Trade Deadline Day: SNOOOOWWW DAY

It's March! And there's Snow everywhere!!!!!

And in New York, they're probably a little more tired of Snow than we are...  (I'll get to that later)

You guys probably care more about the David Legwand trade, donchya?

I think this was a panic deal from Mr. Holland.  A last second "OH SHIT WE NEED A CENTER" deal due to the Weiss set back, Pavel's knee, and Helm's headaches...

But... We gave up a 3rd(2nd if we make the playoffs,) Patrick Eaves (who's days as a Wing were done) and Calle Jarnkrok, who is actually a good-rated prospect.

The price, compared to other deals done yesterday... was WAY too high, another sign that it's a panic deal, in my mind...

But I like the deal.  Legwand is a hometown guy, unrestricted at the end of the year, but a center.  So we needed him.
He's not having a bad year thus far either, not a great year, but not a bad year.

I like this deal.  It's a player we need, a player who could resign (if Ken wants him and Legwand takes a pay cut.)

What's interesting is Jarnkrok was untouchable a year ago.  We refused to include him in a possible Ignlina deal.
Rumor has it, he was very displeased with a lack of a call up this season, and wanted to be at the NHL level next year or he was going to bolt for Swedish Elite League.
If that's the case... I wouldn't want him on the team next year anyways.  Attitudes and egos must be checked at the door when you're apart of this organization.

But if he becomes a 40 goal scorer in Nashville (which he won't) then I'll say this is the worst deal ever.

I know the counter argument is WHAT'S THE POINT WE AREN'T CUP CONTENDERS.

If you get in, you're a contender in the NHL that is a fact.  We took the champs to 7 games last year, anything can happen now.
Go for the playoffs, roll the dice, get some guys back and let's make a run.

Back to Snow in New York...

Garth Snow blows it AGAIN.
Trades Moulson for Vanek... Vanek refuses extension with Isle (do you blame him?) so he has to trade Vanek.
What does he get?
A scrub prospect and a second round pick.

Brilliant.

Hey Kenny, how come ya didn't make that phone call?

Olympic Puck Prediction Time!

Gather round kids! It's time for Olympic Puck!

Take a break from all that curling action I know you're watching (I'm not kidding either, watch it.)
(I heart Eve Muirhead, CALL ME?!?!?)
Anyways, the event that I care most about starts today at noon, so for the record, I got my predictions post up before the pucks dropped.  You may just be reading it after some games played. Lazy people... why didn't you wake up for the first games?!?! Or at least read my blog...

So I'm gonna cut right to the chase, medal predictions because that's all we care about.

Bronze: The Ruskis of Mother Russia
This'll be disappointing for the host nation, but hey at least they'll end the Olympics with a win?  Russia is strong, but so are the rest of the Olympic squads.  Russia's advantage is home ice advantage.  The Russian crowds have been loud for curling, just imagine what they'll be like for hockey?
Key to success: Pavel Datsyuk.
The health of their captain will be key to their success.  Sergei Bobrovski called him the leader of their team and their best player.  (Not Ovechkin, Dan Patrick, stop being stupid.)  If Pavel is healthy enough to be Pavel for Russia, they could easily find themselves in the gold medal game in their home country.  I just think the teams I put ahead of them are too strong.
Speaking of teams ahead of them...

Silver: Team Canada
The favorites of every hockey tournament every year and defending gold medal winners are going DOWN!  Which is hard to predict, because they're so damn good.  Mike Babcock is at the helm and has been hush hush about his starters, but as for forward lines it literally doesn't matter.  They have the best forwards in the tournament.  John Tavares is slotted to be their fourth line center. Tavares. Fourth center.  Let that sink in...
Key to success: Whoever the hell is in net.
Four years ago, Martin Brodeur started and struggled. The Canadians switched to Bobby Lou and won gold.  This year Bobby Lou is back... but probably as their third or backup goalie.  Carey Price is probably favored to get the initial start and Mike Smith is also in the mix.  Whichever one they pick, he won't nearly be as talented as the goalie they go against in a gold medal game, which brings me to this...

Gold: USA USA USA
Aaaahhh was there any doubt who I'd predict? Logic be damned!
Well even without my tremendous homerism, the United States has a legitimate chance at taking home the gold.  Between the pipes will be arguable the best goalie in the NHL with Jonathan Quick.  The forwards are good and most of the team played in the 2010 games so there's experience and cohesion. Shocked to see Bobby Ryan and Jack Johnson left off the team, we'll see how those decisions turn out...
Keys to succes: Patrick Kane and Phil Kessel
Why those two? Cuz they're my favorites.  And they're big time players.  Patrick Kane was the best US forward 4 years ago and loves the international stage.  If those two goal scorers are scoring goals, the Americans will be in great shape.
Also, i want Jimmy Howard to play ONE GAME. But it won't happen...

