Chris D'Aniello — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:44:37 -0400

Running backs. Running backs. Running backs.

That was always the fantasy football draft strategy.

"You had better stack up on your running backs. They're going fast."

Even now-a-days, RB-RB seems to be the most common drafting sequence. Round One, top tier RB. Round Two, best RB available.

But is this the most effective strategy?

ESPN Fantasy Magazine recently took a look into this very question by examining the average round-by-round scoring totals for each position for the past five NFL seasons. You might be surprised by the results.

The top scoring sequence wasn't RB-RB. In fact, RB-RB was only the fourth highest. Here are the highest scoring sequences in order:

1. RB-WR-QB-RB-WR-RB = 1087 pts

2. RB-QB-RB-WR-WR-RB = 1083 pts

3. RB-WR-RB-WR-QB-RB = 1079 pts

4. RB-RB-WR-WR-QB-RB = 1071 pts

Now, I've always been one to grab every running back I could. But recently I've been jumping on top tier WRs early.

Why am I not so concerned with RBs all of the sudden? Why now?

With the RBBC (Running Back By Committee) system being implemented in most NFL offenses, the drop off in value of running backs isn't so steep anymore. Very, very few teams now carry one work-horse running back.

Instead, they're splitting up the load between multiple backs. Teams like Houston and the New York Giants are providing Fantasy team owners with three viable options at running back each week.

The rapidly growing RBBC system is creating more of a level field of running backs for fantasy owners. The drop off between the top tier wide receivers and the rest of the field has become steeper than the drop off between late first round running backs and the rest of the field.

Maybe next time you're drafting, rather than grabbing Jamal Lewis or MJD to pair up with your first rounder Joseph Addai, you'll take T.O. then Mr. Romo and grab a deeper running back like Thomas Jones, Darren McFadden, or Julius Jones.

Shattered Maple Bats: Growing Concern for MLB

Chris D'Aniello — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:49:23 -0400

On Tuesday, June 24, MLB officials finally met to discuss the safety of the use of maple bats. The meeting was in response to the growing rate at which these bats have been shattering this season.

Don Long, a Pittsburgh hitting coach, was struck by the barrel of a broken maple bat in April. Long was left with a gash in his face and now bears a large scar.

While it seems the Long incident sparked the meeting, another incident actually took place the night of the meeting during a Kansas City game.

When Miguel Olivo of KC hit a ground ball, the barrel of his maple bat carried backwards and hit the umpire Brian O'Nora. O'Nora also received a nasty cut, but his injuries also included a mild concussion.

As a fan, you might ask, "If these maple bats are the ones shattering and causing injuries, why doesn't the league get rid of them?" Maybe it's time for a flashback.

Maple bats were always stronger than the common ash bat. The problem was that they were too heavy to swing. However, carpenter Sam Holman used a drying method to reduce the moisture content of maple to about 8%, making the maple bat much lighter.

After Barry Bonds had a 73 home run year in 2001 using a maple bat, all the heavy hitters wanted them. Maple bats became very popular. (Currently about half of the MLB's bat suppliers are producing maple bats.)

Well, if the reason these hitters want to use maple bats is that they're stronger than the ash bats, why are maple bats breaking at an alarming rate?

A combination: the manufacturers of the bats are tending to use maple that is more likely to snap; and players in search of lighter bats want bats with large differentials (the difference between the length in inches and the weight in ounces).

I believe the MLB will issue a maximum differential, probably of two. This means that if a player's bat is 34 inches long, it cannot weight less than 32 ounces.

In order to make sure that the bats being used are made of good, sturdy maple, the league is looking into using technology such as CT scans that would scan the maple for cracks that would tend to make the bat more vulnerable to shattering.

It's about time the league takes action against these maple bats. And while they'll never be outlawed completely, differential maximums and even a minimum for the width of the handles of bats will help to prevent more injuries from taking place.

It's just sad it took the could-have-been-worse injuries of Long and O'Nora for people to notice that these shattering bats are dangerous.

