Posts Tagged ‘The War Room’

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Interior Lineman Prospects

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and  @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL Draft is on Thursday and here’s my personal list of top Interior Lineman prospects.  Make sure you check out Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com and www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as well.

  

  

Guards and Centers

1. Cordy Glenn 6-5 346lbs Georgia

Strengths: Glenn is my 3rd ranked Tackle and now tops my list of Guards.  The combo of brute strength, leverage, and athleticism for a man his size is freakish.  The footwork that allowed him to play left tackle in the SEC at a high level is what makes him clearly the best guard prospect in this draft.

Weaknesses: Weight is the only question I have with a man his size.  Is he going to work constantly to keep himself in top shape, even in the offseason?

Grade: First Round (based on ability to play guard and tackle)

2. David DeCastro 6-5 316lbs Stanford

Strengths: Is the most technically sound interior lineman in this draft.  Not the best athlete out of the bunch but has all the tools to come into the NFL and start from day one.  Playing in a pro-style offense from day one is a big plus.  The transition from college, mentally, should be as big as others.  Is a road grader as a run blocker, uses great pad level, hand placement, and leverage to drive defenders off of the ball.  Is excellent in pass protection, has a great initial punch that jolts the opposing player.

Weaknesses: May need to add a little bit of good weight and strength to battle with the massive defensive tackles in the NFL.

Grade: Mid First Round

3. Kevin Zeitler 6-3 314lbs Wisconsin

Strengths: Experienced player who started 36 games at right guard over his career.  Not a great athlete by any stretch, Zeitler relies more on sound technique to be successful in the trenches.  When he plays with proper balance, pad level, and footwork, he is a nice run blocker who uses angles to wall off defenders and make running lanes. 

Weaknesses: Struggles against quick inside pass rushers.  His footwork in pass protection is shaky at times and he can be caught off balance and beat by DT’s with wiggle.

Grade: Early 2nd round

4. Peter Konz 6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

Strengths: He’s the highest rated Center on the board and has the ability to play guard as well.  Great awareness, made all the calls as the center for the Badgers.  Does a good job in blitz pick up and getting to the second level in the run game.

Weaknesses: Missed a good amount of time in his career with different injuries with various lower leg injuries.  Lacks the footwork and power to be an overly dominant center, but gets by with grit and smarts.

Grade: Mid to late 2nd round

5. Brandon Brooks 6-5 353lbs

Strengths: Almost as good of a run blocker as Cordy Glenn, Brooks definitely uses his size and power to maul defenders in the run game and put them on their backs.  Played some tackle as well in college , but I see him as strictly a guard in the NFL.  Eats up the bull rush of pass rushers during pass protection.

Weaknesses: Is kind of heavy and slow of foot in pass protection and it hurts his ability to get to the second level in the run game.  Could really benefit by losing another 15lbs.

Grade: Early 3rd round

Next 5: Jeff Allen 6-4 30lbs Guard Illinois, Amini Silatolu Guard 6-4 311lbs, James Brown Guard 6-3 1/2 Troy, Kelechi Osemele Guard 6-5 1/2 333lbs Iowa St. , Tony Bergstrom 6-5 313lbs Utah

Up Next: Top 5 Defensive Ends/3-4 Pass Rushers

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Offensive Tackle Prospects

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL Draft is coming up this Thursday!  Here is the list of my top 5 rated Tackle prospects and a additional 5 that I like as well.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive

1. Matt Kalil 6-7 306lbs USC

Strengths: Prototypical size for a NFL Left Tackle.  In my opinion Kalil is the best player in this draft.  Excellent footwork and hands in pass protection, has the ability to get to the next level in the run game.  Great at getting downfield in the screen game and making blocks.

Weaknesses: Needs to get a bit stronger to deal with NFL lineman in the run game.

Grade: Top 5 pick

2. Riley Reiff 6-6 313lbs Iowa

Strengths: Is a good all-around Tackle prospect, who can play both right and the left side.  Very Nasty side to go along with good technique.  Is very athletic, Iowa play a zone blocking scheme and he displayed the ability to get next level in the run game.  He is also the best guard prospect in the draft in my opinion.

Weaknesses: His technique during pass protection sometimes gets sloppy and he can be knocked off balance.  Could use a bit more work in the weight room as well.  He benched 225lbs 23 times at the combine.

