The Big Weekend

This is an excellent weekend to be a pro sports fan. The college lineup is a little week, but the MLB and NFL are as exciting as ever. Here once again on record are the things that I know will most likely happen if everything goes my way.

Let's start with baseball and the exciting pennant races that are going on right now. Being an American League fan, I have long since figured that everything was aligned back in August. However the National League is up for grabs. So a couple of notes...

• I predicted the AL standings to a T 6 months ago
• I am always modest
• The Cubs will win at least 1 game and the Brewers will lose at least 1 game, therefore clinching the playoff berth for the Cubs.
• The Padres and Diamondbacks will tie for the top of the NL West and spoil the Rockies feel good story.
• This will cause the following rule to be invoked:
  In the event of a tie in the standings at the close of the regular season, league rules provide for a one-game playoff (with the home field determined by coin flip) to determine which of two teams participate in the Division Series. If three teams are involved in a tie, a two-game playoff may be played. If two teams are tied, but a tiebreaker would result in both participating in the Division Series anyway (due to one being division champion and the other being wild card), then no playoff is played and seedings are determined by head-to-head record.
• I want the Phillies to win the East, but I think the Mets will not choke enough to make it happen. (And yes I know that is not the popular consensus)

Since I am a big Dallas Cowboys fan, I will always make a prediction for their game and at least 2 other games. So for week 4 of the NFL:

• This is an obvious pick for a Cowboys win, which is exactly why many people are scared of this game. I would be too, but I think the lack of Steven Jackson will allow the defense to really attack the quarterback. I expect the secondary to give up a couple of big pass plays, but overall contain the Rams. I see the boys putting up pretty good number on them so this game should go well.
  Dallas Cowboys 34, St. Louis Rams 17
• The big game of the week is the Vikings vs. the Packers. This is definitely a battle of good defenses. This game should come down to who has more sacks, interceptions, and big stops. I would personally rank Minnesota slightly higher than the Packers on the defensive depth chart. However, Green Bay has a definite offensive advantage. If they can contain the Viking running game, as I expect them to do well enough, than they take this game.
  Green Bay Packers 24, Minnesota Vikings 13
• And finally, I have to check out the Colts and Broncos. This has the most intriguing match ups with the wide receivers of Indianapolis going against the defensive backs of Denver. This game should highlight how well Joseph Addai really is. Watch for the Colts starting out with a strong running game and then exploiting holes in the Denver defense when they try to plug up the line of scrimmage. The status of John Lynch will have a huge impact upon the game. The Broncos will have to utilize their potent air attack to best the Colts in this game.
  Indianapolis Colts 23, Denver Broncos 20

View From the Political Sidelines

Its been a while since I threw out any political observations, but I will attempt to keep this current.

• I watched a News Radio episode the other day from 1998. Bill McNeil (Phil Hartman) sings political songs from the day and mentions that Fred Thompson thinks its bunk that Bill Clinton had the Lincoln Bedroom up for rent.


• Sometimes we take our freedom for granted in America. Its scenes like the one in Burma of monks protesting that remind us that not everyone enjoys the simple basics of life.


• As of this morning the UAW and GM are back on speaking terms. You hardly need to spend much time with me to know that I think 99% of unions are out-dated and corrupt. The UAW and its hold on the industry here are why foreign car companies are easily beating out our national brands. It is sad to see these 2 entities entwined so tightly, because I fear that it will be the downfall of both groups.


• Since we are still over a year away from a presidential election, I will not call this race a done deal. I frankly think people are starting to get "election weary" already. Even if you like the person, they have been out there too long at this point.

2007 Baseball Predictions

I figured that before the season actually starts I had better get my stuff in writing. That way if any of it actually comes true, I can point it out to you way too often. Playoff teams are in italics. Bold if they make it to the League Championship. In the end I pick Boston over St. Louis.

