I've Moved

I've moved to a different blog, teaming up with another guy who knows sports pretty well. You can catch me over at: http://therivalry.sportsblognet.com/

Fixing College Football

My proposal to fix college football is keeping the BCS around (tweaking it a bit) and narrowing the Div 1 field down to either 5 conferences of 16 teams each or 6 conferences of 14 teams each.

We would then be able to have a fair 8 team playoff giving each conference champion a slot and then either 3 or 2 at-large slots, With the first round playing in the higher seeds home stadium and then moving to 3 of the 4 BCS sites (the 4th... which would rotate each year will get to put on a bowl game between the highest ranked teams not to make the playoff regardless of conference). Minor bowls can still be played in this scenario as well.

For arguments sake I will break down the the 5 conference 16 team way.

We would be left with the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the Midwest Conference (MC), the Southern Conference (SC), the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Northeast Conference (NEC).

First off the PCC:
1. USC
2. UCLA
3. Cal
4. Stanford
5. Oregon
6. Oregon St.
7. Washington
8. Washington St.
9. Arizona
10. Arizona St.
11. Hawaii
12. Fresno St.
13. Boise St.
14. Utah
15. BYU
16. Air Force

Next the MC:
1. Iowa
2. Iowa St.
3. Michigan
4. Michigan St.
5. Ohio St.
6. Missouri
7. Wisconsin
8. Northwestern
9. Indiana
10. Purdue
11. Minnesota
12. Illinois
13. Cincinatti
14. Nebraska
15. Kansas
16. Kansas St.

Next the SC:
1. Texas
2. Texas A&M
3. Texas Tech
4. Oklahoma
5. Oklahoma St.
6. TCU
7. Arkansas
8. LSU
9. Colorado
10. Mississippi
11. Mississippi State
12. Baylor
13. Houston
14. SMU
15. Tulsa
16. Vanderbilt (fits better with the private schools in this conference)

Next the ACC:
1. Florida
2. Florida St.
3. Miami
4. Alabama
5. Auburn
6. South Florida
7. Tennessee
8. Georgia
9. Georgia Tech
10. North Carolina
11. Duke
12. NC State
13. South Carolina
14. Kentucky
15. Clemson
16. NC State

and lastly the NEC:
1. Penn St
2. Pittsburgh
3. West Virginia
4. Syracuse
5. Cincinnati
6. Connecticut
7. Virginia
8. Virginia Tech
9. Maryland
10. Boston College
11. Rutgers
12. Louisville
13. Navy
14. Army
15. Ohio
16. Notre Dame

Each conference would be split into 2 divisions. So you would play everyone in your division (7 games), 3 teams from the opposite division and 2 games from other conferences. (I will not speculate on outcomes, but there would have to still be 5 conference championship games to determine a true conference champion each year)

Based solely on this years standings this would be the seeding for this years playoff:
1. Alabama (ACC Champ)
2. Texas (SC Champ)
3. Cincinnati (NEC Champ)
4. TCU (1st at large)
5. Florida (2nd at large)
6. Boise St. (PCC Champ)
7. Oregon (3rd at large)
8. Ohio St. (MC Champ)

so the first round matchups would be
Ohio St @ Alabama
Oregon @ Texas
Boise St @ Cincinnati
Florida @ TCU

For arguments sake, let's assume the top 4 seeds move on and that the Rose, Sugar and Orange bowls are the bowls of choice this year with the Rose bowl being the NC game. Alabama would face TCU in the Orange bowl while Texas faces Cincinnati in the Sugar bowl. and then Alabama and Texas in the Rose bowl.

Meanwhile the Fiesta bowl, while a little less important, would still get a fantastic match-up in #9 Iowa v. #10 Georgia Tech.

Now on to the BCS... I think strength of schedule is important, however it should not be weighed as heavily as it used to be. Currently the BCS Formula is split into 3 components (each counts for 1/3 of the standing): The Coaches Poll, The Harris Poll (which replaces the AP Poll) and an average of 6 computer polls. In a perfect world, and this is not all that complicated for a formula that helps decide what schools get several million extra dollars in revenue, each of those three polls would count for 3/10 of each teams BCS score, while strength of schedule would count for 1/10 of the score.

