Uh Oh Cleveland

Now, I'll be the first person to say that I think Lebron James is going to stay in Cleveland in 2010. I think that he loves the city, state, and fans too much to bail out, and it won't even be a bailout because Cleveland is going to SHOW HIM THE MONEY.

However....

If you watched the NBA TV segment with Lebron's post game interview, Cleveland fans have to be worried about this. Here is the link. I'll let you guys decide what to make out of it.

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2008/11/25/nba_gametime_20081125_lebron_post.nba/index.html?player=whatsnew

Cavs Fans: Time to Start Believing

Well the NBA season's beginning has come and gone and the front runners for the NBA Finals trophy have jumped out to an early lead. The Los Angeles Lakers look nearly unbeatable in a somewhat depleted Western Conference. The Eastern Conference seems to be a little more confusing.

The Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors all feel like they have a legitimate shot at the championship. However, the road to facing L.A. in the Finals leads through either Ohio or New England; Cavaliers or Celtics.

The Celtics are the defending World Champions that still possess the "Big Three" in Garnett, Pierce, and Allen. They lost a couple of role players; however, the emergence of Leon Powe seems to have counter-balanced the departures. The Celtics look very capable of defending their crown. There just seems to be one small problem. Or should I say, one very large, "King-sized" problem.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are poised and ready to take back their Eastern Conference title from the Celtics, and "the King" Lebron James is ready to bring a title, FINALLY, to his beloved Ohio.

Before the season began, few people thought the acquisition of point guard, Mo Williams, would have a significant impact on Cleveland's title hopes. Well, as they say, "only time will tell." Not only has the acquisition bolstered an already talented line-up, it has people thinking Mo could be the Scottie Pippen figure to Lebron.

The Cavaliers have jumped off to the best start since 1994 and despite losing to the Pistons early in the year, the play of Lebron James, and emergence of the role players seems to sparking excitement all over Cleveland.

Let's remember that the Chicago Bulls accomplished their title dominance, not by Jordan scoring 45 every night, but by Grant scoring 13 and Rodman bringing down 13 rebounds. The Cavaliers finally, it seems, given Lebron the role players he needs.

So far this year, no team has come up with a defense for a driving Lebron dunking, or kicking it out to a capable three point shooting trio of Williams, Gibson, and West. Even Big Z, and Ben Wallace get in the action. In the past, when Lebron had a bad shooting night, it was a chalk up in the loss column for the Cavaliers. With the emergence of the role players, Lebron can finally BE carried and not CARRY his team.

The season is still early, a lot can happen. But in Cleveland, the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, is not the only thing rocking this year.

Manning for MVP

So week 12 is almost over in the NFL, and time soon approaches where awards will be handed out amongst the league's finest.

Matt Ryan is running away, or should I say throwing away, with the Rookie of the Year. He leads an Atlanta team that looks to be headed for the playoffs, and for the first time in awhile has the city completely behind a white QB (didn't want to play the race card but had to in this situation).

Most of the other awards are up for grabs; however, the MVP race could be narrowing down between two candidates: Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings and Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts (that's right I said it.)

Adrian Peterson is the sole reason why the Vikings even have a shot of making the playoffs in a hard-fought NFC North Division. So far this year he has over 1,100 yards, averaging almost 5 yards a carry, and scored 8 TDs. Without Adrian Peterson, the Vikings would be in Detroit Lions or Cincinnati Bengals territory.

However, in my opinion, the MVP has to go back to the two-time winner of the award, Peyton Manning.

The Indianapolis Colts are probably going to lose the AFC South for the first time since 2003. The team is 3 games over .500 and have barely escaped with wins over lackluster teams such as the Chargers, Titans, and Steelers. They have been injury plagued from the beginning of the season, and the only shining hope in Lucas Oil Stadium stands in the pocket wearing a number 18.