Grade: Top 10 to 15 pick

3. Cordy Glenn 6-5 345lbs Georgia (also #1 Guard Prospect as well)

Strengths: Can play guard as well.  He is the best run blocking lineman in this 2012 draft.  Has the ability and versatility to play guard and left tackle in the NFL, similar to Leonard Davis and Larry Allen did in the past.  He played left tackle for 18 games and 20 at either right or left guard.  For a man his size, he has exceptional feet, held his own in the SEC at tackle going up against some of the best pass rushers in the country.

Weaknesses: Weight issues are there, and that is always a worry with NFL teams who are thinkg of using a first round pick on Glenn.  I see him as more of a right tackle or guard…his footwork is good for his size, but I don’t know if its great enough to play left tackle in the NFL.

Grade: First Round (based on ability to play guard and tackle)

4. Jonathan Martin 6-6 312lbs Stanford

Strengths: Probably the best athlete at tackle in the draft.  Can match up with smaller guys in pass protection because of great footwork and punch.  Does a good job using angles and body position in the run game, more then brute strength.

Weaknesses: Really needs to work on his overall strength. Defenders have had success against him using the bull-rush and pushing him straight back.

Grade: Mid to late first round pick

5. Bobbie Massie 6-6 316lbs

Strengths: Is a mean, nasty son of a bitch, a mauler in the run game.  Has above average athleticism and delivers a good punch in pass protection.  Could possibly start his career at guard and then slide over to right tackle.  Once he gets his hands on a defender, its lights out.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve his technique in pass protection. Footwork can be sloppy at times and he can be caught off balance at times. 

Grade: Early 2nd round grade

Next 5: Mike Adams 6-7 323lbs, Zebrie Sanders 6-6 320lbs, Donald Stevenson 6-5 1/2 312lbs, Mitchell Schwartz 6-5 5/8 318lbs, Andrew Datko 6-6 315lbs

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Tight End Prospects

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

We are a few days away from the 2012 NFL Draft and I’m releasing my top 5 prospects per position before the big day.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturday mornings on ueradiolive.com and www.livestream.com/ueradiolive

1. Coby Fleener 6-6 247lbs Stanford

Strengths: Excellent pass catching tight end, was Luck’s favorite target in the red zone the last two seasons, as he caught 17 TD’s in that period of time.  Because of his height and speed, he is a mis-match nightmare for linebackers and safeties.  Does a great job finding the open spaces in zone coverage, sitting giving his QB a target.  Was lined up all over the field because he was the best threat Stanford had in the passing game.

Weaknesses: Must improve his strength and run blocking at the point.  I know he was split out and in the slot plenty at Stanford, but in the NFL he will need to be an effective blocker in the run game.  Needs to play with better pad level and leverage as a blocker.

Grade: Late 1st to Early 2nd round

2. Dwayne Allen 6’3′ 255lbs Clemson

Strengths:  Very athletic tight end who makes his fare share of acrobatic catches.  Was great this year in the red zone, as he caught 8 TD passes.  Processes man vs. zone coverage well and finds open spots in the zone coverage.  Plays faster on the field than 40 time results.

Weaknesses: Needs to become a better route runner at the next level.  At times he allows the ball to get to his body instead of snatching it out of the air.  For such of a physical specimen, he’s a horrible blocker, but with effort it can be fixed.

Grade: Early 2nd round

3. Orson Charles 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

Strengths: Has more of a Fullback body, but poses a threat potentially in the NFL because of his route running athleticism, good hands and ability to block in line.  I would be surprised to see him play more of a H-Back role in the NFL, similar to Chris Cooley and Aaron Hernandez.

Weaknesses: Lacks the typical tight end height and length. Like most players coming into the NFL, need to be more precise with running routes.

Grade: Mid to late 2nd round

4. James Hanna 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

Strengths: Has great size and speed at the tight end position.  Has great ability after the catch as well.

Weaknesses: Hands are inconsistent, needs to be more crisp as a route runner.  Isn’t much of a blocker in the run game.

Grade: Early to mid 3rd round

5. Michael Engew 6-5 252lbs Missouri

Strengths: Lined up flexed in the slot the majority of his career.  Caught 140 passes over his last two years in college.  Great hands, looks very natural snatching the ball out of the air away from his body.  His combo of size and speed will make him a instant red zone threat in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Has never lined up as a traditional tight end on the end of the line of scrimmage.  Should be a better blocker with his size.

