The day before the draft...

Twas the day before the draft; when all across the land
Everyone seemed happy; except for booing Jets fans
The draft boards were hung in war rooms with care
Teams hoping their number one pick would still be there
The players wrestled with thoughts of their new threads
While visions of large amounts of money danced in their heads
And owners were thinking of how to make a rookie salary cap
Al Davis had just started to awaken from his long winter nap
When out of the Lions' room there arose such a clatter
It seemed they had just signed quarterback Matthew Stafford
Away to the televisions we ran with a laugh
Knowing Detroit had finally started the draft
The lights were turned up so we could see Kiper glow
While he mocked McShay about how his picks blow
When, what to our wondering eyes should appear
The NFL Countdown crew was finally here
With a giddy little host, so lively and quick
Berman was too anxious for the Rams to make the next pick
More players on the stage with jerseys they came
Roger Goodell mentioned them all by the right name
Now Smith!, now Curry!, now Crabtree and Jackson!
On Sanchez, on Raji!, on Orakpo and Maclin!
To the top of the draft! to the top of them all!
Be lucky your not one whose draft stock will fall!
Coaches kept to themselves but you could see a little sly
As the player they wanted kept getting passed by
They would grab the phone as fast as they could
Knowing that their draft was going to turn out good
And then, in a spark, we heard on the speakers
That Kiper thought two teams had just grabbed sleepers
The Vikings were almost out of time and started running around
Wondering if they would get passed again in the first round
Over in the green room there was a player still there
Knowing this must how Quinn felt the time he was here
Then a loud noise came popping in from the back
It looked like the Patriots were putting some videos in their packs
Another figure standing with his eyes twinkling, looking so merry
Coming from the new stadium and the crowd yelled JERRY!
He cracked a smile but we could see it was just a show
He couldn't have been more happier about getting rid of T.O.
While we were waiting for the next big move to be made
Drew Rosenhaus looked on waiting for his clients to be paid
Out came the last player from the green room with a big round belly
When he ran with his shirt off it looked like a blob of jelly
He was chubby and plump as if he had not trained
Even though he hired an agent before his last college game
Roger tried to finish the day but started to feel a little sick
Knowing he would soon have to deal with the problem known as Michael Vick
There were some who will be drafted that will go straight to work
They will fill their teams with joy knowing they aren't jerks
And those who pass on Curry and Crabtree will be out of their mind
They are the best players that will be drafted in two thousand and nine
Soon camps will come and head coaches finally get to blow their whistle
It will only be a matter of time before we see the first dismissal
As Mr. Irrelevant was chosen, the fans started to reflect on the past
The last words were spoken, THIS CONCLUDES THE 2009 DRAFT!

What's this? MOCK DRAFT 5.0

It has been ages since my last update...I think it is finally time to step up and do one more first round mock before my final copy comes out! Here we go...again...

1. Detroit Lions -- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

--I've stayed with this pick throughout everything. The Lions should make sure this is signed, sealed and delivered before Saturday.

2. St. Louis Rams -- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

--The Rams clearly need help on the line and Smith has become the top offensive lineman on the board. This should be an easy selection for St. Louis.

3. Kansas City Chiefs -- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

--Remember way back when I said the Chiefs would get Cassel? Well, go look...it is there somewhere. This spot now is where Curry should reside. The Chiefs have slowly improved their team over the winter and this should help them to keep improving!

4. Seattle Seahawks -- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

--Another one that I have said should have happened from the beginning. Crabtree is going to be a flat out stud in this league and if the Seahawks pass up on him, they will regret it!

5. Cleveland Browns -- Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

--The biggest need for the Browns is to find a rush end/outside linebacker. Orakpo would fit the bill perfectly and would be the start to trying to improve that defense.

6. Cincinnati Bengals -- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

--The Bengals need people to protect for Carson Palmer. They don't have the smartest scouting staff in the world and it wouldn't surprise me if they grabbed big Andre.

7. Oakland Raiders -- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

--Oakland needs playmakers badly. Jeremy Maclin would be the best option here. He has great speed and would be an instant deep threat for Al Davis and the Raiders.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars -- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

--In some shape or form, I see the Jaguars trading out of this pick. However, assuming that they do not do that, I would say Raji is the pick. After trading Marcus Stroud last year, the Jaguars run defense suffered a little bit. Raji could help get that defense back.