Teams to watch out for to totally bust up my predictions:
Sweden: Sweden won gold the last time the games were in Europe on the gigantic ice.  They have six Red Wings and Jonathan Ericsson's older brother so you know they're good.  They also have King Henrick in net.  I have them finishing fourth right now. Just cuz. Also, one of the Sedins pulled out, so that's like losing two players cuz one can't play without the other.  That's how twins work, right?
Finland:
The Fins have arguable the best goaltending trio in the Olympics with Annti Niemi, Kari Lehtonen, and Tuuka Rask.  But the Fins suffered three big losses when Valteri Filppula (yeah that guy) Mikko Koivu and Saku Koivu all pulled out from the team.  They'll go as far as their goaltending can take em.
All the other teams except for Latvia and Slovenia.
Those two teams aren't quite as good... especially Slovenia.  They have Jan Mursak.  Remember him? No?  Red Wing prospect who flamed out and is now in the KHL.  He shoots right handed so I'd take him back any day, but that's neither here nor there.

USA takes on the Slovaks of Slovakiatown tomorrow at 7:30 AM watch it live or else twitter, or ESPN phone app or your neighbor's dog will spoil it for you.  They always do...

NBC sucks at covering Olympics.

The Winter Classic.

Aaahhh Back from a nice Winter break.  How was everyone's Christmas and New Year's?  Hope it was all swell.

Quite a lot of stuff happened over break. The Lions blew it, Schwartz got canned, Michigan never showed up and Michigan State won the Rose Bowl (Congrats Spraty...

But I have something to share with you all. An experience like no other.

I was fortunate to be one of the 105,000+ to be crammed and huddled up in the Big House for the 2014 Winter Classic between our beloved Detroit Red Wings and Original 6 rival Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now unfortunately, The Leafs came out ahead via the dreaded shootout, but it didn't sully the moment even one iota...

Okay maybe it did, but still, The Winter Classic is an experience like no other.

The atmosphere of this game was unmatched by any other sporting event I had the good fortune to attend.  Wings fans and Leafs fan came in droves but both participated in good natured ribbing, rather than drunken belligerence.
Every "Let's Go Red Wings" was followed with "Go Leafs Go."
The roar of the crowd when Alfredsson scored to give Detroit a 1-0 lead was unlike any other roar I had ever heard at a hockey game.
Except for the one that came after Abdelkader scored the tying goal at 2-2.

The Winter Classic was an experience.  One I hope others get a chance to experience in the future.  I think Detroit/Ann Arbor proved it was the perfect host...

(only problem is Big House seating is... well Big House seating.  And I got like the worst Winter Classic card four pack ever.  Really ticked me off.

And how cool were the Alumni Games?  Those was the most fun I ever had watching a hockey game. Especially the second game when it was just a flood of childhood nostalgia.  Federov should think of coming back... we need some scoring and depth at center...  He could still do it.

I hope you all had a great holiday period and enjoyed time with your family.

Same Old Lions... Again...

Aaaaahhhhhh They did it to us again.  From the jaws of victory, the Lions snatch away defeat.

Now they no longer control their playoff destinies.

Lions Football Baby.

The Lions lost on Monday Night football in the most important game of the season 18-16 after Justin Tucker nailed his sixth field goal of the game from 61 yards that barely made it in the bottom right corner.

The defense played more than good enough to secure the win, only allowing field goals, but after am opening-drive touchdown, the offense stalled the rest of the way.

It was until they fell down 15-10 that they made back into the end zone to take a 16-15 lead.

But it wasn't meant to be.  In typical Lions fashion, they lose on a 61 yard field goal.

Matthew Stafford the fearless leader then threw a pick on the first throw with 30 seconds left.  We had all three timeouts, so the situation should have called for complete any pass to get us going. Instead, Stafford over threw Burlesson and it was intercepted by Elam.

Staff threw 3 second half picks, including a pick on 3rd and 2 in the fourth quarter in their own territory that luckily only yielded a field goal that could have put the game out of reach had Baltimore got a touchdown.

The Lions were in the driver's seat.  Cutler was hurt, Rodgers was hurt, and we had the easiest schedule remaining in the league.  I warned everyone in my sports writing class not to get too excited.  They said I was "too cynical" and that these weren't the "same old Lions."

Sometimes I hate being right...

Catch Up on Things I Care About

Sorry for the delay bearded followers, but I've been out of commission for a bit, got run over by a car.
That's not a joke, I did.  Only fractured a rib so it's all good.  Just sore.

Anyways, I've missed a few things whilst I was gone, so here's a few short comments about stuff you already know about.

