Saturday, December 24, 2011

NFL Week 16 Picks and Predictions

WEEK 15 RESULTS 
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 145-79 (.647), Last Week - All Games - 7-9, Locals - 1-2, Big Games - 1-2
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 114-103-7 (.525), Last Week - 6-10, Locals - 1-2, Big Games - 1-2
  • Knockout Pool - Knocked Out in Round 2 (L, KCY def. GBY) (Teams used this season: ARZ, NYG, PIT, TBY, SDG, OAK, DAL, SFO, HOU, PHL (L), NE, ATL, NO, NYJ, GBY (L))
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 23-21-1 (.522), Last Week - 1-2, QB - 7-8 (L, Grossman WSH 9, Flacco BAL 20), RB - 6-8-1 (L, Tate HOU 2, Lynch SEA 12), WR - 10-5 (W, Thomas DEN 11, Jackson SDG 8)
WEEK 16 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss) 
  • Locals: NYJ (vs NYG), NE (vs MIA), PHL (at DAL)
  • Big Game Winners: KCY (vs OAK), DET (vs SDG), NO (vs ATL)
  • Other Winners: HOU (at IND), DEN (at BUF), BAL (vs CLE), TEN (vs JAX), MIN (at WSH), CAR (vs TBY), CIN (vs ARZ), PIT (vs STL), SFO (at SEA), GBY (vs CHI)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: NYJ (-3 vs NYG), NE (-9.5 vs MIA), PHL (+2 at DAL)
  • Big Game Covers: KCY (-2.5 vs OAK), DET (-2 vs SDG), ATL (+6.5 at NO)
  • Other Covers: HOU (-7 at IND), DEN (-2.5 at BUF), BAL (-12.5 vs CLE), JAX (+7.5 at TEN), MIN (+6.5 at WSH), CAR (-7.5 vs TBY), ARZ (+4 at CIN), PIT (-13.5 vs STL), SFO (-2 at SEA), GBY (-12.5 vs CHI)
Knockout Pool 
  • Round 3: Baltimore (vs CLE)
WEEK 16 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Kyle Orton KCY (vs OAK), Sit Eli Manning NYG (at NYJ)
  • RB: Start LeGarrette Blount TBY (at CAR), Sit Steven Jackson STL (at PIT)
  • WR: Start Santana Moss WSH (vs MIN), Sit Torrey Smith BAL (vs CLE)
***
Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan:
  • SWTS 221: Football Night: Week 16 Recap/Week 17 Preview; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 12 (Monday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
  • SWTS 222: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 16 and 17, NHL Week 12 (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
Find the show and get in touch with the show:

Sunday, December 18, 2011

NFL Week 15 Picks and Predictions

WEEK 14 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 136-65 (.677), Last Week - All Games - 11-5, Locals - 3-1, Big Games - 1-2
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 108-93-7 (.536), Last Week - 9-7, Locals - 1-3, Big Games - 2-1
  • Knockout Pool - Round 2 (W, NYJ def. KCY) (Teams used this season: ARZ, NYG, PIT, TBY, SDG, OAK, DAL, SFO, HOU, PHL (L), NE, ATL, NO, NYJ)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 22-19-1 (.536), Last Week - 1-2, QB - 7-7 (L, Palmer OAK 6, Newton CAR 24), RB - 6-7-1 (W, Grant GBY 23, Wells ARZ 2), WR - 9-5 (L, Burleson DET 2, Colston NO 26)
WEEK 15 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss)
  • Locals: NYJ (at PHL), NYG (vs WSH), NE (at DEN)
  • Big Game Winners: DET (at OAK), BAL (at SDG), PIT (at SFO)
  • Other Winners: ATL (vs JAX), DAL (at TBY), CIN (at STL), BUF (vs MIA), TEN (at IND), CHI (vs SEA), NO (at MIN), HOU (vs CAR), GBY (at KCY), ARZ (vs CLE)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: NYJ (+2.5 at PHL), NYG (-6.5 vs WSH), NE (-6.5 at DEN)
  • Big Game Covers: DET (Pick 'em at OAK), BAL (-2.5 at SDG), PIT (+1 at SFO)
  • Other Covers: ATL (-11.5 vs JAX), DAL (-6.5 at TBY), CIN (-6 at STL), BUF (-1.5 vs MIA), TEN (-6.5 at IND), SEA (+3.5 at CHI), MIN (+6.5 vs NO), HOU (-6.5 vs CAR), GBY (-13.5 at KCY), ARZ (-7 vs CLE)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 2: Green Bay (at KCY)
WEEK 15 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Rex Grossman WSH (at NYG), Sit Joe Flacco BAL (at SDG)
  • RB: Start Ben Tate HOU (vs CAR), Sit Marshawn Lynch SEA (at CHI)
  • WR: Start Demaryius Thomas DEN (vs NE), Sit Vincent Jackson SDG (vs BAL)
***
Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan:
  • SWTS 219: Football Night: Week 15 Recap/Week 16 Preview; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 11 (Monday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
  • SWTS 220: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 15 and 16, NHL Week 11 (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
Find the show and get in touch with the show:

Sunday, December 11, 2011

NFL Week 14 Picks and Predictions

WEEK 13 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 125-60 (.676), Last Week - All Games - 12-4, Locals - 4-0, Big Games - 2-1
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 99-86-7 (.534), Last Week - 9-7, Locals - 2-2, Big Games - 1-2
  • Knockout Pool - Round 2 (W, NO def. DET) (Teams used this season: ARZ, NYG, PIT, TBY, SDG, OAK, DAL, SFO, HOU, PHL (L), NE, ATL, NO)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 21-17-1 (.551), Last Week - 1-2, QB - 7-6 (W, Moore MIA 20, Fitzpatrick BUF 14), RB - 5-7-1 (L, Williams CAR 2, Bush OAK 3), WR - 9-4 (L, Decker DEN 2, Nelson GBY 9)
WEEK 14 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss)
  • Locals: NYJ (vs KCY), NYG (at DAL), NE (at WSH), MIA (vs PHL)
  • Big Game Winners: CIN (vs HOU), CHI (at DEN), NO (at TEN)
  • Other Winners: PIT (vs CLE), GBY (vs OAK), BAL (vs IND), DET (vs MIN), ATL (at CAR), TBY (at JAX), SFO (at ARZ), SDG (vs BUF), SEA (vs STL)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: KCY (+9 at NYJ), NYG (+3.5 at DAL), NE (-9 at WSH), MIA (-3 vs PHL)
  • Big Game Covers: CIN (-3 vs HOU), CHI (+3.5 at DEN), NO (-4 at TEN)
  • Other Covers: PIT (-14 vs CLE), GBY (-11.5 vs OAK), IND (+16 at BAL), DET (-10.5 vs MIN), ATL (-3 at CAR), TBY (-3 at JAX), ARZ (+3.5 vs SFO), SDG (-7 vs BUF), SEA (-10 vs STL)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 2: NY Jets (vs KCY)
WEEK 14 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Carson Palmer OAK (at GBY), Sit Cam Newton CAR (vs ATL)
  • RB: Start Ryan Grant (vs OAK), Sit Beanie Wells ARZ (vs SFO)
  • WR: Start Nate Burleson (vs MIN), Sit Marques Colston (at TEN)
***

Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan:
  • SWTS 217: Football Night: Week 14 Recap/Week 15 Preview; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 9 Weekend (Monday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
  • SWTS 218: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 14 and 15, NHL Week 10 (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
Find the show and get in touch with the show:

Sunday, December 4, 2011

NFL Week 13 Picks and Predictions

WEEK 12 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 113-56 (.669), Last Week - All Games - 13-3, Locals - 3-0, Big Games - 3-0
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 90-79-7 (.531), Last Week - 6-6-1, Locals - 1-2, Big Games - 2-1
  • Knockout Pool - Round 2 (W, ATL def. MIN) (Teams used this season: ARZ, NYG, PIT, TBY, SDG, OAK, DAL, SFO, HOU, PHL (L), NE, ATL)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 20-15-1, Last Week - 3-0, QB - 6-6 (W, Sanchez 27, Smith 4), RB - 5-6-1 (W, Benson 18, Rice 7), WR - 9-3 (W, Burress 11, Bryant 3)
WEEK 13 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss)
  • Locals: NYJ (at WSH), GBY (at NYG), NE (vs IND), SEA (vs PHL)
  • Big Game Winners: PIT (vs CIN), ATL (at HOU), NO (vs DET)
  • Other Winners: CHI (vs TEN), TEN (at BUF), OAK (at MIA), CAR (at TBY), DEN (at MIN), BAL (at CLE), DAL (at ARZ), SFO (vs STL), SDG (at JAX)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: NYJ (-3 at WSH), GBY (-6.5 at NYG), NE (-20.5 vs IND), SEA (+3 vs PHL)
  • Big Game Covers: CIN (+7 at PIT), ATL (-2.5 at HOU), NO (-9 vs DET)
  • Other Covers: CHI (-7 vs KCY), TEN (+1.5 at BUF), OAK (+3 at MIA), CAR (+3.5 at TBY), DEN (+1.5 at MIN), CLE (+6.5 vs BAL), ARZ (+4.5 vs DAL), SFO (-13 vs STL), SDG (-3 at JAX)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 2: New Orleans (vs DET)
WEEK 13 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Matt Moore MIA (vs OAK), Sit Ryan Fitzpatrick BUF (vs TEN)
  • RB: Start DeAngelo Williams CAR (at TBY), Sit Michael Bush OAK (at MIA)
  • WR: Start Eric Decker DEN (at MIN), Sit Jordy Nelson GBY (at NYG)
***

Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan:
  • SWTS 216: Football Night: Week 7 Recap/Week 8 Preview; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 3 Weekend (Monday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
  • SWTS 217: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 7 Recap and Week 8 Preview, NHL Week 3 Recap and Week 4 Preview (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
Find the show and get in touch with the show:

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

StatMan On Football: The Unstoppable Force and the Immovable Object

Welcome to StatMan On Football, our weekly football column.  We might tackle a local football topic or a national football topic, but look for it right here every Tuesday (or, in this case, Wednesday).  This week, we take a look at the upcoming Sunday night matchup between AFC East arch-rivals, the Patriots and the Jets.

