B-FLO 360

2013 NBA Playoffs: Conference Finals Predictions

2013-05-19T01:31:00.002-04:00

Four teams are left in the 2013 NBA Playoffs: Miami and Indiana in the Eastern Conference, San Antonio and Memphis in the Western Conference. Which clubs will be meeting up in the NBA Finals? Here are the official B-FLO 360 predictions for the Conference Finals.

TV Schedule & Announcers

(1) Miami Heat vs. (3) Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have clearly shown that they have the defense to match up with the Heat, but their offense is just awful at times. That will severely limit them against Miami but their best chance comes with their matchup advantage at center with Roy Hibbert, particularly when the Heat go small. But, they will win one game at best.
Miami in 5

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies

Well you know, I did pick the Spurs to take on the Heat in the Finals. But unfortunately, that is not going to happen because they will fall to Memphis. I love the youthful energy across the board for the Grizzlies and I think the combination of their frontcourt depth, the blossoming play of Mike Conley and the quality defense of Tony Allen will key them to the Finals.
Memphis in 6

2013 NBA Playoffs: Conference Finals TV Schedule & Announcers

2013-05-18T00:37:00.001-04:00

And just like that, we have reached the final four if you will in the 2013 NBA Playoffs. Here is the television schedule and announcing assignments for the Conference Finals.

Predictions (coming soon)
*If Necessary

(1) Miami Heat vs. (3) Indiana Pacers

Game 1: Wed., 5/22 - Miami - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)
Game 2: Fri., 5/24 - Miami - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)
Game 3: Sun., 5/26 - Indianapolis - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)
Game 4: Tues., 5/28 - Indianapolis - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)
Game 5*: Thurs., 5/30 - Miami - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)
Game 6*: Sat., 6/1 - Indianapolis - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)
Game 7*: Mon., 5/3 - Miami - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies

Game 1: Sun., 5/19 - San Antonio - ABC, 3:30 (Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Doris Burke)
Game 2: Tues., 5/21 - San Antonio - ESPN, 9:00 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)
Game 3: Sat., 5/25 - Memphis - ESPN, 9:00 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)
Game 4: Mon, 5/27 - Memphis - ESPN, 9:00 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)
Game 5*: Wed., 5/29 - San Antonio - ESPN, TBA (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)
Game 6*: Fri., 5/31 - Memphis - ESPN, TBA (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)
Game 7*: Sun., 6/2 - San Antonio - ESPN, TBA (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)

Day-by-Day Schedule
Sun., 5/19
Grizzlies vs. Spurs (Game 1) - ABC, 3:30 (Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Doris Burke)

Tues, 5/21
Grizzlies vs. Spurs (Game 2) - ESPN, 9:00 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)

Wed., 5/22
Pacers vs. Heat (Game 1) - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)

Fri., 5/24
Pacers vs. Heat (Game 2) - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)

Sat., 5/25
Spurs vs. Grizzlies (Game 3) - ESPN, 9:00 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)

Sun., 5/26
Heat vs. Pacers (Game 3) - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)

Mon., 5/27
Spurs vs. Grizzlies (Game 4) - ESPN, 9:00 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)

Tues., 5/28
Heat vs. Pacers (Game 4) - TNT, 8:30 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Craig Sager)

2013 Preakness Stakes Picks

2013-05-17T11:04:00.000-04:00

We are on to Baltimore and the Second Jewel of the Triple Crown with this Saturday of the 138th Preakness Stakes. Kentucky Derby winner Orb is the heavy favorite at Pimlico Race Course, can he keep his hopes of being the first Triple Crown winner since 1978 alive? Or will we see a big upset? Here are my trifecta picks.

Latest Odds
Post Positions

Win: Orb (1-1)
As expected, Orb is the clear favorite but he could be in for a tough race this Saturday considering he drew Gate 1, which is of course on the rail. Historically, that is a tough spot to win from but I still like Orb, particularly as there is a significant chance that we see rainy conditions like we saw two weeks ago in Louisville. He also will take advantage of a less than stellar field.

Place: Will Take Charge (12-1)
I think that Will Take Charge is going to surprise a lot of folks on raceday and I think that just like in the Derby, an underdog will come out of nowhere to finish in second. Don't forget that this horse was matching strides early with Orb before falling off pace. He has an ideal starting spot with Gate 7, which he has shown a lot of success from before.

Show: Departing (6-1)
Departing is considered to be one of the top challengers to potentially knock off Orb and while I don't think this horse will get there, he should be a contender. Given that this horse did not run in the Derby, he is a bit of a wild card but given that it is well-rested without having to race in the slop and when we last saw him, he won the Illinois Derby, Departing will very much be in the mix come Saturday.

2013 MLB on FOX Announcers & Distribution: May 18th

2013-05-17T01:43:00.000-04:00

After taking last week off, FOX Saturday Baseball returns this weekend with a threesome of quality baseball. This week's slate features the struggling White Sox visiting the similarly struggling Angels in Anaheim, the Reds getting a little brotherly love in Philadelphia against the Phillies and the Rays taking on the Orioles in Charm City. Continue reading for announcing assignments and distribution splits.

MLB on FOX schedule
Coverage begins 4:00 EDT

Thom Brennaman, Tom Verducci
Distribution:
Primary

Dick Stockton, Brian Anderson
Distribution:
KTBY - Anchorage, AK
KFXF - Fairbanks, AK
WTIC - Hartford, CT
WTTG - Washington, D.C.
WFTX - Fort Myers, FL
WAWS - Jacksonville, FL
WSVN - Miami, FL
WOGX - Gainesville, FL
WOFL - Orlando, FL
WPGX - Panama City, FL
WTVT - Tampa, FL
WFLX - West Palm Beach, FL
KNIN - Boise, ID
WFVX- Bangor, ME
WPFO - Portland, ME
WAGM-DT - Presque Isle, ME
WBFF - Baltimore, MD
WBOC-DT - Salisbury, MD
WFXT - Boston, MA
WGGB-DT - Springfield, MA
WJBK - Detroit, MI
WSMH - Flint, MI
WSYM - Lansing, MI
WWUP - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
WFQX - Traverse City, MI
KECY-DT - Mankato, MN
KMSP - Minneapolis, MN
KXLT - Rochester, MN
KVVU - Las Vegas, NV
KNDX - Bismarck, N.D.
KXND - Minot, N.D.
KFXO - Bend, OR
KPTV - Portland, OR
KEVN - Rapid City, S.D.
KTTW - Sioux Falls, S.D.

KXVA - Abilene, TX

KCIT - Amarillo, TX

KBTV - Beaumont, TX

XHRIO - Brownsville, TX

KYLE - Bryan, TX

KUQI - Corpus Christi, TX

KDFX - Dallas, TX

KFOX - El Paso, TX

KXOF - Laredo, TX

KJTV - Lubbock, TX

KPEJ - Odessa, TX

KIDY - San Angelo, TX

KABB - San Antonio, TX

KXII-DT - Sherman, TX

KWKT - Waco, TX

KJTL - Wichita Falls, TX

WFFF - Burlington, VT
WAHU - Charlottesville, VA
WHSV - Harrisonburg, VA
WRLH - Richmond, VA
WFXR - Roanoke, VA
WVBT - Virginia Beach, VA
KCPQ - Seattle, WA
KAYU - Spokane, WA
KFFX - Tri-Cities, WA
KCYU - Yakima, WA

Kenny Albert, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal
Distribution:
KBFX - Bakersfield, CA
KMPH - Fresno, CA
KTTV - Los Angeles, CA
KDFX - Palm Springs, CA
KKFX - Santa Barbara, CA
KHON - Honolulu, HI
WYZZ - Bloomington, IL
WCCU - Champaign, IL
WFLD - Chicago, IL
WGEM-DT - Quincy, IL
WQRF - Rockford, IL
WRSP - Springfield, IL
WSJV - South Bend, IN
WTHI-DT - Terre Haute, IN
KFXA - Cedar Rapids, IA
KLJB - Davenport, IA
WLUC-DT - Marquette, MI
KQDS - Duluth, MN
KVRR - Fargo, N.D.
KBRR - Grand Forks, N.D.
KLSR - Eugene, OR
KTBC - Austin, TX
KFXF - Tyler, TX
KSTU - Salt Lake City, UT

The506 Maps

Apparently, Eagles guard Evan Mathis is not a fan of the IRS

2013-05-15T17:54:00.000-04:00

H/T BSO

The Internal Revenue Service has never been a popular agency with the public and that has never been more so than now after the revelation that the agency had targeted certain conservative groups for closer scrutiny as said groups were applying for tax exempt status. And among those outraged is Eagles guard Evan Mathis, who posted the picture above on the garbage site Instagram with the title "Audit this." Indeed/

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Conference Semifinals Predictions

2013-05-13T23:08:00.004-04:00

We saw some excitement and we sure saw some tremendous hockey in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Will we see some more good action in the next round? Here are my predictions for the Conference Semifinals.

