1. Thoughts on Charles Ramsey’s record?

ARCHIE: I don’t see him as being very credible at all. Given his record and the fact that he stated that he ,”had been raised to help women in distress” gives me reason for pause and concern.

Bill: I’m a bit leery on just how much of a factor he had in the whole deal. Like Archie, I’m not buying much of it but am happy that the women are now free… thanks to him and that additional good samaritan.

EJ: I’m leery of him too. Yes, I laughed during his interview, and I have heard the auto-tune remixes of it but his record does give me some concern. The past is the past, and his act has made him a good samaritan but I wouldn’t go overboard in praising him.

2. Is Chris Christie’s weight THAT big a deal? (no pun intended?)

ARCHIE: It will only become a big deal if the Republican party tries to run him in 2016. There are way too many health nuts out there with their fingers on the pulse of the health system to not point out that he sets a bad example for our youth. As of now, I like the man as he is and do not see his weight as a big issue.

Bill: I don’t necessarily see it being an issue, but I do see him shedding a bunch of it should he decide to give it a go. I don’t think Christie wins anyway seeing as how he has sided with Obama several times. Doing so is a cardinal sin in the eyes of the hardcore Republican camp and will make any previous efforts by Christie that may have helped the party immediately worthless.

EJ: As someone who has some extra pounds I wish this wasn’t a big deal but image is absolutely everything. If he’s going to make a run for the Presidency (and I hope he does as a fellow Northeastener) him having the lap band surgery is an advantage to him.

3. Detroit’s net cash position was negative $162 million as of April 26 and that the projected budget deficit is expected to reach $386 million in less than two months. HOW?

ARCHIE: Let’s start with the $11 million dollar a year City Council budget. Then add the 14.3% unemployment rate. Add on that 10% of all Detroit citizens are at or below the poverty level. Then throw in the mix of one of the highest crime rates in the U.S. and  you have  your recipe as to How Detroit is sinking fast in debt.

Bill: Mismanagement is a huge factor in any government be it on the state or federal level. While Jan Brewer has had her hand in several issues relating to the budget that have had the number crunchers scratching their heads and wanting to place their hands around her throat, the situation in Phoenix is far, far different than that of what’s transpired in Detroit.

EJ: I’m in agreement with Archie and Bill here. Mismanagement in Detroit has been rampant and in a city that has high unemployment, a good amount of citizenry below the poverty line and some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the United States of America it’s easy to see why the City is struggling. Some will argue that Detroit has never truly rebounded since the riots of 1968.

4. Stamps are going up again? Do you care?

ARCHIE: My wife and I mail one letter per month, that is the mortage check to the individual that holds the lien. So quite frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn. Snail mail has almost become a thing of the past. Where they should raise their postage however is with all the unsolicited flyers that keep showing up in my mail box marked any/local resident. Charge those guys double.

Bill: Not really. Seeing as how I, like Archie, seldomly use the USPS beyond a letter/bill or two a month, it doesn’t make much difference to me. The situation that’s driven the USPS to this point could have been avoided, but it would seem as though very little interest in righting the wrongs of their retirement system have gained no ground. The option to discontinue Saturday service would save them a ton of money as well, but alas, that too has been discarded back to the “smart ideas” trash bin. If things aren’t resolved soon, the possibility of seeing the USPS dissolve completely isn’t out of the question.

EJ: I could care less. If I have to buy something I will buy a stamp. It’s a necessity but not a huge one.

5. During this entire SCOTUS session, only 1 black man argued, the entire time. First time you have heard it? Be Honest. Thoughts?

ARCHIE: Being honest? Well, I could not have even told you when the argument session was active; let alone who argued. Much of what the SCOTUS deliberates on or discusses  never make the news until some decision has been handed down.

Bill: Despite being someone who closely follows politics and the destruction of our government by the current administration, I didn’t have any clue that this was going on or what was being argued. Unless the case being presented is of a wide ranging scope to affect the nation as a whole or has had national attention throughout the process, I rarely pay much attention to be honest. I’m rather disappointed with the SCOTUS as it is anyway seeing as how it has become little more than a tool to get Obama what he wants through the highest court in the land. Seeing him repeatedly stack the court in his favor is terrible. Bipartisanship is out the window in that court and party line votes are all the norm anymore even if that’s not in the best interest of the case or the people.

 EJ: I haven’t heard it. However, pardon my ignorance: but what does his race have to do with who argued? As a black man, I’m just asking.

What up world? It’s your boy EJ with another edition of The Blog About Nothing. We’re deep into the NBA playoffs, the NHL playoffs and in the early stages of the MLB season. I should probably talk about that this week but I’m not in the mood. This week’s blog will feature David Beckham’s retirement, a State Farm commercial that I hate, a young rapper that needs to stop rapping, and two dumb fools that love iron bracelets. This will be an interesting week for sure so let’s get into it.

David Beckham is calling it quits. Mr. Posh Spice is finishing up his career playing for Paris-St. Germain of the French League. PSG won their league this season, so Becks will go out a winner. Beckham is an international celebrity. So much so that people who do not follow football (soccer here in the United States) knows who he is. I’m a Manchester United supporter so of course I have my memories of Beckham in the #7 swinging in crosses, and scoring on free kicks that brought the club glory. I did get to see him play in person when as a member of the LA Galaxy he was on the MLS All-Star team that hosted Manchester United at the Red Bulls Arena in Harrison, NJ back in 2011. I’m also a supporter of the English National Team which Beckham was the captain of for several years and has a record of 115 appearances in all competitions. However, I’ve always found him overrated. Why? It’s because he is Mr. Posh Spice. Marrying a Spice Girl might have been the best thing he did. The guy instantly became a fashion and pop culture icon and his marketability made him desirable to all of the big money clubs in the game. The boy from the East End of London played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, the Los Angeles Galaxy, AC Milan and finally PSG. Not a bad life playing in England, Spain, Italy, France, and the USA. I’m not knocking his marketability (but I guess I am actually knocking it) but if you’re a fan of the game you have to ask yourself if the impact he made on the pitch is worth all the glory he’s received off of it. Now, that his career is over I expect him to keep travelling the world making even more money off that “Bend It Like Beckham” persona. He might even end up in commercials. Speaking of commercials…

Has anyone seen those State Farm commercials starring Los Angeles Clippers point guard, Chris Paul? Basically the premise is that Chris has a long lost twin brother named Cliff that’s at the top of his game assisting people as a State Farm insurance representative. You see as a point guard Chris has to dish out assists to his teammates to help his team win and Cliff has to assist the public to further his career and the business of State Farm. Cliff is just Chris with a damn mustasche! Anyway, I hate the damn commerical. If Chris Paul really did have a long lost twin brother then why is his name Cliff Paul!? Wouldn’t he have been adopted by a family that would have a different last name? Why would they name him Cliff to give him the same intials as his twin Chris? Couldn’t his name have been like Derek Smith or some other random ass shit? I mean it’s just not believable. If I had a long lost twin I doubt he and I would have the same initials unless it was some crazy ass coincedence. Now I know what you’re thinking: “calm down it’s just a cute little commercial series that’s starring Chris Paul” and yeah you would be right but I’m sorry if I want my commercials to be based in some sort of reality. The Jake from State Farm commercials are funnier and more believable than that seperated at birth bullshit.

