Preliminary New York Giants Draft Analysis-2012

2012 Season Recap
The Giants were not only able to make the playoffs despite having half of there team on IR, they won the Superbowl. Eli Manning has proved to the world that he is an elite quarterback and when the Giants pass rush is playing at full strength, they are unstoppable. General Manager Jerry Reese is one of the best in the business because he always picks the best player available on his board, regardless of position need. He did the same in this draft

Draft Needs
The Giants have an awful linebacker core and the offensive line is getting old. The team could use an upgrade at  Left Guard, Right Tackle, and Center as well as a Left Tackle of the future. The running back depth is also problem and the Giants do not have an impact player at the Tight End position.

Pick by Pick Analysis


32. David Wilson- RB - Virginia Tech University
I am not going to lie, I am not big on this pick. I don't think that David Wilson will ever be anything more than a great Robin in a two back committee, not a Batman. He has great speed and impressive moves, but he lacks the frame and strength to be effective near the endzone or carry the majority of carries in a game. If he can bulk up a little bit, he could be similar to Shady McCoy.

63. Reuben Randle- WR - Louisiana State University
I love this pick. Randle is a great value at 63. He lacks polish and didn't dominate the SEC like Alshon Jeffery did, but he has great measurables and suffered from bad QB play. With Manningham gone and Hakeem Nicks injured, Randle provides great depth. I think that Randle will probably be a solid number flanker who will be a great number 2 WR.

94. Jayron Hosley- CB - Virginia Tech University
This is another great value pick. Hosley could have easily gone in the 2nd round and the Giants were able to snag him in the 3rd round. However, he did test positive for marijuana. Hosley has great coverage and ball skills, but he lacks great size at 5'10'' 178 lbs.

127. Adrien Robinson- TE - University of Cincinnati 
Robinson has great measurables but he has never lived up to his talent. He could get it together with NFL caliber coaching and more time to mature. He is worth the risk in the 4th round, but I doubt he will be anything more than a special team player for the next year or 2.

131. Brandon Mosley- T/G- Auburn University
I think that Mosley could develop into a solid guard or right tackle in a year or two. He isn't the most athletic lineman, but he has great strength. He is a good value at this pick.

201. Matt McCants- LT - University of Alabama-Birmingham
McCants is one of the most athletic tackles in this draft. He has solid feet and moves well laterally and in space, but he lacks functional strength. If he bulks up he could turn into a decent player or better.

239. Markus Kuhn- 3T - N.C. State University
What is a Giants draft without a pass rusher? It will be a miracle if he makes the roster.

Conclusion
It looks like the Giants have had another strong draft. We will see how it pans out in the next couple of years.

2012 NBA Draft Lottery Results and Impact

1. New Orleans Hornets
Tom Benson and the Hornets should be stoked. They only had a 13.7% chance of winning the lottery and they hit the jack pot. This team already has a great talent in Eric Gordon and they also have the 10th pick in this draft as well. ESPN NBA analyst Jon Barry alluded to the fact that the lottery was rigged by the NBA and the fact that New Orleans won the lottery has certainly stoked the fires of the conspiracy theory. Regardless, this a great landing spot for Anthony Davis because the Hornets, unlike the Cavaliers, Wizards, and Bobcats, already have an established NBA team leader in Eric Gordon.

2. Charlotte Bobcats
I bet that Michael Jordan is having a fit somewhere. There is no doubt that the Bobcats deserved to win the lottery considering they are far and away the worst team in the NBA and the worst team in the history of the league. You could see the look of utter disappointment in GM Rich Cho's eyes when Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver announced that the Bobcats had the 2nd pick in the draft. However, it's not all bad news. I think that Florida's Bradley Beal and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are both going to be solid players. Now will Jordan and company pick the right player or will they take the next Adam Morrison/Kwame Brown?