TV Schedule

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

If Craig Anderson continues to play as lights-out as he has all season long, even going into last year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Senators have a good chance to pull off the upset. And I think they have a good chance to shock the hockey world. They can wear down Pittsburgh's talented wings with a very good defensive corps and while they don't have the offensive guns that Pittsburgh has, they can take advantage of the issues their opponent had in net against the Islanders, who came close to pulling off the huge upset. I think Ottawa will pull it off.

Senators in 7

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (6) New York Rangers

Who doesn't love themselves some more Original Six hockey, eh? These two teams took pretty different paths here. On one hand, the Rangers completely demolished the Capitals in their Game 7, 5-0. On the other hand, the Bruins rallied from a three goal deficit with 11 minutes to go to tie the choking Leafs with less than a minute left and then pull off the Game 7 victory in overtime, 5-4. Good stuff all around. Both clubs are very strong at keeping pucks out of their nets and neither is all that special at sticking them in opposing nets. I think the difference will come on special teams and that gives the edge to the Bruins, who are fantastic on the penalty kill, while New York is just average.
Bruins in 7

(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings

The Wings did a great job to get past the Ducks, which I predicted. They have perhaps the best coach in the league, have a very good goalie in Jimmy Howard and feature two of the best wings in Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. And you never know in these rivalry matchups. But with how strong the Hawks looked against Minnesota, and especially with how fantastic Corey Crawford was in goal, I can't see Detroit pulling off this upset. It will be a fun series regardless.

Blackhawks in 6

(5) Los Angeles Kings vs. (6) San Jose Sharks

How about a little bit of California Dreaming for hockey fans out west as these rivals will face off for only the second time in the playoffs. LA fought back hard after falling to a 2-0 deficit to St. Louis, with Jonathan Quick finding his game in the nick of time, while San Jose really kicked the asses of the Canucks in a four-game sweep. I was very impressed with how strong the Sharks were across the board and I think that strong play will lead them to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Sharks in 6

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Conference Semifinals TV Schedule & Announcers

2013-05-13T22:55:00.002-04:00

The 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs are rolling forward as we have reached the Conference Semifinals stage. This round kicks off this Tuesday evening and every game will be available nationally and that from this point on, there are no local blackouts. Let's take a look.

Predictions
*If Necessary

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

Game 1: Tues., 5/14 - Pittsburgh - NBCSN, 7:30 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Game 2: Fri., 5/17 - Pittsburgh - NBCSN, 7:30 (Rick Peckham, Brian Engblom)
Game 3: Sun., 5/19 - Ottawa - NBCSN, 7:30 (Rick Peckham, Brian Engblom)
Game 4: Wed., 5/22 - Ottawa - NBCSN, 7:30 (Kenny Albert, Brian Engblom)
Game 5*: Fri., 5/24 - Pittsburgh - NBCSN, 7:30 (TBA)
Game 6*: Sun., 5/26 - Ottawa - TBA, TBA
Game 7*: Tues., 5/28 - Pittsburgh - TBA, TBA

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (6) New York Rangers

Game 1: Thurs., 5/16 - Boston - NBCSN, 7:30 (Dave Strader, Pierre McGuire)
Game 2: Sun., 5/19 - Boston - NBC, 3:00 (Dave Strader, Pierre McGuire)
Game 3: Tues., 5/21 - New York - NBCSN, 7:30 (Dave Strader, Pierre McGuire)
Game 4: Thurs., 5/23 - New York - CNBC, 7:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Game 5*: Sat., 5/25 - Boston - TBA, TBA
Game 6*: Mon., 5/27 - New York - TBA, TBA
Game 7*: Wed., 5/29 - Boston - TBA, TBA

(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings

Game 1: Wed., 5/15 - Chicago - NBCSN, 8:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)
Game 2: Sat., 5/18 - Chicago - NBC, 1:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)
Game 3: Mon., 5/20 - Detroit - NBCSN, 7:30 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)
Game 4: Wed., 5/22 - Detroit - NBCSN, 8:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)
Game 5: Sat., 5/24 - Chicago - TBA, TBA
Game 6*: Mon., 5/26 - Detroit - TBA, TBA
Game 7*: Wed., 5/28 - Chicago - TBA, TBA

(5) Los Angeles Kings vs. (6) San Jose Sharks

Game 1: Tues., 5/14 - Los Angeles - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Joe Micheletti)
Game 2: Thurs., 5/16 - Los Angeles - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Joe Micheletti)
Game 3: Sat., 5/18 - San Jose - NBCSN, 9:00 (John Forslund, Joe Micheletti)
Game 4: Tues., 5/21 - San Jose - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Joe Micheletti)
Game 5: Thurs., 5/23 - Los Angeles - NBCSN, 10:30 (John Forslund, Joe Micheletti)
Game 6*: Sun., 5/26 - San Jose - TBA, TBA
Game 7*: Tues., 5/28 - Los Angeles - TBA, TBA

Day-by-Day
Tues., 5/14
Senators vs. Penguins (Game 1) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Sharks vs. Kings (Game 1) - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Joe Micheletti)

Wed., 5/15
Red Wings vs. Blackhawks (Game 1) - NBCSN, 8:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)

Thurs., 5/16
Rangers vs. Bruins (Game 1) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Dave Strader, Pierre McGuire)
Sharks vs. Kings (Game 2) - NBCSN, 10:00

Fri., 5/17
Senators vs. Penguins (Game 2) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Rick Peckham, Brian Engblom)

Sat., 5/18
Red Wings vs. Blackhawks (Game 2) - NBC, 1:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)
Kings vs. Sharks (Game 3) - NBCSN, 9:00 (John Forslund, Joe Micheletti)

Sun., 5/19
Rangers vs. Bruins (Game 2) - NBC, 3:00 (Dave Strader, Pierre McGuire)
Penguins vs. Senators (Game 3) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Rick Peckham, Brian Engblom)

Mon., 5/20
Blackhawks vs. Red Wings (Game 3) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)

Tues., 5/21
Bruins vs. Rangers (Game 3) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Dave Strader, Pierre McGuire)
Kings vs. Sharks (Game 4) - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Joe Micheletti)

Wed., 5/22
Penguins vs. Senators (Game 4) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Kenny Albert, Brian Engblom)

Thurs., 5/23
Bruins vs. Rangers (Game 4) - CNBC, 7:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Blackhawks vs. Red Wings (Game 4) - NBCSN, 8:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)
Sharks vs. Kings (Game 5*) - NBCSN, 10:30 (John Forslund, Joe Micheletti)

Fri., 5/24
Senators vs. Penguins (Game 5*) - NBCSN, 7:30 (TBA)

Watch Manny Ramirez in Taiwan pull off the greatest slide ever

2013-05-13T22:04:00.003-04:00

God bless Manny Ramirez. It does not matter where and for whom he is playing for, he is still out there pulling off absurd crap that is pretty hilarious. That brings us to a situation with Ramirez on the EDA Rhinos of the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan where he is on first and I think tries to break up a double play here with a terrible slide. However, I cannot say that with confidence because I don't think anybody can tell you what Manny is doing. Let's go to the videotape.

So yes, Houston should sign him.

A Super Bowl on an aircraft carrier?

2013-05-13T00:03:00.000-04:00

Sports on aircraft carriers seem to be the thing that all the cool kids are doing these days, but it has been pretty much exclusive to college basketball. But not only could we see football on an aircraft carrier, but potentially a Super Bowl? One city is proposing it and it is not as crazy as you would think.

According to NBC Miami, the South Florida Super Bowl Bid Committee announced the details for its bids for Super Bowls L and LI, which the NFL will announced next week. They are bidding against the San Francisco Bay Area for L and Houston for LI if they are not awarded the prior year's game. Now South Florida is at a disadvantage for either due to the need for renovations to Sun Life Stadium, which will not be coming due to both the team and the Florida House failing to find support for funding in light of ongoing outrage over the funding of Marlins Park.

So the committee has decided to get creative and put into its bid a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier being docked near downtown Miami where the game would be played on its deck, which would obviously be a first for an NFL game.

It is pretty easy to dismiss this idea as one of desperation. After all, the Bay Area's bid is centered around the brand news stadium being constructed for the 49ers in Santa Clara and Houston was a pretty successful host back in 2004. But this is certainly not a joke bid, however. Miami has been a host city for ten Super Bowls and it is a very desirable city for the league considering the city's status as a vacation hotspot. Now while it would be tough for an event the size of a Super Bowl to be pulled off on an aircraft carrier, and it is not certain how much people could be put into a makeshift football stadium, you do wonder how interested the league would be to break ground and pull off something like this while at the same time reinforcing its relationship with the military. And let's be honest, I think there is a legitimate argument that the league may rather have the game played on a carrier in downtown Miami rather than out in the boonies at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, which is not exactly a wonderful place I am told. And the bottom line, as Mike Florio pointed out, is how much money the committee can throw at the league, which is really what matters to the owners and those in the selection process.

I must admit, I was so ready to ravage this idea but the more I thought about it, the more I think it would be an interesting spectacle. I think that San Francisco will be announced as host for Super Bowl L but I also think that the Miami area could have a shot for LI.

Could it get any worse for Rutgers basketball?

