Crunch Time

In case you missed it, here's yesterday's great chat with Yahoo! Sports NHL expert, Greg Wyshynski, as we discussed the future of the Red Wings and the 2012 playoffs.

Also, don't forget to hear what Michigan State baseball coach, Jake Boss Jr., has to say as the 2nd place Spartans get set for a big weekend showdown with the 1st place Purdue Boilermakers.

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And here's our very own intern, Adam Leyton, talking sports.

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Weekly Top 5: Road Cities

Loons catcher, Pratt Maynard's Top 5 Coming soon. He's experiencing some internet problems

Jared's Top 5

My road travels include my time as a broadcaster and my time with the USC Baseball team. I don't count the following

-Athletic trips before college 

-Trips going solely as a fan 

-Trips where we did not stay in a city most logical to that destination (For Notre Dame, Chicago is acceptable because that's where everyone stayed).

Additionally, for the sake of this list, the actual game itself does not play a role, while the atmosphere as a result the game is a contributing factor. For instance, my experience at a KU basketball game was unbelievable, though, while enjoyable, I leave Lawrence, KS off of the list because I had a normal night before the game and left right afterwards. 

5. Missoula: This was the city we spent the most time in while broadcasting last summer with the Voyagers. Not only was Missoula in our division, but we played them in the playoffs as well. A really neat college town with plenty of personality. 

4. Chicago: This would probably be higher on the list if I got to go back there as a somewhat starving broadcaster, versus as a starving college student. This where everyone from USC stays for Notre Dame weekend. Both times i stayed at a buddy's house with a bunch of my close friends. Deep dish. Hanging out in Wrigleyville. And two USC wins.

3. Tucson: Both times we made the baseball trip to play Arizona, and the one time I made the trip to broadcast the USC football games I had a blast. My cousin and several friends go here and they did a great job as hosts. I love their campus and when I went on my daily run, the campus admitted plenty of students that provided me fuel to keep going and not feel fatigued.

2. New Orleans: My sophomore year we played Tulane. Though we played a week after mardi gras, I still had a blast of a time. Thanks to some parents who wanted us to experience the culture of the city, we were treated to some great lunches during the day. After the games, I enjoyed the the New Orleans night culture as well as the Tulane scene with a good buddy who went there. I love those bars and restaurants unique to the culture of that city, and I experienced a lot of that here.

1. Hawai'i: My college spring breaks were spent honoring baseball obligations while in college. My junior year, we got to go to Hawai'i to play a four-game series against the Warriors. We spent 5 days there and every day was a blast. From 

waking up and enjoying the beach and some Hawaiian drinks, to taking3 of the 4 games, to team dinners and hanging out on the beach until late in the night. I didn't want this trip toend. 

In my introductory post I listed sports, but, more specifically, competition, as a passion. In particular, I am fascinated withthose that compete at a level far greater than most of their peers--the elite. No, excuse, the elite of the elite. I love witnessing historic accomplishments and observing legendary careers--whether I like that specific person or not. 

What makes these people so special? How are they able to separate themselves from a world of talented peers? How can I learn from them?

Yesterday marked the end of a truly amazing career. In my opinion, one of the greatest of all-time. 

How many times have you come home from a long day ready flip on ESPN and relax only to feel great disappointment when you find that they are showing a regular season women's NCAA hoops game? I have. Several times. And you know who is to blame for it? Pat Summit.

Pat Summit built women's college basketball. Yankee Stadium is/was the House That Ruth Built. Women's College Basketball is the sport that Summit Built. 

Her premature retirement due to her early onset dementia really upsets me because it marks the end of the career of the greatest coach in Women's NCAA Basketball history. She paved the way for UConn and Baylor and Duke and Stanford. She created a product that packed gyms and, in some years at Tennessee, outdrew the men. While I still prefer watching the men's game, she's the reason I'll stop to watch the women. She made UConn-Tennessee relevant. 

You know what else you can blame Pat Summit for? The lack of parity in the women's game people always complain about. Before there was Baylor and UConn, there were years Tennessee was untouchable. Why? Ya, they had great players, without question. But they had a coach who was just so much more advanced than her peers in all facets--recruiting, x's and o's, developing, and just running a program.