The strength of schedule formula is easy as it would consist of 2/3 Opponents record and 1/3 opponents opponents record. No wins against non-BCS level opponents (remember there are now 80 BCS teams in my scenario) would count in either opponents or opponents opponents record. Also, the outcome of the game between a certain team and its opponent would not count as part of the Opponents Record in this formula.

And like I said earlier, the other bowl games would still be possible with the remaining 70 teams (not all obviously) and we could even do away with some of the more pointless ones like the International bowl or the New Mexico Bowl.

This is an extreme rough draft and I know there are a few barriers to consider (such as could this happen and still keep basketball the same?) but let me know what you think.

MLB Trade Review. Part 2.

A Few more deals went down since my last post so real quick here are my thoughts:

1. Giants get Freddy Sanchez, Pirates get P Tim Alderson

• If the Giants can't sign Sanchez long-term then I absolutely hate this trade for them. I'm a huge fan of Freddy Sanchez but he's not much of an offensive upgrade in 2009 over Juan Uribe. Defensively Sanchez is one of the best, and having Uribe in a full utility spot again is nice, but Alderson is a big time prospect. For 2009 however, this trade could help the Giants a ton. I think they need to add one more bat but they may be in this thing for the long haul.
• Giants Grade: C+ (B if they can extend Sanchez)
• Pirates Grade: B+

2. Dodgers get George Sherrill, Orioles get 3B Josh Bell and P Steve Johnson

• I like the arm for the Dodgers. In fact, he is who I wanted the Cubs to get, and I couldn't help but wonder why they couldn't get it done. But after hearing Bell and Johson going back towards the O's I can see why my Cubbies couldn't afford him. It would be like the Cubs offering Tyler Colvin and Andrew Cashner... Fans would have Hendry's head. Doesn't make sense to give up two top 10 prospects for a solid closer who will be nothing more than a set-up man. Like the arm, hate the trade. Look for the Orioles to give up many late inning leads from here on out though.
  
• Dodgers Grade: C-
• Orioles Grade: B+

3. Cubs get John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny, Pirates get P Kevin Hart, P Jose Ascanio and IF Josh Harrison

• The Cubs get a pretty good LH reliever and a completely lost LH starter for a solid prospect, a prospect with a high ceiling but is far away and a nice middle infield prospect. I love the addition of Grabow but can't help but question picking up Gorzelanny. Maybe he'll turn it around in the Cubs minor league system. Still, Hart wasn't going to become anything more than a 5th starter on this staff, and Ascanio is stuck behind the likes of Guzman, Marmol and Smardzija. Overall a pretty nice pickup for the Cubs to solidify the bullpen.
• Cubs Grade: B-
• Pirates Grade: B-

MLB Trade Review. Part 1.

A Different Look at Contending Teams Deals This Year.

1. Cardinals get Mark DeRosa; Indians get RP Chris Perez and a player to be named.

• It hasn't quite worked out for either team so far, but I like the move a lot for the Cards. DeRosa is a huge asset to have since he can fill in at 5 positions on the field. 7 if you REALLY need him to. Chris Perez may work out his control issues and become a great set-up man, but I don't see it happening this or next year.
• Cardinals Grade: B+
• Indians Grade: C, could change bases on the PTBN.

2. Yankees get Eric Hinske; Pirates get OF Eric Fryer and P Casey Erickson

• Hinske has some good playoff experience recently and could help with some of the younger players... but this is the Yankees. This trade will help IF the Yanks make the Series as Hinske will be a very good pinch hitter. Not a bad move for the Pirates. The more prospects you have the better the chance that atleast one will stick.
• Yankees Grade: C
• Pirates Grade: C+

3. White Sox get RP Tony Pena, Diamondbacks get IF Brandon Allen

• This trade makes no sense to me for the White Sox. Pena had been disappointing all year and he has continued that with the Sox. And they give up what some considered the replacement for Jim Thome... no easy task but this guy has got some great power.
• White Sox Grade: D
• Diamondbacks Grade: B+

