Just a reminder that our show air's on TVCTV 6 times a week. Please see below for the Comcast times and channels.
Sunday - 6pm Channel 21
Monday - 6pm Channel 21
Tuesday - 12am Channel 21
Wednesday - 3pm Channel 11
Saturday - 3am Channel 21
Saturday - 4pm Channel 21
Here's our most recent episode. We take a tour of the Timbers Army Fanladen and talk Timbers.
Our Top 5 for last weeks show was the top 5 ways to make soccer more exciting. Unlike last show I seemed to take this a bit more seriously than Loren did. To hear our thoughts on each you can listen to the April 23rd podcast here.
Derek's top 5:
5. More refs
4. An injured player is out of the game
3. Penalties for flopping
2. Core group of fans
1. No ties
Loren's top 5:
5. Decrease the size of the field
4. Widen the goal
3. Power plays
2. Continue play after a goal
1. Multi-Ball!
Derek
Our Top 5 for last weeks show was the top 5 Signature moves of NBA players. Now this could be both active and inactive players. Loren seemed to take this a bit more seriously than I did. To hear our thoughts on each you can listen to the April 9th podcast here.
Derek's top 5:
5. Malone’s elbows and Stocken’s grabbing
4. The Dream shake
3. Sabas behind the back pass in the lane/no jump one handed rebound.
2. Magloire’s no look dunks
1. Jordan’s tongue
Loren's
5. Shaq's Drop step and seal
4. Jordan's fadaway
3. Allen Iverson's Crossover
2. The Dream shake
1. Kareem's Sky hook
Derek
On our 3.26.10 show Ryan and I through out our predictions for the upcoming MLB season. You can find those here along with Loren's expanded predictions. Enjoy.
Derek
AL West
Seattle
AL Central
Minnesota
AL East
New York
AL Wild Card
Los Angeles Angels
NL West
Colorado
NL Central
Milwaukee
NL East
Philadelphia
NL Wild Card
Los Angeles Dodgers
World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers
Ryan
AL West
Seattle
AL Central
Minnesota
AL East
New York
AL Wild Card
Boston Red Sox
NL West
San Francisco
NL Central
St. Louis
NL East
Philadelphia
NL Wild Card
Los Angeles Dodgers
World Series
New York Yankees
Loren
AL West
Seattle – Competitive last year and only got stronger in the off-season. Biggest threat will be from the Rangers who are on their way back to respectability.
AL Central
Minnesota – Riding a wave of good will and have good young talent at the plate and on the field. Plus, they just know how to get it done.
AL East
New York – Duh. They may very well have purchased another championship. Yawn. I sincerely hope that the Rays or Red Sox take the division, but smart money is on the Yanks.
AL Wild Card
Boston – Their rotation should propel them into the post-season where it’s a bit easier to win a string of 1 and 2 run games. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the AL Championship or World Series.
NL West
LA – I really want to take the Rockies here and they finally have a team that could make it possible, but the Dodgers have the confidence and the bats to take the division. Pitching is a little suspect, but that probably won’t bother them, again, until the post-season.
NL Central
Milwaukee – This is the year the Brewers leap the punchless Cards for the division win. They have a lot of good young players that have now lived through a season of heightened expectations. They won’t be fazed by pressure.
NL East
Philadelphia – Another no-brainer, though I expect the Marlins to be dangerous this year. The Phillies are just too strong top to bottom and, barring serious injuries to multiple players, they’ll walk away with the division.
NL Wild Card
Colorado – I had to put them somewhere, but with their live arms and good young bats, it’s not a stretch for them to make it to the playoffs again.
ALDS
Yankees over Twins 3-2
Mariners over Red Sox 3-2
NLDS
Phillies over Rockies 3-1
Dodgers over Brewers 3-1
ALCS
Mariners over Yankees 4-2
Phillies over Dodgers 4-3
WS
Phillies over Mariners 4-2
With ten games to go in the NBA season the Portland Trail Blazers stand at 43-29 and in a virtual tie with the San Antonio Spurs. As mentioned on the show a couple weeks ago the number the Blazers should be looking for is 49, as in 49 wins to end the regular season. Looking at the competition and remaining schedule, 49 wins should put the Blazers in the 6th or 7th spot, and hopefully a match up with the Dallas Mavericks, a hope that was cemented last night.