2013-05-11T00:10:00.001-04:00

As Michael Corleone and Silvio Dante once said, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." In this case, it's referring to the athletics department at Rutgers University, specifically the basketball program. Just when they thought they had put the controversy and the turbulence behind them with the Mike Rice fiasco and made a solid hire in Scarlet Knights legend Eddie Jordan, there's controversy surrounding that as well as it was broken by Deadspin that Jordan, despite claims to the contrary, never graduated from the school.

When announcing the hiring of Jordan, Rutgers understandably made a big deal about his ties to the university, mostly his exploits on the court in leading the Knights to the Final Four in 1976. But the school's bio also noted that he earned "a degree in health and physical education" in 1977. Other franchises which Jordan worked for also noted that graduated Rutgers in 1977.

There's only one problem, Jordan never earned a degree, not in 1977 nor in any other year. All it took was Deadspin reporter John Koblin contacting the registrar's office of Rutgers to find out that information. The office stated that Jordan did not receive a degree from the school, despite the fact that Jordan had taken some classes in 1978, 1981, and 1985.

For his part, Jordan said in an interview with ESPN that he did complete his school hours in 1985 but that he "wasn't registered right." That obviously does not jive with what the office of the registrar said, but Jordan says that his classes "were never recorded" and that he has seen a transcript and "will have to find it."

The university was forced to admit its own laziness by admitting that they were in error by claiming that Jordan had received a degree from the university and this is certainly another embarrassing episode for a program that has had a fiasco of an offseason. I mean, how hard was it to check whether or not Jordan had received a degree? To put something like that on his biography on the athletics' website, which has since been edited, without corroborating it is absolutely ridiculous.

As for whether or not the school should let go of Jordan, which they say they will not, it appears as that Jordan did fib on his resume, which he said he put down that he had graduated in 1985, which is not true unless one takes him at his word for what he said happened. I would say it is not as egregious as the famous example of George O'Leary's resume issues, including getting a master's degree from "NYU-Stony Brook University" and lettering in football at New Hampshire, neither of which were true, when he was hired at Notre Dame in 2001. That resulted in O'Leary resigning under heavy pressure. The school says that neither they nor the NCAA requires a coach to have a degree, but the school is requiring that Jordan's assistants do, ironically. I'm not necessarily sold that Jordan should be fired, but whoever wrote and promoted that Jordan did graduate without doing any corroboration probably should.

Watch Spike Lee videobomb Reggie Miller

2013-05-08T12:52:00.000-04:00

Personally, I'm surprised this has not happened before. As everybody knows, Spike Lee is a Knicks whore who famously tried to trash-talk Reggie Miller many times when the Pacers came to Madison Square Garden, with the most famous example occurring in Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, when Miller went for 39, with 25 in the fourth quarter, en route to an Indiana to a 93-86 victory. A little less than 18 years later, Lee dropped a classic bomb behind the awful analyst. Let's go to the videotape.

Who will be the next coach of the Nets?

2013-05-06T23:11:00.000-04:00

After a topsy-turvy campaign that resulted in a disappointing first round loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Nets decided to not remove the interim tag from P.J. Carlesimo and they will look for a replacement of the fired Avery Johnson, who was axed in December. As expected, the Nets are going after high-profile candidates but who will end up with the job?

The first name on anybody's list is Phil Jackson and it has been reported that the team will reach out to the one-time Net. But while it is not entirely out of the question that he joins the organization, he will not be the coach. There is no reason for the top coach in league history, who can sit back and wait and choose for whatever job he wants (Lakers), to go to Brooklyn and deal with this talented but still-messy roster whose best player has the reputation of being a coach-killer. But as an astute reader can tell, I think there is a chance that Jackson could possibly join the front office, which he has shown interest in doing, perhaps more than coaching.

One rumored candidate that is not in the mix apparently is Jeff Van Gundy. Sources told the Daily News that there is a 98% chance the Nets don't even meet with the former Knicks and Rockets coach and current ESPN analyst and considering how unlikely Van Gundy is to take the job, with no real reason to leave a cushy job with ESPN, this development is not surprising.

Another top candidate that may be gaining some momentum is Jerry Sloan, whose name has come up as Williams has said that he would love to play for his former coach. That, of course, is ironic considering how Williams's poor relationship with Sloan is the reason why both were out of Salt Lake City within about two weeks back in February 2010. Considering that the moody Williams has to be on board with this hire, it helps Sloan's case were he to want the job and a Williams-Brook Lopez combo in Sloan's famed pick-and-roll is tantalizing to many.

One name that a couple of connected Nets reporters, Mike Vaccaro of the Post and Dave D'Alessandro of the Star-Ledger, have been playing up the possibility of the club making a play for Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Now before you all laugh, here is why it may not be so crazy, even as Rivers is still under contract and has stated that he does not want another job until his son, a junior, finishes high school. But as the team ponders blowing up the roster for a rebuilding job as the team fights the aging bug as well as the continual Rajon Rondo trade rumors, would Rivers want to stick around? And there is no question that the Nets would be willing to throw crates of cash at him were he to show any interest, but I would be very surprised if Rivers were to leave Boston for Brooklyn.

I did mention Jeff Van Gundy, why not his brother Stan? I have long been a big proponent of the elder Van Gundy brother and while I have not heard a whole lot of rumblings of the Nets targeting him, that could make him a great fit. He has a big personality that just may fit right in with an organization desperate to steal some of the spotlight from the Knicks. The one thing that could make him a risk or unlikely is that he would not take any of Williams's crap, just like he refused to deal with Dwight Howard's crap in Orlando, but he could also be the one to break through to him.

One lesser-spotlight candidate that the franchise has been granted permission to interview with is Pacers assistant Brian Shaw. One of the more highly respected assistants in the league, Shaw has been through many coaching searches but a lot of folks are surprised that he has not gotten a job yet. This, however, could be the one. Shaw has worked in a high pressure environment before with his many years in Los Angeles under Jackson, so he should be able to handle the New York market. Being a top assistant for a coach like Jackson is not a bad thing either, and I have an inkling that Shaw could be the guy that could break through with Williams. After all, he is a former point guard and not the micromanager that Avery Johnson was. If I were the Nets, Shaw has to be near the top of the list.

2013 NBA Playoffs: Conference Semifinals Predictions

2013-05-04T22:37:00.001-04:00

And we are onto the conference semifinals in the 2013 NBA Playoffs and boy did the first round get wild when we thought it was subpar? Will the next round be as exciting? Here are my predictions.

TV Schedule

(1) Miami Heat vs. (5) Chicago Bulls

Chicago's only chance in this series is if Derrick Rose comes back and is at MVP form, without that, they are not going to win a game in this series, let alone pull the upset. They just do not have the offense to get through a fantastic Miami defense and they have been too riddled by injuries and lack the depth that they would need. Crank out the brooms, folks.
Miami in 4

(2) New York Knicks vs. (3) Indiana Pacers

I think this is a tough series to pick for a couple of key reasons. First, the Knicks did not play as well as we they could have and allowed a weak Celtics team to hang around too long before finally putting them away in game six. Second, the Pacers are a pretty weak road team as they were sub-.500 in the regular season away from Indianapolis and they had a pair of bad losses by decent margins to the Hawks. I will give the slight edge to New York because they have the weapons to light up the scoreboard, which the Pacers do not boast, and they can crank out grinder victories as well.
Knicks in 7

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies

I know some other folks are feeling an upset here and I am as well. I lost some faith in Oklahoma City as they failed to finish off the Rockets for a couple of games despite having the opportunity for the sweep as Russell Westbrook's injury forced the club to become overreliant on Kevin Durant and if Kevin Martin was not hot, the offense was a mess. And now they have a quality club in Memphis that is excellent defensively and will able to play very physical to wind down Durant, which will spell doom for the Thunder.
Grizzlies in 6

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Golden State Warriors

Do I think the Warriors have a shot to win this series? I actually do, particularly if the Warriors shoot as well as they did against Denver, if Steph Curry is as awesome as we was in the first round and if they get good contributions from David Lee. But a well-rested Spurs club that has the defense to slow down Golden State as well as the offense to not be afraid of a shoutout will end up coming out on top.
Spurs in 6

2013 NBA Playoffs: Conference Semifinals TV Schedule & Announcers

2013-05-04T14:42:00.000-04:00

Just like that, we are on to the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs. Here is the television schedule with announcers for the conference semifinals.