Speaking of bulls, let me introduce you to a rapper named JayDatBull from Pennsylvania. Who is that EJ? Well it seems Jay is a high school senior from the suburbs of Philadelphia who has rapper dreams. Yes, Jay Harris a Wide Receiver from Exton, Pennsylvania recently lost a scholarship to Michigan State University because of some videos that he posted to YouTube. You see, the young man wants to be a rapper so bad that he’s willing to throw away a college scholarship to pursue his dreams. Apparently, no one told young Jay that you can go to school and rap at the same damn time. No Future. By that I mean he has no future. Go to YouTube. Look up JayDatBull and check his video DatBull4Life. Now the video does have 50,000 views but most of those came after the news broke this week of his scholarship being pulled. Why is it being pulled? Well Mr. Harris is hanging out with his “homies” in full surburbian glory talking about molly, sex, and smoking weed throughout the 3 minute video. You see, this young man threw away a free education to live out the rapper fantasy and while I normally support young brothers going after their dream I only have the following words for the young man: your bars are weak. Baby shit soft. Cornball. It’s so bad that I can’t even elaborate how bad they are. To turn down what has to be maybe over a $100,000 in free education just to be another struggling rapper trying to make it has to be the dumbest fuckin’ move ever. I pray that this young man’s parents beat sense into him. I mean literally beat sense into him. Check out his YouTube video and then come back to me and tell me he has skills. I’ll pimp slap you.

Can I slap Titus Young and Rolando McClain while I’m at it too? Why? Young, formerly of the Lions, and McClain, formerly of the Ravens have been on the police blotter more than they have been on the field. Young, released last season because of his issues has been arrested three times this week. Let that sink in: three arrests in one week. What the fuck? 3 times? You love the police that much? In one week he has been caught for burglary, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer. At 23 he sure does have a long successful criminal path ahead of him. Jeez. Now his family is claiming that he has a brain disorder. He may have a disorder but it’s called: I like getting my ass locked up disorder. His next uniform better be prison orange and it’s going to have a lot more numbers on it than the #16 he wore in the NFL. I’m starting to think 1989 must have been a bad year because Rolando McClain is also 23 and he retired from the NFL this week. Why would a 23 year old retire? It’s because he also has a love for the police. One time. McClain’s been arrested 3 times since 2011. Once for assult, one for resisting arrest and the third violation was for a window tint (which is benign in my opinion but still can’t be overlooked considering the other two charges). McClain apparently had a tough upbringing but that’s no excuse. Not when you’re young and making millions. You’re living the dreams of many and that’s why I get so mad when I see players just throwing that away. I can’t co-sign such fuckery. Do better. They’re still young so I hope they get their lives together but it seems doubtful and that’s sad. You figure that with money, and hopefully some sense, they could have lived better lives then the ones they came from but I guess that’s just wrong. Sad indeed.

That it. Another edition of The Blog About Nothing is in the books. Until we meet again I say peace, and keep on supporting the good work we’re trying to do here at 7poundbag.com

The Oakland Raiders signed Chris Kluwe, released earlier this off-season by the Minnesota Vikings, to a one year contract that is worth the NFL minimum for veteran players on Friday.

The Raiders lost Shane Lechler (who punted for the team for 13 years) when he left via free agency to join the Houston Texans.

For Raider fans it was a sad day for a valuable veteran who was known as one of the best punters in the League. But, with Reggie McKenzie remaking the team, it was expected. So, adding Kluwe was needed to compete with Marquette King and gives King some stiff competition.

Kluwe averaged 45 yards per punt last season for the Minnesota Vikings who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2005. He gives the team the most experienced option with King and Bobby Cowan the only other punters on the roster.

King was signed to a 3 year deal last year when he went undrafted and basically placed on the Injured Reserve for the season. He is a converted WR from Fort Valley State and has an impressive leg for distance and hang time (5.6 seconds), but he also tends to have a lot of end over end kicks. That is not something especially appealing after being spoiled by Lechler over the years.

The Raiders also signed Cowan from Idaho when he went undrafted in this past NFL draft.

With 3  players competing for the punting job, Kluwe must like his chances since he has the most experience.

1. Thoughts on Carwin looking back, is there a chance he comes back?

Roni: As much as I hate to say, it, I don’t think so.

Remember: Carwin’s MMA career was always his second choice, as he has always been a full time Engineer with a full time job.  His injuries and the fact he’s not that young will probably keep him out. it was a great run. And he did a lot while inside the octagon, including beating Lesnar, which should have been the crowning him his career; but the referee refused to stop that fight.

Collin: I’m with Roni on this one, I don’t see a comeback in Carwin’s future.

Carwin never needed an MMA paycheck, he has a really well paying job in engineering.  It’s also important to consider that Shane is no spring chicken; at 38 he is really pushing the age limit for a fighter, especially a heavyweight.  Add in all his horrible injuries, such as serious neck surgeries, back surgeries and knee problems, and it isn’t hard to understand his decision to want to fade into the sunset.  He reached the pinnacle of the sport, he was the UFC Champion (interim or not), and he was involved with one of the most memorable clashes in UFC HW history in the fight with Lesnar.  A fight which I see as an example of the best referee work in MMA history (free Josh Rosenthal).

David: He’s done, and I’m ok with that. He never was really into fighting, he was never happy with his contract, and he did have a take it or leave it attitude with MMA. I was a huge fan of Carwin right up until I was reading about how he refused to do anything to pimp his title fight because he didn’t get a cut of the PPVs. Right there turned me on the fight. When you reach the top, its your JOB to do more to push the fight. Might not move the needle a lot, but it would mean the FOTN bonus gets moved from 60K to 70K, and that could mean a ton to those guys. Turned me on him as a fan.

2. What can the UFC do to add some talent to the Heavyweight division?

Roni: A real simple solution: TUF HW’s.  They did one. And it gave them a few guys. Meathead, the hybrid, etc. Why not keep doing it?

They are doing TUF in 3 different countries. I don’t understand why they don’t do it for the divisions they need people!

Collin:  Heavyweight TUF is a good idea, as they did get three guys from that show who are/were top 10 HW’s (Schaub, Mitrione, and Nelson).  Do they really need a ton more talent in that division anymore though?  We have Roy Nelson, JDS, Mark Hunt, Bigfoot, Werdum in direct hunt for the title, and we have a fun mixture of lower level exciting fighters like Pat Barry, Struve, Mir, Overeem, and Cormier floating around.  They added all the depth in that division they needed with the Strikeforce merger.

David: Its a MAJOR leap forward from where it was, but it is still the second thinnest division in the UFC (third if you count RR’s mountain) I would do a TUF, and make sure they are ALL heavyweights. Ensure that most guys are walking around at 270, not 230. Jardine? We need YOUNG Heavyweight blood, and they have to be out there.

3. Is Eddie worth this much trouble to keep in Bellator?

Roni: Definitely yes. not because of him specifically, but it is a point that now a days, we expect UFC to just come in and take every talented fighter they see at smaller promotions; effectively killing them (or at the very least keeping them small while they grow).

For anyone who claims “But UFC is not a monopoly” well, they sure act like they are.

The smaller promotions have to protect themselves, and retaining their talent is the ONLY option they have. Yield and they lose the talent, which will lose them their sponsors which at the end will kill their promotion.

Collin: I’m not so sure.  Eddie was the face of Bellator for so long and he did play a big role in the development of the company.  But he is kind of being a thorn in Bellator’s side lately.  He talks openly about how much he dislikes the tournament-to-title format, which is the core of Bellator’s model and what makes them different than everyone else.  He won’t go back through the tournament format, but wants Bjorn to make an exception to this format just because he wants another direct shot at the title.