4. Red Sox get Adam Laroche; Pirates get SS Argenis Diaz and P Hunter Strickland

• A trade I like all around. The Sox get the depth they need in the corner infield and the Bucs get a young Jack Wilson clone and another arm in their system. The Pirates are setting themselves up nicely for a firesale this year.
• Red Sox Grade: B-
• Pirates Grade: B-

5. Red Sox get 1B/OF Chris Duncan; Cardinals gets Julio Lugo

• The Sox did the best they could for Lugo, who was set to walk free if a deal wasn't made. While Duncan is by no means a game changer, he has had success and if he can find his stroke again in the minors this is a slam dunk for the Sox. I like it for the Cardinals too who have too many OF and needed another IF. Lugo should fit in nicely with the Cards.
• Red Sox Grade: C+
• Cardinals Grade: C

6. Rockies get Rafael Betancourt; Indians gets P Connor Graham

• This trade is what it is. A major league RP from a team who is giving up on the year, for a future arm from a team who feels like is has a chance this year. Neither player is highly thought of.
• Rockies Grade: C
• Indians Grade: C-

7. Cardinals get Matt Holliday; Athletics get 3B Brett Wallace, OF Shane Patterson and P Clayton Mortensen

• Looks nice on paper right? I'll give you that, but I HATE this trade for the Cardinals. Yeah it makes them better this year, but I don't think they have a shot at the NL Pennant. Not to mention the Cubs are finally playing better so the Central isn't going to come easy either. They gave up their best overall, and 2 other top 20, prospects. They better win this year or they will regret this for years.
• Cardinals Grade: C-
• Athletics Grade: A

8. Giants get Ryan Garko; Indians get P Scott Barnes

• Garko is definitely an upgrade at 1B for the Giants, but I don't think this trade will push them forward as wildcard favorites. Unless they make another few deals, I think they should have held out for a better player. While Barnes has had a lot of early success he is several years away from reaching the Show. Giving him up gives me reason to believe the Giants aren't done so a few points are added in my mind. Garko can be a great PIECE but he isn't more than that.
• Giants Grade: C+
• Indians Grade: C

9. Mariners get Jack Wilson and P Ian Snell; Pirates get Ronny Cedeno, 1B/C Jeff Clement, P Aaron Pribanic, P Brett Lorin, P Nathan Adcock

• This one is very hard to predict. Ian Snell has good to great stuff but everytime he pitches in the majors he just can't put it together. A change of scenery might do him wonders. The same can be said for 1B Jeff Clement. Tremendous power but he hasn't been able to show that for the Mariners. I think both will be a little bit better for their new clubs but fall short of expectations.
• Mariners Grade: B-
• Pirates Grade: C+

10. Phillies get Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco; Indians get P Carlos Carrasco, P Jason Knapp and C Lou Marson

• Great trade for the Phillies. They didn't have to give up nearly what I thought they would and got an extra bat off the bench too. Indians got a few good prospects and Carlos Carrasco who should be a very good #3 pitcher in the next few years.
• Phillies Grade: A+
• Indians Grade: B
  

A Passing Tribute to a Coaching Legend

Jim Johnson Dead at 68

As many of you know, I am a HUGE Eagles fan. So It should come as no surprise that this news is truly upsetting to me. Jim Johnson died today following his second battle with cancer. He becomes the second Eagles defensive great to pass while still a member of the organization (DT Jerome Brown died at the early age of 27 following an automobile accident in 1992).

The Eagles hadn't enjoyed much success in the NFL since the adoption of the Superbowl until Head Coach Andy Reid came in with Jim Johnson at his side throwing blitz after blitz at opposing offenses leading the Eagles to the second most sacks in the NFL over the last 10 years.

He was more than a coach to Eagles players, however, as he also groomed current Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo, current Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, current Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and current Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

An innovator of sorts with his various schemes and blitzes have changed defenses across the league and he will surely be remembered by more than just Eagles fans for a long long time. A prayer goes out to his wife and children. As for the Eagles... Bring it home for Jerome and Jimmy now.