Grade: Mid 3rd round

The Next 5: Evan Rodriguez 6-1 240lbs Temple, Deangelo Peterson 6-3 243lbs LSU, Ladarius Green 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette, Adrian Robinson 6-4 268lbs Cincinnati, Chase Ford 6-6 258lbs Miami

Up next: Top 5 Offensive tackles

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Wide Receiver Prospects

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL draft is fast approaching and I will continue to give you my top 5 players by position, ongoing up until the draft.  Also be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio, Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com and www.livestream.com/ueradiolive .

1. Justin Blackmon 6-1 207lbs Oklahoma St.

Strengths: Great combo of height, weight, and speed.  Excellent hands, rarely drops a pass.  Has great ability to get yards after the catch.  Had elite production in his sophomore and junior seasons, after sitting behind Dez Bryant during his freshman year.  Does a great job going up and catching the ball at it’s highest point.  Is effective catching the ball all over the field.

Weaknesses: If he does have a weakness in his game, it’s his blocking in the run game.  A player of his size and strength should be a better run blocker.

Grade: Top 10 pick

2. Michael Floyd 6-2 5/8 22olbs Notre Dame

Strengths: Strong hands, does a great job catching the ball in traffic,using his big body to shield defenders off.  Is great in jump-ball situations as well.  Does a good job getting yards after the catch.  Arm tackles rarely bring him down.

Weaknesses: Ran a 4.47 – 40 at the combine, but doesn’t play that fast with pads on.  Needs to improve on his route running, isn’t very explosive in and out of his breaks.  Was arrested on three different occasions for driving while intoxicated at Notre Dame, so there are some decision making issues with him.

Grade: Mid first round

3. Kendall Wright 5-10 196 Baylor

Strengths: Nice route runner, elite speed, explosive in and out of his breaks.  Ran a 4.4 – 40 at the combine, but plays much faster than that time in pads, which is what really counts.  Good hands, uses his great vertical leap to go up and get balls players his size usually don’t get.  Has Santonio Holmes type ability after the catch.

Weaknesses: Even though the Spread offense Baylor ran was complex, Wright didn’t run every route used in a pro-style offense.

Grade: Mid to Late 1st round pick

4. Rueben Randle 6-3 210lbs LSU

Strengths:  Has great size for a wide receiver and presents the QB with a big target to throw to.  Has the ability to make plays deep down field with his height, good hands and jumping ability.

Weaknesses: Needs to vastly improve his route running.  He could be a steal in the late first-early second round if he perfects his craft as a receiver.  Sometimes disappears in games if not involved early.

Grade: Early 2nd round

5. Alshon Jeffery 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

Strengths: Very productive player in the best conference in football.  Finished his career as the SEC’s 2nd All-Time leading receiver with 3,042 yards.  Has great hands, long arms, and nice leaping ability, and uses his body well to shade defenders and provide a clean target for the QB.  Put up great numbers, even though he played with a mediocre QB in Stephen Garcia and had his best games against the best opponents, in the biggest games.

Weaknesses: Isn’t very explosive off of the line of scrimmage and needs plenty of improvement when it comes to running routes.  Doesn’t have the top line speed you would want out of a #1 WR.

Grade: Early to mid 2nd round

Next 5: Marvin McNutt 6-3 215lbs Iowa, Ryan Broyles 5-10 192lbs, A.J. Jenkins 6-0 191lbs, Mohamed Sanu 6-1 1/2 215lbs, B.J. Cunningham 6-1 211lbs

Be on the lookout for my top 5 Tight Ends later on this week.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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The Kobe Effect

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

By Brandon McConnell

Kobe Bryant is arguably one of the best players that has ever picked up a basketball.  He has won 5 rings with the Los Angeles Lakers and is searching for that 6th ring to catch his idol Michael Jordan. 

This year while Kobe has been trying to lead his team to a championship, he has suffered a few injuries.  Right now, he has missed the past 5 games due to an injured shin.  In Kobe’s absence, the Los Angeles Lakers have put up a 4-1 record, consisting of an impressive win on Sunday versus last year’s NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks.

The amazing thing about the Lakers’ recent play is the production they have been receiving from role players Metta World Peace (can’t believe I just typed that), and Matt Barnes.  Last week, World Peace led the Lakers past the Spurs with 26 points, when he only averages 7.4 points a game.  Matt Barnes led the team past Denver on Friday with 24 points, when he averages 7.7 points a game.  Why are these guys not producing on a more consistent basis?  Could it be the KOBE EFFECT?