If I were Bjorn, I would seriously consider cutting all those headaches loose and focusing my energies on other ventures.

David: I’m gonna say NO. Bellator is going to have trouble keeping/signing top talent if they act like this with top tier guys. When I interviewed Quentin Henry, he stated he turned down Bellator twice due to they way they do contracts. That should tell you something. I’m not going to go into Eddie in the UFC, I’m talking purely for Bellator. If a fighter wants to leave, they should LET THEM. I bet Hector wishes he was still in Bellator on a 30 fight win streak and having people thinking he could be Anderson Silva, instead of a guy having to cut to 170 to TRY and keep his job. Bellator has to do something if they want to get more top talent.

4. Thoughts on Bellator going to 4 man tourneys for the summer?

Roni: I have high hopes for them. I like their tourneys and the system they use. I just hope it works out!

Collin: I am really looking forward to them, particularly the 205 pound tournament.  Lawal, Babalu, and Petruzelli are all fun fighters to watch.  Not exactly the most relevant fighters, with perhaps the exception of Lawal, but should make for great fights.  Look for a more in depth breakdown of these brackets coming soon…

David: Smart move. They have to keep their champions busier, and this is one way to do it. Plus they can give fighters more time between fights. Smart Smart move. I don’t think this happens if Mo wins however. Now I can put Mo in a bracket with Babalu, Me and Joao Pedro and make dang sure Mo gets a title shot- and 4 legit fighters can fight in the next bracket to bring in guys for a legit “new blood” challenge.

5. Does Belfort get a rematch against Anderson . . .ever?

Roni: If he beats Luke, I don’t see how not.  He already deserved to be next, ahead of Weidman (If Bisping was to get a title shot by beating Vitor, Vitor should have gotten one by beating Bisping). A fight between Weidman & Vitor was the best option (while Luke would fight Spider for a title unification)  IMO, but alas, too late for that.

I hope for a great fight against Luke. And the winner, whoever it may be, should be next for the Spider (if the Spider beats Weidman that is)

Collin: Absolutely.

Belfort and Anderson are still the biggest draws in Brazil by a long shot, way bigger than Aldo.  Vitor has just recently produced a brutal KO over a fighter who was guaranteed a title shot if he beat Vitor.  And don’t forget that he earned major Dana-points when he stepped in on short notice to fight Jones at 205; don’t underestimate how much that could influence his ability to get a shot at the belt, even if others may deserve it more.  A win over Luke should put Vitor right in line to fight the winner of Anderson vs Weidman.

Vitor is still the most interesting matchup in the division to beat Anderson in my mind as well.  We forget how versatile and dynamic a fighter Belfort can be: he can blitz you with big punches early, or he can work a wrestling game and punish you from the top and look for subs.  Put that fight in a soccer stadium in Brazil, let Wand fight Sonnen at 205 as the co-main and watch 80,000+ file into that stadium and make for one of the greatest shows in the history of the promotion.

David: I’m not so sure. Anderson punted him to 205 last time, and Anderson is going to be gone for the next year (Weidman and Jones at 205.) He might be gone from 185 forever. How long does MoHawk/TRT Vitor have? He beats Luke, then he almost has to fight Sonnen, then Hendo/Rashad? Collin does make a great point about selling out a soccer stadium. If Anderson does less than 350K in PPV buys, then the Sonnen-Bump is done, and Dana will have to make his money overseas.

I love the Draft, it comes around my birthday, ESPN puts baseball back where it belongs, in segment 3, and it means the NFL year has started.

So lets go down the NFL Rosters and see how it went for each team.

I recently reposted my 2010 Draft Diary, for the first 3 rounds, so you can see how I did. I normally like to wait a bit before giving grades, just to kind of absorb what major changes have been made, and also to kind of combine what the team needs. Just because you need a QB, doesn’t mean you have to pick one in Round 1.

For Round 1 picks, I’m going to add in what I said during my Draft Diary.

1     9 Dee Milliner      CB     Alabama

What I said:I knew there wasnt a chance in Hell Carolina could have gotten him, I don’t think he’s as good as Patrick Peterson or a mentally healthy Honey Badger, but he’s a keeper.
The JETS DID NOT BOO THE PICK!!!!
That should make the powers that be happy.

Now: Best CB in the nation coming into Bama, best coming out. Yeah, there’s a chance he sucks (/sarcasm) Whats his only problem? How many WRs can beat his 4.4 speed? Exactly. He drops a good bit moving backwards and if you get a step on him, he may not close on you. But Tanny and EJ are gonna hate this guy.

1     13 Sheldon Richardson      DT     Missouri

What I said:REACH
I’m thinking bust here. I saw him play vs some of the NFL players in the SEC, and I wasn’t impressed. Hate the Pick.

Now: About the same. He’s big, burly and quicker than some DTs but can be taken out of plays. I just don’t like the pick.

2     39  Geno Smith      QB     West Virginia

I got two words for you when you wonder why he dropped to round 2.
Pinstripe Bowl.
Is this dude a real NFL QB? I understand that he played in the shotgun, and can run, but is a top level QB? You do know Barkley is just as fast as he is right? Cam Newton weighs just a hair more than the 220 he goes. he does have a solid chance, but I’m not putting money on him a ROY. I’m not going to go into his Draft Day stupidity or his agents. I hope he sits to start, and learns everything, then gets going around Thanksgiving.

3     72 Brian Winters      G     Kent State

Gonna move from tackle. Thats gonna be hard. But he’s strong, and a little slow in the foot department. I think he could be very good vs the run, and as his footwork improves so will his pass protection. The problem here, is if Geno is the QBOTF, then they need people that can create a moving pocket- this ain’t one. He may work out, but I bet he latches onto a second team that is going to love him.

5     141 Oday Aboushi      G     Virginia

We sure he’s a Guard? He also played Tackle at Virginia, LT to be exact and does have technical problems vs speed guys, but I think he could play RT and be effective. Dropped a good bit, this was a very good pickup. I think he works into the rotation.

6     178 William Campbell      DT     Michigan

Huge, Strong, Quick. Why is he a 6th rounder? Oh cause he can get blown off his feet and gasses. Could have a long career since he won’t play all 3 downs.

7     215  Tommy Bohanon      FB     Wake Forest

The Jets need help running, and I’m not sure this fits the bill. Fullbacks are a dying art, but Bohanon can block, isn’t scared to go up the middle and does play well outdoors. Worth a shot this late.

Overall: I’m not a fan. We have several reaches, and Geno. I homerun player. If Geno pans out, then we have a star on Defense and one on Offense. If not, then we have Dee and situational starters/package guys. I don’t like this draft. I really don’t. Take Dee out and this draft blows. Worst I’ve done so far.

Detroit Lions

1     5  Ezekiel Ansah      DE     BYU

What I said: REAAAAACH ALERT!!
Horrid pick. MONSTER REACH. Not sure he’s gonna be a bust, he might be a 7 star starter, but that is going to be a pick where its “chosen over” other guys later on.

Now: Still a major reach. He could be very good, I would be willing to bet he’s better in year 3 than he will be in 1 or 2. Lets keep in mind, he’s been playing football for 3 years. He’s got a TON to learn. Problem is, do the Lions need a guy that could be great in a few years, then for the rest of the decade, or do they need to add an impact player to catch up to the Packers and Vikings? Imagine that Lion D with Dee. In 2 years they could have a devastating front 7, just in time for them to start hitting free agency.

