Here are Stiles Points projections for Round Two...
32. Dolphins - Chad Henne, qb, Michigan
33. Rams - Early Doucet, wr, LSU
34. Falcons - Dre Moore, dt, Maryland
35. Chiefs - Gosder Cherilus, ot, Boston College
36. Jets - Calais Campbell, de, The U
37. Falcons - Antoine Cason, cb, Arizona
38. Ravens - Joe Flacco, qb, Delaware
39. 49ers - Jerod Mayo, olb, Tennessee
40. Saints - Pat Sims, dt, Auburn
41. Bills - Martellus Bennett, te, Texas A&M
42. Broncos - Curtis Lofton, ilb, Oklahoma
43. Panthers - Jamaal Charles, rb, Texas
44. Bears - Anthony Collins, ot, Kansas
45. Lions - Kevin Smith, rb, Central Florida
46. Bengals - Erin Henderson, lb, Maryland
47. Vikings - Brian Brohm, qb, Louisville
48. Falcons - Ali Highsmith, lb, LSU
49. Eagles - Duane Brown, ot, Virginia Tech
50. Cardinals - Trevor Laws, dt, Notre Dame
51. Redskins - Sam Baker, ot, Southern Cal
52. Buccaneers - Reggie Smith, cb, Oklahoma
53. Steelers - Lawrence Jackson, de, Southern Cal
54. Titans - Charles Godfrey, cb, Iowa
55. Seahawks - Fred Davis, te, Southern Cal
56. Packers - Brandon Flowers, cb, Virginia Tech
57. Dolphins - Beau Bell, ilb, UNLV
58. Jaguars - Carl Nicks, ot, Nebraska
59. Colts - Cliff Avril, olb, Purdue
60. Packers - Chris Johnson, rb, East Carolina
61. Cowboys - Xavier Adibi, lb, Virginia Tech
62. Patriots - Justin King, cb, Penn State
63. Giants - Terrell Thomas, cb, Southern Cal
Two weeks ago Stiles Points presented its first mock draft...today's edition is updated....these are the players who I think will be taken by each team...
1. Dolphins - Jake Long, ot, Michigan - it looks like a done deal that Michigan's giant will be the top pick...he is strong a run blocking but needs to work on pass protection especially against speed pass rushers...that could be a dealbreaker... (2 weeks ago - Chris Long)
2. Rams - Glenn Dorsey, dt, LSU - it is either Dorsey or Chris Long...Dorsey will plug up the middle for the Rams... (2 weeks ago - Jake Long)
3. Falcons - Matt Ryan, qb, Boston College - it seems like most publications have the Falcons going for defense with this pick...I don't see how they can pass up Ryan considering the quarterbacks they have... (2 weeks ago - Matt Ryan)
4. Raiders - Chris Long, de/lb, Virginia - this is where it gets interesting...all indications stated that Al Davis is in love with Darren McFadden...but how can he pass up Chris Long if Long should drop to him at #5...I believe Chris Long is the best player in this draft...Davis goes with Long... (2 weeks ago - Darren McFadden)
5. Chiefs - Ryan Clady, ot, Boise State - nothing changes here...the Chiefs need offensive line help ASAP...Kiper is locked into the Chiefs taking offensive lineman Brandon Albert from Virginia with this pick....Albert is moving up on many boards, but I think it is because Kiper is pushing him... (2 weeks ago - Ryan Clady)
6. Jets - Darren McFadden, rb, Arkansas - most publications have the Jets taking Gholston, but there is no way the Jets pass up this stud running back - especially since they are weak at that position... (2 weeks ago - Glenn Dorsey)
7. Patriots - Vernon Gholston, de, Ohio State - I saw two mock drafts that have Gholston going #1 to Miami...if that happens, then the entire first 10 picks will shift... (2 weeks ago - Vernon Gholston)
8. Ravens - Mike Jenkins, cb, S. Florida - the Ravens hope that Matt Ryan slides to them at #8....if not, they have other needs to fill with this pick - one of them being cornerback....even though dt is not a position of need, it will be hard for them to pass up Sedrick Ellis from Southern Cal....I have seen Jenkins listed as high as a top 10 pick and as low as in the 20s....in the end, Ozzie Newsome goes with Jenkins... (2 weeks ago - Mike Jenkins)
9. Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, dt, Southern Cal - this is a no brainer....they need d-line help and Ellis is the best on the board at this point... (2 weeks ago - Sedrick Ellis)
10. Saints - Derrick Harvey, de, Florida - Saints have many problems on defense....Harvey will provide that pass rusher coming off the end... (2 weeks ago - Derrick Harvey)
11. Bills - Devin Thomas, wr, Michigan State - I don't see the Bills going with anyone else but Thomas here, even though the wr's this year are weak..... (2 weeks ago - Devin Thomas)
12. Broncos - Chris Williams, ot, Vanderbilt - the Broncos would love to take olb Keith Rivers here, but they need help on the o-line to protect their young quarterback.... (2 weeks ago - Chris Williams)
13. Panthers - Branden Albert, og, Virginia - this kid's stock is rising fast because of Mel....the Panthers have a need on their o-line.... (2 week ago - Brandon Albert)
14. Bears - Rashard Mendenhall, rb, Illinois - this is what I wrote two weeks ago "this is a no-brainer pick...Cedric Benson sucks"...nothing has changed... (2 weeks ago - Rashard Mendenhall)
15. Lions - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, cb, Tennessee State - originally I had the Lions taking McKelvin...they still go with a cornerback, but switch up and roll the dice with Cromartie who is your typical boom or bust pick... (2 weeks ago - Leodis McKelvin) 16. Cardinals - Keith Rivers, lb, Southern Cal - the Cardinals are overjoyed this guy is still sitting here at #16... (2 weeks ago - Keith Rivers)
17. Vikings - Leodis McKelvin, cb, Troy - two weeks ago I had them taking Brohm, but I think the Vikings will get their quarterback later in the draft....what is the difference between Brohm, Henne, and Flacco?....so they go to fill other needs with this pick... (2 weeks ago - Brian Brohm)
18. Texans - Felix Jones, rb, Arkansas - the Texans need a running back bad....this will take care of that need, plus they get a good kick returner... (2 weeks ago - Felix Jones)
19. Eagles - DeSean Jackson, wr, Cal - DeSean is being trained by Jerry Rice...the Eagles need a playmaker....nuff said.... (2 weeks ago - DeSean Jackson)
20. Buccaneers - Malcolm Kelly, wr, Oklahoma - the Bucs need another threat besides Joey Galloway....and someone who is younger.... (2 weeks ago - Malcolm Kelly)
21. Redskins - Kenny Phillips, s, The U - Mario Manningham would have been a perfect fit here, but he fucked himself over by wanting to keep smoking joints...honestly, I could see Washington trading down because there is not much value here....but if they keep the pick, I think they go with the best safety on the board....and another former U player.... (2 weeks ago - Mario Manningham)
22. Cowboys - Jonathan Stewart, rb, Oregon - Jerry Jones wanted Felix Jones or DeSean Jackson but he loses those two...Stewart makes sense here...plus, before the injury, many had Stewart the second best back on their boards.... (2 weeks ago - Jonathan Stewart)
23. Steelers - Jeff Otah, ot, Pitt - Otah should be able to help right now... (2 weeks ago - Jeff Otah)
24. Titans - Limas Sweed, wr, Texas - the Titans have been needing a big play receiver... (2 weeks ago - Limas Sweed)
25. Seahawks - Kentwan Balmer, dt, North Carolina - Balmer can play anywhere on the line....that versatility makes him the pick ... (2 weeks ago - Phillip Merling)
26. Jaguars - Phillip Merling, de, Clemson - the Jags have a history of taking non-sexy picks... (2 weeks ago - Kentwan Balmer)
27. Chargers - James Hardy, wr, Indiana - the Chargers went with wr Buster Davis last year who has been a bust....they try again at the wr position with the Plaxico Burress-like Hardy.... (2 weeks ago - Gosder Cherilus)
28. Cowboys - Mario Manningham, wr, Michigan - if anyone will take a chance on someone with a possible character issue, it is Jerry Jones...he gets another playmaker to stretch the field....plus, TO may serve as a role model for this kid - not joking!!!...think about it, TO may be an ass, but you never hear about him involved with illegal drugs.... (2 weeks ago - James Hardy)
29. 49ers - Quentin Groves, de, Auburn - I have read that this kid has been impressing scouts of late....the talent is there, but does he have the smarts to put it to good use?... (2 weeks ago - Calais Campbell)
30. Packers - Aqib Talib, cb, Kansas - Talib is a tough read....I have seen him projected to go as high as #8 to the Ravens and as low as the early half of the 2nd round....the Pack need help bad at cb after Eli Manning bludgeoned them in the title game.... (2 weeks ago - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie)