Peyton Manning, despite the knee injury at the beginning of the year that kept him out of action until the beginning of the season, has produced and led his team back from oblivion. Through week 12, he has 19 TDs and almost 3,000 yards passing. He accomplishes these stats without the help of a mere hint of a running game until the last two weeks, a Bob Sanders-less defense that can't leave the field, and an offensive line that is so riddled with injuries President Bush should report it as a disaster zone.

Now, I agree that Manning is not putting up the 50 TDs and 4,000 yard statistics of a year ago; however, not every year will have the MVP already decided upon by week 11. If Peyton was producing this numbers last year and I recommended him for MVP, I would be laughed at. But the fact that there is still no clear front runner for the award, and the Colts and Manning are hitting their stride at the critically important end of the season, his name appears at the top of some lists.

The Colts without Peyton Manning, this year, would be in utter disarray. The inauguration of Lucas Oil Stadium would be the only bright spot to a lousy year. Peyton Manning has saved the team from mediocrity, and, in doing so, out shown any other candidate thus far for the MVP.

Week 12 NFL Picks

CIN at PIT
Pittsburgh will take advantage of the Cincinnati's' Chad Johnson once again putting himself before the team. How much will it take for the owner and general manager to finally get rid of this cancer and function as a team once again. Big Ben needs to learn to the throw the ball earlier but he will riddle the defense on Thursday night. PIT 31-CIN 10

HOU at CLE
Cleveland wants a win worse than a legless Ethiopian wants the doughnut rolling down the street. Brady Quinn offered a breath of fresh air, but with Mario Williams rushing every play, he could be in for a second game beating. Houston is the underdog, but I think they can pull off the slight upset this week. HOU 17-CLE 10

SF at DAL
Uh Oh. Tony's back. At least we'll get a Jessica sighting on Fox. Hopefully these two teams can bring back the great 80s and 90s rivalry and produce a great game, but let's be honest Dallas runs away with this one. DAL 35-SF 13

TB at DET
Calvin Johnson is turning into the wide receiver that everyone thought he would believe. Wow, Matt Millen actually drafted a good WR in the first round. Too bad the Tampa Bay has them beat at all other positions. Bucs keep the Lions in their den. TB 20-DET 6

NYJ at TEN
The match up of the week. Old QB vs Older QB. The greatest thing about this match up is the O-lines. Both the Titans and the Jets have lineman that could clear a Old Country Buffet in 7 minutes. Unfortunately for the Jets, the Titans have the 1-2 punch at running back and a D-line that sacked Peyton Manning 5 times (SAY WHAT?). TEN 23-NYJ 16

BUF at KC
Buffalo regroups after their Monday night loss. Trent Edwards defends his job to the tune of at least 3 touchdowns against a KC team that is losing a base in the middle of the linebacking core.
BUF 21-13

CHI at STL
Chicago rolls over the hapless Rams. The Rams had their training camp in my hometown, Mequon, WI. I hope they start winning otherwise they don't think they are coming back. The Bears regroup after their drubbing at the hands of the Pack and pitch a shutout. CHI 20-STL 0

NE at MIA
New England wants to show the AFC East that they are not dead. Miami had other thoughts. Coach Belichick needs to learn that if he pisses off teams in their division, sooner or later they are going to run it down his throat. Belichick chews through his hoodie after watching his team getting blown out in Miami. MIA 28-NE 13

MIN at JAC
Both teams want to win this NFC north AFC south match up; however, Adrian Peterson will be the reason why the Vikings are victorious. I thought AP would have another injury plagued season and so far he has come through with flying colors. Another 150+ yard running game and we have ourselves an MVP. MIN 14-JAC 10

PHI at BAL
Donovan Mcnabb needs to show up sometime this season or his job is gone next year. I don't know why Philly continues to hate on D-nabb, but unless Philly makes the playoffs its over for his reign in the city of brotherly love. Joe Flacco gets to know Philly's blitz scheme pretty well from the ground in this game. PHI 17- BAL 3