Roger Goodell Calls Lucrative NFL Rookie Contracts "Ridiculous"

Chris D'Aniello — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:51:40 -0400

"There's something wrong about the system. The money should go to people who perform." These are the words of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the large contracts rookies have been receiving of late.

Goodell specifically criticized the 5-year $58 million contract Jake Long received from the Miami Dolphins in April.

Goodell attacked the legitimacy of these lucrative rookie contracts because the players haven't yet proved themselves as being worth long term, highly paid contracts.

"You can lose a significant amount of money," warns Goodell, "If you don't evaluate that player [properly]." He recommends that teams sign rookies to lesser contracts but allow the contracts to be renegotiated depending on how that player performs.

It is Goodell's desire that the veteran players who have proved themselves receive the big contracts rather than the unproven rookies. I must say that on this rare occasion, I agree with the Commissioner.

One simple example is strong enough to convince me that, as Roger Goodell stated, "There is something wrong about the system." That example is Dolphins tackle Jake Long.

While many "experts" strongly believe that he will be a great player, Mr. Long has yet to play a single snap in the NFL. He may very well be a fantastic, Pro Bowl caliber tackle. However, right now, he is not. Right now, he is an unproven rookie and he could, like many praised rookies in the past, turn out to be a bust in the NFL.

Ending with the words of the Commissioner, "Money [that could be going to proven players] is going to players who are not performing. It's going to a player that never makes it in the NFL. And I think that's ridiculous."

Chase Utley and Phillies Among League's Best

Chris D'Aniello — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:16:42 -0400

Many are arguing that Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies is the front-runner to win the National League MVP award this year. A difficult argument to contest, as Utley leads the majors with 21 home runs and is tied for second with 56 RBI. Utley also leads the Phillies in almost every major statistical category.

Could the Phillies be housing the NL MVP for the third consecutive year with a third different player in Chase Utley?

At this point in the season, the answer would seem to be "Yes".

Despite Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard winning the honors in 2007 and 2006, respectively, the Phillies have failed to even reach the NLCS. In fact, the Phillies have only won ONE title in their 126-year history, in 1980. This, along with the fact that no Philadelphia team has won a championship in a major sport in 100 combined seasons, leads many fans here in Philly to be pessimistic.

I, however, hide this history behind current stats and facts.

The Phillies (39-26) are in first place in the NL East and are headlined by players like Rollins, Howard, Pat Burrell, and perhaps the best player in the majors at this time, Chase Utley. Philadelphia has scored the second-most runs (344), behind only the Chicago Cubs (352), who also have the best record in the league at 40-24. In their last 16 games, behind great pitching and offense, the Phillies have gone 12-4.

With established players, a potential NL MVP, stunning offense, and recently strong pitching, it seems as though the Phillies are making a statement to the rest of baseball that they plan to end Philadelphia's 25-year championship drought.

(With McNabb hurt once again, the Phillies may be the city's only hope.)

Breaking Down the Draft: Philadelphia Eagles

Chris D'Aniello — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:09:40 -0400

I've seen thousands of NFL mock drafts. I'm sure you have, too.

Breaking down each team's needs. Analyzing the system each team runs and how each prospect would fit said system. Crunching the numbers to analyze each team's salary situation.

These things aren't my style.

I do, however, know one team particularly well—the Philadelphia Eagles.

Before looking at the talent available and the positions needed in the draft, let's take a look at the offseason thus far.

The Eagles' last season showed a glaring weakness in deep coverage. Sheldon Brown was good, but not good enough to make up for the sudden weakness at Safety.

This void was filled with the signing of the All-Star cornerback Asante Samuel. The Eagles now have two top tier cornerbacks in Asante and Lito Shepherd.

The Eagles also made a quiet but very helpful move by acquiring defensive end Chris Clemons. If you do not know him, you will become acquainted with Mr. Clemons when your team faces the Eagles in 2008.

Now onto the draft.

With no glaring needs in the Eagles roster, predicting their moves in the draft is a daunting task.