Predictions
*If Necessary

(1) Miami Heat vs. (5) Chicago Bulls

Game 1: Mon., 5/6 - Miami - TNT, 7:00 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager)
Game 2: Wed., 5/8 - Miami - TNT, 7:00 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager)
Game 3: Fri., 5/10 - Chicago - ESPN, 8:00 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)
Game 4: Mon., 5/13 - Chicago - TNT, 7:00 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager)
Game 5: Wed., 5/15 - Miami - TNT, 7:00 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager)

(2) New York Knicks vs. (3) Indiana Pacers

Game 1: Sun., 5/5 - New York - ABC, 3:30 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)
Game 2: Tues., 5/7 - New York - TNT, 7:00 (Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rachel Nichols)
Game 3: Sat., 5/11 - Indianapolis - ABC, 8:15 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)
Game 4: Tues., 5/14 - TNT, 7:00 (Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rachel Nichols)
Game 5: Thurs., 5/16 - TNT, 8:00 (Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rachel Nichols)
Game 6: Sat., 5/18 - ESPN, 8:00 (Mike Tirico, Jon Barry, Heather Cox)
Game 7*: Mon., 5/20 - TNT, TBA

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies

Game 1: Sun., 5/5 - Oklahoma City - ABC, 1:00 (Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox)
Game 2: Tues., 5/7 - Oklahoma City - TNT, 9:30 (Matt Devlin, Mike Fratello, Marty Snider)
Game 3: Sat., 5/11 - Memphis - ESPN, 5:00 (Mark Jones, Jon Barry, Chris Broussard)
Game 4: Mon., 5/13 - Memphis - TNT, 9:30 (Matt Devlin, Mike Fratello, Marty Snider)
Game 5: Wed., 5/15 - Oklahoma City - TNT, 9:30 (Matt Devlin, Mike Fratello, Marty Snider)

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Golden State Warriors

Game 1: Mon., 5/6 - San Antonio - TNT, 9:30 (Dick Stockton, Chris Webber, David Aldridge)
Game 2: Wed., 5/8 - San Antonio - TNT, 9:30 (Dick Stockton, Chris Webber, David Aldridge)
Game 3: Fri., 5/10 - Oakland - ESPN, 10:30 (Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox)
Game 4: Sun., 5/12 - Oakland - ABC, 3:30 (Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox)
Game 5: Tues., 5/14 - San Antonio - TNT, 9:30 (Dick Stockton, Chris Webber, David Aldridge)
Game 6: Thurs., 5/16 - Oakland - ESPN, 10:30 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)

Day-by-Day Schedule
Sun., 5/5
Grizzlies vs. Thunder (Game 1) - ABC, 1:00 (Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox)
Pacers vs. Knicks (Game 1) - ABC, 3:30 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Dorus Burke)

Mon., 5/6

Bulls vs. Heat (Game 1) - TNT, 7:00 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager)

Warriors vs. Spurs (Game 1) - TNT, 9:30 (Dick Stockton, Chris Webber, David Aldridge)

Tues., 5/7
Pacers vs. Knicks (Game 2) - TNT, 7:00 (Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rachel Nichols)
Grizzlies vs. Thunder (Game 2) - TNT, 9:30 (Matt Devlin, Mike Fratello, Marty Snider)

Wed., 5/8

Bulls vs. Heat (Game 2) - TNT, 7:00 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager)

Warriors vs. Spurs (Game 2) - TNT, 9:30 (Dick Stockton, Chris Webber, David Aldridge)

Fri., 5/10
Heat vs. Bulls (Game 3) - ESPN, 8:00 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)
Spurs vs. Warriors (Game 3) - ESPN, 10:30 (Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox)

Sat., 5/11
Thunder vs. Grizzlies (Game 3) - ESPN, 5:00 (Mark Jones, Jon Barry, Chris Broussard)
Knicks vs. Pacers (Game 3) - ABC, 8:15 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)

Sun., 5/12
Spurs vs. Warriors (Game 4) - ABC, 3:30 (Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox)

Mon., 5/13
Heat vs. Bulls (Game 4) - TNT, 7:00 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager)
Thunder vs. Grizzlies (Game 4) - TNT, 9:30 (Matt Devlin, Mike Fratello, Marty Snider)

Tues., 5/14
Knicks vs. Pacers (Game 4) - TNT, 7:00 (Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rachel Nichols)
Warriors vs. Spurs (Game 5) - TNT, 9:30 (Dick Stockton, Chris Webber, David Aldridge

Wed., 5/15
Bulls vs. Heat (Game 5) - TNT, 7:00 (Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, Craig Sager)
Grizzlies vs. Thunder (Game 5) - TNT, 9:30 (Matt Devlin, Mike Fratello, Marty Snider)

Thurs., 5/16
Pacers vs. Knicks (Game 5) - TNT, 8:00 (Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rachel Nichols)
Spurs vs. Warriors (Game 6) - ESPN, 10:30 (Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Doris Burke)

Sat., 5/18
Knicks vs. Pacers (Game 6) - ESPN, 8:00 (Mike Tirico, Jon Barry, Heather Cox)

2013 Kentucky Derby Picks

2013-05-03T12:59:00.001-04:00

The 139th running of the most famous horse race in America, the Kentucky Derby, is this Saturday at the legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and is known as the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." Who's going to win the Run for the Roses? Here are my predictions.

Post Positions
Latest Odds

Win: Revolutionary (5-1)
Revolutionary has been a popular pick for many for Saturday's race and there is clear reason to see why. After all, this is a trainer/jockey/owner combination that has won before and jockey Calvin Borel is one of the best in the business. The post position of post three is not ideal, although the horse on the rail scratched so that may be a plus then, but this is a horse that has won before and maneuvers itself well in traffic

Place: Itsmyluckyday (9-1)
Will the chances of rain on Saturday in upwards of 70 percent, this is a horse that is going to get a lot of play in the countdown to the race because it has won in the rain before. Itsmyluckyday also has an ideal post position in post 12 so look for it to hold off early on and charge hard down the stretch to get in the mix for the win.

Show: Overanalyze (14-1)
I think Overanalyze is going to be a sleeper on Saturday. It is a horse that has shown that it is versatile by winning in a variety of ways. Look for it to make a big move late, as it has proven that is can do, as the frontrunners fall off. I don't think he will win, but he will make it fun.

Watch Reggie Miller swear on the air after Warriors-Nuggets

2013-05-03T01:55:00.004-04:00

Reggie Miller is a clown, which is something we can all agree on. So naturally, while giving a postgame speech to the Warriors after they did everything they could to give game 6 of their series with the Nuggets to Denver, Miller dipped into the colorful side of his vocabulary. This whole thing was somewhat random but let's roll with it. Here's the videotape.

H/T @CJZero

2013 MLB on FOX Announcers & Distribution: May 4th

2013-05-02T14:58:00.003-04:00

Hey, we've got Joe Buck back on FOX Saturday Baseball, and hopefully he left his shoddy beard at him. For the first time in a month, he will be calling FOX's lead game this Saturday as the Orioles will head out west to Anaheim to face off with the Angels. Other games you may see are Cardinals-Brewers or Nationals-Pirates. Continue reading for distribution splits and announcing assignments for this weekend.

MLB on FOX Schedule
Game coverage begins 4:00 EDT

Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal
Distribution:
Primary

Howard David, F.P. Santangelo
Distribution:
WBRC - Birmingham, AL
WDFX - Dothan, AL
WZDK - Huntsville, AL
WALA - Mobile, AL
WCOV - Montgomery, AL
WTTG - Washington, D.C.
WOGX - Gainesville, FL
WAWS - Jacksonville, FL
WSVN - Miami, FL
WOFL - Orlando, FL
WLTH - Tallahassee, FL
WFLX - West Palm Beach, FL
WFXL - Albany, GA
WAGA - Atlanta, GA
WFXG - Augusta, GA
WXTX - Columbus, GA
WBOC-DT - Salisbury, MD
WXXA - Albany, N.Y.
WICZ - Binghamton, N.Y.
WUTV - Buffalo, N.Y.
WYDC-DT - Elmira, N.Y.
WNYW - New York, N.Y.
WUHF - Rochester, N.Y.
WSYT - Syracuse, N.Y.
WFXV - Utica, N.Y.
WNYF - Watertown, N.Y.
WHNS - Asheville, N.C.
WCCB - Charlotte, N.C.
WYDO - Greenville, N.C.
WGHP - Greensboro, N.C.
WRAZ - Raleigh, N.C.
WDFX - Wilmington, N.C.
WWCP - Altoona, PA
WFXP - Erie, PA
WTXF - Philadlephia, PA
WPGH - Pittsburgh, PA
WOLF - Scranton, PA
WTAT - Charleston, S.C.
WACH - Columbia, S.C.
WHNS - Greenville, S.C.
WFXB - Myrtle Beach, S.C.
WDSI - Chattanooga, TN
WTNZ - Knoxville, TN
WAHU - Charlottesville, VA
WHSV-DT - Harrisonburg, VA
WRLH - Richmond, VA
WVBT - Virginia Beach, VA
WVNS-DT - Beckley, W.V.
WVAH - Charleston, W.V.
WVFX - Clarksburg, W.V.
WTAP-DT - Parkersburg, W.V.
WTRF-DT - Wheeling, W.V.