KOBE EFFECT – The act of decreasing in productivity due to the lack of shots and confidence while in the presence of Kobe Bryant.

Let’s see if this theory holds any weight when it comes to teammates that won championships with Kobe.

The first year he won a championship, the Lakers traded for Glen Rice to help the team get over the hump.  Glen Rice averaged 22.3 points a game with 45% shooting the year before he became a Laker, and averaged 15.9 points a game at 43% shooting the year they won the championship. 

The next year Mitch Richmond joined the Lakers and won a championship.  He averaged 16.2 points per game at 40% shooting with the Wizards, then joined the Lakers and averaged 4.1 points per game at 40% shooting.

Finally, Ron Artest aka Metta World Peace averaged 17.3 points per game at 40% shooting with the Rockets, then joined the Lakers and averaged 11.7 points per game at 41% shooting.

For some reason, perimeter players have the hardest time being successful with Kobe Bryant.  Is it because Kobe shoots the ball too much?  Is it the stress of playing on a championship caliber team?  Is it the lack of trust Kobe has for his teammates, which results in the lack of shot attempts they receive?

One thing I’ve learned in the last week is the Lakers are real contenders, but if Kobe Bryant doesn’t realize that he actually has good players around him, that can realistically help him win that 6th ring, then he can just pop in the Luniz cd, cause all he will have is “FIVE ON IT“!

Brandon McConnell of “Respect Da Game”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Running Back Prospects

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, I’ve decided to give the people my top 5 prospects by position.  My rankings are based solely on my opinion and self-scouting.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com and on www.livestream.com/ueradiolive

1. Trent Richardson 5-9 228lbs Alabama

Strengths: This kid is the full package.  He’s an elite package of size, speed, and explosiveness.  People think he’s not effective in the passing game, but he’s caught 68 passes for 710 yards in his career.  He is also good in blitz pickup, not afraid to stick his facemask in the oncoming defender’s chest.  Ball security was a problem in his first two seasons, but he did a better job securing the football in his final season.

Weaknesses: The only one that I see, but it’s really not a bad thing is his willingness to take on contact at all times.  We all know an NFL running back’s shelf life is short as it is, so with some advice from coaches, hopefully Richardson will use a little more wiggle and step out of bounds at the sideline a bit more than in college.  Yes he is a bull, but the guys in the NFL won’t be afraid to try to knock his ass out. 

Grade: Top 5 pick

2. Lamar Miller 5-11 212lbs Miami

Strengths: Excellent top end speed, very explosive in and out of his cuts.  Presses the hole and has elite cutback ability.  Will be a home-run threat from day one in the NFL.  Has the ability to return kickoffs if needed. 

Weaknesses: Only had 300 plus carries in his college career, and injured his left shoulder during the 2011 season.  He fought his way through it, but teams will question his durability with the low amount of carries and injury in his only season as a starter.

Grade: Early 2nd round

3. David Wilson 5-9 206lbs Virginia Tech 

Strengths: Great balance, bounces off tackles and breaks a good amount for a running back with average size.  Has good vision and does a fine job setting up his blocks.  Was a damn good kick returner before becoming the full time starter in 2011.

Weaknesses: Has had problems with ball security, had 7 fumbles over his career.  Has below average hands, and needs to improve as a pass blocker as well.

Grade: Early to mid 2nd round

4. Doug Martin 5-9 223lbs Boise St.

Strengths: Very strong runner who finishes his carries well.  Nice combo of size and weight, low center of gravity makes him hard to bring down.  Excellent pass receiver and is a willing blocker in pass protection.  Not afraid to mix it up with oncoming defenders.

Weaknesses: Level of competition is a question for me.  Boise St. obviously doesn’t play in a BCS conference during his time there, so even though he looked great, it was against low level opposition.  Had problems with ball security during his career as well.

Grade: Early to mid 2nd round

5. Chris Polk 5-10 215lbs Washington

Strengths: Strong, durable, battle-tested running back.  Prototypical NFL size, ran for over 1000 yards the last 3 seasons.  Caught 79 passes in his career out of the backfield.  Runs hard, with good pad level.

Weaknesses: Lacks that home-run type of speed.  Has had two shoulder surgeries in his college career.  Isn’t real agile and isn’t very explosive in and out of his cuts.