The Patriots and Jets, improbable as it sounded just two weeks ago, are neck and neck in the division, joined by the underdog Buffalo Bills, in a three-way tie for first halfway through the regular season schedule.  In a season of unbelievable storylines, this has to be right up there.

This time, the trash talk should subside.  There is more on the line than idle chit-chat, as long as Rex Ryan keeps his brash talk under wraps.  Both teams respect each other and both teams know a win is not a given this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.  The Patriots are in no mood for joking around, as they are losers of two in a row and almost dropped the last game they won at home to the Cowboys.  The Jets are feeling good, but why wake the sleeping giant?  It is normally what the Jets do, but this time should be different.

The Patriots were playing like the unstoppable force they have been.  New England scored 30 or more points in 14 straight contests and, outside of a playoff loss to these same Jets and a surprising four interception performance by Tom Brady against Buffalo early this year, they are a sure bet.  The Jets played like windmills against opposing teams’ running attacks earlier this year.  But, after a mediocre start, the Jets beat the Dolphins as the defense made a comeback.  Following that win, the Jets came back late against San Diego and suffocated Buffalo after the bye week.  Their play and their results may not be immovable objects, but the indomitable spirit that the Jets have is certainly immovable. 

Derrick Mason wavered and complained openly.  He is gone.  The rest of the team stopped pretty quickly, which tells me that Ryan continues to have his finger on the pulse of his team.  After Darrelle Revis’s incident on Mike Francesa’s radio show before the San Diego game, the Jets have not done as much talking.  No wrestling appearances.  No YouTube embarrassments.  They were anonymous for a week.  They appeared in Buffalo and took care of business and Ryan seemed humble. 

The Jets’ confidence is starting to set in with this team and they believe again.  That alone makes this matchup a must-see.

What is your take on the Patriots and Jets this week?  Feel free to leave a comment.  I'll announce the best stuff on the Sports With The StatMan show.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

NFL Week 7 Picks and Predictions

WEEK 6 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 62-28 (.689), Last Week - All Games - 8-5, Locals - 2-2, Big Games - 1-2
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 45-40-5 (.528), Last Week - 6-6-1, Locals - 3-1, Big Games - 1-2
  • Knockout Pool - 6-0 (ARZ, NYG, PIT, TBY, SDG,OAK)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 12-6, Last Week - 2-1, QB - 4-2 (W, Dalton 16, Manning 11), RB - 2-4 (L, Torain 2, Gore 18), WR - 6-0 (W, Jones 11, Maclin 10)
WEEK 7 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss)
  • Locals: SDG (at NYJ), BYE for NYG, NE, PHL
  • Big Game Winners: TEN (vs HOU), DET (vs ATL), TBY (vs CHI in London)
  • Other Winners: DEN (at MIA), WSH (at CAR), CLE (vs SEA), PIT (at ARZ), OAK (vs KCY), GBY (at MIN), DAL (vs STL), NO (vs IND), BAL (at JAX)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: SDG (-1 at NYJ), BYE for NYG, NE, PHL
  • Big Game Covers: HOU (+3.5 at TEN), DET (-3.5 vs ATL), TBY (+1 vs CHI in London)
  • Other Covers: DEN (+1 at MIA), WSH (+1 at CAR), CLE (-2.5 vs SEA), PIT (-3.5 at ARZ), KCY (+4.5 at OAK), GBY (-9.5 at MIN), DAL (-13.5 vs STL), NO (-14.5 vs IND), BAL (-9.5 at JAX)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 1: Dallas (vs STL)
WEEK 7 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Kevin Kolb ARZ (vs PIT), Sit Joe Flacco BAL (at JAX)
  • RB: Start Tim Hightower WSH (at CAR), Sit Arian Foster HOU (at TEN)
  • WR: Start Greg Little CLE (vs SEA), Sit Mike Wallace PIT (at ARZ)
***

Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan:
  • SWTS 203: Baseball Playoff Talk - World Series; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 3 (Monday 11pm ET) -Episode Page
  • SWTS 204: Football Night: Week 7 Recap/Week 8 Preview; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 3 Weekend (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
  • SWTS 205: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 7 Recap and Week 8 Preview, NHL Week 3 Recap and Week 4 Preview (Saturday 11am ET) - Episode Page
Find the show and get in touch with the show:

Sunday, October 16, 2011

NFL Week 6 Picks and Predictions

WEEK 5 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 54-23, Last Week - All Games - 9-4, Locals - 1-2, Big Games - 2-1
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 39-34-4, Last Week - 8-5, Locals - 1-2, Big Games - 2-1
  • Knockout Pool - 5-0 (ARZ, NYG, PIT, TBY, SDG)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 10-5, Last Week - 1-2, QB - 3-2 (L, Orton (-1), Freeman 3), RB - 2-3 (L, Tomlinson 1, Best 26), WR - 5-0 (W, Floyd 20, D. Jackson 16)
WEEK 6 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss)
  • Locals: NYJ (vs MIA), BUF (at NYG), NE (vs DAL), WSH (vs PHL)
  • Big Game Winners: DET (vs SFO), BAL (vs HOU), NO (at TBY)
  • Other Winners: CIN (vs IND), PIT (vs JAX), GBY (vs STL), ATL (vs CAR), OAK (vs CLE), MIN (at CHI)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: NYJ (-7.5 vs MIA), BUF (+3.5 at NYG), DAL (+7 at NE), WSH (+2.5 vs PHL)
  • Big Game Covers: DET (-4.5 vs SFO), BAL (-7 vs HOU), NO (-4 at TBY)
  • Other Covers: IND (+7 at CIN), PIT (-13 vs JAX), GBY (-14.5 vs STL), ATL (-4.5 vs CAR), OAK (-7 vs CLE), MIN (+3 at CHI)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 1: Oakland (vs CLE)
WEEK 6 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Andy Dalton CIN (vs IND), Sit Eli Manning NYG (vs BUF)
  • RB: Start Ryan Torain WSH (vs PHL), Sit Frank Gore SFO (at DET)
  • WR: Start James Jones GBY (vs STL), Sit Jeremy Maclin PHL (at WSH)
***

Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan:
  • SWTS 200: Baseball Playoff Talk - LCS Wrap, World Series Preview; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 2 (Monday 11pm ET) -Episode Page
  • SWTS 201: Football Night: Week 6 Recap/Week 7 Preview; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 2 Weekend (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
  • SWTS 202: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 6 Recap and Week 7 Preview, NHL Week 2 Recap and Week 3 Preview (Saturday 11am ET) - Episode Page
Find the show and get in touch with the show:

NFL Week 5 Picks and Predictions

WEEK 4 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 45-19, Last Week - All Games - 13-3, Locals - 3-1, Big Games - 2-1
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 31-29-4, Last Week - 8-8, Locals - 2-2, Big Games - 1-2
  • Knockout Pool - 4-0 (ARZ, NYG, PIT, TBY)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 9-3, Last Week - 3-0, QB - 3-1 (W, Campbell 15, Fitzpatrick 7), RB - 2-2 (W, Hunter 9, Mendenhall 6), WR - 4-0 (W, Harvin 10, Wayne 5)
WEEK 5 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss)
  • Locals: NE (vs NYJ), NYG (vs SEA), PHL (at BUF)
  • Big Game Winners: GBY (at ATL), DET (vs CHI), HOU (vs OAK)
  • Other Winners: TEN (at PIT), KCY (at IND), CIN (at JAX), MIN (vs ARZ), NO (at CAR), SFO (vs TBY), SDG (at DEN)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: NE (-9.5 vs NYJ), SEA (+10 at NYG), PHL (-3 at BUF)
  • Big Game Covers: ATL (+5.5 vs GBY), DET (-5.5 vs CHI), OAK (+6 at HOU)
  • Other Covers: TEN (+3.5 at PIT), KCY (+1.5 at IND), CIN (+1.5 at JAX), MIN (-3 vs ARZ), NO (-6.5 at CAR), SFO (-2.5 vs TBY), SDG (-4 at DEN)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 1: San Diego (at DEN)
WEEK 5 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Kyle Orton DEN (vs SDG), Sit Josh Freeman TBY (at SFO)
  • RB: Start LaDainian Tomlinson NYJ (at NE), Sit Jahvid Best DET (vs CHI)
  • WR: Start Malcom Floyd SDG (at DEN), Sit DeSean Jackson PHL (at BUF)
***

Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan:
  • SWTS 200: Baseball Playoff Talk - LCS Wrap, World Series Preview; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 2 (Monday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
  • SWTS 201: Football Night: Week 6 Recap/Week 7 Preview; Hockey Talk - NHL Week 2 Weekend (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Episode Page
  • SWTS 202: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 6 Recap and Week 7 Preview, NHL Week 2 Recap and Week 3 Preview (Saturday 11am ET) - Episode Page
Find the show and get in touch with the show:

Sunday, October 2, 2011

NFL Week 4 Picks and Predictions

The NFC East is bunched up and topsy-turvy with the Eagles in last-place and the other three teams, including the previously-hapless Redskins, at 2-1.  The Jets and Patriots both ran up against two of the most surprising teams so far this season in losses on the road to Oakland and Buffalo, respectively.  The Patriots play at Oakland this week and both (!) teams have already lost to Buffalo this season.  What has gotten into the Buffalo Bills and can their run continue at Cincinnati this week.  Read on to find out.