• Famous Jameis WInston won the Heisman in a landslide.  No surprise there.  However, 13% of voters completely left him off their ballot.  I guess they weren't satisfied with the legal system giving him the all clear.
• Michigan led almost the entire game at home against the number one team in the country, but found a way to squander an 11 point second half lead, and an eight point lead with 5 minutes left.  Yes, plenty of time, but they should have found a way.  GRIII disappeared down the stretch, but he looked amazing in the first half.  Can't wait for him to play a full 40 with that effort.
• Navy beat Army for the 12th straight time, winning this bout 34-7.  An absolute route.  It's a shame because I look forward to that game every year.  It's my absolute favorite game to watch.  No rivalry will ever match it because it isn't about pure hatred.  It's about respect... and a little bit of hate.  If you've never watched an Army Navy game you must.  The Bearded One commands it!
• Tottenham suffered their worst home loss in like forever, losing 5-0 to Liverpool. I haven't heard any official announcement, but word on the street is this loss has cost Andre Villas-Boas his job.  Good.  His tactics have been extremely frustrating for all the Spurs fans out there.  His insistence on inverted wingers and only one forward have hampered Tottenham's ability to produce goals.  They're the only team who hasn't score more than twice in a game.

The Lions take on the Ravens tomorrow in a mucho important game because the Bears won today.  I expect the Lions to lose.  Because their the Lions.  No other reason is really needed.

Oh and I guess I can officially announce this now.  

Your's truly, has earned an internship position with MLive covering high school basketball starting in January.  This is a great opportunity, and I am super stoked.  I'll be sure to link you guys my articles.

Take it easy y'all, enjoy your Sunday

Same Old Lions: The Snow Bowl Edition

And from the jaws of victory, the Detroit Lions miraculously find snatch away a defeat from the Philadelphia Eagles in a snowy mess of a football game.

In typical Lions fashion, the fourth quarter came and suddenly professional football players forgot how to play...
(And officials forgot the rules a bit too)

But do not blame this on the referees.  Yes, the Eagles had a touchdown because of a highly highly highly highly questionable roughing the passer call.
But Jeremy Ross didn't care.

Instead blame the Lions inability to figure out that McCoy got his footing back and was burning them on the same cutback draw play after play after play.
Blame Dominic Raiola for confusing a motion sign for a snap it sign.  Then Stafford for not just diving on the ball.
Blame the Lions for managing zero rushing yards in the fourth quarter in conditions that dictated an importance of running the ball.
Philly figured that out.  Detroit did not.

This was a game we've seen a thousand times in Detroit.  Just with the added bonus of snow.
Every time this team appears to turn a corner, the Same Old Lions creep their heads around the corner and go "pssstt I got somethin for ya buddy."

Next thing you know you wake up in a field in Nebraska without your phone, wallet or pants.

Luckily for the Lions we still have the important edge over the Bears.  But it would be nice to be able to control our own destiny and actually take control of it.

But hey... at least we're not the Vikings.

Roses are Green, Ohio is Blue

Michigan State takes down Ohio State 24-24 and claims the Big Ten title and it's first trip to the Rose Bowl since the `87 season.

And exciting game from start to finish, Michigan State was able to grind out a victory on the ground led by tailback Jeremy Langford, who became the first back to run for over 100 yards against Ohio State this year.
He finished with 128 yards and his 26 yard touchdown run with just over two minutes left sealed the upset win for the Spartans.

Defense still wins championships.  After the offensive shootout of the SEC championship, it was refreshing to see a key defensive stand set up the game sealing touchdown.
It's refreshing to see defense at all in this day and age of college football lets be real here.

The game was ridiculously back and forth.  Why ridiculously?
MSU scored the first 17
OSU the next 24
MSU the final 17.
How silly is that?

Conor Cook was named the game's MVP throwing 3 touchdowns, a pick, and 304 yards, leading his victory to the Rose Bowl.

Pound Green, Pound.  Michigan State pounded the rock and beat OSU by playing their game.  A championship well deserved.

Didn't I tell you guys that MSU would win?  Cuz I picked Ohio.

You're welcome East Lansing, now Sparty on to Pasadena.

Big Ten Title: OSU vs MSU

One team everyone expected.  The other, only the diehard fans expected.

Michigan State and Ohio State square off tomorrow for the rights to a trip to Pasadena.
Same destination, but two different goals.

The undefeated and second ranked Buckeyes look to represent the Big Ten in the National Championship against (most likely Florida State.

Whilst Michigan State looks to earn its first trip back to the Rose Bowl since 1987.

Two teams enter!  Both will leave! But only one can win! (EPIC VOICE OVER)

WHO WILL IT BE?!?!

The opposite of whatever I pick...
So I should pick... Ohio State then right?