Justin Kutcher, Eric Karros
Distribution:
KSAZ - Phoenix, AZ
KMSB - Tucson, AZ
KECY - Yuma, AZ
KFTA - Fort Smith, AR
KLRT - Little Rock, AR
KXRM - Colorado Springs, CO
KDVR - Denver, CO
KFQX - Grand Junction, CO
KNIN - Boise, ID
KFXP - Pocatello, ID
KXTF - Twin Falls, ID
WCCU - Champaign, IL
WFLD - Chicago, IL
WYZZ - Peoria, IL
WGEM-DT - Quincy, IL
WQRF - Rockford, IL
WRSP - Springfield, IL
WEVV-DT - Evansville, IN
WISE-DT - Fort Wayne, IN
WXIN - Indianapolis, IN
WSJV - South Bend, IN
WTHI-DT - Terre Haute, IN
KFXA - Cedar Rapids, IA
KLJB - Davenport, IA
KDSM - Des Moines, IA
KYOU - Ottumwa, IA
KFXA - Sioux City, IA
KFJX - Pittsburg, KS
KTMJ - Topeka, KS
KSAS - Wichita, KS
WBKO-DT - Bowling Green, KY
WDKY - Louisville, KY
WDRB - Louisville, KY
WVUE - New Orleans, LA
KBSI - Cape Girardeau, MO
KQFX - Columbia, MO
WDAF - Kansas City, MO
KNPN - St. Joseph, MO
KTVI - St. Louis, MO
KRBK - Springfield, MO
KHMT - Billings, MT
KWYB-DT - Butte, MT
KFBB-DT - Great Falls, MT
KHBB - Helena, MT
KTMF-DT - Missoula, MT
KFXL - Lincoln, NE
K11TW - North Platte, NE
KPTM - Omaha, NE
WXIX - Cincinnati, OH
WTTE - Columbus, OH
WRGT - Dayton, OH
WOHL-DT - Lima, OH
WYFX - Youngstown, OH
KOKH - Oklahoma City, OK
KOKI - Tulsa, OK
WJKT - Jackson, TN
WHBQ - Memphis, TN
WZTV - Nashville, TN
KSTU - Salt Lake City, UT
WEUX - Eau Claire, WI
WLUK - Green Bay, WI
WLAX - La Crosse, WI
WMSN - Madison, WI
WITI - Milwaukee, WI
WFXS - Wausau, WI
KFNB - Casper, WY
KLWY - Cheyenne, WY

The506 Distribution Maps

Watch Shaq's cell phone nearly derail the TNT NBA pregame show

2013-05-01T15:34:00.000-04:00

Shaquille O'Neal is about to get out of control. After all, didn't he just run around the NBA on TNT set in his underwear? Well his cell phone went off last night while Charles Barkley was making a point and then when he decided to toss it off set, everything went off the rails. Let's go to the videotape.

Well then.

Are the Blue Jays done?

2013-04-30T16:53:00.002-04:00

Perhaps the biggest disappointment in baseball this season has been our friends north of the border. As we all can recall, Toronto was extremely aggressive in the offseason, with the help of the Marlins in part, bringing in R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Melky Cabrera among others and remaking a club that sagged to a 73-89 finish. Expectations were pretty high with goons like myself predicting them to win the AL East. However as of today, they are in last place in the division with a 9-17 record and are tied for the second worse record in baseball. Are they done?

If you like to utilize numbers, and I know that many don't, Toronto is in fact done. The excellent website Sports Club Stats says that the Jays have only a 0.8 percent chance of making the postseason, barely greater than the Houston Astros (0.7 percent) and the Miami Marlins (0.2 percent). I feel like somebody is going to ask me "So you're saying there's a chance?"

So yeah, the Blue Jays are all but done. The pitching was widely thought to be the strength but has been awful today, with the 28th best ERA and near the bottom of the league in almost every statistic. Save for J.A. Happ, nobody in their rotation has an ERA lower than 4.50. Dickey has been very disappointing in particular and Buerhle and Brendon Morrow have also really struggled this year. The offense has been a mess as well and with Jose Reyes on an extended stay on the DL, it is not going to get better anytime soon.

Now could the Blue Jays light it up and make the postseason? Sure. Could I learn to fly? Sure. But let's be honest, neither thing is going to happen.

What Jason Collins coming out means for sports

2013-04-29T14:02:00.001-04:00

For the first time in professional North American team sports, there is an openly gay athlete. Veteran center Jason Collins, who has spent time with the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and most recently with the Wizards, came out in an interview with Sports Illustrated's Frank Lidz that will be appear in the May 6 issue. He has made history by doing so and sports as we know it will not be the same again.

Here are the first two paragraphs from the piece:

I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay.

I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."

Collins is not the first NBA player to announce that he is gay, former center John Amaechi came out after his retirement from the NBA six years ago. But he is the first to do so while currently playing, which is huge for obvious reasons. It is widely considered to be fact that there are gay players across the major American sports, but none have come out, likely for a variety of reasons, chief among them being acceptance from fellow teammates. But now that there is one who had the remarkable courage to come out as Collins has, we will probably see a decent number of players to come out as gay although some have long thought that for a real difference, the player coming out would have to be a big name, which Collins is not.

The greatest thing about Collins's announcement is that, as Jon Werthiem of SI puts it, is that he did not do this to make a political point. He was not hounded or caught by some slimy paparazzi folks. He did it simply for himself so that he could live his life without having to live in fear of who he really was. And now he is a trailblazer in the gay community's long fought battle for acceptance in society.

Now while there will likely be some folks who have problems with Collins's announcement, the reaction has been nothing less than positive, which is a great sign of how far we have come in society. Now hopefully, this is just the first step across all sports.

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs: 1st Round Predictions

2013-04-29T10:11:00.001-04:00

The 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs has cometh and we shall enjoyeth, he said. Not sure where I was going with that first sentence but regardless, the battle for Lord Stanley's Cup is here. Who will survive the 1st round and keep their dreams alive? Here are my 1st round predictions.

TV Schedule

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (8) New York Islanders

It really is a big achievement for the Islanders to get back to the postseason considering how awful they have been in the last several years. John Tavares has developed into an elite player and leads a talented offense, while Evgeni Nabokov was a little up-and-down in net but he turned it on late. But it is going to take a whale of an effort to take out the Penguins, even with Sidney Crosby's return questionable, and Nabokov is going to have to be lights-out.

Pittsburgh in 4

(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

Man, what a job Michel Therrien has done this year with the Habs, especially considering how awful they were last year. But while one one hand they were inconsistent down the stretch, while the Sens were able to move up and avoid Pittsburgh, the Sens have also had their injury troubles. If Craig Anderson is anywhere near as good as he was last year against New York, Ottawa would probably win this series but while he has been magnificent this year, Carey Price has been fantastic as well. I just do not see Ottawa's offense getting cranked up enough for the upset.

Montreal in 6

(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Rangers

These two teams always seem like they are playing each other in the postseason and considering how both teams finished (Washington: 15-2-2; New York: 10-3-1), this series should be wild and fun. While I did pick the Rangers to get to the Finals before the season, I like the Caps to take this series. Washington's superior offense and their electric power play will prove the difference.

Washington in 7

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs

Original Six hockey, eh? This should be a fun one. For me, the key in this series will be how consistent Toronto goalie James Reimer is in net because if he is lights-out, the Leafs have the offense to take out the Bruins. However, I am just not that sold on him against a very deep Boston lineup, one of the deeper lineups in the league. Give me the Bruins.

Boston in 7

(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (8) Minnesota Wild

Minnesota had to fight hard just to get to the playoffs, but they are going to have to play perfect hockey if they want to pull off the upset against the best team in hockey all year long. Outside of the high profile acquisitions Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, the team does not have a lot of depth and there is too much pressure on goaltender Niklas Backstrom. It's a good matchup for Chicago and they will move on without breaking too much of a sweat.

Chicago in 5

(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings

I think the Ducks could be in real trouble in this series. Yes, they have a top-notch offense, underrated defense and solid play in net. But after jumping out to a big lead in the Pacific, they really sputtered down the stretch and their offense really slowed down. Therefore, I am feeling an upset. Yes, Detroit is going to need to get much more offense in this series than they have gotten all year long but I feel that Jimmy Howard, who has been really good in net this year, is the kind of guy that can get hot and shut down the Anaheim offense.

Detroit in 7

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) San Jose Sharks

The Canucks have been put in a less-than-ideal situation in net after they were unable to move Roberto Luongo before the trade deadline, but to this point, they have made it work. However, I think it will be a cause of concern as I think the Canucks will be upset once again in the first round as San Jose's deep and talented crop of forwards will prove to be the difference.

San Jose in 6

(4) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Los Angeles Kings

If you told me that both of these clubs have been marred by inconsistent goaltending all season long. I would have smacked you silly. And yet, that is the case as both Jonathan Quick for the Kings and Brian Elliott for the Blues have been disappointing this year, and St. Louis's Jaroslav Halak has battled injury issues this year. While I think it will be a close series, I like the Kings considering their offense is a little bit better and they come in having won eight in a row against St. Louis.

Los Angeles in 7

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs: 1st Round TV Schedule & Announcers

2013-04-28T23:55:00.002-04:00

Yes, it is that time that we all know and love, the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 2013 edition of that greatness kicks off this Tuesday evening and therefore, here is the complete television schedule that will take place over four networks, NBC, NBC Sports Network, CNBC and NHL Network, just like last year. Let's take a look.

*If necessary
All games will be blacked out locally and shown on their local stations, save for the games on NBC.
All times are Eastern.