So, if you want to blame someone for the rise in coverage for the women's game or blame someone for why the games ESPN airs typically end up in blowouts, blame Pat Summit. But don't do it with disdain, do it out of respect and appreciation for her legend. 

Pat Summit retires as not just the best women's basketball coach of all time, but, one of the best coaches this world has ever seen.

Two clarifications about our weekly Top 5. First, they will almost always feature a special guest. Second, we want to hear from you. How would your 5's shape out?

This week's special guest is the opening day starter for the Loons, Jarret Martin. A better-than-scratch golfer, Martin seemed like the perfect candidate for this week's list.

Top 5: Places to Play Golf




Jarret Martin

1. Augusta National, home of The Masters

  When you grow up a golfer and spend several hours on the golf course, one place that always is a dream to play is the famous Augusta National. Knowing the history and the legends that have played there is enough to say it's deserving of the number one spot on my list. Now to add in the beautiful design and magical atmosphere throughout the course, you really have a place to add to the bucket list.

2. Pebble Beach

    A place where water on the course has a whole different meaning. Pebble Beach in my mind is one of the most amazing golf courses in the world. Being a California guy, I know what to expect when I see a nice beach on the coastline, but when that beach is alongside one of the top golf courses in the game then it makes it all that more special. When you play at Pebble, you definitely walk the course and enjoy the experience alongside your provided caddy. It's a full day's entertainment.

3. TPC Sawgrass 

    When you ask someone that plays golf to name one aspect of TPC Sawgrass, you will more then likely get the same answer every time: 17th's ISLAND GREEN (right). That hole alone is why it is in my top 5 list. The challenge to hit a ball on the green is hard enough, but add in water surrounding it on all sides, now you have zero room for error. Good luck....

4. Turtle Bay Resort

     Now this is a course that I have actually played and would do it again in a heartbeat. Turtle Bay is on the North Shore on the island Oahu in the beautiful state of Hawaii. This off-season, I made the trip to Hawaii with my fiancée, Allie, who was kind enough to let me experience a very different and tropical golf course, which was a completely new experience for me. Ocean front holes along with beautiful weather in December (and the news a day later that I was traded to the Dodgers) made it one heck of a memory for me.

5. Mandalay Bay Resort

    This course is a place that I've driven by several times and it has teased me every time I've seen it. The Mandalay Bay Resort is one of the top hotels on the strip in Las Vegas, NV. It's a place where high class takes a whole new meaning and a place where Mandalay Bay's own golf course draws me in to put it in my top 5. The Nevada desert has a unique role on this course as it makes the layout very difficult. I'd love to test my skills at this course, and maybe after a good round head out to the man-made beach and wave pool.

1. Augusta National (Augusta, GA): Lets forget the fact that it wasn't until I was about 12 that I realized Augusta National was in Georgia and not Maine. All things being equal, is this the world's most beautiful course? No. But it's unique history makes it so special. A Tradition Unlike Any Other. Sign me up.

2. St. Andrews Golf Club (St. Andrews, Scotland): With my passion for history, I have to include the world's oldest golf  course--the beginning of it all. A rotating site of the British Open, I have to have the "Home of Golf" on my list.

3. Pebble Beach (Pebble Beach, CA): I've actually walked a part of this course. It's beautiful. Play a few rounds in the morning. Hang out and enjoy the scenery. Maybe take a night trip to San Francisco. Talk about a guys weekend...

4. Royal Melbourne (Blackrock, Victoria): So what if I want to travel the world and play golf, this is my list! Australia is gorgeous and so is this course. I won't be under par here, but at least I can say I've finally been down undah. Maybe Men At Work can play in the background. 

5. Mandalay Bay Resort. This one beat going back to South Africa's Durban Golf Club. Golf, pool, golf, pool, craps all night and then do it again. Yes, please!

Seven hundred and a forty-nine days ago, a missed call and a text message in the 3AM hour of the morning (Pacific time) changed my life. Whoever said that nothing good happens after midnight, forgot to take into account the unpredictability of life's greatest phenomenon: Birth. Specifically, the birth of my nephew, Chase David Sandler. 