31. Patriots - FORFEIT
32. Giants - Dan Connor, lb, Penn State - the G-men could go with Jerod Mayo here, but I have read that Connor fits the Giants mold.... (2 weeks ago - Dan Connor)
Kurt Streeter of The Los Angeles Times writes how UCS head coach Pete Carroll tries to make a difference in the hard streets of L.A.... "Few know that about twice a month Carroll leaves his comfy digs at USC, hops in the back of a beaten Camry driven by a former gang member and heads to South L.A. neighborhoods where the snap of gunfire and the anguish of death occur with the steady regularity of a metronome. These are not recruiting visits. He's trying to save lives." ... Kurt StreeterEric Hansen of The South Bend Tribune gives a review of Notre Dame's Blue-Gold game and their disdain for Michigan... "“And last year was rough. Getting killed by Michigan was the worst. I hate Michigan. Probably everyone in this room does.” ... Eric HansenBob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch gives a review of Ohio State's Scarlet-Gray game and their disdain for Michigan... "Thousands of wet, shiny people huddled happily in the Ohio Stadium bleachers while the irritated sky gave them its best shot. Thousands were willing to brave bad weather and even bad football for that one moment that proves the Buckeyes will win it all in the fall." ... Bob HunterSteven Sipple of The Lincoln Journal Star gives a review of Nebraska's Red-White game as 80,000 plus attend... "A crowd of 80,149 — the second-largest ever to attend a spring football game at any school — told you it was OK. All those ex-Huskers wearing smiles told you it was OK. Those smiles told you the passion was as real as a crack-back block, as opposed to the contrived and colossal mess that the program became in the last few years." ... Steven SippleGary Klein of The Los Angeles Times gives a review of Southern Cal's Cardinal-Gold game... "After USC coaches tabbed him as the starting quarterback early last week, Mark Sanchez was not about to leave the decision open to summer debate. Sanchez, a fourth-year junior, finished spring practice Saturday by passing for three touchdowns during the Trojans' annual scrimmage at the Coliseum." ... Gary KleinGuy Cipriano of the State College Cente Daily gives a review of Penn State's Blue-White game... "After the game, the three candidates for Centre County’s most coveted and scrutinized position said all the right things about their chances of becoming the Nittany Lions’ 2008 starting quarterback. Politics even found their way into the game as junior Daryll Clark and sophomore Pat Devlin both received snaps with the first team." ... Guy CiprianoMark Viera of The New York Times writes how Penn State's Joe Paterno is getting tired of being old... "Numbers illustrate a fan base that is as strong as ever — last season the booster club had a record 23,000 members and 22,000 student football tickets sold out in 59 minutes — and a core of fans say Paterno has earned the right to stay indefinitely. But there has also been a sentiment that Penn State is ready for change, or at least a plan for when Paterno retires." ... Mark VieraChristopher Gasper of The Boston Globe writes about Arkansas running back Darren McFadden... "Six teams passed on Adrian Peterson in the 2007 NFL draft. You would think after the Minnesota Vikings running back garnered the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, teams, loathe to repeat that folly, would be clamoring for the services of this year's top-rated runner, Darren McFadden of Arkansas." ... Christopher GasperBarry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes about whether the Dolphins should take a quarterback high in the draft... "'If you don't take Matt Ryan [No. 1], don't take another quarterback,'' ESPN's Mel Kiper implored. 'It would make very little sense to say, `Let's draft Chad Henne or Joe Flacco.' If you [have serious doubts] about John Beck, you should draft Matt Ryan.'' ... Barry JacksonRick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News updates his mock draft with a surprise at number one... Rick GosselinBill Livingston of The Plain Dealer writes how LeBron and the Cavs got the last laugh in game 1 against the Wizards... "Coach Mike Brown said James gets "clobbered" all the time. To demonstrate, he pounded his fist on the table - Wham! Wham! Wham! You know, the way the tolling bell rings over The Q's PA system to salute "Big Ben" Wallace dunks." ... Bill LivingstonJay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times blasts Cubs fans for their horrid behavior... "The problem with the Friendly Confines is that they've become relentlessly unfriendly and increasingly obnoxious and stupid. Fueled by alcohol, ego, 100 years of institutional futility and a blind belief that an entire universe revolves around their expensive butt space on the north side of Chicago, in the state of Illinois, in what is supposed to be the clear-thinking heartland of America, a lot of Cubs fans seem to think they're bigger than the players, the manager and the games." ... Jay MariottiIn a non-sports story, some Catholics are pissed that former N.Y. mayor Rudy Giuliani took communion on Saturday...Rudy is twice-divorced and is pro-choice... New York Daily News
When the NFL season opens this year, the league will be without one of the toughest damn quarterbacks ever...he gave his body to the game, he was tough as rawhide, and my one friend described him as country strong...no, I'm not talking about Brett Favre...I am talking about Steve McNair...
McNair announced his retirement on Thursday saying "My mind was there. Mentally, I could go out and play. But physically, I couldn't do it anymore. Not to the capacity that I need to help my teammates win a football game."...McNair was a class act throughout his career...
He entered the NFL as "Air McNair" - a throwing sensation from Alcorn State who many questioned whether he would even make it in the league...after 13 years, McNair compiled a co-MVP, a Super Bowl appearance, and respect from all his peers...
Is McNair a Hall of Famer?...I would say not, however, he leaves the game as one of the toughest sumbitches who ever played...Favre may get all the recognition, but to me, Steve McNair could quarterback my team anytime...
It's time for another "Is She Hot or Am I Missing Something?"...today's featured woman is Posh Spice, aka Mrs. Victoria Beckham...on Thursday, Mrs. Becks will be 34 years-old...
Posh Spice
Victoria Adams was born in 1974 and became known world-wide when she became one of the Spice Girls...many thought the group was a bunch of no-talent chicks, but they laughed all the way to the bank along with their 8 number 1 hits...when the Spice Girls broke up, Victoria tried a solo career and obviously failed since I cannot name you one song...
Despite her failings at a solo career, Victoria still had the spotlight on her as she married world famous soccer star David Beckham in 1999...since then she had three kids, survived a plot to kidnap 
her and her youngest child, and overcame Beckham's "alleged" affair...the Beckhams now live in Los Angeles where he is ripping off the L.A. Galaxy for large sums of money to do basically nothing on the soccer field...
My thoughts - Whether you think she is hot or not, Posh is always in the news...and it seems like men do like her...personally, I don't find her hot...first, she needs to eat a Whopper and Big Mac...she is so thin that her fake cans are off balance (see photo on right)...her rack is bigger than her body...that was one shitty boob job...plus I hate that she never smiles...I know that is her persona - to not smile...but come on, flash a smile once in a while...she looks like she is angry with the world...I get tired of that no-smile shit...honestly, with that no smile, big cans, and anorexic body, at times she looks like a crack whore...so I have to say that Victoria "Posh" Beckham is not hot...this leads to the questions:
Do you think Victoria Beckham is hot?
If so, why doesn't she get the publicity?
Am I missing something?