Top 10 Fantasy RB's for 2009

Here they are:

1. Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings

• He is an obvious choice for me. An absolute game-changer. I think questions about his durability are way overblown. Not only is he my #1 RB but he is my #1 overall player.
• Stat Prediction: 1950 all-purpose yds, 16 tds.

2. Michael Turner - Atlanta Falcons

• Turner is the safe choice as far as RB's go. He's durable, he's strong and will get many goal-line touches. The only downside is the addition of Tony Gonzalez may take a few chances away.
• Stat Prediction: 1750 all-purpose yds, 18 tds.

3. Matt Forte - Chicago Bears

• I'm not a huge fan of Jay Cutler, but even I won't ignore the impact Cutler will have on the bears running game. NO MORE 8 MAN FRONTS!! This will be huge for Forte, who is also a very good reciever out of the backfield. I expect a huge sophomore year.
• Stat Prediction: 1900 all-purpose yds, 14 tds

4. Maurice Jones-Drew - Jacksonville Jaguars

• Don't hold last year against any of the Jaguars offensive players. They were doomed from the start with all the injuries to the OL. With Fred Taylor gone, we will now find out how well Jones-Drew can carry the load. Not to mention he is a top 3 receiver out of the backfield with LT and B-West.
• Stat Prediction: 1600 all-purpose yds, 17 tds

5. LaDainian Tomlinson - San Diego Chargers

• In his worst year ever, he still eclipsed the 1000 yard and 10 td barrier. A year removed from lingering injuries, I see Tomlinson bouncing nearly all the way back. Sproles will steal some carries after his showing last year but in order for San Diego to succeed LT will have to play a large role.
• Stat Prediction: 1700 all-purpose yds, 15 tds

6. Chris Johnson - Tennessee Titans

• If he is still available at the end of the first round in your draft you HAVE to consider taking Johnson. LenDale White is the only thing holding him back from being a fantasy franchise player. If the Titans decide that Johnson is the way to go...watch out!
  
• Stat Prediction: 1600 all-purpose yds, 13 tds

7. Steven Jackson - St. Louis Rams

• Not a lot of upside, but not a lot of downside either. Another safe choice for your team. In 12 games last year he 1400 total yards and 8 tds. Expect much of the same this year.
• Stat Prediction: 1650 all-purpose yds, 12 tds

8. DeAngelo Williams - Carolina Panthers

• I know, I know... He was outstanding a year ago, but the Panthers didn't draft Jonathan Stewart to sit on the bench. I expect Williams to be much more like the guy from the first 8 weeks than the last 8 from 2008.
• Stat Prediction: 1500 all-purpose yds, 10 tds

9. Clinton Portis - Washington Redskins

• Portis was the opposite of Williams last year, having an outstanding first 8 games and an awful last 8. If the Skins can find another back to steal some carries away from Portis it may be in his best interest as well as the team.
• Stat Prediction: 1400 yds, 11 tds

10. Kevin Smith - Detroit Lions

• I had to throw you one curveball. Though he would be better served on a player to watch list, I truly believe this is where he ends up this year. The Lions are adopting a zone blocking scheme which is perfect to the former UCF standout who made a name for himself as a one-cut back. He also showed great hands at the end of last year. Another year in the system and the time-share at RB behind him, I expect Smith to open som eyes this year and for him to lead the Lions to like 3 wins this year.
• Stat Prediction: 1450 yds, 10 tds

Glaring Omissions:

• Brian Westbrook - knee and ankle surgery make his beginning of the year questionable.
• Marion Barber - Felix Jones will be getting a good number of the touches by the end of the year.
• Brandon Jacobs - No more Plaxico, too many 8...maybe even 9 man fronts defending him.
• Ronnie Brown - A much safer choice to be the number 10 RB. Should have a good season but I'm sticking to my guns on this one.
• Frank Gore - Fell apart at the end of last year. too inconsistent. injury risk.
• Steve Slaton - I'm not a believer that he can carry the load.