As the youngest of my brothers by 13 and 11 and a half years, respectively, I had been looking forward to Uncle-hood for a long time. The younger of my two older brothers, Jason, and my wonderful sister-in-law, Amy, provided me with a new best friend, even if he had no clue who I was. While I was upset that I was not there for the birth, my pure joy for my brother and Amy as well as the excitement of having a nephew totally negated my momentary resentment towards the distance of college. 

For the first year and a half of Chase's life I spent most of my time out of the state, with summers broadcasting in Minnesota and Montana, a majority of the other seasons completing my college education, and most school vacations tied down with broadcasting obligations. 

I spent so much time looking at pictures and watching videos of him over and over as I watched him grow from afar. I wrote him cards for important events and recorded videos for him to unknowingly watch. When I was in Montana, I compiled clips of the Great Falls Voyagers (White Sox) congratulating him on taking his first steps--who knows...maybe a future MLB All-Star is congratulating my nephew on walking for the first time--that'd be cool to watch years from now. Regardless, it was my way of being a part of his life and letting him be a part of mine. Rest assured, when I was in Dallas, I hung out with Chase as much as I could. 

My brothers have plenty of nicknames for me--most inappropriate. Among the few appropriate ones is "Jar Jar" (rhyming with bear, not car). Thus, I became Uncle Jar Jar. One of the coolest moments I experienced was when it became clear that "Chasee" started to recognize me. Whether it was in person or in a picture, when he saw me, he would say "Ja Ja" (his version of Jar Jar). Whenever I get stressed out about something as simple as daily tasks piling up or something as grave as my future, I think about Chase and the excitement of watching him grow up. 

Well, in a few hours from now I'll double my pleasure as Amy gives birth to her and Jason's second son, an athlete to be named later (UPDATE: Matthew Eric Sandler joined the party at 9:10ET). I'm sad I won't be there but words cannot express how excited I am to have another nephew. 

Life is not always easy. We all deal with our own challenges of various levels of gravity. My nephews help remind me of what's important in life. Each person might define this differently but, for me, its how you are remembered as a person and the memories share with those most special to you.

Another week, another batch of questions to answer. Remember, you can submit questions to jsandler@espn1009.com, @jsandlerESPN, or on the ESPN 100.9 FM facebook page.

Keith (Clinton Township): If you're starting an NBA franchise today and can pick any player, who are you picking? 

I go back and forth on this between Durant and LeBron.LeBron is slightly better in all facets except, when the game is on the line and I need to give a guy the ball for that last possession, I'd rather Durant have the ball. This isn't a play on the overstated "Lebron-isn't-clutch" fad, this is simply that Durant is a better shooter. And, I like Durant's intangibles more. But give me LeBron, by the slightest of margins. For the record, Durant is my favorite non-Mav not named Steve Nash, so there is no bias in that.

Tom T. (Midland): Boxers or briefs?

Boxer-briefs.

Slick Rick (Saginaw): What is the greatest single sports milestone you've been in attendance for?

Championships are the ultimate achievement, right? So, if that's the case, I was at Game 6 of the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals when Jason Arnott scored in OT to beat my beloved Stars and win the Cup. As far as individual accomplishments are concerned, I was at the game Sammy Sosa hit hit 600th career home run as well as Game 3 of the 2011 World Series in which Albert Pujols hit three home runs. I've broadcasted a no-hitter at the minor league level, but would love to attend a perfect game at the Major League level.

Chris (Thomasville): Do you have a most prized possession? 

I'm going to pretend you aren't referring specifically to sports possessions because that would be too hard to answer. On the day I was born, I was given to stuffed animal dogs (golden retrievers) whom I named (or were named for me) Muffy and Duffy. 22 years later, I still have them and would like for my kids to have them. I couldn't sell Muffy and Duffy for a penny, but to me, they are priceless.

Ben (Ventura, CA): Is Blake Griffin desensitizing the dunk for the viewing public?

