FanIQ Blog http://FanIQ.com/blog.php FanIQ Blog en-us Sat, 7 Nov 2009 10:45:03 EST Fantasy Football Week 9 Breakdown. http://FanIQ.com/article/Fantasy-Football-Week-9-Breakdown-1866654 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:22:49 EST
Wondering if this is the week Beanie Wells becomes the featured back for the Cardinals? How about the running back with the best match-up? Find out here. (Spoiler Alert: not happening this week for Mr. Beanie, and the little guy to the left should be one of your top draft targets.)

Another thing, if you are short on challenges, you can  find your adversaries right here. Use the comments to post that you are interested in being challenged. Other folks who want to challenge you can copy your username and paste it into the Find a Friend section of the Pick Game page. Then they draft their players and submit. The challenge will be made. Have fun and win some Q Bucks!
Source: games.espn.go.com]]> Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton Sucks. There's a Website That Proves It. http://FanIQ.com/article/Buccaneers-WR-Michael-Clayton-Sucks-Theres-a-Website-That-Proves-It-1866608 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:37:32 EST
He is generally a good blocker. Too bad he's a wide receiver.

Fans were ready for him to leave after another unproductive season last year.
Appalled was too nice of a word for the reaction of fans after watching new GM Mark Dominik give Clayton a new $24 million deal to stay. Clayton's response to the outcry:  "Regardless of what they say, the check is in the bank."

Fortunately, the internet is here to be the voice of reason (wow, I can't believe I wrote that), and the folks at 80sucks.com are quite entertaining as well: they compare Clayton to his Michael Clayton counterpart George Clooney (edge to Clooney), track his drops to catches ratio (almost even), and has some great (meaning awful) video.
                                                                                                  
Source: www.80sucks.com]]> Oklahoma Guard Willie Warren Named Pre-Season Player Of The Year http://FanIQ.com/article/Oklahoma-Guard-Willie-Warren-Named-PreSeason-Player-Of-The-Year-1866464 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:54:51 EST
Warren was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year last year and made the Freshman All-American team. With Blake Griffin in the NBA now, Warren steps in as the unquestioned leader and best player of the Sooners and as we saw against Kansas and Texas last season, Warren is more than capable of lighting it up from the field.

Source: www.soonersports.com]]> Ravens' Coach Harbaugh Calls Out The Cowboys http://FanIQ.com/article/Ravens-Coach-Harbaugh-Calls-Out-The-Cowboys-1866160 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:06:13 EST
As a longtime Jerry Jones critic who bemoaned the signings of Deion Sanders, T.O., Keyshawn Johnson, Pacman Jones, Drew Bledsoe and many more, let me just say, "Well said Coach!"



Source: profootballtalk.nbcsports.com]]> Pudge and four other Rangers file for Free Agency http://FanIQ.com/article/Pudge-and-four-other-Rangers-file-for-Free-Agency-1866082 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:16:41 EST Catcher Ivan Rodriguez was one of five Rangers who filed for free agency on Thursday, the first day eligible players could file.

Also filing were outfielders Hank Blalock and Marlon Byrd and pitchers Eddie Guardado and Joaquin Benoit. Guardado has talked about retiring.

I am hoping that Pudge will return to the team and they use Salty as trade bait. I'd rather see Pudge and Taylor Teagarden as the primary catcher. Salty just hasn't provided an offensive production ever since he came over from Atlanta in the Mark Teixeira trade. Pudge has said he'd like to retire as a Ranger but it's probably gonna come down to how much money he asks for.

As for Blalock and Byrd, that's really up in the air. Blalock was mostly a DH this past year and I think offensively he got better. He struck out a lot less than in previous seasons and he stayed healthy. Byrd has been great both offensively and defensively; I'd also like to see him return.

As for Guardado and Benoit, I don't even know why we even resigned Guardado last season. His 87 mph fastball just doesn't cut it. He should retire. And Benoit was certainly missed last season in the bullpen but will he stay healthy and return to form next season? I doubt it. 