Blazers remaining schedule:
At New Orleans
At Oklahoma City
Vs New York
At Denver
At Sacramento
At LA Clippers
Vs Dallas
At LA Lakers
Vs Oklahoma City
Vs Golden State
The Blazers need to go 6-4 to reach the 49 win mark. Going 6-4 in 10 games should be achievable for a team 14 games over .500. However there aren’t 6 gimmie games remaining. They SHOULD win the games against, New Orleans, New York, Sacramento, Clippers and Golden State. That’s 5. Could they pull a 6th out of the remaining 5 games? Sure. But let’s forget about the 49 wins for a second, if this team wants to be considered a serious threat once the playoffs start then they need to go on a tear entering the playoffs, think last year.
1. No losing the above five games that the Blazers SHOULD win.
2. Must take 2 out of the 3 remaining games against division opponents. Two against OKC and one against Denver.
3. No giving up games late.
If the Blazers can follow these three objectives, coupled with last years experience and the addition of veteran toughness, we could see a nice playoff run this year.
Derek
Last episode, Loren and I picked our Top 5 possible Cinderella teams for the NCAA tourney. Below you'll find a list of our predictions and what has taken place after the first two rounds. Remember we picked these teams before the seeding was announced and we chose to include only teams that might be a 10 see or lower.
Loren
5. Virgina Tech - Did not make the tournament field.
4. Utah State - Made the tournament as a 12 seed. Lost first round to Texas A&M by the score of 69-53.
3. Marquette - Made the tournament as a 6 seed. Did not qualify for the list. Lost first round to Washington 80-78.
2. Florida - Made the tournament as a 10 seed. Lost first round to BYU in double OT 99-92.
1. Washington - Made the tournament as a 11 seed. Beat Marquette 80-78 in the first round and beat New Mexico 82-64 in the second round. Will pay West Virgina on 3.25.10 in the Sweet 16.
Derek
5. Cornell - Made the tournament as a 12 seed. Beat Temple in the first round 78-65. Beat Wisconsin in the second round 87-69. Will play Kentucky on 3.25.10 in the Sweet 16.
4. Virgina Tech - Did not make the tournament field.
3. Florida - Made the tournament as a 10 seed. Lost first round to BYU in double OT 99-92.
2. St. Mary's - Made the tournament as a 10 seed. Beat Richmond 80-71 in the first round and beat Villanova 75-68 in the second round. Will play Baylor on 3.26.10 in the Sweet 16.
1. Washington - Made the tournament as a 11 seed. Beat Marquette 80-78 in the first round and beat New Mexico 82-64 in the second round. Will pay West Virgina on 3.25.10 in the Sweet 16.
We have not talked about the Olympics much on the show, other than a top 5 list about a month ago. We decided to put some pics up for your viewing pleasure. These were taken by Meggan, a friend of the show. Thanks Meggan.
USA v Sweden
USA Bobsled
Super G
This past Sunday, 1.31.10, both Loren and I played in the 2010 Roofball World Championships. This marked the 11th World Championship. With a write up posted on at http://www.roofball.org/ I'll concentrate on Loren and I.
I started the day throwing last in the second game. I started off well throwing back to back pings and taking an early lead. I let the score get within 2 before hitting an around to get a double digit lead again. I won my first game, only scoring 30 points a personal all time low for a first game.
Loren came rushing out of the gate in his first game throwing an around and two pings. He finished his game with a career best 46. However he had to settle for a wild card spot since Casey Campbell threw a 50 to win the game.
All of this ended in Loren and I playing in the same game in round 2, along with Roofball creator Adam Willis. Loren started out the game by throwing an over, good for Adam and I terrible for Loren. However only Loren could hit a ping before the 5th inning. After 7 innings the score was tied between Loren and I at 10 while Adam had 8. That's when Adam decided enough was enough and hit pings in his last 3 throws. Loren hit one and I could only yell at the ball each time it hit inches below the pole.
With that Loren and I were out of the tournament. We were interviewed together after the game. Besides giving up a bevy of reasons why we failed, we did get to promote the show, blog, website, and twitter account before they turned the mic away from us.
