Karma's a Bitch

Karma’s a Bitch!

Pick of the Day – Suns @ Spurs

Suns (+3)

Friday, May 18th – 9:35 PM ET

Phoenix Suns @ San Antonio Spurs;Take the Suns in this one, I don’t care how good the Spurs are at closing a series out, the Karma Gods are about to smack the Spurs in the face. Quote me here, the Suns win by at least 10, but take the extra points, and get an easy win.

Bottom Line:I don’t see anything changing the outcome of this one, not even a big shot Rob 3, as seems to be the lucky case for Spurs fans year after year. Amare’s about to go off, and Steve has the world set to see him pull a 20-20 points and assists. Take Friday’s easy bet.

Lucky’s Overall Record: 20-9-1

OVER and Out; Draft Me!

OVER and Out; Draft Me!

Pick of the Day – Indians @ Blue Jays

OVER (10)

Thursday, May 3rd – 7:05 PM ET

Cleveland Indians @ Toronto Blue Jays;I know I haven’t been raking in the cash, or even pumping out picks since my plane trip to Paris, but I’m trying to get back on track, and my winning ways, before returning home to the States at the end of the month. My first order of business is to pick a baseball winner today. While I’m sure the Indians will take hom the W in this contest, I don’t like the -160 straight up, and while the -1.5 is fairly safe, I’m not a huge fan of baseballs 2 runs needed to win, so I’m taking an easy bet here, the OVER.

Bottom Line:Both the Jays and the Indians have hit over 10 in 7 of their last 10 games. Yes, they’ll do it again. Cliff Lee (a 4.4 era guy last season) pitches his first game of the year, while Toronto’s starter Dustin McGowan is a reliever, has started 10 career games, and has an ERA up aorund 7.00. Sounds like an over game if I’ve ever seen one. McGowan never goes past 5 innings, and the Jays and Indians went 11 last night, meaning bullpens will be tired. Two starters who aren’t up to par physically yet, (in Dustin’s cast; ever) and two teams that rake. Take the over, and follow me to my 20th win in 30 tries.

Lucky’s Overall Record: 19-9-1

European Tour of Duty: I’m still over on the other side of the Atlantic, and won’t be back for another 4 weeks or so. But I’ve learned from my Nadal/Federer loss, I’m staying with America for my picks. Good luck in your bets!

How about the NFL Draft? There were many surprising picks, but I’d have to say the Patriots and Jaguars made out like bandits. One reason, well, they straight jacked picks from teams. The Pats will have a loaded first day next season, while the Jags took home a number of solid picks, most based off a trade that lost them nothing, as they ended up with Reggie Nelson, the guy they wanted anyway. Good lord. The luck some guys have. The Raiders cut their losses, eh, Randy Moss, and hope to start a new without the half-time receiver. But just wait, he’ll blow up in New England this season. If Tom Brady and Dr. Bill can make Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, and company look solid, just wait until Randy shows up. The Pats won’t have problems with Randy, because if they do, they’ll just cut him, and they lost out on a 4th round pick. Big deal.The Hawks gave away Darrell Jackson. And while D-Jack has a knack for getting hurt, he’s been the most consistent weapon the Hawks have had catching the ball, by a ton. Expect D-Hack to step up with a huge year in Seattle, and Branch, who knows about that guy. Ted Ginn Jr; Hmmm….??? To be honest, I think he would have been gone in the next couple picks, so fools need to stop saying the Dolphins reached too far for his services. Yeah, they passed on Quinn, but if anyone can judge quarterbacks, its Cam Cameron, and he likes Beck more. Plus, this gives Daunte another chance in Miami; Something he might just take advantage of. Since I’ve left, the Bulls swept the Heat, the Mavericks went down 3-1 to Golden State, and Kobe’s Lakers didn’t have a chance, going down in 5 to the Suns. I love it. If only the Nuggets could have taken down the Spurs, my life would have been complete. Until another day, “Do Work!”

2007 NFL Draft 3rd Round Review

WordPress is doing strange things again so I need to add some text here because it seems to be a problem using an ordered list at te top of a post.