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (8) New York Islanders

Game 1: Wed., 5/1 - Pittsburgh - NBCSN, 7:30 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)
Game 2: Fri., 5/3 - Pittsburgh - NBCSN, 7:00 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)
Game 3: Sun., 5/5 - Uniondale - NBC, 12:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Game 4: Tues., 5/7 - Uniondale - NBCSN, 7:00 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)
Game 5: Thurs., 5/9 - Pittsburgh - NBCSN, 7:00 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)
Game 6: Sat., 5/11 - Uniondale - NBCSN, 7:00 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)

(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

Game 1: Thurs., 5/2 - Montreal - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Game 2: Fri., 5/3 - Montreal - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Game 3: Sun., 5/5 - Ottawa - NBCSN, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Game 4: Tues., 5/7 - Ottawa - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Game 5: Thurs., 5/9 - Montreal - TBA, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)

(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Rangers

Game 1: Thurs., 5/2 - Washington - NBCSN, 7:30 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuirre)
Game 2: Sat., 5/4 - Washington - NBC, 12:30 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)
Game 3: Mon., 5/6 - New York - NBCSN, 7:30 (Dave Strader, Pierre McGuire)
Game 4: Wed., 5/8 - New York - NBCSN, 7:30 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuire)
Game 5: Fri., 5/10 - Washington - NBCSN, 7:30 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuire)
Game 6: Sun., 5/12 - New York - CNBC, 4:30 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuire)
Game 7*: Mon., 5/13 - Washington - NBCSN, 8:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs

Game 1: Wed., 5/1 - Boston - CNBC, 7:00 (Rick Peckham, Joe Micheletti)
Game 2: Sat., 5/4 - Boston - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Game 3: Mon., 5/6 - Toronto - NHL Network, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Game 4: Wed., 5/8 - Toronto - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Game 5: Fri., 5/10 - Boston - NHL Network, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Game 6: Sun., 5/12 - Toronto - NBCSN, 7:30 (CBC simulcast)
Game 7: Mon., 5/13 - Boston - CNBC, 7:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)

(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (8) Minnesota Wild

Game 1: Tues., 4/30 - Chicago - NBCSN, 8:00 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuirre)
Game 2: Fri., 5/3 - Chicago - NBCSN, 9:30 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Game 3: Sun., 5/5 - St. Paul - NBC, 3:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)
Game 4: Tues., 5/7 - St. Paul - NBCSN, 9:30 (Rick Peckham, Brian Engblom)
Game 5: Thurs., 5/9 - Chicago - NBCSN, 9:30 (Rick Peckham, Joe Micheletti)

(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings

Game 1: Tues., 4/30 - Anaheim - NBCSN, 10:30 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)
Game 2: Thurs., 5/2 - Anaheim - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)
Game 3: Sat., 5/4 - Detroit - NBCSN, 7:30 (Rick Peckham, Joe Micheletti)
Game 4: Mon., 5/6 - Detroit - CNBC, 8:00 (Rick Peckham, Eddie Olczyk)
Game 5: Wed., 5/8 - Anaheim - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)
Game 6: Fri., 5/10 - Detroit - CNBC, 8:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Game 7*: Sun., 5/12 - Anaheim - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) San Jose Sharks

Game 1: Wed., 5/1 - Vancouver - NBCSN, 10:30 (CSN California simulcast)
Game 2: Fri., 5/3 - Vancouver - CNBC, 10:00 (CSN California simulcast)
Game 3: Sun., 5/5 - San Jose - NBCSN, 10:00 (CSN California simulcast)
Game 4: Tues., 5/7 - San Jose - CNBC, 10:00 (CSN California simulcast)

(4) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Los Angeles Kings

Game 1: Tues., 4/30 - St. Louis - CNBC, 8:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Game 2: Thurs., 5/2 - St. Louis - CNBC, 9:30 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Game 3: Sat., 5/4 - Los Angeles - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)
Game 4: Mon., 5/6 - Los Angeles - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)
Game 5: Wed., 5/8 - St. Louis - NHL Network/CNBC, 9:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Game 6: Fri., 5/10 - Los Angeles - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)

Daily Schedule
Tues., 4/30
Wild vs. Blackhawks (Game 1) - NBCSN, 8:00 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuirre)
Kings vs. Blues (Game 1) - CNBC, 8:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Red Wings vs. Ducks (Game 1) - NBCSN, 10:30 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)

Wed., 5/1
Maple Leafs vs. Bruins (Game 1) - CNBC, 7:00 (Rick Peckham, Joe Micheletti)
Islanders vs. Penguins (Game 1) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)
Sharks vs. Canucks (Game 1) - NBCSN, 10:30 (CSN California simulcast)

Thurs., 5/2
Senators vs. Canadiens (Game 1) - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Rangers vs. Capitals (Game 1) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuire)
Kings vs. Blues (Game 2) - CNBC, 9:30 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Red Wings vs. Ducks (Game 2) - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)

Fri., 5/3
Islanders vs. Penguins (Game 2) - NBCSN, 7:00 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)
Senators vs. Canadiens (Game 2) - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Wild vs. Blackhawks (Game 2) - NBCSN, 9:30 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Sharks vs. Canucks (Game 2) - CNBC, 10:00 (CSN California simulcast)

Sat., 5/4
Rangers vs. Capitals (Game 2) - NBC, 12:30 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olcyzk, Pierre McGuire)
Maple Leafs vs. Bruins (Game 2) - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Ducks vs. Red Wings (Game 3) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Rick Peckham, Joe Micheletti)
Blues vs. Kings (Game 3) - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)

Sun., 5/5
Penguins vs. Islanders (Game 3) - NBC, 12:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Blackhawks vs. Wild (Game 3) - NBC, 3:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)
Canadiens vs. Senators (Game 3) - NBCSN, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Canucks vs. Sharks (Game 3) - NBCSN, 10:00 (CSN California simulcast)

Mon., 5/6
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs (Game 3) - NHL Network, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Capitals vs. Rangers (Game 3) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Dave Strader, Pierre McGuire)
Ducks vs. Red Wings (Game 4) - CNBC, 8:00 (Rick Peckham, Eddie Olczyk)
Blues vs. Kings (Game 4) - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)

Tues., 5/7
Penguins vs. Islanders (Game 4) - NBCSN, 7:00 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)
Canadiens vs. Senators (Game 4) - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Wild vs. Blackhawks (Game 4) - NBCSN, 9:30 (Rick Peckham, Brian Engblom)
Canucks vs. Sharks (Game 4) - CNBC, 10:00 (CSN California simulcast)

Wed., 5/8
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs (Game 4) - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Capitals vs. Rangers (Game 4) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuire)
Kings vs. Blues (Game 5) - NHL Network (start)/CNBC, 9:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Red Wings vs. Ducks (Game 5) - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)

Thurs., 5/9
Islanders vs. Penguins (Game 5) - NBCSN, 7:00 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)
Canadiens vs. Senators (Game 5) - CNBC, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Wild vs. Blackhawks (Game 5) - NBCSN, 9:30 (Rick Peckham, Joe Micheletti)

Fri., 5/10
Maple Leafs vs. Bruins (Game 5) - NHL Network, 7:00 (CBC simulcast)
Rangers vs. Capitals (Game 5) - NBCSN, 7:30 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuire)
Ducks vs. Red Wings (Game 6) - CNBC, 8:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Blues vs. Kings (Game 6) - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)

Sat., 5/11
Penguins vs. Islanders (Game 6) - NBCSN, 7:00 (Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire)

Sun., 5/12
Capitals vs. Rangers (Game 6) - CNBC, 4:30 (Doc Emrick, Pierre McGuire)
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs (Game 6) - NBCSN, 7:30 (CBC simulcast)
Red Wings vs. Ducks (Game 7) - NBCSN, 10:00 (John Forslund, Daryl Reaugh)

Mon., 5/13
Maple Leafs vs. Bruins (Game 7) - CNBC, 7:00 (Dave Strader, Brian Engblom)
Rangers vs. Capitals (Game 7) - NBCSN, 8:00 (Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire)

2013 NFL Draft Team Grades

2013-04-28T21:00:00.002-04:00

Let's be frank for one moment, championship teams are truly built through the NFL draft. Therefore, how did the 32 NFL clubs do these past few days at the 2013 edition? Here are my team-by-team grades.