OAK at DEN
I picked Denver to get to the Super Bowl. They will destroy the hapless Raiders. DEN 24-OAK 7

CAR at ATL
Carolina is 8-2 this season; successfully pulling off one of the quietest seasons in NFL history. Unfortunately, they will meet up the tandem of Roddy White and Matt Ryan. Ryan bolsters his Rookie of the Year resume in this game. ATL 17-CAR 16

NYG at ARI
Eli is playing too well, and the Giants' running attack is way too tough to stop. NYG 20-ARI 14

WAS at SEA
A stupid person would look at who is playing and think, "Wait a tick. Isn't Seattle in Washington?" This is about the most entertaining thing that can come out of this game as the Redskins use Portis all-day and roll in Washington (state). WAS 27-SEA 10

IND at SD
Last year Peyton threw his career high 6 INTs and the Colts still had a game-winning kick to win the game. Adam Vinateri won't have to miss a game-winner in this game as the Colts' newly found running attack will destroy a Merriman-less defense. IND 41-SD 17

GB at NO
Aaron Rodger is going to have a GREAT game. I'm predicting at least 3 TD's from the Ellen Degeneres look alike. The Saints' Brees will keep up his MVP resume with a good game but the difference will be the resurgence of the Packers O-line and running attack. Maybe Terry Bradshaw should have hinted at the fact that the Packers defense is terrible compared to last year and the O-line doesn't block anymore instead of the fact that they don't have Brett Favre. Dumb Mississippi and Louisiana boys think alike I guess. GB 38-NO 27

The NFL has to Stop Putting Quarters in Pacman

On Wednesday, November 19th, the NFL made another stupid blunder. They decided to reinstate the one man that has caused the league enough trouble that the Cincinnati Bengals wouldn't even allow him to come in the locker room and the Minnesota Vikings wouldn't allow him on their boat. The NFL needs to say adios to Pacman Jones.

I am not going to call him Adam Jones. No, absolutely not. In order for me to call him Adam Jones he needs to show the world and I that he isn't going to beat up his bodyguard, go to strip clubs, and carry and use guns while in public. An Adam Jones would not do those things. Pacman Jones most certainly would.

The NFL thought that it would be alright with Pacman going to a franchise that had their share of personality troubles (i.e. Michael Irvin and Barry Switzer), but how could they believe that after a third time of getting suspended this man would be able to turn his life around.

The NFL would be better off saying,"Cya later Pacman, we'll see you on the next season of MSNBC's "Lock-up".

Rodger Goodell blueprinted his tenure as commissioner of the NFL quite clearly in the past. Any illegal activities or questionable character escapades had been dealt with swiftly and with a firm hand. But my question is why not use that stern hand and give Pacman a swift smack the head and a kick in the pants.

Pacman Jones is a disgrace to the NFL, football, and the sporting world at large. The time for reinstatement and countless second chances are over. Pacman Jones, in the words of Will Smith, "you brought this on yourself."

Classy, and Smart, Move for the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs recently re-signed Ryan Dempster to a 4-year, 52 million dollar deal locking up the 2008 All-Star and 17 game winner and solidifying the rotation for at least a couple more years.

Dempster, who lives in Wrigleyville, can now guarantee a walk to the stadium for the next four years and I couldn't be happier. Not only did Dempster make a successful transition from the bullpen to a starter, but he won 17 games, went 10-0 at home during the regular season, and produced one of the best starting rotations in the Majors last year.

Critics of Dempster would say that he isn't worth the money, and he only had one good year in him. I categorically disagree.

Since joining the Cubs, Dempster has won 26 games, saved 87, and produced a 3.27 ERA for the bullpen and starting rotation. He loves being a Cub and lives within walking distance of the friendly confines. With this new deal, Dempster will be able to focus on pitching and possibly be the work-horse for a rotation that has some injury problems in Rich Harden and Carlos Zambrano.