WEEK 3 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 32-16, Last Week - 10-6, Locals - 0-3, Big Games - 2-1
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 23-21-4, Last Week - 10-5-1, Locals - 1-2, Big Games - 2-1
  • Knockout Pool - 3-0 (ARZ, NYG, PIT)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 6-3, Last Week - 1-2, QB - 2-1 (L, McCoy 20, Roethlisberger 21), RB - 1-2 (L, T. Jones 3, McFadden 31), WR - 3-0 (W, Gaffney 6, Nicks 2)
WEEK 4 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss)
  • Locals: BAL (vs NYJ), NYG (at ARZ), PHL (vs SFO), NE (at OAK)
  • Big Game Winners: HOU (vs PIT), DAL (vs DET), ATL (at SEA)
  • Other Winners: BUF (at CIN), TEN (at CLE), CHI (vs CAR), WSH (at STL), NO (at JAX), KCY (vs MIN), GBY (vs DEN), SDG (vs MIA), TBY (vs IND)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: NYJ (+3.5 at BAL), NYG (-1.5 at ARZ), PHL (-9 vs SFO), NE (-5 at OAK)
  • Big Game Covers: HOU (-3.5 vs PIT), DAL (-2 vs DET), ATL (-4 at SEA)
  • Other Covers: BUF (-3 at CIN), TEN (Pick 'em at CLE), CHI (-6 vs CAR), WSH (-2.5 at STL), NO (-7 at JAX), KCY (+2 vs MIN), DEN (+12.5 at GBY), MIA (+7 at SDG), IND (+10 at TBY)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 1: Tampa Bay (vs IND)
WEEK 4 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Jason Campbell OAK (vs NE), Sit Ryan Fitzpatrick BUF (at CIN)
  • RB: Start Kendall Hunter SFO (at PHL), Sit Rashard Mendenhall PIT (at HOU)
  • WR: Start Percy Harvin MIN (at KCY), Sit Reggie Wayne (at TBY)
***

Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan: 
  • SWTS 194: Baseball Playoff Talk, NHL Preview: Central and Southeast Divisions (Monday 11pm ET) - Show Preview
  • SWTS 195: Football Night: Week 4, NHL Preview: Northeast and Atlantic Divisions (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Show Preview
  • SWTS 196: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 4 Recap and Week 5 Preview, NHL Fantasy Preview: Defensemen and Goaltenders (Saturday 11am ET) - Show Preview
Find the show and get in touch with the show:
  • Show page: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-StatMan
  • Twitter: http://twitter.com/gstatman
  • Random Musings blog: http://gstatman.blogspot.com
  • iTunes: Search "Sports With The StatMan"

NFL Week 3 Picks and Predictions

We have our first meeting between local teams this week as the Giants travel down the Turnpike to take on the Eagles.  Will Michael Vick run roughshod over the Giants in a repeat of last season's big comeback?  We pick that game, and all others, right here.

WEEK 2 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 12-4, Locals - 3-1, Big Games - 3-0
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 7-7-2, Locals - 1-3, Big Games - 1-1-1
  • Knockout Pool - 2-0 (ARZ, NYG)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 5-1, QB - 2-0 (Newton 26, Sanchez 17), RB - 1-1 (Addai 9, C. Johnson 6), WR - 2-0 (J. Nelson 18, S. Johnson 13)
WEEK 3 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss)
  • Locals: NYJ (at OAK), PHL (vs NYG), NE (at BUF)
  • Big Game Winners: NO (vs HOU), GBY (at CHI), ATL (at TBY)
  • Other Winners: CAR (vs JAX), MIA (at CLE), TEN (vs DEN), DET (at MIN), SFO (at CIN), SDG (vs KCY), BAL (at STL), SEA (vs ARZ), PIT (at IND), WSH (at DAL)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: NYJ (-3 at OAK), NYG (+9 at PHL), NE (-7 at BUF)
  • Big Game Covers: NO (-4 vs HOU), GBY (-3.5 at CHI), ATL (+1.5 at TBY)
  • Other Covers: CAR (-3 vs JAX), MIA (+2.5 at CLE), DEN (+6.5 at TEN), DET (-3 at MIN), SFO (+2.5 at CIN), SDG (-14.5 vs KCY), BAL (-4 at STL), SEA (+3 vs ARZ), PIT (-10.5 at IND), WSH (+5.5 at DAL)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 1: Pittsburgh (at IND)
WEEK 3 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Colt McCoy CLE (vs MIA), Sit Ben Roethlisberger PIT (at IND)
  • RB: Start Thomas Jones KCY (at SDG), Sit Darren McFadden OAK (vs NYJ)
  • WR: Start Jabar Gaffney WSH (at DAL), Sit Hakeem Nicks NYG (at PHL)
***

Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan: 
  • SWTS 194: Baseball Playoff Talk, NHL Preview: Central and Southeast Divisions (Monday 11pm ET) - Show Preview
  • SWTS 195: Football Night: Week 4, NHL Preview: Northeast and Atlantic Divisions (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Show Preview
  • SWTS 196: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 4 Recap and Week 5 Preview, NHL Fantasy Preview: Defensemen and Goaltenders (Saturday 11am ET) - Show Preview
Find the show and get in touch with the show:
  • Show page: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-StatMan
  • Twitter: http://twitter.com/gstatman
  • Random Musings blog: http://gstatman.blogspot.com
  • iTunes: Search "Sports With The StatMan"

NFL Week 2 Picks and Predictions

We are catching up as the NFL season moves very fast.  We have analyzed our picks each week during our Fantasy Weekend show on Saturday mornings at 11am ET.  Visit the show page at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-StatMan for upcoming shows and show times.

WEEK 1 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: Overall - 10-6, Locals - 3-1, Big Games - 1-2
  • Picks - Against the Spread: Overall - 6-9-1, Locals - 2-2, Big Games - 0-3
  • Knockout Pool - 1-0 (Arizona)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: Overall - 2-1, QB - 1-0 (Henne 35, Freeman 14), RB - 0-1 (Jacobs 2, Hillis 8), WR - 1-0 (Burress 15, Bowe 1)
WEEK 2 PICKS
Straight Up (win/loss)
  • Locals: NYJ (W vs JAX), NYG (W vs STL), PHL (W at ATL), NE (W vs SDG)
  • Big Game Winners: DET (W vs KCY), NO (W vs CHI), BUF (W vs OAK)
  • Other Winners: BAL (W at TEN), IND (W vs CLE), WSH (W vs ARZ), TBY (W at MIN), GBY (W at CAR), PIT (W vs SEA), DAL (W at SFO), CIN (W at DEN), HOU (W at MIA)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: NYJ (-8.5 vs JAX), STL (+6 at NYG), PHL (-2 at ATL), SDG (+7 at NE)
  • Big Game Covers: KCY (+7.5 at DET), NO (-6.5 vs CHI), BUF (-3 vs OAK)
  • Other Covers: BAL (-5.5 at TEN), IND (-1.5 vs CLE), ARZ (+3.5 at WSH), TBY (+3 at MIN), GBY (-9.5 at CAR), PIT (-14 vs SEA), SFO (+3 vs DAL), CIN (+3.5 at DEN), HOU (-3 at MIA)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 1: NYG (vs STL)
WEEK 2 PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Cam Newton CAR (vs GBY), Sit Mark Sanchez NYJ (vs JAX)
  • RB: Start Joseph Addai IND (vs CLE), Sit Chris Johnson TEN (vs BAL)
  • WR: Start Jordy Nelson GBY (at CAR), Sit Steve Johnson BUF (vs OAK)
***

Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan: 
  • SWTS 194: Baseball Playoff Talk, NHL Preview: Central and Southeast Divisions (Monday 11pm ET) - Show Preview
  • SWTS 195: Football Night: Week 4, NHL Preview: Northeast and Atlantic Divisions (Wednesday 11pm ET) - Show Preview
  • SWTS 196: Fantasy Weekend: NFL Week 4 Recap and Week 5 Preview, NHL Fantasy Preview: Defensemen and Goaltenders (Saturday 11am ET) - Show Preview
Find the show and get in touch with the show:

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Week 1 NFL Picks and Predictions

Happy opening weekend everybody!  The new season is upon us and it is time to get down to business: our Week 1 preview.  We will be posting our picks on the blog each week and analyzing each week on Football Night with the StatMan, each Wednesday on Sports With The StatMan (11pm ET at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-StatMan).

