NBA Playoffs

The NBA playoffs start on Saturday, and it is hard to say who is favored to win.  The Pistons have been dominant at times, and have home court throughout.  The Spurs had a great season, although Duncan was quieter than usual.  The team I see coming out of the West is the Dallas Mavericks.  The Suns could give them a run, and the Spurs will certainly be tough to dethrone, but Dirk has done what it takes this year and I think he will have a huge postseason.

In the East, the Pistons are the clear favorites.  They are experienced, have the best team chemistry, and are coming off a monster regular season.  The Heat are still a tough out, but they do not seem to be as good as last year, when they gave the Pistons a serious run without a healthy Dwayne Wade.  Maybe the offseason moves didn't work out, or maybe Shaq is just running out of gas. 

The sleeper team in the league is the New Jersey Nets.  If they were to cruise past Indiana and Miami into the conference finals against Detriot, it wouldn't surprise me.  If they were to lose in five games to the Pacers, it wouldn't surprise me.  It may come down to the play of center Nenad Krystic.

The most interesting subplot of these playoffs is the play of LeBron James.  The Cavaliers will not win the title, and will not play in the finals.  Their team just isn't good enough.  But if he could cruise by the Wizards and give the Pistons a series run, he could be on his way to solidifying his status as the games next great player.  If he can't get by Washington, it won't be long until the Tracy McGrady comparisons rear their ugly head.

I think the Pistons will be NBA Champs.  They are such a tough team, and they know how to step it up in the playoffs.  But who knows, I've been wrong before.

Early Impressions

The best team in baseball through a week and a half? The New York Metropolitans, led by David Wright, who is emerging as a true superstar.

Who the hell is Chris Shelton? In another month he’ll be hitting .260.

It’s great to see Thome having a resurgence this year. If he returns to being one of the games top sluggers, the White Sox sure will be tough this year.

I know its early, but Barry is hitting .167 with 0 HRs. Aaron must be a little bit relieved.

The Yankees need either Wang or Chacon to become a reliable starter this year. So far, it’s not looking good.

MLB Predictions II

Now, predictions for the NL:

East: Mets.  Yes, I am the asshole who every year pick against the Braves and every year looks stupid.  Why do I think this year will be different?  The Braves don't have Mazzone, a pitching guru who could make Steven Hawkins into a Cy Young contender, anymore.  The Mets, led by young star David Wright, should have a very dangerous offense.

Central: Cardinals.  Pujols is the best hitter in baseball, and the team is solid enough to hold off the Astros and Cubs, especially if Clemens does not come back.

West: Giants.  If Barry is healthy, he and 24 little leaguers can win this pathetic division.

Wild Card: Astros.  Still great pitching with Oswalt and Pettitte, even if Clemens does not come back.

MVP: Pujols.  I think Wright can be a candidate, as can Jason Bay if he can lead the Pirates into contention.  But unless Barry is healthy for the whole year, no one is going to put up the numbers Pujols will.

Cy Young: Oswalt.  Has consistantly put up big numbers since his rookie year.