Okay for seriousness though, I'm taking the Buckeyes, but in a close one.

Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde are a two man wrecking crew.  It's hard to keep them both in check, especially Miller who has become a legit passing threat under Urban Meyer.
The defense isn't spectacular, I mean Michigan put 41 points up on them, but it should be good enough to stop MSU's offense, which is ten times better than it was at the beginning of the season.

If any team (in the Big Ten) is gonna beat Ohio State, it's gonna be MSU.
Michigan State defends better than anyone in the conference and it's not even a debate.  MSU has the top ranked rush defense and are fully capable of neutralizing Ohio State's rushing attack.

A low-scoring affair favors the Spartans.
But if it turns into a shootout, the Buckeyes will take it.

I'm going 31-24, Ohio State wins and stays undefeated.

But I desperately hope I'm wrong.

Thoughts?  Comments, questions, concerns?

Unluck of the Draw: US Gets Group of Death

The World Cup groups are now official and it's confirmed:  The United States of America are in the "Group of Death."

The US, which were the highest ranked team (17) in pot C for the draw, are now the third best ranked team in their group, which consists of Germany (4) Portugal (16) and Ghana (23.)

Things could not have gone much worse for the Americans.

The Yanks have come along way in soccer, and have a chance at advancing, but unfortunately for the US their trip to Brazil just got a little more unpleasant.


As it stands right now, I don't see the US getting more than three points, four points at best if they draw Portugal.  But they could get less than that very easily as well.

But they could get more.

Germany will run the table of this group.  They are a powerhouse and a World Cup favorite.  "But Dave, didn't we beat Germany?"  Yes we did... their B and C team.  Germany is my early World Cup pick, I see them cruising through the group.

Ghana worries me.  Not only because they've knocked us out of the past two World Cup teams but they have strong center backs and fast, youthful forwards that could wreak havoc on our slow, inexperienced back line.

And Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo, who's probably ecstatic at the though of playing against the aforementioned back line.  But Portugal is beatable... Their keeper is questionable and so is their team speed outside of CRon.

With Groups like C and H existing, the US definitely got the short end of the stick, and now face the very likely scenario of an early Brazil exit.

Let's hope I'm wrong.

Here are the group drawings

Jurgen Klinsmann's thoughts

Fister Traded, Nathan Added

Well this has been a busy two days for Los Tigres.

Yesterday, we were shocked with the Doug Fister trade to the Nationals for utility man Steve Lombardozzi, Robbie Ray and Ian Krol.

Not exactly the return Tiger fans wished for when the news broke Fister was traded.
Quite frankly, I don't blame them.  We got a switch hitting Don Kelly, (wannabe cuz no one can be Don Kelly,) a minor league starter and a bullpen guy.

Ian Krol will probably have the most immediate impact player.  Lombardozzi will make the team, but probably as a Ramon Santiago replacement.  Or even, as inconceivable as this may seem, replace Don Kelly, who just signed a 1-yr $1 mil deal hours before the trade.

Robbie Ray isn't there yet, so he'll probably have a year starting in Toledo.

The arms are solid arms with potential, both Ray and Krol are 22 years-old.

But as Dombrowski said after the trade, "we're not done."

Today it was announced the Tigers have agreed in principal to a deal with free agent closer Joe Nathan.
The deal is reportedly worth $20 million over two years.
Nathan, 39, posted 43 saves in 46 opportunities, a solid era of 1.39 ERA and a .90 WHIP

I don't need to tell you guys that Nathan has been a Tiger killer throughout his big league career, but I will anyways... Because I care.

Nathan is a perfect 36-for-36 in save opportunities against Detroit with an ERA of 1.44 and 10 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
So if ya can't beat em, get him to join your team.

In other baseball news, my coveted free agent Carlos Beltran is reportedly close to signing with KC, so once again I hope the plan isn't for Detroit to sign Shin-Soo Choo.
And no, I don't want him because of that reason that is in your head.  I don't want him because he hits about as well as I do against lefties, with just as many strikeouts.  He's going to cost too much money for a guy that is so easy to get out in the playoffs.
I say playoffs because that's when managers carry an extra pitcher.  He would never face a righty in a late-game situation in the postseason.

But I digress.  Yes, I understand the hate towards the Fister trade.  In fact I'm on your side.  A guy with as much on-paper value as Fister, the return should have been much higher.  Teams have gotten more for rent-a-players than we got for giving up a guy that has two-years of club control left.

But, keep the faith in Dombrowsi.  Remember the Granderson deal?  Looked bad to us fans then, maybe he struck gold again.

Brady Hoke Gutsy Decision, Right or Wrong?

Michigan lost to Ohio State as many of us predicted... But they lost by a single point, and not by like 20... which is what I thought.