  1. Oakland – Moses, Quentin, DE , Georgia
    Great pick in Oakland. Actually, for the first time in a while, I think the Raiders, and Old Man Davis, have done well on Day 1. Quentin Moses has some questions, but he’s a Round 1 talent picked in the 3rd. Nice time to take that chance.
  2. New Orleans (from Detroit) – Young, Usama, CB, Kent State
    Apparently the Saints were very happy Young didn’t get invited to the combine, had he been there, he surely would have been noticed by more than a few teams. As is, the Saints are stoked to get their hands on this kid who killed at his Pro Day.
  3. Dallas (from Cleveland) – Marten, James, OT, Boston College
    Experience be damned! Marten had a good combine workout, and that, plus a little film, as good enough to get him off the board in Round 3. The Cowboys are always looking to add line depth.
  4. Tampa Bay – Black, Quincy, OLB, New Mexico
    All I know about Black is that he has sweet numbers both on and off the field. He didn’t play in a power-house conference, and didn’t make a huge name for himself until he wowed at the combine, but look at all those tackles, that speed, and that jumping ability. He’ll deal on special teams immediately.
  5. Arizona – Davis, Buster, ILB, Florida State
    I like this pick. Davis was a very consistent force for an FSU team that had its ups and downs. Defensively, as many have seemed to forget, there weren’t many better than Buster and his crew. The FSU offense didn’t help them much.
  6. Denver (from Washington) – Harris, Ryan, OT, Notre Dame
    Great pick, a perfect pick for a Broncos offensive line that thrives on the ability to move and get to places before the defense gets there, opposed to just smashing people.
  7. Miami – Booker, Lorenzo, RB, Florida State
    Nice pick here. Booker gives the Dolphins a nice change of pace out of the backfield, and possibly a guy who can spell Ronnie Brown from time to time, keeping him fresh.
  8. Minnesota – McCauley, Marcus, CB, Fresno State
    I like this selection, as MaCauley showed too much promise last season for him to fall this far. Sure, he struggled on a terrible Fresno team this year, but that can wear on a guy, expect him to help in Minnesota right away.
  9. Houston – Jones, Jacoby , WR, Lane
    The Texans need guys to act as weapons so Andrew Johnson isn’t completely taken out of the fold. Jones has the speed and hands to be an option, as his small school roots were the only reason he fell this far.
  10. Baltimore (via Bills via Lions) – Figurs, Yamon, WR, Kansas State
    The Ravens took a chance on this kid out of K State because he’ll help right now as a return man, and his 40 time at the combine was in the 4.3’s… Not a bad run.
  11. Atlanta – Robinson, Laurent, WR, Illinois State
    Robinson had a very productive career at his D1-AA school, but struggled last season. The Falcons think that’s because of his passer, not so much his skills.
  12. San Francisco – Hill, Jason, WR, Washington State
    If speed really killed, Jason Hill would be quite the assassin. At 4.33, Hill was one of the fastest youngsters in the draft. Poor quarterbacking on a poor team in a bad place to throw may have hurt Hill’s college numbers, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he made a name for himself in San Francisco.
  13. Pittsburgh – Spaeth, Matt, TE, Minnesota
    I’m not the biggest fan of plucking TE’s on Day 1, but this kid can do all the dirty work, and he’s got some solid hands on him just in case.
  14. Green Bay – Jones, James, WR, San Jose State
    Jones can really move for his size, and has some strength on his shoulders. His hands are reliable, but Brett Favre’s rockets will certainly test that.
  15. Jacksonville – Walker, Mike, WR, Central Florida
    Walkers hands are very soft, he catches everything in site, and he looks cool and calm on the field. But lets get right down to it, he’s off the board in Round 3 because his 40 time looked like this… 4.35.
  16. Tennessee – Williams, Paul, WR, Fresno State
    The Titans are hoping Williams wasn’t the reason for the poor Fresno offense, and hope his numbers and fall are only because no one could get him the ball down south. He has a nice skill set, now lets see if Vince Young can use him.
  17. N.Y. Giants – Alford, Jay, DT, Penn State
    Alford was a big black hole in the middle of Penn State’s defensive front, and he compiled half a dozen sacks coming after the passer. The Giants made a nice find in the 3rd, taking a nice all around tackle. Those are rare.
  18. Kansas City (from Rams) – Tyler, DeMarcus ‘Tank’, DT NC State
    The Chiefs got a solid tackle very late. Now if Tank can just get his head on straight. This young kid has 1st round talent, and a coach like Herman Edwards just might be able to help turn Tyler into an NFL tank on the line.