Leave your comments
Today's NFL Draft Spotlight is on Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall...Mendenhall is listed at 5'10", 219 lbs...last season he rushed for 1,681 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns...Neil Milbert, who covers the Fighting Illini part-time for The Chicago Tribune was nice enough to respond....
Q1. In most publications, Rashard Mendenhall is listed as a first round choice in this yea's NFL Draft. What are his strengths and weaknesses?
A. Mendenhall's strength is his running ability. His weakness as a freshman and sophomore was his tendency to fumble frequently but he seems to have corrected it last season. Another possible weakness is his lack of experience. He was the third string running back as a sophomore and the second stringer as a junior.
Q2. What type of runner is Mendenhall and do you believe he will be successful in the NFL?
A. Mendenhall has both breakaway and power but I believe his breakaway ability will be his biggest asset in the NHL. I think he will have success in the NFL but I don't envision him to be a player with the ability to change the fortunes of a franchise.
Q3. Should Mendenhall have stayed another year at Illinois or is he ready for the NFL?
A. I personally think he should have stayed another year at Illinois. The additional experience would have been invaluable. He is ready for the NFL but not ready to make a major impact.
Q4. Linebacker J Leman is listed as a marginal NFL prospect. What is your view of Leman and do you think he has any chance to make it in the NFL?
A. J Leman also was considered a marginal college prospect. He is a dedicated, hard-working and wholesome young man--the type a guy a coach loves to have on his team. I think he has a shot at making it in the NFL.
Q5. Who are some future NFL prospects that we should pay attention to on the 2008 Illinois team?
A. The Illini's best future NFL prospects are sophomore wide receiver Arrelious Benn, sophomore defensive end Martez Wilson and quarterback Juice Williams. Although Williams has a tremendous throwing arm, he needs to improve his accuracy. Because of his athletic ability NFL teams probably would be willing to draft him and try him at other positions if he can't cut it as a QB.
Once again I want to thank Neil for his time...
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes about the demolition of the Orange Bowl... Barry JacksonMike Reiss of The Boston Globe writes about ESPN's Todd McShay and how he is one of the NFL gurus... "He had thought about becoming a sports agent, or perhaps working for an NFL team. But never once did it occur to him that he'd be a talking head on the monster that is ESPN, one of the go-to-guys people turn to for draft information." ... Mike ReissMike Reiss of The Boston Globe on the New England Patriots... Mike ReissAllen Wilson of The Buffalo News on the Buffalo Bills and his mock draft... Allen WilsonCharles Chandler of The Charlotte Observer on the Carolina Panthers and his mock draft... Charles ChandlerD. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin visits the Falcons this weekend... " D. Orlando LedbetterMike Triplett of the New Orleans Times Picayune on the New Orleans Saints and his mock draft... " Mike TriplettJeff Darlington of the Miami Herald answers draft questions on his blog... Jeff DarlingtonLance Zierlein of the Houston Chronicle provides his mock draft... Lance ZierleinRick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News gives his mock draft... Rick GosselinEd Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart made a recent visit to Pittsburgh... Ed BouchetteMark Curnutte of the Cincinnati Enquirer gives his mock draft... Mark CurnutteJim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Ohio State defensive lineman Vernon Gholston makes a visit to Rams headquarters... Jim ThomasJerry Brewer of the Seattle Times writes that the Seahawks need a tight end... Jerry BrewerSam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times gives his mock draft... Sam FarmerKevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune looks over options the Chargers have at the number 27 spot... Kevin AceeDon Banks of Sports Illustrated gives his mock draft... Don Banks
Greg Bishop of The New York Times writes how former G.M. Charlie Casserly is back to his roots... "Before he went into football, Casserly worked at Springfield College and two high schools, all in Massachusetts, where he taught physical education and biology, and served as a guidance counselor, athletic director and football coach." ... Greg BishopGeorge Vecsey of The New York Times writes that Fenway Park still looks the same, but there are changes to the old ballpark... "The Fenway experience has been extremely yuppied-up in recent years, a uniquely American blend of the sacred and the profane." ... George VecseyMike Lupica of The Daily News writes that Jackie Robinson's legacy is still felt today... "That is why you talk today about all the young men and women who have become Jackie Robinson Scholars over the last 35 years, to whom he is not just a name out of history and the history books but a path - because of the foundation the great Rachel Robinson started - to a better life." ... Mike LupicaDetroit Free Press staff reports that Michigan players notice a difference between Rich Rodriguez and Lloyd Carr... Detroit Free PressRick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News writes how college football players have a tough decision to make as to whether to enter the NFL... "Teams have drafted juniors with the first overall selection in the last three drafts and in 11 of the 18 drafts since the NFL opened the door to underclassmen in 1990. Juniors have gone 1-2 in the last two drafts. Juniors went 1-2-3 in 1994 and 1-2-3-4 in 1997. Fourteen juniors were selected in the first round in 2007 and a record 15 in 2004." ... Rick GosselinJay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that Master's leader Stewart Immelman is not scared of Tiger Woods... "Seems Tiger the Tease might have met his match this weekend in the steely form of Trevor Immelman, who knew that Woods had shot 68 but didn't crack like Phil Mickelson and so many others. Maybe it's because holding the lead at Augusta National is silly putty compared to his ordeal last December, at the Vergelegen Medi-Clinic in his hometown of Somerset, South Africa, where doctors removed a tumor from Immelman's diaphragm." ... Jay MariottiThe Los Angeles Times has a various bloggers...one of them is Kareem Abdul Jabbar...check out the NBA all-time leader scorer's blog... Kareem Abdul Jabbar
It seems like my readers enjoy this series "Is She Hot or Am I Missing Something?"...even two of my co-workers told me they thought Giada was hot...today's featured woman is the CNBC's Money Honey - Maria Bartiromo...
The Money Honey
Maria is the host of CNBC's "Closing Bell" from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and is the host and managing editor for the nationally syndicated "Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo"...in 2007, she was named one of the 100 most influential business journalists in the country...so we know that she knows money...
Maria was nicknamed the "Money Honey" during the boom years of the stock market in the late 1990s due to her striking looks...she was also nicknamed the "Econo Babe"...since the 90s, the nickname "Money Honey" has spread to refer to attractive female financial news reporters in general...showing her knowledge of business, Maria filed to trademark the term for herself...
Maria was born in 1967 and grew up in the Bay Ridge section of southern Brooklyn...she checked coats at her parents' Italian restaurant...she graduated from New York University with a BA degree in journalism and a minor in economics...
In 1999, the Money Honey married Jonathan Steinberg, son of fallen investor Saul Steinberg...she is not without some controversy concerning her dealings with some business associates...
My thoughts - I know the slighest thing about business, but many times I flip on "The Closin
g Bell" while I eat dinner just to check her out...Maria is not so much a babe as she is a classy babe...I also loved the clip of her throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees game last September...she fills out a pair of jeans nicely...so yes, the Money Honey is HOT in my book...this leads to the questions:
Do you think Maria Bartiromo is hot?
If so, why doesn't she get the publicity?
Am I missing something?
Leave your comments
Today's Draft Spotlight is on the New England Patriots who have the seventh overall pick...Mike Reiss of The Boston Globe was nice enough to take the time to respond to some questions....
Q1. I have to ask, how is the team recovering after the devastating loss in the Super Bowl? Are there any regrets or things they would have done differently?
A. The coaches and players are all saying the right thing regarding the Super Bowl loss. It's hard to truly tell how they are recovering from the loss. In terms of regrets or things they would have done differently, the theme has been if they had only made one more play, or one better coaching decision. It was within their grasp had that one play/decision had been made.
Q2. Who do you think the Patriots will select with the 7th overall pick? Is it a given that they will select a cornerback?
A. It's a tough question to answer without knowing who the first six players are, but I'd start by saying I think they'd like to trade down if possible. But if they can't, I think it will be a defensive player, probably someone to play in the front seven. I don't think it's a given they select a cornerback at 7, as they very well could find the best value at that position is in the second/third round.