2     36     Darius Slay      CB     Mississippi State

Reach. One year wonder, yes I see the potential, but he was playing vs the other teams number 2 guy. Does not like to get hit and has poor technique. Really a round or TWO early. I’m not sure he starts. He’s got some talent so there is potential that he cleans up and becomes a very good coverage corner.

3     65     Larry Warford      G     Kentucky

This one I like. Finally. I do see him starting sooner rather than later, and could be very good vs the pass. Might need to drop some weight to get better run blocking. Can’t complain here.

4     132     Devin Taylor      DE     South Carolina

HUGE REACH. He’s not going to be that good a pass rusher in the NFL, He looked worse last year than the year before. I think he might be better out OLB, if he learns the position. He works hard, won’t get tired and knows where the ball is. If this was a few rounds down, I’d love him, but in round 4?

5     165     Sam Martin      P     Appalachian State

Never pick a punter. Period. I don’t care if he plays a decade. A FIFTH?? Pick players so you DON’T use a punter!!

6     171     Corey Fuller      WR     Virginia Tech

A one-year wonder, has a case of the drops, but is learning to position. Puts in the work. I’s stash him on the bench and get him a good coach. There is some serious talent there. On the flip side, if he gets hit over the middle right now, he might break in half. He’s all bones.

6     199     Theo Riddick      RB     Notre Dame

This one I can get behind. Started as a WR, but really doesn’t have the speed there. Very dangerous in the open field. I can see him doing some punt returns on short fields. Is NOT scared of getting hit. I wonder if he might look good taking snaps at TE? Does have a problem hitting the hole right though. I like the pick though.

7     211     Michael Williams      TE     Alabama

Very good blocker, any help to the running game helps.

 7     245     Brandon Hepburn      LB     Florida A&M

Prospect, can’t complain. Good hard worker who should make this team. Might be a practice team player for a year or two.

Overall: Reach, Reach, good pick, Reach, Punter. OW. 2 one-year wonders. I know I said the Jets draft was bad, but this one is worse. I got ONE starter, maybe 3. Horrible Draft for THIS year, but come December, could look much better. This is the draft of a PLAYOFF team. Not a team trying to get there. Awful draft. They take the “Worst Draft so far” Mantle from the Jets.

7poundbag is looking for more movie people, but we thought we would bring you some opinions, just to tide you over until we get cranking, plus NEXT MONTH we are going to have a movie tournament- So keep your eyes peeled for that.

1. They are looking to do a Weird Science movie remake, good idea?

Bill: No, and I simply wish they’d stop re-hashing stuff from previous decades. I understand that it’s tough to come up with an original idea and have it be strong enough to stand on its own and thus be made into a movie, but that’s just the way it goes. Originality requires hard work, and it’s time people start putting in the effort. I don’t see Chris Nolan, Joss Whedon, Ridley Scott or a few others re-hashing. They know what quality movie making entails.

David: Can Robert Downey Jr play Chet? Get AWAY from my Childhood!
Not to mention the main problem. How are you going to convince kids this is even plausible? Are they going to hack YouTube? I just don’t see how in todays world this is even exciting anymore. But I did get to post a Kelly Pic.

2. Is the Avengers franchise in trouble?

Bill: Seeing as how the build up to the Avengers was spread across a number of other films and it culminating in the $1.5B money machine it was, I don’t see how it could be in trouble at all. There’s clearly a vested interest in a sequel and that might be the trouble spot of which is being spoken to here. Getting that much star power together to make the first one was an epic undertaking, I’m sure. Can or will the stars align once again? If they do, I suspect it to be only slightly less successful than the first film since the fans are clamoring for it. It’s a great time to be a comic book icon right now. Just ask Robert Downey Jr.

David: Everyone wants more money, and that can burn a franchise. Yes they are all under contract, but that doesn’t mean that they have to show and be worth a shit. RDJ did as little as possible for Avengers and really isn’t interested in doing IM4. I think we are going to have major problems getting to Avengers III. The public is not going to spend 1.5B on a team with the Hulk, Wonder Man, Ant-Man, Wasp and Tigra.

3. Whats going to do better? Iron Man 3 or Superman 2.2?

Bill: Now THAT is a tough call. IM3 has already shown to be a strong performer and has a recognizable star and two film base upon which to build. Continuity has been one of the strengths with it. The same cannot be said of the Superman franchise outside of the late Christopher Reeves playing the role. I do have far more faith in the brain trust that’s been assembled to re-boot it once again, but will it be enough? The build up to it, like that of IM3, has been strong; fan support is clearly there, and a lot of that is due to Nolan’s role in the film. He had tremendous success bringing Batman back around. Can he pull it off with Supe? Only the box office receipts will tell in the end. My money at this point is on the guy in the metal suit.

David: I have not (yet) seen IM3. What I have read, I’m not happy. (Rescue?) So It may be a bad movie- even though its gonna be awesome. Superman? Is it going to be able to push off the crud that was the last one? Is this Superman 2.2 or 3.0? I do love me some GENERAL ZOD though. I’ll lay odds on Iron Man. At least his starting point was much higher.

4. Better Franchise: Die Hard or Fast and the Furious

Bill: As much as I like cars, it’s hard to bet against Bruce on this one despite the somewhat ridiculous turns the franchise has taken on occasion. FnF is no different in that respect, but too much has changed within the story arc. At least DH has been somewhat consistent. Going further, the only reason FnF still exists is because they were able to throw wads of cash at Vin Diesel to bring him back. Without him, that franchise is toast and the travesty that was the second and third films showcase that rather well. Even as Willis ages on, he’s still got a lot of box office draw. One thing is certain: guns and explosions will always bring in the bucks, and DH has that in spades. FnF has had some success with that as well, but not to the same degree.

David: I’m gonna go FnF. Take Bruce out of Die Hard. What do you have? Shia LeBouff? Take Vin Diesel out of FnF, what do you have? 200 Million?  I’ve not seen the last ones of either series, but if my mufti-national criminal organization can’t beat a taxi-driver and a guy that voted for Warren Harding. They deserve to be shot.

5. Is there a chance in Hell Star Wars VII is worth all this trouble?

Bill: I’m going to keep this one simple: NO. The fact that Disney is so eager to water down the franchise sickens me almost as much as it does with Lucas selling it off in the first place. Disney has the financial backing to make it a spectacle, but to what end? Why, honestly, must they? Individual character spin offs? Give me a damn break.

David: Will they still accept cash?
Disney has the money, and the staff to make this movie not suck. Since Lucas has given up this absurd idea he had all 9 written out before hand, maybe someone can start over and do this right. Rule number 1. No Luke Leia and no Han. Start this out 50 years after the fall of the Empire, and have some new Sith Jedi’s trying to take down the government. Not that hard. PLEASE don’t do this with Luke’s kids??

1. Is the Bulls/Heat series too physical?

EJ: No. It’s actually reminding me of the playoff series of my youth in the 80′s and 90′s. The Bulls are at a disadvantage. No Rose, no Hinrich, Luol Deng has been out with injury and the Bulls are relying on Jimmy Butler playing 48 minutes a night. On paper the Bulls missing key players should be blown out every game by the Heat. However, by playing this gritty physical game they are keeping the games close. Now, the only problem I do have with the Bulls is that they lose their composure fairly easily. Mohammed’s shove of LeBron in Game 3 was just wrong, and so was Noah’s shove of Chris Andersen once he was on the floor. I also find fault with Joakim Noah’s and Taj Gibson’s freakouts in Game 2. You can be physical and still maintain some control. The technicals and flagrant fouls are making the games ugly at times. If Coach Thibodeau can rein his team in a little then I would have no beef at all with this Bulls-Heat series.