1st Round Grades
2nd & 3rd Round Grades
Best Picks of Day 3

Arizona Cardinals
I really liked what the Cardinals did in this draft. I don't care about drafting a guard early in the draft if the player warrants the selection, and without a doubt Jonathan Cooper is worth a top ten pick, even if I did prefer Chance Warmack. Kevin Minter was good value in the second round and while I don't love Tyrann Mathieu, he was a quality pick in the third and should help out immediately at safety. Alex Okafor was fantastic value at 103 and should start right away and Stepfan Taylor could end up as the best back in the Arizona backfield.
Grade: A

Atlanta Falcons
For the Falcons to get back to the NFC Championship, if not further, they had to draft well on defense and they certainly did that. I loved their first two picks at corner in Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford who both will really help fortify a position hurt by free agency. Double dipping at end as well was a solid move with Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga and Levine Toilolo could be their tight end of the future, even if he was a little overdrafted.
Grade: A-

Baltimore Ravens
Ozzie Newsome is a shrewd drafter and he showed that once again this year. He didn't panic to move up to take a safety like the 49ers did and got a good one in Matt Elam. Arthur Brown at 56 was grand larceny and he is a great fit for their defense. I also really liked the Brandon Williams pick in round 3 and the John Simon pick in the following round was solid as well, even if a need wasn't really filled there.
Grade: A-

Buffalo Bills
You cannot discuss the Bills' draft without noting how bad of a pick E.J. Manuel was at 16, not only for the fact that Manuel is going to be a bust but also because so few quarterbacks went early in this draft, there was no urgency when they could've traded down again or taken him in the next round. Robert Woods was a good pick at 41 but their next two picks, Kiko Alonso and Marquise Goodwin, were reaches. This will probably be the draft that gets GM Buddy Nix canned.
Grade: D-

Carolina Panthers
I did not necessarily agree completely with double dipping at tackle despite the huge need considering their defense was just such a mess, but they got two really good ones in Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short, who should complement each other really well. They only had three more selections but I thought Kenjon Barner made sense at pick 182.
Grade: B+

Chicago Bears
The Bears panicked at the run on offensive lineman and took Kyle Long a round too early. He is talented and a solid developmental guard or tackle, but they needed guys that can play right away. The rest of their draft was very good as both linebacker selections in Jon Bostic and especially with Khaseem Greene. Their last two picks were steals in end Cornelius Washington and wideout Marquess Wilson.
Grade: B

Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati really went hard at taking the best player available regardless of need and you saw that with their very good pick of tight end Tyler Eifert, who should help make a strong tight end combo with Jermaine Greshem, and their second second rounder in end Margus Hunt, a pick which I didn't love but could work out really well. I like Gio Bernard a lot and I thought he was the best running back in this draft, and he should bring some explosion to a running game that has not had it in a long time.
Grade: B+

Cleveland Browns
I really did not like Cleveland's draft at all and it starts with their first selection. Barkevious Mingo was nonexistent this past year at LSU and is a one-trick pony while over-utilizing his speed. I think he is the next Vernon Gholston. The rest of their draft was underwhelming as well, so an auspicious start to Michael Lombardi's tenure in running the Browns.
Grade: D

Dallas Cowboys
This draft for the Cowboys was a mixed bag. They did not start off that well as they really reached for guard Travis Frederick in the 1st round as well as for tight end Gavin Escobar in the 2nd. However, from the 3rd round on, they made some very good selections, with those I especially like are wideout Terrence Williams (74), safety J.J. Wilcox (80), corner B.W. Webb (114) and back Joseph Randle (151.
Grade: C

Denver Broncos
Save for a couple of picks, I really liked what the Lions did this weekend. Sylvester Williams was a steal at 28 and he will immediately improve the Broncos at defensive tackle. Running back Montee Ball was a reach at 58, I don't see him being more than a short-yardage back, and corner Kayvon Webster was a bad reach at 90. The rest of their draft was pretty strong in my opinion and addressed much of their needs.
Grade: B+

Detroit Lions
This was a good draft for the Lions in my opinion, but their grade will be brought down because they failed to address to any extent their hole at left tackle. I really liked the Ezekiel Ansah selection at five and I think with this coaching staff, he can become a Pro Bowler. Darius Slay was a solid value at 58 and should help out at corner, while guard Larry Warford was fantastic value at 65. They helped to build their depth with their remaining picks, but I think they took a punter too early with Sam Martin at 165.
Grade: A-

Green Bay Packers
As noted countless times before, Ted Thompson is an excellent drafter and he showcased that this past weekend with really good picks. Datone Jones was thought to have been gone by 26 by some folks and he should immediately help improve the Green Bay pass rush from their 3-4 front. They made a great double-dip at running back with getting good values in Eddie Lacy and Jonathan Franklin and also drafted a couple of versatile linemen in David Bakhtari and J.C. Tretter who should add depth along a consistently depleted offensive line.
Grade: A

Houston Texans
The Texans really made some good picks in this draft and I think it will put them on a track to go deep in the postseason. I loved the DeAndre Hopkins pick at 27, he gives them a strong threat opposite Andre Johnson. D.J. Swearinger was a smart selection at 57 to help out their safety corps and I actually liked the Sam Montgomery pick at 95, even if he has issues giving his all. And I really loved the David Quessenberry selection at 176 to give their line some much-needed depth.
Grade: A

Indianapolis Colts
The Colts' draft to me was neither hot nor cold. I liked the Bjoern Werner pick at 24 and I think he can play the 3-4 at outside linebacker, and I have shifted my opinion on that front. Hugh Thornton at 86 was a fine pick to build some depth at guard, but Khaled Holmes at 121 was a bad reach. The rest of their picks were nothing special, but they did fill a bunch of needs.
Grade: C

Jacksonville Jaguars
I have no idea why in the world the Jaguars failed to draft a single quarterback. Even if I like Matt Scott, who they signed as an undrafted free agent, what the heck are they thinking? I mean, next year's draft is expected to be full of talented quarterbacks, but why not take a flier on someone, particularly the guys that fell? I didn't love the Luke Joeckel pick because I fail to see why a team would take a right tackle second, particularly when there were some quality available in free agency. Jon Cyprien was a steal at the top of the 2nd round but Dwayne Gratz was a reach with his better teammate on the board, and I just do not see how Denard Robinson fits in the NFL.
Grade: C-

Kansas City Chiefs
I did not love what the Chiefs did beyond their first two selections. I would have taken Luke Joeckel over Eric Fisher at one, but going with the latter was still a pretty good pick as Fisher has a higher ceiling. Plus, he fills a big need at tackle. I actually liked the Travis Kelce pick at tight end despite the fact that the Chiefs are solid at tight end and with his off-the-field issues because he is one of the most well-rounded tight ends in this draft.
Grade: C

Miami Dolphins
I still have no idea what the Dolphins were doing with the move up for Dion Jordan, it just did not make any sense. The rest of their draft was pretty good though. Jamar Taylor was a steal at 54 and should start at corner with all the problems Miami has there. They found some depth at line, found some linebacker depth, possibly found a quality running back in Mike Gillislee, and I even liked their pick of a kicker in Caleb Sturgis.
Grade: B+

Minnesota Vikings
I loved what the Vikings did in the first round and as a whole, they did great work. To get Sharrif Floyd at 23 was a felony, he will be a big upgrade at defensive tackle. Xavier Rhodes at 25 will play right away at corner and while they had to give up some picks, Cordarelle Patterson can make for a great tandem with Greg Jennings at wideout. The rest of their draft was very solid and kudos to them for taking a chance on Michael Mauti late.
Grade: A

New England Patriots
Save for one terrible pick, I liked what the Patriots did at the draft. The terrible selection was Rutgers safety Duron Harmon at 91, who probably should not have been drafted. That said, they made solid picks to get depth at defensive end, wide receiver and linebacker.
Grade: B

New Orleans Saints
Even with only five picks in this draft, the Saints really did some great work this year. Kenny Vaccaro was a very smart pick at 15 and he will upgrade their safeties right away. Terron Armstead at 75 was a smart selection as well and he could develop into their left tackle of the future. John Jenkins was a steal at 82 and should start right away at nose tackle, and Kenny Still was a good pick as well at 144.
Grade: A

New York Giants
Normally I love what the Giants do at the draft, but this year was a little different as save for the Johnathan Hankins pick at 49 and Damontre Moore at 81, I really did not love what they did. Justin Pugh was a reach in the first round, and I think they panicked with the run on offensive linemen early. I also didn't love the Ryan Nassib pick either, although I see why they would make the pick. Everybody looks at the Patriots taking Ryan Mallett as that sort of model, but the trade market for him hasn't been as strong as once thought.
Grade: C+

New York Jets
Save for the fact that they did not draft any weapons, considering the fact they don't have much at the skill positions, although I do love the Chris Ivory move, a very good draft. Dee Milliner will not be Darrelle Revis but he should be a very good corner in this league, even if he isn't a ballhawk. I loved the Sheldon Richardson pick because he will help out their pass rush and now they have a quick and talented defensive line. Geno Smith gives them some hope at quarterback and was a great value in the second round, and kudos to the club allowing him to fall into their laps. Brian Winters should help out a weak guard crop as well.
Grade: A-

Oakland Raiders
Reggie McKenzie made the best of a bad hand in this draft and was able to accumulate picks while finding a bunch of quality players that will help out the cause. Personally I don't love D.J. Hayden like others do but trading down to accumulate a second round pick was very smart as he would have been a disastrous pick at 3, as was rumored. Every pick that followed I liked at varying levels. Menelik Watson can develop into a quality tackle, Sio Moore was a steal at 66 and could Tyler Wilson Russell Wilson Matt Flynn?
Grade: A-

Philadelphia Eagles
Some good stuff and some questions. I was not as high on Lane Johnson as others were as he is very raw, so I didn't love that pick at five. Zach Ertz and Bennie Logan were both really good picks on day two but until we know what the Eagles are planning at quarterback, Matt Barkley doesn't make any sense. However, they did make one of the picks of the draft with cornerback Jordan Poyer at 218.
Grade: B

Pittsburgh Steelers
Everybody saw the Jarvis Jones selection coming and it was a glorious one for the Steelers, he should have gone much earlier. I also really liked their picks of tackle Markus Wheaton at 79 and Schmarko Thomas at 111. However, Le'Veon Bell was taken too early with better backs on the board and Landry Jones is a clown, no ifs ands or buts.