Michigan rallied from down 14 in the fourth quarter to tie it, gave up the lead, marched down the field and scored to tie it again...

So we all thought.

Brady Hoke, with one timeout and 35 seconds (give or take) left elected to go for the win right then and there.

A stone-cold cohonas kinda move...

Unfortunately, like everything else this season... It did not go according to plan.
Gardner threw into coverage and was picked off trying to throw to Dileo... To Little Drew Dileo.

I believe it was the right decision but the wrong play call.
Michigan literally had nothing left to play for except this game.  OSU is undefeated and has aspirations of being in the National Title.
Why not try to ruin your arch rivals hopes and dreams on one play?

I am okay with the triple stack formation, but the play should have been Funchess post/fade to the corner and throw a jump ball.  The move would have (most likely) isolated him on an undersized corner or safety.  Plus he used his height and athleticism to score on the previous play.

Regardless, Michigan failed.  Came up short.  Once again.

This season goes down as an utter failure.  A win against Ohio State would have just made it taste worse.  Like adding salt to really dry and bland potatoes.  It's still terrible, but hey, at least it tastes less like cardboard.

Lions Dominate; End 0-9 Thanksgiving Drought

Who woulda thunk it?  The Lions absolutely man-handled the Packers 40-10 to get themselves back in the drivers seat for the Division title.
After two really bad losses, this win is mucho importante.  (awwwyeah fake Spanish.)

The Lions put up 600 yards of offense.  AND turned the ball over four times.  It was nice to see the Lions not let setbacks kill them like they did the past two weeks.

Imagine if they had taken care of business against Pittsburgh and Tampa?

The Army of Cheeseheads will of course point to the fact hat Rodgers did not play.  But let's face the facts children.  Flynn was sacked seven times.  Rodgers would have been pretty much just as ineffective if the Packers blocked the same way.

This game was won on the because the Lions dominated the trenches.  Green Bay could not run nor could they stop the run.  And when you can't stop the Lions from running, Matthew Stafford is going to have a very good day, and he did, minus his interceptions.

This was the best the Lions looked pretty much all season.

But if they want to be a real playoff threat, they have got to cut down the turnovers.

Four turnovers in a playoff game won't end this well.

It's just nice to see the Lions overcome the typical Lions mistakes.

Enjoy this win Lions fans, and of course,  Happy Thanksgiving.

The Prince has Left the Building

In huge major news, that I saw no rumors of beforehand...

The Tigers have traded Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for Ian Kinsler.  Straight up.

Dave Dombrowski just proves to us all once again that he is the mad wizard of trading.  This is an unbelievably amazing trade for both teams, but especially our Tigers.

This has huge implications beyond picking up a stud second baseman with a legitimate bat.  This deal opens the gateway for more moves, and and and I can't control my excitement!

First of all, Miggy will probably be moving back to first base.  He will happily do it.  He wants to win.  He moved to 1st, back to 3rd, I don't see why he wouldn't do it again.

But why would he move to first? You so thoughtlessly wonder...  Cuz Nick Castellanos is moving back to his natural position of third base.  He had been in left field for 17 months just because we needed to find him a spot.  Well now he's playing third and we'll see if those years of holding on to him were worth it.  I am convinced he's going to be a stud.

Kinsler provides a consistent top of the order bat who can hit leadoff or second.  Might be Jackson, Kinsler, Hunter, Miggy, V-Mart for the 1-5 next season.  Get excited about that people.

On the other side of this, this will be good for Texas and Prince.  Arlington has a "jet stream" for left handed hitters that make it very easy for hitters like Prince to hit 40+ bombs.  It's a very friendly home run park, and as we learned these past two years, if Prince isn't hitting bombs, he's hitting pop ups or grounders to the second baseman.

But remember this, while both have big contracts, nothing quite compares to the contract we were stuck with when it comes to Prince Fielder.  Ideally, he would have been an anchor for... nine years (still can't say it without laughing.)  But bottom line is he had $168 million of guaranteed money left.  Kinsler has around $62 million left.  That's $100 million saved. ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS.

Dr. Evil would be proud.

Here's the deal.  That money can go to Mad Maxwell and Miggy because they'll be due a lot of money soon.  Also frees up money to reshape that bullpen, and hopefully bring in Joe Nathan.  Veteran closer, wants to win, still has great stuff, mutual interest, perfect fit.

Also, expect a Porcello deal to bring in a possible new left fielder and bullpen.

Get excited people.

Brother Rice Tops Archrival Catholic Central on Late Touchdown

Two legendary high school coaches squared off for what could be the final time Saturday night as Brother Rice and Catholic Central renewed their rivalry.

And in his swan song season, it was Brother Rice’s Al Fracassa that bested Catholic Central’s Tom Mach 28-21 on a touchdown drive in the final minute of the game.