Grade: late 2nd- early 3rd

The next 5: Bernard Pierce 6-0 218lbs Temple, LaMicheal James 5-8 194lbs Oregon, Tauren Poole 5-10 205lbs Tennessee, Vic Ballard 5-11 219lbs Miss. St., Isaiah Pead 5-10 197lbs Cincinnati. 

Be on the Lookout for my Top 5 WR’s coming in the middle of this week. 

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Quarterback Prospects

Monday, April 16th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Also be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on Ueradiolive.com

Okay the 2012 NFL draft is less than two weeks away and over the next two weeks I will release my top 5 players by position and the next five I like as well.  My player rankings are based upon my own eye test and scouting, so yes it might differ from the likes of Kiper and McShay.

1. Robert Griffin III 6-2 223lbs Baylor

Strengths: Elite arm talent, can make any throw asked of him.  Even though he’s a world class athlete, he is a great passer from the pocket.  Very intelligent, has gotten better as a passer over the years.

Weaknesses: Came from the spread offense, might have a slow transition adjusting to a pro-style offense.

Grade: Top 3 pick

2. Andrew Luck 6-4 234lbs Stanford

Strengths: Very accurate passer, smart, cerebral.  Played his whole career in a pro-style offense and was coached by Jim Harbaugh.  More athletic than most believe.  Called his own plays during his final season.

Weaknesses: Arm strength isn’t the greatest, but Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning improved that aspect of their games once they got to the NFL.  Loses mechanics and accuracy when players are at his feet and has to make throws under duress.

Grade: Top 3 pick

3. Nick Foles 6-5 243lbs Arizona

Strengths: Great size for a NFL QB.  Great ability to anticipate passes and throw WR’s open.  Arm isn’t elite, but he can make all the throws necessary.  Stands very strong in the pocket and makes throws with defenders hanging on his legs.

Weaknesses: Lost 13 of 17 of his last starts at Zona.  Makes some bad decisions with the ball at times.  Isn’t a great athlete and is far from what you would call elusive.

Grade: 2nd round

4. Ryan Tannehill 6-4 223lbs Texas A&M

Strengths: Good size, very athletic, and accurate with his short to mid-range passes.  Is very mobile in the pocket and has escape ability, which is a good thing to have in the NFL.  Has started only 19 games at QB in college and people seem to see a high ceiling because of his physical tools.

Weaknesses: Is still very raw as a QB and needs some time to sit and work on his craft.  Is inaccurate on his deep passes.  Lost a big number of games after having big halftime leads and turned the ball over in big spots.  He is one of the more big risk/reward players in this draft.  Some even think he’s good enough to draft in the top 10.

Grade: 2nd round

5. Brandon Weeden 6-3 223lbs Oklahoma St.

Strengths: Was 23-3 as a starter at Okla. St., is more mature then most prospects because of his age(29). Shows great accuracy on all of his throws. His above average arm talent, good enough to make all NFL throws.

Weaknesses: Struggles throwing the ball well under pressure. His age is also a concern as well. Teams have to wonder how long will he last at that age.  His mobility in the pocket is and issue as well and he’s never played under center while in college.

Grade: mid to late 2nd round

My next 5: Brock Osweiler ASU, Kirk Cousins Mich St., Ryan Lindley San Diego St. , Russell Wilson Wisconsin, Kellen Moore Boise St.

Up Next: My top 5 Running Backs will be released tomorrow.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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Who’s The Best, Who’s The Greatest, Who’s The # 1 (Vol. II)

Friday, April 13th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

The phrase “who is the best, the greatest, and the number one” has been a term used throughout my childhood.  The original “KCMAC” used that phrase for years.  He would tickle me as a child until I would give in and tell him he was the best, the greatest, and occasionally saying that MOM was number one.  To find out who was the turkey back then, “KCMAC” would pin me down and if I wanted off my back then I guess I would be the turkey.  Well in sports we have athletes who have demonstrated greatness, and athletes who may not have been so great.  So I think some recognition is in order.

WHO’S THE BEST?

Baylor Lady Bears

“The Best” so far goes to the Baylor Lady Bears basketball program who went an NCAA record 40-0.  Baylor started and finished the season ranked #1 in the country with the help of All-American Brittney Griner, who is the most dominant center women’s basketball has ever witnessed.  Oh, by the way, their starting five will be back to defend their title next year.  Congratulations to Coach Kim Mulkey and the Lady Bears for a magical season.

WHO’S THE GREATEST?