Despite the monumental fail. We did had a good time, heck it's roofball it's hard not to have a good time. But I'll tell you this, I have a plan...
Derek
Well there are seven games left and I'm down by 7. So from here on out I'll be picking against Loren, who only needs to pick one game right to win. Might as well get the Elway sign ready.
Arizona at New Orleans
Loren - New Orleans. I think my soul would be endangered if I took the Cards, even though I think they have the firepower to hang in with the Saints. Besides, you hate America if you pick against the Saints.
Derek - Arizona. They do have the firepower to stick with the Saints. It's not a huge long shot is it?
Baltimore at Indianapolis
Loren - Indianapolis. On the surface, this looks like another match up of high powered offense versus unbreakable defense. But Indy's D was overlooked for most of the year and people will be surprised how this rested team will be able to shut down Baltimore.
Derek - Baltimore. If the Ravens can rush it like they want too they can win. Their D is good enough to stop Manning. But they must control the ball.
Dallas at Minnesota
Loren - Minnesota. Again, picking against Dallas out of spite. Minnesota should win this game anyway, but anything can happen with Favre taking snaps.
Derek - Dallas is playing the best out of anyone right now. In the playoffs that's the most important thing (see Arizona last yet). Their D can shut down the Viks and their O can run over the Viks.
New York Jets at San Diego
Loren - San Diego. Okay, I flubbed most of the picks last week, but does anyone honestly think the Jets will be able to score against the Chargers, or keep them from scoring? San Diego is head and shoulders above the Bengals and this will be a blowout.
Derek - New York. Sure they are the worst team in the playoffs, sure they have to travel across country, sure the Chargers are great. But hey I'm desperate.
Well, here we are after an interesting season of NFL Pick 'Em, and I believe we enter the playoffs with me ahead by 8. There are only 11 games in the post-season so I'm feeling pretty good. If Derek loses two games directly to me or picks any three games incorrectly, I lock this puppy up. On to the first picks!
NY Jets @ Cincinnati
Loren - Cincinnati. You'll hear more about this on the show next week, but the Jets are the team least deserving of making the playoffs. Don't get me wrong, I believe in their defense, but that's about all this team has made me believe in. In a choice between two former USC QBs, I'm definitely taking Palmer over the rookie Sanchez.
Derek - NY Jets. Luckily for me there are some good games this first week so I think I can pick up some ground. I'd take the Jets here if I were just picking to pick and not trying to catch up. The Jets put the hurt on the Bengals only a week ago, the Bengals have zippo for offense the last three weeks and have to play the best D and best running team in the league. I'm feeling good about this one.
Philadelphia @ Dallas
Loren - Dallas. I hate to do it, but I've got to take Dallas here. Not only did they sweep the regular season matchups, they embarrassed the Eagles last time out. Dallas is on a roll and it comes down to who has the bigger shot of choking. Sorry Eagles fans (Clint, I'm looking at you), I think Romo has progressed enough to lead his team to a playoff victory.
Derek - Philadelphia. The plays were there last week for the Eagles to beat the Cowboys, I think they'll make them this week. Phily has the playoff experience to go the distance. Heck it was only a week ago they were going to be the second seed.
Baltimore @ New England
Loren - New England. The Pats aren't about to let the Ravens knock them out in the first round. Even going into the game a little injured, the Pats have enough weapons and, more importantly, the experience to deal with the Ravens D. I'm calling it right now, though, the Ravens will be a ridiculously good team next year if they get one more quality receiver.
Derek - New England. Yeah I just don't see Baltimore doing much here. Bummer because I only have a few games I can't go against Loren. That's how much I think the Pats will win. The Ravens have a solid D but the DB's can't cover Moss. He could have a big big game.
Green Bay @ Arizona
Loren - Green Bay. They have the momentum and they just put a serious butt kicking on the Cards in the final game of the season. Yes, the Cards sat many of their starters, but this team already has so many questions marks that adding on the psychological burden of that loss might be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. I also have to keep hope alive that GB and Minny will meet down the line.