Brother Rice quarterback Alex Malzone led the Warriors down the field on an 83-yard drive capped off by a 35-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Sparks.  Sparks bobbled the ball, but regained possession and dove for the pylon.

“Pat (Sparks) made a great play for me,” Malzone said of the game-winning touchdown grab.

Malzone finished the day with two touchdowns, one interception and 174 yards passing on 12-of-18 passing. 

In the loss, CC quarterback Sean Birney threw for a touchdown and ran for another one.  He also had a 78-yard run to set up CC’s third touchdown, a four-yard score by CC running back Connor Holton.

The Shamrocks drop their first game of the season, falling to 4-1 (1-1) on the season.  Losing to the Brother Rice is never easy to take for anyone who identifies as a Shamrock, current or alumnus.

“I hate Brother Rice,” said CC alum Michael Bennett, in attendance at Saturday night’s showdown, “Great game, but hate losing to them.”

Brother Rice remains undefeated at 5-0 (2-0) and look like a strong candidate to win the Catholic League regular season title after defeating their undefeated rival.

A rematch at the end of the season is possible, so the two long-term coaches could meet for one final time at Ford Field with the Catholic League Title on the line.

Coach Mach leads the all-time series 24-20.

Tottenham Dominate Dinamo Tbilisi 5-0

Thursday saw Tottenham Hotspurs get their Europa competition begin as they traveled to the Republic of Georgia to take on the countries top club, Dinamo Tbilisi. Your guess is as good as mine in how to say it.

It was competition number two without Gareth Bale as he nurses his foot injury, which we all know means as he sits on his ass thinking about what he's gonna do with his big new Real Madrid contract.  And once again, no Bale, no problem.

The Spurs trounced Dinamo 5-0 in the home leg of the Europa qualifier playoff.

Andros Townsend, getting the start for Aaron Lennon who did not make the trip with the team, started off the scoring on a counter attack off a Dinamo corner.  He was all alone on the attack, so he had one option and he buried.

Paulinho then scored his first Spurs goal, finishing a header from point blank on a ball from Townsend.

Next goal went to Soldado, who had an easy tap in goal from inside the 6 yard box.  He would later put in the 5th goal for Spurs.

The fourth goal went to left back Danny Rose, who put in a beautiful shot from outside the box upper 90 far post.  IT was a Bale-esc Strike.

Andy Townsend's play today should light a fire under Aaron Lennon, showing that perhaps his spot in the starting 11 isn't safe.  And two goals from the Spurs new striker Roberto Soldado shows that he is worth the club-record transfer

Match Day One Thoughts

Match Day one in the Barclay's premier league has come and gone, and here's some quick thoughts from the bearded one:

• Not Missing a Beat: Top Three teams all win impressively with new managers
• Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea all came into this season with new managers, and all three teams impressed in their debuts.  Man City arguably looked the strongest, but all three teams are poised to fight for the top spot in the league.
• No Bale? No Problem
• Tottenham actually won a game without Gareth Bale.  Granted it was 1-0 verse one of the premier league new boys.  However, they showed signs of a promising offesne even without the Welsh Wizard.
• I might be wrong about Everton...
• Everton did not look strong in a 2-2 draw against Norwich City.  But credit the Canaries for tying the game back up after losing the lead in the second half.  Draws are acceptable on the road, but if I'm gonna be right about Everton, they gotta steal some road wins.
• Arsenal and Arsene are in trouble
• Arsenal did not look strong at all, losing 3-1 at the Emirates to Aston Villa.  It's one game, but if Wegner doesn't open up the books, the fans will mutiny and I suspect some of the players will question the direction of the club.  Their matches against Fenerbache and Fulham are going to be very important as the transfer deadline looms closer.
• Speaking of transfer windows...
• They need to close the window before the season starts.  Managers are calling for it and it's not fair to players.  Players whose futures are in doubt are "injured" or not featured because they are "unsettled" by looming moves.  Who cares if they sit for preseason but managers shouldn't be forced to sit key players in important league games because the window doesn't close for two weeks.

Check in every week for my match day reviews!  I love that America gets full coverage now, I'm all in for premier league!

Spurs Win Season Opener 1-0

Match day one was finally here for Tottenham and we traveled to one of the premier league new boys, Crystal Palace.  While I won't complain about three points, I do wish we would have buried a couple more of our chances.

Spurs looked the better side for most of the game, dominating possession and opportunities.
A victory is a victory that's what's important here.  Going on the road in the premier league is always tough.

The new arrivals looked very strong for Spurs in their debut.  Paulinho looks like a very comfortable playmaking central midfielder, while Nacer Chadli showed great speed along the wings and wasn't afraid to cut in and create his own shot.  Coupe, another big guy brought in, looked very strong in the defensive midfield.

