2014 World Series: Good vs. Evil

Tomorrow night at 7:07pm at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, pitcher James Shields will throw the first pitch officially starting the 2014 World Series. The American League champion Kansas City Royals will take on the National League champion San Francisco Giants in what is supposed to be a matchup for the ages. There's more to this season's "Fall Classic" than determining who will win baseballs ultimate crown, it is a struggle between good and evil.

The Kansas City Royals are truly a "cinderella story". The Royals, who haven't been to the playoffs since 1985, won this years AL Wildcard by beating the Oakland Athletics in a 12-inning game that has gone down as one of the greatest games in recent baseball history. Since September 30th, the Royals have swept through the AL playoffs by defeating powerhouses the Anaheim Angels and the Baltimore Orioles.

This season's Royals have proved that the "money ball' system can successfully work. Lead by fifth-year manager Ned Yost, the Royals have put together a team combining great young talent defensively, offensively, and on the mound. With 13 stolen bases and 8 home runs through their 8 postseason games, it's safe to say these Royals can do it all. Backed by their incredible fan base, who have waited through 29 years of pain for a moment like this, it's hard to route against such and incredible team and story.

The Kansas City Royals celebrate defeating the Oakland
Athletics in walk off fashion in the 2014 AL Wildcard game
(Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

On the National League side, however, things are a little different. The San Francisco Giants beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-0 in Pittsburgh to win the 2014 NL Wildcard. Since then, the Giants have blown through the NL East champion Washington Nationals in the NLDS and the NL Central champion St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS. Even though their record may not have shown it, the 2014 San Francisco Giants are a powerhouse. With starting pitchers like Tim Lincecum, Jake Peavy, Madison Baumgarner and Matt Cain one could argue the Giants pitching staff is baseball's best.

Backed by arguably baseball's greatest (and most annoying) fan base, the San Francisco Giants won the National League qualifying it to their 3rd world series in 5 years after winning the "fall classic" in both 2010 over the Texas Rangers and in 2012 over the Detroit Tigers.

This year's World Series is more than just Major League Baseball's championship series, it determines the future of this sport. It will show us if a fan base can really carry their team to glory and it will show us if courage and good coaching can actually beat bought talent.


For More Information See:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/2014.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCR/2014.shtml

The SEC West: Sports' Greatest Conference

When a college football fan thinks of the SEC West, he thinks of LSU's success throughout the 2000's, he thinks of quarterback Johnny Manziel's breakthrough success at Texas A&M, Cam Newton's remarkable 2010 season at Auburn, and who could forget, Alabama's recent dynasty under head coach Nick Saban. By the time the 2014 college football season is over, however, the SEC West should truly lament itself as sports greatest conference.

So far, after seven weeks of college football play, the SEC West is 26-0 against non-conference opponents. An entire conference having an undefeated record is unheard-of considering West Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, Wisconsin and Kansas State have all been some of the opponents. Overall, SEC West teams have played seventeen games versus top 25 ranked opponents!

Although their non-conference record is a remarkable show of their talent, there is nothing more remarkable than what is happening within the conference itself. Over the past two weeks, Ole Miss has upset #1 Alabama at home and Mississippi State has upset #2 Auburn. Both Mississippi schools are the only two football programs that remain undefeated in-and-out of conference play. Powerhouse Alabama almost lost to Arkansas this past weekend, and LSU led by head coach Les Miles has yet to win an SEC West game this season!

MSU QB Dak Prescott runs the ball during their game
against LSU in Baton Rouge (Gerald Herbert, AP)

Coming into week 8 Ole Miss, Auburn and Alabama are all ranked in the top 10, while Mississippi State is ranked #1 in the nation for the first time in program history. Texas A&M, LSU and Arkansas (all very storied programs) sit at the bottom of the conference with .500 or above records. If not already, The SEC West is proving to the country that it owns college football.


For More Information See:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings
http://secsports.go.com

Derek Jeter: The Truth Behind 'The Captain'

The ticket prices for tonight's Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees game range anywhere from $300 to $15,000! This is not because the Yankees are looking for a playoff berth (they've already been eliminated), and it's not because Yankees' fans want to see the Orioles miss a playoff berth (they've already won their division), it's because tonight is the last time SS Derek Jeter will step onto the diamond at Yankee Stadium.

As Derek Jeter's baseball career comes to a close, many people have been reflecting on the impact he had on the sport. He has been praised by writers, analysts and fans alike as one of the greatest skilled players to ever dawn a MLB uniform. Even with all of the "Jeter-Mania" that has been taking place this past season, there is one question in the back of all baseball fan's minds: "Was Derek Jeter ever that good of a baseball player?" The answer to this very controversial question was simple to find. Sorry to break the news to his fans, but judging by the statistics, Derek Jeter is NOT the greatest ball player of all time.