Source: texas.rangers.mlb.com]]> Dale Earnhardt Jr reports.....there is nothing new to report http://FanIQ.com/blog/Dale-Earnhardt-Jr-reportsthere-is-nothing-new-to-report-Blog-31980 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:13:00 EST
I was also the one who recently reported that she was requesting $300,000 per race for either the Nationwide OR the Camping World Truck Series.  Yes, you read that right, per race. 

The boys on SIRIUS were discussing this very rumor and stated that although she had been rumored to start as early as Phoenix in two weeks, her asking price had seriously derailed discussions.  The winning money for Brad Keselowski was $80,338 in Memphis on October 24th and that money was to be spread around all of JR Motorsports team - that wasn't just Brad's take home.  If tickets sell for $25  apiece, to increase the purse by $300,000 to pay Ms. Patrick's demanded salary, either the price per ticket would have to increase significantly, or a whole helluva lot more tickets would have to be sold.

I reported, that although JR Motorsports was rumored to be the favorite in talking to Danica, with her asking price, negotiations with the sponsors would have to take on a whole new theme.  

ESPN, however, reported it as a done deal, or so close to done that they considered it done.

I wasn't sure, and wasn't ready to make that jump, especially given the asking price. 

Now don't get me wrong, I was quick to report that there were serious discussions going on, especially when I say Jr talking about it to the media with my very own eyes.  Given that his sister Kelley was doing the talking, I honestly thought that if there was something to be worked out, she would be the one to get it done.

Well, I was wr..wr....not exactly right in that, but I was right to wait on calling it a done deal.  Dale Jr, after reading the "News Release" by ESPN, has come forward on his own to report that it isn't a done deal, and that the discussions are still "in the early stages".   He also says there are a lot of teams in the mix and although he, Kasey Kahne and Carl Edwards are all of the opinion that Danica would be good for NASCAR, nothing has been decided. 

And so the Danica watch continues.]]> Urban Meyer fined $30,000 by SEC for criticizing officials http://FanIQ.com/article/Urban-Meyer-fined-30000-by-SEC-for-criticizing-officials-1866080 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:06:15 EST
But hey, Urban Meyer is an asshole, so naturally he's mad too. Apparently Florida isn't getting ENOUGH calls for his taste.

Meyer has been fined $30,000 by the Southeastern Conference for public comments he made regarding a call he believes officials missed (a late hit on Tebow) during last week's game against Georgia.

Keep in mind Urban that Brandon Spikes tried to gouge a Georgia player's eyes out during this game, which is a little worse. And then you suspended Spikes for A HALF against Vanderbilt, before Spikes went over your head and decided not to play in the game at all. Always fun when a dirty player actually has more integrity than his own coach.

In other words Urban, you're a hypocritical jackass who needs to STFU. If anyone deserves to get screwed by an awful call, it's you.
Source: sports.espn.go.com]]> Tyrus Thomas suffers fracture to forearm doing pullups, will miss 4 to 6 weeks http://FanIQ.com/article/Tyrus-Thomas-suffers-fracture-to-forearm-doing-pullups-will-miss-4-to-6-weeks-1865956 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:45:49 EST
Thomas, whose option was not picked up by the Bulls, is going to miss 4 to 6 weeks due to the injury. Something you never want to have happen during a contract year.
Source: dimemag.com]]> FanIQ Caption Contest: Marathon Diver http://FanIQ.com/blog/FanIQ-Caption-Contest-Marathon-Diver-Blog-31978 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST


Picture courtesy of Sports Illustrated]]> New Mexico soccer player suspended for actions against BYU, and is forced to apologize http://FanIQ.com/article/New-Mexico-soccer-player-suspended-for-actions-against-BYU-and-is-forced-to-apologize-1865842 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:34 EST Watch the video, if you're not sure what we're talking about here.

"I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment felt necessary. This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player that I am. I am sorry to my coaches and teammates for any and all damages I have brought upon them. I am especially sorry to BYU and the BYU women's soccer players that were personally affected by my actions. I have the utmost respect for the BYU women's soccer program and its players."