Tough to say. First off, let me say that, I don't care who you are dunking over or how far you are jumping from, if the basket results in you simply throwing the ball in and there is no hand-to-rim contact, I don't consider it a dunk. Back to the question...yes and no. I think he is desensitizing a type of dunk, like the put-back, or the alley-oop, but I have always been more amazed of the guy that penetrates from the perimeter and dunks through traffic. Not that Blake doesn't ever do this, but I am still more amazed by dunks from LeBron or D-Wade often times. However, Blake has certainly raised the bar.

Parker (Mont Blanc): How much of Verlander's statistical success in 2011 is owed to his bullpen? What does that mean as far as his 2012 campaign is concerned?

A lot. Great question. Valverde didn't blow a save and, all in all, that Tigers bullpen took great care of Verlander. They've already cost him one win (opening day) and it won't be the last. Baseball, probably more so than any other sport, can be measured on three-year averages and, over a three-year span, a guy like Valverde will come back down to earth. Is he a very good closer? Yes. Is he a great closer? No. I think Verlander is one of the game's best and that doesn't change. Sometimes wins is an overrated statistic when it comes to a pitcher. He's still unreal, regardless of how the stats differ in 2012 vs. 2011.

Santino (Milwaukee): How do you think the Western Conference playoff picture unfolds? Will your Mavs surprise some folks? 

They could. I think the Western Conference possesses incredible parity. I am not a believer in San Antonio in the post-season. The western conference runs through Oklahoma City and see them making their first Finals berth, so long as they get through Dallas--the team that plays them the toughest.

Doug (Midwest Hollywood): What do you get when you go to a baseball game?

I will get a hot dog wherever I go. To me, baseball and hot dogs go hand-in-hand. I like to try different dogs and can't wait to test out the 2 lb. dog in Texas. But I also like to try the food that's most unique to that park/city. 

Bingo (Bongo): Dogs or cats?

Dogs. Without question. 

Terrell Owens (Allen, TX): Would I even make the Saginaw Sting's starting lineup?

Haha, yes, T.O., I think you'd be just fine.

It's a small sample--just four games--but thus far, I have very much enjoyed watching Devin Shines play. Before Brad or I met him, he was described to as a leader who plays hard all the time with a high baseball IQ. That describes him very well, but what's left out is that he also has talent to go with the intangibles. Off the field, Devin's got a very energetic personality and I sat down and just shot the breeze with him earlier today. Enjoy.



Table Talk with Devin Shines.

The Loons are celebrating their first five years of existence in all sorts of ways. One way that we are going to celebrate it is by presenting a series of Top 5's. The first is 'The Top 5 Athletes to Wear the #5.' 

I will typically have a player join me in this venture of unveiling a Top 5, but due to the hectic nature of the Home opening weekend, we are passing on a celebrity guest this week. But let us know what you think. Comment below, post on our facebook page (ESPN 100.9FM) or tweet us (@ESPN1009) and let us know who makes up your list!

Jared's Top 5

Honorable Mention: Jason Kidd. One of the best PG's in NBA history has only wore the #5 in 10 of his 17 years and donned the #2 this past season, helping lead the Mavs to a title.

5. Paul Hornung. "The Golden Boy" played in an era in football that doesn't define a player by his stats. Hornung is one of three people to have won the Heisman, been made the #1 pick in the draft, and earn a place in both the College Football and NFL Halls of Fame. He helped develop and grow the game of football and was one of the good ol' sixty minute men, back in the day.

4. George Brett. One of the game's best all-time hitters with over 3,100 hits. A World Series Champion, a 13x All-Star, an MVP and Gold Glove winner as well. 

3. Albert Pujols. He's one of the best all-time. Part of what makes someone "the greatest" is their abilty to sustain their success over an unusually long period of time. Pujols is approaching that and might one day earn that moniker. He is the most feared hitter in the game and his presence carried the Cardinals to their second World Series title since 2006.

2. Niklas Lidstrom. Maybe the best European player of all-time? He's anchored the blue line for four Stanley Cup Champion teams, and many more dominant squads. A 10x NHL First-Team representative and a 7x Norris Trophy winner for the NHL's best defenseman. He's won gold, too. And he's still going strong at age 41.

