2012 NFL Player Rankings - Running Backs

These rankings are not for fantasy value. And yes, Darren Sproles may be too high, but I like the way he plays, and the dual threat he brings to the offense. Here's the list:

1) Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
2) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
3) Arian Foster, Houston Texans
4) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
5) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
6) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
7) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
8) Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
9) Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
10) Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins
11) Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
12) Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
13) Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers
14) Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
15) C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills
16) Darren Sproles, New Orleans Saints
17) Willis McGahee, Denver Broncos
18) Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns
19) Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots
20) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals
21) DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
22) Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
23) Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
24) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
25) Michael Bush, Chicago Bears
26) Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
27) Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers
28) Ben Tate, Houston Texans
29) Cedric Benson, Green Bay Packers
30) Andre Brown, New York Giants
31) Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
32) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

2012 NFL Player Ranks - Quarterbacks

No writing on my part here. I'm simply going to rank the top players at each of the fantasy skill positions. Not by fantasy value, but by who I think is the best. Because I feel like it.

Some of you may think Andy Dalton is too high on this list, and he might be. But I feel he's going to prove me right this season.

Russell Wilson is a guy who I hope proves me wrong. I haven't seen much of his ability in the NFL yet, but there is definitely a chance he can be a top twenty signal caller this season. I like how he doesn't possess the ego of fellow newcomers Cam Newton (2nd year) and Robert Griffin III. His work ethic rivals anyone in the league, he doesn't complain about other teams "playing dirty" (RGIII) or charge fans cash for autographs (Newton).

Anyway, here's the list:

1) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
2) Tom Brady, New England Patriots
3) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
4) Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
5) Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
6) Eli Manning, New York Giants
7) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
8) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
9) Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
10) Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
11) Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
12) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
13) Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
14) Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
15) Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
16) Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
17) Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
18) Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
19) Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans
20) Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders
21) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
22) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills
23) Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs
24) Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals
25) Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings
26) Mark Sanchez, New York Jets
27) Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
28) Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
29) Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars
30) Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
31) Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
32) Brandon Weeden, Cleveland Browns

To Sum Up a Few Things...

The sports media has a tendency to beat a dead horse until its guts spew out on a slew of topics. What I'm going to do here is write what I think is the bottom line to all of them. Some topics I talk about may be overdone in the media, while others I feel inclined to write about for no specific reason.

1. Robert Griffin III has had one spectacular performance thus far this season against a rather poor defense. What he did was impressive, but if he had had a crummy game, we'd all be screaming that he was a bust the way we are about Ryan Tannehill and Brandon Weeden. What I'm saying is, while Griffin will probably go on to have a terrific career, one game is far too small a sample size to evaluate an NFL player.

2. Beating the Bills proved nothing for the New York Jets. The Bills may well win two games this year. The Jets are still a circus as of now. If they can win two out of three against the Steelers, 49ers, and Texans, maybe it's time to start to think they are legitimate. But right now, they're still an 8-8 team at best.

3. Tim Tebow still cannot pass the football. It's kind of weird to me how for all the work he does, he can't correct his throwing motion and throw spirals. He'll be in the league awhile, but would be better off becoming a tight end. It'd also be nice if, as a backup quarterback backing up a mediocre starter and special teams player, Tebow would be talked about less than most teams. But as long as ESPN exists, we all know that's not going to happen. 

4. If the NFL is going to fine multiple defensive players each week, there has to be a way for them to fine guys on the other side of the ball as well. Slap DeSean Jackson fifty grand for admitting he didn't play hard last year or something.

5. The NFL needs to quit making the rules so the offense scores every time and everyone gets 350 passing yards. Heck, even Blaine Gabbert amassed 260 last week. The league needs to start catering to the hardcore fan instead of the casual one, which we know will never happen. I won't get into player safety here.

6. If my Phillies fall short in their comeback bid for the playoffs, go A's and O's. Love the fight these teams possess despite such minute payrolls (by pro sports standards, of course).

7. I'm still not getting why the NFL is still hiding the evidence in the bounty scandal. Looks more and more each day like they don't have any. We'll wait till the meetings are finished.

8. Michael Vick should be benched for Nick Foles if he pulls another dud this week against Baltimore.

9. I really hope Seattle gets an NBA team back. And they should call them the SuperSonics again, because that was by far the best name in pro sports.

