The 2017 Mariners just finished a series with the Tampa Bay Rays and not only swept them, but they pummeled them. The Mariners outscored the Rays 28-7 in the three game series. Despite how dominant the Mariners looked, they are still below .500 at 28-30. However, I believe this to be a team of destiny: a team that refuses to lose and will end a postseason drought.
The last time the Mariners had a playoff drought this long, it was to start their existence. Nineteen years it took to make the postseason, from their inception in 1977 to the magical year of 1995. I think this team has a big chance to compare well with that team of 1995. Here's what they have in common:
- Dominant left-hander to lead the pitching staff (1995: Johnson, 2017: Paxton)
- Sweet swinging left-handed hitter to hit 3rd with some pop (1995: Griffey, Jr., 2017: Cano)
- Arguably the game's best designated hitter (1995: Martinez, 2017: Cruz)
- A speedy outfielder that could steal a base at any time (1995: Coleman, 2017: Dyson)
- Infielder with a surprising amount of (clutch) power: (1995: Blowers, 2017: Motter)
The problem with the 2017 team is they haven't been able to get healthy. For a stretch in May 4 of the 5 projected starting pitchers were on the disabled list. Paxton has returned, with Felix next in line to return in a week, maybe two. Kuma and Smyly set to return near the All-Star break. Once this rotation is healthy, they will have an incredible amount of depth, thanks to guys like Christian Bergman, Sam Gaviglio, and Ariel Miranda getting experience.
There's no reason this team shouldn't go on a run. There is veteran leadership. Their is an influx of young talent. Let's not forget Mitch Haniger coming back fairly soon. Mike Zunino is finally tearing it up. They have a dynamic young closer that, when he has command, is virtually unhittable. A bullpen that is proving itself more and more, with guys like Pazos, Vincent, Zych, and Rzepczynski proving more than capable. There's speed in the outfield and veteran gold glove winners in the infield. What more do the Mariners need?
The key of course is staying healthy. Segura just went on the DL for the second time this year. But if the pitching staff can hold its own and the hitting can avoid any major slumps the rest of the year, this team has a real shot. The Astros are indeed going to be tough to catch. They currently stand at 41-16, best in the majors by FIVE GAMES. However, lest we not forget there is the AL Wild Card, and two spots up for grab there. The Mariners are only 2.5 games behind the 2nd wild card spot.
Yes, it's just the beginning of June and the Mariners are only 28-30, but what I've seen out of this club this season I haven't seen out of them since, well, 2001. Camaraderie. Emotion. Determination. A refuse to lose attitude. I hope to look back on this post come October and see that my gut feeling in June was right. This team just needs to beat teams, beat them soundly, and don't feel bad about it. You've missed the playoffs the last 15 seasons, it's your damn turn already. Mariners players, GET IT DONE. WHATEVER. IT. TAKES.
Well, the Mariners failed again to make the playoffs. They couldn't maintain any sort of winning streak or consistency all year. Perhaps if they upgrade their pitching they could make a run.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Friday, May 26, 2017
My Top 15 TV Shows Ever
I love TV. TV is one of my top forms of entertainment. You can watch it while eating, watch it before going to bed, have it on while you get stuff done around the house, etc. So naturally, I have a lot of shows that I've watched that I'd like to share my thoughts on. If they're BOLD then I've seen every episode. Here we go, my top 15 TV shows ever! (In alphabetical order)
That 70s Show - This show jumpstarted so many careers: Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, even Topher Grace. There aren't many teen sitcoms, if any, that are as relatable and funny as this one.
Breaking Bad - Oh, man. There has never been a show that's made me go "Oh damn!" or "Oh shit!" as much as this one. Never has a show made my heart pound harder or my jaw drop further. Breaking Bad is known by those who've seen it as one of the best TV shows... period... and for good reason.
Californication - I don't know what it is exactly about this show. Maybe it's David Duchovny's acting as the lead character Hank Moody. Maybe it's the tremendous writing or drama they build. Whatever it is this show is able to keep me hooked once I start watching it. I don't think this show gets enough praise for what it's done. Anyone who is a fan of Duchovny, likes writing, or enjoys dark dramadies should enjoy this.
Dexter - This is definitely in my top 5. Dexter is well-written (until the last few episodes...grr...), well-acted, and in my opinion, the most suspenseful and thrilling show I've seen. Michael C. Hall was born for Dexter, and the role written for him. If you love crime, thrillers, how the minds of serial killers work, or even cop-type shows you'll like Dexter.
Family Guy - I haven't seen every episode because it is still on the air, but Family Guy is the funniest cartoon I think I'll ever watch. I've never liked the Simpsons, but Family Guy certainly hits my funny bone. Seth McFarlane and the FG writers always know exactly where to draw the line, because they keep pushing the boundaries of dark comedy.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S - Friends may forever be my favorite sitcom. I own all 10 seasons and have seen each episode at least 5 times. Sure, there are plot holes and instances that make you cringe, but the things I learned about love and friendship from this show are more than any one person could have taught me.
Game of Thrones - I just recently got into GoT, and I got to say I'm hooked. I'm not typically into fantasy type TV shows, but this show is so well-written and acted that I'm entertained by every episode. They are only making 2 more seasons, but sometimes it's best not to draw shows out. Plus, apparently there will be some spin-off series set in the same universe.
Heroes - Very strong first few seasons, then died off at the end. Such a shame. But if you like superhero... ANYTHING... then you have to watch at least the first two seasons of Heroes. A lot of plot holes and inconsistencies, but the first few seasons you really care for the characters and the episodes were very well-written. I've never finished this show because the episodes went so off the rails the last few seasons.
How I Met Your Mother - This might be the most well-written comedy along with The Big Bang Theory. A man tells the story to his kids of how he met their mother, but it's way more than that. It's about all the twists and turns Ted and his friends Barney, Lily, Marshall, and Robin's lives take. In a lot of ways, this became the Barney Stinson show, but that's only because of the stellar writing and acting for his character. A lot of people criticize the way it concluded, but I feel that fans would have not been 100% happy with any conclusion.
