You're Welcome! Year In Review

I hope everyone had a nice safe New Year's celebration.  This post, we look at the top 5 people this year in sports and who captured our attention.  I am sure there are some very good honorable mentions, and if you do put them in the comments section.

Also, my favorite tournament in sports, the NFL playoffs, are starting this week, and I have an interesting way to cover it this year.  I hope you enjoy it.

1. LeBron James:  His decision show was the biggest spectacle in sports since Evel Knieval, and successfully punched a city in the nose again.  LeBron successfully destroyed an entire franchise and made the NBA more interesting to everyone in America.  Everybody had an opinion, and he knew that the whole time he was "raising money for charity."  Sure, it was brutal to watch, but nobody deserves this more than King James, King of the You're Welcome.

2.  Cliff Lee: He can single handily destroy postseason hopes and shut down a hall of fame lineup.  He can capture our attention thinking about who he'll play for while he hunts deer.  But he can't stop the team of destiny.  Sure, the Giants roughed him up, but Lee gave the Rangers hope and brought a World Series to a team that never could even imagine one.  Now he has teamed up with the most talented NL team to form the Mega Phillies, who should play the Ultra Red Sox or Super Yankees this fall.  The All-Star game will be the Phillies vs the AL-All Stars this year.

3.  Brett Favre:  Although it appears he is retired for good (I bet my money that he is done) Brett gave us another summer of drama, a few magical moments and a reminder why 41 year old grandpas don't play in the NFL.  I will miss him, and probably post something very nice about him next year when it is guaranteed he will not come back ever again.  Nobody has captured the nation quite like number 4.

4. Chicago Blackhawks:  Ugghhhhh.  I hate this fair weather fan Mecca of a hockey team.  Luckily, they sold most of their team away this offseason including one of the players I hated the most Dustin Byfuligen, Byfuglien, Bufflin, or however he spells his last name.  Guess who else doesn't know how to spell it?  Anybody in Atlanta, where he now plays.  Now we can get back to what really is important, watching teams that people actually care about.

5.  The Guy with the Beach Boys Name who plays for the Giants...uh....the one with the beard:  So Brian Wilson is actually a pretty talented guy.  Besides making Paul McCartney's favorite album (Pet Sounds), he can throw a baseball pretty fast, and RAGE!!!!!  I thinking raging is the attack Gyrados learned after he evolved from the Kansas City Royals of Pokemon, Magikarp.  Wilson is a beast and fan favorite, and should close out a lot of 1-0 games for the Giants the next few years.

You're Welcome: Sunday Morning Edition

Before I watch the excellence in journalism of the Ford Lion's Report, I will relaunch You're Welcome with a vengeance.  I want to give out my NFL Mid season Awards too, because I can. 

MVP:  Philip Rivers, San Diego
Comeback Player Of the Year:  Michael Vick, Philadelphia
Offensive Rookie Of The Year:  Sam Bradford, St Louis
Defensive Rookie Of  The Year: Ndamukong Suh, Detroit
Coach Of The Year:  Tom Coughlin, New York

1. New Orleans Hornets:  They have a better record than the Mega Heat, and CP3 and company are looking very good right now.  In a wide open Western Conference, the Hornets could find themselves winning a series or two in a reloading year.  They need to keep this momentum up, or the Ultra Knicks could rise in the next few years. 

2. Oakland Raiders: Watch out, but the Raiders are in first place in the AFC West.  Sure, the Chargers are going to keep climbing the standings with Philip Rivers having a season  Coryell and Fouts would cry over.  But Oakland, purely by running the ball and getting a play here or there from their defense and specials teams, are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since Rich Gannon was QB.  It is nice to see a terrible franchise turn it around like this, after a terrible slew of draft picks and a bust first overall pick.  Hmmmmmmm.