  19. Carolina – Johnson, Charles – DE, Georgia
    I like Johnson a ton. The Panthers continue to add to a very good defense, one that will come out and smash a lot of teams in the mouth next season. Johnson has the size and speed to be a nice player for the Panthers.
  20. St. Louis (from Kansas City) – Wade, Jonathan, CB, Tennessee
    I’m not sure Wade will ever be a starter at corner, but he’s worth a shot. He was athletic enough to play receiver, and fast enough to win plenty of races as a sprinter. Wade was a high risk/reward guy here, and round 3 is a perfect time to take that shot.
  21. Seattle – Mebane, Brandon, DT, California
    This young tackle will be strictly a run stopper on 1st, 2nd and maybe 3rd and short. He’s a two down guy, who will try to get into Seattle’s rotation. God knows they need help slowing the run.
  22. Baltimore (from Denver via Jacks) – Yanda, Marshall, G, Iowa
    The Ravens continued their attempt to bolster their offensive line. Yanda is a work in progress, but he can pound, and he has tons of size, something Baltimore loves from their guards.
  23. Philadelphia (from Dallas) – Bradley, Stewart, OLB, Nebraska
    Bradley has a lot to offer the Eagles. At 6’4, 255, he’s big and tall and very athletic. He can rush the passer or play linebacker. He’s raw, but will get a chance to compete for a spot in Philly.
  24. New Orleans – Alleman, Andy, G, Akron
    Alleman won’t wow you with his workout numbers, but on the football field he does all the little things right, and gets the job done. That’s the kind of lineman you need.
  25. Green Bay (from N.Y. Jets) – Rouse, Aaron , SS, Virginia Tech
    Rousse is a project who projects as either a safety or a linebacker. He’s a little stiff in the hips, but he has great size and can run well. (6’4, 225, 4.45) Good numbers there.
  26. Philadelphia – Hunt, Tony, RB, Penn State
    This big back had a lot to do with the Nittany Lions’ reversal over the past two seasons. Hunt is a work-horse that can get dirty yards, and bust a quick gainer. Not the speediest of backs, but can run and catch with ease.
  27. Oakland (from N.E.) – Henderson, Mario, OT, Florida State
    Mario had his best games near the end of his college career, and while he’s definitely a prospect that needs to add some bulk, the upside is there. Yet another young addition to a Raider team getting more and more youth.
  28. Buffalo (from Baltimore) – Edwards, Trent, QB, Stanford
    Edwards has the smarts and arm to be a nice pro, as he will be relied upon to back up JP Losman in Buffalo. I like Edwards’ game a lot. I think he’ll be one of the few starters at quarterback from this draft, rather that come in Buffalo or somewhere else, I don’t know. I also like Losman.
  29. Chicago (from San Diego) – Wolfe, Garrett, RB, Northern Illinois
    The Bears have always been a RBBC (running back by committee) and Wolfe will get his chance to get some yards in Chicago. Garrett may be small, but his numbers have always been there. I like Wolfe’s style.
  30. Chicago – Okwo, Michael, ILB, Stanford
    Okwo is a short middle linebacker who had a tough time getting recognized on a poor Stanford team. He’s got game though, don’t be confused, he’ll help the Bears somewhere, as his football intelligence is right up there.
  31. Indianapolis – Hughes, Daymeion, CB, California
    The Colts made yet another smart pick. Hughes got picked on a little in Cali, but mostly because he got beat a couple times after running his mouth. He’s got the goods at corner, and will help the Colts right now.
  32. San Diego – Waters, Anthony, ILB, Clemson
    This is a great high reward pick by the Chargers. If Waters’ knee injury from a year ago subsides, and he gets back to full strength, the Chargers get a starter in the middle who will be solid for years to come. You can’t say that too many times late in Round 3.
  33. San Francisco – McDonald, Ray, DT, Florida
    McDonald gets the job done when he’s healthy. Like many of the other guys at the end of this round, he’s got his share of whens, ifs, and buts, but he’s always had the skill.
  34. Indianapolis – Pitcock, Quinn, DT, Ohio State
    The Colts added yet another full time worker to come in a spell starters on the defensive line. Notice the good teams get guys who are ready to play at every chance they get. Pitcock is definitely one of those.
  35. Oakland – Higgins, Johnnie Lee, WR, Texas-El Paso
    The Raiders took the speedster from El Paso, getting ready to trade Moss, they grab another receiver to add to the young set of guys ready to learn under Lane Kiffin. Good pick here. Higgins is a speedy weapon.