David: This is like someone driving 50 in a 45 complaining when someone passes her. ESPN and their ilk have done an AMAZING job on keeping the lid on the foul discrepancy, and how certain players are getting away with things that would get lesser players fouled out in 6 trips down the floor. Basketball is supposed to be a little on the rough side when you get down low, thats why God made outside shooting. If you are 6’3, stay out of the paint in halfcourt. That being said. There is a problem. The refs are too slow in reacting to problems that anyone can smell coming.

Bill: No. At face value, it’s not all that surprising seeing as how these two teams have a genuine dislike for one another. Like EJ stated, it reminds me of when hoops was played by men and players weren’t nearly as protected as they are in today’s NBA. The problem with all the physical play is that it only plays to the strength of the Heat seeing as they actually have extra players to take the floor should someone get injured or ejected. The Bulls don’t have that luxury seeing as they’re already down so many. I remember watching that blowout loss in Game 2 and seeing the frustration of the Bulls coming to a head. What I didn’t expect was to see just how much control of the game was decided by the game officials. There was no reason for there to be 9 techs and two ejections in that game. Just let them play and settle it on the court. It’s a MAN’s game, last time I checked… but that doesn’t mean I agree with the amount of seemingly dirty play caused by frustration and humiliation.

DJ: No. It’s just 2 teams playing with a lot of intensity.

2. If you were Stern, what would you do on that series, and would you have fined Coach Tibs 35K?

EJ: My nostalgia for tough playoff basketball is leading me to feel that the fine is inappropriate but in today’s NBA, I have to agree with Stern here. There is nothing wrong with the physical play, but as I stated in my answer to the last question, Coach Thibodeau has to bring his team back under control. Nazr Mohammed’s shove of LeBron looked contrived. As if Thibs said “go out there and knock that man out”. You just can’t have that. Can’t have the mouthing off to the refs, and using my amateur lip reading skills, you can’t have the profanity either. Gibson dropped some serious F bombs when he was kicked out of Game 2. I understand that these teams are battling, and Basketball isn’t exactly a gentlemanly sport, but at the same time you have to maintain some control and right now instead of calling out LeBron for flopping (ridiculous accusation in my opinion) he needs to be instructing his team to play tough, not stupid.

David: He had to fine him. You cannot bash what little control the game has. What to do for the series?
Nothing.
You cannot ask the refs to change the mindset from game to game.
What he needs to do it start replacing the refs. If you reffed for Oscar Robertson, you cannot ref for LeBron James. In this era of positionless basketball, they really do need to change some rules or the NBA will become the NCAA with 76-81 scores and players going 3 for 16 regular basis.

Bill: A fine was a given seeing as how he was calling out the officiating of the game; however, seeing as how said officiating has been rather questionable at times, I can als0 see his point. Physical play is an expectation come playoff time, and the coaches and league need to let it happen to a point but only to a point. I, too, believe it’s time that some of the officials be re-evaluated and/or replaced. Joey Crawford has some of the thinnest skin out there and he’s a senior official with as much power as anyone to vastly alter the outcome of a game. I’m not going to go so far as to place him in the same place as Tim Donaghy or anything, but you sometimes have to wonder if he’s on the take. It may be a ridiculous assertion t0 make, but I doubt I’m the only one to think it.

3. Is Curry this good, or is this more a reflection of the stage and the opponents?

EJ: I’ve been selling Steph Curry short since his draft night. Maybe it’s because I thought the Wolves should have taken him instead of Jonny Flynn (imagine Curry and Rubio playing with Love right now) or I hoped he would have fallen to the Knicks (who could surely use Curry’s shooting prowess). Anyway, he’s a Golden State Warrior and as much as I still undersell him and the team at times, he really is this good. He’s deceptively quick, he has the needed swagger, and he has his Dad’s jump shot. Steph definitely learned from the former Charlotte Hornet, Dell Curry, that the only way to make a long career for yourself is to be a dead-eye shooter. Steph’s ankles might be his only weakness but as long as they hold up and he can deal with the physical pounding he’s going to receive for running off screens, he’s going to be the Reggie Miller of his generation. A player that shoots his way into stardom and his team into the playoffs on a consistent basis.

David: Reggie Miller wasn’t this good. Yeah, I said it. I still worry about how he is going to handle success. I wonder if Mark Jackson is going to get better. I almost think that he is destined to be a Laker eventually. Hopefully he improves on defense and becomes a star on the West Coast. But if he can roll out 20/5 for 70 games for the rest of the decade I’ll be happy. But do keep in mind who is guarding him these last two series.

Bill: I won’t lie and say I was fully on Curry’s cape when he was drafted, but I did expect him to be a solid contributor. Davidson isn’t a great school that regularly faces top flight competition and as such, Curry’s abilities were in question in my mind: could he continue to get his own shot, could he adapt easily enough to the more distant three point line, could he compete with his rail thin physique?. Yeah, the kid could shoot just like his deadeye old man, but I had my doubts beyond that. He’s come into his own and proven the doubters wrong, that’s clear. If there’s anyone who is resentful or bitter about Curry’s progress, it’s the Suns. They had a deal on the table to send Amare Stoudemire (along with some other pieces) to GS for Curry and some other pieces to even out the trade. Stoudemire was in his prime at that point and would have given them something to build around for years to come, but apparently the Warriors saw it differently. We can only wonder how Curry would have expanded his already great game with the experience and knowledge he would have acquired from playing along with Steve Nash.

DJ: Curry is a freaking beast and if they ever inject his ankles with some Rhinoceros plasma, he’ll be an MVP one day. He has had a great year and is only going to get better. It might be a little early, but he’s one of the best shooters I’ve ever seen. Yes, that includes Reggie and Ray.

4. Who is your Coach of the Year?

EJ: Mike Woodson. The job that Woodson has done with the Knicks since Mike D’Antoni took his ball and went home has been incredible. From finishing last season with a winning record after D’Antoni quit, to leading this season’s team to their first Division title since 1994, and the first time out of the 1st round of the playoffs since 2000, he should have been awarded with the Coach of the Year. It’s never easy to be a coach in New York City and Woodson has still been criticized by fans and the media for some of his decisions but the proof is in the pudding. He’s winning here, and the voters for the Coach of the Year should have rewarded that.

David: Mike D’Antoni. Find me a coach that had more of an impact on his season that he did. You take 3 Hall of Famers, the best center in Basketball, and 2 borderline HoFers and lead them to that season? Oh, This is supposed to be a good thing. I’m going with Spo here. Really can’t argue with Karl, or Woodson, and Pop always deserves credit, let not forget the dude in Atlanta- but Spo ran it back again. Took all the distractions, the slow dying that is Chris Bosh, an even older Ray Allen, and made the Birdman look like he deserves to be a 30 minute a night player in the NBA.

Bill: Lionel Hollins. Sure, the Griz have a lot of talent, but moves were made over the course of the season that many saw as questionable for the greater good of the team and that might also bring the team down from their place among the Western Conference’s elite. Rudy Gay is a baller, no doubt; however, looking back at the move many saw as iffy has turned out to be the right move after all. Hollins has managed to keep the team contributing at a relatively high level despite the distractions and get them to within one game of eliminating the very highly favored OKC Thunder from the playoffs despite a team essentially filled with role players beyond two or three keys guys.