3. Buffalo Bills:  In a yearly ritual, the Bills got bailed out by the Lions to ensure nobody will touch the holy record of 0-16.  Honestly, the Bills should have lost all 16, and I would bet money that they will lose 15 this season.  The team is awful.  They have a 3rd stringer playing QB, their first round pick has done nothing for them, their defense is a mess and their best player is a punter.  That being said, they did whoop the Lions, who looked uninspired for the afternoon.  Chan Gailey will be fired this year, and maybe they can talk Bill Cowher into cleaning up this once proud franchise.  In the mean time, they can celebrate beating us like the Rams in 2009.

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1. Hatin' on the Super Heat:  Dwyane Wade (did anybody else notice his name is spelt wrong and nobody else notice but me until now?) is hurt, Mike Miller is hurt longer, and a preseason game got canceled because the court was slippery.  ESPN has their own page for the Heat this season (Heat Index, I won't link them, out of spite) and the Heat are more hated than the Cowboys, Lakers and Yankees put together.  Its going to be a fun season. 

2. Giants Defense:  Say what you will, or if it is wrong or not, due to some new rules, but the Giants kick some butt on defense.  They have knocked out QBs, rushed the passer like crazy and are playing very well right now, 7th in pass defense and 12th in rush defense.  Not bad for a unit rebuilding under a new coordinator.  The G-Men might be frauds, but the defense is looking nice.

3. Cliff Lee:  The ultimate playoff pitcher, he just keeps winning in October/November.  He mows down whatever team he is facing, no matter how many Hall of Famers he has to face.  With Halladay, Lincecum, Sabathia showing off this post season, Lee has impressed me the most, more than a no hitter against the Reds.  That is because he takes a team and elevates them whenever he pitches, putting a city who has never tasted success to the brink of beating the mighty Yankees. 

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1.  MSU Spartan Football Players Not Named Chris L Rucker:  MSU went into the big house and beat their biggest rivals again, and did so to make me actually believe they can beat most teams in the Big Ten (if the other team's name doesn't rhyme with  Smohio Smate).  But not Rucker, who played a great game but was dumb and drove drunk Sunday morning while on probation.  Spartan athletes having trouble with the law is nothing new, sadly, and Rucker must be kicked off the team now, and hopefully doesn't distract MSU going into a home match vs Illinois. 

2. Mike Modano:  Modano, who has been in the league since the Stanley Cup had one ring, scored a goal for the Wings right off the bat.  I am looking for Modano to play smart, tough old guy on the Red Wings hockey, and bring his wife Willa Ford to the Joe every once and a while.  But to see him score is pretty cool, despite him playing for so long with the Stars (not a rival, because the Wings consistently beat them).  The local boy is looking to end his career with another Cup.  Fun fact, his first NHL goal was against former WMU Bronco Glenn Healy.  So much Michigan, so little blog.

3.  People who don't like Bret Favre: Favre, who has struggled on the field this season (besides the second half this Monday) has elbow troubles and troubles with Roger Goodell.  Favre who was very naughty texting model/journalist(?!) Jenn Sterger (who looks like a younger Deanna Favre) could be in trouble and not be suspended by the hypocritical Goodell, who will kick out Roethlisberger for his actions for four games, but not even talk to Favre.  And I know it is between two adults, but it is bringing bad press to the league, which was part of the Goodell doctrine.  And if the Vikings lose this weekend,  the playoffs won't be in a problem for Favre either.  Favre should download the app on the iphone to prevent his sort of texting. 

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1. Kansas City Chiefs:  The Chiefs have started the season 3-0 behind their new coordinators and new weapons for Matt Cassel.  The team looks completely different, and even though one win was against the Niners, they could make the playoffs because the Broncos and Raiders don't look very good and the Chargers always start very slow.  For me though, they have to win their division, because the AFC South and East will probably snatch up both Wild Card spots.  That seems like asking a lot, but maybe Patriots West can keep it up.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers:  They have gone through 3 starting QBs and still keep winning ugly Steelers games.  The defense looks better and they could be deadly when Big Ben comes back.  He is far more valuable to that team then people think.  It was nice to see Charlie Batch do well, since I rooted for him back in grade school.  The Steelers will be battling the Ravens all year, so they need to keep winning ugly games until Ben gets his game back to mid season form.