2010 RESULTS
  • Picks - Straight Up: All - 164-92 (.641), Big Games - 28-23
  • Picks - Against The Spread: All - 130-118-8 (.523), Big Games - 23-27-1
  • Knockout Pool - 7 Rounds: 11-6 in Knockout picks
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play: All - 30-18-8 (.618), QB - 12-5, RB - 9-6-2, WR - 9-7-1
WEEK 1 PICKS
Straight up (win/loss)
  • Locals: NYJ (W vs. DAL), NYG (W at WSH), PHL (W at STL), NE (W at MIA)
  • Big Game Winners: GBY (vs. NO), PIT (at BAL), ATL (at CHI)
  • Other Winners: CLE (vs. CIN), HOU (vs. IND), TEN (at JAX), KCY (vs. BUF), DET (at TBY), ARZ (vs. CAR), SFO (vs. SEA), SDG (vs. MIN), OAK (at DEN)
Against the Spread (spreads in parentheses)
  • Locals: NYJ (-5.5 vs DAL), NYG (-3 at WSH), PHL (-3.5 at STL), NE (-6.5 at MIA)
  • Big Game Covers: NO (+4.5 at GBY), PIT (+1.5 at BAL), ATL (-2 at CHI)
  • Other Covers: CIN (+6.5 at CLE), IND (+9 at HOU), TEN (+1.5 at JAX), KCY (-5.5 vs BUF), DET (+1.5 at TBY), CAR (+7 at ARZ), SFO (-5.5 vs. SEA), SDG (-8.5 vs. MIN), OAK (+3 at OAK)
Knockout Pool
  • Round 1: Arizona (vs. Carolina)
PREDICTIONS
Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play
  • QB: Start Chad Henne MIA (vs. NE), Sit Josh Freeman TBY (vs. DET)
  • RB: Start Brandon Jacobs NYG (at WSH), Sit Peyton Hillis CLE (vs. CIN)
  • WR: Start Plaxico Burress NYJ (vs. DAL), Sit Dwayne Bowe KCY (vs. BUF)
***

Upcoming Schedule for Sports With The StatMan:
Find the show and get in touch with the show:

Monday, August 22, 2011

StatMan Contender Index: Week of August 22nd, 2011

The StatMan Contender Index is an index that looks at a team's remaining schedule, its standing, and the number of remaining games in the season to determine how much of a chance the team has of making the playoffs.  It is on a scale from 0 to 1 with a higher number meaning a greater chance of making the playoffs. Click here for the explanation of the StatMan Contender Index (SCI).

#  Team SCI (Change/Last week) - W-L, WPCT - Standing in Division, number of games ahead or back (week) - WPCT for rest of season/WPCT for next two weeks (8/22-9/4)
1. Philadelphia .8404 (+.1269) - 81-44, .648 (3-4) - 1st in NL East, 6.5 GA - .500/.467 (Last week: 1)
2. Milwaukee .6495 (+.0764) - 76-52, 594 (6-1) - 1st in NL Central, 8.5 GA - .484/.443 (LW: 4)
3. Atlanta .6270 (+.1036) - 76-52, .594 (6-1) - 2nd in NL East, 6.5 GB - .502/.462 (NLWC Leader) (LW: 7)
4. NY Yankees .6209 (-.0091) - 77-48, .616 (5-2) - 1st in AL East, 0.5 GA - .497/.479 (LW: 2)
5. Boston - .5745 (-.0290) - 77-49, .611 (4-3) - 2nd in AL East, 0.5 GB - .521/.553 (LW: 3)
6. San Francisco .5425 (+.0126) - 68-60, .531 (2-5) - 2nd in NL West, 1.5 GB - .458/.433 (LW: 6)
7. Arizona .5397 (+.0211) - 69-58, .543 (1-5) - 1st in NL West, 1.5 GA - .476/.486 (LW: 9)
8. Detroit .5373 (+.0030) - 68-58, .540 (4-2) - 1st in AL Central, 4.5 GA - .463/.480 (LW: 5)
9. Texas .5133 (-.0077) - 73-55, .570 (4-3) - 1st in AL West, 4 GA - .517/.581 (LW: 8)
10. LA Angels .4865 (+.0100) - 69-59, .539 (4-3) - 2nd in AL West, 4 GA - .483/.476 (LW: 12)
Other Local Teams:
25. NY Mets .2770 (-.0744) - 60-66, .476 (2-4) - 4th in NL East, 21.5 GB - .525/.537 (LW: 21)

Analysis: Philadelphia continues their march to a Red October, as their chances went up over 12.7%.  Most people would say the Phillies have a 100% chance of making the playoffs.  But, the Braves picked up three games on the Phillies, as did the Brewers in the quest for the best record in the National League.  The second biggest jump (10.4%) belongs to Atlanta, who is now eight games ahead in the Wild Card race.  San Francisco is the team with the best SCI which does not to have a division lead or a Wild Card lead.  The Giants are ranked higher than Arizona based on their opponents the rest of the way.  Another race that seemingly got a bit tighter, though it really did not, is in the American League West, where Texas dropped a smidge in the SCI and the Angels gained a percentage point in their quest to stay alive in the playoff hunt.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

My Two Cents: Jim Thome's 600th Home Run

We have a new feature on the Random Musings blog: My Two Cents. This feature is a series of blog posts that will serve as quick reactions to topical sports news. The blog posts will be quick bursts of thought of under 500 words, meant to give you my opinion quickly instead of waiting for the next Sports With The StatMan show. Sometimes, it will be a reaction to a sports column or a reaction to something that happens on or off the field. I hope you enjoy it and feel free to leave a comment after this post to let me know what you think.

The Story: Jim Thome’s 600th Home Run On August 15th, Jim Thome hit two homers, robbing baseball of covering every at-bat for a few days, as he smashed his 599th and 600th homers in consecutive at-bats as the Twins defeated the Tigers in Detroit, 9-6.

My Two Cents:
Jim Thome is one of the good guys in baseball, every bit as much as Derek Jeter, who hit a career milestone this year as well with his 3,000th hit.  Thome has been every bit as quiet and every bit as gentlemanly.  And, with all of the whispers of steroids around baseball for the better part of the past two decades, Thome and Jeter had one more thing in common: they reportedly did it clean.

A look at Thome's career statistics shows the five teams on which he played.  He played on two World Series teams, but his Indians lost in 1995 to the Braves and in 1997 to the Marlins.  He rose to prominence with Cleveland and his latest feat was in Minnesota.  For all of the highlights I have seen of Jim Thome's career since last night, I have not seen any highlight of Thome in a Phillies uniform.  If you overlook Jim Thome in a Phillies uniform, you are overlooking the start of an unparallel Phillies run, the likes of which the franchise has never seen.

I remember the 2002-03 offseason when Thome was a free agent. He took a meeting with the Phillies' front office and it was a joke.  I mean, Thome signing with the Phillies?  It was a pipe dream.  Yes, the Phillies overpaid on a huge 6-year, $85 million deal, but the fact that any top free agent was willing to sign with Philadelphia was news.  This is not the 4-time defending National League East Champion Phillies, not the 2008 World Series Champion Phillies.  These were the Scott Rolen, Mike Lieberthal, Doug Glanville, Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla, and Bobby Abreu Phillies.  Travis Lee was the incumbent first baseman.  When he was traded to Chicago after the 2005 season, in which he sustained a season-ending elbow injury, Ryan Howard took over.  He was also the bridge between Larry Bowa and Charlie Manuel, Marlon Anderson and Chase Utley, and Jose Mesa and Ryan Madson.

But, he was more than a bridge.  Much like what he helped accomplished in Cleveland, he was part of a rebirth of a franchise.  The sad-sack Indians turned into perennial playoff entrants.  The Phillies won 86 games in his first season in South Philly (2003), 86 the next year, and 88 the final year, of which he did not have that much to contribute because of his injury.  But, by then, the Phillies were a different team.

You can, and should, give a lot of credit to Bowa, Rolen, Abreu, Jimmy Rollins, and Pat Burrell.  The Phillies were far from baseball royalty when Thome signed his big deal with Philadelphia.  He provided the big piece to give the Phillies league-wide credibility from other teams and other free agents.  Would recent free agents like Cliff Lee sign with the Phillies?  Maybe not, and the Phillies may not be the current team you see running away with the National League East, playing to packed houses on a nightly basis.

StatMan Contender Index: Week of August 15th, 2011

The StatMan Contender Index is an index that looks at a team's remaining schedule, its standing, and the number of remaining games in the season to determine how much of a chance the team has of making the playoffs.  It is on a scale from 0 to 1 with a higher number meaning a greater chance of making the playoffs. Click here for the explanation of the StatMan Contender Index (SCI).

