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/

Trout vs. Harper: The Future of Baseball

Yesterday's matchup between the Los Angeles Angels and the Washington Nationals at National's Park in Washington D.C. wasn't your typical Monday night, April baseball game. Instead, it was one of the most important nights in recent baseball history.

Mike Trout was taken 25th overall in the 2009 MLB Draft by the Angels straight out of high school while Bryce Harper was taken 1st overall in the 2010 MLB Draft by the National also directly out of high school. It's safe to say both men have made their respective splash's on the league so far.

Mike Trout and Bryce Harper talk during practice at
the 2012 MLB All-Star Game in Kansas City (US Presswire)

In 2012, at the age of 21-22, in his first full season in the league, Mike Trout won AL Rookie of the Year with a .326 batting average, 30 HR and 83 RBI. He also led the league with 49 SB. Trout then answered those stats in his sophomore season of 2013 with a .323 AVG, 27 HR, 97 RBI, 33 SB and his second straight Silver Slugger Award. The outfielder was selected as an All-Star game starter his first two seasons in the league.

Bryce Harper, on the other hand, has produced his own eye opening numbers in his first couple of years in the NL. In the young outfielders first season in 2012, at the age of 19, he posted a batting average of .270 with 59 RBI, 22 HR and 26 doubles on his way to winning the NL Rookie of the Year award. Even though he missed part of the 2013 season due to a knee injury, Harper still posted a .274 batting average and was selected as a starter in the All-Star Game.

Trout went 2-5 while Harper went 0-3 as both men faced each other for the first time in their young careers. Although this seemed like an unimportant regular season game, many baseball reporters, writers, and fans tuned in to witness what many consider the future of the game itself.

For more information see:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml

The Luck of The Masters

Every year thousands of golf fans take to Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia to witness the Mecca of golf... The Masters Tournament. A collection of the best golfers from around the globe tee off (no pun intended) in a race to win the world's most beloved article of clothing.

The Green Jacket has been worn by legends from Jack Nicklaus to Arnold Palmer and even to modern legends like Tiger Woods. It can only be compared to The World Cup, and the Olympic Gold Medal for it's level of prestigiousness in the sporting community.

So what does it take to actually win The Masters? No one really knows the answer to that question. Many believe the tournament is won by the man with the best composure, many think it is based purely on skill. The truth is, no matter how much skill, experience, poise, and stamina you have on your side, It will always take that little bit of luck.

Now I know what you're saying, "Trevor? All the men you just listed are amazing golfers anyway, so why don't you credit them for their skill?" I'm not saying these men won based on pure luck because that's simply not true.

Every golfer that wins The Masters deserve full credit for their victory, there's no questions asked about that. Most years, although, the winner gets a lucky break at some point or another in the tournament.

Don't believe me? Well I'm sure you've seen Jack Nicklaus' fast rolling 40-foot putt on the 16th hole in 1975, Tiger Woods' gravity defying 20-foot chip on the 16th hole in 2005, and even most recently Bubba Watson's 160-yard magical hook shot on the second hole of the playoff in 2012.

Tiger Woods being crowned The Masters champion in
2005 by longtime rival, and good friend Phil Mickelson.
(Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images)

The "Luck of The Masters" has also been proven to work against golfers in the same manner that it helps them. It's been nearly 25 years since Scott Hoch infamously missed his 2-foot putt to beat Nick Faldo on the first hole of the playoff in 1989. Faldo would go on to make his putt and win the tournament.

No matter what you think it takes to win golf's greatest prize, The Masters will always be fun to watch. Whether it's from a no-name young golfer earning his first Green Jacket on path to promising career, or a legend winning his final Green Jacket on the way out at the end of his career, The Masters never fails to excite and awe fans from around the world.

For more information see:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/golf/article-2599611/Masters-moments-top-10-shots.html

http://www.cbssports.com/golf/eye-on-golf/24519929/things-i-love-about-the-masters

Baseball's Back!

Ahhhhh... It's that time of year again, the sun is beating, the earth is thawing, and the hotdogs are grilling, this can only mean one thing, baseball season is upon us.

After an incredible world series last year between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox finished off the season at Fenway Park on October 30th, baseball fans were left to die in the cold winter ahead. But if last years Fall Classic means anything, it's that this is going to be one hell of a season.

Although it's hard to do, I'm going to attempt to predict how this season will play out, so here it goes:

Red Sox Closer Koji Uehara celebrates after striking out 
Matt Carpenter to win the 2013 world series at Fenway Park.