3.  Michael Vick:  Being a big advocate for Vick getting a second chance (I still reserve the rights to make jokes whenever I want.  Pretty sure he reads this blog) its nice to see him do so well no being the starter for the Eagles.  He is running and passing better than he did with the Falcons so far, and he could play himself into a starting roll somewhere.  Bills, Cardinals, Jaguars, Browns, you better be taking notes.  He probably has more years left due to his not taking a beating for three years.  Or could he stay in Philly?  Only time and more amazing performances will tell.

You're Welcome! NFL Opener Edition

Football season kicked off last night and the world could not be a better place.  The Vikings and Saints played a less than spectacular game featuring a whopping 23 total points scored.  Favre looked old, and Chris Collingworthless was as bad as always. 

1. Drew Brees:  Drew made some excellent throws and for one week held off the Madden Curse.  Sure, he didn't throw for 5 TDs, but he was his usual awesome self.  And they had plenty of shots of his son (awwwww!) and his wife with another kid on the way.  Expect more great games from a top 5 QB in the league.

2. Saints Defense:  Holding the Vikings to ten points is impressive, and they won a slugfest without Darren Sharper.  The defense was overrated last year, and they would not have been given any love if they didn't play like they did last night.  Sure, Favre is old and without Rice, but they should score more than twice in a game.  Was this what we will see from Favre all year?  Only time will tell. 

3. The person who probably got fired today for the choice of entertainment at last night's pregame:  When I think of the NFL, I think of Taylor Swift and the Dave Matthews Band.  Trying to expand your fan base is one thing, picking two artists who make no sense is another.  The halftime shows have been incredibly bad, and someone needs to be hired to fix this.  Stupid Janet Jackson ruining everything again!

You're Welcome! FOOTBALL!!!!

Yesterday college football kicked off and the world was a better place.  We saw some great upsets, big plays and an almost shocking win by the decimated UNC Tar Heels.  This is the beginning of the best time of the year in sports.  A special thanks to my fans, STWWC went over 10,000 views this week.  I really appreciate if you read this blog, be it once or every day.  Keep reading, because it is only going to get better. 

1.  Michigan Wolverines:  In front of the biggest crowd in college football history, the Wolverines dominated a team in contention for the Big East title this year.  Denard Robinson, off the momentum of my You're Welcome shout out, had almost 400 yards total offense and looked like a real RichRod Spread Option QB.  With a win over the rebuilding Irish next week, Michigan fans will return to their former annoying glory.

2. Jacksonville State and North Dakota State:  2 more FCS schools won yesterday, showing scheduling these cupcakes aren't always a good idea.  ND State held the new look Kansas Jayhawks to 3 points in Turner Gill's debut.  The team is missing a lot of talent from past success and the Jayhawks will occupy the bottom all year long in the Big 12.  Jacksonville State came back from a huge deficit in the last quarter to upset Ole Miss, a team who only been a disappointment when a Manning isn't under center.

3. The Nine Teams Who Passed On Matt Leinart: Leinart just got released by the Cardinals, losing the starting job at least twice to Kurt Warner (would have made it a trilogy if Warner came back this year) and now Derek Anderson.  The job was basically handed to him this year and he still lost it.  Arizona would rather have Derek Anderson, who had only one good year, and two rookies as backups.  If not for the signing of some free agent QBs, Arizona would be very very awful right now.  Jay Cutler was taken with the pick after Leinart by the way. 

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I have been without Internet for a while in my apartment.  Now, I have returned from the stone age and will post more regularly.  Now, here is You're Welcome!

1. Bud Selig and the Mitchell Report:  Basically re-title this "anybody who doesn't like Roger Clemens."  Criticize Bud Selig all you want, and I do, but he was gutsy to do the Mitchell report, knowing all the bad it would do would never outweigh the good.  Now the best hitter and pitcher in our era have been forever scarred with the steroids allegations.  And yes, they both did it.  Hopefully we will never see an era like this again, where cheating and dragging records through mud were everyday occurrences. 