#  Team CI - W-L, WPCT - Standing in Division, number of games ahead or back - WPCT for rest of season/WPCT for next two weeks (8/15-8/28)
1. Philadelphia .7135 - 78-41, .655 - 1st in NL East, 9 GA - .502/.498
2. NY Yankees .6300 - 72-46, .610 - 2nd in AL East, 0.5 GB - .485/.422 (ALWC Leader)
3. Boston - .6036 - 73-46, .613 - 1st in AL East, 0.5 GA - .509/.487
4. Milwaukee .5731 - 70-51, .579 - 1st in NL Central, 5 GA - .483/.463
5. Detroit .5343 - 64-56, .533 - 1st in AL Central, 2.5 GA - .466/.486
6. San Francisco .5299 - 66-55, .545 - 2nd in NL West, 2 GB - .457/.415
6. Atlanta .5234 - 70-51, .579 - 2nd in NL East, 9 GB - .515/.505 (NLWC Leader)
7. Texas .5210 - 69-52, .570 - 1st in AL West, 4 GA - .517/.551
8. Arizona .5186 - 68-53, .562 - 1st in NL West, 2 GA - .494/.534
9. Cleveland .4967 - 60-57, .513 - 2nd in AL Central, 2.5 GB - .480/.471
10. Chicago White Sox .4768 - 60-60, .500 - 3rd in AL Central, 4 GB - .487/.512
Other Local Teams:
21. NY Mets .3514 - 58-62, .483 - 58-62, .483 - 3rd in NL East, 11.5 GB - .524/.564

Analysis: The strongest teams of the league are in the top three, as the Phillies, Yankees, and Red Sox are the three best teams.  The Yankees get a bit of a leg up because of the relative ease of the remaining schedule compared to the Red Sox. The Giants are the top team which would not qualify for a playoff spot if the season were to end today.  San Francisco even ranks ahead of the team in first place in its division, Arizona.  The Giants have a .457 opposing winning percentage the rest of the way compared to .494 for the Diamondbacks' opponents.

Introducing: The StatMan Contender Index

I would like to introduce a new metric in trying to predict which Major League Baseball team will make the playoffs during a baseball season. It is a quick look on a team's postseason chances and reduces it to a number. You can use the actual number or turn it into a percentage by multiplying the number by 100.  It is called the StatMan Contender Index (SCI) and takes the following information into account:

* Strength of remaining schedule, determined by the winning percentage of a team's opposition
* Magic numbers and elimination numbers for the division and Wild Card
* Games remaining for the regular season

The percentages between all contenders do not add up to 100%.  It may also seem that a team which is "out of the race" still seems to have a significant chance of qualifying for the playoffs.  In these cases, it is best to evaluate  a poor team's SCI with the SCI of its main competition for the division or the Wild Card.

We hope you enjoy this metric. Over time, if we can, we will look to refine it and add a little more complexity to improve its accuracy.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

My Two Cents: The Nassau Coliseum Referendum

We are starting a new feature on the Random Musings blog: My Two Cents. This feature will be a series of blog posts that will serve as quick reactions to topical sports news. The blog posts will be quick bursts of thought of under 500 words, meant to give you my opinion quickly instead of waiting for the next Sports With The StatMan show. Sometimes, it will be a reaction to a sports column or a reaction to something that happens on or off the field. I hope you enjoy it and feel free to leave a comment after this post to let me know what you think.

The Story: The Nassau Coliseum Referendum

On August 1st, voters in Nassau County went to the polls to determine if the County can borrow up to $400 million, $350 million of which would be dedicated to a new arena right next to the current Nassau Coliseum. If the vote passes, the Nassau County legislature approves the vote with a supermajority, and if the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) approves the deal, the new arena would keep the Islanders in Nassau County for the next 30 years.

According to the Nassau County Board of Elections website tonight, the referendum was voted down by a 57%-43% margin.

My Two Cents:
In a word: disgraceful. If this was a hockey game, the Nassau County politicians would be up by so many goals on Charles Wang and the Islanders, that sumo wrestler Wang thought of signing would be tending goal. Wang was the convenient pawn in the political game between the likes of Kate Murray, Ed Mangano, and Jay Jacobs. He was played by both sides when the Lighthouse Project and this current option was shot down, though this one was shot down a little more democratically.  Either way, the Islanders, the citizens of Nassau County, and the progress of the County all lost.

If Wang tries to make things work in Nassau County ever again, he deserves to get played again. Now is the time to make a deal to keep the team in the New York area and leave Nassau County behind. Nassau County used to be progressive. The county used to be a beacon for suburban life. Now, it is woefully behind the times, as its aging population will eventually turn the county into a 453-square mile nursing home.

So, my advice to Wang: peddle the Islanders to Queens, Brooklyn, or Suffolk County and get the best deal you can. You have lost enough money. Nassau County has given you too many gray hairs. You can still keep them in the area, but take them out of Nassau County. Nassau County does not deserve a major-league franchise. The politics have sent the Islanders to the brink in Nassau and the voters just pushed them over the edge. But, that does not mean the Isles are destined for Quebec City, Kansas City, or Hamilton.

Queens has the infrastructure, there is an arena being built for the Nets in Brooklyn, and Suffolk County is now home to many Islander supporters who used to live in Nassau County before they were fed up.  Any one of these choices are better than Nassau County. The county never sprung for improvements of their building. The county never installed a rail line. The county never really loved you back, so why bother trying to stay in a place that clearly does not want you?

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Sports With The StatMan - Show Notes #164-166 - July 18-23, 2011

Here are the show notes for this week of shows on Sports With The StatMan. There are audio links to the shows or, if the show is in the future, there is a link to the show preview.  If you have comments or questions on the episodes, feel free to leave a comment below.

Show #164 - July 18, 2011 - Baseball Talk - MLB Week 16 (AUDIO)
  • Open: Back to the Second Half of the baseball season
  • 1:15: A look at the current standings
  • 4:15: Are the Mets contenders?/Phillies-Mets series
  • 8:00: Big injuries for the local teams
  • 20:45: All-Star Game Recap/Derek Jeter controversy
  • 27:45: Jeter's 3,000th hit
  • 30:00: Upcoming episodes
  • 33:00: Red Sox-Orioles altercation
  • 36:15: Upcoming local schedules
  • 39:45: Mets try to stay afloat as Reyes and Wright return
  • 42:00: Around the League: Thome and the Twins
  • 42:45: Upcoming episodes/How to Find the Show/Close

Show #165 - July 20, 2011 - Baseball Talk - Trade Deadline Preview (SHOW PREVIEW)

Show #166 – July 23, 2011 - Fantasy Weekend - MLB Week 16 (SHOW PREVIEW)

SHOW INFORMATION
·          Show Page - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-StatMan
·          iTunes - Search "Sports With The StatMan"
·          Follow the show on Twitter - http://twitter.com/gstatman
·          Random Musings blog - http://gstatman.blogspot.com
·          Sports With The StatMan: Extra - http://www.cinchcast.com/gstatman

NEXT SHOWS
Here is what is going on next week on Sports With The StatMan:
Upcoming episodes:
  • Sports With The StatMan #167: Monday night, July 25th, 2011 at 11pm ET
    • MLB: Week 17
  • Sports With The StatMan #168: Wednesday night, July 27th, 2011 at 11pm ET
    • NFL: Where We Left Off/Free Agent Frenzy
  • Sports With The StatMan #169: Saturday morning, July 30th, 2011 at 11am ET
    • MLB: Fantasy Weekend Week 17
All of that and more on Sports With The StatMan next week.  For the latest show schedules, log on to the show page at www.blogtalkradio.com/The-StatMan and follow the show on Twitter (twitter.com/gstatman).

Friday, July 15, 2011

Fantasy Weekend - MLB Week 14

Although the weekend was last weekend, the All-Star Break lasts until Thursday night, so this gives fantasy owners an extra three days to survey the baseball landscape and take a deep breath before the final quarter of the 20-week fantasy baseball regular season.  Since we did not have a Fantasy Weekend show this past weekend, here is the blog for the games of July 2-10:

(Legend: O/S: Owned and started in CBSSports.com fantasy leagues, SB/O: stolen bases/opportunities, hitter "slash" numbers: batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage, pitcher "slash" numbers: earned run average/walks+hits per inning pitched)

WEEKLY BEST
HITTERS
1. CF Jacoby Ellsbury BOS - 55
2. LF Jose Bautista TOR - 50
3. 2B Dustin Pedroia BOS - 49

PITCHERS
1. SP CC Sabathia NYY - 78
2. SP Dan Haren LAA - 77
3. SP Jered Weaver LAA - 64

LOCAL LEADERS
HITTERS
1. CF Jacoby Ellsbury BOS - .447/.512/.816, 17-38, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 4 2B, 2 3B, 5 BB, 3 K, 3/3 SB/O (55 pts)
Season: .316/.377/.490, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 62 R, 26 2B, 28/38 SB/O, 302 pts
2. 2B Dustin Pedroia BOS - .378/.452/.784, 14-37, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 12 R, 3 2B, 5 BB, 4 K (49 pts)
Season: .284/.395/.442, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 59 R, 19 2B, 16/19 SB/O, 289 pts
3. 1B Kevin Youkilis BOS - .452/.500/.807, 14-31, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 5 2B, BB, 4 K (38 pts)
Season: .285/.399/.512, 13 HR, 63 RBI, 52 R, 26 2B, 49 BB, 68 K, 249 pts

PITCHERS
1. SP CC Sabathia NYY - 2-0, 2 QS, CG, ShO, 0.00/0.75, 16 IP, 9 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 20 K (78 pts)
Season: 13-4, 2.72/1.16, 145.2 IP, 134 H, 35 BB, 126 K, 350 pts
2. SP Cole Hamels PHL - 2-0, 2 QS, 1.69/0.88, 16 IP, 11 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 11 K (52 pts)
Season: 11-4, 2.32/0.93, 132 IP, 99 H, 24 BB, 121 K, 378 pts
3. SP Roy Halladay PHL - 1-0, 2 QS, CG, 2.81/0.94, 16 IP, 14 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 15 K (46 pts)
Season: 11-3, 2.45/1.02, 143.1 IP, 129 H, 17 BB, 138 K, 406 pts