10. It's a real shame the Pirates are collapsing again. The way they're going, it's bound to be losing season number twenty in a row. As they're accustomed to this time of year, Pittsburgh has already turned their full attention to the Steelers.

White Mamba Calls it a Career

NBA great Brian Scalabrine, known for his hustle on the court and by his nickname "White Mamba," retired from the league today. He turned down an offer from Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau to be an assistant, instead electing to serve as the play-by-play guy for Boston Celtics games.

A fan favorite around the league, Scal will surely be missed in Chicago. Today marks the first day in history that Bulls fans express jealousy toward Celtics supporters. People have been clamoring for his numbers, 24 and 44, to be retired league-wide.

Maybe I'm mocking him a little, but in all honesty, I respect the guy. He's a hard worker relatable to fans due to his straightforwardness and simply likeable character and wonderful personality. Teammates and coaches alike respect him for his work ethic, which has kept him in the league for a decade. Thibodeau thought so much of him that he offered him an assistant coaching position. But what really makes him a legend is this:

College Football's Flaws: Part One

It's a joyous occasion for college football fans across the country: Week One Saturday, which features a horde of competitive matchups. LSU vs. North Texas. Arkansas vs. the Gamecocks of Jacksonville St. In fact, we get all of TWO ranked vs. ranked games this weekend! Weak non-conference scheduling is the least of the problems, though, when it comes to college football.

It's simply a corrupt industry. Every day you hear about so and so from USC or Ohio State or whatever school receiving gifts from boosters or recruiters, or a story that surfaced about former UNC standout Julius Peppers regarding academic fraud or classes created for athletes to get by. Cam Newton, the guy you just took with your second round pick in your fantasy draft, got paid thousands to play for Auburn but got no penalty because his dad orchestrated it, or so he said. As any casual college football fan knows, these types of things go on at almost every large football school. Pressuring teachers to change players' grades. Preferential treatment to the players, in all aspects by the school, since they generate revenue. What do I mean? I'm not just talking about the free ride, but rather such things as additional academic help not available to other students just to keep players eligible, and having the football program bail its players out from trouble with school's police.

Fans simply look away during bowl season when corporate sponsors take advantage of college kids' talent in moneymaking schemes. Take the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, for example. The financial corruption was endless (check the hyperlink for details). This is all centered around an amateur sport.

Small Market Stars

Much talk has been made over Felix Hernandez' love affair with the Seattle Mariners and their fans. Rumors have swirled for the past few years that the small-market M's were going to trade him away for building blocks for the future, but GM Jack Zduriencik has stated repeatedly that the franchise is going to build around King Felix instead.

People can't decide whether to believe Felix when he states that Seattle is the only place he wants to be. He's become a local hero, has his own fan section in left field, the King's Court, and has apparent faith in the Mariners' front office that they will be able to build a winner with reduced payroll. He has promised to return to Seattle after his five-year, $78 million deal is up. But is he sincere, or will he just sign with the Yankees and achieve Alex Rodriguez status at Safeco?

Here are some other small-market franchise icons and their current contract situations.

Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates - The NL's leading MVP candidate avoided arbitration years and showed his allegiance to Pittsburgh in signing a six-year, $51.5 million extension in the offseason. The contract includes a club option for 2018, and is the largest deal in the 130-year history of the Pirates. McCutchen has lead the Bucs into relevancy, and put butts in beautiful PNC Park's seats, which will lead to the team expanding on its 26th-ranked $62 million payroll.

Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays - As a rookie, Longo originally agreed to a six-year, $17.5 million deal, with club options through 2016 that will push the deal to $44 million. Not bad for a player that has achieved superstar status. The Rays have become perennial playoff contenders, which can be  attributed to GM Andrew Friedman shaping the roster "years and years in advance." He scored big in taking a chance with then 22-year old Longoria, a guy who will be difficult for them to afford come 2016.

Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals - "Country Breakfast" inked a four-year, $30 million deal prior to the 2011 season, which includes a $14.5 million club option for 2015. As exhibited by the Royals' faithful during this season's All-Star festivities (booing Robinson Cano vivaciously for not picking him to represent the AL in the Home Run Derby), he is a hometown hero in KC. Right-handed bats like him (.302/.370/.508, 25 HR, 79 RBI this year) don't come around often, and he will be hotly pursued in a few years if he keeps up his production.

Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies - Tulo is basically a Rockie for life, as he is signed through 2020 in a deal that pays him $157.75 million is this decade. He is the best all-around shortstop in the game, and even while the team struggles with him hurt, he is not going to be traded for pitching prospects that the Rockies desperately need. Same goes for CarGo, who signed a seven-year, $80 millon agreement prior to the 2011 season. While the Rockies have a plethora of issues, keeping their superstars is not among them.

Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks - After such a downhill year and his current situation (which I'll get to), Upton doesn't really qualify in this "face of the franchise" category. An MVP candidate last year, things have gone downhill quickly for the 25-year-old, so much so that he has been placed on waivers. Reports are that he has been claimed by an unknown team, where he could receive a fresh start and another chance at stardom. Arizona might keep him and look to trade him in the offseason, or leave the team that acquires him on the hook for the rest of his six-year, $51.25 million deal.

Sixers 2012 Roster Projections

The Philadelphia 76ers head into the 2012-2013 with a 14-man roster consisting of only five players from a season ago. But among Philadelphians, there is a renewed confidence in this team even after just finishing a game away from the Eastern Conference Finals. Had it not been for the Andre Iguodala - Andrew Bynum deal (the Dwight Howard trade), much of that optimism would not be present.

With an almost entirely new roster, head coach Doug Collins will have his hands full trying to mix and match the correct lineups, leading this team to play to its caliber as a championship contender. Here is an overview of each player, how much playing time they should get, and how much time Collins will actually give them.

Lavoy Allen: Should play 25 MPG. Will play 15-20 MPG

Allen earned his stripes in the postseason with his stellar defensive showing against Kevin Garnett. KG was running all over Spencer Hawes every minute the two were matched up, but Allen was able to contain him. Unfortunately for Allen, it looks as if Doug Collins thinks more of Hawes as a player right now, as Hawes has been named the starter at PF for some goofy reason. Allen might even get stuck behind Kwame Brown on the depth chart, although I am confident Lavoy will impress during training camp, and maybe take Hawes' starting job some point during the season. In addition to his defense and consistent rebounding, the sophomore also possesses an above-average mid range jumper, and double-double potential.


Kwame Brown: Should play 5-10 MPG. Will play 15 MPG

Brown was brought in for defensive prowess. But he isn't any better on that side of the ball than Lavoy Allen is, and his offensive game is almost nonexistent. It was a scary thought to Sixers fans when Doug Collins had him at starting center before the deal was made for Andrew Bynum. Although he probably shouldn't be, Brown will probably serve as Andrew Bynum's backup, leaving less minutes for Allen and rookie Arnett Moultrie.


Andrew Bynum: Should play 30-40 MPG. Will play 30-40 MPG

The concerns for Bynum are not his basketball skills, but rather his knees, his dedication, his effort, his maturity, his decision-making, etc. He appears to be thrilled to be in Philly, and if all goes as planned, he'll sign a max deal at the end of this season. The Orthokine knee procedure he has decided to undergo in Germany should be a positive sign, as he is being proactive about his health.


Spencer Hawes: Should play 5-20 MPG. Will play 25-30 MPG

Spencer Hawes is a backup NBA big. He can get a mid-range jumper going, but is downright terrible at defense. He cannot guard any quality big man. He plays somewhat soft and isn't imposing to anyone driving straight at him. He can play in this league, but the team would be far better off if Lavoy Allen, or maybe even Arnett Moultrie were to start in his place.


Jrue Holiday: Should play 30-35 MPG. Will play 30-40 MPG

It is said the future of this team is in Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner's hands. Based on what I saw last season from Holiday, I'd be concerned. I'm not as excited about him as other Sixers fans. He plays defense lackadaisically, takes questionable shots and dribbles around pointlessly too often. As the team's starting point guard last season, he averaged a measly 4.5 assists. Last year should have been his breakout this; this year better be.


Royal Ivey: Should play 0-5 MPG. Will play 0-5 MPG

Ivey, in his second stint with the Sixers, is a guy who can provide veteran presence and can help mentor the young guys on how to be NBA players. He will rack up the DNP-CDs, and will compete with rookie Maalik Wayns for garbage time minutes at point guard.