LOST - Great acting, writing (the first few seasons) and great characters. So a group of people survive a plane crash on a deserted island in the Pacific, but how and why they got there, and what this island is about is enough to take up all six seasons. I feel like the show lost its sense of realism in the last 2 seasons or so, going from drama/action to science fiction. Like Heroes and Dexter, don't look for a satisfying conclusion here.
The Office - I almost advise against watching this show because it kind of makes you want to go work for a paper company. Such well-written characters (Jim, Pam, Dwight, and who could forget Michael Scott?). Some of my hardest and longest laughs have come from something I saw on this show. However, I have to agree with the majority that the show just wasn't the same when Steve Carell left.
Parks and Recreation - Like the Office, it is filmed like a documentary. Some may say it is a rip-off of The Office, but it's actually a partial spin-off. Apparently there was a plan to connect the two shows together, but that idea was scrapped. The writing for this show is great, and the characters were LITERALLY written for the actors (See what I did there? P&R fans will get it).
Star Wars the Clone Wars - Yes, a Star Wars TV show. How could I not? But what the writers are able to fit into 22, 23 minutes is incredible. The voice acting is really good as well. If only the prequel films could have had the same attention to detail as this show did.
Twin Peaks - Only two seasons made, but what a classic. I love it when any show or movie is set in the beautiful PNW. The show does stray into the sci-fi/fantasy genre a bit, which I wasn't a huge fan of. However, Kyle MacLachlan's acting is superb.
The Walking Dead - I could argue that this may be the most binge-watched show in TV history and I probably wouldn't too many opposing me. Who knew they could make a show about the zombie apocalypse so compelling? While it is based off of the comic of the same name it doesn't always follow it, leaving for some mystery as to what will happen, such as who did Negan really kill? But the characters we've followed since season 1 like Rick, Carol, Daryl, and Glen always make us cheer for them when they take out "walkers".
That 70s Show - This show jumpstarted so many careers: Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, even Topher Grace. There aren't many teen sitcoms, if any, that are as relatable and funny as this one.
Breaking Bad - Oh, man. There has never been a show that's made me go "Oh damn!" or "Oh shit!" as much as this one. Never has a show made my heart pound harder or my jaw drop further. Breaking Bad is known by those who've seen it as one of the best TV shows... period... and for good reason.
Californication - I don't know what it is exactly about this show. Maybe it's David Duchovny's acting as the lead character Hank Moody. Maybe it's the tremendous writing or drama they build. Whatever it is this show is able to keep me hooked once I start watching it. I don't think this show gets enough praise for what it's done. Anyone who is a fan of Duchovny, likes writing, or enjoys dark dramadies should enjoy this.
Dexter - This is definitely in my top 5. Dexter is well-written (until the last few episodes...grr...), well-acted, and in my opinion, the most suspenseful and thrilling show I've seen. Michael C. Hall was born for Dexter, and the role written for him. If you love crime, thrillers, how the minds of serial killers work, or even cop-type shows you'll like Dexter.
Family Guy - I haven't seen every episode because it is still on the air, but Family Guy is the funniest cartoon I think I'll ever watch. I've never liked the Simpsons, but Family Guy certainly hits my funny bone. Seth McFarlane and the FG writers always know exactly where to draw the line, because they keep pushing the boundaries of dark comedy.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S - Friends may forever be my favorite sitcom. I own all 10 seasons and have seen each episode at least 5 times. Sure, there are plot holes and instances that make you cringe, but the things I learned about love and friendship from this show are more than any one person could have taught me.
Game of Thrones - I just recently got into GoT, and I got to say I'm hooked. I'm not typically into fantasy type TV shows, but this show is so well-written and acted that I'm entertained by every episode. They are only making 2 more seasons, but sometimes it's best not to draw shows out. Plus, apparently there will be some spin-off series set in the same universe.
Heroes - Very strong first few seasons, then died off at the end. Such a shame. But if you like superhero... ANYTHING... then you have to watch at least the first two seasons of Heroes. A lot of plot holes and inconsistencies, but the first few seasons you really care for the characters and the episodes were very well-written. I've never finished this show because the episodes went so off the rails the last few seasons.
How I Met Your Mother - This might be the most well-written comedy along with The Big Bang Theory. A man tells the story to his kids of how he met their mother, but it's way more than that. It's about all the twists and turns Ted and his friends Barney, Lily, Marshall, and Robin's lives take. In a lot of ways, this became the Barney Stinson show, but that's only because of the stellar writing and acting for his character. A lot of people criticize the way it concluded, but I feel that fans would have not been 100% happy with any conclusion.
LOST - Great acting, writing (the first few seasons) and great characters. So a group of people survive a plane crash on a deserted island in the Pacific, but how and why they got there, and what this island is about is enough to take up all six seasons. I feel like the show lost its sense of realism in the last 2 seasons or so, going from drama/action to science fiction. Like Heroes and Dexter, don't look for a satisfying conclusion here.
The Office - I almost advise against watching this show because it kind of makes you want to go work for a paper company. Such well-written characters (Jim, Pam, Dwight, and who could forget Michael Scott?). Some of my hardest and longest laughs have come from something I saw on this show. However, I have to agree with the majority that the show just wasn't the same when Steve Carell left.
Parks and Recreation - Like the Office, it is filmed like a documentary. Some may say it is a rip-off of The Office, but it's actually a partial spin-off. Apparently there was a plan to connect the two shows together, but that idea was scrapped. The writing for this show is great, and the characters were LITERALLY written for the actors (See what I did there? P&R fans will get it).
Star Wars the Clone Wars - Yes, a Star Wars TV show. How could I not? But what the writers are able to fit into 22, 23 minutes is incredible. The voice acting is really good as well. If only the prequel films could have had the same attention to detail as this show did.
Twin Peaks - Only two seasons made, but what a classic. I love it when any show or movie is set in the beautiful PNW. The show does stray into the sci-fi/fantasy genre a bit, which I wasn't a huge fan of. However, Kyle MacLachlan's acting is superb.
The Walking Dead - I could argue that this may be the most binge-watched show in TV history and I probably wouldn't too many opposing me. Who knew they could make a show about the zombie apocalypse so compelling? While it is based off of the comic of the same name it doesn't always follow it, leaving for some mystery as to what will happen, such as who did Negan really kill? But the characters we've followed since season 1 like Rick, Carol, Daryl, and Glen always make us cheer for them when they take out "walkers".