Q3. If you were selecting for the team, who would you draft with the 7th overall pick?
A. That's tough, because I don't know who is picked before them, and also I haven't extensively scouted the players. If they felt a linebacker was there that could help them get faster and more athletic, I'd go in that direction. So I guess I'll say Ohio State's Vernon Gholston, because he'd be an outside linebacker for them.
Q4. Last season, the Patriots did not draft well besides their first selection of Brandon Merriweather. The other six drafted players have either been cut or hurt. How has the 2007 draft affected the team over the long haul?
A. I can see why some might look at it and say the Patriots did not draft well, but I think it's important to account for the fact they traded a second-round pick for Wes Welker and a fourth-rounder for Randy Moss. I count those players as draft picks, because they were acquired with chips that would have otherwise went toward a college player. They also traded a third-round pick into the 2008 draft. So I think that adds a totally different context to what they did.
They had one draft pick in rounds 1-3 (Meriweather, first round) and the rest in rounds 4-7. While I'm sure they would have liked to hit on some of those later-round picks -- and with the success of teams like the Giants in that area, it shouldn't be dismissed -- those are lower-percentage plays anyway. So all in all, I don't think the 2007 draft was as bad as it seems on the surface. As for what it affects the team over the long haul, with Welker and Moss signed for multiple years, Meriweather primed to emerge, and sixth-rounder Mike Richardson having a shot to make something happens, I think they'll reap some nice benefits.
Q5. Who are some sleeper players that New England may take a chance on later in the draft who can help the team?
A. I'm still becoming more familiar with the prospects, but a few that caught my eye in the mid to late rounds were QB Josh Johnson, DL Keilen Dykes, DL Red Bryant, OL Mackenzy Bernadeau, LB Jeremy Leman, RB Justin Forcett, RB Steve Slaton, WR Danny Amendola.
Once again, I want to thank Mike for his time...
The most historic golf event begins this Thursday when The Master's opens play in Augusta, Georgia...Mike Elliott of The Tampa Tribune was nice enough to respond to our questions about this year's event...
Q1. Straight out, do you see Tiger Woods winning this year's Master's? Why?
A. Yes, I’d take Tiger vs. the Field. If you built a golf course to set up for Tiger’s strengths, it would look a whole lot like Augusta National. Even when he does not have “my A game,’’ Tiger can labor his way through a Masters as well as most tour players can on their best days. He’s that much better than the rest of then.
Q2. Is Tiger playing the best golf you have ever seen?
A. Too early to say this is his best golf, but for him to actually acknowledge that a Grand Slam is do-able, suggests he is not displeased by how he’s playing.
Q3. Who are some "sleeper" picks (golfers) that we the fans should pay attention to?
A. Adam Scott seems to be this year’s flavor of the day for people trying to pick a surprise. Luke Donald, and Justin Rose could play well. Vijay Singh should be considered.
Q4. Sergio Garcia has yet to win a major. I have read recently that he could surprise some people and win The Master's. What are your thoughts?
A. Personally, I cannot imagine Sergio putting well enough for four days on Augusta National greens to even be close.
Q5. What do you see "Lefty" Phil Mickelson doing this year?
A. Phil Mickelson probably is the best player in the world right now after Tiger. He should win a couple of events this year. Might even be in contention this week.
Q5a. I have to ask, who would you take in their prime, Tiger or Jack? Why?
A. I don’t think we have even seen Tiger’s prime. Baring injury, Tiger will break every record Jack ever imagined. And saying that, Jack Nicklaus is the standard every golfer even hopes to be measured by. Until Tiger’s finished.
Once again, I thank Mike Elliott for his time...
A legend in Cleveland broadcasting and journalism died on Sunday...Gib Shanley, the voice of the Cleveland Browns, was 76-years-old...as a kid growing up in the late 1970s and 80s, I would listen faithfully each Sunday to Shanley and his partner, the late Nev Chandler, announce the Browns games...even if the game was televised, I would still plug in the earpiece to my dad's transistor radio and listen to Shanley and Chandler...
Here is what former Browns running back Greg Pruitt said about Shanley, "As a broadcaster, Gib was one of the few people you could really trust not to take your words out of context. We always trusted him with our interviews. I’m greatly saddened by his passing. I want the family to know my heart and prayers go out to him. We lost a great man.”
Bob Dolgan of The Cleveland Plain Dealer writes about Shanley and the day he burned the Iranian flag in 1979... "Shanley was merely a successful Cleveland sportscaster until Nov. 8, 1979. That night be burned a flag of Iran on television and became a folk hero. The incident took place while Iran was holding a group of Americans hostage in Tehran. Near the end of his broadcast on WEWS Channel 5, Shanley said, "I know this isn't sports, but I'm going to do it anyway." ... Bob Dolgan
Every Monday until the NFL Draft, Stiles Points will be showcasing a mock draft...these are the players who I think will be taken by each team...
1. Dolphins - Chris Long, de, Virginia - everything I read indicates that Long can play DE or LB...Parcells will like that versatality...
2. Rams - Jake Long, ot. Michigan - the Rams need to get ready for the soon-to-be retirement of Orland Pace...plus Long will help open holes for Steven Jackson...
3. Falcons - Matt Ryan, qb, Boston College - most publications have the ATL taking Glenn Dorsey...but the Falcons need a QB bad after the Vick/Schaub disaster...
4. Raiders - Darren McFadden, rb, Arkansas - the publications have them taking D. Mac...it will be tough passing on Dorsey especially because the Raiders have a glaring need at DT...but I agree that Al Davis cannot pass up McFadden...
5. Chiefs - Ryan Clady, ot, Boise State - Dorsey will be so tempting to take because he was not expected to be here...but Herm Edwards is a smart coach and he knows he needs O-line help ASAP...
6. Jets - Glenn Dorsey, dt, LSU - the Jets fans will go nuts with excitement as this stud falls into their laps...
7. Patriots - Vernon Gholston, de, Ohio State - the Pats need to go with a defensive player...Gholston is a solid pick...
8. Ravens - Mike Jenkins, C. Florida, cb - I could see this pick being traded...they need a QB and it is too early to take Brohm...the CB position is an area of need for this team...
9. Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, dt, Southern Cal - is it just me or are the Bengals always drafting defensive players every year in the first round and their defense still sucks!?!?...
10. Saints - Derrick Harvey, de, Florida - Saints need to plug up many holes in their defense...
11. Bills - Devin Thomas, wr, Michigan State - Buffalo lacks another playmaker at WR...
12. Broncos - Chris Williams, ot, Vanderbilt - Denver needs to retool their aging offensive line...plus they lost Matt Lepsis to retirement...
13. Panthers - Branden Albert, og, Virginia - Albert is the latest Kiper special...in fact, Mel has Albert going to KC at #5...
14. Bears - Rashard Mendenhall, rb, Illinois - this is a no-brainer pick...Cedric Benson sucks...
15. Lions - Leodis McKelvin, cb, Troy - CB is a position of need...they are fortunate there are many quality CBs this year...however, don't be surprised if Matt Millen goes with Mario Manningham here either...(just joking Lions fans)...
16. Cardinals - Keith Rivers, lb, Southern Cal - the Cardinals may have other needs, but they cannot pass on Rivers who is a top 10 talent...
17. Vikings - Brian Brohm, qb, Louisville - originally I had them taking a D-lineman, but all indications point to Brohm...and it is understandable being their QB situation is not the best...
18. Texans - Felix Jones, rb, Arkansas - the Texans RBs are all garbage...plus by taking Felix, they will screw over Jerry Jones who supposedly covets him...
19. Eagles - DeSean Jackson, wr, Cal - the Eagles lack playmakers at the WR spot...plus, Jackson is also great on kick returns...
20. Buccaneers - Malcolm Kelly, wr, Oklahoma - here goes the run on WRs...Kelly is a big, physical receiver...
21. Redskins - Mario Manningham, wr, Michigan - M2 does not have the great Combine numbers, but he is a person who can stretch the field...