Arnett Moultrie: Should play 15-25 MPG. Will play 0-15 MPG

If Doug Collins has a flaw as a head coach, it might be his development of young players. He was criticized for his treatment of Evan Turner last season, even if it might have been for the better. Collins' decision to play Spencer Hawes over Lavoy Allen shouldn't be encouraging for the rookie overflowing with potential, as it shows his doesn't favor his young bigs. Moultrie likely won't get enough of an opportunity to prove himself this year, barring an injury to someone.


Jason Richardson: Should play 15-20 MPG. Will play 15-25 MPG

It remains to be seen whether J-Rich will be a starter, as opposed to Thaddeus Young or Dorell Wright. The bottom line is the Sixers are a very deep team, and won't find enough playing time for everyone. Richardson can still play, and will contribute with whatever opportunity he gets.


Evan Turner: Should play 30-35 MPG. Will play 30-35 MPG

It is now Evan Turner's time. If his jump shot is the same as it's been in the past, there is cause for worry. But he is arguably the best rebounding guard in the league, and last year he showed flashes of being able to score twenty a night and put up double-doubles (yes, he's that good on the glass) with regularity. His passion during the game has the power to endear him to Philly fans if he puts up the numbers.


Maalik Wayns: Should play 0-10 MPG. Will play 0-10 MPG

He is known fondly in Philly for his starring role with Villanova. His status with the team isn't set in stone yet, but word is that he will be on the roster, meaning he'll probably get some garbage time minutes. A natural scorer, somewhat suspect defensive player and average passer, Wayns has the far-off chance to develop into Philly's next Lou Williams if Nick Young leaves after this year.


Dorell Wright: Should play 25 MPG. Will play 10-20 MPG

This guy can play. He has a killer touch from long range, can play D and will be a great late-game player due to his free-throw shooting (80% career). With the logjam of players at his position, he won't get the minutes he should, but will still be a contributor for this team.


Nick Young: Should play 10-25 MPG. Will play 15-30 MPG

I hate this guy's game. He can score, albeit very inefficiently. He is a ballhog. He doesn't play defense, and probably isn't intelligent enough to know what the word means. That being said, the Sixers struggled putting the ball in the hoop last season, and Young can go on offensive outburts a la Lou Williams. For cheap, he's not an awful pickup.


Thaddeus Young: Should play 20-35 MPG. Will play 25-30 MPG

Is he a three or a four? Probably neither; just a basketball player. He's a little small to guard power forwards, but looks a bit awkward at the three. Doesn't really matter. He causes ruckus whenever he is in the game, and will find a way to get his without ever having a play called for him. His endless energy is something Andrew Bynum should take note of.

Olympic Thoughts

So the consensus right now is that Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian ever. The argument is simple: he has 22 medals; eighteen of which are gold. The fastest man in the world, none other than Usain Bolt, has four golds currently. He's not really in the discussion (at least in the United States), since Phelps has fourteen more gold medals.

Phelps' sport gives away far more medals than a track athlete can achieve. People say, "Michael Phelps competes in up to ten different events, while all Bolt does is run the 100m and 200m." This doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Sprinters in track and field must sculpt their bodies entirely differently than a longer-distance runner, so it wouldn't be plausible for Bolt to win any more medals than he already does. It's the same reason Phelps doesn't compete in, say, the 1500m freestyle.

The only way the uneven medal distribution for track and swimming could be compensated for would be by events such as, say, a backwards race, which would be swimming's equivalent to backstroke.

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On a more serious note:

You might have heard about this already. Seven of Cameroon's Olympians have been missing from Olympic Village. Based on the article, is sounds like they are just fine, and there's no cause for worry, however. They have simply used their situation to their advantage. Seems pretty smart, actually.

Olympic defections date back to 1948's Olympics, which were also held in London. Marie Provaznikova, then president of the International Gymnastics Federation, refused to return to her native Czechoslovakia due to "lack of freedom."

Fifteen-year-old Ethiopian torchbearer Natnael Yemane went on the from his hotel in Nottingham this past June.

