Red Sox @ Rangers Preview

The Red Sox make their way back to Texas for the first time since April. They are hoping it goes a lot better this time. The Rangers outscored the Red Sox 26-11 and hit 11 homers during a three-game sweep in Arlington to open this season. Tonight we see if the Red Sox can have better luck with Bedard going against CJ Wilson.



It's really a terrible time for the Red Sox to have to go down to Texas. Youk, Ellsbury, and Ortiz all might not be playing and let's be honest the Sox need all the offense they can get. To make matters worse Wilson has dominated the Red Sox going 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in four career starts against Boston.



Bedard has been good for the Red Sox and is yet to give up more then 3 runs in any start. That could change tonight, as Bedard is winless in his last seven starts against Texas.



I don't like this matchup and I think it could be a long night for the Red Sox.



Texas wins 6-3

Player of the Game: Kinsler

Game starts at 8:05pm

Why Not?

I guess monday's could be worse.

2011 NFL Preview: Indianapolis Colts

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



When Peyton Manning gets back on the field is a big concern for the Colts. There are rumors he could miss the first few games on the season. He has never missed a game, and to be honest I would be shocked if he is out week 1. Still, this team really needs to find a way to stay healthy. Tight end Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai, wide receivers Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez all missed a lot of time last year. Peyton is one of the best ever, but he can't do it by himself, so these guys needs to be on the field. Obviously Waynes is one of the best in the game, and with Peyton at the helm this team will always score points.



Defense:



The offense isn't the only ones who had injury problems. The defense had a ton also. Dwight Freeney and Gary Brackett are still in their primes and are the most important part of this defense. They don't have a lot of really good skill plays in the defensive backfield, so getting pressure on the QB is of the utmost importance. This defense will do what it usually does, have trouble stopping the run, and bank of that fact that they can cause a couple turnovers every game.



Overall:



The Manning injury scares me, but if he is able to play this could be a good team. Remember the last time this team was all healthy they started the season 14-0. Before last season the Colts had one 12 games for 7 straight seasons. Plus, with a lockout I think teams that have more guys returning have a better chance.



2011 Record: 12-4

Zach Randolph Back To His Jail Blazers Ways

"At 12:30 a.m. this morning, detectives with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office’s homicide and violent crimes unit served the warrant at Randolph’s home, at 1425 SW Turner Road. Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. James Rhodes said Randolph was home at the time police served the warrant.



Rhodes said the search warrant came as part of a drug-related assault that occurred at the home early Saturday morning.



A man who was at the home told police he was assaulted with a pool cue by multiple people; Randolph was at home at the time of the incident, Rhodes said, but was not a suspect in the assault.

KGW.com reports that the man who was assaulted identified himself as a drug dealer.



James Beasley, 26, told KGW News that he went to the West Linn home of former Portland Trail Blazer Zach Randolph to sell marijuana and when there was a disagreement over price, he was beat by men with a pool stick (CBS Sports)."



It's only been 4 months since the Grizzlies have Randolph that 4 year $70 million dollar extension, and they might be regretting that a bit right now. He wasn't involved in the beating, but he was there. Plus, it's obvious that he is involved in smoking weed, which is usually not a very good sign. Randolph was so good in the playoffs that we all wanted to believe that he had changed his way, but at the very least he is still hanging out with people he shouldn't be, and if I was a Grizzlies fan I would be very nervous about where this could go.

Buchholz Injury Update

"Clay Buchholz told WEEI.com prior to the Red Sox' 6-1 win over the Royals Sunday that he may be on the verge of throwing for the first time since performing a July 25 bullpen session.



Buchholz explained that he is schedule to be re-evaluated when the Red Sox return home, Friday, and if everything goes as planned he will be cleared to do some light tossing."



Even when he is cleared it is said he will take a month to be ready to pitch in the majors. That would be right around playoff time. Francona has said before that the best case scenario is that he might be able to pitch out of the pen. I don't know if I would even want him doing that, so my expectations is that we have seen the last of Clay this year.

Red Sox @ Royals Preview

The Red Sox offense has struggled of late, and scoring runs becomes even more difficult with Kevin Youkilis joining David Ortiz on the DL. Yet, playing the last place Royals have a way of helping ease those pains. Still, last night's game was no picnic and I feel tonight's won't be either.



Two lefties faceoff as Andrew Miller goes against Jeff Francis. This is most likely Miller's last start of the season, so one hopes he can make the most of it. Overall on the season he is 4-1, but his 5.40 ERA is what cost him his spot in the rotation. Miller had a rough time of it against the Royals earlier this year giving seven runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings, although the Sox ended up winning that game.