3. Washington Wizards
Washington doesn't get the 1st or the 2nd pick in the lottery this year, but I am sure that they will be fine. Despite and awful record, this team is headed in the right direction. They have John Wall and Wizards front office has been able to do a good job of getting themselves under the cap and getting rid of cancerous players like Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young the last couple of years. The Wizards will probably take Kidd-Gilchrist or Bradley Beal. It probably all depends on who the Bobcats take. The bigger question is how many times will the Wizards change their jerseys?

The rest of the lottery picks in order are...
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Sacramento (for now) Kings
6. Portland Trail Blazers
7. Golden State Warriors
8. Toronto Raptors
9. Detroit Pistons
10. New Orleans Hornets
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Milwaukee Bucks
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Houston Rockets

Let me know what you guys think. I will have a preliminary mock draft in the next couple of days as well as more NFL draft analysis.

Baseball Power Rankings

Baseball is such a long season that it is hard to make any judgement on any team until they have played at least two months. So far, it has been quite an intriguing season. The Red Sox have been bad, Josh Hamilton had an amazing home run streak, Pujols was 2011 Adam Dunn bad until about two weeks ago, and the Orioles are winning the AL East. I don't think anyone saw those things happening, granted there is still a lot of baseball to play. So here are my baseball power rankings. Let me know what you think.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers 
Matt Kemp and crew have been unstoppable this season. Clayton Kershaw is pitching like he's this year's NL Cy Young and Andre Ethier is batting .324. It's amazing what a change of ownership has done to this team. The Dodgers have had the best young talent in the game the past several years, but they haven't been able to put it all together for a full season. This may be the year that everything goes there way.

2. Texas Rangers 
I think it goes without saying that Josh Hamilton is the best hitter in the league. He could carry this team on his back if he had to. Nelson Cruz (OF), Ian Kinsler (2B), Adrian Beltre (3B), Michael Young (DH), Elvis Andrus (SS), Mike Napoli (C), Mitch Moreland (1B), and David Murphy are the best collection of everyday players in the game. I am worried about the teams starting pitching depth with Nefalti Feliz on the DL, but the impending signing of Roy Oswalt should help.

3. Chicago White Sox
Right now my White Sox are the hottest team in baseball. Paul Konerko (1B) is giving Hamilton some competition for the AL MVP right now and Dayan Viciedo (OF) and has been playing out of his mind. Jake Peavy (SP) has been healthy for the first time in years and he looks like he could be the AL Cy Young and Chris Sale (SP) has lived up to expectations. Adam Dunn (DH) looks like he has rebounded from the worst season of baseball EVER and Alex Rios (OF) has been looking good as well. If Gordon Beckham (2B) and Alejandro De Aza (OF) and maintain their current level of play, this team could win the AL Central.

4. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are probably the best coached team in baseball. Manager Joe Madden and his staff do an incredible job of coaching up their young talent. The team has played well despite losing Evan Longoria (3B) to injury. The Rays have one of the best rotations in baseball, a great bullpen, and an impressive defense but this team lacks the potent bats that the elite teams in baseball have. The Rays 29-21 record is even more impressive because they play in the hardest division in baseball.

5. Washington Nationals
Who would have thought that the Nationals would be winning the NL East and have a better record than the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies? I'm pretty sure that the Washington Nationals front office didn't think that this team would playing this well, not that Mike Rizzo and company would admit it. Steven Strausburg (SP) has been incredible and is pitching like he never had Tommy John surgery. Bryce Haprer (OF) has been playing like he is the best prospect in the last decade and the National's rotation has been lights out. The only thing that worries me about this team is that they lack the offensive firepower.



6. Baltimore Orioles 
This is another team that has been a surprise this season. Buck Showalter is showing why he is one of the best managers in the history of the game. Adam Jones (OF) has been phenomenal this year, both at the plate and in centerfield. Chris Davis (1B), Mark Reynolds (3B), and Matt Wieters (C) have also helped Fighting Buck Showalters carry the load offensively. Wei-Yin Chen (SP) and Jason Hammel (SP) have been great this year as well. However, this team has started to falter in the last week or so and I have a feeling that they probably won't be in the top 10 in next month's power rankings.