DJ: Mike Woodson. I like what EJ said about Woodson coaching in NY, but I have a little more to add. Melo and JR are the only real scorers on the team, but Woody did a great job with the team. Jason Kidd might be declining, but he and Raymond Felton were a streadying influence for this team that was basically the same as last year.

5. Thoughts on the Coach of the year award, and George Karl overall?

EJ: I have no problem with awarding a Coach of the Year. It’s a recognition of the impact a coach has on his team. However, I find George Karl to be overrated. His playoff record is abysmal. 80-105 in the playoffs is just not acceptable. His two Finals appearances with the Seattle Sonics were over 15 years ago. The man can coach in the regular season, but once the playoffs arrive he just folds. It would be easier to blame the players but as the coach, as the tactician, George Karl needs to fall on that sword. If I were the Denver Nuggets I would give serious thought to letting Karl go. Yes, the Nuggets did have an amazing second half of the season, and yes they were the 3rd seed in the West but they let what should have been a winnable series against the Warriors slip through their fingers. Karl couldn’t win when he had a Nuggets team built around a star, Carmelo Anthony, and now he can’t win when he has a team with no star and for most of the season played well with their team unity. He just can’t get it done, and this should be his last go round with an NBA franchise.

David: The CoY award here lately means “Will be fired in 2 years.” I’m just trying to figure out how much I like Karl. As I said during the playoff previews, He might be the only UNC coach I don’t want coaching my TarHeels. He’s lost quite a few series where he had the better team. Some of that comes down to ignorance of the Stars, some comes down to dumbasses in management (Jimmy Mac!) but a lot of that is on him.

Bill: No issues here. I’m happy to see my old Sonics coach acquiring the hardware and happier that he was able to do it while undertaking one of the toughest periods of his life. I’m still unsure of how the Nuggets let the series with GS get away from them, but I can’t put that on the shoulders of Karl. It’s still the responsibility of the players to put the ball in the basket and to keep the opposing team from doing the same. Strategy for doing so falls on Karl, but that still accounts for very little in the end. I’m somewhat surprised that he’s still around after this post season loss, but who out there is a better candidate to replace him? Karl knows his team and works within their strengths. He couldn’t get it done with Carmelo Anthony, but I blame Anthony for that and feel Karl had little to do with it. Anthony is all about attitude, and his attitude, selfishness, and ego are what got him sent out of Denver.

DJ: I think it was a bad choice personally. Karl is a good coach, but the Nuggets didn’t even win their Division. And like EJ said, he might be a little overrated. I really think Woodson did a better job with the Knicks for the reasons I already stated.

I love the Draft, it comes around my birthday, ESPN puts baseball back where it belongs, in segment 3, and it means the NFL year has started.

So lets go down the NFL Rosters and see how it went for each team.

I recently reposted my 2010 Draft Diary, for the first 3 rounds, so you can see how I did. I normally like to wait a bit before giving grades, just to kind of absorb what major changes have been made, and also to kind of combine what the team needs. Just because you need a QB, doesn’t mean you have to pick one in Round 1.

For Round 1 picks, I’m going to add in what I said during my Draft Diary.

1     16     E. J. Manuel      QB     Florida State

What I said: HOLY SHEET- thats a reach.

Keep in mind, I’m an ACC guy, and this guy don’t SCARE me. If you are the first QB off the board- or in round 1, you need to SCARE me, and considering I have the Carolina TARHEEL defense, not the Carolina PANTHER defense, this is a bad idea.

I’m not saying he can’t sit a year, ala Steve McNair, and come out year two and be a monster, but won’t he be there in 20 picks? Sherrif? The Bills must not be looking at year 1 here, and thats ok, but still. I guess the ‘Cuse QB isn’t staying home.

And Now: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

I’m still trying to figure this out. I’m not sure the Bills were THAT far away, and to be honest, I’d rather they picked a run stopper (bottom 4 last 3 years) and scooped up Glennon or even Nassib a round or two later. Yes he’s 6-4 and faster than some running backs, but can he run like that in the snow? I just don’t get the pick. He never, EVER scared me at FSU.

2     41     Robert Woods      WR     USC

I like this pick. Woods keeps his head up, and can get some yards after the catch. He’s never going to burn a 80 yard catch at warp speed, but I think he can chew you up with clean routes. Just a solid pick at number 2.

2     46     Kiko Alonso      LB     Oregon     Pac-12

Pop question:
What does he have more of? Arrests or years as a starter? The answer is not the one you hope for.
Injuries- missed a season with ACL, and had problens with wrist and knee injuries.
So why pick him? When he’s on, he’s ON. He’s not going to help as much vs the run as vs the pass though. He can hit, play almost any spot on the second level and I think he could even run with TEs. Could be a very good player, could be forgotten.
Slight reach, but the Bills needed some defensive help. I’m just not sure this was the right guy.

3     78     Marquise Goodwin      WR     Texas

I LOVE THIS PICK
Runs a 4.36, but he’s short and does not run good routes. But as they say, you can’t coach speed. He doesn’t drop many balls, and he’s not afraid of contact. He’s gonna be scary on special teams if he gets past the wedge. If he gets and responds to coaching, he could be a STEAL.

4     105     Duke Williams      S     Nevada

And back the other way. Monster reach. Likes to hit, good in run support, but LaTech abused him,  like they did everyone else. I think he’s a great gunner on special teams, and could play a blitzing FS. But at 105? The Bills needed someone that could start.

5     143     Jonathan Meeks      S     Clemson

Another reach. I saw him play vs LSU and wasn’t overly enthused. He’s got speed, and range, but seems like he’s out of place too often. He might be better than Meeks, but I don’t think he helps on special teams like Meeks will.

6     177     Dustin Hopkins      K     Florida State

Best kicker in the draft- wait. KICKER. I don’t ever see the point of picking a kicker. First thing that comes to mind? Blowing the kick vs UNC! I’m not overly worried about him being FSU in Buffalo, he did well outdoors and has great range. If he plays a decade, then fine.

7     222          Chris Gragg      TE     Arkansas

Should have went higher. More of a classic TE then the failed Power Forwards that most teams want now. Another Arkansan that blew last season. Not the best route runner, but not scared to get hit. Will fight for the ball, and thats always a good thing. I like him better than the last 3 picks.

Overall? Mostly a miss draft. Ones I don’t like: 1, 2, 4,4, and 6. Ones I like: 2,3,7.
If EJ ends up being RG2.0 then fine, I’m an idiot. If he ends up being Akili Smith17.4, then Robert Woods is going to have problems as the only starter out of this draft.  As it stands? Awful.

Minnesota Vikings

1     23        Sharrif Floyd      DT     Florida

What I said:STEAL of the Draft so far! I do not understand how a first team All-SEC player goes this low at DT.
He’s like Star, he’s not a pass rusher, but he can kill the run.

What I think Now: Still a monster pick. Again, I don’t see him chasing down RBs who got through another hole, but from point A to Point B, he’s a hard guy to stop.

1     25     Xavier Rhodes      CB     Florida State

What I said: I can see him moving to safety, if he learns to tackle, but can play CB for a year or two. I think he’s a bit of a reach, UNC torched him a few times this year.