22. Cowboys - Jonathan Stewart, rb, Oregon - Stew will be out until late August, but that will give him time to study the playbook...plus, the Cowboys need him in December and January, not September...
23. Steelers - Jeff Otah, ot, Pitt - Steelers need offensive line help...they stay at home and take Otah...
24. Titans - Limas Sweed, wr, Texas - the Titans have needed a quality WR for the last two years...they keep Vince happy by getting a fellow Longhorn...
25. Seahawks - Philip Merling, de, Clemson - Patrick Kearney is getting a tad old...
26. Jaguars - Kentwan Balmer, dt, North Carolina - this is not a sexy pick, but most of the Jags picks are not your Jessical Alba-type selections...
27. Chargers - Gosder Cherilus, ot, Boston College - versatile player who can play either tackle spot...
28. Cowboys - James Hardy, wr, Indiana - Jerry Jones saw how Plaxico Burress can be a game changer...Hardy is in that same mold at 6'6"...
29. 49ers - Calais Campbell, de, The U - this is a boon-or-bust pick...they kid has talent, but he could also be out of the league in 2 years...
30. Packers - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, cb, Tennessee State - DRC is a difficult player to place...he is a 6'2" corner who runs the 40 in 4.3 or faster...he is almost freak-like...I just read though that teams are scared of him because he has only 1 kidney...Packers need CB help after Eli sliced 'em to pieces in the title game...
31. Patriots - FORFEIT
32. Giants - Dan Connor, lb, Penn State - this guy will probably get selected earlier, but if he is still there, the G-men will celebrate...
Pete Thamel of The New York Times writes about William Wesley...never heard of him?...then you should read about this powerful man in sports... "In recent years, he has extended a puzzling and powerful reach throughout sports. A confidant of Michael Jordan, a close friend of James and a sideline presence from summer basketball games to the N.B.A. finals to the Super Bowl, Wesley has gained power through his connections. He has the ear of N.B.A. owners and junior high phenoms alike. He had strong enough ties in the music and sports worlds to introduce James and Jay-Z." ... Pete ThamelHarvey Araton of The New York Times writes why he would rather cover the Women's Final Four instead of the Men's... "Here I am at another Women’s Final Four, an event I have been covering, it seems, since the days of six-on-six, when defensive players were not allowed to play offense, and vice versa, or just before Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma met for lunch to reinvent the sport." ... Harvey AratonMike Lupica of The New York Daily News writes how Memphis stud Derrick Rose would look good in a Knicks uniform... "The shot that really ended it, the shot made by a player who could begin to change everything at Madison Square Garden if the Knicks could ever get him, came with a little over three minutes left at the Alamadome. Derrick Rose, the best player in this game against UCLA and probably the best in the country, this year's freshman guard at the Final Four, came hard at the basket one last time and then put up this shot with all this playground spin on it and of course it went in and now Memphis was ahead by 11." ... Mike LupicaJohn "Junior" Feinstein of the Washington Post writes about how this year's freshmen in basketball will soon be wearing an NBA uniform next season... "It would be wonderful if we could watch Rose and Love for another three years at this level, not to mention players such as Indiana's Eric Gordon, Southern Cal's O.J. Mayo and Kansas State's Michael Beasley -- all freshmen who almost undoubtedly will be NBA rookies this fall. It would be great to get to know them better as people, to watch them grow and mature and become comfortable as public figures. By the time Grant Hill graduated from Duke in 1994 after playing in three Final Fours, most college basketball fans felt as if he was an adopted son. But today's reality is that no one wants to wait to get rich anymore than anyone wants to wait for a dial-up Internet connection." ... John FeinsteinEd Hardin of the Greensboro News-Record writes how North Carolina got ambushed in Saturday's semi-final game... "With a howling Kansas mob awaiting, the top-ranked Tar Heels walked into an ambush at the Alamodome that will go down in Carolina history as one of the greatest defeats ever. Kansas ran up a 28-point lead in the first half, withstood a UNC comeback in the second, then ran away for a stunning 84-66 victory before wild-eyed Kansas fans." ... Ed HardinJason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star writes that Kansas' whoopin of Roy Williams made many Jayhawks fans happy... "The Kansas Jayhawks served Roy Williams revenge steaming hot, blazing to a 28-point advantage to open their Final Four semifinal showdown and settling their emotional divorce from Williams on terms KU fans can live with." ... Jason WhitlockJeffrey Flanagan of The Kansas Star writes how CBS' Jim Nantz is dealing with his father's illness... "Nantz said it feels OK these days to discuss his father’s illness, so much so that Nantz wrote a memoir Always By My Side, which looks at not only his broadcasting career but the struggles inherent in coping with someone with Alzheimer’s. The book comes out in early May." ... Jeffrey FlanaganScott Cacciola of the Memphis Commercial Appeal writes how Memphis' Chris Douglas-Roberts is tired of people saying the Tigers are not that good... "All season, the University of Memphis has been fueled by what the team's players and coaches describe as disrespect, by doubters, by people who have no idea what the Tigers do, or how they do it, or why. But during the Tigers' romp through the NCAA Tournament, this team is turning skeptics into believers by making roadkill of opponents. And sometimes they do it by posterizing all-Americans." ... Scott CacciolaT.J. Simers of The Los Angeles Times writes that UCLA head coach Ben Howland should not take the fall for UCLA's third straight loss in the Final Four... "Second-guess, if you like, but Memphis was just better than UCLA. It happens. That's usually why only one team emerges the champion, and three others go home wondering what happened." ... T.J. SimersJay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times writes about Memphis star and Chicago native Derrick Rose... "He is painfully modest, which is shocking in a way, knowing his talents are the loudest and most dynamic in college basketball. Everyone wants to talk about Derrick Rose except Derrick Rose, who actually winced by his locker Saturday night when it was suggested he could go down in history as a freshman who leads his team to a national championship." ... Jay MariottiDoug Feinberg of the Associate Press writes how Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt admits that Candace Parker is the best playe she ever coached... "I went into the season thinking she's one of the best ever," Summitt said. "Now that we're approaching the end of her career -- I've coached Cheryl Miller, Chamique (Holdsclaw), Lynette Woodard, Nancy (Lieberman), Anne Donovan -- Parker is the best." ... Doug Feinberg
After being at a conference for the last two days and listening to crime stats, I have been unable to get any interviews this week....so I am closing this hectic week with another "Is She Hot or Am I Missing Something?"....today's featured woman is Giada...I don't even have to mention her last name...
Giada De Laurentiis
Giada Pamela De Benedetti was born in Rome, Italy in 1970...first off, how in the freakin world do you get a middle name of Pamela if you were born in Rome????....once again, she is an "oldtimer" like me...that is a plus...
Giada may technically be a midget as she sizes up at "just under five feet two"...she is a self-proclaimed chocoholic...you know what that mean?!?!...seriously, if you know what that means, let me know too...
She currently hosts Food Network programs Everyday Italian, Behind the Bash
, Giada's Weekend Getaways, and Giada in Paradise...she also appears regularly as a contributor and guest co-host on NBC's Today...
My thoughts - I did not know she is only 5'2" until this report...even though she is a midget, I still give her 5 stars and label her as HOT...she has that European hotness that you cannot find just anywhere...for example, most American women would never pose in a white dress surrounded by smashed tomatoes...heck, I bought one of her cookbooks because she was hot looking on the cover...so she is worth at least $19.95 to me...this leads to the questions:
Do you think Giada De Laurentiis is hot?
If so, why doesn't she get the publicity?
Am I missing something?
Leave your comments!!!
"Is She Hot or Am I Missing Something?"....today's featured woman is Cobie Smulders....many of you are probably wondering, "Kobe who?"....it is Cobie with a "C"....Cobie plays Robin in the television series "How I Met Your Mother"....