LINES OF THE WEEK
HITTERS
1. LF Melky Cabrera KCY - 4-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 1 2B, 1 HP (21 pts) (7/3 at COL)
2. SS Hanley Ramirez FLA - 3-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R (16 pts) (7/2 at TEX)
3. CF Torii Hunter LAA - 3-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, 1 K (15 pts) (7/9 vs SEA)

PITCHERS
1. SP Dan Haren LAA - 2-hit CG ShO W, 0 BB, 9 K (48 pts) (7/5 vs DET)
2. SP CC Sabathia NYY - 4-hit CG ShO W, 1 BB, 9 K (45 pts) (7/10 vs TBY)
3. SP Derek Holland TEX - 4-hit CG ShO W, 2 BB, 7 K (42 pts) (7/7 vs OAK)

STOCK UP
HITTERS
1. OF Nate Schierholtz SFO - O/S: 8/6, .293/.343/.464, 7 HR, 31 RBI, 30 R, 5 SB, 148 pts
last 13 GP: .431/.482/.667, 22-51, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 3 2B, 5 BB, 6 K, 53 pts
2. 3B Emilio Bonifacio FLA - O/S: 36/30, .285/.356/.382, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 37 R, 16/20 SB/O, 145 pts
last 11 GP: .429/.510/.500, 18-42, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 12 R, 3 2B, 11/12 SB/O, 55 pts
3. 1B Freddie Freeman ATL - O/S: 82/61 (+18/+19 f/LW), .274/.347/.459, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 39 R, 171 pts
last 8 GP: .345/.441/.793, 10-29, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 5 R, 2 2B, 5 BB, 6 K, 36 pts

PITCHERS
1. SP Jeff Karstens PIT - O/S: 50/27, 7-4, 2.55/1.07, 98.2 IP, 88 H, 18 BB, 58 K, 210 pts
last 7 GS: 4-0, 1.49/0.85, 7 QS, 48.1 IP, 34 H, 8 ER, 7 BB, 18 K, 137 pts
2. SP Justin Masterson CLE - O/S: 91/59 (+4/+18 f/LW), 7-6, 2.64/1.22, 122.2 IP, 111 H, 39 BB, 87 K, 245 pts
last 6 GS: 2-2, 1.50/1.07, 5 QS, 42 IP, 34 H, 7 ER, 11 BB, 28 K, 104 pts
3. SP Brian Duensing MIN - O/S: 36/25, 6-7, 4.13/1.42, 102.1 IP, 109 H, 36 BB, 70 K, 128 pts
last 5 GS: 3-1, 2.41/1.19, 4 QS, 33.2 IP, 28 H, 9 ER, 12 BB, 22 K, 84 pts

STOCK DOWN
HITTERS
1. 1B Justin Smoak SEA - O/S: 73/40 (-7/-10 f/LW), .229/.327/.418, 12 HR, 43 RBI, 20 2B, 158 pts
last 16 GP: .073/.150/.109, 4-55, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 2B, 4 BB, 16 K, 0 pts
2. RF Jayson Werth WSH - O/S: 97/57, .215/.319/.362, 10 HR, 31 RBI, 40 R, 16 2B, 11/14 SB/O, 162 pts
last 16 GP: .123/.219/.140, 7-57, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, 1 2B, 6 BB, 21 K, 0 pts
3. RF Bobby Abreu LAA - O/S: 92/71, .277/.394/.363, 3 HR, 35 RBI, 34 R, 18 2B, 13/16 SB/O, 188 pts
last 16 GP: .191/.345/.426, 9-47, 6 R, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1 2B, 11 BB, 14 K, 19 pts

PITCHERS
1. RP Francisco Cordero CIN - O/S: 87/73, 3-3, 17/22 SV/O, 2.95/1.08, 39.2 IP, 15 BB, 27 K, 201 pts
last 4 APP: 0-2, 3 BS, 3.1 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, -31 pts
2. SP Gavin Floyd CHW - O/S: 80/47 (-4/-5 f/LW), 6-9, 4.59/1.26, 111.2 IP, 111 H, 30 BB, 80 K, 120 pts
last 8 GS: 1-5, 44.1 IP, 54 H, 30 ER, 14 BB, 24 K, -8 pts
3. SP Kyle Lohse STL - O/S: 90/49 (-3/-14 f/LW), 8-6, 3.32/1.06, 122 IP, 107 H, 22 BB, 63 K, 215 pts
last 7 GS: 1-4, 41.2 IP, 48 H, 26 ER, 7 BB, 16 K, -1 pt

HOT PICK-UPS
HITTERS
1. 3B Emilio Bonifacio FLA - O/S: 36/30, .285/.356/.382, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 37 R, 16/20 SB/O, 145 pts
last 11 GP: .429/.510/.500, 18-42, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 12 R, 3 2B, 11/12 SB/O, 55 pts
2. OF Nate Schierholtz SFO - O/S: 8/6, .293/.343/.464, 7 HR, 31 RBI, 30 R, 5 SB, 148 pts
last 13 GP: .431/.482/.667, 22-51, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 3 2B, 5 BB, 6 K, 53 pts
3. LF Travis Snider TOR - O/S: 42/27, .231/.302/.368, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 13 R, 5 SB, 59 pts
last 7 GP: 11-30, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 6 2B, 1 BB, 9 K, 24 pts

PITCHERS
1. SP Brian Duensing MIN - O/S: 36/25, 6-7, 4.13/1.42, 102.1 IP, 109 H, 36 BB, 70 K, 128 pts
last 5 GS: 3-1, 2.41/1.19, 4 QS, 33.2 IP, 28 H, 9 ER, 12 BB, 22 K, 84 pts
2. SP Paul Maholm PIT - O/S: 32/25, 6-9, 2.96/1.18, 121.2 IP, 101 H, 42 BB, 75 K, 206 pts
last 9 GS: 5-2, 2.25/1.05, 60 IP, 46 H, 15 ER, 17 BB, 31 K, 138 pts
3. SP Javier Vazquez FLA - O/S: 27/11, 5-8, 5.23/1.51, 96.1 IP, 111 H, 34 BB, 66 K, 53 pts
last 4 GS: 2-1, 0.72/1.03, 25.1 IP, 25 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 16 K, 75 pts

Friday, July 1, 2011

2011 NHL Free Agency: Predictions

First of all, welcome to July and one of the single biggest days on the NHL yearly calendar. And, of course, to our friendly neighbors to the north, Happy Canada Day.

On the most recent Sports With The StatMan show (#159) on Wednesday night, we went over the cap space and needs for the local teams:

LOCAL NEEDS
BOS: A puck-moving defenseman to possibly replace Tomas Kaberle
NJD: Defense, defense, defense (they still need defense even if Adam Larsson makes the team in '11-12)
NYI: A top-four defenseman and a top-six forward
NYR: A playmaking centerman and an offensive defenseman
PHL: Find a center to offset losses of Jeff Carter and Mike Richards

It is about 12:00 on July 1st -- high noon -- as the General Managers and free agents start getting down to business. Some teams have to reach the floor (see: Islanders) and others have money to spend (see: Flyers, Rangers). Add to that a dearth of big names and lots of money will be spent on relatively few players. Also, as we discussed on Wednesday's show, we talked about the very real possibility of an offer sheet being sent to a restricted free agent this year. There has only been one successful poaching since the lockout, Dustin Penner in 2007, but Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, Keith Yandle, and Andrew Ladd headline those RFAs.

On Wednesday's show, we discussed our unscientific ranking system. Yes, we could use fantasy points, and that will be the tiebreaker within tiers of free agents, but I arranged my rankings in tiers. Instead of calling these tiers by numbers, in the spirit of Hockey Christmas, we have assigned a present to each tier.

10 TIERS OF FREE AGENTS
Top-Tier: Caribbean cruise (or a trip to '70s game show fave Beautiful Puerto Vallarta)
2nd Tier: Video game (such as NHL '12, with RFA Steven Stamkos on the cover)
3rd Tier: A new bike (who wouldn't want a new bike...that is, if you are under the age of 16)
4th Tier: A great book (perhaps The Rebel League by Ed Willes, which is a fantastic book)
5th Tier: Christmas CD (useless gift for the 330 days between Christmas Day and the next Christmas season)
6th Tier: Ugly sweater (Cosby sweaters may apply)
7th Tier: A year-long enrollment in the Jelly of the Month Club (it is a gift that keeps on giving the whole year)
8th Tier: School supplies (a few minutes late and likely many dollars short)
9th Tier: An array of meat snacks from Hickory Farms (tasty for about 5 minutes, forgotten in about 10 minutes)
10th Tier: Socks and/or underwear (should be renamed the Jon Sim Tier)

So, through that prism, here are the local teams' needs:
BOS: A new bike (puck-moving defenseman)
NJD: A new bike and a great book (defensemen)
NYI: Two great books (a top-four defenseman and a top-six forward)
NYR: A Caribbean cruise and a video game (playmaking center and offensive defenseman)
PHL: A new bike (a top-two center)