What I think Now: I still don’t see anything wrong with him that good coaching can’t fix. Looking over a little bit, I’m wondering If I might have been to quick to move him to Safety. He might be better off at corner, until he gets better at dropping guys.

1     29     Cordarrelle Patterson      WR     Tennessee

What I said:I love his BALANCE. You have to hit him clean to take him down. He’s not a great route runner, but when he has the ball in his hands, he’s very good. The problem is, getting the ball in his hands.
But he could be a guy that we look back and say MAN how did he slip.
He could also be a guy that we forget ever played.

What I think Now: Again, what is the downside here? He’s 6’3, runs bad routes, but will fight for the ball. I’m not fussy. I think he’s returned his last punt though, No Percy means he’s number 1.

4     120     Minnesota Vikings     Gerald Hodges      LB     Penn State

Poor man’s Luke Kuechly. Homeless man’s? Likes to hit, has good range, moved up from Safety to Outside Linebacker. I think he sticks and I think he starts by the end of the season. He’s a little light, I don’t see him ever being effective if he cracks 250, so he may be one of those guys that they are always looking to replace, but year after year he’s there at a B+ level doing work.

5     155     Minnesota Vikings     Jeff Locke      P     UCLA

No. Never draft a punter. Ever. Get guys that make this position obsolete.

6     196     Minnesota Vikings     Jeff Baca      G     UCLA

Not the best pass protector, but if he points at a guy and runs at him, he can do some good. I wouldn’t hate to send AD behind him on third and one, but I’m not happy on 3rd and 15 if I’m Ponder. Worth a 6th? Sure. Does he ever start? I doubt it.

Overall I love the first 4 picks and I think they get 4 starters out of it. 5 if you count a PUNTER. A miss at 6 isn’t a bad thing. I love the draft, and for a playoff team, 4 starters just can’t he hated on. Losing a ton of picks may hurt long term, but this draft closes the gap with the Packers a HUGE amount.

Normally, I never worry about trades. I’m not going to ding you for trading all your picks for 1 guy if that one guy is Tom Brady, Anthony Munz or John Elway, you want to trade 3 number 1s for Ronnie Lott? Go right ahead.

But lets see what the Vikings did to get 3 number 1s.

Lost: Percy Harvin, 2,3,4,7

Gained: A 3 (2014), 7

Personally, I would have liked to give NE the 2014 no 3 and kept my own, and grabbed Barkley with that pick, but thats just me. Would I drop this much as a fan? Say Steve Smith instead of Percy and get those picks for Carolina? Depends. I end up with Cordarrelle, Star and Xavier? Ow. I just don’t know. If I get Star, Floyd and CP? I think I do that deal, and hate myself everyday.

Welcome to my 2013 NFL Draft breakdown.

I love the Draft, it comes around my birthday, ESPN puts baseball back where it belongs, in segment 3, and it means the NFL year has started.

So lets go down the NFL Rosters and see how it went for each team.

I recently reposted my 2010 Draft Diary, for the first 3 rounds, so you can see how I did. I normally like to wait a bit before giving grades, just to kind of absorb what major changes have been made, and also to kind of combine what the team needs. Just because you need a QB, doesn’t mean you have to pick one in Round 1.

For Round 1 picks, I’m going to add in what I said during my Draft Diary.

Last time I did the Cowboys and Browns, This time, lets look at the Birds!

 Arizona Cardinals

1     7     Jonathan Cooper      G     North Carolina 

What I said: Bit of a reach, but I guess with Old Man Palmer, and a brittle Mendenhall, they want some talent up front. I wonder if they could have jumped up to the Iggles pick and gotten more help?
Of course, any UNC player is awesome. Cooper is one STRONG mutha, solid, base hit pick.

Looking Back, I agree with myself. As long as the Cards leave him at Guard, and don’t try and make him a RT, or force him inside at center to take advantage of his quickness, he’ll have a long career, he is better vs the pass than the run though, but you are not going to hear his name often when the Cards are moving back 5 yards.

2     45     Kevin Minter      LB     LSU

Steal. Minter is a very good tackler, even though he is not a huge hitter, not many guys will break his tackles outside of the Ray Rice level. He’s going to replace Lenon before week 2, and could pair with Washington for many years. Love the player, love the pick at 45.

3     69     Tyrann Mathieu      CB     LSU

I wanted this guy at Carolina, lets be honest, if his head is 100% and not cloudy, he’s an All-Pro as a number 2 corner. He’s never going to be a stopper, but guys like Welker are going to HATE him, as the only way to really beat him is with size and super speed. The problem is, of course, the head. He could very easily be the subject of a 30 for 30 one day on the all wasted talent team. I’m more worried about the Cardinals staff mishandling him than the NFL commish. Love the pick.

4     103     Alex Okafor      DE     Texas

How in the HELL was he sitting here? Other than the fact his 40 time of 4.78 makes him more Offensive Tackle than Defensive End, and sometimes goes WAY out of position? Okafor is a MONSTER, and he will not quit. He’s a bull rusher with power to spare, and can drive guys backward into the QB, then go after his mother. If there is any way to add 20 pounds on his frame, he might even be a very good DT in a 4-3. Love Love LOVE the pick.

4     116     Earl Watford      G     James Madison

Well, there goes the streak. Huge reach here. Not the strongest guy, but has very good technique, I just don’t see 4th round talent here. Does have a bit of a mean streak, but could have lasted a round or two longer.

5     140     Stepfan Taylor      RB     Stanford

Like the addition, hits the holes quickly, but doesn’t have a second gear, doesn’t have the best balance. Its hard to ignore 3-times all conference, even in the Pac-12. The Cards do need backup with Beanie Wells, so he will get his chance, and he’s a pretty good receiver and blocker for his size. Not a bad pick at all.

6     174     Ryan Swope      WR     Texas A&M

I wish he was a little bit taller, I wish he was a baller
If he  had a -eh, forget it.

He’s a third WR, and could be a good one, I think he could stick on special teams, but I think good corners are going to be able to push him where they want him to go. There is a chance he could be very good, and depending on what roles they can find for him, could be a steal.

6     187     Andre Ellington      RB     Clemson

Holy Sheepdip what a steal! I like him better than Taylor.
Short speed back who could break some Reggie Bush type runs. As long as he’s not out there on 3rd and 1, he’s going to be very productive. I’m not sure how great he is going to be catching the ball in space, but anytime he has the ball in space, its a good thing.

7     219     D. C. Jefferson      TE     Rutgers

Not a bad pickup, but I’m not sure he survives camp. The Cardinals have a good blocker at TE and a good receiver at TE, problem is, they are not the same guy. There is a change he catches on, since he is a smart player, and works his way up the depth chart, especially if Housler keeps dropping passes.

Overall, I do like the draft, they very easily could have 5 starters, at the least 3, and they have 2 huge steals, plus 2 guys to throw in the RB derby. This was just a strong strong draft.

Atlanta Falcons

1     22         Desmond Trufant      CB     Washington

What I said: Just what Cam needs, more defensive back help in the NFC South. Trufant is FAST, and is more of a tip guy than a catch guy.
That might be the only problem here, but I can’t fuss too much about him.

Now: Same fears. The only other hole I see is poor tackling technique. Great. Something fixable.

2     60         Robert Alford      CB     Southeastern Louisiana

Can’t complain with this pick. Situational Corner, really speedy, wants to be a hitter- but at 5-10, 180, not really gonna put Cordarrelle Patterson (6-3, 210) on his arse with any fear. Good solid CB who could be a very good starter.