AL East

1. 94-68 Boston Red Sox


2. 92-70 New York Yankees


3. 83-79 Toronto Blue Jays


4. 70-92 Baltimore Orioles


5. 66-96 Tampa Bay Devil Rays

AL Central

1. 91-71 Cleveland Indians


2. 87-75 Detroit Tigers


3. 85-77 Chicago White Sox


4. 81-81 Minnesota Twins


5. 65-97 Kansas City Royals

AL West

1. 90-72 Los Angeles Angels


2. 86-76 Texas Rangers


3. 83-79 Oakland Athletics


4. 71-91 Seattle Mariners

NL East

1. 94-68 Philadelphia Phillies


2. 91-71 New York Mets


3. 82-80 Atlanta Braves


4. 73-89 Florida Marlins


5. 62-100 Washington Nationals

NL Central

1. 90-72 St. Louis Cardinals


2. 86-76 Chicago Cubs


3. 82-80 Houston Astros


4. 77-85 Cincinnati Reds


5. 73-89 Milwaukee Brewers


6. 68-94 Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West

1. 89-73 San Diego Padres


2. 86-76 Los Angeles Dodgers


3. 81-81 Colorado Rockies


4. 77-85 San Francisco Giants


5. 75-87 Arizona Diamondbacks

Initial Movie List

My wife was asked in church on Sunday what my favorite movie was. She answered quite respectably and I in turn started to wonder myself. Therefore I started writing a list and what do you know, it became quite large. So for the first round of my debate I present my list in chronological order. Obviously since I am semi-young this will be slanted towards movies in my era. No explanations at this point, just a straight listing. Also, feel free to let me know which ones I left out. It is hard not to skip ones with such a large list. In case you are counting, this is my top 100 (and yes I had to cut some).

• 1934 - The Thin Man


• 1938 - The Adventures of Robin Hood


• 1938+ - Charlie Chan with Sidney Toler


• 1939 - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington


• 1942 - Casablanca


• 1946 - It's a Wonderful Life


• 1947 - The Bishop's Wife


• 1951 - Strangers on a Train


• 1952 - High Noon


• 1953 - Roman Holiday


• 1956 - The Searchers


• 1957 - The Bridge on the River Kwai


• 1958 - The Sign of Zorro


• 1959 - North by Northwest


• 1960 - The Alamo


• 1960 - The Magnificent Seven


• 1961 - The Guns of Navarone


• 1962 - Lawrence of Arabia


• 1962 - To Kill a Mockingbird


• 1963 - Charade


• 1963 - From Russia With Love


• 1963 - The Great Escape


• 1965 - Shenandoah


• 1966 - The Professionals


• 1975 - Monty Python and the Holy Grail


• 1977 - Star Wars


• 1981 - Chariots of Fire


• 1981 - Raiders of the Lost Ark


• 1983 - Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi


• 1985 - Back to the Future


• 1986 - An American Tail


• 1987 - The Untouchables


• 1989 - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade


• 1990 - Home Alone


• 1990 - The Hunt for Red October


• 1992 - Aladdin


• 1992 - The Last of the Mohicans


• 1993 - Groundhog Day


• 1993 - Jurassic Park


• 1993 - The Fugitive


• 1993 - The Sandlot


• 1993 - Tombstone


• 1994 - Clearn and Present Danger


• 1994 - Maverick


• 1994 - The Lion King


• 1994 - The Shawshank Redemption


• 1995 - Apollo 13


• 1995 - Braveheart


• 1995 - Crimson Tide


• 1995 - GoldenEye


• 1995 - Toy Story


• 1996 - The Rock


• 1997 - Air Force One


• 1997 - Contact


• 1997 - Men in Black


• 1998 - Saving Private Ryan


• 1998 - The Negotiator


• 1999 - Galaxy Quest


• 1999 - Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace


• 1999 - The Green Mile


• 1999 - The Matrix


• 1999 - The Mummy


• 2000 - Cast Away


• 2000 - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon


• 2000 - Gladiator


• 2001 - Enemy at the Gates


• 2001 - Monsters Inc.