FREE AGENT RANKINGS
Caribbean Cruise tier: G Tomas Vokoun, F Brad Richards
Video Game tier: D Tomas Kaberle
New Bike tier: F Ville Leino, F Erik Cole, F Tomas Fleischmann
Great Book tier: F Teemu Selanne, F Matt D'Agostini, F Michael Ryder, F Simon Gagne, F Scottie Upshall, F Joel Ward, F Sean Bergenheim, D Ed Jovanovski, D Andy Greene
Christmas CD tier: D Anton Babchuk, F Radim Vrbata, F Andrew Brunette, D Ian White, F Michal Handzus, F Vinnie Prospal, F Ruslan Fedotenko, F Raffi Torres, D Jan Hejda, F Jamie Langenbrunner, D Sean O'Donnell, D Scott Hannan
Ugly Sweater tier (not a complete list): G Jose Theodore, G Brian Boucher, D Bryan McCabe, F Tim Connolly, F Sergei Samsonov, F Cory Stillman, F Christopher Higgins, F Jason Arnott, D Radek Martinek, F Max Talbot
Jelly of the Month Club tier (not a complete list): F Brendan Morrison, D Roman Hamrlik, G Peter Budaj, G Marty Turco, F John Madden, F Alexander Frolov, D David Hale, F Ben Eager, F Cody McCormick, F Brad Winchester
School Supplies tier (not a complete list): G Johan Hedberg, F Marty Reasoner, G Mathieu Garon, F Alex Kovalev, F Kyle Wellwood, D Karlis Skrastins, D Steve Eminger, F Zenon Konopka
Meat Snacks tier (not a complete list): G Curtis McElhinney, G Martin Gerber, F Eric Godard, F Cam Janssen
Socks/Underwear tier: G Nathan Lawson, F Todd White, G Patrick Lalime, F Mike Comrie

FREE AGENT LOCAL PREDICTIONS
BOS: D Bryan McCabe
NJD: D Andy Greene*, D Anton Babchuk
NYI: F Joel Ward, D Radek Martinek*
NYR: F Brad Richards, D Tomas Kaberle
PHL: F Ville Leino*, F Eric Belanger
* - retained by their 2010-11 NHL club

Source for salary cap information: capgeek.com

Friday, June 24, 2011

2011 NHL Entry Draft: Predictions

Every year, there are a few top names that normally go according to form. This season will probably not be much different, though the order of those players from 1 through 4 may not be exact. In John Tavares's draft year, it was about the big three of Tavares, Victor Hedman, and Matt Duchene. Last year, the forward tandem of Taylor Hall and (Stanley Cup Champion) Tyler Seguin were all the rage. This year, there are three forwards and a defenseman that are around the top.

This is great news for the New Jersey Devils, who pick fourth, and less so for the New York Islanders, who select fifth, if they elect to make their selections. There is always the possibility of trading the pick to move up, down, or out of the first round. The Islanders could speed up their rebuild by trading down in some sort of package and, for the Devils, salary cap relief is mighty important to them if they want to be able afford to sign Zach Parise before arbitration or afford the award without breaking up the team.

In most publications and prognostications, with available time and money to watch these superteens play, have the top four pegged, in some order, as forwards Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Sean Couturier, Gabriel Landeskog, and defenseman Adam Larsson.

My picks for the first five selections:
1. Edmonton - C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
2. Colorado - D Adam Larsson
3. Florida - LW Gabriel Landeskog
4. DEVILS - D Dougie Hamilton
5. ISLANDERS - F Sean Couturier
8. FLYERS - F Ryan Strome
9. BRUINS - D Ryan Murphy
15. RANGERS - RW Tyler Biggs

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Fantasy Weekend - MLB Week 9

Each week on our Fantasy Weekend show (Saturday mornings, 11am ET), we look back on the last seven days and reveal our picks for the best of the past week. Our regular installments of the Weekly Best, the Lines of the Week, our Stock Up/Stock Down segment, as well as Local Leaders for the four local teams we cover (Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, and Mets).

Listen to the podcast (Sports With The StatMan - No. 148) for all of this and more, including a look at injuries around baseball, and a look at the upcoming week with two-start pitchers and a look at next week’s schedule.

This post covers the past seven days leading up to the Saturday morning show from Saturday, May 28th and Friday, June 3rd.

WEEKLY BEST
HITTERS
#1. RF Nelson Cruz TEX – 39 points
#2. RF Justin Upton ARZ – 37 points
#3. 1B Mike Napoli TEX – 36 points

PITCHERS
#1. SP Jered Weaver LAA – 57 points
#2. RP Heath Bell SDG – 56 points
#3. SP Cole Hamels PHL – 50 points

LINES OF THE WEEK
HITTERS
#1. 1B Aubrey Huff SFO - 4-5, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R (22 pts) (6/2 at STL)
#2. C Chris Iannetta COL - 4-5, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 R (18 pts) (5/28 vs STL)
#3. RF Justin Upton ARZ - 5-5, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 1 2B, 1 SB (17 pts) (5/30 vs FLA)

PITCHERS
#1. SP Clayton Kershaw LAD - 2-hit CG ShO W, 1 BB, 10 K (48 pts) (5/29 vs FLA)
#2. SP Ubaldo Jimenez COL - 4-hit CG ShO W, 0 BB, 7 K (44 pts) (5/30 at LAD)
#3. SP Bartolo Colon NYY - 4-hit CG ShO W, 0 BB, 6 K (43 pts) (5/30 at OAK)

STOCK UP
HITTERS
#1. RF Endy Chavez TEX – O/S: 0%/0%, .435/.469/.696, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 SB, 11 R, 46 AB (54 pts); last 11 GP: 20-37, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 2B, 1 3B, 11 R, 55 pts (6 5-pt games)
#2. CF Rajai Davis TOR – O/S: 56%/45%, .288/.323/.418, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 16/23 SB/O, 24 R, 153 AB (97 pts); last 22 GP: 32-87, HR, 12 RBI, 14 R, 8 2B, 3 3B, 9/14 SB/O, 71 pts (10 multi-hit games)
#3. OF Juan Pierre CHW – O/S: 68%/48%, .261/.329/.313, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 10/18 SB/O, 28 R, 230 AB (118 pts); last 8 GP: 9-34, HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 1 3B, 5 BB, 3 K, 3 SB, 36 pts

PITCHERS
#1. SP Josh Collmenter ARZ – O/S: 26%/15%, 4-1, 1.25/0.67, 43.1 IP, 24 H, 5 BB, 26 K (136 pts); as a starter (5 GS): 3-1, 29.1 IP, 16 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 15 K, 94 pts
#2. SP Philip Humber CHW – O/S: 31%/14%, 4-3, 3.06/0.98, 67.2 IP, 52 H, 14 BB, 38 K (132 pts); last 7 GS: 49.1 IP, 33 H, 14 ER, 9 BB, 27 K, 118 pts
#3. SP Kevin Correia PIT – O/S: 51%/23%, 8-4, 3.40/1.20, 76.2 IP, 75 H, 17 BB, 34 K (135 pts); last 3 GS: 3-0, 20 IP, 17 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 10 K, 61 pts

STOCK DOWN
HITTERS
#1. 2B Dan Uggla ATL – O/S: 98%/78%, .172/.242/.312, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 215 AB (74 pts); last 13 GP: 3-43, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K, minus-1 pt
#2. 1B Adam Dunn CHW – O/S: 97%/70%, .182/.327/.324, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 72 K, 176 AB (59 pts); last 20 GP: 9-68, HR, 7 RBI, 4 R, 3 2B, 14 BB, 32 K, 7 pts (11 “minus” GP)
#3. RF Nick Markakis BAL – O/S: 96%/82%, .239/.305/.311, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 4 SB, 222 AB (106 pts); last 15 GP: 14-63, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6 R, 5 BB, 10 K, 1 SB, 19 pts (5 GP of 0 pts or fewer)

PITCHERS
#1. RP Joakim Soria KCY – O/S: 90%/71%, 3-3, 7 SV, 6.00/1.54, 24 IP, 19 K (64 pts); since 5/22 (6 APP): 0-3, 0/3 SV/O, 6.1 IP, 12 H, 7 K, minus-24 pts
#2. RP Carlos Marmol CHC – O/S: 95%/87%, 1-2, 10 SV, 3.33/1.32, 24.1 IP, 32 K (121 pts); since 5/19 (6 APP): 0-1, 1/2 SV/O, 5.1 IP, 9 H, 4 BB, 7 K, minus-4 pts
#3. SP Justin Masterson CLE – O/S: 94%/66%, 5-4, 3.28/1.31, 79.2 IP, 58 K (138 pts); since 5/12 (5 GS): 0-4, 32.2 IP, 35 H, 14 BB, 24 K, 9 pts

HOT PICK-UPS
HITTERS
#1. OF Corey Patterson TOR – O/S: 24%/20%, .285/.314/.446, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 7 SB, 193 AB (113 pts); last 6 GP: 11-29, 17 TB, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 28 pts
#2. OF Josh Willingham OAK – O/S: 33%/24%, .250/.327/.467, 10 HR, 37 RBI, 184 AB (110 pts); last 7 GP: 10-27, 23 TB, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 31 pts
#3. 1B Ty Wigginton COL – O/S: 22%/11%, .254/.308/.459, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 122 AB, 1B/3B/OF elig. (71 pts); last 5 GP: 6-17, 15 TB, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 17 pts