9. Green Bay Packers -- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

--The Packers would be absolutely ecstatic if Monroe falls to them. They have a big need on the line and Monroe is considered by some as the best tackle prospect.

10. San Francisco 49ers -- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

--If nobody jumps up to the top ten to try and trade for Sanchez, I expect the 49ers to take him. Shaun Hill is not the answer at quarterback. The question is do the 49ers want to risk another pick on a top QB that will fail to develop?

11. Buffalo Bills -- Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State

--Maybin has the explosiveness off the outside that Bills really need. The biggest question with him right now is if he will be able to keep weight ON his body.

12. Denver Broncos -- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

--The Broncos will definitely try to make a push to try and trade up to grab Sanchez. If they are unable to do so, it shouldn't hurt them much because they will be able to stockpile talent.

13. Washington Redskins -- Brian Cushing, LB, USC

--Yet another team who is interested in trying to move up for Mr. Sanchez. However, the Redskins have more glaring issues. Like trying to find a linebacker. Cushing has great size and strength and could immediately help out the defense.

14. New Orleans Saints -- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

--The Saints need to load up on defense so the offense doesn't have to score 40 points for the team to win. The rumor is that they are looking at Jenkins' teammate, Beanie Wells. They would be smarter to go with a defensive player (especially in the secondary).

15. Houston Texans -- Clay Matthews, LB, USC

--Guess who works on the Texans' coaching staff? Clay's uncle, Bruce...you know the Hall of Fame offensive lineman. Did you get that one right? Houston would make a very smart move if they were able to draft Matthews at this spot!

16. San Diego Chargers -- Rey Maualuga, LB, USC

--They still have questions at running back, but I think they can pick someone up later in the draft. Maualuga would fill a hole right away and can become an instant playmaker.

17. New York Jets -- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

--The Jets might have something up their sleeve. They haven't made a big splash in trying to go after a quarterback in the off-season. So they are either sold with what they have, will try to make a move up towards the front of the draft or stick here and draft Freeman.

18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears) -- Chris 'Beanie' Wells, RB, Ohio State

--With a new coach and GM in place, maybe it will FINALLY be time for Denver to select a running back in the first round and hopefully one that can stay healthy.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

--The Bucs want to start building from the interior out again. Jackson would be a solid choice here because of his build and strength.

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas Cowboys) -- Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

--The Lions would be wise to grab Stafford number one for another reason. There are plenty of second tier tackles that will be available in this slot and Oher could contribute as a rookie.

21. Philadelphia Eagles -- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

--Moreno would be a good compliment back to Brian Westbrook. Westbrook still manages to get dinged up time to time and having a back like Moreno could help Westbrook stay in more games.

22. Minnesota Vikings -- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

--The Vikings should think long and hard about drafting Harvin. Not only would he be a deep threat, but it would cause defensive coordinators to think more on how to stop Harvin and Adrian Peterson.

23. New England Patriots -- James Laurinitis, LB, Ohio State

--The Patriots linebackers are getting old and they traded Mike Vrabel. I think Laurinitis just seems destined to be a Patriots player.

24. Atlanta Falcons -- Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

--The Falcons need to start building the middle of the defense again. Jerry would be an absolute fit with the team and could work his way into the rotation.

25. Miami Dolphins -- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

--Davis is probably the best pure corner in the draft and would be an immediate upgrade at the position. The Dolphins could get a receiver in round two and Parcells loves to draft defense first.

26. Baltimore Ravens -- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

--This is the deep threat that the Ravens crave. Heyward-Bay has had a little trouble with the dropsies, but the potential is too great to pass up on.

27. Indianapolis Colts -- Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

--Unfortanetly for the Colts, most of the top defensive guys will be gone. Britt should be the favorite over Hakeem Nicks because of his speed and would be a weapon to the Colts.

28. Buffalo Bills (from Carolina through Philadelphia) -- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

--The Bills basically traded Jason Peters for this pick, so they better take the best available lineman. Hopefully they got a DE with their first pick and it would allow them to take Britton here.