 

“The Greatest” goes to San Antonio Spurs, who for the second time this year has gone on a eleven game winning streak that suddenly ended Monday night against the Utah Jazz.  Their streak ended because coach Greg Popovich arrogantly gives Tim Duncan, Manu Ginoboli, and Tony Parker the day off.  I’m not sure if it was a wise thing to do considering they have the opportunity to get the number one seed in the Western Conference.  The loss placed the Spurs one game out of first behind the Oklahoma City Thunder with 11 games to go.  No one can really question the mind of Greg Popovich, who has been pushing the right buttons since 1999.  We must remember the last time there was a shortened season the Spurs were holding the Larry O’Brien trophy!

WHO IS THE #1

As if you really have to ask.  Who would of thought that a man named Bubba would be wearing the prestigious Masters’ green jacket!  Bubba Watson is his name, a man who last month squandered a 3-shot lead in the final round of the Doral by losing to Justin Rose by a shot.   This is a man that is self taught, never been coached, and was bold enough to go out there with a pink driver (dad died of throat cancer) to shoot a final round 68 to beat the likes of Mickelson, Westwood, and overcame Louis Oosthuizen in a sudden death playoff.  Bubba Watson has overcome ADHD to win his first major tournament.

Gobble, Gobble! 

Who does the Turkey of the Week go too?

I would have said the mouth of the Ozzie Guillen for his ill-advised comments he made about his admiration of Fidel Castro.  Of course he was  misinterpreted when he said “I love Fidel Castro.”  He basically said he admires Castro for staying alive/in power this long with everyone out to get him.  He must have forgotten he was in Miami where there is a strong Latin community.  Ozzie is the most defiant person in sports towards authority I have ever seen.  He makes Charles Barkley sound like a role model.  Ozzie being Ozzie, I guess that’s what Manny Ramirez would say.  I thought he was finished as a coach on that remark.  However he only got a 5-game suspension, which seems kind of light, especially when people were calling for his firing.  Either way this is probably far from being over with and if his comments affect butts in the seats, he’s a dead man walking anyway.

The true “Turkey” this time around has to be former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino!  Unfortunately he and his mistress was involved in a motorcycle accident on April 1, 2012.  That motorcycle was coach Petrino’s skeleton in the closet.  Yikes, Petrino is a married man and his mistress is engaged.  He was fired “with cause” because of misleading University of Arkansas about his accident.  His relationship with this woman, for whom he used athletic department funds to hire, was granted an unfair advantage, bypassing 159 other qualified applicants which was a conflict of interest.  He never informs his athletic director that he gave his mistress $20,000 in cash prior to hiring her.  Petrino’s April Fools joke is on him, as he will lose his multi-million dollar buy-out.  Now that’s a REAL TURKEY!

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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Kyle Sefcik Returns to The War Room!

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

MMA Fighter Kyle Sefcik will be back in The War Room this Thursday, April 12th to discuss the upcoming grand opening of MMA & Sport, his group’s new school/training facility in Damascus, Maryland on Saturday, April 14th!

Tune in Thursday, April 12th at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with “K-Sef”!  To tune in, go to www.WarRoomSports.com and click the “Listen Live” button…or dial 323-410-0012 to listen LIVE by phone.

In the meantime, join the War Room Sports Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WarRoomSports and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/WarRoomSports (@WarRoomSports)!

If you are in the Washington, DC/Maryland/Virginia area (“The DMV”) and are interested in attending the MMA & Sport grand opening on Saturday, April 14th, to see Kyle and others, go to http://www.mmaandsport.com/ for the details.  They will have special sign-up rates ON THAT DAY ONLY!

Finally, if you own an Android phone or tablet…an I-Phone, I-Pad, or I-Pod, please go to your Market (Google Play) and/or App Store and download the FREE War Room Sports mobile app!  It’s the VERY BEST way to stay up on all of our media content!

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Philadelphia Phillies 2012 Season Preview

Friday, April 6th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com, hosted by Brandon Pemberton and Chris Marshall (@215_Sports_Guy)

Hunter Pence and Jimmy Rollins need to carry the Phillies offensively while Ryan Howard is out of the lineup.

 

Ever since the Phillies won the 2008 World Series, expectations have been high here in Philly.  This has clearly been one of the best eras of baseball in town since the late 70’s-early 80’s Schmidt and Bowa led squads, and fans now have a “championship or bust” mentality.  How this team plays offensively without Ryan Howard and Chase Utley for a good part of the season will be huge.  Barring injury, the pitching staff should be fine and I’m looking forward to the addition of Jonathan Papelbon as the new closer as well.