AL East
1. Tampa Bay Rays (97-65)
2. Boston Red Sox (94-68) *wildcard
3. Baltimore Orioles (80-72)
4. New York Yankees (80-72)
5. Toronto Blue Jays (76-86)

Just like last year, the AL East could easily be the tightest division in baseball. With teams like the 2012 AL wildcard winning Baltimore Orioles who are coming off of a season of disappointment, the 2012 AL East champion New York Yankees who have made some bold moves this offseason to push the team forward, and the defending world series champion Boston Red Sox who have arguably the best roster depth in baseball, we are in for a close race. But no team looks more promising than the defending AL wildcard champion Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays, led by baseball's best manager in Joe Maddon, have a prefect offensive and defensive balance. With roster pieces including matured versions of both Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist, and a pitching staff led by former Cy Young winner David Price, this Rays' team could be the best one yet. Although I feel the Red Sox win the wildcard, I firmly believe the Rays win this division. Watch out for Tampa Bay come october.

AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers (95-67)
2. Kansas City Royals (93-69)
3. Cleveland Indians (89-73)
4. Chicago White Sox (69-93)
5. Minnesota Twins (63-99)

The AL Central, just like last year, should also be a very tight division race. Last season the division boasted both having a wildcard winner in the young Cleveland Indians. The Indians, led by future HOF manager Terry Francona are on track for another season of coming up close but not finishing out. My sleeper from this division is the Kansas City Royals who have a very powerful and young offense led by DH Billy Butler, LF Alex Gordon, and the young powerful 3B Mike Moustakas. Although the Royals are great, this division still belongs to the Tigers. After trading away their power hitting 1B Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers, the Tigers in exchange got shortstop Ian Kinsler. With a new manager in Brad Ausmus (who has big shoes to fill from Jim Leyland), the best pitcher in baseball with Justin Verlander, and the defending MVP and former triple crown winner Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers are as ready as they have ever been to make a deep postseason run.

AL West
1. Texas Rangers (97-65)
2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (95-67) *wildcard
3. Oakland Athletics (84-78)
4. Seattle Mariners (80-82)
5. Houston Astros (0-162)?

The AL West may end up looking way different than it did last season. The defending division champion Oakland Athletics are no longer going to have the hold they have recently had on the division as they begin to fall off. The Seattle Mariners have made several offseason moves to put themselves in contention, but it may still take a season or two for those plans to fall into place. After two years of disappointment after being projected as a playoff team, I believe the high spending of the Angels will finally pay off. As a team with a good combination of old and young, led by 22-year-old phenom outfielder Mike Trout (my prediction for this seasons MVP) playing alongside pitchers like Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson, and hitters including future HOF Albert Pujols and home-run hitting outfielder Josh Hamilton the Angels will win the wildcard. Ron Washington's Rangers are the team to beat from the AL West though. Led by baseball's future pitching legend Yu Darvish, the Rangers roster is too deep to lose games down the stretch. With the addition of both 1B Prince Fielder and OF Shin Soo-Choo to fill that much needed power hitting position, the Rangers have pieced together an almost unstoppable offense.

Mike Trout watches a ball he hit soar toward right field.

NL East
1. Washington Nationals (95-67)
2. Atlanta Braves (90-72) *wildcard
3. Philadelphia Phillies (74-88)
4. New York Mets (73-89)
5. Miami Marlins (65-97)

The NL East has been for the past two years, and will be again this season, a battle between only two teams. The Marlins have a young squad, they still need time to mature though. The Mets are getting older, the only problem is they aren't getting any better. Their pitching staff is solid, but they have no depth in their offense. The Phillies will be better than they were last year, but still not great. With a solid starting pitching core behind Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee the Phillies could make some moves, but their young and immature offense mixed with washed up veterans will bring them down. The Atlanta Braves will win the wildcard simply because their pitching staff is not capable of keeping up with the Nationals. Even though their offense, led by the Upton brothers, Jason Heyward, Dan Uggla, and Freddie Freeman, is way better than Washington's, the Nationals pitching rotation is too good to be beaten. The Nationals, forwarded by young OF Bryce Harper and veteran OF Jason Werth are too good to lose the division. Washington also boasts the bet bullpen in baseball, which will help them in october.