Derek - Arizona. Man Green Bay is playing well right now, but so are the Cards. They'll get back into the groove playing in a meaningful game at home. If the Packers don't get to Warner, expect it to be a landslide.
We're going to subject you to some extra pontification this week and give you a shot of college football bowl game pick 'em along with our NFL picks. Lucky you!
Let's start it off with the BCS games.
BCS National Championship - Texas v. Alabama
Loren - Texas. What I refer to as the BS National Championship, at least until a playoff system is instituted, should be a grand example of why the current system is broken. Yes, both of these teams are good, but neither is a juggernaut and there will be plenty of teams out there thinking they could have had a shot against them. Great offense versus great defense is rarely a formula for a great game and this will likely be no different, but I expect Texas will have enough firepower to pull this one out.
Derek - Alabama. I thought Texas might be the team to beat all year long, until I watched the Big 12 Championship game. The Longhorns O looked terrible, sure Nebraska has a good D but so does Alabama. I could see this game being a blowout.
Rose Bowl - Ohio St v. Oregon
Loren - Oregon. Honestly, if I didn't take Oregon I would probably have reason to fear for my life, but I'm not just taking them to preserve my health. Oregon's offense has come together and really is a juggernaut. Meanwhile, Ohio St is...unmemorable. Seriously, when was the last time Ohio St had a team with the same record yet was so underwhelming? If Oregon is smart, they'll blitz the hell out of Pryor, especially considering the mobility issues with his knee.
Derek - Oregon. Like there's a chance I wouldn't take'em. Ohio State gets beat by speed, Oregon has more speed than Ohio State has seen since the 07 championship game. Oregon's O is nothing like OSU has seen since the 07 championship game. OSU has a megar O. Does any of thise add up to a Buckeye victory? No.
Sugar Bowl - Cincinnati v. Florida
Loren - Florida. I'm not buying the hype that Florida will be too distracted and won't bring their A game, and you can bet Tebow will do his best to make sure that doesn't happen. He's already lost a shot at another national title so he'll come into the game determined to salvage the season and go out a winner. Cincy has enough speed on both sides of the ball to stay competetive though, and this is one of the games I'm most looking forward to.
Derek - Florida. The Gators are just a better team, they play well in big games and should simply overwhelm the Bearcats. Cincy is a good story but it's unraveling for them with the Kelly departure. Gators big.
Fiesta Bowl - Boise St. v. TCU
Loren - TCU. TCU may not have played the best competition but, with the exception of Oregon, Boise St. played no one. The talk is about TCU's defense versus the offense of Boise St., but that's a simplistic view. TCU averaged over 40 points per game and has a better rushing attack. Defense plus the ability to run the clock and grind out yards will win the day for TCU. Of course, that's what people thought when Boise St. upset Oklahoma. All in all this looks to be a great game, but it's a shame neither of these teams were allowed to prove themselves against major conference teams.
Derek - TCU. This might be the best of the BCS games, and I'd rather see a good game then either of these teams playing Cincy or Iowa. That being said TCU just looks too dominate on both sides of the ball, in fact I'd take them over any team in the country right now. I think they'd beat Alabama, Texas or Florida. BSU had another good year but they have the most to prove. They have to play well in this game.
Orange Bowl - Iowa v. Georgia Tech
Loren - Georgia Tech. Also known as the "What? These teams are playing in a major bowl game? Yawn." Bowl. I can't really find anything to say about this game other than at least neither of these teams are playing in one of the other BCS bowls.
Derek - Georgia Tech. At one point in the season I thought GT was a top 5 team. They have the O to score on anyone. Iowa has been living on barrowed time for much of the year and yes it caught up with them somewhat but they still owe something to the football gods.
____________________________________________________________________________________
On to some NFL action. I'm sitting on a comfortable lead and I'm thankful since this week could prove disastrous. Several teams may sit starters this week to avoid injury, but that doesn't mean their opponents have a gimme. Tough picks this week, which is the way we like it.
Pittsburgh @ Miami
Loren - Miami. So I got the Steelers/Ravens game right last week, but the Steelers really didn't do much to convince me they're playing at their peak. I don't know, maybe they are and that's why they're likely out of the playoff picture. Meanwhile, Miami is trying to show that they'll be a force next year. I'd rather not give Derek the chance to take the Steelers here, but I really believe Miami can take this one at home.