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Survivor Game Changers' Final Six - How it Will Go
Survivor Game Changers is down to the Final 6, and what I have often (but not
always) done is predict the vote out order from about this point on. The six left are Brad, Troyzan, Tai, Cirie,
Aubry, and Sarah. Here's how it will go. I have correctly predicted two winners from
this point already, so here's hoping I get a third right.
6. Cirie
Cirie is too likeable, and now one of her closest allies in Michaela has been voted out. Also the stunt she pulled at the last tribal won't sit well with Sarah.
5. Brad
Previews for the finale seemed to indicate Tai giving one of his idols to Brad. Even if not, he could find a way to win immunity again or squirm his way out of being voted out. I think he makes it another vote, but no further.
4. Sarah
Survivor is a fickle thing, you play it too well, you lose. Sarah has played it too well. She will be a target (if she's still around) at F4 for being a threat to win.
3. Tai
I know it seems like he may have given away his idols, but Tai doesn't strike me as someone that's a legitimate threat to win. He doesn't do well in answering jury questions, so he won't be able to really change anyone's mind.
2. Troyzan
I like the game Troyzan has played. He has an idol, and if he plays it right, it could score him some kudos from the jury. But has he played the strongest game of those left? No way.
1. Aubry
She's a female Cochran. She's smart and has said just all the right things. With a final of Tai, Troyzan, and Aubry, she wins.
There you have it, Aubry is my pick to win Survivor Game Changers. We'll see how close I get to picking the correct order this Wednesday, May 24.
Edit: Wow, I was so wrong. There's always someone (in this case Brad) who takes too good of a player to the Final 3 with them. I correctly predicted Troyzan making the F3, but that's about it. I also correctly predicted a woman winning. Just the wrong one.
6. Cirie
Cirie is too likeable, and now one of her closest allies in Michaela has been voted out. Also the stunt she pulled at the last tribal won't sit well with Sarah.
5. Brad
Previews for the finale seemed to indicate Tai giving one of his idols to Brad. Even if not, he could find a way to win immunity again or squirm his way out of being voted out. I think he makes it another vote, but no further.
4. Sarah
Survivor is a fickle thing, you play it too well, you lose. Sarah has played it too well. She will be a target (if she's still around) at F4 for being a threat to win.
3. Tai
I know it seems like he may have given away his idols, but Tai doesn't strike me as someone that's a legitimate threat to win. He doesn't do well in answering jury questions, so he won't be able to really change anyone's mind.
2. Troyzan
I like the game Troyzan has played. He has an idol, and if he plays it right, it could score him some kudos from the jury. But has he played the strongest game of those left? No way.
1. Aubry
She's a female Cochran. She's smart and has said just all the right things. With a final of Tai, Troyzan, and Aubry, she wins.
There you have it, Aubry is my pick to win Survivor Game Changers. We'll see how close I get to picking the correct order this Wednesday, May 24.
Edit: Wow, I was so wrong. There's always someone (in this case Brad) who takes too good of a player to the Final 3 with them. I correctly predicted Troyzan making the F3, but that's about it. I also correctly predicted a woman winning. Just the wrong one.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Mariners Constantly Making Me Feel Conflicted
The Seattle Mariners have been one of the hard-luck organizations in Major
League Baseball. They're still one of
two teams to have never appeared in a World Series, and have the longest
playoff drought in baseball at 15 years and counting. That's not me being negative, those are
facts. However, the roller coaster of
emotions we Mariners fans go through in the course of a season is perhaps
unlike any other team. We go from
thinking this team is cursed, unlucky, bad, to having glimmers of hope and
optimism, thinking the end of futility is near.
It's much akin to being stranded on a deserted island and hearing a
plane overhead, but them not seeing you, so you remain stranded.
This Mariners season of 2017 has not gotten off well and it seems the Mariners are in a very unfortunate pattern of following up hopeful seasons and offseasons with losing seasons. They have not even had two straight winning seasons since 2002-2003. The influx of talent of Cano, Cruz, and Seager the past few years has given fans something to cheer for and given them hope. But two of the past three seasons the team has fallen just short of the playoffs in the final week of the season. It leaves fans wondering "What if?" What if the Mariners hadn't gone on that losing streak, what if they hadn't blown the lead in a particular game?
I think Mariners fans are the most bipolar fans in all of baseball. When the team is struggling, I see two crowds. One crowd thinks this team is the worst in baseball, everyone needs to be fired, and perhaps that the organization is cursed. The other crowd remains optimistic, saying we can't play this bad all year, and we can't have this bad of luck all year. I have to admit I flitter between both crowds. I sometimes feel like boycotting this team, not going to games, watching their games on TV, or buying any merchandise, because they are underperforming. But other times I know I will be rewarded for my loyalty and passion for this team, because whenever they do finally make the playoffs again, it will make it THAT much sweeter.
I am never going to fully give up on the Mariners. No matter what they do. They could trade Felix, Seager, AND Paxton, and I would still call myself a Mariner fan. They are too engrained in me to ever switch allegiances. There's just something about MARINERS BASEBALL that makes me want to be root for them until the day I die. Perhaps it's memories of Martinez, Griffey, Niehaus, and Ichiro. Perhaps it's that the organization has EVERY reason to fold and just admit they are inferior as a baseball organization but every year do their absolute best to show they are a likeable and fun bunch.
One thing I never want to be called is a bandwagon fan. For someone who has stuck through a team's losing seasons, and the team becomes successful and popular and then get called a bandwagon fan is absolutely infuriating. I will stick through the Mariners lack of playoff success until they finally start making the playoffs again, whether that starts this year, in 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years. Anyone who ever calls me a bandwagon fan will get directed to this post. I have been a fan of the Mariners since I started watching sports. I've followed them through the lean post-2001 years, the disastrous 2004 and 2008 seasons, the horrific hitting seasons of 2010 and 2011. I remember watching in agony as players like Carl Everett, Jack Cust, Milton Bradley, Scott Spiezio and Corey Hart were brought in watching them STRUGGLE. I remember watching first round draft picks like Jeff Clement, Brandon Morrow, Dustin Ackley, Phillipe Aumont, and (now) Alex Jackson not pan out. I remember Bill Bavasi and Jack Zduriencik making bad front office decisions. I remember, because I stuck with the Mariners through it all.