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Michael Phelps probably could have come closer to repeating his Beijing performance in this summer's Olympics. He admitted in an interview to NBC's Bob Costas how he slacked off in his training for London, saying he "relaxed" and was "just having fun." He went on to explain how he would do whatever he could to avoid the weight room, and did not start training seriously until 2010. Natural talent certainly aided him in what was still an impressive farewell Olympic performance for one of the world's greatest athletes.

BREAKING NEWS: Tune to your TV, as NBC is set to air the Kennedy assassination tonight in a number of minutes for the public to see...  Okay, but really, this tape delay has been really annoying.

At least ESPN doesn't get the Olympic coverage, or it'd go something like this:

"Usain Bolt approaching the finish, looks like a new world re..."

"We interrupt these Olympics for SportsCenter breaking news!!...Tim Tebow just completed two passes in a row at Jets training camp. Now, back to the Olympics."

"That was amazing ladies and gentlemen, a once in a lifetime race!"

A Phillies Fan's Rant

My Phillies have the highest payroll in the National League. For tonight's matchup against the Washington Nationals, our lineup isn't quite Murderer's Row, or even anything that resembles a large-market ballclub. I hate to knock on the role guys, but our card features John Mayberry, Jr., Domonic Brown, Kevin Frandsen, and Erik Kratz. But it's all going to be okay; our 46-57 club features a $50 million closer.

I guess there had to be a time Dom Brown could try to prove himself after failing a few times before. I just didn't expect it to be with us in the basement, and after trading away Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino for scrap parts, or, at least, less than they are worth. I'll talk about the trades now and get to the other stuff later.

With our current situation, Shane had to go. He'll always be beloved in Philly, but he's on the decline now, or so it appears, and we weren't going to be able to afford what he wanted this offseason. I just wish we could have gotten more than a middle reliever (Josh Lindblom) for him. If the pitching prospect, Ethan Martin, emerges, maybe I'll have to eat my words. Hopefully so.

But Pence. Why, why, why? Aside from the fact that I love his hustle, and quirky, yet effective play, I simply cannot digest this move. What is the thinking here? To shed money? If so, then GM Ruben Amaro should have trade Ryan Howard, or Cliff Lee or someone who makes more. Howard is probably never going to launch 40 home runs or even hit .260 again, but he's being paid like the player he was in 2006. Is the thinking to rebuild? Are we taking lessons from the Astros? How could we rebuild anyway with the money committed to Hamels, Halladay, Lee, Rollins, Utley, Howard, and Papelbon? Trading any of them would have made more sense than Pence, who is the one bat capable of having a team built around (even if he crumbles at times in crunch time for putting too much pressure on himself).

Sure, the thought process is...wait. Pence isn't a free agent until 2014. What the heck is going on? How did this help? If Tommy Joseph, the catching prospect included with Nate Schierholtz and another guy, makes it big, then great. But what are the chances? 2012 is a lost season but 2013 doesn't have to be. Hunter Pence remaining a Phillie would only have made too much sense.

Changing gears a bit, I cannot stand Jonathan Papelbon. When the deal was announced I pacepalmed. Not even Mariano Rivera has ever been worth what the Phils are paying Papelbon. He's on the decline for sure: when he came up he was firing 103 MPH rockets to home plate. Now he's lucky to break 94. When we're paying him as a 35-year-old, he'll be relying on a 90 fastball to get guys out. So far this year, he's blown three saves and has four losses with a mid-threes ERA. Not bad, but there are probably 30 other relievers, all for less money, that could do that. And his three blown saves have come at the most inopportune times, completely blasting the slight momentum the team tried to put together: to end a four game win streak after the All-Star break, and the team proceeds to get swept, etc.

So how does our roster look overall? Here's an overview.

Our infield: Howard, who we can only hope comes alive. Utley, the same. I hate to say this, but I don't think he has much left at all. Jimmy, a shell of his former self. Polanco is too rattled by injuries and an aging body to be effective anymore offensively.

The outfield: Juan Pierre is the best we have now that Hunter and Shane are out west. Nate Schierholtz is a borderline everyday player, but he can't hit southpaws.. Mayberry will get one last chance to prove himself for the remainder of this year, but hitting righties for him in quite an obstacle. Domonic Brown, the erstwhile top prospect, has the cannon arm but will use the next two months as a final audition to make it in the bigs. This is the outfield of a rebuilding ballclub. (Problem is, we can't rebuild with this payroll.)