1. Joltin Joe DiMaggio. I'm all about winning and the guy won the World Series NINE TIMES! That's more than most franchises. He possesses a record (56-game hitting streak) that I don't think I'll live to see broken. A 13x All-Star, 3x MVP. And he spent 3 years of his "prime" fighting overseas. Oh, and he always won over Marilyn Monroe's heart, by the way. No one better to don this number. 



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Our own intern, Adam Leyton, provides his second blog entry, breaking down the upcoming NHL playoffs....

This week I have been thinking about the Detroit Red Wings Playoff chances and have tried to stay optimistic about the situation. However, after a lackluster end to the season and dropping all the way down to 5^th in the Western Conference, 2012 will not be the Wings year. Typically, playoff standings would not cause me to be worried about the Wings chances. The NHL playoffs are full of upsets every season and I have been a firm believer that the Stanley Cup Playoffs are the most exciting playoffs of the four major US sports. Every team, regardless of home ice advantage, has an equal shot of winning a series. But after the road woes of the Red Wings, especially towards the latter end of the season, it will be hard for me to maintain that viewpoint.
                The Wings skate Wednesday night in Nashville for Game 1 and all eyes will be on Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk. He may be the best player in hockey right now and his presence on the ice makes everybody better. The Wing’s struggles during the middle to late stages of the season have been partially due to an injury to Datsyuk that caused him to miss nearly a month. Even since his return, Datsyuk has not shown the form that Red Wing fans are used to seeing, but I personally believe he has not been testing himself fully and is waiting until the Playoffs to remind us all why he is a special player. Datsyuk and Johan Franzen have proven to be the Wings best pass and shoot connection with Pavel always attracting more than one defender, and Franzen scoring on the sensational passes that cause spectators to drop their jaws.
                Given the special talents of Pavel Datsyuk, the Red Wings are still not my pick to win the series against the Predators. The Red Wings have been very poor on the road this season and are worst amongst the Western Conference playoff teams in the road loss column. Nashville has young stars and can hurt you with every shift they send out on the ice. Not to mention the recent goaltending of Pekka Rinne. Rinne was recently voted the best puck handling goalie in the NHL by his colleagues in a Sports Illustrated poll and I think his combination of size and skill will hinder the Red Wings getting by the first round. Rinne can make passes half way down the ice and catch the Wings during a shift change to start a Nashville attack. Outside Pavel Datsyuk, the Red Wings are outmatched at every position in this series. Shea Weber and Alexander Radulov will easily outplay Nick Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg. Lidstrom is not the same player he once was and Zetterberg has had a quiet, disappointing 2012 as well. The Predators will take this series in 5 games.
                Here is the way I predict the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to break down

West, 1st Round
Canucks  over Kings in 6 games
Sharks over Blues in 7 games
Coyotes over Blackhawks in 6 games
Predators over Red Wings in 5 games

East, 1st Round
Rangers over Senators in 5 games
Bruins over Capitals in 7 games
Panthers over Devils in 7 games
Penguins over Flyers in 6 games

West, 2nd Round
Canucks over Sharks in 7 games
Predators over Coyotes in 6 games

East, 2nd Round
Rangers over Penguins in 6 games
Bruins over Panthers in 6 games

West, 3rd Round
Canucks over Predators in 5 games.

East, 3rd Round
Rangers over Bruins in 6 games

Stanley Cup Finals
Rangers over Canucks in 6 games...In a 1994 rematch, the Broadway Blues win the Cup over the boys North of the border...



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Tuesday Trivia: Who was the first NCAA basketball coach to lead four different schools the March Madness tournament?
Monday Trivia Answer: Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols, and Mark Teixeira

Alas, the 2012 MLB season is upon us. After an off-season full of mentally and emotionally recovering from my Texas Rangers World Series meltdown and 2nd place finish for the 2nd straight year, I'm ready to go! And I mean it, by the way...watching the 2012 Playoffs--much more than in 2011--was so draining. Almost every playoff game was a nailbiter, with the exception of the Game 1 loss to the Rays and their series-ending win versus the Tigers. 