Keep An Eye On:

• Beanie Wells - could be this years Matt Forte as soon as he wins the job.
• LeSean 'Shady' McCoy - perfect for the Eagles system, if Westy isn't ready watch out.
• Donald Brown - Rumor has it the Colts weren't happy with Addai's improvement this past year. If that continues will Brown start eating away carries?

Stay tuned for the WRs and a possible 2 or 3 round mock draft.

Top 10 Fantasy QB's for 2009

With the football season looming, I've decided to put out my own rankings on the 3 main positions for fantasy football (QB, RB and WR). I'll start today with who I believe will be the 10 best QB's of the 2009 season in terms of fantasy football.



1. Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints

• This one is easy. He was the top QB a year ago, and without any big subtractions from his offense, and a healthy Marques Colston and Reggie Bush expect Brees to put up similar numbers. Without a truly dominate running game the Saints will continue to be a pass-first offense, though it is yet to be seen how the departure of Offensive Coordinator (new head coach at Syracuse) will do to the playcalling.
• Stat prediction: 4700 yds, 33 tds, 13 ints

2. Tom Brady- New England Patriots

• Risky pick, but if he's atleast 90% healthy for week 1 this guy may push Brees for top QB honors this year with weapons like Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Not to mention the Pats have bolstered the RB position with the addition of Fred Taylor to complement Laurence Maroney. Joey Galloway also adds to a talented WR core. I do expect him to push himself a bit too far in the early parts of the year causing a few extra interceptions, but the end of year product should pay off for anyone who drafts him.
• Stat prediction: 4200 yds, 35 tds, 16 ints

3. Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers

• I know what you're saying...'What in the world is this guy thinking?!?!?' Let me exlpain. A first year starter Rodgers threw for 4000 yards and had 28 tds compared to only 13 ints. This on top of playing more than a few games with a banged up shoulder and having only the 17th ranked rushing attack behind him. Pretty impressive, right? Add in a full year of experience and more time to gel with his great group of WR's and I think Rodgers is destined for an even better year. Manning may be the safe pick here but you dont win your league by playing it safe.
• Stat prediction: 4200 yds, 31 tds, 15 ints

4. Peyton Manning - Indianapolis Colts

• Finally Manning makes the list. Believe me I have nothing against Manning, he is this far down based strictly on the Colts off-season moves. I have full faith in Reggie Wayne as a top wideout, and I think Anthony Gonzalez is a solid #2. However, the Colts failed to deliver on getting that #3 WR that Manning has made so dangerous throughout his entire career. Add in the 1st round pick of Donald Brown (a RB who I think the world of), I expect the Colts to run the ball a considerable amount more than in the past. While I fully believe Manning to be the best QB in the league, I think his fantasy value takes a small hit this year.
• Stat prediction: 4100 yds, 29 tds, 11 ints

5. Philip Rivers - San Diego Chargers

• He put up some amazing numbers last year, but I expect LaDanian Tomlinson to make a nice comeback this year, and they will still need to find a way to get Sproles some touches, so Rivers' chances should go down a bit this year. Still, I think he is one of the better QB's in the league, and if he can mature a bit he may surprise many and make his case as the top QB. I don't see it happening this year.
• Stat prediction: 3800 yds, 32 tds, 13 ints

6. Donovan McNabb - Philadelphia Eagles

• A personal favorite of mine finally has weapons all around him with the addition of Jeremy Maclin, LeSean 'Shady' McCoy and TE Cornelius Ingram. Add to that a healthy Kevin Curtis and a more experienced and (supposedly) mature DeSean Jackson and I think McNabb is primed for a RE-breakout year. If he can put last years painful defeat in the playoffs behind him I can see him finishing anywhere between 3 and 7 on the QB points list.
• Stat prediction: 3700 yds, 30 tds, 11 ints

7. Kurt Warner - Arizona Cardinals

• The ageless wonder. I expect a bit of a drop-off from the dream season of 2008. Also, the addition of Chris 'Beanie' Wells should give the Cardinals a running game to rely on a bit more. Still, with weapons like Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston, Warner is a lock to put up some good numbers.
• Stat prediction: 4000 yds, 28 tds, 14 ints

8. Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons

• Matty Ice will look to build on his VERY impressive rookie season. Michael Jenkins and Roddy White give him a powerful and speedy duo to target down the field, and the addition of the legendary Tony Gonzalez will give him a powerful red-zone presence. Unfortunately for Ryan, Michael Turner will still steal many TD's away from him with his powerful running
• Stat prediction: 3600 yds, 27 tds, 12 ints

9. Jay Cutler - Chicago Bears

• Gone are stud Brandon Marshall and rookie phenom Eddie Royal and in are the smashmouth Chicago Bears who look to center around Matt Forte. Cutler will be asked to manage the game for Chicago. I'm not so sure he will be able to do that. Though he has a dazzling arm, he is also prone to the interception. And the Bears dont exaclty have an All-Pro WR. Numbers should be down.
• Stat prediction: 3500 yds, 25 tds, 13 int

10. Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys

• The loss of Terrell Owens, though great for the team, will hurt Romo's numbers more than some expect. Yeah, he still has Jason Witten. And sure, Roy Williams is a nice threat down the field. But the fact remains that Tony Romo can be erratic at times, and until Williams or another Dallas WR commands that they be constantly double teamed and sometimes tripled, he will struggle to find open WRs. With a healthy Felix Jones, the running game should be the main focus in Dallas this year.
• Stat prediction: 3500 yds, 26 tds, 17 ints

Left off the list:

• Eli Manning - No more Plaxico to bail him out. Giants will still be good though
• Matt Cassel - Kansas City isn't exaclty New England.
• Matt Schaub - Hard to leave off. Could break out if Slaton can handle the running game.
• Carson Palmer - Can he get back to top form? Too hard to tell.
• Ben Roethlisberger - Not fantasy relevant. Great game manager though.

Stay tuned for the top RBs coming soon. And feel free to leave some predictions of your own.

5 Deadline Deals That Make Sense

I've decided to put together a list of 5 deadline deals that make sense. Some probably don't have a chance at happening but it would make sense to me for both teams to pull the trigger.

1. Cubs get Joakim Soria; Royals get Carlos Marmol, Jake Fox and corner infield prospect Jovan Rosa

Why this makes sense:

Let's be honest... the Royals aren't making the playoffs this year. They will in all likelihood miss the playoffs next year as well. Why not get some pieces for a good building block in the coming years. Jake Fox is best suited on a team where he can either man the DH or 1B position as he is a defensive liability. But the guy has shown he can hit when given the chance so a move to an AL club seems best for him. Marmol has shown he has closer stuff but he can't seem to get his control in order. Being in a low-pressure environment and learning on the go may be the best chance he has to be the dominant closer everyone once thought he would be.

With Josh Vitters looming and Aramis Ramirez getting older, a likely switch to 1B for Ramirez is probably coming in the next few years to make room for Vitters. That leaves Rosa without a home. Why not deal a solid prospect to solidify your bullpen. The Cubs would get the dominate closer they need and can hold onto for years, leaving the door open for Angel Guzman and Jeff Samardzija to man the set-up roles for years as well. The chances of this trade happening are very low but it just makes too much sense to me for something like this NOT being discussed.

2. Phillies get Cliff Lee and cash considerations; Indians get P JA Happ, SS prospect Jason Donald and P prospect Vance Worley

This makes MUCH more sense to me than trading the farm for Halladay. The Phillies have already said they do not want to deal Drabek or Carrasco and without one or both of them they will NOT get Halladay. So why not get the next best thing... at a great price. Cliff Lee would make a great 1-2 in the playoffs with Cole Hamels. Enough Said

For the Indians, it just didn't work out this year and they wouldn't be able to retain Lee in the offseason should he opt for free agency so why not pick up a major league ready P in JA Happ and pick up a couple of real nice prospects in Donald and Worley in the process. This trade would make them contenders as early as 2010 and give them the assets to stay that way for years.