So what is my mood with this team? Resilient. Patient. Determined. I'm neither optimistic nor pessimistic. Odds are somehow someway this team will make the playoffs some year. Five American League teams out of fifteen now make the playoffs. That is exactly one third. If everyone had the same odds, you should expect your team to make the playoffs once out of every three years. Odds are, the Mariners will make the playoffs soon. But that hump they have to get over is huge. Once they do, they could go on a string of seasons where they make it 3 in a row, 4 out of 6, something like that. But once they get over that hump, it'll be so worth the wait AND I'll be right there in the middle cheering the Mariners on.
This Mariners season of 2017 has not gotten off well and it seems the Mariners are in a very unfortunate pattern of following up hopeful seasons and offseasons with losing seasons. They have not even had two straight winning seasons since 2002-2003. The influx of talent of Cano, Cruz, and Seager the past few years has given fans something to cheer for and given them hope. But two of the past three seasons the team has fallen just short of the playoffs in the final week of the season. It leaves fans wondering "What if?" What if the Mariners hadn't gone on that losing streak, what if they hadn't blown the lead in a particular game?
I think Mariners fans are the most bipolar fans in all of baseball. When the team is struggling, I see two crowds. One crowd thinks this team is the worst in baseball, everyone needs to be fired, and perhaps that the organization is cursed. The other crowd remains optimistic, saying we can't play this bad all year, and we can't have this bad of luck all year. I have to admit I flitter between both crowds. I sometimes feel like boycotting this team, not going to games, watching their games on TV, or buying any merchandise, because they are underperforming. But other times I know I will be rewarded for my loyalty and passion for this team, because whenever they do finally make the playoffs again, it will make it THAT much sweeter.
I am never going to fully give up on the Mariners. No matter what they do. They could trade Felix, Seager, AND Paxton, and I would still call myself a Mariner fan. They are too engrained in me to ever switch allegiances. There's just something about MARINERS BASEBALL that makes me want to be root for them until the day I die. Perhaps it's memories of Martinez, Griffey, Niehaus, and Ichiro. Perhaps it's that the organization has EVERY reason to fold and just admit they are inferior as a baseball organization but every year do their absolute best to show they are a likeable and fun bunch.
One thing I never want to be called is a bandwagon fan. For someone who has stuck through a team's losing seasons, and the team becomes successful and popular and then get called a bandwagon fan is absolutely infuriating. I will stick through the Mariners lack of playoff success until they finally start making the playoffs again, whether that starts this year, in 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years. Anyone who ever calls me a bandwagon fan will get directed to this post. I have been a fan of the Mariners since I started watching sports. I've followed them through the lean post-2001 years, the disastrous 2004 and 2008 seasons, the horrific hitting seasons of 2010 and 2011. I remember watching in agony as players like Carl Everett, Jack Cust, Milton Bradley, Scott Spiezio and Corey Hart were brought in watching them STRUGGLE. I remember watching first round draft picks like Jeff Clement, Brandon Morrow, Dustin Ackley, Phillipe Aumont, and (now) Alex Jackson not pan out. I remember Bill Bavasi and Jack Zduriencik making bad front office decisions. I remember, because I stuck with the Mariners through it all.
So what is my mood with this team? Resilient. Patient. Determined. I'm neither optimistic nor pessimistic. Odds are somehow someway this team will make the playoffs some year. Five American League teams out of fifteen now make the playoffs. That is exactly one third. If everyone had the same odds, you should expect your team to make the playoffs once out of every three years. Odds are, the Mariners will make the playoffs soon. But that hump they have to get over is huge. Once they do, they could go on a string of seasons where they make it 3 in a row, 4 out of 6, something like that. But once they get over that hump, it'll be so worth the wait AND I'll be right there in the middle cheering the Mariners on.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
My Almost Too Late 2017 MLB and Mariners Predictions
Well the baseball season is underway, but not the Mariners regular season, so
technically I'm not too late for this.
Like every year, I will predict an order of finish for each division in
baseball, some end of season awards, and Mariners leaders in each
category.
NL EAST
1. Washington Nationals
2. New York Mets
3. Atlanta Braves
4. Miami Marlins
5. Philadelphia Phillies
Summary: The Nats are too loaded to not at least get 2nd, and if anyone in the Mets rotation struggles or gets hurt (like last year), it'll be hard for them to win the division. The Braves are a young team getting better and the Marlins aren't doing much. The Phillies still aren't making progress.
NL CENTRAL
1. Chicago Cubs
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Milwaukee Brewers
Summary: The Cubbies will get a playoff spot, no doubt. The Cards are almost always in it. The Buccos will compete but there's too much competition. It's a toss-up for last between the Brew Crew and the Reds.
NL WEST
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
3. San Francisco Giants
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres
Summary: I normally pick the Giants to win the division, but they're due for a down year, and if MadBum gets hurt they are in big trouble. The Dodgers are too talented to not compete for a playoff spot, and the Diamondbacks are a team on the rise. The Rockies will be a decent team and the Padres will probably finish in last.
AL EAST
1. Boston Red Sox
2. Toronto Blue Jays
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. New York Yankees
5. Tampa Bay Rays
Summary: The BoSox loaded up for a championship run, acquiring ace Chris Sale this offseason. The Blue Jays are a well-built team and will vie for a playoff spot again. The O's will be decent, but not great. The Yankees will have pitching issues. The Rays are relying on guys like Logan Morrison and Brad Miller still.
AL CENTRAL
1. Cleveland Indians
2. Kansas City Royals
3. Detroit Tigers
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins
Summary: The Indians are built like the early 2000's Red Sox, who Terry Francona also managed, so they will be a very competitive team. The Royals still have a bunch of talent and might be motivated to win for the death of Yordano Ventura. The Tigers are aging and won't be able to play good enough D. The White Sox lost Sale and are a team without a leader. The Twins are still the Twins.
