Nationals Fight

I'm sure many people saw the fight a few days ago between Jonathan Papelbon and his teammate Bryce Harper. If you haven't seen the video, it is posted down below. It's not many times you see to players from the same team fighting, and both of them were suspended. My question is, who's fault is this, Bryce's, Jonathan's, or the coaches.

First, this was absolutely not Bryce Harper's fault. Many blame it on him because he was calling Jonathan to "come at him", so he was literally asking for it. But you'd think by now that Jonathan is old enough and experienced enough to deal with these situations professionally, and it's never okay to hurt someone like that, so it seems unfair to put the burden on Bryce Harper's shoulders.




Would it be fair to put the blame on Jonathan Papelbon? I think no doubt. For starters, he freaking choked the guy. I mean, are you kidding me? A fight's one thing, but choking is a whole other level, a level that should never be crossed. Now, I know Jon's been known to be quite the hothead, and Bryce is no doubt a hothead himself, so the fact that they don't get along makes sense. But still, Jon should've known what to do that would be professional. I'm not saying it was right of Bryce Harper to taunt, but Jon should've taken better action then choking a guy helping your team win. Jonathan has been way under par, and has blown more than a couple saves ultimately leading to them lower in the division. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper is my pick for the MVP, and has really been about as good as you can possibly be. The fact that Jonathan Papelbon would have the audacity to question Bryce Harper's effort that lead to the fight is totally unnecessary.


Finally, how much of the fight was on the Nationals manager, Matt Williams? I think partially. He was in the area where the fight took place, and should've at least SAID something. I can't put too much of it on him though. What I do think he needs to do is release John. Your team still has a chance to be in the playoffs. You need to realize that not only is he ruining the Nat's chemistry, but has also seriously underperformed. You can't trade him since it's too late in the year, so your options are limited. Hopefully you can see my logic. Sure, it's not the prime idea, but I think you need to get this guy off your team or wait until next year for a playoff berth. Because right now, Bryce and John cannot be in the same dugout.

Moses Malone

Well, the 1970's dominating Philadelphia 76ers team has a lot of missing pieces with Caldwell Jones and Daryl Dawkins dying recently, and Moses Malone just passed away unexpectedly at age 60 very recently. This dynasty is my favorite team ever assembled in any sport, with Julius Erving and World B. Free adding to that dominating roster. I also think Moses was a very under appreciated player in NBA history.



Before Moses Malone, this was a guards game. Sure, there was respect for past centers such as Bill Russell or Pete Maravich, but in the 60's, there was more belief in guards like Jerry West. Although Julius Erving was probably the best player on that team, Moses actually was a leader that most big men back then didn't have the talent to achieve. In fact, that 76ers team was the first team to really rely on there post players. Julius was able to go into that spot, and with Moses Malone manning the big game down low, the team was able to succeed.

A lot of people take away respect from the Phili star because he was in a time where there wasn't a lot of competition. What a lot of people don't understand is that he could've been just as affective in today's time. It's hard to know how they would've played in other time periods because the game has changed so much since his time. But the way he used his size, strength and athleticism the same way most big men do in today's league lead me to believe that his play style would not only match the present day players, but could dominate present day players.

Let's admit it. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird were the ones that changed basketball forever. But Moses had a major impact on how centers play today. He actually plays a critical part in why centers play the way they do. Not only is Moses a great player but he is an important player. He was the first one to take on the true presence of the big men we see today, and if he didn't pull that play style off as affectively as he did, most managers would've put that play style idea to rest, and who knows how centers could've played today. They could've been way less affective, and this league would be completely different.

Rest in peace Malone. You've forever changed basketball for the better. Your an inspiration to me and thousands across America.

Corey Seager

If you guys didn't know, I'm a big fan of the Seattle Mariners All Star outfielder, Kyle Seager. Recently I've been informed about his little brother, Corey Seager, who's expectations are higher than his brothers. He was actually called up to the majors later than most prospects. He didn't get called up until just this year, at age 21, probably because he's playing for the stacked Los Angeles Dodgers team.. But his performances seem to show he's got just what it takes to be an all star. The question is, Will he ensure a spot on the Dodgers roster?

I know what your thinking. Why would the Dodgers disregard a potential superstar. Here's why. He actually was not a big prospect. He wasn't even MLB worthy based on his minor league play, which was good, but not "we HAVE to bring this guy up" good. The only reason he is currently in the majors is because of an injury. That's the real reason he's here. So although he looks like a player that would be a sin to send down. But most players with an outburst like him usually ends up being not as goos as they look. Finally, his swing isn't exactly a powerful swing. There's nothing too wrong with his fundamentals, but his swing just doesn't look the same as some of the big sluggers such as Mike Trout or Albert Pujols. This is yet another sign of inconsistency.