I was most impressed with Roberto Soldado.  The 26 million pound man from Valencia looks to be worth every bit of it.  His first touches were on point all game; he showed great ability at corralling long balls with a soft first touch.  He also demonstrated great ability passing the ball and he seemed very instinctual  in the box, knowing when and where to make the run.  Plus he also scored the game winning goal in his debut from the penalty spot.

But for me, Man of the Match honors have to go to Hugo Lloris.  He stood on his head late in the game to preserve a 1-0 lead.  He made plenty of good saves throughout the game to secure his clean sheet.  He even got his FIFA on, coming out of his box and making a successful slide tackle on a man who had gotten behind the back line.

Moving forward this Spurs team has some work to do, but once they start to click as a unit, talent wise this team is top four.

Premier League Predictions... Yupp I love Soccer, what of it?

*Note:  I wrote this Friday night before the season started and it's been sitting in my queue. Whoops.

Premier League is just around the corner, and as someone who admittedly has not been following the league full-heartedly for very long, I am very excited for NBC's coverage of every game.  In recent past, I had been forced to follow by keep track of scores aaaaand by playing FIFA.
 (That's how I came to like Tottenham few years back.  The Dempsey signing made them my full-fledged team over Fulham aaaand now he's gone... But hey, I'm hooked now, Come on You Spurs!)

Yeah sure I haven't been a "Spurs fan" for long, I've always liked the team, especially when they had Robbie Keane.  This is neither here nor there, the point is I've been following long enough to blog a predictions blog and now I'm all in because of NBC.

So here we go! Barclay's Premier League Predictions from your beloved Bearded Blogger

I'll start in reverse order for the Europe spots:
5th place: Everton.
Going with a surpriser, but this is 100% contingent that they maintain Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.  If they lose either, that's enough to drop them.  The Toffees finished 6th last season, but with a new manager will they be able to get that Europa spot?  I'm going bold and saying yes.  Tim Howard is a stalwart between the pipes and will lead them to European Competition.

4th place: Tottenham Hotspurs.
Tottenham finished 4th two years ago but missed out on champions cup because Chelsea won the whole tournament.  Last year the team set a record for points, but finished 1 point behind arch rival Arsenal and missed champions cup again.  This season, Andre Villas-Boas and the Spurs are poised to qualify for Champions Cup.  Spurs have opened up the checkbooks to make this possible (and to try to keep superstar Gareth Bale at White Heart Lane.)  The biggest is the 26 million pound striker Roberto Soldado from Valencia.  Spurs needed desperately a true striker to score with Bale last year, now they have it.  The other additions make this a Champions Cup squad and will qualify this season.

3rd Place: Manchester City.
New management for Man City this year, but it won't cause them to drop much this year with the talent this team has.  After struggling for years, the big-spending policy of late has finally paid off for Man City and they now have a cohesive squad that's even won a premier league title.  The addition of Negredo gives Man City another scoring option and the new management should mean a fresh start for striker Edin Dzeko, who fell out of favor under Roberto Mancini.  Dzeko is a stud and should be their number one scoring option.  Expect big things.

2nd Place: Manchester United.
The other Manchester club... Actually that's Man City.  The main Manchester club is coming off another premier league title.  Number 10000 it seems like.  They had the leagues golden boot winner in Robin Van Persie and the whole squad is back.  But is Rooney going to stick around?  I think he will, but it won't be enough to repeat.  Why?  Well... becaaaauuusee...

1st Place: Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho is back at Stamford Bridge, the last manager to actually last more than a season since the new ownership took over ten years ago.  He enjoyed much success his first stint and is poised to continue where he left off.  Lampard appeared out the door until Mourinho was announced.  The players love him and he is a brilliant manager.  Juan Matta and Eden Hazard are two of the best midfielders in the premiership and new additions like Kevin De Bruyne make Chelsea my prediction for the title.  Mostly the return of Mourino though...

You may have noticed... No Liverpool, No Arsenal...
I predict these two major clubs will miss European play, unless one of them wins the domestic cup.  Liverpool because I think their garbage and Suarez is a cancer, although at least they try to improve their team...
Unlike Arsenal.  I have Arsenal in 6th.  Why? They have the same team that finished 4th...
They'll drop because Tottenham is better this season and because I think more and more people involved with the team are becoming disgruntled with the nonspending philosophy of Wegner and the ownership group... Wegner's time is up at Arsenal.  He's losing his grip on the team and the fan base.

I encourage you all to enjoy some of the "beautiful game" on NBC this year!  You'll get hooked... or some good sleep.  Both are good though...



Gareth Bale please stay I need you in my life..........