AL WEST
1. Texas Rangers
2. Houston Astros
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
5. Oakland Athletics
Summary: The Rangers are loaded and will be motivated by their heartbreaking opening round loss to the Jays last year. The 'Stros are still young and should play decent, if erratic, ball. The Mariners meanwhile, well, you'll have to read below. The Angels and A's will finish like last year.
NL Wild Cards: Cardinals and Mets
AL Wild Cards: Blue Jays and Royals
MLB PLAYOFFS:
Wild Cards: Cardinals over Mets, Blue Jays over Royals
NL Divisional Round:
Cardinals vs. Cubs: Cardinals win
Nationals vs. Dodgers: Dodgers win
AL Divisional Round:
Blue Jays vs. Red Sox: Red Sox win
Indians vs. Rangers: Indians win
League Championship round:
NL: Cardinals vs. Dodgers: Dodgers win
AL: Red Sox vs. Indians: Red Sox win
World Series:
Dodgers vs. Red Sox: Red Sox win in 6 games
Red Sox are 2017 World Series Champions. You heard it here first. The Cubs have a surprising first round exit to their bitter rivals, the Cardinals.
MLB Awards:
AL MVP: Mookie Betts, Red Sox
NL MVP: Corey Seager, Dodgers
AL Cy Young: Chris Sale, Red Sox
NL Cy Young: Noah Syndergaard, Mets
AL Rookie: Tyler O'Neill, Mariners
NL Rookie: Dansby Swanson, Braves
Comment: Betts and Seager signal a new wave of baseball. Sale and Syndergaard lead their staffs. O'Neill is a real long shot, but if he gets his shot early enough I could see him emerging. The Braves are a young team who will be propelled by their young SS Swanson.
SEATTLE MARINERS PREDICTIONS
Record: 79-81
Yep. for the 5th straight time, the Mariners follow up a winning season with a losing season, although not by much. The hitting will be fine for the most part, but the rotation is way too shaky. Felix may well be on the decline. Iwakuma is old and might be done. Paxton is inconsistent and injury-prone, and Smyly and Gallardo are barely legit starters. If multiple starters get hurt, the Mariners are in for a world of hurt. The bullpen is not much, if any, better. There's a bunch of no names and unprovens. Sure, Diaz is electrifying, but he struggled towards the end of last year. Let's not forget the World Baseball Classic, which Felix and Diaz pitched in, which might cause them to falter down the stretch.
However, there will be some bright spots this year. A no hitter from Smyly or Paxton? Seager gets another all-star nod? But if this team doesn't have a winning record this year, it might be time to start thinking if they're cursed. At least with a decent enough LOSING record Scott Servais should hold on to his job.
Mariners leaders:
AVG: Robinson Cano
HR: Nelson Cruz
RBI: Kyle Seager
SB: Jarrod Dyson
Wins: Smyly
Saves: Diaz
Mariners team "awards":
Unsung hero: Mitch Hanniger
MVP: Seager
Cy Young: Smyly
Rookie: Tyler O'Neill
Let-down: Zunino
Defensive star: Jarrod Dyson
Out of nowhere: Taylor Motter
Comment: Hanniger has been quoted by Edgar Martinez to be the one Mariner hitter who will surprise us most, so I'm listening to 'Gar. Seager will play all around fantastic baseball, hopefully getting off to a fast start. Smyly will benefit from great D, so long as he can stay healthy. Zunino hopefully will bring his average up a bit and his K's down, but I won't hold my breath. Dyson will have some highlight reel catches in the outfield. Motter will be an electric presence off the bench and be involved in some game-winning and crucial plays.
Let's hope I'm wrong and the M's qualify for their first playoff spot in 16 years. I would never be more happy to be proven wrong. All in all, a winning season would be considered successful because the M's haven't had back-to-back winning seasons since '02-'03. But the playoffs are the goal, even if it's a wild card spot. There's two of them, so the M's have to do their best to at least snag one of them. But an AL West championship isn't out of the question. Again, let's hope I'm wrong. I am just basing this on history, and feel like I am being optimistic for that. Go M's, and good luck in 2017!
NL EAST
1. Washington Nationals
2. New York Mets
3. Atlanta Braves
4. Miami Marlins
5. Philadelphia Phillies
Summary: The Nats are too loaded to not at least get 2nd, and if anyone in the Mets rotation struggles or gets hurt (like last year), it'll be hard for them to win the division. The Braves are a young team getting better and the Marlins aren't doing much. The Phillies still aren't making progress.
NL CENTRAL
1. Chicago Cubs
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Milwaukee Brewers
Summary: The Cubbies will get a playoff spot, no doubt. The Cards are almost always in it. The Buccos will compete but there's too much competition. It's a toss-up for last between the Brew Crew and the Reds.
NL WEST
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
3. San Francisco Giants
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres
Summary: I normally pick the Giants to win the division, but they're due for a down year, and if MadBum gets hurt they are in big trouble. The Dodgers are too talented to not compete for a playoff spot, and the Diamondbacks are a team on the rise. The Rockies will be a decent team and the Padres will probably finish in last.
AL EAST
1. Boston Red Sox
2. Toronto Blue Jays
3. Baltimore Orioles
4. New York Yankees
5. Tampa Bay Rays
Summary: The BoSox loaded up for a championship run, acquiring ace Chris Sale this offseason. The Blue Jays are a well-built team and will vie for a playoff spot again. The O's will be decent, but not great. The Yankees will have pitching issues. The Rays are relying on guys like Logan Morrison and Brad Miller still.
AL CENTRAL
1. Cleveland Indians
2. Kansas City Royals
3. Detroit Tigers
4. Chicago White Sox
5. Minnesota Twins
Summary: The Indians are built like the early 2000's Red Sox, who Terry Francona also managed, so they will be a very competitive team. The Royals still have a bunch of talent and might be motivated to win for the death of Yordano Ventura. The Tigers are aging and won't be able to play good enough D. The White Sox lost Sale and are a team without a leader. The Twins are still the Twins.
AL WEST
1. Texas Rangers
2. Houston Astros
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
5. Oakland Athletics
Summary: The Rangers are loaded and will be motivated by their heartbreaking opening round loss to the Jays last year. The 'Stros are still young and should play decent, if erratic, ball. The Mariners meanwhile, well, you'll have to read below. The Angels and A's will finish like last year.
