The Analyst and Experts don't know a thing

ESPN yesterday reported that Aaron Maybin was released by the Buffalo Bills.  This supposed pass rusher out of Penn State in 2 seasons had 0 sacks.  He was praised and hailed coming out of college as a safe and can't miss pick.  Vernon Gholston is another 1st round pick (He was actually Top 5), that never panned out and not sure where in the world he is at right now.  It's funny the logic some of these guys use to say that this player is better than this one, and they love to bring up all kinds of stats and analyze little small details to say this player will be successful or a failure.  The same goes for the NBA draft.  (How Rondo slid down to the 18th pick is a mystery to me.)  I remember hearing Todd McShay calling Josh Freeman a "reach" with the #18 pick because he didn't know how to read defenses and constantly made poor decisions at Kansas St.  Well out of Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez, and Josh Freeman which QB would you want right now.

I remember reading an article about John Calipari and the 1996 draft when he was the head coach of the New Jersey Nets.  Through all the workouts he fell in love with Kobe Bryants talent and felt that he was the player to draft that year.  He fell victim to the perspective of other GMs and supposed draft experts that it was better to "take an accomplished and proven player in Kerry Kittles than an unknown in Kobe Bryant".  Well we know the outcome of this decision.

At the end of the day here is my take on all drafts (including fantasy):

• There really is no exact science:  I have found myself too in recent years looking at analysis on players and watching preseason games.  Experts and analysts can talk you out of a player that you really like and give you all kinds of numbers as to why they are not good.  The draft does require a lot of luck.  You do have GMs and personnel departments that are great at picking talent (The Marlins seem good at finding young talent), but even some of those GMs will admit that there is a good bit of luck involved.
• Some franchises are just better at player development:  Some teams simply are just better at developing and utilizing talent more than others.  What seemed like a bust in Calvin Pace in Arizona turned out to be a pretty good player with the Jets.  Arizona also drafted Thomas Jones and Garrison Hearst and they turn out to have better careers else where.  A top 5 player going to a team with no talent (reason why their drafting in that position) will struggle while a player taken later in that draft will go to a team rich with talent and good talent to help mold and develop that player.  

I know it can be tempting to listen to these analysts, experts, and pundits.  But remember, these were the same guys that said the Giants had absolutely no chance against the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Christmas Presents for Needy Teams

With many sports franchises in need this holiday season, I am offering things that may brighten their outlook.

Cleveland Browns - An Offense: Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, Jeromme Harrison, Massaqoui, Robiske, and Jamal Lewis are their options on offense. Jamal Lewis is good, but even he seems fed up and is talking about retiring. Brady Quinn's leadership and "It" factor doesn't seem to replace his lack of an arm. You also could probably replace the right side of their offensive line with some lawn chairs and receive the same results. I just suggest in the upcoming draft they spend their first 4 draft picks on offensive players preferrably lineman.

New Jersey Nets - Young Talent: You would think with players like Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Douglas-Roberts, & Brooks Lopez that they had young talent, but going 0-17 shows that they are probably just young.

Washington Nationals - Strausburg actually turns out to be the real deal: The team is pitiful, but if he actually turns out to be as great as everyone says they maybe on the right track. That is until the Yankees offer him a $250 million contract.

Oakland Raiders - Someone to pull the reigns from Al Davis: It really doesn't matter which players you bring in or coaches you hire as long as Al Davis runs the show the Raiders will continue to stay at the bottom.

St. Louis Rams - Pack up and move to LA: Maybe a change of scenery will help out this franchise. Moving to LA may help attract free agents to the organization plus the bigger market will help bring money into the franchise.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish - A new athletic director: This is the same athletic director that hired Bob Davey, Ty Willingham, Charlie Weis, and then gave Charlie Weis that monster contract. Before you fire Charlie Weis, the school probably needs to take a good look at the athletic director. So far his choices haven't been good ones.

New York Knicks - A parade to welcome Lebron James: The Knicks are probably the biggest fan of any other team besides the Cavs winning the NBA Title this year. Lebron will be the one that can bring prestige back to the Knicks franchise and bring excitement back to the Garden. The Knicks definitely are not shy about spending money to put talent around the King either and will definitely keep the Knicks title contenders for the next decade. This all leads to my next Christmas present.....

Cleveland Cavaliers - Acquiring the #1 pick in the 2010 & 2011 draft: Cleveland hoped that Shaq would be the final piece in bringing James a title, but the upgrades other teams have done around the NBA may mean it was not enough. Not only will James leave but possibly Shaq and Big Z may finally retire. Then you will be left of a lineup of Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, Jamarrio Moon, J.J. Hickson, and Andersen Varajeo and back to 15 win seasons. This possible lineup is what scares Cleveland natives everyday and why they hope that Lebron goes ahead and signs a new contract with the Cavs. Lebron has meant a lot to the town and do hate to see it if he leaves, but it is hard to see LJ stay if they don't win a title.

Denver at LA Game 2

Trying out the real time blogging like I've read on other blogs. Just going to write thoughts as they come to my mind...

Just sitting here watching the game. Carmello is getting better and better. NeNe is even getting better. Billups is amazing!!! That play he made off of Kobe's back; remarkable!!! Birdman just got dunked on by Kobe!!! LMAO Birdman is a character...

Can Andrew Bynum do something? Lamar Odom's head is really shiny! You know, as much as I don't like the Lakers, and as much as I used to detest Kobe. I respect his game. The guy is that damn good! I really hope the Lakers lose the lead.

These commercials are lame. LOL but I love the one where they show the Lakers come back and beat the Trailblazers. Pippen looked lost after Kobe crossed him up. Hillllarrioussss.... Ok enough for now. I'll add comments as they come.