AFC East

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1. New England Patriots (12-4)
Just when you think they’ll take two steps back, they take one step forward
2. New York Jets (10-6)
For them the 3rd time is the charm to win the AFC
3. Miami Dolphins (7-9)
A 3rd consecutive sub .500 season is at hand
4. Buffalo Bills (5-11)

If they can continue to be competitive they might surprise some opponents

Key Acquisitions

Patriots: WR Chad Ochocinco, DT Albert Haynesworth, DE Shaun Ellis, DT Marcus Stroud

Jets: WR Plaxico Burress, WR Derrick Mason

Dolphins: LB Kevin Burnett, OT Marc Colombo, RB Reggie Bush

Bills: LB Nick Barnett, WR Brad Smith, QB Tyler Thigpen

Key Rookies

Patriots: OT Nate Solder

Jets: DE Muhammad Wilkerson

Dolphins: RB Daniel Thomas

Bills: DT Marcell Dareus

Team Previews

New England

The staple of a Bill Belichick coached team is a good all around defense.  The defense led the NFL in interceptions and turnover differential, but was near the bottom against the pass.  The main reason was because of their lack of a pass rush.  They ranked in the middle of the pack last season, but they still finished the season with a 14-2 record.

Of course when you have Tom Brady as your quarterback you will have success.  The Patriots were the best scoring team in the NFL and Brady was named MVP for the second time.  He had many reliable targets last year, but there wasn’t a clear cut gamebreaker last season.  Enter Chad Ochocinco.  His arrival will help open up the middle of the field for Wes Welker and Deion Branch.  Tight end is a loaded position for New England with the emergence of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski.  Should Chad be the Chad of ’03-’07 the Patriots will be the team to beat in this division.

Defensively they should be greatly improved with the additions of Haynesworth, Ellis and Stroud to go along with Vince Wilfork on the defensive line.  New England attacks opposing offenses with many different fronts.  It will be interesting to see how all the pieces will fit, but Belichick is a master at putting players in the right spot to succeed.  With an improved pass rush that should help linebacker Jerod Mayo continue to be a force in the middle. Cornerback Devin McCourty and Safety Patrick Chung should still be a dominant duo with less time chasing opposing receivers.

New York

It wasn’t as successful an offseason as the Jets would have liked, but they did keep some important pieces to remain Super Bowl contenders.  Rex Ryan is still talking and why wouldn’t he?  New York had a top three rushing attack and one of the best defenses in the league last year.  Both are relatively intact for the 2011 season.

QB Mark Sanchez survived his sophomore season with the Jets. It was a repeat of his rookie season as the Jets were one win away from playing in the Super Bowl.  With that much early success it’s easy to think that Sanchez will have a breakthrough year.  And why not?  WR Santonio Holmes was re-signed and will be playing an entire year with Sanchez.  Braylon Edwards is gone, but replacing him are a capable veteran Derrick Mason and 6’5 Plaxico Burress.  Plus Sanchez’s favorite target TE Dustin Keller is an elite pass catcher.  The rushing attack should be among the best again with Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson going through one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

They struck out trying to get the big free agent prize, CB Nnamdi Asomugha.  But they were able to bring back CB Antonio Cromartie.  It doesn’t sound as good as the combo of Nnamdi and Darrelle Revis, but it’s still pretty good.  Both are good cover corners and are ballhawks as well.  With a youth movement taking place on the defensive line that should help keep the veterans fresh through the long regular season.  And linebackers David Harris and Bart Scott should be free to wreak havoc all over the field.

Miami

He was almost shown the door when owner Stephen Ross was courting then Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh to be the Dolphins head coach.  Harbaugh turned Ross down.  Afterwards Ross almost immediately extended Tony Sparano’s contract. Sparano is now in his 4th season in Miami.  Miami has gone 7-9 the last two seasons.  Going forward Sparano knows he doesn’t have much time to turn it around.  He has a good defense, but the offense is in transition.  Time will tell if it will work against New England and New York.