Derek - Pittsburgh. I'd love to pick Miami, but this might be one of the best opportunities to make up some ground. The Steelers have played well the last two weeks, while the Dolphins have not, so that SHOULD work to my advantage.
New England @ Houston
Loren - New England. Reports are that Brady will play, but we don't know for how long. Even so, I like their ability to make plays down the field. Plus, you know, they're playing Houston.
Derek - New England. The easy call of the week. The Pats are playing well and know that they need a rhythm going into the playoffs, they won't take much time off.
Green Bay @ Arizona
Loren - Green Bay. Both of these teams have seeding to play for, so expect to see the starters all day long unless the game turns into a blowout. I like Green Bay for the simple reason that they have just a little more momentum. They are 6-1 in their last seven games, with the lone loss the heartbreaker against the Steelers. They showed no ill effects from that loss, though, in trouncing Seattle last week.
Derek - Arizona. Home games for the Cards have not been a good thing, but they seem to know how to play down the stretch. Warner will come out and have a big game letting the NFC know that they are the reigning champs.
Philadelphia @ Dallas
Loren - Philadelphia. I don't like this pick one bit, but you'll never catch me taking Dallas unless I believe the other team has absolutely no shot against them. Obviously, Philly can take the division with a win, but they would also end up with a first round bye. Expect them to play out of their minds in this game so they can get the extra week of rest.
Derek - Dallas. Again I have to take a chance to pick up some points. I think Philly is a better team, but Dallas is playing well and they have the huge home field advantage.
Cincinnati @ New York Jets
Loren - Jets. New York has everything to play for, while Cincinnati can only damage their playoff prospects through injury. The only reason for Cincy to play their starters is to keep the Jets from thinking they can hang with the Bengals in a potential post-season matchup. Still, it's likely the Bengals will pull their starters before long and let the Jets walk away with the win.
Derek - Jets. The chances are just too big that the Bengals will pack it up mid-way through the game. I don't like the Jets, they should not make the playoffs but I think they'll take this game.
Where am I? Seven games eight games down? Oh jeez, who knows. Only a few weeks left, time to make a move. San Diego @ Tennessee Loren – San Diego. I was going to take the Titans until I realized that half their team will miss the rest of the season with injuries. It’s hard to win when your offensive players have to sub on defense. Derek - San Diego. Titans are winning but so is San Diego, San Diego is better therefore I'll take the Chargers. Baltimore @ Pittsburgh Loren – Pittsburgh. Can’t get on the Ravens bandwagon again, even though it looks like their offense may have found an identity with Rice. The Steelers are just willing themselves to the post-season and Tomlin isn’t going to allow his team to lay an egg in this game. Derek - Baltimore. The Steelers look baaaaaaaad, really baaaaaad, I just mean they look bad, get where I'm going with this one? Houston @ Miami Loren – Miami. Can the Dolphins recover from the gut punch last week against the Titans? I wouldn’t be picking (ooh, painful word for Miami fans)... choosing them to win if I didn’t think they could. Derek - Miami. I'm riding them for the rest of the year. They'll win cause they have to, but it's too late for both of these teams. Jacksonville @ New England Loren – New England. It’s about time the Patriots had one of those games where they embarrass the other team and remind fans that this is still an incredibly talented team that can utterly destroy you on any given day. Who better to be on the receiving end than an emotionally drained Jaguars team? Derek - New England. This is the easy pick of the week, even I could get it right. Well I think so. The Pats are just a plain better team, the Jags will be playing in cold weather. Denver @ Philadelphia Loren – Philadelphia. This is a coin toss. I’m effectively punishing myself for being a Broncos fan after their inexcusable loss to the Raiders last week. And since Derek’s in panic mode he has to pick the other team. Go on, Derek, take the Broncos. I dare you. Derek - Denver. Dare accepted.
The Blazers pulled out a very good win tonight. Of course another horrible injury happened. Joel Pryzbilla suffered a ruptured patella tendon and dislocated patella and will be out for the year.
However there is good news according to ESPN, Travis Outlaw and Brandon Roy have combined forces in some sort of transformer move and become one player. See article below.