7. Cincinnati Reds 
The Reds have been able to to take advantage of a of weak NL Central division going 28-21. Joey Votto (1B) and Brandon Phillips (2B), the faces of the franchise, have played up to par this year. Ryan Hanigan has been hitting so well this season that he could win the NL Silver Slugger award for the catcher position. Johnny Cueto (SP) has played very well this season, though I bet Reds fans wished that the team didn't trade Josh Hamilton for him. The Reds could lock up the division by late July if Cardinals falter without Lance Berkman (1B).


8. New York Yankees 
Despite a shaky starting rotation and Mark Texiera's abysmal performance this season, the Yankees have a strong record at 29-21. This team has so much talent that it would take an epic collapse if this team doesn't end up making the playoffs. I bet that Brian Cashman will go out an get a starting pitcher to help stabilize the rotation, unless someone steps up. In the mean time Derrick Jeter (SS), Brent Gardner (OF), and Robinson Cano (2B) will have to carry the team with their bats.

9. Cleveland Indians
Who would have thought that the White Sox and Indians would be battling for control of the AL Central in June, let alone have winning records. The Indians have the best bullpen in baseball and players like Jason Kipnis (2B) and Asdrubal Cabrera (SS) have played exceptionally well. Derek Lowe (SP) has found the fountain of youth this year and his presence has helped stabilize the Indian's starting rotation. This team could be for real.


10. Miami Marlins
The new look Miami Marlins have been playing very well this year and their big off-season has definitely played a role in their resurgence. Heath Bell (CL) and Mark Buerhle (SP) have both lived up to their expectations while Jose Reyes (SS) has underachieved thus far. Manager Ozzie Guillen has this team playing very had and they could give the Nationals some problems as the season progresses.

11. Toronto Blue Jays
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has done an incredible job of turning around a Blue Jays franchise that has not been able to compete in the AL East since David Cone was pitching for Toronto in 1995. Brett Lawrie (2B), Edwin Encarnacion (DH), and Jose Bautista (OF) have played well this season and the rotation has been solid. There is a chance that this team could make the playoffs this season but I think that they are still a year or 2 away from threatening the Yankees and Rays.

12. St. Louis Cardinals 
It has been a rough go for Cardinals fans after they won the World Series. Pujols bolted in free agency, Manager Tony La Russa retired, and Lance Berkman (1B) tore his ACL. I think that this team could have overcome Pujols and La Russa and still make the playoffs, but without Berkman I just don't see it happening. Adam Wainwright (SP) is back from Tommy John surgery and the team's starting rotation is about as good as it gets. If the Redbirds can get another bat at the trade deadline they could make another serious run at the playoffs.

13. New York Mets
This is another team that has defied expectations so far. David Wright (3B) has been having a phenomenal season and he is one of the best players in baseball. I don't understand why ESPN doesn't give him more love. Players like Rueben Tejada (SS), Daniel Murphy (2B), Kirk Nieuwenhuis (OF), and Mik Baxter (OF) have come out of nowhere and played quality baseball so far this season. How long can this team hold up this level of play? Who knows.

14. San Francisco Giants
I FEEL LIKE I WANT TO RAGE...RIGHT NOW. God, I have really missed Brian Wilson (CL) this year. Not only is he one of the best closers in the game, he is also the most entertaining player in baseball. His absence, along with Tim Lincecum's (SP) struggles, and an anemic offense have hurt this team. However, the rest of the team's starting rotation is so strong that they can still be competitive. If Lincecum can turn his season around the Dodgers may have some competition in the NL West.

15. Atlanta Braves
The Braves are one of the best organizations in baseball. No matter what, it seems like they always have a competitive team. The Braves barely missed the playoffs last year and this year they are in a position to win their division or the wild card. Jason Heyward (OF) has been disappointing but Martin Prado (OF), Michael Bourn (OF), Dan Uggla (2B), and Freddie Freeman (1B) have all played well this year. Mike Minor (SP) and Randall Delgado (SP) have not been playing well and make the back of the rotation very weak.