The beauty of sports is that, so often, the unexpected becomes reality. We all think we know how 2012 is going to play out, right? Wrong. Yet, I'll make a fool of myself and try to predict what won't end up happening. 

Either way, the time has come to buckle and up and enjoy the wonderful ride that is Major League Baseball.

JARED'S PICKS
 

REGULAR SEASON

AL West

1. Texas Rangers--Love their complete staff. Not as strong at the stop, but great depth and a strong bullpen. Let's not forget their dangerous lineup, which features a healthy Ian Kinsler for the first time in two years.

2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim--Despite the best rotation in the division, they possess an average bullpen and lineup with flash, but plenty of holes.

3. Seattle Mariners--Dynamic rotation, especially if Danny Hultzen and Taijuan Walker make it to the Show this season. Their barren lineup of year's past is improved with infusion of Ackley and Montero.

4. Oakland Athletics--I think this team falls behind early and then trades away pieces to keep building towards the future and a hopeful new home in 2015

AL East

1. New York Yankees--We know they can hit. Phil Hughes is the key. He is the difference between a good and great rotation. I think he bounces back. 

2. Boston Red Sox--Carl Crawford has a big year and the Red Sox regain form under Valentine's tight ship. Remember, they still have a very strong rotation, too.

3. Tampa Bay Rays--Great rotation. A whole-is-greater-than-the-some-of-parts lineup. Tough division that has become a merry-go-round at the top. It's their year as the odd ones out. 

4. Toronto Blue Jays--They're improving. And they'll contend deeper than in year's past, but they're still not on the same level as the above three...getting there, though.

5. Baltimore Orioles--They are a bad team in baseball's best division. Baseball's worst record? I wouldn't be surprised.

AL Central

1. Detroit Tigers--I don't think they'll be as dominant as people suggest, but they win this division with comfort. Which Doug Fister takes the mound this season?

2. Kansas City Royals--They contend for a wild card spot into mid-August. A lot of youth and promise in their lineup. They still possess question marks on the mound with guys like Duffy, Montgomery, and Bruce Chen.

3. Minnesota Twins--I think they have the best year of three bad teams with the return Morneau and a re-focused Mauer.

4. Chicago White Sox--I think John Danks takes his game to the next level and they piece together a season that includes improvement from Beckham and Dunn. Pauly K still hits, too.

5. Cleveland Indians--Too many injuries and injury question marks.

NL West

1. San Francisco Giants--Carried by their pitching staff, they'll also enjoy a season with a healthy and productive Posey and Panda in the lineup, togerher.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks--I don't know that Kennedy repeats his 2011 magic, but the addition of Cahill provides rotational depth. Plus, love Upton's upward trend and I believe it continues.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers--I really believe Ethier returns to form. With former Loon Dee Gordon setting the table, I think this lineup, a perceived weakness, holds up its end of the bargain. Combine that with a strong bullpen and a solid rotation and they'll compete.

4. Colorado Rockies--Could they win this division? Yes. But a lot of question marks with young arms Juan Nicasio and Drew Pomeranz. The Tulo-Cargo combo will benefit from the arrival of Michael Cuddyer.

5. San Diego Padres--They lost Latos and Bell and added an inconsistent Volquez and Yonder Alonso. How well does Alonso hit? I don't think well enough, along with Maybin and Quentin, to make this bunch competitive.

NL East

1. Washington Nationals--My surprise pick of the season. I believe in Jordan Zimmerman, the revival of Jayson Werth, and the rejuvenation of a healthy Ryan Zimmerman. Throw in Strasburg and a mid-season Harper call up and you get their first division crown.

2. Philadelphia Phillies--Pitching is perhaps still the best in baseball. But they don't have a good lineup and I question the effectiveness of Utley and Howard upon their return.

3. Florida Marlins--A lot of flash, but they will be the typical off-season winners/regular season disappointment. A lineup with holes and a rotation that can't stay healthy isn't a good formula.

4. Atlanta Braves--All about the H's. What they get out of Heyward, Hanson, and Hudson will play an enormous role in the season. 