Reid and the Eagles have not made it easy on mock drafters in the past. From his first draft in 1999 to last year's draft, Reid has been known for surprising draft picks that the fans, well, aren't too happy about immediately.

Ever since T.O. left for Dallas, there has been one eerily recurring fault in the Eagles' otherwise strong offense: wide receiver.

Guys like Hank Baskett and Kevin Curtis are nice but not No. 1 wide receivers, and it doesn't look like Reggie Brown is meeting his expectations.

This draft, I look for the Eagles to fill this gap by drafting a great, athletic wide receiver. Limas Sweed of Texas, DeSean Jackson of Cal, and Devin Thomas of Michigan State are my guys to watch.

Sweed is a great receiver who, despite missing most of his senior season, is expected to be one of the top receivers taken in the 2008 draft.

He'll most likely be available when the Eagles pick, but I don't think he's the best fit for the Eagles' system.

DeSean Jackson is the speedy receiver of this bunch. He adds an extra element with his punt and kick-off returns. After witnessing a terrible display of "punt returning" against the Packers last season, I'll be the first to admit that the Eagles desperately need a punt returner.

While Jackson would provide a great, quick, and threatening punt returner, I don't think he is the way to go either, even though I certainly would not fight against it.

My pick for the Eagles 19th overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft is Devin Thomas from Michigan State.

Thomas is a fantastic athlete who has come on strong in the postseason after a terrific college career. Thomas would fit the system in Philadelphia very well with his good size, speed, and tremendous athletic ability.

The Eagles will enter the draft armed with eight picks, and they aren't shy about trading for more. If I were at the helm of the Eagles organization, I may do just that—trade around for more picks and take the best player available.

It is nearly impossible to predict what the Eagles may do. The need for a few young offensive tackles is obvious.

B-Dawk isn't going to play until he's fifty—yes, Brian, that is a challenge. But I believe a premier wide receiver would aid the offense greatly.

They have enough picks to cover all the bases they feel need to be covered.

While I may boo when they pick Joe Schmoe from Eastern Westfieldersville Junior College, in the end, I know I'll be content at worst.

Penn State Football: Sean Lee to Miss 2008 Season

Chris D'Aniello — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:45:30 -0400

Penn State football is known for turning out tremendously athletic and gifted young linebackers. The two most recent Nittany Lions that meet this description are Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor.

Posluszny, known as "Poz," was an picture perfect linebacker. When you talk about perfect form, hard work, and discipline, you're talking about Poz.

After being drafted 34th overall by the Buffalo Bills, Posluszny proved to be a top NFL linebacker.

Dan Connor showcased his talent last year at Linebacker U and is expected to be drafted very high in the coming NFL draft.

Along side Connor last season was a young man who seemed to be following in the footsteps of both Connor and Posluszny — Sean Lee.

At 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds, Sean Lee led the Nittany Lions in tackles in 2007. He was sure to be the linebacker in college football in 2008. However, on April 11, that sure bet was likely lost.

Sean Lee suffered a major knee injury during a Friday practice session. Lee reportedly injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The injury was not the result of contact. His right knee simply slid out from under him and buckled while he was blitzing the quarterback.

The expected Penn State team captain will be watching from the bench next season.

Lee was a key piece of the Nittany Lions defense, which will be shaken by his loss.

Perhaps this is an omen of Joe Pa's possible retirement.

Or is it just plain bad luck?

Either way, Sean Lee will be greatly missed next season by coaches, players, and fans alike.

Will the Hilltoppers Topple the Heavily Favored Bruins?

Chris D'Aniello — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:31:12 -0400

Within an NCAA Tournament that carries three double-digit seeded teams into the Sweet 16, one makes everyone say, "Who?"

We all remember(or have at least been made aware of through family or basic College Basketball knowledge) Villanova's run in 1985 in which they pulled one of the greatest upsets in sports history and became the lowest seed to ever win the tournament. So we know who Villanova is.