Jeff Francis is 0-3 with a 4.80 ERA in his last five starts at home, and 0-2 with an 8.04 ERA over his last three starts overall. If there was a time for the Sox to break out of their offensive slump this would seem to be the guy to do it against.



On paper this should be a high scoring game, but with the Red Sox hurting, and the Royals being a terrible I think this will be another low scoring (kind of), hard fought, close game.



Red Sox win 5-4

Player of the Game: Pedroia

Game starts at 8:10pm

Why Not?

Why not watch a Georgetown vs. China brawl?

Osi Umenyiora To Have Surgery

News just keeps getting better and better for the Giants...



Giants has announced that Umenyiora is undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday, and the recovery is expected to take three to four weeks.



Ohhhhh so that's why no one wanted to give up a first round pick. Sounds like he will most likely miss at least week 1 of the regular season. I guess in the grand scheme of things it isn't that big of a deal, but this team just can't seem to catch a break. Steve Smith is gone, they made basically no major pickups, Eli Manning is off his rocker doing angel dust and calling himself Tom Brady, and now your best pass rusher is not only pissed off at the entire franchise, but hurt as well.



Yuck.

2011 NFL Preview: Tennessee Titans

2010 Record: 6-10



Offense:



If Chris Johnson would just end his holdout I would actually be a fan of this offense. They are still a "ground and pound team" (No homo), but the addition of Matt Hasselbeck gives them a stable QB that knows how to win football games. Plus, Hasselbeck is a great mentor for Jake Locker (my favorite QB out of the draft). Kenny Britt has been unstoppable at times, but several run-ins with the law make you wonder how much football he will actually be playing this year. Nate Washington, Justin Gage are decent but nothing special. Then again, this will be the first time they will have a QB that can throw down field with accuracy, so maybe they will be better then people think.



Defense:



Jason Jones is a beast, and the comeback of Derrick Morgan from an ACL injury will be key to this defensive unit. They picked up Barrett Ruud, who should eat up some tackles, and drafted Akeem Ayers who I am very high on. They have some good vets in the defensive backfield with Michael Griffin and Chris Hope and corner Cortland Finnegan, plus second-year Alterraun Verner. All and all they are an up and coming defense, but nothing that is going to be overly special. Unless these young guys turn really good really quick.



Overall:



This holdout with Johnson worries me. Even if he comes back, I feel like he will pull a hamstring or something. That seems to happen every time a guy holds out. I like where this team is going, but it won't be to the playoffs this year.



2011 Record: 7-9

Breaking News: Youkilis Lands On DL

The Red Sox have placed Kevin Youkilis on the 15-day disabled list with a sore back and have called Ryan Lavarnway up from Triple-A Pawtucket. This is bad news for the Red Sox with Ortiz already out. The Red Sox have been hurting to score runs, and with Ortiz and Youk out that is not going to get any better. Boston really needs Gonzelaz to find his power stroke once again.



Lavarnway is hitting .307 with a .390 OBP along with 15 homers since his June promotion to the PawSox. Between Double-A and Triple-A this year, he has already hit 29 homers this year. Although he is riding a slump at the moment 4-for-37 (.108) with 11 strikeouts in August.

Red Sox @ Royals Preview

The Red Sox have been slipping lately, and it has cost them their AL East division lead. They hope they can get it back while facing the lowly Royals. Tonight we see Beckett vs. Luke Hochevar.



Beckett is looking to bounce back from a tough outing against the Mariners. It wasn't really that bad of a start just a bad first inning. He allowed five runs on eight hits over five innings of work in the 5-4 loss, but all 5 runs were scored in the first inning. Shit happens, and I except him to bounce back in a big way tonight, as he has dominated the Royals in his career going 6-1 with a 2.44 ERA.



Luke Hochevar outpitched Beckett last month, allowing 2 runs in 7 innings of work. However, he has yielded 11 runs, 15 hits and 6 walks over 10 2/3 innings while going 0-2 vs Boston at home. Hochevar overall has been pitching well of late going at least 6 inning in each of his last 4 starts and only allowing more then 2 runs once during that span. With the Red Sox offense that has not been producing that could be trouble.