The Cubs expressed interest in a trade for Jake Peavy this off-season, and now critics of the deal believe that this resigning mean the former Cy Young winner will never see their home dugout. I wouldn't jump to conclusions.

Jim Hendry, general manager for the Cubs, still believes there is a chance to sign Peavy and the threat of a rotation of Zambrano, Dempster, Harden, Peavy, and Lilly has to be daunting for the Brewers, Cardinals, and Astros' fans of the world.

Dempster deserved this 4-year deal, and I believe that it will pay off for the Cubs organization. After the humiliating sweep in the NLDS, the Cubs need to believe that they can win with the talent that they have around the club. Obviously, they have the talent to win (2 straight division championships). With the signing of Dempster, the Cubs can focus on finally breaking through the barrier.

Eli is the better Manning....Really?

There is a phenomenon going around the NFL and ESPN that is causing analysts, commentators, and broadcasters alike to believe that Eli Manning, that's right, Peyton's little brother, could have possibly snuck up on his older brother, succeeded in planting a wet willie like in the commercial, and overtook the standing of family's best quarterback. Something must be in the water in Bristol.

Now I do not deny that the newly remodeled Eli Manning has most definitely improved since leading his team on a miracle run through the playoffs, winning the Super Bowl, and becoming the MVP of the Super Bowl. He also has led the Strahan-less Giants to a 9-1 record where it looks as if no team in the NFC East will even be able to compete with the G-Men. That, coupled with the fact that Peyton's Colts started poorly, could cause anyone to jump to conclusions. However, if I may use the infamous quote of ESPN analyst Lee Corso, "Not so fast my friend!"

How dare the Eli bandwagon jumpers fill the media with these lies that Eli has eclipsed his older brother. The Colts started the season poorly because of injuries, poor timing, and the fact that the entire league has been spoiled with the Colts and Peyton the last couple of years assuming that they will always start the season 9-0 or 10-0.

The injury bug strikes all teams in the NFL. I cannot place all the blame on the Colts' early woes on bumps and bruises; however, when perennial pro-bowlers sit on the sidelines during crucial preseason practices (not every player is a Michael Strahan where they don't need preseason) it is hard to start the season off against 4 straight teams with an over .500 record at this point in the season.

The timing of the injuries also caused the slow start. Peyton is used to leading his team throughout the entire year, and despite the assurances of Manning, it was too hard for the Colts to capture the glory of the old days quickly (just look at the drops and missed hookups between the most prolific passing attack in NFL history).

The fact that the Colts have started, and continued, to possess a undefeated record well into October and November the last couple of years has caused this recent struggle to magnify. Instead of jumping to irrational conclusions that Peyton Manning finally has leveled out, and the Colts are dead, critics should have realized it is only a matter of time before the NFL's greatest passing combination got on track.

The Giants are a great team; there is no denying that. But with a combined 1st place running attack of Jacobs and Ward and a defense that sacks a quarterback everytime the unfortunate soul drops back would cause a Grossman-led Bears team to win games.

Peyton has rallied his team from the depths of the AFC South and now charges ahead trying to reach the playoffs. The last 4 games he has thrown 9 TD's and 2 Int's. Also, in the last 3 games he has led the league in QB rating and despite, Eli's "MVP year," Peyton still has thrown more TD's.

The season is far from over, but to the doubters and the critics stating that Peyton Manning has finally been usurped by his younger brother Eli, please watch closely to the roars coming out of Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts have woken up and their leader is ready for a race.

Congrats Dustin

I would first like to extend out congratulations to Dustin Pedrioa, the "little" second baseman and slugger for the Boston Red Sox after being named the AL MVP for the 2008 season. His numbers definitely warrant MVP recognition. He hit .326 with 17 dingers and 83 RBI. Also, he accomplished this in between the Big Poppi and Mike Lowell injuries, Josh Beckett returning to human-like figure, and "Manny being Manny."