2. Lou Piniella:  Had to do this one for sure.  The emotional press conference was touching, and its not Lou's fault the Cubs are so awful this year.  The window closed for these guys a year or two ago.  Sweet Lou was the most successful manager for the Cubs since Frank Chance (yeah 1908) and he will be missed.  Not now, but maybe in a year or two.  And Lou did the right thing, seeing his sick mother instead of managing baseball games.

3. Hard Knocks:  What a great season of Hard Knocks!  I think the New York Jets are overrated, but this is some good TV.  Sure, there are more 4 letter words than guys with 1 year deals on the Jets, but Rex Ryan is too likable.  Even over Captain Likable Tony Dungy (who grew up in Jackson, Michigan when my dad did back in the day) who called out Ryan.  Good for the Jets for being themselves.  I just can't wait until December when they are a .500 team. 

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1. Denard Robinson:  Shoelace has really shown, through hard work and attitude, that he is the starter at U of M and should have been all along.  Tate Forcier has lost the team with his laziness and arrogance, while Denard has won the job (for now) with his good attitude.  While Forcier has lost his wings, Robinson has shown the offense should be run by a fast running quarterback.  Forcier came in with a lot of hype, with t-shirts with cute little sayings and number 5 jerseys all over Ann Arbor.  But Robinson could really take over a solid offense this season. 

2. Brett Favre: Not only did Grandpa Favre skip most of camp this season, he got more money from the Vikings for this season (reportedly an extra 4-8 million dollars more) and made Brad Childress the bad guy by saying he doesn't trust the guy as a coach.  Join the club Brett.  Favre also said this would be his last season, but I'll bet you this saga is not over one bit.  He still captivates the nation with every game and he is setting himself up as the most important Viking ever.  It is Super Bowl or bust, and Favre is taking no prisoners.

3. BYU:  BYU has done themselves a favor by getting out of the MWC and putting themselves in position to join another conference when the next expansion fever sets in.  The MWC is probably the best outside the Big 6 (and probably better than the Big East) and added up and coming Nevada and a very good program in Fresno State to join another new member in Boise State, TCU, Air Force, Wyoming and the bunch.  If I were the MWC, I would still add enough teams to get to a championship game like everyone else.  But BYU has made it easier for a Pac-12 or Big 12 to add them in a few years, and BYU could schedule well enough to earn an at large bid in a weak year.  Expect a few more moves in the next few years before another round of expansion around 2014.

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Football season is basically here, with preseason in full swing.  And nobody knows what Brett Favre or Darrell Revis will do this season, or ever.

1. Brazil:  The Brazilians are doing what the Americans should be doing right now, moving on with a new coach and playing young players to build towards the World Cup in 2014.  The way I see it, you are either building and preparing for the next World Cup or playing in the World Cup.  Their 18 year old sensation Neymar (who could sign a contract with everybody from Chelsea to Real Madrid) was spectacular.  Wouldn't it be refreshing if an 18 year old American scored goals for us?  Oh and by the way, Brazil's Rookie team beat us in our backyard.

2. Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders:  Al Davis is looking better right now.  JaMarcus Russell has admitted to using codeine (prescribed and otherwise) and looks like a wreck right now.  He turned down an offer from the UFL Omaha Nighthawks (who signed Ahman Green and instead signed Jeff Garcia) and is now looking at playing guard as a possibility.  Combine that with a nice draft, adding Jason Campbell, beating the Cowboys last night and sticking with a coach instead of Notre Dame-ing it (yeah its a verb).  I would trust Al Davis a little more, and the Raiders have a shot at the playoffs.  No joke.

3. College Football Mega-Games:  While the new conferences still have new team smell, teams are starting to schedule very good non conference games.  Notre Dame has signed contracts with Texas and Miami (not of Ohio!!) and are renewing a rivalry with Army (go Black Knights!).  MSU is going to play West Virginia and Alabama.  Penn St vs Alabama, Boise State vs Virginia Tech, Nebraska vs Washington. its like bowl season in September.  I'll like college football even more with elite match ups.  The Big Ten vs MAC and FCS lineup is pretty brutal. 