NL Wild Cards: Cardinals and Mets
AL Wild Cards: Blue Jays and Royals
MLB PLAYOFFS:
Wild Cards: Cardinals over Mets, Blue Jays over Royals
NL Divisional Round:
Cardinals vs. Cubs: Cardinals win
Nationals vs. Dodgers: Dodgers win
AL Divisional Round:
Blue Jays vs. Red Sox: Red Sox win
Indians vs. Rangers: Indians win
League Championship round:
NL: Cardinals vs. Dodgers: Dodgers win
AL: Red Sox vs. Indians: Red Sox win
World Series:
Dodgers vs. Red Sox: Red Sox win in 6 games
Red Sox are 2017 World Series Champions. You heard it here first. The Cubs have a surprising first round exit to their bitter rivals, the Cardinals.
MLB Awards:
AL MVP: Mookie Betts, Red Sox
NL MVP: Corey Seager, Dodgers
AL Cy Young: Chris Sale, Red Sox
NL Cy Young: Noah Syndergaard, Mets
AL Rookie: Tyler O'Neill, Mariners
NL Rookie: Dansby Swanson, Braves
Comment: Betts and Seager signal a new wave of baseball. Sale and Syndergaard lead their staffs. O'Neill is a real long shot, but if he gets his shot early enough I could see him emerging. The Braves are a young team who will be propelled by their young SS Swanson.
SEATTLE MARINERS PREDICTIONS
Record: 79-81
Yep. for the 5th straight time, the Mariners follow up a winning season with a losing season, although not by much. The hitting will be fine for the most part, but the rotation is way too shaky. Felix may well be on the decline. Iwakuma is old and might be done. Paxton is inconsistent and injury-prone, and Smyly and Gallardo are barely legit starters. If multiple starters get hurt, the Mariners are in for a world of hurt. The bullpen is not much, if any, better. There's a bunch of no names and unprovens. Sure, Diaz is electrifying, but he struggled towards the end of last year. Let's not forget the World Baseball Classic, which Felix and Diaz pitched in, which might cause them to falter down the stretch.
However, there will be some bright spots this year. A no hitter from Smyly or Paxton? Seager gets another all-star nod? But if this team doesn't have a winning record this year, it might be time to start thinking if they're cursed. At least with a decent enough LOSING record Scott Servais should hold on to his job.
Mariners leaders:
AVG: Robinson Cano
HR: Nelson Cruz
RBI: Kyle Seager
SB: Jarrod Dyson
Wins: Smyly
Saves: Diaz
Mariners team "awards":
Unsung hero: Mitch Hanniger
MVP: Seager
Cy Young: Smyly
Rookie: Tyler O'Neill
Let-down: Zunino
Defensive star: Jarrod Dyson
Out of nowhere: Taylor Motter
Comment: Hanniger has been quoted by Edgar Martinez to be the one Mariner hitter who will surprise us most, so I'm listening to 'Gar. Seager will play all around fantastic baseball, hopefully getting off to a fast start. Smyly will benefit from great D, so long as he can stay healthy. Zunino hopefully will bring his average up a bit and his K's down, but I won't hold my breath. Dyson will have some highlight reel catches in the outfield. Motter will be an electric presence off the bench and be involved in some game-winning and crucial plays.
Let's hope I'm wrong and the M's qualify for their first playoff spot in 16 years. I would never be more happy to be proven wrong. All in all, a winning season would be considered successful because the M's haven't had back-to-back winning seasons since '02-'03. But the playoffs are the goal, even if it's a wild card spot. There's two of them, so the M's have to do their best to at least snag one of them. But an AL West championship isn't out of the question. Again, let's hope I'm wrong. I am just basing this on history, and feel like I am being optimistic for that. Go M's, and good luck in 2017!
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Predictions for the 2017 NFL Playoffs!
Well, the NFL Playoffs get underway this Saturday, January 7, so I've got to make some predictions. Let's just say we're going to get a very exciting Super Bowl. I will go through each game, give a score and a reasoning behind it, and finish with a conclusion.
AFC Wild Cards
(6) Miami Dolphins at (3) Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers win, 30-13
I don't see this game being that close. The Steeler's 3 B's (Bell, Brown, Big Ben) are well-rested and Miami is missing it's starting quarterback. The Dolphins defense might keep this game close for a while but the Steelers pull away in the end.
(5) Oakland Raiders at (4) Houston Texans: Texans win, 20-12
It's such a shame Derek Carr got hurt. And the Texans are more of a defensive team, so this should be a low-scoring contest, meaning it could be close all the way to the end. Houston's defense comes up with the big stop and wins it.
NFC Wild Cards
(6) Detroit Lions at (3) Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks win, 26-24
Both teams come into this game rather cold. The Lions have lost 3 straight and the Hawks have lost 2 of 4, and their two wins came against the Rams and 49ers. But this should be a hard-fought and entertaining contest. I expect the Hawks to even trail at some point, but I'm calling Steven Hauschka to redeem himself a bit this year and kick a game-winning field goal. Hawks move on, barely.
(5) New York Giants at (4) Green Bay Packers: Packers win, 24-16
These two have met a bit in the playoffs (and at Lambeau Field, too) and it seems like the Giants always come out on top. Not this time. Green Bay is arguably the hottest team in the NFL. Even in the frigid temperatures Green Bay will manufacture offense, probably using Ty Montgomery quite a bit. Giants get a shot to tie it but come up short.
AFC Divisional Games
(4) Houston Texans at (1) New England Patriots: Patriots win, 28-9
This shouldn't be that close of a contest. The well-rested Patriots should take care of business. Better QB's than Tom Savage have struggled mightily against the Pats in January. Maybe the Pats don't light up the scoreboard but I can't see the Houston offense having much succcess at cold Foxborough.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers at (2) Kansas City Chiefs: Steelers win, 28-27
In what may be the most potentially exciting game of the playoff season, the Steelers win a thriller just barely over the Chiefs. I know, the Chiefs are at home, but I feel the Steelers are one of the few (if not the only) teams that can pull it off. The Steelers get a TD in the final seconds and Chris Boswell kicks the most exciting PAT in NFL history so far.