29. New York Giants -- Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

--Unless they trade for Braylon Edwards, the Giants will be drafting a wide receiver. Nicks would be the best available left for them to take. Although, if Brandon Pettigrew was around, that would not shock me either.

30. Tennessee Titans -- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

--The Titans biggest need is probably a wide receiver, but as we know, they don't believe in taking one in the first round. Smith can give them some time as a rookie and eventually be the replacement for Nick Harper.

31. Arizona Cardinals -- LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

--I like the idea of the Cardinals taking McCoy over Donald Brown. I think McCoy can give them more than Brown can and will be a good future back.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Alex Mack, C, California

--The Steelers will focus on both sides of the line and it looks like Mack is the best center prospect. Mack can groom for one year until Justin Hartwig's contract runs up.

America's Golden Girl?

I suppose this can classify as sports since gymnastics is in the Olympics...even though softball and baseball will not be, which is a whole different story. Anyways, if you haven't seen it, here it is! The now famous video of Shawn Johnson!





There it is. 'America's Golden Girl' at a bar. Good decision considering you have to be 21 to get in the bar. The Bar in question? Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar located in West Des Moines, IA. Nice choice there as well! Is this the image that Shawn really wants? What kind of message does this send to her fans? Hey, try to get a fake ID and go to the bar when you are 17 or just act sweet and innocent and they might let you in!!! PERFECT!

Maybe there are different rules for certain people. Maybe I am being too judgmental. But if you are one to criticize college athletes for drinking or Michael Phelps for doing his bong shots, then you should be in uproar about Shawn Johnson being in a bar which she was not old enough to attend!

R.I.P. Nick Adenhart

If you haven't heard the news yet, the Los Angeles Angels' rookie pitcher, Nick Adenhart died early this morning after being struck by a car late last night. Adenhart made his season debut yesterday against Oakland, firing six shutout innings against the A's. For the news story, click here.

I've awaken...time to post! MLB Preview!

Yeah, so I took a couple weeks off...no big deal. It's time for a new season and I am ready to add another year to 100...'101 years and counting'....but, I still "BELIEVE". So, let's get to it.

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

EAST winner: Tampa Bay Rays. They don't have the big names as the Yankees or Sox, but they have the players. They have speed. They have power. They have pitching. They have defense. They have it all. I worry about the Yankees lack of defense and pitching. I don't think the Red Sox line-up is that great. The Rays are still a young team and they will prove last year was not a fluke.

CENTRAL winner: Minnesota Twins. Look, anyone in this division can win it this year. Yes, even the Royals. You heard me correctly, the Royals. I think the Twins are the most balanced team in the division. With a front three of Liriano, Baker, and Slowey, the Twins have the best pitching to go with a good offense. This team is especially dangerous at home...just take a look at the home/road splits of their starters.

WEST winner: Los Angeles of Anaheim of Orange County Angels. Or the Halo's, whichever is easier. I really like the Oakland team, but their oldest starting pitcher is 25 and they might have lost Joey Devine for the year. The Angels still have enough offense and if they get Lackey and Santana back with no problems, they should win the division easily again.

WILD CARD: New York Yankees. With that team, they better make the playoffs. I don't think anyone has more pressure this year than the Yankees. They went out and spent money on CC, Burnett, and Texiera to build a winner. They have the A-Roid cloud over their head and the new park. This team needs to win now. There isn't much left in the tank for Jeter, Rivera, Matsui, Posada, or Damon.

MVP: Mark Teixera, 1B, New York Yankees. He will play up to that contract in his first year and he needs to carry the team until A-Rod comes back.

Under the radar MVP: Justin Morneau, 1B, Minnesota Twins. Some say that his power went down last year because he only hit 21 home runs. He still had 47 doubles and was second in the MVP voting. Oh, guess what? He also had LASIK eye surgery. Watch out AL Central pitching staff!

Player who will falter: If you think Dustin Pedroia (2B, Red Sox) is going to put up the same numbers as he did last year, you are crazy. Pedroia had a career year last year and I don't think he will repeat it. Look, he can hit, but he is not going to show the same type of power as he did.

Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays. This guy deserves to win one already. It's not his fault that the Blue Jays have to play in the East. The last four years, Halladay has been 12-4, 16-5, 16-7, and 20-11 (with a 2.78 ERA). He will win one, it's just a matter of time.