St. Louis Rams
I think the Rams had the best draft of 2013, I thought they kicked ass this year. I loved that they got aggressive and took Tavon Austin, who I love, after moving up and then moved back and got a great value in Alec Ogletree. Steadman Bailey should complement Austin once again, Barrett Jones brings great versatility to the line and Zac Stacy should be a solid contributor in the backfield.
Grade: A

San Diego Chargers
Save for two picks on day two, I really did not like that much what the Chargers did. They probably wanted to move down but got stuck and reached for D.J. Fluker at 11, a pick I was not feeling but I understood with their big needs on the offensive line. I did like their pick of Manti Te'o in the second and I absolutely loved their selection of Keenan Allen in the third.
Grade: C

San Francisco 49ers
These guys have turned into fantastic drafters, but I do think they panicked in the first round by moving up to 18 to take safety Matt Elam, who probably could have been there at 31. Everything else was really strong. Tank Carradine was a great value pick at 40, Quinton Patton was great value at 128 and could Marcus Lattimore develop into one of the best picks of this draft?
Grade: A

Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks disappointed, in my eyes, in this year's draft. I really did not get the Christine Michael pick at 62, they didn't need a back nor was he the best one available. I did like their tackle double-dip with Jordan Hill and their steal of Jesse Williams but beyond that, I was not crazy about a bunch of their selections. Then again, didn't I say that last year?
Grade: C-

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers made one really questionable pick that brings down their draft grade and that was Mike Glennon at 73. Why are you taking a quarterback in the 3rd round when you are trying to be a playoff team, and why of all the quarterbacks available, you are taking Mike Glennon? Awful, awful pick in my opinion. That said, the Bucs really did not do a whole lot special, but I loved the Jonathan Banks selection at 43 as he should make the cornerbacks even stronger.
Grade: C

Tennessee Titans
I loved what the Titans did in this draft, they really made some shrewd moves. I love Chance Warmack, he fills a big need at guard and playing for Mike Munchak, he should become a star at guard. Justin Hunter bolsters the receiving corps, Blidi Wreh-Wilson was a steal and will help out big time at corner, linebacker Zaviar Gooden was a good pick at 97 and the rest of their picks were good values.
Grade: A

Washington Redskins
The Skins did not have a lot of picks to work with mostly due to the Robert Griffin III trade but I thought they made some solid selections. They desperately needed help in the secondary and they made solid selections in David Amerson (51), Phillip Thomas (119) and Bacarri Rambo (191). There was no need for another tight end, but I think Jordan Reed is a good fit. End Brandon Jenkins (162) and back Jawan Jamison (228) were both steals.
Grade: B+

2013 NFL Draft: Best Picks of Day 3

2013-04-28T00:44:00.001-04:00

Rutgers OLB Khaseem Greene

It may not have the glitz and glamour of the first couple of days, but on the third day of the NFL Draft is where the smart NFL clubs are seperated from the clowns. There is always good value to be found on Saturday and let's take a look at who made quality selections.

4th Round

103. Arizona Cardinals - Alex Okafor, DE/OLB, Texas

Arizona needs to upgrade their pass rush, and Okafor, who could have gone in the first round, should start right away.

104. Miami Dolphins - Jelani Jenkins, LB, Florida

The Dolphins needed to build depth in their linebacking unit, and I think Jenkins will be a good one.

111. Pittsburgh Steelers - Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse

Don't overplay his size, Thomas is a smart player that can be developed into a capable starter.

112. Oakland Raiders - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

It feels weird saying that a guy with not much of a deep ball arm is a good fit for the Raiders, but that is the case here. Good selection.

113. St. Louis Rams - Barrett Jones, C/G, Alabama

Wait, there was an Alabama lineman that didn't go in the first? Jones can play every position and was crucial for the Tide these past few years.

114. Dallas Cowboys - B.W. Webb, CB, William & Mary

Very good value and Dallas really needed depth at cornerback.

117. Chicago Bears - Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers

While he is not a perfect fit for many defenses, I really like this kid and he helps fill out a weakened linebacking corps for the Bears.

119. Washington Redskins - Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno State

Versatile safeties are always welcome in the NFL, and Thomas should have gone earlier.

125. Green Bay Packers - Jonathan Franklin, RB, UCLA

I really like Franklin coming out, even more than Eddie Lacy, who the Packers also drafted. This is tremendous value and now the Packers may actually be a joke running the ball.

126. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - William Gholston, DE, Michigan State

Yeah, his brother was great. But William should be able to jump right in and help out a weak end crop right away.

128. San Francisco 49ers - Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech

Patton should have gone two rounds ago. He's already better than A.J. Jenkins.

131. San Francisco 49ers - Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

This is great value for Lattimore, who will be allowed to recover from his gruesome injury.

5th Round

137. Seattle Seahawks - Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

How did Williams fall this far? Seattle is building a rock solid tackle crew that should be really good against the run.

140. Arizona Cardinals - Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

This is a guy that just must end up starting right away, the Cardinals are a mess at back.

144. New Orleans Saints - Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma

Now only if he was related to Steven Stills.

146. Denver Broncos - Quanterus Smith, DE, Western Kentucky

Always love the Hilltoppers, and he should definitely help fill the void left by the Elvis Dumervil fiasco.

151. Dallas Cowboys - Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

With DeMarco Murray's injury issues, it is wise to draft a guy that can step in right away.

162. Washington Redskins - Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State

Jenkins was hurt by injury issues but he should step right in and help out the Redskins' pass rush.

164. Miami Dolphins - Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida

Gillislee is a no-nonsense runner that probably should have went earlier, and he may start at back for the 'Phins.

166. Miami Dolphins - Caleb Sturgis, K, Florida

Normally, I don't like kickers going in the fifth round but this is a very good selection as Sturgis should step in right away and give Dan Carpenter a lot to sweat over.

6th Round

174. Arizona Cardinals - Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M

This is when you take risks on guys who fall not for talent issues, but for injury issues.

176. Houston Texans - David Quessenberry, C/G/T, San Jose State

Any time you can find a quality immediate contributor that can play every position this late, its an excellent choice.

182. Carolina Panthers - Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon

The Panthers overpaid both of their backs and Barner should be a solid contributor thanks to his speed. Solid value as well.

191. Washington Redskins - Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia
Yes Rambo failed a pair of drug tests in college, but to get a guy like him in the sixth round?

7th Round

213. Minnesota Vikings - Michael Mauti, LB, Penn State

Really happy to see Mauti drafted, he's a good leader and will contribute if healthy.

218. Philadelphia Eagles - Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State

This was an All American that fell to the 7th because of speed concerns. He could start right away.

226. New England Patriots - Michael Buchanan, DE, Illinois

No relation to James Buchanan, but he has the versatility that Bill Belichick craves.

228. Washington Redskins - Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers

Just in case you were wondering, he will be the leading rusher for Washington in 2014.

234. Denver Broncos - Zac Dysert, QB, Miami (OH)

Dysert may actually be starting caliber one day. Good pick to be a developmental guy.

When will Ryan Nassib and Matt Barkley get drafted?

2013-04-27T03:15:00.001-04:00

Now if you told me that only three quarterbacks were selected in the first two nights of the 2013 NFL Draft, I would have raised my eyebrows. If you told me that neither Ryan Nassib of Syracuse nor Matt Barkley of USC were among them, my eyebrows would have fallen off. And yet, that is where we are as we enter the third day of the draft on Saturday at noon, both quarterbacks remain on the board as we kick off the fourth round. So when will these quarterbacks get drafted?

Both quarterbacks have been hurt by a weak class at their position. Everybody knew going in that there was not that surefire franchise quarterback and thus many of the teams that need quarterbacks have waited and sat on their hands. Now the question is that if they have passed over said guy so many times already, what makes it so sure that they will pick that prospect at some point.

And what could potentially hurt both Nassib and Barkley is that as we head into the middle rounds of the draft, more and more quarterbacks are viable options. Take for example Arizona's Matt Scott, who really has not been considered a first or second day prospect, but is expected by some to be selected by the Eagles at pick 101.

I do think both Nassib and Barkley will still go early in the day, then again, I thought that about both on Friday. Eventually, you have to think that the Jaguars are going to take a quarterback, nobody is buying their "faith" in Blaine Gabbert. How confident is Oakland that Matt Flynn really is their guy, and didn't Seattle say the same thing? Arizona has to know that Carson Palmer is no spring chicken, right? Is the new brass in Cleveland sold on Brandon Weeden? And since nobody saw Tampa Bay taking Mike Glennon coming, could somebody pull a surprise?

If you put a gun to my head, I would say that Jacksonville will see the light and take Nassib with the first selection today, and while Barkley is a tougher guess but I still think he will land in Oakland. Don't put it to the bank, but hey.