Starting pitching: Well, we have six more years of Cole Hamels. He's got the big bucks, which is well deserved for him. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, it's weird to say, are great unknowns now. Vance Worley is a good three or four guy. I'm surprised Joe Blanton is still here, but we need his innings-eating.

And the bullpen? I'd prefer not to talk about it. I'll always love and support my Phils, but me and the rest of Philly are currently in what was the norm pre-2007 in Philly, the "At least the Eagles look good" outlook.

Yep. Being a Philly sports fan is rough.

Cities' Most Hated Hometown Sports Figures

*Most of these are fairly recent, so don't get offended.

Seattle - Howard Schultz

Schultz is the man who sold the SuperSonics to Clay Bennett in Oklahoma City, where you know they became the Thunder. Seattle fans can only imagine what could have been. After purchasing the Sonics in 2001, Schultz had the beloved Gary Payton traded away after a feud. He got into a negotiating battle with Rashard Lewis (who was actually good back then), and soon after requested public funding for a new arena. When the city wouldn't give public funding, he became irate and threatened to sell or move the team, and sell the team he did. Clay Bennett is also one of Seattle's most hated figures, as in 2006 he said he wanted to keep the franchise in Seattle. Now head of the NBA's relocation committee, he could help make amends one day if he helps land a new team.


San Diego - Ryan Leaf

Being arguably the biggest bust in NFL history will do that do a guy.  On draft day, he proclaimed, "I'm looking forward to a 15-year career, a couple of trips to the Super Bowl and a parade through downtown San Diego." Not so fast big guy. The player who went before him, Peyton Manning, would live that dream, with the parade of course being through Indy instead. San Diego still hasn't gotten theirs.


Cleveland - LeBron James

Although they'd take him back in a heartbeat.


Chicago - Steve Bartman

Poor guy. I'm sure you know the story. I still find it ridiculous how Chicago continues to blame one foul ball for their entire 103-year World Series drought. When the incident happened, the Cubs were up 3-0 in the game. The eight runs allowed in that inning were not Bartman's doing. Nonetheless, Bartman eclipses the likes of a fallen Sammy Sosa, Carlos Zambrano, David Terrell, and others.


Boston - Bobby Valentine

Boston is in love with their Red Sox. And even though he whined a bit at the end, they are in love with Kevin Youkilis. They didn't appreciate how Bobby V threw him under the bus, or half of his other players so far as well. Boston is impatient with the Red Sox as a whole right now, but Valentine was never around for any of the success that made many of the players so beloved. He is a symbol of failure in the city.


New York - Alex Rodriguez

I'm sure we could go back in time and find someone more hated than A-Rod in New York, but the bottom line is people simply don't like the guy. Ask any Yankees fan: they love Jeter, love Mo, love Cano and Swisher and the rest of the bunch, but can't stand A-Rod. The contract and admitted steroid use don't help his case. Or the fact that he's only had one halfway decent postseason, 2009. And as the next six years go by and he continues to put up mediocre seasons like this one while eating up 30 million a year, it's not going to get any prettier.


Philadelphia - Terrell Owens

Being a diehard Eagles fan, I don't want to say anything about this. We really don't like J.D. Drew or Scott Rolen, either - Drew because he was drafted number one overall by the Phillies in 1997 and refused to sign and re-entered the draft the next year, and Rolen because he demanded to be traded away.


Miami - No one because they have like two legitimate sports fans.


St. Louis - Albert Pujols

Many still love him, but most can't forgive him. Illinois' most beloved athlete for a decade chose to leave a better fan base and just as good of a chance to win another World Series because the Cardinals couldn't offer him as much money as the Angels could. I'm sure the Cardinals' faithful delighted in his April swoon, and are happy his 10-year contract isn't crippling their franchise.


Washington - Albert Haynesworth

Probably the worst free agent signing in NFL history. An All-Pro in 2007 and 2008, Haynesworth was highly coveted heading into free agency. The Redskins, notorious for overpaying players, made their worst move yet, snatching Haynesworth for seven years, $100 million. All downhill from there. Haynesworth had an endless list of fighting teammates, a stomping incident, and exhibited all-around poor play. His ineffectiveness can be partially attributed to the fact that he didn't feel like getting into anything close to playing shape for the '09 season. 