Out of all 19 seasons Derek Jeter stepped into the batters box wearing a Yankees uniform, only once did he exceed 100 RBI's in a season (102 in 1999). I understand that as a leadoff hitter his job is to get on base and not bring runs in, this is noted by his 1,922 career runs scored, but batting leadoff with the Yankees is very different. From 1995 to present, some notable 7-9 guys in the Yankees' batting order have included Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, Jorge Posada, Darryl Strawberry, Jose Vizcaino and Alfonso Soriano. Four of the men listed were multiple time Silver Slugger Award winners.

Derek Jeter stands in the batters box awaiting the pitch
during a 2014 regular season game. (Getty Images)

"What about on defense Trevor? He's the greatest shortstop to ever play the game." Derek Jeter is a no-doubt a great defender, but he is certainly not one of the greatest. Of all 19 seasons in which he played shortstop, Jeter won 5 Gold Glove awards. Although his career fielding percentage as of today is an astounding .976, you must also take into account his 253 career errors. People seem to judge Derek Jeter's defensive skills based on one "flip-play" during the 2001 ALDS.

Putting aside all the statistics and all the arguments made against him, I personally believe Derek Jeter is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Derek Jeter is more then all the hits, RBIs, runs scored and stolen bases, Derek Jeter is one of the greatest ambassadors of the game. Jeter has never used performance enhancing drugs, and he gives back as much of his salary to charities and organizations every year. Jeter is a great idol to kids all over the world.

No matter your opinion of Derek Jeter, on or off the field, there is no arguing the impact he has had on the sport of baseball, or more importantly, the impact he has had on our culture.


For More Information See:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jeterde01.shtml?redir
http://www.stubhub.com/new-york-yankees-tickets/yankees-vs-orioles-9-25-2014-4378929/

Super Bowl Sleepers

Before every NFL season, analysts and fans alike predict their Super Bowl champions. This season, for example, the teams you will hear mentioned the most on this topic are the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. Despite all predictions, if there is anything the 2001 Patriots, 2008 Giants and even the 2010 Saints provided proof that you don't have to be a pre-season favorite to win football's greatest prize.

So what makes a "sleeper"? A "sleeper" is not necessarily a team that hasn't been predicted to win the Super Bowl, but rather a team that has been over looked by many. While "sleepers" are not necessarily Super Bowl "favorites", they still have a realistic chance at winning a title.

Cincinnati Bengals

The defending AFC North champions have come up short in the playoffs in 4 of the last 5 seasons. As many people's favorite to once again win their division, the Bengals have not been praised as possible Super Bowl contenders as much as they should. Behind newly franchised, 4th-year QB Andy Dalton, and receivers like A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu and Brandon Tate. don't be surprised if the Bengals are playing in February.

Cincinnati Bengals' QB Andy Dalton throws the ball during
a regular season game against the Miami Dolphins in 2013.
(Matt Sullivan/Getty Images North America)

Kansas City Chiefs

Another team that is a borderline "sleeper" would be the Kansas City Chiefs. The 2013 Chiefs, under first-year head coach Andy Reid, finished with an 11-5 record before giving 35 second-half points to the Indianapolis Colts in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Lead by QB Alex Smith, WR Dwayne Bowe and RB Jamaal Charles, the 2014 Chiefs are looking to bring Kansas City it's first Lombardi Trophy in 45 years.

San Diego Chargers

As the second AFC West team to make the list, the San Diego Chargers surprised football fans all over last year when they made the playoffs. The 2013 Chargers would defeat the Bengals in the wild-card round before losing a close game to their rival Denver Broncos in the divisional round. Led by veterans QB Philip Rivers and TE Antonio Gates, the Chargers look to ride last year's momentum, and attempt to capture San Diego's first NFL title.

Detroit Lions

The 2013 Detroit Lions finished with an upsetting 7-9 record. This prompted Head Coach Jim Schwartz to lose his job and several other roster changes to take place. Experienced coach Jim Caldwell leads this years team with players like QB Matthew Stafford, RB Reggie Bush, a star-studded Defensive Line, and one of the greatest receivers of all time in Calvin Johnson. This year's Lions look to bounce back and win the Super Bowl.

Detroit Lions' WR Calvin Johnson stiff-arms a defender during
a regular season game against the Buccaneers. (USATSI)

Chicago Bears

Another NFC North team on this list, the Chicago Bears are also looking to bounce back after a sub-par season. Under first-year head coach Marc Trestman the Bears finished at 8-8 missing a playoff berth. Now, with more NFL coaching experience under his belt, Trestman leads arguably one of the leagues best receiving cores with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey. With the addition of DE Jared Allen, the Bears look to win their first Super Bowl in 29 years.

Arizona Cardinals

Under first-year head coach Bruce Arians, the 2013 Arizona Cardinals barely missed the playoffs after finishing with a 10-6 record, which is remarkable considering they play in arguably the NFL's hardest division (that's right! They had to play both the 49ers and the Seahawks twice!). Led by future hall-of-fame WR Larry Fitzgerald, CB Patrick Peterson, S Tyrann Mathieu and 12th-year QB Carson Palmer the 2014 Cardinals are no doubt a "sleeper"

Houston Texans

Coming off of a disastrous 2013 season, this year's Houston Texans' team already looks to be back in their 2011-2012 form. As arguably the second best team in the AFC South, the Texan's brought in first-year head coach Bill O'Brien from Penn State to help lead the team consisting of DE J.J. Watt, RB Arian Foster and WR Andre Johnson. We've witnessed teams go from top-to-bottom before, and this year's Houston Texans certainly have what it takes.