2007 NFL Draft 2nd Round Review

WordPress is doing strange things again so I need to add some text here because it seems to be a problem using an ordered list at te top of a post.

  1. Arizona (from Oakland) – Branch, Alan, DT, Michigan
    The Cardinals realized a chance to move up and take a top 10 talent and pulled the trigger. Sure, Branch has seen his effort questioned, and many question his work ethic, but the kid is a monster, a 340lb run stuffing mass of a man. Honestly, in most cases, guys like Branch have their dedication questioned. But, he’s a chance worth taking, in a spot the Cardinals need help.
  2. Buffalo (from Detroit) – Posluszny, Paul, OLB, Penn State
    I’m not sure what all the Bills gave up, but they need help on defense, especially with Takeo Spikes gone, and Paul is a late 1st round talent and a 1st rate kind of teammate. He’s a man of many talents, many of which the Bills will use.
  3. Tampa Bay – Sears, Arron, OT, Tennessee
    Aaron Sears is a nice addition by the Bucs, who couldn’t give their Cadillac room to run last season. With two solid lineman in two early 1st day picks, it looks like Gruden and the Bucs are on the right track in Tampa.
  4. Philadelphia (via Browns via Dallas) – Kolb, Kevin, QB, Houston
    I’m not sure I’d be confident enough in my squad to use an early 2nd round pick on a backup/3rd string quarterback, but maybe the Eagles know something about Donovan McNabb’s injuries that I don’t. Surely, Andy Reid and company must feel pretty strongly about Kolb’s ability.
  5. San Diego (via WA via N.Y. Jets & Bears) – Weddle, Eric, SS Utah
    I may be mistaken, but I think the Chargers gave up the rest of their world to take Weddle, a kid that was projected to get off the board somewhere around here. I’ll go out on a limb and say they gave up way too much, but the Chargers like to get the guys they want, and apparently Eric was worth the price.
  6. Oakland (from Arizona) – Miller, Zach, TE, Arizona State
    The Raiders don’t need a big medium-speed tight end bad enough to pick one at the top of Round 2, but Miller is as sure-handed as they come, and he’ll give JaMarcus a nice big safety valve at tight end, something young quarterbacks use to gain confidence.
  7. Atlanta (from Houston) – Blalock, Justin, OT, Texas
    The Falcons made a nice little move up here to grave Blalock, a nice prospect from Texas. I liked Blalock to flirt with the 1st round, and apparently so did the Falcons, as they moved up in a hurry to grab Blalock. He should help the Falcons move to a power running game eventually.
  8. Miami – Beck, John, QB, Brigham Young
    Miami passed on Quinn for what looks to be this sharp BYU signal caller. Some put Beck ahead of Quinn, citing his play making and ability to read the defense as their reasons. I’m not so sure about that. I think letting Quinn go gave the Daunte Culpepper experience another year, and if that doesn’t work out, Beck is their to be groomed. Cam’s a good judge of quarterbacking.
  9. Atlanta (via Minnesota) – Houston, Chris, CB, Arkansas
    The Falcons made yet another move, trading up to snag Arkansas product, Chris Houston. The Falcons struggled all season long in the secondary, giving up too many big plays. Houston is fleet of foot, and will certainly help immediately as a nickel and dime guy in the slot, quite possibly moving in as a starter late in the season, or if Falcons move some corners to safety.
  10. Indianapolis (from San Francisco) – Ugoh, Tony, G, Arkansas
    The Colts need some future prospects on the line if they want to replace some guys headed for free agency after next season. Ugoh has the upside to be a nice blocker for Peyton, and a road grater for Joseph Addai. As long as the Colts keep adding solid lineman, they’ll keep winning football games.