They didn’t want a quarterback in the draft and they weren’t looking for a replacement in free agency either.  That means Chad Henne is the guy going into the 2011 season.  With new faces in the backfield for Henne, it remains to be seen if he can bounce back after a rough 2010 season.  He still has Brandon Marshall to look for.  Whether anyone else can step up to take the pressure off Marshall is another story.  Reggie Bush coming over in a trade will help the short passing game, but Miami figures to use him more as a running back this year.  Rookie Daniel Thomas figures to see a lot of action running the ball, but he’s a bruiser and won’t be asked to carry all the time.

The one constant with Sparano’s teams have been on defense. They were a great defense last year even though the offense didn’t help through long stretches of the season.  One big reason was LB Cameron Wake.  His 14 sacks led the team and was 3rd in the NFL.  One weakness was coverage among the linebackers and Kevin Burnett should fix that.  He’s seen as an improvement over Channing Crowder last season.  Burnett and Karlos Dansby are a formidable duo inside for Miami.  The defensive line should continue to get better with 2010 1st round pick Jared Odrick and Paul Soliai anchoring it.  CB Vontae Davis will have to start living up to his 1st round selection in 2009 this season and become a shutdown corner.

Buffalo

The one positive from the 2010 season for Chan Gailey is that Buffalo was competitive in almost all of their games.  Their 4-12 record doesn’t show that, but 6 of their losses could easily have been wins.  Do the math and that’s a 10-6 record.  But that can be said for almost every team.  Going forward the mindset in Buffalo is to remain competitive and get the offensive playmakers more involved.

The quarterback position could very well have been a disaster last year.  Fortunately for the Bills they had Ryan Fitzpatrick.  He finished the year with career highs in yards thrown and touchdowns.  Along with Fitzpatrick’s career year they discovered a gem with WR Steve Johnson.  His spectacular production was a welcome surprise when their best receiver at the time Lee Evans was struggling to stay healthy.  The offense should open up with the versatile Brad Smith being signed away from the rival New York Jets.  Look for some creative play calling this season with Smith on board.  Fred Jackson will be the workhorse in the backfield, but C.J. Spiller should have an expanded role with one year under his belt.

Buffalo was struggling to find an identity on defense last year as well as on offense.  It became apparent that the Bills weren’t adequately equipped to run a traditional 3-4.  In the middle of the season they switched to a hybrid defense that alternates between a 4-3 base to the occasional 3-4.  It was probably too late as the defense was the worst against the run last year.  The defense should get a lift with the additions of LB Nick Barnett and rookie DT Marcell Dareus.  Look for improvements from LB Shawne Merriman and LB Chris Kelsay with the change in tactics.  The one positive was that Buffalo was third against the pass last year.  Credit to the Bills for keeping that intact with CB Terrence McGee, CB Leodis McKelvin, CB Drayton Forence and S Jairus Byrd all returning.

Another Year Older

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I’ve had some fun with my last two posts around this time the last two years.  Mainly I was using this opportunity to see what does a sports fan truly want for his birthday?  Also to gauge the reader. To get feedback on what I should or shouldn’t do going forward with this website.  I have to say that the one thing as a sports fan that I truly want for my birthday has always been the same. Family.
There have been a lot of things that have happened in the last two years that have put everything into perspective.  I won’t go into details, but suffice to say that it has made me a better person going forward.  Sure no one is perfect.  I’m not trying to tell you that I am.  All I’m saying is that I’m truly grateful for the time that is given and the time that is spent with those that I care about.
Thank you for continuing to check back when you can to see what is new on the website.  What’s in store for the future?  Well, I can say that with the NFL season back on track I will be previewing every team and giving my predictions on the upcoming season. Also during the season I will continue to provide a ‘Week In Review’ post after each week of games.
The website will go through some changes as well.  Cosmetic looks mostly.  Again I encourage you to leave some feedback. Something you want to see or something you don’t want to see. Please feel free to let your voice be heard.  I stress again that this isn’t just for myself.  The motto I have for this website is this; ‘A site run by a sports fan for the sports fans.’
Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.  Take care and God bless.
The picture at the top is of me and my Dad at a LA Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks game.
The one below is of me and my 3 brothers with our Great Uncle Joe during his 100th Birthday party.