5. New York Mets--They are surprisingly solid. Nothing special. But solid. I like their young bats of Duda and Davis and think Johan will add a bit of a boost. I just worry they will try and really rebuild under new ownership and trade away Wright and Santana mid-season.

NL Central

1. Cincinnati Reds--I don't like the Votto contract, but I like Votto and the Reds in 2012. They trade out an inconsistent Volquez for a young, blossoming Votto. Their bullpen is a question mark but they'll slug their way to the top. X-factor is Cueto.

2. St. Louis Cardinals--If Carpenter comes back healthy, they win the division. I'm not sold he does, though. They gained great experience with a lot of youth last season. Plus, they're having more fun without the "machine" personality of Albert Pujols--even if they'll miss his production.

3. Milwaukee Brewers--Very solid club, but their lineup misses Prince. Ramirez and Hart are too inconsistent to provide Braun and Week the protection they need. Gallardo and Greinke make things interesting into September.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates--Young, talented, plenty of potential...but still a year away. I still want to see McCutchen take another step forward (I think he will) and I need to see if Pedro Alvarez can hit (I don't think he does). 

5. Chicago Cubs--The Cubs will be back, but not this year. Epstein inherited too much of a mess to turn around in one off-season, but they'll get there. A successful season features productive years from Castro, Rizzo, and Samardzija.

6. Houston Astros--The only positive for them is that next year, they won't finish 6th...because the AL West will only have five teams. 

PLAYOFFS

AL Wild Card Round: Angels over Red Sox.

NL Wild Card Round: Phillies over Cardinals.

ALDS: Rangers over Tigers/Angels over Yankees

NLDS: Reds over Nationals/Giants over Phillies

ALCS: Rangers over Angels

NLCS: Reds over Giants

World Series: Rangers over Reds

AWARDS

AL MVP: Albert Pujols

NL MVP: Joey Votto

AL Cy: Felix Hernandez

NL Cy: Josh Johnson

AL Rookie: Yu Darvish

NL Rookie: Bryce Harper

AL Manager: Ned Yost

NL Manager: Davey Johnson

AL Comeback: Phil Hughes

NL Comeback: Buster Posey

AL Hank Aaron Award (HR Leader): Jose Bautista

NL Hank Aaron Award (HR Leader): Justin Upton

FINAL THOUGHTS

My Rangers pick is only part-homer. For the first time in two years, Ian Kinsler has come into camp healthy. In the past two years, the second baseman who relies on both power and speed as a part of his tools, has played on a bad ankle that has effected both. A healthy Kinsler means a 30-30, 30-40 guy, perhaps, at the top of the order, setting the table for the other big boppers. Remember, the Rangers' lines was a revolving DL door during the regular season. They have depth in all parts and I believe this is the year they get the job done. 

The winner will come out of the AL, whomever it might be. The NL is the inferior league and it really isn't close. There are six teams in the AL (Angels, Rangers, Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, and Tigers) who would win the NL...and one of those teams won't even make the playoffs.

I like the new five-team playoff system. The importance of winning a division is that much greater. Bud Selig is the best commissioner in all of sports. 

BRAD'S PICKS (Excuse him for the lack of detail...the man's been working 24/7, getting ready for the season!)

Lonnie (Midland): What's Your Favorite Movie?

The Shawshank Redemption, without question. I am a sucker for sports movies and they heavily populate my Top 10, 20, etc., but tSR is at the top. For a few years my brothers had told me I needed to watch it but was always intimated by its length to commit the necessary time. One night, around midnight, I committed. I couldn't have gone to sleep if I tried. After the movie, I just mindlessly watched Sportscenter thinking about how awesome the movie was until about 3:30am. Oh, and the movie poster is a staple wherever I go (I love the tagline: Fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free.)

Kermit (Columbia, SC): In what direction do you see the Pistons going in the draft? 

Obviously, this is very tough to answer at this stage because we don't know where the Pistons will draft due to the lottery process. If they beat the odds and land in one of the first three spots, they take Anthony Davis, Thomas Robinson, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in that order (T-Rob over MKG simply because of a need tiebreaker). Their general need is some size and athleticism in their frontcourt to pair with Greg Monroe. Guys like Cody Zeller and Tyler Zeller come to mind. Maybe even a guy like Perry Jones III, but they'd prefer someone with a better post game.

