1. Favre is Done
According to ESPN, future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre has announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 years in the business. Favre made his decision Wednesday afternoon after calling Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress, and letting him know his 39-year-old body couldn't take the grind of another NFL season. He will one day enter the Hall of Fame as a Green Bay Packer, despite playing one season Atlanta and one in New York. Favre leaves the NFL with numerous league records and awards, which are listed below for your enjoyment.
Favre's Records and Awards
Most Associated Press NFL MVP Awards - 3 (1995, 1996 and 1997) (tied with Peyton Manning)
Most Consecutive Starts by an NFL QB - 269 (291including playoffs)
Most Regular Season Wins by an NFL QB - 169
Most Touchdown Passes - 464
Most Passing Yards - 65,127
Most Passes Attempted - 9,280
Most Passes Completed - 5,720
Most Seasons, 3,000 or More Yards Passing - 16
Most Passes Had Intercepted - 310
Most Career Games with at Least Three TD Passes - 65
Personally, I think if Favre wanted to play, he could have done fairly well, lining up behind a solid offensive line and handing off to one of the game's best running backs in Adrian Peterson. Still, the decision has been made, and hopefully for the last time.
2. MLB Trade Recap
The Major League trade deadline will come to a close today at 4:00 EST., and unlike last year's last minute shuffle, this year's deadline hasn't been very exciting. Although ESPN has tried to hype up the past week--making Roy Halladay into some sort of pitching god-- only one big trade and a few minor trades have gone down in the past 48 hours.
Here is a list of a few key trades that were made before today's deadline:
-The Cleveland Indians sent pitcher Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco to the Philadelphia Phillies for Class A right-handed pitcher Jason Knapp, Class AAA right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson.
-The Chicago Cubs made a deal late last night with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In the deal, the Cubs received LHPs John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny, in exchange for RHP Kevin Hart, RHP Jose Ascanio, and 3B Josh Harrison.
-The Chicago White Sox acquired pitcher and former Fort Wayne Wizard Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres for Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard, and right-handers Dexter Carter and Adam Russell.
-The Cleveland Indians made another move before Friday's deadline. The Indians send Victor Martinez to the Red Sox, for right-hander Justin Masterson, lefty prospect Nick Hagadone and minor league right-hander Bryan Price.
-Shortstop Orlando Cabrera has been traded from the Oakland Athletics to the Minnesota Twins. The Twins send minor league infielder Tyler Ladendorf to the A's for Cabrera and cash.
3. Speaking of the Pirates.....
This is an organization that has many people wondering what in the world is going on behind closed doors. In case you missed it, the once proud organization has traded away six of its best and most popular players already this season. This isn't counting last season, where the team sent it's best player in all-star outfielder Jason Bay to the Red Sox for three prospects (one of those prospects was Adam LaRoche, who was traded to the Braves early this season). This got me to thinking, what if the Pirates kept all their best young talent since 2003? What would their lineup have looked like today? Well, after a little research, it appears the Pirates could have been a legitimate playoff contender this season with a roster like this...
2B Jose Castillo
SS Jack Wilson
3B Aramis Ramirez
OF Jason Bay
OF Nate McLouth
OF Xavier Nady
1B Sean Casey
C Jason Kendall
I understand the concept of trading and preparing for the future, but the Pirates have taken it to a whole new level. The rebuilding project has been a non-stop process, and if may never come to an end if they don't pull out the wallet and start investing in their team.
4. Prediction Mill
It's that time of year to start making predictions for the upcoming college football season. After looking at rosters, schedules and returning players from Notre Dame, Indiana, Purdue and Michigan, here's how I think these teams will fair in 2009.