2011 MLB Trade Deadline Recap

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Of the 15 contenders that I determined had to make a deal to remain in contention, only 10 did before the end of the trade deadline.  Some decided to stay put while some decided to let go. Here are some of the biggest trades that will probably be talked about for the rest of the season as moves that either helped or hurt the teams involved.

July 27

Toronto Blue Jays
OF Colby Rasmus
INF/OF Mark Teahen
P Brian Tallet
P Trevor Miller
P P.J. Walters

Chicago White Sox
P Jason Frasor
P Zach Stewart

St. Louis Cardinals
P Edwin Jackson
P Octavio Dotel
P Mark Rzepczynski
OF Corey Patterson

A bit of a confusing deal.  With the amount of players involved and the direction the Cardinals decided to go.  They decided to cut their losses with Rasmus, but settled to deal him for immediate help and not long-term.  Jackson will be great under the tutelage of pitching coach Dave Duncan, but will he stay past this year?  Dotel will help shore up the late inning relief, but he isn’t a long-term solution. Chicago gets immediate help with Frasor in their bullpen.  They are counting on their slumping offense to wake up down the stretch. Toronto has a viable replacement for Vernon Wells in Rasmus. Did I mention that he’s a lot easier on their payroll too. Teahen was a nice addition as a super utility guy, but nothing more.  The pitchers they received aren’t long-term solutions, but will help keep things balanced this year.

July 28

San Francisco Giants
OF Carlos Beltran

New York Mets
P Zach Wheeler

The Giants are still the team to beat.  They gave up their best pitching prospect to acquire the best hitter on the trade market. General Manager Brian Sabean was in a postion of strength having Wheeler at his disposal to lure the Mets into making a deal and taking care of half of Beltran’s remaining salary.  It goes to show you the plan the Giants have going forward and that is they will do what makes sense to win a championship.  If they decide to let Beltran go as a free agent they will get two draft picks for him.

July 29

Philadelphia Phillies
OF Hunter Pence

Houston Astros 
P Jarred Cosart
OF Jonathan Singleton
P Josh Zeid
Player to be named later

They have done it again.  The Phillies swoop in and grab the next best player via trade.  Once Beltran was dealt to the Giants, I and others thought the Phillies would probably go for a more affordable hitter i.e, Ryan Ludwick or Kosuke Fukudome.  Instead they kept after the Astros and acquired their best player.  Amazingly they did so without giving up their best young hitter, OF Domonic Brown and their best young pitcher, Vance Worley.  Houston still received some good players, mainly Cosart and Singleton, but they gave up their only star player in Hunter Pence.  Philadelphia has now purged the Astros in back-to-back years.  Last year was Roy Oswalt and this year Pence.  He will be a mainstay for many years in Philly.

July 30


Texas Rangers
P Koji Uehara

Baltimore Orioles
P Tommy Hunter
1B Chris Davis

Baltimore might have actually done something right for a change. They maximized an asset and got two players that can play right away for them instead of down the line.  Hunter won 12 games last year for the American League champions.  Davis is still a big power threat, but wasn’t getting enough at bats in Texas anymore. Uehara is exactly what Texas needs for their bullpen.  Someone who will throw strikes.  Texas like the San Francisco Giants are going all in to try and win a championship.