Derek and I both took Indy in Thursday night's game, so I've still got a 7 game lead heading in this weekend's contests.
This will be a quick one, just the Thursday night game. We broke even last week, so I'm still down 7.
Indy at Jacksonville.
Derek - Indy. Colts will play all thier regulars. They'll win and the Jags will need bigtime help to make the playoffs.
Loren - Indy. I don't care if the Colts rest their starters in the second helf, they'll win.
Derek managed to make up two more games last week, mostly because I went all underdog happy. Won't make that mistake again now that I'm only 7 up. I'd like to appologize for not picking the San Diego vs. Dallas game.
New Orleans @ Atlanta
Loren - New Orleans. If it ain't broke...
Derek - New Orleans. Pretty easy call with all the injuries to the Falcons, of course it might be an easy call even with a healthy Atlanta team.
Miami @ Jacksonville.
Loren - Miami. The Dolphins are the more consistent team and are rallying around Henne and Ricky Williams. They should be able to control the clock even better than the Jaguars.
Derek - Miami. The battle for Florida, we'll leave TB out of that conversation. This game has big playoff implications. A lose by either team and they are most likely out. I'll take the Dolphins cause, well I'm a Dolphins fan.
Denver @ Indianapolis
Loren - Indianapolis. Yes, the Broncos have won two straight with big offensive days, but the Giants and the Chiefs aren't on the same level as the Colts. This one, unfortunately, shouldn't be close.
Derek - Indianapolis. Once again, I'll pick them until they prove me wrong.
Cincinnati @ Minnesota
Loren - Minnesota. I think the Vikes are officially concerned about home field advantage, which should push them to get back to a pounding style offense focused on Peterson. Or at least that's what I want to happen for fantasy purposes. Too much to ask?
Derek - Cincinnati. I have to pick something differant than Loren and some point. Might as well be the srprise team of the year.
Arizona @ San Francisco
Loren - Arizona. The Cardinals show more poise when Warner's behind center and their new found defensive intensity should be too much for Alex Smith.
Derek - San Franciso. Call this my going out on a limb pick, but the 49ers can control the ball and that is what you have to do to be the Cards.
I was able to make up one game last week so I still have a long ways to make up and time is running out. Of course there are worse things like Oden going down for the year.
Philadelphia at Atlanta
Derek – Philadelphia . With Matt Ryan out I’m not sure if the Falcons are even a decent team, sure the Eagles are without Westbrook (as always) and Jackson (only decent receiver) but they are used to playing out manned.
Loren - Philadelphia. I'd like to take the Falcons here, but Philly has more overall talent and they need this game so Eagles fans can get excited before Andy Reid and McNabb rip their hearts out again.
Tennessee at Indianapolis
Derek – Indianapolis. Not much to say here, sure the Titans are playing well, but this is the Colts at home.
Loren - Indianapolis. Something's up in Tennessee and this pick doesn't feel safe at all. Are we seeing redemption for Vince Young? Are we seeing the first loss for Indy? Am I hedging my bets in case my pick turns out wrong?
Houston at Jacksonville
Derek – Jacksonville. I think this is the first time this year that we’ve had Jacksonville on the list. For that reason alone I’ll pick them.
Loren - Houston. Lost a heartbreaker to the Colts last week, but I'm convinced this team is on the right track. Big play ability, grind it out back with speed, decent and developing QB, and they know they can win. Just got to put it all together.
Dallas at New York Giants
Derek – Dallas. Dallas is just playing well right now while the Giants are not, sure in a rivalry game like this anyone can win, but that being said what else is there to go on besides your gut feeling.
Loren - Dallas. I so, so badly want to pick the Giants but I just can't. Eli is hurt worse than he's letting on and that loss to Denver was a kick in the teeth. I'm not sure these usually gutty Giants can pull it together this year.
Baltimore at Green Bay
Derek – Green Bay . Not sure why I’m picking Green Bay here. Home game? Maybe. Better record? Not really. Just a feeling.
Loren - Baltimore. I really think Green Bay will win this game, but I'm picking Baltimore just to be contrary, and as self-punishment for getting these picks in late. Hey, the Ravens have a puncher's chance, right?