• 2001 - Ocean's Eleven


• 2001 - Rat Race


• 2001 - Shrek


• 2001 - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring


• 2001 - The Score


• 2002 - Catch Me If You Can


• 2002 - Spider Man


• 2002 - Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones


• 2002 - The Bourne Identity


• 2002 - The Count of Monte Cristo


• 2002 - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers


• 2002 - The Rookie


• 2002 - We Were Soldiers


• 2003 - Finding Nemo


• 2003 - Open Range


• 2003 - Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl


• 2003 - Secondhand Lions


• 2003 - The Italian Job


• 2003 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King


• 2004 - Hidalgo


• 2004 - National Treasure


• 2004 - The Incredibles


• 2004 - The Passion of the Christ


• 2004 - The Polar Express


• 2005 - Batman Begins


• 2005 - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire


• 2005 - King Kong


• 2005 - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith


• 2005 - The Greatest Game Ever Played


• 2005 - The Legend of Zorro


• 2006 - Night at the Museum


• 2006 - The Prestige

Initial AL West

I have been reading some interesting reads by columnist Tim Brown whose work is posted on Yahoo Sports. He is doing a quick around the league and I am basing much of my comments on his work. The following are the highlights and my added opinion.

Also I would love to point out that once again Yahoo Sports is my preferred internet venue for sports news because of its clean layout. I have tired greatly of the extreme broadband requirements of other sites and love the fact that I can enjoy the site on dial-up or a T1 line.

FYI, I will be making my official predictions about records/playoffs and all before the season begins, but after Spring Training ends.

• The Orioles look to be stuck in neutral again this year. They might make some early noise in May, but a weak rotation with Bedard as its high point will eat away at the win column. Combine that with an overpaid closer in Baez and the birds will have trouble holding a lead.


• Here is the scary part: "Devil Rays starters had a better ERA in 2006 than Red Sox starters." So what did Boston do but go out and sign a big name in the offseason. Now their rotation looks like Schilling, Beckett, Dice-K, and Wakefield. If Papelbon is allowed to join them then they look scary. Their bullpen will prove to be either the savior or the Achilles heal for this team.


• The Bronx Bombers are back once again and a healthy Matsui should prove to be vital. And yes, here we are again discussing whether or not they can outhit the other team. This team is like the Phoenix Suns in their approach to the season. Simply outscore the other team and hope that the defense (pitching) does enough.


• Tampa Bay is going to be hard to take seriously again because of their general lack of talent. Kazmir and Wiggington will hopefully provide some inspiration to this otherwise AAA team.


• Toronto is once again going to be bearing the brunt of the AL East haterade. They have a solid rotation in Halladay, Burnett, and Chacin. Their outfield should outhit the world again (unless Vernon Wells had a contract season). Watch for them to take 2nd in the division.


• The White Sox have a 'great on paper' rotation again that can take them to the top if they regain their form. Dye, Thome, and Konerko need to step up once again though to keep them in contention.


• The Indians seem to be stuck in neutral and their lineup and rotation seem ok i guess. They seemed destined to be either 3rd or 4th in the division.


• Detroit looks really scary. They added Gary Sheffield for some extra power and retained their elite pitching staff. The key will be whether or not the staff is worn down or overused. Having 4 starters hover around 200 innings last year was mighty nice, but let's make sure that they don't wear out late in the season.


• The Royals.... yup.


• The Twins are going to have to turn into a Yankees-esque team and muscle their way into the postseason. Their pitching is going to be quite down with the loss of Liriano. Even with Santana doing his usual changeup magic, the rest of the rotation is mediocre at best. Having Mauer and Morneau leaves them open to some pop as that could bring them hope. I have them slated comfortably in 3rd.


• The Angels of 'whatever city they pick this year' look to be stacked to take the division. If Vlad comes back strong and Colon starts blowing people away, their team will do well.


• Oakland keeps losing good pitchers and so it is hard for me to believe that they will maintain a high level of performance. I am uncertain about the Piazza for Thomas DH swap and think it will be quite hard for Mike to equal Frank's output from last year.


• Seattle has spent a lot of money chasing contract year players and are getting hit with the brunt of those bad decisions. They look destined to be bottom feeders this year.


• The Rangers seem to be quite a wild card this year. They have built their team around a lot cheap what ifs that could pay huge dividends. If Sammy starts slammin again and Gagne is lights out with Otsuka in front and Brandon McCarthy steps it up and Hank Blalock decides to play again, they win the division. As it is, it is hard to bet on higher than a 2nd place finish in the division.