Cleveland Indians
P Ubaldo Jimenez

Colorado Rockies
P Alex White
P Joseph Gardner
P Drew Pomeranz
1B Matt McBride

The time was now for one of the best starting pitchers in the National League last to be dealt.  The Rockies are now out of the running for any playoff spot and they were looking to maximize their best asset.  The big clubs weren’t willing to give the Rockies what they wanted so Cleveland said we’ll gladly oblige.  After so many years of giving away their best players the Indians decided to go all in.  Their fans are happy to finally see that their team is finally making a move to stay in contention rather than plan for the future.  The future is now with Jimenez being fixed at the top of their rotation for a couple more years.

July 31


Atlanta Braves
OF Michael Bourn

Houston Astros
OF Jordan Schafer
P Juan Abreu
P Paul Clemens
P Brett Oberholtzer

Now that Hunter Pence was dealt the next best player the Astros were willing to deal was Bourn.  Atlanta was probably better off getting Bourn instead of Pence.  It’s just a better fit for what they need.  A leadoff hitter who can get on base and disrupt the opposing pitcher.  Bourn is the fastest baserunner in the National League and the Braves were glad to deal one of their best outfield prospects in Schafer.  He has struggled to stay in the majors the last two years, but Houston has a good player in him.  Abreu will be a good pitcher for them as well, but they didn’t get any of the Braves best pitchers in Mike Minor, Julio Teheran or Randall Delgado.  Atlanta might just have stolen Bourn from Houston.

Texas Rangers
P Mike Adams

San Diego Padres
P Robbie Erlin
P Joe Wieland

This was the best move the Rangers made.  Adams is one of the best setup men in the game today.  Everyone wondered why the Padres were in contention last year and one big reason is because of their bullpen.  Adams was a big part of that.  He will immediately solidify the 8th inning for Texas and make it easier for Neftali Feliz in the 9th.  The Padres settled for two good pitchers that will probably be competing for spots in the near future.  Texas fixed a weakness after striking out on getting Carlos Beltran.

Arizona Diamondbacks
P Brad Ziegler

Oakland Athletics
1B Brandon Allen
P Jordan Norberto

Ziegler is one of the most durable pitchers in the game.  The sidewinder has never been placed on the disabled list and now that closer J.J. Putz is back of the DL the D’Backs have a good late inning duo down the stretch.  Oakland might have gotten a good hitter in Allen if he could ever duplicate his production in the minors.  He will be given a look this year and might be the first baseman next year.  Arizona in a separate deal acquired starter Jason Marquis from the Washington Nationals.  He’s an innings eater and ground ball pitcher who will help keep the Diamondbacks from giving up the long ball in their hitter friendly ballpark.