You're Welcome! Brett Favre Retirement Edition

ESPN released last night that Favre might not have sent texts to everyone about retiring, and that he cares more about his surgically repaired ankle healing.  So this time, the retiring/unretiring may not be his fault.  Just think some summer we won't have to hear about this ever again. 

But regardless of the situation, I'll look at the three people I think benefits the most from this soap opera we see every summer.

On a side note, I am very happy to see Suh in training camp.  He signed his deal (slightly less than Stafford's) and only missed 6 practices.  Its not the end of the world, but I am glad he is signed.  I was never mad at him for trying to get the biggest deal, but it was probably only over a few million (after 40 its just gravy) and how he said there would not be a holdout.  But, he is already showing to be very charitable, and I hope any bad feeling, from the fans or front office, are gone.  Hopefully there is a rookie wage scale with the next CBA and we don't have to see holdouts.  If the NBA beats you to the punch, you're really far behind. 

1. Teams he played for other than the Packers:  A little obvious, but the Jets got a mediocre season out of him, a ton of media attention and jersey sales, then he led the team to a 1-4 record down the stretch and played with a biceps injury.  The collapse led to Mangini getting fired, Ryan being hired and the genesis of the Super Jets we are going to watch play this season.  I bet Jets fans would take that over more Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens.

The Vikings benched subpar/Childress' former favorite QB Jackson for Favre and Brett responded with the best season of his career and a trip to the NFC Title game, where he threw a poor pass over the middle and the rest is history.  Still, its the farthest the Vikings have come to the Super Bowl this decade.  Outside of old QBs they have signed late in their careers (including trying to woo Aikman and Marino) the Vikings haven't had a good QB since Culpepper tapped the B button to Randy Moss in the early 2000s.  And that was short lived as well.

2. Wendy Nix: She was lost in the shuffle of ESPN NFL reporters and was sent to cover the possibility of Favre leaving back in round 1.  But then the story blew up and Nix was on millions of TVs everyday over the summer.  Now she is the go to reporter for the NFL and has launched a more successful career from this.  Much like Chris Broussard this summer, she has an athlete to thank for all this exposure.

3. LeBron James: Speaking of this summer, doesn't LeBron James look a lot better now?  Sure Favre isn't leaving his semi-hometown, but the multiple summers of incredibly crazy coverage makes LeBron look a little better.  Sure Favre hasn't made an hour long TV special (yet) but he could be more of a drama queen than LeBron could ever dream.

You're Welcome! Battling the Summer Dead Zone

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, this summer has been really busy for me.  As football season rolls in, MLB playoffs and hockey revs up, I'll have less to manufacture.  I have compelled to watch the CFL.  Enough said.  Until then we can all speculate about fantasy sports, training camps, etc.

1. Terrell Owens: He finally signed with a team, and not for much either.  After a season in Buffalo where he played well (55 catches 829 yards, 5 TDs on a terrible offense with a just as terrible QB situation) and was quiet (nothing to do in Buffalo) he joins the Bengals.  Bengals and Jets are taking the Raiders approach by signing and drafting anyone despite their personal problems (between them: Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes, Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco, Cedric Benson, Carlos Dunlap).  TO will be the third wide out on a team with a stable of young tight ends and a commitment to the run.  This should be good for his show at least.

2. Dez Bryant's Stupidity:  Lots of media attention surrounded Dez when he was asked a question by Miami's staff, but it turned out he was the one who was answering with the wrong answers.  Now Bryant won't do a tradition at camp because "he didn't know about it."  Lets see how quickly the Cowboys get upset with him.  Carrying a vet's pads has been around since the 1920's when pro football began.  He better wise up and work on his image more (if its his fault or not) or he could get a bad label in the league.  Not that it matters, look above.