3. Brewers get Brad Penny and cash considerations, Red Sox get Josh Willingham and OF prospect Cole Gillespie, Nationals get P prospect Stephen Fife and 2B prospect Hernan Irabarren

The Brewers get the SP they need without giving up much in terms of future need. Gillespie will be behind Cutter Dykstra for a spot with the big league club much as Irabarren will be behind Alcides Escobar and Brett Lawrie for a middle infielder spot. Both are good prospects and will help their new teams in the future. The Red Sox get the jack-of-all-trades bat they need with a fragile JD Drew in their OF and clear a spot for phenom Clay Buchholz. The Nationals get two very solid prospects to continue their everlong quest to be relevant.

An unlikely scenario but seems to be the most beneficial to all teams without giving up too much. The Brewers are interested in Penny and I've heard rumblings on the Nationals looking to trade Willingham.

4. Rangers get Roy Halladay, Vernon Wells and cash considerations; Blue Jays get P Derek Holland, OF prospect Julio Bourbon, 1B prospect Justin Smoak, C prospect Max Ramirez and P prospect Martin Perez

If you're familiar with the Rangers farm system, you may think that I am crazy because this is 5 of their top 20 prospects. But to get a pitcher like Halladay who can propel them to a legit contender this year as well as the future, you have to give up a LOT. Not to mention the addition of Vernon Wells would allow Hamilton to move to RF and decrease his injury risk significantly. Also allowing a platoon of Byrd and Blalock at 1B and a DH platoon of Blalock, Byrd and Andruw Jones.

The Jays would get a near major league ready (though he is already up) arm with a high ceiling, and incredibly athletic OF with leadoff potential, a future 1B who has been compared to Mark Teixeira, a C prospect who has a questionable glove but can absolutely rake and a very young pitcher in Martin Perez who is believed to have a VERY high ceiling. If the Jays move Halladay this is the package they would want to receive back.

5. Giants get Victor Martinez; Indians get P Jonathan Sanchez, 3B/DH prospect Connor Gillaspie and OF prospect Rafael Rodriguez

If the Giants want to make a push for the wildcard they NEED another bat. Vic Martinez could step in as their everyday firstbaseman (for years if they can sign him long-term). A back-to-back of Sandoval and Martinez would be NASTY. With a surplus a pitching they can sacrafice a plus arm looking to find a little control. At 26 there's no reason to believe he can't put it together consistently.

Gillaspie has a questionable glove with a plus bat and would be behind big Pablo Sandoval for years so he is expendable, and OF Rafael Rodriguez is one of those rare uber athletic prospects who is very raw. With good coaching he could be a superstar. This trade is made solely on the assumption Lee is being dealt as well, turning Cleveland into a complete seller this deadline.

That is all I have for this year. Let me know what you think and feel free to add some scenarios yourself.

First Things First

In order to give you some idea of what to expect from this blog, let me give you a little background on me:

Born and raised right outside of Austin, TX, you would expect me to follow Texas teams right? Well that just isn't the case for me. While I 'like' the Rangers, Rockets, Texans and both Texas and Texas A&M, none of these are who I would claim as MY team. Instead I go for the Cubs, Bulls, Eagles and Syracuse Orange above all else.

I won't claim to have been one injury away from getting a break in my sport (baseball) but I will say I was a decent Texas high school player. I was the first in my family to NOT attend Texas A&M for college. Instead I went to Syracuse for a year before tuition and career interests had me come home. I currently go to the University of North Texas...and as of this post our football team SUCKS!

I'm very opinionated. Here are some examples:

I HATE the Cowboys. It started for no apparent reason but they've since earned that from me with their compilation of prima-donnas, thugs and coke heads.

I resent LeBron James for being donned 'King James' without EVER leading his team to a championship (High School and the Olympics don't really count... High School because its not a true championship and the Olympics because it was a team of studs and leaders)

Ken Griffey, Jr. will always be the best player I ever got to see play (though only on TV) thanks to steroids. Too hard to believe anyone is clean now.

College sports are more tainted in my mind than MLB... nobody wants to hear it though. Just pay the players and do away with all this 'recruiting' crap.

That's all for now, come back again and share your thoughts with me.