On CBS's NCAA Tournament Bracket Contest, over 53 percent of the members chose the No. 10 seeded Davidson to upset Gonzaga. While many probably chose the Hoyas to defeat Davidson and advance to the Sweet 16, those committed to the Cinderella story(Ahem.. such as myself) held strong and rolled the Hilltoppers into the Sweet 16. So Davidson so a well known underdog this year.

However, outside of the Hilltoppers themselves, almost no one predicted Western Kentucky's dance into the Sweet 16.

Everyone loves an underdog story and Western Kentucky has certainly provided that this year—dramatic buzzer-beater included. Seeing WKU upset the mighty-but-struggling Bruins would be an upset-lovers dream, but it will not happen.

Courtney Lee is the leader of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. As Lee goes, the Hilltoppers go. Against UCLA, Lee will go nowhere.

Well...almost nowhere. Lee is going to get a decent amount of points. He's a scorer and he's going to score. But not enough to slay the mighty Bruins.

Those who know the Bruins, know they will have to win in this tournament with their defense. No one on the Bruins knows defense better than guards Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook, two first-team All Pac 10 defenders. And no one in the entire Pac 10 knows defense better than Westbrook, the Pac 10 defensive player of the year.

Westbrook and Collison combined will prevent Lee from taking over the game and carrying the Hilltoppers to the Elite 8.

As much as I would love to be wrong, I see the clock striking midnight on the Cinderella of the West at 6:40 in Phoenix.

NCAA Tournament: Bubble Team Villanova Bursts into Sweet 16

Chris D'Aniello — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:54:31 -0400

Yes, I predicted the Clemson Tigers to defeat my hometown team, the Villanova Wildcats, in the first round.

Yes, I heard about it from every one of my pals, but they allowed me to share in their joy even though my bracket had been turned upside down.

Let's get real, though.

The only people picking Villanova to end up in the Sweet 16 were alumni, current students, or your 11 year old sister who picked them to win it all because she loves cats.

But now that they're there, you have to love them. Jay Wright always looks fantastic pacing along the bench, and who doesn't love watching Scottie Reynolds drain fade-away threes? And remember 1985? Villanova became the lowest seed to ever win the NCAA Tournament as an 8 seed—everyone's favorite Cinderella (except Patrick Ewing).

I'm sure that most people will pick Kansas to romp the Wildcats and advance to the Elite 8. And maybe they will.

However, we are all aware of Kansas's reputation to choke in the big dance. Maybe the Jayhawks will choke.

Maybe Villanova will once again be the Cinderella of the NCAA Tournament. Many felt that Villanova should not have even made it into the tournament, but now a Final Four is not too farfetched for Jay Wright's Wildcats.

I would certainly not count them out.

Clemson Tigers Have a Shot the Title

Chris D'Aniello — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:48:05 -0400

My upset pick for the NCAA Tournament: The Clemson Tigers.

Sure they are a No. 5 seed—not much of an upset—but not many people give them a chance against Kansas. There's no need to even mention Kansas' reputation in recent memories, but it rhymes with smoke-harpist. Kansas' faults aside, Clemson has the athleticism, the talent, and the drive to make a run in the tournament (I have them losing to UNC in the Final Four) and make a statement for the color purple to be taken seriously.

Watching them play is like watching boys playing men. Any shot in the lane is blocked. The backboard flinches before each dunk. Their athleticism is vastly superior to any other team in the tournament.

Yet Clemson's weakness—and it is no secret—lies within their free throws. Their shockingly low percentage does not even encompass the problems their free throws have posed to the Tigers' success. Yes, shooting under 60 percent is horrible under any condition, but Clemson misses the biggest free throws of each and every close game.

Against North Carolina in the ACC Championship matchup, Clemson has a chance to bring the game within one score with the clock winding down, and they missed two free throws. The charity stripe has haunted the Clemson Tigers all season, though it is said each Tiger must shoot 100 free throws at each practice.

Well, Oliver, better make that 500.