Not since the great Ryne Sandberg has a second baseman captured the hearts of a city the way Pedrioa has thrilled the Fenway faithful. The "little man" takes a hearty swing on every pitch and has slugged so many doubles off the Green Monster he might be paying for a new paint job next season. I think its time to jump aboard the Pedrioa bandwagon.

Last year, he won the AL Rookie of the Year, after batting once again well over .300 for a team that won the World Series. He was the constant stable force for a team that had the talent to go all the way this year but suffered from a Manny Ramirez debacle and key injuries to people protecting Pedrioa in the lineup. Imagine the numbers Pedrioa could have had if Manny had decided to play in Boston the way he did in Los Angeles, and Big Poppi would have been healthy all year. This kid is for real.

Mark Cuban Say it Isn' So

Well Cubs fans, you can pretty much count out Mark Cuban in the sweepstakes for future ownership of your beloved ball club. Straight out of ESPN.com, Mark Cuban has the SEC (much more serious than the football conference) filing suit against him for insider trading in which he allegedly participated in, in order to avoid $750,000 in stock losses.

We'll come back to the Cubs later, but first let's discuss the situation at hand with the NBA's most controversial owner. If recent history tells us anything, cases of rich celebrities accused of insider trading haven't ended altogether in favor of the celebrity (i.e. Martha Stewart). We have to remember this is America, so Mark will be considered innocent until proven guilty, but my question is why?

And my question of why is not concerning Mark Cuban.

Mark Cuban ranks as the 161st wealthiest American. I am not going to go and say that $750,000 is a trivial amount, and he shouldn't have worried about losing it because look at the facts. If anyone comes up to you and tells you that you are going to lose money and before it actually occurs, the obvious human instinct is to protect your investment. If Cuban is guilty, why did somebody give him the information knowing that it could lead to a lawsuit. It just seems a little fishy to me.

Now back to those "loveable losers." Major League Baseball was already questioning the decision to allow Mark Cuban the opportunity to bid for the ownership of the Cubs; now its an almost certainty that the North Siders will never experience the glory of working under a Cuban run organization. This is a perfect cap to the season that "should have been." They win one of the toughest divisions easily, lock up homefield advantage, and then the baseball gods strike back with enough karma to last until the 2010 season.

Dempster loses at home in Game 1, Big Z gives up more runs than he has all season, the Cubs get the clean sweep in Los Angeles, Ramirez and Peavy are out of reach in negotiations, and if Cubs fans weren't already on the ledge of their Sheffield Ave. apartment roofs, their savior of soon-to-be owner not only gets denied by MLB but then gets a suit filed against him by the SEC.

What a great decision at 5 to be a Cubs fan. If only I had been born in the Bronx.

Welcome to the Show

Hello internet readers, I-phone users, or anyone else out there capable of interpreting this text.

I would like to formally welcome you to Rocky's Rants, the new and original blog of me, Brett Boyer. I am a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire majoring in business finance with Pre-law as a declared minor. Although my career will eventually lead me to dominance in the courtroom, I might as well share my sporting knowledge prowess with the wonderful world wide web.

Each individual has their own opinions and ideas when it comes to sports. This is one of the greatest things about sports. We let the players play the games; however, for the people who are either "athletically-challenged" or less fortunate when receiving the gifts from God we can use whatever tools we wish to add our insight.

As for me, I set up this blog to share my insights with anyone willing to read and listen. Any sport will be up for discussion if its deemed of importance; however, if you are a fan of badminton or water polo I wouldn't hold out for too long waiting for a post. I will mostly focus on basketball, baseball, and football; you know, the sports Americans set their cell phone alarms clocks to.

Also, if any comedians are reading this blog, I will probably be quoting the more popular and funny using anything that connects with the topic.

I would say that is enough from me, but hey, that's the great thing about Rocky's Rants. It's all me all the time.

Hope you enjoy.