Cobie Smulders - Robin
Today is actually Cobie's 26th birthday...she is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia....she finished high school in 2000 with high honors, being voted "Most Respected"...she continued modelling for a few years before settling in Los Angeles to pursue an acting career...Cobie can also speak fluent French...
Before joining "Mother", her first permanent series role was in the short-lived ABC series "Veritas: The Quest"....enough of the yada, yada, yada...
My thoughts - she seems like someone who would always be depressed about things...but you know what, who cares!!!...she is clearly hot!!!...to me, I think she gets overshadowed by that Hannigan chick on "Mother"...Cobie needs to be the main focus of a show if she wants the props...so this leads to the questions:
Do you think Cobie Smulders is hot?
If so, why doesn't she get the publicity?
Am I missing something?
Leave your comments!!!
Because I will be busy with my actual job, this feature will appear on Wednesday and Thursday..."Is She Hot or Am I Missing Something" spotlights the fast rising news anchor Amy Robach...
Amy Robach - The Goddess of Love
Before becoming an anchor on MSNBC and weekend co-host of "The Today Show" our starlet was a former Miss Georgia...one photographer described her as "The Goddess of Love"...
Actually she is not from the South...she was born in 1973 in Michigan...after winning various pageants, Robach moved into the broadcast news business...she is married and has two daughters...recently during an episode of "The Today Show" she mentioned she has a fear of clowns....
My thoughts - She caught my eye a few years back when I was watching MSNBC...it does not surprise me to see her on "The Today Show"...Katie Couric was known to show 
off her legs...well, it looks like NBC found someone to take Ms. Couric's place as Robach often shows off her shapely legs...this is an easy one, YES she is hot!!!..so this leads to the questions:
Do you think Amy Robach is hot?
If so, why doesn't she get the publicity?
Am I missing something?
Leave your comments!!!
Is She Hot or Am I Missing Something?"....Graig from Money Shot requested a feature on the chick fromm "Cold Case"...her real name is Kathryn Morris who plays the character Lilly Rush....
Kathryn Morris
Here is something that interests me...she was born January 28, 1969...so we are both the same age...
Morris' first breakthrough came in 1997 on some show called "Pensacola: Wings of Gold" when she played the role of Lt. Annalisa "Stinger" Lindstrom...never heard of the show...in 1999 she played the role of Najara on Xena...Hmmmm....
There is some mystery with her background...some sources state she was born in Cincinnati, but CBS reports she was born in Dallas...she was raised in the Churches of Christ religion in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and toured the country in the family's gospel band...she attended two colleges in the Philadelphia area...
Our featured girl was briefly engaged to some financial hotshot in 2003...they are no longer together...so she is 39-years-old and single, and I am 39-years-old and single....let's do the math!!!...anyway...
My thoughts - I think a lot of guys don't find her hot because she is very light skinned and thin...but hey, as a 39-year-old single man, you cannot get picky...yeh, I would list her as mildly hot...here is my barometer - if she was not famous, and I saw her at a bar, would I buy her a drink and ask her out?...Yes!...so this leads to the questions:
Do you think Kathryn Morris is hot?
If so, why doesn't she get the publicity?
Am I missing something?
Leave your comments!!! 
American League
East
1. Yankees - people think this is a declining franchise...not so fast my friends!!!...
2. Red Sox - Beckett must stay healthy...Manny & Big Papi are one of the best 1-2 punches ever...
3. Blue Jays - Toronto is really trying to catch the Yanks and Sox...
4. Rays - what the heck, why not the Rays?...
5. Orioles - it is sad that this once proud franchise is just a mess...Angelos should sell the team to an owner who cares...
Central
1. Tigers - finally Illitch put money into this team...it will payoff this year as they get back into the playoffs...
2. Indians - the Tribe will not go away...they will be a thorn in the Tigers side all year...
3. White Sox - there is a dropoff between the top 2 and the rest of the division...didn't this team win the World Series just 3 years ago?...
4. Royals - finally K.C. starts to show some life...maybe, just maybe they can contend next year?...
5. Twins - this team is reloading as they get a new ballpark in two years...give them time...
West
1. Angels - the sexy pick is the Mariners...but the Angels are loaded and they may have the best manager in the game...
2. Mariners - the future looks bright for the Mariners...they will be competative...they have the best closer in the game in J.J. Putz...
3. Rangers - I like their move of getting Josh Hamilton for centerfield...
4. Athletics - Moneyball will only take you so far...this team needs a new stadium in order to compete...
National League
East
1. Phillies - if the Phils get off to a slow start, Charlie Manuel is gone because this team is built to win, and win NOW!!!...they may need to get a true closer during the year - Lidge is a headcase...
2. Braves - Bobby Cox always finds a way to win...never count out the Braves as long as he is the manager...
3. Mets - people expect a coronation for the Mets...not so fast!...
4. National - the new ballpark will bring excitement...
5. Marlins - I love Hanley Ramirez...but their young pitchers have been hurt...that has slowed up the rebuilding process...
Central
1. Cubs - after a great 2007, the Cubbies were a clunker in the post-season...Fukodome is supposed to be the latest Japanese stud...will Kerry Woods hold up as the closer?...
2. Brewers - they need closer Eric Gagne to return to his prime...they hitting is there...
3. Reds - the Reds have some young dogs coming up...if they develop, the Reds will be contenders in 2 years...
4. Cardinals - I forgot about this team...shows how fast they have fallen since winning the World Series two years ago...
5. Astros - Houston is rebuilding too...
6. Pirates - this franchise pisses me off...they are rebuilding every freaking year...the owner needs to either open his wallet and make some smart signings or sell the fucking team!!!...
West
1. Padres - everyone is down on the Pads for some reason?...they just missed the playoffs last year...I like the $1 million gamble on Mark Prior...