Her coach, Kit Vela, said that "Liz is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship."

I'm not sure if I'd say this is what I'd call a "quality student-athlete", but I will say this: If she needs someone to practice with while she's suspended, I'm available. Giggity.
Source: sports.espn.go.com]]> Phillies pick up Cliff Lee's $9M option for 2010 http://FanIQ.com/article/Phillies-pick-up-Cliff-Lees-9M-option-for-2010--1865742 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:11:22 EST
This was almost a given, after the way Lee has pitched for the Phillies. It would actually be insane NOT to. The Phillies are getting a great deal for one more year of arguably the best pitcher in baseball. I'm guessing they'll spend the next year trying to figure out how they can lock this guy up to a long-term extension.
Source: mlb.mlb.com]]> BYU Cougar Mascot Hilarious Picture http://FanIQ.com/blog/BYU-Cougar-Mascot-Hilarious-Picture-Blog-31972 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:47:00 EST

[HT: Deadspin]]]> Joey Porter complains that Tom Brady gets preferential treatment http://FanIQ.com/article/Joey-Porter-complains-that-Tom-Brady-gets-preferential-treatment-1865710 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:36:51 EST
"No question. When a guy can tell a ref to throw a flag, and he gets it, he’s got his own rules. They made the rule that you don’t go at the legs for Tom, so when he feels that someone is going at his legs, he just points to the ref and he gets a flag. So I can honestly say that he gets his own rules."

Obviously Porter is exaggerating a bit, but it's no surprise that a marquee player like Tom Brady gets preferential treatment. Anyone who has ever watched professional sports can tell you that superstars get the calls. It's a fact.

Michael Jordan was arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. And because of that, he got the benefit of the doubt, more often than not.

Greg Maddux is the greatest pitcher of our generation, but if you paid attention, you'd know that he generally got a bigger strike zone than most pitchers, once he was established as a great control pitcher.

Now, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and other future Hall of Famers are getting the same treatment. Is it right? Probably not. But is that what is going to keep the NFL popular? You bet your ass it is. That's the way it is in professional sports, so just deal with it, Joey.
Source: www.projo.com]]> Baseball's Competitive Balance http://FanIQ.com/blog/Baseballs-Competitive-Balance-Blog-31932 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST
It was predictable because, by all rights, a team that can afford to buy and keep all the best players available, and an owner who will spend more than anyone to do just that, should win it all. Perhaps the only surprise should be that they don't win it all every year, given these advantages. The fact remains that during this past decade (2000-2009) they were in the postseason all but one year (last year, 2008) and so every one of those years they were one of eight teams that were in position to claim the ultimate prize. The run of success of course extends much farther back, but I want to focus on this decade.

There is much hue and cry, but the simple fact remains that MLB is the only one of the four major professional leagues (the NFL, NBA, and NHL being the others) that does not employ some form of a salary cap to force at least a semblance of payroll balance. The MLBPA, only the most powerful trade union in the United States, is diametrically opposed to anything that even smells like a salary cap.

In the face of this, though, is baseball so competitively unbalanced compared to the other three sports? Judging by participants in the championship game or series during this decade, the answer would be no. Here are the results of the championship game or series for each of the four during this past decade (the number in parentheses refers to the number of unique teams competing):