Why Gareth Bale Transfer would be BAD for Everyone

Gareth Bale. He's young, he's talented, he's Welsh.

 Bale is the man at Tottenham, winning premier league player of the year last year and netting 23 goals for Spurs.  After the season he had, suitors would be calling for sure.  But he (initially) pledged his commitment to fulfilling out his contract extension he signed just one summer ago.

Oh what a difference a few months make...

A day hasn't gone by since the July transfer window opened that Bale's name hasn't come up.  And it's all rumored with Real Madrid.

As a Spurs and Bale fan, I selfishly don't want him to leave... But after I actually took the time to look at everything as a neutral member of the "media," I think it would be in everyone's best interest if Bale stays at White Hart Lane.

Let's start with the obvious.  It's in Spurs' best interest to keep Bale because he's so damn good, the best player on the team, the face of the club, the revenue generator, and he pretty much was the entire team last season, scoring one third of the teams goals.

They need him.  The times Bale didn't play, Spurs looked lost and unable to generate anything.  Now the team has improved with the additions of Soldado, Paulinho, and Chadli, but that's not enough.  They need Bale.

But what about Real Madrid, Dave?  You said it would be in everyone's best interest if he stayed, how would it be in theirs to not get such a talented player?

Good question, I'm glad you asked.

First of all, they want Bale because they want to flex their muscle.  Tottenham isn't a brand like ManU or Chelsea or Barca.  Players can and have been lured away from there.  So just like Luka Modric, Real want to force Tottenham into selling one of their best.

No, they don't just want to flex muscle Dave, teams don't do that.

Real Madrid does.  Real has been about acquiring the best talent regardless of fit or team chemistry for years now.  While Barca develop moreso and bring in guys that fit perfectly, Real will just throw money at individual talent like an ADD kid playing FIFA.

You sign Bale, where does he play?  He plays the same position and style as Christiano Ronaldo, so do you move CRon?  Do you move Bale?  How can CRon and Bale gel?  What about Ozil, Benzema, amongst many others?

The pricetag is so enormous on Bale right now only a team with the priorities of Real Madrid would be dumb enough to pay it.  I love Bale, but he's not worth what Real will have to pay.  But all Real want to do is spend huge, absurd dollars, euros, pounds, whatever, to prove that they are a powerhouse.  They still won't beat Barca.

Why should Bale stay?  For the same reasons Tottenham need him and why Real shouldn't buy him.  

White Hart lane is perfect for him.  He's beloved, he's the star, he's turning into a brand.  At Real I have no doubt that he will struggle to catch fire.

The enormous price tag will come with enormous expectations and enormous pressure.  Bale is only 23 and probably not ready for it.  Real will give up more for Bale than they did to get CRon.  

He has a perfect situation with Tottenham.  Yes, they're not as alluring as Real or Barca, but he is the face of a team on the rise, that can and would pay him a HEAFTY amount to stay.  If he wants to continue to brand himself like he has lately, he'll stay at White Hart Lane

(at least for one more year)

Dombrowski Owns Deadline Day

He did it again.  Dave Dombrowski has once again gone out and made a good team better before that trade deadline hit.  He may not draft that well, but Dombrowski can sure wheel n deal with the best of em.

It started with the acquisition of Jose Veras from the Astros for outfield prospect Danry Vasquez.  Danry has potential and he's only 19, but outfield prospects seem to be a dime a dozen, especially in our system.  So ignore the fact he's ranked 4th in our system, it's worth parting ways.

In return, the Tigers get a veteran righty who will help solidify the back end of the pen.  He closed all year with Houston, so we know that if Benoit is unavailable, Veras can step in no problem.

But the big deal came around midnight.  In what is technically, two separate, two-team trades, the Detroit Tigers received young shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias from the Red Sox for the "two-pitch wonder" Brayan Villareal and little Miggy Avisail Garcia.  The Sox then shipped Garcia and a handful of prospects to the White Sox for Jake Peavy.

Technically not a three team trade, so DD technically did not send Garcia to a team in the division... buuuuut He probably knew all the pieces of this deal. And it's not a three-team trade because the ChiSox gave nothing to the Tigers, in case you're wondering why I'm being a stickler.

But back to the main point, Iglesias is such a snag by DD.  This kid can straight up play the position.  Oh and he can play third and second too.  The kid flashes leather like a drunk chick at Mardi Gras.

The bat isn't there, it won't ever be there.  He's hitting .330 by the sheer grace of God.  With development, he could be a .260-270 hitter.  But his defense will more than make up for his ineptitude at the plate.

Peralta will get suspended.  Everyone in the league knew we needed a SS and yet DD got us a pretty damn good one who's locked up for five years.

Bravo, Mr. Dombrowski.