But there is also a lot of reasons to keep this guy. For starters, he's siblings with Kyle Seager, who is an all star and has one of the best MLB IQ. that gets me thinking this guy knows the game, and those kids usually are consistent. So if that's true, the inconsistency is no longer a problem. To add on to his knowledge of baseball, he was drafted out of high school. Now, playing in college is great for players who haven't learned the sport, but since Corey already knows the sport inside and out, is was smart to go straight into the MLB, because now ate age 21 he already has at least 3 years of professional experience, which is essential to making a superstar.Second, he's tall. height doesn't matter too much when it comes to baseball, but it can sure help out when it comes to running, jumping, and diving. If he could get a little faster, he could be a demon on the base paths.

I'd hate to be negative, but unfortunately, I can't see Corey Seager making the team. Does he have chances? Most certainly. In fact, I'd put the bar at nearly a 50/50 chance. But I just don't see the same promise that I see in other prospects. Plus, given he's on the Dodgers, he'll have some stiff competition. Sorry Corey, but I just don't see it happening.

How the New York Mets are Leading Their Division

In the preseason polls for the MLB that surveyed 88 experts, 85 chose the Nationals to take the NL East. Two chose the Miami Marlins, and only one chose the New York Mets. The question is, how are the Mets winning the division? I'm going to break it down for you.

The first reason for the Mets' success is there pitching. Many thought the Nat's pitching would be great with Stephen Strasburg and Matt Sherzer leading the way, But pitchers in the Met's organization, such as Matt Harvey have surprisingly enough had the upper hand, or at least drawing even with the Nationals. And of course, you can't forget about Jacob DeGrom, who I think has a shot for Cy Young.

The second reason is injuries. Sure, the Mets have caught the injury bug with David Wright, but it wasn't near as bad as the Nationals when they lost Denard Span for the entire season. David was out for a shorter time period than most people realize, and there offense has more threats that still gave them a pretty good team for the weeks he was out. With the addition of Yoenis Cespedes in July, they looked like they were still in pretty good shape, where as the Nationals had done nothing about the Denard Span injury.

A third reason for the Mets success is how they handled there team up in the office. There GM may have made the best trade in Mets history, trading two minor league pitching prospects for Yoenis Cespedes. This guy is one of the best sluggers in the nation, making this passionate team even more talented. Meanwhile the Nationals traded for Jonathan Papelbon, who just hasn't been the same in Washington. Plus, there idea to move Drew Storen to a different spot in there bullpen just made things worse.

 Finally, there passion. The Mets care about winning. We saw this up close and personal with none other than Wilmer Flores. When he cried because he thought he was traded, it showed the cared about the Mets. Think about the last time we saw a player not want to play for the Mets, even when there bad. Every player has a winning attitude. Let's admit it, the Nationals do not have that same prestige. Bryce Harper may be the most selfish player in baseball, and most of those players don't have a good connection with Washington, and that takes away from there win column.

Kevin Durant's Starting 5

I know I know, I need to put up some MLB posts. When I see something happen, I'll be sure to post. Recently Kevin Durant posted his all time starting lineup for the NBA. I'm going to break down everyone he chose and tell you whether or not the player deserved to be in the spot Kevin gave them. And I'll of course tell you my starting 5.

For the point guard position, Kevin chose Magic Johnson. Magic was a superstar, and I'd put him into the legend column, but is he worthy of being the best point guard in history? I think so. when he was part of a championship team, they were stacked, so it's not like we know for sure that he could lead a bad team to success, but if he ever were to be put in that situation, I think he could pull through. Plus, he wasn't just the best point guard of his time, he was the best point guard of the best time basketball has ever seen. Think about it, he was facing off against John Stockton, Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan. And some of the greatest teams of all time. 90's Bulls, 90's Rockets, late 90's Spurs, late 80's Pistons, the list goes on and on.

For the shooting guard position, Kevin Durant chose Kobe Bryant. Now I hate Kobe Bryant, almost as much as I hate Christian Laettner (and believe me I HATE Christian Laettner), but I try to put that hatred aside and focus on his play on the court. Let's admit it. No one's as good as Michael Jordan. But Kobe is a very deserving player. He is statistically sound, and is a very good team player. Think about all he has accomplished with no one but Pau Gasol, who is an all star, but you need way more than him to be successful. But Kobe carried them. What Kevin tried to do was put Kobe at shooting guard and Michael Jordan in the small forward position. Still, I don't like this selection for a few reasons. First, were looking for the top players in each position, so making your top five have two shooting guards just seems unfair to players who deserve to be in the small forward position. I think you put Michael in shooting guard and take Kobe off the list. You're probably wondering who I want to be the small forward. We'll get to that.


For small forward, Kevin chose Michael Jordan. We all knew he would make it in. He's the greatest player of all time, no contest. Everything he did made him better than the rest. Now, Michael is definitely going to be in the top five, I agree with that. But I really think he should've been shooting guard. Some shooting guards you could put in small forward, but you can't with Jordan. Michael NEVER played SF, so why did you put him there? This is what I think. You can't put Kobe or Michael in the small forward spot, so I would put Michael in at shooting guard, drop Kobe, and insert Larry Bird. I mean, why isn't he in this? I think he is WAY more deserving than Kobe, or even Magic. Larry led one of the best teams in all time. As for Jordan, yes, he deserves it.