2. Diamondbacks - this may be the richest team with young talent...the Big Unit will never get those 16 wins for 300...
3. Rockies - they will get off to a hot start, but fade...
4. Dodgers - Torre will need a year to get things in order...plus, he will have C.C. Sabathia next season too...
5. Giants - year 1 A.B. (After Bonds)...
ALDS
Yankees over Angels
Red Sox over Tigers
ALCS
Yankees over Red Sox
NLDS
Phillies over Brewers
Cubs over Padres
NLCS
Phillies over Cubs
World Series
Yankees over Phillies
Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times writes about last night's Dodgers-Red Sox game at The Coliseum in which 115,300 fans attended... Bill ShaikinTom Boswell of the Washington Post writes about the Nationals new ballpark which opens tonight... "What hit Washington this weekend is a phenomenon that has swept America and transformed baseball since 1991. That year, the White Sox opened a new ballpark. What a mess. The upper deck was so steep fans got dizzy. The next season, Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened and that changed everything. The golden age of ballparks had begun. How does baseball survive scandals, work stoppages, rising ticket prices and astronomical salaries? Why has the old game broken attendance records almost every season, including last year? The answer: It's the glorious ballparks." ... Tom BoswellGordon Edes of the Boston Globe writes that despite two World Series titles, Red Sox manager Terry Francona does not get the recognition unlike his Boston counterpart Bill Belichick... "But in an area where the football coach, Bill Belichick of the Patriots, is routinely regarded as a genius, Brennaman's spoof of Francona's critics was a humorous reminder that the Sox manager does not yet elicit similar acclaim for his skills, despite a résumé as glittering as any manager the club has ever had." ... Gordon EdesRichard Sandomir of the New York Times writes how Yankee Stadium will be demolished after the season - with dignity... "The demolitions will not resemble those of Ebbets Field or the Polo Grounds in two significant ways. There will be no wrecking balls, which are generally not allowed in the city. And explosive charges will not be set off to blow the ballparks to smithereens, or more technically, to implode them. The city also prohibits implosions." ... Richard SandomirAnthony McCarron of the New York Daily News writes about past Yankee Opening Days... "It looked like a giant cathedral," says Coleman, who was a Yankee from 1949-57. "When you're in close, it's monstrous and it looks gorgeous. I think it's the most electric ballpark ever put together by human hands. "It's an imperial park, majestic, spectacular. It's something we won't see again." ... Anthony McCarronMarc Lancaster of the Tampa Tribune writes about the Tampa Rays three stud starters... "Everyone understands that a successful rotation is the cornerstone of a winning team, though the Rays have become familiar with that principle mostly through its inverse. Where for the better part of a decade the Rays' No. 1 starter often could be defined as the lesser of five evils, they no longer have to be embarrassed about the arms they roll out to start each game." ... Marc LancasterThomas Stinson of the Atlanta Journal Constitution writes that Bobby Cox may be in the last year of his contract, but he is still the rock behind the Braves... "This may be his last. Cox turns 67 in May. He is a hands-down Hall of Famer, a four-time manager of the year — in three different decades — with nothing left to prove. His contract is in its final year and he suggested last spring — and quickly withdrew — the notion that this would be his last season." ... Thomas StinsonDejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes how a winning season in Pittsburgh may disrupt the team's plans to unload veterans... "To grasp why a successful 2008 could represent a serious disruption for the Pirates, it is necessary to understand what they hope, ultimately, to achieve. Major League Baseball's economic system allows teams to control all players' rights for their first six years in the majors. After that, they can declare free agency, and their cost can rise exponentially." ... Dejan KovacevicPaul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer writes that Indians manager Eric Wedge understands the difference between managing and coaching... "Wedge was named AL Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America after the Indians won 96 games and reached Game 7 of the ALCS last season. He appreciated the award, but doesn't think it helped him reach more players this spring than last spring." ... Paul HoynesShawn Windsor of the Detroit Free Press writes about the Tigers newest slugger and the face of the franchise... "Monday, on Opening Day, the 24-year-old Cabrera is to unleash that swing in Detroit, a swing that sent season-ticket sales soaring this past winter, a swing that sent national baseball analysts swooning, declaring the Tigers favorites to get back to the World Series for the second time in three years, a swing that just cost owner Mike Ilitch $152.3 million, a staggering deal for an athlete with staggering talent." ... Shawn WindsorJohn Kiesewetter of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes about the season long tribute to Joe Nuxhall who died in November... "The Ol' Left-hander won't be around for Opening Day, but it will be hard to miss the Joe Nuxhall tributes this season. Here are some of the honors and events planned for Nuxhall, the Reds broadcaster and former player who died in November at age 79." ... John KiesewetterTom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the Brewers have some attitude this season with their slugger combo of Fielder-Braun... "Yost has good reason to trust in the Fielder-Braun combination. In 2007, no two teammates hit more than their combined 84 home runs, despite the fact that Braun played with a two-month mulligan after coming from the minors at the end of May." ... Tom HaudricourtChris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times writes about the White Sox newest stud... "Yes, ''The Cuban Missile'' -- Alexei Ramirez -- has landed in Guillen's lineup as the starting center fielder." ... Chris De LucaDavid Haugh of the Chicago Tribune writes that this may be the century the Cubs finally win the World Series... "Seriously, most of the half-dozen or so futurists asked to ponder the next 10 decades of baseball agreed that changes to the game will include the Cubs winning a World Series in that span. It could be in 2008. Or 2088. Whether it will come before the next scheduled appearance of Halley's Comet in 2061, nobody could say." ... David HaughJoe Posnanski of the Kansas City Star writes that new Royals manager Trey Hillman has plans for the team... "He doesn’t stop. That’s what they notice about Trey Hillman. He doesn’t stop, never stops, ever, he’s up before the farmers and newspaper delivery folks, he’s hitting the elliptical machine and jabbering about lineups, he’s video conferencing with his family, he’s scouring the Internet for baseball news, he’s scribbling ideas in his notebook, he’s watching minor-leaguers, he’s bouncing around asking questions, crazy questions, like what base the pitcher should cover when there are runners on first and third and a foul ball is hit behind first base." ... Joe PosnanskiJoe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch features the Cardinals new general manager, John Mozeliak... "John Mozeliak understands media. He listens to talk radio in all its informative, entertaining and puerile forms. He reads punctuation. He realizes the court of public opinion's sway." ... Joe StraussBrian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle writes how the Astros are starting over under new manager Cecil Cooper... "The goal was to upgrade the team's speed and defense, two areas in which the Astros had struggled in recent years. McLane also wanted more firepower in the lineup. McLane feels the Astros achieved all those things in a whirlwind offseason like none other the club has seen." ... Brian McTaggartLarry Stone of The Seattle Times writes how the Mariners' Ichiro is now entering his eighth season in Seattle and his exciting plays have become routine... "The days of joyous discovery are long past. No longer do we rub our eyes in amazement at what we just saw from Ichiro — the bat wizardry, the rocket arm, the lightning first step out of the box, seemingly while still swinging." ... Larry StoneDylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times writes that new Dodgers manager Joe Torre is still learning about his team... "Joe Torre admits he didn't spend as much time with the nucleus of his club as he would've liked, that he's relying on the eyes and ears of his coaches more than usual to make decisions. He has no clue when his wounded players will return or how much of a problem their bodies will give them over the next six or seven months." ... Dylan HernandezNick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic writes that Diamondbacks manager Doug Melvin knows how to mix managing with psychology... "Managers are analyzed ad nauseam for their batting orders and pitching changes, but often hidden from view is one of the more important parts of the job. Not only is Melvin a strategist and evaluator, he dabbles in psychology, balancing egos and maintaining the sometimes-fragile confidence of 25 players through the ups and downs of a long season." ... Nick Piecoro
I'm starting a new feature at Stiles Points called "Is She Hot or Am I Missing Something?"....basically, it is spotlighting a female who is often overlooked as being Super Hot like a Jessica Simpson or Biel or Alba, etc.....these are the women who are on that level or two below because they may not have as much notoriety or publicity...or in some cases, they may be a tad past their prime...basically they are a strong mid-major, like a Davidson, George Mason, etc...I encourage people to leave their comments...
Jill Wagner - The Mercury Girl
The first female to be featured is Jill Wagner....she is the hot looking female in the latest series of Mercury car commercials...she is absolutely stunning in her latest commercial with a simple black dress and high heels.....
She is 29-years-old and from Winston-Salem, N.C.....besides the Mercury commercials, she starred in "Blade: The Series" (which I never heard of).....she even appeared on "Monk" once...
My thoughts - she is definetly hot....she is classy and has that good girl image who may be a tad bad.....shoot, I never thought about buying a Mercury until she started stumping for it...she is clearly a strong mid-major - kinda like Indiana State when they had Larry Bird...so this leads to the questions:
Do you think Jill Wagner is hot?
If so, why doesn't she get the publicity?
Am I missing something?
Leave your comments!!!
Today's "Beers with Bloggers" is with the author from Signal to Noise...because he is wary about how his bosses would react to his blog, we will use the pseudonym S2N....S2N lives in California and has a day job in journalism...he is a native of Iowa who spent plenty of Saturdays in Iowa City tailgating at and/or going to Iowa Hawkeye games...I want to thank S2N for his time...he was very quick to answer when I asked him to participate...
Q1. First off, how did you come up with the name Signal to Noise?
A. I took a music recording course in college, and the "signal to noise ratio" is an electrical engineering term that, when you're recording, compares the level of desired sound to background noise. Essentially, the name reminded me of a fancier way of saying "BS filter," and it really didn't box me in if I wanted to write about things other than sports.
Q2. How would you describe your blog?
A. The blog is just my ramblings and occasional attempts at humor on various sports topics, in the past it has handled politics, music, and entertainment, and may do so again. I fail repeatedly at trying to describe it as anything more than something I just do for fun and amusement.
Q3. You state on your blog that you are a big New York Mets fans. What are your thoughts about the Mets this season?