16. Philadelphia Phillies 
Wow. I knew that the Phillies would probably struggle without Ryan Howard (1B) but I didn't see them a game over .500. Then again half of their roster is on the DL. So that doesn't help their cause. If the Phillies can get healthy they can get back into the playoff hunt, but it doesn't seem likely considering the fact that the team has always been very injury prone.

17. Los Angeles Angels
After a terrible start, Albert Pujols (1B) finally seems to be coming around. All the Angels had to do was fire their hitting coach and take personel decisions away form Manager Mike Scioscia. I could see this as the beginning of the end of Scioscia's tenure as the Angels manager. Despite all of the disappointment the Angles are a game over .500. They could still get it together and make a real run at the AL Wild Card, but I doubt it.


18. Boston Red Sox
I think Red Sox nation might be missing Terry Francona. The Bobby Valentine tenure has gotten off to a horrible start. The Red Sox got off to a terrible start this season and they don't really seem to be turning it around this year. The Red Sox are a game over .500 and are currently last in the division. I don't think that Carl Crawford (OF), John Lackey (SP), and rest of these underachievers will get back into the playoff hunt unless the Rays, Yankees, or Orioles falter.

19. Pittsburgh Pirates 
The Pirates may actually be a decent team this season. Andrew McCutchen is quietly becoming one of the best outfielders in the game and James McDonald (SP) has been having a great year. Erik Bedard has been able to stay off the DL so far and has a 3.12 ERA. The rest of the team needs a lot of work though.

20. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers have been awful. I knew that they would have some problems because their starting rotation is very weak, but I didn't think that there offense would be this bad. Migel Cabrera (3B) has not been hitting as well as he did last year and Alex Avila (C) has been terrible. If this team does not upgrade their starting rotation they could fall out of the playoff hunt by August.

The Rest

21. Houston Astros
22. Oakland Athletics
23. Arizona Diamondbacks
24. Milwaukee Brewers
25. Seattle Mariners
26. Colorado Rockies
27. Minnesota Twins
28. Kansas City Royals
29. San Diego Padres
30. Chicago Cubs

5 Things We Learned So Far In The 2012 NBA Playoffs

1. The Spurs Are A Great Team

This might be the most dominating team I have ever seen. They don't lose, ever. This is by far the deepest team in the league. Boris Diaw has had a resurgence, Kawhi Leonard has been one of the best rookies this year, Tim Duncan can still play at a high level, and Tony Parker is one of the best point guards in the league. I knew this team was good, but not this good. 

2. The Pacers Are A Team On The Rise

I know that they lost to a Heat team without Chris Bosh, but they gave them a hell of a series. Danny Granger played really well despite having a sprained ankle and Roy Hibbert is becoming one of the best bigmen in the Eastern Conference. Larry Bird called out his team soft and they did wilt in the final 2 games of the series, but they are really young and should only get better.

3. The New Look Knicks Are Losers
I hate to say this, but the Knicks are over. Amare Stoudemire is done; he can't play at a high level anymore. Carmelo Anthony and Stoudemire don't play well together at all, it like watching oil mix with water. Jeremy "The Asian Sensation" Lin doesn't have what it takes to be Robin to Anthony's Batman and this team is also filled with too many headcases like J.R. Smith, Baron Davis, and Tyson Chanlder get over the hump. It is going to take 12 years for the Knicks to rebuild themselves. Hopefully Isiah Thomas will be dead so James Dolan can't hire him AGAIN.

4. The Sixers Are For Real
Beating a Bulls team without Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah is not a big deal, but taking the Celtics to a Game 7 is. This team still has some flaws. They lack a dominate bigman, but Elton Brand and his gigantic contract will come off the books next year so they could try to buy another bigman. Jrue Holliday, Evan Turner, and Lou Williams make a nice backcourt core and Andre Igoudala is a stud. However, if they can't bring in a star or buy one in free agency, this team will become the another version of this years Atlanta Hawks: a good but not great team that will never get over the hump.