NFC Divisional Games
(4) Green Bay Packers at (1) Dallas Cowboys: Packers win, 31-26
My what a matchup this could be. The Packers would be riding a seven game winning streak while the Cowboys once won 10 in a row this year. I like the Packers based on experience. Prescott, Elliott and company get a shot to win in the final minutes but come up short.
(3) Seattle Seahawks at (2) Atlanta Falcons: Seahawks win, 27-24
You may think the Falcons want revenge for the game the Hawks won earlier in the year (and they kind got gypped on with the no call on Sherman for pass interference). But it's more the Hawks wanting to prove that it wasn't a fluke and they deserved to win. In a strange twist of fate, the Falcons drive and get in position for a game-tying field goal to send the game to overtime, but Falcons kicker Matt Bryant misses it.
AFC Championship Game
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers at (1) New England Patriots: Patriots win, 27-23
The Steelers have the talent to pull it off but don't get it done. It's just too much to ask a team to go and beat a 2 and a 1 seed on the road in back to back weeks. Patriots D steps up and helps them get to Super Bowl LI.
NFC Championship Game
(4) Green Bay Packers at (3) Seattle Seahawks: Packers win, 34-24
I cannot remember the last time a championship game was at the home of a 3 seed (or lower) but I'm calling it this year. In a rematch of the 2014 NFC Championship Game, the Pack comes out on top. Wilson and company try too little too late and the Packers pad on to their lead in the final minutes.
Super Bowl LI
New England Patriots vs. Green Bay Packers: Packers win, 30-28
Twenty years after Super Bowl XXXI, the same two teams meet for LI. In Super Bowl XXXI we had Bledsoe vs. Favre, and in this game we have the guys that replaced them: Brady and Rodgers. I have been calling for this Super Bowl to happen for YEARS and it finally does. I'm not exactly sure how it goes down, whether Gostowski misses a potential game-winning field goal (Haha Tom, can't always rely on your kicker) or if Green Bay gets a game winning score, but the Pack do indeed come out on top.
Remember when Aaron Rodgers said the Packers could run the table? Little do we know he meant in the playoffs too. Rodgers wins NFL and Super Bowl MVP in the same year. As a Seahawk fan, getting to the NFC Championship game would be enough for me. I just want to see us compete. And in this scenario, we certainly do.
AFC Wild Cards
(6) Miami Dolphins at (3) Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers win, 30-13
I don't see this game being that close. The Steeler's 3 B's (Bell, Brown, Big Ben) are well-rested and Miami is missing it's starting quarterback. The Dolphins defense might keep this game close for a while but the Steelers pull away in the end.
(5) Oakland Raiders at (4) Houston Texans: Texans win, 20-12
It's such a shame Derek Carr got hurt. And the Texans are more of a defensive team, so this should be a low-scoring contest, meaning it could be close all the way to the end. Houston's defense comes up with the big stop and wins it.
NFC Wild Cards
(6) Detroit Lions at (3) Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks win, 26-24
Both teams come into this game rather cold. The Lions have lost 3 straight and the Hawks have lost 2 of 4, and their two wins came against the Rams and 49ers. But this should be a hard-fought and entertaining contest. I expect the Hawks to even trail at some point, but I'm calling Steven Hauschka to redeem himself a bit this year and kick a game-winning field goal. Hawks move on, barely.
(5) New York Giants at (4) Green Bay Packers: Packers win, 24-16
These two have met a bit in the playoffs (and at Lambeau Field, too) and it seems like the Giants always come out on top. Not this time. Green Bay is arguably the hottest team in the NFL. Even in the frigid temperatures Green Bay will manufacture offense, probably using Ty Montgomery quite a bit. Giants get a shot to tie it but come up short.
AFC Divisional Games
(4) Houston Texans at (1) New England Patriots: Patriots win, 28-9
This shouldn't be that close of a contest. The well-rested Patriots should take care of business. Better QB's than Tom Savage have struggled mightily against the Pats in January. Maybe the Pats don't light up the scoreboard but I can't see the Houston offense having much succcess at cold Foxborough.
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers at (2) Kansas City Chiefs: Steelers win, 28-27
In what may be the most potentially exciting game of the playoff season, the Steelers win a thriller just barely over the Chiefs. I know, the Chiefs are at home, but I feel the Steelers are one of the few (if not the only) teams that can pull it off. The Steelers get a TD in the final seconds and Chris Boswell kicks the most exciting PAT in NFL history so far.
NFC Divisional Games
(4) Green Bay Packers at (1) Dallas Cowboys: Packers win, 31-26
My what a matchup this could be. The Packers would be riding a seven game winning streak while the Cowboys once won 10 in a row this year. I like the Packers based on experience. Prescott, Elliott and company get a shot to win in the final minutes but come up short.
(3) Seattle Seahawks at (2) Atlanta Falcons: Seahawks win, 27-24
You may think the Falcons want revenge for the game the Hawks won earlier in the year (and they kind got gypped on with the no call on Sherman for pass interference). But it's more the Hawks wanting to prove that it wasn't a fluke and they deserved to win. In a strange twist of fate, the Falcons drive and get in position for a game-tying field goal to send the game to overtime, but Falcons kicker Matt Bryant misses it.
AFC Championship Game
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers at (1) New England Patriots: Patriots win, 27-23
The Steelers have the talent to pull it off but don't get it done. It's just too much to ask a team to go and beat a 2 and a 1 seed on the road in back to back weeks. Patriots D steps up and helps them get to Super Bowl LI.
NFC Championship Game
(4) Green Bay Packers at (3) Seattle Seahawks: Packers win, 34-24
I cannot remember the last time a championship game was at the home of a 3 seed (or lower) but I'm calling it this year. In a rematch of the 2014 NFC Championship Game, the Pack comes out on top. Wilson and company try too little too late and the Packers pad on to their lead in the final minutes.
Super Bowl LI
New England Patriots vs. Green Bay Packers: Packers win, 30-28
Twenty years after Super Bowl XXXI, the same two teams meet for LI. In Super Bowl XXXI we had Bledsoe vs. Favre, and in this game we have the guys that replaced them: Brady and Rodgers. I have been calling for this Super Bowl to happen for YEARS and it finally does. I'm not exactly sure how it goes down, whether Gostowski misses a potential game-winning field goal (Haha Tom, can't always rely on your kicker) or if Green Bay gets a game winning score, but the Pack do indeed come out on top.