  11. Detroit (from Buffalo) – Stanton, Drew, QB, Michigan State
    Another team that passed on Quinn took a quarterback near the top of Round 2, this time the Lions made the move. There were more than a couple cats who had Drew ahead of Brady, and I assume Mike Martz and the Lions brass were one of those. I like Stanton, but I’m not sure he has the chance to be great.
  12. Minnesota (from Atlanta) – Rice, Sidney, WR, South Carolina
    After taking a former Gamecock project WR 7th overall a couple of years ago, the Vikings waited until the middle of Round 2 to take that chance again. Rice has all the tools to be molded into a star, and gives the Vikings another wide receiver, something they desperately need as their numbers there are limited.
  13. Carolina – Jarrett, Dwayne, WR, Southern California
    I know Jarrett’s numbers at the combine didn’t wow any folk, and his pro day didn’t do him much better, but in the middle of Round 2 is a steal as far as I’m concerned. The Panthers need a compliment to Steve Smith, the best receiver in the league, and Jarrett’s size and reliable hands make him a perfect candidate.
  14. Pittsburgh – Woodley, LaMarr, DE, Michigan
    The Steelers continue to build on defense, which once again, doesn’t surprise me at all. Pittsburgh always has a stout defense, something Mike Tomlin is doing his best to continue in his first year on the job. Woodley is a playmaker that helped the Wolverines dominate most of the Big 10 last season.
  15. N.Y. Jets (from Green Bay) – Harris, David, ILB, Michigan
    The Jets moved up again, this time to take David Harris, making it two Michigan defenders off the board in as many selections. Harris was the center of a stout Wolverine defense that led the Wolverines to a big season.
  16. Jacksonville – Durant, Justin, ILB, Hampton
    The Jaguars always seem to need help at linebacker and this season is no different. No matter how many they stockpile, injuries always deter them from taking the next step. Durant is quick, smart, and a very sure tackler.
  17. Cincinnati – Irons, Kenny, RB, Auburn
    With Chris Perry always on the shelf, the Bengals went ahead and took Kenny Irons to pair with Rudi Johnson, but I’m not so sure Kenny fits that bill. Honestly, as small as Irons is, he runs more like Rudi than a 3rd down back. He’s not a consistent pass catcher, but maybe the Bengals think he has that kind of ability. Either that or they think he has the game to be a starter some day.
  18. Tennessee – Henry, Chris, RB, Arizona
    The Titans took a big chance here, as Henry has just about as many starts in college football as I do. 4 this last year were enough to show the Titans that this youngster has some game, as he ran well for a poor Wildcat team. 1-2 White/Henry punch? We’ll see.
  19. N.Y. Giants – Smith, Steve, WR , Southern California
    The Giants made another very good pick, taking Smith near the end of round 2. Steve does all the little things, and has the speed to be a player in the league. Steve has always produced, but never gotten the big headlines playing second fiddle to a couple tall guys at USC. Mark my words, Smith will be the replacement for Armani Toomer soon.
  20. St. Louis – Leonard, Brian, FB, Rutgers
    I like Brian Leonard a ton, as he can do so much, but the Rams need so much on defense, taking a back up to Steven Jackson here seems a little ridiculous. However, the Rams might be realizing that Jackson can’t stay healthy with so many touches, and adding Leonard definitely gives the Rams a chance to be a little easier on Steven Jackson.
  21. Cleveland (from Dallas) – Wright, Eric, CB, Nevada-Las Vegas
    Eric Wright’s baggage is definitely in his past, and his upside and skills are most likely in the recent future. This young man, grown up from his troubles, will give the Browns instant help in the secondary, something any team can use.