Notre Dame
| Sat, Sep 5 | Nevada | 3:30 pm | W | |
| Sat, Sep 12 | at Michigan | 3:30 pm | W | |
| Sat, Sep 19 | (24) Michigan State | 3:30 pm | L | |
| Sat, Sep 26 | at Purdue | 8:00 pm | W | |
| Sat, Oct 3 | Washington | 3:30 pm | W | |
| Sat, Oct 17 | (3) USC | 3:30 pm | L | |
| Sat, Oct 24 | Boston College | 3:30 pm | W | |
| Sat, Oct 31 | Washington State | 7:30 pm | W | |
| Sat, Nov 7 | Navy | 2:30 pm | W | |
| Sat, Nov 14 | at Pittsburgh | TBA | W | |
| Sat, Nov 21 | Connecticut | 2:30 pm | W | |
| Sat, Nov 28 | at Stanford | 8:00 pm | W |
The Hunch
With a much improved running game and offensive line, Notre Dame (10-2) will earn a trip to the Sugar Bowl and take on LSU. Charlie Weis is off the hotseat....for now.
Indiana
| Thu,Sep 3 | Eastern Kentucky | 8:00 pm | W | |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Western Michigan | 12:00 pm | W | |
| Sat, Sep 19 | at Akron | 3:30 pm | W | |
| Sat, Sep 26 | at Michigan | 12:00 pm | L | |
| Sat, Oct 3 | (9) Ohio State | 7:00 pm | L | |
| Sat, Oct 10 | at Virginia | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Oct 17 | Illinois | 7:00 pm | L | |
| Sat, Oct 24 | at Northwestern | 12:00 pm | L | |
| Sat, Oct 31 | at (20) Iowa | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Nov 7 | Wisconsin | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Nov 14 | at (8) Penn State | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Nov 21 | Purdue | TBA | L |
The Hunch
Indiana will finish 3-9 in 2009, and will miss out of a bowl game yet again. Bill Lynch will be let-go at season's end.
Purdue
| Sat, Sep 5 | Toledo | 12:00 pm | W | |
| Sat, Sep 12 | at (10) Oregon | 10:15 pm | L | |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Northern Illinois | 12:00 pm | W | |
| Sat, Sep 26 | Notre Dame | 8:00 pm | L | |
| Sat, Oct 3 | Northwestern | 12:00 pm | L | |
| Sat, Oct 10 | at Minnesota | 12:00 pm | W | |
| Sat, Oct 17 | (9) Ohio State | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Oct 24 | Illinois | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Oct 31 | at Wisconsin | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Nov 7 | at Michigan | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Nov 14 | (24) Michigan State | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Nov 21 | at Indiana | TBA | W |
The Hunch
New head coach Danny Hope will lead the Boilers to 4-8 record in his first season as the main man. Boiler fans shouldn't expect too much this season, but Hope will have the program turned around in no time.
Michigan
| Sat, Sep 5 | Western Michigan | 3:30 pm | W | |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Notre Dame | 3:30 pm | L | |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Eastern Michigan | 12:00 pm | W | |
| Sat, Sep 26 | Indiana | 12:00 pm | W | |
| Sat, Oct 3 | at (24) Michigan State | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Oct 10 | at (20) Iowa | 8:05 pm | W | |
| Sat, Oct 17 | Delaware State | TBA | W | |
| Sat, Oct 24 | (8) Penn State | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Oct 31 | at Illinois | 3:30 pm | L | |
| Sat, Nov 7 | Purdue | TBA | W | |
| Sat, Nov 14 | at Wisconsin | TBA | L | |
| Sat, Nov 21 | (9) Ohio State | TBA | L |
The Hunch
After a disappointing 2008 season, the Wolverines will improve to 6-6 in 2009, earning a trip to the Alamo Bowl against Arizona State. Freshman quarterback Tate Focier is an upgrade at the QB position, but he will have his work cut out for him.
5. NBA Free Agency
-The Los Angeles Lakers and Lamar Odom finally came to terms Thursday evening, as Odom agreed in principle to a four year, 33 million dollar contract. With the signing of Odom, and newly acquired Ron Artest, it's a safe bet to put the favorite tag on L.A. next season.
-The Portland Trailblazers and one of the league's most underrated point guards, Andre Miller, agreed to a three year, 21 million contract yesterday. With Brandon Roy and the addition of Miller, the Blazers possibly own one of the most feared backcourts in the NBA. Watch out for them next season.