Who Must Make A Deal

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Baseball’s trade deadline is probably the most important date of the season.  Everyone knows it’s July 31 and everyone knows it’s the last chance to make a major move to improve your team for this season or the future.  Rather than look at every team I will focus on those that must make a deal to improve their chances of succes this season.  Let’s have at it.
Boston Red Sox
Must Have: Starting Pitcher, Outfielder
They’re actually in a good position.  First place in the AL East and they are starting to pull away from the Yankees.  They don’t have to make a move, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they were to acquire another starting pitcher to bolster their depth.  There is talk of Los Angeles Dodgers Hiroki Kuroda being a possibility, but Boston would prefer a long term solution i.e, Colorado Rockies Ubaldo Jimenez.
New York Yankees
Must Have: Starting Pitcher, Relief Pitcher
It’s becoming a problem again, but don’t expect them to make a big splash.  They have enough in the farm system to do it, but that’s not GM Brian Cashman’s style with ‘The Boss’ no longer around. They might settle for someone who can provide depth in the rotation and help for the setup role in the bullpen.
Detroit Tigers
Must Have: Starting Pitcher, Outfielder
They are in the middle of the rumors for Mets OF Carlos Beltran and Dodgers P Hiroki Kuroda.  The chances of landing either one are slim.  The market doesn’t bode well for Detroit getting either one, but they will have to make a move to get some pitching. They won’t win the AL Central without some extra support in the pitching department.
Cleveland Indians
Must Have: Outfielder, Starting Pitcher
Obviously getting another starting pitcher would help tremendously, but since OF Grady Sizemore went down with another injury, getting a bat is priority number one.  Getting Beltran might be out of their range, but getting say Rockies utility player Ty Wigginton would help ease the burden.  That would keep them in the race for the division title.
Chicago White Sox
Must Have: Relief Pitcher, Starting Pitcher
They can make a trade for a bat, but with OF Alex Rios and DH Adam Dunn getting paid big bucks they have to count on them to have a better second half.  The focus is on pitching and rest assured that GM Ken Williams will be aggressive in getting help for the bullpen and a quality starter for manager Ozzie Guillen.
Texas Rangers
Must Have: Outfielder, Starting Pitcher
They seem to be very agressive in their pursuit of Carlos Beltran. Even with Beltran stating that he’d rather play in the National League, Texas should still be one of the favorites to get him. Getting another starter to solidify what they have for the stretch run will be critical if they want to hold off the division rival Angels.
Los Angeles Angels
Must Have: Relief Pitcher, Third Baseman
The market for a big bat is thin for what they need.  The Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez is the ideal fit, but with his high salary it will be difficult to manage.  The big acquisition would be getting Padres closer Heath Bell. He would help stop the Angels bullpen woes.
Philadelphia Phillies
Must Have: Outfielder
If they were to acquire Carlos Beltran they would have pulled off one of biggest trade trifectas in baseball history.  Remember it was Roy Halladay, then Roy Oswalt and if Beltran’s next, I don’t see anyone stopping them on their way to the World Series.
Atlanta Braves
Must Have: Outfielder, Relief Pitcher
They’re duking it out with Philadelphia for Beltran.  The one saving grace is that they have some of the best pitching prospects in the game.  Also they could make a run at some of the Padres bullpen. Not Heath Bell, but Mike Adams and Luke Gregerson are perfect for them.  
Pittsburgh Pirates
Must Have: Outfielder, Relief Pitcher, Starting Pitcher
It would be a tremendous feat if they nabbed Beltran.  They have a good farm system that took almost 20 years to build.  However, they will most likely make modest moves.  Ty Wigginton would be a great fit.  If they could shore up their bullpen as well they will stay in contention til the end.
St. Louis Cardinals
Must Have: Relief Pitcher, Starting Pitcher
Their pitching has become a major weakness this season.  The bullpen especially.  They don’t have enough prospects to trade off for a major piece.  If they were to trade OF Colby Rasmus as part of a larger deal that could bode well for them getting that big piece they need.
Milwaukee Brewers
Must Have: Starting Pitcher
They already have solidified the back end of their bullpen by getting Francisco Rodriguez.  They won’t be in the running for a high end starter, but if they were to acquire a back of the rotation type to help down the stretch.  There is plenty of those on the market.
Cincinnati Reds
Must Have: Starting Pitcher, Relief Pitcher
They have to make a move.  One that makes sense now and for the future.  Getting Ubaldo Jimenez would do just that.  They have the pieces to make that move to satisfy Colorado.  Doing something small I’m afraid won’t keep them in the race for the NL Central title.
San Francisco Giants
Must Have: Outfielder
They need to find the next Cody Ross.  Their pitching is what’s keeping them ahead in the NL West.  It might not be enough with Arizona right on their heels.  If they were to get Beltran that would solve a lot of their problems.  For one it will keep them ahead of the rest of the National League.
Arizona Diamondbacks

Must Have: Relief Pitcher, Starting Pitcher

The big problem is the lack of a closer.  J.J. Putz is out with an injury.  If they could land Heath Bell from the Padres that will help them close the gap with the division leading Giants.  The young bats should continue to carry them, but getting another bat to help with the bench would be a plus.