5. Chris Bosh Is A Bad Fit For The Heat
So much for the Big 3, it's more like the Dynamic Duo and that other guy. Bosh's finesse style does not fit well with the slashing and attacking style of Lebron James and Dwayne Wade. The Heat need a classic back-to-the-basket bigman who can rebound and get points in the paint. Bosh gets his points running off of screens and using his mid range jumper. Don't get me wrong, Bosh is a really good player, but he is a terrible fit. The Heat were able to beat a good Pacers team without him and they will probably be able to handle the Celtics without him if they have to. If the Heat don't win a championship this year, I could see them trading Bosh for an old school big man like Zach Randolph.

Detroit Lions Draft Analysis-2012

2012 Season Recap
The Lions did the impossible this year, they made the playoffs, ending a 10+ year drought. Martin Mayhew (General Manager), Jim Schwartz (Head Coach) and Tom Lewand (President) have done an incredible job of cleaning up the disaster that Matt Millen created during his tenure as the Lions GM. Unfortunately, the Lions were handled by the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs. The Lions still have some work to do before they can contend for a Super Bowl, but they are on the right path.

Draft Needs
The Lions offensive line is very weak and their defense has some holes at the outside linebacker, cornerback, and safety positions.

Pick by Pick Analysis


23. Riley Rieff- LT/RT- University of Iowa
Rieff was easily the 2nd best tackle in this year's draft and he was a steal at 23rd overall. He may not be an all-pro LT, but he will likely be a solid player for the Lions for years to come. I think he will be a smaller version of former Eagles great Jon Runyan. If he can overtake Jeff Backus at LT in training camp, that would be huge because Backus is one of the worst pass blocking tackle in the league. Just ask Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, and Jared Allen.

54. Ryan Broyles-Slot WR- University of Oklahoma
I think this is one of the worst picks in the draft. Broyles is a very talented player, but he tore his ACL in college and he will likely start the season on the PUP list. There is a good chance that he won't help the the Lions at all this year. Besides that, the Lions are stacked at the WR position with Calvin Johnson, Titus Young, and Nate Burleson. The Lions could have taken Peter Konz, Lavonte David, Mike Adams, or Casey Hayward instead.

85. Dwight Bentley-CB- U of L-Lafayette
This is a great value pick. Bentley is a solid small school prospect that could earn a role as a nickel corner during his rookie season. Another great cornerback was drafted out of Louisiana-Lafayette a few years back, his name is Charles "Peanut" Tillman.

125. Ronnell Lewis-OLB- University of Oklahoma
Lewis is a huge steal. He is a solid athlete that plays well in traffic. Both of those aspects are very important for linebackers to have in a Wide-9 defensive scheme. I would not be surprised if Lewis earns a starting position by the end of the season.

138. Tahir Whitehead-DE- Temple University
I'm not a huge fan of this pick. I know that Whitehead has the speed off the edge that is necessary to be an effective Wide-9 defensive end, but he lacks the functional strength to hold up against the run. He could be a nice pass rush specialist.

148. Chris Greenwood-CB- Albion College
Greenwood is a solid small school cornerback. I don't think he will be more than a special teams player but he might develop into a solid pro. He has value at this spot.

196. Jonte Green- CB- New Mexico State University 
Same as above.

223. Travis Lewis- OLB- University of Oklahoma
The Lions get a steal here. I think that Lewis' floor is a solid reserve linebacker. Getting a player with this much upside this late in the draft is impressive.

Conclusion
I think that the Broyles pick was retarded. There were so many players that could have drafted that would have helped the Lions this year. Besides that, the Lions did an amazing job. Mayhew and the rest of the Lions front office have done a great job of building through the draft. At this rate, I could see this team winning a Superbowl in 4 or 5 years.