3. Chris Paul: CP3 is either trying to improve the Hornets, or get out of town quickly.  Injured all last year and seeing his Team USA friends sign to mega teams, Paul wants in on the action.  Darren Collison is breathing down his neck and Paul genuinely seems like he wants to win.  I would like to see him stay but this could be another NBA story we here about all year.

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1. Cleveland Indians: Its tough to live in Cleveland, root for a team that trades 2 excellent pitchers and never see a winner. But the Indians have started red hot out of the All-Star break, destroying the Tigers and looking a lot better. Building with youth is hard, and in baseball money translates to wins. But for now, take this band-aid Cleveland.

2. NCAA: After handing down punishments to USC, it looks like Alabama and Florida are in the cross hairs as well. It looks like the era of college football and basketball players making money and everybody knowing about it over. In this world of Twitter and Facebook, its hard to cover things up like in the good old days where a man could a living playing college football. Rhett Bomar set off this heightened effort into looking into college players, and hopefully it continues.

3. Lou Piniella: Sweet Lou is calling it quits after this season, and baseball will surely miss him. He won the 1990 World Series with Cinncy, led the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to a then record of not being in last place and showed us yelling and throwing things makes you loved in America. He led the Cubs to back to back division titles in 07 and 08 (that just doesn't happen) and although the last two years haven't been that great, he will be in the Hall Of Fame soon enough, and hopefully in the broadcast booth even sooner.

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1. FIFA World Cup: 3rd most attended World Cup of time saw a great final with the Spanish bringing home a long awaited World Title. The Dutch played physical and dirty and lost the game, 3rd time in the finals all time. Sure, I'm sick of U2, diving, Queen's English like "fancy" and "fit" and vuvuzelas but overall it was a great tournament.

2. The National League: After not winning an All-Star game since 1996, The Senior Circuit came out and won a game on the bat of Brian McCann. The AL has been the superior league, not just in the All-Star game but in the World Series and interleague play. And they're the league with Kansas City! But the NL got some respect back on Tuesday. Now build your own streak.

3. The Super Heat: You just signed the new Big Three, the Bigger Three, the Dream team. Add Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller and the team starts getting too good. Pat Riley really really wants Erik Spoelstra to spend time with his family.

You're Welcome! The Fallout

Last night was pretty crazy.  LeBron turned into the biggest arrogant d-bag in the world, who had to do this TV special to break Cleveland's souls even more.  But, You're Welcome isn't just for good guys.

1. LeBron James:  Last night, LeBron went from hometown lovable star to ultra mega extreme a-hole.  The hour long special was an absolute joke, ESPN approving it was almost just as bad.  ESPN used to be really cool, now its like any other news station, who shamelessly promote and shove down our throats what stories they like the most.  The ESPN Talk Machine was in full effect last night.  The only coverage that got this right was Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.

But, besides all that, LeBron became the biggest story in sports for a summer, perhaps longer.  And the emotion runs so strong, Cleveland fans are burning jerseys and denouncing him as king.  LeBron did just put himself in a position to win more than 1 NBA titles in his run in Miami.  I doubt they will win this year, but with some more work they could be incredible.

2. Dan Gilbert: The Cavs owner, the Ultimate Fathead and MSU Alum, shot off a salvo of words back to LeBron.  Saying things like he quit, the Cavs will win a title before Miami and the King cowardly betrayed his hometown, Gilbert's response was necessary and welcomed.  Gilbert tried his best to keep James, signing Shaq, courting Izzo, absolutely pouring cash into the team.  I really hope he turns around the Cavs, but its going to be rough for a while.

3. Miami Heat:  Wade, Bosh, LeBron.  They are bigger than the big 3.  They have little supporting cast, (recently signed Mike Miller, solid PG Mario Chalmers) but in five years they can build a team that should be able to win multiple titles.  Riley will coach at some point.  Trust me.  But the team is the talk of the sports world, for now and until 2015.  The Heat didn't know if they would resign Wade, then won the grand prix of free agency.

Honorable Mention:  Chris Broussard: Much like Wendy Nix was launched into America's TVs after she was covering Brett Favre's every move, Broussard was ESPN's pick to cover all things LeBron and NBA.  Although hes not very good at his job, he is going to be the guy for the NBA on ESPN for a while.