Championship Participants 2000-2009
MLB (14)
 NFL (14) NBA (11) NHL (11)
2000 Yankees def. Mets
2001 Diamondbacks def. Yankees
2002 Angels def. Giants
2003 Marlins def. Yankees
2004 Red Sox def. Cardinals
2005 White Sox def. Astros
2006 Cardinals def. Tigers
2007 Red Sox def. Rockies
2008 Phillies def. Rays
2009 Yankees def. Phillies		 99-00 Rams def. Titans
00-01 Ravens def. Giants
01-02 Patriots def. Rams
02-03 Buccaneers def. Raiders
03-04 Patriots def. Panthers
04-05 Patriots def. Eagles
05-06 Steelers def. Seahawks
06-07 Colts def. Bears
07-08 Giants def. Patriots
08-09 Steelers def. Cardinals
99-00 Lakers def. Pacers
00-01 Lakers def. 76ers
01-02 Lakers def. Nets
02-03 Spurs def. Nets
03-04 Pistons def. Lakers
04-05 Spurs def. Pistons
05-06 Heat def. Mavericks
06-07 Spurs def. Cavaliers
07-08 Celtics def. Lakers
08-09 Lakers def. Magic
 		 99-00 Devils def. Stars
00-01 Avalanche def. Devils
01-02 Wings def. Hurricanes
02-03 Devils def. Ducks
03-04 Lightning def. Flames
04-05 (No season played)
05-06 Hurricanes def. Oilers
06-07 Ducks def. Senators
07-08 Wings def. Penguins
08-09 Penguins def. Wings

Baseball actually ties for first with the NFL in terms of unique teams which have competed in the championship game or series. In the span of ten years, eight different teams won the World Series; only the Yankees and Red Sox won more than once. By comparison, seven different teams won the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup, and only five different teams won the NBA championship.

It's also worth noting that although it is an apples and oranges comparison between these leagues when discussing how many unique teams have simply qualified for postseason play, since baseball qualifies significantly fewer teams for its playoffs-- only eight each year, as compared to 12 in the NFL and 16 (twice as many) in the NBA and NHL-- 23 of the 30 teams did play in the postseason this decade.

Does all this mean anything? Maybe, maybe not. Looking at the eight teams qualifying for the postseason in 2009, six of them-- Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, Dodgers, Cardinals, and Angels-- were among the top 10 highest payrolls; the remaining two, the Twins and Rockies, are in the bottom half of in terms of payroll. You see a team like the Twins get in this year and the Rays get in last year-- even going all the way to the World Series-- and you think there's a chance for teams on all levels to compete. But just making it one year doesn't prove much. The Colorado Rockies reaching the postseason in two of the last three seasons is a more promising sign. But will a mid-market team like Colorado ever be able to keep enough of their best players to sustain a long run of success? They already traded Matt Holliday before this past season rather than watching him walk as a free agent. Meanwhile, on the bottom, teams like the Royals, Nationals, and Pirates have no chance of competing in the current economic climate, and their fan bases will continue to erode until their ownership shows the willingness to truly turn their situation around.

Many people say the Yankees are bad for baseball. They believe any situation in which one franchise can handily outspend its competition is inherently unfair, imbalanced, and noncompetitive. They believe that Major League Baseball has been reduced to, as another writer on this site termed it, a "feudal system" in which the 30 teams are split, roughly equally, into three basic tiers: at the top, the teams which can spend almost as much as they want, sign elite free agents, and sign their own homegrown players to long-term contracts; the middle tier, whose treasure chests are not quite so deep; they cannot spend as freely, but they are blessed with dedicated owners and intelligent upper management, who run superior minor-league systems, scout well, and seem to be able to keep replenishing their rosters with a mix of promising young players and veteran talent that serve to fill in missing pieces but aren't the elite "name" players; and the bottom tier, plagued by small payrolls, unfavorable television contracts, and perhaps worst of all, inept or simply uncaring ownership and management. These teams, perennial cellar dwellers, become, essentially, farm teams for the top tier.

In the end, it's not pointless to be a team of any team besides the Yankees. At least half the teams in both league can be considered real playoff contenders, at least at the beginning of the season. But there's a considerable difference between merely being able to reach the postseason, and having a realistic shot of winning it all, and it's an even smaller group of teams that can win the World Series more than once over the course of several years. And until drastic change occurs in baseball's basic economic structure, that group will remain quite small indeed.
 


 
]]> Week 10 College Football Picks http://FanIQ.com/blog/Week-10-College-Football-Picks-Blog-31936 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:22:00 EST Week 10 is here and we are finally in November. In most years, November is when the tops teams start looking at the BCS standings to know what they need to do to reach the title game, but if these past few years have taught us anything, the top teams need to be on upset alert because they can happen every Saturday.