4     127         Malliciah Goodman      DE     Clemson

I like this guy. Local player, and looked DAMN good vs LSU in the bowl game. He can get blocked by one guy, but will drive that guy back, even though he may never get free. Can collapse a pocket by himself. I do wonder if he is going to go all out every snap, or is there a little Albert Haynesworth in him.

4     133         Levine Toilolo      TE     Stanford

HUGE REACH. I do not like this pick If I’m a Falcons fan. There were better options at TE out there. 6’7 and 265, can’t hurt. but in round 4? He’s a huge target and can catch. Problems? Can’t block for someone that huge, isn’t that powerful against a pass rusher. Not that fast. Does not run clean routes. Oh and did I mention he still wears a knee brace from a THREE year old injury?

5     153         Stansly Maponga      DE     TCU

Wasn’t as good in his junior year as he was in his sophomore season. He was also one of the few threats at TCU. Got good power and speed, and I think he gets in the rotation this year, if he doesn’t end up starting. My major question mark is how he does against the run.

7     243         Kemal Ishmael      S     UCF

Prospect, I’m not that big a fan, buts its possible he sticks on special teams.

7     244         Zeke Motta      S     Notre Dame

Great find in the final round, could have easily gone a few rounds higher. Pretty good press corner. I’ll be willing to bet he sticks to the roster for a while, maybe even gets a few starts.

7     249         Sean Renfree      QB     Duke

Lets see. ACC QB who lacks arm strength. Not exactly a huge winner or many monster seasons. Hmm, seems like they have that on the roster already. Renfree can be a good number 2 that is going to have pretty much the same playbook as the number 1 guy. Smarter than he plays, I bet he ends up a coach.

As a Carolina fan, All these guys suck and should be out of the league in 5 weeks. Objectively? The only bad pick of the lot is Toilolo, dammit. Even then you could do worse than have a guy hang out with Tony G and learn. I only see one starter, but 4 good rotation guys.

Was David Price justified in publicly airing his grievances on Twitter regarding his fine over the incident with the umpire?

Steve- Price was obviously, and justifiably upset after being fined for virtually not doing anything. Clearly the umpire instigated the situation, and the majority of Rays’ players were shouting something at the umpire after verbally attacking Price. However, as justified as Price is to be upset, he really should not be knocking his “employer” on social media and saying things like “wait until the next time they ask something of me.” He is right on what he is saying, but probably should have kept if off of Twitter. As a fan, I don’t mind it, but I think MLB will ultimately get the last laugh.

Archie- I have no problem at all with Price’s twitter comments. His main issue all along was he wanted an apology from Hallion. He did not care about the fine the umpire received therefore I have no problem with him using a public media forum to express his grievance since MLB was not going to pursue the truth.

Bill: I think he should have simply manned up and accepted them. There was no need in airing anything across social media; however, expecting anything to the contrary of such would be ridiculously out of touch with today’s “share everything”
society.

Between the Angels and the Dodgers, Which team should be most concerned?

Steve- The Angels. The reason they are in the most trouble is because they cannot afford to fall into a deep hole in the AL West. The Rangers, A’s, and one can even say the Mariners are playing good baseball right now. They have at least two teams who are going to be fighting for post-season, while the NL West has a better chance to take proper form in the next few months.

Archie- Offensively both teams are doing just Okay. The biggest problem for each team is currently pitching. Both teams have 5 blown saves. Both teams are in the lower 3rd of the league in WHIP as well as the lower 3rd for team ERA. The Dodgers are expecting to get Greinke back to help in the rotation soon and they have the best pitching of the two. Even though I am certain that Pujols and Hamilton will NOT finish the season with a sub 250 BA, I think the Angels should have the biggest concerns at this point.

Bill: That’s a tough one. I’d be more inclined at this point to say the Dodgers. While both have spent a lot of money to put a winner on the field, I believe more is at risk with the boys in blue.

With Brian McCann coming off the Disabled list, and Evan Gattis performing well, What should the Braves do?

Steve- Gattis is a multi-tooled player. With Heyward currently on the DL, you can utlilize him in Right Field. The Braves have a good problem to have, as they have solid players who can fill in at any given moment. Gattis is swinging a hot bat right now, and with McCann back in the swing of things, they are going to be a more dangerous team.

Archie- Exactly what they done against the Reds yesterday. Play Gattis in the OF and McCann behind the plate or some version of having both in the lineup at the same time. If Freddie Freeman needs a day off, Play Gattis at first. If McCann needs a day off, put Gattis behind the plate. Either way, I had rather see a smooth swing that is producing (Gattis) in the lineup over a floundering bat (BJU).

Bill: If Gattis is still performing well, I see no need to rush McCann back into the lineup. Depending on how game ready he is, he might need to work his way back into it rather than just being plunked right back into the lineup and upsetting everything that’s been built during his absence. While McCann is a known commodity and producer (his salary speaks to that), the Braves seem to be getting some value from Gattis and his relatively paltry contract. Why not let the kid play? Besides, it would appear that Gattis has some versatility to become a utility guy whereas the same might not be said of McCann.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals are off to strong starts, similar to past seasons. Which team has the best chance to keep it up and finish above .500 this season?

Steve- Kansas City has the BEST chance with their solid all around play. They have a pretty good pitching staff led by James Shields, and a really good lineup. One thing I like about this Royals team is that no matter how far down they are, they always play hard and will not quit. Ultimately, I do not think either will be over .500 at the end of the season, but KC has the best shot.

Archie- I will give KC the nod on this one. They have the better overall team pitching as well as team offense. And, given the second half collapse that Pittsburgh is known for, I have to go with KC until Pittsburgh can prove they can finish.

Bill: I think Pittsburgh has the better core of players and stay above the .500 mark. That’s not to say the Royals have a poor squad by comparison or that they won’t be able to reach the same record, but I still believe PIT will fare better as the season goes on unless McCutchen gets injured again and derails their progress. Both are in tough divisions, so it’s anyone’s ballgame (pardon the pun).

Will the Toronto Blue Jays will end up doing the same thing as the Marlins last season and disband their roster at the end of the season?

Steve-It is really too early to tell, but if they cannot turn things around by the trade deadline, they are going to begin unloading players at that time. Lesson be learned to all the MLB teams out there. The Miami Blue Jays experience should put you on notice that building your team around superstars is not the best way to go. The Marlins tried it last year and they were dead last, the Blue Jays basically bought the Marlins and now they are in last in the East. They have some time to turn this around, but they are in some serious trouble. (on a side note, Get well soon to J.A. Happ after taking a line drive to the head as this was written)

Archie- The Blue Jays in effect, overhauled their entire team during the offseason. However, like many other project teams,they are failing miserably in producing. Given the history of the league and the way CEOs handle non-productive guys with big contracts by selling or trading them off at the first opportunity; I don’t see how the Blue Jays don’t dump much of their payroll by the trade deadline of 31 July. I don’t think they wait for the offseason.

Bill: Will we see another fire sale like the Marlins had? I doubt it. The Jays do have some talent, but being in the same division as the Red Sox, Yanks, and O’s is a killer as it would be for any team. Another issue is that a good number of their better talent is on the DL and a contributing factor to the team being 8.5 games out of first. Sometimes you have to make some changes to get it going in the right direction… but sometimes it’s better to stick with what you’ve got. For the sake of those involved, I’m going with the latter on this one