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1. Spain: The Nation with a best/worst chance to win the World Cup (very talented, but they have never won before and the number one team in the world before the World Cup have never won) came out in the Iberian showdown, presented by Ro-Tel International, and beat Portugal, led by the newest Nike Write the Future curse victim Christiano Ronaldo.  Portugal is an incredible team and plays incredible defense but the Spanish made one more great play by Xavi and David Villa.  They get an easier quarterfinal vs Paraguay then onto the Final Four if they win.  Very quietly, Spain is getting past their first game loss to the Swiss and playing like we expect them too.

2. ESPN: The NBA Finals were one of the best and most watched of the last 20 years, and ESPN was behind a lot of it.  Then, ESPN got exclusive rights for the World Cup and those ratings have been very solid, combined with views on ESPN3.com.  The US national team's success only helped the ratings for the sports super power, with most games being played when people are at work or sleeping.  Now, add on top of all that the NBA Super Free Agency Ultra Mega Scramble and ESPN is having a very good summer.

3. Chicago White Sox:  This sucks.  The White Sox, who have incredible pitching, finally put it together and are winning games in bunches.  Sure, some are against my Cubs, but it is impressive nonetheless.  The White Sox need some serious hitting (their DH, the fall off the face of the Earth Andruw Jones, is hitting .199) but if they can find some, they could be a serious threat in the AL Central.  The Royals and Indians are awful, but the Tigers and White Sox will have a battle royal between two .500 ball clubs to try and make the playoffs.  The White Sox went from sellers to buyers and are only 1.5 games back of first, and are my pick to finish behind the Twins in the Central.

You're Welcome! USA Soccer Edition

1.  Landon Donovan: The face of US soccer Landon "Legend" Donovan put in the game winner versus Algeria in stoppage time.  The goal will go down in US soccer history as the one that changed the US fortunes in this tournament, maybe more.  He started the comeback against Slovenia, and got the winner here after the US squandered tons of chances all game.  He was quiet most of the game, but he made the biggest play on the biggest stage. 

2. Bob Bradley:  After the US passed on Klinsman for team coach, people saw the Arena assistant and thought "lets see what this guy can do."  Well, he took us to the Confederation Cup finals, beating Spain and almost beating Brazil.  Then, we won CONCACAF over a charging Mexico, leading us into the World Cup.  Then he must have written some great halftime speeches,  because the US evened up against Slovenia in the second half and won against Algeria in stoppage time.  His tactics have been solid and has earned himself an extension. 

3. Jozy Altidore: The beast on the US team, he was probably the Man of the Match against Algeria, because all he didn't do was score the winner.   He physical play and yellow card magnet style helped the Yanks win the match.  He hasn't been scoring much yet, but he has played very well with all the pressure on the 20 year old.  He just needs to cash in on his chances, and he will be a force for the US for years.

Honorable Mention: England, despite their team unity problems, Wayne Rooney not showing up and other team headaches, advanced with a win over Slovenia, who probably played the best out of Group C.  England has all the talent in the world, but like Germany, Italy and Spain and France, haven't put it together.

You're Welcome! Tim Howard is Number 1

1. Tim "Homeland Security" Howard: He came up big and bailed out the US multiple times (insert your own political jokes here) holding a 1-1 draw versus the Tea drinkers across the pond.  He made many of those saves with "screwed up ribs" (its a medical term) and got a painkiller shot during halftime.  He'll do that as well against those arrogant Slovenia Little Dragons (real nickname) who if you confused them with Slovakia, its basically the same country so don't feel bad.  Here is the Wikipedia for Slovenia if your bored.  But Mr. Howard, who was offered a chance to play with the Harlem Globetrotters, is essential to any US run in the World Cup.  Plus, hes the best in the World.