Part of me thinks the Red Sox are due, and that they could come out and crush the Royals tonight, but with Big Papi still out the Red Sox could continue their piss poor hitting ways. It seems like when the Sox are missing any of their top 5 hitters (Ellsbury, Pedroia, Gonzlez, Youk, Ortiz) they have a hard time scoring runs. Looking through the bottom of the lineup it is it easy to see why. I say the Sox win tonight, but it will be another tough game.



Red Sox win 4-2

Player of the Game: Beckett

Game starts at 8:10pm

What To Watch For During Tonight's Patriots Game

Tonight is the Patriots 2nd preseason game. We didn't see any of the starters in game 1, but that should change tonight. Here are some things to watch for.



- How is Ochocinco picking up the offense. There have been rumors that he could be cut, although I very much doubt that there have been a lot of reports saying he is having a hard time picking up the offense. Tonight, I want to see how many times Brady looks to him, and if he is making the correct cuts. We will now by either Brady yelling at him, or a couple passes being thrown away.



- Matt Light won't be playing tonight, so it will be interesting to see how Solder does protecting Brady. This is really a big deal, because obviously the Patriots can't afford Brady getting hurt. Plus, it's the Patriots first round draft pick and it'd be nice if he looked good. Hard to focus on an offensive lineman, but you'll know if Brady is being pressured a lot.



- Timing... Not just for Ochocinco, but for the whole first unit. I have heard they look rusty, so I am interested to see how the timing routes look with Welker can Branch. A lot of what they do is those little quick passes, and those are all about timing. It'll be obvious if it isn't there.



- I dont think Haynesworth is playing tonight, so looking for the whole 3-4 vs 4-3 thing is useless. Still, I would like to see the development of Cunningham, who I thought looked very good in the first preseason game. Things should be even easier tonight if Wilfork is playing.



- Brandon Meriweather could be in some trouble. We keep hearing rumors of bringing safeties in for a look. Maybe he is on his way out, or maybe this is just a little kick in the ass. Either way, he needs to punish people tonight, and not get beat deep.



- Ryan Mallett - Looked awesome in his first game, but I would love to see him go against something other then the 3rd string defense. Still, I like watching this kid play he has a cannon.



Game starts at 7:30pm

Why Not?

After listening to The Game rip Lebron and his mom, how he is responisble for the fall of college sports, why not watch this Asian dunk on LeBron?

2011 NFL Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

2010 Record: 8-8



Offense:



The lockout hurt the Jaguars, as Baline Gabbert wasn't able to get a lot of experience with their offense. That's actually ok I think in the long run, because I think it's better when these guys don't just get thrown in the fire. With Gabbert not starting that means Garrard will once again be the starter. Then again, Garrard has been fighting back problems, so I guess you never know. Whoever is behind center they are going to have a tough time. Jason Hill, and Mike Thomas are their best WRs, and that just isn't good for anyone. Sure Maurice Jones-Drew is pretty awesome, but I am starting to wonder when all these carries are going to start catching up with him.



Defense:



This was the 30th ranked defense in the NFL last year. They banked on Aaron Kampman being able to bounce back from a torn ACL last year. He had 4 sacks and then tore his ACL again, so they will once again be hoping he can bouce back. They did sign Matt Roth, who could be a nice player coming off the edge of the defense. Clint Session, and Paul Posluszny should give a linebacking core that let up the 3 most yards per carry in the NFL last year. Dawan Landry moves into the safety spot and he is an upgrade over anything they had.



Overall:



I have no idea how this team was 8-8 last year, but I'll give them credit they have improved, especially on defense. Problem is Jack Del Rio sucks, and this team overachieved last year.



2011 Record: 5-11

Pryor Allowed In NFL Then Suspended

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Pryor has been deemed eligible for the NFL's supplemental draft, which has been re-scheduled for Monday. Schefter also passes along word that the NFL is pre-suspending him for the first five games of the regular season (on whichever team he lands); he will neither practice nor play during that time.



This story has go so much air time it makes me sick. Pryor isn't going to do a damn thing in the NFL. Saying that, I find it kind of odd they suspended him. How many players in the NFL have basically done what Pryor did. I guess they didn't leave early because of it, but I don't see much of a difference.



Anyways, Pryor is a moron and will be out of the NFL within 3 years.

College Sports Falling Apart... Who Do We Blame? Lebron, Of Course

Welcome to another ripping on Lebron day. I know they are my favorite too. We have been hearing nonstop about this whole Miami fiasco. To be honest I couldn't care less, did anyone really think this wasn't going on at the U? Seriously, but anyways there is always someone to blame, and I blame Lebron James.