NL Central
1. Pittsburgh Pirates (101-61)
2. St. Louis Cardinals (98-64) *wildcard
3. Cincinnati Reds (82-80)
4. Chicago Cubs (79-83)
5. Milwaukee Brewers (70-92)

If there is any division race to watch this year, it would have to be the NL Central. The defending wildcard champion Cincinnati Reds' reign of the NL Central will come an end this year due to the loss of too many key components. With the Chicago Cubs in the works of rebuilding the franchise, and the Milwaukee Brewers on the decline after their loss of Corey Hart, the division is only left to two teams. The defending NL champion St. Louis Cardinals are in for another year of success. Although they lost both Carlos Beltran and David Frees, their offense is still armed and dangerous. The Cardinals also boast an outstanding pitching rotation led by veterans like Chris Carpenter and he young ace out of Texas A&M, Michael Wacha. Although the Cardinals are stacked, they will only win the wildcard, all because their rival/counterpart, the Pittsburgh Pirates, are better than ever before. After an awesome finish last year to win the wildcard and reach the NLDS, Clint Hurdle's Pirates only built a better roster, led by the defending NL MVP, Andrew McCutchen, and young utility 2B Neil Walker, the Pirates have the most consistent hitting lineup in baseball. Match all this with one of the greatest and most loyal fan bases in the Major Leagues and you've got all the makings of a winner.

NL West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (102-60)
2. San Francisco Giants (90-72)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (90-72)
4. Colorado Rockies (80-82)
5. San Diego Padres (65-97)

The NL West is the one division where you can truly predict a team capable of dominating. The Rockies and Padres are both going through some major changes as organizations, the Diamondbacks and Giants are both recovering from sub-par seasons and each have yet to find that missing piece to put them over the top. The clear ruler of the NL West is Don Mattingly's Dodgers. The Dodgers debatably have both the best pitching staff and offense in baseball. With a starting pitching rotation that goes Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-jin Ryu, Zack Greinke, and Ricky Nolasco, (No, that is not a joke, this is actually an MLB teams rotation!) a bullpen led by former Giants' closer Brian Wilson, and an offense stacked to the top with talent, including the young prodigy Yasiel Puig, it's hard to imagine the Dodgers even lose the world series.

Yasiel Puig squares up to hit a ball one summer afternoon
at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

For more information see:
http://www.baseball-reference.com

Why Wisconsin is a Legitimate Threat

One of the most overlooked teams of this years tournament is the Wisconsin Badgers.

After starting off the season with a 16 game win streak, the Badgers went on to lose three straight in conference play, and ultimately finish with an overall record of 26-7.

The Badger’s season came to an abrupt holt last week after their depressing loss to #1 Michigan State in the BIG10 conference tournament semifinals. Although they certainly weren’t predicted to win the match-up, many fans and believers knew they needed this victory to make a name for themselves.

Wisconsin averaged 73.5 points-per-game this season, which ranked them 92nd in the country. The Badgers also averaged 12.1 assists-per-game placing them 216th nationally. These stats are eye-opening considering Wisconsin is a team that prides itself on it’s classic style, high scoring offense.

Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky goes in for a lay-up against rival
Michigan in a BIG10 matchup. (Sports Illustrated)

Led by key players like forwards Junior Frank Kaminsky (13.6 ppg), and Sophomore Sam Dekker (16.2 reb) the Badgers have one of the most powerful rosters, with bragging rights to arguably the most roster depth of any team in this years tournament.

Wisconsin’s path to the final four already looks very challenging. They open the tournament against the Patriot Conference champion American University Eagles (20-12). In order to win the west region, the Badgers will have to most likely have to play the #7 Oregon Ducks, and would also possibly have to take on both the powerful #3 Creighton Bluejays and even the #1 Arizona Wildcats.

The Wisconsin Badgers are arguably the best #2 seed in the entire tournament, and the only way for them to prove their value would be to endure their tough tournament schedule and provide the fans, and the pundits, with proof of how good they actually are.

For more information see:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/275/wisconsin-badgers
http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/03/18/ncaa-tournament-team-previews-wisconsin-badgers/

Adidas' Digital Branding

Adidas has, through-out, history been known to change their image and brand to adapt to the always changing modern world. Today, their online presence is at an all time high, as they try to reach the current generation through advertising.

Even though Adidas is known as one of the most prominent advertising brands world-wide, They are always looking to expand and grow by breaking new frontiers.

Adidas has a very large presence in the world of social media. With over 800 thousand followers on Twitter and over 14 million fans on Facebook, it’s safe to say they have the ability to get their message across to a majority of people from all over the world.

In 2012, The Adidas Group launched the “Adidas Is All In” campaign featuring some prominent celebrities such as soccer stars David Beckham and Lionel Messi, basketball star Derrick Rose, and even musical artists such as Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg. The campaign helped raise the companies sales 18.5%  within a year of it being released.

A 2012 promotional image for the “Adidas Is All In” campaign

If there is one thing Adidas needs to expand on, I believe it would be an increase in advertising. Adidas spends less than half the money as Nike on commercial advertising whether it be online or on television.

Needless to say, Adidas has been since the creation of the internet, and will always be one of the most prominent and powerful Digital Brands in the world.

For more information see:
http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/previous-years/2012/adidas