PITCHERS
#1. RP Aaron Crow KCY – New CL (Soria); O/S: 11%/6%; 2-0, 1.33/1.04, 27 IP, 26 K (93 pts); last 8 APP: 2 HD, 10.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 10 K, 32 pts
#2. SP Dillon Gee NYM – O/S: 20%/15%; 5-0, 3.83/1.15, 47 IP, 37 K (95 pts); last 3 GS: 3-0, 20.2 IP, 11 H, 7 ER, 5 BB, 15 K, 62 pts
#3. SP Jordan Lyles HOU – 1st ML start: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K (17 pts)

LOCAL LEADERS
HITTERS
#1. DH David Ortiz BOS – .474/.524/1.053, 9-19, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 2 2B (32 pts)
#2. SS Derek Jeter NYY – .318/.467/.409, 7-22, RBI, 2 2B, 6 BB, 0 K, 2 SB (27 pts)
#3. SS Jose Reyes NYM – .529/.556/.941, 9-17, RBI, 2B, 3 3B, 2 SB (25 pts) (Cano 25 pts, 8-25, 2 HR)

PITCHERS
#1. SP Cole Hamels PHL – 1-0, 2 QS, 1.80/0.73, 15 IP, 8 H, 3 BB, 14 K (50 pts)
#2. SP Bartolo Colon NYY – 4-hit CG ShO W, 0 BB, 6 K (43 pts)
#3. SP Jonathon Niese BOS – 1-0, 2 QS, 1.29/1.29, 14 IP, 13 H, 5 BB, 13 K (42 pts)

Key – O/S: Owned/Starting in CBS Sports fantasy leagues; “minus” GP: a game in which a player scored negative fantasy points; statistics are season totals unless otherwise noted

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Check Out The Mets Banter

As we turn our attention from football to the upcoming baseball season, I wanted to give all of the Mets fans out there a website to add to their blogroll.

The Mets Banter is a blog that takes an irreverent look at the Mets.  Now entering its second season, it is a great place to read about what it is like to bleed blue and orange 162 games a year.  You will not find game previews or reviews on a regular basis.  What you will find is passionate editorials from real fans.  If the names Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo, or Aaron Heilman get your blood boiling, you should definitely look in on these guys.

Wills Gillan, a contributor on Sports With The StatMan, heads up the writing staff.  Wills and his writers offer straight talk, positive or negative, about the Mets. Warning: the language can be R-rated at times, but you have to let them vent…it is tough to be a Met fan.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Sports With The StatMan - Show Notes: January 31-February 5

This was a big week in the nearly two-year history of Sports With The StatMan, as we transitioned from a weekly 60-to-90 minute show into three 30-minute shows per week.  To start this off, we will have baseball talk on Mondays, hockey talk on Wednesdays, and football chatter for the next couple of Saturdays with the division-by-division outlook to follow on Saturdays starting on February 19th.  It is a new format and I hope you enjoy it, whether you join me live or on the podcast.

The episodes from this week are below.  I will try to add a blog post each week to give you a little more detail about each episode.  There is a link to the podcast of each show under the title of each show, followed by information on how to find the show, how to interact with the show, and a look at next week’s shows.

This Week:
SWTS #97: Baseball - 2011 StatMan Fantasy Preview: Catchers
(Monday, January 31st, 11:00-11:30pm ET) (Show Audio)
  • 00:00: Open/Introduction
  • 03:00: Catchers - Importance of position
  • 06:30: Hot Stove - Signings and Rumors
  • 11:00: Top 20: #1-#5
  • 21:30: Top 20: #6-#10
  • 25:15: Top 20: #11-#20
  • 28:00: Sleeper and Supersleeper
  • 28:45: Pairings
  • 29:30: Close
SWTS #98: Hockey - NHL Week 17
(Wednesday, February 2nd, 11:00-11:30pm ET) (Show Audio)
  • 00:00: Open/Introduction
  • 01:45: Islanders - DiPietro tomfoolery against Penguins
  • 09:30: Devils and Rangers - Leading up to their clash at the Garden
  • 11:30: Devils - Confusion about rumor about Devils sale
  • 13:30: Islanders - Poor attendance leads to great ticket offers
  • 20:30: More Devils-Rangers preview
  • 26:00: All-Star Weekend Recap - Tim Thomas, Michael Grabner, Zdeno Chara
  • 29:00: Close
SWTS #99: Football - Super Bowl XLV Preview
(Saturday, 2/5, 11:00-11:30am ET) (Show Audio)
  • 00:00: Open/Introduction
  • 00:30: Super Bowl XLV Scene Setter
  • 03:15: This Week on Sports With The StatMan
  • 03:45: Baseball – Andy Pettitte officially retires, Clemens, Hall of Fame chances
  • 10:30: Hockey – DiPietro out 4-6 weeks after fight
  • 12:30: Super Bowl Preview – Big Ben vs. Rodgers, Position-by-position breakdown
  • 23:00: Super Bowl Pick and Prediction
  • 23:45: NFL Fantasy Update – Conference Championship
  • 26:45: Next Week – Sports With The StatMan
  • 27:30: Super Bowl Preview – Common Opponents
  • 29:30: Close

How to Find the Show:
How to Interact with the Show:
Next Week:
  • #100: Baseball – 2011 StatMan Fantasy Baseball Preview: First Basemen (Episode Page)
  • #101: Hockey – NHL Week 18 (Episode Page)
  • #102: Football – 2010 NFL Season In Review (Episode Page)

Saturday, January 8, 2011

NFL Wild Card Weekend Picks and Predictions

The second season has begun in the NFL. Let's look back on how we did during the regular season.

SEASON RESULTS
(Week 17 results in parentheses)
  • Picks - Straight Up: 164-92 (.641) (13-3 in Week 17)
  • Picks - Against The Spread: 130-118-8 (.523) (10-6 in Week 17)
  • Knockout Pool - Alive in Round 7 after Week 17 (11-6, Teams Used: Wins - NYG, PHL, SDG, BAL, KCY, IND, NO, PIT, ATL, JAX, GBY; Losses - WSH, CHI, NO, NE, TBY, DAL)
  • Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Three-Play (Start listed first) - 30-18-3 (.618) (2-1 in Week 16: QB (W, 12-5): K. Kolb PHL 4, T. Tebow DEN 29; RB (W, 9-6-2): R. Mathews SDG 35, K. Moreno DEN 4; WR (W, 9-7-1): J. Avant PHL 2, J. Knox CHI 0)
EXTRA AUDIO
Sports With The StatMan: Football Edition - Week 17 Fantasy Update
Sports With The StatMan: Football Edition - Wild Card Weekend Picks and Predictions

WILD CARD GAME PICKS
New Orleans Saints (11-5) at Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
Saturday, 4:30pm ET - NBC
Sheridan's Line: Saints by 10

Breakdown: The Saints RB tandem of Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory are both on IR, leaving the Saints without a RB who has scored a rushing touchdown in Reggie Bush and Julius Jones. That and the Seattle home-field advantage should be enough to cover the spread, but the Saints will find a way to win with Drew Brees and that dynamite passing attack.

X-Factor: Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck
Picks: Straight Up - Saints; Against the Spread - Seahawks
Predicted Score: NO 24, SEA 17

New York Jets (11-5) at Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
Saturday, 8:00pm ET - NBC
Sheridan's Line: Colts by 3

Breakdown: The Jets have a chance for revenge after losing last year's AFC Championship Game in Indianapolis. The Colts are missing some major pieces like TE Dallas Clark, WR Austin Collie, and S Bob Sanders. TE Jacob Tamme picked up where Clark left off, but he is no Clark. The other replacements are not as good, either. The Jets have to run the ball right at the Colts on offense and try to make QB Peyton Manning think quickly while the defense is on the field. I think the Jets will pull even with the Colts offense and make the defensive plays when they have to in order to win.

X-Factor: Indianapolis TE Jacob Tamme
Picks: Straight up - Jets; Against the Spread - Jets
Predicted Score: NYJ 30, IND 27

Baltimore Ravens (12-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
Sunday, 1:00pm ET - CBS
Sheridan's Line: Ravens by 3

Breakdown: The Chiefs lost their first game at home all season last week against the Raiders. The Chiefs are also New England West with a few players and coaches having Patriots ties, which would serve them well in the playoffs. But, the Ravens have won in the Wild Card round each of the last two years with an average of 30 points scored.

X-Factor: Kansas City WR Dwayne Bowe
Picks: Straight up - Ravens; Against the Spread - Ravens
Predicted Score: BAL 19, KCY 14

Green Bay Packers (10-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
Sunday, 4:30pm - FOX
Sheridan's Line: Eagles by 2.5

Breakdown: This game is a rematch of the Week 1 game when the Packers opened the season with a victory at Philadelphia. Kevin Kolb won the quarterback job in camp and left with an injury before halftime. Michael Vick almost led a comeback, but the Eagles fell short. This time around, the Eagles have a lot more confidence, not only because of Vick, but because of the rest of the team. It will be a different game with a different outcome.


X-Factor: Philadelphia WR DeSean Jackson's ankle
Picks: Straight up - Eagles; Against the Spread - Eagles
Predicted Score: PHL 30, GBY 24

***

Join us for our next Sports With The StatMan (#94) on Wednesday night, January 12th, at 9pm ET. We recap the Jets-Colts and Eagles-Packers games and get ready for the Divisional Championship round. We will also have our NHL Midseason Report.

Show page: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-StatMan
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gstatman
Random Musings blog: http://gstatman.blogspot.com
iTunes: Search "Sports With The StatMan"
Extra audio available at: http://www.cinchcast.com/gstatman

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