6. Vegas Odds: NFL wins
Sin City came out with their betting odds for each team and gave their win totals for the 2009 season. Take a look at how they think the teams will fair.
*If I were a betting man and had to place ONE bet, I would put money on OVER for Seattle.
Miami Dolphins
Over 7 (-130) Under 7 (even)
Green Bay Packers
Over 9 (+125) Under 9 (-155)
New England Patriots
Over 11.5 (-135) Under 11.5 (+105)
New Orleans Saints
Over 8.5 (-180) Under 8.5 (+140)
New York Giants
Over 10 (+120) Under 10 (-150)
New York Jets
Over 7 (-150) Under 7 (+120)
Oakland Raiders
Over 5.5 (-155) Under 5.5 (+125)
Philadelphia Eagles
Over 9.5 (-160) Under 9.5 (+130)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Over 10.5 (-135) Under 10.5 (+105)
San Diego Chargers
Over 9.5 (-180) Under 9.5 (+140)
San Francisco 49ers
Over 7 (-170) Under 7 (+135)
Seattle Seahawks
Over 7.5 (-170) Under 7.5 (+135)
St Louis Rams
Over 5.5 (-170) Under 5.5 (+135)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Over 6.5 (+130) Under 6.5 (-160)
Tennessee Titans
Over 9 (-130) Under 9 (even)
Washington Redskins
Over 8 (-115) Under 8 (-115)
Houston Texans
Over 8.5 (even) Under 8.5 (-130)
Indianapolis Colts
Over 10 (-115) Under 10 (-115)
Jacksonville Jaguars
Over 8 (-140) Under 8 (+110)
Kansas City Chiefs
Over 6 (-125) Under 6 (-105)
Arizona Cardinals
Over 8.5 (-120) Under 8.5
Atlanta Falcons
Over 8.5 (-115) Under 8.5 (-115)
Baltimore Ravens
Over 8.5 (-160) Under 8.5 (+130)
Buffalo Bills
Over 7.5 (-140) Under 7.5 (+110)
Carolina Panthers
Over 8.5 Under 8.5 (-120)
Chicago Bears
Over 8.5 (-170) Under 8.5 (+135)
Cincinnati Bengals
Over 6.5 (-160) Under 6.5 (+130)
Cleveland Browns
Over 6.5 (-120) Under 6.5
Dallas Cowboys
Over 9 (-150) Under 9 (+120)
Denver Broncos
Over 7 (+135) Under 7 (-170)
Detroit Lions
Over 5 (+135) Under 5 (-170)
Minnesota Vikings
Over 9 (-145) Under 9 (+115)
7. Ramblings
-David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were the latest two major league baseball players to be named on the now famous '104 player failed drug test report.' Like most people, I'm not surprised either of these guys were on the list. Even though the person who is giving out these names is committing a federal crime, it's only a matter of time before we know everyone on the list.
-Irish football recruiting update.....Notre Dame and Virginia Tech are in hot pursuit of 2010 prospect Prince Shembo. Shembo, a 6-2, 232 pound, linebacker out of Charlotte, North Carolina, visited South Bend back in June, and is making a visit to Blacksburg, Virginia, today. He said he will make a decision sometime in early August. It's too close to call at this point on where he will end up.
-It's still unclear will Michael Vick will eventually end up, now that NFL Commissioner has granted Vick an unconditional reinstatement to the league. Rumors suggest a few teams, such as the Washington Redskins, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, have shown some interest in acquiring the former Virginia Tech standout. My bet is the Rams make an offer, which Vick will accept. What do they have to lose?
-Jets head coach Rex Ryan announced Friday morning that Kellen Clemens, not first round pick Mark Sanchez, will be the team's starting quarterback for the start of training camp. My guess is Clemens won't make it to week 5.
1. It must be hard to be a Pirates fan, knowing that they do not invest in keeping any of their talent.
ReplyDelete2. I think IU football will pull off one Big Ten win this year. They always seem to randomly pull one out of their ass. My prediction: they will get the bucket back from a boo boo Purdue team. Or Illinois will underachieve like usual and IU will win.