The Miami Marlins have added some pieces to go along with their young talent and should be better this season.  The Nationals are a year older and will have a starting rotation of Strasburg, Gonzalez, and Zimmerman at the top and could be potentially a threat.  The Braves fizzled out and lost a 9.5 game wild card lead in September, but also remember, they lost quality starting pitching late in the season as well and the bullpen was overworked something vicious.

So I will breakdown this year’s team by the infield, outfield, and pitching staff, and then give my prediction on regular season wins and how far they get in the playoffs.

Pitching Staff

Starters: This staff is headlined by three aces and Cy Young award candidates: Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and Cliff Lee.  All three had great regular seasons in 2011 and I expect the same this season.  Vance Worley was a pleasant surprise in his rookie year, with an 11-3 record, 3.01 ERA, and 119 K’s in 131.2 innings, and hitters only had a .232 average against him.  Right now, Joe Blanton is penciled in as the fifth starter and the Phillies just need him to be solid, nothing spectacular, make thirty starts give them six plus innings per outing, and don’t give up too many big innings.

Bullpen: Jonathan Papelbon was signed during the offseason to replace Ryan Madson as the Phillies’ closer and the move really looks great now after the news came out that Madson will miss the entire 2012 season with Tommy John’s surgery.  Last season, Antonio Bastardo was great as the only lefty in the bullpen and the Phils will need the same from him this year.  Michael Stutes, a rookie last season, pitched well in the 7th and 8th innings of games and will be the setup man for Papelbon.  This year, lefty Joe Savery will be the 2nd southpaw and that should give Bastardo the needed rest as he wore down at the end of the season.  Kyle Kendrick was given a 2-year contract and will be the Phillies’ long reliever and emergency start if one of the regulars happen to get hurt.

Infield: The Phillies will start the season without their starting right side of the infield as Ryan Howard is still recovering from his ruptured Achilles tendon and Chase Utley is on the shelf to start the season to rehab his bad knees.  Ty Wiggington, John Mayberry Jr., and Jim Thome will all see time at first base and rookie shortstop prospect Freddie Galvis has been moved to second base with the injury to utility infielder Michael Martinez, out until possibly June with a fractured foot.  Pete Orr could also see some time at 2nd base if Gavlis struggles a bit at the plate.

Jimmy Rollins was re-signed during the offseason and his glove and arm are still elite, but the Phillies need him to have a big year at the plate, regardless of his spot in the lineup.  Placido Polanco got off to a hot start last season, but hit well below .200 over the last two months of the season and dealt with back and elbow injuries during the season.

Carlos Ruiz had a hot spring and has been a rock behind the plate for the Phils pitching staff.  He has been a clutch hitter in big spots over the past few years and is a fan favorite here in Philadelphia.  Brian Schneider provides veteran leadership and steady play off of the bench when “Chooch” needs a rest.

Outfield: Shane Victorino is a potential All-Star player for the Phillies and will be the lead-off hitter and catalyst offensively.  He’s also one of the best defensive center fielders in all of baseball.  I would like a better approach at the plate, less strikeouts, and a higher on-base percentage as well.  Hunter Pence is in his first full season as a Phillie and the team needs big-time run production out of him with Howard out of the lineup for a while.  John Mayberry will get his chance to see quality time in the lineup after producing well in spot duty last season.  Juan Pierre adds speed, late game pinch hitting, and running to the Phils and Laynce Nix provides a left-handed bat off of the bench with some pop.

Prediction: The Phillies have an elite pitching staff who will win or keep them close in most games this season.  I’m not worried about pitching with this team as long as they stay healthy.  The question is the Phillies offense and how will they make up for the run production that Ryan Howard has  produced on a yearly basis.  Howard is unfairly scrutinized in Philly, but the numbers don’t lie, he’s been one of the best run producers in baseball over the last five years.  The Phillies will need to play more “small-ball”, cut down on the strikeouts in the lineup, and get timely hits in big spots.  Even with Howard and Utley out for a long period of time and the Marlins and Nationals making moves and having young talent, I still believe the Phils have enough to win the division.  They won’t run away with it like last season.  It will be a closer race than most think.

I really believe this is the year Philadelphia makes it back to the World Series.  I’m not saying they win it, but I predict they play the Detroit Tigers in the fall classic.

94-68, win the N.L. East, and represent the National League in the World Series.

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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