2. The Big 12:  They avoided a nuclear apocalypse to their conference (Book Of Eli came out this week) by selling their soul to Texas.  The Longhorns will get their own TV network and get more of the cut from Big 12 revenue "sharing."  Even on ESPN it was shown on Sportscenter as "Texas and other 9 teams stay in Big 12."  They need to get two more teams to get back their Title game, which brings in 12-15 million dollars a year (or 11-14 million dollars for Texas).  Its a sad deal and will only last until the next pretty girl walks into the dance.

3. The German National Soccer Team:  Die Mannschaft absolutely destroyed the Socceroos, a talented team that just had a bad game.  With Captain and star player Michael Ballack out after messing up his ankle, the Germans said Auf Wiedersehen to Australia and showed they can still win it all.  Now they have to carry it to their next game against Serbia and game 3 versus Ghana.

You're Welcome!

1. Armando Galarraga and Jim Joyce:  I know I am giving both a You're Welcome, but Joyce and Galaragga showed incredible class after a tough perfect game mistake.  Joyce blew the call, then defended his call to the death, saw a replay and apologized.  He was sincere, worked the plate the next day instead of taking the day off (MLB suggested him to do that) and did a great job.  Galarraga was even more impressive.  He handled losing immortality with even more class, and didn't complain or yell once, not even on the field.  Sometimes, events transcend sports.  This is one of those moments.  Sure, Galarraga pitched a perfect game too, but this is almost as important.  Also, two honorable mentions.  One for Selig not changing the call and opening up a can of worms, and two to Chevrolet for giving Armando a beautiful 2010 Corvette convertible.

2. Stephen Strasburg:  This kid is special.  14 Ks in your first start, mowing down a (AAA) Major League lineup all at home in a packed house?  His poise was incredible for a guy who has been followed since he took off at San Diego State.  With his first win, the hype only grows.  He is the savior for the Nats and baseball in DC.  Now lets see what he does for an encore. 

3. Derek Fisher: Took over a critical Game 3 in the NBA Finals in the fourth quarter and scored 11 points, including an incredible camera busting lay-up and one.  Fisher is usually just a spectator to the Kobe show in the fourth quarter, but he took a one point lead and never looked back.  Sure, the 35 year old man can't cover Rondo, but he is showing the Lakers are far more than 2 players. 

You're Welcome!

1. MLB Pitchers: In the ultimate year of the pitchers, we have seen 2 perfect games (Dallas Braden, Roy Halladay aka the best pitcher in baseball)  and a no hitter by Ubaldo Jiminez.  Jiminez is 10-1 with an ERA under one in June.  There hasn't been 2 perfect games in the Majors since 1880.  Carlos Silva is even 7-0.  I would have never believed you if you told me the scraps the Cubs got for Milton Bradley would win 7 games total, nonetheless 7 in the first 2 months.  It all comes down to many young pitchers maturing at the same time, and honestly, a cleaner, less juiced game.

2. Zack Follett: This guy has gone from camp body to possibly a starter for the Lions at LB this season.  With the OLB depth being Follett, Julian Peterson, Caleb Campbell, Ashlee Palmer, Landon Johnson, etc. (a bunch of special teamers) Follett has improved himself to possibly being a 3 down LB and someone who can play the nickel and fill a big hole.  Its been forever since a low draft pick has come through and filled a hole for Detroit.  Oh yeah, and hes funny, makes great videos and is easy to root for.  Easily a fan favorite, he could be a huge part of the team next year. 

3. People Who Don't Athletes Celebrating Too Much After Doing Their Job:  Kendry Morales was have a very good season and just hit a game winning grand slam for the Angels.  The Angels, who aren't having a great season rushed out to congratulate their hero.  Only problem is, during the celebration, he absolutely destroyed his ankle.  I feel bad for him, leg injuries suck.  But if you are of the persuasion that athletes shouldn't dance or celebrate, here is your ammo.  OchoCinco is a lot of fun to watch but if he danced his way to a torn ACL people would point out he should just flip the ball to a ref.  We all remember the Gramaticas and how they danced after an extra point.  I like watching these guys come up with fun ideas, but not at this price.