Kevin chose Tim Duncan for his power forward. Tim hasn't just won titles, he's kept the Spurs title contenders for his ENTIRE CAREER, and has one multiple MVP awards. But he has had help with Greg Popovic, who is easily the best coach of all time, and has had help from all stars Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker. Is he really the best power forward of all time? I think so. Like I said, I don't like mixing positions. I mean, why would the greatest power forward of all time be a center? that being said, that really limits the players you can choose. Sure there were power forward superstars such as Karl Malone and many would see players like Patrick Ewing
up there, but most superstar big men are centers. That being said, Tim Duncan is a very deserving player that definitely deserves to be either in the top ten players of all time or very high up the list.

And finally, Kevin Durant chose Shaquille O Neal as his center. Sorry Magic fans if my picture offends you, but I see him more as a Laker than anyone else.  Shaq was outstanding and did his job better than anyone else. he was aggressive and a great rebounder, but is that enough to be the greatest center of all time. I think not. There are too many centers that did things he never did. He one three titles, but with a completely stacked team of Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson (given both those players are also the top of there positions I'd call that the greatest team of all time). But you just can't call a player the best of his position for one reason: his free throw shooting. We all know he couldn't make a free throw to save his life. Well, in those 4th quarter situations, you can't let him play. When you're never in during the 4th quarter, you can't be the best. Sorry Shaq. Frankly, I haven't decided who my center will be. I can't choose between Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Hakeem (or Akeem) Olajuwan. Let me know what you think in the comments and I'll tell you in my next post.

So to recap, my starting five consists of...






Magic Johnson


                              Michael Jordan




Larry Bird





                                             Tim Duncan











And either Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Hakeem           Olajuwan

NFL Predictions

I know you guys are probably sick of me talking about the NFL, and I swear I'll get to MLB and NCAA Basketball, but I do want to predict my playoff team right now. I'm not going to name the exact seed, but I will name my division leaders and two wild cards.

My pick for the AFC East winner is the New England Patriots. They were kind of a question mark without Tom Brady for a significant amount of time, but now that he'll suit up for week one (vs. the Cardinals) I can see New England dominating there pretty weak division.

My pick for the AFC North champion is the Pittsburgh Steelers. This was a tough one, mainly because I think Baltimore and Cincinnati will both be contenders for the playoffs as well. I just think Ben Roethlisberger will be more reliable than Joe Flacco and definitely Andy Dalton.

My pick for the AFC West champion is the Indianapolis Colts
. Andrew Luck is the best QB in the AFC, and with one of the most reliable receiving cores, this team should be out for more than just a playoff berth.

My pick for the AFC West winner is the Denver Broncos. the've got arguably the best quarterback in NFL history (or at least WAY up the list). Their defense is better than what people give them credit for, and they have a great special teams in Matt Prater and return man in Trindon Holiday.

The first wild card will be the San Diego Chargers. Their in a tough division with multiple threats such as the Broncos and Chiefs, but they definitely deserve to be in the playoffs, and have good chances in my mind for a wild card spot.

Taking up the last spot in the AFC, I have the Houston Texans. A lot of people see this team and think of JJ Watt, but there defense is much more. In fact, I would say they have one of the best defenses in the league, and getting better (Javeon Clowney). Sure, there offense will struggle to play up to par, but there defense should make up for it.

Now, over to the NFC East, I have the Dallas Cowboys. I don't think anyone really has a legit shot to go far from this division, so the Cowboys have little competition. As much as it hurts, they... are the best team in that division (okay, I said it).

My pick for the NFC North division winner is the Green Bay Packers. This is most definitely the bests division in the NFL. The Vikings and Lions are easily playoff worthy, and Chicago has a chance with there new coach, but Green Bay has something that those teams don't have: The best QB in the NFL in Aaron Rodgers.

My NFC East champion is the Atlanta Falcons. this division has all playoff contenders, but no true Super Bowl contenders. Still though, I see the Falcons winning enough games to power there way into the playoffs.


My NFC west team is the Seattle Seahawks. This was a TOUGH decision. the 49ers are easily not only playoff ready, but I'd go as far as to say Super Bowl ready. But Seattle is just so good offensively and defensively. They have a top five quarterback and a top five running back in Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, and easily the best defense in the NFL. They were just too hard to resist.

The fist wild card team for the NFC is the San Fransisco 49ers. Like I said, if they were in any other division other than the Seahawks or Packers, they would be a division leader. Unfortunately for them, Seattle is in there division. But I still expect big things from them.

And finally, my second NFC wild card squad is the Minnesota Vikings. Man, the NFC is so good, and Minnesota is a deserving team to lead a division. They've got the best running back in the NFL in Adrian Peterson, and a growing threat in Teddy Bridgewater. But just like San Fransisco, the Vikings have the Green Bay Packers to deal with, and I can't see them outplaying a team like that easily, so they have to drop down to this spot.

honestly, I think the Vikings and 49ers should trade places with the Falcons and Cowboys and that would be more accurate. But of course, that's not possible.