Cy Yuk: AJ Burnett, New York Yankees. Just watch and see. Injuries will take place at some point during the season.

Five position players that will breakout:

1. Adam Jones, OF, Baltimore Orioles....because he has the tools
2. Kendry Morales, 1B, Los Angeles Angels....because he will be playing everyday
3. Alexei Ramirez, SS, Chicago White Sox....because he has a 40/40 in his future
4. Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Cleveland Indians....because the power is legit
5. Alex Gordon, 3B, Kansas City Royals....because it is about time

Five pitchers that will breakout:

1. Joakim Soria, RP, Kansas City Royals....because he will shut you down
2. Kevin Slowey, SP, Minnesota Twins....because he is just scratching the surface
3. David Price, SP, Tampa Bay Rays....because he is not staying in the minors all year
4. Brett Anderson, SP, Oakland A's....because he is only 21 and might be the best in the rotation
5. Rick Porcello, SP, Detroit Tigers...because he is that good

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

EAST WINNER: New York Mets. I think the Phillies have a great team, but that line-up is too much lefty oriented at the moment. Both teams have starting pitching issues, but the Mets FINALLY have established a bullpen with K-Rod and JJ Putz. It should be their division to lose. The Marlins probably have the best staff in the division and the Braves are team that you need to watch out for this year.

CENTRAL WINNER: Chicago Cubs. Nobody else in the Central has close to the team the Cubs have. They could win 100 games this year...which probably won't matter much because they will choke somehow in the playoffs...Everyone else seems to be up on the Cardinals, but I still don't see it. Yes, I am biased, but I think the Brewers have a better team. The Astros could even contend if they add a pitcher or two.

WEST WINNER: Los Angeles Dodgers. Manny being Manny. That is all you need. Okay, they also have a great team around him with Martin, Kemp, Loney, Hudson, Ethier, etc. The Giants have a great pitching staff, but might not be able to do much on offense. The Diamondbacks have a good team, but need to add a big bat and are still a little young.

WILD CARD: Philadelphia Phillies. They will be back in the playoffs because they still have a dominant top of the order and have Cole Hamels to lead the way. The rest of the rotation is worrisome, but they have the bats to help out with that.

MVP: Manny Ramirez, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers. The National League still doesn't know how to pitch to him. He obviously won't hit .400 like he did last year, but .325/35/130 are in his sights.

Under the radar MVP: Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida Marlins. If they are going to make a run this year, it is because of Ramirez. He could put up a 40/40 season and his RBI numbers will go up this year with him hitting in the three spot.

Player who will falter: Ryan Ludwick, OF, St. Louis Cardinals. Another guy who had a career year who I don't think can do it again. It could be bias, but I just want to see it again!

Cy Young: Johan Santana, New York Mets. With that bullpen in place, Johan could win 25+ games. I will go ahead and say 27-4 with a sub 2.75 ERA.

Cy Yuk: Roy Oswalt, Houston Astros. His numbers have been on the decline the past four years. That is a trend...

Five position players that will breakout:

1. Andre Ethier, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers....because he has Manny in the lineup
2. Stephen Drew, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks....because he has better tools than his brother
3. Elijah Dukes, OF, Washington Nationals....because if they get him PT, he will rake
4. Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks....because last year was an aberration
5. Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds....because he didn't get the respect last year

Five pitchers that will breakout:

1. Ricky Nolasco, SP, Florida Marlins....because he is the ace of a very underrated staff
2. Chris Volsted, SP, Florida Marlins....because he could be the ace of this staff
3. Jonathan Sanchez, SP, San Francisco Giants....because he now has the Big Unit to mentor him
4. Sean Marshall, SP, Chicago Cubs....because he will stay in the rotation for a full year
5. Yovani Gallardo, SP Milwaukee Brewers....because, when healthy, he is dominant

PLAYOFFS & WORLD SERIES:

AL Wild-Card Round: Rays over Twins, Yankees over Angels

NL Wild-Card Round: Cubs over Phillies, Mets over Dodgers

AL Divisional Series: Rays over Yankees

NL Divisional Series: Mets over Cubs

World Series: Rays over Mets (6 games)