  22. Kansas City – McBride, Turk, DT, Tennessee
    The Chiefs need help on defense, sound familiar? Turk is a run stuffer, and a solid pass rusher that will continue to help Herm Edwards’ defense grow into the solid unit he desires. Nice pick here.
  23. Seattle – Wilson, Josh, CB, Maryland
    Once again, the Hawks have me wowed. I like Wilson, the undersized speedster out of Maryland, and last season’s playoff performance without any corners definitely made the Hawks realize they needed help here, but Wilson is a stretch in Round 2. But, the Hawks rarely miss on Day 1.
  24. Denver – Crowder, Tim, DE, Texas
    The Broncos are re-tooling a defensive line that has underperformed for some time. Crowder fell farther than I thought he would, as he’s done well playing with injuries, and has always been a game changer on the Longhorns defensive line.
  25. Philadelphia – Abiamiri, Victor, DE, Notre Dame
    The Eagles need a guy to step up when Javon Kearse next goes on the IR with a season ending injury. Abiamiri was a lone ranger on the Irish defense, often drawing double teams, and thus his numbers suffered. The Eagles saw through that, though, as Victor will become a starter in the next few years.
  26. Detroit (from New Orleans) – Alama-Francis, Ikaika, DE, Hawaii
    Hawaii doesn’t often get first day love, but Ikaika is the first of two Rainbows plucked at the end of Round 2. It wasn’t all offense in Hawaii, as this young defensive end proved his worth week in and week out. The Lions added another quality peace to an already solid draft.
  27. Carolina (from N.Y. Jets) – Kalil, Ryan, C, Southern California
    I really like what the Panthers did on Day 1. Jon Beason and Ryan Kalil plus a 4th rounder from the Jets for Darrelle Revis. I like it. Kalil helps right away, as does Beason. I like Revis, but these two starters will do more for the Panthers than Revis could have done alone, no question in my mind. Nice work in Carolina.
  28. Miami (from New England) – Satele, Samson, C, Hawaii
    The second Rainbow came of the board, as Satele made it two in three picks. Samson has some strength, and the smarts to make all the line calls for a very good Hawaii front line. Satele will help the Dolphins where they need it most, as Cam Cameron wants to run the rock.
  29. Detroit (from Baltimore) -Alexander, Gerald, FS, Boise State
    Boise State won a lot of football games, and didn’t lose one last season. Gerald Alexander played a huge roll on defense for Broncos. Alexander’s ball hawking ability and sure tackling gives the Lions yet another peace of the puzzle.
  30. Chicago (from San Diego) – Bazuin, Dan, DE, Central Michigan
    I’ve got to be honest, I don’t know much about Dan Bazuin, which says a lot, as I know way too many kids from way too many schools. However, the Bears didn’t need defensive ends, but then again, what do the Bears need? Bazuin will be one of many defensive lineman that will try to make up for the loss of Tank, just in case he’s in more trouble than everyone knows.
  31. Green Bay (via Bears via Jets) – Jackson, Brandon, RB, Nebraska
    The Packers may have stolen their future starter at running backs at the end of round 2, ala the Jaguars and Maurice Drew last season. Jackson has the skill-set and some nice size, as he runs tough. Nebraska used a plethora of backs, so Jackson doesn’t have amazing numbers, but he hasn’t been all used up either. Nice pick by the Packers.
  32. Tampa Bay (from Colts) – Piscitelli, Sabby, SS, Oregon State
    This young man played a huge roll in stunning the Trojans last season, which put him right out there in front of scouts eyes everywhere. Tampa knows how to pick safeties; I expect Sabby to be a damn good one.