A. God, the Mets scare me so much right now this year. In Johan I trust, especially because he's coming over from a much more difficult league for pitchers and the NL East is not exactly a pitching-rich division (most of the teams don't really roll more than two or three deep in terms of studs rotation-wise.) David Wright will be consistently good and a possible MVP; Jose Reyes will figure out that you can't swoon towards the back end of the season, hopefully. The bullpen concerns me -- how the Mets get from Santana, Pedro, Maine, and Oliver Perez to Billy Wagner is really my question mark -- that is after wondering if Moises Alou, Carlos Delgado, and Carlos Beltran will make it through the season in one piece. After last season's collapse, anything less embarrassing is a bonus.
By the way, if people are asking "Wait, he was born in L.A. and still lives in California, how is he a Mets fan?", I have an explanation: my parents are both NYC natives old enough to remember the Dodgers when they were in Brooklyn. My family has quite a few sports fans who hold a grudge very well, and my dad raised me as a Mets fan.
Q4. With you living on the west coast, I have to ask, what are your thoughts about Joe Torre managing the Dodgers? Will he make a difference with the Dodgers? Do the Dodgers make the playoffs?
A. I think Joe Torre can and will make a difference with the Dodgers, but it won't be enough to make the playoffs. The NL West is a pitcher's division, and Arizona only got better by adding Dan Haren via trade to go with Brandon Webb. San Diego always pitches well, and the Rockies have good young arms.
Now, Derek Lowe and Brad Penny? Good arms. Jason Schmidt is a question mark after his injuries last season. The idea of Russell Martin, Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones, James Loney, and Matt Kemp forming the heart of an order looks really good on paper. The question is whether or not Torre can keep the players on the same page in ways Grady Little couldn't and avoid over-use of his solid bullpen. I think they finish second or third in the division right now, but they won't be sniping at each other when the season is over.
Also, Juan Pierre is stealing playing time from Andre Ethier because of a bad contract. I'm absolutely with the Fire Joe Morgan crew on this.
Q5. Real quick - Kobe, LeBron, or T.Mac for MVP? Make your case.
A. I'm a Kobe partisan, not because I'm a Lakers fan, but because he is showing more flashes of MJ and dealing with a line-up that has been in flux with injuries. This year, he's had some serious help, but he still makes that team go and obviously kicks it in higher gear when Bynum and now Gasol have gotten injured. LeBron has carried that Cavaliers team, but I would go Kobe -- perversely, it seems his trade outburst and obsessive competitive need that drove that made his team better. Plus, Kobe plays really, really good defense -- he takes pride in taking on the opposing team's top guard. That means a lot to me.
Q6. How far do you see the Los Angeles Lakers going in the NBA playoffs? What is their weakness?
A. If the Lakers don't get healthy and win a title this year, they'll do it next year. I want to say they will make the Finals, but there's always San Antonio to deal with before they get there. The Lakers' ideal line-up hasn't set foot on the court together yet (Fisher-Kobe-Odom-Pau-Bynum), and if they do, we've all got to see how and if it clicks in the post-season. I'll say conference finals right now. This team's weakness is injury -- Bynum's still out, Gasol got hurt recently (should be back soon), and Trevor Ariza was playing well off the bench when he got hurt a few months ago. They might be too banged up to be title contenders.
Q7. I have to ask you a football question. Do you think UCLA will become a force in college football now that Rick Neuheisel is their new football coach? What do USC fans think about Norm Chow now being the Bruins offensive coordinator?
A. I don't think we'll really know how Slick Rick will do in Westwood until his third season. I watched him coach in Colorado (I lived in Denver for several years as a teenager), and his slides always came when he got his own recruits in the program, about the third year or so. He'll probably do better this time because a) it's his alma mater, and b) there really is a need to have a competitive program in Westwood to battle the Trojans. There are and will be NFL-level blue-chippers who want to have a better chance at starting at a SoCal program. Neuheisel and the Bruins represent that opportunity.
I think it's an uphill battle for UCLA to become a power like Florida and Ohio State became a couple years ago -- legitimate title threats in both men's revenue sports -- because so much is dedicated to the school's basketball legacy. The school is willing to try, although it is rather telling that they wound up hiring the prodigal son after most of the big coaching names either said no because of money or did not get a sniff from the AD due to perceived or real salary demands. However, Neuheisel is saying and doing all the right things, and giving UCLA football a public face that Karl Dorrell just wasn't equipped personality-wise to do.
Generally, the public sense I get about USC fans' response to Norm Chow taking over O-coordinator duties at UCLA has been "Good for them; we need some competition." I haven't read any sort of Judas comparisons -- this is the Pac-10 we are talking about here, and while fans in L.A. are certainly passionate about college football, it's not quite at the level of SEC backers where the big university's athletics are the only game in town. I would bet the fire will actually start to really burn if and when the Bruins start being competitive again. I don't see that happening for another year, mostly due to a deficiency at the quarterback position.
Q8. I have to ask a non-sports question - Obama, Clinton, or McCain? Why?
A. I was an Edwards person earlier in the race, and I think Obama gets to more of his themes and seems to mean it. There's a lot to be said for inspiration from a candidate; he's the first interesting and compelling orator in politics that I have seen running for president. Policy-wise, I find he and Hillary Clinton are not terribly far apart.
I think Clinton is tied to way too many established interests via her own Senate terms and her husband's connections, and I don't like the continued dynastic succession that her election would essentially become. That doesn't mean I won't vote for her over John McCain; I think he has changed his positions on Bush's economic policy and conduct of the Iraq War in order to garner votes in the primaries. (I was opposed to the Iraq War from the beginning.)
Q9. Who are the five hottest women in sports and/or broadcasting?
A. Wow, that's a tough call. I'll list alphabetically:
- Erin Andrews (duh)
- Bonnie Bernstein (holds her own with NFL guys)
- Stacy Dales (I'm 6'2", I like tall women)
- Maria Sharapova (more duh)
- Serena Williams (you can make cracks about the muscles all you want, but she's always been attractive to me)
I realize my list is fairly standard.
Q10. Last question, this segment is called "Beers with Bloggers." So what are some of your favorite brews? What are some beers that you like that may not be well known nationally?
A. I drink a lot of Guinness (my favorite bar is an Irish pub), plenty of Newcastle, and prefer Coors when I'm drinking cheap. I like drinking locally, and the Firestone-Walker Brewery is a very good one. I have friends and co-workers who have worked there, and it's great stuff. My favorite is the Pale Ale, but you can't go wrong with the Double Barrel Ale either. Sierra Nevada is better known nationally, and that's always been a favorite.
Once again, I want to thank S2N for his time...and I truly understand you wanting to stay anonymous...
Stiles Points steps away from the NFL Draft today and looks at baseball...Tampa Tribune's Joe Henderson was kind enough to respond to some questions about the New York Yankees and Hank Steinbrenner....
Q1. First off, what are your thoughts about George Steinbrenner? He is often painted as the bad guy of sports. Wh
at are your views of The Boss?
A. I think it’s impossible to label George definitively. He certainly was given to excess with the Yankees and there’s no question his spending habits put extreme pressure on so-called small market teams. But his motive was simple: To win every time. We were allowed a view of him in Tampa that not everyone else got to see – that of civic benefactor whose checkbook was always open for those who needed it most. That trumps any of the baseball stuff in my opinion.
Q2. Real quick - was George Steinbrenner good for baseball? Why or why not?
A. Overall, I think he was good for the game and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
Q3. What is your take of Hank Steinbrenner? Does he have the ability to be a good owner?
A. I like Hank’s style so far but it’s way too soon to tell how he’ll do. I thought he handed the Torre and A-Rod situations well and he listened to his advisors when they told him not to overpay for Johan Santana. That’s encouraging.
Q4. During your time at spring training, how do you think the Yankees players adapted to Joe Girardi as the manager instead of Joe Torre? What was the atmosphere like around camp without Torre?
A. The camp was significantly different, in my opinion – a little more urgency, a little less complacency. That won’t hurt, but the true test will come when the season starts. I mean, the Rays have the best Grapefruit League record and we know what that’s worth.
Thanks again to Joe for his time....