My 3-1 week, including picking Oregon over USC right and all of my Locks of the Week except Oklahoma being right, brought my overall record this season in the space to a very respectable 30-20.

This weekend is a tad thin in depth but two old school rivalries are renewed so lets get to the picks.


Saturday 8pm ABC - Connecticut at #4 Cincinnati [94% of FanIQ is picking Cincinnati]

In one of three regional games on ABC Saturday night, Cincinnati tries to keep their slim BCS championship hopes alive against a Connecticut team that is kind of reeling right now. Cincinnati is still without senior QB Tony Pike who broke his forearm a few weeks ago, but you never would have noticed it the way that backup Zach Collaros has played. Collaros has thrown for almost 800 yards and 9 touchdowns in two straight starts for the unbeaten Bearcats. Connecticut on the other hand has lost three of their last four, and all three coming in last minute heartbreaking defeats. Their four losses on the season have been by a combined 13 points. Connecticut though has had to deal with the painful loss of their teammate Jasper Howard, while losing these close games since his tragic death. Cincinnati is rolling on offense even without Pike and they are very good on defense, add that to the home field and the Bearcats should move to 9-0 on the season. Bearcats 31 Huskies 14

Saturday 7:00pm Fox Sports Net - Oregon St. at #23 Cal [85% of FanIQ is picking Cal]

This weeks big Pac-10 contest happens in Berkley as the Beavers and Bears battle it out for Pac-10 bowl positions.Oregon St. and Cal are two teams that have a lot of offensive firepower and not much defense. Both teams are in the top 35 nationally in yards per game and both average over 30 points per game. The Beavers have won the past two meetings and  the Bears' last home win in the series was 33-14 on Nov. 1, 1997. With a win here Oregon St. will become bowl eligible while Cal has bounced back from back to back demolitions at the hands of USC and Oregon. This game could very well come down to who can get a stop in the fourth quarter because there will be a lot of points. I'll give the edge to Cal, only because of the home field and Jahvid Best. Bears 42 Beavers 38

Saturday 8:00pm ABC - #20 Oklahoma at Nebraska [70% of FanIQ is picking Oklahoma]

One of the greatest old time rivalries takes place in Lincoln on Saturday night. Oklahoma and Nebraska had classic battles in the 70's and 80's while Nebraska dominated the 90's and Oklahoma owning the 00's. When the Big 12 was formed in 1996, this rivalry lost a lot of its luster with the teams now meeting in back to back years before two years off. This rivalry use to decide who would play for the national championship but this season the winner will become bowl eligible, which is the latest the two teams needed to win this late in the season to claim bowl eligibility since 1961. Oklahoma is starting to jell offensively behind QB Landry Jones and the rebuilt offensive line. The O-Line has finally found its groove at the same time as the WR's settling in and finally catching passes. Oklahoma had been riding its defense up until last week when the offensive finally showed up. Oklahoma defense is only allowing 13 points per game but statistically will be the second best defense as the Nebraska "Blackshirts" are only allowing 11 points per game. Though when comparing the teams schedules, Nebraska hasn't played the same caliber teams as Oklahoma has so far this season. Nebraska could be starting a true freshman at QB in Cody Green who will have a very difficult time against the extreme blitzing style of defense of Oklahoma. This will be a hard hitting, defensive battle but I think that Oklahoma has more offensively than Nebraska and will make the difference. Sooners 24 Huskers 10

Saturday 3:30pm ABC - #15 Ohio St. at #11 Penn St. [72% of FanIQ is picking Penn St.]