"Back in July, LeBron James' Nike brand announced a pretty sweet deal. He'd be expanding on his relationship with Ohio State to include Kentucky and Miami (CBS Sports.



James has been sponsoring the Buckeyes since 2007. He makes "The Decision," and in the following year the program goes through its worst NCAA violations scandal and their legendary head coach resigns.



James moves to the Heat and the following year the University of Miami suffers arguably the worst reveal of recruiting violations in the history of college sports (CBS Sports)."



The curse of Lebron everyone. Ohio State has already gone down in flames, Miami is on it's way, and let's all be honest with ourselves it's just a matter of time before Kentucky gets strung up by it's boots, it's kind of Calipari's M.O. at this point.



So, when you're sitting back thinking about all the terrible things happening to college sports just remember it's all Lebron's fault. I am just trying to tie him into the failing economy and everything will make sense.

Why Not?

Why not get exactly what you deserve?

Horse Kicks Man - watch more funny videos

2011 NFL Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



Freeman burst onto the scene last season, and I am becoming a believer. He is big, tough to take down, and seems to be a flair for the dramatic. He kind of plays like Roethlisberger, and by that I mean he is able to extend the play by shedding tacklers, and finding an open receiver. The question for me is what is around him. Blount was solid last year, but very inconsistent. Mike Willaims is going to be really good, but is only in his 2nd year. Kellen Winslow is probably his best option and he led the team with 66 catches last year. This unit should be better then last year, as they all get more comfortable with each other and mature. They didn't really add anything, so it's all going to be banking on the fact of these guys improving.



Defense:



Tampa for the most part still plays a Cover 2, the key to this is getting pressure from their d-line. That is why Tampa used two draft picks in 2010 (Gerald McCoy and Brian Price) and two this year on DEs (Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers). It will be interesting to see how Bowers does and if he can play. At one point people thought he would be the #1 pick, so the Bucs might have got a steal. Losing Barrett Ruud is going to hurt, and I am really surprised the Bucs didn't sign more free agents to help this defense out, especially with a guy like 36-year-old corner Ronde Barber not getting any younger. What will also hurt the probable loss of Aqib Talib, who could be facing a major suspension after his felony assault charges from an off-season shooting.



Overall:



I like this team, but I think they overachieved a bit last year. They were 2-5 against playoff teams (and one of the wins were the Seahawks), and this year their schedule looks to be much tougher.



2011 Record: 8-8

Rays @ Red Sox Preview

The Red Sox are looking to avoid losing their 4 time in 5 games. Boston leads the majors with 649 runs, but has scored only 12 in its last four games. The good news is Lackey is on the mound, and when Lackey is on the mound the Red Sox score runs (average of 9.97 runs in his last 7 starts).



Going against Lackey is David Price. Price is 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in three starts versus the Red Sox this season, and is coming off a strong start in which he let up 1 run in 8 innings against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium.



Lackey has also been pitching well going 6-0 with a 3.92 ERA in his last seven starts, but opponents are still hitting .325 off him since the All-Star break. I wish I could say I am a Lackey believer, but I am still not.



I think the Red Sox lose today. Lackey blows, and it's just a matter of time before he gets lit up. Plus the Sox are going to be playing without Ortiz who is out indefinitely because of bursitis in his right heel.



Rays win 8-4

Player of the Game: Longoria

Game starts at 1:35pm

Breaking News: Eli Manning Tries Angel Dust

We don't have any pictures yet of him doing this hardcore drug, but after reading this quote it's just a matter of time...



Eli Manning talking about who is in Tom Brady's class... ""I consider myself in that class," Manning said on New York’s ESPN 1050. "And Tom Brady is a great quarterback, he's a great player and what you've seen with him is he's gotten better every year. He started off winning championships and I think he's a better quarterback now than what he was, in all honesty, when he was winning those championships."



Wait... Did ShEli Manning just say he is in the same class as Tom Brady? Wow, this angel dust stuff must be damn strong.



There are only 2 other people right now that are in Tom Brady's "class"... Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning. Ben because of his winning ways (not just in pinning women to the floor), and Peyton because he is up there for a lot of records and has a ring.



ShEli you got lucky and won a ring. Good for you, but you really need to humble yourself. You won because your WR pulled a catch out of his ass, and what have you done since? I'll tell you what you have done... nothing. You threw 25 picks last year!!!! If you combined all Brady's seasons from 2007 through 2010 he threw 25 picks. God, if it wasn't for Barstool Sports throwing up Brady's kid's dong pics you would be on the top of his shit list.