Atlanta Falcons

Another possible "rags-to-riches" story could come out of Atlanta. After winning the NFC South in 2012 with a 13-3 record, the 2013 Atlanta Falcons disappointed their fans by finishing 4-12. This year's Falcons, under 7th-year head coach Mike Smith, added 3-time Pro Bowler Devin Hester to join Julio Jones and Roddy White at WR. With Matt Ryan under center and Steven Jackson at RB, the 2014 Atlanta Falcons already look like a possible Super Bowl contender.

Atlanta Falcons' QB Matt Ryan holds the ball
during a regular season game in 2013.
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)

For More Information See:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com

World Cup 2014: Who Has What It Takes?

When Brazil and Croatia face off on Thursday, June 12th, in Sao Paulo, all of the world will be watching. For the following month, 30 other nations will join these two in competing for the greatest prize in the sporting universe: the World Cup. What's so great about the World Cup? well, unlike most other sporting events, lot's of teams enter believing they have what it takes. So, instead of predicting a winner, I figure i'll list some nations that, I believe, have a good chance. Here it goes.

Brazil:
Of all the teams competing in this summers World Cup, none are more heavily favorited than the host country. Brazil's entire starting line-up is filled with world class players like Real Madrid LB Marcelo Vieira, PSG Center Back Thiago Silva, Zenit Forward 'Hulk", and last but not least 22-year-old FC Barcelona Striker Neymar. Give the five-time world champions, and defending South American champions, home-field advantage, and you've got a match made in heaven.

Spain:
It's no surprise that Spain is ranked #1 in the world headed to Brazil. Spain won the World Cup 4-years ago in South Africa and won the Euro Cup in Ukraine 2-years ago. Although the squad has changed drastically since 2010, their goal is still the same. Even after being placed in a tough group with Holland and Chile, this years spanish squad, led by GK Iker Casillas, Defender Sergio Ramos, Midfielder Andres Iniesta and Striker Diego Costa, could easily win their second straight World Cup.

Spain's Iker Casillas hoists the World Cup around his team
after winning the tournament in 2010. (Reuters)

Germany:
It's safe to say Germany has gotten the short end of the stick in recent World Cup history. In 2002, Germany lost the World Cup final to Brazil, and in both 2006 and 2010, Germany placed 3rd. This time around, the German team is looking to overcome their past and win their first World Cup since 1990. With Midfielders like Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and legendary Striker Miroslav Klose, this years German team is one of their best ever.

Argentina:
With two World Cup victories in 1974 and 1986, Argentina truly haven't had their share of success in recent history. After losing in the quarterfinals to Germany in both 2006 and 2010, many changes were made on the squad and coaching staff. This time around Argentina have one of the best attacks in the world led by Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero, and they have home-continent advantage.

Striker Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal for
Argentina in 2012. (The Independent)

Italy:
The Italian National Team won the World Cup 8-years ago in Germany ranked 13th in the world. This years Italian squad may not be as good as their 2006 counter-part, but coming to Brazil "Gli Azzurri" are ranked 9th internationally. Italy has a good mix of young and old talent like Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, Forward Mario Balotelli and last but not least, Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. This years Italian squad may not be a favorite, but they sure look promising.

England:
England's international soccer history has had their fair share of ups and downs. The same team that won the World Cup in 1966 didn't even qualify for the 1994 tournament. This years England team, like most, is pretty decent. Their roster, headlined by world class Goalkeeper Joe Hart, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, and Midfielder Captain Steven Gerrard, can help bring soccer's most beloved prize back to the Queen.

England Captain Steven Gerrard bosses out orders to
team mates during a match in 2013. (Football 365)

Chile:
Considering that this years World Cup is taking place on South American soil, it's only right to include another South American team on the list. After losing in the "Round of 16" to rival Brazil in the 2010 World Cup Chile are back and ready for vengeance. Midfielders like Juventus' Arturo Vidal and FC Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez, and star Juventus defender Mauricio Isla lead this years young Chile squad as they compete for their first World Cup title.

Belgium:
The last nation on this list is one you don't hear much about. Belgium are entering this years World Cup ranked 11th in the world, and their cast of superstars have flown under the radar. Atletico Madrid GK Thibaut Courtois, CB Vincent Kompany and LB Thomas Vermaelen lead their world class defense while Chelsea Midfielder Eden Hazard leads their young young attack. Even though it's never been done, many people believe Belgium will win this years World Cup.

Even though it is impossible to predict who is going to win this summers World Cup, one thing is for certain, this summers tournament in Brazil will be unforgettable and amazing.


For More Information See:
http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/rankingtable/