Pittsburgh - Barry Bonds

Terry Bradhaw's backup Cliff Stoudt is also despised in the Burgh, but Barry Bonds is the undisputed number one. First of all, everyone outside of San Francisco hates Bonds. Who likes a cheater? But it's personal in Pittsburgh, because after failing to advance the Bucs to the World Series in his seven years there, he left for more money in San Francisco (which is the only city in the U.S. where he'd be welcomed today).

2012 MLB Predictions at the Break

American League MVP: Josh Hamilton. His incredible power numbers will be able to fend off rookie phenom Mike Trout, who will probably have a few of these awards by the time his career is done.

National League MVP: Andrew McCutchen. Joey Votto has gotten on base more, but Cutch has done everything else more effectively thus far. Even if the power numbers stack up similarly at the end, McCutchen's 25-30 steals and stellar centerfield play will give him the edge over the first baseman. The deciding factor might end up being which team makes the playoffs.

American League Cy Young: Jered Weaver. The popular pick is Justin Verlander, and while he leads Weaver in most pitching statistical categories, Weaver's ERA is 62 points lower (1.96). Pitchers starting off this hot have a tendency to stumble down the stretch (Weaver's ERA on August 5 of last season was 1.78. He finished at 2.41), but I think he'll be able to learn from last year. Another dark horse candidate is 23-year-old Chris Sale, who has posted a 2.19 ERA to go along with a 0.95 WHIP and 98 Ks in 102.2 innings.

National League Cy Young: R.A. Dickey. Even if Johnny Cueto and James McDonald (I have absolutely no clue how they weren't all-stars by the way) finish with slightly better statistics, Dickey will take the award if he keeps pitching as he is. The fact that he is a 37-year-old knuckleballer with a heartwarming story will appeal to voters. I have a feeling that Cueto and McDonald, at 26 and 27 years old respectively, will be in the Cy conversation for years to come.

American League Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout. Yu Darvish or anyone else won't come close.

National League Rookie of the Year: Bryce Harper. I don't know if he'll deserve it, but he'll win nonetheless. There were about 25 guys that should have made the all-star game before he did, but his hype wins out. He's not outhitting the Reds' Todd Frazier, a guy whom many of you probably don't know who he is. Wade Miley, the owner of a 9-5 record and 3.04 ERA, could make things interesting of he keeps things up.

AL East winner: New York Yankees. No one's catching them.

AL Central winner: Chicago White Sox. Youk is coming alive, they've found a diamond in the rough in Jose Quintana, Adam Dunn and Alex Rios are rejuvenated, and Paul Konerko is still hitting the lights out. Robin Ventura's crew should be able to pull off the improbable and hold off Verlander, Prince and the Tigers for the division crown.

AL West winner: Texas Rangers. This division is all but assured of having two playoff teams, as the Angels will probably take a wild card if they can't bounce the Rangers from first place. Texas looks October-ready in July.

AL Wild Cards: Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers. I'm pretty much positive the Angels are going to grab one, but the second spot is up in the air. It's pretty much in between the second-place Central team (White Sox or Tigers) and the Tampa Bay Rays. Detroit looks like they are coming together while the Rays are barely getting by. I think this is the year when the Rays' lack of cash will bite them as they await Evan Longoria's return.

NL East winner: Washington Nationals. I know they had a great core coming in, but still, who would have thought that the Washington Nationals would have the best record in the NL at the break? That's like saying "The Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl!" from a few years back. Maybe the Nats would compete for a wild card, sure, but not this.

NL Central winner: St. Louis Cardinals. They have the most talent in the division, and it's all but certain the Pirates will fade at least a little bit. As far as the Reds go, if they want to win the division, they are going to need Drew Stubbs (.215/.286/.367) to come alive. It's certainly possible this division is the first in baseball history to have three playoff teams.

NL West winner: San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers are free fallin'. Even Matt Kemp's return won't be able to save them at this point. Despite Tim Lincecum's terribleness, San Fran will take advantage and win the division.

NL Wild Cards: Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves. This will be baseball's most intense race. Atlanta is a shoo-in, and Pittsburgh is, well, a gut pick. I want it to happen. The Mets' lack of talent will get to them and they will fade, but the Reds, Cardinals, and Bucs will duke it out until the finish.