The decades two Big 10 powerhouse teams take the field in a homecoming of sorts for Ohio St. QB Terrelle Pryor as he leads the Buckeyes into Happy Valley to take on Penn St. Both teams are still in the running for an outside BCS bowl with the loser of this game having no shot. Penn St. also has homecoming this week so Happy Valley will be rocking. Last season these two teams played  a thrilling game in which Penn St. forced a Terrelle Pryor fumble on a third down run late in the fourth quarter, eventually cashing that fumble in for a touchdown and stealing a road victory at Ohio St. Terrelle Pryor has struggled at times this season with his accuracy and decision making and while facing this very hostel crowd, Pryor is going to have to be on his game if the Buckeyes want any chance to succeed. Penn St.'s senior QB Darryl Clark has really stepped his game up during this current 5 game winning streak, and his play against an aggressive Ohio St. defense will be the key. I think Pryor's inconsistencies will rear their ugly head and the Penn St. defense will capitalize on his biggest mistakes. Nittany Lions 17 Buckeyes 12

Saturday 3:30om CBS - #9 LSU at #3 Alabama [93% of FanIQ is picking Alabama]

The battle of the SEC West takes center stage Saturday afternoon. With a win here Alabama would lock up the SEC West and keep on the track for their SEC Championship showdown with Florida. LSU on the other hand can play spoiler to not only Alabama but Florida too in the SEC Championship game, and if they did that would throw the BCS into a complete mess. This will be a tremendous defensive football game, similar to the Oklahoma/Texas game. Lots of big hits and punts. Alabama will need QB Greg McElroy to step up and play like he was earlier in the season to help free up some space for Mark Ingram to attempt to run wild. LSU isn't the best offensive team but they have a game breaker in the return game in Trindon Holliday, and in a game with a lot of punts Holliday will be a factor. This game is going to come down to whichever QB can manage the game best and protect the football, and I give that edge to Alabama. Crimson Tide 21 Tigers 17

Now for my "Locks of the Week"

Iowa St. (+7) over Oklahoma St.
Texas (-34) over Central Florida
TCU (-24.5) over San Diego St.
Arizona (-32) over Washington St.
Houston (-1.5) over Tulsa
Houston/Tulsa OVER 67.5


So there you have it, the picks for week 10 of the College Football season. Give me your thoughts on my picks while sharing yours below.]]> Brewers trade JJ Hardy to the Twins for Carlos Gomez http://FanIQ.com/article/Brewers-trade-JJ-Hardy-to-the-Twins-for-Carlos-Gomez-1865586 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:06:04 EST
The Brewers got outfielder Carlos Gomez in return. Last year, Gomez hit .229 with 3 HR and 28 RBI in 137 games.
Source: www.usatoday.com]]> The White Sox have bought out Jermaine Dye's option, making him a free agent http://FanIQ.com/article/The-White-Sox-have-bought-out-Jermaine-Dyes-option-making-him-a-free-agent-1865496 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:58:40 EST
I'm not sure if he'll get multiple years, or the $12M that he could have gotten in Chicago, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him rebound somewhat nicely after a change of scenery.
Source: blogs.suntimes.com]]> Bob Sanders will need elbow surgery, will be out for the year http://FanIQ.com/article/Bob-Sanders-will-need-elbow-surgery-will-be-out-for-the-year-1865494 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:48:27 EST
Sanders almost played full seasons in 2005 and 2007, and was an All-Pro in both of those seasons. The Colts are used to playing without him, but he's always hard to replace. No word yet on how long he'll be out.

UPDATE: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he's out for the year. That makes 49 missed games in 6 seasons. That's more missed games than games played.
Source: profootballtalk.nbcsports.com]]> Will Jeter be a Yankee after next season? http://FanIQ.com/article/Will-Jeter-be-a-Yankee-after-next-season-1865208 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:33:35 EST Source: www.nypost.com]]> Kevin Martin to be out 4-6 weeks for the Kings http://FanIQ.com/article/Kevin-Martin-to-be-out-46-weeks-for-the-Kings-1865482 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:20:02 EST
Martin has to choose between trying to play through the hairline fracture, undergo surgery, or just wait it out. If he opts for surgery or rest, then he could be out for about 6-8 eweks. But if he plays through it, the injury could get worse, and he could miss more time in the long run.

Either way, this is no good for the Kings. It looks like they'll be playing for a lottery pick again.
Source: www.sacbee.com]]>