Anthony (Midland): Is Greg Monroe a guy that can carry the Pistons to an NBA Championship?

Carry them? Not in the same way a Tim Duncan carried the Spurs, for instance. But, is he good enough to be an impact big men on an NBA Championship team? Yes. Without question. 

Coach Cal (Lexington, KY) Am I the best college basketbal coach in the country? No. Best recruiter? Maybe. He or Roy Williams. Best overall coach, though? No. Give me Izzo, Boeheim, and Self for sure. Probably Calhoun as well. And, yeah, I guess I gotta take Coach K, too.

Jason (Saginaw): Michigan has a receiver hole. Do they have a good shot at any legitimate recruits?

Candidly, I'm still acclimating to the college football scene in the state of Michigan to that degree, but, without going in great depth, yes, they do. Laquon Treadwell and Kevin Gladney are big talents and I think they have a real shot with them, especially with Hoke at the helm. Some other names: Eldridge Massington, Devon Allen, Marcell Ateman. 

Wyatt (Omaha, NE): Will John Calipari jump to the NBA?

Let me start out by saying that I don't think he should. He is a college coach. His phenomenal ability to recruits lends itself to the college game. What he is not, is a great "in-game" coach. In the NBA, the coach position is about in-game abilities much more than about the very limited level of recruiting--which is a much different form of recruiting. But, back to the question--I think he will...just not this year. I experienced this with Pete Carroll when I was at USC. Eerily similar, actually. Both coaches struggled in their initial professional tenure, despite each sneaking into the playoffs once. Both have connections to sanctions. Both are very proud and arrogant--too proud and arrogant to be content with having a blemish at the highest level. Clearly Carroll couldn't take it and something tells me, whether its this year or in the next few, Calipari won't be able to resist the temptation either. 

J-Bigs (the Motor City): What are your thoughts on the Tigers farm system? Who do you like?

As a whole, I believe they have a bottom-third system compared to their MLB peers. But, remember, their system was stripped in deals for Cabrera and Fister. There are the obvious names like Turner and Castellanos, but I'll give you a few that stand out beyond their big names. First, Aaron Westlake, a first baseman from Vanderbilt. He has silly power. I got to see him in person when I was at USC and he has unique pop. I'll never forget his home finale this past season hitting 3 HR in a regional...wow. The other is more of a sleeper: Montreal Robinson. He is a right handed pitcher who was drafted in the 29th round out of Coahoma CC. The Tigers love the life on his fastball, which was clocked at 96 mph. He's raw, but has plenty of potential. I also like Chad Smith. Call me biased (Smith is a Trojan), but you get a unique perspecitve when you see someone day after day. He was one of the nation's best closers before an arm injury ended his season prematurely and greatly impacted his draft stock. He throws a mid-90s fastball and a low-90s slider. Both are plus-pitches. He's my sleeper.

Tyler (Midland): Whose one prospect to really watch out for on the Loons roster?

It's gotta be JB3--James Baldwin III. I broadcasted in the same league in which he played last year and saw him put up unbelievable numbers before we got the opportunity to play Ogden (his team). By that time, he was at home for personal reasons and, when he came back, he wasn't the same. He has all the tools, though and is the closest thing the Dodgers system has to a five-tool guy. He is very raw, but when he puts it together, it will be very special.

Mitchell (Midland): Coke Float or Root Beer Float?

Awesome question. Coke float, for sure. But I'm not turning either down if you're buying. I used to make homemade coke floats frequently when I was growing up.

Dorian G. (Lubbock, TX): I've noticed most broadcasters have hobbies beyond just sports. What are yours?

Sports are definitely at the top of the list, but I love movies. Love 'em, love 'em, love 'em. I probably watch 2 or 3 a week. For as many movies as I watch, I am very average at correctly reciting movie lines. I have friends that can have full conversations using movie line after movie line. I feel like most times I know the right time to use a particular line, but my delivery is off. I always love music--all kinds. I have an unusually eclectic taste.