Remember when Aaron Rodgers said the Packers could run the table? Little do we know he meant in the playoffs too. Rodgers wins NFL and Super Bowl MVP in the same year. As a Seahawk fan, getting to the NFC Championship game would be enough for me. I just want to see us compete. And in this scenario, we certainly do.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
My 7 New Years Resolutions for 2017
As I type this, 2017 is just about 4 hours away, so it's time to make my New
Years Resolutions. Yes, plural. And in fact, there will be SEVEN of them. To be totally honest, I'll be happy if I
accomplish 4 of these. I'll aim for all
7, but I feel like the more Resolutions I make the more I'll accomplish.
1. Lose Weight
I've lost count on the number of different ways I've tried losing weight. But this time, there's no excuses. I'm cutting out sweets, sugary drinks, and eating anything in excess. I love to eat, but I'd love myself more if I was in better shape. As the weather warms up during the year, I also plan to work out more, possibly even get a gym membership.
2. Answer Phone Calls
Yes, I know, what a silly resolution. But I have a slight phobia of talking to strangers on the phone. Which is why I have never answered the phone from an unknown number. Funny thing is when I work customer service at my job, I answer the phone several times a day from people I don't know. But from now on I plan to answer it (unless I am driving, working, busy, etc.) I know, 9 times out of 10 it'll probably be a telemarketer or something else like that, but that one time out of 10 could be an opportunity of something I am missing out on.
3. Make progress in/towards a career
I think I've put this as a goal anytime I've made a list of goals to accomplish, but it bears repeating. I've been stuck where I am for years and it's time to change. Or at the very least get started or do something in addition (2nd job?). At some point this year I will figure out a secondary source of income or a career I want to pursue.
4. Seize an opportunity if it presents itself
This is pretty vague, but I've never been one to "seize" things. But I plan to change that about myself. Every time there is an opportunity for something productive, fun, or something that could better my life in any way, I will seize it.
5. Buy Less Stuff/Give Stuff Away
I've been accused by my friends of being a "hoarder". Yeah, I own a lot of crap, but one thing most people don't know about me is that I can get sentimental with certain objects. A souvenir I got at a gift shop one time I traveled. It's hard for me to give stuff away. But I'll do my best. There's the Buy Nothing project where people are more than happy to see cool things for free. There's also Goodwill/Value Village. There's a decent chance I might move this year, so I'll need to part with a lot of objects before moving if I do. Also, I need to watch my spending and only buy things I need, not what I want.
6. Learn an Instrument
This one I won't be too shocked if I don't end up completing it, but one thing I've always had on my bucket list is learning how to play an instrument. My top three instruments I'd want to learn to play would be piano, guitar, or ukulele. Probably guitar. If you didn't know already, I really enjoy singing and if I learned an instrument I could pair that with my voice and entertain people at get-togethers.
7. BE HAPPY! :)
This one is pretty simple and straightforward, but is definitely important. I plan to wake up each day with a smile on my face and not let little things bother me. Too often I get upset at things falling/breaking or my team losing, but being upset over those things that won't matter in 5, 10 years is utterly pointless. I plan to make 2017 the happiest year of my life. :)
I know that's a lot, especially for me, but like I said earlier if I accomplish more than half of these I'll be happy. Obviously if I accomplish #7 I'll be happy.... oy... well here's to a fantastic 2017!!!
1. Lose Weight
I've lost count on the number of different ways I've tried losing weight. But this time, there's no excuses. I'm cutting out sweets, sugary drinks, and eating anything in excess. I love to eat, but I'd love myself more if I was in better shape. As the weather warms up during the year, I also plan to work out more, possibly even get a gym membership.
2. Answer Phone Calls
Yes, I know, what a silly resolution. But I have a slight phobia of talking to strangers on the phone. Which is why I have never answered the phone from an unknown number. Funny thing is when I work customer service at my job, I answer the phone several times a day from people I don't know. But from now on I plan to answer it (unless I am driving, working, busy, etc.) I know, 9 times out of 10 it'll probably be a telemarketer or something else like that, but that one time out of 10 could be an opportunity of something I am missing out on.
3. Make progress in/towards a career
I think I've put this as a goal anytime I've made a list of goals to accomplish, but it bears repeating. I've been stuck where I am for years and it's time to change. Or at the very least get started or do something in addition (2nd job?). At some point this year I will figure out a secondary source of income or a career I want to pursue.
4. Seize an opportunity if it presents itself
This is pretty vague, but I've never been one to "seize" things. But I plan to change that about myself. Every time there is an opportunity for something productive, fun, or something that could better my life in any way, I will seize it.
5. Buy Less Stuff/Give Stuff Away
I've been accused by my friends of being a "hoarder". Yeah, I own a lot of crap, but one thing most people don't know about me is that I can get sentimental with certain objects. A souvenir I got at a gift shop one time I traveled. It's hard for me to give stuff away. But I'll do my best. There's the Buy Nothing project where people are more than happy to see cool things for free. There's also Goodwill/Value Village. There's a decent chance I might move this year, so I'll need to part with a lot of objects before moving if I do. Also, I need to watch my spending and only buy things I need, not what I want.
6. Learn an Instrument
This one I won't be too shocked if I don't end up completing it, but one thing I've always had on my bucket list is learning how to play an instrument. My top three instruments I'd want to learn to play would be piano, guitar, or ukulele. Probably guitar. If you didn't know already, I really enjoy singing and if I learned an instrument I could pair that with my voice and entertain people at get-togethers.
7. BE HAPPY! :)
This one is pretty simple and straightforward, but is definitely important. I plan to wake up each day with a smile on my face and not let little things bother me. Too often I get upset at things falling/breaking or my team losing, but being upset over those things that won't matter in 5, 10 years is utterly pointless. I plan to make 2017 the happiest year of my life. :)
I know that's a lot, especially for me, but like I said earlier if I accomplish more than half of these I'll be happy. Obviously if I accomplish #7 I'll be happy.... oy... well here's to a fantastic 2017!!!
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